Local News

Decatur Co, much of SE Indiana under burn bans

Decatur County has joined a growing list of southeastern Indiana counties that have imposed a burn ban.

 

Lack of rain and dry conditions have led to the bans.

 

Counties on the list include:

Clark

Crawford

Dearborn

Decatur

Franklin

Gibson

Harrison

Jackson

Jefferson

Jennings

Lawrence

Ohio

Perry

Ripley

Scott

Spencer

Switzerland

Union

Vanderburgh

Warrick

Indiana company issues pork recall

About 750 pounds of pork products have been recalled by Fisher Packing Company because of concerns that they may be contaminated with Listeria.

 

On Saturday, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) said Fisher Packing Company, a Redkey establishment, was recalling 744 pounds of those products. The products in the recall include smoked ham, smoked ham shanks, and Canadian bacon.

 

The USDA said the problem was discovered when the firm notified FSIS that a sample of product produced by Fisher Packing Company confirmed positive for the presence of Listeria monocytogenes.

 

The RTE pork products were packaged on August 27, 2019. The following products are subject to recall:

 

-Vacuum-sealed packages of various weights containing “FISHER MEATS OLD FASHION SMOKED HAM” with a lot code of 19239 on the label.

 

-Vacuum-sealed packages of various weights of “FISHER MEATS SMOKED HAM SHANKS WITH NATURAL JUICES” with a lot code of 19239 on the label.

 

-Vacuum-sealed packages of various weights of “FISHER MEATS CANADIAN BACON” with a freeze by date of 11/25/19 and a lot code of 19239 on the label.

 

Eating food that has been contaminated with L. monocytogenes can cause listeriosis, a serious infection that primarily affects older adults, people with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women and their newborns.

 

Listeriosis can cause fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions sometimes preceded by diarrhea or other gastrointestinal symptoms.

 

So far, there are no confirmed illnesses.


Autopsy scheduled in Shelbyville death investigation

On September 30, the Shelbyville Police Department responded to an apartment building located at 14 E. Broadway.

 

Officers arrived and were taken to a body located in the building. This is an active death investigation.

 

Due to the state of decomposition, we will have to wait on the findings of an autopsy to find out the cause of death. At this time, we have not identified the deceased as well.

 

Anyone with any information on who the deceased may be is asked to contact the Shelbyville Police Department Investigation Division.

Injury in Wednesday night Shelby County car crash

A woman was transported to an Indianapolis hospital from a Shelby County car accident Wednesday.

 

Courtney Byrd, 22, of Osgood, was traveling southbound on County Road 250 East just south of Michigan Road in the 8:00 pm hour.  Byrd's passenger side tires went off the road.  She tried to bring the car back onto the roadway and overcorrected.  The car began to spin until the tires caught traction and the 2006 Buick Lucernce rolled several times.  It came to rest, inverted, after striking a utility pole.

 

Byrd was trapped inside and was extricated by the Shelbyville Fire Department.

 

 


Weekend Work: Construction around Marion County

The Indiana Department of Transportation will be out in full force this weekend as the construction season winds down.

 

Contractors will be in five different locations around Marion County repairing winter damage by strengthening bridges and extending the life of pavement. 

 

Maintenance crews will also be out working to repair barrier wall, guardrails, clearing drains and fixing lights. 

 

 

Drivers are encouraged to plan their routes ahead of time and use local routes when they can. In construction zones, please slow down and don't drive distracted. Drivers are also reminded to add extra time to get to weekend destinations.

 

Indiana State Police and the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department will be patrolling work zones and ticketing drivers for speeding and reckless/distracted driving.  INDOT crews and Hoosier Helpers will be present on the interstates to make sure drivers are aware of slowing traffic and upcoming work zones. 

 

Construction work is weather dependent in some cases.

 

Lane Restrictions

  • I-465 NB/EB from 56th Street to U.S. 31 (Northwest side)
    • 1 lane open 
    • Friday at 8 p.m. to Monday at 6 a.m. 
  • I-465 SB at 71st St. (Northwest side)
    • 2 lanes closed 
    • Saturday at 7 p.m. to Sunday at 7 p.m.
  • I-465 EB from U.S. 31 to White River 
    • 1 lane open 
    • Friday at 9 p.m. to Monday at 6 a.m.
  • I-465 NB from I-70 to Pendleton Pike
    • 1 lane open 
    • Friday at 9 p.m. to Monday at 6 a.m.
  • I-865 EB & WB from I-465 to I-65
    • 1 lane open in each direction
    • Now through October 9
  • I-65 NB & SB from Little Eagle Creek to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St. (Exit 117) (northwest side)
    • 1 lane open in each direction
    • Now through October 3 

Ramp Closures

  • Meridian Street Ramps at I-70 (Downtown Indianapolis)
    • Now through Sunday by 6 a.m. 
  • Ramps to and from U.S. 421 (Michigan Rd) to I-465 EB
    • Intermittent closures from Friday at 8 p.m. to Sunday at 2 p.m. 
  • Keystone Ave NB and SB to I-465 EB
    • Friday at 9 p.m. to Monday at 6 a.m. 
  • Keystone Ave NB to I-465 WB
    • Friday at 9 p.m. to Monday at 6 a.m. 

