The Indiana Department of Transportation announces lane restrictions for U.S. 150 near French Lick for tree clearing in advance of a bridge replacement project.

Beginning on or around Monday, March 15, contractors will begin restricting traffic to one lane during the daytime hours as they clear trees near the U.S. 150 bridge spanning Kanie Creek, about 1.6 miles west of the intersection of S.R. 56.

The structure replacement on the bridge is scheduled for later this spring and an announcement will be forthcoming with precise dates.

During the tree clearing operation, crews will be using the closed lane for heavy equipment due to weather conditions.

This will create short intermittent periods where the road will be completely closed while crews work to cut the removed debris into manageable pieces.

Work will only take place during the daytime hours and evening travel will be unrestricted.

Work is expected to last until the end of March, depending upon weather conditions. INDOT urges drivers to slow down and stay alert near crews.

A 32-Year-Old Charlestown woman was arrested for dealing in methamphetamine and other drug-related charges after troopers and officers from the Charlestown Police Department searched her residence.  

As a result of the investigation and subsequent search, Kayla S. Gabbard was arrested for the following: 

1. Dealing Methamphetamine – Level 5 Felony   
2. Possession of Methamphetamine- Level 6 Felony                                 
3. Maintaining a Common Nuisance- Level 6 Felony 
4. Possession of Controlled Substance- Class A Misdemeanor
5. Possession of Marijuana- Class B Misdemeanor
6. Possession of Paraphernalia- Class A Misdemeanor                                 

Kayla Gabbard was incarcerated at the Clark County Jail without incident. 

Trooper Zach Smith, with the Sellersburg Post All Crimes Policing Squad (ACP), began an investigation in February of this year when he and Charlestown Police units learned of possible drug activity at 202 Reynolds Street in Charlestown.

As a result of the investigation, Trooper Smith requested a search warrant for the property.

On Friday, the Sellersburg Post ACP team and officers with the Charlestown Police Department served the warrant and located approximately 10 grams of methamphetamine, pills, marijuana, and other drug-related items on the premises.

A lengthy investigation conducted by Indiana State Police Drug Enforcement Section (DES) detectives and Troopers of the ISP Bloomington District A.C.E.S. concluded with an arrest for dealing methamphetamine and almost ½ pound of methamphetamine seized.

The Indiana State Police had obtained information that Darrell Cox, 56, Taswell was dealing large amounts of methamphetamine in multiple counties, including Lawrence County. Using a wide range of investigative techniques, ISP was able to confirm the allegations.

In the early morning hours of Saturday, March 13th, Cox was located driving his 2006 Chevrolet truck southbound on SR 37, south of Ingram Road, in excess of the posted speed limit. Trp. Chance Humphrey, Trp. Cody Brown, ISP Sgt. Greg Day, LCPD Officer Michael Williams, and DES detectives were all in the area observing for Cox. Trp. Humphrey conducted a traffic stop and, after observing indicators of criminal activity, was assisted by the other officers.

Officer Williams deployed his canine, Flek, who gave a positive alert on Cox’s truck. A subsequent search of the truck resulted in discovering that Cox was in possession of over 200 grams of methamphetamine (7 ounces), approximately 2 grams of cocaine, and multiple controlled substance pills.

At the conclusion of the investigation, Cox was incarcerated at the Lawrence County Jail for the following offenses:

1. Dealing Methamphetamine Over 10 Grams, Level 2 Felony
2. Possession of Methamphetamine Over 28 Grams, Level 3 Felony
3. Possession of Cocaine, Level 6 Felony
4. Possession of Controlled Substance (Two Counts), Class A Misdemeanor
5. Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Class C Misdemeanor

Trp. Caleb Garvin with the Bloomington District A.C.E.S. had also assisted with the investigation. 

Sgt. Day commended everyone for a job well done and was thankful for the seamless working between agencies. 

“Dozens of behind-the-scenes investigation hours culminated in a successful and safe conclusion to this case. 

Multiple counties are safer today thanks to this arrest of this large-scale methamphetamine dealer.”

Anyone with illegal drug activity information is encouraged to contact the Indiana State Police Bloomington Post at 812-332-4411.

Troopers with the Sellersburg Post All Crimes Policing Squad (ACP) arrested a Floyds Knobs couple on multiple drug-related charges Friday morning.  

