Lane closures planned for U.S. 41 in Knox County

KNOX COUNTY, Ind. – The Indiana Department of Transportation announces alternating lane closures for U.S. 41 in Knox County.

Beginning on or around Thursday, May 2, crews will begin alternating lane closures for U.S. 41 over Mariah Creek. These closures will allow for a bridge deck replacement project. Work will begin in the north and southbound passing lanes of U.S. 41 during phase one of this project. Driving lanes will remain open during this time.

Once phase one is completed, crews will begin on the north and southbound driving lanes of traffic on U.S. 41 for phase two of the project. Passing lanes will remain open during this phase of the project.

All work is expected to last through September, depending on the weather. INDOT urges drivers to slow down and stay alert near crews.

Noise complaint leads to arrest of one

On April 27, 2024, at 11:26 p.m. Gibson County Central Dispatch received a 911 complaint of an excessive noise coming from a residence in the 600 block of Water Tower Road near State Road 65.  Upon arriving at the residence Deputy Chad Craney spoke with 21 year old Adam Fierro of Bakersfield, California.  While speaking with Mr. Fierro Deputy Michael Owens located a car full of juveniles in the driveway that had a strong smell of alcohol.  At that point Deputy Craney, with the assistance of Deputy Michael Owens began a formal investigation into minor consumption.  At the conclusion of their investigation Mr. Fierro was taken into custody and transported to the Gibson County Jail where he was charged with Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor. 

 Also assisting in this investigation were Sgt. Loren Barchett and Deputy Bart Wagner. 

 All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Louisiana man arrested on DUI charge

On April 27, 2024, at 1:12 a.m. Gibson County Deputy Bart Wagner observed a White Ram 3500 truck disregard the stoplight on US 41 and County Road 1250 South.   Deputy Wagner conducted a stop on US 41 near County Road 1200 South, and upon approaching the vehicle he immediately detected the odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from the driver 35 year old David Thomas of Louisiana.  At that point Deputy Wagner began a roadside DUI investigation.  Ultimately Deputy Wagner placed Mr. Smith into custody and transported him to the Gibson County Jail where he was charged with Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated. 

 Assisting Deputy Wagner in his investigation was Sgt. John Fischer and Fort Branch Officer Louis Jerrell. 

 All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Wabash County Court Awarded Over $143,000 for Technology Upgrades

The Second Judicial Circuit is proud to announce that Wabash County Circuit Court has been awarded a technology grant for the third consecutive year. The grant program, funded by the Illinois Supreme Court and the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts, was offered to county court systems in the State for technology upgrades to modernize the delivery of court services.

Wabash County Resident Judge William Hudson and Circuit Clerk Angela Crum sought funding this year and were awarded $143,353.07. The grant will fund new case management software, a new sound system for the courtroom, and other technology including computers and digital signage for case docket information outside of the courtroom and Circuit Clerk’s Office.

Second Circuit Chief Judge Melissa Morgan expressed gratitude for the grant stating, “The Second Circuit is extremely grateful to the Supreme Court and the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts for this generous award. This grant brings the total awarded to Wabash County Court over the last 3 years to $295,154.77. I commend Judge Hudson and Circuit Clerk Crum for seizing these grant opportunities, and it has been my pleasure to assist them in this process.”

The Second Judicial Circuit is comprised of twelve counties: Crawford, Edwards, Franklin, Gallatin, Hamilton, Hardin, Jefferson, Lawrence, Richland, Wabash, Wayne, and White.

Pictured: Wabash County Resident Judge William Hudson and Circuit Clerk Angela Crum.

Lawrence County, IN Man Arrested for Murder Near Mitchell

Orange County – On Saturday night, April 27th, officers with the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call of a deceased male in a rural area of Winegar Road, near the Lawrence/Orange County line. The location was just inside of Orange County. The Indiana State Police and Orange County Sheriff’s Office were contacted. Preliminary investigation revealed that the deceased male, Timothy Tolbert of Mitchell, was fishing with a female from Lawrence County. The couple were approached by an acquaintance, Homer Smith. An altercation between Tolbert and Smith occurred, with Smith striking Tolbert in the head with his fist multiple times. Smith fled the scene after the altercation. Tolbert succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Orange County Coroner. Smith was located at his mother's residence by the Lawrence County Sheriff's Office.

