Friday, a criminal investigation by Indiana State Police Detective Wendell Beachy resulted in the arrest of Gregory Berkshire, 57, rural Logansport, IN.

Berkshire surrendered to sheriff’s deputies at the Cass County Jail. He was served a Cass Circuit Court arrest warrant alleging two class A felony charges for child molestation.

On July 29, 2021, Beachy started an investigation after receiving information that two girls had possibly been molested in Cass County.

During the investigation, evidence revealed that Berkshire had allegedly, on multiple occasions, molested a then five-year-old girl and a six-year-old girl.

The purported crimes occurred in 2011 in Cass County.

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

Indiana Department of Transportation contractor Paul H Rohe Company will be closing State Road 9 for a small structure replacement over Horse Creek beginning on or after Thursday, August 26.

The road will be closed between Schaefer Dr and Hartsville Pike through late September. Motorists should seek an alternate route. The official detour will follow State Road 252, I-65, U.S. 31 and State Road 46.

A 39-year-old Shoals man is dead after a shooting Monday afternoon and a Loogootee man is in jail on murder charges. 

When officers arrived, they found an adult male with a gunshot wound.

The male, Jeremi Jones, 39, of Shoals was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Once on scene Troopers and local law enforcement began investigating, and found enough probable cause to arrest Kiesten Jones, 23, of Loogootee.

Kiesten Jones was transported to the Martin County Jail and Incarcerated on the charge of Murder

At approximately 2:20 p.m. today, the Martin County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call of shots fired at a residence at 827 Main Street, Shoals. 

The Indiana State Police have been asked to lead this investigation.

At this time there is not a threat to the public. There is no other information to release currently.  This is an ongoing investigation.

Agencies assisting at the scene were the Martin County Sherriff’s Department, Shoals Police Department, Martin County Coroner and Martin County EMS. 

The West Washington School Board voted 6-1 at a special meeting this evening to move all classes online beginning Tuesday, August 24 thru Sept. 7 to curb the increasing numbers of students who have tested positive with Covid-19.

Board member Carrie Cambron voted against the decision. 

The move comes less than three weeks since the start of the school year, which has seen the number of Covid cases grow “exponentially,” according to Superintendent Keith Nance.

The move will also put a halt to extracurricular activities including football until at least Sept. 7 – which takes this week’s Clarksville game off the schedule and their first conference matchup with PLAC opponent Mitchell on Sept. 3. 

Nance said the schools will begin working on a plan right away to return to school in a safe manner. 

The school’s original plan posted in July showed that West Washington would not require students to wear a mask except for on the school bus which has been recommended by the CDC. Since then, the school has asked students to wear masks at school, but there has been no statewide or local mandate to enforce that.

By the first of August, most Indiana counties began seeing an increase in Covid cases, which mirrors August 2020 when the start of school saw an increase in cases around the country. 

More than 3,500 students in Indiana tested positive for COVID-19 last week, the Indiana Department of Health reported earlier today.

The department reported 3,504 new student positive cases as of last Friday.

Health officials update the dashboard weekly on Mondays at noon.

According to the Indiana State Health Department, there are less than 5 students that tested positive with Covid-19 at the elementary school and 13 at the Jr. and Sr. High School.

Nance said that number has doubled and will be reported to the state on Tuesday.

“The numbers over the course of the last seven days – and specifically over the weekend – and today…the number of Covid cases have grown exponentially,” Nance said. 

“We have a high number of absenteeism and a high number of Covid cases,” said Nance. “It is my recommendation that we go to a virtual schedule beginning tomorrow and returning on September 7. During that time we would expect staff to report to have virtual instruction ready and follow the school schedule. We expect classes to proceed daily. We will also offer grab-and-go food for pickup at the school.”

Nance said in the meantime the school will work to formulate a plan to return and what mitigation strategies would be used.

“We’re already in touch with East Washington and Salem Schools to come up with a plan that we can hopefully agree on universally that would not only impact not just our own individual schools but the community as a whole here in Washington County,” said Nance. 

Nance also said that due to the number of covid cases and contact tracing that goes beyond the classroom that goes into the extracurricular programs, the school will be suspending those programs during those days as well.

“We will look to a plan to return once we’re back in school in person,” he said. 

Nance said the decision was not something that was an easy thing to recommend.

“This was not something we wanted to see happen. It’s kind of like reliving a bad dream,” he said. “We’re hoping to put a stop to this and get back on the right track. I think the best way to do that is to put a halt to in-person instruction until Sept. 7”

The board posted they would meet in executive session earlier today and originally indicated the executive session would be held from 6p to 6:30p but remained inside their meeting room until after 7:15p when they opened to the public. 

