Heat Wave Puts Strain on District 348 School Buildings

The recent stretch of hot weather put some additional strain on buildings throughout Wabash Community Unit School District 348.

During last week’s school board meeting, Superintendent Dr. Chuck Bleyer said the extended heat was difficult on district facilities and welcomed the arrival of cooler temperatures.

Bleyer said the break in the heat will help, although it may take some time for the buildings and their cooling systems to adjust.

Despite the difficult conditions, Bleyer said the district’s facilities held up well overall.

He noted there were a couple of areas where equipment showed signs of being under additional pressure because of the heat, but said everything appears to have made it through the hot spell.

Bleyer said the cooler weather should now reduce the pressure being placed on the district’s buildings and equipment.

Mt. Carmel Commissioners Provide Department Updates

Mt. Carmel City Commissioners provided updates on street projects, city finances and water and sewer operations during Monday afternoon’s City Council meeting.

Streets and Parks Commissioner Tyson Meador reported that crews have completed installation of new LED flashing crosswalk lights at Oak and Poplar streets. Meador said he saw the lights being used Monday morning and believes they will make the crossing safer.

Mt. Carmel Police Chief Erin Peach followed Meador’s report with a reminder to motorists about pedestrian safety at the new crossing.

Peach said drivers are required to stop when a pedestrian is in the crosswalk and allow that person to safely cross the street. She stressed that the new flashing yellow lights are an additional warning to drivers, but motorists are still responsible for stopping for pedestrians in the crosswalk.

Crews also completed the Park Road sidewalk to Lee May Way, bush hogged several areas of city property, began painting crosswalks on Market Street and assisted with preparations for Friday’s Homecoming parade.

Work is also underway at Glendale Park. Mayor Joe Judge said new asphalt for the basketball court has now been completed. The surface will be allowed to sit for about two weeks before Huff Sealing returns to seal it. The court will then be painted green and striped.

Judge added that work began Monday on another area along Park Road for a sidewalk expansion.

Finance Commissioner Eric Ikemire reported General Fund revenue of $76,286 over the past two weeks, with most coming from miscellaneous sources. Expenses totaled just over $142,500.

Ikemire said the city has now collected approximately 52 percent of its budgeted General Fund revenue despite being only about five months into the fiscal year, putting the city ahead of pace.

Water and Sewer Commissioner Tom Meeks reported that a new valve was installed at the wastewater treatment plant after the previous valve failed. Meeks said the unusual failure may have been the result of a defective valve.

Water and sewer crews also bored two new water lines and continued work to clear drainage and sewer issues.

At the water treatment plant, crews have been addressing pressure variations involving Well Number One. Meeks said new parts have been installed and officials believe they have identified and corrected the problem.

Otherwise, Meeks said both departments continue with regular day-to-day operations.

Mt. Carmel Pool Project Continues to Take Shape

Construction on Mt. Carmel’s new aquatic center continues to move forward, with several major portions of the project expected to take shape over the next couple of weeks.

Mayor Joe Judge provided an update during Monday afternoon’s Mt. Carmel City Council meeting.

Judge said crews began installing trusses on the new bathhouse Monday, with that work was scheduled to continue Tuesday.

Brick work on the building also made significant progress last week. Judge said the front and sides of the building are being finished in brick, while the back will feature an acoustic siding.

The front windows and concession stand windows have also been installed.

Meanwhile, crews are completing extensive plumbing work between the main vessel and the pool itself. Judge said that work should be completed later this week or early next week, after which the area will be backfilled.

The next major step will be pouring the concrete deck surrounding the pool, which is expected to begin around October 7th.

At the same time, crews will be installing the roof on the bathhouse. Once the building is under roof, Judge said work will begin on a number of interior details.

Fundraising for the aquatic center also continues.

Judge announced another $5,500 in donations has been received toward the pool project over the past two weeks.

The mayor thanked those recent donors, along with everyone who has contributed to the new aquatic center project to date.

Wabash General Reports Strong Financial Month

Wabash General Hospital is reporting a strong financial month, with operating income topping $1.2 million.

Finance Committee Chair Janet Storey presented the latest numbers during Monday evening’s Wabash General Hospital Board of Directors meeting.

