Disturbance call leads to arrest of Princeton duo on drug charges

On April 11, 2024, at 7:41 p.m. Gibson County Central Dispatch received a report of a disturbance in the 1100 block of South Gibson Street in Princeton.  Deputies with the Gibson County Sheriff’s Office went enroute to the residence and upon arriving on scene they detected the odor of burnt Marijuana coming from a recreational vehicle.  At that point they knocked on the door and spoke with 46 year old Gianna Reynolds and 68 year old Michael Morrow both of Princeton.  Upon speaking with both parties they conducted an investigation into the nature of the disturbance.  Once that was concluded they began a drug investigation.  At the conclusion of both investigation both Ms. Reynolds and Mr. Morrow were placed into custody and transported to the Gibson County Jail. 
 
Upon arriving at the Jail Mr. Morrow was charged with:
Possession of Paraphernalia
Possession of Methamphetamines
Possession of Marijuana.
 
Ms. Reynolds was charged with:
Possession of Paraphernalia
Possession of Methamphetamines
 
Arresting Officer was Deputy Eric Powell and he was assisted in his investigation by Sgt. Loren Barchett and Deputy Wyatt Hunt.  Also assisting in this investigation were Princeton Officers David Jones and Bryce Jutzi. 
 
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Holcomb announces direct flight service from Evansville to Chicago


New American Airlines route set to advance vibrancy of Southwest
Indiana region, supporting continued economic development, talent retention and attraction

EVANSVILLE, Ind. – Governor Eric J. Holcomb announced today a reinstatement of the nonstop flight from Evansville to Chicago that will increase quality of place and critical connectivity for businesses, talent and travelers in southwest Indiana.

"This is a big win, not just for Southwest Indiana, but for the entire state,” Gov. Holcomb said. “A direct flight from Evansville to the third largest city in the country will be a conduit for economic growth, business development and limitless opportunities for Hoosiers.”

Indiana Secretary of Commerce David Rosenberg joined executives of the Evansville Regional Airport (EVV) to announce that American Airlines will relaunch its route between Evansville and Chicago this fall.

“The new flight between Evansville and Chicago is a significant step forward in increasing connectivity to this major metro, as well as national and international hubs for Hoosier businesses, talent and residents,” said Sec. Rosenberg. “This will create more opportunities to attract new investment and residents, welcome even more visitors to our state and accelerate community assets that will advance quality of life in southwest Indiana.”  

The flights, which will begin Sept. 4, will offer twice-daily service to Chicago O’Hare Airport (ORD), American Airlines’ Midwest hub, connecting travelers with one stop to more than 120 domestic and international destinations. Operating on a CRJ 200 aircraft, the flights will have 50 seats onboard. Flights to Chicago will depart Evansville in the morning and afternoon and return to Evansville in the afternoon and evening. Tickets will go on sale April 15 through at aa.com or through American’s mobile app. 

“American looks forward to beginning service between our Chicago hub and Evansville this September,” said Joe Sottile, American Airlines Director of Domestic Network Planning. “Complementing our existing flights to Dallas/Fort Worth and Charlotte, the addition of service to ORD will offer customers convenient one-stop access between Evansville and more than 200 cities across our global network.” 

Connectivity is a major component of the state’s commitment to increase economic development and quality of place. The availability of nonstop air service is considered imperative for businesses when selecting locations for investment and is a key resource for businesses and talent located in Indiana. It is estimated that the reestablished route will further expand the more than $120.9 million annual impact the airport already has on the greater Evansville region, supporting the growth of global businesses currently located here or considering southwest Indiana for their home, and enhancing the overall quality of life for area residents.  

“EVV’s new Chicago service is a testament to solid community support and more passengers choosing to Fly EVV First, coupled with strong partnerships at the state and airline level,” said Nate Hahn, EVV Executive Director. “We appreciate American Airlines’ continued commitment to the Evansville market, and we are grateful for the State of Indiana’s investments that have empowered airline growth at EVV.”

This flight will bolster overall community development investments being made throughout southwest Indiana through the Indiana Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI). Through this nationally recognized initiative to cultivate vibrant, modern and sustainable communities that attract and retain top talent, the state is investing $95 million in the southwest Indiana region through READI and READI 2.0. This investment is being leveraged with additional local public, private and nonprofit dollars to accelerate community-focused investments in assets like housing, infrastructure, entrepreneurship and innovation, parks, trails and greenspaces, arts and culture, and health and wellness.  

