On October 31, 2025, at 5:41 p.m. Gibson County Deputy Eric Powell conducted a traffic stop on a Gray Jeep speeding on US 41 near County Road 400 South. Upon approaching the vehicle Deputy Powell detected multiple clues that the driver 39-year-old Jessica Chambers of Richland was under the influence. At that point Deputy Powell began a roadside OWI investigation that resulted in Ms. Chambers being taken into custody and transported to the Gibson County Detention Center where she was charged with Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated and Possession of Marijuana.
Deputy Shawn Holmes, Princeton Officer David Jones, and Princeton Officer Brandt George assisted Deputy Powell 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.
Suspicious vehicle call leads to arrest of Oakland City man on Meth charge
On October 30, 2025, at 5:49 p.m. Gibson County Central Dispatch received a report of a suspicious vehicle in the area of County Road 450 East and County Road 450 South in the rural Francisco area. The caller stated that these two individuals had been seen in the are numerous times and were on property that did not belong to them. Law enforcement officers were dispatched to the area and located the vehicle. Upon stopping the vehicle Deputy Owens observed 58-year-old Darrell Mitchell of Oakland City take a black object out of his coat pocket and throw it in the tall weeds. At that point Mr. Mitchell and the other subject were placed into investigative custody while a search of the area was conducted with the assistance of Princeton K9 officer David Jones and his K9 partner Kilo. After a brief search the black pouch that contained Methamphetamines was recovered and Mr. Mitchell was taken into custody and transported to the Gibson County Detention Center. Upon arriving at the detention center Darrell Mitchell was charged with Possession of Methamphetamines.
Arresting Officer Eric Powell was assisted by officers from the Princeton Police Department, Oakland City Police Department, Haubstadt Police Department, and Gibson County Sheriff’s Office.
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Buckskin woman arrested on Meth charge
On October 30, 2025, at 7:44 p.m. Gibson County Deputies were dispatched to a residence in the 8600 block of South 850 East to conduct a welfare check of a resident there. Upon arriving at the residence, Deputies were unable to locate the individual and were speaking with neighbors when 38-year-old Mallory Logston of Buckskin rode up to the residence on a bicycle. While speaking with Ms. Logston they Methamphetamines were found on the ground near where she was and a brief investigation was conducted before Ms. Logston was taken into custody and transported to the Gibson County Detention Center. Deputy Wes Baumgart charged Ms. Logston with Possession of Methamphetamines.
The person whom deputies attempted to conduct the welfare check was able to be reached via phone.
Deputy Eric Powell assisted in this investigation.
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Princeton woman arrested for DUI
On October 26, 2025, at 12:44 a.m. Gibson County Deputy U.B. Smith conducted a traffic stop on a White 2018 Cadillac passenger car for failing to signal it’s turn onto Embree Street from Emerson Street in Princeton. Upon approaching the vehicle Deputy Smith detected multiple clues that the driver 64-year-old Shon Perry of Princeton was under the influence of alcohol. At that point Deputy Smith began a roadside DUI investigation. At the conclusion of his investigation Deputy Smith placed Ms. Perry into custody and transported her to the Gibson County Detention Center where she was charged with Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated.
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Traffic stop results in OWI charge for Paoli man
On October 26, 2025, at 05:23 a.m. Gibson County Deputy Michael Bates conducted a traffic stop on a White 2019 Chevy Silverado for speeding on State Road 64 West of Princeton. Upon stopping the vehicle near the entrance of Goodwill Deputy Bates detected multiple clues that the driver 45-year-old Christopher Howell of Paoli was under the influence of an unknown intoxicant. At that Deputy Bates began a roadside OWI investigation that resulted in Mr. Howell being taken into custody and transported to the Gibson County Detention Center. Upon arriving at the detention center Mr. Howell was charged with Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated, Possession of Methamphetamines, Possession of Marijuana, and Possession of Paraphernalia.
Princeton Officers Jason Swan, Brandt George, Logan Lashbrook and Jackie Wood assisted in this investigation.
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Traffic accident leads to arrest of Evansville man on OWI and drug charges
On October 29. 2025, at 6:53 p.m. Gibson County Central Dispatch received a 911 report of an accident involving a Black Chevy Silverado and two parked vehicles in Patoka. Upon arriving, Deputies spoke with the driver 46-year-old Joshua Hartley of Evansville. While speaking with Mr. Hartley Deputies detected clues that Mr. Hartley was under the influence of illegal drugs. At that point they began a roadside OWI investigation. At the conclusion of the investigation Deputy Wyatt Hunt placed Mr. Hartley into custody and transported him to the Gibson County Detention Center where he was charged with Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated with a Prior Conviction, Possession of Methamphetamines, and Possession of Marijuana.
Deputies Shawn Holmes and Sgt. Loren Barchett assisted Deputy Hunt in his investigation. Princeton Officer David Jones also assisted in this investigation.
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Updated Information: Woman Found Deceased in Bluegrass Fish and Wildlife Area
Warrick County: Indiana State Police, Warrick County Sheriff’s Office, and the Department of Natural Resources are still attempting to identify the woman located yesterday afternoon near a boat ramp in the Bluegrass Fish and Wildlife area on New Harmony Road near Klippel Road.
New Information:
The female has a tattoo of a heart with a ribbon that covers the front lower part of the heart. The heart is only an outline with no color. The ribbon is also an outline and extends from the heart on both sides. There are no words on or near the tattoo.
