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Indiana Department of Education Releases Spring 2019 ILEARN Results

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The Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) released the Spring 2019 Indiana Learning Evaluation and Readiness Network (ILEARN) results today.

This was the test that replaced the ISTEP test in Indiana and educators hoped it would provide improved test scores for students across the state. 

However, ILEARN results released Wednesday show that 47.9% of all third- through eighth-grade students in Indiana tested at least proficient in English and 47.8% showed proficiency in math.

Those are down from the 2017-18 ISTEP results for, in which 64.1% and 58.3% of third through eighth graders scored proficient in English and math.

Only 37.1% of Indiana third- through eighth-grade students demonstrated proficiency in both subjects on the ILEARN tests, down from 50.7% in last year’s ISTEP exams.

The poor first-year ILEARN results prompted both Gov. Eric Holcomb and Superintendent of Public Instruction Jennifer McCormick to urge Indiana lawmakers to hold school corporations harmless for poor scores.

McCormick last week asked legislators to pause interventions based on ILEARN scores and give the State Board of Education authority to review and alter Indiana’s accountability model, which assigns districts and individual schools “A” through “F” grades based in large part on assessment results.

Here are the scores for East Washington, Salem and West Washington Elementary and Middle Schools.

These statistics were released earlier today by the Indiana Department of Education. 

ilearn-2019-grade3-8-final-corporation

ilearn-2019-grade3-8-final-school

When compared to past ISTEP+ scores, ILEARN indicated lower achievement levels across the state in both English/language arts and mathematics. While performance dips to some degree were expected, the combination of the rigors associated with this newly aligned CCR assessment, national normative data, and the defined established performance cuts all contributed to the lower performance levels. With the negative impact assessment results have on educators, schools, districts, and communities, IDOE will advocate for responsive legislative action.

“While the 2019 ILEARN results do not provide a true reflection of the performance of Indiana’s schools, they do once again show us the importance of developing a modernized state legislated accountability system that is fair, accurate, and transparent,” said State Superintendent Dr. Jennifer McCormick.

“With this in mind, the Department will propose the following legislative actions: place a ‘hold harmless’ year on 2018-2019 letter grades, pause intervention timelines for all schools, and provide the State Board of Education with emergency rulemaking authority to review and reestablish the state accountability system. The success and wellbeing of our students, educators, and schools are dependent upon these actions.”

Mandated during the 2017 legislative session, ILEARN was created to serve as a replacement for ISTEP+. ILEARN assesses CCR content standards in English/language arts and mathematics in grades 3-8, science in grades 4 and 6, high school biology, social studies in grade 5, and U.S. Government in high school. 

The state’s new assessment went through several significant shifts, including:

  • The development of content priorities defined with the assistance of Indiana educators,
  • Computer-adaptive functionality, 
  • Integration of new accessibility features such as translated glossaries, and a Spanish translation option, and 
  • Reporting aligned to rigorous CCR indicators as early as grade 3.

Indiana policy recommendations emphasized a shift in rigorous expectations to reflect meaningful data and the identification of support for future student success. 

In addition, assessment and adaptability features allow ILEARN to better measure each student’s CCR level of mastery, while identifying where additional instruction may be necessary. 

ILEARN achievement levels include: Below Proficiency, Approaching Proficiency, At Proficiency, and Above Proficiency.

WSLM Oldest NASCAR Broadcaster in Midwest; Honored at Darlington

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WSLM was recognized Sunday at the Darlington Raceway for being one of eleven radio stations in nine states that have broadcast NASCAR races since 1970 when MRN was founded. 

In fact, station owner Rebecca White said WSLM was the longest-running NASCAR station in the Midwest. 

Hanging out with MRN Announcer Rusty Wallace.
Getting a tour of the garage area with Chris McKee from MRN
Met lots of drivers from the past and present. Here we talked with Bobby LaBonte before the introduction of the racing legends.

“My dad – Don H. Martin – started the station in 1953 and began broadcasting races from the local tracks in Southern Indiana as well as Indy 500 races,” said White. “In 1970 WSLM signed up with the newly-created Motor Racing Network, which was started by NASCAR founder Bill Frances.”

In 1981, when Performance Racing Network was founded, WSLM began a 38-year relationship with them as well to bring 100 percent of all NASCAR racing to the Kentuckiana area. 

Motor Racing Network partnered with Spire Motorsports as the sponsor of the No. 77 Motor Racing Network Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, driven by Reed Sorenson, for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series (MENCS) Bojangles’ Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway.

The livery will pay tribute to MRN’s 50 years as “The Voice of NASCAR” and celebrated 11 radio stations who have carried and supported NASCAR racing since the network’s inception.

