WABASH CO.— The actions of an overzealous father at his daughter’s history-making basketball game were understandable, but to the point of having to be escorted out by four police officers was a bit over the top.

Such a thing is usually reported by media in attendance and forgotten about as quickly as it happened.

However, in this case, the fact that no area media bothered to name the individual who was walked out of the game by cops, and only one even mentioned it happened at all, gave the story momentum.

The fact the father walked out of the game by four police officers happened to be not only the parent of the star player, but the Wabash County Superintendent of Schools, Tim Buss, actually has some furious at the appearance that the incident was hushed up.

“There was no word of this in any of the local newspapers or on the air at any of the area radio stations,” said one critic of how the incident was handled.

Where credit is due

The incident took place Saturday December 28 when the Mt. Carmel Lady Aces faced off with the Princeton Lady Tigers, in Fort Branch during the Toyota Teamwork Classic championship game.

Buss’ daughter Tyra, a senior and a basketball prodigy who had already signed with Indiana University in 2012 and had already broken the state record for free throws as a junior and was the state’s leading scorer, averaging 47.4 points a game, was playing to a packed house. Many were there to watch her break the high school career points record.

Buss was three points shy of making history.

Those present roared as early on in the game, she hit two from the line to tie her with Brittany Johnson’s 4,031 career points.

In no time, Buss hit a three-pointer and the cheers were deafening.

The entire gymnasium lit up.

Once the well-deserved celebration quieted down, the two teams got back into the game and it was a nail-biter down to the wire.

When the final buzzer blew it was Aces 82-Titans 84.

Depending on who you ask

Depending on who you ask, Supt. Tim Buss was seated just beneath the Tigers’ goal very near the Tigers’ bench.

Some say Tim Buss was “jawing the entire time” as in giving Lady Tigers lip every time they got close to the goal.

Others say Buss was merely coaching his daughter as was his habit throughout her career, and as most parents do.

Again, depending on who you ask, Buss was very displeased when his daughter was called for a technical foul.

Others say with as many ballgames as Buss has attended, of course he wasn’t happy and didn’t agree with the call, but had enough time courtside under his belt to know that’s just part of the game.

“But this wasn’t just any game,” argued one of Buss’ critics. “This was his daughter’s legacy and he was furious.”

There are reports that when the game was over, some of the players didn’t want to shake hands and that Princeton’s coach was taunting players.

Others say both teams lined up and shook hands without hesitation and that no coach was taunting anybody.

The pivot

There seems to be little debate that Princeton Coach Charlie Mair walked over to Buss following the game.

There is little debate that he said something.

What is unclear and a point of contention is that some say Mair taunted Buss into losing his temper and that the outcome of that was to be escorted out of the gym by four police officers.

There are no reports as to what exactly Buss did that would have necessitated such an escort.

What makes the entire incident spurious is not necessarily that Tim Buss did anything…but that there are no reports from any news media and members of the public who witnessed the event are asking why.

While it is understandable that nobody wants to tarnish a young person’s historic achievement, the perception of a cover-up because of someone’s station in life, like a coach or school superintendent, can do just that if gone unchecked.

Interestingly, when Disclosure contacted Ft. Branch police, who advised that they do indeed provide security and law enforcement presence at the games, no one knew of any incident wherein the superintendent was escorted out.

Disclosure reached out to both Coach Mair and Supt. Buss, but neither had returned communications as of press time.

LOUISVILLE—A major upheaval occurred in North Clay County after an ill-advised change to school athletic policy was established in the midst of a school year.

Not only were a number of students facing ineligibility to participate in sports, but North Clay High School has now lost its principal to a Wayne County school district, and an effort is underway to see what can be done with errant school board members who appear to have altered policy so their own kids wouldn’t land in trouble.

How it started

The matter began in August when a group of high school kids were intent on having beer at a bonfire, and were reported to have gotten hold of some of the alcohol.

A large majority of those involved were student athletes, both male and female.

After a thorough investigation, it was determined who the kids were that were involved, and since the school policy at the time was that there was zero tolerance for drug and alcohol as it regarded athletes, it was presumed that those athletes involved would be removed from sports participation for the rest of the school year under the current policy.

However, through much wrangling and several school board meetings, the board—many of whom had young relatives involved who were going to miss out on participation and thus, potential scholarships upon graduation—altered the policy to adjust the punishment for children who were found to be in possession of drugs or alcohol, changing the “zero tolerance” to a complicated “first/subsequent infraction” policy.

New policy

This new policy involved suspension only from one-third of the scheduled games for a “first infraction,” among other sundry specifics such as being at all practices, being in attendance at the scheduled events but not in uniform, paying penalties, etc…but gave the impression, in the opinion of many, that possession of drugs or alcohol was now allowed in North Clay Schools as long as it’s only once.

A “subsequent infraction” resulted in suspension of one calendar year from the date of the start of suspension from the incident.

However, that’s only the policy as it was approved in December. Parents feared that whether the school board would then go in and alter it further should any of the “favored kids” have a “subsequent infraction” remained to be seen, as this seemed to be a fluid and ever-changing policy that could be adjusted at the whim of whatever parent on the school board saw as a danger to their child’s participation in the heavily overglorified venue of high school sports.

What the plan was

The new policy was to have been developed with the input of the citizens of the community, according to stated school board minutes from a September 6, 2013 meeting.

The decision at that meeting was to “form a committee of community members to review the athletic policy.”

The committee, Disclosure was advised, was never formed, and the public never had any input into the matter other than open sessions at school board meetings. No open decision, made in a school board meeting, was ever announced that a committee would NOT be formed. Therefore, the stated intent as issued in a public meeting was never upheld…and any action taken on the subject as a result, from that point forward, becomes null and void.

That would include the ultimate action of approving the revised policy, which was, according to school board minutes, done on Dec. 12…despite no action being taken between Sept. 19 and that December date. Minutes show that at a November 14 meeting, “revisions” to the policy were approved, but the board did not rescind any previous action and re-set it for a vote, as should have been done according to Rogers’ Rules of Order and Illinois’ Open Meetings Act.

Massive turnout

It was not for lack of trying, however, by the taxpaying public that was directly impacted by these changes: parents of the student athletes, as well as of other students who would be adversely affected by a “favored” student athlete being in possession of drugs or alcohol for that “one” infraction.

On Dec. 23, a special meeting was called, to be held for the specific purpose of discussing the athletic policy.

The matter was so extensive that a press release was issue following, to tell the public just what had occurred.

The release indicated that from 5:35 p.m. until 9:17 p.m., “there were over 130 different times that people from the public spoke, responded, asked questions, debated with board members, and discussed why the athletic policy had been changed in mid-stream based upon a particular incident.”

Discussion and debate also arose regarding loopholes and flaws that existed in the new policy—those, many feared that would give rise to changing the policy again should one of the ‘favored’ athletes find himself or herself in trouble with drugs or alcohol in a “subsequent infraction” while still participating within the calendar year.

Unwilling to sign

At greatest issue, as it turned out, were 54 athletes and families not willing to sign the new revised policy, which had been demanded of them three days prior: Dec. 20, as a deadline.

“It was stated many times that particular student athletes were given a second chance under the zero tolerance policy,” the release stated, “and now 54 student athletes were not going to be allowed to play if parent/guardians refused to sign the revised policy.”

Over 100 people were in attendance, and many participated in discussion of the definition of “zero tolerance,” as well as why the policy had been changed in the first place, lowering standards for all students based upon the actions of a few.

The crowd was ultimately polled to see if those in attendance would like to have an extension to sign the policy (given that the deadline date had already passed.) However, many stated that they still wouldn’t sign the revised policy, regardless of how long the extension was (unless it was six months, which would be the end of the school year).

This prompted debate amongst the school board members, regarding how they could still allow the athletes to play without signing a “new policy,” undermining the “new” if they were still operating under the “old” signed policy. Superintendent Monty Aldrich did take the step to advise parents that if they did not sign the new policy, this presented a “legal hazard” to all involved.

