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The Washington County Family YMCA is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. To mark the occasion, the Y is recognizing some of the people who helped build and sustain the organization over the past quarter century. Lovingly dubbed "YCons", the group includes founding leaders, longtime volunteers, staff members, and early supporters who played a role in establishing and growing the YMCA in Washington County. Some helped launch the effort in the early days, while others ha

A Community Posting by The Washington County Chamber of Commerce Photo from a previous Women in Business event. The Washington County Chamber of Commerce will host its annual Women in Business Luncheon on Monday, April 13, from 12 to 1 p.m. at Raquel’s Restaurant & Catering, located at 34 Public Square. The event will include a panel discussion featuring local businesswomen from a range of industries and career stages. Panelists are scheduled to include Denise Bessler, owner

Submitted by Weathers Funeral Home Mr. Howard Dale Rutherford, age 83, of Orleans, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on Wednesday, March 25 at IU Bloomington Hospital. Mr. Rutherford was born June 16, 1942, in Salem, the son of James Harley and Mabel Weston Rutherford. He was chief of police for Orleans from 1978-1979 and retired after 34 years of service as a police officer in Orleans and French Lick. He was well known for laying carpet in the Orleans area for

Submitted by Weathers Funeral Home John D. Jackson, age 83, of Newburgh, Indiana, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 25, surrounded by his family. John was born on March 20, 1943, in Salem, Indiana, to Wayne Jackson and Maxine Myers Jackson. He was a graduate of Salem High School, Class of 1961, where he played football all four years. Following graduation, John served four years in the Indiana National Guard while beginning his lifelong career in construction with Ra

Submitted by Weathers Funeral Home David A. Engleking age 67 of Salem, passed away Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at his home, surrounded by his loved ones. Mr. Engleking was born February 4, 1959 in Greenfield, Indiana, the son of Norvin Neal Engleking and Helen Couch Engleking. He attended Blue River Baptist Church. David was a class of 1978 graduate from West Washington. He was an owner operator for Engleking Trucking, hauling livestock and was a farmer. Mr. Engleking is surviv

Cameron "Cannonball" Sons sat down with us to discuss Special Olympics and how it has shaped his life. He is currently in Athlete Leadership University, where he was tasked with completing interviews with various publications.

Submitted by: Hughes-Taylor Funeral Home Deborah Sue Vanlaningham Lewis, age 74 of Salem, passed away on Thursday March 26, 2026. Born on October 13, 1951, in Paoli, Indiana, she was the daughter of Harry and Marilyn (Moore) Vanlaningham. She is survived by the father of her children: Terry Hammond and Jerry "Buck" Lewis; one daughter: Autumn Burkhead; one brother: Roy (Melissa) Vanlaningham; one sister: Brenda (Steve) Brown, along with 5 grandchildren and a host of cousins.

Submitted by Weathers Funeral Home Dixie L. Souder, age 86 of Salem, passed away on Tuesday, March 24, 2026 at Meadow View Health And Rehab. Mrs. Souder was born January 22, 1940 in Austin, Indiana, the daughter of William H. Taylor and Hazel McCoskey Taylor. She was a member of the 1st Baptist Church of Salem. She was also a member of the Womens Auxiliary and was a member of a euchre group for years. She retired from the Salem Middle school. Mrs. Souder is survived by her

A Community Posting by the Washington County Community Foundation It’s never too late to invest in your future — and the Donors of the Washington County Community Foundation are here to help make that possible. Through the Education Matters Initiative, the Foundation is now offering scholarships designed specifically for non-traditional students — adults who are ready to return to school, gain new skills, or take the next step toward a better career. These scholarships can he

Submitted by Weathers Funeral Home Judith Kay Early, age 82 of Sellersburg, passed away on Monday, March 23, 2026 at Baptist Health Floyd. Mrs. Early was born March 31, 1946 in Marion, Indiana, the daughter of Charles D. Brewer and Margaret E. Colglazier Brewer. She was a member of the 1st Christian Church of Salem. Mrs. Early was a homemaker and a military wife. Mrs. Early is survived by her son, Scott Early (JoAnne L.) of Sellersburg, her daughter, LoriLee A. Early of Salem

A Community Posting by the Washington County Family YMCA The Washington County Family YMCA invites community members, partners, and supporters to celebrate 25 years of strengthening community at its upcoming 25th Anniversary Gala, held April 25 from 7:00–10:00 PM at Twin Creek Farms, located at 2626 N. Henderson Park Rd. This milestone event not only honors the YMCA’s local impact over the past quarter-century, but also coincides with the 175th anniversary of YMCA of the USA,

Submitted by Hughes-Taylor Funeral Home Carasena Lynn Shields, age 71 of Salem, passed away in Louisville, Kentucky on Sunday, March 22, 2026. Born on November 9, 1954 in Salem, she was the daughter of Elzie R. Ewing and Patricia (Harlen) Ewing. Carasena was a devoted member of the American Legion and held a lifetime membership with the VFW. Carasena is survived by her two children; James Hammack Jr. and Johnathan Lee Daulton, one brother; Randy Ewing, one sister; Cathy Pumph