Indiana Department of Transportation contractor Ragle Inc. plans to begin work on or after Monday, May 2, to complete bridge deck patching and joint replacement on the S.R. 7 bridge over Middlefork Creek in Jefferson County.

The bridge, located 1.5 miles north of S.R. 250, will be reduced to one lane with temporary signals to control traffic during construction. Middlefork Road on the north end of the bridge will be closed while work is in progress.

The $280,000 contract was awarded to Ragle last October. Restrictions are expected to be removed in approximately three weeks. INDOT reminds drivers to slow down, avoid distractions, and consider worker safety when traveling through active construction zones. All work is weather-dependent and schedules are subject to change.

On April 21, 2022, a federal grand jury in the Southern District of Indiana returned a seventeen-count indictment charging Quintez Tucker, 18, of Indianapolis, D’Maurah Bryant, 19, of Indianapolis, and Robdarius Williams, 19, of Indianapolis with conspiracy and multiple robbery and firearms offenses relating to a series of eight armed robberies committed over the course of twenty-five days. The indictment was unsealed today following the arrest of all the defendants.

According to court documents, beginning on November 8, 2021, and continuing through December 3, 2021, Tucker, Bryant, Williams, and others, including at least two juveniles, committed eight armed robberies of cell phone stores in Indianapolis and Fishers. Tucker, Bryant, Williams, and others planned the robberies and decided what combination of individuals would commit the robbery. Upon entering the cell phone stores, the defendants brandished firearms and stole cell phones, cell phone accessories, and U.S. currency from the stores and their customers.

The eight stores affected by the robberies were:

• Verizon: 11760 Olio Road, Fishers IN
• T-Mobile: 1560 E. 86^th Street, Indianapolis, IN
• T-Mobile: 11725 Fox Road, Indianapolis, IN
• AT&T: 4850 Southport Road, Indianapolis, IN
• Verizon: 1950 Kessler Blvd. West Drive, Indianapolis, IN
• T-Mobile: 1155 East Stop 11 Road, Indianapolis, IN
• T-Mobile: 6929 W 38^th Street, Indianapolis, IN
• AT&T: 8855 South Emerson Avenue, Indianapolis, IN

Each of the defendants is scheduled to make their initial appearance before a U.S. Magistrate Judge on Wednesday, April 27, at 1:30 p.m. If convicted on the robbery charges, each faces up to 20 years’ imprisonment, three years supervised release, and a $250,000 fine, for each count. If convicted of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, each faces a mandatory minimum of seven years up to life in prison, five years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine, for each count. Actual sentences are determined by a federal district court judge and are typically less than the maximum penalties.

Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, and Herbert J. Stapleton, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Indianapolis Field Office made the announcement.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating the case. The Fishers Police Department, the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, and the Marion County Prosecutors Office also provided valuable assistance.

U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Lawrence D. Hilton and Kelsey Massa, who are prosecuting this case.

This case was part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, and the local community to develop effective, locally based strategies to reduce violent crime.

An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Indiana Department of Transportation contractor Force Construction Inc. plans to implement ramp closures starting later this week on I-65 in Bartholomew County as part of the $65 million added travel lanes contract that began last year.

On or after Thursday, April 28, the entrance and exit ramps will close at the northbound I-65 rest area near MM 74 for asphalt patching. The entrance ramp will close Thursday morning, followed by the exit ramp later in the day once all parked vehicles have left the rest area. Both ramps will remain closed through approximately 7 a.m. Saturday morning, April 30.

The following week Force plans to complete patching on the ramps to and from U.S. 31 at Taylorsville (Exit 76). Work will be completed under overnight closures, from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. Nightly closures are tentatively planned as follows, weather permitting:

Monday, May 2: I-65 NB to US 31 NB and I-65 NB to US 31 SB
Tuesday, May 3: I-65 SB to US 31 NB and I-65 SB to US 31 SB
Wednesday, May 4: U.S. 31 to I-65 NB/U.S. 31 to I-65 SB
Thursday, May 5: U.S. 31 to I-65 NB/U.S. 31 to I-65 SB

INDOT reminds drivers to slow down, avoid distractions, and consider worker safety when traveling through active construction zones. All work is weather-dependent and schedules are subject to change. Additional ramp closures will take place later this spring/summer for asphalt paving. The added travel lanes project is scheduled for completion this summer.