‘Whoops. Let’s go back to the old policy’

Ultimately—and after seven different motions from school board members—they determined that the athletic policy that was adopted two and a half years ago would “again be in effect.”

This meant that months’ worth of tussling between the board and an ever-increasing number of parents, guardians and students was at least fruitful for those who had concern about drug and alcohol use amongst the student body.

But the “zero tolerance” matter was NOT “zero tolerance” for those who’d already undergone the “first infraction.”

That’s because all student/athletes and parents/guardians who signed an original policy at the beginning of the school year were covered by that policy…and the ones who signed the altered policy by Dec. 20 were covered by that policy. So the original offending students who were still operating under the old policy—were there any to whom it still applied—were allowed to get away with the August infraction.

Principal gets a new job

Whether the situation was the reason the high school principal, Julie Healy, left North Clay for a job at North Wayne (in Cisne) remains something unspoken at this time, but that’s exactly what happened in the ensuing weeks: Healy announced her resignation and it was accepted by the board at the regular December meeting.

Healy taught high school science for 18 years prior to accepting the Elementary/Junior High Principal position at North Clay, a position she held for seven years before beginning her current position as North Clay High School Principal.

She told Disclosure she was excited to begin her new position in Wayne County, describing it as a “unique situation” in that it will be both Superintendent as well as Cisne Middle School Principal.

“I will have an opportunity to serve as Superintendent for the district, while still being actively involved with students as principal,” Healy said. “I feel that North Wayne is an excellent school district, and I’m looking forward to becoming part of their team.”

She made no mention of the turmoil in North Clay as being a deciding factor in her departure, but hers wouldn’t be the first: after the incident in August, high school head boy’s basketball coach Billy Coble resigned; that resignation was followed by school board member Darrell McKnelly. No reason was given for Coble’s resignation; McKnelly was very clear that his resignation was prompted by the stubborn school board wanting to favor certain athletes and alter policy so that they could keep playing.

Citizens win…for now

The citizens of the school district won the battle, but whether such a matter will arise again in the future, and how it will be handled, is a subject many fear will prompt the kind of polarization this one did. School board members and those associated with them took to social media, spewing venom toward people who questioned their actions and motives, and basically making complete asses of themselves in a venue where their maturity—and the displaying of it—would have gone a long way toward showing young people how drug and alcohol infractions are to be handled.

Healy herself set the prime example: her son was among those who was involved in the beer party, and she took the lead, pulling him from participation in sports before the matter even came in front of the school board as a way to impact him that underage use of substances would not be tolerated.

Parents in North Clay hope the situation will not grow as dire as it did in late December…and that their new principal will have the same attitude as their former did.

UPDATE 9:30 P.M.

We’ve learned who the victim is, and it’s unclear whether he was in his vehicle or outside of it when he died, but he was found outside of the vehicle. He was working in a rural part of Richland County when this occurred. Authorities are attempting to find out the cause, but it appears to be natural. There is no indication whatsoever of foul play.

Out of respect for the family, we are withholding the name until the sheriff makes the announcement tomorrow.

RICHLAND CO., Ill.—Richland County authorities have confirmed reports of a man found deceased in his vehicle today, Monday, January 6, 2014.

Richland County sheriff’s authorities have advised that Sheriff Andy Hires will be making a statement about the situation tomorrow, and couldn’t release any information such as the man’s identity, where the vehicle was located when it was found, or any circumstances surrounding the death. The only thing definite is that he was in a rural location.

We’ll have more in the morning when the sheriff releases official information.

LAWRENCE CO.—A mistaken report by Lawrence County public officials in mid-December proved definitively that Billy “PeeWee” Darnell remains one of the most despised police officers—and quite possibly one of the most despised humans—in downstate Illinois.

A report was made to Disclosure on the evening of Tuesday, December 17, that Darnell, long-time “police chief” of the tiny town of St. Francisville on the Wabash River in Lawrence County, had been terminated from his tenuous position following an embarrassing and violent scene at the Towne House bar in downtown Lawrenceville on the previous Friday evening.

The report came from the county prosecutor, Chris Quick, who advised that his source on the matter was the sheriff, Russell Adams.

Disclosure wrote up the reports as issued by the two officials and placed the information online…where it was immediately beset upon by people from all over southeastern Illinois hailing it as a victory for all decent and law-abiding citizens everywhere, and a great day for St. Francisville and Lawrence County in particular, as Darnell, who had come to be known at decade ago as “PeeWee,” has long been one of the most violent, and vile, people ever to bear a badge and a gun.

Unfortunately, the report turned out to be untrue…at least, by that Tuesday.

What may actually have transpired between the night the fight broke out and the moment Adams was told of Darnell’s termination remains unknown at this time.

Disclosure later questioned Adams, who stated that he had understood from various sources in the area, including some in St. Francisville, that Darnell had indeed been terminated at some point in time over the weekend.

However, by that Tuesday the 17th, the status was that Darnell was still on the payroll. Whether or not he’d been terminated between the 13th and 17th, but somehow managed to wrangle his way back into his job, remains a possibility, but if that actually happened, no one’s admitting it.

The bigger story

The bigger story is what happened at the Towne House on that Friday the 13th.

The bar, which is also a popular restaurant, is a local hangout for police who are seeking to imbibe, and has been a regular stop (and reputedly a pickup joint) for Darnell for a number of years.

Also frequenting the place with Darnell in recent years (especially since his most recent divorce) is Dennis York, who has been on administrative leave since an incident with Quick in March of 2013 in which Quick was injured by York’s hyperactive and hostile antics in Quick’s office (see April/May 2013 edition).

On Dec. 13, the two were in the Towne House and were accompanied by one of Darnell’s illegitimate offspring, Travis Darnell, 23.

The elder Darnell, who has set such a stunning example of fatherhood for all his kids both illegitimate (three known) and legitimate (two, for certain) was apparently drinking it up with his buddy and kid, when for whatever reason (and anyone named Darnell usually doesn’t need one), a fight broke out and fists began swinging.

It lasted long enough for the employees to call police, who responded in the form of Ryan Curtis.

Divergence: Curtis, Pee, and overtime

Interestingly, Curtis, when he first came to work in the area as a police officer, had taken Darnell’s position as chief in St. F for a very short stint in 2004 after Darnell had left temporarily as a contract employee in Iraq. He was forced into that higher-paying job because, as he only held a part-time police certification in St. F, he was limited to 20 hours and a low salary (at that time it was hovering in the $20,000-a-year range), his employment prospects were dim.

Darnell had been previously working, at a high rate of pay, for the county as a deputy. However, an intense investigation into just how much overtime the county was paying out, as conducted by Disclosure in late 2003-early 2004, showed that Darnell (as well as York and a handful of others who were officers of other jurisdictions, but “deputized” and thus claiming they were providing “mutual aid” every time something happened out in the county that they went running to) was ripping off the taxpayers of Lawrence by charging not only for hours he was on the clock at St. F, but also OT to the county.

When then-sheriff Dennis Bridwell was showed the results of this investigation, he “un-deputized” Darnell and then-mayor John Guite restricted Darnell’s movements to St. F, thus also cutting off a vast sum of money he was used to, resulting in his departure for the sandbox.

Curtis was hired in as St. F police chief, but he lasted mere weeks, mainly because he was making good arrests…but those he was arresting were kids and other relatives of the city council, all of whom were less-than-pleased that they’d been busted.

So he didn’t last long, and went to work for the city of Lawrenceville, also getting elected to the county board in ensuing years, a seat which he retains to this day.

Confusing reports

When Curtis responded and tried to restore some order, it was reported that he was struck in the back of the head by none other than Lil Pee himself, Travis Darnell.

However, as is often the case in Lawrence when public officials are involved in such matters, no one was arrested.

Reports were made, as regards who saw what in the bar brawl.

However, no one could make the claim that they specifically SAW Lil Pee strike the back of Curtis’ head…and Curtis, since he was hit from behind (as many chickensh!t “fighters” are given to do), couldn’t for certain say that it was the younger Darnell who landed the blow.

