Snow, ice and subzero temperatures to impact travel this weekend

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Transportation and Illinois State Police are advising the public that a significant winter storm is anticipated to create dangerous travel conditions throughout much of the state, with several inches of snow, heavy icing, high winds and severe cold this weekend. Slick and slippery conditions, reduced visibility, subzero wind chills and much longer travel times are expected.

“The team at IDOT is prepared for the first major snow-and-ice event of the season, but we ask for your cooperation as well,” said Lora Rensing, IDOT’s chief engineer and director of highways project implementation. “The safest option during severe winter weather always is to avoid unnecessary trips and stay home to minimize risk. If you must travel, please monitor the latest forecast and consider adjusting your plans, if necessary. Conditions at times could become treacherous.”

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for much of Illinois from late Saturday night through Monday morning. The heaviest snow is expected along Interstates 70 and 72, with 8 to 12 inches anticipated in Quincy, Springfield, Champaign and Effingham. Lower amounts are expected to the south and north. The Chicago area could see up to 4 inches. Periods of sleet and freezing rain south of I-64 could result in areas of heavy ice accumulations that damage trees and power lines.

Statewide, IDOT has more than 1,800 trucks and equipment available to treat roads, spread salt, plow snow and respond to weather emergencies as needed. Today and into Saturday, IDOT is pretreating areas prone to icing, though wind gusts as high as 35 mph will cause blowing and drifting snow into the weekend, challenging visibility and snow –and ice operations. Bitter cold temperatures also are forecast for the northern part of the state, with wind chills below zero.

Please drive according to conditions, slowing down, increasing braking distances and allowing more space between you and other vehicles. Check current road conditions 24/7 at GettingAroundIllinois.com. You also can follow IDOT on Facebook and X.

“Snow, ice and cold temperatures can make driving conditions more dangerous,” said ISP Division of Patrol Col. Chris Owen. “If you have to drive, slow down and give yourself more space between the vehicles around you. Even if the roads don’t look bad, looks can be deceiving, so give yourself extra time.”

Other tips:

• Check the forecast and make sure someone is aware of your travel route and schedule.

• Do not crowd the plows! Give them plenty of room and do not attempt to pass too closely. Conditions in front of the plow are going to be worse than behind it.

• Fill up your tank or fully charge your vehicle and pack winter weather essentials, such as a cellphone charger, traction materials, warm clothes, blankets, food, water, first-aid kit, washer fluid and ice scraper.

• Use extra caution in areas susceptible to icing, including ramps, bridges, curves and shaded areas. Watch for black ice. A road may appear clear but can be extremely slippery.

• Give them distance. Obey the Move Over law by slowing down and changing lanes when approaching ANY stopped vehicle.

• Always wear a seat belt. It’s the law and your best protection in the event of a crash.

• Drop it and drive. Put down the mobile devices. This, too, is the law.

• If you are involved in a crash, remain inside your vehicle. Exiting your vehicle near a busy road can have fatal consequences.

Wabash County Board Of Commissioners Agenda

January 6, 2025 at 4:30pm

AGENDA

1) Call to order.

2) Approve minutes of previous meeting:

3) Commissioner’s reports:

4) Officer’s reports:

5) Old Business:

a. HVAC update for the Courthouse.

6) New Business:

a. Resolutions No. 2025-01 and 2025-02 authorizing the County Board to execute deeds for properties located at 17885 Highway 1 and 12455 N 1790 Blvd in Patton.

b. Resolution No. 2025-03 authorizing the County Board to cancel a certificate of purchase on a mobile home at 730 W 6th Street in Mt. Carmel.

7) Executive Session:

8) Correspondence:

9) Approval for payment of claims presented:

10) Adjournment.

