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By Jerry Curry, Staff Writer

The Pekin bridge has been a bottle neck for a long time and the butt of many sarcastic Facebook jokes. The project is an Indiana Department Of Transportation (INDOT) project.

The bridge is a complete replacement project, located on S.R. 60 over the South Fork of the Blue River. Dealing with one lane during rush-hour createds a long line of cars and trucks. Motorist are at the mercy of the automated lights.

IDOT said the project began Spring of 2022. The contractor on the bridge is Beaty Construction.

IDOT spends millions of dollars on Washington County roads.

This bridge job and one in Clark County are part of a $5.1 million improvement project.

The bridge in Clark County is also on Highway 60 over Money’s Branch (4.1 west of Grant Line Rd) and will begin in July 2024. Temporary signals will also control traffic at this location through the Fall.

According to IDOT the reasons given for the longevity of the Pekin bridge project are supply chain issues and, of course, weather conditions.

The new completion date is July 2024. Hang in there!

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On Wednesday, May 22, at approximately 5:39 p.m., deputies and emergency services personnel responded to the area of 7636 N. State Road 135, in reference to a single motor vehicle roll-over crash with injuries and entrapment.

Once on the scene, deputies determined that Timothy Reynolds, age 57 of Seymour, was traveling north on N. State Road 135. Reynolds was driving a 2002 GMC Sierra pickup truck when he drove off the east edge of the roadway. Reynolds over-corrected his vehicle, causing his vehicle to go into a skid and travel off the west side of the roadway, down an embankment and roll over onto the passenger side before coming to a rest.

Two passengers in the pickup truck had to be extricated by members of Monroe and Jefferson Township Volunteer Fire Departments.

Timothy Reynolds refused treatment at the scene.

Passenger Roxie Reynolds, age 77, was transported by Washington County Ambulance Service to University of Louisville Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Passenger George Reynolds, age 82, was transported to St. Vincent Hospital by the Washington County Ambulance Service for treatment of non-life threatening injuries.

Lieutenant Wayne Blevins is the investigating officer and was assisted by Detective Brad Naugle, Lieutenant Lucas Gray, Deputy Paul Reyling, Deputy Hailee Lopotosky and Sheriff Brent Miller.

State Road 135 N. was closed for a brief period of time.

Photo provided by Sheriff Brent Miller.

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By Jerry Curry, Staff Writer

The Washington Chamber of Commerce conducted a ribbon cutting, but not for a new business.

This ceremony was for the completion of Salem road construction and town square improvements, plus the launching of new Wi-Fi on Salem Public Square. Speaking about the WIFI, the group agreed, this is the outcome of the collaborative of an outstanding team. This included the Regional Opportunity Initiative (ROI), the Washington County Community Foundation, Jackson County REMC, and the Washington County Commissioners.

Standing on the south side of the court house steps were Mark McKinney, CEO of Jackson County REMC, Judy Johnson of Washington County Community Foundation, and Mayor Justin Green, who gave thanks to all those involved.

The mayor also mentioned the improvements in the north corridor of the town and improvements to come on the south corridor.

Green said “It’s a feather in our cap, thanks to Jackson Co. REMC.” He also said it dresses up the downtown corridor.

Judy Johnson was quoted as saying, “If you want to go fast, go alone, if you want to go far, go together.” She was describing the project and all those involved. It was mentioned that not only the square had WIFI, but Wi-Fi was also available at the walking trail and Pekin Park.

The project was designed and purchased by Jackson REMC, but installed by county workers, according to McKinney. He also said even though the utility does not service this area, they have concerns for the community.

The Wi-Fi system exceeded the range coverage and extents farther than expected. The system has four access points on the court house, one on each side. It will operate at 100 MB data transfer rate.

The Washington Chamber of Commerce, on their website states that, “The free WIFI on the square is more than just connectivity: It’s a catalyst for growth, convenience, and a more vibrant community spirit.” The CEO of the chamber is Eric Bush.

Staff Photos By Jerry Curry

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The Campbellsburg Patton-Chastain Post 195 of the American Legion has scheduled activities to honor fallen soldiers this Memorial Day, Monday, May 27. Dustin Voyles invites the public to attend.

The group will begin by visiting the graves of service members in nine cemeteries in Washington County between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m.  Listed below are the cemeteries and the approximate times the group will arrive:
Smedley Cemetery—8 a.m.
Mt. Tabor Cemetery—8:15 a.m.
Old Union Cemetery—8:30 a.m.
Livonia Cemetery—8:45 a.m.
Claysville Cemetery—9 a.m.
Saltillo Cemetery—9:15 a.m.
Cavetown Cemetery—9:30 a.m.
Mt. Carmel Cemetery—9:45 a.m.
Hopp Cemetery—10 a.m.

Following the cemetery visits, there will be a final ceremony at the Patton-Chastain Post 195 American Legion at 10:15 a.m.  The post is located at 155 S. Sycamore St., Campbellsburg.

The public is invited to join the activities to honor and remember those who served the country.