Tennessee man arrested for resisting law enforcement

On June 18th, 2026, at approximately 10:55 p.m. Gibson County Sgt. John Fischer attempted to stop a Black 2023 Toyota Venza for speed and improperly traveling in the left lane.  Sgt. Fischer initiated his emergency lights on US 41 at CR 550 S, but the vehicle failed to stop and continued driving north.  A pursuit was called and the vehicle continued driving at speeds between 50 mph and 65mph.  After several other units joined the pursuit, the vehicle finally pulled over at Richland Creek Drive in Princeton.  The driver was identified as Babu Surabhil by his Tennessee Driver`s License.  Mr. Surabhil was arrested and charged with resisting law enforcement with a vehicle. 
 
Sgt. John Fischer was the arresting officer and was assisted by the Princeton Police Department, Gibson County Sheriff`s Office and the Haubstadt Police Department.
 
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
 

Traffic accident nets impaired driver

On June 19, 2026, at 1:12 p.m. Gibson County Central Dispatch received a report of a property damage accident in the 500 block of South 1300 East.  Upon arriving law enforcement found a 2016 Chevy Equinox had left the roadway and went down an embankment becoming partially submerged.  While speaking with the driver, Deputy Michael Owens detected clues that the driver 52-year-old Vicki Pancake of Oakland City was intoxicated.  At that point he began a roadside DUI investigation.  Once the investigation was completed Ms. Pancake was transported to the Gibson County Detention Center where she was charged with Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated. 
 
Oakland City Officer Tim Gaines 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.

Wabash District #348 June 2026 Personnel Matters

The Wabash District #348 Board of Education approved a series of personnel moves during its meeting Monday morning.

The board accepted the resignations of Mt. Carmel Elementary School first-grade teacher Trisha Mobley and Mt. Carmel High School physical education teacher Patrick Donnell, both effective at the end of the 2025-26 school year.

Several non-certified staff appointments were also approved for the upcoming school year. Lindsey Fisher was hired as head cook at Mt. Carmel Grade School. Makayla Beesley and Brooklyn Ritchey were approved as paraprofessionals at Mt. Carmel Elementary School, while Kiersten James was hired as a special education paraprofessional. Heather Rose was approved as an individual assistant at Mt. Carmel Elementary School, and Nichole Groff was hired as an individual assistant at Mt. Carmel Grade School.

In certified personnel action, the board hired Jaden Merritt as a physical education teacher at Mt. Carmel High School for the 2026-27 school year.

The board also approved several staff transfers. Shannon Moore will move to a part-time cook position at Mt. Carmel Grade School. Miranda McCowen was transferred to an individual assistant position at Mt. Carmel High School, and Makayla Shoot will serve as a life skills classroom assistant at Mt. Carmel Elementary School.

In extracurricular appointments, Elliot Laws was approved as assistant football coach at Mt. Carmel High School. Elijah Laws was hired as the girls junior high track coach, and Madison Laws was approved as the Mt. Carmel Junior High School yearbook sponsor for the upcoming school year.

Another Delay In Case Of Former Deputy

Another court hearing has resulted in another delay in the felony case against former Wabash County Sheriff's Deputy Chase Cheadle.

Cheadle appeared in Wabash County Circuit Court Thursday with defense attorney Jonathan Turpin. Special Prosecutor Brian Towne participated in the hearing by Zoom.

Turpin told Judge Denton Aud he had recently received additional information from the prosecution and expects to file a motion related to that material. He said the State would need time to respond and requested another 45 to 60 days before the next substantive hearing.

Turpin praised Towne for his cooperation during the discovery process, telling the court the two have been working through informal discovery and that the special prosecutor has been "exemplary" in providing information.

Towne agreed with Turpin's assessment of the case and said he had no objection to the additional time. Because he travels more than four hours to appear in court, Towne also asked that future non-evidentiary hearings continue to be conducted by Zoom whenever possible.

Turpin indicated the motion he plans to file will likely involve an allegation of evidence spoliation, but said he does not anticipate any factual disputes requiring witness testimony. Judge Aud agreed that if the hearing involves only legal arguments, appearing remotely would be appropriate.

