As summer winds down, the Gibson County Sheriff’s Office as well as other Gibson County Law Enforcement agencies are partnering with the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI) to prevent impaired driving and save lives. From August 16 through August 30, officers will increase patrols and conduct sobriety checkpoints as part of the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over national enforcement campaign, led by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. “Our top priority is keeping our roads and our community safe,” said Sheriff Bruce Vanoven. “The Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign is an awareness effort to get the message out that drunk driving is illegal and it kills. Let’s make this a partnership between law enforcement and drivers: Help us protect the community and put an end to this dangerous behavior.”
In 2024, nearly 14% of all traffic fatalities in Indiana involved alcohol, while more than 35% of all traffic fatalities involved drug impairment, according to the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS). “If you are impaired, whether from alcohol, drugs, or even medication, you should not be behind the wheel,” said Douglas Huntsinger, executive director of the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute. “As we head into the final stretch of summer, we’re urging Hoosiers to make the responsible choice and plan ahead for a safe, sober ride.” Drivers are encouraged to make transportation plans before consuming alcohol. Impaired judgment can lead to dangerous and even deadly decisions. Drivers should secure a designated sober driver or call a taxi or rideshare for a sober ride home. If a driver finds they are unable to drive, they should give their keys to a sober driver so that person can get them home safely. When a friend has been drinking and is considering driving, friends should be proactive. Take away the keys and help them get a sober ride home. If you see a suspected drunk driver on the road, safely pull over and contact local law enforcement. For more information on impaired driving, visit www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving
Appellate Court Deny Isham's Appeal
The predatory criminal sexual assault conviction of a Mt. Carmel man has been affirmed by the 5th District Appellate Court in Mt. Vernon. 35 year old Jeffrey Isham was sentenced to 45 years in prison after a Wabash County Jury found him guilty of the Class X felony in December of 2022.
Isham was charged in September of 2019 for an incident with a then 11 year old family member who testified Isham dragged her by the hair into a bathroom where the assault took place at Isham’s Keensburg home. The jury deliberated just 90 minutes before returning their guilty verdict on December 8th of 2021.
Isham appealed his conviction arguing the evidence presented at trial did not prove him guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, his 45 year prison sentence was excessive; he received ineffective legal counsel; and errors were made during jury selection.
But, on a 2-1 decision handed down last Monday, the appellate court rejected Isham’s claims and affirmed the conviction and 45 year prison term.
Illinois DOC Photo
Warrant service nets two arrests
On August 10, 2025, at 6:47 p.m. Gibson County law enforcement officers went to a residence in the 9600 block of West State Road 165 to serve arrest warrants out of Vanderburgh County on 47-year-old Sean Enyeart and 62-year-old Kevin Hunter both of the rural Owensville area. Upon arriving on scene Deputy Eric Powell knocked on the door and recognized Mr. Enyeart as he came to the door. Mr. Enyeart was asked to step outside and refused. At that point Deputies made entry and placed Mr. Enyeart and Mr. Hunter into custody. Both individuals were transported to the Gibson County Detention Center where they were charged with resisting law enforcement. Mr. Hunter is being held on a Felony Theft warrant through Vanderburgh County. Mr. Enyeart is also being held on Failure To Appear Warrants for Drug Paraphernalia and False Informing Charges out of Vanderburgh County.
Arresting Officer Eric Powell and Wes Baumgart were assisted in their investigation by Owensville Town Marshal Rodger Leister and Sgt. Loren Barchett and Wyatt Hunt of the Gibson County Sheriff’s Office.
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Update On City Pool Project
At Monday’s City Council meeting, Mayor Joe Judge offered an update on Mt. Carmel’s new pool project saying he had met recently with Landmark Aquatics…
Judge said he hopes the pool will at least be able to partially open sometime next year.
City Council Considering Surcharge For Mailed Water Bills
The city of Mt. Carmel is looking into the possibility of adding a surcharge to bills that are mailed to water customers. At Monday’s City Council meeting, city clerk Ryan Turner said presently the city emails 1,093 water bills on a monthly basis. Of the 1,093 bills, the city also mails 893 hard copies of the bills to those same people. Turner said the city is facing increasing costs and unreliability from the postal service along with the expense of having the bill cards printed, and the time it takes workers to mail them. In total, Turner said the city mails 2,800 water bills a month. The council took Turner’s information under advisement and may make a decision on the issue at a later date.
Warrant service nets three in Patoka
On August 5, 2025, at 12:55 a.m. law enforcement from the Gibson County Sheriff’s Office and Princeton Police Department went to the M&M Trailer Court located at 200 South Main Street in Patoka to serve a Failure to Return to Lawful Detention Warrant on 25-year-old Colton Linxwiler. Upon arriving at the residence Deputy Eric Powell detected the odor of burnt Marijuana coming from inside the residence while speaking with 52-year-old Jason Thomas of Patoka. During a sweep of the residence for Mr. Linxwiler, he attempted to flee out of the back of the residence where he was quickly taken into custody. Once Mr. Linxwiler was in custody, Deputy Powell conducted a drug investigation where Mr. Thomas and 41-year-old Josie Lewis, also of Patoka, were taken into custody. All three individuals were transported to the Gibson County Detention Center where they were booked in on multiple charges.
Colton Linxwiler was charged with Failure to Return to Lawful Detention and Resisting Law Enforcement.
Jason Thomas was charged with Possession of Methamphetamines, Possession of Cocaine, and Possession of Paraphernalia
Josie Lewis was charged with Possession of Methamphetamines, Possession of Cocaine, and Possession of Paraphernalia.
Deputies Michael Bates, Wes Baumgart, Wyatt Hunt, and Sgt. Loren Barchett assisted Deputy Powell in his investigation. Princeton Officers Matt Perry and Jackie Woods 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
West Not Seeking 2nd Term As County Commissioner
At Monday’s Wabash County Commissioner meeting, Commissioner Scott West announced he would not seek a second term in 2026….
Today is the first day candidates can circulate petitions to run in the 2026 election.
Gibson County Emergency Service Personnel respond to fatal accident
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.
