Milestone Contractors plans to move U.S. 50 traffic to its winter configuration next week between Agrico Lane and U.S. 31 in Seymour. Work began in April on the $15 million pavement reconstruction contract.

All traffic was moved to the westbound side of U.S. 50 in August. Shifting traffic to this pattern will allow the Indiana Department of Transportation to safely and effectively perform snow and ice removal duties during the winter months.

Tuesday, December 1 – U.S. 50 EB
On Tuesday, U.S. 50 EB traffic will move back to the eastbound side of U.S. 50 and the two cloverleaf ramps on the south side of the roadway will reopen to traffic (I-65 SB to U.S. 50 EB and U.S. 50 EB to I-65 NB).

Wednesday, December 2 – U.S. 50 WB
On Wednesday, westbound U.S. 50 will move to its winter configuration. From Agrico Lane to Sandy Creek Drive, traffic will be split between existing barrier wall. One lane will travel west on U.S. 50 to the right of the barrier wall (the original outside lane) with access to the full shoulder. This lane will provide access to businesses on the north side of U.S. 50, with exits to U.S. 50 WB only. The second lane will travel west on U.S. 50 to the left of the barrier wall. From Sandy Creek Drive to U.S. 31, westbound traffic will move back to its original pattern.

All ramps to and from I-65 are scheduled to open by end of the day on Wednesday. Temporary signals will also be removed for winter. Turn lanes will be available along U.S. 50 at the following locations: Myers Street, Starbucks/Wal-Mart Distribution Center, Sandy Creek Drive, Steven’s Way and U.S. 31.

Work will resume on the pavement reconstruction project in the spring. Intersection improvements at U.S. 31 and bridge painting are also included in the contract. Two travel lanes in each direction are expected to be maintained for the duration of the project. The intermediate contract completion date is October 31, 2021, with activity continuing through June 2022.

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

Patching work will close a portion of the I-65 SB on-ramp and the right travel lane of I-65 SB at the S.R. 46 interchange (Exit 68) in Columbus on Wednesday, Dec. 2.

Crews are expected to be on-site from approximately 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. to complete repairs. Work will take place on Thursday, Dec. 3, if needed due to inclement weather.

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

A 60-year-old Bedford man was arrested for burglarizing a local business.

Robert J. Brummett, age 60, of Bedford, Indiana was taken into custody and charged with:

• Burglary, Level 5 Felony
• Theft, Level 6 Felony
• Criminal Mischief, Class A Misdemeanor
• Possession of Marijuana, Class B Misdemeanor
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Class C Misdemeanor

The Bloomington Indiana State Police Post investigated a burglary that occurred at Tri-County Rental, 1313 Bundy Lane, Bedford, Indiana, on Tuesday evening, November 24^th. 

When employees arrived at Tri-County Rental, they discovered that someone had cut through a chain-link fence and had stolen a pull behind air compressor, valued at approximately $10,000.  Immediately upon this discovery, Tri-County Rental employees contacted the Bloomington Indiana State Police.

Sergeant Greg Day, along with Troopers Caleb Garvin and Chance Humphrey, began an investigation.  Troopers reviewed video footage from several local businesses and were able to piece together a timeline before, during, and after the burglary occurred.  A suspect vehicle was identified and evidence at the scene was also collected. 

A photograph of the suspect vehicle and stolen air compressor was released on social media and tips from the public were generated.

On Thursday morning, November 26^th, a tip was received that the stolen air compressor and the suspect vehicle were located at a residence in the 1000 block of Q Street in Bedford.  Troopers were able to identify the air compressor, partially covered in the back yard near the alley, as the one stolen from Tri-County Rental.  Sergeant Day applied for, and obtained, a search warrant for the property and residence.

Trooper Garvin and Trooper Patrick, along with Sergeant Day, executed the search warrant that morning and recovered the stolen air compressor.  In addition, marijuana and drug paraphernalia were also seized from the residence.  Interviews were conducted and the air compressor was returned to Tri County Rental. 

The course of the investigation leads to the arrest of Robert J. Brummett, age 60, of Bedford, Indiana. 

Brummett was taken into custody without incident and was transported to the Lawrence County Jail where he is now incarcerated.

The Bloomington Indiana State Police Post would like to thank the local business and the citizens of Lawrence County for their assistance on this investigation.