Blood Drives Come At Critical Time

As the Wabash County Health Department prepares to host a blood drive tomorrow, the American Red Cross is again putting out a call for blood donors. With the holidays just around the corner, you are being asked to take an hour or so out of your day and give the gift of life. Red Cross spokeswoman Sharon Watson says this time of year, donating blood can become an afterthought.

All blood types are needed, especially type O, as that is usable for patients of all blood types. Tomorrow’s blood drive is at the First Baptist Church at 130 West 6th Street from 1 to 6pm.

Wabash General Hospital also has scheduled a blood drive for Thursday, November 16th.

Princeton man arrested on multiple drug charges

On October 21, 2023, at 4:44 a.m. Deputy U.B. Smith observed an individual near a construction site dumpster located in the 2700 block of West Broadway.  Upon approaching the individual Deputy Smith recognized the individual as 28 year old Taylor Slaton of Princeton.  At that point Deputy Smith began an investigation as to why Mr. Slaton was at this business after normal business hours.  During the investigation it was determined that Mr. Slaton was taking items from the business’ dumpster without permission.  Further illegal drugs were found in Mr. Slaton’s possession.  At the conclusion of his investigation Deputy Smith placed Mr. Slaton into custody and transported him to the Gibson County Jail where he was charged with Theft with a Prior Conviction, Possession of Paraphernalia With a Prior Conviction, Possession of Marijuana with a Prior Conviction, Possession of Methamphetamines over 5 grams, and Possession of Hypodermic Needles.  He has since posted a $1250 bond.   

Assisting Deputy Smith in his investigation was Deputy Wyatt Hunt. 

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 on DUI charge

On October 22, 2023, at 9:20 p.m. Gibson County Deputy Logan Lashbrook conducted a traffic stop on a Black 2005 Chrysler Pacifica after observing an equipment violation on the vehicle while it traveled on State Road 64 near County Road 350 West.  Upon approaching the vehicle Deputy Lashbrook identified the driver as 47 year old Juana Martinez of Princeton.  While speaking with Mr. Martinez Deputy Lashbrook observed clues that indicated that Mr. Martinez had been drinking.  At that point Deputy Lashbrook began a roadside DUI investigation.  At the conclusion of his investigation Deputy Lashbrook placed Mr. Martinez into custody and transported him to the Gibson County Jail where he was charged with Operating a Motor Vehicle While Intoxicated with a Prior Conviction and Operating as a Habitual Traffic Violator.  He has since posted a $750 bond. 
 
Assisting Deputy Lashbrook in his investigation was Deputy Quinten Might as well as Princeton Officers Bryce Jutzi and Matthew Perry.   
 
All Criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
 

Disturbance call leads to arrest of Haubstadt man

On October 27, 2023, at 5:05 a.m. Gibson County Central Dispatch received a 911 report of a disturbance in the 200 block of West Gibson Street in Haubstadt.  Upon arriving at the residence Deputy Might spoke with all parties at the residence and conducted an investigation into the disturbance.  At the conclusion of his investigation 19 year old Steven Roach of Haubstadt was taken into custody and transported to the Gibson County Jail where he was charged with Criminal Confinement.  He has since posted a $1500 bond. 
 
Assisting Deputy Might in his investigation was Deputy Bart Wagner. 
 
All Criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
 

Report of disturbance leads to arrest of Haubstadt man on battery charge

On October 29, 2023, at 4:09 a.m. Gibson County Central Dispatch received a report of a disturbance in the 2500 block of East Warrenton Road near Haubstadt.  Upon arriving at the residence Deputy Wyatt Hunt and Sergeant John Fischer began an investigation into the disturbance report.  After speaking with all parties involved 37 year old Dustin Tenbarge of Haubstadt was taken into custody and transported to the Gibson County Jail.  Upon arriving at the jail Deputy Hunt charged Mr. Tenbarge with Intimidation with a deadly weapon and Battery.  He remains in custody on a $750 bond.   
 
All Criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Traffic stop leads to arrest of Patoka woman on drug charges

On October 29, 2023, at 9:48 a.m. Gibson County Deputy Logan Lashbrook conducted a traffic stop on a White 2012 Nissan Sentra after observing the driver unable to maintain their lane of traffic on State Road 168 near Fort Branch.  Upon approaching the vehicle Deputy Lashbrook detected the odor of burnt Marijuana coming from inside the vehicle and began a roadside drug investigation.  At the conclusion of his investigation he placed 38 year old Felecia Pharris of Patoka into custody and transported her to the Gibson County Jail.  Upon arriving at the Gibson County Jail Ms. Pharris was charged with Possession of Paraphernalia and Possession of Methamphetamines.  She has since posted a $750 bond. 

Assisting Deputy Lashbrook in his investigation was Deputy Jennifer Robb. 

All Criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

ISP ANNOUNCE RESULTS OF OCCUPANT RESTRAINT ENFORCEMENT PATROLS

Illinois State Police (ISP) Troop 9 Commander, Captain Douglas, announces the results of Occupant Restraint Enforcement Patrols (OREP) held in Marion and Wabash County during October.

These OREPs provided extra patrol coverage for the ISP so officers could focus on saving lives by making sure all vehicle occupants were buckled up.

Violations Enforcement Activity

Safety Belt Citations 24

Child Restraint Citations 1

Total Citations 33

Total Written Warnings 10

Most motorists know safety belts save lives, but some ignore their safety and that of their families by neglecting to use safety belts and child restraint devices. These patrols reinforce the occupant protection message by focusing on those who ignore the law. Lives can be saved if people simply “buckle up!” This project is funded through the Illinois Department of Transportation.

Evansville man arrested for driving on suspended license.

On November 1, 2023, at 4:59 p.m. Gibson County Deputy Quinten Might conducted a traffic stop on a Silver Chevy Impala after observing an equipment violation on the vehicle while it traveled on US 41 near County Road 550 South.  Upon approaching the vehicle Deputy Might identified the driver as 33 year old Bijon Enjer of Evansville, Indiana.  During a roadside investigation Mr. Enjer’s driver’s license was ran through the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles and it revealed that Mr. Enjer was operating his vehicle while his license was suspended on a prior driving while suspended conviction.  After confirming with Gibson County Communications Officer James Griswold that Mr. Enjer’s suspension was indefinite Deputy Might placed Mr. Enjer into custody and transported him to the Gibson County Jail.  Upon arriving at the Gibson County Jail Mr. Enjer was charged with Driving While Suspended Prior.  He remains in custody on a $650 bond. 

Assisting Deputy Might in his investigation was Sergeant Loren Barchett and Sheriff Bruce Vanoven. 

All Criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Wabash County Commissioner Agenda 11/6/23

November 6, 2023

AGENDA

4:30pm In Courtroom of Wabash County Courthouse

1) Call to order:

2) Approve minutes of previous meeting:

3) Commissioner’s reports:

4) Officer’s reports:

5) Old Business:

a. ARPA Ordinance.

b. Construction of County Highway Building.

c. HVAC survey in the Courthouse.

d. Drone information from the Sheriff’s Department.

6) New Business:

a. Craig Newman and Larry Hodgson to discuss the AEA Sponsorship.

b. Resolution No. 2023-06 Township Bridge Funds

c. Janet Storey to present the 2021-22 Audit.

d. Draft Copy of the 2023-2024 Budget.

e. Discuss the purchase of new Voting Equipment.

7) Executive Session

8) Correspondence:

9) Approval for payment of claims presented:

10) Adjournment:

Oakland City man arrested for resisting law enforcement

On November 2, 2023, at 9:37 a.m. Deputies from the Gibson County Sheriff’s Office as well as the Oakland City Police Department went to a residence in the 4800 block of South 1100 East near Oakland City to serve a Felony Probation Warrant on 37 year old Jeremy Norrington.  Upon arriving at the residence officers entered the residence and located Mr. Norrington.  After several attempts to get Mr. Norrington to comply with officers directions a physical altercation ensued.  During the altercation a Taser device was deployed Mr. Norrington was ultimately taken into police custody.  Upon being transported to the Gibson County Jail Mr. Norrington was charged with Resisting Law Enforcement and the outstanding Probation Warrant.  He remains in custody.
 
Arresting Officer U.B. Smith was assisted in this incident by Deputy Jennifer Loesch and Oakland City Police Chief Tim Gaines. 
 
All Criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.