• Public Safety
• Wellness
• Emergency Responders

By Jerry Curry, Staff Writer

More first responders are called out on runs today than ever before. This includes EMS, police (city or county), and fire department. They work tirelessly 24/7 365 days a year. Salem has warning sirens but not every municipality in Washington County has sirens. According to Deni Stempowski, director of Emergency Management for Washington County, making sirens available in every municipality would cost $8.3 million. On WSLM’s November 14 Coffee Club, she said each siren is only good for a 4-mile radius. The solution is CodeRED.

CodeRED is a wireless notification system that uses land and cell phones. Citizens can choose what type of notifications they would like to receive and method of delivery. The choices include weather, chemical releases, evacuation notices, missing children and street closures just to name a few. Contact may be made by text, voice or email. The calls, text or email are able to provide explicit instructions on what to do depending on the situation.

Stempowski took over as director of Emergency management in January of 2024, however, she has plenty of experience in the field. Originally from Ohio where she was on the Emergency Management team there, her background covers 40 years of experience in emergency management. One important aspect of her position is that she collaborates with all departments when it comes to planning for emergencies, and she believes CodeRED can make a large difference in how the public is notified.

One of the more attractive aspects of CodeRED is its cost. Running at only $21,625 dollars for a five-year contract with no installation fee, it is vastly cheaper than installing enough sirens to cover all municipalities. Duke Energy has already sent a partial grant to cover this expense. Donations and other grants may make this possible in 2025. The National Weather bureau can use this as well as local emergency management teams.

Also discussed was school closure notifications, which is not as simple a decision as looking out the window. Washington County is a large area; different areas may have more critical problems than other parts of the county. So, drivers are sent out to test the roads in different areas. A major problem, especially on bridges and roads that get very little sun, is black ice. Clearing the roads of snow for EMS is very important, and streets with residents with known problems are made a priority.

Checking roads has become an easy task. Simply check the Indiana travel advisory website and click on the county of interest. Another site of information is the Washington County Emergency Management Facebook page.

Finally, it is important to have the proper tools in your vehicle. Stempowski gave some examples of what your car should be equipped with. These include a flashlight, blanket, water, food, small shovel, ice scraper, battery powered radio, and plenty of fuel in the tank. Another piece of advice Stempowski gave was in regard to vehicle exhaust. While warming the car up be sure to have backed the car out of the garage enough so the deadly exhaust fumes are able to exit the house.

Deni Stempowski (Right).

• Pekin Eastern High School
• Awards & Recognition
• Special Events

Eastern High School teacher Mark Olesh was presented the Caleb Mills Indiana History Teacher of the Year Award on Saturday, Nov. 9. The award presentation by the Indiana Historical Society (IHS) took place at the John Hay Center in Salem.

The Caleb Mills Indiana History Teacher of the Year Award, named in honor of Caleb Mills, the father of Indiana's common schools, is made annually to a teacher (teaching grades 4-12) currently teaching American or Indiana history and recognized by his or her colleagues as making a significant contribution to the understanding of these two fields by his or her students.

In addition to teaching English, U.S. History and Government at Eastern High School,  Olesh is also an accomplished cross country and track coach, as he is always incredibly involved in his school. 

Olesh has a bachelor's degree in both History and Criminal Justice from Indiana University. He recently worked towards his master's degree in History and wrote his thesis on local newspaper coverage of the Civil War. He has interest in obtaining his PhD.

He is planning to conduct more local research on some not well-known topics, including doing a story covering the Poor Farm in Washington County.

IHS recognizes outstanding individuals whose efforts have enriched the lives of others by conveying awareness and appreciation of Indiana's history on local, regional and statewide levels.
 
“Many Hoosiers have been inspired by these individuals and organizations and their dedication to history, as they share their knowledge and work throughout their communities and across the state,” said Jody Blankenship, president and CEO of the Indiana Historical Society. “We’re thrilled to present these awards in person to each of our winners, celebrating their contributions and recognizing the tremendous value they bring to keep Indiana history alive in our communities.”

