By Jerry Curry, Staff Writer

Creating Avenues for Student Transformation (CAST) held a fundraiser called “A Night At Salem Speedway,” on Saturday, Sept. 21. Ninety people attended the event, and approximately $4,000 were raised to support the dyslexia tutoring program.

CAST is a group that provides structured, multi-sensory, explicit tutoring based upon the science of learning. The routines are particularly effective in engaging long-term memory.

This service was free last year, but the government grants that enabled financed the program were discontinued post-Covid. CAST is now relying on local contributions to support the program’s expenses. Funds needed are approximately $40,000.

This year, CAST has helped over 140 students. Reading skills were up +21%, Spelling up+18% and Math Skills up +35%.

Those attending enjoyed a catered dinner and a great view for racing from the comfort of the air-conditioned tower overlooking the grandstands.

One of the speakers was Micah Gilliam, who recently joined as CAST as their Dyslexia Resource Center Coordinator. She spoked about the success of the group. Gillam is also a second grade teacher at East Washington School Corporation.

Cassie Corp, CAST Executive Director, said, “I’m so grateful that our local community is dedicated to investing in our kids.”

Corp also sold tickets for the organization’s other fundraiser, “The Most Magical Raffle on Earth.” The raffle features a grand prize of $2000 in Disney gift cards; a second prize of local gift cards; and third prize of four “Big Splash” tickets in French Lick. The winning tickets will be drawn on Monday, Sept. 30, at the CAST office.

CAST staff thanked those who helped sponsor the evening’s event. The Banner Sponsor was Jeans’ Extrusions, Inc.

Donations can be sent to CAST, 1707 N. Shelby St. #107, Salem, IN 47167. The website is www.castwashco.org/ . Contributions are tax deductible.

Jamie Richardson was the lucky winner of a door prize provided by Elliott Cox of Driving For Dyslexia.

Dyslexia Resource Center Coordinator Micah Gilliam welcomed guests.

CAST board member Allison Ezzell spoke with guests--U.S. Congresswoman Erin Houchin and family and Jerry Curry, SalemLeader.com staff writer.

 By Jerry Curry, Staff Writer

The final 12th episode of Season 11 of “Alone,” the History Channel’s acclaimed survival series, aired August 29. Salem resident Timber Cleghorn finished second place in the competition. Now that the last episode has aired, Cleghorn is free to discuss his experiences on the show.

The survival series took place at the Arctic Circle, near the McKenzie Delta in Canada, where temperatures can range from 40 degrees to -30 degrees.

Each contestant could choose only 10 items to take with them, and food provisions were not included. Participants had to rely on their hunting, fishing and gathering skills to provide food for themselves.

The last person to remain in the competition would win $500,000.

Each contestant was restricted to their own designated territory. There was no contact with the other participants or crew members of the series.

The History Channel did provide everyone with an international GPS phone (to report emergencies or to “tap out” of the competition), an emergency medical kit, five GoPro cameras, a tripod and 30 pounds of batteries to film their own adventures.

The last two contestants on the show were Cleghorn and William Larkham, Jr., age 49, of Labrador, Canada. Larkham was well acclimated to the harsh weather, although he had lost 74 pounds by the end of the show. Cleghorn had lost 34 pounds.

On day 83, Cleghorn decided to tap out of the competition, even though he was doing fine. He wants everyone to know that the Arctic did not beat him. Had he won, he thought people would see him as the guy with $500,000 and not just plain old Timber.

He commented that although William won the money, Cleghorn personally had discovered many things about himself and developed a true sense of inner peace. He believes that this adventure will always be one of the fondest experiences of his life.

One thing that may have been motivation for tapping out was that he missed his family most of all—Cara,his wife of 14 years, and sons Levi and Elliot. Cara is expecting the couple’s third child, a daughter, in late September.

Timber Cleghorn’s Experiences
Besides a sleeping bag, contestants were allowed to only bring 10 items. Cleghorn took a saw, axe, tarp, ferro rod, a modified Leatherman tool, a large two-quart pot, a 300-yard roll of a single-filament fishing line plus 29 assorted fishing hooks, a bow and nine arrows, snare wire and a spool of paracord. All items had to be approved.

When asked what else he would have taken if he could, he replied, “A salt block to help with hydration.”

All tools were razor sharp. Timber is an able-bodied woodsman.

He has spent a lot of time in the woods hunting and camping. He described it this way, “The woods are my temple.”

