Upcoming Events

The Washington County Commissioners will meet the first and third Tuesday of each month, unless otherwise noted by schedule or by special legal notice.

Executive sessions will be held 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., with the open session beginning at 9 a.m.

The meetings will be held at the Washington County Courthouse, 99 Public Square, Suite 200, Salem, Indiana.

Any special meetings throughout the year will be advertised prior to the meeting time and date.

A Timeline Of Notable Events In The Life of Martin Luther King, Jr.

Here is a chronology of major events in Dr. King's life. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. dreamt of breaking down barriers and ending discrimination based on skin color, religion, personal beliefs, and much more. Indeed, Dr. King was a visionary and a leader whose life was tragically cut short before he could see the many fruits of his labor.

Dr. King was a strong proponent of change, and his impact was felt from the mid-1950s until his assassination in 1968. Here is a chronology of major events in Dr. King's life.

· January 15, 1929: Martin Luther King, Jr. is born to the Reverend and Mrs. Martin Luther King, Sr. in Atlanta, Georgia.

· September 20, 1944: After graduating from Booker T. Washington High School a few months earlier, King begins his freshman year at Morehouse College in Atlanta. King graduates from the college in 1948 with a degree in sociology.

· February 25, 1948: After time spent in Crozer Theological Seminary, King is ordained to the Baptist ministry at the age of 19.

· September 13, 1951: King begins graduate studies in theology at Boston University.

· June 18, 1953: Coretta Scott and King are married at the Scott home near Marion, Alabama.

· September 1, 1954: King begins his pastorate at Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama.

· June 5, 1955: Boston University awards King a doctorate in systematic theology.

· December 1, 1955: Rosa Parks is arrested for refusing to give up her seat on a public bus to a white passenger. A few days later, the Montgomery Improvement Association is formed to lead a boycott of the segregated buses and King becomes the group's president.

· January 30, 1956: King's home is bombed while he is away at a speaking engagement. Later, he addresses an angry crowd that gathers outside his home, asking for nonviolence.

· November 13, 1956: The U.S. Supreme Court declares bus segregation laws unconstitutional.

· February 17, 1957: King appears on the cover of Time magazine.

· May 17, 1957: King delivers his first national address at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.

· 1958: The U.S. Congress passes the first Civil Rights Act since reconstruction.

· September 17, 1958: King publishes a book, Stride Toward Freedom: The Montgomery Story. During a book signing a few days later in Harlem, New York, King is stabbed by Izola Ware Curry and rushed to Harlem Hospital.

· February 3, 1959: King embarks on a visit to India to meet with many of Gandhi's followers and study the philosophy of nonviolence.

· 1960: With his family, King relocates back to his native Atlanta and becomes co-pastor of the Ebenezer Baptist Church. King devotes most of his time to the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, a group he and other activists established in 1957.

· June 23, 1960: John F. Kennedy, the Democratic presidential candidate, meets privately with King in New York.

· October 19, 1960: King is arrested during a sit-in demonstration at a department store in Atlanta.

· October 16, 1961: King urges President John F. Kennedy to issue a second Emancipation Proclamation to end racial segregation.

· September 28, 1962: A member of the American Nazi Party assaults King during a closing session of the SCLC in Birmingham, Alabama.

· April 12, 1963: King and Ralph Abernathy are arrested in Birmingham. King pens his "Letter from Birmingham Jail" four days later.

· June 23, 1963: King leads 125,000 people on a Freedom Walk in Detroit, Michigan.

· August 28, 1963: The March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom takes place, attracting more than 200,000 demonstrators at the Lincoln Memorial. Here King delivers his "I Have a Dream" speech. Later in the day, King and other civil rights leaders meet with President Kennedy in the White House.

· January 18, 1964: President Lyndon B. Johnson meets with King and seeks support for his War on Poverty initiative.

· March 26, 1964: King meets Malcom X in Washington, D.C. This was their first and only meeting.

· December 10, 1964: King receives the Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo, Norway.

· August 12, 1965: King publicly opposes the Vietnam War at a rally in Birmingham.

· March 28, 1968: During a march of 6,000 protestors in support of striking sanitation workers in Memphis, King is rushed from the scene after violence and looting begins.

· April 3, 1968: King delivers his last speech, "I've Been to the Mountaintop," in Memphis.

· April 4, 1968: King is fatally shot while standing on a balcony at the Lorraine Hotel.

