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In 2019, all 11 Indiana Uplands counties came together through the Regional Opportunity Initiatives (ROI) Ready Communities initiative to develop and implement projects and programs that build quality of place, grow regional capacity for workforce development and attraction and improve attributes and amenities that make the Indiana Uplands a great place to live, work and play.

When the Ready Communities initiative launched initially, each county assembled a Quality of Place and Workforce Attraction Committee (QPAT) made up of stakeholders from their county. These teams were charged with developing a prioritized plan that identified key areas of focus as well as projects and programs aligned with the plan.

With plans completed, counties across the region were equipped to pursue resources to activate their plans. For example, ROI offered three rounds of quality of place grants. Owen County received funds for the South Main Street portion of the MYPath Trail System and improved sidewalks, planted trees, and installed streetlights, benches and signage. Communities also used their Quality of Place and Workforce Attraction plans to inform applications for READI 1.0 and 2.0 funding. County plans can be found on the ROI website.

Six years later, Regional Opportunity Initiatives (ROI) has provided grant funding for county teams to update our Quality of Place and Workforce Attraction plans. Your participation in this short survey will shape the direction of Owen County's plan. To take the survey, visit: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/G3SMZQZ

While our communities and schools are facing challenges, the update of these plans will allow each county to identify priorities and target strategies for sustaining regional momentum. With plans in hand, counties and communities will be better equipped to maintain momentum, seek resources and be ready when opportunities present themselves at the regional, state and national levels.

For more than a century, Owen County 4-H has stood as a cornerstone of youth development, leadership and community engagement. Rooted in the national 4-H movement that began in the early 1900s, Owen County's program has grown from modest beginnings into a vibrant organization that continues to shape the lives of local youth.

The 4-H movement started as a way to teach rural youth practical skills in agriculture and home economics, while fostering character and responsibility. Indiana was among the early adopters, and Owen County quickly embraced the program. By the 1920s, local clubs were forming under the guidance of the Purdue Extension Service, which remains the backbone of 4-H programming today.

Early Owen County 4-H clubs focused on hands-on learning through projects such as crop production, livestock care and sewing. These activities were more than hobbies—they were essential life skills for families who relied on farming and homemaking. Club meetings often took place in schoolhouses or community halls, where young members pledged their "Head, Heart, Hands and Health" to better themselves and their communities.

As decades passed, Owen County 4-H evolved to meet changing times. The mid-20th century saw an expansion of project areas beyond agriculture, introducing topics like photography, woodworking and public speaking. The annual Owen County Fair became a highlight for members, offering a chance to showcase their hard work and compete for ribbons. For many families, the fair was—and still is—a cherished tradition that brings the community together.

Leadership development has always been at the heart of 4-H. Owen County youth have participated in state and national conferences, served as Junior Leaders, and taken on roles that prepare them for future careers. Alumni often credit their 4-H experience with teaching them confidence, responsibility and teamwork—skills that last a lifetime.

Today, Owen County 4-H serves hundreds of youth from kindergarten through 12th-grade. Mini 4-H introduces younger children to the program with fun, age-appropriate activities, while older members tackle projects ranging from robotics and environmental science to creative arts and animal husbandry. Programs like "Minds in Motion" reflect 4-H's commitment to innovation, engaging youth in STEM education and critical thinking.

The organization's impact extends beyond individual members. Owen County 4-H fosters community pride, volunteerism and family involvement. Generations of residents have participated, creating a legacy that ties the past to the present. As agriculture and technology continue to change, 4-H remains a constant—a place where young people learn by doing and grow into leaders.

As Owen County 4-H looks to the future, its mission remains clear: to empower youth with skills, knowledge and values that strengthen both individuals and communities. From its humble beginnings to its dynamic programs today, Owen County 4-H stands as a testament to the power of education, service and tradition.

December is here, and Owen County is officially wrapped in twinkly lights, hot-cocoa vibes and all the festive energy that makes this month so special.

As your Purdue Extension-Owen County Health & Human Sciences Educator, I'm here to share helpful tips and ideas all year long—especially when it comes to food, finances, health and family. And let's be honest… December is a month when we can all use a little extra support in those areas!

Of course, with all the excitement comes something else too: the temptation to splurge. Between gift shopping, special meals, holiday outings and those "just one more little thing" moments, it's easy for spending to snowball faster than a holiday to-do list on Dec. 23.

But here's the bright side—with a little planning and a sprinkle of creativity, you can enjoy everything this season offers without letting holiday spending pile up like snowdrifts.

1. Make a Holiday Spending Plan (Before the Sleigh Takes Off)

Before you start shopping, take a few minutes to write down: Who you need gifts for, special events or meals, travel or fuel costs, and "Extras" you know you love (shopping during Christmas at the Square… anyone?). Setting limits ahead of time helps you avoid those last-minute splurges.

2. Make Memories, Not Purchases

Kids and adults remember experiences far longer than store-bought items. Try: A backyard "winter wander" to look for animal tracks, a family game night with hot chocolate, driving around the community to look at holiday lights, or a cozy movie night with popcorn. Kids often remember the laughter—not the price tag.

3. Shop Smart, Shop Local

Supporting Owen County businesses is a gift in itself. Local shops often have unique items at affordable prices, plus shorter lines and friendlier faces. Set a "local shopping day" and stick to your list—you'll support the community and avoid overspending at big stores.

4. Give Gifts That Don't Come from a Store

Some of the most heartfelt gifts cost little to nothing: A jar of your favorite homemade cocoa mix, a family recipe passed down on a handwritten card, a "winter chore coupon book" for grandparents, or a framed photo or drawing. These gifts carry meaning, not price.

5. Plan Potluck-Style Gatherings

Food costs rise quickly in December. Instead of cooking everything yourself, invite family and friends to bring a dish. Not only does it cut down on spending—it also brings a wonderful variety of flavors that reflect our community.

6. Focus on Experiences Over Expenses

Set a family goal to choose one meaningful experience this month: A puzzle night, sledding at McCormick's Creek (weather permitting!), a holiday movie marathon, or story time with grandparents. When we shift focus to connection, the urge to splurge naturally fades.

December brings sparkle to Owen County—glowing lights, warm gatherings and memories waiting to be made. And the best part? You don't need to overspend to enjoy it all. With smart choices and a creative touch, your holidays can stay bright without breaking the bank.

Want to learn more about more exciting programs? Call the Purdue Extension–Owen County office at 812-829-5020. Looking to bring a program to your group? From food and health to family and finance, I've got you covered! Shoot me an email at lowder0@purdue.edu and let's make it happen.

And don't forget — you can always spot my upcoming programs in the Community Calendar section of this newspaper, on our Facebook page or our website extension.purdue.edu/county/owen/hhshome.html.

It's becoming harder to find quality deer processors. The good ones are so covered up in work, they can continue to raise prices, but the customers keep coming. I tried a new place this year and was charged 50 cents for every one-pound bag my ground meat was stuffed into. A lot of hunters can't afford or just don't want to pay $200 to have a deer processed. The alternative is an investment of time.

Here is a look at the tools you'll want for a basic at-home butcher shop.

Game Processing Knife Set

You're going to need more than one knife to properly butcher an animal. You're also going to need a meat saw. You need a skinning knife, a butcher knife and a boning knife. A skinning knife has a large round blade and dull point. A butcher knife has a large, heavy, sharp blade. A boning knife has a narrow blade and sharp point for slicing meat off the bone. A meat saw has a long, fine-tooth blade for cutting through meat and bone.

Electric Meat Slicer

When you go to the deli and ask for lunch meat, the person behind the counter slices it on a meat slicer. You want one of these machines in your home butcher shop. You can set the blade to cut different thicknesses. You can use a meat slicer to craft perfectly uniform loin steaks or cut hams into thin strips of steak. Smoke a couple of wild turkey breasts and slice them into lunchmeat.

Manual Meat Tenderizer and Jerky Slicer

Once you have sliced your steaks, you can run them through the tenderizer. Some people say venison is tough and gamey. Take big flat pieces of meat and run them through a tenderizer to produce perfectly sized jerky pieces ready to be seasoned then smoked or dehydrated. It doesn't take buying too many bags of gas station beef jerky to understand this economic benefit.

Dehydrator

Jerky is just dried meat. A dehydrator dries meat. First cure your meat, then place the strips on the tray and set the temperature and timer. Bigger is better but a four-tray dehydrator will get you started. An eight-tray or larger will make short work of jerky strips.

Grinder

After slicing steaks and backstraps, you're left with miscellaneous pieces you'll want to grind. Go over the carcass cutting off all meat you aren't saving as steaks or roasts and drop it in a meat lug. Use a grinder to turn these pieces into ground meat. Grinders come with plates to regulate thickness and tubes for injecting sausage casings. Grinders also allow you to mix beef or pork fat into your wild game. Meat needs to be cold when grinding.

Mixer

For mixing seasoning into ground meat before turning it into jerky or sausage, a meat mixer is the ticket. Not only does it make the task much easier on your forearms, but it also spreads the seasoning out uniformly. With a mixer like the 10- and 20-pound meat mixers allow you to season a lot of meat at once.

Sausage Stuffer

Once your ground meat is mixed with seasoning, use a sausage stuffer to fill casings. Casing comes in different sizes for summer sausage and snack sticks. Dump the mixed ground meat in the canister and attach the right sized tube. Hi Mountain Seasoning's Sausage Kits have everything you need.

Burger Press

Perfect burgers are formed with a burger press. A simple single burger press makes every patty uniform. Adjust the thickness to build whatever size burgers you desire. You need to separate burgers with a piece of wax paper. You've seen the stacks before with frozen burgers separated that way. You need to do the same. Vacuum seal or package your burgers in freezer paper.

Smoker

If you consider yourself a sportsman and don't already own a smoker, you need one. Smoked wild game roasts, loins, lunchmeat and especially sausage will get you through the year. Electric smokers make the job easier. I've used one for years that drops wood discs automatically.

Vacuum Sealer

Vacuum sealers package your game air-free, reducing freezer burn. They suck the air out and seal the package so no air can get in. You can store vacuum-sealed meat for years. Some food sealers can be used with a 12 volt DC adaptor – if you are trying to process an animal in the field this is helpful.

Accessories

You'll need basic accessories. For ground meat, use weight-specific freezer bags. Freezer paper and freezer tape are also necessary if you are not vacuum sealing. Meat lugs are big plastic tubs you want for holding meat at different stages of the butchering process. An apron is nice. A high-quality knife sharpener is a must. So are rubber processing gloves.

You can purchase everything covered in this article for under $1,000. When you consider how much it costs to have a deer butchered, especially when you have jerky and sausage made, the savings add up quickly. Sharing equipment with hunting buddies is an option. If you go three ways, your portion of the expense equals the cost of having a couple of deer butchered.

Not only is butchering your own animals cost-effective, but it also adds an entire element to being a hunter. You killed this animal, and now you are processing it. You own every step of the process from the field to the dinner table. The core of being a hunter is to provide meat for the dinner table.

See you down the trail…

For more Driftwood Outdoors, check out the podcast on driftwoodoutdoors.com or anywhere podcasts are streamed.

The Owen News's participation in NewsMatch 2025 continues through the end of the month.

NewsMatch is a collective, matching campaign through November and December for member publications of The Institute for Nonprofit News (INN), of which The Owen News is part of. NewsMatch provides a 1:1 match for any donations or memberships made to The Owen News. It also provides certain goal-based bonuses.

NewsMatch will match new or increased monthly pledges at the amount for the full year. For example, a new recurring donation set up at $10 per month would be matched at $120 for the entire year.

Additionally, The Owen County Community Foundation (OCCF) is providing a local match of up to $20,000, creating a 2:1 match. This means that every dollar donated to support local, independent journalism will be tripled, helping us to fulfill our mission to be Owen County's leading source of reliable and unbiased local news in order to foster an informed and engaged community.

In addition to one-time donations, there are several ways to support The Owen News throughout November and December.

Fundraising Event at Tivoli

The Owen News will host "A Super Night to Save Local News," a fundraiser screening of the original "Superman: The Movie" (1978) at 6 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 15 at the Historic Tivoli Theatre, 24 N. Washington St., Spencer.

The event will feature remarks from The Owen News board members and staff highlighting our upcoming projects. It will also include appetizers, adult beverages and a silent auction.

Tickets will cost $30 and will be made available online through theowennews.org and on our Facebook page. There will also be the ability to purchase reserved balcony seating for your group at an additional cost.

Businesses wishing to donate as part of the silent auction should email info@theowennews.org.

Proceeds from the event and the silent auction, if paid by check or online will qualify for the match through NewsMatch.

Renew or Sign up for a Membership

The Owen News will continue offering mailed copies of the paper to our members, making now the ideal time to renew your own membership or give the gift of news this holiday season.

As part of Newsmatch, the donation portion of the individual sponsorship or membership tier will both count toward the fundraising goal and will be considered tax deductible.

The membership tiers and benefits are as follows:

Friends of the Owen News ($5 per month/ $60 per year): Benefits include: mailed print edition of The Owen News, access to members-only merchandise that will have an exclusive annual design, a monthly e-newsletter with behind-the-scenes insights, and recognition on The Owen News website.

Headline Supporter ($15 per month/ $180 per year): Benefits include: all Friends of The Owen News benefits and an The Owen News tote bag.

Columnist Champion ($25 per month/ $300 per year): Benefits include: all Headline Supporter benefits, an The Owen News mug, your name listed in the printed edition of The Owen News, and a special invite to an exclusive quarterly virtual Q&A session with the editorial team.

Editor's Circle ($50 per month/ $600 per year): Benefits include: all Columnist Champion benefits, an Owen News travel mug, and special recognition in the annual member guide and report.

Publisher's Partner ($100+ per month/ $1,200+ per year): Benefits include: all Editor's Circle benefits, an Owen News t-shirt, and a ¼ page ad for individual use (subject to The Owen News' ad policy).

Give the Gift of News

This holiday season, consider giving the gift of news, specifically The Owen News. Gift memberships will also be matched 2:1, and The Owen News will send a special card letting them know that you've gifted them a one-year membership to The Owen News.

All orders placed by Dec. 16 will have a card set out ahead of the USPS holiday deadline to arrive by Christmas. Gift orders placed after the deadline through the end of the year will still receive the card, but The Owen News cannot guarantee that it will arrive before Christmas Day.

Those interested in making a donation or becoming a member can do so through OCCF or by contacting The Owen News at info@theowennews.org.

Individuals interested in volunteering with The Owen News should email volunteers@theowennews.org. Volunteers are needed in several areas including as trained correspondents, fundraising and staffing festival booths to name a few.

"The non-profit news model allows us, first and foremost, to be a community partner in our community. But most importantly, by being a non-profit, The Owen News will forever be owned by our community," Executive Editor Nicole DeCriscio said. "At the end of the day, the success of The Owen News thus far is a testament to the strength of our community, and we're relying on community support to capitalize on this important fund-matching opportunity."

On a trip to England a few years ago, my wife and I were blessed to see so many fascinating sights, from the Queen's plush royal palace to the humble, rustic, tiny cottage of William Wordsworth in the beautiful lake district up north. One of the poet's quotes resonates with me as I reflect on the year I've had pursuing fish and game:

"Come forth into the light things, let nature be your teacher."

Like the poet, I feel there is something truly inspiring about being outdoors, whether or not you're angling or hunting, or just taking a walk through the woods. The cares of the day disappear. It's better therapy than taking a pill. Nature teaches us to slow down and look at what's in front of us, instead of checking who's texting us. I'm sure many folks in the future will be cursed with neck pain as they grow older—too much looking down at a screen. I'm blessed with having hobbies that entertain and challenge me—fishing, then golf, and hunting in the winter. I feel sorry for folks who retire without a hobby that really turns their crank. I've seen quite a few men in that situation. Perhaps it's why so often males pass away fairly soon after retirement. Maybe a goal for this year would be to find something, preferably outdoors related, that you can sink your teeth and your spare time into.

If you're looking for an outdoor-related getaway this winter that's indoors, consider heading west past St. Louis on I-44 to Springfield, Missouri. There you'll find what Bass Pro owner Johnny Morris has created, the Wonders of Wildlife Aquarium and Museum, next to his original Bass Pro Shop. It's hard not to overstate how amazing this place is. My wife and I just returned from visiting family in Springfield. I vividly recall my first experience there a few years ago. The brochure said it was a mile and a half walk-through, so one needs to allow four hours or so. My wife and I and grandson thought that was a bit much, but it turned out to be accurate. We started at 10 a.m. so lunch would break up our tour, and it was a good plan. A café with appetizing choices situated between attractions was a much-needed break. The cost of admission can be found on their website. It might sound pricey, but you get what you pay for, in spades. If you're older like my wife and I, pause for rest breaks, because it's a long but delightful journey through this wildlife wonderland.

Johnny's video of his reasons for starting this gigantic project starts off things. He gives compelling reasons for enjoying and taking care of our precious outdoor gifts. He is a true conservationist who's been all over the world pursuing fish and game, and his take on why we need to all be aware of the delicate balance that sustains wildlife is well presented. We all must do our part to conserve and protect all game and our environment.

After the video comes an immersion into the world of wildlife. From great art to amazing reproduction mounts of every animal one can conceive of, it's just one mind-boggling display after another.

The first hall deals with well-displayed artifacts of the American Indian, our first outdoorsmen and conservationists. From these artifacts one gets a feeling of true admiration and appreciation for Native Americans. Then it's an artistic tribute to Lewis and Clark, followed by portraits by outdoorsman President George W. Bush. Further on, it's all manner of wildlife left and right set up in beautiful displays.

