IECC Board Summary-June 2025

The Board of Trustees of the Illinois Eastern Community College District No. 529 met Tuesday, June 17, 2025 at Lincoln Trail College, Robinson, Illinois.

Professors Carrie Brown and Kim Shucker recognized President Tona Ambrose for being awarded the Phi Theta Kappa Paragon New President Award. The award is given to a new Community College President that has shown exceptional commitment to student development. Chancellor Gower recognized Dr. Edgren for 11 years of service to Frontier Community College and to the IECC District. Chairman Carter recommended that the Board pass a formal resolution recognizing Dr. Gerald “Jay” Edgren for his outstanding service to Illinois Eastern Community Colleges in light of his upcoming retirement.

The Board approved the minutes of the Board of Trustees regular meeting held on May 27, 2025. The semi-annual review of executive session minutes as mandated by Section 2.06 of the Open Meetings Act was conducted and the Board approved Chancellor Gower’s recommendations.

A resolution was adopted authorizing inter-fund loans during the 2025-2026 fiscal year, allowing the District to loan dollars between funds provided the loans are repaid to the original fund within the academic year.

A resolution was adopted to authorize certain expenditures from the Operations and Maintenance Fund, such as utilities, O&M salaries and other soft expenses.

The Board waived a second reading and approved revisions to the Credit for Prior Learning Policy 500.5 to reflect the changes for Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) entering the RN program to allow them to receiving academic credit based on prior learning in academic or clinical settings..

Affiliation agreements were approved with Clay Co. Rehabilitation Center; CTF Illinois; Edwards Co. Health Office; Rehabilitation & Performance Institute; Stone Bridge Memory Care; Trilogy Rehab Services, LLC; Wabash Co. Health Department; Kid’s Kingdom Preschool Inc. Day Care Center; and SIHF Healthcare.

Approval was given for the district to pay accrued bills for a short period following the end of the fiscal year June 30th. By July 30th all accrued bills received during this run-out period will be paid and a report given to the Board of Trustees the following month.

A resolution was adopted authorizing the transfer of approximately up to $250,000 in interest earned in the Working Cash Fund to the General Fund and $1,500,000 from the Working Cash Fund to the Liability and Protect n Fund on or before June 30, 2025.

Lease agreements were renewed between the District and certain locations and entities throughout the District.

The Board authorized the Chancellor to accept coverage of the District’s Property, Casualty, and Liability Insurance with Wright Specialty. Insurance costs for the District were up approximately 25% due to claim history, age of the buildings, and market conditions.

A resolution was adopted providing for the issue of $6,175,000 Taxable General Obligation Community College Bonds, Series 2025A, and $865,000 General Obligation Community College Bonds, Series 2025B, for community college purposes. These bonds will be used to pay claims against the District and planned capital projects in the District.

The Board approved a Trust Agreement with First National Bank in Olney for the Capital Development Board Project replacing the roof of the John D. Stull theater and gymnasium at Olney Central College. The Board authorized to the Chancellor to deposit the District’s local share of $265,000 into trust once the account is established.

The Board authorization for an emergency repair project for the foyer flooring in the theater at Olney Central College.

The Board approved the purchase of three full Snap-on tool kits to be made available to students of the WVC Diesel Program. Funding will come through the FY24 Innovative Bridge & Transitions Grant Program. Approval was also given for the purchase of Upward Bound STEM Space Utilizing Cooperative Purchasing and grant dollars.

Change in employment status was approved for Rob Jackman from Perkins Project Coordinator to Program Director of Perkins effective June 23, 2025.

