WARRICK COUNTY, Ind. – In a move that will give families a local point of contact for death investigations, the Warrick County Board of Commissioners approved plans to construct a new coroner’s office and the county’s first morgue.

Why a New Facility Is Needed

Coroner Alyssa Enright explained that the existing office is cramped and lacks essential storage and refrigeration capacity. Currently, autopsies and related work are performed in neighboring Vanderburgh County, requiring families to travel out of the area for critical services.

What the New Building Will Provide

Enright said the new space will not only house the coroner’s staff and equipment but also serve as a place where families can receive assistance during normal operating hours. “It’s just super exciting. It’s going to mean a lot, not just for us as a department, but for the community as well,” she said. “They’ll know how to get a hold of us when they need to, and they’ll be able to come to us during normal operating hours.”

Commissioners’ Decision and Next Steps

The commissioners voted unanimously to move forward with the project. While a construction timeline has not yet been set, the board plans to solicit bids for the work in January. The approval signals a commitment to keeping essential services within Warrick County and reducing the burden on families who previously had to travel to Evansville for morgue services.

Community Impact

Local residents have expressed relief that the county will now have its own morgue. Having a dedicated facility means quicker response times for death investigations, better preservation of evidence, and a more compassionate environment for grieving families. The project also creates a modest number of construction jobs in the short term and will likely generate ongoing employment for staff who will operate the new facility.

Looking Ahead

Commissioners will monitor the bidding process and aim to select a contractor that can deliver the project efficiently and within budget. Once built, the new coroner’s office and morgue will become a permanent fixture of Warrick County’s public‑service infrastructure, reinforcing the county’s commitment to caring for its citizens from birth through the end of life.

Original reporting: 14 News WFIE Evansville (news) — read the source article.