Local News

Shelby County to monitor health of recent travelers from international geographic areas having widespread or sustained community transmission of COVID-19

The Shelby County Health Department will monitor the health of individuals who recently traveled internationally in accordance with guidance established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in response to a global outbreak of novel coronavirus. Currently, Shelby County does not have any returning travelers in our county requiring monitoring.

 

Shelby County Health Officer, Dr. Chris Loman, said individuals will be monitored daily for 14 days for symptoms of novel coronavirus, which can include fever, cough and shortness of breath. The CDC has said transmission of THE disease in the United States is low.

 

Marilee Evans, local county Nurse Director, reports that multiple agencies have been working together on preparations for our county. We are communicating and putting policies and procedures in place under the direction of the CDC and the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH).

 

“The risk of contracting the flu is much greater than any risk from novel coronavirus in our county, but we are taking every step possible to ensure that our community stays healthy,” Dr. Loman said.

 

Like influenza, human coronaviruses most commonly spread from an infected person to others through:

  • Respiratory droplets released into the air by coughing and sneezing;

  • Close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands;

  • Touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes before washing your hands; and

  • Rarely, fecal contamination.

 

The best way to protect yourself from any respiratory illness, including the flu, is to:

 

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

  • Stay home when you are sick.

  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Second biting incident leads Shelbyville Board of Public Works and Safety to not return dog to owners

The Shelbyville Board of Public Works and Safety voted not to allow a dog to return to its owners following a second reported dog bite involving the Dalmation, named Lucy.

 

The incident happened earlier this month on East Penn.  Keith Barrett with the Shelbyville / Shelby County Animal shelter.

 

 

Shockey informed the board she was willing to make arrangements for the dog to move.

 

 

Barrett said he had just learned with the young man who spoke to the board that the dog bit him after he had tried to catch the dog and hold it as it was running loose.  Barrett said that certainly changed the way he looked at the bite.  However, he also stated he didn’t believe the dog was adoptable with its current behavior.

 

The board of David Finkel and Bob Williams voted 2-0 not to allow the dog to return to its owners.

 

 


Health officials say Indiana is prepared if COVID-19 arrives in state

The Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) is urging Hoosiers to take common-sense steps to prepare for the possibility that the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) gains a greater foothold in the United States.

 

Indiana has no confirmed cases of COVID-19, and no one in the state is suspected of being infected at this time. To date, ISDH has worked with local health departments to monitor nearly 60 travelers in accordance with guidelines established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The number of people being monitored fluctuates as individuals complete the 14-day monitoring period. Currently, 26 individuals are being monitored in Indiana due to their history of travel or contact with an individual who has traveled to an affected country.

 

The CDC says the immediate risk at this time is low for Americans who do not have risk factors, such as travel to an impacted area or contact with a person who has had recent travel to China or other affected countries. However, the CDC has urged Americans to begin thinking about steps they would take if their daily lives are disrupted.

 

“This is a time to plan, not to panic,” said State Health Commissioner Kris Box, M.D., FACOG. “The situation with this novel coronavirus is changing rapidly, and I know that can cause concern because we don’t have all the answers yet. What we do have, however, is a plan for how to respond if and when COVID-19 comes to Indiana.”

 

ISDH is working with state, local and federal partners to refine existing pandemic response strategies, which include specific measures to prepare communities to respond to local transmission of the virus.

 

“Indiana has responded to pandemics before, and we have many tools to keep Hoosiers safe,” Box said. “While we can’t predict which measures might be necessary, we have trained in their use and can deploy these strategies quickly if the need arises.”

 

COVID-19 is a new illness caused by a coronavirus that had not been previously identified. This virus was first detected in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China, and has since spread globally. It is thought to be spread mainly person-to-person between people in close contact (within 6 feet) when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Symptoms include cough, fever and shortness of breath.

 

Because there is no vaccine and no treatment for COVID-19, these steps largely focus on staying home and mitigating the risk of community exposure should it become necessary.

