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Denver Couch, age 70 of Salem

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Denver Couch, age 70 of Salem, passed away Friday, April 24, 2026 at Jewish Hospital.

Mr. Couch was born April 22, 1956 in Oneida, Kentucky, the son of Elzie Couch and Hazel Barger Rickman. Mr. Couch was retired from Housewoods Mills. He loved being outdoors and loved fishing.

Mr. Couch is survived by his sons, Johan Jessker Couch (Daisy) of Turner Station, Kentucky, John Denver Couch (Amanda Estabrook) of Louisville, Kentucky and Christopher Dale Adkins of Salem, his daughter, Marion Crystal Sutton (Kim Bradley Sutton Jr.) of Pleasureville, Kentucky, sisters, Geraldine Bowling (Ralph) of Sizerock, Kentucky, Bettie Sue Passmore of Franklin, North Carolina, Stephanie Hamilton of Georgia. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Gracie Schweitzer, Abigail Evans, Jonathan Sparrow, Harmony Couch and Tyreal Couch a great grandchild, Sorin Nalley and many nieces and nephews.

Mr. Couch is preceded in death by his wife, Janet Gibbons, his parents, Elzie Couch and Hazel Barger Rickman and his sisters, Gracie Dean Jackson and Kathleen Dills.

Services will be held on Thursday, at 1:00P.M at Weathers Funeral Home, Visitation will be held on Thursday, from 11:00A.M until the time of service. Burial will take place following the services at Conway Cemetery.

Walter Ellis Hardy, Jr., age 85, of North Vernon

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Walter Ellis Hardy, Jr., age 85, of North Vernon, Indiana, passed away
on Friday, April 24, 2026, at Schneck Medical Center in Seymour, Indiana.

Born on September 4, 1940, in Pekin, Indiana, he was the son of Walter
Ellis Hardy, Sr. and Helen M. (Campbell) Hardy.

Walter was a kind and loving man who had a gentle spirit and a way of
making others feel welcomed and appreciated. He had a deep love for all
things western and especially enjoyed watching The Lone Ranger, which
brought him comfort and joy. He also had a special fondness for ice
cream, a simple pleasure that always brought a smile to his face.

Walter was deeply loved by those who cared for him, including his direct
support professionals, who cherished their time with him. His warm
personality and bright spirit had a lasting impact on everyone he met.
He had a unique ability to brighten anyone’s day with his presence,
kindness, and genuine heart.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, May 1, 2026, at
Dawalt Funeral Home in Salem, Indiana, with interment to follow at Crown
Hill Cemetery in Salem.

Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service on
Friday at the funeral home.

Cooper Jr. Makes Two IU Standouts Picked on Day One of NFL Draft 

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A historic night for Indiana came in the Steel City when Omar Cooper Jr. was the second Indiana football standout selected in the first round of the NFL Draft. The wideout was the No. 30 overall pick by the New York Jets to mark the first time IU had multiple players selected in the first round of the draft.
 
Following teammate Fernando Mendoza, who was the No. 1 overall pick by the Las Vegas Raiders, Cooper Jr. made it multiple first round Hoosiers for the first time in program history. Cooper Jr. is the first IU wide receiver picked in the first round since Thomas Lewis in 1994 and is the third-ever first-round wideout at IU along with Lewis and Duane Gunn (1984).
 
The Indianapolis native appeared in 42 career games with 20 starts and is one of just six Hoosiers with 20-plus receiving touchdowns in a career. He finished No. 4 on the IU career receiving touchdowns charts (22) and No. 11 on the total touchdowns list (24).

