The Washington County Economic Growth Partnership and the Washington County Chamber will combine efforts for a job fair on Friday, April 21 from Noon to 6p at the Community Learning Center in Salem.

Local businesses can set up a booth for $100. 

There will be rooms available for potential employees to fill out their applications, internet-ready computer labs to fill out online applications, as well as private rooms for on-site interviews.

There will be a Kids Corner within viewing distance to the interview rooms for applicants who have to bring their children. 

Patoka Lake wildlife specialist Brian Finch says people are look for morel mushrooms, but remember to ask for permission from the landowners before venturing out to find these “nuggets of gold.”

What are morel mushrooms?

Morels are found throughout North America, and they are probably the best known edible mushroom. They range in color from black to blonde, and they can grow to be up to a foot tall.

However, most of the time, they grow to height of three to five inches.

Why do people hunt morel mushrooms?

Morel mushroom hunting is popular for several reasons. Many people love the taste of morels and describe the taste as “nutty” and “meaty.” They’re commonly eaten cooked or dried.

Finch says the flavor of the morel mushroom changes depending on how long they’re cooked. He says they taste good by themselves mixed with garlic or olive oil or served with venison.

Also, because they’re so popular and not found anywhere but in the wild, foragers commonly sell morels and make up to $50 per pound. It’s important to note that anyone who wants to sell morels must be properly certified.

Where are they most commonly found?

They typically grow on the edge of forested areas, and they often grown around ash, aspen, elm, and oak trees. They thrive in moist soil around decayed vegetation, so search for dead trees and leaf piles.

It’s also important to make sure you are not trespassing on anyone’s property while morel hunting.

They are usually three to five inches in length, but they can grow as long as 12 inches.

Yesterday evening two young men from Bedford were arrested on drug charges after a traffic stop.

ISP Sgt. Greg Day conducted a traffic stop near the intersection of Avoca-Eureka and Patton Hill Roads.  

The stop was conducted for a defective muffler, failure to signal a turn, white light violation (shining to the rear) and seatbelt violations by both the driver and passenger.

Arrested were Jackson T. Craig – 20 of Bedford, IN

• Possession of Methamphetamine (Level 6 Felon)
• Possession of Marijuana (B Misdemeanor)
• Possession of Paraphernalia (C Misdemeanor) 

Jackson T. Craig – 20 of Bedford, IN

• Possession of Methamphetamine (Level 6 Felon)
• Possession of Marijuana (B Misdemeanor)
• Possession of Paraphernalia (C Misdemeanor) 
• Both were incarcerated at the Lawrence County Jail.

Upon speaking with the two occupants, Sgt. Day identified the driver as Kaden M. Wilson, 19 of Bedford and the passenger as Jackson T. Craig, 20, also of Bedford.  

It was discovered the license plate affixed to the vehicle was not properly registered and belonged to a different automobile that Wilson owns.  In addition, the title produced for the vehicle was not signed or dated.  

Sgt. Day asked for and was given consent to search the truck.  As Wilson exited, he gave consent to search his person as well.  He was found to be in possession of two bags of methamphetamine.

A further search revealed several items associated with drug use, such as a digital scales and multiple smoking devices (meth pipes).  

Additionally, a wallet was found on the passenger side floorboard that contained the license and other belongings of Craig.  Inside the wallet, two small bags of methamphetamine and another bag of marijuana were discovered.  

A loaded handgun belonging to Wilson was also found in the driver’s side door.

Sgt. Day was assisted by Trp. Gabe Bault and Lawrence County Sheriff’s Deputy Tillett.

Under the Law, criminal charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

There will be a lunch and learn at the Washington County Government Center, 806 Martinsburg Rd from Noon – 1p.  

Join the Indiana Department of Child Services Washington County, the Washington County Prevent Child Abuse Council and Hoosier Hills PACT to learn more about drugs and their impact on the children in our community. 

The speakers will be Indiana State Police Sergeant Jerry Goodin and Washington County Prosecutor Dustin Houchin. 

The event will be sponsored by the Washington County Substance Abuse Council. 

