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.

Volunteers portray living history in the 1863 Pioneer Village, greet visitors at the Nature Center, lead programs and hikes, design temporary displays and bulletin boards, assist with resource management, track flora and fauna populations, clean campgrounds and trails, and help fill a variety of other roles.

You can contribute a few hours here and there or make an ongoing commitment by setting up a regular volunteer schedule.

Officials appreciate any amount of time you can offer.

Want to Camp for free? Join the Volunteers in Parks (VIP) Program.

VIPs commit an entire month to the volunteer program, each person donating 22.5 hours a week, in exchange for a free electric campsite.

If you are interested in becoming a part of Spring Mills’ regular volunteer program or the VIP Program contact the Nature Center at 812-849-3534 and help make Spring Mill the best park in Indiana.