Downtown Salem will undergo a bit of renovation over the next two years as a new pocket park is constructed. This endeavor was one of many ideas submitted by local residents who participated in the creation of the Washington County Quality of Place and Workforce Attraction Plan.

“We are very excited to be able to facilitate the construction of the pocket park,” stated Judy Johnson, Executive Director of the Washington County Community Foundation. “We actually started working on it pre-COVID, which seems like an eternity ago. Once Daniel Martinez, assistant professor at Indiana University’s J. Irwin Miller Architecture Program and lead architect for the project, and I had a basic concept down, we submitted a Letter of Intent to Regional Opportunities Initiative, with our fingers crossed.”

After submission of the Letter of Intent, they received an invitation to submit a full proposal.

“The Letter of Intent was a lot of work, but it provided us a great foundation to build the idea for a pocket park,” explained Johnson.

Next, a group of stakeholders was pulled together to talk about design elements, themes, and locations. “We really want to thank the people that participated on the stakeholder team: Brande Abbott, Karen Barry, Joy Bierly, Alex Campbell, Jeremy Elliott, Lisa Fleming, Mayor Justin Green, Krista Martin, Tara Kritzer, and Kristy Purlee. Their contributions added to the strength of the proposal,” added Johnson.

Applying for the grant was a three-step process. Upon positive review of the written proposal, the group was invited to make a live presentation to the selection committee.

“Daniel was a great partner throughout the entire process,” explained Johnson. “He and Lulu Loquidis really did most of the heavy lifting. They created an amazing proposal.”

Martinez and Loquidis are co-founders of LAA Office, a multi-disciplinary design studio that explores the territory between landscape, art, and architecture. The office is based in Columbus, IN.

“The Salem Pocket Park project will be a unique synthesis of public space and public art that links the historic downtown square with the John Hay Center. It will feature new works of art honoring significant women in Salem’s history, as well as seating, tables, shade umbrellas and planters,” explained Martinez.

The group hopes to begin the project this fall, weather permitting. Next spring, Salemites will notice a lot of work happening on the corridor between the Salem Square and The John Hay Center. The group hopes to have the project completed within 24 months.

• Washington County
• Wellness

By Becky Killian, Staff Writer

Officials have approved the first reading of an ordinance that details the requirements for private and commercial septic systems in the county.

The decision was made during the Tuesday, Nov. 19, meeting of the Washington County Board of Commissioners.

Chris Boling, the environmentalist for the county’s Health Department, presented the ordinance to the Commissioners during the Nov. 6 meeting. Any decisions were delayed so the Commissioners’ attorney could review it.

The ordinance will now be advertised, and a public comment period will be held. If commissioners approve a second reading of the ordinance, it will become effective.

The county had a septic system ordinance previously, but a July 2023 state law voided all local ordinances passed before that date that pertain to septic systems. That law also formed a nine-member state level technical review panel.

Boling said the new state law was prompted by a couple counties that passed what some state officials considered extreme requirements for septic systems. Now the state has taken control of such ordinances and removed some requirements, such as a minimum acreage requirement for septic systems.

Boling told commissioners that the proposed ordinance has been reviewed at the state-level and has been approved by the county’s Health Board. He said it will restore some of the local enforcement powers that were lost when the county’s original septic system ordinance was voided.

The local ordinance would require installers to register with the Health Department. The registration will be reviewed annually. Unless the installer is registered to install septic systems in another county, the installer will have to pass a certification examination.

Soil testing will still be required prior to the installation of a new septic system or before any changes are made to an existing system.

The ordinance does allow sewage holding tanks; however, Boling cautioned that the legal requirements for such systems can make them more costly than a septic system. State law lists several requirements for holding tanks including a contract with a septic system pumper to routinely empty the holding tank as well as alarms that will indicate when the tank is more than 75 percent full. Applications for these systems must be submitted to the county Health Department as well as construction plans.

Any violations of the proposed ordinance or state law concerning septic systems could result in a notice of violation being sent to the property owner, who will have a set amount of time to remediate the violation. The local Health Department could also issue a stop work order.

