The American Red Cross and the National Football League are teaming up this January, during National Blood Donor Month, to urge individuals – especially those who have recovered from COVID-19 – to give blood and to help tackle the national convalescent plasma shortage.

Right now, more donors are needed to help hospital patients.
During this critical time, the Red Cross and NFL are thrilled to offer all those who come to donate an opportunity to receive a special thank you this month.

Those who come to donate blood or platelets this January will be automatically entered to win two tickets to next year’s
Super Bowl LVI in Los Angeles.*

In addition, those who come to give January 1-20, will also be
automatically entered to win the Big Game at Home package for an awesome viewing experience safely at home, with a 65-inch television and a $500 gift card to put toward food and
fun.

Individuals can schedule an appointment to give blood today with the American Red Cross by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, calling 1-800-RED-CROSS or activating the Blood Scheduling Skill for Amazon Alexa.

“Blood and plasma donors who have recovered from COVID-19 may have the power to help critically ill patients currently battling the virus,” said Cyndi Dahl, regional donor services
executive for the Red Cross River Valley Blood Services Region.

“With hospital distributions for convalescent plasma increasing about 250% since October, these generous donations are vital
in helping to save lives throughout the winter – a time that is often challenging to collect enough blood products for those in need.”

As COVID-19 cases have risen across the U.S., so has the need for convalescent plasma – leading to a shortage of this potentially lifesaving blood product. Like “special teams” units on the field,

COVID-19 survivors have a unique ability to make a game-changing difference in the lives of COVID-19 patients. Individuals who have recovered from COVID-19 may have antibodies in their plasma that could provide a patient’s immune system the boost it needs to beat the virus.

How those recovered from COVID-19 can help
There are two ways COVID-19 survivors can help – through a convalescent plasma donation or by simply giving whole blood.

Plasma from whole blood donations that test positive for COVID-
19 antibodies may be used to help COVID-19 patients. Health emergencies don’t pause for holidays, game days or a pandemic – blood is needed every two seconds in the U.S. to help
patients battling injury and illness.
Blood donation safety precautions
To protect the health and safety of Red Cross staff and donors, individuals who do not feel
well or who believe they may be ill with COVID-19 should postpone their donation.
Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and
infection control, and additional precautions – including temperature checks, social distancing
and face coverings for donors and staff – have been implemented to help protect the health of
all those in attendance. Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the
drive and are required to wear a face covering or mask while at the drive, in alignment
with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention public guidance.  
Upcoming blood donation opportunities (Jan. 5-31, 2021):
Calvary Baptist Church, 2632 Michigan Road Madison, IN 47250
1/21/2021: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m.
First Capital Christian Church, 305 Oliver St. Corydon, IN 47112
1/12/2021: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m.
First Christian Church, 305 East Walnut St. Salem, IN 47167
1/8/2021: 1 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Immanuel Lutheran, 605 South Walnut Seymour, IN 47274
1/19/2021: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Ivy Tech Community College, 590 Ivy Tech Drive Madison, IN 47250
1/28/2021: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Jefferson County Battle of the Badges-Clifty Inn, 1650 Clifty Hollow Road Madison, IN 47250
1/7/2021: 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Lincoln Hills United Methodist Church, 1598 West State Rd 64 English, IN 47118
1/16/2021: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Lucas Oil, 3199 Harrison Way N.W. Corydon, IN 47112
1/7/2021: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Marengo Cave, 400 E. State Rd. 64 Marengo, IN 47140
1/20/2021: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
North Madison Christian Church, 1400 E. S.R. 62 Madison, IN 47250
1/20/2021: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Old Capitol United Methodist Church, 141 W. Heidelberg Rd N. W. Corydon, IN 47112
1/28/2021: 3 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Palmyra United Methodist Church, 14170 Greene St. N.E. Palmyra, IN 47164
1/15/2021: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m.

2020-APL-01656

Southern Hills Church, 1645 IN-135 Salem, IN 47167
1/6/2021: 2 p.m. – 7 p.m.
St. Mary's Catholic Church, 2500 St. Mary's Drive Lanesville, IN 47136
1/25/2021: 3 p.m. – 8 p.m.
About blood donation
All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or
driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are
17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at
least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school
students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and
weight requirements.
Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass ® to complete
their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation,
before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at
RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.

In addition to the Indiana Department of Transportation’s snow and ice removal operations during winter storm events, the agency also pre-treats roadways with brine solution prior to winter weather if conditions allow. 

