Washington County - Thursday, August 1, 2024: A Salem man was arrested on a warrant for impersonating a public servant following an investigation by the Indiana State Police (ISP).    

The investigation began in mid-July when ISP Detective Travis Baker learned that 62-year-old William J. Salyer, of Salem, allegedly left two voicemails with an Arizona man in which Salyer identified himself as a detective with the Indiana State police. In the voicemails, Salyer allegedly stated that he would contact the Arizona State Police for theft charges if a locket mailed to Arizona was not immediately returned. 

It was learned that a woman residing in Salem had an online relationship with the Arizona man and mailed him a locket containing small portion of her deceased son’s ashes.  The locket was to be buried on a Native American reservation in Arizona. 

When the Arizona man returned the call and spoke with Salyer, he became suspicious Salyer was not a police officer and contacted the Indiana State Police in Sellersburg. 

The investigation included interviews with all parties involved.  At the conclusion of the investigation, all information was provided to the Washington County Prosecutor’s Office for review and possible charges. 

On Wednesday, July 31, 2024, an arrest warrant was issued for two counts of Impersonation of a Public Servant.  Each count is a Level 6 Felony. 

On Thursday morning, Deputy Devin Hopkins with the Washington County Sheriff’s Department arrested William Salyer on the warrant.  William Salyer was transported to the Washington County Jail without incident.

“All subjects are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.”

Historic Beck’s Mill will host its annual Grind XI 5K Run/Walk Anderson-Good Memorial Race on Saturday, Sept. 14.  Activities will be centered around the mill, located at 4433 S. Becks Mill Rd, Salem, IN.

The Grind 5K is the mill's largest annual fundraiser. All proceeds from the event will be used to preserve and maintain the mill.

This is a Mag 7 Race.  Race participants will receive five additional points for participating in this "Hidden Gem" race.

Registration will begin at 7:30 a.m., and racing starts at 9 a.m.

Early registrations before Sept. 1 are $25 with memorial shirt or $20 without a shirt. Registrations after Sept. 1 will be $25 and will not include a shirt.
 
Some shirts may be available for purchase on race day.

To register online, please visit: https://runsignup.com/Race/IN/Salem/TheGrind5KRunWalkatBecksMill

Race entry includes access to the mill and grounds for participants, including a post-race breakfast provided by Shady Patch Farm of Salem and snacks. Participants will enjoy the quiet countryside, tours of the mill and learning history of the mill.  Relaxing post-race comfort can be found at the waterfall (dam) at the old mill.  

There will be an award ceremony immediately after the race, including many door prizes.  Finisher medals will be given to the first 100 participants to cross the finish line. Awards will be given to the top three male and female finalists, as well.

Meals from the Mt. Carmel/Friends of Beck’s Mill Chicken Barbecue will be available, beginning 11 a.m. in the parking lot. Meals include chicken and two sides for $8. The barbecue is sponsored by Tyson and Walmart.

The race is in honor of Joyce Anderson, seventh-generation owner of Beck’s Mill who donated the mill to Friends of Beck’s Mill, and past board member and volunteer, Gerry Goode.

The Beck family built their first mill on this historic site in 1808. Their third mill still remains. The mill once ground corn, small grains such as wheat and processed wool; all powered by water!   

After setting idle for more than 50 years, the little grist mill south of Salem is now churning out a product that once made it famous. 

In 2008 Beck's Mill was returned in restored and operational condition to the directors of the Friends of Beck’s Mill, Inc. Beck’s Mill is operated solely by the efforts of an all-volunteer staff. The leadership of Friends of Beck’s Mill, Inc. continues to enhance the visitor experience to Beck's Mill every year as numerous new events are planned every season. 

Friends of Beck’s Mill is undergoing a restructuring of leadership and encourages everyone to become a member of the group. They recently issued the following statement, “It is vital that we keep the mill and it’s property are accessible and safe for all to enjoy its beauty. With this new leadership we are hoping to see new ideas to keep visitors interested in returning each year.”

“Thanks to our dedicated racers and generous sponsors, this race would only be successful because of your kindness and dedication in securing the historic mill’s future.”

Donations to help support the mill may be mailed to:
Friends of Beck’s Mill
P.O. Box 288
Salem, IN 47147