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.
After receiving competency evaluations from two doctors, Washington County Circuit Court Judge Larry Medlock ordered Dejuane Anderson to a psychiatric facility and revoked her Pro Se Status (allowing her to represent herself). Medlock issued his order Aug. 1. Anderson's present location confidential.
Anderson is being held for murder, obstruction of justice, and neglect of a dependent resulting in the death.
These charges are for the death of her five-year-old son, Cairo Jordan. He was found in a suitcase in the woods in Washington County by a mushroom hunter. The charges date back to December 1, 2021.
Anderson spent two years avoiding arrest and was finally located in California.
Dawn Coleman, who accompanied her, received 30 years in prison with five years suspended to probation after pleading guilty.
Anderson has filed many frivolous motions against the judge, court clerk and state of Indiana. She always maintained that she is Princess Califia Haton Tupak Bey the 2nd, representing Dejaune Anderson.
At approximately 8:48 a.m., the Washington County Sheriff’s Department Dispatch Center received a report of an air plane that traveled off the east end of the runway at the Salem Municipal AirPort and came to a rest in a soybean field.
Police, fire and EMS personnel responded to the call.
The pilot and two passengers were traveling to the Salem area from Pennsylvania. The pilot was attempting to land when the plane traveled off the east end of the runway. Nobody was injured.
Salem Police Chief Eric Mills is working with the FAA to investigate the incident. In a phone interview Lowell Depoy, retired manager of the airport, said it was from Pennsylvania and a single engine plane with no major damage. The current manager is Wesley Depoy. According to the tail number it was a Cirrus SR22T from Dubois, PA. with five seats, single engine plane.
CAST (Creating Avenues For Student Transformation), a southern Indiana Dyslexia resource center, is seeking sponsors to support a fund-raising event in September.
The event will be “A Night At The Salem Speedway” on Saturday, Sept. 21 at 5 p.m. and will feature dinner and racing at the historic track. The speedway is located at 2729 W. State Road 56, Salem.
Sponsors are needed, and all proceeds will benefit CAST, a 501c3 non-profit organization.
According to Cassie Corp: CAST director, sponsors’ “tax-deductible contributions for this event will help students in Washington County and beyond!”
“Dyslexia is a specific learning disability related to reading. Studies show up to 20% of the population in the United States is affected at some level with dyslexia. Children who are unable to read by the third grade are more likely to drop out of school.”
“Help our students achieve their full potential by supporting this effort,” she added.
Sponsorship levels include the following:
Banner Sponsors—$2,500: Media recognition, event admission, a table for eight, banner recognition.
Winner’s Circle—$1,000: Media recognition, event admission, table for eight.
Fast Track—$500: Media recognition, event admission, table for four.
Rev Your Engine—$250: Media recognition, event admission, table for two.
Individual Tickets—$50: Reserved seats for the night’s race, a VIP armband with access to the High Banks Club, and a fully catered dinner (Kids 12 and under are free with the purchase of an adult ticket).
Please email Cassie Corp at
As students head back to the classroom, state and local law enforcement agencies are reminding motorists to be on the lookout for school bus stop arms. As school begins, officers will be increasing patrols to prevent stop-arm violations, speeding, and reckless driving around school buses and school zones.
The patrols are part of the Stop Arm Violation Enforcement campaign – better known as SAVE. These patrols are funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) through grants administered by the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI).
Despite thousands of motorists being cited under the SAVE program, unsafe driving around school buses continues to be a serious danger to children, according to the National Association of State Directors of Pupil Transportation Services (NASDPTS).
In April, thousands of bus drivers who participated in a one-day observational survey counted 1,574 stop-arm violations in Indiana. Projected across a 180-day school year, this survey data points to a potential 283,320 violations throughout the school year.
The data comes from the NASDPTS annual survey, which is managed by the Indiana Department of Education for the state of Indiana. This year, data collection took place on April 23, with 4,910 bus drivers participating.
"There is no excuse for drivers to put the lives of students in danger," said ICJI Traffic Safety Director James Bryan. “Drivers need to exercise caution around school buses and follow all traffic statutes.”