As a result of the investigation, Troopers arrested the following: 

Joshua Mitchell Croft, 44, Floyds Knobs: 

1. Neglect of a Dependent x 2- Level 6 Felony
2. Manufacturing Methamphetamine- Level 4 Felony
3. Dealing in Methamphetamine- Level 2 Felony
4. Possession of Methamphetamine- Level 4 Felony
5. Possession of Drug Precursors- Level 6 Felony
6. Possession of a Firearm by a Serious Violent Felon- Level 5 Felony
7. Possession of a Firearm with an altered serial number- Level 5 Felony
8. Dealing in Marijuana Prior- Level 6 Felony
9. Possession of Marijuana Prior- Level 6 Felony
10. Maintaining a Common Nuisance- Level 6 Felony
11. Possession of Paraphernalia- Class A Misdemeanor

April Louise Gibson, 32, Floyds Knobs: 

1. Neglect of a Dependent x 2- Level 6 Felony
2. Possession of Methamphetamine- Level 6 Felony
3. Maintaining a Common Nuisance- Level 6 Felony
4. Possession of Paraphernalia- Class B Misdemeanor

Both Croft and Gibson were incarcerated at the Floyd County Jail without further incident.  

Trooper Brandon Farias began an investigation in February after learning about possible drug activity at the residence located at 5009 East Shoreline Drive in Floyds Knobs.

Troopers used information gathered in that investigation and requested a search warrant for the home.

On Friday, the ACP team and Indiana State Police Drug Enforcement officers served the warrant.  

During the search, troopers located an AR-style pistol with an obliterated serial number, a red-phosphorus methamphetamine lab, approximately 16 grams of methamphetamine, other controlled substances, and about 2.85 pounds of marijuana. Troopers also learned that children resided in the house.  

Earlier today, Indiana State Police and the US Marshal Fugitive Task Force arrested a 26-year-old Florida father after allegedly kidnapping his four-year-old son from a Florida daycare in December 2020 and then fleeing the state.

The father, Andres Cantu, 26, of Mount, FL had a nation-wide extradition warrant for Kidnapping.

The Indiana State Police and US Marshal Fugitive Task Force received information this morning that Cantu was possibly in Bicknell with his son.

Troopers and members of the US Marshal Fugitive Task Force conducted a surveillance operation on a residence located at 715 Maple Street in Bicknell and observed an adult female in the backyard with the missing boy.

Cantu was not located at the residence, but the child was taken into protective custody. Officers moved their surveillance operation to another residence located on Third Street in Bicknell where Cantu was located and arrested without incident.

Cantu was taken to the Knox County Jail where he is currently being held on bond.

The Indiana Department of Child Services took custody of the child and is waiting for arrangements to reunite the child with his mother.

A threat made on Friday evening, March 4th, 2021 to the life of Circuit Court Judge Larry Medlock and the Washington County Justice Center led to the arrest of Dalton Morris, 26, of Salem. 

According to the probable cause affidavit, the investigation began at approximately 7:33 pm, when Washington County Dispatch received a report of a threat made to law enforcement and to the Circuit Court Judge. 

A court security officer contacted the Sheriff’s Department to report the threat and stated he wanted to speak with Sheriff Brent Miller.  

Upon speaking to the officer, Sheriff Miller contacted Detective Brad Naugle to report the threat and commence an investigation. 

The security officer advised Miller that two witnesses came to his home earlier in the evening and stated they were with Morris when he told them he was going to kill Judge Medlock and other individuals at the Washington County Justice Center. 

The witnesses reported Morris also more broadly stated he was going to go to the Justice Center with guns and start shooting. 

Detective Naugle contacted the witnesses and conducted an interview.  Both shared the same information with Naugle that they shared with the court security officer. 

They also stated that while they were with Dalton, he became angry while talking about his court cases and made statements that he felt he had been treated unfairly by Judge Medlock. 

They reported Dalton then said he was going to go to the Justice Center and start shooting everyone, and that he intended to kill the Judge. 

One witness stated Morris looked directly at him and said, “I don’t care who is there,” and the witness felt Morris was making a direct threat to him. 

Both witnesses also reported Dalton Morris made a statement that if he were to get pulled over, the police should start shooting because he will be shooting at the police. 

They also told police Dalton frequently drives his girlfriend, Miranda Smith’s, blue Subaru Forrester. 

