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.

• Salem
• Special Events
• Festival

By Jerry Curry, Staff Writer

The weather could not have been more perfect for the Settlers Day Festival this past weekend. It was held on October 5 and 6 at the John Hay Pioneer Village, and all was open and free including the Stevens Museum, John Hay home, and train depot. The pioneer village was open for folks to go at their own pace to visit each cabin and attraction. Among the cabins was the school house, general store, wood shop and blacksmith shop. Various vendors and local businesses lined around the museum, offering items such as cotton candy and other delightful food treats. In addition, the Stevens Museum had donated items for sale for visitors to pay what they thought was fair. This venue was manned by Kaylee Seabolt, the Office Manager and Librarian for the museum.

Touring the John Hay House immediately takes you back to its early 19th century roots. Museum guides reminded visitors of major events such as the 1833 and 1851 Cholera scourges. Many lives were lost and several people left the area. Another such story told was of Morgan’s Raiders, and how a wooden dresser still holds the bullet from General John Hunt Morgan’s raid of June 1863. A turn of the century quote from the Salem Democrat dated May of 1900 is also on display. It described Salem as, “a wide open town.” 

“Salem is what may be termed ‘a wide open town.’ There isn’t the least trouble in securing liquor at illegal hours and illegal ways. If anybody says there is, they lie. The laws are not enforced in Salem, and illegal drinking, carousing, gambling and general wickedness are on the increase.” - Salem Democrat.

The back porch of the John Hay house was the happening spot to hear music. One such group was the Corydon Dulcimer Society playing many vintage songs. The dulcimer is a string, hourglass shaped instrument originating in the early 1800s from the Appalachian Mountains, and they are still sold and made in the United States today. Following the Dulcimer Society, a group of local musicians consisting of Clark Johnson, Jude Kritzer, Finn Kritzer with singer Sarah Scott gathered on the back porch and played with more conventional instruments. To finish up the weekend, the Salem Guitar Club took the back porch on Sunday and provided great listening entertainment as the festival began to come to a close.

Luckily, these fantastic events and demonstrations were accompanied by equally fantastic food options. The Canton Christian Ladies provided nice sit-down meals at a reasonable price in the train depot for $9.00. This included a choice of ham and beans, cornbread, pulled pork BBQ, chili, hot dogs, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and an assortment of desserts.  À la carte items were also available. 

Old Settlers Days ran from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday with the only exception being the church service that was held on Sunday morning at 8 a.m. Needless to say, Old Settlers Days was a wonderful success. So, be sure to come out next year to see what it has to offer!

Photos by Jerry Curry.

• Washington County
• Special Events
• Elections

The Washington County Democratic Party will be hosting a chili supper meet-and-greet on October 11 at 5:30 p.m.

Here voters will have the opportunity to meet with the local Democratic candidates and discuss issues that are close to the hearts of community members.

This pay what you want event will take place at Southern Hills Church Fellowship Hall located at 1645 IN-135, Salem.

Come out to show your support and ask the questions that matter to you!

Click Here to RSVP.

• Law & Justice
• Crime
• Sheriff's Department

Washington County, Indiana (October 7, 2024) - The Washington County Sheriff’s Department is seeking information about a fatal hit-and-run that occurred over the weekend in Fredericksburg.

A 911 call at 7:45 a.m. Sunday reported a man lying off the roadway in the area of 3946 West U.S. 150, Fredericksburg.

Detective Brad Naugle arrived at 8:01 a.m. and found a man who had sustained blunt force trauma, appearing to have been struck by a vehicle. The Washington County Coroner’s Office declared the man dead at the scene.

The victim has been identified as Shawn Edward Crabtree, 49, a resident of Fredericksburg.

Naugle said there were parts from a vehicle and debris from the impact at the scene. A crime scene technician and a reconstructionist from the Indiana State Police examined and collected evidence at the scene.

