Jury convicts Marion County drug dealer

EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – Following a two-day trial, a jury found a Centralia man guilty of federal charges for distributing cocaine and fentanyl in Marion County.

A federal jury convicted Broderick K. Currie, also known as Broderick K. Wooters, 36, of one count of distribution of a controlled substance: cocaine and one count of distribution of a controlled substance: fentanyl.

“As a career offender, this defendant has sold drugs in southern Illinois and caused irrevocable harm to families for many years,” said U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft. “The lethality of fentanyl cannot be understated, and another dealer off the streets is a win for our region.”

The evidence presented at trial proved Broderick sold nearly 12 grams of cocaine and one gram of fentanyl to a confidential source in February 2024 in Marion County.

“The conviction of the defendant provides an opportunity to remind everyone that the mission of the Springfield Southern Illinois TOC-West Task Force is to relentlessly pursue and destroy drug trafficking organizations operating in the Southern Illinois region,” said FBI Springfield Special Agent in Charge Christopher Johnson. “If you are distributing controlled substances, especially deadly fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine, we will find you and hold you accountable.”

Currie’s distribution charges are punishable by up to 30 years’ imprisonment per count. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for Aug. 12.

The FBI Springfield Field Office’s Southern Illinois TOC-West Task Force led the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Dan Carraway and Dan Kapsak prosecuted the case. The TOC-West Task Force has multiple members, this investigation was supported by Fayette County Sheriff’s Office, Carlyle Police Department, Mt. Vernon Police Department, and Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.

The case was investigated under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the U.S. using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach.

Vandalia man accused of attempting to commit a child sex offense

EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – Monday in U.S. District Court within the Southern District of Illinois, a magistrate judge ordered a Vandalia man be held in custody without bail after he was charged with attempting to entice a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity.

Trevor W. Yokley, 32, is facing one count of attempting to entice a minor, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment, and a maximum sentence of up to life imprisonment.

“Individuals who prey on children perpetrate vile crimes, which is why identifying child predators is a top priority for the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners,” said U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft.

According to the complaint, an undercover FBI agent created an online social media profile for a purported 14-year-old girl. Yokley is accused of contacting the purported minor and trying to meet with her to engage in sexual activity between January and April 2025.

“Due to the tireless pursuit of criminals who would target children, a once faceless online predator has been unmasked and arrested,” said FBI Springfield Special Agent in Charge Christopher Johnson. “This arrest is one of many to come as FBI Springfield continues to work alongside our partners to identify and bring child predators to justice.”

FBI arrested Yokley in Effingham on April 1, 2025, when he traveled to meet the minor to engage in sexual activity.

A complaint is merely a formal charge against a defendant. Under the law, a defendant is presumed to be innocent of a charge until proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt to the satisfaction of a jury.

The FBI Springfield Field Office is leading the investigation with assistance by the Carlyle Police Department, Mt. Vernon Police Department, and Effingham Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ali Burns is prosecuting the case.

Winslow man arrested for DUI

On April 7, 2025, at 7:02 P.M., Gibson County Deputy Wyatt Hunt conducted a traffic stop on a 2007 Silver Pontiac sedan after observing it speeding on State Road 64 near Francisco.  Upon approaching the vehicle, Deputy Hunt identified the driver as 34-year-old William Mitchell of Winslow.  While speaking with Mr. Mitchell, Deputy Hunt detected the odor of alcohol coming from the driver and began a roadside DUI investigation.  After his inquiry, Deputy Hunt placed Mr. Mitchell into custody and transported him to the Gibson County Jail.  Upon arriving at the jail, Mr. Mitchell was charged with Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated. 
 
