Janet D. Vaught, 89, of Orleans

January 10, 2021

Janet D. Vaught, 89, of Orleans, passed away at 1:05 AM on January 9, 2021, at Stonebridge Health Campus in Bedford, IN.

She was born in Somerset, KY on May 26, 1931, to Roy and Rosa Stone.

On June 4, 1949, she married Leonard Vaught. They celebrated their 71^st wedding anniversary in 2020. He preceded her in death on December 5th, 2020.

She attended schools in Somerset and graduated from Eubank High School in 1949.

Janet was a member of the Orleans Christian Church where she served on many committees, in the church choir, and kept the financial records.

She was a past member of the Phi Beta Psi, Women’s Club and was a Girl Scout Leader. She was employed by the Orange County Bank in Paoli for several years as a bookkeeper and bank teller.

She loved the community of Orleans where you could find her at most events and school activities with her husband, Leonard.

Survivors include two daughters, Linda Gass (John) of Mitchell and Panela Vaught of Austin, Texas; two grandsons, Ryan Gass of Louisville, KY and Alan Gass of Greenville, SC; and two great-grandchildren, June and Miles.

She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, five brothers, and two sisters.

Memorial contributions can be made in Janet’s memory to the Leonard and Janet Vaught Scholarship Fund through the Orange County Community Foundation.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a private service and burial will be held at Fairview Cemetery in Orleans on Tuesday, January 12 with Ochs-Tetrick Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements.

Marty Lee Collins, age 52, of Salem

January 10, 2021

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Marty Lee Collins, age 52, of Salem, passed away Friday at his home.

Collins was born May 20, 1968, in Washington County, Indiana the son of Carolyn Sue Collins Sherman.

He was a member of Enon Baptist Church.

He was the owner of Collins Lawncare and a former employee of Childcraft in Salem.

He is survived by his wife: Sharon O’Keefe Collins they were married on April 20, 1990.

He is also survived by a son: Tyler Collins (Brandy) of Salem, a daughter: Nicole Miller (John) of Salem, and one granddaughter: Arianna.

He is preceded in death by a sister: Vicki Hunt and his mother.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 P.M., Monday, January 11 at Weathers Funeral Home.

Visitation will be held Monday from 12 PM -until the time of service at the funeral home.

Stephen Loughrey, age 79, of Campbellsburg

January 9, 2021

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Stephen Loughrey, age 79, of Campbellsburg, IN, originally from Washington Heights in New York City. Passed away peacefully with his wife Shirley of 49 years by his side, at his home, Thursday, January 7th.

Mr. Loughrey was born January 25, 1941, in New York City, NY the son of Frank and Rita Ward Loughrey. He enjoyed a full and happy life of nearly 80 years here on Earth.

He was a member of Mt. Tabor Christian Church, and the United States Air Force Veteran.

He leaves behind and is waiting for his wife: Shirley Loughrey, two daughters: Sheryl Myers and Stephanie Chapman, two sons: Scott Loughrey and Stuart Loughrey, seven grandchildren: Derek and Damon Myers, Lillian and Emma Chapman, and Reagan, Seth, and Eli Loughrey, and two sisters: Rita Burza and Mimi Brauer.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Frank and Rita Ward Loughrey, and his youngest sister: Fran Boytano.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M., Tuesday, January 12 at Mt. Tabor Christian Church.

Burial will follow in Mt. Tabor Cemetery with military honors.

Visitation will be held Tuesday from 11 AM -until the time of service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to the Washington County Humane Society New Building Fund, so it can make a lifelong difference to the community.

Trooper Locates Stolen Vehicle while on Patrol, Evansville Man Arrested

January 8, 2021

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An Evansville man was arrested last night on charges of auto theft.

The driver was identified as Andrew Shane, 28, of Evansville.

He was arrested for Auto Theft, a Level 5 Felony, Resisting Law Enforcement, a Class A Misdemeanor and for Driving While Suspended, a Class A Misdemeanor.

Shane was taken to the Vanderburgh County Jail where he is currently being held without bond.

Last night at approximately 7:12, Trooper Eaton was patrolling in the area of Columbia Street and Main Street when he spotted a 2009 Dodge Caliber that had been reported stolen.

Trooper Eaton followed the vehicle until additional units from the Evansville Police Department arrived to assist with the traffic stop.

A traffic stop was initiated at Denby Avenue near Cherry Street.

The driver of the vehicle initially stopped, but then the driver continued to drive south at a slow rate of speed until the vehicle was blocked by Indiana State Police.

The Evansville Police Department assisted in this arrest.

Hoosiers 80 and Older Sign Up Today for Covid-19 Vaccinations

January 8, 2021

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Starting at 9 a.m. this morning (Friday) the Indiana State Department of Health will begin to open up vaccinations by age group.

People 80 years old and older will be the first group eligible.

That group of people makes up only 3.8% of the state’s population but more than 19% of COVID-19 hospitalizations and 52% of COVID-19 deaths, according to the state health department.

Sign up at https://www.coronavirus.in.gov/vaccine/ or ourshot.in.gov, searching for a nearby vaccine clinic, and selecting an appointment time.