Cooper Jr. tied program record with four receiving touchdowns against Indiana State (9/12) in 2025, a mark he shares with James Hardy (Michigan State, 2006) and is tied for No. 3 on the Big Ten single-game charts. That game featured 207 yards receiving to rank No. 7 on the IU single-game charts and mark just the ninth 200-yard receiving game in program history 

In 2025, he produced 69 catches for 937 yards and 13 touchdowns. His touchdown total ranks No. 3 in a single season, tied with Ernie Jones (13; 1987), and his receptions total is No. 7 on season charts. Of his 69 receptions, 44 went for a first down or touchdown and he teamed with Elijah Sarratt as just the fifth set of Big Ten teammates this century to both finish the regular season with double-digit receiving touchdowns.

He was a semifinalist for the Biletnikoff Award and earned second-team All-America from the Football Writers Association of American. He was also a second-team All-Big Ten from the conference media and coaches panels.

 

Seymour Couple Arrested on Child Molestation Charges

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Yesterday, April 22, 2026, Detectives with the Indiana State Police-Versailles Post arrested a Seymour, Indiana couple on multiple felony charges following a nearly two-week investigation.

The investigation began on April 10th, 2026 when Indiana State Police Investigators were contacted by the Indiana Department of Child Services after allegations of abuse against a minor child were made to them. 

During the investigation, Indiana State Police Detectives learned that Farron J. Dyer, age 30, and his wife, Raven N. Dyer, age 29, both of Seymour, Indiana allegedly molested and battered a juvenile in Jackson County, Indiana earlier this year.

Yesterday afternoon, both Farron and Raven were arrested and transported to the Jackson County Jail on multiple felony charges. 

Investigators arrested both on initial charges of Child Molesting, Sexual Misconduct with a Minor, Neglect of a Dependent, and Battery.

Both Farron and Raven Dyer are currently being held pending formal charges being filed.  They will then face an initial appearance in the Jackson County Circuit Court.

The investigation is ongoing.

Jared Abram Jones, age 47, of Franklin, KY, formerly of Salem

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Jared Abram Jones, age 47, of Franklin, KY, passed away on Wednesday, April 8, 2026 in Simpson Co.  He was born on May 7, 1978 in Salem, IN.   Jared attended Cross Point Church and worked in construction.  He enjoyed fishing and riding motorcycles. He was preceded in death by his grandparents Irvin L. and A. Lois Campbell, Ray and Elizabeth Jones, Harold and Barbara Reeves and Clarence and Sonia Rose. 

He is survived by one daughter Hannah E. Jones; one granddaughter Elizabeth C. Lancaster; parents Kyle Warman (Steven), Timmy Jones (Vicky) and Gregory Rose; two brothers Quentin L. Jones (Melissa) and Taylan M. Jones (Kait Foree); one nephew, Abram and two nieces, Maggie and Emma.  His longtime companion, Brandy Grant and her children Paizley, Jacie and Sawyer.

Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2026 at 2:00pm CST at Smith Funeral Home with Bro. Gary Embry officiating.  Burial will follow in the Grant Phelps Cemetery.

Visitation will be held at Smith Funeral Home, 403 N. Main St., Morgantown, KY  42261 on Saturday, April 25 from 11:00am CST until 2:00pm CST.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Smith Funeral Home, PO Box 280, Morgantown, KY  42261.

 

Unbridled Eve Set for May 1 Fun and Fundraising

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The 13th Unbridled Eve Derby Gala, a Kentucky Derby Official Event, promises to bring their traditional grace, glamour, charm, hospitality and fun to Derby Eve!

The party celebrates the best in spirits, embraces world-renowned musical
performers, celebrities and the most powerful brands.

The musical lineup for the gala, held May 1 at the Galt House Hotel, is as eclectic as it is
exciting. Performers will include Richie Sambora, former guitarist and songwriter for Bon Jovi; Phillip Phillips, singer-songwriter and winner of American Idol; Sugarhill Gang, pioneering hip-hop group behind “Rapper’s Delight”; John Elefante, former lead singer of the rock band Kansas; Lorrie Morgan, award-winning country music star; Elliot Lurie, lead singer of the band Looking Glass; and Johnny Edwards, former lead vocalist of Foreigner.

