Today, at approximately 1:30 pm, the Indiana State Police began investigating a single-vehicle fatal crash in Jennings County, which claimed the life of a North Vernon, Indiana man.

The initial investigation by Trooper Jacob Tolle, Indiana State Police-Versailles Crash Reconstruction Team indicated that a white 2020 Kia Soul, being driven by Craig Coons, age 25, North Vernon, Indiana was traveling northbound on County Road 150 East near County Road 650 North in rural Jennings County.  For an unknown reason, Coons vehicle left the east side of the roadway, struck a utility pole, and overturned, coming to rest in the roadway.

Coons was ejected from the vehicle during the collision.  He sustained fatal injuries in the crash and was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Jennings County Coroner’s Office.

Coons was not properly restrained in the vehicle when the crash occurred.

It is unknown if alcohol or drugs were involved in the crash.  Toxicology results are pending at this time.

The investigation is ongoing.

Craig Coons’ family has been notified.

The Indiana State Police was assisted by the Jennings County Sheriff’s Office, Jennings County EMS, North Vernon Fire Department, Jennings County Coroner’s Office, and Lucas Wrecker Service.    

A 41-year-old Salem man was arrested by the Indiana State Police on Halloween night and charged with dealing Meth near Leesville and possession of a stolen gun. 

Michael Jason Chastain, 41 of Salem was arrested and incarcerated at the Lawrence County Jail for the following offenses:

1. Dealing Methamphetamine Over 10 Grams, Level 2 Felony
2. Possession of Methamphetamine Over 10 Grams with a Handgun, Level 3 Felony
3. Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, C Misdemeanor
4. Possession of a Stolen Firearm, Level 6 Felony

On October 31^st, the Indiana State Police Bloomington District A.C.E.S. (Aggressive Criminal Enforcement Section) and the Indiana State Police DES conducted a patrol in the Fort Ritner and Tunnelton areas after having received multiple tips from concerned citizens of drug activity in those areas.

While there, Sgt. Greg Day observed a white, 2013 Ford Focus traveling with a license plate that returned as BMV status “inactive”. 

Sgt. Day conducted a traffic stop near Leesville Road.

While speaking with the male driver, Michael Jason Chastain, 41 of Salem,  Sgt. Day observed indicators of criminal activity.

After Troopers Caleb Garvin and Richard Klun arrived to assist with the stop, Trooper Klun deployed his canine, Loki, who gave a positive alert to illegal controlled substances in the vehicle. 

A search of the vehicle revealed approximately 14 grams of methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, and a loaded handgun. 

The handgun was later found to be stolen out of Shelby County.

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

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

Monday, Nov. 11, is one of our country’s most important federal holidays. Veterans Day is an opportunity to honor all the men and women who have defended our country. Please thank these brave Hoosiers and Americans for their time, sacrifices and dedication to protecting our freedoms.

There are countless ways to say thank you and show your appreciation for the nearly 550,000 living Hoosiers who have served in one of our five-strong military branches. Consider volunteering at a veterans’ organization, such as a local VFW or American Legion, or buy a meal or cup of coffee for a veteran, or simply show your patriotism and fly your American flag.

In Indiana, we value our veterans and want to help them build a strong foundation as they return from service and resume civilian life. Our Next Level Veterans program provides these men and women the tools and resources to put the skills they gained in the military to use in our growing workforce. Learn more at IN.gov/veterans. In addition, through Indiana’s Veteran-Owned Small Business Program, we are ensuring some of our state contracts go to veteran-owned businesses, promoting the entrepreneurial roots our veterans are starting across Indiana.

To help veterans get access to all their benefits, the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs launched a new online portal recently. Veterans, spouses, and dependents can check eligibility for several benefits without an appointment or wait on hold over the phone. Visit in.gov/dva to learn more.

This holiday is not the same as Memorial Day, where we remember and pay our respects to those who gave their lives. Veterans Day is dedicated to every member of our armed forces, whether they served during times of peace or war, including all past members of our world’s best and most proud defense teams, those who are still living and the ones who have passed away.

We have been thanking veterans on Nov. 11 for 100 years. While the name of this important holiday changed over the decades, the meaning of it has always stayed the same. The men and women who have served in our armed forces are the reasons we have the freedoms we get to enjoy each and every day. This Veterans Day, please thank a veteran for their service, with a handshake or hug, or shop at their business or offer them a job on your team. To all our veterans, thank you for your courage and commitment to our community and country.

On Thursday, October 31^st, 2019, Mary Ann McRoberts turned herself into the Dubois County Jail on a warrant issued for Weapon/Instrument Of Violence while Provide False Statement In Purchase On ATF 4473, Level 6 Felony.

On September 30^th, 2019 McRoberts went to local business and tried to buy two handguns.

