Three blood drives are planned in Washington County in October.

Dates and locations include:

Wednesday, October 2
Southern Hills Mennonite School
4164 Hardinsbusg-Livonia Road
Campbellsburg, IN. 47108
3-7 p.m.

Monday, October 21
First Baptist Church of Salem
205 North High Street
Salem, IN. 471 67
1-6 p.m.

Tuesday, October 29
Salem High School
700 North Harrison Street
Salem, IN. 47167
9 a.m.-3 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

Sometimes a real hidden talent is discovered on America’s Got Talent. So was the case of Richard Goodall.

Goodall, 55 years old, is a janitor in the Vigo County school system in Indiana, and would sing as he worked. He has been a janitor for 23 years.

The middle school students where he worked noticed his talent and greatly encouraged him to tryout on AGT.

The first time he tried out in 2009 in Chicago, he didn’t get past the first audition. He would wait some 15 years before trying again and this time with different results.

He made it to the stage of AGT in front of the Howie Mandel, Heidi Klum, Sofia Vergara and the sometimes “hard” judge Simon Cowell. Nervously he took the stage and introduced himself. After a pause to collect his composure, he began to sing. He sang a really appropriate song, “Don’t Stop Believing,” a song made popular by Journey in 2005.

It wasn’t long before the audience was standing, clapping and dancing to this song.

The judges were taken away with him. At that point he got the total approval of the judges and the roaring applause of the audience. This greatly humbled the 55-year-old janitor in to tears, but the great finale of this performance was yet to come.

Heidi Klum, so taken by his performance, hit the Golden Buzzer, showering the stage with golden graffiti.

She said, “Richard, Richard, Richard! You are living proof that we should never ever stop dreaming, believing, and singing! I cannot wait for America to fall in love with you like I have. It’s an honor to hit my Golden Buzzer for you.”

The Golden Buzzer sends the contestant directly to the Live rounds.

This year there are four stages: Audition, Live Quarterfinals, Live Semifinals, and a two-week Finale event.

Howie Mandel said, “You just cleaned up.”

Cowell chimed in with “You are my hero.”

Of course, he made it to the Live Semi Finals, where he sang “How Am I Supposed To Live Without You,” originally performed by Michael Bolton.

Goodall said he started singing along with his Radio Shack stereo. He is also in a band called “ ManOpause.”

Richard said, “This was not on my radar, and I never had been on a plane before.”

At a local send-off at the Vigo County Fairgrounds, country music star Walker Hayes gave Goodall a brand-new Buick. Mullen’s Dressing had their own gift for Goodall: a lifetime supply of dressing.

To get to the finals he sang “Eye of the Tiger,” then Faithfully.” He definitely was a favorite of the four judges.


Tuesday Sept. 24, was the finale. All contestants performed for the last time. To add to the show’s drama, each performer was eliminated one at a time. Finally, there was only one left, and that was the singing janitor from Terre Haute, humble Richard Goodall.

In the final performance, he was accompanied by Neal Schon and members of Journey as he again sang “Don’t Stop Believing.” Richard said, “Somebody pinch me.”

Goodall had just married his girl, Angela Vanoven.

The prize money is an annuity paid over 40 years at approximately $25,000 per year, or the winner can receive a reduced lump sum.

Indiana Proud!

Goodall with his new bride, Angela.

Country music star Walker Hayes presented Goodall with a new car.

• Communities
• Special Events

By Monika Spaulding

After 34 years at the library, Donna Hurst is closing the book and retiring at the end of this month. The community is invited to join the library staff in recognizing her dedication to the community with a retirement party Sunday, Oct. 6, from 2-5 p.m. at Southern Hills Church located at 1645 S SR-135, Salem.

Hurst said the job began when she was volunteering with story time at the library and the director at the time, Susan Tengesdal, was short staffed and asked her if she’d consider working there. Hurst was good friends and neighbors with Tengesdal and decided to take her up on the offer.

“My two oldest kids had both started school, so I figured why not!” she said. “I started helping to cover some of the evening hours and it just went from there!”

When she started at the library, she would help wherever she was needed. 

“I worked at the adult desk, helped with interlibrary loans and processed books, and I helped in the children's department…just wherever I was needed. I did a lot of cross training!”

In 2002, she became the director of the children’s department. And when you ask her what she will miss the most about that job? Her answer is, “Most definitely the children and seeing my friends at the library. We have a great staff and they are the best. I will miss seeing them every day!”

