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Lincks Clothing and Shoes is the place to go for sporting goods, as well as every day wear. Rita and Rick Lincks have owned the store since 2006. The store is located at 15 Public Square, Salem.
On Thursday, Aug. 8, they held their Educators Appreciation Night. All educators received 25% off anything in the store from dresses, shoes and spirit wear to support their schools. They were also treated to refreshments and gift bags.
Rita Lincks said she likes to do it every year, but of course Covid messed up the cycle.
She also had meal cards from Salem Apothecary worth $10 for a “buy one, get one free” for those spending over $50.
Rita said, “It’s a way to thank our teachers who educate all the kids.”
Many items in the store were marked down, from 35% for summer wear and shoes for 50% off.
Rita’s friend, Geilee Hunt, was selling permanent Peralinx Jewelry by Bloom. This is Gerilee’s retirement job after retiring from First Harrison Bank.
The jewelry is stainless steel and can be wore all the time. Items include necklaces, ankle chains or wrist bracelets.
Gerilee can be reached by calling 812-844-0163 or email
Staff photos by Jerry Curry
Lincks Clothing and Shoes is located on the northwest side of Salem Public Square.
Teachers were treated to store-wide discounts.
Rita Lincks and her husband, Rick, are dedicated to giving to the community.
Attendees enjoyed refreshments and goodie bags for visiting the event.
Salem Apothecary, located on the west side of the square, showed appreciation for the teachers by providing generous coupons for lunch.
Gerilee Hunt was on hand to introduce the teachers to her Peralinx permanent jewelry line.
The Indigenous People Of Tribes Gathering took place at the Washington County Fairgrounds Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 10 & 11. Members of tribes throughout the region honored their heritage with ceremonial dances, authentic clothing, food and offerings of Native American items.
Native American dances were conducted throughout the day. The meaning and purpose of each dance was announced prior to its beginning. Drum beats from the People's Medicine Drum, manned by several individuals, provided the rhythm for the dances.
One of the most humorous dances was the "Candy Dance" for children. The master of ceremonies explained that children were told that if they could pick up the candy during this dance, then they should have no problem picking up their rooms.
Three teepees were on display on the grounds.
Plenty of foods were offered, including a variety of buffalo entrees, fry bread and street corn.
There were numerous vendors present who offered traditional Native American items featuring silver and turquoise jewelry, beads, animal fur, hand-loomed rugs, feathers and much more.
One gentleman explained that after completing a sales transaction, it is customary for both parties to shake hands and exclaim, "Good trade." This acknowledges a mutually beneficial transaction in which no person was forced to buy or sale anything.
The group has hosted gatherings throughout southern Indiana and Kentucky this summer.
The People's Medicine Drum provided the rhythm for all ceremonial dances.
Dancers displayed their ceremonial garb.
All tribe members in attendance were invited to join the dances.
The dance leaders kept activities flowing throughout the day.
Mounted animals and pelts drew lots of guests to this vendor.
Pelts and animal skins included everything from bear to alligators, and a variety of large and small animals.
Vendors provided plenty of authentic items.
By Becky Killian, Staff Writer
After months of study, the three citizen members of “Task Force Clean Water” delivered their final report to Salem officials only to have it countered with a separate report by the two elected officials who served alongside them.The reports were delivered during the Monday, Aug. 12, meetings of the Salem Board of Public Works and Safety and the Salem Common Council.
The task force’s original intention – as was outlined in an ordinance drafted and proposed by Councilman Roger Pennington in a surprise move in March – was to deliver one report; however, Pennington claimed the three citizens pushed the South Main waterline replacement project ahead of planned state repaving from the start of their meetings, calling their actions “a one trick pony.”
The citizen members were Tom Jacobs, Becky Dewees, and Jason Cockerill.In addition to Pennington, Councilman Dylan Moore was the other elected official on the five-member task force.
Jacobs delivered the citizens’ report, which was based on visits to Salem’s water utility, as well as utilities in Scottsburg and Georgetown. They also researched records and best practices.
“We did not find any instance of what we would consider gross waste or mismanagement,” Jacobs said of the city’s water utility.
The report states, “Local site visits at Salem found a well-run operation with highly competent and enthusiastic staff along with sound compliance to all known regulations as the water task force understood them to be.”
The citizens’ report indicates that an ongoing reluctance by city officials to raise rates to adequately cover the water utility’s expenses has put the city at odds with a state law that requires these utilities to collect rates that provide “an income sufficient to maintain the utility property in a sound and financial condition to render adequate and efficient services. Rates and charges too low to meet these requirements are unlawful.”
“Under the current rate structure, the water department lives ‘hand to mouth’ month-to-month and does not have an adequate reserve fund at this time to address capital issues such as the waterline replacement project on South Main Street,” the report indicates.
