On August 4, 2025, at 7:48 p.m. Gibson County Central Dispatch received 911 report of a two-vehicle accident at the intersection of State Road 68 and County Road 250 East near Haubstadt, Indiana. Multiple law enforcement officers were dispatched to the scene as well as medics with the Gibson County Ambulance Service and Haubstadt Fire Department. Upon arriving, emergency service personnel attempted life saving treatment on one patient, but they were ultimately declared deceased at the scene.
The results of the preliminary investigation indicate that a Buick Lacrosse failed to stop at a stop sign on County Road 250 East and pulled into the path of a White Freightliner Semi truck. The Freightliner could not avoid the passenger car and struck the Lacrosse at a right angle. As is the procedure with a fatal accident, the driver of the semi-truck was taken to an area hospital so that a blood drawl could be obtained and sent off to the state.
Gibson County Coroner Barrett Doyle is investigating the death, and an autopsy will be scheduled later.
Gibson County Deputy Eric Powell is investigating the accident. He was assisted by Sgt. Loren Barchett, Deputy Wyatt Hunt, and Bryan Small. Also assisting were Haubstadt Police Chief Jason Wright and Princeton Officer David Jones.
ISP INVESTIGATES VEHICULAR ENDANGERMENT INCIDENTS NEAR EFFINGHAM
EFFINGHAM- The Illinois State Police (ISP) Division of Patrol Troop 9 and Division of Criminal Investigation Zone 8 are actively investigating reports of Vehicular Endangerment in Effingham and Shelby counties. Multiple damage to vehicle reports have been taken as a result of objects being thrown from overpasses along Interstate 57.
These dangerous incidents, which have occurred over the past week, are being treated as cases of Vehicular Endangerment, a Class 2 Felony under Illinois law. ISP emphasizes that throwing items from an overpass onto moving vehicles presents an immediate and severe threat to public safety.
ISP is asking the public for assistance in identifying any suspects or suspicious activity in the area of Interstate 57 near overpasses between Effingham and Sigel (mileposts 165 to 170). Witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage from the affected area during the nighttime hours in recent days are urged to contact ISP at (217) 342-7871. This is an active and ongoing investigation.
Back-to-School Safety Tips
It’s that time of year again when parents get excited and students are looking forward to going back to school! The Jasper State Police Post would like to pass along some safety tips to help make sure that this school year is safe for everyone!
Driving Safety Tips
ALWAYS watch for stopped school buses in the morning hours and afternoon hours.
Watch for children walking to and from school and waiting at bus stops.
ALWAYS keep your eyes on the road and be patient driving behind school buses.
School Zone Driving Safety Tips
Be on the lookout for school zone signals and ALWAYS obey the speed limits.
When entering a school zone, be sure to slow down and obey all traffic laws.
ALWAYS stop for school buses that are loading or unloading children.
Watch out for school crossing guards and obey their signals.
Be aware of and watch out for children near schools, bus stops, sidewalks, in the streets, and in school parking lots.
NEVER pass other vehicles while driving in a school zone.
NEVER text while driving in a school zone.
Avoid using a cell phone, unless it is completely hands-free, while driving in a school zone.
Walking to School Safety Tips
Leave home early enough to arrive at least 10 minutes prior to the start of school.
Use the same route every day and never use shortcuts.
Go straight home after school. Do not go anywhere else without permission.
Always use public sidewalks and streets when walking to school.
Try and walk to school with other students. There is strength in numbers.
Teach your children to recognize and obey traffic signals and signs.
Only cross streets at designated crosswalks.
Always look both ways before crossing the street.
Always walk and never run across intersections.
Don't talk to strangers. Teach your children to create distance between themselves and anyone who tries to approach or make contact with them.
If a stranger does approach your child, make sure they know to immediately report the incident to you or a teacher.
Teach your children to never get into a vehicle with anyone, even if they know them, without your permission.
School Bus Safety Tips
Make it a habit of arriving at the bus stop at least five minutes before the scheduled arrival of the bus.
Make sure your child stays out of the street and avoids excessive horseplay while waiting for the school bus.
Be sure the bus comes to a complete stop before getting on or off.
When riding the bus, make sure your child understands they must remain seated and keep their head and arms inside the bus at all times.
Do not shout or distract the driver.
Always listen to the instructions of the bus driver.
Student Driver Safety Tips
NO cell phones while driving.
NO extra passengers.
NO speeding.
NO driving or riding without a seatbelt.
These are just a few safety tips for this upcoming school year. The Indiana State Police will have extra patrols during the school hours and will have a ZERO TOLERANCE for those who disregard a bus stop arm or speeding in school zones.
