Judge Clarifies Who'll Be Voting On Pool Referendum

Election Day is four weeks from tomorrow and some people going to the polls to vote on the Mt. Carmel City Pool referendum may be disappointed. That’s because even though you may have a Mt. Carmel address, it doesn’t mean you’ll find the referendum on your ballot according to Mayor Joe Judge….

JOE JUDGE WHO CAN VOTE ON POOL

Judge says the second of three public meetings on the pool will be held tonight….

JOE JUDGE POOL MEETING #2

Regardless of whether or not, the referendum passes next month, Mt. Carmel will not have a city pool next year since the state department of public health shut down the 1937 structure.

Daniel Keith Flaherty arrested for murder.

The Gibson County Sheriff’s Office confirms that Daniel Keith Flaherty age 42 of rural Patoka was booked into the Gibson County Jail at 10:15 p.m. on October 4, 2024.  Mr. Flaherty’s arrest was made during an extensive investigation into the disappearance of his wife 36 year old Kayla Flaherty also of rural Patoka. 
 
Ms. Flaherty was reported missing by her husband on October 3rd at approximately 9:06 p.m.  Detectives with the Gibson County Sheriff’s Office, Indiana State Police, Vincennes Police and multiple other law enforcement officers and agencies worked nearly around the clock to bring Mr. Flaherty to justice. 
 
Therefore at this time the Gibson County Sheriff’s Office will not make any further statements at this time.  In a critical times such as this we need to weigh multiple things as we proceed further with this investigation.  First of all we need to allow Ms. Flaherty’s family time adequate time to be notified and to grieve.  Also at this time we as law enforcement officers need to partner with the Gibson County Prosecutor’s Office as we prepare to present our case to the justice system so that Mr. Flaherty can be prosecuted to the fullest extent
 
-Sheriff Bruce Vanoven
 
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Wood Memorial student taken into custody for making threats

On October 3, 2024, at 9:48 a.m. Gibson County Sheriff Bruce Vanoven was contacted by East Gibson School Resource Officer Jim Tucker and informed that a Wood Memorial student was in custody for making threats at Wood Memorial High School.  Detectives with the Gibson County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to the school and began an investigation into the incident.  Sheriff Vanoven replaced Deputy Tucker at the school, and Deputy Tucker transported to the juvenile the Gibson County Sheriff’s Office, and then ultimately to a Regional Juvenile Detention Center.  The juvenile is being held on a Level 6 Felony of Threatening to Commit a Forcible Felony.
 
This is an ongoing investigation, and we will not make any further comment. 

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

Missing Person from Patoka

Kayla Flaherty, white female, age 36, of Patoka was reported missing.
Last known to be on the way to Vincennes yesterday 10/3/24 driving a light blue 2019 Toyota Highlander - license plate Indiana 916ACE.  Vehicle is reported to have archery stickers on it.

If you see her or have any information, please call the Gibson County Sheriff's Office at (812) 385-3496 option 1 or 911.

Wabash County Commissioners Board Agenda

October 7, 2024

AGENDA

1) Call to order:

2) Approve minutes of previous meeting:

3) Commissioner’s reports:

4) Officer’s reports:

5) Old Business:

a. ARPA Ordinance.

b. Construction of County Highway Building.

c. HVAC update in the Courthouse.

6) New Business:

a. Accept the resignation of WEMA Coordinator Mark Majors.

b. Kevin Kern from Snedeker Risk Management will discuss the ICRMT property/liability and work compensation renewal.

c. Cyber Policy Renewal with Cowbell.

a. Consider the Air Evac renewal.

b. Consider Holidays and Meeting Dates for 2024-2025.

7) Executive Session:

8) Correspondence:

9) Approval for payment of claims presented:

10) Adjournment:

The meeting will be held upstairs in the Courtroom.

Council Hears Grant Updates

In grant news, Mt. Carmel city clerk Ryan Turner reported to the city council Monday that the city’s application for a $3 million grant through I-DOT’s transportation enhancement program has been submitted. Turner said the city scored very well on the application and a decision on the grant should come sometime next Spring or Summer.

Police Chief Mike McWilliams said his department is looking to replace bullet proof vests with a grant that will cover half the cost. McWilliams also said he anticipates receiving a grant to replace Tasers with newer technology.

Fire Chief Francis Speth said his department is applying for a small equipment grant.

MCFD Ready For Fire Prevention Week

Next week is Fire Prevention Week and Mt. Carmel firefighters will be visiting local schools stressing the importance of fire safety. Fire commissioner Susan Zimmerman says the theme next is Smoke Alarms: Make Them Work For You…

SUSAN ZIMMERMAN FIRE WEEK 9 30 24

The National Fire Protection Association reports that smoke alarms reduce the risk of dying in a home fire in half.

City Council Discussed New WCHD LED Sign

Even though it meets all city guidelines, a new LED sign at the Wabash County Health Department at 7th and Chestnut Streets was a topic of discussion at Monday’s City Council meeting. City Clerk Ryan Turner said he was looking for guidance from the council on whether or not it should be approved. Mayor Joe Judge asked Turner to check to see if the sign could be dimmed at night to avoid becoming a nuisance to residents in that area.

City Council Approves New Contract With City Union Workers

The City of Mt. Carmel has reached a three year contract agreement with members of the IAM/AFL-CIO District 8 Affiliated Local number 22-93. The union represents city sewer, water, and street departments along with the brush crew. City Clerk Ryan Turner presented details of the new deal to the city council at their Monday meeting…

RYAN TURNER ON UNION CONTRACT 9 30 24

Turner said the additional $1 an hour for workers who have a CDL helps cover the cost of obtaining the license, something the city had not reimbursed worked for in the past.