We're "ON" It! - The Owen News

The Historic Tivoli Theatre is inviting the community to take part in a one-of-a-kind fundraising event that blends adventure, storytelling, and generosity. Inspired by classic cinematic adventures, the event will guide guests through an immersive experience designed to raise funds for free community movie screenings, operational cost, and the projector replacement at the Tivoli.

Attendees will begin their journey at Base Camp, where they will collect a map and set out to explore the theatre in search of "relics" hidden throughout the building. These relics include auction items available for bidding as well as movie sponsorship opportunities that directly fund free movie experiences for the community.

From there, guests are encouraged to venture onto the stage, where lost artifacts and hidden treasures await among coils and shadows. Additional discoveries can be found high above in the balcony, while the Den of Viquesney houses a carefully guarded collection of rare finds, some available through spirited bidding and others offering the chance to sponsor free movie nights.

The adventure continues through the halls, where participants will help maneuver a rolling boulder challenge, with every donation moving it closer to the finish and unlocking additional free movies for local families.

"This event is about more than fundraising - it's about access," said theatre director Andrea White. "Every artifact discovered, every bid placed, and every sponsorship claimed helps ensure that movies remain a shared experience for everyone in our community."

The event will feature both in-person and online auction participation, allowing supporters near and far to join the expedition. Proceeds will directly support the Tivoli's mission to provide free and affordable movie programming while preserving the historic theatre as a community gathering place.

More information, including event details and online participation options, can be found at www.spencertivoli.org.

Judith "Judi" Epp did not wait for community to find her. Instead, she built it steadily, visibly and with a kind of courage that made others feel less alone.

Epp, one of the founding board members of Spencer Pride and a beloved community member, passed away at the end of November.

The Spencer Pride commUnity center, one of the many tangible reminders of Epp's legacy was overflowing with more than 200 individuals attending a celebration of life for Epp last month.

And per her final wishes and ever true to her nature of building for the future, the celebration of life also served as a fundraiser for the organization she helped create. She had it all planned, leaving her family to just execute the plan.

"She wanted Truman and Lucie to do the music. She wanted Jonathan to speak, and she knew that I couldn't," Jacob Balash said.

Jonathan Balash's remarks are recorded and posted to the Spencer Pride Facebook Page.

Balash and his husband, Jonathan, met Epp and her late first wife Beverly Camden in 2007. Balash heard about Epp's efforts to start a PFLAG in Owen County on BloomingOUT radio.

"It wasn't long and we realized that it wasn't adequate," he said. "We realized that straight people didn't want to talk to gay people about their gay kid. It needed to be a straight person talking to a straight person about their gay kid. So we were like, we do think this is a very important organization that we've created, but it needs to be more focused towards queer people, and so then we created Spencer Pride."

But Epp wasn't just a co-founder of Spencer Pride with Balash.

"Our relationship with Judi just sort of evolved. We found each other, and then we created pride, and then that relationship got deeper," he said. "It's interesting how we started out as just co-creaters, like we're going to do this thing because we're passionate about this, and then she just became family."

One of those significant deeper moments came when the Balash family considered expanding by having their son Truman.

"She approached us when Truman was in the oven and said, 'I've been Aunt Judi to lots of children, and that's great. And if there's any way, would you consider me being Grandma Judi to Truman?' I was taken aback by that because it's so sweet," Balash said. "I think titles are important, and I said, 'So if you did it, it could never go back. You will always be Grandma Judi no matter what.'"

And the permanency of such a title was never an issue for Epp.

"She's always been Grandma Judi to Truman, forever," Balash said.

Eventually, Epp's first wife Beverly passed away. The couple had been together for 40 years and married for 10 of those years once gay marriage became legal.

Epp then joined an online spousal grief support group and met Lucie Mathieu, whom she later married.

Approximately five years ago, Epp asked Balash to make her legally Truman's grandmother by allowing her to adopt Balash as her son. Though when Balash thinks about their relationship, Epp became family long before she legally adopted him as an adult.

"She's been grandma-mother for forever," he said. "I don't care about legal... What love tells you is real is real."

