Joseph James

WHITE CO., Ill. - White County State's Attorney Denton Aud has reported a sentencing in his county this afternoon that occurred after a revocation was ordered on a Carmi man's probation.

Aud said that Joseph W. James, 29, of Carmi, was sentenced today (Monday, April 2) to seven years in the Department of Corrections on a  Class 3 felony Theft count, to which he had initially been sentenced to probation.

Aud said that despite that opportunity, James was found to have violated that probation at a revocation hearing on February 28, after the court found that James had failed to report to drug testing, failed to report to probation for multiple months, and had violated an order of protection in place against him.

James also still has a pending criminal case for unlawful violation of OP; he is presumed innocent in that case unless and until he is found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

James was ordered to pay all previously ordered fines, fees, costs, assessments and restitution.

Aud called two witnesses to testify in the case, which was heard in front of Judge T. Scott Webb, who handed down the sentence.

WILLIAMSON CO., Ill. - Illinois State Police are saying that fatigued driving was the cause of an accident that occurred in Williamson County this morning.

ISP said that the wreck occurred in the northbound lane of Interstate 57 at milepost 52 at 11:08 a.m. this morning, Monday, April 2.

A 2009 Honda Civic being driven by William A. Chang, 64, of Little Rock, Arkansas, was northbound at that point when, Chang told troopers, he became fatigued. Chang drove the Honda off the roadway and into the median. Once in the median, the Honda overturned multiple times.

The vehicle suffered total damage and was towed from the scene by Tondini's Towing out of Marion.

Chang and his passenger, Berlita Chang, 74, also of Little Rock, were transported to Heartland Regional Hospital in Marion for injuries sustained.

The driver was cited with Improper Lane Usage.

TRI-STATE (Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky) - We are under the typical weather notifications that occur in the Springtime in the Midwest...but given how much flooding we've had in the past six weeks, and how super-saturated the ground is currently, there are several aspects of the potentially-serious weather we're facing later today that you need to take note of.

Here's the Hazardous Weather Outlook for our south and some of the central counties:

Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Paducah KY
416 AM CDT Tue Apr 3 2018

ILZ075>078-080>094-INZ081-082-085>088-KYZ001>022-MOZ076-086-087-
100-107>112-114-040930-
Jefferson-Wayne IL-Edwards-Wabash-Perry IL-Franklin-Hamilton-
White-Jackson-Williamson-Saline-Gallatin-Union-Johnson-Pope-
Hardin-Alexander-Pulaski-Massac-Gibson-Pike-Posey-Vanderburgh-
Warrick-Spencer-Fulton-Hickman-Carlisle-Ballard-McCracken-Graves-
Livingston-Marshall-Calloway-Crittenden-Lyon-Trigg-Caldwell-
Union KY-Webster-Hopkins-Christian-Henderson-Daviess-McLean-
Muhlenberg-Todd-Perry MO-Bollinger-Cape Girardeau-Wayne MO-Carter-
Ripley-Butler-Stoddard-Scott-Mississippi-New Madrid-
416 AM CDT Tue Apr 3 2018

...Enhanced risk of severe thunderstorms this afternoon and
evening...

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of southern
Illinois, southwest Indiana, western Kentucky, and southeast
Missouri.

.DAY ONE...Today and Tonight

The potential exists for an outbreak of severe thunderstorms and
isolated tornadoes, mainly during the afternoon and evening
hours. A line of thunderstorms is expected to form along a strong
cold front as it crosses southeast Missouri and southern Illinois
this afternoon. This line of storms will then sweep east across
western Kentucky and southwest Indiana late this afternoon and
this evening.

The primary hazard with these storms is expected to be damaging
winds. However, isolated tornadoes are possible as well. Although
not currently expected, any isolated storms that form ahead of the
line would contain a high potential for tornado formation.
In addition, large hail is likely in a few of the strongest
storms.

Outside of thunderstorms, south winds will be strong and gusty
today. A Wind Advisory is in effect for today for sustained winds
up to 25 mph with gusts from 40 to 45 mph.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Wednesday through Monday

Widespread frost is likely on Wednesday night, with low
temperatures right around freezing.

A light wintry mix of precipitation is possible on Friday night,
with little or no accumulation. Freezing temperatures are likely
Friday night, generally in the upper 20s to around 30. Lows on
Saturday night will be near freezing in many areas.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Skywarn spotter activation will likely be needed this afternoon
into this evening.

There's a flood warning, too, for riverside counties:

Flood Warning
National Weather Service Paducah Kentucky
926 AM CDT Tue Apr 3 2018

...Forecast Flooding Changed from Minor to Moderate Severity for the
   Wabash River affecting areas in southeast Illinois and southwest
   Indiana...

   At New Harmony affecting Gallatin...Wabash...White...Gibson and
   Posey Counties.

.Water levels continue to rise along portions of lower Wabash River
at New Harmony, IN. Moderate flood conditions will develop early
this weekend, with a crest expected the middle of next week.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

SAFETY MESSAGE...

Never drive cars...trucks or sport utility vehicles through flooded
areas. The water may be too deep to allow safe passage. Never allow
children to play in or near flood waters. Stay tuned to NOAA Weather
Radio or your local media for further statements and possible updated
forecasts.

Additional information is available at
http://www.crh.noaa.gov/ahps2/index.php?wfo=pah /lower case/

&&

ILC059-185-193-INC051-129-041825-
/O.COR.KPAH.FL.W.0035.000000T0000Z-000000T0000Z/
/NHRI3.2.ER.180329T1618Z.180411T0600Z.000000T0000Z.NO/
926 AM CDT Tue Apr 3 2018

...forecast flooding increased from Minor to Moderate severity...
  The Flood Warning continues for the Wabash River at New Harmony.
* At 9 AM Tuesday the stage was 18.2 feet.
* Flood Stage is 15.0 feet.
* Minor flooding is occurring and Moderate flooding is forecast.
* Forecast...Moderate flood conditions will develop Saturday morning,
  and crest near 21.1 feet Wednesday April 11.
* Impact...At 21.0 Feet...The river is 3 miles wide at I-64.