Following discussion, the court scheduled a status hearing for August 13th at 9 a.m., when the parties will update the court on the pending motion and determine the next steps in the case.

Cheadle's case has been repeatedly delayed since charges were first filed. The former sheriff's deputy and K-9 handler originally faced eight charges, including official misconduct, theft, cruelty to animals and animal owner duties. Two felony counts were later dismissed at the request of the special prosecutor.

The charges stem from the July 2024 death of Cheadle's police K-9, Kiki, who was found unresponsive. Cheadle resigned from the Wabash County Sheriff's Department the following month. The case remains pending.

Summer Work Proceeds At Local Schools

Summer improvement projects across Wabash District #348 remain on schedule, according to Superintendent Dr. Chuck Bleyer.

During Monday morning's Board of Education meeting, Bleyer reported that work underway throughout the district is progressing smoothly and remains on track.

At Mt. Carmel Elementary School, new exterior doors have been installed. Bleyer noted the doors are now in place, but because they provide a clear view into the building, the district is working to install a protective film to improve privacy and security.

Bleyer also provided an update on the district's major HVAC improvement project. He said installation of the new air conditioning systems remains on schedule, with a target completion date of June 27th.

The superintendent called the project's progress encouraging and said district officials are hopeful the work will be completed on time.

District administrators continue to monitor all summer construction and maintenance projects as crews work to have improvements ready before students return for the 2026-27 school year.

County Board Approves Funding To Help Pay For New Market Street Planters

New flower pots will soon be appearing along Market Street in downtown Mount Carmel thanks in part to funding approved Monday by the Wabash County Board.

Commissioners voted to provide $1,500 from the county's Tourism Fund to assist Market Street MTC with replacing flower pots located at the intersections of Third, Fourth, Fifth and Sixth streets along Market Street.

Speaking to commissioners, Market Street MTC spokesman Terry Beckerman said the organization has selected cast concrete planters that should provide a long-term solution after previous containers required replacement.

Beckerman said the group consulted with officials in Vincennes, where similar planters have been in use for more than a decade without significant issues.

The new planters weigh approximately 575 pounds each, making them less susceptible to being tipped over or damaged. Beckerman said they are also larger than the current containers and should provide a more visible display of flowers and landscaping.

Market Street MTC plans to purchase nine planters instead of the original eight, with the additional planter being placed near Merchants Park.

Beckerman also praised the community volunteers who have stepped up to help maintain the downtown beautification effort. He said volunteers have adopted individual corners to assist with watering and upkeep of the flower displays.

In addition, Market Street MTC recently completed another downtown improvement project by repainting six permanent benches along Market Street. Beckerman noted the benches had not been painted in more than 15 years and the work was completed with the help of local volunteers.

Commissioners approved the tourism funding request unanimously.

During a recent appearance on WSJD, Market Street MTC spokesperson Coleman Stevenson said the existing planters have served the community well for many years but are nearing the end of their useful life.

The organization’s Beautification Committee is now working to acquire new cast-concrete planters that will be larger, more durable, and better suited to the appearance of downtown Market Street. The new planters will stand approximately 32 inches tall and measure 36 inches across the top.

Committee members say the concrete planters feature a hexagon design and are similar to those that have been used successfully for decades along Main Street in Vincennes. The planters are being purchased from a company in Washington, Indiana, and will be picked up in Vincennes.

Stevenson said community support for the project has already been strong. Volunteers have stepped forward to adopt all of the planned flower containers and assist with watering duties. In fact, organizers report they have additional volunteers waiting to help, prompting discussions about adding even more planters in other locations.

Once filled with soil and flowers, each planter is expected to weigh around 700 pounds, making them much less susceptible to being moved or damaged.

Market Street MTC officials say they are excited about the project and believe the new planters will provide a lasting enhancement to the downtown district for years to come.

Ryan T. Mitchell Appointed to Board of Directors of The First National Bank of Allendale and Allendale Bancorp

The First National Bank of Allendale is pleased to announce that Ryan T. Mitchell has been appointed to the Board of Directors of the Bank and its holding company, Allendale Bancorp, effective June 16, 2026.

