WITZ NEWS
BOB GREWE RESIGNATION
September 03, 2010 - Thursday, Bob Grewe, President of the Dubois County Area Development Corporation announced his resignation after 5 years. County Commissioner John Burger told WITZ that it was a mutual decision and in Bob's best interest. He thanked Bob for his years of work on the board and credited him with hard work on the Economic Blueprint that is now in place. Burger stated that the focal point of the board will be widened to include more efforts to attract outside employers to the Dubois County area. Grewe will be heading a targeted business study that is currently under way. He will remain President until a replacement is found.
HUNTINGBURG CITY COUNCIL MEETING
September 03, 2010 - The Huntingburg City Council met in regular session last night. Councilman Glenn Kays reported on the Dubois County Wellness initiative in which Huntingburg will participate. With the new walking trail in the city, he talked about the importance of being part of the project and the health benefits of those who use it. Mayor Marvin Belcher reported on several street projects. Completed is 9th Street and the Chestnut Street renovation with only some remaining sod work. 3rd, 12th and 8th Street projects are coming along nicely. The city is required by the State to advertise emergency numbers to the public. 683-2327 is the after-hours emergency number. That number will be advertised in upcoming promotional materials that will be given out by the city. Utility Superintendent Tony Traylor presented bids for a new backhoe. With trade-in, the bids ranged from just over $58,000 from Whayne Supply, to $47,101 from ERB Equipment and the board approved bid of $45,950 from Hopf equipment. Bidding for the painting of the East water tank was presented. Low bid was submitted by Caldwell Tanks and it came in at $145,060. This bid was approved by the board as well.
BEAVER LAKE DAM FEDERAL GRANT
September 03, 2010 - A major federal economic development grant was presented to Jasper City officials Thursday Afternoon. 9th District Congressman Baron Hill was in the city to announce the $2.2 million dollar grant has been awarded by the Economic Development Agency for the reconstruction of the Beaver Lake Dam and Spillway. The grant money will be used to pay for improvements to the 60 year old dam structure which does not meet current safety standards of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. Congressman Hill's influence in Washington helped secure the money that is set aside for such projects. During the annoucements he stated that it was really not him that got the grant, but that it was the hard work of Lisa Gehlhausen and Mayor Bill Schmitt. The grant is a matching grant and will not cover the entire $3.2 million dollar cost of the project. The remaining funds will have to come from state and local money as reported by Gehlhausen. Since the federal grant has been awarded, efforts will begin to secure state and local funding. Residents in the area will be affected by the project as the lake level will have to be lowered significantly to complete the project. It is expected that work will begin at the end of next summer and be completed by the end of 2011.
SOUTHEAST SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
September 02, 2010 - The Southeast Dubois School board dealt with a variety of financial items at Wednesday night's regular meeting. Last night's session began with the mandated public hearing on the proposed 2011 school budget which is estimated at just over $14.1 million dollars. This marked the last opportunity for the public to offer comment on the plan before final adoption on September 15th. In other business, the board authorized superintendent Bob Johnson to apply for the high ability grant, valued at just under $30,800. Though down by four hundred dollars from last year's figure, these funds will be used to pay for additional instructor time before and after school. As was recently reported, the Southeast Dubois School system was awarded more than $247,000 in federal stimulus money. Superintendent Johnson said that he would hold off on spending the money because it is his understanding that more state educational budget cuts might be coming next year. Should that happen, Johnson stated that he would use the stimulus money to replace retirees during the 2011-12 school year. Finally, board members accepted a pair of donations. Chris Tretter donated three thousand dollars to the SE Dubois Endowment Fund for use in the baseball program. Ferdinand principle Lee Begle informed the board that Psi Iota Xi Sorority had donated an AED device to Ferdinand Elementary School. This means that there is one of these potentially life-saving devices in each Southeast Dubois School Building.
JASPER MOPED CRASH
September 02, 2010 - Jasper Police were called to the scene of a single person accident on Wednesday night. 42 year old Anthony Bonifer was riding his moped north in the 900 block of third avenue when he lost control for an unknown reason. Bonifer sustained abrasions to his head and was transported to Memorial Hospital for treatment. His moped had an undetermined amount of damages in the 10:21 pm accident.
