ILLINOIS STATE POLICE ARRESTS WIFE OF JUDGE FOR MURDER

ALBION – Illinois State Police (ISP) Division of Criminal Investigation Zone 8 agents arrested 44-year-old Megan S. Valentine of Albion, IL in connection with the fatal shooting death of her husband, Illinois Second Judicial Circuit Court Judge Michael J. Valentine, earlier this week. Megan Valentine is charged with First Degree Murder (Class M Felony), Aggravated Battery with a Firearm (Class X Felony), Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm (Class 2 Felony), and Aggravated Domestic Battery (Class 2 Felony).

On November 5, 2024 at approximately 12:14 p.m., the Edwards County Sherriff’s Office (ECSO) responded to a residence in the 1100 block of County Road 600 in Albion. Upon arrival, an ECSO deputy observed the body of Michael Valentine laying outside the residence. Megan Valentine was taken into custody. The ECSO requested ISP lead the investigation.

On November 7, 2024, after a thorough investigation, ISP agents presented their case to the Illinois State’s Attorney Appellate Prosecutor’s Office and the above-listed charges were filed. Megan Valentine is being held at the White County jail. There is no further information.

 

Princeton woman arrested for B&E

On November 4, 2024, at 4:45 p.m. Gibson County Deputy Bart Wagner was dispatched to the 5400 block of East 50 North near Francisco to investigate a Breaking and Entering in progress.  While enroute to the residence Gibson County Communications Officer Bethney Anthis advised Deputy Wagner that the suspect was 66 year old Judy Herrin of Princeton.  Upon arriving on scene Deputy Wagner located Ms. Herrin on the porch of the residence and placed her into custody while he conducted an investigation into the incident.  Once the investigation was completed Ms. Herrin was transported to the Gibson County Jail where she was charged with Residential Entry, Criminal Mischief, and Criminal Trespass. 
 
Assisting Deputy Wagner in his investigation was Deputy Eric Powell. 
 
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Gibson County Sheriff's Office investigates morning traffic fatality

   On November 5, 2024, at 5:18 a.m. Gibson County Central Dispatch received a 911 report of a two vehicle accident at the intersection of State Road 168 and Interstate 69.  Deputies with the Gibson County Sheriff’s Office, Barton Township Fire, and The Gibson County Ambulance Service were dispatched to the scene by Communications Officer Tiahanna Berry.  Upon arriving on scene Sgt. John Fischer began an investigation into the incident where it was determined that a Black Chevy Cruise was Northbound on the I69 off ramp onto State Road 168 and pulled into the path of a Red in Color Chevy Colorado that was Eastbound on State Road 168.  The front of the Chevy Colorado struck the driver’s side door of the Chevy Cruise.  Medics on scene pronounced the driver of the Chevy Cruz deceased on scene. 
 
The Gibson County Coroner’s Office was then called to the scene and they began their investigation into the incident. 

Work Continues On FY '25 Wabash County Budget

Wabash County officials are preparing for the start of their new fiscal year on December 1st and before then a new budget needs to be in place. But at a brief Election Eve county board meeting Monday, commissioner Tim Hocking said the budget process is later than usual this year….

Commissioners recessed yesterday’s meeting until 11am Friday at which time they’ll approve putting the proposed budget on public display and then meeting again the day before Thanksgiving to formally approve it ahead of the new fiscal year.