Two candidates filed yesterday evening for Salem Community School Board, according to Washington County Clerk Stephanie Rockey.

Both have been certified this morning:

Rebecca (Becky) Humphrey filed yesterday and is now certified to run for Salem Community School Board.

Christopher A. Hunt filed yesterday and is now certified to run for Salem Community School Board.

As a reminder, the filing deadline for all three county schools is Friday, August 21^st at noon.

Other fillings include:

Allison Jean Ezzell filed and is certified to run for a seat on the Salem Community School Board

Constance (Connie) Young has filed and is certified to run for a seat on the Salem Community School Board.

Aaron (Spud) Schocke also has filed to run for a seat on the Salem Community School Board – At-large

There are a total of four spots open on the Salem board representing Gibson, Jefferson, Monroe, & Washington Townships. 

Those in the Salem district that currently hold the four seats are Mark “Bubba” Abbott, Ericka Garloch, Ron Haendiges, and Dustin Davidson, who was appointed to finish out former board member Steve Motsinger’s term. 

Abbott and Garloch are not running for re-election and Haendiges and Davidson have yet to file. 

Additional filings to date are:

Sal Sama filed on July 27^th and is certified to run for West Washington School Board- Vernon Twp. seat.

Aaron Dennis filed on the 28^th and is certified to run for West Washington School Board- Madison Twp. seat.

Both are currently board members.

Jeff Clem, Jr.- East Washington School Board- Town of Pekin

Thomas K. Coats- East Washington School Board- Polk Twp.

Public health officials are urging people to get the flu vaccine, which is being shipped to many areas to be ready for September vaccinations.

According to the Center for Disease Control flu cases are expected to start increasing early in October and could last late into May. This makes September and early October the ideal time to get your flu shot.

But there’s reason to be concerned that flu vaccination rates could be lower this year than in past years, even though the risk of getting seriously ill may be higher because of the widespread circulation of the coronavirus.

In an effort to avoid getting sick, millions of Americans avoided seeing their health care provider the past few months. Social distancing and stay-at-home orders have resulted in a decreased use of routine medical preventive services such as vaccinations. Many employers that often provide the flu shot at no cost to employees are allowing employees to work from home, potentially limiting the number of people who will get the flu shot at their jobs.

According to health officials, The flu vaccine takes up to two weeks to reach peak effectiveness, so getting the vaccine in September will help provide the best protection as the flu increases in October and later in the season.

CDC Director Robert Redfield discusses the importance of flu vaccination this year.

Both COVID-19 and the flu are contagious respiratory illnesses that presents with similar symptoms. Both viruses can impact the elderly and those with certain chronic conditions, such as heart and lung disease, the hardest.

Data on flu vaccination rates from 2018-2019 show that only 49% of Americans six months of age and older received the flu vaccine. The vaccine’s effectiveness varies each season, with early data from the 2019-2020 flu season indicating a vaccine effectiveness rate of 50% overall, and 55% in youth.

While some may think this effectiveness rate is low, the flu vaccine remains the single best way to prevent the flu and related complications.

Health officials say COVID-19 will still be circulating during flu season, which makes getting a flu vaccine more important than ever.

Because flu vaccination protects against one of these respiratory illnesses, the CDC recommends everyone (with few exceptions) six months of age and older get an annual flu vaccine. While the flu vaccine will not protect you against COVID-19, the flu vaccine will reduce your risk of developing the flu as well as reduce your risks of flu-related complications including hospitalization and even death.

United States Attorney Josh J. Minkler announced today, Davontai Jones-Robinson, 23, of Evansville, Indiana, and Trinity Taylor, 26, of Prattville, Alabama, are in federal custody and charged with three counts each of Obstruction of Commerce by Robbery, and three counts each of Use of a Firearm During and Relation to a Crime of Violence.

“Living a life of crime never pays off,” said Minkler. “Their short-lived crime spree spread fear into the lives of the innocent victims that they may carry the rest of their lives. And now Jones-Robinson and Taylor face a life sentence in federal prison.”

On 08/13/20 around 8 pm, officers with the Evansville Police Department were sent to a robbery in progress at Kwik Stop located at 4301 Pollack Avenue. A nearby neighbor reported seeing a man with a long-gun run in and out of the store. The clerk said a black male entered the store with a gun and ordered him to open the register. The gunman took an undetermined amount of cash and cigarettes, then exited the store.

