Washington County schools recently received more than $162,000 for safety upgrades through the state’s Secured School Safety Grant Program supported by area lawmakers.

State Rep. Karen Engleman (R-Georgetown) said the funding is part of the state legislature’s investment in school safety this year, which totaled $27 million in state matching grants across 494 schools statewide.

Lawmakers also advanced legislation this year to move the Office of School Safety to the Department of Homeland Security, centralizing safety efforts and providing additional support and resources to schools.

“Safe schools foster a strong education and promote the wellbeing of our school communities,” Engleman said. “This funding will go toward creating environments where students can focus on learning and thrive academically.”

Washington County schools receiving grants include:

• East Washington School Corp., $64,750;
• Salem Community Schools, $51,892; and
• West Washington School Corp., $46,250.

Other area schools who will receive grants include:

• Lawrence County Independent School, $32,374;
• Mitchell Community Schools, $46,250;
• North Lawrence Community Schools, $92,500;
• Orleans Community Schools, $64,750;
• Paoli Community School Corp., $38,889;
• Springs Valley Community School Corp., $37,000; and
• Springville Community Academy, $32,375.

State Rep. Chris May (R-Bedford) said awarded funds can be used for a wide range of safety needs like support for resource officers, equipment and technology, active event warning systems, threat assessments and student-parent support service programs.

“It is great to see many local schools take advantage of this grant program,” May said. “This money is meant to improve school security and safety across the board so we can continue making Indiana schools among the best in the nation.”

State Rep. Jim Lucas (R-Seymour) said since the program began in 2013, Indiana has invested more than $214 million in school safety through state matching grants.

“This funding is part of a larger legislative effort in our state to continually improve the quality of Indiana’s schools,” Lucas said. “This program is a benefit to our local communities, identifying what each school’s needs are and providing resources to address them.”

To learn more about the Secured School Safety Grant Program and what Indiana’s doing to keep schools safe, visit the state’s school safety hub at in.gov/schoolsafety.

Thursday night, September 18, at approximately 9:34 p.m., Trooper Sturm stopped the driver of a John Deer tractor pulling a yard trailer on 4^th Street in Petersburg for disregarding the stop sign at SR 57 and for not having taillights on the trailer.

The operator of the tractor was identified as Joshua Brames, 40, of Petersburg.

He was arrested and Charged with: 

1. Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated, Class C Misdemeanor
2. Resisting Law Enforcement, Class A Misdemeanor

Brames displayed signs of impairment but refused field sobriety tests.

Brames then stepped off the tractor and fled on foot. Trooper Sturm quickly apprehended Brames, but he continued to be uncooperative and refused to submit to a chemical test. He was arrested and taken to the Pike County Jail.

Due to his state of intoxication, he was transported to Daviess Community Hospital to be cleared by medical staff before being incarcerated.

After being cleared, Brames was transported back to the Pike County Jail where he is currently being held on bond.

Arresting Officer: Trooper Tim Sturm, Indiana State Police
Assisting Officers: Sgt. Kevin Brown and Trooper Gage Cummings, Indiana State Police

The Washington County Economic Growth Partnership is pleased to announce that E & H Tubing, Inc. is expanding operations to Salem, Indiana.

The company will be utilizing a building at Cornerstone Facilities, formerly known as Child Craft Industries and Smith
Cabinet Furniture.

News of the factory coming to Salem came in the spring when the City of Salem approved a tax abatement for the Jackson County company in March. 

This initiative brings significant investment to the region, offering new job opportunities and advancing local manufacturing capabilities.E & H Tubing, Inc. is a prominent manufacturer of steel tubing and related products, serving distinguished customers from a variety of industries.

Renowned for its quality, reliability, and innovation, the company 
By expanding to Salem, E & H Tubing, Inc. is investing in the community’s future.

The project is expected to generate new employment opportunities while strengthening Salem’s push for advanced manufacturing.

E & H Tubing, Inc. is headquartered in Brownstown, Indiana. The company remains a competitive leader in the steel tubing market and is proud to contribute its expertise and industry partnerships to Washington County.

The Washington County Prosecutor’s Office is proud to recognize Janet Moore, who is retiring after 32 years of dedicated service to the children and families of our community as the Child Support IV-D Administrator.

Throughout her career, Janet has worked tirelessly alongside our child support staff to ensure that children receive the support they are entitled to under the law. Her leadership has been instrumental in maintaining Washington County’s child support office as one of the most highly recognized in Indiana for its success in securing child support orders for custodial parents, establishing paternity, and collecting arrearages.

“Janet’s commitment to the children of this community has been nothing short of remarkable,” said Prosecutor Tara Coats Hunt. “Her dedication, professionalism, and compassion have made a lasting impact on countless families. She has set the standard for excellence in public service.”

In recognition of her extraordinary career, Janet has been awarded an IPAC Award for her years of service and will be presented with a commemorative plaque.

As she enters retirement, Janet looks forward to her next chapter as a doting Grammy to her first grandson. While her daily presence will be deeply missed, her legacy of service and leadership will continue to guide the office for years to come.

On September 8, 2025, at approximately 12:49 p.m., officers from the Washington County Sheriff’s Department responded to a report of a domestic disturbance involving a firearm. The incident originated from a 911 call made by a female who fled to the K & E Market in Campbellsburg. 

An argument between the victim and her boyfriend, Dewey McCoy, caused him to become angry and physically assault her.

She also stated that he later retrieved a handgun, pointed it at her head, and threatened her. After the incident, the victim gathered her child and left the residence, contacting authorities from a nearby store.

She also informed officers that she is several months pregnant.

Detective Brad Naugle and Sergeant Tory Hildreth later responded to the residence where the incident occurred.

After several attempts, contact was made with Dewey McCoy, who voluntarily exited the home and was taken into custody. McCoy admitted to the verbal dispute but denied assaulting the victim.

He did confirm retrieving a gun, which he claimed was not loaded.

A search of the residence led to the recovery of a loaded Smith and Wesson 9mm handgun, a jar of suspected marijuana, rolling papers, and plastic bags containing green plant material also identified as marijuana. 

A separate plastic container was found containing an estimated 100–200 loose 9mm rounds.

“This incident could have easily ended in tragedy,” said Washington County Sheriff Brent Miller. “We’re thankful the victim and her child were able to get out safely and that we were able to respond quickly and secure the scene. We remain committed to ensuring the safety of all residents, especially in situations involving domestic violence.”

All items were seized as evidence. Dewey was processed on Domestic Battery, Pointing a firearm, Neglect of a Dependent, and Possession of Marijuana. 

The Washington County Sheriff’s Department encourages anyone experiencing domestic violence to seek help.

If you or someone you know is in danger, contact law enforcement or call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).