Indiana’s courts are ramping up their response to the opioid epidemic.

By year's end, Chief Justice Loretta Rush says 53 counties will have special problem-solving courts to help families address drug issues at the root of whatever landed them in a courtroom in the first place,. That's 11 new counties, and 31 new courts, in a span of three years.

In Fulton County, an adult drug court is currently in the planning stages.

Rush says some counties have honed the concept to create "family recovery courts." Indiana will end the year with 18 such courts, triple the number in 2016.

Miami County has an adult drug court.  In Pulaski County, a family recovery court is in the planning stages.  Wabash County has three with an adult drug, re-entry and family recovery courts.  Kosciusko also has an adult drug court.

Rush told Indiana's annual drug abuse symposium judges need to take the lead in fighting the opioid epidemic, bringing together treatment professionals and government and community agencies to get people the help they need.

Rush says judges see the wide-ranging effects of drug abuse in their courtrooms every day -- not just in criminal drug cases, but in cases from child custody cases to bankruptcies.

Rush says the pervasive influence of drugs across the docket makes it important to train judges in the effectiveness of different types of treatment and how to recognize the signs of drug abuse.

Rush chairs a national judicial task force on the opioid epidemic, which has produced a series of informational cards for judges covering topics from signs of fetal alcohol syndrome to how to administer the anti-overdose drug naloxone.

Layoffs for more than 100 factory workers in Warsaw.

Winona PVD Coatings will shut down Dec. 31 and lay off all 108 employees, according to a notice sent to the Indiana Department of Workforce Development.

Winona PVD makes wheels for companies including BMW, Hyundai, Nissan, and Detroit Wheel and Tire.

Company leaders did not give a reason for the closure, but say they will do all they can to "provide employees with needed assistance during this difficult time.”

Police say a Wabash man has been arrested after authorities used Facebook to ask for the public’s help in finding him.

About 8:00 pm Tuesday, Josie D. Wilcox, 36, was located in the old Hoosier Point Parking lot in Wabash. Wilcox was preliminarily arrested for three warrants. Two were felony warrants. Wilcox was additionally charged with possession of methamphetamine and resisting law enforcement.  Wilcox is listed as a suspect in several theft cases.

Wilcox was medically cleared and transported to Wabash County Jail.

A female driver of the vehicle, Bobbie Owen, 35, of Lagro was also arrested for an unrelated warrant.

The arrests were a joint effort between Wabash City Police, Wabash County Sheriff’s Department, Wabash Drug Task Force, and Indiana State Police.

When you go Trick-or-Treating Halloween night, you can expect rain and cold temperatures.

National Weather Service of Indianapolis Meteorologist Mike Kosh.

Kosh says rain will start at sometime this morning, continue through Thursday, and come to an end Thursday night.  Well over an inch could fall in that time frame.

And wind gusts could be pretty significant, as well, pushing up to 30 mph.

Kosh says high temperatures will move back up into the 50s with either partly cloudy or mostly sunny skies from Saturday until next Wednesday.

Work being done at Wilson Fertilizer and Grain Inc as they are adding more storage for corn to their facility. Ren Zent is a laborer for Wilson he says Monday was a busy day of work pouring concrete to lay the foundation for the project.

The expected finish date for the project is Friday of this week should the weather allow work to continue as scheduled.

The Indiana State Department of Health is reporting the state’s second death linked to influenza.

The update comes just days after the state reported the first flu-related death of the 2019-2020 flu season.

According to a weekly report from the agency, both of the deaths are in the 65 and over age group.

Common signs of the flu include:

fever of 100° Fahrenheit or greater

headache

fatigue

cough

muscle aches

sore throat

runny or stuffy nose

The department recommends that anyone 6 months and older get a flu shot.

The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) announces safety upgrades are planned for U.S. 30 in Plymouth, at the intersection with Plymouth-Goshen Trail between State Road 17 and U.S. 31.

INDOT crews plan to begin work there Monday (weather permitting), which will close off the center median, allowing right turns only from U.S. 30 to Plymouth-Goshen Trail.

To accomplish this, crews will install barricades, pavement markings and signage.

INDOT has been actively pursuing a safety improvement at this location after reviewing crash history and having conversations with local officials. INDOT is also pursuing a more permanent solution, which could include removal of pavement in the median as early as next year.

