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State to Begin Paving Over 160 Next Week

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After a failed attempt to “chip and seal” most of SR 160 from Salem to Henryville this spring, the surface was milled down and will soon be replaced with traditional asphalt.

Indiana Department of Transportation contractor E&B Paving, Inc. is scheduled to begin paving operations on State Road 160 on or after Monday, September 15, in Clark and Washington counties.

Paving operations will take place on S.R. 160 between State Road 60 (Jackson Street) located east of Salem and South Hickory Grove Road located east of South Boston in Washington County, as well as between Casey Road and Forestry Road in Clark County. 

Operations will take place on S.R. 160 Monday-Friday from approximately 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Flagging operations will be used while work is in progress, reducing S.R. 160 to one lane. Work is expected to be complete in mid-November, weather permitting.

This project is part of a $1.7 million contract awarded to E&B in August 2025. 

INDOT reminds drivers to slow down, use extra caution, and avoid distractions when traveling in and near work zones.

All work is weather-dependent and schedules are subject to change.

State Road 56 to close west of Salem for a bridge deck overlay project over Mill Creek

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Indiana Department of Transportation contractor E&B Paving, Inc. is scheduled to close State Road 56 over Mill Creek on or after Thursday, September 11, to complete an additional bridge deck overlay project in Washington County. 

The closure will take place between South Dog Trot Road and South Mill Creek Road located west of Salem. State Road 56 is expected to reopen in late September, weather permitting. During the closure, motorists should use the official detour route which follows S.R. 337 to S.R. 37 to S.R. 60.

An additional bridge deck overlay project took place west of Salem earlier this summer over Goose Creek. Initial project information is here.

This project is part of a $3 million contract awarded to E&B in September 2024. INDOT reminds drivers to slow down, use extra caution, and avoid distractions when traveling in and near work zones. All work is weather-dependent and schedules are subject to change.

Wanda J. Fleenor, 79, of Salem

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Wanda J. Fleenor, 79, of Salem, passed away Friday, September 5, 2025 at Northwood near Salem. Born March 5, 1946 in Harlan, Kentucky, she was the daughter of Ed Craig and Roxie (Hensley) Shoults. On May 2, 1964 she married James R. Fleenor who preceded her in death.

Wanda was a CNA at Meadow View for 25 plus years.

She is survived by her 3 children: Greg Fleenor (Sherry), Tammy Strong, and Melissa Storms; 1 sister: Geraldine Green; 5 grandchildren; and 10 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents: Ed Craig and Roxie Shoults; her husband: James Fleenor; 2 brothers: Eddie Craig and Don Craig; 1 sister: Rosetta McCoskey; and 1 grandchild.

Cremation was chosen.

Hughes-Taylor Funeral Home was entrusted with funeral care.

www.hughestaylor.net

Mark Anthony Hurst, age 72, of Pekin

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Mark Anthony Hurst, age 72, of Pekin, passed away Tuesday, September 2, 2025 at his residence. Born on October 11, 1952 in Salem, he was the son of the late Lewis Gene Hurst and Betty J. (Blankenbaker) Hurst. On May 21, 2006, he married Madonna (Anderson) Hurst who survives.

Mark was a boilermaker for the local union.

He is survived by his wife, Madonna; 8 children: Josh Hurst, Jed Hurst, Kyle Hurst, Zachary Hurst, Jannetta Barger (Mike), Tonya Turner, Angie Miller, and Chandra Trainor (Brandon); 4 sisters: Teena Morris, Monica Tankersley, Kim Martin, and Katrice Ellis; 9 grandchildren; and 9 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lewis and Betty Hurst; 1 sister: Robin Hurst; and 1 grandson: Presley Crawford.

Funeral services will be held Friday, September 5, 2025 at 8:00 p.m. at Hughes-Taylor Funeral Home – Pekin Chapel. Visitation will be held Friday from 4:00 p.m. until time of service at the funeral home.