DRUG SEARCH AND ARRESTS IN PAOLI
September 02, 2010 - Indiana State Police, Orange County Sheriff's Deputies and the Paoli Police investigated drug activity which resulted in the arrest of three subjects. A search warrant was executed on Tuesday at about 9 PM on South Unionville Road. During the search, items used in the manufacture of methamphetamine were found along with meth, marijuana and drug paraphernalia. 38 year old Bryan Lomax, 40 year old Robin Hobson and 45 year old Troy Moore, all of Paoli, were taken into custody. Lomax and Hobson were charged with dealing methamphetamine, maintaining a common nuisance, possession of precursors, possession of marijuana under 30 grams and possession of paraphernalia. Moore faces charges of possession of meth, marijuana and visiting a common nuisance. All three were taken to the Orange County Jail. Members of the Indiana State Police meth supression unit and the Clandestine Lab Team responded to the scene to dispose of the hazardous waste and chemicals.
ORANGE COUNTY ARREST FOR STOLEN PROPERTY
September 02, 2010 - The discovery of stolen property has landed a French Lick man in jail in two recent burglaries. During the investigation of a burglary at 9669 West State Road 56, police were approached by an employee of the Wayne Ferguson Agency nearby on the report of a burglary at that location as well. About $4,000 total was taken from both locations. While following up on leads, Indiana State Police made contact with 20 year old David Walker of French Lick. Some of the items that had been stolen were located in his possession including a GPS, Wii game console, and a chain saw. Walker was placed under arrest and taken to the Orange County Jail where he bonded out on a $1,000 bond. He has been charged with a class 'D' felony of possession of stolen property. The investigation is still on-going in this case and anyone with information is asked to call the Indiana State Police Jasper Post at 812-482-1441 or 800-742-7475.
JASPER ACCIDENT
September 01, 2010 - Jasper Police investigated an accident in which no one was injured involving two vehicles at 15th and St. Charles Streets on Tuesday afternoon. 35 year old Craig Weyer of St. Anthony was northbound on St. Charles and was attempting to slow for the stop sign at 15th Street. Weyer told police his sandal became wedged under the brake pedal and he ran the stop sign colliding with an eastbound SUV driven by 60 year old Julie Fuhs of Jasper. More than $13,000 damage was reported in the 4:48 PM accident. Neither Weyer nor Fuhs were injured and no charges were filed.
HIGHWAY 231 AND 12TH AVENUE COLLISION IN JASPER
September 01, 2010 - One person received minor injuries following a two vehicle collision Tuesday Afternoon. According to Jasper City Police, 39 year old Jarrett Buse of Huntingburg and 42 year old Timothy Davis of Tell City were both travelling north on Highway 231 just before 2:30 pm. Both vehicles were in the turn lane and in the process of going around stopped traffic in the left lane. Police say an unknown vehicle pulled out of the stopped traffic lane and directly in front of the Davis vehicle. Davis was able to hit the brakes and avoid striking that vehicle, but Buse was not able to slow his van in time to avoid rear-ending Davis' Ford Fusion. Almost $8,000 damage was reported in the 2:28 pm accident. Jarrett Buse complained of chest and back pain. He received additional treatment. Davis was not injured. No charges were filed.
CANDIDATE FORUM NIGHT
September 01, 2010 - The first annual Candidate Forum sponsored by the Huntingburg Chamber of Commerce was held at the Southridge High School Auditorium last night. The crowd of around 75 took in speeches by political candidates for the eight contested Dubois County races. Event co-moderator Nick Stevens of the Huntingburg Chamber told WITZ news that they simply wanted to inform the public of their choices in November and that the Chamber board felt it was an important benefit that they could provide to local voters. Change was a common theme throughout many presentations. Several candidates used lower tax revenues and the impact on future services to the residents of Dubois County as their appeal to tax payers for their votes. Others touted accountability and improvements in efficiencies as ways to tackle problems. WITZ spoke with Gary Eck, representative for County Democrats for his take on the forum, and he stated that he thought it went well and that Democrats presented themselves well and they are very proud of their record and service to the community. Dubois County Republican Chair Don Hayes stated that he thought his candidates performed well and that the topic of change was an important one, not only for national and state races, but local as well. There are just a little over 60 days until the general election on November 2, 2010.
