The Washington County Family YMCA is proud to announce that John Jones Auto Group has made a significant contribution to the Beth Armstrong Y-For-All Capital Campaign, bringing the community closer to realizing a transformative childcare and family recreation center.
Thanks to the support of grants, state funding, and community donors, the YMCA’s childcare center is now fully funded! This essential facility will provide much-needed resources to support early childhood development and working families in Washington County.
Additionally, the campaign to fund the community center and recreational space has reached an incredible milestone, now standing at 80% funded through the generosity of donors like John Jones Auto Group.
“We are proud to donate to the Washington County Family YMCA. Many people in our community benefit from the programs that the YMCA offers. We hope that our donation helps with the expansion of the YMCA Child Care & Community Center,” said John E. Jones of John Jones Auto Group.
These spaces will serve as a hub for family connection, youth development, and community wellness.
“John Jones Auto Group has always been a valued partner in our community, and their contribution demonstrates their commitment to making Washington County a better place for families,” said Kristy Purlee, CEO of the Washington County Family YMCA. “We are so thankful for their support, which helps us create a brighter future for our youth and families.”
The Beth Armstrong Y-For-All Capital Campaign is an effort to address critical community needs by creating spaces that foster learning, recreation, and connection. With only 20% left to raise for the recreation and community spaces, the YMCA invites individuals and businesses to join this movement and make a lasting impact.
For more information about the Beth Armstrong Y-For-All Capital Campaign or to contribute, please contact Kristy Purlee at
About the Washington County Family YMCA The Washington County Family YMCA serves as a cornerstone of our community, offering programs that promote youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Through innovative initiatives and collaborative partnerships, the YMCA seeks to strengthen families and empower individuals to thrive.
By Bryan Golden, Columnist
Among other things, the holidays are a time of giving and receiving gifts. The question most often asked of people is, "what did you get?" Much less frequently asked is, "what did you give?" Invariably, the inquiries concern material gifts. Purchasing a gift can certainly be thoughtful and a wonderful gesture, especially when it's backed up by your actions.
However, the most valuable presents are those that aren't sold in stores. When you give your love, your time, help someone in need, aid another in solving a problem or overcoming an obstacle, you give something priceless.
The true spirit of the holidays is giving. When you give, you receive. You can get anything in life you want by helping enough others get what they want. But only if you give without expecting anything in return. The impact of giving isn't limited to just the holiday season, it's something that has value all year.
The power of giving is often underestimated. When you give unconditionally, you don't just impact the recipient; you start a chain reaction. By brightening the life of one person you also affect all those who they then touch.
No gesture of giving or kindness is too small. Holding the door open at a store, helping someone carry groceries to their car, letting another car in front of you, saying please and thank you, and saying hello to a stranger you pass on the sidewalk, are some of the many things you can do daily.
For family and friends, your time is one of the most precious gifts you can offer. Are you there for others when they need you? Do you offer a hand without being asked? Do you help out when asked?
Too often, people get caught up in their own desires, thus losing sight of the needs of others. A person who tries to get through life by looking out for himself or herself first is invariably frustrated. Often this person views life as a competition to determine who can accumulate more.
On the other hand, those who are concerned for the wellbeing of others are happier, more content, and more satisfied. By giving without expecting, they in turn receive the things they need.
Giving is a simple concept that works every time it is applied. There will be people who don't appreciate what you do, but it doesn't matter. You are giving without anticipating anything in return. Besides, there will be many more who are thankful for your efforts.
If you don't treat others well, buying a gift won't compensate for your behavior. The recipient might like what you give them but it won't make up for your actions. You can't bribe someone to forgive the way you treat them with a present.
The best gift you can receive is the joy of making someone else happy. Being unselfish is a wonderful way to live. When you give with no ulterior motives, your actions are seen as genuine. Should you expect something in return, your behavior is always suspect. We all know people who do nice things only when they want something in return.
Make giving a daily routine. Don't start and end with the holiday season. Every day is a good day to do something nice. When people feel good due to your actions, you can't help but feel happy yourself. And that is priceless. The most significant action you can take is having a positive impact on the lives of others.