In Cleghorn’s designated area, he survived on rabbit, squirrel and moose. There were not a lot of edible greens or berries. He was the only one to bring down a moose, and he did it with one arrow. He dressed out the moose with his modified Leatherman tool, which was built out of three knives that he put together.

Periodically there were random checks by the series staff, with little talking, adhering to the protocols set for “Alone” participants. In fact, he was prohibited from speaking to anybody, including hunters or native tribes in the area.

After tapping out, it took at least 45 minutes for the support crew from the base camp to reach Cleghorn. He returned to the base camp outside of Inuvik, where he stayed for 10 days get readjusted and medically evaluated.

The History Channel had flown Cleghorn’s wife, Cara, to meet him at base camp after he had tapped out of the competition. This was something the company did not usually do, but they knew that daylight would soon be coming to an end. When Cleghorn first saw his wife, they hugged for five minutes.

Once released from the base camp, Cleghorn had to get readjusted to eating regular food. He couldn’t just down pizza and beer. He stated that first cup of coffee was delicious. One food he missed the most were brownies.

Getting Back to Regular Life
Cleghorn has many memories as take-aways from this trip. He cites many examples like making a fish hook out of bone and making moose jerky.

He brought back many souvenirs, including moose jerky, antlers, a homemade guitar, and a game he made with carved wooden figures.

Cleghorn mentioned that some people now recognize him in public.

So, what’s Timber up to now? Well, he has five guys who want to go hunting with him in Tajistan.

He also wrote a book about his experience in the McKenzie Delta in the Artic Circle, entitled “Memoir Of A Wildman.” The book is coming out in mid-October on Amazon.

Personal History
Cleghorn describes himself as a survivalist, wildman, free thinker, humanitarian aid worker and a follower of Jesus. He has traveled all over the world bring help to those in need.

He can speak Chinese, Russian, and Pamir.

Cleghorn would take the entire family on mission trips if the area was not in turmoil.

He took his wife Cara and two sons, Levi and Elliot, to Greece. Ukraine was off-limits for the family, as was any area where the Taliban or other hostile people might be present.

Affect On Our Community
Many Washington County residents felt like they were able to share in Cleghorn’s solitary and survivalist experiences and adventures through the “Alone” series.

He was an exemplary ambassador for our community who instilled pride in us all.

The three remaining contentants toward the end of "Alone." Pictured from left are Dub Paetz, third place; Timber Cleghorn, second place; and William Larkham, Jr., the winner of the series.

Timber Cleghorn upon his arrival at the Artic Circle.

All of the contestants who appeared on the "Alone" series.

Timber and his wife Cara, who are expecting the arrival of their daughter around the end of September.

By Jerry Curry, Staff Writer

The “Fall Brawl” at Salem Speedway happened Saturday night, Sept. 21, complete with boxings gloves and trophy.

The first race started at 6 p.m. with Crown Vics on the small inner ¼ mile track.

John Lister held off several challenges. Driver Doug Wicker was hot on his tail, but had to settle for second place in this 25-lap race. Third place went to Kaden Cook. There were nine cars on the lead lap out 15 Ford Crown Vics.

Next up were the Legends, with race cars that are small reproductions of body styles for cars of days gone by. There is just enough room for the driver.

Leading at the half-way point was Johnny Weaver, and Max Olmsted was second. Olmsted made a late-race pass to win, making up for last race out when he misjudged the finish line, causing him a victory. Second was Johnny Weaver, and bringing home third was John Robbins.

The last race on the ¼ mile were the Scrappers. They ran a kidney pattern. It was pure mayhem as almost anything goes. It was no surprise when Justin Fiedler took the checkered flag for the win. Second was Tony Kelly, and third, Donnie Elrod.

Next up were the Salem Super Cars. This division uses retired ARCA car bodies with crate engines. It was 25 laps of all-out speed. Jamie Mosley, the second fastest qualifier, won. He was overtaken by heat and transported off the track in an air-conditioned ambulance at the end of the race. Second place went to Joe Cooksey, and third, Brian Rose.

The Ford Crown Vics took to the track for 50 laps of very competitive racing. Because there were lots of yellow flags, race control in a new format cut the race to 40 laps. The time limit on this race was 50 minutes. The yellows allowed Ronnie Basham to pit and fix his car without going a lap down.

There were several NASCAR type wrecks where several cars caught up in spins were collected.

The last laps were door-to-door racing with Basham and Noah Allison battling it out for the win. Basham held off the charging competitor and took first place, and Allision, second place. Third was Roger Vincent. There were 15 cars on the lead lap.

The main event was the 75-lap G.A.S. race. There were several lead changes.

