Election morning started out with drizzling rain and cold temperatures, but the sun came out and temperatures warmed up in the 50s sending 30 percent of registered voters to the polls in the City of Salem Municipal General Election and giving all Republican candidates a win. 

And delivering Salem it’s first Republican Mayor in 34 years. 

In the biggest race of the election, Republican and City Council President Justin Green handily defeated Democrat Bill Ackerman, 930 to 358. 

Ackerman only topped 100 votes in one out of three precincts, in Salem 3.

Green defeated Ackerman by a 2-1 margin in all four precincts. 

Green, a three-term Salem City Councilman, defeated former mayoral candidate and Salem School Board member Ron Haendiges by 48 votes in May to win the Republican nod to run for City of Salem Mayor in the general election. 

In the primary election, Green captured 338 total votes (including early voting and absentee) or 46.2 percent while Haendiges pulled in just 290 votes or 39.6 percent. 

Republican Incumbent Clerk/Treasurer Clerk-Treasurer Sally Hattabaugh edged Democrat challenger Kevin Stewart, 743 to 549. 

Stewart wasn’t on the ballot back in the spring and joined the race in the summer. 

Republican Jody Smedley won the Salem City Council At Large seat with 739 votes to the 431 votes received by Democrat RH Bennett. 

Republican Dan Libka won the Salem City Council District 1 seat 186 to 93 votes for Democrat Richard Longworth, who lost in the May primary for the Democrat nomination for Mayor. 

Democrat Rick Stewart didn’t have a challenger in the Salem City Council and won that position with 193 votes. 

In Salem Council District 3, Republican Incumbant Steve Crane won with 232 votes over challenger Jana Hayes, who garnered 169 votes. 

In Salem Council District 4, Republican newcomber Gail Napier won with 180 votes to Democrat challenger Anthony Scifres who captures 147 votes. 

BY THE NUMBERS
There were 42 absentee straight-party Republican votes compared to 18 absentee straight-party votes for the Democrat party. 

In early voting, there were five straight-party Republican votes compared with only one straight party Democrat vote. 

Republicans dominated at the polls in straight-party voting – Republicans had 72.2 percent of the vote with 226 straight tickets and Democrats had 87 straight-ticket votes (or 27.8 percent).

BY PRECINCT

Salem 1

Mayor

• R – Justin Green – 195
• D – Bill Ackerman – 84

Clerk/Treasurer

• R – Sally Hattabaugh – 149
• D – Kevin Stewart – 131

Council at Large 

• R – Jody Smedley – 143
• D – RH Bennett – 102 

Council District 1 

• R – Dan Libka – 186
• D – Richard Longworth – 93

Salem 2

Mayor

• R – Justin Green – 201
• D – Bill Ackerman – 76

Clerk/Treasurer

• R – Sally Hattabaugh – 171
• D – Kevin Stewart – 104

Council at Large 

• R – Jody Smedley – 156
• D – RH Bennett – 89

 Council District 2 

• D – Rick Stewart – 193

Salem 3 

Mayor

• R – Justin Green – 294
• D – Bill Ackerman – 108

Clerk/Treasurer

• R – Sally Hattabaugh – 238
• D – Kevin Stewart – 168

Council at Large 

• R – Jody Smedley – 242
• D – RH Bennett – 133

 Council District 3 

• R – Steve Crane – 232
• D – Jana Hayes – 169

Salem 4

Mayor

• R – Justin Green – 240
• D – Bill Ackerman – 90

Clerk/Treasurer

• R – Sally Hattabaugh – 185
• D – Kevin Stewart – 146

Council at Large 

• R – Jody Smedley – 198
• D – RH Bennett – 107

 Council District 4

• R – Gail Napier – 180
• D – Anthony Scifres – 147

MAYOR VOTING

In the mayor’s race, 72.7 percent of voters (958 total votes) compared to only 27.53 percent who chose Ackerman (364 votes).

Green received 146 absentee votes compared to only 51 for Ackerman. 

Green captured 28 early votes (82.35 percent) compared to only 6 for Ackerman (17.65 percent). 

During the polls today, Green received 784 votes compared to 307 votes for Ackerman. 

