As work continues on the 9th Street repaving project, a start date has been announced for another big road project in Mt. Carmel. The repaving of College Drive from 13th Street to Park Road is tentatively set to begin September 12th according to city engineer Dave Dallas. Last month, the City Council approved a $402,691 bid from Howell Paving to do the work. Dallas said the project must been done by the end of the year or the state will pull their share of funding for the project. The bid was below the project estimate according to Dallas.
Lanes reopening where possible for Labor Day holiday travel
Non-emergency closures suspended, work zones still plentiful across the state
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that lanes that have been closed for construction will reopen, where possible, for Labor Day holiday to minimize travel disruption. Non-emergency closures will be suspended from 3 p.m. Friday, Aug. 29, to 11:59 p.m. Monday, Sept. 1.
The following lane closures will remain in place during the holiday weekend. Motorists can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through these areas. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to changed conditions and signs in the work zones, obey the posted speed limits, refrain from using mobile devices and stay alert for workers and equipment. At all times, please buckle and drive sober.
District 1
City of Chicago
Kennedy Expressway (Interstate 90/94) reversible lanes are outbound only; lane reductions between Division Street and Pulaski Road continue.
Outbound Kennedy ramp to Augusta Boulevard/Milwaukee Avenue; closed.
North Avenue (Illinois 64) ramp to outbound Kennedy; closed.
Outbound Kennedy ramp to Armitage Avenue; closed.
Outbound Kennedy ramp to Kimball Avenue; closed.
Addison Street ramp to outbound Kennedy; closed.
Outbound Kennedy ramp to Pulaski Road/Irving Park Road (Illinois 19); closed.
Outbound Kennedy ramp to Diversey Avenue; closed.
Fullerton Avenue ramp to outbound Kennedy and the slip ramp portion to Western Avenue; closed.
Foster Avenue over the Kennedy; closed.
Westbound Foster Avenue ramp to outbound Kennedy; closed.
Eastbound Ohio Street feeder ramp between Orleans Street and the Kennedy; lane reductions continue.
Westbound Ontario Street feeder ramp between Orleans Street and the Kennedy; lane reductions continue.
Ashland Avenue over the Eisenhower Expressway (I-290); lane reductions continue.
Outbound Kennedy ramp to I-190 at O’Hare International Airport; shoulders closed.
Outbound Dan Ryan Expressway (I-90/94) at 55th Street; lane reductions and shoulder closures continue.
Cicero Avenue (Illinois 50) between 67th and 71st Street; lane reductions continue.
Cook County
Michigan City Road over the Bishop Ford Freeway in Calumet City; closed, detour posted.
Franklin Avenue between Runge Street and Mannheim Road (U.S. 12/45) in Franklin Park; lane reductions continue.
Irving Park Road (Illinois 19) between Wesley Terrace and River Road in Schiller Park; lane reductions continue.
Shermer Road between Willow and Techny roads in Northbrook; lane reductions continue.
Westbound Bernard Drive between Arlington Heights and Lincoln Terrace in Buffalo Grove; closed.
Green Bay Road between McCormick Boulevard and Isabella Street in Evanston; lane reductions continue.
19th Avenue between Oak and Madison streets in Maywood; closed to through traffic, detour posted.
La Grange Road (U.S. 12/20/45) between Tri-State Tollway (I-294) and the Stevenson Expressway (I-55); lane reductions continue.
Outbound Stevenson ramp to southbound La Grange Road; closed, detour posted.
Inbound Stevenson ramp to northbound La Grange Road; closed, detour posted.
Inbound Eisenhower Expressway (eastbound I-290) between First Avenue (Illinois 171) and the Des Plaines River; right shoulder closed.
Old Chicago Road over Forked Creek in Wesley Township; closed, detour posted.
Cermak Road between 19th Street and Gardner Road in Broadview and Westchester; lane reductions continue.
Ashland Avenue/Wood Street between 127th Street in Calumet Park and 147th Street/Sibley Boulevard (Illinois 83) in Harvey; closed, detour posted.
127th Street (Illinois 83) over the Cal-Sag Channel in Crestwood; lane reductions continue.
55th Street between Wolf and Brainard roads in Western Springs, La Grange and Countryside; lane reductions continue.
Cicero Avenue (Illinois 50) between Sprucewood Lane and Town Center Drive in Matteson; lane reductions continue.
