On April 23, 2025, at 10:20 p.m., Deputies with the Gibson County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to the 700 block of East Strain Street as part of an ongoing investigation. Upon arriving at the residence, Deputy Eric Powell began a drug investigation that resulted in 41-year-old Britni Miller of Fort Branch being taken into custody and transported to the Gibson County Jail. Upon arriving at the jail, Ms. Miller was charged with Possession of Methamphetamines. Possession of Cocaine and Possession of Marijuana.
Deputies Wes Baumgart and Wyatt Hunt assisted Deputy Powell in his investigation. Fort Branch Officer Louis Jerrell also assisted in this investigation.
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Princeton man arrested for possession of Meth
On April 23, 2025, at 3:29 p.m., Gibson County Deputy Wyatt Hunt conducted a traffic stop on a Silver 2010 Ford Escape for a moving violation on County Road 350 West near County Road 550 South. Upon approaching the vehicle, Deputy Hunt observed several clues that drug activity had occurred in the car. At that point, Deputy Hunt began a roadside drug investigation. After the investigation, Deputy Hunt placed 50-year-old Arron Redman, a passenger in the car, into custody after Methamphetamines were found in his possession. Mr. Redman was booked into the Gibson County Jail for Possession of Methamphetamines.
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Mt. Carmel Man Sentenced To 8 Years In Prison On Meth Charge
Kelli Storckman, Wabash County State’s Attorney, reports that on April 21, 2025, Frank E. Shoultz, a 49-year-old Mt. Carmel, IL man, was sentenced to 8 years in the Department of Corrections, to be followed by 12 months of mandatory supervised release by the Honorable Circuit Judge William C. Hudson in Wabash County Circuit Court.
State’s Attorney Storckman advises that the Defendant was arrested by the Mt. Carmel Police Department on December 25, 2024, when he was found to have on his person more than 5 but less than 15 grams of methamphetamine. The defendant was sentenced to the Department of Corrections on a charge of Possession of Methamphetamine, a Class 2 Felony.
Original press release from MCPD:
On 12/25/24, Mt. Carmel Police arrested Phillip W. Farrar, age 56, on a Wabash County Warrant for Failure to Appear on outstanding charges for Methamphetamine Delivery, Felony Domestic Battery, and Unlawful Possession of Weapon by Felon. Farrar received new charges for Obstructing Justice, Aggravated Intimidation, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Also arrested, Frank E. Shoultz, age 48, of Mt. Carmel for Possession of Methamphetamine, Concealing/Aiding a Fugitive, Resisting/Obstructing a Peace Officer, Obstructing Justice, and Aggravated Intimidation. These arrests stemmed from a traffic stop at Southgate Dr. & South Walnut St. on a red Nissan in which Farrar and Shoultz were passengers. As the officer spoke to the driver, he found that Farrar was one of the occupants. Farrar and Shoultz attempted to lie about the identity of Farrar; however, the officer had dealt with him in the past and recognized his identity. Initially, Farrar refused to follow the officer’s orders to exit the vehicle but eventually complied. During his arrest, Farrar made threats of harm towards both officers. When officers attempted to search Shoultz he threw one of his shoes into the ditch and attempted to flee. A struggle ensued resulting in Shoultz being tased before being taken into custody. When Shoultz’s shoe was recovered officers located a black bag inside of it that contained multiple bags of suspected methamphetamine with a total weight of approximately 12 grams. Shoultz also made comments about causing harm to the officers when released from jail. Both men were transported to the Wabash County Jail where they were issued their charges and warrant. It was later learned that Shoultz was on Mandatory Supervised Release from the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC). IDOC was notified of his arrest, resulting in the issuance of an IDOC Warrant. Both men are being held without bond. MCPD was assisted by the Wabash County Sheriff’s Office.
IDOC Photo
Treasurer Outlines Delinquent Tax Deadlines
If you haven’t paid your Wabash County real estate taxes, time is running out to keep your name from being published in the newspaper. At Monday’s county commissioner meeting, treasurer Angela Broster said her office has been busy since certified notices were mailed to delinquent taxpayers last week….
If you have questions about your real estate taxes, you can call the treasurer’s office at the courthouse.