Storey said the Finance Committee met earlier Monday and reviewed the hospital’s financial statements in detail.

For the month, Wabash General recorded just over $12 million in revenue, while expenses totaled approximately $10.8 million.

That resulted in net operating income of $1,278,149 for the month.

After factoring in non-operating activity, Storey reported the hospital finished the month with net income of approximately $1.06 million.

Storey described it as a “really good month” for Wabash General and said the Finance Committee received a very positive financial report.

No other business was brought before the Finance Committee during its Monday meeting.

WGH Recognized Among Nation's Hospitals with Zero CAUTI Rate

MOUNT CARMEL, Ill. – Wabash General Hospital has been recognized by Becker's Hospital Review as one of 532 hospitals nationwide with a catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) rate of zero, based on data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

The recognition reflects patient outcomes reported between October 2024 and September 2025 through CMS' Healthcare Associated Infections database. The measures, developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and collected through the National Healthcare Safety Network, evaluate how often patients acquire certain infections during medical treatment.

Catheter-associated urinary tract infections are among the most common healthcare-associated infections. Achieving a zero-infection rate demonstrates a hospital's commitment to evidencebased Infection prevention practices, patient safety, and high-quality clinical care.

Wabash General Hospital was among only 18 Illinois hospitals included on Becker's 2026 list.

As a Critical Access Hospital serving many counties, Wabash General Hospital remains focused on providing safe, high-quality care close to home. Recognition by Becker's Hospital Review highlights the hospital's ongoing efforts to reduce preventable infections and improve patient outcomes across all areas of care.

Patient safety and quality improvement continue to be key priorities for Wabash General Hospital. Achievements such as this reflect the dedication of physicians, nurses, and staff who work each day to deliver exceptional care to the communities they serve.

For more information about Wabash General Hospital and its recognition by Becker’s Hospital Review, visit www.wabashgeneral.com. The full list of hospitals recognized for having some of the nation’s lowest CAUTI rates can be viewed on Becker’s Hospital Review website.

https://url.us.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/5PzhC1w9kNF6wrw1cLkcppiVMjO

Judge Reflects on MCHS Homecoming Weekend

Mt. Carmel Mayor Joe Judge took time during Monday afternoon’s City Council meeting to reflect on a successful Homecoming weekend in Mt. Carmel.

Judge congratulated the Golden Aces football team on its dramatic Homecoming victory over Olney.

The Aces defeated the Tigers 38-30 in overtime Friday night, remaining unbeaten on the season.

Judge joked that the Aces “know how to keep everybody on the edge of their seat” during their games.

The mayor also welcomed back the many Mt. Carmel High School alumni who returned to the community for Homecoming festivities.

Judge said tours were held Friday highlighting new developments and changes around Mt. Carmel. The tours gave him an opportunity to visit with former residents, including some who had not returned to the community in decades.

Judge recalled one conversation with a member of the Class of 1976 who asked when Mt. Carmel got a McDonald’s. Judge told her he believed it arrived shortly after she graduated.

The mayor said he enjoyed visiting with returning alumni, including members of the Classes of 1976 and 1986, and expressed hope that everyone who returned to Mt. Carmel enjoyed the weekend’s Homecoming activities.

Mt. Carmel Council Approves $80,000 for Park Road Project

A major resurfacing and accessibility project is planned for Park Road in Mt. Carmel next year.

During Monday afternoon’s Mt. Carmel City Council meeting, City Clerk Ryan Turner presented Resolution 722, allocating $80,000 in Motor Fuel Tax funds toward the project.

Turner said the work is planned for next year, but the city is required to approve the funding resolution in advance. The council unanimously approved the resolution.

City officials later provided additional details about the scope of the project.

In addition to resurfacing Park Road, the project will include improvements to sidewalks throughout the area to bring them into compliance with requirements under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

ADA ramps at intersections along the project area will also be upgraded to meet current accessibility standards.

Officials compared the planned work to improvements completed on College Drive last year, which included resurfacing along with upgrades to pedestrian ramps at intersections.

The Park Road project is the latest in a series of street and sidewalk improvements underway or planned by the City of Mt. Carmel.

Traffic fatality in Gibson County on Saturday claims life of young girl.

