Springs Valley Herald

05/20/2026

As families and friends gather to honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice, the Indiana State Police reminds everyone to make safety a priority this Memorial Day Weekend.

During Memorial Day Weekend 2025 (May 23–26), Indiana experienced:
• 1,817 total crashes
• 7 fatal crashes
• 418 people injured
• 87 crashes involving alcohol
• 8 crashes involving drugs

Every crash statistic represents a life, a family, and a community impacted. If you plan to celebrate this weekend, make responsible choices before you get behind the wheel.
• Designate a sober driver
• Use a rideshare or taxi
• Buckle up
• Slow down and stay alert
• Never drive impaired or distracted

Troopers will be out across the state working to keep Indiana roadways safe. Help us make this holiday weekend memorable for the right reasons.

Drive Safe. Drive Sober. Arrive Alive.

05/20/2026

05/20/2026

05/19/2026

West Baden Assistant Police Chief Arrested

(Orange County, IN) - The Indiana State Police Special Investigation Division has arrested 60-year-old Thomas Burkhardt, of Dubois, the current West Baden Assistant Police Chief on three felony charges following an investigation.

Detective Tim Denby began his investigation on April 22, 2026, after receiving criminal allegations of official misconduct and battery from alleged victims, who have been cooperative throughout this investigation.

Jefferson County Prosecutor David Sutter was assigned as the Special Prosecutor in this case and on May 19th the Orange County Court Special Judge was presented this case. As a result, the following criminal charges have been levied against Burkhardt:

• Two (2) Counts of Official Misconduct, Level 6 Felony
• One (1) Count of Battery, Level 6 Felony
• One (1) Count of Battery, Class A Misdemeanor

On May 19, 2026, a no bond warrant was issued for Burkhardt. Burkhardt was arrested by Detectives from the Indiana State Police and lodged in the Orange County Jail without incident.

His initial appearance will be sometime in the next few days in the Orange County Circuit Court.

All suspects are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

05/11/2026

05/11/2026

Road closure planned for State Road 145 in Dubois County

DUBOIS COUNTY IN – The Indiana Department of Transportation announces a road closure for State Road 145 in Dubois County.

Beginning on or around Friday, May 15, crews will close State Road 145 near Birdseye. This closure will occur between County Road West 900 S to East Borden Hill Road.

This road closure will allow for the replacement of three box culverts. Work is expected to last through the beginning of November, depending on the weather.

The official detour for this project is I-64 to State Road 37 to State Road 64. Local traffic will have access up to the point of closure. One culvert will be replaced at a time, in order to allow residents to retain access during this project. INDOT reminds drivers to slow down, use extra caution, and avoid distractions when traveling in and near work zones.

05/11/2026

05/11/2026

Orange County Workforce Housing Update!

OCEDP will be giving updates on our page and also on our website under the housing tab about open house events to come!
Find us at WWW.OCEDP.COM and don't forget to subscribe to our E-News letter for your Orange County Updates!