MCJHS 8th Grade Recognition Night

Mt. Carmel Junior High School 8th pep band members, cheerleaders, and basketball players were recently recognized. 

8th grade Pep Band Recognition #1

Hailey Boyd, with parents Joe an Jennifer Boyd, Anna Bromm, with parents Dean and Christy Bromm, Jonathon Bader, with parents Beau and Jana Hadra, Rhiannon Anderson, with parents Clint and Karissa Anderson, Dillyn Cullison, with parent Ronda Cullison, Emalee Bertram, with parent Amber Seaton, Cooper Anderson, with parents Kevin and Robin Anderson, Ivan Holt, with parents Steve and Nicole Holt, and Matthew Dunkel.

8th Grade Pep Band Recognition Night #2

Kamden Pritchett, with parents Todd and Elizabeth Earnest and Kyle Pritchett, Christopher May, with Joe Wall, Dayton LaVarier, with parents Travis and Lacey LaVarier, Hannah Shular, with parent Adam Shular, Timothy Rosignol, with parents Roger and Karen Rosignol, Halie Peach, with parent Krista Cheesman, and Abigail Plassman, with parents Nick and Val-Lisa Plassman. Not pictured: Audra Robinson and Daisy Schrader.

Cheerleaders

Daisy Schrader, with parents Matt and Kristi Schrader, Audra Robinson, with parents Wade Robinson and Sonya and Tim Shular, Makayla Beesley, with parents Mike and Jennifer Beesley, Alexzandria Hicks, Avery Hayden, with parents Amy and Jeremy Hayden, and Annie Lin, with parent Robert Lin.

MCJHS 8th grade Girls Basketball Recognition

Form Left to Right

Kenley Drone, daughter of Todd and Dawn Drone, Flynn Guard, daughter of the late Tiffany Guard and Tim and Tracie Guard, Taylor Singer, daughter of Ginger Rodgers and David Renner and Porter Singer, Lora Judge, daughter of Joe and Missy Judge, Emma Odom, daughter of Greg and Sheila Odom, Abigail Plassman, daughter of Nick and Val-Lisa Plassman, Jordan Smith, daughter of Jason and Penny Smith.

MCJHS 8th Grade Boys Basketball Recognition. Pictured from left to right.

Ivan Holt, son of Steve and Nicole Holt, Noah Martin, son of Phil and Rachel Martin, Luke Laws, son of Jason and Telisa Laws, Zach Allen, son of Corey and Kelly Price, Gage Price, son of Mindy Biehl and Corey Price, Lucas Ingram, son of Brandon and Roxi Ingram, Avery Hale, son of Jeff and Lori Hale, Zeke Hadra, son of Brad and Shelli Hadra, and Dylan Thacker, son of Tim and Heather Thacker.

Woman, 2 Toddlers Killed In Massac County Crash

ISP (FATAL) TRAFFIC CRASH ALERT
 
The Following Preliminary Information is Being Released by Illinois State Police District 22
 
WHAT:  Triple fatality/Personal injury, Three vehicle collision.   
 
WHERE:   U.S. 45 south of Route 169, Massac County
 
WHEN:  Thursday, January 11, 2018 at approximately 6:23 A.M. 
 
VEHICLES:  Unit 1 – Red 2011 Kia Soul    Unit 2 – Black 2014 Chrysler 300    Unit 3 – Grey 2015 Chevrolet Traverse
 
DRIVERS:  

Unit #1-Rachel E. Killian, age 23 of Marion, IL (deceased)                                    

Unit #2-Karla R. Reichert, age 57 of Karnak, IL                                    

Unit #3-Cathy J. Ulen, age 62 of Ullin, IL
 
Passengers:            

 Unit #1- 1 year old male (deceased)                                                

3 year old female (deceased)                                                

3 year old female                                                

9 month old male
 
Seatbelts:                Unit #1- 9 month old was restrained in a child seat.  The driver and other passengers were not utilizing a seatbelt or child seat.   
 
Preliminary:  
 
The Illinois State Police is investigating a triple fatal crash on U.S. 45 south  of Route 169 involving three vehicles.  
 
