One person was killed and four others were injured in a single-vehicle accident on Route 159 north of Edwardsville on Sunday, June 23.

Deon Miller Jr. of Alton was pronounced dead by the Madison County Coroner from injuries he suffered during the accident. He was 20 years old.

According to the state police, a 17-year-old East Alton woman was driving an SUV north on Route 159. The vehicle contained four passengers, including Miller. Investigators said that just before 2:30 a.m., the vehicle began to leave the roadway while negotiating a curve about a half mile south of Route 140. The driver over-corrected, causing the SUV to cross both lanes and leave the road before striking the ditch and overturning.

Miller, who was in the back seat, was ejected from the vehicle. Another passenger, 21-year-old Candice Graves of Alton, was airlifted from the scene and taken to a St. Louis area hospital with serious injuries.

The driver and the other two passengers, identified as 19-year-old Amari Price of Alton and 22-year-old Tyler Melton of Hartford, were all taken by ambulance to area hospitals with non-life threatening injuries.

The incident is still under investigation by Illinois State Police Zone 6 Investigations. No further information is being released at this time.

A new fair queen was crowned Wednesday night at the Macoupin County Fair grounds.

Miss Macoupin County for 2019 is Maya Marcacci.

1st Runner up- Megan Hatlee
2nd Runner up- Daelyn Brown
3rd Runner up- Nina Moutrie
Miss Congeniality- Daelyn Brown

Jr. Miss Macoupin County is Jordyn Loveless

1st Runner up- Clara Boyett
2nd Runner up- Willow England
3rd Runner up- Taylor Foiles
Miss Congeniality- Grace Prograis

Little Miss Macoupin County is Mattie Norris

1st Runner up- Madalyn Beasley
2nd Runner up- Charlee Steward
3rd Runner up- Claire Vinyard

A new principal was hired at Lincolnwood High School during the Panhandle School Board meeting on Monday, June 24.

The board unanimously approved Ken Schuster as principal, pending the finalization of an administrative contract. He takes over for Kendall Elvidge, who resigned at the conclusion of the 2018-19 school year.

In other personnel matters, three people were hired to work at the Farmersville Grade School in different capacities. Stephanie Short was hired as a first grade teacher and Carrie Mathews was approved as Title I Teacher. Both are pending the successful completion of all state and local requirements. Additionally, Belinda Ernst was approved as a special education paraprofessional.

The board approved the hire of Sheena Wolfe as Lincolnwood Secretary and In-House substitute, pending successful completion of state and local requirements, and Monty Elvidge as assistant junior high baseball coach. The board also accepted the resignation of Sandi Friend-Jackson as Title I paraprofessional, effective June 22.

The next Panhandle School Board meeting is scheduled for Monday, July 15, at 7 p.m.

A 23-year-old woman was killed in a single vehicle accident on Route 159 south of Bunker Hill on Sunday, June 23.

Julianne Biro of Bunker Hill was pronounced dead at the scene by Macoupin County Coroner Brad Targhetta.

According to the Illinois State Police, Biro was driving north on Route 159 approximately three-quarters of a mile north of Moulton Road. Her vehicle drove off the west side of the road causing Biro to overcorrect. The vehicle then skidded across the road and into a ditch on the east side.

Investigators said the SUV struck an embankment and traveled airborne approximately 140 feet before landing in the front yard of a residence. The vehicle then rolled multiple times before coming to a rest about 400 feet from where it struck the embankment. It came to rest upside down.

The incident occurred at approximately 5:31 a.m.

There were 2.2 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending June 23, 2019. Statewide, the average temperature was 69.7 degrees, 3.7 degrees below normal. Precipitation averaged 2.19 inches, 1.24 inches above normal. Topsoil moisture supply was rated at 43 percent adequate and 57 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture supply was rated at 45 percent adequate, and 55 percent surplus. Corn planted was at 92 percent. Corn emerged was at 84 percent. Corn condition was 5 percent very poor, 12 percent poor, 36 percent fair, 41 percent good, and 6 percent excellent. Soybeans planted was at 79 percent, compared to 100 percent last year and the 5-year average of 97 percent. Soybeans emerged was at 67 percent. Soybean condition was 4 percent very poor, 14 percent poor, 40 percent fair, 36 percent good, and 6 percent excellent. Winter wheat harvested was 15 percent, compared to 61 percent for last year and 47 percent for the 5-year average. Winter wheat condition was rated at 9 percent very poor, 17 percent poor, 47 percent fair, 24 percent good, and 3 percent excellent.

