Coroner Shaun Keepes presented his year-end report to county commissioners on Monday. He told the board that his office finished the fiscal year some $9,000 under budget. During the previous 12 months, there were 87 total deaths in the county, up from 80 in 2017. There were 29 cremation certificates issued, and there were two suicides in the county last year, according to Keepes.
Another Potential Candidate Picks Up Petitions For City Council
You can add one more potential candidate to run for Mt. Carmel City Council next April. City Clerk Rudy Witsman said Donald Kensell has picked up a petition to possibly run for commissioner. Kensell joins incumbents Eric Ikemire, Justin Dulgar, and Rod Rodriguez and newcomers Chandler Madden, Donnie Banks, Tom Meeks, Jaleigh Lashbrook, and Art Kimmel as those with petitions. The filing period for the city council election begins Monday morning and continues through the 17th. Bill Hudson and Joe Judge continue to be the only ones with petitions for mayor. Also on the April 2nd ballot will be races for village offices and school boards in Wabash County.
City Cemetery Mowing Contract Up For Bids
Even though it’s not exactly mowing weather, the city of Mt. Carmel is already looking ahead to next summer and its’ cemetery mowing contracts. City Clerk Rudy Witsman said bids will be taken later this month and then opened in January. Witsman said there’s also another possibility…
Witsman said the advertisement for bids will be available soon.
Senior Center Use On The Rise
Private rentals of the WC Cafeteria and Senior Center are up according to commissioner Joe Judge…
Judge said the senior center is available for rent for any occasion and you can get available dates by calling the senior center.
Sites Narrowed For New Mt. Carmel Water Plant
Mt. Carmel officials continue to work on finding a suitable location for a new water plant. Water Commissioner Justin Dulgar reported at Monday’s city council meeting that three potential sites have been identified and an announcement on the selected location may be made by the end of the year. The city has been working on finding a site for a new water plant after the Wabash Valley Regional Water Commission and plans for a regional facility were abandoned earlier this year.
WSJD File Photo
City Tax Levy Down Ever So Slightly
You might not notice any change on your tax bill, but city officials want you to know they’re doing all they can to hold taxes down. At Monday’s meeting, the city council heard the first reading of the tax levy that is $339 less than last year according to finance commissioner Joe Judge…
City Clerk Rudy Witsman said the levy will continue to be examined to see if additional adjustments need to be made. The city council will adopt the levy at their next meeting in two weeks.
Mayor Salutes Weekend Organizers
Rave reviews continue to come in from last weekend’s big Christmas celebration in Mt. Carmel including from Mayor Bill Hudson…
Hudson thanked those responsible for organizing the various holiday events.
MCFD Honors Late Firefighter Butch Kingsbury
Funeral services were held this morning for long time Mt. Carmel fireman Butch Kingsbury. The 76 year old died on Friday and he was the recipient of tributes at last night’s city council. Mayor Bill Hudson began the meeting asking for a moment of silence in Butch’s honor. Fire Commissioner Rod Rodriguez devoted his entire report to honoring the memory of Kingsbury…
Kingsbury began his firefighting career at the age of 16 and eventually retired after 39 years as a full time fireman. MCFD escorted the funeral procession and had the ladder truck positioned at 9th and Market Streets.
Click photos for slideshow.
MCJHS Spelling Bee Winners
The annual Spelling Bee was held on November 21. Congratulations to the MCJHS Spelling Bee contestants! It was a competitive bee that lasted 14 rounds with Jason Miller winning by spelling the word “writhing”. Braelyn Patton came in as 1st runner up.
Jason Miller, an 8th grade student, is the son of Amber and Dru Faulkner and William Miller.
Braelyn Patton, an 8th grader student and the 1st runner up, is the daughter of Ron and Kris Patton.
WILLIAMSON COUNTY MAN SENTENCED TO MORE THAN 16 YEARS FOR METHAMPHETAMINE OFFENSE
Jackie C. Buckner, 38, of Johnston City, Illinois, has been sentenced to 200 months in federal prison for his role in a methamphetamine conspiracy, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Steven D. Weinhoeft, announced. Buckner previously pleaded guilty to a one-count indictment charging him with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
The indictment alleged that the offense occurred between December 2016 and May 2018, in Williamson County. Evidence at the plea and sentencing hearings established that Buckner was involved with other persons in the distribution of ice. Ice is methamphetamine with a purity level of at least 80%.
At sentencing, the district court found that Buckner was responsible for the distribution of approximately 615.30 grams of ice.
The investigation was conducted by the Southern Illinois Enforcement Group and Drug Enforcement Administration. The Energy Police Department also assisted in the investigation.