York, naturally, came out in defense of Lil Pee, and in his report to authorities stated that the younger Darnell didn’t hit the cop.

Nevertheless, the fight took place, and ultimately, sources are telling Disclosure, something is going to be done about it.

Lil Pee = punk

The younger Darnell is no stranger to violating the law.

While living in Richland County, he got into all kinds of trouble when he was squiring a then-15-year-old East Richland High School girl to his half-brother Jimmy Williams’ house in Olney, where the two would engage in sexual activity, this when Darnell was 18.

The girl’s family took out an Order of Protection against Darnell, but he continued to see her, and the matter was the subject of numerous court hearings, all of which were going on in early 2009 when Darnell was also under charges of Unlawful Consumption by a Minor.

It took two years to drag the two alcohol charges through the court system in Richland, ending with one of them dismissed and one of them resulting in 12 months’ supervision and attendance of a “special facility” in May of 2011.

Darnell, who now has an illegitimate offspring of his own, is no stranger to the party life, having displayed photos of himself as a young teen cavorting with older men and refrigerators full of alcohol.

Years of horror, death and maiming

Leading the way in the lifestyle displayed by the incident in mid-December is of course the elder Darnell…which, along with robbing the county coffers of overtime funds like he did, is part of why he became so reviled there.

The short list of horrific incidents in which Darnell has been involved, and the result of them, began in 1999, when Darnell was at Lawrence County dispatch located in the sheriff’s department, distracting other employees and rattling on about how he “felt like killing someone tonight”…which is exactly what happened, when he drove out of his jurisdiction chasing a fleeing suspect across the river into Indiana, and striking the suspect’s car, which caused him to crash and resulted in the man’s death.

Other incidents involved:

The claim of ongoing parties at residences in St. Francisville, hosted (and allegedly supplied) by Darnell; at one of these, a young woman who was 14 at the time claimed she became pregnant by Darnell, and years later (2003) when she attempted to seek child support, she claimed he and other police officers in the area threatened her and her young son;

A traffic stop wherein Darnell was attempting to illegally search a woman’s possessions and opened a small, sealed urn she had in her purse, spilling the contents all over her vehicle and the highway outside of Lawrenceville. The woman, who was in the process of moving, had been carrying her mother’s ashes with her in her purse to ensure they safely got to the new dwelling. They did not. She took the matter to the county board, as Darnell was acting in the capacity of a deputy at that time (late 2003). Nothing was done.

A situation wherein Darnell’s “drug dog” was sicced on a handcuffed suspect on the town square in Lawrenceville, resulting in severe injury to the restrained man.

A high-speed chase of a Crawford County man that started outside of Lawrenceville and ended south of Sumner, in which the driver was dragged out of the car and beaten within an inch of his life in early 2004, and he likely only survived because then-sheriff Bridwell had ordered others to roll up on the scene, since he knew what Darnell liked to do to restrained subjects. It was this incident that ended Darnell’s term with the county, to which he’s never been hired back.

Other incidents

Various other incidents include stopping vehicles on Highway 1, miles away from St. Francisville, when he was restricted to the jurisdiction of the city limits.

A most memorable incident included the discovery of several drug items and paraphernalia, along with weapons with the serial numbers filed off (“drop guns”), in Darnell’s garage when then-Bridgeport police chief Bob Nestleroad wanted to retrieve the drug dog carrier from Darnell’s possession while he was in Iraq. Nestleroad had been given permission to enter Darnell’s garage, by Darnell’s then-wife, and took Bridwell with him as a precautionary measure. When the two discovered the items, which appeared to be evidence filched from the evidence locker in Lawrence County, they notified then-prosecutor Todd Reitz…who, because he was not running for re-election just two months from that time (September 2004), took no heed whatsoever and did nothing about it.

Most recently (May 2012), Darnell left the jurisdiction of St. F to chase down a boy on a four-wheeler whom Darnell claimed, in a ridiculously-transparent, lengthy letter full of lies and self-aggrandization, had driven by his (PeeWee’s) house recklessly, and Pee was just trying to slow him down for his own safety.

In reality, the boy—Dillon Roberts, then 18—had thrown gravel in Pee’s yard, pissing him off and prompting yet another police pursuit on gravel roads.

This turned out to be a dangerous prospect: when Darnell hit Roberts’ 4-wheeler in his “pit” maneuver, the boy was sent toward a concrete pylon at the side of the road, where his face was basically crushed on impact.

The boy, at last report, is still suffering from the injuries Darnell inflicted upon him. The family has filed a civil suit against Darnell and the city of St. Francisville, this in March of 2013. There will be details on this suit in an upcoming issue of Disclosure.

Public was thrilled

All of this added up to a great outcry of glee from the general populace in Lawrence and surrounding counties when Disclosure (albeit unknowingly mistakenly) announced that the pusillanimous punk had been punted, and they showed it in force on the paper’s Facebook page.

Several opined that Darnell and his punk boy were set to be on the receiving end of a good thumping, courtesy of a military man against whom the initial fisticuffs were thrown.

One man even remarked that if anyone in rural Lawrence County saw a particularly well-growing patch of corn or soybeans in a farmer’s field, that would be because Darnell’s full-of-shit carcass was out there fertilizing it the season before.

In fact, the only people who came to Darnell’s defense in the whole melée were his own punk kids, or known drug users or family of such.

Darnell was spewing venom on his own Facebook page at the same time about being “lied about,” but he wasn’t looking at the facts: Disclosure had been TOLD (and it stated that quite clearly in the report) that he had been fired, so his venom, as usual, was misdirected.

Nevertheless, the outcome was a good one: It served as a clear display of the public’s sentiment about Darnell.

Now, if only St. F’s mayor, Don Ravellette, could take a clue from the public at large and do a great favor to the image of police in Lawrence by finally ridding them of the punk with a badge, it would go a long way toward restoring a semblance of normalcy to the area.

Ravellette won election in 2013, and is in office until 2017; a police chief serves at the appointment of the city’s mayor, and can be removed at his will.

Ravellette’s number is 618-948-2891.

FULL ISP REPORT IS NOW IN

Here is a full update complete with names of those involved in the rollover accident last night in Burnt Prairie, Illinois, including the deceased, whose family has now been notified.

The passengers of the vehicle Cameron D. Gunter, 20, of Carmi, was driving were Gregory W. Dillman, 18, Carmi, (Deceased); Brittanie A. Garrison, 19, McLeansboro; Kenley J. Masterson, 18, Carmi; and a juvenile, 17, Carmi.

No occupants were wearing seat belts, according to Illinois State Police.

The preliminary traffic crash investigation indicates Gunter was driving a 2003 GMC Pickup Truck westbound on White County Road 2550N, approximately ½ mile west of White County Road 750E, when he lost control of his vehicle. The vehicle left the roadway and overturned onto its side in the ditch on the south side of the roadway.

As a result of the crash, Dillman was partially ejected from the vehicle and pronounced deceased at the crash scene by White County Coroner Chris Marsh.

The vehicle was removed from the crash scene by Rick’s  Towing of Grayville, Illinois. The Illinois State Police was assisted at the traffic crash scene by the White County Sheriff’s Department, White County Ambulance Service, White County Coroner’s Office, and Rick’s Towing.

Cameron D. Gunter was transported from the crash scene to Fairfield Memorial Hospital, Fairfield, Illinois, for injuries sustained in the crash. Following treatment of his injuries at Fairfield Memorial Hospital, Gunter was transported to the White County Jail and charged with DUI, Driving While License Suspended, Illegal Consumption of Alcohol by a Minor, Gift /Delivery of Alcoholic Liquor to Persons under Age 21, and Resisting or Obstructing a Peace Officer.

Garrison, Masterson, and the Juvenile were transported to the White County Jail in Carmi and each charged with Illegal Consumption of Alcohol by a Minor.

