On January 19, 2026, at 12:49 a.m. Gibson County Deputy Michael Bates conducted a traffic stop on a Black 2009 Honda Accord after observing the vehicle fail to maintain its lane of travel multiple times on US 41 near County Road 100 West. Upon approaching the vehicle attempted to identify the driver of the vehicle, but the driver did not have a license and could not provide any other form of identification. Further the driver who was later identified as 38-year-old Alvaro Diaz Cardenas of Princeton stated that he had never obtained a valid operator’s license. Once Deputy Bates was finished with the roadside investigation, he placed Mr. Cardenas into custody and transported him to the Gibson County Detention Center where he was charged with Operator Never Licensed.
Deputy Levi Sims and Princeton Officer Jackie Wood assisted Deputy Bates 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.
Mayor Joe Judge On Winter Storm Prep & Response
Mt. Carmel Mayor Joe Judge joined us on today’s Morning Show to talk about the City’s preparation and how they’ll respond to this weekend’s winter storm…
Winter Storm Discussion With NWS Meteorologist Kate Hickford
On today’s Morning Show, we visited with NWS Meteorologist Kate Hickford about the incoming winter storm and its’ impacts on the WSJD listening area….
INDOT, ISP & IDHS prepare for winter storm, widespread travel impacts expected
INDIANA – The Indiana Department of Transportation, Indiana State Police and Indiana Department of Homeland Security urge Hoosiers to prepare for a significant winter weather event this weekend.
A winter storm will have statewide impacts Saturday, January 24 through Sunday, January 25. Heavy snowfall is expected, especially for the southern half of the state. Lake effect is expected to follow in Northwest Indiana, continuing into Monday. Extremely cold temperatures and negative wind chills are forecasted Friday, January 23 through Tuesday, January 27..
The greatest impacts to travel will be Saturday evening through Sunday morning, but impacts are expected to be ongoing due to frigid temperatures and the possibility of blowing, drifting snow.
INDOT will have all available plows and drivers out on our state-maintained roads (state highways, interstates and U.S. routes). Preparations are being made now to ensure trucks, equipment and personnel are ready. Over 940 plow trucks and over 1,600 plow operators will be deployed over the weekend, with additional winter operations personnel providing support. Crews will remain active for the duration of the event and afterward to continue cleanup efforts.
It takes an average of two-to-three hours for crews to complete a full snow route. During heavy snowfall rates, roadways will become snow-covered between plow passes. Extreme temperatures will hinder the effectiveness of salt so plowing will be INDOT’s main course of action during this winter event. Drivers will treat as conditions allow, and additives may be used to increase the effectiveness of salt. These temperatures will also have an effect on plow fuel systems, requiring the use of fuel additives to prevent freezing.
Motorists are encouraged to keep these tips in mind over the course of this winter event:
Avoid travel during and immediately after winter weather if possible
Share travel plans with others, including route and estimated time of arrival
Have an emergency car kit that includes, at a minimum, water, snacks, blankets, extra clothing, phone charger, a small shovel and a flashlight
Clear snow from all over the vehicle, not just the windows
Consider using fuel treatments to prevent fuel lines from freezing due to extreme temperatures
Utilize main routes where help may be more readily available if needed
Be alert for flashing lights and always give snow plows, first responders and tow companies extra space to work
Drive to the conditions: leave early, slow down, and increase following and stopping distances
Do not overestimate your driving skills or the capability of your vehicle to handle the snow
When in doubt, stay off the road
Resources during winter weather:
National Weather Service Weather Briefing: https://www.weather.gov/ind/INwxbrief
Real-time road conditions via INDOT road and snow plow cameras: https://511in.org/ or the free “INDOT TrafficWise” mobile app: https://www.in.gov/indot/contact-indot/indot-mobile-app/
Updates via INDOT Social Media Channels: https://www.in.gov/indot/media-room/connect-with-social-media/
IDHS Travel Advisory Map: https://www.in.gov/dhs/travel-advisory-map/
Stay Informed
Motorists in Indiana can monitor road closures, road conditions, and traffic alerts any time via:X (formerly Twitter): @INDOT
TrafficWise: 511in.org
Mobile App: iTunes App Store and the Google Play store for Android
