Lanes reopening where possible for ​Independence Day holiday travel

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that lanes that have been closed for construction will reopen, where possible, for the Independence Day weekend to minimize travel disruption.

 Non-emergency closures will be suspended from 3 p.m. Thursday, July 2, to 11:59 p.m. Sunday, July 5.

 The following lane closures will remain in place during the holiday weekend. The public can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through these areas. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to changed conditions and signs in the work zones, obey the posted speed limits, refrain from using mobile devices and stay alert for workers and equipment. At all times, please buckle up and drive sober.

District 1

City of Chicago

• Foster Avenue over the Kennedy Expressway (Interstate 90/94); closed.

  • Westbound Foster Avenue ramp to outbound Kennedy; closed.

• Eastbound Ohio Street feeder ramp between Orleans Street and the Kennedy; lane reductions continue.

• Westbound Ontario Street ramp between Orleans Street and the Kennedy; lane reductions continue.

• Ashland Avenue over the Eisenhower Expressway (I-290); lane reductions continue.

Cook County

• Michigan City Road over the Bishop Ford Freeway (I-94) in Calumet City; closed, detour posted.

  • Inbound Bishop Ford ramp to eastbound Sibley Boulevard; closed, detour posted.

• 154th Street over the Bishop Ford in Dolton; closed, detour posted.

• Eastbound Dolton Road ramp from the outbound Bishop Ford in Calumet City; closed, detour posted.

• Westbound River Oaks Drive/159th Street ramp to outbound Bishop Ford in Calumet City; closed, detour posted.

• Franklin Avenue between Runge Street and Mannheim Road (U.S. 12/45) in Franklin Park; lane reductions continue.

• Irving Park Road (Illinois 19) between Wesley Terrace and River Road in Schiller Park; lane reductions continue.

• Shermer Road between Willow and Techny roads in Northbrook; lane reductions continue.

• Westbound Bernard Drive between Arlington Heights Road and Lincoln Terrace in Buffalo Grove; closed.

• Green Bay Road between McCormick Boulevard and Isabella Street in Evanston; lane reductions continue.

• 19th Avenue between Oak and Madison streets in Maywood; closed to through traffic, detour posted.

• Old Chicago Road over Forked Creek in Wesley Township; closed, detour posted.

• Ashland Avenue/Wood Street between 127th Street in Calumet Park and 147th Street/Sibley Boulevard (Illinois 83) in Harvey; closed, detour posted.

• 127th Street (Illinois 83) over the Cal-Sag Channel in Crestwood; closed, detour posted.

• 55th Street between Wolf and Brainard roads in Western Springs, La Grange and Countryside; lane reductions continue.

• Cicero Avenue (Illinois 50) between Sprucewood Lane and Town Center Drive in Matteson; lane reductions continue.

• 123rd Street between La Grange Road (U.S. 45) and 86th Avenue in Palos Park; closed, detour posted.

• Southwest Highway (Illinois 7) between 131st and 135th streets in Orland Park and Palos Park; closed, detour posted.

• Illinois 53 between Kirchoff and Lake Cook roads in Rolling Meadows, Arlington Heights and Palatine; lane reductions continue.

• Eastbound Golf Road (Illinois 58) at Barrington Road in Hoffman Estates; lane reductions continue.

• Rand Road (U.S. 12) between Elk Boulevard and Ballard Road in Des Plaines; lane reductions continue.

• Archer Road (Illinois 171) between 58th Street and 60th Place in Summit; lane reductions continue.

• Cermak Road over the Des Plaines River in North Riverside; lane reductions continue.

DuPage County

• Illinois 53 over the East Branch DuPage River and Ginkgo Way at the Morton Arboretum in Lisle; lane reductions continue.

• Roosevelt Road (Illinois 38) at Illinois 53 in Glen Ellyn; lane reductions on both roads continue.

Kane County

• Eastbound Chicago Street between Center Street and Liberty Street (Illinois 25) in Elgin; closed, detour posted.

Lake County

• Sprucewood Lane at Lakeshore Drive in Lindenhurst; lane closures on both roads continue.

• Green Bay Road between Witchwood Lane and Rockland Road (Illinois 176) in Lake Bluff; closed, detour posted.

McHenry County

• Pleasant Valley Road at Eastwood Drive (Illinois 47/176) near Woodstock; closed, detour posted.

  • Swanson Road between Illinois 176 and Pleasant Valley Road; closed.