Company Eyeing 20 Acres On Mt. Carmel's West Side
The city of Mt. Carmel is working on a deal that would see the city sell property on the west side to facilitate a new company locating here. While not saying much, Mayor Joe Judge did offer some details about the project…
City Clerk Ryan Turner said the project was substantial as infrastructure issues are currently being addressed. He said those issues wouldn’t be an obstacle to the project being successful. TIF funding is being explored for the new prospective business as well.
IECC Board Meeting Report
The Board of Trustees of the Illinois Eastern Community College District No. 529 met Tuesday, April 22, 2025 at Wabash Valley College, Mt. Carmel, Illinois.
The Board approved the minutes of the Board of Trustees regular meeting held on March 18, 2025 and the special meeting held on March 27, 2025. At this meeting, the Board Chair and Chancellor recognized and appreciated outgoing Trustee John Brooks for nearly two decades of service to the district. Chancellor Gower also recognized and appreciated Alex Cline, CIO for 28 years of distinguished service to IECC. Mr. Cline will retire on April 30, 2025.
Following adoption of a resolution for the election results of April 1st, the oath of office was administered to trustees Susan Batchelor, Louisville; John McLaughlin, Olney; and Roger Browning, Mt. Carmel. Trustees Batchelor and McLaughlin were seated for six-year terms expiring in 2031 and Trustee Browning was seated for a two-year term expiring in 2027.
The oath of office was also administered to Mireya Rose, who was seated for a one-year term as student member of the Board of Trustees. A student at Wabash Valley College, she succeeds student trustee Jorri VanDyke.
Trustee Gary Carter was elected Chairman of the Board of Trustees, and Trustee Brenda Culver was elected Vice-Chair. Trustee Brenda Culver was elected Secretary Pro Tempore. Ryan Hawkins was re-appointed District Treasurer. Sonja Wease was re-appointed Board Secretary and District Ethics Officer. All of the officers were elected unanimously.
Action was taken to adopt a resolution regarding all rules, regulations, policies, and actions of prior Board of Trustees.
A resolution was adopted listing the dates, times and locations of regular monthly meetings for the remainder of calendar year 2025. The meetings will continue to be held on the third Tuesday of each month at 6:15 p.m., except for the May meeting which shall be on the fourth Tuesday and the December 2025 meeting, which will be held on the second Tuesday. Meeting location will rotate between the four colleges, as follows:
Tuesday, May 27, 2025, 6:15 p.m., Frontier Community College
Tuesday, June 17, 2025, 6:15 p.m., Lincoln Trail College
Tuesday, July 15, 2025, 6:15 p.m., Olney Central College
Tuesday, August 19, 2025, 6:15 p.m., Wabash Valley College
Tuesday, September 16, 2025, 6:15 p.m., Frontier Community College
Tuesday, October 21, 2025, 6:15 p.m., Lincoln Trail College
Tuesday, November 18, 2025, 6:15 p.m., Olney Central College
Tuesday, December 9, 2025, 6:15 p.m., Wabash Valley College
An affiliation agreement was approved with Haven of Bridgeport.
The Board waived a second reading and approved revisions to Appropriate Use of Information Technology Resources Policy (200.2) to reinforce the use of IECC email accounts for professional correspondence.
The Board approved the adoption of a resolution of intent to issue bonds not to exceed $8,000,000 for the purpose of paying the claims of the District, direct that notice of such intention to issue the bonds be given as provided by law, and defines the claims to be paid.
A resolution expressing official intent to reimburse the District for expenditures was also issued.
The Board authorized modifications to the construction budgets of the Capital Development Project at Lincoln Trail College and a future athletic facility at Frontier Community College.
The following were approved as part of the personnel report: Approval of employment for Dr. Cathy Robb as Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs effective May 19, 2025; prior approval for Chief Information Officer position; Daniel Shugars as Head Women’s Basketball Coach, LTC effective June 1, 2025; Grayson Flittner as Head Men’s Basketball Coach, OCC effective April 28, 2025; and Tanara Ryden as TRIO Student Support Services Academic Advisor, OCC effective April 28, 2025.
New employment contracts were approved for LTC President/Vice Chancellor of Institutional Outreach Tona Ambrose; OCC President/Vice Chancellor of Business Operations Chris Simpson; and WVC President/Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs Matt Fowler.
Change in employment status was approved for Dr. Sharmila Kakac from Dean of Business & Industry to FCC President and Vice Chancellor of Business & Industry effective July 1, 2025.
