On July 3, 2025, at 4:51 p.m. Gibson County Deputy Eric Powell conducted a traffic stop on a Silver Dodge Ram 1500 for speeding on County Road 350 East near State Road 168. Upon approaching the vehicle Deputy Powell detected the odor of alcohol coming from the driver 45-year-old Michael Hill of Francisco. At that point Deputy Powell began a roadside DUI investigation, and upon the completion of his investigation Deputy Powell placed Mr. Hill into custody and transported him to the Gibson County Detention Center. Upon arriving at the Detention Center Mr. Hill was charged with Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated and Driving While Suspended/Prior.
Deputy Eric Powell was assisted in his investigation by Deputy Shawn Holmes.
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Traffic accident nets the arrest of duo
On June 29, 2025, at 8:44 p.m. Gibson County Central Dispatch received a report of a motor vehicle accident in the 12000 block of East 75 South. Deputies arrived on scene and located two people who were inside the vehicle when the accident happened. While speaking with the individuals Deputy Wes Baumgart detected the odor of alcohol coming from both people. At that point Deputy Baumgart, with the assistance of Deputy Eric Powell and Oakland City Officer John Pace and Ty Schmittler began an investigation into the incident.
At the conclusion of the investigation, it was determined that a Gray 2014 Chevy Traverse had left the roadway and struck a utility pole. The driver 31-year-old Christopher Coulson of Winslow was taken into custody and transported to the Gibson County Detention Center where he was charged with Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated, Driving While Suspended, and Battery.
20-year-old Demond Lemon of Evansville was also taken into custody and transported to the Gibson County Detention Center where he was charged with Battery and Minor Consumption.
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Traffic stop leads to arrest of duo on neglect charge
On June 28, 2025, at 12:48 p.m. Gibson County Deputy Jim Tucker conducted a traffic stop on a 2025 Black Toyota Tacoma for speeding on US 41 in the construction zone located north of Kings Mine Exit. Upon approaching the vehicle Deputy Tucker detected the odor of burnt Marijuana coming from inside the vehicle. At that point a roadside drug investigation was conducted. At the conclusion of the investigation, Deputy Tucker placed 29-year-old Wayne Jefferson of Vincennes and 28-year-old Shantel Jefferson of Evansville into custody and transported them to the Gibson County Detention Center. Upon arriving at the Detention Center both individuals were charged with Neglect of a Dependent, Possession of Marijuana, and Possession of Paraphernalia.
Deputies Bryan Small and Quinten Might assisted Deputy Tucker in his investigation.
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Patoka man arrested on multiple charges
On June 26, 2025, at 9:58 a.m. Multiple law enforcement officers went 207 West Cherry Street in Patoka as part of an ongoing drug investigation. Upon arriving at the residence Deputy Wes Baumgart observed 57-year-old Van Shanks of Patoka get up from the porch and attempt run inside. Deputies gave loud verbal commands to Mr. Shanks announcing that they were law enforcement and to stop. Deputies forced entry into the residence and placed Mr. Shanks into custody and continued their investigation. At the conclusion of their investigation, Deputies had seized 5.3 grams of Methamphetamines, a firearm with an altered serial number, and 6.4 grams of Marijuana. Mr. Shanks was transported to the Gibson County Detention Center where he was charged with:
Dealing in a controlled substance
Possession of Methamphetamines
Possession of Firearm with Altered Serial Number
Resisting Law Enforcement
Lead Officers were Deputy Wes Baumgart and Pike County Detective Scott Arnold.
Assisting Officers were Deputies U.B. Smith, Bryan Small, and Jim Tucker.
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Owensville man arrested for OWI
On June 21st, 2025 Gibson County Sgt. John Fischer was working a DUI Task Force for Operation Pull Over. At approximately 8:00 p.m. Sgt. Fischer was traveling south on US 41 near SR 168 when Sgt. Fischer observed a White 2019 Ram 1500 disregard the traffic control light. Sgt. Fischer initiated a stop at the Casey`s Gas Station in Fort Branch. Sgt. Fischer identified the driver as Kordell A. Bailey, age 29, of Owensville by his Indiana Driver`s License. During the course of the stop, Sgt. Fischer found signs of impairment. A roadside investigation was conducted and Sgt. Fischer found probable cause to believe Mr. Bailey had operated a vehicle while intoxicated. Mr. Bailey submitted to a chemical test and failed by registering .193. Mr. Bailey was transported to the Gibson County Jail and charged with operating a vehicle while intoxicated with a BAC over .15% and operating a vehicle while intoxicated with endangerment.