The Litchfield City Council entered into a five-year agreement with Axon Enterprise Inc. on Thursday, June 20, for the purchase of Taser weapons for the city's police department.

The agreement is for ten X26P smart weapons, 14 fifteen-foot standard cartridges, six 25-foot standard cartridges, seven right-handed holsters, three left-handed holsters, 10 XPPM battery packs and 20 hybrid 25-foot cartridges.

Ten of the department's current smart weapons have been discontinued and the batteries for those weapons are no longer being manufactured. Certification of the entire Police Department is required for the weapons. Certification requires the firing of two cartridges by each officer.

The initial payment for the weapons is $3,486, with an annual payment of $2,910 over the next four years to cover the remaining cost. By spreading out the payments across the agreement, the city avoids having to spend more than $15,000 at once for the weapons.

The next Litchfield City Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, July 2, at 6:30 p.m.

A pair of items on the agenda for Tuesday's Hillsboro City Council meeting will feature discussions on the city's Motor Fuel Tax funds.

The council will discuss awarding the 2019 MFT Oil and Chip Bid, as well as approving a resolution appropriating $170,000 of MFT funds for a project at the intersection of Rountree and Summer Streets. Other items on the agenda include:

A. Discussion/Decision on a motion to approve reimbursement to John and Kendra Wright for work done on sidewalks aroudn the Red Rooster
B. Discussion/Decision on a motion to approve the NPDES Renewal Response for the Sewer Plant
C. Discussion/Decision on a motion to approve the Facility Plan Work Order with Woodard and Curran
D. Discussion/Decision on a motion to approve hiring an Economic Development intern for six months in the city of Hillsboro
E. Discussion/Decision on a motion to approve purchasing an ID maker for the city of Hillsboro
F. Discussion/Decision on a motion to approve the IEPA Comfort Letter for the Eagle Zinc property

The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. at Hillsboro City Hall.

A motion to hire a police officer was approved during the Litchfield City Council meeting on Thursday, June 20.

The hire would fill the vacancy created by former Police Chief Lee Jarman's retirement in April. A candidate will be selected from a two-year eligibility list that is maintained by the Litchfield Police and Fire Commission. Such a list maintained so candidates are available whenever a position becomes vacant.

The current list of eligible candidates was finalized recently and those candidates have completed requests for preferential points to be added to their final score.

The motion passed, 6-0, with aldermen Mark Brown and Tim Wright absent from the meeting. The Police and Fire Commission has sole authority to hire new officers.

Due to the Independence Day holiday, the next Litchfield City Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, July 2, at 6:30 p.m.

Building repair and maintenance will once again be a topic of discussion during the Panhandle School Board meeting on Monday.

Under old business, the board will discuss a change order for the Lincolnwood High School roof project, in addition to the Fiscal Year 2019 budget and the potential purchase of a used multi-functional activity bus.

News business items on the agenda include:

A. Approval of High School Schedule for the 2019-2020 School Year
B. Approval of FY19 Board of Education Meeting Dates
C. Approve Resolution Authorizing the Acceptance of the Transfer of Employment of Certain Licensed Employees of the Mid-State Special Education Joint Agreement pursuant to Section 10-21.12 of 'The School Code'
D. Approve Resolution Authorizing the Acceptance of the Transfer of Employment of Certain Licensed Educational Support Personnel of the Mid-State Special Education Joint Agreement

Agenda items to be discussed following a scheduled closed session include:

A. Approval of Paraprofessional position for Farmersville Grade School
B. Approval of JH Assistant Baseball Coach
C. Approval of Lincolnwood Secretary/In-House Substitute
D. Approval of FGS First Grade Teacher Position
E. Approval of FGS Title I Position
F. Approval of Lincolnwood Principal

The meeting will begin with a budget hearing at 6:45 p.m. followed by the regular meeting at 7 p.m. in the Lincolnwood High School library.

Five city of Litchfield employees were honored for their years of service during the city council meeting on Thursday, including one who is retiring at the end of the month.

Carol Millburg, who began serving as finance clerk in 1998, is retiring from her position on June 30. Prior to the meeting, a brief reception was held in the council chamber in recognition of her service.

Mayor Steve Dougherty read a proclamation thanking Millburg for serving the city for over 20 years. He offered his congratulations and said she and her many contributions to the city will be sorely missed.