Apparent two-car crash turns into murder arrest for ISP

On Saturday evening, September 21, at 7:23, emergency crews responded to I-70 westbound at the 92.6 mile marker for reports of a serious two-vehicle crash. Upon arrival a male victim was found unresponsive and was later pronounced deceased at the scene. Due to the circumstances known at the time, and the severity of damage to both vehicles, the fatal injuries were believed to be caused by the collision. The victim was identified as Devon Anderson, 27, of Indianapolis.

 

The driver of the other vehicle was transported to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries.  He was identified as Juan Garrado Vivas, 24, of Indianapolis. 

 

Indiana State Police Detectives were notified by the Marion County Coroner's Office about the cause of death. Further examination by the coroner's office revealed a possible projectile inside Anderson's head consistent with a bullet. An autopsy was performed and a bullet was found inside the head of the victim. The cause of death was determined to be a gunshot to the head. 

 

Indiana State Police Detectives immediately began a criminal investigation and were led to Juan Garrado Vivas as a person of interest. In the early morning hours of September 25, Juan Garrado Vivas was arrested by detectives on the preliminary charge of murder. 

 

While driving on the interstate Vivas allegedly fired a shot from a handgun into the vehicle driven by Anderson, striking Anderson in the head. The silver Dodge Caravan driven by Anderson then crossed into the path of the black Ford Ranger driven by Vivas. The two vehicles collided and both became disabled to due damage. 


Franklin man dies in Monday morning accident in Shelby County

Monday morning around 5:30 am, The Shelby County Sherriff’s Department with Morristown and Fountaintown Fire Departments along with Shelbyville Medics responded to the 8500 block of  North State Road 9 for a head on collision.

 

Major Chris Holder of the Shelby County Sheriff Department says a 2004 Chevy Trail Blazer, driven by Brandon Vollett, 39, of Greenfield, was traveling southbound and lost control, went into the path of a northbound vehicle, a 2014 Ford F150 driven by Jeremiah Peters, 28, of Franklin.             

    

Peters was pronounced dead at the scene.

 

Vollett was transported to Methodist Hospital.  

 

 The crash is still under investigation.

 

Assisting agencies where the Shelbyville Police Department, Shelby County F.A.C.T team, the Indiana State Police and Ross Wreaker

Dwain Laird, lifelong contributor to government and sports in Shelby County, passed away

Charles “Dwain” Laird, 94, of Shelbyville passed away Sunday, September 22, at Heritage House of Shelbyville.

 

Dwain graduated in 1943 from Waldron High School. He was a member of Mount Pisgah Baptist Church since 1942, on August 13, 2006 he was ordained as a Deacon.

 

He was a farmer and life-long Shelby County resident.

 

Dwain was a U.S. Army veteran, serving during World War II from 1945 to 1946. He was privileged to go on the Indy Honor Flight on April 5, 2014.

 

He formerly owned and operated, Laird Grain Company from 1951 to 1972. In 1977, he became a field representative for the Indiana State Board of Tax Commissioners, retiring in 1990. From 1980 until 2014, he owned Laird Local Government Service.

 

Dwain served his community by being elected Liberty Township Trustee in 1954 and 1958, in 1966 he was elected to the Shelby County Council and then as Shelby County Auditor in 1970 and 1974. He was also the Honorary State Treasurer in 1995.

 

He was also a member and past president of the Southeast District of the Association of Indiana Counties and Association of Indiana Counties.

 

Dwain was an over 50-year member of the Waldron Masonic Lodge No. 217, Murat Shrine and Scottish Rite.

 

He was also an IHSAA sports official, officiating basketball, football, baseball and softball from 1946 to 2011. Dwain officiated the State Finals in baseball in 1973 and the State Finals in girls softball in 1990. He and his brothers, Bob and Bill, and brother-in-law, John Bush, officiated basketball, football and baseball games all over the state of Indiana. After graduating, he formed a fast pitch softball team, which led to him playing and or managing the following teams: Liberty Merchants in 1944, State Bank of Waldron in 1946, Stone Fish Chevrolet in 1950, McCain Insurance, and WSVL Team. In 1963, he started the slow pitch softball league in Shelby County. In 1993, he formed, played and managed the Indiana Silver Foxes Softball Team. He also organized and started the Mid-Hoosier Umpire Association.

 

Dwain was honored by being inducted into the Softball Players Association Hall of Fame in 2002 and the Indiana Softball Hall of Fame in 2012. Another honor bestowed upon Dwain, was the naming of the Blue River Park Diamond No. 2, the Dwain Laird Field.

 

Memorial contributions may be made to Mount Pisgah Baptist Church Building Fund and Riley Hospital for Children, 702 Barnhill Drive, Indianapolis.


One dead, one injured in head-on collision Monday morning

A two-car crash on State Road 9 near Shelby County's 850 North has resulted in one reported fatality and one person taken from the scene by ambulance.

 

No names have been released as of this report.  Traffic on SR 9 was closed Monday morning as the accident was investigated.

 

The head-on accident involved a truck and SUV.  One male is deceased.  Another person was transported to Methodist via ambulance.  Lifeline couldn't respond due to early morning weather.

 

Rushville special sheriff's deputy, firefighter charged with child exploitation and child molest

Federal child exploitation and child porn charges against a Rush County Special Sheriff's Deputy.

 

Philip Harr, 29, of Rushville is charged with Sexual Exploitation of a Child and Distributing and Possessing Child Pornography.