CITY CLERK/TREASURER VOTING

In absentee voting for Republican Incumbent Sally Hattabaugh, 119 voters cast absentee ballots and 19 early votes. On election day, 624 voters chose Hattabaugh. 

For Democrat Incumbent Kevin Stewart, he received 74 absentee votes and 15 early votes and 475 votes today. 

CITY COUNCIL – AT LARGE

Republican Jody Smedley took 118 absentee votes with an additional 23 early votes. Today, 621 residents voted for Smedley. 

Democrat challenger RH Bennett, earned 57 absentee votes with only 10 early votes. On election day, Bennett took 374 votes. 

CITY COUNCIL – DISTRICT 1 

Republican Dan Libka took 26 absentee votes with 3 early votes and 160 votes at the polls. 

Democrat challenger Richard Longworth had 19 absentee votes and no early votes and 74 votes at the polls. 

CITY COUNCIL – DISTRICT 2 

Democrat Candidate Rick Stewart received 32 absentee votes, five early votes and 161 votes at the polls. 

CITY COUNCIL – DISTRICT 3 

Republican incumbent Steve Crane generated 42 absentee votes and six early votes and took 190 votes at the polls. 

Democrat newcomber Jana Hayes gathered 17 absentee votes and took five early votes and another 152 votes at the polls. 

CITY COUNCIL – DISTRICT 4 

Republican Gail Napier received 21 absentee votes with seven early votes and 159 votes at the polls. 

Democrat challenger Anthony Scifres recieved 23 absentee votes and six early votes with 124 votes at the polls. 

The Washington County Purdue Extension Office and the 4-H Junior Leaders are taking
orders for Thanksgiving cheese balls. Call 812-883-4601 or contact a 4-H Junior Leader to order your cheese ball.

Cheese balls will be made on:

Monday, November 25th – Pick up orders between 5:00-7:00 p.m. Call in order by
Monday, November 18th.

All cheese balls must be picked up at the Extension Office if ordered through the Extension Office.

If ordered through a Junior Leader, the Junior Leader will deliver the cheese ball to you.

The Purdue Extension-Washington County Office is located on the lower level of the Washington County Government Building at 806 Martinsburg Road, Suite 104, in Salem.

The Jr. Leader cheese balls cost $8 each and are made of cream cheese, chipped beef, and spices.

They can be rolled in parsley or pecans, or left plain.

A portion of the sales price of this product will be used to promote Washington County    4-H Jr. Leader educational programs.

No endorsement of the product by 4-H is implied or intended.

According to Washington County Clerk, Stephanie Rockey, voters today need to pay attention to special voting instructions when it comes to voting for “At-Large” candidates.

In the State of Indiana, regarding straight party tickets, any “At-Large” races, you have to make a voting mark on or in the box for the candidate that you wish to vote for, according to Rockey.

“This is just part of legislation that was passed back in 2018, and the way that the 2018 election ballots were done,” she said. “There are notations regarding this matter both on the paper ballot and the electronic ballot, both images are the same.”

So, on the 2019 Municipal General Election ballots, whether paper or electronic, the only race that is on the ballot today (Nov. 5) is the City Council Member At- Large, City of Salem race that the law would affect.

That race is between Republican Jody Smedley and Democrat R.H. Bennett

“But, again it is noted on the instruction text and the actual At-Large race of the ballot,” noted Rockey. “So, to further clarify, there is NO GLITCH with electronic voting and/or the ballots. For further clarification or questions, please call my office.”

The clerk’s office number is 812.883.5748

Voting by Precincts are:

Precinct 1

Mayor

• Republican – Justin T. Green
• Democrat – William “Bill” Ackerman

City Clerk-Treasurer 

• Republican – Sally J. Hattabaugh
• Democrat – Kevin W. Stewart

City Council Member at Large

• Republican – Jody Smedley
• Democrat – R.H. Bennett

City Council Member, District 1

• Republican – Danny R. Libka
• Democrat – Richard Longworth

Precinct 2

Mayor

• Republican – Justin T. Green
• Democrat – William “Bill” Ackerman

City Clerk-Treasurer 

• Republican – Sally J. Hattabaugh
• Democrat – Kevin W. Stewart

City Council Member at Large

• Republican – Jody Smedley
• Democrat – R.H. Bennett

City Council Member, District 2

• Democrat – Rick Stewart

Precinct 3

Mayor

• Republican – Justin T. Green
• Democrat – William “Bill” Ackerman

City Clerk-Treasurer 

• Republican – Sally J. Hattabaugh
• Democrat – Kevin W. Stewart

City Council Member at Large

• Republican – Jody Smedley
• Democrat – R.H. Bennett

City Council Member, District 3

• Republican – Steve Crane
• Democrat – Jana Hayes

Precinct 4

Mayor

• Republican – Justin T. Green
• Democrat – William “Bill” Ackerman

City Clerk-Treasurer 

• Republican – Sally J. Hattabaugh
• Democrat – Kevin W. Stewart

City Council Member at Large

• Republican – Jody Smedley
• Democrat – R.H. Bennett

City Council Member, District 4

• Republican – Gail R. Martin Napier 
• Democrat – Joseph Anthony Scifres

Be sure and tune in for LIVE election coverage tonight on WSLM beginning at 6p. 

With the heavy rain, Indiana received late this spring and early summer, crop harvest is running late this year.

The Indiana State Police would like to remind motorists that harvest time is in full swing and it’s time to watch out for farm equipment on our roadways. 

The Indiana State Police offers the below safety tip reminders.

Tips for farmers:

• Have all lighting and placards on your equipment as required by law.
• When parking equipment along the road while in the field, make certain it’s visible especially at night.
• Avoid traveling on state and U.S. highways during rush hour traffic.
• Wear reflective or Hi-Viz clothing when working in low light conditions, so as to be seen by motorists and farmworkers.
• Indiana Code 9-21-5-7, Motor vehicles driven at a slow speed impeding or blocking traffic, requires operators of vehicles being driven on a roadway of not more than one lane in each direction, at a speed below the posted limit, to move over to the right at their first opportunity if three or more vehicles are following, to allow those vehicles to safely pass.

Tips for motorists:

• Be patient when traveling behind farm equipment; farmers have the same rights as automobile drivers to operate their equipment on the roads.
• When approaching farm equipment from the opposite direction, pull to the right of the traveled portion of the road and allow the equipment to pass.
• Always be cautious when approaching farm equipment parked on the side of the road. Someone may be getting into or out of the equipment or performing maintenance.
• Be especially vigilant in watching for farm equipment on two-lane roads and around dusk when conditions can make the equipment harder to see.

Sunday, an Indiana State Trooper suffered minor injuries when his vehicle was struck while on a traffic stop on US 421 south of Versailles, Indiana.

At approximately 9:45 am, Senior Trooper Kyle Black conducted a traffic stop on a 2002 Dodge Caravan being driven by Barbara Ann Matis, age 48, Madison, Indiana on US 421 Northbound near County Road 750 South in southern Ripley County.  Trp. Black’s unmarked vehicle was positioned behind Matis’ vehicle on the shoulder of US 421 with his emergency lights activated.

A 2013 Chevrolet Traverse, being driven by Mary Ann Holman, age 77, Holton, Indiana was traveling northbound on US 421, approaching Trp. Black’s location.  Holman’s vehicle collided with the rear of Trp. Black’s vehicle was then pushed into Matis’ vehicle.

Debris from Holman’s vehicle struck Trp. Black, who was standing outside of his vehicle.  Trp. Black sustained an injury to his leg.  He was transported to Margaret Mary Hospital in Batesville, Indiana where he was treated and released.  Holman was transported to King’s Daughters’ Hospital in Madison, Indiana to be treated for non-life threatening injuries. Matis complained of pain but declined to be transported for further medical treatment.

The investigation is ongoing by Trooper Matt Holley, Indiana State Police-Versailles Crash Reconstruction Team. 

The Indiana State Police was assisted by the Ripley County Sheriff’s Department, Ripley County EMS, Versailles Fire Department, and New Marion Fire Department. 

Today, at approximately 1:30 pm, the Indiana State Police began investigating a single-vehicle fatal crash in Jennings County, which claimed the life of a North Vernon, Indiana man.

The initial investigation by Trooper Jacob Tolle, Indiana State Police-Versailles Crash Reconstruction Team indicated that a white 2020 Kia Soul, being driven by Craig Coons, age 25, North Vernon, Indiana was traveling northbound on County Road 150 East near County Road 650 North in rural Jennings County.  For an unknown reason, Coons vehicle left the east side of the roadway, struck a utility pole, and overturned, coming to rest in the roadway.