If the violation isn’t remedied within the allotted time frame, violators could face a fine of $2,500 each day the violation occurs.

The ordinance details the appeals process the property owner can follow to dispute any permit denials, revocations, stop work orders, and penalties,

• Salem High School
• Special Events

By Becky Killian, Staff Writer

The Salem Lions Club will continue the tradition of the Rockin' Ricky's Thanksgiving Day Walk/Run in support of the Washington County Food Bank on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 28.

The walk/run will start at 8 a.m. at the Washington County Fairgrounds and will end at the same place.

The walk/run was started by Ricky Richardson to remember his blessings early in the morning of Thanksgiving Day when so many others were busy with the day's activities and thoughts of the holiday season. The 3K/5-mile walk/run continues today to support the Washington County Food Bank.

There is no registration fee. A cash donation or canned food donation will be accepted in lieu of a fee. Checks should be made payable to The Washington County Food Bank.

The run/walk will have no "winner or loser"; just a good time with family and friends to start off Thanksgiving Day with some physical activity to get you in the mood for the upcoming holiday season.

The route usually takes an hour to an hour-and-a-half to complete, but walkers/runners can choose the distance they wish to cover, so it can be shorter.

The event is rain or shine, unless there is extreme weather, so runners and walkers are encouraged to dress accordingly.

• Communities

The IU Center for Rural Engagement is seeking community applicants for the 2025 Rural Placemaking Studio.

This program partners IU faculty, staff, and students with communities within a 90-mile radius of Bloomington, providing technical assistance and design expertise for community-identified public placemaking projects.

Applications are open now and close January 17, 2025. 

Register for an upcoming virtual info session that will include a program overview, insight on the application process, tips for success, and a Q&A session.

By Becky Killian, Staff Writer

Any drivers who navigate trucks weighing more than 7,000 pounds on a portion of West Market Street could face a traffic stop. The ordinance was passed during the Tuesday, Nov. 12, meeting of the Salem Common Council.

The weight limit pertains to the portion of Market Street between Tarr Avenue and Public Square.

Mayor Justin Green explained that city officials had passed a weight limit for that stretch of road around the early 2000s, and weight limit signs were posted; however, those signs were removed when Market Street became the detour while roadwork was completed along State Road 56.

New weight limit signs will be installed along the street.

Other business included:

Green announced that the city will receive a $356,000 Community Crossings Matching Grant from the state. It will be used to fix storm and sewer infrastructure along West Poplar Street between South Main and North Water streets. Bids will likely be accepted in January and the work could begin in the spring.

The council approved the rezoning of a property along South Martinsburg Road. The tract had two different types of zoning, one for single family residential and another for multiple family dwellings. It is now zoned for multiple family dwellings.

During its Monday, Oct. 28, meeting, the Salem Plan Commission voted unanimously to recommend the rezoning to the Common Council with the stipulation that no mobile home park or mobile home subdivision is constructed on the property. Jason Temple told the Plan Commission it was likely multiple family duplexes would be built; however, those plans aren’t firm.

Any development plans for the property would have to be submitted to the city for review and approval.

 
There are several blood drives planned in Washington County through December.
Dates and locations include:

Thursday, Nov. 21
Westview Christian Church
2638 N.West Washington School Road and Hwy. 60
Campbellsburg,

2 p.m.—6 p.m.

Friday, Nov. 29
First Christian Church
305 E. Walnut St.
Salem
12 noon —5 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 4
Ascension St. Vincent Salem Hospital
911 N. Shelby St.
Salem
10 a.m.—3 p.m.

Monday, Dec. 9.
First Baptist Church of Salem
205 N. High St.
Salem
1 p.m.—6 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 21
Washington County Family YMCA
1709 N. Shelby St.
Salem,
9 a.m.—2 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.

• Public Safety
• Wellness
• Emergency Responders

By Jerry Curry, Staff Writer

More first responders are called out on runs today than ever before. This includes EMS, police (city or county), and fire department. They work tirelessly 24/7 365 days a year. Salem has warning sirens but not every municipality in Washington County has sirens. According to Deni Stempowski, director of Emergency Management for Washington County, making sirens available in every municipality would cost $8.3 million. On WSLM’s November 14 Coffee Club, she said each siren is only good for a 4-mile radius. The solution is CodeRED.

