The Indiana State Health Department reported 273 new cases of Covid-19 this morning.

The total now infected in Indiana is 1,786.  These figures were current at midnight each night and posted online at 10a each morning. 

The Indiana State Health Department said three more people have died from the coronavirus, bringing the total number of deaths in Indiana to 35.

To date, 11,658 tests have been reported to ISDH, up from 9,830 on Sunday.

Marion County, which includes Indianapolis, had the most new cases, at 135, and a total of 805 cases.

Hamilton County had 20 new cases, Lake County had 12 and Madison County had 11.

In southern Indiana, Clark County has 27 confirmed cases, and Floyd County has 20.

Salem Mayor Justin Green along with the park board and director has canceled the baseball, softball and t-ball season due to Covid-19 safety. 

Refunds will be given for any sign-up fees already paid. 

“Salem Park and Recreation Department strives to maintain and provide the safest and most secure facilities and programs for our guests, patrons, and staff,” noted Green in a press release this morning. 

“Due to the recent concern over the Coronavirus
(COVID19) along with discussions with city officials and the Park and Recreation Board, we have taken the following measures to maintain those standards – We have canceled the Baseball/Softball/Tball for the 2020 year.”

Green said the City of Salem would be sending everyone a refund
for the sign-up fee.

“All outdoor parks will remain closed until further notice,” said Green.

This includes Riley’s Place, Depauw Park, Elizabeth Street Park, and the baseball diamonds.

“The walking and hiking trails remain open but please do not congregate and abide by social distancing guidelines,” said Green. 
 
“These actions are taken very seriously from the latest information that we have at this time,” Green added. “We are taking these precautions so we can protect the citizens of our community and our staff until such a time we can all enjoy our beautiful park system safely.”

According to the Indiana State Department of Health, there is a 6th reported case of Covid-19 in Washington County. 

There was no local information released about this current case. 

Last week, WSLM was told that the ISDH had asked all local health departments to not release epidemiology reports on future Covid-19 cases. 

Epidemiology includes information on where a patient has been that could possibly transmit a disease. 

Officials are being careful to not violate a person’s HIPAA rights. 

All counties surrounding Washington now have Covid-19 cases.

• Lawrence – 9 
• Jackson – 8
• Scott – 1
• Clark – 27
• Floyd – 20
• Harrison – 15
• Crawford – 1

 Yesterday at approximately 3:00 p.m., a two-vehicle crash involving a white 2010 Ford Taurus and a red 2010 Ford truck occurred on the Indiana Toll Road (I-90) at the Lake Station Toll Plaza. 

An off-duty firefighter witnessed the crash and stopped to check for injuries. 

The firefighter called 911 and stated one of the drivers was attempting to leave the scene of the crash.  As the vehicle fled the scene, the caller followed the vehicle from the Indiana Toll Road to I-80/94 where it continued westbound.

Trooper Logan Hensley was able to locate the vehicle at approximately the 13.8 mile-marker and observed the vehicle weaving between the middle and far-right lane.

Tpr. Hensley also determined that this was the same vehicle involved in the Toll Road crash as it had substantial front end damage.  Trp. Hensley activated his emergency lights and siren in an attempt to stop the vehicle. 

The driver continued for approximately a half-mile prior to coming to an abrupt stop on the right shoulder.  Trp. Hensley and the off duty firefighter were able to place the subject into custody without incident.

A K9 was called to the scene and a positive alert was made by the K9 to the presence of a controlled substance inside the vehicle.  A subsequent vehicle search was conducted and a magnetic key hider was located that had six small bags inside that was suspected to be heroin.

The driver, Shannon L. Taylor, 47, from Chicago, IL, also admitted to using a controlled substance approximately an hour and a half prior to the incident. 

Taylor refused medical treatment at the scene and was transported to a local hospital where she consented to a blood draw.  Taylor was then transported to the Lake County Jail where she is facing the following charges:

• Possession of Heroin Prior Conviction- Level 5 Felony
• Leaving the Scene of a Crash While Intoxicated- Class A Misd.
• Operating While Intoxicated Endangering a Person (controlled substance)- Class A Misd.
• Operating While Intoxicated (controlled substance)- Class C Misd.
• Violation of No Travel Order- Class B Misd.

