GIBSON CO., Ind. – A young man whose troubled past preceded him in Illinois before his tendencies were brought to Princeton, Indiana, is now facing a murder charge in the stabbing death of his girlfriend, an act which authorities said occurred with their 2-year-old daughter present in the home.

Lance Z. Marley, 26, formerly of Vincennes across the river from Lawrence County, had several of years worth of bad behavior behind him in both Illinois and Indiana before he allegedly ventured into the level of violence that ended the life of Lindsey Fleck, 32, his current girlfriend, who died of stab wounds to her neck and throat late in the evening of Saturday, October 22, 2016, in Princeton.

Saw him toting the body

Authorities said that the matter first came to the attention of local police at about 11:30 p.m. when a neighbor saw Marley attempting to put what appeared to be a body in the back of his truck at their residence on South Fourth Street in that Gibson County town.

When police arrived, they attempted to begin CPR on Fleck, and Marley told them “CPR isn’t going to work.”

He was correct; she was pronounced dead at the scene.

Marley was covered in blood, there was blood all over the inside of the home, two bloody knives and a bloody knife sharpener were located and a dead cat was found in the home; this later proved to be the impetus over the altercation, according to authorities – the two had been arguing over the cat, and it’s alleged that Marley had stabbed the cat and killed it first before taking off after Fleck.

The little girl in question was found inside the home; she was uninjured but authorities aren’t saying much about her whereabouts when the stabbing was taking place.

According to court testimony issued by Princeton Capt. Mike Hurt the Monday following the incident, during an interview, Hurt said that instead of answering his questions, the suspect said “Just shoot me.”

With that not exactly being an option, Hurt continued the questioning, with Marley giving him a line of bull about how some masked intruder had come to the home and threatened Marley, at which point he fled with the baby girl, leaving Fleck to the mercy of the masked man. When Hurt said he didn’t believe that, Marley clammed up and asked for an attorney, and the interview was terminated.

Knows the drill

At least Marley has a little experience in being questioned by police.

His record in Illinois dates back four years when Marley, living in Wheatland, Ind., at the time, was the subject of a traffic stop following a hit-and-run in January of 2012 in Lawrence.

Records show that he was charged with leaving the scene of an accident, one that was likely caused by alcohol, which he was cited for having as open transportation of, and which he was also charged with misdemeanor Resisting a Peace Officer.

All charges were dismissed a few months later when he entered a plea to a citation for having an unattended vehicle.

Alcohol proved to be a problem for Marley, however; just two-and-a-half years later, he was cited for DUI in neighboring Wabash County, this in August 2014.

He was also charged with Endangering the life or safety of a child in the same incident (it’s unclear if that was his own daughter or not).

Somehow Marley was able to complete 200 hours of public service work in Wabash County between August and November of 2014 and he was on his merry way.

The required alcohol treatment program he was ordered to be involved in may not have taken, however.

But in Indiana….

Indiana court records show that Marley had alcohol infractions dating back to 2009, when he was but 19 and was so cited in Knox County across the river from Lawrence.

That same year he was cited for simple Battery in Knox; and in 2010, the same happened again: A citation for minor consuming alcohol and a charge of misdemeanor battery.

Then just last year in Knox, Marley was cited for two separate battery incidents, one of them involving his own father.

Associates of Marley’s said that the elder Marley was beaten badly; this resulted in an August 2015 charge in Knox County of Battery Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury, a case which was still pending in Knox County Superior Court when the incident that involved his girlfriend occurred.

Initially, Marley was charged with Involuntary Manslaughter; apparently, the original thought was that both Marley and Fleck were involved in stabbing each other, as he was found with many cuts on his hands and a foot.

However, that presumption changed when the matter came to court on October 24.

It’s possible Marley injured himself with the knives found covered in blood, maybe to support his “masked man” theory.

Marley was on probation on a 2014 Pike County domestic battery when the Princeton incident occurred, which was one of the many factors involved in the order that he be held without bond.

Marley is apparently among the many men who hook up with a successful female (Fleck was an Occupational Therapist) and bring them down to his level. The female continues to insist to everyone that all is well in their lives, when in reality, the man’s drinking and violence is ongoing. Oftentimes, children in the way of the perp also get injured or killed in his blind lashing-out.

Marley was next scheduled to be in Gibson County Court on deadline for this issue, November 14.

Those suffering at the hand of violent significant others are encouraged to get out, as it’s not worth whatever ‘security’ they might provide.

FLORA, Ill. - There are only a few incidents/arrests to report from the city of Flora as regards a police report; here's what Chief John Nicholson has released:

Wednesday, November 9 at 11:00 am, Flora Police arrested Jean Tilton, 31, of Louisville and Sarah Groves, 29, of Geff for Theft, following an incident in the 1500 block of Worthey. Tilton and Groves underwent booking procedures at the Flora Police Department and were released with a Notice to Appear.

Saturday, November 12 at 5:13 pm, Flora Police arrested David Windle, 54, of Flora on an outstanding Clay County Warrant for Failure to Appear on the original charge of Possession of Controlled Substance. Windle was transported to Flora Police Department, where he was able to post the necessary cash bond and was released with a court date.

Saturday, November 12 at 5:13 pm, Steven Thomas, 43, of Flora was issued Local Ordinance Citations for Possession of Cannabis and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, following a traffic stop in the 7900 block of Old Highway 50.

Monday, November 14 at 1:27 am, Sonali Gammon, 31, of Belle Rive was arrested for Driving While License Suspended, following a traffic stop in the 100 block on North Mill Street. Gammon was taken to Flora Police Department for booking procedures and was released with a Notice to Appear.

Brannon I. Randall, DOC mug

JEFFERSON CO., Ill. - Apparently Brandon I. Randall ventured a little too far out of familiar territory Sunday night when he ventured up north a ways to Jefferson County.