A lifelong resident of White County, Mr. Mitchell serves as Vice President, Engineering at Mitchell Drilling Company, a family business established in Carmi in 1939. In that role, he provides executive leadership for engineering, operations, and strategic business initiatives, and is responsible for capital investment decisions, regulatory compliance, risk management, and long-range planning.

Mr. Mitchell currently serves as President of the Illinois Oil and Gas Association and is a former board member of the Carmi Chamber of Commerce. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Tennessee. He and his wife, Jara, have three children and are active members of First Christian Church in Carmi. Ryan T. Mitchell

“We are delighted to welcome Ryan to our board,” said Bryan Loeffler, Chairman of the Board. “Ryan’s deep roots in our community and his proven record of leadership in a long-standing local business make him an outstanding addition. His experience guiding a respected family enterprise through decades of growth and change reflects exactly the kind of judgment and perspective that strengthens our institution.”

“Ryan has spent his life and career in this community, and that kind of firsthand knowledge is invaluable to a bank like ours," said Donald W. Price, President and Chief Executive Officer. "He understands the families, farmers, and businesses we serve because they are his neighbors too. We are fortunate to add his judgment and perspective to our board."

IECC ANNOUNCES PLANNED RETIREMENT OF CHRIS SIMPSON; NAMES RYAN HAWKINS VICE CHANCELLOR FOR FINANCIAL OPERATIONS AND PRESIDENT-DESIGNATE OF OLNEY CENTRAL COLLEGE

 The Illinois Eastern Community Colleges Board of Trustees has accepted the retirement notification of Chris Simpson, Vice Chancellor for Business Operations and President of Olney Central College, effective May 17, 2027.

Simpson will conclude four years of service to Illinois Eastern Community Colleges, where he has provided leadership to both Olney Central College and district-wide business operations. Since joining IECC in 2023, Simpson has helped guide the institution through the post-pandemic environment, supported implementation of the district's one-college organizational model, and overseen key operational functions including business services, food services, and bookstore operations.

Prior to joining IECC, Simpson served as Superintendent of Richland County Community Unit School District No. 1 and brought extensive educational leadership experience to the college district.

"Chris joined IECC during a period of significant change and immediately became a trusted leader," said Chancellor Ryan Gower. "His experience, professionalism, and steady approach helped position both Olney Central College and the district for continued success. More importantly, he has been an outstanding colleague and friend, and I am grateful for his service to our students and communities."

As part of a planned succession strategy, the Board also appointed Ryan Hawkins as Vice Chancellor for Financial Operations and President-Designate of Olney Central College effective July 1, 2026.

Hawkins currently serves as Chief Financial Officer for IECC and has been instrumental in the district's financial planning, budgeting, facilities development, and long-range strategic initiatives. Under the transition plan, Hawkins will continue to oversee district financial operations while spending the next year working alongside Simpson to learn campus operations and prepare to assume the presidency of Olney Central College upon Simpson's retirement.

The year-long transition reflects the district's commitment to leadership continuity and provides a unique opportunity for mentorship and knowledge transfer before the formal leadership change next spring.

The appointment also advances IECC's ongoing efforts to align district-wide and campus-based business functions under a unified leadership structure, strengthening coordination and operational effectiveness across the institution.

"Ryan has demonstrated exceptional leadership and a deep commitment to the mission of IECC," Gower said. "This transition allows us to build upon Chris's outstanding work while creating a thoughtful and deliberate pathway for future leadership. The opportunity for Chris and Ryan to work side-by-side over the next year is a tremendous advantage for the college, our employees, and our students."

Simpson said he is excited about the coming year and the opportunity to help prepare the next generation of leadership at Olney Central College.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at IECC and remain excited about the work ahead of us during the coming year," Simpson said. "I look forward to welcoming Ryan more fully into the campus, sharing what I've learned, and helping ensure a smooth and successful transition next May. Olney Central College has a bright future, and I am confident it will be in excellent hands."

Hawkins said he is honored by the Board's confidence and grateful for the opportunity to work alongside Simpson during the transition period.

"I am thankful for the opportunity to work with Chris to learn from his experience over the next year," Hawkins said. "I look forward to continuing to serve the district, supporting Olney Central College, and building upon the strong foundation already in place."

