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By Monika Spaulding

With hopes of helping struggling students to reach their full potential, Homestretch is looking for community support as it gets established in Washington County.

Last Thursday evening, the group held a fundraising, informational dinner at Westview Church. During the event, community members heard from the organization’s board about what the group is doing and wants to continue doing in the community.

Maria Burks led the evening, discussing everything from the group’s logo to their mission. She said Homestretch is something that has been on her heart for years, she just wasn’t sure how to get it up and going. That’s when she reached out to others about her vision and the ball started rolling.

The group specifically helps students who are 18 years old, are seniors in high school and do not have a home. She said although those are very specific terms, there is a great need to help students who match those criteria.

“This is a real problem that lives right here in our county,” said Burks. “We have a homeless camp. We have homeless kids.”

She said the goal is to get kids in a home their senior year and help them with life skills, including things like money management. This will allow students to finish high school in a more stable environment, get their high school diploma and be ready for the real world.

Burks said she is someone who wants to find out where God is working already and join there. She has been walking through open doors to make this organization a reality.

“We are in the iron grip of poverty in this area,” she said, adding that there are kids living in sheds, no bed, no water, no electricity.

She said when bad things happen, people seem to ask, “where is God in all of this?”

“God’s weaving a pattern and we all have a part in it,” she said, gesturing to everyone present. She said everyone in attendance has been part of her life in one way or another and bringing everyone together to work on this project is one example of God at work.

Burks reached out to David Miller at Hoosier Uplands about 15 months ago. Her original thought was to have a house where these students could live, but Miller convinced her that it would be too big of an expense and the upkeep, insurance, etc. would be too much. That’s when she turned to the idea of finding host families, people who would be willing to let these students live with them for a school year.

“Sustainability is the key,” said Burks. “Why start something if you can’t keep it going?”

She decided that host families would make the program more sustainable. Often students in this situation are “couch surfers” or kids who go from home-to-home sleeping at friend’s houses, places where they feel comfortable. With Homestretch, those places can become year-long homes for these students.

Hoosier Uplands liked the idea of Homestretch and saw the need, donating $10,000 to get things started, which allowed them to get the 501(c)(3). Burks said after figuring that part out, the question became how can we bring resources to the homes and help them?

Thanks to a fund with the Washington County Community Foundation, the families will receive a $400 stipend every month to help with expenses. They will also give $100 a month to the youth to help with teaching money management. Host families will help get them on their feet, get doctor’s appointments, etc. and give them the care they may not have received in the past.

Burks said WCCF Director Judy Johnson shared with her information she came across that were “rules” to follow to keep yourself out of poverty. The three rules were: graduate from high school, wait to get married until after age 21 and do not have children until you’re married, work a full-time job. Burkes said if these are followed you have a less than 2% chance of living in poverty.

“We want kids to take responsibility for their own life,” said Burks. “Personal decisions trump anything the government will ever do.”

Attendees Thursday evening heard testimonials from West Washington students who were helped by families in the community.

Charles Madden Jr., who was a 7th grader when Burks was the school counselor 10 years ago, was one of the success stories. His dad was arrested at a football game and everyone wanted to make sure Burks talked to him because he’d be so upset. Burks said he was upset, but it was because he didn’t want to blow the good things he had going at school. He was a good kid who didn’t do drugs and alcohol and he wanted to make sure he stayed that way and that he graduated from high school. He needed someone in his corner to support him and his goals.

Madden said coach Phillip Bowsman did a lot of mentoring for him. He got the encouragement and support he needed to graduate. His parents didn’t graduate, making him even more proud of his accomplishment. Now, Madden is getting ready to graduate college from Indiana State in construction management.

“Charles flipped the lens for me,” said Burks. “He was telling me that ‘what I need is support.’”

Another testimonial was a student who didn’t have a place to live or stable environment to grow in. His grades were suffering, and he missed a lot of school. This past school year, he moved in with Coach Jeremy Lowery. He turned his grades from Fs and Ds to As and Bs and only missed one day of school. He graduated and is currently working full time at a factory in Madison.

Robert Chandler is a student who moved in with the Nance family. He said he learned “water can be as thick as blood.
“They were there for me every single day. It has changed my whole life.”

Tracy Smith lost her parents when she was 5 and her sister was 1. They lived with grandparents until she was 17 when her aunt and uncle took over due to the death of her grandparents. It was not a good situation.

She said she met Don and Sherry Elgin through her best friend who was with the Elgin’s all the time. They stepped up and took Smith into their home.

“They were loving and consistent,” she said, adding that two years later, they took her sister in, too. “They gave me a place to be a teen instead of having to grow up too soon.”

These are just a few of the success stories that Homestretch would like to build on in Washington County.

“When we tell people about this, a light comes on in their eyes: they want to give us money or they want a kid,” said Burks.

