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The second annual Christmas Magic In Salem will be Saturday, December 7, 1—7 p.m., at the Salem Public Square and Purlee Plaza. Everyone will be sure to catch the holiday spirit with a day filled with shopping in Historic Downtown Salem, treat bags and hot chocolate for children, visiting with Santa and Mrs. Claus, music, wagon rides and much more.

The event is sponsored by the Washington County Tourism organization and the City of Salem. Organizers include Nina Motsinger, Bonita Purlee, Susan Lloyd and Justin Green, mayor of Salem.

Businesses around the square will be open, and many will offer specials, entertainment or treats. Several restaurants are in short walking distance of all the festivities.

New this year is the addition of numerous vendors that will be set up in two different locations.

At #52 Public Square, located in the middle of the southwest side of the square, will be the following vendors: Pampered Chef, Scentsy, 821 Woodworks, RAD Candle Co., Dandee’s Faces, Becca’s Can Do Creations, Rugs by Mary Jane Hamilton, Creatively Unique, Shepherd’s Bluff, Wood Zinser Crafts, Hunter Ridge Winery and Bracelets Key Chains.

Vendors will also be located at Purlee Plaza, the parking area at the corner of Market and High streets, right across from Salem City Hall. Those vendors include Alexander Custom Creations, Grays Bake House, Flower Power Bakery, Roots & Wings by KH and Christmas Ornaments by Tina.

The public is invited—get in the holiday spirit, enjoy fun and fellowship and get a jump on your gift shopping!

• Emergency Responders
• Sheriff's Department

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On November 11 at approximately 8:05 am, members of the Washington County Sheriff’s Department and other emergency services personnel responded to the area of State Road 56 West, near Dog Trot Road, referencing a single motor vehicle crash.

Deputies arrived on scene and located a 2019 Hino box truck, off the south side of the roadway, on its side. The driver was identified as Timothy Vaughn, age 45 of Indianapolis, Indiana. Vaughn was transported to St. Vincent Hospital, in Salem, Indiana. His injuries were not life-threatening.

Evidence gathered at the scene along with witness statements indicated Vaughn was traveling east on State Road 56, when for some unknown reason, he drove off the south edge of the roadway. Vaughn over corrected and lost control of his vehicle. The vehicle came to a rest off the south side of the roadway, on its side.

Detective Brad Naugle is the investigating officer and was assisted by Sheriff Brent Miller, members of the Salem Fire Department and the Washington County Ambulance Service. 

Photo provided by Sheriff Miller.

• Salem
• Washington County
• Special Events

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Samaritan’s Purse’s project, “Operation Christmas Child” is holding their national collection week beginning November 18 at First Baptist Church located at 205 N High St, Salem from 3-6 p.m (times may vary depending on day).

Operation Christmas Child is a wonderful ministry led by Franklin Graham and the Samaritan’s Purse organization. Each year, millions of Christmas shoe boxes are sent all over the world with the goal of giving children in far away places a wonderful Christmas experience, and to teach them about Jesus Christ. Many of these children have never heard of Jesus or Christmas before. Last year, more than 11.3 million shoe boxes full of toys and exciting treats were sent across the world in the hopes of bringing children love and joy.

With First Baptist Church being the official designated drop-off location for our area, it is as simple as pulling up beside the church fellowship hall on North High St., handing your boxes to the volunteers, signing a form and driving away. Please see the full drop-off schedule below:

For questions, please feel free to call First Baptist Church at (812) 883-5460 or Dawn Smith at (812) 844-7825.

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Washington County 4-H is hosting a Carnival Of Fun this Thursday, Nov. 14, 5:30--7:30 p.m., at the 4-H Building at the Washington County Fairgrounds, 118 Fair St, Salem. The carnival is free to the public and will feature plenty of food and games.

The event is family friendly and is focused on students from Kindergarten through Grade 12 who would like to become more knowlegeable about 4-H. Potential 4-H members, as well as current members, are encouraged to join in the fun. 

A number of "stations" will be set up, each featuring different foods and activities--such as the Popcorn Trivia station. Weather permitting, a bounce house will also be available.

A "Cake Walk" will be featured. Proceeds from this event will help fund county 4-H projects.

Families from throughout the county are encouraged to participate and experience the fun, food and fellowship while learning more about 4-H.