NEWSROOM
WEEK OF March 20 - March 24
To Report News or News Questions call 812-595-1089
Sharon Parker
MONDAY
Scott County Community Foundation
We are pleased to announce a new endowment fund to benefit our community, the Adkins-Jones Family Fund. Clara Adkins and Raymond Jones have devoted their lives to serving our community, and this fund is just one more way they are showing their love for Scott County. Read more here: https://www.scottcountyfoundation.org/adkins-jones.../
TWO VEHICLE ACCIDENT ON SCIFRES ROAD.
At approximately 6:51 pm, on March 17th, Washington County Deputies and emergency response personnel responded to the intersection of Scifres Road and Bush Road in reference to a motor vehicle accident with injuries.
Evidence at the scene and driver statements revealed that Rachel Collman, age 37, of Austin, Indiana, was travelling south on Scifres Road, in a silver Ford F-150 pickup truck. Collman was traveling left of center as she approached a hillcrest and her vehicle collided with a green Jeep Grand Cherokee, driven by Johnathan Smith, age 24, of Palmyra, Indiana, who was travelling north on Scifres Road. The left front side of Collman's vehicle struck the left front side of Smith's vehicle causing Smith's vehicle to roll over onto its top and slide off the west side of the roadway. At the time of the accident, all parties involved were wearing seatbelts.
Collman refused medical treatment at the scene. Smith and a juvenile passenger in his vehicle were transported by the Washington County Ambulance service to Scott Memorial Hospital to be evaluated for minor injuries.
Deputy Hailee Lopotosky is the investigating officer and she was assisted by Sgt. Matt Hein, Deputy Landon LaMaster and members of the Gibson Township Volunteer Fire Department.
INDOT to host public information meeting for intersection improvement project on S.R. 62 in Madison
JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ind. — The Indiana Department of Transportation will hold a public information meeting for the intersection improvement project on S.R. 62 and Michigan Road on Monday, March 27, in Madison. The meeting will be held in the cafeteria of Madison Consolidated High School (743 Clifty Dr. Madison, IN) and will provide an opportunity for the public to learn more and ask questions about the project. The project includes upgrades to traffic signals and equipment, and the extension of concrete medians on the north, south and west legs of the intersection at S.R. 62 and Michigan Road. Median extensions will eliminate left-turn movements from S.R. 62. The purpose of the project is to improve safety at the intersection. Doors will open to the public at 5:30 p.m. Project team members will be available to answer questions and provide information about the project. A video presentation will begin at 6 p.m., followed by additional time for the public to interact with the project team. Preliminary design plans along with CE document are available for review at the following locations: Jefferson County Public Library, 420 W. Main Street, Madison, Indiana 47250
Online at Seymour.indot.in.gov All interested persons may request a public hearing be held and/or express their concerns by submitting comments to the attention of William Fortson, INDOT Seymour District, 185 Agrico Lane, Seymour, Indiana or wfortson@indot.in.gov on or before March 27, 2023 Copies of project information may be mailed upon request. Additionally, any questions about the project can be directed to Marc Rape, Project Manager, Strand Associates, 629 Washington Street, Columbus, Indiana 47201 or marc.rape@strand.com.
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), persons and/or groups requiring project information be made available in alternative formats are encouraged to contact the INDOT Seymour District Office for the arrangement and coordination of services. Please contact William Fortson at 812-524-3745 or wfortson@indot.in.gov. In accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, persons and/or groups requiring project information be made available in another language are encouraged to contact the INDOT Seymour District Office.
NOTE: Another Community-Oriented Policing Tool for the Citizens to Stay 100% Informed.
Scott County-On 10-21-2022, Scott County Sheriff Jerry Goodin introduced a new informational technology (IT) Scott County Sheriff’s Office Application (APP) for citizens to access “real-time information” from their cellular telephone. The APP was negotiated (at no additional cost) with a present IT provider currently providing IT capability to the Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff Goodin stated the following… “I am grateful to the provider of this capability that brings current, at the moment information to the citizens of Scott County, all at no cost to them personally or their tax dollars”. Attached below is the application upload instruction to follow…we at the Scott County Sheriff’s Office hope you all find this newest capability useful for you and your family.
The Scott County Sheriff's Office Announces New
Smartphone App…
Please See Below!
The Scott County Sheriff’s Office app was developed by TheSheriffApp.com, a division
of OCV, LLC which specializes in mobile app development for sheriff’s offices and public safety
organizations across the country. The app offers quick access to items of public interest and is
easy to use. In just a few clicks, users can access features such as:
● Sheriff’s Welcome
● Sheriff Sales
● Submit A Tip
● Inmate Lookup
● Jail Info
● Sex Offenders
● News & Events
● Community Feedback
● More!