Above everything, she said the kids are her favorite part of her job. 

“I love working with the children and seeing their bright and smiling faces, whether it's at the library or out in public,” she said. “I had so much fun working with my community partners doing programs…they were a fun group of ladies! But I have loved every moment of working with the kids!”

Hurst said in her 34 years, there have been a lot of changes. 

“The addition to the library is one big change!” she said. “So much more room and an actual program room! But, moving the entire library from one building to another was not fun at all!”

Other changes she has witnessed include computers and the automated systems. The staff no longer stamps check out cards and there is “no more looking through 100's of card catalog cards. It's all online now! Much, much easier to help patrons find things! We have made so many changes down through the years and hopefully the changes have made our community better.”

Hurst said the job has impacted her in so many ways, explaining that every day is something new and exciting. 

“I think when you work with the public, you learn to be more tolerant and understanding of people and their needs and situations,” she said. “I've learned to just roll with it, you never know what the day will hold!”

Library employee Judy Reasor said she has loved working with Hurst for the last 12 years. 

“I remember when I first started, my biggest goal was to be able to find books for patrons without having to look them up,” she said. “Donna could go right to any book they asked for and give them suggestions for exactly what they were wanting to read. She inspired the love of reading to so many.”

Reasor said she also enjoyed Hurst’s story times. 

“She’s an excellent storyteller and the kids always sit and listen so well.” 

Hurst also knows a lot about the history of the library. She would make the school tours interesting and taught the kids so much about the building and its history. 

“We are going to miss her so very much!” said Reasor. “Her position is going to be hard to fill!”

Hurst said that while she has read a lot of books, she hasn’t read all the books in the children’s department. She does, however, read a lot of reviews of books. 

“I wish I had the time to do that, but if you are running a department, you really can't sit and read every book!” she said.

Despite not reading all of them, she has many she likes, but she doesn’t know if she could pick a favorite. “It’s hard to pick just one. 

“There are so many I just love and there are new ones I find and have fun with all the time!” she said. “I am one of those who likes a fun or silly book to read aloud! I love Pete the Cat, any Mo Willems, David Shannon, Ted Arnold or Sarah Wilson. For the older kids, Richard Peck, Louis Sachar, John Green, J.K. Rowling or Sarah Weeks books.”

Hurst said she also loves to read interactive books to the kids, like Herve' Tullet books. 

“If it's a book for me, then Janet Evanovich, Kristin Hannah, John Grisham or our Book Club selection for the month!” she added.

When asked why she thinks people should visit their local library, Hurst said, “We have a wonderful library. It is not only a beautiful building but a great place to work and to spend time. The staff has worked hard to make it a place where everyone is welcome. We have strived to make fun and interesting programs the norm here for every age group.”

Hurst said they want people to use the library and stress that they don't need a library card to enjoy the library, the programs or even to use other services, only for checking out materials. 

“We are here for everyone just as Andrew Carnegie imagined all those decades ago when he gave us a grant to build a library,” she said.

Hurst said working at the library has been the most rewarding, fun, enjoyable job anyone could ever have. 

“I have made so many wonderful friends and had the joy of being involved in so many children's and young adults’ lives,” she said. “I hope that the memories these kids have of me and my time at the library are happy ones.  Because the ones they leave me with sure are the most happy and wonderful for me. I have loved every moment of working with and for the children and young adults of this community.”

By Jerry Curry, Staff Writer

Creating Avenues for Student Transformation (CAST) held a fundraiser called “A Night At Salem Speedway,” on Saturday, Sept. 21. Ninety people attended the event, and approximately $4,000 were raised to support the dyslexia tutoring program.

CAST is a group that provides structured, multi-sensory, explicit tutoring based upon the science of learning. The routines are particularly effective in engaging long-term memory.

This service was free last year, but the government grants that enabled financed the program were discontinued post-Covid. CAST is now relying on local contributions to support the program’s expenses. Funds needed are approximately $40,000.

This year, CAST has helped over 140 students. Reading skills were up +21%, Spelling up+18% and Math Skills up +35%.

Those attending enjoyed a catered dinner and a great view for racing from the comfort of the air-conditioned tower overlooking the grandstands.

One of the speakers was Micah Gilliam, who recently joined as CAST as their Dyslexia Resource Center Coordinator. She spoked about the success of the group. Gillam is also a second grade teacher at East Washington School Corporation.

Cassie Corp, CAST Executive Director, said, “I’m so grateful that our local community is dedicated to investing in our kids.”

