IDHS seeks volunteers to participate in the PFAS Testing Pilot Program. In 2023, the Indiana General Assembly instructed the Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) to establish a pilot program to determine if firefighters in Indiana have per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances PFAS) in their blood.
PFAS substances got the name “forever chemicals” because they do not break down easily and they stay in the body and environment for long periods of time. Most Americans have these suspected carcinogens in
their body, but researchers have shown that firefighters likely have higher levels of PFAS due
to exposure from protective gear, products of combustion and some firefighter foams.
PFAS Testing Pilot Program
IDHS is launching a voluntary program where firefighters in Indiana can apply to have their blood tested for PFAS free of charge. The results will be shared with the individual firefighter. The de-identified data collected from the pilot program will be analyzed by IDHS and other state agencies to determine how to better
protect Indiana’s firefighters from PFAS exposure.
How To Participate
Indiana firefighters interested in participating in the pilot program should submit their name, email address and PSID via the interest form. A follow-up application will be emailed from the
If selected for the program, participants will be mailed an at-home testing kit, which needs to be returned within 14 days. Participants are not guaranteed results if the test is not returned within 14 days.
After returning the test, participants will receive the results of their test and IDHS will receive de-identified results to use in a report for legislative purposes. Participants’ personal information will be protected. No identifiable information will be shared with IDHS or in the public report.
The deadline to apply is Aug. 9.
By Sgt. Carey Huls, Public Information Officer, Indiana State Police Sellersburg District
Washington County - Friday, July 19, 2024: Indiana State Police served an arrest warrant on a Hardinsburg man on Friday for child molestation and other related charges following a month-long investigation.
The investigation began on June 12, 2024, after an Indiana Department of Child Services (DCS) family case manager was made aware of the allegations. The case manager then contacted ISP Detective Travis Baker who initiated a criminal investigation working alongside DCS personnel. The investigation included a forensic interview conducted at a local child advocacy center and Detective Baker obtained a search warrant for cell phones related to the investigation.
As a result of the investigation and search, Detective Baker believed illegal sexual contact occurred between the child and 31-year-old Michael Allen Richardson of Hardinsburg, Indiana. Richardson was arrested on a warrant for the current charges while incarcerated at the Washington County Jail for previous and separate charges. Charges for this investigation are listed below:
- Child Molesting (4 counts) - Level 1 Felony.
- Child Exploitation (5 counts) – Level 4 Felony.
- Incest (4 counts) – Level 4 Felony.
Delaney Creek Park is on track to achieve its most profitable year – but the number of visitors is overwhelming the park’s staff.
Park Manager John Burlington, who was frequently visibly frustrated, gave the report during the Tuesday, July 16, meeting of the Washington County Parks & Recreation Board of Directors.
As of the end of June, the park had made a profit of $150,249.
The park sees hundreds of visitors every weekend, with Burlington saying some of those visitors ignore rules and cause damage. He said he would support increases to the gate and annual camper fees to possibly decrease park visitation. He also said he has considered making the beach accessible only to campers who are staying in the park.
The number of visitors has caused safety concerns, with Burlington continuing to have to chase swimmers out of the lake at night. He said his greatest concern has always been the possibility of a swimmer drowning.
Over the Independence Day holiday, Burlington said he helped rescue three boys who got lost on the Knobstone Trail. Despite his lifelong familiarity with the trail, and the tendency for the county to call him when hikers are reported lost, Burlington said his joints are too worn now to be expected to trek such a challenging trail.
Overall, Burlington said the park is understaffed, workers are underpaid, and more security is needed; however, county officials continue to simply pat him on the back for a job well-done rather than address his concerns. He is also disappointed that no county official has ever attended a park board meeting during his tenure.
“I’m tired,” he said. “Very tired.”
By Jerry Curry, Staff Writer
The Monon South Trail is underway with Phase 1. This includes construction schedules, design standards, and interpretive programs.
The ribbon cutting for the project was held Tuesday, July 16, at Borden Community Park, as a crowd of about 100 looked on.
There was a Community Upgrade Meeting here in Salem on Wednesday, July 17, at the Monon Railroad Museum, 206 S. College Avenue.
