A 61-year-old Austin woman is in jail after a traffic stop yielded about $4,000 worth of drugs in the vehicle.

Julie Smith, 61, of York Road in Austin, was arrested for Unlawful Possession of a Syringe, Dealing in Methamphetamine, Possession of Methamphetamine, Dealing in a Schedule I, II, III or IV Controlled Substance, Possession of a Schedule I, II, III or IV Controlled Substance, Possession of Marijuana, Maintaining a Common Nuisance and Possession of Paraphernalia. 

On October 28, 2019, Scott County Sheriff’s Deputy Kenton Makowsky conducted a traffic stop in Austin and was assisted by Deputy Johnney Coomer. 

During the investigation over 64 grams of Methamphetamine, over 25 grams of Marijuana, over 30 syringes, nine controlled substance pills, and paraphernalia were located. (Rough estimate street total valued at nearly $3,500.00)

This evening at approximately 5:40 p.m., an Indiana State Police Capitol Officer was involved in a two-vehicle accident at 8th Avenue and North 30th Street, in Terre Haute, in which the Capitol Officer was injured. 

The preliminary crash investigation by Trooper Kyle Hall of the Putnamville Post revealed that Shae A. Shelton, age 19, of Terre Haute, IN, was driving a 2013 Chrysler 200 southbound on North 30th Street. 

Shelton failed to observe a 2015 Dodge Charger, traveling westbound on 8th Avenue, driven by Indiana State Police Capitol Officer Charles D. Meneely Jr., 38, also of Terre Haute.  Shelton pulled into the westbound lane of 8th Avenue, directly into the path of Officer Meneely, and was struck by his 2015 Dodge Charger.

The crash impact caused Officer Meneely’s car to spin, coming to rest in the eastbound lane of 8th Avenue.  Shelton’s vehicle left the roadway and came to a stop on the south side of 8th Avenue.  

Officer Meneely was transported from the crash scene, via ambulance, to Union Hospital.  He suffered non-life threatening injuries.  Shelton was not injured from the accident.

Drugs and alcohol are not a factor in the accident.

Trooper Hall was assisted at the crash scene by Putnamville State Police Officers Sergeant Joe Rutledge, Sergeant Kris Fitzgerald, Master Trooper Chip McKee, Master Trooper Todd Brown and Senior Trooper Tim Radar.  

On Friday evening, Indiana State Police Detective Brandon Davenport received the 2019 Voice of Freedom Award from Restored Inc. for “Exemplar Actions in the Pursuit of Justice for Victims of Human Trafficking”. The award ceremony took place at The Willows in Indianapolis.

The Restored Inc. vision is to provide services, outreach, and education to young girls between the ages of 11-24 who have been victimized by domestic sex trafficking and sexual exploitation. Restored attempts to combat cultural trends and ignorance that continue to let human trafficking become more prevalent and readily used within the American culture.

Restored CEO Tracy McDaniel helps formulate statewide strategies to address domestic and international human trafficking through victim services, law enforcement coordination, and awareness. McDaniel also partners with Indiana State Government, non-profit leaders, community members, and local, state, and federal law enforcement to provide victims and outreach services.

Davenport is a 13 year veteran of the State Police and has served as a full-time Human Trafficking Investigator in the Special Investigation Section for the last three years. 

Earlier today, Trooper Brandon Farias was patrolling in downtown New Albany when he was alerted to a possible stolen vehicle located at 521 E. 8th Street.

When Trooper Farias stopped at the residence, he encountered Valchas L. Doss, 44, who resides at the same address.  

During his investigation, Trooper Farias located a White, 2008 Chrysler 300 in Doss’s possession; the car was reported stolen out of Louisville, KY.

As the investigation continued, Valchas Doss was found to possess suspected methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, and marijuana in addition to illegally possessing a handgun.

Doss also violated several protective orders which prohibited him from staying at the residence.  

Valchas Doss was arrested and transported to the Floyd County Jail without incident.

Troopers Zach Smith and Justin Mears assisted in the investigation as well as Officer Applegate from the New Albany Police Department.  

Valchas Doss is charged with the following: 

1. Auto Theft (Prior) – Level 5 Felony 
2. Dealing in Methamphetamine – Level 2 Felony 
3. Dealing in a Narcotic Drug – Level 4 Felony 
4. Possession of Methamphetamine – Level 6 Felony 
5. Possession of Cocaine – Level 6 Felony 
6. Possession of a Handgun without Permit – Level 2 Felony 
7. Invasion of Privacy (3 counts) – Level 6 Felony 
8. Possession of Marijuana – A Misdemeanor 

The Indiana Department of Transportation announces a large structure replacement project for State Road 37 in English.

Beginning on or around Monday Nov. 4, contractors will close S.R. 37 just under two miles north of S.R. 64 to replace the drainage structure over Bird Hollow Creek.

During this time, crews will completely replace the drainage structure requiring a full road closure.

Work is scheduled to last until early January depending upon weather condition.

During that time, local residents will have access up to the point of closure, however all other traffic will need to use the official detour using S.R. 64, S.R. 66 and U.S. 150.

INDOT urges drivers to slow down and stay alert near crews.

The Salem High School Marching Band won the Indiana State School Music Association’s Scholastic Class State Finals in Class B on Saturday. 

The competition was held at Lawrence Central High School in Indianapolis on Saturday, Oct. 26. 

Eastern High School’s band finished fourth, with Henryville finishing fifth. 

Washington High School was second and Madison Consolidated finished third. 

It’s that time of year when kids are looking forward to dressing up in their favorite costumes and spending time with family and friends trick or treating!  Although everyone loves to get lots of candy and have fun, the most important thing is safety while trick or treating, and making sure everyone gets home safely!

Listed below are some safety tips that the Indiana State Police Jasper Post would like to provide.

1)      Know what the dates and times are in your local community for trick or treating.

2)      Make sure that you have a flashlight, glow stick, or reflective material on the costume so that you can be seen at all times.

3)      Always trick or treat with an adult or in a group and use the buddy system when going from house to house.

4)      Please walk on the sidewalks and not in the roadway and make sure that you look both directions before crossing the roadway.

5)      Only go trick or treating at houses where the front porch light is on.

6)      Take masks off between houses so that you can see where you are walking. 

7)      Only accept treats at the doorway of the house.  Never enter the house of a stranger.

8)      If a trick or treater gets separated from the group, have them stay where they are located and ask an adult for help. 

9)      Have an adult inspect the candy before it is eaten. 

10)   If you’re not actively participating in trick or treating and are out driving, we ask that you please slow down and drive with caution.           

The Indiana State Police Jasper Post hopes that these few safety tips help you enjoy your night out with friends and family while trick or treating!

Officials with Indiana’s Department of Natural Resources are investigating after a body was pulled from the Ohio River in New Albany on Sunday.

The body was discovered just after 4 p.m. near Silver Creek. 

Officials say a cause of death will not be determined until an autospy is completed this week.