Corp also sold tickets for the organization’s other fundraiser, “The Most Magical Raffle on Earth.” The raffle features a grand prize of $2000 in Disney gift cards; a second prize of local gift cards; and third prize of four “Big Splash” tickets in French Lick. The winning tickets will be drawn on Monday, Sept. 30, at the CAST office.

CAST staff thanked those who helped sponsor the evening’s event. The Banner Sponsor was Jeans’ Extrusions, Inc.

Donations can be sent to CAST, 1707 N. Shelby St. #107, Salem, IN 47167. The website is www.castwashco.org/ . Contributions are tax deductible.

Jamie Richardson was the lucky winner of a door prize provided by Elliott Cox of Driving For Dyslexia.

Dyslexia Resource Center Coordinator Micah Gilliam welcomed guests.

CAST board member Allison Ezzell spoke with guests--U.S. Congresswoman Erin Houchin and family and Jerry Curry, SalemLeader.com staff writer.

 By Jerry Curry, Staff Writer

The final 12th episode of Season 11 of “Alone,” the History Channel’s acclaimed survival series, aired August 29. Salem resident Timber Cleghorn finished second place in the competition. Now that the last episode has aired, Cleghorn is free to discuss his experiences on the show.

The survival series took place at the Arctic Circle, near the McKenzie Delta in Canada, where temperatures can range from 40 degrees to -30 degrees.

Each contestant could choose only 10 items to take with them, and food provisions were not included. Participants had to rely on their hunting, fishing and gathering skills to provide food for themselves.

The last person to remain in the competition would win $500,000.

Each contestant was restricted to their own designated territory. There was no contact with the other participants or crew members of the series.

The History Channel did provide everyone with an international GPS phone (to report emergencies or to “tap out” of the competition), an emergency medical kit, five GoPro cameras, a tripod and 30 pounds of batteries to film their own adventures.

The last two contestants on the show were Cleghorn and William Larkham, Jr., age 49, of Labrador, Canada. Larkham was well acclimated to the harsh weather, although he had lost 74 pounds by the end of the show. Cleghorn had lost 34 pounds.

On day 83, Cleghorn decided to tap out of the competition, even though he was doing fine. He wants everyone to know that the Arctic did not beat him. Had he won, he thought people would see him as the guy with $500,000 and not just plain old Timber.

He commented that although William won the money, Cleghorn personally had discovered many things about himself and developed a true sense of inner peace. He believes that this adventure will always be one of the fondest experiences of his life.

One thing that may have been motivation for tapping out was that he missed his family most of all—Cara,his wife of 14 years, and sons Levi and Elliot. Cara is expecting the couple’s third child, a daughter, in late September.

Timber Cleghorn’s Experiences
Besides a sleeping bag, contestants were allowed to only bring 10 items. Cleghorn took a saw, axe, tarp, ferro rod, a modified Leatherman tool, a large two-quart pot, a 300-yard roll of a single-filament fishing line plus 29 assorted fishing hooks, a bow and nine arrows, snare wire and a spool of paracord. All items had to be approved.

When asked what else he would have taken if he could, he replied, “A salt block to help with hydration.”

All tools were razor sharp. Timber is an able-bodied woodsman.

He has spent a lot of time in the woods hunting and camping. He described it this way, “The woods are my temple.”

In Cleghorn’s designated area, he survived on rabbit, squirrel and moose. There were not a lot of edible greens or berries. He was the only one to bring down a moose, and he did it with one arrow. He dressed out the moose with his modified Leatherman tool, which was built out of three knives that he put together.

Periodically there were random checks by the series staff, with little talking, adhering to the protocols set for “Alone” participants. In fact, he was prohibited from speaking to anybody, including hunters or native tribes in the area.

After tapping out, it took at least 45 minutes for the support crew from the base camp to reach Cleghorn. He returned to the base camp outside of Inuvik, where he stayed for 10 days get readjusted and medically evaluated.

The History Channel had flown Cleghorn’s wife, Cara, to meet him at base camp after he had tapped out of the competition. This was something the company did not usually do, but they knew that daylight would soon be coming to an end. When Cleghorn first saw his wife, they hugged for five minutes.

Once released from the base camp, Cleghorn had to get readjusted to eating regular food. He couldn’t just down pizza and beer. He stated that first cup of coffee was delicious. One food he missed the most were brownies.

Getting Back to Regular Life
Cleghorn has many memories as take-aways from this trip. He cites many examples like making a fish hook out of bone and making moose jerky.

