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By: Washington County Community Foundation

The generous donors of the Washington County Community Foundation awarded grants to non-profit organizations serving Washington County by for the Spring 2024 grant cycle. Grants are awarded from the foundation’s Touch Tomorrow Funds.

Outside the Walls was awarded a grant for $3,375.00 to build wheelchair ramps in order to provide a safe way for elderly and disabled residents to enter and exit their homes.

The Dulcimer Homecoming Retreat will be making its way back to Washington County in 2025 thanks to a $1,100.00 grant.

Get ready for fun at the Pekin Fourth of July Celebration! The Pekin Community Betterment Organization was awarded a $4,750.00 grant to assist with carnival rides at the festival.

Jackson Township Volunteer Fire Department was awarded a $5,500.00 grant to assist with Personal Protection Equipment for the volunteer firefighters. The equipment protects them from toxic and hazardous materials during fires.

Several students at East Washington Elementary School will be getting new backpacks and water bottles to kick off the new school year. A $1,060.93 grant will be used to purchase those items for their back to school event.

Students in all county schools will be learning about Financial Literacy from Junior Achievement due to a $2,500.00 grant to the organization. Students will be visiting Biz Town and Finance Park in addition to the lessons they’ll be learning.

Free family fun across the county will be available throughout the year thanks to a $14,500.00 grant to the Washington County Family YMCA for substance free alternative events. Look for the events on social media so you can be sure to sign up.

The Home Stretch Foundation, a new nonprofit in Washington County, has been awarded a $6,000.00 grant to support their mission of being a catalyst that paves a smooth transition to successful adulthood for at-risk youth.

A new entertainment platform will be the newest addition at Becks Mill. They were awarded a $4,500.00 grant to aid in the construction of the platform.

Thank you to the donors of Washington County Community Foundation for making our community a better place for our residents through their generosity and compassion for Washington County.

Washington County Community Foundation is a nonprofit public charity established in 1993 to serve donors, award grants, and provide leadership to improve Washington County forever.

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The YMCA is hosting Kickball for a Cause, which is their annual campaign fundraiser. The event takes place June 8 at the YMCA soccer fields. Teams will be split into a youth division (ages 10-15) and an adult division (ages 16 and up). The cost for members is $10 per person and the cost for non-members is $20 per person. Teams consist of 10 players per teaam. You may make your own teams or the Y can place you on a team. Rosters and playing times will be posted on June 3. Winning teams will recieve a prize.

Sign up online or at the front desk of the Y. The link to sign up is: https://operations.daxko.com/Online/5039/ProgramsV2/OfferingDetails.mvc?...

For more information, contact Devin Shields at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. All proceeds go to the YMCA Annual Campaign Fundraiser.

The Y is located at 1709 North Shelby Street

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INDIANAPOLIS — Starting Monday, state and local law enforcement agencies will increasing patrols as part of the national “Click it or Ticket” high-visibility enforcement effort.

From May 20 through June 2, officers will be out in full force making sure drivers and passengers are buckled up and children are properly secured.

The overtime patrols are funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) with grants administered by the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI).

“We want seat belt use to be an automatic habit for drivers and passengers alike,” said ICJI Traffic Safety Director James Bryan. “Buckling up is the simplest thing you can do to limit injury or save your life during a crash.”

Since the “Click It or Ticket” initiative began more than 20 years ago, seat belt use has gone up 30% in Indiana to 93.2%, higher than the national average of 91.9%.

Despite making progress and advances in vehicle safety, in 2023, 390 unbuckled vehicle occupants lost their lives on Indiana roads. Nationally, there were 11,813 unbuckled vehicle occupants killed in crashes.

Research has repeatedly demonstrated the safety benefits of seat belts. Buckling up can reduce the risk of injury or death in a crash by up to 65%. Without a seat belt fastened, people can be ejected from a vehicle and killed.

Tragically, vehicle collisions continue to be a leading cause of death for children aged 1-13. NHTSA data shows that approximately 46% of all car seats are being used incorrectly.

Indiana law requires the driver and all passengers to buckle up. Children under age eight must be properly restrained in a child car seat or booster seat.

Parents and caregivers are encouraged to make sure children are in the right car seat and that it’s used correctly and properly installed. Resources can be found at www.nhtsa.gov/TheRightSeat. To schedule an appointment with a certified car seat safety technician at one of Indiana’s fitting stations, visit on.in.gov/SafeKids.

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By: Jerry Curry, Staff Writer

On Tuesday morning, May 14, at approximately 9:41 a.m., deputies with the Washington County Sheriff’s Department responded to North State Road 135, near the intersection of Spurgeon Road, for a single motor vehicle crash.Upon arrival, deputies observed a white 2006 Dodge Ram truck, off the west side of North State Road 135, resting against a utility pole.

The driver was identified as Jimmy Dobbs, age 76 of Vallonia.

The driver’s statement and evidence at the scene indicated Dobbs was northbound when he drove through a pool of rainwater, causing the vehicle to travel into the opposite lane of travel, off the west side of the roadway, down an embankment and roll over before coming to a stop.

Dobbs was transported to University of Louisville Hospital for complaint of shoulder pain and minor bleeding.

Deputy Devin Hopkins is the investigating officer and was assisted by Detective Brad Naugle, Sgt. Matt Hein, members of the Salem Fire Department and the Washington County Ambulance Service.

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The Salem Fire Department is in need of volunteer firefighters.

Applicants must be 18-40 years of age, live in Salem or Washington County, possess a valid Indiana Drivers License and be willing to complete state mandatory training within one year.

Those interested should contact Salem Fire Department at 109 North High Street, Salem or call 812-883-4970.