The Orange County Players will return to the stage Fri., Sat., July 9, and 10 with ‘Summer Serenade.’

Performances will begin at 7:00 p.m. at Paoli First Presbyterian Church with doors opening at 6:30 each evening.

‘Summer Serenade’ is a musical revue featuring the singing talents of Steve Gorman, Kate Henderson, Beverly Hester, Larry Hollan, Hannah McClure, and Gary Spear. Gorman and Henderson also dance. Hester will play the mandolin,  while Spear will play the guitar. McClure will bake cookies for the show, and Hollan will be at the piano.

Director Kate Henderson put together a Post-COVID format that captures We’ll Survive, Staying Positive,  Looking Back and Looking Forward including favorites “Top of the World,” “These Are My People,” “Leavin’s Not The Only Way To Go,” “A Wonderful Day Like Today,” “Make Someone Happy,” “Smile,” “Happy Days/Get Happy,” and “I Can See Clearly Now.”

‘Summer Serenade’ also features “I Dreamed A Dream,” “Come By The Hills,” “Steppin’ Out,” “Salvation Song,” “The Body Electric,” “You Will Be Found,” and “What A Wonderful World.”

“This is the first show in over a year since the Covid shutdown,” said Summer Serenade Director Kate Henderson. “We wanted to do an upbeat and positive show for our first one back.  Our ‘Summer Serenade’ is just that. It is filled with old songs, folk songs and new songs. Songs that will make you laugh and reminisce. There will even be some dancing going on.”

Tickets for ‘Summer Serenade’ should cost $10. Through the generous donations of its patrons, Orange County Players will sell tickets for $5 per person in advance or at the door. “Of course additional OCP Patron donations would be accepted,” said Henderson.

Tickets are available from any cast member, or by making reservations at 812-723-5672.

A Louisville man was arrested on drug and weapons charges after being stopped for a traffic violation.

Around 3:20 Thursday morning, Trooper Dakota Novak was patrolling eastbound on US-150 in Palmyra and observed the white Nissan Sentra traveling in front of him had an expired Kentucky Temporary Registration tag.

The vehicle turned northbound onto Martin Mathis Road and Trooper Novak initiated a traffic stop. While speaking with the driver, Trooper Novak observed the smell of marijuana from within the car and continued the investigation.

The driver of the vehicle was identified as Daniel A. Sikes, 34, of Louisville Kentucky.

During the investigation, Trooper Novak found that Daniel Sikes had an outstanding warrant out of Floyd County for driving while suspended prior and that Sikes current driving status was also still listed as suspended prior.

Further, into the investigation, Trooper Novak found that Sikes was carrying a loaded handgun.

Sikes did not possess a permit to legally carry the firearm. 

As the investigation continued, suspected Heroin was also located in the vehicle.  

Sikes was arrested and transported to the Harrison County Jail with the following charges:

1.  Possession of a Firearm by a Serious Violent Felon – Level 4 Felony
2.  Carrying a Handgun without a License with a Prior Felony Conviction – Level 5 Felony
3.  Possession of a Narcotic Drug – Level 6 Felony
4.  Driving while Suspended Prior – Class A Misdemeanor
5.  Warrant for Driving While Suspended Prior – Class A Misdemeanor.

Trooper Novak was assisted by Trooper Clay Boley during the investigation.  

On Wednesday, July 7th, Tommy G. Terry, 51 years old of Bedford, was arrested for multiple offenses following a short vehicle pursuit in Lawrence County. Indiana State Police Sgt. Greg Day was traveling westbound on SR 158, west of Fayetteville, when he got behind a 2005 Ford Taurus traveling below the posted speed limit.

Sgt. Day observed the male driver of the vehicle, later identified as Terry, was weaving all over the roadway, from the right roadway edge to across the centerline.

Sgt. Day believed Terry to possibly be intoxicated based on the extremely poor and dangerous driving behavior.

Sgt. Day turned on his emergency lights and siren to initiate a traffic stop, however, Terry threw up his arms in a manner of disgust and refused to stop.

The Ford then continued to travel westbound on SR 158, with Terry still refusing to stop.

The pursuit eventually traveled north on Boone Hollow Road to the intersection of Hicks Lane, where Terry drove off the roadway into a yard and stopped. Terry exited his vehicle but was immediately taken into custody by Sgt. Day. The pursuit was extremely low speed, with the top speed never getting above 50mph.

Once other troopers arrived on the scene, a search of the Ford was conducted due to the odor of burnt marijuana. The search revealed Terry was in possession of a pipe with burnt marijuana residue on it. 

He also possessed other items of drug paraphernalia. It was also discovered that Terry had a suspended driver’s license.

Terry was transported to IU Health Bedford where he consented to a blood draw. Terry was then incarcerated at the Lawrence County Jail for the following charges,

• Resisting Law Enforcement (Level 6 Felony)
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (C Misdemeanor)
• Operating with a Controlled Substance in the Body (C Misdemeanor)

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

The Indiana State Police is well underway with the process of issuing body-worn and in-car cameras to its Troopers across the entire state; a process which started in early June and is expected to take until late August to complete.

In August of 2020, Governor Holcomb mandated the ISP would adopt and implement a body-worn camera system by the Spring of 2021. Since the Governor’s announcement, extensive research and testing has been conducted to ensure the system implemented would best meet the needs of the ISP.

In all, nearly 800 body-worn camera systems, which will also include and work in tandem with in-car cameras, will be put into the field for uniform Troopers and Sergeants assigned to patrol duties, Capitol Police Officers, and specific Special Operations units.  By the end of today, more than 230 body-worn, and in-car camera systems will have been deployed into the field.

“This process was focused on selecting the very best product and system for not only the Department but for Troopers in the field that work in both urban and rural areas”, said ISP Superintendent Doug Carter.

The system utilizes a router that is installed in the vehicle which allows for more accessibility and connectivity in areas of the state where cell phone coverage is not always optimal.

The cost associated with this project is approximately $15 million over a period of five years. 

The ISP policy governing body-worn cameras can be found at the link below:

 https://www.in.gov/isp/files/ENF-010%20LERD.pdf.

Around 5:30 pm this afternoon, the Scott County Sheriff’s Office responded to South Lake Road in Scottsburg for the report of a juvenile pedestrian being struck by a vehicle near Scottsburg Lake. 

During the investigation, officers discovered a 10-year-old male juvenile victim was allegedly struck by a 2007 Ford Taurus being driven by a 17-year-old juvenile.  

The victim was transported to the Scott Memorial Hospital where he was later pronounced deceased. 

The driver of the vehicle was not hurt by the crash. 

The Indiana State Police are conducting a crash reconstruction of the scene. 

The Scott County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Scottsburg City Police Department, the Indiana State Police, the Vienna Volunteer Fire Department, The Scottsburg Volunteer Fire Department, and Scott County EMS. 

The investigation is continuing.  No further information is available for release at this time. 

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.