At one point, Chuck Barnes Sr. looked like the car to beat, but he dropped out on lap 57.

Heath Helton, the fastest qualifier, took the lead and could not be caught. He also broke his own track record in qualifications.

This race lasted the whole 75 laps, and the win belonged to Helton. Chuck Barnes Jr. was the only one who could have caught Helton. Barnes held down second, and third was Jeff Stith.

Austin Baum was crowned the Great American Stock division champion. Baum is a very consistent racer, and that’s what it takes to win a championship.

Photos courtesy of Jason Greene

Creating Avenues For Student Transformation (CAST) in Washington County is offering raffle tickets for bundles of gift cards in their "The Most Magical Raffle on Earth"
 fundraiser. Tickets must be purchased before 5 p.m. Monday, Sept. 30.

The grand prize includes $2,000 in Disney gift cards.

The Local Gift Card bundle features gift cards donated by local businesses.  They include Raquel’s Restaurant, Born, El Maguey, Nice’s Family Diner, Totally Baked, Lisa’s Farmhouse Market, Poppy Lane Bakery, Tees & Tumblers and more.

A bundle of four Big Splash tickets is also up for grabs.

Tickets are $20 apiece or three tickets for $50.  Those wanting tickets may stop by the CAST any weekday in September between 9 a.m. and 12 noon or by appointment. The CAST office is located at 1707 N. Shelby Street, Suite 107, Salem.

Tickets can also be purchased from Kim Scifres, Allison Ezzell, Lorie Campbell, Ashley Hubbard, Cassie Summers-Corp, Micah Gilliam or Steve Corp.  Cash, checks, credit cards or Venmo will be accepted.

The drawing for the raffle winners will occur at the CAST office at 6 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 30.

Please call 812-620-7907 or email castwashco.org for more information.

CAST provides tutoring and mentoring to county students. Approximately 220 children were served last year. Approximately 150 of those students received one-on-one tutoring.

Donations may be made to CAST at any time.  The organization still needs approximately $40,000 for operating expenses.

All proceeds will benefit CAST and Southern Indiana Dyslexia Resource Center.

Message from CAST:

• Communities
• Fundraisers
• Special Events

A benefit ride for Paul Humprhey is going to be held on Saturday, September 28th in order to help with financial burdens of his cancer treatment. All wheels are welcome (side-by-sides, Jeeps, cars, trucks, motorcycles, etc.)

Sign ups begin at 11 a.m. at the 4-H Fairgrounds located at 118 N Fair Street in Salem, and the departure is at 12 p.m.

A meal will follow the ride at approximately 5:30 p.m. There will also be a silent auction and a 50/50 raffle along with other raffle prizes.

Entry is $15.00 per driver and $5.00 for each non-driver in the car (meal included). Non-rider meals cost $7.00.

For more information, call or text Randy Lee Jr. at (812) 620-7085 regarding the ride route, and Anna Hall at (812) 620-0469 regarding the silent auction and meal donations.

• Campbellsburg
• Special Events
• Festival
• Parade

By Nathaniel Smith, Editor

The weekend of September 20-21st was quite the busy one for Washington County. Two Friday night Homecoming football games, Friday Night on the Square, and the opening day of the Campbellsburg Country Festival. Needless to say, there was plenty to do, and the Campbellsburg Country Festival certainly did not disappoint.

Located in the heart of Campbellsburg, this two-day long festival had attractions for everyone: live music and shows, food trucks, bouncy castles, town-wide yard sales, and more. Some notable events included performances by “The Monarchs,” Jared Kearschner, comedian Dorothy June, and the “Thunder Chickens.” In addition, there was also a baking contest, baby judging contest, a parade, and a fantastic performance by local classic rock group “Lysergic” to close the weekend out. Fireworks had been planned for the end of the weekend but unfortunately had to be canceled due to a burn ban. Nevertheless, that did not seem to put a damper on any spirits.

After a weekend full of smiling faces, it is safe to say the Campbellsburg Country Festival was a great success. Be sure to come out next year for a phenomenal, and little-to-no cost, way to have a wonderful time building lasting memories within the community.

Campbellsburg Parade Winners.

Two winners of the Campbellsburg Baby Contest.

Jared and Cale Kearschner - Photo by Rebecca White.

Photos by Nathaniel Smith unless otherwise credited.

• Salem
• Special Events

By Jerry Curry, Staff Writer

This past Friday, September 20th, the newly upgraded Salem Square was full of economic enhancements and socializing. Eric Bush, C.E.O. of the Washington County Chamber of Commerce, did a wonderful job organizing the event. With all side streets blocked off and most mercantile shops open, hundreds of people filled the square like an invasionary force.

