FLORA, Ill. - Chief John Nicholson would like to inform the public that the Flora Police Department is actively investigating numerous Burglaries to businesses and vehicles in our community.

The Police Department has taken several reports over the past few weeks. Although Chief Nicholson does not believe all of the incidents are connected, he would like to make the public aware of the concerns that he has.

The Police Department is urging all citizens to lock vehicles and do not leave valuables inside them at night, as most of the vehicles entered have been unlocked.

The Flora Police Department is taking these reports and this matter very seriously and will do whatever necessary to ensure these break ins stop and the person(s) responsible are held accountable.

As always, please report any and all suspicious activity you observe to local law enforcement, especially in the overnight hours.

FLORA, Ill. - Folks from Herrin, Olney and Edgewood were among those hemmed up by Flora Police this past week, according to the police report issued today by Chief John Nicholson.

Tuesday, May 24 at 11:56 am, Flora Police investigated an accident in the 800 block of East 4th Street involving a 2005 Mercury, operated by Diane Becker, 57, of Flora and a parked 2006 GMC, owned by Charles and Rebekah Kohn, of Flora. Becker was issued a Citation for Improper Backing. No injuries were reported.

Saturday, May 28 at 9:38 pm, Flora Police arrested Dustin Gragert, 35, of Rinard for Driving Under the Influence, Operating Uninsured Vehicle and No Rear Registration Light, following a traffic stop at Hwy 45/50-Worthey Street intersection. Gragert was transported to Flora Police Department for booking procedures and was released with a Notice to Appear.

Saturday, May 28 at 9:39 pm, Vickie Odem, 26, of Flora was issued a Citation for Operating an Uninsured Vehicle, following a traffic stop at the intersection of Worthey Street and Hwy 45/50.

Saturday, May 28 at 9:40 pm, Flora Police issued a Citation to Gerald Balding, 39, of Olney for Operating an Uninsured Vehicle following a traffic stop on Hwy 45/50.

Saturday, May 28 at 9:50 pm, Benjamin Rounds, 24, of Edgewood was issued Citations for Operating Uninsured Vehicle and Operating a Vehicle with Expired Registration, following a traffic stop.

Saturday, May 28 at 10:33 pm, Patricia Willison, 54, of Louisville was issued a Citation for Operating an Uninsured Vehicle following a traffic stop on Hwy 45/50.

Saturday, May 28 at 10:54 pm, Angela Boyer, 46, of Olney was issued a Citation for Operating an Uninsured Vehicle, following a traffic stop on Hwy 45/50.

Sunday, May 29 at 12:04 am, Flora Police arrested Jeffrey Luttrell, 26, of Nokomis for Driving While License Suspended, following a traffic stop on Hwy 45/50. Luttrell was transported to Flora Police Department for booking procedures and was released with a Notice to Appear.

Sunday, May 29 at 12:27am, Flora Police arrested Amber Boehl, 22, of Herrin for Driving While License Suspended. Boehl was taken to Flora Police Department and booked accordingly, prior to being released with a Notice to Appear.

WHITE CO., Ill. - Reducing the court docket some this week in White County, State's Attorney Denton Aud worked with White County judges to make sure some crims paid for their crimes with a little cooling of their heels in Illinois Department of Corrections.

Robert Worley

The first sent off this morning was Robert W. Worley, 21, of Norris City, on a conviction over Possession of Stolen Vehicle, a Class 2 felony. In exchange for his plea, Worley was sentenced to 4 years DOC, to be followed by 2 years MSR. Aud pointed out that Worley was ordered to pay all mandatory fines, fees, costs, and assessments, as well as restitution to the victim. Worley was also recommended to serve his sentence in the Impact Incarceration Program, a.k.a "Boot Camp." Offenses of Theft and Resisting a Peace Officer were dismissed per the plea.

Norris City Police Department with the assistance of the White County Sheriff's Department were the agencies involved in successfully investigating and apprehending Mr. Worley.

Carie Strean, White County mugshot

The second was Carie A. Strean, 40, Carmi who was the subject of a bitter rant by a family member who was very clear to point out that this gal wasn't bad because she didn't MAKE the stuff; she just possessed it and slung it. Ms. Strean, we were told by the same bitter gal, didn't have a money tree for all the bonds she paid out of this bust; she just used a dead relative's settlement or something to that effect. Anyway, Aud said she was pronounced guilty this morning of Unlawful Delivery of Methamphetamine, a Class 1 Felony, and Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine, Class 1 Felony. Strean, for her meth-slinging (but NOT making) drew a 12-year sentence in DOC, to be followed by 2 years MSR.

Aud said the sentences will run concurrently.

Strean was ordered to pay fines, fees, costs, and assessments totaling $9,150 (no indication as to whether she's going to tap the money tree for that.)

Aud noted that the Southern Illinois Drug Task Force, with the assistance of the White County Sheriff's Department, Carmi Police Department, and Illinois State Police, was the agency responsible for the successful investigation and apprehension of Ms. Strean.

MT. CARMEL, Ill. - A major meth bust that followed, of all things, a report of public indecency, was the highlight of the Memorial Day weekend/dates leading up to it in the city of Mt. Carmel, as the police report for May 26-31 indicates.

The big bust

That bust occurred on Monday, May 30, when Mt. Carmel Police arrested Christopher M. Dunn, 35, of Princeton on an original Wabash County warrant charging him with public indecency. Dunn is accused of entering an apartment in the 100 block of N. Division Street and exposing his genitals to the occupant. Dunn is said to have done this on May 22, as well. After an investigation was conducted, police were able to obtain an arrest for Dunn. Police caught up with Dunn in the area of the same apartment complex. When they placed Dunn under arrest for the warrant, he was found to be in possession of hypodermic needles. It was reported that one of the needles had a clear liquid substance that was believed to contain methamphetamine. Dunn was arrested and charged with the public indecency, possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, and he was cited for no insurance.

The mundane arrests

In other arrests, on May 26, Mt. Carmel Police arrested Kathryn A. Gregg, 20, and Kyle R. Stewart, also 20, both of Mt. Carmel, at their residence on Pear Street. MCPD Officers went to the residence after it was discovered the two were wanted on failure to appear warrants. Both Gregg and Stewart were arrested and transported to the Wabash County Jail where they were held pending the posting of bond.

