The Indiana Department of Transportation has scheduled its maintenance crews to chip seal State Road 56 next week from Livonia to Salem.
Motorists will be escorted through the work zone by INDOT pilot vehicles. Flaggers will be present at worksites.
The state plans to start its 2-day surface treatment operation next Wednesday (MAY 16)—weather permitting—along the 10-mile section of S.R. 56 in western and central Washington County. A fog seal of liquid asphalt spray will be applied at a later date.
Chip seal applications coat the roadway with liquid asphalt to seal cracks and protect the pavement from harmful ultraviolet rays—extending service life, lowering lower maintenance costs and helping to prevent late-winter/early-spring potholes. Small limestone chips cover the asphalt—providing adequate surface friction for driver safety.
In a big upset against two U.S. Representatives, wealthy businessman Mike Braun won Indiana’s high-stakes GOP Senate primary last night by 55,000 votes.
Braun defeated U.S. Reps. Luke Messer and Todd Rokita in what has been called the nation’s nastiest U.S. Senate primary.
Braun captured 189,908 votes (41.1 percent) and Messer and Rokita received 134,466 and 138,000, respectively.
The results represent a stunning rebuke of two sitting congressmen and a powerful indicator that the anti-establishment sentiment remains strong among Hoosier Republicans who helped catapult Donald Trump into the White House two years ago.
Braun will now face off against Sen. Joe Donnelly in the November election.
The race will be one of a handful that determine which party controls the Senate next year.
The trio participated in three live debates heard on WSLM during the spring.
In Washington County, Braun earned 111 votes (36.04 percent) while Messer took 95 votes (30.84 percent) and Rokita had 102 votes (33.12 percent).
Republican candidate for Washington County Sheriff defeated GOP challenger Deputy Wayne Blevins by 11 votes to move on to the fall election to face Washington County Deputy Sheriff Brent Miller.
Overshiner received 1,138 (41.26 percent) votes over Blevins’ 1,127 (40.88 percent) votes. Tracey England who ran on the Republican ticket only took 493 votes (or 17.88 percent).
Washington County Chief Deputy Brent Miller will advance to run in the fall election against GOP Challenger Roy Overshiner.
Miller defeated Democrat challenger William (Bill) Denham 1,217 (89.03 percent) to 150 (10.97 percent).
“It’s been a hard two days, but it’s been extremely worth it,” said Overshiner. “I hope to make the citizens of Washington County proud come this November.”
“I’m going to relax and then collect the signs I put out the last two days,” he said. “Then I’ll be back at work at the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy at 4p – like nothing happened. There are no words I can say…I want to thank everybody.”
Miller said “I’m pretty excited about it. Very humbled at the support that I’ve received since last summer since I decided to run this campaign. I truly appreciate votes that people made for me today…. vote of confidence for me that I can lead the sheriff’s department. that I can lead the sheriff’s department is very much appreciated.”
Republican candidate for Sheriff Roy Overshiner stands up at the end of the election after learning he won by 11 votes over challengers Tracey England and Wayne Blevins.
“We got to bed about 12:30a last night and got up early so we could be at the polls at 6a,” Miller said. “We couldn’t man all the polls today, but we were at most of them. It’s been a long, hot day. It’s been well worth it in the end. Appreciate all the workers who came out to the polls.”
In other races:
US SENATOR
(D) Joe Donnelly – 1,126 votes (100 percent)
(R) Mike Braun – 1,064 votes (40.30 percent)
(R) Luke Messer – 888 votes (33.64 percent)
(R) Todd Rokita – 688 votes (26.06 percent)
US REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT 9
(D) Dan Cannon – 328 votes (26.93 percent)
(D) Rob Chatlos – 53 votes (4.35 percent)
(D) Liz Watson – 837 votes (68.72 percent)
(R) James Dean Alspach – 594 votes (21.58 percent)
(D) Nicholas A. (Nick) Siler – 1,080 votes (100 percent)
(R) Erin Houchin – 2,430 votes (100 percent)
STATE REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT 73
(D) No Candidate
(R) Steve Davisson – 2,435 votes (86.13 percent)
(R) Buford L. Dewitt – 392 votes (13.87 percent)
PROSECUTING ATTORNEY
(D) – No Candidate
(R) – Dustin Houchin – 2,360 (100 percent)
COUNTY AUDITOR
Republican incumbent Auditor Randall Bills only received 914 votes (32.68 percent) and was defeated by County Recorder Kyra Stephenson who captured 1,883 votes (67.32 percent).
