Home Blog Page 1016

SR 356 Bridge Replacement Requires 120-Day Closure

0

The Indiana Department of Transportation met with its contractor and utility company representatives this week at INDOT Seymour District offices to schedule operations for replacing the State Road 356 bridge over Woods Fork Creek northeast of Lexington in Scott County.

McAlister Excavating of Patriot is INDOT’s prime contractor for this $1,017,814 project to demolish the existing S.R. 356 bridge located 3.13 miles east of S.R. 203—and replace it with a new 105-foot single-span structure widened to 31½ feet side-to-side.

Construction of the composite pre-stressed concrete bulb-T beam bridge will require a 120-day closure of S.R. 356.  Hardy Mill Road will also close to traffic at the construction site.

The contract calls for the bridge and roads to reopen by November 15.

The S.R. 356 site will be staked and cleared after March 1.  Utilities plan to relocate services away from the construction zone in April, May and June.

Prior to complete closure for demolition and reconstruction at the end of June, flaggers will direct motorists around worksites as needed.  Once closed, a state highway detour will route motorists around the construction site via S.R. 56, S.R. 3 and S.R. 203.

Traffic count at the S.R. 356 Woods Fork Creek bridge is 470 vehicles per day.

Stay informed.  Updated information and a map of the closure are available on the Indiana Department of Transportation TrafficWise service at indot.carsprogram.org. Roadway information is also available by calling 1-800-261-ROAD (7623) or 511 from a mobile phone.  Follow @INDOTSoutheast on Twitter at www.twitter.com/INDOTSoutheast and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/INDOTSoutheast.

Meth Arrest after Traffic Stop on I-65

0

An Indiana State Police traffic stop Thursday on I-65 near Seymour led to the discovery of meth.

The driver of the vehicle, 55-year-old Carl Rice, of Texas, was arrested for dealing meth.

Information obtained during the stop led to officers searching an apartment in Seymour where two more individuals were arrested on numerous drug related charges

The investigation began at 12:47 p.m. when ISP Randel Miller stopped a 2002 Chevrolet Impala southbound on I-65 near the 51 mile marker. While speaking with the driver, Rice, Trooper Miller became suspicious of criminal activity taking place.

ISP K-9 Jinx alerted the trooper to illegal drugs in the vehicle. During a search, troopers found more than 40 grams of crystal meth and Rice was arrested.

Further information obtained from the scene led troopers and Seymour Police officer to Jackson Park Place Apartments in Seymour where armed with a search warrant officers found other illegal drugs and items related to dealing the drugs.

Two people inside the apartment, 35-year-old Kristin Campbell and 21-year-old John Wiltermood, both of Seymour were arrested at the scene.

Campbell and Wiltermood are both facing charges of conspiracy to deal meth, maintaining a common nuisance, possession of synthetic marijuana, possession of a syringe, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Wiltermood is also facing a charge of resisting law enforcement.

All three suspects were taken to the Jackson County Jail where they were remain in custody. All three will soon be issued a court date to appear in the Jackson County Circuit Court.

Trp. Miller was assisted by numerous officers with the Indiana State Police and the Seymour Police Department.

New Snow Moving Into Southern Indiana

0

Heaviest Accumulation Predicted Along Ohio River

The National Weather Service has declared Winter Storm Warnings for eight Indiana counties along the Ohio River between Evansville and Louisville. In addition, 10 southern and southeast Indiana counties are under a Winter Weather Advisory.

The storm will continue to enter the state over the next few hours with up to 6 inches of new snow predicted for far south central Indiana along the Ohio River. Snow amounts will increase sharply as one travels south and east into Kentucky with the potential for rapidly deteriorating road conditions over a short distance.

Indiana Department of Transportation maintenance supervisors have been closely monitoring the track of today’s storm and have been deploying yellow plow trucks before snow and ice begin to accumulate on Indiana’s interstates, U.S. highways and state routes. Trained employees are on call to staff plow trucks around the clock with alternating shifts of 12 hours or more.

As there are changes in forecasted and observed road conditions, local INDOT staff will redeploy manpower, trucks and materials and shift resources as appropriate.

Winds cause blowing, drifting

Winds of 15-20 mph are expected to impact road conditions and visibility in areas with heavy snowfall. INDOT crews will take steps to minimize the amount of blowing snow that sticks or drifts onto cleared highways.

Each plow route takes 2-3 hours to complete with salt assisting in melting between passes. INDOT urges drivers to reschedule optional trips during and shortly after winter precipitation as that’s when road conditions will be the worst.

