The Wabash District #348 school board took action on these personnel matters at their Monday monthly meeting.
Detroit man arrested after brief pursuit
On July 14, 2018, at 11:33 p.m. Gibson County Special Deputy Tyler Martin attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a silver passenger car for speeding on US 41 near County Road 550 South when the vehicle fled. Deputy Martin was able to stop the vehicle near Tulip Tree Drive and place the driver 35 year old Antoine Lapsley of Detroit into custody. At that point Deputy Martin began a roadside investigation that resulted in Mr. Lapsley being transported to the Gibson County Jail where he was charged with Possession of Marijuana, Resisting Law Enforcement with a Vehicle, and Reckless Driving. Mr. Lapsley has since posted a $1,000 bond.
Assisting Deputy Martin in his investigation was Sgt. John Fischer of the Gibson County Sheriff’s Office, Sgt. Steve McNeece of the Princeton Police, and Nathan Brown of the Fort Branch Police Department.
All Criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt i n a court of law.
Plastics Company Expanding in Evansville, Moving Production to Indiana
EnCom Polymers Inc., a compounder of high performance polymers for multiple industries, announced plans today to expand its headquarters in southwest Indiana, creating up to 56 new jobs by 2021.
"Indiana has a strong reputation for making products that power our world, but we're also innovating new solutions that are driving industries forward," said Elaine Bedel, president of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC). "With a fiscally predictable, pro-growth business climate, entrepreneurs and small businesses like EnCom Polymers can expand and create new, skilled jobs for Hoosiers with confidence."
The privately-owned business will invest more than $14.9 million to purchase and upgrade the 58,000-square-foot building at 4825 N. Sprint St. in Evansville that it is currently leasing. The renovations will also include the installation of new, state-of-the-art equipment, including four production lines, a lab line, an injection molder and a full testing laboratory, allowing EnCom to produce its custom plastics products in-house rather than relying on out-of-state manufacturers. The company plans to have its first production line installed and operational by September with additional lines being installed soon after.
EnCom, which currently employs 14 associates at its Evansville headquarters, plans to hire immediately for 17 positions in manufacturing and professional service. With this expansion, the company's production, business development, logistics, R&D, quality, and safety and compliance departments will all be centralized in southwest Indiana. Interested applicants should apply online.
"We are grateful for the forward-looking leadership style our community leaders have exhibited, which will allow us to take our company to the next level of performance and service," said Rick Kaskel, CEO of EnCom Polymers.
Established in 2001, EnCom creates custom plastics solutions by using polymer chemistry specifically designed for the end application process. The company was originally formed to serve automotive companies in the Midwest and their tier 1 and tier 2 suppliers, but has since expanded to serve a variety of industries, including telecommunications, medical, electrical and electronic, material handling and industrial. The company's plastic products, which can also include a variety of enhancements such as glass, mineral, talc and flame-retardants, include nylon, polycarbonate, polypropylene and other compounds.
“EnCom’s decision to consolidate its operations in Evansville and its multi-million-dollar investment in training, facilities and equipment is a strong show of confidence in our city and local workforce," said Evansville Mayor Lloyd Winnecke. "EnCom leaders thoroughly investigated other options and determined our community is the best place for the company’s future growth and prosperity.”
The IEDC offered EnCom Polymers up to $550,000 in conditional tax credits based on the company's job creation and investment plans. These incentives are performance-based, meaning until Hoosiers are hired, the company is not eligible to claim incentives. The city of Evansville will consider additional incentives at the request of the Growth Alliance for Greater Evansville.
Two Lawrence County Teens Seriously Injured After Swerving At Each Other Goes Wrong
The Following Preliminary Information is Being Released by Illinois State Police District 12
WHAT: Personal Injury Crash
WHERE: Christy Ave. approximately 0.5 miles south of Sumner, IL. Lawrence County
WHEN: 07/13/2018 5:47 p.m.
