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September 23, 2024: A southern Indiana woman was killed, and two others received severe injuries in a two-vehicle, head-on crash Monday afternoon just east of Salem.

The Washington County Sheriff’s Department and other emergency personnel responded to the crash shortly after 5:00 Monday afternoon. The crash was located on SR56 just east of Heritage Chapel Road and was blocking all lanes of the roadway. One driver was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash and the second driver along with his passenger were rushed to University Hospital in Louisville. The Washington County Sheriff’s Department requested the ISP Sellersburg Crash Reconstruction Team to investigate. Troopers Tate Rohlfing and Ben Davis then responded to the scene.

As a result of the investigation, officers believe a red 2008 Toyota passenger car was traveling eastbound on SR56 just east of Heritage Chapel Road. The Toyota was driven by 27-year-old Hanah Marie Davis of Scottsburg, Indiana. As the Toyota continued eastbound, the vehicle crossed over the centerline and collided head-on with a westbound, gray 2022 Jeep Gladiator. Tragically, Hannah Davis was killed as a result of the collision. The two occupants of the Jeep were rushed by ambulance to University Hospital in Louisville with serious, but non-life-threatening injuries. Both occupants were also from Scott County.

The roadway remained closed for over three hours during the investigation. Officers from the Washington County Sheriff's Department, the Salem Fire Department, and the Washington County Coroner’s Office assisted at the scene.

Troopers from the Sellersburg Post notified the family of the deceased Monday evening.

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UPDATE 10/03: This event has been cancelled due to a lack of actors.

By Jerry Curry, Staff Writer

Washington County Theatre in conjunction with Eastern Cemetery will have an evening historical walk through the cemetery Friday October the 4th and Saturday the 5th. This cemetery is located at 641 Baxter Ave. Louisville, KY.

This guided tour is not scary but introduces roughly 9 characters buried there. Participants will learn the history and meet some of these individuals buried in the cemetery. Hear them tell their stories as never before.

Eastern cemetery is 28 acres of over buried graves. The cemetery has 16,000 graves with documentation of over 138,000 bodies. Nobody claims Eastern Cemetery and it is cared for by volunteers, “Friends of Eastern Cemetery.” The tours are a fund-raising event for both parties.

With this being the second year for the event, Andy Harpole of Friends of Eastern Cemetery said, “Last year was so successful that we invited them back again.” Charity Main, who is in charge of the actor’s portion, said, “About 100 – 150 people take the guided tours, with every third person carrying a lantern.”

About 18 actors take part in the event. All are dressed in period-accurate attire. The same group has been doing Crown Hill Cemetery in Salem for the last 10 years.

Eastern is located at 641 Baxter Ave, next to Cave Hill Cemetery. The first tour is 7:30 pm. and the last tour begins at 10:30 pm. The admission is $15 per adult (13 yrs and older) $12 per child (ages 6-13). Free for children 5 and under. They take Cash or Venmo. Tours start every ten minutes and last approximately one hour.

Public Safety

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Every year, 2,100 North Americans are killed or seriously injured when they engage in unsafe behavior around tracks and trains. Indiana Operation Lifesaver is joining Operation Lifesaver Inc. (OLI) and State Operation Lifesaver Programs across the nation during the week of Sept. 23-29 to observe Rail Safety Week, urging the public to help #STOPTrackTragedies. Operation Lifesaver Canada and the Mexican Association of Railroads (AMF) are simultaneously observing Rail Safety Week in Canada and Mexico, partnering in the U.S. mission to raise awareness, educate and save lives.

In Indiana each year, approximately 100 people are killed or injured in grade crossing and trespassing incidents.

Said Indiana Operation Lifesaver Executive Director Jessica Feder, “Indiana Rail Safety Week activities in Indiana will emphasize community education events along with social media activity sharing the lifesaving rail safety education message.” “We are kicking off the week today with a state Indiana Rail Safety Week proclamation. Through rail safety education during this week and every day, we are empowering Indiana residents to make safe choices around railroad tracks and trains and to help keep their communities safe.”

During Indiana Rail Safety Week, new social media graphics, videos and public service announcements (PSAs) will be released. Two new videos will be launched as part of the ongoing #STOPTrackTragedies campaign, featuring personal stories of people who have been directly affected by rail crossing or trespassing incidents — including victims, friends and family members, locomotive engineers and first responders. The full campaign can be accessed at oli.org/stop-track-tragedies or stoptracktragedies.ca.

In Indiana and across the U.S., the following themes and messaging will be emphasized:

Monday, Sept. 23 kicks off the week with the overarching theme of #STOPTrackTragedies and a focus on Media Outreach and Proclamations in states and localities. OLI will release two new #STOPTrackTragedies video public service announcements (PSAs).
Tuesday, Sept. 24 focuses on the annual observance of Operation Clear Track in the U.S. and Canada emphasizing the importance of obeying crossing safety and anti-trespass laws. Law enforcement partners will conduct awareness exercises, Officer on the Train activities and other in-person positive enforcement events, as well as join first responders sharing rail safety education messages through social media, emails and website posts.
Wednesday, Sept. 25 highlights Crossing Safety, with outreach to the public including driver education students, drivers of all ages, shift workers, school bus drivers and farmers as well as outdoor enthusiasts, highlighting the importance of the Blue and White Emergency Notification System (ENS) signs at crossings.
The themes for Thursday, Sept. 26, Transit Safety Thursday and Professional Driver Safety, showcase how to stay safe as a rail commuter or transit rider, as well as safe choices around railroad dtracks and trains for professional drivers. Transit riders will be encouraged to take and share OLI's transit safety pledge.
Friday, Sept. 27 focuses on Volunteering with Operation Lifesaver, Inc. along with Wearing Red or "Red Out" for Rail Safety by encouraging partner safety organizations, schools, railroad employees and the public to wear red and share photos on social media.
Saturday, Sept. 28 highlights Trespass Prevention, educating pedestrians, cyclists, joggers, college students, people experiencing homelessness and outdoor enthusiasts about the dangers posed by being on or near the tracks.