“The connectivity created by this new route is critical not only for future economic development in the Evansville region, but also for many businesses already here today,” said Evansville Mayor Stephanie Terry. “I’m excited not only for the opportunities that this route provides for our business community, but also for the convenience it offers to our residents as they travel in their leisure time. Today’s announcement is a win for Evansville on every level.”

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WCHD & County Board Spar Over Time Clock

The Wabash County Health Department and Wabash County Commissioners continue to butt heads. The latest dispute centers around time keeping checks and balances.

At a special health board meeting Wednesday, administrator Judy Wissel said the health department’s current time clock was installed in October of 2022 following questions spurred by commissioner Rob Dean. In early 2023, Wissel said commissioners requested copies of time clock reports to which she explained the limitations of the time clock reports as far as holiday, sick, PTO, and flex time pay.

Then on February 23rd of this year, the health department received a FOIA request for time clock reports. Wissel said that resulted in health board chairman Darrell Thompson reporting time clock reports “not matching”. She said after the issue was discussed, it appeared cleared up. Thompson did not attend Wednesday’s special meeting.

But then, on April 1st, Wissel said when she arrived at the county commissioner meeting, Dean and Thompson were engaged in a conversation after which Dean requested an executive session which included Thompson. That evening, Wissel said she spoke with county board chairman Scott West who told her to do “whatever we needed to do” to get the payroll system to match. After attempting to explain the issues, Wissel said West told her she “just needed to fix it.” West told Wissel if employees were out of town at meetings they needed to drive back to the office to clock in and out.

Wissel said she and Audra Spray spent countless hours researching time clock capabilities to figure out how to record PTO, holidays, etc. by manually inserting them into the time clock.

This isn’t the first time the health department has encountered issues from the county board and Wissel told the health board Wednesday that there’ll probably always be something…

The health department is the only county department that the county board has ordered to use a time clock for its’ employees. Health board member Theresa Marcotte said that fact sends a bad message to health department workers…

Health board member Dr. Bryce Miller said the untold hours spent chasing down reports for the county board are hours that could’ve been better spent….

Miller said it’s ironic that if saving money is the goal, a lot of time and money has been wasted on this issue….

Wissel’s frustration centered on the health department’s employees being held to a higher standard than other county workers….

When the dust settled, county board chairman Scott West, who is also a health board member, assured Wissel and other health board members that the issue will be resolved once and for all if a new time clock system is installed. County commissioners will look into a new time clock system for the health department it deems acceptable. Health board members said the county should split the cost of the new system with the health department since they find the system bought two years as unacceptable.

New City Budget Looking Tight

The city of Mt. Carmel’s new fiscal year starts May 1st and at their meeting last week, the city council heard from city clerk Ryan Turner who says the new $4.2 million budget won’t allow for much wiggle room…

Turner said the city has had close to $250,000 in insurance claims from storm damage. He said that fact is causing city departments on turning in certain insurance which could drive rates up even more. Other areas that are costlier for the city are health insurance and utilities. But all in all, Turner said city finances are “doing great.”

Hoosier Motorists Use Caution- 2024 Planting Season Gets Underway Increasing Presence of Farm Implements on our Roadways

As Indiana’s planting season quickly approaches, the Indiana State Police emphasizes the importance of cautious driving and heightened awareness when encountering farm equipment on the roads. With farmers preparing to work their fields, large agricultural machinery will soon become a common sight along rural routes and highways.

The presence of farm equipment on roadways poses unique challenges for both drivers and operators. These machines are often large, slow-moving, and may obstruct visibility. Therefore, it is imperative for all road users to remain vigilant and patient.

To ensure the safety of everyone on the road, the Indiana State Police offer the following tips:

Stay Alert: Keep a lookout for slow-moving farm equipment, especially on rural roads. Be prepared to slow down or stop if necessary.

Maintain a Safe Distance: Keep a safe distance when following farm equipment. These vehicles may need to make sudden stops or turns.

Pass with Caution: If you need to pass farm equipment, do so with extreme caution. Only pass when it is safe and legal to do so, ensuring there is enough room to maneuver safely.

Use Signals: Signal your intentions early when approaching or passing farm equipment. This allows operators to anticipate your movements and adjust accordingly.

Be Patient: Remember that farmers are working to feed our communities. Exercise patience and understanding, as delays caused by farm equipment are temporary.