HERE IS THE ORIGINAL POST

BURNT PRAIRIE (White Co.), Ill.—A rollover accident on Burnt Prairie Blacktop early this morning (12:45 a.m.) was the cause of death of a young Carmi man, and the driver of the vehicle is in custody pending charges in the accident.

Authorities say that besides the young man who was killed in the rollover, there were three other passengers in the truck Cameron Gunter, 20, of Carmi, was driving east of Burnt Prairie. The conditions of the road have not been made available by authorities, so it’s unclear whether these had anything to do with the incident.

The identities of the three passengers, as well as the deceased young male, have not been made public.

More as we get it; keep checking back.

Cameron Gunter

RICHLAND CO., Ill.—Authorities have confirmed that the man who was found deceased on a rural Richland County, Illinois, road yesterday is a former sheriff of this county.

Richland County Sheriff Andy Hires has advised that Bob Foerster, 67, sheriff of Richland County from 1998-2006, was delivering newspapers for the Olney Daily Mail on snow-covered roads in a rural part of the county around 3 p.m. yesterday, Monday, January 6, 2014, when a local resident on North Blueberry Lane observed Foerster’s truck drive into a snowdrift, just south of the intersection of North Blueberry south of Ebenezer Lane. The location is south and east of Claremont, and due east of Calhoun, in the east-central part of Richland County.

The resident immediately went out to assist with the truck, and Foerster exited the vehicle, whereupon he was viewed to be in distress, and collapsed in the snow. The resident called for emergency assistance and began life-saving efforts for Foerster while waiting for a response.

Hires said there were deputies in that area of the county responding to a fire, and they were able to get to the location quickly, despite the icy road conditions, after receiving a call at 3:05.

Foerster was transported to Richland Memorial Hospital by ambulance but was pronounced dead at 4:13 p.m.

There were members of Foerster’s family out of area had not been notified as of the post last night, and so his name was withheld until their notification. Arrangements are pending, as Hires said there will be an autopsy done to determine cause of death.

Map of the location of the incident (centered); those familiar with the area will know that this is south and east of Claremont, and several miles southeast of Olney.

WHITE CO., Ill.—Court records show that Camron Gunter, the 20-year-old behind the wheel of a fatal accident early this morning, had previously been charged with DUI, the charge dismissed in exchange for a plea to another charge.

White County court documents show that during an August 23, 2013 traffic stop, Gunter, then 19, blew a .076 on a portable breathalyzer…just under the legal limit of .08. The prosecution under such a circumstance can still pursue conviction on a DUI under such a circumstance, as the state has a ‘zero tolerance’ policy for underage drinkers/drivers.

However, White County then-assistant prosecutor Denton Aud made Gunter an offer of a guilty plea to the Unlawful Consumption of Alcohol by a Minor charge Gunter also received, and ensured that with the dismissal of the DUI charge, Gunter was forced to go through the same punishment as if he had been convicted on the DUI: he received a six-month summary suspension of his license and had to attend MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) courses, along with a fine of $1,372 (none of which has been paid) and two years of Conditional Discharge, meaning if he got in trouble again, the DUI could be reinstated and more severe punishment could be handed out.

Now, despite having a suspended license, Gunter is alleged to have been behind the wheel of a vehicle last night, with four other kids in the truck, when an accident ended the life of Gregory Dillman, after Dillman was partially ejected from the vehicle when it rolled.

Detractors on Disclosure‘s Facebook page have all day been attempting to steer the conversation away from the alcohol factor, but the charges show that not only was that an issue in the 12:20 a.m. accident out on Burnt Prairie Blacktop that lead to Dillman’s death, but what happened afterward paints a pretty bad picture as well.

Camron Gunter

Gunter’s charges are as follows:

Count 1 is Aggravated Driving Under the Influence (DUI) of Alcohol, in that Gunter “knowingly drove a 2003 GMC pickup on County Rd 2550 N, westbound at a half-mile west of CR 750 E in White County, while under the influence of alcohol, when in so doing, was involved in a motor vehicle accident that resulted in the death of Gregory Dillman, when the violation was a proximate cause of the death.” This is a Class 2 felony.

Count 2 is Aggravated Battery, in that Gunter, “in committing a battery, knowingly caused bodily harm to MSgt. Dustin King of the Illinois State Police, in that he pulled away his wrist as he was being handcuffed and struck King in the face, knowing King to be a peace officer engaged in the execution of his official duties.” This is a Class 2 felony.

Count 3 is Resisting a Police Officer, in that Gunter “knowingly resisted the performance of Trooper Paul Howard of ISP of an unauthorized act within his official capacity, being the arrest of Gunter, knowing Howard to be a peace officer engaged in the execution of his official duties in that he resisted being secured in handcuffs multiple times after being told he was under arrest.” This is a Class A misdemeanor.

Count 4 is Unlawful Consumption of Alcoholic Liquor, a Class A misdemeanor.

Count 5 is Unlawful Delivery of Alcoholic Liquor to a Minor, in that “after purchasing alcoholic liquor, Gunter knowingly gave the alcoholic liquor to Kenley Masterson, a person under the age of 21.”

The charges can be viewed here.

Gunter was also issued a separate DUI charge, as well as four traffic tickets which indicate the conditions under which the vehicle was traveling: Failure to Reduce Speed, Transporting Alcohol (open container), Driving on Suspended License (six-month summary suspension from the August 23 incident hadn’t been lifted yet) and Failure to Wear Seatbelt as a driver.

Others in the vehicle were not wearing seat belts, according to ISP.

A preliminary hearing for Gunter has been set for February 2, 2014.

Since this disease/virus/flu/Captain Trips took over our lives the day before Christmas and nearly mopped the floor with us during production week last week, it’s not surprising that we found at least one typo in this issue that’s being put out on the stands right now.

And this one, like the one last issue, is somewhat amusing. But at least it’s not on the front page.

Actually, it’s not so much of a typo as it is something that needs a correction/clarification, since our source on something had received mistaken information. In the article appearing on page 24 of the January Special Edition, “Sheriff’s candidate switches parties to try and knock former sheriff out in Primary,” the developer of the campaign website for “Republican” (in quotations because he’s never had a Republican thought in his life) candidate Mike Mefford, Nikki Sapp, was incorrectly identified as Lawrenceville city cop Brandon Sapp’s adopted daughter, when in reality, she’s his new wife. Number 4 if we’re counting correctly, although it could be Number 5 and we missed one. Simple situation of asking around to find out who this Nikki Sapp was when the article was in production, and more than one person from Lawrence County identified her as a kid. Of course, if this is the particular Nicole Sapp we’re aware of, her tender age of 26 basically makes her a “kid” to us old folk…and about the right age for yet another cradle-robbing cop in Lawrence, as a large amount of them have such a proclivity to do and have done for YEARS.

Here’s Brandon “Little Man” Sapp (you’d have to read papers from 2005-06 to know what the nickname stands for) and his chubby most recent bride:

Sapp, in self-aggrandization mode

So, here’s yet another mistake we will bust ourselves out over, and here’s our clarification…and, like before, we apologize to the very young Ms. Sapp for tagging her as an offspring when she’s really a spouse. We’re happy to re-run the WHOLE STORY again if you’d like, with clarification…right there on the front page, if need be. And to the haters, remember: A typo is a mistake. A mistake is NOT a “lie.” Those who think they can claim any different don’t do us any damage…they just make themselves appear ignorant…so it’s probably not a good idea to make such a claim…especially in light of the fact that we acknowledged it before your paper even hit the stands.

LAWRENCE CO., Ill.—The woman authorities said talked a man into murdering her uncle is headed to prison for her part in the crime.

Westall arrives for court

Helen Marie Westall, 49, was charged with two counts in March of 2012 following the murder of her uncle, Bob Westall, 78: Solicitation of Murder, and Solicitation to Commit Murder for Hire. In those, the prosecution alleged that Westall in the first count persuaded Tyler McQueen, 22, to kill her uncle, then in the second count, that she offered him money and a car if he did the deed.

