On July 22nd, 2020, at approximately 06:27 A.M., the Washington County Sheriff’s Department responded to a report of a motor vehicle crash with injury on U.S. Highway 150, near the intersection of State Road 66, according to Deputy Lucas Gray. 

The crashed vehicle was a GMC Sierra pickup truck that flipped over and was resting on its top.

The driver was identified as Scott Jones of Paoli.

Jones advised he was driving Eastbound on U.S. 150 when the rear tires of his vehicle lost traction causing him to lose control of the vehicle.

The vehicle then ran off of the north side of the roadway and flipped onto its top. There was heavy rain in the area at the time and hydroplaning is believed to have been a factor.

Jones was transported to IU Health in Paoli for a complaint of pain.

Jones was wearing his seatbelt.

Washington County Sheriff’s Department, Posey
Township Fire Department, Washington County EMS, and Wilcox Wrecker Service all responded to the accident. 

Earlier this week, Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch and the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs announced that twelve properties will receive funding through the Historic Renovation Grant Program.

Hundreds of thousands of dollars will go to 12 historic Hoosier properties, including two in Southern Indiana.

The Historic Renovation Grant Program is designed to help rehab and preserve historic properties in order to further downtown economic developments.

The Shipman-McCord House located in downtown New Albany and the Masonic Temple for the Clark Lodge #40 Freemasons in Jeffersonville both will receive $100,000.

“Join me in congratulating these 12 business owners for receiving funds from the Historic Renovation Grant Program,” said. Lt. Gov. Crouch. “Preservation efforts like this ensure a future for our many vacant, neglected or historic properties that might otherwise be lost.”

The Historic Renovation Grant Program, in its fourth year, is a comprehensive grant program designed to preserve and rehabilitate historic properties in order to further incentivize downtown economic development. The funding for this year has been exhausted through the projects listed below and the program is now suspended until more funding is allocated next legislative session.

“We are excited to fund projects that stretch across the state, from New Albany to Wabash, both small and large projects,” said Matt Crouch, Interim Executive Director of OCRA. “These projects help preserve pieces of Indiana’s rich history to be enjoyed by residents and visitors for generations to come.”

Eligible properties for this grant program must be at least fifty years old and either listed on the register of Indiana historic sites/structures, be listed or eligible for the National Register of Historic Places or be listed as a contributing resource in a National Register District.

Eligible applicants include non-profit, individual, partnership, firm, association, joint venture, limited liability company, corporation, or non-profit affordable housing organization. Applicants with an eligible historic commercial structure can apply for project funding between $5,000 and $100,000 at a maximum request of 50 percent of the total eligible project cost. For more information, visit www.in.gov/ocra/hrgp.htm.      

Each property received funding for the renovation and preservation of exterior features. Such renovations include roof replacement, masonry restoration, repair and replacement of doors and windows, façade renovation, and/or chimney improvements.

KSTD Development, LLC is awarded $100,000 to rehabilitate and rebuild portions of the Shipman-McCord House, located in the Mansion Row Historic District of Downtown New Albany. The 1866 brick three-story building was built with extensive Italianate detailing, representing the city’s mid-19th century prosperity. The property was converted to government apartments during WWII and will remain as such after the renovation’s completion.

Christ the King Parish is awarded $100,000 to preserve the Chapel of Our Sorrowful Mother, an 1877 gable-front Romanesque style church located on Chapel Hill Drive in the Town of Ferdinand. Restoration efforts include restoring and protecting stained-glass windows, refurbishing art glass windows, installing new protective coverings, and repointing masonry.

LCF Properties LLC is awarded $58,908 to preserve the exterior of the IORM building in the Town of Lagro. Located in the historic downtown, the funding will be used for repairing and preserving the windows, doors, storefront, and exterior brick walls. Plans for the building include hosting a business that will complement other local enterprises: coffee shop, bistro, Airbnb, and possible river recreational opportunities.