 

Here are some practical steps Hoosiers can take:

  • Practice everyday prevention measures, which include washing your hands frequently, covering coughs and sneezes, staying home if you are sick and disinfecting high-touch surfaces.
  • Stay up-to-date on the latest information by checking credible sources of information, including the ISDH website at in.gov/isdh and the CDC website at cdc.gov/COVID19. More information will be shared about additional recommendations as the situation changes.

 

A video of a briefing Dr. Box provided to media earlier today will be posted here (Internet Explorer only) this afternoon.

Franklin man, Southport PD officer, arrested for criminal confinement and neglect of a dependent

An investigation that began in in mid-January has led to the arrest of a Franklin man on the charges of Criminal Confinement and Neglect of a Dependent, both level 6 Felonies.

 

On January 9, 2020, a staff member at Franklin High School was made aware of a situation that occurred off school property involving a 15 year old student. That staff member immediately reported the information to the Department of Child Services who subsequently started an investigation into the matter. DCS contacted the Franklin Police Department who then turned the case over to the Indiana State Police when it was determined the alleged crime occurred in Marion County. 

 

According to state police detectives, Timothy Hayes Jr., 37, who at the time was a reserve police officer for the Southport Police Department, allegedly utilized his position as a police officer for an attempted scare tactic for his 15 year old son. Hayes Jr. allegedly left his son handcuffed and unattended in an intake holding area at the Southport Police Department for more than thirty minutes. Hayes Jr. then drove his son, who was still handcuffed, to the Adult Processing Center for the Marion County Jail and parked in an area designated for police vehicles, however neither Hayes Jr. nor his son exited the vehicle. Hayes Jr. then drove back to his home in Franklin. 

 

Indiana State Police detectives presented the results of their investigation to the Marion County Prosecutor's Office. Prosecutors reviewed the case and subsequently issued an arrest warrant for Timothy Hayes Jr. on February 24th, 2020. Earlier this morning, Hayes Jr. turned himself into the Marion County Jail.  

 

The Southport Police Department has been fully cooperative with this investigation. The police chief has placed Hayes Jr. on administrative leave pending the outcome of an internal investigation. 

All crimes mentioned in this release are alleged and all suspects named are considered innocent until and unless proven guilty in the court of law.


Either hands-free or no phone use in your car with new legislation; Sen. Mike Crider

Indiana is one vote away from banning you from using your phone while driving.

 

The Senate has approved the ban with just four no votes. It's already passed the House by a similarly overwhelming margin, but a minor change means it has to be approved there again. The bill would make Indiana the 22nd state to require you to use your phone hands-free or leave it alone till you get where you're going.

 

South Bend Democrat David Niezgodski reminded his colleagues he has firsthand experience with the issue. He and his daughter were seriously injured in a crash not far from the statehouse six years ago -- he says his daughter still has lingering aftereffects from the wreck. At the emergency room, Niezgodski recalls, police told him the other driver was looking at her phone and blew through a red light at 50 miles an hour.

 

Greenfield Republican Mike Crider.

 

CRIDER

 

Governor Holcomb made passing the ban one of his legislative priorities for the session. Indiana already bans texting while driving, but the law is considered unenforceable.

Search suspended, Prather named president of Franklin College

The Franklin College Board of Trustees has announced the suspension of its presidential search and the naming of current Acting President Kerry N. Prather as president, effective immediately.

 

“The Franklin College Board of Trustees recognizes that Kerry Prather’s steady hand, transparent communication style and committed servant leadership are needed during this time of transition to keep the college focused on the important work of doing what is best for students,” said Board of Trustees Chairman James V. Due. “The campus community and our alumni enthusiastically greeted Kerry’s appointment as acting president, and today’s announcement reflects the board’s confidence in his abilities and leadership.”

 

Prather was appointed acting president effective January 14, 2020.