After confirming the threat through direct contact with the witnesses, police began a search for Morris and located a blue Subaru Forrester in the parking lot at the Cobblestone Hotel in Salem, Indiana.   

The vehicle was registered to Miranda Smith.  Inside the vehicle, officers could see a firearm in plain view.

Police then located and interviewed Morris at the hotel.  During the interview, he denied making any threats but did state he has been treated unfairly by Judge Medlock. 

Investigators noted when Morris talked about his court cases, it appeared to make him angry. 

Morris at first denied any knowledge of having a weapon, then later told police he knew a firearm was in the car and described it to police. 

A search warrant was issued for the hotel room and the vehicle and upon searching, police found one round of ammunition in the room.

Morris at first denied knowledge of the ammunition, then later admitted to police he knew it was there. 

At that time, Morris was placed under arrest for the charge of Intimidation, a Level 5 Felony.  

Morris remains incarcerated and is being held on an $8,000 full cash bond.  

His next court hearing is scheduled for April 5^th, 2021 in Harrison County Circuit Court. 

Suspects are considered innocent unless or until proven guilty in a court of law. 

This morning, at approximately 6:00 am, a Jackson County Deputy’s police SUV was struck by a pickup truck on I-65 Northbound near Crothersville while the deputy was blocking traffic for a tow company that was removing a vehicle from an earlier crash. 

The initial investigation by Trooper David Owsley, Indiana State Police-Versailles, indicated a Jackson County Sheriff’s Department 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe being occupied by Deputy Jordan Hawn, was parked in the right lane of I-65 Northbound near the 37.5-mile marker, near Crothersville, Indiana. 

Deputy Hawn’s vehicle was blocking the right lane of I-65 while a wrecker company was removing a commercial motor vehicle that was involved in a crash earlier in the morning.

Deputy Hawn’s vehicle was then struck from behind by a blue 2015 Chevrolet Silverado, being driven by Evan Elkins, age 25, Louisville, Kentucky. 

The vehicle came to a stop in the right lane of I-65 Northbound.  Elkins’ vehicle entered the median of I-65 and came to a stop. 

Neither Hawn nor Elkins were injured in the collision.

The right lane of I-65 Northbound was closed for most of the morning for crash cleanup and investigation.

Alcohol and drugs are not suspected in the crash.  The investigation is ongoing.

The Indiana State Police was assisted by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department.

The Indiana State Police would like to remind everyone that Indiana law requires motorists to yield to emergency vehicles that have emergency lights activated. 

This law also requires motorists to change lanes or slow for an ambulance, fire trucks, highway maintenance vehicles, and tow trucks. 

Indiana Department of Transportation contractor E&B Paving Inc. plans to close the Salem Bypass (S.R. 135 to S.R. 56) on or after Monday, March 29, to begin construction on a $2 million roundabout project at the intersection of S.R. 60 and the bypass in Washington County.

The contract was awarded last fall and the new roundabout is scheduled to open in late July 2021.

The project will upgrade the existing two-way stop intersection to a single-lane roundabout with 12-foot truck aprons, which aims to enhance safety by reducing the number and severity of crashes at this location.

The contract also includes full-depth pavement replacement, guardrail work, and intersection lighting.

Closure time for the bypass is set for 117 days, through late July, with an official detour of U.S. 150 and S.R. 56.

Local access will be maintained for residents and businesses located along this stretch of roadway.

Following the initial closure, the entire intersection will close for work on S.R. 60 and the center island of the roundabout.

This is expected to begin in early June.

Additional construction activity may take place through the fall with minimal interruptions to traffic. 

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. 

More project information can be found on the INDOT website.

Tickets on sale now for April 9-11 event at Denny Sanford PREMIER Center

PBR (Professional Bull Riders), the first major professional sport in North America to welcome fans back into indoor arenas with new safety protocols in Sioux Falls last July following the COVID-19 related shutdown, will now be the first to offer a professional sporting event at full indoor-arena capacity when its premier series returns to Sioux Falls in April.

The top bull riders and rankest bucking bulls in the league return to the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center April 9-11 as the league once again make sports history welcoming back fans in full indoor arena capacity for the Unleash The Beast First PREMIER Bank PREMIER Bankcard Invitational.

Since the onset of the health pandemic, through implementing new protocols and executing the blueprint for a return that was subsequently shared with more than 15 other leagues, PBR has successfully held 31 ticketed fan weekends with 66 individual ticketed events, hosting more than 131,000 fans.

