Washington County Inmate Roster – 4-14-25
Leaving the scene of an accident
Operating a vehicle with a controlled substance in the person’s body
Operating a vehicle while intoxicated
Operating a vehicle while intoxicated
Operating a vehicle while intoxicated per se
Operating a vehicle while intoxicated
False informing
Visiting a common nuisance
Possession of paraphernalia
Possession of marijuana hash oil hashish or salvia
WARRANT
Jackson County Inmate Roster – 4-14-25
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NWS EF2 Tornado Near South Boston; Two Others in Southern Indiana
The National Weather Service has completed the surveys of six tornadoes that touched down in the WSLM LISTENING AREA the night of April 2nd into the morning of April 3rd, including one in Washington County, Lawrence County and New Albany, Louisville, Nelson and Taylor Counties.
On the night of April 2nd, a cold front approached the lower Ohio Valley.
Along and ahead of the cold front, numerous supercells developed over southern Illinois and western Kentucky.
These storms tracked eastward and occasionally grew upscale into a QLCS with bowing segments.
Storms lasted all night and into the morning hours, as the cold front began to stall over the lower Ohio Valley.
These storms left behind a wake of damage in many counties in southern Indiana and central Kentucky.
Over the next few days, waves of showers and storms rode along the cold front bringing lots of rain which lead to widespread flash and areal flooding. Showers and storms came through daily, until the evening of April 6th.
Later, this flooding turned into historic and near-record breaking river flooding along many river basins.
Here are the three local tornadoes that have been confirmed along with their stats:
Washington/Scott County
On April 2, a tornado did damage near South Boston. This one was the longest tracked tornado in our area that night, being on the ground for 15.76 miles.
It peaked at EF-2 strength with 115mph winds and 600 yards wide.
The NWS stated “The worst damage was near Conway Community Church near South Boston. The church had significant roof damage, with many gravestones in the adjacent cemetery knocked over. Just west of this location and next to the water tower, a single wide mobile home was rolled about 75 yards north and completely destroyed. A chest freezer was picked up from here and thrown 100 yards northeast into the cemetery. A conservative estimate of the wind speed here is 115 mph.”
Lawrence County
An EF-0 was confirmed in Lawrence County on April 2, peaking at 80mph winds near the Heltonville, IN area. It was a very brief tornado and was only on the ground for 0.06 miles and was only 20 yards wide.
It was roughly on the ground only for 1 minute or less.
The NWS stated “A brief tornado damaged a pole barn near the intersection of State Route 446 and Mundell Church Road. The south facing wall of the pole barn was the only wall left standing with damage from the barn to the west of the structure. Two 2x4s were also embedded into the ground facing to the west-northwest.”
New Albany
As of Wednesday afternoon, the NWS has gone back and re-surveyed another area near New Albany and confirmed a SIXTH tornado in the area from last Wednesday’s storms.
This was an area that was previously just thought to have 70-75mph wind gusts.
They found an EF-1 tornado with 100mph winds that was on the ground for 2.24 miles and was 500 yards wide.
The NWS stated “The tornado first touched down just west of Green Valley Rd near Green Brier Dr. Multiple wooden power poles on the north side of the tornado were snapped toward the southeast. Some tree damage was noted over Holy Trinity Cemetery and a nearby neighborhood to the east. The tornado continued east northeast across a fairly flat area within and south of New Albany Community Park. More notable damage occurred in a WSW to ENE swath south of Castlewood Dr, roughly from Woodbourne Dr to Klerner Ln. Grace Lutheran Preschool had tree damage on the property as well as a dumpster moved 15 to 20 feet. Multiple trees were downed along Klerner Ln, where the tornado appeared to lift, per damage reports we have received. The sporadic damage paths found south of the tornado likely were inflow winds into the tornado, including damage identified by the survey team downstream of Green Valley Elementary, over Daisy Ln and Kent Dr and over to Klerner Ln at Charlestown Rd. The National Weather Service would like to thank the Floyd County Emergency Management and the Highlander Fire Department for helping us with the archived data, as well as TV news reports that assisted with documenting the damage right after it happened. Repair teams had cleaned up a lot of the electrical power pole damage as well as the tree damage before the survey team arrived.”
41-Year-Old Seymour Woman Killed in Early Tuesday Morning Crash
Early Tuesday morning, a two-vehicle crash on the east side of Seymour in Jackson County claimed the life of a Seymour, Indiana woman.
Anna E. Grove, age 41, Seymour was transported to Schneck Medical Center by ambulance. She was soon pronounced deceased at the hospital by the Jackson County Coroner’s Office.
At approximately 6:20 am this morning, the Seymour Police Department, along with Seymour Fire Department and Jackson County EMS were called to US 50 at the intersection of Stevens Way for a crash with serious injuries.