The lack of reserve cash has cost the city more money, with the report stating that a solar panel project was shelved when officials realized it would require a rate increase to pay for the panels that would have eventually resulted in a cost savings. It notes that 93 percent of the city’s electrical usage is consumed by the water utility and the solid waste treatment plant.
The report also criticizes the council for passing up the opportunity to get a $3.3 million bond at 2 percent interest to pay for the South Main waterline replacement project. Two votes were held on the bond issue, with the first happening on Feb. 12, when Pennington, Moore, and Randy Lee voted against it. Those three also cast opposing votes at a subsequent meeting on Feb. 26, when they were joined by Councilman Steve Crane.
“Current circumstances clearly indicate that the decision to table the bond issues was a significant and costly mistake that should be rectified as quickly as possible,” the report states.
The report includes details of a water main rupture in Bedford that happened after a street was repaved. The rupture buckled the newly poured street and forced the city to pursue a $2 million grant to cover the cost of the emergency repairs.
“We most strongly recommend that the elected members of the council rethink their position on the bond,” Jacobs said.
The citizens’ report was followed by the report from Pennington and Moore.
Pennington questioned whether the utility is in dire financial straits. He said the city pays too much for sludge hauling and chemicals, saying the cost increases can’t all be explained by inflation. He also criticized the city for hiring Wessler Engineering – a firm hired by governmental entities across the state – rather than hiring its own full-time certified engineer. He noted the city has paid $3.93 million to the firm in the past seven years.
The bulk of the utility’s water sales, or 54 percent, is to distributors East Washington and New Pekin, Pennington said. Twenty-six percent of the sales are to residential users. The city is projected to have a declining population in coming years that will reduce water demand by about three percent, which Pennington said makes it urgent for the city to push industrial growth to cover that customer loss.
To attract industry, Pennington wants to tap into Lake Salinda as a secondary water source, calling it a “tremendous resource.”
Pennington concluded that the water utility has been “mismanaged,” with late reports resulting in fines, a failure to plan, to seek grant opportunities, and to seek bids for chemicals, saying that failure “has cost a substantial amount of money.”
He said the city should hold rates and pursue cost cutting measures.
Jacobs asked to comment on Pennington's and Moore’s presentation, saying, “Mr. Pennington, I am confused. Of all the meetings we had never did you imply or state there was mismanagement at the water plant.”
The citizen members had provided a draft of their report with the intention of including any input – including dissenting opinions – from Pennington and Moore, Jacobs said.
Pennington said from the start of the task force’s meeting, he and Moore were criticized for their opposition to the bond issue.
Pennington proposed the formation of the task force in a surprise move in March when he presented the ordinance he wrote. That ordinance detailed the composition of the task force. One citizen member was chosen by Mayor Justin Green, and the other two applied for the post and were chosen by a majority vote by the council.
The stated purpose of the task force was to restore confidence in the city’s water utility.
By Jerry Curry, Staff Writer
Over $41,500 was raised locally for the Children’s Miracle Network. Walmart in Salem raised over $40,000, and the Salem Fire Department raised $1500.
Children’s Miracle Network raises funds for 170 children’s hospitals that support the health of 12 million kids each year.
All monies raised at the local Walmart go to the closest hospitals in the area. Riley Children’s Hospital at Indiana University Health in Indianapolis is the closest hospital. It has been in business since 1924, has 456 beds and is a Level One Pediatric Trauma center. Riley Hospital has many programs and specialty units for children and provides services for 300,000 patients per year.
Walmart and Sam’s Club conducted a fund raiser June 10 to July7 for the Children’s Miracle Network. Their annual event is called the “Spark Good and Change Kid’s Health Campaign.”
According to spokesperson Mindy Garland, it’s a year-round process at the Salem Walmart. Shoppers can round-up their purchases in change as a donation. She credits manager Alisha Gay with helping to raise these funds. Walmart sells snow cones, popcorn and goodie bags. In the future, they will be selling cookbooks with recipes provided by local residents.
Walmart corporate has contributed over one billion dollars since 1987 to charities. There was also a side x side rally earlier in the year featuring street-legal all-terrain utility vehicles that meet safety requirements and obtain the required state and local licenses.
Walmart also sells Marion Kay Spices as a fund-raiser. Marion Kay Spices is located in Brownstown and has been in business 101 years. Donations from sales can range from 35% to 50%.
Another funding raising item is Sudz liquid detergent in a five-gallon bucket.
We thank our local Walmart and fire department for their efforts.
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Latest Washington County Mugshots
The following individuals were arrested recently by local law enforcement agencies. Those listed, 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. Mugshots are collected from local law enforcement agencies on Mondays and are public records.
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