· November 2, 1986: A national holiday is proclaimed in King's honor.

There are several blood drives planned in Washington County through February.


Dates and locations include:

Tuesday, Jan. 21
West Washington High School
8028 W. Batts Road
Campbellsburg
9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Wednesday, Jan. 29
Westview Christian Church
2638 N. West Washington School Road and Hwy. 60
Campbellsburg
2-6 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 14
Washington County Family YMCA
1709 N. Shelby St.
Salem
1-5 p.m.

Every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood. It is essential for surgeries, cancer treatment, chronic illnesses, and traumatic injuries. Whether a patient receives whole blood, red cells, platelets or plasma, this lifesaving care starts with one person making a generous donation.


Blood Supply Statistics


The Red Cross provides about 40% of our nation’s blood and blood components, all from generous volunteer donors. But supply can’t always meet demand because only about 3% of age-eligible people donate blood yearly. Each new donor helps us meet patient needs


•    Each year, an estimated 6.8 million people in the U.S. donate blood. 

 •    13.6 million units of whole blood and red blood cells are collected in the U.S. in a year.  

  •    About 45% of people in the U.S. have Group O (positive or negative) blood; the proportion is higher among Hispanics (57%) and African Americans (51%).  

•    Type O negative red cells can be given to patients of all blood types. Because only 7% of people in the U.S. are type O negative, it’s always in great demand and often in short supply.

    Type AB plasma can be transfused to patients of all blood types. Since only 4% of people in the U.S. have type AB blood, this plasma is usually in short supply. 

•    Red blood cells must be used within 42 days (or less).

•    Platelets must be used within just 5 days.
    
 

Facts About Blood Needs

•    Every 2 seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood and or platelets.

•    Approximately 29,000 units of red blood cells are needed every day in the U. S.

•    Nearly 5,000 units of platelets and 6.500 units of plasma are needed daily in the U.S.

•    Nearly 16 million blood components are transfused each year in the U.S.

•    Sickle cell disease affects 90,000 to 100,000 people in the U.S. About 1,000 babies are born with the disease each year. Sickle cell patients can require blood transfusions throughout their lives.

•    The average red blood cell transfusion is approximately 3 units.  

•    A single car accident victim can require as many as 100 units of blood.

•    Blood and platelets cannot be manufactured; they can only come from volunteer donors.

•    The blood type most often requested by hospitals is type O.

•    One donation can help save more than one life.

•    According to the American Cancer Society, more than 1.9 million people are expected to be diagnosed with cancer in 2023. Many of them will need blood, sometimes daily, during their chemotherapy treatment.

The Washington County Commissioners will meet the first and third Tuesday of each month, unless otherwise noted by schedule or by special legal notice.

Executive sessions will be held 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., with the open session beginning at 9 a.m.

The meetings will be held at the Washington County Courthouse, 99 Public Square, Suite 200, Salem, Indiana.

Any special meetings throughout the year will be advertised prior to the meeting time and date.

There are several blood drives planned in Washington County through February.


Dates and locations include:

Wednesday, Jan. 29
Westview Christian Church
2638 N. West Washington School Road and Hwy. 60
Campbellsburg
2-6 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 14
Washington County Family YMCA
1709 N. Shelby St.
Salem
1-5 p.m.

Every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood. It is essential for surgeries, cancer treatment, chronic illnesses, and traumatic injuries. Whether a patient receives whole blood, red cells, platelets or plasma, this lifesaving care starts with one person making a generous donation.


Blood Supply Statistics


The Red Cross provides about 40% of our nation’s blood and blood components, all from generous volunteer donors. But supply can’t always meet demand because only about 3% of age-eligible people donate blood yearly. Each new donor helps us meet patient needs


•    Each year, an estimated 6.8 million people in the U.S. donate blood. 

 •    13.6 million units of whole blood and red blood cells are collected in the U.S. in a year.  

  •    About 45% of people in the U.S. have Group O (positive or negative) blood; the proportion is higher among Hispanics (57%) and African Americans (51%).  

•    Type O negative red cells can be given to patients of all blood types. Because only 7% of people in the U.S. are type O negative, it’s always in great demand and often in short supply.

    Type AB plasma can be transfused to patients of all blood types. Since only 4% of people in the U.S. have type AB blood, this plasma is usually in short supply. 

•    Red blood cells must be used within 42 days (or less).

