An illegal immigrant who killed another man in Columbus, Indiana, in exchange for $3,200 must continue serving a 55-year sentence after Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita’s legal team prevailed at the Indiana Court of Appeals.
“Our office works hard to keep Hoosiers and their loved ones safe from a wide array of wrongdoers, ranging from white-collar crimes to outright killers,” Attorney General Rokita said. “A big part of that work includes keeping dangerous lawbreakers off the street through our handling of criminal appeals. In this case, we’re dealing with someone who broke our laws from the very start by entering our country illegally. Then, as happens far too often, this offender proceeded to commit a violent crime.”
The killer, Eliel Avelar, appealed, asking the appellate court to review his sentence. He argued that his mental health issues called for a lower sentence. The appellate court did not find this persuasive.
“[H]e does not explain how these mental health issues render his sentence inappropriate,” the Indiana Court of Appeals stated in its ruling
The court also found that his immigration status did not reflect well on his character. “Moreover, Avelar ignores that he was in the United States illegally,” the court stated. The court cited past precedent affirming that a “defendant’s unlawful immigration status is a valid aggravating factor because it demonstrates a disregard for the law.”
In 2020, Avelar agreed to accept $2,000 from another man who wanted someone to harm his ex-girlfriend’s new boyfriend. Two weeks after agreeing to physically harm the new boyfriend, Avelar went beyond the agreement and murdered Leobardo Flores, fatally shooting him.
Avelar then demanded and received more money for the slaying — to the tune of another $1,200.
Three others confessed to playing roles in the crime.
INDIANAPOLIS – Most people look at the day’s forecast to determine how to dress or whether to carry an umbrella, but knowing the air quality forecast can be just as important when planning the day.
That’s why the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) recently upgraded its SmogWatch Air Quality Forecast website, SmogWatch.IN.gov, to provide more straightforward information when an Air Quality Action Day (AQAD) is forecasted within Indiana.
“This improved site allows Hoosiers to use one central resource for air quality information and data,” said IDEM Commissioner Brian Rockensuess. “We encourage all Hoosiers, especially those who are more sensitive to air quality conditions, to visit the new SmogWatch.IN.gov and sign up for alerts.”
IDEM announces AQADs when agency meteorologists forecast ozone or fine particulate matter levels in Indiana that are at or above the U.S. EPA's Air Quality Index (AQI) range for unhealthy for sensitive groups.
IDEM encourages Hoosiers to take to take the following actions on AQADs:
- Take appropriate health precautions by reducing or avoiding exertion or heavy work outdoors;
- Follow the pollution prevention tips for ozone and particulate matter provided by IDEM; and
- Follow advisories from appropriate authorities, including local health departments.
Website improvements include a new design and a modern look allowing users to view air quality monitor readings and forecasts for the current and the following day on one screen. Additionally, a colored banner appears whenever IDEM forecasts an AQAD. Pop-up windows with additional information keep the screen decluttered while allowing users access to more details. The new website is also mobile-friendly.
Starting this year, AQAD announcements will be easier to read and refer Hoosiers to a new fact sheet that contains expanded information and suggested actions everyone can take to improve air quality on AQADs and beyond. Hoosiers can sign up for air quality alerts and download the factsheet at SmogWatch.IN.gov or download the fact sheet directly at on.IN.gov/aqadfacts.
IDEM forecasts Air Quality Action Days year-round for fine particulate matter and March 1-Oct. 31 for ozone. Other factors may influence overall air quality.
Twelve Indiana FFA members from across the state are preparing for the opportunity to serve as an Indiana FFA state officer for the upcoming year. After a week of engagement during the 95th Indiana FFA State Convention June 17-20 in West Lafayette, seven individuals will be selected to fulfill the roles of president, secretary, northern region vice president, southern region vice president, treasurer, reporter and sentinel.
The candidates will participate in a rigorous interview and selection process, with the chosen candidates being announced on the final day of the convention, Thursday, June 20.
“Indiana FFA students represent our state so well, it is a pleasure to see so many students that strive for excellence,” said Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, Indiana’s Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development. “I look forward to working with the seven individuals selected to lead Indiana FFA this next year.”