There is a school committee at West Washington that helps find students who need placement. The committee includes counselors, teachers, coaches and parents. Applications are also on the Homestretch website.

The goal is to get the program going to benefit students at all three county schools.

The organization needs help in many ways and encourages the community to help in whatever way they can: monetarily, providing a home or serving on the organization’s board.

Learn more at homestretch-foundation.org.

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Clark County – July 24, 2024: A pursuit along US31 in Clark County ended in a two-vehicle crash that sent all occupants to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries Wednesday afternoon.

At approximately 12:04 Wednesday afternoon, Trooper Clay Boley observed a white Chevrolet Blazer make an unsafe lane movement on US 31 near Lewis and Clark Parkway. The Blazer increased its speed and continued north on US31. Trooper Boley followed and observed the vehicle’s license plate was expired. When Trooper Boley attempted to stop the Blazer, the driver, later identified as 50-year-old Jason Dale Arbuckle of Branchville, Indiana, sped northbound at extreme speeds, and Trooper Boley gave pursuit.

The pursuit continued northbound on US31, reaching speeds near 100 mph. As the Blazer continued north, Arbuckle allegedly disregarded the stoplight at US31 and Hamburg Pike and collided with a blue 1993 Ford pickup truck, which came to rest in the southbound lane of US31. The Blazer continued off the highway and came to rest in a grassy area just off the west side of the roadway and immediately caught fire. Arbuckle advised he could not move as the vehicle fire began to intensify. Trooper Boley quickly ran to the passenger side of the vehicle and was able to pull Arbuckle out through the window to safety. The Blazer was soon fully engulfed in flames.

EMS personnel transported Jason Arbuckle and the occupants of the pickup truck to University Hospital in Louisville for non-life-threatening injuries.

As of this news release, the two occupants of the Ford truck remain in University Hospital.

During the investigation, officers discovered Jason Arbuckle was wanted for a parole violation. As a result of the pursuit and subsequent investigation, Arbuckle is now facing the following additional charges in Clark County:

· Resisting Law Enforcement with a Vehicle, Causing Serious Injury – Level 5 Felony

· Criminal Recklessness – Level 6 Felony

· Driving While Suspended, Causing Injury – Level 6 Felony

· Possession of Methamphetamine – Level 6 Felony

· Reckless Driving, Causing Injury – A Misdemeanor

Officers with the Louisville Police Department took Jason Arbuckle into custody after his release from the hospital.

“All subjects are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.”

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Record-breaking tournament to benefit veterans and the Indiana War Memorials Foundation

INDIANAPOLIS — The grounds of the America Legion Mall in downtown Indianapolis will be the site of the largest single-day cornhole tournament in the country. The first Indy Cornhole Classic: Throwing for Veterans will take place on August 19 from 2 to 6 p.m., and organizers are inviting cornhole enthusiasts from across the state to participate.

“Right now, the current record for a single-day cornhole tournament is held by the Iowa State Fair,” said Blaine Zimmerman, president and CEO of INVets and Indiana War Memorial Foundation board member. “We are welcoming all players, no matter their skill level, to come out and play in support of a great cause. We would love to see a huge event.”

Presented by INVets and the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA), proceeds from the event will benefit the Indiana War Memorials Foundation. These funds help support, maintain, and program the many monuments and memorials that honor veterans.

“The best part of this tournament is that participation makes a direct, positive impact on the lives of our veterans and their families,” said Brig. Gen. J. Stewart Goodwin USAF, Ret., Executive Director of the Indiana War Memorials Commission. “The funds raised here will go a long way in supporting and maintaining the beautiful monuments and memorials that pay tribute to the brave men and women who've served our nation over the years.”

Every level of cornhole player, from competitive to recreational, will have an opportunity to compete for prizes. Cash prizes will be awarded to cornholers who play at the competitive level. Recreational cornhole players can vie for an array of donated prizes. The entrance fee is $70 for the competitive level and $40 for the recreational. Players can compete at the competitive or recreational level, but not both. At least one person from each team must pre-register on the free Scoreholio app after tickets have been purchased through Eventbrite.

In addition to the cornhole tournament, there will be a family-friendly festival in Veterans Memorial Plaza with free games and activities and a “mess hall” on North Street that will have food trucks, a silent auction, and adult-beverage vendors. Attending the festival is free.

The Indiana War Memorial Museum, located at 55 E. Michigan Street, will also be open to the public 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. This free 30,000 square-foot museum boasts three floors of beautiful exhibits, with interior and exterior designed to honor and remember Indiana’s veterans. Learn more here.

“The National Guard is bringing their inflatable obstacle course which is fun for everybody. People will be able to play cornhole against Rowdie the mascot for the Indianapolis Indians and Sting Ray Robb, a rookie IndyCar driver. People can meet them and get their autographs,” said Zimmerman.

