Troopers from the Indiana State Police-Versailles Post, along with other agencies across Indiana, will be increasing patrols as part of the national “Click It or Ticket” enforcement campaign ahead of Memorial Day weekend. For the next three weeks, officers will be out in full force making sure drivers and passengers are buckled up and children are properly secure.

Their goal is to reduce the number of traffic injuries and fatalities from lack of seat belt use, a continuing concern. Data from the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI) shows that unbuckled motorists make up almost 40% of all passenger vehicle deaths in the state.

The overtime patrols are funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) with grants administered by ICJI.

“Our focus is not on writing tickets but to encourage people to buckle up in order to saves lives,” said Lt. Paul Adams, Indiana State Police-Versailles Post Commander. “Seat belts are your best form of protection in a crash and against dangerous drivers. At the end of the day, we want everyone to reach their destination safely.”

Since the “Click It or Ticket” initiative began more than 20 years ago, seat belt use has gone up 30% in Indiana to 92.9%, which is slightly higher than the national average of 90.3%.

Despite making progress and advances in vehicle safety, in 2020, 226 unbuckled vehicle occupants lost their lives on Indiana roads – the second highest in the past decade. Young drivers, especially males, were the least likely to be buckled during a crash.

“We cannot tolerate another deadly year like the one we just had on our roads,” said Devon McDonald, ICJI Executive Director. “Many of the people we lost would still be alive today had they made the decision to buckle up. Seat belts make a difference. They save lives.”

Research has repeatedly demonstrated the safety benefits of seat belts and the dangerous consequences when people choose not to use them. Buckling up can reduce the risk of injury or death in a crash by 50%. Without a seat belt fastened, people can be ejected from a vehicle and killed, and that risk increases if the driver is speeding or impaired.

Tragically, vehicle collisions continue to be a leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 13, and NHTSA data shows that approximately 46% of all car seats are being used incorrectly. Parents and caregivers who do not buckle up are more likely to have kids who are improperly restrained.

“There’s nothing more tragic than reading the news about a child who was injured or killed because they weren’t properly secure in a vehicle,” said Robert Duckworth, ICJI Traffic Safety Director. “Parents are responsible for their child’s safety, and car seats are only effective if and when used correctly.”

Indiana law requires the driver and all passengers to buckle up. Children under age eight must be properly restrained in a federally approved child car seat or booster seat.

Throughout the campaign, officers will be watching for seat belt and car seat violations while conducting high-visibility patrols during the day and night, when unrestrained driving is at its peak. Drivers can be cited for lack of seat belt use, but also for each unbuckled passenger under the age of 16.

Parents and caregivers are encouraged to make sure children are in the right car seat and that it’s used correctly and properly installed. Resources can be found at www.nhtsa.gov/TheRightSeat. To schedule an appointment with a certified car seat safety technician at one of Indiana’s 100 fitting stations, visit on.in.gov/SafeKids.

Yesterday, May 17, 2022, a Paris Crossing, Indiana man was arrested on drug related charges following a traffic stop in northern Jefferson County.

The investigation began shortly before 8:00 am when Trooper Randel Miller observed a Dodge Dakota traveling eastbound on South Street in Dupont in excess of the posted speed limit.  Trp. Miller conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle.  During the course of the traffic stop, Trp. Miller became suspicious of criminal activity taking place.

Trp. Miller deployed his K-9 Bosco to conduct a sweep of the exterior of the truck.  Bosco alerted to the odor of illegal drugs coming from the vehicle.  During a search of the vehicle, troopers located a lunch box that contained 15 grams of suspected crystal methamphetamine along with drug paraphernalia.  Additional drug paraphernalia was located in other areas of the vehicle.

The driver of the vehicle, Robert J. Graham, age 44, Paris Crossing, Indiana was arrested on charges of Possession of Methamphetamine, Level 4 Felony, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Class C Misdemeanor.

He was transported to the Jefferson County Jail where he was incarcerated pending his initial appearance in court.

Trp. Miller was assisted by Sgt. Adam Bullock, Indiana State Police-Versailles.  

Two men are dead after a police-involved shooting Monday night near Palmyra.

Those pronounced dead are Justin Moore, 31, Owensboro, Kentucky and Good Samaritan Jacob Tyler McClanahan, 24, Corydon.

Detective Christopher Tucker and Crime Scene Investigators with the Indiana State Police in Sellersburg continue their investigation into the police-involved shooting that occurred on SR 135 just south of Palmyra on Monday night.

