Final Totals Released For 2025 Operation Share Campaign

Wabash County Operation Share has released its final totals for the 2025 campaign, and organizers say the results show a strong increase in community support.

Wabash County Ministerial Association President, Reverend Kevin McGinnis, reported that the final donation for Operation Share was received this week, officially closing out the 2025 campaign. McGinnis said contributions and volunteer efforts increased over last year, allowing Operation Share to help more local families during the holidays.

In 2025, Operation Share assisted 250 families at Thanksgiving, up from 200 families in 2024. At Christmas, the program helped 300 families, compared to 250 the previous year. While fewer children received toys in 2025, with 385 kids served compared to 424 in 2024, overall outreach expanded significantly.

Financial support also saw a notable boost. The annual bell-ringing campaign raised just under 6,000 dollars in 2025, totaling 5,977 dollars and 71 cents, compared to just under 5,000 dollars the year before. Donations from the mailing campaign and other contributions climbed to more than 15,000 dollars in 2025, up from nearly 13,000 dollars in 2024.

Altogether, total donations for Operation Share reached more than 21,000 dollars in 2025, an increase of over 3,000 dollars from 2024.

Reverend McGinnis expressed gratitude to the many volunteers, donors, and churches who made the campaign possible, saying the generosity of Wabash County residents continues to make a meaningful difference for neighbors in need.

WGH Board Votes To Join Orthopedic Registries

The Wabash General Hospital Board of Directors has approved a request to participate in national orthopedic clinical registries operated by the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.

During the board meeting, Chief Operating Officer Tamara Gould presented the proposal to enroll the hospital in three AAOS registries: the American Joint Replacement Registry, the Shoulder and Elbow Registry, and the American Spine Registry.

Gould told the board the total cost for participation in all three registries will be $20,000 for the first year, followed by $17,000 annually in subsequent years. The agreement is based on the calendar year, renews automatically, and can be terminated with notice by December 1 of any renewal year.

According to Gould, participation in the registries will support quality improvement, benchmarking, compliance, and performance transparency for orthopedic services. The data collected will provide risk-adjusted outcomes to help drive clinical excellence, support physician engagement, and align the hospital with national standards.

Gould also noted the registry reporting helps meet Joint Commission requirements, including Advanced Total Hip and Knee Replacement certification, and could strengthen payer confidence by demonstrating quality outcomes. That, in turn, may open access to additional markets and attract patients seeking joint, spine, and orthopedic procedures.

Board members voted unanimously to approve entering into the Master Registry Participation Agreement with the AAOS.

North Dakota man arrested for DUI

On February 8, 2026, at 12:38 a.m. Gibson County Deputy Levi Sims conducted a traffic stop on a Red 2016 Nissan Sedan for traveling 85 mph in a 60-mph zone on US 41 north of Patoka.  Upon approaching the vehicle Deputy Sims detected multiple clues that the driver 36-year-old Demarcus Jackson of Bismark, North Dakota was impaired.  At that point Deputy Sims began a roadside DUI investigation.  Once the investigation was completed Deputy Sims placed Mr. Jackson into custody and transported him to the Gibson County Detention Center where he was charged with Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated and Operating a Vehicle Without Ever Having Received a Valid License. 
 
Sgt. John Fischer of the Gibson County Sheriff’s Office and Princeton Officers 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.

Mount Carmel man arrested for DUI

On February 6, 2026, at 11 p.m. Gibson County Deputy Eric Powell conducted a traffic stop on a Blue Ford F150 after observing the vehicle disregard the traffic signal on US 41 and State Road 68.  Upon approaching the vehicle Deputy Powell detected the odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from inside the vehicle.  At that point he began a roadside DUI investigation that resulted in the driver, 29-year-old Colton Dixon of Mount Carmel being taken into custody and transported to the Gibson County Detention Center.  Upon arriving at the detention center Mr. Dixon was charged with Operating a Motor Vehicle While Intoxicated. 
 
Deputy Powell was assisted in his investigation by Deputy Michael Bates and Haubstadt Officer Jason Marceaux. 
 
