According to a message received by WSLM earlier this morning, last night Salem School Corporation received an email about a possible bomb threat.
Multiple school districts around Central and Southern Indiana are reporting threats this morning and have closed school for the day or told students to remain home for remote learning.
According to a news release from the sheriff’s office in Jefferson County, Indiana, another bomb threat against the Madison Consolidated School System was reported early Friday morning.
The message from the Salem Schools read:
“Late last night, we received an email containing a bomb threat east and west [Washington Schools] did not receive a threat… Our local and state police were notified. Our buildings and grounds have been searched. We also believe the threat is not credible however, out of an abundance of caution, Salem Community Schools will not be in session today, April 14.”
Also this morning, the IndianaStatePolice was made aware of an email message sent to several dozen Indiana schools threatening the use of explosive devices that had allegedly been planted on various school campuses.
“We immediately allocated all intelligence resources to investigate the validity of the threat, to include communication with the Department of Education, our local, county, and federal law enforcement partners,” the ISP release stated. “At this time no suspicious or explosive devices have been found in any of our schools. The investigation into the origin of this threat is ongoing.”
Out of an abundance of caution, troopers throughout the state have been in communication with their local schools to offer assistance and resources.
School corporations are working with their local law enforcement to make the best decision about their operations today.
IndianaStatePolice Superintendent Doug Carter said, “The safety of our children will always be a top priority, the IndianaStatePolice will continue to offer any and all resources we have to schools to ensure safety for our students.”
The Salem Schools Administration is reviewing policies after a 4th grader brought a large knife to Bradie M. Shrum Elementary School on March 9, according to Board Attorney Tom Scifres.
In a statement released today, Scifres wrote:
“We are grateful for the quick action of everyone involved in identifying, reporting, and isolating the threat. This includes our school officials who acted immediately and responsibly to remove the child and the weapon from the classroom, swiftly eliminating any threat of harm to students.
“Based on concerns raised by this incident, the school will be reviewing [its] school policies in this area and further evaluating school safety. This process will take some time, but we intend to start immediately.”
The board met in regular session on Monday, April 10 when several concerned parents spoke directly to the board and school superintendent Dr. Richard Rutherford.
Parents praised Bradie Shrum Elementary Principal Kelly Williams and her team for her handling of the situation but were critical of Rutherford for his actions and comments.
Brandi Bierly said she found out the next day. “Do you know when the school called me? The next day. That phone call should have happened that day. Why did it take so many parents making phone calls for the [school corporation] to take this seriously? Why is there nothing in the elementary school handbook about weapons?”
One parent said the communication was not there and that he only found out when his 10-year-old son called him and said that another student had brought a knife to school.
Jill Gettlefinger said she was thankful the matter didn’t end in a horrible situation for the staff and students.
“I want to know why this event was handled so differently. The other potential threats that occurred during the same school year under the same administration where written communication was sent out either real-time or same day. We’re here a month later with no formal communication about this event,” Gettlefinger said.
“There is no justification from Superintendent Rutherford for ordering his administration to not send out formal communication to every parent in this corporation,” she said during the meeting. “By not notifying these parents, he has overstepped his authority.”
Hillary Wilder said she spoke with Dr. Rutherford and he told her “We’re country folk. we all have knives. we all have guns. I didn’t think it was a problem. I didn’t think it was an issue. I didn’t want to cause unnecessary panic for parents.”
Rutherford didn’t respond directly to those comments during the board meeting but said that every situation was a learning experience.
Some board members didn’t find out until the first week of April.
Gov. Holcomb, INDOT award more than $133 million through Community Crossings grant program
Governor Eric J. Holcomb and the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) announces 224 Indiana cities, towns, and counties that will receive a combined $133.4 million in state matching funds for local road projects through Community Crossings, a component of Governor Holcomb’s Next Level Roads program.
Included in this round of grants is $1 million for Washington County as well as grants for the following cities and counties:
Bloomington $462,899.33
Borden $100,650.00
Brownstown $1,000,000.00
Columbus $927,807.00
Harrison County $1,000,000.00
Jackson County $991,380.00
Jennings County $1,000,000.00
Madison $649,993.00
New Albany $1,000,000.00
Scott County $987,516.48
Scottsburg $312,017.54
Seymour $1,000,000.00
Washington County $1,000,000.00
Bedford $452,773.55
“The continued success of the Community Crossings program becomes more evident each year,” said Gov. Holcomb. “Improving transportation infrastructure at the most local level makes communities that much more attractive for business and Hoosier families alike to connect and grow.”
Communities submitted applications for funding during a highly competitive call for projects in January. Applications were evaluated based on need and current conditions, as well as impacts to safety and economic development. Funding for Community Crossings comes from the state’s local road and bridge matching grant fund. The Community Crossings initiative has provided more than $1.27 billion in state matching funds for local construction projects since 2016.
“Safe, modern infrastructure at the local level makes Indiana’s transportation network stronger,” said INDOT Commissioner Mike Smith. “Partnering with locals on these projects is something INDOT looks forward to each year. The hard work and dedication of local entities to secure these funds and make improvements in their communities does not go unnoticed.”
