On October 11, 2018, at 1:53 a.m. Deputy Ben Kiesel clocked a vehicle traveling Southbound in excess of 105 mph on Interstate 69 in Gibson County. Upon catching up to the Silver 2012 Volkswagon Jetta Deputy Kiesel approached the vehicle and identified the driver as 22 year old Francisco Rodriguez Hernandez of Washington, Indiana. After a brief roadside investigation Mr. Hernandez was taken into custody and transported to the Gibson County Jail. Mr. Hernandez is charged with Reckless Driving and has since posted a $900 bond.
Assisting Deputy Kiesel in his investigation was Deputy Loren Barchett.
All Criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Temperature drop should bring out fall colors
After recent weeks of hotter-than-usual weather, this week’s significant drop in temperature across the state should get things moving toward the fall colors Hoosiers love.
The best fall color formation happens with bright, warm days, cool nights and moist soils, according to Carrie Tauscher, the DNR Division of Forestry’s Community & Urban Forestry program coordinator.
While all of Indiana has experienced bright, warm days, overnight lows and soil moistures have varied dramatically throughout the state.
Nonetheless, the tourist towns of southern Indiana such as Nashville, Madison and Medora shouldn’t fret, Tauscher said. Sassafras and sweetgum trees in forest understories and along roadsides regularly give a great show of red, orange and yellow.
If you plan to go sightseeing for fall colors, you can contact the Purdue Extension office in the county of your destination for a report. Another option is to call the nearest state park. Colors vary statewide, and from county to county.
“With all the events going on in parks and orchards and other fall destinations, you’re going to enjoy the ambiance no matter what,” Tauscher said. “Just get outside and enjoy the fall.”
Leaves produce pigments that give them color. During spring and summer, the green pigment, chlorophyll, is dominant. When days become shorter, other pigments in the leaf become visible as the amount of chlorophyll dwindles.
The full forest show in central Indiana should begin in the next two to four weeks, depending on weather, and continue for several weeks as long as the state doesn’t experience windy storms, Tauscher said.
Once the leaves fall, Tauscher said Hoosiers should consider mulching their yard leaves instead of bagging them and sending them to a landfill. One option is to mow leaves and let them be absorbed into the lawn, providing nutrients for the next growing season. Another use is to layer them onto planting beds, which provides nutrients and protection against wind erosion.
“It kills me when people throw all those good leaves to the curb,” she said.
Lane Closures Scheduled SR 62 Border Bridge Near Mt. Vernon
POSEY COUNTY, Ind. – The Indiana Department of Transportation announces lane closures for the State Road 62 Wabash Memorial Bridge.
Beginning on Monday Oct. 15, crews will begin their biennial inspection of the bridge spanning the Wasbash River. This is a routine inspection, scheduled every two years, to insure all components of the bridge are working properly. During the inspection crews will look for normal signs of wear as well as any wear that could potentially pose a hazard to motorists.
Crews will bring the two-lane bridge down to one lane controlled by flaggers. The inspection is expected to take about five days depending upon weather conditions. Restrictions will be in place from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. local time.
INDOT urges drivers to slow down and stay alert near crews.
Additional Information in Sullivan Death Investigation
Sullivan County—Thursday afternoon an autopsy was conducted on the deceased female involved in a standoff with police Wednesday afternoon at 907 West State Road 154 in Sullivan. The autopsy was conducted at Terre Haute Regional Hospital by pathologist Dr. Roland Kohr. Indiana State Police and Sullivan County Coroner Mary Ann Dudley have made a positive identification.
The deceased has been identified as 49-year-old Leslie Shayne Miller of 309 S. Jackson Street in Shelburn.
Preliminary autopsy results indicate the cause of death as Gunshot wounds to the chest.
Family has been notified.
Troopers involved in the police action shooting are Indiana State Police Sergeant George Smith with 23 year of service. Senior Trooper Derrek Simpson with 11 years of service, and Trooper Coty Seifert with 5 years of service. All Troopers are assigned to the South Zone Emergency Response Team.
The investigation is ongoing by Detectives from the Indiana State Police Putnamville Post. Once the ISP investigation is complete, the report will be submitted to the Sullivan County Prosecutor’s Office for a full review.
Assisting is lead ISP Detective Angie Hahn, Sullivan County Coroner May Ann Dudley, Dr. Roland Kohr and the Sullivan County Prosecutors Office.
As Temps Dip, Play It Safe With Your Heating Sources
After a warm start to fall, cooler temperatures are finally expected this weekend. Hoosiers using alternative heating methods to avoid the furnace a bit longer should exercise caution.
“During the months of October through December, fire-related deaths increase because of alternative heating sources,” said State Fire Marshal James Greeson. “These heating sources are the leading cause of all home fires for the calendar year so sharing information about their dangers is vital.”
