A Commercial Driver from Corydon was arrested Wednesday afternoon for Operating While Intoxicated as well as drug and weapons charges. 

As a result of the investigation, Steven Springer Jr. was arrested on the following charges: 

1. Possession of Methamphetamine – Level 5 Felony
2. Possession of a Handgun Without a License – A Misdemeanor
3. Operating While Intoxicated, Endangerment – A Misdemeanor
4. Operating While Intoxicated with Controlled Substance – C-Misdemeanor
5. Operating While Intoxicated- C Misdemeanor
6. Possession of Paraphernalia – C Misdemeanor

Officers transported Steven Springer to the Harrison County Jail without further incident.

Around Noon on Wednesday, Trooper Nathan Newton observed a commercial dump-truck drive off the right side of SR 135 as they were traveling south toward Fairview Church Road.

After turning west onto Fairview Church Road, the truck dove left of center several times, including on hill crests and around curves.

Trooper Newton activated his emergency lights and sirens, but the truck did not immediately stop.

The driver, identified as Springer Jr., eventually stopped on Fairbanks Road, but not before crossing over Heidelburg Road.  

Trooper Newton conducted a traffic stop along with a commercial vehicle inspection.

During the inspection, he observed indicators of possible impaired driving and also performed standard field sobriety tests. Further investigation also uncovered drugs and drug paraphernalia as well as two handguns.   

Indiana Conservation Officers are investigating after an off-road vehicle (ORV) accident that claimed the life of an Elizabeth juvenile this weekend.

Responders were dispatched to an address off Highway 11 in Elizabeth at approximately 4:00 p.m. Saturday after receiving a call from the 13-year-old operator of the ORV. The 12-year-old passenger, who sustained serious injuries, was transported to Norton Children’s Hospital in Louisville, Kentucky, and was pronounced dead at 12:38 a.m. this morning.  The operator was uninjured. 

The incident is still under investigation.

Assisting agencies at the scene included the Harrison County Sheriff’s Department, Indiana State Police, Harrison County EMS, Elizabeth Volunteer Fire Department, and New Middletown Volunteer Fire Department.

Indiana Conservation Officers strongly encourage operators and passengers to always wear a helmet and safety equipment when operating or riding in or on an ORV to prevent or reduce possible injury.   

Sunday afternoon, February 6, at approximately 3:40, Indiana State Police responded to the 4000 block of East Fox Run Drive, Vincennes, after it was reported that a male had threatened to shoot another male for riding a four-wheeler and pulling his two children on a sled in a nearby common area.

When troopers arrived, they identified the male that allegedly made the threat as Gary Sorgius, 68, of Vincennes.

Troopers conducted an on-scene investigation and concluded Sorgius did not have a weapon in his possession at the time of the incident, but he allegedly made the threat he was going to shoot the male on the four-wheeler and yelled to another person to get his gun.

Sorgius was arrested and taken to the Knox County Jail where he is currently being held on bond.

Arrested and Charge:

• Gary Sorgius, 68, Vincennes, IN

1. Intimidation, Level 6 Felony

Arresting Officer: Master Trooper Brett Pool, Indiana State Police

Assisting Officer: Master Trooper Gary Goodman, Indiana State Police

The Indiana State Police is hosting a hiring seminar Saturday, February 12th, at the Graceland Baptist Church on Kamer-Miller Road in New Albany.  The seminar will run from 9am until Noon and will include a practice session of the physical assessment test.  Attendees are encouraged to wear workout gear to the session.  

The seminar is geared toward helping those with the interest of joining the Indiana State Police. This is a no-cost seminar designed to offer valuable insights on how to be successful in the selection process, answer questions and work out with Troopers. Attendees will have an opportunity to meet with members of the Human Resources Division and additional Indiana State Police staff to better understand the hiring process and how to best prepare for each phase of the selection process.

Spots for this seminar will be reserved on a first-come, first-served basis.  Further instructions will be emailed. Email ISPRecruiting@isp.in.gov to reserve your spot.

The Indiana State Police Bloomington District A.C.E.S. (Aggressive Criminal Enforcement Section) concluded a lengthy investigation with the arrest of Jason A. Thompson, 45 years old of Bedford, for dealing methamphetamine.

ISP had received information that Thompson was dealing large amounts of methamphetamine in Lawrence County. A variety of investigative techniques were utilized to verify this information.

On Wednesday, February 9th, Sgt. Greg Day obtained information that Thompson was traveling to Louisville, Kentucky to purchase a large amount of methamphetamine in order to sell it upon his return to Bedford.