Raymond Autry Bagshaw, age 84 of Pekin

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Raymond Autry Bagshaw, age 84 of Pekin, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at Robley Rex VA Medical Center in Louisville, Kentucky.

He was born on August 28, 1941, in Bennettsville, Indiana, to Eldon and Flossie (Whiteside) Bagshaw. On September 17, 1965, he married his devoted wife, Brenda (Brown) Bagshaw, who survives.

Raymond proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps and was a retired machinist from C. Lee Cook in Louisville. He was a long time IU basketball fan and loved spending time with his family.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 59 years, Brenda Bagshaw of Pekin; two sons, Aaroyn Bagshaw and his wife, Deana, of Campbellsburg, and Adam Bagshaw and his wife, Christi, of Salem; one granddaughter, Holly Lawson and her husband, Marshall, of Salem; two great-grandchildren, Collin and Amelia Lawson; four bonus grandsons, Caleb Trueblood, Ethan Trueblood, Zach Trueblood, and Luke Baldwin; along with many dear friends, extended family, and a few grand-dogs.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Eldon and Flossie Bagshaw; infant son, Brian Michael Bagshaw; five brothers, Bill, Ralph, James, Robert, and Michael Bagshaw; and three sisters, Virginia Ward, Margaret Fordyce, and Norma Hazel.

Raymond will be remembered for his humor, quick wit, and steadfast loyalty to his family. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

Visitation will be Wednesday, September 3rd, 2025 at Big Spring Church of Christ from 10:00 – 1:00. Funeral will be at 1:00 pm with Larry Sawyer officiating. Full military honors will follow.

John Christopher Newcomb, age 52, Seymour

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John Christopher Newcomb, age 52, born on December 11, 1972, in the bustling city of Gary, Indiana, left this world on September 3, 2025, at his residence.

This humble yet remarkable man lived a life punctuated by laughter, dedication, and an unyielding spirit.

A graduate of Salem High School in 1991, John carved out significant chapters in his life, serving with valor in the United States Army, where he took immense pride in his service to his country.

After returning to civilian life, he embarked on a fulfilling career that spanned fifteen years as a police officer, dedicating himself to the safety and wellbeing of others. Following this noble calling, he became the general manager of Seymour Power Sports for over a decade, where his commitment to excellence and hard work shone through.

John was not just a worker; he was a craftsman of memories. He had a profound talent for remodeling and working on projects. He relished the simple joys of life—a good television show, an engaging piece of music, or a sunny day spent grilling up a feast.

His memorable days spent in a band back in Salem were a testament to his vivacious spirit and love for music, filling hearts with his contagious enthusiasm.

Those who were graced by his presence knew him as a beacon of humor. With a hilarious sense of wit, he possessed an innate gift for making people smile, never meeting a stranger along the way.

He is survived by his children, Amanda Dixon and her husband Drew of Bumpass, Virginia; Carissa Newcomb, Gavin Newcomb, and Trevor Newcomb of Seymour, Indiana. John often reveled in being part of their lives, attending their events, and cheering them on in every endeavor—his proudest achievement being the joy he found in their accomplishments.

He leaves behind not just children, but also two beloved grandchildren, Evelyn and Islah, who surely brought him immeasurable joy.

He is survived by his brothers Chuck Newcomb and his wife Melinda of Borden, Indiana; Ken Newcomb and his wife Michelle of Lafayette, Indiana; Tom Newcomb and his wife Melissa of Columbus, Indiana; and his sister Heather Mull and her husband Robert of North Vernon, Indiana.

His departure leaves an irreplaceable absence in their lives, along with his parents, Thomas Newcomb and Cornelia Koll Newcomb, who have preceded him in death, as well as that of his dear niece, Haylie Mull.

A visitation will be held in his honor on Saturday, September 13, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, followed by a funeral service at 3:00 PM, both taking place at Christensen Family Funeral Home located at 311 Holiday Square Road, Seymour, Indiana.

Funeral services will be accompanied by full military honors.