Bryan is the author of "Dare to Live Without Limits." Contact Bryan at
After more than 30 years of service to the town of Pekin, David Rockey and Buddy Smith have finally started their retirement! Their retirement party was full of great food, fun, and stories told about David and Buddy from family and friends.
The town of Pekin has been lucky to have these men working day and night for over 3 decades. David and Buddy have done it all from ensuring Pekin residents have running water to plowing snow off the streets.
Buddy began his career working in Pekin in 1992, and David followed suit shortly after in 1993. The pair have been wonderful friends ever since.
Please congratulate them on their retirement, and thank them for all they have done for the town of Pekin!
Below are photos from the retirement party:
Photos by Nathaniel Smith.
By Bryan Golden, Columnist
41% of those polled are stressed by the holidays. Fortunately, there are many ways to bust holiday stress.
Set realistic goals. Your expectations should correspond to your circumstances, time, and money. Don't try to outdo family and friends. You don't have to impress anyone.
A wonderful holiday season doesn't have to be expensive. Set a manageable budget and stick to it. Determine before you go shopping how much you will spend on food and presents. Entertaining doesn't have to cost a lot. Sumptuous meals can be prepared without expensive ingredients. Use your imagination and creativity.
If there are lots of people on your gift list, contact them and agree to a maximum cost for each gift. They will probably appreciate a pre-set spending limit as much as you will. Consider making your own gifts, such as baked goods or crafts.
A variety of free or low-cost activities are available. Many communities provide holiday programs such as parades and winter carnivals. Informal gatherings with friends and family can be lots of fun without obligating anyone to host a big party.
Accept relatives and friends for who they are. Put aside differences; don't try to resolve them during gatherings. Bringing up past issues will not add to the seasonal joy.
Divorced parents need to be extra sensitive to their children's emotions. Make children's needs a priority and avoid using them as pawns. Children want to spend time with both of their parents so work together to facilitate reciprocal visitation.
If you are hosting a meal or party, ask each guest to bring a dish. Delegate responsibilities to your spouse and children. Everyone will feel included and no one has to carry the full load.
Don't snap at others. Have rules and guidelines for older children returning home for the holidays. Ask guests to supervise their children if they get too rambunctious.
Plan ahead for what you want to accomplish before the holiday rush starts. You can pace yourself if you have enough time. Spreading out activities leaves you calmer and more relaxed.
Prioritize what you want to accomplish. Organize your time to allow for the most important tasks. Say no to requests that don't fit your plans. Be flexible.
Make time for yourself. Maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating properly, exercising, and getting enough sleep.
It's normal and ok to feel sad during the holidays. Life is unpredictable and brings many changes. Don't compare today with the good old days from your past. Take charge of your life. Don't act like a victim. Spend time with supportive and caring people. Help others by volunteering. Whenever you bring a smile to someone's face, you will feel better too.
Make realistic resolutions. Set goals you can accomplish. Don't abandon your resolutions after a few weeks. After the holidays, actively working towards your goals will keep you positive and focused on the good in life.
Bryan is the author of "Dare to Live Without Limits." Contact Bryan at
By Becky Killian, Staff Writer
This year has seen two new occupants in the JF Helsel Commerce Park and more could be coming.
Angie Buchanan, director of the Washington County Economic Growth Partnership, gave a year-end report to the Board of Commissioners on Tuesday, Dec. 17.
To retain and encourage the expansion of local businesses, Buchanan said she has assisted business owners obtain and complete the annual compliance requirements of tax abatements; met with representatives of the county’s major employers, like Kimball International; and helped businesses find financial help through sources like grants.
Buchanan also worked to attract new businesses to Washington County through her networking with groups such as the regional development authority, by attending conferences, and by seeking an Economic Developer certification through Ball State University.
Improving the county’s “quality of place” is another aim adopted by the Partnership, with Buchanan saying her office offered assistance and planning during the solar eclipse, provided housing project support, and supported the City of Salem’s and the county’s READI project applications, which resulted in a total award of $7.9 million.
As for her 2025 goals, Buchanan said she wants to develop a social media plan, to investigate all possible uses for the commerce park, and to align her office with the county’s Tourism Board to help boost awareness of what the county has to offer.