CodeRED is a wireless notification system that uses land and cell phones. Citizens can choose what type of notifications they would like to receive and method of delivery. The choices include weather, chemical releases, evacuation notices, missing children and street closures just to name a few. Contact may be made by text, voice or email. The calls, text or email are able to provide explicit instructions on what to do depending on the situation.

Stempowski took over as director of Emergency management in January of 2024, however, she has plenty of experience in the field. Originally from Ohio where she was on the Emergency Management team there, her background covers 40 years of experience in emergency management. One important aspect of her position is that she collaborates with all departments when it comes to planning for emergencies, and she believes CodeRED can make a large difference in how the public is notified.

One of the more attractive aspects of CodeRED is its cost. Running at only $27,000 dollars for five years with no installation fee, it is vastly cheaper than installing enough sirens to cover all municipalities. Duke Energy has already sent a partial grant to cover this expense. Donations and other grants may make this possible in 2025. The National Weather bureau can use this as well as local emergency management teams.

Also discussed was school closure notifications, which is not as simple a decision as looking out the window. Washington County is a large area; different areas may have more critical problems than other parts of the county. So, drivers are sent out to test the roads in different areas. A major problem, especially on bridges and roads that get very little sun, is black ice. Clearing the roads of snow for EMS is very important, and streets with residents with known problems are made a priority.

Checking roads has become an easy task. Simply check the Indiana travel advisory website and click on the county of interest. Another site of information is the Washington County Emergency Management Facebook page.

Finally, it is important to have the proper tools in your vehicle. Stempowski gave some examples of what your car should be equipped with. These include a flashlight, blanket, water, food, small shovel, ice scraper, battery powered radio, and plenty of fuel in the tank. Another piece of advice Stempowski gave was in regard to vehicle exhaust. While warming the car up be sure to have backed the car out of the garage enough so the deadly exhaust fumes are able to exit the house.

Deni Stempowski (Right).

• Pekin Eastern High School
• Awards & Recognition
• Special Events

Eastern High School teacher Mark Olesh was presented the Caleb Mills Indiana History Teacher of the Year Award on Saturday, Nov. 9. The award presentation by the Indiana Historical Society (IHS) took place at the John Hay Center in Salem.

The Caleb Mills Indiana History Teacher of the Year Award, named in honor of Caleb Mills, the father of Indiana's common schools, is made annually to a teacher (teaching grades 4-12) currently teaching American or Indiana history and recognized by his or her colleagues as making a significant contribution to the understanding of these two fields by his or her students.

In addition to teaching English, U.S. History and Government at Eastern High School,  Olesh is also an accomplished cross country and track coach, as he is always incredibly involved in his school. 

Olesh has a bachelor's degree in both History and Criminal Justice from Indiana University. He recently worked towards his master's degree in History and wrote his thesis on local newspaper coverage of the Civil War. He has interest in obtaining his PhD.

He is planning to conduct more local research on some not well-known topics, including doing a story covering the Poor Farm in Washington County.

IHS recognizes outstanding individuals whose efforts have enriched the lives of others by conveying awareness and appreciation of Indiana's history on local, regional and statewide levels.
 
“Many Hoosiers have been inspired by these individuals and organizations and their dedication to history, as they share their knowledge and work throughout their communities and across the state,” said Jody Blankenship, president and CEO of the Indiana Historical Society. “We’re thrilled to present these awards in person to each of our winners, celebrating their contributions and recognizing the tremendous value they bring to keep Indiana history alive in our communities.”

For more information about the Indiana Historical Society, call (317) 232-1882 or visit www.indianahistory.org.

Tamara Hemmerlein discussed Mark Olesh's influence in promoting history prior to presenting him with the History Teacher of the Year award.