For more information about the Indiana Historical Society, call (317) 232-1882 or visit www.indianahistory.org.

Tamara Hemmerlein discussed Mark Olesh's influence in promoting history prior to presenting him with the History Teacher of the Year award.

• Lifestyle

By Jerry Curry, Staff Writer

Many have seen this unusual, wedge type vehicle cruising Salem’s streets and wondered, “what is it?” Well, it’s a fully electric Tesla Cybertruck. The body is made from Tesla’s own pure stainless steel alloy, referred to as the “Ultra-hard 30X Cold-rolled Stainless Steel,” and it is nearly invincible. Located in the rear, the 4ft by 6ft bed of the truck has a retracting cover, and it has a capacity of 11,000 lbs. Also, the Cybertruck has a continuous rearview camera in lieu of an actual mirror. Furthermore, it has 120 and 240 volt outlets, and a storage compartment in the front called a Frunk that can hold 110 lbs.

How does 0 to 60 mph in 2.6 seconds sound? Capable of doing a top speed of 130 mph, the Cybertruck has enough torque to plant you back in your seat. The horsepower range, depending on options, is 600 to 845 hp with a dual-motor AWD option or the “Cyberbeast” trio-motor option. The model I rode in has the trio-motor option with 20-inch wheels. Interestingly enough, there are no door handles, just touch the pad on the door to open.

The interior is full of impressive features such as the 18.5-inch touch screen where the driver can control most everything, and of course it has navigation. The rear seats have a 9.4-inch screen for backseat entertainment, and it is also equipped with wireless phone charging capabilities. Simply lay your cellphone on it.

Much like other Tesla vehicles, the Cybertruck is programmed to know the ways of the road and is able to drive and navigate all on its own. However, one finger must remain on the rectangular steering wheel to ensure the driver is monitoring the operation. The Cybertruck has a range of approximately 320 miles before needing to be recharged. With so many unique features, it can seem intimidating to some. Thankfully, it comes with a 380-page owner’s manual to ensure the driver knows how to operate each bell and every whistle.

All of these cutting-edge features come at a cost, though. The price range for a Cybertruck starts at approximately $80 thousand and can easily reach heights of $130 thousand. That being said, the Tesla Cybertruck is most certainly a unique and polarizing vehicle. Ranging from its features to its shape, there is nothing quite like it.

Photos by Jerry Curry.

By Becky Killian, Staff Writer

Officials are reviewing a proposed ordinance that details the requirements for private and commercial septic systems in the county.

Chris Boling, the environmentalist for the Washington County Health Department, explained the ordinance during the Wednesday, Nov. 6, meeting of the Washington County Board of Commissioners.

The county had a septic system ordinance previously, but a state law that became effective as of July 2023 voided all local ordinances passed before that date that pertain to septic systems. That law also formed a nine-member state level technical review panel.

Boling said the new state law was prompted by a couple counties that passed “draconian” requirements for septic systems. Now the state has taken control of such ordinances and removed some requirements, such as a minimum acreage requirement for septic systems.

Boling told commissioners that the proposed ordinance has been reviewed at the state-level and has been approved by the county’s health board. He said it will restore some of the local enforcement powers that were lost when the county’s original septic system ordinance was voided.

“It’s a little less involved and a little less effective than what [the ordinance] we had before,” Boling said.

If passed, the local ordinance will require installers to register with the health department. The registration will be reviewed annually. Unless the installer is registered to install septic systems in another county, the installer will have to pass a certification examination.

Soil testing will still be required prior to the installation of a new septic system or before any changes are made to an existing system.

The ordinance does allow sewage holding tanks; however, Boling cautioned that the legal requirements for such systems can make them more costly than a septic system. State law lists several requirements for holding tanks including a contract with a septic system pumper to routinely empty the holding tank as well as alarms that will indicate when the tank is more than 75 percent full. Applications for these systems must be submitted to the county health department as well as construction plans.

