Authorities Respond To Scare At WVC

From MCPD Chief Mike McWilliams:

 On 10/06/25 at 1030 am, Mt. Carmel Police received a third-party call of a male subject reportedly walking through the campus wearing a “bulletproof vest” and a backpack.  No report of firearms was given, but MCPD and the Wabash County Sheriff’s Office responded to the campus and were directed to the Science Building.  While on scene, officers learned of a student who had inquired with instructors about wearing a weighted vest for physical conditioning while attending classes.  Officers and WVC Administrative staff located the student near the Oak Street entrance to the Brubeck Arts Center.  After speaking with the student and confirming this story, he agreed to place the vest in his vehicle before returning to class.  MCPD would like to remind everyone to call 911 immediately to report any potential “active shooter” type call to ensure the quickest law enforcement response.   Fortunately, today, this was not the case.

Vincennes man arrested for OWI

On October 3, 2025, at 10:17 a.m. Gibson County Central Dispatch received a 911 report of an accident with injuries near the entrance to Diversity VUTEQ located in the 800 block of East 350 South.  Upon arriving Sheriff Deputies discovered that a White 2012 Toyota Prius had struck a pole.  While speaking with the driver 40-year-old Jordan Hess of Vincennes Deputies detected clues that Mr. Hess was under the influence of an unknown intoxicant.  At that point they began a roadside OWI investigation that resulted in Mr. Hess being taken into custody and being transported to the Gibson County Detention Center.  Upon arriving at the Detention Center Mr. Hess was charged with Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated. 
 
Arresting Officer Deputy Bryan Small was assisted in his investigation by Deputy Michael Bates. 
 
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Judge Responds To IML Election Criticism

Mt. Carmel Mayor Joe Judge’s recent election to the Illinois Municipal League’s board of directors generated an interesting response from one person according to the mayor…

At last Monday’s City Council meeting, Judge explained why it’s important for him to keep tabs on what’s happening in the Windy City…

Judge’s election came at the recent IML annual conference held in Chicago.

Email threats lead to arrest of Washington man

On October 2, 2025, at 5:45 p.m. Gibson County Detectives Jennifer Loesch and Sergeant Roger Ballard arrested 67-year-old Raymond Gossett of Washington, Indiana on the charge of Intimidation With a  Deadly Weapon after nearly three week investigation.  On Friday September 12, 2025, Deputy Jennifer Loesch opened an investigation after a local Auto Sales business near the Fort Branch area received threatening and misleading emails from an encrypted email service based outside of the country where a specific vehicle was mentioned that was on the property.  This unknown person alleged that large amounts of drugs were in the vehicle at one point, and later in the investigation alleged that an explosive device had been planted inside the vehicle. 
 
On September 15, 2025, Deputy Loesch, Sgt. Loren Barchett, and his K9 partner Duke performed a free air sniff around the suspect vehicle, a 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee and was unable to locate any illegal substances in or around the vehicle.  As the threats grew Deputy Loesch and the Indiana State Police EOD unit examined the vehicle on September 30, 2025, and found no tampering or explosives in or around the vehicle.  At that point with the assistance of Gibson County Sheriff’s Office IT Specialist Chris Ziebell Deputy Loesch was able to isolate the IP address of the threatening emails up in Daviess County. 
 
On October 2, 2025, at 1:55 p.m. Deputy Loesch spoke with Mr. Gossett, a former owner of the vehicle, and made him aware of some of the threats and allegations that had been made about his former vehicle.  At 2:05 p.m. the Auto Sales business sent their final email where they again alleged that illegal drugs were in the vehicle and the unknown person would come get the vehicle.  At that point Deputy Loesch secured a search warrant for Mr. Gossett’s residence in the 300 block of Dewey Avenue in Washington, Indiana.  At 7:17 p.m. with he assistance of the Washington PD/Daviess County SWAT Unit Deputy Loesch and Sgt. Ballard executed the search warrant.  Mr. Gossett was taken to the Washington Police Department where he admitted that he had sent the threatening and misleading emails.  Once the investigation was concluded Deputy Loesch transported Mr. Gossett to the Gibson County Detention Center where he was charged with Intimidation With a  Deadly Weapon a Level 5 Felony.   
 
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

WVC To Offer Gas Utility Construction Training This October

Wabash Valley College is excited to announce its upcoming Gas Utility Construction 4-Week Field Training Program, which will run October 6–31, 2025, on the WVC campus in Mt. Carmel, Illinois.

This hands-on training program is designed to prepare students with the basic skills and knowledge needed for entry-level positions in the gas utility industry. Students will train with modern equipment to learn how to install underground natural gas distribution systems, as well as residential and commercial natural gas service lines.