Watch for Turning Vehicles: Farm equipment may need to make wide turns. Stay back and give them ample space to complete their maneuvers safely.

Obey Traffic Laws: Adhere to all traffic laws and regulations, including speed limits and passing zones. Avoid distractions and remain focused on the road.

By following these guidelines, motorists can help ensure a safe planting season for both farmers and drivers alike. Let’s work together to prevent accidents and keep our roads safe for everyone.

Wabash County Commissioner Agenda

REGULAR MEETING Monday, April 15, 2024

AGENDA

1) Call to order:

2) Approve minutes of previous meeting:

3) Commissioner’s reports:

4) Officer’s reports:

5) Old Business:

a. ARPA Ordinance.

b. County Highway Building.

c. Lawnmower for Froman Park.

6) New Business:

a. Appointments to various boards.

7) Executive Session:

8) Correspondence:

9) Approval of payment of claims presented:

10) Adjournment

Bryant hosts Youth Advisory Council in Springfield

Springfield, IL – This week, State Senator Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro) welcomed dozens of high school students from across the 58th Senate District to the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield to learn more about the state’s legislative process as part of her Youth Advisory Council (YAC) program.

 “I want these students to be able to leave here understanding that they can have a real impact on our legislative process and the state as a whole,” said Sen. Bryant. “I was able to turn their idea from the fall into real legislation. While that particular bill hasn’t yet moved, I believe it has influenced the movement of a similar bill in the House known as Faith’s Law, so they definitely should take pride in that.”

Sen. Bryant’s YAC program allows local high school students to learn more about government through two meetings held each school year. During the fall meeting, students heard from local leaders and had the opportunity to propose ideas for new legislation. This year, students put forward a proposal meant to stop inappropriate relationships between teachers and students, regardless the age of the student. Sen. Bryant took their idea to help create her Senate Bill 2823.

 “This was something that I never thought I would be really interested in until I went to the fall event and gained a lot more interest,” said Chester High School Student Marbry Wingerter. “Everything about this has been great. I feel like I have been heard and have a better understanding of what goes on in our state government.”

During this week’s meeting, students took on the various roles involved in the legislative process for a mock committee hearing in an actual Senate committee room at the Capitol Complex. The students served as lawmakers discussing and voting on the proposal, concerned citizens and lobbyists advocating for and against the issue, and reporters covering the hearing.

 “It is important for young people to have an understanding of how government works because at some point, we will have to take over the cup whenever the older generation isn’t able to do it,” said Du Quoin High School Student Sam Vancil. “It’s better to be prepared for that now than to be thrown right in with no preparation.”

 “This event has opened my eyes to the fact that the people who make laws are just regular people,” said Edwards County High School Student Owen Grimes. “I’m learning that this is something that I may be able to do someday myself.”

 Sen. Bryant’s YAC program is open to high school students in the 58th Senate District each year. She encourages interested students to ask their teachers and/or principals about taking part in the future.

 

Traffic Stop Results In Arrest Of Convicted Felon

On 4/10/24, Mt. Carmel Police arrested Courtney D. Hicks, age 50, for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and Unlawful Use of Weapon by Felon following a traffic stop on a 2017 Chevrolet truck on Walnut & Southgate Drive.  During the stop, Ofc. Hopper and K-9 Eleven conducted a free air narcotics sniff around the exterior of the truck.  Eleven alerted to the presence of narcotics resulting in a search of the vehicle.  In doing so, officers located a glass pipe with suspected methamphetamine residue inside of it and a brass knuckle style weapon with two knives on the outside of it.  Hicks, who is also a convicted felon, was placed under arrest and transported to the Wabash County Jail where he was charged and later released on a Notice to Appear. 

Mt. Carmel Man Jailed Following Wednesday Domestic Dispute

On 4/10/24, Mt. Carmel Police arrested Cole W. Stewart, age 26, of Mt. Carmel for Domestic Battery following a reported domestic dispute at a residence in the 500 block of West 1st Street.  During the investigation, police found evidence that Stewart had made unwanted physical contact by pushing a juvenile resident to the floor.  It was also alleged that Stewart shoved his girlfriend to the ground and got on top of her while trying to recover a bottle of alcohol the she had taken during the incident.  Officers located Stewart in the shed behind the house where he was taken into custody.  Stewart was transported to the Wabash County Jail where he was charged and later transported to the White County Jail where he is being held pending a pre-trial detention determination.