Tragedy strikes Indiana State University, 3 students dead & 2 injured in car crash
Three Indiana State University students died early Sunday morning after their vehicle crashed head on, into a tree. The single vehicle accident involved 5 students, including players on the ISU Football team.
Freshman Caleb VanHooser has been announced as one of the students that died. VanHooser was an all-star high school defensive back and wide receiver at Lakota East High School, outside of Cincinnati, Ohio. He was scheduled to play his first Collegiate game in less than 2 weeks.
No other victim names have been released.
Indiana State University offered the following statement:
It is with great sorrow that Indiana State University announces that police are working to positively identify three people who died in a single-vehicle accident early Sunday morning. Police said there were five people total in the vehicle. They are all believed to be ISU students, including several football players.
“This is a terrible tragedy,” ISU President Dr. Deborah J. Curtis said. “As we are waiting on additional details from authorities investigating this accident, our hearts go out to the families and friends of the students involved.”
The ISU women’s soccer match scheduled for 1 p.m. Sunday at Memorial Stadium has been postponed to a later date because of the tragedy. Counseling services are available for students, faculty, and staff at 812-237-3939.
$111 million investment in Indiana education
The State of Indiana joined Lilly Endowment Inc. to announce the largest-ever financial investment in literacy. The combined investment totals up to $111 million and will support early literacy development using proven and tested strategies aligned with the Science of Reading. According to the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) the state will:
- Support the deployment of instructional coaches to schools throughout Indiana;
- Offer stipends to teachers who participate in professional development focused on the Science of Reading;
- Provide targeted support for students who need the most help in improving their reading skills; and
- Create a literacy center focused on Science of Reading strategies.
Indiana continues to grapple with the effects of chronic underinvestment in traditional K-12 public schools which educate over 90% of Hoosier students. Results from the statewide third grade assessment indicate that nearly one in five Hoosier students have not yet mastered foundational reading skills. Additionally, in the year of 2022, only 40.7 percent of Indiana third graders and 41.1 percent of Indiana fourth graders passed the English/Language Arts portion of ILEARN. Achievement gaps widen with minority and low-income students, per the 2019 NAEP results: only 17 percent of Black students, 24 percent of Hispanic students and 24 percent of students from low-income households scored proficient or better.
Indiana State Police ‘Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over’ campaign
‘Drive sober or get pulled over’ is the warning coming from the Indiana State Police as it gears up to participate in an end-of-summer impaired driving enforcement campaign which will run until Labor Day; State Troopers will be increasing patrols designed to target those driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The extra high-visibility enforcement is funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) through grants administered by the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI).
Alcohol-impaired traffic fatalities have increased over the past few years, as have other dangerous driving behaviors, fueling a nationwide surge in roadway deaths. It’s an unfortunate trend that doesn’t appear to be slowing. Newly released data from NHTSA shows that an estimated 9,560 people died in motor vehicle crashes in the first quarter of 2022. That’s up 7% from the previous year and the highest number of deaths in 20 years for that period.
In Indiana, traffic fatalities increased by more than 20% during that time compared to 2021. If the pace continues, 2022 could be the third straight year with more fatalities, following 897 in 2020 and 931 in 2021. Drunk driving continues to be a major factor making up roughly 25% of the state’s fatal collisions, but alcohol isn’t the only concern.
With officers showing zero tolerance throughout the campaign, the department recommends celebrating the end of summer responsibly by having a safety plan in place. Even if it’s only one drink, designate a sober driver or use public transportation or a ride service to get home safely. Never drive impaired or let friends get behind the wheel if they’ve been drinking. It’s also important to wear a seat belt at all times. It’s the best form of protection against drunk drivers. Motorists are encouraged to report suspected impaired drivers by calling 911 or contacting the department.
This Week in Hoosier History
1922 – Liberty Market on East Washington Street in Indianapolis was listed as the biggest retail grocery in Indiana. August ads included five pounds of sugar for $.42, large potatoes at $.29 per peck, Heinz white vinegar at $.50 a gallon, Wisconsin cream cheese for $.26 a pound, Norwegian mackerel marked at $.10 each, and Armour Star Hams sold at $.27 a pound. (Pictured: ad from the Indianapolis Star)
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