Investigators say that shortly before 9:30 p.m. Monday, Moore, pulled his vehicle, a white Ford Escape to the side of the highway after apparently running out of gas in the 12,000-block of SR 135. 

Moore then asked a local resident for gas, or money to obtain fuel, before returning to his car which was still partially in the roadway.

As a Palmyra Police Officer arrived around 9:30p, two Good Samaritans in a pick-up truck also stopped to assist and within seconds of exiting their cars, shots were fired; killing Moore and one of the Good Samaritans; McClanahan.

Part of that investigation included interviews, collection and examination of physical evidence, collection and viewing of video evidence, and attending the autopsies of both deceased.

As a result of their investigation, and in conjunction with the Harrison County Prosecutor’s office, Investigators have provided more details into the tragic event.

A short time after receiving a report that Moore’s vehicle had run out of gas, Reserve Officer Zachary Holly, from the Palmyra Police Department arrived to assist.

McClanahan, and a friend who were travelling together in a pick-up truck on SR 135, also stopped to assist.  

At one point during the interaction, Officer Holly asked Moore if there were any weapons in the car and Moore advised there were not.

Moore was however in possession of a small knife, which Officer Holly asked him to place it back in his vehicle.

The investigation reveals that as Moore entered his car to return the knife, he quickly turned around brandishing a shot gun and fired at Officer Holly.

Officer Holly then returned fire with his department pistol.

Moore fired the shotgun a second time and fatally struck McClanahan.

Officer Holly continued to return fire with his department weapon, fatally striking Justin Moore.

Medical aid was given to both gunshot victims after the shooting, and numerous officers from the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department, the Palmyra Fire Department, Harrison County EMS, and the Indiana State Police responded to the scene.

Investigators have not been able to determine why Moore, who is from Owensboro, Kentucky, was travelling in Indiana.

This investigation is ongoing. 

On Wednesday, May 11, 2022, at approximately 4:50 p.m., Trooper Caleb Garvin was patrolling I-69 around the 97 Mile Marker when he observed a white Lexus SUV traveling north at a high rate of speed. Trooper Garvin was able to confirm his suspicions of the vehicles excessive speed by utilizing his radar that the vehicle was travelling 103-mph in a 70-mph zone.

As Garvin attempted to stop the white 2018 Lexus SUV. The male driver, later identified to be Brian Anthony Hauke, failed to stop for Trooper Garvin and continued northbound on I-69 at a high rate of speed as it entered into Monroe County.  

Garvin continued to pursue the vehicle as it exited south on SR 37 where it lost control and crashed onto the shoulder striking a large rock embankment. The vehicle then continued onto SR 37 and came to a stop near Victor Pike due to traffic at the intersection. 

Hauke then exited his vehicle and continued to elude Trooper Garvin by running away. Trooper Garvin continued to give commands for Hauke to stop until he was able to catch and detain the subject, which resulted in Garvin injuring his shoulder, until other officers arrived to place Hauke under arrest. 

Hauke was found to be driving on a suspended license and having outstanding warrants for his arrest out of Hamilton, Hancock, and Marion counties. He also displayed characteristics of being impaired and admitted to consuming controlled substances for several days prior to the incident. Hauke and Trooper Garvin were both transported to local hospitals and a search warrant was applied for, and granted, for search of Hauke’s vehicle and his blood to determine impairment. 

Once Hauke was released from the hospital, he was transported to the Greene County Jail and arrested for the following preliminary charges,

Brian Anthony Hauke, 48, Pendleton, Indiana 

• Resisting Law Enforcement with a Vehicle – Level 6 Felony
• Possession of Methamphetamine – Level 6 Felony
• OVWI- Controlled Substance with a Prior – Level 6 Felony 
• Reckless Driving – Class C Misdemeanor
• Driving w/Suspended w/Prior Charge – Class C Misdemeanor
• Possession Paraphernalia – Class C Misdemeanor
• Resisting Law Enforcement – Class C Misdemeanor

Trooper Garvin was assisted by Sergeant Mundy, Trooper Klun and his K-9 partner Loki, Trooper McBride, Indiana Conservation Officers, Monroe County Sheriffs Department, Bloomington Police Department, IU Health Ambulance Service, Perry Clear Creek Fire Department and Kens Westside Towing.

All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

A Crawford County Judge who was arrested on Thursday has been released on her own recognizance and also suspended with pay by the Indiana Supreme Court. 