Traffic looking to turn left from U.S. 30 onto Plymouth-Goshen Trail have multiple re-route options, including using interchanges at SR 17 (for westbound traffic) and U.S. 31 (for eastbound traffic) to turn around on U.S. 30 and head back toward Plymouth-Goshen Trail.

An exciting day for the students of Columbia Elementary School in Rochester on Friday as they were up close and personal with a Samaritan Helicopter landing at the school. Principal Jason Snyder says the demonstration ties in with their career talks hoping to spark an interest for the young kids. 

At Columbia Elementary the staff is excited for the next career day at the school to continue to get the students to think about their future.

The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) announces that the U.S. 24 bridge over the Panhandle Pathway in Logansport will close Monday as part of a bridge replacement project.

The road will be closed between CR 400 W. and CR 600 W. and is anticipated to reopen in mid-December.

State road detours must use state-maintained roads only. Eastbound drivers on U.S. 24 will be detoured north on State Road 39, east on State Road 16 and south on U.S. 35 back to U.S. 24.

Westbound drivers will be detoured north on U.S. 35, west on SR 16 and south on SR 39 back to U.S. 24.

A Kosciusko County man is out 15 large after being scammed on some home repairs. Jeff Puterbaugh needed to have his roof repaired at his home and placed his trust in a Fulton County contractor. In the end he wishes a different choice had been made. According to Puterbaugh the job is still not done and they have had to now hire a separate contractor to fix the damage that the original scammer had done.

Should you be in need of some home repairs it is recommended that you find a contractor you trust and one that is in good standing in the community.

Indiana has reported its first death due to influenza for the season after having 110 last year. Laura Goss is a Registered Nurse at Woodlawn Hospital for Infection Prevention she wants to make sure everyone is on good practice to fight against flu season. In her words it starts with getting that flu shot early, that should be your first line of defense.

The flu shot should be step number one but eating healthy is also important. Should you start to feel sick Goss encourages you to see a physician sooner rather than later.

The following are some potential flu symptoms.

Fever of 100° Fahrenheit or greater

Headache

Fatigue

Cough

Muscle Aches

Sore Throat

Runny or Stuffy Nose

After meeting with school administrators representing the Culver Academies during the Oct. 10 meeting of the IHSAA Executive Committee, Commissioner Bobby Cox has announced penalties related to the school’s boys’ basketball program.

At the meeting, the school was represented by Doug Bird, Head of Schools; Tim Maher, School Attorney; Kevin Cox, Athletic Director and; Mark Galloway, Boys Basketball Head Coach.

Culver Academies, a co-ed, college preparatory boarding school located in Culver, Ind. and first admitted to the Association as a member school in 1950, is one of 412 voluntary members who subscribe to uphold the by-laws and policies of the Association.

After reviewing the circumstances surrounding the violations and discussions with the Executive Committee, the following determinations have been made:

1. The Culver Academies Boys’ Basketball program shall remain on probation for the entire 2019-20 school year. Probation is a severe type of warning that an illegal act has occurred, is a matter of record, and shall not be repeated. Similar and further acts which violate IHSAA by-laws and/or policies of the Association by the boys’ basketball program shall be dealt with in a more severe manner.

2. Head Coach Mark Galloway shall be suspended for the first four varsity contests of the 2019-20 boys’ basketball season and all other boys’ basketball contests at any level during this time period.

3. Culver Academies shall provide to the IHSAA, a written plan of education for the athletic department staff respective of IHSAA by-laws, policies and procedures on or before November 30, 2019.

4. Culver Academies must document face-to-face meetings with the coaching staff covering the aforementioned topics and provide said documentation to the IHSAA.

5. Failure to meet all provisions set forth above shall disqualify Culver Academies from participation in the 2019- 20 IHSAA boys’ basketball tournament series.

6. Any subsequent by-law violation committed by the boys’ basketball program shall disqualify Culver Academies from participation in the 2019-20 IHSAA boys’ basketball tournament series.

Commissioner Cox commended the school administrators for their cooperation and professionalism during this investigation. 

With Halloween right around the corner Fulton County is getting ready for the events and to see everyone in their best costumes out trick or treating.

