Billie Jo Aaron Brand, age 79, of Pekin, Indiana passed away Saturday, August 23, 2025 at his home. He hails from Pinckneyville, Illinois where he wishes to return to be laid to rest alongside his parents.
Bill held many jobs throughout his years. He was mechanically and artistically gifted, and his handmade leatherworks were beautifully crafted. He was happiest in his work when he was engaging his entrepreneurial spirit. Fiercely independent and self-reliant, Bill wished to be his own boss.
He had a cutting wit and unwavering beliefs. Though sometimes he appeared tough, he had an endless well of kindness for children. Mostly, Bill was known for how much he loved his family. He faithfully loved his wife, Christina, for 55 years. He loved and supported his three children. And mostly, he loved and adored his grandchildren who brought previously unknown joy to his heart.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Lester and Alma Brand; and 2 brothers: Donald Brand and Richard “Dick” Brand.
He is survived by his loving wife, Christina Brand; 2 sons: Bill J. Brand, Jr. and Scott Brand; daughter: Stephanie Brand; 3 granddaughters: Katelyn Brand, Penny Krauss, and Jozie Brand; and 2 grandsons: Nickolas Brand and Remy Krauss. He is also survived by his brother, David Brand (Beth); sister, Rebecca Garin (Don); and their children; and sister-in-law, Trina Brand, and her children.
There will be a visitation for Bill’s friends in Indiana to pay respects and share memories on Friday, August 29, 2025 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Hughes-Taylor Funeral Home-Pekin Chapel.
A graveside service will be held Tuesday, September 2, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. (local time) at Mueller Hill Cemetery in Pinckneyville, Illinois.
Robert “Roy” Boyd Boling, age 75, of Salem, passed away Tuesday, August 26, 2025 at Ascension St. Vincent Salem Hospital. Born September 21, 1949 in New Albany, he was the son of the late Robert Boling and Patricia (Nale) Boling. On November 20, 1981, he married Terri (McCauley) Boling who survives.
Robert was previously employed at Cummins with 30 plus years of service; he was a member of Salem United Methodist Church; and was a member of South Hoosier Street Rods.
He is survived by his wife, Terri Boling; 1 son: Bradley Boling (Dawn); 1 sister: Susan Green (Chet); and 3 grandchildren: Abigail Boling, Nicholas Boling, and Zachary Boling.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Patricia Boling.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 30, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Hughes-Taylor Funeral Home – Salem Chapel.
Visitation will be held Friday, August 29, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. and on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until time of service at the funeral home.
Amy Lynn Parkerson age 49 of Evansville, Indiana passed away peacefully after a brief illness Saturday August 16, 2025 in Ascension St. Vincent Evansville Hospital.
She had a great personality, always smiling and she enjoyed going to amusement parks and riding the rides. Amy was preceded in death by her parents Richard and Cora Parkerson and one brother Edward Parkerson. Survivors include two sisters Deborah (David) Thompson of Corcoran, Minnesota and Pamela Parkerson of Elk River, Minnesota, one sister-in-law Sue Parkerson, one niece Emily Parkerson, three nephews Daniel Parkerson, Reid Thompson (Bethany) and Tyler (Amanda) Thompson and one great niece Elle Thompson.
There are not enough words to express how much the family appreciates the excellent care and love that Amy received from the staff at Rotherwood Group Home.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Easter Seals
Helen Jane Morgan, age 87 of Salem, passed away Saturday, August 16, 2025, in her residence.
Born November 15, 1937, in Salem, Indiana, she was the daughter of the late Charles S. and Hazel Ione (True) Altemeyer.
She was a retired hair stylist, did upholstery and operated the Cottage at West Point Bed and Breakfast from 2000 until 2012. She was a member of the West Point United Methodist Church and the Women’s Club and had been a life resident of Washington County. Helen graduated in 1956 from Salem High School and went on to attend Cosmetology School.
On June 7, 1958, she married Donald Glen Morgan, who passed away February 14, 2013.
