The two short-term bridge closures on S.R. 135 in Washington County announced last week have been rescheduled due to weather.

Indiana Department of Transportation contractor E&B Paving Inc. now plans to close two S.R. 135 bridges near Palmyra for deck overlay projects on the following dates. 

Each bridge will close over separate weekends, from Thursday evening to Monday morning. 

Traffic will be rerouted along U.S. 150 and S.R. 56 during both closures.

• S.R. 135 over Bear Creek: Thursday, July 15 (6 p.m.) to Monday, July 19 (5 a.m.), previously July 8 to July 12
• S.R. 135 over South Fork Blue River: Thursday, July 22 (6 p.m.) to Monday, July 26 (5 a.m.), previously July 15 to July 19

Motorists are reminded to slow down, use extra caution, and drive distraction-free in and near all construction zones. All work is weather-dependent and schedules are subject to change.

Troopers from Indiana State Police – Sellersburg are investigating an injury crash involving a passenger car and a log hauler that sent a 33-year-old Salem man to a Louisville hospital with serious injuries.

Clay Thomas Ingram, 33, of Salem, was transported by helicopter ambulance to University Hospital in Louisville with serious but non-life-threatening injuries. 

Ingram, who was driving a gray 2006 Pontiac G6 was trapped inside his vehicle and pinned underneath a fully loaded log trailer.

Ingram had to be extricated by emergency crews from the Salem and Gibson Township Fire Departments. 

At approximately 3:14 Wednesday afternoon, Trooper Kyle Taylor and Trooper Brett Walters, along with officers from the Washington County Sheriff’s Department, responded to the intersection of SR56 and Old 56, just east of Salem.

When officers and first responders arrived, they found Ingram trapped inside the vehicle and had to be extricated by emergency crews from the Salem and Gibson Township Fire Departments.

An air ambulance was immediately called to the scene.

The semi-truck with the log trailer was driven by Mark Anthony Hicks, 28, from Pekin, Indiana. 

Hicks was not injured in the collision. 

After the preliminary investigation, officers believe the semi-truck was eastbound on SR 56 and slowing to turn north onto Old 56.

As the truck slowed for the turn, the Pontiac G6 approached from behind and failed to yield, colliding with the rear of the log trailer. 

Neither alcohol nor drugs are believed to be a factor in the crash.  

This crash remains under investigation.  

The Indiana State Police concluded a lengthy investigation of dealing methamphetamine by arresting Vanessa Hughes, 34 years old of Bedford, on Tuesday evening.

The Indiana State Police Bloomington District ACES (Aggressive Criminal Enforcement Section) and ISP DES (Drug Enforcement Section) Detectives received information that Hughes was allegedly involved in the dealing and distribution of methamphetamine in Lawrence County.

On July 6th, they had information that Hughes was traveling from Indianapolis with methamphetamine in a white Nissan Altima.

DES detectives located the vehicle southbound and followed it toward Lawrence County. 

Sgt. Greg Day observed the Nissan and utilized his radar to determine the Nissan was traveling 61 mph in a construction zone near Monroe Dam Road.

The Nissan then exited SR 37, traveling toward Lawrence County.

Sgt. Day and Trp. Chance Humphrey located the vehicle on Guthrie Road, near Coveyville Road, where it was once again exceeding the speed limit.

A traffic stop was conducted.

During the stop, Trp. Matt Hatchett arrived and deployed his canine, Axe, who gave a positive alert on the Nissan.

A subsequent search revealed that Hughes, who was a front-seat passenger, was in possession of 60 grams of suspected methamphetamine that she tried to conceal in her pants. Other evidence of dealing was seized as well.

Hughes was arrested and incarcerated at the Lawrence County Jail for Dealing Methamphetamine Over 10 Grams (Level 2 Felony) and Possession of Methamphetamine Over 28 Grams (Level 3 Felony).

Sgt. Day praised the hard work and dedication of his squad members and the DES Detectives. Sgt. Day said, “This is just another example of great teamwork and a thorough investigation leading to the arrest of a woman supplying methamphetamine to those struggling with addiction.”

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.

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

On July 3, 2021, Deputy Zach Brown conducted a traffic stop in rural Scott County while looking for a suspect vehicle from an assault that had been previously reported.  As a result, the driver, Baliey Blanton, 20, of Charlestown, IN, was arrested for Operating While Intoxicated, Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated Endangering a Person, Operating a Vehicle with a B.A.C. of At Least 0.08 or More and Illegal Possession or Consumption of Alcohol.  The assault allegations are being investigated by the Indiana Conservation Department. 

