On November 12, 2025, at 12:22 a.m. Gibson County Deputy Michael Bates conducted a traffic stop on US 41 near County Road 400 South after he observed a Blue 2020 Nissan Sentra traveling 105 mph in a 60-mph zone. Upon approaching the vehicle Deputy Bates identified the driver as 21-year-old Joshua Waters of Chrisney, Indiana. After a brief investigation Deputy Bates placed Mr. Waters into custody and transported him to the Gibson County Detention Center where he was charged with Reckless Driving.
Princeton Officer Jackie Wood assisted in this investigation.
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
MCES To Host Unique Veterans Day Salute
Mt. Carmel Elementary School is honoring local veterans in a new and creative way this year
Mt. Carmel Elementary Principal Jake Newkirk says this year’s Veterans Day celebration will look a little different.
“So tomorrow we’re trying something new. We’ll see how it goes and then modify from there. But for Veterans Day, in addition to our normal activities with themed reading lessons and guest readers, we’re going to have what we call a reverse parade.”
Instead of students lining the streets to watch a parade, the veterans will be the ones driving through.
“We’re inviting veterans to come to our parking lot. We’ll line them up out on 13th Street like we would for a normal parade, and our kids will make like a U in the parking lot. The first and second graders have songs to sing, the kindergartners have flags to wave,” Newkirk continued.
Veterans can participate in cars, golf carts, or even on foot. The event begins with lineup at 1:15 p.m. and the parade starts around 1:30 p.m.
“Hopefully it’s a good recognition and kind of a new way to do that. If it goes okay, we’ll make improvements and do it again. If it doesn’t, we’ll pivot next year,” Newkirk said.
Again, that “reverse parade” honoring local veterans happens tomorrow afternoon at Mt. Carmel Elementary School beginning around 1:30 in the front parking lot.
Wadesville woman arrested for DUI
On November 9, 2025, at 2:11 a.m. Gibson County Deputy Michael Bates conducted a traffic stop on a Silver 2016 Chevy Cruze for a moving violation near Broadway and Lake Road in Princeton. During the traffic stop Deputy Bates detected the odor of alcohol coming from the driver 18-year-old Mackenzie Mills of Wadesville. At that point he began a roadside DUI investigation. Once the inquiry was completed Deputy Bates placed Ms. Mills into custody and transported her to the Gibson County Detention Center where she was charged with Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated and Minor Consumption.
Deputy U.B. Smith and Princeton Officer Logan Lashbrook assisted in this investigation.
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Traffic stop leads to DUI arrest
On November 9, 2025, at 4:19 a.m. Gibson County Deputies Michael Bates and U.B. Smith conducted a traffic stop on a White 2020 Toyota Camry after observing it conduct an improper turn on US 41 near Oak Street in Fort Branch. Upon approaching the vehicle, Deputies observed visible clues that the driver, 22-year-old Macy Clark of Saint Anthony, Indiana, was under the influence. At that point Deputy Bates began a roadside DUI investigation. Once the inquiry was completed Ms. Clark was taken into custody and transported to the Gibson County Detention Center. Upon arriving at the detention center Ms. Clark 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.
WGH Looks To Relocate Ambulance Base
The Wabash General Hospital Board is moving ahead with plans for a new ambulance service building part of a long-term effort to modernize the hospital’s campus.
At a planning committee meeting, hospital leaders reviewed a proposal from Farnsworth Group, the same firm involved in other ongoing projects.
“All of the discussion around our construction projects really leads us to the issue that we’re going to have to relocate the ambulance facility,” planning committee chairman John Evans said.
Under the proposal, Farnsworth will handle architectural and engineering design work at a cost of about $354,000. The new facility would be built behind the hospital’s maintenance and storage building just off of College Drive.
Officials say the current ambulance station no longer meets the hospital’s needs and relocation will prevent future space issues.
“We didn’t want to end up in the same situation again, building in an area we might need later. The new site gives us room to grow,” Evans said.
