Perhaps the most successful event during the recent Fantastic 4th Celebration in Mt. Carmel was a new event. The Touch A Truck attracted 67 different vehicles to Market Street and served as a fundraiser for the Shop With Cop, fireman, and Medic program. After all of the food was served and all of the raffle tickets were sold, organizers say $7,000 was raised during the four hour event. And, all of that money will stay in Wabash County buying Christmas presents for local youngsters. Police Chief Mike McWilliams told the city council Monday that they’re already looking to a bigger, better event in 2024. As for the rest of the Fantastic 4th events, McWilliams said no problems were reported including the fireworks.
City Council Looks To Extend Republic Contract
The Mt. Carmel City Council is hoping to curb dramatic price increases from Republic Services. At Monday’s City Council meeting, Mayor Joe Judge said Republic is offering the city a chance to lock in the rate….
The council voted to send a proposal to Republic calling for no rate increase for 5 years. Year 5 of the current contract is set to begin on August 1st and will include a 40 cent per customer increase. If Republic rejects the terms of the city’s proposal, Judge said a counter proposal would be submitted.
Back To School Bash Set At WCHD
The 2023-24 Wabash District #348 school year starts one month from today and the Wabash County Health Department, Wabash General Hospital, and Wabash Community Health Center are teaming up to hold a Back To School Bash on Thursday, July 27th. At Wednesday’s health board meeting, administrator Judy Wissel said the goal of the event is simple…get kids ready to go back to school…
In addition, there’ll be free haircuts for those attending the bash that will be held at the health department at 7th and Chestnut Streets.
The new school year in District #348 starts on August 14th with three straight days of teacher institutes. The first day for students will be Thursday, August 17th.
Plans In The Works For Eclipse Event
Many communities in the area have been working for many months organizing events and celebrations for next April’s solar eclipse. And until now, Mt. Carmel and Wabash County seemed to be sitting on the sideline with no plans to capitalize on the influx of tourists that will descend on communities in the path of totality. Mt. Carmel has one of the longer durations of totality during the eclipse at 4 minutes and 3 seconds. Mayor Joe Judge said a committee is meeting starting to formulate plans for the eclipse. And, those plans might not be in Wabash County…
Mt. Carmel will enter totality during the April 8th eclipse at 2:02pm.
Year End WCHD Service Numbers Released
The Wabash County Health Department’s fiscal year ended June 30th and at their Wednesday meeting the health board reviewed numbers on how many people used the department’s public health services. From July of last year to June 30th of this year, the health department administered 1,426 COVID immunizations and 1,100 flu immunizations along with 1,882 other immunizations. Other services at the health department included 493 labs drawn; 151 lead screenings performed; and 130 TB tests conducted.
Update on Gibson County vehicle versus pedestrian on State Road 65 at CR 400 North
On July 12, 2023, at 9:56 p.m. Gibson County Deputy Quinten Might and Special Deputy Erick Walker were patrolling the area of State Road 65 near County Road 400 North. While traveling South on SR 65 they observed a 2015 Grey Chevy Equinox traveling directly in front of them and upon approaching County Road North they observed a White Semi Truck and Trailer in the Northbound lane with its flashing hazard lights on and river’s door open. The driver of the Equinox continued through the intersection striking the 43 year old driver of the semi.
The 43 year old male was unresponsive and had multiple injuries to his legs, chest, and head. Deputies Might and Walker immediately began a patient assessment of the male and began CPR that was assisted by and AED unit that was in Deputy Might’s patrol car. While performing CPR Deputy Might requested a medical helicopter be dispatched to the scene. Deputy Might and Deputy Walker then continued life saving measures until a Gibson County Ambulance arrived. Once an ambulance arrived they took over primary care of the 43 year old male with the assistance of Hazleton White River and Patoka White River Fire Departments.
At that point Deputy Might began to investigate the accident with the assistance of Deputy Logan Lashbrook and Princeton Police Officer Brandt George. Witness statements were collected from individuals who were on scene and viewed the incident occur. Princeton Police Officer Dan Goedde was dispatched to the scene to perform an accident reconstruction investigation. Deputy Might transported the driver of the Equinox to Deaconess Gibson for a blood drawl.
Deputy Might advised that he spoke with the 43 year old male and had a conversation about the events leading up to him being struck.
All Criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Evansville woman arrested on multiple charges
On July 12, 2023, at 5:25 p.m. Deputies from the Gibson County Sheriff’s Office arrived in the 4000 block of West 200 South to attempt to serve a warrant on 39 year old Amanda Hardiman of Evansville. Upon arriving on scene deputies observed illegal drugs in plain view. Upon consulting with the Prosecutor’s Office Deputy Logan Lashbrook began the process of applying for a search warrant. Deputy Quinten Might was securing the property when he observed Ms. Hardiman drive up in a Blue Chevy Silverado. At that point Deputy Might placed Ms. Hardiman into custody. While waiting of the search warrant Deputy Might ran the vehicle Ms. Hardiman was driving through the Indiana BMV and discovered that the vehicle had been reported stolen. Once the search warrant had been secured Deputy Might transported Ms. Hardiman while the search was conducted. Upon arriving at the Gibson County Jail Ms. Hardiman was charged with Possession of Methamphetamines, Possession of a Hypodermic Needle, Auto Theft, and Driving While Suspended. She has since posted a $750 bond.