The purchase was denied on a background check.

McRoberts had a prior conviction on her criminal history that prevented her from possessing firearms.

McRoberts provided false information on the 4473 form, which is a felony.

A warrant was issued for her and she turned herself into the Dubois County Jail.

Arrested and Charges:

• Mary Ann McRoberts, Jasper, IN

1. Weapon/Instrument Of Violence Provide False Statement In Purchase On ATF 4473, Level 6 Felony

Investigating Officer: Master Trooper Brian LaRoche

NOTICE OF MEETING

WASHINGTON COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

November 5, 2019
Washington County Courthouse

Courtroom
99 Public Square
Salem, IN 47167
Executive Session- 7:30 A.M.

I. C. 5-14-1.5-6.1 (b) (2) (B) Initiation of litigation or litigation that is either pending or has been threatened specifically in writing.
I. C. 5-14-1.5-6.1 (9) To discuss job performance evaluation or individual employees. I. C. 5-14-1.5-6.1 (7) Discussion of records classified
as confidential by State or Federal Statute. IC 5-14-1.5-6.1(b)(6)(A) To receive information concerning an employee’s alleged misconduct. 
I. C. 5-14-1.5-6.1-(9) The implementation of security systems. And/ or any other matter subject to executive session stated
in I. C. 5-14-1.5-6.1(b) et. seq.

Open Session-9:00 A.M.
Agenda

9:00 – Approval of Claims/Payroll/Minutes
9:10 a.m. – Hoosier Uplands – OOR Grant (Housing)
9:20 a.m. – Hoosier Hills Pact – Office Space
9:30 a.m. – CASA – office space
9:40 a.m. – Bill Bradford – FireEye – secretary of state security system
9:50 a.m. – Christy Karmire – Master Gardeners
10:00 a.m. – Attorney Dustin Howard
10:10 a.m. – Kyra Stephenson

Other Business:

Yesterday evening around 8:51 P.M. at 609 North Dan Patch Drive in Oxford, IN a 911 call was received by the Benton County Dispatch of a female found unresponsive with a Reticulated Python wrapped around her neck. 

Medics arrived and attempted life-saving measures on Laura Hurst, 36 of Battle Ground, IN but were unsuccessful.

Of the 140 snakes at the location, approximately 20 belonged to Hurst.  She frequents the location approximately 2 times a week. 

An autopsy will be performed on Friday which will hopefully give us an official cause of death.

Senior Trooper Detective Josh Edwards is the lead investigator in the case with assistance from the Indiana State Police Crime Scene Investigator, Benton County Sheriff’s Office, Benton County EMS, and the Benton County Coroner’s Office.  The case is ongoing.

Washington County Farmers Merchants Fair Board has been working diligently on the new cattle barn project.  With a grant through Hoosier Uplands, the Fair Board has come a little bit closer to making this project possible.

Hoosier Uplands awarded the Washington County Fair Board $15,000 in grant money on November 29, 2019, to help with constructing this new building. 

Overall, the project is going to cost somewhere near $200,000.00. 

As of right now with donations and saving from the fair events over the years, the Fair Board is nearing its goal of that $200,000.00, according to Washington County Fair Board President Seth Purlee.

“We are still looking for sponsors and donors for the projectc” said Purlee.  “If there are any businesses, individuals, or others that are interested in helping to support this project, please feel free to contact the Fair Board to make a donation. All donations, big or small, will be on a sponsors’ sign that will hang permanently in the new cattle barns.”

This project will not only help the youth in our community, but it will also help in bringing other events to our fairgrounds, said Purlee. 

Centra Credit Union is donating $2,500 to the Washington County Food Bank. This donation is one of 41 grants of $2,500 each to non-profits within the communities Centra serves, totaling more than $100,000 in donations throughout Central and Southern Indiana.

Centra Team Members were asked to nominate the non-profits they feel passionate about supporting, and one non-profit was selected for each branch and department within Centra.

The Team from the Salem branch nominated the Washington County Food Bank.

“Centra Team Members love being able to support the causes they care about through this program, and we are proud to be able to support the communities we serve with these donations,” said Centra Community Involvement Officer Jenni Carr. “We chose to support many local non-profits, along with a few national organizations like the American Red Cross and American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.”

The Washington County Food Bank distributes food donations to Washington County residents in need.

“This non-profit works to make our community better and improve the lives of people here at home. It is an honor to be able to support their mission,” Chris Bottorff, Centra Southern Region President and Chief Sales Officer, said.

Selected organizations are currently being notified of the donations with the funds being delivered to the selected non-profits by the end of November.

“These wonderful organizations support a similar mission and serve the local communities where Centra has a presence. Credit Unions were built on the premise of People Helping People, and we are excited to provide support to these causes,” Centra President and CEO Rick Silvers said.