On January 6, 2018, at 11:17 p.m. Gibson County Deputy U.B. Smith conducted a traffic stop on a Red 1989 Chevy Pickup after the driver failed to signal turn onto Brummitt Street from Church Street in Owensville, Indiana. Upon approaching the vehicle Deputy Smith identified the driver as 51year old Jeffrey Lochmueller of Elberfeld. During a roadside investigation Deputy Smith located drug paraphernalia and methamphetamines on the driver.
Deputy Ben Kiesel arrived on scene and assisted Deputy Smith in his investigation, and ultimately placed Mr. Lochmueller into custody and transported him to the Gibson County Jail. At the Gibson County Jail Mr. Lochmueller was charged with Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated (DUI), Possession of Paraphernalia, and Possession of Methamphetamines. He remains in custody on a $750 bond.
All Criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Anniversary of Allendale Tornado
January 7th marks the anniversary of the Allendale tornado.
55 people were injured by the F4 tornado.
Here is radio coverage of the tornado aftermath on WYER with Kevin Madden & Scott Allen.
Allendale AR Award Winners
This past Friday, Allendale School rewarded any student who had accumulated at least 50 Accelerated Reading points during the first semester with a movie and popcorn party. There were 57 students in 1st through 8th grade to achieve this goal and 18 of those had more than 100 points. In fact, the top three totaled the following amount of points: JD Bowser (254), Braden Weir (248), and Mark Vaupel (193). Those students accumulating over 100 points were put into a drawing for a chance to win $20. We had two winners in the elementary grades and two winners in the junior high. The elementary winners were: Isabella Monroy and Michael Smith. The junior high winners were: Katie Jackson and Holly Lofton. The following is the list of students who earned at least 50 AR points in the first semester:
1st Grade: Ryland Houchin, Jackson Cusick, Jaxon Morris.
2nd Grade: Conner McGinnis, Tiffany Smith Terry, Joel Schneider, Emma Ford, Stetson Potts.
3rd Grade: Isaiah Courter, Levi Potts, Jason Ford, Ava Bates, Landon Wilford, Lucas Isaac, Michael Medler, Riley Hershey, Kaden Sharp, Jax Gher, Hayden Hendrix, Preston Perry.
4th Grade: Olivia Smith, Ashleigh McGinnis, Isabella Monroy, Michael Smith, Brendan Bowser, Tristan Bray, Cameron Kolb, Abbey Westlake.
5th Grade: Mark Vaupel, Avery Swift, Hallie Courter, Roland Foster, Alex McGinnis, Kenadie Homan.
6th Grade: Matthew Jackson, Cydnie Lawrence, Lauren Fisher, Holly Doerr, Raven Adams, Carlos Monroy, Chandler Cusick, Jordis Riley.
7th Grade: JD Bowser, Konner Kelsey, Trenton Hulfachor, Sam Medler, Caleb Schneider, Josey McCowen.
8th Grade: Braden Weir, Holly Lofton, Katie Jackson, Lexi Fisher, Tristian Abell, Alexandria Isaac, Madison Adams, Joleigh Keeling, Kinze Cusick.
Congratulations to all of these students. We will have another reward party at the end of the year for obtaining 50 points in the Spring semester, so hopefully we keep all of these names on the list and add even more.
Archery Deer Numbers Up In Illinois
Archery deer season started just a few months ago and so far, this season’s harvest is a clear sign that Illinois is one of the best deer hunting destinations in the Midwest.
Ed Cross, director of communications for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, said as of January 2, bow hunters in the state harvested 55,724 deer.
That number is up from this time last year when archery hunters harvested almost 51,000, according to Cross.
In total, 45 percent of the harvest has been does and 55 percent have been males.
Hunters in some counties had more luck tracking down deer than others, with Pike, Futon, Jefferson, Adams, and Williamson counties having the most harvests thus far.
Cross said this season’s successful harvest is a trend that is expected to continue next season.
