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The Washington County Family YMCA is gearing up for an action-packed day of community celebration and philanthropy as it announces the launch of its Capital Campaign Kick-Off Party and Raffle Event, set to take place at the Cars N Coffee event on May 11.

In collaboration with Salem Motorsports Park, the YMCA invites families and car enthusiasts alike to join in the excitement at the Salem Motorsports Park from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

The morning will kick off with a wide array of youth activities, including gaga ball, hula hoops, and other fun games, providing entertainment for children of all ages. Additionally, Dowling Family Photos will be on-site, capturing unforgettable moments as kids and families pose with spectacular cars.

As part of the festivities, the YMCA will officially launch its public phase of the "Beth Armstrong- Y For All Capital Campaign," aimed at raising $4.0 million to build an indoor community recreation center and a much-needed childcare center in Washington County. The Capital Campaign represents the Y's commitment to providing quality childcare and vital indoor recreation spaces, addressing critical needs in the community.

In conjunction with the Kick-Off Party, the YMCA will also unveil its highly anticipated Raffle Event, offering participants the chance to win a brand-new 2024 Bronco Sport. Tickets for the raffle will cost $100 each, with a maximum of 2,000 tickets available. The raffle opportunity will be open through June 19, with the drawing taking place live at the Washington County 4-H Fair at 6 p.m. To make the event accessible to all, kids under 12 will enjoy free admission, and the first 50 adults through the gate will also receive complimentary entry. Additional adult tickets will be available for $5 per person.

"We are thrilled to kick off our public phase of the Capital Campaign with such a exciting event," said Kristy Purlee, Chief Executive Officer of the Washington County Family YMCA. "The support of our community is vital in realizing our vision of a healthier, more supported Washington County. Together, we can build a brighter future for our youth and families."

“Join us on May 11 at the Salem Motorsports Park, 2593 W. St Rd 56 in Salem for a morning of family fun, philanthropy, and the chance to win big with our Raffle Event. Together, let's make a difference in the lives of those we serve. “

The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The YMCA relies on the time, talents and treasures of the community to offer valuable programs and services.

For more information on how you can play a part in impacting the community, or to purchase raffle tickets, please contact the Washington County Family YMCA at 812-883-YMCA, visit us at 1709 N. Shelby Street, Salem, IN 47167, or email our CEO, Kristy Purlee, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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The Washington County Family YMCA is hosting a Spring Kickball Tournament on Saturday, May 25.

" Kickball For A Cause" is a YMCA Annual Campaign Fundraiser.

There will be Youth and Adult divisions, and prizes will be awarded to the winning teams in both divisions.

For more information or to register, call the YMCA at 812-883-9622.

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By:

Jerry Curry, Staff Writer

The Washington County Sheriff's Department will be hosting their quarterly drive-thru Drug Drop and Food Drive at the Washington County Sheriff's Department on Saturday, May 11, 9 a.m.-12 noon.

Citizens can simply drive through the parking lot and hand off expired or unwanted prescription medications and drive away, no questions asked. The medications are incinerated the same day, which is an approved method of disposal. Flushing medications down the toilet or sink drain is NEVER RECOMMENDED.

The Sheriff's Department will also be collecting non-perishable food items, which will be donated to the local food bank in Salem. HUNGER KNOWS NO SEASON!

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By Becky Killian, Staff Writer

Washington County currently doesn’t have a permanent jail commander because the salary is too low for the level of responsibility the position carries. Sheriff Brent Miller explained the year-long challenge he’s faced filling a vacancy caused by a retirement during the Monday, May 6, meeting of the Washington County Council.

Council President Mark Abbott said he asked Miller to appear before the Council to explain the staffing problems.

“This is something we need to take a good, hard look at,” Abbott said, urging Council members to take quick action.

The jail commander is the third in command at the jail and oversees 17 correction officers as well as the inmates, who currently total more than 150. The jail commander is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the jail, including training new hires, making sure the correction officers meet continuing education requirements, scheduling, record keeping, coordinating inmate transports, and hearing inmate grievances.

Miller said the jail’s correction officers are “a very young, inexperienced staff” that requires supervision to ensure they follow important procedures.

The jail has several inmates who suffer from medical conditions, addiction, and mental health issues, which Miller said makes running the jail more difficult.

Miller said at the current salary of $38,787, the jail commander makes only about $1,400 more than the correction officers he supervises.

A jail commander salary study Miller provided to the Council showed Floyd County with the highest salary of $92,616. The lowest salary was $34,008 in Crawford County. The average salary among the nine counties included in the study was $58,406.

The jail commander’s salary in Washington County, which is included among the counties in the study, ranked second to last just above Crawford County.

While Floyd County has a jail capacity of 330, Crawford County’s capacity is 78. Washington County’s jail capacity is 254 inmates. Although the county could accept inmates from other jails – which would generate some income – Miller said his staffing isn’t adequate to handle more inmates.

Currently, some correction officers have been asked to work 16-hour shifts and to work on scheduled days off.

A road deputy has been temporarily named interim jail commander, but Miller said that won’t last long.

“The public expects me to get a third shift back on the road,” Miller said. “I’m just trying to stop the bleeding now.” Those third-shift patrols ended earlier this year when Miller said he didn’t have enough deputies to cover the shift. The Indiana State Police agreed to help with overnight patrols. Since then, the Council approved a pay increase for deputies.

Miller worries about the liability exposure the county has because of the vacancy in the jail commander’s post.

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By Becky Killian, Staff Writer

Officials have adopted a new ordinance that includes a fine of up to $500 plus costs for tractor trailer drivers who use county roads rather than the official detour routes.The Washington County Board of Commissioners recently approved the ordinance, which took effect immediately.

The law aims to discourage tractor trailer drivers from using – and damaging – county roads rather than the state-approved official detours.

The county Highway Department will erect signs along roads where tractor trailer traffic is restricted.

Exceptions to the law include vehicles involved in the maintenance or repair of county infrastructure or trucks being used for pickups, deliveries, or service calls; however, such traffic must be kept to a minimum and drivers must use the shortest, most direct route.