123rd Street between La Grange Road and 86th Avenue in Palos Park; closed, detour posted.
Southwest Highway (Illinois 7) between 131st and 135th streets in Orland Park and Palos Park; closed, detour posted.
Illinois 53 between Kirchoff and Lake Cook roads in Rolling Meadows, Arlington Heights and Palatine; lane reductions continue.
DuPage County
Rohlwing Road (Illinois 53) over the Canadian National railroad south of Fullerton Avenue in Addison; lane reductions continue.
Illinois 53 over the East Branch DuPage River and Ginkgo Way at the Morton Arboretum in Lisle; lane reductions continue.
Roosevelt Road (Illinois 38) at Illinois 53 in Glen Ellyn; lane reductions on both roads continue.
Kane County
Eastbound Chicago Street between Center Street and Liberty Street (Illinois 25) in Elgin; closed, detour posted.
U.S. 20 at State Street (Illinois 31) in Elgin; lane reductions on both roads continue.
McLean Boulevard between Stearns Road and Spring Street in South Elgin; closed, detour posted.
Lake County
Oak Spring Road over the Des Plaines River in Libertyville Township; closed, detour posted.
Sprucewood Lane and Lake Shore Drive in Lindenhurst; lane closures continue.
Deerpath Road between Oakwood and Western avenues in Lake Forest; closed, detour posted.
Northwest Highway (U.S. 14) between Hough Street (Illinois 59) and Valencia Avenue in Barrington; lane reductions continue.
McHenry County
Flat Iron Road over Mokeler Creek southwest of Harvard; closed, detour posted.
White Oaks Road over the West Branch Piscasaw Creek, just south of the Wisconsin border in Chemung Township; closed, detour posted.
Hunter Road over Beaver Creek, west of Harvard in Chemung Township; closed, detour posted.
Sands Road between Northwest Highway (U.S. 14) and Three Oaks Road in Crystal Lake; closed, detour posted.
Southbound Prospect Street between Telegraph Street (Illinois 176) and U.S. 20 in Marengo; closed, detour posted.
Will County
Moen Avenue between Mound Road and Larkin Avenue in Rockdale; closed, detour posted.
Sioux Drive/Dove Drive between Sunset Drive and Eames Street (U.S. 6) in Channahon; lane reductions continue.
Essington Road between Pandola Avenue and Citadel Drive in Joliet; lane reductions continue.
Northwest Frontage Road between Jefferson Street (U.S. 52) and Black Road in Shorewood; closed, detour posted.
Northbound I-55 ramp to westbound I-80 in Shorewood; closed, detour posted.
Southbound I-55 ramp to eastbound I-80; closed, detour posted.
Southbound I-55 from 1 mile south of I-80 to I-80; both shoulders closed.
Southbound I-55 at I-80; both shoulders closed.
I-80 between Ridge Road and Wheeler Avenue in Joliet; all shoulders closed.
Westbound I-80 ramp to southbound Larkin Avenue (Illinois 7) in Joliet; closed, detour posted.
Southbound Larkin Avenue ramp to eastbound I-80; closed, detour posted.
I-80 at Richards Street in Joliet; all ramps closed.
I-80 between Rowell Avenue in Joliet and Gougar Road in New Lenox; all shoulders closed.
Larkin Avenue between Meadow Avenue and McDonough Street in Joliet; lane reductions continue.
Midland Avenue at I-80 in Joliet; right shoulder closed.
West Frontage Road at I-80 in Shorewood; lane reductions continue with traffic controlled by temporary signals.
Richards Street between Colburn Avenue and Fifth Street in Joliet; lane reductions and shoulder closures continue.
Briggs Street over I-80 in Joliet; lane reductions and shoulder closures continue.
La Grange Road (U.S. 45) between Colorado Avenue and La Porte Road in Frankfort; lane reductions continue.
Southbound Illinois 53 between Arsenal Road north of Wilmington and Hoff Road south of Elwood; lane reductions continue.
Northbound Broadway Street (Illinois 7/53) between Division Street and University Parkway in Lockport; lane reductions continue.
Westbound Illinois 7 at Broadway Street (Illinois 53) in Lockport; lane reductions continue.
Lockport Street (eastbound Illinois 126) over the DuPage River in Plainfield; closed, detour posted.