Locally grown entertainers The Crashers return to the gala stage, while DJ 2nd Nature rounds out the evening as the late-night DJ. A special addition to this year’s lineup, the All-Star Jam will bring a mix of the evening’s musical guests together on stage for a high-energy, quick-hit collaboration of fan-favorite songs.

Celebrity guests will include Anthony Ramos, acclaimed actor, producer and recording artist; Gina Torres, acclaimed actress known for roles in television and film such as “Suits” and “Firefly”; Andrea Canning, correspondent for Dateline NBC; Danica McKellar, actress and bestselling author; Melissa Joan Hart, actress and producer; Griffin Johnson, entrepreneur and social media personality; Nora Roberts, bestselling author of more than 200 novels; Zach Randolph, former NBA All-Star; and 2026 Miss America Cassie Donegan.
Kentucky-based guests include University of Louisville football coach Jeff Brohm, Dallas
McGarity, acclaimed Kentucky chef and restaurateur, and Harry Douglas, former NFL wide
receiver and sports analyst.

“Race times may change, but one thing will not – Unbridled Eve will continue to be an
unforgettable experience," said Tammy York-Day and Tonya York, co-founders of the Unbridled Eve Derby Gala and the Unbridled Charitable Foundation. “We have an unmatched lineup of top musical acts, as well as stars from stage, screen, sports, and new media. It’s all possible thanks to a family of volunteers, valued partners, and supportive sponsors, both long-time and new. For this one night, we bring people from around to the world to our old Kentucky home to showcase the best our community has to offer, while helping those in our community who need it most.”

Unbridled Eve will once again feature exciting raffle experiences alongside its renowned and highly anticipated silent auction which can be accessed at
https://unbridledeve.com/2026auction/. One raffle, closing the night of the event, features a stunning Genesis Diamonds diamond ring. The second raffle will remain open until after the gala, offering the chance to win a VIP 2027 Thunder Galt House Suite experience. Both raffles provide unique opportunities to take home unforgettable prizes while supporting the Unbridled Charitable Foundation.

Proceeds, public relations, and ancillary events from the Gala support numerous charities
selected by the Unbridled Charitable Foundation, a 501(c)3 organization. The primary
beneficiary for 2026 is once again Blessings in a Backpack, whose mission is to mobilize
communities, individuals and resources to provide food on the weekends for elementary school children across America who might otherwise go hungry.

The night is made possible by sponsors Kathy and Wayne Richards, William Grant & Sons, Nora Roberts Foundation, Bridleberry Leather Tack Co., Churchill Downs, Inc., Dillard’s, Ronaldo Designer Jewelry, Galt House Hotel, The Al J. Schneider Foundation, Genesis Diamonds, Pinnacle Live and numerous specialty bar partners.

Unbridled is also supported by Millennium Events & Floral, Cambium Marketing, dRAE Media, Mac in a Snap, One Louisville, Best Version Media, Chris’ Pick!, Distilled Living, Jockey’s Guild, El Toro IP Targeting, Leadership Louisville, LRS102, Men’s Warehouse, Shirley’s Way, United Direct Solutions, V.G. Reed & Sons, Barry Wooley Designs and York Management, Inc.

