James A. Hilbert, age 82

January 6, 2020

James A. Hilbert, age 82, passed away Saturday, January 4, 2020 at his home surrounded with a family that loved him dearly. James known best by Jim, was born June 18, 1937 in Taylorsville, Kentucky to the late Raymond Owen and Ruby Catherine Whitehouse Hilbert.

Jim was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He loved gardening and sharing the fruits of his labor with friends and neighbors and helping neighbors as well.

He will be missed by many of the ones he loved and helped over the years. Jim was retired from the Ford Motor Company and a past master and still active member of Crandall Masonic Lodge No. 591 F & AM and an active member of the Household of Faith Assembly of God Church, Crandall.

Also preceding him in death were a daughter, Cynthia Ann Hilbert; great granddaughter, Madison R. King; sisters, Norma Catherine Hilbert and Juanita E. Case; brothers, Raymond Lee Hilbert and Gene Hilbert.

Surviving are his wife of 61 years, Delores Ann VanFleet Hilbert.
Daughters: Pamela Fay Stroud of Crandall, IN
Theresa M. Vallin of Henderson, NV
Son: Timothy J. Hilbert (Lestye) of Crandall, IN
Sister: Bonnie Stillwell of Crandall, IN
11 Grandchildren
13 Great Grandchildren

Funeral 1 PM Thursday, January 9, 2020 at Household of Faith Assembly of God Church, Crandall, IN with burial in Bethlehem Cemetery.

Visitation 2 – 8 PM Wednesday at Swarens Funeral Home, 1405 Hwy 64 NW, Ramsey, IN and after 10 AM Thursday at the Household of Faith Church.

Masonic Rites 7 PM Wednesday at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to the Household of Faith or Crandall Masonic Lodge.

Gov. Holcomb announces results of increased school bus safety patrols

January 5, 2020

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Governor Eric J. Holcomb today announced the results of the overtime patrols that were conducted by nearly 40 law enforcement agencies to create safer school bus stops around the state.

The departments, which were awarded Stop Arm Violation Enforcement (SAVE) grants, issued a total of 2,675 citations and 1,430 warnings during the two-month mobilization, which kicked off at the start of the 2019 school year.

The SAVE program is funded by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration and administered by the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute.

“There’s no excuse for driving dangerously or distracted around a school bus, but there are consequences,” Gov. Holcomb said. “Parents shouldn’t have to worry about the safety of their child going to and from school, which is why we’ll continue to make improving bus stop safety a priority.”

As a result of the funding, officers conducted an additional 2,057 patrols and worked an extra 5,690 hours, targeting speeding, aggressive driving, stop-arm and other traffic violations along with bus stops and routes.

Out of the thousands of citations issued, 453 were stop-arm violations and another 1,239 involved speeding. Other larger citation categories included failing to stop at a stop sign or stop light (173), not wearing a seat belt (134) and equipment violations (113).

ICJI Executive Director Devon McDonald said that the SAVE program, a first for Indiana and surrounding states, offers a unique, innovative approach to improving school bus stop safety and can be used as a model by other states.

“A critical component of the SAVE program was the collaboration that took place between the schools, bus operators and local law enforcement,” McDonald said. “Together, they identified problem areas and routes, allowing them to coordinate their efforts, and focus their attention and resources strategically.”

McDonald added that while police officers are watching every day for motorists, who are speeding or checking their phones while driving near buses, it’s imperative for drivers to slow down and pay attention to the road, especially in school zones.

State law requires a school bus to use flashing lights and extend its stop arm while loading and unloading students. The law also requires drivers to stop while the arm is extended. On highways divided by a physical barrier or unimproved median, vehicles traveling in the opposite direction as the school bus may proceed with due caution.

ICJI plans to start accepting applications for the next round of SAVE grant funding early next week.

Visit www.cji.in.gov to learn more about the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute and the SAVE program.

