• Law & Justice
• Crime
• Sheriff's Department

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This January, we join the nation in recognizing National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. This is a time to raise awareness about human trafficking, honor the resilience of survivors, and promote efforts to prevent this rampant global crime. 

According to a 2024 report from the International Labour Organization, profits from forced labor have surged to $236 billion annually, a 37% increase over the past decade, with nearly 50 million people living in modern slavery. Often concealed in plain sight, modern slavery is a pervasive issue that affects every part of the world.

In the United States alone, thousands of cases are reported each year, but there are many more that go unreported. Trafficking can involve forced labor, sexual exploitation, and other forms of coercion. National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month emphasizes the importance of education, vigilance, and collective action to protect those at risk and hold perpetrators accountable.

"Human trafficking is a violation of basic human rights and dignity,” said Sheriff Brent Miller. “With millions of people impacted, including children, it is critical that we raise awareness and take action.”

Key Statistics to Know:

• 70% of trafficking victims are women and girls.
• Forced labor accounts for 86% of human trafficking globally.
• In the U.S., more than 10,000 cases were reported in 2022, with California, Texas, and Florida reporting the highest numbers.

What You Can Do to Help:

• Learn the signs of trafficking, such as restricted freedom of movement, fear of authority figures, and signs of physical abuse.
• Share educational materials to raise awareness in your community.
• Support organizations working to end human trafficking through donations or volunteerism.

“Human trafficking is a problem that isn’t getting better with time – in fact, crimes involving human trafficking are increasing annually,” said Prosecutor Tara Coats Hunt. “I urge residents to educate themselves about this crime and to alert authorities if you suspect someone may be a victim.”

The National Human Trafficking Hotline is 1-888-373-7888. For more information, visit the website http://humantraffickinghotline.org.

• Campbellsburg
• Communities
• Lifestyle

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By Jerry Curry, Staff Writer

Hope with a Hammer has left its fingerprint on Campbellsburg on more than one occasion now. Starting next month, the organization will be starting phase two on the project called “Ryder’s House.” Phase one was the concrete slab and plumbing, and phase two will commence construction on the house.

Ryder lives in an old trailer handed down from 1955 with his father, mother and 9-year-old brother. Ryder has Chromosome deletion Q23, which is a condition that only 11 people in this country have. This has left him with numerous setbacks: 50% deaf, poor right eye sight, nonverbal, unable to regulate body temperature, delayed muscle growth and lives with a feeding tube. Not only that, but he is confined to a wheelchair. The temperature and climate are very hard to regulate in the old trailer, and Hope with a Hammer is determined to remedy this.

The most recent completed project was the upgrade on Jerry and Alejandra Hartlage’s home, also located in Campbellsburg, called "Miracle Acres." Jerry is a former Marine from Kentucky who had been diagnosed with two forms of stage four lymphatic cancer in 11 different parts of his body, and Alejandra was the interpreter for Jerry in Mexico on his missionary trips. Thankfully, Jerry is now totally cancer free. Jerry and Alejandra ministered together in Mexico where Alejandra held citizenship before becoming a U.S. citizen. At one time, he even helped run 29 churches.

The Hartlage’s originally lived in a 125 square foot camping trailer. They bought the 2.2-acre site about 3 ½ years ago, but Hope with a Hammer, the Maryville, Tennessee based organization, built the home they live in now.

The crew arrived and took care of business, and the cost was around $5,500. The electrical system had to be upgraded from 100 amps service to 200 amps to handle the new heat pump system. All money used in Hope with a Hammer projects is donated by generous community members all across the nation. The funds for this particular project came from six states and two countries.

The house was not only built by Hope with a Hammer, but they also furnished the appliances and cabinetry. The ceiling is knotty pine, and the trim is clear wood which the couple loves. The barn Jerry has was built by the Amish. The Amish call this a “Frolic,” which is simply a gathering where Amish men and boys come together to accomplish a large task.

Jerry spoke of many difficult moments during their time in Mexico. Gangs and religious persecutions were ongoing dangerous obstacles. Their missionary location was in an extreme southernmost area of Mexico called Chiapas on the border of Guatemala, which is a hotbed for conflict between the general population, government and cartels. A gang once told a missionary named McGill to tell the people he was lying about the Gospel; he refused and they cut off his ear and hung him. When I asked Jerry what his denomination was, he replied, Pentecostal, and he spoke of many miracles and conversations he and Alejandra had witnessed. The Hartlage’s have written a book called, “Redneck & Mexican in the Hands of God.” However, it is now out of circulation.

One of their current projects is to furnish motorcycles to enable people in Mexico to spread the word of God. These Italian-made motorcycles cost roughly $1,400 each. If you would like to give to this mission, mail a tax-deductible donation to: Freedom Ministries, 5886 Old State Road 56, Salem, Indiana, 47167. The couple are available to speak to any church, Bible study, or anywhere else at any time. Their email is This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., and Jerry can be reached at 965-290-2244 or Alejandra at 965-652-5028.

Jerry and Alejandra Hartlage

Photos by Jerry Curry.

• City of Salem
• Road Safety
• Salem Police Department

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By Jerry Curry, Staff Writer

On the west side of the Salem town square was a minor accident on January 2. Two Ford trucks collided while one was backing out of a parking spot. The truck adorned with Eddie Gilstrap decals was driven by Steve Motsinger, and the gray truck by Mike Hobson.

The Salem Fire department was called to clean up the debris consisting of a trail of plastic and metal parts, and the Salem Police Department was present to write the report for the accident. Thankfully, no one was injured despite the damage done to the vehicles.

Photos by Jerry Curry.