On May 28, Mt. Carmel Police arrested Seth Schalasky, 22, of of Mt. Carmel after he was observed operating a motor vehicle in the 100 block of E. Second Street. The arresting officer knew Schalasky was wanted on a Wabash County failure to appear warrant. Schalasky was stopped and placed under arrest. Schalasky was transported to the Wabash County Jail where he was held pending the posting of bond.

Also on the 28th, Jeremy S. Jones, 39, of Mt. Carmel was arrested and charged with Aggravated Domestic Battery after police received a 911 call reference a domestic situation in the 300 block of W. Second Street. The caller told police that a woman showed up at his house claiming that her boyfriend had just beat her up. The boyfriend was identified as Jones. Jones is accused of striking his girlfriend with his fist and pulling her hair. Jones was arrested after a short standoff with officers, taken into custody and transported to the Wabash County Jail where he was held pending the posting of bond. The victim was treated at Wabash General Hospital for minor injuries.

What's with these NC peeps...?

On the May 29, Mt. Carmel Police arrested Bradley R. Hawf, 54, of Oxford, North Carolina, after he was found him slumped over a steering wheel with the keys still in the ignition and his foot on the brake in the parking lot of the Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church on Market Street. Police woke Hawf up and noticed an alcoholic beverage smell coming from his person. Hawf was arrested for DUI and taken to the Wabash County Jail where he was held pending the posting of bond.

Throwing mop water...??

Also on the 29th, Mt. Carmel Police arrested Lloyd A. Wood, 41, of Mt. Carmel after police were called to the 1100 block of W. 3rd Street reference a battery complaint. When officers arrived on scene, they were told that Lloyd A. Wood threw mop water on his wife, smacked her in the chest, and struck her in the nose. Lloyd told officers he threw the water on his wife but denied striking her. Lloyd was arrested and charged with domestic battery. During the arrest it was discovered that Lloyd was in possession of a metal smoking device often referred to as a one-hitter. Lloyd was charged with domestic battery and possession of drug paraphernalia. Lloyd was held pending the posting of bond.

Synths found

On May 30, Mt. Carmel Police arrested Dakota B. Grimes, 21, of Mt. Carmel after the arresting officer stopped a vehicle where he was the passenger. A K9 search of the vehicle lead to the discovery of drug paraphernalia and suspected synthetic cannabis. Grimes took ownership of the items and was placed under arrest by the Mt. Carmel Police. Grimes was transported to the Wabash County Jail where he was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia. Grimes was held pending the posting of bond. The driver of the vehicle was released with no charges.

Mad at car

Also on the 30th, Mt. Carmel Police arrested Jessica E. Adams, 23, of Mt. Carmel. Adams is accused of kicking a vehicle at one of the river camps causing damage to the vehicle. Adams was arrested and transported to the Wabash County Jail where she was charged with criminal damage to property. Adams was held pending the posting of bond.

Then on May 31, Mt. Carmel Police arrested Timothy A. Berberich, 35 on a Failure To Appear warrant after he was observed in the 1300 block of W. 9th Street. The arresting officer knew Berberich was wanted on a Wabash County warrant. The arresting officer placed Berberich under arrest and transported him to the Wabash County Jail where he was held pending the posting of $300 cash bond.

RICHLAND/WAYNE COs., Ill. - Once again, an area radio station, in its effort to support a losing cause (that just happens to be illicitly feeding them information), has gotten something really, really wrong.

This morning, WFIW radio station in Fairfield reported that the prosecutor in the case against the first Illinois State Police agent to be indicted in the state of Illinois, Rick White, has dismissed the charge against White in Richland County.

Screen cap from this morning. Yes, we can use this in the reporting of news. No, it's not a copyright violation.

The indictment was returned January 27 of this year.

For this who are mobile-device-challenged, the radio station noted that following a 24-page brief filed by White’s attorney, Clyde Kuehn out of Belleville, Richland County State’s Attorney Brad Vaughn dismissed the indictment.

That’s only about half right, however.

According to documents on file, the indictment has been dismissed. The charge, however, has not. The complainant, Kelly Henby, will be signing a complaint, to be followed by a charge filed on information (to the state’s attorney, a formal way of saying that Vaughn is taking “information” from a complainant about a crime), for the same Class 3 felony charge White’s under in Richland - Perjury - wherein it’s alleged that he lied on the stand under oath on February 5, 2013. This came about after a deposition in which White testified to the same material, but said something completely opposite. What he said during the dep was correct and can be proven as correct. What he said during testimony in 2013 - which was an OP hearing brought about by White’s former boss, Kelly Henby - was a lie and can be proven as a lie.

The grand jury held in January of this year was used as an investigative tool for the court at the time. Vaughn has been under pressure by ISP to change charges in a couple of cases there in Richland, not just White’s. Apparently (and he’s never commented to this, so we are just assuming at this point, but it appears to be a safe assumption), Vaughn has gotten a taste of the corruption in ISP and isn’t going to take it sitting down but is willing to meet it head-on…and more power to him, since ISP, in our estimation, HAS too much power.

The radio station, on the other hand…is just ridiculous. This isn’t the first time they’ve covered for White…who has yet to be disciplined, like his co-worker Greg Hanisch was a couple of years back for what he did to Henby, for anything related to getting info to the station before it was made public. Even judici.com doesn’t have an update, so the station can’t fall back on that. It’s bogus lil Ricky BS, same as always. And it shows what a good lapdog your “local media” is…and how terrible that is for the taxpayer that media would cover for corruption like this.

White is next in court for his pretrial hearing on the amended charge June 21; that was the previous setting on the jury trial. Whether White will choose to proceed with his trial at that time remains to be seen. Since he’s been pulling out all the stops attempting to get the whole thing to go away - including a change of venue motion that was shot down in flames a couple of weeks ago, and which no one but us covered - we’ll just see. Here’s a snip from the front-page story pertaining to it:

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RICHLAND CO. – What former ISP special agent Rick White probably thought was a really good idea in his Richland County felony Perjury case was shot down in flames on May 18: The judge said “no way” to a change of venue for the jury trial he’s seeking.