 

“This is a very special place to me and to our family. At Franklin, our priorities are the students we are preparing and the faculty and staff who are creating paths for their success,” President Prather said. “We will all work together as we pursue opportunities and confront challenges, always with our students as the focus of our efforts.”

 

Prather, who has served Franklin College in various capacities for 38 years, is a well-known and respected figure on campus. He began his career at Franklin in 1982 as an assistant men’s basketball coach, was promoted to head coach in 1983 and took on the additional role of athletic director in 1990. For much of that time, he was also an executive leadership representative on Franklin’s President’s Cabinet. In addition to his most recent roles, he previously served as acting vice president for administration and acting vice president for enrollment management. He is a graduate of Indiana University with an undergraduate degree in English and a master’s degree in education.

 

Franklin terminated the employment of its previous president, Thomas J. Minar, in January 2020.

 

Franklin will renew its presidential search in March 2021 with a goal of selecting a president to take office during the summer of 2022. The college will again use Isaacson, Miller as its presidential search firm.


MHP was recently named one of the Top 20 Rural Community Hospitals in the country

Major Health Partners in Shelbyville, Indiana was recently named one of the Top 20 Rural Community Hospitals in the country.

 

The National Rural Health Association (NRHA) has announced the 20 highest-ranked prospective payment system hospitals in the country based on an evaluation by The Chartis Center for Rural Health using iVantage Health Analytics’ Hospital Strength Index. These rural community hospitals will be recognized in an awards ceremony during NRHA’s Rural Hospital Innovation Summit May 21 in San Diego.

 

The determining factors for the Top 20 Rural Community Hospitals were based on eight indices: inpatient market share, outpatient market share, quality, outcomes, patient perspectives, costs, charge, and financial stability.

 

Major Health Partners l has been named one of the Top 20 Rural & Community Hospitals in the United States by NRHA for the fourth year in a row. Regarded as one of the industry’s most significant designations of performance excellence. The NRHA’s Top 20 Rural Community Hospitals Winners are the highest ranked of the aggregate scores across eight pillars of excellence. This selection is a subset of the Top 100 RCHs, named by The Chartis Center for Rural Health, previously announced in February. The official announcement of the Top 20 happens in May 2020.

 

See http://www.ivantageindex.com/top-performing-hospitals/ for more information.

 

Top 100 and Top 20 Rural & Community Hospital Resources:

The full list of this year’s Top 100 Rural & Community Hospitals, as well as the 2020 INDEX methodology, can be found at www.ivantageindex.com/top-performing-hospitals.

Snow on the way

All of this rain in central Indiana will eventually turn to snow, but how much will we get?

 

Mike Ryan, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service says it all depends on where you live.

 

The northern half of the state is under a Winter Storm Watch late tonight and all day Wednesday.

 

"Indianapolis is not included in the watch, but locations in the north metro -- Boone and Hamilton counties -- and points north of there are under the watch," Ryan said.

 

He says the Indy metro will see the most snow on Wednesday afternoon and during the evening commute, with totals reaching 1-3 inches.

 

The more north you go, the more snow you'll see.

 

"North central Indiana, places like Lafayette and Kokomo, will get around 3 to 5 inches," Ryan said. "6 to 8 inches, maybe even higher, as you get up towards Rensselaer, Rochester, and definitely South Bend and towards the Chicagoland area."

 

On the flip side, southern Indiana will see less amounts. Ryan says Bloomington and Columbus might see an inch of snow, but cities and towns along the Ohio River Valley might not see any, as temperatures should stay warm enough to keep any precipitation as rain.


INDOT to close portion of U.S. 52 on March 2 to replace bridge

The Indiana Department of Transportation will close a portion of U.S. 52 to replace the bridge over West Little Sugar Creek. 

 

The closure is scheduled to begin on March 2. Contractors will close both directions of U.S. 52 between CR S 600 W and CR S 550 W.

 

The portion of U.S. 52 will be closed for 120 days as contractors replace the bridge. 