MRN’s 50 Year Partners:

  • WBKR-FM, Owensboro, KY
  • WBTR-FM, Carrollton, GA
  • WDEV-AM/FM, Waterbury, VT
  • WESC-FM, Greenville, SC
  • WJCW-AM, Johnson City, TN
  • WMMY-FM, West Jefferson, NC
  • WMTN-AM, Morristown, TN
  • WNDB-AM, Daytona Beach, FL
  • WSLM-AM/FM, Salem, IN
  • WUSQ-FM, Winchester, VA
  • WWGP-AM, Sanford, NC

“Our radio partners are the original ambassadors of Motor Racing Network and this sport,” said Cheryl Knight, Director of Radio Partnerships. “Every one of our 600 stations has played a significant role in MRN’s growth and success.  Having 11 stations air our broadcasts consistently since 1970 is remarkable and we were proud to honor them this weekend by placing their call letters on the No.77 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet.”

The car finished 30th in the rain-delayed race that ended early Monday morning. 

White said she was honored to tour the historic Darlington track and meet drivers, team members and track managers from all around the nation. 

“Everyone was here,” said White. “There were so many from NASCAR’s history here for this race. Just being part of the energy at the track, in the stands and in the pits was extremely exciting. The track is only three years older than WSLM – having been built in 1950 and will be celebrating its 70th anniversary next year. WSLM will cross that milestone in 2023.”

While many teams throwed back to “old school” paint schemes and team sponsors, Spire Motorsports felt nothing said “throwback” more than the historic radio network, formed in Daytona Beach, Florida in 1970.  

“The Motor Racing Network has brought us all so many great calls over the years”, said Spire Motorsports co-owner Jeff Dickerson. “It’s a true honor to collaborate with MRN and celebrate such an incredible milestone at Darlington Raceway. We all have memorable moments that have been narrated by some of the most iconic voices in the sport. Honoring 50 years of MRN is really special.” 

Although it will be a first for the network to call a race with an MRN car in the field, the nostalgia of the Southern 500, made it an easy decision. “We jumped at the opportunity to partner with Spire Motorsports and Darlington Raceway to celebrate Motor Racing Network’s 50th year during the Bojangles’ Southern 500 weekend,” said Chris Schwartz, President, MRN. “The car looks terrific and represents so many talented folks that have worked for, and on behalf of, the network for five decades.”

 

Washington County Sheriff’s Department – 9-3-19

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August 29

Salem Police Department

Ervin C Martin, 56, Salem

  • Failure to Appear – Leaving the scene of an accident

August 30 

Salem Police Department

Nickale KayLynn Morris, 20, Mitchell

  • Theft

August 31

Washington County Sheriff’s Department

Joshua Raymond Spradlin, 26, Salem

  • Domestic Battery
  • Strangulation

September 1

Washington County Sheriff’s Department

Kennan Nicholas Hemmingway, 22, Sellersburg

  • Sexual misconduct with a minor – person at least 21 with child between 14-16
  • Child solicitation – person at leaast 21 solicits child between 14-16

Randall Arlin Ziegler, 39, Scottsburg

  • Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated
  • Operating While Intoxicated Per Se – BAC .15 or above 

Kayla Marie Craven, 31, Salem

  • Theft

Casey J Gabbard, 40, Seymour

  • Carrying a handgun without a permit
  • Operating While Intoxicated Per Se
  • Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated
  • Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated With a Previous Conviction

Indiana State Police

Regina Kaye Campbell, 32, Salem

  • Possession of Meth
  • Maintaining a Common Nuisance
  • Possession of Marijuana, Hash Oil, Hashish or Salvia
  • Possession of Paraphernalia with Prior unrelated judgement or conviction for possession of paraphernalia

September 3

Washington County Sheriff’s Department

Monica Belle McKeehan, 41, Salem

  • Disorderly Conduct
  • Resisting Law Enforcement

 

Former Salem High School Student Arrested For Sexual Misconduct With A Minor

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The Washington County Sheriff’s Department arrested a 22-year-old man early Sunday after caught with a naked underage teen in his vehicle.

He was a member of the Salem High School Class of 2016. 

According to the Washington County Sheriff’s Department, on Sunday, Sept. 1 just after 2 a.m., deputies responded to East New Cut Road to investigate a suspicious vehicle.

As deputies headed to the location, they spotted a vehicle that matched the description of the reported suspicious vehicle.

The vehicle was parked at Mt. Hebron Church.

The officers approached the vehicle and found 22-year-old Kenneth Hemmingway, who authorities say was partially clothed.

