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By Indiana State Police

The Indiana State Police is proud to partner again in 2025 with the U.S. Department of Justice in promoting the National Missing Children’s Day Poster Contest. In 1983, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed May 25^th as National Missing Children’s Day. This day is dedicated to encouraging parents, guardians, caregivers and all concerned individuals with the well-being of children to make child safety a priority.

It serves as a reminder to continue our efforts to reunite missing children with their families and loved ones. It also serves as an occasion to honor those who are dedicated to this very noble cause. The National Missing Children’s Poster Contest provides an opportunity for schools, law enforcement, and parents/guardians to discuss and promote child safety.

The state winner will receive a national award certificate from the U.S. Department of Justice and their poster will be selected to go to the national judging competition. The national winner, along with his/her parents and teacher, and the state manager will be invited to Washington, D.C. to participate in the U.S. Department of Justice’s National Missing Children’s Day ceremony.

Some important facts about the contest:

There is NO LIMIT on the number of posters a school can submit.
Only one (1) poster per student is allowed for submission.
Students who submit posters MUST be in the 5th grade.
Artwork should reflect the theme “Bringing Our Missing Children Home”. This phrase MUST appear somewhere on the poster.
The theme may be depicted in the artwork through one or a combination of illustrations and can be created using media such as acrylics, watercolor, pencils, charcoal, magic markers, spray paint, crayons and pastels. Digitally produced images, collages, cut-outs and stamping WILL NOT be eligible for consideration.
The finished poster MUST measure 8 ½ x 14 inches.
The poster must be submitted with a COMPLETED application, which includes a description of the poster and a brief biography of the artist.
All poster contest rules can be found here: 2025 Indiana Missing Children's Day Poster Contest Packet
Deadline for submissions from participating organizations to be received by Sergeant Seth Tumey is February 21, 2025.

Submissions are to be sent to:
Indiana State Police Museum
Attn: Sergeant Seth Tumey
8660 E. 21^st Street Indianapolis, IN 46219

If ever a child goes missing, contact your local police department or dial 9-1-1. It is also a good idea to keep an updated picture or cell phone image, and a DNA sample from your child. For more safety and prevention tips please visit:

http://www.in.gov/amberalert/2335.htm

We wish all participants good luck in the competition and to have fun creating the posters!

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Visitors to McCormick’s Creek State Park can help the DNR divisions of State Parks and Nature Preserves monitor the recovery of Wolf Cave Nature Preserve after a tornado hit the property in March 2023.

All that’s needed is a smartphone camera. Take a photo at the photo station on Trail 5, then upload the photo to Chronolog by following the QR code or sending it to the email listed on the sign. The website creates a timelapse video that will help monitor the area. Those who submit a photo will be emailed a link to access the video.

The current timelapse video is at chronolog.io/site/WCP101.

The photo station can be found by starting at the park’s Nature Center and following Trail 8 to Trail 5. Trail 5 is partially opened to Wolf Cave. For safety, guests should respect trail closures and stay on open trails only.

“We’ve seen an abundance of tulip and sycamore sprouts,” said Jessica Filer, park interpretive naturalist. “With the lack of canopy, many prairie plants like mullein, bee balm, asters, and bergamot have also popped up this season.”

Special thanks to the Friends of McCormick’s Creek State Park for funding the Chronolog project.

Stop by the Nature Center to learn more about forest regeneration and the park. Throughout the winter months, join the naturalists for guided hikes, history programs, and animal talks. Follow progress on the recovery of trails, the campground and other facilities at on.IN.gov/mccormicks-recovery. A map of the park is at on.IN.gov/mccormickscreeksp.

After your adventures, relax at Canyon Inn, which offers comfortable stays within the park. Visit the dining room, which features a glass-enclosed porch with great views of woods and wildlife.

(Left to right) Chief Eric Mills and Officer Elijah Thomasson

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The Salem Police Department is proud to announce that Officer Elijah Thomasson has successfully graduated from the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy, Class of 234!

Elijah has demonstrated exceptional dedication and commitment throughout his training, preparing to serve and protect our community with integrity and professionalism.

Congratulations on this significant achievement! We look forward to seeing the positive impact he will make in our community!

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By Sgt. Carey Huls, Indiana State Police

An early morning, high-speed pursuit through Scott County ended with the arrest of two Illinois women after the vehicle failed to stop on I-65.

Around 1:20 a.m. Thursday morning, Trooper Wyatt Madden observed a Ford Mustang traveling at high speeds on I-65 southbound near the 12.5 mile marker. Trooper Madden clocked the vehicle at 90mph in a posted 70mph zone and attempted a traffic stop; however, the vehicle accelerated as it continued southbound. The Mustang reached 130mph before eventually coming to a stop near the 9.5 mile marker where Trooper Madden attempted to contact the driver. The driver then sped off from the scene and exited onto U.S. 31 northbound from the Sellersburg exit.

The driver, later identified as Lux Espranza Arellano, 22, of Saint Charles, Illinois, disregarded stop signs and traffic lights along U.S. 31 as she continued northbound. Arellano continued driving northbound on U.S. 31 at speeds more than 100mph. Arellano crossed over the center line multiple times and disregarded additional stop signs and red signal lights as the pursuit approached Scott County.

Trooper Jason Riley successfully deployed Stop Sticks at the intersection of U.S. 31 and West County Line Road, deflating two of the car's tires. The Mustang eventually came to a stop near Craig Road and U.S 31 in Scott County, where Arellano and her passenger were taken into custody without further incident. Both Arellano and her passenger were transported to the Scott County Jail. Their charges are listed below.

Lux Espranza Arellano, 22, Saint Charles, Illinois:

Resisting Law Enforcement with a Vehicle

Possession of Marijuana

Reckless Driving

Suspended Vehicle Registration

Operator Never Licensed

Kassandra Soto Lopez, 23, Elgin, Illinois:

Possession of Marijuana

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Cookies and Photos with Santa

Make room in your calendar for this Friday, December 13th because Santa will be visiting the YMCA! Photos will be taken by Dowling Family Photos and are $5 per photo. Free cookies and kids activities will also be available.

Time: 5:30-7:00 PM

Location: Washington County Family YMCA Campus, 1709 N. Shelby Street, Salem.