Indiana law enforcement agencies are cracking down on speeding

INDIANAPOLIS — Law enforcement agencies across Indiana are working to keep everyone on the road safe by raising awareness about the dangers of speeding, urging drivers to obey speed limits.  

From July 10 through July 31, participating law enforcement agencies will conduct a high-visibility enforcement campaign targeting speeding drivers. The campaign is funded by the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI) through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). 

Throughout the campaign, law enforcement officers will issue citations for those driving above the posted speed limit and raise awareness about the deadly consequences of speeding and aggressive driving. 

“Speeding is one of the leading causes of traffic fatalities in Indiana,” said James Bryan, ICJI’s Traffic Safety Director. “Obeying the posted speed limits will reduce the number of deaths and serious bodily injuries that occur on Indiana roads.” 

Speeding reduces a driver’s ability to maneuver safely around another vehicle, hazardous object, or an unexpected curve. As speed increases, so does the likelihood of a crash and the severity of injuries for the driver, passengers, pedestrians, and other road users. 

National statistics show that young people, especially male drivers, represent the largest demographic involved in speeding-related vehicle crashes. ICJI encourages parents to talk to their teens about the dangers of speeding and ignoring the rules of the road. 

Drivers who encounter someone speeding or following too closely should safely steer out of the way, allowing the person to pass. Motorists are encouraged to call the police if they believe a driver is following or harassing them. 

For additional safety information on speeding, click here or visit www.nhtsa.gov. 

Lane closures planned for I-64 in Vanderburgh County

VANDERBURGH COUNTY, Ind. – The Indiana Department of Transportation announces lane closures for I-64 in Vanderburgh County.

Beginning on or around Monday, July 15, crews will begin alternating lane closures in both directions of travel on I-64 in Vanderburgh County at the Owensville Road Bridge. One lane of traffic will be open in both directions during this project.

These alternating lane closures will allow for bridge restoration work to be performed. This work includes the cleaning and painting of the substructure of the Owensville Road Bridge.

Work on this project is expected to last through late August, depending on the weather. INDOT urges drivers to slow down and stay alert in work zones.

Deputies received lifesaving awards

Deputies received lifesaving awards for their response to personal injury accident on May 24th of this year. 

 Gibson County Deputies Quinten Might and Michael Owens were presented lifesaving awards for their response to a personal injury accident on May 24th of this year.  Deputies Might and Owens were dispatched to the area of US 41 and Interstate 64, and upon arriving they discovered that two vehicles had collided, and one of them was rapidly bursting in flames.  Deputy Might stated that as the fire engulfed the vehicle he observed a person outside the vehicle who was sitting with the assistance of bystanders.  Upon approaching the individual Deputy Might discovered that the person was unconscious and not breathing.  At that point Deputies Might and Owens hooked up an AED unit and began two person CPR while Haubstadt Town Marshal Jason Wright stabilized the patient’s C spine to prevent further injury. At one point during the life saving event the patient had to be moved away from the area of the vehicle due to multiple small explosions from the fire.  Ultimately the patient did regain consciousness at the scene and was able to provide details about what had led up to the accident.

Suspicious vehicle call leads to arrest of two on drug charges

On July 10, 2024, at 12:31 a.m. Gibson County Central Dispatch received a report of a vehicle that had a flat tire near the area of CR 500 North and CR 650 East.  Deputies were sent to the area, and upon arriving Deputies Wyatt Hunt and Bart Wagner located a dark colored Dodge Durango with two females inside.  At that point Deputies began an investigation to determine if the vehicle was legally registered or was stolen.  During the investigation illegal drugs were located and both individuals were taken into custody and transported to the Gibson County Jail.  Upon arriving at the jail 37 year old Courtney Hale of Owensville was charged with Possession of Paraphernalia and Possession of Methamphetamines.  44 year old Sarah Hyatt of Princeton was charged with Possession of Paraphernalia and Possession of Methamphetamines.
 
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

City Officials Recap Successful Fantastic 4th Weekend

At Monday’s City Council meeting, various departments reported a quiet, safe, and successful Fantastic 4th weekend in Mt. Carmel. Mayor Joe Judge said the surprise finale at the fireworks was a thrill for those in attendance. He thanked Gary Arnold, Jr. and his family for organizing the 4th of July parade that was postponed by rain until Saturday. He said the Rotary Club served approximately 1,700 meals during Sunday’s Corn Day. Leftover corn was taken to the senior center where it was prepared to be served there at a later time. Fire commissioner Susan Zimmerman said fire chief Francis Speth reported no problems or injuries from fireworks and police chief Mike McWilliams also reported it was a quiet holiday weekend for his officers.

City Hires Outside Firm To Place Pool Question On November Ballot

The Mt. Carmel City Council is moving forward with plans to ask voters in November whether the city should build a new aquatic center. At Monday’s meeting, commissioners approved the recommendation of Mayor Joe Judge to spend $2,600 with Burbach Aquatics to put the question on the November 5th ballot…

Judge said since it’s been quite some time since the city put a referendum on the ballot, no one in the current administration has any experience or knowledge of what’s required. August 19th is the deadline for the city to file the paperwork to get on the November 5th ballot.

Proposed Mt. Carmel aquatic center.

Road closure planned for State Road 64 in Gibson County

GIBSON COUNTY, Ind. – The Indiana Department of Transportation announces a road closure for State Road 64 in Gibson County.


Beginning on or around Monday, July 15, crews will close State Road 64 in Princeton. This closure will occur between North Center Street (just East of Domino's Pizza) and the nearby railroad tracks.


This closure will allow for sewer repairs in the area. This project is expected to take two weeks to complete, depending on the weather.


The detour for this project is U.S. 41 to State Road 168 to I-69. Local traffic will have access up to the point of closure.

Weather Pushes Back Mt. Carmel Road Work

The uncertainty of the weather the next couple of days has caused a delay in Mt. Carmel’s summer paving program. At yesterday’s city council meeting, city engineer Dave Dallas said milling of the affected streets and alleys will now be done tomorrow with the paving to take place on Thursday. Dallas also said there’s been a delay in next week’s chip and sealing work on city streets that was to have begun on Monday. Instead, Dallas said that work will take place next Wednesday and Thursday.

Saturday Incident On River Road Results In Arrest Of Mt. Carmel Man

On 7/06/24, Mt. Carmel Police arrested Breck G. Garrett, age 58, of Mt. Carmel for Aggravated Intimidation of a Peace Officer, Aggravated Assault, and Resisting/Obstructing a Peace Officer following a dispute in the 800 block of Hydraulic Ave (River Road).  Police were called to the scene by a subject at a river camp who reported Garrett came across the road to his camp, armed with a shovel, threatening him with bodily harm.  The alleged victim called the police and, upon arrival, the officer attempted to detain Garrett.  Garrett resisted and attempted to pull away from the officer.  Garrett then began making verbal threats to the officer about wanting to kill him.  Garrett was eventually secured in handcuffs, with the shovel being recovered as evidence nearby.  Garrett was transported to the Wabash County Jail where he was charged accordingly and held pending a pre-trial detention determination by the court.