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The Washington County Family YMCA is delighted to share
it has received a generous grant from the Washington County Community
Foundation to support Substance Free Alternative Events. This grant will enable the
YMCA and our Washington County Drug Free Coalition to provide the community
with these fun-filled events for another year.

The grant, totalling $14,500, will be instrumental in planning and hosting Substance
Free Alternative Events, which are social and recreational events for people of all
ages that specifically exclude the use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. These
events are a fun way for families to bond with each other, as well as to engage with
members of the community, for free. The YMCA plans to use these funds to provide
a Substance Free Alternative Event each month. With the support of community
partners, individuals will be able to enjoy a wide variety of events, such as Movie
Nights, Paint Nights, Healthy Kids Day at the Y, and many more.

“We are deeply honored to receive this grant from the Washington County
Community Foundation,” said Gavan Doane, Prevention Assistant at the YMCA.
“This funding will allow us to further support our vision of a healthier, more
supported Washington County. Events like these remind us that we can still have
fun, without the presence or use of substances. We are excited about the
possibilities this grant opens up and the positive impact it will have on the future of
youth and families in our community.”

The YMCA has seen much success with the implementation of Substance Free
Alternative Events. A few recent events include Bingo Night at the Campbellsburg
Community Center, a Family Paint Night in which guests learned how to paint a
leprechaun, and Healthy Kids Day at the YMCA. Of course, these would not have
been possible if not for the generous support of the Y’s many community partners.
It is their unwavering commitment that allows the Y to host these events each
month and contribute to the well-being of everyone in the community. With this
new funding, the YMCA believes the future is bright for Substance Free Alternative
Events and will open up to new and exciting opportunities.

The next Substance Free Alternative Event will be a Free Family Movie Night. In
partnership with the Salem Parks and Recreation Department, families will be able
to enjoy a showing of Disney and Pixar’s “Elemental,” a film set in Element City, in
which Fire-, Water-, Land- and Air residents live together. The event will take place
on Friday, August 16, beginning at 6 p.m. with the movie beginning at 8 p.m.
It will be held at the Salem Community Park, 1104 E, Hackberry Street, Salem, on Field 4.

The event will include free admission, free popcorn, a bounce
house, concessions provided by Salem Parks and Recreation, and much more.

The YMCA bestows heartfelt thanks to the Washington County Community
Foundation for granting the resources that makes programs like Substance Free
Alternative Events possible. It is through their generosity and commitment to the
well-being of the community that fun, inviting events like these can be enjoyed by
people of all ages and backgrounds.

The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through
youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The YMCA relies on the
time, talents and treasures of the community to offer valuable programs and
services.

For more information about Substance Free Alternative Events, please contact the
Washington County Family YMCA at 812-883-YMCA, visit us at 1709 N. Shelby
Street, Salem, IN 47167, or email Gavan Doane at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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Law enforcement agencies across Indiana are working to keep everyone on the road safe by raising awareness about the dangers of speeding, urging drivers to obey speed limits.

From July 10 through July 31, participating law enforcement agencies will conduct a high-visibility enforcement campaign targeting speeding drivers. The campaign is funded by the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI) through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Throughout the campaign, law enforcement officers will issue citations for those driving above the posted speed limit and raise awareness about the deadly consequences of speeding and aggressive driving.

“Speeding is one of the leading causes of traffic fatalities in Indiana,” said James Bryan, ICJI’s Traffic Safety Director. “Obeying the posted speed limits will reduce the number of deaths and serious bodily injuries that occur on Indiana roads.”

Speeding reduces a driver’s ability to maneuver safely around another vehicle, hazardous object, or an unexpected curve. As speed increases, so does the likelihood of a crash and the severity of injuries for the driver, passengers, pedestrians, and other road users.

National statistics show that young people, especially male drivers, represent the largest demographic involved in speeding-related vehicle crashes. ICJI encourages parents to talk to their teens about the dangers of speeding and ignoring the rules of the road.

Drivers who encounter someone speeding or following too closely should safely steer out of the way, allowing the person to pass. Motorists are encouraged to call the police if they believe a driver is following or harassing them.

For additional safety information on speeding, click here or visit www.nhtsa.gov.

About the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute The Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI) is the state planning agency for criminal justice, juvenile justice, traffic safety and victim services. ICJI is designated as the state administering agency for distribution of federal funds and as the state Statistical Analysis Center for research. ICJI is responsible for coordinating and collaborating with local, state and federal entities to identify, assess, plan, resource and evaluate new and emerging issues facing the criminal justice and public safety spectrum. Visit www.cji.in.gov to learn more about the agency.

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(LOUISVILLE, KY) — Hosparus Health is seeking compassionate volunteers to join its mission of providing support and care to local patients and families dealing with serious illnesses across Jefferson, Bullitt, Henry, Oldham, Shelby, Spencer, and Trimble counties. As summer continues, the nonprofit organization is hosting a free, in-person training session for new volunteers on Saturday, July 20, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at our 6200 Dutchmans Lane office in Louisville.