This typically occurs 24 to 48 hours before precipitation begins to give time for crews to apply brine solution and time for it to dry and adhere to the surface of the road.

Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about pre-treatment of state roadways.

What is brine? Salt brine is an anti-icing solution made up of water and 23.3 percent salt that is used to prevent snow and ice from bonding to pavement. Brine is effective at temperatures as low as -5 degrees Fahrenheit and can be mixed with other chemicals to lower the freezing point if necessary. Compared to salt, brine is fairly inexpensive at just pennies on the dollar. Brine solution also stays in place better and longer than salt crystals because it is applied as a liquid and stays where it is directed. Solid salt crystals can bounce off the road as they are spread along a route. Why does INDOT pre-treat roadways? INDOT pre-treats roadways ahead of winter weather to prevent snow and ice from bonding to pavement and creating slick spots. Pre-treatment occurs 24 to 48 hours prior to a weather event, even when temperatures are above freezing to provide an extra layer of protection, which makes clean-up easier once precipitation starts to fall. Brining also is used as a preventative measure for frost and/or freezing fog that occurs when temperatures, high humidity, low cloud cover, and low wind can create hazardous conditions, especially on elevated surfaces and bridges.  How long does it take to pre-treat roadways? Individual snow routes are typically 1 1/2 to three hours in length. It takes an INDOT unit approximately 12 to 16 hours to complete all routes prior to a storm. Does rain wash away brine after it’s been applied?  If temperatures are above freezing as a weather system approaches, rain may fall before changing to snow or ice. Light rain (amounts up to 0.4 inch) will not wash away brine from a surface if it has had time to completely dry and adhere to the roadway. Forecasted rain totals are taken into consideration when deciding whether or not to pre-treat. How is the decision made to pre-treat roads? Prior to a weather event, INDOT utilizes a Maintenance Decision Support System (MDSS) that provides weather forecasts, pavement temperatures and recommendations on treating various surfaces. During an event, INDOT relies on reports from the field in addition to forecasts and MDSS when making treatment decisions. Predictions of accumulating snow and ice are main reasons why INDOT may pre-treat a roadway, but freezing fog and heavy frost are also scenarios where pre-treatment is effective.

This is general information regarding pre-treatment of state roadways and may vary slightly depending upon specific conditions in a geographic area. In addition, bridges, overpasses and elevated surfaces may be treated more heavily as they tend to freeze first. For more information about INDOT winter operations, visit www.indotwinterops.com. 

Sunday at approximately 10:40p, Trooper Vennekotter was patrolling US 41 near Oak Street in Fort Branch when he stopped the driver of a 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer for driving 64 mph in a 50 mph zone.

When Trooper Vennekotter approached the vehicle, he detected a strong odor of burnt marijuana inside the vehicle.

The driver was identified as Larry Morris, 49, and his passenger was identified as Sarah Ellingson, 29, both from Evansville.

A Gibson County sheriff’s deputy arrived to assist.

While officers searched the vehicle, they located a .380 Ruger pistol, a corner baggie containing suspected meth, a corner baggie containing a white residue, and drug paraphernalia.

Morris and Ellingson were arrested and taken to the Gibson County Jail where they are currently being held on bond.

Arrested and Charges:

Larry Morris, 49, Evansville, IN

1. Possession of Methamphetamine, Level 6 Felony
2. Possession of Paraphernalia, Class C Misdemeanor

Sarah Ellingson, 29, Evansville, IN

1. Possession of Methamphetamine with a Firearm, Level 5 Felony
2. Possession of a Handgun without a Permit, Class A Misdemeanor
3. Possession of Paraphernalia, Class C Misdemeanor

Arresting Officer: Trooper Alex Vennekotter, Indiana State Police

Assisting Agency: Gibson County Sheriff’s Office

Governor Eric J. Holcomb and INDOT Commissioner Joe McGuinness today announced the next call for projects in the Community Crossings grant program is now open. Community Crossings is part of Gov. Holcomb’s Next Level Roads program, a 20-year, fully funded plan to enhance Indiana’s highways and local roads by awarding communities grants for shovel-ready local road construction projects.

“Hoosier communities have made tremendous strides in building up and building out their local roads in recent years, thanks in part to partnering with the state through Community Crossings,” Gov. Holcomb said. “This next round of Community Crossings grants will keep that momentum going and allow cities, towns, and counties to complete additional projects to spur community growth and development.”

