Both Salem and West Washington Schools are meeting this week to approve plans to get students back into the classroom after moving to a virtual atmosphere last week due to an increase in the number of absences due to Covid-19.

West Washington’s board voted to move to virtual classes on Tuesday, Aug. 24, and return to school on Sept. 7.

Salem Schools administration announced last Wednesday that students would move to virtual classes on Thursday, Aug. 25, and return on Sept. 6. 

Salem’s School Board is meeting tonight at 6:30p at the Salem High School Presentation Room. 

West Washington’s board will meet Wednesday, Sept 1 at 7p. 

East Washington Elementary School will be moved to a virtual format on Tuesday, August 31. They are expected to return to school on Sept. 7. 

Indiana schools set a new record last week, reporting more new cases of COVID-19 among Hoosier students than at any previous time in the 19 months of the pandemic.

More than 5,500 new cases were reported among students in Monday’s update of the state’s COVID-19 school dashboard.

The dashboard also reported 257 new cases among teachers and 355 new cases among other school staff members.

While nearly 1,000 of those cases date back to earlier weeks, last week’s total was still far greater than any week in the pandemic thus far, providing further evidence that the virus is now spreading in schools to a greater degree than it did during last school year when more stringent mitigation procedures were in place. 

Last Monday, more than 1,300 new cases were reported among K-12 students — the highest one-day total schools have reported since the state started asking schools to report the information more than a year ago. 

Since August 1, there have been 388 new cases of Covid-19 reported in Washington County and 5 new deaths. 

In July, there were 89 new Covid-19 cases in Washington County, with most of those coming in the last two weeks of the month. 

Last year, Washington County had 13 cases of Covid in the whole month of July 2020 and that increased to 148 cases when school began in August, with those figures rising to 432 in November, 572 in December and 485 in January 2021. 

According to East Washington Superintendent Dennis Stockdale, the school had an absentee rate last week of 8 percent. 

However, according to the Indiana State Board of Health’s website, West Washington High School reports 13 students with Covid and the elementary school reports less than 5. 

At Salem Schools, the high school shows 7 students with Covid and less than 5 at Bradie Shrum and Salem Middle School. 

According to the State of Indiana’s Department of Education, anytime there is a 20 percent or more absentee rate at any school in a corporation, the IDOE, and local health departments have to be notified and the school has to close until the absentee rate improves below 20 percent. 

STATE REGULATIONS

According to 512 IAC 1-2-1, public and accredited nonpublic schools are required to develop a local attendance system for reporting symptoms and health outbreaks. The school nurse is required to report any known or suspected reason for the excessive rate of absenteeism directly to the superintendent or designated administrator. 

Per 512 IAC 1-2-2, public and accredited nonpublic schools are required to report to the local health department and the state attendance officer the percentage of student absences when the percentage of students absent from a school is equal to or greater than 20% of the enrolled students. Reports are not required on days immediately before or after a school vacation day or a scheduled instructional day that is canceled due to any weather-related emergency. Schools are to complete this report on any individual school that reaches the 20% absenteeism threshold and is not dependent on the entire school corporation reaching this threshold. 

The rule also states that if students are quarantined, are not ill, and are able to attend school virtually or by distance learning, they would be counted as Virtual Due to COVID, which means they are present.

These students are not included in calculating a school’s absentee rate.

Only those students who are ill and are physically unable to attend school either in person or virtually would be counted as absent. 

ADDITIONAL GUIDELINES: 

• The 20% rate is calculated and reported per individual school, not per school corporation. 
• The 20% absenteeism rule is for reporting purposes only. 
• There is not a certain percentage that dictates a school’s response, such as automatic school closure. Once a school reaches the 20% absenteeism rate and has reported this information to both the LHD and IDOE, the school and LHD should collaborate on the next steps depending upon the type of illness causing the absenteeism. 

Sheriff Brent Miller is alerting older residents and their loved ones about a scam targeting senior citizens. A Washington County woman was recently a victim of this scam, but thanks to knowledgeable bank staff, was not financially impacted.

