๐๏ธ OBITUARY: Kraig Matthew Smoot ๐๏ธ Kraig Matthew Smoot, 34, of Bedford, passed away in his home on August 17, 2026. Born on January 20, 1992, he was the son of Keith and Kathy Smoot. Kraig was a 2011 graduate of Bedford North Lawrence High School, where he excelled at both football and basketball. He went on to attend the College of Mount St. Joseph, earning a bachelorโs degree in Business and Finance. Kraig will always be remembered for his infectious laugh and charismatic personality. He loved sports, video games, music, shoe By Lawrence County Independent News • a month ago
Aug 19, 2026 ๐๏ธ OBITUARY: Kraig Matthew Smoot ๐๏ธ Kraig Matthew Smoot, 34, of Bedford, passed away in his home on August 17, 2026. Born on January 20, 1992, he was the son of Keith and Kathy Smoot. Kraig was a 2011 graduate of Bedford North Lawrence High School, where he excelled at both football and basketball. He went on to attend the College of Mount St. Joseph, earning a bachelorโs degree in Business and Finance. Kraig will always be remembered for his infectious laugh and charismatic personality. He loved sports, video games, music, shoe
Aug 19, 2026 COURT NEWS: Wright Sentenced to 900 Days in IDOC Following Repeated Probation Violations
Aug 19, 2026 Police Log 08/19/2026 Police Log: August 18 โ 19, 2026 Bedford Police Department & Lawrence County Sheriff's Department This public safety report summarizes key law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical service activities across Bedford and Lawrence County from August 18 through the early morning hours of August 19, 2026. All individuals referenced in law enforcement reports are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Arrests * Cody Allen Grosvenor (36), Bedford: Arrested by Bedford Police i
Aug 18, 2026 Police Log 08/18/2026 Police Log: August 16 โ 18, 2026 Bedford Police Department & Lawrence County Sheriff's Department This public safety report summarizes law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical service activities across Bedford and Lawrence County from the evening of August 16 through the early morning hours of August 18, 2026. All individuals referenced in law enforcement reports are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Arrests & Citations * Eric Joe Kern (51), Bedford: Arrested by
Aug 17, 2026 Police Log 08/17/2026 Police Log: August 15 โ 17, 2026 Bedford Police Department & Lawrence County Sheriff's Department This public safety report summarizes law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical service activities across Bedford and Lawrence County from the evening of August 15 through the early morning hours of August 17, 2026. All individuals referenced in law enforcement reports are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Arrests * Tyler Allen Douglas Shelton (27), Bedford: Arrested b
Aug 16, 2026 ๐จ INVESTIGATIVE REPORT: Lawrence County Flock Camera Data Unveiled โ What Are Police Searching For, and Are They Being Audited? ๐จ Automated License Plate Readers (ALPR), commonly known as "Flock cameras," track vehicle movements across our community. When law enforcement agencies install these networks, they assure the public that strict audit logs will prevent officers from misusing the system to track everyday citizens without cause. We conducted an independent analysis of the official ALPR search logs from the Lawrence County Sheriff's Office to see exactly how the system is being used. Here is a transparent breakdown
Aug 16, 2026 Police Log 08/16/2026 Police Log: August 14 โ 16, 2026 Bedford Police Department & Lawrence County Sheriff's Department This public safety report summarizes law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical service activities across Bedford and Lawrence County from the evening of August 14 through the early morning hours of August 16, 2026. All individuals referenced in law enforcement reports are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Arrests * Olivia Adele Williams (23): Arrested by Bedford Polic
Aug 15, 2026 Bedford Parks Dept Gearing Up for 2026 Limestone Capital Half Marathon โ Seeking Sponsors & Volunteers The Bedford Parks Department has officially announced preparations for the Annual Limestone Capital Half Marathon, 5K, and 1-Mile Walk/Run, scheduled for Saturday, October 3, 2026. Starting and finishing right in the heart of downtown Bedford at the historic Depot, this marquee autumn event brings hundreds of runners, families, and visitors to Lawrence County from across Indiana and neighboring states. Last yearโs event drew over 400 participants from across Indiana and nine other states, high
Aug 15, 2026 Police Log 08/15/2026 Police Log: August 13 โ 15, 2026 Bedford Police Department & Lawrence County Sheriff's Department This public safety report summarizes law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical service activities across Bedford and Lawrence County from the evening of August 13 through the early morning hours of August 15, 2026. All individuals referenced in law enforcement reports are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Arrests & Citations * Alexis Brianna Krebbs (31): Arrested by B
Aug 15, 2026 ๐ REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT: Defense Giant Prometheus Energetics Breaks Ground on $175M Facility Near Crane ๐ A major regional defense manufacturing project is underway right next door in Greene County that carries significant economic and workforce implications for Lawrence County residents. Prometheus Energeticsโa joint venture between U.S. contractor Kratos Defense & Security Solutions and Israeli state-owned RAFAEL Advanced Defense Systemsโhas officially broken ground on a new solid rocket motor (SRM) and munitions manufacturing campus near Bloomfield. Located near Naval Surface Warfare Center (NS
Aug 14, 2026 Lawrence County Auditor Requests Disabled Veterans to Refile Property Tax Deductions Before End of Year The Lawrence County Auditorโs Office is issuing an urgent notice to all disabled veterans and surviving spouses of disabled veterans across Lawrence County: recent legislative changes passed at the state level require you to refile for your Veterans Property Tax Deduction before December 31, 2026. Statewide updates to veteran tax relief lawsโincluding new maximum deductions and credit conversions under House Enrolled Act 1210โrequire eligible taxpayers to re-verify their status through updated