“We’re excited to welcome bull riding back to Sioux Falls,” said South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem. “Last summer, PBR proved that we can hold safe and responsible events, and they chose South Dakota for the first major sporting event with fans in the stands in the country. We’re building on the success of that event and proving that South Dakota is a national destination for rodeo.”

PBR along with ASM Global and the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center will continue to create a safe and responsible environment for all fans in attendance.  The event will include the activation of ASM Global’s “Venue Shield”– an advanced environmental hygiene protocol that reduces physical touchpoints increases venue sanitization and cleanliness, and provides various health monitoring guidelines and services. ASM Global, which manages Denny Sanford PREMIER Center, is the world’s leading venue management and services company.

The guidelines and protocols in place at the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center will include:

• Mobile ticketing to replace traditional printed tickets.
• Increased reliance on cashless, contactless concessions with prepackaged food available for sale.
• Social distancing guidelines with prominent signage including queuing stickers.
• Temperature testing and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) screening for all staff.
• In addition to CDC screening, PBR staff and athletes will undergo medical testing for COVID-19.

“One of the key milestones for our sport’s safe and responsible return was when fans came back into the arena in Sioux Falls last July through a forward-thinking partnership with ASM Global, the City of Sioux Falls and Gov. Kristi Noem,” said Sean Gleason, Commissioner and CEO of PBR. “We are very excited to return to Denny Sanford PREMIER Center in Sioux Falls as we continue to move forward.”

Fan favorites including reigning World Champion Jose Vitor Leme, two-time World Champions J.B. Mauney and Jess Lockwood, three-time World Champion Silvano Alves, 2018 World Champion Kaique Pacheco, 2016 World Champion Cooper Davis, 2020 Iron Cowboy winner Cole Melancon, Arkansas cowboy Chase Outlaw, South Dakota resident Matt Triplett and many more will be among the riders expected to compete throughout the weekend, all looking for a win to secure their place in the world standings for the 2021 season.

The bull riding action will begin at 7:45 p.m. on Friday, April 9, 6:45 p.m. on Saturday, April 10 and 1:45 p.m. on Sunday, April 11.

Tickets for the three-day event can be purchased at the KELOLAND Box Office inside the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center, by calling PBR at (800) 732-1727, visiting Ticketmaster.com, or by visiting pbr.com. Prices range from $15 to $110.

A new three-day combo ticket allowing for fans to bundle their weekend purchases and receive 20% off select price levels can be purchased by calling PBR.

Fans can upgrade their ticket purchase by selecting the “Elite Experience” add-on for $75. This elevated experience includes a $10 concession voucher, a question and answer presentation with top bull riders and stock contractors and a souvenir credential, and lanyard.

For an exclusive VIP experience, fans can purchase “PBR Elite Seats” for $350. These tickets offer premium seats closest to the chutes, a $10 concession voucher, a question and answer presentation with some of the top bull riders and stock contractors in the world, a special tour of the bucking chutes with a stock contractor and souvenir credential and lanyard.

The “Elite Experience” and “PBR Elite Seats” can both be purchased by contacting the PBR Customer Service Department at 800-732-1727 or by visiting Ticketmaster.com.

Additionally, fans can purchase an exclusive behind-the-scenes experience with the animal athletes of the PBR by signing up for the “Bull Housing Tour” on Saturday morning April 10.

This limited capacity experience features a discussion with top stock contractors who care for and raise the best bucking bulls in the world as well as a meet and greet with the bovines themselves, the collectible book detailing the historic bulls of the PBR and a souvenir credential and lanyard.

The “Bull Housing Tour” is available for $60 and can be purchased by contacting the PBR Customer Service Department at 800-732-1727 or by visiting Ticketmaster.com.

PBR fans around the country can take advantage of the Sioux Falls “Travel Package,” a brand new offer for the 2021 event.

This getaway package offers hotel accommodations for two nights (Fri/Sat or Sat/Sun), two tickets for all three nights of the competition, three $10 concession vouchers, an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the inter-workings of a PBR event, the exciting Saturday morning “Bull Housing Tour,” a welcome tote and a souvenir credential and lanyard. Available for $1,500, the “Travel Package” is built as the ultimate weekend away for two fans and can be purchased by calling PBR.