VEHICLES: UNIT 1 Blue 2004 Chevrolet pickup IL Reg: 1901949B (Injury)
UNIT 2 Silver 2002 GMC pickup IL Reg: 1851383B (Injury)
DRIVER: UNIT 1- (INJURY/TRANSPORT) 17 y/o male Sumner, IL
UNIT 2- (INJURY/TRANSPORT) 17 y/o male, Lawrenceville, IL
PASSENGERS: None
CHARGES: No charges
TRANSPORTS: UNIT 1- Driver (INJURY/TRANSPORT) 17 y/o male Sumner, IL
UNIT 2- Driver (INJURY/TRANSPORT) 17y/o male, Lawrenceville, IL
PRELIMINARY: A preliminary investigation revealed that Unit 1 was Southbound on Christy Ave. 0.5 miles south of Sumner, in Lawrence County. Unit 2 was Northbound at the same location. According to the driver of Unit 2, both drivers were acquaintances and jokingly swerved at each other. As the vehicles met, Unit 1 struck Unit 2 in the driver's side door forcing it off the roadway and into the East ditch. Both vehicles then caught on fire and quickly became fully engulfed. Passers by were able to remove both drivers from their vehicles. The driver of Unit 1 was flown from the scene, via helicopter, to Deaconess Hospital in Evansville, IN. The driver of Unit 2 was transported via ambulance to Good Samaritan Hospital in Vincennes, IN and was later transferred to Deaconess Hospital.
The driver of Unit 1 sustained a fractured jaw, fractured tibia, facial lacerations and a severe concussion. The driver of Unit 2 sustained a fractured leg and lacerations to both legs.
Man Injured In Motorcycle Crash
ISP TRAFFIC CRASH ALERT
The Following Preliminary Information is Being Released by Illinois State Police District 12
WHAT: Injury Crash
WHERE: US Rt. 45 southbound just south of Effingham County Road 870 Th. Ave. (South of Heartville)
WHEN: 8:46 AM 07/14/18
VEHICLES: Unit #1 – Black 2005 Kawasaki Vulcan motorcycle
DRIVER: Unit #1 – Nathan E. Miller, 37 of Shelbyville, IL
PASSENGERS: None
CHARGES: None
TRANSPORTS: Unit #1 driver was transported St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital by ambulance.
PRELIMINARY: Preliminary investigative details indicates Unit 1 was traveling behind another motorcycle that was slowing down due to a flat tire. Unit 1 was was applying its front brake to slow down. The front tire of Unit 1 locked up and flipped over ejecting the driver off the motorcycle. The driver of unit 1 was transported to St. Anthony’s Hospital.
Motorist Arrested For Driving While Suspended
07/11/2018-Mt. Carmel Police arrested 36 year old Tiffany L. Bigel of Mt. Carmel after she was stopped for driving while suspended. The arresting officer reported seeing Bigel at the intersection of 6th and Walnut Street and knew that she was driving suspended. The officer stopped Bigel and placed her under arrest. Bigel was transported to the Wabash County Jail and released after posting $150.00 bond.
Mt. Carmel Woman Arrested By MCPD On Numerous Charges
07/14/2018-Mt. Carmel Police arrested 55 year old Sheila J. Ryker of Mt. Carmel after she was stopped for an expired registration. During the traffic stop it was discovered that Ryker was driving on a revoked driver's license and had a warrant out of Richland County for failure to appear. During the search of Ryker police located drug paraphernalia and firearm ammunition. Ryker was transported to the Wabash County Jail where she was served the Richland County warrant, issued citations for driving while revoked and operating an uninsured motor vehicle, possession of cannabis, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Ryker was also cited for felon in possession of a weapon (ammunition). Ryker was held pending the posting of bond.
B & D To Expand; Groundbreaking Set For July 24th
One of Mt. Carmel premier manufacturers is making plans to expand and add more employees at their westside facility. B & D Independence will break ground on its' 12,000 square foot expansion at 10am on July 24th. The expansion will grow B & D from 23,500 to 35,500 square feet and enable the company to expand their product line and add additional employees.
B&D Independence is recognized as the world leader in the design and manufacture of power transfer seat bases for wheelchair accessible vans.
June Wabash County Sheriff's Report
Sheriff Derek Morgan reports that his department responded to 243 incidents in June, including 11 traffic crashes, while serving 73 summons and 29 warrants. Dispatch also handled 49 animal control calls as well. Morgan also reported his office had received six laptops that will be placed in squad cars, part of a grant program.
RMC Donates $5,000 For New Stage At Merchants Park
Mike Harris with the group Market Street MTC is shown accepting a $5,000 check from the Retail Merchants Duck committee and Chamber Executive Director Lesley Hipsher. The RMC is donating proceeds from their duck race this year and next year for the construction of a stage at Merchants Park. Market Street MTC is still accepting donations---contact Mike Harris at Harris Insurance Agency for more information.
PHOTO CAPTION: From L-R-Darrin Gottman-Duck Race Committee; Rachael Smith-Duck Race Committee; Lesley Hipsher-Chamber Executive; Mike Harris-Market Street MTC; Sharon Harris-Duck Race Committee; Susan Zimmerman-Duck Race Committee.