To prevent unsafe driving, officers will use a range of enforcement strategies from high-visibility patrols to police spotters on buses. For each jurisdiction, officers will coordinate with local bus drivers and school transportation officials, with efforts concentrating in the morning and afternoon hours. Agencies will also be working to raise awareness about the importance of school bus safety and following the law.
Drivers should slow down and prepare to stop when the overhead lights on a school bus are flashing yellow. Once the lights turn red and the stop arm extends, drivers are required to stop on all roads with only one exception. On highways divided by a physical barrier, such as a concrete wall or grassy median, only vehicles traveling in the same direction as the school bus are required to stop in these circumstances.
Motorists should also be mindful of posted speed limits, avoid distractions, and watch for children in, or near, school and residential areas. Planning ahead and allowing for extra time during each commute will help keep all road users safe.Police Remind Motorists To Stop For School Buses Or Face The Consequences
Over the course of two days, July 12th and 19th, a total of 37 inmates (approximately 1/3 of the total population) from the Washington County Detention Center (WCDC) were baptized through the Residents Encounter Christ (R.E.C.) ministry, along with local pastor, George Parsley. Each Tuesday and Thursday, R.E.C. and local ministers visit the detention center in order to share scripture from the Bible. The men are ministered to on Tuesdays, and the women on Thursdays.
George Parsley has been ministering as the Jail Chaplain since the beginning of 2017.
“We’ve had several [baptisms], usually about once a year we’ll have some. But that’s been the biggest number so far,” said Parsley.
Parsley attributes this surge in WCDC baptisms to “simple Bible teachings.”
He went on to say, “we’ll go in and we’ll just open up a Bible, and they open up their Bibles. Myself and the other ministers already have a text in mind, so they already know where we’re going to be at. We just try to break it down and make some accurate life applications based on what is being said and what will have a positive impact on these men and women. Paul said, ‘the gospel is the power of God’s salvation.’ That’s the short answer.”
The inmates of WCDC have welcomed this ministry with open arms. Parsley said these men are broken, and many of them actually say, “I need this. This is my wake up call.”
“They’ve been broken down just by the wisdom of this world: the partying, the drugs, the drinking… all the norms that are out here in this life,” he added.
Parsley went on to give an example of the material they have been covering, and how he has been applying it to the men he has been ministering to.
“Especially with the guys, we’ve been in the gospel of Matthew. We’ve talked about Joseph and Mary obviously, but we have really been spending time on Joseph specifically. The Bible doesn’t say a lot about Joseph, but what it does say is very applicable to these guys. What we’ve been trying to do is make those applications about him: being a husband, being a father, and being dependable. They know all this stuff,” said Parsley, “but sometimes when it isn’t coming from the family, it tends to resonate.”
Parsley’s plans for the future of this ministry are simple: “we’ll just keep doing what we’re doing. There’s no better medicine or help for these guys and gals in jail than just the pure gospel. The hope that comes from all these miracles that Jesus did, and how He changed their lives. And the unconditional love that came right along with it.”
He remarked that sometimes the biggest hurdle is simply confessing or speaking it out loud because now it’s going to be known.
“But He already knows what you’ve done,” said Parsley, “where you did it, and who you did it with. It’s irrelevant. He already knows all of that, but sometimes for us to verbally speak that is a big hurdle. That has resonated with a lot of the guys. Some of these guys break down and get teary-eyed. That’s the power of the gospel.”
Parsley said that many of the inmates have no hope at all. However, he said there is always hope.
“There is somebody that loves you and somebody that cares about you. Your family may not, you may have burnt all those other bridges. People might be saying ‘you’ve made your bed, now lie in it.’ It’s easy to say that and throw up our hands when it gets to a certain point, but the thing is, God never does that. He’s always there.” Parsley said.
Parsley concluded by saying, “One of the most satisfying moments is when you can look in their eyes and you can see it’s resonating with them. Not getting mad or upset, but they’re getting it. That makes it all worth it. I don’t know where it’s going to go, but I know the seed is planted.”