Performers/Musical Guests:
 Phillip Phillips – singer-songwriter and winner of American Idol
 Richie Sambora – guitarist, singer, and songwriter best known as the lead guitarist of
Bon Jovi, Grammy winner
 John Elefante – Grammy-winning former lead singer of Kansas
 Sugarhill Gang – pioneering hip-hop group best known for “Rapper’s Delight”
 Elliot Lurie – lead singer of Looking Glass; “Brandy”
 Orianthi – Australian guitarist and singer known for her work with Michael Jackson and
Alice Cooper, and for her hit “According to You”
 Lorrie Morgan – award-winning country music star
 Johnny Edwards – rock vocalist best known as a former lead singer of Foreigner
 The Crashers – one of the nation’s best party bands; have shared the stage with
several world-famous artists including Blake Shelton, Kid Rock, Aerosmith, and more!
 DJ 2 nd Nature
 All-Star Jam:
o Layla Spring – singer-songwriter and former American Idol contestant
o JD Shelburne – Kentucky-based country artist known for high-energy
performances
o Bob Guiney – television personality and musician, known from The Bachelor;
Member of Band from TV
o John Schneider – actor and country singer best known for The Dukes of
Hazzard; Runner-up on Season 10 of “The Masked Singer”
o Alyssa & Wayne Brewer – bluegrass and gospel performers known for their
family band collaborations
o China Lacy – Singer/Former Member of Linkin’ Bridge
 Nat Myers – Korean-American blues poet
 Welcome Choir: Holy Spirit School Youth Choir

Sports:
 Warren Moon – NFL Hall of Famer
 Zach Randolph – former NBA All-Star
 Harry Douglas – ESPN Analyst
 Michael Eaves – Anchor, ESPN SportsCenter
 Bonnie-Jill Laflin – Actress, sportscaster, and NBA scout for the Los Angeles Lakers
 Aron Haddad – actor/pro wrestler
 Jeff Brohm – head football coach at the University of Louisville
 MacKenly Randolph – UofL Women’s Basketball starter
 Mario Urrutia – Former Cincinnati Bengals player and University of Louisville linebacker
 Valerie Combs – pioneering UofL Women’s Basketball player
 Jean Cruguet – former Triple Crown winner on Seattle Slew
 Michael Manganello – Hall of Fame KY Derby Winner on Dust Commander
 Sandy Hawley – Hall of Fame jockey
 Kaoru Tsuchiya Hawley – First Japanese female jockey
Other Celebrities/VIPs:
 Anthony Ramos – Emmy and Golden Globe-nominated actor and Grammy-winning
recording artist; “Hamilton”, “In the Heights”
 Gina Torres – “Suits”, “Firefly”
 Andrea Canning – Dateline NBC
 Griffin Johnson – part owner of 2026 KY Derby contender, Silent Tactic; Co-Founder of
venture capital firm Animal Capital; TikTok influencer
 Melissa Joan Hart – “Sabrina the Teenage Witch”, “Clarissa Explains it All”, “Holiday in
Handcuffs”, “A Merry Little Exmas”
 Danica McKellar – actress, mathematician, and NY Times bestselling author; “The
Wonder Years”
 Nora Roberts – bestselling romance and suspense author
 John Schneider – “The Dukes of Hazzard”; “The Masked Singer”
 Cassie Donegan – Miss America 2026
 Bob Guiney – “The Bachelor”, host of “Deal or No Deal”, host of iHeart podcast, “Almost
Famous: the OG’s”
 Amanda Christine – “IT: Welcome to Derry”; “Black Box”
 Rob Angel – founder of Pictionary; author
 Dallas McGarity – Fat Lamb Chef and Owner; James Beard Award semifinalist
 David Domine – author of “A Dark Room in Glitter Ball City” which inspired the HBO
Original “Murder in Glitterball City”
 Nicolee Burks – Big Nita’s Cheesecakes
 Dr. Ajmal Zemmar – Renowned Neurosurgeon; featured in the documentary “After
Death”
 Holly Lynnea – comedian
 Vince Emmett – producer of “Reagan”
 Tom Mabe – comedian
 Chris Blandford – Adult Beverage Expert