Trp. Hensley was assisted by Trp. Eric Madry, Trp. Jason Pratt, S/Trp. O’Bryan Winfield, Trp. Amjad Umrani and Trp. Regan Smith.  The vehicle was impounded by Ridge Towing.

The Indiana State Police reminds citizens that if you drive impaired during this Essential Travel Only Order, you can be charged with violating said order, in addition to Operating While Intoxicated. 

All charges listed above are merely accusations and probable cause for arrest and any crime mentioned in this release is alleged. Actual charges and/or additional charges will be determined by the Lake County Prosecutor’s Office.

The six victims of yesterday’s fatal house fire in rural Switzerland County, Indiana, the victims have now been identified following autopsies conducted this morning in Madison, Indiana.

The Switzerland County Coroner’s Office has identified the six deceased victims as Paige A. M. Ridener, age 25, James S. Ridener, age 15, Jordan T. Ridener, age 13, Joshua A. Ridener, age 12, Emilee A. Ridener, age 11, and Elizabeth G. Ridener, age 10.

All six victims were siblings. 

The five youngest siblings lived at the residence while Paige Ridener had recently been staying at the home. 

Joseph Buchheit, age 33, who was the boyfriend of Paige, was also at the residence when the fire started shortly after 3:00 am on Saturday March 28. 

Buchheit escaped the home without injury. 

He attempted to re-enter the home to get to the six victims but was unable to due to the heavy fire and smoke.

The investigation by the Indiana State Police, Indiana State Fire Marshal’s Office, and Switzerland County Coroner’s Office is ongoing at this time.

The cause of the fire and the cause of the deaths has not been determined yet although no foul play is suspected at this time.

The family of the victims has been notified.

According to EWSC Superintendent Dennis Stockdale, breakfast and lunch will be provided all week.

“We will be providing breakfast and lunch for all 5 school days and will deliver those meals on Tuesdays and Thursdays each week we are out of school due to the Coronavirus situation,” said Stockdale. “We ask that you fill out this form and we will deliver to your child’s bus stop.”

Stockdale asks that someone is watching for the bus during those days and be at the end of the driveway to get the meals.

Stockdale said staff cannot bring meals to the door.

Buses will leave the East Washington Campus at 11:00 a.m. to begin deliveries.

“Please use this start time to estimate the time your child’s bus would/should arrive at your stop,” said Stockdale. “We will travel slowly, but can’t sit and wait for extended periods of time on the road. This is a plan in progress so please watch/listen for School Messenger messages, email, and Facebook for updates.”

U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) today released a comprehensive toolkit to help Hoosiers navigate the resources available in the Senate’s coronavirus emergency relief package that was signed into law yesterday, known as the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act).

“Now that the CARES Act has been signed into law, immediate relief is on the way to Hoosiers. To help Hoosiers navigate the CARES Act, and the relief it will provide, my team created a comprehensive toolkit to help individuals, small businesses, health care workers, and patients understand the relief measures that are available. Hoosiers can also visit my coronavirus relief webpage at young.senate.gov/coronavirus and contact my office with specific questions. We are standing by and ready to help,” said Senator Young.

Resources in the toolkit are hyperlinked below:

• HELPING SMALL BUSINESSES AND EMPLOYEES 

• SUPPORT FOR INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES 

• BOLSTERING OUR HEALTH CARE RESPONSE 

• FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT RELIEF PAYMENTS FOR INDIVIDUALS

• UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE INFORMATION

• PAYCHECK PROTECTION PROGRAM FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

Hoosiers can also visit young.senate.gov/coronavirus or email COVID_19@young.senate.gov for additional assistance.

Indiana Conservation Officers are investigating a fatal off-road vehicle (ORV) accident.

The accident occurred at approximately 9:30 p.m. last night, near the 1400 block of Cedar Bluff Road in Bloomington.

David Deckard Jr., 37, of Bloomington, was operating a four-wheeler on private property in a wooded area. For reasons not yet known, Deckard lost control and was thrown off the vehicle, receiving head and chest injuries.

Deckard was transported by ambulance to Bloomington Hospital for treatment. He was pronounced dead early this morning as a result of his injuries.

The cause of the accident is still being investigated. The victim was not wearing a helmet or proper safety equipment. Indiana Conservation Officers stress safe operation of ORVs and the use of proper protective equipment such as helmets.

Indiana Conservation Officers were assisted by Monroe County Sheriff’s Department, Monroe County Medics, and Monroe Fire Protection District.