The Town of Akron has a lot planned starting on the 31^st with the costume judging contest at 5:30 in the evening at the Henry Township Fire Station. Trick or treating will follow at 6 and last till 8, also don’t forget to stop by Hartzler Funeral Home as a special treat.

Kewanna residents will be trick or treating on the 31^st from 5-7 as well. Special trick or treating is planned at the library, VFW, and fire station for those who decide to stop by.

Finally for Rochester residents their scheduled trick or treating will be on the 31^st from 5-7 so be on the lookout for all the trick or treaters out and about.

Winnamac and Culver will be trick or treating on the 31^st from 5-7.

Argos has the same time and date scheduled for trick or treating but will be having businesses trick or treating starting at 4.

The Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) today confirmed the state’s first influenza-related death of the 2019-20 flu season.

“This is a tragic reminder that we should never underestimate how serious the flu can be,” said State Health Commissioner Kris Box, M.D., FACOG. “Vaccination is the best defense against influenza, so please make sure you and your loved ones receive a flu shot.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone age 6 months and older get a flu vaccine each year. Dr. Box said that because infants younger than 6 months can’t be vaccinated, it’s important that anyone in a household where a young baby lives or visits get a flu shot to protect the child. Healthcare workers also are urged to get a flu vaccine to reduce their risk of transmitting illness to their patients. 

It takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies that protect against flu to develop in the body, so the CDC recommends early vaccination. However, the flu vaccine can be administered at any time during the season, which typically runs from October through May.

Influenza is a viral infection of the respiratory tract. It is spread by respiratory droplets released when infected people cough or sneeze nearby or when people touch surfaces or objects contaminated with those infectious respiratory droplets. People can also become infected by touching surfaces or objects contaminated with influenza viruses and then touching their eyes, mouths or noses. 

Although anyone can get the flu, some people are at higher risk of flu-related complications, such as pneumonia, hospitalization and death. More than 110 Hoosiers died from influenza-associated illnesses during the 2018-19 flu season. Those most at risk include pregnant women, young children (especially those too young to get vaccinated), people with chronic illnesses, people who are immunocompromised and the elderly. It is especially important for these individuals to be vaccinated each year.

Common signs and symptoms of the flu include:

• fever of 100° Fahrenheit or greater
• headache 
• fatigue
• cough
• muscle aches
• sore throat 
• runny or stuffy nose

People can help prevent the spread of flu by washing their hands frequently and thoroughly, avoiding touching their eyes, nose and mouth with their hands and staying home when sick. Hoosiers should practice the “Three Cs” to help prevent the spread of flu and other infectious diseases:

• Clean: Properly wash your hands frequently with warm, soapy water.
• Cover: Cover your cough and sneeze into your arm or a disposable tissue.
• Contain: Stay home from school or work when you are sick to keep your germs from spreading. 

To learn more about influenza or to view the ISDH weekly flu report, which is updated each Friday, go to https://www.in.gov/isdh/22104.htm. 

A call of a suspicious person led to the arrest of a Rochester man in Cass County.

The Cass County Sheriff’s Department responded to the 4000 block of State Road 17 early Saturday morning.  Deputies found Kristopher Long next to a vehicle in a driveway.  Long explained that he ran out of gas and knocked on a door of a home for help.

Long fled from officers when it was revealed the GMC he was driving was reported stolen from Fulton County on October 15.  He was found and arrested a short time later after fighting officers while they attempted to subdue him.

Long was booked into the Cass County Jail on charges of auto theft, two counts each of disarming law enforcement and battery resulting in bodily injury to a public safety official.

He’s also charged with resisting law enforcement, disorderly conduct and possession of meth.

A stretch of Indiana 14 is to be closed for road construction.

INDOT says Indiana 14 between County Road 700 East and County Road 1000 East will be closed to complete a structure extension.

The closure is scheduled to last through November 1.

Jon Bowen talks about the guilty verdict in the Alyssa Shepherd trial. 

Tyson Conrady and Jon Bowen talked about the testimony of Friday afternoon witnesses. 

Tyson Conrady and Jon Bowen talked about the testimony of Friday morning witnesses.         

Tyson Conrady and Jon Bowen talked about the testimony of Thursday mornings witnesses. 

