In February of 2020, a victim reported the harassment to the Indiana State Police Jasper Post. Starting in late January of 2020, the victim began receiving numerous spam text messages a day to their phone.

The victim had been targeted by people on social media who were against a referendum for raising taxes to fund projects for Washington Community Schools.

Due to this, the victim believed that the suspect may have been one of these people.

An investigation by ISP Detective Jarrod Lents revealed that one of the suspects, Rikki Lyford age 38, of Washington, had allegedly created a Google email in the name of the victim, and then used this email account to sign the victim up for numerous spam text messages.

Approximately 70-100 messages a day were received by the victim for approximately three months.

Two other victims also received messages similar to these, as well as false complaints directed to their employers.

It is unknown if Lyford is responsible for the actions against the other two victims.

A warrant was issued for Lyford’s arrest and she was taken into custody by Detective Lents on Monday, 6/29/2020.

Lyford was charged with

1) Identity Deception- level 6 felony

2) Counterfeiting- level 6 felony

3) Harassment- class B misdemeanor

Lyford was incarcerated without incident at the Daviess County Security Center.

According to Washington County Clerk Stephanie Rockey, the deadline to file to run for the general election in November is today at noon. 

Those filing to seek positions on the ballot are: 

Max Greene, Libertarian, Surveyor

Rhonda Greene, Libertarian, Washington County Commissioner, District 3

David L. Brown- Campbellsburg Town Council (this is a non-party office)

Donnie Williams has filed and is certified to be placed on the ballot for Campbellsburg Town Council.

Darlene A. Hall has filed and is certified to run on the ballot for New Pekin Town Council, as of the hour.

School Board filings for all three schools will start July 22^nd and will end at noon on August 21^st.

Openings for school board:

Salem At-Large (Gibson, Jefferson, Monroe, & Washington Townships)- 4 positions

East Washington- 2 positions- Polk township and Town of Pekin

West Washington- 3 positions- Madison, Posey, and Vernon townships.

The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) has issued an Air Quality Action Day (AQAD) and is forecasting high levels of fine particles (PM2.5) in the air for Saturday, June 27 and Sunday, June 28 in the following areas:

• Southeast Indiana – Clark, Floyd, Harrison, Jackson, Jefferson, Scott and Washington
• Southwest Indiana – Daviess, Dubois, Gibson, Greene, Knox, Perry, Pike, Posey, Spencer, Vanderburgh and Warrick 

IDEM encourages everyone to help reduce PM2.5 while remaining safe during the COVID-19 health crisis by making changes to daily habits. You can:

• Avoid burning wood in fireplaces or wood-fired boilers
• Reduce activity time outdoors to reduce unhealthy exposure to PM2.5 and avoid exercising near busy roads
• Combine errands into one trip
• Avoid using gasoline-powered lawn equipment or gas-powered recreational vehicles
• Turn off your engine when idling for more than 10 seconds (e.g., at a bank or restaurant drive-thru)
• Conserve energy by turning off lights or setting the air conditioner to 75 degrees or above 

A dust cloud blowing across the Atlantic Ocean from the Sahara Desert in Africa has been impacting air quality in the southeastern U.S. and it is expected to reach Indiana this weekend. Sensitive groups, including children, the elderly, and anyone with cardiac (heart) or pulmonary (lung) problems should reduce or avoid exertion and heavy work outdoors while the PM2.5 AQAD is in effect. If breathing becomes difficult, go indoors and contact your health care provider.

PM 2.5 is composed of microscopic dust, soot, liquid droplets, and smoke particles that are 2.5 microns or smaller. The human hair is 75 microns wide. PM2.5 deposits itself deep into the lungs and cannot be easily exhaled. Those at risk are particularly vulnerable after several days of high PM2.5 exposure. 

IDEM examines weather patterns and PM2.5 readings to make daily air quality forecasts. To learn more about PM2.5 or sign up for air quality forecasts, visit www.SmogWatch.IN.gov.

About IDEM
IDEM (www.idem.IN.gov) implements federal and state regulations regarding the environment. Through compliance assistance, incentive programs and educational outreach, the agency encourages and aids businesses and citizens in protecting Hoosiers and our environment.