Dennis York

Regular readers will recall that back in March, following an incident in which deputy Dennis York decided he was going to publicly call prosecutor Chris Quick to the carpet over Quick trying to get York to do his job in court, York is alleged to have physically injured Quick by slamming his hand in a door at Quick’s office.

Illinois State Police was called to investigate and opined that Quick should take out an Order of Protection against York, who was put on paid leave pending the outcome of the whole thing.

Lawrence County State’s Attorney Chris Quick

Well, last Thursday, the outcome was that Quick voluntarily dismissed the petition for OP when it came to a hearing.

We can only guess as to the reasons why this was done, and we won’t speculate at this time. But we ARE aware that the investigation into York’s actions on that day is ongoing…and that the possibility is  that charges are forthcoming. But, as yet, there are none, and we also don’t know at this time if York is back in uniform and on the job. When we learn an update of either situation, we’ll bring it to you….keep checking back.

The historic and beautiful old high school in Lawrenceville; in a photo by former mayoral candidate Ed Brumley

The school, built after bonds were sold to fund it and a new sales tax was imposed on the districts county-wide just a couple of years ago, was sited in a low-lying area of the county, essentially behind Walmart, as opposed to the location of the historic old high school which sits on a hill not far from the Embarass River.

And now, it has a unique problem: Recent heavy rains, it appears, has caused a sewage backup. And it emerged, our sources tell us, in the new high school gymnasium.

Our sources have advised that the school officials are attempting to keep this on the down-low…but word has inevitably “leaked” out.

There are mixed reviews on the school, especially given the mass exodus out of the county over the past several years, and the fact that Bridgeport now has a relatively-new high school that could have easily accommodated all the high school kids in the county.

If any developments come about with the sewage, we’ll bring it; remember, we’re on a short schedule so the next paper is a Special Edition that will be on stands on July 2-3. We have an amazing amount of Lawrence County news coming up in this one, thanks to a new stringer for the area…so be watching, and be sure you subscribe to the e-Edition if you prefer that format, before the Special Edition…it’ll be a bargain in July as we’ll have TWO papers then. And remember; print subscribers benefit by getting two papers for the price of one in July, too!

Click this link to get to the Lawrence County Animal Shelter Facebook page showing the devastating photos of the damage the fire caused.

When we learn more about it, we’ll get it to you. Keep checking back.

However, there’s nothing in Illinois law or within the Constitution (which directs the operations of a sheriff of a county) that prohibits such a thing.

The understandable concern county residents have is what Lawrence encountered years ago when the cops hired by the various burgs throughout the county were also doubling as county deputies.

At least a couple of these cops—St. Francisville’s Billy “PeeWee” Darnell being one—were double-dipping, charging their city when they were on the clock there, and charging the county for being “on the clock” with them as deputies if they “happened” to be called out of their city limits to respond to something miles away from their jurisdiction…but within the realm of those deputized.

The amount of overtime many of these “deputies” were raking in was unbelievable, all of it being obtained via FOIA by Disclosure in 2004.

Former sheriff Dennis Bridwell put an end to that practice that year by “un”deputizing the burgs’ cops.

However, that’s not a consideration in the case of the sheriff working for Sumner.

Adams is on salary with the county as an elected officeholder, so whatever he does for the county is covered under a salary and he doesn’t clock in any hourly time.

He does, however, work on the clock for Sumner, and so basically, all that amounts to is a “part-time” job, which a duly-elected officeholder is allowed to hold, be it as an officer, an ice cream truck driver, or whatever, in order to supplement income if necessary.

Adams has had some financial blows over the past couple of years just like many others in the area, so any supplemental income would be helpful.

There doesn’t appear to be any conflict, either, about which entity the sheriff represents if he were to make an arrest within the city limits of Sumner, as long as he’s verifiably “on the clock” with the village and operating within village limits when the arrest is made.

Anyone can get the sheriff’s Sumner employment schedule by submitting a FOIA (a standing FOIA is preferable) to city hall, in order to understand for which entity Adams is performing as an officer of the law should that ever become a question.

Adams lives a few miles outside of the village limits of Sumner and so doesn’t have far to travel in order to be on the job.

JP Stevenson, 22, of Bridgeport, the punk who fathered former mayor Max Schauf’s only grandchild (via Sheila Schauf) and had a brief cameo in the now-convicted former mayor/petty thief’s federal case, has been charged in Lawrence County circuit court with thieving some wheels—literally.

Court documents show that Stevenson was charged on May 13 with a May 6, 2013 incident of theft from one Stephen L. Potts, “aluminum truck wheels not in excess of $500.”

What Stevenson could possibly want with some truck wheels of that description is beyond most, but this is the extension of Schauf’s family here, so there could be any number of wide and varied explanations for this alleged behavior.

