Filing Period Opens Today For 2026 Election

The window to file petitions to run in next year’s election opens today across the state of Illinois. In Wabash County, the seat seeing the most attention is the race for the open Wabash County Commissioner seat. Taking out petitions to run for the seat currently held by Scott West are David Brown, Missy Judge, Jayden Pettyjohn, and Mary Sweppy. West has announced he will not seek another term on the county.

On Friday, democrat county clerk Janet Will announced she will seek another term. Also taking a petition for county clerk is Republican Sean Morgan.

Incumbent sheriff Derek Morgan and county treasurer Angela Broster also intend to file for re-election.

The filing period runs through next Monday November 3rd. Petitions are available now in the county clerk’s office at the courthouse.

The primary election is March 17th and the general election is next November 3rd.

Firefighters Respond To Tower Heights Fire

From MCFD: On Saturday, October 25, 2025, at approximately 3:50am, the Mount Carmel Fire Department responded to Tower Heights (AKA the High Rise apartments) at 330 W 10th St, Mt Carmel. While working their way to the reported room of involvement, fire department personnel were advised there was an active fire in the room and the resident had made it out of the room. Assistance was then requested from Allendale Rural Fire Protection District, Bellmont Area Rural Fire Protection District, and Wabash General EMS. MCFD personnel, along with officers from the Mt Carmel Police Department, began helping residents evacuate the building while additional MCFD personnel attacked the fire, successfully confining it to the room of origin. The First Apostolic Church opened its doors to residents while fire operations continued and a head-count of residents was performed. Wabash County EMA assisted residents while at the church.

All residents except those who reside on the second floor have been allowed to return to their apartments.

This fire remains under investigation by the Office of the State Fire Marshal.

Fire Chief Francis Speth talked with us at the scene about what unfolded this morning….

Wabash District #348 Personnel Moves

At Monday’s District #348 school board meeting, the resignation of Tim Zimmer as Gear Up Grant Coordinator was accepted by the board. Superintendent Dr. Chuck Bleyer explained that funding for the Gear Up Coordinator has gone away and it’s unclear if the money will return. Zimmer was elected to the school board in April, but stepped away from the seat before he was sworn in to accept the Gear Up Grant coordinator position. Also at Monday’s meeting, the board approved Justin Glover as 6th grade boys basketball coach and Brianna Witsman as volunteer 6th grade girls basketball coach and John White as volunteer high school girls basketball coach.

Market Street MTC Non-profit Seeks Funding for New Public Art Programming

Market Street MTC is a non-profit organization committed to improving the central business district of Mount Carmel, IL, focusing on aesthetics, accessibility, and comfort. Our work is currently divided among three teams:

Beautification, Music at the Park, and Murals & Art. Through working in collaboration with local businesses and institutions, we strengthen our community by supporting projects that enrich local arts and culture, improve infrastructure, beautify shared spaces, and promote Mt. Carmel as a vibrant place to live, work, and visit.

Volunteers with Market Street MTC believe a vibrant downtown reflects the heart of its people. Neighbors,

businesses, and city partners working together toward a shared vision can make Mount Carmel a thriving place for families, businesses, and future generations. Our work honors the history of our town while creating new reasons for everyone to feel proud of where they live. We strive to make Market Street a place where people of all ages and backgrounds can gather, participate, and enjoy.

As the newest team to form under the umbrella of Market Street MTC, Murals + Art members believe in the

power of art to change how people feel about themselves and the place where they live. Art reinvigorates. It changes perspectives. It puts the color back into our lives when it seems drained and increases hope for our shared future. The Murals + Art team plans to commission murals on exterior walls throughout the Market Street district. To begin our work as a new Market Street MTC team, Murals and Art commissioned the design of a vibrant historic Market Street scene in the form of a durable 7’ x 19’ banner. The image, illustrated by artist Lisa Donohue, takes viewers back to Market Street in the 1940s. This banner is currently installed on the front of the old Ben Franklin Building which is undergoing extensive renovations to save its historic structure. A team of art students from Mount Carmel High School participated in a painted sidewalk project in conjunction with the banner, creating a fun platform for an immersive photo opportunity.

For our first painted mural, we commissioned a Lone Ranger themed mural honoring Mount Carmel born Brace Beemer, the voice of the Lone Ranger radio program throughout the 1940s and early 50s. Muralist Elias Reynolds arrived from eastern Kentucky and completed the mural on the side of the Wabash County Museum the first week of October.

Our next project will involve junior high and high school students from ACA and MCHS, their instructors, and several area artists painting cleverly placed tiny images around the Market Street District. This “Tiny Mural Program” will begin next month and extend through the winter. Our group of artists are excited to be part of this community service project. We will design and paint small pictures inside and outside of Market Street area buildings. We envision that the paintings’ subject matter will relate to businesses in each location, and will be designed in collaboration with the business owners. Once the work is complete, we will create a brochure listing all locations with tiny murals, allowing visitors to enjoy a scavenger hunt to find all the art. If you run a Market Street business and would like to participate in this program, please let us know!