Example: I've seen bighorn sheep mounts, but I've never been in a giant room that made me feel like I was on a western mountain with sheep all around. I've seen lion and elephant mounts but never have I been made to feel that I was actually on an African safari watching them on the plains. It's an immersion experience.

Your children may be concerned about how all these beautiful creatures ended up here and not somewhere in the wild. A media rep told me that the animals "were acquired from private collections or donated from zoos after they died from natural causes. Every animal featured inside Wonders was responsibly acquired in accordance to local, state, federal and international laws. A small percentage of the animals featured are scientifically accurate authentic recreations."

After the animal segment and lunch, it's on to the aquarium. Lots to talk about there. You've been to aquariums, but you really need to check this one out. We'll get into that and more next time.

Remember to conserve, protect and enjoy our bountiful American outdoors. Happy 2026.

The Owen County Heritage & Culture Center (OCHCC) will host a Christmas Open House on Saturday, December 6, from noon to 3 p.m., during Christmas at the Square.

OCHCC features a variety of displays showcasing the history of Owen County. While you're there, visit the coffee shoppe to enjoy free holiday treats, such as homemade cookies and persimmon pudding, coffee and tea.

The gift shop also features books by local authors, greeting cards, prints of sketches and paintings by Ken Bucklew, Lloyd Wood Christmas CDs and Lloyd Wood Band live show CDs.

Make plans to visit to learn about Owen County's history and enjoy the warm, historic charm of the old Spencer Carnegie Library building.

OCHCC is located on the southeast corner of the courthouse square at 110 E. Market St. in Spencer. Admission is free. For more information, visit owencountyindhistory.org.

Time has certainly flown at the Owen County Public Library (OCPL).

As I sit here writing this article on my eight-month anniversary as director, I'm amazed at how quickly the days have gone by. In some ways, it feels like I've been here forever; in others, it feels like I just walked through the doors for the first time.

Each day has been filled with new learning experiences. I've discovered things I never imagined I'd need to know, like elevator maintenance and construction processes. But above all, I've learned just how vital the library is to our community. The days of libraries serving solely as places to access information are long behind us. Today, a library is a resource for space, knowledge, connection and time.

On any given day, all our reservable rooms are bustling, social care workers meeting with clients, online students focused on their coursework and groups of friends using the library as a welcoming home base. Our Community Room regularly hosts local organizations and groups, and we've welcomed many classrooms who visit the Read and Feed Garden as a field trip destination.

I would be remiss not to highlight the importance of our programs and outreach. We continue to maintain strong partnerships with each Spencer-Owen Community Schools school, whether through program visits or weekly bookmobile stops.

Here at the library, our programming has expanded significantly, offering Owen County residents a growing variety of free activities and resources. Some of our newest offerings include legal advice from the IU Maurer School of Law and in-depth genealogy programming. And this is just the beginning—keep an eye out for author visits and more exciting events to come.

Our adult education program has also grown tremendously. This year, we added four new certification classes to the schedule, all at no cost to students. We are thrilled to see this program continue to expand and support the needs of our community.

We also continue to curate a robust collection of nonfiction and fiction books, movies and CDs for patrons to enjoy. This year, we launched our new Library of Things, allowing patrons to check out items like wagons, tents, tools and yard games. And of course, Libby remains your portal to e-books, magazines, podcasts and audiobooks. OCPL truly has something for everyone.

If you haven't been to the library recently, I encourage you to stop in and see what we can do for you. We are a lot more than a place for books these days. The OCPL is located at 10 S. Montgomery St. in Spencer and can be reached by calling 812-829-3392.

There are several ways to celebrate the Christmas holiday in Owen County throughout the month of December. Here are some of the local offerings this month:

Dec. 5

Blood drive, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Open Class Building, Owen County Fairgrounds, 364 S. East St., Spencer. Hosted by the Owen County Extension Homemakers, Owen County Fair Board and the American Red Cross. Register online at redcross.org. Enter the Spencer zip code, 47460, to find the drive held in Owen County.

Cookies and Cocoa with Santa, 5 to 7 p.m. at the Canyon Inn inside McCormick's Creek State Park, 451 McCormick's Creek Park Rd., Spencer. Free.

Winter Lights at Lieber State Recreation Area, 6 to 9 p.m., 1317 W. Lieber Rd., Cloverdale. Drive through the electric campground and see the park's annual light display, Dec. 5 to 7 and Dec. 12 to 14. There is no gate fee.

Dec. 6

Donuts with Santa, 9 to 11 a.m. at Endeavor Communications, 2 West St., Cloverdale. Free donuts, crafts and pictures with Santa.

Craft Fair, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Cloverdale High School, 205 W. Market St., Cloverdale. The event will benefit clothe-a-child.

Christmas at the Square, noon to 5 p.m., hosted by Spencer Main Street in downtown Spencer. Santa will arrive at the market around 12:30 p.m. before making his way to the Tivoli for photos from 1 to 4 p.m. The vendor market will take place on Washington and Franklin streets and inside the Spencer Pride commUnity center.

Owen County Heritage & Culture Center Christmas Open House, noon to 3 p.m., 110 E. Market St., Spencer, during Christmas at the Square. Check out the history museum, coffee shoppe and gift shop in the Old Spencer Carnegie Library building. Enjoy holiday refreshments. Free admission. For more information, visit owencountyindhistory.org.

Owen Valley Patriot Choirs will perform a holiday set during Christmas at the Square, 12:30 to 1 p.m. at the corner of Washington and Franklin streets in Spencer.

A Snoopy Christmas, 1 to 4 p.m., presented by the Owen County Chamber of Commerce, 120 S. Main St., Spencer. Crafts, toys and photo ops with Snoopy. Sponsored by Duke Energy.

Owen County Courthouse dome Christmas lighting ceremony, with entertainment by the Owen Valley Big Band, 5:30 to 6 p.m.

Christmas in Cloverdale Lighted Parade, 6 p.m. in Cloverdale. Santa will be at the Icehouse following the parade, ready for photo ops and for children to tell him their Christmas wishes. Complimentary hot chocolate and cookies will be available. Hosted by Cloverdale Main Street.

Dec. 7

Spencer Pride general meeting, 4 p.m. at the Spencer Pride commUnity center, 17 E. Franklin St., Spencer.

Dec. 8

Jolly Homemakers meeting, 1 p.m. at the Freedom Community Center, 5558 Freedom-Arney Rd., Freedom.

Owen Valley FFA Christmas Party, 6 to 8 p.m. in the Ag room at Owen Valley High School, 622 S.R. 46W, Spencer. Games, tacos and a toy drive to spread holiday cheer. Toys will be donated to Owen County Department of Child Services for foster children in need.

Dec. 9

Braysville Homemakers meeting, 5:30 p.m. in the upstairs meeting room at the Historic Tivoli Theatre, 24 N. Washington St., Spencer. Elevator access is available. For more information, call 812-829-5020.

Patricksburg Elementary School Christmas Festivities, 5:45 to 7:30 p.m., 9912 S.R. 246, Patricksburg. The Christmas program begins at 5:45 p.m., followed at 6:15 p.m. by hot chocolate and cookies, visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and the opening of Santa's Workshop Store.

Dec. 10

Harrison Homemakers meeting, noon at the Purdue Extension-Owen County office, 180 S. Washington St., Spencer.

Free showings of "Young at Heart," 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. at the Historic Tivoli Theatre, 24 N. Washington St., Spencer. Sponsored by the Amos family.

Paint your pet portrait event, 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the Activity Room at the Owen County Public Library, 10 S. Montgomery St., Spencer. Call 812-829-3392 ext. 3 for more information and to reserve your spot.

Dec. 11

Writing Workshop, 6 p.m. at the Owen County Public Library, 10 S. Montgomery St., Spencer. Led by author Julia Karr.

Spencer Masonic Lodge #95 stated meeting, 7:30 p.m. at the Lodge, 361 N. Harrison St., Spencer.

Dec. 12

The Friends of the Library monthly book sale, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Community Room at the Owen County Public Library, 10 S. Montgomery St., Spencer.

Mountain Strings Dulcimer Group, 2 to 3 p.m. in the Hearth Room at the Owen County Public Library, 10 S. Montgomery St., Spencer.

Owen Valley High School Cheer Christmas Showcase at halftime of the varsity basketball game at OVHS. Spirit, sparkle and a little holiday magic. The varsity game begins around 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 13

Breakfast with Santa, 9 to 11 a.m. at the Cloverdale American Legion Post #281, 501 S. Main St., Cloverdale. Enjoy free pictures with Santa, crafts with Boys Scouts, books and a small gift for kids under 12. Hosted by Cloverdale Main Street.

Breakfast with Santa, 9 to 11 a.m. at the Cataract Lake Community Center, 5530 S.R. 42, Poland. Featuring crafts and pictures with Santa.

Breakfast with Santa, 10 a.m. to noon at the Owen County Democratic Party headquarters, 152 E. Jefferson St., Spencer. Breakfast, free photo ops with Santa and gifts for the first 60 kids in attendance. Free.

Gosport Holiday Festival, Santas of the World, 12 to 5 p.m., presented by the Gosport Business Association. Cookie walk, cake/dessert walk, vendors, games and face painting, live nativity, ugly sweater contest, selfies with Santa, snowball drop and more.

OVMS/OVHS Patriot Choirs' Sounds of the Season concert, 3 p.m. in the Owen Valley High School Auditorium, 622 S.R. 46W, Spencer. Admission is $5 (cash or card). Join the choirs for an afternoon of music, sparkle and holiday cheer. Doors open 30 minutes before the show.

Community Christmas Dinner, beginning at 5 p.m. at the Coal City American Legion Post #141, 4188 Main St., Coal City. Free.

Dec. 15

A Super Night to Save News, 6 p.m. at the Historic Tivoli Theatre, 24 N. Washington St., Spencer. This is a fundraiser to support the operations of The Owen News. Admission is $30 per person. Tickets include admission to the original "Superman" (1978) movie, one glass of wine and charcuterie from Owen Valley Winery. The event will also feature a silent auction. Tickets can be purchased online at bit.ly/OwenNewsHero.

Dec. 16

Owen County Democratic Party monthly meeting, 5:30 p.m. at the Democrat Headquarters, 152 E. Jefferson St., Spencer. Dinner and social hour begins at 5:30 p.m., with the meeting starting at 6:30 p.m. All are welcome. The December meeting will feature Mary Allen, a candidate for U.S. Congress in the 8th District.

Spencer Lions Club meeting, 6:30 p.m. at the Lester F. Litten Community Building, 59 N. Main St., Spencer.

Dec. 17

Owen County Caring Hands meeting from 9 a.m. to noon at 1580 Pottersville Rd., Spencer. For more information, contact Sandy Arthur at 317-446-1346.

Free showings of "A Christmas Story," 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. at the Historic Tivoli Theatre, 24 N. Washington St., Spencer. Sponsored by Youth Service of Monroe County.

Spencer Pride Board of Directors meeting, 6:30 p.m., at the Spencer Pride commUnity center, 17 E. Franklin St., Spencer.

Dec. 18

Spencer Exchange Club meeting, noon at the Owen County Family YMCA, 1111 W. SR 46, Spencer.

Calico Homemakers meeting, 2 p.m. Meetings are held at a different restaurant each month. For more information, call 812-829-5020.

Trivia Night with Rance Fawbush, 6 p.m. at the Owen Valley Winery, Vineyard & Bistro, 491 Timber Ridge Rd., Spencer.

Christmas Caroling, 6:30 p.m., meet at the Gosport Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, 119 N. Seventh St., Gosport. Enjoy a hot chocolate bar immediately afterward.

Grow Your Own Fruit & Nuts workshop, 6:30 to 7:45 p.m. in the Community Room at the Owen County Public Library, 10 S. Montgomery St., Spencer. Featured presenter will be Chris Gonso of WAG Farm, Patricksburg. Sponsored by the Owen County Soil & Water Conservation District. For more information, call 812-829-2605.

Dec. 19

Live performance by Pat Otto on mandolin, 4:45 to 5:45 p.m. in the Hearth Room at the Owen County Public Library, 10 S. Montgomery St., Spencer.

Community-Wide Christmas Sing-Along/Backpack Buddies Food Drive, 6 to 7 p.m. at the Spencer First Baptist Church, 110 N. Washington St., Spencer. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

Dec. 21

A Christmas Night of Worship, 6 p.m. at Owen Valley Christian Fellowship, 338 S.R. 43S, Spencer. Everyone is welcome.

Free showing of "The Man Who Invented Christmas," 7 p.m. at the Historic Tivoli Theatre, 24 N. Washington St., Spencer. Sponsored by the Amos family.

Dec. 23

Free showings of "How the Grinch Stole Christmas," starring Jim Carrey, 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. at the Historic Tivoli Theatre, 24 N. Washington St., Spencer. Sponsored by Elizabeth Ruh, Personal Financial Services, LLC.

Owen County SWCD Board of Supervisors meeting, 4:30 p.m. at the SWCD office, 788 Pottersville Rd., Spencer. Open to the public.

We all know where it is right now. We all know where it's supposed to go. We all know where it is supposed to go after that. However, we do not know how to connect those dots. What we need now is a plan.

When the MYPath trail system was envisioned by the Owen County Community Foundation (OCCF), the idea was to join the Owen County Family YMCA on the west side of town to McCormick's Creek State Park with a path. Since that time, with the help and support of the OCCF, and the encouragement of the public, the trail has made remarkable progress toward its goal. Most notably, the ribbon cutting last fall of the new, paved, trail along the White River that has created the first multiuse trail in the county.

MYPath is very popular. Nearly 2,000 people each month are on the trail, all ages, all abilities, enjoying the main trail and the natural surface side paths. When those users reach the end of the trail at River Road, they are less than two miles from the McCormick's Creek gatehouse.

Now what?

How do we close that gap? And then, how do we start connecting to Flatwoods Park in Monroe County, where our neighbors' trail will be reaching.

Today, I could draw this all out on a map. But that would be pointless. I haven't asked anybody for permission. I don't have the money. I don't know what the community actually wants.

From the beginning, MYPath has been a community trail. Most of the route from the YMCA is on shared-surface public right-of-way, like sidewalks. Now we are getting into areas where we will cross rough terrain and private ownership. It is time for the community to drive this process.

The Owen County Commissioners have applied for a planning grant from the Indiana Department of Health. If we are awarded this grant, we will be able to work with experts and hold public meetings. We can talk about possible routes. We can evaluate costs. We can draft the likely route for MYPath, as preferred by the community. Stay tuned. Please take part in these meetings. Your input is valuable.

When the County Comprehensive Plan was updated in 2022, MYPath expansion was talked about in several sections. I have mentioned in this column that there is a real economic benefit to expanding the trail. The health benefits of a recreational trail like MYPath are also important to this community.

Why not Spencer? Why not Owen County? You have seen recreational trails in other parts of the state. They are sources of pride for those communities. There is no reason we can't have a trail like that, if not better.

Last week I attended the ribbon cutting for the new pickleball and tennis court facility at Cooper Commons. Adults were excited and kids were playing. I walked to the ribbon cutting from MYPath, where I had just witnessed, on the trail, adults being excited and kids playing. Isn't this the future you want for this community?

More than once, I have heard people on MYPath say, "I can't believe we have something like this in Spencer." Well, you better believe it. And it's only going to get better.

Spencer-Owen Community Schools proudly recognized the courageous men and women who have served our nation during a series of heartfelt Veterans Day programs across the district. Their selfless dedication and sacrifice have protected the freedoms we hold dear, and our school community came together to express its deep and lasting gratitude.

Each year, Spencer-Owen schools set aside time to honor veterans, and this year's events were filled with pride, patriotism and reflection. At the elementary level, students and staff worked together to create meaningful tributes. Veterans were invited into the schools for special presentations, giving students an opportunity to shake hands, say thank you and learn firsthand about the true meaning of service.

Gosport Elementary hosted a lively Veterans Parade, where students lined the school grounds to cheer on veterans as they drove by, waving flags and handmade signs. Patricksburg Elementary showcased their honored guests with an Honor Walk through the building, followed by a special breakfast prepared in appreciation of their service. At McCormick's Creek Elementary, families and veterans gathered for a warm and moving patriotic program featuring music performed by students. Spencer Elementary held a student-led convocation, recognizing each veteran in attendance and celebrating their contributions to our country.

At the secondary level, the tributes continued with powerful messages and solemn ceremonies. Owen Valley Middle School welcomed Medal of Honor recipient Sammy L. Davis and his wife, Dixie, as honored guests. Their visit brought an inspiring message of courage and commitment. The school's JROTC program presented the traditional flag-folding ceremony, reminding all in attendance of the symbolism and respect behind this time-honored ritual.

Owen Valley High School held its annual convocation in the auditorium, led by the JROTC and featuring music, speakers and expressions of gratitude from students and staff. The program highlighted the importance of recognizing and thanking veterans, not just on Veterans Day, but throughout the year.

These moments across the district were more than ceremonies—they were lessons. S-OCS believes in teaching students the importance of honoring those who have served. By learning about the sacrifices made by past and present military personnel, students gain a deeper understanding of gratitude, courage and patriotism. These values help ensure that the spirit of freedom continues to thrive in future generations.

As our community reflects on Veterans Day, S-OCS extends its heartfelt thanks to all veterans. Their bravery and dedication continue to inspire, reminding us all of the true meaning of service.