White is the now-suspended ISP agent who was the subject of two federal lawsuits as filed by two former ISP investigators – one of them a former Wayne County sheriff, the other, White’s former direct supervisor – after they said they had reason to believe he was targeting them in individual cases he was “investigating.”

The first was former sheriff Jim Hinkle, who was the subject of a fraudulent report of child molestation as issued by his then-teenage stepdaughter in 2010 who just wanted to go live with her father in Coles County so she could have a less-restrictive lifestyle. The second was the man Hinkle hired to investigate the girl’s allegations, Kelly Henby, a former mayor of Olney and formerly in charge of White when he first came to work for ISP at District 19 in Carmi more than ten years ago.

When White blabbed about Hinkle’s case (in which charges were never filed) to numerous outside people in a clear violation of ISP policy, and then worked to get Henby charged with a petty offense over the use of the words “private detective/private investigator” (for which Henby worked at the time) as it pertained to Hinkle’s case, both men, who are decades-long employees of, now both retired from, ISP, filed federal civil lawsuits against White in U.S. District Court...

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The rest of the article is about the venue change hearing, which was rather amusing, actually. You need to read it. You can, by getting out and picking up the June Special Edition at any of our wonderful vendors; or by clicking this link to get started on an online membership to the e-Ediiton, where you can read all the articles in the print version (and MORE) right here on the comfort of your computer or handheld device. Hit those links to get started!

HAMILTON CO., Ill. - Justin Hood, Hamilton County's State's Attorney, has announced that four individuals have received sentences in his county's court.

Zac Bassemier

Zachary Bassemier, 25 of Carmi, plead to Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine, Class 3 felony. He took 4 years in D.O.C. with 1 year of MSR. The case was investigated by McLeansboro City Police. He was a passenger in a vehicle on May 5, 2016 and had under 5 grams on methamphetamine on him.

Duane Carlson, White County mug shot

Duane G. Carlson, 37, of Percy, plead to two counts: Unlawful Possession of a Weapon by a Felon (he had a large bowie knife), a Class 3 felony, and Aggravated Battery, used the same knife to stab Thomas Garrison in the back at Thomas Garrison's residence in McLeansboro on January 26. There was a sentence imposed of 4 years on each count to be served consecutive to each other. He will serve a total of 8 years with 1 year of MSR on each count after he is released from D.O.C. case was handled by Illinois State Police, Hamilton County Sheriff Department, and McLeansboro City Police.

James N. Vailes

James N. Vailes, of Broughton, 45, plead to Aggravated Battery, Class 3 felony, and received 4 years in D.O.C. with 1 year of MSR to follow his sentence. He grabbed James "Butch" Vailes, age 60, by the hair and hit him with his hands on May 11, 2016. The case was handled by the Hamilton County Sheriff Department; you can read all about it in the current issue (June Special Edition 2016), on stands now while they last, or you can click this link and get to the e-Edition to read it with an online membership.

Kellie Jackson

And then Kellie Jackson, 40, of McLeansboro plead to 3 separate cases. Arson, Class 2 felony, 3 years D.O.C. with 2 years of MSR - She burned her ex-boyfriend Curtis Bertram's Honda 3-wheeler on November 21, 2015. The case was handled by the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Department. She plead to Theft, a Class 3 felony with 1 year MSR, when she took a 2013 ATV from a victim. The ATV was recovered in Wayne County and it was valued at $7,900. That case was also handled by the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Department. She also plead to Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance, Class 4 felony. She was arrested on May 5, 2016 by McLeansboro City Police. She will serve 1 year in D.O.C. with one year of MSR. All sentences must be served consecutively to each other for a total of 6 years in D.O.C. She also paid over $6,000 in fines and costs; and, you can read about her case in the current issue, as well, by clicking this link to go directly to the e-Edition article, or, if you’re not an online member, that link will get you to the signup page. What are you waiting for? Sign up today and get all kinds of benefits, including extra material that didn’t even make it into this issue (e-Edition Xtra!) throughout!

RICHLAND CO.— An area woman was transported to an Evansville hospital following a two-vehicle crash on Ste. Marie Rd. at approximately 6:52 p.m. Friday, June 3.

According to preliminary reports, Suzanne A. Newby, 42, was northbound on (Ste. Marie Road) Co. Rd. 1400E at approximately ¼ mile south of (Radio Tower Road) Co. Rd. 900E (three miles southeast of Olney), driving a red 2015 Chevy Camero, while 62-year-old Kathy L. Black, driving a 2006 Toyota Camry, was southbound at the same location.

Authorities say that when Newby crested a hilltop she was partially in Black’s lane of travel striking Black head-on or nearly head-on on the front driver side corner.

Upon impact the Camero rotated in the roadway and went backward to the west side of the road, left the roadway and struck and ditch/embankment on the west side of the roadway.

Newby was transported from the scene to Deaconess Hospital in Evansville, Ind., for treatment of her injuries.

HAMILTON CO., Ill. - One of the area's more astute school superintendents has sent out a notice to parents about the state of his schools and the budget impasse in Springfield.

Jeff Fetcho, Superintendent at Hamilton County Schools, sent the notice this week, which reads:

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Superintendent Jeff Fetcho

Dear Parents and Guardians,

As you may know by now the impasse at the Capitol continues as legislators and the Governor were unable to reach agreement on a budget. In the coming days you will hear a great deal of speculation pertaining to whether schools will open in the fall.

without a state appropriation for K-12 education in Fiscal Year 2017 (begins July 1, 2016), many school districts will face dire circumstances. For Hamilton County Schools, state funding comprises nearly 50 percent of revenue for the Education Fund and about 60 percent of revenue for the Transportation Fund. The district has fund reserves that will allow the opening of school and should sustain the district through the first quarter. Of course, this would mean that the dysfunction at the Capitol has resulted in a shift of the cost of educating Illinois' children to local property taxpayers.

the top priority for our elected officials must be to enact a budget that includes adequate funds for public schools for the upcoming school year. This will ensure that schools across the state open on time and are adequately funded for the full year. An evidence0based funding model is the most sound and fair long-term answer to having and adequate and equitable school funding model in Illinois. It is founded on research-based practice.

