This morning, shortly after 4:30 am, the Indiana State Police responded to a personal injury crash on I-65 Southbound near the 43 mile marker.  As a result of the crash, a hazardous material spilled which led to the southbound lanes of I-65 being closed.

The crash, which involved three semi-tractor trailers, began when a tractor trailer rear ended two other tractor trailers who were stopped due to a previous crash.  The collision caused one of the trailers to leak a hazardous chemical being hauled.  A passenger in one of the vehicles suffered non-life threatening injuries and was transported to a local hospital.

Both lanes of Southbound I-65 were closed from the time of the crash until 10:30 am, when the left lane was opened.  The right lane remains closed at this time while the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) and private environmental cleanup company work to contain the chemical spill and offload the contents of the leaking trailer.

During the road closure, traffic was diverted off of I-65 at US 50, to US 31 South, to State Road 250, and then back on I-65 South at the 41 mile marker.  The northbound lanes of I-65 were not affected.  The chemical spill is not believed to be a threat to area residents or other passing motorists.

Both lanes of Southbound I-65 near the 43 mile marker are expected to be fully opened this afternoon.

More information, including the names of the drivers and injured, will be sent out later today.

The investigation is ongoing.

Tuesday around noon, the Indiana State Police and Dearborn County Sheriff’s Department responded to a single vehicle crash on US 50, east of Station Hollow Road after a passerby observed a vehicle inverted down an embankment. 

A Lawrenceburg, Indiana woman was found deceased near the vehicle.

The initial investigation by Trp. Matt Holley, Indiana State Police, determined that a 2001 Toyota passenger car driven by Cynthia A. McCool, age 55, Lawrenceburg, Indiana was traveling westbound on US 50. 

For an unknown reason, McCool’s vehicle left the north side of the road, overturned, and traveled down an embankment. 

The vehicle rolled which ejected McCool from the vehicle.  The vehicle then came to rest on its top. 

As a result of the crash, McCool sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Dearborn County Coroner’s Office.

It is unknown what time the crash occurred although the investigation has determined that it occurred sometime between 8:00 am and 12:00 pm.  The vehicle was positioned in a location which made it difficult to see from US 50.

It is unknown if alcohol or drugs were involved.  Investigators do not believe that any other vehicles were involved.  There were foggy conditions in the area with reduced visibility this morning which may have played a factor in the crash.

Cynthia McCool’s family has been notified.

The investigation is ongoing.

The Indiana State Police was assisted by the Dearborn County Sheriff’s Department, and the Dearborn County Coroner’s Office.

The Washington County Historical Society is proud to announce the arrival of our 5th coin in the Washington County Commemorative Coin Collection.

This beautiful 2” pewter coin features our namesake, the Notable Native, John Milton Hay, who was born in Salem, in 1838, and
became a noted diplomat, political figure and author. Mr. Hay’s service included; President Lincoln’s private secretary, Ambassador to England, and Secretary of State, for Presidents;
William McKinley and Theodore Roosevelt.

The reverse side of the coin is the centerpiece of the John Hay Center, the John Hay Birthplace, originally constructed in 1824, and setting its authentic location at 108 South College Avenue.

All coins from the collection, including the 2.5” County courthouse coin, are still available for purchase, but supplies are limited. All proceeds will go to benefit the preservation needs of the
John Hay Center.

Coins are available for $15 each and are going fast! Pick yours up at the Stevens Museum, located at 307 E. Market St. Salem, IN., during normal operating hours, Tuesday through Saturday, 9am to 5pm.

The Orleans Chamber of Commerce has announced plans in full swing for the upcoming 50th Annual Orleans Dogwood Festival. A special kick off planning meeting was held late last year with event chairpersons, sponsoring organizations and chamber representatives to officially begin planning for the event. 

The Dogwood 50 Planning Committee will meet again on January 22^nd 7 p.m. at Orleans Town Hall to continue working out details for this year’s festivities.

Dates for the 50th anniversary of the celebration the blooming of the dogwood will be April 21-28. Chamber Executive Director Robert Henderson said the first Dogwood Festival was held in 1968 and began as a three day event. Orleans was officially proclaimed as “Indiana’s Dogwood Capital” by then Governor Ed Whitcomb in 1970. Since then the dogwood has become the trademark of Orleans. Henderson said he hopes the entire community will join in making this year’s homecoming event one of the best ever. “We hope to add a number of special anniversary activities throughout the festival’s run.”

New offerings will include a 50th Anniversary Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre for the last weekend.  A special Postmark celebrating “Indiana’s Dogwood Capital” will be offered along with other commemorate type souvenirs.  Organizers hope to bring back some festival favorites from the past such as the Dogwood Golf Scramble.

Festival organizers have announced the general theme for the celebration will be, “Celebrating the blossom for a season-Celebrating the memories for a lifetime.”

Chamber officials are calling for citizens past and present to assist in planting 50 new Dogwoods early this spring throughout the town to commemorate the occasion. Trees will be made available for purchase in advance. The original plantings of trees began in the mid to late 1960s by what was once known as “Operation Dogwood.”

Chamber representatives are hoping community members will come forward with memorabilia and memories from the past 50 years for a special historic display. Some of the items being sought include any good photos from early festivals, past queens, parades and souvenirs through the decades.

Kick off events will include a reunion of all former Dogwood Queens, past general chairpersons. Opening ceremonies will also include entertainment from some very special celebrity guests to be announced.

The 50th Annual Dogwood Parade will be held on April 28th 2 p.m. and will include a number of anniversary surprises. The civic and business community are being encouraged to participate in the Golden Anniversary Celebration by entering and participating the Parade this year.

To stay up the latest Dogwood news visit www.orleansdogwoodfestival.com

Indiana State Sen. Erin Houchin (R-Salem) made the following statement today 
regarding Gov. Eric Holcomb’s 2018 State of the State Address:

 “As Gov. Holcomb addressed the Indiana General Assembly and Hoosiers across Indiana during his State of the State address, it was encouraging to hear of the successes of our state, and his vision to take Indiana to the next level.

“I am especially pleased with Gov. Holcomb’s focus on combating our increasing drug epidemic, and am proud to be the author of Senate Bill 221, which has been included on his 2018 Next Level Agenda.

“By reforming Indiana’s Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (INSPECT) and requiring prescribers of opioids and benzodiazepines to search a patient’s previous prescription history, we can determine if individuals are ‘doctor hopping’ for multiple prescriptions, are using their prescriptions at a rate higher than recommended, or are at risk for an overdose.

“Attacking the opioid epidemic at the source – the prescription pad – is a vital step in our efforts to halt addiction before it starts and cut back on the number of dangerous pills flowing into our communities.

“I am thankful to Gov. Holcomb for including this legislation on his agenda, and am looking forward to working on this and other issues along with my colleagues in the General Assembly.”