• Allendale Road over Nippersink Creek in Greenwood Township; closed, detour posted.

• Richmond Road (Illinois 31) between Harts Road and West Solon Road east of Wonder Lake; lane reductions continue with traffic controlled by temporary signals.

Will County

• Moen Avenue between Mound Road and Larkin Avenue in Rockdale; closed, detour posted.

• Sioux Drive/Dove Drive between Sunset Drive and Eames Street (U.S. 6) in Channahon; lane reductions continue.

• Essington Road between Pandola Avenue and Citadel Drive in Joliet; lane reductions continue.

• Northwest Frontage Road between Jefferson Street (U.S. 52) and Black Road in Shorewood; closed, detour posted.

• Southbound I-55 ramp to eastbound I-80 in Shorewood; closed, detour posted.

  • Eastbound I-80 ramp to northbound I-55; closed, detour posted.

• Northbound I-55 from 1 mile south of I-80 to I-80; both shoulders closed.

  • Southbound I-55 at I-80; both shoulders closed.

• I-80 between River Road in Shorewood and Wheeler Avenue in Joliet; all shoulders closed; lane shifts continue.

• I-80 between Rowell Avenue in Joliet and Gougar Road in New Lenox; all shoulders closed, lane shifts continue.

• I-80 between Chicago Street (Illinois 53/U.S. 52) and Richards Street in Joliet; all shoulders closed; lane shifts continue.

• Midland Avenue at I-80 in Joliet; right shoulder closed.

• West Frontage Road at I-80 in Shorewood; lane reductions continue with traffic controlled by temporary signals.

• Center Street/Meadow Avenue over I-80 in Joliet and Rockdale; closed, detour posted.

  • Eastbound I-80 ramp to northbound Center Street; closed, detour posted.

  • Southbound Center Street ramps to I-80; closed, detour posted.

  • Westbound I-80 ramp to northbound Center Street; closed, detour posted.

  • Westbound I-80 ramp to westbound Meadow Avenue; closed, detour posted.

• Chicago Street (Illinois 53/U.S. 52) over I-80 between McDonough Street and Patterson Road in Joliet; lane reductions continue.

  • Eastbound I-80 ramp to northbound Chicago Street; closed, detour posted.

  • Chicago Street ramps to eastbound I-80; closed, detour posted.

  • Westbound I-80 ramp to Chicago Street; closed, detour posted.

  • Northbound Chicago Street ramp to westbound I-80; closed, detour posted.

• Cass Street (U.S. 30) over the Des Plaines River in Joliet; closed, detour posted.

• Pauling Road over I-57 south of Monee; closed, detour posted.

• Francis Road over I-80 in New Lenox; closed, detour posted.

• Caton Farm Road over I-55 in Crystal Lawns; lane reductions continue.

• Governors Highway (Illinois 50) over the Canadian National railroad crossing; lane reductions continue.

District 2

Henry County

• I-80 between I-88 and U.S. 6; lane reductions continue.

  • Eastbound I-80 ramps to Cleveland Road; closed.

Lee County

• Illinois 251 over Bureau Creek about a mile north of the La Salle County line; lane reductions continue, with traffic controlled by temporary signals.

Ogle County

• Illinois 38 at I-39 in Rochelle; lane reductions continue, with traffic controlled by temporary signals.

Stephenson County

• Illinois 73 at U.S. 20; closed, detour posted.

Whiteside County

• Westbound Illinois 2 in Sterling; lane reductions continue.

Winnebago County

• I-39 between the U.S. 20 interchange and the Harrison Avenue interchange; lane reductions continue.

• Westbound U.S. 20 from Mill Road to State Street in Cherry Valley; lane reductions continue.

District 3

Bureau County

• I-180 between mileposts 7 and 8; lane reductions continue.

• I-80 between mileposts 44 and 46 near Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park; lane reductions continue.

  • Illinois 40 over I-80; lane reductions continue with traffic controlled by temporary signals.

• Illinois 40 over the Hennepin Canal north of Buda; closed.

DeKalb County

• Main Street (Illinois 72) over Owens Creek just west of Kirkland; lane reductions continue with traffic controlled by temporary signals.

Ford County

• Illinois 115 over Spring Creek and the East Branch Vermilion River; lane reductions continue with traffic controlled by temporary signals.

• Illinois 115 over the North Fork Vermilion River tributary; closed.

Iroquois County

• Southbound I-57 over Louis Creek near Buckley; lane reductions continue.