With things like a couple of bad checks, some disorderly conduct and an underage drinking charge appearing to be the extent of his criminal background, the theft of something that likely took some effort is quite the change for the pudgy punk.

Stevenson was arrested on the charge May 17 and posted bond of $150 that same day.

He was set to appear on the matter for the first time June 25.

Jordan William Jones, 32, of Lawrenceville has been charged with one count of Domestic Battery after authorities say on May 12, at 707 Collins St., Lawrenceville he head-butted Elgin Jones, Jr., in the face with his head at a time when he had previously been convicted of the same crime.

Jordan Jones is a convicted felon from 2000 after being found guilty for Burglary and sentenced to 30 months probation. He still has an outstanding fines and fee balance in that case of $1,163.

He was convicted in 2002 of Battery and sentenced to 15 days in the county jail, 12 months conditional discharge.

He earned himself a three-year sentence in the Illinois Department of Corrections (DOC) in 2004 after being convicted of two counts of Theft.

Back on the street with good time, Jones was convicted again in 2007 for Aggravated Battery in a Public Place and was sentenced 18 months conditional discharge. He still owes $1,084 in fines and fees in that case.

In 2010 he earned another four-year sentence in DOC on a conviction for two counts of Burglary, and one count each of Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance (prescription medication) and still owes $2,008 in fines and fees from that case.

Jones was arrested and charged in 2012 with Arson and Disorderly Conduct.

He pled to the disorderly charge and was sentenced to another 12 months conditional discharge. Jones has an outstanding balance in fines and fess from that case of $550.

Counties throughout southern Illinois have been struggling with how to collect on outstanding fines and fees.

Dope at the pharmacy

Melisa L. Laslie, 36, of St. Francisville, faces a pair of drug charges after authorities say on May 21 at CVS Pharmacy, located at 1421 State St., Lawrenceville, she committed the offenses of Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine less than five grams and Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia identified as a glass pipe with intent to use said pipe to inhale methamphetamine into her body.

Laslie was housed in the county jail on $3,000 cash bond.

Stolen Dodge

Joseph A. Campbell, 17, of 403 Lexington Ave., Lawrenceville, has been charged with one count of Unlawful Possession of a Stolen Vehicle after authorities say on April 30, 2013, at 1811 12th St., Lawrenceville, he took possession of a 2010 Dodge Caliber knowing it to have been stolen.

Campbell was booked into the county jail on $3,000 cash bond.

Offers false info for license

Oscar F. Castanedo, 29, of 508 Dubois St., Lawrenceville has been charged with one count of Making False Application or Affidavit.

According to information filed in the case, on or about May 3 at 406 15th St., Lawrenceville, Castanedo presented documents to obtain an Illinois Driver’s license knowing the documents to contain false information concerning his identity.

Castanedo was released from custody May 6 after a $2,000 cash bond was posted on his behalf by Jennifer Castanedo, 35, of the same Dubois Street address.

There’s been no indication of whether the Castanedos are here legally or not.

Meth possesion charged

Rachel K. McCullough, 31, has been charged with one count of Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine and Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance.

Authorities say that on or about May 7, at 808 13th St., Lawrenceville, McCullough possessed less than five grams of meth and less than 15 grams of acetaminophen and hydrocodone.

McCullough was booked into the county jail on $3,000 cash bond.

She was released May 30, into the custody of her mother Lynn McCullough who transported her to Gateway Rehabilitation Center in Carbondale.

Court records indicate that on May 3, Rachel McCullough applied for an Order to Protection from John David Goodart.

The status of the OP remains pending and it is unclear if it has anything to do with her arrest.

Damages to squad car

Farah Justine Winters, 26, of Rt. 1, Box 307, Lawrenceville has been charged with Criminal Damage to Government Supported Property, Resisting a Peace Officer and Assault after breaking out in an allegedly drunken snit while at Tykal’s American Bar in Lawrenceville.

According to information filed in the case, on or about May 17, Winters is alleged to have knowingly damaged the window in a squad car, refused to place her hands behind her back when ordered by officers Brandon Sapp and Tyler Landers and tried to push and pull away from the officers.

She is also charged with swinging her arms at Camile Andrews placing her in fear of receiving a battery.

Winters was released from custody May 18 after a $1,500 cash bond was posted on her behalf by Sue Satterthwaite, 86, of 1010 Madison St., Bridgeport.

Larson, Howser and violence

A man who beat his way into the headlines years ago after living with former Disclosure sister-in-law and certifiable nut-job Rebekah or Rebecca or Becky (take your pick) who was still a Howser at last check, has been charged with violence.

According to information filed in the case, Keith D. Larson, 49, of 1406 Lexington Ave., Lawrenceville was in the 900 block of 10th St., Lawrenceville, at 9:57 p.m. on May 14, when he allegedly grabbed Christina Parson by the shirt and arm while asking her to fight.

To make matters worse, when officer Ryan Curtis arrived on scene, Larson ran away and refused to get on the ground after being told to stop.

