Dean Starts New Year With New Criticisms Of WCHD

Wabash County Commissioner Rob Dean has renewed his criticisms of the Wabash County Health Department. Dean’s latest remarks came at yesterday’s county commissioner meeting in which he was critical of the health department being closed last week between Christmas and New Year’s….

Responding to Dean’s comments, health department administrator Judy Wissel said the health department being closed over the holidays is nothing new….

After the meeting concluded and Wissel had left, Dean commented that if the health board had approved closing the health department over the holidays, he never voted for it while a member of the health board. Dean resigned from the health board last year after repeatedly taking the department to task over various issues.

WSJD Recognized As a NOAA Weather-Ready Nation Ambassador

WSJD was notified today of its’ recognition as a NOAA Weather-Ready Nation Ambassador.

The Weather-Ready Nation (WRN) Ambassador™ is an initiative of the U.S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), to strengthen partnerships with external organizations toward building community resilience in the face of increasing vulnerability to extreme weather and water events.

Building a Weather-Ready Nation™ requires more than government action alone.  It requires innovative partnerships with other weather information providers (i.e., the Weather Enterprise), and with organizations across all segments of society for better community, business, and personal decision making.

WRN Ambassadors will serve as change agents and leaders in their community.  They will inspire others to be better informed and prepared, thus helping to minimize, mitigate, or avoid the impacts of natural disasters.

Mt. Carmel Man Faces Various Charges Following Friday Incident

On 12/29/23, Mt. Carmel Police arrested Branson R. Hall, age 25, of Mt. Carmel for Escape-Failure to Report to a Penal Institution, Unlawful Restraint, Fleeing/Attempting to Elude a Police Officer and an ordinance violation for Operating an Unregistered Motorized Bicycle in the Roadway.  Police were called to a business at 2nd & Walnut Street after an employee texted individuals saying they needed help and were fearful of Hall.  The individuals responded and found the building locked with Hall inside along with the employee.  After yelling repeatedly for Hall to unlock the door he did so and fled on foot.  Furthermore, officers learned that Hall had left a court ordered rehabilitation center and failed to return to jail, as ordered by the court. As officers attempted to locate Hall, an officer found him operating a motorized bicycle on the south end of Mt. Carmel so they attempted to stop him with emergency lights and siren.  Hall attempted to flee the officer which ended with Hall being taken into custody by MCPD officers on the other side of the levee south of Hydraulic Ave.  Hall was transported to the Wabash County Jail where he was charged and held pending a pre-trial detention determination by the court. 

Mt. Carmel Man Arrested For Violating Order Of Protection

On 12/30/23, Mt. Carmel Police arrested Gary A. Chalcraft, age 71, of Mt. Carmel for Violation of an Order of Protection following an incident at Casey’s General Store located in the 400 block of W 9th Street.  Police were called to the scene when a complainant/employee reported he had a valid protective order out of Wabash County against Chalcraft and that Chalcraft had just left the store property.  In speaking to a witness, they alleged that Chalcraft had come to the store the last two days, with the protected party being present the second time.  Casey’s is a protected address per the order of protection.  Police made contact with Chalcraft at his residence in the 1200 block of Bainum Street.  Chalcraft was placed under arrest and transported to the Wabash County Jail where he was charged and held pending a pre-trial detention determination by the court.

Hazleton man arrested on DUI charge

On December 31, 2023, at 11:58 p.m. Gibson County Central Dispatch received a 911 report of a single vehicle rollover accident on State Road 65 near Hazleton.  Upon arriving on scene observed a Gray Pontiac Grand Am on it’s roof, and the driver 29 year old Dakota Whitehouse of Hazleton in the driver’s seat.  Upon speaking with Mr. Whitehouse Deputy Wagner detected the odor of an alcoholic beverage.  Once a waiver of medical release was signed by Mr. Whitehouse Deputy Wagner began a roadside DUI investigation.  At the conclusion of his investigation Deputy Wagner placed Mr. Whitehouse into custody and transported him to the Deaconess Gibson Emergency Room for medical clearance.  Once Mr. Whitehouse was cleared to go to jail he was transported to the jail where he was charged with Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated.  He has since posted a $450 bond.
 
Assisting Deputy Wagner in his investigation was Deputy Wyatt Hunt.
 
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Indiana State Police and Coroner's Office investigate Gibson County inmate death

On January 2, 2024, at approximately 7:00 a.m. Gibson County Central Dispatch was alerted to a sudden medical emergency that occurred in front of Corrections Officers. The inmate was transported to the Deaconess Gibson Emergency Room where he was ultimately declared deceased. At that point the Gibson County Coroner and the Indiana State Police were called to conduct an investigation into the incident.
This is an ongoing investigation and the deceased individual will not be identified until the family is notified. The coroner will be scheduling an autopsy to determine the cause of death.

Shaner Retires from the Bench

The Second Judicial Circuit is honored to recognize Associate Judge Mark L. Shaner in his retirement this month from the judiciary. Judge Shaner began his judicial career when he was appointed to the bench on March 2, 2005. His last date of service was December 15, 2023. During his tenure, he presided over cases throughout the Second Circuit. Judge Shaner was known for his commitment to the Second Judicial Circuit’s drug courts and he also served as a New Judge Mentor providing guidance and support to new judges in their first years of service.

Second Circuit Chief Judge Melissa Morgan stated, "Judge Shaner has served the Second Circuit for over 18 years, leading by example with his outstanding dedication to the administration of justice. The Judges of the Second Circuit are honored to have served alongside him and we congratulate him on his retirement.” The Second Judicial Circuit is comprised of the counties of Crawford, Edwards, Franklin, Gallatin, Hamilton, Hardin, Jefferson, Lawrence, Richland, Wabash, Wayne, and White

Outside Firm Set To Take Over Lead Water Line Surveys

City officials will start 2024 continuing their efforts to comply with the state mandate to survey all lead service lines in Mt. Carmel. Mayor Joe Judge led an effort this year trying to get city residents to fill out a brief survey on whether or not their home has lead water lines. That effort fell well short of the mark causing the city to contract with an outside firm to take on the job….

All Illinois municipalities have been mandated by the state to complete the lead service line surveys to the Illinois EPA by April 15th of 2024.

Year End Issues Addressed At City Council Meeting

If you plan on ringing in the new year this weekend with alcohol, Mayor Joe Judge says you need to play it safe or you might begin 2024 in jail….

On another new year’s subject, city attorney Derek McCollough said time is running out for those with electric bikes to get their 2024 sticker to operate them legally next week….

The electric bike stickers along with the 2024 stickers for side by sides and golf carts are available 24/7 at the police department. You just need to bring your proof of insurance.