Law & Government

This addition to our candidate interviews features District 9 Congressional Candidate Brad Meyer (D). 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.

Election Administrator Stephanie Rockey held a public test of the voting machines intended for use during the primary election on May 5. This is a test performed before every primary and general election to ensure that the machines are functioning properly for a smooth and fair voting process.

During the Tuesday morning commissioners meeting, EMA Director Deniseann "Deni" Stempowski came forward with two grant opportunities for projects she needed the commissioners to approve. The first proposal would fund the replacement of windows at the county courthouse, a project Stempowski estimated at $2,485,679. She noted the figure was a high-end estimate, as the final cost could vary depending on the exact condition of each individual window. Because the courthouse is a h

Lucy Brenton at a previous meeting. Photo by Nathaniel Smith. On Tuesday morning at 9:00 am, the Washington County Board of Commissioners held their semimonthly meeting. In attendance were Commissioners Tony Cardwell Jr. and Todd Ewen. Also in attendance were Auditor Kyra Stephenson, Attorney April Geltmaker, and Councilmen Mark “Bubba” Abbott and Preston Shell. Commissioner Phillip Marshall was absent. After the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of prayer, Lucy Brenton came

Continuing with our “ Election: 2026 ” series, this addition to our candidate interviews features Monroe Township Trustee candidate Jackie Potts (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 readers can

The March 3 Commissioners Meeting saw the commissioners tackling items such as an Interlocal Agreement, a Community Corrections grant support letter, and comments from Lucy Brenton regarding the B.O.T. agreement. The end of the meeting saw a heated exchange between Commissioners Marshall and Cardwell.

The Washington County Council convened at 9:00 Monday morning, March 2, during which the build-operate-transfer (BOT) agreement that has been a controversial topic lately was discussed in more depth. County Council President Brad Gilbert (Photo by Nathan Smith, taken at a previous meeting) “The next thing is the land swap for the highway project,” Council President Brad Gilbert began. “I know Alyssa (Cochran, Council attorney) has been communicating with us as a council thr

Continuing with our “Election: 2026” series , this addition to our candidate interviews features District 2* County Council candidate Tabatha M. McLain (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 read

Continuing with our “Election: 2026” series, this edition of our candidate interviews features Sheriff Candidate Max Greene. 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.

Due to his voting history, the Washington County Election Board voted to remove Walter J. Zelivetz from the primary ballot for sheriff. Zelivetz claims he will be seeking a lawyer, and says this was a "ploy" to get him off the ballot.

Continuing our “ Election: 2026 ” series, this addition to our candidate interviews features Washington County Recorder candidate David Norton (D). 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 readers can m

Filings for the 2026 Primary Election are closed. Below is a complete list of candidates that will appear on the 2026 Primary Election ballot.

The Washington County Auditor’s Office has released its annual report for 2025. (Advertisement) (Advertisement) (Advertisement)

The commissioners approved the reappointment of Greg Zink to the Planning Commission and added security cameras to the fairgrounds. However, they also heard comments from a resident who raised concerns about the B.O.T. project and indicated that she planned to send information to Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita for review.

Continuing our “Election: 2026” series, this addition to our candidate interviews features District 9 Congressional Candidate Keil Roark (D). 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.

On February 11, the Washington County Council reconvened to amend the Salary Ordinance. Attorney Alyssa Cochran stated that there were enough questions left unanswered to warrant another special meeting in order to address and fix any remaining issues. She then explained what they planned to address in the meeting.

Continuing our “ Election: 2026 ” series, this addition to our candidate interviews features Prosecuting Attorney of Washington County, 42nd Judicial Circuit candidate Brock Dawson (D). 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

A Sellersburg man is charged with impersonating an Indiana State Police detective. The investigation began in late January 2026, when Salem Police Chief Eric Mills informed Detective Travis Baker of the Indiana State Police regarding a suspicious phone call received by a Salem Police Department dispatcher.

The Salem Fire Department responded to two separate structure fires within a 12-hour period late Friday and early Saturday, according to the department. The first call came in at 8:42 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 7, for a structure fire in the 1100 block of West Walnut Street. According to the department's Facebook page, Engine 7 arrived on scene to find an active fire at a single-family residence. Engine 3 and Command 1 provided additional support. Firefighters were able to extingui

Continuing our “ Election: 2026 ” series, this addition to our candidate interviews features 2nd District* Commissioner candidate Preston Shell (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 readers can