With any election changes come to us, whether it's at the state level or the federal level or even higher. The reduction or elimination of funds in the areas of early learning, adult learning, food support, and community parks and recreation have taken a big hit. Our fellow Owen Countians have taken life-altering blows unless we at the county level can work to pick up the slack.

The Owen County Community Foundation has been working to help soften the blows. There are several funds that are currently available to support those Owen Countians in need.

Basically, the funds work as follows: Donations are provided by those who can. The funds are invested and managed by a professional group. Therefore, the money in each fund grows based on the market returns. Depending on the fund a percentage of the balance is provided each year for those groups who are providing services. Individuals in need should be directed to those not-for-profit or government agencies that facilitate. The Owen County Community Foundation can guide donors and those in need.

The result is cash flow for perpetuity for each of those needs and a position to increase the value. The dollars in each fund are restricted. The funds can only be used for their designation.

If you have further questions, please reach out to the Owen County Community Foundation, CEO, Janet Rummel. Janet is a wonderful lady who can help guide.

— Tom Wallace

Mother Nature prompted a last-minute change to this year's Veterans Day program, with organizers opting to move the Nov. 11 program indoors to the warmer confines of the Spencer VFW Post #1405. Historically, the annual event has been held on the northwest lawn of the Owen County Courthouse, with attendees gathering around the "Spirit of the American Doughboy" statue as they honor military veterans of our nation's Armed Forces.

Despite the change in venue, the "Doughboy" once again took center stage as Owen County Historian Tony Neff shined the spotlight on the late Spencer sculptor Ernest Moore Viquesney and his famed pressed copper statue. The program was originally intended to include a rededication of the statue, which remains the focus of an ongoing restoration project.

"Today we honor and recognize the veterans who served in the U.S. Armed Forces," Neff began. "Today we witness the revitalization of the 'Spirit of the American Doughboy,' the life-sized statue designed by Spencer native Ernest Moore 'Dick' Viquesney. It was designed to honor the veterans and casualties of World War I, so the sacrifice of the men and women who gave so much to preserve our freedom may never be forgotten."

Produced during the 1920s and 1930s for communities throughout the United States, Neff said the statue's design was the most popular of its kind. A total of 145 are known to be in prominent places in 38 states, he noted, including 35 on the grounds of county courthouses. Indiana is home to 11 such statues.

"Viquesney was born in Spencer in 1876," Neff continued. "His father, a French immigrant, was a stone mason who moved to Spencer in 1874 and started a monument business where Dick presumably learned his skill as a sculptor."

Viquesney was himself a military veteran, having served as a corporal stationed at Pensacola, FL during the Spanish-American War in 1898.

"He was a patriotic and community-minded man," Neff explained. "He was a founder and the commander of the Spencer Spanish-American War Veterans Post."

Neff later told how Viquesney relocated from Spencer in 1905 and went on to work for several monument companies. While employed as a chief designer by Schneider Marble Company in Americus, Georgia between 1918 and 1920, Viquesney designed the "Doughboy" statue we know today.

"He was meticulous about details," Neff said. "He interviewed veterans, studied hundreds of photographs, and used two models in full uniform to perfect his statue of the 'Doughboy' to the finest detail. In 1921 the first 'Doughboy' was toured by train so respective buyers could see the statue. It was eventually installed in Nashville, Georgia."

Viquesney returned to Spencer in 1922, Neff said, and four years later offered to sell the County its own 'Doughboy' for $1,000, which was the cost he said it took to produce each statue.

Raising money for the "Doughboy" proved to be a community affair following a suggestion made by Carl Anderson, editor of The Owen Leader, in January of 1926. The Owen County Board of Commissioners would contribute $300, although it would take until January 1927 before enough money ($1,236) would finally be raised. The addition of a Romona limestone base at a cost of $200 would bring the total cost to $1,436, which in today's dollars would be roughly $27,000.

Neff said the statue was officially dedicated on May 19, 1927 to coincide with Decoration Day, which today we know as Memorial Day. Some 3,500 guests were in attendance for the dedication, led by Capt. Joseph Clark who served as the master of ceremonies.

Neff said the statue was "unveiled by Mrs. Hight, whose son Edward was the first Owen County man to be killed in service during World War I, and Mrs. Call, whose son Leland was the first Owen County man killed while in action in World War I."

This year's Veterans Day program also featured remarks by former VFW Post #1405 Commander Ted Mangin, a ceremonial three-volley salute and the playing of Taps by the Owen County Honor Guard, and the ceremonial laying of wreaths by officials from the VFW Post #1405, Spencer American Legion Post #285 and the Gosport VFW Post #7850.

The ongoing Owen County Doughboy Revitalization Project is focused on restoring the statue and transforming its setting into a welcoming, accessible plaza where history, community and remembrance come together. The design includes a concrete plaza with seating for gatherings and ceremonies; landscaping and lighting to enhance security and highlight the Doughboy at night; obelisk monuments honoring each branch of the U.S. military; and concrete benches that will both invite reflection and protect the courthouse by serving as a safety barrier.

To donate to the project, visit bit.ly/DoughboyFund or contact the Owen County Community Foundation at 812-829-1725.

Routine food inspections were conducted by the Owen County Health Department during the month of November. Reported below are the no violation, critical and non-critical comments left for these establishments:

11-17
Gosport Elementary School, 201 N. Ninth St., Gosport. Routine inspection. No violations.

11-19
Patricksburg Elementary School, 9912 S.R. 246, Patricksburg. Routine inspection. No violations.

The following marriage licenses were issued since the last issue of The Owen News. Please note that this information is based on the applications. Marriage licenses are valid for 60 days from when they are issued, and the information below does not reflect whether or not the two individuals followed through with a marriage or if the signed marriage license was returned to the Owen County Clerk's office.

11-3
Michael Wolford (age 73) & Carol S. Wolford (age 73)

11-10
Raylena A. Dowdy (age 35) & Nathan William Perkins (age 35)

11-18
Ashley M. Cox (age 40) & Chris Benjamin Ruggles (age 47)

11-25
Cecelia L. Raub (age 22) & Nicholas J. Nelson (age 23)
Brooklyn Welding (age 27) & Clayton Dove (age 25)

11-26
Makayla Hampton (age 29) & Steven Sharpee (age 36)

+++

The following dissolutions of marriages were filed since the last issue of The Owen News in Owen County Circuit Court 2.

11-7
Wesley F. Penland & Amber Penland

11-11
Andrea Bixler & Donald Bixler

11-12
Nicholas Christy & Karen Christy

11-17
Heather Turpin Graves & Brittany Graves

11-21
Laura L. Hamm & David E. Hamm

11-25
Vera Barnett & William Barnett

The world became infinitely more interesting the day Judith Annette Epp arrived in Indianapolis on New Year's Day, 1949. It's fitting that she was born at the very start of a year; Judi never waited for life to happen. She planned it, executed it, occasionally bedazzled it, and then invited everyone else in.

Judi grew up in Indianapolis, later dedicating many years to AT&T before deciding early retirement sounded better than corporate conference calls. Retirement, for Judi, was not an exit - just a costume change. She poured her energy into volunteerism across countless causes, but her heart found its truest home co-founding Spencer Pride, Inc.

For two decades, Judi was the kind of leader nonprofits dream of and spreadsheets fear. She did everything - fundraising, secretarial finesse, treasurer wizardry - and then helped decide that transforming a historic building into the Spencer Pride commUnity center sounded like fun. She spent her final years spearheading its renovation, including the installation of its shiny new elevator this October. Yes, Judi literally helped our community rise.

Judi believed that life should be lived beautifully and that nails should be maintained accordingly. When she wasn't improving the world, she enjoyed the quiet joy of her lakeside home, a mani-pedi that put diamonds to shame, time with family (dogs absolutely included), a good book, and the fine art of spoiling her grandson, Truman.

She was preceded in death by her beloved wife Beverly Camden, and leaves behind her wife Lucie Mathieu, her son Jacob Balash and his husband Jonathan Balash, and the grandson she adored, Truman Balash. Judi didn't just love her family - she curated experiences for them, as though life itself were her favorite hobby.

Judi died on November 25, 2025, in Bloomington, surrounded by those who loved her fiercely. She left detailed instructions - naturally - that her farewell be a Celebration of Life, held not in hushed tones but in the ballroom of the Spencer Pride commUnity Center. In perfect Judi fashion, she requested it serve as a fundraiser. The celebration will take place Saturday, December 20, at 2:00 p.m. Eastern, and attendees are encouraged to come honor Judi.

If you wish to honor Judi's legacy, donations can be made to the Spencer Pride Fund at the Owen County Community Foundation. Flowers are lovely, but Judi was allergic to them and always preferred helping a community bloom.

Judi was a hard worker, a committed fundraiser, and a game changer - not just for Spencer Pride, but for anyone lucky enough to orbit her. Her absence leaves a void; her example leaves marching orders.

The Owen County Community Foundation has opened its 2026 Scholarship Application, offering more than 65 scholarship opportunities for graduating high school seniors and adult learners pursuing higher education.

The application is now available and will remain open until Friday, Jan. 16, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Students can apply by creating an account at bit.ly/OCCFscholarship.

Awards range from $500 to $40,000, with an average scholarship amount of $1,800. In 2025, 48 percent of all applicants received at least one scholarship, and awards were distributed across a wide range of students and future educational goals.

In 2025, 63 scholarships totaling more than $145,000 were awarded to 42 students from Owen Valley High School, Cloverdale High School and surrounding communities.

Scholarships are available to graduating high school seniors, students currently enrolled in college or vocational and technical programs, adults beginning college for the first time, adults returning to school after an extended break and students pursuing advanced degrees. Most scholarships are intended for individuals whose permanent residence is in Owen County. Students who are living in on-campus or off-campus housing remain eligible as long as their permanent address is within the county.

Some scholarships are general academic awards, while others are specific to township of residence, intended career field, chosen college, extracurricular involvement, volunteer service or having family ties to legacy Owen County high schools such as Spencer, Freedom, Quincy, Patricksburg or Gosport.

Students can access the application by typing bit.ly/OCCFscholarship into their browser or by visiting owencountycf.org/students, selecting the STUDENTS tab, and clicking the Login to Scholarship Manager button. Students who are creating a new account should use a personal email address rather than a school email that will deactivate after graduation.

All required materials including transcripts, essays and third-party recommendation letters must be submitted by the Jan. 16 deadline. OCCF will offer in-person help sessions at the Owen Valley High School library in the weeks leading up to the deadline. Applicants are also welcome to stop by the OCCF's office located at 60 E. Market St. in Spencer for one-on-one application assistance.

All scholarship recipients are required to attend the Scholarship Awards Program on April 26, 2026, at the Owen Valley High School Auditorium to accept their awards and meet the generous donors behind the scholarships.

Students are encouraged to follow the Owen County Community Foundation on Facebook and Instagram for reminders and updates.

For questions, contact Karah Bobeck, Director of Programs and Communications, at karah@owencountycf.org or 812-829-1725.

About the 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 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 St., in Spencer.

I have many memories of my father at Christmas. Memories of trips to the City Market in Indianapolis, making cookies, picking out the perfect tree. Each tinfoil icicle, each ornament was placed with precision. My most precious memory is of a lesson dad taught us the year I was 10. I do not know how it relates to nature, but it is a story worth telling.

My father was a policeman. One cold morning, the week before Christmas, dad came home upset. He was acting strangely and whispering to mom. I heard her say, "Oh, Bob," repeatedly as she puttered around the kitchen making coffee. It was time to get ready for school, so I got up and wandered into the kitchen. I was surprised to see my older brother sitting at the table in his pajamas. I could tell by my parents' faces something was wrong.

Mom told us to get dressed so we could have breakfast with dad before we went to school. "He wants to talk with you." Someone had plugged in the Christmas tree lights. Bubble lights were shining like tiny candles; the glass balls dangling from the fragrant limbs were shining from reflecting lights. The perfectly placed icicles were gleaming. I smiled at the presents under the tree as I passed by. I felt a rush of excitement about what might be in the ones with my name on them. Was I going to get another story book doll for my collection? I collected small dolls dressed in costumes from other countries. What books were waiting to take me away from my life to live in the pages with the characters that seemed so interesting?

When I returned to the kitchen, both my brothers were there, eating oatmeal. Dad was drinking coffee and smoking a cigarette. The look on his face was sad and serious. "Kids," he started, "I want to tell you something, and I need your help." He proceeded to tell us about a house fire he had been called to. The home of a family with four children had burned to the ground. The family had escaped, which was a miracle, but they had lost everything. Dad looked at us sadly, "Now I know you don't have many presents under the tree. But those kids don't even have a tree. I'd like for you to pick out one of your gifts to give to these kids."

My brother Red looked at me, his blue eyes twinkling. I knew what he was thinking, "which one?" Which one was THE present we really wanted? Neither of us said, "No, we won't." No kid wants to give away their Christmas presents. There was something in our father's voice, his slumped shoulders that convinced us that this was the time to do as he asked. After all, we had more than one present. We were not forced to run out in the cold winter night to escape a fire. The three of us walked to the tree and searched for a present with our name on it. I decided on a present wrapped in white paper with green holly and bright red berries. Mom had tied a red ribbon around it. I did not know what it was, but it was a pretty package.

We handed the presents we had chosen to Dad. Mom picked one of my baby sister Linda's. She was only four and still asleep. As Dad put the presents in a shopping bag he said, "Thank you. I am proud of you all for giving up one of your presents for these kids." Later, I learned that the firemen and the officers on duty had taken up a collection to help the family. We weren't the only policeman's kids that shared our presents with children we did not know.

Sometimes I wonder what was in the pretty box I gave to a girl I didn't know. It wasn't my story book doll. I received a beautiful Dutch doll with wooden shoes and blonde braids that year. What I gave away doesn't matter. My life is unchanged by the absence of that gift. My existence is richer by far by the invaluable lesson I learned. 'Things' are not what life is about. A pile of presents is not the meaning of Christmas. My father gave us a gift that year that is worth more than anything that could have been in that pretty box tied up with a red ribbon. He taught us by example, to think of others, to share what we have, to give to those that are in need. That is how human nature is supposed to be.

'til next time,
Annie

EDITOR'S NOTE: Booking information is provided by the Owen County Security Center. These are preliminary charges and may change as cases are processed through the circuit court system. To follow a court case, search the state's court records at mycase.in.gov. This information is public record. All people are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

11-5
Grant Daugherty, 30, Freedom, preliminary charges of burglary and probation violation. Arrested by Owen County Sheriff's Department (OCSD) Deputy Tony Stevens.

George Thomas III, 57, Poland, IN, preliminary charge of sex offender registration violation. Spencer Police Department (SPD) officer Ben Muncie was the arresting officer.

11-6
Jack Herrington, 37, Freedom, preliminary charge of intimidation. Arrested by OCSD Sergeant Brandon Gasparovic.

Timothy Hickey, 44, Spencer, preliminary charge of intimidation. OCSD K9 Deputy Charles Hallam was the arresting officer.

Phillip Howard, 63, Poland, IN, preliminary charges of domestic battery, failure to appear, and invasion of privacy. Arrested by OCSD Deputy Elijah Volrich.

Brooke Neal, 46, Unionville, preliminary charges of possession of methamphetamine, driving while suspended with a prior charge, failure to appear, and possession of paraphernalia. SPD officer Bryce Brock was the arresting officer.

11-7
Russell Bandy, 56, Spencer, preliminary charge of invasion of privacy. Arrested by OCSD Deputy John Lowder II.

11-9
Dustin Stahl, 39, Bowling Green, preliminary charges of kidnapping and probation violation. OCSD Deputy Jordan Hardey was the arresting officer.

11-11
Christopher Daniels, 35, Spencer, preliminary charge of domestic battery. Arrested by OCSD Sergeant Torrey Wallace.

11-12
Bryan Collins, 44, Freedom, preliminary charges of pointing a firearm, intimidation, and disorderly conduct. OCSD Deputy Brennan Clark was the arresting officer.

Philip Dennison II, 30, Spencer, preliminary charges of battery and disorderly conduct. Arrested by SPD officer Bryce Brock.

Kyal Campbell, 34, Poland, IN, preliminary charges of criminal trespass, resisting law enforcement (failure to appear). OCSD Major William Snodgrass was the arresting officer.

11-14
Paul Cazee, 45, Spencer, preliminary charge of driving while suspended with a prior charge. Arrested by OCSD Deputy Jordan Hardey.

Destiny Goff, 30, Indianapolis, preliminary charges of criminal trespass and probation violation. OCSD Special Deputy Levi Miller was the arresting officer.

11-15
Laramie DeFord, 26, Spencer, preliminary charge of writ of attachment. Arrested by OCSD Deputy Jacob Williamson.

Jaymison Copeland, 20, Bowling Green, preliminary charges of probation violation, driving while suspended with a prior charge, and child exploitation; possession of child pornography. OCSD Sergeant Brandon Gasparovic was the arresting officer.

11-16
Duran Morgan, 30, Poland, IN, preliminary charges of resisting law enforcement, probation violation, leaving the scene of an accident, false informing, and operating without a license when required. Arrested by OCSD Sergeant Brandon Gasparovic.

Pamela Miller, 54, Paragon, preliminary charges of invasion or privacy and criminal trespass. OCSD Deputy Elijah Volrich was the arresting officer.

11-17
Toby Chandler, 30, Spencer, preliminary charge of failure of a sex offender to possess identification. Arrested by OCSD Special Deputy Levi Miller.

Chad Willoughby, 44, Bowling Green, preliminary charges of probation violation, resisting law enforcement, and driving while suspended with a prior charge. OCSD Special Deputy Levi Miller was the arresting officer.