MH Properties is awarded $39,568 to preserve 706-708 Main Street in the Downtown Historic District of the City of Jasper. The 6,400 square foot structure has undergone several renovations dating back to 1888. The building was utilized as an express office in 1920 with coach buggies built on the second floor. The preservation will restore the building to its former luster showing the pride of the community. The building has multiple tenants including Primierica, Yourstory Photography, and Miligan Communications.

511 Inc. is awarded $30,000 for a roof replacement of 511 Wabash Ave, which is a neoclassical building in the City of Terre Haute. This 1892 building was originally constructed as a bank but in 1993, it underwent a historic rehabilitation to house the law firm of Cox, Zwerner, Gambill, and Sullivan. That firm will continue to occupy the building.

The Lagro United Methodist Church is awarded $45,860 to preserve twenty-two windows, of the Gothic Revival style building built in 1915. The largest windows each tell a story and are titled “Come Unto Me”, “The Good Shepherd”, “Christ in Gethsemane”, and “The Sower”. Early church members paid $650 to have the windows created and installed by artists of Empire Glassworks in Columbus, Ohio.

The Friends of Ward Township No. 5 Randolph County are awarded $7,350 to assist in recreating the missing bell tower as it appeared in the 1891 one-room school construction. Located in the City of Winchester, the building has been under renovation since 2015 and is nearing completion. The restored school will host elementary students during field trips who will experience education as administered during the one-room school era and will also be available for special events.

Jason Long is awarded $18,421 to preserve the Sherman Row House located in the Town of Vernon. This building was built in 1830 and was eventually used as part of the Underground Railroad to assist in helping enslaved peoples gain their freedom in the mid-1800s. Slaves were once brought up from the Muscatatuck River and hidden in the tunnels dug underneath the building. Originally used as a hotel, the main level part is currently in use as a liquor store.

Brandon Denton of Denton Floyd Real Estate Group is awarded $100,000 to preserve the Masonic Temple for the Clark Lodge #40 Freemasons. Located in Jeffersonville, the neoclassical style masonic temple built in 1926, was designed by the notable Louisville-area architecture, Arthur Loomis. It was preserved from demolition by a joint effort between the City of Jeffersonville and Denton Floyd. The property will be utilized as the Denton Floyd Development Team headquarters.

The Children’s Museum is awarded $12,500 to preserve the Stutz House’s tile roof. Located in Indianapolis, the Craftsman resident was built in 1923 for the Stutz family. The Stutz House currently houses the not-for-profit organization, the Mapleton-Fall Creek Development Corporation. This project will help to continue this use and preserve the historic building.

Dickos Peterson & Metz Real Estate is awarded $68,754 to rehabilitate and revitalize two buildings located in the center of the commercial district of the City of Wabash. Built in 1900, it was originally designed as a hardware store but now houses the real estate office.

Bryan Van Duyne is awarded $8,639 to renovate the Reeve Building, in the City of Plymouth.
Constructed in 1910, and currently a jewelry store since 2006, the existing roof of the Reeve Building will receive new rigid insulation, new flashing, and a new liquid membrane roof.

Signing in to buy hunting, fishing, and trapping licenses will look different the next time you do so because of a new state online portal called Access Indiana.

The new portal is a safe, secure and easy to use way for citizens to interact with all facets of state government through a single login instead of many. Presently, there are 18 services that users can enter from Access Indiana – a full list is available at https://www.in.gov/access/available-services.html.

Individuals who already have an Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) account to purchase licenses should watch for an email from the DNR that will provide helpful login information. New DNR customers will be directed to create an Access Indiana account first, before supplying additional DNR-specific account information.

To prepare for the transition, customers can create an Access Indiana account today at https://access.IN.gov. For help getting started with Access Indiana, go to: https://www.in.gov/access/getting-started.html. If a user needs additional assistance with their username or password, call 800-457-8283, for Access Indiana customer support. The DNR is unable to assist with usernames and passwords.