The toxic climate at the Capitol often leads one to avoid getting involved. Yet, as taxpayers and as citizens who are concerned about the health and future of our state, now is the time to be engaged. Contact your elected official (Sen. Gary Forby at 618-439-2504, Rep. John Bradley at 618-997-9697 and Rep. Brandon Phelps at 618-253-4189) to let them know your feelings about the current "state of our state." Meanwhile, be assured that your Board of Education and I will continue to monitor this situation closely. We will also continue to develop contingency plans to respond to the prospect of an ongoing budget impasse into the fall. We are committed to continuing the outstanding educational services that your child deserves, and are committed to serving our school community without interruption.

Thank you for your continued support of our schools

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This is going to impact every school district in the state. Poorer districts, such as in Hardin County, will suffer the most. What can be done? Do you think we'll have school this year beyond the first quarter? Will some schools not open at all? Discuss.

WAYNE/EDWARDS COs., Ill. - I'd do an "in case you missed it" on this, but...I doubt anyone did, since the word is kind of creeping out everywhere and impacting a lot of people right now.

Mid-week this week, it was announced that the parent company of Airtex (in Fairfield) and Champion Labs/Fram/whatever else they're calling themselves these days, UCI Holdings, filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

For those who might not be familiar with the different kinds of bankruptcies, Chapter 11 is a "restructuring" bankruptcy. That means, basically, that a person or company overextended themselves; in an individual's case maybe because of a family emergency or a medical crisis that took them unawares and they ran up their bills, then when the crisis was over, they were left with all this debt that they could manage if it were consolidated. That's what Chapter 11 does - it allows you to restructure your payments without having to bankrupt OUT of payments.

It's a good thing for those wishing to be fiscally responsible in their financial dealings after they've been dealt a blow.

Individuals, that is.

But when you've got a company that is supposedly owned by one of the world's top billionaires, Graeme Richard Hart of New Zealand, and he's supposed to be this astute businessman, and this is likely going to be used as an excuse to get rid of the last hundred or so employees at Airtex/Champ after they've already been decimated by "moving production to another country"...meh, not so much.

Especially when the amount of debt to be restructured is nearly astronomical. I added up the amount UCI owes its creditors - $27,816,025.00 and some odd change. I was afraid I wasn't going to have enough spaces on my calculator. And yet we're being told that this guy knows what he's doing.

The bankruptcy was filed in the state of Delaware, where everybody incorporates, it seems. There's not just one filing, coming down at the beginning of June; I counted 14 over June 1 and 2, with variations on UCI Holdings (UCI HoldCo, UCI-Fram AutoBrands, UCI-Airtex Holdings, etc). The mouthpiece for this whole operation, it seems, is the guy whose name is on the bankruptcy - Keith Zar, their corporate attorney. He doesn't seem to be much aware of the negative impact this is having on the locals, either. All he knows is that for whatever reason, UCI stopped paying creditors, and there are several to whom they owe millions, and they just can't pay them. This boggles me. If I stop paying my print bill, my print shop no longer prints me til I can pay my bill. If I completely stop paying my attorney, my attorney doesn't represent me. I guess these places would take a little trickle of money in from UCI, believing that pretty soon, they'd make good on their bills. Pretty soon never came.

That's likely because ever since UCI had taken over (or any of the others that owed Airtex/Champ after they were no longer locally owned), they've pretty much run them into the ground. They brought in people from out of the area who had no clue what it was like in southern Illinois - people like Camilla the Kickboxer from Michigan, whose life we chronicled in 2006 until UCI finally got wise and dumped her a couple of years later (pre-internet; sorry); and then the whole anti-trust lawsuit that was going on, whereby there was price-fixing allegedly going on at Champ/Airtex, a fact that was leaked out by an astute salesperson working locally and who spilled the beans on the kind of business corruption going on, which accurately reflected the kind of political corruption in downstate Illinois, that double-whammy thing the likes of which make it difficult to live here.

All that aside, UCI is saying it doesn't expect the bankruptcy to have an impact on the "day-to-day operations" of Airtex and Champ, and they've asked of the bankruptcy court to "continue paying employee wages, salaries and benefits" and to "continue all customer programs."

We'll see.

....we have to point out that when one mainstream news outlet gets it wrong, others are going to follow.

These guys follow A LOT.

As we told you the other day...Rick White, disgraced ISP investigator, is not off the hook with his charge of Perjury in Richland County.

However, he and his buddies in MSM are trying to make you think he is, hence the post at the link from the other day, which told you the real deal following the shell game MSM is playing.

Since it's a nice, dull, newsless weekend (I said that last weekend and all Hades broke loose, so yeah, I'm watching things carefully now... :/ ), I figured I'd bring you this.

Unfortunately, people don't check for themselves like we did when we read WFIW's "coverage" (read: butt-covering, as provided by White) of events in Richland County court last week.

So another area news outlet has picked up...the WRONG story.

Oh well.

Here tis, from Flora's "radio station," WNOI:

For those who don't understand: An indictment is a charge. Also, a charge is a charge. A charge can be filed from a police report or other official investigation, or on "an information," as signed by a complainant.

White's indictment is being dismissed. An information has been filed, which replaces the indictment. Kelly Henby is the complainant. The Class 3 felony charge against Rick White stands.

He's set for a prelim on June 22. We'll try to be there (since that's delivery of the next issue...which is shaping up to be amazing, as there are some serious developments with some bigwigs in south counties of Gallatin and Saline...) Be watching.

WHITE CO., Ill. - White County Sheriff Doug Maier has issued a press release about something going on within the county, and he's warning county residents to contact his office if they've been a victim of the alleged scammers mentioned here.

The sheriff's office had a report of a man and woman going door to door saying they were with Ameren, Maier said, and they wanted peoples' account numbers to switch electric companies.

Maier said that Ameren does not go door to door for this purpose and he is advising people to not give out their account numbers or any other personal information.

Again, contact the sheriff's office if you feel you have been a victim of a scam.

CENTRALIA, Ill. — A shooting Sunday night at a park in Centralia is being investigated today and two men, both from out of the area, were seriously injured in it.