11-18
Kara Fleming, 45, Bloomington, preliminary charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of paraphernalia, and possession of marijuana, hash oil, hashish, or salvia. Arrested by OCSD Deputy Jordan Hardey.

Louann Collier, 61, Spencer, preliminary charges of attempted residential entry, criminal trespass, and disorderly conduct. Tony Stevens was the arresting officer.

Thomas Walls, 50, Worthington, preliminary charge of operating a vehicle as a habitual traffic violator (HTV). Arrested by Indiana State Police (ISP) Trooper Robert Martin.

11-19
James Groh, 63, Heltonville, IN, preliminary charge of failure to appear. OCSD Deputy John Lowder II was the arresting officer.

Cody Kepner, 38, Spencer, preliminary charge of animals running at large. Arrested by OCSD Sergeant Brandon Gasparovic.

Trenton Steele, 35, Spencer, preliminary charges of driving while suspended with a prior charge and criminal mischief. OCSD Deputy Jordan Hardey was the arresting officer.

11-20
Robert Orman, 56, Spencer, preliminary charges of possession of methamphetamine and possession of paraphernalia. Arrested by OCSD Deputy Jordan Hardey.

11-22
Leo Kent, 52, Worthington, preliminary charge of driving while suspended with a prior charge – unfounded. OCSD Deputy Brennan Clark was the arresting officer.

11-23
Alex Whitfield, 24, Newberry, IN, preliminary charge of operating while intoxicated. Arrested by OCSD Sergeant Torrey Wallace.

Oscar Rubio, 31, Spencer, preliminary charges of driving without a license, operating while intoxicated, and possession of marijuana, hash oil, hashish, or salvia. OCSD Deputy Bill Brown was the arresting officer.

Raymond Branam, 19, Poland, IN, preliminary charges of intimidation, resisting law enforcement, criminal mischief, and domestic battery. Arrested by OCSD Deputy Brennan Clark.

11-28
Aleesha Nagorski, 24, Freedom, preliminary charges of domestic battery and disorderly conduct. SPD officer Bryce Brock was the arresting officer.

11-29
Hong Ho, 41, Ridley Park, PA, preliminary charges of possession of methamphetamine and possession of paraphernalia. Arrested by SPD officer Bryce Brock.

Christopher Dover, 45, Poland, IN, preliminary charges of failure to appear, strangulation, and domestic battery. OCSD Deputy Jacob Williamson was the arresting officer.

11-30
Donald Anderson, 69, Stinesville, preliminary charge of operating with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .15 or more. Arrested by SPD officer Bryce Brock.

Jason Hall, 56, Bloomington, preliminary charges of disorderly conduct, battery against a public safety official, resisting law enforcement, intimidation, and neglect of a dependent; child selling. SPD officer Bryce Brock was the arresting officer.

Andrea Hahn, 43, Spencer, preliminary charges of possession of a controlled substance, and possession of marijuana, hash oil, hashish, or salvia. Arrested by SPD officer Bryce Brock.

The Friday, Nov. 7 issue of The Owen News carried a "Letter to the Editor" from a Mr. Ellington, a Greene County politician running for the State Senate in District 39. It was a thinly disguised "campaign speech" that amazingly turned out to be quite prescient. Mr. Ellington rambled about the need to increase the 7-2 majority the GOP already has in the House of Representatives from Indiana. He then went on to rail against the opposition to re-districting in Indiana by a "handful" of Republican members of the Indiana Statehouse.

He predicted that these Republicans who balked at redrawing districts would incur the "sizable wrath of the MAGA BASE." While not knowing if he had his letter printed in other publications, there is no way of telling or sure whether or not his prediction inspired the seven or eight SWAT phone calls later made, which led to armed officers of the law being called to the houses of these politicians who did not follow the governor's and the White House's wishes.

Were the unbalanced people who made these illegal and certainly family-frightening calls about people being harmed in the households of these non-compliant GOP politicians inspired by the latter words of Mr. Ellington? Because he then goes on to say we are in an "arms race" with a "Cabal of National Democrats" and refers to a "gerrymandering war." No way of proving.

I live in beautiful Owen County. I have been in Greene County more times than I can count - it also is a lovely part of Indiana. Mr. Ellington's vitriol and incendiary words are not needed in Greene nor in any other county which he wants to serve as a representing politician.

— Ed Staubach

When I was growing up, my father had certain Christmas traditions that we followed every year. One tradition had to do with our Christmas tree. My dad believed in getting a real Christmas tree. It was quite an adventure to say the least, and I look back fondly on those days and smile.

We would go out and pick out our own live tree. Dad called these adventures, "The great Christmas tree hunts." We didn't go out to a tree farm, but dad had his own idea of places to find a tree and of course we always did it together as a family. My father had a friend who owned some land in the country that was full of Eastern Cedar trees. Every year, the owner allowed my father and the rest of us to go onto his property and pick out a tree to cut down for our Christmas tree.

There always seemed to be a method to my father's madness. My dad would get out his handsaw, grab some rope, then load our little family up in the car, and we would go for a grand adventure of finding the perfect Christmas tree. My dad had certain spots where he knew there were lots of trees that grew and where the nicest ones were. I can't tell you where that spot is now, but if I had to guess I would say it was out in the middle of nowhere.

My dad would lead his family (my mother, brother and myself) out into the wilderness, and we never left that place until we found what he considered to be the perfect tree. We would walk around a while, and it was usually snowing, which made the whole experience quite special for me. The snow would blanket the countryside, causing the effect of a winter wonderland as the woods laid silent before us. There was a quiet expectation among us, but no one dared say a word as we watched my father inspecting every tree on the planet. Finally, my dad would find the one he wanted. He had brought us along to help, but in the end it was always my dad's decision. He was sort of like a Christmas tree connoisseur. At least he thought so.

After he made the choice, he would get out his trusty saw and start working on getting the tree down and into the trunk of our car. The tree was always bigger than the trunk, thus the reason for bringing along the rope. He tied the trunk down so the tree wouldn't fall out. We would then make our way home where the prized tree would be placed in the middle of our living room, waiting to be adorned with decorations and lights. It just wasn't Christmas in our house until the tree was officially up.

Today, a lot of people use artificial trees. I am guilty of this myself. But sometimes the pull of tradition is strong, and I have a deep longing in my heart to experience a Christmas like I did as a child. My father is gone now, and I know you can't go back to that place in reality, but in small ways, in my memories, I can go back to the place in the wilderness where the Christmas trees grew. I can still revisit the silence of the woods.

I put my tree up the other night, and I don't know if anyone would consider it to be perfect. But I think if my dad was here to judge, he would think it was pretty nice. In fact, I think he would say that it was perfect. At least I'd like to think so.

Merry Christmas!
Susan

Cloverdale Community School Corporation (CCSC) Superintendent Greg Linton recently announced his intention to step away from the position when his current contract ends on June 30, 2026. The announcement was made during the Nov. 10 meeting of the CCSC Board of School Trustees.

Linton, who began his career in public education at Gosport Elementary School in 1989, has served as CCSC superintendent since 2014.

"I've been blessed to serve in public education for the past 37 years, with experience as a teacher, building administrator and district leader," Linton told The Owen News. "My time at Cloverdale Community Schools has been especially meaningful. I've had the privilege of working alongside dedicated educators, a supportive board and a community that genuinely puts students first. The years at CCSC have truly been a highlight of my career."

Although the decision to step away was not easy, Linton said he believes the timing is right for him both personally and professionally.

"We are at a natural transition point as a district—we've built strong momentum, we have exceptional leadership at every level, and many of the major initiatives and long-term plans we've worked hard to develop are well underway," he explained. "I'm grateful to be leaving at a time when the district is stable, thriving and positioned for continued success. In the remaining months of my contract, I look forward to establishing a smooth transition process, especially as we continue moving forward with our building and renovation projects. These upgrades will serve students well for many years to come, and it's exciting to see our vision becoming reality."

Linton called Cloverdale a "truly special place" and said he's grateful for the support he's received since his arrival on campus more than a decade ago.

"Our teachers, administrators, support staff and bus drivers are exceptional professionals who care deeply about students," he said. "The board of school trustees has consistently been supportive, student-focused and committed to the long-term success of the district. I will support the board in any way they request as they begin the search process, but the selection of the next superintendent is ultimately their responsibility. My goal is to ensure a smooth, well-planned transition so the next superintendent can step into this position with confidence."

CCSC board president Vivian Whitaker noted at the close of the meeting that Linton plans to remain with the corporation at the close of his current contract, although in a different role. What exactly that role will be has yet to be announced publicly.

"Mr. Linton has come as close to my ideal of a superintendent as anybody I've worked with or been around," she said.

Linton, a Clay County native and an Indiana State University graduate, also served for nearly five years as superintendent for Spencer-Owen Community Schools. In addition to his time spent as a superintendent, Linton's more than 35-year career has seen him serve as the principal at North Clay Middle School and Spencer Elementary School, as well as several other administrative roles and classroom teacher positions.

The Nov. 10 meeting began with routine matters, where the board approved meeting minutes for the work, executive and regular meetings held on Oct. 13, as well as tentative agreement and executive sessions held Oct. 27.

Next, the board voted 7-0 to approve the latest claims and financial reports, which Linton advised totaled $2,782,987.34 (including two payrolls) since the board's previous meeting.

Regarding communications, the board recognized the corporation's latest Student of the Month honorees, which included Cloverdale Elementary School (CES) students Jeriden Vaughn (October) and Rowan Harrison (November), Cloverdale Middle School (CMS) students Ella Bailey (October) and Emma Naughton (November) and Cloverdale High School (CHS) student Addison Collins.

Also recognized were Parker Pritchard and Elijah Ferran, who earned Good Citizen Awards, presented by CCSC School Resource Officer (SRO) Roger Tonna.

Traci Scott, English Language Arts teacher at CHS, was honored as the latest CCSC Staff Member of the Month.

Addressing new business, the board approved the contractual agreement between CCSC and the Cloverdale Education Association (CEA).

"The red line version that is included in the board packet will allow you to see where changes were made to the contract," Linton advised. "The public hearing was held on Sept. 9, teachers ratified the contract on Oct. 23, and the board held the TA meeting on Oct. 27. The final step in the process is for the board to ratify the contract during this meeting. After the contract is approved, teachers will receive retro back pay to the start of their contracts on Nov. 20, and their new regular pay on Nov. 21."

The board also approved pay increases for non-certified employees and administrators, as well as the Teacher Appreciation Grant (TAG) program, which underwent significant changes during the 2025 legislative session. Per Indiana Code 20-43-16, TAG was established to provide millions of dollars directly to schools and thousands of dollars to Indiana's educators to attract, reward and retain teachers who significantly impact student outcomes. House Enrolled Act (HEA) 1001-2025 outlines requirements which must be met to receive TAG dollars.

"In your board packet you will find the TAG grant process that our administrative team has developed to provide guidance and directions for our local application process," Linton added.

Additional items receiving board approval included the 2025-26 Title I Grant, the addition of a homebound instructor for CMS, an instructional assistant position at CMS, stipends for the Clover Café manager and CCSC EF Tours liaison, six donations to CHS, 10 professional leave requests, five field trip requests and six facility use requests.

Additional personnel matters receiving board approval included:

Retirement
Greg Linton – superintendent

Employment
Crystal Tincher – CES instructional assistant.
Jenny Wiggs – CMS instructional assistant.
Lance Dooley – CMS long-term substitute.
Regina Wiley – CMS Drama assistant.
Ethan Stattner – CHS long-term substitute.

FMLA
Sandi Price – CES teacher.
Ken Schnepp – CHS teacher.

Coaching resignation
Camille Garcia – CHS cheer coach.
Brandon Moon – CMS boys' basketball coach.

Coaching hire
Patrick Rady – CHS junior varsity boys' basketball coach.
Paul Starks – CMS seventh grade girls' basketball coach.

The Cloverdale Community School Board will meet again on Monday, Dec. 8 beginning at 7 p.m. in the Arthur L. Johnson Administration Building, 310 E. Logan St., Cloverdale. Members of the board include Vivian Whitaker, Katrina Lewis, Donna Fidler, Melissa Carrell, Emily Haltom, Joe Mann and Mike Rightmyer II.

Firewood permits available at MCSP

The public is invited to cut and remove certain downed trees at McCormick's Creek State Park for firewood through Mar. 20, 2026.

Eligible trees, located along roadsides or in public areas such as picnic areas, have fallen naturally or were dropped by park staff for safety reasons.

A $10 permit is required for each load, defined as an eight-foot standard pickup truck bed without any modifications including sideboards. Additional charges will be incurred for a larger truck and trailer load.

Permits are available at the park office from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Firewood is for personal use only and cannot be sold.

All proceeds will be used for resource management and restoration efforts at the park, including replacement of trees.

Merry Commons Light Up

A holiday light display is coming to Cooper Commons on E. Cooper St. in Spencer. A wide variety of Christmas lights and decorations will transform the park into a holiday wonderland beginning Dec. 6 and continuing through Jan. 11.

Initiated by the Spencer Parks & Recreation Board, donations to support this project can be made to the Town of Spencer Parks & Recreation Fund at the Owen County Community Foundation. To learn more, call 812-829-1725 or visit owencountycf.org.

Drawing held for state fair queen program competition

A drawing was held Oct. 3 to determine the contestant order for all 82 counties entered into the 2026 Indiana State Fair Queen Program Competition.

Owen County, represented by 2025 Miss Owen County Fair Queen MiaRose Hess, was selected for the 39th position. The 2026 Indiana State Fair Queen Program Competition will be held Jan. 3 and 4 at the Corteva Coliseum, located on the state fairgrounds in Indianapolis.

Owen Valley Fire Territory receives DHS grant

The Owen Valley Fire Territory was recently awarded a grant from the Indiana Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The grant enabled the department to purchase an Automated External Defibrillator (AED).

According to the website startinghearts.org, an AED is a compact, battery-powered medical device used to treat individuals experiencing sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). AEDs help restart the heart during a sudden cardiac arrest by analyzing the heart's rhythm through sticky pads placed on the chest. If the device detects a dangerous rhythm like ventricular fibrillation (VF) or pulseless ventricular tachycardia (VT) it delivers a controlled electric shock that can reset the heart's electrical activity, restore a normal rhythm and potentially save the person's life.

A political party caucus held Nov. 14 at the Owen County Democratic Party Headquarters culminated in Ginger Kohr being selected to fill an open seat on the three-member Spencer Town Council. The position was previously held by Mike Spinks, an elected Democrat, who passed away on Oct. 23.

Kohr, who recently retired from her role as director of the Owen County Public Library, will complete the remainder of Spinks' elected term, which ends Dec. 31, 2027.

"I have loved watching this county grow and the downtown (Spencer) revitalization," Kohr said. "I want to have an open door where people feel comfortable coming to talk to me and know that they are being heard. I appreciate so much the people who had faith in me and suggested I throw my hat in the ring."

Kohr's first official town council meeting followed on Nov. 17, where she joined fellow council members Jon Stantz and Evan McKalip.

A cold snap and the early darkness of late fall didn't deter roughly 50 protesters gathering on the sidewalk outside of the Nov. 10 Owen County Lincoln Day dinner.

The dinner featured a fireside chat with Governor Mike Braun and Lieutenant Governor Micah Beckwith moderated by Indiana Senate President Pro Tempore Rodric Bray and Owen County Republican Party Chairwoman Kristi Risk.

Protesters gathered with signs reading, "Braun cheats for Trump," "Hoosiers aren't cheaters! No redistricting," "Hear ye! Hear ye! Fund SNAP," and "Listen to Hoosiers not Trump." They beat upon a drum and yelled chants as folks entered the event.

But the protests outside didn't deter the dinner inside.

The event started with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance before honoring distinguished guest John Sutton, Indiana Military Veterans Hall of Fame Inductee and Owen County hero.

After dinner, Matthew Barnes, a volunteer chaplain for the Indiana Statehouse and the founder of the ministry Public Servants' Prayer, explained what he does.

"I minister to the most maligned and disparaged people group in the world—politicians," he said, evoking laughter from the crowd.

Bray then offered a few opening remarks before introducing Braun and Beckwith.

"I think at the end of the day, a Lincoln Day dinner is simply a celebration. It is, if you will, a way to define exactly who we are as a party and who we are as a state. And it's a time to celebrate all the accomplishments that we've had. And let me just be very clear, we've got some pretty neat accomplishments to talk about here in the state of Indiana that we have been able to achieve over the last few years," he said.

He cited Forbes deeming Indiana the best state in the country to start a business.

"We've watched business come from other states and from other nations. In 2017 we broke a record for capital investment in Indiana. It's $2 billion, over $2 billion. I remember at the time being ecstatic about the amount of capital that came in to Indiana. Since that time in 2017, we've broken that record in 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024," he said.

That capital investment is now north of $39 billion, which Bray said has brought jobs to Indiana.

Bray also spoke about educational progress surrounding the importance of reading in which Indianapolis Public Schools saw a 10 percent increase in their iRead scores this past year and that the state has cut taxes 20 times within the last 10 years.

One of the topics that was discussed during a few different questions was the working relationship between Braun and Beckwith. Beckwith was not Braun's choice of a running mate. Rather, Beckwith gathered enough delegates at the state Republican convention in June 2025 to usurp Representative Julie McGuire, placing him on the ticket. Beckwith announced his desire to run for the lieutenant governor position through this process at the Owen County Lincoln Day dinner held in the spring of 2024.

"Micah, it's good to have you on the team as well because we are walking hand in hand, arm in arm," Braun said during the first question which was about where the Republican Party is most united.

