BEDFORD – As summer drew to a close, Lawrence County saw a mix of judicial proceedings, community celebrations, and infrastructure improvements. Here’s a recap of our community’s notable events that shaped August 2024.
Jail Security Upgrade Completed
Sheriff Greg Day reported on August 6 that a significant security upgrade at the county jail had been completed. SAS Security Systems installed new cameras and replaced doors for $448,000. The improvements addressed concerns raised in a previous jail inspection, enhancing safety for both inmates and staff.
The new security systems will:
- Bring security measures up to date with jail standards
- Improve video quality
- Increase video duration
- Address/minimalize camera blind spots
- Add audio recording
- Fix the jail door interlock system
Local Sports Legend Honored
Jeff Callahan, former coach and athletic director at Bedford North Lawrence High School, received the prestigious Sagamore of the Wabash award on August 15.
Presented by Representative Chris May at the Bedford Chamber Dinner, the award recognized Callahan’s 30-year career and significant impact on local sports programs and the community.
Rep. May highlighted Callahan’s remarkable community impact and unwavering commitment to student-athletes. May commended Callahan as a “driving force” in the success of Lawrence County’s sports programs, emphasizing that Callahan’s name is synonymous with excellence.
Callahan’s distinguished career in education spans over 30 years, with a strong emphasis on athletic programs at Bedford North Lawrence and in his own home. Alongside his wife, Paige, he raised two accomplished collegiate athletes, Brandt and Whitt, while their daughter, Merritt, is currently pursuing a pharmacy degree at Butler University.
Callahan served as the athletic director at Bedford North Lawrence (BNL) since 2003, retiring in early 2024. Under his leadership, BNL achieved an impressive 69 Sectional Championships, 18 Regional Championships, 3 Semi-State Championships, and 5 State Championships.
Former County Auditor Arrested
In a shocking turn of events, former Lawrence County Auditor Jessica Staggs was arrested on August 12 on charges of official misconduct.
The arrest followed an investigation into missing funds during her tenure as Clerk-Treasurer for the Town of Oolitic. Staggs posted a $755 cash bond and was released the same day.
The investigation concluded Staggs was malfeasance, misfeasance, and nonfeasance in her duties. Staggs resigned as Lawrence County Auditor in December 2023. Investigators found Staggs did not deposit more than $79,816.88 in utility receipts. The investigation covers January 1, 2015, to December 1, 2020. Staggs served as the Ooltic Clerk-Treasurer between October 2014 and December 2020.
Community Remembers Radio Pioneer
On August 3, the community gathered to celebrate the life of Dean Spencer, a local radio pioneer. The event included tours of the renovated radio station Spencer founded and culminated in a touching ceremony where his son scattered his ashes around the station tower.
Colleagues and community members shared memories of Spencer’s impact on local broadcasting and his commitment to the community.
A poignant moment arrived as Spencer’s son, Scott, fulfilled his father’s final wishes. With a heavy heart yet profound respect, Scott spread his father’s ashes around the station tower. This symbolic gesture connected Spencer’s spirit forever with the place he loved and where he made his mark.
Dean’s ‘life’s work’ came when he moved his family to Bedford, Indiana, in 1974, where he became general manager of radio station WBIW 1340 AM. In subsequent years, he was granted two additional FCC station licenses and launched WBIF FM and WWEG FM. Dean spent the next four decades as owner and manager of these three commercial radio stations in Lawrence County. The two FM stations are WQRK, 105.5, Southern Indiana Classic Hits and Litefm 102.5, and the heritage station WBIW 1340 AM, The Voice of the Hoosier Hills. Due to Dean’s foundation, all three stations are still successfully operational. Dean Spencer’s contributions to the local radio landscape are immeasurable. His passion for broadcasting and his dedication to his community will continue to inspire those who knew him and those who benefited from his work.
As Lawrence County moved into the fall, these events reflect the community’s ongoing commitment to justice, progress, and honoring those who have made significant contributions to local life.