Approximately 6 1/2 hours later, around 2:30 am on 08/14/20, officers with the Evansville Police Department were again advised of a robbery in progress at the Circle K located at 2400 E. Riverside Drive. As in the earlier robbery, a black male entered the business brandishing a gun and wearing the same clothing description as before. He ordered the clerk to open the register and he took an undetermined amount of cash and cigarettes. A dark-colored passenger car is also observed in the area before and during the robbery.

Approximately 9 ½ hours later, Warrick County Law Enforcement officers were notified of a robbery in progress at Chuckles located at 175 W. Main Street in Elberfeld. Once again, a black male entered the business with a gun and ordered the clerk to open the register. The gunman stole an undetermined amount of cash and leaving in a dark-colored passenger car.

Investigators were able to determine that the same individual committed the robberies and the same dark-colored passenger car was involved as the getaway vehicle. The license plate number was identified and investigators from the Indiana State Police were able to determine it belonged to a car rental company. Records indicated that Trinity Taylor was renting the vehicle in question.

On 08/14/20 around 3:45 pm, patrol officers from the Evansville Police Department located the vehicle in question at Covert Avenue and Green River Road. Trinity Taylor was identified as the driver and taken into custody. Further investigation revealed that Jones-Robinson was the armed gunman who went inside and robbed the businesses.

A search warrant was executed at the apartment where Taylor and Jones-Robinson were residing. Several items related to all three robberies were discovered and secured as evidence.

This case was investigated by the FBI Indiana Violent Crime Task Force, Evansville Police Department, Warrick County Sheriff’s Department, and the Indiana State Police.

According to Assistant United States Attorney Todd Shellenbarger, who is prosecuting this case for the government, both defendants face up to life in prison, a $250,000 fine, and five years of supervised release after being released from federal prison.

Criminal charges are merely allegations and are not evidence of guilt. Both defendants are considered innocent until proven guilty in federal court.  

In October 2017, United States Attorney Josh J. Minkler announced a Strategic Plan designed to shape and strengthen the District’s response to its most significant public safety challenges. This prosecution sentencing demonstrates the office’s firm commitment to investigate and prosecute defendants committing violent crimes involving firearms. (See United States Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Indiana Strategic Plan Sections 2.3)

Troopers from the Indiana State Police Sellersburg Post will be participating in the national Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over enforcement mobilization.

Now through Labor Day, troopers will be conducting overtime patrols, seeking out drunk drivers, and showing zero tolerance for anyone driving impaired.

These patrols are supported with funds from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration distributed by the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute.

According to ICJI, in 2018, there were just under 4,000 alcohol-impaired collisions in Indiana, resulting in 83 fatalities. Of those, 48 collisions and one fatality occurred during the Labor Day holiday weekend.

In Indiana, it is illegal to drive with a blood-alcohol concentration of .08 or higher. Additionally, drivers under the age of 21 with a BAC of .02 or higher are subject to fines and having their license suspended for up to one year.

“Last year, one person died every 50 minutes in a drunk-driving crash in the U.S.,” said Devon McDonald, ICJI Executive Director. “Every one of those fatalities could’ve been prevented. Help us save lives by putting an end to this reckless behavior.”

For over 20 years, law enforcement agencies across Indiana have been participating in the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign. This year, more than 200 state and local law enforcement agencies will be taking part, joining thousands more across the country.

To avoid getting arrested, the Indiana State Police recommends planning a safe and sober ride home before consuming alcohol. Even if only one drink is consumed, designate a sober driver or plan to use a ride-share service, public transportation or taxi to get home safely. Remember, buzzed driving is drunk driving.

Additionally, don’t let someone get behind the wheel if that person has been drinking. Take their keys and help make arrangements to get them home safely. Motorists that encounter a drunk driver on the road are encouraged to call 911.

For more information about the campaign and additional safety tips, please visit: www.nhtsa.gov/drivesober.

Two people were shot while driving in their car in rural Harrison County, and Investigators are asking for your help in locating the suspect vehicle.

Around 9:15 Wednesday evening, police were dispatched to State Road 462 and Old Forest Road in southwest Harrison County after reports of a man being shot while driving his car near O’Bannon Woods State Park.  

An off- duty Corydon police officer who lived nearby was first on the scene. 

DNR Conservation Officers and ISP Troopers soon arrived. 

Officers found a gray 2016 Hyundai Santa Fe with a Kentucky license crashed into the wood line on the east side of SR462. 

The car was occupied by a family of three. 

The male driver had been shot multiple times, and officers immediately rendered first aid.  

A female front seat passenger had also been struck by gunfire. 

A female passenger in the rear passenger seat was not hit. 

