Home Blog

Hardin Drops Out of Council Race; GOP Party Chair Issues Challenge

0
Joshua P Hardin, one of three seeking the Republican nomination for Washington County County Council, District 3 filed to withdraw from the election prior to the Noon deadline.
 
His withdrawal has been filed and accepted.
 
That leave Rebecca “Becky” White and Angela “Angie” Wilson as the candidates for the nomination. 
 
Walter J Zelivetz, IV a Republican candidate for Washington County Sheriff has been challenged by Republican Party Chair Tara Coats Hunt prior to the Noon deadline.
 
To comply with Indiana statutes, a County Election Board Hearing will take place once scheduled and all parties will be notified.
 
The Hearing date, time, and location will be posted and announced according to the Indiana Open Door Law.
 
Zelivetz is considered a candidate pending the CEB’s decision.
 

According to Washington County Clerk Stephanie Rockey, “This

is the first time that I have had a withdrawal and a challenge in an election.”
 
Below is a list of certified candidates for the May 5 Primary. 
 

John Minett Heavin, age 56 of Salem

0

John Minett Heavin, age 56 of Salem, Indiana passed away Wednesday, February 11, 2026.

Born August 30, 1969 in St. Louis, Missouri, he was the son of the late Vernon R. Heavin and Betty A. (Lewis) Stanley, who
survives.

He was a member of Blue River Baptist Church, where he was a
deacon for 14 years as well as a Sunday School teacher.

John started his career selling insurance with his stepfather at
Reliable Benefits. Then he went on to get his teaching degree and he became a history teacher at Salem Community Schools for 25 years.

He was also a football coach for 12 years.

John was a 1987 graduate of Salem High School and a 1991 graduate of Hanover College.

On October 18, 1997, he married Elizabeth (Senn) Heavin, who survives.

Also surviving are: two daughters, Ella and Audrey Heavin (Salem) ;two brothers, Jeff (Denise) Heavin of Kansas City, Kansas, Joel (Debbie) Stanley of Prospect, Kentucky; two sisters, Kim Barany of Springville, IN and Susan (Wendell) Wilkinson of Bedford, IN.

He was preceded in death by his father Vernon Heavin and his stepfather John Stanley.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, February 16, at Blue River Baptist Church, followed by interment in the church cemetery.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday, February 15, at Dawalt
Funeral Home, and from 9-11 a.m., Monday at Blue River Baptist Church.

If someone wishes to make a donation, the family requests donations to the Leukemia Research Foundation. PO Box 22324 New York, NY 10087 www.leukemia.org/hm_lls

Scott A. Palmer, age 53 of Campbellsburg

0

Scott A. Palmer, age 53 of Campbellsburg, passed away on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at St. Vincent Salem Hospital.

Mr. Palmer was born February 19, 1972 in Marion County, the son of Gilbert Harold Palmer and Alice Jane Roberts Palmer. He was a member of the Shelby Street Pentecostal Lighthouse in Greenwood, Indiana. 

Mr. Palmer is survived by his wife of 35 years, Shannon Palmer. He is survived by his sons: Matthew Palmer (Lydia) of Mitchell, Warren Palmer (Erika) of Campbellsburg, Evan Palmer (Taylor) of Salem, his grandchildren: Hunter Palmer, Elijah Palmer, Seth Palmer, Ryan Palmer, Allyson Palmer and Lucas Palmer. Mr. Palmer is also survived by his brothers: Sonny Palmer (Connie) of Columbia, Missouri, Jimmy Palmer (Lisa) of Freetown, Indiana and his sister, Brenda Palmer (Tim “Pops”) of Mooresville, Indiana.

Mr. Palmer is preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Ralph Palmer and his sister, Connie Hickey. 

Visitation will be held on Monday, February 16, 2026, from 10:00a.m-2:00p.m with services starting at 2:00 at Weathers Funeral Home. Burial will follow immediately after the service at Hop Cemetery.