Facilitating the meeting were members of Clark Dietz Inc. (Ryan Hughes), Radius Indiana (Jeff Quyle) and Taylor Siefker Williams (Ron Taylor), who each talked about their role in this project. They want to keep the Monon experience alive, Hoosier physical surroundings and Hoosier agriculture intact. Many Monon landmarks will be left as is to keep the railroad theme alive.
The Monon South Trail is a proposed 57-mile trail between Mitchell and Borden, and on to New Albany. This trail will connect eight local communities in the Lawrence, Orange, Washington, and Clark counties in southern Indiana.
The trail continues south through to New Albany. The city of New Albany is in charge of that section and will receive a portion of the Indiana state and government grants which totals $29.5 million. The trail will connect the Louisville loop and Ohio River Greenway trail.
The groups are seeking private funds as well. Right now, the grant will only pay for twenty miles of construction on the trail. This will include trail heads which will have rest rooms, shelters and parking. The rural and urban trailheads will vary in composite. Some of the trail heads will be asphalt and some consisting of limestone aggregate. The design includes rest areas.
The trail is definitely a tourist attraction. It goes through Mitchell, Orleans, Leipsic, Saltillo, Campbellsburg, Salem, New Pekin, Borden and down to New Albany in that order. The group is working on consistency of signage along the trail.
The Orleans trail has a hard dead line of August 25. This was perceived to be easiest and will be the example for others to come. The old rails and ties were removed leaving the rock.
The Salem Trailhead will start at the intersection of South Main and West Small streets. Presently at that site is an CSX building and a large boxcar. The group said the railroad forgot about the boxcar and sent them a quick claim deal. It is being restored and now has a coat of red primer. This part of the trail will be 18 miles long and is a part of Segment One. It will run from Salem through New Pekin to Borden. The trail runs across two bodies of water, the Middle Fork Blue River and the South Fork Blue River at New Pekin. No completion date is given. One obstacle is the bridges. The floor must be removed and a new floor installed and, of course, inspected.
There are many websites and a Facebook page for more information.
The trail at this point is not open to the public.
Staff photos by Jerry Curry
This weekend, Washington County Theatre (WCT) will present “The Wizard of Oz,” the tale of young Dorothy Gale’s eventful journey to the Emerald City, in its biggest production to date.
Shows are set for August 23 and 24 at 7:30 p.m. and August 24 and 25 at 2:30 p.m. at West Washington High School’s auditorium.
Director Daniel Main said that this production has “an incredibly strong cast” and that many of the adults in the show learned about acting as children in WCT’s Pied Piper Productions. “All of our main cast are very experienced and came up through children’s theatre. We’ve got the cream of the crop here, and I’m really proud of them,” said Main.
Community theatre brings together people who love telling stories on the stage, and cast members say “The Wizard of Oz” is a great show to be a part of. Isabelle Davis, 10, who plays a Munchkin, said the stage adaptation of L. Frank Baum’s book is fun to perform. “There are different things about it that make it unique. There are parts when you think, ‘Oh, no! The bad side’s going to win,’ and then you think, ‘No, the good side’s going to win,’ and it makes everyone get all excited about it,” she explained.
Isabelle’s mother, Amanda Davis, said she herself grew up performing in school productions and appreciates the skills her daughter is able to learn through being onstage. “I think it’s really good for self-confidence and self-esteem, for them to put themselves out there. She’s not as afraid to go do something that’s scary the first time. She’s willing to try things and have fun,” said Davis.
Main agreed that community theatre provides a way to build important skills and form new relationships “for children all the way up to adults,” adding, “in fact, a lot of people I’ve met over the years were individuals brand new to town. They just moved here, and they were looking for a way to get involved in the community and meet people, and this is how they do it and build their main block of friends.”
Mark Carter heads the cast as the Wizard. Dorothy is played by Abbigail Ferguson, who will be a senior this school year at West Washington High School. Straton Thomas plays the Scarecrow, and Ryland Sparkman portrays the Tin Man. The Cowardly Lion is played by Jacob Dufour. Kayla Seybold and Rosie Morehous play the Wicked Witch; McKenna Hedrick and Rachel Dufour play Glinda. Lacey Sample and Lydia Casey portray Auntie Em, and Michael Murphy plays Uncle Henry.