“Over 80 percent of people in the United States own and use smartphones as their primary
means of communication,” OCV Vice President Kevin Cummings said. “Mobile apps offer
agencies a better way to alert, inform and prepare the public. Apps allow public safety agencies
the ability to reach and serve their citizens where they are: their smartphones.”
The Scott County Sheriff’s Office app now is available for free download in the App Store and
Google Play by searching “Scott County Sheriff’s Office”.
TUESDAY
SCOTT COUNTY FARMERS MARKET
The Scott County Farmers' Market is looking for musical entertainment for the 2023 season. Opening day for the Scott County Farmers Market will be May 13 with the last day being September 30. If you would like information on playing Saturday morning at the Scott County Farmers' Market e-mail: scottcountymarket@gmail.com.
SCOTT COUNTY SHERIFFS’ OFFICE CRIME TIP-LINE…ANOTHER TOOL AVAILABLE FOR THE VIGILANT “CITIZEN DEPUTY”
Scott-The Scott County Sheriffs’ Office Tip-Line is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year…always poised at the ready to receive vital information known at times only to the citizen caller. The number to call is 812-752-7898…this is the Tip-Line number for the Scott County Sheriffs’ Office ONLY. If a call is placed to another tip-line managed by another police agency, the information will only be known to that agency, not all agencies within Scott County. If you have information concerning a crime or suspicious activity within Scott County, please feel free to make the call to the Scott County Sheriffs’ Office Tip-Line at 812-752-7898.
Remember, you can remain anonymous
TAIL WAGGING TUESDAY PETS OF THE WEEK
Tail Wagging Tuesday Pet of the Week
Meet Winston. Winston is such a beautiful cat! His tail is just exquisite. Winston loves people and gets along great with other cats. He would love to have a home to call his own. Winston is just over a year old. If you would like me meet Winston or any of the cats available at the Humane Society of Scott County Adoption Center, stop by 1176 North Gardner Street or call 812-752-7500. sisaveapet.com
Tail Wagging Tuesday Pet of the Week
Meet "Charlie" a beagle mix. Charlie is 2-3 years old and neutered.
He is 25 pounds and very nice. He was part of a large group that was brought into the shelter, and he is one of the nicest. He puts his head in our laps for attention and closes his eyes when you pet and hold him. Charlie will need help in learning to walk on a leash but is already very good in his crate. He is a sweet, gentle soul. Contact ms.snow.again@gmail.com
Humane Society of Scott County 812-752-7500
Operating Hours at Clearinghouse Announced
The Scott County Community Clearinghouse, located at 1057 Community Way in Scottsburg has announced its hours of operation.
Monday - 1 to 3 p.m. - open.
Tuesday – Always closed
Wednesday – 1 – 3 p.m.
Thursday - 9 to 11 a.m. and 6 to 7 p.m.
Friday – Closed to public, open for donations 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
For additional information please call 1-812-752-0123.
WEDNESDAY
S.R. 256 railroad crossing to close for repairs in Austin
SCOTT COUNTY, Ind.— Louisville & Indiana Railroad plans to close the S.R 256 railroad crossing between High Street and U.S. 31 in Austin for repairs starting the morning of Tuesday, March 28. The crossing is expected to reopen the afternoon of Wednesday, March 29.
Motorists should us an alternate route during the closure. Access to local business will be maintained.
INDOT reminds motorists to slow down, use caution and drive distraction-free in and near work zones. All work is weather-dependent, and schedules are subject to change
Investigator Mike Tscheulin Named Monroe Township Firefighter of the Year
The Scott County Prosecutor’s Office is proud of their investigator, Mike Tscheulin, for his efforts to go above and beyond on behalf of Indiana’s citizens. Recently, that hard work has paid off for Mike as he was recognized as the 2022 Firefighter of the Year for the Monroe Township Fire Department.
Mike serves the citizens of Scott County during his full-time job as the Prosecutor’s Investigator, and he also spends his evenings and weekends working with the Monroe Township Fire Department where he serves as a Captain and the Training Coordinator. Over the last year he provided trainings in several important areas, including but not limited to, electric vehicle fires and swift water rescue.
When talking about firefighting, Mike always focuses on working with the other fire agencies in our area and with local law enforcement. He prides himself on seeing that the agencies get along and work together. He feels that a good relationship between the agencies helps to provide assistance to each other to better protect our citizens.
“Mike has a heart to serve and is dedicated to protecting families in our area. Not only does he serve our citizens in his full-time job, but he also leaves the office and continues to give his time and effort to keep us safe. We are proud to work with Mike,” stated Chris Owens, Scott County Prosecuting Attorney.
Tattered Flag Deposit Box
(Frequently Asked Question, what do I do with a Damaged or Worn-Out Flag?)
