Elected leaders are important to our community. 

Those interested in running for an elected position often have questions about the process and positions. 

Join Purdue Extension and the Washington County Clerk to learn more about elected positions in the county, election processes and ethics, and hear from a panel consisting of Washington County party representatives and a current elected official. 

This program will be held on Tuesday, December 10, 2019 from 6:00-8:00 pm at the Washington County Government Building Meeting Room (806 Martinsburg Rd., Salem). 

RSVP’s are appreciated, but not required, to Purdue Extension – Washington County at 812-883-4601 or dhowellw@purdue.edu. 

Light refreshments will be served at the end of the program.

Duke Energy has increased its winter assistance funding for qualifying Indiana customers who may struggle to pay their winter energy bills.

The company is contributing $650,000 for low-income customer energy assistance through its Helping Hand program this year. In addition, Duke Energy Indiana customers and employees have contributed more than $96,000 through November, and more is expected in December, raising this year’s total energy assistance to approximately $750,000. A portion of the company’s funding is the result of an agreement with the Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor.

“We know the winter months can be a hardship for some, and each year our shareholders and customers contribute to help families and individuals who may be struggling to pay their winter energy bills,” said Duke Energy Indiana President Stan Pinegar. “This year, to reach more customers in need, we are increasing our shareholder contribution by $150,000. Last year, we were able to help more than 3,700 Hoosiers who needed assistance in paying their electricity bills.”

Duke Energy works with the Indiana Community Action Association and the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority’s Energy Assistance Program, which determines eligibility and distributes the company’s assistance funds.

“Our clients are most vulnerable during the winter, and no one should be left in the cold,” said Elaine Zeider, manager of Family Services for the Area Five Agency on Aging and Community Services. “For years we’ve used Duke Energy’s Helping Hand funds to keep Hoosiers warm and relieve some of the stress of winter bills.”

For more information on the Helping Hand program, including eligibility for funds, participating agencies and how to make a donation, visit duke-energy.com/community/customer-assistance-programs/helping-hand.

Winter Energy Saving Tips

Reduce your thermostat to the lowest comfortable setting when home, and bump the thermostat down a degree or two when leaving home.

One of the easiest things customers can do to support heating efficiency is to change air filters regularly. A dirty air filter makes a heating system work harder, which

uses more energy.

Leave drapes or blinds open during sunny winter days to allow the sun’s rays to warm the house, but close them at night to help insulate your home.

For more information on how to cut costs and stay warm this winter, visit duke-energy.com/home/savings/winter-heating-energy-savings. Duke Energy also offers energy efficiency products, services and information to help customers save energy and money. For more information, visit duke-energy.com

On 11/25/2019, Madison Correctional Facility (MCU) Office of Investigations and Intelligence conducted an investigation into contraband being left at an offender work site. The contraband was intended to be brought back into the correctional facility by offenders at the worksite.

The investigation determined that Destiny Boyd of Indianapolis and Quanii Williams of Indianapolis worked together in an attempt to traffick the contraband back into the facility via worksite offenders.

A warrant was issued and both parties were arrested on 1 count of Trafficking with an inmate outside a facility, Class A Misdemeanors on 11/25/2019.

All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Friday at approximately 7:50 a.m. the Benton County Dispatch was notified of a structure fire at 103 North Polk Street in Fowler. IN.  As firefighters were putting out the fire, a body was discovered inside the residence. 

First responders were called up to administer lifesaving first aid to the male subject but were unsuccessful.   

The Fowler Police Department was originally called to the scene to investigate.  They requested the Indiana State Fire Marshal’s Office and assistance from the Indiana State Police out of the Lafayette Post for Crime Scene Investigators and Detectives to assist in the investigation.

Fowler Police Department has requested the Indiana State Police be the lead in the investigation.  This is an ongoing investigation and no further information will be released at this time. 

Assisting agencies were Fowler Police Department, Benton County Sheriff’s Department, Fowler Center Township Fire Department, Indiana State Fire Marshal’s Office, Benton County EMS, and the Benton County Coroner’s Office.