The Fulton County Sheriff Department was called to the 9000 block of West 525 North for a barricaded suspect. Jacob Howard refused to cooperate with law enforcement and resulted in a call to the Indiana State Police. Fulton County Sheriff Christopher Sailors talks with WROI GIANT fm news.

With the coverage that the Alyssa Shepherd trial, it has brought vast opinions from the community. Michael Stahl talked with WROI GIANT fm news about the comments on social media.  

Wednesday afternoon had 1 repeat and 2 new witness in the Alyssa Shepherd trial. WROI GIANT fm News Director Jon Bowen and Tyson Conrady talk about the afternoon.  

Tyson Conrady and Jon Bowen talk about the morning session of day one of the Alyssa Shepherd trial.

Jury selection has ended in the Alyssa Shepherd trial. WROI 921 GIANT fm’s News Director Jon Bowen and Tyson Conrady talk about what happen this afternoon and tomorrow’s schedule.  

Jury selection has begun Tuesday morning in the Alyssa Shepherd trial. WROI 921 GIANT fm’s News Director Jon Bowen and Tyson Conrady talk about what happen this morning in the courtroom.

Alyssa Shepherd is scheduled to go to trial today at the Fulton County Courthouse.

Shepherd, 24, is on trial for striking four children with her car in October of last year as they walked to their school bus.  She’s charged with Reckless Homicide, Passing a School Bus Causing Injury and Criminal Recklessness.  She faces over 21 years in prison, if convicted.

On October 30 of last year, Xavier and Mason Ingle, Alivia Stahl and Maverick Lowe were struck.  Maverick Lowe survivied.

Seats have been reserved for family and media covering the trial.  A gag order has been placed on those connected with the trial since the final pre-trial hearing in September.

Funeral services are being held today for a former Kosciusko County Sheriff.

Cassius Alan Rovenstine, age 81, of Atwood, Indiana, passed away on Thursday, October 10.

Rovenstine was a lifelong resident of Atwood.  In 1969, he took a job as a deputy at the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department, beginning a career in law enforcement that would span three decades.

In 1974, Rovenstine ran unsuccessfully for the office of Sheriff of Kosciusko County. He tried again in 1978 and was elected by a wide margin, ending two decades of Democratic dominance at the position.. He won a second term in 1982, and then, in 1987, assumed the role of captain under Sheriff Ron Robinson.

He was elected to third and fourth terms as sheriff in 1990 and 1994, becoming the longest serving sheriff in Kosciusko County history.

His tenure in office saw the shuttering of the historic county jail and the construction of a larger, more modern facility, as well as the creation of the Kosciusko County Work Release program.

After leaving office, he served as a consultant for the new jail project and worked as an investigator for the Kosciusko County Prosecutor’s Office.

Rovenstine was also a volunteer for the Atwood Fire Department and served as its chief from 1964 to 1978.

He was the recipient of numerous awards and honors, including the Sagamore of the Wabash, the Chamber of Commerce Government Excellence Award, the Fireman of the Year Award, and the Kosciusko County Republican Hall of Fame.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed to Indiana health officials that a Hoosier in Elkhart County contracted eastern equine encephalitis, or EEE, a rare virus transmitted by mosquitoes. The patient died as a result of the infection.

This is the first human case in Indiana since 1998 and only the fourth reported since 1964. The CDC says approximately 5 to 10 human cases of EEE are reported nationwide each year, typically from late spring through early fall. Nearly one-third of human cases are fatal.

EEE has been found in more than a dozen horses and one mosquito sample in northern Indiana this year. Although mosquito activity decreases with cooler temperatures, the risk of mosquito-borne diseases will not be eliminated until the first hard freeze occurs. State health officials urge Hoosiers to continue to take steps to prevent mosquito bites until then.

Symptoms of EEE virus disease include chills, fever, body aches and joint pain. Some people develop a more severe form of the disease that affects the nervous system and causes encephalitis (inflammation of the brain). People who are younger than 15 years and older than 50 years are at the greatest risk of severe disease if infected with EEE virus.

People who think they may have EEE virus disease should see a healthcare provider.

Indiana communities will receive matching funds to improve roads and bridges through the Community Crossings Matching Grant Program (CCMG).

