There is a boil water advisory for parts of the City of Salem beginning tonight (Wednesday, Sept. 25).

According to Russell Brown, Salem Water Distribution Superintendent and Water Treatment Superintendent, there is a boil water advisory for customers living East of State Road 135 and “everyone South of East Market Street.”

Brown said the boil water advisory was on until further notice. 

“I will have to run samples and get them to the lab,” Brown said. “I’ll take two consecutive samples which will be 24 hours per set of samples. It will take at least 48 hours.”

Brown said he will know something Saturday morning. 

Brown said a 12-inch main on High Street broke this afternoon.

“It was about a 12-15 foot split down the side of the main,” said Brown. “The city workers had to cut in and replace that. it’s dangerous and rough. There’s a lot of pressure on that main.” 

Residence in this area should boil tap water vigorously for at least one full minute prior to using it for drinking or cooking (the minute starts when the water begins to bubble). This includes water used for brushing teeth, making ice, washing raw foods, preparation of drinks, and water for pets.

Wait for the water to cool before using it, or store it in the refrigerator in a clean container.

Governor Eric Holcomb has declared September 22-28, 2019 as Indiana Rail Safety Week in conjunction with the U.S. and Canada Rail Safety Week that will take place in all 50 states and Canadian provinces.

The goal is to increase rail safety awareness by working collaboratively on national rail safety week. Indiana State Police, Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT), local law enforcement agencies and railroad companies have partnered together to raise awareness about the dangers of disregarding railroad crossing laws and trespassing on railroad property.

“Every three hours, a vehicle or person are hit by a train in the United States,” states Jessica Feder, Executive Director, Indiana Operation Lifesaver. 

“Indiana law enforcement agencies and railroad special agents will be out monitoring railroad crossings and checking for trespassers during rail safety week. We want the public to know how important it is to pay attention at railroad crossings and that trespassing on railroad tracks and property is dangerous and illegal.” 

Indiana Operation Lifesaver has scheduled numerous enforcement blitzes throughout the state involving law enforcement agencies and an event with Amtrak called Operation Clear Track.

There will be public safety announcements throughout the state, safety information distributed at college campuses, booths at statewide festivals and events, social media campaigns, messages on the INDOT dynamic highway signs, first responder training, and Operation Lifesaver signs at crossings where multiple train versus vehicle collisions have occurred.

Indiana Operation Lifesaver is taking a proactive lead in the elimination of crossing collisions and trespasser fatalities.

In 2018, there were 150 railroad crossing collisions resulting in 54 people injured and 17 fatalities in the state of Indiana. Indiana is currently ranked 3rd nationally for railroad crossing collisions. The Hoosier State had 12 trespasser deaths last year as well as seven injuries.  

“Our goal is to keep Hoosiers safe at crossings and near train tracks,” said Jessica Feder. “We encourage everyone to make safe decisions and pay attention at all railroad crossings and near railroad property. It could save your life!”

Indiana Operation Lifesaver is a non-profit organization dedicated to eliminating collisions, deaths and injuries at highway-rail grade intersections and on railroad rights-of-way through public education, engineering and enforcement. 

To learn more about Indiana Operation Lifesaver, please visit us online at www.oli.org or call 812-528-4327.

Crews will be on-site Thursday, September 26, at the I-65 bridge over S.R. 46 in Columbus (Exit 68) to conduct a biannual bridge inspection. A number of lane restrictions and ramp closures will be in effect while the inspection is completed.

The following I-65 ramps will be closed from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursday, September 26:

• I-65 SB to S.R. 46 EB
• I-65 NB to S.R. 46 WB
• S.R. 46 EB to I-65 NB
• S.R. 46 WB to I-65 NB

S.R. 46 will also be restricted to two lanes in each direction from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for the inspection.

Motorists should slow down, use extra caution and drive without distractions in the work zone. All work is weather dependent. In the event of inclement weather, the inspection will take place on Friday, September 27.

The Annual Orleans Fall “Town-Wide Clean Sweep,” has been set for the week of October 7^th and community leaders are encouraging all local residents to participate in the clean-up efforts.

Town crews will be picking up any large type items of discard free of charge this week. Discard items should be placed curbside for easy pickup.

In addition, a large dumpster has also been set at the Orleans Town Garage for resident use as well through Noon on this Saturday.

Residents are strongly encouraged to bring any unwanted or small junk type items they want to dispose of and place in the dumpster.

The Orleans Chamber of Commerce is also participating in this special community event and asking everyone’s help to make our hometown beautiful by taking the time to clean up, spruce up, fix up, and paint up all around town that week. Youth groups, service groups, business people, families and churches are welcome and urged to help sweep the town clean for the fall and winter months ahead.

In addition, in preparation for the upcoming Orleans Fall Fun Fest in the Park on October 12^th Chamber representatives are encouraging residents and business owners alike to dress up their properties with fall décor i.e. pumpkins, mums, scarecrows,  stray bales, fodder shocks, etc.   

To arrange for pick up of items or for more information on the “Fall Clean Sweep” contact the Orleans Town Offices at 812 865-2539 or visit the town’s website at www.town.orleans.in.us

A lengthy joint investigation between the Indiana State Police DES and Indiana State Police Bloomington District A.C.E.S. culminated on Friday night, September 20^th, with two Bedford residents being arrested for dealing methamphetamine.

The following arrests were made as a result of the investigation and traffic stop:

Tracy D. Sego

1. Dealing Methamphetamine, Level 2 Felony
2. Possession of Methamphetamine Over 28 Grams, Level 3 Felony

Kenzie D. Cox

1. Dealing Methamphetamine, Level 2 Felony
2. Possession of Methamphetamine Over 28 Grams, Level 3 Felony

Both Sego and Cox were incarcerated at the Lawrence County Jail.

Information was obtained that Sego, 52, of 17^th Street in Bedford was allegedly dealing large quantities of methamphetamine in Lawrence County.

The investigation included traffic stops and interviews.

On Friday night, just after 9:15 pm, Indiana State Police Sgt. Greg Day and Trp. Chance Humphrey observed Sego driving a black, 2004 Dodge Dakota northbound on VFW Road, crossing State Road 60 East.

As the troopers caught up to the Dodge, Sgt. Day observed an item being thrown from the passenger side door into the woods. Sgt. Day and Trp. Humphrey conducted a traffic stop.

Sego was the driver and had a female passenger, Cox, 25 yrs old of Norton Lane Bedford.

Both Sego and Cox displayed indicators of criminal activity and both appeared extremely nervous.

Troopers requested the assistance of the Lawrence County Highway Interdiction Team (HIT) and a short time later, HIT team members, Mitchell Police Officer Shaun Cabral and Lawrence County Prosecutor Investigator Greg Hagen, arrived at the scene of the traffic stop. 

Officer Cabral deployed his canine partner, “Jack”, who gave a positive alert for the presence of narcotics in the truck.

Officers located a container with a small amount of methamphetamine along with a bottle of legend drug prescription pills, for which neither Sego, nor Cox had a prescription.

Sgt. Day went back to the area where he observed an item being thrown from the Dodge and located a make-up bag, which contained 107 grams of methamphetamine.

Under the Law, criminal charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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