Tuesday morning, at approximately 6:30, am, the Indiana State Police, North Vernon Police Department, and Jennings County Sheriff’s Office responded to a two-vehicle crash just north of North Vernon that claimed the life of a Ripley County, Indiana man. 

The initial investigation by Trooper Matthew Holley, Indiana State Police-Versailles Crash Reconstruction Team indicated that a maroon Ford Taurus being driven by Justin M. Rangel, age 26, Osgood, Indiana was traveling eastbound on the US 50 Bypass, just east of State Road 3.  For an unknown reason, Rangel’s vehicle crossed the centerline into the path of a westbound 2013 Mack truck pulling a loaded trailer, being driven by Todd E. Lennartz, age 49, Fort Recovery, Ohio.

The vehicles collided nearly head-on in the westbound lane of US 50.  Both vehicles then skidded into the eastbound lane where they came to a stop.  Rangel sustained fatal injuries in the crash.  He was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Jennings County Coroner’s Office.  Lennartz was transported to St. Vincent-Jennings Hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries.

Toxicology results on both drivers are pending at this time.  The investigation is ongoing.

US 50 was closed just east of State Road 3 for nearly four hours for crash investigation and cleanup.

Justin Rangel’s family has been notified.

The Indiana State Police was assisted by the North Vernon Police Department, Jennings County Sheriff’s Office, North Vernon Fire Department, Jennings County EMS, Jennings County Coroner’s Office, 31 Wrecker Service, and Lee’s Wrecker Service.

Salem Mayor Justin Green has made his appointments for the new year. 

Salem’s new chief of police is Tim Miller. Former chief Joey Wheeler has retired. 

Assistant Police Chief is Ronnie Mays. 

Salem Fire Chief remains Tom Day along with Assistant Chief Mike Mead.

Dale Jonas is the Cemetery Sexton. 

Tom Voyles will remain Superintendent of the Street Department.

Eric Tussey is the Animal Control Officer. 

Russell Brown will remain as Superintendent of the Water Department.

Troy Watts is the Waste Waster Superintendent.

Ronnie Voyles will continue as the City’s Building Commissioner.

Brande Abbott will remain as City Parks and Recreation Director. 

Due to a vacancy at the Senior Citizens Center due to Gayle Napier winning a seat on the City Council, Naomi Ray will take over as director.  

The legal age to buy tobacco products is now 21, but some Indiana retailers say they are unaware of the change.

On December 20th, the President signed legislation to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, and raise the federal minimum age of sale of tobacco products from 18 to 21 years.

It is now illegal for a retailer to sell any tobacco product — including cigarettes, cigars, and e-cigarettes — to anyone under 21.

The Indiana Food & Fuel Association in a Friday news release called the situation “wildly irresponsible.”

“To expect the more than half a million clerks, employed by some 10,000 tobacco retailers in Indiana, not to mention their customers, to discover that this law is already in effect is completely reckless” Scot Imus, executive director, said in the release.

Indiana Conservation Officers are investigating an off-road vehicle (ORV) accident that claimed the life of the operator.

At 8:35 p.m. Sunday, officers were dispatched to the 7000 blocks of South River Bottom Road in Hanover, in Jefferson County.

Cory Garver, 35, of Madison, was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Jefferson County coroner.

Initial investigation determined Garver was operating his side-by-side ORV north on River Bottom Road when he came to a curve. Tire marks indicated the ORV was braking before the curve and continued off the roadway where the vehicle turned sideways, flipped and struck a tree.

Garver was wearing a seat belt, but not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.

The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department and Jefferson County EMS assisted on scene.

An autopsy will be conducted later this week by the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office