JASPER LIBRARY BOARD TOURS SITES
September 01, 2010 - The Jasper Library Board members toured two potential sites for anew library on Monday. The former Rural King building on third avenue and a vacant portion of the old Hoosier Desk Building and land behind it on Mill Street. Both sites, as expressed by Rita Douthit, have merit and present viable options for a new facility. Each has a hefty price tag because of the renovations that would be needed but the attraction to them is because they would not be required to start from scratch. Board members talked about their preferences including the single story opportunity at the Rural King building and the ability to remain close to downtown at the old Hoosier Desk locations. Other significant issues remain, but board members are resolute in moving towards a solution.
FEDERAL FUNDING FOR DUBOIS COUNTY SCHOOLS
August 31, 2010 - Dubois County Schools could see additional funding from the application that has been submitted by governor Daniels last week under the Educational Jobs Fund. The amounts that area schools get would be these amounts: Jasper Consolidated: $556,328.00 NorthEast Dubois: $190,562.00 SouthEast Dubois: $247,703.00 SouthWest Dubois: $334,395.00 The funds would be used for compensation, benefits, and support services to retain existing employees, rehire former employees, or hire new employees to provide childhood, elementary, or secondary educational services. It will take about four weeks to process and approve the request of the funds.
EVANSVILLE CONVICTION UPHELD
August 31, 2010 - The Indiana Court of Appeals has upheld the conviction of an Evansville man convicted in the beating death of his three year old son in 2008. Attorneys for Terry Lay had contested the trial judge's decision to allow Lay's wife, Amanda, to testify in the fall 2009 trial. Lay was convicted of reckless homicide and neglect in connection with the April 2008 death of Kalab Lay. Amanda Lay is currently serving a 35 year term in prison for her role in the incident.
HUNTINGBURG ACCIDENT
August 31, 2010 - Huntingburg Police were called to the scene of an accident on Monday morning at 2nd and Geiger Streets. 33 year old Nathan Sutton of Irvine Kentucky was driving north on Geiger in his 1988 Chevy Truck when he failed to stop at the stop sign at the corner of 2nd Street and collided with 76 year old Vera Peach of Huntingburg. Peach complained of chest pain and was transported by ambulance to the hospital, Sutton was not injured in the 10:16 am accident. Sutton's truck was a total loss while Peach's 2001 Ford Grand Marquis sustained $4,000.00 of damage. Sutton was cited for disregarding a stop sign.
JASPER FIRE RUN
August 31, 2010 - At 5:41 pm yesterday, Jasper Fire Fighters were called to Jasper Engines & Transmissions on a fire alarm in the Co-Gen room. Fire Chief Kenny Hochesang reports that 20 foot of insulation was burned around some duct work. There was no smoke or fire damage to the rest of the building and only about $2,000 to the immediate area. Six trucks and 34 fire fighters were on the scene for an hour and fifteen minutes.
HUNTINGBURG FIELD FIRE
August 30, 2010 - Huntingburg Fire Fighters were called to the farm of Doug Messmer at 3779 South Old Huntingburg Road on Saturday on the report of a field fire. A John Deere tractor was being used to cut down recently harvested corn stalks when a clog sparked a fire from excessive heat build-up in the mower. The fire began to spread towards grain bins and rolled bails of hay when the 911 call went out. Fire fighters quickly contained and extinguished the blaze. Approximately 10 acres was burned but no other damage was caused to nearby standing corn. The mower sustained fire damage but the tractor was unaffected. Three trucks and 14 men were on the scene for about an hour in the 4 PM incident on Saturday.
EARLY MORNING JASPER ACCIDENT
August 30, 2010 - Dubois County Sheriff's Deputies and Jasper Police responded to a call this morning on a single vehicle accident at State Road 162 south of Schnellville Road. 46 year old Diane Popp of Haysville was northbound when she ran off the west side of the road and struck a road sign for an unknown reason. Popp complained of neck and back pain and was taken to Memorial Hospital by ambulance. Her 2002 Ford Mustang was a total loss. There were no charges filed in the 4:20 AM accident.