 

Federal prosecutors say Harr posed as a teenage girl on social media to solicit photos and videos of at least two kids having sex. The victims were from Indiana and Mississippi. Harr is also accused of using social media to share and receive child pornography.

 

Court papers say Harr was engaging in these activities while on duty as a Rush Co. government employee, Rush Co. Special Sheriff's Deputy, and Rushville fireman. He even used a police database to do searches for one of his victims, according to U.S. Attorney Josh J. Minkler.

 

The Rush County Sheriff's Department and the FBI conducted the joint investigation.

 

A spokesperson for the Rush County Sheriff’s Department said, "Our department would like to thank everyone involved in this investigation. Officers worked tirelessly to bring charges against Mr. Harr and seek justice for his victims."

 

Harr faces 15 to 30 years in prison if convicted on all counts.


ISP seeking help in solving tractor theft

The Indiana State Police-Versailles Post are investigating the theft of a large tractor and farm implements from southwest Decatur County. 

 

Photo of tractor of same make/model as the one stolen (Not the actual vehicle)

 

The stolen items were recovered but the investigators are asking for the public’s help in locating the people responsible for the theft.

 

Troopers were called to the location of County Road 600 South and County Road 1000 West in Decatur County at approximately 9:00 am on Tuesday after a Case 435 Quadtrac tractor was stolen from a field in that area that morning.  The tractor was connected to two farm implements at the time of the theft and those implements were also stolen.

 

On Wednesday, after receiving a tip from the public, troopers located the tractor on County Road 420 West near Downeyville in rural Decatur County.  The two farm implements were located on Thursday, September 19, near Zenas in rural Jennings County with the assistance of an Indiana State Police helicopter.

 

The Indiana State Police continues to investigate the theft and is asking the public’s help in locating the person or persons responsible for the theft.  Due to the size of the tractor, investigators believe the suspect may have had prior experience in operating similar equipment.

 

Anyone with information about the theft is urged to call Master Trooper Rob Ewing, Indiana State Police-Versailles Post at (812)689-5000.

Hope man among four arrested after man tried to falsify gun purchase application

A recent investigation by Indiana State Police Detectives into the falsifying of a handgun purchase application led to four Bartholomew County residents being arrested on numerous drug related charges.

 

The investigation by Detective Andrew Mitchell began in July or this year when the Indiana State Police was notified that Frank L. Hiatt, 59, Columbus, had allegedly falsified a handgun purchase application while attempting to buy a handgun from Rural King in Greensburg.

 

The investigation determined that Hiatt attempted to buy a handgun from Rural King on June 28, 2019.  While completing the required paperwork to purchase the handgun, Hiatt indicated he was not currently under any indictment for felony charges and was not an unlawful user of marijuana or any other controlled substance.  Hiatt’s handgun purchase application was denied at the time and he was not able to purchase the firearm.

 

Through the course of the investigation, detectives learned that Hiatt had pending charges in Bartholomew County from March 11, 2019 after he was arrested by the Indiana State Police-All Crimes Policing Team on charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, and maintaining a common nuisance. 

 

As a result of the investigation, a warrant was issued for Frank Hiatt on a felony charge of Providing False Information on a Consent Form out of Decatur County, Indiana.

 

On September 10, troopers from the Indiana State Police-Versailles Post along with deputies from the Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department went to Frank Hiatt’s residence located at 16200 East County Road 265 North, Columbus, to serve the arrest warrant.  While at the residence, troopers located methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.  Hiatt, along with three other men at the residence, were arrested on numerous drug related charges.

 

Hiatt was arrested on the original warrant.  He was additionally arrested on charges of Obstruction of Justice, Maintaining a Common Nuisance, and Possession of Paraphernalia. 

 

Charles Hiatt, 62, Columbus, was arrested on charges of Possession of Methamphetamine, Visiting a Common Nuisance, and Possession of Paraphernalia. 

 

Rodney Hiatt, 52, Columbus, was arrested on a charge of Maintaining a Common Nuisance. 

 

Johnny Watson,53, Hope, was arrested on a charge of Visiting a Common Nuisance.

 

All four men were transported to the Bartholomew County Jail where they were incarcerated pending their initial court appearances.

Shelbyville Fire Department trains for hoarding complications

Hoarders is a show that began its run on A & E that depicts the real-life struggles and treatment of people who suffer from compulsive hoarding disorder.  The program also shows a growing concern for firemen and emergency personnel responding to aid a person in their home.

 

 

It’s that concern that has sparked this week’s training for the Shelbyville Fire Department.

 

Fire Chief Tony Logan says training is one thing.  Being able to do it at the facility constructed at the Shelby County Fairgrounds a few years ago is another.

 

 

This week, firemen are likely finding more obstructions as they enter the facility as they prepare for entering a hoarding situation.  It’s a scenario they’ve encountered before.

 

 

The fire chief says it’s a growing concern.

 

 

And it’s not just the complications of forging a path thru a house crowded by hoarding conditions.  If firemen are forced to go higher in a room it means increased heat and danger of injury.

 

 

 

Logan says the training facility offers firemen the ability to simulate “real” conditions better than they could in the past.

 

 

 

Name released in infant death investigation in Franklin

Indiana State Police Detectives continue their investigation into the death of an eight week old infant in Franklin.