Once selected, the newly-elected officers will embark on a year of service, providing direction and overseeing the development of the student-led organization, which has more than 14,000 members statewide.
Along with promoting FFA, agriculture and agricultural education, a majority of their responsibilities include conducting FFA chapter visits, facilitating leadership conferences, and hosting career and leadership development events, to name a few.
“There are so many well-qualified individuals vying to represent Indiana FFA on the state level,” said Don Lamb, Indiana State Department of Agriculture Director. “It will be a difficult task trying to choose just seven students to lead this state. I wish them all the best of luck on representing Indiana FFA.”
The 12 Indiana FFA State Officer candidates are:
- Stephanie Berenda, South Newton FFA
- Rylan Cooper, Warsaw FFA
- Noah Butler, Prairie Heights FFA
- Ethan Wolheter, Prairie Heights FFA
- Kira King, Lebanon FFA
- Makayla Hitt, Sullivan FFA
- Cale Williams, Terre Haute South FFA
- Sienna Alexander, Monrovia
- Garrett Bolin, Indian Creek FFA
- Camille Thopy, Southwestern Shelby FFA
- Christina Caldwell, Connersville FFA
- Kyatalin Baker, Switzerland County FFA
The 2024-2025 Indiana FFA state officer team will be announced on June 20 on inffa.org and on Indiana FFA’s social media channels.
1. BBB received a report from a local consumer of an elaborate employment scam on Facebook that cost the consumer over $5,000.BBB warns consumers to be wary of any online job opportunity that appears too good to be true, and that requires the consumer to pay money in order to receive money.
2. A consumer searching online for used car parts was scammed out of $195 and never received the ordered item. BBB warns consumers to always check business profiles at bbb.org before buying.
3. A consumer reported a fake family emergency call to BBB. The consumer was contacted by a scammer claiming to be his son calling from the scene of an auto accident. The consumer then spoke with an “attorney” claiming to represent his son who was also a scammer. BBB warns consumers to never send money over the phone. If you receive a call regarding a family emergency that sounds suspicious, hang up and contact the individual directly to verify.
4. BBB warns consumers to be on the lookout for medical bill scams. If you receive a bill, verify the claim first, look up the customer service number listed on the bill and make sure it’s registered with an official business, don’t give in to scare tactics, and guard your personal information.
5. BBB warns consumers to be on the lookout for customer service imposters. Red flags include “representatives” who don’t know any details about your account, who ask for information not needed to handle your issue (such as your Social Security Number), or who say you need to pay money to resolve your issue. Never allow anyone remote access to your device, and always contact a company directly if you need to speak to their customer service department.
6. BBB received a report of a Geek Squad invoice scam from a consumer. Invoice scams attempt to scare consumers into thinking they have been charged a large amount for a service or item they did not purchase; when the consumer calls the number on the fake invoice, a scammer then attempts to steal their personal or financial information. If you receive a suspicious invoice, do not call the number listed. Check your bank account or credit card statement for any unknown charges.
7. Scam Publisher’s Clearing House phone calls are on the rise again in BBB’s service area. As a reminder, the real Publisher’s Clearing House only contacts winners by mail, not by phone or text. Any “sweepstakes” that claims you need to pay money upfront to claim your winnings is very likely a scam.
8. BBB warns consumers of a phishing scam that claims a process server is looking for you. The scam starts with an intimidating phone call saying a debt collector needs immediate payment or a police officer has a warrant for your arrest. Don’t engage with these phone calls and don’t give out personal or financial information. If you think there’s a chance someone has filed a lawsuit against you, check your local court’s website.
9. Multiple consumers have reported online shopping scams to BBB this month, wherein the victims never receive the ordered item or any kind of refund for a missing item. BBB reminds consumers to research companies first at bbb.org before ordering online, and to always pay by credit card in case you need to dispute a charge.
10. As we enter summer vacation season, BBB warns consumers to beware of online hotel booking scams. Only book hotels through official websites, research any hotel or business you aren’t familiar with, and pay with a credit card.
About one in 10 Americans over the age of 60 have experienced abuse. On Elder Abuse Awareness Day this Saturday, June 15, we promote a better understanding of the abuse and neglect of our elderly individuals.