Ruby Street (Illinois 53) over the Des Plaines River in Joliet; closed, detour posted.
District 2
Henry County
I-80 between the Rock River and Cleveland Avenue; lane reductions continue.
Illinois 6 at Osco Road west of Geneseo; closed, detour posted.
Jo Daviess County
U.S. 20 at Barge Terminal Road near East Dubuque; lane reductions continue.
Ogle County
Richie Road over I-39 just south of Rochelle; closed.
Stephenson County
Illinois 73 over Indian Creek in Winslow; lane reductions continue with traffic controlled by temporary signals.
Whiteside County
I-88 between U.S. 30 (exit 44) and the U.S. 30 spur (exit 36) near Rock Falls; lane reductions continue.
Winnebago County
I-39/Harrison Avenue interchange just south of Rockford; lane reductions continue.
Illinois 2 over the Rock River near Rockton; lane reductions continue.
Springfield Avenue between Auburn and Kilburn avenues in Rockford; closed, detour posted.
Westbound U.S. 20 over the Business U.S. 20 exit ramp just west of Rockford; lane reductions continue.
District 3
Bureau County
I-80 between mileposts 35 and 45; lane reductions continue.
I-180 between mileposts 7 and 8; lane reductions continue.
Illinois 92 over Masters Creek just west of Van Orin; lane reductions continue with traffic controlled by temporary signals.
Illinois 29 between Briarcliff Drive and Miners Road in Spring Valley; lane reductions continue with traffic controlled by temporary signals.
Illinois 40 over the BNSF crossing in Buda; closed, detour posted.
Illinois 92 about a mile west of Illinois 40; lane reductions continue with traffic controlled by temporary signals.
Kankakee County
Illinois 1/17 over the Kankakee River at Momence; lane reductions continue.
Illinois 17 near Union Hill; lane reductions continue with traffic controlled by temporary signals.
La Salle County
U.S. 34 through Earlville; closed, detour posted.
Livingston County
I-55 about a mile south of Odell; lane reductions continue.
District 4
Fulton County
Illinois 78/97 just north of U.S. 136 over the Spoon River and Lacy Ditch; lane reductions continue with traffic controlled by temporary signals.
Henderson County
Carman Road over Dugout Creek near Lomax; lane reductions continue with traffic controlled by temporary signals.
U.S. 34 about 1 mile east of the Mississippi River; lane closures continue.
Illinois 94 about 5 miles north of the Illinois 164 junction; lane reductions continue with traffic controlled by temporary signals.
Illinois 94 over North Henderson Creek about 3 miles west of Little York; lane reductions continue with traffic controlled by temporary signals.
U.S. 67 at Roseville; lane reductions continue.
Knox County
Illinois 78 at the railroad viaduct just south of Yates City; closed.
I-74 over the Spoon River; lane reductions continue.
Illinois 180 about 3 miles north of Williamsfield; lane reductions continue with traffic controlled by temporary signals.
Mercer County
U.S. 67 over Toms Creek west of Alexis; lane reductions continue with traffic controlled by temporary signals.
U.S. 67 over North Henderson Creek about 7 miles of Viola; lane reductions continue with traffic controlled by temporary signals.
Peoria County
Eastbound War Memorial Drive (U.S. 150) at Adams Street (Illinois 29) in Peoria; lane reductions continue.
Westbound U.S. 150 across the McClugage Bridge; lane reductions continue.
Adams Street (Illinois 29) between Lorentz Avenue and Eureka Street in Peoria; lane reductions continue.
I-74/474/Illinois 6 interchange; lane reductions continue.
I-74 near Brimfield; lane reductions continStark County
Illinois 17/91 over the Spoon River west of Wyoming; lane reductions continue with traffic controlled by temporary signals.
Tazewell County
Allentown Road, Feather Road and Armington Road over I-155; closed.
Illinois 122 over I-155; lane reductions continue with traffic controlled by temporary signals.
District 5
Champaign County
Eastbound I-74 ramp to northbound I-57 in Champaign; closed, detour posted.
Westbound I-74 at Cunningham Avenue (U.S. 45) in Urbana; lane reductions continue.
I-72 from the I-57 interchange in Champaign to 4 miles west; lane reductions continue.
