Demolition work continues on the old pool house at the Mt. Carmel City Pool. Major Joe Judge told the city council Monday that city public works crews have removed all of the windows from the building with demolition set to begin early next month. Judge says he and City Administrator Ryan Turner have met with engineers for the project recently to review alternative design plans which could be presented to the city for consideration soon.
City Maps Out Mosquito Route
Changes are coming to the City of Mt. Carmel’s mosquito spraying route. Commissioner Susan Zimmerman reported at Monday’s City Council meeting that the city has received several call regarding when they spray and where they spray, so the city will be making some changes. Administrator Ryan Turner explains the plan to hit mainly public areas, while making a permitter pass around the city… saying homeowners may need to become more involved in helping to eradicate the pests.
Turner says it’s hoped the new route, which you can see on WSJD.fm and on our Facebook page will appease as many people as possible.
“Click It Or Ticket” Indiana State Police Ramping Up Patrols Ahead Of Memorial Day Weekend
With Memorial Day marking the unofficial start of summer travel, the Indiana State Police is preparing to step up patrols to crack down on seatbelt usage. From May 17 through May 31, Troopers will join police officers across the state to participate in a national campaign to promote safe driving habits, including seat belt usage
“To kick off the summer travel season, it’s critical to remind all motorists that wearing a seatbelt is not just the law; it’s something that can save your life,” said Douglas Huntsinger, Executive Director for the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute. “Our goal is simple – we want everyone to make it home safely. Buckling up is the first step in achieving that goal.”
This high-visibility enforcement campaign is part of a nationwide effort funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration through grants administered by ICJI. During the campaign, the Indiana State Police will take a no-excuses approach to enforcement, issuing citations to anyone not properly restrained.
“If the enforcement effort alerts people to the dangers of unrestrained driving, we’// consider our mission to be a success,” said Lieutenant Brock Werne. “We are asking friends and family to remind each other to buckle up when they drive, and to consider changing their habits if they don’t.”
Indiana continues to see strong compliance with its seat belt laws. ICJI’s latest observational survey found that 93.6% of Indiana drivers wear their seatbelts. While this is encouraging, there is still work to be done to reach the remaining 6.4% of drivers who put themselves at risk.
State traffic safety leaders reinforce the message by reminding people why the laws exist.
“Seat belts are one of the simplest, most effective ways to protect yourself on the road,” said Jim Bryan, Traffic Safety Director for ICJI. “Putting on a seat belt takes just a few seconds but can make all the difference in the event of a crash. You are taking a dangerous risk if you’re not buckled up.”
Research consistently shows that seat belts can reduce the risk of injury or death in a crash by up to 65%. Without one, people are at a higher risk of being ejected from a vehicle, which can lead to fatal outcomes.
For additional information about seat belt safety, visit on.in.gov/seatbelt
Lane closures planned for U.S. 41 in Gibson County
GIBSON COUNTY Ind. – The Indiana Department of Transportation announces alternating lane closures on U.S. 41 in Gibson County.
Beginning on or around Monday, May 19, crews will begin alternating lane closures on U.S. 41 in Gibson County near Princeton. These lane closures will occur between County Road 300 South and County Road South 100 West.
Alternating lane closures will allow for a bridge replacement project. Both north and southbound U.S. 41 bridges will be replaced during this project. Work will begin on the southbound bridge, with traffic utilizing crossovers to use the northbound bridge. Once completed, work will continue on the northbound bridge, with traffic utilizing the southbound bridge.
One lane of traffic will be open in both directions during this project. Work is expected to last through the beginning of December, depending on the weather. INDOT urges drivers to slow down and stay alert near crews.
Father Robert: First American Pope "Exciting"
A Chicago-born missionary was elected yesterday as the first pope in the 2,000 year history of the Catholic Church. And the new pope is a popular choice according to Father Robert Zwilling of St. Mary’s and St. Sebastian Catholic Churches…
Father Robert touched on the significance of having the first pope from the United States…
Father Robert talked with us about the significance of the Leo name within the church…
Commissioners Approve Streamlining Payroll Practices For County Employees
Changes are coming this summer to the way many Wabash County government employees are paid. At their meeting Monday afternoon, county commissioners heard from Janet Storey of Watler Accounting who submitted a report that was part of the annual audit…
Storey said her research indicated many of the employees’ state and federal W-4’s and federal I-9’s were outdated with some going back as far as 2007. She said the county could be liable for $10,000 fines for each occurrence. And based on reports provided by the county departments…
Storey then offered her recommendation to county commissioners…
Commissioners voted to accept Storey’s report and set July 1st as the date all county employees would be placed on the same payroll timetable. The change will mean some county employees will go without a paycheck as they’re integrated into the same payroll schedule.
IDOT, ISP urge public to “Start Seeing Motorcycles”
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois State Police and motorcycle safety advocates are reminding all users of the road to “Start Seeing Motorcycles” as part of Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.
“We want every driver and every motorcyclist to share and safely enjoy Illinois roads,” said Stephane B. Seck-Birhame, IDOT’s bureau chief of Safety Programs and Engineering. “Don't take risks, always obey traffic lights, signs, speed limits and lane markings, and never drive or ride impaired.”