Franklin Junior “Buddy” Phipps, age 67 of Salem

0

Franklin Junior “Buddy” Phipps, age 67 of Salem, passed away Friday, January 30, 2026, in Norton Hospital Louisville.

Born January 14, 1959, in Salem, Indiana, he was the son of the late Robert F. and Ruby L. (Collins) Phipps.

He was a retired 26-year employee of the old Smith Cabinet Company in Salem and had been a life resident of Washington County. He was a member of the Salem American Legion Cecil Grimes Post #41, loved wrestling and was a sports fanatic and statistician.

Survivors include Sister: Vivian L. (Eddie Elrod) Phipps of Salem; Niece: Stephanie (Andy) Bush of Salem; Great Nephew: Brady (Adrianna Jenkins) Blue of Salem, Indiana and numerous cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral Service: 5:00 pm Friday 2/6/2026 at Dawalt Funeral Home with Rev. Tom Fultz officiating.

Visitation: 3 pm until the time of the service on Friday.

Memorial Contributions to:

American Cancer Society

C/O Jeanette Nolan

945 North Rush Creek Road

Salem, Indiana 47167

www.cancer.org

David Allan “Moe” Fleenor, age 77 of Salem

0

David Allan “Moe” Fleenor, age 77 of Salem, Indiana passed away Saturday, February 7, 2026, at Baptist Health Floyd, New Albany, Indiana.

Born October 9, 1948, in Salem, Indiana, he was the son of the late Hershel E. Fleenor and C. Eileen (McKinney) Fleenor.

He was a member of the Salem High School Class of 66. He retired in December 2008 from Kimball International, Borden, Indiana. He was a lifelong resident of Washington County.

Moe enjoyed all sports, especially UK Basketball and Football. He also enjoyed Auto Racing and Horse Racing visiting Keeneland and Churchill Downs with his friends many times over the years.

Survivors include Six Nieces: Beth Clipp of Salem, Indiana; Gina Conley of Carmel, Indiana; Kim Fleenor of New Albany, Indiana; Julie Barnett of Greenville, Indiana; Stacy Johnson of Leitchfield, Kentucky; Alicia Brown of La Grange, Kentucky.

Three Nephews: Kirk Fleenor of Sellersburg, Indiana; Ron Fleenor of Salem Indiana; Jamie Knuckles of Hollywood, California.

3 Sister-in-laws Carol (Fleenor) Chastain, Marcia (Fleenor) Hughes and Jeanne Fleenor all of Salem.

He was preceded in death by One Sister: Wanda Sue Knuckles of Salem, Indiana and Three Brothers: Roger Fleenor of Salem, Indiana; Boyd Fleenor of Salem, Indiana; Ronald Fleenor of Salem, Indiana.

Arrangements by Dawalt Funeral Home

Interment will be private at Winslow Cemetery, Salem, IN

Clark County Inmate Roster – 1-27-26

0

Jail Roster 01-27-2026

Jackson County Inmate Roster – 1-27-26

0
Inmates booked into the Jail within the last 24 hours.
 
Wilson, Heather R
Booking #: 115508
Booking Date: 01-27-2026 – 4:10 am
Charges: 35-45-1-5(c ) (926) MAINTAINING A COMMON NUISANCE- CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES
35-46-1-4 (651) FAMILY OFFENSE- NEGLECT OF DEPENDANT/CHILD VIOLATIONS
35-48-4-8.3 CM (1039) Controlled Substance- Possess Paraphernalia
35-48-4-11(b) (907) CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE- POSSESSION MARIJUANA/HASH OIL/HASHISH/SALVIA- PRIOR CONVICTION
Bond: Bond Pending or No Bond Required
View Profile >>>

