Wabash County Commissioners Monday accepted the high bid from Premium Rock Bit of $142,500 to purchase the former WAVE property on West Third Street in Mt. Carmel. Premium Rock’s bid easily outdistanced the other bid from Pacific Press of $100,000.

County board chairman Tim Hocking said he was ready to submit a bid of $130,001 on the property before being informed Sunday night by State’s Attorney Kelli Storckman that county commissioners were legally barred from bidding on the 6 acre plot.

Earlier this month, commissioners voted to sell the 6 acres of land which had previously been leased to the 377 Board and used as a sheltered workshop. But the three buildings are now only used for storage and the property is a strain on the 377 Board’s budget.

Last year, commissioners shot down an attempt by the health board to buy the property and move the health department operations there and instead chose to remodel the existing facility at 7th and Chestnut Streets.