Stephenson will face former City of Salem Mayor Judy K. Chastain (D) in the fall. Chastain, who ran unopposed, received 1,171 votes.
COUNTY RECORDER
Terri L. Graves (R) defeated Tim Rodman (R) for the chance to run this fall against Democrat Lindsey Robbins who defeated challenger Anna Briscoe.
Graves took 1,552 votes (57.98 percent) over Rodman’s 1,125 votes (43.02 percent).
Tian Yuan, a producer of plastic resin materials, announced plans this morning to establish a new manufacturing facility in Salem, Indiana with hopes to create up to 35 new jobs by 2021.
The project is headed by Eugene and Denise Hsiao, who own Shaw Brothers Co., Inc., a recycling company in New Albany that serves China, Taiwan, Malaysia and Vietnam.
“Tian Yuan and Shaw Brothers are very pleased to be making this investment in Salem,” said Denise Hsiao, general manager for Shaw Brothers. “We look forward to growing our business and continuing to be a strong corporate citizen. We appreciate the assistance of the state of Indiana and the city of Salem for their willingness to work with us as well as providing a very warm welcome.”
Andrew, Eugene and Denise Hsiao (from left to right) along with others involved with Tian Yuan, along with Greg Fitzloff, spoke at a news conference this morning.The company will make packing pellets from recycled materials.
The Hsiaos are joined by son, Andrew, who said he was excited at the business, which will use recyclable materials from the Midwest. “That’s why we’re here – to keep plastic out of landfills and the ocean. I absolutely want to work towards that goal.”
Denise Hsiao said the company has expanded to Thailand, Philippine, Vietnam, Malaysia and Singapore over the last year. “Our clientele is being expanded [and] we hope by then to be able to expand bigger (in the US).”
“Right now we are receiving material in,” she said. “Machines will be set up this week and next week. We have hired a technician from China to set it up. Hopefully by the end of the month we will be operational. Hopefully in 2-3 years, we’ll have 35 employees. We are planning to have three shifts. Each shift we will have a certain amount of employees. Hopefully we’ll be able to expand.”
Denise said the company will be making pellets for packaging.
“We are making pellets and buying recycled materials from the middle of the US,” she said at a press conference earlier today at Salem City Hall. “The equipment will grind [the recyclable materials] and make them into pellets. Right now we will be shipping to Thailand, Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia and Singapore….hopefully will be able to sell to the US.”
Andrew said selling in the US would be down the road.
“We have the machinery to grind up the material, process it and pelletize it…but due to sometimes the type of material we have to work with, we can’t always reach the level of quality that is required in some of the major plastic extruders and molders in the US.”
He said the family hopes to be able to set up a lab, add additional machinery, and start reaching those qualifications to begin selling their product domestically.
“Right now we have roughly 1600 boxes in the warehouse,” Andrew said. “Each one weighing between 500-1000 pounds.”
“We’re hoping to be ready in about two weeks, said Denise. “About the end of May we’ll be doing the first productions. We started with 20,000 square feet, then added 2750 and then another 10,000 — which make it 37,500 total square feet. I think i’m going to add another 10,000. Right now it’s full of material. We don’t have the grinder yet…will be set up next week.”
City of Salem Marketing Director Greg Fitzloff said this was a welcome addition to the city.
“We very much appreciate your confidence, investment in Salem,” he told the Hsiao family. “We’re obviously delighted to have you here. We hope that your stay in Salem is as productive and fruitful as you believe it will be. We think it’s a great addition to the community. This is a tremendous partnership for the community. On behalf of the city, if there’s anything we can do to work with you or work with you, I hope you ask.”
Asked how they settled on Salem as a location, Denise replied, “It was a surprising thing. Since we started we were focusing in New Albany. In New Albany, all the warehouse space is set. For us, we didn’t know how big we needed. In Jeffersonville, they gave us opportunity, but not that flexible. We had to think about electricity….very costly to set electricity. For us to pick it up and move it, it would be more.”