"It's an honor to serve alongside you. I've said about Governor Braun as I got to know him—he embodies the fiscal prowess of Mitch Daniels, but the social conservatism of Mike Pence. I really believe that as I've gotten to see him in action. I think that's kind of what we've been asking for for the last few years," Beckwith said of Braun.

Beckwith said that some division in the party is inevitable.

"We're family, and any family is going to have a pound the table moment, and we're going to have those divisions and those fights. My ask anytime I come into a problem with the Republican Party is, 'Hey, we can pound the table, but don't take offense.' I always try to say, 'Hey, don't hold on to it so tightly that you get offended by what somebody says. Sometimes there has to be passion,'" he said.

The topic was brought up again when discussing cohesion between the different areas the duo prefer to emphasize.

"It's really good when you have a team that has diverse backgrounds," Braun said.

He discussed his extensive business background and his history as an elected official, including serving in the U.S. Senate prior to being elected governor.

"That doesn't mean I'm not just as interested in the cultural issues, as I told you earlier I was. And here, I have a partner that comes from the pulpit, that knows culture and religion and a legislature that embraces all of that. That's why I say these next three to seven years, I'm going to be involved with it. We've got opportunity that we've never had before as a state being enterprising conservatives. Generally when you have those two words together, the other side of the aisle likes to use enterprising with liberalism. We make a good team and compliment one another," Braun said.

"Absolutely. I couldn't agree more. I think you just heard him announce his re-election campaign," Beckwith said. "It's true. I think he said it so well. I love serving with Governor Braun. I think we compliment each other really well. He brings fiscal business prowess of running a business, a successful business, an entrepreneur, and you gotta have that. A conservative state needs good business policy, good entrepreneurial vision, and he brings it. But I also know he's just as conservative on the social stuff as I am, and I think he knows I'm just as gung-ho about good fiscal policy as he is."

Beckwith also said that his wheelhouse, where he comes from is "the culture wars."

He also cited faith and family values as the foundation of the nation and something they have to protect.

"I know he's got my back when I say things like that, and we've had conversations, and he's doing great things on executive orders, signing legislation that the legislature's giving him that are protecting those values. So when I'm out there, you know, I just kind of lead with that. I know he's right there 100 percent supportive," Beckwith said. "I think really, we've made a great team, and we're going to continue to make a great team for another three to seven years."

He noted that people ask about their relationship a lot.

"I think he's becoming a good friend. I look at him as a mentor and somebody that I'm learning a lot from," Beckwith said. "It's been an honor to serve alongside of you, and I think we're probably going to have one of the better, if not the best relationships between governor and lieutenant governor that we've seen in 20 years because it was kind of an arranged marriage."

Risk, who works in the lieutenant governor's office, talked about the patience and calmness that Braun brings to the work he does, which Beckwith agreed with.

Braun said that the only thing that has really offended or upset him was when Senator Chuck Schumer and Hungarian-American investor and philanthropist George Soros spent millions on a campaign calling Braun a liar and a hypocrite.

"That is when you really feel offended. And then you know what you do? You outwork them, you out maneuver them, and you get the better of that," he said.

Braun also talked about the importance of his faith in his journey to being governor of Indiana and the hope he has for the future.

"We're all together here at a moment in time when we set the bar for Midwest conservatism," he said.

The event closed with honoring and recognizing the Vincennes University chapter of Turning Point USA, an organization founded by the late Charlie Kirk who was assassinated on Sept. 10 while speaking on the campus of Utah Valley University.

Beckwith performed a mashup of "Amazing Grace" and "God Bless America" on the guitar also in honor of Kirk.

Editor's Note: The Owen News was comped a ticket to cover the event. Offering comped tickets or observer only access is a common journalistic practice. The Owen News is disclosing this in an effort to be overly transparent in our access to ticketed events.

Stephanie Freeman wiped away tears as she hugged a child goodbye, telling them that she loved them and would miss them.

"This hurts," she said.

She described herself as the "hot mess express" as she closed her childcare center, Tiny Town Learning Academy on Nov. 19.

"I haven't slept in like three nights. To be honest, I don't know when I will sleep again now," she said.

The closure of Tiny Town marks yet another reduction in the available spots for childcare in Owen County, with the Owen County Family YMCA's childcare facility closing over the summer. Meaning that since July, Owen County has lost 175 childcare spots.

And Owen County isn't alone in this problem. She estimates that the state has seen approximately 60 percent of its childcare facilities close in the two months prior to closing her own business.

A Widening Need

In 2022, when the Owen County Community Foundation (OCCF) completed its five year strategic plan, one of the needs that emerged was the need for increased access to high-quality care and learning opportunities for children ages zero to five.

"We realized that it's a social issue. It's an educational issue, but it's also an economic development issue, a workforce issue, and just knowing that we needed to address it if we could," Janet Rummel, CEO of OCCF said.

But identifying the need wasn't enough.

"The issue was that there's not a lot that a community foundation can do. We don't provide childcare. We don't open a center, and so there just really wasn't any opportunity for us to move forward with any programs because there weren't any programs wanting to expand. We were having a very hard time even attracting any providers to come here," Rummel said.

Data from Brighter Futures Indiana indicate that Owen County has 1,393 children under the age of six and that 852 of those children may need care. Those defined as potentially needing care are children in either a single-parent household or a household in which both parents work. Brighter Futures Indiana data also suggests that 279 children in Owen County under the age of six are under 125 percent of the federal poverty line.

And prior to a year ago when Tiny Town expanded and added Tiny Town Learning Academy, Owen County had 267 known childcare spots throughout the county.

According to data from Early Learning Indiana, in August of 2024, Owen County's Early Learning Access Index score was 43.17, compared to a state score of 63.8. This placed Owen County as the second lowest in 10 counties throughout the Indiana Uplands Region, behind Martin County with a score of 35.02.

The other eight counties include: Brown with a score of 64.65; Crawford with a score of 44.95; Daviess with a score of 52.69; Dubois with a score of 47.86; Greene with a score of 46.13; Lawrence with a score of 51.82; Monroe with a score of 69.04; and Orange with a score of 61.17.

As a result, increasing access to affordable, high-quality childcare became the regional focus of a grant from Lilly Endowment, Inc.'s eighth phase of their Giving Indiana Funds for Tomorrow (GIFT VIII) program. The Indiana Uplands Region through the Community Foundation of Bloomington and Monroe County received a $7.8 million grant to address the issue.

A Promising Expansion

As part of the regional grant, an Owen County Childcare Coalition was created.

Stephanie Freeman, who at the time owned a series of five in-home daycares known as Tiny Town Daycare, was part of the coalition.

She wanted to expand her offerings with quality at the forefront by maintaining and providing a facility that had attained the Level 3 Paths to Quality designation, meaning that the facility had planned curriculum guides for child development and school readiness.

There are four levels, with levels one and two being that the health and safety needs of the children are met and that the environment supports children learning, respectively. The fourth and highest level is national accreditation.

The only other provider at Level 3 or higher is the Spencer-Owen Community Schools system.

"She won't do anything less, even if she's not getting paid for it. She won't do anything less," Stephanie's husband Shane Freeman said.

Then, at a coalition meeting, it was announced that HeadStart would cease offering onsite services in Owen County, making the vacant building on Hillside Avenue an ideal spot for Tiny Town's expansion.

The answer to the problem OCCF wanted to solve was right there, completely kismet, as Tiny Town Learning Academy was created, adding 80 spots to the 60 spots provided through Tiny Town Daycare.

"It was going to be great because it was going to be 80 additional seats. And other than the school system, she was the only provider in Owen County that was a level three on the Paths to Quality. So it would be high quality and those additional seats, so we were really excited about that," Rummel said.

In the summer of 2024, Stephanie and Shane Freeman presented OCCF with a detailed business plan for the expansion.

"We felt very comfortable with the business plan and the waitlist that she had. We felt like this was going to really fill a big gap," Rummel said.

OCCF gave Tiny Town Learning Academy a $150,000 grant for the purchase of materials for expansion, but Stephanie Freeman still needed additional funding to complete the necessary renovations to the building to meet state requirements.

So OCCF did something they hadn't done before: invest in a local business.

"We made our very first ever community investment loan," Rummel said.

Typically community foundations invest their permanent resources in traditional forms of investments.

"But as long as an investment would meet our investment target for our return, we're able to do other investments. So this was our first time that we made our investment locally, and so we did a loan for her," Rummel said. "We felt based on the business plan that everything would go smoothly."

They were given a three-year loan with the first year bringing interest payments only.

The Freemans were also optimistic about Tiny Town's future.

"It should have been great… And it should have been excellent for everybody involved, the parents, the teachers, the kids, you know, the community," Shane Freeman said. "They were very important partners in this venture, as far as coming to the center, and we're very thankful for it."

And it was working.

"The business plan was working fine. She was meeting her costs," Rummel said, adding that there wasn't the high staff turnover that plagues a lot of childcare facilities.

It was working, until a change at the state level trickled down.

Voucher Cuts Hit Home

In order to make childcare more affordable for low-income individuals and ensure that there is quality access to child care and educational opportunities, Indiana has a voucher program available through the Child Care Development Fund (CCDF). Some of the funding for these vouchers is provided through federal funding as well.

A few years ago, Indiana expanded eligibility requirements from 127 percent of the federal poverty level to 150 percent. But when added funding from the COVID-19 Pandemic ended and the growth exceeded what Indiana had to offer, the state had to make changes.

"So for that reason it became hard to maintain or sustain like it was, and so that's why some changes were made," Indiana Senator Rodric Bray said. Bray represents District 37, which includes parts of Owen County, and is the President Pro Tempore of the state senate.

As a result, Indiana adjusted the eligibility requirements by lowering the threshold to 135 percent of the federal poverty line and adding in a requirement that the parents must either be employed or in school.

"The bottom line is that this program, both the CCDF program as well as the On My Way PreK program have grown substantially over the last five to seven years and the funding that we have hasn't really kept pace with that. Thus the need for the waitlist that's in place right now," Bray said.

Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) lists 31,651 children on the CCDF waitlist across the state.

The creation of that waitlist happened to coincide with the opening of Tiny Town Learning Academy.

With new vouchers not being issued, Tiny Town couldn't enroll new children.

Their hope was that the waitlist would open this fall.

"We knew something was coming. People would come in needing to go to work. We'd work out something, because we thought it'll eventually open up. So we'll go ahead and start watching the kids at a lower discounted rate, trying to help folks out trying to keep the building full, keep the employees paid, not really profiting, but in hopes it would come around," Shane Freeman said. "It's very important to us. It's not been about money. It's not really a lucrative business."

In late September, they were informed via email that the waitlist would not open until 2026. "They [said they] won't be releasing vouchers until at least—at least was the keyword—at least 2027. They originally told us it would be Oct. 1 that people would start coming off the waitlist, so we waited it out," Stephanie Freeman said. "I've been keeping this place open by the skin of my teeth."

In early November, they were told it would not be until 2027.

At the same time, the copays from parents also increased. And, according to Rummel, approximately 95 percent of the children at Tiny Town were on the vouchers.

"Parents couldn't even afford their co-pays, especially those parents that have four or five children enrolled here with us. We had some as far as over $600 a week for their children to come here, and it was just impossible for parents. I mean, it's more than their mortgage, and it just wasn't doable," MaKayla Freeman, daughter of Stephanie and Shane and an employee said. "But we also had to make the parents that were paying at a discount rate for us to stay open and keep things going at the rate that we were, we had to start making them pay full price for childcare, hoping that things would get better. And unfortunately, we had over half of our children pull out, just because they can't afford it, which is completely understandable."

To compound the problem even further, the voucher changes also impacted employees. Prior to the changes, employees of childcare facilities were moved to the top of the list and had expanded eligibility requirements to allow facilities to attract qualified employees.

"It wasn't just that they reduced the reimbursement for that, they did away with it altogether," Rummel said.

But the Freemans still tried to make it work.

"I mean, we searched high and low for a solution," Shane Freeman said, adding that sometimes payroll would come out of their personal finances.

They had a parent meeting, during which Stephanie Freeman found herself unable to even speak because she was so distraught.

"I tried to reassure the parents when I told them, 'Look, if we stay together, if the employees don't quit, because if employees quit, we can't keep the kids. If the parents pull out, we can't pay the employees. So we got to stick this out, work together, put our mouths to work and express our concerns to legislation and let them know what is going on, or we don't stand a chance,'" Shane Freeman said.

But when several families had to find care elsewhere, the delicate balance was destroyed. It left Tiny Town with approximately 20 children.

They considered using half of the building, but with no relief in sight and the inability to mix classrooms with different ages and maintain the desired level of quality, they were left with no other choice than to close both Tiny Town Daycare and Tiny Town Learning Academy.

Shane Freeman said that even without a lease, if they owned the building outright, and did not have a business loan, it would be extremely difficult for them to stay open.

"We've basically exhausted everything we have. When we're done here, we'll be able to pay the employees, and we owe a little bit on the lease," he said. "I don't know if we'll be able to pay it all. I think [the landlord is] understanding."

Community Fallout

For one parent and employee of Tiny Town, the closure means they will no longer be in the workforce, as they will be staying home with their children. They were unable to find childcare until August 2026.

The Owen News has granted the individual anonymity in an effort to minimize harm as they pursue future opportunities.

The parent had taken their children to Tiny Town for nearly a decade.

"I was a single mother at the time, and Stephanie Freeman was the only one in Owen County willing to wake up and take my children in the wee hours of the morning so I could provide for my young boys," the parent said. "She loved them with her whole heart as she did with every child she met, and they loved her."

And it isn't just this one parent.

"We've got parents calling us crying because they don't want anyone else to watch their children," MaKayla Freeman said. "They don't trust their child with anyone else. They refuse to send their child somewhere else. They have no idea what to do. And it all boils down to because they know Stephanie cares so much and that she would do anything for any child here."

The closure also impacts OCCF as a funder and partner in Tiny Town's expansion.

"We wrote off the loan and converted it to a grant, so we're out the loan essentially," Rummel said. "We were able to reclaim the purchased materials, furniture and equipment."

Some of those materials are currently being stored at Owen Valley High School, while others went to Spencer Elementary School to be used for their preschool and PreK program to be used immediately.

The loss of these CCFD vouchers has also impacted the results of the grant the Indiana Uplands Region received from Lilly Endowment, Inc.

"Since submitting the original proposal, Indiana's ECE (Early Childhood Education) landscape has undergone significant shifts, presenting new challenges. Recent cuts to the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) and On My Way Pre-K (OMWPK) programs have drastically decreased access to childcare assistance for qualifying families. These changes have placed additional strain on providers who rely on public funding to serve low-income families and remain financially viable. As we continue implementation, these evolving challenges may require CFBMC and its partners to adapt creatively and collaboratively. While our long-term goals remain unchanged, the reduction in public assistance funding underscores the urgency to address access, quality, staffing and affordability of ECE through innovative, community-driven solutions," a grant update report submitted on July 31 of this year reads.

The report continues, "As of May 2025, 574 children were on the CCDF waitlist across counties participating in this regional grant. The state also made changes to the OMWPK program. Enrollment has been capped at 2,500 children statewide, a sharp decrease from last year's count of 6,000. Families who are engaged in a job search are no longer eligible to apply; parents must be working, in school, or in job training. Voucher support is strictly limited to the child in Pre-K, and other siblings will require their own CCDF vouchers. Finally, voucher funding is capped at $6,800 per child per year (approximately $147.82 per week for 46 weeks), a significant decrease from the previous rate of over $300 per week. Providers must now either absorb the funding gap or pass costs on to families, threatening both affordability and sustainability. The changes to CCDF and OMWPK reduce the number of seats available, which may in turn result in staffing cuts. Neither is ideal for many reasons, including the potential implications for Ready Early Learning in the Uplands."

Additionally, the Freemans are concerned about the impact stretching beyond just closing their business.

"The ripple that they're creating is just going to be enormous, and they're not looking at the entire picture," Stephanie Freeman said.

She spoke about the importance of early childhood education and brain development for children in their first five years.

Rummel discussed how regardless of a family's socioeconomic class, access to high quality childcare yields positive results, leading to increased kindergarten readiness and greater success in school.

"I'm concerned about all of them," Freeman said of the families impacted, "but there's one mother. She's a single mother. She has three kids, she goes to work every day, and she makes $12 an hour."

He later added, "I can't get it out of my head, in my heart—$12 an hour and working every day trying to support three kids. What would that be like right now if everything's good? With inflation like it is, could you bear that mental strain of trying to support three kids and yourself on $12 an hour? I couldn't imagine.. and now, well, we're taking this and this and this away."

Rummel also brought up the challenges that children in Owen County face.

"The other thing is we know that 20 percent of the children five and under in Owen County are in poverty, which is higher than the state average… We also know particularly with the voucher students, sometimes a lot of these kids, even the little ones, they're not getting enough to eat at home," Rummel said.

She said that she has been told of children who eat more on Fridays to prepare for a weekend of not having enough to eat.

"So knowing that that's what happens, and now they're home, hopefully they are not going hungry," Rummel said.

It's a concern that Shane Freeman also cited from a previous example of a family at the in-home daycare who struggled to pay their bill, amounting to being approximately $10,000 behind.

"I'm like, 'You know, it's time; you're going to have to do something.' And then [Stephanie] looked at me, and she said, 'Well, if they're not here, I don't know if they get fed. If they're not here, they might just be locked in the basement.' And you suddenly realize $10,000 is not that important," he said.

