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By Jerry Curry, Staff Writer

If you never participated in the Polar Purge this could be your year! Presented by Special Olympics as a fundraiser with 19,000 members state wide, this is the 26th year of the Polar Plunge and is the largest money raising event for the organization. Their sayings are “Be Bold, Get Cold,” and “Freezin’ for a Reason.” Meeting at Deam Lake, groups and individuals step down into the water and splash around in the 194-acre ice-cold bath. Each individual must raise at least $99 to join in the fun; the state goal is one million dollars. Individuals can still make virtual donations even if the plunge is not for you. To register and donate, Click Here!

Some groups that accept new members include Hannah's Frozen Friends or the Washington Co. Chillers group coordinated by Ray Owens. But feel free to start any group you want!

Aptly named the “world’s coolest field trip,” the first event is at Borden High School on Friday February 14 from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. The plunge begins at 10:30 a.m. at Deam Lake and is open to students.

The community plunge is Saturday, February 15 with registration from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and the Polar Plunge beginning at noon. After the plunge is the Splash Bash at 1:00 p.m. Plungers must be 12 years old the day of the event day to enter the water. Those under the age of 18 must have a signature from parent or guardian. Questions can be emailed to Scott Furnish at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. There are several sites in the state holding this event, however Deam Lake is closest to Salem and is located at 1217 Deam Lake Road, Borden.

In 2024, the group raised $136,000, and the total that took the plunge ended up being 337 individuals and 28 groups. The groups that collected the most money were Hannah’s Frozen friends and SOIN Clark and Floyd Counties Polar Bears tied at $26,000.

Last year, even members of the Washington County Sheriff’s Department joined in and they collected $2,300 for the event! Total people that took the plunge from Washington County was 34 and in total raised $14,050. Register and donate today to have a great time supporting a great cause!

Polar Plunge 2

Polar Plunge 3 Washington Co. Chillers

Polar Plunge 4

Polar Plunge 5 Group from Prosser.

Polar Plunge 6

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The John Hay Center will be operating on limited hours through the end of February. The staff will be using their time to clean the facilities and work on maintenance projects.

Beginning Saturday, Jan. 4, The Stevens Museum and The Depot will be open for visitors on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The John Hay Center will resume regular business hours--Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., on Thursday, Feb. 27.

The John Hay Center is located at 307 E. Market Street, Salem.

For information, please call 812-883-6495.

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By Jerry Curry, Staff Writer

Wednesday morning, December 18 at 12:44 a.m., the State of Indiana executed Joseph Edward Corcoran. Corcoran had been on death row since 1999 when he killed his brother and three other individuals on July 26, 1997. Previously, he had also killed his mother and father when he was 17 years old.

This was the first execution in Indiana in 15 years. However, there have been other executions in the state, but those were for federal crimes.

According to the Indiana Capital Chronicle, there were four people in the witness area that was intended for family and friends of Corcoran. Those present included a Capital Chronicle reporter Casey Smith, Corcoran’s wife Tahina and her son. Also present was Defense Attorney Larry Komp, and Rev. David Leitzel was also eventually allowed inside the chamber.

Corcoran tried to appeal the execution based on his mental condition but was deemed fit to stand trial. His mental illness was documented as early as age 17. When he was under psychological evaluation for the murder of his mother and father, Corcoran claimed that ultrasound machines were controlling him and his thoughts, and he maintained that claim until the end. The Seventh Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals voted 2-1 to deny a request to stay the execution. On several occasions, Corcoran refused to sign any paperwork to initiate a clemency review or other avenues that could have resulted in his removal from death row.

When asked if Corcoran had any last words, he replied with, “Not really. Let’s get this over with.” His last meal consisted of Ben and Jerry’s ice cream, and his body will be cremated and the ashes given to his wife.

Attorney General Todd Rokita issued the following statement on Joseph Corcoran's execution:

"Early this morning, Indiana conducted its first execution since 2009. Joseph Corcoran's case worked its way through our judicial system and today he finally paid his debt to society as justice was provided to his victims. A jury recommended and a judge imposed a sentence of death for the senseless murders of four people. My office fought to defend that sentence and state law every step of the way, and the Indiana Department of Correction carried it out professionally." - Todd Rokita

Execution room Death Chamber of Indiana State Prison in Michigan City. Photo by Indiana Department of Correction.

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A family friendly music festival for all ages will be at the Salem First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, located at 200 E. Walnut St, Salem. The Corydon Dulcimer Society (CDS), a homegrown 35-year-old non-profit music organization, will host the event for the third year on January 24 and 25.

Free concerts on Friday and Saturday nights will begin at 6:30 p.m. Friday night and 7 p.m. Saturday night with jamming afterwards.

Friday Evening Bands include: Corydon Dulcimer Society, Jim Smoak, and Brian Allen

Saturday Evening Bands include: Timeline, Wildflowers and Weeds, and Off the Rails

Have you ever wanted to learn a musical instrument? A variety of workshops will begin at 9 a.m. on Saturday. Folks of any age or experience can sign up for workshops at a cost of $20 for one or all. Classes include mountain dulcimer, ukulele, guitar, banjo, penny whistle, hammered dulcimer, noise makers, mandolin and a contra dance class.

There will be an open stage on Saturday from 2:45 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. Bands and individuals can sign up and perform two songs for the audience to enjoy.

Anyone can join in on the jam sessions during the day and after the concerts. Jam leaders will be on board to help beginners.

The Salem First Baptist Church has graciously helped this event succeed from the beginning by letting CDS use their beautiful Fellowship Hall.

The festival is sponsored in part by a generous grant from the Washington County Community Foundation. Registration forms can be obtained by contacting Susan White at 502-645-1191 or Gerry Neeley at 812-923-8005 or 502-572-7210. Be sure to come out for two nights of great music and fun!

Dulcimer

Dulcimer 2

Photos by Jerry Curry.

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The Salem Police Department is requesting the public's assistance in identifying the individual in the photograph. This person was involved in an incident at Walmart in Salem on December 29.

If you have any relevant information, please contact the Salem Police Department at: 812-883-5100 and request Officer Owen Bowers.