Big Changes Coming To Ribberfest

Next month’s Wabash Ribberfest will have a decidedly different look from those in recent years. Gone is Ribberfest’s affiliation with the Kansas City Barbeque Society and in its’ place is an expanded backyard competition. Organizer Terry Beckerman told the city council last night that it’s hoped 28 backyard teams will fill the 300 and 400 blocks of Market Streets. Beckerman said while the big KCBS cooking teams will no longer be a part of Ribberfest, food vendors will still be plentiful for the April 27th and 28th event. Another offshoot of the scaled down festival is that Market Street won’t be closed until 11:00 Friday morning the 27th for setup. Despite the changes, the Kiwanis Cannonball Downhill Derby will still be a part of Ribberfest. The Wabash County Senior Citizens could be the biggest winner of Ribberfest weekend as Beckerman said $50 from each of the backyard competitor’s entry fees will be donated to the center. Coupled with other donations, Beckerman said Ribberfest has the potential to generate thousands of dollars for the senior center.

Wabash Ribberfest organizer Terry Beckerman updates the City Council on next month's event.

Guns and Hoses Brings In Over $1,600 For Senior Citizens Center

At Monday's City Council meeting, Fire Commissioner Rod Rodriguez presented Senior Citizens Commissioner Joe Judge with a check for $1,623 for the Wabash County Senior Citizens Center. The money comes from Sunday's Guns and Hoses basketball games.

Mayor Bill Hudson announced last night that the Rotary Club will have a pancake supper on Thursday, March 22nd from 4:30pm to 6:30pm at the senior center to benefit the Senior Citizens Center.

I-57 Crash Leads To Charges For Mississippi Driver

ISP TRAFFIC CRASH ALERT

The Following Preliminary Information is Being Released by Illinois State Police District 12

WHAT: Personal injury accident.

WHERE: I-57 n/b 2 miles south of Salem.

WHEN: 05:40 AM 03/12/18

VEHICLES: Unit #1 – Silver 04 Chrysler passenger car.

DRIVER: Unit #1 – Antario J. Miller, 20, of Cleveland, MS.

PASSENGERS: Unit #1- Roshelle L. Forte, 20, of Greenville, MS.

CHARGES: Driver was charged with improper lane usage, not wearing a seat belt, possession of cannabis under 10 grams and possession of drug paraphernalia.

The passenger was charged with not wearing a seat belt and possession of cannabis under 10 grams.

TRANSPORTS: The driver and passenger of Unit #1 were transported to Salem County Hospital

PRELIMINARY: Preliminary investigative details indicate unit #1 was traveling north on I-57 at m.p. 114 when it left the west side of the roadway entering the median. The driver of unit #1 then over corrected entering the n/b lanes of traffic. Unit #1 then left the west side of the roadway again striking a guardrail then crossed the n/b lanes of traffic striking the side of a bridge and coming to a rest.

All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law

ISP District 19 February Activity Report

Illinois State Police District 19 Commander, Captain Cory Ristvedt, announced today activity and enforcement figures for the month of February. Troopers in District 19, which includes Wabash, Edwards, Wayne, White, Hamilton, Saline, and Gallatin Counties, recorded 997 incidents during the month. Enforcement activity consisted of 387 citations and 735 written warnings, including 168 speeding citations, 7 DUIs, 50 occupant restraint citations, 7 criminal citations, and 241 written warnings for speeding. Troopers also assisted 55 motorists, conducted 158 Motor Carrier Safety Inspections, and investigated 37 traffic crashes. There were no fatal traffic crashes investigated by District 19 during February. Moreover, 234 citations and 275 written warnings were issued for “Fatal Four” violations. These violations are most associated with fatal traffic crashes and include DUI, Speeding, Failure to Wear a Seatbelt, and Distracted Driving.