A time of death has not been established, but Naugle said the incident occurred sometime after 9:30 p.m. Witnesses saw Crabtree hitchhiking on U.S. 150 in Harrison County around that time.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Sheriff’s Department at 812-883-5999 and request to speak with Detective Brad Naugle. Callers may remain anonymous.

 The American Red Cross Kentucky Region is issuing an appeal for financial donations, blood donations, and for volunteers who are willing to travel this fall to support emergency shelters for major national disaster relief efforts.

Ways people can help:

• DONATE FINANCIALLY: Financial donations are the quickest and fastest way to get help to people who need it. Visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED-CROSS or text the word HELENE to 90999 to make a donation to help people affected by disasters like Hurricane Helene. Donations enable the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disaster. 
• BLOOD: Hurricane Helene has caused more than 1,500 blood donations to go uncollected in the Southeast — yet the need for blood remains constant for patients in need. Those outside the affected areas are encouraged to schedule a blood donation appointment now by visiting RedCrossBlood.org or using the Blood Donor App to help restock the shelves.
• VOLUNTEER: Interested volunteers are urged to sign up today at redcross.org/volunteer. All candidates must complete necessary training and be able to commit to a two-week deployment. Applicants who don’t have disaster experience, but have supervision, management or organization skills; a strong desire to help others; and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, are encouraged to apply.

‘THIS IS SAFE’: HELENE FAMILY SHARES WHAT SHELTER MEANS TO THEM In emergency shelters, Red Cross disaster volunteers provide people with a safe place to stay, necessities like food and water, and critical services like mental health support and basic health services such as replacing lost medications or medical equipment. 

Over the weekend in Perry, Florida, Amber Barteau and her family sought refuge at a Red Cross shelter after discovering that Hurricane Helene devastated their home — which marked the third time they’ve survived a hurricane in just over a year. “As soon as I pulled up to the shelter, it made me feel good,” Amber said. “I thought to myself, this is safe, and I’m going to be OK.”

RED CROSS MOBILIZES MASSIVE RESPONSE TO HELENE As of Monday, more than 1,000 Red Cross disasters responders, over a dozen are from Kentucky, are on the ground across 10 states devastated by Hurricane Helene in the Southeast, including hard-hit North Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia and Florida. 

On Sunday night, more than 2,600 people stayed in 69 emergency shelters supported by the Red Cross and other community organizations. That overnight total jumped by some 600 people in just one day — and as storm-ravaged communities like those in North Carolina become more accessible, the Red Cross expects the need will continue to grow. While disaster assessments are still underway in hard-to-reach areas, emergency officials are planning for shelter operations to last at least several weeks, based on the storm’s initial widespread destruction.

In Kentucky severe storms swept through over the weekend. Five trained Red Cross disaster workers are helping close to 100 people across the state whose homes were impacted. The Red Cross worked with community partner, God's Pantry, and assisted with the distribution of no prep meals in Boyle County. In addition, the Red Cross loaned 80 cots and provided toiletry items and blankets to the Pine Knot Job Corps program in Pine Knot, KY (McCreary County), for job corps members evacuating from North Carolina. 

The Red Cross Kentucky Region is grateful to those who have provided financial support for disaster relief, such as Bill and Jill Howard; Commonwealth Credit Union; Dean Dorton, Frost Brown Todd Attorneys; GE Appliances; Samtec; UofL Health; Valvoline Instant Oil Change and to the Red Cross Annual Disaster Giving Parter, Yum! Brands.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.

By Becky Killian, Staff Writer

When the new Salem Municipal Airport opened with a 3,000-foot runway in September 2019, it was expected the federal funding to construct the final 2,000 feet would be received in late 2022. That money from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is still promised, but the runway completion has been delayed due to changes in how that agency funds projects, as well as the pandemic.

Board of Aviation President Jason Cockerill points to the uncompleted runway as the reason behind a crash that occurred Aug. 6 when a pilot from Pennsylvania was unable to stop the plane she was landing. The plane came to a stop in a soybean field.