Authorities apparently aren’t ready to say that it was just a random act, however; and that’s prompted a lot of speculation in a town where just last summer, there were quite a few "random" shootings going on, little of it reported by area media.

The incident last night took place at Laura Leake Park in Centralia (which is in the north part of the readership area, and sits in several counties, Clinton and Marion being two) at about 9:15 p.m. at the Pavilion. Authorities said that fortunately, there were others around when the shooting took place except for the two shot, and the wife of one of those men.

Shot were Devale Johnson, 29, of Georgia and who is spending the summer in Centralia with relatives; and Juan Hayes, 52, of Chicago, also staying in Centralia for reasons unspecified by authorities.

The two were both shot in the legs as they were attempting to run from the gunman, who had arrived in the park on foot, and escaped the same way. He remains unidentified.

The only other person in the immediate area was Hayes’ wife, who was sitting in their SUV nearby, and to where Hayes was attempting to run to get away from the gunman.

Authorities are calling the injuries they both sustained “non-life-threatening,” but both of them, having been taken to SSM Health/St. Mary’s Hospital in Centralia were later taken to St. Louis hospitals for treatment.

It appears, according to authorities, that Johnson was the target and that Hayes was just “in the wrong place at the wrong time”…however, authorities haven’t said whether the two knew each other or why they were in the same area away from others in the park. Everyone else, incidentally, was evacuated upon police response, which came from all around the area - Centralia PD, Central City PD, Wamac PD, Carlyle PD, Marion and Clinton counties’ sheriff’s departments and ultimately, ISP, who are currently processing the scene.

Interestingly, police placed St. Mary’s on lockdown after a number of family members of the two victims converged upon the place.

If anyone knows the identity of the shooter, it’s a sure bet authorities would like to hear from you. Some with whom we’ve spoken in Centralia are worried that the shootings are going to gear back up like they were last August and September…and they’re hoping this can be brought under control.

Well, only a few days late with this; we've been super busy tracking down a couple of things that will be front page on the next issue, both of them in SoCos (South Counties, for those who aren't familiar with our jargon) and it's consumed all our time...we guarantee you won't be disappointed in it. In fact, it's a continuation of something we began last year long about October...and it may continue on into this October if everything stays true to form.

But let's talk about THIS amazing issue.

The one on stands now is the June Special Edition; we call it the special edition because when we have two papers in a 30-day period, generally the first one is a Special Edition. And that's what this is; with a second June issue coming around on June 22, this one is "special" and you'd better get out and get one, because even though we bumped up the press run on this one, it looks like it's going to sell out in most locations just like the May issue did...and you don't want to miss this one.

In this e-Edition presentation (which is easy to access through Print Headlines, as each headline is a direct link to the e-Edition article), we are including e-Edition Xtra. Ordinarily a separate feature, we've got so much going on that we decided to combine it with the regular e-Edition, so if you're an online member, you get to read the e-Edition Xtras in with the rest of the material...we just overwrote, which happens frequently, but YOU benefit when we do!!

In an effort to assist you in determining whether you want to read this issue, we present every issue Print Headlines, which is our offering of a preview of what's in the current pages. Print Headlines are presented by how articles appear in the paper - Front Page, Back Page (a second front page), Pages 2 and 3, Features if any (usually on pages 12 and 13), Egypt, Heartland and Central, then Op-Ed. Each print headline is preceded by a dateline (where the material in the article took place) and followed by a brief synopsis in our own snarky Disclosure style. And now, without further ado, we present to you, THIS ISSUE'S PRINT HEADLINES!

FRONT PAGE

A vehicle used in the Pendleton incident. What, you think we'd give you one of the ISP-at-the-bachelor-party pics for FREE??

Jeremy Scharlow. Did he start it all...?

POPE CO. - Execution of Pope County manhunt questioned: If you're looking for the most comprehensive account of what went down that caused Clint Pendleton to run to Pope County; what happened while he was in Pope County; and what the authorities were really doing while in Pope County...this is the read. You're not going to be disappointed, and guess what...? It's not over. Not by a long shot. Not until ISP explains the photo on the front page and page 12; and not until we get everything we can about Jeremy Scharlow's record as a cop. And if you don't know what we're talking about...hit the headline link and get a Day Pass or a month pass to the e-Edition. It's all explained in this massive article.

LAWRENCE CO. - Bank asks for property seizure: Nothing like being a pudgy, hayseed businessman wannabe, whose wife ends up having whored around with his truck-pulling buddy who hasn't always shown the best judgment in his selection of women, and both the pudgy hayseed and his wife get charged...no, can't stop there...now the bank is wanting the sheriff to step in because stuff that's their collateral is disappearing.

SALINE CO. - Friday the 13th not good for adulterer candidate: Jason Kasiar had a bad day on Friday, May 13...he should've seen it coming...but all he could apparently see coming was Jolly Molly. Which was his ultimate downfall. Folks, this is what we have for a selection at the ballot box this fall. No wonder we're the laughingstock of the U.S.

RICHLAND CO. - Venue change DENIED: Case of indicted state police agent Rick White: We've waxed loquacious about Rick White ever since his radio buddy Len Wells has been (ineffectively) trying to cover his rear like cats in a litterbox covering poop. Guess what: It still stinks if it's still there. And it's still there.

BACK PAGE

FRANKLIN/CLAY COs. - Hospital dumps CEO; more to follow? The follow up story to what's happened with Franklin County Hospital. Will the offensive Herv Davis leave, or will a loophole in his contract allow him to stay on...and subsequently go on wrecking this hospital?

HARDIN CO. - Tax assessor terminated; time sheets in question: Coming to us on deadline, the tax assessor in Hardin County has decided to keep corruption all in the family...allegedly, of course.

RICHLAND CO. - Even dozen hauled in on county drug-related charges: The boyz in brown in Richland County are staying active and nailing the meth makers (alleged, of course)...who's next? Keep up with us...there are lots and lots of people busted every month, and it's a constant non-stop surprise for a lot of folks as to who's rolling on who...

(No pages 2 and 3; they're taken up by the Pendleton coverage...nearly 9,000 words worth)

(Also, no feature; same reason. See what's on pages 12 and 13 by clicking this link.)