MARTIN COUNTY VANDALISM
August 30, 2010 - Martin County Sheriff's officials reported on a vandalism at the Mustering Elm Park in Trinity Springs. On Friday, Sheriff Deputy Keith Keller was called to the park where it was discovered that one of the shelter houses had its electrical wiring stripped and stolen. All of the wires were cut at the breaker box and electrical outlets were broken as well. Approximately 150 feet of wiring was taken in the incident. A $200 reward is being offered by the Mustering Elm Park Fund for information regarding the theft. Anyone with any information can call the Martin County Sheriff's Department at 812-247-3726.
EVANSVILLE DRUG SMUGGLERS DETAINED IN ARIZONA
August 28, 2010 - Two Evansville women accused of attempting to smuggle marijuana from Mexico into the United States have been identified. Sarah Renee Smith and Emily Jo Daugherty were detained by Border Patrol agents in Southwest Arizona on Monday after nearly 100 pounds of marijuana was found concealed in their van. The two 25 year old women have been turned over to immigration and customs enforcement.
JASPER CRASH 231 & 5TH STREETS
August 28, 2010 - Jasper Police were called to a property damage accident shortly after noon on Friday.
74 year old Delores Wininger of French Lick was on West 5th Street attempting to cross 231 to get to Hoffman road when she pulled her 2009 Buick LuCerne the path of 42 year old Michele Johnson of Dale who was southbound on 231 in her 2004 Ford Mustang.
12,000 Dollars damage was done to Johnson's Ford, and 5,000 to the Wininger vehicle.
Wininger was cited with failure to yield. There were no injuries in the 12:10 pm accident.
JASPER DRUG ARRESTS
August 28, 2010 - Jasper City Police were called on Friday afternoon by the Walmart pharmacy on the report of suspicious activity. Three males came into the store, purchased pseudoephedrine and then left. Police located their vehicle at 35th and Newton Streets just before 2 O'Clock and stopped them for a minor traffic infraction. During the stop police obtained volutary consent to search their vehicle. Syringes, boxes of pseudoephedrine along with marijuana and drug paraphernalia were found. 21 year old Jordan Weaver, 20 year old Andrew Watts, and 29 year old Marlin Hill all of Vincennes were placed under arrest and charged with class 'D' felonies of possession of drug precursors, and possession of hypodermic needles. Watts was additionally charged with possession of marijuana and paraphernalia. All three were lodged in the Dubois County Security Center.
CHEMICAL COATINGS ARRESTS
August 27, 2010 - Jasper City Police made a trio of arrests this week concerning recent theft of aluminum from a Vine Street business. According to police, officers had received information on August 17th about the theft of aluminum from Jasper Chemical Coatings. Further investigation by police found suspects, 41 year old Donald Reiner and 51 year old Brett Stout, both of Jasper, had taken aluminum trap doors and turned them in at Jasper Salvage, receiving $87.85. Reiner and Stout were both arrested on a 'C' felony count of burglary and 'D' felony charge of theft, plus a 'B' misdemeanor charge of criminal recklessness. A third man, believed to have helped Reiner and Stout transport the stolen aluminum was arrested on a 'C' felony count of inducing or aiding in burglary and a 'D' felony charge of theft. All three were lodged in the Dubois County Security Center. Jasper City Police received assistance in the investigation from Dubois County Sheriff's deputies.
HOLIDAY FOODS PARKING LOT HIT AND RUN
August 27, 2010 - Jasper City Police are seeking the public's assistance in a property damage hit and run accident Thursday afternoon. City Police are reporting the driver of a truck was backing out of a parking space at Holiday Foods when they collided with another vehicle. The truck then left the area. Authorities describe the truck as tan in color with tool boxes along the sides of the bed. Three thousand dollars damage was sustained on the parked vehicle in the 5:30 am accident. Anyone with any information about this incident or the suspect truck is asked to contact the Jasper City Police at 482-2255 or the anonymous tip line at 481-COPS.