 

On Wednesday an autopsy was performed and there was no evidence of physical injuries or trauma to the infant. An official cause of death has not been ruled yet pending toxicology results. No arrests have been made and no charges have been filed. 

 

The infant is identified as Kensli Deese of Franklin. The investigation is ongoing.

 

 

**The original release is below**


Franklin, IN - Detectives from the Indiana State Police are investigating the death of an eight week old infant this morning in Franklin. 

 

Preliminary Investigation has revealed the infant was dropped off at a babysitter early this morning in Pennington Trailer Park in Franklin. At 10:51 a.m. officers from the Franklin Police Department were dispatched to the residence for a medical emergency. Officers arrived at 10:52 a.m. and immediately attempted life saving measures. The infant was transported to Johnson Memorial Hospital where it was later pronounced deceased. The cause of death is unknown at this time and an autopsy is scheduled for tomorrow in Johnson County. 

 

At this point detectives are treating this as a death investigation.

Rushville pastor found not guilty in child molestation trial

A pastor in Rushville who was accused of child molestation almost two years ago was found not guilty in his jury trial.

 

Garry Evans, 74, was arrested in October 2017 on accusations that he lured children into his office and molested them. Police claimed that there were six victims between the ages of 3 and 7.

 

When out on bond awaiting trial, Evans tried to kill himself at his home in November, say police.

He faced 14 felony counts linked to six women or girls for child molestation, child solicitation, and sexual battery.

 

Evans is the pastor of the Rushville Baptist Temple Church.

 

In January 2018, Garry and his wife, Gay, were arrested for trespassing on their son’s property on North Main Street in Rushville. Court records say those charges are still pending.

Baby focus of death investigation in Franklin

Detectives from the Indiana State Police are investigating the death of an eight week old infant this morning in Franklin. 

 

Preliminary investigation has revealed the infant was dropped off at a babysitter early Tuesday morning in Pennington Trailer Park in Franklin. At 10:51 a.m. officers from the Franklin Police Department were dispatched to the residence for a medical emergency. Officers arrived at 10:52 a.m. and immediately attempted life saving measures. The infant was transported to Johnson Memorial Hospital where it was later pronounced deceased.

 

The cause of death is unknown at this time and an autopsy is scheduled for Wednesday in Johnson County. 

 

At this point detectives are treating this as a death investigation.  Notification to the family has been made however the identity of the deceased infant is being withheld at this time to allow for notification to extended family.

 

 

Possible E-coli contamination prompts flour recall

General Mills has issued a voluntary recall for certain five-pound bags of its Gold Medal Unbleached All-Purpose Flour because of possible E. coli contamination.

 

The flour has a best-by date of Sept. 6, 2020.

 

General Mills said the presence of E. Coli was detected during random sampling of the product.

 

If you own any of the recalled flour, you should throw it away or return it to the store for a refund.

 

This is the second recall of unbleached Gold Medal flour in the last eight months. In January, General Mills took the product off of store shelves due to possible salmonella contamination.

 

Visit www.generalmills.com/flour for more information.

Mainstreet Shelbyville and Shelby County Visitors Bureau partnering on "Be The Y Campaign"

Mainstreet Shelbyville and Shelby County Tourism and Visitors Bureau are partnering in a new campaign initiative - “Be the Y in Shelby County”.

 

“The campaign will be unveiled at the 4th Annual BBQ and Brewfest on September 21, 2019 in downtown Shelbyville. We worked collaboratively on this campaign, and we look forward to unveiling the main ‘attraction’ of the concept”, states Brandy Coomes, Executive Director of Mainstreet Shelbyville.

 

“Several local businesses are assisting us in the final developmental stages, and the campaign will ‘travel’ around the county. We hope to create community pride throughout the county with our creative components”, remarks Rachael Ackley, Executive Director of Shelby County Tourism and Visitors Bureau.

 

Mainstreet Shelbyville and Shelby County Tourism and Visitors Bureau continually work together, with fun initiatives for residents and visitors alike, while maintaining their own, unique missions and visions.

 

Look for the campaign on September 21 at the BBQ and Brewfest, and do not forget your camera!

 

 

Shelbyville native to run for governor

Josh Owens is the first openly gay man to run for governor of Indiana.

 

Owens is the CEO of SupplyKick, a tech company based in Indianapolis. He is seeking the Democrat nomination to challenge Republican Eric Holcomb in the general election in 2020.

A native of Shelbyville, Owens says education will be his main platform with a specific focus on increasing teacher pay and expanding access and affordability of life-long learning for Hoosiers.

 

"I’m running for Governor now because I believe in an Indiana where teachers are paid what they deserve and where all are welcomed, respected and protected," Owens said. "We need a leader who will ensure our state budget, policies and laws reflect a bold and inclusive vision for collective Hoosier success."

 

"Today, many Indiana teachers have to work second jobs and even then, they spend their own money on classroom supplies. As a businessman, I know every Hoosier in the workplace matters, and leadership is required to solve this problem and finally pay them fairly."

 

He also wants to end discrimination of Hoosiers in the workplace and housing, including discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

 

Owens is married to his husband, Andy Owens. Josh Owens graduated from Wabash College and earned a master's degree at London School of Economics. He was raised in Shelbyville and previously worked at  Angie’s List and One Click Ventures. He's also taught economics and statistics at Butler. 

