Road closure planned for U.S. 41 in Vanderburgh County

VANDERBURGH COUNTY, Ind. – The Indiana Department of Transportation announces a road closure for U.S. 41 in Vanderburgh County.

Beginning on or around Saturday, July 13, crews will close southbound U.S. 41 in Vanderburgh County at Ruffian Way. The eastbound I-64 ramp to southbound U.S. 41 will also be closed at this time.

This closure will allow for a pipe replacement project under U.S. 41. During routine inspection, it was discovered that the pipe under U.S. 41 needs replacement. Inspection revealed weakening to both the inlet and outlet sides of the pipe.

Alternating lane closures will occur at the intersection of Ruffian Way on or around July 11 so crews can prepare for the pipe replacement project. The full closure of the southbound lanes will begin on or around July 13.

The pipe replacement project is expected to take a week to complete. The detour for this closure is I-64 to I-69 to State Road 57 to U.S. 41. Local traffic will have access up to the point of closure.

Judge Offers Updates On Proposed New Pool Complex

Up until now, plans for the proposed new city pool in Mt. Carmel called for the aquatic center to be built where the current parking lot if located. But at Monday’s City Council meeting, Mayor Joe Judge said that plan’s no longer feasible…

Judge presented the council with the final rendering of the proposed aquatic center that had a reduced price of $7,232,000. Originally, estimates placed the price tag at $8 million, but Judge said some amenities were done away with to bring the cost down. Now, Judge said city officials will continue exploring ways to pay for the project which include naming rights for the facility and grants.

The council did hear the first reading of an ordinance that would funnel the city’s share of the video gambling tax into a fund dedicated to the pool. Judge said the city averages $9,000 to $12,000 a month from the gambling tax. Presently, that money goes into the city’s general fund with the exception of $1,500 that is used for scholarships at Mt. Carmel High School.

No action was taken at Monday’s meeting on placing a pool referendum on the November ballot that Judge had brought up at the previous meeting.

Final rendering of proposed Mt. Carmel aquatic center.

Breakdown of estimated costs of new Mt. Carmel aquatic center.

Holland IN, Attempted Murder / Suicide Update

On June 20th, 2024, the Dubois County Sheriff’s Office released a public safety statement saying, A domestic situation just outside of Holland, in Dubois County, resulted in a male subject, David Williamson Jr., age 63, allegedly shooting a female victim. The victim is currently in stable condition.

On June 21st, 2024, a concerned citizen believed they saw the truck in the Sugar Ridge Wildlife area in Pike County. Dubois County Sheriff’s Department, Pike County Sheriff’s Department, and the Indiana State Police met at the Sugar Ridge Wildlife Property. Area law enforcement attempted to locate the suspect. A short time later, officers with  Indiana State Police located the suspect’s vehicle and David Williamson was discovered deceased inside his vehicle.

On June 24th, 2024, an autopsy was conducted at Lamb-Basham Funeral Home in Oakland City. Dr. James Jacobi ruled the death a suicide.

Tips To Stay Cool, Safe, & Save Money During Heatwave

Mayor Joe Judge opened his remarks at yesterday's Mt. Carmel City Council meeting to remind residents of the dangers of today's heat...

And with a heat advisory in effect until 8 tonight, Ameren Illinois is out with ways to stay cool and save on the power bill. As prices rising, Tucker Kennedy from Ameren says one way to save is to bump the thermostat by seven to ten degrees. That move could save consumers as much as 10 percent a year on their electric bill.

City Summer Asphalt Locations Announced

At Monday’s City Council meeting, Mt. Carmel Public Works Director Mike Gidcumb announced the areas that will be asphalted next month.

Gidcumb said milling of the highlighted areas will take place on July 8th with the paving being done the next two days on July 9th and 10th.

The map of the streets and alleys that will be chipped and sealed will be released at the next council meeting on July 8th.

Traffic accident nets impaired driver

On June 25, 2024, at approximately 4 a.m. Gibson County Central Dispatch was contacted about an accident on Rock Road near Owensville.  Deputy Wyatt Hunt and Sgt. John Fischer responded to the area and found a Gold 2007 Buick Lucerne with damage to the driver’s side near the 200 block of East Rock Road.  Upon speaking to the driver Isaiah Turner age 18 of Allendale, Illinois Deputy Hunt detected the odor of an alcoholic beverage.  At that point he began a roadside DUI investigation.  Once the investigation was completed Deputy Hunt transported Mr. Turner to the Gibson County Jail where he was charged with Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated. 
 
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

City Offering Incentive To Opt Into Water Bill Electronic Delivery

If you’re tired of not getting your Mt. Carmel water bill in the mail, the city is offering you an incentive to opt in to their email system. Water commissioner Tom Meeks explained the details of the contest being held right now…

Again, the deadline to opt into the water bill email program and have a chance to win a month’s free water is July 1st.