Simpson will continue serving as Vice Chancellor for Business Operations and President of Olney Central College through May 17, 2027. Hawkins will assume the presidency of Olney Central College and continue serving as Vice Chancellor for Financial Operations following Simpson's retirement.

IECC Board Meeting Summary

The Board of Trustees of the Illinois Eastern Community College District No. 529 met Tuesday, June 16, 2026 at Olney Central College, Olney, Illinois.

Jim Reed, representing the Illinois Community College Trustees Association (ICCTA), presented Dr. Ryan Gower with the recognition for his leadership and dedicated service to Illinois Eastern Community Colleges. The Board of Trustees also recognized Dr. Gower for his ten years of service to Illinois Eastern Community Colleges, including his roles as President of Lincoln Trail College and Chancellor. Trustees expressed their sincere appreciation for his commitment to student success, employees, and the communities served by IECC, and extended their best wishes to Dr. Gower and his family as he begins his well-earned retirement.

The Board approved the minutes of the Board of Trustees regular meeting held on May 19, 2026. The semi-annual review of executive session minutes as mandated by Section 2.06 of the Open Meetings Act was conducted and the Board approved the proposed recommendations.

The Board accepted the 2026-2027 IECC academic catalog. It can be found on the IECC website at (https://iecc.edu/catalog).

A Memorandum of Understanding with the Richland County Health Office and Olney Central College was approved. This MOU provides access to the OCC gymnasium and parking lot as a location to distribute medication and/or vaccinations in the event of an emergency.

The Resource Allocation and Management Plan (RAMP) for Fiscal Year 2028 was approved by the Board and will be submitted to the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB).

The Board approved the purchase of a new video display system for the Frontier Community College Athletic Facility currently under construction. The project, funded through a partnership with the FCC Foundation, includes a large video board, digital scorer’s table, shot clocks, locker room game clocks, and related installation and technical support provided by Watchfire of Danville, Illinois.

The Board approved the annual purchase of desktop computers, laptops, monitors, and instructional technology to maintain and enhance IECC’s technology infrastructure. The investment, funded through the Fiscal Year 2026 operating budget and the Wattleworth Hall third-floor remodel project, will ensure employees and students have access to up-to-date, secure technology across the district.

Beginning in Fall 2026, the Automotive Technology Associate in Applied Science program will relocate from Frontier Community College to Olney Central College. As part of this transition, the Board approved the purchase of required equipment through the OCC 2

Bookstore for the program, necessitating the addition of a cost recovery fee to the academic catalog. The fee will be assessed at the actual cost of the equipment, ensuring students have access to the tools needed for the program while reflecting a change in the method of purchase rather than a new program requirement.

A resolution was adopted to authorize certain expenditures from the Operations and Maintenance Fund, such as utilities, O&M salaries and other soft expenses.

A resolution was adopted authorizing inter-fund loans during the 2026-2027 fiscal year, allowing the District to loan dollars between funds provided the loans are repaid to the original fund within the academic year.

Approval was given for the district to pay accrued bills for a short period following the end of the fiscal year June 30th. By July 30th all accrued bills received during this run-out period will be paid and a report given to the Board of Trustees the following month.

Lease agreements were renewed between the District and certain locations and entities throughout the District.

A resolution was adopted authorizing the transfer of approximately up to $190,000 in interest earned in the Working Cash Fund to the General Fund on or before June 30, 2026.

Several new and renewed clinical affiliation agreements were approved to provide student with required hands-on learning experiences in healthcare settings throughout the region.

The Board waived a second reading and approved revisions to the following policies:

• Defense and Indemnification, Policy 100.45 is a new policy that is replacing and deleting former Policy 100.19 (Retaining Legal Counsel) related to the retention of legal counsel. The updated policy establishes a more comprehensive framework outlining the District’s authority to provide legal defense and indemnification for employees and officials acting within the scope of their duties, while also identifying circumstances in which those protections may be denied.

Updated logos were approved for the colleges and major divisions of IECC to create a more unified institutional identity while preserving the unique character of each campus. The new branding will be implemented gradually through the normal replacement and updating of materials.

