Disregarding high-water signs in Bartholomew County will result in increased penalties

If you drive around high-water barricades in Bartholomew County, the penalty is getting tougher.

If convicted, defendants in Superior Court II who have ignored road closure signs and driven around a barricade will now be given the option to pay a $500 fine or to have their driver’s license suspended for 30 days.

“The Court recognizes the potential dangers and has decided to take this action as an additional incentive,” said Superior Court II Judge Kathleen Coriden.

“This certainly provides another reason for people not to drive around a high water barricade,” said Bartholomew County Sheriff Matt Myers.

“Judge Coriden understands the potential danger, not only for the driver but for my deputies and other first-responders, who have to rescue drivers who ignore high water signs. Sometimes people need a little more motivation. Hopefully we have that now,” added Sheriff Myers.

“Most of the money will go to the state but this remains a bold move, especially when it comes to public safety,” said Myers.

The announcement was made on Thursday, just days after the Bartholomew County Commissioners rejected a proposal to increase the fine. Our news-gathering partners at “The Republic” are reporting that Commissioners Larry Kleinhenz and Rick Flohr voted against the proposal on Monday. Commissioner Carl Lienhoop was not present.