“Judging by this year’s numbers, many hunters have had plenty of success with deer hunting and we anticipate that being a trend for next year as well,” Cross said.
“Illinois does have a very healthy deer population. When you look at some of our surrounding states, we feel we are right in line with some of the best deer in the country.”
Cross said archery hunting is a family sport in Illinois.
“We see a lot of older hunters taking out the younger generations to get them introduced to the sport, and we see younger generations get hooked on it,” Cross said.
Archery deer season ends on Jan. 14.
Flu Season Hits Hard
Illinois' flu season is not getting any lighter. The latest report from the state shows a large number of outbreaks among senior citizens and in the Metro East.
The latest flu report from the Illinois Department of Public Health for the last week of 2017 shows a large jump in the number of flu cases across the state.
Illinois doesn't track flu cases, just hospitalization. The IDPH reports 130 new people went to the emergency room with the flu, and there were 37 new outbreaks in the last week of 2017.
So far this season, almost 350 people have gone to the ER in Illinois because of the flu.
People older than 65 are the most vulnerable, and the Metro East leads the state in the number of flu outbreaks.
Marsha Wild is the director of infectious diseases with the St. Clair County Health Department, she said they're seeing a lot of cases in nursing homes, care centers, and even the jail.
"Anytime that you get people close together, living together," Wild said. "You can see how the flu can spread quickly."
Wild said that's one reason why a number of local hospitals are limiting visitors.
"We're particularly concerned about people who are immune compromised," Wild said. "People who are ill already, or they may have other health issues that suppresses their immune system, that makes them more susceptible."
Both Wild and the state's Department of Public Health say a flu shot can still help you avoid the flu or just limit its severity.
Peak flu season doesn't usually hit until late January or early February.
Dubois County pair arrested for Attempted Burglary
On January 5, 2018, at 11:35 p.m. Gibson County Sergeant John Fischer was performing extra patrol of a residence in the 4000 block of South 550 West due to several thefts that have occurred in recent weeks. Upon entering the property Sergeant Fischer observed a Maroon 1998 GMC pickup parked on the property that did not belong there. Sergeant Fischer located two individuals inside one of the buildings and held them there at gun point until back up officers could arrive.
Once back up arrived Sergeant Fischer placed 36 year old Humberto Palma and 31 year old Tosha Sisk both of St. Anthony, Indiana into custody. At the conclusion of Sergeant Fischer’s investigation both Palma and Sisk were transported to the Gibson County Jail. Both individuals were charged with Attempted Burglary and Criminal Trespass and remain in custody on a $1,250 bond.
Assisting Sergeant Fischer in his investigation was officers from the Owensville Police Department, Fort Branch Polic e Department, and the Gibson County Sheriff’s Office.
All Criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Illinois EPA Joins National Safety Council to Promote Vehicle Recall Awareness
Illinois EPA Director Alec Messina announced the Illinois EPA is partnering with the National Safety Council to inform drivers about the importance of checking their vehicle’s recall status and scheduling a free repair if needed.
The Illinois EPA will display posters at each of its vehicle emissions testing facilities to promote Check To Protect, a recall awareness campaign recently launched by NSC. The posters will hang in test station lobbies, as well as waiting booths, to encourage drivers to visit www.CheckToProtect.org and learn their vehicle’s recall status while emissions testing takes place. Drivers will need their Vehicle Identification Number, which is located on the vehicle’s driver’s side door jamb or windshield. It is also located on vehicle insurance cards.
Almost 1 in 4 vehicles on the road today in Illinois has an open recall. Many of these recalls can pose serious safety risks to drivers and passengers if they are neglected. NSC and the Illinois EPA want all drivers to know that recalls are 100 percent free to have repaired at a local dealership.
“Illinois EPA is pleased to partner with the National Safety Council to encourage motorists to check on safety recalls for their vehicles,” said IEPA Director Alec Messina. “Approximately 2 million motorists visit our emissions test stations each year and this is a great opportunity to provide them with additional information to keep themselves and their families safe.”