A new auxiliary Cash Management and Athletics Sinking Fund Operating Procedure was approved to address athletic deficits and strengthen long-term financial accountability. The procedure establishes repayment plans, annual reporting requirements, and oversight measures designed to reduce existing deficits while preserving athletic opportunities for students.

The Board approved a long-term financial planning framework authorizing the administration to begin evaluating future investments in public health and safety, facilities, career and technical education, and athletics. The action initiates project planning and financing analysis but does not authorize any specific projects or bond issuances.

The relocation of the August 18, 2026 Board of Trustees meeting from Frontier Community College to Olney Central College was approved.

The Board authorized administration to begin development of vehicle specifications and procurement documents for the acquisition of a District vehicle for the Chancellor position, utilizing either a competitive bid process or approved cooperative purchasing program as appropriate, and establish a project budget not to exceed $70,000.

The Board authorized the Chancellor to bind the District’s annual property, casualty, and liability insurance coverage effective July 1, 2026. The renewal is expected to increase by no more than 14.3% as the District continues to navigate a challenging insurance market.

The AY27-28 Moving Forward Strategic Plan & Operational Framework was approved as presented by Chancellor Gower.

The Board approved the acceptance of the bid from Wolls Asphalt LLC for the maintenance and re-painting of the asphalt parking at Lincoln Trail College.

Approval of employment was given for John Duty as Mining & Industry Instructor effective July 1, 2026; McKenna Blevins as TRIO Student Support Services Academic Advisor, LTC effective June 29, 2026; Kamille Johnson as Coordinator of Marketing & Communications, WVC effective July 6, 2026; Rhoda Shugars as Coordinator of International Admissions & Compliance, LTC effective June 22, 2026; and John Spruance as Head Men’s Basketball, WVC effective June 22, 2026.

Changes in status were approved for Dr. Cathy Robb as Interim IECC Chancellor effective July 1, 2026 – August 14, 2026; Ryan Hawkins from Chief Financial Officer to Vice Chancellor of Financial Operations & OCC President-Delegate effective July 1, 2026 – May 17, 2027; and Jamie Carman from Director of Academic Advising to Director of Advising Systems effective June 22, 2026.

The Board approved contracts for Dr. Timothy Taylor, Chancellor effective August 15, 2026 and Ryan Hawkins, Vice Chancellor of Financial Operations & OCC President effective May 18, 2027.

An administrative contract buyout was approved for Dr. Matt Fowler effective December 31, 2026.

Resignation ratifications were approved for Lisa Hoipkemier as Physical Therapist Instructor, WVC effective July 31, 2026; Adam McIntire as TRIO Upward Bound Academic Counselor, LTC effective May 14, 2026; and Robin Zachary as Custodian, LTC effective June 10, 2026.

Retirement ratifications were approved for Dr. Ryan Gower as IECC Chancellor effective June 30, 2026 and Chris Simpson as OCC President & Vice Chancellor of Business Operations effective May 17, 2027.

The next regular meeting of the Board of Trustees will be Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at 6:15p.m. at Wabash Valley College, Mt. Carmel, IL.

Fantastic 4th Fireworks Could Be Biggest, Best Ever

This year's Fourth of July fireworks show in Mt. Carmel is expected to be the biggest in recent memory.

During Friday's "Ask the Mayor" program on WSJD, Mayor Joe Judge announced that the city has significantly expanded its investment in the annual fireworks display as part of the community's America 250 celebration.

Judge said the city typically spends about $12,500 on the fireworks show each year, but that amount has been increased to $17,500 for 2026. In addition, the city will receive an extra $5,000 worth of fireworks at no cost from its longtime fireworks provider as part of a loyalty incentive program.

As a result, residents can expect a much longer show than usual.

According to Judge, Mt. Carmel's fireworks display normally lasts around 45 minutes. This year, he expects the show to run between an hour and 15 minutes and an hour and 30 minutes, depending on the timing and sequencing of the fireworks.

The expanded display is one of several special events planned as part of Mt. Carmel's Fantastic 4th and America 250 celebration, which features more than a week of activities leading up to Independence Day.

The fireworks show is scheduled for the evening of July 4th and will once again light up the skies over the Wabash River as the community celebrates the nation's 250th birthday.