Mt. Carmel Man Faces Numerous Charges Following Monday Arrest

On 2/12/24, Mt. Carmel Police arrested Phillip W. Farrar, age 55, of Mt. Carmel for Unlawful Possession of Weapon by Felon, Possession of Hypodermic Syringe/Needles, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.  Police were called to Farrar’s residence in the 400 block of E 9th Street to investigate a domestic dispute involving Farrar and a girlfriend.  During their investigation, it was alleged to police that Farrar was armed with a machete knife and a switchblade knife while making threatening statements towards the alleged victim.  When officers made contact with Farrar, he showed officers the two knives in question.  Farrar, who is a convicted felon, is prohibited from possessing both knives.  During this time, officers also located a black scale and a white crystalized substance on a black plastic cover to the scale.  Farrar was placed under arrest for the weapons offense, at this time.  Several items used during the ingestion of narcotics were located to include hypodermic needles and plastic baggies containing a white residue inside of them.  Officers also located several containers and a safe in the home. 

Later, on this date, search warrants were obtained for the safe and containers by a Southeastern Illinois Drug Task Force (SEIDTF) Agent with the assistance of Wabash County States Attorney Kelli Storckman and authorized by Wabash County Circuit Judge William Hudson.  In executing the search warrant, the SEIDTF agent and officers from the Mt. Carmel Police Department found approximately 12 grams of methamphetamine inside the safe along with Alprazolam and Clonazepam pills, both Schedule IV narcotics, inside a pill bottle with another individual’s name on the prescription.  Farrar while face additional charges of Possession of Methamphetamine (Less than 15grams) and two counts of Possession of a Controlled Substance.  Further charges may be forthcoming by States Attorney Storckman after her review of the case. 

INDOT, ISP encourage drivers to plan ahead for upcoming solar eclipse

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Indiana will play a pivotal role in hosting eclipse enthusiasts as they flock to the Hoosier State to catch a glimpse of the first total solar eclipse in seven years on Monday, April 8. The eclipse will be visible over a large portion of the state, with the path of totality spanning from Evansville to the outskirts of Fort Wayne, entering southwest Indiana at 3:01 p.m. EDT/2:01 p.m. CDT and exiting to the northeast at 3:12 p.m. EDT/2:12 p.m. CDT.

Other parts of the state will experience a partial eclipse of at least 90 percent totality from approximately 1:30 p.m. EDT/12:30 p.m. CDT to 4:30 EDT/3:30 CDT.

Nearly 4 million Hoosiers live within the path of totality, with hundreds of thousands of people expected to visit Indiana for the event. Increased traffic and congestion are also expected as residents and tourists alike make their way to viewing destinations. Areas near the eclipse centerline are anticipated to see the greatest influx of visitors, including Vincennes, Bloomington, Franklin and Bluffton. Indianapolis and Evansville are also included in the path.

To ensure a smooth trip, the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) and Indiana State Police (ISP) urge drivers to plan ahead and prepare for potential travel impacts before, during and after the eclipse.

Before the eclipse

  • Research your viewing site, considering accessibility, parking and crowd size. Check INDOT TrafficWise on the mobile app or at 511in.org to plan your route and monitor traffic conditions. Plan to arrive to your destination early.

  • Anticipate increased traffic and congestion, especially in areas in or near the path of totality.

  • Reach your destination safely -- buckle up and put your phone down while driving.

  • Pack plenty of snacks and water, as well as charging cables for electronics and mobile devices, in the event you or your group become stranded.

  • Make sure your vehicle has a full tank of gas and top off fluids before you head out in case you’re stuck in traffic for a long period of time. Use this eclipse-ready checklist for more road trip essentials.

  • Don’t forget your solar eclipse viewing glasses! You will need specially designed glasses to avoid damage to your eyes.

During the eclipse

  • Avoid travel during the eclipse or in the main path if possible.

  • Exit the roadway to stop and view the solar eclipse. Do not stop along highways or park on the shoulder for viewing.

  • Do not take photos or videos while driving. Indiana is a hands-free state. Holding mobile devices such as smartphones or tablets while driving is prohibited by state law.

  • Do not wear eclipse glasses while driving.

  • Turn on your headlights. Do not rely on automatic lights.

