Major General Dan Colglazier will be the featured speaker at the Veteran’s Program on Monday, Nov. 11 at 11a on the northwest courthouse lawn. 

A free lunch will be served by the American Legion Auxiliary immediately after the program at the American Legion Hall, 209 South Main Street. 

“Everyone is urged to attend in support and honor of our Veterans,” said Kevin Bateman, Washington County Veterans Service Officer. “In case of inclement weather, the program will be held at the American Legion on South Main Street.”

MASTER OF CEREMONIES—————–KEVIN BATEMAN CVSO

ATTEND THE FLAG—————————SCOUT TROOP 4029

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE——————-EVERYONE
INVOCATION———————————- SERGEANT MAJOR RICHARD WHEELER.
. (RET)

PRESENTATION OF COLORS—————AMERICAN LEGION

PLACING OF WREATHS——————- AMERICAN LEGION  VFW AUXILIARIES and DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION

MUSICAL SALUTE—————————-EASTERN HIGH SCHOOL CHOIR

INTRODUCTION OF SPEAKER———— KEVIN BATEMAN CVSO

SPEAKER————————————– -MAJOR GENERAL DAN COLGLAZIER (RET)

PAY TRIBUTE TO OUR FALLEN————VFW FIRING SQUAD
TAPS——————————————— AMERICAN LEGION

DISMISSAL————————————–KEVIN BATEMAN CVSO

SOUND SYSTEM——————————–PROVIDED BY WSLM

An Indiana agency has advised regulators to deny Duke Energy’s request to increase average monthly charges by as much as $23 per customer.

Indiana’s Office of Utility Consumer Counselor Bill Fine has recommended that the utility instead reduce its average charges by nearly $8 a month.

Duke Energy in July asked the state Utility Regulatory Commission to approve a 15% rate increase over two years that would boost its annual revenue by about $395 million.

The Indianapolis Star reports Thursday that consumer groups say the company hasn’t been transparent about how it determined the proposed rate increase.

Duke Energy says it provided the necessary paperwork and disagrees with the counselor’s recommendation. The utility says the proposed increase is to accommodate customer growth, update a grid and transition to cleaner energy.

The city of Salem Offices will be closed on Monday, November 11, 2019, in observance of Veterans Day. 

Washington County Offices will be closed as well. 

The fall installment of property taxes would typically be due on Nov. 10 but since that’s on a weekend, they would be due on Nov. 11. Since that’s on Veteran’s Day, the taxes will be due on Tuesday, Nov. 12 by 5p. (see another story about payment locations and methods)

All Monday trash routes will be picked up as regularly scheduled.

Retail services at Post Offices throughout Indiana will be closed on Monday, in recognition of Veterans Day.

Regularly scheduled mail delivery, PO Box and caller services will also be suspended for the holiday.  Mail will be delivered as scheduled on Tuesday, Nov. 12. Post Offices also will resume regularly scheduled retail lobby hours on Nov. 12.

All Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicle (BMV) branches are closed beginning Saturday, Nov. 9 in observance of the Veterans Day holiday.

All branches resume regularly scheduled business hours on Tuesday, Nov. 12.

Preservation advocates in Greenville are hoping to save a
a significant 19th-century landmark in the community that recently went on the market.

The Greenville Historic Preservation Commission is publicizing information related to Civil War Veteran Jesse N. Smith,
and his former home located at 9569 US 150.

Word of the historic home for sale prompted the town’s historic preservation commission (HPC) to research the former owner Jesse Smith.

“We love history in all its forms”, states HPC Chairman Matt Uhl. “Buildings like this are a foundation to build a greater understanding of our community, our citizens, and how we have a role in building our country. We would love to gain control of the property and see the house rehabilitated for community use.”

The house is presently on the market for $95,000 and is listed through the Julie Gamble Group. The house is presently not protected from demolition.

The 1860s-era home has ties to Indiana’s Civil War past and one of the town’s earliest families.

A son of Greenville doctor Reuben Smith, Private Jesse Smith joined the Indiana 17th infantry regiment in 1861 at the age of 19.

His older brother Marion served in the 23 rd Infantry, rising to the level of Captain. Jesse eventually rose to the rank of Corporal before exiting service in 1864 during the Atlanta campaign.

In between, the Indiana 17th saw action at Chickamauga, Chattanooga, Munfordville, and other battles in the
Southeast and Appalachia. Smith returned home, marrying his wife Anna shortly after the war’s conclusion.

Along the way, they purchased the center-passage; plan home in 1871, and used its location along US 150 to sell groceries, general merchandise, and even jewelry.

Their son Otto took over the business until his passing in 1928.