 

During the closure, drivers are encouraged to take the detour route. The official detour will be I-465 NB to U.S. 40 EB to S.R. 9 SB back to U.S. 52. 


Silver Alert: Lester Burbrink, Columbus

The Columbus Police Department is investigating the disappearance of Lester Burbrink, an 81 year old white male, 6 feet 2 inches tall, 230 pounds, gray hair with brown eyes, last seen wearing a light gray or brown jacket, dark hat, and driving a gold 2011 Toyota Sienna van with Indiana license plate RMY591.

 

Lester is missing from Columbus and was last seen on Friday, February 21, 2020 at 3:30 pm. He is believed to be in extreme danger and may require medical assistance.

 

If you have any information on Lester Burbrink, contact the Columbus Police Department at 812-379-1689 or 911.

Public invited to comment on the accreditation of the Shelbyville Police Department

The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement will conduct an on-site assessment of the Shelbyville Police Department March 9, 10 and 11, 2020. Members of the public are encouraged to participate in public comment on the accreditation of the Shelbyville Police Department.

 

For those who choose to do so, a public call in session will be offered on Tuesday March 10, 2020 from 1-3:00 pm. The dedicated number for public access is 317-364-4961. This line is located in the work area of the assessors.

 

A public comment session will be conducted at City Hall in the Council Chambers starting at 6:00 pm on Tuesday, March 10, 2020.

 

By Mail or Email: Write to the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies Inc. 13575 Heathcote Boulevard, Suite 320, Gainesville Virginia 20155

 

You may also email your comments to calea@calea.org, putting “Shelbyville Police Department, Indiana” in the subject line.

 

Any member of the public who wishes to comment on the accreditation of the Shelbyville Police Department is encouraged to participate by attending the scheduled meeting and/or utilizing the call-in opportunity or communicate your comments or concerns in writing.

Do you want to sign to save Indiana Beach?

A petition to save Indiana Beach.

 

The petition, started by a man named Dustin Springer, has collected more than 24,000 signatures in just two days.

 

Springer's petition is aimed at park owner Apex Parks Group, which closed Indiana Beach earlier this week.

 

You can find the petition at change.org.

 

 

Indiana DNR hiring conservation officers

The Indiana DNR Division of Law Enforcement is looking to fill Indiana Conservation Officer (ICO) positions across the state with highly motivated, outdoor-centered individuals.

 

Anyone interested in a career as an ICO should first read “Becoming a Conservation Officer” at dnr.IN.gov/lawen for and complete the pre-screening test at dnr.IN.gov/lawenfor/9801.htm.  Completion of the pre-screening test by midnight Feb. 28 is required to be considered for the 2020 hiring process, which starts in early March.

 

To be qualified to pass the pre-screening test, you must be a U.S. citizen; be 21 years old by April 16, 2021; and have an associate’s degree from an accredited college or completed 60 hours toward a bachelor’s degree, or have four years full time active military service with an honorable discharge by Sept. 21, 2020. You must be able to pass minimum Indiana Law Enforcement Academy physical fitness requirements as listed at ilea.IN.gov/2338.htm.

 

ICOs are fully recognized Indiana police officers who enforce and uphold all DNR rules and regulations as well as all other Indiana state laws. ICOs spend the majority of their time enforcing fishing and hunting regulations, conducting marine boat patrol on Indiana’s waterways, and patrolling DNR properties to keep them safe and family friendly.

 

In addition to traditional law enforcement work, ICOs also engage in many specialty areas, including Scuba, K-9, search and rescue, swift water rescue and many more.

Three bridge projects have been scheduled for Shelby Co.

Shelby County has three bridge projects all starting April 1, 2020 that are scheduled to take approximately 60 days.

 

Bridge 10 located on 800 N between 325 W and 400 W over Snail Creek.  The last address accessible from the east is 3489 W 800 N.  And the first address west of it is 3560 W 800 N.