Also recognized for service milestones were Dennis Feldman and Christopher Robinson each for 20 years, and Chris Zumwalt and Carol Burke each for 10 years.

Due to the Independence Day holiday, the next Litchfield City Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, July 2, at 6:30 p.m.

Five city of Litchfield employees were honored for their years of service during the city council meeting on Thursday, including one who is retiring at the end of the month.

Carol Millburg, who began serving as finance clerk in 1998, is retiring from her position on June 30. Prior to the meeting, a brief reception was held in the council chamber in recognition of her service.

Mayor Steve Dougherty read a proclamation thanking Millburg for serving the city for over 20 years. He offered his congratulations and said she and her many contributions to the city will be sorely missed.

Also recognized for service milestones were Dennis Feldman and Christopher Robinson each for 20 years, and Chris Zumwalt and Carol Burke each for 10 years.

Due to the Independence Day holiday, the next Litchfield City Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, July 2, at 6:30 p.m.

The Litchfield Street Department has begun spraying for mosquitoes, a practice that will continue through the end of summer.

Spraying will be conducted each week on Tuesdays and Thursdays, weather permitting. It will be done inside city limits and will take place on those days from 8 p.m. to midnight.

Even though mosquitoes that carry the West Nile virus prefer hot and dry conditions, Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Ngozi Izike says nuisance mosquitoes -- which don't carry diseases -- can still pose a threat, as a bite can become infected if it is scratched and becomes a wound.

Recommended precautions include avoiding outdoors between dusk and dawn, wearing light clothing over all exposed skin and using approved repellant.

One person was killed and three others were injured in an automobile accident north of Coffeen on Saturday, June 15.

Matthew Schwab of Mt. Olive was pronounced dead at 9:24 p.m. Saturday at HSHS St. John's Hosptial in Springfield.

According to Montgomery County Sheriff Rick Robbins, Schwab was driving east on North 9th Avenue when he drove through a stop sign at the Coffeen Road intersection and was hit by a northbound car. The collision caused both vehicles to hit a power pole and come to a stop in a field.

Mitchell Durbin of Nokomis was the driver of the other vehicle. Cortney Gray of Greenville and an unidentified juvenile were his passengers.

Schwab, 42, and Gray, 19, were airlifted to St. John's Hosptial by ARCH Medical Services. Durbin, 20, and the juvenile were taken from the scene by Hillsboro Area Ambulance Service.

The incident occurred at 6:46 p.m. Also assisting at the scene were the Coffeen and Hillsboro Fire Departments.

Prior to their meeting on Thursday, the Litchfield School Board will hold a public hearing on an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2018-19 Budget.

The hearing will begin at 5:45 p.m., followed by a Fogleman Trustee meeting 6 p.m. with the regular board meeting after.

Action items following closed session during the regular meeting include:

1. Approve a resolution authorizing the acceptance of the transfer of employment of certain licensed employees of the Mid-State Special Education Joint Agreement pursuant to Section 10-21.12 of "the School Code."
2. Approve a resolution authorizing the acceptance of the transfer of employment of certain licensed educational support personnel of the Mid-State Special Education Joint Agreement.
3. Accept the resignation of Alternative Educational Setting (AES) classroom aide
4. Accept the letter of intent to retire from Bus Driver
5. Approve the hire of Substitute Bus Driver(s) for the District
6. Accept the letter of intent to retire from High School Physical Education Teacher
7. Accept the resignation of 2018-19 Prom sponsors
8. Accept the resignation of Volunteer Football Coach/Weight Room Supervisor
9. Accept the resignation of Assistant Volleyball Coach
10. Approve the hire of 7th Grade Boys Basketball Coach
11. Approve the recommendation of Volunteer Coach to Football program
12. Approve the recommendation of Volunteer Coach to Wrestling program
13. Approve the recommendation of Volunteer Coach to Middle School Boys Basketball
14. Approve the hire of Weight Room Supervisor
15. Approve the hire of Middle School Cheer Coach
16. Approve the hire of Classroom Aide
17. Approve the hire of Title 1 Reading Teacher
18. Approve the hire of 1st Grade Special Education Teacher
19. Approve the hire of Middle School Special Education Teacher
20. Approve the hire of Special Education Classroom Aides
21. Approve the voluntary transfer of High School Principal's Secretary to Elementary Secretary
22. Approve the hire of High School Principal's Secretary

