Woman dies from crash injuries

PROCTORVILLE — A Proctorville woman died Thursday from injuries sustained in a car accident Wednesday, according to a release from the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

Julie Ryder, 71, died at St. Mary’s Medical Center.

The car accident happened at approximately 1:15 p.m. Wednesday on County Road 403 at its intersection with County Road 775 in Proctorville. Two other people were injured in the crash.

Officials said Ryder’s vehicle, a silver 2011 Chevy Malibu four-door, was traveling westbound on County Road 403. As it entered the intersection, Ryder’s car was struck by a large garbage truck traveling southbound on County Road 775.

The blue Mack garbage truck was driven by Ronald K. Long, 45, of Huntington, W.Va.

Both Ryder and her passenger, Jeffrey K. Ryder, 51, also of Proctorville, were taken from the scene to the hospital.

Long refused treatment at the scene.

The crash is under investigation and no charges have been filed at this time.

Anyone who may have witnessed the accident is asked to contact the Ironton Post of the highway patrol at (740) 377-4311.

Give blood for a chance to win

Officials of American Red Cross, Greater Alleghenies Region Blood Services, have announced the start of the 2011 Red Cross Racing season.

Red Cross Racing participants get points for activities like giving blood and recruiting blood donors. They can trade in their points, at any time, for fun prizes at redcrossracing.com.

“Give it a try,” urged John Hagins, Greater Alleghenies Region CEO. “This year, there’s something for everyone. It’s easy to join. Just log on to redcrossracing.com and click on the icon on the track.”

The American Red Cross is celebrating the fourth year of its Red Cross Racing partnership with 3M and Roush Fenway Racing.

The Red Cross is encouraging blood donors to get in gear and help slam the brakes on a summer blood shortage through the Red Cross Racing “Summer Drive Sweepstakes.”

Starting Wednesday through Sept. 14, individuals can register online at redcrossracing.com to be entered into the Red Cross Racing “Summer Drive Sweepstakes.” Enter for a chance to win a brand new 2012 red candy metallic Ford Fiesta SE.

One winner will be selected by random drawing no later than September 19.

For more information, or to schedule a summer blood donation appointment, please visit redcrossracing.com or call 1-800-RED CROSS.

“Since blood donations often drop to low levels during the summer months, the Red Cross invites you to get your motor running and head out to a blood drive or blood donor center near you,” Hagins commented. “Who knows, you might cruise into fall in a brand new car!”