Eugene Hsiao said they had worked with Walker Recycling in the past, and he suggested they open a business in Salem.
“We buy from him. He’s very friendly. Very helpful,” said Eugene. “We went to Indianapolis, different places to get materials. It costs a lot of money for shipping. Wanted to be in Indianapolis or North Carolina. Joe said, ‘you need to come here.’ The people are so nice. I’ve been in New Albany for 35 years. I’m from Taiwan. Here’s is my home town.”
“The reason we like it here is that it’s very welcoming,” said Denise. “I think the friendliness and willingness to work with us has been the major thing.”
The company, which was recently established as a joint venture with Shaw Brothers Co. Inc., will invest $2.3 million to lease and equip a 37,500-square-foot manufacturing facility at 410 S. High St. in Salem.
“Companies like Tian Yuan continue to find Indiana’s strong business climate, skilled workforce and vibrant communities as an equation for success,” said Indiana Secretary of Commerce Jim Schellinger. “We look forward to witnessing the good jobs Tian Yuan creates for Hoosiers in southern Indiana. We’ll do our part by continuing to promote Indiana as a destination for business, near and far, to attract the jobs of today and tomorrow.”
The new facility, which will begin production this month, will complement the Shaw Brothers’ production capabilities by producing plastic resin used for the extrusion process, mixing raw plastic materials.
The joint venture was formed to help meet growing demand from domestic and international customers as Shaw Brothers enters new markets.
Tian Yuan has already started to hire for sorting staff, production workers, material handlers and other operation professionals. Interested applicants may apply by email.
Shaw Brothers, an industry broker of plastic scrap and resins, established the new company, Tian Yuan, as a joint venture and to serve as a complement to its recycling division. Founded in 1985, Shaw Brothers buys and sells plastic materials through a network of domestic and international customers.
“The City of Salem is very pleased and appreciative of the jobs and investment that Tian Yuan brings to Salem,” said Salem Mayor Troy Merry. “We are looking forward to a long, positive working relationship. We are also appreciative of the efforts of the IEDC, our local economic development partners and the Salem City Council for their cooperative work to make this project possible. This project is one more tangible sign that our economic development efforts are paying off and Salem is continuing to grow.”
The IEDC offered Tian Yuan up to $140,000 in conditional tax credits and up to $20,000 in training grants based on the company’s job creation plans. These incentives are performance-based, meaning that until Hoosiers are hired, the company is not eligible to claim incentives. The city of Salem will offer additional incentives at the request of the Washington County Economic Growth Partnership.
As companies like Tian Yuan continue to establish operations in the Hoosier state, Indiana is taking the state’s workforce development to the next level with a focus on the key industries and high-demand jobs driving Indiana’s 21st century economy forward, such as advanced manufacturing. Next Level Jobs – which provides grants to employers and skill-seeking Hoosiers – is working to build Indiana’s workforce to help fill more than 1 million job openings expected to be created by 2025.
About Tian Yuan Tian Yuan was launched as a joint venture, partnering with Shaw Brothers Inc., a provider of plastic scrap and resins. Tian Yuan will complement the Shaw Brothers’ current capabilities by producing plastic resin for the extrusion process.
Polls are open across Indiana with 5,341 precincts taking votes until 6p this evening.
The below polling locations will be open in Washington County today.
Voters are reminded to bring their state issued I.D. with them to the polls.
If you have any questions, please contact the Washington County Clerk’s Voter Services Office at 812-883-5748 or email at voter@washingtoncounty.in.gov.
Highest All-Sources Wagering on Kentucky Derby Day program and Kentucky Derby race 157,813 Endure Wettest Kentucky Derby
Fans braved a steady all-day rain and the wettest Kentucky Derby ever as Justify captured the 144th Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve over a sloppy track. Attendance of 157,813, was the eighth highest attendance figure in track history.
Wagering from all-sources was the highest all-time on both the Kentucky Derby Day program and on the Kentucky Derby race.
Wagering from all-sources on the Kentucky Derby Day program totaled $225.7 million, an 8% increase over the 2017 total and previous record of $209.2 million. Wagering from all-sources on the Kentucky Derby race increased 8% to $149.9 million from the previous record of $139.2 million set last year.