Donations will be accepted with the proceeds going to the Washington County Child Abuse Council to fund activities/programs for the children in our community.  

More information and resources are available on the DCS April Child Abuse Prevention Awareness web page:http://in.gov/dcs/3486.htm

How can you help prevent abuse and neglect?

• If you suspect abuse or neglect, please call the Indiana Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline at 1-800-800-5556.
• Reach out to parents that you know and offer a hand or emotional support.
• Volunteer time to programs that help parents.
• Let all of the children in your life know that that they can depend on you.
• Advocate for community services to help families.
• Report suspected child abuse or neglect.
• Consider becoming a foster parent.

On April 12, 2017 at 4:18 a.m., Ripley County Dispatch received a 911 call from Joel Schumacer of Hanska, Minnesota, a semi driver parked at the east bound rest area on I74 at the 152 mile marker.

Mr. Schumacer stated that someone was in the back of his semi trailer.

Upon arrival, officers located the suspect who had been locked in the trailer by Schumacer.

The trailer was loaded with frozen meat with a chilly inside temperature of -10 degrees.

When officers approached the semi trailer they could hear the suspect beating on the door to let him out.

The suspect was identified as Malcolm Denton, 51, of Shelbyville, Indiana.

Denton was taken into custody without incident and incarcerated at the Ripley County Jail on charges of Unauthorized Entry of a Vehicle, class B misdemeanor and Theft, a level 6 felony.

The incident is being investigated by the Ripley County Sheriff’s Office. Batesville Police Department assisted at the scene.

All suspects are consid ered innocent until proven guilty by a court of law.

Indiana State Fair patrons may want to bring much bigger appetites to the annual event this summer after Fair officials today announced its 2017 theme, the “Wonderful World of Food.” 

We all love food.  We grow it, sell it, cook it and eat it!  

And at the 2017 Indiana State Fair we will celebrate it with a featured food each day of the Fair from Aug. 4 to Aug. 20.

All the featured foods will include a spotlight on Indiana farmers who produce the various items.

Fairgoers will be able to enjoy samples, cooking demonstrations, food eating contests, fun recipes to share and so much more. The dates and featured foods include:

• Aug. 4 – Deep Fried Food (Soybean Farmer)
• Aug. 5 – Melon (Melon Farmer)
• Aug. 6 – Popcorn (Popcorn Farmer)
• Aug. 7 – Salsa/Ketchup (Tomato Farmer)
• Aug. 8 – Egg (Egg Farmer)
• Aug. 9 – Pork Burger (Pig Farmer)
• Aug. 10 – Funnel Cake (Wheat Farmer)
• Aug. 11 – Cheese (Dairy Farmer)
• Aug. 12 – Beef (Beef Farmer)
• Aug. 13 – Ice Cream (Dairy Farmer)
• Aug. 14 – Apples (Apple Farmer)
• Aug. 15 – Mint (Mint Farmer)
• Aug. 16 – Corn Dog (Corn Farmer)
• Aug. 17 – On-A-Stick Day (Tree Farmer)
• Aug. 18 – Turkey Leg (Turkey Farmer)
• Aug. 19 – Pickles (Cucumber Farmer)
• Aug. 20 – Honey (Beekeeper)
  

“Hoosiers have deep connections to food, and there is no better place to showcase how much fun we can have with food than the Great Indiana State Fair” said Cindy Hoye, Executive Director, Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center. “We want to shine the spotlight on all our state has to offer, and we look forward to the celebration of our ‘Wonderful World of Food’ at this year’s Fair.”

Fair organizers also hope attendees will help in sharing the story of how Indiana is feeding the world. Additionally, Fairgoers will get to enjoy many of the featured foods, along with their traditional Fair food favorites, at more than 90 food stands throughout the Fairgrounds. 

Stay tuned for more exciting announcements – including a new attraction, food-themed exhibits and the Free Stage line up – leading up to opening day on Friday, August 4th, and join us in celebrating the “Wonderful World of Food” at the 2017 Indiana State Fair.