• Lifestyle

By Jerry Curry, Staff Writer

Many have seen this unusual, wedge type vehicle cruising Salem’s streets and wondered, “what is it?” Well, it’s a fully electric Tesla Cybertruck. The body is made from Tesla’s own pure stainless steel alloy, referred to as the “Ultra-hard 30X Cold-rolled Stainless Steel,” and it is nearly invincible. Located in the rear, the 4ft by 6ft bed of the truck has a retracting cover, and it has a capacity of 11,000 lbs. Also, the Cybertruck has a continuous rearview camera in lieu of an actual mirror. Furthermore, it has 120 and 240 volt outlets, and a storage compartment in the front called a Frunk that can hold 110 lbs.

How does 0 to 60 mph in 2.6 seconds sound? Capable of doing a top speed of 130 mph, the Cybertruck has enough torque to plant you back in your seat. The horsepower range, depending on options, is 600 to 845 hp with a dual-motor AWD option or the “Cyberbeast” trio-motor option. The model I rode in has the trio-motor option with 20-inch wheels. Interestingly enough, there are no door handles, just touch the pad on the door to open.

The interior is full of impressive features such as the 18.5-inch touch screen where the driver can control most everything, and of course it has navigation. The rear seats have a 9.4-inch screen for backseat entertainment, and it is also equipped with wireless phone charging capabilities. Simply lay your cellphone on it.

Much like other Tesla vehicles, the Cybertruck is programmed to know the ways of the road and is able to drive and navigate all on its own. However, one finger must remain on the rectangular steering wheel to ensure the driver is monitoring the operation. The Cybertruck has a range of approximately 320 miles before needing to be recharged. With so many unique features, it can seem intimidating to some. Thankfully, it comes with a 380-page owner’s manual to ensure the driver knows how to operate each bell and every whistle.

All of these cutting-edge features come at a cost, though. The price range for a Cybertruck starts at approximately $80 thousand and can easily reach heights of $130 thousand. That being said, the Tesla Cybertruck is most certainly a unique and polarizing vehicle. Ranging from its features to its shape, there is nothing quite like it.

Photos by Jerry Curry.

By Becky Killian, Staff Writer

Officials are reviewing a proposed ordinance that details the requirements for private and commercial septic systems in the county.

Chris Boling, the environmentalist for the Washington County Health Department, explained the ordinance during the Wednesday, Nov. 6, meeting of the Washington County Board of Commissioners.

The county had a septic system ordinance previously, but a state law that became effective as of July 2023 voided all local ordinances passed before that date that pertain to septic systems. That law also formed a nine-member state level technical review panel.

Boling said the new state law was prompted by a couple counties that passed “draconian” requirements for septic systems. Now the state has taken control of such ordinances and removed some requirements, such as a minimum acreage requirement for septic systems.

Boling told commissioners that the proposed ordinance has been reviewed at the state-level and has been approved by the county’s health board. He said it will restore some of the local enforcement powers that were lost when the county’s original septic system ordinance was voided.

“It’s a little less involved and a little less effective than what [the ordinance] we had before,” Boling said.

If passed, the local ordinance will require installers to register with the health department. The registration will be reviewed annually. Unless the installer is registered to install septic systems in another county, the installer will have to pass a certification examination.

Soil testing will still be required prior to the installation of a new septic system or before any changes are made to an existing system.

The ordinance does allow sewage holding tanks; however, Boling cautioned that the legal requirements for such systems can make them more costly than a septic system. State law lists several requirements for holding tanks including a contract with a septic system pumper to routinely empty the holding tank as well as alarms that will indicate when the tank is more than 75 percent full. Applications for these systems must be submitted to the county health department as well as construction plans.

Any violations of the proposed ordinance or state law concerning septic systems could result in a notice of violation being sent to the property owner, who will have a set amount of time to remediate the violation. The local health department could also issue a stop work order.

If the violation isn’t remedied within the allotted time frame, violators could face a fine of $2,500 each day the violation occurs.

The ordinance details the appeals process the property owner can follow to dispute any permit denials, revocations, stop work orders, and penalties.

The proposed ordinance is currently being reviewed by the Commissioners’ attorney.