There, said authorities, is where he managed to get popped by the popo after a traffic stop.

Mt. Vernon police were the ones who stopped and jailed the now 38-year-old Randall, who was a front-pager fairly frequently in 2009-10 when he was making meth with now-felon/then-teenage Ashlee Stanley, granddaughter of Gallatin Count hotshot (in his own mind, at any rate) Bernie Bayer.

According to the Mt. Vernon Police Department in material released, Randall was an occupant of a vehicle stopped around 9:24 p.m. Sunday at 10th and Newby. During the stop the officer requested the Mt. Vernon K-9 Unit perform a walk around and sniff of the vehicle.

But prior to the unit’s arrival, officers searched Randall, and reportedly locating a large amount of methamphetamine Ice, numerous prescription pills of assorted medications, and drug equipment.During the K-9 search of the vehicle, officers also reportedly located cannabis. As the investigation continued, the officers determined the vehicle had been stolen from a business in Carmi.

Randall was arrested on charges of Possession of a Stolen Vehicle, Possession of between 15-100 grams of Meth with Intent to Deliver, Possession of Schedule IV Narcotics, Possession of Schedule II Narcotics, Possession of Drug Equipment, and Manufacture with the Intent to Deliver between 30 and 500 grams of Cannabis.

At the time of his arrest, Randall was on parole from the Illinois Department of Corrections. Due to the arrest, a parole violation warrant was issued. He is being held in the Jefferson County Jail with no bond.

Brannon has an extensive criminal history in several downstate counties (besides Gallatin, he has convictions in Clinton, Marion and Washington counties, all of them up by Jefferson) for all kinds of bad doings: Dope, theft and burglary are his specialities. He never seems to serve any meaningful time, however, no matter what the infraction is. Maybe this time somebody will do something about him.

WHITE CO., Ill. - White County Sheriff's authorities had a busy one this past weekend and into Monday (November 14) according to documents they've submitted for press release.

Trevor Tate

Monday's warrant was a self-service; Trevor Tate walked into the sheriff's office in Carmi and advised that he knew he was being sought for a warrant and he wanted to turn himself in, this at about 12:42 p.m.

Tate, 45, of Crossville, had been charged with misdemeanor Unlawful Use of Weapons (brass knuckles). The warrant was served, Tate was mugshot and booked, and he posted $150 and went on about his business.

Kendra Pennington

Next (and later in the evening), at about 7:22 p.m., White County Deputy Scott Cantrell, accompanied by Carmi police officer David Agee, both went to a residence in the 100 block of South Sixth Street in Carmi to locate Kendra Pennington.

Pennington, 32, was wanted on a White County warrant for Retail Theft in a recent case. She was located and taken into custody. At the jail she was mugshot, booked and released on a $150 cash bond.

Brandi Holland. And her hair.

And finally, and apparently since they were on a roll, Deputy Cantrell and Carmi police Sgt. Brad Spence traveled to the 700 block of Maple Street in Carmi in an attempt to locate Brandi Holland, who was wanted on a Jefferson County warrant for Failure to Appear on a Battery case.

Cantrell made contact at the Maple Street residence with Tommy Coke, who advised that Holland was present and inside the residence. She came outside and was advised of the warrant; the officers toted her off to jail, where she remained at least earlier today, awaiting posting of a $300 case bond.

Andrew McKenzie

WHITE CO., Ill. - A crossover crim was taken in by Carmi police on a Richland County warrant yesterday (Monday, November 14), continuing the successful warrant service White County and Carmi police have been involved in the past couple of days.

The one last night was executed by Carmi city police on a guy who got in trouble in Richland County almost five years ago.

Andrew J. McKenzie, 36, residing at an address on the 100 block of North Sixth Street in Carmi, was charged in early May 2011 with an April 30, 2011 Domestic Battery in Richland County.

After former Richland County state's attorney David Hyde allowed the case to languish in court for five years, right before he resigned last year, in June of 2015 Hyde allowed McKenzie to plead out to the Class 4 felony and accept a sentence of 24 months probation, as long as he paid his fines and fees. A total of $2,317 was assessed against him at that time, and thus far he's paid only $450 of it (likely, his bond).

He was put on pay or appear and a petition to revoke was filed by the prosecutor who took over the reins from Hyde, Brad Vaughn, in April of this year.

Pay dates were set from that point forward, but apparently about mid-October, something went wrong, and it appears that's when the warrant was signed.

McKenzie was settled into the Carmi/White County Jail where he remains....unable to post bond.

EFFINGHAM, Ill. -  Illinois State Police (ISP) District 12 Commander Captain Cory Ristvedt would like to remind motorists that the ISP is gearing up for the beginning of the holiday travel period.

The ISP will be stepping up enforcement patrols as the holiday driving season begins. The goal is to make the roads safe for all motorists. Traditionally, the Wednesday before the Thanksgiving holiday marks the beginning of the busy holiday travel period. 

Beginning on Wednesday, November 23 through Sunday, November 27, officials expect high traffic volumes on interstates and roads throughout the region. Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 24, is expected to be the busiest.  The ISP is urging the motoring public to adhere to the rules of the road.  Statistics continue to show that fatal crashes increase on the interstates during the Thanksgiving holiday period. 

"During the holiday driving period there will be a large volume of traffic on the roadways," stated District 12 Commander, Captain Cory Ristvedt. "We will be increasing patrols to watch for motorists who may be driving in an unsafe manner. We will especially be watching for drivers committing any of the Fatal Four moving violations," he continued. 

During the holiday enforcement period, officers will patrol the interstates, conduct road side safety checks and participate in other traffic enforcement details to identify the ?Fatal Four? moving violations: speeding, driving under the influence (DUI), not wearing seatbelts, and distracted driving.  Special emphasis will be placed on DUI enforcement and holiday DUI patrols will be designated statewide.