Parsley greatly appreciates the help and support he and the other ministers have received from Sheriff Brent Miller and Captain Joseph Keltner. They have been incredibly instrumental in making this ministry happen each week.
Chaplain George Parsley is a preacher of Westside Church of Christ, and he is incredibly passionate about ministering and spreading the Word of God. Not only to the residents of WCDC, but to all who will listen.
The 2024-25 Hunting & Trapping Guide features teal hunting tips and tricks, interviews with some of Indiana’s waterfowl hunters, plus a duck-stuffed jalapeño popper recipe from our grassland gamebird biologist. Grab your copy to read the latest information and regulations for all hunting and trapping.
Pick up a copy at a nearby Fish & Wildlife Area, your local license retailer, and the Natural Resources Building during the State Fair or view the guide online. While you’re at it, purchase your fall hunting license.
This guide provides a summary of Indiana hunting and trapping regulations. This guide is not intended to be a complete digest of regulations. If you need complete versions of Indiana rules and regulations for hunting, they can be found in Indiana Code or in Indiana Administrative Code Title 312.
By Monika Spaulding
With hopes of helping struggling students to reach their full potential, Homestretch is looking for community support as it gets established in Washington County.
Last Thursday evening, the group held a fundraising, informational dinner at Westview Church. During the event, community members heard from the organization’s board about what the group is doing and wants to continue doing in the community.
Maria Burks led the evening, discussing everything from the group’s logo to their mission. She said Homestretch is something that has been on her heart for years, she just wasn’t sure how to get it up and going. That’s when she reached out to others about her vision and the ball started rolling.
The group specifically helps students who are 18 years old, are seniors in high school and do not have a home. She said although those are very specific terms, there is a great need to help students who match those criteria.
“This is a real problem that lives right here in our county,” said Burks. “We have a homeless camp. We have homeless kids.”
She said the goal is to get kids in a home their senior year and help them with life skills, including things like money management. This will allow students to finish high school in a more stable environment, get their high school diploma and be ready for the real world.
Burks said she is someone who wants to find out where God is working already and join there. She has been walking through open doors to make this organization a reality.
“We are in the iron grip of poverty in this area,” she said, adding that there are kids living in sheds, no bed, no water, no electricity.
She said when bad things happen, people seem to ask, “where is God in all of this?”
“God’s weaving a pattern and we all have a part in it,” she said, gesturing to everyone present. She said everyone in attendance has been part of her life in one way or another and bringing everyone together to work on this project is one example of God at work.
Burks reached out to David Miller at Hoosier Uplands about 15 months ago. Her original thought was to have a house where these students could live, but Miller convinced her that it would be too big of an expense and the upkeep, insurance, etc. would be too much. That’s when she turned to the idea of finding host families, people who would be willing to let these students live with them for a school year.
“Sustainability is the key,” said Burks. “Why start something if you can’t keep it going?”
She decided that host families would make the program more sustainable. Often students in this situation are “couch surfers” or kids who go from home-to-home sleeping at friend’s houses, places where they feel comfortable. With Homestretch, those places can become year-long homes for these students.
Hoosier Uplands liked the idea of Homestretch and saw the need, donating $10,000 to get things started, which allowed them to get the 501(c)(3). Burks said after figuring that part out, the question became how can we bring resources to the homes and help them?
Thanks to a fund with the Washington County Community Foundation, the families will receive a $400 stipend every month to help with expenses. They will also give $100 a month to the youth to help with teaching money management. Host families will help get them on their feet, get doctor’s appointments, etc. and give them the care they may not have received in the past.
Burks said WCCF Director Judy Johnson shared with her information she came across that were “rules” to follow to keep yourself out of poverty. The three rules were: graduate from high school, wait to get married until after age 21 and do not have children until you’re married, work a full-time job. Burkes said if these are followed you have a less than 2% chance of living in poverty.
“We want kids to take responsibility for their own life,” said Burks. “Personal decisions trump anything the government will ever do.”
Attendees Thursday evening heard testimonials from West Washington students who were helped by families in the community.
