A Salem man was found dead yesterday afternoon at approximately 3:30p by Washington County Sheriff Brent Miller.

Billy James Wagers, 54, Salem, was found lying in the woods near the parking lot to the trailhead.

There was a report of a suspicious person on a moped in the woods and possibly living there.

Miller said he was investigating the report of a suspicious person and looking for the man and was told that he was sleeping on the state property. 

Miller said he called the Washington County Coroner’s office, the Department of Natural Resources. He said Indiana State Police detective Travis Baker and crime scene technicians were called to the Leota Trailhead of the Knobstone Trail after Wagers was found.

No foul play is suspected, and the Scott County Coroner has ruled the cause of death as natural. 

The family has been notified. 

The trailhead is located at 12598 East Saylor Road, Salem, just inside Scott County, near the Scott-Washington County line. 

State Police investigators were assisted by the Scott County Coroner, Indiana Conservation Officers, the Scott County Sheriff’s Department, and the Washington County Sheriff’s Department, and Scott County EMS.   

Governor Eric J. Holcomb today announced $51 million for 50 broadband infrastructure expansion projects across the state as a part of the second round of the Next Level Connections Broadband Grant Program.

The $100 million Next Level Broadband Grant Program is the largest single-state investment in broadband.

In total, rounds one and two of the program have awarded more than $79 million for broadband infrastructure for more than 21,900 homes and commercial locations in 41 counties.

“Lt. Governor Crouch and I have been dedicated to improving internet access for years, and now COVID has only made the need for affordable, dependable broadband more apparent,” Gov. Holcomb said. “This latest round of grants will give more Hoosiers access to more affordable, quality internet regardless of where they live, work or go to school.”

This second round of funding will provide broadband infrastructure to more than 10,590 homes and commercial locations across 32 counties. A map marking both rounds one and two is attached to this press release.

In addition to the $51 million awarded today, the 16 telecommunications providers and utility cooperatives contributed more than $53 million in matching funds, resulting in more than $104 million total investment for broadband.

The program allows broadband service providers and utility cooperatives to apply for up to $5 million to expand service to unserved areas if they provide at least a 20 percent match. Unserved areas are those without at least one telecommunication provider offering at least 10 Mbps download and 1 Mbps upload. Proposed projects must provide a minimum level of service at actual speeds of 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload.

At Governor Holcomb’s request, Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch, along with the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs, administers and oversees the program.

“In a time where Hoosiers are having to adjust their lifestyles due to COVID-19, it’s imperative that we connect as many Hoosiers as possible,” said Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch. “Governor Holcomb’s Next Level Connections initiative is a significant step toward bridging the digital divide and bringing greater opportunities for all Hoosiers.”

Last year during round one, 14 projects were awarded more than $28 million. With more than $23 million in a local match, a total of more than $51 million was invested in broadband expansion.

Information regarding a third round will be released in the future. For more information, visit https://www.in.gov/ocra/3018.htm.

Next Level Connections Broadband Grant Program is part of Governor Holcomb’s $1 billion Next Level Connections infrastructure program, which accelerates the completion of major highway projects, expands access to rural broadband services, creates more nonstop flights and pursues the expansion of rail projects in northwest Indiana.

Governor Eric J. Holcomb today joined members of the Clarksville Town Council and Redevelopment Commission to officially open the newly completed Discovery Trail. The 1.9-mile asphalt multi-use trail was built with help from a more than $840,000 Next Level Trails grant.

“I’m so glad I could join you here in Clarksville, Indiana’s oldest town, to celebrate our state’s newest trail. The Discovery Trail accomplishes the key goal of our Next Level Trails program by connecting Clarksville’s residential core to schools, parks, employers, and neighboring communities via the Ohio River Greenway. The opportunity to get outside and exercise with friends and family has never been more important, especially as more Hoosiers are taking advantage of our growing statewide network of trails.” 

The new trail is built on a former railroad corridor, acquired from CSX by the town in 2018.  The project extends through Clarksville, from Applegate Lane southwest to Silver Creek, where the trail merges with the Ohio River Greenway, creating uninterrupted trail connections to New Albany, Jeffersonville, and Louisville. As part of the project, a new trailhead and crossing signal were installed at Eastern Boulevard.

“Completing this trail puts the majority of Clarksville residents within two miles of a trail,” said Ryan Ramsey, Clarksville Town Council president. “Trails are an important investment in our quality of life, and we are grateful to the many partners who helped make this project a reality.”

