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.

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.