This Saturday, April 30 the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is sponsoring the 22^nd nationwide “Prescription Drug Take Back” initiative and will work in conjunction with Indiana State Police posts around the state.

The “Take Back” initiative seeks to prevent prescription drug abuse and theft through proper disposal of prescription drugs.

Collection sites will be set up nationwide for expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs which will be properly disposed of without threat to the environment.  This program is for liquid and pill medications. 

Vaping pens without batteries and vaping cartridges will also be taken.  Needles, new or used, WILL NOT be accepted for disposal.  This service is free and anonymous with no questions asked.

This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue.  Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs.  Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet.

In addition, Americans are now advised that their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines—flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash—pose both potential safety and health hazards.

Once again, the Indiana State Police is pleased to partner with the DEA, and as in the past, unwanted medications may be dropped off at any Indiana State Police Post, except for the Lowell and Toll Road Posts.  The event will be on Saturday, April 30, 2022 between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.   

To locate the State Police post closest to your home or business, click this link for Indiana State Police on the Map. To find other locations in Indiana or across the U.S. that are participating in the Drug Take Back initiative, click this link to the DEA.

The Drug Take Back events are the safe, popular and responsible way for the public to legally dispose of prescription drugs with no questions asked.

Two from Austin were arrested last night in an apartment complex for dealing meth.

Indiana State Police said Richard Hall, 57, and Dusty Kallembach, were both arrested and charged with the following:

Richard Hall, Austin 

• Dealing in Methamphetamine – Level 5 Felony 
• Possession of Methamphetamine – Level 6 Felony
• Possession of Syringe – Level 6 Felony 
• Possession of Paraphernalia – C Misdemeanor
• Possession of Marijuana – B Misdemeanor 

Dusty Kallembach, Austin

• Dealing in Methamphetamine – Level 4 Felony
• Possession of Methamphetamine – Level 6 Felony

Around 11:30 Tuesday night, Senior Trooper Mark LaMaster was working an off-duty security job at the Austin Village Apartments in Austin, Indiana.

While working this detail, Trooper LaMaster learned of possible drug activity in one of the complex’s townhouses.

Trooper LaMaster requested Trooper Kyle Taylor come to the complex to further the investigation.   

Once at the townhouse, both officers met the tenant, Hall.

Through the open door Trooper LaMaster also observed Kallembach, whom Trooper LaMaster knew had been issued a no-trespass order from the property.

While speaking with Hall, Trooper LaMaster also observed drug paraphernalia in plain view.  

As the investigation continued, officers eventually conducted a search of the apartment.

During the surch, officers located approximately 1 gram of methamphetamine, digital scales, drug paraphernalia, marijuana, and a syringe.

Approximately four grams of suspected methamphetamine was also located on Kallembach’s person.  

Troopers LaMaster and Taylor were also assisted by Troopers Tom Basham and Cameron Collins.  

After a two-year hiatus, the Salem High School Alumni Banquet is returning this Friday, April 29 at 7p at Brooks Memorial Gym. 

Tickets are on sale and available for $16 each and will be required for admittance. They can be purchased at LaGene Jewelers and Lincks Clothing. 

Monday, April 25 will be the final day for ticket sales. 

The 143rd, 144th, and 145th banquet will be honoring the Classes of 2020, 2021, and 2022 along with 1997, 1996, 1972, 1971, and 1970. 

The meal will be catered by LaDonna Mitchell, a 1985 SHS graduate. 

Early Voting went live in early April at the Washington County Clerk’s office and will continue through May 2 

Those wishing to vote early should come to the Washington County Election & Voter Services Office, from 8 am-Noon and 1-to 4p Monday through Fridays. 

Voters can vote early on Saturday, April 30 from 8a-3p. 

There will also be early voting on Monday, May 2^{nd from 8 am} till Noon.

Polls open on Tuesday, May 3^rd– Election Day from 6a – 6p. 

Polling locations in Washington County include: 

After a two-year break because of the pandemic, the festival is back and will start today (Saturday, April 23) and continue until next Saturday, April 30 with amusement rides, a town-wide yard sale, music, vendors, food trucks, a 5K and the parade on the last day.

Orleans Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Robert F. Henderson has announced a last-minute addition to the 2022 Dogwood Festival lineup of events.