On September 26, 2026, at 4:10 a.m. Gibson County Central Dispatch was notified of a fatal accident on Interstate 64 at the 29-mile marker. Multiple law enforcement officers as well as the Haubstadt Fire Department, and Gibson County Ambulance Service were dispatched to the scene. Upon arriving, first responders began extracting injured persons from the accident scene and preparing them for transport via Gibson County Ambulances and medical helicopters. Once all patients were transported from the scene the Gibson County Major Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) conducted a thorough investigation into the incident.

Witness statements indicate that a White 2007 Jeep Liberty was Westbound on Interstate 64 and crossed the grass median striking a Black 2005 GMC pickup that was traveling Eastbound head on.

8-year-old Isabelle Preske of Cynthiana died on scene before emergency service personnel arrived on scene. Miss Preske was a passenger in the Jeep Liberty driven by her mother Samantha Payne, also of Cynthiana. Ms. Payne was transported to an Evansville area for treatment of the injuries that she suffered in the accident. Two adult males from West Virginia were also transported to an Evansville area hospital for treatment.

The Gibson County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate this accident and upon completion will submit their paperwork to the Gibson County Prosecutor for his review.

The Gibson County MAIT is a joint team comprised of officers with the Princeton Police Department and Gibson County Sheriff’s Office who respond to and investigate accidents that require accident reconstruction and documentation.

Mt. Carmel Fall Clean Up Begins Friday With No Curbside Collection

Mt. Carmel’s Fall Clean Up begins this Friday, but residents need to be aware of a major change this year — there will be no curbside collection.

Fire and Garbage Commissioner Susan Zimmerman recently announced that Fall Clean Up will run from October 2nd through October 17th. Instead of placing unwanted items along the curb, residents will be responsible for taking eligible items to the Brush Arbor Recycling Center.

The recycling center will be open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. during the clean-up period. Extended hours until 7 p.m. are planned for October 6th and October 16th.

Residents should not place large trash items along the curb, as they will not be picked up.

During this month’s Ask The Mayor program on WSJD, Mayor Joe Judge explained that Republic Services has moved away from curbside collection for similar clean-up programs in a number of communities because of the expense involved.

Judge said Mt. Carmel’s contract with Republic Services requires two big-trash events each year but does not specify that those events must include curbside collection.

Under the new system, Mt. Carmel residents can make as many trips to the recycling center as necessary during the Fall Clean Up period. Residents will need to present a copy of their city water bill to participate. Those who do not receive a physical water bill can obtain a copy at City Hall.

Judge acknowledged concerns about elderly residents and others who may not have a way to haul large items. He said the city has been looking at possible options to assist elderly residents, while encouraging residents to help neighbors who may not have access to a pickup or other suitable vehicle.

The mayor said another factor behind the change has been problems with residents not following curbside collection rules in previous years. That included items being placed at the curb after Republic Services had already completed collection in an area.

Mt. Carmel’s Community-Wide Yard Sales are also scheduled for this Friday and Saturday, October 2nd and 3rd. Residents can use the weekend to sell unwanted items before taking remaining eligible material to the recycling center during Fall Clean Up.

WGH Board Approves New Joint Replacement Protocol, Dermatology Privileges

Wabash General Hospital is implementing a new infection-prevention protocol for patients undergoing joint replacement surgery.

Executive Vice President of Clinical Services and Chief Nursing Officer Kim Pearson outlined several medical staff recommendations during a recent Board of Directors meeting.

Pearson said patients preparing for total joint replacements will begin a decolonization protocol five days before surgery. The protocol includes mupirocin ointment applied inside the nostrils along with CHG bathing in an effort to reduce the risk of infection.

The board also approved a change involving tube feeding, increasing water flushes from every six hours to every four hours.

In addition, Wabash General is preparing to offer dermatology as a new service. Pearson said the hospital did not previously have a delineation of privileges for dermatologists, so new privileges were developed and approved by the medical staff.

The board also approved updated emergency room privileges and the annual review of the hospital’s blood bank service agreement. Pearson said there were no changes to the blood bank agreement, but an annual review was required.

All of the recommendations had previously received medical staff approval and were approved by the hospital board.