A Knox County native was among two soldiers killed in a helicopter crash at Fort Irwin, California.
The Army says 1st Lieutenant Clayton Cullen died Saturday after his helicopter went down during a training exercise.
Cullen, 25, grew up in the town of Bicknell, about 15 miles from Vincennes. He graduated from North Knox High School in 2011 and joined the Army in 2015.
Funeral arrangements for Cullen are pending.
The extreme fluctuation of temperatures dipping above and below freezing the past few weeks has created prime conditions for potholes on Indiana interstates, U.S. routes and state highways.
To deal with potholes in the most aggressive and efficient manner, the Indiana Department of Transportation will be allowing crews through the state to close travel lanes where necessary during daytime hours, including during peak travel times for priority repairs.
Where possible, crews will limit their daytime work hours and try to avoid working in travel lanes during peak times. However, motorists might encounter maintenance crews making priority repairs any time, day or night.
How a pothole forms
Cracks develop in pavement from aging, traffic wear and winter freeze-thaw cycles. Potholes begin when water seeps into these cracks and freezes, expanding the layers of pavement, stone and soil. As the ice melts and contracts, heavy highway traffic further loosens the pavement, forming potholes. To learn more, view this video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UkGF4JCT3Fg
Preventing potholes
When the Indiana Department of Transportation is not clearing snow, ice or storm debris, its crews are focused on maintaining and protecting the state’s roads and bridges. Sealing and repaving projects prevent water from seeping into the pavement and forming potholes.
In 2017, INDOT crews crack sealed more than 1,400 lane miles and chip sealed more than 500 lane miles of pavement to prevent the forming of potholes.
Pothole patches
With temperatures too low for paving, most of Indiana’s hot-mix asphalt plants are now closed. During the winter INDOT uses cold mix, a mixture of small stone and liquid asphalt, as a temporary patch.
Even after being filled with cold patch, the same pothole requires ongoing maintenance and can reopen several times throughout the winter. When the asphalt plants reopen in the spring, INDOT maintenance crews clean out and then repair potholes with hot mix, providing a smoother, more permanent fix.
INDOT urges motorists to slow down and stay alert when encountering pothole-patching crews.
Report potholes
To report a pothole on a numbered state route, interstate or U.S. highway, contact your regional INDOT district or follow the “Report a Concern” link at potholes.indot.in.gov or on the INDOT mobile app.
For potholes on city streets or county roads, please contact the proper city or county maintenance department.
Metro East travelers: Lane restrictions are planned for westbound Interstate 64, including the closure of the entrance ramp from St. Clair Avenue to eastbound I-55/64, in East St. Louis beginning Wednesday, Jan. 24.
These restrictions are required to remove three light towers in the area. Work is expected to be completed by Monday, Jan. 29, weather permitting.
Traffic control devices including electronic message boards will be utilized to assist motorists during these restrictions. IDOT asks that motorists be patient, reduce speed, obey all warning signs and use additional caution when traveling near this work zone.
The boil order that was in effect for parts of Mt. Carmel has been lifted according to City Clerk Rudy Witsman.
On 1/21/18 at 12:11am Mt. Carmel Police arrested 29 year old Princeton, IN resident Michael J. McKeon for Unlawful Possession of Weapon by Felon and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia following a traffic stop on a white Volvo in the 600 block of N Walnut Street. The arresting officer requested Ofc. Hopper and his K9 “Ace” respond to the scene as well. Once Ofc. Hopper arrived on scene he conducted a free air narcotics sniff around the exterior of the vehicle with “Ace”. “Ace” alerted on the vehicle for the presence of drugs. A search was conducted which resulted in the officers locating drug paraphernalia on the vehicle passenger Michael McKeon. Officers also located numerous other items on McKeon’s person including two knifes, handcuffs and pepper spray. McKeon’s backpack contained brass knuckles, a slung-shot, throwing knives, Nunchaku, and a large knife. Several of these items were unlawful for McKeon to possess so he was placed under arrest for that as well as the drug paraphernalia. McKeon was transported to the Wabash County Jail and is being held pending the posting of $2500 cash bond. The driver was released without charges.
On 1/22/18 at 4:13pm Mt. Carmel Police arrested 53 year old Mt. Carmel resident Catherine A. Dooley for Possession of Methamphetamine at her residence in the 100 block of W 12th Street. Officers were at Dooley’s residence investigating information regarding a felon in possession of a firearm who was presently at Dooley’s residence. Once officers arrived they spoke to Dooley and the suspect in question. Dooley consented to a search of her residence which resulted in the officer locating a total of approximately 6.8 grams of Methamphetamine. A firearm was never located. Dooley was placed under arrest regarding the Methamphetamine Possession. Dooley was transported to the Wabash County Jail where she is being held pending a bond setting by a judge.
On 1/22/18 at 8:54pm Mt. Carmel Police arrested 19 year old Mt. Carmel resident Alana L.A. Lloyd for Manufacture/Delivery of Cannabis following a traffic stop on a black Suzuki in the 800 block of W 3rd Street. When the officer made contact with the driver, Alana Lloyd, he detected a strong odor of cannabis coming from the vehicle. Lloyd admitted to cannabis being in her vehicle. A search resulted in the officer locating a total of approximately 59 grams of cannabis, digital scales, zip lock bags and cash. Lloyd was placed under arrest and transported to the Wabash County Jail where she was charged with the above offense as well as Operating a Vehicle with Suspended Registration and No Insurance. Lloyd is being held pending a bond setting by a judge.
In personnel matters at last night’s District #348 school board meeting, the retirement of John T. Wallbaum as custodian at the high school was approved effective February 19th; the resignation of Mary Mayberry as Brownsville individual aide was accepted effective February 28th as was the resignation of Kayci Large as co-sponsor of the junior-senior prom, she was replaced by Darren Peach. The board hired Jarrod Banks as a bus driver replacing Jesse Kasinger who resigned. Vi-Linda Lowery was hired as part time cafeteria at the junior/senior high school replacing Debbie Bailey who transferred to the grade school. And, Ed Berberich was approved as a volunteer coach for the newly formed high school girls soccer team.
Not much of an update last night on the search for a new District #348 superintendent. The school board met in executive session to discuss the search after which school board president Tim Schuler said additional first round interviews will continue at a special board meeting this afternoon at 4:15 at the district office. The school board has said they will name a new superintendent to replace the retiring Tim Buss at the regular meeting next month on the 26th. But, it’s unclear whether or not they’ll meet that timetable.
The Indiana Department of transportation announces a ramp closure for the State Road 66 (Diamond Avenue) and U.S. 41 interchange.
Beginning Tuesday, Jan. 23, utility workers will begin surveying for sewer work on the ramp from Diamond Avenue to southbound U.S. 41. The ramp will be closed during this operation. Work is expected to last about two weeks depending upon weather conditions.
The official detour for this closure uses S.R. 66, S.R. 62, and U.S. 41. INDOT urges drivers to slow down and stay alert near crews.
