Budzinski calls on USPS to improve service

The United States Postal Service has been the focus of lawmakers more frequently in recent months. In August, an audit showed the St. Louis Processing and Distribution Center had more than 2.5 million delayed pieces of mail between June 3-4, which is a record for the largest delayed mail backlog in USPS field audit history. Now, an Illinois Congresswoman is calling for action.

Nikki Budzinski has joined with fellow Democrat Congressman Chris Pappas of New Hampshire and Republican Congressmen Jack Bergman of Michigan and Andrew Garbarino of New York as co-chairs of the Congressional Postal Service Caucus. Budzinski says the USPS needs to do better.

She also says the jobs of the more than 6,000 employees must be protected. Earlier this year, Congresswoman Budzinski introduced the bipartisan Protect Postal Performance Act, which would prevent the USPS from downsizing facilities in underserved areas, provide more oversight over modifications to delivery schedules, and increase public transparency on proposed changes.

School Board Hears Update On MCGS Library Upgrades

The library at the Mt. Carmel Grade School has seen a makeover this year under the direction of new library assistant April Ross. She and grade school principal Brianne Foster were at Monday’s school board meeting and Foster said Ross has transformed the library…

Ross said the library improvements have been extensive…

Ross said she’s noticed an increase in the number of students who are reading actual hard books and spending less time on phones and tablets.

MCGS Principal Brianne Foster (L) and MCGS Library Assistant April Ross speak to the school board Monday evening.

Accident with injuries nets arrest of Evansville man

On September 22, 2025, at 5 p.m. Gibson County Central Dispatch received a 911 report of a three-vehicle accident with injuries on US 41 near County Road 650 South.  Upon arrival emergency service personnel began to assess patients and detected the odor of Marijuana coming from inside a Black 2000 Ford F250 that was involved in the accident.  Deputy Shawn Holmes began a roadside OWI accident investigation.  At the conclusion of the investigation, he placed the driver of the F250 26-year-old Timothy Land of Evansville into custody and transported him to the Gibson County Detention Center. 

This was a three vehicle accident where the F250 rearended the vehicle in front of them and pushed that vehicle into another vehicle.  
 
Deputy U.B. Smith 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.

Mayor Joe Judge Elected to the IML Board of Directors

CHICAGO — The Illinois Municipal League (IML) elected officers and members to its Board of Directors at its Annual Business Meeting, held September 20, as a part of the 112th IML Annual Conference at the Hyatt Regency Chicago.

IML membership unanimously elected Village President Sheila Chalmers-Currin, Village of Matteson, to serve a one-year term as President. Also elected were Mayor John C. Lewis, City of Mount Vernon, as First Vice President, and Mayor Rita Ali, City of Peoria, as Second Vice President.

In addition to the officers, 34 Vice Presidents were elected to serve a one-year term, and seven IML Past Presidents continue to serve on the statewide association’s Board of Directors. Mayor Joe Judge, City of Mt.Carmel was elected to serve as a Vice President.

Judge’s election marks a pivotal moment for municipal advocacy in Illinois. Representing the interests of 1,294 municipalities, Judge emphasized the importance of unity and shared purpose among local governments. “It is a privilege to be elected to assist in advocating for the benefit of all 1,294 Illinois municipalities,” Judge said. “By working together, we can champion the needs of local government to bring about a brighter future for all communities and residents throughout Illinois.”

This vision includes strengthening infrastructure, promoting economic development, and ensuring that every municipality—regardless of size—has a voice in shaping statewide policy. Judge’s leadership is expected to foster greater collaboration between city officials, state agencies, and community stakeholders.

Mayor Joe Judge’s Bio:

Elected as Commissioner in 2011, overseeing Streets, Cemetery, and Parks.

Re-elected in 2015, shifting focus to Finance and Senior Citizens.

Elected Mayor of Mount Carmel in April 2019, April 2023.

Became Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Greater Wabash Regional Planning Commission in 2015.

Appointed to the Illinois Municipal League (IML) Board of Directors in Fall 2019, later elected as a Vice President in 2020.

Leadership Vision

Mayor Judge is committed to:

Promoting a progressive, transparent local government.

Enhancing the quality of life for all citizens.

Encouraging economic growth through strategic planning.

Advocating for fiscal responsibility and long-term city goals.

Regional & Statewide Influence

Serves on the IML Legislative Committee, advocating for municipal interests across Illinois.

Vice President of the Southern Illinois Mayors Association.

Illinois Department of Transportation Blue Ribbon Committee Board Member

Represents Mount Carmel on intergovernmental boards, chairs city council meetings, and serves as Liquor Commissioner.

Petersburg man arrested for False Informing

On September 21, 2025, at 12:44 p.m. Gibson County Central Dispatch received a report of a man wearing a mask lying in the roadway of State Road 64 near State Road 65 west of Princeton.  Upon arriving in the area Deputy Bryan Small located the male and attempted to conduct a welfare check of the individual.  During the roadside encounter 33-year-old Ethan Adams of Petersburg gave Deputy Small a false name to conceal his identity due to him having an active warrant.  After a brief investigation Mr. Adams was positively identified and taken into custody.  Upon being transported to the Gibson County Detention Center he was booked in on an active Felony Warrant and a new False Informing Charge.   
 
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Disturbance leads to arrest of two

On September 19, 2025, at 6:27 p.m. Gibson County Deputies were eating dinner at an establishment near the intersection of South Main Street and Ohio Street in Princeton when they observed a disturbance happening in the 100 block of Makemson Avenue.  Deputies approached the disturbance that was occurring in and around a Red 1994 Ford Ranger and began an investigation into the incident.  During the investigation it was discovered that 46-year-old Tonya Bedson of Princeton had thrown a fountain drink at 43-year-old Tiffany Martin also of Princeton.  During the investigation Deputy Eric Powell observed clues that Ms. Martin may be under the influence of an unknown intoxicant.  At that point he began a roadside DUI investigation.  At the conclusion of the investigations both females were taken into custody and transported to the Gibson County Detention Center.  Upon arriving at the Detention Center Ms. Bedson was charged with Battery by Bodily Waste.  Ms. Martin was charged with Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated. 
 
Deputies Eric Powell, Wes Baumgart, and Shawn Holmes investigated this incident. 
 
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Nighttime lane closures planned for State Road 441/Willow Street in Knox County


KNOX COUNTY Ind. – The Indiana Department of Transportation announces nighttime lane closures for State Road 441/Willow Street in Knox County.

Beginning on or around Monday, September 29, crews will begin nighttime lane closures on State Road 441/Willow Street in Vincennes. These lane closures will occur between East Niblack Road and Ramsey Road.

Nighttime lane closures will allow for concrete patching work to be completed. Lane closures will occur between 8:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. Concrete patching work is expected to take two weeks to complete, depending on the weather.

Concrete patching is part of a larger project to pave State Road 441/Willow Street in Vincennes. This project is expected to last through the end of October, depending on the weather. INDOT reminds drivers to slow down, use extra caution, and avoid distractions when traveling in and near work zones.