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Bill S. Eldridge, age 90 of Salem, passed away Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at Salem Crossing. Mr. Eldridge was born February 26, 1935, in Timothy, TN the son of Lester and Elizabeth Robbins Eldridge.

Mrs. Regina Sue "Susie" Stivers, age 65 of Salem, passed away Sunday, December 21 at Salem Crossing. Susie was born January 27, 1960, in Washington County, Indiana the daughter of Glen Fleenor and Vonda Pirtle Fleenor.

Ryan Nelson Thomas, age 38 of Salem, passed away on Sunday, December 21, 2025 at St. Vincent Salem Hospital. Mr. Thomas was born November 1, 1987 in New Albany, Indiana the son of Paul and Cindy Herron Thomas. Ryan enjoyed hunting, fishing, painting and spending time with his family.

Christmas week is in full swing across Washington County, and the Salem square is shining as a centerpiece of the season. Wrapped in lights and holiday decorations, the square has taken on a festive glow as the community counts down the final days to Christmas.

Louis P. Rivas, age 71, passed away Monday, December 15, 2025 at his home in Pekin, Indiana. Born on January 19, 1954 in Verdun, France, he was the son of Luis I. Rivas Burgos and Reine M. (Maré) Rivas.

Mr. Donald Lee Floyd, age 65, of Pekin, passed away Monday, December 15 in an accident on State Road 135. Mr. Floyd was born April 2, 1960 in New Albany, Indiana, the son of Jack and Sharon Warren Floyd. He was a brick mason and attended Mt. Zion Baptist Church.

Ruth Eloise Hayes Shelby, age 95, widow of Thomas O. Shelby, passed away at Skyline Suites Assisted Living in Salem, Indiana on December 18, 2025. She was formerly of Covington, Tennessee.

Submitted by Monika Spaulding, Salem High School Journalism Teacher, and written by Brianna Bobo. Business Professionals of America (BPA) gives students the opportunity to develop professional skills, compete at a high level, and gain confidence beyond the classroom.

Washington County Theatre will present It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Show on December 20 and 21 at 7:30 p.m. at the Gary W. Hartsook Hall at 405 N. Shelby St. in Salem.

Paul John Beyster II, age 62, of Salem, passed away on Friday, December 12, 2025 at his residence. Born on June 27, 1963 in Round Lake, Illinois. He was the son of Paul John Beyster I and Rosemarie (Vermillion) Beyster.

On Monday, December 15, 2025, Indiana State Police troopers arrested a husband and wife, 37-year-old David S. Foutch and 25-year-old Angela M. Foutch, each on one count of Neglect of a Dependent Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury, a Level 3 felony. The arrests stem from an investigation initiated in late October.

Over the years, Washington County has shipped off thousands of Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes, and this year added an amazing 1,734 shoeboxes to the total. Like many years in the past, First Baptist Church of Salem served as Washington County’s drop-off center.