Wabash County Board Notes

The Wabash County Board of Commissioners held a short meeting on Monday. It is being recessed until July 11th, when they will meet with City officials to continue negotiations towards a new 9-1-1 dispatch agreement. The meeting will start at 1 p.m. at Mt. Carmel City Hall.

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There has been a large drop-off of assessed property valuation in the county since last year. Assessor Debbie Gittings said it amounts to a loss of over 425-thousand dollars ($425,710). In working with the Illinois Department of Revenue, it was decided that for one year only, the Wabash County multiplier will go up to 1.0218. While we’re on the subject of taxes, Treasurer Beverly McBride told the county board that around 95-thousand dollars in prepayments have already been received. And, Monday was the day to get your mobile home taxes paid on time. Effective Tuesday, a late fee will be tacked on the bill.

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The county board Monday voted unanimously to declare items from the State’s Attorney office surplus. Cassandra Goldman said the older collection of state law books and courtroom standards were not needed. They have since been updated.

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Highway Engineer Dustin Bunting told commissioners Monday that a tentative start date for the bridge replacement on 650-East in Road District 5 has been set. Work will begin on July 15th – that’s if the river recedes by enough to allow crews access.

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Shimkus To Meet With Area Farmers Monday

On Monday, July 8, Congressman John Shimkus is scheduled to participate in the following meetings with local Farm Bureau members to discuss the weather challenges for spring planting and the trade issues impacting commodity prices:

At 9 a.m., the congressman will be at Kent and Hamilyn Mark's Grain Bin Complex (323 County Road 1850 North, West Salem, IL).

At 11:30 a.m., the congressman will be at the farm of Brad Daugherty (18217 East Angling Road, West Union, IL).

At 2:30 p.m., the congressman will be at the Aaron Downs farm (1240 East County Road 2600 North, Moweaqua, IL

Illinois State Police Announces June Activity and Enforcement

Carmi, IL – Illinois State Police District 19 Interim Commander, Lieutenant Lance Hinkle,

announced today activity and enforcement figures for the month of June. Troopers in District 19, which

includes Wabash, Edwards, Wayne, White, Hamilton, Saline, and Gallatin Counties, recorded 1,459

incidents during the month.

Enforcement activity consisted of 526 citations and 1,088 written warnings, including 271 speeding

citations, 6 DUIs, 63 occupant restraint citations, 13 criminal arrests, and 404 written warnings for speeding.

Troopers also assisted 82 motorists, conducted 202 Motor Carrier Safety Inspections, and investigated 36

traffic crashes. There were no fatal traffic crashes investigated by District 19 during June.

Moreover, District 19 issued 373 citations and 488 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.

ILLINOIS STATE POLICE URGES SAFE TRAVEL THIS HOLIDAY PERIOD

CARMI, IL –Illinois State Police (ISP) District 19 Interim Commander, Lieutenant Lance Hinkle, would like to remind motorists to drive sober or designate a sober driver while celebrating the July 4th holiday period. Driving Under the Influence (DUI) remains the number one cause of fatal traffic crashes during Independence Day celebrations. Additionally, speeding, distracted driving, and not wearing a seatbelt are the other main causes of personal injury and fatal traffic crashes. Troopers will be doing their part to keep the roadway safe by watching for impaired, distracted, and reckless drivers.

The ISP encourages those at celebrations involving alcohol to avoid impaired driving altogether. The following tips will help you avoid tragedy:

 Designate a sober driver or arrange for alternate transportation prior to the celebration.  If you are impaired, utilize a cab service, rideshare service, take public transportation, or call a sober friend or family member to get you home safely.  If you see what appears to be an impaired driver on the road, call 911.  If you are aware someone is about to operate a motor vehicle while impaired, take their keys and help make arrangements to get them to their destination safely.

“As always, we want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend,” stated Lieutenant Hinkle. “District 19 Troopers will be out aggressively enforcing traffic safety laws to help make sure everyone can safely travel the roadways this holiday weekend, and that will also include special patrols like Roadside Safety Checks,” he added.

In regards to that aggressive traffic safety enforcement this holiday period, ISP Troopers will focus their efforts on enforcing Fatal-4 violations: DUI, Speeding, Seatbelts and Distracted Driving, which are all contributing factors to traffic crash related fatalities.

Speeding increases your chances of losing control of a vehicle and reduces the reaction time to respond to potential hazards. Drive the speed limit and pass only when it’s safe to do so.

Keep your eyes on the road, hands on the wheel and off the cell phone. Illinois law prohibits the use of any electronic devices while operating a motor vehicle. Hands-free or Bluetooth Technology is allowed for persons over the age of 18. Avoid other common distractions such as, eating, adjusting music or controls, and tending to children or pets.

Buckle up. It is the law, and it may save your life if you are in a crash.

The ISP would also like to remind the public to proceed with caution when approaching a stationary emergency vehicle with their lights activated or any stationary vehicle with their hazards lights on. Move over if you can do so safely and slow down.

Mt. Carmel Man Jailed On Criminal Trespass Charge

On 6/30/19 Mt. Carmel Police arrested Michael L. Trost, age 45, of Mt. Carmel, for Criminal Trespass to State Supported Land. A complaint had been made regarding Trost being at the government supported apartments located at 1230 North Walnut Street. Officers investigated the complaint and found evidence to indicate Trost had been on the property prior to their arrival. Trost was later located in the 400 block of Cedar Street where he was placed under arrest. Trost was transported to the Wabash County Jail where he was charged and held pending the posting of bond.

DUI Arrest Made After Pear Street Crash

On 6/30/19 Mt. Carmel Police arrested Jonathan S. Campbell, age 35, of Mt. Carmel, for Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol. Officers were called to the 300 block of North Pear Street regarding a vehicle accident involving a truck striking a parked vehicle. Officers arrived and found signs to indicate impairment on the truck’s driver Jonathan Campbell. Sobriety tests were conducted on Campbell with numerous clues to indicate impairment observed. Campbell was placed under arrest and transported to the Wabash County Jail where he was charged and held pending the posting of bond.