To qualify for funding, local governments must provide local matching funds of 50 percent for larger communities or 25 percent for smaller communities and have an asset management plan for maintaining existing roads and bridges. Indiana law requires annually that 50 percent of the available matching funds be awarded to communities located in counties with a population of 50,000 or fewer.
State lawmakers identified long-term funding for Community Crossings as part of House Enrolled Act 1002, passed by the legislature and signed into law by Gov. Holcomb in April 2017.
The Indiana Department of Transportation announces northbound and southbound lane closures on I-65 from MM 64 to MM 68, between Walesboro and Columbus.
Starting tonight, April 12, crews will begin work performing pavement corrections and removing sections of the temporary barrier wall. Nightly operations are expected to begin at 9 p.m. and last until 6 a.m., seven days a week, and be completed by the end of April.
All work is weather-dependent and schedules are subject to change.
Samuel Wayne Adams, age 33, passed away Tuesday, April 4, 2023 in Cape Coral, Florida. Samuel was born December 23, 1989 in Louisville, Kentucky.
Samuel was a 2009 graduate of East Washington High School in Pekin, Indiana. He was the son of Wayne and Lynda Adams.
He was employed by AFLAC Insurance and was an Army Veteran. He testified to being born again 2 years ago.
Samuel is survived by his father, Wayne Adams; mother, Lynda Adams; sister, Tiffany Adams; and grandmothers, Martha Adams and Rosemary Lloyd.
He was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Don Adams and Raymond Lloyd.
A celebration of life service will be held Saturday, April 15, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Hughes-Taylor Funeral Home-Pekin Chapel; visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until time of service.
Additional Projects Coming at Lake and Around Salem
Salem Mayor Justin Green unveiled two new art projects that will be on display at Lake Salina and help secure the area as a destination location around Southern Indiana.
Green also discussed future plans that include the addition of about 20 campsites with electric hookup, a new bathhouse and a kayak launch.
Work continues on adding campsites with electric service to the backside of Lake SalindaPermanent Corn Hole games have been installed around the facility.One of the pieces of artwork that was dedicated today includes this one constructed of colored chains that blow in the breeze to create various tones.Future campsitesA permanent gaming table for chess or checkers near the lake.Lake Salinda has been around as the City of Salem’s first water source since 1947.The second of two pieces of art dedicated at Lake Salinda this afternoon.
The bath house which will complement the grounds with a dual sided restroom/bath facility that will promote many more activities at the lake.
This addition will drive more visitors to the area by promoting Lake Salinda as a destination.
The City of Salem is also preparing about 20 campsites that will have electricity.
Green said they are working to make more amenities available to the public – including permanent gaming tables, corn hole boards and a possible use for the old pump house located near the entrance to the lake property.
Lake Salinda currently has walking trails, a mountain bike trail and fishing and kayaking open to the public.
With READI dollars, this under-utilized property is becoming a great asset for Washington County, said Green.
This project is anticipated to draw visitors from neighboring counties and impact the local economy.
A total of 38 new direct and indirect jobs with $178,428 in new wages are expected, along with an economic output of $1.8 million and $430,750 in new tax revenue.
The art art installations, collaboratively designed and installed by Washington County residents and Indiana University faculty and students.
Students in the IU Eskenazi School of Art, Architecture + Design J. Irwin Miller Architecture Program and the ServeDesign Center, under the leadership of faculty member Jeeyea Kim, partnered with the City of Salem, the Washington County Community Foundation and Salem High School students to understand the regional culture and heritage of Salem and Lake Salinda.
Inspired by that exploration, IU students designed two public art installations to attract more visitors and build upon the City of Salem’s plans for expanded recreation at the lake.
Kim worked with Brittain Brewer, fellow faculty member and co-director of the ServeDesign Center to prepare the designs for fabrication, sign on McIntyre Brothers Construction and collaborate for successful fabrication and installation.
The project is supported by the IU Center for Rural Engagement’s Sustaining Hoosier Communities partnership with Washington County.
“Revival,” a metal and acrylic structure designed by Alyssa Bullock and Jess Novitski, mimics a quilt pattern. Transparent panels, evoking the look of stained glass, feature colors inspired by the Salem downtown landscape.
Visitors can enjoy peaceful views and sounds of the water from the “Revival” setting.
This art is on display near the old Pump House parking lot, west of the dam.
“A Common Link” is an interactive sculpture featuring metal linked strands that invite visitors to interact and celebrate the community’s connections.
Designed by Rachel Staley and Kayley Adams, “A Common Link” is inspired by Salem’s quilting heritage, featuring brightly colored patterns across metal link drapery that complements the beauty of Lake Salinda’s scenery.
This location is east of the dam.
Fabrication was led by the McIntyre Bros. team of Jeff McIntyre, Kurt Vorhies and Jase Gratzer.