For his efforts, Larson was charged with one count each of Battery, Resisting and Disorderly.

Since bedding down with the certifiable nut-job Rebekah or Rebecca or Becky (take your pick) who was still a Howser at last check, both Larson and Ms. Howser have been frequent visitors to the county jail as well as the courtroom.

The pair frequently scream and beat each other, oftentimes reportedly in the presence of Howser’s children, and end up calling the police, filing orders of protection against each other and pleading guilty only to take another run at each other at a later date.

We’ll let the USGS tell it; this is directly from their page:

Discontinuation of Lawrenceville River Gage by USGS

Here’s the graph utilized with the copy:

This, as one of our readers put it, could be potentially dangerous for those in Lawrence County who rely on this feature to keep an eye on river levels. As you may recall, it was levee failures on both the Wabash AND the Embarras that caused the “tidal wave” of floodwaters to sweep across the Allison Prairie in June 2008 and pour into Lake Lawrence from the north. So to be able to keep an eye on the Embarras via a streamgage is crucial for the area…but thanks to “sequestration,” this ability could soon be a thing of the past.

Sad that our government entities that really DO something (like USGS, which helps us in all manner of weather, seismic activity, and response to them) gets the chopping block, while the IRS gets to become bigger and more imposing. But here we have a publicly-supported (taxpayer-supported) entity asking for PRIVATE funding input. Such is the world of 1984 in 2013….

It’s easy to sleep right through a 1.9, even if it’s right under you.

The magnitude 1.9 quake is due north of the area of Wabash County where, five years ago in April, our region had a big wake-up call with an earthquake swarm that began in the early morning hours of April 18, 2008, with a 5.2 and continued for several months.

To give you some perspective, here’s a google map; eight miles south of the “A” (Sumner), almost to the T-road but not quite, is the Berryville turn back to the west, north of Lancaster. Lancaster is due north of the 2008 quakes.

It’s hard to tell right now, but that might be right at the county line with Wabash. Pretty sure bet Lawrence’s Emergency Management director Jess Angle is all over right now…even though no one in that area has advised that they were even aware of the quake; but, he has to justify his existence.

Interestingly, just THREE days ago, we had it reported to us that “booms” were heard outside of St. Francisville in Lawrence County, a location to the south and east of where this quake was reported.

Please read Ang’s “Mystery Booms” article that appeared here first back in March, then was picked up Sunday by Yahoo! Voices and is under submission at Before It’s News.

SOMEONE out there knows if there is a connection between the booms and earthquakes…hopefully, that person will step forward. In the meantime, please practice earthquake mitigation, keeping heavy and/or glass objects away from where people sleep, or that could block exit paths out of your home or office, as we sit atop one of the nation’s largest and least understood fault lines, the Wabash Valley Seismic Zone.

Now, we here in southern Illinois are all too familiar with dumpster diving; it’s actually been seen so frequently in our little communities and/or the townships where dumpsters are taken so folks in the country can dispose of their junk that it’s kind of become a local sport; after all, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. And, it’s not illegal to go through trash. California v. Greenwood determined in 1988 that outdoor trash receptacles that aren’t in a fence or other enclosure are the public’s domain…so dumpster diving is legal.

But…at a post office?

There’s not a lot to be gained from a postal dumpster, especially if it’s used exclusively for the post office (which it should be, but some folks will dump their trash in errant dumpsters in order to avoid paying trash pick-up fees). And that might be just what dude is doing here in the photo. But then again, it might not be. So we’re here to give you this friendly little reminder: be careful what you throw out in the trash at the post office. Yes, we know it’s annoying to get those credit card or loan solicitations through the mail, and it’s tempting to just chuck em and forget about it. But that’s what people who are all into identity theft count on. Many of those forms are all pre-filled-out with your name, address, etc. All an identity thief has to do on many of these forms is fill them out, forge a signature, and they have a new credit card within a few days.

So use caution…always take your stuff home with you from the post office and dispose of it at home, preferably after it’s shredded or otherwise torn up or altered so that someone can’t get into YOUR trash at the curb and help themselves to your good credit.

The following photos were shot at 7:30 a.m. this morning, Friday, May 31, 2013, from Toni’s front porch.

Neighbor’s places weren’t underwater, but were getting close.

Below is Toni’s front yard decor and beautiful—but now waterlogged—flowers.

It doesn’t take much to make cars float; they were fortunate that these below were still in place.

If I’m calling it correctly, I believe the below photo is of a street with the white guardrails for a box culvert there; this is apparently the creek that is causing the flooding.

That’s the grain mill in town, in the background.

Our thanks to Toni for showing us what was going on there in Bridgeport this morning; and if anyone else has any flooding photos you’d like to share, you can email them to us at disclosurenewsonline@yahoo.com or message them to me at my Facebook page.