The CCMG was established by the Indiana General Assembly in 2016, and aims to advance community infrastructure projects, strengthen local transportation networks and improve Indiana’s roads and bridges. Since it was put into place, the program has awarded nearly $500 million in state matching funds for local construction projects.

Through the program, the Indiana Department of Transportation matches up to $1 million when localities invest in road and bridge repairs.

Counties with populations fewer than 50,000 and cities and towns with populations fewer than 10,000 receive a 75% / 25% match, while counties with populations of at least 50,000 and cities and towns with populations of at least 10,000 receive a 50% / 50% match. 

Among area communities awarded funding:

Winona Lake, over $192, 000                        

Winamac, over $151, 000                             

Wabash County, $1 million                            

Plymouth, nearly $115, 000                           

North Judson, over $101, 000

Knox, over $420, 000

Francesville, over $186, 000

Culver, over $749, 000

Bremen, almost $330, 000

In the same week of Notre Dame announcing Billy Joel performing next summer the University has more news coming. Chair of the Board of Trustees John J. Brennan is pleased to announce that when Father John Jenkins term ends he will be back for another.
 

After Jenkins took time to thank the Board of Trustees for allowing him to serve another term he as well announced a special event coming to Notre Dame for the first time ever.
 

The University of Notre Dame as a whole expressed the gratitude to be able to host the Presidential Debate and have they eyes of the world on Notre Dame.

A big change in the temperatures is coming to Indiana.

Meteorologist Mike Koch with the National Weather Service in Indianapolis says temperatures will drop throughout the day.  Most of the state will start out in the 60s and 70s early this afternoon.

It doesn't stop there, though. Koch says temperatures will continue to drop overnight, and by Saturday morning, most of the state will be in the 30s.  Saturday's high will be in the 50s.

Koch says it'll warm back up Sunday with temperatures back to the 60s, and even a little warmer by next Monday and Tuesday.

The body of a missing Peru man has been found by police in Logansport.

David Ryan, 62, told his family and friends he was going fishing last Friday.  He drove away from home and never returned.

Police found Ryan's car on Wednesday in the woods off of Eberts Road. Officers discovered his body nearby.

The Cass Co. Coroner will determine how and why Ryan died.

Temperatures cooling as we descend into fall may mean the beginning of a major project for Rochester’s Woodlawn Hospital.

CEO John Alley explains the project that hospital staff is taking on.

Alley notes that the outside temperatures are a factor in scheduling the work.

The current chiller is experiencing some minor leaks now as it is nearing 20 years of age.  They’re built to last 12.

Hospital staff doing the install instead of hiring it out will mean a savings of approximately

$100, 000.

A fatality on a Kosciusko County road Monday.

Tony Cormeny, 60, of Bourbon, was killed in the crash on Old Road 30 near County Road 875.

Cormeny’s westbound Subaru went left of center and into the path of an eastbound semi.  The semi driver tried to avoid the oncoming car but could not.

Cormeny was pronounced dead at the scene.  The semi driver refused treatment.

The crash remains under investigation.

A Silver Alert has been issued for a Peru man.

The Miami County Sheriff’s Department is investigating the disappearance of David Nelson Ryan, a 62 year old white male, 5 feet 8 inches tall, 240 pounds, brown hair with blue eyes, and driving a white 2003 Buick Rendezvous with Indiana license plate AWP625.

David is missing from Peru, Indiana and was last seen on Friday, October 4, 2019 at 4:30 pm.

He is believed to be in extreme danger and may require medical assistance.

If you have any information on David Nelson Ryan, contact the Miami County Sheriff’s Department at 765-472-1322 or 911.

The Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) is encouraging Hoosiers to get vaccinated against influenza soon as cases of the flu begin emerging across the state.

“Although we can’t predict how severe our flu season will be, we are already seeing influenza activity in Indiana, so it’s important that Hoosiers take steps quickly to protect themselves and their loved ones,” said State Health Commissioner Kris Box, M.D., FACOG. “Flu can be deadly, especially in vulnerable populations, so the time to take those protective measures is now.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone age 6 months and older get a flu vaccine each year. Dr. Box said that because infants under 6 months can’t be vaccinated, it’s important that anyone in a household where a young baby lives or visits get a flu shot to protect the child. Healthcare workers also are urged to get a flu vaccine to reduce their risk of transmitting illness to their patients. 

It takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies that protect against flu to develop in the body, so the CDC recommends that vaccination be offered by the end of October. Flu shots can be obtained through primary care providers and many pharmacies. To find the nearest location to get a flu shot, Hoosiers can go to https://vaccinefinder.org/.

Influenza is a viral infection of the respiratory tract. It is spread by respiratory droplets released when infected people cough or sneeze nearby or when people touch surfaces or objects contaminated with those infectious respiratory droplets. People can also become infected by touching surfaces or objects contaminated with influenza viruses and then touching their eyes, mouth or nose. 

Although anyone can get the flu, some people are at higher risk of flu-related complications, such as pneumonia, hospitalization and death. Since the 2014-15 flu season, nearly 800 Hoosiers have died of flu-related illness. High-risk individuals include pregnant women, young children (especially those too young to get vaccinated), people with chronic illnesses, people who are immunocompromised and the elderly. It is especially important for these individuals to be vaccinated each year.

Common signs and symptoms of the flu include:

• fever of 100° Fahrenheit or greater
• headache 
• fatigue
• cough
• muscle aches
• sore throat 
• runny or stuffy nose

People can help prevent the spread of flu by washing their hands frequently and thoroughly, avoiding touching their eyes, nose and mouth with their hands and staying home when sick. Hoosiers should practice the “Three Cs” to help prevent the spread of flu and other infectious diseases:

• Clean: Properly wash your hands frequently with warm, soapy water.
• Cover: Cover your cough and sneeze into your arm or a disposable tissue.
• Contain: Stay home from school or work when you are sick to keep your germs from spreading. 

To learn more about influenza or to view the ISDH weekly flu report, which will be updated each Friday beginning Oct. 11, go tohttp://www.in.gov/isdh/25462.htm.

The Warsaw Police Department is investigating the disappearance of Arthur Friebe, a 52 year old white male, 5 feet 11 inches tall, 200 pounds, white hair with a long white beard and blue eyes, last seen wearing a dark tan Carhartt like coat, blue plaid shorts, tan knee high socks, and tan shoes.

Arthur is missing from Warsaw, Indiana and was last seen on Monday, October 7, 2019 at 10:30 am. He is believed to be in extreme danger and may require medical assistance.

If you have any information on Arthur Friebe, contact the Warsaw Police Department at 574-267-5667 or 911.

The search continues for James Runkle after a Silver Alert was issued for him on September 21.

The 56-year old North Judson man is described as 6 feet 2 inches tall, 210 pounds, with a bald head and brown eyes.

He was last seen wearing a green shirt and camo pants, and driving a black 2004 Chevy Silverado pickup truck with an orange kayak in the back.

Runkle was spotted on surveillance video at a Savanna, Illinois gas station.

Runkle's truck was found near a public access site to Lake Superior in Minnesota on Sunday, Sept. 29.  His kayak was not with the truck.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Starke County Sheriff’s Department at 574-772-3771.

On Friday afternoon, a three-vehicle collision occurred at the intersection of CR 1350 N and CR 950 W, near Nappanee. The initial results of crash investigation indicate that a 2018 Honda motorcycle operated by James Gluckin, 75 years old, of Elkhart pulled into the path of a 2005 Honda Civic operated by Sky Allen, 23 years old, of Bremen. Prior to the collision, Gluckin was traveling southbound on CR 950 W, approaching CR 1350 N and Allen was traveling westbound on CR 1350 N, approaching CR 950 W.

The motorcycle also struck an eastbound horse and buggy operated by Anthony Chupp, 45 years old, of Nappanee. The collision caused minor injuries to the horse and damaged the buggy. Gluckin was transported from the scene by the Parkview Samaritan Air Ambulance for a possible broken leg. There were no other injuries reported.

With a weather cool down this weekend to remind us that fall has, indeed, arrived, Rochester schools are gearing up for fall break.  But not just the kids getting out of school.  They’re readying for those that will be there.

Riddle Elementary Principal Lou Biernacki.

The principal notes the kids says the kids won’t just be stuck in the classroom.

Report cards are due to be out October 23.  Also, parents should have seen letters to schedule Riddle and Columbia parent-teacher conferences

Governor Eric J. Holcomb is directing flags across the state to be flown at half-staff for the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service. 