Greene County Man Arrested for Dealing Methamphetamine in Lawrence County

January 5, 2020

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On Thursday, January 2^nd, the Indiana State Police Drug Enforcement Section and the Indiana State Police Bloomington District ACES concluded a lengthy drug investigation by arresting David Cecil Phillips, 44 years old, of Solsberry, Indiana.

The Indiana State Police had received information that Phillips was dealing large quantities of methamphetamine in both Greene and Lawrence Counties. In addition, it was known that Phillips was operating a motor vehicle with a suspended driver’s license.

At approximately 3:45 p.m., today, Trp. Caleb Garvin, Trp. Richard Klun, and Sgt. Greg Day observed Phillips driving a white, 2001 Dodge pickup truck eastbound on SR 54 in Avoca. Trp. Garvin conducted a traffic stop on Phillips for the known driver’s license violation.

Trp. Klun deployed his canine, Loki, who gave a positive alert to the odor of a controlled substance in the vehicle. Troopers searched the truck and located over 28 grams of methamphetamine, scales, and other items of evidence.

Phillips was taken into custody and transported to the Lawrence County Jail, where he is currently detained.

Arrested and Charges: David C. Phillips, 44, Solsberry, IN

Dealing Methamphetamine over 10 Grams, Level 2 Felony
Possession of Methamphetamine over 28 Grams, Level 2 Felony
Driving While Suspended with a Prior Conviction, Class A Misdemeanor

Anyone with illegal drug information is encouraged to contact the Indiana State Police Bloomington Post at 812-332-4411. Tips can remain anonymous.

2020 MISS INDIANA STATE FAIR QUEEN CROWNED

January 5, 2020

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Claudia Duncan, Miss Vanderburgh County, was crowned the 62nd Indiana State Fair Queen today at the Indiana Farmers Coliseum at the Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center.

Claudia is the 4th representative from Vanderburgh County to be crowned Miss Indiana State Fair following Karen Kosester, 1974; Tate Fritchley, 2016 and Becca Lax, 2017.

Miss Indiana State Fair 2020 was selected over 83 other contestants after three days of judging. The Indiana State Fair Queen plays a key role in promoting the Indiana State Fair by traveling at least 10,000 miles during June and July to approximately 45 counties in preparation for the great Indiana State Fair, August 7-23, 2020.

The Top 10 Finalists include:

1st Runner-Up: Grace McCoy, Miss Elkhart County 2nd Runner-Up: Devin Hindes, Miss Newton County 3rd Runner-Up: Catherine Hall, Miss Shelby County 4th Runner-Up: Danielle Perry, Miss Posey County

Elyona Dobrodt, Miss St. Joseph County Ellen Rohr, Miss Parke County

Jessica Bradford, Miss Warrick County Abbigail Sprong, Miss Delaware County Riley Lamb, Miss Boone County

Miss Congeniality: Devin Hindes, Miss Newton County

Miss Indiana State Fair 2020 Claudia Duncan from Evansville, Indiana, graduated as valedictorian of Mater Dei High School and currently attends Purdue University majoring in Data Science.

She is involved in the Honors Mentor Program, the Women in Science Mentor Program, and is a Peer Consultant at the Center for Career Opportunities.

In her hometown, she is a parishioner of St. Joseph Catholic Church and gives back to 4-H as a Project Superintendent. Claudia is a 10-Year 4-H Member and recipient of the Tenure Award.

For the complete results including the 16 semi-finalists visit www.indianastatefair.com. The 2020 Indiana State Fair will be held August 7-23 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center, Indianapolis, IN.

Robert Dale Wilson, age 91, of Salem

January 5, 2020

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Robert Dale Wilson, age 91, of Salem, Indiana, passed away Friday, January 3, 2020, at Meadow View Health & Rehab Center. Born on October 14, 1928, he was the son of the late Robert J. Wilson and Mildred (Hayes) Wilson.

Robert was an Army Veteran of the Korean Conflict and a retired truck driver.

Robert is survived by 1 sister, Genevie Hayden, and his caregiver, Calvin Sorrels; he was preceded in death by his parents and 1 sister, Evelyn Ostrander.

