PRINCETON, Ind. - The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) recently awarded a $4.9 million road resurfacing project on U.S. 41 in Gibson County.  E & B Paving of Anderson, Indiana was the low-bidder. 

This project will include slip liner installation into drainage pipes under U.S. 41, removal of median cross-overs at 7 locations within the project limits, turn lane and radii improvements at the intersections of U.S. 41 and S.R. 168 and at U.S. 41 and C.R. 350 North (Toyota), rebuilding the exit ramp from U.S. 41 north bound to S.R. 64 east bound, deep patching the roadway in areas, milling off approximately 1 ½ inches of existing roadway and resurfacing the road.  Currently utility company crews are working in the area of U.S. 41 and S.R. 168 in Fort Branch relocating their utility lines.  Contractor’s crews began placing construction warning and speed limit signs this week.  There will be a reduced speed limit in the actual construction areas of 45 MPH and Indiana State Police will be monitoring the work zones.  Starting the week of April 2, crews will begin placing slip liners in drainage structures under U.S. 41.  No permanent lane restrictions will be required during this operation, however, there may be temporary restrictions as equipment and materials are delivered to their work location. 

Crews will then begin work on removing the median cross-overs.  During this time, the inside passing lane of both north and south bound U.S. 41 will need to be closed to allow equipment to remove pavement next to the roadway.  It is anticipated this work will take two weeks, weather permitting.  Locations of median removal include at Mulberry Street, south of Oak Street, Walnut Street, Vine Street, Sinclair Street and Iroquois Drive in Fort Branch and at Old U.S. 41 north of Toyota.  The next phase of construction will include the construction of turn lanes at the U.S. 41 and S.R. 168 intersection.  A dedicated right turn lane will be constructed for east bound S.R. 168 traffic to U.S. 41 south bound and for west bound S.R. 168 traffic to U.S. 41 north bound.  The turning radii will be improved for north bound U.S. 41 traffic turning right onto east bound S.R. 168.  The traffic signal at the intersection will be improved to incorporate the new lanes of traffic.  As work progresses, a more defined time table will be established for the work at U.S. 41 and C.R. 350 N, ramp reconstruction at S.R. 64, as well as the patching operation, milling and paving.  The contract completion date for this project is November 30, 2012, weather permitting.  

The work at the intersection of U.S. 41 and C.R. 350 N includes the creation of a dedicated right turn lane for north bound U.S. 41 traffic on to east bound C.R. 350 N, dedicated right turn lane from west bound C.R. 350 N to north bound U.S. 41 and the addition of a second left turn only lane for south bound U.S. 41 to east bound C.R. 350 N.  The traffic signals will also be upgraded to include the additional lanes of traffic.  The reconstruction work for the exit ramp from U.S. 41 to east bound S.R. 64 will take place under traffic; however, a short term closure will take place as the new ramp is tied in to the existing roadway.  During this closure traffic will utilize the other ramps at the interchange to loop around to reach east bound S.R. 64.  During the patching, milling and paving operation a 12-wide lane restriction will be in place.  While crews are performing the milling and paving portion of the project, the contractor will utilize a rolling operation.  It will be contained to one lane in one direction at a time.  The milling machine will operate approximately ½ mile in advance of the paving equipment allowing the amount of exposed roadway to a minimum during the operation.  

INDOT encourages motorists to slow down and pay special attention while traveling in work zones throughout Indiana.  For the latest news and information about INDOT, please visit www.in.gov/indot and www.trafficwise.in.gov 

From Evansville Police Department Incident Reports - March 29, 2012.
ALL SUSPECTS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW.
Williams, Tereasa Lynn - Arrest on charge of OMVWI-bac .15% or more at 1300 W Delaware St......Society - Victim of OMVWI-bac .15% or more at 1300 W. Delaware St Evansville, IN between 18:11 03/29/2012 and 19:08 03/29/2012.
Officers were dispatched to the 1300 block of W Delaware St for an intoxicated subject who arrived in a white Tracker and was arguing with people. Officers arrived and found the described vehicle stopped in the middle of the street. The vehicle then started towards Sixth Ave and the vehicle was stopped on Delaware St near Sixth Ave. Officers could immediately smell the odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from the vehicle. The defendant admitted to drinking. The defendant failed field sobriety tests and was transported to VCCC where she failed a certified breath test. The defendant was charge with OMVWI and OMVWI .15% or more. It was determined through the investigation that no other crime had been committed in reference to the initial run other than being disorderly and yelling at people prior to police arrival.