Douglas County
I-57 from Tuscola (exit 212) to just south of Arcola; lane reductions continue.
McLean County
U.S. 24 about 2 miles west of Chenoa; lane reductions continue with traffic controlled by temporary signals.
I-74 between mileposts 119 and 125; lane reductions continue.
Westbound I-74 ramp to northbound I-55 (exit 163); closed.
Vermilion County
I-74 between G Street (exit 214) in Tilton and the Indiana state line; lane reductions continue.
Bowman Street ramp from westbound I-74 in Danville; closed.
Illinois 49 about 2 miles south of U.S. 136; lane reductions continue with traffic controlled by temporary signals.
U.S. 136 about 2 miles east of Illinois 49; lane reductions continue with traffic controlled by temporary signals.
District 6
Cass County
U.S. 67 over the Illinois River at Beardstown; lane reductions continue with traffic controlled by temporary signals.
Christian County
Illinois 29 just southeast of Millersville; lane reductions continue with traffic controlled by temporary signals.
U.S. 51 at Leafland Street in Assumption; lane reductions continue
Morgan County
U.S. 67 from the Cass County line to Harts Gravel Road; lane reductions continue.
Pike County
Illinois 104 from the Illinois 107 junction about 12 miles west to 2873rd Lane in Adams County; lane reductions continue.
District 7
Coles County
County Road 900 N over Riley Creek west of Charleston; closed.
Cumberland County
I-70 over Cottonwood Creek 6 miles east of the Effingham County line; lane reductions continue.
Lawrence County
U.S. 50 just east of Sumner; lane reductions continue with traffic controlled by temporary signals.
Macon County
I-72 over U.S. 51 west of Decatur; lane reductions continue.
Moultrie County
Caldwell Road over three streams between U.S. 36 and Illinois 121; lane reductions continue with traffic controlled by temporary signals.
Richland County
Illinois 130 about 3 miles north of Olney; lane reductions continue with traffic controlled by temporary signals.
District 8
Bond County
I-70 west of Greenville; lane reductions continue.
Madison County
Illinois 111 at the I-270 interchange; closed, with periodic ramp closures.
Ramp from eastbound I-270 to southbound Illinois 111; closed.
Illinois 100 over Elsah Creek; lane reductions continue.
Southbound Illinois 111 just before I-55/270; lane reductions continue.
Randolph County
Illinois 4 at Illinois 150 west of Steeleville; closed, detour posted.
St. Clair County
Westbound I-64 over the Norfolk Southern railroad; lane reductions continue.
District 9
Jefferson County
I-64 between U.S. 51 and I-57; lane reductions continue.
Johnson County
I-24 at milepost 10; lane reductions continue.
Massac County
I-24 over the Ohio River; lane reductions continue.
Perry County
Illinois 127 about 5 miles north of Pinckneyville; lane reductions continue with traffic controlled by temporary signals.
Union County
U.S. 51 north of Anna; lane reductions continue with traffic controlled by temporary signals.
White County
I-64 east of Grayville; lane reductions continue.
Williamson County
Southbound I-57 between mileposts 43 and 32; lane reductions continue.
Over the next six years, IDOT is planning to improve more than 3,200 miles of highway and nearly 9 million square feet of bridge deck as part of Rebuild Illinois, which is investing $33.2 billion into all modes of transportation. Accomplishments through Year Six of Rebuild Illinois include almost $20.8 billion of improvements statewide on 7,897 miles of highway, 815 bridges and 1,181 additional safety improvements.
For more information on IDOT projects, click here or view area construction details on the traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.
ILLINOIS STATE POLICE ARRESTS FLORA WOMAN FOR CHARGES INVOLVING A MINOR
FLORA - Illinois State Police (ISP) Division of Criminal Investigation Zone 8 arrested 24-year-old Jaryn L. Allen of Flora, IL, for two criminal offenses that involved a minor: Harmful Material (Class 4 Felony) and Contributing to the Criminal Delinquency of a Minor (Class A Misdemeanor).
On May 8, 2025, ISP was requested by the Flora Police Department to investigate an allegation of distributing harmful materials to a minor and contributing to the delinquency of a minor, including reportedly providing alcohol to a minor between March 1 and May 7, 2025, in Clay County.