And a floor warning specifically for Gallatin, Wayne and White counties:

Flood Statement
National Weather Service Paducah Kentucky
845 AM CDT Tue Apr 3 2018

...The flood warning continues for the Little Wabash River affecting
   areas in southeast Illinois...

   At Carmi affecting Gallatin...Wayne and White Counties.

.Moderate flooding continues along the Little Wabash River at Carmi
Illinois. A crest is expected tomorrow evening, and will remain at
or near that level into the weekend.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

SAFETY MESSAGE...

Never drive cars...trucks or sport utility vehicles through flooded
areas. The water may be too deep to allow safe passage. Never allow
children to play in or near flood waters. Stay tuned to NOAA Weather
Radio or your local media for further statements and possible updated
forecasts.

Additional information is available at
http://www.crh.noaa.gov/ahps2/index.php?wfo=pah /lower case/

ILC059-191-193-041745-
/O.CON.KPAH.FL.W.0032.000000T0000Z-000000T0000Z/
/CARI2.2.ER.180329T1252Z.180404T1200Z.000000T0000Z.NO/
845 AM CDT Tue Apr 3 2018

The Flood Warning continues for the Little Wabash River at Carmi
* until further notice.
* At 8 AM Tuesday the stage was 33.4 feet.
* Flood Stage is 27.0 feet.
* Moderate flooding is occurring and Moderate flooding is forecast.
* Forecast...The river will crest near 34.4 feet tomorrow evening
  and remain at or near this level into Saturday.
* Impact...At 35.5 Feet...Businesses just downstream of IL Route 14
  and Route 1 in Carmi flood.

And even a wind advisory:

URGENT - WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Paducah KY
436 AM CDT Tue Apr 3 2018

...Strong and gusty southwest winds today...

.Winds will increase from the southwest ahead of a strong cold
front.

ILZ075>078-080>094-INZ081-082-085>088-KYZ001>022-MOZ076-086-087-
100-107>112-114-032100-
/O.CON.KPAH.WI.Y.0004.180403T1200Z-180404T0000Z/
Jefferson-Wayne IL-Edwards-Wabash-Perry IL-Franklin-Hamilton-
White-Jackson-Williamson-Saline-Gallatin-Union-Johnson-Pope-
Hardin-Alexander-Pulaski-Massac-Gibson-Pike-Posey-Vanderburgh-
Warrick-Spencer-Fulton-Hickman-Carlisle-Ballard-McCracken-Graves-
Livingston-Marshall-Calloway-Crittenden-Lyon-Trigg-Caldwell-
Union KY-Webster-Hopkins-Christian-Henderson-Daviess-McLean-
Muhlenberg-Todd-Perry MO-Bollinger-Cape Girardeau-Wayne MO-Carter-
Ripley-Butler-Stoddard-Scott-Mississippi-New Madrid-
Including the cities of Mount Vernon, Fairfield, Albion,
Mount Carmel, Pinckneyville, West Frankfort, McLeansboro, Carmi,
Carbondale, Murphysboro, Herrin, Harrisburg, Shawneetown,
Jonesboro, Vienna, Golconda, Elizabethtown, Cairo, Mound City,
Metropolis, Fort Branch, Petersburg, Poseyville, Evansville,
Boonville, Rockport, Hickman, Clinton, Bardwell, Wickliffe,
Paducah, Mayfield, Smithland, Benton, Murray, Marion, Eddyville,
Cadiz, Princeton, Morganfield, Dixon, Madisonville, Hopkinsville,
Henderson, Owensboro, Calhoun, Greenville, Elkton, Perryville,
Marble Hill, Cape Girardeau, Jackson, Piedmont, Van Buren,
Doniphan, Poplar Bluff, Bloomfield, Sikeston, Charleston,
and New Madrid
436 AM CDT Tue Apr 3 2018

...WIND ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM CDT THIS EVENING...

* TIMING...Southwest winds will increase this morning. The
  strongest winds are expected from about noon until about
  sunset.

* WINDS...South winds will become southwest from 20 to 30 mph with
  higher gusts. Peak wind gusts from 35 to 45 mph are expected.

* IMPACTS...Loose objects or debris will be blown onto roadways.
  Vehicles may become more difficult to handle, especially high
  profile vehicles such as trucks and busses.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A wind advisory is issued when sustained winds are expected to
reach 30 mph or greater for longer than one hour...or wind gusts
are expected to reach 40 mph for any duration.

Here's what it's looking like for north counties:

Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Lincoln IL
534 AM CDT Tue Apr 3 2018

ILZ062-063-066>068-071>073-041100-
Clark-Clay-Crawford-Cumberland-Effingham-Jasper-Lawrence-Richland-
534 AM CDT Tue Apr 3 2018

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of east central
Illinois and southeast Illinois.

.DAY ONE...TODAY AND TONIGHT...

Thunderstorm are expected today. A few of the storms this
afternoon may be severe, especially east of I-57. Damaging wind
gusts are the primary threat, but large hail and an isolated
tornado are also possible.

Flooding will continue for the next several days along portions
of the Wabash, Little Wabash and Embarras rivers.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...WEDNESDAY THROUGH MONDAY...

No hazardous weather is expected at this time.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation may be needed later today, mainly between 2 PM
and 6 PM.

North county flooding info:

Flood Statement
National Weather Service Lincoln IL
845 AM CDT Tue Apr 3 2018

...The Flood Warning continues for the following river in Illinois...
  Little Wabash River below Clay City affecting Clay and Richland
  Counties

The following forecasts are based on observed precipitation, soil
moisture conditions, and forecast precipitation.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If you encounter a flooded roadway, turn around and find an alternate
route. Turn around, don`t drown.

Additional river and weather information is available at
www.weather.gov/ilx.