Survivors include: 2 Sons: Dr. Jeffrey G. (Karen) Morgan of Salem and Charles R. (Gail) Morgan of Shelbyville, Indiana; Daughter: Teresa J. (Steve) Risen of Salem; Brother: Donald Altemeyer of Indianapolis;.11 grandchildren, and 19 great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, brother, Stanley Altemeyer and sister, Eleanor Ione Morgan.
Funeral Service: 11:00 am Thursday at Dawalt Funeral Home, followed by interment in Franklin Cemetery.
Visitation: 5 to 7 pm Wednesday and 10 am until the time of the service on Thursday.
Clarence Edward Bane, 75, of Charlestown, Indiana, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at Rolling Hills Health Care Center in New Albany.
He was born on January 24, 1950, in Scottsburg, Indiana, the son of the late Robert and Mary (Petty) Bane. He graduated from Salem High School in 1968 and went on to earn a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Louisville.
Clarence’s life was defined by hard work and an entrepreneurial spirit. He worked as an engineer, contractor, and business owner, and also farmed alongside his family throughout his life. Known as both a risk-taker and a caregiver, he devoted himself to caring for his wife, Nancy, during her illness and was always ready to help others—truly the kind of man who would give you the shirt off his back.
He enjoyed fishing, mushroom hunting, caring for his animals, spending time at the casino with friends, and, most of all, making memories with his family—especially his grandchildren.
Survivors include his sons, Brad (Mary) Bane of Greenfield, Indiana, and Christopher (Elizabeth) Bane of Prospect, Kentucky; and his grandchildren, Jolie and Jaxon Bane.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved wife, Nancy, whom he married in 1970.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 5:00–8:00 p.m. and Thursday from 12:00–1:00 p.m. at Dawalt Funeral Home.
Funeral services will follow at 1:00 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home, with Larry Perkinson officiating.
Burial will be at Mount Hebron Cemetery in Scottsburg, Indiana.
Maurita Sue Jones, age 77 of Salem, passed away on Monday, August 25, 2025 at St. Vincent Salem Hospital.
Mrs. Jones was born March 26, 1948 in New Albany, Indiana, the daughter of Maurice Elrod and Opal Oliver Elrod. She had her masters degree in teaching from Indiana University and was a teacher at Bradie Shrum School. She had retired from Eastern Community Schools as a Home Economics Teacher. Maurita was a member of the Salem United Methodist Church and was a member of the Salem Order of Eastern Star.
Mrs. Jones is survived by her husband of 51 years, Warren N. Jones. She is also survived by her daughter, Caitlyn Davis (Michael) of Salem, and her granddaughters: Kelsey, Kaci and Khloe.
Mrs. Jones is preceded in death by her parents.
Services will be held on Thursday, August 28, at 12:00p.m at Weathers Funeral Home. Visitation will be Wednesday, August 27, from 4:00-8:00p.m at the funeral home and on Thursday morning from 10:00a.m until the time of the service. Burial will take place following the service at Crown Hill Cemetery.
Clarence Edward Bane, 75, of Charlestown, Indiana, passed away
peacefully on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at Rolling Hills Health Care Center in New Albany.
He was born on January 24, 1950, in Scottsburg, Indiana, the son of the late Robert and Mary (Petty) Bane. He graduated from Salem High School in 1968 and went on to earn a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Louisville.
Clarence’s life was defined by hard work and an entrepreneurial spirit.
He worked as an engineer, contractor, and business owner, and also farmed alongside his family throughout his life. Known as both a risk-taker and a caregiver, he devoted himself to caring for his wife, Nancy, during her illness and was always ready to help others—truly the kind of man who would give you the shirt off his back.
He enjoyed fishing, mushroom hunting, caring for his animals, spending time at the casino with friends, and, most of all, making memories with his family—especially his grandchildren.
Survivors include his sons, Brad (Mary) Bane of Greenfield, Indiana, and Christopher (Elizabeth) Bane of Prospect, Kentucky; and his grandchildren, Jolie and Jaxon Bane.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved wife, Nancy, whom he married in 1970.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 5:00–8:00 p.m. and Thursday from 12:00–1:00 p.m. at Dawalt Funeral Home.