 

Owens joins Dr. Woody Myers on the Democrat ticket. State Sen. Eddie Melton of Gary is mulling a run for governor as well, having formed an exploratory committee to look into that possibility back in June.

Two people with minor injuries in car - pedestrian accident

A Friday car – pedestrian accident injured two people.

 

Shelbyville Police report they responded to 2421 Simpson Lane about 7:30 pm Friday.  Two pedestrians reported they were struck by a car backing out of the driveway.

 

Barbara Sartin, 82, was driving a 2016 Equinox.

 

The pedestrians were nearby residents, June Dagley, 93, and Kay Koenig, 77.  Dagley told police she was fine after falling with just a complaint of pain.

 

Koenig was transported for treatment after hitting her head on the roadway following the collision.

Shelbyville candidates forum seeks public input

A forum to bring the candidates in the upcoming November general election together will consider the public's questions for the event.

 

The Shelbyville Business and Professional Women and Shelby County Chamber of Commerce will host the Candidate Forum on October 1.  It will feature an opportunity for candidates to address the audience followed the mayoral candidates, Tom DeBaun and Brad Ridgeway, discussing their platforms and answering questions posed by the moderators.

 

The forum will be aired live on GIANT fm.

 

If you would like to submit a question for consideration you should e-mail to:

 

candidatesforum@shelbychamber.net

 

Weekend Work: Construction around Marion County

The Indiana Department of Transportation is encouraging drivers to plan ahead for a weekend full of construction. 

 

INDOT crews and contractors will be out in five different locations around Indianapolis interstates this weekend to repair winter damage, extend the life span of bridges and pavement and complete maintenance tasks.

 

Drivers are encouraged to plan their routes ahead of time and use local routes when they can. In construction zones, please slow down and don't drive distracted. Drivers are also reminded to add extra time to get to weekend destinations.

 

Indiana State Police and the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department will be patrolling work zones and ticketing drivers for speeding and reckless/distracted driving.  INDOT crews and Hoosier Helpers will be present on the interstates to make sure drivers are aware of slowing traffic and upcoming work zones. 

 

Construction work is weather dependent in some cases.

 

Full Closures

  • I-465 SB/WB from I-65 to I-70 on southeast side of Indianapolis
    • ALL LANES CLOSED
    • Detour: Follow I-65 and I-70 through downtown Indianapolis or follow the I-465 outer loop

Lane Restrictions

  • I-465 EB from Keystone Ave. to College Ave. 
    • 2 lanes open
    • 7 p.m. Friday to 6 a.m. Monday
  • I-465 SB from Pendleton Pike to I-70
    • 3 lanes open
    • Use the RIGHT TWO LANES to get to I-70 WB, and the LEFT LANE to get on I-70 EB
    • Now until the end of I-465 full closure 
  • I-465 WB/SB (Northwest side) from Meridian St./U.S. 31 to 56th St.
    • Left lane closed 
    • 8 p.m. Friday to 1 p.m. Sunday
  • I-865 EB & WB from I-465 to I-65
    • 1 lane open in each direction
    • Now through October 9
  • I-65 NB & SB from Little Eagle Creek to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St. (Exit 117) (northwest side)
    • 2 lanes open in each direction
    • Now through October 3 

 

 

Ramp Closures

  • Pendleton Pike to I-465 SB
    • Now through the end of I-465 Full Closure 
  • I-70 WB to I-465 NB
    • Friday at 9 p.m. to Saturday at 6 p.m.
  • U.S. 31 SB to I-465 EB
    • Friday at 9 p.m. to Sunday at 6 p.m.
  • I-65 NB to Lafayette Rd 
    • Friday at 8 p.m. to Monday at 6 a.m.
  • Lafayette Road to I-65 NB
    • Friday at 8 p.m. to Monday at 6 a.m. 

Flags to half-staff on September 11

Governor Eric J. Holcomb is directing flags at state facilities across Indiana to be flown at half-staff in honor of Patriot Day. 

 

Flags should be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Wednesday, September 11, 2019.

 

Gov. Holcomb also asks businesses and residents statewide to lower their flags to half-staff in remembrance of the victims of the terror attacks on September 11, 2001.

Shelbyville Police asking for public's help to find missing 14-year-old; national agencies notified

The Shelbyville Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance to locate a missing juvenile.
 

Diego Ordonez Paiz, 14, is an Hispanic male reported missing by the National Office of Refugee Resettlement.  He was last seen by his sponsor on August 28.

 

Diego reportedly left to stay with a family member in Mississippi.  Officials in Mississippi have checked the address give by his sponsor.  He has not been located as of this report.

 

Diego is entered into the National Crime Center Information Center (NCIC) and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) as missing.

 

Anyone with any information is asked to call the Shelbyville Police Department Investigations Division at (317) 392-5118 or Detective Deborah Tilford at (317) 392-5118.

Kroger recalls yellowfin tuna steaks

If you recently bought yellowfin tuna steaks at a Kroger store in Indiana, you might need to throw them away.

 

Yellowfin tuna steaks from the seafood counter or seasoned yellowfin tuna steaks in store-prepped styrofoam trays may cause scombroid poisoning, according to the FDA.

 

The tuna steaks have sell-by dates between Aug. 29 and Sept. 14.

 

Scombroid poisoning is caused by eating fish that has not been properly refrigerated or preserved. Improper storage causes bacteria to grow and produce Scombroid toxin, which can cause symptoms similar to an allergic reaction.