Sgt. Day, along with ACES members Troopers Chance Humphrey, Caleb Garvin, and Ian Portteus attempted to locate Thompson.

A little after 7:00 pm, Trp. Humphrey observed Thompson driving eastbound on US 50, near Limestone Run Road, in his GMC van. Thompson was exceeding the posted speed limit and a traffic stop was initiated.

During the stop, Trp. Portteus deployed his canine, Czar, who gave a positive alert to controlled substances in the van.

A search of the vehicle revealed that Thompson was in possession of approximately 530 grams of methamphetamine, which is almost 1 ¼ pounds. In addition, Thompson possessed a loaded 9mm handgun along with approximately 20 grams of marijuana, THC wax, schedule 2 controlled substance pills, drug paraphernalia, several unused small plastic baggies, two sets of digital scales, and other evidence of dealing methamphetamine. 

Upon completion of the traffic stop and investigation, Jason Thompson was arrested and incarcerated at the Lawrence County Jail on the following offenses,

• Dealing Methamphetamine Over 10 Grams, Level 2 Felony
• Possession of Methamphetamine Over 28 Grams, Level 3 Felony
• Possession of Schedule II Controlled Substance, Class A Misdemeanor
• Possession of Marijuana, Class B Misdemeanor
• Possession of Paraphernalia, Class C Misdemeanor

Sgt. Day praised the work of his team members. He said, “I am extremely proud of the work the ACES troopers do on a daily basis, and especially on this investigation. I don’t think it can be overstated how taking more than a pound of methamphetamine off the streets benefits our community. We hope all those struggling with addiction seek the help they need, but we will always hold those dealing large amounts of illegal drugs accountable for the devastation they create amongst our friends, families, and loved ones.”

Anyone with illegal drug activity information is requested to call the Indiana State Police Bloomington Post at 812-332-4411, the Lawrence County Prosecutor’s Office tip line at 812-545-4700, or send an email to drugactivity@lawrencecounty.in.gov. All calls are confidential.

Wednesday afternoon a 69-year-old Salem man was flown to a Louisville hospital after receiving burns over much of his body after trying to start a brush fire. 

At 4:33p Wednesday, Feb. 9, the Washington County Sheriff’s Department, Washington County EMS and Salem Fire Department, were dispatched to 5438 West State Road 56 where a man was reportedly on fire. 

According to Reserve Deputy Aaron Dennis and Deputy Tory Hildreth, Phillip Lofton, 59, Salem, was on his property attempting to burn a brush pile. 

Police said Lofton threw old gasoline onto the brush fire, which blew up on his face, chest and abdomen. 

Lofton was transported by Air Methods Kentucky 7 to the University of Louisville Hospital for possible life-threatening injuries. 

The sheriff’s department did not provide an update on Lofton’s condition.

The Indiana State Police is accepting applications for the District Equipment Mechanic position at the Sellersburg Post located at 8014 CR 311 in Sellersburg, Indiana.  The Sellersburg Post provides coverage to the five-county area of Clark, Floyd, Harrison, Scott, and Washington Counties.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

To serve as a civilian employee of the Indiana State Police whose primary responsibility is to keep all state-owned vehicles in the best mechanical operating condition by performing preventative maintenance and assigned repairs.

JOB DUTIES:

Work is normally performed in a garage environment. Routinely requires standing on cement floor for extended periods, working in close confined areas, with exposure to hazardous materials and potentially dangerous equipment.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

Must be a high school graduate or possess equivalent GED. Must possess a valid driver’s license and be able to operate a motor vehicle. Must be a graduate of an automotive trade school or have at least two (2) years professional experience in automotive maintenance and repair. Must have the ability to distinguish and determine colors and sounds. Must have the ability to lift and move heavy objects.

Pay starts at $35,126 annually.  Starting salary may be adjusted for education, experience, and training. 

Benefits include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement plans and accrued time off. 

The deadline to apply is February 11, 2022. 

To apply, please follow the steps below:

1. Navigate to: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/indianasp
2. Next, select the specific job vacancy title (blue font).
3. Next, view the job vacancy announcement and select the “APPLY” button on the top right side of the screen.

Candidates will be directed to create a user profile before applying for any job. Once a profile is created, you may apply for future positions using the same profile.

Interested applicants may also contact First Sergeant Manville Nagle at the Sellersburg Post for assistance at (812) 248-4374, option 5.

A Marysville, Indiana man was arrested early Wednesday morning after fleeing from police and leading them on a high-speed pursuit. 

Around 4:30 Wednesday morning, Trooper Steven Peyton observed a silver Mitsubishi Eclipse traveling at a high rate of speed on SR62 near Bull Creek Road, a few miles east of Charlestown. 