Voluntary separations for faculty were approved for Curtis Allen Brown effective May 8, 2025; Kristi Urfer, Juliana James effective May 31, 2025; Anne Hustad, Rob Mason, Anuradha Roy, & Reno Bemont effective July 31, 2025.
Resignation ratification was approved for Luke Scheidecker as Head Women’s Basketball Coach, WVC effective April 11, 2025.
Adoption of the 2023-2026 Faculty Collective Bargaining Agreement between the District and the Illinois Eastern Community Colleges Education Association (ICCEA). Memorandums of Agreement establishing a Joint Faculty Evaluation Committee and Distance Learning Education Committees were unanimously voted down by the Board.
The next regular meeting of the Board of Trustees will be Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at 6:15 p.m. at Frontier Community College, Fairfield, IL.
Citing growing list of duties, Raoul seeks a $15M increase in AG budget
Attorney General engaged in growing volume of suits against Trump administration
By PETER HANCOCK
Capitol News Illinois
phancock@capitolnewsillinois.com
SPRINGFIELD — Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul is asking state lawmakers for a $15 million increase in his General Revenue Fund budget for the upcoming year, saying his office needs a more “stable” system of funding as it takes on greater responsibilities, including the growing volume of litigation against the Trump administration.
In appearances before House and Senate budget committees in recent days, Raoul said the funding method that has traditionally been used for his office — one that relied heavily on fees and settlements generated by cases the office was involved in — no longer is sufficient to sustain its operations.
“This funding structure has evolved over the years as progressive court reforms have made fines and fees a less stable source of funding,” he told the House appropriations committee that oversees his office’s budget. “Also, proceeds from settlements or lawsuit damages are unreliable from year to year.”
In Fiscal Year 2019, the year Raoul took office, the attorney general’s budget totaled $87.7 million, according to state budget records. That included $32.2 million in general revenue funds and $54.5 million in “other state funds,” such as fees and settlements. Another $1 million came from federal funds.
Since then, the attorney general’s office has more than doubled. For the current fiscal year, the total budget stands at more than $193.7 million, including $105.5 million in general revenue funds and $74.9 million in “other state funds.” Federal funds are projected at $13.5 million.
Raoul’s proposed increase would bring next year’s general revenue fund budget to more than $120 million.
Since 2019, Raoul said, his office’s responsibilities have grown substantially. He said the General Assembly has passed 101 new laws — including some at Raoul’s own request — that either have added new duties or expanded existing duties of the office while his office has also been busy defending other laws passed by the General Assembly against legal challenges.
“The Attorney General's Office is the sole enforcement agency for violations of the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act and parts of the SAFE-T Act,” he told the House panel. “Our office is working diligently to defend both new and long-standing laws against constitutional challenges. Each of these cases require significant resources, including costs associated with our attorneys, travel to courts across the state, lengthy discovery processes, as well as expert with witness retention.”
In addition to those challenges, however, Raoul has taken on additional legal work in recent months challenging actions of President Donald Trump’s administration.
Since Trump was sworn into office for a second term on Jan. 20, Raoul has joined in filing 11 federal lawsuits challenging administration actions and has filed another 14 amicus briefs in support of other legal challenges. It is also defending the state against two lawsuits that the Trump administration has filed against Illinois.
“This budget will support supplying the requisite attorneys to step up where the federal government is stepping away, as well as attorneys involved in critical cases to protect our state's interests,” Raoul said.
Raoul’s office would not provide specific information about the number of attorneys or other staff it would hire with the additional money. A spokesperson in his office told Capitol News Illinois in an email that the money would allow the office “to hire additional attorneys to perform our growing statutorily-required responsibilities in addition to the critical work of vigorously defending the rights of Illinois residents from unconstitutional attacks by the Trump administration.”
Raoul also did not provide specific answers to questions from Republican lawmakers about how much his office has spent, or how many hours his attorneys have worked, pursuing litigation against the Trump administration.
“Our attorneys are, you know, they're not billing hours. They're on salary,” he said. “And so whether they work 20 hours in a day or eight hours in a day, they are compensated.”
Legislative committees are still in the process of holding hearings on each state agency’s budget request for the upcoming year. A final budget is expected to be voted on by the end of May.
Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service that distributes state government coverage to hundreds of news outlets statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation.
Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul answers questions during a luncheon interview at the City Club of Chicago on April 1, 2025. (Credit: City Club of Chicago)
Durbin to retire after more than 4 decades in Congress
Announcement expected to set off flurry of political moves among Illinois Democrats
By BEN SZALINSKI
Capitol News Illinois
bszalinski@capitolnewsillinois.com
Longtime Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin, the No. 2 Democrat in the U.S. Senate, announced he will retire after his term ends in January 2027.
“I truly love the job of being United State Senator, but in my heart, I know it’s time to pass the torch,” Durbin said in a social media video.
Durbin’s retirement will end a 44-year congressional career. The East St. Louis native who has lived in Springfield for the last five decades was first elected to the U.S. House in 1982.
Durbin, 80, won election to the U.S. Senate in 1996 to succeed retiring Democratic Sen. Paul Simon, to whom Durbin served as legal counsel in the early 1970s when Simon was the state’s lieutenant governor. Durbin has since rose through the ranks of the Senate, chairing the powerful Senate Judiciary Committee and now serving as the No. 2 ranking Democrat in the Senate as minority whip.
“The people of Illinois have honored me with this responsibility longer than anyone elected to the Senate in our state’s history. I’m truly grateful,” Durbin said.
Durbin has kept decisions about his political future a closely guarded secret, telling reporters as recently as last week that he has not made any decisions about his future.
Durbin said at a news conference in downstate Taylorville last month that “whether I’m still physically able, mentally able to deal with the issues,” were the top factors guiding his decision. At the time, he suggested he was.
His retirement is expected to set off a flurry of moves by some of the state’s top Democrats who are widely believed to be interested in the seat, including Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton and U.S. Reps. Raja Krishnamoorthi, Lauren Underwood and Robin Kelly.
“We are also fortunate to have a strong Democratic bench ready to serve,” Durbin said. “We need them now more than ever.”
With Durbin stepping aside in 2027, Sen. Tammy Duckworth, a Hoffman Estates Democrat, will become Illinois’ senior senator.
“It is only because of Dick’s empathy, patience, support and mentorship that I am in the United States Senate today,” Duckworth said in a statement. “It has been the honor of a lifetime to get to work alongside a leader who embodies what it means to be a true public servant.”
Gov. JB Pritzker said in a statement that Durbin has been “a consistent leader and reliable champion” for Illinois.
“The people of Illinois should take great pride having a leader like Dick Durbin represent us in the U.S. Senate,” Pritzker said. “I have been proud to be his partner and am even more proud to call him my friend. He will leave some extraordinary shoes to fill – and has given us all an example of courage and righteousness for the work ahead."
This story will be updated.
Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service that distributes state government coverage to hundreds of news outlets statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation.
Oakland City man arrested on possession charges
On April 22, 2025, at 2 p.m., Gibson County Deputy Eric Powell went to the Diplomat Motel, located at 1733 South State Road 57 near Oakland City, to conduct a welfare check on a possible missing person. Upon arriving at the motel, Deputy Powell located 54-year-old Todd Sloan of Oakland City sitting outside his motel room. While speaking with Mr. Sloan, Deputies detected the odor of burnt Marijuana coming from inside his room. At that point, Deputy Powell began a drug investigation that resulted in Mr. Sloan being taken into custody and transported to the Gibson County Jail, where he was charged with Possession of Methamphetamines, Possession of a Schedule Drug, Possession of Paraphernalia, and Possession of Marijuana.
Detective Jennifer Loesch, Deputies Wes Baumgart, and Shawn Holmes assisted Deputy Powell in his investigation.
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Oakland City man arrested on drug possession
On April 22, 2025, at 8:45 p.m., Gibson County Deputy Wes Baumgart and Eric Powell went to the 12000 block of East Harrison Street as part of an investigation. Upon arriving, Deputies knocked on a door to the garage and spoke with 64-year-old Scott Tooley of Oakland City. While speaking with Mr. Tooley, Deputies detected the odor of burnt Marijuana and began a drug investigation. After his investigation, Deputy Baumgart placed Mr. Tooley into custody and transported him to the Gibson County Jail. Upon arriving at the jail, Mr. Tooley was charged with Possession of Methamphetamines, Possession of Marijuana, and Possession of Paraphernalia.
Deputies Eric Powell, Bart Wagner, and Shawn Holmes assisted Deputy Baumgart in his investigation. Also assisting in the investigation was Oakland City Officer John Pace.
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