As people age, they may be at higher risk of facing certain types of abuse. Older members of our communities can experience neglect, physical, emotional, financial, or sexual abuse. Facing this abuse has serious health, financial, and social consequences, including physical injuries, premature death, depression, cognitive decline, financial ruin and placement in nursing homes. The abuse of our elderly not only affects older individuals, but also has an impact on all of us.
“It is imperative we take care of and look after our elderly,” says Prosecutor Tara Coats Hunt. “When our elderly adults face neglect or abuse, we lose their valuable participation in our communities. By creating a community where elderly individuals feel safe and appreciated, we will be blessed with their positive contributions to our community.”
It’s important to know how to identify, address and prevent abuse in the elderly of our community. We should learn the signs of abuse, which include physical signals like unusual weight loss, the absence of physical aids like glasses or medications, unexplained injuries and unattended medical needs. Emotional and behavioral signs of abuse may include increased fear or anxiety, isolation and unusual changes in behavior or sleep. Financial signs of abuse may also be present, involving fraudulent signatures on financial documents, unusual or sudden changes in spending patterns, or unpaid bills.
No matter our age, it is up to all of us to prevent and address elder abuse. Look for warning signs, call, and visit loved ones to prevent isolation, talk to friends and family about how to watch over our elders, and be a friendly face to the older individuals of our community.
If you are experiencing abuse or suspect abuse of an elderly person, the Indiana Adult Protective Services (APS) and the Indiana Long-Term Care Ombudsman program can help. Visit the APS website or call (812) 883-5988. In cases of urgent danger, call 911 or contact local law enforcement.
Emergency Responders & City Employees To Get Pay Raise
19 Sep 2024
Officials Review Loan, Rate Increase In Numbers
19 Sep 2024
ICJI: Proper Car Seat Use And Installation Can Make A Life-Saving Difference
18 Sep 2024
Washington County Relay For Life Seeking Volunteers
17 Sep 2024
INDOT To Host Winter Hiring Events
17 Sep 2024
YMCA Seeks Partners For Halloween Candy Trail
16 Sep 2024
Syria Christian Church Members Clean Up Paoli
16 Sep 2024
CAST Must Rely On Local Funding
16 Sep 2024
Governor Holcomb Issues Proclamation For Forensic Science Week
16 Sep 2024
Majority Vote Rezones East Meadow View
13 Sep 2024
NEW SalemLeader.com Goes Live This Weekend!
13 Sep 2024
Grain Truck Overturns On E. Miller Saw Mill Rd.
11 Sep 2024
10th Annual Historical Cemetery Walk This Friday & Saturday
10 Sep 2024
2024 Presidential Election Public Test Scheduled For September 19th
10 Sep 2024
Two Arrested For Drug Dealing Following Investigation
05 Sep 2024
CAST Offers Two Fund-Raising Events
05 Sep 2024
Campbellsburg Country Festival Parade To Be September 21st
05 Sep 2024
Campbellsburg Town-Wide Yard Sale To Be September 20-21st
05 Sep 2024
Campbellsburg Country Festival Baking Contest September 21st
05 Sep 2024
Campbellsburg Miss Country Girl Pageant On September 12th
05 Sep 2024
Salem Tractor Supply To Host Pet Treat Tasting Event September 7th
05 Sep 2024
Choices Offers Free Resources & Healthcare
05 Sep 2024
Up to $100K in Grants Available from IDEM’s Community Recycling Grant Program
04 Sep 2024
Paul Humphrey Benefit Ride September 28th
04 Sep 2024
Beer On The Bricks September 28th
03 Sep 2024
Washington County Farmers Market Held Saturday Mornings
03 Sep 2024
Friday Night On The Square Will Be September 20th
03 Sep 2024
The Washington County Chamber of Commerce is hosting Friday Night on the Square on September 20th from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. around the Courthouse.
Attendees can expect shop booths, food trucks, and various activities to keep the whole family entertained. Come out to show support for the community!