ILC025-159-040344-
/O.CON.KILX.FL.W.0013.000000T0000Z-000000T0000Z/
/CLAI2.2.ER.180325T1055Z.180331T0245Z.000000T0000Z.NO/
845 AM CDT Tue Apr 3 2018

The Flood Warning continues for
  The Little Wabash River below Clay City.
* Until further notice.
* At  745 AM Tuesday the stage was 20.9 feet.
* Flood stage is 18.0 feet.
* Minor flooding is occurring and Minor flooding is forecast.
* Forecast...The river will continue rising to near 21.6 feet by
  Friday morning then begin falling.
* Impact...At 22.0 feet...North Clay Road...1 mile east of the gage is
  flooded.

                  Fld  Observed         Forecast 6AM
Location          Stg  Stg  Day Time    Wed    Thu    Fri

Little Wabash River
 Clay City         18  20.9 Tue 8 AM    21.0   21.3   21.6

Please use caution, readers...we value each and every one of you! 

FLORA, Ill. - Flora city police had a handful of matters to deal with, some of it somewhat trivial, like someone playing her music too loud...but another incident involving a stolen vehicle, along with some weapons issued, well...not so trivial.

Here's the report, as provided by Chief John Nicholson.

Tuesday, March 27 at 3:49 p.m., Flora Police investigated an accident at the intersection of Shamrock Drive and US 45/50, involving a 2005 Ford operated by a 16-year-old juvenile of Flora and a 2012 Ford operated by Patty Edwards, 53, of Xenia. The juvenile was cited for failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident; no injuries were reported.

Thursday, March 29 at 11:48 p.m., Amanda Hemrich, 36, of Flora was issued a local ordinance citation for loud music, following an incident in the 500 block of East 3rd Street.

Friday, March 30 at 5:22 p.m., Flora Police arrested Brittany Fulk, 28, of Flora for Assault and Disorderly Conduct, following an incident in the 200 block of East North Avenue. Fulk was taken to Flora Police Department for booking procedures and was released with a Notice of Appear.

Saturday, March 31 at 9:38 a.m. Flora Police investigated a report of a stolen vehicle. During the investigation the stolen vehicle was recovered along with a handgun. Flora Police conducted a traffic stop in the 100 block of West 8th Street, after receiving information regarding a stolen vehicle out of Michigan. The investigation resulted in the arrest of 3 individuals. Misty Baker, 33, of Neoga was charged with Possession of Methamphetamine and Possession of Weapon by a Felon. Jordan Losier, 20, of Vandalia was charged with Aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon and Shawn Crutchfield, 18, of Flora was arrested for Unlawful Use of a Handgun. All three were taken to Flora Police Department for booking procedures and transferred to custody of Clay County Sheriff’s Office.

Monday, April 2 at 9:51 a.m., Crystal Koehler, 42, of Flora was issued a citation for illegal use of electronic communication device, following a traffic stop in the 1100 block of North Worthey.

Claims citizenship demand would depress turnout in states with large immigrant populations;
says nothing about illegals

Chicago – Attorney General Lisa Madigan, along with 17 other attorneys general, six cities and the bipartisan U.S. Conference of Mayors, today filed a lawsuit to block the federal administration from demanding citizenship information in the 2020 decennial Census. Demanding citizenship information would depress Census turnout in states with large immigrant populations, directly threatening the states’ fair representation in Congress and the Electoral College, as well as billions of dollars in critical federal funds, including funding for education, infrastructure and Medicaid.

“The Census is a fundamental part of our democracy, and we must encourage every person living in our country to participate, not put up barriers that prevent people from being counted,” Madigan said. “I am filing this lawsuit to ensure that immigrants in Illinois are represented fairly and accurately.”

On December 12, 2017, the U.S. Department of Justice requested that the Census Bureau demand citizenship information in the 2020 census form sent to every household in the country, even though the purpose of the Census is to count every person – citizens and non-citizens alike. The Justice Department argued that the collection of such information was necessary to ensure proper enforcement of the 1965 Voting Rights Act. But, as Madigan and a coalition of other attorneys general argued in a letter sent to the Commerce Secretary in February, the demand would have precisely the opposite effect by driving down participation in immigrant communities, a concern that is more acute in today’s political climate. The resulting undercount would deprive states with significant immigrant communities, like Illinois, of fair representation when legislative seats are apportioned and district lines are drawn.

The lawsuit filed today in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York is brought under the Enumeration Clause of the U.S. Constitution, as this action by federal administration will impede an “actual Enumeration” required by the Constitution. It is also brought under the Administrative Procedure Act, which permits courts to set aside unlawful or arbitrary and capricious agency decisions.

As the Census Bureau’s own research shows, the decision to demand citizenship information will “inevitably jeopardize the overall accuracy of the population count” by significantly deterring participation in immigrant communities because of concerns about how the federal government will use citizenship information. These concerns are amplified by the administration’s anti-immigrant rhetoric and pattern of actions that target immigrant communities.

In 1980, the Census Bureau rejected the addition of a citizenship question, saying, “Any effort to ascertain citizenship will inevitably jeopardize the overall accuracy of the population count. Obtaining the cooperation of a suspicious and fearful population would be impossible if the group being counted perceived any possibility of the information being used against them. Questions as to citizenship are particularly sensitive in minority communities and would inevitably trigger hostility, resentment, and refusal to cooperate.”

In 2009, all eight former directors of the Census Bureau dating back to 1979 – who served under both Democratic and Republican presidents – affirmed that a citizenship question would depress participation and lead to a significant undercount, undermining the purpose of the Census itself.

As the lawsuit describes, the administration’s decision is inconsistent with the Census Bureau’s constitutional and statutory obligations, is unsupported by the stated justification, departs from decades of settled practice without reasoned explanation, and fails to consider the availability of alternative data that can effectively serve the federal government’s needs.

The lawsuit also emphasizes the irreparable harm that will result from inaccuracies in the 2020 Census caused by demanding citizenship information. Hundreds of billions of dollars in federal funds are directly tied to demographic information obtained through the census, including the Highway Trust Fund and other Department of Transportation grants, Child Care Development Grants and Medicaid. In addition, inaccurate counts can potentially deprive states of much-needed funds designed to protect low-income and vulnerable communities.

