Girl Scout Cabin For Sale

The Mt. Carmel City Council has approved moving forward with a request for proposals to sell the former Girl Scout cabin located at First and Walnut Streets.

City Clerk Ryan Turner discussed the issue during last week’s City Council meeting, explaining that the city has been exploring options for the excess property and has received interest from a group looking to purchase the building. Turner said the city worked with a firm from the Metro East area to develop a formal Request for Proposal, or RFP, in compliance with state law.

Under the proposal process, the property will be offered without a set sale price, allowing interested parties to submit packets outlining their proposed purchase price and intended use for the building. Turner said the council will review each proposal and has the option to accept or reject any or all submissions.

Turner noted that any proposed use must meet specific criteria, including retail or commercial use, encouraging pedestrian activity and community engagement, being family-friendly and publicly accessible, and fitting the scale and character of the surrounding area. Private clubs or organizations would not qualify under the guidelines. The property being sold does not include the bluff adjacent to the cabin.

The council agreed to allow 45 days for interested parties to submit proposals, giving potential buyers time to inspect the property and prepare detailed plans. The motion to issue the request for proposals was approved by a roll call vote.

Once proposals are received, the City Council will review them and consider next steps at a future meeting.

WSJD File Photo

Duck hunters rescued after boat freezes in river

Indiana Conservation Officers responded to a call for help on the White River on Saturday and rescued five hunters after their boat froze into the White River near Haysville.

At 11:37 a.m., officers responded to the call for help just east of the Haysville bridge.

Under weather conditions of 12 degrees and snow, with that area of the river nearly frozen from bank to bank, officers deployed an airboat, reached the hunters, and brought them safely to shore.

Other responding agencies included the Dubois County Sheriff’s Department, Dubois County Emergency Medical Services, Haysville Fire Department, and Luce Township Fire Department (Spencer County). 

MCPU Issues Update On Rising Natural Gas Prices

As Mt. Carmel continues to dig out from the winter storm, residents are being warned to prepare for higher heating bills.

In a Monday Facebook post, Mt. Carmel Public Utility Company says the massive national impact of the storm has driven natural gas prices higher across the country. As a result, customers who heat with natural gas should expect above-average heating bills for the end of January and into February.

MCPU is encouraging customers to conserve energy when possible, to help reduce the impact of rising natural gas costs.

Utility officials say customers who are struggling to keep up with higher heating bills are urged to contact Mt. Carmel Public Utility as soon as possible. Assistance and payment options may be available by calling 618-262-5151 or the toll-free number 1-877-262-7036.

Additional help may also be available through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, known as LIHEAP. Wabash County residents can contact Wabash Area Development Incorporated at 618-262-4151, while Lawrence County residents should contact Embarras River Basin Agency at 618-943-2938.

Officials say reaching out early can help residents stay warm and avoid service interruptions as extreme cold continues across the region.

Princeton man arrested for driving on suspended license

On January 24, 2025, at 10:46 p.m. Gibson County Deputy Levi Sims conducted a traffic stop on a Silver 2006 Mitsubishi hatchback in the 300 block of South Main Street in Princeton.  Upon approaching the vehicle Deputy Sims confirmed the identity of the driver as 44-year-old Christopher McGillem of Princeton, who he knew was suspended on a prior driving while suspended conviction.  After a brief investigation Mr. McGillem was taken into custody and transported to the Gibson County Detention Center where he was charged with Driving While Suspended Prior. 
 
Deputy Michael Bates and Princeton Sgt. Ben Kiesel 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.

Elwood, Indiana teen arrested for OWI

On January 25, 2026, at 3:36 a.m. Gibson County Deputies were dealing with a stranded motorist in the construction on US 41 near County Road 100 West.  While deputies were attending the motorist who had the only lane of travel blocked Sgt. John Fischer was at the beginning of the construction area, stopping traffic.  While Sgt. Fischer was stopping traffic, a White 2025 Ram truck passed Sgt. Fischer’s fully marked vehicle that was actively displaying its red and blue emergency lights.  As the vehicle made its way to the stranded vehicle Deputy Michael Bates stopped the vehicle for disregarding an emergency vehicle.  Upon approaching the vehicle Deputy Bates detected obvious signs of impairment coming from the driver 18-year-old Gabriel Rogers of Elwood, Indiana.  At that point Deputy Bates began a roadside OWI investigation which ultimately lead to Mr. Rogers being taken into custody and transported to the Gibson County Detention Center.  Upon arriving at the detention center Mr. Rogers was charged with Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated-Endangerment, Possession of a Schedule II Substance, and Minor Possession of an Alcoholic Beverage. 
 
