Evansville Man Arrested for DUI while Transporting Three Children

Vanderburgh County – Thursday night at approximately 11:45, Trooper Widner was patrolling in the area of US 41 near Lincoln Avenue when he stopped the driver of a 2006 Chevrolet Impala for making an unsafe lane movement. The driver was identified as Berardo Davila, 31, of Evansville. Davila was also transporting his 5, 10 and 11 year-old children. Further investigation determined Davila was impaired and under the influence of alcohol, but he refused to submit to a chemical test. Davila was arrested and taken to the Vanderburgh County Jail where he is currently being held without bond. All three children were released to their mother.

Arrested and Charges:

• Berardo E. Davila, 31, Evansville, IN

1. Driving While Intoxicated with a Passenger less than 18 years of age, Class 6 Felony

Arresting Officer: Trooper Tyler Widner, Indiana State Police

                                                                     All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

911 call leads to arrest of Fort Branch man on multiple charges

On July 4, 2019, at 9:07 p.m. Gibson County Central Dispatch received a 911 report of a report of a battery in the 6000 block of South County Road 600 West. Upon arriving Deputy Smith saw obvious signs of a struggle and began an investigation into the incident. Upon speaking with the victim they stated that the suspect 37 year old Carlton Walden of rural Fort Branch had left scene. During Deputy Smith’s investigation at the scene of the battery Indiana State Trooper Hurley located Mr. Walden at the Huck’s Fuel Station located at US 41 and SR 168. Upon speaking with Mr. Walden Trooper Hurley detected the odor of alcohol coming from Mr. Walden and began a roadside DUI investigation. At the conclusion of his investigation he placed Mr. Walden into custody and transported him to the Gibson County Jail. Upon arriving at the Gibson County Jail Trooper Hurley charged Mr. Walden with Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated. Deputy U.B. Smith has also cha rged Mr. Walden with Battery, Criminal Mischief, and Strangulation. He has since posted a $750 bond.

All Criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Bailey To Run For State Senate

State Representative Darren Bailey will hold a press conference Monday to announce plans to run for the 55th State Senate seat being vacated by Dale Righter. Righter announced in May he would not seek re-election in 2020.

Bailey is a Republican from Xenia and has served in the House for less than 7 months since taking office in January.

Monday’s press conference will be at noon at the Wayne County Courthouse in Fairfield.

The Primary Election is March 17, 2020.

July Programs At Beall Woods State Park

Upcoming programs at Beall Woods State Park:

Leaf Litter Critters

Fridays, July 12th and 19th, 9 - 11am

This is a two part program. On Friday the 12th, we will be in search of leaf litter critters. Participants will be collecting leaf litter samples and learning how to use a Berlese funnel. On the 19th, dissecting scopes will reveal how many different types of organisms were buried under the leaves. Participants will record species diversity and abundance for each collection site. Please call 618-298-2441 if you plan on attending.

Gardening for Pollinators

Saturday, July 13th, 9am-10am

With the array of brilliant colors added to the green landscape, flowers bring forth a state of peacefulness and happiness to their observers. Not only is their aesthetic value of importance, but many organisms rely on flowers for survival. Find out how to attract wildlife to your yard by planting beautiful native prairie plants. Participants should meet at the north shelter at 9am. We will be taking a short hike around the pollination garden and the prairie restoration site. Feel free to bring your camera!

Work Starts On WGH Ambulance Sleeping Quarters Project

The project to add sleeping quarters at the Wabash General Ambulance base got underway this week. In April, the Wabash General Hospital Board of Directors approved the low bid of just over $300,000 from Spear Construction in Albion to build 4 sleeping rooms to the ambulance base while not increasing the footprint of the current building. The need for sleeping rooms was necessitated by the trend of medics’ desire to work 24 hour shifts. The sleeping rooms will assure a continued high quality of service according to board chairman Rob Coleman. In addition to the sleeping quarters, the work will include installing HVAC and fire suppression throughout the entire ambulance building. The project is anticipated to take 90 days to complete.

Judge Announces Adult Volunteer Program

Mt. Carmel Mayor Joe Judge has rolled out an adult volunteer program aimed at allowing residents the chance to improve the city…

Judge also reported at Monday’s City Council meeting that he and commissioners had made good progress on clearing one of the parking lots on the former Snap On Tools property.

City Getting New Website

The city of Mt. Carmel is getting a new website, officials say will benefit both the city and residents. The city council approved a 4 year contract for $3,950 a year that has a variety of updates including giving residents the option to pay their water bill on line.

ISP Ramped Up Holiday Patrols Continue Through Sunday

With the 4th of July falling on Thursday this year, many are treating this as a 4-day holiday weekend. With that in mind, Master Sgt. Mark Zimmerman says State Police increased patrols will continue through Sunday as well. According to Zimmerman, most traffic fatalities over the 4th weekend are the result of drunk driving….

 In addition to looking for impaired drivers, Zimmerman said troopers will be looking for drivers who speed, use their phones, and aren’t buckled up.

City Council Approves Expensive Levee Study

The Mt. Carmel City Council has approved spending $175,000 for a study designed to insure the long term viability of the levees protecting the city. At Monday’s city council meeting, city clerk Rudy Witsman said the study is needed because of directives from the Army Corps of Engineers and FEMA….

It’s hoped the study can be paid for by TIF funds which wouldn’t have an adverse impact on the city’s general fund.

News From Special Allendale School Board Meeting

At the July 2, 2019 Allendale School Board special meeting held at the main office of Allendale School, the board:

The board accepted the resignation of Amanda Hershey, nurse aide.

The board approved hiring Ryan Dougherty as Physical Education teacher for 2019-2020.

The board approved Amber McGinnis as a volunteer to provide Bullying/Character Education programming for students in K-8 and Parent Workshops on the topic.  The district will purchase the necessary materials for the program.