If you must venture out, below are driving tips to improve visibility and safety:

  • Before you depart, fully clear off your front and rear windshields and side mirrors.
  • Choose direct routes instead of longer trips on higher-speed roads and highways.
  • If you see a snow squall ahead, immediately take your foot off the gas and turn off cruise control, especially on high-speed highways. No one should be traveling at interstate speeds during winter weather. Law enforcement will be writing citations for drivers going faster than conditions merit and putting others in harm’s way.
  • Use low-beam lamps if your vehicle is equipped.
  • Increase following distance so you can barely see the taillights of any vehicles in front of you.
  • Turn on emergency flashers if you are stopped or traveling slower than other vehicles.
  • If you need to stop, try to exit or turn off the main highway. If you must stop on the shoulders, pull as far away from the travel lanes as possible.
  • Regularly fill your gas tank and charge your mobile phone.
  • Apply anti-lock brakes firmly. Pump brakes that are not anti-lock.
  • Do not overcorrect with steering.

Know before you go

There are several state resources that drivers can access to “know before you go”:

  • Counties post travel advisories as new information is available to http://in.gov/dhs/traveladvisoryor the Indiana Travel Advisory app for iPhone or Android.
  • INDOT maintenance staff report color-coded winter driving conditions on INDOT’s TrafficWise map at http://indot.carsprogram.org. Road conditions are defined as: (1) Gray: Good, the road is clear (2) Blue: Fair, speed is reduced due to isolated patches of snow and ice, and (3) Violet: Difficult or hazardous, speed is reduced due to snow and/or ice covered pavement
  • Dial INDOT’s hotline toll-free at 1-800-261-ROAD (7623) or 511 from a mobile phone.
  • Find your regional INDOT district on Facebook and Twitter at http://in.gov/indot/3074.htm.

Bookmark and Share

Three Arrested With Meth After Probation Search in Scott County

0

Three Arrested After Probation Search in Scott County

Three from Scott County were arrested on Meth charges Thursday afternoon.

user29380-1453411432-media2
Malcolm L. Abner
user29380-1453411430-media1
Kimberly A. White-Abner
user29380-1453411433-media3
Cecil White

Troopers arrested Malcolm L. Abner, 35, from 1523 East Cutshall Road, Rural Scott County, (Scottsburg Mail Address), Kimberly A. White-Abner, 37, from 1523 East Cutshall Road, Rural Scott County, (Scottsburg Mail Address) and Cecil W. White, 32, from 4050 East Peacock Road, Rural Scott County, (Deputy Mail Address).

Malcolm Abner and Kimberly White-Abner were charged with Possession of Methamphetamine with the Intent to Deliver, Felony and Possession of Methamphetamine, Felony. Cecil White was charged with Visiting a Common Nuisance, Misdemeanor and Possession of Marijuana, Misdemeanor.

All of the arrested were incarcerated at the Scott County Jail awaiting their first court appearance.

The street value of the confiscated Methamphetamine is estimated at over $4,000.00 in U.S. Currency.

Thursday afternoon, troopers from the Indiana State Police Post at Sellersburg and an officer from the Scott County Probation Department searched a residence located at 1523 East Cutshall Road,Rural Scott County, (Scottsburg Mail Address).

During the search, officers located over three ounces of suspected Crystal Methamphetamine, weighing scales and $2,400.00 in U.S. Currency.

Media Note- Photos of the arrested are attached to this release. Malcolm Abner is male with gray tank top, Kimberly White-Abner is female and Cecil White is male with glasses.

Community: Jasper Man Arrested After Crashing Car, Leaving Scene, and Removing Plates

0

A Jasper man was arrested after an investigation showed that he left the scene of a crash he had on Sunday morning.

David Siguenza Contreras, 35, 3828 North Portersville Road, Lot 20, Jasper, IN was charged with Removing a Vehicle Identification Number, Level 5 Felony; Leaving the Scene of a Property Damage Crash, Class B Misdemeanor and Operating a Motor Vehicle while Never Licensed, Class C Misdemeanor.

On Sunday, January 17, Troopers Brock Werne and Josh McBeth responded to a report of a vehicle found over a steep embankment north of the Haysville Bridge on US 231.

Troopers found nobody around the crashed 1992 Ford Explorer, and additionally found that the license plate and vehicle identification number (VIN) plate had been removed from the vehicle.

Troopers continued their investigation on Wednesday by speaking with the registered owner of the vehicle.

They learned that the owner had loaned the vehicle to 35 year old David Siguenza Contreras of Jasper.