As we reflect on John’s life, we remember a man whose laughter echoed in the hearts of many, whose love illuminated the most ordinary moments, and whose legacy will continue through the stories and memories shared by those who were lucky enough to know him. Rest in peace, John Christopher Newcomb. You will be forever missed and cherished.

Friends are invited to leave condolence messages for the family at www.christensenfamilyfuneral.com.

Daniel and Betsy Christensen have been entrusted with the arrangements.

Washington County Inmate Roster – 9-8-25

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Mugshot of Frost, John
Frost, John
Booking #:
63989
Booking Date:
09-06-2025 – 9:25 pm
Charges:
Possession of methamphetamine
Possession of paraphernalia
Possession of syringe
Maintaining a common nuisance
Mugshot of FROST, TANYA
FROST, TANYA
Booking #:
63987
Booking Date:
09-06-2025 – 7:28 pm
Charges:
Possession of methamphetamine
Possession of syringe
Possession of paraphernalia
Maintaining a common nuisance
Operating a vehicle while intoxicated
Operating a vehicle while intoxicated endangering a person

Mugshot of Bryant, Darren
Bryant, Darren
Booking #:
63986
Booking Date:
09-06-2025 – 5:04 pm
Charges:
Petition to revoke
Mugshot of WALKER, BRANDON
WALKER, BRANDON
Booking #:
63985
Booking Date:
09-06-2025 – 1:24 am
Charges:
Intimidation
Battery

Mugshot of LEENEN, EVAN
LEENEN, EVAN
Booking #:
63984
Booking Date:
09-05-2025 – 7:14 pm
Charges:
Criminal Tresspass
Mugshot of NEAL, ALESIA
NEAL, ALESIA
Booking #:
63983
Booking Date:
09-05-2025 – 3:17 pm
Charges:
Possession or use of legend drug or precursor

Mugshot of BRUNER, JACOB
BRUNER, JACOB
Booking #:
63982
Booking Date:
09-04-2025 – 5:36 pm
Charges:
Operating a vehicle while intoxicated endangering a person
Operating a vehicle while intoxicated
Mugshot of PEACOCK, DUSTIN
PEACOCK, DUSTIN
Booking #:
63981
Booking Date:
09-04-2025 – 4:42 pm
Charges:
Revocation of Suspended Sentence

Mugshot of RAKES, JAMES
RAKES, JAMES
Booking #:
63980
Booking Date:
09-03-2025 – 9:10 pm
Charges:
Residential entry
Mugshot of Meredith, Ashley
Meredith, Ashley
Booking #:
63979
Booking Date:
09-03-2025 – 8:56 pm
Charges:
Theft
Fraud

Mugshot of BOYCE, TRACY
BOYCE, TRACY
Booking #:
63978
Booking Date:
09-03-2025 – 3:38 pm
Charges:
Operating a vehicle with a controlled substance in the person’s body
Operating a vehicle while intoxicated endangering a person
Possession of a controlled substance
Obstruction of justice
Possession of paraphernalia
Operating a vehicle while intoxicated
Mugshot of Jenkins, Judy
Jenkins, Judy
Booking #:
63977
Booking Date:
09-02-2025 – 6:08 pm
Charges:
Possession of methamphetamine
Possession of paraphernalia
Possession of marijuana hash oil hashish or salvia

Mugshot of VOYLES, CASSI
VOYLES, CASSI
Booking #:
63975
Booking Date:
09-02-2025 – 6:20 am
Charges:
Auto theft
Possession of methamphetamine
Possession of paraphernalia
Mugshot of JACKSON, MATIA
JACKSON, MATIA
Booking #:
63973
Booking Date:
09-02-2025 – 5:03 am
Charges:
Possession of methamphetamine
Possession of syringe
Possession of marijuana hash oil hashish or salvia
Possession of paraphernalia

Mugshot of Standiford, Tyler
Standiford, Tyler
Booking #:
63972
Booking Date:
09-01-2025 – 10:07 am
Charges:
Petition to revoke
Auto theft
Theft
Mugshot of Jenkins, Thomas
Jenkins, Thomas
Booking #:
63971
Booking Date:
08-30-2025 – 8:11 pm
Charges:
Possession of paraphernalia
Possession of methamphetamine