On July 3, 2021, Corporal Charlie Morgan conducted a traffic stop in Austin while looking for a suspect vehicle in a hit and run that had previously been reported to the Scottsburg City Police Department.  As a result, the driver, Victor Villatoro, 18, of Louisville, KY, was arrested for Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated Endangering a Person, Operating a Vehicle With a B.A.C. of At Least 0.08 or More, Operator Never Licensed, Failure to Stop after a Property Damage Accident and Illegal Consumption of Alcohol.  The Accident is being investigated by the Scottsburg City Police Department. 

On July 4, 2021, Corporal Charlie Morgan conducted a traffic stop in Scottsburg.  An investigation led to the arrest of Mark Ritchie, 45, of Scottsburg for Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated Endangering a Person, Operating While Intoxicated, Operating While Intoxicated Endangering a Person, Possession of a Schedule I, II, III or IV Controlled Substance, Possession of Cocaine or a Schedule I or II Controlled Drug and Maintaining a Common Nuisance. 

On July 4, 2021, Corporal Charlie Morgan responded to an address in Austin on a report of a disturbance.  Upon arrival an investigation led to the arrest of Katelin Barger, 21, of Austin for Escape, Failure to Return to Lawful Detention and Intimidation with a Deadly Weapon. 

On July 5, 2021, First Sergeant John Hartman responded to an address in rural Scott County for a disturbance.  Upon arrival an investigation led to the arrest of Anthony Bolin, 43, of Austin for Intimidation With a Deadly Weapon, Possession of a Handgun Without a License, Neglect of a Dependant, Criminal Recklessness With a Firearm, Neglect of a Dependant and Pointing a Firearm Loaded. 

The Indiana Department of Transportation announces summer seal coat operations beginning district-wide in July.

Depending upon weather conditions, INDOT crews will begin seal coat operations on State Road 257 in Pike County beginning on or around Monday, July 19. Multiple locations are scheduled for seal coat operations, with work scheduled to last 5-6 weeks district-wide, depending upon weather conditions.

Typically seal coat operations in one location will last for about four days depending upon weather conditions and will be performed under a full road closure. This method greatly reduces the risk of property damage, allows the work to be performed more efficiently, increases safety for crews on sight, and allows for a better-quality finished product.

During seal coat, workers will set small stones in an asphalt emulsion, or a bonding agent, which is, then cure for up to two days. The next step is to fog seal the road by applying a light layer of asphalt that seals the stones. After seal coat operations are complete, any loose aggregate will be swept away from the road.

Seal Coating, on average, extends the life of the pavement by three to five years. For every $1 spent on sealcoat, taxpayers save $6-14 in future road rehabilitation and construction costs. Roads are chosen for this process based on surface type, condition, and age. Motorists should remember to slow down, increase following distance, obey all work zone signs, and plan for extra time to get to their destination.

The 2021 summer seal coat schedule is as follows (all dates are weather dependent):

• Monday, July 19: S.R. 257 from Stendal town limit to S.R. 64. (Pike County)
• Thursday, July 22: S.R. 162 from Gentryville town limit to U.S. 231. (Spencer County)
• Tuesday, July 27: S.R. 66 from S.R. 69 to S.R. 165 (Posey County)
• Wednesday, Aug. 4: S.R 56 from U.S. 231 to S.R. 545 (Dubois County)
• Tuesday, Aug. 10: S.R. 56 from U.S. 150 to S.R. 337 (Orange County)

INDOT urges drivers to slow down and stay alert near crews.

This weekend, aggressive holiday patrols by troopers from the Indiana State Police-Versailles District led to the arrest of a Bowling Green, Kentucky man on numerous drug and gun-related charges.

Stephen Richards, 40, Bowling Green, was arrested on felony charges of Dealing Methamphetamine (over 10 grams) and Dealing Methamphetamine (with a handgun), as well as misdemeanor charges of Possession of a Controlled Substance (two counts), Possession of a Legend Drug, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

On Saturday, July 3^rd, just before 11:00 am, Trooper Randel Miller conducted a traffic stop on a 2013 Nissan Altima on I-65 Northbound near the 54-mile marker in Jackson County, Indiana for a traffic violation. 

During the course of the traffic stop, Trp. Miller discovered that criminal activity was possibly taking place.  Troopers Jason Hankins and David Owsley responded to assist with the investigation.

During a search of the vehicle, troopers located approximately 15 grams of suspected crystal methamphetamine, 8 grams of suspected marijuana, THC gummies and fruit rollups, drug paraphernalia, prescription medications, and a 9 mm handgun.

Richards was transported to the Jackson County Jail where he was incarcerated pending his initial appearance in the Jackson County Circuit Court.