A graveside service will be held Wednesday, January 8, 2020, at 1:00 p.m. at Murrayville Cemetery, Murrayville, Illinois.

Hughes-Taylor Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements.

Police Investigating Shots Fired at Southway Villa

January 5, 2020

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The Salem Police Department responded to a report of shots fired at Southway Villa on Saturday night.

They are working the incident with the help of the Indiana State Police and Washington County Sheriff’s Department.

According to Salem Police Chief Tim Miller, the original call came in at approximately 8:19p Saturday with a report of possible shots fired on Baird Boulevard.

Miller said the incident is still being investigated.

No injuries were reported, according to Washington County Sheriff Brent Miller.

Reds Caravan to make 6th Stop in Salem January 16

January 5, 2020

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The 2020 Reds Caravan presented by the Cincinnati Regional Tourism Network kicks off Thursday, Jan. 16 with four tours that will make stops in five states over three days.

Reds Kentuckiana Radio Affiliate WSLM 97.9 FM and WSLM 1220 AM will host the local caravan stop for the 6th year.

“We are extremely blessed to be an affiliate with the Reds and also to be able to host a visit with Major and Minor league players in Salem,” said WSLM President and General Manager Becky White.

The invitation-only event is not open to the general public at the request of the Reds organization.

“You can go to the Louisville stop and be one of a thousand people moving through a line and hopefully get the chance to speak with a player or staff member,” said White. “Or you can sign up at one of the local businesses in Salem participating in our promotion and get the chance to come and share a meal with the Reds as well as participate in a Q&A session, get your photo with a player and get an article signed.”

Those businesses who would like to participate should call 812.620.7271 or email wslmradio@gmail.com

The Reds Caravan provides fans of all ages with the opportunity to interact with current and former players, top minor leaguers, broadcasters, members of the Reds front office and mascots.

At each of the stops, the groups will field questions and sign autographs while time allows.

Among the attendees expected for the 2020 Caravan are Reds Manager David Bell, 2019 All-Star pitcher Luis Castillo, catcher Tucker Barnhart, outfielder Aristides Aquino, pitchers Lucas Sims and Amir Garrett infielder Josh VanMeter and more.

The full list of attendees for each tour group and times of the stops will be announced in early January.

North Tour

Thursday, Jan. 16 – Columbus, OH (Polaris Fashion Place)
Friday, Jan. 17 – Lima, OH (Apollo Career Center)
Saturday, Jan. 18 – Dayton, OH (National Museum of the U.S. Air Force) & Hamilton, OH (Parrish Auditorium)

South Tour

Thursday, Jan. 16 – Louisville, KY (Louisville Slugger Field)
Friday, Jan. 17 – Bowling Green, KY (Greenwood Mall) & Nashville, TN (CoolSprings Galleria)
Saturday, Jan. 18 – Lexington, KY (The Red Mile)

East Tour

Thursday, Jan. 16 – Athens, OH (Athens Community Center)
Friday, Jan. 17 – Charleston, WV (Charleston Town Center)
Saturday, Jan. 18 – Parkersburg/Vienna, WV (Grand Central Mall) & Huntington, WV (Huntington Mall)

West Tour

Thursday, Jan. 16 – Muncie, IN (Stoops Automotive)
Friday, Jan. 17 – Evansville, IN (Eastland Mall)
Saturday, Jan. 18 – Indianapolis, IN (Castleton Square Mall) & Batesville, IN (Southeastern Indiana YMCA)

Representing the Reds farm system on the Caravan will include Jonathan India, Michael Siani, Narciso Crook & José Garcia.

All Caravan locations, times and participants are subject to change.

The Reds Caravan will also visit over 20 Reds on Radio affiliates as well as schools, businesses, and hospitals throughout Reds Country.

Purdue Faces Sunday Night Challenge at Illinois

January 5, 2020

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IL purdue bkc win — Heather Coit/The News-Gazette Illinoi' Tracy Abrams (12) shouts out to Illini fans as Purdue Coach Matt Painter is ejected from the court in the second half at Assembly Hall in Champaign on Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2013. The Illini defeated Purdue 79-59.