The public session was less than five minutes long. 

Funds applied to “Meat” the Need Initiative to pay meat processing fees on donated deer

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Law Enforcement Division has awarded Hoosiers Feeding the Hungry a grant in the amount of $75,000 from its Sportsmen’s Benevolence Fund.

According to Feeding America, approximately 883,260 Indiana residents regularly struggle with food insecurity – 274,080 of which are children. Deb Treesh, Executive Director of Hoosiers Feeding the Hungry, said that the funds received will be used to pay processing fees on donated deer, with the meat being given to agencies serving food-insecure residents within Indiana.

“More than ever, families are struggling to buy groceries. Food banks, pantries and soup kitchens work to protect the most vulnerable and under-served in our communities and these agencies continue to face increased demand,” said Amber Zecca, Fund Development Director of Hoosiers Feeding the Hungry.  “To donate, farmers and hunters just need to take their livestock or deer to a local participating meat processor (call ahead to schedule livestock). After processing, local food banks and pantries are called to pick up the donation. There is absolutely no charge to donors.”

“The DNR’s contribution will allow us to continue and expand on our mission of hunger relief by providing over 240,000 more meals through local hunger relief agencies. We are so grateful for the continued support of our efforts in responding to the needs of those in the community facing hunger.” said Debra Treesh, Executive Director of Hoosiers Feeding the Hungry.

For more information, please visit www.HoosiersFeedingtheHungry.org or call (260)233-1444.

Effective immediately, Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari will be capping daily attendance and updating hours for August 28, September 4, and September 5.

Guests who wish to purchase a single-day visit will need to purchase tickets in advance at holidayworld.com/tickets 

Guests with tickets and Season Passes have guaranteed spots for the day and there is no need for an additional reservation.

More information is available online at HolidayWorld.com/2021Visit

“As always, Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari are dedicated to providing a fun and safe experience for our Guests and Team Members,” says Park President & CEO, Matt Eckert.

The parks also announced that attractions and restaurant availability may be limited, as many of their Team Members are students, teachers, and aides, who have been asked to stay at home for the protection of others. 

“We understand the newfound unpredictability of staffing can be frustrating, and we want to be transparent in our uncertainty,” adds Eckert. “We feel that limiting our capacity will provide the safest and best possible experience for the remainder of the season.”

In addition, Holiday World recommends all guests wear face coverings while indoors, regardless of vaccination status.

The park asks guests to please stay home if they are experiencing symptoms of Covid-19, you or someone in your travel party has been recently exposed to Covid-19, or you or someone in your travel party has been asked to quarantine by local health officials.

Tickets can be changed to another date to accommodate by visiting Guest Relations during your visit. 

“The last two years have truly been a roller coaster, but we are extremely proud of how our Team Members continue to overcome the challenges that the pandemic has thrown our way,” says Eckert. “It’s been a wonderful season filled with happy memories for families, and there’s still more fun on the way!”

Guests can review the full 2021 visitor guide here. 

With two full months left in the Holiday World 2021 Season, guests can review the parks 2021 Visit Guide here.

Every weekend through October 31 is packed with exciting events and activities during Kids World from August 28-September 19 and Happy Halloween weekends September 25-31.

Virtual visits with Santa and Splashin’ Safari will remain open through September 19! Check the ur calendar at HolidayWorld.Com to plan your next visit!

Earlier today the Federal Drug Administration gave full approval for the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine and the Indiana State Department of Health has opened multiple sites around the state to accommodate those who would like to get the vaccine.

Local sites include Scottsburg, Leota, Vevay, Floyds Knobs, and Corydon. 

Vaccinations will be offered from 8 a.m. to noon today and Tuesday at the Colts Training Camp, 19000 Grand Park Blvd., Westfield, IN 46074.