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Robinson man arrested for Possession of Marijuana

On February 6, 2026, at 2:54 p.m. Gibson County Deputy Wyatt Hunt conducted a traffic stop on a Silver 2014 BMW passenger for traveling 81 mph in a 60 mph zone on US 41 near County Road 775 North.  Upon approaching the vehicle Deputy Hunt detected the odor of raw Marijuana coming from inside the vehicle.  At that point Deputy Hunt began a roadside drug investigation where he seized 120 grams of raw Marijuana from the driver 22-year-old Alex Orr of Robinson, Illinois.  Mr. Orr was taken into custody and transported to the Gibson County Detention Center where he was charged with Possession of Marijuana with a Prior Conviction. 
 
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

WCHD Warns Of Dangers of Kratom

The Wabash County Health Department is warning residents about the growing dangers of emerging and enhanced drugs being sold legally at local gas stations and convenience stores.

Health Department representatives recently attended a training called “Tall Cops Say Stop,” which focuses on substances like kratom that are increasingly available over the counter. Officials say kratom has become a significant concern in the area, with more people seeking treatment related to its use.

Health officials explained that kratom is often marketed as a natural energy booster or mood enhancer, similar to caffeine products, but carries serious risks. The substance is chemically altered from plant material and can be consumed in several ways, including teas or smoking. Despite its legal status, health professionals say kratom can be highly addictive and may produce opioid-like effects.

The Health Department reports seeing more individuals impacted by kratom use at the health center, noting that it is frequently promoted in misleading ways that downplay its dangers. In some cases, convenience stores may even offer samples to encourage repeat purchases.

Officials emphasized that kratom use has had devastating consequences for some local families and urged the public to become better informed about what is being sold at gas stations and convenience stores. The Health Department says education and awareness are key steps in preventing further harm from these substances.

Wabash County Housing Authority Announces New Executive Director

The Board of Commissioners of the Wabash County Housing Authority is pleased to announce the appointment of Kelly Potts as Executive Director, effective December 2025.

Mrs. Potts and her family have been residents of Mt. Carmel for the past 13 years. She brings over 20 years of professional experience in organizational leadership, operational oversight, regulatory compliance, and strategic planning. Her career has included managing complex operations, overseeing audits and compliance processes, leading cross-functional initiatives, and implementing quality-driven systems focused on efficiency, accountability, and continuous improvement.

The Board believes Mrs. Potts’ background aligns well with the responsibilities of the Executive Director role, including regulatory compliance, fiscal stewardship, operational management, and long-term planning. Her experience will support the Housing Authority’s ongoing mission to provide safe, quality, and affordable housing while maintaining transparency and accountability.

The Wabash County Housing Authority looks forward to Mrs. Potts’ leadership and continued service to the residents of Wabash County

WSJD-FM 100.5 Adds The John Tesh Show to Weekday Lineup

MT. CARMEL, IL — WSJD-FM 100.5 is excited to announce the addition of The John Tesh Show, beginning Monday, February 16th. The program will air weekdays from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m. on WSJD-FM 100.5 and streaming online at wsjd.fm.

The John Tesh Show delivers a unique blend of real-life knowledge, expert advice, and engaging conversation starters on the topics that matter most to listeners and their families- all wrapped around a soundtrack of listeners’ favorite music. Known as “Intelligence for Your Life,” the show connects with audiences through practical insights, uplifting stories, and relatable everyday guidance.

John Tesh brings decades of experience as an internationally recognized entertainer, broadcaster, and musician. His career includes six Music Emmy Awards, two Grammy nominations, three gold records, seven Public Television specials, and more than 8 million records sold worldwide. His radio program alone generates an estimated 40 million gross impressions each week, while his social media platforms reach 20–25 million engagements weekly.

As a live performer, Tesh has captivated audiences at iconic venues including Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Carnegie Hall, The Kennedy Center, and the Coliseum in Rome. His televised concerts, most notably Live at Red Rocks, have raised more than $20 million for Public Television.

