Pingsterhaus announces candidacy for sheriff
Mark Pingsterhaus Carlyle Police Chief Mark Pingsterhaus has announced his candidacy for Clinton County Sheriff.
"With 29 years of dedicated service in law enforcement, I bring a wealth of experience, leadership, and a deep commitment to public safety," Pingsterhaus said.
Pingsterhaus began his career in November 1995 as a part-time officer with the Breese Police Department. In 1997, he joined the Carlyle Police Department where he continues to serve. In April 2012, he was appointed Chief of Police.
"Over the past decade, I have worked hard to strengthen our department and enhance the quality of service we provide to the Carlyle community," Pingsterhaus said.
Pingsterhaus said he has prioritized continuous professional development throughout his career. He has completed numerous leadership programs and, in 2023, graduated from the FBI National Academy.
"I've applied the knowledge and skills gained there to help elevate the Carlyle Police Department into a more effective, modern and community-focused agency," Pingsterhaus said.
He said public service has always been at the heart of his journey. He served as a volunteer firefighter with the Carlyle Fire Department from 1999-2019. He continues to be a trustee for the Carlyle Fire Protection District.
He was elected to the Clinton County Board in 2002 and served for nearly a decade, proudly representing his district and advocating for the needs of the community.
"As a candidate for sheriff, I am committed to bringing integrity, transparency, and strong leadership to the office," Pingsterhaus said. "I believe in a proactive, community-based approach to law enforcement, one that emphasizes safety, accountability, and collaboration. I look forward to the opportunity to earn your trust and your vote. Together, we can work to build a safer, stronger, and more united Clinton County."
Dan Travous announced he would not be seeking another term as the Clinton County Sheriff during the Clinton County board meeting on Monday, March 17. Travous' term expires on Nov. 30, 2026.
Pingsterhaus joins Dennis Perez - the current acting chief deputy of the Clinton County Sheriff's Department - as the two people who have announced their candidacy for Clinton County Sheriff.
Thrive Physical Therapy opens in Breese
- Details
- Written by: Kelly Jo Ross - Breese Journal Reporter
Thrive Physical Therapy + Holistic Wellness is now open! The Breese Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting for Thrive Saturday morning at their location in Breese. From left: Aaron Puchbauer with Breese Chamber of Commerce; Mike and Sandy Rehkemper; Austin Speer and Dr. Karlee Speer; Megan Doyle and Allison Gregory, both with Breese Chamber of Commerce; Amy Rehkemper; Abby Frank with Breese Chamber of Commerce; and Ashlee and Roger Conklin. Thrive Physical Therapy + Holistic Wellness is now open for business.
The Breese Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting and grand opening celebration Saturday morning at Thrive, which is located at 525 N. Third Street in Breese.
Owner of Thrive, Dr. Karlee (Rehkemper) Speer, PT, DPT, CIDN, is excited for the opportunity to help residents in pain management.
“After working in physical therapy clinics that were insurance-based for five years, I decided I needed to offer Clinton County a cash-based option," said Dr. Speer. "I am passionate about helping Clinton County and surrounding area residents in helping them get back to what they want to be doing or just to manage their pain.”
Speer received her doctorate in physical therapy at Maryville University in St. Louis. She worked as a physical therapist at other businesses and wanted to start her own to be able to help others skip the hassle of insurance, help manage people’s pain, and give quality, patient-centered care.
Doctor Karlee Speer of Thrive Physical Therapy + Holistic Wellness is pictured at her new location at 525 North Third Street in Breese. "I always knew I wanted to be in health care, as I always loved learning about the human body and how it works," she said.
It wasn't until she was in high school when she knew she wanted to become a physical therapist.
She explained, at the time, her brother was in a serious accident that took his leg, which required physical therapy and heavy education to help him relearn how to do all of his daily tasks.
"I thought this was amazing that people could help him learn how to walk and get around again, and I immediately began looking into physical therapy. The rest is history," she said.
Central High School Unified Track and Field team wins State Championship
- Details
- Written by: Jeremy Chawgo - Breese Journal Sports Editor
The Central High School Unified Track and Field squad claimed the Class 2A State Championship last week at Eastern Illinois University. ALL PHOTOS BY HUEGEN PHOTOGRAPHY For the ninth time in Central High School history, the Cougars are a State Champion.
The Central Unified Track and Field team claimed the Class 2A State Championship on May 29 at Eastern Illinois University in Charleston.
The Cougars finished with 150 points in the six-event competition with Bradley-Bourbonnais in second with 140 points and Triad High School in third with 127 points.
Central had four individual event State Champions with Mackenzie Foster getting things started with a State Title in the shot with a toss of 4.94 meters in heat four.
Blake Heimann was a State Champ in the 400-meter run with a time of :59.17.
Nick Huelsmann and Dameyn Rakers Heimann was also a member of the second place 4x100-meter relay team with Nicholas Huelsmann, Kylie Detmer and Landon Baker in a time of 1:01.68.
Aidan Huegen won the State Title in the long jump with a distance of 4.97 meters. He was also fourth overall in the 200-meter run with a time of :28.54.
Naomi Knapp earned State Champ status with a toss of 4.91 meters in the shot in heat five. She was also second in the 400-meter run with a finish of 1:22.35.
Dalton Baker was third overall in the 200-meter run with a time of :28.35.
CHS junior Delayni Davinroy was third in the long jump with a leap of 3.66 meters and fifth in the 100-meter run with a time of :14.90.
Nathan Guardian was second in the long jump with a distance of 4.46 meters and fifth in the 400-meter run with a time of 1:09.64.
Central senior Anthony Huegen was second in the shot with a toss of 10.43 meters while he was third in the 100-meter run with a time of :14.22.
Huelsmann was sixth in the 200-meter run with a time of :32.92.
Dameyn Rakers and Kylie Detmer Mia Mueller was second overall in the shot with a toss of 3.49 meters while she was fourth in the 200-meter run with a time of :37.71.
Dameyn Rakers was a State Champ in the 100-meter run with a time of :16.44.
Jensen Tebbe was a State Champ in the long jump with a leap of 4.05 meters.
Jackson White was sixth overall in the 400-meter run with a time of 1:39.56.
The Unified Cougars were led by coaches Gina Benhoff, Travis Gebke, Crystalyn Huegen, and Kylie Rakers, with Grant Creek and Chase Heimann serving as team managers.
The Unified Champion Schools program (UCS) empowers K-12 schools and colleges in Illinois to foster inclusive learning and social environments where all students, regardless of ability, can thrive together.
The program is centered around three essential components that promote whole school engagement, inclusive sports, and youth leadership advocacy. Central currently engages in a whole school respect campaign, hosts a Cool School Polar Plunge event, and collaborates with a dedicated team of student ambassadors and advisory board members to foster an environment where inclusion thrives.
The State Title for the Cougars was their ninth overall with a boys basketball title in 2012, with four competitive cheer State titles in 2014, 2015, 2017 and 2024. They won a State title in girls basketball in 2007, and three State titles in volleyball back in 1996, 2005 and 2008.
Page 1 of 2