Funeral services will follow at 1:00 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home, with Larry Perkinson officiating.
Burial will be at Mount Hebron Cemetery in Scottsburg, Indiana.
A recent decision by the Washington County Fair Board to eliminate groundskeeper Randy Lee has ignited a local firestorm on social media and was a topic of discussion at this morning joint meeting of the Washington County Council and Washington County Commissioners.
Second District Commissioner Todd Ewen made a motion to eliminate the groundskeeper position and First District Commissioner and President Phillip Marshall provided the second, but after some discussion between the public, the council and commissioners, decided to vote with Third District Commissioner Tony Cardwell (1-2) against the decision.
Marshall stated he wanted to ask a few more questions from the fair board and tabled the decision until the board’s meeting in September.
County Commissioners Todd Ewen and Phillip Marshall originally voted 2-0 to approve, but Marshall reversed his vote and the vote concluded 1-2 against eliminating Lee’s position. Marshall asked that the action be tabled until the next meeting.
RANDY LEE DISMISSED BY FAIR BOARD
According to a statement read in his absence this morning, Lee stated “On August 13, I received a letter from the fairboard saying that my position would be eliminated as of August 23 and I would have 60 days to remove my personal belongings.
“I feel this is an unjust and untimely decision made by the fair board. As a county employee, I’m curious on how a non-elected board would have such authority to do this.”
Commissioner’s Attorney April Geltmaker said that a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the county and fairboard “allows for the County to hire a groundskeeper but the fairboard ultimately has control over that groundskeeper’s daily activities and decisions regarding his employment and his retention including his termination.”
Geltmaker also said the MOU allowed the County to pay for mowing, weedeating and spraying through the MOU but also pays the groundskeeper separately from county funds.
Lee said he had been the groundskeeper for the fairgrounds for 15 years and had never had a reprimand or any disciplinary action against him.
He is also allowed to live on the grounds, with utilities paid for his mobile home.
Lee also said he felt the decision to release him was political, noting that Ewen had called him on March 3 and intimidated him.
“I received a threatening and intimidating phone call from Commissioner Todd Ewen,” noted Lee. “Which led to a State Police investigation where two other witnesses, Mr. Ewen and myself were interrogated by the state police detective which led to pending intimidation charges. At this time, i feel this is the reason behind this latest play and authoritarian tactics. I would like for you all to record this decision and feel that Mr. Ewen should be excluded from any decisions regarding these topics while these charges are pending.”
It was Ewen that made the original motion to eliminate the groundskeeper position at the meeting.
FURTHER DISCUSSION
Ewen said the fairboard was trying to restructure the fairgrounds.
“That’s the intention,” said Ewen. “Nobody likes it when a position is eliminated. It’s basically their decision. We have to honor their decision. Everyone on the fairboard works very hard to try to maintain the fairgrounds. They’re not compensated in any way shape or form. It’s getting harder and harder to find people to serve. We have to honor their wishes.”
Ewen made the motion to eliminate the position, based on the fairboard’s recommendation.
He said the elimination would save the county about $10,000 a year.
Ewen said the mowing work would be subcontracted out and they currently had a “verbal” bid of $20,000 a year.
He did not say who made the “verbal” bid.
Marshall agreed that it would be a savings and should be subcontracted.
“This year we had the state fire marshall come in,” said Marshall. “A lot of things that hadn’t been corrected over the years had to be made up so we could put the fair on. We had to fight with that. If someone is overseeing the facility, they should see something that needs to be corrected, then it should have been corrected before now. This being said, i think subcontracting this out will come out cheaper for us.”
Marshall also said that previous Commissioner Rick Roberts had pointed out several times that the fairgrounds had not been kept up.
Councilmember Brad Gilbert questioned the timeline for eliminating the position, since the previous Council had approved the position to run through the fiscal year until Dec. 31.