Projects that are eligible for funding through Community Crossings include road resurfacing, bridge rehabilitation, road reconstruction, and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance in connection with road projects. Material costs for chip sealing and crack filling operations are also eligible for funds.

Projects submitted to the Indiana Department of Transportation for funding will be evaluated based on need, traffic volume, local support, the impact on connectivity and mobility within the community, and regional economic significance.

Funding for this call for projects combines existing revenue available in the state’s local road and bridge matching grant fund and anticipated revenues during the first three months of the 2021 calendar year.

“Opening this next call for projects just a few weeks after awarding more than $100 million for local projects in our final 2020 round of grants further demonstrates our historic commitment to taking care of our roads in Indiana,” INDOT Commissioner Joe McGuinness said.

“INDOT and local governments are improving existing roads at a record pace and this next round of Community Crossings positions our local partners to deliver even more progress in the coming months.”

Community Crossings is open to all local government units in the State of Indiana.

• Cities and towns with a population of fewer than 10,000 will receive funds using a 75/25 match.
• Cities and towns with a population of greater than 10,000 will receive funds using a 50/50 match.
• Counties with a population of fewer than 50,000 will receive funds using a 75/25 match.
• Counties with a population of greater than 50,000 will receive funds using a 50/50 match.

Over the last four years, the state has awarded more than $830 million in matching funds to support local road and bridge projects around Indiana. Long-term funding for Community Crossings is part of House Enrolled Act 1002, passed by the legislature and signed into law by Gov. Holcomb in April 2017.

All application materials must be submitted by Friday, January 29, 2021, at 5 p.m. ET. Communities receiving funding for projects will be notified in late winter or early spring.

For more information on Community Crossings, visit www.in.gov/indot/communitycrossings.

A 38-year-old Madison man was arrested Monday evening after a traffic stop led to various drug charges.

Bradley M. Randall, 38, of Madison, was arrested and booked into the Clark County Jail on the following charges: 

•  Possession of Methamphetamine – Level 3 Felony 
•  Dealing in Methamphetamine – Level 3 Felony
•  HTV (Lifetime) with prior arrest -Level 5 Felony 
• False Informing – Level 6 Felony 
• Possession of Methamphetamine (Warrant) – Level 3 Felony 

Around 10:30 Monday night, Indiana State Trooper Justin Smith was patrolling on I-65 near the Sellersburg exit when he stopped a driver for not wearing his seatbelt.

The traffic stop soon turned into a more in-depth investigation after the driver, later identified as Randall, continued to drive for approximately two miles before pulling over and providing false information on his identity multiple times.  

As the investigation continued, Trooper Smith learned that Randall was listed as a lifetime Habitual Traffic Offender (HTV) and was also wanted out of Jefferson County, Indiana for possession of methamphetamine.

Further investigation revealed approximately 3.6 ounces of suspected methamphetamine in the car.  

Detectives from the Indiana State Police are investigating a theft from an ISP vehicle. In the overnight hours of January 2 into January 3 an issued police handgun was taken from a marked state police vehicle parked in a private driveway. The theft occurred in the Pine Springs West neighborhood near 75th and Hague Road. 

A surveillance camera on a neighboring home captured images of a white male carrying a rifle attempting to make entry into a white pick-up truck. Investigators believe these images were taken prior to the unlawful entry into the police vehicle, however, the close proximity leads investigators to believe the same male suspect is responsible for the handgun theft. The rifle the suspect was carrying was not the weapon stolen from the ISP vehicle. 

Taken from the police vehicle was a Sig Sauer P227 .45 caliber handgun. It is important to note all issued Sig Sauer P227 for the Indiana State Police have a serial number that begins with ISP followed by four digits (ISP0000). The handgun also has an Indiana State Police stamp on top of the frame as the photo below depicts. 

We are asking anyone who can identify the suspect or provide further information to contact Crime Stoppers at 317-262-8477 or at www.crimetips.org. 

The suspect in the below images is considered armed and dangerous. Should you encounter him please call the police immediately. 

All suspects are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in the court of law.

Salem Police Officer Jordan Taylor told WSLM last night the five male juveniles that were taken into custody yesterday morning were from Louisville and were breaking into vehicles along Tucker Street. 

Some items taken have been recovered and returned to the residents. 

The vehicle they were in has been reported stolen from Kentucky and police also found a gun in the vehicle.  

Taylor said they ranged in age from 14-17 and are currently in a juvenile detention center with interest from both the Clark County Sheriff’s Department and Louisville Metro Police Department.