Sabrina Bell, Crawford County Circuit Court Judge, was arrested and booked into the Crawford County Jail as a result of an Indiana State Police investigation. 

These charges stemmed from an incident that occurred in Crawford County on April 12, 2022. 

Special Prosecutor Chris Lane filed information yesterday with the Indiana Supreme Court, who suspended her with pay until further notice. 

After completing a thorough investigation into the incident with Bell, Detectives from the Indiana State Police Special Investigations Section presented an affidavit to a Special Judge assigned to the case who found that probable cause existed for her arrest on a Level 6 Felony Charge of Domestic Battery in the Presence of a Child Less than 16 Years Old.

Today, an Indiana State Police investigation has led to the arrest of Sabrina Bell,  the Crawford County Circuit Court Judge.

These charges stemmed from an incident that occurred in Crawford County on April 12, 2022. 

After completing a thorough investigation into the incident, Detectives from the Indiana State Police Special Investigations Section presented an affidavit to a Special Judge assigned to the case who found that probable cause existed for the arrest of Bell on a Level 6 Felony Charge of Domestic Battery in the Presence of a Child Less than 16 Years Old.

Bell was booked into the Crawford County Jail and has since been released on pre-trial conditions.

A special prosecutor has been assigned to the case and an initial hearing was set for 1p today at Dubois Circuit Court. 

According to court documents, Bell is alleged to have struck her ex-husband on the face in the presence of Bell’s ex-husband told deputies he had arrived to pick up their children for his scheduled visit when Bell started a verbal argument with him that ended with her striking him in the face. Deputies advised marks were still visible on the man’s face at the time of the report.

According to the documents, Bell’s children witnessed the battery and confirmed it to authorities. Bell declined to make any statements regarding the matter, police said.

Bell was to have run for re-election in the May Primary but on April 20, Bell made a Facebook post stating she was suspending her campaign for reelection.

The Crawford County Republican Party issued a statement saying, “We wish Judge Sabrina Bell the best as she spends time focusing on her family and health. As she recently announced, she is suspending her campaign and is no longer seeking the Republican nomination for Judge.”

All suspects are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. 

Paul Edward Scifres, (known as “Skiff” to many) age 83 of Salem, Indiana passed away Wednesday morning, May 11, 2022 in his residence.

Born January 8, 1939 and raised in Little York, Indiana, he was the son of the late Joseph M. Scifres and Mae Irene (Nichols) Scifres.

A life resident of Washington County, he graduated from Salem High School Class of 1957 then received his Bachelor’s degree from Purdue University where he studied mathematics and education and went on to receive his Master’s in Administration degree from Indiana University, and later his Ed.S.

On April 20, 1962 he married Virginia “Jinny” L. (Tiedt) Scifres, who passed away October 5, 2000.

Paul was a retired teacher at Salem High School, where he also served as Assistant Principal and Athletic Director for many years. 

He taught math classes at I.U. Southeast and tutored students in math during retirement.  He was an avid fan of several sports, including all Olympic sports, track and field, cross country, tennis, L. A. Dodgers baseball, and anything starting with the word “Purdue” or “Salem.”  

He volunteered as much, and most notably was a member of the Salem Presbyterian Church, the Washington County Food Bank, Salem Exchange Club, Master Gardeners, and Habitat for Humanity. 

He took up running later in life and until recent years, could be seen jogging around town as he trained for his next race.  Although he had been retired for 30 years, he kept a hectic pace with all of his volunteer activities up until his last day.

He is survived by: Daughter, Stephanie Scifres of Salem, Indiana; Son, Tom (Kim) Scifres of Salem, Indiana; Grandson, Joseph Anthony (Saydi) Scifres of Salem, Indiana; Granddaughter, Brittney (Ismael) Scifres of Campbell, CA; Great grandchildren: Skyler, Huxley, Dahlia and Etta.  Also surviving are: Brother: Eugene Scifres of Villages, FL; Sister-in-Law: Sylvia (Gary) Graves of Salem; and Sister-in-Law Sandy (Tom) Tiedt of Salem, along with several cousins, nieces and nephews. 

French Lick Resort is gearing up for another big summer, and as
travel continues its return to normal after the pandemic, the Resort is taking some proactive measures to meet the challenges of the current business and labor market.

One is a workforce housing initiative representing the first new subdivision built in the French Lick/West Baden community in more than 60 years.

