Salem, Indiana (February 11, 2025) – As technology becomes more ingrained in daily life, ensuring a safer digital environment for all is more important than ever. In recognition of Safer Internet Day 2025, join us to promote responsible and secure online practices, particularly for children and families.
This year’s theme, "Together for a Better Internet," highlights the collective responsibility of individuals, businesses, educators, and policymakers to create a safer digital world. With cyber threats and online risks increasing, the need for awareness and proactive measures has never been greater.
60% of children have encountered harmful or inappropriate content online.
1 in 3 internet users worldwide is a child, making online safety a top priority.
Over 70% of teens report experiencing cyberbullying, affecting their mental health and well-being.
Fraud and scams surged by 30% in the last year, with phishing and identity theft being the most common.Tips for Staying Safe Online
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For Parents & Kids: Monitor screen time, enable parental controls, and encourage open conversations about online experiences.
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For Businesses & Organizations: Prioritize cybersecurity measures, educate employees on phishing scams, and protect customer data.
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For Everyone: Use strong passwords, avoid sharing personal information, and exercise caution before clicking on links.
"As the digital landscape continues to evolve, we must stay ahead of potential risks and educate ourselves on safe online habits," said Mayor Justin Green "By working together, we can create a more secure and positive internet experience for everyone."
On Safer Internet Day, we encourage individuals, schools, and businesses to participate by promoting digital literacy, attending cybersecurity workshops, and supporting initiatives that protect online users.
During American Education Week, we celebrate education, inform the community about the importance of our schools, and honor local educators who make a difference in the lives of our students.
Local schools play an essential role in our community's success. With quality education and a supportive learning environment, the students in our community are empowered to reach their full potential and achieve their goals.
“The more our schools succeed, the more successful we become, both individually and as a community,” said City of Salem Mayor Justin Green. “The team supporting our schools is not only made up of educators but also includes staff, administrators, families, and community members who continually invest in the lives of young people. This week, we honor all who contribute to excellence in education in Salem Community Schools.”
As we celebrate American Education Week, take a moment to thank an educator, administrator, employee, or staff member.
This week, we celebrate Red Ribbon Week and raise awareness for drug prevention during the final days of Substance Abuse Prevention Month.
Substance abuse has a devastating impact on our communities, affecting everyone from adults to children and youth. Drug abuse not only damages the health of individuals but also causes disruption in families, trauma for children, and a decline in our community’s well-being. Prevention efforts like Red Ribbon Week and Substance Abuse Prevention Month are key to halting the drug epidemic and fostering better health for our families and fellow citizens.
Red Ribbon Week is the nation’s largest and longest-running drug-use prevention campaign aimed at keeping kids in our country drug-free. Started by the National Family Partnership in 1985, this initiative raises awareness by mobilizing communities and schools to educate youth and promote drug prevention activities. During Red Ribbon Week, we highlight the importance of living a drug-free life and reinforce drug-free messages for children and students.
Alongside Red Ribbon Week, National Substance Abuse Prevention Month provides an opportunity for communities to partner in the prevention of drug use. By raising awareness for these causes, we advocate for the prevention of substance abuse and its associated harms to individual well-being and community health.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration encourages citizens to “Tell the prevention story” by sharing how prevention is improving lives, demonstrating that prevention works, and showcasing its positive effects nationwide.
“Preventing drug abuse in people of all ages is critical to stopping use before it becomes a problem,” said Washington County Prosecutor Tara Coats Hunt. “If we can prevent drug use and abuse early on, we can avoid many of the negative consequences for individuals and improve outcomes for our families and communities.”
To celebrate Red Ribbon Week and Substance Abuse Prevention Month this October, consider talking to a friend, family member, or child about the dangers of drug use and encourage activities that lead to a safer community and better health for all.
The City of Salem is alerting residents that repair work will begin on West Market Street this week.
The work will fix damages to the road from the agreed Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) detour of Highway 56 last year.