Ewen said eliminating the position now was to give Lee 60 days to remove his property from the fairgrounds.
Someone from the public asked if request for proposals would be issued for bids to be taken for the subcontracted grounds work and Geltmaker repeatedly said that there was no public comment allowed and that this was a decision for the board to make.
Marshall said. “Wherever we can save money, I’m all for doing it. I’m all for paying someone to do a job but we’re here to serve and save money. I think we’ll be throwing this money away if we wait until the end of the year. I have a few questions myself. How do [the fairboard] plan on doing this? I haven’t seen the report from the fair board. I will table this for another month to get some further discussion.”
The motion was on the floor and Marshall reversed his vote and vote no along with Cardwell.
Many people on social media have blamed the fairboard firing to a letter Lee issued to Salem’s Mayor regarding water treatment issues.
The Fairboard issued a letter to Lee on August 13 and Lee took a letter to Mayor Green on the morning of August 14 with concerns about the city’s water. Lee also serves as a member of the Salem City Council.
Social media posts noted that the firing was due to the letter Lee presented to the Mayor.
However, the fairboard’s decision was made at least 24 hours prior to the letter Lee gave to Salem’s Mayor, who has no authority over the fairboard.
The fair board will hold it’s annual meeting on Monday, October 13 at 6p at the 4H Building.
OTHER BUSINESS
The board approved Corelogic to have access to use county maps.
Paul Eckart from Temple and Temple gave an update on the county highway garage project.
County Highway Department Superintendent Rick Graves gave an update on projects and noted paving work was winding down for the year and preparations for projects for 2026 were being made.
The County Council and Commissioners discussed a possible wheel tax, which is being suggested by the State of Indiana to help make up for revenue due to this spring’s move to reduce property taxes.
There was some discussion that if counties do not inact a wheel tax they might not be elligible for Community Crossing Grants.
Voyles said he felt that was not true and said a new grant would be enacted in 2027 called the Lane Mile Direct Distribution grant.
He said either grant would be available for up to $1 million, but counties couldn’t get both grants. And that if a county wanted to get the LMDD grant, it would have to have a wheel tax in place.
But, he said, not to get the Community Crossings Grant, which has been reduced from $1.5 million to $1 million per award.
Marvin Terry Allen, 79, of Milltown, Indiana passed from this life on August 17, 2025 at his home. Marvin was born on June 7, 1946 in Milltown, Indiana to the late Stanley A. and Wilma I. (Bowman) Allen. Marvin married Martha Carol Centers on August 17, 1968.
Marvin was retired from the CXS Railroad- fruit grower’s express with 43 years of service. He was a member of the Milltown Baptist Church and the Milltown Masonic Lodge F & AM #661.
Marvin was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Darrin L. Allen; brother, Harlan D. Allen; and a niece, Laura Finch.
Marvin is survived by his wife of 57 years, Carol Allen of Milltown, Indiana; a son, Terry S. Allen (Janice) of Milltown, Indiana; brothers, Benny L. Allen (Mary) of Depauw, Indiana, Wayne S. Allen (Linda) of Milltown, Indiana, and Larry D. Allen (Dorothy) of Milltown, Indiana; grandchildren, Tyler Allen (Liz Etta) of Tucson, Arizona and Corey Allen of Milltown, Indiana.
Funeral services will be on Thursday, August 21, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at the Brown Funeral Home in Milltown, Indiana. Interment will follow in the Milltown Baptist Cemetery.
Visitation will be on Wednesday, August 20, 2025 from 4-8 p.m. and on Thursday, August 21, 2025, after 9:00 a.m. until time of the service at 11:00 a.m., all at the funeral home.
Bro. Jim Smith will officiate the service.
Masonic funeral rites will be on Wednesday, August 21, 2025 at 7:00 p.m., at the funeral home and performed by the Milltown Masonic Lodge #661.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Milltown Masonic Lodge #661 and/or to the American Diabetes Association.
Brown Funeral Home in Milltown, Indiana is entrusted with the arrangements.