Coons was ejected from the vehicle during the collision.  He sustained fatal injuries in the crash and was pronounced deceased at the scene by the Jennings County Coroner’s Office.

Coons was not properly restrained in the vehicle when the crash occurred.

It is unknown if alcohol or drugs were involved in the crash.  Toxicology results are pending at this time.

The investigation is ongoing.

Craig Coons’ family has been notified.

The Indiana State Police was assisted by the Jennings County Sheriff’s Office, Jennings County EMS, North Vernon Fire Department, Jennings County Coroner’s Office, and Lucas Wrecker Service.    

A 41-year-old Salem man was arrested by the Indiana State Police on Halloween night and charged with dealing Meth near Leesville and possession of a stolen gun. 

Michael Jason Chastain, 41 of Salem was arrested and incarcerated at the Lawrence County Jail for the following offenses:

1. Dealing Methamphetamine Over 10 Grams, Level 2 Felony
2. Possession of Methamphetamine Over 10 Grams with a Handgun, Level 3 Felony
3. Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, C Misdemeanor
4. Possession of a Stolen Firearm, Level 6 Felony

On October 31^st, the Indiana State Police Bloomington District A.C.E.S. (Aggressive Criminal Enforcement Section) and the Indiana State Police DES conducted a patrol in the Fort Ritner and Tunnelton areas after having received multiple tips from concerned citizens of drug activity in those areas.

While there, Sgt. Greg Day observed a white, 2013 Ford Focus traveling with a license plate that returned as BMV status “inactive”. 

Sgt. Day conducted a traffic stop near Leesville Road.

While speaking with the male driver, Michael Jason Chastain, 41 of Salem,  Sgt. Day observed indicators of criminal activity.

After Troopers Caleb Garvin and Richard Klun arrived to assist with the stop, Trooper Klun deployed his canine, Loki, who gave a positive alert to illegal controlled substances in the vehicle. 

A search of the vehicle revealed approximately 14 grams of methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, and a loaded handgun. 

The handgun was later found to be stolen out of Shelby County.

Anyone with illegal drug information is encouraged to contact the Indiana State Police Bloomington Post at 812-332-4411.

All Suspects Are Presumed Innocent Until Proven Guilty in a Court of Law

Monday, Nov. 11, is one of our country’s most important federal holidays. Veterans Day is an opportunity to honor all the men and women who have defended our country. Please thank these brave Hoosiers and Americans for their time, sacrifices and dedication to protecting our freedoms.

There are countless ways to say thank you and show your appreciation for the nearly 550,000 living Hoosiers who have served in one of our five-strong military branches. Consider volunteering at a veterans’ organization, such as a local VFW or American Legion, or buy a meal or cup of coffee for a veteran, or simply show your patriotism and fly your American flag.

In Indiana, we value our veterans and want to help them build a strong foundation as they return from service and resume civilian life. Our Next Level Veterans program provides these men and women the tools and resources to put the skills they gained in the military to use in our growing workforce. Learn more at IN.gov/veterans. In addition, through Indiana’s Veteran-Owned Small Business Program, we are ensuring some of our state contracts go to veteran-owned businesses, promoting the entrepreneurial roots our veterans are starting across Indiana.

To help veterans get access to all their benefits, the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs launched a new online portal recently. Veterans, spouses, and dependents can check eligibility for several benefits without an appointment or wait on hold over the phone. Visit in.gov/dva to learn more.

This holiday is not the same as Memorial Day, where we remember and pay our respects to those who gave their lives. Veterans Day is dedicated to every member of our armed forces, whether they served during times of peace or war, including all past members of our world’s best and most proud defense teams, those who are still living and the ones who have passed away.

We have been thanking veterans on Nov. 11 for 100 years. While the name of this important holiday changed over the decades, the meaning of it has always stayed the same. The men and women who have served in our armed forces are the reasons we have the freedoms we get to enjoy each and every day. This Veterans Day, please thank a veteran for their service, with a handshake or hug, or shop at their business or offer them a job on your team. To all our veterans, thank you for your courage and commitment to our community and country.