Wabash County Commissioners Agenda

REGULAR MEETING

Tuesday, February 18, 2025

4:30pm at Wabash County Courthouse

AGENDA

1) Call to order:

2) Approve minutes of previous meeting:

3) Commissioner’s reports:

4) Officer’s reports:

5) Old Business:

a. Phase 4 HVAC Project.

6) New Business:

a. Authorize the Chairman to sign 7 deeds as Trustee for the Taxing Districts for properties acquired through the Tax Sale Process.

b. Lesley Hipsher, Executive Director of the Chamber, to discuss the request for moneys from the Hotel/Motel Tax Fund to advertise the events planned for this year, including Ag Days, Christmas in Mt. Carmel and others.

c. Acknowledge letter from RIDES MASS TRANSIT notifying the County of their intent to terminate the agreement for occupying the building at 930 Market Street.

7) Executive Session:

8) Correspondence:

9) Approval of payment of claims presented:

10) Adjournment:

Wabash County Man Picked Up FTA Warrant

On 01/29/25 at approximately 19:29 hrs., the Wabash County Sheriff's Office served an FTA Warrant at 118 N. Church St. in Bellmont, IL. 50-year-old Chad W. Street was taken into custody without incident. Street was wanted on an outstanding failure to appear warrant for Wabash County cases 24-CF-24, 24-CF-34, and 24-CF-75. Street was ordered to be held without bond, due to the Pre-trial fairness act. 

Mt. Carmel Man Arrested On Domestic Battery Charge

On 1/23/25, Mt. Carmel Police arrested Clayton S. Kirkman, age 39, of Mt. Carmel for Domestic Battery following a domestic dispute with a family member at their residence in the 500 block of West 1st Street.  Police were called to the scene to a report that Kirkman was damaging the home when the family member arrived.  As the family member entered the house, it was alleged Kirkman shoved them, causing minor injury.  Kirkman was placed under arrest and transported to the Wabash County Jail where he was charged and held until a pre-trial release determination by the court. 

Mt. Carmel Man Jailed On FTA Warrant


On 1/31/25, Mt. Carmel Police arrested Richard E. Stringfellow, age 50, of Mt. Carmel on a Wabash County Failure to Appear Warrant.  Stringfellow was observed by the officer in the 600 block of West 6th Street, where he was taken into custody.  Stringfellow was transported to the Wabash County Jail, issued the warrant, and is being held pending a sentencing hearing. 

City Council Moves Regular Meeting To Noon Friday

AGENDA

CITY OF MOUNT CARMEL

REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING

Friday, February 14, 2025,12:00 pm

· Call to Order

o Pledge of Allegiance

o Roll Call

· Approve Minutes

o Minutes of meeting held on 02/03/2025.

· Visitors (topic discussed by visitor(s) is limited to 5 minutes)

o Terry Beckerman-Christmas Uptown

o David James-Riverview Ramble

· Reports and Communications

o Mayor Judge

o Commissioner Meador Streets, Cemeteries and Parks

o Commissioner Ikemire Finance and Senior Citizens

o Commissioner Meeks Water and Sewer

o Commissioner Zimmerman Fire, Health & Safety, City Hall and Garbage

· Staff Reports

o Ryan Turner Derek McCullough Luis Garcia

o Michael McWilliams Francis Speth Mike Gidcumb

o WEMA Representative

New Business

o Consent Agenda

§ Pay all bills by providing proper signatures.

o Removal of items from the Consent Agenda

o Old Business- Second Reading of Ordinance 2122

o Executive Session-Enter into discussion concerning the purchase of property.

o Motion to Adjourn-

o Liquor Control Meeting-N/A

WVC Foundation Appoints New Executive Director

Wabash Valley College (WVC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Samantha (Sam) Newkirk as the new Executive Director of the Wabash Valley College Foundation. A lifelong member of the Mount Carmel community, Newkirk brings a deep connection to both the college and its mission.

Newkirk’s journey with WVC began as a student and work-study participant, gaining experience in multiple campus roles, including the fitness center and business office. “I really enjoyed the people and the different aspects of working in the business office,” Newkirk said. Her familiarity with the college and passion for service make her a natural fit for this leadership role.

As Executive Director, Newkirk will oversee foundation operations, manage fundraising efforts, and strengthen community partnerships. “It’s amazing how much people give and want to give back to the community,” she said. “I want to ensure these contributions are used effectively to support WVC’s mission.”

In her early weeks, Newkirk has identified re-engaging with the community and strengthening relationships as key priorities. “The foundation isn’t just about fundraising—it’s about making a real impact,” she emphasized.

Newkirk’s professional background is diverse, including roles as a part-time teacher at Ambassador Christian Academy and work in business services such as tax preparation and auctioneering. She credits faith, family, and encouragement from friends for leading her to this opportunity. “When I received the job description, it felt like an answer to prayer,” she said.

Looking ahead, Newkirk hopes to increase engagement among board members and the community. “I want people to see that things are happening and that their involvement truly matters,” she said. Her vision for the foundation extends beyond fundraising to service-oriented initiatives that strengthen the college’s ties with the community.

For more information about the Wabash Valley College Foundation or to learn how to get involved, contact the foundation office at 618-263-5026.

Owensville man arrested on public indecency charge

On February 5, 2025, at 8:55 a.m. Gibson County Central Dispatch received a report of a man who had exposed himself on Brummitt Street in Owensville.  Deputy Quinten Might arrived on scene and began an investigation.  During the investigation he observed video surveillance and was able to identify the male as 26 year old Braiden Koberstein of Owensville.  After a brief search of the area Mr. Kobserstein was located and placed into custody.  Mr. Koberstein was transported to the Gibson County Jail where he was charged with Public Indecency. 
 
Assisting Deputy Might in his investigation was Fort Branch Town Marshal Darrell Parker, Indiana Conservation Officer Matt Clark, and Gibson County Sgt. John Fischer.
 
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.