After a thorough investigation, ISP Special Agents presented their findings to the Clay County State’s Attorney. On August 28, 2025, Allen was formally charged with the above charges. Allen was taken into custody on an arrest warrant by ISP Special Agents and the Flora Police Department. Allen was transported to the Clay County Jail where she remains in custody with no bond until she appears in front of a judge. No further information is available at this time.
Princeton man arrested for DUI
On August 27, 2025, at 8:46 p.m. Gibson County Deputy Michael Bates conducted a traffic stop on a Beige 2007 Saturn Aurora after observing a moving violation on Broadway in Princeton. Upon stopping the vehicle just west of town Deputy Bates identified the driver as 42-year-old Branden Wirth of Princeton. While speaking with Mr. Wirth Deputy Bates detected multiple clues that the driver may be under the influence of an unknown intoxicant. At that point Deputy Bates began a roadside DUI investigation. At the conclusion of the investigation Deputy Bates placed Mr. Wirth into custody and transported him to the Gibson County Detention Center. Upon arriving at the detention center Mr. Wirth was charged with Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated Endangerment w/ Refusal and Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated With a Passenger Under the Age of Eighteen.
Deputies Wes Baumgart, Eric Powell, and Levi Sims assisted Deputy Bates 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.
Traffic stop leads to arrest of Princeton man for DUI
On August 27, 2025, at 11:07 p.m. Gibson County Deputy Wyatt Hunt conducted a traffic stop on a Gray 2010 Kia Optima for speeding on Old US 41 North near County Road 150 South. Upon approaching the vehicle Deputy Hunt identified the driver as 66-year-old Anthony Embry of Princeton. While speaking with Mr. Embry Deputy Hunt detected clues that the driver may be under the influence. At that point Deputy Hunt began a roadside DUI investigation. At the conclusion of the inquiry Mr. Embry was taken into custody and transported to the Gibson County Detention Center. Upon arriving at the Detention Center Mr. Embry was charged with Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated.
Deputies Michael Bates and Levi Sims assisted Deputy Hunt in his investigation. Princeton Sgt. Ben Kiesel assisted as well.
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
IDOT, ISP: Make sure you and your GPS are set for a safe and sober route this Labor Day weekend
‘Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over’ safety campaign in full effect
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois State Police and law enforcement agencies throughout the state are reminding the public that if you drive under the influence of alcohol, cannabis or any other impairing substance, you’ll get pulled over as part of the national “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” safety campaign.
“Driving impaired is not a game,” said Stephane B. Seck-Birhame, bureau chief of Safety Programs and Engineering at IDOT. “You don’t get a second chance to make it right, so always make sure that anytime you’re behind the wheel, you’re sober, buckled up and following all traffic laws. It might save your life or someone else’s.”
During the safety campaign, which runs through Labor Day weekend, ISP, local police and sheriff’s departments are reminding the public that driving under the influence can come with sobering consequences.
According to IDOT data, last year in Illinois over Labor Day weekend, from 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 30, to 11:59 p.m. Monday, Sept. 2, there were 11 fatal crashes resulting in 11 deaths. Two of the 11 fatal crashes were alcohol-related, resulting in two of the 11 fatalities.
“We ask that if you are celebrating the contributions of our workforces this Labor Day, you do so smartly,” said ISP Division of Patrol Col. Chris Owen. “All too often, troopers handle crashes caused by someone driving under the influence. The decision to drive takes only a moment, but the consequences can last a lifetime.”
Remember these important safety tips:
If you’re planning to use cannabis or alcohol, give your keys to a sober driver who can safely drive you home. Or call a taxi, rideshare service or your community’s sober ride program. Transit is another good option.
If you see an impaired driver on the road, contact law enforcement.
Remind your friends to never get in a vehicle with an impaired driver. If you have a friend who is about to drive while impaired, take their keys away and help them get home safely. Don’t worry about offending them – you might be saving a life.
In addition to the heightened focus on impaired driving, the campaign also reinforces the importance of seat belt use, adherence to the speed limit and other traffic laws. Seat belt laws will be enforced as part of the national “Click It or Ticket” and “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” programs, which are funded through federal funds administered by IDOT and coincide with the department’s comprehensive multimedia campaign, “It's Not a Game.”
