• Salem
• Fundraisers
• Wellness
• Christmas

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By Jerry Curry, Writer and Nathaniel Smith, Editor

It seems the fact that there is a Friday the 13th this December has sparked something in Salem… Have you noticed the unusual and eerie creature on the square? It can usually be found prowling from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., but just what is it? Well, this horned, half-goat, half-demon creature is known in legends and lore as Krampus.

Occasionally appearing with a long beard, Krampus has a large tongue, long tail and wild eyes. Covered in fur and adorned with menacing teeth, this German folklore legend is said to go alongside Saint Nicholas as he rewards well-behaved children. Krampus, however, is known to beat misbehaved children with birch rods, and it is even said that he takes children away to be tortured and worse… never to be seen again.

But don’t worry, the Krampus lurking on the square has a different intent entirely. The friendly face under the costume, made by his wife Melissa, is Joshua Calvin. Joshua and Melissa (Mel) are raising money for Stephanie Pike, who is a local cancer patient. Stephanie's monthly medical bills reach heights of $16,000 after insurance, and Joshua and Mel thought this would be a great way to help out as well as drum up excitment for the upcoming Christmas season.

The Calvin's are also making and selling jewelry and candles. Please consider making a purchase or giving a donation to help ease the financial burden for Stephanie during the holidays. If you would like to contribute, contact Mel Calvin on Facebook, and come get your picture with Krampus! He will be on the square this week from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, Monday and Wednesday.

• Salem
• Special Events
• Christmas

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The Square in Salem was bustling with activity this past Saturday, December 7 for the Christmas Magic in Salem event. From 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., Salem residents and visitors alike were greeted with food, crafts, vendors and more.

The Corydon Dulcimer Society and choirs from Westview Christian Church and the county elementary schools were present to provide music during the festivities, and Santa and Mrs. Claus were there as well for photos and stories. You could even go on a horse and wagon ride courtesy of the Grinch! This event was a fantastic way to get the community in the Christmas spirit and a great time for the whole family.

You can find photos and video from Christmas Magic in Salem below!

Corydon Dulcimer Society Performing in the Salem Apothecary:

 East Washington music teacher Allison Hein directing the EWES Choir

Mrs. Claus preparing to tell Christmas stories in the Apothecary.

Hunter's Ridge Winery.

Shephards Bluff Dairy Goats soap.

Photos and video by Nathaniel Smith.

• Law & Justice
• Crime
• Indiana State Police

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By Sgt. Carey Huls, Indiana State Police

An early morning, high-speed pursuit through Scott County ended with the arrest of two Illinois women after the vehicle failed to stop on I-65.

Around 1:20 a.m. Thursday morning, Trooper Wyatt Madden observed a Ford Mustang traveling at high speeds on I-65 southbound near the 12.5 mile marker. Trooper Madden clocked the vehicle at 90mph in a posted 70mph zone and attempted a traffic stop; however, the vehicle accelerated as it continued southbound. The Mustang reached 130mph before eventually coming to a stop near the 9.5 mile marker where Trooper Madden attempted to contact the driver. The driver then sped off from the scene and exited onto U.S. 31 northbound from the Sellersburg exit.

The driver, later identified as Lux Espranza Arellano, 22, of Saint Charles, Illinois, disregarded stop signs and traffic lights along U.S. 31 as she continued northbound. Arellano continued driving northbound on U.S. 31 at speeds more than 100mph. Arellano crossed over the center line multiple times and disregarded additional stop signs and red signal lights as the pursuit approached Scott County.

Trooper Jason Riley successfully deployed Stop Sticks at the intersection of U.S. 31 and West County Line Road, deflating two of the car's tires. The Mustang eventually came to a stop near Craig Road and U.S 31 in Scott County, where Arellano and her passenger were taken into custody without further incident.  Both Arellano and her passenger were transported to the Scott County Jail.  Their charges are listed below.

Lux Espranza Arellano, 22, Saint Charles, Illinois:

Resisting Law Enforcement with a Vehicle

Possession of Marijuana

Reckless Driving

Suspended Vehicle Registration

Operator Never Licensed

Kassandra Soto Lopez, 23, Elgin, Illinois: 

Possession of Marijuana