 

Symptoms usually develop within an hour of eating contaminated fish and can include:

 

- Flushing of the face

- Headache

- Itching

- Blurred Vision

- Abdominal Cramps

- Nausea

- Diarrhea

 

If you develop symptoms of scombroid poisoning, call your doctor. Most people recover within several hours, but symptoms can linger for several days.

 

Kroger has agreed to remove all yellowfin tuna steaks from their stores in Indiana, according to the FDA. If you bought the tuna steaks in question, you should throw them away immediately.

Allegheny 853 remembered with memorial

On September 9, 1969, Allegheny Airlines Flight 853 became a permanent part of Shelby County'[s history.  That history, and the people lost in that tragic incident were remembered during a special ceremony 50 years later.

 

On Monday, Dianne Elrod was among the family members who visited the site to place a memorial marker.

 

 

She wants people to remember her father, Captain James Elrod, one of the pilots of the McDonnell Douglas DC-9 passenger jet that collided in mid-air with a Piper PA-28 light aircraft near Fairland.

 

 

Elrod was one of 83 people killed in the collision and crash.

 

 

 

 

Donato chosen to fill District 18 Senate seat

The choice of the man who left Indiana’s District 18 Senate seat was named Monday to succeed him.

 

The Indiana Republican Party caucus at the Miami County Community Building was held Monday to fill the District 18 seat left empty by Randy Head. Head stepped down to become Chief Deputy Prosecutor of Pulaski County.

 

Cass County Councilwoman Stacey Donato received the 42nd vote needed in a fifth and final vote of precinct committeemen.  The evening started with 82 precinct committeemen signed in so candidates had to receive 50%, plus one vote, to win. If no candidate received a majority vote on the first ballot, the person with the lowest number of votes dropped out, and voting continued until a winner was declared.

 

 

She appreciates the support and endorsement from the 11-year state senator, Head.

 

 

Donato will now fill the remainder of the term and says State Representative Ethan Manning from Peru will be there to help her get up and running.  Then, she can run decide to run for the office in the next election cycle.

 

District 18 serves Miami, Cass and Fulton counties, and portions of Carroll, Kosciusko and Marshall counties.

3rd annual Kids Fishing Day at Shelby F.O.P. Saturday

About 500 catfish joined the fish already in the lake at the Shelby F.O.P. ahead of Saturday's Kids Fishing Day.

 

Shelby County Prosecutor Brad Landwerlen and Jack Bassett previewed Satrday's visit on The Morning Show.

 

 

Construction around Marion County Friday, September 6 to Monday, September 9

The Indianapolis Department of Transportation encourages motorists to plan ahead for another full weekend of construction in Marion County.

 

Contractors will be working to repair winter damage, extend the life spans of pavement and bridges, and perform maintenance in five interstate work zones around the Indianapolis metro area. 

To avoid delays and congestion, motorists should consider using local streets rather than interstates. Motorists who do use metro area interstates during the weekend should prepare for delays and congestion.

 

Indiana State Police and the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department will be patrolling work zones and ticketing drivers for speeding and reckless/distracted driving.  INDOT crews and Hoosier Helpers will be present on the interstates to make sure drivers are aware of slowing traffic and upcoming work zones. 

 

Construction work is weather dependent in some cases.

 

 

Full closures

  • I-465 SB/WB from I-65 to I-70 on southeast side of Indianapolis
    • ALL LANES CLOSED
    • Detour: Follow I-65 and I-70 through downtown Indianapolis or follow the I-465 outer loop

Lane Restrictions

  • I-465 WB from Keystone Ave. to College Ave.
    • 2 lanes open
    • 7 p.m. Friday to 6 a.m. Monday
  • I-465 SB from U.S. 36/S.R. 67 (Pendleton Pike) to I-70
    • 2 lanes open
    • 9 p.m. Friday to September 14
  • I-465 EB from I-865 to U.S. 31 (Meridian St.) 
    • 1 lane open 
    • 8 p.m. Friday to 6 a.m. Sunday
  • I-65 NB & SB from Little Eagle Creek to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St. (Exit 117) (northwest side)
    • 2 lanes open in each direction
    • Now through October 3 
  • I-865 EB & WB from I-465 to I-65
    • 1 lane open in each direction
    • Now through October 9

Ramp Closures 

  • SB I-69 to EB I-465
    • 9 p.m. Friday to 6 p.m. Saturday

Shelbyville's Beth Curtiss and Greenfield's Kristopher Jones recognized at 35th Annual Scouting Awards Dinner

The Central Indiana Boy Scouts of America (BSA) program provider, Crossroads of America Council hosted its 35th Annual Scouting Awards Dinner Sept. 4 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. The annual event honors outstanding community leaders, recognizes top volunteers for their service to Scouting and raises operating funds for growing local Scouting programs.

 

The highlight of the evening is always the presentation of awards. The first award was presented to Tanya Bell, president and chief executive officer of Indiana Black Expo Inc. Recipient of the Whitney M. Young Jr. Service Award, Bell was honored for her outstanding contributions and service to disadvantaged youth in Indiana. 

 

Next was presentation of the Thomas W. Moses Good Scout Award to Nancy and Bobby “Slick” Leonard, legendary Indiana Pacers coach and radio broadcaster and his devoted wife and former team general manager. The award honors individuals who exemplify Scouting values and have made a significant contribution to their community.

