07/08/2018-Mt. Carmel Police arrested 47 year old Donald Scott Baird of Mt. Carmel after he was observed operating a motor vehicle on a suspended driver's license. Baird was stopped in 700 block of Poplar Street and placed under arrest. Baird was transported to the Wabash County Jail where he was cited for driving while license is suspended. Baird was released after posting $150.00 cash bond.
Railroad Closure Coming for SR 168 Near Fort Branch
GIBSON COUNTY, Ind. – The Indiana Department of Transportation announces a complete road closure on State Road 168 near Fort Branch for a railroad crossing repair.
Beginning on or around Tuesday July 10, railroad contractors will close S.R. 168 west of U.S. 41 for a railroad crossing repair. Contractors expect the closure to take about nine days depending upon weather conditions. During the project, the closure will be in place around the clock. Though local traffic will have access up to the point of closure. The official detour for this railroad crossing repair uses U.S. 41, S.R. 65, and S.R. 64. Work is expected to be complete by July 18 depending upon weather conditions.
INDOT urges drivers to slow down and stay alert near crews.
Two Women Injured In Route 1 Accident Tuesday
At approximately 3:54 pm on July 3, 2018, Mt. Carmel Police and first responders were notified of a vehicle collision on Route 1 at Cherry Hills. When police arrived on scene they found both drivers trapped in their vehicle. The police reported that a 1997 Lincoln driven by Dana M. Tate pulled from Cherry Hills and into the path of a 2013 Ford being driven by Brandi M. Lear. Tate was transferred from the scene to Wabash General Hospital for minor injuries. Lear reported minor injuries but refused transfer by ambulance. Police had Rt. 1 closed for less than an hour while the vehicles were towed from the scene. Tate received a citation for failure to yield. Mt. Carmel Police were assisted by the Wabash County Sheriff's Office, Illinois State Police, WGH EMS, and the Mt. Carmel Fire.
Man Arrested On Drug Charge After His Vehicle Was Used In Pursuit
Mt. Carmel Police officers were involved in a vehicle pursuit at approximately 7:40 pm on July 4th. Police reported a vehicle in 1500 block of W. 3rd Street was driving in a careless manner. The suspect vehicle then increased its speed above the posted speed limit as it was approached the Rt. 1. overpass. The reporting officer initiated his vehicle's emergency lights and that's when the suspect vehicle increased its speed to 100 mph. The reporting officer eventually called the pursuit off for safety concerns. The suspect vehicle was described as a 2004 Chevrolet with registration belonging to Phillip R. Cross II, age 44, of Mt. Carmel.
During the investigation Police spoke with Cross and informed him that a vehicle belonging to him had been involved in a vehicle pursuit. Police arrested Cross after he was found to be in possession of prescription pills wrapped in a cellophane package. Cross was transported to the Wabash County Jail where he is being held pending the posting of bond.
The reporting officer was able to identify the driver of the vehicle and a warrant has been requested for his arrest.
Body Recovered in Posey County after Man Falls into Lake
Indiana Conservation Officers are investigating a possible drowning after a 77 year old Posey County man fell from his boat into the water.
Dennis Happel (77) of Wadesville got a fishing hook stuck in his hand after trying to unhook a bass he had caught. While trying to do this, he fell into the water. His wife was unable to save him and contacted 911 at approximately 10:00 am this morning for assistance.
Public Safety Divers with the Perry Township Fire Department and Indiana Conservation Officers recovered the body of Happel at 11:55 am in ten to twelve feet of water.
The incident occurred on a small lake owned by Happel and there were no life jackets on the boat or near the water to assist him.
The boat being used was a small boat, approximately ten feet in length. No foul play is suspected.
Responding agencies included the Wadesville Fire Department, Marrs Township Fire Department, Perry Township Fire Department, Griffin Fire Department, Posey County Sheriff’s Office, Posey County EMS, Posey County Coroner’s Office and Indiana Conservation Officers.
Mayor Issues Fireworks Warning
With tomorrow being the 4th of July, Mt. Carmel Mayor Bill Hudson has a reminder…
A reminder from MCPD Chief John Lockhart that there will be no parking allowed along Market Street between 3rd and 9th Streets Wednesday during the 4th of July parade. All vehicles should be off of the parade route before 9:30am.
WSJD File Photo
City Council Looks For Further Study On Placement Of Oak Street Sidewalks Improvements
After complaints from a local businessman over the designs of a new, wider sidewalk along Oak Street, the Mt. Carmel City Council tabled final action on the project for at least two weeks.
The proposal calls for the construction of the six-foot-wide sidewalks from 3rd Street to 9th Street on the west side of the Oak Street. It’s the placement of the sidewalk that drew the ire of Rick Andrews who owns two businesses along the proposed site. Andrews’ complaints came during a public hearing on the topic yesterday afternoon at City Hall.