Both also cited concerns of the increase of abuse and neglect.

"And then, also we do know that often a lack of available care can lead to increased cases of abuse and neglect," Rummel said. "I hope that's not the case, but we know statistically that's what happens."

Where Indiana Goes Next

Bray said that because 2026 is not a budget year for the legislature, they're limited on what they can do to fix the situation.

"The challenge with that is it's not a budget year," he said. "We don't typically open up the budget."

Earlier this year, the Indiana legislature had to cut $2.4 billion from the budget as the fiscal revenue forecast decreased for the upcoming two years. CCFD was one of those that was limited.

"We don't have a lot of ability to just go in and fund this more," Bray said.

He said that FSSA made some interim changes by agreeing to pay for absenteeism to help families that need childcare less than full-time. These families often struggled to find a provider, as only being compensated for the days a child attended placed a financial burden on childcare providers.

"It is a really serious challenge to be sure," Bray said of childcare, "and we need to continue to try and figure out ways to be helpful."

He said the state has tried to loosen regulations to reduce cost.

"But as we all know, when you increase regulation, government increases regulation, that makes being in business more expensive, and so we've tried to roll that back some over the last few years and in certain ways that are reasonable but not careless so that businesses can operate a daycare facility that is less expensive to operate," Bray said. "And so I think that's helped some, but again, we've got more work to do here, clearly."

Shane Freeman said that they did not feel that the restrictions dropped as the support dropped.

"It sounds like you're going to make money when you look at the rates and stuff, but what you don't see is what goes on in this office, the state, the tape, the red tape, the regular regulations they have on it," he said.

Bray said that finding a solution is important to the legislature and to him.

"It's important that people know that we believe this is extremely important. Daycare has been a priority bill of ours for the last couple of years, almost every session over the last few years, I believe. It's a challenge. We recognize that it's a challenge for families that really do need this service and the State of Indiana is trying to help, although we don't really want to get fully into running daycare facilities on our own. We don't think that is a good way to go. We need to try to make sure we are partnering with facilities that will provide this and not having the state do it itself," Bray said.

He mentioned areas of the state in which companies have their own daycares and benefit from providing that service to their workforce.

"We're watching those very closely to see if that is something that we can kind of pattern a policy after at scale and expand across the state of Indiana. So we are looking very closely at that because when you have everybody partnering together — state government, the businesses that benefit, as well as the families and maybe even nonprofit organizations — maybe that's the best way to meet the need that's out there right now," he said.

That model, a tri-share split with employers, parents and local government or community foundations has been successful elsewhere.

"Through Indiana Philanthropy Alliance, I'm connected with all the community foundations around the state, and through the Lilly GIFT initiative, many foundations have tackled childcare in the last round of GIFT funding in GIFT VIII and some even did GIFT VII around childcare," Rummel said. "Montgomery County opened one recently, and it's a 100-seat facility, so they made a lot of gains. But unfortunately, just like here, they just had three providers close. So it's almost like every time you make a step forward, it's two steps back. It's really upsetting. Until our state government puts money and local governments too put money into this, I just don't see how it's going to improve."

For Stephanie Freeman, re-opening another facility in the future, if legislative changes make it feasible again, isn't completely off the table, but for now, she's "just sad."

"I'm just sad all the way around. I'm sad for the state of Indiana. I'm sad that I've done this for 28 years and it's now gone. I'm sad for all the kids that I know aren't going to get fed and taken care of," she said. "I'm sad; I'm hurt. But when one door closes, another door opens, and it's in God's hands."

A Spencer man is facing one felony charge and three misdemeanors following an accident outside of Gosport on Nov. 23 leaving a young Owen County couple critically injured.

Oscar Adrian Barrera Rubio, 31, faces one felony count of causing serious bodily injury while operating a vehicle and three misdemeanor charges of operating a vehicle while intoxicated endangering a person, possession of marijuana and knowingly or intentionally operating a motor vehicle without ever receiving a license.

According to the probable cause affidavit filed by Master Trooper William Brown of the Indiana State Police Bloomington District, "Rubio spoke broken English and with the help of a male bystander and a translator app I was able to administer a PBT (Preliminary Breath Test) to Rubio. The results of the PBT were 0.085 percent. With the use of a translator app, Rubio was read the Indiana Implied Consent for serious bodily injuries. Rubio did consent to a chemical test of his blood. Due to Rubio's injuries, I could not complete FSFT (Standardized Field Sobriety Tests). Rubio was asked for his driver's license and he stated that he did not have one but only has his passport for identification."

After receiving treatment for his injuries, Rubio was transported to the Owen County jail.

The accident injured Brooke and Austin Sheese who were on their way to pick up their children. A GoFundMe was created to assist their family with medical expenses and the loss of income during their recovery. As of press time, the GoFundMe had raised $51,113 of the $55,000 goal.

Updates to their recovery have also been posted on the GoFundMe page.

An initial hearing for Rubio was held on Nov. 24. A jury trial is currently scheduled for May 19, 2026.

Prosecutor Ben Kim has issued a reminder that all persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

By: Britt Miller, Director, Member Engagement, UDWI REMC

According to a study conducted by Ivy Tech earlier this year, there will be a need for more than 82,000 people to gain non-degree credentials— such as skills training, certifications and licenses— in the next decade to meet the growing demand for skilled trade jobs in Indiana.

One organization helping to support people into entering skilled-trade positions is Wagler Education & Training Center (WETC), based in Lyons. WETC is a state-approved Adult Education Site offering the Indiana High School Equivalency and certifications in trade skills. As a local organization, Wagler Education & Training Center is passionate about helping fellow community members achieve their goals by advancing their careers and their overall qualities-of-life— something I discovered when I toured WETC to learn more about what they do.

During the tour, I had the chance to meet with Michelle Ellis, Director of Training Programs & Adult Education Coordinator. Michelle truly embodies the mission of WETC and cares for the success of each one of her students; her heart for helping the community is reflected in the success of WETC, with 352 students having graduated from various programs from July of 2024 through June of this year. Upon graduation, many families are able to become self-sufficient, going into skilled-trade professions across Indiana and advancing their annual incomes by thousands of dollars.

The specific trade skills offered by Wagler Education & Training Center include: IT Fundamentals, Welding, CNC Machining, CDL-A training, CDL-B, School Bus, Heavy Equipment Operations, Core Construction, Certified Clinical Medical Assistant, HVAC and Medical Billing & Coding.

For those looking to further themselves, now is a great time to apply as a student at waglereducation.com. Community members can also support WETC's mission by purchasing something on their Amazon wishlist or by "sponsoring a student."

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Senator Kelly and his party must stop the political maneuvering and end the government shutdown immediately.

To claim Republicans refused to negotiate is simply false; it was the Democratic side that broke faith with the American people, especially their commitment to paying our troops, and then forced this closure.

The reality is that we are no longer willing to compromise for the sake of a destructive political agenda. The constant pressure to accept poor legislative deals highlights a fundamental lack of fiscal seriousness. We must look around and realize we have almost $190,000 of debt loaded onto the back of every single person in this country. That devastating legacy should be reason enough for Democrats to agree to terms that prioritize the nation's financial health.

When elected leaders refuse to come to an honest, fiscally responsible agreement, they leave the opposition no choice but to find political solutions. The will of the people, expressed clearly in 2024, mandates a change in direction. We will use every legislative tool available, including redistricting, to ensure the government finally reflects the mandate to refocus on building, not destroying, our nation.

— Kristi Risk, Candidate for IN Senate District 39

Stop the shutdown and confront the debt crisis

Mainstream media outlets have largely written off Republican redistricting efforts as being part of a power grab aimed at preventing Democrats from taking over Congress in 2026.

But I cannot let that perception go, given we live next door to the king of gerrymandering, Illinois, which gave the GOP only three out of 17 U.S. House seats in 2021.

As a former Indiana state representative (2016-2022), current Greene County Republican chairman, and current candidate for State Senate district 39, I know a handful of state Republicans have balked at redrawing Indiana's nine House districts. Yet it is also true that the Indiana Republican base seems firmly behind a mid-decade redraw. And I talk to these people every day – it's not even close.

So, no, it's not the establishment that wants this. It's the voters.

It seems counter-intuitive. Voters are supposed to be the moderating voice in such issues, but there is a new sense of taking the fight to the Democrats. It's a lively spirit lacking in a few Statehouse Republicans.

And yes, it means the GOP risks more than the wrath of MSNBC and the elites if the Republicans redistrict. They risk the much more sizable wrath of the MAGA base if they don't redistrict.

President Trump and Vice President Vance made clear they desire a more aggressive redraw, one that reflects the GOP's Hoosier growth. Why do so many feel that way? Illinois, for starters. And New York. And some other blue states, such as Maryland and California. They played by different rules when they redistricted in 2021.

Here in Indiana in 2021, we drew maps that mostly gave us a predictable 7-2 U.S. House majority over the Democrats, even as the state grew more conservative. The GOP was polite and proper, and was tougher on its own party members than the Democrats. No more. It's time to realize we are in an arms race with an enthusiastic, gerrymandering cabal of national Democrats. It won't always be a gerrymandering war for the U.S. House of Representatives, of course.

I suspect things will settle down and maps will likely become more competitive decades hence. But for now, this is a lesson we need to teach California Gov. Gavin Newsom and others. It's time to steel ourselves and do it, Republicans.

–Jeff Ellington, Greene County GOP chairman

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Michael Wayne Spinks, 82, of Spencer, passed away on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at IU Health Hospice House in Bloomington, IN after a brief stint with an aggressive form of stomach cancer. He was born on July 11, 1943 in Sullivan, IN to Private Lyle Wayne and Marjorie P. (Milam) Spinks. Michael married his high school sweetheart and love of his life Barbara on June 30, 1962 in Fairbanks, IN. He was a member of Spencer First Christian Church.

Michael is survived by his daughters, Kathy Spinks (Don Lamm), Sherry (Dirk) Tucker, and Michelle (Kevin) Watrin; grandchildren, Claire (Allie) McHaley, Hogan McHaley, Lexi (Cole) Yonkee, Jayden Watrin, Caylee Watrin, Nolan Watrin and Venecia Watrin; great-grandchild, Adeline Elizabeth Yonkee; and siblings Mendy (Terry) Smith, and Lisa Parr.

He was preceded in death by his father, Private Lyle Wayne Spinks; his mother, Marjorie Pauline Spinks; his loving wife, Barbara; and his grandson, Zachary Tucker.

Michael was a friend to many and a respected businessman. His career was spent in the electrical cooperative industry. He worked for Hoosier Energy in Bloomington, IN for 43 years in many different management and leadership roles. His calm and loving personality provided a wonderful foundation for his immediate and extended family in many ways. Always the faithful provider, he created a legacy of love for his three daughters in partnership with his wife Barbara with whom he shared 64 wonderful years.

Michael loved the town of Spencer and was proud to serve his community in many ways. He was elected as a member of the Spencer Town Council for multiple terms, the founder of Spencer Tourism, was a member and former president of the Redevelopment Association of Indiana, a mentor for SCORE – an organization that helps young businesses thrive, a member of the Owen County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and Economic Development Corporation, Chairman of the Board of Service Concepts, a community business leader who was integral in forming the business plan for Patriot Manufacturing at Owen Valley High School, as well as a member of many other boards throughout southern Indiana.

He was the recipient of the Owen County 2017 Heart of the Community Award as well as the 2022 Owen County Humanitarian Award. He also had a big influence on many young tennis players during his seven years of coaching at OVHS with Barbara.

Visitation was held Sunday, October 26, at West & Parrish & Pedigo Funeral Home in Spencer, with Pastors Allan Lewis and Diane Wells officiating. Burial was at the Johnson Cemetery in Graysville, IN.

Memorial contributions may be made in Michael's memory to the Owen County Community Foundation.

Online condolences may be shared with Michael's family at westparrishpedigo.com.

Steven "Steve" Dwayne Poorman, Sr., 68, of Gosport, passed away on Sunday, October 26, 2025.

He was born on July 14, 1957 in Linton, Ind. to Emma Grace (Campbell) Poorman and Paul Eugene Poorman.

Steve served in the United States Navy from 1974 to 1976 completing firefighting helicopter school and serving in antisubmarine squadron 8.

He was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting and fishing. He also loved woodworking, cooking and watching wrestling.

Steve is survived by his wife, Candy (Farley) Poorman; his daughter, Carrie (Poorman) Hernandez-Mendez and her husband Felipe; son, Steven Dwayne Poorman, Jr. and his wife Wendy; son, Carl D. Duncan; daughter, Jessica Jolene (Farley) Ferris; brother, Rick Poorman; and sisters, Barbara (Poorman) Sheese and Paula (Poorman) Avery and her husband Tim. He is also survived and loved by his grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his son, Ethan Kidd-Joe Farley; his mother, Emma; and his father, Paul.

Cremation was entrusted to Samaritan Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at samaritanfunerals.com.

A celebration of life will take place starting at 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 15 at 10151 N. US HWY 231, Quincy. Those attending should bring their own chair, and stories and photos to share.

The term is new. The situation is not. The phrase is a cold way to say hunger. The newest statistic I could find is from 2023. In that year 13.5 percent of households in the U.S. were considered food insecure.

Stephanie Barlow and Colin Nicholas Rotella are committed to attacking this problem in Owen County. Their first step was to tackle the four little food pantries in Spencer.

They cleaned up the wooden pantries and filled them with food they purchased themselves. They have received the help of the Owen County Democrats.

The Democrats' Outreach Committee collects food at local meetings and protests. They also enlisted the help of Pantry 279 in Monroe County. The project has grown and is in need of additional volunteers and contributions of food and funds.

There are 10 little food pantries scattered about Owen County:

Coal City: Jefferson Baptist Church
Jordan Village: White Church
Freedom: Church of the Nazarene, 5505 Jefferson St.
Gosport: Methodist Church, 119 N. 7th St.; and Gray's Estates.
Cunot: Cataract Lake Community Center, S.R. 42; and the First Baptist Church, S.R 243.
Spencer: 560 E. Morgan St. (in alley); 10 S. Montgomery St. (inside the Owen County Public Library during the winter); and 201 W. North St.

There was a little food pantry located near the river at the Owen County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) office. It had to be removed due to vandalism.

A new location on the south side of Spencer is needed. An additional pantry is available for installation. Information regarding available locations for the pantries may be sent to stephaniebarlow317@gmail.com.

Pantry 279 has been delivering food to home-bound residents of Owen County. The Democrats' Outreach Committee volunteered to assume that task. Ten home-bound people receive weekly deliveries.

A volunteer has stepped up to make the six deliveries in Spencer. Volunteers are needed to make four deliveries out in the county.

Pantry 279 has several home-bound people in the Poland and Cloverdale area requesting delivery.

Another resource for anyone experiencing food insecurity is the Spencer Methodist Church. Their Food Pantry is open on Wednesday from noon to 4 p.m.

Volunteers and funds are welcome. There are several ways to help. On Mondays at 1 p.m. volunteers gather at the Democrat Headquarters at 152 E. Jefferson St. in Spencer to sort the food for the little pantries and fill the bags for the home-bound.

The bags are light enough anyone can help deliver. Donations may also be dropped off on Mondays between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m.

Items in great demand are shelf-stable milk, powdered milk, canned fruit, canned meat, tuna, rice, pasta, beans, peanut butter, evaporated milk and cereal.

Funds can be donated to this project by sending a check to Owen County Democrats with the notation 'food pantry' on the memo line.

There's something about the way the sky looks in November that sets one's heart to dream. Holidays, warm fires and snowflakes are soon to come.

November also brings overcast skies and cold winter winds to bear upon us inhabitants of the earth. It comes as a prelude to the bitter winter's cold, but it brings many warm and good things with its arrival. One of the best things that November brings is the holiday time of Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving is a time when family traditions are once again brought into the forefront of our lives. Traditions are the practices and customs that are passed down from one generation to another.

Many families in America shared some common Thanksgiving traditions, such as serving turkey and dressing on Thanksgiving Day and watching football. Then there are other folks that march to the beat of a different drum and make their own traditions as they go along.

When I was a child, we went to my grandmother's house for Thanksgiving Day. She always had the traditional Thanksgiving meal of turkey, mashed potatoes, dressing, green beans and pumpkin pie.

The house was full of grandchildren, who were anxiously waiting for grace to be said so that they could dig into the delicious feast. I still remember the wonderful aroma that permeated the air as we opened the door to my grandparents' house.

My grandmother got up early in the morning on Thanksgiving Day to put the turkey in the oven and to bake the pies to ensure dinner would be done on time. It was a special time for family back then, and we always came away with our stomachs full of food and our hearts full of love.

Eventually, the grandchildren all grew up and had children of their own and then, before they knew it, they had extended families to visit.

In our family, someone came up with the idea to get a live turkey to raise and butcher for Thanksgiving dinner. We hadn't given much thought to the process involved; we just romanticized the idea of what a good old-fashioned Thanksgiving meal would be like. So, one year, several months before Thanksgiving my family went out to search for a turkey.

We checked out the various farm markets in the surrounding area, and it wasn't long before we found a prize bird. His given name was Tom.

We purchased Tom and proudly brought him home to his own little house and pen we had made. Soon life settled into a routine turkey's life of eating, scratching around and making gobbling noises.

Turkeys by nature are interesting creatures. Tom could be very cranky on some days, but most of the time he just hung out with us. We found Tom to be very entertaining, and as the months went by, we grew very attached to him.

We did not relish the thought of seeing him stuffed and sitting on our Thanksgiving table. You can imagine how the story ended.

