THREE ILLINOIS STATE POLICE SQUAD CARS STRUCK IN TWO DAYS

CHICAGO – Illinois State Police (ISP) officials investigated two separate traffic crashes that occurred in DuPage and Cook counties involving ISP troopers who were handling separate vehicle crashes when their squad cars were struck by drivers who failed to move over.

 On December 31, 2024, at approximately 1:57 p.m., an ISP trooper was outside of their squad car handling a crash with their emergency lights activated on Interstate 55 northbound near Woodward Avenue. A Hyundai sedan failed to move over and rear-ended the parked squad car. The parked squad car blocked three troopers on scene from being hit. No injuries were reported. The ISP squad car was towed from the scene due to damage sustained during the crash. The driver of the Hyundai, 23-year-old Alyssa M. Ceballos of Lockport, Illinois, was charged with driving Too Fast for Conditions and a Scott’s Law violation.

 On January 1, 2025, at approximately 3:09 a.m., two ISP troopers were enroute to assist with a previous personal injury crash on I-57 when they came upon a separate crash on I-57 northbound at 107th Street. Both ISP troopers stopped on the left shoulder and partially in the left lane with their emergency lights activated. A Hyundai Sonata approaching the crash scene, struck a black passenger car, then struck both ISP squad cars. One ISP trooper was inside their squad car and one ISP trooper was outside their squad car at the time of the crash. No injuries were sustained by the ISP troopers. The driver of the Hyundai, Kashawn M. Walker, 34, of Matteson, Illinois was transported to an area hospital with injuries. Walker was charged with a Scott’s Law Violation.

 In 2025, ISP has already suffered one Move Over Law-related crash. In 2024, ISP suffered 27 Move Over Law-related crashes with 12 troopers injured and one death. In 2023, ISP had 21 Move Over Law-related crashes with seven troopers injured and suffered 25 crashes in 2022 leaving 13 troopers injured. ISP reminds the public the Move Over Law, also known as “Scott’s Law” in Illinois, requires all drivers to move over when approaching an emergency vehicle or any vehicle with its emergency or hazard lights activated. ​ ​

 A person who violates the Move Over Law faces a fine of no less than $250 and no more than $10,000 for a first offense. If the violation results in injury to another person, the violator’s driver’s license will be suspended for a mandatory period of anywhere between six months and two years. Additional information can be found at the following link: https://isp.maps.arcgis.com/apps/dashboards/340d57cd956c453da2de25af804c268d.

ILLINOIS STATE POLICE HONORS TROOPER CLAY M. CARNS

ORLAND PARK – Friday, the Illinois State Police (ISP) joined Trooper Clay M. Carns’ family and friends, along with officers from law enforcement agencies across the country, to honor and pay respects to Trooper Carns, who was killed in the line of duty on December 23, 2024. ​ Trooper Carns was laid to rest today.

“Today, and every day going forward, we honor Illinois State Police Trooper Clay Carns for his sacrifice, and the sacrifice made by his family,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. ​ “While ISP is hurting as we lay to rest the second trooper killed on Illinois highways in just three months, we will not falter. ​ To honor Trooper Carns means to preserve and uphold that which he stood for – Integrity, Service, and Pride. ​ Trooper Carns will remain in our hearts and in our sacred work of protecting public safety and pursuing justice.” 

Trooper Carns entered the ISP Academy on November 10, 2013 as part of Cadet Class 123, and graduated on May 2, 2014. ​ In 2022, Trooper Carns received the Violent Crime Expressway Ribbon for his work in helping combat gun violence and interstate shootings. ​ He was assigned to Troop 3. ​ Trooper Carns was a passionate public servant who will be remembered for his unparalleled dedication to his city, community, and state. ​

Around 9:42 p.m. on Monday, December 23, 2024, Trooper Carns observed debris in a lane on southbound I-55 just north of Blodgett Road near Channahon. ​ He turned on his emergency lights and pulled over to the right shoulder. ​ Trooper Carns exited his vehicle and was removing debris from the road when he was struck by a Chevrolet Silverado driven by John Fleet. ​ Trooper Carns was taken to St. Joseph Hospital in Joliet, where at approximately 10:45 p.m., he succumbed to his injuries. ​

Trooper Carns was 35 years old and served 11 years as an officer with ISP. ​ He is survived by his wife Meghan, children Gray and Ally, parents Patti and Danny Carns, and siblings Chad Carns, Erica (Carns) Raciak, and Elyssa Carns.

On December 24, 2024, the Will County State’s Attorney’s Office approved a Scott’s Law charge (Class 4 Felony) against Fleet. ​ ISP also issued Fleet multiple Illinois Vehicle Code citations.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Trooper Clay Carns Memorial fund:

ILLINOIS STATE POLICE K9 DuQ TO GET DONATION OF BODY ARMOR

DUQUOIN – Illinois State Police K9 DuQ will receive a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. ​ K9 DuQ’s vest was sponsored by Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. and will be embroidered with the sentiment “Born to Love-Trained to Serve-Loyal Always”. ​ Delivery is expected within ten weeks.

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., established in 2009, is a 501(c)(3) charity whose mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States. This potentially lifesaving body armor for four-legged K9 officers is U.S. made, custom fitted, and NIJ certified. ​ Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided over 5,878 vests to K9s in all 50 states at a value of $6.9 million, made possible by both private and corporate donations. ​

The program is open to U.S. dogs that are at least 20 months old and actively employed and certified with law enforcement or related agencies. ​ K9s with expired vests are also eligible to participate. ​ There are an estimated 30,000 law enforcement K9s throughout the United States.

Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. accepts tax-deductible contributions in any amount, while a single donation of $1,050 will sponsor one vest. ​ Each vest has a value of $1,800.00, weighs an average of 4-5 lb., and comes with a five-year warranty. ​ For more information, or to learn about volunteer opportunities, please call 508-824-6978. ​ Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. provides information, lists events, and accepts donations at www.vik9s.org, or you may mail your contribution to P.O. Box 9, East Taunton, MA 02718.

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.