Wabash County Treasurer Beverly McBride reports that 90% of mobile home taxes have been paid. That amounts to $3,304.98. In her report to the county board on Monday, McBride said the state owes Wabash County $22,720.38 in income tax receipts. Springfield did cut a check for $14,760.94 in salary reimbursements.
District #348 School Board Approves $14.8 Million Budget
The Wabash District #348 school board has adopted a $14.8 million 2018-19 budget that doesn’t leave a whole lot of wiggle room. But, Superintendent Dr. Chuck Bleyer says recent maneuvers should put the district on a more stable footing financially than its’ seen in several years. Bleyer told board members Monday night that the ambitious undertaking includes using a working cash bond to retire a $1 million debt certificate this month saving the district $60,000 in interest fees….
Bleyer said he expects similar future moves to aid the district even more….
Of the $14.8 million budget, Bleyer said almost $11 million or 73% goes to salary and benefits.
District #348 Superintendent Dr. Chuck Bleyer (Center) outlines the 2018-19 budget as board member Kyle Peach (L) and board president Tim Schuler (R) look on.
INDOT Plans Work At US 41/SR 64 Princeton Interchange
GIBSON COUNTY, Ind. – The Indiana Department of Transportation announces a lane restrictions prior to the ramp closure for the U.S. 41 and State Road 64 interchange at Princeton.
Beginning on or around Monday Sept. 24, contractors will begin restricting S.R. 64 to begin building a turn lane in advance of the upcoming paving project for the eastbound S.R. 64 to North Bound U.S. 41 ramp. The turn lane will serve as a part of the detour route for the ramp closure. Motorists will begin to see advance warning signage as early as Sept. 19.
Work on the turn lane is expected to be complete by the beginning of October, with the ramp closure to follow on or around Wednesday Oct. 3. At this time, contractors will activate the temporary traffic signal at this location to begin directing traffic looking to go north on U.S. 41 to the ramp on the north side of the interchange.
Once the ramp is closed, it will remain closed for about two months depending upon weather conditions.
INDOT urges drivers to slow down and stay alert near crews.
Wabash District #348 Personnel Moves
At Monday’s District #348 school board meeting, these personnel matters were approved:
WABASH VALLEY COLLEGE & WABASH VALLEY ARTS COUNCIL CELEBRATE BICENTENNIAL WITH JUBILEE
On September 23 Wabash Valley College and the Wabash Valley Arts Council will host a Bicentennial Jubilee at the Brubeck Arts Center. The event will begin at 1:30 p.m. and will feature Woody and Vonnie Wright, the Gina Moore Trio, and Fifth Street Revival.
On August 26, 1818, the Illinois Constitution was adopted at the Kaskaskia Convention and on December 3, 1818, Illinois became the 21st state in the Union.
The same year, Mount Carmel was founded by three Methodist ministers who had begun the process of legally founding the city in 1817. Official documents for the city were put into record on September 21, 1818.
For this special Bicentennial celebration, the Wabash Valley Arts Council has chosen to celebrate with a Southern Gospel concert featuring a range of talented artists. With support from Wabash Valley College and encouragement from Mount Carmel Mayor Bill Hudson, the event will be a “red, white, and blue bash!”
The concert will begin with the Gina Moore Trio. Sure to bring everyone to their feet, this talented trio will blow everyone away with their soulful energy and musicianship. Gina Moore, married to Joe Thompson from Mount Carmel, grew up singing in a church choir. Gina has been a member of The Sounds of Grace based out of Grace and Peace Lutheran Church since 1977. She and her sister, Joan Moore Mobley, have been singing as The Browne Sisters since 1986. Together they have performed at the Brubeck Theatre several times. Gina won the State of Indiana Council of the Sagamores on the
Wabash Award in 2016. When asked about why the Bicentennial Jubilee is special, Gina Moore stated, “This show is appealing because music is universal and it touches people of all ages. Gospel, blues, jazz, bluegrass, country, or opera, everyone can find comfort in the type of music they like and learn to like music that they have never listened to.” Performing with Gina are Monte Skelton and Bob Green. Monte is an educator, composer, and multi-instrumentalist based in Evansville, Indiana. He has successfully launched two albums in which he composed, performed, and mastered every track. Monte has performed with many well-known artists, such as the Temptations, jazz vocalist Sherrie Bias, and John Legend. In 2016 he was the recipient of the Kenny Kent Lexus Musician of the Year Award. Born and raised in central New Jersey, Bob Green has been a professional musician for nearly 45 years. He relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, for a decade, where he shared the stage with members of Lynyrd Skynrd, Starbuck, and .38 Special. Since moving to southwest Indiana 28 years ago, Bob has continued to perform with local and regional artists, as well as maintain a 16-year engagement at Cavanaugh’s restaurant in the Tropicana Casino in Evansville in their piano bar.