 

“Tanya Bell and Nancy and Bobby Leonard are the embodiments of community service and servant leadership, and they mean so much to the people of Indiana. We are grateful for all they’ve done – and will continue to do – for both our Scouting family and Indiana as a whole,” said Joe Wiltrout, Scout Executive/CEO of the Crossroads of America Council.

 

The Council also recognized 12 individuals with Silver Beaver Awards, a distinguished Scouting service award and the highest volunteer recognition in the Crossroads of America Council can bestow. Recipients are registered volunteers who have made an extensive impact on the lives of youth through Central Indiana BSA programs. The 2019 Class of Silver Beaver award winners include:

 

“Without dedicated volunteers, Scouting and many other organizations could not have such a life-changing impact on their communities,” Wiltrout said. “I am honored to recognize these outstanding leaders who have given so much of their time and talent to the young people in their care and to local Boy Scouts of America.” 

Derick Nigh sentenced for voluntary manslaughter in death of Jennifer Farquer in August 2018

A Shelbyville man has been sentenced for his role in the death of Jennifer Farquer in August of last year.

 

Derick Nigh was sentenced Tuesday to 43 years after being convicted of charges of Voluntary Manslaughter (enhanced by use of a firearm) and Theft.

 

Shelby County Prosecutor Brad Landwerlen says Nigh shot and killed Jennifer Farquer on August 31, 2018, at a family member’s residence on East Franklin Street.  The two had been dating for about a month.  Nigh continued drinking and did not call for help or awaken the homeowner.  When the homeowner woke up the next morning, he found Nigh still awake and drinking.  Nigh eventually told the homeowner that he had killed Farquer. 

 

The homeowner called 911, but was disconnected.  Police still responded, and located  Farquer’s body on a couch.  While police were working the scene, an officer noticed a bulge in the lower-leg area of Nigh’s pants, and found a gun with blood on it.  Nigh had stolen the gun some time prior to the shooting.

 

Nigh told police that he thought Farquer had overdosed, and that he and Farquer had been using meth and heroin the previous night (later lab reports would show that neither had either drug in their system). 

 

Nigh claimed that he would never hurt Farquer, other than backhanding her to the face.  Nigh was arrested and charged with Murder, Theft, and Possession of a Firearm with Previous Felony Conviction.  Prosecutor Landwerlen also filed an enhancement for use of a firearm in committing the crime, which carries a 5-20 year additional sentence.

 

As the parties prepared for trial, Nigh offered to plead guilty to Voluntary Manslaughter, with the enhancement for use of a firearm.  Landwerlen met with Farquer s family, and the family wanted to accept the offer.  Landwerlen, however, demanded that Nigh also plead guilty to the Theft of the firearm, and also a “floor” of 38 years on the executed sentence.

 

The prosecutor says voluntary manslaughter is basically murder committed “in the heat of the moment”.  As officers noted fresh scratches and injuries to Nigh’s face and arms, allegedly left by Farquer, Landwerlen explained that the charge seemed to fit the facts. 

 

Landwerlen asked for a sentence of 50 years all executed, pointing primarily to Nigh’s criminal record (22 criminal charges in the 9 years he’s been a adult), and to Nigh’s lack of remorse (Nigh continued partying for hours after shooting Farquer while she died and while her body remained on the couch, and later lied repeatedly to police). 

 

Nigh’s defense attorneys asked for a sentence of 43 years with 40 executed. 

 

Judge Kent Apsley sentenced Nigh to 43 years with 41 executed at the Indiana Department of Corrections and then two years served on house arrest.  Under the current law regarding good time credit, Nigh will have to serve at least 31.25 actual years before he will be eligible for release.

Find alternate routes for I-465 SB / WB closure

The Indiana Department of Transportation is reminding motorists that contractors will close southbound and westbound I-465  between I-70 and I-65 on the southeast side of Indianapolis for up to 15 days beginning Friday, September 6 at 9 p.m. through Saturday, September 21.

 

Contractor crews will perform concrete pavement restoration, joint repair and replacement and bridge maintenance and rehabilitation to address winter damage and extend the life of pavement and bridges in the corridor. INDOT crews will also be working on sign replacement, guardrail repair, drain clearing, sweeping and debris cleanup during the closure.

 

The official interstate detour for SB and WB I-465 will follow I-70 and I-65 through downtown Indianapolis. Through traffic is encouraged to follow I-465 NB and EB to avoid congestion and delays. Westbound through traffic on I-74 should follow the posted detour or use I-465 NB and EB.

 

Commuters and local traffic may also consider the following local routes:

 

  • North-South routes
    • Mitthoefer Rd.
    • Post Rd.
    • Franklin Rd.
    • Shadeland Ave.
    • Arlington Ave.
    • Sherman Dr.
       
  • East-West routes
    • Southport Rd.
    • Thompson Rd.
    • Raymond St.
    • English Ave./Brookville Rd.
    • Washington St.
    • 10th St.
    • 21st St.
    • 30th St.
    • 38th St.
    • 56th St.

POET says start date for Shelbyville biorefinery will come closer to end of construction

We’re continuing construction on the Shelbyville biorefinery as planned, but we’re waiting to make a decision about a start date until closer to the end of construction, planned for early 2020.