“Had it [the runway] been longer, we probably wouldn’t have had that incident,” Cockerill said. “I hate that it happened. I’m glad nobody got hurt.” The pilot had been diverted to Salem from Bedford’s airport, which has a runway of about 4,500 feet.

The crash is currently being investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board. A final report is expected in about six months.

Salem’s runway was always planned to be 5,000 feet, which would accommodate small jets. However, during the pandemic, Cockerill said the FAA changed how it handled funding for projects. Rather than dispensing funding for a portion of a project, the goal became giving larger amounts of money so projects could be completed rather than done in stages. Since that change, other projects, mostly at larger airports, have been fully funded while smaller, already scheduled, funds trickle into Salem’s project.

“Most people do not realize that the FAA provides funding in stages and not completely upfront,” Cockerill said. “We can only do so much of the project each year based on the funding that is allocated. Additionally, most people do not realize that the funding from the FAA does not come from income or property tax revenue – the FAA aviation trust fund is funded from air-related travel taxes such as taxes on airline tickets or aviation fuel – so, in essence, aviation funds aviation projects which was also affected by COVID.”

Currently, the next round of funds from the FAA is expected in late 2026 and will be used to prepare the ground for the runway’s final 2,000 feet. That involves earth moving and grading; however, once the “grade and drain” is finished, the ground will have to be allowed to settle before runway construction begins – and that settling can take months due to the amount of soil that will be moved, the soil’s high clay content, and the water present in the area.

Cockerill and his fellow board members look forward to an October meeting with representatives from the FAA as well as the Indiana Department of Transportation. During that meeting, Cockerill said he intends to promote the economic impact the airport has on the community as well as the safety aspects of a longer runway. He also hopes to get an updated timeline for the project.

“The completion of the project opens the door for further economic growth, both in the jobs that are funded via work that's done on the project as well as the potential jobs that could come as a result of the finished project,” Cockerill said. “There is room near the airport for businesses to locate for those that just want based near an airport, such as the current flight school that's operating at the airport now.”

Airport officials have also asked the FAA for funding for another T-hangar, like the existing hangar located near the terminal building.

The airport has maintained a waiting list for hangar spots since the new facility opened. That list contained about 20 names as of July, Corey Harper, of H&R Aviation Consulting, said.

While waiting on the runway funding, airport officials have worked on other projects that aim to enhance and improve the airport, according to Harper. A parking lot has been installed and officials hope to lease ground to four individuals who want to construct hangars. That construction could begin this year. The individuals will lease ground from the airport and fund the construction of the hangars. Once the term of the lease has expired, ownership of the hangars will revert to the airport.

The airport also has a water and sewer extension that will be paid for with federal money the state is distributing through READI grants.

Despite the long wait for the completion of the 5,000-foot runway, Cockerill is grateful for what progress has been made.

“With the FAA contributing 90 percent of the funding for the project, then INDOT's contribution on top of that, it's hard to say that it hasn't been worth it for the community especially when you consider that the old runway was literally not safe.”

Salem Municipal Airport Board President Jason Cockerill believes the airport's uncompleted runway contributed to an Aug. 6 plane crash. No injuries resulted, according to Washington County Sheriff Brent Miller. Miller’s department, as well as Salem police, fire and EMS personnel, responded to the scene.
Photo by Sheriff Brent Miller

• Theatre

Derby Dinner Playhouse will open their 2024-2025 Children's Musical Theatre Series with "The True Story of The Three Little Pigs" on Saturday, Oct. 5.

Public performances run Oct. 5, 12, 14, 19, 26, and Nov. 2 and Nov. 9.

For ticket information please call 812-288-8281 or visit www.derbydinner.com.

"The True Story of The Three Little Pigs"allows the audience to be the jury as the Big Bad Wolf is put on trial for his "supposed" crimes against the three pigs. This hilarious rock musical is led by Lillian Magill, a top pig reporter who is covering the courtroom drama. The audience gets to hear both sides and then decides whether the Wolf is guilty or innocent, thereby determining how the play will end.