Beyond music, Tesh’s broadcasting career includes 12 years as an investigative journalist for CBS, a 10-year run as anchor of Entertainment Tonight, and work as a host and composer for the Barcelona and Atlanta Olympic Games. He is also the composer of the NBC Sports NBA theme, widely regarded as “the greatest sports theme song in television history.”

A lifelong musician, Tesh began playing trumpet and piano at age six, studied privately with instructors from The Juilliard School, performed with the New York State Symphonic Orchestra, and played Hammond B3 organ in Long Island rock bands during his youth.

WSJD-FM 100.5 is proud to bring The John Tesh Show to the Wabash Valley, offering listeners a fresh weekday afternoon destination filled with music, inspiration, and meaningful conversation.

For more information, listen weekdays from 1–6 p.m. on WSJD-FM 100.5 or online at wsjd.fm.

City Hall Battling Roof Leaks

A leaking roof at Mt. Carmel City Hall took center stage during Monday’s City Council meeting.

City Clerk Ryan Turner told council members the roof on the older portion of City Hall has deteriorated to the point of becoming an emergency situation. Turner said crews have been shoveling snow off the roof, but melting snow and ice have caused major leaks throughout the building.

According to Turner, water is getting between the roof line and interior insulation, forcing staff to remove soaked materials. He said the leaks have impacted multiple areas, including his office, an electrical room, a bathroom, and a hallway, adding that the city can no longer keep up with the damage.

Turner reported that ADG has indicated an emergency roof replacement could be completed, with an estimated cost of around $100,000, consistent with previous bids. Council members noted that as snow continues to melt, the situation is expected to worsen and could cause additional damage, including to the city’s server room.

Following discussion, a motion was made to authorize Mayor Joe Judge and Clerk Turner to move forward with ADG to complete the project as soon as possible. The council approved setting a spending limit of $110,000 for the emergency roof replacement.

The motion passed by roll call vote, clearing the way for repairs to begin immediately.

Wabash County Commissioners Hear Various Reports

Wabash County Commissioners met Monday evening, opening the meeting by recognizing the efforts of local road crews and first responders during last week’s winter storm.

Commissioners thanked highway workers, police, fire departments, WEMA, and emergency responders for working together to keep residents safe. Officials noted the Mt. Carmel Fire Department averaged about four first-responder calls per day during the worst conditions.

Highway Engineer Dustin Bunting reported crews were busy with snow removal and appreciated the public staying off the roads. He said cleanup and sanding continue in slick areas. Bunting also shared plans for upcoming bridge inspections and discussed right-of-way needs for a bridge on 700 East. He noted one snowplow was briefly damaged after sliding into a ditch, but damage appears minor. Bunting also announced the county purchased a surplus loader bucket from the City of Mt. Carmel to replace aging equipment.

Health Department Administrator Judy Wissel said respiratory illnesses remain high, with vaccinations and after-hours clinics ongoing. She also announced an opening for a registered nurse and noted the Department of Human Services is affected by the current government shutdown.

Treasurer Angela Broster reminded residents the second installment of property taxes is due Monday, February 9th. Payments received by the end of business day — or placed in the drop box before the next morning — will avoid penalties. Broster reported more than 80 percent of the tax levy has been collected.

Sheriff Derek Morgan reported only three weather-related slide-offs during the storm, calling it an unusually low number and crediting motorists for staying home when possible.

County Clerk Janet Will announced primary election ballots have been finalized, with early voting and vote-by-mail beginning Thursday, February 5th.

Commissioners also accepted a $3,600 dividend check from the HOPE Trust, presented by Snedeker Risk Management, reflecting strong performance of the county’s employee health plan.

The board declined to move forward with a resolution regarding a federal school scholarship tax credit and unanimously approved a designation recognizing Discover Downstate Illinois Tourism as the county’s certified tourism bureau for fiscal year 2026.

Commissioners also approved routine budget adjustments for 2025, noting increased revenues and lower-than-expected expenses compared to previous years.