In other business:
*Washington County has been named a “StormReady” community. Deni Stempowski, the county’s Emergency Management director, said the designation will lead to more grant opportunities. StormReady is a free voluntary program offered by the National Weather Service. To qualify, the county had to meet certain communication, mitigation, and preparedness requirements.
*Structure Point presented the updated comprehensive plan they developed for the county. The plan details goals for the county like workforce development, business retention, entrepreneurship, tourism, and quality of life. It was noted a grant paid for most of Structure Point’s fee for the work.
*Lori Gilstrap was approved as a member of the Property Tax Assessment Board of Appeals.
*Outgoing Commissioner Rick Roberts thanked the county’s residents for allowing him to serve on the Commission. “It’s been an honor,” he said.
By Jerry Curry, Writer
The Feed Store in New Pekin has been passed to new hands. After 34 years in business, Jim and Demma Sanders, who are in their 70s, have decided to retire. Having a great love for the business, they wanted someone to take it over and continue their famous hometown style of service. When Whitney Smith’s father mentioned his daughter had always wanted the business, a bridge was formed to the new owner.
Will and Whitney Smith took up the challenge to continue service with a smile and hometown hospitality. They took over the store on November 1 with Jim hanging around as a mentor. The store continued with a few tweaks, like accepting credit cards, goat feed and a Christmas Tree. However, the process of handwritten orders continued on.
The Smith’s are juggling a lot. On top of the new Feed Store, they have two boys in the 4th and 6th grades at East Washington Schools, and Will still has his night job at UPS as a mechanic. Whitney, however, had previously worked ten years as a teacher's assistant at East Washington Middle School. They will be married for 15 years in May. Whitney is a lifelong resident of New Pekin and said, “I always wanted to own a store here.” They also have plans for a face lift of the building.
You can find nearly everything here. They offer bird, dog, bones, chicken, rabbit, hog, fish, horse, cat and goat food. Most of these products come from Danville, Kentucky and are the Formax Feeds brand. Plus, they also offer cedar and pine shavings and pet supplies. Customers can buy anywhere from one bag to a ton of food. Thankfully, they have a forklift for loading products along with a delivery service at an additional price.
One of their more popular items are their concrete figurines which tend to sell fast. Whitney hand paints each figure and applies a sealant to preserve the finish. She also makes a bird seed ring shaped with a bundt cake mold that sells for $10.
Once Spring rolls around, the Feed Store will offer plants for sale in addition to their usual products. These are all locally grown by the Amish.
Located at 76 IN-60, New Pekin, the new store hours are Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. More information can be found on The Feed Store LLC Facebook Page or by calling (812) 967-3333. There is also a review that can be found on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tNi2oHMNp6E by Chase Stanfill. Be sure to pay The Feed Store a visit!
Will and Whitney Smith.
Photos by Jerry Curry.
By Jerry Curry, Staff Writer
Blessings From Above is collecting donations of food and providing food distribution points at three locations in the Pekin area.
Telemedia, a local internet and telephone provider, has teamed up with Blessings from Above to support those in need in the Pekin area. In the business’s lobby at 105 E. Railroad St. in Pekin, they are collecting food.
Telemedia customers can show their receipts for the groceries at the Telemedia office. For every $10 spent, $10 will come off of the customer’s bill.
These savings are available in ten dollar increments only. There is no limit for this offer, but it does end January 3, 2025. Any amount that exceeds the total amount of a monthly bill will be carried over to the next month.
Tony Fraley and wife started Blessings from Above two and a half years ago. They lost their daughter, age 24, due to a heart problem. This was during the COVID-19 lock-down, and their daughter was unable to seek medical assistance. When she finally got medical help, she died three hours later in a hospital.
After this shock had worn off, Blessings From Above was started. The organization distributes food from cabinets in local locations.
Donations can be made to Pekin Town Hall.
The Fraley's can be reached at 812-725-6219.
Telemedia is offering discounts to customers who donate food items.
Skylar Day stands beside the generous number of items provided by customers.
Pekin Town Hall has a Blessings From Above cabinet outside of the building.
