Ft. Branch Woman Picked Up By MCPD On FTA Warrant

On 4/09/24, Mt. Carmel Police arrested Daisha N. Cardinal, age 33, of Fort Branch, Indiana on a Wabash County Failure to Appear Warrant for Possession of Methamphetamine.  Cardinal was observed in the Wabash County Courthouse tending to another matter.  Cardinal was transported to the Wabash County Jail and later transferred to White County Jail where she is being held pending a pre-trial detention determination by the court.

Report Of Stolen Lawn Chairs From Dollar General Leads To Arrest Of Pair On Other Charges

On 4/09/24, Mt. Carmel Police arrested Jessica L. Kramer, age 38, of Fort Branch, Indiana for Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, Other Drugs, Intoxicating Compounds and Possession of Methamphetamine.  Police also arrested Anthony E. Gehring, age 47, of Cape Girardeau, Missouri for Possession of Methamphetamine, and Possession of Stolen Property following a traffic stop on a 2015 Dodge in the 1500 block of West 9th Street.  The stop was a result of a complaint regarding the theft of two lawn chairs from the West 9th Street Dollar General Store.  During the investigation, Ofc. Hopper and K-9 Eleven arrived and conducted a free air narcotic sniff around the exterior of the Dodge with Eleven alerting to the presence of narcotics. 

As one officer spoke to the driver, Kramer, he noted her behavior was indicative of methamphetamine use.  Consequently, the officer requested Kramer submit to a roadside sobriety check.  Kramer agreed to testing and showed several clues to indicate impairment.  During this same time, officers requested the passenger, Gehring, step out of the vehicle so a vehicle search could be conducted.  The search led to officers finding suspected methamphetamine in various containers along with other drug related items.  Kramer was processed for DUI at an area hospital and taken, along with Gehring, to the Wabash County Jail for further processing. 

During this time, officers located a stolen driver’s license and social security card that belonged to an Evansville, Indiana resident on Gehring, resulting in the additional charge of Possession of Stolen Property.  Dollar General staff elected not to pursue charges for the chairs due to the other pending charges.  Both were later released on Notices to Appear.   

Troopers Investigate Late-Night Fatal Crash Near Lamar

Spencer County – Monday night, April 8th, at approximately 11:47p.m., Indiana State Police and Spencer County Sheriff’s Office responded to a single-vehicle crash on rural County Road 1200 North near Lamar. This is just south of Santa Claus.

Preliminary investigation indicated Matthew S. Weber, 44, of Santa Claus, was driving a 2023 Ford Bronco eastbound on County Road 1200 North. For an unknown reason, Weber’s vehicle slowly left the roadway and hit a tree head-on on the eastbound side of the road. Weber died at the scene from his injuries.

Authorities have made notifications to all the families. An autopsy will be scheduled. Drugs or alcohol are not believed to be a factor.

Investigating Officer: Trooper Chase Snider, Indiana State Police

Assisting Officers: Trooper Nathaniel Kern and Trooper Jon Villanueva

Assisting Agencies: Spencer County Sheriff’s Office, Spencer County Coroner, Spencer County EMS, Santa Claus Fire Department, Chrisney Fire Department, and Ohio Valley Towing

Fairfield Man Arrested Following Gibson County Domestic Dispute

On April 8th, 2024 at approximately 11:56 p.m. the Gibson County Sheriff`s Office received an Emergency 911 call about a domestic dispute in the 7000 block of South 450 West near Owensville.  Sgt. John Fischer and Deputy Bart Wagner arrived to the residence and conducted an investigation.  After the course of the investigation, Sgt. John Fischer found probable cause to believe that Justin R. Williams, age 40 of Fairfield Illinois had committed Domestic Battery in the presence of children under age 16 and intimidation, both level 6 Felonies.  Sgt. Fischer transported Mr. Williams to the Gibson County Jail and was assisted in his investigation by Deputy Bart Wagner. 

All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law

Body Of Indiana Man Pulled From Wabash River Sunday

A body pulled from the Wabash River Sunday morning near the boat ramp in Mt. Carmel has been identified as that of an Indiana man. Wabash County Coroner Shaun Keepes reports his office was notified Sunday morning of a body in the river near the 5th Street boat ramp and the ensuing investigation by his office, Wabash County Water Rescue, Mt. Carmel Police Department, and Wabash County Sheriff’s Department resulted in the body as being identified as 27 year old Bryson L. Ledsinger of Avon, Indiana. Keepes said the case remains under investigation with an autopsy planned for Tuesday at the Wabash County Coroner’s office.