Epp and Balash shared tea and time together every Thursday and worked with one another on several projects and fundraisers for Spencer Pride throughout the years.

One of those projects was completed this year: installing an elevator to provide access to the upstairs of the Spencer Pride commUnity center.

While they all agreed accessibility was important, Balash thought the project would be toward the end of the list of renovations to the building that Spencer Pride owns, especially with a $200,000 price tag.

Epp insisted that it be moved up the priority list and secured a donation to fund the project.

"That was done this year. She rode in that elevator," Balash said. "I knew we would get it eventually, I just did not think it was going to be this year. That is all her."

In part of the area remaining to be renovated, the space will have a board room named in Epp's honor adorned with a 30-year-old African Violet that belonged to her.

"The nice thing is she has left such a legacy, and so many people that adore her and then are going to continue this mission," Balash said.

He said they wanted to raise more at Epp's celebration of life than they did for her 70th birthday, which they have done, though donations will be collected through the Owen County Community Foundation until the end of January. The extended time allows for donations to be made in honor of Epp's birthday month, as she was born on New Year's Day.

In addition, there will also be a blood drive in Epp's honor.

"When they were trying to save her, they used 20 units of blood, which was terrible. So we're doing a blood drive, and we're going to do 21 units of blood, at least, is the goal to try to give back to the community," Balash said.

He spoke about how important giving to others was to Epp who was also an organ and tissue donor. Portions of her skin was donated to help five breast cancer survivors.

"She was always focused on helping people and doing the best she could for the community," Balash said. "We want to continue her legacy...It's a lasting legacy that she has helped shape this community and make it what it is today just by being who she is, which I think is amazing. She realized early on that she was going to make life happen. She wasn't going to be the victim of life. She was going to take this and do the best she could."

He pointed to other aspects of who Epp was.

"She was a lesbian, a feminist, a career woman, when none of those things were acceptable," he said, adding that she did it anyway.

Balash also said she didn't take life for granted.

"She knew that she lived a fortunate life," he said. "She lived it to her fullest. So, as much as I wish she was still here, I think it's a treasure that she realized that she had a nice life. She was going to enjoy it. She was going to make the world a better place as much as she could."

He continued.

"Life didn't happen to Judi; Judi happened to life because she didn't just lay down and take anything," he said.

Epp was on what she called her decade of adventure, traveling around the world with her wife Lucie. The couple was scheduled to leave for a trip to the Galapagos Islands the day after she passed.

Balash spoke about Epp's belief in being authentic, bold, brave, unafraid of being visible.

"That's why Judi was so miraculous, and it was great that she was of a different generation than we were, and that she could show you, even a long time ago, you can live your truth, you can be who you are," he said.

In addition to filling the Spencer Pride commUnity center, several community members expressed their condolences and memories of Epp on social media. Balash said Epp had a way of taking care of and supporting others, knowing what they needed and providing it.

Former Spencer Police Chief posted "Glad I got the chance to hug you one more time. Going to miss that smile," along with photo from his retirement just a few months prior to Epp's passing.

Donald Bingham posted, "Tremendous loss not just for Pride but for the whole community. No, for all who work for a better world."

And Owen Valley Winery Owner Anthony Leaderbrand posted a tribute following Epp's celebration of life. "Today I was able to sit in a room and look upon the people who you touched. I listened to them speak of strength, power, intelligence, organization, resilience, dedication," he wrote. "I love you, and will never forget our conversations, and I will always appreciate your graceful spirit delivered with that beautiful smile challenging me to be a better person. You set the bar high, and walked the walk."

It was a sentiment that Balash shared in his own post, which he said was everything he wanted to be able to say at Epp's celebration of life but was unable to do so.

"When I got frustrated with people, she'd remind me that many folks are doing the best they can, and not everyone is built the way we are. She taught me to give grace," a portion of the post reads. "I'll continue working to make our community the best it can be --- creating the kind of love and acceptance she fought for and lived by."

Donations can be made online, by mail or in person to the OCCF with the memo Spencer Pride and Epp's name.