Mugshot of Brading, Dustin
Brading, Dustin
Booking #:
63969
Booking Date:
08-30-2025 – 5:49 pm
Charges:
Domestic Battery
Disorderly conduct
Possession of methamphetamine
Possession of paraphernalia
Mugshot of Brading, Tyler
Brading, Tyler
Booking #:
63970
Booking Date:
08-30-2025 – 5:48 pm
Charges:
Domestic Battery
Possession of methamphetamine
Possession of paraphernalia

Mugshot of HUBBARD, JESSICA
HUBBARD, JESSICA
Booking #:
63965
Booking Date:
08-29-2025 – 12:31 pm
Charges:
Petition to revoke
Mugshot of WILLIAMS, RICHARD
WILLIAMS, RICHARD
Booking #:
63966
Booking Date:
08-29-2025 – 12:27 pm
Charges:
Petition to revoke

Steven Frank Webb, age 63, of Spencer,

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Steven Frank Webb, age 63, of Spencer, passed away Friday, August 29, 2025 at his residence.  Born November 2, 1961 in Wabash, he was the son of the late Billie Webb and Patricia Ann (Cramer) Webb.

Steven is survived by 4 children: Steven Anthony Webb (Amy), Rodney Scott Webb, John Patrick Webb, and Patricia Ann Castleman; and 5 grandchildren: Natalie Webb, Harlie Webb, Isaiah Webb, Lillian Webb, and Lettie Webb.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Billie and Patricia Webb, and 3 brothers.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date and time.

Hughes-Taylor Funeral Home was entrusted with funeral care.

www.hughestaylor.net

Emily Abernathy, age 85

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Emily Abernathy, age 85, passed away Monday, August 25, 2025 at Clark Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Center.  She was born July 12, 1940.

Emily is survived by her son, Kat Abernathy.

She was preceded in death by her husband, William “Bill” Abernathy.

Services will be held Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Indiana Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Madison, Indiana.

Hughes-Taylor Funeral Home was entrusted with funeral care.

www.hughestaylor.net

John Arnold Hoke, 66, of Pekin

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John Arnold Hoke, of Pekin, Indiana, passed away at home, surrounded by family, on Friday, August 29, 2025, at the age of 66.

Born January 19, 1959, he was the son of the late Paul Hoke and Nellie (Spears) Hoke.

John graduated from Eastern High School in 1977 and continued his education at Ivy Tech and Indiana University Southeast. He served the East Washington School Corporation as a bus driver for over 20 years – driving countless students over thousands of miles. Additionally, he was the owner and operator of Hoke Insurance Agency, and he was proud to serve on the Board of Directors at Telemedia for 12 years. He had a strong Christian faith and found comfort in watching various pastors and sermons virtually on Sunday mornings while courageously battling his illness.

In his spare time, John enjoyed listening to bluegrass music, playing poker, antiquing, fishing, camping, bike riding, and spending time on his boat. He loved attending his grandchildren’s sporting events, watching Survivor, and drinking a hot cup of coffee on the front porch. Above all, he enjoyed spending time with his family, who will deeply miss him.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Nellie (Spears) Hoke. He is survived by his wife of almost 45 years, Judy (Hoskins) Hoke; one son, Tyler Hoke; two daughters, Paige (Hayden) Casey, and Jamie (Anthony) Mosby; six grandchildren – Sadie, Graham, Hadley, Hudson, Caroline, and Natalie – whom he cherished immensely; and three brothers – Paul “Rick”, Charlie, and Kenny Hoke.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, September 2, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at Hughes-Taylor Funeral Home – Pekin Chapel with Pastor Jason Saylor officiating. 

Visitation will be held Monday, September 1, 2025, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home, and on Tuesday, September 2, 2025 from 9:00 a.m. until time of service at the funeral home.

Burial will follow in Mount Washington Cemetery.

www.hughestaylor.net