Category: Local News

Washington County is the latest county in the state to be impacted by bird flu at a major commercial poultry production facility since the beginning of 2025.

According to the Indiana State Board of Animal Health, a commercial turkey farm near Salem, Indiana has had a positive test for the virus known as highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).

The facility had a flock size of 14,075 birds, which is the smallest so far impacted in Indiana.

State health officials did not identify the name of the company, nor the specific location of the facility that has been impacted.

As of January 3, 2025, there have now been ten cases of HPAI identified at major commercial poultry facilities throughout Indiana (excluding hobby flocks and small non-commercial farms):

• Jay County – Commercial Turkey operation. 20,560 birds depopulated.
• Jay County – Commercial Egg Layer operation. 354,000 birds depopulated.
• Jay County – Commercial Turkey operation. 18,840 birds depopulated.
• Allen County – Commercial Egg Layer operation. 26,066 birds depopulated.
• Adams County – Commercial Turkey operation. 19,860 birds depopulated.
• Jackson County – Commercial Egg Layer operation. 2,633,900 birds depopulated.
• Jay County – Commercial Egg Layer operation. 912,023 birds quarantined.
• Jay County – Commercial Egg Layer operation. 1,224,772 birds quarantined.
• Jay County – Commercial Egg Layer operation. 1,454,605 birds quarantined.
• Washington County – Commercial Turkey operation. 14,075 birds quarantined.

Federal officials with USDA add that Avian influenza does not present a food safety risk, and that cooked poultry and eggs and pasteurized dairy products remain safe to eat.

State health officials have set up a control area within a 10-kilometer (6.2 mile) radius around the farm, which contains portions of Washington, Jackson, and Scott counties in Indiana.

In addition, the state has set up a surveillance zone with a 20-kilometer (12.4 mile) radius around the farm which also contains portions of Washington, Clark, Jackson, Jennings, and Scott counties.

Testing will be done at nearby flocks to determine whether HPAI has spread. USDA Wildlife Services and Indiana Department of Natural Resources are assisting with surveillance of wild birds in and near the control areas.

Lactating dairy cattle must have a negative test before interstate movement under a federal order. USDA has expanded surveillance through testing milk at the farm or processor level to establish the health status of herds, as well as states.

Indiana ranks fourth in the nation in turkey production according to the USDA. The state also ranks first in the U.S. for duck production, and third for egg production.

Indiana’s poultry industry directly employs more than 12,700 Hoosiers and contributes more than $18.3 billion in total economic activity to the state.

The City of Salem Common Council will hold a special meeting on Monday, Feb. 24 at 5p at City Hall to conduct a public hearing on a proposed water rate increase. 

The increase will include three phases and a total of a 34 percent total increase over three years. 

The first increase of 20 percent will be effective with the first billing cycle after the increase is passed. 

The second increases of 7 percent each will become effective on Jan. 1, 2026 and 2027, respectively. 

The City Council voted about a year ago to not raise rates.

For example, the minimum charge per month for a city water customer with a 5/8 inch meter and approximately 1,870 gallons of water usage would be increased to $19.80 per month and $20.96 in 2026 and $22.42 in 2027. 

Those using more water and businesses would see a larger increase. 

A copy of the complete ordinance to be discussed on Feb. 24 (Ordinance #2025-5) is available from the Clerk/Treasurer’s office as well as a copy of the current schedule of utility rates.

Following adoption, users of the water service outside fo the City’s corporate boundaries may be entitled to petition the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commussion to review and address rates and charges. 

Indiana State Police Troopers from Sellersburg Post 45 arrested five from Pekin after initially serving an outstanding warrant on a Pekin woman.

The names and charges of all arrested are listed below:

• Enda Murphy, 53, Pekin: Initial warrant, Dealing Methamphetamine (Level 4 Felony), Possession of Methamphetamine (Level 6 Felony), Possession of Marijuana (B Misdemeanor), Possession of Paraphernalia (A Misdemeanor).

• Michael Roach, 53, Pekin: Dealing Methamphetamine (Level 2 Felony), Possession of Methamphetamine (Level 4 Felony), Possession of a Syringe (Level 6 Felony), Possession of Paraphernalia (A Misdemeanor).
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• Christopher Thomas, 52, Pekin: Dealing Methamphetamine (Level 4 Felony), Possession of Methamphetamine (Level 6 Felony), Possession of Marijuana (B Misdemeanor), Possession of Paraphernalia (A Misdemeanor).
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• Kawlija Starrett, 44, Pekin: Possession of Methamphetamine (Level 6 Felony), Possession of Paraphernalia (A Misdemeanor), Possession of Syringe (Level 6 Felony).
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• Nicole Starrett, 49, Pekin: Possession of Methamphetamine (Level 6 Felony), Possession of Paraphernalia (A Misdemeanor)washing

Late Wednesday, Trooper Kyle Taylor gained information that 53-year-old Edna Murphy was wanted for a probation violation related to possession of methamphetamine. 

Trooper Taylor also learned Murphy was staying at an address off SR 60 just south of Pekin near the Clark County line.

When officers arrived, they located Murphy but also observed indicators that led them to apply for a search warrant for the premises. 

As a result of the search, the investigation continued into the early morning hours of Thursday, and troopers located over 20 grams of suspected methamphetamine and ultimately arrested five individuals located at the address.

Additional information has been provided from the Washington County Plan Commission on their upcoming meetings including the exact locations of the meetings and the process for the public to make comments.

Both meetings will be held in the Washington County Superior Court room. It was confirmed today that the Superior Courtroom has a limit of between 60-65 people. 

The capacity of the Commissioner’s meeting room (old Circuit Courtroom) is around 108. 

The Washington County Plan Commission Public Meeting/Hearing set for February 4, 2025, at 6:30 P.M. and has been cancelled on that date and yesterday afternoon information was sent to WSLM about the new meeting time.

It will be set up now as two public meetings/hearings on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, and on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at 6:30 P.M.

There is information now regarding how the public can comment on the proposed zoning ordinance.

The commission will hear questions and comments from the Public on the draft Zoning Ordinance at both meetings. Anyone wishing to speak at either Public Meeting/Hearing must so indicate on a sign-in sheet upon arrival at the Judicial Center.

Comments regarding the draft Zoning Ordinance may also be made in writing and filed with the Office of the Plan Director, but must be filed prior to the Public Meeting/Hearing to be considered. 

Both meetings will be held in the Superior Court at the Washington County Judicial Center. 

The address is 801 S. Jackson Street, Salem, Indiana 47167.