Princeton woman arrested for DUI after accident

On December 14, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. Gibson County Central Dispatch received a 911 report of an accident in the 700 block of East State Street in Princeton.  While enroute to the call Gibson County Communication Officers advised that a Silver Hyundai had struck a parked car.  While speaking with the driver of the Hyundai Deputy Sims detected the odor of an alcoholic beverage.  At that point he began a roadside DUI investigation that resulted in 42 year old Abby Hyneman of Princeton being taken into custody.  Ms. Hyneman was transported to the Gibson County Jail where she was charged with Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated. 
 
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

MCPD Looking For Public's Help After Rash Of Vehicle Break-Ins

From Chief Mike McWilliams: The Mt. Carmel Police Department is investigating a rash of vehicle burglaries in the Mt. Carmel area, particularly the southwest side of the city over the last 10 days.  While several reports have been made, we ask that anyone who has not reported these burglaries to MCPD do so as soon as possible.  Additionally, anyone who fell victim to a vehicle break-in and has a doorbell/security camera is asked to review their video for suspect information.  Any information has value, even if nothing was stolen from your vehicle.  Thank you for your assistance in this matter.

Contractor & Roofing Fees Increased

The Mt. Carmel City Council has voted unanimously to raise fees on contractors work in the city. At their meeting Monday afternoon, the council raised the annual contractor’s license fee from $25 to $50. Also raised was roofing permits. Those will go from $15 to $75 each. The new ordinance also puts more bite into cracking down on contractors who don’t play by the rules and get the required permits. City Clerk Ryan Turner said, even with the increases, Mt. Carmel still has some of the lowest fees contractor fees in the area.

Wabash Valley College Seeks Student Candidate for IECC Board of Trustees Role

Illinois Eastern Community Colleges (IECC) is now accepting applications for the prestigious position of Student Trustee to the IECC Board of Trustees for the 2025-2026 academic year. The selected student will serve as a vital voice for the student body across all four IECC campuses, including Frontier Community College, Lincoln Trail College, Olney Central College, and Wabash Valley College.

The Student Trustee acts as the liaison between the student body and the Board, advocating for student interests and concerns. Additionally, the trustee serves as the president of the IECC Student Advisory Board, further fostering communication and collaboration among the campuses.

This leadership opportunity rotates annually among the four campuses, and the upcoming term’s Student Trustee will be elected from Wabash Valley College. The one-year term begins with the April Board of Trustees meeting and concludes in March 2026.

Eligibility Requirements: To declare candidacy, students must meet the following criteria:

· Completion of at least fifteen (15) credit hours at IECC.

· Enrollment as a full-time student (minimum of twelve (12) credit hours) throughout the term of office.

· Good academic standing with a minimum GPA of 2.0.

· Good conduct standing with no violations.

· Financial good standing with IECC (no outstanding account balances).

The election will take place by March 1, 2025, and interested students are encouraged to begin their campaign preparations now.

How to Learn More: For detailed information about the application process and campaign rules, please contact Cassandra Goldman, Dean of Students, at goldmanc@iecc.edu.

This is a unique opportunity for a WVC student to develop leadership skills, represent their peers, and play an integral role in shaping the future of IECC. If you’re ready to make an impact, consider running for this esteemed position!

Contact: Cassandra Goldman Dean of Students Email: goldmanc@iecc.edu Phone: 618-262-8641

Newburgh man arrested for minor consumption

On December 12, 2024, at 8:40 p.m. Gibson County Deputy Wes Baumgart conducted a traffic stop on an Orange Dodge Charger for driving left of center at the intersection of Main and Clark Street in Owensville.  During the stop deputies detected the odor of alcoholic beverages coming from inside the vehicle and began a roadside investigation.  During the investigation multiple open containers were discovered inside the vehicle.  Driver Nickolas Hockings age 18 of Newburgh was taken into custody and transported to the Gibson County Jail where he was charged with Minor Consumption. 
 