The other is the launch of the French Lick Support Center, an
off-site office opening in Clarksville, Indiana.

“These two projects go hand-in-hand in addressing the recruiting challenges we’ve faced,” said Chuck Franz, Vice President of Cook Group, the parent company of French Lick Resort. “And everybody faces it.
The resort is not alone. We’re thinking outside the box and trying different things in terms of trying to re-engineer the business.”

Clarksville office slated for July opening

Franz expects it will be an enticing prospect to job-seekers in the Clark and Floyd county area: working for a world-class resort while doing so with the convenience of staying close to home.

The Resort’s new Support Center will be located in the Green Tree Plaza, and staffing efforts are already ramping up. Interested candidates can attend a job fair and open interviews Saturday, May 14 from 11
a.m. to 8 p.m. inside the Green Tree Mall near JCPenney.

The immediate need is for Reservations Agents who will work from the Clarksville office once it opens.

The Resort is also hiring for marketing positions including a marketing coordinator and video producer.

Franz’s hope is that casting a wider recruiting net into the Louisville area will yield results when it comes to hiring for more specialized positions.
“With this move, we’re pulling from an applicant pool of a quarter-million people,” Franz said.

Franz figures French Lick Resort already has a pretty good head start in establishing itself in a community 60 miles to the east.

“The idea is trying to build a presence. The resort has a good reputation down there through the myriad of people I talk with. French Lick Resort has been a destination to them for most of their lives as somewhere they go for a vacation or a stay-cation,” Franz said. “We have a good following in the Clark and Floyd County area — let’s create a presence there, which will not only help build our remote office, it could also help with our efforts to fill on-campus positions as well.”

When it opens this summer, the new Support Center will start with about 10 associates, Franz said. Over time, that’s likely to expand.

“We should be able to accommodate up to 25 for growth,” Franz said.

Building Dozens of New Homes in the Community

For a community that hasn’t had a new housing development built in more than a half-century, this is an initiative that’s been a long time coming. Not since the early 1960s has a substantial housing development been built in the French Lick/West Baden community.

“If you look at the homes around here, most of them were built in the 1920s and 30s when the heyday of the hotels was,” Franz said. “We’ve been at this project for 4-5 years, trying to get somebody to come
in and build new homes because we saw the need. While our population in Orange County has remained steady, it hasn’t grown. You’ve got to be showing some growth. If you don’t address it, your school enrollment will decrease and the local business community will struggle.”

Cook Group decided to take the lead in addressing the critical need for workforce housing, especially during the ongoing housing price spike. Locally in French Lick and West Baden, the Cook-owned French
Lick Resort has built its own team of local contractors who are invested in and live in the community.

The idea was to build the first round of new and affordable houses, and re-invest those revenues to build the next set, and the next set, and so on.
So far, the first four homes have been completed on resort-owned land along Abbeydell Pike on the outskirts of West Baden Springs.

Ground has been broken on the next three houses.

The first three-bedroom, two-bathroom houses sold for $155,000.

New homes are going up “about as fast as we can go,” Franz said. Between the main area on Abbeydell Road and another on Klondike Hill, Franz envisions more than 100 new home constructions long-term.

“We’ve got enough land out on Abbeydell to build 75, and land behind the Resort on Klondike for about 25 homes,” Franz said. “The demand is there. The goal for 2022, if we can get through home number 12, that will be a heck of a year to have eight more transacted.”

The resort has partnered with Orange County Economic Development to get the word out and identify eligible homebuyers.

The only requirement is the owners must work in Orange County. Buyers are determined by a lottery system.

The first four houses went to people from four of the community’s major employers: French Lick Resort, Boston International, Pluto Corporation, and the Springs Valley School Corporation.

“In typical Cook fashion, we’ve streamlined the process and we’re doing better as we go,” Franz said. “There’s a different style home going up now; the first four were ranch, the next seven will be two-story. The interest level just continues to grow.”

The French Lick/West Baden initiative is part of a larger initiative by Cook Group to bring desperately needed workforce housing to the communities it serves — particularly rural areas.

Earlier this year, Cook announced plans for 90 new homes in Owen County, not far from Cook’s headquarters in Bloomington.

“Addressing the shortage of workforce housing within our region will be a multi-year effort,” said Steve Ferguson, chairman of the board for Cook Group. “We believe in making our communities stronger and
investing in workforce housing is one way we will continue to help our employees and communities reach their full potential, including a dream of home-ownership.”