On November 8, 2019, Deputy Keith Hartman with the Scott County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call of theft on Alsup Road in rural Scott County. 

After speaking with the victim, Deputy Hartman began patrolling the area.  Shortly thereafter he located a vehicle sitting at a residence that was described as a possible suspect vehicle. 

While continuing the investigation Deputy Hartman discovered a male in possession of a stolen article that had just been reported. 

This led to the arrest of Jimmy Gay, 48, of Lexington, for Theft with a Prior Unrelated Conviction. 

Deputy Hartman continued investigating which led him to locate numerous other items that had been reported as stolen.

During his investigation, Deputy Hartman working with Washington County Deputies applied for a search warrant.

The search warrant was granted and executed in the evening hours of November 9, 2019, at a residence which was located in Washington County, (close to the Scott County line).

As a result of the search warrant, additional stolen items were located and additional charges will be sought.       

Sheriff Jerry Goodin said, “People work hard and when other people steal something that does not belong to them, it makes you angry.”

“Anytime we can recover stolen items and take an alleged thief off the streets it is a good case,” said Goodin, who commended Deputy Hartman and the other deputies involved on their continued dedication to making Scott County the safest county in the mid-west.

Indiana State Police initiated a criminal investigation on August 13, 2019, after receiving information from the Dugger Town Marshall concerning allegations of physical and sexual battery, as well as strangulation.  

The investigation revealed that  William T. Smith, age 20, of Dugger, IN, on two separate occasions, had allegedly physically and sexually battered and strangled two females under the age of 17. 

These allegations were to have occurred in Sullivan County.

After reviewing the investigation, the Sullivan County Prosecutor, Ann Mischler, asked for a warrant to be issued for Smith’s arrest. A warrant was issued by Sullivan Circuit Court on November 12, 2019. 

Smith turned himself into the investigating detective, Master Trooper Angie Hahn, at the Sullivan County Sheriff’s office and bonded out.  

Arrested and Charges:

William T. Smith, 20, Dugger, IN

• Strangulation (2 counts) Level 6 Felony
• Sexual battery victim compelled to submit by force or imminent threat of force (2 counts) Level 6 Felony 
• Battery resulting in bodily injury (2 counts) Class A Misdemeanor 

Assisting Agencies:  Dugger Town Marshall

Under the Law, criminal charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. 

Last Wednesday evening, just after 11 o’clock, Trooper Cory Knight observed a Blue Chevrolet Colorado traveling southbound on State Road 37 approaching Main Street in violation of Indiana’s license plate code.

Trooper Knight conducted a traffic stop on State Road 37, just south of Main Street.

The driver, who was identified as Kaden M. Williams, 28 of Mitchell, displayed several indicators of criminal activity.

Mitchell Police Officer Cabral arrived to assist with the traffic stop.

A search of Williams’ vehicle revealed a light bulb, with the bottom cut out, containing a burnt crystal residue.

The residue in the light bulb field-tested positive for methamphetamine.

Kaden was then transported to the Lawrence County Jail and released to the Jail staff.

CHARGES –

• Possession of Methamphetamine, 35-48-4-6.1, Level 6 Felony
• Possession of Paraphernalia, 35-48-4-8.3, Class C Misdemeanor

All Suspects Are Presumed Innocent Until Proven Guilty in a Court of Law

Salem Community Schools will be among a growing list of Indiana School districts to take the day off to lobby for better conditions for teachers.

The Salem School Board announced at its regular board meeting Monday night that all three schools will take a snow day on Nov. 19 to allow teachers to participate in Red For Ed Action Day at the Indiana State House.

Salem is added to the list of over 75 other school districts taking the day off to allow educators to attend the political rally.

At last check, more than 7,000 Indiana teachers had registered to attend the Red For Ed Action Day at the Indiana Statehouse for the Indiana General Assembly Organization Day. 

The Indiana State Teachers Association organized the event to gather support from teachers statewide to voice their concerns to lawmakers on issues like school funding, teacher pay and standardized testing.

Teachers will be asking legislators to be held harmless from the ILEARN results; salary increases and removal of the 15-hour externship requirement, where teachers have to work in a community field to renew their teaching licenses. 

“We are supporting our teachers in the effort and trying to help them have their voices heard,” said Salem School Board President Rebecca White. She said canceling classes was the best way to do that due to a safety issue with reduced staff size. 

“Also it’s been difficult to find enough substitute teachers to cover for those teachers planning to go to Indianapolis,” she said. 

The Washington County Family YMCA Preschool at Bradie M. Shrum will also have the day off. 

East and West Washington School are planning on being in session on Nov. 19, although West Washington School Board did vote to allow ten teachers to attend the rally. 

Organization Day is made up of the swearing-in of new and returning General Assembly members as well as the annual first roll call of all state lawmakers. 

White said the day would be made up either in December or February. 

Featuring IU Southeast Orchestra IU Southeast Concert Choir & Community Chorus IU Southeast Concert Band featuring with special guest Rita Thomas as Mrs. Claus

Come join us for the annual IU Southeast Holiday Pops Spectacular! Kick-off the season with holiday favorites performed by the IU Southeast Orchestra, Choirs and Concert Band.

Mrs. Claus is coming to New Albany to spread some much-needed holiday cheer.

Grab your family and friends and enjoy an evening (or afternoon) of festive holiday music.

This event has sold out in the past so buy your tickets soon!

• Saturday, December 7 at 7:30 p.m.
• Sunday, December 8 3:00 p.m.
• Stem Concert Hall, Ogle Center
• Indiana University Southeast
• 4201 Grant Line Road New Albany, IN 47150

Tickets:

In Advance: $15 adults & seniors • $7 students

At the Door: $18 adults & seniors • $7 students

Tickets are available at the Ogle Center ticket office, by calling (812) 941-2525, or online at oglecenter.com

The Indiana State Police, along with the Orange County Sheriffs Department, arrested one of Louisville, Kentucky’s most wanted on Friday. 

Stacy Lewis Evans, age 50, of Louisville, Kentucky was arrested and charged with:

• Wanton Endangerment 1st Degree
• Assault 4th Degree (Child Abuse)
• Assault 4th Degree (Domestic Violence)
• Terroristic Threatening 3rd Degree
• Violation Of A Kentucky EPO/Flagrant Non Support

The Indiana State Police Jasper District’s All Crimes Policing Unit, ISP Troopers Weisenberger and Sexton, and Orange County Sheriffs Deputies Deaton and Tharp, located and arrested Stacy Lewis Evans in a residence north of Paoli. 

Evans was located in Orange County through dedicated investigative work by Troopers and Orange County Sheriffs Deputies.

Evans was arrested without incident and was incarcerated in the Orange County Jail.

This arrest was a joint effort by ISP Jasper All Crimes Policing Team, Jasper Troopers, ISP Telecommunications Operators, and the Orange County Sheriffs Department.

All suspects are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.