The S.R. 135 bridge over Kiper Creek opened earlier today north of S.R. 58 in Jackson County following a superstructure replacement project that began in March.

The project is part of a $2.3 million bridge replacement and rehabilitation contract that is scheduled to continue following the Fourth of July holiday weekend.

On or after Tuesday, July 6, Indiana Department of Transportation contractor E&B Paving Inc. plans to close the second bridge on the contract located approximately five miles north of S.R. 58 over Little Salt Creek.

State Road 135 is expected to remain closed for up to 90 days at this location for a deck overlay project. The official detour will follow S.R. 46 to I-65 to S.R. 58.

Additional projects include:

• Bridge replacement on S.R. 135 at Kiper Creek (2.72 miles N of S.R. 58) — 120-day closure
• Small structure replacement on S.R. 58 over an unnamed tributary to Buck Creek (4.14 miles E of S.R. 258) — 30-day closure

The contract was awarded in August 2020 and is expected to be complete in fall of 2022. Additional information will be shared prior to future road restrictions or closures.

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

On July 1, 2021, Corporal Johnney Coomer and Deputy Skylar Thompson went to a residence in rural Scott County in an attempt to serve an outstanding arrest warrant.  Upon arrival David Dotson, 56, of Austin was arrested on an outstanding arrest warrant for three counts of Failure to Appear. 

On July 1, 2021, Deputy Skylar Thompson, Corporal Johnney Coomer and Deputy Jessica Dickey responded to Scottsburg on a dispatch of a driver in a vehicle displaying a handgun as they passed another vehicle.  Shortly thereafter Deputy Thompson located the reported suspect vehicle and conducted a traffic stop. 

An investigation led to the arrest of John Spicer, 33, of Jasper, IN, for Pointing a Firearm Loaded, Carrying a Handgun Without a Permit, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of a Schedule I, II, III or IV Controlled Substance, Legend Drug Possession, Possession of Paraphernalia and Maintaining a Common Nuisance. 

On July 1, 2021, Corporal Johnney Coomer, Deputy Skylar Thompson, Deputy John Smith and Deputy Todd Hooker responded to a residence in rural Scott County for a disturbance.  An investigation led to the arrest of Dillon Youngblood, 29, of Madison for Domestic Battery, Battery, Disorderly Conduct, Intimidation, Deadly Weapon, Judge, Bailiff or Prosecuting Attorney, Resisting Law Enforcement and Criminal Mischief under $750. 

Entries are being accepted for the Pekin 4th of July Baby Contest which takes place on Sunday, July 4th at @3:30p on the Pekin Park Stage. 

Pre-Registration will be on July 3rd and July 4th until 3:00 pm at the PCBO Booth
by the Pekin Park Stage.

 Entries will be separated by gender from 0-3 years old.
 There will be multiples categories.
 The entry fee is $20.00 per baby or $30 for the multiples category.
 Be at the Pekin Park Stage by 3:20 pm to line up via your category.
 Babies do not have to be from Pekin or Washington County to participate.
 The Theme of the 4th is “A Magical 4th .” Participants will be judged based on their personalities. Judges will judge based on outfits if there is a tie.
 Babies may bring one small toy with them on stage and up to two adults.

PEKIN 4th of July Baby Contest Registration Form 

Davisson highlights new Indiana laws effective July 1

State Rep. Steve Davisson (R-Salem) said Hoosiers should be aware of several new state laws effective July 1, including the state budget and those supporting broadband expansion, mental health and youth agriculture programs.

“These laws will continue to move Indiana forward and our new state budget reflects our priorities, which range from education to public health,” Davisson said. “We also made an unprecedented investment in expanding broadband access, which has been a critical issue in rural communities like ours. We also made great strides to ensure Hoosiers who are struggling with their mental health can find treatment and support.”

Davisson highlighted several new and notable laws:

Expanding Broadband Access
Indiana’s next two-year, $37 billion state budget reduces taxpayer-funded debt by over $1 billion and provides opportunities for future tax cuts and reforms. House Enrolled Act 1001 also funds critical government services and proven programs, and invests $250 million to expand reliable and affordable internet service, especially in unserved and underserved areas. House Enrolled Act 1449, which was effective upon passage, prioritizes internet access for Hoosier schools, students, and health care clinics in rural communities.

Prioritizing Students, Teachers
K-12 education will also receive a historic, $1.9 billion increase in funding over the next two years to support students and teacher pay raises through House Enrolled Act 1001. House Enrolled Act 1008 establishes a new, $150 million grant program to support students who are at risk of falling behind or scored below academic standards because of disruptions caused by COVID-19.

Establishing A New Crisis Hotline
Under House Enrolled Act 1468, which Davisson authored, a 988 crisis hotline will help callers, including those considering suicide, in real-time with the ability to deploy mobile crisis teams. These teams will provide onsite community-based intervention, including de-escalation, stabilization, and treatment.

Supporting Local Ag Students
Students gaining valuable experience in agricultural education programs like the FFA will be able to continue selling their products like lettuce and pork to their school cafeterias thanks to House Enrolled Act 1119, authored by Davisson. A state procurement process for vendors that sell products to schools will be waived so students can sell up to $7,500 worth of goods to a school.

Visit iga.in.gov for more information on these and other new laws.

Today, Governor Eric J. Holcomb signed Executive Orders 21-16 & 21-17. Executive Order 21-16 extends the public health emergency and Executive Order 21-17 rescinds all directives in previous orders and then outlines a limited number of directives necessary to support the state’s health care system and vaccination program.

It also provides additional financial assistance for health and welfare programs, specifically, the second-order allows certain individuals who otherwise would not be eligible to administer COVID-19 vaccinations.

It also allows the state to continue to receive pandemic emergency funds for programs such as the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. 

Both Executive Orders last until July 31.