“This grandparent scam has been around for quite a few years. There’s a reason for that – scammers have successfully used it to cheat people out of their hard-earned money,” said Sheriff Miller.

The sheriff’s department was contacted this week by First Harrison Bank. The spokesperson said a Washington County woman came to the Floyds Knobs branch seeking a loan to bail her grandson out of jail. The woman believed she had received a call from her grandson, who told her he probably sounded funny because he had broken his nose.

The “grandson” said he had been taken to the hospital after being involved in a drunk-driving crash and then said he was handing the phone to his attorney. The “attorney” told the woman she needed to send him $6,000 to represent her “grandson.” The woman told the man she couldn’t get that much money. When he asked how much she thought she could send, she said $1,000 and proceeded to go to the bank to obtain a loan to pay it. 

Bank personnel realized this was a scam and educated the customer. They encouraged her to call her grandson and once she did, she learned he was safe and at home.

“First Harrison Bank deserves credit for having alert personnel who immediately realized this for exactly what it was – a scam targeting a vulnerable customer,” said Sheriff Miller. “Unfortunately, these scams are a part of life and all too often, are successful in taking advantage of people.”

Sheriff Miller advises residents to never give out personal information if a caller requests it and to always verify a caller is who she or he claims to be. “You can always call the sheriff’s department at 812-883-5999 if you ever have any questions,” he said. “It’s always better to be safe than sorry.”

Yesterday morning, Trooper Jeremy Cox had just left the Indiana State Police Post and had turned north on Woodyard Road from Vernal Pike in Bloomington when he observed suspicious activity by two men in a red Dodge truck parked alongside a black GMC SUV that was off the roadway and had been left abandoned. 

Trp. Cox observed a cloud of dust coming from the GMC as Nicky D. Wright, 52 years old from Martinsville, was reaching into the fender well area of the vehicle.

A second suspect, Richard P. Vanskiver, 63 years old from Martinsville, was sitting in the Dodge truck, that was parked next to the GMC.

As Master Trooper Mark Clephane and Senior Trooper Kent Rohlfing arrived to assist, the investigation revealed inconsistencies with the two men’s stories, damage consistent with the theft of catalytic converter along the presence of the tools involved in the alleged theft.

Both men were transported to the Monroe County Jail on the following charges,

• Auto Theft, Level 6 Felony (2 counts)
• Conversion, Class A Misdemeanor
• Criminal Mischief, Class A Misdemeanor

Arrest photos may be obtained from the Monroe County Jail

Lt. Paul Bucher, Commander of the Bloomington District, commended the work of the Troopers as this type of crime has spiked recently, “We continually see this crime occur within our community as the prices of precious metals rise and our Troopers are well trained in detecting the behaviors of suspects that prey on other people’s misfortunes.”

Lt. Bucher also stated, “We would like to remind the public to be vigilant of their property and report any suspicious activity alongside our roadways.” 

All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

The Indiana State Police Bloomington District A.C.E.S. (Aggressive Criminal Enforcement Section) recently paired with the Bloomington Police Department narcotics division to conduct targeted patrols of identified high crime areas inside the city of Bloomington. This patrol was conducted for six hours each day, from Monday, August 23rd through Thursday, August 26th. This collaborative effort was designed to remove illegal drugs and firearms out of the community, focusing especially on the illegal sale/distribution of the drugs.

This patrol proved to be extremely successful, with two suspects arrested for dealing methamphetamine, one arrested for dealing heroin/narcotic drug, and one arrested for dealing marijuana. In addition, one suspect was arrested for a dealing heroin/narcotic warrant and multiple suspects were arrested for possessing methamphetamine, heroin, fentanyl, and handguns. 

Marijuana violators were cited and released for their possession offenses. Two suspects also faced charges for resisting law enforcement after brief struggles with the arresting officers.