This plaque at Pekin Town Hall recognizes supporters of the project.
Country View Senior Apartments is helping with the effort.
This year’s 5th annual “Cram the Cruiser” food drive was a fantastic success. Thanks to community efforts, the Washington County Sheriff’s Department collected 1,600 pounds of food and $857 in cash. Since beginning this tradition 5 years ago, the Sheriff’s department has collected more than 20,000 food items and more than $7,239 for our local food bank.
Thank you to Captain Joe Keltner, Coroner Shawnda Keltner, Washington County Fair Queen Bailey Hardwick, Reserve Officer Dan Libka, West Washington School Resource Officer Aaron Dennis, Maverick, Corrections Officer Roger Morin, Layla Morin, Pekin 4th of July Queen Lila Blevins, Trenton Miller, Chase from Paw Patrol and Detective Brad Naugle for donating your time and helping with the food drive!
Photos by Nathaniel Smith and the Washington County Sheriff's Department.
Office co-leads bipartisan task force of 51 Attorneys General
Attorney General Todd Rokita took new action this week against illegal robocallers who are trying to scam Hoosiers. He warned four voice service providers that they have been transmitting suspected illegal robocall traffic on their networks on behalf of one or more of their customers.
As a lead member of the 51-member bipartisan attorney general Anti-Robocall Multistate Litigation Task Force, Attorney General Rokita and Section Chief of Data Privacy and ID Theft, Doug Swetnam, and his team have been investigating these providers.
“These annoying and illegal calls not only terrorize Hoosiers but Americans across the nation,” Attorney General Rokita said. “I said it before and I’ll say it again, if the telecom industry won't police itself, this unprecedented task force will.”
In the warning letters, the task force informs the providers that it has shared the findings of its investigations with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), which will consider appropriate next steps.
The task force sent warning letters to the following companies:
KWK Communications, Inc.: KWK Communications received at least 129 traceback notices from the industry traceback group between 2020 and 2022, which included high volumes of calls associated with IRS and Social Security Administration scams, auto warranty scams, and utilities scams. In just one month in 2022, KWK allegedly routed more than 20,000 calls with illegally spoofed telephone numbers and more than 8.7 million calls made using invalid Caller ID numbers.
Inbound Inc. Inbound received at least 63 traceback notices between 2021 and 2022, including many about calls that involved imposter scams. Inbound is also estimated to have allegedly routed more than 28.4 million DirecTV and cable discount scam robocalls in a single month in 2022. The FTC previously issued a cease-and-desist demand to Inbound over these scam calls.
AKA Management, Inc. AKA received at least 129 traceback notices between 2020 and 2022, including about calls that were government imposter scams and tech support scams. AKA is also estimated to have allegedly routed about 12.1 million Amazon and Apple imposter robocalls to consumers in a single month in 2022.
CallVox LLC: CallVox received more than 47 traceback notices between 2020 and 2022 warning of unlawful or suspicious robocalls that it helped move into and through the U.S. telephone network, including thousands of calls to people who were registered on the Do Not Call list and calls placed using illegally spoofed telephone numbers.
The letters warned that if these providers continue to transmit robocalls and violate state and federal laws, the task force may pursue further legal actions against these companies and their owners.
The Anti-Robocall Multistate Litigation Task Force of 51 bipartisan attorneys general investigates and takes legal action against those responsible for routing significant volumes of illegal robocall traffic into and across the United States.
State supporting more Hoosier families than ever before with On My Way Pre-K, CCDF
The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration’s Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning (OECOSL) is re-implementing a waitlist for new Child Care Development Fund (CCDF) and On My Way Pre-K (OMWPK) voucher applicants due to significant growth in both programs.
At this time, the waitlist will impact new child care voucher applicants. Vouchers support low-income families who make less than 150% of the federal poverty level (FPL), which is about $45,000 for a family of four, and have a service need including employment, seeking employment or enrollment in an education or training program.
OECOSL will continue to re-enroll children already receiving vouchers as long as funding permits. The office will reassess the waitlist at the start of the next federal fiscal year in October.
