Ensuring the safety of our students, staff, and community is our top priority. After school on Tuesday, April 7th, graffiti was found in a restroom at Carmi-White County High School that discussed a possible future threat of violence against Carmi-White County High School. This possible threat of violence was reported to the Administration and the School Resource Officer. Carmi-White County CUSD #5 has been working closely with law enforcement to ensure the safety of our students, staff, and community. After a thorough investigation into a potential threat, law enforcement has confirmed there is no active threat, allowing us to proceed with regular school activities tomorrow. To enhance safety and provide peace of mind, there will be an increased law enforcement presence and additional security measures implemented during school activities. We appreciate everyone’s support to ensure the safety of our students, staff, and community.
Drug Awareness and Safety Day At MCHS
From Amy Duckworth, MCHS Principal:
MCHS students and staff were fortunate to participate in our first Drug Awareness and Safety Day organized by School Resource Officer Eric Emmons. The success of this event was made possible through the collaboration and support of the Mt. Carmel Police Department, Illinois State Police, Wabash County Sheriff’s Department, Wabash County Health Department Drug-Free Community Coalition, WGH Ambulance Service, Mt. Carmel Fire Department, Wabash Emergency Management Agency, Stat Flight #6 and Glenn's Auto Repair and Towing Service.
Throughout the day, students engaged in informative presentations led by SRO Emmons and representatives from the Illinois State Police, focusing on the dangers of substance use and the importance of making safe, responsible decisions.
The culminating event took place by Little Legends Field, where students observed a simulated emergency response. The mock scenario depicted a two-vehicle collision involving teens leaving an After Prom event. Students listened to a live 911 call and watched first responders act in real time.
This powerful and educational experience reinforced the importance of proactive safety awareness and the real-life consequences of impaired decision-making. MCHS extends our sincere appreciation to all agencies and individuals who contributed to making this day impactful for our students.
Two Sentenced To DOC In Separate Cases
Wabash County State’s Attorney Kelli Storckman has announced two recent felony sentencing cases in Wabash County Circuit Court.
On March 2nd, 37-year-old Eric Swanson of Mt. Carmel was sentenced to five years in the Illinois Department of Corrections after pleading guilty to Aggravated Intimidation, a Class 2 felony. The sentence was handed down by Circuit Judge William Hudson.
In a separate case on March 16th, 42-year-old Justin Gourley of Mt. Carmel was also sentenced to five years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. Gourley pleaded guilty to Felon in Possession of a Weapon, a Class 3 felony.
Both sentences were issued in Wabash County Circuit Court.
Greater Wabash Regional Planning Commission Board of Directors elects new Officers
ALBION, IL — The GWRPC Board of Directors elected officers for 2026 at the board meeting on Thursday, March 19th. All four current officers were reappointed for an additional one-year term. Rob Anniss, of Richland County, will continue as Commission Chairman; David Savage, of Wayne County, will continue serving as Vice-Chairman; Scott Merkle, of Wayne County, will continue as Secretary; and Randy Hallam, of Edwards County, will continue serving as Commission Treasurer. The GWRPC Board of Directors hosts members from all seven counties the Commission serves and oversees Commission activities.
The GWRPC mission is to serve the Greater Wabash District by providing local, regional, and comprehensive planning, facilitating knowledge enhancement, securing and administering funds and promoting cooperative solutions to regional issues. The seven counties in the GWRPC Economic Development District include: Crawford, Edwards, Lawrence, Richland, Wabash, Wayne, and White. For more information, please visit www.gwrpc.com
Trial Of Edwards County Man Pushed Back To July
The jury trial of an Edwards County man has been delayed once again.
Keith Armstrong’s trial had been scheduled to begin today in Wabash County Circuit Court, but proceedings were postponed due to the unavailability of a witness.
Court officials say jurors who were scheduled to appear today are no longer required to report. The trial has been rescheduled for July 6th. Pre-trial conferences are set for May 11th and June 8th.
Armstrong, 42, of Albion, was arrested by Mt. Carmel Police in May of 2022 on a Wabash County warrant following an investigation into the alleged sexual abuse of a child dating back to 2014 and 2015.
He was taken into custody at the courthouse on an unrelated matter and initially held on a 50-thousand dollar cash bond. That bond was later reduced to one-thousand dollars, which he posted.
Armstrong faces multiple Class 1 and Class 2 felony charges and is represented by Public Defender William Easton.
The case has seen several delays, with the trial originally scheduled to begin in January of 2023.
