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Major General R. Dale Lyles, 59th Adjutant General of Indiana, was the featured speaker at the Memorial Day ceremony at Crown Hill Cemetery this past Monday.

Major General Lyles noted that over 1.1 million service members have died defending democracy and the United States of America.

He explained American service members put their lives on the line to engage and support democracy, which protects the prosperity, freedom and equality that American citizens enjoy.

He added that many countries are threatened by the American way of life, which views all citizens as having equal justice under the law and possessing unalienable rights. Countries embracing dictatorships and totalitarianism would not tolerate their citizens expecting the same freedoms.

By honoring our military men and women on special occasions as Memorial Day, our country honors and reminds citizens of the efforts and sacrifices service members endure to protect our democracy. It also instills gratitude for the freedom and advantages of our type of governance.

Lyles noted that the Preamble to the Constitution refers to “"We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union…” While our government is not “perfect,” this serves as a call for all citizens to continually strive to embrace and improve the democracy that is so vital and dear to all.

Lyles also noted that in Washington County, no one has done more than Gertrude Stephen, “a great American” who has constantly recognized and promoted the duty of local veterans.

Lyles is a Salem native. He has earned three educational degrees and has received dozens of decorations and badges for outstanding military service.

Many groups and individuals contributed to the ceremonies of the day.

Andrew Bush, Washington County Veterans Service Officer, greeted those in attendance and served as master of ceremonies.

Chaplain Delbert Ray began activities with a stirring heart-felt prayer.

The Salem High School Band provided music.

Boy Scout Troop 4029 presented and raised the flag prior to the Pledge of Allegiance.

American Legion Post 41 members served as color guard. Post 6636 members served as firing squad.

Ladies representing the American Legion, VFW and DAR placed wreaths in remembrance of deceased veterans.

John Quatroke read the names of approximately 50 county veterans who have died since Memorial Day 2023.

Two individuals played taps.

Following the Memorial Day ceremony, American Legion Post 41 hosted a meal for the public.

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BEDFORD (May 29, 2024) – Discover Southern Indiana is significantly expanding its regional tourism brand for the first time to include Owen County and Perry County.

Discover Southern Indiana is a region-wide tourism brand under the umbrella of Radius Indiana providing an identity to the eight rural counties making up the Radius Indiana region in south-central Indiana (Crawford, Daviess, Dubois, Greene, Lawrence, Martin, Orange, and Washington). Within the eight-county region, visitors can find one-of-a-kind resort experiences, Indiana State Parks, Hoosier National Forest, unique cultural events, culinary delights, a multitude of natural resources including karst, vast caving systems, rivers, and lakes, up-close animal encounters, indoor water parks, prestigious golf courses, and so much more. Radius established the regional marketing brand in 2018 in recognition of the importance of tourism to the regional economy, where hospitality and tourism provides nearly 2,400 jobs. The addition of Perry and Owen Counties will bring the expanded region’s total visitor spending to $435 million annually, as of 2022.

Discover Southern Indiana rebranded and launched a new website and marketing campaign in Spring 2023 which included increased visibility and engagement on social media platforms, partnerships with county Destination Marketing Organizations and Visit Indiana, and an overall increased awareness of the assets and attractions that make Southern Indiana a unique tourism destination. Discover Southern Indiana acts as a catalyst to drive regional tourism partnership and cooperation between the counties to strengthen and leverage each county’s marketing efforts by providing support, resources, and opportunities to broaden and expand messaging. 

“With the success and momentum Discover Southern Indiana has experienced through the rebranding process it made sense to consider expanding the tourism region to include neighboring counties that fit with the rural profile and abundance of natural resources already included in the region”, said Kristal Painter, Discover Southern Indiana COO. Owen County to the northwest of the region and Perry County to the southeast of the region have signed on to become members of Discover Southern Indiana officially expanding the tourism region to now include 10 counties in southcentral Indiana. “The assets and attractions that each county brings to the table will help elevate the regional profile making the expanded Discover Southern Indiana region an enticing destination where you could easily spend several days exploring the abundance of offerings”, said Painter.   