"Our number one goal over the holiday weekend is to reduce the number of fatalities on Illinois roadways," said ISP Colonel Tad Williams. "We ask that motorists think twice about safe driving habits before getting behind the wheel. Please watch your speed, buckle up, and don't drive distracted or while under the influence," he continued.

WHITE CO., Ill. - A Harrisburg woman was cited in White County after allegedly running a stop sign and smacking into a car toting two elderly people.

Illinois State Police said the crash occurred at 9:47 a.m. this morning, Wednesday, November 16.

ISP said according to the preliminary traffic crash investigation, the driver of the 2007 Ford Explorer, Jaida N. Cissna, 28, of Harrisburg, was traveling northbound on U.S. Route 45 when she failed to stop at a stop sign at the intersection of Illinois Route 14.

Cissna’s vehicle struck a 2008 Ford Explorer, driven by George L. Chaffin, 90, of Carmi, who was westbound on Illinois Route 14.

Cissna’s vehicle hit Chaffin’s vehicle on the driver’s side, causing Chaffin’s vehicle to overturn and come to rest in a ditch located on the northwest corner of the intersection. Cissna’s vehicle came to rest in the westbound lane of Illinois Route 14.

Chaffin and his passenger, Ruth M. Chaffin, 85, also of Carmi, were transported from the crash scene by ambulance to an area hospital for treatment of injuries sustained in the crash.

Both vehicles were towed from the crash scene. Cissna was cited for Disobeying a Stop Sign and Use of an Electronic Communication Device while Driving.

ISP District 19 was assisted at the crash scene by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), White County Sheriff’s Department, Norris City Police Department, White County Ambulance Service, Harre’s Ambulance Service, Enfield Fire Department, and Cherry Street Automotive.

HAMILTON CO., Ill. - A McLeansboro woman was hospitalized this evening after his vehicle was involved in a crash with one being driven by a Broughton teen.

According to Illinois State Police, the two-vehicle collision occurred on Illinois Route 14 at about 5:35 p.m. tonight (Thursday, November 17).

At that time, ISP said, James L. Chapman, 19, of Broughton, was driving a blue 2014 Chevy Malibut westbound on 14 approaching Hamilton County Road 200 East when he collided into the rear of a 2011 Chevrolet Silverado, being driven by Krystal L. Alexander, 40, of McLeansboro.

Alexander was slowing in traffic to turn north into a private drive located approximately 350 feet east of CR 200 East.

Alexander was transported to an area hospital for treatment of her injuries. Two juvenile passengers in her vehicle were uninjured.

Chapman was cited for failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident.

EDWARDS CO., Ill. - A woman from Ellery was fortunate last night to have gotten out of a wreck with only minor injuries, after a collision with a semi.

Illinois State Police in District 19 worked the wreck on Illinois 18 one-eighth of a mile east of Massillon Road (this is a location situated on a hill and it's hard to see the driveway when coming from the west).

That's what happened last night (Thursday, November 17) when at 6:55 p.m., Wilma L. Moore, 72, of Ellery, was eastbound coming into Albion on 15  in a 2002 tan Buick Lesabre.

Bryant M. Harner, 40, of Albion, was operating a gray 2013 Freightliner truck-tractor/semi-trailer combination, backing into the private driveway on the south side of 15.

ISP said Moore failed to recognize the truck-tractor semi-trailer perpendicular in the roadway and struck the driver's side of the Freightliner.

Moore was transported by ambulance to an area hospital for treatment of minor injuries she sustained in the crash.

ISP District 19 was assisted at the crash scene by the Edwards County Sheriff's Department and Edward County Ambulance Service.

This time, there were no citations issued.

CLAY CO., Ill. - A woman reported as last being seen yesterday is now being considered missing, and Clay County Sheriff Andy Myers has issued information for the public on it.

Martha Ellen Cook, 65, from Flora, is the woman in question.

She was last seen yesterday (Thursday, November 17) at about 2 p.m., driving a maroon Dodge Dakota truck with a maroon colored camper shell on the back of it.

The last known location of Cook in her truck was southeast of Xenia.

Cook is described as a white female approximately five-foot-five and 180 pounds, with gray hair and blue eyes.

Anyone having any information on Cook's whereabouts is urged to call the Clay County Sheriff's Office at 618-665-3316 or your local law enforcement agency.

The type of Dodge truck in question

CLAY CO., Ill. - The circumstances surrounding the disappearance of a Clay County woman are emerging, and with each piece of information comes more questions.

Martha Ellen Cook, age 65 and known locally as Ellen Cook, was reported missing yesterday after last being seen on the evening of Thursday, November 17.

According to official information, Cook, from Flora, was last seen on that afternoon at about 2 p.m. driving a maroon Dodge Dakota truck with a maroon-colored camper shell on it.

However, friends of the family state that the time was closer to 4:30 p.m.

Cook was following her husband Ray, who was in front of her on the road southeast of Xenia on a tractor. He had had eye surgery a few weeks ago and given that the sun was about to set, likely he wanted her behind him.

However, Ray's brother saw Mrs. Cook turn the wrong way off the road, and he called Ray's cell phone and advised him of this.

Ray is reported to have turned around and traveled down the road to find her, but he could not.

While it all sounds very strange, friends of the family advise that there is no foul play suspected.

Please look at the attendant images and be sure you share this across your social networking pages; the family needs help locating Mrs. Cook. If you have any information, you are urged to contact the Clay County Sheriff's Office at 618-665-3316.

Please share!!

Mrs. Cook's body has been found

CLAY/WAYNE COs., Ill. - The Flora woman who went missing Thursday evening has been found deceased in a rural location of Wayne County.

