Big Deductible Jump Approved For County Employees' Health Insurance

The Wabash County Board has approved a change to its employee health insurance plan, increasing the annual deductible from one-thousand-500 dollars to four-thousand-500 dollars.

The county’s insurance committee recommended the change after several large claims pushed the county’s insurance rates up roughly 17 percent.

Board members say using preferred healthcare providers can help reduce the county’s costs, while the higher deductible is expected to save money on the insurance increase.

The change takes effect January first.

WILSON: NEARLY IDEAL WEATHER LEADS TO EARLY HARVEST AND EXCELLENT CROP YIELDS

Fall harvest is progressing well ahead of schedule across much of southeastern Illinois, with farmers reporting some outstanding corn and soybean yields.

During Wednesday's WSJD Valley Update, Wabash Valley Service Company's Mike Wilson said nearly ideal weather conditions have allowed farmers to make significant progress, particularly in counties south of U.S. Route 50.

Wilson, who has traveled throughout the company's 11-county service area over the past three weeks, said Wabash, Lawrence and Edwards counties are getting close to wrapping up harvest, with the exception of some river bottom ground.

He said another couple of days of favorable weather could put Wabash County very close to completion.

Wilson attributed the early harvest to favorable spring planting conditions, followed by hot, dry weather in late August and early September that accelerated crop maturity.

Some farmers began harvesting as much as two weeks earlier than normal. Wilson said that, depending on upcoming rainfall, many could finish by October 15th, well ahead of the traditional late-October target.

And the yields have been impressive.

Wilson reported widespread corn yields of 200 to 220 bushels per acre or better, with one National Corn Growers Association trial field in Gallatin County averaging 300 bushels per acre.

Soybean yields have also been strong, with some irrigated fields producing 90 to 95 bushels per acre.

Wilson said farmers are pleasantly surprised by both the quality and quantity of this year's crop.

While grain prices have experienced some typical harvest-season pressure, Wilson said commodity prices have held up better than expected, with corn around five dollars per bushel and soybeans generally above twelve dollars.

He also noted that harvest delays across the northern Corn Belt, where excessive rainfall has kept some farmers out of their fields, may be helping support local grain prices.

As for the possibility of rain this weekend, Wilson said three-quarters of an inch to an inch and a half would likely delay soybean harvest by only about three days because of the area's extremely dry soil conditions.

However, he cautioned that prolonged delays could increase the risk of soybean pods splitting open and losing grain.

Overall, Wilson described this year's harvest as one of the more favorable in recent memory, with excellent weather, an early start and exceptionally strong yields across the Wabash Valley.

Irelan Guilty On All Counts

A Wabash County jury has found 39-year-old Nicholas Irelan guilty on all eight counts against him following a trial that concluded Wednesday morning.

Irelan, who represented himself during the trial with Public Defender Easton serving as standby counsel, was convicted on four Class 4 felony charges and four Class A misdemeanor charges.

Wednesday’s proceedings began with a hearing on Irelan’s motion for a directed verdict, which was denied. The court then advised Irelan of his right to testify or remain silent. Irelan chose not to take the witness stand.

The defense called Officer David Houser as a witness before both sides presented closing arguments and the jury received its instructions.

Jurors began deliberating at 10:38 Wednesday morning.

About 20 minutes later, the court received a note indicating jurors had mistakenly signed the wrong verdict form on the first count. After meeting with prosecutors, Irelan and standby counsel, the court provided the jury with new blank guilty and not-guilty verdict forms and instructions on how to correct the error.

At 11:13 a.m., the court was notified that the jury had reached verdicts on all eight counts.

Jurors returned to the courtroom at 11:25 and found Irelan guilty on Counts One through Eight. Judgments of guilty were entered on all eight counts.

The probation department has been ordered to prepare a pre-sentence investigation report.

Irelan is scheduled to return to Wabash County Circuit Court for sentencing on November 12th at 10:30 a.m.

Irelan was found guilty of stalking, cyberstalking, harassment through electronic communications and harassment by telephone. The charges stemmed from allegations involving his ex-wife, who told investigators she received hundreds of threatening phone calls and text messages.

County Board Approves Plans For Expanded Solar Project

The Wabash County Board has approved an amendment to RWE’s Friendsville solar project, increasing the planned project capacity by 25 megawatts.

The amended permit adds eight parcels totaling about 435 acres to the project. RWE says the expansion will increase the project’s total capacity from 425 to 450 megawatts, with roughly 3,300 acres ultimately containing solar equipment.