The trail was developed by the Town of Clarksville in cooperation with the Clarksville Redevelopment Commission and Clarksville Parks & Recreation. Key partners in the project include SoIN Tourism, Duke Energy and Silver Creek Sand and Gravel. The total investment for the project, including Next Level Trails funding, was more than $2,373,000.

The Discovery Trail is one of 17 Next Level Trails grants awarded to communities and non-profit organizations in May 2019. The nearly $25 million investment announced by Gov. Holcomb, the largest infusion of state trails funding in Indiana history, will develop a total of 42 miles of new trail across Indiana in the coming years. As part of Gov. Holcomb’s Next Level Connections initiative, the Next Level Trails program makes critical trail connections within and between communities. Next Level Trails is administered by the Department of Natural Resources.

This is the third Next Level Trails project opened to the public this year. The Veterans Memorial Parkway Trail was dedicated in Hebron on June 6, and the Syracuse-Wawasee Park Foundation celebrated the completion of the Conklin Bay Boardwalk and Trail on July 30.

Annie Napier, 35, Salem appeared in the custody of the Washington County Sheriff’s Department this morning in Washington Circuit Court before Judge Larry Medlock and entered a not-guilty plea. 

Napier, and her mother, Gail, were arrested early Tuesday morning on a variety of charges including possession of Marijuana, Maintaining a Common Nuisance, and Possession of a Legend Drug. (see the related story – https://wslmradio.com/2020/09/02/daughter-tips-police-to-marijuana-in-parents-house-search-finds-pot-and-pills/ )

Napier actually tipped police to the presence of drugs in her parent’s house, but the police report doesn’t detail whether or not she was in possession of anything. 

According to Prosecuting Attorney Justin Houchin, she was released from incarceration on her own recognizance this morning after her initial hearing in court. 

According to court records, Napier advised that she plans on hiring an attorney. 

Pursuant to Criminal Rule 26, the Court released the defendant who is supposed to pay her bond by 4:00 pm tomorrow (Friday).

Medlock set a pretrial conference for 09/24/2020 at 9:00 AM and a bench trial for January January 12, 2021 at 8:30a. 

Gail Napier posted bond and was released from jail Wednesday morning. No hearing date has yet been set for her. 

Police recommended to Houchin that Gail’s husband, Michael, also be arrested, however, no charges have yet been filed on him. 

“In making the arrest, the police officers cite that the place was [Annie’s] residence, and she knew about the drug use in the home, which can constitute constructive possession,” said Houchin.

Houchin further explained that Annie Napier physically retrieved and handled the marijuana.

“The officers also had a difficult time at the scene because the Napiers were fighting with each other, and, as the report indicates, detention was necessary to allow the investigation and search warrant execution to proceed without interference,” said Houchin. 

Annie Napier was charged with 

• Possession of Marijuana, Hash Oil, Hashish or Salvia
• Maintaining a Common Nuisance
• Possession of Paraphernalia
• Possession of a Legend Drug or Precursor.

“My role is to evaluate whether probable cause for the arrest exists,” said Houchin. “I believe there was probable cause for the arrest, and the Judge [Frank Newkirk Jr.] independently found probable cause.  Of course, all suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty.  This case will proceed as all other cases do in the Washington County Court system.”

Do you have questions about cleaning up your garden for the winter to better prepare it
for planting next spring?

If so, you should plan to join the Fall Garden Cleanup Webinar presented by Jeff Hermesch, Purdue Extension Ag and Natural Resources Educator in Decatur
County on Wednesday, September 23, 2020 beginning at 11:30 am to discuss garden chores, tools, and equipment, cover crops, and soil testing.

Jeff will also be available to answer your fall garden questions.

To join the webinar and/or to receive the webinar recording, pre-registration is
required by Monday, September 21, 2020, by visiting http://bit.ly/2020fallgardencleanup.

For questions about the webinar, contact Purdue Extension – Decatur Co. at jhermesch@purdue.edu or 812-663-8388, Purdue Extension – Jackson Co. at rbeckort@purdue.edu or 812-358-6101, Purdue Extension – Lawrence Co. at odavis@purdue.edu or 812-275-4623, or Purdue Extension – Washington County at dhowellw@purdue.edu or 812-883-4601.

“Hoosiers” Screening Scheduled at Tibbs Drive-In on Thursday Night, September 17

The Indiana Broadcaster Association, which represents more than 270-member radio and TV stations (including WSLM and WRLW TV) across the state, is hosting a special screening of the movie “Hoosiers” at Tibbs Drive-In – ideal family-friendly and socially-distant entertainment — on Thursday, September 17.