Beck's Mill Artist Series Session On September 22nd
03 Sep 2024
Campbellsburg Country Festival Will Be September 20-21st
03 Sep 2024
The 2024 Campbellsburg Country Festival is celebrating its 30th year this year! Join fellow community members at the Community Building, located at 21 W Oak St, Campbellsburg, for entertainment, music, a parade, craft & commercial vendors, food, and more. This two-day festival begins September 20th and ends on the 21st.
Southern Indiana Junior Rodeo Association To Host 5th Junior Rodeo September 14th
03 Sep 2024
John Hay Center To Host Author's Fair September 7th
03 Sep 2024
"Baby Box" Available In Salem
03 Sep 2024
He's Unmasked! Scotty Spears Is Batman!
03 Sep 2024
Lisa Krussow's Mission Is To Promote Patriotism
03 Sep 2024
Needs Info For School Song Project
30 Aug 2024
CASI's Festi-Fall Is Oct. 18 In Jeffersonville
30 Aug 2024
Beck's Mill 5K Run/Walk Is September 14
29 Aug 2024
Venison Processing Workshops
29 Aug 2024
Beck's Mill's 216th Birthday Photos
27 Aug 2024
Money And Energy Saving Tips From Duke Energy
27 Aug 2024
Hoosiers Can Dial 2-1-1 To Find Local Cooling Centers This Week
26 Aug 2024
Bad Apple: Walmart Recalls Apple Juice Due To High Arsenic Levels
23 Aug 2024
Drugs On The Streets
23 Aug 2024
Indiana Chamber Water Study Reveals Strong Supply, Need for Future Planning
21 Aug 2024
August Is Child Support Awareness Month
21 Aug 2024
County Blood Drives For September
21 Aug 2024
Washington County Business Recognized by Governor Holcomb
20 Aug 2024
Robbie Henson Memorial Annual Golf Scramble
20 Aug 2024
Lincks To Give Out T-Shirts This Football Season
19 Aug 2024
Salem High School Turf Field Dedicated To Jim Ralston
19 Aug 2024
Ogle Center Announces 2024-25 Season
16 Aug 2024
Indiana Chamber Of Commerce To Hold Press Conference Regarding State Water Supply
16 Aug 2024
Up to $100K in Grants Available from IDEM’s Community Recycling Grant Program
16 Aug 2024
September Is Indiana Archaeology Month
16 Aug 2024
Historic Preservation Fund FY2025 Grant Applications
16 Aug 2024
Preserving Historic Places Conference 2024
16 Aug 2024
Hoosier Janitor "Cleans Up" On America's Got Talent
15 Aug 2024
Free Movie "Elemental" Rescheduled For Aug. 23
15 Aug 2024
DHPA Honors Historic Preservation And Archaeology Standouts
15 Aug 2024
County Supports Extensive Recycling Program
15 Aug 2024
Community Foundation of Southern Indiana Announces 3 New Board Of Directors Members
14 Aug 2024
Indigenous People Of Tribes Gathered At Fairgrounds
14 Aug 2024
Salem Man Arrested for Possession of Child Pornography
14 Aug 2024
Lincks Hosts "Educator Appreciation Night"
14 Aug 2024
Falls Of The Ohio State Park Hosts Digging The Past Event
14 Aug 2024
Livonia Fire & Rescue Yard Sale This Saturday
14 Aug 2024
Salem Speedway Releases Joe James/Pat O’Connor Memorial Event Logo
14 Aug 2024
Three Vehicle Crash With Minor Injuries
14 Aug 2024
INDOT Closure Planned On State Road 250 East
13 Aug 2024
Bridge Dedication For Veterans: Effort Underway
13 Aug 2024
Community Foundation Of Southern Indiana Scholarship Applications Now Available
12 Aug 2024
County Unemployment Rate is 4.1%
09 Aug 2024
The Washington County Economic Growth Partnership announced this week that the unemployment rate in the county is 4.1%, as of June.