Deputy Logan Lashbrook has an open case in regards to the search warrant and charges have been forwarded to the Prosecutor’s Office for their review.
Assisting Deputy Might and Deputy Lashbrook in their investigation was Special Deputy Eric Walker.
All Criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law
Chicago male arrested on DUI charge
On July 12, 2023, at 11:59 p.m. Gibson County Central Dispatch received a 911 report of an unresponsive male in Silver 2014 Hyundai Sedan at the intersection of US 41 and Old US 41 near Patoka. Upon arriving Deputy Wyatt Hunt identified the driver of the vehicle as Leonel Caal Cac of Chicago. While speaking with the driver Deputy Hunt observed obvious signs of intoxication and began a roadside DUI investigation. At the conclusion of his investigation Deputy Hunt placed Mr. Caal Cac into custody and transported him to the Gibson County Jail where he was charged with Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated and Operating a Vehicle Without Ever Receiving a Valid Drivers License. He remains in custody on a $1500 bond.
Assisting Deputy Hunt in his investigation was Sergeant Loren Barchett and Princeton Officer Nefty Padilla.
All Criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Urging Drivers to Slow Down
Jasper — This summer, the Indiana State Police is teaming up with other Indiana law enforcement agencies to keep drivers and passengers safe by raising awareness about the dangers of speeding and urging drivers to obey speed limits.
From July 10 to July 31, law enforcement officers in your community will be on high alert for speeding vehicles while participating in the Speeding Slows You Down campaign, funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) through the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI).
Not only is speeding illegal, it's also deadly. In 2021, speeding killed 252 people in Indiana, accounting for more than one-quarter of all crash fatalities. Tragically, there was a dramatic increase (15%) in speeding-related crash fatalities from 2021-2022.
Preliminary data shows that in 2022, speeding killed 290 people in Indiana, with nearly 300 fatalities projected in 2023. The Indiana State Police wants to remind drivers that, no matter how seasoned you are as a driver, ultimately, Speeding Slows You Down.
Like impaired driving, speeding can have deadly consequences for drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. Speeding reduces a driver's ability to steer safely around another vehicle, a hazardous object, or an unexpected curve. Even the safest cars with the newest technologies are limited in how much they can help reduce the odds of a crash. "Speed limit signs are not suggestions; they are the law," said Indiana State Police Lieutenant Jason Allen.
According to data from ICJI, more people crash while speeding on local roads than on highways. In 2022, 77% of all speeding-related traffic crashes on Indiana roads occurred on non-interstate roadways.
Drivers in neighborhoods, school zones, or secondary roads should be especially aware of this campaign and their speed.
For more information, please visit www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/speeding.
IECC Welcomes Michelle Brooks as Director of the Illinois SBDC at IECC
Illinois Eastern Community Colleges is pleased to announce the appointment of Michelle Brooks as the new Director of the Illinois SBDC at IECC. Michelle brings a wealth of experience and a diverse background in business, insurance, real estate, and sales to her new role.
A native of Olney, IL, Michelle embarked on her professional journey in the Richland County State’s Attorney’s office and Probation office before venturing into the insurance industry at Shelter Insurance and United Health Care. Harnessing her entrepreneurial spirit, she became a business owner, successfully running Daylight Donuts and HV’s Food & Spirits. Additionally, Michelle holds a Real Estate Agent license.
Michelle is an alumna of OCC and Eastern Illinois University, where she obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Finance. Her strong foundation in finance, coupled with her extensive professional background, positions her well to support small businesses in the region.
“The SBDC is a valuable tool for those considering starting a business as well as a wealth of information and resource for those already in business. My goal is to promote awareness of the SBDC as well as meet the training and resource needs of the small business community,” says Michelle Brooks.
As the Director of the Illinois SBDC at IECC, Michelle will oversee a range of services aimed at fostering the growth and success of local businesses. The Illinois SBDC offers personalized one-on-one business advising, helping entrepreneurs develop business plans, refine management strategies, and create effective marketing campaigns. Additionally, the center provides in-depth business training.
Located at the Terry L. Bruce West Richland Center, Room #104, Michelle and her team are ready to serve entrepreneurs and small business owners in the area.
The Illinois SBDC at IECC provides indispensable resources for businesses to thrive and conquer new horizons. Through personalized advising, comprehensive training programs, and access to market information, the SBDC equips entrepreneurs with the knowledge and tools they need to succeed in today’s competitive landscape.
Michelle Brooks’ appointment as Director of the Illinois SBDC at IECC marks an exciting chapter in the center’s dedication to supporting local businesses.
For more information about the Illinois SBDC at IECC and the services offered, please visit www.iecc.edu/sbdc or contact Michelle Brooks directly at (618) 847-9199.