Company officials say the additional land became available in part because reclaimed mine areas were ready sooner than expected. They also cited increased landowner interest and changes in the MISO interconnection study timeline.

RWE estimates the expanded project could generate approximately 81-point-5 million dollars in local property tax revenue over its 40-year lifespan, about 10 million dollars more than the previous permit. The company also estimates the project will create about 300 construction jobs and four permanent full-time positions.

During the public hearing, Wabash County Chamber officials and the Mount Carmel Area Economic Alliance spoke in support of the expansion.

The county said the amended application had been reviewed and found to be in compliance with state law and the county’s 2026 solar ordinance. The board unanimously approved the amendment.

Olney man sentenced to 40 years for producing child pornography

BENTON, Ill. – A district court judge sentenced an Olney man to 40 years in federal prison after he admitted to producing child pornography.

George T. Grove, 49, pleaded guilty to two counts of production of child pornography for creating child sexual abuse material of a 13-year-old victim.

“Sex crimes are vile offenses. There is no amount of prison time sufficient for those who violate children,” said U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft.

According to court documents and information discussed at hearings, Grove admitted to creating two videos of child sexual abuse material with a cell phone of a 13-year-old victim in July 2024. During the investigation, officers discovered the defendant was exchanging alcohol, money and drugs with minors for nude photos and sex.

The Richland County Sheriff’s Office, the Olney Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations contributed to the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Sanders prosecuted the case.

Update: Name Released In Route 15 Fatality

Authorities have identified the pedestrian killed Monday night in a crash on Illinois Route 15 in Wabash County.

Wabash County Coroner Shaun Keepes says 70-year-old Rudy Lee Calvin of Mount Carmel was pronounced dead at the scene.

Illinois State Police say the crash involving a passenger vehicle and pedestrian occurred around 8:12 Monday night on Route 15 east of East 500 Road. The Coroner’s Office was called to the scene at approximately 8:39 p.m.

An autopsy was performed Tuesday.

Illinois State Police, the Belmont Fire Department, first responders and the Wabash County Sheriff’s Department responded to the scene. No other injuries were reported.

Route 15 was closed while authorities investigated and reopened at approximately 1:18 Tuesday morning.

Keepes says the coroner’s report remains preliminary, and additional information will be released when appropriate as the investigation continues.

Pedestrian Killed In Wabash County Crash

A pedestrian was killed Monday night in a crash on Illinois Route 15 in Wabash County.

Illinois State Police say the crash involved a passenger vehicle and a pedestrian east of East 500 Road at approximately 8:12 p.m.

Troop 9 officers investigated the crash. The pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene. No other injuries were reported.

Route 15 was closed during the investigation and reopened at approximately 1:18 Tuesday morning.

State Police have not released the pedestrian’s identity or any additional information about the crash.

MCFD Takes Part In Fire Prevention Week

The Mt. Carmel Fire Department is taking its fire safety message into local schools as part of Fire Prevention Week.

Fire Commissioner Susan Zimmerman provided an update during last Monday afternoon’s Mt. Carmel City Council meeting.

Fire Prevention Week is being observed this week, with this year’s theme, “Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home.”

Zimmerman said the campaign will focus on the safe use and charging of lithium-ion batteries, which are found in a growing number of everyday household devices.

As part of Fire Prevention Week activities, Mt. Carmel firefighters will speak with various classes and provide fire station tours for local school children. The department will use those opportunities to teach students about fire prevention and safety.

Zimmerman also reported the department recently held a firefighter appreciation dinner for the families of Mt. Carmel firefighters.

She said the event was an opportunity to recognize not only the firefighters, but also their families and the sacrifices they make when a family member serves with the fire department.

Zimmerman said the department wanted those families to know their support and sacrifices are appreciated.

Solar Public Hearing Set For Wednesday

The Wabash County Board received an update on an amended solar application during its September meeting.

County officials said a hearing on the amended application is scheduled for Wednesday at 4:30 p.m.

The location of the hearing had not been finalized at the time of the county board meeting because a jury trial was taking place and could affect which room is available.

The county board did not take further action on the solar application during the meeting, with officials simply noting the upcoming hearing.

County Looking At Tight General Fund Budget

Wabash County officials say the county’s general fund is under significant financial pressure as work continues on the next budget.

The board recently met with department heads and Bellwether to review department budgets.

Officials say the county is looking at a deficit budget, particularly in the general fund, while several other county funds remain in better shape.

The board cited rising health insurance costs, state and unfunded mandates, and declining revenue from sources including the personal property replacement tax and heavy use tax.

Board members say they are looking for additional ways to reduce expenses as the budget is finalized.