Eaton, Brandon C - Arrest on charge of Battery-simple assault at 3406 Igleheart Ave......Society - Victim of Battery-simple assault at 3406 Igleheart Ave Evansville, IN between 19:20 03/29/2012 and 19:30 03/29/2012.
Officers were dispatched in reference to a fight in progress. When officers arrived on scene, the suspect was restrained by the victim and a witness. The suspect had punched the victim at his residence and had broken the victim's glasses. The suspect also had a warrant. The suspect was placed in custody and transported to VCCC.

Plainbull, Gordon Wesley - Arrest on charge of Alcohol-public intoxication at 999 N Fifth Ave/Fountain Ave......Society - Victim of Alcohol-public intoxication at 999 N Fifth Ave/Fountain Ave Evansville, IN between 18:10 03/29/2012 and 18:20 03/29/2012.
Officers were dispatched to the area of Fifth Ave and Fountain Ave reference an Indian male in the area that was trying to fight people. On scene, officers located the subject on Fifth Ave just south of Fountain standing on the sidewalk. There was a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from the offender's breath. He could not stand on his own without falling and speech was extremely slurred and difficult to understand. The offender was also carrying an empty bottle of vodka in his hand. Officers then gave the offender a portable breath test that yielded a result of .39 BAC. When asked if the offender would want to go the hospital for treatment due to such a high alcohol level,  the offender stated, "Fuck you" and attempted to push an officer. He was then placed into custody and transported to Deaconess Hospital for treatment. Once medically cleared, the offender was transported to VCCC.

New Jerusalem Baptist Church - Victim of Criminal Mischief at 1649 S Evans Ave/Waggoner Ave Evansville, IN between 22:40 03/29/2012 and 22:43 03/29/2012.
Witness heard commotion outside and saw a group of juveniles, then heard glass breaking. She attends the church where the vandalism occurred and followed the juveniles. They went west in the alley behind the church, then cut over to Covert and then south on Linwood. She stopped following them on dispatcher's advice. There were 3 different windows on the east side that had been shot with a BB gun a total of 5 times. She said there were approximately 5-6 of them and 3 of them were tall and dressed in black.

The Storm Prediction Center has placed the tri-state area in a slight risk category for severe storms later today. An approaching cold front will trigger storm development over Illinois this afternoon and these scattered storms could become strong to severe weather forecasters are saying. Here is today's NWS Weather Story from the Paducah office with details:  Widely scattered thunderstorms are forecast to develop this afternoon and evening as low pressure drags a cold front into the area. A few of these storms could be strong to severe, with the potential for large hail, damaging winds, and locally heavy rain. Mainly dry weather will return for the weekend, but an isolated storm will remain possible over southern portions of Missouri and Kentucky on Saturday. 

The early warm weather of this spring has brought increased motorcycle traffic with Hoosiers riding for recreation and transportation. The Indiana State Police offer theses safe driving tips so that everyone can share Indiana roads safely. 


Tips for passenger vehicles:
• Watch attentively for motorcycles. Check blinds spots before changing lanes and look twice at intersections before you turn or pull out into traffic. Use your turn signals when changing lanes.
• Anticipate hazards that may confront a motorcyclist like large pot holes, debris, or other hazardous road conditions. Allow at least two seconds of following distance between your vehicle and a motorcycle.
• Be cautious and observant when turning left. This is a primary cause of crashes between vehicles and motorcycles.
• Remember, motorcycles are entitled to operate in a full lane.
• Obey all traffic laws.

Tips for motorcycle riders:
• Wear protective equipment and clothing, especially a helmet with face shield.
• Make yourself visible by wearing bright clothing, using reflective tape and by using your motorcycle’s headlight. Always use turn signals when changing lanes and turning.
• Check your motorcycle before each ride, and do not ride if any equipment is not operating properly.
• Look for road hazards. Be especially cautious around intersections, alleys, driveways, and other areas where an animal, pedestrian, or vehicle might enter your path.
• Avoid riding in the blind spot of other vehicles.
• Ride defensively; always leave enough reaction time for unexpected movements from other vehicles.
• When operating a motorcycle during inclement weather, slow down and use extra caution. Avoid sudden changes in direction or speed.
• Never ride impaired.
• Never perform “wheelies” or other tricks.

