INDOT prepared for winter weather, impacts to evening commutes possible

The Indiana Department of Transportation is prepared for a quick burst of snow expected to move across much of Indiana starting late Friday morning and afternoon through the evening hours.

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued winter weather advisories for most counties from the Lafayette area to the Ohio River. NWS is calling for a range of one-to-four inches of snow across the state, with locally higher amounts possible. Heavier snow is expected along and south of the I-70 corridor.

INDOT will be at a full or partial call out in most areas, with more than 500 trucks treating state highways, interstates and U.S. routes by Friday evening. Crews will remain active for the duration of the snow event and afterward to continue cleanup efforts.

Snow is expected to begin late Friday morning or early afternoon, depending on location, and continue through the evening hours. Warm pavement temperatures may limit roadway impacts to start, but heavy snowfall rates and colder temperatures may result in snow-covered roads, causing difficult travel.

Motorists should closely monitor forecasts and consider travel carefully. Remember to slow down, increase following distance, allow extra time to reach destinations and give plow trucks plenty of room to work.

Check real-time travel conditions and view traffic and snow plow cameras online at 511in.org or via INDOT's TrafficWise app. Regular updates will also be shared on INDOT's social media channels. Check for travel advisories in your area at in.gov/dhs/traveladvisory.

For travelers heading to NBA All-Star festivities in Indianapolis, visit pacers.com/allstar for event-specific "Know Before You Go" information.

Journey Tribute Band Added to Eclipse Celebration Lineup

PRINCETON, IN) - The Journey tribute band, Resurrection, has been added as the opening act for the Gibson County Eclipse Celebration concert on April 7, 2024 at the Gibson County Fairgrounds.  The concert will now be a two-for-one, with Hotel California, the original Eagles tribute, taking the stage following the Resurrection performance.  Resurrection - A Journey Tribute, considered to be 'The Gold Standard' by which all Journey tributes are measured, faithfully recreates the experience of a 1980’s Journey concert. This dynamic band has featured some of Nashville's hottest musicians, many of whom have performed, written, or recorded with the biggest names in the music industry - including Journey and Steve Perry. 

The Journey tribute band performance is being made possible by the City of Princeton while the Hotel California performance is made possible by Toyota Indiana.  The City of Princeton is also sponsoring free fireworks on Friday, April 5th at the Gibson County Fairgrounds.  The Gibson County Eclipse Celebration, April 5 – April 8, will also include a student art and science fair, educational sessions, live local entertainment, carnival rides, vendors and food trucks throughout the weekend culminating with guided viewing of the total eclipse process in real time on Monday, April 8, 2024.

There are two advanced purchase options for the Gibson County Eclipse Celebration. There are $15 reserved seat concert tickets and a $75 VIP Eclipse Package.

The $75 VIP Eclipse Package is an all-access package to the 4-day Eclipse Celebration and includes: eclipse glasses, entrance to the fairgrounds April 5-8, VIP parking, reserved seats for the Sunday night tribute band concert, exclusive access to the VIP Eclipse Lounge on Monday, April 8 during the eclipse with complimentary food and drinks.

To purchase either of these options you can visit www.gogibson.org or if you would rather purchase these tickets in person they are available at the Gibson County Visitors and Tourism Bureau located in the Princeton Train Depot at 702 West Broadway, Princeton, IN.  

General admission concert tickets will be included with the gate entry fee on the day of the concert, Sunday, April 7, for $5 per person. Gates open at 3 pm CT.

Please note: This is an outdoor venue. In the event of inclement weather, the concert will be moved to the fairgrounds pavilion and reserved seating will not be possible. No refunds will be issued. 

Please visit www.gogibson.org for additional details and information about other eclipse events happening in Gibson County.

The Finish Line is in Sight: I-69 Finish Line releases 2024 Construction Guide

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – I-69 Finish Line released its latest Construction Guide this week, outlining what drivers can expect in 2024 as the country’s newest interstate project is on track to officially open by the end of the year.

Construction has progressed northward since work began in Martinsville in 2019, with substantial completion of mainline pavement up to Southport Road in Marion County. In 2024, crews will continue work along the entire 26-mile corridor, with activity concentrated on the future I-69/I-465 interchange on the southwest side of Indianapolis, I-69 mainline paving north of Southport Road, westbound travel lanes on I-465 between I-65 and I-70 and reconstruction of the I-465 WB bridges over the White River and Harding Street. The remainder of I-69 north of State Road 144 will receive interstate designation when the entire corridor opens to traffic later this year.

“We are excited to see the culmination of years of planning and hard work coming to fruition as we approach the finish line in 2024," said I-69 Finish Line Corridor Project Manager Sarah Rubin. "It will be a big year for our construction teams and we are confident that they are up to the challenge.”

In 2023, milestones included the start of construction at the I-69/I-465 interchange, opening the Smith Valley Road interchange and permanent ramps at Southport Road, and removing the last of 14 traffic signals along SR 37 at Fairview Road, creating free-flow conditions from Evansville to just south of I-465 in Indianapolis.

Additionally, I-465 traffic was shifted to new eastbound pavement and new eastbound bridges were built over Harding Street and the White River. Up to 7,000 workers were active along the corridor during peak construction activity last year, amounting to more than 500,000 hours worked.

Follow progress and get the latest updates as I-69 Finish Line enters the home stretch on the project’s social media pages (Facebook, X, Instagram) or by visiting I69FinishLine.com.

Wabash County Ends 2023 With Lowest Jobless Rate In Southern Illinois

2023 ended with Wabash County having the lowest unemployment rate in southern Illinois. The latest data from the state’s department of employment security show Wabash County ended last year with a 3% jobless rate, which was more than a half a percentage point below the second lowest in White County at 3.6%. Other area rates included Edwards County at 5%; Lawrence at 5.3%; Richland was at 4.1% and Wayne County was at 4.4%. Even though Wabash County’s 3% figure in December was the lowest in southern Illinois, it was still up slightly from the December ’22 mark of 2.7%.

IDES reports in the Olney-Mt. Carmel area, payrolls increased in Government, Trade, Transportation, and Utilities, Educational and Health Services, Leisure and Hospitality, Other Services, Natural Resources and Mining , Information and Professional and Business Service. Payrolls were unchanged in Construction over-the-year. Payroll employment decreased in the Manufacturing and Financial Activities industries.

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…

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.