The decennial census is also used to apportion seats in the U.S. House of Representatives, and each plaintiff state relies on population information from the Census Bureau to draw statewide redistricting plans for their Congressional and state legislative districts. Demanding citizenship information would cause disproportionate undercounts in communities with immigrant populations.  As a result, an undercount of population in states that are home to large immigrant communities will impair fair representation, a principle fundamental to the fabric of our democracy.

Joining Madigan in filing the lawsuit are the attorneys general of Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Iowa, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia, Vermont and Washington, as well as the cities of Chicago, Philadelphia, Providence, New York City, San Francisco and Seattle and the bipartisan U.S. Conference of Mayors.

WHITE CO., Ill. - White County Sheriff Doug Maier and his crew had an interesting last couple of days in their neck of the woods, as shown in this report.

The report began yesterday morning (Monday, April 2) when at 11:34 a.m., a report was made about a theft of a piece of oilfield equipment from a rural New Haven location.

Podolski Oil Company, located in Fairfield in neighboring Wayne County to the north, reported that they had had a theft from their Bayley Lease in southern White County, located just north of County Road 225N west of County Road 1050E in the rural New Haven area. Deputy Byrd Huber was advised that the fluid in the triplex pump from that lease had been taken. This is a large part and would take at least two people to remove. This part was removed from the pump house on the lease. They advised that the pumper was at the lease Sunday, and the part was still there. When the lease was checked Monday morning, the pump part was gone.

A report was made on the situation; anyone with information is encouraged to call the sheriff's department or your local law enforcement office.

Caleb D. Barnett, aka Campbell

Then yesterday afternoon at just before 3 p.m., the sheriff was called to assist a deputy after a 2:35 p.m. situation occurring in a rural Norris City location.

Deputy Randy Graves was at the location at that time, having spoken to Norris City Officer Dustin Dale. Dale advised he was off duty at the location of 60 East/800 North at the Phillip Healy residence when he observed a Honda 3-wheeler with a white male in the driveway.

Dale said he drove down the roadway and decided to turn back around due to it seeming that the person was "out of place" in the Healy's drive.

When Dale returned, the person was on the porch of the Healy residence. Dale made contact with the suspect, who was later confirmed to be Caleb D. Barnett, also known as Caleb Campbell. Barnett advised that his 3-wheeler was broken down and this was the reason for him being stopped at the Healy residence. Dale stayed at the residence until Barnett left the driveway. Barnett drove onto the roadway (CR 800N) when his 3-wheeler quit again. Barnett then pushed the 3-wheeler back onto the Healy property. That's when Dale summoned the sheriff to come to the location.

When Maier arrived, he observed Barnett sitting on the 3-wheeler. As Maier was getting out of his vehicle, Barnett, Maier said, threw something on the ground on the passenger side of the 3-wheeler.

Maier, knowing Barnett to have a revoked license, handcuffed Barnett and read him his rights, then Barnett was searched. Maier located a metal pipe used for smoking cannabis in Barnett's front right pants pocket. At that time Barnett advised that the item he'd thrown to the ground was meth and a meth pipe. When Barnett was placed in the squad, he advised that the 3-wheeler belonged to Scott Williams and he had rode it from in town in Norris City to this location.

When Barnett was run through the system, a return came back about a current (2018) warrant active out of Edwards County for him....for driving revoked. The bond was $1,000 cash.

When the area around the 3-wheeler was searched, a gray-and-black Chanel sunglasses case was found, and inside that case was approximately a gram of ice (meth), which field-tested positive for meth. Also inside the case was a glass smoking pipe used to ingest meth, and a small baggie of green leafy substance that field-tested positive for cannabis. The items were collected in evidence bags and Barnett was taken into custody on arresting charges of felony Possession of Meth, misdemeanor Driving While License Suspended/Revoked, Possession of Cannabis less than 10 grams, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, as well as the felony Edwards County warrant. As of today (Tuesday, April 3), Barnett was still housed at the White County Jail in Carmi.

MARION, Ill. – It’s police report time for the city of Marion, and here you’ll find what the officers have been dealing with from March 17 to April 1, 2018, in the big Williamson County town.

Mark Mason, 47 of Cape Girardeau, MO has been arrested for Criminal Trespass to Property in the 900 block of W Main St on March 17.

Christy M. Johnson, 48 of Marion has been arrested for Disorderly Conduct on March 18, in the 1000 block of Halfway Rd.

Haley M. Ross, 32 of Herrin has been arrested for Domestic Battery in the 1200 block of Enterprise Way on March 18.

Brandon Vollmer, 36 of Irving, Texas, has been arrested for Assault and Disorderly Conduct in the 1100 block of N Carbon St on March 19.

Marcus Newsome, 44 of Evergreen Park, Ill. has been arrested for Possession with Intent to Deliver, Criminal Trespass to a Vehicle and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia on March 21, 2018 in the area of Russell St.

Andre Baker, 24 of Marion has been arrested for Unlawful Use of Weapon by a Felon and Armed Violence in the 300 block of N Vicksburg on March 21.

Sidney Fox, 18 of Marion has been issued a citation for Retail Theft in the 2800 block of Outer Dr. on March 24.

Madison Burns, 20 of Carterville has been issued a citation for Retail Theft in the 2800 block of Outer Dr. on March 24.

Kimberly Baker, 51 of Marion has been issued a citation for Retail Theft in the 1100 block of N Carbon on March 25.

David Jenson, 40 of Marion has been arrested for Criminal Damage to Property on March 26, in the 2000 block of W Cherry St.

Jordan Kalinsky, 20 of West Frankfort has been arrested for Driving While License Suspended, Obstructing Justice, Manufacture/Delivery of Cannabis and Possession of Methamphetamines in the area of W DeYoung St and I-57 following a traffic stop on March 26.