Milligan, Brendon L
Booking #: 115507
Booking Date: 01-27-2026 – 3:51 am
Charges: 35-45-1-5(c ) (926) MAINTAINING A COMMON NUISANCE- CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES
35-46-1-5 (652) FAMILY OFFENSE- NONSUPPORT OF DEPENDANT/CHILD VIOLATIONS
35-48-4-8.3 (1039) Controlled Substance- Possess Paraphernalia
35-48-4-11(a) (906) CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE- POSSESSION MARIJUANA/HASH OIL/HASHISH/SALVIA
35-48-4-10(C) (10) CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE- DEALING MARIJUANA/HASHISH/SALVIA- FELONY
Bond: Bond Pending or No Bond Required
View Profile >>>

Neidige, Nicholas E
Booking #: 115506
Booking Date: 01-26-2026 – 2:37 pm
Charges: 9-24-19-2 (27) MOTOR VEHICLE- DRIVING WHILE SUSPENDED- PRIOR SUSPENSION WITHIN 10 YEARS
35-44.1-3-1 PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION- RESISTING LAW ENFORCEMENT
Bond: $705
View Profile >>>

 
Inmates released from the Jail within the last 24 hours.
 
Stuckwisch, Grant T
Booking #: 115497
Release Date: 01-26-2026 – 10:23 pm
Booking Date: 01-23-2026 – 2:17 pm
Charges: 35-50-7-9 (88) SENTENCE- COURT ORDER PROBATION VIOLATION
Bond: Bond Pending or No Bond Required
View Profile >>>

Miller, Tyler R
Booking #: 115505
Release Date: 01-26-2026 – 6:08 pm
Booking Date: 01-25-2026 – 6:04 pm
Charges: 35-42-2-1.3(a) (999) DOMESTIC BATTERY-SIMPLE ASSAULT
Bond: $1505
View Profile >>>

Martin, Angela M
Booking #: 115428
Release Date: 01-26-2026 – 9:08 am
Booking Date: 01-11-2026 – 1:48 am
Charges: 35-43-5-2.5 (588) FORGERY- POSSESS/PRODUCE/DISTRIBUTE FALSE GOVERNMENT IDENTIFICATION
9-30-5-2(a) (1162) MOTOR VEHICLE- OPERATING A VEHICLE WHILE INTOXICATED
9-24-18-1 (24) MOTOR VEHICLE- OPERATING WITHOUT EVER OBTAINING LICENSE
9-30-5-1(b) A-Misd (1040) Operating A Vehicle With An Ace Of .15 Or More
Bond: Bond Pending or No Bond Required
View Profile >>>

Scott County Inmate Roster – 1-27-26

0
 
Inmates booked into the Detention Center within the last 24 hours.
 
SMITH, CODY
Booking #:
SCJAIL:2026-000054
Booking Date:
01-26-2026 – 11:38 pm
Charges:
IC 35-42-2-1(MB) ~ BATTERY

CRUZ, JOSE
Booking #:
SCJAIL:2026-000053
Booking Date:
01-26-2026 – 2:01 pm
Charges:
IC 9-24-18-1 ~ OPERATOR NEVER LICENSED
HOLD ANOTHER AGENCY ~ HOLD FOR ANOTHER AGENCY

Washington County Inmate Roster – 1-27-26

0
Mugshot of GUEVARA, ELOY
GUEVARA, ELOY
Booking #:
64249
Booking Date:
01-23-2026 – 8:08 pm
Charges:
Violation of Probation
Mugshot of Hammond, William
Hammond, William
Booking #:
64248
Booking Date:
01-23-2026 – 4:54 pm
Charges:
Battery

Mugshot of JACKSON, DUSTIN
JACKSON, DUSTIN
Booking #:
64247
Booking Date:
01-23-2026 – 12:22 pm
Charges:
Violation of Probation
Mugshot of Hammond, Jeremy
Hammond, Jeremy
Booking #:
64246
Booking Date:
01-23-2026 – 8:59 am
Charges:
Violation of Probation

Mugshot of Hammond, Tambra
Hammond, Tambra
Booking #:
64244
Booking Date:
01-22-2026 – 8:59 pm
Charges:
Residential entry
Battery
Mugshot of COUCH, WESLEY
COUCH, WESLEY
Booking #:
64242
Booking Date:
01-21-2026 – 10:58 am
Charges:
Theft