The re-implementation of a waitlist for the first time since 2018 is due, in part, to efforts to improve access, affordability and quality of child care programs. Those efforts have included:
- The Indiana General Assembly increased CCDF and OMWPK eligibility to 150% of the FPL, up from 127%, which made more families eligible to participate in a voucher program.
- The state provided $35 million in Child Care Expansion and Employer-Sponsored Fund grants, both of which added new programs and grew existing programs, increasing access to child care programs.
- The state maximized an infusion of federal funds that started in 2018 and continued through the pandemic to invest in a high-quality child care system.
As a result, more than 30,000 additional children have participated in the voucher program in the last two years.
“The state’s continued efforts to improve access, affordability and quality of child care programs led us to supporting over 70,000 children with vouchers, allowing more families to work or go to school, and improving the state’s economy,” said Courtney Penn, Director of the Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning. “We will continue the important work of ensuring families have access to affordable, high-quality programs near their homes and workplaces.”
Gov. Eric J. Holcomb and the Indiana General Assembly have prioritized early child care and education by creating a more sustainable early childhood workforce and supporting more Hoosier families with vouchers. Both CCDF and OMWPK programs have grown substantially. OMWPK peaked last year, enrolling nearly 8,000 children, up 167% from just 3,000 children in 2019, the first year for the statewide program. CCDF has grown to more than 70,000 children this year, up 43% since 2019.
Once a new CCDF application is submitted, a child is placed on the waitlist. Priority is given to:
- On My Way Pre-K applicants
- Families who earn below 100% FPL
- Children of child care workers
All other applicants will receive vouchers on a first-come, first-served basis, as available.
Information is available to support families and providers as they navigate the transition:
- Child Care Waitlist FAQ
- Families can call 211 for their local eligibility offices and Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) specialist’s contact information, and for help identifying child care options.
- Providers can call the SPARK Help Desk at 800-299-1627 for their local eligibility office’s contact information, and to ask general programming questions.India
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By Jerry Curry, Writer and Nathaniel Smith, Editor
It seems the fact that there is a Friday the 13th this December has sparked something in Salem… Have you noticed the unusual and eerie creature on the square? It can usually be found prowling from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., but just what is it? Well, this horned, half-goat, half-demon creature is known in legends and lore as Krampus.
Occasionally appearing with a long beard, Krampus has a large tongue, long tail and wild eyes. Covered in fur and adorned with menacing teeth, this German folklore legend is said to go alongside Saint Nicholas as he rewards well-behaved children. Krampus, however, is known to beat misbehaved children with birch rods, and it is even said that he takes children away to be tortured and worse… never to be seen again.
But don’t worry, the Krampus lurking on the square has a different intent entirely. The friendly face under the costume, made by his wife Melissa, is Joshua Calvin. Joshua and Melissa (Mel) are raising money for Stephanie Pike, who is a local cancer patient. Stephanie's monthly medical bills reach heights of $16,000 after insurance, and Joshua and Mel thought this would be a great way to help out as well as drum up excitment for the upcoming Christmas season.
The Calvin's are also making and selling jewelry and candles. Please consider making a purchase or giving a donation to help ease the financial burden for Stephanie during the holidays. If you would like to contribute, contact Mel Calvin on Facebook, and come get your picture with Krampus! He will be on the square this week from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, Monday and Wednesday.
Photos by Mel Calvin.
The Square in Salem was bustling with activity this past Saturday, December 7 for the Christmas Magic in Salem event. From 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., Salem residents and visitors alike were greeted with food, crafts, vendors and more.
The Corydon Dulcimer Society and choirs from Westview Christian Church and the county elementary schools were present to provide music during the festivities, and Santa and Mrs. Claus were there as well for photos and stories. You could even go on a horse and wagon ride courtesy of the Grinch! This event was a fantastic way to get the community in the Christmas spirit and a great time for the whole family.
You can find photos and video from Christmas Magic in Salem below!
Corydon Dulcimer Society Performing in the Salem Apothecary:
East Washington music teacher Allison Hein directing the EWES Choir
Mrs. Claus preparing to tell Christmas stories in the Apothecary.
Hunter's Ridge Winery.
Shephards Bluff Dairy Goats soap.
Photos and video by Nathaniel Smith.
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