Scott County- One of the most frequently asked questions is what to do with a United States Flag, Prisoner of War Flag or Indiana State Flag, that is damaged or worn out. The Scott County Sheriff’s Office has mounted a “Tattered Flag Deposit Box” on the corner of First Street and Wardell Street, (Northwest Corner of the Jail property). The Tattered Flag Deposit Box is for citizens to bring their worn out or tattered United States, Prisoner of War, or Indiana State Flags to be deposited and retired properly. The flags will be given to the Veterans Affairs Office in Scott County who will then give them to the local veteran’s organizations to be disposed of/retired properly. The Tattered Flag Deposit Box is the idea of Scott County Deputy Josh Hammond. Sheriff Goodin stated “our patriotism can never be shown enough as the exterior of the Scott County Jail has been recently re-decorated by Indiana State and United States Flags.” “This flag deposit box is just another way to honor our great country our U. S. Flag and state flag by retiring them the proper way. The Scott County Sheriff’s Office has also created a designated parking spot for the counties’ Disabled Veterans Transport Van. This is to honor our Veterans also. The Tattered Flag Box was decorated by Watson’s Signs and mounted by Scott County Inmates. The parking spot was painted by the Scott County Inmates. No tax monies were used.
CASA of Scott County,
CASA is needing caring volunteers to advocate for the children of Scott County. As an advocate, you will inform the court as to what is in the child's best interest and make sure their needs are being met. You will be the voice for a child in court. Volunteers receive training, and can expect to perform background checks and fingerprinting. Volunteer hours are very flexible and can be worked around your work schedule. Please call today and give the children of Scott County a voice! Your voice and your time can make all the difference to a child in foster care. Call Debrah at 812-752-4748 for more information.
THURSDAY
Spring Mill Inn at Spring Mill State Park will close for major renovation beginning Nov. 13. Reopening is expected in the first quarter of 2024.
The 73-room inn is structurally sound but needs significant work that requires extended closure of the entire facility, including the Millstone Dining Room, conference facilities, and overnight lodging. Funding for this project is provided through an infusion of dollars to address deferred maintenance needs in Indiana State Parks and other DNR properties by Governor Eric J. Holcomb and the Indiana General Assembly. The base budget for the project is $10 million.
The primary goal of the project is modernization of all mechanical systems while retaining the historic, natural look and feel of the public spaces and guest rooms. The work includes replacement of water lines, fire alarms, sprinklers, and HVAC. The project also includes installing new windows and doors, making accessibility upgrades, as well as making additional guest room furnishing and bathroom upgrades, and replacing the existing swimming pool with a splash pad.
“Complete closure of one of our most iconic Indiana State Park inns for more than a year is a difficult decision,” said DNR Director Dan Bortner. “However, the modernization of the inn’s ‘behind the scenes’ safety and comfort systems is best accomplished with this approach.” “When guests can return, they will appreciate the improvements from the moment they check-in at the new centrally located welcome desk to their renovated rooms.” All inn associates will remain employed during the renovation, working in other areas of the park or at other inn locations. The inn will maintain an office with telephone and electronic communications inside the park to answer questions, make day-to-day contacts, and conduct future sales meetings. Its location will be announced once established.
The Spring Mill Inn opened in 1939. Indiana State Parks’ other six inns will be open and available for overnight lodging, conferences, weddings and receptions, and other events. Information is at IndianaInns.com.
FRIDAY
Benchmark Family Services
Do you have love to give? Have you ever considered becoming a licensed foster parent? Benchmark Family Services is looking for homes willing to provide a safe, loving, stable environment for children in foster care. Training is able to be completed virtually, if preferred, and is provided according to your availability. We would love to answer any questions that you may have. Reach out by PM, call 812-418-7313, or inquire through our website.
www.benchmarkfamilyservices.org
Hunters can donate deer to help feed hungry Hoosiers
Conservation Officers encourage Indiana hunters to donate harvested deer to help feed hungry Hoosiers. The Sportsmen’s Benevolence Fund administered by the DNR Division of Law Enforcement provides grants to Hoosiers Feeding the Hungry, the Dubois County Sportsmen Club, and Hunters and Farmers Feeding the Hungry to pay for processing fees when hunters donate legally harvested deer. Participating in the program is simple: Enjoy a deer hunting experience.
Harvest a deer. rop off the field-dressed deer at a local participating processor.
Processing fees are paid for by the Sportsmen's Benevolence Fund.
The processor will create healthy venison burger to distribute to food banks.
The participating organizations notify food banks throughout Indiana when venison is ready to be collected from certified Sportsmen’s Benevolence Fund butchers. The food banks distribute venison to soup kitchens and food pantries.
