Traffic Stop Leads To Arrest Of Mt. Carmel Man

On 12/10/24, Mt. Carmel Police arrested Steven M. Dill, age 49, of Mt. Carmel on a Wabash County Warrant for Violation of an Order of Protection along with a new charge of Possession of Methamphetamine.  The arresting officer observed Dill operating his black 2010 Suzuki and conducted a traffic stop for a violation of the Illinois Vehicle Code in the 500 block of Poplar Street.  Officers then learned that Dill was wanted on the above warrant at which time he was placed under arrest.  During the arrest, the officer also found Dill to have suspected methamphetamine on his person.  Dill was transported to the Wabash County Jail where he was issued the arrest warrant along with the new charge of possession of methamphetamine.  Dill was later released on a Notice to Appear in court. 

Moore Appointed To Fill Vacancy On WGH Board

Zed Moore has been appointed to fill a vacancy on the Wabash General Hospital board of directors. The appointment was made yesterday by the Wabash County Commissioners upon a recommendation from WGH President/CEO Karissa Turner. She and WGH Board president Toni Brines were at Monday’s meeting.

The board also approved three year re-appointments to WGH board directors. Bill Easton, Rob Coleman, and Doug McPherson.

Moore was appointed to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Nathan Stevenson who stepped down to take a job with WGH.

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.