• Southbound I-57 between mileposts 263 and 271 south of Buckley; lane reductions continue

La Salle County

• Illinois 23 over I-80 at Ottawa; lane reductions continue.

• I-39 over I-80 at La Salle; lane reductions continue.

Livingston County

• Old Route 66 (Illinois 116) over the Vermilion River in Pontiac; lane reductions continue.

• I-55 between mileposts 217 and 220 near Dwight; lane reductions continue.

District 4

Fulton County

• Scott Lucas Memorial Bridge (U.S. 136/Illinois 78/97) over the Illinois River at Havana; lane reductions continue.

Henderson County

• Illinois 94 bridges over BNSF railroad at Biggsville, Jinks Hollow Creek about 1.5 miles south of Illinois 164, and Henderson Creek 1 mile south of Bald Bluff: lane reductions continue with traffic controlled by temporary signals.

• Illinois 96 over Dugout Creek at Lomax; lane reductions continue with traffic controlled by temporary signals.

Henry County

• I-74 over Illinois 17 at Woodhull; lane reductions continue.

Knox County

• I-74 over the Spoon River; lane reductions continue.

Peoria County

• Eastbound War Memorial Drive (U.S. 150) at Adams Street (Illinois 29) in Peoria; lane reductions continue.

  • Westbound U.S. 150 between the Illinois River and Adams Street; lane reductions continue.

• Southbound Illinois 6 ramp to Knoxville Avenue (Illinois 40) in Peoria; closed.

• Illinois 116 near Airport Road; closed.

• I-474 at I-74 in Peoria; lane reductions continue.

  • Westbound I-74 ramp to eastbound I-474; closed.

  • Southbound Illinois 6 ramps to I-74; closed.

• I-74 near Brimfield; lane reductions continue.

• Eastbound War Memorial Drive (U.S. 150) ramp to southbound Illinois 6; closed.

Tazewell County

• Westbound U.S. 150 on the McClugage Bridge; lane reductions continue.

• Illinois 9 through and west of Tremont; lane reductions continue.

• Illinois 8/116 (Cedar Street) from Edmund Street in East Peoria to west of the bridge in Peoria; lane reductions continue.

• U.S. 150 over Mud Creek east of Morton; lane reductions continue with traffic controlled by temporary signals.

Warren County

• U.S. 67 south of Lake Warren; lane reductions continue with traffic controlled by temporary signals.

District 5

Champaign County

• The following ramps at the I-57/74 interchange in Champaign are closed with detours posted:

  • Eastbound I-74 to southbound I-57

  • Southbound I-57 to eastbound I-74

  • Westbound I-74 to southbound I-57

• I-72 at I-57 in Champaign; lane reductions continue.

• I-74 1 mile west of Mahomet; lane reductions continue.

Douglas County

• Illinois 130 over Deer Creek 2 miles north of Illinois 133; lane reductions continue.

McLean County

• I-74 from milepost 122 to just west of the I-55/74 interchange (exit 125); lane reductions continue.

• Old U.S. 51 just south of Heyworth; closed.

• I-55 between mileposts 171 and 173 near Towanda; lane reductions continue.

• I-55 between the Mackinaw River and Lexington; lane reductions continue.

• I-55 near McLean; lane reductions continue.

Piatt County

• Illinois 32 over the Sangamon River south of Cisco; lane reductions continue with traffic controlled by temporary signals.

• I-72 between mileposts 164 and 166 near Monticello; lane reductions continue.

Vermilion County

• I-74 over Stoney Creek about 2 miles east of Illinois 49; lane reductions continue.

District 6

Adams County

• Illinois 96 over White Oak Creek south of Lima; lane reductions continue.

Christian County

• Washington Street (Illinois 29) between Poplar and DeWitt streets in Pana; lane reductions continue.

Logan County

• Old U.S. 36 north of Lincoln; lane reductions continue.

Mason County

• Illinois 29 over Salt Creek south of Mason City; lane reductions continue.

Pike County

• Illinois 104 west of Illinois 107; lane reductions continue.

• Illinois 107 between Griggsville and Illinois 104; lane reductions continue.

• I-72 between mileposts 8 and 11 near Hull; lane reductions continue.

• I-72 east of Barry; lane reductions continue.

Sangamon County

• Southbound I-55 at Williamsville; lane reductions continue.

Schuyler County

• Illinois 101 from Freeman Mine Road west of Littleton to the Hancock County line; lane reductions continue.

