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Vallonia Man Arrested for Attempted Murder in Stabbing Case

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A Vallonia man was arrested on Thursday morning in an alleged attempted murder case after a female victim was brutally stabbed near Austin. 
 
Now in custody at the Scott County Jail is 22-year-old Nicholas Braydan Atwood, of Vallonia.
Indiana State Police (ISP) detectives are investigating the incident that took place in the early morning hours Thursday. 

Around 2:30 Thursday morning, Austin Police and Scott County deputies contacted ISP after locating a man and a woman near the side of York Road, a rural county road just west of Austin, Indiana.

 
Both individuals were taken to Louisville hospitals for apparent stab and knife wounds.
 
Authorities also observed an unoccupied vehicle nearby.
 
A call to 911 first alerted the police to the possibility of an incident.  

Following their initial investigation, ISP Detectives believe Atwood repeatedly stabbed his female companion after the two went driving together in rural southern Indiana.

 
After receiving medical treatment, Atwood was arrested by ISP detectives and is currently held at the Scott County Jail.
 
The female victim remains hospitalized in critical condition.

This is an ongoing investigation, and further charges are possible.
Austin Police and the Scott County Sheriff’s Department assisted ISP detectives in this investigation.

Closure planned on State Road 58 near Freetown March 17

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Indiana Department of Transportation contractor Force Construction Company plans to close State Road 58 on or after Monday, March 17, to complete a small structure replacement project in Jackson County.

The closure will take place between State Road 135 and County Road 575 West located southwest of Freetown and is expected to be complete in late April, weather permitting. Signage will be placed in the area prior to the start of construction.

During the closure, motorists should use the official detour route which follows S.R. 135 to U.S. 50 to S.R. 446.

This project is part of a $1.3 million contract awarded to Force Construction 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.

John H. McClain, 83

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John H. McClain, 83, died February 27, 2025 at Todd-Dickey Nursing & Rehabilitation, Leavenworth, Indiana after a long battle with Parkinson’s Dementia.

He was born in Circleville, Ohio to Dan McClain and Evelyn McClain (Knapp), and enjoyed spending time on his uncle’s farm as a child. He served in the Army National Guard. John worked as an advertising copywriter and was an accomplished writer, including appointment by the Mayor of Cincinnati as Poet Laureate of the Sayler Park neighborhood.

He was a graduate from Cincinnati Police Academy, where he later worked in surveillance and investigation.

In his later years, he was a substitute teacher, Head Start educator, and direct support professional in developmental disabilities.

Throughout the years, a few of his many community efforts included time at the local civic center, Girl Scout troop volunteer, and American Red Cross disaster relief.

John was a proud and loving father to his daughter Emily, who will dearly miss him.

They spent countless hours listening to music, fishing, target shooting and camping.

He was a devoted husband and adored his wife of over 40 years. They enjoyed antiquing, reading, painting and gardening together. He took great pride in being a grandparent, and was proud to hear of his grandsons’ participation in sports and activities.

He was extremely fond of his family at Todd-Dickey Nursing & Rehabilitation. He adored each and every person who took excellent care of him over the past 7 1/2 years.

John was preceded in death by his wife, Nona McClain (Traiber), and is survived by Emily Siler (daughter), Nick Siler (son-in-law), and Frederick and Christian Siler (grandsons). 

In lieu of flowers, donations in his name may be made to the Rock Steady Boxing Program (Fight Against Parkinson’s) at the YMCA of Harrison County (198 Jenkins Ct. NE, Corydon, Indiana 47112) or the Siler McClain Giving Fund at the Community Foundation of Crawford County (4030 E Goodman Ridge Rd Box D, Marengo, IN 47140). 

There will be a memorial service at a later date.   Hughes-Taylor Funeral Home was entrusted with arrangements.

www.hughestaylor.net

Donnie R. Dunaway Sr. 76, of Marengo

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Donnie R. Dunaway Sr. 76, of Marengo, Indiana died on February 27, 2025 at Norton Clark Hospital in Jeffersonville, Indiana.  Donnie was born on May 30, 1948 in Estill County, Kentucky to the late Troy and Sadie (Ashcraft) Dunaway.  Donnie married Janet L. Vanlaningham on April 10, 1982. 

Donnie was a former truck driver and a member of the Southern Indiana Coon Hunters Club and Old Capitol Coon Hunters Club.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Marvin, Algin, Troy Jr. and James Dunaway; sisters, Faye Walls, Ada Faith, and Freida Dunaway.