Richard Davis, 38 of Tupelo, Mississippi, has been arrested for Theft (Possession of Stolen Property) and Burglary from Motor Vehicle on March 28, in the 2600 block of W Main St.

Christina Wagoner, 47 of Herrin has been arrested for Possession of Stolen Property in the 2600 block of W Main St on March 28.

Tricia Sain, 32 of Marion has been arrested for Violation of an Order of Protection on March 28, in the 500 block of S Bentley St.

Benjamin Alexander Jr., 30 of Mt. Vernon has been issued citations for Failure to Signal when Required, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Defective Signal Lights and Possession of Cannabis in the area of Halfway Rd and W DeYoung St on March 28.

Victoria Atchison, 23 of Benton has been arrested for Possession of Methamphetamines in the area of N Russell St and W Mack Ave on March 31.

Jobi Hart, 22 of Herrin has been arrested for Disorderly Conduct in the area 1200 block of Enterprise Way on April 1.

Jessica Evans, 19 and Kortell Johnson, 19, both of Marion, have both been arrested for Retail Theft in the area of Comfort Dr. on April 1.

Eddie Webb, 30 of Marion has been arrested for Forgery in the 2700 block of W Main St on April 1, 2018.

Alura Yarber, 39 of Marion has been arrested for Violation of Bail Bond on April 1, in the 400 block of N Otis St.

Kody S. Johnson

WILLIAMSON CO., Ill. - A five-year ordeal is over for a Williamson County family after the sentencing of a young Marion man this week.

Kody S. Johnson, 29 of Marion, plead guilty to Aggravated Battery, a Class X Felony, in the negotiated  plea. The case was filed August 22, 2013, two days after a little boy, Skyler J. West-France, died at 23 months of age. The little boy was the son of Johnson's girlfriend, Andrea West, 29, also of Marion.

The case dates back to Saturday, August 17, 2013, when Heartland Regional Medical Center called Marion Police about a 23-month-old child who had been brought in unresponsive with possible head injuries. Little Skyler was pronounced dead on Tuesday August 20, 2013 at 10:45 pm at Cardinal Glennon in St. Louis.

Johnson was initially charged with Class M First Degree Murder count, along with the Class X felony Aggravated Battery of a Child charge. Johnson has been sitting in the Williamson County jail since his arrest on August 22.

Johnson was set for a jury trial in the case to begin on April 10; however, earlier today (April 4, 2018, at a 1:15 court call), Johnson was in court to enter his plea rather than face a jury.

Judge Brian Lewis sentenced Johnson to 20 years in IDOC with credit for 1,687 days credit for time served. Johnson was sobbing when he was hugging family members before being lead out of the courtroom to begin the rest of his sentence.

Andrea West was interviewed by our Williamson County correspondent and gave a brief statement. Click the below link to view.

west, andrea

Justin R. Mason, Richland County mug

RICHLAND CO., Ill. - A Richland County man was indicted on April 3, 2018, on a methamphetamine-  related charge, Donald S. Boyce, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, announced today, Wednesday, April 4.

Justin R. Mason, age 35, of Olney, was the only defendant named in the one-count Indictment, which charges that from August 2017, until on or about March 7, 2018, in Richland County, and elsewhere, Mason conspired with others to knowingly and intentionally distribute methamphetamine. The Indictment further alleges that the conspiracy involved fifty  (50) grams or more of methamphetamine (Ice), or five hundred (500) grams or more of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine.

The investigation in this case was conducted by the Richland County Sheriff’s Office.

Gregg L. Duckworth

WHITE CO., Ill. - The Springerton man was was caught because he wasn't paying attention at a Carmi gas station last year has been sentenced to a term in Illinois Department of Corrections.

Gregg L. Duckworth, 61, of Springerton in northwestern White County, was sentenced to IDOC today according to White County State's Attorney Denton Aud.

Duckworth was the subject of a traffic stop back in late September 2017 that was generated after he drove off from the Carmi Huck's without paying for a little more than $42 in gas.

Once the Carmi PD officer had Duckworth's attention, the officer found all kinds of things amiss in the vehicle, including a loaded handgun with a round chambered, sitting on the floorboard at Duckworth's feet.

While he was charged with that offense, Duckworth ultimately opted to plead to the Class 1 felony meth possession charge also filed against him, this happening today (Wednesday, April 4).

Duckworth has been a slippery critter for years, with all kinds of things (like a mysterious fire at his residence not long after his arrest) occurring around him.

In exchange for his plea, Duckworth was sentenced to 10 years in IDOC, to be followed by two years of parole. He was also ordered to pay fines, fees, costs and assessments totaling $10,000, which has been paid in full and was likely Duckworth's bond.

Kelly J. Lewis

PALESTINE, Ill. - This little village in Crawford County has a bit of excitement today after Police Chief Jeff Besing dealt with two situations a couple of hours apart.

Besing said his department was alerted to a possibly retail theft in progress at P'stine's Dollar General Store at approximately 1:28 p.m. this afternoon, Wednesday, April 4.

Upon arrival, Besing encountered a female, whom he identified as Kelly J. Lewis, 46, of Palestine.

Upon completion of his investigation, Besing arrested Lewis on a count of Retail Theft, involving $31.88 worth of store merchandise. This was charged as a Class 4 felony, since Lewis has prior retail theft convictions). She was also charged with Class 4 felony Obstruction of Justice.

Lewis was transported to the Crawford County Jail, where she was charged, processed and is being held in Lieu of bond being set by a judge.

Cody Correll

A little later in the afternoon (5 p.m.), Besing observed a vehicle sitting outside an apartment in the 300 block of South Main Street in Palestine.

Besing knew this vehicle to belong to Cody J. Correll, 25, who had an active warrant for his arrest in Crawford County.

Besing located Correll and took him into custody without incident; he was transported to the Crawford County Jail in Robinson, where he's being held on a $2,000 cash bond for Violating Conditions of his Probation in an Aggravated Battery case.