The following Assessment Stipend Special Assignments for FY26 were approved: Kelly Payne, Director of Assessment, $5,000 + 3 hours release time; Kimberly Wellen, English/Communications Discipline Facilitator, FCC, $1,000; Connor York, English/Communications Discipline Facilitator, LTC, $1,000; Kelly Payne, English/Communications Discipline Facilitator, OCC, $1,000; Jill Winter, English/Communications Discipline Facilitator, WVC, $1,000; Travis Matthews, Faculty Coordinator of Student Learning Assessment, LTC, $4,000; Kelly Payne, Faculty Coordinator of Student Learning Assessment, OCC, $4,000; Scott Balding, Faculty Coordinator of Student Learning Assessment, WVC, $4,000; Kimberly Wellen, Faculty Coordinator of Student Learning Assessment, FCC, $4,000; Catherine Singleton, Humanities/Fine Arts Discipline Facilitator, FCC, $1,000; Jena Combs, Humanities/Fine Arts Discipline Facilitator, LTC, $1,000; Mari Yamato, Humanities/Fine Arts Discipline Facilitator, OCC, $1,000; Steve Patberg, Humanities/Fine Arts Discipline Facilitator, $1,000; Nixie Hnetkovsky, Life & Physical Science Discipline Facilitator, FCC, $1,000; Carrie Brown, Life & Physical Science Discipline Facilitator, LTC, $1,000; Chris Mathews, Life & Physical Science Discipline Facilitator, OCC, $1,000; Chris Mathews, Life & Physical Science Discipline Facilitator, WVC, $1,000; Linda Monge, Math Discipline Facilitator, FCC, $1,000; Kim Schucker, Math Discipline Facilitator, LTC, $1,000; Tammie Bohnhoff, Math Discipline Facilitator, OCC, $1,000; Tammie Bohnhoff, Math Discipline Facilitator, WVC, $1,000; Austin Alexander, Social & Behavioral Science Discipline Facilitator, FCC, $1,000; Austin Alexander, Social & Behavioral Science Discipline Facilitator, LTC, $1,000; Jason Hortin, Social & Behavioral Science Discipline Facilitator, OCC, $1,000; and Drew McMurray, Social & Behavioral Science Discipline Facilitator, WVC, $1,000.

Resignation ratification was approved for Brady Martin as Academic Advisor, WVC effective June 6, 2025.

Retirement ratification was approved for Katy Head, Lead Custodian, WVC effective July 31, 2025.

The next regular meeting of the Board of Trustees will be Tuesday, July 15, 2025 at 6:15 p.m. at Olney Central College, Olney, IL.

Mt. Carmel Man Arrested For Allegedly Choking & Kicking Dog

On 6/15/2025, Mt. Carmel Police arrested Hector A. Vazquez, age 30, of Mt. Carmel for Cruel Treatment to an Animal following an incident in the area of 6th & Walnut Street.  Before the arrest, an off-duty MCPD officer observed Vazquez choke and kick his dog while walking in the area.  Officers located Vazquez and the dog at 7th & Walnut, where he was taken into custody and transported to the Wabash County Jail.  Vazquez was issued the above charge and later released on a Notice to Appear.  The dog was turned over to the Wabash County Animal Shelter Buddies after the actual dog owner/Vazquez’s father, agreed to surrender the dog to the shelter, due to the incident. 

Altercation Lands Mt. Carmel Woman In Jail

On 6/15/2025, Mt. Carmel Police arrested Rebecca A. Dudley, age 55, of Mt. Carmel for Disorderly Conduct and Intimidation following an incident at an apartment complex in the 200 block of N Division Street.  Police were called to the complex regarding an allegation that Dudley had yelled death threats and profanity towards two juveniles who were attempting to enter the apartment complex.  The juveniles were able to enter their grandmother’s apartment with assistance from another sibling.  The children expressed fear of Dudley after hearing the threats of harm.  The grandmother was allowed to sign a complaint against Dudley for the above offenses, resulting in her arrest.  Dudley was transported to the Wabash County Jail, where she was charged and held pending a pre-trial release determination by the court.  MCPD was assisted by the Wabash County Sheriff’s Office.

Washington Man Arrested for Child Molesting

Daviess County – Indiana State Police and Washington Police Department initiated a criminal investigation in March 2025 after receiving information that Luis Torres, 64, of Washington, had allegedly molested a child.

Indiana State Police Master Trooper Gaven Wilson conducted the investigation and submitted his findings to the Daviess County Prosecutor’s Office. After reviewing the investigation, the Daviess County Prosecutor’s Office filed criminal charges against Torres, and an arrest warrant was issued on Wednesday, June 11, 2025.