Today in Lawrence County Circuit Court, Westall, represented by public defender Brad Vaughn, entered an open plea of guilty to the second count, Solicitation to Commit Murder for Hire, with the first count to be dismissed. The count to which she pled guilty is still a Class X felony, and as such, the prosecution asked for, and the defense agreed to, a sentencing cap of 30 years, but no less than 20, in Illinois Department of Corrections.

Westall is set for sentencing in March 25, one day after the two-year anniversary of the crime.

Tyler McQueen was sentenced to 50 years in DOC on December 20 after his April-May 2013 trial in which Westall did not appear as a witness as requested by the defense. McQueen has been held since his March 30, 2012 arrest; he was to have been transported to DOC earlier this week to start serving the rest of his sentence, but the weather precluded that; authorities believe that he’ll be sent out at the end of this week.

EFFINGHAM CO., Ill. – Illinois State Police (ISP) in District 12 has lifted the tow ban for all 10 District 12 counties (Clark, Clay, Crawford, Cumberland, Effingham, Fayette, Jasper, Lawrence, Marion and Richland.)

Troopers urge motorists to use caution when driving and be prepared to move over for tow companies removing vehicles along I-70 and I-57.  At 4:00 PM today, the remainder of Tractor/Trailer units were removed from the lanes of travel on Interstate 70, with the assistance of the Illinois National Guard.

Drivers are encouraged to continue to use caution and prepare to move over for tow agencies removing vehicles from shoulders, medians and ditches. Intermittent road closures are expected for the removal of stranded vehicles in the coming days. Remember:  Fill your gas tank and allow extra travel time.

Illinois National Guard rescuing stranded trucks

You may get interstate condition information by calling 1-800-452-IDOT (4368) or on the Internet at www.gettingaroundillinois.com.

For those who’d like to have a little preview of what’s contained within the pages of the current edition (January Special Edition 2014) of Disclosure, you have no further to look than THIS MONTH’S PRINT HEADLINES. Here is where you’ll not only get to see the topics we’re tacking in the issue that went on stands Tuesday and Wednesday of this week, but also for those who’d like a quick and easy guide of what’s in the e-Edition, this is where you can link over to each article. Each print headline is preceded by the dateline (the area wherein each article takes place) and followed by a brief synopsis…so get clicking if you’re an e-Edition member, or sign up today!

PAGE 1

Pee, appropriately, in a wifebeater t

LAWRENCE CO.—Barroom fight, cop, son involved: The article that refutes the ignorant notion that we “lie” about the lying cops of Lawrence County, as a massive follow-up to the inaccurate report we were given on December 17, 2013, that nasty St. F cop Billy “PeeWee” Darnell was terminated after his involvement in a barroom fight a month ago. If anyone still doubts the disgusting nature of this “cop,” read this article to learn the horrors of what he’s been involved in for the past decade and a half…and you’ll know why vast numbers of people were thrilled to hear he’d been terminated, and disappointed to learn that was not the case.

HARDIN/GALLATIN Cos.—Search continues for Chrissy Williams: What we’ve learned about the situation surrounding missing woman Chrissy Williams’ last known activities and whereabouts. In this article is a correction coming up; we’re still researching exactly how we came into the information that text messages about Williams’ ex-boyfriend were between Williams and her friend in Rosiclare, and when we figure out who gave us incorrect info about it, we’ll elaborate further…look for the Read the Lead on this one for that update.

LOUISVILLE—Parents win; but principal resigns: The long-hard-fought battle to ensure that kids get the message that they need to remain drug and alcohol-free is at last over, but the latest casualty is the resignation of North Clay’s principal, Julie Healy.

HARRISBURG—Harrisburg schools’ Supt. out: The resignation of Dennis Smith…and what it means for Harrisburg Schools.

WABASH CO.—Superintendent removed from basketball game: This is one of the strangest stories we’ve covered as regards over-glorified school sports and their importance in a high school teen’s world…fans say one thing, authorities say another, and we suspect the bottom line is somewhere in the middle…but in the meantime, here’s what we learned about the situation.

BACK PAGE

Jennifer Murbarger

WAYNE CO.—Murbarger drowning leaves many perplexed: The lack of information about the drowning death of a state trooper’s wife a couple of weeks ago is one of two things: perceived deference to the powers-that-be, or lazy journalism. We have neither here, and delved into the story a little deeper than other media dared.

SALINE CO.—Logging already begun on Rocky Branch Rd.: The explosive story from last issue bleeds over into this issue, with the controversial matter of mining in Cottage Township the big topic.

PAGE 2

CENTRALIA—Recreation director fired after allowing buddy to live in public building, have cable: The Edgar County Watchdogs have, like Disclosure, been thwarting public abuses for years now. This is one of their success stories.

PAGE 3

Christine Burr

EFFINGHAM CO.—Effingham County trio charged in death of man missing since July 2011: Officials are being very tight-lipped about the death of James Delaney, but we examine it as thoroughly as we can.

CLAY CO.—Burglary and eye-fungus focus of Clay police blotter: Some of Clay County’s more prominent criminal cases these past couple of weeks, the prominence of these due in large part to their sheer bizarreness.

EGYPT

GALATIA—-Father confesses to brutalizing four-month-old for crying while he was playing video game: While we had the initial story on Colten Campbell last month, this is the more detailed material, including Campbell’s confession to what he did…which makes all the more sickening the stance of those defending him.

SALINE CO.—Accusations fly, tempers flare at county board meeting: If you think you read about what happened at the late-December Saline County Board meeting in mainstream media, think again….this stuff is unbelievable, and yet, Disclosure was there to hear it, and bring it to you with accuracy.

Hardin County prosecutor, the lovely Tara Wallace

HARDIN CO.—Hotel closes, but NOT because of Tara-ism: The full report on what exactly is going on with The Rose Hotel, and what part in its closure the obstinate Tara Wallace DIDN’T have.

HARRISBURG—Another one of former mayor Eric Gregg’s bumbles addressed at council meeting: Harrisburg Fire Department is still not responding to calls outside city limits. Find out what the city council is attempting to do to alleviate the problem errant former mayor Eric Gregg has caused for so many.

ELDORADO—Dope cook claims he was making a batch of meth for his daughter’s Christmas: He was just an unselfish father, doing what most unselfish caring loving fathers would do for their kids…right. Gotcha.

HARDIN CO.—Prosecutor continues to use state agencies in personal vendetta against perceived foes: More Tara-ism…and many are now hoping that the movement to unseat her gains momentum. Visit Recall Tara Cook Wallace on Facebook for more.

HARRISBURG—Criminal proclaims to officers, “I am a piece of sh&t”: You can’t make this stuff up. Seriously.

Nichole Bryant-Potts

GALLATIN CO.—Equality standoff woman faces felony drug charges of manufacturing methamphetamine: Remember the situation back in September where a woman ran from a trailer after claiming to have been beaten by her bf, who subsequently “got away” for a couple of days? She’s been charged.

HARRISBURG—Lawman busts up Harrisburg garage drug party attended by two parolees: “Hey, you outta the slam? Great! C’mon over to tha pole barn for a few hits off the meff pipe!!”…and you can pretty much GUESS what happened next.

ELDORADO—Jailed after demanding beer from homeowner: I guess it was a “tis the season” thing over the holidays….especially for the stupid crims.

SALINE CO.—E911 call in Carrier Mills results in a compassionate act by police officer: While we’re highly critical of the overbearing, paramilitarized police in our downstate region, when a cop does something good, we’re the first ones to praise em and prop em up. This is just such a story.

SALINE CO.—Two 20-year sentences handed down in sex abuse case: The situation with Gerald Mitchell, whom numerous readers have been asking us repeatedly when he’s going to be brought to justice. He has been, and here’s the article in full in the print version after the brief we produced for here at the site.

Miles Maloney

GALLATIN CO.—Equality man set for sentencing has police called to his home Christmas Eve: There sure was a lot of crazy going on around the holidays. Here’s evidence of just what kind of crazy.

HARRISBURG—Man busted four times in 2013 for pills: Here’s evidence that if marijuana were decriminalized in Illinois, crimes such as this would likely be deterred if not done away with altogether.