Work on Market Street will involve lane restrictions only and require no road closure. Road repair crews should finish the project within two weeks, weather permitting.
Halloween is just around the corner, and children will soon be taking the streets of Salem in search of treats. To avoid any tricks, the City of Salem is reminding residents of safe ways to celebrate the holiday.
The American Safety Council recommends the following safety tips to “Scare Safe” this Halloween.
S: Stay in groups.
C: Costumes should be well fitting and flame resistant.
A: Always accompany children.
R: Remember to look both ways when crossing the street.
E: Examine all treats before eating.
S: Stay on sidewalks.
A: Avoid dark houses.
F: Flashlights and glow sticks should be used for visibility.
E: Enjoy Halloween with caution!
“We look forward to hosting another fun and safe Halloween here in Salem this year,” said City of Salem Mayor Justin Green. “By following these simple safety tips, we can ensure wholesome Halloween fun for all children, families and adults in our community.”
Trick-or-Treating in Salem will take place on Thursday, October 31 from 6-8 p.m. Residents are asked to leave their porch light on during these hours if they would like trick-or-treaters to visit their homes.
During Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we raise awareness of the impact of domestic violence and renew efforts to bring an end to this issue.
Domestic violence unfortunately continues to be one of the most underreported crimes. Statistics show that as much as 40% of women and 26% of men in Indiana have experienced some form of violence by a partner or spouse. These cases remain among the most difficult and complex cases to investigate and to ensure victim safety in the future.
This type of violence may include physical, verbal, sexual, or psychological abuse including stalking, harassment, intimidation, isolation, financial control and more. Unfortunately, there are many reasons that make it difficult for domestic violence survivors to leave an abusive relationship (children, pets, finances, housing, love, etc.). This situation may seem difficult for the outside world to understand and collectively it can leave survivors feeling unsupported and hopeless.
“It’s crucial that survivors of domestic violence have the support from our office and community,” said Washington County Prosecutor Tara Coats Hunt. “Too often these heinous acts go unreported for a wide variety of reasons, and many victims feel trapped with nowhere to go or are worried no one will believe them. We must educate ourselves on understanding domestic violence and how we can best support victims and their families."
Harvest season is underway, and drivers should remember the importance of sharing the road safely with agricultural equipment. The next few months mark a critical period for our local farmers, as they work tirelessly to bring in their crops. Their equipment can be very large and move slowly on county roads and highways.
Key Safety Messages:
- Keep an eye out: Operators of farm machinery cannot always see motorists, so pay close attention, especially when driving by fields as equipment could unexpectedly enter the road.
- Slow down: Drivers should slow down, as farm equipment cannot react quickly and it will take the operator time to slow down.
- Stay a safe distance away: Be aware that farm machinery may appear to be turning in a different direction than they really are, so staying a safe distance away allows for greater visibility.
- Use caution when passing: Use extreme caution if passing equipment, ensuring the road is wide enough and that there is no oncoming traffic.
- Be aware of surroundings: Don’t become distracted by farm equipment and always follow the rules of the road.
"Our farmers work hard to supply food to our tables, working early mornings and late nights," said City of Salem Mayor Justin Green. "We want to ensure safety on the roads during this busy time of year, and we can do so by being extra careful and considerate."
As students prepare to head back to school in August, parents and community members are reminded of critical safety information to keep kids safe.
“Sending students back to school is an annual reminder of our duty to keep the kids of our community safe,” said Sheriff Brent Miller. “Parents and community members must respect the law and follow this crucial guidance to promote a safe learning environment for our kids. When we all do our part, we keep our kids, families, and fellow community members out of harm’s way.”
The importance of trees in an urban landscape can’t be overstated. They add beauty, provide shade, help mitigate carbon dioxide emissions and handle storm water.
As a designated Tree City USA, the City of Salem will once again celebrate Arbor Day with planting a ceremonial tree.
“I am proud to say that Salem is continuing its long-standing legacy of being a Tree City USA participant,” said Mayor Justin Green.