In front of the brick-and-mortar stores there were rows of tents with different venues set up on the street. Around the courthouse were mostly food trucks and tables. Friday Night on the Square, labeled as one of the biggest nights in Salem, lived up to its name.

The circle in front of the stores were a variety of setups. Anything from banks, churches, hospitals, rehabilitation, addiction recovery, Boy Scout Troop 4029, politics, lawyers, to chiropractic professionals. Several tents had free water, and one church booth had free bean soup and cornbread. The Salem Fire Department was present selling burgers and chances on different prizes. The Salem Police were also on the scene as well as our star resident: The Batman, along with some of his scary friends. Even venues outside the square experienced the economic impact.  As one t-shirt stated, “This Is Our Hometown. One Community, One Family.”

• Elections
• State of Indiana
• Federal

By Nathaniel Smith, Editor

On Thursday, September 19th, a group of community members and local candidates gathered at the office of the Clerk of Courts to witness the public testing of voting machines that will be used to determine the outcome of the 2024 elections. For decades, voting machines have made elections all across the world easier and more efficient. However, voter confidence has been dwindling at a rapid pace as of late, and some have been skeptical in regard to the election process as a whole. This is all the more reason to hold public testings and reinstate confidence into the community.

Led by Clerk of Courts Stephanie Rockey, this public test demonstrated how to properly use the machines, as well as how the machines react to various situations such as submitting a blank ballot or putting marks for too many candidates. Stephanie Rockey also described the straight-party ticket process, and how it does not necessarily mean the voter is locked into only voting straight Democrat or Republican.

“Say for instance you go to vote straight-party Libertarian, but you go back and vote for somebody in the Republican Party or the Democrat Party in another office. That trumps the straight-party ticket,” said Rockey. “So, any other offices that you didn’t pick will go Libertarian, and the two that you chose differently will override that portion of the straight-party ticket.” She also reminded attendees that straight-party voting does not cover non-partisan offices such as school board positions.

As per usual, voters have the option to write in their candidate of choice. However, not just any name can be written and counted as a legitimate vote.

“We see it all the time on election night,” said Rockey. “We get Mickey Mouse, celebrities, actors and actresses, and we have to inspect each one of those. I’ll then look at my certified list to see if the name is on it. If it isn’t on the list, the ballot will then be marked invalid.”

After being asked why the government instructs their office to test certain machines, Rockey simply said they have a list of their inventory and choose which machines to test at random.

“They have our inventory, and they do a random selection. We have a certain percentage of it that we have to use, and they email me a list prior to each election of the inventory percentage that we are required to test,” Rockey stated. “It’s usually 1%, but we normally do 2%. We even have to tell them exactly where our equipment is kept. We have to prove that it is safe and secure. That started back in July of 2018.”

Each voting machine tested during the public testing worked as expected without error and is ready for November 5th. So, make your way to the polls with confidence, because ensuring that our election process is fair, free, and as secure as possible is paramount.

Test #1

Test #2

• Government
• Elections
• Federal

• Fundraisers
• Special Events

By Jerry Curry, Staff Writer

Salem Speedway Fueled by the Hoosier Lottery will present “Fall Brawl” on Saturday, Sept. 21. All winners will receive trophies and boxing gloves to keep with the theme.

“Are you ready to rumble?” a speedway spokesman asks.

There will be six action-packed features. GAS street stock cars will challenge the high banks for 75 circuits. Ford Crown Vics will be scheduled for 50 laps on the high banks. Going for a fast 25 laps will be the Salem Super Cars.  

The small track will feature the Legends, Ford Crown Vics and the Scrapper Fun Class. These guys will go for 25 laps each race.
For something different, each race will consider time limit vs. laps on whichever one come first. Each race has a limit of one minute per lap.

Spectator gates open at 2 p.m., with the first race beginning at 6 p.m.

A special event for the evening includes the "A Night At The Salem Speedway" fundraising event by CAST, featuring dinner and racing at the historic track. CAST is a 501c3 non-profit organization that offers tutoring to county students who are dealing with dyslexia.

According to Cassie Corp, CAST director, “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.
Tickets for the CAST dinner and VIP treatment are $50 for adults. Kids 12 and under are free with the purchase of an adult ticket.
Please email Cassie Corp at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 812-620-7907 to RSVP for tickets to the event.

Return to the high banks at Salem Speedway this Saturday evening for roaring action.

Salem Speedway is located at 2729 Hwy. 56 West, Salem.