Effingham Firm To Build Wabash County Highway Headquarters

An Effingham company has been awarded the bid to construct a new Wabash County highway department headquarters. At their regular meeting yesterday, county commissioners approved the low bid from K. Wohltman Construction in the amount of $1,429,000. The bid was the lowest from among the 8 quotes received for the project. In addition to the building, commissioners approved spending $14,000 for a natural gas fired emergency generator, something commissioner Tim Hocking said was important for not just the highway department….

It’s estimated the project will take 270 calendar days to complete. The county will use more than $1 million in ARPA funds to help pay for the project with the remainder coming from the highway department’s budget.

Owensville man arrested on DUI charge

On December 17th, 2023 at approximately 4:25 a.m. the Gibson County Sheriff`s Office received a call about a vehicle stopped in the roadway on First Street and Warrick Street in Owensville.  Sgt. John Fischer, Deputy Bart Wagner and Princeton Police Officer Ben Kiesel arrived to find a Black 2015 Ford Fusion in the wrong lane on First Street up against a curb.  The driver, who was later identified as Austin Q. Martin, age 29 of Owensville was sleeping behind the wheel.  Mr. Martin exited the vehicle and Sgt. John Fischer conducted a roadside investigation.  Sgt. Fischer found probable cause to believe Mr. Martin had operated a vehicle while intoxicated.  Mr. Martin was transported to the Gibson County Jail and charged with operating a vehicle while intoxicated with endangerment and operating while intoxicated with a BAC over .15%.  Mr. Martin`s has posted a $650 bond. 
 
Assisting officers were Deputy Bart Wagner, Princeton Police Sgt. Ben Kiesel and Princeton Police Officer Brian Archibald.
 
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Christmas Brighter For Many Wabash County Families

Dozens of Wabash County children will have a Merrier Christmas this year thanks to the Shop With A Cop/Fireman/EMT program. Yesterday was shopping day at the Princeton Walmart as each youngster was given a $300 budget with at least half of that earmarked for clothes according to organizer Mark Seaton, Mt. Carmel Fire Department captain….

The program is made possible from community donations that Seaton and others solicit throughout the year…

And Seaton said the kids aren’t the only ones who benefit from the program…

The families along with law enforcement officers, firefighters, and EMT’s gathered at the elementary school yesterday to pair up before heading to Princeton for the shopping spree.

Public Works Director Not Retiring After All

A longtime Mt. Carmel City employee who was scheduled to retire at the end of the year has changed his mind and will stick around awhile longer. Mike Gidcumb has served in a variety of capacities including city inspector and his current position as head of the public works department. On last Friday’s Ask The Mayor segment, Joe Judge said Gidcumb isn’t going anywhere…. 

Judge said Gidcumb’s decision to stay for two more years will make for a smoother transition to his replacement… 

Get The App To See The Light Map

On Wednesday’s Morning Show, the winners of the Sights and Sounds of Christmas home decorating contest were announced. Originally, organizers planned give 8 awards, 7 to homes plus the Merry and Bright business award. But, because of the quality of this year’s entries, an 8th home winner was announced. The business winners was Mt. Carmel Public Utility while the people’s choice in the home decorating contest was went to Ed and Cheryl Schonnaman. This is the 7th year for the competition and this year there were 23 total entries. Spokeswoman Brittany Campagna said there’s an easy way for you to see all of the entries…

The people’s choice winner in the Festival of Trees at Merchants Park was Girl Scout Troop 8503.

Ed & Cheryl Schonaman, 1202 Poplar St
People's Choice Award Winner!
“Christmas Vacation” (yes, the Griswold award” Award Winner!

City Tax Levy To Go Up Slightly

The Mt. Carmel City Council on Monday heard the first reading of the tax levy for 2023 real estate taxes payable in 2024. And unlike the last few years, city residents will see a slight bump in the city’s portion of property taxes. Mayor Joe Judge explained the reason for the 2.31% increase in the levy…

Judge said the increase comes after the city adopted a negative increase tax levy two years ago and a flat tax levy last year. He said this year’s increase will amount to just a total of $14,000, when split among all city taxpayers represents a very minimal increase.