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   For over ninety years, the men and women of the Indiana State Police have committed to the values of duty, honor, and sacrifice in their service to the citizens of Indiana.  It is in that value of sacrifice that we as law enforcement professionals place the safety of others ahead our own.  All too often that steadfast commitment results in a loss of life, our own.  To date there have been forty-nine Indiana State Police personnel that have lost their lives in the line of duty. 

As an agency, the Indiana State Police embraces a solemn duty to remember, honor, and celebrate the lives of our personnel that have made the ultimate sacrifice.  We perform that duty in a number of ways, whether it be the Annual Memorial Service(s) held at each District during the month of May;

the Memorial headstones and Memorial boards that are displayed at each District facility; our In Memoriam web page; the ‘Lest We Forget’ memorials sent out annually on each heroes date of death; roadside memorials shrines; and Memorial flags placed at the headstone where each of our fallen now forever rests in peace.  Along with the tangible practices of remembering, it is also expected that all ISP personnel perform their duties in a manner that reflects favorably and in honor of those that have gone before us.

Presently the Indiana State Police has an entourage of troopers that have traveled to Washington D.C. for National Police Week. with the families of fallen Master Trooper James Bailey (Fort Wayne Post) and Trooper Aaron Smith (Indianapolis Post).  National Police Week is held each year in the nation’s capital during the month of May (May 12th-18th, 2024) and offers honor, remembrance, and peer support, while allowing law enforcement, survivors, and citizens to gather and pay homage to those who gave their lives in the line of duty.

The names of Master Trooper James Bailey and Trooper Aaron Smith, along with the seven other officers from Indiana that were killed in the line of duty during 2023, have been forever etched in the National Law Enforcement Memorial Wall .  We will always remember, forever honor, and respect those that serve in their memory!

                                                                                                                     -Walker

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By Jerry Curry, Staff Writer

Over twenty-five volunteers showed their community pride by participating in the first Salem Spruce up. They met at city hall Saturday morning, May 11.

Spearing heading this community cleanup was Carlos Bravo and city councilman Roger Pennington.  Bravo owns the El Caminos Mexican Restaurant.

They were joined by city council members Randy Lee, Dylan Moore and Steve Crane. These city council members bought the donuts and pickup reach grabber tools. 

There were also T-shirts printed and donated by Linck’s Clothing and Shoes. Trash bags were provided by Ace Hardware of Salem.

The city was divided into four quadrants, and the volunteers were assigned to a quadrant. Maps with the area were provided.

As a reward for everyone's efforts, a taco bar was served by Carlos Bravo at 1 p.m..

Staff Photo By Jerry Curry

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At approximately 6:38 p.m., Washington County Deputies and emergency response personnel were dispatched to the area near 4630 Mount Zion Church Road in reference to a motor vehicle accident involving a riding lawnmower.

Carol Sullivan, age 19, of Pekin was traveling north on Mount Zion Church Road in a 2013 Ford Fusion. Sullivan came to a hillcrest when Terry Wells, age 67, of Pekin was on his lawnmower in the roadway turning around. The drivers' statements and evidence at the scene indicated Sullivan attempted to stop but was unable to in time to avoid the collision.

Wells was transported by the Washington County Ambulance Service to University of Louisville Hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries.

Hailee Lopotosky was the investigating officer.  Assisting officers were Deputy Paul Reyling and Sergeant Lucas Gray.

Also responding to the scene were Washington County Ambulance Service, Pierce-Polk Volunteer Fire Department and Franklin Volunteer Fire Department.

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Join Beck's Mill from now until October for a blend of artistic activities as you learn the history and myths of Beck's Mill. Each month, you will explore a new site while expressing your hidden talents through creative writing, sketching, painting, music, collage and more. Learn about the history of the Mill, the science behind the water source, the botany from natives to Essie's imports, as well as the culture and myths surrounding our local treasure.

The series schedule is as follows:

May 19 Waterfall – Water Cell Painting on Watercolor Board

June 23 Cabin – Wood Slice Mandala

July 28 Green House – Pressed, sealed & framed plants from on-site

August 25 Cemetery – Genealogy Art Project

September 22 Chicken House – Acrylic Paint on Stretched Canvas

October 13 Blacksmith Shop – Metalic Finish Art Project

Dusty Lynn Baker, instuctor and Beck's Mill resident artist will be leading the sessions.

Cost is $15 per session. (All proceeds benefit "The Friends of the Mill." To register, go to https://www.becksmill.org/ Then click on  "Special events".