New Wabash County Emergency Management Agency director Mark Seaton has coaxed a former WEMA director out of retirement to help with the transition to his new position…
In addition, Seaton told county commissioners Monday that he has appointed Tyler Kruse and Rhonda Banks as his two assistants. So far, Seaton said the transition to the new job has gone smoothly.
On November 20, 2024 at approximately 1 p.m. the Gibson County Sheriff’s Office and Indiana State Police partnered together to serve a search warrant on a residence in the 1000 block of East 50 North near Oakland City. During the investigation 57 year old Theresa Wilkins of Petersburg was taken into custody on an outstanding warrant Identity Theft. Also arrested during this investigation was 58 year old David Hughes of Oakland City for Possession of a Firearm by a Felon. During the execution of the search warrant Mr. Hughes, a Felon was found to be in possession of multiple firearms. Mr. Hughes and Ms. Wilkins were transported to the Gibson County Jail.
This is an ongoing investigation.
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
At the November 2024 Allendale School Board meeting held in the Library of Allendale School, the board:
Approved the 2024 Tentative Tax Levy. The Board will adopt the levy at the December 2024 meeting.
Reviewed and approved the 2024 Interactive School Report Card, which will be linked on the website.
Approved the membership for 2025 to the Southern Illinois Junior High School Athletic Association.
Approved the resignation of Jason Seaton, Custodian, effective November 1, 2024.
Approved the retirement letter for Robert Bowser, Superintendent, effective June 30, 2025.
Discussed the Capital Project Grant, which was awarded to Allendale CCSD 17. Thank you to Representative Dave Severin for recommending Allendale CCSD 17 to receive this grant. The board is discussing possible projects to use with the grant.
Approved the replacement of ceiling tile on the east side of the building and repairs to a couple of bookshelves
On November 20, 2024, at 6:31 p.m. Gibson County Deputy Eric Powell conducted a traffic stop on a Blue Honda Civic after observing the vehicle traveling Southbound on US 41 and failing to maintain its lane of travel. Upon conducting a traffic stop near Oak Street in Fort Branch Deputy Powell identified the driver as 54 year old Scott Cummings of Evansville. During a roadside investigation Deputy Powell ran Mr. Cummings through the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles and discovered that his license was listed as suspended on a prior conviction. At that point Deputy Powell placed Mr. Cummings into custody and transported him to the Gibson County Jail where he was charged with Driving While Suspended/Prior.
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
On 11/19/24, Mt. Carmel Police arrested John E. Smith, age 57, of Mt. Carmel for Possession of a Controlled Substance, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Possession of Hypodermic Syringes following an incident at Smith’s home in the 800 block of N Pear Street. Police were originally called to the home by Smith regarding a roommate who was refusing to leave the home. During the incident, the investigating officers discovered various smoking devices used to ingest methamphetamine, numerous hypodermic syringes, and (2) pills identified as amphetamine/dextroamphetamine around the home. The pills require a physician’s prescription and are a Schedule II Controlled Substance. Smith was taken to the Wabash County Jail where he was charged and later released on a Notice to Appear in court.
On 11/19/24, Mt. Carmel Police arrested David A. Reed, age 63, of Mt. Carmel on a Wabash County Bench Warrant. Reed was located at his residence in the 1400 block of West 3rd Street where he was taken into custody and transported to the Wabash County Jail. Reed was held pending the posting of bond.
On 11/19/24, Mt. Carmel Police arrested John A. Caddell, age 48, of Mt. Carmel on a Wabash County Warrant for Aggravated DUI, Aggravated DUI While License Revoked, and Aggravated Fleeing/Attempting to Elude a Police Officer. The arresting officers located Caddell at his residence in the 1900 block of North Cherry Street. The warrant arrest was a result of an incident that occurred in the 300 block of North Market Street in October 2024. Caddell was transported to the Wabash County Jail where he was issued the warrant and held pending a pretrial release determination by the court.
On 11/19/24, Mt. Carmel Police arrested Hunter D. Ingram, age 26, of Mt. Carmel on a Wabash County Warrant for Criminal Sexual Assault and Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse. The arrest warrant stemmed from an MCPD investigation into an alleged incident at a residence in the 600 block of West 6th Street on 11/17/24. Ingram was transported to the Wabash County Jail where he was issued the warrant and held pending a pretrial release determination by the court. MCPD was assisted by the Illinois State Police Crime Scene Services unit.