Illinois State Police Announces September Activity and Enforcement

Carmi, IL – Illinois State Police District 19 Commander, Captain Cory Ristvedt, announced today activity and enforcement figures for the month of September. Troopers in District 19, which includes Wabash, Edwards, Wayne, White, Hamilton, Saline, and Gallatin Counties, recorded 1,111 incidents during the month.

Enforcement activity consisted of 394 citations and 798 written warnings, including 209 speeding citations, 1 DUI, 42 occupant restraint citations, 10 criminal arrests, and 309 written warnings for speeding. Troopers also assisted 57 motorists, conducted 190 Motor Carrier Safety Inspections, and investigated 22 traffic crashes. There was one fatal traffic crash, resulting in one fatality, investigated by District 19 during September.

Moreover, District 19 issued 264 citations and 377 written warnings 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.

Felony Warrant served at TMMI on Fort Branch man for Sexual Misconduct With a Minor and Child Seduction

On October 16, 2018, at 9:43 p.m. Gibson County Sheriff’s Deputies served a Felony Warrant on a Fort Branch man for Sexual Misconduct with a Minor and Child Seduction. 

The investigation by Detective Sergeant Roger Ballard began October 4, 2018, after a victim came forward allegations of Sexual Misconduct committed against them by 46 year old Donald E. Overbey Jr. of rural Fort Branch. At the conclusion of his investigation Detective Ballard submitted warrant request to the Gibson County Prosecutors Office for their review. 

Yesterday, October 16, Gibson County Sheriff Deputies served an arrest warrant on Mr. Overbey while he was at work at the Toyota Manufacturing Plant located in Gibson County. 

Mr. Overbey is charged with Sexual Misconduct With a Minor and Child Seduction. He remains in custody on a $10,000 bond. 

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

Wabash 12 Avenue Reopens To Traffic

This note to county motorists – Wabash 12 Avenue is once again open to through traffic. It had been closed for mining operations.

GATA To Add More Red Tape For Local Agencies

A new state mandate is going to make life a lot tougher for Wabash County officials. Called the Grant Accountability and transparency Act, or GATA for short, the law will force more stringent accounting guidelines on every department and agency. There are still a lot of unanswered questions, too. Highway Engineer Dustin Bunting says each road district may need to be registered with GATA. And Health Department administrator Judy Wissel is still trying to determine how it will affect the many grant-funded services her department offers.

State Catches Up On Payments to District #348

For a change, there’s some good financial news for Wabash District #348 when it comes to payments from the state. At last night’s school board meeting, superintendent Dr. Chuck Bleyer said the district has received all of the money it had coming from the state for the previous school year…

Bleyer’s comments on the state payment was the only report made at last night’s meeting before the board entered into a lengthy executive session to discuss personnel employment.

Wabash County Sheriff's Monthly Report

Sheriff Derek Morgan told the county board Monday that his office served 45 summons and issued 31 warrants during September. Deputies also worked 13 crashes during the month.

Early Voting Now Underway

Early voting is already underway in Wabash County. County Clerk Janet Will said 155 people have already taken advantage of the added times, whether by voting or requesting ballots by mail. The election is set for November 6th.

29% Of Wabash County Property Taxes Collected So Far

Tax collection is off and running in Wabash County, according to Treasurer Beverly McBride. She told county commissioners Monday that 29% of taxes are in, or $3,174,000, with another $7,823,000 left to collect. McBride also said Springfield still owes the county $14,524.51 in salary reimbursements for September.

WGH Officials Deliver Report To County Board

Jay Purvis, CEO at Wabash General Hospital, and his successor in 2019, Karissa Turner, both addressed the Wabash County Board of Commissioners on Monday. They talked about recent expansion projects, including the opening of a new clinic in Albion. Purvis said that with the new services that have been added, that all their facilities are out of space. He briefly explained the voter referendum on the November 6th ballot, asking voters for permission to build new buildings outside of Wabash County in the future. Purvis said the initial response to those ideas has been positive. Turner, meanwhile, said she is excited to serve the community as the new C-E-O next year. She has been at Wabash General for 13 years.

Wabash District #348 Personnel Matters

PERSONNEL MATTERS

October 15, 2018

RESIGNATIONS

Jessica Gill -MCJHS 7th Grade Girls’ Basketball Coach effective end of the

2017-2018 school year

Jody Golden -Full-time Parent Educator/Home Visitor effective October 12, 2018

Christy VanMatre -MCGS Nurse/Secretary effective October 26, 2018

CERTIFIED

Rebecca Pyatt -St. Mary’s School Part-time Private School Title 1 Tutor

beginning October 15, 2018

(Replacing Jennifer Huff who resigned)

NON-CERTIFIED

Jody Golden -MCJHS Alternative Education Room Supervisor beginning

October 15, 2018.

(Replacing Tiffany Gawthorp who transferred to another position)

EXTRA-CURRICULAR

Baylie Ray - MCJHS 7th Grade Girls’ Head Basketball Coach beginning the

start of the 2018-2019 season

(Replacing Jessica Gill who resigned)