Arresting Officer Michael Bates was assisted in his investigation by Deputies Levi Sims and John Fischer. 
 
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Princeton man arrested for OWI

On January 25, 2026, at 5:39 p.m. Gibson County Deputy Wyatt Hunt observed a Red Toyota Corolla stuck in the snow on the overpass at US 41 and County Road 300 South blocking vehicle access to the ramp onto Northbound US 41.  Upon approaching the vehicle Deputy Hunt detected the odor of burnt Marijuana and other clues that the driver 35-year-old Dakota Candler of Princeton may be under the influence.  At that point Deputy Hunt began a roadside OWI investigation.  At the conclusion of the investigation Deputy Hunt had probable cause to charge Mr. Candler with Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated and Possession of Marijuana. 
 
Deputies Wes Baumgart, Eric Powell, and Loren Barchett 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.

Pre-Trial Hearing Held For Mt. Carmel Man

A Mount Carmel man facing multiple domestic violence charges was back in court Thursday for a pre-trial hearing.

During the hearing, State’s Attorney Kelli Storckman and defense attorney Melissa Doran discussed evidentiary issues. Doran is expected to provide discovery to the prosecution by February 12th, ahead of the final pretrial hearing scheduled for February 19th. Judge Denton Aud stated that the defendant’s continued confinement remains necessary.

Earlier this month, 34-year-old Jeremy Birkla waived his preliminary hearing and entered pleas of not guilty to all charges. A motion for pre-trial release was denied, with the court finding that Birkla’s continued detention is required to avoid a real and present threat to the safety of individuals or the community, based on specific, articulable facts of the case. Birkla remains lodged in the Wabash County Jail.

According to court records, Birkla is charged with aggravated domestic battery, a Class 2 felony, after allegedly choking his girlfriend during an incident on November 23rd. He also faces charges of unlawful restraint, domestic battery, and interference with the reporting of domestic violence, stemming from allegations that he prevented the woman from leaving, struck her in the face, and took her phone to keep her from contacting police or medical personnel.

Prosecutors have also filed a separate domestic battery charge related to an alleged incident on November 21st, along with criminal damage to property for allegedly breaking the victim’s vehicle window on November 10th.

A jury trial set for March 2nd.

Court records further show Birkla previously pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter in the 2012 death of Billy Gunzel and was sentenced to probation and periodic imprisonment.

Lifesaver Awards Handed Out At City Council Meeting

Three Mount Carmel emergency personnel were honored Tuesday night for life-saving actions during two separate incidents.

During the Mount Carmel City Council meeting, Police Chief Mike McWilliams presented Lifesaving Awards to 911 Dispatcher Mary Sweppy, Police Officer Dayton Brim, and Sergeant Gilbert Santos.

Dispatcher Sweppy was recognized for her role in rescuing a driver who became trapped in high water at Bon Pas Creek last year. Chief McWilliams said Sweppy’s calm demeanor and quick thinking helped guide the driver to safety by instructing him to climb out of his vehicle and onto the roof as floodwaters rose. While keeping the victim on the line, Sweppy simultaneously coordinated multiple emergency responders. McWilliams said her actions likely prevented a drowning.

In a separate incident, Officer Dayton Brim and Sergeant Gilbert Santos were honored for saving the life of a Mount Carmel woman who had stopped breathing during the early morning hours. Officers arrived on scene and used an AED to deliver a shock before continuing CPR until first responders arrived. The woman later made a full recovery.

Chief McWilliams praised all involved for their training, professionalism, and teamwork, saying outcomes like these require every step to go right. He also noted the vital role dispatchers play during emergencies.

The awards were presented before council members and community members, who responded with applause in appreciation of the life-saving efforts.

The video of the presentation can be found via this link:

https://www.facebook.com/reel/2009932832913150

Heavy snow, extreme cold, dangerous wind chills creating hazardous travel ​ conditions across Illinois

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Transportation and Illinois State Police are warning the public that a winter storm with heavy snow as well as bitterly cold temperatures and dangerous wind chills will have major impacts on Illinois roads this weekend and potentially into next week. Travel is not advised in the areas most affected. 