The Indiana DNR has received reports of sick and dying songbirds from 15 counties statewide – including most of the WSLM Listening Area.

As the investigation continues, the DNR recommends all Hoosiers remove their birdfeeders statewide.

The 15 counties are Clark, Delaware, Hamilton, Jackson, Jefferson, Johnson, LaGrange, Lake, Marion, Monroe, Newton, St. Joseph, Union, Washington, and Whitley.

DNR is working with the Indiana Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (IN ADDL) and the USGS National Wildlife Health Center to determine the birds’ cause of death.

The affected songbirds showed neurological signs of illness as well as eye swelling and crusty discharge.

Several samples have been sent to IN ADDL. All bird samples submitted have tested negative for avian influenza and West Nile virus. Final laboratory diagnostic results are pending.

The following steps are recommended statewide:

• Use the DNR sick/dead wildlife reporting tool at on.IN.gov/sickwildlife to alert DNR staff.
• Stop feeding birds until the mortality event has concluded.
• Clean feeders and baths with a 10% bleach solution.
• Avoid handling birds. If you need to handle birds, wear disposable gloves.
• When removing dead birds, wear disposable gloves and place birds and gloves in a sealable plastic bag to dispose of with household trash.
• Keep pets away from sick or dead birds as a precaution.
Additional information will be shared when final diagnostic results are received.

On Sunday, July 4th at approximately 2:30 pm, while on routine patrol, Indiana State Police A.C.E.S. (Aggressive Criminal Enforcement Section) Trp. Richard Klun arrested Brooklyn Terrell, 26, Orleans, following a traffic stop on Sieboldt Quarry Road in Lawrence County.

She was arrested and charged with:

1. Possession of Methamphetamine Over 10 Grams with Intent to Deal, Level 2 Felony
2. Possession of Methamphetamine Over 10 Grams, Level 4 Felony
3. Possession of Heroin, Level 6 Felony
4. Possession of Hypodermic Syringe, Level 6 Felony
5. Vehicle Theft, Level 6 Felony
6. Possession of Marijuana with a Prior Conviction, A Misdemeanor
7. Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, C Misdemeanor
8. Operating a Vehicle with a Controlled Substance in the Body, C Misdemeanor

Trp. Klun stopped Terrell for a speeding violation, but during the stop, he detected indicators of criminal activity and noticed that Terrell appeared to be impaired on some type of controlled substance.

ISP Sgt. Greg Day, along with Troopers Jon Patrick and Caleb Garvin, assisted with the stop and subsequent investigation.

Trp. Klun deployed his canine, Loki, who gave a positive alert on the Chevrolet Trailblazer that Terrell was driving.

A subsequent search revealed that Terrell was in possession of approximately 16 grams of methamphetamine that was packaged and labeled in a manner consistent with selling it.

In addition, Troopers located 1 gram of heroin, 3 grams of marijuana, hypodermic syringes, and drug paraphernalia.

There was also other evidence uncovered that indicated Terrell was involved in the distribution of methamphetamine.

Trp. Klun transported Terrell to IU Health Bedford where a blood draw was performed.

During that time, it was discovered that the Trailblazer had just been reported as stolen.

Lawrence County Officer Corey Housel assisted with the stolen vehicle portion of the investigation.

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.

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

Construction is scheduled to begin on or after Tuesday, July 6, on two separate contracts along S.R. 135 and S.R. 46 in Brown County. One includes superstructure replacements on S.R. 135 over Pleasant Valley Creek and the other is a set of small structure replacements on S.R. 46.

S.R. 46 Small Structures
Also on or after July 6, S.R. 46 will be reduced to one lane with a temporary traffic signal at two locations, approximately three and four miles east of S.R. 135, for small structure replacement projects. The completion date for the contract is September 30, 2021. The $1.5 million contracts was awarded to E&B Paving Inc. last July.

Motorists are reminded to slow down, use extra caution, and drive distraction-free in and near all construction zones. All work is weather-dependent and schedules are subject to change.

Indiana Department of Transportation contractor Temple and Temple Excavating and Paving Inc. plans to close S.R. 335 on or after Tuesday, July 6, to complete the second of three small structure replacement projects in Floyd and Washington Counties. 

The road is scheduled to close Tuesday just north of U.S. 150 in Floyd County and will remain closed for up to ten days, weather permitting. The official detour will follow S.R. 60 to I-65 to I-265 to I-64 to U.S. 150.

The third and final structure is located 5.66 miles north of U.S. 150 in Washington County near Martinsburg. A 20-day closure is planned at this location later this summer.

Motorists are reminded to slow down, use extra caution, and drive distraction-free in and near work zones. All work is weather-dependent and schedules are subject to change.