Mt. Carmel Public Utility is in the midst of a major overhaul of its’ electric meters. President David James says every electric meter in the MCPU has been or will soon be replaced…
In addition to the electric meters, crews are adding modules to all gas meters…
James says the change out of the electric meter typically takes less than a minute to complete. He said the goal is to have all of the meters changed out by the end of the year.
On July 26, 2025, at approximately 10: 15 a.m. Gibson County Central Dispatch was notified via a BOLO (Be On the Look Out) that the Evansville Police Department had been involved in brief vehicle pursuit of a White 4 door Buick over a traffic infraction. A decision was made to terminate the pursuit, but after running the suspected driver 30-year-old Austin Butcher of Evansville it was discovered that the driver had an active Felony Theft Warrant through Warrick County. Further investigation found that Mr. Butcher had an active and open case through Evansville for threats to a person.
Once the BOLO was put out, law enforcement personnel tracked the vehicle to the rural Cynthiana area. Deputy Bart Wagner was at the Posey/ Gibson County Line when he observed the vehicle traveling the opposite direction of him. At that point Deputy Wagner turned around and attempted to conduct a vehicle stop. Upon turning around the suspect vehicle accelerated to speeds over 100 mph as officers gave chase. The vehicle was pursued by law enforcement officers through the towns of Johnson and Owensville. As the vehicle exited Owensville and took county roads towards Princeton an officer with the Princeton Police Department deployed stop sticks on White Church Road in Princeton. The vehicle, a White 2013 Buick continued Northbound before colliding with a Maroon 2020 Ford Truck at the intersection of White Church Road and State Road 64. Mr. Butcher was promptly taken into custody while emergency service personnel treated the driver and passenger of the Ford truck for non-life threatening, but serious injuries. The wounded couple were transported to an area hospital. Mr. Butcher was taken to Deaconess Gibson where he was medically cleared to go to the Gibson County Detention Center.
Mr. Butcher is being charged with: Reckless Driving, Resisting Law Enforcement with a Vehicle, and Criminal Recklessness with a Vehicle Involving Serious Bodily Injury. In addition to criminal charges Mr. Butcher was issued numerous citations.
This is an active and ongoing investigation, and more charges may be filed.
The Indiana State Police are investigating the traffic accident and assisted in the pursuit of the fleeing Felon. The Princeton Police Department also assisted in this incident. Additionally, the Gibson County Ambulance Service as well as the Patoka Township Fire and Princeton Fire Departments responded to the traffic accident.
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
On July 26, 2025, at 1:07 p.m. Gibson County Central Dispatch received a 911 report of a rolling disturbance on State Road 168 near County Road 550 East. The reporting party advised that they were able to exit the vehicle and stayed there till law enforcement arrived on scene. Upon arriving Deputy Michael Owens spoke with the reporting party and was advised that upon being struck by 54-year-old Trina Gouverneur of Elberfeld they jumped out of the still moving vehicle. After the reporting party jumped from the vehicle Ms. Gouverneur left the area. Deputy Owens transported the reporting party to their residence where he then spoke with Ms. Gouverneur. At the conclusion of his investigation Deputy Owens placed Ms. Gouverneur into custody and transported her to the Gibson County Detention Center where she was charged with Battery.
Owensville Officer Steven Parker assisted Deputy Owens 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.
MOUNT CARMEL, IL — Wabash Valley College is excited to welcome students to campus for New Student Orientation on Monday, August 19, at the Brubeck Theatre.
This engaging event is designed to help students feel confident and connected before the first day of classes on Thursday, August 21st. Orientation will begin with a welcome session at 9am in the Brubeck Theatre, followed by guided campus tours, opportunities to get questions answered, and a chance to meet faculty, staff, and fellow students.
Students will also enjoy interactive games and activities designed to build community and ease the transition into college life. A complimentary lunch will be provided.
Orientation is a great way for students to get familiar with campus, learn about available resources, and start building relationships that will support their success at WVC; an ideal time before classes start on August 21st.
We can’t wait to welcome our new Warriors!
There’s been another yet continuation in the court case of former Wabash County Sheriff’s Deputy Chase Cheadle. Yesterday, Cheadle was in court for a preliminary hearing but the proceeding was delayed for nearly two more months until September 25th. For nine months, dating back to last November 14th that Cheadle’s preliminary hearing has been delayed. Cheadle, who was the sheriff’s department’s canine handler, originally faced four charges of official misconduct, 1 count of Theft, 1 count of Cruelty to animals, and 2 counts of Animal owner duties. Five of the eight charges are felonies. But last month, two of the felonies, the theft charge and one of the official misconduct charges were dismissed at the request of Special Prosecutor Brian Towne. The 30 year old Cheadle found Kiki unresponsive last July and was arrested following an investigation. He resigned from the sheriff’s department last August 8th.
The Mt. Carmel City Council has approved a $400,000 bid to have College Drive repaved this fall. City Engineer Dave Dallas told the city council Monday that Howell Paving was the only bidder on the project to repave College Drive from 13th Street to Park Road. Dallas said the project has to be done by the end of the year or the state will pull their share of funding for the project. The bid of $402,691 was below the project estimate according to Dallas.
On July 23, 2025, at 5:05 p.m. Gibson County Central Dispatch received a report of a single vehicle accident in the 3000 block of East State Road 68, east of Haubstadt. Upon arriving law enforcement located the driver 24-year-old Daniel Neahring of Evansville and began an investigation into the incident. While speaking with Mr. Neahring Deputy Eric Powell detected multiple clues that illegal drugs may be in the vehicle. At that point Deputy Powell began a roadside drug investigation that resulted in Mr. Neahring being taken into custody after cocaine was discovered in his possession. Mr. Neahring was transported to the Gibson County Detention Center where he was charged with Dealing/ Possession of Cocaine and Resisting Law Enforcement.
Sgt. Loren Barchett of the Gibson County Sheriff’s Office and Haubstadt Officer Bryan Munnier assisted Deputy Powell 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.
Meeting is Tuesday morning.
On July 21, 2025, at 4:28 p.m. Gibson County Deputies went to 695 S State Road 57 in Oakland City to assist Pike County Chief Deputy Dallas Killian and Detective Scott Arnold in serving a search warrant for a case that they were working. Upon arriving on the scene, Deputies detained 56-year-old Diane Moade of Oakland City and executed the search warrant. At the conclusion of the search Deputy Shawn Holmes transported Ms. Moade to the Gibson County Detention Center where she was charged with Dealing Marijuana, Possession of Methamphetamines, Possession of Marijuana, and Possession of Paraphernalia.
Deputy Shawn Holmes was assisted in his investigation by the aforementioned Pike County Deputies as well as Deputies Eric Powell and Bart Wagner. Oakland City Police Chief Tim Gaines and Officer Ty Schmittler also assisted in this investigation.
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
On July 22, 2025, at 11:33 p.m., Gibson County Deputy Wes Baumgart conducted a traffic stop on a White Ford F150 on Interstate 69 near the 27-mile marker after observing the driver failing to maintain their lane of travel. Upon approaching the vehicle Deputy Baumgart detected a strong smell of an alcoholic beverage coming from inside the vehicle. At that point he began a roadside DUI investigation that resulted in the driver 44-year-old Michael Watkins of Evansville being taken into custody and being transported to the Gibson County Detention Center where he was charged with Possession of a Schedule Drug, Possession of Marijuana, and Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated.
Deputy Baumgart was assisted in his investigation by Deputies Wyatt Hunt, Eric Powell, and Levi Sims.
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