SALINE CO.—Animal hats at Huck’s and tablet target of theft: Here’s yet another unbelievable criminal antic by a local gal who’s been in the headlines before; we have neck problems from shaking our damned heads so much over the holiday crims this issue.

ELDORADO—Eldorado man charged with tearing up mother’s house and strangling sister: Time spent with the family over the holiday season can be tedious…but it usually doesn’t involve bodily harm.

SALINE CO.—Man with drugs needing soda, drives suspended to Huck’s and fights with cops: And yet ANOTHER inexplicable crim story coming to us from out of tha burg….I mean, dude wanted a SODA, for chrissake!!

PAGE 16 FEATURE

MARION—Medical marijuana clinic doing brisk business in Marion after law effective Jan. 1: Here’s a piece by our Marion correspondent that apparently a LOT of folks in Williamson and surrounding counties had heard was upcoming in this issue even before it hit the stands, and it was becoming the talk of the area by the time delivery was made….because people are wondering what the process for obtaining a Medical Marijuana Card is. The staff at the facility graciously consented to interviews and photos, as did many patients. It’s a great piece; give it a read!

HEARTLAND

CLARK CO.—Local men hemmed up in Texas after apparent accidental shooting of off-duty game warden: Detailed account of a story we brought you at the beginning of January, which caused quite the row online as people were defending the two youngsters….well guess what? They were RIGHT.

Effingham County Sheriff John Monnet

EFFINGHAM CO.—Effingham board calls for audit of sheriff: What do you do when your sheriff misuses grant money, cabbages pieces/parts of different radio systems together and creates a colossal mess, and lies about all of it when asked? You audit. Wish more public bodies would do this.

Ciara DeRyke

EFFINGHAM CO.—Bail reduction granted for Willow Long’s mother, hasn’t bonded yet, jury trial date set: Update on the situation with Ciara DeRyke as well as with Justin DeRyke, whose trial, of course, has been delayed…and those who read it in this issue read it FIRST.

EFFINGHAM CO.—Sheriff defends his practice of giving away public property despite law prohibiting it: Hey, other sheriffs like to give away seizure weapons. Of course, other sheriffs are sitting in prison for doing it, too.

CRAWFORD CO.—Battery, missing prisoner and stealing from McD’s: The Crawford County crim roundup.

EDGAR CO.—Final installment of timeline leading up to Bogue’s death has ominous summer ending: For those who’ve been keeping up with it, the last several issues have contained incredibly-revealing material provided by the family as it pertains to Rusty Bogue’s death. The vandalism/terrorism going on at the Edgar County Airport came on the heels of the publication of the first installment; now, on the heels of the final, Adonna Bennett has “quit” the Edgar County Airport Advisory board. What’s going on? Read this, and keep up with developments, to find out.

CENTRAL

LAWRENCE CO.—Sheriff’s candidate switches parties to try and knock former sheriff out in Primary: The people of Lawrence County certainly deserve a better sheriff candidate than Mike Mefford, who, as a lifelong Dem, is running against Dennis Bridwell on the Republican ticket in the March 18 Primary…but if you listen only to the local law enforcement in Lawrence, why, Misfit Mefford is just the perfect guy for the job…which is the problem in Lawrence: a small contingent of the worst cross-section of humanity is calling all the shots. Educate yourself, voters: you don’t want Mike Mefford on the public teat in this capacity, and in this article, we’ll review exactly why.

Lyndsey Polston’s Knox County mugshot from August 2013

LAWRENCE CO.—Official sources believe injury was self-inflicted during cop battery: Finally, someone on the inside is talking about the situation that occurred August 17, 2013, between Lyndsey Polston and Josh Green…and what they’re saying is stunning, to say the least. Read this follow-up to last month’s piece on Polston’s charges, and see why there’s entirely too much crazy going on in this situation; almost too much to keep up with, in fact, but we bring it to you in depth.

LAWRENCE CO.—Violence and heroin focus of police blotter in Lawrence County: The LC crim roundup, which features an uptick in activity as it covers the antics over the holidays.

RICHLAND CO.—City nuisance may finally get that day in court he has always been wanting: Brian James O’Neill is going to represent himself in court on the charges that he behaved in a disorderly manner by making vulgar sounds, gestures and comments to two very young girls more than a year ago. This will be a circus, and we will be there to watch…and bring it to you.

WAYNE CO.—Olney man charged in Clay busted in Wayne: Talk about your crossover crims…and there’ve been a LOT of them lately, too.

WHITE CO.—Violence and theft tops White crim report: The White County crim roundup.

WHITE CO./U.S. DISTRICT COURT, BENTON: White County man accused of molesting own son, videotaping it for distribution: When we got the press release for this piece in early January, we, like a lot of other media, published it thinking it was just another vague child pornography story. But when we got the documents, we saw just how wrong that assessment was…you’ve got to read this to believe it; it is AWFUL.

PSA—Suspension of series: Because this is a special edition, we’ve abrupted the series we’ve been following about Dr. Chhabra as well as about Gilula v. Bonan. We’ll pick em back up in the January 29 edition.

HAMILTON CO.—Grand jury indictee discovered in stolen vehicle: Of all things to stumble upon, cops found one of Saline County’s recent grand jury indictees in a Hamilton County alleged stolen vehicle.

RICHLAND CO.—OP violations and DUI drugs focus of Richland County police blotter: The Richland County crim roundup, which features more of the same as in recent months.

WABASH CO.—Mt. Carmel man charged with breaking into home and beating the owner: Seems to be a lot of that going on in WabCo…might be the water.

WABASH CO.—Convicted violent felon charged with strangulation: Yet another alleged incident of domestic violence in the county.

LAWRENCE CO.—Bridgeport couple charged with thumping on each other at home: …and not in a GOOD way.

WAYNE CO.—Pair charged with meth production: Meth still rampant in Wayne County.

CLAY CO.—Meth precursor purchases focus of cops in Clay: Clay County still battling the destructive drug, and putting up a great fight.

HAMILTON CO.—Pair get boot camp recommendations: Prosecutor Justin Hood, taking matters seriously in Hamilton County.

EDWARDS CO.—Hoosier charged in Edwards County for bad checks: Our singular crim piece out of Edwards involves an Indiana man being charged.

OP-ED

VOICE OF THE PEOPLE (Letters): Opinion piece quoting Sheila Shelby pisses off hubby, first of two concerned parents speak about North Clay, second North Clay parent speaks offers handbook material.

COLUMNS

NOT JADED (Jade): Immature, irresponsible and the ignorant

Roger Shuler

ICY (Ang): The only journalist jailed in America
MINKUS INK (re-named Bubba column): No apologies, but…our country’s gone insane
RAMPAGING REDHEAD (Lyndi): Lesson in flooding: be grateful for what you have

WAYNE CO., Ill.—The pull of whatever it is that makes people crash on Interstate 64 in Wayne County got another one today, as Illinois State Police recount in a report.

The accident occurred on  64 eastbound, near Mile Post 103 ½ in Wayne County today (Saturday, January 11, 2014) at approximately 3:30 p.m., and involved a white 2003 Freightliner Sprinter Van driven by Donald R. Hoffman, age 67, of Evansville, Indiana.

According to the preliminary traffic crash investigation, Hoffman was eastbound on Interstate 64, near mile post 103 ½, when he left the north side of the roadway and struck a tree. Hoffman claimed he bent over to retrieve an item he had dropped, just prior to leaving the roadway.

Hoffman was transported from the crash scene by the Wayne City Ambulance Service to Fairfield Memorial Hospital, Fairfield, Illinois, for treatment of injuries he sustained in the crash.  Hoffman was wearing his seat belt.

The vehicle received major damage and was removed from the scene by Rick’s Towing of Fairfield.

ISP District 19 was assisted at the crash scene by the Wayne City Ambulance Service and Wayne City Fire Department.

Hoffman was cited for Improper Lane Usage.

