At their meeting next Monday, the Mt. Carmel City Council is expected to approve an ordinance that will incorporate Easy Street into the city’s street maintenance program. According to City Clerk Ryan Turner, Easy Street was never officially brought into the city’s maintenance program despite various recommendations over the last 40 plus years. Turner said the ordinance will be a formality as the city already maintains Easy Street. He said a review will be conducted of other city streets that may be in a similar situation.
Today Is Last Day To File To Run In 2024 Election
Today is the last chance for candidates to file to run in next year’s election. A second local race will appear on next year’s Wabash County’s ballot. Democrat Robert Moore has filed to run for the six year county commissioner seat now held by Tim Hocking, who has filed for re-election. The other county race will be for the Republican nomination for coroner as incumbent Shaun Keepes and Greg Wilkinson were first in line when the filing opened last Monday morning. Other filings are state’s attorney Kelli Storckman and circuit clerk Angie Crum. Those filing for precinct committee-person are Republicans Joeann Dardeen in Mt. Carmel precinct 4 and Tom Ford in Mt. Carmel #9; and democrats Sandra Ward in Mt. Carmel #6; Julia Lynn Wheeler in Mt. Carmel #7; Donald Kensell in Mt. Carmel #8; and Robert Moore in Mt. Carmel #9.
WGH Board Approves Expansion Of Albion Clinic
The success of Wabash General Hospital’s Albion Clinic has led the hospital to embark on a major expansion project there. At last Monday’s monthly meeting, the WGH Board of Directors approved a bid of $315,716 from Kieffer Brothers Construction for the expansion. Wabash General President/CEO outlined the scope of the work….
Turner said the hospital is trying to keep up with the demand from Edwards County patients…
Wabash General has also purchased the former gas station at the intersections of Routes 130 and 15 that will be demolished and used for parking at the expanded clinic. The expansion in Albion comes on the heels of Wabash General growing its’ footprint in Lawrence County with the recent opening of a new orthopedic clinic in Lawrenceville.
3 WGH Board Members Look For New Terms
Three members of the Wabash General Hospital board of directors are seeking reappointment to new terms. At Monday’s hospital board meeting, the reappointments of Toni Brines, Kevin Raber, and John Evans were recommended and forwarded to the county board which has the final say-so on the new terms. Brines currently chairs the hospital board and will remain in that position in 2024 if her reappointment is approved next week.
Wabash District #348 Special Meeting
Here are the personnel items acted on by the school board at a Wednesday special meeting.
Some Water Bills Delayed
If you haven’t received your Mt. Carmel water bill this month, you should call city hall to see how much you owe. City clerk Ryan Turner told the city council yesterday that they’ve received several calls from residents saying they did not receive this month’s bill. Turner speculated the issue lies with the post office not delivering the bills. He said one way to avoid future delays is to sign up to have your bills sent electronically and have it paid via direct draft.
2nd Pass Of City's Leaf Pickup Routes About To Begin
The first pass of Mt. Carmel’s leaf routes is just about complete. At yesterday’s city council meeting, public works director Mike Gidcumb said once the first pass is finished in a couple of days, the second and final pass will begin. Residents should rake their leaves to the edge of the street to be picked up.
Contested Race For Coroner Set For March Primary
There will be at least one contested local race in the March primary in Wabash County. During yesterday’s first day of filing, Republicans Gregory Wilkinson and incumbent Shaun Keepes filed petitions to run for coroner. Since both candidates were at the county clerk’s at 8am, there will be a lottery to determine which candidate is listed first on the ballot.
Also filing yesterday were incumbent state’s attorney Kelli Storckman, county commissioner Timothy Hocking, and circuit clerk Angie Crum. All are Republicans.
One precinct committee-person filed yesterday and that was Republican Stephen Sutton for Coffee Precinct #15.
The filing period continues until next Monday in the county clerk’s office. The primary election is March 19th and the general election is next November 5th.
Over 10 Lbs. of Methamphetamine Seized during Traffic Stop on I-64
Posey County – Monday afternoon, November 27, at approximately 3:10 p.m., Trooper Hadley was patrolling I-64 near the 9 mile-marker when he stopped the driver of a white Dodge Charger for traveling east at 88 mph. When Trooper Hadley approached the vehicle, he detected an odor of cannabis coming from inside. The driver was identified as Demertria J. Gray, 33, and her passenger was identified as Shawnunique D. Phillips, 34, both from St. Louis, MO.
During a search of the vehicle, Trooper Hadley found over 20 grams of suspected marijuana and over 10 lbs. of suspected methamphetamine. Gray and Phillips were arrested and taken to the Posey County Jail where they are currently being held on bond.
Arrested and Charges:
Demertria J. Gray, 33, St. Louis, MO
Dealing Methamphetamine, Level 2 Felony
Possession of Marijuana, Class A Misdemeanor
Driving While Suspended, Class A Misdemeanor
Shawnunique D. Phillips, 34, St. Louis, MO
Possession of Marijuana, Class A Misdemeanor
Arresting Officer: Trooper Hadley, Indiana State Police
Assisting Officer: Trooper Backes, Indiana State Police
Assisting Agency: Drug Enforcement Administration Task Force
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Demetria Gray
Shawunique Phillips
Wabash District #348 School Board To Hold Special Session Wednesday
WABASH CUSD #348 BOARD OF EDUCATION
SPECIAL MEETING DISTRICT OFFICE
218 W. 13th Street Mt. Carmel, Il 62863
Wednesday, November 29, 2023 at 2:00 p.m.
AGENDA
1. Call to order / Roll call
2. Executive Session pursuant to Section 2(c)(1) of the Open Meetings Act: “The appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees”.
3. Personnel Matters
4. Adjourn