Sheriff: Warmer Weather Brings Increase In Calls

Wabash County Sheriff Derek Morgan provided an update to the county commissioners Monday afternoon, noting increased activity as warmer weather moves into the area.

Morgan reported that Ryan Spore is set to graduate from the corrections academy on May 15th. He also said part-time correctional officers recently attended training in Lawrenceville.

The sheriff told commissioners that his department has been busy in recent weeks, with calls for service increasing as temperatures rise.

Morgan added that investigations involving methamphetamine and child pornography have been a focus for deputies.

He also encouraged the public to continue reporting suspicious activity, saying tips and phone calls from residents are appreciated and helpful in ongoing investigations.

Additional Details Released in Arrest of Bellmont Man on Child Exploitation Charges

Wabash County Sheriff J. Derek Morgan has released additional details regarding the arrest of a Bellmont man we first reported on earlier this week.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, deputies executed a court-authorized search warrant on April 29th at a residence on North Freetrade Street in Bellmont as part of an investigation into the possession and dissemination of child sexual abuse material.

During the search, 28-year-old Gage E. Hoffman was taken into custody without incident. Investigators say electronic evidence believed to be connected to the case was recovered at the scene. Authorities also report obtaining statements indicating the alleged sharing and storage of material through online platforms.

Hoffman was transported to the Wabash County Jail and initially charged with possession of child pornography. The investigation remains active, with additional forensic analysis of electronic devices ongoing.

The Wabash County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Mt. Carmel Police Department and the Illinois Attorney General’s Office.

As previously reported, Hoffman now faces seven Class X felony charges related to child sexual abuse material. He is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on May 18th, with a final pretrial set for June 15th and a jury trial scheduled for July 6th.

Stalking Charges Filed Against Mt. Carmel Man

A Mt. Carmel man is facing multiple charges following an investigation by the Wabash County State’s Attorney’s Office.

State’s Attorney Kelli Storckman has filed charges against 39-year-old Nicholas Irelan, including two counts of stalking. According to court records, those charges stem from incidents between April 19th and April 24th, during which Irelan allegedly sent threatening text messages to a woman and her husband, causing them to fear for their safety.

Irelan is also charged with two counts of cyberstalking, alleging he sent additional threatening messages and made phone calls to the same victims during that time frame.

Additional charges include two counts of harassment through electronic communication and two counts of harassment by telephone. Court records indicate Irelan has a prior conviction for harassment by telephone in Wabash County in 2021.

Irelan made his initial court appearance last week. Judge William C. Hudson recused himself from the case due to prior involvement with one of the alleged victims. Irelan has waived his right to counsel, and the court granted the State’s motion to deny pretrial release.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 14th, with a final pretrial set for June 18th and a jury trial scheduled for July 6th.

Commissioners Hear Update On Bridge Inspections

At Monday’s Wabash County Board meeting, County Highway Engineer Dustin Bunting reported that the Illinois Department of Transportation is planning to take over bridge inspections currently handled by the county.

Bunting told board members that while his office is still conducting inspections now, IDOT intends to assume that responsibility in the future. He noted the change had originally been expected around 2027 for the district, but has now been pushed back to 2028. IDOT has already begun handling inspections in District 9, where Bunting says the transition has reportedly gone well.

When asked about the reasoning behind the move, Bunting explained that IDOT had previously handled inspections years ago before shifting that responsibility to local agencies. He added that increasing workloads and the growing number of inspections may be factors in the state’s decision to step back in.

Bunting also reported attending a District 7 county engineers meeting in Greenup last week and said he plans to attend the upcoming spring conference in Bloomington later this week.

Bellmont Man Faces Multiple Charges

Seven Class X felony charges have been filed against 28-year-old Gage Hoffman.

According to court records, Hoffman faces seven counts related to child sexual abuse material. Two of the alleged offenses occurred on or about July 19th, 2024, with two additional counts on or about August 21st, 2024. One count is alleged on or about October 19th, 2024, and two more counts stem from incidents on or about March 6th and March 20th of 2025.

Five of the counts allege Hoffman possessed videos and photographs involving victims under the age of 13 engaged in sex acts. The remaining two counts allege victims were under the age of 18.

Hoffman made his initial appearance in court Thursday, where he was advised of the charges and possible penalties. Public defender William Easton has been appointed to represent him.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 18th, followed by a final pre-trial on June 15th and a jury trial set for July 6th. Hoffman is currently being held in the Wabash County Jail.

All defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

Man Charged with Multiple Felonies Involving Minor

In Wabash County, a man is facing multiple felony charges involving a minor.

Terry McGee has been charged with six counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse and three counts of criminal sexual assault. According to court records, the alleged victim is under the age of 10. The alleged incidents are reported to have occurred between January 31st, 2024 and January 31st, 2026.

McGee made an initial court appearance where he was advised of the charges and possible penalties. Public defender William Easton has been appointed to represent him.

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 19th, followed by a final pre-trial on June 15th and a jury trial set for July 6th.

McGee is currently being held in the Wabash County Jail.

Kindergarten Teachers Bring Back New Classroom Strategies from Conference

Kindergarten teachers at Mt. Carmel Elementary School are bringing new ideas back to the classroom after attending a recent conference.

At the April Wabash District #348 School Board meeting, teacher Julie Hagerty told board members that kindergarten and transitional kindergarten staff traveled to Schaumburg in early March for the “Pump It Up” Primary Conference.

Hagerty says the group attended a variety of breakout sessions focused on reading, math, science, social studies, classroom management, and hands-on learning techniques.

She says teachers made a point to attend different sessions and then share what they learned with one another, allowing them to bring back a wide range of new strategies for their students.

Hagerty says the conference also emphasized incorporating more hands-on and play-based learning in the classroom, along with new ideas for STEM activities already being used on Fridays.

In addition to the educational sessions, the teachers also used the trip as a team-building opportunity.

Hagerty says the experience has already had a positive impact, with teachers continuing to introduce fresh ideas and techniques in their classrooms.

School officials say professional development opportunities like this help enhance instruction and benefit students across the district.

Kiwanis to Dedicate New Shelter House in Mt. Carmel Wednesday

The Mt. Carmel Kiwanis Club is inviting the community to a special dedication ceremony for its new shelter house in Mount Carmel.

The new facility is located on Park Road, across from the golf course pond. The public is invited to attend the dedication on Wednesday, May 6th from 4 to 6 PM, with a ribbon cutting scheduled promptly at 4 PM.

As part of the event, Mike Wilson of Wabash Valley Service Company will be serving pork chop sandwiches for a free-will donation. Proceeds will go toward helping offset the cost of the shelter house project.

Kiwanis officials say the project was made possible thanks to the support of numerous local businesses, individuals, and the efforts of City of Mt. Carmel crews.

The community is encouraged to stop by, see the new shelter house, and take part in the dedication.

Chiropractic Services Performing Well For WGH

At Monday evening’s meeting of the Wabash General Hospital Board of Directors, members heard a detailed report on the hospital’s chiropractic services program.

VP of Professional Services Andrew Kleinschmidt said the service line was first explored in 2022 and officially launched in 2023 with the addition of Dr. Lawrence Speir. Due to strong demand, the hospital later added a second provider, Dr. Jason Sigler, who returned to the area after practicing in Texas.

Kleinschmidt reported the program has grown rapidly, with patient visits increasing each year and now totaling more than 7,000 annually. He said chiropractic care has been well received by the community, with high patient satisfaction and strong feedback.

He also noted Wabash General is one of only a few critical access hospitals in Illinois offering chiropractic services, and the program has proven to be both low-cost and financially beneficial. Over a three-year period, the service has generated more than one million dollars in net income.

Kleinschmidt said the hospital will continue to evaluate opportunities for growth while ensuring the service remains aligned with patient needs and community partnerships.

District #348 School Board Votes To Keep Same Meeting Times

The Wabash District 348 School Board has set its meeting schedule for the coming year.

At their April meeting, board members approved dates and times that will remain consistent with the current schedule.

Most regular meetings will continue to be held at 5 p.m., with a couple of summer meetings scheduled for 10 a.m.

Before the vote, board members discussed whether a later start time might make meetings more accessible for working parents, particularly those commuting from outside the area.

However, several members noted that attendance has not typically been affected by meeting time and that those interested in board business often find ways to stay informed.

Some also pointed out the benefit of earlier meetings, allowing members to complete business and return home at a reasonable hour.

The board ultimately approved the schedule as presented.

School officials say the consistent meeting times help maintain continuity for administrators, staff, and the community.