Home Improvement Program Application Process Starts Monday

The City of Mt. Carmel will begin accepting applications starting Monday for the new small house improvement program, or SHIP. The city council this week approved allocating $20,000 from American Rescue Plan Funds to allow homeowners to repair their homes. According to Mayor Joe Judge, applications will be reviewed by city clerk Ryan Turner, public works director Mike Gidcumb, and street superintendent David Easter… 

Qualifying homeowners could use the SHIP money to repair roofs, porches, and exterior stairs and steps; foundation and structural improvements; accessibility improvement for occupants with disabilities; along with other improvement activities. 

Mt.Carmel Mayor Joe Judge Elected to the IML Board of Directors

CHICAGO— The Illinois Municipal League (IML) elected officers and members to its Board of Directors at its Annual Business Meeting, held September 17, as a part of the 109th IML Annual Conference at the Hilton Chicago.

The IML membership unanimously elected River Forest Village President Catherine M. Adduci to serve a one-year term as President. Also elected during the conference were Fairview Heights Mayor Mark T. Kupsky as First Vice President and Hazel Crest Village President Vernard L. Alsberry, Jr. as Second Vice President.

In addition to the officers, 34 Vice Presidents were elected to serve a one-year term, and six IML Past Presidents continue to serve, on the statewide organization’s Board of Directors. Mt.Carmel Mayor Joe Judge was elected to serve as a Vice President.

“The economic strength and vibrancy of our state relies on municipal officials throughout Illinois working in a united manner to advocate for policies that empower our communities,” said Judge. “I am honored to serve on behalf of Illinois’ 1,295 municipalities as we work toward a brighter future.”  

Mayor Joe Judge also serves on the IML Legislative Committee where he is a true advocate for Illinois Communities and their values. In addition to his IML position Mayor Judge also serves as an Executive Board Member for the Southern Illinois Mayors Association and Chairmen of the Board of Directors at Greater Wabash Regional Planning Commission. Mayor Judge is passionate about supporting the community he serves. 

ABOUT THE ILLINOIS MUNICIPAL LEAGUE

The Illinois Municipal League is the statewide organization representing local communities throughout Illinois. Founded in 1913, IML has worked continuously for the benefit of all 1,295 municipalities in Illinois to provide a formal voice on matters involving common interests.

State Road 64 re-open date delayed in Francisco

GIBSON COUNTY, Ind. – The road reconstruction project on State Road 64 in Francisco has been delayed. This delay has moved the re-opening date of the road to traffic to late November, depending on the weather. Crews are hopeful to re-open State Road 64 to traffic before the Thanksgiving holiday. This reconstruction project has been delayed due to both weather conditions and supply chain issues.
Motorists are encouraged to continue using the official detour. That detour is US 41 to State Road 168 to I-69. Local traffic will continue to have access up to the point of closure.

Mt. Carmel Trash Rates Going Up Next Month

As expected, the Mt. Carmel City Council has unanimously approved raising garbage rates starting next month. The ordinance, which was approved, at Monday’s council meeting, will increase garbage rates 75 cents a month from $19 to $19.75 starting December 20th. Then on July 20th of next year, the rate will go up another 50 cents to $20.25 a month. Previously, city leaders said the increases were necessary because of price hikes from Republic Services.  

Several Ignored Burn Ban

Apparently, several Wabash County residents chose not to heed the burn ban that has been lifted. Fire commissioner Susan Zimmerman reported at Monday’s City Council meeting that several of the department’s runs over the last two weeks were to extinguish small brush fires that violated the burn ban. The burn ban was lifted last week after we received the first significant rain in more than a month. Mt. Carmel firefighters made a total of 18 runs the last two weeks, according to Zimmerman.

Canadian Official To Be In Mt. Carmel Next Week

A member of the Canadian consulate will be in Mt. Carmel next week to honor a Canadian war hero. At Monday’s City Council meeting, Mayor Joe Judge said the visit coincides with Veterans Day…

Hutcheson was born in Mt. Carmel in 1883 and in 1915, he renounced his United States citizenship in order to join the Canadian Army as a medical officer. He reclaimed his American citizenship after the war. Hutcheson was one of the seven Canadians to be awarded the Victoria Cross for their deeds on September 2nd, 1918 in France.

Leaf Route Information Released

From Mt. Carmel Public Works Director Mike Gidcumb:

Here is the color coded map for the leaf route.

We start on the green coded streets, then proceed to the blue coded
streets and finish the route with the orange coded streets.

We will complete all color coded sections before making a second pass.
There is no need to call we will be making several passes before leaf season is completed