On 11/27/24, Mt. Carmel Police arrested Andrew J. Ross, age 29, of Mt. Carmel for Aggravated Assault and Disorderly Conduct following an incident at the Casey’s Convenience Store. Officers were called to the scene due to an allegation that Ross had caused a dispute with an employee while inside the store. Ross was asked to leave at which time he allegedly began striking the counter with his fists followed by an aggressive stance with the employee. The employee reported fear of harm from Ross during this time. A customer intervened and worked to escort Ross from the store. Once Ross exited the store, everyone worked to keep the door secured as he attempted to re-enter the building. It was also alleged that Ross made a cutting motion across his neck towards the involved parties which caused further fear of the threat of harm. One customer wished to pursue charges against Ross and was allowed to do so. Ross was placed under arrest and transported to the Wabash County Jail where he was charged and later released on a Notice to Appear in court.
Mt. Carmel Man Picked Up On FTA Warrant
On 12/09/24, Mt. Carmel Police arrested Nicholas M. Irelan, age 38, of Mt. Carmel on a Wabash County Failure to Appear Warrant. The arresting officer observed Irelan walking in the 900 block of Poplar Street and knew of the arrest warrant. Irelan was placed under arrest and transported to the Wabash County Jail where he was issued the warrant and held pending a pre-trial release determination by the court.
Albion Man Arrested On FTA Warrant
On 12/10/24, Mt. Carmel Police arrested Francisco M. Gutierrez, age 39, of Albion on a Wabash County Failure to Appear Warrant along with additional charges of Unlawful Use of Weapon and No Valid Driver’s License. Gutierrez’s arrest stemmed from a traffic stop on a 2004 maroon GMC in the 400 block of West 9th Street for a violation of the Illinois Vehicle Code. During the stop, the arresting officer learned of Gutierrez’s warrant at which time he was taken into custody. Additionally, officers found brass knuckles in the vehicle and that he failed to possess a valid driver’s license. Gutierrez was transported to the Wabash County Jail where he was issued the above charges and warrant and held on a $200 cash bond as stated on the warrant.
Georgia man arrested for fleeing from officers
On December 12, 2024, at 0332 a.m. Gibson County Deputy Michael Bates attempted to stop a white SUV for traveling 82 mph in a 60 mph zone on US 41 near County Road 400 South. Deputy Bates pulled in behind the northbound vehicle and activated his emergency lights when he pulled behind the vehicle. Deputy Bates radioed into central dispatch the registration number and that the vehicle had not stopped. Deputy Bates continued to follow the vehicle all the way to north of the US 41 and State Road 64 interchange when the vehicle finally pulled over after refusing to stop for over four miles. At that point Deputy Michael Bates and Princeton Sergeant Ben Kiesel conducted a Felony traffic stop. After removing the driver from the vehicle and placing him in custody Deputy Bates began an investigation into the incident. At the conclusion of his investigation he placed 32 year old Mohammed Shabaz of Smyrna, Georgia into custody and transported him to the Gibson County Jail where he was charged with Resisting Law Enforcement- Fleeing in a Vehicle. Mr. Shabaz was also issued a citation for speeding.
Assisting Deputy Bates in his investigation was Princeton Sergant. Ben Kiesel and Gibson County Sergeant John Fischer.
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
IECC Board Summary
The Board of Trustees of the Illinois Eastern Community College District No. 529 met Tuesday afternoon, December 10th at Olney Central College, Olney, Illinois, and following a public hearing on the tax levy, Trustees certified the 2024 tax levy. The rates for the District’s two primary funds – education and operation and maintenance – were held flat over 2023 rates.
The Board approved the minutes of the Board of Trustees meeting held on November 19, 2024.
The Board waived a second reading and approved revisions to the following policies:
• Selection and Employment Policy 400.1 to align with the recent shift in responsibility for securing Motor Vehicle Reports (MVR) from the Business Office to Human Resources. The revised policy now includes the receipt of an acceptable MVR as part of the background check and employment process.
• Purchasing Policy 300.14 to merge the corresponding procedure into the policy to streamline and clarify the content.
• Relocate Driver’s License Procedure 300.1.25 to IECC-Owned and Personal Vehicle Use Policy 400.33.
• IECC-Issued Credit Cards Policy 300.23 as a new policy that authorizes the Business Office to issue credit cards to select employees for travel-related business expenses and other approved purchases when appropriate.
IECC’s 2024 Biennial Review Report that ensures that IECC is compliant with the Drug- Free Schools and Communities Act was approved by the Board.