New business items on the agenda include:

1. Approve the amended budget for fiscal year 2019
2. Approve student fees for 2019-2020
3. Approve the Consolidated District Plan
4. Approve the renewal with Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Illinois for employee health benefits for 2019-2020
5. Approve contract with Illinois Counties Risk Management Trust (ICRMT) as property and casualty insurance carrier for 2019-2020
6. Approve contract with Illinois Counties Risk Management Trust (ICRMT) as worker's compensation insurance carrier for 2019-2020
7. Approve fuel bid
8. Approve declaration of District surplus items
9. Approve bid for sale of District land
10. Approve bid for replacement of High School Gym and Stage Area Roofs
11. Approve Boys Soccer Co-operative with Gillespie School District.

The meeting will be held at Sihler School on South State Street.

At least one person was injured in a two-vehicle accident Wednesday morning at the intersection of Route 16 and Route 127.

According to a report, a semi exiting 127 pulled out in front of a car on Route 16 between 10 and 10:30 a.m. Traffic has been reduced to one lane while first responders are on the scene.

WSMI will have more on this story as it develops.

A Virden man was arrested on multiple charges after leading police on a chase on his motorcycle through Taylor Springs on Saturday, June 15.

Aaron Damm, 48, faces charges of aggravated fleeing and eluding, and child endangerment following the pursuit -- which preceded a trip to Hillsboro Area Hospital early Sunday morning.

According to the Taylor Springs Police, officers attempted to stop Damm on Montgomery Street next to Weiss's Power Equipment, but the subject allegedly continued through the East Street intersection without obeying the posted stop sign. Officers said he continued through multiple intersections without stopping while almost losing control of the bike.

During the pursuit, the motorcycle sideswiped a tree and knocked the passenger -- a 16-year-old Litchfield girl -- off the bike. She was taken by ambulance to the Hillsboro hospital.

The chase concluded after Damm allegedly drove the bike through a yard and crashed into the back of a squad car near the intersection of Park and Montgomery Streets. He was taken to the hospital and treated before being released and transferred to the Montgomery County Jail.

In addition to the other charges, Damm was cited for having no taillights when required, having no valid registration, no motorcycle classification on his driver's license and operating an uninsured motor vehicle. He also had arrest warrants from Montgomery and Macoupin Counties that were unrelated to Saturday's incident.

Two people were killed on Interstate 55 early Sunday morning after a wrong-way driver started a pair of crashes north of Farmersville.

36-year-old Dannean Royston of St. Louis and 54-year-old Cheryl True of Maryville were both pronounced dead at the scene by Montgomery County Coroner Randy Leetham.

According to the Illinois State Police, Royston was driving north in the southbound lanes of the interstate when her car struck True's southbound vehicle head-on. The collision caused True's SUV to spin and sideswipe a semi and another SUV. Each vehicle came to a stop after the initial crash.

While sitting in the southbound lanes near milepost 73, True's SUV was hit by a Megabus carrying 54 passengers. The driver of the bus, 60-year-old Kermit Wilmington of Chicago, was taken to an area hospital with serious injuries. Additionally, five of the passengers on the bus were taken to the hospital with minor injuries.

The incident remains under investigation by the State Police. No further information is being released at this time.

(image)


