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There are several blood drives planned in Washington County through February.

 Dates and locations include:

Friday, Jan. 3
First Christian Church
305 East Walnut Street
Salem
12 noon-5 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 21
West Washington High School
8028 W. Batts Road
Campbellsburg
9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Wednesday, Jan. 29
Westview Christian Church
2638 N. West Washington School Road and Hwy. 60
Campbellsburg
2-6 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 14
Washington County Family YMCA
1709 N. Shelby St.
Salem
1-5 p.m.

Every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood. It is essential for surgeries, cancer treatment, chronic illnesses, and traumatic injuries. Whether a patient receives whole blood, red cells, platelets or plasma, this lifesaving care starts with one person making a generous donation.

 Blood Supply Statistics 

The Red Cross provides about 40% of our nation’s blood and blood components, all from generous volunteer donors. But supply can’t always meet demand because only about 3% of age-eligible people donate blood yearly. Each new donor helps us meet patient needs

 • Each year, an estimated 6.8 million people in the U.S. donate blood.

• 13.6 million units of whole blood and red blood cells are collected in the U.S. in a year.

• About 45% of people in the U.S. have Group O (positive or negative) blood; the proportion is higher among Hispanics (57%) and African Americans (51%).

• Type O negative red cells can be given to patients of all blood types. Because only 7% of people in the U.S. are type O negative, it’s always in great demand and often in short supply.

Type AB plasma can be transfused to patients of all blood types. Since only 4% of people in the U.S. have type AB blood, this plasma is usually in short supply.

• Red blood cells must be used within 42 days (or less).

• Platelets must be used within just 5 days. 

 Facts About Blood Needs

• Every 2 seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood and or platelets.

• Approximately 29,000 units of red blood cells are needed every day in the U. S.

• Nearly 5,000 units of platelets and 6.500 units of plasma are needed daily in the U.S.

• Nearly 16 million blood components are transfused each year in the U.S.

• Sickle cell disease affects 90,000 to 100,000 people in the U.S. About 1,000 babies are born with the disease each year. Sickle cell patients can require blood transfusions throughout their lives.

• The average red blood cell transfusion is approximately 3 units.

• A single car accident victim can require as many as 100 units of blood.

• Blood and platelets cannot be manufactured; they can only come from volunteer donors.

• The blood type most often requested by hospitals is type O.

• One donation can help save more than one life.

• According to the American Cancer Society, more than 1.9 million people are expected to be diagnosed with cancer in 2023. Many of them will need blood, sometimes daily, during their chemotherapy treatment.

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CAST (Creating Avenues For Student Transformation), a southern Indiana Dyslexia resource center, is seeking donations to help fund the organization's efforts in 2025. CAST relies solely on donations to fund their tutoring and mentoring services.

“Dyslexia is a specific learning disability related to reading. Studies show up to 20% of the population in the United States is affected at some level with dyslexia. Children who are unable to read by the third grade are more likely to drop out of school.”

“Help our students achieve their full potential by supporting this effort,” she added.

You can share the hope of literacy with a local student by giving here: www.castwashco.org, paypal.me/CASTWC, Venmo @CASTWashCo or by cash or check to 1707 N Shelby St #107, Salem, IN 47167.

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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 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit wcfymca.org.

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.

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Members of the Washington County 4-H Junior Leaders worked feverishly on Thursday evening, Dec. 19, to prepare 430 cheeseballs for their annual Christmas-time fundraiser.
Because of a scheduling conflict this year, the group could not begin working on the project until later in the afternoon, rather than their traditional start time of 11 a.m. With a lot of hard work, and help from several former members and adult volunteers, the cheeseballs were prepared and distributed on time.

For over 30 years, the Junior Leaders have sold cheeseballs to raise money to pay for their annual Achievement Trip. Gatlinburg, Tennessee is a favored destination for the group’s 2025 trip.

Junior Leaders is a state-wide 4-H program for students in grades 7-12. Washington County’s Junior Leaders include members from the Salem, Eastern and West Washington school systems. The program has 20 members.

Junior Leaders provide assistance to the adult volunteer leaders, help various 4-H clubs and with related activities and serve as mentors and role models for younger 4-H members.

The Junior Leaders only offer their cheeseballs three times a year—leading up to Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas. The cheeseballs are just $8 each and come in three varieties: plain, parsley, and pecan.

Over 600 pounds of cream cheese, chipped beef and secret spices were used for the recent order. During this past Thanksgiving, 330 cheeseballs were made and sold.

The Junior Leaders will be making cheeseballs again in April 2025, just before Easter. Watch this website and other news outlets for ordering deadlines and details. Orders can be placed with the Washington County Extension Office by calling 812-883-4601.

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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:

Retirement 8