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Local News
Bedford and Lawrence County Local News
TRAGIC UPDATE: Second Victim Passes Away Following SR 37 & 29th Street Crash
It is with heavy hearts that we report a tragic update to the multi-vehicle collision that occurred on Saturday afternoon, July 25th, at the intersection of State Road 37 and 29th Street in Bedford. Timber R. Tarr, the driver of the blue 2022 Kia Forte who was critically injured and transported to IU Health Bloomington with severe trauma, has tragically passed away from her injuries. Her passenger and Father Randy C. Tarr, was pronounced deceased at the scene by emergency medical personnel. Th
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Highway Drug Interdiction Uncovers 115 Grams of Meth, Concealed "Pink Key," and Firearm
A Mitchell man identified by law enforcement as a serious violent felon faces major felony drug and firearm charges after a confidential informant's tip led to a high-stakes traffic stop on State Road 37. Demetrious "Rico" Coleman, 42, was arrested on Sunday, August 2, 2026, by the Lawrence County Sheriff's Department following an inter-county narcotics investigation. The Confidential Tip & SR 37 Traffic Stop According to the probable cause affidavit, a reliable informant alerted detectives
TRAGIC UPDATE: Second Victim Passes Away Following SR 37 & 29th Street Crash
It is with heavy hearts that we report a tragic update to the multi-vehicle collision that occurred on Saturday afternoon, July 25th, at the intersection of State Road 37 and 29th Street in Bedford. Timber R. Tarr, the driver of the blue 2022 Kia Forte who was critically injured and transported to IU Health Bloomington with severe trauma, has tragically passed away from her injuries. Her passenger and Father Randy C. Tarr, was pronounced deceased at the scene by emergency medical personnel. Th
SCHOOL SAFETY: Former Bedford Assistant Chief Joe DeWees Named SRO for Shawswick Elementary
Shawswick Elementary School is getting a dedicated, full-time law enforcement officer on campus to bolster student and staff security. During a recent Lawrence County Commissioners meeting, Sheriff Greg Day announced that former Bedford Police Department Assistant Chief Joe DeWees has been selected as the school's new School Resource Officer (SRO). Here is a breakdown of the appointment, the funding agreement, and why Sheriff Day highlighted Shawswick for this placement: 1. Experienced Leade
Updated: Sean Steele Qualifies for House District 65 Ballot + Local Community Concert Announcement!
We received an official press release from Independent candidate Sean Steele regarding his campaign for Indiana State Representative in District 65 (covering Bedford and parts of Lawrence County). 🗳️ FULL CANDIDATE Q&A: Sean Steele (Independent for Indiana House District 65) 🗳️ Here is a comprehensive breakdown of the direct responses from Independent candidate Sean Steele regarding his background, platform, and vision for Lawrence County and District 65! 🏛️ 1. The Independent Path & Fami
🎒 2026–2027 LAWRENCE COUNTY SCHOOL CALENDARS AT A GLANCE! 📚
As summer moves along, it’s time for Lawrence County families to get ready for the upcoming 2026–2027 school year! Whether your child attends North Lawrence Community Schools (NLCS), Mitchell Community Schools (MCS), or Lawrence County Independent Schools (LCIS), we’ve gathered the essential dates and highlights so you can plan your family schedule, vacations, and holidays ahead of time. 🚨 Great News for Families: Major Breaks Align Across All 3 Districts! Planning trips and childcare is mu
RECAP: Lawrence County Commissioners Meeting (July 28, 2026)
Here is the breakdown of today's meeting agenda, along with key highlights, unexpected developments, and a major hot mic moment caught on live stream: 📋 TODAY'S OFFICIAL AGENDA • Pledge of Allegiance • Approval of Minutes: July 14, 2026 Regular Meeting • Approval of Claims & Payroll• Appointments: Amy Voorhies • Items for Consideration: David Smith – Real Property Sales • Department Reports: Highway (Brian Sowder), Emergency Management (Valerie Luchauer), Sheriff Greg Day (MOU North Lawrence S
Official Police Report Released in Fatal SR 37 & 29th Street Multi-Vehicle Crash
The Bedford Police Department has released official investigative details regarding the severe three-vehicle collision at the intersection of State Road 37 and 29th Street on Saturday afternoon, July 25th. Emergency responders were dispatched to the scene at approximately 3:58 p.m. Upon arrival, Officer Landon Jones located three damaged vehicles: a blue 2022 Kia Forte with heavy rear-end damage in the middle of the intersection, a black 2000 Chevrolet Silverado with heavy front-end damage, and
What’s Behind Lawrence County’s Mail Delays, Missing Delivery Days, and the "Informed Delivery" Gap?
Over the past several months, residents across Bedford, Mitchell, and rural Lawrence County have reported growing frustration over inconsistent mail delivery—including going two or three consecutive days without mail service, even on major thoroughfares. Many residents relying on the USPS Informed Delivery app report seeing daily photo previews of incoming mail, checks, or bills, only for those items to arrive days later or disappear temporarily. We looked into the operational mechanics behind
Countywide Police Staffing Shortages Impacting Both Bedford PD and Lawrence County Sheriff's Office
Across Lawrence County, overnight public safety relies on a thin blue line—and it’s getting thinner for both city and county law enforcement. While our previous report highlighted the overnight patrol standards for the Bedford Police Department, public records and department briefings show that the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) is navigating the exact same staffing pressures. On certain overnight shifts, as few as two sheriff's deputies are available to patrol the entire county. To u
CITY COUNCIL UPDATE: Council Approves Retention & Recognition Bonuses for Police Officers (Resolution 11-2026)
During this evenings City Council meeting, Bedford Police Chief Terry Moore presented a formal request to address severe staffing shortages and department burnout. Following his presentation, the Council officially voted to pass Resolution 11-2026 – Authorizing A Retention And Recognition Bonus For Sworn Officers. The approved bonus funds will be drawn directly from the city's General Fund to support active officers stepping up during a critical staffing gap. Here is the official breakdown of
Judge John M. Plummer III Set to Resume the Bench Following 60-Day Suspension
Official dockets from the Indiana Supreme Court confirm that Lawrence Superior Court I Judge John M. Plummer III is scheduled to automatically return to active judicial service this week. His 60-day unpaid suspension, handed down by the state's highest court on May 20, 2026, officially terminates at 12:01 a.m. on Monday, July 20, 2026. Here are the verified facts behind the disciplinary action and his scheduled return: * The Misconduct Findings: The Indiana Supreme Court found that Judge Plu