Volunteer responsibilities include offering companionship to patients, providing respite for caregivers, supporting grief services or veteran initiatives, and even sharing a love of reading, music, or crafting. “Volunteers are essential in helping us deliver the highest quality care to our patients and families,” said Senior Manager of Volunteer Services Sylvia Johnson. “This summer, we are excited to welcome new volunteers who are ready to make a meaningful impact in our community.”

Flexible options are available for those with limited time each month, and there is currently a high need for patient care volunteers who visit patients wherever they call home. Additionally, volunteers can contribute to the organization behind the scenes with administrative assistance, writing letters and cards, making deliveries, and serving on committees.

“Whether you're interested in providing companionship to patients, offering respite for caregivers, supporting grief services or veteran initiatives, or connecting with others through shared interests in reading, music, or crafting – there's a place for you in our volunteer community,” assured Johnson. “We work closely with everyone to find the position that’s right for them.”

Prospective volunteers must apply at hosparushealth.org/volunteers by July 12 to participate. If you cannot attend in July, you can still apply now and register for later training opportunities. In Louisville, sessions will be held on August 14, September 17, October 12, November 19, and December 18 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Dutchmans Lane office.

COVID-19 vaccinations are no longer required for volunteers. However, the organization will continue to uphold certain health requirements to ensure the safety of our patients and volunteers. For questions, general information, or to inquire about arranging training to suit your schedule, contact Volunteer Services Coordinator Becca Whitman at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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"Thank you to our sponsors and advertisers! You deserve a smile with a pat on the back!! It is our community to make successful, please push these local businesses. Thanks to everyone, even our parade viewers along the parade route."

Thanks to:
Grand Marshalls Gary Nale and Steve Burnett & family
Pekin Town Board, officers & staff
Washington County and Indiana State Law Enforcement & families
Pekin Volunteer Fire Department & families
Leader Publishing of Salem
L & D Mail Masters
WSLM Radio
Local businesses
All parade entries
All volunteers who helped
Queen contestants
Prince & Princess contestants
Baby contest contestants
Special guests/speakers
Watermelon and Corn on the Cob Eating Contest contestants
Entertainment
Antique and classic car clubs, motorcycle clubs
Antique tractor clubs
Duke Energy
Dollars For Solar's
East Washington School Corporation
Pekin residents
Horseshoe pitchers
American Legion Post 203
Buddy Smith
David Rockey
Debbie Humphrey
Sam Hurst
Michael Snow
Dr. Jeremy Goen
Allison Hein
Our neighbors, our community and our friends
Pekin Community Betterment Organization

Independence Sponsors:
Telemedia
Temple & Temple Excavating & Paving
YMCA
Worley Lumber
Washington County Community Foundation
Washington County Indiana Tourism

Liberty Sponsors:
RTA Playground & Construction
John Jones Automotive
Rodney Brough American Family Insurance
Marshall Monuments
First Harrison Bank
Tri Kappa
Neighbors of Southway
Southway Mobile Home Parts

Patriot Sponsors:
Lil Darlin's Daycare
Nana's This N That
Norma Jeans
The Triple G Gun Gallery
Sullivan's Feed Mill
Marshall's Fireplace, Heating and Air
Purlee Farms
Stone Pools
Hughes-Taylor Funeral Homes
Peach's Petals Flower and Gift Shoppe
Salem Wrecker
First Baptist Church

Freedom Sponsors:
Billy Martins
Walls Equipment Sales
T & S Auction
First Savings Bank
CLBB Law
WSLM Radio
H & L Door Service
Silver Fox Cafe

Pekin Community Betterment Organization

The Pekin Fourth Of July Festival would not be possible without the dedication and tireless efforts of the Pekin Community Betterment Organization.

The officers of the 2024 event were Taylor-Humphrey-Arnold, president (food vendor coordinator); Darlene Hall, vice president (queen/prince and princess coordinator); Shelby-Lain Whitaker, treasurer (publicity); Tisha Coles, (parade chairman, baby contest coordinator); and Sue Campbell, (flea market chairman).

Friends of the Pekin Community Betterment Organization include Stephanie Farmer, Pekin Storage, Wax Junkies, Pop’s Apparel LLC, Florence’s Flowers, Hoosier Trophies, Scrumdidly Sweets & Creations, Sadie B Photography, Lisa’s Tax Consultants, MJ Auto Sales, Amy Trotter, Knapp Miller Brown, The Icy Spoon, Bobbi Mitchell/New Washington State Bank, Sandy’s Custom Cakes, Main St. Meats, Photography By Michaela, Blossoming Little Blessings Daycare, Richardson Heating and Air, Salem Leader, Cooley’s Heating and Air, Straight Shooters, Eddie Gilstrap Motors, Inc.