Deputies Shawn Holmes and Bart Wagner assisted Deputy Hunt 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

Evansville man arrested for Reckless Driving

On April 4, 2025, at 6:21 p.m. Gibson County Deputy Shawn Holmes conducted a traffic stop on a Black Ford Escape for traveling 85 in a 55 mph zone on State Road 168 East of US 41.  Upon conducting the traffic stop on 168 west of the Casey’s General Store Deputy Holmes identified the driver as 18 year old Brock Fetscher of Evansville.  While speaking with Mr. Fetscher Deputy Holmes detected multiple clues that drug activity had been conducted inside the vehicle.  At that point he began a roadside drug investigation.  Once the investigation was concluded Mr. Fetscher was taken into custody and transported to the Gibson County Jail where he was charged with Reckless Driving, Possession of Marijuana, and Possession of Paraphernalia. 
 
Assisting Deputy Holmes in his investigation was Deputies Bart Wagner and Jim Tucker. 
 
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Deadline Monday To Pay 2nd Installment Of Real Estate Taxes

Wabash County Treasurer, Angie Broster, wanted to announce that the 2023 Real Estate second installment due date is Monday, April 7, 2025.

If you have not paid the first installment there is a 1.5% penalty fee added to the first payment amount. Please contact the Treasurer’s office at 262-5262 if you have any questions.

Payments may be made in person at the Treasurer’s office or you may use the drop box in front of the Courthouse. Credit Card payments can be made online at www.govtechtaxpro.com.

You may also make payments at the First Mid Bank, First Bank and First National Bank Allendale & Mt. Carmel branches on Second Installments only.

If you have any questions or concerns about your tax bill, please feel free to contact our office.

Illinois Extension expands with new SNAP-Education Educator

ALBION, Ill. – University of Illinois Extension is expanding the reach of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education by adding a local SNAP-Ed Educator. Alizah Harper will serve as the SNAP-Ed Educator for the five-county unit, including Edwards, Lawrence, Richland, Wabash, and Wayne counties.

 Harper joins a team of three SNAP-Ed community outreach workers within the unit who provide nutrition education in schools, food pantries, and other organizations at the county level. Through policy, system, and environmental initiatives, Harper will collaborate with communities and local organizations to broadly address nutrition, health, and food access.

 "I am excited to announce that our five-county unit will be welcoming a new SNAP-Education Educator,” says Extension County Director Tara Buerster. “Mrs. Harper will be a great addition to our team, and her presence will significantly enhance our ability to provide valuable nutrition education and advocate for policy changes in the communities we serve."

 Harper’s vast experience in healthcare, work with diverse audiences, and passion for education will be instrumental in expanding SNAP-Ed programming, developing partnerships, and creating action plans to encourage healthier communities.

 “I believe that public health interventions should be tailored to the unique needs of each community, ensuring that resources and education are both accessible and effective,” says Harper. “Through my work, I aim to bridge gaps between policy, clinical care, and community-based interventions to create long-term improvements in health outcomes.”

 Harper currently serves as the Illinois Extension Wabash County Office Support Assistant and will begin her new position in May. She completes her Master of Public Health from Indiana University in May and received her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Indiana University Southeast. Harper will be based out of the Edwards County Extension office and can be reached at alizah@illinois.edu or 618-445-2934.

Wabash County Commissioner Agenda

REGULAR MEETING Monday, April 7, 2025

AGENDA

1) Call to order:

2) Approve minutes of previous meeting:

3) Commissioner’s reports:

4) Officer’s reports:

5) Old Business:

a, Phase 4 of the HVAC project.

b. Appointment to Discover DOWNSTATE ILLLINOIS Tourism Board.

6) New Business:

a. Janet Storey with Watler Accounting to meet with the Board.

a. Opioid Litigation Update.

7) Executive Session:

8) Correspondence:

9) Approval of payment of claims presented:

10) Adjournment:

9th Street Project Update

Repaving work is still a few months away, but crews have been working on the 9th Street project. Mayor Joe Judge offered an update at Monday’s City Council meeting…

JOE JUDGE 9TH ST UPDATE 3 31 25

IDOT policy mandates that with projects such as 9th Street, the sidewalk work will be done before the street’s surface is re-asphalted. The entire project is expected to be finished this fall.