Trooper Peyton obtained a speed of 75 miles-per-hour in and 55 mile-per-hour zone and attempted to stop the car.  The driver then turned onto Vesta road and fled from Trooper Peyton, at times, traveling in excess of 100 miles per hour and running stop signs.  

The driver eventually circled back on county roads towards SR 62 and Bull Creek Road where Trooper Rob Caudill deployed “Stop Stick’s” and successfully deflated all four tires on the Eclipse. 

The car then continued east SR62, turning onto Oscar Long Road, where the driver lost control and slid off the roadway and into a ditch. 

The driver, later identified as Bobby Dale Shepard Jr., 32,  of Marysville, Indiana, exited the vehicle and ran northbound on Oscar Long road before eventually voluntarily surrendering to Trooper Peyton without further incident. 

Shepard was uninjured in the incident and was transported to the Clark County Jail.  Bobby Shepard is charged with Resisting Law Enforcement with a Vehicle – Level 6 Felony, Resisting Law Enforcement – A Misdemeanor, and Reckless Driving – C Misdemeanor. 

Due to the Washington County Commissioner’s closing of government offices today (Friday), the deadline to file for a local office to run for election in the May Primary has been delayed until Monday, Feb. 7 at noon. 

Washington County Clerk Stephanie Rockey said Indiana Code 4-1-2-2 allows for the filing deadline to be changed. 

“If when the office is not open to conduct public business or on a day observed as a holiday under IC 1-1-9, the legal action may be performed:

(1) on the next day that the office is open for public business; or

(2) through noon of the next day that the office is open for public business if the action to be performed is the receipt of a filing.”

The election will still take place on Tuesday, May 3, with polls open from 6a to 6p. 

Rocky also said on WSLM’s Coffee Club in January that the county would be returning to all paper ballots. 

There is now a three-way race for Washington County Sheriff after former Salem Police Officer Roy Overshiner filed this week to seek the Republican Party nomination along with incumbent Brent Miller and Deputy Wayne Blevins. 

John Jeffries filed to seek the office as a Democratic challenger, so no matter who gets the Republican nod for Sheriff on May 3, they will still face off against Jeffries in the fall. 

There will be a race for Recorder with incumbent Greg Ball filing to run again. He will face Sherry Wingler for the Republican nomination. 

In the County Council races, Ryan Watson filed to run for Council District 1 and Gerald Fleming Sr. also filed to seek the Republican nomination. 

There will be a three-way race for Council District 2 in the spring with Tonya Marshall, Joe Walker and Charles McKillip vying for the Republican nomination for the position. 

In state and national government, District 9 Congressman Trey Hollingsworth announced he would not run again for the seat, which left the door open for State Senator Erin Houchin to announce she was going to seek that seat. 

Her last day as District 47 Indiana Senator is Feb. 4 and she will leave before the session ends to run her campaign for congress as well as her communication business, Contend Communications, which aids local officials with press releases. 

Keeley Stingle, current Washington County Council member at large, has announced she will seek election in the Republican caucus for Houchin’s former spot. 

Jay Davisson, son of the late District 69 State Representative Steve Davisson, was caucused in last year to fill his father’s term. 

Davisson has filed to run for the seat on a permanent basis. 

Following is a list of positions that have been filed for so far. 

A comprehensive list will be provided next week. 

WASHINGTON COUNTY SHERIFF 

• John P. (Jack) Jeffries- Washington County Sheriff – Democrat

• Brent Miller- Washington County Sheriff- Republican
• Wayne Blevins- Washington County Sheriff – Republican
• Roy A. Overshiner – Washington County Sheriff – Republican 

WASHINGTON COUNTY AUDITOR

Kyra Stephenson- Washington County Auditor – Republican

WASHINGTON COUNTY ASSESSOR

• Sherry L. Wingler- Washington County Assessor – Republican
• Gregory L. Ball – Washington County Assessor- Republican 

WASHINGTON COUNTY RECORDER

Terri L. Graves, Washington County Recorder – Republican

WASHINGTON COUNTY JUDICIAL 

Larry W. Medlock- Washington County Circuit Court Judge- Republican

Dustin Houchin – Washington County Superior Court Judge – Republican

WASHINGTON COUNTY COMMISSIONER

Todd Ewen- Washington County Commissioner, Dist. 2- Republican

WASHINGTON COUNTY COUNCIL 

• Ryan G. Watson- Washington County Council – District 1- Republican
• Gerald Fleming, Sr.- County Council, District 1- Republican

