Flood damage and much-need repairing of storm sirens was on the mind of Wabash Emergency Management Coordinator Ross Madden when addressing Wabash County Commissioners Monday night.

Madden has worked during the past week on damage report information, which was recently submitted to the Illinois Emergency Management Agency. However, he is still receiving calls from county residents on flood damage.

"Since the (Wabash) river receded, I've worked every night," he told the Register.

Nevertheless, Madden stressed that residence who have not called in on damage reports need to call the WEMA office at 263-3111 so IEMA will be aware of the situation.

"I don't want to miss anybody," Madden said.

Although he could not provide a monetary estimate of damage so far, he did say that two Mt. Carmel businesses - Woods Gun Shop and a salvage facility on River Road - and approximately 23 permanent or summer residencies have sustained flood damage. He also said a recent report submitted by County Engineer Gordon Kirkman showed several thousands of dollars in road damage.

Despite ongoing work in damage assessment, County Board Chair Robert Effland expressed appreciation for those who have worked in relief efforts. This included efforts from WEMA and other emergency personnel, volunteers and other helping hands in trying to minimize further flood damage to the county.

"It's nice to have them when we need them," said Effland. "And hopefully we won't need them anymore this year."

Members of IEMA plan to visit the county today (Tuesday) to check with the WEMA office on flood damage. There is also a meeting scheduled for 2:30 p.m. in Olney City Park for IEMA and WEMA to submit and evaluate snow damage - from the late December snowstorm - and see how the county can be reimbursed.

Concerning repair work among storm sirens in the county - which Madden has brought up several times during commissioners' meetings since the series of severe storms over the summer - the WEMA coordinator told commissioners on Monday that he discussed the issue with the county's insurance company, Charles L. Miller Insurance Agency in Mt. Carmel, and there is a $1,000 deductible in the policy.

If plans push for implementing new sirens, then the cost could range from $3,500 to $20,000 each, said Madden.

Madden said he has spent $800 in repair work for the sirens since the summer storms, but it hasn't been enough to make "a good start."

The siren that has sustained the most damage is one located in Lancaster. Madden is in the process of taking it to a firm in Fairfield - the closest firm he could find - for evaluation.

Sirens in Mt. Carmel in need of a repair are located near South Elementary School, North Intermediate Center of Education, Mt. Carmel High School and Mt. Carmel City Park. Sirens in Allendale and Bellmont are in working condition, Madden said, and WEMA is planning to check a siren located in Keensburg, which is currently not working.

"We're going to have to spend some money on these sirens," he told commissioners. "I need kind of an idea (in the future) on how far to go and what to do."

In other business on Madden's agenda, WEMA completed a gas mask survey through the Illinois Terrorism Task Force Grant. Through the grant, Madden said he hopes that the county will receive 126 gas masks for distribution among emergency personnel and county officials.

Madden said he is unsure when he will be notified if the county qualifies to receive the masks.

Bellmont/Keensburg Road resurfacing plans

Kirkman told commissioners on Monday that he is currently working on an agreement with Lamac Engineering Company, Inc. in Mt. Carmel to do planning work that would make Bellmont/Keensburg Road (a 4.5-mile stretch that runs to and from the two villages) an 80,000-pound truck route.

The road, Kirkman explained, was built in 1949, and not much work has been done since its establishment. After Kirkman coordinates with the engineering company on resurfacing plans, he will then send out for bids. Kirkman estimated that the total project could run around $500,000, and funds from the state Truck Access Route Program (TARP) could pay for $300,000 of the project, with money from the Motor Fuel Tax possibly paying for the rest.

Assessment notices

County Assessor Debbie Gittings reported that her office will be distributing assessment notices today (Tuesday) for 2004 taxes payable in 2005. Anyone who receives a notice and has questions should call the Assessor's Office.

WGH board applications

County Treasurer Larry Briggs informed commissioners that applications for a seat on the Wabash General Hospital Board of Directors will be accepted until the end of this month. Applications are available at the hospital administration office or at the County Clerk's office. Applications can be turned in at the hospital administration office.

The person who takes former member John Evans' position will complete his term at the end of 2005, but will have the opportunity to be appointed to a three-year term at the end of the year.

Route One Association meeting

Effland told commissioners that the Route One Association will have a Coalbed Methane Seminar at 10 a.m. on Feb. 10 in the Lincoln Room at Lincoln Trail College in Robinson. During its Annual Meeting on Feb. 19, the association will have State Rep. Roger Eddy as the featured speaker at noon at Lincoln Trail College.

State's Attorney report

State's Attorney Chris Quick, who has recently been "flying solo" since assistance from former White County State's Attorney Kerry Sutton is not longer needed, followed his monthly report with information that he is currently doing some renovation work on his office. He stressed to commissioners that money for this project is coming out of a "drug fund" (funds collected from drug busts, in which the State's Attorney's office receives 12.5 percent of the total), not taxpayers' money.

Quick's monthly cases-filed report for January consisted of 15 felonies, 11 misdemeanors, two juvenile and 65 traffic. Court activity consisted of 66 criminal cases, eight juvenile cases and 147 traffic cases that amounted to $13,853.19 in fines imposed and collected, with $6,573.35 in restitution collected. Quick added that 31 bad checks were reported, and $2,127.70 was given back to merchants.

Circuit Clerk fines and fees collected

Circuit Clerk Angela Crum's January report on fines and fees collected was $105 for Drug Enforcement (paid to City of Mt. Carmel); $287 for DUI equipment; $3,819.87 for City of Mt. Carmel; $1,749 for State's Attorney fees; $351 for the Wabash County Sheriff's Department Fees; $5 for Drug Enforcement (paid to Sheriff Terry McWilliams); $2,168 for Court Fees; $9,248.60 for Circuit Clerk Fees; $919 for Automation (pays for new equipment, maintenance contracts, etc.); $340 for the Law Library; $2,878 for Judicial Security; $7,328 for Probation Fees; $883 for Document Storage; $1,374.85 for County Fees; $391 for Medical Costs; $10,581.94 for the County Criminal and Juvenile Fund; and $3,271.25 for County Traffic.