Charles Madden Jr., who was a 7th grader when Burks was the school counselor 10 years ago, was one of the success stories. His dad was arrested at a football game and everyone wanted to make sure Burks talked to him because he’d be so upset. Burks said he was upset, but it was because he didn’t want to blow the good things he had going at school. He was a good kid who didn’t do drugs and alcohol and he wanted to make sure he stayed that way and that he graduated from high school. He needed someone in his corner to support him and his goals.
Madden said coach Phillip Bowsman did a lot of mentoring for him. He got the encouragement and support he needed to graduate. His parents didn’t graduate, making him even more proud of his accomplishment. Now, Madden is getting ready to graduate college from Indiana State in construction management.
“Charles flipped the lens for me,” said Burks. “He was telling me that ‘what I need is support.’”
Another testimonial was a student who didn’t have a place to live or stable environment to grow in. His grades were suffering, and he missed a lot of school. This past school year, he moved in with Coach Jeremy Lowery. He turned his grades from Fs and Ds to As and Bs and only missed one day of school. He graduated and is currently working full time at a factory in Madison.
Robert Chandler is a student who moved in with the Nance family. He said he learned “water can be as thick as blood.
“They were there for me every single day. It has changed my whole life.”
Tracy Smith lost her parents when she was 5 and her sister was 1. They lived with grandparents until she was 17 when her aunt and uncle took over due to the death of her grandparents. It was not a good situation.
She said she met Don and Sherry Elgin through her best friend who was with the Elgin’s all the time. They stepped up and took Smith into their home.
“They were loving and consistent,” she said, adding that two years later, they took her sister in, too. “They gave me a place to be a teen instead of having to grow up too soon.”
These are just a few of the success stories that Homestretch would like to build on in Washington County.
“When we tell people about this, a light comes on in their eyes: they want to give us money or they want a kid,” said Burks.
There is a school committee at West Washington that helps find students who need placement. The committee includes counselors, teachers, coaches and parents. Applications are also on the Homestretch website.
The goal is to get the program going to benefit students at all three county schools.
The organization needs help in many ways and encourages the community to help in whatever way they can: monetarily, providing a home or serving on the organization’s board.
Learn more at homestretch-foundation.org.
The new artificial turf installation is under way at the Salem Lions football field. The Salem School Board approved the turf and a new press box at their January 18 meeting.
The turf field costs $1.7 million and the press box $481,413.
The field is named after Jim Ralston, who was the coach from 1977 to 1996. After that Ralston was principal at the high school, retired, and then was brought back as the elementary school principal. He was instrumental in the lives of many and just a huge part of the community.
The official dedication will be Friday, August 9.
Coach Ralston was there last Saturday with about 20 ex-football players when he found out the field was named in his honor.
The Hellas construction company wanted to do the field as a showcase to other high schools and adjusted the price to reflect that. They had the Indiana University football field in their portfolio along with the indoor and outdoor fields for Indiana Colts and Lucas Oil Stadium, but had never installed a turf field for a high school.
Hank Weedin, the Salem High School athletic director, gave an insight to the installation process. First a lot of dirt is removed and crushed rock is put down and leveled out. There is a drainage system under the field allowing the field to be used after a rain storm. Rubber pads are then installed to absorb the shock. The tuff is put down and stretched like carpet.
It may look finished now put a special fine pea gravel is placed over the gravel. Then very small rubber pellets are applied, which allows the turf material to stand up.The field is brushed with a sweeper every 40 hours. Once a year the Hellas Company will return and brush the field again and address any issues.
There are also new goal posts and an area for broad jump and pole vaulting.
Salem High is in partnership with the Indianapolis Colts. The football players will be there August 23 and on October 18 with the cheerleaders. Salem High School is one of the five schools that the Colts will visit.
The press box will not be installed in October – November so it will not interfere with the football season.
Weedin said “It’s expensive but the field is more versatile. The field will be used for band invitationals, soccer teams besides football. The soccer team will enjoy the restrooms, lighting and concession stand that they don’t have at their present location. This is definitely a show class for Salem.”