Unit #1 was traveling north on U.S. 45 South of Route 169.  The driver of Unit #1 ran off the  right hand side of the roadway.  The driver then overcorrected and crossed into the  Southbound lane of U.S. 45.  
 
Unit #2 and Unit #3 were traveling south on U.S. 45. 
 
Unit #1 collided head on with Unit #2.  Unit #3 was behind Unit #2 and collided into the rear  of Unit #2 after the first collision.  

 The driver and a one year old passenger of Unit #1 were pronounced dead on scene by the Massac County Coroner.   
 
Three other passengers of Unit #1 were transported to Western Baptist Hospital with serious injuries.  A 3 year old passenger succumb to her injuries and was pronounced dead at the hospital.       The driver of Unit# 2 was transported to an out of state hospital with severe injuries. 
 
All lanes of U.S. 45 were closed for approximately 3.5 hours for the crash investigation and cleanup.  The investigation into the crash continues. 
 
 
 

2nd Graders Complete STEM Challenge

Students in Miss Holden’s 2nd grade class recently completed a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) Challenge.  

Their task? As a group, design and construct the longest, sturdiest paper chain possible using only the materials provided (2 pieces of construction paper, 12 inches of masking tape, 1 pair of scissors and a ruler).  Time allotted to complete the challenge: 30 minutes

The longest chain constructed was 92 inches long.  The shortest chain constructed was 42 inches long.  

2017 A Big Year For Operation Share

Wabash County’s caring heart shined brightly during the recent holiday season. The annual bell ringing campaign to support Operation Share brought in $8,550 this year. Kevin McGinnis is the president of the Wabash County Ministerial Alliance, which co-sponsors Operation Share with WADI, and he said final numbers for the 2017 holiday reveal that 345 families were assisted with a meal at Thanksgiving, 405 families enjoyed a Christmas meal, and 419 children from 189 families participated in the toy distribution.

McGinnis said, “ A big thank you goes out to everyone who participated with the bell ringing and helping to raise funds, including the Eagles Club, Elks Club, Kiwanis Club, Rotary Club, the Diesel Club from WVC, many local churches, numerous students, athletes, and cheerleaders from WVC and MCHS, and still many others from the local area who volunteered on their own to ring bells.  Another big thank you goes out to Borowiak's IGA, Buehler's Buy Low, and Shopko for their permission to ring at their stores, as well as to Corwin Printing in Mt. Carmel for printing flyers.”

100% of all donations will go to those in need right here in Wabash County through WADI and the local ministers alliance.

Mt. Carmel City Council Agenda

AGENDA

CITY OF MOUNT CARMEL

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING

Monday Jan. 15, 2018 at 5:00pm

· Call to Order

· Pledge of Allegiance

· Invocation

· Roll Call

· Visitors to address the Council (topic discussed by visitor(s) is limited to 5 minutes)

· Mayor’s Report

COMMISSIONER’S REPORT:

· Eric Ikemire Streets, Cemeteries and Parks

· Joseph Judge Finance and Senior Citizens

· Justin Dulgar Water and Sewer

· Rod Rodriguez Fire, Health & Safety, City Hall, Garbage and Civil Defense

STAFF REPORTS:

· Rudy Witsman

· Kelli Storckman

· Mike Gidcumb

BUSINESS:

· Consideration of cemetery mowing bids

· Presentation of Consent Agenda

o First Reading of Ordinance 1084 Authorizing a Loan Agreement With IEPA for the wastewater plant

o Approve Resolution R-636 An Inducement Resolution to Holly Brook/Reflections Memory Care

o Approve the minutes of the regular Council meeting held 1/2/2018

o Approve payment of all bills bearing the proper signature

· Removal of items from the Consent Agenda

· Consideration of Consent Agenda

· Consideration of items removed from the Consent Agenda

· Executive Session (if needed)

· Motion to Adjourn

ISP Urging Safe Driving As Winter Storm Approaches

With the prediction of falling temperatures and snow beginning tonight into the weekend, Illinois State Police (ISP) District 19 is reminding motorists to take the necessary precautions before getting behind the wheel. Vehicle safety is equally important to driving safely while on the roadways.