District 7

Clark County

• I-70 at Marshall; lane reductions continue.

• Cleone Road over I-70 at Martinsville; lane reductions continue, with traffic controlled by temporary signals.

Clay County

• Old U.S. 50 about 2 miles west of Flora; lane reductions continue, with traffic controlled by temporary signals.

Cumberland County

• U.S. 40 about a mile west of Greenup; closed, detour posted.

• I-57 over U.S. 45 and the Eastern Illinois Railroad at Neoga; lane reductions continue.

Effingham County

• I-57 near the Green Creek Rest Areas north of Effingham; lane reductions continue.

• I-70 at Altamont; lane reductions continue.

Lawrence County

• Illinois 1 north and south of Lawrenceville; lane reductions continue, with traffic controlled by temporary signals.

Macon County

• Illinois 105 about 4 miles east of Decatur; lane reductions continue with traffic controlled by temporary signals.

Moultrie County

• Cadwell Road about 3 miles north of the Kaskaskia River Wildlife Area; lane reductions continue, with traffic controlled by temporary signals.

Wayne County

• Illinois 15 about 4 miles west of Fairfield; lane reductions continue with traffic controlled by temporary signals.

• Illinois 15 just north of Wayne City; lane reductions continue, with traffic controlled by temporary signals.

• Illinois 15 over the Little Wabash River about 6 miles east of Fairfield; lane reductions continue, with traffic controlled by temporary signals.

District 8

Calhoun/Greene County

• Joe Page Bridge (Illinois 6/100) over the Illinois River; lane reductions continue with traffic controlled by temporary signals.

Madison County

• Intersection of Bluff Road (Illinois 157) at Illinois 162 in Glen Carbon; closed, detour posted.

• Cook Avenue between Pierce Lane and the church entrance in Godfrey; closed.

St. Clair County

• I-55/70 between Exchange Avenue in East St. Louis and Black Lane near Collinsville; lane reductions continue.

• Southbound I-255 ramp to southbound I-55/70; lane reductions continue.

• Illinois 111 at I-55/70 in Fairmont City; lane reductions continue.

• I-64 between Illinois 157 and Illinois 159; lane reductions continue.

• Air Mobility Drive (U.S. 50/Illinois 158) over I-64 in O’Fallon; lane reductions continue.

• Eastbound I-70 between Packers Avenue and the I-55/64/70 junction in East St. Louis; lane reductions continue.

District 9

Franklin County

• Illinois 154 about 1 mile west of Illinois 37 near Whittington; lane reductions continue with traffic controlled by temporary signals.

Gallatin County

• Illinois 1 about 1 mile northwest of Ridgway; lane reductions continue with traffic controlled by temporary signals.

Jackson County

• Illinois 3 just east of Gorham; lane reductions continue with traffic controlled by temporary signals.

• Illinois 3 about a mile south of Illinois 149; lane reductions continue with traffic controlled by temporary signals.

• Illinois 149 about 3 miles west of De Soto; lane reductions continue with traffic controlled by temporary signals.

• U.S. 51 about 2 miles south of De Soto; lane reductions continue with traffic controlled by temporary signals.

• Illinois 13 at the Big Muddy River in Murphysboro; lane reductions continue.

Johnson County

• I-57 at the Goreville interchange (exit 40); lane reductions continue.

Massac County

• I-24 over the Ohio River; lane reductions continue.

• I-24 at exit 27, about 11 miles south of the Vienna interchange; lane reductions continue.

Pulaski County

• I-57 at Ullin; lane reductions continue.

• Illinois 169 just east of Karnak; lane reductions continue.

Saline County

• U.S. 45 east of Fourth Street in Eldorado; lane reductions continue with traffic controlled by temporary signals.

Union County

• I-57 about 3 miles north of the Illinois 146 interchange; lane reductions continue.

• Illinois 13 at the Jackson County line; lane reductions continue with traffic controlled by temporary signals.

White County

• I-64 east of Grayville; lane reductions continue.

• U.S. 45 about 9 miles south of the Wayne County line; closed.

Williamson County

• Illinois 13 across Crab Orchard Lake; lane reductions continue.

• Southbound I-57 between mileposts 43 and 32; lane reductions continue.