The driver was flown to University Hospital (UofL) in Louisville with life-threatening injuries.

Both passengers were taken to UofL by ambulance. 

At this time, investigators believe the family had just left O’Bannon State Park after enjoying a hike, when, for an unknown reason, a white Dodge Avenger pulled up quickly behind the car with its high-beams on. 

The Santa Fe pulled to the side of the highway and stopped to allow the vehicle to pass; however, the Avenger then pulled alongside the car, and an occupant fired multiple rounds into the Santa Fe.

Investigators believe the driver of the Santa Fe then attempted to escape but crashed the car a short distance down the roadway. 

After the shooting, officers believe the driver of the Avenger fled the scene and abandoned the car in a cornfield approximately 15 miles away, near Carefree, Indiana. 

The driver then stole a pickup truck parked at a nearby residence and fled the area.    

At this time, Investigators are looking for a silver, 2000 Chevrolet pickup truck with Indiana registration TK667LJB. 

Investigators have reason to believe more than one person may occupy the truck.

If anyone observes this vehicle, they should call 911 immediately and inform authorities of its location.   

Investigators warn not to approach the truck or its occupants as they are considered armed and dangerous.     

This investigation is ongoing. 

Officers from the Indiana State Police were assisted by units from the Corydon Police Department, The Harrison County Sheriff’s Department, Harrison County EMS, and Conservation Officers from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources.

Earlier today, East Washington School Corporation announced they would be closing the middle and high schools for the next two weeks beginning tomorrow (August 20) after a staff member tested positive for Covid-19.

The corporation has made preparations to provide food and continued transportation for elementary school students who will not be affected. 

A staff member at East Washington School Corporation has tested positive for Covid-19, according to Superintendent Dennis Stockdale. 

He said a possible positive test of a second staff member with the virus could come very soon. 

“We have been so fortunate, since our start date of August 5th to have no positive case from the coronavirus,” he said in a letter issued this afternoon. 

He said the positive result affects the middle and high schools only. 

Salem School Corporation had a positive staff member which delayed school from an August 5 start to August 17. 

West Washington School Corporation reported two students with positive Covid-19 last week. The students were siblings and both are in the elementary (2nd & 4th grade).

The Senator students had not been in the building since August 7 and did not experience any symptoms. The first symptoms a household member experienced were on August 8. 

The middle and high school students will be transitioned to remote learning for the next two weeks so the buildings can be deep cleaned, sanitized, and prepared for the students’ return. 

This will be effective beginning Thursday, August 20. 

All middle and high school students will need to stay home and not return until Thursday, Sept. 3. 

“We ask that all students self-monitor, while at home, for possible symptoms,” said Stockdale. “Should the time need to be extended, the information will be communicated prior to Sept. 3.”

Stockdale said East Washington Elementary students will continue school in-person at this time. 

“The goal with doing this is to keep the elementary-aged students in school as long as possible due to their young age and the need for one-on-one instruction as they learn to read and develop math skills,” said Stockdale. 

“Should a positive case arise at the elementary school, we will close that building and implement the proper protocol,” he said. 

“We appreciate your understanding and support during this challenging time as we face difficult decisions,” he said.

The Indiana Senate Republican Caucus is offering paid spring-semester internships in its communications, information technology, legal, legislative and policy offices during the 2021 session of the Indiana General Assembly, said State Sen. Erin Houchin (R-Salem).

Qualified candidates may be of any major and must be at least a college sophomore. Recent college graduates as well as graduate and law school students are also encouraged to apply. Positions are open to Indiana residents as well as nonresidents who attend a college or university in Indiana.

Interns earn a $750 biweekly stipend and benefit from the scholarship and academic credit opportunities, professional development, community involvement, and networking.

Senate internships are full-time positions at the Statehouse in downtown Indianapolis that typically begin with a mandatory orientation in late December and conclude at the end of the legislative session in April 2021. The Indiana Senate is currently developing plans to conduct legislative work amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and, as always, strives to provide a safe working environment for all interns, staff, and senators.

“I know firsthand how beneficial this internship can be for young professionals,” Houchin said. “My experience as a Senate intern helped me realize my passion for public service, which led me to run for office and being elected as a state senator. This year, Senate interns will be more essential than ever as we work to complete this legislative session safely and responsibly. I encourage all eligible residents of Senate District 47 who wish to serve their communities and gain professional experience to apply for this internship.”

For more information and to access an application, visit www.IndianaSenateRepublicans.com/Intern.

The deadline to apply is Oct. 31.