Wabash County Extension Office invites community to open house and trick-or-treating

MT. CARMEL, Ill. – Whether you’re a local business, farmer, backyard gardener, or community member, Illinois Extension may have a program, resource, or upcoming event for you. Learn more about Illinois Extension and local programs at the Wabash County Extension Office Open House on Oct. 30, followed by trick-or-treating for local youth at the office.

 The Wabash County Extension Office, located at 738 N. Market St. in Mt. Carmel recently welcomed new staff, expanded its business hours, and added the neighboring office space to its operations. To celebrate, the community is invited to network with staff, explore Illinois Extension programs, and enjoy light refreshments at the Open House on Thursday, Oct. 30, from 3-5 p.m.

 The office will have information about the following local programs:

 Local Food Systems and Small Farms Program: Meet Extension Educator Katie Bell, local expert regarding small and medium-scale farm management, specialty crop production, backyard gardening, pasture management, and more. Bell also provides technical assistance to commercial farmers, specialty growers, and homeowners.

 Master Gardeners and Master Naturalists: Get details about training opportunities to become a Master Gardener or Master Naturalist.

 Hunters Feeding Illinois: Deer hunters, community members, and businesses can help bring fresh venison to local food pantries this year. Stop by to learn more about this program that has just launched in our five-county Extension unit.

 4-H School Programs: Teachers and school administrators are invited to learn about adding 4-H school programs to their curriculum. 4-H school programs provide education on topics such as STEM, money management, career and interview preparation, and more.

 Wabash County 4-H: Parents and youth are encouraged to learn more about 4-H workshops, local clubs, and joining 4-H or Cloverbuds. Youth ages 5-7 are eligible to join Cloverbuds, and youth ages 8-18 are eligible to join 4-H.

 Real Colors Training: A personal and professional development training facilitated by Extension staff that is ideal for businesses, volunteer groups, and organizations, big or small.

 Following the open house, the office will participate in Mt. Carmel’s trick-or-treating hours from 5-8 p.m. Local youth are encouraged to stop by to trick-or-treat, participate in a small activity, and learn more about 4-H and Cloverbuds. 4-H leaders will be available with information about joining their clubs.

 For questions, contact the Wabash County Extension office at 618-262-5725. For more information about Illinois Extension serving Edwards, Lawrence, Richland, Wabash, and Wayne counties or local programs, visit extension.illinois.edu/elrww. 

 If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate, please contact Carrie Tennis at cmtennis@illinois.edu. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet access needs.

Spooky Fun Rolls into Princeton: Lyles Station Historic School & Museum Hosts Trunk or Treat Car Show

Princeton, IN — September 30th — Families and car enthusiasts alike are invited to join the fun at the Lyles Station Historic School & Museum Trunk or Treat Car Show, a family-friendly fall celebration filled with classic cars, decorated trunks, costumes, and plenty of Halloween treats!

The event will take place at Lyles Station Historic School & Museum, 953 N 500 W, Princeton, Indiana, on Saturday, October 18th. Guests can stroll among unique cars, enjoy festive decorations, and fill their bags with candy and goodies while learning more about the rich history of Lyles Station—one of Indiana’s last remaining African American pioneer settlements.

This event is designed for all ages and offers a safe and fun environment for trick-or-treating while showcasing beautifully restored and creatively decorated vehicles. Prizes will be awarded.  Concessions will be available for purchase, and donations will support the ongoing educational programs and preservation efforts at Lyles Station.

“We’re excited to bring the community together for a fun and festive event that combines history, tradition, and Halloween fun,” said [Insert spokesperson’s name/title]. “The Trunk or Treat Car Show is a wonderful way for families to enjoy the season while supporting the mission of Lyles Station.”

Event Details:
📅 Date: Saturday, October 18th
🕒 Time: 12 PM
📍 Location: Lyles Station Historic School & Museum, 953 N 500 W, Princeton, IN
🎃 Admission: Trick or Treaters are Free 

Car registration is $20

For more information, visit www.lylesstation.org or follow Lyles Station Historic School & Museum on Facebook for updates.

Gibson County catches duo actively burglarizing residence

On September 28, 2025, at 6:27 p.m. Deputy Shawn Holmes received information about ongoing burglaries occurring at a residence in the 12000 South 200 East near Haubstadt.  Upon collecting the information Deputy Holmes sent an email to local law enforcement requesting extra patrol of the residence. 
 