•    Platelets must be used within just 5 days.
    
 

Facts About Blood Needs

•    Every 2 seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood and or platelets.

•    Approximately 29,000 units of red blood cells are needed every day in the U. S.

•    Nearly 5,000 units of platelets and 6.500 units of plasma are needed daily in the U.S.

•    Nearly 16 million blood components are transfused each year in the U.S.

•    Sickle cell disease affects 90,000 to 100,000 people in the U.S. About 1,000 babies are born with the disease each year. Sickle cell patients can require blood transfusions throughout their lives.

•    The average red blood cell transfusion is approximately 3 units.  

•    A single car accident victim can require as many as 100 units of blood.

•    Blood and platelets cannot be manufactured; they can only come from volunteer donors.

•    The blood type most often requested by hospitals is type O.

•    One donation can help save more than one life.

•    According to the American Cancer Society, more than 1.9 million people are expected to be diagnosed with cancer in 2023. Many of them will need blood, sometimes daily, during their chemotherapy treatment.

The Washington County Commissioners will meet the first and third Tuesday of each month, unless otherwise noted by schedule or by special legal notice.

Executive sessions will be held 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m., with the open session beginning at 9 a.m.

The meetings will be held at the Washington County Courthouse, 99 Public Square, Suite 200, Salem, Indiana.

Any special meetings throughout the year will be advertised prior to the meeting time and date.

By Jerry Curry, Staff Writer

If you never participated in the Polar Plunge, this could be the year! The annual event is presented by Special Olympics as the largest fundraising event for the organization, which includes 19,000 members statewide. Funds raised by the event will not only support the athletes, but also helps continue to provide inclusive and empowering opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

The 2025 state-wide fundraising goal is $1 million.

This will be the 26th year for the Polar Plunge. Special Olympics’ motto is “Be Bold, Get Cold” and “Freezin’ for a Reason”.

To participate, Plungers must be 12 years old the day of the event day to enter the water. Those under the age of 18 must have a signature from parent or guardian. Each individual must raise at least $99 to join in the fun. Individuals may join an existing team or start a new team. Groups that accept new members are Hannah’s Frozen Friends and the Washington County Chillers. To register, go to http://soindiana.org/polarplunge and open the hyperlink; then look under “Special Events” to register.

Events for regional Special Olympics teams are held at the 194-acre Deam Lake, 1217 Deam Lake Road, Borden. There are several sites in the state holding hosting Polar Plunge events.

The first regional event is the Borden High School Polar Plunge at Deam Lake on Friday Feb. 14, 8:30—10 a.m., with the actual plunge starting at 10:30 a.m. The event is open to students and is labeled “The World’s Coolest Field Trip.”

The Community Plunge, which will include the Washington County Chillers team, is Saturday, Feb. 15. Registration will take place 10—11:30 a.m., followed by the Polar Plunge at noon. Ray Owens is the coordinator for this Washington County’s team.

Everyone is invited to attend and support the athletes.

After the plunge is Splash Bash at 1 pm.

Questions can be emailed to Scott Furnish at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Learn more and join by visiting http://soindiana.org/polar-plunge/

In 2024, the group raised $136,000. The total participants taking the plunge included 337 people and 28 groups. The groups that collected the most money were Hannah’s Frozen Friends, and SOIN Clark and Floyd Counties Polar Bears tied at $26,000.

Last year, the total number of participants from Washington County taking the plunge was 34. They raised $14,050. Members of the Washington County Sheriff’s Department joined in and collected $2,300 for the event.

Individuals, organizations and businesses are encouraged to raise money for the county team.

Members of the Washington County Chillers recently accepted donations around Salem Public Square.

Many members of the Washington County Chillers participated in the 2024 Polar Plunge.

The team from Prosser Vocational School enjoyed last year's plunge.

Indiana Special Olympics's goal 2025 is $1 million.  Donations from individuals, organizations and businesses are always appreciated.

There are several blood drives planned in Washington County through February.


Dates and locations include:

Friday, Feb. 14
Washington County Family YMCA
1709 N. Shelby St.
Salem
1-5 p.m.

Every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood. It is essential for surgeries, cancer treatment, chronic illnesses, and traumatic injuries. Whether a patient receives whole blood, red cells, platelets or plasma, this lifesaving care starts with one person making a generous donation.