EDITOR'S NOTE CORRECTION: Richard Lorenz is quoted in this article as working for BBP Water Corp. While the quote was reported accurately as stated during the meeting, a board member of BBP Water Corp. has since clarified that Lorenz does not work for the corporation.

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Concerns welled up from residents who filled the room to speak against a conditional use transfer considered by the Owen County Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) until the new year.

The request was required as part of a change of ownership for a commercial water pumping enterprise on Pottersville Road.

The matter was ultimately tabled.

BZA President Sandra Calvert and members Beth Wood, Chad VanRyn and Alfio Saitta were all present at the meeting. Member Corbin Abrell was not in attendance at the Dec. 22 meeting.

The application came from BlueTriton Brands.

In 2021, One Rock Capital Partners and Metropoulos & Co. purchased Nestlé Waters North America and formed BlueTriton Brands. The company is in the process of merging with Primo Water to create Primo Water Brands. The company is responsible for bottled water brands such as Poland Spring, Arrowhead, Deer Park, Ice Mountain, Primo Water, Saratoga, Canadian Springs, Crystal Springs, Sierra Springs, Pure Life and Splash, among others.

BlueTriton was represented by local attorney Richard Lorenz.

"The application is for a conditional use, and it's because of the fact that there would be a change of ownership in this particular case. In 2017, this board, members here and other predecessors, had the opportunity to hear the application at that time, and they approved the conditional use at that time for Hydrology, and that was for essentially the extraction and distribution of water from the wells on that property and all," Lorenz said, adding that he reviewed the transcript from 2017 as well as the last BZA meeting. "I think many of the concerns are something I would call in Owen County the fear of change and all; that something is going to happen that is going to do harm or injury to someone or something. I don't think those things are present in this case. Some of the concerns about the amount of water being removed are totally limited by the voluntary agreement by the entity to keep the extraction at 50,000 gallons per day and all. Even the threshold for the state DNR is at 100,000, so you're half of that quantity."

Lorenz said that the sale and transfer is time sensitive, needing to be finished by the end of 2025.

He said they considered applying to just rezone the property.

"The fact of the matter is the application for conditional use actually gives the BZA more authority than it really would have over the rezone. The rezone would open it to any commercial enterprise thereafter without having to even come to the board except for the site plan and all. So you really have a willingness on the part of the applicant to limit its operations," Lorenz said.

Lorenz said that he spoke with the county highway department to ensure that the proper turnaround changes were made.

He also encouraged the BZA to consider the concerns brought forward in 2017 moot for this application.

"That's not before this board at the present time. Whatever those concerns were, I would suggest to you that they're substantively incorrect and legally incorrect. But the fact of the matter is the board has previously authorized this particular use, and it continues in use today and will tomorrow. That's not going to change. So those particular arguments are out of bounds for this particular matter," Lorenz said.

He added that a requirement to give back to the community was one thing that was discussed.

"I would like to encourage the board to think very pragmatically about what's happening here. You have a very significant buyer here who would be coming into our community much like Boston Scientific and Cook Urological that will automatically by its own initiatives contribute to the community. The current owners have already set up accounts with the community foundation in order for them to contribute to the community," he said. "It's also very dicey to think in terms of what do I have to give back to the community in order to get a zoning variance of any nature. It sounds like a quid-pro-quo that you've got to be very careful about in terms of how it appears to be. It's not a matter where you go in and buy a zoning application."

He said that the board has a standard for findings for the applications.

"It's not a matter where we come in and have an overall opinion that somehow this is not a good thing. We don't like water of this nature, or we don't like this particular jewelry store or that number of gas stations. That's not what we're doing in this particular proceeding or in actually any BZA matter. What you're trying to do is determine whether the applicant has met the criteria for the application," Lorenz said.

He said that it is "going to be particularly helpful to the community at large," citing that every convenience store in the county carries the water, with it coming back to the community, which is drinking it.

"We understand why people would be fearful that something would happen to their wells or whatever, but remember on the well on that individual property is privately owned and is able to be used. It is not a community public resources, and there are arguments that the State of Indiana has said we, state of Indiana, will control how much is take from the ground and under what circumstances that the aquifers are in the jurisdiction of the state and not of the county," Lorenz said.