Due to the seriousness of the injuries, Crash Reconstructionists with the Indiana State Police were called to the scene to investigate the crash.
The initial investigation indicated that a gold 2007 Mazda passenger car, being driven by Grove and was traveling eastbound on US 50 (Tipton Street), attempting to turn northbound onto Stevens Way.
Grove’s vehicle turned into the path of a westbound 2025 Freightliner box truck being driven by David Gosman, age 55, Greenfield, Indiana.
Gosman’s vehicle collided with the passenger side of Grove’s vehicle in the middle of the intersection.
Gosman was not injured in the crash.
The westbound lanes of US 50 were closed at Stevens Way for over two hours for crash investigation and cleanup.
The investigation is ongoing. Toxicology results are pending although drugs and alcohol are not believed to be factors in the crash.
Grove’s family has been notified.
Troopers with the Indiana State Police Versailles Post were assisted by the Seymour Police Department, Seymour Fire Department, Jackson County EMS, and the Jackson County Coroner’s Office.
Indiana State Police Investigating Pharmacy Burglary
Detectives and crime scene investigators from ISP-Sellersburg are investigating the burglary of Good Living Pharmacy, an independent pharmacy in Salem, Indiana.
Around 6 Monday morning, the Salem Police Department responded to the report of a broken front window at a vacant storefront located between the Salem BMV branch and Good Living Pharmacy.
Both businesses are located in a retail strip shopping center on Jim Day Road on the east side of Salem.
Upon arriving, officers discovered someone had broken into the Good Living Pharmacy and contacted detectives from the Indiana State Police Sellersburg Post for assistance.
As the investigation continued, detectives discovered the perpetrators stole narcotic drugs and cash during the burglary, which occurred over the weekend between Friday evening and Monday morning.
This investigation is ongoing.
Anyone who may have seen suspicious activity or has information regarding this case is encouraged to contact ISP Detective Travis Baker and the Indiana State Police Post in Sellersburg at 1-800-872-6743.
Fairboard Discuses New Carnival, Dates and Events
The Washington County Fair Board met tonight at the fairgrounds to discuss a new carnival company, dates and events coming up from June 14th through the 21st.
The Little Miss and Master Contest will not be held this year.
The annual fair parade will kick off at 1:30p on Sunday.
Monday and Tuesday will feature a rodeo.
The board is still working on Wednesday night’s events.
Thursday and Friday will feature racing at the dirt track and the Demo Derby will be Saturday evening.
Prices and times for the grandstand events have not yet been set.
Free Events for the week will include these acts at the Top of the Hill:
- Monday – Greg Rhodes
- Tuesday – Classic Country
- Wednesday – Southern Indiana Cloggers and Warriors for Christ
- Thursday – Salem High School Guitar Club and Lysergic
- Friday – Frank Ruff
- Saturday – Sparkles and Spurs, Dan Mullins and Greg McCurdy
Ticket prices for the carnival rides will be $3 per ticket or 10 for $28, 28 for $52 or three-day ride bracelets for $45.
“There will be more rides and bigger rides this year,” said Fair Board President Rose Anderson. “Fun Time Carnival will have concession stands and games and more rides…Crazy Dance, Star Trooper, Roundup, Sizzler, Swinger, Ferris Wheel, Merry Go Round, two dragon coasters and slides plus others.”
Anderson also said she is working to secure new bleachers for the Show Arena in the Livestock Barn. Quotes ranged from $47,000 to $60,000 but she has a quote from another company with local ties for $29,000 per side.
She said they have submitted an application to the Washington County Community Foundation to be considered for a grant from the organization’s spring round of giving.
Anderson said they wouldn’t know until May. “Whenever they award their spring grants we will know something,” Ashe said. “Until then, we don’t have the money…Don’t have $30,000 to do one side. I did ask from the associations and have gotten some money from them. We don’t want to ask individuals because we don’t’ want to return the money.”
OTHER BUSINESS
TREASURER’S REPORT Kevin Stewart presented the treasurer’s report. The fair board had almost $15,000 in expenses from January 1 through April 6; including a $1300 water bill. Someone asked why it was high and Stewart responded, “We’ve been asking that for 35 years. We think there is a leak under the 4H building. The city is working on that now….they found some toilets running and things.”
The board took in $51,025 in this first quarter and has an ending balance of $87,695.27.
He said the actual balance was 38,420.27, after consideration for some donations that will pay for judges at the fair and for the Lonestar Rodeo.
Stewart said it takes approximately $47,000 to operate the fair each year.
FOOD VENDORS. The board is looking for food vendors for this year’s fair. Applications have been sent out but there is room for additional applicants.
IMPROVEMENTS TO THE GOAT BARN. There will be some work done on the goat barn this weekend and anyone who would like to help can show up on Saturday morning or contact the fair board.