On September 29, 2025, at approximately 5:10 a.m. Sgt. John Fischer of the Gibson County Sheriff’s Office went to the residence and attempted to perform a building check of the residence and outbuildings.  Upon walking up to the residence Sgt. Fischer observed a vehicle on the property that did not belong and heard people moving around inside the residence.  At that point Sgt. Fischer radioed Deputy Levi Sims and requested immediate assistance.   Shortly after Deputy Sims arrived on scene the subjects inside the residence attempted to flee out a window.  Sgt. Fischer and Deputy Sims apprehended 53-year-old Homer Dersch and 33-year-old Katie Henderson both of Oakland City and took them into custody.  After a brief investigation both Dersch and Henderson were transported to the Gibson County Detention Center. 
 
Upon arriving at the Detention Center Homer Dersch was charged with Burglary with a Deadly Weapon a Level 2 Felony.  Katie Henderson was charged with Burglary a Level 5 Felony, Possession of Methamphetamines, and Possession of Paraphernalia. 
 
Oakland City Officer Michael McGregor assisted Sgt. Fischer and Deputy Sims in their investigation. 
 
This is an ongoing investigaiton.

All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Semi Sideswipes Patrol Car during a Traffic Stop on I-64, Trooper Injured

Posey County – Saturday morning, September 27, at approximately 8:38 a.m., an Indiana State Trooper was outside his patrol vehicle conducting a traffic stop with a semi on I-64 WB at the 10 mile-marker when another semi traveling west failed to yield and sideswiped the patrol vehicle. The trooper was standing near the violator’s door when the crash occurred. The trooper fell to the ground during the crash and received minor injuries. The trooper was able to get back into his patrol car and pursue the semi until it stopped at the 8 mile-marker. The driver of the semi was identified as Kyle Hohman, 36, of Sandoval, IL. He was arrested without incident and taken to the Posey County Jail. The trooper was transported to Deaconess Midtown in Evansville for minor injuries.

Arrested and Charges:
 

  • Kyle Hohman, 36, Sandoval, IL

  1. Leaving the Scene of a Personal Injury Crash, Class A Misdemeanor

  2. Reckless Driving Causing Injury, Class A Misdemeanor

  3. Criminal Recklessness with a Vehicle, Class B Misdemeanor

Arresting Officer: Sergeant Kylen Compton, Indiana State Police

Assisting Officers: Master Trooper Adam Davis and Trooper Zack Fulton

EUBANKS IS WABASH COUNTY'S NEWEST MOST WANTED

Wanted Person – Clayton Jay Eubanks

The Wabash County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s assistance in locating Clayton Jay Eubanks, age 26, who is wanted on a no bond Wabash County warrant for Criminal Sexual Assault, a Class 1 Felony.

The warrant stems from an incident that occurred on November 8, 2023, in which Eubanks is alleged to have used force during the commission of an act of sexual penetration.

Description:

Name: Clayton Jay Eubanks

Age: 26

Height: 5’11”

Weight: 127 lbs

Eyes: Hazel

Possible Addresses/Areas:

412 N. Haynes Ave., Centerville, IA

415 N. 3rd St., Apt. 8, Marshalltown, IA

Zearing, IA area

Eubanks should be considered dangerous. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is urged to contact the Wabash County Sheriff’s Office at 618-262-4186 or Crime Stoppers at 618-262-HALT (4258).

Tips may also be submitted through the Wabash County Sheriff’s App, free to download in your Android or Apple store.

Wabash County Crime Stoppers is offering a $1,000 cash reward for information leading to the arrest of Clayton Jay Eubanks. You may remain completely anonymous.

Friday A BIg Day For Homecoming At MCHS

It's homecoming week at Mt. Carmel High School and principal Amy Duckworth told the school board Monday that Friday is a big day for students…

All District #348 schools will dismiss two hours early Friday ahead of the homecoming parade. Duckworth said Saturday, tours of the high school will be offered from 10 to 11am with Dick Shoaff and Pat Cheesman serving as tour guides.

$20 Million Budget Approved By District #348 School Board

The Wabash District #348 school board has adopted a nearly $20 million budget for the current school year. During a budget hearing that preceded Monday’s regular school board meeting, Superintendent Dr. Chuck Bleyer said of the $20 million, almost 51% comes from local sources the majority of which is property taxes at almost $6.8 million. State funding makes up 42% and the remaining 7% comes from the federal government. Bleyer said funding from state and federal sources has returned to pre-pandemic levels. On the spending side, salaries and benefits take up the vast majority of the budget with 75% or $14.5 million being spent there. As approved on Monday, the budget is in the black by almost $536,000.

District #348 Superintendent Dr. Chuck Bleyer goes over budget figures with the school board during a budget hearing on Monday at MCES.

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.