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The high speed chase Friday that started in Jackson County, came through Scott and ended in Clark, resulted in the arrest of a habitual criminal.  According to the Indiana State Police, early Friday morning a Jackson County Trooper initiated a traffic stop of the silver Ford Taurus near the 57 mile marker on Interstate 65.  Refusing to stop the vehicle sped up to over 100 miles per hour, a pursuit ensued and headed south.  Tire deflation devices were deployed by local police officers as the pursuit neared exits 34, 29 and 19, along I-65. At the Scottsburg exit, the driver avoided the device by driving into the median and was unable to get back onto the southbound lanes of I-65, due to a cable barrier in the area. The suspect continued south in the northbound lanes, until he drove the wrong way up the exit ramp to get onto State Road 160. On 160, the driver headed east and eventually was stopped.  24-year-old Terry Mahler displayed a knife and refused to exit the vehicle, however authorities were able to disarm Mahler and arrested him.  Mahler was charged with criminal recklessness, driving while suspended, possession of stolen property, resisting law enforcement, possession of a stolen vehicle, reckless driving and battery on a police officer. The vehicle’s owner, in Warsaw was in the process of reporting the vehicle stolen as officers pursued the vehicle. Mahler had two warrants out of Lagrange and Noble County for Larceny and fraud/check deception respectively.

Wet Corn Causes Problems

(AP)

The wet fall weather is to blame for mold to grow on some of Indiana’s corn crop and is now creating problems.  The mold can produce toxins and some animals will not eat poor quality grains, resulting in reduction in livestock weight and value. 

Census Bureau Hiring Temps

(Sharon Love)

The U.S. Census Bureau is looking for thousands of people to work in temporary jobs in several states including Indiana.  The jobs involve going door-to-door to interview residents.  Job applicants are required to take a skills test and undergo a background check.  Most jobs require U.S. citizenship, a driver's license and use of a vehicle. The Census also is looking for people who are bilingual. Testing times and locations are available by calling, toll free, 1-866-861-2010.

Norovirus Confirmed in Jackson County

(Tribtown.com)

State health officials have confirmed norovirus as the reason behind a recent outbreak of gastroenteritis that closed the Seymour Middle School Sixth Grade Center.  The closure occurred on November 6.  Norovirus is now suspected to have spread to Margaret R. Brown Elementary School.  It is unknown how the virus originated.

New Roof For Jefferson County Courthouse by Years End

(Madison Courier)

American Structure Point says a new roof for the Jefferson County courthouse, which was damaged by fire May 20, should be in place by the end of the year.  Once the roof is up, the building will be dried out and the interior damage assessed. A preliminary check of masonry has shown that except for a few isolated areas, the building appears to be solid.
 

Teen's Plead Deal Rejected

(Sharon Love)

A teen accused of helping his older brother kill an elderly Brown County man had his plea deal rejected by a Brown County Circuit Court Judge.  14-year-old Blade Reed would have pleaded guilty to one adult charge of attempted robbery resulting in bodily injury, and one juvenile charge of aggravated battery.  A new plea agreement must be made or Reed will have to go to trial November 20.  Reed and his older brother, 17-year-old Bennie went to the home of 84-year-old Richard "Dude" Voland, and his wife, 77-year-old Mary last year to steal beer but wound up killing Voland and seriously injuring Mary.

Indy Toddler's Relatives Claim Her More Than a Day After Being Found Wandering Around

(Sharon Love)

Authorities Warn of Jury Duty Scam

(Sharon Love)

The Indiana State Police are warning citizens of a jury duty scam that has now been reported in 11 states.  The scam begins with a telephone call. The caller claims to be the jury coordinator for that particular jurisdiction and advises the victim they failed to appear for jury duty.  When the victim advises they were never summoned the caller asks for their social security number and date of birth.  The caller advises they need the social security number and date of birth to cancel an arrest warrant that has been issued for their failure to appear for jury duty.  The information given by the victim is then used to steal the victim’s identity.  This scam uses intimidation over the telephone by impersonating someone from the court system.  State Police say to never give out personal information over the phone!

Steps to prevent Identity Theft: 

• Release your social security number only when absolutely necessary
• Do not have your social security number printed on your checks
• When you order new checks have them delivered to your bank and not your home
• Order your social security earnings statement once a year to check for fraud
• Cross-cut shred your credit card receipts, bills, and other financial information
• Order your credit report once a year to check for inaccuracies and fraud
• Do not leave envelopes containing bill payments in your mailbox
• Do not carry credit cards, social security cards, birth certificates, and passports in your wallet

United Way Reminds Residents of 2-1-1 Service

(Sharon Love)

The United Way of Scott County reminds residents of an important service to the community.  The 2-1-1 help line connects people with referrals on valuable services such as food, counseling, employment, health care, support groups, housing, shelter, legal aid, clothing, education and more.  All Scott County residents may dial 2-1-1 from their phone for free.  For more information, visit in211.org or visit the United Way office.  

Scott County Christmas Assistance Volunteers Taking Applications

(Sharon Love)

The Scott County Christmas Assistance Program volunteers are now taking applications for Christmas Assistance for those families that are low income.  Volunteers will be at the Austin’s Kid’s Place on Union Street Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 10:00 to 2:00 and on Tuesday and Thursday from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.  You must bring picture ID, verification of address and all income in household. The Christmas assistance program is for children newborn to 16 years of age.  Applications for food baskets for the elderly and disabled will also be taken during those times.  If anyone would like to donate toys or food items, or would like more information call 812-498-3137, 812-820-3533 or 812-820-5622.

Protect Yourself From the H1N1 Virus with Hand Washing

(Sharon Love)

With H1N1 or Swine Flu infections reported at alarming rates, proper hygiene and hand washing have never been more important.  The Center for Disease Control predicts that up to 40 percent of Americans could contract the Swine Flu through 2010.  Properly washing your hands and drying them thoroughly can be key to staying healthy.  Using hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available is also suggested.  Besides hand washing there are other steps to take to protect your self from H1N1.  Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or do so in your elbow.  Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.  Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth.  Germs spread this way.  Try to avoid close contact with sick people.  If you are sick with flu-like symptoms the CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care.  Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.  Keep away from others as much as possible to keep from making others sick.  For more information, visit flu.gov.

If you see news happening call us at 752.3688 or 1.800.441.1053 or e-mail at I1053news@verizon.net