Next onstage may well be the last performance for local quartet Fifth Street Revival. Recording their first album in 2005, the quartet has spent 18 years singing tight harmonies and entertaining thousands. Rob Coleman, tenor, is a career banker and now serves as Chairman of the Board at First National Bank of Allendale and Mount Carmel. Wayne Henegar, bass vocalist, served as Dean of Instruction at Wabash Valley College and now operates an IT consulting enterprise. Chris Quick, lead singer, served as Wabash County State’s Attorney and is now a Methodist minister in Rossville, north of Danville, Illinois. Jim Cox, baritone, was a high school band director, then Director of Broadcasting at Wabash Valley College. Fifth Street Revival has enjoyed having the city as their musical hub. “Mount Carmel is a small Midwestern town. Like many smaller towns, it is somewhat unremarkable. But yet life is good here. People are kind and friendly. Schools, hospitals, and businesses provide the things we need to survive. The city has produced many notable residents over the years who have done marvelous things. Many have fond memories of growing up here,” said Jim Cox about living in historical Mount Carmel.
The final performance of the afternoon will be internationally acclaimed recording artists Woody and Vonnie Wright who are well-known Gaither Family Homecoming performers. Woody has performed with the likes of Reba McIntire, Vince Gill, and Brooks & Dunn, among many others. As a producer, he was the creative force behind five No. 1 radio singles for the Crabb Family and has produced all of Fifth Street Revival’s recordings. Returning to the Brubeck stage with his wife, Vonnie, a heartfelt performance will touch audience members.
Wabash Valley College and the Wabash Valley Arts Council are proud to present this Bicentennial Jubilee on September 23 to celebrate the founding of such a great place to live!
Tickets are $10 and are available at seatonc@iecc.edu or 618-263-5124. Patron Passes will be honored.
County Board Hears Concerns About Conditions In Road District 2
A Wabash County citizen is concerned about road conditions in Road District 2, west and north of the city. Jesse Kasinger said conditions have gotten worse, citing the lack of qualified candidates to run for commissioner and fixes that appear to be questionable in nature. The road in question is not the county’s responsibility. County Chair Rob Dean said that he would explore the issue further to try to come up with any possible help.
WCHD To Be A Busy Place This Fall
Even though they haven’t received any state funding yet for several grants programs, the Wabash County Health Department will still be a busy place this fall. The first walk-in flu clinic of the fall is set for October 3rd. Administrator Judy Wissel says shots are also available by appointment at the health department office. Her office will also be conducting some colorectal screenings as well. And, soon the health department will a collection site for breast milk, which will be frozen until it is used. Wissel also said the department will also house a second drug drop box location in addition to the Sheriff’s office. People can drop off out of date medications at that location. The Sheriff’s office will continue to oversee both locations, Wissel said.
Tourism Money Sought For Stage Project At Merchants Park
Wabash County Commissioners are considering a recommendation from the Tourism Committee for the release of funds for the stage project at Merchants Park. Jim Pfeister of the committee said they are recommending 2-to-3 thousand dollars from Hotel-Motel tax money should be used for the event. Pfeister said $20,000 has already been raised, with commitments for another $40,000 more. The project cost is estimated at between $75,000 and $80,000, according to Pfeister.
WSJD File Photo