Commissioners Approve Streamlining Payroll Practices For County Employees

Changes are coming this summer to the way many Wabash County government employees are paid. At their meeting Monday afternoon, county commissioners heard from Janet Storey of Watler Accounting who submitted a report that was part of the annual audit…

JANET STOREY COUNTY REPORT #1 5 5 25

Storey said her research indicated many of the employees’ state and federal W-4’s and federal I-9’s were outdated with some going back as far as 2007. She said the county could be liable for $10,000 fines for each occurrence. And based on reports provided by the county departments…

JANET STOREY COUNTY REPORT #2 5 5 25

Storey then offered her recommendation to county commissioners…

JANET STOREY COUNTY REPORT #3 5 5 25

Commissioners voted to accept Storey’s report and set July 1st as the date all county employees would be placed on the same payroll timetable. The change will mean some county employees will go without a paycheck as they’re integrated into the same payroll schedule.

IDOT, ISP urge public to “Start Seeing Motorcycles”

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois State Police and motorcycle safety advocates are reminding all users of the road to “Start Seeing Motorcycles” as part of Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.

“We want every driver and every motorcyclist to share and safely enjoy Illinois roads,” said Stephane B. Seck-Birhame, IDOT’s bureau chief of Safety Programs and Engineering. “Don't take risks, always obey traffic lights, signs, speed limits and lane markings, and never drive or ride impaired.”

The Start Seeing Motorcycles campaign coincides with the arrival of warmer weather and more motorcyclists on the roads. During the riding season, Start Seeing Motorcycles banners and yard signs will be on display throughout the state, reminding the public to always stay alert for motorcycles.

With more than 150 deaths in Illinois each year, motorcyclists are significantly overrepresented in traffic crashes and fatalities. Although motorcycles represent 3% of total vehicle registrations in Illinois, according to IDOT, they accounted for nearly 14% of traffic fatalities in 2023, the most recent year statistics are available. There were 1,245 traffic fatalities in Illinois in 2023 –168 were motorcyclists, an increase of 23 from 2022.

“While there are fewer motorcycles on roads compared to passenger cars, the motorcycle fatality rate for crashes is five times higher than the fatality rate for passenger cars,” said ISP Division of Patrol Col. Chris Owen. ​ “ISP reminds motorcyclists to make an effort to be seen while riding, avoid weaving in and out of traffic, and obey speed limits. ISP also reminds other drivers to watch for motorcyclists who may not be as easily seen, and to give them space.”

All riders are urged to take precautions to ensure they stay visible to other motorists. This can be accomplished by wearing the appropriate protective gear, getting regular maintenance and taking advantage of IDOT's cycle rider safety training program.

As part of Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, IDOT recommends these steps to stay safe.

For drivers:

• Look twice before changing lanes or merging into traffic, using your mirrors and glancing over your shoulder. Allow appropriate distance.

• Allow motorcyclists enough space to maneuver and enough time to adjust if necessary. Traffic, weather and road conditions require motorcyclists to react and maneuver differently than other drivers.

• Be vigilant. A motorcycle can easily be hidden behind other vehicles. Checking mirrors and blind spots is essential before changing lanes or merging.

• Use care when driving near a group of motorcyclists. Sharing the road with organized motorcycle groups requires patience and communication. If you need to change lanes or reach an exit, signal your intention early and wait for the riders to create a space. Do not merge in between groups or riders unless there is enough space to do so safely.

For motorcyclists:

• Wear DOT-compliant gear that increases visibility in traffic in addition to providing protection in the event of a crash. Use bright colors and retro-reflective strips or decals, especially at night. Over-the-ankle boots, gloves, protective jackets, pants and properly fitted helmets with face shields or protective eyewear are all part of a full-gear package.

• Use lane positioning to increase your visibility. Ride with your headlight on at all times. It's the law in Illinois. Give yourself space and time to react. Allow room for emergency braking. Make lane changes gradually and expect the unexpected.

• Ride sober. Motorcycle riding and alcohol don't mix. Drinking slows your reaction time and affects your balance, coordination and vision.

• Always signal before changing lanes. Avoid weaving between lanes. Flash your brake light when you are slowing down and before stopping.

Start Seeing Motorcycles is made possible by the teamwork among IDOT, ISP and other organizations that promote motorcycle education, awareness and safety coinciding with the comprehensive “It’s Not a Game” multimedia campaign. Visit startseeingmotorcycles.org for more information on IDOT's free motorcycle training and safety programs.