The Start Seeing Motorcycles campaign coincides with the arrival of warmer weather and more motorcyclists on the roads. During the riding season, Start Seeing Motorcycles banners and yard signs will be on display throughout the state, reminding the public to always stay alert for motorcycles.
With more than 150 deaths in Illinois each year, motorcyclists are significantly overrepresented in traffic crashes and fatalities. Although motorcycles represent 3% of total vehicle registrations in Illinois, according to IDOT, they accounted for nearly 14% of traffic fatalities in 2023, the most recent year statistics are available. There were 1,245 traffic fatalities in Illinois in 2023 –168 were motorcyclists, an increase of 23 from 2022.
“While there are fewer motorcycles on roads compared to passenger cars, the motorcycle fatality rate for crashes is five times higher than the fatality rate for passenger cars,” said ISP Division of Patrol Col. Chris Owen. “ISP reminds motorcyclists to make an effort to be seen while riding, avoid weaving in and out of traffic, and obey speed limits. ISP also reminds other drivers to watch for motorcyclists who may not be as easily seen, and to give them space.”
All riders are urged to take precautions to ensure they stay visible to other motorists. This can be accomplished by wearing the appropriate protective gear, getting regular maintenance and taking advantage of IDOT's cycle rider safety training program.
As part of Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, IDOT recommends these steps to stay safe.
For drivers:
Look twice before changing lanes or merging into traffic, using your mirrors and glancing over your shoulder. Allow appropriate distance.
Allow motorcyclists enough space to maneuver and enough time to adjust if necessary. Traffic, weather and road conditions require motorcyclists to react and maneuver differently than other drivers.
Be vigilant. A motorcycle can easily be hidden behind other vehicles. Checking mirrors and blind spots is essential before changing lanes or merging.
Use care when driving near a group of motorcyclists. Sharing the road with organized motorcycle groups requires patience and communication. If you need to change lanes or reach an exit, signal your intention early and wait for the riders to create a space. Do not merge in between groups or riders unless there is enough space to do so safely.
For motorcyclists:
Wear DOT-compliant gear that increases visibility in traffic in addition to providing protection in the event of a crash. Use bright colors and retro-reflective strips or decals, especially at night. Over-the-ankle boots, gloves, protective jackets, pants and properly fitted helmets with face shields or protective eyewear are all part of a full-gear package.
Use lane positioning to increase your visibility. Ride with your headlight on at all times. It's the law in Illinois. Give yourself space and time to react. Allow room for emergency braking. Make lane changes gradually and expect the unexpected.
Ride sober. Motorcycle riding and alcohol don't mix. Drinking slows your reaction time and affects your balance, coordination and vision.
Always signal before changing lanes. Avoid weaving between lanes. Flash your brake light when you are slowing down and before stopping.
Start Seeing Motorcycles is made possible by the teamwork among IDOT, ISP and other organizations that promote motorcycle education, awareness and safety coinciding with the comprehensive “It’s Not a Game” multimedia campaign. Visit startseeingmotorcycles.org for more information on IDOT's free motorcycle training and safety programs.
Allendale School Board Reorganizes
At the May 6, 2025 Allendale School Board special meeting held in the Library of Allendale School, the board:
1. Reviewed and accepted the canvas of the April 1, 2025 election.
2. Declared Ryan Andrews, Beth Etkzorn, and Melissa Wise as the winners.
3. Administered the Oath of Office for Ryan Andrews, Beth Etzkorn, and Melissa Wise.
4. The new board was seated: Ryan Andrews, Gary Buchanan, Beth Etzkorn, Eric Haines, Miles Marcotte, and Melissa Wise.
5. Gary Buchanan voted as President of the board for a two year term.
6. Beth Etzkorn voted as Vice President of the board for a two year term.
7. Miles Marcotte voted as Secretary of the board for a two year term.
8. Regular board meetings will be the third Wednesday of each month at 6:00 pm.
9. Adopted all current policies and procedures as they currently exist.
City Attorney Warns Of Illegal Burning
We’ve detailed the city of Mt. Carmel’s enforcement of the ordinance on tall grass. Now, the city is reminding residents about illegal burning. City attorney Derek McCullough told the city council open burning is not allowed in the city unless it’s in a fire pit. And, Mayor Joe Judge says most people are fine with a back yard fire pit…
Police Chief Mike McWilliams said his officers have dealt with various types of illegal burning with one person burning mattresses and furniture this past Christmas Day. McCullough said if an open burning situation gets out of hand and the fire department has to be called, violators can be subjected to a $750 reimbursement charge to the fire department for the run in addition to fines for violating the ordinance.
MCPD Chief Issues Reminder About Railroad Property
The recent search for a Mt. Carmel man has prompted police chief Mike McWilliams to issue a reminder about walking on railroad tracks and adjacent property. He said the tracks and adjacent area is private property owned by the railroad and people should stay off of the tracks and surrounding area. Last month, searchers found a mushroom hunter who had fallen down a railroad embankment and was trapped under a tree until he was found the following day. McWilliams thanked all of the first responders who searched for the gentleman.