Any violations of the proposed ordinance or state law concerning septic systems could result in a notice of violation being sent to the property owner, who will have a set amount of time to remediate the violation. The local health department could also issue a stop work order.

If the violation isn’t remedied within the allotted time frame, violators could face a fine of $2,500 each day the violation occurs.

The ordinance details the appeals process the property owner can follow to dispute any permit denials, revocations, stop work orders, and penalties.

The proposed ordinance is currently being reviewed by the Commissioners’ attorney.

• Auto Racing
• Special Events

By Jerry Curry, Staff Writer

The speed of race cars and street vehicles have increased, and so has the impact and severity of crashes with mangled metal. The equipment has been improved over the years, and popular names have appeared such as the “jaws of life.” Gone are the days of volunteers without high powered equipment.

Entrapment in a crushed metal vehicle is not uncommon and the speed to get the victim out without increasing the injuries is critical. This was the case of a wreck at the Spooky 200 on Saturday, October 19 at the Salem Speedway located at 2729 IN-56 West, Salem.

The driver of one of the Crown Vic race cars lost feeling in his lower body after crashing. Rather than pulling him out the window and creating more physical damage, fast and safe action had to be taken. The Impact Rescue team sprang into action and cut the roof off the car to pick him up straight up out of the wreck with supports around him.

The driver was out of the car in 16 minutes, and he was in the ambulance en route to UofL Hospital in Louisville thanks to the Washington County Ambulance Service. It is the only Level 1 Trauma Center in this area with the next closest being in Indianapolis, such as the IU Health Methodist Hospital. Thankfully, the driver later recovered and feeling had returned to his lower extremities.

The Impact Rescue team is well trained and equipped. They quickly arrived at the scene of the accident in two trucks. One of which was the track’s own vehicle, and the other was a loaner from Eddie Gilstrap Motors. The equipment used by the team is furnished by the corporate sponsor, Impact Rescue, out of Indianapolis. These pieces of equipment are refurbished and donated to the track. Refurbished equipment includes a cutter, spreader, combination and a ram. Manufactured by Holmatro Rescue Equipment, these four machines are hydraulic and contain battery operated pumps. Every year, the equipment must be sent off for inspection and brought back to the Speedway in March. In addition, there is also equipment training for two days, March 29 and 30. Kimmel racing has donated two car frames that will be used for training purposes. One will be for cutting, and the other a simulator with all the bells and whistles of a real stockcar.

Salem Fire was one of the original trained rescue teams. In 2019, Bill Kneisley hired the team of 24 salaried and rotating members. Mike Spurgeon is the Deputy Director and Jonathon Sears is the Safety Chief. The team has a spotter in the tower that works with Glen Luckett to make sure the track is safe for the trucks to enter. The staff is dressed in fire suits, helmets and special gloves for safety provided by the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Sears has served on safety teams since 2010, and the tracks he has worked at include World Wide Tech, IRP, Kentucky Speedway and Indianapolis Motor Speedway. He recalled an incident on May 18th, 2015 while working at Indy on turn one when the suspension broke on James Hinchcliffe’s Indy car. He hit the wall extremely hard, and part of the suspension broke through the car body into his thigh, nicking his femoral artery. Due to the large amount of blood he was losing, time was essential. They safely removed him from the car to be transported by ambulance to IU Health Methodist Hospital. It took 22 pints of blood, but they saved his life. Fast action like this shows the utter importance of an attentive and efficient team.

• Salem High School
• Awards & Recognition
• Higher Education

By Monika Spaulding, Writer

The Salem High School Media students had a BIG day last Friday at the IUS Media Day. Salem Lions News Network, which encompasses the SLNN news broadcast, live streaming and radio, as well as SHS Newspaper and Digital Media students, won multiple awards, including second place for Best News Organization of the Year! 

Teachers J.D. Wade-Swift and Monika Spaulding are extremely proud of their students’ hard work and effort. It takes a lot of time and talent to put out newscasts, call games, write stories and take photos and the media kids are top-notch. 