“As the Tree Board has for many years, members will be planting a special tree dedicated in honor of Arbor Day,” said Green.
Free saplings for residents will be given out behind City Hall at Heritage Park. This year, tree distribution will be Pecan and Black Walnut varieties. The Tree Board will be giving out trees on Wednesday, April 24.
In addition, the City of Salem is planting 40 trees throughout the community as part of a tree replacement program with the North Main Street project.
“Increasing our tree canopy throughout the city brings many benefits and enhances the visual appearance for years to come,” said Green. “I encourage all residents to care properly for their trees and to consider planting one on their property in an appropriate location.”
On April 8th, the City of Salem eagerly anticipates its role in the national coverage of the Solar Eclipse, an event of a lifetime that will capture the hearts and minds of both visitors and residents alike.
As preparations reach their final stages, Mayor Green emphasizes the city's commitment to ensuring public safety remains the top priority throughout the day.
"Months of meticulous planning by the Heart of Salem Mainstreet Committee have gone into addressing every aspect, from traffic management to security and waste disposal," Mayor Green assures. "Our goal is to provide a seamless experience for all attendees while maintaining the highest standards of safety."
To accommodate the influx of visitors, designated camping sites have been identified at Salem Speedway, Delaney Creek Park, John Hay Center, and the lower level of the Fair Grounds.
In addition to camping options, food will be readily available, with local restaurants fully stocked and mobile vendors on-site.
Mayor Green encourages attendees to explore the restaurants Salem has to offer, accessible through the Washington County Chamber of Commerce website.
As the event approaches, travelers should plan their departure times wisely, considering potential congestion on the roads following the eclipse.
"We encourage those able to adjust their schedules to do so, allowing for a smoother transition and minimizing traffic disruptions," Green advises.
Safety remains paramount, especially when viewing the eclipse. Eclipse glasses with the ISO 12312.2 stamp, available for free at Salem City Hall courtesy of the Washington County Tourism Bureau.
For additional event tips and information, please visit https://www.in.gov/dhs/solar-eclipse-2024/.
Event Details:
Obscuration: 100.00%
Magnitude: 1.0043
Duration: 2 hours, 33 minutes, 40 seconds
Duration of totality: 2 minutes, 7 seconds
Partial begins: April 8th at 1:49:03 pm
Full begins: April 8th at 3:05:57 pm
Maximum: April 8th at 3:07:01 pm
Full ends: April 8th at 3:08:04 pm
Partial ends: April 8th at 4:22:45 pm
Major infrastructure improvements are continuing in downtown Salem. “I want to update the residents of our city on the changes that are ongoing,” said Mayor Justin Green. “I also want to express appreciation for their patience and understanding while the much needed improvements continue.”
The Main Street construction that began last year continues on schedule with an anticipated completion date June of 2024. This upgrade to Main Street was the result of being awarded a Federal Highway grant issued through INDOT.
The emphasis now is on the square, which has a multi-pronged approach:
- Pedestrian islands will be constructed to meet federal requirements.
- Parking islands will be redesigned for smoother parking and driving.
- Ramps will be adjusted as needed to meet ADA specifications.
- Crosswalks will be redesigned and feature an improved appearance at the four gates.
- Landscape and streetscape improvements will be made for an enhanced appearance.
“These improvements will not only enhance the appearance of our beautiful square, but its function as well,” said Mayor Green. “All the changes have been designed to accommodate both regular motorists as well as commercial traffic, including 50-foot semi traffic.”
The estimated date for completion of the Salem square improvements is summer of 2024.
Major infrastructure improvements are continuing in downtown Salem. “I want to update the residents of our city on the changes that are ongoing,” said Mayor Justin Green. “I also want to express appreciation for their patience and understanding while the much needed improvements continue.”
The Main Street construction that began last year continues on schedule with an anticipated completion date June of 2024. This upgrade to Main Street was the result of being awarded a Federal Highway grant issued through INDOT.
The emphasis now is on the square, which has a multi-pronged approach:
- Pedestrian islands will be constructed to meet federal requirements.