Donnie was survived by his wife Janet L. Dunaway; sons, Donnie Dunaway Jr., Edward Dunaway, and Michael A. Dunaway; daughters, Rhea Satterfield (Loren) and Christina Vowels (Chris); brother, Tommy Dunaway; sisters, Gladys Brackett, Liz Morganette, and Cathy Drapeau; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be on Monday, March 3, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. at the Brown Funeral Home in Milltown, Indiana.  Interment will follow in the Union Chapel Cemetery near Milltown, Indiana.

Visitation will be on Sunday, March 2, 2025 from 4-8 p.m. and after 9:00 a.m. until time of the service at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, March 3, 2025, at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be given to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.

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

Arrests Made After Threats Made About County Official and Meeting; Illegal Firearms Purchase

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The Washington County Prosecutor’s Office announces Saturday afternoon that all three suspects in an illegal firearm purchase and intimidation case have been arrested.

Charles Denton, 66, Pekin, was arrested by the Washington County Sheriff’s Department and faces formal charges of intimidation against public officials (Level 5 Felony) and two counts of conspiracy to use false information to purchase a firearm (Level 5 Felony).

Charle Denton, 66, Pekin 
Intimidation
Conspiracy to commit use of false information to obtain a firearm
Conspiracy to commit use of false information to obtain a firearm
 
Both Nathan Mahuron and Shawn Cooper each face charges of using false information to purchase a firearm (Level 5 Felony).
 
Mahuron was also arrested by the Washington County Sheriff’s Department. Cooper was taken into custody by the Indiana State Police. 

Nathan Mahuron, 51, Campbellsbug

False information to purchase firearm (ARREST WARRANT)

Shawn Cooper, 32, Pekin
Use of FALSE INFORMATION TO OBATIN A FIREARM
 

According to the Probable Cause Affidavit, on January 26 at the Salem Walmart, alert employees identified suspicious firearm transactions.

The investigation determined that Denton was denied a firearm purchase due to an alleged threat and false statements on federal forms.

Evidence suggests that Mahuron and Cooper then unlawfully purchased firearms on his behalf by providing false information, violating both state and federal laws.

Denton is also accused of making threatening statements regarding a local government meeting, with witnesses reporting remarks that suggested potential violence, including references to “fumigating” the meeting and “standing with arms” against local rulings.

The investigation, led by Officer Michael Thacker of the Salem Police Department, uncovered additional evidence through video surveillance and witness testimonies, linking the suspects to the illegal firearm transfers and threats.

“Threats against public officials and illegal firearm transactions are serious offenses that will not be tolerated in our community,” said Washington County Prosecutor Tara Coats Hunt.

It is not known at this time which public officials have been threatened or if this was in relation to recent public outcry against a proposed zoning ordinance and upcoming meeting of the Washington County Plan Commission. 

“Citizens have the absolute right to express concerns about government policies, but resorting to threats or violence is unacceptable and endangers public safety,” said Hunt. 

There was no mention in this press release about what threats were made, who they were made against and what the nature of the threats were. 

WSLM is seeking additional information. 

The Washington County Prosecutor’s Office extends its gratitude to the Salem Police Department, Washington County Sheriff’s Department, and Walmart employees for their vigilance and cooperation in this case.

The charges contained in the indictments are merely allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Plan Commission Meetings To Be Held in Superior Court Room

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Additional information has been provided from the Washington County Plan Commission on their upcoming meetings including the exact locations of the meetings and the process for the public to make comments.

Both meetings will be held in the Washington County Superior Court room. It was confirmed today that the Superior Courtroom has a limit of between 60-65 people. 

The capacity of the Commissioner’s meeting room (old Circuit Courtroom) is around 108. 

The Washington County Plan Commission Public Meeting/Hearing set for February 4, 2025, at 6:30 P.M. and has been cancelled on that date and yesterday afternoon information was sent to WSLM about the new meeting time.

It will be set up now as two public meetings/hearings on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, and on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, at 6:30 P.M.

There is information now regarding how the public can comment on the proposed zoning ordinance.

The commission will hear questions and comments from the Public on the draft Zoning Ordinance at both meetings. Anyone wishing to speak at either Public Meeting/Hearing must so indicate on a sign-in sheet upon arrival at the Judicial Center.

Comments regarding the draft Zoning Ordinance may also be made in writing and filed with the Office of the Plan Director, but must be filed prior to the Public Meeting/Hearing to be considered. 

Both meetings will be held in the Superior Court at the Washington County Judicial Center. 

The address is 801 S. Jackson Street, Salem, Indiana 47167.  

June Iris Fishburn, age 84, of Salem

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June Iris Fishburn, age 84, of Salem, passed away Wednesday, January 29 at Salem Crossing. 

Mrs. Fishburn was born June 10, 1940 in Corbin, Kentucky the daughter of Jess McVay and Nellie Eaton McVay. She was retired from Childcraft in Salem. She was a member of Westside Baptist Church, and attended Big Springs Church of Christ. 