The Munchkins in the show are Emily Bambusch, Mia Bambusch, Brylynn Blair, Ella Blake, Ogie Bundy, Ameliah Camp, Payton, Cole, Sesley Cole, Emrie Collier, Maggie Corp, Blair Dowling, Jax Deckard, Gracie Dunaway, Nkemlee Ebogu, Evalynne Grissom, Catie Haag, Ava Jetter, Luke Lewandowski, Macie Lewandowski, Dawson McKinley, Gracie Morehous, Scarlett Morgan, Brigid Nance, Aubrey Nokes, Barrett Nunley, and Molly Nunley.
Also portraying Munchkins are Isabella Padilla, Emmy Russell, Grayson Russell, Jaxon Russell, Madilyn Russell, Piper Sample, Dahlia Scifres, Etta Scifres, Charlotte Seeley, Kiki Snelling, Adaleah Stevens, Jacobi Stockton, Sorin Strickland, Katie Stroud, Asher Sutherland, Eleanor Sutherland, Jaxtin Tankersly, Madeleine Trauth, Grant Waters, and Eli Wynn.
The Citizens of Oz are Kinlee Asher, Brylee Boso, Phoebe Ferguson, Avey Marshall, Rives Marshall, Callie Robbins, Estin Roop, Wil Sears, Grace Snyder, Langston Sparkman, Julie Stroud, and Alex Wilde. Rebecca McKinley portrays Oz Doorman and Citizen, and Chelsey Murphy will play Guard and Oz Citizen.
Aislynn Compton, Brooks Deaton, Juneau Main, Daniel Miner, Katie Perkins, and Elle Strother will portray Flying Monkeys and Oz Citizens. Avan Ewing, Amelia Hendricks, Hannah Ingram, Evelyn Loughmiller, Owen Stephenson, and Miranda Smith will play Winkies and Citizens of Oz. Finally, Alex Blake, Kara Blake, and Kayla Troutman will portray Haunted Trees and Citizens of Oz.
Charity Main is the Assistant Director. L. Frank Baum’s book was adapted for the stage by Frank Gabrielson, with music and lyrics of the MGM motion picture score by Harold Arlen and E. Y. Harburg. Background music for the production is by Herbert Stothart. WCT is presenting the Muny version of the story by special arrangement with Concord Publishing and Tams-Witmark. All authorized performance materials are also provided by Concord Publishing and Tams-Witmark.
Tickets are $14 (adults) and $12 (students and seniors 65 and older). Those wishing to attend are asked to reserve their seats by texting the date and time of the desired show, as well as the needed number of tickets, to Charity Main at 812-620-3701. Payment will be collected at the door, which will open a half-hour before each show. Audience members will use Door 17 to access the auditorium at West Washington High School in Campbellsburg.
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Washington County Relay For Life Seeking Volunteers
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Syria Christian Church Members Clean Up Paoli
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CAST Must Rely On Local Funding
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Majority Vote Rezones East Meadow View
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Grain Truck Overturns On E. Miller Saw Mill Rd.
11 Sep 2024
10th Annual Historical Cemetery Walk This Friday & Saturday
10 Sep 2024
2024 Presidential Election Public Test Scheduled For September 19th
10 Sep 2024
Two Arrested For Drug Dealing Following Investigation
05 Sep 2024
CAST Offers Two Fund-Raising Events
05 Sep 2024
Campbellsburg Country Festival Parade To Be September 21st
05 Sep 2024
Campbellsburg Town-Wide Yard Sale To Be September 20-21st
05 Sep 2024
Campbellsburg Country Festival Baking Contest September 21st
05 Sep 2024
Campbellsburg Miss Country Girl Pageant On September 12th
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Salem Tractor Supply To Host Pet Treat Tasting Event September 7th
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Choices Offers Free Resources & Healthcare
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Up to $100K in Grants Available from IDEM’s Community Recycling Grant Program
04 Sep 2024
Paul Humphrey Benefit Ride September 28th
04 Sep 2024
Beer On The Bricks September 28th
03 Sep 2024
Washington County Farmers Market Held Saturday Mornings
03 Sep 2024
Friday Night On The Square Will Be September 20th
03 Sep 2024
The Washington County Chamber of Commerce is hosting Friday Night on the Square on September 20th from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. around the Courthouse.
