Monday at approximately 7:20 A.M. on I-74 westbound at the 32.5-mile marker, a semi struck a passenger vehicle that was stopped in the roadway, pushed the vehicle through the median and both vehicles came to rest in the ditch on the eastbound side of the roadway.

The preliminary investigation has concluded that a gray 2013 Dodge Journey was westbound when the vehicle struck a deer which disabled the car in the right lane.  The vehicle at the time did not appear to have operational lights working after the crash. 

A red 2019 Kenworth owned by Dusharm Transport out of Hoffman Estates, IL and driven by Kenneth M. Dusharm, 55 of Carmel, IN was also in the right lane and did not see the disabled Dodge and struck the car in the rear, pushing it through the median, across the eastbound lanes and coming to rest in the ditch on the south side of the interstate blocking both lanes of traffic.

The driver of the Dodge was Christina Mendoza, 26 of Hillsboro, IN.  She was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Montgomery County Coroner.  The family has been notified.  Ducharme was not injured. 

Alcohol nor drugs appear to be a factor in the crash.  The conditions of the roadway were wet and the weather conditions was light fog. The interstate was closed eastbound for about four and a half hours for re-construction of the crash, caring for the injured and cleanup of the crash scene.

The crash was investigated by Trooper Doug Feazel with assistance from Trooper Dave Millburg. 

Assisting at the scene was Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department, Montgomery County Coroner’s Office, Sergeant Roger Dickison of the ISP Commercial Motor Vehicle Enforcement Division, INDOT and Wilson’s Towing.  The investigation is continuing.

Troopers are investigating a fatal two-vehicle crash that occurred on I-70 eastbound near the 125 mile-marker in Henry County. The on-scene investigation has concluded and the roadway is open.

The wreckage has been removed and emergency personnel has cleared the scene. All lanes of traffic are back open and the traffic backup should begin to dissipate.

Emergency personnel was notified at 7:48 a.m. this morning of the crash involving a semi-tractor trailer and a pickup truck.

Deputies with the Henry County Sheriff’s Office, the Spiceland Fire Department, Henry County EMS, and troopers from the Indiana State Police responded to the scene.

The driver of the pickup truck was unresponsive upon arrival and pronounced deceased by the Henry County Coroner.

Two passengers in the vehicle were extricated and transported to IU Health Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis via ambulance. Their injuries are not believed to be life-threatening. The driver of the semi-tractor trailer was not injured.

The identity of the driver is being withheld at this time until the family is notified. I-70 eastbound is currently restricted to one lane only and will be closed temporarily while the crash is reconstructed by the Indiana State Police. The Henry County Coroner’s Office is also on scene.

It is believed that limited visibility due to thick fog was a factor in the crash. The investigation is ongoing at this time. Further information will be made available after the completion of the crash reconstruction investigation.

Project continues toward winter shutdown configuration

INDOT contractor E&B Paving Inc. will conduct additional traffic shifts tonight (Nov. 19) and this weekend on I-65 in Jackson and Bartholomew Counties as part of the $143 million reconstructions and added travel lanes project that began last year.

Tonight, northbound traffic will be shifted to its winter pattern between MM 50 and MM 53.8, just north of Seymour. The barrier wall will be in place separating the two northbound lanes. Signage will be present to alert motorists of the change.

Southbound lanes are expected to shift this weekend between MM 61.2 and MM 56. This will put traffic into the project’s full winter configuration, with northbound traffic in northbound lanes and southbound traffic in southbound lanes for the entire length of the project. 

Additionally, a third northbound travel lane was opened Monday night between S.R. 11 and S.R. 58 (MM 56 to MM 64).

Although any planned work during the winter months is not expected to impact traffic, motorists should continue to adhere to the 55 mph speed restriction and use extra caution in the construction zone.

All trucks should continue to use the left lane for travel throughout the work zone, except for the eight-mile section on I-65 NB with three open lanes (MM 56 to MM 64).

This traffic pattern will remain in place through the winter months until work resumes in the spring. The project is expected to be completed in 2020. All work is weather permitting.

Indiana Department of Transportation maintenance crews is scheduled to complete surface repair work on S.R. 62 later this week between C.R. 325 E. and Flatbottom Road in eastern Jefferson County, west of Canaan.

The road is expected to close from approximately 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday (Nov. 22), weather permitting, and will be open to local traffic only. Access to homes within the closure will be maintained.

The official detour route for all thru traffic will follow U.S. 421 to S.R. 129.

Calling all craft lovers! Megan Broughton of Purdue Extension will be hosting Arts and Crafts Project Nights over the next several months.

This will be a series of three classes that will take place at the Extension Office in the lower level of the Washington County Government Building.

We will meet from 6-8 p.m. on the following days:

 Tuesday, December 17th (Wreath Making)

 Tuesday, January 28th (Cross Stitch)

 Monday, February 24th (Canvas Painting)

Open to youth in grades 3-12 (Free after 4-H enrollment) and adults ($10/Night). All supplies will be included.

Please RSVP by December 10th by calling 812-883-4601 or emailing 
mcbrough@purdue.edu.

You’re invited to the 4-H Jr. Leader Christmas Carnival on Thursday, December 12th from 6-8 p.m. in the Lower Level of the Washington County Government Building.

This event is open to the public.

Come any time between 6 and 8 and stay as long as you like.

Activities include:

 Christmas crafts and games for children of all ages
 Gift wrapping provided by Jr. Leaders for a donation
 Bake sale benefiting the Jr. Leader Program
 Free hot cocoa and candy canes
 Guest appearance by Santa!

Information on enrolling in 4-H will be available, including computers to enroll that night. If you have questions, please call 812-883-4601 or email mcbrough@purdue.edu.

You can help DNR improve fish habitat at Patoka Lake during a volunteer habitat structure build day on Dec. 7 from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m.  

Structures are needed because as reservoirs such as Patoka Lake age, the number, and type of hiding places for prey fish decrease.

The Reservoir Habitat Enhancement Program addresses this issue and works to build a fish habitat where the natural structure is lacking. Building structures out of pallets is one option to improve habitat complexity.

Pallets and hardware will be provided. Volunteers should bring cordless drills, work gloves, and protective eyewear if they have them, but tools are not required to attend.

Staff and volunteers will work outside so please dress accordingly; long pants and close-toed shoes are recommended. Bring snacks and plenty of drinking water. Volunteers are not required to stay for the entire time.

Register for this event by signing up as a volunteer with the Division of Fish & Wildlife. See on.IN.gov/dfwvolunteer and follow instructions under “Sign up to Volunteer.”

Once you have a volunteer account, register for the event by clicking “current volunteer opportunities in CERVIS” under volunteer opportunities and selecting Patoka Lake Habitat Build.

The Patoka Fish Habitat Enhancement Plan is available on Indiana’s Reservoir Habitat Enhancement Program webpage, see wildlife.IN.gov/7665.htm for details.