“As winter weather impacts our area over the next several days, additional challenges and responsibilities for drivers exist,” said District 19 Commander Captain Cory Ristvedt. “We ask that drivers be well prepared: confirm your vehicle is properly maintained to operate in cold temperatures, allow extra time to reach your destination, ensure passengers are seat belted, and drive defensively by slowing down and increasing your following distance from other vehicles,” added Captain Ristvedt.

Stranded motorists are encouraged to remain inside their vehicles and wait for first responders to arrive. Motorists involved in crashes that do not require emergency assistance may file a crash report within 10 days at the nearest police station.

Illinois State Police also want to remind motorists to yield to emergency and snow removal equipment. Scott’s Law (Move-Over Law) requires drivers to reduce speed, change lanes if possible, and proceed with due caution when approaching emergency vehicles.

Further, it requires motorists to slow down and move over for any disabled motorist exhibiting flashing hazard lights.

Other safety tips include:

 Make sure someone is aware of your travel route.

 Dress warmly – choose layers of clothing in anticipation of unexpected winter weather emergencies.

 Keep your gas tank at least two-thirds full to prevent the vehicle’s fuel line from freezing. Plenty of fuel is also important if your vehicle becomes stranded.

 Clear ice and snow from your vehicle windows and lights.

 Don’t crowd the plow – remember, a snowplow operator’s field of vision is restricted. You may see them, but they may not see you.

 Watch out for black ice – roads that appear clear may be treacherous. Take it slow when approaching intersections, off-ramps, bridges, and shady areas – all are prone to black ice.

 Have an emergency car care kit that contains jumper cables, a flashlight, a small ice scraper, blankets, gloves, food items, water, and a first aid kit.

 Carry a cell phone AND a charger.

 Always wear a safety belt.

Motorists are urged to check travel conditions before any trip. You may get interstate condition information by calling 1-800-452-IDOT (4368) or on the Internet at www.gettingaroundillinois.com.

Reis Legislation Takes Aim at Fraud and Wasteful Spending

State Representative David Reis (R-Ste. Marie) has introduced multiple pieces of legislation with the goal of rooting out waste, fraud, and abuse in Illinois' entitlement systems. As the Illinois General Assembly begins its work in Springfield later this month, Reis says he is focusing hard on finding places to cut the budget and improve efficiencies.

"With the new session approaching, I want to focus on where Illinois can shrink government spending," Reis said. "We have to live within our means in this state. To me, a logical place to begin is with entitlement reform. A lot of politicians pay lip service to the concept of eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse, but I have introduced specific policy proposals that could start saving our State money right away." Reis is offering three specific proposals he says will result in savings for Illinois taxpayers. HB 4180 would require drug testing for individuals applying for welfare benefits.

HB 4181 would require the name and photo of the primary cardholder to be on an Illinois LINK card and, at the option of the primary cardholder, the names of secondary holders who are authorized to use the card. It establishes that an individual may only use the LINK card if the photo on the card matches the user or he or she presents a current and valid photo identification that confirms that he or she is a secondary user listed on the card.

Another proposal, HB 4182, would bar illegal immigrants from taking part in entitlement programs. These include the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), the Children's Health Insurance Program, ALL KIDS Health Insurance program, TANF, and the medical assistance program.

Reis says the concepts of drug testing welfare recipients, requiring photo IDs either on Link cards or presenting ID in order to use one, and stopping illegal immigrants from collecting state entitlement benefits have come up before in Springfield, only to be shot down by 40-year Speaker of the House Mike Madigan. "I have introduced reforms to Medicaid and other entitlement programs before, only to have Mike Madigan turn a thumbs down because he wants to protect Chicago," Reis said. "The truth is, the legislative package I have introduced will save Illinois taxpayers significant dollars on entitlement program spending. I urge Speaker Madigan and the rest of my colleagues in Springfield to take the problem of exploding entitlement spending seriously and to advance these important cost saving measures when we return to Session later this month."