  • Watch for pedestrians, especially along secondary roads.

After the eclipse

  • Plan your post-event transportation method well in advance. If celebrating, ensure everyone has a safe and sober way to return home. Designate a sober driver or arrange for alternate transportation.

  • Exercise patience when leaving your viewing location as traffic may be heavy. Follow instructions from law enforcement or emergency personnel and be considerate of fellow drivers.

  • Stay put and stick around to avoid the post-event rush.

  • Clean up after yourself and dispose of trash in designated receptacles, or take it with you.

  • Once again, check INDOT TrafficWise on the mobile app or at 511in.org to plan your route and monitor traffic conditions.

INDOT will limit road closures and restrictions where possible on state routes to help with traffic flow surrounding the eclipse. View current construction and maintenance activities on INDOT’s TrafficWise map or the free mobile app.

Visit the sites below and follow INDOT and ISP on social media for more information regarding the total solar eclipse in Indiana.

State Deals Setback To Mt. Carmel Pool Project

“Bad, frustrating news”. That’s how Mt. Carmel Mayor Joe Judge described his reaction after the state last week left the city’s new aquatic center off its’ recipients of park grants. The city had applied for $2.8 million grant to help pay for the $11.4 million project which would include a complete overhaul of the facility built in 1937. Judge said there were 338 applications in this round of parks grants and Mt. Carmel survived all of the cuts and finished number 7. But and this is where the frustrating part comes in, the city was penalized and bumped to number12, just outside the 11 projects that received funding. On Friday’s Ask The Mayor segment, Judge explained the state’s reasoning for booting Mt. Carmel out of those receiving grants…

JOE JUDGE NO POOL GRANT.MP3

Despite the disappointing news on the grant, Judge said the city pool will open on time this year. To prepare for the opening, he said the entire pool will be repainted for the first time in three years.  

Albion Woman Picked Up By MCPD On Warrant

 On 2/02/24, Mt. Carmel Police arrested Kristina M. Randall, age 30, of Albion on an Edwards County No Bond Warrant following a traffic stop in the 1400 block of W 3rd Street.  The arresting officer observed a female he knew to have an active warrant inside the vehicle so a traffic stop was conducted.  Randall acknowledged the warrant and was placed under arrest.  Randall was transported to the Wabash County Jail, issued her warrant, and held pending extradition back to Edwards County. 

Pair Arrested Following Traffic Stop

On 2/08/24, Mt. Carmel Police arrested Andy Anderson, age 39, of Princeton, Indiana for Possession of a Hypodermic Syringe/Needle and Emily C. Hanlon, age 39, of Mt. Carmel for Possession of a Controlled Substance following a traffic stop on a 1993 Green Chevrolet truck in the 1500 block of West 3rd Street.  Ofc. Hopper and his K-9 Eleven responded to the scene and conducted a free air narcotics sniff around the exterior of the vehicle, which resulted in a positive alert.  A subsequent search led to officers locating a hypodermic needle in Anderson’s boot.  Furthermore, officers located (2) Clonazepam pills inside Hanlon’s backpack.  Clonazepam is a Schedule IV narcotic requiring a physician’s prescription, which she admittedly did not possess.  Both were transported to the Wabash County Jail where they were processed and later released on a Notice to Appear. 

Animal Control Investigation leads to the Arrest of all Three Warrick County Commissioners

Warrick County – The Warrick County Animal Control investigation into misappropriated funds by Indiana State Police has resulted in the arrest of all three Warrick County Commissioners.

After the arrest of Danielle Barnes on December 13, 2023, Indiana State Police Detectives Werne and Stinson received information that Warrick County Commissioner’s Terry Phillippe, Dan Saylor, and Robert Johnson had no knowledge of Barnes’ non-profit organization, Warrick Animal Guardian (WAG), or any documents concerning WAG. Barnes was operating Warrick Animal Guardian (WAG) while employed as a supervisor at Warrick County Animal Control.

During the investigation, detectives revealed on January 9, 2023, a donation of a mobile trailer to Warrick County Animal Control from WAG was accepted by the commissioners.  On February 1, 2024, Warrick County Commissioners released a timeline of events during a public news conference, which stated between December 1-4, 2023, the commissioners received limited documentation from the health department regarding Barnes’ conduct. Detectives later learned the commissioners had allegedly been investigating Barnes for months.

