With severe weather a possibility the next couple of days, Wabash County EMA Director Mark Majors reports that the storm siren in Keensburg is down and inoperable. He said parts have been ordered and will be installed once they’re delivered. Wabash County is covered by a total of six storms with three of them in the city of Mt. Carmel and the other three are in the county. Residents in Keensburg should not rely on the storm sirens until further notice and have another way to receive severe weather warnings.
Name Release of Sullivan County Deputies in Officer-Involved Shooting
Sullivan County Sheriff Jason Bobbitt has requested that the Indiana State Police release additional information regarding the officer-involved shooting that occurred on April 10, 2024.
The autopsy and forensic evidence have revealed that Cameron Lee Atkins, age 54, of Sullivan, Indiana, did die as the result of a gunshot wound by law enforcement officers. On the afternoon of April 10, 2024. Sullivan County deputies were serving a protective order at 1839 Tulip Tree Lane. During the course of serving the protective order, Atkins pointed a firearm at deputies. The deputies then drew their department-issued handguns, shooting Atkins.
Deputy Phelan (PJ) Montgomery and Deputy Hunter Givens, both of the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Department, were involved in the officer-involved shooting. Both deputies have been placed on administrative leave which is customary in an officer-involved shooting. Deputy Phelan has four years of law enforcement experience and Deputy Givens has three years of law enforcement experience.
This is an active and ongoing Indiana State Police investigation. There is no further information to release at this time. Upon completion of their investigation, Indiana State Police Detectives will submit a full report of the incident to the Sullivan County Prosecutor’s Office for review and determination of charges, if any, to be filed.
Under the law, criminal charges are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
*Original Release Below*
INDIANA STATE POLICE CONDUCTS OFFICER-INVOLVED SHOOTING INVESTIGATION IN SULLIVAN
Sullivan, IN – On Wednesday, April 10, Sullivan County Sheriff Jason Bobbitt requested Indiana State Police Detectives and Crime Scene Investigators investigate an officer-involved shooting with two deputies from the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Department.
According to the initial stages of the investigation, the two deputies fired their department-issued handguns after a male subject, identified as Cameron Lee Atkins, Age 54, of Sullivan, pointed a firearm at them. The deputies had responded to the Atkins residence, 1839 Tulip Tree Lane, at approximately 3:30 p.m. to address the specifics of a protective order that had been served to Atkins earlier in the day. The protective order was in response to an incident on Tuesday evening where several police agencies responded to a domestic incident between Atkins and a female. This evening, at approximately 4 p.m., the deputies contacted the sheriff's office and advised shots had been fired, resulting in Atkins being shot. First aid was immediately rendered to Atkins, yet he succumbed to the injuries.
The two deputies have been placed on administrative leave per department policy. The Sullivan County Coroner’s Office has been contacted, and an autopsy is pending.
Master Trooper Detective Don Curtis is the lead investigator in this incident. Once his investigation is complete, a full report will be submitted to the Sullivan County Prosecutor’s Office for review.
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Dearborn woman arrested on OWI charge
On April 12, 2024, at 12:04 p.m. Gibson County Central Dispatch received a report of a suspicious person in the parking lot located near 7600 South Professional Drive. The caller advised that the female was in a Gray Toyota passenger car and was very belligerent. Deputy Bryan Small of the Gibson County Sheriff’s Office as well as Jason Wright of the Haubstadt Police Department were dispatched to the scene. Upon arriving in the area Officer Wright advised that the vehicle had left and went into the Indian Hills area. Deputy Small located the vehicle on County Road 180 East and identified the driver as 42 year old Rebecca Lutz of Dearborn, Indiana. While speaking with Ms. Lutz Deputy Small detected clues that Ms. Lutz was under the influence of an unknown intoxicant. At that point he began a roadside OWI investigation. During this investigation Deputy Small spoke with multiple witnesses, and administered Standard Field Sobriety Tests to Ms. Lutz. At the conclusion of his investigation he transported Ms. Lutz to the Gibson County Jail where she was charged with Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated and Public Intoxication.
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Single vehicle accident leads to arrest of Tennessee man on multiple charges
On April 12, 2024, at 4:35 p.m. off duty Gibson County Deputy Michael Owens came up on a single vehicle accident on Interstate 69 near the 37 Mile Marker. Deputy Owens notified Central Dispatch of the accident and Deputy Eric Powell a deputy who was working at the time was dispatched to the scene. Upon arriving Deputy Eric Powell observed an Orange and White 2017 Chevy Van had left the roadway and entered a ditch where it traveled approximately 500 feet. While investigating the incident Deputy Powell observed a clear plastic baggie hanging out of the pocket of 46 year old Kenneth Oritz’s pocket. At that point Deputy Powell with the assistance of Deputy Michael Owens, Sgt. Loren Barchett, and Special Deputy James Tucker began a roadside OWI/Drug investigation.