On May 16, 1975 June married Hillous H. “Fish” Fishburn, he preceded her in death on January 22, 2016.

She is also proceeded in death by seven brothers: D.L., Glen, Charles, Lewis, Phillip, Ledford, and Ronnie McVay, a sister: Elizabeth McNeely, and her parents. 

She is survived by a son: Russell Amburn (Donna) of Salem, a daughter: Wanda Cruse (Mike) of Salem, a step-son: Steve Fishburn of Seymour, a step-daughter: Marsha Cunningham of Seymour, two sisters: Dessie Smith of Salem, and Linda Roberts of Salem, 10 grandchildren, and several great-grandchildren. 

Funeral services will be held at 1PM Saturday at Weathers Funeral Home.

Burial will follow in Crown Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be held Saturday from 10AM-until time of service.

Plan Commission Meeting Cancelled; Multiple Meetings to Be Held

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After public outcry over a proposed zoning ordinance that was set to be discussed by the Washington County Planning Commission  at the February 4th meeting, the group has cancelled the meeting “due to the anticipated high attendance and lack of public safety precautions at the Courthouse.”

Plan Commission President and Washington County Commissioner Todd Ewen spoke last Thursday on WSLM’s Coffee Club program and when asked about moving the meeting to a larger venue, said he had no intention of doing that. 

The Commission meets at the former Washington Circuit Court room which seats about 50 people. It is not known at this time what the room capacity is. 

A meeting was held last night at an auction house in Salem and several hundred residents showed up to discuss the planned 108-page zoning ordinance and how it would affect their use of private land. 

Adam Dufour and Chase Stanfill spoke at the meeting Tuesday night and fielded questions from the public to try to bring education and understanding. 

Much disinformation has been spread in the community since the document was listed on the plan commission’s website – https://cms7files1.revize.com/washingtonin/Washington%20County%20Zoning%20Ordinance1-12-25.pdf

The document showed up about two weeks ago and after many in the public began posting on social media another document was posted by the plan commission — https://cms7files1.revize.com/washingtonin/Proposed%20Zoning%20Ordinance%20Frequently%20Asked%20Questions.pdf

The meeting(s) will now be moved to the Washington County
Justice Center on Tuesday, February 18th, at 6:30pm, with another meeting at the same location two weeks later on Tuesday, March 4th, also at 6:30pm.

It is not known at this time the exact location of the meetings. 

WSLM will be live-streaming these meetings for those who cannot attend. 

Typically those who attend public meetings are allowed to speak for two minutes if they sign up to do so. 

WSLM will be updating this story with additional information. 

Larry J. “Joby” Smith, 59

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Larry. J. “Joby” Smith, 59, passed away Sunday morning 

Joby (legally known as Larry J. Smith Jr) was born in New Albany IN was the son of the late Larry J. Smith Sr and Janet S (Gibson) Pate.

Joby loved spending time with family and friends, aggravating his
grandchildren, belting out some karaoke, and you could find him at the golf course six days a week.

Joby could command a room with his storytelling, would give you the shirt off his back, and was never afraid to explain to the church-going people where the rain came from.

Joby was preceded in death by his late wife Cindy Ravenette (Gilstrap) Smith of 23 years, his brother Donald R Jeffrey Jr, and stepdaughter Jessica McCutcheon.

Survivors include:
Mother Janet Pate of New Albany, Indiana; Son Bradley (William) Villegas of Leavenworth, Indiana; Daughter, Jessica Guthrie of Pekin, Indiana; Companion, Melody Fannin of Pekin, Indiana; Stepdaughter Rusty Holt of Salem, Indiana; Stepson, Jeremy McCutcheon of Clark County, Indiana;Brother Kevin (Amy) Smith of Central Indiana and Brother, Mark Smith of New Albany, Indiana; He is also survived by 11 grandchildren
and five great grandchildren.

There will be a visitation Saturday, February 1st from 12 Noon to 5 pm at Dawalt Funeral Home in Salem.

Katrina Johnson, 30, of Pekin

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Katrina Johnson, 30, of Pekin, passed away on Monday, January 27, 2025.  Born on July 29, 1994, she was the daughter of Tilford and Brenda (Cullins) Johnson. 

Katrina was a member of the First Baptist Church in Borden.

Katrina is survived by her parents, Tilford and Brenda; her son, Michael Stanley; her sister, Angela Floyd; and her nephew, Landon Priest.

Funeral service will be held on Monday, February 3, at 8:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Borden, with Mike Sargent officiating.  Visitation will be on Monday from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the church.  Hughes-Taylor Funeral Home was entrusted with arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the funeral home to help with expenses.

www.hughestaylor.net