“We are thrilled for our students to get this recognition,” said Spaulding. “They work hard and it's nice for them to get that recognition!”

Spaulding said joining efforts with Wade-Swift and combining their knowledge in the field of journalism and communications has been a great experience.

“Not only are we learning from each other, but our students are benefiting as well!” said Spaulding.

For Wade-Swift’s SLNN Crew: 

• First Place for Play By Play: Nick Ingram and Hunter Trainor: https://youtu.be/guLHlAcR_do

• Second Place for On-Air Personality for Alli Elliott, Tanden Mann and Ryker Sparkman: https://youtu.be/kU-jsUs2Qes

• First Place for best Newscast: https://tinyurl.com/TSSS12E2

Ethan Campbell, Logan Dent, Zak Gibbs, Maggie Gibson, Elaine Houchin, Nick Ingram, Adam Mull, Bryden Stafford, & Natalee Wells

• Second Place for Best TV News or Feature Story: Nick Ingram and Gus Hanjorgiris: 

Part 1: https://youtu.be/Yb1wJRQIXSM Part 2: https://youtu.be/YRGf1IX3MwU

For Spaulding’s Newspaper and Digital Media class:

• Lanie Roberts first place Best Sports Story: Lady Lions persevere
• Emily Pierce first place Best Sports Photo: Dean’s touchdown

Emily Pierce's photo, "Dean's Touchdown"

• Emily Pierce first place for Best Photo Essay: Friday Night Lights
• Flora Wade second place News Story: Government bans devices
• Amelia Saunders second place Best Feature Photo: Boys soccer wins!

Amelia Saunders' photo, "Boys Soccer Wins!"

• Flora Wade second place Best Sports Story: A small team with big accomplishments
• Amelia Saunders third place Feature Story: Silent struggles

The news organization overall won:

• Second place for Best News Organization of the Year.
• First place Best Overall Website: Salem Lions News Network
• Second place Best Social Media: 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shs_lyonnews/

TikTok: //www.tiktok.com/@shsnewspaper" style="text-decoration: none;">https://www.tiktok.com/@shsnewspaper

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/salemhighschool47167/

Washington County 4-H is hosting a Carnival Of Fun this Thursday, Nov. 14, 5:30--7:30 p.m., at the 4-H Building at the Washington County Fairgrounds, 118 Fair St, Salem. The carnival is free to the public and will feature plenty of food and games.

The event is family friendly and is focused on students from Kindergarten through Grade 12 who would like to become more knowlegeable about 4-H. Potential 4-H members, as well as current members, are encouraged to join in the fun. 

A number of "stations" will be set up, each featuring different foods and activities--such as the Popcorn Trivia station. Weather permitting, a bounce house will also be available.

A "Cake Walk" will be featured. Proceeds from this event will help fund county 4-H projects.

Families from throughout the county are encouraged to participate and experience the fun, food and fellowship while learning more about 4-H.

• Salem
• Special Events

By Nathaniel Smith, Editor

The annual Veterans Memorial Ceremony in Salem is always reverent and sentimental, and this year was no exception. The community gathered together as we always do on the north lawn of the Salem Courthouse at 11 a.m. on November 11 to join in remembrance of all of those who have served our great nation, and of all of those who are still serving to this day.

The ceremony began with a word of prayer by Ricky Main along with a flag ceremony presented by Scout Troop 4029 of Salem. The American Legion Auxiliary, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Auxiliary, and the Daughters of the American Revolution then performed the ceremonial laying of the wreaths, followed by a stellar performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner” and “Amazing Grace” by Salem High School Junior, Lizzy Love. There was a certain presence in the air as Lizzy performed “Amazing Grace.” Members of the crowd began to sing along with her. It was truly a special moment of unity.

The guest speaker this year was Dusty Baker. Baker began her military career as a United States Marine from 1985-1989. She then joined the United States Army from 1990-1994. She spoke deeply about her experiences in the military and discussed the importance of serving the country. In her speech, she quoted a very famous historical figure, President Dwight D. Eisenhower.