About the Indiana Department of Transportation
INDOT is responsible for planning, constructing, maintaining, and operating the State of Indiana’s more than 29,000 highway lane miles and 5,700 bridges, and providing support for 4,500 rail miles and 127 aviation facilities throughout the Hoosier State. With six district offices and over 3,500 employees, INDOT works to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable transportation infrastructure while supporting the state’s economic vitality. The department is committed to fostering innovation, sustainability, and safety in transportation planning and development, in addition to collaborating with local governments and private sector partners to meet the state’s transportation needs. For the eighth consecutive year, Indiana has placed in the top ten in the nation for infrastructure in CNBC’s “America’s Top States for Business” rankings. Learn more at in.gov/indot.About Buckle Up Phone Down
Buckle Up Phone Down is a safety initiative adopted by the Indiana Department of Transportation in late 2023. Unrestrained motorists and passengers, as well as distracted driving continue to be contributing factors in fatal and serious injury crashes on Indiana roadways. Buckle Up Phone Down is one of many efforts to change driver behavior and improve roadway safety across Indiana.The actions are simple: when you get into a vehicle, buckle up. If you are the driver, put the phone down. Every trip. Every time. Learn more and accept the challenge at BUPDIN.com.
Allendale School Board Notes
At the January 2026 Allendale School Board meeting held in the Library of Allendale School, the board:
Approved the 2025-2026 Certified Seniority List.
Approved a Resolution to Abate a portion of the Tax Levy concerning the Taxable General Obligation Bond the district currently has. The abated portion will come from the 1% Sales Tax proceeds. This will amount to $22,249.25.
The board discussed the tentative 2026-2027 School Calendar. The calendar will be board approved at the February 18, 2026 meeting.
Approved to discard obsolete/excess equipment. The items are the 2003 edition of first grade Social Studies textbooks.
Approved the hiring of Heidy Wankel, Individual Aide, effective January 5, 2026
Home School Parents Make Case To School Board
A large group of supporters turned out Tuesday evening for the Wabash District #348 School Board meeting, urging the board to allow homeschooled students to participate in district extracurricular activities, including athletics.
Speaking on behalf of the group was Michelle Musgrave, a parent, taxpayer, and District 348 graduate who also previously taught in the district. Musgrave emphasized her respect for the district’s educators and said her family’s decision to homeschool is based on religious conviction, an option permitted under Illinois law.
Musgrave told the board that homeschool families contribute to the school district through property taxes and community involvement, and she argued that allowing homeschooled and private school students to participate in extracurricular activities would strengthen community ties rather than weaken them. She said such a policy could also benefit the district by expanding the pool of student-athletes, building school pride, and potentially increasing enrollment and funding.
Musgrave cited Illinois State Board of Education policy that allows homeschool students to attend public schools part-time under certain conditions and noted that, in some cases, part-time students may already participate in extracurricular activities tied to their coursework. She asked the board to go further by adopting IHSA guidelines, which would allow homeschool students to participate in all extracurricular activities if eligibility requirements are met.
Those requirements include enrollment in at least one credit-bearing class at the public school, meeting weekly academic standards, complying with IHSA bylaws, and paying required tuition and fees. Musgrave also noted that several nearby districts, including Grayville, Robinson, and Vienna, have already adopted similar policies.
The board did not take action Tuesday night, as the issue was not listed on the meeting agenda.
IECC Board Summary
The Board of Trustees of the Illinois Eastern Community College District No. 529 met Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at Lincoln Trail College, Robinson, Illinois.
Program Director of Institutional Assessment & Effectiveness Brandon Weger introduced a governance-focused Key Performance Indicator framework that organizes Board-level questions around IECC’s four institutional pillars and connects those questions to clear performance areas and initial metrics to guide accountability and planning.
