Fort Branch Man Arrested for Child Molesting

Gibson County – Wednesday afternoon, October 23, Indiana State Police arrested Duncan Maikranz, 65, of Fort Branch, after a criminal investigation revealed he allegedly molested two children under the age of 14.  Indiana State Police Detective Tobias Odom initiated this investigation on October 18 after receiving information from the victim’s family. The alleged incidents occurred earlier this year.

After reviewing this investigation, the Gibson County Prosecutor’s Office filed criminal charges on Maikranz and issued a felony warrant for his arrest. This afternoon at approximately 4:45 p.m., Indiana State Police and Fort Branch Police arrested Maikranz at his Fort Branch home without incident. He was taken to the Gibson County Jail where he is currently being held without bond.

Arrested and Charges:

• Duncan Maikranz, 65, Fort Branch, IN

1. 2 Counts of Child Molesting, Level 1 Felony

Investigating Agency: Indiana State Police
Assisting Agency: Fort Branch Police Department

Woman shot during domestic disturbance

 On October 22, 2024, at approximately 10:07 p.m. 78 year old Dallas Cooper of Oakland City went to the Deaconess Gibson Emergency Room with a 47 year old gunshot victim who had been struck by a single gunshot during a domestic type disturbance.  The victim was treated locally at Deaconess Gibson for the gunshot wound that affected their mouth, cheek, and one arm.  The victim was ultimately transferred to an area hospital for additional treatment for the non-life threatening injuries.  Detectives with the Gibson County Sheriff’s Office placed Mr. Cooper into custody and transported him to the Gibson County Jail where he is being held on an Aggravated Battery Charge.  After transporting Mr. Cooper to the jail they went to the 1400 block of South State Road 57 near Oakland City to conduct a thorough investigation of the incident. 
 
This is an ongoing investigation and additional charges could be filed.   
 
Arresting Officer:  Sgt. Roger Ballard
Assisting Officers:  Detective Jennifer Loesch, Sgt. Loren Barchett, Deputy Bart Wagner, Deputy Levi Sims all of the Gibson County Sheriff’s Office.  Also assisting in the investigation of this incident was Oakland City Police Officer Michael McGregor and Deaconess Hospital Police Officer Jennifer Robb.
 
 
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
 

Wabash Valley College's Originators Announce Exciting Lineup of Events at the Warrior Grill

Wabash Valley College (WVC) Originators are excited to host a series of fun and engaging events at the WVC Warrior Grill this fall and winter. Mark your calendars and join us for these community centered gatherings!

1. Country Jamboree Dinner Theatre

Dates:

• Friday, November 8th at 6:00 PM

• Saturday, November 9th at 12:00 PM & 6:00 PM

• Cost: $20 per ticket (includes meal)

• Enjoy "keepin' it simple" music with a delicious meal at this toe-tapping event.

Limited seating is available, and tickets must be purchased in advance online at (https://cur8.com/26009/project/126936).

2. Gospel Hymn Sing-Along

Dates:

• Sunday, November 17th from 2:00-4:00 PM

• Sunday, December 8th from 2:00-4:00 PM • Donations are welcome. Come together for an afternoon of inspiring gospel hymns and fellowship. All are welcome to lift their voices and enjoy the music!

3. COMING SOON

Christmas Character Meal/Show - December 13 & 14, BUNCO & Game Nights

All events are held at WVC's Warrior Grill, and we look forward to seeing you there! For additional details and ticket information, contact Carla Cadwalader at cadwaladerc@iecc.edu.

Don't miss these exciting events brought to you by WVC Originators—join us for fun, food, and entertainment!

Game Causes Change In PT Conferences

Tomorrow night’s Aces football game in Lawrenceville has caused parent-teacher conferences to be moved from tomorrow evening to next Tuesday. Superintendent Dr. Chuck Bleyer explained the change at Monday night’s school board meeting…

DR. CHUCK BLEYER PT CONF #1 10 22 24

Bleyer said this year’s change may lead to future changes in the way parent teacher conferences are scheduled…

DR. CHUCK BLEYER PT CONF #2 10 22 24

District #348 schools will not be in session on Monday, November 4th and Tuesday, November 5th. The state mandates school be closed on Election Day.

Seaton Appointed New WEMA Director

Mark Seaton is the new director of the Wabash County Emergency Management Agency. At their meeting on Monday, Wabash County Commissioners selected Seaton from 4 applicants according to board chairman Scott West…

SCOTT WEST WEMA CANDIDATES 10 22 24

Seaton takes over for Mark Majors who resigned as WEMA director earlier this month  after leading the agency since March of 2023 when he took over following the death of Gerald Brooks.

Wabash District #348 Personnel Matters

October 2024

River Camp Auction Underway

Today is the first day to bid on a Mt. Carmel river camp. 14 river camps are being sold by the city along with a lot on Cherry Street. The river camps have a $2,000 minimum bid while the lot at 615 Cherry Street has a minimum bid of $15,000. Mayor Joe Judge said two of the 14 river camps do not have river access. The online auction continues through October 29th.

Real Estate Tax Bills Won't Be Ready This Year

It’ll be 2025 before Wabash County taxpayers receive their 2023 payable in 2024 real estate taxes. County treasurer Angela Broster reported to the county board yesterday that as Wabash County transitions to a new tax system, unavoidable delays have occurred…

ANGELA BROSTER LATE TAX BILLS 10 21 24

Broster said prepayments can be made in her office at the courthouse during regular hours. And those prepayments have spiked recently with $200,000 being taken in by the treasurer’s office bringing the total prepayments to $368,000 this year. She said you’re able to pre-pay up to the amount of what your property taxes were last year. An estimation of what your taxes will be can be obtained by contacting the treasurer’s office.

Patoka man arrested for Domestic Battery

On October 20, 2024, at 10:14 p.m. Gibson County Central Dispatch received a 911 report of a disturbance that had occurred in the 200 block of South Mary Ann Drive in Patoka.  Upon arriving officers on scene began an investigation into the incident.  During the investigation Deputy Wyatt Hunt spoke with all parties involved in the incident and observed physical evidence that a battery had occurred.  At that point Deputy Hunt placed 47 year old James Stocker of Patoka into custody and transported him to the Gibson County Jail where he was charged with Domestic Battery and Resisting Law Enforcement. 
 
Assisting Deputy Hunt in his investigation were Deputies Eric Powell, Levi Sims, and Sgt. Loren Barchett.  Also assisting in the investigation was Indiana State Trooper Tanner Hurley. 
 
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Allendale School Board Notes

At the October 2024 Allendale School Board meeting held in the Library of Allendale School, the board:

Approved the Annual Financial Report from Kemper CPA Group in Vincennes, Indiana. The district scored a 4.0 Financial Profile Designation, which is a perfect score. It is also the first time since FY2007 that the district has received this score.

Approved the Administrator and Teacher Salary and Benefits report to be placed on the school website for 2024-2025.

Approved to abate $10,000 from the Capital Projects Fund to the Debt Service Fund.

Voted to not send any members to the IASB conference in Chicago next month.

Approved to discard obsolete/excess equipment as presented.