For additional information, visit https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/INWSURN#
Over $41,500 Raised Locally For Children's Miracle Network
09 Aug 2024
Indiana To Expand Program For Expectant, New Mothers With Substance-Use Disorders
09 Aug 2024
Falls Of The Ohio Foundation To Host Michael Cleveland & Others For Benefit Concert
08 Aug 2024
Indigenous People Of Tribes Gathering
08 Aug 2024
INDOT To Begin Bridge Projects In Washington County
07 Aug 2024
County Blood Drives For August
07 Aug 2024
Judge Medlock Orders D. Anderson To Psychiatric Facility
07 Aug 2024
Fast Pace Health Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
07 Aug 2024
Plane Lands In Soybean Field
06 Aug 2024
Washington County Sheriff's Department Hosts Drive-Thru Drug Drop
06 Aug 2024
WCCF To Match Grant Donations 3:1
05 Aug 2024
CAST Seeks Sponsors For Fund-Raiser
05 Aug 2024
Please Submit Survey On Pekin July 4th Celebration
05 Aug 2024
$2 Million Provided To Indiana Food Banks Through State Department of Agriculture
05 Aug 2024
Digital Towns 2.0 Grant Applications Due Sept. 13
02 Aug 2024
Public Comments And Public Hearings On Proposed Rule Changes
01 Aug 2024
It’s Natural: Learn About Summer Fish Die-Offs
01 Aug 2024
Celebrate National Shooting Sports Month: Visit A Shooting Range Near You
01 Aug 2024
DNR Restricts Moving Live Wild Deer From Chronic Wasting Disease Positive Areas
01 Aug 2024
Salem Man Arrested For Impersonating A Public Servant
01 Aug 2024
Beck’s Mill 5K Run/Walk Grind XI Anderson-Goode Memorial Race Is Sept. 14
01 Aug 2024
Submit Your Observations To The 2024 Turkey Brood Count Through Aug. 1
31 Jul 2024
IN Dept. of Agriculture Features At State Fair
31 Jul 2024
Temple & Temple Donates To YMCA Building Campaign
31 Jul 2024
Homestretch Gives Students The Support They Need
30 Jul 2024
First Harrison Bank Pledges $50,000 to YMCA's Beth Armstrong- Y For All Capital Campaign
25 Jul 2024
State Fire Marshall's Message To Fire Fighters/EMS
25 Jul 2024
WCCF Awards $2,500 To Junior Achievement
25 Jul 2024
Vehicle Pursuit Sends Three To Area Hospital And One To Jail
25 Jul 2024
Timber Cleghorn Gives Personal History And Experiences Appearing On "Alone"
25 Jul 2024
Permit Numbers Up 23% In 2024 For Indiana
25 Jul 2024
Hardinsburg Man Charged With Child Molestation And Related Crimes
22 Jul 2024
Delaney Creek Park Traffic Creates Frustration, Record Profit
22 Jul 2024
“The Wizard of Oz” Comes to Washington County
19 Jul 2024
IDHS Requesting Volunteers To Participate In PFAS Testing Pilot Program
18 Jul 2024
Plans Revealed For Monon South Trail
18 Jul 2024
Free Family Movie Night Planned Aug. 2
16 Jul 2024
NLRB Overrules Metal Powder Products' Election Objections, Affirming Workers' Union Victory
16 Jul 2024
Operation Back To School Helps Veteran Families
16 Jul 2024
Conservation Record Broken By Hoosier Farmers And Landowners For Third Year In A Row
16 Jul 2024
Free Movie Night This Friday At Community Park
11 Jul 2024
Washington County Family YMCA Awarded Grant to Continue Substance Free Alternative Events
11 Jul 2024
Indiana Parks Alliance (IPA) Grants Benefit State Parks
10 Jul 2024
SalemLeader.com
Leader Publishing Company of Salem, Inc.
P.O. Box 506
117-119 East Walnut Street
Salem, Indiana. 47167
Phone: 812-883-3281 | Fax: 812-883-4446
Business Hours:
Mondays through Fridays, 9:00am - 5:00pm
News:
news@salemleader.com
Office:
office@salemleader.com
Publisher:
publisher@salemleader.com
Business
- More Business News
- Go To Guide
- Business Directory
- Real Estate
- Auctions
Education
- More Education News
Opinion
- Editorials
- Letters to the Editor
- Columns
- Unsung Heroes
- Days Gone By
- In the Garden
- Guest Columns
- Reader's Poll
- Salem Leader Forum
- Questions and Answers
Church
- Bible Aerobics
- Church News
- Church Directory