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Washington County will conduct its Halloween festivities this Thursday as children and adults celebrate the holiday.

Trick-or-treating in Salem, Campbellsburg, and Pekin will occur between the hours of 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, October 31. Homes planning to welcome trick-or-treaters that evening should turn on their porch lights.

Parents and guardians should ensure children are never alone and are always accompanied by an adult when trick-or-treating. Pedestrians should be mindful of vehicles and stay on sidewalks. Drivers should also be aware of increased pedestrian traffic on Halloween. After trick-or-treating, candy and treats gathered should be inspected to ensure all items are safe to eat. With these safety measures, community members of all ages can enjoy a safe and healthy Halloween.

“Halloween provides an opportunity for fun but also presents some increased risks,” said Washington County Sheriff Brent Miller. “We must create a safe environment for children to experience the holiday by staying in groups when out and about, following all traffic laws, and looking out for one another.”

The American Safety Council recommends the following safety tips to “Scare Safe” this Halloween.

S: Stay in groups.
C: Costumes should be well fitting and flame resistant.
A: Always accompany children.
R: Remember to look both ways when crossing the street.
E: Examine all treats before eating.

S: Stay on sidewalks.
A: Avoid dark houses.
F: Flashlights and glow sticks should be used for visibility.
E: Enjoy Halloween with caution!

“We look forward to hosting another fun and safe Halloween here in Salem this year,” said City of Salem Mayor Justin Green. “By following these simple safety tips, we can ensure wholesome Halloween fun for all children, families and adults in our community.”

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The Pekin Methodist Church is hosting its 11th Annual Mistletoe Market Place on Saturday, Nov. 2, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The church is located at 244 S. Shorts Corner Rd., Pekin. All proceeds from the event will support the church's missions.

During the festivities, a door prize will be awarded every 30 minutes. A large grand prize will be awarded at the end of the day.

The ladies' group at the church is offering a concession stand that will feature pulled-pork, chili, homemade desserts and much more.

Many vendors will be offering a large variety of items. This would be a great opportunity to get a jump on unique Christmas gift buying!

Vendors will include:

Suzanna Roberson Harrod--handmade jewelry.

Alesha Foster--t-shirts, live house plants.

Roxanne Starrett--variety of vintage items.

Julia Frazier--Scentsy products, tea towels, homemade brackets.

Mary Owen and Jean Banet--handmade quilts and more.

Dawn Boling--tumblers, ornaments, wind spinners, coffee mugs, key chains, magnets and more.

Tara Kennedy--vintage Christmas items, linens, jewelry, toys and crafts.

Sherry Elgin--Permalinx permanent jewelry by J Bloom.

Washington County Humane Society--animal toys, dog scarfs, treats and t-shirts.

Michelle Briscoe--prints of original paintings.

Janet Ingraham--roasted nuts.

Denise Chism--home decor and miscellaneous.

Kelly Gross--Christmas decor, toys, jewelry and gifts.

Karen Espey--Christmas items, music boxes, ceramic Christmas trees and more.

For more information, please contact Myra Hildreth: email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 812-620-9866.

The public is invited to attend.

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Washington County, Indiana (October 21, 2024) – During Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we raise awareness of the impact of domestic violence and renew efforts to bring an end to this issue. 

Domestic violence unfortunately continues to be one of the most underreported crimes. Statistics show that as much as 40% of women and 26% of men in Indiana have experienced some form of violence by a partner or spouse. These cases remain among the most difficult and complex cases to investigate and to ensure victim safety in the future. 

This type of violence may include physical, verbal, sexual, or psychological abuse including stalking, harassment, intimidation, isolation, financial control and more. Unfortunately, there are many reasons that make it difficult for domestic violence survivors to leave an abusive relationship (children, pets, finances, housing, love, etc.). This situation may seem difficult for the outside world to understand and collectively it can leave survivors feeling unsupported and hopeless. 

“It’s crucial that survivors of domestic violence have the support from our office and community,” said Washington County Prosecutor Tara Coats Hunt. “Too often these heinous acts go unreported for a wide variety of reasons, and many victims feel trapped with nowhere to go or are worried no one will believe them. We must educate ourselves on understanding domestic violence and how we can best support victims and their families."

If you suspect a friend or family member may be experiencing domestic violence, pay attention to signs such as isolation, low self-esteem, unexplained injuries and depression or anxiety. Express these concerns to your loved one and encourage outreach to individuals and organizations who can provide help and guidance, such as the National Domestic Violence Hotline or local support centers and groups.

“Domestic violence is never acceptable,” said Prosecutor Hunt. “No partner, child, or parent should feel fear in their own home or be afraid of abuse from the people closest to them. We, as a community, must educate on the warning signs of domestic violence and have resources readily available for victims.”

If you recognize physical or emotional abuse in your own relationship, there is help. Reach out to trusted friends or community organizations, visit the National Domestic Violence Hotline website or call 1.800.799.SAFE (7233).

Together, we can stop generational cycles of abuse and create a brighter future for our families and homes in the future.