The body of Martha Ellen Cook, 65, of Flora, was found in a rural location of Wayne not being specifically noted by authorities, although Wayne County is just south of Clay, and the village of Xenia sits in both Wayne and Clay counties; Cook was last seen on a road southeast of that village. The body was found at about 10 last night; Clay sources advise that a helicopter was being used in the search, but whether that's how Mrs. Cook's body was located remains unclear.

Authorities were made aware that Cook was following her husband Ray, who was on a tractor, in a Dodge truck Thursday evening when she made a wrong turn and Mr. Cook lost sight of her. Sources who advised that she was following Ray because he had had eye surgery recently have clarified that his eye surgery wasn't recent; it was a couple of years ago.

It's being reported this morning that Mrs. Cook was suffering from Alzheimer's, and that may have contributed to the confusion she apparently suffered that caused her to make the wrong turn.

Her death is being investigated by Wayne County authorities.

The November-December 2016 has been on the stands for just a few days, and it's flying out the doors. Why? Wait til you see this story line-up, and you'll understand.

Print Headlines is a way for people to see what's in this issue, as well as for those with an online membership to the e-Edition to go right to the article with an active link. Print Headlines are presented in order of appearance in the paper, Front Page, Back Page (our second front page), Pages 2 and 3, Features if any (usually presented on Pages 12 and 13), Egypt, Heartland, Central, and Op-Ed. They are shown here by dateline first (where in the coverage region the material occurred), headline (each headline is linked to the e-Edition article), and then a brief synopsis in our usual snarky Disclosure style. And now without further ado, here's THIS MONTH'S PRINT HEADLINES!

FRONT PAGE

HARRISBURG - 'Fowl'-project? Business sued: Last year at this time we brought you the first of the series of articles on the Chess Club, the revelations of which ruined the alleged strip joint and worse, and drove a local banker pretty much out of the area. Now, "another project brought to you by Dale Fowler" is in trouble...and this will likely be the beginning of several articles about the expense of "bringing a business" to an area that ultimately costs everyone more than it brings in.

ERIC LAMB

JASPER CO. - DEPUTY CHARGED: Furthering the coverage we brought you in October when we learned through an innocuous Flora police report that currently on-leave Jasper County Deputy Eric Lamb had turned himself in on a warrant. Here's the story in full.

POPE CO.  - Gap bar burglary under investigation: What on earth was it that allegedly prompted two young Saline County guys to break into gambling machines at a popular Pope County bar? We examine that question, as well as point out just which attorneys these boys have defending them...pretty slick stuff for people who allegedly felt they needed to steal...

LANCE MARLEY

GIBSON CO., Ind. - Girlfriend murdered in presence of daughter: The horror of an uncontrollable temper and violent lashing out took the life of a woman in Indiana, allegedly at the hand of her younger boyfriend with a history of such. And since this kid is originally from Lawrence County (specifically Lawrenceville), and knowing what we know and have endured, we're seriously wondering if there's something in the water....

Actual image from Clay County Sheriff's Department investigation

CLAY CO. - Political signs stolen in Clay: We've had all kinds of reports of stolen campaign signs in the coverage area...and every single one of them was of a Trump sign. Which is to say not one person attempted to steal a Clinton sign that we were made aware of, at any rate. Not that there were that many out there, but...that's the case. And here's an article that highlights just WHO was interested in stopping the Trump train....and it's just not a surprise.

BACK PAGE

FAIRFIELD - Airtex bankruptcy: Is Fairfield doomed? We've not run a whole lot about the bankruptcy, but recent developments in both the city of Fairfield and in Wayne County have prompted this. What are they? Click the link to read.

WHITE CO. - Pharmacy burglary sends another Duffy for another stint in IDOC: Coverage of the Plum Street Pharmacy burglary in Carmi, to which Brant Duffy entered a plea while we were on deadline. Another Duffy off the streets after being unable to behave.

JOHN RYAN TENNIS

WABASH CO. - Charged in gas station robbery: A stunner out of Wabash County when Ryan Tennis was arrested and charged with two "armed" robberies (Airsoft pistol, which shouldn't count, but it does); here's the reaction from some on the matter.

SHELBY CO. - Baby injured when parents place her in running dryer: We covered this here online when it broke, and we don't ordinarily put a Shelby County story in the paper, but we felt like you needed to see this...because this is becoming an epidemic, too-young moronnials breeding indiscriminately then killing or injuring their offspring. The baby in this case is fortunate to be alive after an aspect of this that ISP didn't cover: How she got her injuries.

PAGE 3

Christina Steinmetz

GALLATIN CO. - 'Family' issue may really be substance abuse matter: The bizarre deterioration of a Gallatin County woman now moved to Williamson...and what's really going on with her.

Zak Yarber

JASPER CO. - Oblong crim charged with rape of 16-year-old: We were apprised of this one through the courthouse crawl, but the details of Zak Yarber's most recent charge show a remarkable series of bad judgments. Which is how this ended up on Page 3.

CRAWFORD CO. - Meth-head facing another dope charge: And speaking of poor judgment...

EGYPT

SALINE CO. - Former doctor charged with kidnapping counts: Updated information about the story that startled all of Saline and surrounds when it was announced at the end of September.

SO. ILL. - Egypt post-election: South counties goes wildly Republican in some cases: Recap of the outcome of the November 8 election as it pertains to Egypt, with some surprises, and some business-as-usual.

SALINE CO. - Boot camp option on the table for troubled teen: Punk Jaydon Emmons, continuing to get in trouble this year ever since January, when he was accused of breaking into a 'rado-area gun shop and stealing guns.

HARDIN CO. - Prosecutorial hack does deals on her way out the door: Of COURSE Tarable Wallace will wheel and deal on the way out the door before it hits her on the backside. Some people have said they believe we're too rough on Tarable. We say "Do you want the truth, or do you want doctored-up rosy stories?"