ROBBERY SUSPECT ARRESTED
August 27, 2010 - Indiana State Police have arrested a fourth and final suspect in the robbery of the Rockport Dollar General Store. Troopers were contacted by Rockport City Police back in December of 2009 to provide assistance in the investigation into the robbery which occurred on December 20th. After a three month investigation, State Police arrested three Evansville residents for their involvement. 18 year old Brian Bough, 23 year old Angela Jones, and a male juvenile were all taken into custody. Authorities knew that a fourth person was involved and continued to follow up on leads in the case. That persistence led to the final arrest on Thursday afternoon. 31 year old Larrod Evans of Evansville was arrested without incident at his apartment. Evans was placed in the Spencer County Jail on charges of armed robbery, theft, obstruction of justice and battery causing bodily injury. Additionally, State Police are continuing to investigate a second robbery of the same Dollar General on December 27, 2009. Detectives report that they have a person of interest who they believe is responsible, but no arrests have been made in that case.
THURSDAY INDOT MEETING IN HUNTINGBURG
August 27, 2010 - There was plenty of INDOT officials on hand to meet with the hundreds of citizens at the Huntingburg Events Center last night on the issue of the next phase of the 231 project. The meeting was open house style so that attendees could come and go as they pleased. There were no formal speakers or announcements made at the event. Many attendees were skeptical about the plans and stated that they had more questions than were answered in the meetings. Still, the goal of the meeting was to assess public sentiment about the routes and give input on how property acquisition would be handled. INDOT representative Cher Goodwin stated that the process of obtaining input from the public is very important. INDOT officials say that they have specific guidelines when it comes to land acquisition and how it is handled. The process is detailed but focuses on solutions for each homeowner. The Huntingburg airport is a big factor in these discussions and Travis McQueen told WITZ news that the location of 231 impacts the airport as it works through requests from the airport users for longer runways. It is expected that the ground work for this next phase will begin in early 2011.
ONE INJURED IN MONROE CITY CRASH
August 26, 2010 - One driver was injured in a two vehicle crash at 12:45 pm Wednesday at State Road 61 and Monroe School Road in Monroe City. Knox County Sheriff Mike Morris reports that William Conklin of Robins, Georgia, disregarded a stop sign and drove into the path of David Heichelbeck of Winslow. Conklin suffered only minor injuries and was treated by the Harrison Township Fire Department at the scene and then transported to Good Samaritan Hospital. He was ticketed for disregarding a stop sign. Heichelbeck was not injured, however a large amount of diesel fuel from his vehicle spilled onto the roadway. Harrison and Vincennes Township Fire Departments along with IDEM cleaned up the fuel.
TROOPERS QUICK ACTION SAVES LIFE
August 26, 2010 - QUICK ACTION HAS SAVED THE LIFE OF A MOTORIST ON STATE ROAD 37 NEAR AVOCA. INDIANA STATE TROOPERS MARK CLEPHANE AND JUSTIN BUTLER ALONG WITH OOLITIC POLICE WERE DISPATCHED BY A 9-1-1 CALL YESTERDAY TO WHAT WAS THOUGHT TO BE A DOMESTIC DISTURBANCE INSIDE OF A VEHICLE. ONCE THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED, THEY DISCOVERED THAT A FEMALE DRIVER WAS SUFFERING FROM RESPIRATORY ARREST. THEY MOVED THE VICTIM TO ONE OF THE POLICE CRUISERS AND TRANSPORTED THE PERSON TO BEDFORD REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER. DOCTORS THERE TOLD THE OFFICERS THAT IF THEY HAD NOT TAKEN THE ACTIONS THAT THEY DID, THE VICTIM PROBABLY WOULD NOT HAVE SURVIVED.
INDOT MEETING TODAY ON U.S. 231 IN HUNTINBURG
August 26, 2010 - Today the Indiana Department of Transportation will have an open house format meeting at the Huntingburg Event Center at 200 East 14th Street from 4:00 to 7:00 pm. This public hearing will present an opportunity for local citizens to hear about the proposed routes for 231 from I-64 up to Indiana 64. In addition, and questions or concerns will be addressed.