The Indy Cornhole Classic is managed by Custom Cornhole, an organization that has organized more than 1,500 tournaments in 17 years.

The event is outdoors with a rain date of August 20.

To purchase tickets from Eventbrite go to www.eventbrite.com/e/indy-cornhole-classic-tickets-568253630907

To get more information and to register go to www.in.gov/dva/home/indy-cornhole-classic/

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About INVets

Partnering with veterans, their families, and Indiana communities to facilitate a meaningful transition to civilian life while strengthening Indiana’s economy.

About the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA)

The Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA) is a state agency dedicated to serving. Its mission is to Support, Serve, and Advocate for the Indiana Veteran Community. IDVA aims to create a state where veterans Live, Work and Thrive. For more information about IDVA and its services, visit in.gov/dva.

About the Indiana War Memorials Foundation

The Indiana War Memorials Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides financial support for the museum, memorials, monuments, and parks that the Commission manages and operates. Together, we honor the valor, history, and sacrifice of Hoosier veterans. The museum collections, memorials, monuments, and parks allow us to share the stories of the heroic service men and women so that future generations can learn, honor, and be inspired by them.

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The Washington County Family YMCA is pleased to share the wonderful news that First Harrison Bank has generously pledged $50,000 toward the YMCA's Beth Armstrong- Y For All Capital Campaign. This significant contribution brings the YMCA closer to its goal of $4 million, which will be used to fund the construction of a new childcare and family recreation center in our community.

“First Harrison Bank is proud to announce a $50,000 commitment to the Washington County Family YMCA capital campaign. This investment underscores our bank’s dedication to supporting the YMCA’s mission of strengthening our community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility” said Joe Mahuron, Chief Credit Officer and Executive Vice President. “We are confident that the YMCA’s capital campaign will have a lasting positive impact on Washington County, and we are honored to play a role in its success.”

The Beth Armstrong- Y For All Capital Campaign is a two-phase project aimed at addressing critical needs in Washington County. The first phase will focus on creating an indoor recreation space where youth and adults can develop their mental and physical health, enhance social interaction, and participate in more family activities. The second phase will establish a childcare center for children from birth to 3 years old, addressing the urgent need for quality childcare in our community.

“We are incredibly grateful for First Harrison Bank's generous pledge,” said Kristy Purlee, CEO of the Washington County Family YMCA. “Their support is a testament to their commitment to our community's wellbeing. This donation will make a significant impact on our ability to provide vital services and programs to children, families, and individuals in Washington County.”

The YMCA's current fundraising total stands at $1.2 million, thanks to the support of local businesses, organizations, and individual donors. Every contribution, big or small, helps us move closer to our goal and ensures that we can continue to serve our community effectively.

The YMCA Board of Directors and Capital Committee are committed to building each phase of the project as funds are raised, ensuring that the new facilities are constructed efficiently and sustainably. The timeline for the build is still being finalized, but the enthusiasm and support from our community have been overwhelming.

For more information on how you can support the Beth Armstrong- Y For All Capital Campaign, please contact Kristy Purlee at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 812-883-9622. Together, we can build a brighter future for our community.

About Washington County Family YMCA: The Washington County Family YMCA is dedicated to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. We provide a range of programs and services that promote holistic health and wellbeing for individuals and families in Washington County. All are welcome regardless of age, gender, background, or ability to pay.

Contact: Kristy Purlee CEO, Washington County Family YMCA This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 812-883-9622.

Employees of First Harrison Bank and YMCA Staff and Volunteers Pictured
L to R: Front: Kristy Purlee, Marcy Nance, Kim Misamore, Cynthia Winkler, Cindi Walker, Jamie Richardson, Joshua Stevens, Back row: Joe Mahuron, Stevie Motsinger, Chris Frederick, John Roberts, Rusty Hudson, Jeff Feist, Keith Barr

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Fellow firefighters and EMS professionals,

In the third installment of our video series “When the Smoke Clears,” our panel discusses what services and organizations are available to help first responders deal with the mental toll of doing the job and serving the public. As I’ve said before, first responders see things in the course of their duties that people typically are not prepared to see. It’s difficult. It can have serious and long-lasting effects on our personal mental health, family interactions and how we deal with relationships in the firehouse. From online services and the 988 telephone service to peer support groups and employee assistance plans, a multitude of services exist to help public safety personnel process the job and find a way to release the stressors it brings.

Recent legislation requires mandatory, annual education on suicide prevention for firefighters. This program is being developed as we speak, but current services are out there when people need them. The information is available at your firehouse or online through the Indiana Department of Homeland Security.

Most importantly, ask for help if you need it or if you see a teammate who needs intervention. It is not a weakness; it is a show of strength for you to be the best first responder you can be. The safety of your community depends on you being at your best and fit for the job. It is important to take that first step to help yourself and help your department.

Stay safe and healthy.