Before construction can begin, the hospital must meet with county commissioners to update an old ambulance service agreement that dates back to the 1990s.
Once those talks are complete, the proposal will come back to the board for final approval to bid and build.
City Looking To Phase Out Red Tag Water Shut Off Notices
Mount Carmel city officials say they’re modernizing how residents are notified about overdue water bills — a move that will save time, money, and improve safety.
At a recent City Council meeting, officials explained that the city plans to replace its hand-delivered water shutoff tags with an automated phone call system.
Water Superintendent Heath Reed, “Right now, we hand-deliver red tags for accounts that are two months past due. What we’re wanting to transition into is an automated phone call system.”
The change could save hours of work each month. Currently, two employees spend most of a day driving around town delivering about 150 notices by hand. The new system would send those alerts automatically — costing the city just 10 cents per successful call, or around $15 a month.
“It’s kind of a no-brainer. It saves money, improves safety, and gives customers more time to make arrangements before service is disconnected.”
Officials say the automated calls will go out first thing in the morning, giving residents a full day to pay before shutoffs occur.
The city is also encouraging residents to update their phone numbers and sign up for email billing, so they don’t miss important notices. Those who can’t be reached will still receive a hand-delivered tag for now, until the system is fully phased in.
District #348 Board Agenda
Meeting is Monday at 5pm.
Missing Man Located
2nd UPDATE From MCPD Chief Mike McWilliams: Mr. Shular was located safe this morning, at approximately 9:45 a.m., in the Dogpatch, Indiana area. Shular was transported to an area hospital for treatment by Gibson County EMS. Mt. Carmel Police thank the assisting agencies as well as the public for their assistance in this matter.
UPDATE: Police Chief Mike McWilliams reports Shular has been located safe in the Dogpatch area of Gibson County.
On 11/06/25, at approximately 1030 a.m., Mt. Carmel Police responded to a residence in the 500 block of E 5th Street regarding a welfare check. Upon arrival, officers learned that Adam Shular, age 42, left the residence at approximately 9:30 a.m., after having a dispute with a family member. The family member reported concern for Shular’s well-being and requested officers attempt to locate him for a welfare check. Officers began investigating the complaint, but had limited information regarding his possible whereabouts, other than that he left in a white Dodge Caravan. With the assistance of cell phone information, law enforcement learned of a possible location in rural Gibson County near the Saunders Nature Preserve on County Road 800 West. Upon arrival to the area, the Gibson County Sheriff’s Office located Shular’s white Dodge Caravan along with his cell phone. Mt. Carmel Police and the Gibson County Sheriff’s Office checked the area with the assistance of Ohio Valley Search & Rescue. Shular was not located in the area, but K-9s on scene suggested Shular may have headed back to Indiana 64 on foot, with the potential of him being picked up by another motorist existing as a possibility. Authorities continued to check other possible locations in the Princeton area as well as rural Wabash County, with no success. Shular was reported to be wearing a brown Carhartt-style coat, with no other clothing description available. Shular is a white male, approximately 6’01”, 300 pounds, with a bald head and brown beard (see attached image of Shular and his coat). Anyone with information is asked to call the Mt. Carmel Police Department at 618-262-4114.
County Board Chair Warns Of Truck Drivers Running Poor Farm Road Stop Sign
At Monday’s Wabash County Commissioner meeting, board chairman Rob Dean expressed concerns over truck drivers running the stop sign at the Poor Farm Road and outer Park Road intersection…
Highway engineer Dustin Bunting said since the issue was brought to light, he’s seen sheriff’s deputies keeping a closer watch on the intersection.
Groundbreaking Set For New City Pool
From Mayor Joe Jodge:
Please join us at 1pm on November 19th for the official groundbreaking of the City of Mt. Carmel Aquatic Center. We hope you can join us in this exciting celebration for our community. The event will be held at the former pool location.
WSJD File Photo: The former Mt. Carmel City Pool was demolished in June.