 

That information supplied by POET amid the public's specualtion over its newest plant being constructed in Shelbyville following the idling of production at its Cloverdale biorefinery and reduction of production at plants across Iowa, Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Minnesota, South Dakota, and Missouri.

 

Original press release, August 20, 2019

POET announced today it will idle production at its bioprocessing facility in Cloverdale, IN due to recent decisions by the Administration regarding SREs. The process to idle the plant will take several weeks, after which the plant will cease processing of over 30 million bushels of corn annually and hundreds of local jobs will be impacted.

POET has reduced production at half of its biorefineries, with the largest drops taking place in Iowa and Ohio. As a result, numerous jobs will be consolidated across POET’s 28 biorefineries and corn processing will drop by an additional 100 million bushels across Iowa, Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Minnesota, South Dakota, and Missouri.

“The Renewable Fuel Standard was designed to increase the use of clean, renewable biofuels and generate grain demand for farmers. Our industry invested billions of dollars based on the belief that oil could not restrict access to the market and EPA would stand behind the intent of the Renewable Fuel Standard. Unfortunately, the oil industry is manipulating the EPA and is now using the RFS to destroy demand for biofuels, reducing the price of commodities and gutting rural economies in the process,” said POET Chairman and CEO, Jeff Broin.

The RFS authorizes small refinery exemptions for refiners that (1) process less than 75,000 barrels of petroleum a day and (2) demonstrate “disproportionate economic hardship.” Over the past two years, the EPA has issued waivers to refineries owned by ExxonMobil, Chevron, and other large oil companies—none of which are small and none of which have economic hardship. 

EPA’s mismanagement of SREs has created an artificial cap on domestic demand for ethanol and driven RIN values to near-zero, which weakens the incentive for retailers to offer higher blends. Oil is making billions of dollars, yet still using EPA to stop biofuels growth by handing out hardship waivers to some of the wealthiest companies in the world, in contradiction with President Trump’s public comments. So far, the EPA has cut biofuels demand by 4 billion gallons and reduced demand for corn by 1.4 billion bushels, causing severe damage in rural America. 

“POET made strategic decisions to support President Trump’s goal of boosting the farm economy. However, these goals are contradicted by bailouts to oil companies. The result is pain for Midwest farmers and the reduction of hundreds of jobs and hundreds of millions of dollars of economic activity across Indiana.” said POET President and COO, Jeff Lautt

The recent announcement of 31 new waivers comes in steep contrast to the President’s roll out of year-round E15 earlier this summer. The SREs are wiping out any near-term growth potential for year-round E15 and challenging the President’s promises made to family farmers and rural communities. The President now has the opportunity to show his leadership on this issue and turnaround the rural economy. 

“My long term fear isn’t for the biofuels industry, it’s for rural America. POET can continue to produce ethanol with cheap grain, but we don’t want to lose our family farmers. The EPA has robbed rural America, and it’s time for farmers across the Heartland to fight for their future” said POET Chairman and CEO Jeff Broin.

 

Indiana Grand Racing & Casino opens state's first Sports Book

Indiana’s first sports wagering facility, Winner’s Circle Race Sports Pub, is now open. Governor Eric Holcomb placed the first official wager just after 12 p.m. leading into a ribbon cutting ceremony with state and local dignitaries for the historic event Sunday, Sept. 1, 2019 at Indiana Grand Racing & Casino. Soon after, the facility was officially opened, and patrons were making their wagers shortly before 1 p.m.

 

 

Ron Baumann, senior vice president and general manager of Indiana Grand, led a short program leading up to the ribbon cutting ceremony. He noted the excitement from the entire team at the Caesars Entertainment owned Indiana Grand and thanked everyone for their hard work and dedication in getting the new state of the art facility prepared to open.

 

“In early spring, legislation passed and now on September 1, we are opening the very first Sports Book for the state of Indiana,” said Baumann. “A special thanks to executive director Sara Tait and the Indiana Gaming Commission (IGC) for getting us here today.”

 

Local dignitaries were in attendance led by Shelbyville Mayor Tom DeBaun, who spoke of the impact Indiana Grand has had on local tourism and development.

 

“We have become an entertainment destination and this facility only broadens our entertainment opportunities for the county and the state of Indiana,” said DeBaun. “We are very thankful this facility is in our county.”

 

Several state and local officials were present for the event, including Senator Jean Leising, Senator Jon Ford and State Representative Sean Eberhart. Eberhart pointed out the development of sports wagering will assist in facing competition with neighboring states and will be a boost for the entire state of Indiana.

 

“Sports wagering coupled with live table games coming online New Year’s Day will really set this facility apart,” noted Eberhart, who is a native of Shelby County. “In discussions with Caesars Entertainment this facility will be the second largest property in their portfolio behind only Caesars Palace in Vegas, and that is pretty exciting. It’s very cool to have that right here in our backyard. A special thanks goes out to Senator Jon Ford who is here today. He was very instrumental in working on this bill to get sports wagering in the state of Indiana.”

 

Baumann was joined by IGC Executive Director Tait, Senator Leising, Mayor Tom DeBaun, State Representative Eberhart, Senator Ford, and ESPN Radio’s Dan Dakich in cutting the ribbon to signify the official opening of Winner’s Circle Race Sports Pub.

  

A large crowd waited in line to be the first to enter Winner’s Circle Race Sports Pub. The first 250 guests received a cap as they made their way to the teller lines to place their first sports wagers. 

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