Law & Government

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.

Around 9:45 Monday morning, the Washington County Sheriff’s Department responded to a two- vehicle crash on SR 135 between Purlee Road and Vincennes Trail Road, approximately five miles south of Salem. After arriving on the scene, officers requested Indiana State Police crash reconstruction officers to continue the investigation.

On December 12 at 2:44 pm, Salem emergency responders received a dispatch call regarding an overturned truck on North SR-135 at the intersection of Hypes Road. The call stated that one individual was trapped inside the vehicle.

On Tuesday, December 9 at 10:45 pm, Salem emergency responders received a dispatch call regarding a structure fire at Stewart Automotive & Transmission. No one was injured in the fire, but the building is severely damaged.

Washington County Prosecuting Attorney Tara Coats Hunt announces that on the afternoon of December 8, 2025, a Jefferson County, Kentucky Grand Jury, under the direction of the Commonwealth's Attorney Office, returned an indictment in the homicide case involving the death of Cairo Jordan.

For Washington County residents who have ever wondered what it takes to run for local office, Purdue Extension is offering an opportunity to learn the ropes before campaign season begins.

The Livonia and Posey Volunteer Fire Departments joined forces with the Salem Wrecker Service to complete a training scenario involving a vehicle that had crashed into the back of a semi trailer.

The December 2 Commissioners Meeting was mostly business as usual aside from a slew of highway project bids that were opened, read, and then accepted for review by the commissioners. The meeting began with a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then it moved to the approval of the agenda, meeting minutes from the November 18 meeting, and claims and payroll.

Indiana State Police detectives are investigating a shooting that occurred in the early morning hours of Thanksgiving, resulting in the death of 26-year-old Juan Antonio Gutierrez of Pekin.   

An update regarding the tragic death of Robert Alan Bragman has been released by the Indiana State Police (ISP) on November 25. Following an autopsy, the Coroner's Office determined the cause of death to be cardiac in nature, and that it may have been compounded by hypothermia. No foul play is suspected at this time by ISP.

This morning’s Commissioners Meeting, November 18, was more of a return to normalcy compared to the previous meeting held on November 4. The meeting began with the approval of the agenda, public comments, and the approval of the meeting minutes from November 4.

The November 4 Commissioners Meeting was an eventful one to say the least. Although the meeting began as usual, it was not long before it devolved into heated debates between the commissioners.

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

On September 29th, 2024, Salem Police Officer Dylan England responded to an alarm activation at the Washington County Food Bank, adjacent Rustic Cuts Hair Salon. Officer England noticed pry marks on a side door upon arrival, suggesting an attempted forced entry. 

On October 30, Washington County emergency responders received a dispatch call at 3:58 pm regarding a single-vehicle wreck at the roundabout intersecting Jackson Street and the Salem Bypass. The dispatch call stated that the vehicle flipped off the road and came to a rest on its top.

On October 24, Washington County emergency responders received a dispatch call at 3:40 pm regarding a two-vehicle accident with minor injuries at the intersection of E Daisy Line Rd and Martinsburg Rd.

On October 20, Salem emergency responders were dispatched to a fatal house fire at 101 Raneer Drive located in the Fairview mobile home lot off of Old State Road 60. The dispatch call stated that an explosion seemed to be the cause of the fire.

Commissioners met on October 21 to discuss a new Subdivision Control Ordinance. Max Greene and Lucy Brenton took the stand to raise concerns over it.

After taking a short break after discussing the proposed Subdivision Control Ordinance, the Washington County Planning Commission reconvened on the evening of Tuesday, October 7, to continue its ongoing discussions regarding a future solar ordinance that could determine how and where large-scale solar energy projects are permitted in the county. The conversation focused heavily on environmental impacts, land use, supply chains, and financial safeguards.

Continuing with our “Election: 2026” series, this edition of our candidate interviews features Sheriff Candidate Detective Brad Naugle. 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.