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Severe Weather and Flood Update 4/2/2025

**Severe Weather and Flood Update**

 

Jackson County, Indiana

 

04/02/2025

All severe weather hazards are possible with this incoming storm system.  Please be prepared!

This evening (Wednesday) supercells are likely to form ahead of the main storm line causing the risk of tornadoes, including the potential for significant long tracked tornadoes.  Damaging wind gust up to 80 MPH and large hail around 1" - 2" in diameter are also possible.

Heavy rainfall this evening into tonight may lead to local flash flooding.  Excessive rainfall is expected to continue through the weekend.  The current forecast from the National Weather Service (NWS) predicts 7" - 10" of rainfall across southern Indiana from this evening through Sunday.  The NOAA has also predicted the White River to be around 18.2' by 8 p.m. Friday.

Significant flooding is expected to develop along main stem rivers and low-lying areas from the multiple rounds of heavy rainfall this week and weekend.  The NWS is predicting a chance of major flooding on much of the East Fork and White River.

Please make sure you have a way to receive severe weather alerts.

If you live in Jackson County and are normally affected by flooding, please prepare for this potential flood threat.  Please do not drive through roads that are flooded.  If you find yourself in flood water dial 911.

 

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Hiring Corrections Officer

WE ARE HIRING

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We are Ready!!!! JCSD Easter Egg Hunt 2025

We are all ready for our annual Easter egg hunt coming up April 19th.   We hope to see lots of kids at the hunt getting a chance to win one of these great prizes!    
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January 2025 Jackson County Sheriff Sales CANCELLED

The January 2025 Jackson County Sheriff Sales scheduled for today, Tuesday January 7th, 2025, have been CANCELLED. 

We will see everyone at the February 2025 Sheriff Sales.

 

Sincerely,

Sheriff Rick Meyer

New Release-2024 East Egg Hunt Prizes

Photos of the prizes to be given away at the 2024 Jackson County Sheriff's Department Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, March 30th at 11:00am.

 

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We are Ready!!!! JCSD Easter Egg Hunt 2025

We are all ready for our annual Easter egg hunt coming up April 19th.   We hope to see lots of kids at the hunt getting a chance to win one of these great prizes!

 

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JOIN OUR TEAM!!! Accepting Applications for 911 Dispatchers

JOIN OUR AMAZING TEAM!!!

The Jackson County Sheriff's Department is now accepting applications for the position of 911 Dispatcher. 

   Applications can be picked up at the Jackson County Sheriff's Department Monday-Friday 8:00am to 4:00pm.  The Department is located at 150 E State Road 250 Brownstown, IN 47220.  Applications can also be printed from the Sheriff's Department website at https://www.jacksoncountysheriffin.org under the Links & Resources tab.

   Applicants must be a high school graduate or have your GED, must possess a valid driver's license, and must be able to pass a criminal background check. 

   Applicants will need to possess the ability to multitask, have basic typing skills, and flexibility to work differing shifts.

   If you have any questions contact, Sheriff Rick Meyer, Chief Deputy Dustin Steward, or Dispatch Manager Dusti Hanner at (812) 358-2141 or email:

rmeyer@jacksoncountyin.org

dsteward@jacksoncountyin.org

dhanner@jacksoncountyin.org

 

October Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Breast Cancer Awareness is a cause close to the hearts of millions worldwide. It's a disease that knows no boundaries, affecting mothers, sisters, daughters, and friends. Behind every statistic is a story of resilience, courage, and hope. 

Early detection is the cornerstone of survival. Regular screenings and self-examinations can make all the difference in catching cancer in its earliest, most treatable stages. Supporting those affected by breast cancer is paramount; it's a journey best faced together. 

This #PinkOctober, let's raise awareness, support survivors, and work towards a cure. 

 

Sheriff Rick Meyer

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New Release-Answers Found in 1971 Cabin Fire Cold Case

SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT FINDS ANSWERS IN 52-YEAR-OLD CASE INVOLVING MYSTERIOUS CABIN FIRE

 

(Brownstown, IN) - The Jackson County Sheriff's Department announced last June that they were working to solve a cold case from December 18th, 1971. Sheriff Rick Meyer assigned the cold case to Lieutenant Adam Nicholson and gave him the go ahead to purse a renewed investigation.

