RMC Gift Checks Very Popular in 2024

2024 was another record-breaking year for the Wabash County Retail Merchants Committee’s Gift Check Program. Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Lesley Hipsher has announced that over $232,000 Merchants Gift Checks were purchased last year. That’s nearly a quarter of a million dollars that will stay and be spent here locally at merchant member businesses.

"Over the last five years the Chamber Office has written over $1 million dollars in RMC Gift Checks. We saw a big jump from 2019 to 2020, then again in 2021 with a $50,000 increase. Then each year for the last three years we have seen a steady increase." stated Hipsher. 

The main goal of the Gift Check Program is to boost the local economy and keep money in our local community. This program has been very successful and continues to grow. "We appreciate the support from businesses, families and individuals that choose to give others RMC Gift Checks. Kudos to our community for supporting such a great program!"

Hipsher also pointed out that Gift Checks expire after 3 years, so make sure you do not have any that expire in 2025. If you do please USE YOUR GIFT CHECKS and boost local spending in our community

Accident leads to arrest of Poseyville woman

On January 10, 2025, at 10:02 p.m. Gibson County Central Dispatch received an automated call from an Iphone reporting an accident in the 7000 Block of South 1050 West near Johnson, Indiana.  Multiple officers went down to the area and upon arriving they located a Blue 2019 GMC Acadia partly in the roadway.  Upon approaching the vehicle Deputy Bart Wagner immediately detected the odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from the driver 35 year old Shayna Henson of Poseyville.  At that point Deputy Wagner began a roadside DUI investigation.  At the conclusion of his investigation he placed Ms. Henson into custody and transported her to the Gibson County Jail where she was charged with Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated with a Prior Conviction. 
 
Assisting Deputy Wagner in his investigation was Deputies Wes Baumgart and Eric Powell.   
 
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Boonville man arrested for driving while a Habitual Traffic Violator

On January 11, 2025, at 7:15 p.m. Gibson County Deputy Eric Powell conducted a traffic stop on a Black Kia Soul after observing it speeding on US 41 near County Road 925 South.  Upon approaching the vehicle Deputy Powell identified the driver as 44 year old Jason Senger of Boonville.  Whiles speaking with Mr. Senger Deputy Powell detected the odor of raw Marijuana inside the vehicle.  Mr. Senger surrendered the Marijuana and Deputy Powell went back to his vehicle to continue his investigation.  During a records check through the Bureau of Motor Vehicles it was revealed that Mr. Senger was operating his vehicle while his license was suspended as a Habitual Traffic Violator, and the license plate on the Kia Soul were expired.  At that point Deputy Powell placed Mr. Senger into custody and transported him to the Gibson County Jail where he was charged with Operating a Vehicle While a Habitual Traffic Violator, and Possession of Marijuana.  Mr. Senger was also issued citations for speeding and an expired registration. 
 
Assisting Deputy Powell in his investigation was Sgt. Loren Barchett, Deputy Wes Baumgart, and Fort Branch Officer Louis Jerrell.
 
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

NY's Eve Domestic Dispute Sends Mt. Carmel Man To Jail

On 12/31/24, Mt. Carmel Police arrested Keenan P. Thomas, age 34, of Mt. Carmel for Domestic Battery following a domestic dispute at a residence in the 500 block of E 7th Street.  During their investigation police found evidence to indicate that Thomas had battered a family member by pushing them and grabbing them by the forearms, during the incident.  Thomas was placed under arrest and transported to the Wabash County Jail where he was charged and held pending a pre-trial release determination by the court.

Homeless Man Arrested Twice By MCPD In Separate Incidents

On 1/01/25, Mt. Carmel Police arrested Brian K. Freeman, age 46, homeless, for Disorderly Conduct after screaming racial slurs towards two females while outside of the Countrymark Gas Station at 3rd & Walnut Street. According to multiple witness statements, the victims pulled into the gas station when Freeman began yelling these slurs for unknown reasons.  The alleged victims felt alarmed by Freeman’s actions and wished to pursue charges, which they were allowed to do.  Freeman was charged and released on a Notice to Appear.

On 1/04/25, Mt. Carmel Police arrested Brian K. Freeman, age 46, homeless, for battery following a physical dispute at a home in the 400 block of N Walnut St.  Police were called to the scene where they received a complaint that Freeman had struck the homeowner in the head during an argument.  This allegation was witnessed by two others who reported Freeman became violent when one of the individuals asked him his first name.  Freeman had been invited inside the home before the incident.  Freeman was taken to the Wabash County Jail where he was charged and later released on a Notice to Appear in court.

Traffic Stop Results In Multiple Charges For Mt. Carmel Man

On 1/09/25, Mt. Carmel Police arrested Dalton L. Compton, age 26, of Mt. Carmel for Aggravated Intimidation, Resisting/Obstructing a Peace Officer, and Driving While License Suspended following a traffic stop on a black Ford in the 400 block of N Walnut St.  During the stop Compton exited the vehicle and began yelling at the officer for stopping him.  Compton refused to return to his vehicle and instead attempted to enter another vehicle belonging to him.  As the officers ordered him to stop and attempted to detain Compton for officer safety concerns,  Compton made multiple threats of battering them, resulting in his arrest.  Compton was secured in a squad car and later transported to the Wabash County Jail.  Compton was charged and later released on a Notice to Appear. 

Mt. Carmel Woman Picked Up On Crawford County FTA Warrant

On 1/07/25, Mt. Carmel Police arrested Heather R. Davis, age 43, currently of Mt. Carmel, on a Crawford County Illinois Warrant for Failure to Appear while officers handled an unrelated matter at the Shamrock Motel.  Officers discovered the warrant and placed Davis under arrest.  Davis was transported to the Wabash County where she was issued the warrant and later transported to the Crawford County Jail.

Truck Driver Arrested For DUI On Christmas Day

On 12/25/24, Mt. Carmel Police arrested Brent A. Brookheart, age 59, of Vincennes, Indiana for Driving Under the Influence following a traffic stop on a 1998 Peterbilt in the 700 block of Oak Street.  The stop resulted from a public complaint regarding a reckless driver making repeated lane violations.  The arresting officer located the suspect vehicle, observed violations as reported, and conducted the traffic stop.  After speaking to Brookheart, the officer had a suspicion that he may have been driving while impaired.  Further investigation resulted in Brookheart’s arrest for DUI.  Brookheart was taken to the Wabash County Jail where he was charged, processed, and later released on a Notice to Appear in court.