More information about the Access Indiana portal, answers to FAQs and other helpful information is at https://www.in.gov/access/faqs-help.html.

Indiana Conservation Officers are still searching for two men who were swept away in the White River near Williams Dam.

Conservation Officers along with members of the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department responded to the East Fork of the White River just downstream of Williams Dam at approximately 10:00 a.m. Tuesday morning.

Department of Natural Resources Public Information Officer Jim Hash says while wading to the island both men were swept by the current 75 to 100 yards downstream and then didn’t resurface.

Indiana Conservation Officers are utilizing various sonar units, divers, and boats to search the area where the men were last seen.

Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department deputies, Indiana Creek Volunteer Fire Department first responders, and an IU Health Hospital ambulance crew are assisting in the search.

Officials have closed the boat ramp to the public at this time.

The search will continue until sunset, and will resume tomorrow morning, if necessary.

Looking for a new career? Want a new career?  Need a new career? If you answered ‘YES’ to any of these questions then make plans to join one of our remaining virtual hiring events.

Of the nine events scheduled for the month of July there are only three more opportunities left to get a start on your new career before July is over! 

Each virtual hiring event is being hosted on Microsoft Teams. An Indiana Department of Correction recruiter and a human resources representative will help answer questions and schedule interviews. The Dept. of Correction has a variety of openings but the greatest need is for correctional officers and maintenance staff.

Participants can learn about opportunities at correctional facilities throughout the state or in certain areas through regional events.

Pick the regional virtual hiring event that fits your schedule:

• North: 11 a.m. EST, 10 a.m. CST July 23rd, https://bit.ly/072320Northern
• Central: 2 p.m. EST July 27th, https://bit.ly/072720Central

A statewide virtual hiring event is being held on July 29th:

• 11 a.m. EST July 29th, https://bit.ly/072920AllDOC

The IDOC has a variety of openings but the greatest need is for Correctional Officers and Maintenance Staff.

Can’t wait for one of the virtual events?  Call or email Recruitment and Retention Coordinator David Wence during business hours at 765-593-1021 or DWence@idoc.in.gov

The IDOC is an essential and equal opportunity employer. All positions are full time, include full medical, dental, vision benefits and pension savings options

The results of the first statewide random sample study in the United States to measure the spread of COVID-19 indicated a general population prevalence of about 2.8 percent in Indiana.

This closely monitored study was conducted by the Indiana University Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health at IUPUI in collaboration with the Indiana State Department of Health. The findings were published July 21 in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s scientific publication.

“Using data to guide decisions has been the foundation of how the State of Indiana responds to the pandemic,” Governor Eric J. Holcomb said. “We are fortunate to have the Fairbanks School of Public Health conduct this first-of-its kind study for us and look forward to the information that will come with future waves of the random sample testing.”

Between April 25 and May 1, researchers tested more than 4,600 Hoosiers for viral infections and antibodies of SARS-CoV-2, the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19. This number includes more than 3,600 people who were randomly selected from a master list of Indiana residents derived from tax returns, including filers and dependents, and an additional 900 volunteers recruited through nonrandom outreach to the African American and Hispanic communities to get a more in-depth view of the virus’s activity within hard-hit populations.

“Because we cannot test everyone, random sample testing allows us to confidently evaluate the spread of COVID-19 in Indiana,” said Nir Menachemi, lead scientist on the study and professor and Fairbanks Endowed Chair in the Fairbanks School of Public Health. “The results of this study have furthered our scientific knowledge of COVID-19 and contributed valuable information that influenced complex statewide decision-making.”

The researchers determined that 1.7 percent of participants tested positive for the novel coronavirus and an additional 1.1 percent tested positive for antibodies, resulting in an estimated overall population prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 of 2.8 percent. An estimated 187,802 Hoosiers were infected with COVID-19 at the time of the study, approximately 10 times higher than the confirmed cases in the state.

Participants who reported living with someone who tested positive for COVID-19 had a prevalence rate of 33.6 percent.