Arlene Vincent, Senior Natural Resource Manager at Primo Brands, spoke next saying that they submitted letters and testimonials from other communities in which the company operates in. She also cited examples of the company's emergency disaster response in Indiana and Kentucky in which the company sent water to the impacted area, saying the company has a long track record of doing so.

The matter was then opened for public comment, all of which was against the conditional use.

One of the comments came from Tom Parrish who resides next to the site.

"As Mr. Lorenz indicated, there's a lot of things that Blue Triton's doing, and you know, all I'm hearing is they're taking resources from Owen County. They're extracting the water, sending it to Greenwood," he said. "So basically at this point, you know, as I stand, I'm still opposed to this. I don't like large corporations coming into Owen County and taking the finite resources from our tax base."

Jacob Balash also spoke.

"I would be against pumping any more of the water out. I just think this is a finite resource, and this is just exiting our county and there's only so much of it. So then we have wear and tear on our roads which is not wonderful and then the depletion of water," he said. "I would rather this not happen at all, and I'd love for it to just be stopped."

The potential for weight in excess of the limits for county roads and bridges came up several times. The company hauls the water in 6,000 gallon tanker trucks, which weigh between 20,000 and 35,000 pounds or 10 to 17.5 tons when empty, which exceeds the 16,000 or 8 ton limit that a member of the public claimed the county has on Pottersville Road. Water weighs 8.34 pounds per gallon, meaning 6,000 gallons of water along weighs 50,040 pounds or just more than 25 tons. Combined, the weight of the tanker truck and the water could be between 70,000 pounds or 35 tons and 85,000 pounds or 42.5 tons.

Shea Finnegan was next to speak and asked questions.

"I just have questions I guess, and I don't feel like we're getting 100 percent transparency," Finnegan said. "As far as how is this benefitting out community, I'm still not clear in what way this is benefitting our community. What I do know is yes, there are tanker trucks on Pottersville Road, which just by the sheer weight and frequency of use destroys the road over time. And that is a county concern because that's who will be responsible for repairing the road."

Finnegan also cited concerns over 50,000 gallons per day being drawn.

"The average household uses about 300 gallons a day, conservative estimate. And in that way, that would be 166 households per day that they're taking that much water out of our aquifer. It's a finite resource," Finnegan said. "I have significant concerns, and yeah we may be drinking the same water that comes out of it at the local store. I don't want to have to pay for water. I have water, you know? There's a well at my house. Water comes out of the faucet. That's the kind of water I want. I don't want purified water coming out of a plastic bottle that I then have to dispose of responsibly."

Finnegan also asked who monitors how much is taken out daily, who enforces that limit and who monitors the reports which are generated by the company without outside verification.

John Tucker was the next to speak.

"I was here at the 2017 meeting. Everything that was said has been violated. Everything that was said is wrong," he said, adding that in that meeting, the owner allegedly said they would take 6,000 to 12,000 gallons per month. "That has been violated big time, and they just want to keep continuing to violate. Maybe the board wouldn't have approved it. Maybe us neighbors would have complained strongly, more strongly against it had we know what was actually coming. What we were told and what has become is absolutely two different things. We feel lied to period. I feel like what was said meant nothing."

This was later called into question.

Tucker said that in the 2017 meeting, the stated use was allegedly for geological surveys to combine the water with dye to see where the water goes when it comes to holes and sink holes.

"He needed clean water for that. That was the original variance. That's what the water was for. Nothing was said about selling that water. Nothing was said about putting it in water bottles. None of that stuff was said," he said.

Wood said that the recorded conditional use from 2017 was approved for up to 50,000 gallons per day.

Jill Hudson raised concern about the self-reporting nature of the amount of water that is being drawn from the well.

In 2021, regulators from the California Water Resources Control Board found that Nestlé Waters North America was taking tens of millions of gallons yearly when their limited valid rights allowed approximately 8.5 million gallons per year in San Bernardino in addition to operating with expired permits. Controversies surrounding inadequate permits, environmental harm and community opposition also took place in Michigan, Maine and Canada.