JENNIFER MCNABB

SALINE CO. - Meth convict, girlfriend and their buddy caught busting into storage units: Pro tip: don't break into a storage unit owned by the county prosecutor's son. It's just a really bad idea.

GALLATIN CO. - Sex offenders, thieving and pills featured in cop blotter: The general crim roundup in GallCo.

SALINE CO. - Repeat offenders facing felony driving revoked: Eric Heflin will gripe about this coverage, as he has been about every article we've produced about him. We think we may have uncovered why he thinks he can gripe and get special privileges. We'll have that in upcoming issues.

SALINE CO. - Arson suspected at superintendent's house: Of all things....WHY on earth would someone allegedly set fire to the home of a public official...? Supreme stupidity would be our first guess.

SALINE CO. - Violent convict found living with victim in his room at mom's house against OP: You'd think that someone would explain to these kids what an OP is and how it works...but then, the courts wouldn't get fines and fees, right?

SALINE CO. - Neighbor busted for thieving from neighbor: Hey, neighbor against neighbor; how hideous, right? But we ARE in the last days, after all...

SALINE CO. - Former car salesman caught trying to trade in a stolen vehicle at Muddy's Jim Hayes: If it's weird, it'll happen in Muddy. Also, will involve meth. And this is weird, believe me.

SALINE CO. - Dope stash found in underwear during booking strip search: Well I mean...where ELSE do they put their dope stash?

SALINE CO. - Galatia man charged with falsely accusing state rep candidate: Awww. Poor lil Jason Kasiar, all picked upon because someone allegedly falsely accused him of a crime. Somebody tell his campaign manager that it's the REPORT TO AUTHORITIES that got Mr. Massey hemmed up, not the fact that he just 'said' it. And then we have to look at the people that Kasiar DID threaten...

SALINE CO. - Woman charged with thieving thousands: Just another day in Saline County....

SALINE CO. - Galatia pair nabbed in massive crystal meth, ecstasy bust at Harrisburg car wash: This is the big deal that went down in October involving Larry Harris...and guess what: It's not over yet.

SALINE CO. - Charged with abusing 14-year-old: Left in the capable hands of assistant SA Eva Walker, things will get sorted out with this guy...you watch. (Look for this one in the Central section, as we had to drop it in there...the news budget was too tight in Egypt after we laid off a month on the crims in order to cover the election).

HEARTLAND

Sian Kuester

MARION CO. - High school special ed teacher charged with sex-related crime; nude photos, video texts: A bit more material than in this article about the woman formerly teaching in Kinmundy who is accused of being bad with a special ed kid...seems to be a trending thing these past couple of years.

EDGAR CO. - Correctional officer and 911 dispatcher at center of Edgar sheriff's department cover-up? Yet another one where we obtained more info on a story that we broke right here.

JASPER CO. - Hidalgo man tried to run woman off roadway: Police: What do you do when you have a really abysmal driving record? You allegedly step it up, that's what.

SO. ILL. - Heartland counties in Fifth, Second and Fourth Judicial Circuits' post-election coverage: The returns and what they mean for the Heartland coverage area.

CRAWFORD CO. - Oblong, Palestine men face drug charges: The dope roundup for Crawford.

CENTRAL

SO. ILL. - Central election wrap: Most downballot Republicans elected across the region: The election wrap for the Central counties, which included some surprises, much like everywhere else.

DAKOTA S. WHEELER

WABASH CO. - Evansville man charged in Mt. Carmel stabbing: I'm just not even going to comment on the first mugshot-in-a-wheelchair thing....

WABASH CO. - Olney doper nabbed at Mt. Carmel McDonald's: Misty Wilkins wasn't the only crim from Richland County busted in Mt. Carmel this month.

WABASH CO. - Convicted Wabash County drug dealer destroys jail digs: Why, oh why, do people think it's a good idea to (allegedly) do this upon arrest...?

Michael Keyser

CLAY CO. - Teen with weapons recipient of $5K in bond funds from Fairfield drug felon: A disturbing twist on the article we brought you in early October about more brats being bad in Clay County.

WABASH CO. - Mt. Carmel felon facing felony weapon charge: Another wise move by another convicted crim in WabCo.

RICHLAND CO. - Doper fresh from prison beats younger drug felon: Everything that's wrong in the crim scene in Richland, emphasized right here in this article.

CLAY CO. - Sex offender living in Flora motel beats woman he strangled in June: Two words: Rodney Washington. Need we say more?

WHITE CO. - Crossville repeat drug offender headed back to meth court: Coverage of the weepy-looking Danielle Eyer in full.

WABASH CO. - Keensburg violent crim caught with nickel's worth of meth: *drumming fingers on desk* *just sitting around waiting for Cassandra to do something meaningful with this idiot*.....

RICHLAND CO. - Lying to cops and violence charged in Richland County: Don't lie to cops. You'll catch an Obstruction charge, every time.

On the right, there...? Cover up, girl.

WABASH CO. - West Salem women one of four featured in Wabash County drug court on meth charge: And really, one of them should've covered up a little more, for her mugshot.

CLAY CO. - Violent Flora thief shoves man so hard his head shatters car window: And THAT was HARD...

WABASH CO. - Allendale teen pleads to xanax: Keeping up with the name in the area.

WHITE CO. - Hoosier pair featured in drug report: Lots of people from Indiana getting hemmed up in White and other counties here lately.

WABASH CO. - Weiss sentenced in drug case: See? Like this chick. She's from Owensville.

WHITE CO. - Violent Carmi man gives woman concussion: Police: Charming gent, this.

WHITE CO. - Thieves accused of taking off with everything from booze to lawnmowers and cash: We're coming to be under the impression that in White County, if you're "feeling" underprivileged and have even the slightest criminal leanings, you devolve into thieving.

