The item that took up the most time during the Township meeting included Road Commissioner Chris McEwing and S&E owner Steve Talley. Talley was in attendance during the meeting to discuss improving the road in front of his business, 2.3 miles of road work. McEwing explained that he had two projects planned, but had to choose the one that would cost less.
“We have 14 miles of oil and chip. I was gonna do two roads, I was gonna do your road, and I was gonna do Pontca Lake. I had to take the less of the two. Your road came out to about $440,000 to do from 14 to the stop sign, and then from your road, it’s 2.3 miles.”
McEwing then discussed how the price has increased significantly, using the example of when he did Brownsville Blacktop: it was $128,000 a mile; now it is $222,000 a mile.
With no resolution on the matter, he moved on to his proposal to bid on road improvements in the Pontca subdivision: 1368 North, 880 East, 1362 North, and 1374 North. The project will be 5,300 feet in total, including the cul-de-sac and connecting roads. The project was approved by the board.
This year is the 250th anniversary of America’s independence, and the Carmi Township board members have decided to make a $1,000 donation towards the City of Carmi’s fireworks display, which will finally be on July 4th this year.
To continue the celebration, Trustee Casey Coale presented two options for a new bench to be placed outside the Township office to commemorate the historical event. Ben Arnold will design and construct the bench for $2,700. Supervisor Pam Deig said that funds for the bench will come from the Building Maintenance account.
Approvals conducted during the meeting were the 2026-2027 budget, the appointment of Amy Wilson as a Deputy Clerk, and erasing old minutes per Roberts Rule.
In the General and Emergency Assistance Report, there were 20 sign-ins with a total of $2,378 dispersed for GA and $2,244.80 for EA.
Lastly, Patrick Haskell and John Adams, with the Sons of the American Revolution, were on hand to discuss the upcoming Liberty Tree dedication on Saturday at 10 am at the Old Graveyard in Carmi. The event will include a tree-planting ceremony, music, food, a museum of period uniforms, and graveyard tours for everyone in attendance. It is co-hosted by the Longknives Chapter of the IL.S.S.A.R and the White County Historical Society.
The next Township meeting will be on July 14 at 6 pm.