 “Our snow and ice teams will be prepared and out in force. But with the extreme weather forecasted, any kind of travel will put you and others at risk, especially during the overnight hours,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Gia Biagi. “Staying home during any severe weather event always is your safest option. If you must be on the roads, please take precautions because conditions could be life-threatening.” 

 The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for the southern half of the state and an extreme cold warning for most of Illinois. Areas south of Effingham and into Southern Illinois and the Metro East could see 8 to 12 inches of snow, starting Saturday morning and into Sunday evening. Totals across central Illinois could reach 8 inches, with as much as 4 inches in Kankakee, Peoria and Macomb. Between 1 and 4 inches are anticipated in the Chicago area, with totals decreasing toward Rockford and the Quad Cities. ​ 

 Winds reaching 25 mph will create blowing and drifting, reducing visibility and challenging efforts to combat snow and ice. Temperatures will stay below zero degrees across most of Illinois, with wind chill factors between minus 5 and minus 40. 

 In preparation for this weekend’s weather, IDOT has been pretreating roads and bridges, loading plows with salt and other materials. Crews will be out throughout the weekend and into next week. However, due to subzero temperatures, the effectiveness of salt and materials to treat roads will be substantially diminished, creating slick and slippery conditions at all times. Additionally, blowing and drifting snow will quickly deteriorate conditions on roads that have just been plowed and treated. ​ ​ 

 “The bitter cold and large snow amounts forecasted this weekend for parts of the state can lead to dangerous driving conditions that could put not only your life at risk, but the lives of troopers and other law enforcement officers, emergency services, tow truck drivers and anyone else on the roads,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. “It's simple: If you don't have to drive, don't. If you must go out, give yourself extra time, go slow and have an emergency kit in your vehicle.” 

 Statewide, IDOT has nearly 1,900 trucks and equipment available to spread salt, plow snow and respond to weather emergencies as needed across more than 45,000 lanes miles. Do not crowd the plows. Give them plenty of room to do their jobs and do not attempt to pass too closely. Conditions in front of the plow are going to be worse than behind it. 

 If you absolutely have to travel, please drive according to conditions at all times, reducing speed, increasing braking distances and allowing more space between you and other vehicles. Take it especially slow when approaching intersections, ramps, bridges, shaded areas and other locations prone to icing. Check current winter road conditions 24/7 at GettingAroundIllinois.com. You also can follow IDOT on Facebook, X and Instagram. ​ 

 Other tips if you have to travel: 

 Check the forecast before leaving and make sure someone is aware of your travel route and schedule. Anticipate much longer travel times. ​ 

• Make sure your windshield is clear of snow and ice. ​ ​ 

• Fill up your tank or fully charge your vehicle and pack winter weather essentials, such as a cellphone charger, traction materials, warm clothes, blankets, food, water, first-aid kit, washer fluid and ice scraper. ​ 

• Give them distance. Obey the Move Over law by slowing down and changing lanes when approaching ANY stopped vehicle. 

• Always wear a seat belt. It’s the law and your best protection in the event of a crash. 

• Drop it and drive. Put down the mobile devices. This, too, is the law. 

• If you are involved in a crash, remain inside your vehicle. Exiting it during inclement weather with reduced visibility can have fatal consequences. 

Knoxville woman arrested for Public Intoxication

On January 23, 2026, at 3:16 a.m.  Gibson County Central Dispatch received a 911 report of an unconscious person in a bathroom at Enova located at 858 East County Road 350 South.  Communications Officers sent Law Enforcement, Medics, and Fire to the scene and upon arriving they located the subject and began treatment.  During an investigation of the incident, it was determined that 26-year-old Musavyimana Claudine of Knoxville, Tennessee was extremely intoxicated testing over three times the legal limit.  Ms. Claudine was transported to Deaconess Gibson by law enforcement for medical clearance and then taken to the Gibson County Detention Center where she was charged with Public Intoxication.
 
Arresting Officer Michael Bates was assisted by Sgt. John Fischer and Deputy Wyatt Lashbrook as well as Princeton Officers Jackie Wood and Noah Fehribach.
 
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.