 

Bridge 12 located on 700 N between 700 W and 800 W over Sugar Creek.  The last address accessible from the east is 7650 W 700 N.  And the first address west of it is 7757 W 700 N along with the addresses in the Woodnotes Addition.

 

Bridge 133 located on 600 E between 700 S / River Rd and 850 S over Flat Rock River.  The last address accessible from the north is 7485 S 600 E and the first address south of it is 7714 S 600 E.

 

 

 

Drugs involved in Shelbyville murder case

Drugs appear to be the backdrop for a murder charge against a Shelbyville man.

 

Travis Lee Martin, 32, was charged with the murder of Delaney Drake. 

 

Drake's murder occurred on November 25, 2019, in the 100 block of East Franklin Street in Shelbyville.  Shelbyville Police reported that early on that Monday morning the Shelbyville Police responded to a scene near the intersection of Noble Street and Franklin Street regarding an altercation resulting in serious bodily injury. 

 

The victim, later identified as Delaney, aka "DJ", Drake, was allegedly involved in an altercation with a white male suspect.  According to witnesses the suspect fled the area on foot.  Drake later died of his injuries.

 

According to the probable cause affidavit Lee killed Drake “while committing or attempting to commit dealing in methamphetamine and / or dealing in a Schedule I, II, or III controlled substance”.

 

Martin also faces charges of dealing in meth amount at least ten grams, drug conspiracy or attempt, dealing in methamphetamine, and corrupt business influence for an arrest in mid-January.

Shelbyville man charged with November 25 murder of Delaney Drake

A Shelbyville man has been charged with murder.

 

Travis Lee Martin, 32, was charged with the murder of Delaney Drake.  Drake's murder occurred on November 25, 2019, in the 100 block of East Franklin Street in Shelbyville.

 

Shelbyville Police report the investigation into the murder continues.  Anyone with any information is asked to call Detective Jason Brown or Captain Bill Dwenger at (317) 392-5118.

 

Original story - November 25, 2019

Early Monday morning the Shelbyville Police responded to a scene near the intersection of Noble Street and Franklin Street regarding an altercation resulting in serious bodily injury. 

 

The victim, later identified as Delany, aka "DJ", Drake, was allegedly involved in an altercation with a white male suspect.  According to witnesses the suspect fled the area on foot. 

 

Drake later succumbed to injuries sustained in the altercation. 

 

At this time, there is no reason to believe the general public is in danger. 

 

The incident appears to be isolated between the suspect and victim. Anyone with information regarding this incident, please contact Det. Brian Roberts at the Shelbyville Police Department.

Indiana Beach closing after 94 years

Indiana Beach amusement park has closed after operating for 94 years in White County. The park closed for good Tuesday afternoon, confirmed White County Economic Development Director Randy Mitchell to WLFI TV.

 

Apex Parks Group, which operates 20 other parks, decided to close the park after it could not find a buyer.

 

The decision was financial, according to the company's vice president.

 

The park has been sold at least twice, the last time in 2015. It was opened by the Spackman family in 1926.

 

The future of all park employees was not clear Tuesday.

Search continues for missing Hope woman

The Hope Police Department is still investigating the disappearance of Donna Mitchell.
 
Mitchell was the subject of a statewide Silver Alert.
 
On the department's Facebook page, Hope Police have asked that anyone who lives along Decatur County Line Road, 700S and 60 SW, that have cameras that face the road contact Hope PD to view any video that may help in their investigation.
 

Mitchell is a 57 year old white female, 5 feet 3 inches tall, 115 pounds, brown hair with brown eyes, last seen wearing glasses, a tan Carhartt jacket, blue jeans with a flower decal on the pant leg.

 

She is believed to be driving a maroon 2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer and front bumper is hanging by a coat hanger with Indiana license plate 902QAK.

 

Donna is missing from Hope and was last seen on Tuesday, February 11, 2020 at 7:30 pm.  She is believed to be in danger and may require medical assistance. 

 

If you have any information on Donna Mitchell, contact the Hope Police Department at 812-546-4015 or 911.