Weedin also pointed out the nice aluminum grandstands that were donated by Jack and Marcia Huckleberry, and Don and Ruth Huckleberry on Sept. 11, 1987. It was dedicated in memory of Roy and Gladys Huckleberry and their son Dale.
Another bit of history can be found behind the ball diamond. It’s the old pedestrian bridge that use to be at the Salem Speedway and now provides a path across Brock Creek. The bridge was removed from the speedway in 1977 by speedway owner at that time, Sherman Armstrong.
By Regional Opportunity Initiatives (ROI)
Summer will be gone before we know it, so take advantage of this perfect time to explore the Indiana Uplands. Enjoy summer fun whether you’re underground, on the water, or at a drive-in movie theater. The Uplands offers plenty of activities while the temperatures are warm and the sun is shining!
To help you plan your summer adventures, we’ve created a uniquely Uplands bucket list! Here are some of our favorite spots to visit and enjoy during the summer. We hope you love them as much as we do!
1. Marengo Caves
Feeling hot, hot, hot? Cool off underground in the Uplands at the most visited natural attraction in Indiana: Marengo Caves in Crawford County! This natural gem is perfect for a visit in the summer when the weather is hot as it maintains a year-round temperature of 52 degrees. You can explore the cave all year! How cool is that? In addition to the Crystal Palace and Dripstone Trail cave tours, there are some amazing activities above ground including go-karts and putt-putt golf.
2. Wilstem Wildlife Park
Experience the ultimate thrill when you get up close and personal with majestic wildlife – and ride a zipline or two – at Wilstem Wildlife Park in Orange County! Elephants, sloths, giraffes, and otters – oh my! At Wilstem, you can visit with all these adorable animals and more! Go on a drive-thru safari in your own vehicle or catch a ride on Wilstem’s wagon to see the wildlife out in the open. Ready to go prehistoric? The recently added Dinosaur Safari features animated dinosaurs you can enjoy from your vehicle, too! Looking for more thrills? Ride a zipline or go horseback riding while you’re there! You can plan to spend an entire summer day at Wilstem alone! And maybe walk a way with a one-of-a-kind profile picture, too! Wilstem was recently nominated as one of the best animal encounters in the country by Newsweek. Cast your vote for them by July 31. The top animal encounter will be announced in August!
3. Patoka Lake Wine Cruise
Sipping a glass of wine as you soak in the sunset on a beautiful lake feels like a dream, but in the Indiana Uplands, it is a reality! Patoka Lake Wine Cruises happen all summer long on the Patoka Voyager cruise boat. Sunsets are paired with Indiana wines, d’oeuvres, and desserts. Taste delicious wines and forget about your worries for a while – only in the Uplands! Better hurry and book your spot for the last two cruises set to sail in August. While you’re there check out Patoka Lake Winery and the new Old Homestead Distilling Co. featuring a tasting room, gift shop, spirit slushies, craft cocktails, and distillery tours! There is also a new saloon, brewery, and a 28-room hotel, in case you feel like extending the Patoka Lake fun into the night!
4. Go putt-putting
Ready for a little friendly competition? Grab your crew and head to Hoosier Putt Hole in Monroe County or Freedom Fairway Miniature Golf in Lawrence County for a chance to get a hole-in-one with a side of FUN! These courses are packed with creatively designed obstacles that add an extra layer of excitement to every game. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-time player, you’ll find something to enjoy. Perfect for all ages, a trip around these putt-putt courses promises laughter, fun, and memorable moments with family and friends. So, gather your group and embark on an adventure that blends challenge and amusement, creating unforgettable experiences for everyone!
5. Drive-in movie
Spend a warm summer night watching a movie under the stars in the Uplands! Did you know there are less than 300 drive-in theaters in the United States? Of those theaters, less than 20 are in Indiana! We are lucky in the Uplands to have THREE drive-in movie theaters hosting blockbuster nights under the stars all summer. Embrace nostalgia and enjoy the magic of movies from the comfort of your car by visiting Starlite Drive-In Theater in Monroe County, Holiday Drive-In in Lawrence County, and Cinema 67 Drive-In Theater in Owen County. Don’t forget the popcorn!