In order to continue this work, we will rely on donations from the public. These fully deductible donations (we hold a 501(c)(3) status), will fund additional murals and other public art installations, arts events in uptown Mount Carmel, and arts education in town for children and adults. Individuals, families, businesses and trusts wanting to support our work and the work of other Market Street MTC teams can visit our website (www.marketstreetmtc.org) to learn more about our projects and events, donate online, or contact us about volunteering.

Will Announces Bid For Re-Election As County Clerk

Janet Will announced she will be seeking re-election as Wabash County Clerk & Recorder. Janet was first elected in 2010 and had worked in the office for several years prior to that.

During her years working in the office she has been a part of many changes and updates to the office. Janet stated that is one of the reasons for seeking re-election. There will be additional new election equipment, a new voter registration program and changes to the recording system. She would like to see these upgrades installed and working efficiently.

Janet enjoys the job of County Clerk, waiting on the public and sharing information to those needing help from her office.

The Primary Election will be on March 17, 2026 and the General Election will be on November 4, 2026. Other local offices to be on the ballot include the sheriff, county treasurer and county commissioner.

As Janet is known to say: Every Day is a Good Day

IECC Board Summary-October 2025

The Board of Trustees of the Illinois Eastern Community College District No. 529 met Tuesday, October 21, 2025 at Lincoln Trail College, Robinson, Illinois.

The Board approved the minutes of the Board of Trustees regular meeting held on September 16, 2025.

The FY2025 Student Complaint Annual Review was presented and accepted by the Board.

The Board approved the cost recovery fees for equipment kits for the Cosmetology and Nail Technology programs.

The Board waived a second reading and approved revisions to the following policies:

• Identity Theft Prevention Program Policy 100.23 to better define oversight responsibilities within the Identity Theft Prevention Program.

• Weapons and Concealed Firearms Policy 100.28 to remove outdated references.

• Assignment of Vehicles Policy 300.18 to now reflect actual practices and clarifies

expectations for maintaining compliance and accountability in the use of District

vehicles.

• Emergency Response Plans Policy 100.24 to provide a more comprehensive framework for campus safety and preparedness. The revised policy formally establishes the Campus Emergency Management Teams at each location, which coordinate emergency readiness, training, and communication activities for their

respective campus.

The Board waived a second reading and approved the development of the Intercollegiate Athletics Policy 100.43 to provide greater Board direction and clearer administrative oversight of athletics across the District.

Upon a second reading, the Board approved the Policy on Board of Trustees and Foundations Collaboration (100.41) that reflects input from both the Board and administration and provides clearer guidance regarding the collaborative relationship between the District and its affiliated Foundations.

An affiliation agreement was approved by the Board with Greene Sullivan Special Education Cooperative. The Board also approved a resolution for USDA Grant Reporting access.

Medical and dental insurance plans and premiums for calendar year 2026 were approved by the Board. The District network will continue to be through BlueCross BlueShield with about an 8.9% increase in premium rates from 2025.

Trustees approved a Health Savings Account contribution of $1,000 for each eligible employee who is enrolled in the District’s Qualified Deductible Health Plan for calendar year 2026.

The Board approved the purchase of simulation lab equipment and software for the new Health Professions Center addition in Wattleworth Hall, a Capital Development Board project

nearing completion. The Laerdal SimCapture system, procured through the Sourcewell cooperative purchasing contract, will provide advanced simulation technology, training, and support to enhance Allied Health education.

Following severe hail damage from a May 2025 storm, the Board approved emergency repairs at Lincoln Trail College totaling $458,162. The work, funded through insurance proceeds, includes roof replacements by Martinsville Roofing and HVAC repairs by Entec to restore facilities impacted by the weather event.

The bid committee recommendation was approved for acceptance of the bid from Dan’s Electric Shop, Noble, IL for replacing three roof top units at the Terry L. Bruce West Richland Center for a total cost of $30,342.74.

Approval of employment was given for Samantha Adams as Information Systems Technician at Lincoln Trail College and Will Bookhout as Temporary Welding Instructor (Non-Bargaining Unit Faculty) effective October 27, 2025.

A change in status was approved for KaRissa Miller from Business & Industry Specialist to Program Director of Business & Industry effective October 27, 2025.

The dismissal of Chet Snyder as Head Volleyball Coach & Student Life Coordinator at Frontier Community College was also approved effective October 22, 2025.

The next regular meeting of the Board of Trustees will be Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at 6:15 p.m. at Olney Central College, Olney, IL.