 
 

Shelby County to accept bids for construction of Probation Department building

The long anticipated construction of a new Probation Department building in Shelby County will take a step forward next month.

 

County commissioner Chris Ross.

 

 

While referenced most often as the probation building it will serve as home for other agencies on the move from the county’s Professional Building on East SR 44.

 

 

With that, as for the future of the Professional Building Ross says that will be under discussion.  Sale of the property is one possibility.

Silver Alert: Woman reported missing from Hope

A Statewide Silver Alert has been declared.

 

The Hope Police Department is investigating the disappearance of Donna Mitchell, a 57 year old white female, 5 feet 3 inches tall, 115 pounds, brown hair with brown eyes, last seen wearing glasses, a tan Carhartt jacket, blue jeans with a flower decal on the pant leg.

 

She is believed to be driving a maroon 2004 Chevrolet Trailblazer and front bumper is hanging by a coat hanger with Indiana license plate 902QAK.

 

Donna is missing from Hope and was last seen on Tuesday, February 11, 2020 at 7:30 pm.  She is believed to be in danger and may require medical assistance. 

 

If you have any information on Donna Mitchell, contact the Hope Police Department at 812-546-4015 or 911.

School delays for Thursday, Feb 13

This list will be updated as we proceed through the morning.

 

As of 6:10 am, the following school corporations have reported that they are on a 2-hour delay.

 

Greenfield – Central

Southern Hancock

Eastern Hancock

Mt. Vernon Community

Shelbyville Central

Southwestern Consolidated

Northwestern Consolidated – Shelby Co.                  Child care at 8:30 am

Shelby Eastern

Mays Community Academy 

Rush County Schools 

Greensburg

 

Shelby Senior Services offices will open at 8:00am.  The Horizon Center has a 2-hour delay

 

 

 

 

Wintry mix, temps to drop

How much snow will you get Wednesday through Thursday? It all depends on where you live.

 

The majority of northern Indiana will see 3-6 inches of snow by Thursday afternoon. The majority of southern Indiana will see mostly rain on Wednesday afternoon and evening, with a chance of flooding.

 

However, the total amounts in central Indiana will vary, says WISH-TV Meteorologist Marcus Bailey. He's using I-70 as a good dividing line.

 

"We're looking at 1-3 inches of snow along I-70," Bailey said. "But there could be a big difference, and a sharp dropoff, of who gets snow."

 

"Northern parts of Johnson County and Morgan County may see mainly rain (on Wednesday afternoon and evening), but if you get up to the north side of Indianapolis or into Hamilton County or Boone County, they could be seeing all snow (Wednesday afternoon and evening)."

 

Bailey says no matter where you live in the state, and what type of precipitation or how much you get, all Hoosiers will be under the same blanket on Thursday afternoon into Thursday night -- very cold temperatures.

 

"Temperatures will gradually fall throughout the day, likely into the 20s by mid-afternoon," Bailey said. "And then you're going to have numbers in the single digits Thursday night and into Friday morning."

 

He says most of the state will see wind chills on Friday morning at, or below, zero.

Former Mrs Curl owner sentenced for child porn possession

The former owner of a popular Greenwood ice cream shop has pleaded guilty to child pornography charges.

 

John Cassin, 75, pleaded guilty to two counts of possession of child pornography. As part of the plea agreement, he will serve three years on probation, with the first year on home detention. Cassin will also have to register as a sex offender for life.

 

Cassin was the owner of the Mrs. Curl ice cream shop in Greenwood before being arrested in April 2019. Investigators found sexually explicit photos of children on his home computer in Whiteland.

 

Mrs. Curl remained open under new ownership.

BBB warns consumers to be wary of coronavirus scams

Consumers need to be skeptical of emails and websites promoting coronavirus prevention products and tips. Phishing emails are unsolicited messages that request personal information or money from the intended victim and are expected to rise significantly as the virus spreads. They often are a precursor to identity theft. 

