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.  

Walmart and Sam’s Clubs will begin requiring customers to wear face masks to help curb the spread of Covid-19 at its stores on Monday, July 20.

From the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, our focus and priority has been and continues to be on the health and safety of our associates, members and customers, according to a statement from Dacona Smith, Chief Operating Officer, Walmart U.S., and Lance de la Rosa, Chief Operating Officer, Sam’s Club

As the number of confirmed cases has spiked in communities across the country recently, so too have the number and types of face-covering mandates being implemented.

Currently, about 65 percent of the more than 5,000 stores and clubs are located in areas where there is some form of government mandate on face coverings.

To help bring consistency across stores and clubs, they will require all shoppers to wear a face-covering.

“This will give us time to inform customers and members of the changes, post signage and train associates on the new protocols,” Smith and La Rosa wrote in the release. 

“While we’re certainly not the first business to require face coverings, we know this is a simple step everyone can take for their safety and the safety of others in our facilities,” said Smith. 

According to the CDC, face coverings help decrease the spread of COVID-19, and because the virus can be spread by people who don’t have symptoms and don’t know they are infected, it’s critically important for everyone to wear a face-covering in public and social distance.

In addition to posting clear signage at the front of the stores, Walmart has created the role of Health Ambassador and will station them near the entrance to remind those without a mask of our new requirements.

“Our ambassadors will receive special training to help make the process as smooth as possible for customers. The ambassadors, identifiable by their black polo shirts, will work with customers who show up at a store without a face covering to try and find a solution. We are currently considering different solutions for customers when this requirement takes effect on July 20,” said La Rosa. 

To help ensure consistency with this new process, all stores will have a single entrance.

At Sam’s Clubs, associates at the entrance will follow the same process with members, politely reminding them of our requirement to wear a face-covering when shopping with us.

Complimentary masks will be provided if the member doesn’t have one.

Or members can purchase masks in the club.

“We know it may not be possible for everyone to wear a face covering. Our associates will be trained on those exceptions to help reduce friction for the shopper and make the process as easy as possible for everyone,” said La Rosa.

Smith pointed out, “As we have seen in states and municipalities with mask mandates, virtually everyone either brings a mask or readily complies with the requirement, and we anticipate that to happen in other areas as well.”

“We know some people have differing opinions on this topic. We also recognize the role we can play to help protect the health and well-being of the communities we serve by following the evolving guidance of health officials like the CDC. We appreciate the understanding and cooperation of our customers and members in wearing face coverings to protect their safety and the safety of our associates,” she said. 

Indiana Department of Transportation contractor E&B Paving Inc. plans to begin rehabilitation work early next week on the S.R. 56 bridge over Stucker Fork in Scott County. The $324,000 contract includes structure patching and repair, in addition to bridge maintenance.

On or after Tuesday, July 21, the bridge, located just west of S.R. 3, will be reduced to one lane and a temporary traffic signal will be installed. The contract is expected to be complete by August 31, 2020.

Motorists are reminded to slow down, use extra caution and drive distraction-free through all work zones. All work is weather dependent and schedules are subject to change.

The Indiana State Police is accepting applications for a Communications Operator position at the Bloomington Post to help staff its personnel and command. The successful applicant’s primary responsibilities will be to act as the receptionist for the post facility by effectively routing incoming telephone calls to the proper individual and assisting the Post Commander with notifications of short notice messages.

The successful applicant must be a high school graduate or possess the equivalent GED and be able to successfully pass a department typing test, along with being able to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing. The communications operator also must be able to input and retrieve information using a computer, and be able to update the community bulletin board or similar systems.

This position’s work is normally performed in an office environment and the ability to operate and maintain office equipment including a computer, printer, copy and fax machines is a must.

A background investigation will be completed and applicants are asked to submit a complete work history.

All applicants are required to submit copies of a high school transcript or GED certificate, any college transcripts, technical certificates and a military DD214 (if applicable).

(Please indicate your name and the position for which you have applied when forwarding all attachments.)

Please email the above-listed items to ISPCivilianJobs@isp.in.gov

Pay starts at $25,766 per year and the position include benefits (medical, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement plans and accrued time off).

The deadline for applications is Friday, July 24th, 2020.

Just before 8 o’clock yesterday evening, after being the first on the scene, Sullivan County Sheriff Clark Cottom contacted the Indiana State Police Criminal Investigation Division at the Putnamville Post requesting assistance with an alleged shooting that had taken place at a local gas station on Old Highway 41 South.

Investigators arrived and found probable cause to believe, the victim, Faran D. Brown, 59 of Carlisle, was shot shortly after exiting the gas station and having a verbal interaction in the outside lot with Susan J. Brown, 65 also of Carlisle.

Area medical ambulance services and medics attended to Faran Brown and transported him immediately thereafter.

Investigators were able to recover a handgun in the gas station lot.

Susan Brown was arrested today by Indiana State Police Detective Angie Hahn without incident and is currently being held at the Sullivan County Jail on $50,000.00 cash bond only.

Faran Brown is currently receiving medical treatment for his injuries.

CHARGES –

1. Attempted Murder: 35-41-5-1, Level 1 Felony

AGENCIES ASSISTING –

Sullivan County Sheriff’s Department, Sullivan City Police Department, Shelburn City Police Department, Vigo County Sheriff’s Department, Sullivan City Medic 1, Sullivan County Ambulance Service and Carlisle Ambulance Personnel.

Sullivan County Prosecutor Ann Mischler also assisted with the investigation.

Bartholomew County REMC to remove overhead power lines across the interstate

The Indiana Department of Transportation has issued a permit to Bartholomew County REMC for a short-term closure on I-65 in Bartholomew County. 

The morning of Sunday, July 19, both directions of I-65 will close for up to twenty minutes near MM 73.9, south of Taylorsville.

The southbound entrance ramp at Taylorsville (Exit 76) and northbound entrance ramp at the Taylorsville rest area (MM 73) will also be closed during this time.

Indiana State Police and pilot vehicles will be on-site to assist.

Motorists are encouraged to use an alternate route or allow extra travel time to avoid delays.

Here are the student handbooks for 2020-2021 as approved by the Salem Community Schools Board of Trustees this week. 

A separate page is also available which is an addendum for Covid-19. 

Bradie Shrum Elementary Handbook

Salem Middle School Handbook

Salem High School Handbook

Copy of COVID Addendum