Appointments may also be made by calling 211.

A caregiver or loved one may make an appointment on behalf of an eligible senior.

At least one vaccine clinic will be located in each Indiana county.

This week, vaccines were made available to firefighters, EMS, law enforcement, and Department of Corrections officers.

In Southern Indiana, here are the number of residents that have received the vaccine, as of Tuesday, Jan. 5:

Lawrence County – 569
Jackson County – 741
Jennings County – 267
Orange County – 346
Washington County – 317
Scott County – 253
Clark County – 2224
Floyd County – 1531
Harrison County – 572
Crawford County – 85

People 70 years old and older will be next, followed by people 60 years old and older.

Combined, the three groups make up 22.5% of Indiana’s population, 64.1% of COVID-19 hospitalizations, and 93.3% of COVID-19 deaths.

The state health department hasn’t announced specific dates for any age group except those 80 or older, who may begin making appointments on Friday morning.

Two Evansville Men Arrested after Brief Chase and Crash

January 7, 2021

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Yesterday afternoon at approximately 4:15, Trooper Widner observed a 2005 Jaguar traveling left of center on Broadway near Bayou Creek Road.

A traffic stop was initiated and the driver of the Jaguar turned into a residence off-Broadway, but then suddenly turned around in the yard and fled east on Broadway accelerating to 60 mph.

Trooper Widner terminated the chase due to safety concerns.

As Trooper Widner was advising dispatch on the last known direction of travel, he observed the vehicle had crashed off-Broadway at Nurrenbern Road.

The driver and passenger had fled from the vehicle.

Trooper Widner spotted the passenger running through a backyard and gave chase.

Moments later, the passenger was arrested without further incident.

The passenger was identified as Kwauntai Flax, 23, of Evansville.

After securing the passenger, Trooper Widner observed the driver running east through a yard near a wood line. A short time later, Vanderburgh County sheriff’s deputies located the driver hiding in the woods.

He was taken into custody without further incident.

The driver was identified as Brett Salmon, 22, of Evansville. Salmon and Flax were having difficulty breathing, so they were both transported by EMS to Deaconess Midtown Hospital where they were treated and then released.

Further investigation revealed Salmon and Flax were under the influence of K2. Salmon had also struck another vehicle on Broadway causing minor injuries to the female driver. She was not transported to an area hospital.

Both men were transported to the Vanderburgh County Jail. Salmon is currently being held without bond. Flax is currently being held on a $100 bond.

Arrested and Charges:

Brett Salmon, 22, Evansville, IN

Resisting Law Enforcement with a Vehicle, Level 6 Felony
Resisting Law Enforcement, Class A Misdemeanor
Operating a Vehicle while Intoxicated causing Injury, Level 6 Felony
Operating a Vehicle while Intoxicated, Class A Misdemeanor
Leaving the Scene of a Crash with Injury, Level 6 Felony
Reckless Driving, Class A Misdemeanor
Operating a Vehicle without ever obtaining a Driver’s License, Class C Misdemeanor

Kwauntai Flax, 23, Evansville, IN

Resisting Law Enforcement, Class A MisdemeanorArresting Officer: Trooper Tyler Widner, Indiana State Police
Assisting Officers: Sgt. Compton, Trooper Backes, Trooper Fox, Trooper Rafferty, Trooper Stewart, and Trooper Vennekotter

Assisting Agency: Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office

Newburgh Man Arrested after Brief Chase

January 7, 2021

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A 19-year-old Newburgh man was arrested last night for reckless driving and resisting law enforcement after a brief chase.

The driver was identified as Cameron Shepherd, 19, of Newburgh.

Resisting Law Enforcement with a Vehicle, Level 6 Felony
Reckless Driving, Class A Misdemeanor

Last night at approximately 7:30, Senior Trooper Finney was patrolling US 41 near CR 925 South when he observed a 2011 Toyota Scion traveling northbound at 107 mph.

Trooper Finney immediately activated his emergency lights and attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver continued north at a high rate of speed.

The driver turned east onto Coal Mine Road and then north on CR 10 East. Trooper Finney located the vehicle parked partially in a driveway and front yard of a residence.

The driver was ordered out of the vehicle and arrested without further incident.

Further investigation revealed the registration on the vehicle was expired and he didn’t have insurance for the vehicle.

Shepherd is currently being held on bond in the Gibson County Jail.

Arresting Officer: Senior Trooper Michael Finney

Assisting Officers: Trooper Lukeman, Trooper Widner and Trooper Boeckman

Bridge patching to close lanes on I-265 in Floyd County next week

January 7, 2021

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Indiana Department of Transportation maintenance crews plan to close lanes of I-265 at three bridges in Floyd County next week to complete patching work.

Motorists can expect single-lane closures in both directions from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. starting Monday, Jan. 11, weather permitting. Locations scheduled for repair include I-265 over Slate Run Creek, Jacobs Creek, and Silver Creek, between I-64 and I-65.

Patching is expected to take approximately four days to complete but is temperature-dependent. Work may be rescheduled or extended if needed due to weather. Motorists are reminded to slow down, use extra caution, and drive distraction-free in and near work zones.