Also, SR 22 bridge closes Nov. 2; Duke helps ward off energy vampires; Josiah White’s hiring event, Nov. 7
This article is brought to you by This article is brought to you by Jeff Lipinski for Howard County Commissioner District 1.
The Indiana State Police Peru District is investigating a crash between a passenger vehicle and a semi that occurred on Jefferson Street near Bridle Way, which claimed the life of one individual.
Preliminary investigation by Master Trooper AJ Coffee indicated that on October 26, 2026, shortly after 3:30 p.m., a 2005 Chevrolet Avalanche driven by Anthony D. LaCluyse, 39, of Kokomo, Indiana, was traveling eastbound on Jefferson Street near Bridle Way. For an undetermined reason, the Chevrolet crossed the center of the roadway and struck a 2013 Kenworth Semi-tractor pulling a trailer driven by Cody W. Ayres, 40, of Bringhurst, IN.
Despite life-saving measures, Mr. LaCluyse was pronounced deceased at the crash scene by the Howard County Coroner’s Office. Mr. Ayres was uninjured.
This is an ongoing investigation. At this time, neither the consumption of alcoholic beverages nor narcotics are suspected of contributing to this crash. Notification to the family of the deceased has been made.
Master Trooper Coffee was assisted by Master Trooper Todd Trottier, Kokomo Police Department, Kokomo Fire Department, St. Vincent EMS, Howard County EMA, and the Howard County Coroner’s Office.
SR 22 bridge closes Nov. 2
Beginning on or after Monday, November 2, State Road 22 will be closed at the bridge over Wildcat Creek in Howard County, Monday–Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Crews will be clearing log jams from underneath the bridge. Work is expected to take approximately two weeks, weather permitting.
Motorists should plan accordingly, use alternate routes, slow down, and exercise caution near work zones. All work is weather-dependent, and schedules are subject to change.
Duke helps ward off energy vampires
This Halloween, Duke Energy is reminding its Indiana customers of the scary reality of energy “vampires” – appliances and electronics lurking throughout homes using energy 24/7, even when they’re turned off, idle, or in standby mode.
TVs, cell phone chargers, coffee makers — almost any device with an external power supply, internal battery, remote control, continuous display (including an LED), or constant network connection — can be considered an energy vampire.
There can be up to 40 in a typical home, making up roughly five to 10 percent of a residential customer’s total energy use. Fortunately, there are quick, simple actions they can take to ward off these silent energy – and money – suckers:
- Unplug some devices when they’re not being used, especially in places like guest rooms that may not be visited regularly
- Use smart power strips that automatically cut off power to devices when they’re not being used
- Enable energy-saving settings, such as sleep mode, that are already built into some devices and help reduce idle time
- Choose energy-efficient replacements when the time comes, including ENERGY STAR® products and newer technology – with the energy savings created, they often pay for themselves
“Pulling the plug on energy vampires is a way for our customers to manage their energy use,” said Stan Pinegar, president, Duke Energy Indiana. “While each of these devices may not draw a substantial amount of electricity on their own, together they can add up and have a noticeable impact on bills.”
For more information about Duke Energy Indiana’s energy efficiency programs, as well as low- and no-cost ways to help manage energy use, please visit duke-energy.com/savings.
Duke Energy Indiana, a subsidiary of Duke Energy, provides about 6,800 megawatts of owned electric capacity to approximately 930,000 customers in a 23,000-square-mile service area, making it Indiana’s largest electric supplier.
Josiah White’s hiring event, Nov. 7
Josiah White’s will host a hiring event, “Fall into New Possibilities,” on Saturday, November 7, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Josiah White’s Clinic Building, 5233 S 50 E, Wabash, IN 46992. The organization is hiring youth support specialists to join its team.
Job seekers are invited to come ready to learn, connect and take the next step toward a career with purpose. Attendees will meet Josiah White’s team members, learn more about the youth support specialist role, enjoy snacks and giveaways and discover new career possibilities.
“Every young person deserves to be surrounded by people who see their potential and are willing to walk alongside them as they grow,” said Jennifer Steele, Talent Acquisition Specialist at Josiah White’s, “Youth Support Specialists have the opportunity to be that consistent, encouraging presence in a student’s life. We’re looking for people who feel called to this kind of work and want to be part of a mission that reflects the hope and purpose God has for every young person.”
Applicants who apply at the event are eligible for a $100 sign-on bonus if hired. The youth support specialist position offers benefits, and full-time hires may also receive free housing when available.
Applicants should bring copies of their resume and contact information for three professional references. For questions about the Youth Support Specialist role or other career opportunities at Josiah White’s, visit JosiahWhites.org/careers or email Jennifer Steele, Talent Acquisition Specialist at jennifer.steele@whitesrfs.org.