ILLINOIS STATE POLICE INVESTIGATES FATAL PLANE CRASH IN TRILLA

TRILLA – The Illinois State Police (ISP) is investigating a fatal, small, single engine plane crash in Trilla, IL. ​ On April 19, 2025, at approximately 10:15 a.m., ISP was contacted by the Coles County Sheriff’s Department to investigate a plane crash on 551-587 County Road 1400 N in Trilla, which is approximately three miles south of Mattoon in Coles County.

The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are still investigating the cause of the crash. ​ ​ All four occupants were pronounced deceased on scene. ​ The aircraft remained in the roadway with the roadway closed until approximately 5:00 p.m. on April 20, 2025. ​

The Coles County coroner confirmed the following identifications:

Ross R. Nelson, 46-year-old male from Menomonie, WI

 Raimi A. Rundle, 45-year-old female from Menomonie, WI

 Courtney L. Morrow, 36-year-old female from Menomonie, WI

 Michael H. Morrow, 48-year-old male from Menomonie, WI

ISP thanks first responder personnel from the Coles County Sheriff’s Department, Mattoon Police Department, Mattoon Fire Department and the Lincolnwood Fire Department, who responded to the incident and provided critical assistance during this tragic incident. ​

Road closure planned for State Road 58 in Knox and Daviess Counties

KNOX/DAVIESS COUNTIES, Ind. – The Indiana Department of Transportation announces a road closure for State Road 58 in Knox and Daviess Counties.

Beginning on or around Monday, April 28, crews will close State Road 58 in Knox and Daviess Counties near Elnora. This closure will occur between State Road 57 and State Road 67.

This road closure will allow for a chip and seal operation. This project will help to improve and preserve the roadway. Work is expected to take a week to complete, depending on the weather.

The official detour for this project is State Road 57 to State Road 358 to State Road 67. Local traffic will have access up to the point of closure.

MCFD Smoke House Returns

Residents of Mt. Carmel may remember the fire department’s smoke house that taught children what to do should fire break out in their home. The smoke house went away for several years, but returned at last weekend’s family fun day at the City Park according to fire commissioner Susan Zimmerman….

For many years, the fire department’s smoke hour was a staple of Ag Days and was taken to local schools during October’s fire prevention week.

Republic Completes Big Trash Pickup

If you set out items for the March 31st large trash pick up and they’re still setting there, you need to get them off the street because Republic Services aren’t picking them up according to garbage commissioner Susan Zimmerman….

Zimmerman also reminded residents that the electronics recycling day is coming up on Saturday, May 3rd.

Judge: Sewer Plant Did NOT Flood During This Month's Heavy Rains

Mt. Carmel Mayor Joe Judge took time at Monday’s City Council meeting to squash a social media post stating the city’s sewer plant flooded during this month’s heavy rains…

Judge said the amount of water going through the facility is amazing…

Earlier this year, the city announced plans to conduct smoke testing to see where illegal sewer hookups are in order to alleviate issues.

Dispatchers Saluted By Mayor

This past week was National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week and Mt. Carmel Mayor Joe Judge saluted local dispatchers at Monday’s City Council meeting….

Police Chief Mike McWilliams detailed the role dispatchers played in recent water rescues even crediting them with saving lives in two instances.

Wabash County Commissioner Agenda

REGULAR MEETING Monday, April 21, 2025

4:30 at Courthouse

AGENDA

1) Call to order:

2) Approve minutes of previous meeting:

3) Commissioner’s reports:

4) Officer’s reports:

5) Old Business:

a, Phase 4 of the HVAC project.

6) New Business:

a. Janet Storey with Watler Accounting to meet with the Board.

b. Janice Crow, Regional Manager Region 20 Birth to Five, to update the Board on the Birth to Five activities.

7) Executive Session:

8) Correspondence:

9) Approval of payment of claims presented:

10) Adjournment:

Allendale School Board Notes

At the April 2025 Allendale School Board meeting held in the Library of Allendale School, the board:

At the beginning of the meeting, the board learned about and experienced the new Virtual Reality program the school has purchased through grant funds.

Authorized Superintendent Bowser to prepare a tentative 2025-2026 School Budget.

Set school fees for the 2025-2026 school year. Registration fees will not increase.

Approved the Consolidated District Plan for FY26.

Set the date and time for a Special Board Meeting on Tuesday, May 6, 2025 at 7:00 pm. This meeting will be to administer the oath of office to newly elected board members, reorganize the board and elect officers, as well as set regular board meeting dates.

Approved an agreement with Wabash General Hospital to provide Speech Services in person for the 2025-2026 school year.

Approved Iconik Studios as the school photographer for the 2025-2026 school year.

Approved two summer maintenance projects: new lockers for each locker room and new floors in five elementary classrooms.

Approved Rhett Andrews, Brendan Bowser, and Isaiah Courter as part-time, summer custodial help.

Approved Haleigh Buchanan as Head Basketball Coach for the 2025-2026 school year.

Approved Jacob Deisher as Assistant Basketball Coach for the 2025-2026 school year.

At the end of the meeting, the board recognized Tia Morgan and Richard Gochenour for their years of service on the board. They have both served the school community very well in their long tenures

Albion man arrested for OWI.

On April 16, 2025, at 11:59 a.m., Gibson County Deputy Michael Bates conducted a traffic stop on a Black 2018 Buick Enclave for speeding on US 41 near County Road 550 South.  Upon approaching the vehicle, Deputy Bates identified the driver as 33-year-old Kevin Bellizi of Albion, Illinois. While speaking with Mr. Bellizi Deputy Bates detected the odor of burnt Marijuana and clues that Mr. Bellizi may be impaired.  At that point, Deputy Bates began a roadside OWI investigation.  After the investigation, Mr. Bellizi was taken into custody and transported to the Gibson County Jail, where he was charged with Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated, Possession of Marijuana, and Possession of Paraphernalia.
 
Deputies Bryan Small and U.B. Smith assisted Deputy Bates in his investigation. 
 
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
 

Hazleton woman arrested for OWI

On April 16, 2025, at 4:08 p.m., Gibson County Deputy Eric Powell, who was observing for motorists utilizing telecommunications devices and/or cell phones during the “Operation Pull Over” blitz, observed a Blue Chevy SUV holding her cell phone while the vehicle was in motion.  At that point, Deputy Powell conducted a traffic stop in the 700 block of West Broadway in Princeton.  Upon approaching the car, Deputy Powell identified the driver as 42-year-old Jonelle Ota of Hazleton.  While speaking with Ms. Ota, Deputy Powell detected multiple clues that the driver may be impaired.  At that point, Deputy Powell began a roadside OWI investigation.  After the inquiry, Ms. Ota was placed into custody and transported to the Gibson County Jail. 
 
Deputies Wes Baumgart, Shawn Holmes, and Bart Wagner assisted Deputy Powell in his investigation.
 
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.