“We understand a town of our size may not have the resources larger cities have for preservation”, Uhl comments. “But that doesn’t erase Corporal Smith’s service and the impact he contributed to our local history, and what his home means as a potential touchstone for future generations.”

The HPC has submitted a National Register eligibility assessment to the Indiana DNR Division of Historic Preservation and
Archaeology.

National Register listing could aid with grant funds should the preservation commission or another local non-profit group be able to purchase the property. Indiana Landmarks has been providing guidance to the group.

“Preservation is about ensuring that our urban landscape reflects more than just profit margins or the whims of developers and real estate speculators,” said Andy Lemon, Greenville Town Councilman.

“It doesn’t make sense to recycle cans and paper but to not recycle buildings.”

On November 4, 2019, Chief Deputy Toby Deaton and Detective Jacklyn Shofner with the Scott County Sheriff’s Office went to an address on Craig Road in Scottsburg in an attempt to serve an outstanding arrest warrant.  Upon arrival Amber Hall, 38, of Scottsburg was arrested for a warrant for Failure to Comply. 

On November 5, 2019, Deputy James Ward went to Beechwood Park in Scottsburg in an attempt to locate a missing juvenile. 

Upon arrival, an investigation led to locating the missing juvenile and also to the arrest of a male.  Matthew Missi, 19, of Scottsburg was arrested for Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor and False Informing. 

On November 5, 2019, Deputy John Hartman went to an address on Blocher Road in an attempt to serve an outstanding bench warrant.  Upon arrival Christopher Tharp, 33, of Deputy was arrested on an outstanding bench warrant. 

On November 5, 2019, Deputy John Hartman went to Kinderhook Road in an attempt to serve an outstanding bench warrant.  Upon arrival Christopher Kimberlin, 43, of Lexington was arrested on an outstanding bench warrant. 

The Indiana State Police is proud to partner again in 2020 with the U.S. Department of Justice in promoting the National Missing Children’s Day Poster Contest. 

In 1983, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed May 25^th as National Missing Children’s Day. 

This day is dedicated to encouraging parents, guardians, caregivers and all concerned individuals with the well-being of children to make child safety a priority. 

It serves as a reminder to continue our efforts to reunite missing children with their families and loved ones. 

It also serves as an occasion to honor those who are dedicated to this very noble cause. 

The National Missing Children’s Poster Contest provides an opportunity for schools, law enforcement, and parents/guardians to discuss and promote child safety.

The state winner will receive a national award certificate from the U.S. Department of Justice and their poster will be selected to go to the national judging competition. 

The national winner, along with his/her parents and teacher, and the state manager will be invited to Washington, D.C. to participate in the U.S. Department of Justice’s National Missing Children’s Day ceremony.

Some important facts about the contest:

• There is NO LIMIT on the number of posters a school can submit.
• Only one (1) poster per student is allowed for submission.
• Students who submit posters MUST be in the 5th grade. 
• Artwork should reflect the theme “Bringing Our Missing Children Home.” This phrase MUST appear somewhere on the poster.
• The theme may be depicted in the artwork through one or a combination of illustrations and can be created using media such as acrylics, watercolor, pencils, charcoal, magic markers, spray paint, crayons, and pastels. Digitally produced images, collages, cut-outs, and stamping WILL NOT be eligible for consideration.
• The finished poster MUST measure 8 ½ X 14 inches.
• The poster must be submitted with a COMPLETED application, which includes a description of the poster and a brief biography of the artist.
• All poster contest rules can be found at https://ncjtc-static.fvtc.edu/Resources/RS00005796.pdf
• The deadline for submissions from participating organizations to be received by state manager Torie Harris is February 7, 2020.

Submissions are to be sent to:

Indiana State Police Clearinghouse
c/o Torie Harris
100 N. Senate Ave. N340
Indianapolis, IN 46204

To learn more about the National Missing Children’s Day Poster contest visit:  https://www.ojjdp.gov/missingchildrensday/ 

If ever a child goes missing, contact your local police department or dial 9-1-1.  It is also a good idea to keep an updated picture or cell phone image, and a DNA sample from your child.  For more safety and prevention tips please visit http://www.in.gov/amberalert/2335.htm      

We wish all participants good luck in the competition and to have fun creating the posters!

*Photos below are the 2019 Indiana winners*

1st Place – Maycee DeBolt – Independent Submission, Three Creeks Elementary School, Lowell, IN

2nd Place – Kylynn New – Wes-Del Elementary School, Gaston, IN

3rd Place – Carter Flynn – Wes-Del Elementary School, Gaston, IN

On Saturday, October 26, 2019, Hoosiers participated in the 18^th nationwide “Prescription Drug Take-Back Day” by visiting Indiana State Police Posts, locations sponsored by the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (IPLA) and the Indiana Board of Pharmacy, and other sites across the state.