Motorcycles are harder to see then other vehicles; consequently, many crashes occur because other motorists don’t see the motorcycle. All motorists should take the time for a second look before pulling into an intersection or making a turn. It only takes a second to save a life. 

*Information courtesy of Indiana State Police 

INDOT is advising motorists there will be temporary lane restrictions on Interstate 64 (I-64) in Posey, Vanderburgh and Warrick counties. 

INDOT maintenance crews will be cleaning bridge decks and drains on I-64 from the Indiana/Illinois State Line to State Road 61 (Exit 39).  Crews will begin on Wednesday, March 28 in the east bound lanes.  Once crews reach S.R. 61 work will then be shifted to the west bound lanes.  All lane closures will take place from approximately 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., local time each day.  It is estimated all work will be complete by Friday, April 13, weather permitting.  No work will take place on the weekends.  

INDOT reminds motorists to follow the posted work zone speed limit, use caution and consider worker safety when traveling through a work zone.  For the latest news and information about INDOT, please visit www.in.gov/indot or www.trafficwise.in.gov

From Evansville Police Department Incident Reports - March 26, 2012
ALL SUSPECTS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW.
Tyler, John Garland - Victim of Arson-single dwelling >5000 at 315 S Bedford Ave Evansville, IN between 23:56 03/26/2012 and 00:01 03/26/2012. Reported 03/26/2012.
Officers were dispatched to 315 S Bedford Ave to assist EFD with a working structure fire. While officers were on scene they were advised by EFD that the residence was vacant and there was no power to the dwelling. EFD informed officers that the fire was going to be an arson. Officers were also advised that 317 S Bedford had also received damage from the fire. Officers found out who owned 315 S Bedford through the Vandeburgh County Assessor and made contact with the owner. The owner of the dwelling is the victim in this case. They were given a case number for the report. Officers also found out who the owner of 317 S Bedford Ave was through the Vanderburgh County Assessor. Officers were unable to make contact with the owners of 317 S Bedford, but it was also vacant at the time of the fire. The case is still under investigation at this time.

Sex Related Victim - Victim of Sex-Indecent Exposure between 07:03 03/22/2012 and 08:30 03/22/2012. Reported 03/26/2012.
Victim called the Crime Prevention Office to report that on multiple occasions, offender has masturbated in his doorway, facing outside, in public view.

McNary, Latonia Marie - Arrest on charge of Theft-shoplifting Theft-other <200 at 800 N Green River Rd......JC Penney - Victim of Theft-shoplifting Theft-other <200 at 800 N Green River Rd Evansville, IN on 03/26/2012, 16:42.
Officers were dispatched to JC Penney's for an adult female shoplifter. The woman had stolen multiple bras and underwear. She also had an outstanding writ of attachment. The woman had previously been barred from JC Penney's for shoplifting on 03/27/2006.

Pickerill, Nancy J. - Victim of Criminal Mischief Loss >$250 <$2500 at 829 Jackson Ave Evansville, IN between 06:05 03/26/2012 and 06:11 03/26/2012.
Evansville Fire Department was called in reference to a structure fire in the alley behind 829 Jackson Ave. On scene, EFD personnel observed several bags of garbage and the fence behind 829 Jackson Ave engulfed in flames. The fire was extinguished and EFD fire investigators called EPD to complete an arson report. A portion of the fence was completely destroyed, but no other damage to any other structures was noticed. Fire investigators told police that a lighter was recovered in the alley near the fire. Although there were no suspects at the time of this report, the resident of 829 Jackson claimed that a week prior to this incident someone had attempted to gain entry int her home through a rear screen door. The resident did not report this incident. 

Howell Park Pool - Victim of Criminal Mischief to vending/coin machine at 801 S Barker Ave Evansville, IN between 13:13 03/12/2012 and 12:21 03/26/2012. Reported 03/26/2012.
The reporter stated he came to check on the pool and discovered the listed RC machines had been destroyed. No suspects.