The curriculum includes:

· Preparing for DOT-required Operator Qualifications (OQs)

· Installing and joining gas piping for natural and propane gases

· Maintaining natural gas distribution systems

· Adhering to OSHA and industry safety procedures

· Working safely around construction equipment in outdoor settings

· Developing teamwork in a crew environment

The program features a large focus on hands-on, field-based learning. Students must bring their own steel-toed boots on the first day of class.

This program is an excellent opportunity for those interested in a high-demand career field, In just four weeks, students will gain practical experience, essential safety training, and industry knowledge that can open the door to a rewarding career in gas utility construction.

The course will be completed in four weeks, making it an ideal option for individuals eager to enter the workforce quickly.

Program Dates: October 6–31, 2025 Location: Wabash Valley College, Mt. Carmel, IL Apply Today: iecc.edu/apply Contact: 618-262-8641 for more details

Road closure planned for State Road 241 in Knox County

KNOX COUNTY Ind. – The Indiana Department of Transportation announces a road closure for State Road 64 in Gibson County.

Beginning on or around Thursday, October 9, crews will close State Road 241 near Monroe City. This road closure will occur between Buchanan Street and Cates Road.

This road closure will allow for a pipe replacement project. Work is expected to take two days to complete, depending on the weather.

The official detour for this project is State Road 61 to Bierhaus Boulevard to U.S. 41 to U.S. 50. Local traffic will have access up to the point of closure. INDOT urges drivers to slow down and stay alert in work zones.

Indy Airport Anticipates Busiest Fall Break Travel Season Yet

Passengers strongly encouraged to arrive two hours before boarding time

INDIANAPOLIS (Oct. 1, 2025) – The Indianapolis International Airport (IND) is providing Fall Break 2025 briefing information below regarding air travel from Oct. 6 – 24. The information provides updated travel data, crucial alerts and tips travelers need to know prior to coming to the Indy airport for their Fall Break 2025 trip.

Key points to share include high-traffic dates, anticipated general passenger volume, and travel tips to help make Hoosiers’ Fall Break travel a delight.

FALL BREAK 2025 – FACTS & FIGURES

This Fall Break travel could reach new records, possibly landing among the top 10 busiest days ever at the Indy airport.

  • The first busier-than-normal day will be Oct. 6.

  • During Fall Break, airlines have increased daily seat capacity* by 6% compared to Fall Break 2024.

  • Capacity on 11 days of the Fall Break timeframe exceeds Memorial Day 2025 (IND’s busiest day on record). 

  • Sundays, Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays will be the Indy airport’s busiest days each week of Fall Break.

  • TSA checkpoints will open at 3 a.m. on those days to accommodate.

*Seat capacity is the potential number of seats available on an aircraft through a designated schedule period.

PREPARING FOR FALL BREAK TRAVEL

With Fall Break season upon us, it’s expected to be a busy few weeks of air travel -- and it’s important for travelers to be prepared before arriving at the airport. Plan ahead, pack smart, and get to the airport early.

Hoosiers can process through either TSA checkpoint and proceed to their gate in either concourse using the concourse connector. TSA PreCheck is only available on checkpoint A. Airline ticket counters opening time varies, but they open two hours before flight departure.

 Passengers no longer need to remove their shoes during TSA screening.

 It’s important for travelers to ensure they have their government-issued identification on hand and ready to show to TSA personnel.

 As of May 7, 2025, U.S. travelers must be REAL ID compliant to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities. Learn more at https://www.dhs.gov/real-id.

 

The Indy airport also strongly encourages travelers to consider the following travel tips below,

 Before leaving for the airport

 

  • Always check flight status with the airline prior to arriving at the airport

  • Arrive a full two hours ahead of the departure time to get checked in, through security, and to the gate in plenty of time before boarding call

  • Download the airline’s mobile app for all pertinent travel update

  • Use a mobile boarding pass or print boarding passes ahead of time

  • Download the MyTSA app for 24/7 access to the most frequently requested airport security information, including helpful tips for preparing for security and a searchable database of items that can and can’t go in checked or carry-on bags

  • Pack smart – check for prohibited items and follow the 3-1-1 liquids rule. Learn more at: https://www.tsa.gov/travel/travel-tips/refresh-your-memory-liquid-rules

 

Plan ahead for parking

 

 

At the terminal

 

  • Bring your own reusable water bottle and fill up at the numerous water bottle filling stations located throughout the terminal

  • New restaurants are now open at IND offering a local flavor, see all available dining options and their operating hours at https://www.ind.com/dining-shopping-services/dining - note that dining and retail will have extended hours during peak travel days

  • Use the Concourse Connector to explore available dining options in both concourses, no matter which one you are flying out of

  • Explore new artwork throughout the terminal from local artists, and the KIND Gallery space. Learn more at: https://www.ind.com/publicart

  • When picking up friends or family, use the Cell Phone Lot to wait, then proceed to the drive for pick-up or park in hourly parking and meet your guest inside