 Ethan the Dog – compassion ambassador; inspired the film, EthanAlmighty
 Heather French Henry – former Miss America
 The Kentucky Derby Festival Princesses
 Ben Jackey – Emmy-winning Unbridled Eve red carpet host
 Nick Ferrara – national host and emcee
 Tonya York/Tammy York – co-founders, Unbridled Eve Derby Gala
Specialty Bars:
 Aperol
 Castle & Key
 Chicken Cock Whiskey
 Divergent Spirits
 Four Roses
 Ignition Bourbon
 Whiskey Thief
 LILY MAY Bourbon
 William Grant & Sons
o Balvenie Scotch
o Milagro Tequila
o Hendrick’s Gin
 SKYY Vodka
 Tito’s Voda
 Heaven Hill
 M & O Spirits
 Sonoma-Cutrer Chardonnay
 Decoy Red Blend and Brut
 Ale-8
 Mocktail Bar

Special Auction Items:
 Chicken Cock Full Barrel Selection: Grain and Barrel Spirits will be auctioning a full
barrel from their best hand selected Private Cask Bourbon Barrels. You may taste 3
different barrel offerings and choose your favorite! Once selected, you will have 180-220
bottles, fully cased, delivered to your doorstep. This includes a custom label with your
name on it. You can also choose to pick this up at Circa 1856, Chicken Cock
Whiskey's brand home.
 Richie Sambora Guitar and Lessons: Custom designed guitar with private guitar
lesson with Richie Sambora
 Crown Jewels: Jewelry is always a cornerstone of our auction, and we once again have
our custom designed bracelets from Ronaldo Jewelry, as well as other precious, semi-
precious and fun fashion items for women and men in sterling silver and 14k gold!
 Luxury and Unique Experiences: Some packages include an amazing vacation in a
five-bedroom Airbnb in historic New Orleans, an amazing Baltimore Ravens VIP
experience, and other sought out destinations and experiences around the world! 

 

Christina M. (Neal) Barnhill, 44, of Marengo

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Christina M. (Neal) Barnhill, 44, of Marengo, Indiana passed from this life on April 19, 2026 at Harrison County Hospital in Corydon, Indiana.  

She was born on February 6, 1982 in Jasper, Indiana to her surviving parents, Frankie and Sheila M. (Calhoun) Neal.

Christina was a former manager for fast food restaurants and was a Christian believer in the Lord Jesus Christ.  

Christina is dearly loved and missed by all that knew her.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents:  Truman and Richard Calhoun and Ora Bell and Cordell Neal; a son, John W. Bernard; brother, Clinton Neal; aunts, Helen Neal and Ruth Stinnett; and an uncle, Tommy Neal.

Christina was survived by sons, Ashton Barnhill and Silas Sheridan; daughters, Carolina Garnett (Monte), Brienne Sheidan (Joe Ireland), Danielle Sheridan, and Reubayn Barnhill; brother, Robert Neal (Jennifer Bickford); sisters, Thelma Carpenter, Clarissa Satterfield (Eric), and Tiffany Neal (Ryan Miller); sister-in-law, Kristie Neal; grandchildren, Jasper, Casper, and Izzy Ireland; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Services will be private with Bro. Joey Pyle officiating.

Memorial contributions may be given to the funeral home to help defray the cost of the services.

Brown Funeral Home in Milltown, Indiana is entrusted with the arrangements.

Cody Ray Levi Hensley, 36, of Marengo

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Cody Ray Levi Hensley, 36, of Marengo, Indiana passed from this life on April 19, 2026 at his residence.  Cody was born on November 1, 1989 in New Albany, Indiana to his surviving parents, Lenny Hensley and Roschanna (McClain) Cline.

Cody was a supervisor for E & B Paving.  He loved spending time with his children, attending their sports events, and hunting.

Cody was preceded in death by a sister, Tracy Hensley; and grandparents, Paul and Rosaline Ratchford and Shirley and Evelyn Hensley.

Cody was survived by his wife, Rachel A. Hensley; parents, Lenny Hensley (Frieda) and Roschanna Cline (Michael); sons, Harley Dennison, Abel Hensley, and Christopher Hensley; daughters, Traci and Grace Hensley; brothers, Dylan and Jacob Cline; sisters, Shannyn Robinson (Clint), Charity Schaad (Jay); and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be on Friday, April 24, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. at the Brown Funeral Home, 306 Spring Street, Milltown, Indiana.