Boonville Mayor Charged with Leaving the Scene of a Crash
Warrick County – An Indiana State Police investigation into a hit and run crash has resulted in Boonville City Mayor Charles Wyatt, 71, of Boonville, being summoned to court for leaving the scene of a crash, a Class B Misdemeanor. The alleged incident occurred on May 14 at approximately 10:43 p.m. at the VFW in Boonville.
During the investigation, it was revealed Mayor Wyatt allegedly was attending an event at the VFW in Boonville when he backed out of a parking spot and struck another vehicle. Mayor Wyatt was allegedly driving his city owned 2016 Ford F150 truck at the time of the incident. After colliding into the other vehicle, Mayor Wyatt allegedly left the scene without contacting the other driver or police. At the time of the crash, the other driver was still inside his vehicle and was able to obtain a license plate number and provide police with a vehicle description. Police later went to Mayor Wyatt’s residence in Boonville and located the Ford F150 truck, which had visible damage. Police attempted to contact someone at the residence, but no one answered the door.
The Warrick County Prosecutor’s Office turned the case over to a special prosecutor in Knox County. After reviewing the case, a criminal charge of leaving the scene of a crash was filed against Boonville Mayor Charles Wyatt. A summons to appear in court will be issued. A court date has not been issued as of this morning.
Princeton man arrested for OWI
On July 31, 2025, at 9:37 p.m., Gibson County Deputy Shawn Holmes conducted a traffic stop on a Silver 2019 Buick Enclave for failing to maintain their lane of travel near the roundabout on Brumfield Avenue in Princeton. Upon stopping the vehicle Deputy Holmes identified the driver as 46-year-old Adam Bartley of Princeton. While speaking with Mr. Bartley Deputy Holmes detected multiple clues that Mr. Bartley may be under the influence of an unknown intoxicant, and illegal drugs may be in the vehicle. At that point Deputy Holmes began a roadside drug investigation that resulted in Mr. Bartley being taken into custody and transported to the Gibson County Detention Center. Upon arriving at the detention center Mr. Bartley was charged with Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Paraphernalia, and Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated.
Princeton Officers David Jones and Jackie Wood assisted Deputy Holmes 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.
Special Allendale School Board Meeting
Meeting is Tuesday night.
Fort Branch man arrested for Battery
On August 3, 2025, at 6;05 p.m. Gibson County Central Dispatch received a report of a disturbance in the 6400 block of South 700 East in the rural Fort Branch area. Upon arriving Deputy Wes Baumgart conducted a brief investigation in which 57-year-old Jeffery Burns of Fort Branch was taken into custody and transported to the Gibson County Detention Center. Upon arriving at the detention center Mr. Burns was charged with Battery.
Sgt. Loren Barchett and Deputy Eric Powell assisted Deputy Baumgart 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.
Chamber Issues Statement On Rides Company
Statement from Wabash County Chamber of Commerce:
We would like to address the Rides Company that was contracted to come into our town and run this year’s carnival. They did not fulfill their side of our agreement any of the days of our event. They will not be asked to come back in the future. They struggled to keep hired help and to be honest they are not at the level of quality we have grown to expect.
We thank the countless number of volunteers that did make the other booths and entertainment a success! Thank you to our staff that put in so much effort and countless hours. Thank you to the Chamber Board of Directors for being ready for anything. Thank you to all of our Chamber Members for always supporting us! We already know Chamber Members are the best!
The Planning Committee will get back to planning for next year to make changes and continue to bring back some of our fan favorites.
If you had any specific issue that we should know about, please email Ldhipsher@wabashcountychamber.com or call (618) 262-5116. However, our office is on break until August 11, 2025 to reset.
Petersburg Man Arrested On Indiana Drug Warrant
On 7/25/25, Mt. Carmel Police arrested James L. Austin, age 44, of Petersburg, Indiana, on a Gibson County, Indiana Warrant for Dealing and Possession of Methamphetamine. Gibson County authorities requested that MCPD attempt to apprehend Mr. Austin, who was reportedly at a residence in the 900 block of North Walnut Street. Officers were able to locate Austin, where he was taken into custody and transported to the Wabash County Jail. Austin was issued the warrant and held pending extradition back to Gibson County.
Parole Violation Sends Mt. Carmel Man Back To DOC
On 7/24/25, Mt. Carmel Police arrested Lloyd A. Wood, age 50, of Mt. Carmel, on an Illinois Department of Corrections Parole Violation Warrant. The arresting officer made contact with Wood in the 600 block of West 6th Street, where he was taken into custody and transported to the Wabash County Jail pending extradition back to the custody Illinois Department of Corrections.