Columns

We encountered a very angry wizard the moment we arrived at the Great Wolf Lodge. While we were in line to pick up wands for Isaiah and Isaac to play the MagiQuest game (basically a wizard-themed scavenger hunt), a short, round, balding, middle-aged man—wearing a goofy wizard outfit—was throwing a full-blown temper tantrum.

A couple of years ago, Ellen and I took on a really cool project—we restored a historic home in our community. The Lanning House, built in 1873, was charming but in desperate need of some TLC.

Have you ever wondered how your kids will respond to a new experience or event? Will they have fun and grow from it? Or will they absolutely hate it and throw a temper tantrum—kind of like me when I’m hungry?

I just want you to know that Washington County nearly lost their chiropractor last week. Yes, I almost died.

If you’ve ever added a few drops of essential oil to your diffuser and felt your whole space shift-  from calmer to brighter, maybe more grounded- you know how powerful it can be. Here’s the thing though: your diffuser needs regular care to keep working its magic effectively (and safely!)

If you’ve ever experimented with the world of aromatherapy, you know it can be a bit overwhelming. With literally hundreds of essential oils to choose from, how do you know where to start?

Washington County’s natural history is a tapestry woven with tales of prehistoric giants and fierce frontier wildlife. From the massive mastodons that roamed these woods long before settlers arrived, to the panthers and bears that prowled the frontier, our region’s story is rich with fossils and encounters that capture both the imagination and the wild spirit of early Indiana.

Accounting for just 6% of the United States adult population, it is not every day that you run into a military veteran. What’s more, it is even more rare to cross paths with a major general. What are the odds of a major general from the U.S. Army calling Washington County home? They are greater than you might think. The Washington County Times had the immense pleasure of sitting down with Major General R. Dale Lyles to discuss his time and experiences in the military.

I asked my followers on my Facebook page what questions they had about essential oils and proper usage, and I thought this question was perfect to answer to prepare for summertime coming up!

Everyone, at some point, wonders how their life will end. Many imagine a quiet passing, perhaps in old age, surrounded by family. Some even dream of slipping away at the same time as a beloved spouse — a romantic idea, but one that almost never happens. And yet, one quiet day in Salem in 1906, Samuel and Priscilla Trueblood did exactly that.

Here are a few friendly reminders to help you enjoy the full benefits of essential oils- without the risk. 

Long before recipe blogs and TV cooking shows, a woman here in the Ohio River Valley quietly shaped the way Hoosiers approached cooking. Her name was Angelina Maria Collins.

As the days stretch longer and the sun streams in brighter, spring beckons us to refresh our homes and reset our spaces. While conventional cleaning products get the job done, more homeowners are reaching for essential oils to bring a natural, fragrant, and effective edge to their cleaning routines.

In recent years, hearing the name "Voorhees", would cause many to think of Jason, the supernatural antagonist of the Friday the 13th slasher series. However, in Washington County, the name brings to mind a different ghastly murder story. The difference is that this one is true.

Essential oils are wonderful tools for all-around wellness, from mental health to physical health. But, despite them being used by millions of people, many of them don’t even understand what they actually are. In my new column, I want to start from the very beginning of the basics of oils so that we all can learn to use them to their greatest potential! 

Two blocks south of the Salem square, next to the walking trail, sits a large, blue L&N boxcar. Many of us drive past it every day, and most probably barely even notice it. But this boxcar represents a surprising amount of history—and until recently, it was nearly lost to time.

The Washington County Times is happy to be launching a new column called “Heroes in our Hometown.” This column will aim to highlight the local veterans in our community that have proudly served our great nation and give them an opportunity to share their stories and experiences. I am very happy to introduce our first veteran in the series: United States Air Force and Vietnam Veteran Ken Powell.

Around the middle of Crown Hill Cemetery stands one of Salem’s most unique and poignant monuments. It is the stone likeness of a little...

"The only town in Indiana where negroes are not allowed to live", the Richmond Daily Palladium said of Salem in 1898. Whether this...

Salem, Indiana—a town once known for its peace, tranquility, and 2% milk. But today, dear readers, I bring you a tale of horror, villainy...