Greeson advises Hoosiers to take precautions if alternative sources are in use. Here are a few tips to safely stay warm this season:
Keep at least a 3-foot perimeter around space heaters at all times. The space prevents the chances of something getting caught and catching on fire.
Space heaters should be kept away from loose or flammable objects such as clothing, curtains, bedding and furniture.
Appliances such as ovens should never be used for heating. Doing so can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning and other safety hazards.
Fireplaces are common alternative heat sources but pose many hazards if proper maintenance is neglected. Greeson also warns that a fire left unattended may expand to uncontrollable levels and spread to other areas of the home.
Fireplaces should be regularly cleaned and inspected by a certified professional.
Use only dry, seasoned firewood to prevent buildup of creosote, a buildup on chimney walls of a flammable tar deposited from wood smoke.
Fires should always be extinguished before going to bed or leaving the home.
Working smoke alarms are especially important in the winter months because of the hazards created by alternative heating sources. Every second counts during a fire, and smoke alarms can double the likelihood of survival.
Install smoke alarms on every level and outside each sleeping area of the building.
Consider purchasing a carbon monoxide alarm, especially if the home uses gas appliances or gasoline-powered heaters.
Smoke alarms should be tested every month to make sure they are still working.
Marshal Greeson wants Hoosiers to know there are options besides alternative heating sources that can help stay warm and save money on heating bills.
“Some of them may seem odd, but depending on the situation, these methods can help keep Hoosiers warm without the fire hazard of alternative heating devices,” Greeson said.
Wear thick, warm clothing such as socks, slippers, sweaters and long underwear.
Caulking windows and doors helps stop drafts and decrease heat loss. Fewer drafts can help preserve body heat.
Staying active indoors can help with increasing body heat. Some activities to consider are dancing, cleaning and working out.
For more tips on alternative heat safety, as well as fire safety, visit GetPrepared.in.gov
Rotary Donates Dictionaries To Allendale Students
Rotarians Bill Hudson and Bob Bowser (Superintendent/Principal) delivered dictionaries to third grade students at Allendale Elementary School.
Third grade students in the picture are (front row) Logan Doerr, Tiffany Smith-Terry, William Hammond, Adrienne Lawrence, Gabby Schneider, Joel Schneider, (back row) Conner McGinnis, Keilob Barnett-Escobedo, Jacie Spore, Stetson Potts, Reese Price, Emma Ford. Each year the Mt. Carmel Rotary Club gives all third grade student in Wabash County their own personal dictionary. Allendale Elementary School wishes to thank the Mt. Carmel Rotary Club for tackling this project every year.
Oakland City Man Arrested On Various Charges After Running Stop Sign
On 10/12/2018 Mt. Carmel Police arrested 58 year old Timothy S. Sweeney of Oakland City. Police stopped a 2002 Chevrolet in the 500 block of Walnut Street after it disobeyed the stop sign at 5th and Poplar Street. During the traffic stop it was discovered that Sweeney was operating the vehicle on a suspended driver's license. A search incident to an arrest resulted in police locating suspected methamphetamine in the pocket of Sweeney. Police also discovered an expandable baton in the driver's side door of the vehicle and over $1600.00 in cash. Police transported Sweeney to the Wabash County Jail where he was charged with driving while license is suspended, unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon, delivery of methamphetamine, and unlawful use of property/methamphetamine. Sweeney is being held in the Wabash County Jail pending the posting of bond.
Harassment Leads To Arrest For Order Of Protection Violation
10/12/2018-Mt. Carmel Police arrested 33 year old Matthew R. Howard of Mt. Carmel after police were notified that he violated an order of protection. The complainant advised that Howard continued to harass her after an order of protection was filed against him. Howard is accused of sending the complainant text messages and calling her throughout the evening. Police located Howard and placed him under arrest. Howard was held pending the posting of $750.00 cash.
Woman Arrested For Violating Order Of Protection
10/08/2018-Mt. Carmel Police arrested 39 year old Doreen K. Powell of Mt. Carmel after police responded to a violation of an order protection complaint at 1901 N. Cherry Street. Police were notified that Powell was living within 500 feet of a protected person named on an order of protection where Powell was the respondent. Police located Powell and found her to actually be 105 feet from the protected person's property. Powell was transported to the Wabash County Jail and held pending the setting of bond.
911 Misdial Leads To Arrest Of Mt. Carmel Man
10/07/2018-Mt. Carmel Police arrested 43 year old Darick L. Loving of Mt. Carmel after police were investigating a 911 misdial at IGA. Police responding to the 911 call noticed Loving exiting the store and knew he was wanted on a Wabash County failure to appear warrant. Loving was taken into custody and transported to the Wabash County Jail where he was served the $200.00 cash bond warrant.
