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Submitted by Weathers Funeral Home  Muriel "Mo" Oakes, age 68 of Salem, passed away on Thursday, January 22, 2026 at Salem Crossing. Ms. Oakes was born April 9, 1957 in Chillicothe, Illinois, the daughter of Raymond and Bette Underwood Oakes. She retired from Salem Elementary School. She was with her partner, Jack Schlichtenmyer since February 4, 1979. Ms. Oakes is survived by a son, Jerry Schlichtenmyer, Kendallville, Indiana, and a daughter Emily Schlichtenmyer of Peoria He

Submitted by Weathers Funeral Home Shawn D. Dunn, age 51 of Salem, passed away on Wednesday, January 21, 2026 in his home. Mr. Dunn was born October 31, 1974 in Salem, the son of David Dunn and Ruth Ann Jones Dunn. He was a member of the Salem Nazarene Church. Mr. Dunn was a Class of 1992 Salem High School graduate and worked at the Weber Group as a painter, he was also a United States Army Veteran. Mr. Dunn is survived by his wife, Kristy Dunn. They were married December 13,

Doctor’s offices and hospitals have recently become Leerah Gilbert's second home over the past several months after being diagnosed with a form of leukemia in November of 2025 just two weeks before her sixth birthday.

Continuing with our “ Election: 2026 ” series, this addition to our candidate interviews features 2nd District* Commissioner candidate Joseph McKinley (R). Leading up to the primaries, we will continue to release candidate interviews in order to keep you informed as you make your way to the ballot box. Publisher's Note:  The Washington County Times does not endorse political candidates. Our mission is to provide balanced and informative coverage of local politics so our reade

Submitted by Hughes-Taylor Funeral Home Marsha Hobbs, age 50, of Salem, passed away Tuesday, January 13, 2026. Born November 4, 1975, she was the daughter of the late Marshall Hobbs and Linda Click. She was previously employed at Tumbleweed. Marsha is survived by a daughter, Lacey Sumner, and a brother, Dale Baird. Cremation was chosen. Hughes-Taylor Funeral Home was entrusted with funeral care. www.hughestaylor.net

Submitted by Hughes-Taylor Funeral Home Keith M. Odum, age 63, of Pekin, passed away Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at his residence. Born June 29, 1962 in Deland, Florida, he was the son of the late Roscoe and Jackie Odum. Keith passed away leaving behind a legacy of love, family, and quiet strength. He enjoyed the simple pleasures in life; he loved hunting, fishing, grilling, and pitching horseshoes. He was also an avid NASCAR fan and rarely missed watching a race. He is survive

Submitted by Dawalt Funeral Home Betty Menear, 96, of Salem, passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. She was born October 15, 1929, in Campbellsburg, Indiana, the daughter of Walter and Edith (Lawyer) Perdiew. Betty graduated from Campbellsburg High School and was the owner of Menear Real Estate. She was a member of the Methodist Church and was actively involved in the community. She served as President of the Board of Realtors in Washing

The Cornerstone Chapel & Celebration Center will be hosting a free Bridal Fair on January 31 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. This is a great opportunity for brides-to-be to enjoy a fun afternoon discovering great wedding ceremony and reception options located here in our community.

The first Board of Finance meeting of 2026 featured the election of the Board of Finance officers for 2026, and an overview of the treasurer’s report. President Nancy Coats began the meeting with the election of officers.

Continuing with our “ Election: 2026 ” series, this addition to our candidate interviews features Howard Township Trustee candidate Zenas Bowling (R). Leading up to the primaries, we will continue to release candidate interviews in order to keep you well educated as you make your way to the ballot box. Publisher's Note:  The Washington County Times does not endorse political candidates. Our mission is to provide balanced and informative coverage of local politics so our reade

Submitted by Hughes-Taylor Funeral Home   Charles C. Troyer, age 79, of Borden, Indiana, passed away on January 18, 2026 In Louisville, Kentucky after his battle with cancer. He was born September 5, 1946 in Sumner, Illinois to the late Guy and Dana Troyer. Charles was the son of missionary parents and spent his childhood with them as they traveled in Egypt. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force, and Reserves. During this time, he worked for his Bachelo

The January 20 Commissioners Meeting featured commercial insurance approval, board appointments, and a heated discussion between Commissioners Ewen and Cardwell.