That Thanksgiving, we bought a turkey at the local grocery, and Tom went to live on a nearby farm with other turkeys. So much for building new traditions.

So now, my children are grown up, and I go to their house for Thanksgiving. Each year we enjoy a store-bought turkey and dressing and pumpkin pies.

We still enjoy the stability and joy that is to be found in keeping the old family traditions. The kitchen always smells warm and inviting. The fire still burns bright. And like always, we always eat too much. Everyone has a good time. Isn't that what true family traditions are all about?

No matter what your family traditions are this Thanksgiving, here's hoping that you have a good one.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Susan

In a world where online information changes by the minute and not all sources can be trusted, the Owen County Public Library (OCPL) is offering a solid alternative to the chaos of internet searches.

With a carefully curated collection of noncirculating reference materials, the library gives patrons instant access to trustworthy information, no scrolling, sifting, or second-guessing required.

These reference books, housed permanently within the library, are not available for checkout, ensuring that all patrons have immediate, in-library access at any time.

Among the highlights is an extensive selection of up-to-date medical directories and reference books, offering plain-language summaries of various health conditions, along with contact information and websites for hundreds of vetted health organizations and agencies.

For those navigating legal challenges, the library provides a full collection of Nolo legal help guides. These user-friendly books cover everything from real estate transactions and landlord/tenant disputes to divorce proceedings, copyright issues and neighborhood law.

Many of the guides include links to free, downloadable legal forms.

Research enthusiasts will appreciate the new World Book encyclopedia set, perfect for digging into topics the "old-school" way — no Wi-Fi required.

Complementing this is the Webster's New International Dictionary of the English Language (1950 edition), a massive and impressive volume that is worth a visit all on its own.

One of the library's more unusual offerings is a medical-grade faux skeleton used for anatomical study. Whether you're curious about how joints work or studying for a biology exam, this full-sized skeleton can offer insight — though, as the library staff jokes, it's "a little too big for the photocopier."

Speaking of copies: patrons may photocopy up to five pages per day from any materials labeled reference materials for free. Additional pages are just 10 cents each. (Skeletons excluded — though 3D-printing one is not out of the question, for those truly curious.)

In an age of information overload, OCPL is bringing clarity, credibility and a touch of fun back into the search for knowledge.

The OCPL is located at 10 S. Montgomery St. in Spencer.

As the seasons change and the school year settles in, November is the perfect time for youth and families in Owen County to explore the many opportunities available through 4-H.

While enrollment officially opened in October, the heart of the program lies in its community clubs—and now is the time to find your 4-H home.

Owen County 4-H offers a variety of community clubs that serve as the foundation for each member's experience. These clubs are more than just meeting places—they're hubs of connection, learning, and growth.

Each club provides a welcoming environment where youth in grades K–12 can build friendships, learn new skills and stay informed about county-wide 4-H events and opportunities.

What Is a Community Club?

Every 4-H member selects one community club as their "home base." This club is where they receive updates, participate in general activities and connect with local leaders and peers.

Members are also welcome to attend additional project clubs and county-wide programs, but their community club serves as their primary point of contact throughout the year.

Explore Owen County's Community Clubs

Here's a look at the active community clubs across Owen County:

4-H Fishing Team
Location: All over Owen County
Meeting Times: Various dates and times
Leader: Kathy Newman Arthur
A great fit for youth who want to learn how to fish or participate in community service.

OV River Riders
Location: Owen County Fairgrounds
Meeting Time: 2nd Sunday @ 6:30 p.m.
Leader: Matt Beckwith
A great fit for youth interested in horse and pony or developing leadership skills.

Crazy Clovers
Location: Quincy Community Center
Meeting Time: 1st Monday at 6 p.m.
Leader: Ali Staletovich
A brand-new club known for its creative energy and welcoming atmosphere.

Pathfinders
Location: Owen County Fairgrounds
Meeting Time: 2nd Sunday at 2 p.m.
Leader: Melissa Arnold
A club focused on exploration, learning and community service.

Freedomaires
Location: Freedom Community Center
Meeting Time: 3rd Monday at 6 p.m.
Leader: Corbin Abrell
A close-knit group with a strong sense of community pride.

Willing Workers
Location: Patricksburg Community Center
Meeting Time: Various Sundays at 3 p.m.
Leader: Brandi Fisher
Focused on teamwork, responsibility and hands-on learning.

Harrison Hotshots
Location: Gosport Methodist Church
Meeting Time: Last Monday at 6:30 p.m.
Leader: Afton Cooper
A local club with a lot of local community pride.

Ready to Join?

Enrollment is still open, and it's easy to get started. Visit https://v2.4honline.com to sign up or contact the Purdue Extension-Owen County office at 812-829-5020 or cassieL@purdue.edu for help choosing the right club.

Whether you're new to 4-H or a returning member, Owen County's community clubs are ready to welcome you. Come find your place, make new friends and start your 4-H journey today!

The golden month of October has faded away. October was not golden this year. As I write this column, most of the tree leaves are still green.

The hills have faded from the vibrant green of summer. Some trees are shedding brown crinkled leaves. But the golden kaleidoscope that usually entertains us in October has not made an appearance this year.

I miss the oranges of the maples and the glowing yellow of the tulip poplars. The dark red of the oaks is also missing from the landscape. The natural world seems out of sync. My tomato plants are still blooming! Surely, frost will come soon and turn the vibrant leaves in my garden black.

Today I have been working on preparing my houseplants to come inside. I am amazed at how much they have grown while basking in the summer sun. Many needed to be re-potted. Finding room for them near a window was a challenge, but they are all nestled in their winter homes.

Except for the huge split leaf philodendron. It is nearly as tall as I am. I fear I will need to find it a new home.

I also cut the herb plants back. I doubt they will produce more leaves now. Luckily, I have been drying the extra leaves all summer and have a jar of catnip for tea and plenty of basil and rosemary.

The hills may not look autumnal, but there are other signs that winter is on the way. The hummingbirds have left for their winter homes. Many of our other summertime avian visitors have also left. The pawpaws are ripe. Skeletons and scarecrows dance around huge pumpkins in many yards.

Halloween rivals Christmas in elaborate decorations. I enjoy looking at them when I drive by. I know that many people don't like Halloween. They do not participate in celebrating the holiday, not even the 'trick-or-treat' part.

As a child I loved going around to neighbors and coming home with a sack of goodies. I also enjoyed creating a costume every year. I found it exciting to be someone else for a night – a gypsy, a cowboy, a hobo, a ghost – the possibilities were endless.

As an adult, I loved meeting all the neighborhood kids in their costumes when they came trick-or-treating. Sometimes I would dress up to hand out the treats.

The years we lived in the country, we could not go trick-or-treating. My Mother made sure we had some goodies. Then she would get her James Whitcomb Riley book and read his scariest poems.

She read his words with such emotion the hair on the back of your neck would stand up. Remembering her voice reciting Nine Little Goblins still sends chills down my spine. Her green eyes would glow in the light of the oil lamps. She set the stage well for her performances.

My column lives up to its name this month: Ramblings. I will close with a few words about Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving often gets lost between the fun of Halloween and the excitement of Christmas. Most families don't do a lot of decorating. Sharing time and a big turkey with loved ones is the main attraction on Thanksgiving.

Times are stressful. Many of us worry about the future. The first Thanksgiving was about sharing. Let us continue that tradition by sharing with others and being grateful for our blessings.

Til next time,
Annie

Hello! My name is Jamie Jo Lowder, and I am your Health and Human Sciences Educator with Purdue Extension here in Owen County.

In my role, I have the privilege of helping individuals and families learn practical, research-based ways to live their best and healthiest lives—from improving nutrition and strengthening relationships to managing stress and building community connections.

As the leaves turn gold and the air grows crisp here in Owen County, it's the perfect time to slow down, reflect and give thanks. Thanksgiving is more than just a holiday—it's an invitation to pause, breathe deeply and appreciate the many blessings in our lives: family and friends, a warm home, good food, and the laughter and stories shared around the table.

At Purdue Extension in Owen County, our mission is rooted in strengthening families, building community and fostering meaningful connections. We believe that gathering over a meal is one of the simplest—and most powerful—ways to nurture those bonds, especially in a world that so often pulls us in many directions.

Why Family Meals Matter (Especially at Thanksgiving)

Sharing a meal does far more than fill our plates—it fills our hearts. When families sit down together, it sends a message: you belong. Around the table, stories and traditions are passed down, laughter is shared, and life skills are quietly learned.

Mealtime teaches teamwork, gratitude and connection—reminding us to slow down and appreciate the people beside us. And when we open our tables to friends, neighbors or those in need, we extend that same kindness and community beyond our own homes.

The Family Dinner Project offers wonderful resources that help families turn everyday meals into moments of real connection, conversation and gratitude: with printable placemats with conversation starters, "Gratefulness Grab Bags," a "Thanksgiving Virtual Care Package," and more.

Harvest Stuffing with Cranberries & Apples

Ingredients

• 1 loaf hearty bread, cubed and toasted (about 10 cups)
• ½ cup butter
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 stalks celery, diced
• 2 apples, chopped
• ¾ cup dried cranberries
• 2 tsp poultry seasoning
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp pepper
• 2–3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 eggs, beaten

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
1. In a large skillet, melt butter. Add onion and celery, cooking until soft. Stir in apples and cook 3–4 minutes.
2. In a large bowl, combine toasted bread cubes, sautéed mixture, cranberries, and seasonings.
3. Add broth gradually until the mixture is moist but not soggy. Stir in beaten eggs.
4. Spoon into a greased baking dish, cover with foil, and bake for 30 minutes.
5. Remove foil and bake an additional 15 minutes until golden and crisp on top.

Making It Fun, Meaningful, and Local in Owen County

This Thanksgiving, look for simple ways to bring warmth and connection to your table. Invite a neighbor or elder who may not have family nearby and make space for gratitude-filled conversation.

Try prompts like, "One thing I'm most thankful for this year is…" or "A lesson I'll carry forward…" — resources like The Family Dinner Project (familydinnerproject.org) offer great ideas and games to spark connection.

Let everyone lend a hand in the kitchen; when many hands contribute, the memories grow richer. Highlight local foods—pumpkins, apples or greens from Owen County farms—and share stories that celebrate both your family and your community.

A Thanksgiving Wish

May your Thanksgiving table be filled with laughter, gratitude and the joy of being together. May kindness find a seat—whether it's for a neighbor, a friend or someone new. From my home to yours, Happy Thanksgiving!

Want to learn more about more exciting programs? Call the Purdue Extension–Owen County office at 812-829-5020. Looking to bring a program to your group? From food and health to family and finance, I've got you covered! Shoot me an email at lowder0@purdue.edu and let's make it happen.

And don't forget — you can always spot my upcoming programs in the Community Events section of this newspaper, on our Facebook page or on our website extension.purdue.edu/county/owen/hhshome.html.

Motorists and pedestrians will soon benefit from the completion of the latest Community Crossings Matching Grant (CCMG) project that began Nov. 4 in Gosport.

Awarded to Milestone Contractors for $241,694.00, the project includes milling and resurfacing portions of Third, Fifth, Sixth, Seventh, Church and Goss Streets, in addition to the construction of Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant sidewalk ramps in designated areas.

Through the program, the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) matches up to $1 million annually when localities invest in road and bridge repairs. To qualify for funding, local governments must provide local matching funds from a funding source approved for road and bridge construction. Communities are also required to submit an INDOT-approved asset management plan for maintaining existing roads and bridges.

Gosport received funding during the round of CCMG grants announced in the Spring of 2025. The Town of Gosport is providing the required 25 percent construction match.

The matching grant program, established by the Indiana General Assembly in 2016, aims to advance community infrastructure projects, strengthen local transportation networks and improve Indiana's roads and bridges.

Since its enactment, the program has awarded more than $2 billion in state matching funds for local construction projects.

Gosport also received funding during the round of CCMG grants announced in November of 2023, with that funding utilized to complete portions of street paving and sidewalk improvements in 2024.

Spencer-Owen Community School Corporation (S-OCS) is proud to celebrate the success and ongoing impact of its Kindergarten Book Buddies Program, an important initiative made possible by a generous $8,000 grant from the Owen County Community Foundation (OCCF).

This vital program aims to put books into the hands of every kindergarten student across the district and bring positive male role models into classrooms each month to share the joy of reading aloud.

Reading aloud to young children has been proven to play a significant role in early literacy development. It helps build vocabulary, sparks imagination and enhances listening and comprehension skills, which are all key building blocks for academic success. By sending books home with students, the Kindergarten Book Buddies Program not only nurtures classroom learning but also encourages families to build a love for reading at home.

Equally important to the program's mission is its focus on mentorship. Each month, kindergarten classrooms welcome male volunteers who read a selected book aloud to students. These volunteers are more than just readers; they are role models. Research consistently shows that positive male figures play a critical role in the development of young children, offering encouragement, modeling respectful behavior and providing a strong sense of support and community.

S-OCS is especially grateful for the dedication of this year's Book Buddies: Bill Grandi, who reads to students at Spencer Elementary and Gosport Elementary; Ryan East, who shares stories at McCormick's Creek Elementary; and Larry Hensley, who brings books to life at Patricksburg Elementary. Their time, energy and enthusiasm help make a lasting impact on our youngest learners.

The Kindergarten Book Buddies Program has quickly become a cherished part of the school year, creating special moments that students look forward to and remember. Each visit brings smiles, curiosity and meaningful interactions, which is proof that a simple story shared can leave a lasting impression.

This program reflects the best of what a community can do when we come together to support our children. Thanks to the Owen County Community Foundation's generosity, we are not only able to provide books, but also connect our students with mentors who inspire them to dream, learn and grow.

The Spencer-Owen Community School Corporation extends its heartfelt appreciation to OCCF for its continued commitment to educational excellence. Programs like the Kindergarten Book Buddies are a shining example of what can happen when we invest in our youth and value the power of both literacy and human connection.

Caption: Each month, kindergarten classrooms welcome male volunteers who read a selected book aloud to students. A copy of the book is given to every student to take home to keep after it is read aloud.

Hunting in the Midwest peaks this month. Deer hunters enjoy the excitement of the annual rut. Wing shooters have pheasant, quail and grouse seasons open region wide. Waterfowl hunters are knocking down ducks and geese from the Prairie Potholes to the Ohio River Valley. It's certainly a special time of year to be a sportsman.

With crowds often minimal, open water fishing opportunities remain abundant. This time of year, river systems often are top angling destinations for everything from trout to catfish. While big waters remain open in the north, musky and walleye anglers are making final runs to favorite waters. Down south, reservoir anglers, who fish where ice rarely appears, are transitioning to cold water patterns.

November is the month we focus on giving thanks for our many blessings. As fishermen and hunters in the Midwest, we certainly have a lot to be thankful for.

Illinois – Heidecke Lake Hybrid Striped Bass (Wipers)

Heidecke Lake has produced numerous state records for hybrid striped bass, and it remains a top wiper water in the state. Located in Grundy County, about an hour from downtown Chicago, Heidecke Lake offers 1,300-acres angling opportunity. Wipers are stocked annually in the reservoir with many reaching weights over eight pounds. In the late fall, anglers watch for schools of baitfish on the surface. Once located, throw large shad-colored crankbaits, Rat-L-Traps, and topwater lures into the ruckus, or troll spoons or heavy swim baits around the school. Floating live shiners under a bobber over old road beads and rock piles also produces.

Kentucky – Laurel River Lake Walleye

Walleye are a surprise species for many anglers who primarily target the robust bass populations at Laurel River Lake. But once clued into the fact that walleye are abundant in this gorgeous Eastern Kentucky mountain reservoir, anglers seek out these fine eating fish and do well. Walleye tracking studies conducted by the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife show wide distribution throughout the lake during November. Walleye frequent the timber-filled coves of Laurel River Lake. Trolling stickbaits, and drifting Lindy Rigs or nightcrawler harnesses on the outer edge of standing timber and along rocky points produces walleye this late in the year. The riprap along the Laurel River dam is a known walleye spot.

Michigan – Firearms Deer

It would be hard to find a sporting tradition more Midwestern than deer hunting in Michigan. This year, the Regular Firearms Season runs from Nov. 15 to Nov. 30. Michigan is full of public hunting opportunities, with much of the northern portion of the Lower Peninsula and most of the Upper Peninsula in public hands. Deer camps are a big part of the Michigan deer hunting culture. Campers and tents clustered together deep in a national or state forest are a common site. Hunters spread out and take stands over powerline cuts, clear cut forest areas and logging roads. Hunting and Thanksgiving go together like turkey and mashed potatoes. This special holiday revolves around food. Spending the morning or most of the long weekend in the deer woods makes perfect sense.

Missouri – Quail

Quail season opened Nov. 1 in Missouri and runs until Jan 15. Conversations with old-timers in coffee shops across the state would lead one to believe there isn't a quail left in the state. It is true that population numbers remain far below where they were in the 1970s and '80s, but the current situation isn't as dire as some believe. While naming a specific spot would cost me numerous friends, I'll attest there are plenty of quail to hunt on Conservation Areas, especially in southwest the north-central regions of the state. Missouri has a strong Quail Forever presence. Attending a local banquet or contacting local members is a great way to gather quail hunting intel.

See you down the trail…

For more Driftwood Outdoors, check out the podcast on driftwoodoutdoors.com or anywhere podcasts are streamed.

Routine food inspections were conducted by the Owen County Health Department during the month of October 2025. Reported below are the critical and non-critical comments left for these establishments:

10-3

Ice Cream La Michoacana, food trailer, temporary. Cataract Bean Dinner Festival. No violations.

