The Jennings County Sheriff’s Office and Indiana State Police continue to investigate the death of Joseph T. Gill, age 27, North Vernon, Indiana.

On Thursday, September 30, 2021, Gill was found deceased along State Road 3 in northern Jennings County, Indiana after being missing for approximately two days.

Deputies were called to State Road 3 near the Jennings/Decatur County Line after an Indiana Department of Transportation mowing crew located the body of a deceased male near the roadway.

The Indiana State Police responded to assist in the investigation

Investigators now believe that Gill was possibly struck by a vehicle while walking along State Road 3 between 4:30 am and 5:00 am on Tuesday, September 28, 2021.

Anyone who may have traveled through the area during that time and believe they may have struck someone or may have seen Gill in the area is urged to contact the Jennings County Sheriff’s Office. 

Investigators are additionally asking anyone with a home camera system who may have captured video of traffic on State Road 3 between Westport and North Vernon during that time frame to contact the sheriff’s office.

An autopsy was performed on Joseph Gill on Tuesday, October 5^th, 2021. 

The initial findings from the autopsy indicate that Gill sustained injuries that were consistent with being struck by a vehicle.

Investigators are looking for a vehicle that may have sustained passenger side damage.

The investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the Jennings County Sheriff’s Office Tipline at (812)346-0342.

Annie’s Project is a six-week course that is a discussion-based workshop bringing women together to learn from experts in production, financial management, human resources, marketing, and the legal field with plenty of time for questions, sharing, reacting, and connecting with presenters and fellow participants.

It’s a relaxed, fun, and dynamic way to learn, grow and meet
other farm women.

At Annie’s Project courses, women in agriculture become empowered to be successful through education, networks, and resources.

Whether new or experienced, understanding the five areas of agricultural risk, knowing how to analyze agricultural financial documents and other necessary skills are vital. Learning them in a friendly environment where questions and discussion are welcomed, allows the learning process to flourish.

 Annie’s Project courses have successfully reached more than 15,000 farm and ranch women in 33 states.

The next one in your area begins on Monday, November 1, 2021, at the Washington County Government Building at 806 Martinsburg Rd. in Salem, IN.

The cost for the course is $75 per person. A light refreshment will be served during each session.

Course size is limited, so please register soon. Registration is due by Wednesday, October 27, 2021, by contacting the Purdue Extension – Washington County at 806 Martinsburg Rd. Suite
104, Salem, IN 47167 or 812-883-4601.

For more information contact Danielle Walker, Washington County ANR Extension Educator, at 812-883-4601 or dhowellw@purdue.edu.

J. Davisson, the oldest child of the late State Rep. Steve Davisson (R-Salem) announced Friday his candidacy for his father’s seat.

The elder Davisson died on Sept. 19 following a lengthy battle with cancer.

He was elected in 2010 and was serving his sixth two-year term.

“For 11 years, I watched my father work tirelessly to serve the people of his district and to improve the lives of all Hoosiers,” Davisson said. “I would be honored to have the privilege of carrying on his work.”

The open seat will be filled by a party caucus on October 21.

In addition to Washington County, House District 73 includes parts of five other counties: Clark, Harrison, Jackson, Lawrence, and Orange.

The winner of the caucus vote will serve until the November 2022 election.

“No one will ever be able to replace my dad, but I am committed to serving with the same sense of loyalty, duty, integrity, and respect that he exemplified,” Davisson said. “Having campaigned alongside Dad, I know the district, its people, and their issues. In addition, I was fortunate to have had countless conversations with him about the legislation he worked on and why it mattered to his constituents and to the state of Indiana.

J. Davisson, 39, is a lifelong resident of Salem, where he is raising his two children after having lost his wife to cancer earlier this year.

He graduated from Salem High School and earned a bachelor’s degree from Indiana University.

A highly decorated and disabled Army combat veteran of both Afghanistan and Iraq, Davisson retired as a sergeant first class after 17 years of military service.

Already a partner in the family-owned Good Living Pharmacy, Davisson has assumed full-time responsibility for business operations.

A member of Salem Church of the Nazarene and Salem Masonic Lodge 21, Davisson served as Washington County Young Republican chairman and served for nine years on the board of directors of the Indiana War Memorial Commission, having been appointed by former Gov. Mike Pence and reappointed by Gov. Eric Holcomb.

Food insecurity and hunger are problems for many Americans.

According to Feeding America, 12% of Indiana households and 15% of Hoosier
children were food insecure in 2019.

Salem Mayor Justin Green said it’s the local food bank that makes a real difference in the lives of residents who face empty pantry shelves.

Each year during the month of September we celebrate National Food Bank Day.

National Food Bank Day commemorates all the volunteers who give of their time to help meet the food needs in their communities.

“Without our local food bank, there are families and children who would not have enough to eat,” said Mayor Green. “I deeply appreciate the hardworking volunteers who give so selflessly to meet the food needs of our residents.”

Green said it’s sobering to realize how many people hunger affects. According to Feeding
America, one in eight Hoosiers and even more children – one in seven – don’t have enough food to eat.

Food banks help fill this gap by providing a temporary supply of nutritious food to families on a regular basis. They can’t do that without ongoing community support.

“I urge all groups, organizations, families, churches and individuals to consider donating
regularly to our food bank,” said Green. “They can only do their important work with our
ongoing support.”

Suggested items include non-perishable foods such as canned meats, beans, vegetables, and fruits; cereals; peanut butter; meals in a can/box; 100% fruit juice and items with pop-top lids that can be opened without a can opener.

If you are unable to shop for items to donate, monetary donations are welcomed and put to use to purchase items such as fresh meat and dairy products and to fill any gaps on the food bank’s shelves.

“Our residents have done a tremendous job of supporting our local food bank over the years,” said Green. “I thank them for their support.”

This September is a great time to donate to the food bank, thank those who volunteer each week, and perhaps consider becoming a volunteer yourself.

“I’m so grateful for our food bank and all those who work behind the scenes each and every week to continue this important work,” said Green. “Thank you.”