Purdue (9-5, 2-1) begins a tough Big Ten stretch Sunday with a visits Illinois (9-5, 1-2) for a primetime battle. Jeff Levering and Tim Miles will handle the broadcast on FS1, beginning at 8 p.m. ET.

On WSLM 1220 AM, Rob Blackman and Larry Clisby will have the call courtside beginning with the Purdue Basketball Pregame Show at 7 p.m. ET.

• Purdue owns a 102-87 series lead against Illinois, including a 17-7 mark under Coach Painter. Purdue is looking for its fifth win in a row in the series.

• The 189 previous meetings between the two teams make this the seventh-most frequently played rival in the Big Ten. Purdue and Indiana lead the way with 209 meetings.

• Purdue looks to build momentum on the road after sizzling at Mackey Arena the last two games. Purdue is 2-4 away from Mackey Arena, averaging just 60.0 points per game and shooting 36.1 percent from the field and 27.0 percent from long distance. Purdue has an assist / turnover ratio of 0.79 (68 / 86) away from Mackey (1.78 at home).

• Purdue’s sophomore class has started to emerge as offensive leaders. The class is averaging 50.5 points per game over the last two games and 40.1 points per game over the last seven games. For the season, the class is shooting 43.6 percent from the field and 38.5 percent from deep.

• Purdue is 7-0 this year when holding foes to 59 or fewer points. The Boilermakers are 2-5 when allowing 60-plus.

• Purdue is 8-0 this year and 28-1 since the start of last year when shooting a higher field goal percentage than its opponent. The lone loss came to Virginia in last year’s Elite Eight.

• Purdue is 7-0 this year and has won 18 straight games when attempting more free throws than its opponent.

• Purdue won seven straight games in the month of January and is 17-1 during the month since 2018.

Traffic Stops Continue to Lead to More Charges

January 4, 2020

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Traffic stops often to lead to more than just traffic infractions.

Early Tuesday morning, Trooper Kyle Taylor was patrolling SR39 in Washington County along with Officer Ginkins and K9 Lenny from the Washington County Sheriff’s Department.

Trooper Taylor stopped a vehicle for a traffic infraction, however, he soon observed indications of possible criminal activity.

The investigation continued when K9 Lenny alerted on the vehicle. The subsequent search located suspected methamphetamine as well as a stolen handgun. The primary suspect did not have a handgun permit but was also a convicted felon.

As a result, both occupants were arrested on multiple charges and remanded into the Washington County Jail.

Later that same day, Trooper Andrew Taylor (no relation) was patrolling in Clark County on I-65 and stopped a vehicle for an expired license plate.

The traffic stop evolved into a criminal investigation when the driver was found to be wanted on five warrants out of Clark and Floyd Counties. Neither occupant had a valid driver’s license. The passenger was later found to possess more than 21 grams of suspected methamphetamine as well as marijuana.

Trooper Kyle Taylor arrests:

Thomas Seebold, 49, Louisville, KY: Possession of Stolen Handgun – Level 6 Felony, Possession of Methamphetamine – Level 6 Felony,Maintaining a Common Nuisance – Level 6 Felony, and Carrying a Handgun without License – A Misdemeanor.

Brianna Robertson, 24, Salem, IN: Possession of Methamphetamine – Level 6 Felony, and Visiting a Common Nuisance – B Misdemeanor.

Trooper Andrew Taylor Arrests:

Victoria S. LaMaster, 26, New Albany, IN: Possession of Methamphetamine – Level 4 Felony, Trafficking with an Inmate – Level 5 Felony, Possession of a Syringe – Level 6 Felony, Possession of Marijuana- Class B Misdemeanor.

Trevor A. Money, 30, New Albany, IN: Driving While Suspended Prior – Class A Misdemeanor, Five separate Warrants out of Floyd and Clark Counties, including Possession of Methamphetamine and Driving While Suspended Prior.