Contreras allegedly lost control of the vehicle Sunday morning, crashed over the embankment, and left the scene because it was cold outside.

Troopers also learned Contreras removed the VIN and registration plates.

Contreras was placed into custody and lodged in the Martin County Jail without incident.

Jerry L. McPike, 74

0

Jerry L. McPike, age 74 of Campbellsburg, passed away Wednesday, January 20, 2016 at 6:07 pm, in his residence.

Born June 30, 1941 in Campbellsburg, Indiana, he was the son of the late William and Mary Alice (Bilyeu) McPike.

He retired in 1995 from Smith’s Transfer in Louisville and served as a partner in the Washington County Jail Ministry for 28 years. He was a member and Deacon at the First Baptist Church of Campbellsburg, had been a life resident of Washington County and served during the Vietnam War as a Boatswain’s Mate in the U.S. Navy.

He also served in the Armed Forces as a Specialist 4th class in the U.S. Army.

Jerry married June 27, 1981 to Delsa Mae Dolly” (Pitman) McPike, who passed away November 6, 2014.

Survivors include: 1 Son: Steven (Annette) McPike, Bloomfield, Indiana; 2 Stepdaughters: Betty Mae (Robert L.) Gardner, Mississippi and Kathryn Faye Jessee, Indianapolis; 2 Stepsons: Michael Wayne Jessee and Joseph Allen (Beverly) Jessee, Indianapolis; 1 Step Son-in-law: Gary Gerking, Monrovia, Indiana; 3 Sisters: Reba (David) Brown, Sue Ann Bennett and Betty Chanley, all of Campbellsburg. He is also survived by several grandchildren, several great grandchildren and several great great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by 1 stepdaughter, Rebecca Ann Gerking and 1 Stepson, David Lynne Jessee.

Funeral Service: 11:00 am Saturday at Dawalt Funeral Home.

Visitation: 4 to 8 pm Friday and after 9 am Saturday. Interment at Claysville Cemetery with full military honors.

Memorial Contributions: Claysville Cemetery Association C/O Bill Tower 11398 W. Suder Lane Campbellsburg, Indiana 47108.

Stay Safe and Warm With These Home Tips

0

The nonprofit Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH) is offering 21 tips to keep families safe and warm when the power goes out and freezing temperatures arrive.

Foam, Dome & Drip – Affordable Ways to Protect Your Home

For as little as $1 per 6’ of insulation, you can stop pipes from freezing during winter and even when the power goes out.

1. Insulate pipes exposed to the elements or cold drafts with insulating foam. For as little as $1 per 6’ of insulation, you can stop pipes from freezing and save energy.

2. Place an insulating dome or other covering on outdoor faucets and spigots to reduce the likelihood of the water in your pipes freezing, expanding and causing a costly leak.

3. Drip faucets to reduce the build-up of pressure in the pipes. Even if the pipes freeze, you have released the pressure from the water system reducing the likelihood of a rupture. If you are going out of town, and suspect that temperatures will drop or a power outage will occur, turn off the water to your home and open all of the taps to drain the water system. This way you won’t return to a frozen, soggy mess.

4. Check for air leaks around windows and doors using a lit incense stick. If the smoke is sucked out of an opening, seal the leak with caulk, spray foam or weather stripping.

Keep Your Family Safe & Warm

5. Keep a supply of flashlights, batteries and a battery-powered radio on hand. Do not use candles as they pose a fire hazard.

6. After the power goes out, make sure to turn off all lights but one, to alert you when power resumes.

7. Resist the temptation to call 911 for information during power outages. Instead use your battery-powered radio for information.

8. Keep your car fuel tank at least half full as gas stations rely on electricity to operate their pumps and may not have back-up power.

9. Keep extra cash on hand since an extended power outage may prevent you from withdrawing money from ATMs or banks.

10. Be a volunteer snow angel. Volunteer to check on elderly neighbors, friends, or relatives who may need assistance during the outage.

11. Wear layers of loose fitting, lightweight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing. The outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent. Never burn charcoal for heating or cooking indoors.

12. If you are using a gas heater or fireplace to stay warm, be sure the area is properly ventilated.

13. Arrange ahead of time with family, friends, or neighbors for a place to go if you have an extended outage. If you have nowhere to go, head to a designated public shelter. Text SHELTER + your ZIP code to 43362 (4FEMA) to find the nearest shelter in your area (example: shelter 12345)

Food

14. Keep a supply of non-perishable foods, medicine, baby supplies, and pet food on hand, and have at least one gallon of water per person per day on hand.