TRACK PRESIDENT COMMENTARY “Congratulations to the connections of Justify on a very impressive performance to win the 144th Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve,” said Kevin Flanery, President of Churchill Downs Racetrack. “We were excited to introduce our latest round of renovations and our investments in the facility continue to pay off as we strive to improve the guest experience every year. A special thanks to the Louisville Metro Police Department for their efforts to deliver our new transportation improvement plan. Thanks and congratulations to our horsemen, employees and volunteers that made this an amazing Derby and a phenomenal opening to our 2018 Spring Meet.”
BUSINESS COMMENTARY “We are deeply grateful to all of the fans of the Kentucky Derby around the world who once again made this an amazing and memorable experience,” said Bill Carstanjen, CEO of Churchill Downs Incorporated (“CDI”). “We expect the Kentucky Derby Week Adjusted EBITDA to reflect another record with $11.0-to-$13.0 million of growth over last year.” The Adjusted EBITDA range includes approximately $2.5 million of favorability related to the adoption of the new revenue accounting standard ASC 606.
TWINSPIRES TwinSpires, the country’s leading online and mobile betting platform and the official betting partner of the Kentucky Derby and the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, recorded $39.2 million in handle on Churchill Downs races for the Kentucky Derby Day program, an increase of 15% over the prior year. TwinSpires’ handle on the Kentucky Derby alone race was $24.6 million, up 18% over 2017.
DERBY WEEK All-sources handle for Opening Night, Saturday, April 28, through Derby Day, Saturday, May 5, rose to a new record of $311.2 million, up 9% from the previous record of $285.1 million set last year. Attendance for those five days was 375,346, up 7% over 2017.
DERBY WINNER Justify, owned by Kenny Troutt’s WinStar Farm, LLC, Ah King Teo’s China Horse Club, Sol Kumin’s Head of Plains Partners, LLC, and Jack Wolf and partners’ Starlight Racing, and bred in Kentucky by John Gunther, cruised to win by two and a half lengths as the 5-2 favorite, returning $7.80 for each $2 win wager. Justify earned $1,432,000 for the victory, increasing his lifetime earnings to $2,098,000. The winner covered 1 ¼ miles over a sloppy track in 2:04.20 to remain undefeated with his fourth win in four career starts. Trainer Bob Baffert won the Kentucky Derby for the fifth time. His prior victories were with Silver Charm in 1997, Real Quiet in 1998, War Emblem in 2002, and American Pharoah in 2015. Jockey Mike Smith won the Kentucky Derby for the second time, winning previously on Giacomo in 2005. Justify is by Scat Daddy out of the Ghostzapper mare Stage Magic. Good Magic finished second and Audible finished third.
On Saturday, April 28th, 2018 the Indiana StatePolice participated in the 15th nationwide “Prescription Drug Take Back” initiative sponsored by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA.) The “Take Back” initiative seeks to prevent prescription drug abuse and theft.
Collection sites were set up nationwide for expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs to be turned in for destruction. This program is intended for liquid and pill medications.
The Indiana StatePolice set up collections sites at every post (except the Toll Road.) The Indianapolis post collected 150 pounds of medications between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday.
Statewide the Indiana StatePolice collected a total of 1,752 pounds of unused or expired medication. Below is a list of each locations results for Saturday.
The Scott County Partnership in collaboration with the Scottsburg Police Department and the Scott County Sheriff’s Department collected 241.4 pounds of medications.
Reserve Sheriff Deputy Ben Mills and Scottsburg PD Assistant Chief David Hardin assisted with collecting the unused, expired, and unwanted medications at Scottsburg Walmart.
Sixty people visit the booth.
Scott County turned in enough unwanted medications to fill 12 boxes, or 241.4 pounds.
It is the best turn out and most pounds ever collected during one of these events.
The Scott County Partnership would like to thank everyone who helped make this an amazingly successful event for Scott County.
Voters are reminded to bring their state issued I.D. with them to the polls.
Fans braved a steady all-day rain and the wettest Kentucky Derby ever as Justify captured the 144th Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve over a sloppy track. Attendance of 157,813, was the eighth highest attendance figure in track history.