When the investigation was completed Deputy Powell placed Mr. Ortiz, a Jackson, Tennessee resident into custody and transported him to the Gibson County Jail. Upon arriving at the jail Mr. Ortiz was charged with:
Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated/ Drug
Possession of Heroin
Possession of Methamphetamines
Possession of Marijuana
2 counts of Possession of Paraphernalia.
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Wabash District #348 School Board Agenda
School board meets Monday at 7pm at MCGS.
Disturbance call leads to arrest of Princeton duo on drug charges
On April 11, 2024, at 7:41 p.m. Gibson County Central Dispatch received a report of a disturbance in the 1100 block of South Gibson Street in Princeton. Deputies with the Gibson County Sheriff’s Office went enroute to the residence and upon arriving on scene they detected the odor of burnt Marijuana coming from a recreational vehicle. At that point they knocked on the door and spoke with 46 year old Gianna Reynolds and 68 year old Michael Morrow both of Princeton. Upon speaking with both parties they conducted an investigation into the nature of the disturbance. Once that was concluded they began a drug investigation. At the conclusion of both investigation both Ms. Reynolds and Mr. Morrow were placed into custody and transported to the Gibson County Jail.
Upon arriving at the Jail Mr. Morrow was charged with:
Possession of Paraphernalia
Possession of Methamphetamines
Possession of Marijuana.
Ms. Reynolds was charged with:
Possession of Paraphernalia
Possession of Methamphetamines
Arresting Officer was Deputy Eric Powell and he was assisted in his investigation by Sgt. Loren Barchett and Deputy Wyatt Hunt. Also assisting in this investigation were Princeton Officers David Jones and Bryce Jutzi.
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Holcomb announces direct flight service from Evansville to Chicago
New American Airlines route set to advance vibrancy of Southwest
Indiana region, supporting continued economic development, talent retention and attraction
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – Governor Eric J. Holcomb announced today a reinstatement of the nonstop flight from Evansville to Chicago that will increase quality of place and critical connectivity for businesses, talent and travelers in southwest Indiana.
"This is a big win, not just for Southwest Indiana, but for the entire state,” Gov. Holcomb said. “A direct flight from Evansville to the third largest city in the country will be a conduit for economic growth, business development and limitless opportunities for Hoosiers.”
Indiana Secretary of Commerce David Rosenberg joined executives of the Evansville Regional Airport (EVV) to announce that American Airlines will relaunch its route between Evansville and Chicago this fall.
“The new flight between Evansville and Chicago is a significant step forward in increasing connectivity to this major metro, as well as national and international hubs for Hoosier businesses, talent and residents,” said Sec. Rosenberg. “This will create more opportunities to attract new investment and residents, welcome even more visitors to our state and accelerate community assets that will advance quality of life in southwest Indiana.”
The flights, which will begin Sept. 4, will offer twice-daily service to Chicago O’Hare Airport (ORD), American Airlines’ Midwest hub, connecting travelers with one stop to more than 120 domestic and international destinations. Operating on a CRJ 200 aircraft, the flights will have 50 seats onboard. Flights to Chicago will depart Evansville in the morning and afternoon and return to Evansville in the afternoon and evening. Tickets will go on sale April 15 through at aa.com or through American’s mobile app.
“American looks forward to beginning service between our Chicago hub and Evansville this September,” said Joe Sottile, American Airlines Director of Domestic Network Planning. “Complementing our existing flights to Dallas/Fort Worth and Charlotte, the addition of service to ORD will offer customers convenient one-stop access between Evansville and more than 200 cities across our global network.”
Connectivity is a major component of the state’s commitment to increase economic development and quality of place. The availability of nonstop air service is considered imperative for businesses when selecting locations for investment and is a key resource for businesses and talent located in Indiana. It is estimated that the reestablished route will further expand the more than $120.9 million annual impact the airport already has on the greater Evansville region, supporting the growth of global businesses currently located here or considering southwest Indiana for their home, and enhancing the overall quality of life for area residents.
“EVV’s new Chicago service is a testament to solid community support and more passengers choosing to Fly EVV First, coupled with strong partnerships at the state and airline level,” said Nate Hahn, EVV Executive Director. “We appreciate American Airlines’ continued commitment to the Evansville market, and we are grateful for the State of Indiana’s investments that have empowered airline growth at EVV.”
This flight will bolster overall community development investments being made throughout southwest Indiana through the Indiana Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI). Through this nationally recognized initiative to cultivate vibrant, modern and sustainable communities that attract and retain top talent, the state is investing $95 million in the southwest Indiana region through READI and READI 2.0. This investment is being leveraged with additional local public, private and nonprofit dollars to accelerate community-focused investments in assets like housing, infrastructure, entrepreneurship and innovation, parks, trails and greenspaces, arts and culture, and health and wellness.