Emilee Jo Duckworth

WHITE CO., Ill. - A couple of incidents - one of them somewhat goofy, but one with the potential to have been fairly serious - took up the time of Carmi police officers Tuesday, April 3.

And both incidents, as it turned out, happened within minutes of each other.

The first took place at 6:39 p.m. in the lobby at the city/county jail, when Emilee Jo Duckworth, 26, of Carmi, had arrived to visit someone in the jail.

She was observed in the jail visitation room by a Carmi PD officer, who was aware that she had an active Hamilton County warrant for failure to appear on a DUI charge in that county.

So at the conclusion of the visitation, Ms. Duckworth was arrested and escorted to the city/county jail...a cell, this time.

Then just a few minutes later - at 6:52 p.m. - authorities were called to the scene of a two-vehicle collision on Main and Industrial with a road blockage involved.

Robert Jay Whitler

Upon arrival it was discerned that a vehicle being driven by Robert Jay Whitler, 63, of rural Carmi, had rear-ended a vehicle being driven by Jason Francis, 47, also of rural Carmi.

Upon speaking with the drivers, officers claim they could smell an odor of alcoholic beverage emitting from Whitler, who advised that he had consumed alcoholic beverages. Whitler was asked to perform some field sobriety tasks and complied but showed signs of impairment. He was arrested for DUI Alcohol and transported to the city/county jail, where a breath test revealed a BAC of .144 at 8:25 p.m.

He was cited for DUI (two misdemeanor counts) and Failure to Reduce Speed to Avoid an Accident. Whitler was able to post bond to secure his release.

NEWTON, Ill. – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) Conservation Police are asking for the public’s help in an investigation into the discovery of five dead white pelicans, along with another injured pelican, at the Newton Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area in Jasper County on April 3.  

The dead and injured pelicans, discovered by IDNR employees at Newton Lake, had been shot near the dam on the south end of the lake, in a location where the pelicans congregate. The one injured pelican was captured by Conservation Police Officers and taken to the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine for treatment.

The American White Pelican is a large migratory bird. Adults are about 4 feet tall and have a wingspan of 9 feet. The pelicans feed on small fish in fresh water lakes and migrate from northern Canada to the Gulf of Mexico. The pelicans primarily feed on rough fish such as shad. The White Pelicans began showing up at Newton Lake approximately 5 years ago as a stopover point on their migration route during the spring.

The IDNR Conservation Police are asking the public for assistance in providing information about the subject or subjects that committed this senseless act. Anyone with information can call anonymously to the IDNR TIP hotline at 877-236-7529. Information call also be provided to the Illinois Conservation Police Facebook page, or contact your local Conservation Police Officers: Sgt. Dave Hyatt 618-322-0693, CPO Zach Roper 618-553-7363, CPO Dusty Taylor 618-975-0478, or CPO Paul Smith 618-975-0663.

WAYNE CO., Ill. - A man from Missouri was killed in a single-vehicle accident on Interstate 64 in Wayne County yesterday, according to information provided by Illinois State Police in District 19, Carmi.

ISP said the accident occurred on 64 at approximately the 93.5 milepost yesterday, (Wednesday, April 4) at approximately 1:33 p.m.

According to the preliminary traffic crash investigation, the driver of a black 2012 Nissan Xterra, Thomas E. Shull, 64, of St. Charles, Missouri, was eastbound on 64 in rural Wayne County, when for unknown reasons he left the roadway at the aforementioned location.

He proceeded to drive through the south ditch, across Wayne County Road 70 North, before striking a group of trees. 

Shull was pronounced deceased at the scene of the traffic crash by the Wayne County Coroner’s Office.

ISP District 19 was assisted at the crash scene by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), Wayne County Sheriff’s Department, Wayne County Coroner’s Office, Wayne City Fire and Ambulance Service, and Rick’s Towing Service.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

James E. Johnson

MARION, Ill. - A Marion man hadn’t been able to visit his mother at Heartland Regional Medical Center from March 14, 2018 until last week when he was allowed a one hour daily visit with a Marion Police Officer present in the room during his visits.

James Johnson, the guy in question, is only allowed to call the hospital once every eight hours to check on his mother, despite having Power of Attorney. He says the hospital is trying to revoke his rights because they want to do procedures on her he does not agree with...and he says they’ve tried every trick in the book. One of those, he said, involves wanting to do a tracheotomy against his and his mother's will so they can wrongfully transfer her to "bottom line facilities making for subacute care." Mrs Johnson has been hospitalized since January 3, 2018.

Johnson was removed he was told because hospital staff were tired of dealing with him.  

On March 22, 2018 Marion Hospital Corporation d/b/a Heartland Regional Medical Center filed an emergency motion for Temporary Restraining Order that states

(1) Johnson has engaged in erratic, disruptive and threatening behavior, causing employees to feel unsafe.

Some of the staff at Heartland spoke with Disclosure about how they were in fear of Johnson. One said they told an immediate family member that if anything were to happen to them over this, to sue the hospital. Another says Johnson has two sisters who live out of state and are deathly afraid of him. They say one sister who was visiting when Johnson showed up went to another room and stayed until Johnson was gone.

Mrs. Johnson, it might be noted, has no brain activity, this according to hospital staff.

The two ladies who lost their jobs, Kathy Cummins, left, and Julie Dunn, right, in the lobby outside the office from which they were fired Thursday, April 5, 2018

SALINE CO., Ill. - Voters in Saline County responded in overwhelming numbers at the ballot box and gave our county clerk the boot in the Primary...but unfortunately, the clerk is making as big of a mess as possible before she's out.

And that's not until December, so we have a long way to go before we see the end of Kim Buchanan's bizarre antics.

The crowd this morning at the courthouse in Harrisburg

Yesterday, Thursday, April 5, Buchanan terminated her two senior-most employees, Kathy Cummins and Julie Dunn, with no reason whatsoever. Buchanan, it was reported to us, simply told both ladies - who between them have 50 years of experience, something that's badly needed in the county clerk's office - to "pick of their things and turn over their keys." When both ladies asked her what the termination was for, she simply said "I'm not prepared to answer that" and repeated that over and over and over as an answer.

