More News Category

Home
More News Category

By Jerry Curry, Staff Writer

The Washington County Community Foundation recently awarded Home Stretch Foundation a $6000 grant.

Home Stretch Foundation is a grassroots program started by president and founder Maria Burks. She has 45 years experience as a licensed professional counselor.

The program is a bridge for young adults to have a smooth transition into a successful adult life. The organization will match a high school student who is at least 18 years old into a host home that will see them through graduation and into adulthood.

Each student will take a skills assessment test. The host family and student will fill out applications.

This is a short-term placement for students that may be at risk to not graduate because of their home environment or other road blocks leading to a high school diploma.

The host family will provide a stable, loving, safe and accepting home environment.

The organization is presently active at the West Washington school district. Plans are to cover all high schools in the area.

More information can be obtained by visiting the new website Homestretch-foundation.org/contact.

Write a comment

By:

Jerry Curry, Staff Writer

There will be a community update meeting concerning the Monon South Trail on Wednesday, July 17, 5-6 p.m. at the Depot Railway Museum, 206 S. College Ave., Salem. Updates on the project and future plans will be announced.

The proposed 57-mile trail will stretch between the Clark/Floyd county border to Mitchell. It will connect with eight communities Clark, Washington, Orange and Lawrence counties.

In addition to the beautiful scenery that will be encountered along the trail, it has been reported that there will be connections to state parks, recreation facilities and other destinations.

The public is invited to attend.

Also, there will be a ground-breaking ceremony for the trail at 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 16, in Borden.

Write a comment

(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..

Write a comment

Turning 65 soon? Retiring after the age of 65? These are just a few life events that can make you eligible for Medicare.

SHIP, the State Health Insurance Assistance Program, wants to help people with Medicare, including people under 65 with disabilities, get more value from their health insurance dollars. SHIP provides consumers with free, impartial and confidential health insurance counseling regarding Medicare, Medicare supplement insurance (Medigap), Medicare Advantage Plans, Long Term Care Plans, and finding help with prescription costs. We can also help you enroll in the program(s) of your choice. SHIP counselors can assist with low-income assistance applications, as well as referrals to other similar programs.

SHIP has more than 147 sites and over 463 trained and certified counselors throughout Indiana. Our counselors can assist you in person, by phone, or virtually. Look for a SHIP site near you at www.in.gov/ship/find -an indiana -ship -location.

SHIP offers presentations and educational events throughout Indiana. Look for a SHIP event near you at www.in.gov/ship/ship-presentations-and-events.

What else can SHIP do to help you?

Help you evaluate the various Medicare Part D, Medicare supplement insurance policies (Medigap), Medicare Advantage, and Long Term Care Insurance policies currently available in Indiana.
Help you enroll in the plan(s) of your choice.
Help with applications for assistance programs that help pay for uncovered Medicare costs.
Inform you of your rights as a Medicare beneficiary or health insurance policyholder.
Provide educational videos, webinars, materials, and brochures.
Educate you to understand Medicare, file claims, and appeal Medicare decisions.
Refer you to appropriate agencies where you can get help with other needs.
Provide speakers to make presentations to groups.

Learn more about what SHIP can do to help your transition to Medicare at www.Medicare.in.gov. You can also find us on Facebook, YouTube, X, and LinkedIn. Contact SHIP directly during standard business hours at (800) 452-4800.

Write a comment

The Salem Board of Public Works and Safety and Common Council met Monday, July 8, and handled the following business:

*Mayor Justin Green reminded the public that the Monon South Trail along the abandoned CSX rail corridor hasn’t opened to the public yet. He encourages everyone to wait until the ribbon cutting to enjoy the trail; however, in the meantime, it remains private property.

*Salem Police Chief Eric Mills requested and was given permission to begin to distribute about 170 revised standard operating procedures to his officers. The procedures will be distributed by email and officers will be required to acknowledge receipt of them. The procedures deal with all matters related to the department, from the oath the officers take to how they should handle situations encountered during their work, such as use of force and police pursuits. Mills said the updated policies will help to protect the department from liability concerns.

*Officials accepted the high bid of $12,501 for a property at 203 S. Mill St. The bids were opened during the Board of Works June meeting. The winning bidder is expected to clear the property and make the house habitable. The second bid received was for $5,000.

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.