On May 6, 2026, at 6:23 p.m. Gibson County Deputy Eric Powell conducted a traffic stop on a Red Chevy Cruze for speeding on US 41 near County Road 550 South. Upon stopping the vehicle on County Road 350 South Deputy Powell identified the driver as 27-year-old Uriel Williams of Evansville. During a roadside investigation Deputy Powell ran Mr. Williams through the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles where it was discovered that his operator’s license was suspended on a prior driving while suspended conviction. Once the investigation was completed Mr. Williams was taken into custody and transported to the Gibson County Detention Center where he was charged with Driving While Suspended Prior and an outstanding warrant through Warrick County.
Deputy Wes Baumgart and Princeton Officer Logan Lashbrook assisted Deputy Powell in his investigation.
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
District #348 School Board Hires New Treasurer
The Wabash District #348 Board of Education has hired a new district treasurer.
During a special meeting Wednesday evening, the board approved the hiring of Mindy Brines, who will officially begin her role on July 1st. She will replace longtime treasurer Darlene Underwood, who is retiring.
Superintendent Dr. Chuck Bleyer said Brines will begin working with the district June 1st to complete a month of training alongside Underwood and to become familiar with Illinois systems.
Brines comes to District #348 after serving more than four years as treasurer at North Gibson School Corporation in Indiana. Prior to that, she worked as clerk treasurer for the City of Princeton starting in 2008.
Originally from Princeton, Brines said she and her husband of 21 years, Nathan, currently live there but hope to move to Mount Carmel in the near future. She added that they have two daughters and recently welcomed their first grandchild.
The hiring of Brines was the only action taken during Wednesday’s special board meeting.
Superintendent Dr. Chuck Bleyer with new District #348 treasurer Mindy Brines after Brines was hired Wednesday evening.
Kiwanians Dedicate New Park Shelter
The Mt. Carmel Kiwanis Club officially dedicated its new shelter house Wednesday afternoon in Mount Carmel, located on Park Road near the old duck pond.
The new structure is a 24-by-40 cedar timber frame shelter designed for public use. Kiwanis spokesman Tim Raibley says the shelter is open to anyone looking to picnic, relax, or enjoy views of the pond and nearby golf course.
Raibley emphasized the project was made possible through strong community support, including help from local businesses, the City of Mt. Carmel, and individual volunteers.
Kiwanis says donations are still being accepted to help offset construction costs and support future projects.
Looking ahead, the group is considering adding a freestanding swing near the shelter, giving visitors another way to enjoy the scenic setting.
911 call leads to arrest of Fort Branch man
On May 5, 2026, at 4:44 p.m. Gibson County Central Dispatch received a 911 report of a disturbance at the Rainwood Apartments located in the 600 block of South Hull Street in Fort Branch. Upon arriving law enforcement officers separated the parties involved in the disturbance and began an investigation. After speaking with all parties involved in the incident and concluding the investigation Deputy Wyatt Lashbrook placed 43-year-old Christopher Sokeland of Fort Branch into custody and transported him to the Gibson County Detention Center where he was charged with Battery.
Deputies Wes Baumgart and Eric Powell assisted Deputy Wyatt Lashbrook in his investigation. Also assisting in this investigation was Owensville Town Marshal Steven Parker.
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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.