Mugshot of Amos, Elijah
Amos, Elijah
Booking #:
64238
Booking Date:
01-19-2026 – 7:21 pm
Charges:
Domestic Battery
Domestic Battery
Mugshot of Johnston, Jeremy
Johnston, Jeremy
Booking #:
64237
Booking Date:
01-19-2026 – 3:25 pm
Charges:
Theft

Mugshot of Reid, Kerri
Reid, Kerri
Booking #:
64236
Booking Date:
01-19-2026 – 2:01 pm
Charges:
Violation of tERMS OF BOND

Houchin Secures Nearly $7.5 Million for Indiana’s 9th District

0
Recently, the House passed the final Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations package, H.R. 7148 and H.R. 7147, a package that strengthens national security, supports border enforcement, reins in federal spending, and delivers nearly $7.5 million in Community Project Funding for Indiana’s 9th District.
 
“This appropriations package supports the America First agenda by responsibly funding key federal priorities, strengthening our national defense, enhancing border security, and reducing unnecessary federal spending,” said Houchin. “It also ensures Indiana’s 9th District receives meaningful investments in infrastructure, public safety, and community development. I will continue working to make sure taxpayer dollars are spent wisely and that our district’s needs remain a top priority.”
 
Community Project Funding for Indiana’s 9th District:
  • $4,000,000 — Charlestown Blight Elimination Project
  • $1,200,000 — Indiana University 10th Street Safety Improvements
  • $1,000,000 — Monon South Trail (Orleans to Mitchell)
  • $975,000 — Georgetown State Road 64 Sidewalk Improvements
  • $175,000 — Sam Peden Community Park Improvements
“The City of Charlestown is thrilled to have the support of Congresswoman Houchin with this critical component of our recovery from the blight left behind after the closing of the Indiana Army Ammunition Plant decades ago. With recent private investments in our city’s gateway corridor, this community project funding provides a welcome federal acknowledgment of the potential for our city’s future and offers us the ability to provide a safe, modern work environment for city staff members who are the heartbeat of our service.” — Treva Hodges, Mayor of Charlestown
 
“We appreciate Congresswoman Houchin’s work to secure funding to address pedestrian safety and traffic improvements on the Bloomington campus. These upgrades will help keep our campus welcoming for students, staff, faculty, and visitors.” — Pam Whitten, President of Indiana University
 
“Mitchell’s residents are very grateful for this opportunity to finish the construction of the Monon South Trail in our community. Congresswoman Houchin’s support for this funding will allow us to make the next major investment in improving the quality of life for Mitchell and will give a boost to our efforts to support the local, family-owned businesses in our downtown Main Street district next to the Trail.” — Don Caudell, Mayor of Mitchell
 
“The Town of Georgetown extends its sincere appreciation to Congresswoman Erin Houchin and her team for securing funding for the Georgetown State Road 64 Sidewalk Project. This project will provide residents with a safe and accessible route to local businesses, Georgetown Elementary School, and Georgetown Park. The funding supports the continued momentum of the Town’s sidewalk expansion efforts, further connecting Downtown Georgetown to the Copperfield Commons area.” — Reny Keener, Town Manager of Georgetown
 
“Sam Peden Community Park has been a vital hub for activity and leisure in our community since the 1960s. This funding will support much-needed repairs and improvements to ensure the park remains a viable, high-quality recreation source for Floyd County and Southern Indiana residents for years to come.” — Matt Denison, Superintendent, Floyd County Parks and Recreation
 
“The Floyd County Commissioners are very grateful to Congresswoman Houchin and her staff for assisting in the procurement of this grant. This is yet another example of how Floyd County agencies are collaborating with government at all levels to resolve some of our community’s longstanding infrastructure problems.” — Al Knable, President, Floyd County Commissioners
 
These investments reflect Congresswoman Houchin’s ongoing commitment to putting Indiana’s 9th District first and delivering tangible improvements in local communities.