On Wednesday afternoon, at approximately 2:46 p.m., Torres was arrested at his place of employment without incident. He was taken to the Daviess County Jail, where he is currently being held on bond.

Arrested and Charges:

  • Luis Torres, 64, Washington, IN

  1. Child Molesting - Defendant is at least 21 years of age, Level 1 Felony

  2. Child Molesting – Victim less than 14 years of age, Class A Felony

  3. Child Molesting – Fondling or touching a child under 14 years of age, Level 4 Felony

  4. Child Molesting, Class C Felony

  5. Display of matter harmful to a minor, Level 6 Felony

  6. Display of matter harmful to a minor, Class D Felony


Investigating Officer: Master Trooper Gaven Wilson

Assisting Officers: Master Trooper Detective Toni Walden, Trooper Jon Villanueva, Washington Police Department, and SWICACC (Southwestern Indiana Child Advocacy Center Coalition)

All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Traffic Stop Leads To Arrest For Dealing Methamphetamine

Crawford County, IN - On Friday, June 13, 2025, at approximately 9:03 p.m., Trooper Kayla Denk-Mundy was patrolling State Road 145 near Eckerty when she stopped a Dodge Durango for a headlight violation. Trooper Denk-Mundy spoke to the driver of the vehicle, who identified himself as Garland R. Miller, 45, of Branchville. During the interaction, Trooper Denk-Mundy recognized indicators of criminal activity and requested the assistance of a K-9.

A Crawford County Deputy and his K-9 partner arrived to assist Trooper Denk-Mundy. During an open-air sniff of the vehicle, the K-9 gave a positive indication of the presence of narcotics. Due to a positive K-9 alert on the vehicle, officers conducted a search. During the search of the vehicle, officers found two bags containing approximately 19 grams of suspected methamphetamine, and another bag containing suspected marijuana. Trooper Denk-Mundy arrested Miller and transported him to the Crawford County jail without incident.

Garland R. Miller was preliminarily charged with the following:

  • Dealing Methamphetamine - Level 2 Felony

  • Possession of Methamphetamine - Level 4 Felony

  • Dealing Marijuana - Level 6 Felony

  • Maintaining a Common Nuisance – Level 6 Felony

  • Possession of Marijuana – Class A Misdemeanor

  • Violation of Driving Conditions - Class C Misdemeanor

Assisting in this incident was the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office and K-9 partner.



Mug Photo: Garland Miller

All suspects are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. 

State Investigators Seek Public’s Help in Vincennes Arson Case

VINCENNES, Ind. — Investigators with the Indiana Department of Homeland Security are asking for the public’s assistance in an ongoing arson investigation following a fire in Vincennes.

Late Thursday evening, June 12, 2025, Vincennes Fire Department and Vincennes Police Department responded to reports of a residential fire in the 400 block of South 15th Street. Upon investigation, officials determined the fire was intentionally set by an individual who threw a firework from a vehicle in front of the home.

Authorities are urging anyone with information related to the incident to come forward. Tips can be reported anonymously by calling the Indiana Arson Hotline at 1-800-382-4628.

A reward of up to $5,000 is being offered for information that leads to an arrest and conviction in this case.

“We are asking for the community’s help to identify those responsible,” said a State Fire Marshal Steve Jones. “Even a small detail could make a big difference in solving this case.”

Judge Hears Citizens' Concerns About Electric Scooters

As the mayor of Mt. Carmel, Joe Judge receives dozens of emails, text messages, and phone calls on a variety of topics and issues concerning local residents. On Friday’s “Ask The Mayor” segment heard on WSJD, Judge said there’s been one hot topic the last few weeks generating about 90% of the concern….

Judge also said he has received reports of the scooters being ridden down the local state highways which would result in tickets if the riders are caught by State Police. Recently, one rider suffered a broken wrist when he crashed his scooter. Judge said his fear is that won’t be the last injury if parents don’t step up and educate their children about the dangers of the scooters and associated traffic laws.