As with all cases, the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
2022 File Photo
Accident leads to arrest of Princeton man for DUI
On April 2, 2026, at 7:13 p.m. Gibson County Central Dispatch received a report of a vehicle in a ditch in the 600 block of East 250 South. Deputy Bart Wagner and Princeton Officer David Jones arrived on scene and discovered a Silver 2005 Cadillac Deville on its side with the driver outside of the vehicle. Upon speaking with the driver, 22-year-old Keaton Winkler of Princeton officers observed obvious clues that the driver was under the influence. At that point they began a roadside DUI investigation that resulted in Mr. Winkler being taken into custody and transported to the Gibson County Detention Center. Upon arriving at the detention center Mr. Winkler was charged with Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated.
Arresting Officer Bart Wagner was assisted in his investigation by Princeton Officer David Jones and Deputies Wyatt Lashbrook and Wyatt Hunt.
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
ISP ANNOUNCES RESULTS OFALCOHOL COUNTERMEASURE ENFORCEMENTSURVEILLANCE DETAILS
MOUNT CARMEL – Illinois State Police (ISP) Zone 8 Commander Holly Finney announces the results of Alcohol Countermeasure Enforcement (ACE) surveillance at various establishments in Wabash County on April 1, 2026. The detail was conducted to determine which businesses may be selling alcoholic beverages to minors (persons under 21 years of age). The ultimate goals are to enforce underage drinking laws and save lives by preventing impaired driving crashes and fatalities.
A total of 18 locations were surveilled. Five establishments were involved in the sale of an alcoholic beverage to a minor.
Business Name / Employee
West Berwick Management INC: Neve Knapp
CVS Pharmacy #6887: Amber Thompkins
Tenpins LLC: Lawrence Byrns
Eagles: Brandy Keele
El Cactus Cuisine: Emely Gonzalez
The employees were cited for Unlawful Delivery of Alcoholic Liquor to a Minor, a Class A misdemeanor. The public is reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. ISP commends establishments and their employees that do not sell alcohol to minors. This project is funded through the Illinois Department of Transportation.
Mayor Urges Safety as Recreational Vehicle Use Increases This Spring
Mount Carmel city leaders are reminding residents about safety and registration requirements for recreational vehicles as spring activity picks up.
At Monday’s City Council meeting, Mayor Joe Judge shared an update from Police Chief Erin Peach, who was unable to attend.
Judge says officers are seeing an increase in e-bikes, golf carts, and side-by-sides operating with outdated registration stickers. He says all units must display a valid 2026 sticker, and those without one could result in a traffic stop and citation.
Residents needing to register a vehicle are asked to call the Mt. Carmel Police Department’s non-emergency line at 262-4114 to schedule an appointment.
Judge also stressed that registrations do not transfer between owners. Even if a vehicle was previously registered, new owners must complete the process again to meet insurance requirements.
City officials are also urging parents to talk with their children about safety, especially when it comes to scooters.
Judge says there have been recent complaints about kids riding scooters in the roadway, creating dangerous situations for both riders and drivers.
In addition, officials reminded residents that golf carts may only be operated by licensed drivers, typically age 16 or older. Violations could result in losing the privilege to drive them on city streets.
City leaders say enforcement efforts will be increasing as warmer weather brings more outdoor activity.
Final Reminders Issued For Spring Cleanup Week
Mount Carmel residents are being reminded how this week’s large item trash pickup is working.
During Monday afternoon’s City Council meeting, Garbage Commissioner Susan Zimmerman said pickup is not continuous throughout the week, but instead follows each neighborhood’s regular garbage day.
Zimmerman says crews will only make one pass through each area. If items are not picked up after they’ve gone by, residents are responsible for removing them.
She also outlined several items that will not be accepted, including batteries, electronics, landscape waste, construction materials, oil, paint, tires, and unwrapped mattresses or box springs.
City officials stress that mattresses and box springs must be wrapped to be eligible for pickup.
Zimmerman added that large amounts of wood or lumber are also considered construction material and will not be collected.
Residents can dispose of unaccepted items at the city dump by purchasing a dump ticket at City Hall or, after hours, at the police department.
City leaders say understanding the guidelines will help ensure a smoother cleanup process across the community.
Plans Coming Together For America 250 Celebration in Mt. Carmel
Mount Carmel Mayor Joe Judge says early plans are underway for a major community celebration as part of America’s 250th anniversary.
Speaking at Monday afternoon’s City Council meeting, Judge said a planning group met last week with strong participation from several local organizations.
The mayor says the group is working toward a week-long celebration centered around the Fourth of July.
Judge says the idea is to host a full seven days of events to mark the America 250 milestone, with organizers already sharing a number of ideas.
A second planning meeting is scheduled for April 15th, and more details are expected to be announced soon.
Judge says the goal is to bring the community together for a memorable celebration next summer.