2 dead after severe storm hits Owen County campground
Indiana Conservation Officers are investigating after the bodies of a Rossville couple were located at the campground at McCormick’s Creek State Park. The victims have been identified as Brett Kincaid, 53, and Wendy Kincaid, 47, both of Rossville, Indiana. Late last night, severe storms hit the area of McCormick’s Creek State Park in Owen County causing severe damage to the area, specifically the campground. Immediately following the storm and throughout today, responders searched the area attempting to confirm everyone was able to reach safety. After being notified of two campers being unaccounted for, additional searches of the property were conducted and the bodies of the victims were discovered.
This incident is under investigation and more information will be released as it becomes available.
Indiana Legislative Update: Limitation on right to bail
The House Courts and Criminal Code Committee heard SJR 1 on limitation on right to bail sponsored by Rep. Jeter and Rep. McNamara. The author, Sen. Koch, introduced the joint resolution which provides that a person who poses a substantial risk to the public is not entitled to release on bail. The resolution was amended by consent to apply the term “substantial risk” to any other person, or the community, as opposed to the public. The amendment also provided that an offense other than murder or treason shall not be bailable if the state proves by clear and convincing evidence that no release conditions will reasonably protect the safety of any other person or the community.
The Indiana Prosecuting Attorneys Council, Indiana Association of Chiefs of Police, and Indiana State Fraternal Order of Police testified in support of the bill. The Indiana Public Defender Council, Indiana State Bar Association – Criminal Justice Section, Vera Institute of Justice, You Yes You Project, American Bail Coalition, and various individuals testified in opposition. The amended resolution passed 7-5.
Read the joint resolution at: https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2023/resolutions/senate/joint/1
Attorney General Todd Rokita warns Hoosiers of storm scams during severe weather
With thunderstorms brewing, Attorney General Todd Rokita is warning Hoosiers to be wary of scams. With Spring storms, scammers will be out in full force trying to con Hoosiers out of their hard-earned money, and calling it clean-up, repair, or rebuilding.
Unfortunately, far too many dubious con artists appear on people’s doorsteps, promise to make needed repairs, and then disappear with their victims’ down-payments in their pockets – never to return to do the work. Attorney General Rokita is sharing the following tips to help Hoosiers avoid falling victim to storm-chasing scammers:
- Be skeptical of people promising immediate clean-up and debris removal.
- Know that FEMA doesn’t charge application fees. If someone wants money to help you qualify for FEMA funds, that’s probably a scam.
- Check out contractors’ reputations before enlisting their services.
- Ask for IDs, licenses, and proof the contractor is both bonded and insured.
- Get more than one estimate for work.
- Don’t believe any promises that aren’t in writing.
- Never pay by wire transfer, gift card, cryptocurrency, or in cash.
- Don’t pay the full amount for the project up front.
Dealing with a disaster is never easy. But when scammers target people just trying to recover, the experience can become even more difficult. If you ever suspect a scam of any type, file a complaint at indianaconsumer.com or call Attorney General Todd Rokita’s office at 1-800-382-5516.
This Week in Hoosier History
1926 – Virgil “Gus” Grissom was born in Mitchell, Indiana on April 3rd. He became an Air Force pilot and one of the first astronauts. In 1967, he and two others were killed in testing for the Apollo I mission.
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