"I have a really big problem with that. I feel like there should be better controls over that," she said. "I mean, if you tell me to self-report, I'll tell you how many pieces of candy I ate. You know, you can't trust me; I like candy."

Hudson pointed to the ties to Nestlé Waters North America.

"It's wrong on so many levels. I'm not afraid of change. I am afraid as a person who lives in Owen County. I am afraid of a $6 billion company coming in here and pushing their way around," she said.

Kevin Wright spoke, asking about an environmental impact study.

Wood said that there was a brief water study that was submitted.

"It seemed like from the study they couldn't really tell us what the impact would be. To me, I feel like there needs to be more studies that need to be done then if we're not exactly sure what the impact would be. They're kind of saying, 'Well, trust us and maybe in the future we could give you more information.' I'd like to have that information before there's a variance granted," Wright said. "I know they're on a timeline. They've got to have their stuff turned in by the end of the year, but Owen County has a timeline too. And I care a lot more about our natural resources than I do about a big company's bottom line."

It was then that Lorenz spoke to the issues that were raised, including that with the work being done by the highway department as part of a normal permitting process for the turnarounds and what the resolution from 2017 says.

"The other thing that's involved here is there's an obvious concern about whether or not the aquifer and the spring are adequate and all," he said. "I work for the Bean Blossom Patrick Water Corporation, which takes millions of gallons out of the aquifer yearly, and I know from my conversations with the DNR and from our resource people and IDEM that we have one of the largest aquifers in the state in our locale and out here. It's one of our major assets. Now that's not to say that it couldn't ever go dry. That's not the point. The point is that it is adequate now for all the resources that are drawn upon it and all and the DNR is the third arty involved here who is monitoring it, and you have the reports that are voluntarily provided by the entity, and you'll see that there are daily totals with in the last month or so where it's only 6,000 to 12,000 gallons. It's not 50,000 gallons a day. It's a limit on that and all."

He also addressed the self reporting.

"There's a meter that tells you how many gallons you're drawing out per day. That is the number that's going on there, unless you're willing to believe that everybody is just fraudulently filing these records every day and trust no one about anything, then you're in that ball game," Lorenz said.

He then addressed the matter of it being a large corporation.

"Sum total is we recognize the right for these people to raise this questions and make comment about the application, but I think it comes down to the practical reality. This has been a process that's been going on for eight years. The mergers of BlueTriton and its subsidiaries, parents and other mergers and all is beyond the scope of the BZA and beyond frankly my comprehension. These are just giant operations that are beyond the scope of thing and all. And I can't take the position that there is somehow some horrible awful thing about big corporations that they are automatically against community interest. I don't think that's true," he said. "I understand the fear, but it is untruthful in this matter and unfounded."

Vincent then spoke on the concerns. She said that they are not a foreign company as was alleged, that they are incorporated in Delaware and have two different headquarters, one for BlueTriton in Stanford, Connecticut and one for Primo Brands in Tampa, Florida.

"Before we even decide to purchase water from the site, which we've been doing again for over a year, we did extensive studies on that," Vincent said.

"The spring nature and purpose of this water use currently would not require this level of analysis," she read from the report.

The state of Indiana regulates through the Indiana Department of Natural resources (DNR) any facility that draw more than 100,000 gallons of water daily, regardless of if it is from ground or surface sources. Registration is required for these facilities. Anything below that threshold is not required to be registered.

"If there was this big increase, which is not what we're asking. We're asking for a name change. The site has been operation at the 50,000 gallon condition. There's been no complaints of any wells being impacted. I understand the concern, that the people are concerned about the future, but all we're asking for is what conditions have been approved and has been operating for the site as it has been operating," Vincent said.

It was also mentioned that the DNR has a program that will monitor residential wells.