EGYPT

Amy Lane

SALINE CO. - Couple charged with leaving children unattended found with drugs: Are we surprised...? (Xtra!)

HARDIN CO. - Local pain trespasses at Housing Authority: You know....because some people in Hardin County have NOTHING better to do....

SALINE CO. - 15-year-old reports uncle for slapping girlfriend out of her chair: You're just not going to believe this story. If it weren't for the validated police reports, we wouldn't have, either.

SALINE CO. - Rolling drug deal foiled when driver runs stop sign: It never ceases to intrigue us how people who allegedly get out and either do a rolling meth lab or at least a rolling drug deal somehow, miraculously, can never quite remember to obey all traffic control devices... (Xtra!)

Christie Debose. Wondering if she's any relation to Joe Debose.

ELDORADO - Eldorado thief confesses to taking ceramic angels, dog food and game system: I think it was the dog food that finally got her to cave...

HARDIN CO. - E'town man accused of stealing water: Back in the day, they just went up to someone's well, and dipped a bucket in and took what they could. These days, they defeat the meter...which isn't such a bad idea with a smart meter, since those have a tendency to cause bodily disruptions, like cancer and such...

GALLATIN CO. - Shawneetown woman surfaces long enough to batter another woman, so say police: Not a whole lot coming out of Gallatin County, but what's there is...well, like THIS story (Xtra!)

SALINE CO. - Violent Harrisburg man tangled with cops, gets hogtied: Want to try being hogtied? Be violent around Harrisburg Police Officer Tom Leverett. It'll get ya there every time.

Raven Smith

SALINE CO. - Mom charged with taking little girls shoplifting: Here's another one that someone just needs to pull up their bootstraps and decide that they need to put her away, because this (alleged) kind of thing simply can't be rehabilitated. It's a sickness.

HARDIN CO. - Nearly hitting a police car will get your drunk driving noticed every time: Do people really DO this...? Apparently, these days, yes indeed.

HARDIN CO. - Slippery Carrie back in custody after absconding: A message to Carrie Atkinson, whose weasly little countenance has graced THIS EXACT SAME SPOT in more newspapers over the past few months than I care to think about: Give it up, girlfriend. Nobody's going to give you a break; not JT, not Tara, not us. Just go to DOC and think about it for awhile.

GALLATIN CO. - New Haven man sentenced after beating up squad car: Of all things he could've allegedly chosen to beat up, I guess it's best that it was an inanimate object. Of course, he couldn't chosen something that wasn't "government-supported"....

SALINE CO. - Grand jury indicts 16 suspected drug dealers on 26 counts, more expected: The expanded version of the big Grand Jury doings back on May 17; there are two of the three who hadn't been picked up at the time featured in this article.

SALINE CO. - Trio facing felonies after cops say they terrorized three women in a trailer: Part 1 of the saga that emerged the weekend Clint Pendleton was on the run. The Three Stooges here decided they'd allegedly take off after three women in a trailer in 'rado. Apparently they weren't paying attention to the news, and knew nothing of Pendleton's "at large" status...elsewise they might not've been standing (allegedly) behind this trailer, in full view of the locals, bearing weapons...(and btw...there's a part 2 to this story, as unreal as it is. And the part 2 has to do with a vocal Jason Kasiar supporter. Makes you wonder why she's so vocal...)

She tellin it like it iz, folks....

SALINE CO. - Late night cemetery cruise ends with meth, pot and pill charges: Part 2 - But...but..."Ah gayve heeyum uh NORMUL lahf!! An he went awff an took up with these LOOOOZERS!!" Right, Monica...and the part you forgot to type in was what's featured in this article, the little cemetery jaunt where your bf was passed out and you were...well, we'll just let y'all read it.

GALLATIN CO. - Mother charged with interfering with father's visitation; and then there's the drinking and driving: And aren't we all glad that it didn't all happen with the same people, at the same time.

HEARTLAND

Just what is "Camie" short for...?

MARSHALL - Private cemetery association being funded by public funds - improperly: On the average, here are 11 layers of government to which we're paying taxes in Illinois at any given time. Imagine our surprise when we learned about this cemetery association in Marshall. Which is to say, we had NONE.

CRAWFORD CO. - Marathon Refinery, other private businesses, sued over death allegedly by exposure to benzene: While we respect peoples' rights to file and have their cases heard, no matter what the case...we just don't see the blithe overlooking of what causes cancer to prompt prices at the pump to go up, you know...? I mean, what's Relay for Life for, anyway...?

CRAWFORD CO. - Cops looking for cut of suspected drug dealer's financial pie: I mean, really...don't they always...?

CRAWFORD CO. - Public looking for square deal for Oblong felon: Folks...we're serious, as are you who've expressed concern: this guy needs locked up.

CRAWFORD CO. -  Another weed-man sprouts in Robinson: We're pretty sure he's just waiting for it to be decriminalized. But, in the meantime...IT'S ILLEGAL.

CRAWFORD CO. - Guns and drugs land Hoosier man behind bars: In Crawford County, Indiana people come across the state lines to allegedly commit crimes....(Xtra!)

JASPER CO. - Newton heroin convict gets shot at rehab: And we all know how successful rehab is....

CRAWFORD CO. - Charged with neglecting elderly woman: Two things we simply cannot abide by: Abuse of children, and abuse of the elderly.

CRAWFORD CO. - Suspected Palestine drug dealer busted: Hey, P-stine...your plug got pulled. LOL

CRAWFORD CO.: Mefford Street Moody man busted for meth: Well here's his FIRST problem...he's on a skreet named after a local punk cop...

CRAWFORD CO. - Has legal luck run out for Robinson drug felon? It ain't a matter of luck. Just a matter of timing.

CENTRAL

Daisy Mae, victim of her name, no doubt...

CLAY CO. - Xenia woman plays kick the cop, goes to jail: Don't let the headline fool you...this contains the follow up to the matter of Daisy Mae Sherman getting hemmed up on a heroin charge up in Will County...and a Will County guy getting hemmed up in Clay County. You can't make this stuff up. And who would WANT to?

RICHLAND CO. - Charged with DUI after minor passenger texts friend: And here's another that carries a lot of material in it...including that very questionable girl from up here in Calhoun who, years ago, shot up a house because of an ex, when she was just 17, if memory serves us correctly...yeah, just read it.