“The percentage of participants who had a positive test result was 15 times higher among participants who lived with someone who had received a diagnosis of COVID-19,” Menachemi said. “Coupled with the low statewide prevalence, we believe that social distancing efforts helped to minimize the spread of COVID-19 and is an important measure in preventing transmission.”

The research team also found that 44.2 percent of participants who tested positive reported no symptoms during the two weeks before testing. Of those who tested positive, 60.3 percent of males reported being asymptomatic, compared to 24.5 of females who were asymptomatic.

“The study’s findings among asymptomatic individuals are crucial to our efforts to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in Indiana,” said State Health Commissioner Kris Box, M.D., FACOG. “Hoosiers may not feel sick but can still infect someone else, so it’s vital that every Hoosier takes steps to reduce the spread of this virus.”

Rates of current or previous infection were significantly higher among Hispanic participants, at 8.32 percent, than among non-Hispanics, at 2.29 percent.

The nonrandom sample had higher infection rates, including 22.8 percent of participants who were currently infected; 20 percent of those infected reported being asymptomatic. These findings suggest that nonrandom samples are more suitable for determining the impact of the virus in vulnerable communities, but not for deriving state estimates of infections.

“Because most Hoosiers had not been infected at the time of the study, we need to continue social distancing, make sure we are washing our hands often and always wearing a mask when we are in public,” Menachemi said.

Patoka Lake will host a kayak tour on Sunday, Aug. 9, at 9:30 a.m. Paddlers should arrive by 9:15 a.m. to unload equipment.

The tour will depart from Fisherman’s Campground Boat Ramp and will take about two hours. Highlights will include seeing an active bald eagle nest site and the chance to see beaver, osprey and other wildlife along the way.

Advance registration is required. Call the Nature Center at 812-685-2447 to get a registration form, which should be returned by Aug. 8 at 2 p.m. in order to participate.

United States Attorney Josh J. Minkler announced today that Krystal Cherika Scott, 19, Kokomo, Ind. was arrested and charged with two counts of Making and Distributing Animal Crush Videos, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 48 (the Preventing Animal Cruelty and Torture Act). 

“As decent human beings, we have a great responsibility to protect and have compassion for the animals that inhabit this earth.” said Minkler. “It is unconscionable to think that any human being could possibly bring themselves to such acts upon an animal. We cannot allow this behavior in a decent and moral society. That is why Ms. Scott must face the consequences of her choices.”

Beginning at least on or about May 3, 2020, and continuing until at least July 8, 2020, Scott, began posting images and videos over various social media platforms, that depicted Scott torturing and graphically killing cats and dogs by hanging, skinning and other means. 

Scott’s conduct attracted the attention of several private citizens who began using publicly available information to attempt to identify the perpetrator. The concerned citizens shared and collected information so that they could provide it to law enforcement and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

On June 16, 2020, the Boise, Idaho Police Department received information from some of those concerned citizens, and immediately opened an investigation. After reviewing the videos and images, the officers concluded that they constituted “animal crush videos,” which is a federal violation.

On June 18, 2020, Boise Police Department contacted the FBI who began working to identify the perpetrator. Working in conjunction with the Boise Police Department and the Ada County Idaho Sheriff’s Office, the investigation revealed that Krystal Cherika Scott of Kokomo Indiana, was responsible for torturing and killing the animals, then posting the videos. Scott obtained the animals, at least in part, by responding to online ads from individuals who were seeking to give away their unwanted pets for adoption.

The FBI Indianapolis Field Office joined the investigation, and learned that Kokomo Police Department had recently contacted Scott after receiving similar animal cruelty complaints in May and June. At that time, Kokomo Police were unable to make an arrest and were unaware of the other investigations involving Scott.

As agents worked to gather evidence, Scott continued to post images of dead animals on Instagram and Tik-Tok as late as July 8^th, 2020. On July 9, 2020, the Honorable Doris L. Pryor, Magistrate Judge in the Southern District of Indiana, approved the execution of search warrants seeking additional evidence from Scott’s person, residence, and vehicles, as well as the search and seizure of evidence obtained by the Kokomo Police Department.