Fort Branch woman arrested for OWI
On June 21, 2025, at approximately 2:24 a.m. Gibson County Deputy Wyatt Hunt conducted a traffic stop on a Black 2021 Toyota Camry for speeding on US 41 near County Road 975 South. Upon stopping the vehicle near Coalmine Road Deputy Hunt identified the driver as 36-year-old Ashley Wilkey of Fort Branch. While speaking with Ms. Wilkey Deputy Hunt detected multiple clues that she was under the influence of alcohol. At that point Deputy Hunt began a roadside DUI investigation, and at the conclusion of his investigation he placed Ms. Wilkey into custody and transported her to the Gibson County Detention Center where she was charged with Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated.
Deputies Wes Baumgart, Shawn Holmes, and Levi Sims assisted Deputy Hunt in his investigation.
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
City Council Hires New Pool Design Company
The Mt. Carmel City Council yesterday voted to go a different direction with the design of the new city pool. Up until now, the city had been working with Burbach Aquatics to design the new aquatic center. But, Mayor Joe Judge said Burbach has significantly increased the price of the pool causing the city to look for alternatives. Enter Landmark Aquatic of Maryland Heights, Missouri.
The first renderings that Landmark offered yesterday ditched the previously planned hatchet style pool in favor of a full aquatic center including a zero entry beach, a lap pool with six competition lanes; aquatic zip line, two diving boards, two body slides, a splash pad, and spray zone. Right now, the estimated cost of the project is $9.5 million, less than the more than $10 million price tag Burbach’s proposed design had ballooned to. Yesterday, the council approved entering a contract with Landmark to design the Mt. Carmel Pool. While Landmark estimated it would be May of 2027 before the full facility would be operational, Judge said he believes at least part of the facility can be ready to open sometime next year.
The full pool discussion at Monday’s meeting can be heard here:
Renderings of proposed Mt. Carmel Aquatic Center offered by Landmark Aquatics.
Renderings of proposed Mt. Carmel Aquatic Center offered by Landmark Aquatics.
Renderings of proposed Mt. Carmel Aquatic Center offered by Landmark Aquatics.
Renderings of proposed Mt. Carmel Aquatic Center offered by Landmark Aquatics.
Renderings of proposed Mt. Carmel Aquatic Center offered by Landmark Aquatics.
Renderings of proposed Mt. Carmel Aquatic Center offered by Landmark Aquatics.
Renderings of proposed Mt. Carmel Aquatic Center offered by Landmark Aquatics.
Princeton man arrested on multiple charges
On June 19, 2025, at 4:43 p.m. Gibson County Central Dispatch received a report of trespassers out on the Duke Energy property located in the 1000 block of North 950 West. Upon arriving in the area, the Deputies located Duke Security agents with two individuals and began an investigation into the incident. During the investigation 42-year-old Dustin Pitcher of Princeton was taken into custody after Duke Security requested that Mr. Pitcher had trespassed onto their property. At the conclusion of the investigation Mr. Pitcher was transported to the Gibson County Detention Center where he was charged with Criminal Trespass, Possession of a Firearm by a Felon, and Operating a Vehicle while a Habitual Traffic Violator, and Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated.
Arresting Officer Shawn Holmes was assisted in his investigation by Sgt. Loren Barchett, Deputy Bart Wagner, and Deputy Wyatt Hunt.
Eight facing federal meth charges after two-week drug arrest and search operation
BENTON, Ill. – Following a two-week coordinated operation led by the FBI, eight individuals are facing federal charges for distributing meth or possession with intent to distribute in southern Illinois.
A federal grand jury charged:
Sarah L. Elverd, 35, of Centralia, with one count of possession with intent to distribute fifty grams or more of meth,
Alan D. Fleming, 41, of Mount Vernon, with four counts of distribution of meth,
John A. Fowler, 49, of Mount Vernon, with eight counts of distribution of meth,
James B. Lockwood, 43, of Mount Vernon, with four counts of distribution of meth,
Cedric R. Long, 32, of Bluford, with two counts of distribution of meth,
Christopher L. Webb, 38, of Mount Vernon, with one count of possession with intent to distribute meth,
Scott T. Miller, 40, of Centralia, with two counts of distribution of meth and one count of possession with intent to distribute meth,
and Damion D. Thrailkill, 39, of Mount Vernon, with one count of distribution of meth.
“Dealers know how addictive and destructive meth is for users but choose to infect communities and place profits above people,” said U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft.