SECURITY SYSTEM. Washington County Sheriff Brent Miller — Deni was trying to get a grant to update the video surveillance system at the fairgrounds. Miller said the grant was not received. He said he is exploring other sources to cover the costs. Miller said the project would likely be done in phases. “We would like to add cameras to all the buildings and we hppe to get one phase before the fair. Try to do it in 3-4 phases.”
FIRE MARSHALLS REPORT. Anderson began the meeting by stating that the meeting was about fair board business and that anything to do with the county commissioners would not be discussed. A 4Her said she has seen comments on social media and wanted to know how to respond or send people for answers. Steward said everything the [fire marshall] “gave us has been done. Any issues now are in the commissioners hands.”
See additional story for details.
Leonard “Sonny” Maxwell Jr., 75 of Salem
Leonard “Sonny” Maxwell Jr., age 75 of Salem, passed away peacefully at Baptist Floyd New Albany on Friday, March 28, 2025.
Born on August 30, 1949 in Kentucky.
Mr. Maxwell retired from Brown Forman. He was a member of the Marshall Avenue Church in Salem. He was an Air Force Veteran in Vietnam. Sonny was a Chaplain of the American Legion Lodge, participated in Jail Ministry,was a street evangelist, and volunteered at the Warming Station.
Mr. Maxwell married Laquitta Lewellyn on November 02, 2013, who survives.
He leaves behind one son Leonard Maxwell III (Shauna) of Pekin, two daughters, Odessa Fulks (Charlie) of West Virginia, and Andrea Hargis (Shane) of Salem and seven grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by three sisters and one grandchild.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at a later date.
Spring Property Tax Bills Go in the mail April 3
Treasurer Nancy Coats states that Property Tax statements are being prepared and will be mailed on April 3rd this year.
Coats wants property owners to know that the spring property tax payments are due on May 12th and the fall property tax payments are due on November 10th for 2025.
Property taxes are a vital element in keeping the county running. The courthouse is open to the public Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 4:00pm. Property tax payments can be made in person at the Treasurer’s Office by cash, check, or money order. Payments may also be made at First Savings Bank (Salem branch only) with check only and must be accompanied by the payment coupons.
If payments are made after hours, property owners can utilize the gray drop box on the south side of the courthouse (by the sidewalk).
If you would like to mail your payment, please send to 99 Public Square, Suite 101, Salem, IN 47167. Coats also asks that no cash be put in the drop box or sent by mail. If you are mailing your payment, please make sure to include the payment coupons so payments can be posted to the proper accounts. If you would like a receipt for your payment that you are mailing, please include a self-addressed stamped envelope with your payment.
Payments can also be made online at www.washingtoncounty.in.gov or by calling (877) 690-3729 with Jurisdiction Code 2499. If paying online, the payments are processed by Forte and a convenience fee will apply. Mortgage Companies should make payments for property owners with escrow accounts.
If property owners have questions or concerns about their property tax bills, they may call the Treasurer’s Office at 812-883-3307 or Coats can be reached via email at treasurer@washingtoncounty.in.gov or ncoats@washingtoncounty.in.gov.
Coats states that the Treasurer’s office receives hundreds, if not thousands of tax payments by mail each year. If the postmark from the postal service is by May 12th or Nov 10th your tax payments will be received on time. It usually takes three weeks after the due date to get all the on-time mail processed and Coats thanks you for patience during this busy time.
The Treasurer’s office will be open extended hours May 8th through May 12th 8:00am to 5:00pm. On Saturday May 10th the office will be open 8:00am to Noon.
INDOT Warns Washington County Residents of Toll-Related Text Scam
Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) has issued a warning about a tolling-related text scam targeting Hoosiers, including residents in Washington County. This scam, known as “smishing,” involves fraudulent messages falsely claiming to be from INDOT or tolling service providers.
The scam messages alert recipients of a “final notice” regarding unpaid tolls and may threaten additional fines, late fees, vehicle registration suspension, vehicle impoundment, or legal action. These texts include a malicious link requesting payment, which residents are urged not to open.
According to the FBI, over 2,000 complaints of fraudulent toll-related text messages have been reported nationwide since April 2024. Victims of these scams are encouraged to report them to the Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov and delete the texts immediately.
“These scams are becoming more sophisticated, and scammers will use fear tactics to trick people into clicking malicious links,” said Washington County Sheriff Brent Miller. “If you receive a suspicious text about unpaid tolls, do not engage with it. Report it, delete it, and only trust official sources for information.”
Washington County residents can monitor official road conditions and alerts through these trusted sources:
The Indiana Department of Transportation continues working to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable transportation infrastructure for Indiana residents. Indiana has ranked in the top 10 in the nation for infrastructure in CNBC’s “America’s Top States for Business” rankings for the eighth consecutive year.
For more information on roadway safety and updates, visit in.gov/indot.