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Sunday, Sept. 29 promotes No Photo, Video or Selfie is Worth the Risk, to warn professional and amateur photographers as well as social media influencers against putting themselves or others in danger by illegally taking photos, videos, or filming near tracks and trains.

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The Indiana State Police is accepting applications for the 87^th Recruit Academy for traditional and lateral applicants. Individuals interested in beginning a rewarding career as an Indiana State Trooper must apply online at IndianaTrooper.com. This website provides a detailed synopsis of the application process and information on additional career opportunities with the Indiana State Police. Applications must be submitted electronically by 11:59 pm (EST) on Sunday, October 13, 2024.

Probationary Troopers graduating from the 87^th Recruit Academy, who successfully complete their Field Training Officer (FTO) program, receive a $5,000.00 dollar one-time cash bonus (taxable) in addition to their regular salary.

Included Benefits:

Post-9/11 GI Bill Benefits during the academy and probationary year.
Military and Law Enforcement service purchase options. Service Purchase Calculator
NEW take-home patrol vehicle issued after completing the FTO period (includes off-duty use).
Uniforms and over $9,000 of NEW equipment are issued at no cost.
3 hours of on-duty physical training per week.
40 paid days of leave annually and 150 hours of New Parent Leave per qualifying event.
Health/Vision/Dental and Life Insurance options for actives and retirees.
Lifetime pension and deferred compensation w/State matching.
Endless Opportunities and Career Advancement.

Basic Eligibility Requirements and consideration factors for an Indiana State Trooper:

Must be a United States citizen.
Must be at least 21 and less than 40 years of age when appointed as a police employee. (Appointment date for traditional applicants is July 17, 2025)
Must meet a minimum vision standard (corrected or uncorrected) of 20/50 acuity in each eye and 20/50 distant binocular acuity in both eyes.
Must possess a valid driver's license to operate an automobile.
Must be willing, if appointed, to reside and serve anywhere within the State of Indiana as designated by the Superintendent.
Must be a high school graduate as evidenced by a diploma or general equivalency diploma (GED or HSE).

Current Law Enforcement Officers:

Current Law Enforcement Officers must be full time merit law enforcement officers with a minimum of three continuous years of law enforcement service as of December 11, 2024, and if they choose, they will be assigned to the district where they currently reside.

Current Out of State Law Enforcement Officers with a minimum of three continuous years of merit full time law enforcement service as of December 11, 2024, if they choose, may be afforded their district of choice if their home state certification is determined equivalent to the Indiana Law Enforcement Training Board standards.

Recruits in the lateral academy will have periodic structured performance reviews with the Training Academy staff. Performance expectations for graduation on June 5, 2025, will be continually monitored. If your performance does not meet the criteria for graduation as determined by the Superintendent, you will have the option to continue in the traditional recruit academy with a graduation date of July 17, 2025.

*Note: Lateral Police Officers must be at least 21 and less than 40 years of age when appointed as a police employee on June 5, 2025.

Recruits of the 87^th Recruit Academy are offered an excellent health care plan, including medical, dental, vision, and pharmacy coverage for current and retired employees, along with their families, until reaching age 65. The Indiana State Police pension program provides a lifetime pension after 25 years of service. Additionally, the Indiana State Police Department provides comprehensive disability coverage and a life insurance program. Student loan forgiveness programs are being offered at this time through the following: https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service

Interested applicants can obtain additional information about an Indiana State Trooper career by visiting IndianaTrooper.com. Applicants can also contact a recruiter at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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The Salvation Army in Southern Indiana will accept applications for the Angel Tree program for families living in Floyd, Clark, Crawford, Scott, Harrison, and Washington Counties beginning October 1. Angel Tree provides clothing and gifts for children from birth to age 16.

Families in Floyd, Clark, Crawford, Scott, Harrison, and Washington counties may apply online at www.sanewalbany.org.

Online registration will be available from October 1, 2024, until the program reaches capacity.

Families may also choose to apply in person in their county of residence by calling 812-944-1018 for an appointment. In person appointments are available for the following times:

Floyd, Clark, & Harrison: Oct. 15 or 17, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at 2300 Green Valley Rd, New Albany.

Scott: Oct. 7, 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. at 485 Mann Ave, Austin.

Crawford: Oct. 7 or 8, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. at 1449 Hardy Rd, Marengo.

Washington: Online only. Call 812-883-1637 for help.

Applicants should have all necessary documents ready at time of application including ID for the head of household, proof of address for head of household, birth certificate or custody documents for each child from birth- age 16, and all clothing and shoe sizes for each child registered.

The Salvation Army is also securing sponsors for the Angel Tree program. Groups wanting to adopt 5 or more angels should contact our office at 812-944-1018 to sign up. Individual angels will be available for adoption at Green Tree Mall or at our main office from Nov 23- Dec 8. Individual angels can also be adopted online at www.sanewalbany.org.

Persons interested in volunteering to help with the Angel Tree program should call the main office at 812-944-1018.

For more information, call our office at 812-944-1018.