• Emergency Responders
• Sheriff's Department

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A 2022 Kroger delivery van rolled over after driving off the road on Tuesday, October 22. The driver, Steven Williams from Conway, Arkansas, reportedly fell asleep at the wheel while driving along 5930 E Borden Rd.

Witnesses say the van began to veer to the left of the center line and drifted off the left side causing the rollover. Williams was transported to St. Vincent Hospital due to complaints of head pain.

Washington County Sheriff’s Department and EMS were both dispatched to the scene. Assisted by Chief Deputy Brad Shepherd, Deputy Paul Reyling led the investigation.

• Washington County
• State of Indiana
• Wellness
• Sheriff's Department

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By Jerry Curry, Staff Writer

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will be holding its 27th nationwide “Prescription Take Back” initiative. They provide proper disposal of prescription drugs in order to prevent prescription drug abuse. Community members will be able to bring unused, expired and unwanted drugs to select sites.

The Washington County Sheriff's Department, a select “Prescription Take Back” site located at 801 S Jackson St, Salem, will be hosting their quarterly drive from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, October 26. They will take most items and medications, however they will not take vape products or needles. The department will have a drive thru area where you simply hand off the medicine to a standby attendant. No questions asked. They then are incinerated the same day, which is the approved method of disposal. Flushing medicine down the toilet or throwing them in the trash is never advised.

This program addresses vital safety and public health issues. Medicines in the home cabinet are subject to diversion, misuse and abuse. Sometimes obtained from family and friends, prescription drug abuse is at an all-time high. There is a high number of accidental poisoning and overdoses. Needles new or used will not be taken. The Washington County Sheriff will also be collecting non-perishable food which will be donated to local food banks in Salem. Sheriff Brent Miller said, “The food drive is very successful; we usually get 300 to 500 food items.”

The Sellersburg Indiana State Police Post, located at 8014 County Rd 311, Sellersburg, or any ISP posts will be set up to take prescription liquid and pill drugs. They will also take vape pens without batteries and cartridges. However, like the Washington County Sheriff’s Department, they will not take needles regardless if they are new or used. ISP collection lasts from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

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Halloween will be here before you know it!

The Washington County Family YMCA in Salem is planning a trail with booths that hand out candy.

Approximately 600 kids are expected to attend the event on Saturday, Oct. 26, 4-6 p.m., at the YMCA, 1709 North Shelby Street, Salem.

The Y needs a little help with this event and is seeking individuals, businesses and organizations to take part in the walking trail. 

If you would like to set up a booth along the trail, contact Gavan Doane at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by Wednesday, October 2.

• Salem
• Communities
• Special Events

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Saturday, October 26, will be filled with exciting Halloween activities for everyone!

Pumpkin Walk

Halloween festivities in Salem surrounding the Stevens Memorial Museum will begin with the 2024 Pumpkin Walk, sponsored by the Washington County Tourism Commission.

Pumpkins for decorating can be picked up at the YMCA parking lot at 1709 N. Shelby St. on Wednesday, Oct. 23, after 3 p.m. until Friday, Oct. 25, at 3 p.m. Decorate the pumpkin and enter it in the drawing on Saturday, Oct. 26, at the Stevens Museum.

Place your name, mailing address and a phone number on a piece of paper for a drawing on the pumpkin. Also include which category such as Preschool, K-2, 3-5, middle school, high school or adult.

The drawing will be Saturday at 3 p.m. The decorated pumpkins will be displayed around the Stevens Museum Village from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday. Put your name on the bottom of the pumpkin if you wish to pick it up after 9 p.m.

Boo Bash

Next at the Steven’s Museum on Saturday, will be the highly anticipated Boo Bash, which will take place 5 p.m. to 6:15 p.m.

The title sponsor is WSLM, and the event will be organized by Rebecca White.

Come in costume for trick or treating from those set up on the museum grounds. The Boo Bash should wrap up before the start of the parade.

If you have questions call White at 812-620-7271.

Halloween Parade

Please join in the fun for the 9th Annual Halloween Parade, presented and organized by Titan Tint & Graphics, in partnership with Angie Wilson, "Queen of Taxes.”

This is the ninth year since the Halloween parade was started, and it just keeps growing and doing better every year. The organizers truly appreciate all who enter the parade, as well as everyone who comes to watch and make all this possible.

No need for registration. Just come out the day of the parade, Saturday, Oct. 26, and get set up to be in it. The parade is free to enter, but donations will be accepted, as well as sponsorships for the banner that leads the parade. All proceeds go to the local Christmas Assistance Program to help children in our community have a great Christmas.

Anyone can enter and be anything they want to be, as long as the choice is “family friendly.” Participants can walk the parade, ride in it, drive in it, bike, skate, go kart, ride horses, you name it—the crazier the better for everyone.

Parade participants will meeting at Titan Tint & Graphics, located at 805 S. Main Street, Salem, located in the Ruler shopping complex behind AutoZone.

The parade start time is 6:30 p.m. To enter the parade, participants will need to be in line by 5:30 p.m.. They don't have to be ready or decorated by then, but still need to be in line by that time.

Trophy judging is at 6 p.m. First-place trophies will be awarded in the following categories: Business, Performing, Bikes/UTV, Horses, Civic, Walking, Tractors, Best Decorated Float, Best Dressed in Parade, Best Overall Float, and our fan favorite "best dressed spectator.” This trophy will be handed out during the parade to a lucky spectator.

For more information on the parade please call Titan at 812-570-0207.