“We are really excited to play host to “Colts in Motion,” as part of the festivities this year,” said Henderson.

The special visitor experience will be in town for one day only on Parade Day, April 30^th, and set up in the Orleans Library Parking lot, adjacent to the Orleans Police Station.  

Everyone is encouraged to stop in and check out the interactive exhibit.

The Orleans Dogwood Festival has once again been named by Midwest Living magazine as one of its “Top Flowering Festivals in the Midwest.”

Here are some of the events to check out — 

• Dogwood Murder Mystery Dinner Theater with its show “Murder at the Art Show.” The dinner show is in partnership with The Orange County Players.  Tickets are still on sale from the Orleans Town Offices for all three performances on April 29, April 30, and May 1. 

The cost will be $12 per person. Tickets must be purchased in advance.

• Little Miss and Queen crowning will take place on April 23 at the Orleans Elementary School. The 2022 “Mr. Dogwood” will be named during the intermission for the queen crowning ceremonies. The pageant will begin at 5 p.m.

• The Orleans American Legion will provide the midway, Brady’s Amusement, which will set up and operate the entire week.

• Euchre Tourney is April 28 at the old Leipsic School building

• Longtime Orleans Pastor Tom Bostic and 2022 parade grand marshal will lead the parade at 2 p.m. on April 30.  The chamber is still accepting last-minute entries for the event and everyone is being encouraged to participate.

Categories include floats, political, walking, equestrian, classic, and/or antique vehicles, bands, etc.

This year’s theme celebrates the resiliency of “Hometown Spirit.”  

The parade will start from the Orleans Jr-Sr. High School, is located on the north edge of town.

The school traditionally serves as the staging area for the event.  Line-up begins at 11 a.m. and continues until 1 p.m. Judging of units begins at approximately 1 p.m.

The parade travels down Maple St. (S.R. 37 S.) and through the historic downtown area.

Entry forms may now be obtained by visiting the Dogwood Festival website www.orleansdogwoodfestival.com  For more information on the Parade contact Chairperson Jennifer Blanton, 812-797-2847

• Live entertainment is planned for the Main Stage during the festival week with Lick Creek Bank, and a gospel concert with The Breeding Sisters with Worth the Journey.

Other festival favorite highlights include the Phi Beta Psi Styles & Salads, Photo Contest, Student Art Show, Pet Parade, Arts & Crafts in the park, Orleans Christian Church’s chili supper, and Kiwanis famous Creek Bank Potatoes.

More festival details, entry forms, and event chairmen contacts are available on the festival’s website, www.orleansdogwoodfestival.com.

Friday evening, April 22, at approximately 5:10 p.m., Trooper Boeckman was outside his patrol car at a residence on County Road 300 N near Jasper when he observed a sportbike pass the residence traveling west at a high rate of speed.

Arrested and Charged was Sterling Kiefer, 20, Jasper, IN

1. Resisting Law Enforcement, Level 6 Felony
2. Aggressive Driving, Class A Misdemeanor

Trooper Boeckman proceeded west on CR 300 N for approximately one mile and finally observed the motorcycle.

Trooper Boeckman attempted to stop the motorcycle, but the rider immediately accelerated and continued west on CR 300 North into Pike County. Due to the high speed and danger to other motorists, the pursuit was terminated.

Moments later, a motorist who observed the motorcycle stopped Trooper Boeckman and identified the rider as Sterling Kiefer, 20, of Jasper.

Troopers located Kiefer and his motorcycle at his residence. He was arrested without further incident. Further investigation revealed the motorcycle was not registered and Kiefer did not have a motorcycle endorsement.

Kiefer was taken to the Pike County Jail where he is currently being held on bond.

Arresting Officer: Trooper C.J. Boeckman, Indiana State Police

Assisting Officer: Trooper Dustin Stein, Indiana State Police

Assisting Agency: Pike County Sheriff’s Office

The Indiana Department of Transportation and contractor Midwestern Electric plans to close Veterans Parkway on the west side of I-65 in Clarksville next Thursday night (April 28) for the removal of a damaged overhead sign structure.

The road will close at approximately 10 p.m. Thursday evening and reopen by 6 a.m. Friday morning. Motorists should use an alternate route during the closure.

INDOT reminds drivers to use extra caution, avoid distractions, and consider worker safety when traveling near active work zones. All work is weather-dependent and schedules are subject to change.