Pictured above (from L to R): Brodee McCormick, Reporter; Lane Harvey, Vice President; Gage Miller, President; Collin White, Secretary; Emma Freebairn, Treasurer
SPRINGFIELD The 2019-2020 Illinois State Officer Team was elected Thursday, June 13, by delegates at the 91st annual Illinois State FFA Convention. The officers will be installed Thursday afternoon to serve the Illinois Association FFA for the next 12 months.
The newly elected officers are: President: Gage Miller, 18, of Cambridge (Henry County) and the Cambridge FFA Chapter. He is the son of Travis and Starla Fransene and Justin and Amy Miller and a 2019 graduate of Cambridge High School. As a state officer, I will make it my goal to impact members throughout the state and ignite their passion for the FFA, Miller says. Ill also use my passion for agriculture to advocate for the agricultural industry and work with other organizations to improve agricultural education in the state. Vice President: Lane Harvey, 17, of Fairfield (Wayne County) and the Fairfield FFA Chapter. He is the son of Patrick and Jennifer Harvey and a 2019 graduate of Fairfield Community High School. My daily objective is to work toward my why and my purpose to be an encouragement and motivator to as many members as possible, Harvey says. Ill put forth every effort to keep Illinois FFA one of the most impactful youth organizations in the state. Reporter: Brodee McCormick, 18, of Athens (Menard County) and the Athens FFA Chapter. He is the son of Will Tomlinson and Mandy McCormick-Tomlinson and a 2019 graduate of Athens High School. Id like to continue the proud traditions of leadership development, personal growth, and career success in the FFA, McCormick says. As a state officer, I will use my time and talents to elevate and inspire members across the state. Secretary: Collin White, 18, of Forest City (Mason County) and the Midwest Central FFA Chapter. He is the son of Eric and Jennifer White and a 2019 graduate of Midwest Central High School. As a state officer, I will boost young members spirits and motivate them to be their best, White says. I want to give back to the organization that has helped me grow into a better person without fear and with memories that last a lifetime. Treasurer: Emma Freebairn, 18, of Ottawa (LaSalle County) and the Serena FFA Chapter. She is the daughter of Scott and Heather Freebairn and a 2019 graduate of Serena High School. I want to contribute to our members growth and leadership success by using the leadership skills FFA has taught me, Freebairn says. Id like to leave a lasting impact and inspire them to dream big.

The five officers were elected from a group of 10 candidates selected by a committee in early spring. Each officer puts their collegiate pursuits on hold for one year as they serve the Illinois Association FFA. Officers typically travel more than 20,000 miles visiting FFA chapters around the state, conducting workshops and meetings, representing Illinois FFA in professional settings, and promoting agricultural education. Since 1929, Illinois has elected a State FFA Officer Team.

Elevate was the theme of the three-day event which recognizes achievements of Illinois FFA members, elects the major state officer team, and celebrates agriculture. More than 5,000 FFA members, advisors and guests attended the June 11-13 event. Students at the convention were greeted with activities including a career fair featuring colleges and agribusinesses, an evening dance and talent show, and an opportunity to engage in the history of Illinois capital city. The convention featured a new Spotlight on Service poster gallery where 24 FFA chapters highlighted a service project their members completed in the past year, celebrating the collective impact of Illinois FFAs volunteer service. The program featured addresses by National FFA Southern Region Vice President Jordan Stowe of Alabama and from each of the retiring major state officers.

During a meeting in which they spent roughly 90 minutes in open session, the Montgomery County Board discussed options that would increase funding for the county's recycling program.

Finance Committee Chair Megan Beeler told the full board on Tuesday that her committee has looked into establishing a special service taxing district for recycling. Such a district would require the county to hold a hearing, and then potentially place an advisory question on the ballot during the next election on March 17, 2020. Concern over the future of recycling in Montgomery County is building because of the department's inability to sustain itself financially. If approved, property taxes would increase to establish the Special Recycling Service Taxing District.

During the personnel committee briefing, Sheriff Rick Robbins told the board that his department has hired five new patrol deputies, with the most recent patrolman set to begin on June 13. Robbins said they have also hired two telecommunicators and one correctional officer. He said one correctional officer position is still vacant, however, after a person holding the position recently resigned. Once filled, the department should be fully-staffed.

The next Montgomery County Board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, July 9, at 5:30 p.m.

Congressman Rodney Davis recently remembered WSMI broadcaster Terry Todt on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives. In front of his fellow members of congress, he read the following statement:

"Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember Terry Todt, a friend and beloved community member who passed away on May 23.

Many of us in Central Illinois grew up listening to Terry on the radio. For the past 41 years, he was the man behind the microphone, announcing some of the most memorable events in high school sports.

Terry got his first transistor radio at the age of seven. In 1978, his dream of becoming a broadcaster came true when he was hired by WSMI in Litchfield - the radio station that he had listened to growing up.

For his excellence in sports announcing, he was inducted into the media division of the Illinois Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame, along with many other distinctions; but Terrys love for youth sports went far beyond his broadcasts. For many years he officiated baseball, basketball, and soccer with the local sports association, and he was instrumental in expanding the Raymond Park District to add two athletic fields, including a soccer field that was named in his honor. Last year, he began the T. Todt Shootout, a basketball benefit that raises money for the Montgomery County Cancer Association.

Terry left a lasting legacy that will long be remembered. He was an iconic member of the Raymond community and he will be missed by so many. My prayers are with his wife, Brenda, their children, and grandchildren."