 

The case involved a mysterious cabin fire that occurred on December 18th, 1971, in Jackson County, IN, about 1.5 miles south of Brownstown on State Road 135. The cabin was a 9' x 15' structure built from railroad ties and used as a hangout and camping site for teens. According to the original State Police reports, two teens, Stanley R. Robison, 17, and Jerry Autry, 19, were believed to have perished in the fire. A third teen, Michael W. Sewell, 16, was camping with Robison and Autry the night of the fire, but the original reports only indicated the remains of two (2) individuals were found. In addition, the reports describe the bodies as being badly burned and close to incineration. The only means of identification for Robison and Autry were done by class rings located at the scene.

Later in the day, approximately two (2) hours after investigators left the scene of the cabin, Sewell was reported missing by his family and has not been seen or heard of since.

 

"Several rumors and questions have been raised over the years adding to the mystery of the events of that evening," said Nicholson. "After taking a deep look at everything and processing all the old reports and evidence, it seemed logical to think Sewell also perished in the fire." "Other than the opinions of the original investigator there was no proof Sewell wasn't in the fire, and our focus is to prove he was or wasn't." "It was decided to exhume the remains of Mr. Autry and Mr. Robison to check for any additional evidence of a third person." "Sewell was only 16 years old and it's difficult to imagine he would still be missing 52 years later, if he had simply run away."

 

Lt. Nicholson sought the advice and assistance of Dr. Krista Latham with the University of Indianapolis. Dr. Latham, a professor of Biology and Anthropology and Board-Certified Forensic Anthropologist, agreed to help with further investigation into the case. Dr. Latham and a team of Anthropologists assisted with the exhumation of Robison and Autry on June 21st, 2022, at Fairview Cemetery in Brownstown. After the exhumation Dr. Latham took possession of the remains and transported them to the University of Indianapolis Human Identification Center for analysis. The families of the deceased were notified beforehand and gave consent for the exhumation. The families also provided their DNA so it could be compared with the remains exhumed.

 

Dr. Latham completed her analysis of the remains on November 22nd, 2022. Dr. Latham's report on the findings confirmed a minimum of three (3) individuals within the two (2) caskets that were exhumed. She came to this conclusion by identifying triplicate (3) copies of several bones. This is consistent with three (3) individuals being represented in the two (2) caskets. Dr. Latham noted there was no trauma observed that couldn't be attributed to the fire.

 

Dr. Latham selected the least burnt bones as candidates for possible DNA extraction to compare with the DNA of the families. The selected bones were then submitted to the Indiana State Police Lab for DNA testing. The Indiana State Police Lab attempted DNA analysis on several bones but only one was in good enough condition to produce results. On June 12th, 2023, the State Police Lab completed analysis on DNA extracted from the bone. The result identifies one of the decedents as Stanley Robison. The lab will continue to look for possibilities of extracting more DNA with future technology. Nicholson said, "I'm pleased and very thankful for the help that Dr. Latham, the University of Indianapolis, and the Indiana State Police Lab provided." "The thorough analysis they provided has answered some questions for the families involved, which was well deserved and long overdue." Sheriff Rick Meyer said, "I'm glad we can finally give some closure to the families involved. I commend Lt. Nicholson and all the assisting agencies who helped find answers in this 52-year-old case." Assisting with the investigation: Jackson County Coroner Office, FBI, University of Indianapolis, and Indiana State Police Lab.

New Release-JCSD Accepting Application for Merit Deputy

   The Jackson County Sheriff's Department is now accepting applications for the position of Merit Deputy.  Applications MUST be turned in no later than June 23rd, 2023, at noon.

   Applications can be picked up at the Jackson County Sheriff's Department Monday-Friday 8:00am to 4:00pm.  The Department is located at 150 E State Road 250 Brownstown, IN 47220.  Applications can also be printed from the Sheriff's Department website at https://www.jacksoncountysheriffin.org under the Links & Resources tab.

   Applicants must be at least 21 years old, must be a high school graduate or have your GED, must possess a valid driver's license, and must be able to pass a criminal background check. 

   The hiring process may include all or some of the following: Physical agility test, written examination, department review board, background investigation, Merit board interview, and voice stress test.

   If you have any questions contact, Sheriff Rick Meyer, Chief Deputy Dustin Steward, or Lt. Adam Nicholson at (812) 358-2141 or email:

rmeyer@jacksoncountyin.org

dsteward@jacksoncountyin.org

anicholson@jacksoncountyin.org

 

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