"One last comment about roads. It's abundantly clear that roads in Owen County are not in good repair. I'd be happy to testify about that. But we are where we are, and truck traffic, particularly logging trucks, water trucks, the various semis that we have, all of the contribute to the problem with the roadways that we have. I think this board or the county in general would be hard pressed to stop all of the road traffic on trucks that might be exceeding the capacity of Owen County's roads. In fact, Owen County is in violation of state regulations on what its road capacity should be," Lorenz said.

The discussion, which included public comment and comments from the applicants, lasted nearly two and a half hours, before a brief recess was taken.

The newest BZA member, Saitta, was the first to speak on the matter.

"I think we've had a number of clearly outlined concerns by the community. You all have done your best to address those. I think the primary issue that's overriding this whole conversation is the speed at which you would like to conduct this transaction, which is something that's outside of the scope of [the BZA]. Those are not our concerns. We have other concerns," Saitta said, adding that the report from The Indiana Geological and Water Survey (IGWS) did not alleviate the concerns.

"At this time, we don't have the information that we need to be able to in good faith say that the request that you are submitting in fact meets the five criteria that we have to satisfy to effectively approve this variance, the ongoing variance. I think that's where we're kind of odds in terms of trying to both satisfy the public concerns and also address the application in the timely fashion that you all have requested," Saitta said.

Wood said she would like to have additional research and for Abrell who was not present at the meeting to be involved, as Abrell is also on the soil and water board.

"I think we can find a happy medium, and I'm sorry we can't make the time constraint. I'm hoping that you can work that out, but if we put certain stipulations on this, I don't see why we would not be able to reasonably make everybody happy," she said.

She moved to table the matter until there was further research.

One of the applicants said they would have to reassess. It was asked why that was the conclusion.

"The standards for the variance very clearly says the approval will not be injurious to the public health, safety and morals and general welfare of the community. The use and value of the areas adjacent to the property included in the variance will not be affected in a substantial adverse manner. So I mean those are just the first two," Saitta said. "I think you all agreed that it made sense to have an outside party look at the site and provide some sort of assurance that theses… we're not experts on water, right? So we had the agreement to have IGWS look at it. They came back with a report that is less than, obviously under very severe restraints, that is less than endorsing of what you all are doing."

Saitta continued, "This is not a personal thing. It's just we're asked to go up or down on something that we're not experts on. That's what came back from the third party, and as of right now with the information that we have in front of us, I don't want to speak for my fellow board members, but we just don't have… we all went out to your site. I can say that you all seem like super reasonable people. There was nothing nefarious going on there. It seemed like a very easy thing to assess in person, but we have a standard that we have to rise to. As of right now, we don't have what we need. At least I don't feel like I have enough to support your application."

VanRyn was the next to speak.

"My opinion is this pretty easily could be a problem for the neighbors, which is something that we have to consider. They're hauling twice the amount the weight at least, maybe even more than that, on our roads, which is not good for anybody in Owen County. What else do you need? To me, it's pretty clear this needs to be voted against, no. That's my opinion. I don't think we need to table. I don't think we need to drag it out. It needs to be done. They're still going to continue doing it. There's just not going to be BlueTriton doing it," VanRyn said.

Wood's motion died for a lack of a second.

VanRyn moved to deny the conditional use application. The motion was seconded by Saitta.

"I don't think we need to drag it out another month. I mean, it's not going to stop what's going on now, but it keeps it from being transferred to a new owner," VanRyn said.

Calvert also indicated that she would like to have Abrell's input and that she was not ready to approve it.

"I mean denying this application does not prohibit it them from reapplying with other materials and support or giving us time to consult with IGWS," Saitta said.

VanRyn and Saitta voted in favor of denying it, while Wood and Calvert voted against the denial, saying they would prefer to table it.

The motion did not pass because it did not have a majority.

Wood once again made a motion to table the matter and gather more information. This time, VanRyn seconded the motion, which passed unanimously 4-0.

The Owen County Community Foundation is pleased to announce the recipient of the 2026 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship for Owen County: Dustin Jackson of Owen Valley High School. Lilly Endowment Community Scholars are recognized for their community involvement, academic achievement, character and leadership.