“The connectivity created by this new route is critical not only for future economic development in the Evansville region, but also for many businesses already here today,” said Evansville Mayor Stephanie Terry. “I’m excited not only for the opportunities that this route provides for our business community, but also for the convenience it offers to our residents as they travel in their leisure time. Today’s announcement is a win for Evansville on every level.”
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WCHD & County Board Spar Over Time Clock
The Wabash County Health Department and Wabash County Commissioners continue to butt heads. The latest dispute centers around time keeping checks and balances.
At a special health board meeting Wednesday, administrator Judy Wissel said the health department’s current time clock was installed in October of 2022 following questions spurred by commissioner Rob Dean. In early 2023, Wissel said commissioners requested copies of time clock reports to which she explained the limitations of the time clock reports as far as holiday, sick, PTO, and flex time pay.
Then on February 23rd of this year, the health department received a FOIA request for time clock reports. Wissel said that resulted in health board chairman Darrell Thompson reporting time clock reports “not matching”. She said after the issue was discussed, it appeared cleared up. Thompson did not attend Wednesday’s special meeting.
But then, on April 1st, Wissel said when she arrived at the county commissioner meeting, Dean and Thompson were engaged in a conversation after which Dean requested an executive session which included Thompson. That evening, Wissel said she spoke with county board chairman Scott West who told her to do “whatever we needed to do” to get the payroll system to match. After attempting to explain the issues, Wissel said West told her she “just needed to fix it.” West told Wissel if employees were out of town at meetings they needed to drive back to the office to clock in and out.
Wissel said she and Audra Spray spent countless hours researching time clock capabilities to figure out how to record PTO, holidays, etc. by manually inserting them into the time clock.
This isn’t the first time the health department has encountered issues from the county board and Wissel told the health board Wednesday that there’ll probably always be something…
The health department is the only county department that the county board has ordered to use a time clock for its’ employees. Health board member Theresa Marcotte said that fact sends a bad message to health department workers…
Health board member Dr. Bryce Miller said the untold hours spent chasing down reports for the county board are hours that could’ve been better spent….
Miller said it’s ironic that if saving money is the goal, a lot of time and money has been wasted on this issue….
Wissel’s frustration centered on the health department’s employees being held to a higher standard than other county workers….
When the dust settled, county board chairman Scott West, who is also a health board member, assured Wissel and other health board members that the issue will be resolved once and for all if a new time clock system is installed. County commissioners will look into a new time clock system for the health department it deems acceptable. Health board members said the county should split the cost of the new system with the health department since they find the system bought two years as unacceptable.
New City Budget Looking Tight
The city of Mt. Carmel’s new fiscal year starts May 1st and at their meeting last week, the city council heard from city clerk Ryan Turner who says the new $4.2 million budget won’t allow for much wiggle room…
Turner said the city has had close to $250,000 in insurance claims from storm damage. He said that fact is causing city departments on turning in certain insurance which could drive rates up even more. Other areas that are costlier for the city are health insurance and utilities. But all in all, Turner said city finances are “doing great.”
Hoosier Motorists Use Caution- 2024 Planting Season Gets Underway Increasing Presence of Farm Implements on our Roadways
As Indiana’s planting season quickly approaches, the Indiana State Police emphasizes the importance of cautious driving and heightened awareness when encountering farm equipment on the roads. With farmers preparing to work their fields, large agricultural machinery will soon become a common sight along rural routes and highways.
The presence of farm equipment on roadways poses unique challenges for both drivers and operators. These machines are often large, slow-moving, and may obstruct visibility. Therefore, it is imperative for all road users to remain vigilant and patient.
To ensure the safety of everyone on the road, the Indiana State Police offer the following tips:
Stay Alert: Keep a lookout for slow-moving farm equipment, especially on rural roads. Be prepared to slow down or stop if necessary.
Maintain a Safe Distance: Keep a safe distance when following farm equipment. These vehicles may need to make sudden stops or turns.
Pass with Caution: If you need to pass farm equipment, do so with extreme caution. Only pass when it is safe and legal to do so, ensuring there is enough room to maneuver safely.
Use Signals: Signal your intentions early when approaching or passing farm equipment. This allows operators to anticipate your movements and adjust accordingly.
Be Patient: Remember that farmers are working to feed our communities. Exercise patience and understanding, as delays caused by farm equipment are temporary.
Watch for Turning Vehicles: Farm equipment may need to make wide turns. Stay back and give them ample space to complete their maneuvers safely.
Obey Traffic Laws: Adhere to all traffic laws and regulations, including speed limits and passing zones. Avoid distractions and remain focused on the road.
By following these guidelines, motorists can help ensure a safe planting season for both farmers and drivers alike. Let’s work together to prevent accidents and keep our roads safe for everyone.
