Falling snow and falling temperatures led to several accidents around the county Sunday night; including one that sent a Salem woman to the hospital. 

About 6:10p, Salem Police, Washington County Sherrif’s Department and Washington County EMS responded to a one-vehicle accident that closed State Road 60 for an hour

According to Sherrif’s Deputy, Nathan Maudlin, the 2003 Lincoln driven by 80-year-old Harold Humphrey, was Westbound on SR 60 East coming into Salem. 

“Mr. Humphrey drove onto the Blue River bridge, which was extremely slick,” said Maudlin. “He said the back end started sliding, and he completely lost control.”

The Lincoln hit the guardrail, then rode up on the guardrail, according to Maudlin. “Eventually it flipped over and down the hill and came to rest on its top.”

Salem Firefighters had to cut into the vehicle to remove Humphrey and his wife, Priscilla, 75, both of Salem. 

An air ambulance was called to come up from Louisville, but could not travel because of the weather. 

Priscilla was extracted and left the scene in an ambulance. Mr. Humphrey was able to walk away and taken to the Sherrif”s Department to await a ride.

Other wrecks were reported on Voyles Road and around Washington County. 

The National Weather Service predicted about an inch of snow Sunday night and that coupled with falling temps below freezing caused slick spots on roads and bridges. 

Indiana lawmakers are one step closer to passing a new tax that will increase the price of gas, increase vehicle registration fees, and open the door for statewide tolls on Indiana highways.

If it passes, the state tax on gasoline, diesel, and other motor vehicle fuels would increase by 10 cents per gallon. It would also annually increase by one cent to adjust for inflation.

Indiana motorists would also pay an extra $15 in vehicle registration fees at the BMV. Motorists with electric cars would pay an additional $150 in fees.

House Bill 1002, sponsored by Rep. Ed Soliday (R-Valparaiso), passed the House Roads and Transportation Committee on Wednesday by an 8-5 margin.

The proposal now heads to the Ways and Means Committee before going to the full house.

Lastly, the governor would also have the ability to implement tolling without the approval of state lawmakers.

New details and charges on two Salem brothers who were arrested late Friday evening on multiple drug charges including finding heroin, meth and pot. 

Robert Baker, 25, was arrested and incarcerated at the Washington County Jail on the charges of:
Dealing in a Narcotic Drug, Felony
Dealing in Methamphetamine, Felony
Possession of a Narcotic Drug, Felony
Possession of Methamphetamine, Felony
Neglect of a Dependent, Felony
Maintaining a Common Nuisance, Felony
Possession of Marijuana, Felony
Possession of a Controlled Substance, Misdemeanor
Possession of Paraphernalia, Misdemeanor
 
Clinton Baker, 31, was arrested and incarcerated at the Washington County Jail on the charges of:
Cultivating Marijuana, Felony
Possession of Marijuana, Felony
Maintaining a Common Nuisance, Felony
Possession of Paraphernalia, Misdemeanor

A trooper from the Indiana State Police Post at Sellersburg along Washington County Sheriff’s Deputies were investigating alleged illegal drug activity at a residence located 2690 Beeline Road in Salem.

Officers made contact with the occupants of the home, Robert Baker and Clinton Baker.

After speaking to them, a search of the home, their persons and vehicles was completed.

During the search officers located over 10 grams of suspected Heroin, 21 grams of suspected Methamphetamine, 13 Marijuana plants, weighing scales, and other drug paraphernalia. 

Named to the team from BNL are: Jackson Bartlett, Joe Jackson, Owen Walker, Jacob Ramsey and Andrew Hsu.

From Mitchell is Tyler Kirk’s second time to be recognized.

To make Academic All-State, players must achieve an SAT score of 1,660 or higher (now adjusted for the new two-subject SAT), maintain a GPA of 3.4 or higher, and play in at least 70 percent of the team’s games.

Salem’s retail development is continuing to expand with plans to add a strip mall next to Walmart and the relocation of a regional Texmex favorite. 

The Salem Plan Commission reviewed and approved site plans for a Tumbleweed Restaurant and a retail development plan for new stores at Settlers Crossing.

According to city officials, the new Tumbleweed restaurant will be located near the Cobblestone Hotel and Suites off State Road 56, replacing the former Tumbleweed restaurant that burned in September 2014.

Work is moving forward at that location. 

The restaurant will have approximately 5,295 square feet of space, with one adjoining retail space of 2,200 square feet. The parking lot will have 72 spaces.

The new retail plans at Settlers Crossing, will be built behind the new Taco Bell near the WamMart supercenter.

The plans include 7-9 units with a total square footage of 16,800 and 159 parking spaces. Currently, tenants will include a cellular phone, clothing and shoe store.

An additional 10,000 square foot building is to be located next to the Walmart building in the original Settlers Crossing plans.

Currently, tenants will include a cellular phone, clothing and shoe store.