Physical Description:
White female
Age: Late teens to early 30’s
Dark hair
Approximately 5’ tall
Approximately 130 lbs.
Anyone with information concerning this incident or the possible identity of the female is encouraged to contact the Indiana State Police at 812-867-2079. Anyone with information can remain anonymous.
ISP ANNOUNCES RESULTS OF OCCUPANT RESTRAINT ENFORCEMENT PATROLS
EFFINGHAM – Illinois State Police (ISP) Troop 9 Commander, Lieutenant Brian Wilson, announces the results of Occupant Restraint Enforcement Patrols (OREP) held in Clay, Effingham, Fayette, Marion, Wabash, and White counties during October. These OREPs provided extra patrol coverage for the ISP so officers could focus on saving lives by making sure all vehicle occupants were buckled up.
Violations
Enforcement Activity
Safety Belt Citations 86
Child Restraint Citations 1
Total Citations 99
Total Written Warnings 31
Most motorists know safety belts save lives, but some ignore their safety and that of their families by neglecting to use safety belts and child restraint devices. These patrols reinforce the occupant protection message by focusing on those who ignore the law. Lives can be saved if people simp
D'oh, a deer: ‘Tis the season to look out for amorous mammals
SPRINGFIELD – The leaves are changing, the nights are getting longer, the smell of pumpkin spice is in the air – and deer are on the move. The Illinois Department of Transportation and Illinois Department of Natural Resources are reminding the public to be alert for deer as we enter peak mating season, with their movements and the chances for collisions both increasing, particularly at dawn and dusk through December.
“In your travels this fall, please remember that deer can appear suddenly and in some surprising environments,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Gia Biagi. “If you do see deer, the safest choice is to stay in your lane, brake firmly and avoid swerving in traffic to avoid them.”
In 2024, there were 14,436 crashes involving deer in Illinois. Of those, 13,733 resulted in damage to property or vehicles, while 698 caused injuries and five resulted in fatalities.
Although a collision with deer can happen at any time, Illinois is approaching the time of year when they occur the most. Last year, 6,027 (42%) crashes involving deer in Illinois occurred in October, November and December, with November being the highest-risk month at 3,037 (21%). Rural areas were the site of 9,963 (69%) crashes involving deer, with most – 11,467 (79%) – occurring at twilight or nighttime.
Safe driving tips for deer-mating season:
Deer adapt and thrive in the country, cities and suburbs. Always assume you’re in an area where deer can be present. Pay special attention to locations with deer crossing signs.
Scan the sides of the road for eye shine – the reflection of headlights in their eyes.
Slow down if you see a deer. Anticipate that other deer could be following.
Prepare for the unexpected. Deer may stop in the middle of the road and not move for oncoming vehicles.
If a collision is inevitable, don’t veer. Try to glance your vehicle off the deer and avoid swerving into the opposite lanes of traffic or off the road.
“Deer are a common part of the Illinois outdoors and are active during mating season,” said IDNR Director Natalie Phelps Finnie. “Drivers should be aware of their presence and drive cautiously this time of year, especially during dark and low-visibility conditions.”
The Top 10 Illinois counties for crashes involving deer in 2024:
Cook 550
McHenry 381
Sangamon 381
LaSalle 358
Lake 353
Will 342
Kane 336
Madison 336
Fulton 309
Rock Island 304
If you hit a deer, pull off to the shoulder, turn on your hazard lights and call 911. Do not exit the vehicle to check on an injured deer or pull it from the road.
For information on how to claim a deer involved in a crash, or to report possession of a deer killed in a crash, click here or visit the IDNR website.
Longtime WSJD Radio Personality Rodger Beard Announces Retirement
Mount Carmel, IL – [Nov. 3rd, 2025] – After more than 50 years behind the microphone, beloved WSJD radio personality Rodger Beard has announced his retirement from the airwaves. A familiar voice to generations of listeners across the Wabash Valley, Rodger’s final broadcast will take place on Saturday, January 10th, 2026, marking the end of an era in local radio.
Rodger has been a cornerstone of WSJD since 2014, connecting with listeners through his warmth and deep community roots. Whether hosting the Morning Show, spinning country classics, or calling high school sports with Hall of Famer Scott Allen, Rodger’s voice has been a trusted and comforting presence for decades.
“Rodger Beard is more than just a radio host—he’s a part of the fabric of our community,” said Kevin Madden, General Manager of WSJD Radio. “His professionalism, dedication, and love for local radio have made an impact that will be felt for years to come. We are deeply grateful for everything he has contributed to WSJD and to our listeners. He will truly be missed on the air, but he has more than earned this next chapter.”
Rodger’s career has spanned 5 decades, during which he became a household name throughout southeastern Illinois and southwestern Indiana. His passion for local broadcasting and his commitment to keeping the community informed and entertained have set a standard for excellence at WSJD.
Rodger has become a Tri-State staple for Classic Country music fans hosting a Saturday morning Classic Country show for almost 30 years on various stations. The final Rodger’s Country Gems will air on Saturday, January 10th from 7am to 9am on WSJD.
WSJD will host a Chamber of Commerce After Hours Mixer on January 15th from 4:30pm to 6pm, where colleagues and listeners will have the opportunity to share memories, stories, and well-wishes.
WSJD invites all listeners to tune in and celebrate Rodger’s incredible career and contributions to local radio.
