• Salem High School
• Football
• Sports/Outdoors
• Running

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By: Nathaniel Smith, Website Editor

On Friday, August 9th, the new turf field at the Salem High School was officially completed and dedicated to former coach and principal, Jim Ralston.

This highly anticipated project was made possible by the Wilson Education Service Center (WESC) along with Hellas. It was led by WESC Executive Director Brent Minton who attended Salem Community Schools as a student and football player, later taught as a teacher, and coached football as well alongside Jim Ralston.

“Salem [Community Schools] reached out to us last year around November saying, ‘we’re looking at turf fields, can you get us some quotes?’ So we reached out to our vendors, one of those being Hellas. Salem was really drawn to what Hellas could offer, and what they have accomplished with other fields,” said Minton.

At 6:30 p.m. on that Friday night, a large crowd gathered to view the brand new turf field at Salem High School, and to celebrate the man that it has been dedicated to. Community members, students, and former players all came out to show support for the field and for Jim Ralston.

The dedication began with words from former coworker and friend, Hank Weeden, and was followed by words from former player Jamie Richardson. Both had nothing but wonderful things to say about Ralston, but there was one common factor behind everything said that night: Ralston has made a massive impact in every single life he has touched. Through his kindness, sense of humor and smile, he has worked hard to make the community and world a better place.

Jim Ralston began his career at Salem High School on May 19, 1978 on his 26th birthday. Ralston received a phone call from the superintendent at the time offering him a job at the school as the football coach.

“My first game was such a memorable event. We fought through a 5-overtime game with West Washington, surviving a touchdown and a two-point conversion just to go to another overtime,” said Ralston. “By the way, we won, and the victory set the tone for the next season.”

Ralston went on to coach football at Salem for the next 19 years.

“A relationship between a coach and his players is special, and for me, cannot be forgotten. It was so much fun. The players dedicated their time with sweat and energy to do their best for our team. I want to thank all of them for their dedication, and for helping to make this day possible. I also want to thank our great fans. Many times at away games, our crowd would be larger than the home team,” said Ralston.

After looking out at the new turf field, Ralston said, “this field very much belongs to all of us. Past, present and future, who dedicate time and energy to the students of Salem Community Schools.”

Ralston then went on to provide the future benefits of the new turf field.

“No more outdoor troubles in soccer games, no more band contests called off because of a super wet field. No more mowing, watering or lining the field. This is a field to be proud of, and one that will serve our community for many years.”

He concluded by reciting a motto that he has said to his students and players for many years.

“Over the 19 years of my coaching career, I constantly repeated to my players: ‘work hard, do things correctly, and good things will happen to you.’ I offer you this motto, and I wish you the best of luck in this season,” said Ralston. “Again, thank you so much for this honor, and no matter where I live, I will always be a Salem Lion.”

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The Ogle Center at Indiana University Southeast is pleased to announce its 2024-2025 Ogle Center Presents season.

“The Ogle Center is where our community comes together to share its mutual love of the arts in southern Indiana,” said Kirk Randolph, Ogle Center director. “We have assembled an exciting variety of performances by nationally-touring groups along with the return of the annual Holiday Pops concerts that have become a family tradition for so many.”

According to Randolph, “the Ogle Center really has been the heart of arts and entertainment for the southern Indiana region for nearly 30 years, and we’re thrilled to be able to add to the quality of life for our community.”

Along with its signature series, THE OGLE CENTER PRESENTS, the Ogle Center is pleased to welcome back the LOUISVILLE ORCHESTRA for its 2024-2025 NightLites series of concerts, featuring incredible classical pieces presented in the intimate setting of the Ogle Center’s Stem Concert Hall. Audiences can also enjoy performances by the students of the IU Southeast Music Department and the IU Southeast Theatre Department.

In addition to live performances, the Ogle Center will continue to host university events, lectures, art exhibits, and other community events. 

Tickets go on sale August 19, 2024.

Tickets should be purchased online at oglecenter.com.  In-person ticket sales are by appointment only. To schedule an appointment, email the Ogle Center at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call (812) 941-2525.

Free parking for Ogle Center events is available in the Dogwood lot directly in front of the Ogle Center and the Hickory lot directly behind the Ogle Center from one hour prior to the start of a performance until one hour following the conclusion of the event. Vehicles parked in other locations and/or at other times may be subject to ticketing.

For more information about the 2024-2025 season, please visit oglecenter.com or call (812) 941-2525.

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A decade ago, the Indiana Chamber of Commerce commissioned a study on the state’s water supply to provide an account of the resource so vital for everyday life and economic development.

Now, through the Indiana Chamber Foundation, the organization will release its follow-up research, “Water Policy and Planning: A 10-Year Update” on Monday. This new report is intended to set the stage for the production and implementation of an integrated water management plan for the state. Like its first effort, this study was prepared for the Indiana Chamber Foundation by INTERA Incorporated, which has a location in Bloomington.

Join the virtual press conference to learn about the report’s recommendations and ask questions of:

• Jack Wittman, project leader and vice president and principal water resource hydrologist for INTERA

• Greg Ellis, general counsel and vice president of energy and environmental policy and federal affairs for the Indiana Chamber 

The virtual press conference will take place on Monday, August 19th at 1 p.m. The conference can be accessed through the following link:

Join Zoom Meeting

https://indianachamber.zoom.us/j/87408471373?pwd=Ph93efbzSEuuXIuduzsaa2IbRqHfDZ.1

Meeting ID: 874 0847 1373

Passcode: 241713

For more information, please contact:

Rebecca Patrick at (765) 527-7400 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Matt Ottinger at (317) 416-5775 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.