 Over the next six years, IDOT is planning to improve 7,107 lane miles of highway and 8.4 million square feet of bridge deck as part of Gov. JB Pritzker’s historic Rebuild Illinois, which is investing $33.2 billion into all modes of transportation. Accomplishments through Year Six of Rebuild Illinois include almost $20.8 billion of improvements statewide to 21,309 lane miles of highway, 815 bridges and 1,181 additional safety improvements.

 For more information on IDOT projects, click here or view area construction details on the traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.

Wabash General Hospital Board Approves Next Design Phase for Expansion Project

The Wabash General Hospital Board of Directors has taken another major step toward its planned hospital expansion, approving funding for the project's final design phase.

Planning Committee Chairman John Evans told board members at their June meeting, that while construction activity is winding down on current projects, planning efforts are just beginning to accelerate for the hospital's expansion.

The board unanimously approved $3.25 million for architectural and engineering services by Farnsworth to complete the project's final design. Evans acknowledged the price tag is significant but noted the combined cost of the schematic and final design phases represents just over six percent of the overall project cost, which he said is typical for a project of this size.

Vice President of Project Management and Infrastructure Nate Stevenson said the design work keeps the hospital on track for its estimated $55 million expansion project. While a recent construction estimate came in at about $57 million, Stevenson said the figure includes several million dollars in contingency costs and officials remain confident the project can be completed within the original budget.

Stevenson said the project reached several key milestones with the completion of schematic designs and updated construction pricing.

The planning committee also received an update on a proposed new ambulance building. Current plans call for the facility to be constructed across the street, just west of the Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine building. Officials are awaiting updated cost estimates before moving forward.

The committee also discussed a potential solar energy project involving three hospital facilities. No action was taken, with Evans noting the hospital has until the end of 2027 to decide whether to proceed.

Mt. Carmel Man Charged with Gun and Meth Felonies

A 40-year-old Mt. Carmel man is facing multiple felony charges after prosecutors allege he illegally possessed a firearm, ammunition, and methamphetamine.

Brandon Siverly has been charged with three Class 3 felonies in Wabash County Circuit Court. According to court records, Siverly is accused of unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon after allegedly possessing a 9-millimeter pistol on June 21st despite a previous felony conviction in Indiana.

He is also charged with unlawful possession of firearm ammunition by a felon. Prosecutors allege Siverly possessed 9-millimeter ammunition on May 24th.

In a third count, Siverly is charged with possession of methamphetamine. Court records allege he possessed less than five grams of a substance containing methamphetamine on June 21st.

Siverly appeared in court last week, where he was advised of the charges and the potential penalties if convicted.

A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for July 14th at 9:30 a.m. A final pretrial conference is set for August 18th, with a jury trial scheduled to begin September 8th.

As with all criminal cases, the charges are allegations, and Siverly is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

Otwell man arrested for DUI

On June 28, 2026, at 4:16 p.m. Gibson County Deputy Eric Powell and Oakland City Officer Sergeant Michael McGregor were at the flood waters on State Road 64 near County Road 1275 East when they observed a Black Chevrolet Pick up drive past the high-water barricades and into the high water towards them.  Upon stopping the vehicle, they observed obvious clues that the driver was intoxicated.  At that point Deputy Powell began a roadside DUI investigation.  At the conclusion of his investigation he placed the driver, 57-year-old Ryan Powell of Otwell, into custody and transported him to the Gibson County Detention Center where he was charged with Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated. 
 
Deputy Shawn Holmes and Oakland City Officer Ty Schmittler assisted Deputy Eric Powell and Officer Michael McGregor in their investigation. 
 
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Traffic stop leads to drug arrest

On June 28, 2026, at 11:21 p.m. Gibson County Deputy Eric Powell conducted a traffic stop on a White 2014 Lexus GS3 for disregarding the red light at the traffic light on US 41 at State Road 168.  Upon stopping the vehicle north of County Road 350 South Deputy Powell approached the vehicle and began a roadside investigation.  During the interaction Deputy Powell observed behaviors inside the vehicle that indicated possible criminal behavior may be taking place.  At that point he asked for additional units to come to the scene and a drug investigation was conducted.  At the conclusion of the investigation a passenger, 34-year-old Latisha Jackson of Boonville was taken into custody and transported to the Gibson County Detention Center.  Upon arriving at the detention center Ms. Garrett was charged with Possession of Paraphernalia,  Possession of Marijuana, and Possession of Methamphetamines. 
 