Owen County is home to Indiana’s first state park, McCormick’s Creek, and the Cataract Falls State Recreation Area which features the largest waterfall in the state. Over 800,000 visitors each year discover Indiana’s abundant natural resources that show off the ravines, steep cliffs, and hemlock forests that provide adventure in every season. The outdoor recreation, unique shopping, dining experiences, and events will add to the Discover Southern Indiana portfolio that current and prospective visitors are seeking out. “Owen County‘s partnership with Discover Southern Indiana will not only take Owen County’s quality of attraction to the next level, but will put it on the map like never before,” said Marce King, CEO of the Owen County Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Corp

Perry County is nestled between the rolling hills of Hoosier National Forest and the banks of the mighty Ohio River, offering visitors nearly 60,000-acres of forest and direct access to the Ohio River Scenic Byway. Wineries, breweries, pubs, and numerous dining options add to the offerings for romantic getaways in a cabin tucked away in the forest, or a family friendly adventure exploring the outdoors by boat, foot, or horse. "Perry County joining Discover Southern Indiana is a monumental step forward in showcasing our vibrant community, rich heritage, and stunning natural beauty. This partnership will amplify our local attractions and offer an inviting gateway for tourists to experience the unique charm and warmth that Perry County has to offer," said Casey Stutsman, Executive Director of the Perry County Convention & Visitors Bureau. 

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By Sgt. Carey Huls, Public Information Officer

Detectives with the Indiana State Police in Sellersburg arrested a New Albany police officer on Wednesday following an investigation that began in late April of this year. 

On April 29, 2024, New Albany Police Chief Todd Bailey proactively contacted the Sellersburg Post and requested the Indiana State Police conduct a thorough investigation into allegations of harassment and possible misconduct involving Chad E. Armenta, a Sergeant in the New Albany Police Department.  

During the subsequent investigation, Detective Mike Bennett learned that a New Albany resident made allegations that Chad Armenta arrived at her residence while off duty and in an unofficial capacity but refused to leave after being repeatedly asked to do so. The complainant also advised that Armenta arrived uninvited. The investigation, which included interviews and a review of recorded phone conversations, also revealed that Chad Armenta allegedly used his official position to interfere with an investigation after the victim placed a call reporting his actions to the New Albany Police Department.

Following his investigation, Detective Bennett provided all information to the Floyd County Prosecutor's Office for review and requested an arrest warrant for Chad Armenta. Detectives arrested Armenta on Wednesday afternoon on the following charges: 

1. Official Misconduct (2 counts) - Level 6 Felony
2. Stalking - Level 6 Felony
3. Criminal Trespass - A Misdemeanor
4. Interference in Reporting a Crime - A Misdemeanor
5. Harassment - B Misdemeanor

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Washington County Fair Open Class exhibits are “Open to the World!” Exhibitors do not have to be Washington County residents.

All categories will have three (3) age groups: Children 11 years and under, Youth 12-18 years and Adult 19 years and over.

Open class entries for the exhibit hall shall be made at the north end of the exhibit hall on Saturday, June 15 from 8:30 a.m.- noon for Art, Canning, Family Stitchery & Crafts, Photography, Scrapbooking and Community Service Groups. Monday, June 17 from 8:30 a.m.- noon, entries for Baking, Farm Products, Floriculture, Garden Products, and Gourds will be accepted. No early or late entries will be accepted. All exhibits must remain in the exhibit hall until 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 23 and must be removed by 2:00 p.m. that day. Premiums are paid at that time.

All articles competing for premiums must possess more than ordinary merit, otherwise no premiums will be awarded.

Unless there are two or more exhibitors in each open class exhibit, it shall be considered that a fist place ribbon will be given and second place money will be paid, unless the exhibit is declared “Best of Show.” In that case, first place money will be paid. The same person cannot be competing with him/herself and receive first, second, etc. premium monies, but will receive only the highest premium.

Any item that fits in a listed class may not show in “Other.”

Situations not covered by the mentioned rules will be at the discretion of the superintendents and their committees. All judges decisions are final.