WANTED FUGITIVE ARRESTED IN EVANSVILLE
Evansville, IN – On the morning of August 27, 2025, at approximately 6:27 a.m., officers and deputies from the Evansville Police Department, Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office, and the U.S. Marshals Service Task Force successfully apprehended Devin C. Brittain in Evansville, Indiana.
Brittain was wanted on an active Wabash County, Illinois warrant. His arrest follows a coordinated, multi-agency effort and was executed without incident.
Wabash County Sheriff J. Derek Morgan stated:
“Today’s arrest is the result of strong partnerships between law enforcement agencies across state lines. I want to thank the Evansville Police Department, Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office, and the U.S. Marshals Task Force for their outstanding work in locating and apprehending Mr. Brittain. Our communities are safer today because of their efforts.”
Brittain is currently in custody and is pending extradition to Illinois to face charges under the Wabash County warrant.
Further information will be released as it becomes available.
From Evansville Police Department:
Earlier this morning, the Joint Task Force, comprised of the EPD Street Crimes Unit and Narcotics Unit, with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service apprehended Devin C. Brittain (32) without incident.
Brittain had recently been added to Wabash County’s Newest Most Wanted list and was wanted on multiple felony charges under a nationwide arrest warrant. His apprehension followed widespread attention on social media, with numerous Facebook shares aiding in public awareness.
He was booked into the Vanderburgh County Jail shortly after 7:00 a.m. this morning.
Effingham County area drug dealers sentenced on meth-related charges
BENTON, Ill. – This year, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, in conjunction with the Effingham Police Department, the Southeastern Illinois Drug Task Force, the Effingham County Sheriff’s Department, and the Effingham County State’s Attorney’s Office, have prosecuted several methamphetamine dealers in the Effingham County area.
“Trafficking drugs in southern Illinois will earn dealers a federal prison sentence,” said U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft. “Thanks to the efforts of our local law enforcement partners in the Effingham County area, less meth is circulating on the streets. We will continue to work together to eliminate drugs from our communities.”
“These cases show what can be accomplished when local, county, and federal agencies work together toward a common goal,” said Effingham Police Chief Kurt Davis. “I want to thank the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Effingham County Sheriff’s Department, the Southeastern Illinois Drug Task Force, the State’s Attorney’s Office, and the staff of the Effingham Police Department for their partnership and commitment. Their efforts make our community safer by keeping dangerous drugs off our streets.”
Jeramy C. Hoffman, 49, of Effingham, Illinois, was convicted of two counts of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. On May 15, 2025, the Court sentenced Hoffman to 110 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by four years of supervised release.
Corey W. Dasenbrock, 48, of Effingham, Illinois, was convicted of two counts of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. On Aug. 19, 2025, the Court sentenced Dasenbrock to 110 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by four years supervised release.
Hayden L. Limes, 29, of Effingham, Illinois, was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. On May 1, 2025, the Court sentenced Limes to 96 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by five years’ supervised release.
Taylor K. Nathan, 31, of Effingham, Illinois, was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. On April 3, 2025, the Court sentenced Nathan to 84 months’ incarceration, to be followed by four years supervised release.
Robert J. Beckler, II, 55, of Effingham, Illinois, was convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and being a felon in possession of a firearm. The Court sentenced Beckler to 120 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by five years’ supervised release.
Russell A. Beldi, 45, of Teutopolis, Illinois, was convicted of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. On May 15, 2025, Beldi was sentenced to 120 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by four years supervised release.
Jodi L. Corbella, 48, of Citrus Heights, California, was convicted of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Although from California, Corbella was sending methamphetamine to Russell Beldi for resale in the Effingham area. On Aug. 5, 2025, the Court sentenced Corbella to 144 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by four years supervised release.
Jesse D. Blain, 40, of Effingham, Illinois, was convicted of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. On Aug. 12, 2025, the Court sentenced Blain to 60 months’ imprisonment, to be followed by four years of supervised release.
Three additional Effingham area individuals were indicted on July 25, 2025, on federal methamphetamine related charges in a seven-count indictment. The defendants indicted include:
Chelsea J. Sipes, 41, of Effingham, Illinois,
Timothy E. Finfrock, 66, of Effingham, Illinois and
Philip M. Blair, 43, of Effingham, Illinois.