David Savage of the Greater Wabash Regional Planning Commission says there’s a clear need for the project…
But, Andrews was adamant in his opposition saying building the sidewalk on the west side of Oak would pose a safety hazard for pedestrians and bicyclists. He said up to 100 semi-trucks a day access his bulk fuel plant and that he stands to lose revenue if the project proceeds as designed.
Engineer Austin Ridgley of HLR said there’s not enough room on the east side of the street because of power poles and residences.
Commissioners agreed to proceed with the project but check into the plans further and make a decision on the design at some point in the future. The city will use $395,000 from the defunct revolving loan fund to pay for the bulk of the project with the city chipping in the remaining $5,800.
2018 Wabash County Fair Queen Contestants
Here are the contestants for 2018 Wabash County Fair Queen that will be crowned on Sunday night, July 15th.
Hi, my name is Megan Haase, the oldest daughter of David and Jackie Haase. I’m 17 years old, and will be a senior at Mount Carmel High School this year. If there’s anything you should know about me, it’s that I love to be in the kitchen - whether I’m baking, cooking, or eating. My other hobbies include hanging out with friends and family, playing with my dog, and shopping. This past year I was blessed to be in the CEO program where I developed my own bakery business, nutmeg. The class exposed me to the passion I have for business and entrepreneurship. After high school, I plan to major in hospitality in college and eventually open my own business again.
I am a nine-year member and current secretary of Fun Stuff 4-H club, as well as vice president of Federation. This year at the fair I will be showing pigs as well as food science, college and career readiness, and shopping in style projects. I try to do at least one new project each year. In the past, I have done cooking, cake decorating, photography, and interior design projects, to name a few. Ever since I was a little girl, I have always wanted to become fair queen, and with the help of my sponsor, Robert Haase Farms, I am very lucky to be a contestant this year, so I would like to thank them from the bottom of my heart.
McKinnon Anderson
Hello, I am McKinnon Anderson from Mt. Carmel. I am the 19 year-old daughter of Clinton and Karissa Anderson. I have two siblings, a brother, Connor, and a sister, Rhiannon. I am a certified Lifeguard and work at the Mt. Carmel City Pool, Wabash Valley College Pool and Five Points Pool in Washington, Illinois. In the fall, I will be a sophomore at Eureka College in Eureka, Illinois. A few of my many college activities have included Disciples on Campus, EC4DAX (helps raise funds for St. Jude families), and Gifts in the Moment Foundation Fresh Food Drives. In high school, I was a member of the MCHS Marching Aces Band, Choir, Softball, Interact, Concert/Pep Band, Aces for Christ, and Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities (CEO) Program, where I started my own business, No Moo Cookbook. I am a member of the First Christian Church-Disciples of Christ, where I serve as a Junior Deacon and a member of the Regional Youth Council (RYC) for the Illinois-Wisconsin Region. I am a proud 10-year member of BarnBusters 4-H Club, where I served as Secretary for 8 years. I am a 3-year member of the Wabash County Federation where I served as Treasurer for 1 year. My 4-H projects this year are Cooking 401; Shopping in Style 2; Photography and Scrapbooking. Some of my favorite memories are presenting at the County Fair and being awarded Best of Show or State Fair Delegate for my many different projects. The reason I am running for Fair Queen is because I have always enjoyed attending the Wabash County Fair and I want to help promote and celebrate the accomplishments of the many young adults of Wabash County. I am very thankful to the Lathrop and Anderson Family, for sponsoring me as a contestant for Wabash County Fair Queen.
Abigail Anderson
Hi, I am Abi Anderson. I am the 18-year-old daughter of Ray and Janet Anderson of Mount Carmel. My father has been the pastor of Grace Memorial Baptist Church for the last fifteen years. My mother homeschooled me through high school, and she is a part-time photographer. I sometimes assist her when she shoots weddings. I am a nine-year member of Fun Stuff 4-Her’s club and am in my fourth year as a member of 4-H Federation. My projects have included cooking, cat, photography, child development, plants and soils, and theatre arts, and I have exhibited six times at the Illinois State Fair, where I have received a superior rating on my cooking, photography, and theatre arts projects. I am currently president of the Federation club and have served as vice-president and treasurer in the past. I have previously served as president, vice-president, secretary, and treasurer of the Fun Stuff 4-Her’s club. For the last several years, many of my activities have revolved around theatre. For three years, I participated in the Academy of Arts homeschool drama camp in Evansville and took part in three productions, both as an actress and as a theatrical make-up artist. More recently, I have enjoyed being involved with our local WVC-WVAC community theater. I acted in the fall and winter 2015 productions, “Luxury Cruise” and “It’s a Wonderful Life,” and in the fall 2016 production, “Farce of Nature.” I was a crew member for the 2016 and 2017 musical productions, “Two by Two by Sondheim” and “Bingo.” From the ages of fourteen to sixteen, I was a volunteer worker at the Sonshine School preschool here in Mount Carmel until I began my first paid job as a cashier at Buehler’s Buy-Low, which I held for a year. Since spring of 2017, I have been working at Hocking’s Green Thumb Nursery, where I absolutely love my job. When I can get away, I enjoy spending time on my grandparents’ farm in Indiana. I am a member of Grace Memorial Baptist Church here in Mount Carmel. My passions are make-up and working with animals. My goal is to go to college, become a veterinary assistant, and do professional make-up on the side. I am participating in this year’s Wabash County Fair queen contest because I believe the experience will aid my personal growth. The contest is an opportunity to develop poise, show leadership, and promote 4-H and our local fair, which I am excited to do. I would like to thank my 4-H club for being supportive of me and my sponsor, Mount Carmel Public Utility, for enabling me to be a contestant.