The Board approved the minutes of the Board of Trustees regular and special meetings held on December 9, 2025.
An agreement between Southern Illinois University (SIU) and IECC for continuation of the Motorcycle Rider Program was approved by the Board.
Affiliation agreements were approved by the Board with Crawford County Cares & Middle Tennessee School of Anesthesia.
The Board waived a second reading and approved the following policies:
• Employee Code of Conduct Policy 400.38 is a new policy to strengthen governance, promote consistent expectations across the District, and support IECC’s mission and values.
• Employee Disciplinary Policy 400.39 is a new policy to support employee corrective action when appropriate, while also protecting the rights of employees and interests of the institution.
The Board approved proposed transfer pathways as a key step in the district’s transition to a Guided Pathways model, providing clearer routes and stronger support for students beginning Fall 2026.
Approval of employment was given for Ronald Banta as Maintenance Worker/O&M Team Lead, OCC effective January 26, 2026.
Resignation ratifications were approved for Avery Miller, Custodian, OCC effective December 11, 2025 and Cori Stringfellow as Nursing Instructor, WVC effective January 6, 2026.
The next regular meeting of the Board of Trustees will be Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 6:15 p.m. at Olney Central College, Olney, IL.
Latest Jobless Rates Mixed In SE Illinois
Unemployment rates for November show mixed results across southeastern Illinois, with job losses reported in the Mt. Carmel–Olney labor market region.
According to the latest figures, total nonfarm payrolls in the region declined by 375 jobs in November 2025 compared to November of last year. Employment gains were reported in Private Education and Health Services, which added 100 jobs.
Year over year, payroll totals were unchanged in the Information and Professional-Business Services sectors. However, job losses were recorded across several industries, including Trade, Transportation and Utilities, down 100 jobs. Financial Activities fell by 75 jobs, while Leisure and Hospitality, Manufacturing, and Other Services each lost 50 jobs. Construction and Government were each down 25 jobs, along with Natural Resources and Mining.
Looking at county unemployment rates for November, Wabash County reported a rate of 4.1 percent, up from 3.2 percent a year ago. Edwards County’s rate increased to 4 percent from 3.4 percent. White County rose to 4.7 percent, compared to 4 percent last November. Lawrence County posted a 5 percent unemployment rate, up from 4.2 percent, while Wayne County increased to 4.6 percent from 3.8 percent. Richland County’s rate climbed to 4 percent, compared to 3.3 percent a year earlier.
State labor officials note that while some sectors continue to add jobs, overall employment challenges remain across the region.
Oakland City woman arrested
On January 16, 2026, at 9:52 p.m. law enforcement went to 695 South State Road 57 near Oakland City to serve an arrest warrant on 57-year-old Diane Moade. Law enforcement surrounded the residence and gave multiple loud and clear orders for Ms. Moade to come out and comply with law enforcement. Ultimately law enforcement entered the residence and took her into custody. She was transported to the Gibson County Detention Center where she was booked in on the arrest warrant as well as a new charge of resisting law enforcement.
Deputies Wes Baumgart, U.B. Smith and Shawn Holmes assisted Deputy Wyatt Lashbrook in the investigation of this incident.
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Evansville man arrested for traveling 114 mph on US 41
On January 16, 2026, at 10:39 p.m. Gibson County Deputy Erick Powell clocked a vehicle traveling at 114 mph on US 41 near County Road 650 South. Upon catching up to the vehicle, an Orange 2012 Ford Mustang Deputy Powell and Fort Branch Officer Darrell Parker conducted a Felony Traffic stop. Upon placing the driver 19-year-old Wensley Demosthenes into custody Deputy Powell transported him to the Gibson County Detention Center after observing clues that the driver may be under the influence to conduct an OWI investigation. Once the investigation was completed Mr. Demosthenes was booked in on charges of Reckless Driving and 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.