Two things might be noted here: Dunn is the Democrat candidate for the office come this fall's election, and both ladies are under Union contract in their positions.

That latter effectively means that Buchanan has now set up the county for all kinds of financial hardships, as the matter must now be litigated through the court system with the county on one side, and the Union on the other.

Union rep Judy Simpson spoke briefly this morning (Friday, April 6) at the courthouse in Harrisburg, at a gathering that was basically a media circus, as many county employees were present to show their support for the two long-term employees as well as out of a possible fear that more disruption might be caused by Buchanan...who was, naturally, absent.

"She comes in and does stuff like this, makes a disruption, and then disappears," said a citizen to Disclosure. "IA lot of us wish she'd either resign, or stop coming in here, starting little fires, then taking off and leaving everybody else to put them out."

Buchanan is the lame duck, as county board member Roger Craig beat her at the ballot box a few weeks ago on the Republican Primary ticket.

This is just the latest in a long string of 'fire-starting' Buchanan has been engaged in, ever since she started irretrievably screwing things up in her office in late 2013. We've chronicled it all here; if you click this link, you'll be able to read it all. The current issue has the matter on the back page that's caused Buchanan to believe she can behave this way with no recourse, as the county somewhat screwed up themselves; we'll let you read that for yourself if you have an online membership to the e-Edition or if you can get out and find a copy of the March-April 2018 edition (we're sold out in many locations).

The bottom line here, a lot of citizens are saying, is that if there's enough to charge Buchanan with any kind of wrongdoing, they believe it needs to be done. And from all appearances, there's plenty. If Buchanan were to be charged, likely she'd have to resign, as most bond agencies won't cover their bonded people once they're charged with a felony...but that person has to be charged....and it has to BE a felony...and it doesn't appear that Jayson Clark is any closer to getting that accomplished than he was a few months ago when he was told by those who conducted the audit that yes, there's enough to charge.

And no one's running against Clark this fall.

We'll have more to tell you about this situation - and believe us when we say, there's a LOT more to it than what you're going to get on slapdash mainstream media - so as usual, watch the upcoming issue for more elaboration, as well as to see if anyone's going to take steps to handle this obviously-huge problem in Saline County.

Randi Moore, September 2017 mugshot

CRAWFORD CO., Ill. - The Palestine Police Department investigated a physical altercation complaint on Monday, April 2, 2018 in the 100 block of North Wilson Street in that Crawford County village.

As a result of the investigation, Chief Jeff Besing obtained signed criminal complaints from the victim (Joshua Gowen) which were forwarded to the Crawford County State's Attorney seeking arrest warrants for (3) suspects.

Yesterday (Thursday, April 5), all three suspects were taken in custody. Arrested and charged with a Class A misdemeanor offense of Battery were Jaime A. Moore, 39, Randi L. Moore, 40 and Brett S. Moore, 23, all of Palestine.

Assisting with this investigation and arrest were Palestine Police Officer Brandon Carpenter, Crawford County Chief Deputy Doug Slater, Crawford County Deputies Todd Fear and Brent Dodson as well as the security deputies at the Crawford County Courthouse.

WILLIAMSON CO., Ill. - It's been an active week for both felony charges and felony dispositions, as well as DUIs (which are otherwise misdemeanors), so let's get to recapping it with Williamson County's Felony Friday.

Malcolm E. Sanders has been charged with Illegal Possession of Controlled Substance after an arrest by the Illinois State Police. Sanders is accused of knowingly having in his possession a substance containing cocaine, a Class 4 Felony. No other information available at at this time.

Victoria K. Atchison, 23 of Benton (residing in Creal Springs) has been charged with Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine more than 5 grams but less than 15 grams, a Class 2 felony. 

Victoria was a front seat passenger of a vehicle during a March 31 traffic stop by Marion Police in the wee hours of the morning. During the stop while the officer was collecting information on the occupants, he noticed what appeared to be a digital scale in the back seat. Another officer showed up and stayed with the vehicle while the original officer ran the information. The driver was Dustin L. Gregory, with Atchison and Jesse Galbraith in the back. The officer asked that the suspected scale be opened and the driver complied. On the scale was a white crystal like substance consistent with meth, and a green leafy substance. All three individuals were asked to step out of the vehicle while a further search was conducted. Located were two glass smoking pipes with white residue, found in the right driver’s floorboard. The other officer located a blue bag containing a white rock-like substance suspected to be methamphetamine in the front passenger door handle; an additional scale was found in the back seat. Victoria was placed into custody for possession of methamphetamine. The other two were issued citations for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and allowed to leave. Due to Atchison’s irate behavior, she was transported immediately to county jail instead of the police department for processing. During transport the officer gave her her Miranda warning and asked if she had more illegal substances on her person, to which she replied she had meth, cannabis and a pipe in her bra. A female corrections officer collected the suspected items. The three bags weighed 7.4 grams, the blue bag weighed .06 grams and the two in her bra weighed 6.8 grams all testing positive for meth. Her first court appearance is set for the middle of April.

From Traci Wright’s Facebook page

Traci J. Wright, 46 of Spillertown, is charged with Theft over $10,000 but less than $100,000, a Class 2 felony. Charges state that between January 1, 2017 and December 31, 2017, Wright exerted unauthorized control of money from a local insurance agency for which she worked.

Wright allegedly admitted stealing the money instead of depositing it into Peoples National Bank.

A warrant has been issued for her arrest. 

Helpful hints for answering the door when it’s the police

What not to do when police knock at your door accompanied by the apartment building manager because he detected a suspicious odor and suspected drug dealing 

1. Don’t throw your drugs in the floor because you don’t want be caught with them.

2. Don’t barricade the door with the couch.

3. Don’t wait more than three minutes to respond “Who is it?” after police and manager announce themselves.

That’s what authorities say happened at the apartment of Debbie K. Copher, 45 of Marion, who has been charged with Possession of Methamphetamine, a Class 2 felony, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (see August and November 2016 Disclosure) and Jonathan P. Fitzgerald, also 45 of Marion, is charged with Possession of Methamphetamine.

