On March 23, 2025, at 10:08 p.m. Gibson County Deputy Eric Powell conducted a traffic stop on a Black Ford Focus for failing to maintain its lane of travel on US 41 near State Road 168. Upon conducting the traffic stop in the Casey’s Gas Station Deputy Powell identified the driver as 29 year old Brianna Virgin of Evansville. While speaking with Ms. Virgin Deputy Powell detected the odor of burnt Marijuana coming from inside the vehicle. At that point Deputy Powell began a roadside DUI and Drug investigation. At the conclusion of his investigation Deputy Powell placed Ms. Virgin into custody and transported her to the Gibson County Jail where she was charged with Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated and Possession of Marijuana.
Deputy Powell was assisted in his investigation by Indiana State Trooper Tanner Hurley as well as Deputies Michael Bates, Shawn Holmes, and Bart Wagner.
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
INDOT warns public of toll-related text scam, urges caution before opening suspicious links
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – The Indiana Department of Transportation is aware of a tolling-related text message or “smishing” scam targeting Hoosiers statewide.
False messages appearing to come from INDOT or tolling service providers alert recipients of a “final notice” regarding unpaid tolls and mention additional fines, late fees, suspension of vehicle registration, vehicle impoundment, and further legal action, in addition to a link for payment.
“INDOT does not and will not notify drivers of unpaid tolls via text message,” said INDOT Strategic Communications Director, Natalie Garrett. “We urge members of the public to exercise extreme caution before opening suspicious links. The best thing to do is delete these messages.”
Various “smishing” scams have been ongoing since the spring of 2024. The FBI issued a warning on April 12, 2024, citing over 2,000 complaints of false text messages representing toll collection services. The agency encourages victims of fraudulent messages to report them to its Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov, and to delete the texts.
Little Interest So Far In Consolidated Election
The Consolidated Election in Illinois is Tuesday, April 1st and as of Monday, interest in Wabash County has been lacking to say the least. County Clerk Janet Will told county commissioners that turnout for early voting has been very light and out of the 543 vote by mail ballots that were sent out, only 60 had been returned so far. Will said the fact that none of the races on the ballot are contested is the reason interest in the election is less than ideal.
Tax Deadline Quickly Approaching
The deadline to pay your second installment of Wabash County real estate taxes is coming up on Monday, April 7th. County treasurer Angela Broster told county commissioners Monday that 78% or $7.1 millions in taxes had been collected. Currently, there is a 1 ½% penalty on delinquent first installment. She said only the second installment can be paid now at local banks. The deadline to pay your taxes online is May 14th.
Broster issued this update this morning (3/24/25):
Wabash County Treasurer, Angie Broster, wanted to announce that the 2023 Real Estate second installment due date is Monday, April 7, 2025, just 2 weeks from today.
If you have not paid the first installment there is a 1.5% penalty fee added to the first payment amount. Please contact the Treasurer’s office at 262-5262 if you have any questions.
Payments may be made in person at the Treasurer’s office or you may use the drop box in front of the Courthouse. Credit Card payments can be made online at www.govtechtaxpro.com.
You may also make payments at the First Mid Bank, First Bank and First National Bank Allendale & Mt. Carmel branches on Second Installments only.
If you have any questions or concerns about your tax bill, please feel free to contact our office.
65 Seek Shelter At Senior Center
More than 5 dozen people took advantage of the makeshift storm shelter late Friday night March 14th and early Saturday, March 15th at the WC Senior Center. Mayor Joe Judge said 65 people sought shelter from the potentially dangerous weather. Judge said the turnout reinforces the city’s efforts to secure grant funding for a permanent storm shelter solution.
City Attorney Issues Warning On Leash Laws
Mt. Carmel’s city attorney says most of his time recently is dealing with violations of the city’s leash laws. Derek McCullough told the city council last week that the number of violations continue to increase….
McCullough said that the violators he deals with aren’t first time offenders and have been warned multiple times by police to keep their dogs on a leash. Police Chief Mike McWilliams said there have been complaints of aggressive dogs charging at people.
WVC Brubeck Theatre Comes Alive with Matilda the Musical: A Huge Success for Cast, Crew, and Community
Wabash Valley College’s Brubeck Theatre was filled with music, magic, and an outpouring of community support during the college’s spring production of Matilda the Musical, held March 14–16. Directed by Amanda Andrews, with support from Dennis Stroughmatt, Music & Theatre Specialist of the Wabash Valley Arts Council, the production was hailed as a resounding success by both cast and audience members.
Andrews shared her enthusiasm, saying, “The overall experience was absolutely fantastic. We had outstanding audience attendance and really receptive crowds. The cast was always prepared, worked hard, and formed a tight-knit community that wanted to see the show turn out big—and I think it did: big and beautiful.”
Andrews, directing her second WVC production, emphasized the organization, structure, and collaboration that led to a seamless experience for the cast and crew. “There was no drama—just dedication. The music and choreography were beautiful, and the talent blossomed throughout rehearsals and blew us away at showtime.”
Stroughmatt echoed the success, praising the teamwork involved in bringing such a large production to life. “It was a major operation with over 45 cast members and about 20 crew members. From the tech team to the front-of-house staff, everyone collaborated closely. This show truly showcased what can be accomplished when we work together.”
He also encouraged the public to consider purchasing season tickets when they become available this summer. “Season tickets offer great value and help support the arts in our community. WVC students always get in free, but season tickets are a great option for others who want to stay connected to our productions.”
Looking Ahead: Summer Theatre Camp Opportunity
The Wabash Valley Arts Council is excited to announce its Summer Theatre Camp taking place July 14–19, 2025.
District #348 School Board Revises School Calendar
Last day of school is now Tuesday, May 27th.
Wabash District #348 Personnel Matters-March 2025
The District #348 approved these items at their meeting Wednesday night.
Wabash Valley College to Host PTA Program Information Session
Mount Carmel, IL – Wabash Valley College invites prospective students and community members to attend an upcoming information session about its highly respected Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program. The event will be held on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, from 6:00–7:00 PM CST in Room 25 of the Science Building on the WVC campus, located at 2200 College Drive, Mount Carmel, IL 62863.
This informative session is ideal for anyone interested in a career in physical therapy or in becoming a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant. Attendees will learn about the PTA program’s curriculum, explore admission and application requirements, tour the college’s state-of-the-art facilities, and engage in a Q&A session with knowledgeable program staff.
The session is open to the public, and WVC encourages potential students as well as individuals exploring physical therapy career paths to attend.
How to Attend:
Registration is required. Please contact Donna at (618) 263-5164 or siglerd@iecc.edu.