CLAY CO. - Teen accused in armed robbery of Farina man: The rundown of the punk named Matlock who has been a recent feature here on the free side. What will be done with him...?

LAWRENCE CO. - Child sex offender and serial meth felon charged with living near daycare: In Lawrence County, when the low-rent renters rent, they really rent low-rent...and this kind of thing is going to happen under those circumstances.

HAMILTON CO. - McLeansboro arson suspect now facing multiple drug charges: Justin Hood made short work of this cast and crew...we've already had a follow up, but you can read the preceding story right here.

WHITE CO. - Carmi man threatens to blow deputy's brains out: Nothing like asserting your right to freedom of speech by making threats...which is where the line is crossed, although this guy apparently didn't get that.

LAWRENCE CO. - Father n son drug dealing team busted: Hey...at least they're keeping it a family business.

WHITE CO. - Phoenix flames suffused again; pharmacy files suit: Huh. Just when you thought Phoenix had died an ignominious death and Lil Fortner had gone to ground, here comes another lawsuit.

CLAY CO. - Flora woman who claims she lied about domestic battery report has been charged: This gal is gonna be charged one way or the other, so I guess the lesson here is: Don't lie. Also, get electrolysis.

CLAY CO. - Flora man accused of sexual abuse: Yet another sex abuse against a minor case charged in Clay.

WABASH CO. - Two old guys throw down, one cut, both charged: And one of them is...three guesses and the first two don't count...!

WHITE CO. - White County man charged with beating dog to death: And not just any White County man, but one who spent time in prison over the death of his son. Check it out.

LAWRENCE CO. - Old Lawrence guy can't seem to leave the meth alone: Gotta hand it to the old guys...they're keeping the meth dream alive in Lawrence. Oh who am I kidding...about 86 percent of the population in Lawrence is keeping the meth dream alive (Xtra!)

HAMILTON CO. - Broughton felon charged with beating father: Another one that Justin Hood made obsolete right after this issue hit the stands, but give it a read anyway...it's entertaining, I guarantee.

WABASH CO.: Two Dills in a pickle and a Sumner woman with pills popped at MC pharmacy: We couldn't resist the pun. We just couldn't.

HAMILTON CO. - Wayne City woman unlucky in Hamilton: Hey. Most crims are, thanks to the expertise of Justin Hood.

OP-ED

COLUMNS
SURLY & UNCOOPERATIVE (Jack): Knock, knock...Who's there? Me. No it's not...
ICY (Ang): The lexicon of the norms: Disclosure Definitions
GREYGOOSE (Becky): The fox may be crazy...be he's also, at times, inspiring
MINKUS INK (Bubba): Unequal 'protections' in the great bathroom debate 

VOICE OF THE PEOPLE (letters) Benton, going down in history as...,Lewd text sent to kids?, Couldn't hold rumors in any longer, All about the broken systems that have broken Illinois

WHITE CO., Ill. - Information has been released about a significant traffic incident Sunday involving a motorcycle that sent two Herrin residents to area trauma centers.

The incident occurred Sunday (May 5) at about 6:30 p.m.

According to officials, Justin K. Bissey, 31, and passenger Tracy L. Johnson, 35, both of Herrin in Williamson County, were traveling Illinois Route 141 in rural White County, about four miles west of the Wabash river Bridge, when the motorcycle they were on overturned.

There's been no indication of what caused the overturn, but there were no other vehicles involved, according to the White County Sheriff's Office.

Both Bissey and Johnson were taken from the scene by helicopter to undisclosed trauma centers. The extent of their injuries remains undisclosed at this time.

Sheriff Doug Maier says the accident is under investigation by White County authorities.

CLAY CO., Ill. - Here's your sheriff's report, Clay County, for the week of May 31 through June 7, 2016, as provided by Sheriff Andy Myers.

May 31, Clay County Sheriff's Deputy cited Dalton Allen, 45, Flora, for Illegal Squealing/Screeching of Tires and Speeding. He was given a Notice to Appear and released.

June 1, Veno Harris, 24, Effingham, was arrested on an outstanding Clay County warrant for Failure to Appear on the original charge of Operation of Uninsured Motor Vehicle. Bond set at $3,000.00 (10%), plus $75.00 warrant fee. He posted bond and was released.

June 3, Clay County Sheriff's Deputy arrested Jared Parish, 38, Flora, on an outstanding Clay County warrant for Failure to Appear on the original charge of Driving While Driver's License Revoked. Bond set at $2,500.00 (10%), plus $75.00 warrant fee. He posted bond and was released.

June 3, Amanda Hoffman, 35, Vandalia, was arrested on an outstanding Clay County warrant for Felony Deceptive Practice. Bond set at $25,000.00 (10%). She is currently incarcerated in the Clay County Jail.

June 4, Clay County Sheriff's Deputy arrested Jamie Declue, 33, Steeleville, Missouri, for Operating on Foreign License While Suspended. She was given a Notice to Appear and released.

June 6, Erica Lewis, 35, Dieterich, was arrested on an outstanding Clay County warrant for Residential Burglary(3 Counts) and Burglary (2 Counts). Bond set at $100,000.00 (10%). She is currently incarcerated in the Clay County Jail.

June 7, Clay County Sheriff's Deputy arrested Andrew Durbin, 18, Flora, on an outstanding Clay County warrant for Failure to Appear on the original charge of Consumption of Alcohol by a Minor. Bond set at $3,000.00(10%), plus $75.00 warrant fee. He posted bond and was released.

June 7, Ian Merideth, 32, Flora, was arrested on an outstanding Clay County warrant for Failure to Appear on the original charge of Theft. Bond set at $5,000.00(10%), plus $75.00 warrant fee. He is currently incarcerated in the Clay County Jail.

CUMBERLAND CO., Ill. - A fatality resulted from a single-vehicle accident last night on Interstate 70 in Cumberland County, and authorities are blaming the crash on the driver's alleged DUI.

Illinois State Police Dist. 12 who worked the accident said that a brown/tan Ford F150 pickup being driven by David W. Essary, no age given, of Indianapolis, was traveling in the eastbound lane at milepost 125 on I-70 yesterday (Tuesday, June 7) at 5:45 p.m. With Essary was Dustin J. Garner, 27, of Salem, Illinois.

