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
Deceased Semi Driver Identified
Vigo County—Friday evening September 14th, Indiana State Police and Vigo County emergency agencies responded to a fatal crash in the eastbound lanes of Interstate 70 at the Darwin Road overpass (near the three mile marker). The crash involved one tractor-trailer striking the rear of another as traffic was slowing for a nearby construction project. The impact caused the rear semi to erupt in flames and claim the life of the driver.
Vigo County Coroner Dr. Susan Amos and the Indiana State Police have identified the driver as 26-year-old Gurvinder Singh of Ontario, Canada. Identification was confirmed through the office of Pathologist Dr. Roland Kohr.
Singh was driving for Sun Transportation Systems of Ontario, Canada and was hauling dry freight.
No other information to release.
EARLIER RELEASE:
Vigo County—Friday evening, September 14, at approximately 6:51, Indiana State Police and Vigo County emergency agencies responded to a fiery crash in eastbound lanes of Interstate 70 at the Darwin Road overpass (near three mile marker) involving two tractor-trailer units.
Preliminary investigation revealed a 2007 Volvo tractor, pulling a box trailer with general freight, and driven by 67-year-old Oscar Martinez of Cypress, Texas, was slowing down as he perceived slower traffic ahead of him. Suddenly Martinez’s commercial vehicle was struck in the rear by a 2017 Freightliner tractor pulling a box trailer loaded with general freight. The violent impact caused the Freightliner tractor to erupt in flames ultimately resulting in the death of the driver.
The deceased driver was not identifiable following the crash and the Vigo County Coroner’s Office will attempt to identify the male driver using DNA and/or dental records. This process could take a few weeks. Trooper believe they know the identity of the man and have been in contact with the victim’s company. The deceased and the company are believed to be from Ontario, Canada.
Martinez sustained only minor complaints of pain and was taken to Terre Haute Regional Hospital.
The heavy traffic was believed to be slowing for a general construction project near the seven mile marker and troopers were stationed in the paved crossover just east of the three mile marker (Darwin Road) to warn motorists of approaching speed reduction.
Eastbound traffic was rerouted onto the Darwin Road exit, across Darwin Road, and back onto eastbound 70. All lanes were open at approximately 3:45a.m. Saturday morning.
The crash was investigated by ISP Senior Trooper David Petrowski with assistance from ISP Crash Reconstructionists Senior Troopers Tim Rader and Ted Robertson, along with ISP Sergeant Chris Wright, Troopers Brad Fyfe and Courtland Woodruff, Vigo County Sheriff’s Lieutenant Mike Anderson, West Terre Haute Police, Sugar Creek Fire/Rescue, Honey Creek Fire/Rescue, Otter Creek Fire/Rescue, Trans Care EMS, Vigo County Coroner’s Office, and Edington’s Wrecker Service.
911 call leads to arrest of Elberfeld man on DUI and weapon charges
On September 16, 2018, at 4:34 a.m. Gibson County Central Dispatch received a 911 report of a disturbance in the area of County Road 200 South and County Road 1150 East. Upon arriving in the area Deputy Ben Kiesel began an investigation into the call with the assistance of Oakland City Officer Don Carlisle. During the investigation Deputy Kiesel detected the odor of alcohol on 30 year old Timothy Schulz of Elberfeld and determined that Mr. Schulz had allegedly pulled a gun out during the incident. At the conclusion of Deputy Kiesel’s investigation Mr. Schulz was taken into custody and transported to the Gibson County Jail. Upon arriving at the Jail Mr. Schulz was charged with Point a Firearm, Criminal Recklessness with a Deadly Weapon, and Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated-Prior. He has since posted a $750 bond.
All Criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Owensville man arrested on DUI charge after being involved in an accident
On September 17, 2018, at 3:03 p.m. Gibson County Central Dispatch received a 911 call to report an accident with injuries at the intersection of County Road 850 South and County Road 1050 West. When officers arrived on scene they found 34 year old Larry Flener of Owensville lying on the roadway next to a 2017 moped. Upon speaking with Mr. Flener officers detected the odor of alcohol and Sgt. John Fischer began a roadside DUI investigation. At the conclusion of his investigation Sgt. Fischer placed Mr. Flener into custody and transported him to the Gibson County Jail. Upon arriving at the Jail Mr. Flener was charged with Operating a Motor Vehicle While Intoxicated. He remains in custody on a $650 bond.
Assisting Sgt. Fischer in his investigation was Owensville Town Marshal Rodger Leister.
All Criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Driver Injured As Semi Overturns & Spills Load Of Turkey Manure On Highway 11
On September 17th at 3:31pm, the Wabash County Sheriff's Office responded to the area of Highway 11 at the Lancaster Stockyards reference a one vehicle crash. When the deputy arrived on scene he found a west bound semi had overturned while negotiating the curve. During Deputy Art Kimmel's investigation he found that the semi belonging to Steber Turkey Farm of Claremont, IL left the roadway to the right over corrected , traveled across the roadway and over corrected once again, causing the semi and trailer to overturn, spilling its’ load of turkey manure. Christopher G. Provines, 27 of Claremont sustained minor injuries in the crash and transported to Good Samaritan Hospital in Vincennes. The roadway was closed for approximately 3 hours as crews worked to clear the wreckage. The Sheriff's Office was assisted by WGAS, West Salem Fire Department, Allendale Fire Department, and the Wabash County Highway Department.
Mt. Carmel Elementary School News
News From MCES Principal Sheila Odom:
Tasty Apples!
Students in Mrs. Gordon's Kindergarten class are studying apples. Recently they taste tested apples and then created a graph based on their favorite type of apple. Granny Smith was the favored type. Thus far they have learned about the Apple Tree's life cycle, tree grafting, products made from apples, and stories about apple trees all in preparation for their field trip to the apple orchard at the end of the month.
Students at MCES celebrated Constitution Day on September 17th. The students in Mrs. Jones/Ms. Bruce classes listened to Susan Woods from the DAR read the book “We the Kids”, learned a song called “We the People” and rang small bells together as a group - signifying the Constitutional Rights we have as United States Citizens.
Mrs. Kemper's Kindergarten class wrote and signed their classroom constitution.
Mrs. Kemper's Kindergarten class wrote and signed their classroom constitution.
Mrs. Satava's class at MCES learned about the flag and they each will get to paint a flag of their own for Constitution Week.