 

Media reports on the outbreak of coronavirus (2019 Novel Coronavirus, or 2019-nCoV) in the Wuhan region of China already have prompted a social media scam targeting Chinese-Australian citizens in Wuhan with a phony online evacuation form, according to a report by Australia’s ABC news outlet.

 

During the 2009 swine flu epidemic, McAfee Avert Labs, an online security company, reported that messages promoting virus treatment and prevention, or otherwise sensationalizing the outbreak, accounted for 2 percent of all spam sent in the days following the first media reports of the outbreak. And various websites promoted “survival guides,” masks, prevention tips and treatments, most of them of little value in fighting flu. 

 

Free information on the virus, the outbreak and preventive measures is available on the?Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website.

 

BBB offers the following advice to avoid coronavirus-related scams: 

 

  • Avoid opening e-mail from an unknown source. Do not click on links in the body of the e-mail or open any attachments. Instead, delete the e-mail. If you suspect that it is a scam, report it to BBB Scam Tracker. 

  •  

  • Disregard online offers for vaccinations. Vaccinations?against coronavirus do not exist. For more information on the virus and updates on progress in fighting the outbreak, go to the CDC’s website at cdc.gov

  •  

  • Make sure the antivirus and anti-malware programs on your computer are up to date?and all operating system security patches have been installed. If your computer becomes infected as the result of a spam e-mail about coronavirus, you can report it to the Internet Crime Complaint Center at?www.ic3.gov

Shelbyville Parks hit by ongoing vandalism; cameras into parks and offering reward

A string of incidents involving vandalism at Shelbyville parks is leading to installation of cameras to monitor the area and, if possible, the prosecution of those involved.

 

Parks Department’s Chris Stephens says the problem is an ongoing one.

 

 

While much of the damage has been cleanable and repairs made by the Parks Department itself, Stephens notes manpower and cleaning has cost thousands of dollars.  And, as Gary Bowen with the Parks Board points out, it’s not all been cosmetic.  Shelbyville’s trails and the historic bridge at Blue River Park have been targeted.

 

 

Bowen says it’s time to offer the parks more protection.  And that means cameras.

 

 

Bowen says this isn’t a step they wanted to take.  But there is now a reward as the parks department will seek legal action.

 

 

Stephens asks the public to also be vigilant around the city’s parks.

 

 

Owens throws support to Myers in Democrat governor's race

Shelbyville native Josh Owens has announced that he has suspended his campaign for governor.

 

Owens, 34, has pulled from the race for the Democratic nomination and says he will support Dr. Woody Myers.

 

Owens published the following statement:

 

I got into this race because I believe Indiana needs a bigger, bolder, more inclusive vision for every Hoosier, one not rooted in our last 200 years, but in our next 200. Over the past several months, we've earned the support and trust of thousands of Hoosiers who agree.

 

During this primary, I've had many discussions with Dr. Woody Myers about the future of Indiana and the desperate need for new leadership in the Governor's office. While we have some differences, I'm encouraged that like me, he's not a career politician. Dr. Myers brings an outsider's perspective to our politics, which is urgently needed.

 

One of the things Dr. Myers and I have agreed on is the need to avoid a divisive Democratic Primary. As of today, I will be suspending my campaign and supporting Dr. Myers as he becomes the presumptive Democratic nominee for governor.

 

Our state needs a champion for public school teachers and students in every community. Our state needs a leader who will act on universal background checks and climate change innovation. And our state needs an executive who will protect all Hoosiers, and one who represents the diversity of our great state and will bring new inclusive voices to the table.

 

Dr. Myers has the experience, the background, and the vision for success that Indiana deserves. I am proud to be supporting him as he takes our fight into the November election.

Shelbyville Fire has three bids to replace special air equipment for new truck

The Shelbyville Board of Public Works and Safety opened three bids for equipment for the Shelbyville Fire Department Tuesday.

 

Fire Chief Tony Logan on the equipment purchase the department is seeking.

