The new bridge and walking path on County Road 500 S. near County Road 220 SW., part of a $2 million county project and a year and a half’s worth of work, was trashed and pulverized late Tuesday night.
According to the Decatur County Sheriff’s Department, a call was received Wednesday morning from highway superintendent Mark Mohr, who explained that the area around the new bridge and specifically the new green space at the intersection had been badly damaged.
Tuesday night, one truck tore into the grassy area around the new bridge, performing “doughnuts” and digging countless tire-wide trenches into the wet, soft earth created by the rain. The estimated cost of the damage is about $4,000, the result of the landscaping being heavily destroyed. A nearby back hoe and trailer were also pelted and covered with mud from the renegade truck.
Following its foray into the bridge area, the truck also had ventured into nearby property owned by Dan Fledderman, who said he had seen this kind of thing before. The truck had climbed a hill on his property, circled around two trees and tore through his crop before heading back down the hill.
Sheriff’s Deputy Michael Woodhull also said that the area had been hit by vandals in the same manner.
“It’s happened several times,” he said. “It’s a mess down there and it’s going to continue to happen.”
The timing of the incident could not have been worse. The property was to change hands and Decatur County was scheduled to take over the property on Wednesday morning, following the construction process.
Nearby neighbors Marvin Giddings and Robert Ogle were considerably upset with the vandals who tore up the new grass space, but weren’t surprised.
“This is uncalled for,” Giddings said, noting he suspected the truck was a four-wheel drive. “This happens all the time. It’s every time it rains. This is nothing new down here.”
Giddings noted that he could hear the destruction taking place at about 9:30 p.m. Tuesday night.
Ogle said that he had heard the truck doing doughnuts at the same time. He said he put his dog in his truck and drove down to see what was happening. He wasn’t able to determine who was driving the truck or what kind of model it was.
“This is just stupid, childish,” Ogle said shaking his head.
Both Giddings and Ogle agreed that the county had the area looking good before it was decimated by the combination of rain and hooligans.
“They had it looking really nice,” Giddings said.
The investigation is ongoing and will continue, with Deputy Woodhull at the helm.
“This is just going to end up costing all of us,” Giddings said.
Sheriff Daryl Templeton explained that the area’s neighbors had come together to offer a reward for apprehension of the vandals who caused the damage to the bridge area and have been wreaking havoc there for years.
News
Related Photos
-
Joe Hornaday
Vandals Take One Night To Ruin Years Of Work
- News
-
-
Commissioners approve grant application
At their regular meeting Monday morning, the Decatur County Commissioners received an update from Bob Barker, of the Decatur County Parks and Recreation Department, regarding funding for and repairs to Greensburg's public pool.
-
Medical mission a success for First Baptist
A medical Mission trip organized by Greensburg's First Baptist Church brought dental and medical care to many impoverished citizens of the Dominican Republic recently.
-
Sexual predator arrested
At approximately 11:50 a.m. Saturday, Trooper Randel Miller was patrolling I-65 when he stopped a 2006 Dodge Charger near the 51 mile marker southbound for a traffic violation.
-
Dr. Bennett plans polar plunge
It was a spur of the moment decision.
In that moment, jumping into a lake in the middle of February sounded like a good idea. -
GPD arrests three, issues felony charges
Arrests warrants for David R. Drew, 41, and Angela S. Drew, 38, of 417 North AmRhein Drive were issued Thursday, Feb. 2.
-
Semi overturns on SR 3
A semi overturned on State Road 3 South Friday afternoon resulting in minor injuries to the driver.
-
Off-duty trooper makes three arrests
Jefferson County - At approximately 11:20 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 1 Indiana State Police Trooper Randel Miller, while off duty and in plain clothes, was at a CVS Drug Store in Madison when he noticed a gentleman in a 1998 Ford Escort smoking a cigarette.
-
Library releases 2011 annual report
The Greensburg-Decatur County Public Library is proud to have provided over 3.3 million dollars of value to the community in 2011.
-
Best Super Bowl ad? Vote for your favorite
Naked M&Ms, an out-of-shape dog on a mission and Clint Eastwood delivering a passionate speech about American adversity -- these are among the favorite commercials that aired during Sunday's Super Bowl.
-
Concepts staff comfortable in new location
For about seven years, Bill and Teresa Nall's Concepts Salon and Day Spa has been a premier styling destination for hundreds of Decatur County residents.
- More News Headlines
-
Court: CA Gay Marriage Ban Is Unconstitutional
Jury Selection for Ex-UVa Athlete Enters 2nd Day
Raw Video: Giants Celebrate Another Super Bowl
Cab Driver Helps Wis. Family Escape House Fire
Greek Leaders Seek Deal As Bankruptcy Looms
Bernanke: Recovery Depends on Consumer Spending
Komen Official Out After Planned Parenthood Row
Staff Removed at LA School During Abuse Probe
Eastwood in Super Bowl Ad 'Compassionate'
Stranded Fishermen Rescued From Bay of Green Bay
Analyst: Outside Troops Won't Intervene in Syria
Murder Trial for Ex-U.Va. Lacrosse Player Begins
NY Giants Touch Down Victorious
Police: Father Planned Deadly Fire for Some Time
US, UK Pressure on Syria; More Homs Violence
Raw Video: Mass Killer Wants Medal, Freedom
Few Answers in Death of Sons of Missing Utah Mom
Court Strips Contador of Tour De France Title
Runaway Goat Leads Police on Wild Chase
And the Winner for Best Super Bowl Ad Is...