Attendees are welcome to bring lawn chairs and sit outside of their vehicle, but everyone must comply with social distancing guidelines put in place by Tibbs Drive-In.

All the proceeds from the special event will be donated to support the historic Hoosier Gym in Knightstown which has been deeply impacted by COVID-19.  The Knightstown locale served as the home gym for the “Hickory Huskers” in the 1986 movie. 

“Like every cultural and sports facility in our state, Knightstown’s Hoosier Gym has been financially hurt by the Covid-19 pandemic.  Visitors counts are down.  Tournament games that normally generate significant revenue have been canceled.  So, Indiana’s broadcasters are linking arms to help the iconic state landmark that has been the site of decades of memories for Hoosiers and people all over the world,” said IBA Executive Director Dave Arland.

Tickets to the Tibbs Drive-In event are $11 per person are available now for advance purchase through HelpHoosierGym.com.  Gates open at 7:30pm. The screening will begin with sundown at 8:30pm.

Attendees will have the chance to win several door prizes including:

• Autographed Larry Bird basketball, courtesy of the Fort Wayne Mad Ants;
• Victor Oladipo Indiana Pacers “Hickory Edition” Replica Jersey
• Indiana Pacers “Hickory Edition” shirts and hats
• Full-size “HOOSIERS” movie poster signed by screenwriter Angelo Pizzo and director David Anspaugh
• “Eleven Life Lessons from Hoosiers” book signed by author and Hoosier Gym Event Coordinator Bob Garner and by Brad Long (who portrayed “Buddy” in the movie.)
• Tivoli AM/FM Table Radio

If you purchase the book Eleven Life Lessons at the screening, you will get a Hoosiers mini-movie poster and autographs from author Bob Garner and Hickory Husker Brad Long.

Road work moratorium for the holiday weekend beginning Friday afternoon

The Indiana Department of Transportation announces a road work moratorium for the Labor Day weekend beginning Friday afternoon, Aug. 30, through the morning hours of Tuesday, Sept. 2.

As Labor Day holiday weekend is typically one of the busiest times for travel on Indiana’s highways, wherever possible, road restrictions will be removed to ease traffic flow for holiday drivers. 

Some closures and restrictions will remain on larger projects that cannot safely reopen to traffic. Here’s where you will see restrictions remaining over the holiday weekend:

Central Indiana

• I-74 in Montgomery County is restricted to one lane in each direction between mile 32-39 in the westbound lanes. 

Southern Indiana

• I-65, in Jackson/Bartholomew counties, has lane restrictions in both directions between Seymour and Columbus.
• S.R. 37 in Martinsville (Morgan County) is reduced to one lane in each direction.
• I-74 in Ripley/Dearborn counties is restricted in both directions between S.R. 101 and the Ohio State line.
• S.R. 45/46 at I-69 interchange in Bloomington has a traffic switch with crossover.
• S.R. 256 in Scott County is closed between S.R. 203 and Austin.
• S.R. 7 in Jennings County is closed between the Jennings/Jefferson County line and Vernon. 
• S.R. 62/Lloyd Expressway will have two lanes open in each direction in Evansville.

Northern Indiana

• I-69 in Grant County, between mile 262 and 269, is restricted to one northbound lane.
• I-69 in Allen County, between mile 308-310, has the right lane closed, leaving two lanes in each direction.
• I-69, in Steuben County, between mile 333-335 is reduced to one lane in each direction over Pigeon Creek.
• I-69 in Steuben County, at exit 350, is reduced to one northbound lane.
• The ramp connecting southbound Kennedy Avenue to eastbound I-94 in Lake County is closed.
• The ramp connecting westbound I-94 to northbound I-65 in Lake County is closed.
• The ramp connecting U.S. 12/20 to southbound I-65 in Lake County is closed.
• I-65 in Lake County, between U.S. 30 and U.S. 231, is reduced to two lanes in each direction with the left lane closed.

Drive Safely

INDOT reminds Hoosiers to travel safely and plan for more driving time during the busy weekend.

• Pay attention: Don’t text or talk on the phone and avoid taking your hands off the wheel. Driver inattention is a leading cause of all highway crashes.
• Slow down: Be aware of the speed limits and abide by them – no one wants to ruin a great holiday weekend with a speeding ticket.
• Leave early and plan ahead: Expect delays and allow extra travel time on one of the busiest holidays of the year.