Amelia Tennes
My name is Amelia Tennes and I am running to be the 2018 Wabash County Fair Queen. I am 17 years old. I’m a member of the Fun Stuff 4-H club and have been in 4-H for 9 years. I show rabbits, pigs, and beef cattle. I also show baked goods and garden vegetables in the Junior Fair.
I am an only child. My Grandma helps me with my gardening projects and my Mom and Grandma help me with cooking and baked goods. My Dad and Grandpa help me with my cows and pigs because they both grew up having these animals. My Dad helps me with my rabbits.
I am a senior at MCHS where I am starting my 4th year as a member of the golf team. I also work at Oakview Heights in the dietary department. When I graduate high school, I want to go into the nursing field.
I would like to thank my sponsor Sabrina Dearing at the Cutting Edge Salon.
2018 Wabash County Fair Princess Contestants
One of these young ladies will be crowned as 2018 Wabash County Fair Princess on Sunday night, July 15th.
Rhiannon Anderson
Hi! I’m Rhiannon Anderson, the 14 year-old daughter of Clinton and Karissa Anderson. I have two siblings, a sister, McKinnon, and a brother, Connor. My family and I live in Mt. Carmel, where I will be a freshman at Mt. Carmel High School in the fall. My school activities include, Jazz Band, MCHS Marching Aces Band, Choir, Concert/Pep Band, and I plan to join Interact in the fall. I have participated in three Summer Musical Workshops of Annie Jr., Little Mermaid Jr., and Aladdin Jr. I am very active in my church, First Christian Church-Disciples of Christ, where I am a member of Youth Group and serve as an Acolyte. My hobbies include 4-H, Girl Scouts, cooking, baking, and watching hair and makeup tutorials. I have been an active member of the BarnBusters 4-H group for 6 years. My 4-H projects this year are Cooking, Food Decorating, Computer Science, Floriculture, Leadership and Photography. My future career goal is to become a cosmetologist. The reason I am running for Fair Princess is because I enjoy meeting new people and I would like to represent the youth of Wabash County at the Fair. I would like to thank the Lathrop and Anderson Family for sponsoring me as a contestant for Wabash County Fair Princess.
Eva Hocking
Hello my name is Eva Hocking, daughter of Todd and Marlene Hocking, sister of Emma, and Greta Hocking. I’m 15 and going to be a sophomore at Mt. Carmel High. I’ve been in 4-H ever since I was 8 years old. In that time, I have taken several projects such as poultry, photography, cooking, theatre arts, and public speaking. I have gone to state fair several times throughout my years as a member. I look forward to participating in this year’s fair, and am proud to have been given the honor of singing the national anthem at the events.
I’m involved in several clubs and organizations such as Wabash County 4-H Federation, Interact, Mount Carmel FFA, St. Mary’s Youth Group, the Mt. Carmel Marching Band, and played the fox puppet in the Mt. Carmel High’s production of Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella. I am the Vice President of my 4-H club and the Treasurer of the Mt. Carmel FFA. I try to take an active part in the community by helping with various community service projects like being a music leader at Keensburg Christian Church’s VBS or an elf at Uptown Christmas. I’ve helped with the Keensburg Easter Egg Hunt, sorted bottle caps with the St. Mary’s Youth group to make benches, and even participated in canned food drives for WADI. In the future, I hope to continue to be active in my community while pursuing a career in psychology.
I would love to have the honor of Fair Princess so that I may give back to the fair community, which has given me opportunities to learn skills that will help me succeed in the future.
I would like to thank Larry G. Hocking and Sons LLC for sponsoring me.
Murray Sentenced To 17 Years In Prison On Wabash County Sexual Assault Charge
Cassandra A. Goldman, Wabash County State's Attorney, reports that Matthew R. Murray, a 31-year old Mt. Carmel, Illinois man, was sentenced to the Illinois Department of Corrections by the Honorable Circuit Judge Michael J. Valentine in Wabash County Circuit Court.
State's Attorney Goldman advises that the Defendant was charged April 13, 2018, with Predatory Criminal Sexual Assault of a Child, a Class X Felony. Mr. Murray was sentenced to 17 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections, to be followed by three years to natural life of mandatory supervised release (parole).