The Illinois EPA also has created a link to Check To Protect from its website, www.illinoisairteam.net. Under the Motorist section, drivers may click on the topic, “Does My Vehicle Have an Open Recall?” and quickly learn the answer after they enter their VIN.
“We applaud the Illinois EPA for taking a leadership role in promoting recall awareness to drivers across the state,” NSC President and CEO Deborah A.P. Hersman said. “More than 10 million vehicles are registered in Illinois, and nearly one-quarter of those vehicles have open recalls. It is important for all drivers to take a couple of minutes and check their vehicle’s recall status today.”
The Illinois EPA is the first agency to partner with Check To Protect as part of its emissions testing program. Since it was launched in June by NSC and founding coalition member FCA US, more than 100,000 visitors have clicked to check for open recalls at www.CheckToProtect.org. - more - Check to Protect/2 About the Illinois EPA’s Vehicle Emissions Testing Program
National Wear Red Day Presentation At WGH
Caryn Selby, PA-C will be presenting on National Wear Red Day, which is February 2nd, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. to raise awareness for cardiovascular health in the hospital boardroom. Lunch will be provided, so please RSVP by Friday, January 26, 2018, by calling Kelsie Barnes at (618)263-6301 if you would like to attend.
Driver Attempts to Flee on Foot from Traffic Stop
Putnam County—This afternoon at 3:44, Indiana State Police Trooper Colton Maynor was patrolling US 231 near County Road 925 South (Cloverdale), when he noticed a southbound green 1996 Toyota Camry travel left of center. Prior to stopping the vehicle, Trooper Maynor noticed the license plate was obstructed by dirt and grime rendering it unreadable.
Trooper Maynor activated his emergency lighting to stop the vehicle, and the driver drove onto an auto parts store just south of 925S. As he approached the vehicle to speak with the driver, Trooper Maynor noticed a smell of what appeared to be burnt Marijuana coming from within the Toyota. As Maynor returned to his police vehicle to run a driver’s license query, the male driver bolted from the vehicle and ran southeast toward a nearby car wash with Trooper Maynor in foot pursuit. As the suspect ran behind the car wash, he tossed a plastic bag containing syringes, scales, grinder, rolling papers and a spoon used for illegal drugs activity. Right after tossing the bag, the suspect was apprehended by Trooper Maynor and arriving Cloverdale Police Officers.
The suspect was identified as Philip M. Reed, age 38, of Cloverdale, IN. Reed was transported to the Putnam County Jail on preliminary charges of Habitual Traffic Violator, DUI-Refusal, Resisting Law Enforcement, Possession of Marijuana (Prior), Dealing Marijuana, Possession of a Syringe, and Possession of Paraphernalia.
Assisting were ISP Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Troopers Matt Ames and Yan Dravigne, Cloverdale Police Sergeant Bill Wallace, and the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office.
Under the Law, criminal charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
I-70 Traffic Stop Yields Large Marijuana Seizure
Morgan County, IN- A trooper looking beyond a routine traffic stop this afternoon in Morgan County was able to stop a large shipment of alleged marijuana from arriving to its destination on the east coast.
This afternoon at approximately 12:50 p.m. a trooper with the Indiana State Police Drug Enforcement Uniform Squad was patrolling I-70 EB at the 51mm (Little Point exit) and stopped a 2017 box truck for a traffic violation.
While speaking with the driver, Joshua Monte Wilson, 28, of Temecula, CA. the trooper noted inconsistencies that indicated possible criminal activity. A search was conducted which resulted in the seizure of 240 pounds of marijuana, 11.5 pounds of THC oil, and two pounds of THC wax.
Wilson was arrested for Level V Dealing and Possession of Marijuana, over 10 pounds. He was incarcerated in the Morgan County Jail without incident.
Report illegal drug activity occurring in your area by calling the Indiana State Police Drug Tip Line. 1-800-453-4756.