 During the investigation, Detectives determined enough probable cause existed to arrest Smith for Murder. Smith was transported to the Orange County jail where he is being held without bond. The family of Tolbert has been notified and an autopsy will be scheduled. This case is still under investigation. The swift arrest in this case would not have been possible without such highly effective coordination between the three police agencies.

 Arrested and Charges-

Homer E. Smith, 46, Mitchell, IN

Murder – Level 1 Felony

Investigating Officer – Detective Tyler Matthew

Assisting Agencies – Indiana State Police, Orange County Sheriff’s Office, Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office, and Orange County Coroner

All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law 

Knox County Man Arrested for Voyeurism

Knox County – A criminal investigation by Indiana State Police has led to the arrest of Dustin McCandless, 50, of Bicknell, for Voyeurism, a Level 6 Felony.

Indiana State Police initiated the investigation in February and revealed McCandless allegedly used a hidden video camera to record a woman using the restroom at Patriot Rescue and Safety located on Duke Energy property in Edwardsport.

Indiana State Police and Knox County High Tech Crime Unit served a search warrant on March 6 and seized numerous electronic items from the Patriot Rescue and Safety office.

After reviewing this investigation, the Knox County Prosecutor’s Office filed criminal charges against McCandless and an arrest warrant was issued. McCandless was arrested at approximately 11:03 a.m. this morning after he turned himself in at the Knox County Jail. He was released after posting bond.

McCandless is a co-owner of Patriot Rescue and Safety and is a contractor operating at Duke Energy in Edwardsport. McCandless is not employed by Duke Energy.

Investigating Officers: Detective Sergeant Brad Chandler and Detective Tobias Odom

All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Video Leads To Retail Theft Arrest Of Mt. Carmel Man

On 4/25/24, Mt. Carmel Police arrested James A. Summerfield, age 40, of Mt. Carmel for Retail Theft as well as an Edwards County FTA Warrant for traffic offenses.  Prior to the arrest, an officer was dispatched to the Dollar General Store located on West 3rd Street regarding an alleged theft of condoms.  Police reviewed video surveillance footage which confirmed the allegations of theft, resulting in his arrest.  Police also found that Summerfield was wanted on the Edwards County Warrant as well.  Summerfield was released on a Notice to Appear for the Retail Theft and held pending extradition back to Edwards County on the warrant.

Woman On Bicycle Picked Up On FTA Warrant For Meth Possession

On 4/24/24, Mt. Carmel Police arrested Kristina M. Randall, age 30, of Mt. Carmel on an Edwards County FTA Warrant on a Possession of Methamphetamine charge following a traffic stop on a bicycle for a violation of the Illinois Vehicle Code.  Police discovered Randall was wanted on the warrant and was placed under arrest.  During the arrest, officers also discovered (2) hypodermic syringes with one containing a clear liquid that Randall admitted to being methamphetamine.  Randall was transported to the Wabash County Jail where she was issued charges for Possession of Methamphetamine and Possession of Hypodermic Needles.  Randall was released on a Notice to Appear for the new charges and held pending extradition back to Edwards County warrant. 

Toyota Announces $1.4 billion investment in Princeton plant; Adds up to 340 new jobs

Toyota will prepare for assembly of an all-new, three row battery electric SUV in the U.S. as part of a new $1.4 billion investment in its Princeton facility, affirming Toyota’s commitment to reinvesting profits in its U.S. operations and bringing total investment in Toyota Indiana to $8 billion. This also brings the addition of up to 340 new, high-quality jobs with long-term stability.