City Applies For Grant To Pay For Demo Of Eyesores

The city of Mt. Carmel is again working with the Greater Wabash Regional Planning Commission on a grant application that would help pay for tearing down eyesores…

The city and Greater Wabash were recently successful in obtaining a grant to help pay $10,000 for retention and recruitment of police officers. Judge also said the city has submitted a grant application to pay for a Mommy and Me swing at the City Park. Judge said the $3,600 swing allows mothers and infants to be in the same swing together and would be a good addition to the park.

Judge Says City Getting No Help From State For Eclipse

With an influx of visitors expected in southern Illinois this weekend and Monday for the Eclipse, you would assume the state was doing all it can to help local communities cope. But that’s far from the case. In fact, Mayor Joe Judge said the assistance from the state, or lack thereof, has been striking…

Merchants Park will be the focal point for the Eclipse in Mt. Carmel on Monday with a variety of events planned.

Traffic Stop Leads To DUI Arrest Of Mt. Carmel Woman

On 4/06/24, Mt. Carmel Police arrested Jeri L. Glick, age 63, of Mt. Carmel for Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol following a traffic stop in the 400 block of West 12th Street.  Prior to the stop, the arresting officer observed a red Chevrolet commit multiple traffic violations in the area of  11th & Chestnut Street.  When the officer made contact with the driver, identified as Glick, he suspected impairment from alcohol consumption.  Glick submitted to a roadside sobriety check which provided several clues to indicate impairment.  Glick was placed under arrest and transported to the Wabash County Jail where she was processed for DUI and later released on a Notice to Appear in court. 

Mt. Carmel Man Arrested Following Domestic Dispute

On 4/01/24, Mt. Carmel Police arrested Steven B. Foote, age 47, of Mt. Carmel for Domestic Battery following a domestic dispute at a residence in the 1100 block of Landes Street.  Officers arrived to the scene and found evidence to indicate that Foote had battered his girlfriend by striking her in the face and by grabbing her arm to keep her from leaving, which was witnessed by another party.  Foote was placed under arrest and transported to the Wabash County Jail where he was charged, processed and later released on pre-trial conditions. 

Local Business Partners with Mt. Carmel Police Department, Wabash County Sheriff’s Office to Promote Roadway Safety

Carquest Auto Parts announced a partnership to increase vehicle safety for local motorists in collaboration with Mt. Carmel Police Department and Wabash County Sheriff’s Office. The announcement was made Wednesday during a customer appreciation event at the Mt. Carmel Carquest location on 510 W. 9th Street.

As part of the program, the Carquest store team presented Mt. Carmel Police Chief Michael McWilliams and Wabash County Sheriff Derek Morgan each with a Carquest gift card donation totaling $500. When a motorist is stopped with an equipment violation such as a faulty headlight, taillight or other issue, their officers and deputies may issue a $25 Carquest gift card. Motorists can then use the gift card to repair their vehicle without incurring the cost of a citation.

“We are proud to be joining forces with local law enforcement on this partnership,” said Bob Hoeszle, owner of Carquest’s 9th Street Parts location. “As a family-owned auto parts store, we welcome the opportunity to assist fellow residents by helping keep them safe while on the road. We are grateful for the services that Mt. Carmel Police Department and Wabash County Sheriff’s Office provide, and we look forward to witnessing the impact that results from our work together.”

“This generous donation from Carquest couldn’t have come at a better time,” said Wabash County Sheriff, Derek Morgan. “With the consistently rising costs of virtually everything, we can help people fix their vehicle violations without causing a financial burden. This program allows us all to give back to the community.”

“When Carquest reached out to the Mt. Carmel Police Department with this wonderful idea, it was a no brainer,” said Mt. Carmel Chief of Police, Michael McWilliams. “Not only does it offer a gesture of goodwill to the community, it eases the economic hardship citizens face in the wake of increased basic living essentials cost.”

Brothers Bob and Larry Hoeszle have owned and operated the 9th Street Parts Carquest location since 2014. They transitioned into the auto parts business after years of managing local businesses. Larry spent over 35 years as a diesel technology instructor in the community, working with cars, trucks, heavy duty and agricultural equipment. As local business owners, the Hoeszles are committed to providing quality parts and expert advice to meet the diverse needs of Mt. Carmel and surrounding areas.