07/06/2018-Mt. Carmel Police arrested two individuals after they were stopped for not wearing a seat belt. During the traffic stop it was discovered that 33 year old Coty C. Fender of Owensville was operating a 1989 Ford on a suspended driver's license and no insurance. Fender was arrested and transported to the Wabash County Jail where he was cited for driving suspended and for not having insurance. The passenger in the vehicle was identified as Jenna L. Fuller, age 27, of Owensville. Fuller was arrested after police located drug paraphernalia in her belongings. Fuller was transported to the Wabash County Jail where she was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia. Both were released after posting bond.
Driving While Suspended Leads To Mt. Carmel Woman's Arrest
07/06/2018Mt. Carmel Police arrested 41 year old Donna M. Angle of Mt. Carmel after she was stopped by Mt. Carmel Police for driving while license is suspended. The arresting officer reported seeing Angle operating a 2006 Pontiac in the 900 block of Walnut Street. Police stopped her and placed her into custody. Angle was transported to the Wabash County Jail where she was cited for driving while license is suspended and operating an uninsured motor vehicle. Angle was released after posting bond.
Ellery Couple Arrested On Weapons Charge
07/06/2018-Mt. Carmel Police arrested an Ellery, Illinois couple after they were stopped by Mt. Carmel Police investigating a possible theft. During the traffic stop it was discovered that 37 year old Christa R. Fisher and her husband, 31 year old Matthew B. Fisher, were in possession of a Stun Gun. Neither individual has a valid Illinois FOID card. Both subjects were transported to the Wabash County Jail where they were charged with unlawful use of a weapon. Both subjects were held pending the posting of bond.
Mt. Carmel Man Arrested For Driving On Suspended License
07/08/2018-Mt. Carmel Police arrested 47 year old Donald Scott Baird of Mt. Carmel after he was observed operating a motor vehicle on a suspended driver's license. Baird was stopped in 700 block of Poplar Street and placed under arrest. Baird was transported to the Wabash County Jail where he was cited for driving while license is suspended. Baird was released after posting $150.00 cash bond.
Railroad Closure Coming for SR 168 Near Fort Branch
GIBSON COUNTY, Ind. – The Indiana Department of Transportation announces a complete road closure on State Road 168 near Fort Branch for a railroad crossing repair.
Beginning on or around Tuesday July 10, railroad contractors will close S.R. 168 west of U.S. 41 for a railroad crossing repair. Contractors expect the closure to take about nine days depending upon weather conditions. During the project, the closure will be in place around the clock. Though local traffic will have access up to the point of closure. The official detour for this railroad crossing repair uses U.S. 41, S.R. 65, and S.R. 64. Work is expected to be complete by July 18 depending upon weather conditions.
INDOT urges drivers to slow down and stay alert near crews.
Two Women Injured In Route 1 Accident Tuesday
At approximately 3:54 pm on July 3, 2018, Mt. Carmel Police and first responders were notified of a vehicle collision on Route 1 at Cherry Hills. When police arrived on scene they found both drivers trapped in their vehicle. The police reported that a 1997 Lincoln driven by Dana M. Tate pulled from Cherry Hills and into the path of a 2013 Ford being driven by Brandi M. Lear. Tate was transferred from the scene to Wabash General Hospital for minor injuries. Lear reported minor injuries but refused transfer by ambulance. Police had Rt. 1 closed for less than an hour while the vehicles were towed from the scene. Tate received a citation for failure to yield. Mt. Carmel Police were assisted by the Wabash County Sheriff's Office, Illinois State Police, WGH EMS, and the Mt. Carmel Fire.
Man Arrested On Drug Charge After His Vehicle Was Used In Pursuit
Mt. Carmel Police officers were involved in a vehicle pursuit at approximately 7:40 pm on July 4th. Police reported a vehicle in 1500 block of W. 3rd Street was driving in a careless manner. The suspect vehicle then increased its speed above the posted speed limit as it was approached the Rt. 1. overpass. The reporting officer initiated his vehicle's emergency lights and that's when the suspect vehicle increased its speed to 100 mph. The reporting officer eventually called the pursuit off for safety concerns. The suspect vehicle was described as a 2004 Chevrolet with registration belonging to Phillip R. Cross II, age 44, of Mt. Carmel.
During the investigation Police spoke with Cross and informed him that a vehicle belonging to him had been involved in a vehicle pursuit. Police arrested Cross after he was found to be in possession of prescription pills wrapped in a cellophane package. Cross was transported to the Wabash County Jail where he is being held pending the posting of bond.
The reporting officer was able to identify the driver of the vehicle and a warrant has been requested for his arrest.
Body Recovered in Posey County after Man Falls into Lake
Indiana Conservation Officers are investigating a possible drowning after a 77 year old Posey County man fell from his boat into the water.
Dennis Happel (77) of Wadesville got a fishing hook stuck in his hand after trying to unhook a bass he had caught. While trying to do this, he fell into the water. His wife was unable to save him and contacted 911 at approximately 10:00 am this morning for assistance.
Public Safety Divers with the Perry Township Fire Department and Indiana Conservation Officers recovered the body of Happel at 11:55 am in ten to twelve feet of water.
The incident occurred on a small lake owned by Happel and there were no life jackets on the boat or near the water to assist him.
The boat being used was a small boat, approximately ten feet in length. No foul play is suspected.
Responding agencies included the Wadesville Fire Department, Marrs Township Fire Department, Perry Township Fire Department, Griffin Fire Department, Posey County Sheriff’s Office, Posey County EMS, Posey County Coroner’s Office and Indiana Conservation Officers.
Mayor Issues Fireworks Warning
With tomorrow being the 4th of July, Mt. Carmel Mayor Bill Hudson has a reminder…
A reminder from MCPD Chief John Lockhart that there will be no parking allowed along Market Street between 3rd and 9th Streets Wednesday during the 4th of July parade. All vehicles should be off of the parade route before 9:30am.
WSJD File Photo
City Council Looks For Further Study On Placement Of Oak Street Sidewalks Improvements
After complaints from a local businessman over the designs of a new, wider sidewalk along Oak Street, the Mt. Carmel City Council tabled final action on the project for at least two weeks.
The proposal calls for the construction of the six-foot-wide sidewalks from 3rd Street to 9th Street on the west side of the Oak Street. It’s the placement of the sidewalk that drew the ire of Rick Andrews who owns two businesses along the proposed site. Andrews’ complaints came during a public hearing on the topic yesterday afternoon at City Hall.
David Savage of the Greater Wabash Regional Planning Commission says there’s a clear need for the project…
But, Andrews was adamant in his opposition saying building the sidewalk on the west side of Oak would pose a safety hazard for pedestrians and bicyclists. He said up to 100 semi-trucks a day access his bulk fuel plant and that he stands to lose revenue if the project proceeds as designed.
Engineer Austin Ridgley of HLR said there’s not enough room on the east side of the street because of power poles and residences.
Commissioners agreed to proceed with the project but check into the plans further and make a decision on the design at some point in the future. The city will use $395,000 from the defunct revolving loan fund to pay for the bulk of the project with the city chipping in the remaining $5,800.