Allendale Fire Trustees Bring Concerns To County Board

Two trustees with the Allendale Rural Fire Protection District spoke to Wabash County Commissioners Monday about an issue concerning first responder coverage in the northwest portion of the county. Trustee Tim Winter said the issue involves Allendale first responder coverage in territory covered by the West Salem Fire Department…

Winter said legal advice has been sought on the situation…

Commissioners told Winter and Trustee Mark Gognat there wasn’t much anything the county could do to help resolve the issue. Commissioner Tim Hocking told the men the issue was between the Allendale and West Salem fire departments.

Overnight road closure planned for southbound U.S. 41 in Gibson County

GIBSON COUNTY Ind. – The Indiana Department of Transportation announces an overnight road closure for U.S. 41 in Gibson County.

Beginning on or around Tuesday, October 28, crews will begin an overnight closure of southbound U.S. 41 near Fort Branch. This closure will occur between County Road 550 South and County Road 600 South.

This road closure will allow for an emergency pipe replacement project. This road closure will occur nightly between 5 p.m. and 4 a.m. The road will be open to traffic during non-work hours. This project is expected to take four days to complete, depending on the weather.

The official detour for this project is State Road 64 to I-69 to State Road 168. Local traffic will have access up to the point of closure. INDOT reminds drivers to slow down, avoid distractions, and use extra caution while traveling in and around work zones.

Mount Carmel man arrested for OWI

On October 21, 2025, at 12:37 a.m. Gibson County Deputy Eric Powell conducted a traffic stop on a Black 1998 Jeep for speeding on US 41 near County Road 950 South.  Upon approaching the vehicle Deputy Powell detected multiple clues that the driver 23-year-old Logan Griffith of Mount Carmel was under the influence of an unknown intoxicant.  At that point Deputy Powell began a roadside OWI investigation.  At the conclusion of the investigation Deputy Powell had Probable Cause to believe that Mr. Griffith was intoxicated and placed him into custody and transported him to the Gibson County Detention Center where he was charged with Possession of Marijuana and Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated. 
 
Deputy Powell 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.

LINCOLN TRAIL COLLEGE TO HOLD GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY FOR NEW CAREER AND TECHNICAL TRAINING CENTER

Robinson, IL—Illinois Capital Development Board (CDB) announced today construction is underway on the $13.4 million Career and Technical Training Center at Lincoln Trail College, one of four colleges within Illinois Eastern Community Colleges.

Lincoln Trail College will hold a groundbreaking ceremony for its new Career and Technical Training Center on Tuesday, October 21, at 4:30 p.m. The state-of-the-art facility will serve as a hub for hands-on training in Welding, Process Technology, and Broadband Telecommunications, creating new pathways for students and strengthening the local workforce.

“From local high school and college students to members of Illinois’ skilled workforce, Lincoln Trail College’s new facility will provide vital career development opportunities for the people of southeastern Illinois,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “I’m proud to see even more shovels in the ground as colleges across our state grow, offering key technical programs that help make our workforce the best in the nation. I look forward to seeing this new facility in Robinson come to life.”

Construction mobilized with site preparation and groundwork in August, marking the start of a project more than 20 years in the making.

“This has been a long-term vision for Lincoln Trail College and our community,” said LTC President Tona Ambrose. “We’re thrilled to see it becoming a reality. This building represents opportunity—an investment in students, in Crawford County, and in the future of technical education.”

The Career and Technical Training Center will provide modern, industry-aligned learning spaces where students can develop the skills employers need most. The programs it houses prepare graduates for high-demand, high-wage careers in fields vital to Illinois’ economy.

The scope of work includes the construction of a single-story building encompassing approximately 30,000 square feet. The new facility will include classroom and laboratory space to support a wide range of technical programs.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in welding, process technology, and telecommunications are all projected to grow in the coming decade, with average annual salaries ranging from $48,000 to $70,000.

“This facility is going to open doors for students, for employers, and for the region,” said IECC Chancellor Dr. Ryan Gower. “It will give people the tools to build better careers and better lives—without ever leaving southeastern Illinois.”

In addition to serving traditional college students, the facility will support dual credit and workforce partnerships. High school students will have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience and earn college credit, while area employers will benefit from customized training and upskilling opportunities through IECC’s Business and Industry division.

“This is about creating a strong, connected talent pipeline,” Ambrose said. “From high school students to adults returning to learn new skills, this center will empower people to achieve their goals and drive our local economy forward.”

The Illinois Capital Development Board (CDB) will oversee the project in accordance with the protocol for state-appropriated construction projects. H.E. Mitchell Construction is serving as the general contractor, and Graham & Hyde Architects, Inc. is the architecture and engineering firm for the project.

“We are excited to begin this project at Lincoln Trail College, which will greatly impact the regional economy,” said CDB Executive Director, TJ Edwards. “Ensuring a skilled workforce is trained and ready to meet industry needs is critical to supporting Illinois’ continued growth, and the new Career and Technical Training Center will be an important resource for advancing educational opportunities in the area.”