The Board accepted the Facility Use Agreement with Lawrence County Memorial Hospital for use of their radiology rooms and energized radiography equipment. The affiliation agreement was approved with Good Samaritan Hospital.
The Board approved the FY2024 Audit prepared by Martin Hood LLC and annual financial report as presented.
The Board approved the authorization to proceed with a digital marketing campaign in partnership with The Original Company – TOC Direct Digital.
The Board approved a Resolution of Appreciation to recognize the extraordinary contributions of faculty and staff who played a pivotal role in the preparation and successful completion of the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) Accreditation process.
The bid committee recommendation was approved for acceptance of the bid from Silverthorne Chevrolet GMC, Robinson, IL for the purchase of a new 12 passenger van for a total amount of $47,350.
The following was approved as part of the personnel report: Approval of employment for Chris Dowds as Maintenance/Groundskeeper, OCC effective January 2, 2025 and Breeanna Elder as Administrative Assistant to the Dean, OCC effective January 2, 2025.
Change in position titles were approved for Chris Forde, Deanna Ratts, Quianna McGee, Cameron Ireland, and Derek Dunn from Coordinators of Marketing and Public Information to Coordinators of Marketing and Communications.
Special assignment was approved for Kelly Payne as Discipline Facilitator for Humanities/Fine Arts.
Educational level change was approved for Clare Roosevelt. Dismissal of Robin Johnson as Business Office Assistant, FCC effective November 22, 2024.
Resignation ratifications were approved for Paul Bruinsma as Chief Academic Officer effective December 6, 2024; Caleb Dunn as Maintenance/Groundskeeper, FCC effective December 2, 2024; Sueko Davis as Custodian, LTC effective December 18, 2024; and Holly O’Brien as Mental Health Specialist effective January 2, 2025.
Retirement ratifications were approved for Doug Shipman as Director of Business, OCC effective April 18, 2025 and Rodney Ranes as Program Director, Adult Education effective March 1, 2025.
The next regular meeting of the Board of Trustees will be Tuesday, January 21, 2025 at 6:15 p.m. at Frontier Community College, Fairfield, IL.
Pool Project Receives Big Donation
At Monday’s City Council meeting, Mayor Joe Judge said the city has recently received a couple of donations for the pool project including one for $35,000…
Judge did not disclose the identity of the donor.
Mt. Carmel Man Pleads Not Guilty To Alleged Sex Crimes
A Mt. Carmel man arrested last month on sexual assault and abuse charges has entered a not guilty plea to the charges. 26 year old Hunter Ingram was arrested by Mt. Carmel Police on November 19th on a Wabash County warrant for criminal sexual assault and aggravated criminal sexual abuse. The arrest was the result of an MCPD investigation into an alleged incident on November 17th at a residence in the 600 block of West 6th Street. During an appearance yesterday in Wabash County Circuit Court, public defender William Easton waived Ingram’s formal arraignment and entered the not guilty plea. Judge William C. Hudson then denied Easton’s motion to have Ingram released from the Wabash County Jail. State’s Attorney Kelli Storckman argued that Ingram faces further charges as the investigation into the incident continues and another possible victim has come forward. Ingram is due back in court on January 13th for a final pre-trial hearing with a jury trial scheduled for February 3rd.
The Gibson County Sheriff's Office investigate accident with serious injuries on State Road 165 in Johnson
On December 9, 2024, at approximately 12:21 p.m. Gibson County Central Dispatch received a 911 report of a car versus semi accident in the 9900 block of West State Road 65 in Johnson, Indiana. Communications Officer Bethney Anthis dispatched county units as well as the Owensville Fire Territory and Gibson County Ambulance Service to the scene after learning that the driver of the passenger car was entrapped inside their vehicle.
Upon arriving on scene Deputy Wesley Baumgart began an investigation into the incident. After speaking with witnesses on scene and reviewing dash cam footage from other vehicles in the area it was determined that a Maroon 2005 Toyota Camry was traveling eastbound on State Road 165 near County Road 1000 West when the vehicle crossed the center of the roadway and struck a loaded semi-trailer pulled by a White 2022 Kenworth semi.
During the investigation of the accident the Owensville Montgomery Township Fire Territory extricated the driver of the Toyota Camry. The Gibson County Ambulance Service transported the driver to an Evansville area hospital for treatment for serious bodily injuries.
Assisting the Sheriff's Office in this investigation was the Indiana State Police and Owensville Police Department.
This is an active and open investigation.
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