Wabash County Board Of Health Agenda

Wabash County Health Department

130 W. 7th St.

Mt. Carmel, IL 62863

The Wabash County Board of Health will meet at the Wabash County Health Department Conference Room on Wednesday January 8,2025

The agenda will be as follows:

1. Call to Order 12:00 pm

2. Approval of previous Meeting Minutes

3. Claims Review/ Approval

4. Financial Report Review/Approval

5. Building Projects Update

6. Division Reports

7. Adjournment

Evansville man arrested on OWI charge

On January 2, 2025, at 10:34 a.m. Gibson County Deputy Michael Owens was dispatched to the Love’s Travel Center located at 901 E 1250 S near Haubstadt to investigate a Black Toyota Camry that refused to move from the fuel islands.  Upon arriving Deputy Michael Owens located the vehicle parked on the north side of the property.  At that point Deputy Owens located 24 year old Elijah Sallee, the driver of the vehicle and began speaking with him.  While speaking with him Deputy Owens detected clues that Mr. Sallee was under the influence.  At that point he began a roadside DUI investigation.  At the conclusion of the investigation Mr. Sallee was taken into custody and transported to the Gibson County Jail where he was charged with Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated and Possession of a Controlled Substance.
 
Assisting Deputy Owens in his investigation was Deputy Bryan Small. 
 
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Domestic Battery Investigation Results In Arrest

On 12.29.24 at 22:39 hrs. The Wabash County Sheriff's Office responded to 6803 Highway 11 in reference to a domestic battery. When the Sheriff's Deputy arrived an investigation into the incident commenced. The deputy found evidence of a domestic battery and placed 45-year-old Thomas H. Greenhaw III under arrest for Domestic Battery. Greenhaw was transported to the Wabash County jail where he was later released on 01.02.25 with a notice to appear. 

2025 EMPLOYER AND HR WORKSHOP TO BE HELD JANUARY 9

Noble, Ill.  --  Employers and HR professionals are invited to attend the 2025 Employer and HR Workshop on Tuesday, January 9, at the Terry L. Bruce West Richland Center in Noble, Ill. The workshop will run from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. and is free of charge. Lunch will be provided.

 The event, presented by the Illinois Eastern Community College’s Business and Industry Division and SBDC will cover a range of critical topics to help businesses navigate the latest legal and regulatory changes.

 Sessions will include updates on:

• Employer requirements under the Illinois Personnel Record Review Act

• New IWPCA requirements for pay stubs

• Whistleblower Amendments

• Non-Compete and Non-Solicitation laws

• Changes to the Illinois Human Rights Act (IHRA)

• Pay Transparency updates

• Cybersecurity

• Illinois Department of Employment Security

This workshop is designed to provide valuable insights and practical advice for employers and HR professionals to stay compliant and proactive in a rapidly changing environment.

Michael Kegg Arrested on murder charges

On January 1, 2025, at 1:25 p.m. 53 year old Michael R. Kegg Jr. of Decker was taken into custody and transported to the Gibson County Jail and charged with murder for his alleged involvement in the New Year’s Eve double homicide at 7027 East State Road 64near Francisco. 
 
This continues to be an active and open investigation.  Citizens are encouraged to check their home and business surveillance systems for video footage for suspicious activities on December 30^th-31^st.  If any evidence is found please contact detectives at the Gibson County Sheriff’s Office. 
 
The Gibson County Sheriff’s Office is being assisted by the Indiana State Police.
 
 
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
 

New Years Eve fire fatalities now labeled double homicide

On December 31, 2024, at 6:24 a.m. Gibson County Central Dispatch received a 911 report of a fire at 7027 East State Road 64 near Francisco.  Multiple officers responded to the scene as well as the Francisco Fire Department.  Upon arriving law enforcement officers from the Oakland City Police Department, Indiana State Police, and Gibson County Sheriff’s Office attempted were able to gain entry into the house where they discovered a deceased person.  Due to heavy smoke and fire arriving on scene law enforcement did not go further into the residence.  Once Francisco Fire entered the residence they discovered that there were two separate fires in the residence and a total of two deceased individuals.
 
Once the fire was extinguished The Indiana State Fire Marshal’s Office, Gibson County Coroner’s Office, Indiana State Police Crime Scene Unit, and Detectives with the Gibson County Sheriff’s Office began an investigation into the incident.  During the investigation evidence was collected that indicated that the death of the two individuals was intentional, and the fire was not accidental. 
 
