INDOT to host public meeting for proposed intersection improvements

GIBSON COUNTY, Ind. – The Indiana Department of Transportation will host a public hearing for the proposed intersection improvements at U.S. 41 and County Road 100 in Gibson County.

The public is invited to learn more about the U.S. 41 intersection improvement project and have the opportunity to provide feedback to the project team.

The purpose of the intersection project is to improve safety at the intersection of U.S. 41 and CR 100 by reducing the number of potential traffic conflict points.

WHAT: Public Meeting

WHEN: Thursday, September 14, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. (CST)

WHERE: Princeton Community High School, 1101 North Main Street, Princeton, In. 47670

Indiana State Police Investigate Officer-Involved Shooting in Marengo

Crawford County - On 8-29-2023, Officers with the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office and English Police Department went to a residence in Marengo to serve an emergency detention order on Bernie Breeding, 49, of Marengo. When officers entered the residence, Breeding pointed a firearm at the officers, forcing an officer to discharge his weapon, striking Breeding. Officers attempted emergency lifesaving measures, however, Breeding succumbed to his injuries. This investigation is ongoing and after the conclusion of the investigation, the case will be forwarded to the Crawford County Prosecutor’s Office for review.

Family members have been notified of the deceased and there is no threat to the public.

WGH Board Moves Forward With Master Facility Plan

After wrapping up an ambitious construction and expansion project last year, the Wabash General Hospital Board of Directors has approved moving forward to look at other potential future projects. At the board’s monthly meeting Monday night, planning committee chairman John Evans explained the next step in the process….

The board voted to spend $50,000 with O’Shea Builders who will make three visits to conduct an all-encompassing master facility plan that will focus on Wabash General’s emergency department, respiratory, lab, sleep, med/surg departments and the built out on the second floor of the new medical office building that is currently unoccupied.  It’s hoped the new study will be completed early in 2024.

Tree Cutting Services Prompt Response From Mayor

Mt. Carmel Mayor Joe Judge is admonishing tree contractors who trim or cut down trees and then leave what they’ve cut next to the street expecting city crews to dispose of it. Judge said residents also need to be aware of what is and isn’t picked up by the brush crew…  

  Judge said city hall has fielded complaints from residents thinking city workers were being lazy by not disposing of the brush…  

 Judge said if the brush route continues to incur additional expenses, the city council may need to revisit the fee residents pay for the service. 

Princeton man arrested on DUI charge

On August 27, 2023, at 3:53 a.m. Gibson County Deputy Wyatt Hunt conducted a traffic stop at the intersection of South Prince Street and Illinois Street in Princeton after observing an equipment violation on a Silver 2013 Ford Taurus.  Upon approaching the vehicle Deputy Hunt identified the driver as 35-year old Zachary Bailey of Princeton.  While speaking with Mr. Bailey Deputy Hunt observed several clues that indicated Mr. Bailey may be intoxicated.  At that point Deputy Hunt began a roadside DUI investigation.  At the conclusion of his investigation he placed Mr. Bailey into custody and transported him to the Gibson County Jail where he was charged with Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated.  He has since posted a $650 bond. 
 
Assisting Deputy Hunt in his investigation was Deputy Bart Wagner. 
 
All Criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

St. Francisville man arrested on DUI charge

On August 27, 2023, at 5:49 p.m. Gibson County Sergeant Loren Barchett and Deputy Michael Owens conducted a traffic stop on a White 2001 Toyota Tundra after Gibson County Central Dispatch put out a Be On the LookOut for the vehicle after the driver was observed intoxicated in a local business.  Deputies located the vehicle on Broadway near West Street in Princeton and conducted a traffic stop.  Upon approaching the vehicle Sgt. Barchett detected the odor of alcohol coming from the driver, 29 year old Britt McQuin of St. Francisville, Illinois.  At that point deputies began a roadside investigation.  At the conclusion of their investigation they placed Mr. McQuin into custody and transported him to the Gibson County Jail where he was charged with Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated with a Prior, Possession of a Hypodermic Needle, and Possession of Marijuana.  He remains in custody on a $1500 bond. 
 
Arresting Officer:  Sgt. Loren Barchett
Assisting Officers:  Deputy Michael Owens, Deputy Logan Lashbrook, Princeton Officer Matthew Perry, and Princeton Officer Craig Zurliene
All Criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Allegedly Threatening Burger King Worker Results In Arrest Of Mt Carmel Man

 On 8/25/23, Mt. Carmel Police arrested Ryan J. Healy, age 47, of Mt. Carmel for Aggravated Assault after Healy allegedly threatened bodily harm to a Burger King employee.  Healy was locked out of the restaurant and finally decided to leave prior to the arrival of police.  Police located Healy nearby where he was placed under arrest and transported to the Wabash County Jail.  Healy was turned over to correctional staff for processing and held pending the posting of bond.   

Mt. Carmel Woman Arrested On Richland County Warrant

 On 8/25/23, Mt. Carmel Police arrested Billie Jo Dybedahl, age 35, of Mt. Carmel on a Richland County Illinois Warrant for Failure to Appear.  A family member had driven Dybedahl to the Mt. Carmel Police Department to report that she had threatened said family member as they traveled through Mt. Carmel.  While investigating the allegation police learned of Dybedahl’s warrant.  She was placed under arrest outside of the office and transported to the Wabash County Jail where she was held pending extradition back to Richland County.

Impaired Driver Arrested after Driving 81 mph in School Zone

Posey County – Friday morning, August 25, at approximately 8:00 a.m., Trooper Fulton was patrolling the school zone on SR 62 at Marr’s Elementary School when he stopped the driver of a 2017 Dodge Journey for driving 81 mph in the posted 45 mph school zone and for nearly colliding into the rear of another vehicle. The driver was identified as Jerome Abernathy, 34, of Crete, IL.  During the traffic stop, Abernathy displayed signs of impairment and failed field sobriety tests. Further investigation revealed Abernathy had a BAC of .16%. He was arrested and taken to the Posey County Jail where he is currently being held on bond.

Arrested and Charges:

  • Jerome Abernathy, 34, Crete, IL

  1. Operating a Vehicle while Intoxicated with a Prior Conviction, Level 6 Felony

  2. Reckless Driving, Class C Misdemeanor

Arresting Officer: Trooper Fulton, Indiana State Police

Assisting Agency: Posey County Sheriff’s Office