He brought back many souvenirs, including moose jerky, antlers, a homemade guitar, and a game he made with carved wooden figures.

Cleghorn mentioned that some people now recognize him in public.

So, what’s Timber up to now? Well, he has five guys who want to go hunting with him in Tajistan.

He also wrote a book about his experience in the McKenzie Delta in the Artic Circle, entitled “Memoir Of A Wildman.” The book is coming out in mid-October on Amazon.

Personal History
Cleghorn describes himself as a survivalist, wildman, free thinker, humanitarian aid worker and a follower of Jesus. He has traveled all over the world bring help to those in need.

He can speak Chinese, Russian, and Pamir.

Cleghorn would take the entire family on mission trips if the area was not in turmoil.

He took his wife Cara and two sons, Levi and Elliot, to Greece. Ukraine was off-limits for the family, as was any area where the Taliban or other hostile people might be present.

Affect On Our Community
Many Washington County residents felt like they were able to share in Cleghorn’s solitary and survivalist experiences and adventures through the “Alone” series.

He was an exemplary ambassador for our community who instilled pride in us all.

The three remaining contentants toward the end of "Alone." Pictured from left are Dub Paetz, third place; Timber Cleghorn, second place; and William Larkham, Jr., the winner of the series.

Timber Cleghorn upon his arrival at the Artic Circle.

All of the contestants who appeared on the "Alone" series.

Timber and his wife Cara, who are expecting the arrival of their daughter around the end of September.

By Jerry Curry, Staff Writer

The “Fall Brawl” at Salem Speedway happened Saturday night, Sept. 21, complete with boxings gloves and trophy.

The first race started at 6 p.m. with Crown Vics on the small inner ¼ mile track.

John Lister held off several challenges. Driver Doug Wicker was hot on his tail, but had to settle for second place in this 25-lap race. Third place went to Kaden Cook. There were nine cars on the lead lap out 15 Ford Crown Vics.

Next up were the Legends, with race cars that are small reproductions of body styles for cars of days gone by. There is just enough room for the driver.

Leading at the half-way point was Johnny Weaver, and Max Olmsted was second. Olmsted made a late-race pass to win, making up for last race out when he misjudged the finish line, causing him a victory. Second was Johnny Weaver, and bringing home third was John Robbins.

The last race on the ¼ mile were the Scrappers. They ran a kidney pattern. It was pure mayhem as almost anything goes. It was no surprise when Justin Fiedler took the checkered flag for the win. Second was Tony Kelly, and third, Donnie Elrod.

Next up were the Salem Super Cars. This division uses retired ARCA car bodies with crate engines. It was 25 laps of all-out speed. Jamie Mosley, the second fastest qualifier, won. He was overtaken by heat and transported off the track in an air-conditioned ambulance at the end of the race. Second place went to Joe Cooksey, and third, Brian Rose.

The Ford Crown Vics took to the track for 50 laps of very competitive racing. Because there were lots of yellow flags, race control in a new format cut the race to 40 laps. The time limit on this race was 50 minutes. The yellows allowed Ronnie Basham to pit and fix his car without going a lap down.

There were several NASCAR type wrecks where several cars caught up in spins were collected.

The last laps were door-to-door racing with Basham and Noah Allison battling it out for the win. Basham held off the charging competitor and took first place, and Allision, second place. Third was Roger Vincent. There were 15 cars on the lead lap.

The main event was the 75-lap G.A.S. race. There were several lead changes.

At one point, Chuck Barnes Sr. looked like the car to beat, but he dropped out on lap 57.

Heath Helton, the fastest qualifier, took the lead and could not be caught. He also broke his own track record in qualifications.

This race lasted the whole 75 laps, and the win belonged to Helton. Chuck Barnes Jr. was the only one who could have caught Helton. Barnes held down second, and third was Jeff Stith.

Austin Baum was crowned the Great American Stock division champion. Baum is a very consistent racer, and that’s what it takes to win a championship.

Photos courtesy of Jason Greene

Creating Avenues For Student Transformation (CAST) in Washington County is offering raffle tickets for bundles of gift cards in their "The Most Magical Raffle on Earth"
 fundraiser. Tickets must be purchased before 5 p.m. Monday, Sept. 30.

The grand prize includes $2,000 in Disney gift cards.