"It is an honor to award Dustin the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship. His leadership, character and commitment to learning, both in his own pursuits and in supporting others within his community, embody the values this prestigious award is intended to recognize. We are confident that his passion for computer science will continue to have a positive impact," remarked Ronda Stogsdill, 2026 Committee Chair – OCCF Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Committee.

Each Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship provides full tuition, required fees and up to $900 per year for required books and equipment for four years of full-time undergraduate study leading to a baccalaureate degree at any eligible Indiana public or private nonprofit college or university. Scholars also join the Lilly Scholars Network (LSN), which connects them with resources and opportunities to lead on campus and in their communities. Both the scholarship program and LSN are supported by grants from Lilly Endowment to Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI).

"The Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship is what grants me the perfect opportunity to pursue my dreams. I am grateful to be granted this opportunity from the Community Foundation, and I promise I will not take it for granted. Not only will this make college more affordable for me, but it will also make it easier for me to give back to the community I've grown up in," shared Dustin Jackson, Lilly Endowment Community Scholar.

In nominating Owen County's Lilly Endowment Community Scholar, the Committee considered eligibility, academics, leadership and accomplishments. After narrowing the field of applicants, nominees were submitted to Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI), the statewide administrator of the program, for final selection.

"This year's scholarship applicants brought exceptional talent, dedication and heart to the process. The Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship requires students to demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, community involvement and strong communication skills, and this year's candidates rose to the challenge. Each student who applied showed impressive potential and a genuine commitment to making a difference, embodying the qualities that strengthen our community and inspire the next generation," expressed Janet Rummel, President & CEO of the Owen County Community Foundation.

Since its inception in 1997–98, Lilly Endowment has supported this program with tuition grants totaling more than $505 million, benefiting over 5,400 Indiana students. The program's primary purposes are to raise the level of educational attainment in Indiana, to increase awareness of the beneficial roles Indiana community foundations play, and to encourage and support Lilly Scholars' engagement with Indiana leaders to improve quality of life statewide.

About Owen County Community Foundation:

The Owen County Community Foundation (OCCF) is a public charity founded in 1994 as a resource to connect caring individuals with causes they support, enabling them to make a charitable impact on the community. Since its founding, the OCCF has been able to grant more than $12.3 million to local students, area nonprofits and charitable organizations in our community. The OCCF is committed to enhancing the quality of life for all citizens of Owen County, now and for generations to come. For more information on the scholarships awarded or how to begin your own philanthropic journey, please visit owencountycf.org, call 812-829-1725 or stop by our office located on the Courthouse Square at 60 E Market Street in Spencer.

About Lilly Endowment Inc.:

Lilly Endowment Inc. is an Indianapolis-based private philanthropic foundation created in 1937 by J.K. Lilly Sr. and his sons Eli and J.K. Jr. through gifts of stock in Eli Lilly and Company. The Endowment supports community development, education and religion, with a special commitment to Indianapolis and Indiana.

About Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI):

Founded in 1948, ICI serves as the collective voice for Indiana's 29 private, nonprofit colleges and universities. ICI institutions employ over 22,000 Hoosiers and generate a local economic impact of over $5 billion annually. Students at ICI colleges have Indiana's highest four-year graduation rates and produce 30 percent of Indiana's bachelor's degrees while enrolling 20 percent of its undergraduates.

George L. Allison, 93, of Spencer, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 14, 2025 at the Owen Valley Health Campus in Spencer.

George was born on December 6, 1932 in Robinson, Illinois to George R. Allison and Edith (Lindley) Allison. George graduated from Robinson High School in Illinois. He proudly served his country in the United States Army, earning the rank of Sergeant. On March 7, 1954, he married the love of his life, Jetta L. (York) Allison and they were married for 64 wonderful years. George graduated from Eastern Illinois University and then from the University of Wisconsin Graduate School of Banking. George retired from Owen County State Bank in Spencer, Indiana as President/CEO, where he worked from 1963 until 1997. He also served on the Owen County State Bank Board of Directors, serving as Chairman of the Board for many years. In all, he worked at Owen County State Bank for 57 years. He was the Chairman of the Indiana Bankers Association in 1996-1997. George received the IBA Leaders in Banking Excellence Award in 2020. He was also a member of the IBA 40 Year Club. He received the Sagamore of the Wabash in 1997.