Witnesses say the truck was driving erratically and passing cars on the right shoulder when it left the roadway to the right and rolled multiple times down an embankment, coming to rest upright.

Garner was killed in the crash.

Essary was taken to Regional Hospital in Terre Haute, whereafter he was cited for DUI Alcohol, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, No Insurance, Driving on a Suspended License, Failure to Reduce Speed, Illegal Transportation of Alcohol, Reckless Driving, Improper Lane Usage, and Driving on the Shoulder.

Further crash details are pending investigation.

MT. CARMEL, Ill.— This first of the week Mt. Carmel police report covers everything from a butt-dial arrest to an old lady wanted to for failure to appear for a court date.

On Sunday, June 5, Mt. Carmel Police received a loud noise complaint in the area of Bainum and Broadmoor. When the officers arrived on scene they noticed a vehicle operating on the roadway without it's head lights illuminated. Police stopped the ’94 Oldsmobile and identified the driver as 43-year-old Kelly D. Hannah, of Marion. During the traffic stop it was suspected she was under the influence of alcohol. Hannah was subsequently arrested on suspicion of DUI.

Hannah was transported to the Wabash County Jail where she was charged with DUI, driving without lights when required, and operating an uninsured motor vehicle. Hannah was also charged for resisting arrest. She was held pending the posting of bond.

The next day, Monday, June 6, Mt. Carmel Police arrested 18-year-old Evan T. Doan of Princeton, Ind., after he was observed walking in the 800 block of W. 6th Street. The arresting officer knew Doan was wanted on a failure to appear warrant out of Wabash County. When the arresting officer attempted to arrest Doan, Doan resisted and tried to pull away from the officer. The arresting officer was able to subdue Doan and a search incident to arrest was conducted. Doan was found to be in possession of prescription pills that were not subscribed to him. Doan was arrested and transported to the Wabash County Jail where he was served the FTA warrant, he was also charged with possession of a controlled substance and resisting arrest. Doan was held pending the posting of bond.

Tuesday, June 7, brought with it two separate arrests.

In the first Mt. Carmel Police arrested Beulah J. Wilson, age 65, of Mt. Carmel on a Wabash County Failure to appear warrant. The arresting officer stated he observed Wilson operating a motor vehicle in the area of 3rd and Walnut Street and knew that she was wanted on warrant. The arresting officer made contact with Wilson and placed her under arrest. Wilson was transported to the Wabash County Jail and held pending the posting of bond.

In the second Tuesday arrest, Mt. Carmel Police arrested 31-year-old Jeremy R. McGill of Mt. Carmel after it was discovered that the vehicle he was driving had a suspended registration. Police noticed McGill operating a 2007 Chevrolet with a suspended registration and initiated a vehicle stop in the 300 block of W. 4th Street. McGill was arrested for the traffic infraction and transported to the Wabash County Jail where he was cited for suspended registration and operating an uninsured motor vehicle. McGill was held pending the posting of bond.

And finally, on Wednesday, June 8, Mt. Carmel Police received two 911 calls from a cell phone located in the 600 block of Buchanan Street. When police arrived on scene they spoke with the caller, Nicholas K. Lofton, age 31 of Mt. Carmel. Lofton advised he "butt-dialed" 911 and he told officer's there wasn't an emergency. During the incident police were notified that Lofton was wanted on a failure to appear warrant out of Edwards County. Lofton was arrested on the warrant and transported to the Wabash County Jail.

LAWRENCE CO., Ill. - Crash reconstruction is being done in an early-morning traffic accident in Lawrence County Tuesday that proved fatal for a Bridgeport man.

Illinois State Police out of District 12 said that the accident occurred on U.S. 50, a quarter-mile east of County Road 1090E (Business 50 West Extension) at 6:06 AM June 7.

Preliminary information indicates the motorcycle had maneuvered a passing/overtaking maneuver around other traffic. The motorcycle failed to adequately complete the lane maneuver causing it to collide with Madron's vehicle in the eastbound lane of U.S. 50.

John H. Davis was fatally injured in the crash.

ISP said the investigation is pending by ISP District-12 and ISP Crash Reconstruction Division, along with the Lawrence County Coroner's Office.

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Brandon T. Robinson

EDWARDS CO., Ill. - Authorities in Edwards County have charged a Mattoon man with theft of a vehicle.

Edwards County State’s Attorney Mike Valentine filed a single charge this morning (June 9) against Brandon T. Robinson, 33, who was arrested a week ago after being accused of stealing a farm truck and trailer from a location in Edwards on May 31.

The charge reflects only the vehicle, a 2007 Chevy 1500 pickup truck from a farm in north Edwards.

Robinson was on a tear in late May, according to authorities; during this same time frame, he’s also accused of stealing a vehicle in Saline County (no formal charges have been filed yet), and in Bedford County, Tennessee (from which this mugshot was obtained) he was charged with stealing a Tennessee Walking/Spotted Saddle horse along with two vehicles there (unclear whether or not he’s been charged in Tennessee yet.) And to start it all off (apparently), he was alleged to have stolen a vehicle in Mattoon, which was found abandoned at the north Edwards location where the Chevy was alleged to have been taken.

Whether Robinson just up and decided to do a little illegal horse trading, was maybe practicing as a horse-and-vehicle repo man, or was on a bender that day and was bored, he’s hemmed up now with at least the Edwards County charge, which is a Class 2 felony. At last check he was still being held in Tennessee, but was wanted on a parole violation in Coles County from 2014 on a charge of - you guessed it - Stolen Vehicle.

No court date has yet been set for Robinson in Edwards.

EFFINGHAM, Ill. - Illinois State Police District 12 announced enforcement figures for the recent special Traffic Enforcement Patrols (sTEP) wave conducted on Sunday, May 22, 2016 in Fayette and Effingham counties.

And Illinois State Police District 12 announced enforcement figures for the recent special Traffic Enforcement Patrols (sTEP) wave conducted during the evening hours on Tuesday, May 24, 2016 and morning hours of Wednesday, May 25, 2016 in Clay and Marion counties.