Salem City Police arrested an escaped convict in Salem Thursday afternoon after he walked away from a work detail in Jackson County on Wednesday. 

SPD officers were dispatched after 2p to the area of Walmart following reports of a male suspect believed to have stolen clothing items.

The suspect matched the description of Michael Anderson, who had escaped from the custody of the Indiana Department of Corrections on March 19th, 2025.

Anderson is an inmate at the Edinburgh Correctional Facility and he reportedly walked away from his work detail near Vallonia Tree Nursery. 

After being spotted at Walmart in Salem, officers located the vehicle Anderson was reportedly driving on E. Hackberry St., heading west.

Chief Eric Mills attempted to initiate a traffic stop near the intersection of E. Hackberry and High St.

However, Anderson fled the vehicle on foot.

Lt. Russell Wilcoxson, Assistant Chief Chad Webb, and Chief Mills quickly apprehended Anderson without further incident.

Anderson was subsequently transferred back into the custody of the Indiana Department of Corrections.

The Salem Police Department extends its thanks to the vigilant citizens and Walmart’s Asset Protection team for their assistance in safely capturing Anderson.

Area legislators are recognizing the latest local recipients of the Hoosier Homestead Award, which recognizes farms owned and maintained by the same family for 100 years or more.

Represented by State Sen. Gary Byrne (R-Byrneville) and State Rep. Karen Engleman (R-Georgetown), three Harrison County farms honored at the Statehouse. The Geswein, the Gunther, and the Kannapel/Schilmiller farms each received a Centennial Award.

The Hoosier Homestead Award Program honors families who have made significant contributions to Indiana agriculture. Instituted in 1976, the program has recognized more than 6,000 family farms that have impacted Indiana’s economic, cultural and social advancement.

“Farmers are the backbone of Indiana’s economy,” Byrne said. “I appreciate the dedication to their craft these families have had for so many years, and I am thankful for the their efforts to preserve Indiana’s agricultural heritage.”

To be named a Hoosier Homestead, farms must be owned by the same family for at least 100 consecutive years and consist of more than 20 acres or produce more than $1,000 of agricultural products per year. The award distinctions are centennial, sesquicentennial and bicentennial – for 100, 150 and 200 years, respectively.

“Farming takes a lot of hard work and dedication,” Engleman said. “Agriculture is a huge part of Indiana and I congratulate these families for keeping this tradition alive for multiple generations.”

Washington County Farmers’ Market Opening Day is May 10th
The Washington County Farmers’ Market will open with local goods raised and produced within Washington and adjacent counties on Saturday, May 10, 2025.

The market will continue on Saturdays from 8:30 am – 12:00 pm at the Washington County Justice Center parking lot at
801 Jackson St. in Salem through October.

When produce is more plentiful later in the growing
season, the market will also open on Tuesday evenings from 4:00-6:00 pm.

New vendors are encouraged to participate in the market. Items for prospective vendors to consider are: fruits, vegetables, dried/fresh herbs, plants, cut flowers, honey, eggs, unpopped
popcorn, meats, etc.

Some minimally processed food items can also be sold and include: maple syrup, jellies/jams/preserves/butters, sorghum, frozen persimmon pulp, dried fruits/vegetables, cider, etc.

Baked goods such as breads, cakes, and cookies as well as wood, natural and homemade crafts can also be sold at the market. All products must meet state and local regulations.

If a prospective vendor has questions about product requirements, contact the Washington County Health Department at 812-883-5603.

Vendors are required to sign a Washington County Farmers’ Market contract. The contract is available on the Purdue Extension – Washington County website at https://extension.purdue.edu/Washington or by contacting the Extension office at 812-883-4601.

• Promotes Family-Centered Care: Calls on hospitals to establish policies that prioritize parental presence, integration, and collaboration in NICU care.
• Strengthens Informed Consent: Encourages hospitals to provide families with clear, comprehensive information about treatment plans, infant nutrition options, and potential risks.
• Supports Mental Health for Families: Emphasizes the importance of peer support programs, counseling services, and mental health resources for parents and caregivers.
• Improves Discharge Planning: Ensures that families receive personalized guidance to prepare for their child’s transition from the NICU to home.