WHITE CO., Ill. — A rollover accident has left one hospitalized after being ejected from the vehicle.

Authorities report that, according to the preliminary traffic crash investigation, John R. Ackerman, 36, of Springerton, was  heading westbound on White County Road 2075N, approximately 1/8 of a mile west of White County Road 50E, on Saturday at around 7:50 p.m. His  2001 Ford Escape left the  south side of the roadway, struck a ditch embankment, and overturned.

Illinois State Police report Ackerman was not wearing a seat belt and was ejected from the vehicle.

A passing motorist transported Ackerman to Hamilton Memorial Hospital in  McLeansboro, and he  was later transferred by Life Flight to Deaconess Hospital in Evansville, Indiana.

ISP District 19 was assisted at the crash scene by the White County Sheriff’s Department, Hamilton County Sheriff’s Department, and Cherry Street Automotive.

Ackerman was cited for DUI, Driving While License Suspended, and Failure to Wear a Seat Belt.

One of the biggest problems facing southern Illinois is centered around the law and the courts, and mainly pertains to errant police officers.

The piece-of-feces Billy “PeeWee” Darnell.

We have whole municipalities and even at times entire counties who have a police force/sheriff’s department full of pugilistic punks who were picked on in high school, and when they got a police certification, were handed a gun, badge, oftentimes high-end paycheck thanks to a union deal here or there, and worst of all: authority which comes with a case of big-head.

This has been the rule, rather than the exception, for a number of years now in Lawrence County. While there are a couple of decent officers, the rest, including those in the small burgs, are nothing but little pompous asses who don’t give a shit about the residents of their areas of responsibility, and see them as even less than sources of revenue…but instead, as we’ve said for years, are there to “restrain and beat” them as opposed to “serve and protect.”

Compound that with the inability of the court system to get anything done with these rogue cops once they start acting out, and it lends the cops an aura of untouchability that only serves to exacerbate the situation. It can make complete monsters out of these “cops” and, unfortunately, members of their families, including their spouses and kids…which is our first Read the Lead for the current issue (January Special Edition), “Barroom fight, cop, son involved“:

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LAWRENCE CO.—A mistaken report by Lawrence County public officials in mid-December proved definitively that Billy “PeeWee” Darnell remains one of the most despised police officers—and quite possibly one of the most despised humans—in downstate Illinois.

A report was made to Disclosure on the evening of Tuesday, December 17, that Darnell, long-time “police chief” of the tiny town of St. Francisville on the Wabash River in Lawrence County, had been terminated from his tenuous position following an embarrassing and violent scene at the Towne House bar in downtown Lawrenceville on the previous Friday evening.

The report came from the county prosecutor, Chris Quick, who advised that his source on the matter was the sheriff, Russell Adams.

Disclosure wrote up the reports as issued by the two officials and placed the information online…where it was immediately beset upon by people from all over southeastern Illinois hailing it as a victory for all decent and law-abiding citizens everywhere, and a great day for St. Francisville and Lawrence County in particular, as Darnell, who had come to be known at decade ago as “PeeWee,” has long been one of the most violent, and vile, people ever to bear a badge and a gun.

Unfortunately, the report turned out to be untrue…at least, by that Tuesday.

What may actually have transpired between the night the fight broke out and the moment Adams was told of Darnell’s termination remains unknown at this time.

Disclosure later questioned Adams, who stated that he had understood from various sources in the area, including some in St. Francisville, that Darnell had indeed been terminated at some point in time over the weekend.

However, by that Tuesday the 17th, the status was that Darnell was still on the payroll. Whether or not he’d been terminated between the 13th and 17th, but somehow managed to wrangle his way back into his job, remains a possibility, but if that actually happened, no one’s admitting it.

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Read the rest of the story by clicking this link to get started with your online subscription, or pick up a print version at these vendors! You can get your print copy of Disclosure in Lawrence County at Jim’s Guns between Lawrenceville and Bridgeport on Highway 250, and Lou’s Restaurant in Bridgeport; and in neighboring Wabash County at CJ’s in Allendale, and neighboring Crawford County at Maxwell House in Flat Rock!

Nothing will get a community heated up faster than problems within their school district. Parents are the first to reach the boiling point; they take out their frustrations on school board members, administration and personnel; and finally, even taxpayers that don’t have kids in school get bent out of shape because the bottom line is: their taxes are impacted by decisions made about how schools are going to operate and function.

The turmoil has been going on in North Clay Schools in Louisville since before the school year started, as regular readers will recall. Things heated up further when a school board member and some school personnel resigned. The school board caught hell because they took action on something that they’d promised the community that they (the community) would be involved in the decision over. That may or may not have been a violation of the Open Meetings Act, which could have caused considerably more grief for everyone involved.

But in the end, a decision was made that resolved the issue for most involved…and caused apparent grief and consternation only for the school board, who basically had to defecate backwards in order to calm the public down (although it did little for their spouses; see screenshot of the board president Mike Worthey’s felon wife, Nikki Worthey, having a high-speed comeapart over the whole thing on her Facebook page.) And further, the final casualty was the departure of a very well-thought-of school principal, as you’ll see here in the next Read the Lead, “Parents win; but principal resigns“:

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LOUISVILLE—A major upheaval occurred in North Clay County after an ill-advised change to school athletic policy was established in the midst of a school year.

Not only were a number of students facing ineligibility to participate in sports, but North Clay High School has now lost its principal to a Wayne County school district, and an effort is underway to see what can be done with errant school board members who appear to have altered policy so their own kids wouldn’t land in trouble.

How it started

The matter began in August when a group of high school kids were intent on having beer at a bonfire, and were reported to have gotten hold of some of the alcohol.

A large majority of those involved were student athletes, both male and female.

After a thorough investigation, it was determined who the kids were that were involved, and since the school policy at the time was that there was zero tolerance for drug and alcohol as it regarded athletes, it was presumed that those athletes involved would be removed from sports participation for the rest of the school year under the current policy.

However, through much wrangling and several school board meetings, the board—many of whom had young relatives involved who were going to miss out on participation and thus, potential scholarships upon graduation—altered the policy to adjust the punishment for children who were found to be in possession of drugs or alcohol, changing the “zero tolerance” to a complicated “first/subsequent infraction” policy.

New policy

This new policy involved suspension only from one-third of the scheduled games for a “first infraction,” among other sundry specifics such as being at all practices, being in attendance at the scheduled events but not in uniform, paying penalties, etc…but gave the impression, in the opinion of many, that possession of drugs or alcohol was now allowed in North Clay Schools as long as it’s only once.

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Read the rest of the story by clicking this link to get started with your online subscription, or pick up a print version at these vendors! You can get your print copy of Disclosure in Clay County at Needmore Store in Louisville, Discount Tobacco Warehouse in Flora, and The Price is Right in Clay City.

One of the frustrating aspects of operating a news organization that doesn’t fear any powers-that-be is watching other media organizations who bow and scrape to the powers-that-be reporting half the story.

Jennifer Murbarger

It’s not that the material isn’t available; we learn that later, when we go to ask authorities very pointed questions, and they give us direct, straightforward answers. So the fault lies often in “favoring” a particular agency…which is always a mistake, because those agencies work for US, not the other way around. Any taxpayer-funded entity in this state (or country, actually) answers to the people, and they especially answer to the media. But some entities have really gotten into the rut of thinking that they DON’T…and one of those is the Illinois State Police. This, in turn, has engendered an entire contingent of media outlets who believe that they should only report the dribs and drabs that ISP doles out…and not ask the hard questions of anyone, including peripheral agencies that might help.

A good example of this degradation in reporting comes from our first Read the Lead for the day, wherein we fill in the blanks that ALL other media outlets overlooked…and while the complete story isn’t there yet, if it’s ever found out, you know at least we’ll publish it. In the meantime, here’s “Murbarger drowning leaves many perplexed“:

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WAYNE CO.—The death of a state trooper’s wife has left a cloud of confusion in its wake, as there are little to no answers as to why and how the woman ended up where she was that she drowned in the early morning hours of Friday, December 27.