• Tonya Marshall- Washington County Council – District 2 – Republican
• Forrest (Joe) Walker, Jr.- County Council, District 2- Republican
• Charles A. (Chuck) McKillip II- County Council, District 2 – Republican

Preston L. Shell, County Council – District 3 – Republican

Karen Wischmeier- County Council, District 4 – Republican 

STATE DELEGATES

• Randall Bills, Convention Delegate – Republican
• Tara Coats Hunt- State Delegate, At-Large – Republican
• Dustin Houchin- State Delegate – Republican
• Erin Houchin- State Delegate – Republican
• Claire Houchin- State Delegate – Republican
• Stephanie K. Rockey- State Delegate – Republican
• Keeley R. Stingel- State Convention Delegate- Republican
• Nathan Bills- State Delegate – Republican
• John W. Mead- State Delegate- Republican
• Michael Davisson- State Delegate- Republican

STATE AND NATIONAL POSITIONS

J. Michael Davisson, State Representative, District 69 – Republican

Erin Houchin – US Congress, 9th District – Republican

Keeley Stingle, Indiana Senate, District 47 – Republican 

TOWNSHIP ADVISORY BOARDS

• Dorothy Fleenor- Gibson Township Advisory Board – Democrat
• William R. Yates, Jackson Township Advisory  Board – Democrat
• Steve Johnson, Gibson Township Advisory  Board – Democrat
• Earlene Silverthorn- Howard Township Advisory Board – Democrat
• Roy M. Dick- Jackson Township Advisory  Board – Democrat
• Thomas Guthrie- Brown Township Advisory  Board – Democrat
• Jerome Jacobi- Posey Township Advisory Board- Democrat
• Gary D. Chastain- Brown Township Advisory Board- Democrat
• David A. Routh- Vernon Township Advisory Board – Democrat
• Rhonda Chastain- Vernon Township Advisory Board – Democrat
• Tammy S. Worley- Madison Township Advisory Board – Democrat

• Randy D. Roberts – Brown Township Advisory Board – Republican
• Rhodes V. Meadors- Franklin Township Advisory Board – Republican 
• David Duff, Jr.- Howard Township Advisory Board – Republican
• William Craig Martin- Jackson Township Advisory Board – Republican
• Shannon D. Sullivan – Jefferson Township Advisory Board – Republican
• Jamie A. Bennett- Jefferson Twp. Advisory Board – Republican 
• Jason J. Linscott- Jefferson Township Advisory Board – Republican
• Brian L. Blevins- Madison Township Advisory Board – Republican
• Sharon S. Dennis- Madison Township Advisory Board – Republican
• Bruce E. Snider- Washington Township Advisory Board – Republican
• D Jack Mahuron- Washington Township Advisory Board – Republican
• Randy Bills- Washington Township Advisory Board – Republican
• Norman E. Souder- Washington Township Advisory Board – Republican
• Jeffrey W. Pickerill- Pierce Township Advisory Board – Republican
• Scott K. Miller- Pierce Township Advisory Board – Republican
• Stephen E. Purlee- Pierce Township Advisory Board – RepublicanJeremy Souder- Polk Township Advisory Board – Republican 
• David R. Hurst, Polk Township Advisory Board – Republican
• Eric N. Albertson- Polk Township Advisory Board – Republican
• Marvin Butch Jenks- Posey Township Advisory Board – Republican 
• Tara Lehman- Posey Township Advisory Board – Republican
• Tim Combs- Polk Township Advisory Board  – Republican

TOWNSHIP TRUSTEES

• Marnie Bennett- Jefferson Township Trustee- Democrat
• Kathleen Zelivetz- Howard Township Trustee- Democrat
• Marsha Guthrie- Vernon Township Trustee- Democrat

• Cameron Stahl- Polk Township. Trustee – Republican 
• Amy D. Cornett- Monroe Township Trustee – Republican 
• Jeff Clem- Pierce Township Trustee – Republican
• Clair Sullivan (Jr.)- Polk Township Trustee – Republican 
• Brenna LaDuke- Pierce Township Trustee – Republican 
• Sue A. Bennett- Brown Township Trustee – Republican 
• Ken Armstrong- Posey Township Trustee – Republican 
• Steven L. Anderson- Franklin Township Trustee- Republican
• Joshua G. Anderson- Washington Township Trustee- Republican
• P Matthew Incantalopo- Jackson Township Trustee – Republican 
• Lee Badger- Madison Township Trustee – Republican 
• Jennifer M. Bowers- Monroe Township Trustee – Republican
• Rachel Wischmeier- Gibson Township Trustee – Republican
• Andrew T. Knapp- Jefferson Township Trustee – Republican