The Local Gift Card bundle features gift cards donated by local businesses.  They include Raquel’s Restaurant, Born, El Maguey, Nice’s Family Diner, Totally Baked, Lisa’s Farmhouse Market, Poppy Lane Bakery, Tees & Tumblers and more.

A bundle of four Big Splash tickets is also up for grabs.

Tickets are $20 apiece or three tickets for $50.  Those wanting tickets may stop by the CAST any weekday in September between 9 a.m. and 12 noon or by appointment. The CAST office is located at 1707 N. Shelby Street, Suite 107, Salem.

Tickets can also be purchased from Kim Scifres, Allison Ezzell, Lorie Campbell, Ashley Hubbard, Cassie Summers-Corp, Micah Gilliam or Steve Corp.  Cash, checks, credit cards or Venmo will be accepted.

The drawing for the raffle winners will occur at the CAST office at 6 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 30.

Please call 812-620-7907 or email castwashco.org for more information.

CAST provides tutoring and mentoring to county students. Approximately 220 children were served last year. Approximately 150 of those students received one-on-one tutoring.

Donations may be made to CAST at any time.  The organization still needs approximately $40,000 for operating expenses.

All proceeds will benefit CAST and Southern Indiana Dyslexia Resource Center.

Message from CAST:

• Communities
• Fundraisers
• Special Events

A benefit ride for Paul Humprhey is going to be held on Saturday, September 28th in order to help with financial burdens of his cancer treatment. All wheels are welcome (side-by-sides, Jeeps, cars, trucks, motorcycles, etc.)

Sign ups begin at 11 a.m. at the 4-H Fairgrounds located at 118 N Fair Street in Salem, and the departure is at 12 p.m.

A meal will follow the ride at approximately 5:30 p.m. There will also be a silent auction and a 50/50 raffle along with other raffle prizes.

Entry is $15.00 per driver and $5.00 for each non-driver in the car (meal included). Non-rider meals cost $7.00.

For more information, call or text Randy Lee Jr. at (812) 620-7085 regarding the ride route, and Anna Hall at (812) 620-0469 regarding the silent auction and meal donations.

• Campbellsburg
• Special Events
• Festival
• Parade

By Nathaniel Smith, Editor

The weekend of September 20-21st was quite the busy one for Washington County. Two Friday night Homecoming football games, Friday Night on the Square, and the opening day of the Campbellsburg Country Festival. Needless to say, there was plenty to do, and the Campbellsburg Country Festival certainly did not disappoint.

Located in the heart of Campbellsburg, this two-day long festival had attractions for everyone: live music and shows, food trucks, bouncy castles, town-wide yard sales, and more. Some notable events included performances by “The Monarchs,” Jared Kearschner, comedian Dorothy June, and the “Thunder Chickens.” In addition, there was also a baking contest, baby judging contest, a parade, and a fantastic performance by local classic rock group “Lysergic” to close the weekend out. Fireworks had been planned for the end of the weekend but unfortunately had to be canceled due to a burn ban. Nevertheless, that did not seem to put a damper on any spirits.

After a weekend full of smiling faces, it is safe to say the Campbellsburg Country Festival was a great success. Be sure to come out next year for a phenomenal, and little-to-no cost, way to have a wonderful time building lasting memories within the community.

Campbellsburg Parade Winners.

Two winners of the Campbellsburg Baby Contest.

Jared and Cale Kearschner - Photo by Rebecca White.

Photos by Nathaniel Smith unless otherwise credited.

• Salem
• Special Events

By Jerry Curry, Staff Writer

This past Friday, September 20th, the newly upgraded Salem Square was full of economic enhancements and socializing. Eric Bush, C.E.O. of the Washington County Chamber of Commerce, did a wonderful job organizing the event. With all side streets blocked off and most mercantile shops open, hundreds of people filled the square like an invasionary force.

In front of the brick-and-mortar stores there were rows of tents with different venues set up on the street. Around the courthouse were mostly food trucks and tables. Friday Night on the Square, labeled as one of the biggest nights in Salem, lived up to its name.

The circle in front of the stores were a variety of setups. Anything from banks, churches, hospitals, rehabilitation, addiction recovery, Boy Scout Troop 4029, politics, lawyers, to chiropractic professionals. Several tents had free water, and one church booth had free bean soup and cornbread. The Salem Fire Department was present selling burgers and chances on different prizes. The Salem Police were also on the scene as well as our star resident: The Batman, along with some of his scary friends. Even venues outside the square experienced the economic impact.  As one t-shirt stated, “This Is Our Hometown. One Community, One Family.”