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Pike County man arrested for resisting law enforcement

On June 28, 2026, at 10:39 P.M. Oakland City Officer Michael McGregor attempted to stop a Burgandy Toyota Tacoma on State Road 64 near the high water at the county line.  The vehicle fled into the water.  However, Deputy Eric Powell had made his way around the high water prior to this interaction to check the barricades and high-water signs on the Pike County Side.  Deputy Powell stopped two Burgandy vehicles.  Upon realizing the second vehicle was the Toyota Tacoma Deputy Powell had a verbal exchange with the driver before ordering him out at gun point.  The driver 65-year-old Terry Lee of Winslow was taken into custody and after a brief investigation he was transported to the Gibson County Detention Center where he was charged with two counts of Resisting Law Enforcement. 
 
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 June 30, 2026, at 5:58 p.m.  Gibson County Deputy Wes Baumgart conducted a traffic stop on an electric bicycle after observing multiple equipment violations and a moving violation while it traveled on County Road 100 North, West of US 41.  Upon approaching the vehicle Deputy Baumgart detected multiple clues that the driver, 33-year-old Justin Sims of Mount Carmel was under the influence.  At that point he began a roadside DUI investigation that resulted in Mr. Sims being taken into custody and transported to the Gibson County Detention Center.  Upon arriving at the detention center Mr. Sims was charged with Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated. 
 
Sgt. Loren Barchet, Deputy Wyatt Hunt, and Deputy Jim Tucker assisted Deputy Baumgart 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.
 

2026 Wabash Co. Fair Queen & Princess Contestants

Fair Queen Contestant number one, Karrah Lewis. 

Hello, my name is Karrah Lewis, I'm the daughter of Michael and Brittany Lewis. I have many different hobbies including swimming, cooking, doing puzzles, going on walks, hanging out with friends and family, and golfing with my boyfriend. I also get the opportunity to babysit a 6 month old baby girl named Kayelani five days a week, while also working for Kevin List at Little Italy’s Pizza. 

My current plans for the future are to attend Wabash Valley College in the fall and get my Associate's degree in early childhood. After college, I plan to own and operate my own daycare. Children have been such a big part of my life: from growing up in a house with five younger sisters to being the oldest cousin. I’m participating in this contest because I would love to be in the legacy line of young women who have held the crown in Wabash County.  This is an opportunity to represent the community I was born and raised in; the place I will always consider home”. 

 I would also like to thank my sponsor JR’s Repair Service.

2026 Wabash Co. Fair Queen & Princess Contestants

Fair Queen Contestant number two, Addison Tennis

My name is Addison Tennis. I am 16 years old and I am secretary of the Allendale Twisters 4-H club. This will be my eighth year in 4-H. My parents are Jason and Carrie Tennis. I enjoy raising and selling my goats and showing them in 4-H, as well as helping on our families dairy farm and showing our cattle. In 2023 I was crowned fair princess. I enjoyed every minute of it and loved being able to represent the 4-H community. 

I am going to be a junior at Mount Carmel highschool and as of now plan to go to college to either be a physical therapist or PTA. Outside of school I play tennis and participate in FFA activities and competitions. I also enjoy working at Hocking’s Greenthumb greenhouse and planting flowers and vegetables of my own. 

I would love to be fair queen because I want to be a good role model that the young children in our community can look up to. I remember coming out to the fair when I was little and helping my brother show his cows. I always liked to watch the queens and princesses and said I wanted to be like them one day. They set an example for me that I will always remember and I would be honored to do the same. If I am chosen as queen I will do my very best to represent the 4-H and Junior fair program in the best way possible. 

I would like to thank Cafe 82:3 for sponsoring me!

2026 Wabash Co. Fair Queen & Princess Contestants

Fair Princess contestant number one, Abigail Hipsher 

Hi, my name is Abigail Hipsher. I am 15 and I'm the daughter of Justin and Amanda Hipsher. My dad works at the Wabash County Highway Department and my mom works at Allendale CCSD# 17 . 

My hobbies are hunting, fishing, photography , mudding , riding horses , and drawing .

My goals this year are to earn my chapter degree at Mt . Carmel FFA chapter and go out fo an officer position,  in the future I hope to go to college for welding or diesel mechanics. 

I would like to be a fair princess because I think it would be an awesome experience to get out of my comfort zone and to learn better leadership and communication. 

I would like to inspire the younger 4-h members to try new things and to express their best quality as well as having good sportsmanship.  

Thank you so much - David Brown Construction for being my sponsor- I appreciate you giving me this opportunity to compete!