On July 14, 2020, Special Agents of the FBI and other law enforcement officers executed the warrants. During the search, the FBI recovered numerous animal parts and skulls that were consistent with the size of cats and dogs. Agents also discovered approximately three live dogs, twelve live cats, and several lizards.

FBI recovered and seized the cellular phone used to produce and distribute the animal crushing videos. A full forensic analysis of the phone is currently underway. Scott told officers that her mother did not participate in acts of animal crushing or posting animal crushing videos.

This case was the result of an investigation by the Boise Police Department, the Ada County Sheriff’s Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation Resident Agency in Boise, Idaho and the Indianapolis Field Office. The Kokomo Police Department also assisted with this case.

“Animal abusers have total power over that animal and, if someone is willing to be that cruel to an animal, evidence suggests they may target vulnerable humans as well,” said Special Agent in Charge Paul Keenan, FBI Indianapolis. “In November of 2019, the Preventing Animal Cruelty and Torture Act was passed to address this issue and to assist law enforcement to better target intervention efforts with respect to animal cruelty and the crimes for which it serves as a marker. Our agents and law enforcement partners will continue to diligently work to identify and investigate those who would perpetrate these crimes.”

“This case is an outstanding example of society’s intolerance to animal cruelty and the public’s willingness to do the right thing,” said Special Agent in Charge Paul Haertel of the FBI’s Salt Lake City Field Office. “Tips poured in from all over the world, assisting in an intense and technically complex investigation to find the alleged perpetrator and put a stop to the senseless and horrific abuse of innocent animals.”

“The Boise Police Department is thankful to have played a role in the investigation into this disturbing crime. We had concerned people from all over the world contact us about the terrible images they were seeing on social media. Our officers and detectives worked hard to investigate leads here in Boise and partnered with the FBI as the investigation grew and moved out of state.” said Boise Police Department Deputy Chief Ron Winegar. “We also want to thank the Ada County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance as well as the public for their many tips and patience as we worked to see this investigation through.”

According to Assistant United States Attorney Tiffany Preston who is prosecuting this case for the government, the defendant faces up to 7 years’ imprisonment, 3 years of supervised release, and a maximum fine of $250,000.

A charge is not evidence of guilt. All parties are presumed innocent until proven otherwise 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 public safety challenges. This demonstrates the office’s firm commitment to violent crime and crimes committed using the dark web. See United States Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Indiana Strategic Plan Sections 2.3 and 4.6. 

FIREWORKS ON SATURDAY AT HOLIDAY WORLD

Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari have been nominated for two USA Today “10Best” awards. Splashin’ Safari is in the running for Best Outdoor Water Park and The Voyage was nominated as one of the top roller coasters in the nation. Holiday World fans are encouraged to vote daily for both awards before the polls close on July 20.

“We only have a few days left for voting, and we need help getting the word out,” says President Matt Eckert. “We’ve been in second place behind another water park and there are just a few days left!” 

In addition, visitors to Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari on the next three Saturdays will end their day with a themed fireworks celebration.

The themed fireworks displays will begin shortly after Holiday World closes for the evening at 9:00 pm CDT (10:00 pm EDT). The firework shows will be themed and set to music. Some examples include: Pop Music, Christmas in July, and Socially Distanced Dance Party. The best place to view the fireworks is from Holiday World’s Thanksgiving section and the fireworks viewing area by Mayflower on the northeast side of the park.

New at the park this season is Cheetah Chase, the World’s First Launched Water Coaster. Cheetah Chase adds to Splashin’ Safari’s world-class Water Coaster collection, making them the Water Coaster Capital of the World.  

Holiday World is still hiring for 250 additional spots created for inLine Reservation System, enhanced cleaning procedures, and more. Those interested should visit HolidayWorldJobs.com.