As a result of the 2020 deer hunting seasons, the Sportsmen’s Benevolence Fund provided funding to process more than 360 harvested deer that resulted in more than 20,650 pounds of venison being donated.
For information on donating your harvested deer and participating processors, please visit sbf.IN.gov.
GHOST TOURS
With the haunting season nearly upon us, the Scott County Heritage Center and Museum is home to two or three spirits. In the early 1800’s the state of Indiana was required to provide residence for the poor and disabled. The building in which the Scott County Heritage Center and Museum is housed was built in 1892 for this specific purpose. The building would remain at capacity until 1973, when the last inmate was moved out. The building then became county offices and court while the courthouse was under renovations. The building sat empty until the Preservation Alliance took possession of the building to be used as the present-day Scott County Museum. Since the early 1970’s people working in the building have reported hearing footsteps, voices call out their names and even a few actual full-bodied apparitions. The Scott County Heritage Center and Museum does conduct Friday and Saturday night paranormal investigations.
2 Hour Ghost Tour:
$10 per person with a minimum of 4 people and a maximum of 15. Reservations are required.
6 Hour Paranormal Investigations:
$20 per person with a maximum of 10 people.
50% deposit is required 2 weeks in advance to secure your tour type.
The Scott County Heritage Center and Museum will allow video recorders, voice recorders, EMF meters, still cameras, ghost box and other such devices. BUT absolutely NO Ouija boards are permitted on the grounds.
To schedule your tour or investigation experience call 812-752-1050 or email museumghosttours@gmail.com
100% of tours costs go to support the Museums operation costs.
New Safe Exchange Zone Opened by the Sheriff’s Office
Scott County-Working in cooperation with the Scott County Commissioners, the Scott County Sheriff’s Office has created a “Safe Exchange Zone,” for the exchange of children when child custody disputes are involved. The “Safe Exchange Zone” can also be used by folks who sell items on social media and need a safe place to meet the person they are either buying from or selling to. The “Safe Exchange Zone’s” uses are really unlimited. The “Safe Exchange Zone” features a marked designated area directly across (west) of the Scott County Sheriff’s Office. The “Safe Exchange Zone” has fully functional recording cameras and these cameras are monitored 24 Hours a day. Once you get to the area of the Sheriff’s Office you can follow the signs to the “Safe Exchange Zone”. Sheriff Goodin stated, “This is just another thing that we can do to help our citizens feel and actually be safer”. Sheriff Goodin also wanted to thank the Scott County Commissioners for allowing the Sheriff’s Office to build the “Safe Exchange Zone” in their parking lot.
VOLUNTEER FOR THE ANNUAL BUTTERFLY COUNT AT BIG OAKS NWR July 31, 2021
Great Spangled Fritillaries, Spicebush Swallowtails, and Silver Spotted Skippers! These are just a few of the many species of butterfly you are sure to encounter when you come to Big Oaks National Wildlife Refuge for the annual butterfly count. Thirty-seven species of butterflies were spotted during the previous year’s survey count. Those attending should meet at the refuge office on the morning of Saturday, July 31st at 8:00 am. The refuge is especially interested in counting Monarch butterflies, whose populations have recently plummeted. These migratory beauties require native milkweeds to successfully reproduce. The loss of milkweed across the Midwest is one of the primary reasons for their decline. A $3.00 donation to the North American Butterfly Association would be appreciated for those participating in the count. Survey teams will be divided up based on the length of time you wish to spend in the field. Some folks may choose to join us for the entire day; others may want to make it a half day. Bring water, bug spray, sunscreen, snacks or lunch and binoculars. Butterfly field guides are recommended, but not required. Long pants are also recommended. For directions to the refuge, please call or visit www.fws.gov/refuge/big_oaks.
Big Oaks National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) consists of approximately 50,000 acres on the former Jefferson Proving Ground (JPG) located in
Go on a nature walk or a birding tour, participate in fishing or a special hunt, enter a photography or wildlife art contest, or simply enjoy the splendors of nature at one of the nearly 550 national wildlife refuges.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is the principal Federal agency responsible for conserving, protecting and enhancing fish, wildlife and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. The Service manages the 150-million-acre National Wildlife Refuge System, which encompasses nearly 550 national wildlife refuges, thousands of small wetlands and other special management areas. It also operates 70 national fish hatcheries, 64 fishery resource offices and 78 ecological services field stations. The agency enforces Federal wildlife laws, administers the Endangered Species Act, manages migratory bird populations, restores nationally significant fisheries, conserves and restores wildlife habitat such as wetlands, and helps foreign governments with their conservation efforts. It also oversees the Federal Aid program that distributes hundreds of millions of dollars in excise taxes on fishing and hunting equipment to state fish and wildlife agencies.
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