Flags should be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Sunday, Oct. 6.

Gov. Holcomb also asks businesses and residents to lower their flags to half-staff on Sunday.

A transport caught fire after a semi-tractor / trailer got off the roadway and rolled.

The Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department responded about 6:30 pm Thursday when a northbound semi tractor/trailer, carrying approximately 7700 gallons of ethanol alcohol, dropped off the shoulder of Kosciusko CR 800 W, approximately one half mile north of CR 400 N. The tractor/trailer overcorrected, causing the ethanol to slosh within the tank. The trailer disconnected from the tractor and both units rolled over several times, igniting a fire.

The fuel began to burn and spread to a nearby field.   The driver of the semi tractor was able to exit the vehicle, with only minor injuries.

Responding agencies included  Lutheran EMS, Kosciusko County Emergency Management, the American Red Red Cross, Indiana Department of Environmental Management, and the Kosciusko County Highway Department

Atwood, Etna Green, Nappanee, Bourbon and Winona Lake fire departments were also at the scene.

The Fulton County United Way is well underway with its annual campaign to raise funds for its member agencies.

Jenny Moriarity says they’re spreading the word about the campaign and they’re excited about the start this year.

She says they target Thanksgiving as a time to reach goal.

The goal for the Fulton County United Way this year is $100, 000.

A Pulaski County man was killed in a Tuesday head-on accident.

Just before 10:00 am, the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office responded to U.S. Highway 421, north of County Road 200 South. The initial investigation determined Joshua Overmyer, 37, of Winamac, was operating a 2008 Kenworth gravel truck southbound on U.S. Highway 421.  Franklin Clemons, 48, of Francesville, was operating a 2004 Chrysler PT Cruiser northbound on U.S. Highway 421 when for unknown reasons Clemons’ vehicle drove left of center and collided head on with the gravel truck.

Clemons was pronounced deceased at the scene of the crash by the Pulaski County Coroner.

Overmyer was transported to Pulaski Memorial Hospital where he was treated for his injury and released.

U.S. Highway 421 was closed for approximately six hours while the crash was investigated. Indiana State Police Crash reconstructionists were requested and assisted with the investigation.

The Fulton County Sheriff’s Office recently participated in Project SAVE (Stop Arm Violation Enforcement) a federally funded project administered by the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute.

This project ran from August 1 to September 15 and officers who participated ran traffic within school zones along while actually driving the routes that the bus drivers drove.

On August 9 an officer observed a vehicle travel through a “bus only” zone, The officer stopped the vehicle and arrested the driver for Operating While Intoxicated. 

There were six officers who participated and they drove a combined total of 381 miles while participating in this project. 

There were 23 traffic tickets written along with 36 written warnings.  There was one actual stop arm violation, one seat belt violation, a misdemeanor driving while intoxicated arrest and 16 violations for speeding along with other traffic violations. 

The Kosciusko 911 Communications Center received the report of a rollover crash on CR 850 E, north of Adams Rd, shortly after 9:00 Tuesday morning.

When deputies arrived at the scene, a 1997 Jeep Cherokee was found to be overturned, on the roadway. The driver, Remington Hurd, 19, of Pierceton, was ejected from the Cherokee and suffering a head injury.

Hurd was transported by Lutheran EMS to Lutheran Hospital Fort Wayne. 

Six Indiana Conservation Officers will become members of DNR Law Enforcement’s 47-officer team of certified dive rescue specialists that serves the entire state.

The officers will graduate on Thursday from the six-week Public Safety Dive Rescue Specialist School. The new divers include  Alexander Quick, based in Starke County, and Jordan Wagner, based in Cass County.

During the demanding school, students are trained to Dive Rescue International requirements and to meet Department of Homeland Security standards, which include being able to do fully encapsulated diving with full face mask, dry suits, redundant air supply, and underwater hard- line communications.

The students were drilled on basic scuba skills, physical fitness, black-water diving, boat-based and shore-based operations/search patterns, drowning victim/body recovery, evidence recovery, light salvage operations, lift bag operations, vehicle recovery, deep diving, and swift water diving.

The school was based in Terre Haute. Training took place in various types of bodies of water throughout Vigo County.