INDOT MEETING ON I-69 IN BLOOMFIELD
August 26, 2010 - A public hearing is scheduled for 5 pm today at the Eastern Greene Middle School Gymnasium on section four of the I-69 project. This part of the Interstate system will run from 231 near the Crane Naval Surface Warfare Center to State Road 37 just south Bloomington. The content of the meeting will include the Draft Environmental Impact Statement. The preferred alternative route will be presented based on the environmental studies and months of input. The public is welcome to attend.
JASPER SCHOOLS READING PROGRAM
August 25, 2010 - a discussion concerning changes made by the State elementary reading requirements was held at Monday's greater Jasper school board meeting. Dr. Tracey Lorey is Director of Curriculum for the Greater Jasper School System. She spoke with WITZ news about the coming changes in requirements to ensure all students are reading at the third grade level and how teachers are helping students reach that goal. Lorey said that the state requirements will verify and validate everything that is already being done to support students as competent readers. She brought board members up to speed on the anticipated changes and how teachers and administrators will be implementing them in the coming months.
WORKER FALLS AT DUKE PLANT SITE
August 25, 2010 - A contractor was injured Tuesday morning during a fall at the Duke Energy construction site near Edwardsport in Knox county. A pipe-fitter who works for ICI Industrial Contractors fell about 16 feet into a vessel on the construction site around 11:45 am. Alan Melton, a spokesperson for ICI stated that emergency crews were able to pull the victim from the vessel. He was transported by helicopter to an Indianapolis hospital. His condition is unknown at this time.
DUBOIS MAN ARRESTED
August 25, 2010 - Officers responded to a call on Tuesday around 12:30 PM to a Dubois apartment on the report of a choking and a subject with a destructive device. A caller to 911 told Indiana State police and Dubois County share of personnel that her husband 27-year-old Shane Green had choked her and that he threatened her with a homemade destructive device. The device turned out to be a plastic bottle camp fuel and a sock. State police ordinance disposal team members responded and disabled the device. Green left the area but was later located around 5 PM at his apartment and was arrested without incident and placed in the Dubois County security Center. The victim was treated at Memorial Hospital for her injuries and released. Green faces charges of a class A felony for possession of a destructive or explosive device to intimidate or destroy property, class D felonies for intimidation and strangulation, and domestic battery and possession of drug paraphernalia, both class A misdemeanors.
VINCENNES COUPLE ARRESTED FOR METH
August 25, 2010 - A Vincennes couple was arrested on Tuesday by Indiana State Police and Vincennes officers. An investigation was started on 26 year old Brandon Whiting of Vincennes who was wanted in Sullivan County for failure to appear. While locating Whiting in the 800 block of Hart street, police found a 1999 Hyundai Sonata nearby that had a stolen plate on it. Trooper Doug Francis reported that the vehicle was parked within 25 feet of St. John's Lutheran Daycare. Police located Whiting and his girlfriend, 25 year old Ashley Welton of Vincennes and while searching their apartment, found meth, drug paraphernalia and ingredients commonly used to manufacture meth. A search of the vehicle belonging to Welton uncovered more meth making materials and ingredients. Both Whiting and Welton were arrested without incident and charged with class 'A', 'B', and 'C' felonies of manufacturing meth, possession of meth, and possession of drug precursors all within 1000 feet of a school, class 'D' felonies of possession of stolen property and maintaining a common nuisance, and a class 'A' misdemeanor of possession of paraphernalia. Both were lodged in the Knox County jail where they are being held on bond.