Visitation will be on Friday, April 24, 2026 from 4:00 p.m. until time of the service at 7:00 p.m., at the funeral home.

Brown Funeral Home in Milltown, Indiana is entrusted with the arrangements.

Donna Purlee, age 92 of Sellersburg

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Donna Purlee, age 92 of Sellersburg, passed away on Friday, April 17, 2026 at Autumn Woods Health Campus in New Albany. Born on January 28, 1934, in Roseburg, Oregon, she was the daughter of Grace John (Homer) Rudolph.

Donna had a deep love for travel and adventure, which took her to destinations all around the world. While she cherished every journey, her favorite place was West Virginia. She found joy in life’s simple pleasures there—especially the airboat and train rides, and relaxing in the lodges. 

Donna was a member of Chapel Hill Christian Church but most recently attended Southeast Christian Church. Donna loved her family dearly including her cat, all of whom will miss her deeply.

Donna is survived by her two children: Daniel (Robin) Purlee and Debby (Dan) Cruse; two grandchildren: Andrea (Michael) Brott and Katlin (Derek) Hettmansperger along with two great-grandchildren: Oaklee Brott and one is on the way.

She was preceded in death by her parents, one brother: Richard “Bud” Rankin and one sister: Evlyn Maley.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made out to Southern Care Hospice or Animal Protection Association in Jeffersonville in memory of Donna.

Donna’s family would like to recognize the entire staff at Autumn Woods Health Campus, especially the individuals who loved and cared for her on Legacy Lane. They are special people that truly have a servant’s heart. The family also extends their deepest gratitude to Southern Care Hospice for their compassionate care, kindness, and support.

Funeral services will be held Friday, April 24, 2026, at 12:30p.m. at the Hughes-Taylor Funeral Home in Borden. Visitation will be held Friday from 10:00a.m. until the time of service. Burial will follow at the Pleasant Ridge Cemetery in Borden.

Hughes-Taylor Funeral Home was entrusted with funeral care.

www.hughestaylor.net

Barry Lee Martin, age 79, of Sellersburg

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Barry Lee Martin, age 79, of Sellersburg, passed away Monday, April 20, 2026, in New Albany. Born on November 30, 1946, in Martinsburg, Indiana, he was the son of Estin and Leeta (Blackman) Martin.

Barry Lee Martin Profile Photo

Barry spent his life dedicated to his work as a timber buyer and proud owner of Tri-State Veneer, where his strong work ethic and commitment were evident to all who knew him. While work filled much of his time, he cherished any opportunity to be outdoors, especially fishing, whether close to home or on trips to Canada. In his younger years, he enjoyed golfing and looked forward to his annual trips to Florida, creating lasting memories on and off the course. Barry was a member of the Clarksville Church of Christ. Barry was known for his quick wit, love of jokes, and a bit of a mischievous streak, but beneath that was a man of immense kindness. He was generous to a fault, always willing to lend a helping hand, and will be remembered for both his humor and his big heart.

Barry is survived by his three children: Chris Martin, Heidi (Tim) Starke and Shannon Martin; one brother: Donivan (Martha) Martin; one sister: Melanie (Dennis) Mitchell; a longtime friend: Barabra Hart; eight grandchildren: Kim (Travis) Sample, Cassidy Martin, Malachy Martin, Paige (Tyler) New, Mallory Starke, Ben Starke, Sam Martin and Allie Martin; three great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews also survive.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 25, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at the Borden Church of Christ. Visitation will be held Friday from 4:00p.m. until 8:00p.m. at the Borden Church of Christ and again on Saturday morning after 9:00 a.m. until the time of service at 11:00 a.m. with burial to follow at the Martinsburg Cemetery.

The family kindly request that, in lieu of flowers, a tree be planted in honor of Barry.