The musical version of "The True Story of The Three Little Pigs" was adapted from the popular children's book written by Joe Scieszka and Lane Smith. The book and lyrics were written by Robert Kauzlaric, and the music was composed by Paul Gilvary and William Rush.

Derby Dinner's production is under the direction of Tina Jo Wallace.  The cast includes Neill Robertson as Alexander T. Wolf, Ava Whitaker as Magill, Cherrie Pointer, Tasha Hatchett and Embry Thielmeier..

All public performances of "The True Story of The Three Little Pigs" feature a kid-friendly buffet and are one hour in length.

This production is most suitable for ages 3-12.

• Salem
• Entertainment
• Special Events
• Festival

By Jerry Curry, Staff Writer

Nathaniel Smith, Editor

Old Settlers Days Festival is one of the best throughout the fall season. First established in 1875, this annual event is held in order to commemorate and honor the pioneers of old who had settled the wilderness lands of the Indiana Territory. Little by little, communities began to grow; one such community being Washington County.

This free festival lasting two days will be October 5 and 6 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with the only exception being a church service that will occur in the village on October 6 at 8 a.m. Old Settlers Days is held at the John Hay Pioneer Village located at 307 E. Market St., Salem, and it will have plenty of attractions for all types of interests.

Visitors will be greeted by many local food vendors, arts and crafts, and many historical reenactments. In addition, the Stevens Memorial Museum is open to exploration as well as the nearby Depot Railroad Museum located at 206 S. College Ave., Salem.

Old Settlers Days will also be hosting several local musicians for your listening pleasure. Starting the musical festivities off will be the Corydon Dulcimer Society on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Following up the Corydon Dulcimer Society will be local blues, rock and folk musician Jared Kearschner from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. And finally to wrap up the music, the Salem Guitar Club will be playing from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Sunday.

Make sure to bring an appetite! The many food and drink options will include hot dogs, pulled pork, ham, beans, chili and more served from the Canton Christian Ladies Group ($8 combo meal or $4 à la carte), as well as booths offering products such as fresh apple cider.

Old Settlers Days is a must-see event in the Washington County area for any fans of food, community fun, or history. So, be sure to make an appearance at the 2024 Old Settlers Days Festival!

• Wellness

By Rose Condra, CHOICES Executive Director

CHOICES Life Resource Center is a non-profit organization serving families across Southern Indiana, with locations in New Albany, Corydon, Salem, and Marengo. They were established in 2004 in New Albany.

In 2017, the Corydon office opened, and in 2019, the CARE Pregnancy Center in Salem merged with CHOICES and opened its current office at 1201 N Jim Day Road.

CHOICES offers compassionate, life-affirming care for those experiencing an unplanned pregnancy. CHOICES does NOT provide, fund, or refer for abortions. Additionally, parenting support is offered free for families with no residency requirements or income restrictions.

Nearly 900 individuals have received support this year.

Each center location offers pregnancy testing and life-affirming options counseling. Their nurses provide ultrasounds for pregnancy confirmation in each office except the Marengo satellite location.

Holly Ward, RN, said, “Every pregnant woman, no matter the circumstances that brought her to us, deserves to be supported during her pregnancy.”

Moms and dads are invited to join the StepUp Parenting Resource Program (SUPR). The free SUPR program includes group classes, individual parenting support, and life skills education for families, pregnancy through children under age four.

SUPR includes a Dr. Dad program made just for new fathers.

Clients in the free parenting program earn Boutique Bucks, which may be redeemed in the Blessing Boutique for diapers, formula, clothing, car seats, etc. So far, in 2024, over $250,000 worth of baby supplies have gone to help families in their four locations.

Allison Adams, Director of Development, said of their popular parenting program, “CHOICES, exists to partner with moms and dads in caring for their children. Parents are not offered a handout, but an avenue for education, encouragement, and help with baby supplies.”

To learn more about CHOICES's services, you may visit their website at ChoicesLRC.org.