“Kudos to everyone who helped protect their loved ones from substance misuse by safely disposing of a total of over eight tons of medication,” said Indiana Executive Director for Drug Prevention, Treatment and Enforcement Jim McClelland.

“We hope more people will take advantage of convenient prescription drop-off locations available year-round across Indiana.”

In partnership with the federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the drug take-back initiative seeks to prevent prescription drug abuse and theft through proper disposal of prescription drugs. 88 sites across Indiana partnered with the DEA to collect unused medication.

During the one day event, the DEA reports that Hoosiers safely disposed of 16,483 pounds of unused medication.

Collectively the Indiana State Police received 1,488 pounds of unused, expired or unwanted medications for proper disposal.

Our partners from the IPLA and the Indiana Board of Pharmacy received 1,125 pounds of prescription medication. 

For more information about the bi-annual “Prescription Drug Take-Back Day” or to find year-round disposal locations visit https://takebackday.dea.gov/.

On October 31, 2019, Indiana State Police Troopers were asked to assist the Indiana Department of Child Services with a report of physical abuse of juveniles within a home in Springville, Indiana.

ISP Trooper Julie Deel responded to a residence on Armstrong Station Road and initiated an investigation into the alleged report of physical abuse of juveniles. Upon Trooper Deel’s arrival, it was learned that Scott and Cherry Blattert have 9 children.

As a result of an initial investigation, the Indiana State Police arrested Scott Allen Blattert Jr., 42 years old of Springville.

Blattert was initially incarcerated in the Lawrence County Jail on October 31, 2019 for the charges of Domestic Battery, Level 6 Felony, and Neglect of a Dependent, Level 5 Felony.

ISP Detective Zack Robbins continued the investigation of physical abuse of the juveniles within the Blattert home. Interviews were conducted, then a search warrant was obtained and executed at the residence on Armstrong Station Road on November 1, 2019. 

As a result of the continuing investigation, arrest warrants were obtained by Detective Robbins for Cherry Lynn Blattert, 38 years old, and again for Scott Allen Blattert Jr. on November 6, 2019.

The Indiana State Police Bloomington District A.C.E.S. (Aggressive Criminal Enforcement Section), along with Trooper Jon Patrick and Trooper Chance Humphrey executed the Arrest Warrant for Cherry Blattert at the Armstrong Station Road residence on November 6, 2019. 

Cherry Blattert was incarcerated in the Lawrence County Jail.

Information was then obtained that Scott Blattert was at his place of employment on NSA Crane Naval Base in Greene County. Trooper Richard Klun of the ISP A.C.E.S. and K9 Loki, with assistance from the NSA Crane Police Department, located Scott Blattert and executed his Arrest Warrant without incident.  

Scott Blattert was transported to the Greene County Jail.

Washington County Treasurer Shirley Batt wants everyone to know the deadline for Fall Property Taxes is Tuesday, Nov. 12 at 5p.

Upcoming hours include:

Thursday, November 7, 2019, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Friday, November 8, 2019, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
Monday, November 11th CLOSED in observance of Veteran’s Day
Tuesday, November 12, 2018, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

Current tax payments can be made at FIRST SAVINGS BANK
Locations or can be left in the TREASURER’S GRAY DROP BOX located on
the south side of Courthouse.

Batt provided the following instruction to make paying your taxes easier.

1. Bring ALL your tax statements or documents with you, AND…Know ALL of your PARCELS.
   2. Treasurer’s Office staff is NOT responsible to know all of your property.
   3. Payments are accepted in:
    Cash, Check or Credit Card.
    If paying by Credit Card an additional 2.95% will be added to your balance, with a minimum fee of $3.00.
   And paying by Credit Card does not accumulate points, like a retail store.
    Online website: www.washingtontax.net for payments with an added fee.
    Payments may also be made at any FIRST SAVINGS BANK locations.
    Dropbox is available on the south side of the porch of the courthouse. Look for the window slot; OR, gray
   payment box on sidewalk on the south side of the courthouse, located by flag pole &  handicap parking space.
   4. ALL unpaid taxes will be assessed a penalty of 5% for the first 30 days following the deadline. An additional 5% will be assessed after the 30-day period, which will total a 10% penalty.
   5. Three (3) unpaid tax installments will result in eligibility for Tax Sale.
   6. 2019 Tax Deadline: November 12th (Tuesday) for the Fall Installment. The deadline has been extended due to Veteran’s Day & Weekend.
   7. Tax Statements are mailed one time each year in late March or early April. This statement has installment coupons for both spring and fall.
   8. Any “Revised Tax Statement” will be issued from the Auditor’s Office.