Jennifer Murbarger, 42, of Fairfield, was the victim of apparent hypothermia after her car went off in backwaters of the Elm River Creek where it passes through north Jasper Township.

Official reports incomplete

Official reports indicate that Murbarger, wife of ISP officer Jayson Murbarger, called her husband from her cell phone in the early morning hours of that date to report that she was stranded in backwater. However, she could not give her exact location, as she told him she “didn’t know” where she was precisely.

Reports continued that instead of staying with her car, she apparently tried to walk out of the backwaters, but was overcome by the cold water.

When there was no response from her upon subsequent attempts, a rescue effort was made that included a state police airplane outfitted with FLIR (Forward Looking Infrared, in order to pick up heat signatures), which found Murbarger’s body beneath ice not far from her stranded vehicle, this occurring in the hours between 3 a.m. and 4 a.m.

Her body was ultimately recovered and taken to Fairfield Memorial Hospital, where Murbarger was pronounced dead at 8:45.

Also, incorrect

It appeared, however, that that’s as far as local media was willing to look into it.

The basics of the matter were even delivered incorrectly (the backwater wasn’t from the Little Wabash River, which was considerably east of the location of the incident), and the exact location where Murbarger’s vehicle was actually found was never given, in what appeared to be a hastily-thrown-together brief covering the event that could have gone a long way toward ISP’s campaign of “turn around, don’t drown” in floodwaters that were occurring following first a massive snowfall at the beginning of the month, then a huge amount of rain that melted it all off.

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Read the rest of the story by clicking this link to get started with your online subscription, or pick up a print version at these vendors! You can get your print copy of Disclosure in Edwards County at Bruce Lee Garage in Albion and Liquor Barn in Grayville; in Wayne County at Taylor’s on Delaware; in Richland County at MotoMart in Olney, Marilyn’s Liquor Cabinet in Olney and Bottle Hut of Noble; and in Clay County at Needmore Store in Louisville, Discount Tobacco Warehoue in Flora and The Price is Right in Clay City!

UPDATE 9:35 P.M.

HELICOPTER HAS ARRIVED AT THE HOSPITAL IN LAWRENCEVILLE, ILL.

LAWRENCE CO., Ill.—We’re learning of an incident in Lawrenceville St. Francisville wherein a man has been alleged to have bitten off part of his girlfriend’s face, then left the scene, after the two got into a fight.

The cannibalistic guy is reportedly none other than local felon Tommy Shoulders, 38, of Lawrenceville and other addresses.

Emergency medical services were called to the scene shortly after the injury was inflicted, and report that the woman, whose name is not being released yet, is suffering from significant blood loss. The woman’s father called the report in. She was transported to Lawrence Memorial Hospital, and a helicopter has been called for her; destination hospital is unknown at this time.

Shoulders reportedly left the scene before officials could respond, and is supposed to be in a 2000 white two-door Pontiac Sunfire. Authorities are looking for him; if you know of his whereabouts, call your local law enforcement agency. More as we get it; keep checking back.

In this day and age of everything in the world being important instead of what really is, sports is at the top of the list.

Instead of getting involved in civics and community activities, instead of it being an honor to be well-read (or even knowing what that term means, which is to say, having a read a vast and intense number and types of books), instead of ensuring that good candidates for public offices are selected and win fairly, the country is obsessed with the latest awards show, who’s their favorite pop tart/diva, and first and foremost, what their team is doing.

While sports in high school are great for the kids, and usually instill a sense of self-esteem, teamwork, and goal achievement (instead of giving them the big head, which happens but less frequently than the positives), it’s all transient. The number of children going on to play “their” sport beyond high school, regardless of their achievements, is few…the number of children going into “professional” sports beyond college is even fewer. Oftentimes, kids in college, competing against other “best of the best,” will be disillusioned, and fall away from everything productive in their lives. Emphasizing sports to a child can therefore be a detriment, because when they can no longer play it, they have nothing about themselves that they like…and that can leave a sad situation in its wake.

Parents fall into this “sports above all” mindset, too. And when they do, their behavior can become questionable. Such was the case at the end of December for a well-known man from Mt. Carmel attending a tournament where his daughter was playing an historic game (for her school record, at any rate). The accounts of what happened and why are varied. We give them all, as well as some strange local authority input, in the next Read the Lead piece, “Superintendent removed from basketball game“:

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WABASH CO.— The actions of an overzealous father at his daughter’s history-making basketball game were understandable, but to the point of having to be escorted out by four police officers was a bit over the top.

Such a thing is usually reported by media in attendance and forgotten about as quickly as it happened.

However, in this case, the fact that no area media bothered to name the individual who was walked out of the game by cops, and only one even mentioned it happened at all, gave the story momentum.

The fact the father walked out of the game by four police officers happened to be not only the parent of the star player, but the Wabash County Superintendent of Schools, Tim Buss, actually has some furious at the appearance that the incident was hushed up.

“There was no word of this in any of the local newspapers or on the air at any of the area radio stations,” said one critic of how the incident was handled.

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Read the rest of the story by clicking this link to get started with your online subscription, or pick up a print version at these vendors! You can get your print copy of Disclosure in Wabash County at our Mt. Carmel locations, Jim’s Cork & Bottle on 9th Street and Mt. Carmel Liquors on 8th, as well as in Allendale at CJ’s!

LAWRENCE CO., Ill.—The man involved in the alleged incident of battery against a woman last night that was characterized by police as “looking like her face had been bit off” is in custody in Lawrence County…but not for this particular battery.

Tommy Shoulders, in front, from his Facebook page (submitted)

Tommy Shoulders, 38, is being held on a previous battery charge since he was just convicted of battery against Leah Catt three months ago and was awaiting sentencing…and had punched another guy in the face in the interim, resulting in a terms of bond violation.

Shoulders is the only suspect in the grievous injuries inflicted on Catt last night (Wednesday, January 15, 2014), which occurred in her uncle’s home in St. Francisville in the evening hours.

Officials report that Catt’s 82-year-0ld uncle (conflicting reports have it that it was Shoulders’ uncle, but the officials have reported that it was Catt’s; when we learn more from officials, we’ll post it) was asleep when he heard screaming, and got up to find Catt, Shoulders’ girlfriend, lying on the floor, unresponsive. Responding authorities (who incorrectly identified the uncle as Catt’s father in initial reports) found Catt and reported that her nose and lips appeared to be “ripped off,” that her teeth were bashed in, one side of her skull was caved in, and she was covered in blood. She was transported from the scene to an awaiting helicopter, where she was flown to Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis and subsequently underwent an 11-hour surgery. It’s being reported that the surgeons “did the best they could” but there are bone shards in her brain, and it’s unclear whether she’ll recover, and if she does, how.

While the surgeon believed the damage to have been inflicted by blunt force trauma, it’s unclear exactly how she sustained the injuries, as no weapon was found anywhere.

PeeWee Darnell, causing problems no matter what he does.

Authorities were looking for Shoulders until he contacted a girl to “bring him water, since he was on the run and was thirsty.” Instead, she contacted authorities and he was apprehended in the vicinity of WAKO radio east of Lawrenceville. He was housed on the violation offense and charges against him in this latest attack on Catt are pending evidentiary material: His clothing did have blood on it, and it’s been sent for testing. Illinois State Police are currently in charge of the investigation, taking it off the hands of St. F “police chief” Billy “PeeWee” Darnell, who made all the mistaken reports last night, including the comment that “it looks like she’s had her face bit off.”

When we learn more, we’ll post it….keep watching.

RICHLAND CO., Ill.—A press release from Richland County Sheriff Andy Hires outlines the following:

The Olney Fire Department was dispatched at 4:42 A.M. to a report of a fully involved structure fire at 3358 E. Mt. Pleasant Lane, Olney, Ill.  Mutual aid was received from the West Salem Fire Protection District, Claremont/Bonpas Fire Protection District, RMH Ambulance service and Richland County Sheriff’s Department.  At this time, firefighters are still on scene with no further information available.