This investment will not only provide plant infrastructure to build the all-new BEV, it will add a new battery pack assembly line using lithium-ion batteries supplied by Toyota Battery Manufacturing North Carolina, a $13.9 billion facility slated to begin production in 2025.

“Our team members are the heart of Toyota,” said Tim Hollander, president of Toyota Indiana. “We take great pride in producing quality products while providing long-term, stable employment no matter the changes in our industry. Our team is committed to delivering this new product with the same quality and performance that Toyota customers expect.”

Toyota’s Indiana facility is home to more than 7,500 team members who assemble the Toyota Sienna, Highlander, Grand Highlander and the Lexus TX.

“I feel fortunate for the years I’ve been with Toyota and am proud of the products we assemble,” said Michael Baehl, a 26-year Toyota Indiana team member. “The company’s commitment to long-term job stability and high-quality work provides me with peace of mind. Additionally, the opportunities to enhance my skills and progress in my career have allowed me to achieve goals I never imagined.”

Since 2021, Toyota has announced new investments totaling $18.6 billion into its U.S. manufacturing operations to support electrification efforts. Increasing BEV production in the U.S. advances Toyota’s portfolio approach to electrification.

“Indiana and Toyota share a nearly 30-year partnership that has cultivated job stability and economic opportunity in Princeton and the surrounding southwest Indiana region for decades,” said Governor Eric J. Holcomb. “Toyota’s investment in the state began with an $800 million commitment and has grown to over $8 billion. Today’s incredible announcement shows yet again just how important our state’s business friendly environment, focus on long-term success and access to a skilled workforce is to companies seeking to expand and be profitable far into the future. Indiana proudly looks forward to continuing to being at the center of the future of mobility.”

This announcement comes on the heels of a $1.3 billion investment in Toyota Kentucky for the production of a separate all-new, three row battery electric SUV.

Wrong Way Driver Arrested for Resisting and Battery on Police Officer

Dubois County – Late Wednesday night, April 24th, the Spencer County Sheriff’s Office received a call for a wrong-way driver on Interstate 64. Multiple officers responded to the area to search for the vehicle. Trooper Andrew Recker located the vehicle near the 71-mile marker traveling west in the eastbound lanes. Trooper Recker paralleled the vehicle in the westbound lane, updating officers on the vehicle's location. Trooper Nathaniel Kern was able to successfully deploy stop-sticks near the 68.5-mile marker. Deputies with the Spencer County Sheriff’s Office were able to make contact with the vehicle as it came to a stop. The driver, Lauren Jones, was then arrested by Trooper Jon Villanueva. Jones was uncooperative and combative during the arrest. While attempting to place Jones in Spencer County's Commission, Jones bit Trooper Leah Schnell, requiring Trooper Schnell to seek medical attention. Jones was transported to Jasper Memorial Hospital for medical clearance and subsequently transported to the Dubois County jail where she is being held on bond.

 This was a rapid and intense incident that traveled through Warrick County, Spencer County, Dubois County, and Perry County. Multiple agencies coordinated their efforts to end a potential crash safely and effectively. Thankfully there were no members of the public injured during this incident.

Arrested and Charges

• Lauren E. Jones, 33, Corydon, IN

OVWI (Prior) – Level 6 Felony

Resisting Law Enforcement (Vehicle) – Level 6 Felony

Battery on a Police Officer – Level 6 Felony

Obstruction of Justice – Level 6 Felony

Resisting Law Enforcement – Class A Misdemeanor

Criminal Mischief – Class B Misdemeanor

Disorderly Conduct – Class B Misdemeanor

Reckless Driving – Class B Misdemeanor

Obstructing Traffic – Class B Misdemeanor

Arresting Officer – Trooper Andrew Recker

Assisting Officers – Trooper Noah Ewing, Trooper Jon Villanueva, Trooper Nathaniel Kern, Trooper Leah Schnell, Trooper Blake Leary, and Trooper Kayla Denk-Mundy

Assisting Agencies – Spencer County Sheriff’s Office, Dubois County Sheriff’s Office, and Jasper Police Department

All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law