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By Jerry Curry, Staff Writer

The Washington Chamber of Commerce conducted a ribbon cutting, but not for a new business.

This ceremony was for the completion of Salem road construction and town square improvements, plus the launching of new Wi-Fi on Salem Public Square. Speaking about the WIFI, the group agreed, this is the outcome of the collaborative of an outstanding team. This included the Regional Opportunity Initiative (ROI), the Washington County Community Foundation, Jackson County REMC, and the Washington County Commissioners.

Standing on the south side of the court house steps were Mark McKinney, CEO of Jackson County REMC, Judy Johnson of Washington County Community Foundation, and Mayor Justin Green, who gave thanks to all those involved.

The mayor also mentioned the improvements in the north corridor of the town and improvements to come on the south corridor.

Green said “It’s a feather in our cap, thanks to Jackson Co. REMC.” He also said it dresses up the downtown corridor.

Judy Johnson was quoted as saying, “If you want to go fast, go alone, if you want to go far, go together.” She was describing the project and all those involved. It was mentioned that not only the square had WIFI, but Wi-Fi was also available at the walking trail and Pekin Park.

The project was designed and purchased by Jackson REMC, but installed by county workers, according to McKinney. He also said even though the utility does not service this area, they have concerns for the community.

The Wi-Fi system exceeded the range coverage and extents farther than expected. The system has four access points on the court house, one on each side. It will operate at 100 MB data transfer rate.

The Washington Chamber of Commerce, on their website states that, “The free WIFI on the square is more than just connectivity: It’s a catalyst for growth, convenience, and a more vibrant community spirit.” The CEO of the chamber is Eric Bush.

Staff Photos By Jerry Curry

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The Campbellsburg Patton-Chastain Post 195 of the American Legion has scheduled activities to honor fallen soldiers this Memorial Day, Monday, May 27. Dustin Voyles invites the public to attend.

The group will begin by visiting the graves of service members in nine cemeteries in Washington County between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m.  Listed below are the cemeteries and the approximate times the group will arrive:
Smedley Cemetery—8 a.m.
Mt. Tabor Cemetery—8:15 a.m.
Old Union Cemetery—8:30 a.m.
Livonia Cemetery—8:45 a.m.
Claysville Cemetery—9 a.m.
Saltillo Cemetery—9:15 a.m.
Cavetown Cemetery—9:30 a.m.
Mt. Carmel Cemetery—9:45 a.m.
Hopp Cemetery—10 a.m.

Following the cemetery visits, there will be a final ceremony at the Patton-Chastain Post 195 American Legion at 10:15 a.m.  The post is located at 155 S. Sycamore St., Campbellsburg.

The public is invited to join the activities to honor and remember those who served the country.

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In preparation for the observance of Memorial Day, the Washington County Veterans Service Office has released the names of former service members who died in the past year.

Those 50 service members include Gerald Allen, Bazle Amburgey, Dennis Armand, Kimberly Baker, Michael Barton, David Brown, Nathan Burdick, Jr., Tony Burns, Anthony Cardwell, Thomas Childers, Earl Clipp, Eugene Curtsinger, Timothy Fleming, Gary Fowler, Dennis Franklin and Ricky Froman.

Also, Lawrence Golden, Marvin Graves, Harry Hattabaugh, Jerry Henderson, James Horner, David Hurst, Walter Johnson, Ernest C. Keller, Mark Kindrick, Robert Lake, Jr, Paul Lee, Larry Lewellyn, Gary Malott, Cecil McCracken, Michael Morris, Howard Nicholson and James Nix.

Also, Kevin Palmer, John Pebely, Debbie Phelps, Joseph Pruitt, Jr., Steven Raisor, Harold Robbins, Daniel Roberts, Paul (Bob) Rutherford, Daniel Sorrels, Harold Strange, Steven Sutton, Todd Suyemasa, James (Jim) Tomes, Jack Tsiaousis, Richard Vincent, James Whittle and Max Winslow.

The community honors these fallen soldiers for their service to the country.

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By Jerry Curry, Staff Writer

The local Washington County Family YMCA has many vibrant projects and activities.

In an effort to bring together their members, staff, and those passionate about gardening they have planted a community garden. The garden is “for those that want to learn to be able to better the place we live.”

All are invited to come out and help care for the garden. This includes weeding and pruning. The garden is full of nutritional vegetables. There are multiple types of peppers, lettuce, tomatoes, cabbage, sweet corn, green beans, green onions, some herbs, okra, cucumbers, zucchini, broccoli, brussel sprouts, and swiss chard.

In conjunction with the harvest of these delicious vegetables, the Y will be having classes on nutrition and canning.
Inside the lobby they will be having their annual “Give what you can, take what you need market”. If anybody has extra produce from their garden, they are encourage to drop it off.  

All plants and tools were donated by Ace Hardware of Salem, Tractor Supply, Mark Worley, Tom Baker and staff.

The garden is located behind the YMCA parking lot at 1709 N. Shelby St. in Salem.

Follow the YMCA on their Face Book page, “Washington Co. Family YMCA” for updates and classes.

If anybody has questions, please reach out to Devin Shields at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  The organization has a wish list on Amazon of items that are needed—it can be reached on the Facebook page under the “Community Garden” posting.