WABASH CO. - Enfield convicted drug felon transitions from weed to speed: More of that crossover crim stuff...apparently because some of these people know their local constabulary and courts are on their last nerve with some of em.

HAMILTON CO. - Preliminary hearing reset for Dale man accused of murder in Hamilton County: The coverage of the Zac Shock sitch, which, we were told right after this issue went to press, is inaccurate - he's actually set for arraignment on that date, but we'll let the article stand, as this is the public correction on it.

OP-ED

COLUMNS
SURLY & UNCOOPERATIVE (Jack): What was I doing while everybody was freaking out about the presidential election? In part, we were vacationing ^_^ But this is about more than that.

ICY (Ang): Arrested for Facebook post: Clean the petri dish: Ang's column is about a horror that's emerged in Marion County with a woman named Shirlena Barnes who made a non-threatening, innocuous Facebook post, but because it was about a cop, the braintrusts there decided to charge her. Get ready, peeps; there'll be more of this coming.
MINKUS INK (Bubba): Meanwhile....Dylan gets a Nobel Prize for literature: Yep, he did.
GUEST COLUMN (Kale Meggs): Election 2016: What happens when indoctrination trumps education: And this was titled BEFORE the Donald won the election, I'd like to point out.

BACK OVER YOUR TALES: From the pages of the November-December 2011 edition.

And that does it for Print Headlines...be sure you sign on if you haven't already, to read the paper online at the e-Edition OR to get our print version by mail. There's a movement afoot to "stop" "fake news" right now after the whiners' candidate didn't win the election...and from this, you can see who's REALLY in charge in this country. Don't be surprised if something happens and this website suddenly becomes unavailable; there's a large faction that thinks that news sites they simply "don't like" can be lumped in with what's being defined as "fake news" and that they can just make us 'go away' after 15 years of hard work. If it happens, we'll rectify it; we have redundancy plans. But what will endure until there's a complete shutdown is the PRINT VERSION. We'll get that out there even after the free press is no longer free. Stick with us. We're on your side.

Roy Dean Ritcheson

WHITE CO., Ill. - White County deputies had their hands full last week, as the most recent sheriff's department press release indicates.

The action started last Thursday (November 17) when dispatch advised Sheriff Doug Maier that a woman was calling from Windsor Oaks in Grayville about a battery that she said had occurred in Crossville.

Keri Tarrants, 32, said that her boyfriend, Roy Dean Ritcheson, 36, had hit her numerous times while at their residence in Crossville the night before and early that morning. Not only that, but she reported that he'd destroyed her phone, hit her in the face with his fist numerous times, and refused to allow her to leave the residence.

Officers noted that she had visible injuries, including a black eye on the right side, and swollen left eye. She also reported that her face, arms and back were very sore. An ambulance was called for her, and they noted bruise marks on her arm which showed handprints, and a 'rash' type injury on her buttocks. She did not go with the ambulance for further medical attention, however, refusing treatment. She was given contact information for Anna Bixby and advised she needed to contact them for an OP.

A deputy went to look for Ritcheson and located him after having to patiently watch not only his residence, but one across the street, that of Sheena Garret's, where Ritcheson's car was found parked. Garret had allowed the deputy to check her house for Ritcheson (who wasn't found there), but when the deputy left, parked two blocks away, and watched the two houses, he ultimately saw Garret go to Ritcheson's house, then Ritcheson go to Garret's house, where he was talking with her when the deputy pulled up and tole Ritcheson there was a warrant for his arrest as issued out of Hamilton County.

When Ritcheson was questioned about his girlfriend, he advised that he wasn't the aggressor, but instead had been attacked by Tarrant and her injuries, he said, were from him throwing her off of him.

He didn't have any visible injuries. He did, however, admit to destroying the phone.

After the deputies conferred with State's Attorney Denton Aud, Ritcheson was charged with Domestic Battery and Criminal Damage to Property. He's currently in the White County Jail, held on a $750 cash bond on the White County charges, and $575 on the Hamilton County warrant, which is over a failure to appear on a pay or appear from a 2012 Burglary conviction.

WHITE CO., Ill. - A Sunday report of a crashed vehicle had White County deputies rotating through several people trying to figure out just what had happened.

And none of it is really clear yet.

The incident began at a little after 7:30 a.m. November 20 when a Sabrina Shockley, 23, of Crossville, called White County dispatch to report that a truck belonging to her and Brian Goff, 29, had been stolen.

Earlier, there had been a traffic crash reported at 1953 County Road Route 14 at approximately 3:40 a.m. The truck involved in the crash was the one Goff and Shockley were reporting stolen. Also, it was reported that there had been a male and female at the Phillipstown crossroads that kept calling 911 and hitting the Posey County 911 system; a Tim Roe had called White County 911 and told them he thought the male and female were calling in the traffic crash that had occurred earlier.

A deputy went to interview a Donald E. Terrell, 78, in the vicinity of the crash site; Terrell said he’d heard a loud crash and went outside and asked if everyone was okay and they said they were. Terrell said White County Sheriff’s Department responded, and a male subject “returned to the scene and was taken by ambulance to the hospital.”

The deputy investigating this went back to Goff and Shockley after talking to Terrell. Deputy Thomas then told Goff about the crashed truck, and advised him that it was a felony to make a false report.

However, Goff was insistent that he wanted the truck reported stolen, stating it was at the residence at 1 a.m. when he went to bed, and that the keys were in the garage on the pool table…but he hadn’t given anyone permission to take the truck.

A Jeremy Miller, 21, and Kaylin Neiup, 19, both of Grayville, were interviewed (apparently their names came up in the investigation), and Miller advised that he’d gone to Tequila Sheila’s that night, played pool with several individuals including Goff, and didn’t remember anything about his truck being at Goff’s residence or how it got there; didn’t remember anything about an accident; and that he was “dropped off at his parent’s house, but didn’t know who did that.” Then he said he “went back to the accident site to get his phone” and there he spoke with Deputy Spencer, and went to Wabash General Hospital, where he was released.

