U.S. Senator Joe Donnelly announced today that he opposes Judge Brett Kavanaugh’s nomination to the Supreme Court:

“I do not view Supreme Court vacancies through a partisan lens, which is why I have used the same thorough process to evaluate nominees regardless of who the president is at the time. That was the case regarding the nomination of Judge Garland and also when I voted for Justice Gorsuch, who was President Trump’s first nominee. It has remained my approach with Judge Kavanaugh.

“As I have made clear before, sexual assault has no place in our society. When it does occur, we should listen to the survivors and work to ensure it never happens again. That should not be a partisan issue.

“My job as a Senator is to gather as much information as I can to make the best-informed decision. The allegations made against Judge Kavanaugh are disturbing and credible. In the interest of getting as much information as possible, I believe the allegations should be investigated by the FBI.

“Unfortunately, despite having the time and opportunity to do so, Senator McConnell has refused to allow that FBI investigation. Even the American Bar Association, which has previously rated Judge Kavanaugh as ‘well qualified’ has called for an FBI investigation, where we could learn more information and other potential witnesses could be interviewed.

“I have deep reservations about Judge Kavanaugh’s nomination to this lifetime position and, as I stated, we have been unable to get all the information necessary regarding this nomination, despite my best efforts. Only 113 people have ever served on the Supreme Court, and I believe that we must do our level best to protect its sanctity.

“While I would gladly welcome the opportunity to work with President Trump on a new nominee for this critically important position, if Judge Kavanaugh’s nomination comes before the full Senate for a vote under these circumstances, I will oppose it.”

Yesterday, Indiana State Police Detectives arrested a Seymour, Indiana man for Child Molesting following a four month investigation.

The investigation by Detective Jason Duncan, Indiana State Police-Versailles, began in May of this year when a female came forward to report she had been molested by Jerry W. Rice, age 73, on multiple occasions in the early to mid-nineties when she was between 3 and 9 years old. 

The female reported that the alleged incidents occurred at a home owned by Rice in rural Jackson County.

Through the course of the investigation, Det. Duncan located a second victim of Rice who had not come forward until now. 

The second victim told investigators that Rice molested her in the mid-eighties in Vallonia, Indiana.

At the conclusion of the investigation, the Indiana State Police submitted the case to the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office for review. 

Yesterday, September 27th, the Indiana State Police served an arrest warrant on Jerry Rice.  He was arrested at his residence in Jackson County without further incident.

Rice was charged with two counts of Child Molesting, Class A Felony, and two counts of Child Molesting, Class C Felony.  He was incarcerated at the Jackson County Jail pending his initial court appearance in the Jackson Circuit Court.

The American Red Cross, Actors Theatre, Fifth Third Bank and 106.9 Play are teaming up for a “spook-tak-ular” cause: a blood drive guaranteed to terrify vampires and help patients in need this fall.

The 13th Annual Dracula Blood Drive will take place Wednesday, Sept. 6, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. downtown on Fourth Street Live, 401 S. Fourth St., (in front of Fifth Third Bank).

All presenting donors will be entered into a drawing to win a pair of tickets to an upcoming performance of Fifth Third Bank’s “Dracula”, as well as receive a coupon for a free haircut from Sport Clips and enjoy free pizza from Birracibo and a free pint of ice cream courtesy of Velvet Ice Cream, while supplies last.

“For 12 years, Actors Theatre and Fifth Third Bank have helped give back to the community by collecting 500 pints of lifesaving blood and helping to increase the blood supply,” said Todd Wagner, director of donor recruitment, American Red Cross River Valley Blood Services Region.

“We thank them and the generous donors and volunteers who come out every year to help make this drive a success for patients.”

Just as blood represents life to Dracula, it helps to save lives of hospital patients in need. Every two seconds in the United States blood is needed to respond to patient emergencies, including accident and burn victims, heart surgery and organ transplant patients, and those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease.

The Red Cross must collect approximately 14,000 blood and platelet donations every day for the patients at about 2,600 hospitals nationwide.

Deer archery season begins Oct. 1, and hunters have several choices in deer license they can purchase.

A deer bundle license can be used in all seasons (except the deer reduction zone season) and gives the hunter the privilege to harvest up to three deer (3 antlerless OR 1 antlered and 2 antlerless deer).

If you hunt in more than one season, this is the license deal for you. Season dates, legal equipment, and all other deer hunting laws apply. 

Cost: 

• • $65 for Indiana residents

• • $295 for non-residents

• • $65 for non-resident youth

Resident youth must purchase a youth hunt/trap combo license, which includes deer hunting privileges.

You can get your license clicking here

After reviewing the crash investigation that killed Trevor Watt, 19, of Princeton and James Gasaway, 20, of Haubstadt, the Gibson County Prosecutor’s Office issued an arrest warrant yesterday for Ashley Sanders, 25, of Patoka.

Arrested and charged was Ashley Sanders, 25, of Patoka, IN

• 2 Counts – Operating While Intoxicated Resulting in Death (Alcohol), Level 4 Felony
• 2 Counts – Operating While Intoxicated Resulting in Death (Meth), Level 4 Felony 

Both men were killed September 1st when Sanders struck their vehicle on Old US 41 north of Princeton near CR 225 North.

During the course of the crash investigation, Troopers were able to determine that Sanders was allegedly driving her 2013 Chrysler 2000 at a minimum of 98 mph before striking the rear of Watt’s vehicle.

As a result of the crash, Watt and Gasaway died at the scene. Both men were wearing their seat belts, but died of blunt force trauma. 

Further investigation also revealed Sanders had a blood alcohol content of .27% and allegedly had marijuana and methamphetamine in her system.

Sanders was arrested at her residence at approximately 6:30 this morning without incident and taken to the Gibson County Jail where she is currently being held without bond.

Investigating Officer: Trooper Jonathan Lukeman, Indiana State Police

Assisting Officer: Master Trooper Randy Huddleston, Indiana State Police

Assisting Agency: Gibson County Sheriff’s Department

An Alexandria man who was wanted on warrants was arrested last evening after a trooper driving through Middletown recognized the man as he stood in the driveway of a residence. 

Around 6:30 p.m. Thursday evening, Trooper Mark Hanna was driving through Middletown on Crestview Drive when he noticed a man standing in the driveway of a residence that looked like a man Hanna knew was wanted on warrants for Burglary and Theft out of Madison County.

Trooper Hanna stopped and activated his police car lights before getting out and walking up to the man.  Hanna was able to identify the man as Russell Ancil, age 61 of Alexandria, and that he was wanted on Felony warrants out of Madison County.

Ancil, who was taken into custody without incident, was also found to be in possession of Methamphetamine. Russell Ancil was lodged in the Henry County Jail on the arrest warrants from Madison County and was also charged with Level 6 Felony Possession of Methamphetamine.

Anyone with information about illegal activity may call the Indiana State Police Drug Tip Line at 1-800-453-4756, or the Pendleton Post at 765-778-2121. Tips can be made and kept anonymous.