Attendees can expect shop booths, food trucks, and various activities to keep the whole family entertained. Come out to show support for the community!
Beck's Mill Artist Series Session On September 22nd
03 Sep 2024
Campbellsburg Country Festival Will Be September 20-21st
03 Sep 2024
The 2024 Campbellsburg Country Festival is celebrating its 30th year this year! Join fellow community members at the Community Building, located at 21 W Oak St, Campbellsburg, for entertainment, music, a parade, craft & commercial vendors, food, and more. This two-day festival begins September 20th and ends on the 21st.
Southern Indiana Junior Rodeo Association To Host 5th Junior Rodeo September 14th
03 Sep 2024
John Hay Center To Host Author's Fair September 7th
03 Sep 2024
"Baby Box" Available In Salem
03 Sep 2024
He's Unmasked! Scotty Spears Is Batman!
03 Sep 2024
Lisa Krussow's Mission Is To Promote Patriotism
03 Sep 2024
Needs Info For School Song Project
30 Aug 2024
CASI's Festi-Fall Is Oct. 18 In Jeffersonville
30 Aug 2024
Beck's Mill 5K Run/Walk Is September 14
29 Aug 2024
Venison Processing Workshops
29 Aug 2024
Beck's Mill's 216th Birthday Photos
27 Aug 2024
Money And Energy Saving Tips From Duke Energy
27 Aug 2024
Hoosiers Can Dial 2-1-1 To Find Local Cooling Centers This Week
26 Aug 2024
Bad Apple: Walmart Recalls Apple Juice Due To High Arsenic Levels
23 Aug 2024
Drugs On The Streets
23 Aug 2024
Indiana Chamber Water Study Reveals Strong Supply, Need for Future Planning
21 Aug 2024
August Is Child Support Awareness Month
21 Aug 2024
County Blood Drives For September
21 Aug 2024
Washington County Business Recognized by Governor Holcomb
20 Aug 2024
Robbie Henson Memorial Annual Golf Scramble
20 Aug 2024
Lincks To Give Out T-Shirts This Football Season
19 Aug 2024
Salem High School Turf Field Dedicated To Jim Ralston
19 Aug 2024
Ogle Center Announces 2024-25 Season
16 Aug 2024
Indiana Chamber Of Commerce To Hold Press Conference Regarding State Water Supply
16 Aug 2024
Up to $100K in Grants Available from IDEM’s Community Recycling Grant Program
16 Aug 2024
September Is Indiana Archaeology Month
16 Aug 2024
Historic Preservation Fund FY2025 Grant Applications
16 Aug 2024
Preserving Historic Places Conference 2024
16 Aug 2024
Hoosier Janitor "Cleans Up" On America's Got Talent
15 Aug 2024
Free Movie "Elemental" Rescheduled For Aug. 23
15 Aug 2024
DHPA Honors Historic Preservation And Archaeology Standouts
15 Aug 2024
County Supports Extensive Recycling Program
15 Aug 2024
Community Foundation of Southern Indiana Announces 3 New Board Of Directors Members
14 Aug 2024
Indigenous People Of Tribes Gathered At Fairgrounds
14 Aug 2024
Salem Man Arrested for Possession of Child Pornography
14 Aug 2024
Lincks Hosts "Educator Appreciation Night"
14 Aug 2024
Falls Of The Ohio State Park Hosts Digging The Past Event
14 Aug 2024
Livonia Fire & Rescue Yard Sale This Saturday
14 Aug 2024
Salem Speedway Releases Joe James/Pat O’Connor Memorial Event Logo
14 Aug 2024
Three Vehicle Crash With Minor Injuries
14 Aug 2024
INDOT Closure Planned On State Road 250 East
13 Aug 2024
Bridge Dedication For Veterans: Effort Underway
13 Aug 2024
Community Foundation Of Southern Indiana Scholarship Applications Now Available
12 Aug 2024
County Unemployment Rate is 4.1%
09 Aug 2024
The Washington County Economic Growth Partnership announced this week that the unemployment rate in the county is 4.1%, as of June.