Count 1 charges that from July 2024, until on or about June 2025, in Effingham County, within the Southern District of Illinois, Sipes, Finfrock, and Blair conspired to knowingly and intentionally distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
Count 2 charges that on Jan. 30, 2025, in Effingham County, Sipes knowingly and intentionally distributed 5 grams or more of methamphetamine.
Count 3 charges that on Feb. 25, 2025, in Effingham County, Sipes knowingly and intentionally distributed 5 grams or more of methamphetamine.
Count 4 charges that on March 6, 2025, in Effingham County, Sipes knowingly and intentionally distributed 5 grams or more of methamphetamine.
Count 5 charges that on March 14, 2025, in Effingham County, Sipes knowingly and intentionally distributed 5 grams or more of methamphetamine.
Count 6 charges that on Feb. 20, 2025, in Effingham County, Blair knowingly and intentionally distributed methamphetamine.
Count 7 charges that on Jan. 24, 2025, in Effingham County, Finfrock knowingly and intentionally distributed methamphetamine.
With respect to Count 1, all three Defendants face 10 years to life imprisonment, up to a $10 million fine, and supervised release of not less than 5 years.
With respect to Counts 2-5, Sipes faces 5-40 years’ imprisonment, up to a $5 million fine, and supervised release of not less than 4 years.
With respect to Count 6, Blair faces up to 20 years imprisonment, up to a $1 million fine, and supervised release of not less than 3 years.
With respect to Count 7, Finfrock faces up to 20 years imprisonment, up to a $1 million fine, and supervised release of not less than 3 years.
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.
Mt. Carmel Man Gets 3 Years In DOC On Domestic Battery Charge
Wabash County State’s Attorney Kelli Storckman announced that on August 11, 2025, Clayton Kirkman, a 39-year-old man from Mt. Carmel, Illinois, was sentenced to three years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. The sentence was handed down by the Honorable Circuit Judge William Hudson in Wabash County Circuit Court.
Kirkman was charged on January 27, 2025, with Domestic Battery, a Class 4 Felony, after law enforcement were called by a family member. An investigation found that Kirkman had destroyed property of the family member and then shoved the family member causing injury. Kirkman will be placed on mandatory supervised release for 4 years following his release from the Department of Corrections.
WSJD File Photo
Illinois Extension welcomes new staff to Wabash County
Mt. Carmel, Ill. – University of Illinois Extension serving Edwards, Lawrence, Richland, Wabash, and Wayne counties welcomes new staff to the Wabash County Extension office. The Wabash County Extension office is home to Wabash County 4-H clubs, 4-H school programs, and unit-wide programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education and Local Food Systems and Small Farms programs.
Carrie Tennis joins Illinois Extension as the Wabash County Office Support Assistant. Carrie will provide administrative support for Illinois Extension programs in Wabash County while assisting with additional fiscal duties. Tennis previously worked as an office manager in the retail and healthcare industries and has volunteered as a Wabash County 4-H leader since 2022. She earned her associate's degree in interpersonal communications from Frontier Community College.
Illinois Extension also recently welcomed Tori Thompson as the new Wabash County 4-H program coordinator. Thompson will spearhead Wabash County 4-H school programs, oversee local 4-H clubs, and provide programs and events that help recruit new 4-H members and empower local youth. Thompson will call on her experiences as a Blue Ribbon 4-H club member in Edwards County to help guide her as she leads the Wabash County 4-H program. Thompson currently attends Murray State University, working toward her bachelor's degree in agricultural science/agribusiness.
“We are thrilled to welcome Carrie and Tori to the Wabash County Extension team. Their passion for community, combined with their unique experiences, will help strengthen our local programs and support the vital work we do across youth development, nutrition, and agriculture,” said Tara Buerster, county Extension director. “Together with Kit McDonald, our SNAP-Ed Community Worker, they’ll help us build a dynamic, responsive team dedicated to serving Wabash County with excellence.”
The Wabash County Extension office has also updated its business hours. The office is located at 738 N. Market St. in Mt. Carmel and is now open to the public five days a week; previously, the office was open Tuesdays through Thursdays. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., closed daily from 12-1 p.m. for lunch. To contact the Wabash County Extension office, call 618-262-5725. For more information about Illinois Extension serving Edwards, Lawrence, Richland, Wabash, and Wayne counties, visit extension.illinois.edu/elrww.
WRITER: Rileigh Lear, marketing and communications program coordinator, University of Illinois Extension