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By Sgt. Carey Huls, Indiana State Police Public Information Officer, Sellersburg District

A Michigan driver was arrested following a brief pursuit on I-65 southbound in Scott County early Wednesday morning.

The incident began shortly after 4 a.m., Wednesday, Oct. 2, when the Indiana State Police Dispatch center in Versailles received information of a dark-colored passenger car speeding southbound near the 45 mile marker south of Seymour. The caller advised the vehicle was speeding and had no headlights or taillights on.

Sergeant Tracy Spencer from the Indiana State Police Post in Sellersburg responded to the area and observed the car traveling southbound near the 35 mile marker. The vehicle, a blue 2015 Ford Focus, quickly approached from the north, and Sergeant Spencer clocked the vehicle at 118 mph. The car had only its emergency flashers illuminated at that time and was in the left lane. When Sergeant Spencer pulled out to stop the Focus, the driver, later identified as 55-year-old Joseph Lee Strain of Hudsonville, Michigan, continued southbound without slowing. Sergeant Spencer witnessed the vehicle passing other traffic and pass two semi-trucks on the right by driving in the emergency lane and the Austin exit on-ramp merge lane. Strain then allegedly turned off the vehicle's emergency flashers, and the Focus continued southbound without slowing and with no lights illuminated.

As the car approached the 32 mile marker, the vehicle's lights came on and the driver slowly pulled to the side of the roadway and came to a stop. Joseph Strain was taken into custody without further incident and taken to the Scott County Jail.

Sergeant Spencer was assisted by officers from the Scott County Sheriff's Department and the Scottsburg City Police Department.

Joseph Strain is charged with Resisting Law Enforcement with a Vehicle- Level 6 Felony, Reckless Driving – C Misdemeanor, Possession of Marijuana – A Misdemeanor, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – C Misdemeanor, and Maintaining a Common Nuisance – A Misdemeanor.

“All subjects are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.”

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SalemLeader.com is now updating Mugshots everyday, Mondays through Fridays.

Arrests made over a weekend will appear in the following Monday’s group of mugshots.

All mugshots and arrest information is obtained directly from the Washington County Detention Center's public records.

Those arrested, in most cases, are just facing charges at this point, and are to be considered innocent of those charges unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. Charges are often dropped or lessened.

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1. BBB warns consumers of potential scams surrounding Hurricane Helene relief efforts. Do not click on unsolicited links for donations, and always review a charity or non-profit first before making donations. More information on safe giving here: https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/30870-bbb-tip-advice-on-hurricane-helene-relief-donations

2. BBB warns consumers to be on the lookout for storm chasers after severe weather. Know your rights as a consumer, and don't fall for pushy sales tactics when arranging for home repairs. Always check out a company or contractor at bbb.org first before signing a contract or hiring.

3.A tractor repair company in Lebanon, KY alerted BBB that they had been receiving phone calls regarding farm equipment sales. A scammer had set up a fake company using the legitimate company's name and listed the company's physical address on a scam website. BBB warns consumers and businesses to be on the lookout for imposter scams like this one.

4. A consumer contacted BBB regarding an employment scam encountered on Facebook. The consumer was contacted on Facebook about a job opening that turned out to be a scam. BBB warns consumers to be wary of unsolicited messages on social media regarding job opportunities. Always verify a company first before applying.

5. A consumer alerted BBB of a TikTok shopping scam. After watching several videos and reels of a necklace, the consumer attempted to buy the necklace online but never received the product. They were also provided with fake tracking information. BBB reminds consumers that scammers can easily create and share flashy videos on social media. Always check a company first on bbb.org before buying.

6. A consumer contacted BBB about a Vera Bradley website scam. The consumer attempted to purchase discounted products but never received the ordered items. BBB reminds consumers to be wary of any name brand or high end products listed at extremely low prices, especially on third-party sites.

7. BBB continues to receive multiple consumer reports regarding Publisher’s Clearing House scams. The real Publisher’s Clearing House does not contact winners by phone or email, and any lottery or contest that requires consumers to pay money upfront in order to receive a cash prize is likely a scam.

8. BBB is receiving more reports of puppy scams involving Facebook groups and/or accounts claiming to sell purebred pups. However, victims never receive the animals and are typically scammed out of hundreds of dollars. BBB reminds consumers to always see an animal in person before purchasing, and to check a breeder’s rating and credentials.

9. A consumer reported a scam Medicare phone call to BBB. BBB reminds consumers never to give out Medicare numbers (or other personal information) to unsolicited callers.