The following activity was generated during this patrol:

Total Activity                                                                              

Cases Investigated – 26                                                                 

Criminal Defendants – 35                                                             

Criminal Arrest Charges – 84                                                       

Felony Arrest Charges – 33                                                          

OWI Arrests – 1                                                                                                                                                                             

Drugs Seized

Methamphetamine – 26 grams

Heroin/Fentanyl – 18 grams

Marijuana – 54 grams

Synthetic – 3 grams

Syringes – approximately 300

Handguns – 1

Indiana State Police Sergeant Greg Day praised the work of his ACES team and the Bloomington Police Department. He stated, “We have a long-standing, great working relationship with Bloomington PD narcotics detectives. We all work very well together, and the results of this patrol demonstrate what this successful partnership can accomplish. Anytime drug dealers are arrested and illegal firearms are removed from the streets, our communities are safer.”

Participating Troopers of the ACES included: Sgt. Greg Day, Trp. Caleb Garvin, Trp. Chance Humphrey, Trp. Allen Deel, Trp. Ian Portteus (K9 Czar), Trp. Richard Klun (K9 Loki), and Trp. Matt Hatchett (K9 Axe). In addition, Trp. Zach Parker and Trp. Nathaniel Kern (K9 Magill) also assisted.

A 34-Year-Old Seymour woman was killed early Saturday morning in a motorcycle accident.

Early Saturday, Troopers from the Indiana State Police-Versailles Post were requested to investigate a three-vehicle crash involving a motorcycle on State Road 7 in northern Jefferson County that resulted in the death of the motorcycle passenger.

The initial investigation by Troopers with the Indiana State Police-Versailles Crash Reconstruction Team indicated that at approximately 12:30 am, a 1986 Honda Motorcycle, being driven by Jason K. Mace, age 39, Seymour, Indiana was traveling northbound on State Road 7 near the Jefferson/Jennings County Line. 

For an unknown reason, Mace lost control of the motorcycle. 

The motorcycle overturned, throwing Mace and a passenger, Emma K. Kiefer, age 34, Seymour, Indiana from the vehicle.

A northbound 2019 Nissan Rogue, driven by Danielle R. Newton, age 29, North Vernon, Indiana, and a northbound 2019 Chevrolet Cruze, driven by Andrew J. Downs, age 38, North Vernon, Indiana both struck the previous crash scene.   

Mace sustained serious injuries in the crash. 

He was flown to the University of Louisville Hospital for treatment of his injuries. 

Kiefer sustained fatal injuries in the crash. 

She was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office. 

The drivers of the other vehicles were uninjured in the collision. 

State Road 7 was closed for approximately five hours for crash investigation and cleanup.

Kiefer’s family has been notified.

The investigation is ongoing at this time. 

The Indiana State Police-Versailles Crash Reconstruction Team was assisted by the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Jennings County Sheriff’s Office, Lovett Fire Department, Dupont Fire Department, and Jefferson County Coroner’s Office.

Indiana Conservation Officers are investigating after a Middletown man went missing in the water at Geist Reservoir.

Yesterday at approximately 6:35 p.m., officers were dispatched to Geist Reservoir near the 11000 block of Olio Road for a person missing in the water.

Initial investigation showed that Jeremy Skittrall, 45, entered the water from his boat and never resurfaced. 

Multiple agencies responded and began search efforts utilizing sonar and divers.    

Search operations were suspended at 11 p.m. and have resumed this morning.

This incident is still under investigation, and additional information will be released as it becomes available. 

Floyd County Health Department has been notified by the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) that they have identified fifteen samples of mosquitoes infected with the West Nile Virus (WNV) in Floyd County.

The positive mosquito samples were collected the week of August 9th and 16th, 2021 by a representative of the Floyd County Health Department during routine countywide mosquito sampling.

The locations of the positive samples were located in New Albany, IN.

Although Floyd County has had positive mosquito samples for several years, these are the first positive samples for 2021.