Allendale School Board Reorganizes

At the May 6, 2025 Allendale School Board special meeting held in the Library of Allendale School, the board:

1. Reviewed and accepted the canvas of the April 1, 2025 election.

2. Declared Ryan Andrews, Beth Etkzorn, and Melissa Wise as the winners.

3. Administered the Oath of Office for Ryan Andrews, Beth Etzkorn, and Melissa Wise.

4. The new board was seated: Ryan Andrews, Gary Buchanan, Beth Etzkorn, Eric Haines, Miles Marcotte, and Melissa Wise.

5. Gary Buchanan voted as President of the board for a two year term.

6. Beth Etzkorn voted as Vice President of the board for a two year term.

7. Miles Marcotte voted as Secretary of the board for a two year term.

8. Regular board meetings will be the third Wednesday of each month at 6:00 pm.

9. Adopted all current policies and procedures as they currently exist.

City Attorney Warns Of Illegal Burning

We’ve detailed the city of Mt. Carmel’s enforcement of the ordinance on tall grass. Now, the city is reminding residents about illegal burning. City attorney Derek McCullough told the city council open burning is not allowed in the city unless it’s in a fire pit. And, Mayor Joe Judge says most people are fine with a back yard fire pit…

JOE JUDGE CAMP FIRE VIOLATIONS

Police Chief Mike McWilliams said his officers have dealt with various types of illegal burning with one person burning mattresses and furniture this past Christmas Day. McCullough said if an open burning situation gets out of hand and the fire department has to be called, violators can be subjected to a $750 reimbursement charge to the fire department for the run in addition to fines for violating the ordinance.

MCPD Chief Issues Reminder About Railroad Property

The recent search for a Mt. Carmel man has prompted police chief Mike McWilliams to issue a reminder about walking on railroad tracks and adjacent property. He said the tracks and adjacent area is private property owned by the railroad and people should stay off of the tracks and surrounding area. Last month, searchers found a mushroom hunter who had fallen down a railroad embankment and was trapped under a tree until he was found the following day. McWilliams thanked all of the first responders who searched for the gentleman.

Mosquito Spraying Has Started In Mt. Carmel

Since the wet Spring is producing a bumper crop of mosquitos, the city of Mt. Carmel is already running the mosquito sprayer trying to get ahead of the biting nuisances. Mayor Joe Judge said the sprayer can only run if it’s above 65 degrees and if there’s no rain in the forecast. He also said anyone with bee hives should contact city hall so the mosquito spraying route can be altered to avoid eradication of the bees.

City Council Approves TIF Funding For Super 8

The Mt. Carmel City Council has approved a request from the owners of the Super 8 hotel for help from the TIF account to pay for a new roof. The roof, which was damaged by the recent hail storm, is 20 years old and will cost $40,000 to replace. The city council approved $9,500 for the project. City Clerk Ryan Turner told the council there is more than $1 million current in that TIF fund.

Judge Clarifies Tall Grass Violations

For the second meeting in a row, Mt. Carmel City officials took time last Monday to remind residents to abate any possible ordinance violations. Specifically, Mayor Joe Judge highlighted tall grass and the need for residents to make sure their grass isn’t above the 8 inch maximum as set by ordinance. And while issuing the reminder, Judge also took time to dispel a common misconception about how the city enforces the tall grass ordinance…

JOE JUDGE GRASS VIOLATORS 4 28 25

Judge said if the city has to mow your yard, it’s $75 the first time, $150 the second time, and then $300 for every time after that. He said anyone with trouble mowing their yard or being able to pay someone to mow their yard, should call City Hall before an ordinance violation is issued.

Retired MCPD K-9 Ace Passes Away

From Mt. Carmel Police Chief Mike McWilliams: With sadness, the Mt. Carmel Police Department announces the passing of retired MCPD K-9 Ace.  Ace began his service in April 2014 with Sergeant Steve Perry.  In July 2017, Ace's handler became Officer Daniel Hopper upon Sergeant Perry accepting a job with the Illinois State Police.  Officer Hopper handled Ace until September 2021, when Ace began his well-deserved retirement.  Ace was transferred back to Perry, where the two remained companions until his passing.  

The life of a K-9 and its handler is a partnership like no other.  The training days are long, and the call-outs are frequent.  The dedication a K-9 officer requires is one of the highest in law enforcement; however, neither the officer nor the K-9 would have it any other way.  Thank you, Ace, for all you've done for our community!  

Evansville man arrested for resisting law enforcement

On May 1, 2025, at 11:19 p.m. Gibson County Central Dispatch received a report of a disturbance in the 700 block of South 1150 East near Oakland City.  Upon arriving at the residence Deputy Wyatt Hunt attempted to begin an investigation into the incident.  While attempting to control the situation 43 year old Kevin Milligan of Evansville became verbally abusive to law enforcement and stating that “he had a gun in the residence.”  As Mr. Milligan’s erratic behavior escalated Deputy Hunt attempted to place him into custody he became physically violent.  Ultimately Mr. Milligan was placed into custody and transported to the Gibson County Jail.  While en route to the jail Mr. Milligan threatened to kill Deputy Hunt and his entire family.  Mr. Milligan was charged with Intimidation and Resisting Law Enforcement. 
 
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.