JASPER BOARD OF WORKS MEETING
August 25, 2010 - AT THEIR REGULAR MEETING TUESDAY, THE JASPER BOARD OF WORKS APPROVED A FIFTY CENT INCREASE ON TRASH STICKER PRICES EFFECTIVE OCTOBER FIRST. THERE HASN’T BEEN AN INCREASE IN TRASH STICKER PRICES SINCE 2005 AND THIS WILL HELP OFFSET THE COSTS, BUT WILL NOT COVER THEM COMPLETELY SAYS MAYOR BILL SCHMITT. JASPER CURRENTLY SPENDS ABOUT $434,000 PER YEAR IN TRASH AND RECYCLING COLLECTIONS BUT ONLY TAKES IN ABOUT $203,000. AND EVEN WITH THE INCREASE, THE REVENUE WILL STILL FALL SHORT OF PAYING FOR ALL OF THE COSTS. MAYOR SCHMITT SAID THAT THE REASON FOR THE INCREASE IS LOWER TAX REVENUES AND RISING COSTS OF PROVIDING THE SERVICE. HE SAID THAT THE TRASH STICKER REVENUES ARE A TRUE USER FEE OVER AND ABOVE TAX REVENUES. SCHMITT ALSO STATED THAT GOING FORWARD JASPER MIGHT HAVE TO CONSIDER OTHER FEES TO HELP REPLACE FALLING REVENUES. THOSE FEES COULD INCLUDE YARD WASTE PICKUP AND A STREET CLEANING SANITATION CHARGE.
KNOX COUNTY MOTORCYCLE FATALITY
August 24, 2010 - Knox County authorities say a Vincennes man was killed in a one vehicle accident early Sunday morning. The Knox County Sheriff's department is reporting 42 year old Brian Feltner was travelling westbound on US Hwy 50, attempting to merge onto HWY 41 south, when his motorcycle ran off the roadway. After leaving the pavement, Feltner's motorcycle travelled nearly 230 feet before coming to a rest. No other vehicles were involved. It is not known if Feltner was wearing a helmet or not at the time of the incident.
JASPER SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
August 24, 2010 - The Greater Jasper School board met in regular session Monday evening and two big items topped the agenda. Superintendent Dr. Jerrill Vandeventer announced that the Teacher's Association has ratified their contract with the Greater Jasper School Corporation. Board members unanimously voted to approve the deal, which runs through the 2012 school year. Also last night, Superintendent Vandeventer announced the property adjaceent to the Cabby O'Neill Gymnasium, where the former Jasper Middle/High School sat, will be developed into a green space. This area will feature lots of trees, walkways, plus a large fountain at the center. The greenway will be dedicated to Larry and Diane Seger. Vandeventer stated the estimated cost of this project would be around $165,000. The school system still has about $150,000 in funds left over from the demolition of the former school building. Grading and drainage work is slated to begin this fall.
RAPE ARREST MADE
August 24, 2010 - Dubois County sheriff's deputies arrested a Dubois man Sunday evening on one count of felony rape. According to law enforcement, 31 year old Aaron Atkins had allegedly given a woman a controlled substance earlier this month, telling her it was Tylenol. Once the drug had taken effect, Atkins allegedly had sexual intercourse with the woman, who was rendered unaware of the activity by the drug. An investigation occurred later, with a warrant for Atkins' arrest being issued Friday by the Dubois Circuit Court. He was arrested without incident about 7:30pm Sunday and lodged in the Dubois County Security Center on a class "A" felony count of rape.
HIT AND RUN, PURSUIT ARREST
August 24, 2010 - Charges are pending against a Warrick County woman in a rather odd hit and run/pursuit arrest late Monday morning. Jasper city police are continuing their investigation of the 11:25am incident. Authorities say 34 year old Jennifer Miller of Newburgh and 70 year old Gary Berryman of Westphalia were both travelling eastbound on State Road 56, when Miller came to a complete stop just past the intersection with County Road 350 West. According to officers, Miller then put her Chevy Trailblazer in reverse and struck the front end of Berryman's Toyota Highlander. A short time later, Miller made a U-turn on 56 and continued north on County Road 350 West. Soon thereafter, she was spotted by officers who attemtped to conduct a traffic stop. Miller was eventually pulled over on 36th street and after a short investigation, was transported to Memorial Hospital for evaluation. Charges are pending the conclusion of this investigation. Six thousand dollars damage was reported in the collision on State Road 56. Neither Miller nor Gary Berryman were injured in the collision.
AMERICAN GENERAL FINANCE IS SOLD
August 12, 2010 - American General Finance, based in Evansville, is being bought by a global investment group. Fortress Investment Group has entered into an agreement to purchase 80% of American General Finance. Officials have told employees that Fortress will keep the operations in Evansville and that there would be no layoffs.