An officer from Marion PD was dispatched to the apartment in reference to suspected drug use or manufacturing. The officer had been there on other occasions. The manager showed the officer a picture he had taken the week before where several needles and glass pipes were strewn about. 

Once the officer gained entry, Copher consented to a search and two more officers arrived. During the sweep, .7 grams of methamphetamine was found as well as glass pipes with residue which tested positive for meth. Neither admitted to possession of the meth found in the floor beside Fitzgerald’s bed. Fitzgerald is on parole for a previous meth offense. During Copher’s denial of the meth she admitted that heroin was her drug of choice; that a bag on a table near her bed had contained heroin; and she used two capsules a day at $15 each.

A re-creation of items obtained for evidence

The other three occupants of the flophouse - two males and one female - were allowed to leave. Both Copher and Fitzgerald have court appearances at the end of May. 

Frederick E. Richardson, 55 of Johnston City, is charged with one count of Possession of Methamphetamine less than 5 grams. Arresting agency Johnston City police.

Amber N. Roemich, 38 of Norris City, is charged with Possession of an Amount of a Controlled Substance except (A)/(D). Arresting agency Energy Police.

Amos N. Nelson, 36 of Marion, is charged with Aggravated Battery/Use of Deadly Weapon. Arresting agency Marion Police.

Jerry Bankhead, 36 of Murphysboro, is charged with Possession of Methamphetamine less than 5 grams. Arresting agency Illinois State Police.

Felony Dispositions

Zachary D. Baker, 33 of Carterville, was found guilty of a Class 4 felony Use Forged Credit/Debit Card and sentenced to 3 years in DOC. Charges of Theft/Unauthorized Control were dismissed. Alleged co-conspirator Codie Dawn Spears of West Frankfort is scheduled for pretrial in May.

DUIs

Brandon D. Plowman, 31 of Marion, charged with two counts. Arresting agency: County Traffic.

Donavan D.A. Bates, 26 of Marion, one count. Arresting agency: Herrin Police. 

Henry V. Akins, 44 of Marion, two counts. Arresting agency: Marion Police.

Stephan Ross Smith, 36 of Herrin, one count. Arresting agency: Marion Police 

There were no DUI dispositions.

JACKSON CO., Ill. - On April 5, 2018, Answar D. Rollins, Jr., a/k/a “Chuck” and “Swar,” age 31, of Carbondale, pled guilty to a two-count indictment charging conspiracy to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine and unlawful distribution of methamphetamine. 

The offenses occurred between March 2017, and August 8, 2017, in Jackson County. The conspiracy offense carries a maximum penalty of five to 40 years imprisonment, to be followed by four years supervised release, and a $5,000,000 fine. Rollins also faces a maximum penalty of up to 20 years imprisonment, three years supervised release, and a $1,000,000 fine on the distribution offense. 

During the plea hearing, Rollins also admitted that he had violated the terms of his supervised release relating to a 2006 federal drug offense. Rollins is currently being held without bond pending his July 18, 2018 sentencing hearing.

The investigation was conducted by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The Jackson County States Attorney’s Office also assisted in the investigation.

Madigan, 14 AGs & Chicago sue EPA for disregarding legal obligation to stem methane emissions from existing oil & gas operations, endangering Americans’ health & safety

CHICAGO – Attorney General Lisa Madigan, along with 14 attorneys general and the city of Chicago, today filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for ignoring its legal duty to control emissions of methane – an extremely potent greenhouse gas – from existing oil and gas operations.

Specifically, the suit charges that EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt has violated the federal Clean Air Act by unreasonably delaying its obligation under the Act to control methane emissions from these operations.

“The U.S. EPA continues to fail to protect people and the environment from harmful pollutants that are known to compromise public health,” Madigan said. “This lawsuit demands that the EPA do its job.”

Methane is an extremely potent greenhouse gas, warming the climate about 80 times more than carbon dioxide over a 20-year timeframe. Oil and gas operations – production, processing, transmission, and distribution – are the largest single industrial source of methane emissions in the U.S. and the second largest industrial source of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions behind only electric power plants. Based on EPA data, the Environmental Defense Fund estimates that roughly $1.5 billion worth of natural gas – enough to heat over 5 million homes – leaks or is intentionally released from the oil and gas supply chain each year.

In June 2016, the EPA finalized standards to regulate methane emissions from oil and gas operations that were constructed or substantially modified after September 2015. Under the Clean Air Act, the EPA was also required to establish guidelines for controlling methane emissions from sources that existed before September 2015.

In November 2016, EPA requested information from oil and gas operators that included the number and types of equipment at production facilities, and emission sources and control devices or practices. Even though the EPA began receiving that information in January 2017, in March 2017, EPA Administrator Pruitt – without any public notice or opportunity for comment – withdrew the request and sent a clear signal that the administration did not intend to meet its statutory obligation to control methane emissions from existing oil and gas operations.

As a result, in June 2017, Madigan and a coalition of 14 Attorneys General pledged to sue if the EPA failed to issue methane standards for existing sources in the oil and gas industry within 180 days. Since June 2017, the administration has failed to take action to issue the required standards.

The EPA has known since at least 2009 that methane endangers public health and welfare, and has had ample data on cost-effective measures for controlling methane emissions from oil and natural gas sources.

Madigan and the coalition argue that the EPA’s failure to establish guidelines for controlling methane emissions from existing sources in the oil and gas industry is an unreasonable delay in performing a mandatory duty under the Clean Air Act. The suit asks the court to direct EPA to propose and adopt the methane regulations required by the Act for oil and gas operations, following an expeditious deadline established by the court. 

The suit, available here, was filed this morning in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. Joining Madigan were the attorneys general for California, Connecticut, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and the District of Columbia, as well as the city of Chicago.