 All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Single vehicle accident nets arrest of one for OWI

On December 13, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. Gibson County Central Dispatch received a report of a single vehicle accident in the 6500 block of South 1050 West.  Deputies were advised by Communications Officer James Griswold that a truck had left the roadway and ran into some trees.  Upon arriving officers found the driver 26 year old Alberto Alvarado Paz in an extreme state of intoxication.  At that point Deputy Bryan Small began a roadside investigation into the incident.  Once the investigation was completed Mr. Paz was transported to the Gibson County Jail where he was charged with Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated/ Endangerment and Operator Never Licensed.
 
Assisting Deputy Small in his investigation was Sgt. Roger Ballard, Deputy Jennifer Loesch, Special Deputy Jim Tucker, Special Deputy Chuck Frederick, Conservation Officer Matt Clark, and Jail Officer Pamela Barbosa. 
 
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 threatening school bus driver

On December 13, 2024, at 4:22 p.m. Gibson County Central Dispatch received a 911 complaint of threats being made to a South Gibson School bus driver by a landowner.  Deputy Powell was dispatched to the call and spoke to the driver who advised that they were on County Road 350 South heading westbound from US 41 when they observed a train blocking the tracks.  The driver, who was alone on the bus and without any students found an area where they could turn the bus around safely and find another route of travel.  However upon attempting to turn around in an open lot 75 year old Michael DeClue of Princeton ran out to the marked South Gibson School bus and confronted the driver.  The bus driver alleged that Mr. DeClue made threats to harm the bus driver for driving on his property.  The bus driver apologized and attempted to leave when Mr. DeClue forced the doors open on the bus and continued to make threats.  The bus driver was able to get Mr. DeClue out of the bus and attempted to leave, but was prohibited from leaving by Mr. DeClue as he stood in the way of the bus.  At this point the driver called 911 and Mr. DeClue moved out of the way. 

Multiple Officers were dispatched to the area and Deputy Eric Powell attempted to speak with Mr. DeClue about the incident.  However after multiple attempts to de escalate the situation Mr. Declue was taken into custody During a search incident to lawful arrest a .22 caliber revolver was found on his person. 

Mr. DeClue was transported to the Gibson County Jail where he was arrested for Intimidation, Resisting Law Enforcement, and Confinement.

*** NO STUDENTS WERE ON THE BUS AT THE TIME OF THIS INCIDENT.*** 

Bicknell man arrested on OWI charge

On December 14, 2024, at 3:08 a.m. Gibson County Deputies Michael Bates and Levi Sims observed a vehicle speeding on US 41 near County Road 600 South.  Upon stopping the vehicle, a Silver 2024 Honda Civic Deputy Bates approached the vehicle and detected the odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from the driver 23 year old Michael Smith of Bicknell.  At that point Deputy Bates began a roadside DUI investigation.  Once the investigation was completed Mr. Smith was placed into custody and transported to the Gibson County Jail where he was charged with Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated. 
 
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 intimidation and gun charges

On December 12, 2024, the Gibson County Sheriff’s Office received a report of Intimidation of a juvenile by an adult male.  Sgt. Roger Ballard spoke with the reporting party and began an investigation into the incident by collecting statements and evidence.  During the investigation Sgt. Ballard applied for and received a search warrant of 19 year old Tommy C. Payne’s residence in the 600 block of North Race Street.  Sgt. Ballard, with the assistance of the Gibson County Sheriff’s Office and Princeton Police Department served the search warrant on Mr. Payne and continued their investigation.   While serving the search warrant two handguns were found, one of which was modified with what is commonly referred to as a Glock Switch which makes the weapon fully automatic. Once the residence had been searched Mr. Payne was taken into custody and transported to the Gibson County Jail where he was charged with: 
 
2 counts of Unlawful Carrying of a Handgun, a Class A Misdemeanor
2 counts of Unlawful Possession of a Handgun by a Dangerous Person, a Level 6 Felony
Possession of a Machine Gun, a Level 5 Felony
Intimidation- Threat of a Forcible Felony, a Level 6 Felony 
 
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.