During the summer of 2023, the Warrick County Health Department had closed a swimming pool and several restaurants that failed health inspections.  Warrick County Commissioners allegedly instructed the health department to open the pool and restaurants. The owners of the pool and restaurants were allegedly friends and business associates of the commissioners. The health department ignored their orders. The health department supervisor was later terminated by the commissioners for allegedly not opening the restaurants, pool, and cooperating with Indiana State Police during the investigation pertaining to the misappropriated funds at the Warrick County Animal Shelter.

After reviewing the information gathered by Indiana State Police, Perry County Prosecutor Samantha Hurst filed criminal charges on Terry Phillippe, Dan Saylor, and Robert Johnson.  Arrest warrants were issued this morning. All three Warrick County Commissioners were arrested at 12:30 this afternoon after they turned themselves in at the Warrick County Jail. They were released after posting bond.

Arrested and Charges:

  • Terry Phillippe, 54, Boonville, IN

  1. Perjury, Level 6 Felony

  2. Official Misconduct, Level 6 Felony

  3. False Informing, Class A Misdemeanor

  • Dan Saylor, 59, Newburgh, IN

  • Robert Johnson, Jr, 62, Tennyson, IN

  1. Official Misconduct, Level 6 Felony

  2. False Informing, Class A Misdemeanor

This is an ongoing investigation, and no further information will be released at this time.

Investigating Officers: Detective Sergeant Brock Werne, Detective Patrick Stinson, and Detective Toni Walden, Indiana State Police

All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Cooper Named District 7 Conservation Officer of the Year (Knox County)

Indiana Conservation Officer Shane Cooper, who serves Knox County, has been selected as 2023 District 7 Officer of the year.

Cooper grew up in Knox County and has served as a conservation officer since 2013. He attended Vincennes University and then the University of Southern Indiana, majoring in conservation law and sociology.

In addition to his duties as a field officer, he serves as a sonar operator, field training officer, and public safety diver.

District 7 includes Daviess, Dubois, Gibson, Knox, Martin, Pike, Posey, Spencer, Vanderburgh, and Warrick counties. 

The district award puts Cooper in the running for the Pitzer Award, which is presented to the top overall conservation officer in the state and is selected from the 10 district winners.

The Pitzer Award is named after Conservation Officer James D. Pitzer, who was fatally shot while investigating illegal hunting activity on Jan. 2, 1961, in Jay County

City Exploring Solar Options For Sewer Plant

Last year, the Mt. Carmel City Council voted to move forward with a Pennsylvania company’s plans to construct a solar energy system on city property at the waste water treatment plant. But now, Mayor Joe Judge says it’s a good idea for the city to explore the option of owning the system…

JOE JUDGE ON MORTON 2 5 24

 At Monday’s City Council meeting, commissioners heard from Brad Morton of Morton Solar on ways the city council could benefit by taking ownership of the energy system. At the top of that list are the various incentives offered at the state and federal levels that could offset the vast majority of the costs. City attorney Derek McCullough said there are various aspects of the proposed contract with Keystone Energy that could prove problematic for the city in the future should incentives and tax breaks go away.

Keensburg Man Arrested On Meth Possession Charge

On 02.05.24 at approximately 8:49 p.m. a Wabash County Sheriff's Deputy made a traffic stop in the 400 Block of Walnut St., Mt. Carmel for improper lane usage. The deputy had observed the 1995 Dodge Dakota, driven by David G. Tapia, 57, of Keensburg, cross the dividing line and subsequently into the opposite lane of traffic. Once the deputy made contact with Tapia it was found that tapia was driving on a suspended driver's license. The deputy then requested the assistance of MCPD Officer Hopper and K9 Eleven to do a free air narcotics sniff of the vehicle. K9 Eleven alerted on the Tapia vehicle. A small clear plastic baggie was found in the headliner of the vehicle above the driver's seat. Tapia was taken into custody and transported to the Wabash County Jail where he was processed for possession of methamphetamine less than 5 grams and driving suspended.  Tapia was released with a notice to appear.