10. A consumer reported an employment scam to BBB that involved the name of a legitimate company. BBB warns consumers to verify that a company is actually hiring before responding to a recruiter or headhunter.

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With November 5 rapidly approaching, it is crucial to plan on going out to vote. However, in order to do so, you have to know your voting location. Below is a list of all precincts in Washington county along with their respective voting locations.

The Washington County Clerk’s Office reminds voters that polls are open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., and to have their identification with them upon arriving at the election polling site. If you have any questions or are unsure of your voting precinct, contact the Washington County Clerk’s Office at (812) 883-5748 ext. 1128 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

SALEM I, II, III, & IV. (Everyone who lives within the Salem City Limits)

Salem Armory

1100 N. Shelby St., Salem

WASHINGTON I, III, & IV. (Everyone who lives within Washington Township)

Fairgrounds 4H-Building

118 N. Fair St., Salem

BROWN/VERNON TOWNSHIPS

Community Building

125 S. Sycamore St., Campbellsburg

FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP

Franklin Township Firehouse

7047 E. SR-160, Salem

GIBSON TOWNSHIP

Gibson Township Firehouse

571 N. SR-39, Little York

HOWARD TOWNSHIP

Howard Township Firehouse

5279 S. Beck’s Mill Rd., Salem

JACKSON TOWNSHIP

Jackson Township Firehouse

4330 E. Martinsburg Fire Rd., Pekin

JEFFERSON/MONROE TOWNSHIPS

Monroe Township Firehouse

8382 N. Lick Skillet Rd., Vallonia

MADISON TOWNSHIP

Livonia Firehouse

383 E. Main St., Campbellsburg

PIERCE/POLK TOWNSHIPS

Pekin Park Community Building

340 S. Park St., Pekin

POSEY TOWNSHIP

Fellowship Baptist Mission Center

9271 W. US-150, Hardinsburg

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Three blood drives are planned in Washington County in October.

Dates and locations include:

Wednesday, October 2
Southern Hills Mennonite School
4164 Hardinsbusg-Livonia Road
Campbellsburg, IN. 47108
3-7 p.m.

Monday, October 21
First Baptist Church of Salem
205 North High Street
Salem, IN. 471 67
1-6 p.m.

Tuesday, October 29
Salem High School
700 North Harrison Street
Salem, IN. 47167
9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood. It is essential for surgeries, cancer treatment, chronic illnesses, and traumatic injuries. Whether a patient receives whole blood, red cells, platelets or plasma, this lifesaving care starts with one person making a generous donation.

Blood Supply Statistics
The Red Cross provides about 40% of our nation’s blood and blood components, all from generous volunteer donors. But supply can’t always meet demand because only about 3% of age-eligible people donate blood yearly. Each new donor helps us meet patient needs.

   •   Each year, an estimated 6.8 million people in the U.S. donate blood.
   •   13.6 million units of whole blood and red blood cells are collected in the U.S. in a year.
   •   About 45% of people in the U.S. have Group O (positive or negative) blood; the proportion is higher among Hispanics (57%) and African Americans (51%).
   •   Type O negative red cells can be given to patients of all blood types. Because only 7% of people in the U.S. are type O negative, it’s always in great demand and often in short supply.
   •   Type AB plasma can be transfused to patients of all blood types. Since only 4% of people in the U.S. have type AB blood, this plasma is usually in short supply.
   •   Red blood cells must be used within 42 days (or less).
   •   Platelets must be used within just 5 days.
   •
Facts About Blood Needs
   •   Every 2 seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood and or platelets.
   •   Approximately 29,000 units of red blood cells are needed every day in the U. S.
   •   Nearly 5,000 units of platelets and 6.500 units of plasma are needed daily in the U.S.
   •   Nearly 16 million blood components are transfused each year in the U.S.
   •   Sickle cell disease affects 90,000 to 100,000 people in the U.S. About 1,000 babies are born with the disease each year. Sickle cell patients can require blood transfusions throughout their lives.
   •   The average red blood cell transfusion is approximately 3 units.
   •   A single car accident victim can require as many as 100 units of blood.
   •   Blood and platelets cannot be manufactured; they can only come from volunteer donors.
   •   The blood type most often requested by hospitals is type O.
   •   One donation can help save more than one life.
   •   According to the American Cancer Society, more than 1.9 million people are expected to be diagnosed with cancer in 2023. Many of them will need blood, sometimes daily, during their chemotherapy treatment.