Most people who become infected with WNV can experience mild illnesses such as fever,
headache, and body aches before recovering fully. However, in some individuals, especially the elderly and immune-compromised, WNV can cause serious illness and even death.

Residents of Floyd County should continue to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites by using DEET and other repellants, wearing protective clothing such as long sleeves and pants, and if possible avoid being outside during dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.

Homeowners should also be aware of their property and correct common sources of mosquito breeding sites including clogged gutters, old tires, failing septic systems, abandoned/ nonfunctional swimming pools, and other water-containing items. Homeowners should also be diligent about maintaining overgrown grass, shrubs, and trees that can harbor mosquitoes during the day.

For more information on Floyd County’s West Nile Virus surveillance program or to have a
mosquito trap placed at your property, please call 812-948-4726, option 2, option 1 to speak to an Environmentalist or visit our website at www.floydcounty.in.gov.

Indiana Department of Transportation contractor Milestone Contractors, LP will be changing the traffic pattern on the U.S. 50 from U.S. 31 to just west of Sandy Creek Dr on or after Friday, August 27.

Both lanes of westbound U.S. 50 will move to the newly rebuilt westbound corridor starting at the junction of U.S. 31 through the stoplight at Sandy Creek Dr and then move back to the current lane locations in front of Chili’s and before the widened Sandy Creek bridges.

The eastbound lanes will stay the same except at the junction of U.S. 31. Both lanes will be moved about four feet south just before the intersection, allowing for the removal of a sliver of pavement in the middle of the roadway.

Dupont Dr will also be closed for the removal and replacement of the roadway on or after this Friday. The temporary signals at the interstate ramps will no longer be needed after this week, and all of the ramps at the I-65 and U.S. 50 interchange will be open for regular traffic flow.

Milestone will work in the ‘middle’ of the interchange area after the traffic switch. The median area will have the temporary asphalt removed and dirt added back along with a new curb and gutter. The people trail will be finished, and the ditches will be sodded up to Sandy Creek Dr. The four traffic signals will be upgraded, and a box culvert will be placed in mid-September.

The surface lift of asphalt will be placed toward the end of the project, along with the final pavement markings by the end of October this year.

Motorists are reminded to slow down, use extra caution and drive distraction-free through all work zones. All work is weather dependent and schedules are subject to change

A Wednesday afternoon traffic stop on I-65 ended with two arrests after officers located several pounds of cocaine. 

Just before 1 pm, Wednesday afternoon, Master Trooper Nathan Abbott stopped a 2002 Hyundai for speeding on I-65 southbound, just south of the Henryville exit.

The driver, Pablo Vazquez Salazar of Lexington, Indiana, was found to be driving on a suspended license.

His passenger was identified as Betza Elaurelio Camos Vazquez, also of Lexington.  

While conducting the traffic stop, Trooper Abbott requested the assistance of Senior Trooper Zachary Smith and his K9 partner “Riggs.” Riggs alerted the vehicle, and during a search of the car, Troopers Abbott and Smith located over four pounds of suspected cocaine in a backpack. Suspected cocaine was also found on Vazquez Salazar.  

Furthering the investigation, officers executed a search warrant at Salazar’s residence located at 1254 S. Thompson Road in Lexington, Indiana. 

During a search of the property, eight additional kilos of suspected cocaine were located, along with a firearm and three pounds of suspected marijuana. A total of approximately 22 pounds of suspected cocaine was seized. 

Both subjects were incarcerated at the Clark County Jail without further incident. Charges are as follows: 

Pablo Vazquez Salazar 

1. Dealing Cocaine – Level 2 Felony
2. Possession of Cocaine – Level 3 Felony
3. Possession of Cocaine – Level 6 Felony
4. Driving Suspended Prior – A Misdemeanor

Betza Elaurelio Camos Vazquez

1.  Dealing Cocaine – Level 2 Felony
2.  Possession of Cocaine – Level 3 Felony

Possible additional charges are pending.