The Indiana Department of Education recognized all Indiana teachers collectively Tuesday as the 2021 Teacher of the Year.

The department traditionally has recognized a single educator with the award each year.

“The COVID-19 pandemic brought new complexities and challenges to schools with no advance warning,” State Schools Superintendent Jennifer McCormick said in a statement. “Teachers across our state have displayed a level of flexibility and commitment.”

For more than 60 years, the Department of Education has conducted the Teacher of the Year program to recognize outstanding classroom teachers from across the state. The program’s mission is to inspire, rejuvenate, and celebrate the teaching profession.

Scott County Health Department announces today two cases of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) have been reported at The Waters of Scottsburg.

212 facilities across the state have reported a total of 3,625 as of May 18, according to the Indiana State Department of Health. 

There have been 732 total deaths in long term care facilities in Indiana. 

Both individuals are female and from Scott County. The patients are quarantined and recovering.

No further information about the patients will be released due to privacy laws.

The Waters of Scottsburg has notified residents and their families of the positive cases.

Scott County Health Officer states “We know that people older than 60 with underlying health conditions are most at risk during this pandemic,” Dr. Kevin Rogers said. “The Waters has already implemented infectious control protocols and have been working with our office and Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) to prevent further spread within the facility.”

To prevent community spread, long-term care facilities should be following the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) guidelines:

• Identify a separate space that is used only for confirmed or presumed COVID-19 patients;
• Limit patient contact to only essential direct care providers;
• Establish a tracking system to monitor and manage infection control activities and residents and staff member who are symptomatic

Indiana State Police Superintendent Douglas G. Carter recently announced the recipient of the 2019 Indiana State Police Trooper of the Year.  

This honor is bestowed upon a deserving Trooper that exemplifies the Department’s high standards and expectations as related to the overall mission.

Leadership, productivity, service to the community both on and off duty, and assigned responsibilities are just a few areas taken into consideration when nominated. 

The 2019 Indiana State Police Trooper of the Year is Trooper Tyson M. Waldron. Waldron’s performance and accomplishments during that year are worthy of such recognition and have earned him this award.

Trooper Waldron is a seven-year veteran of the State Police and was appointed on December 21, 2012.

During 2019, Waldron was assigned to the Fort Wayne Post, primarily working a night shift in Allen County. Waldron, who has been a K-9 handler with his partner Zeus since 2016, is also certified as a drug recognition expert (DRE).

In 2019, Trooper Waldron had 1515 traffic contacts, 31 operating while intoxicated (OWI) arrests (which led the District), 220 criminal arrests (44 of which were for felony crimes), and 124 K-9 usage reports.

While working with his K-9 partner, he seized Cocaine, Methamphetamine, Crack, Ecstasy, and Heroin; six firearms and more than $32,000 in U.S. currency.

Waldron achieved these goals while missing over 38 days while on active military orders and 20 days of time off taken for the birth of his son.

In his nomination, Trooper Waldron was described as a natural leader as exemplified through his genuine courtesy, hard work, and unquestionable integrity.

He is a very proactive, dedicated, and self-motivated Trooper that consistently encourages his co-workers to put forth a maximum effort during their shifts.

Waldron maintains a rigorous fitness routine, keeping himself fit for duty, and motivates others to do the same.

In addition to the duties required by the Indiana State Police while serving the citizens of Indiana, Waldron also serves his country as a soldier in the Indiana National Guard.

His notable 18-year military career has included stateside and overseas deployments, and he currently holds a position at the Regional Training Institute at Camp Atterbury, where he serves as a Company First Sergeant.

First Sergeant Waldron’s overseas service has included deployments to Afghanistan in 2004, and Iraq in 2008, where he earned his Combat Infantry Badge.

He is the graduate of numerous military schools, including Army Airborne, Air Assault, Pathfinder, Sniper, Primary Leadership Development Course, Basic Non-Commissioned Officers Course, Advanced Leadership Course, Senior Leadership Course and Mountain Warfare.

Waldron has a future goal to serve as a District Squad Leader at the Fort Wayne Post, and is currently preparing himself for when that opportunity arises.

He attributes the secret to his success to a strong family support system.

Waldron resides in Allen County with wife Emily, and their two children.