 

 

The three bids submitted by Fire Services Inc. represent three different companies.  The bids ranged from $214, 733 to $258, 089.

 

The board approved taking the bids under advisement for further consideration.

Hamilton - Major, downtown Shelbyville project seeing progress with mild weather

Construction in Shelbyville's downtown, or in some cases, destruction that comes before it, are seeing progress during the winter months.  Winter months that have contributed with above average temperatures.

 

Shelbyville Mayor Tom DeBaun says he's pleased with the progress, so far.

 

 

• The Hamilton-Major Subdivision – 13 executive homes built on the old Major Hospital site on West Washington Street;

 

• Redevelopment of the Methodist Building into housing and commercial retail space;

 

• Rehabilitation and renewal of the Public Square.

Man injured at Bunge elevator in Morristown Monday

A man was seriously injured when his arm became caught in machinery in Morristown Monday evening.

 

The name of the man was not released in initial information provided to GIANT fm News.  

 

The man was free of the machinery at the  Bunge Morristown Elevator when local emergency crews arrived just after 6:00 pm.  He was taken by ground ambulance to Methodist Hospital.

 

Halstrom named Vice President, General Manager of Racing at Indiana Grand Racing & Casino

Longtime racing executive Eric Halstrom has been named Vice President, General Manager of Racing at Indiana Grand Racing & Casino, pending all regulatory approvals. Halstrom becomes only the second individual to hold the position, succeeding Jon Schuster, who had been with the facility since its inception in 2002. Schuster passed away in late 2019.

 

“Eric has a proven track record of achievement in the horse racing industry and with Caesars Entertainment,” said Rich, who worked with Halstrom at Harrah’s Louisiana Downs prior to relocating to Indiana Grand. “His enthusiasm and knowledge of the sport is unparalleled. This is an important role for Indiana Grand and Caesars, and we are very fortunate to have Eric transition into this position to lead our initiatives for Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing.”

 

A native of Minneapolis, Minn., Halstrom has an extensive background in racetrack management. Like Schuster, he is a graduate of the University of Arizona Racetrack Industry Program and has served in several capacities, including vice president of racing at Canterbury Park, vice president and general manager of racing operations at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots, assistant director of racing at Prairie Meadows and most recently vice president of operations at Harrah’s Louisiana Downs. Halstrom has previous work experience in the state of Indiana, serving as the general manager of Fort Wayne Off Track Betting and Merrillville Off Track Betting in the mid-1990s.

 

“I’m very excited to begin a new chapter at Indiana Grand,” said Halstrom. “This is such an amazing time for this facility and the recent addition of live table games is such a boost to the property. There is so much opportunity for the racing program to grow in the state of Indiana. I’m excited to be part of the team to carry on the great tradition that Jon Schuster has developed over the past 18 years.”

 

Halstrom will begin his new role at Indiana Grand Monday, Feb. 17, 2020.

 

Live Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing will resume Tuesday, April 14 for the 120-day racing season. Action will begin at 2:15 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays with Saturdays’ first post set for 6:15 p.m. No live racing will be held on six weekend dates, including Friday, April 17 and Saturday, April 18 as well as Saturday, May 23, Saturday, September 5, Friday, Nov. 13 and Saturday, Nov. 14. Closing day is set for Wednesday, Nov. 18. 

Shelbyville, IN woman indicted in Kentucky after leaving children abandoned on side of the road

A grand jury in Boyle County, Kentucky has indicted a Shelbyville woman on drug and child endangerment charges.

 

Erica Girdler, 31, of Shelbyville, face two counts abandonment of a minor under circumstances endangering their life or health; and possession of meth.

 

According to court documents, Girdler was charged in November of last year after two children, aged 9 and 11, were found along an area roadway in Danville, Kentucky.

 

Investigators say they were able to determine the family was driving to visit family in Kentucky when the children were abandoned.

 

Girdler was found by authorities and pulled over in a traffic stop after the children were located.

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