It doesn’t appear Miller (nor anyone else) was taken into custody; apparently the investigation is ongoing.

WHITE CO., Ill. - A situation involving loud motorcycles and alleged spitting lit up the sheriff’s weekend in White County this past weekend.

The nonsense started Friday, November 18, when at about ten minutes til 1 p.m., dispatch notified Sheriff Doug Maier that Tina Burnett, 55, of Crossville, wanted to speak to a deputy in reference to a problem in that village with one Tammi Peterson.

Maier went to Burnett’s residence, where he was told that Ms. Peterson had stopped at a stop sign in front of Burnett’s, both Peterson and her husband Tim on their motorcycles. Burnett said they were “very loud” and Burnett has asked the two not to rev them up because her husband works nights and was inside sleeping. Burnett then said Tammi Peterson revved the bike even louder and cussed at Burnett, who told Maier this was an ongoing problem. So Burnett took forms to fill out, one for her and for her husband.

Documents show that at about this time, Ms. Peterson called dispatch to speak with a deputy in reference to JD Burnett spitting on her.

Maier met Peterson at her residence, where he was told that she and her husband were traveling on Route 1 between Crossville and Carmi, coming into Crossville. They went to pass two vehicles and the front vehicle was JD Burnett. Peterson said Burnett pulled into their path as they were about to pass him, and she had to brake to avoid hitting Burnett. There were no vehicles coming from the opposite direction, she said.

Peterson pulled into Maier Grocery. And then, when they were returning home, they stopped at a stop sign in front of the Burnett residence.

At that point, Peterson said, JD Burnett came running into the street cussing at them…and then, she said, Burnett spit into her mouth.

Maier asked if it were from yelling and spit was just coming out of his mouth; Peterson said Burnett intentionally spit at her and it went into her mouth.

Maier reported that he went to observe the motorcycles involved, and noted both had mufflers installed by Big Four Motorcycle; they were Lloyd’s brand of slash pipes, and appeared to have been made for the bikes and were in good condition. Maier had Tim Peterson start one of the bikes and Maier noted in his report that they were loud; when they were revved, however, they were very loud.

Maier left statements for both the Petersons to fill out. He also advised that to help with the situation, they should avoid driving by the Burnett residence if possible.

JEFFERSON CO., Ill. - Attorney General Lisa Madigan today announced charges against a former Illinois woman for embezzling more than $100,000 from a Jefferson County School District.

Madigan charged Sabrina Wheatley, 55, who was a school administrator for the Webber Township School District in Bluford, Ill., with theft of government property in excess of $100,000, official misconduct and filing fraudulent tax returns. Madigan alleged that on two or more occasions, Wheatley illegally accessed the district’s account for the purposes of stealing more than $100,000.

“This defendant took money from the Webber Township School District that should have funded children’s educations,” Madigan said.

Wheatley was arrested in Florida on Sunday, and Madigan’s office is seeking her extradition to Illinois to face the charges. If convicted, Wheatley faces six to 30 years in prison and the loss of her pension.

The investigation was conducted by the Illinois State Police and the Illinois Department of Revenue’s (IDOR) Criminal Investigations Division.

“Whenever allegations of tax fraud come to light, it is important that we examine their validity and act accordingly,” said Connie Beard, IDOR Director. “I commend the job performed by the Department of Revenue’s Criminal Investigations Unit, as well as the work currently being done by the Attorney General’s office regarding this matter.”

Assistant Attorney General Gregory Stucka is handling the case for Madigan’s Special Prosecutions Bureau.

Board members Bill Clow Jr. and Greg Amerman 

RICHLAND CO., Ill. - Richland County Clerk Alice Mullinax has issued an agenda outlining meetings that will be held next week.

“The County’s new fiscal year is about to begin,” Mullinax said in the agenda intro; “I would like to thank all of you for the assistance and understanding throughout this past year. Congratulations to the new board members. There are a couple of meetings scheduled to end one year and begin another.”

Mullinax said that on Tuesday, November 29 at 7:30 p.m., the County Board will have a Special Meeting. The purpose of t his meeting is to adopt the final budget for FY2017. This meeting will be held in the jail meeting room. The re-elected county officials and elected board members will be sworn in that night.

Then on Monday, December 5, at 5 p.m. the County Board will meet for their re-organizational meeting. This too will be held in the jail meeting room. The board will elect its officers for the next two years. This is the meeting when the newly-elected board members take their seats.

Anyone with any questions or concerns may contact Mullinax at 618-391-3111 or at countyclerk@richlandcogov.com

CLAY CO., Ill. - After a little bit of a break, Clay County Sheriff Andy Myers has released the following activity report about what his department has had to deal with from the day after the election (November 9) all the way through today (Nov. 22):

Nov. 9, Clay County Sheriff's Deputy cited Orrin Moore, 18, Louisville, for No Valid Registration. He was given a Notice to Appear and released.

The wrong Michael Persinger, according to....the wrong Michael Persinger.

Nov. 10, Clay County Sheriff's Deputy arrested Michael Ray Persinger, 29, Flora, on an outstanding Clay County warrant for Failure to Appear on the original charge of Theft. Bond set at $5,000.00 (10 percent), plus $75.00 warrant fee. He posted bond and was released.

Nov. 12, Clay County Sheriff's Deputy arrested Aaron Webb, 30, Fairfield, was arrested on an outstanding Clay County warrant for Failure to Appear on the original charges of Unlawful Possession of Anhydrous Ammonia, Unlawful Possession of Anhydrous Ammonia in an Unauthorized Container and Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine Manufacturing Material. Bond set at $5,000.00 (10 percent), plus $75.00 warrant fee. He posted bond and was released.