Search Warrant Leads to Arrest

Vigo County—This morning at 10:30, officers from the Indiana State Police Meth Suppression Section, Vigo County Drug Task Force, Terre Haute Police Special Response Team, and Brazil Police Department descended upon the residence at 714 West North Street in Brazil to serve a Vigo County Division 6 search warrant. The result of the warrant was through information received during a joint investigation by the agencies. 

During a search of the residence, officers located approximately 1100 grams of synthetic Marijuana, US Currency (total not released at this time), and firearms. 

Donald G. Sutherlin II, age 34, of the address, was arrested and transported to the Vigo County Jail. Sutherlin was charged with Dealing Synthetic Marijuana, Possession of Synthetic Marijuana, and Corrupt Business Influence. 

Citizens should know that while synthetic Marijuana does not possess the same qualities as natural Marijuana, the effects of synthetic Marijuana are often unpredictable and can lead to anxiety and agitation, as well as health related side effects.

Investigation ongoing. 

Under the Law, criminal charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Female Driver Hospitalized after Car Strikes a Tree

Parke County—This morning at 9:49, Indiana State Police Trooper Michael Organ was patrolling along State Road 163 just west of US 41 (Lyford), when he came upon a one vehicle crash. The vehicle sustained heavy damage, but the female driver was able to free herself from the wreckage as Organ was stopping. 

Preliminary investigation revealed a black 2000 Honda passenger car, driven by 50-year-old Terry Coffin of Brazil, IN., was westbound on SR 163, traveled off the north edge of the roadway, and struck a tree. 

Terry Coffin was transported to Union Hospital of Clinton for possible internal injuries, lacerations, and complaint of pain.  

Coffin was cited for no valid driver’s license and improper vehicle registration. 

The crash was investigated by ISP Trooper Michael Organ. Assisting were ISP Troopers Tim Rader, Jason Owen, Ty Lightle, and Joe Watts, Clinton Police Officer John Alkire, Lyford Fire/Rescue, Parke County EMS, and Jackson Family Motors Towing. 

Pictures attached. 

Under the Law, criminal charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Driver Succumbs Following Crash that Ends in a Pond

Putnam County—This afternoon at 12:48, Indiana State Police and several other emergency agencies responded to the area of US 231 and County Road 1300 South for a report of a vehicle that ran off the roadway and into a pond. Moments before this crash, Putnam County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call from a victim reporting they were ran off the road by another vehicle in the area of this event. 

Indiana State Police Senior Trooper John Myers arrived on scene at 1:02 and was met by Cloverdale Police Chief Steve Hibler and Officer Rick Lambert. The trio braved the ice and made their way across the approximately 30 feet of frozen area to the vehicle. The same officers broke out the driver’s side rear window, unlocked the driver’s door, and pulled the unresponsive female from her vehicle. The officers and now fire-rescue personnel, initiated efforts to revive the victim. She was then transported to Putnam County Hospital for treatment and later pronounced deceased. 

Indiana Conservation Officer divers Lieutenant Kent Hutchins and Sergeant Chris Springstun arrived moments later, donned their water rescue gear and entered the frigid water to check for other victims. No other victims were found. The ICOs remained at the scene to assist with vehicle recovery efforts from the water. 

Preliminary investigation revealed the southbound 2013 Honda Pilot traveled off the east edge of US 231 for an unknown reason. The Honda continued a southeasterly course for approximately 600 feet before coming to rest in the pond. 

Putnam County Coroner David Brown has released the victim’s name.  Lavada Anne Boyette, age 56, of rural Cloverdale, IN. Family has been notified. 

At this time, troopers do not know why the Honda Pilot left the roadway. Investigation is ongoing with an autopsy scheduled tomorrow morning at Terre Haute Regional Hospital with Pathologist Dr. Roland Kohr.  

The crash was investigated by ISP Senior Trooper John Myers. Assisting were ISP Troopers DuJuan Presley-McFadden and Ryan Winters, Putnam County Sheriff’s deputies, Cloverdale Police, Cloverdale Fire/Rescue, Putnam County EMS, and Putnam County Coroner’s Office.