Bridgeport Man Jailed On FTA Warrant & Driving Suspended

On 03/11/18 at 9:09 a.m. the Wabash County Sheriff's conducted a vehicle stop on Highway 1 and N 2250 Blvd. for a traffic violation.  During Deputy Bogard's stop it was found that the driver, Cameron W. Jones, 34 of Bridgeport, had a suspended license and an active warrant out of Wabash County.  Jones refused to exit the vehicle and struggled with Deputy Bogard during the arrest.  Jones was taken into custody on the F.T.A. warrant (possession of meth) and driving suspended and transported to the Wabash County Jail, Jones was also charged with obstructing a peace officer. Jones remains jailed on a $1,150 cash bond. 

Traffic Stop Lands Mt. Carmel Woman In Jail

On 03/10/18 at 10:17 A.M. the Wabash County Sheriff's Office conducted a vehicle stop at 3rd and Poplar Streets in Mt. Carmel reference an equipment violation.  During Deputy Bogard's stop he found that the driver, Peyton N. Fearheiley, 22, of Mt. Carmel had a suspended driver's license and an active F.T.A. warrant out of Wabash County.  Fearheiley was taken into custody and transported to the Wabash County Jail on the warrant and charged with driving suspended.  Fearheiley remains in the Wabash County Jail awaiting the posting of $350 cash bond. 

Keensburg Man Arrested Following High Speed Chase

On March 11, 2018 at approximately 4:52 pm, Mt. Carmel Police attempted to stop a 2000 Nissan for a traffic violation on Empire Street in Mt. Carmel.  Police reported the vehicle failed to stop and turned onto Rt. 1 South from Empire Street.  Police reported once on Route 1 the vehicle accelerated to 100 mph.  Police stated the vehicle eventually came to a stop at Highway 1 and 920 Lane.  Police identified the driver as Jered W Wagner,  age 34, of Keensburg.  Wagner told the arresting officer he couldn't be arrested and that he didn't have to stop for the officer because he was no longer in the city limits of Mt. Carmel.  Wagner was arrested and transported to the Wabash County Jail where he was charged with aggravated fleeing or attempting to elude, disobeying a stop sign, speeding (100 mph in 55 mph), operating an uninsured motor vehicle, and unlawful use of registration.  Wagner is being held pending the posting of bond.  Mt. Carmel Police were assisted by the Wabash County Sheriff's Office.

Albion Pair Busted For Meth Possession By MCPD

On 3/09/18 Mt. Carmel Police arrested Christina I. Dorney, age 31, and Justin J.M. Boner, age 30, both of Albion, IL for Possession of Methamphetamine and Drug Paraphernalia following a traffic stop in the 400 block of West 9th Street.  Officer Hopper and his K-9 Ace conducted a free air narcotics sniff around the exterior of the vehicle which resulted in Ace alerting to the presence of narcotics.  A search led to officers locating suspected methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia as well as a stun gun/flashlight.  Dorney was also charged with Unlawful Use of Weapon as a result of the stun gun being located.  Both were transported to the Wabash County Jail, charged and held pending a bond setting by a judge. 

Mt. Carmel Man Jailed On Meth Possession Warrant

On 3/09/18 Mt. Carmel Police arrested Brian K. McKendree, age 38, of Mt. Carmel, on a Wabash County Warrant for Possession of Methamphetamine.  McKendree was located at a residence in the 100 block of West 6th Street.  McKendree was transported to the Wabash County Jail where he was issued his warrant and is being held on a $1000 cash bond.

FTA Warrant Leads To Resisting Charge For Mt. Carmel Man

On 3/09/18 Mt. Carmel Police arrested Gregory A. Williams, age 55, of Mt. Carmel, on a Failure to Appear Warrant out of Wabash County.  Williams was located at a residence located in the 900 block of North Walnut Street.  Williams attempted to flee out the back door of the residence but was taken into custody.  Williams was transported to the Wabash County Jail where he was issued the arrest warrant as well as a charge for Resisting a Peace Officer.  Williams is being held on a total of $350 cash bond.