FTA Warrant Leads To Arrest Of Mt. Carmel Man

On 1/28/23, Mt. Carmel Police arrested Donald L. Barnett, age 50, of Mt. Carmel, on a Wabash County Warrant for Failure to Appear on a 2017 methamphetamine arrest by MCPD, among other cases.  Barnett was in the 300 block of W 11th where he was taken into custody, transported to the Wabash County Jail, and held pending the posting of a $300 cash bond. 

Otwell Man Arrested for OWI and Possession of Meth

Pike County – Wednesday night, January 25, at approximately 7:40 p.m., Trooper Stein stopped the driver of a 2006 Ford on I-69 near the 46 mile-marker for a headlight violation. The driver was identified as Michael Doades, 42, of Otwell. The passenger was identified as Haley Alexander, 31, of Indianapolis. Due to suspicious activity and Doades displaying signs of impairment, Trooper Stein requested assistance and a K-9 unit. While waiting for assistance to arrive, Stein was able to determine Alexander had an active warrant out of Hendricks County. After additional officers arrived, Doades submitted to field sobriety tests and failed. When officers searched Doades they discovered a black pouch inside his shoe containing approximately 20 grams of suspected methamphetamine and several syringes. A search of the vehicle revealed additional syringes and a smoking pipe. Further investigation revealed Doades tested positive for methamphetamine and marijuana. Doades and Alexander were transported to the Pike County Jail where they are currently being held on bond.

Arrested and Charges:

  • Michael Doades, 42, Otwell, IN

  1. Possession of Meth, Level 4 Felony

  2. Possession of Syringes, Level 6 Felony

  3. Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Class A Misdemeanor

  4. Driving While Intoxicated, Class C Misdemeanor

  • Haley Alexander, 31, Indianapolis, IN

  1. Warrant – Failure to Appear for Invasion of Privacy

 

Arresting Officer: Trooper D. Stein, Indiana State Police

Assisting Officers: Trooper C.J. Boeckman and Trooper B. Marsee, Indiana State Police

Assisting Agencies: Pike County Sheriff’s Office and Washington Police K-9 Team.

City Finances In Good Shape Heading Into Final Quarter Of Fiscal Year

With three months left in the current fiscal year, the city of Mt. Carmel’s budget looks to be in good shape. Finance commissioner Eric Ikemire reports that 81% of the projected revenue has already been collected. He said 64% of the budgeted sales tax has been collected, along with 85% of the income tax, 55% of the projected utility tax, and 72% of the state use tax….

The city’s fiscal year ends on April 30th.

WGH Board Commits Up To $1.6 Million For New Spine Surgery Equipment

The Wabash General Hospital Board of Directors has voted to spend up to $1.6 million to help support its’ newest surgeon. Dr. Brett Weinzapfel specializes in spine and orthopedic care and is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon. He performs several procedures not offered by most other spine surgeons in the area, including cervical disk replacement and minimally invasive sacroiliac joint fusion. But, the current Wabash General operating rooms lack the equipment Weinzapfel will need to perform spine surgeries. At Monday’s monthly meeting, the hospital board voted to purchase the additional equipment in addition to paying $183,000 a year for support that includes providing a staff member to assist Weinzapfel any time the equipment is being used. Weinzapfel comes to Wabash General from Evansville where he practiced orthopedic and spine surgeries since 2007.

Commissioners Hesitant To Approve Class Of 2026 Fundraiser

The Mt. Carmel City Council is holding off on making a decision on whether to allow a unique fundraiser for the MCHS Class of 2026. At Monday’s city council meeting, parent representatives of the current freshman class asked the council’s approval for a “prom potty” fundraiser.

Here’s how it works….you pay $25 to place a decorated toilet in someone’s yard for one day. But if you don’t want it in your yard, you can pay $40 not to have it in your yard.

But city commissioners Susan Zimmerman and Eric ikemire balked at the idea citing an existing city ordinance that prohibits building materials, including toilets, from being in yards.

Mayor Joe Judge explained why he brought the proposal to the city council…

The council eventually tabled the proposal for two weeks to allow for further consideration. Organizers are hoping the fundraiser can be held throughout March and April with the goal being to raise $3,000.

City Council Approves Dates For Two Big 2023 Events

The Mt. Carmel City Council has approved the dates for two upcoming events. The first is the St. Mary’s Rockets Foundation Mardi Gras 5K and kid’s fun run. It’ll be held on Saturday, February 25th with the fun run starting at 1:30 and the 5K to follow at 2pm. The second event is the Smokin’ For Garrett barbeque festival. It’ll be held on October 6th and 7th in uptown Mt. Carmel. Market Street will be closed at 5pm on October 5th to allow for set-up.