“Now, Therefore, I, Dwight D. Eisenhower, President of the United States of America, do hereby call upon all of our citizens to observe Thursday, November 11, 1954, as Veterans Day. On that day let us solemnly remember the sacrifices of all those who fought so valiantly, on the seas, in the air, and on foreign shores, to preserve our heritage of freedom, and let us reconsecrate ourselves to the task of promoting an enduring peace so that their efforts shall not have been in vain.”

Following Dusty Baker’s speech, the ceremony concluded with the VFW Firing Squad paying tribute to soldiers spanning all throughout the history of the United States of America. From ones long gone, to ones still serving, the shots ring out for all veterans so they will never be forgotten.

Lizzy Love, Salem High School Junior

Andrew Bush, Washington County Veterans Service Officer

Ricky Main

Dusty Baker

Photos by Nathaniel Smith.

• Salem
• Awards & Recognition
• Special Events

The bridge across from Kentucky Fried Chicken on South Main Street in Salem has a new name: The Washington County Veterans Memorial Bridge. Officially dedicated at 9 a.m. on November 11, the Veterans Memorial Bridge now stands in remembrance of all those who have served and are continuing to serve.

Attended by many members of the community, the Veterans Bridge dedication was a wonderful ceremony that paid homage to our veterans in a very special way. Enjoy photos from the dedication below!

Andrew Bush, Washington County Veterans Service Officer

Karen Engleman, IN Representative District 70

Major General Dale Lyles, Indiana Adjutant General

Spokesperson for Representative Erin Houchin

Commissioner Rick Roberts

Photos by Nathaniel Smith.

Millions of people make considerable sacrifices to protect the freedoms of their fellow citizens. According to the Pew Research Center and data from the Department of Veterans Affairs and the U.S. Census Bureau, there are currently more than 18 million living veterans in the United States. The 2021 Census counted 461,240 veterans in Canada, according to Veterans Affairs Canada.

The term "veteran" refers to a person who served in the active military, naval, air service, or space service and was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable. In the U.S., there are actually five types of protected veterans, according to the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974. Under VEVRAA, a veteran may be classified as a disabled veteran, recently separated veteran, active duty wartime or campaign badge veteran, or Armed Forces service medal veteran.

Veterans deserve respect and admiration all year long, but also get their own holiday each November. Veterans Day celebrates veterans' patriotism and willingness to sacrifice and serve. This Veterans Day, people can consider these eight unique ways to honor the veterans in their community.

1. Attend events. Organize or participate in local Veterans Day celebrations, such as parades and ceremonial events.

2. Get involved with veterans' affairs. Support veterans by volunteering with organizations that assist them, such as the VA, local veteran's groups, VA hospitals, or charities dedicated to veteran services.

3. Petition for veteran speakers. Reach out to schools, scout troops or other groups and arrange opportunities for veterans to share their stories and contributions. Learning about the sacrifices these men and women made can heighten individuals' appreciation for veterans.

4. Support the families of veterans. Reach out to veterans' families, who also must make sacrifices and concessions. Anything from shopping, babysitting, doing chores, or making a meal can help the families of veterans.

5. Make a donation. If finances allow, make contributions to reputable charities that provide services for veterans like those that offer mental health counseling or job placement services. If there isn't a charity that fits with your vision, begin one.

6. Hire veterans to work. If you are a business owner or hiring manager, consider hiring veterans for open positions at your company. It can be challenging to re-enter the workforce after service, so make it known that your firm welcomes veterans.

7. Offer personal acknowledgements. Take the time to speak to veterans and thank them for their service. If possible, when dining out, ask the server if you can pay for the meal of a veteran who also is dining that day.

8. Don't forget the fallen veterans. Although Memorial Day is designed to honor those who lost their lives through military service, people still can honor the fallen veterans on Veterans Day by sharing stories or placing flags at veteran cemeteries.

Veterans Day is celebrated on November 11, marking an opportunity to express one's gratitude and support for the scores of veterans who have served honorably.