Thanks to participation in the regional Our Southern Indiana READI initiative, Salem and Washington County residents will enjoy new outdoor amenities, the area will grow thanks to a housing development and economic development will be enhanced through airport improvements.
Washington County received funding to be utilized in three areas – Lake Salinda, Shelby Street housing and Salem Municipal Airport. The private-public funding for these projects totals several millions.
“This is a tremendous opportunity for our city, county and region,” said Mayor Justin Green. “It became clear in the past decade or so that a regional approach to economic development was far more beneficial than individual efforts. The state recognized this in launching READI.”
READI (Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative) was launched several years ago by the state to accelerate economic development. Collaboration among counties, cities and towns was encouraged to create partnerships to develop projects intended to both retain talent and attract new workers.
Washington County is part of the regional Our Southern Indiana which also includes Clark, Floyd, Jefferson and Scott counties.
The effort was led by Our Southern Indiana Regional Development Authority, comprised by a board that includes representatives from each county. John Jones represents Washington County on the RDA board. The READI plan involves a multitude of projects touching many areas, such as housing, recreation, education, utilities and economic development. The entire project will create 693 new housing units, increasing the population by 1,794 and resulting in more than $105 million in economic output.
A total of $1 billion in a combination of public and private funds are being utilized with an estimated 13,100 new direct and indirect jobs expected to be created and an additional economic output of $662 million. The projects across the five counties are also expected to result in 58,000 new residents.
“These projects will transform this region, paving the way for new opportunities in many different areas for residents,” said Mayor Green. “Quality of life will be enhanced, and economies will grow because of these investments. I’m so grateful our city and county are involved in this effort. It will truly change our future.”
Other Salem/Washington County’s projects are:
Salem Municipal Airport Hangar & Fueling Improvements. This project will complete critical landslide improvements in conjunction with a runway extension project funded through the FAA. The project will help drive economic development through improvements to hangar spaces, a fixed Jet-A fuel point and extension of utilities, including water, sanitary sewer and drainage improvements.
The project is expected to result in nearly $1.8 million in economic output, $154,086 in new tax revenue, 12 new direct and indirect jobs with $645,445 in total new wages.
Workforce Housing – Infrastructure & Property Acquisition. The City of Salem is partnering with the Charlestown, Jeffersonville and Madison in this regional effort to provide investment in public infrastructure and land acquisition to support both single and multi-family housing units. It will utilize $105,649,605 in private development funds plus $4.8 million in local government funds.
In Washington County, a $9.7 million development is planned on 29 acres on North Shelby Street in Salem. This will include at least 15 single-family housing units for middle-income families.
The entire project will create 693 new housing units, increasing the population by 1,794 and resulting in more than $105 million in economic output.
Three from Salem recently entered plea agreements on drug-related charges and have each been sentenced to serve a total of 35 years in the Indiana Department of Corrections, announced Washington County Prosecutor Tara Hunt.
The three – Larry D. McKinney, Aubrey L. Baer and James McKinley – were all sentenced in Washington Superior Court.
“We continue to relentlessly work to address the issue of illegal drugs in our community and these three convictions are evidence of the importance of this effort,” said Prosecutor Hunt. “Removing drug dealers from the streets absolutely has an impact and affects public safety.”
McKinney, 46, Salem, was sentenced in Washington Superior Court after entering a plea agreement in February to a Level 2 felony charge of dealing in methamphetamine.
McKinney was sentenced to 11 years with one year suspected to be served in the IDOC. He will receive credit for a total of 1,914 days for time served and credit days. Following his release, McKinney will be on probation for one year. He must also complete the Alcohol and Drug Services Program.
McKinney was arrested in April 2019 when deputies responded to a report of a man who was unconscious inside a running vehicle. McKinney, the man inside, was found to be in possession of a handgun, 15 grams of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. McKinney did not have a license for the gun and was driving while suspended.
Baer, 31, Baird Boulevard, Salem, pled guilty to dealing in methamphetamine, a Level 2 felony, and theft, a Level 6 felony.
She was sentenced to 17 years with two suspended on the dealing charge with 15 years executed and one year with no time suspended on the theft charge. The counts will be served concurrently (back to back) in the IDOC. She will receive credit for 932 days previously served.
Following her release, Baer will be on probation for two years and is required to complete the Alcohol and Drug Services Program.
Baer was arrested in March 2021 after police responded to a call from Walmart regarding a suspected shoplifting incident. A search of her belongings revealed a large amount of methamphetamine along with several other drugs and paraphernalia.
McKinley, 29, Theresa Street, Salem, entered a plea agreement on a Level 6 felony of possession of methamphetamine and two Level 4 felony charges of dealing methamphetamine. On those charges he was sentenced to a total of 12 years with three years suspended. Following his release, he must serve three years probation.
McKinley was arrested in August 2021 at his residence. He was found to be in possession of a total of 11 grams of methamphetamine on two separate occasions.
“I also want to commend our officers with the Salem City Police and Washington County Sheriff’s Department,” said Prosecutor Hunt. “Good police work is the first step to addressing this ongoing battle against drugs and our officers are all committed to this.”