During the course of the investigation Detective Sergeant Roger Ballard made attempts to locate 53 year old Michael R. Kegg who also was listed as a resident of the 7027 E. State Road 64 address.  At 7:57 p.m. last night a Be On the Look Out (aka a BOLO) was placed for Mr. Kegg requesting that if located he be stopped and held for questioning.  Mr. Kegg is a 6’ White Male that weighs approximately 215 lbs.   Kegg also has brown hair and blue eyes.  If located contact law enforcement immediately.  Due to the nature of the fire scene, and until Mr. Kegg can be ruled out as a suspect he should be considered armed and dangerous.   Mr. Kegg is known to drive a Blue 2017 Mazda 8GR, but could also have access to a White Ford Pickup. 
 
The deceased at this time are in the possession of the Gibson County Coroner’s Office.  Their names will not be released until an autopsy is scheduled with a Pathologist.
 
Fire Departments on scene: Francisco Fire Department, Oakland City Fire, Patoka Township Fire, and Barton Township Fire.
 
Law Enforcement involved in the investigation were: Oakland City Police Department, Indiana State Police, Indiana State Fire Marshal’s Office, Deaconess Gibson Police, and the Gibson County Sheriff’s Office. 
 
 
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
 

Two Found Dead In Francisco Fire

On December 31, 2024, at 6:24 a.m. Gibson County Central Dispatch received a 911 report of a fire in the 7000 block of East State Road 64 near Francisco.  Multiple Officers responded to the scene as well as Francisco Fire Department.  Upon arriving law enforcement officers attempted to gain entry into the house where they discovered a deceased person.  Law enforcement officers could not go further into the house due to conditions surrounding the fire.  Once Francisco Fire arrived on scene a second person was discovered deceased in the residence. 
 
Francisco fire was assisted in containing the fire by the Oakland City Fire Territory, Bart Township Fire, and the Patoka Township Fire Department.
 
Law Enforcement Officers initially on scene were the Gibson County Sheriff’s Office, Oakland City Police Department, and the Indiana State Police.
 
This is an active death and fire investigation being investigated in partnership by the Indiana State Fire Marshal’s Office, Gibson County Coroner, Indiana State Police, and Gibson County Sheriff’s Office.

Traffic stop leads to arrest of Evansville couple

On December 30, 2024, at 3:13 p.m. Gibson County Deputy Eric Powell conducted a traffic stop for an equipment violation on a Silver Acura Integra on US 41 near County Road 168.  Upon approaching the vehicle Deputy Powell identified the driver as 31 year old Jabbor Ahmed of Evansville.  During a roadside investigation Deputy Powell ran Mr. Ahmed through the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles and discovered the Mr. Ahmed’s licenses was suspended on a prior driving while suspended prior conviction.  Further it was revealed that Mr. Ahmed had an active Failure To Appear Warrant through Porter County. 
 
While in his patrol car Deputy Powell observed the passenger 24 year old Singleton Johnson of Evansville making multiple furtive movements getting into the glove box and under the seat are of the vehicle.  At that point Deputy Powell and other officers on scene approached the vehicle and placed Mr. Ahmed into custody.  They then informed Ms. Johnson that the vehicle was going to be towed until it proper registration and insurance were placed on the vehicle.  During an inventory search of the vehicle illegal drug and drug paraphernalia were found in the area of Ms. Johnson.  At that point Ms. Johnson was placed into custody. 
 
Once the investigation was completed on scene Mr. Ahmed and Ms. Johnson were transported to the Gibson County Jail.  Mr. Ahmed was held on the Porter County Warrant and a new Driving While Suspended/Prior Chard.  Ms. Johnson was charged with Possession of Methamphetamines and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
 
Arresting Officer: Eric Powell
Assisting Officers:  Indiana Conservation Officer Ryan McIntyre and Deputy Wyatt Hunt. 
 
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.