George loved his community and serving others. He was instrumental in the start-up of the Owen County Family YMCA and was a Founding Director of the Owen County Community Foundation. He served on the Spencer-Owen Chamber of Commerce for 35 years, serving as President for two years. He was a member of the Board of Directors of Bloomington Hospital for many years, where he served on several committees and acted as Treasurer. George also had a "special red suit," paired with a snowy white beard, that allowed him to bring joy to many youngsters in Owen County during the holidays. George loved the Lord and attended the Spencer United Methodist Church for many years and also enjoyed going to the Spencer Christian Church.

By far, his greatest joy was his family. George is survived by his daughters, Julia (Michael) Donham and Jennifer Dunning; grandchildren, Amber (Kenny-Ray) Augustus, Allison (Josh) Totten, Andrew Donham, and Alexandra Donham; great-grandchildren, Xavier Dunning, Gabi-Rae Augustus, Graham Totten; three nieces; and many extended family members and friends.

George was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Jetta, granddaughter, Ashley Dunning, brother, William Heber and sister-in-law, Alberta Heber.

Funeral services were held December 20, 2025 at West & Parrish & Pedigo Funeral Home in Spencer. Dr. Diane Wells and Dr. Allan Lewis officiated. Burial followed in Chambersville Cemetery in Spencer.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made in George's memory to the Allison Family Fund at the Owen County Community Foundation.

Many VFW Posts nationwide participate in Wreaths Across America each December, sponsoring wreaths to honor the memory of veterans laid to rest at their local cemeteries.

On Dec. 20, 2025 members of VFW Post #7850 and its Auxiliary in Gosport placed a total of 453 wreaths on the graves of veterans buried at Gosport and Little Mount cemeteries during the annual Wreaths Across America event.

With the help of volunteers and members of the Owen County 4-H Fishing Team, members of Post #7850 turned this solemn ceremony into a memorable community event to honor, remember, and educate others about the service and sacrifices of all veterans.

The Pledge of Allegiance, led by Kayne Mills, was recited by those in attendance.

"Thank you for joining us today as we celebrate the mission to remember the fallen, honor those that served and their families, and teach the next generation the value of freedom," said Harriet Figg, past VFW Auxiliary State President. "It takes several people countless hours to make this event a success, and I want to thank all of them for their hard work for this past year. I also want to thank the families that have ordered wreaths for their family members, which helps us tremendously to meet our goal and to make sure every veteran in Gospel Cemetery is presented a wreath."

Nationally, the wreath-laying observance continues to grow each year, with volunteers of all ages helping to ensure that veterans and their stories are neither forgotten nor overlooked during one of the busiest times of the year, according to Wreaths Across America.

"We encourage every volunteer here today who places a wreath on a veteran's grave to say that veteran's name aloud and take a moment to thank them for their service to our country," said Jan Torgerson, current treasurer of the Post #7850 Auxiliary. "It's a small act that goes a long way toward keeping the memory of our veterans alive. Remember, we are not here today to decorate graves. We are here to remember not their deaths, but their lives. Each wreath is a gift of appreciation from a grateful America."

Torgerson explained how the live Balsam fir wreaths symbolize "our honor to those who have served and are serving in the Armed Forces of our great nation, and to their families who endure sacrifices every day on our behalf."

For many participants, the event provided a personal moment of reflection. Friends and families of those fallen were seen visiting and paying respect throughout the morning.

"To our children, we want you to understand that the freedoms you enjoy today have not been free but have come with a cost that someday you may have to pay yourself," Torgerson added. "As a nation standing together, we can defeat terrorism, hatred and injustice. Thanks to our veterans, we have the freedom to do that."

Wreaths Across America is a nonprofit organization that places wreaths on veterans' graves to honor them and educate others about the value of freedom. The organization's mission is "Remember, Honor, Teach."

To learn more, visit wreathsacrossamerica.org.