Police say the officers also found an unclothed 15-year-old girl.

Hemmingway was arrested and charged with three counts of sexual misconduct with a minor and three counts of child solicitation.

Hemmingway is being held at the Washington County Detention Center.

Owensboro Man Arrested after Early Morning Chase

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mEarly this morning at approximately 3:10, Trooper Otolski was patrolling in the area of Bell Road and SR 261 when he observed the driver of a white Ford F150 pickup truck fail to signal.

Trooper Otolski activated his emergency lights to conduct a traffic stop, but the driver accelerated north on SR 261 and then turned east onto Robin Hill into South Broadview subdivision.

The driver turned off the vehicle’s headlights and disregarded several stop signs before finally stopping on Oak Lawn west of Lenn Road. The driver exited the vehicle and was arrested without further incident.

The driver was identified as Adam Rankin, 49, of Owensboro, KY.

Warrick County Sheriff’s Deputy Spaulding and his K-9 arrived to assist.

While walking around the vehicle the K-9 alerted to the presence of narcotics inside the vehicle.

A search revealed two bottles containing meth.

Rankin was transported to the Warrick County Jail where he is currently being held on bond.

Arrested and Charges:

  • Adam Rankin, 49, Owensboro, KY
  • Resisting Law Enforcement, Class 6 Felony
  • Possession of Methamphetamine, Class 5 Felony
  • Reckless Driving, Class A Misdemeanor

Arresting Officer: Trooper Kyle Otolski, Indiana State Police

Assisting Agencies: Warrick County Sheriff’s Department and Newburgh Police

All Indiana Farmers Eligible for Up To $500,000 in Loans For Failed Crops

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Governor Eric J. Holcomb today announced that Indiana farmers are eligible for assistance under a secretarial natural disaster designation by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

This was in response to a letter Gov. Holcomb sent to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue in July, requesting assistance due to the excessive rain and flooding farmers experienced during planting season.

“I am grateful that Secretary Perdue and his team recognized the hardships Hoosier farmers experienced this planting season,” Gov. Holcomb said. “As a result of this designation, farmers in all 92 counties are now eligible for assistance, and I encourage those impacted to work with their local Farm Service Agency office.”

Seventy-four counties were designated as primary natural disaster areas. USDA deferred its decision on the remaining 18 counties. However, since they border one or more of the primary disaster areas, they are considered contiguous disaster counties – allowing farm operators in those areas to be eligible for the same assistance.

Under a secretarial natural disaster designation, farm operators in primary and contiguous counties are eligible for assistance from the Farm Service Agency, provided certain requirements are met. This includes access to low-interest FSA emergency loans, which may be used to: restore or replace essential property, pay all or part of production costs associated with the disaster year, pay essential family living expenses, reorganize the farming operation, and refinance certain debts.

In order to qualify, farm operators must show at least a 30 percent loss in crop production or a physical loss to livestock, livestock products, real estate or chattel property.

Farmers can borrow up to 100 percent of actual production or physical losses to a maximum amount of $500,000, according to USDA.

“This has been an unprecedented year for Indiana farmers,” said Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch, Indiana’s Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development. “I applaud Governor Holcomb, the Indiana Farm Service Agency and our state department of agriculture for making this assistance available.”

In addition to emergency loans, farmers with existing FSA loans, who are unable to make their payments, may be eligible to have certain payments deferred. Farmers are encouraged to work with their local FSA office for assistance regarding payment forbearance or emergency disaster loans.

“Farmers, who have been doing this their entire lives, acknowledge this has been one of the toughest seasons on record, and we’re not in the clear yet,” said Bruce Kettler, Indiana State Department of Agriculture Director. “While we know this isn’t a cure-all solution, this assistance is welcome news and will help those severely impacted.”

For a list of Farm Service Agency offices in Indiana, click here or visit www.fsa.usda.gov, or click herefor more information about FSA’s Emergency Farm Loans. Deadline to apply for emergency loans is April 29, 2020.

Click here to read the letter from the USDA, which includes the list of counties.

Patoka Lake youth dove hunt drawing cancelled

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Patoka Lake’s youth dove hunt drawing at the former R.A. Walton Farm in Crawford County scheduled for Sept. 1 has been canceled, but the area will be open for non-draw hunting during legal hunting hours that day.

The dove hunt drawing at Jackson State Recreation Area (SRA) in Orange County in the Wildcat Cove Hunter Check Station #17 parking area will be held as scheduled. Around 15 to 20 groups are expected to be drawn.

The drawing at Jackson SRA will be at 6 a.m. and have hunting hours of 6:30 a.m. to noon.