Blood Supply Statistics


The Red Cross provides about 40% of our nation’s blood and blood components, all from generous volunteer donors. But supply can’t always meet demand because only about 3% of age-eligible people donate blood yearly. Each new donor helps us meet patient needs


•    Each year, an estimated 6.8 million people in the U.S. donate blood. 

 •    13.6 million units of whole blood and red blood cells are collected in the U.S. in a year.  

  •    About 45% of people in the U.S. have Group O (positive or negative) blood; the proportion is higher among Hispanics (57%) and African Americans (51%).  

•    Type O negative red cells can be given to patients of all blood types. Because only 7% of people in the U.S. are type O negative, it’s always in great demand and often in short supply.

    Type AB plasma can be transfused to patients of all blood types. Since only 4% of people in the U.S. have type AB blood, this plasma is usually in short supply. 

•    Red blood cells must be used within 42 days (or less).

•    Platelets must be used within just 5 days.
    
 

Facts About Blood Needs

•    Every 2 seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood and or platelets.

•    Approximately 29,000 units of red blood cells are needed every day in the U. S.

•    Nearly 5,000 units of platelets and 6.500 units of plasma are needed daily in the U.S.

•    Nearly 16 million blood components are transfused each year in the U.S.

•    Sickle cell disease affects 90,000 to 100,000 people in the U.S. About 1,000 babies are born with the disease each year. Sickle cell patients can require blood transfusions throughout their lives.

•    The average red blood cell transfusion is approximately 3 units.  

•    A single car accident victim can require as many as 100 units of blood.

•    Blood and platelets cannot be manufactured; they can only come from volunteer donors.

•    The blood type most often requested by hospitals is type O.

•    One donation can help save more than one life.

•    According to the American Cancer Society, more than 1.9 million people are expected to be diagnosed with cancer in 2023. Many of them will need blood, sometimes daily, during their chemotherapy treatment.

By Jerry Curry, Staff Writer

If you never participated in the Polar Plunge, this could be the year! The annual event is presented by Special Olympics as the largest fundraising event for the organization, which includes 19,000 members statewide. Funds raised by the event will not only support the athletes, but also helps continue to provide inclusive and empowering opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

The 2025 state-wide fundraising goal is $1 million.

This will be the 26th year for the Polar Plunge. Special Olympics’ motto is “Be Bold, Get Cold” and “Freezin’ for a Reason”.

To participate, Plungers must be 12 years old the day of the event day to enter the water. Those under the age of 18 must have a signature from parent or guardian. Each individual must raise at least $99 to join in the fun. Individuals may join an existing team or start a new team. Groups that accept new members are Hannah’s Frozen Friends and the Washington County Chillers. To register, go to http://soindiana.org/polarplunge and open the hyperlink; then look under “Special Events” to register.

Events for regional Special Olympics teams are held at the 194-acre Deam Lake, 1217 Deam Lake Road, Borden. There are several sites in the state holding hosting Polar Plunge events.

The first regional event is the Borden High School Polar Plunge at Deam Lake on Friday Feb. 14, 8:30—10 a.m., with the actual plunge starting at 10:30 a.m. The event is open to students and is labeled “The World’s Coolest Field Trip.”

The Community Plunge, which will include the Washington County Chillers team, is Saturday, Feb. 15. Registration will take place 10—11:30 a.m., followed by the Polar Plunge at noon. Ray Owens is the coordinator for this Washington County’s team.

Everyone is invited to attend and support the athletes.

After the plunge is Splash Bash at 1 pm.

Questions can be emailed to Scott Furnish at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Learn more and join by visiting http://soindiana.org/polar-plunge/

In 2024, the group raised $136,000. The total participants taking the plunge included 337 people and 28 groups. The groups that collected the most money were Hannah’s Frozen Friends, and SOIN Clark and Floyd Counties Polar Bears tied at $26,000.

Last year, the total number of participants from Washington County taking the plunge was 34. They raised $14,050. Members of the Washington County Sheriff’s Department joined in and collected $2,300 for the event.

Individuals, organizations and businesses are encouraged to raise money for the county team.

Members of the Washington County Chillers recently accepted donations around Salem Public Square.

Many members of the Washington County Chillers participated in the 2024 Polar Plunge.

The team from Prosser Vocational School enjoyed last year's plunge.

Indiana Special Olympics's goal 2025 is $1 million.  Donations from individuals, organizations and businesses are always appreciated.