15. Avoid opening the fridge or freezer. Food should be safe as long as the outage lasts no more than four hours.

Generators

16. Do not run a generator inside a home or garage. Use gas-powered generators only in well-ventilated areas.

17. Follow manufacturer’s instructions such as only connect individual appliances to portable generators.

18. Don’t plug emergency generators into electric outlets or hook them directly to your home’s electrical system as they can feed electricity back into the power lines, putting you and line workers in danger.

19. Consider purchasing and installing a permanent home generator with an automatic on switch.

When Power Returns

20. When power comes back on, it may come back with momentary “surges” or “spikes” that can damage equipment such as computers and motors in appliances like the air conditioner, refrigerator, washer or furnace. Be sure to install a system of surge protection that consists of point-of-use devices and whole house surge protection.

21. When power is restored, wait a few minutes before turning on major appliances to help eliminate potential problems caused from sharp increases in demand.

For more information, tips and resources for winter safety visit Flash.org and the Great Winter Weather Prep preparedness campaign.

Governor Pence Proclaims January 24-30 “School Choice Week” in Indiana

0

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – Indiana Governor Mike Pence has officially proclaimed January 24-30, 2016 as “School Choice Week” in Indiana. Governor Pence joins thirty other governors and 230 mayors and county leaders nationwide in issuing proclamations.

With more than 400 events being held to celebrate the Week in Indiana alone – and with more than 16,000 independently organized events across all 50 states – National School Choice Week will be America’s largest-ever celebration of opportunity in education. Events will include rallies, round-table discussions, coffeehouse meet-ups, festivals, school fairs, and more.

As a nonpartisan, nonpolitical public awareness effort, National School Choice Week seeks to raise public awareness about school choice to start tens of thousands of individual conversations across our country about the need for, and benefits of, educational opportunity.

“We are grateful for Governor Pence’s recognition of School Choice Week in Indiana,” said Andrew Campanella, president of National School Choice Week. “The growth in enthusiasm surrounding National School Choice Week demonstrates that Americans in communities across the country recognize, more than ever before, the importance of ensuring that all children have the opportunity to learn and to pursue their own American dreams.”

Held every January, National School Choice Week is an independent public awareness effort designed to shine a positive spotlight on effective education options for every child. Through thousands of independently planned events across the country, National School Choice Week raises public awareness of all types of educational choices available to children. These options include traditional public schools, public charter schools, public magnet schools, online learning, private schools, and homeschooling.

# # #

For more information, visit www.schoolchoiceweek.com, or visit www.facebook.com/schoolchoiceweek.

Floyd County One of Six New Courts To Resolve Business Cases

0
The Indiana Supreme Court is authorizing six judges to preside over pilot project commercial courts, which will begin hearing cases June 1, 2016.

These specialized trial courts will benefit all court users by resolving complex business cases more efficiently, which will afford more court resources for other case types.

The commercial courts also benefit businesses by promoting earlier and more frequent settlement of cases and predictable resolution of business disputes, which helps businesses make operational decisions.

A Supreme Court order announces details of the pilot project and the following commercial courts:

·         Judge Craig Bobay, Allen Superior Court – Civil Division

·         Judge Stephen Bowers, Elkhart Superior Court 2

·         Judge Richard D’Amour, Vanderburgh Superior Court

·         Judge Maria Granger, Floyd Superior Court 3

·         Judge John Sedia, Lake Superior Court

·         Judge Heather Welch, Marion Superior Court, Civil Division 1

In June 2015 the Court unanimously approved a working group to recommend policies and procedures for commercial courts. In the 2016 State of the Judiciary, Chief Justice Loretta Rush announced significant progress on the project. She thanked the working group including “lawyers, legislators, academics, businesses, and judges who made the vision a reality for our state.” The working group will continue to provide guidance during the first three years of the pilot project.

Commercial courts will hear cases where the parties have agreed to have their dispute resolved through the specialized docket. Commercial courts in the United States began in 1993 and now exist in more than 20 states.

Roy Lee Thomas II, 29

0

Born: Wednesday, July 16, 1986

Died: Tuesday, January 19, 2016

Roy Lee Thomas II, age 29 of Campbellsburg, Indiana, passed away on January 19, 2016 in St. Vincent Indianapolis. He was born on July 16, 1986 in Bedford Indiana.

Survivors include: father, Roy Lee Thomas Sr.; sister, Samatha Caldwell (Michael) of Salem; nephew, Trevor Smith of Salem.

Preceded in death by: mother, Margie (Burgess) Thomas.

Direct cremation was chosen.