The hunt at Jackson SRA will have a maximum of two hunters per stake. All fields surrounding the controlled sunflower fields will have the same hours.

There will be no “stand-by” or refilling of shooting stations if there are early departures. All fields will be considered open hunting starting Sept. 2. Shooting hours will be a half hour before sunrise until sunset.

Hunters need to purchase the proper licenses and stamps and have their Federal Harvest Information Program (HIP) number. Hunters will be limited to 50 shells. Hunters must utilize size 6 or smaller non-toxic shot and are required to have their firearm plugged so it can only contain three shells at a time.

Tillery Hill State Recreational Area will also host a non-draw hunt opportunity on Sept. 1. There will also be a three-acre field at Hunter Check Station #6, and a two-acre field near Osborne Boat Ramp on W. Newton Stewart Road.

Hunters are strongly encouraged to wear blaze orange clothing for safety as other users may be in the fields and area.

Patoka Lake (on.IN.gov/patokalake) is at 3084 N. Dillard Road, Birdseye, IN 47513.

To view all DNR news releases, please see dnr.IN.gov.

PTO Secretary Arrested For Making Unauthorized Purchases from School Account

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A 36-year-old PTO secretary was arrested for making unauthorized purchased from the school PTO account.

Arrested and Charged was Stephanie Rhoton, 36, Oakland City, IN

  1. Fraud on a Financial Institution, Class 5 Felony
  2. Fraud, Class 6 Felony

State Police Detective Tobias Odom initiated a criminal investigation on August 13th after receiving information that unauthorized purchases were recently discovered on the Wood Memorial PTO bank account.

During the investigation, Detective Odom revealed the PTO secretary, Rhoton, 36, made several unauthorized purchases between July 8 and July 24 totaling over $4,180.

One unauthorized purchase was for parasailing while recently vacationing in Daytona Beach, FL.

After reviewing the criminal investigation, the Gibson County Prosecutor’s Office issued a warrant for Rhoton’s arrest.

She was arrested this afternoon after turning herself in at Oakland City Police Department.

Rhoton was taken to the Gibson County Jail where she is currently being held on bond.

Investigating Officer: Detective Tobias Odom, Indiana State Police

Amy Marie Payne Purlee, age 52, of Salem

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Amy Marie Payne Purlee, age 52, of Salem, Indiana passed away on August 29, 2019 at her residence. 

Born November 29, 1966, she was the daughter of Henry Payne and Betty Ann Faust Payne who are both deceased.  On September 8, 2006, she married Jeff Purlee, who passed away July 26, 2019. 

Amy was a CNA at Meadow View Health & Rehab and Salem Crossing and was a member of Mt. Hebron Church. 

Survivors include 1 son, Jason Michael Porter (Natasha Eversole); 1 brother, Mike Payne; 5 sisters, Levy Shroeder, Sharon Cooper, Betsy Senn, Angela Stroud, and Michelle Boso; and 3 grandchildren, Elizabeth Ann Porter, Kaison Eversole, and Kinsley Eversole. 

The funeral service will be Sunday at 2:00 p.m. at Mt. Hebron Church near Little York. 

Visitation will be Saturday from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Hughes-Taylor Funeral Home in Salem and Sunday from 1:00 p.m. until time of service at the church. 

Burial will be at Mt. Hebron Cemetery.  Brother Rodney Sweeney will officiate.

Couple Arrested for Growing and Dealing in Psychedelic Mushrooms

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On Tuesday, August 27, 2019, Troopers from the Sellersburg All Crimes Policing (ACP) squad arrested a Charlestown couple for growing and dealing psilocybin (psychedelic mushrooms) and possession of marijuana.

Psilocybin is a Schedule I drug, according to Indiana State Police Sgt. Carey Huls. 

Schedule I drugs are defined as drugs having no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. 

Acting on a tip, Trooper Brett Walters and Sergeant Katrina Smith of the Sellersburg ACP squad arrived at 274 Woodridge Drive in Charlestown to investigate possible drug activity.  

Information gathered and observed while at the property prompted officers to seek a search warrant, which was granted by a Clark County judge and immediately served. 

As a result of the investigation, Troopers arrested Jedidiah Lee Adams, 29, and Bailey Michelle Rutkowski, 31, both of 274 Woodridge Drive for the following:

  • Manufacturing and Dealing in a Schedule I Drug – Level 5 Felony
  • Neglect of a Dependent – Level 4 Felony
  • Possession of Marijuana – B Misdemeanor
  • Possession of Paraphernalia – C Misdemeanor

Both subjects were transported and incarcerated at the Clark County Jail.