For additional information, visit https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/INWSURN#
Over $41,500 Raised Locally For Children's Miracle Network
09 Aug 2024
Indiana To Expand Program For Expectant, New Mothers With Substance-Use Disorders
09 Aug 2024
Falls Of The Ohio Foundation To Host Michael Cleveland & Others For Benefit Concert
08 Aug 2024
Indigenous People Of Tribes Gathering
08 Aug 2024
INDOT To Begin Bridge Projects In Washington County
07 Aug 2024
County Blood Drives For August
07 Aug 2024
Judge Medlock Orders D. Anderson To Psychiatric Facility
07 Aug 2024
Fast Pace Health Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
07 Aug 2024
Plane Lands In Soybean Field
06 Aug 2024
Washington County Sheriff's Department Hosts Drive-Thru Drug Drop
06 Aug 2024
WCCF To Match Grant Donations 3:1
05 Aug 2024
CAST Seeks Sponsors For Fund-Raiser
05 Aug 2024
Please Submit Survey On Pekin July 4th Celebration
05 Aug 2024
$2 Million Provided To Indiana Food Banks Through State Department of Agriculture
05 Aug 2024
Digital Towns 2.0 Grant Applications Due Sept. 13
02 Aug 2024
Public Comments And Public Hearings On Proposed Rule Changes
01 Aug 2024
It’s Natural: Learn About Summer Fish Die-Offs
01 Aug 2024
Celebrate National Shooting Sports Month: Visit A Shooting Range Near You
01 Aug 2024
DNR Restricts Moving Live Wild Deer From Chronic Wasting Disease Positive Areas
01 Aug 2024
Salem Man Arrested For Impersonating A Public Servant
01 Aug 2024
Beck’s Mill 5K Run/Walk Grind XI Anderson-Goode Memorial Race Is Sept. 14
01 Aug 2024
Submit Your Observations To The 2024 Turkey Brood Count Through Aug. 1
31 Jul 2024
IN Dept. of Agriculture Features At State Fair
31 Jul 2024
Temple & Temple Donates To YMCA Building Campaign
31 Jul 2024
Homestretch Gives Students The Support They Need
30 Jul 2024
First Harrison Bank Pledges $50,000 to YMCA's Beth Armstrong- Y For All Capital Campaign
25 Jul 2024
State Fire Marshall's Message To Fire Fighters/EMS
25 Jul 2024
WCCF Awards $2,500 To Junior Achievement
25 Jul 2024
Vehicle Pursuit Sends Three To Area Hospital And One To Jail
25 Jul 2024
Timber Cleghorn Gives Personal History And Experiences Appearing On "Alone"
25 Jul 2024
Permit Numbers Up 23% In 2024 For Indiana
25 Jul 2024
Hardinsburg Man Charged With Child Molestation And Related Crimes
22 Jul 2024
Delaney Creek Park Traffic Creates Frustration, Record Profit
22 Jul 2024
“The Wizard of Oz” Comes to Washington County
19 Jul 2024
IDHS Requesting Volunteers To Participate In PFAS Testing Pilot Program
18 Jul 2024
Plans Revealed For Monon South Trail
18 Jul 2024
Free Family Movie Night Planned Aug. 2
16 Jul 2024
NLRB Overrules Metal Powder Products' Election Objections, Affirming Workers' Union Victory
16 Jul 2024
Operation Back To School Helps Veteran Families
16 Jul 2024
Conservation Record Broken By Hoosier Farmers And Landowners For Third Year In A Row
16 Jul 2024
Free Movie Night This Friday At Community Park
11 Jul 2024
Washington County Family YMCA Awarded Grant to Continue Substance Free Alternative Events
11 Jul 2024
Indiana Parks Alliance (IPA) Grants Benefit State Parks
10 Jul 2024
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