By Jerry Curry, Staff Writer
The History Channel is presently running their acclaimed survival series called “Alone”. In this Season 11, ten people are dropped off in the unforgiving Artic Circle. The drop off point is in the McKenzie Delta in Canada. Temperatures can range from 40 degrees to -20.
The prize for the last one standing is $500,000.
Salem’s own Timothy “Timber” Cleghorn was one of the contestants. He picked ten items to take with him with no provisions. All alone, no backup people with him. The ten items he took with him included a sleeping bag, 2-quart pot, ferro rod (fire starter), axe, saw, modified multitool, bow with nine arrows, paracord, snare wire and fishing line with twenty-five hooks.
The History Channel staff gave each contestant five cameras, a tripod and 30 lbs. of batteries to film their adventure. There was no safety staff at all with the participants to save them from dying-- at best it would take 45 minutes for anybody to get to them.
Each of the ten contestants had a designated territory to stay in, and the History Channel had the area marked electronically with a Go Fence.
It so happens that Timber’s area had no eatable roots or berries. He survived on squirrel, pike fish and whatever else he could hunt. In the beginning of the season, Cleghorn shows the skinning method he learned to use on squirrels.
Timber said, “Pike fish was the nastiest thing I ever ate.” He said it was best boiled in the pot to avoid losing its caloric value. Pike are plentiful in the area and several of the other contestants caught and ate them.
His favorite drink was tea made from the Labrador bush. All water had to be boiled.
Some things were off the menu, like grizzly bears, Pine Martins, and Caribou. The Caribou is a source of food for the indigenous tribes living in the northwest area. Contestants were allowed to kill one beaver and one muskrat. This was done as a courtesy and balance of nature for the natives. The channel had to get permission from the Gwich’in tribal council to be there.
Passports were a must. This was not a problem for Timber due to his work as a traveling humanitarian aid worker. “To Tapout,” as it is called to quit, is made with a satellite phone.
How did he get on the show? Coming back to the United States after working in another country, he applied for the show. Basically, through four months of auditions, he was chosen to be on the show.
Cleghorn has been training all his life for his adventure. His father moved the family of 11 to rural Salem when he was seven years old. The family lived off the grid in Twin Creek Bottoms with no electricity. They plowed nine acres of the 128 acres with a horse.
Before milking the cows, Timber would set a trap lines. The cows provided milk, cheese, yogurt, and other dairy products.
He was home schooled. His sister had a car, and he had $500, so they headed to school. He later graduated from The Linguistic Center near Fort Worth.
He worked his way through school building fences. That’s where he met his wife, Cara. They have been married for 14 years. Both shared common interests. They now have two boys, Levi and Elliot, and they are expecting a baby girl in late September. The family now lives near John Hay Lake and have electricity and fiber optics for the computer. The children go to Bradie Shrum Elementary School in Salem.
He describes himself as survivalist, wildman, free thinker, humanitarian aid worker and follower of Jesus.
The series can be watched one of two ways. The History Channel on Thursday or the History Channel app on Friday. The show is up to Episode 5. The History Channel doesn’t mention it, but mice and mosquitoes are a problem and very plentiful .
Timber made the largest kill of all contestants--a 1200 lb. moose. He slaughtered the moose and dressed it out. He dug out a cool spot to store the meat and smoked some of it. The meat had to be protected from all animals in the area. Traveling were wolf packs that howled all night and kept him awake. The only problem he had is a nose bleed.
When asked what else would have taken if he could, he replied, “A salt block to help with hydration.”
The group figured out that the issued GoPro cameras could provide light.
Cleghorn has traveled all over the world and, if he plans on being gone over a year and no danger exists, the family comes along.
Special permission for this interview was obtained from The History Channels’ Kirby Dixon, and photo credits to Brendan Ko Georg.
Be sure to catch Episode 6 and cheer Timber on!
Photos courtesy of Brendan Ko Georg
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