Vaccinations and free COVID-19 testing will be offered from noon to 8 p.m. on the following schedule:

Monday-Wednesday, noon-8 p.m:
Hancock Wellness Center
888 W. New Road, Greenfield, IN 46140

Corydon Intermediate School
100 High School Road, Corydon, IN 47112

Wal-Mart
2800 Walmart Dr., Huntington, IN 46750

Rural King parking lot
1460 W. State Road 2, La Porte, IN 46350

Highland Middle School
2108 N. 200 North, Anderson, IN 46012

Rising Sun Church of Christ
315 N. High St., Rising Sun, IN 47040

Robe-Ann Park
405 S. Bloomington St., Greencastle, IN 46135

Scottsburg Fire Station No. 1
185 S. Lake Road N., Scottsburg, IN 47170

Kokomo Event Center
1500 N. Reed Road, Kokomo, IN 46901

Additional free testing and vaccination clinics will be offered at the following sites this week:

Today, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.:
Muncie Goodwill
5035 W. Hessler Rd., Muncie, IN 47304

Greenwood Goodwill
709 US Highway 31 N., Greenwood, IN 46142

Kokomo Goodwill
2258 E. Markland Ave., Kokomo, IN 46901

Bloomington-Yost Goodwill
2115 S. Yost Ave., Bloomington, IN 47403

Today, 2:30-4:30 p.m.:
Muncie Goodwill South
1413 E. 29^th St., Muncie, IN 47302

Southport Goodwill
6775 S. Emerson Ave., Southport, IN 46237

Kokomo West Goodwill
2222 W. Sycamore St., Kokomo, IN 46901

Bloomington Goodwill
1284 Liberty Dr., Bloomington, IN 47401

Tuesday, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.:
Westfield Goodwill
15050 Greyhound Ct., Westfield, IN 46032

Carmel Goodwill
1122 Keystone Way, Carmel, IN 46032

Lafayette Goodwill
101 Shenandoah Dr., Lafayette, IN 47905

Columbus Goodwill
980 Creekview Dr., Columbus, IN 47201

Tuesday, 2:30-4:30 p.m.:
Carey Road Goodwill
17404 Carey Rd., Westfield, IN 46074

West Carmel Goodwill
10481 Walnut Creek Dr., Carmel, IN 46032

West Lafayette Goodwill
200 Sagamore Pkwy West, West Lafayette, IN 47906

Columbus West Goodwill
55 Carr Hill Rd., Columbus, IN 47201

Wednesday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
East Goodwill Outlet
4105 N. Franklin Rd., Indianapolis, IN 46226

Wednesday, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.:
West Goodwill Outlet
6650 W. Washington St., Indianapolis, IN 46241

South Goodwill Outlet
927 N. Emerson Ave., Greenwood, IN 46143

Corydon Goodwill
2400 Landmark Ave. NE, Corydon, IN 47112

Wednesday, 2:30-4:30 p.m.:
West Washington Goodwill
5640 W. Washington St., Indianapolis, IN 46241

Floyds Knobs Goodwill
810 Highlander Point Dr., Floyds Knobs, IN 47119

Emerson Pointe Goodwill
989 N. Emerson Ave., Greenwood, IN 46143

Wednesday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.:
Indiana Tech
1600 E. Washington Blvd., Fort Wayne, IN 46803

Thursday, 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.:
Statehouse Market
430 Robert D. Orr Plaza, Indianapolis, 46204

Thursday-Saturday, 11 a.m.- 8 p.m.:
Switzerland Wine Fest
100 Ferry St., Vevay, IN 47043

Friday, 4-9 p.m., Saturday, 1-9 p.m.
Leota Frolic
3983 W Leota Road, Leota, IN 47170

Saturday, 4-11 p.m.
Feast of Lanterns
1800 Nowland Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46201

Saturday, noon-4 p.m.
Phillips Temple Community Health and Wellness
210 E. 34^th St., Indianapolis, IN 46205

Sunday, noon-4 p.m.
Open Streets of Fort Wayne
2500 S Calhoun St., Ft. Wayne, IN 46807

To find testing sites around the state, visit www.coronavirus.in.gov and click on the COVID-19 testing information link. Clinics are being added regularly around the state.

Hoosiers age 12 and older can receive a COVID-19 vaccine; individuals younger than age 18 are eligible for the Pfizer vaccine only. To find a vaccination clinic near you, visit https://ourshot.in.gov or call 211 if you do not have access to a computer or require assistance. Appointments are preferred, but walk-ins are accepted at most sites.

Patients with an appointment at a state-hosted public vaccination site can get a free Uber or Lyft ride. Call 2-1-1 or (866) 211-9966 to receive a voucher to cover the cost of an Uber ride to and from your vaccination appointments. IU Health offers free Lyft rides to any vaccine site in the state. Call 1.888.IUHEALTH (888-484-3258) and choose option 9 if you need transportation to your vaccine appointment.

As of today, a total of 6,125,546 doses have been administered in Indiana. This includes 3,072,107 first doses and 3,053,439 individuals who are fully vaccinated. The fully vaccinated number represents individuals who have received a second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines and those who received the single Johnson & Johnson vaccine.