- Parking islands will be redesigned for smoother parking and driving.
- Ramps will be adjusted as needed to meet ADA specifications.
- Crosswalks will be redesigned and feature an improved appearance at the four gates.
- Landscape and streetscape improvements will be made for an enhanced appearance.
“These improvements will not only enhance the appearance of our beautiful square, but its function as well,” said Mayor Green. “All the changes have been designed to accommodate both regular motorists as well as commercial traffic, including 50-foot semi traffic.”
The estimated date for completion of the Salem square improvements is summer of 2024.
Change is a constant in our lives and it has certainly been prominent in City of Salem Mayor Justin Green’s first term. Working in partnership with the Salem City Council and other officials as well as many local and state organizations and agencies has resulted in many positive changes for the city.
“I am so grateful for the relationships we have sustained and built over these past three years,” said Mayor Green. “My goal when I was elected was to position Salem for the future and I am proud to say we have taken major steps in building a brighter tomorrow for our great city.”
Regarding the construction of several innovative infrastructure projects, downtown Salem will be easier to navigate and utilities will be upgraded to meet needs for many years and future generations. “The city has successfully pursued federal highway grants and Community Crossing grants to fund these projects, with local matching funds,” said Mayor Green. “These extensive projects would not be possible without these grant programs. As we collaborate with state and federal agencies, it's worth noting that the city aligns with their schedule.”
A city project that included designing a new entrance to Bristol Street and Highway 56 will make this area safer for motorists.
Salem and Washington County’s participation in the Our Southern Indiana READI initiative will bring major improvements to the city, including the Lake Salinda Bath House, improvements at the Salem Municipal Airport, and infrastructure and property acquisition for a workforce housing project on North Shelby Street.
The Covid-19 pandemic was a major challenge for the city, but Mayor Green was able to secure $250,000 in American Recovery Plan Act funds to assist small businesses. “Thanks to this financial support, our community's small businesses managed to endure,” said Mayor Green.
Maintaining a well-trained and well-equipped emergency response team is vital to ensure a safe city. Under Mayor Green, new equipment has been added for both the Salem City Police Department and Salem Fire Department.
The addition of a portable speed/radar sign is making city streets safer by raising awareness of motor vehicle speeds.
Mayor Green is constantly networking and exploring opportunities that might benefit the city. He is currently attending new READI 2.0 meetings for the next phase of the multi-county regional development.
Other projects currently that will further improve Salem include:
- A new Splash Pad Water Park – Approval for permitting has been granted, and the final engineering phase is currently underway, along with additional land acquisition.
- Working with Duke Energy to start an LED street light program – The contract has been executed, and the project is scheduled to commence in the third quarter of 2024.
- Installing EV charging stations in partnership with Washington County Tourism to help attract visitors.
- Partnering with the Humane Society on a new Animal Shelter – Finishing touches are being made along with new fencing for the dog park.
The city of Salem is on an upward trajectory, experiencing continuous growth and driving economic prosperity. A welcoming atmosphere for small businesses has attracted numerous newcomers, injecting fresh attraction into the local community.
“There are a multitude of projects that are either underway or in the planning stages that will make our city an even better place to live and work,” said Mayor Green. “I appreciate the efforts of everyone involved in each of these projects and I promise to continue working to move Salem toward a great future.”
Indiana Department of Transportation contractor Milestone Contractors is scheduled to temporarily close S.R. 56 in Salem for road reconstruction work.
On or after Tuesday, October 10, crews will close S.R. 56 between the intersection of S.R. 135 and S.R. 60 in Salem to lay surface mix. Work is expected to take up to three days, weather permitting. Access to all properties will be maintained while work is in progress. The official detour will follow S.R. 135 to U.S. 150 to S.R. 56.
INDOT reminds motorists to slow down, use caution and drive distraction-free in and near work zones. All work is weather-dependent and schedules are subject to change.
Please Note: All local traffic will have access through side streets.