The arrests are the result of a multi-agency investigation targeting crime throughout southern Illinois in late May and early June. The investigations were spearheaded by the FBI Southern Illinois TOC-West Task Force, a task force composed of federal, state, and local law enforcement officers dedicated to dismantling violent criminal networks and safeguarding the communities they serve.
“These arrests send a clear message,” said Karen Marinos, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Springfield Division. “We’re taking a more aggressive posture toward violent crime. No matter how remote the area or how insulated the group thinks it is—if you threaten the safety of our communities, we will act swiftly and decisively. This operation was only possible because of the strong coordination among our law enforcement partners—a partnership that grows stronger every day. When we work together with a unified mission, there’s nowhere left for violent criminals to hide.”
In addition, the task force arrested three individuals on state charges in Jefferson County.
Janay Branch, of Mount Vernon, was charged and pled guilty to charges. Branch was sentenced to 12 years’ imprisonment on one count of conspiracy to distribute.
Anthony Smith, of Mount Vernon, faces one count of conspiracy to distribute meth.
Adrian E. Carruth Jr., of Mount Vernon, was charged with one count of meth
delivery 100-400 grams, possession of cocaine 15-100 grams and conspiracy to distribute meth.
Beyond making arrests, law enforcement executed a series of search warrants during this operational period and seized firearms, cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, cannabis and U.S. currency.
Indictments are merely a formal charge against a defendant. Under the law, a defendant is presumed to be innocent of a charge until proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury.
Agencies assisting in the investigation and arrests include the U.S. Marshals Service’s Benton and East St. Louis Office, Carlyle Police Department, Fayette County Sheriff Office, Mount Vernon Police Department, Jefferson County Sheriff Office, Bond County Sheriff Office, Centralia Police Department, and the Jefferson County State’s Attorney’s Office.
Charges for the federally arrested individuals were filed in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois. The investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges or arrests may follow.
IECC Receives Federal Grant To Continue TRIO
Olney, Illinois, Illinois Eastern Community Colleges— The U.S. Department of Education has awarded Illinois Eastern Community Colleges a federal TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) grant totaling $361,922.00 to improve college retention and graduation rates among low-income, first-generation students, and students with disabilities.
This award marks the continuation of 32 years of TRIO SSS services on our campus. Since 1993, the program has served over 6000 students, helping them stay in school, earn degrees, and build meaningful careers.
Through individualized services including academic tutoring, financial aid, scholarship guidance, career exploration, personal and academic counseling, and mentoring, TRIO SSS empowers students to overcome barriers to success. These comprehensive supports make it significantly more likely that students will complete their degree or successfully transfer, with the lowest possible debt.
“This grant allows Illinois Eastern Community Colleges to deepen our commitment to ensuring that all students—regardless of background—can thrive academically and personally,” said Wain Davis, Director of IECC TRIO Student Support Services. “Student Support Services helps level the playing field and equips our students with the tools and confidence to graduate and lead.”
Nationally, the SSS program has a proven track record. According to a rigorous 2019 evaluation by the U.S. Department of Education, students in SSS at two-year institutions were 48% more likely to earn an associate’s degree or transfer to a four-year school, and students at four-year institutions were 18% more likely to earn a bachelor’s degree compared to similar peers not in the program.
“TRIO programs generally and TRIO SSS, in particular, transforms students from the least resourced backgrounds into college graduates,” said Kimberly Jones, president of the Council for Opportunity in Education in Washington, D.C. “This vital program makes all the difference for nearly a million students each year across the country.”
SSS is one of eight federal TRIO programs funded under the Higher Education Act of 1965 to remove social, academic, and cultural barriers to higher education. Since its inception in 1968, SSS has helped millions of low-income, first-generation students graduate from college and contribute to their communities and the economy. Notable alumni of the TRIO Student Support Services program include Michael Cashman, Town Supervisor of Plattsburgh, NY; former NASA astronaut José Hernández; and Cheryl Johnson, 36th Clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives.
For more information about TRIO Student Support Services at Illinois Eastern Community Colleges, visit https://iecc.edu/triosss or contact Wain Davis, SSS Director at davist@iecc.edu.
About the Federal TRIO Programs
TRIO programs (Talent Search, Upward Bound, Upward Bound Math-Science, Veterans Upward Bound, Student Support Services, Educational Opportunity Centers, and the Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program) help students overcome academic, economic, and social barriers to higher education. TRIO services include assistance in choosing a college and tutoring; personal, financial, and career counseling; assistance in applying to college; workplace and college visits; special instruction in reading, writing, study skills, and mathematics; assistance in applying for financial aid; and academic assistance in high school or assistance to reenter high school or college.