Nov. 14, Clay County Sheriff’s Deputy arrested Cody Houston, 21, Flora, on an outstanding Clay County warrant for Violation of Probation on the original charges of Unlawful Possession with Intent to Deliver Cannabis and Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Bond set at $15,000.00 (10 percent). He posted bond and was released.

Nov. 14, Clay County Sheriff’s Deputy arrested Jennifer Cochran, 26, Clay City, on an outstanding Clay County warrant for Failure to Appear on the original charge of Obstruction of Justice. Bond set at $3,500.00 (10 percent),plus $75.00 warrant fee. She posted bond and was released.

Nov. 14, Clay County Sheriff's Deputy arrested Dalton Allen, 21, Flora, for Driving While Driver’s License Suspended, Operating Uninsured Motor Vehicle and No Valid Registration. Bond set at $1,500.00 (10 percent). He posted bond and was released.

Nov. 16, Mindy Schmidt, 26, Bourbonnais, was arrested on an outstanding Clay County warrant for Failure to Appear on the original charge of Obstruction of Justice. Bond set at $3,500.00 (10 percent), plus $75.00 warrant fee. She appeared in Clay County Court and was released.

Nov. 17, Shane Highsmith, 36, Olney, was arrested on an outstanding Clay County warrant for Failure to Appear on the original charge of Driving While Driver’s License Revoked. Bond set at $5,000.00 (10 percent), plus $75.00 warrant fee. He posted bond and was released.

Nov. 18, Daniel Pace, 41, Flora, was arrested in Hill County, Texas on an outstanding Clay County warrant for Violation of Court Order. Pace will be transported back to Illinois at a later time.

Nov. 21, Clay County Sheriff’s Deputy cited Kevin Johnson, 19, Alorton, for Disobeying Traffic Control Device. He was given a Notice to Appear and released.

Nov. 22, Clay County Sheriff’s Deputy arrested Richard Fisk, 57, Iuka, was arrested on an outstanding warrant for Escape. Bond set at $50,000.00 (10 percent). He is currently incarcerated in the Clay County Jail

MT. CARMEL, Ill. - Mt. Carmel police had their hands full not just this past week, but in the days leading up to it... Here's the report from November 17 through the 22nd.

The one arrest on the 17th was that of Adam W. Barnett, 29, of Mt. Carmel after he was stopped for a traffic violation in the 200 block of Bellmont Street. During the traffic stop it was discovered that Barnett was driving on a suspended driver's license. Barnett was arrested and transported to the Wabash County Jail where he was cited for driving while suspended and operating an uninsured motor vehicle.

On the 18th, Mt. Carmel Police arrested Ruben A. Corzine, 29, of Mt. Carmel after police were conducting a child welfare check at 107 Daniel Street. Police advised the Corzine was at the residence and was in possession of prescription drugs not prescribed to him. Police located cannabis and other drug paraphernalia in the home that Corzine admitted was his. Corzine was arrested and transported to the Wabash County Jail where he was charged with possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia (2 counts), and possession of cannabis. Corzine was held pending the posting of bond.

Also on the 18th, a couple was arrested after police were called to 1118 Chestnut Street reference a domestic. The arresting officer reported that Roberta A. Hook-Boultinghouse, 42 of Mt. Carmel, damaged her estranged husband's residence by smashing the rear windows of his home. When police located Roberta she advised she had been physically assaulted by her husband, Christopher H. Boultinghouse, 41 of Mt. Carmel. Police arrested both subjects and transported them to the Wabash County Jail. Christopher Boultinghouse was charged with domestic battery and Roberta Hook-Boultinghouse was charged with criminal damage to property. Both subjects were held pending the posting of bond.

Police arrested Dustin L. Kieffer, 30, of Mt. Carmel on the 19th after they were called to the area of Third and Mulberry streets reference a male subject acting in a disorderly manner. When police arrived on scene they found an intoxicated Kieffer screaming in the yard of 231 N. Mulberry Street. Kieffer was arrested and transported to the Wabash County Jail where he was cited for disorderly conduct.

Also on the 19th,Mt. Carmel Police arrested Christopher Martin, 33 of Muncie, Indiana after he was stopped in the 100 block of Pecan Avenue. During the traffic stop it was discovered that Martin was driving on a suspended driver's license. Martin was arrested and transported to the Wabash County Jail where he was cited for unlawful display of registration, driving while suspended, and operating an uninsured motor vehicle. Martin was held pending the posting of bond.

The 21st was a busy day for Mt. Carmel Police. Dalton L. Brown, 22, of Willow Hill, after MCPD Officers stopped a vehicle he was driving for a traffic violation. During the traffic stop and unknown male subject ran from the vehicle. K-9 Ace arrived on scene and alerted to the presence of drugs in the vehicle and a search resulted in Brown being arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia. Brown was transported to the Wabash County Jail and held pending the posting of bond.

And then on Monday the 21st, police were called to the Family Dollar reference a female shoplifter inside of the store. When police arrived the female had already exited the store without paying for a canister of Vaseline lip therapy. During the arrest of the female she began fighting with the officers and struck one of the officer's by kicking him. A male subject with the female was also arrested when narcotics and drug paraphernalia were found in the couple's vehicle. Both individuals were transported to the Wabash County Jail where they are being held on numerous charges. The female was identified as Stephanie G. Johnson, 30, of Browns, Illinois. Johnson is charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of cannabis, retail theft, possession of a controlled substance, resisting a peace officer, and aggravated battery to a police officer. The male subject was identified as Daniel K. Miller, 34, of Albion, Illinois. Miller is charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of cannabis and possession of drug paraphernalia (cannabis). Both subjects are being held pending the setting and posting of bond.