Mount Carmel Mayor Joe Judge opened Monday night’s City Council meeting by asking the community to keep two local families in their thoughts and prayers following recent tragedies involving young residents.
Judge first remembered 21-year-old Steven Haase, who lost his life in a grain bin accident last week in rural Wabash County.
The mayor described Haase as a young man who always carried a smile and never met a stranger.
Judge also extended prayers to Haase’s family, as well as the emergency responders, hospital personnel, EMTs, firefighters, law enforcement officers, and others who were involved in responding to the incident.
The grain bin emergency occurred June 1st near Friendsville Avenue and North 1550 Boulevard. Three people became trapped in a grain bin. Two were able to free themselves, while rescue crews worked for several hours to extricate Haase. He was later pronounced dead at the scene.
During the meeting, Mount Carmel Fire Chief Francis Speth thanked Patoka Township Fire and Rescue for assisting with the response. Speth said the department faced a busy morning, handling two additional calls while rescue operations were underway.
Despite the demands placed on emergency personnel, Speth said mutual aid and teamwork allowed the department to continue providing service to the community while crews remained committed to the grain bin rescue effort.
Judge also asked residents to keep Grace Thacker and her family in their prayers. Thacker was seriously injured in a separate accident within the past two weeks.
The mayor said updates shared by her family on social media indicate she is showing signs of progress in her recovery. Judge also noted that a fundraiser is being planned to help the family with expenses related to her ongoing medical care.
He encouraged the community to continue supporting both families during this difficult time.