Wennie Wagon, food trailer, temporary. Cataract Bean Dinner Festival. No violations.

Sunshine Sweets food tent, temporary. Cataract Bean Dinner Festival. No violations.

All-Up-Enyo Grill, food tent, temporary. Cataract Bean Dinner Festival. No violations.

Carlson Concessions, food trailer, temporary. Cataract Bean Dinner Festival. No violations.

Larry's Pizza, food tent, temporary. Cataract Bean Dinner Festival. No violations.

Jiffy Treat, food trailer, temporary. Cataract Bean Dinner Festival. No violations.

10-4

Queens Lemon Squeeze. Temporary. Spencer Pride Festival. No violations.

Big Heads Bubble Madness. Temporary. Spencer Pride Festival. No violations.

Big Bear Shaved Ice. Temporary. Spencer Pride Festival. No violations.

I enjoy camping. Part of the enjoyment is sitting around the fire, cooking the campfire meal. Wait. Did I forget the butter again?

That is how my camping trips frequently become a partnership with the nearby community. Even though I carefully plan my camping menu and my pre-camping shopping trips, I frequently forget some key ingredient.

A couple months ago, I even forgot to pack the dog food. Fortunately, each campground has a nearby town where I can pick up the things I forgot.

For Spencer, sitting on the doorstep of McCormick's Creek State Park, the connection between park and community has always been important. That is probably why community leaders stepped up over 100 years ago to make McCormick's Creek Indiana's first state park. (Turkey Run was supposed to be first, but that deal stumbled, and Spencer leaders were ready to claim the prize.)

So, when a violent tornado destroyed the McCormick's Creek campground on March 31, 2023, our community knew they were losing more than trees and campsites. If you have had the opportunity to visit the back loop of Trail 5, you have experienced a first-hand look at the damage.

Some of you may have had a tour of the campground. It is difficult to explain the damage and transformation.

Our local community felt the impact too. The storm hit before the start of the summer season. With the closed campground, fewer people would be visiting the park and our community.

Marce Johnson, CEO of the Owen County Chamber of Commerce/Economic Development, asked area businesses about the impact on shopping. In Spencer, gross revenue dropped nearly 11 percent. In Gosport, gross revenue dropped 25 percent.

In 2024, as storm-damaged trails re-opened, maybe local shopping would pick up too. Instead, revenue in Spencer dropped another 1.6 percent, with another 17.7 percent drop in Gosport. These are significant losses for small businesses, impacting employment and investment in the community.

Imagine our excitement when the 2025 state budget bill contained $27 million to rebuild the McCormick's Creek campground. Imagine our disappointment when that appropriation was deleted from the bill in the final hours before the legislative session ended.

In September, Johnson testified to the legislative Interim Study Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources about the economic impact of the storm on our community. Lawmakers seemed moved by the data.

The next day, she led a gathering of state and local policymakers to discuss the economic downturn caused by the campground destruction. The case is clear that the State needs to invest in Owen County by investing in the McCormick's Creek campground.

A few weeks later, the state budget committee approved $25 million for the campground. I think one of the key selling points to state budget officials is the close working relationship between the town and the park.

It will take some time to rebuild the campground. But we can be optimistic that the new campground, with its 194 new camping sites, will bring back the economic activity from visitors.

I want to add something about future plans and the economy. If you remember from a couple months ago, I shared the current economic impact of the MYPath Trail System. The analysis said the benefits will increase as the trail expands.

One day, in the not-too-distant future, a trail will connect the town of Spencer with McCormick's Creek State Park. Imagine the economic impact when the MYPath Trail connects with a campground full of people looking for something to do. And imagine if the trail is complete by the time the campground opens.

Like other campers around the state, I'm looking forward to trying the new campground when it is completed. And I already know how to get to Babbs Supermarket when I forget to pack something.

The Owen County Chamber of Commerce marked a century of community, connection and commerce on Sept. 30 during its Annual Chamber Banquet, held at the Christian Life Center in Spencer.

The evening was filled with laughter, recognition and a deep appreciation for the individuals and businesses that continue to shape Owen County's vibrant future.

The celebration began on a lighthearted note as "Martha the Mop Lady," portrayed by Alyssa Rice, sang her way to the stage, bringing smiles across the room. She was later joined by special guests Tony Kale and Ken Bucklew for the lively Hoosier Hundred Trivia Game, which tested guests' knowledge on the beginnings of the Owen County Chamber. Throughout the evening, attendees were treated to surprise video birthday wishes from notable Hoosiers, including IU Basketball Coach Darian DeVries, Indiana Chamber President and CEO Vanessa Sinders and former Governor of Indiana Eric Holcomb — each extending congratulations on the Chamber's 100th anniversary.

As tradition holds, the evening's highlight was the presentation of the Chamber's annual awards, celebrating outstanding individuals and organizations that exemplify leadership, dedication and community spirit:

- Educator of the Year: Dr. Matthew Latta
- Entrepreneur of the Year: Sweet Escape Baking Studio LLC
- Non-Profit of the Year: Boys and Girls Club of Owen County
- Small Business of the Year: Ridgeline Veterinary Services
- Business of the Year: Henry Holsters
- Heart of the Community Award: Thomas P. Wallace

Each award recipient was recognized for their significant contributions to Owen County — from inspiring students and supporting local youth to fostering innovation, economic growth and community well-being.

The banquet also celebrated the achievements of 19 graduates representing 16 local businesses who successfully completed the BASECamp business mentoring program. The graduates received their certificates from Ivy Tech Chancellor Eric Coyne, marking the culmination of an in-depth journey through essential business topics such as financing, marketing, leadership and strategic growth. The program has become a cornerstone for fostering entrepreneurship and innovation across Owen County.

This year's banquet carried special meaning as 2025 marks the 100th birthday of the Owen County Chamber of Commerce.

The Chamber's story began in June of 1925, when 60 community leaders gathered at Ashley's Restaurant — now known as Byer's Home Furnishings — to form a new organization dedicated to promoting local commerce and collaboration. With the help of John V. Barnet from the Indiana Chamber of Commerce, the group established its founding structure and set membership dues at $25 for regular members and $10 for associate members.

From those modest beginnings, the Chamber has grown into a powerful network representing over 267 businesses and their families, employees and partners. Each member's investment reflects a shared belief: that by supporting one another, they strengthen the entire community. "The story of the Chamber is, at its core, a story of people," said Marce Johnson, CEO of the Owen County Chamber of Commerce, during the event. "To be a member of the Chamber is to be a part of something greater than yourself. It's about choosing to grow together, support one another and build a stronger Owen County — side by side."

As the night drew to a close, the message was clear — the Owen County Chamber of Commerce has not only withstood the test of time but has also built a legacy of collaboration, compassion and commitment to community.

The Chamber would like to extend a special "Thank you" to all those who volunteered and helped to make the event possible. Here's to the next 100 years of growth, partnership and progress in Owen County.

In 2013, the Tivoli Theatre began a remarkable new chapter in its long history, when a dedicated partnership between Owen County Preservations, Indiana Landmarks and The Cook Group came together to bring this historic treasure back to life.

After years of fundraising, advocacy and painstaking restoration, the Tivoli reopened its doors, once again becoming a central gathering place for our community—offering a place to escape, connect and celebrate the magic of film.

"While we remain proud of the vibrant space the Tivoli has become, we face a unique challenge in the months ahead," theatre director Andrea White said. "We recognize that entertainment alone doesn't solve the struggles many are facing today. With the rising cost of living, a tough economy and Hollywood's slower release schedule between August and October, the Tivoli, like many businesses, has been hit hard by declining attendance."

A new chapter begins: Showtimes & adjustments

As a result, effective immediately through Nov. 22, 2025, the Tivoli Theatre will be reducing regular movie showtimes to Fridays at 7 p.m., Saturdays at 7 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. The Saturday 2 p.m. showtime will be eliminated as part of this adjustment until Thanksgiving weekend.

"Additionally, we've reduced our staff hours and made the decision to operate with more flexibility," White added. "Our office hours will now be by appointment only, allowing us to pinch our own pennies while continuing to serve our community to the best of our ability."

Despite these necessary adjustments, the Tivoli is still committed to providing quality entertainment and community engagement. The Tivoli is excited to continue offering Thursday Throwbacks—free movie screenings every Thursday at 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. thanks to the generosity of sponsorships for these films. These screenings are a chance for everyone to come together, unwind and enjoy the timeless joy of cinema.

Your attendance is highly encouraged, as studies show that watching movies can boost mood, help with relaxation, motivate, create bonds with others and reduce stress. It's more than just entertainment—it's a way to find joy during tough times.

New opportunities for engagement

While these changes affect regular programming, the Tivoli is finding new ways to continue to bring people together. In addition to its Thursday Throwbacks, the theatre is excited to offer private movie screenings in the auditorium. These private screenings provide an intimate and personalized experience for families, organizations or groups seeking to enjoy a film of your choice together in the historic venue.

"We are also delighted to announce Holiday Mini-Photo Sessions on Nov. 19, 22 and 23," White said. "The Tivoli's beautiful stage will be available for 25-minute photo sessions, offering two festive backdrops for your holiday portraits."

Looking ahead

"Though we may be adjusting our showtimes and operations, our commitment to the Tivoli's legacy remains stronger than ever," White said. "The Tivoli is a living landmark—an enduring symbol of resilience, community and shared history. I remember coming with my family to the movies and now my daughter is growing up at the Tivoli. The challenges of today will only strengthen my resolve to continue serving our community for decades to come."

The hope is you will visit during this time of transition and continue to be part of the Tivoli family. Whether through attending a screening, supporting the theatre's free Thursday events or simply sharing your love of the Tivoli, the Owen County Preservations and Tivoli staff are incredibly grateful for your continued support. Together ensuring that the Tivoli Theatre remains a cornerstone of culture, creativity and connection in our community for many years ahead.

About the Tivoli Theatre

Located in the heart of downtown Spencer, the Tivoli Theatre is a historic venue that has served as a cultural hub for nearly a century as it opened in 1928. After an extensive restoration in 2013, the theatre continues to offer film screenings, live performances and community events. The Tivoli stands as a proud symbol of resilience and a testament to the importance of preserving our cultural landmarks for future generations. For the upcoming movie show dates and private movie screening opportunities visit spencertivoli.org.

The Cloverdale Community School Corporation (CCSC) Board of School Trustees met on Oct. 13 to approve routine matters and to address several items under the new business portion of the meeting.

Under routine matters, the board voted unanimously to approve meeting minutes for executive, regular and pre-bargaining public hearing sessions held Sept 9.

Next, the board voted to approve the latest claims and financial reports, which CCSC Superintendent Greg Linton advised totaled $4,146,769.00 (including two payrolls) since the board's previous meeting.

Board Policies Volume 37, No. 2, was later approved.

Regarding communications, the board recognized the corporation's Student of the Month honorees for October, which included Cloverdale Elementary School (CES) student Jeriden Vaughn, Cloverdale Middle School (CMS) student Ella Bailey and Cloverdale High School (CHS) student Desmond Alexander.

Also recognized were Kinzley Evans and Elijah Mann, who earned Good Citizen Awards for the month of September, presented by CCSC School Resource Officer (SRO) Roger Tonna.

Superintendent Linton later provided a presentation on the Cloverdale Distant Learning Academy (CDLA), noting that the academy was founded in January 2020 with 174 students in grades K-8. In the span of just five years, he said, CDLA has grown to include 2,117 students, while also adding grades nine and 10.

Looking ahead, Linton said plans are underway to add 11th grade to the academy offerings for the 2026-27 school year.

"One of the biggest things that we're excited about the Learning Academy is that during the 2026-27 school year we will be launching expanded CTE course offerings and work-based learning opportunities for our students across the state," Linton said. "We've had great partnerships with Braintree Academy, Learning Couture, Ivy Tech and Kroger Gardis, and Regas, LLP that have allowed us to further what we can offer to our kids. When it comes to finding job opportunities, we have a good relationship with a few WorkOne Regions across the state and the ultimate goal is to have a partnership with all 12 regions across the state. We'd be one of the first in the state to do that."

To learn more about the Cloverdale Distance Learning Academy, visit the CCSC website at cloverdale.k12.in.us/tta.

Under new business, the board voted unanimously to allow CES to partner with staff members from Soul Harvest Church in Cloverdale to provide CES students with the opportunity to participate in the Weekday Religious Education (WRE) program. The program will include all fourth-grade students who voluntarily want to participate in the program and have parent permission. The program will operate one day each week from 11:15 to 11:45 a.m. Participating students will eat lunch at school and then be transported to the church by a CCSC bus. Katina Wetter will attend the sessions to help provide supervision.

The board also approved homebound instruction for an IEP student who was to receive four homebound sessions from Sept. 23 through Oct. 2. The sessions were to last for two hours, for a total of eight hours in a two-week period. Ms. Rachel Scott was tasked with the homebound instruction.

Next, the board approved and formally accepted a check awarded to Ms. Katie Gillaspy on behalf of the Mary Allison Children's Trust Board Member Lucy Wieland Board Allotment. The check, in the amount of $332.67, will allow Gillaspy to fund her STEM in Motion project.

In other new business, the board approved the latest cash transfer-ins which totaled eight students.

In addition, the board approved the following professional leave, field trip, and facility use requests:

Professional leave requests

Sept. 11 – Jamie Nees, work on IEPs and goals, CES.
Sept. 15 – Carrie Hall, work on IEPs.
Sept. 19 – Rachel Scott, Jamie Nees, Chelsea Reed, Morgan Barley, and Ivy Oberkrom, training for IEP.
Sept. 26 – Jill Schreiber, IEP release time, CMS.
Oct. 2 – Sara Howard, IFSAA workshop, IU Indianapolis.
Oct. 6 – Cathy Smith, Jessica Fidler, Tori Maldonado, and Autumn Halloran, CMS math department meeting, CMS.
Oct. 8 – Ivy Oberkrom, Carrie Hall, Megan Schroeder, Jill Schreiber, Morgan Barley, and Jamie Nees, Goalbook training.
Oct. 23 – Jaralee Branigan, Kick Start Writing Workshop, Area 30, Greencastle.
Oct. 29 to Oct. 31 – Kenzie Pigg and Heather Clingan, National FFA Convention, Indianapolis.
Nov. 4 – Nicole Campbell and Katina Wetter, Bring Change 2 Mind Summit, Indianapolis.
Nov. 5 – Jamie Nees, WCIESC Media Specialist training/meeting, Area 30, Greencastle.

Field trips

Oct. 1 – Skillathon Team, Southmont High School.
Oct. 2 – FFA Skillathon, Clay County Fairgrounds.
Oct. 23 – Freshman class, Greencastle.
Nov. 4 – Bring Change 2 Mind, Crane Bay Event Center.
Nov. 7 – All CHS staff and students, Community Service-Learning Project.
Nov. 13 – CMS eighth grade class, Ivy Tech, Greencastle.
Nov. 20 – CMS eighth grade class, Indiana Repertory Theatre.
Nov. 24 – CHS sophomores, Area 30.
April 9, 2026 – CES first grade class, Terre Haute Children's Museum.

Facility use

Sept. 30 – Versiti Blood Center, CHS mezzanine, CHS Student Council Blood Drive.
Oct. 8 – CES Color Run, auxiliary parking lot.
Oct. 9 – Cloverdale Community Youth League (CCYL), CMS cafeteria, Fall Awards pizza party.
Dec. 5 & Dec. 6 – Clothe-A-Child, CHS cafetorium, stage and auxiliary gym, craft show.
April 6, 2026 – Versiti Blood Center, CHS mezzanine, CHS Student Council Blood Drive.
Third Monday of each month through May 2026 – CES PTO meetings, Mail or Knoy Room.
Sundays, October through May – Explosion Softball, CHS auxiliary gym, softball workouts/practice.
Oct. 22 through May 21, 2026 – Girl Scout meetings, CES PD Room.

Additional personnel matters receiving unanimous board approval included:

Resignations

Rhonda Trueblood – CMS part-time, café.
Trista Stattner – CMS instructional assistant.

Employment

Trista Stattner – CMS instructional assistant.

FMLA

Katina Wetter-Wright – CES counselor.
Lisa Mendenhall – CMS custodian.

Coaching resignation

Aleksey Stewart – CMS track coach.

Coaching hire

Jerry McCullough – CMS seventh grade boys' basketball coach.
Mark McCammon – CMS eighth grade boys' basketball coach.
Sydney Campbell – CMS cheer coach.

Coaching volunteer

Kiersten Wade – CHS volunteer assistant basketball coach.
Kassie Wade – CHS volunteer assistant basketball coach.
Kristen Kukman – CHS volunteer assistant basketball coach.
Paige Glassburn – CHS volunteer assistant basketball coach.
Veronica Carter – CHS volunteer assistant basketball coach.
Emily Mann – CHS volunteer assistant basketball coach.
Anna Linton - CHS volunteer assistant basketball coach.
Autumn Halloran – CHS volunteer assistant basketball coach.
Jason Frye – CHS volunteer assistant basketball coach.
Michael Nees - CHS volunteer assistant basketball coach.
Joshua Michael - CHS volunteer assistant basketball coach.
JD Hoover - CHS volunteer assistant basketball coach.

The Cloverdale Community School Board will meet again at 7 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 10 in the Arthur L. Johnson Administration Building, 310 E. Logan St., Cloverdale. Members of the board include Vivian Whitaker, Katrina Lewis, Donna Fidler, Melissa Carrell, Emily Haltom, Joe Mann and Mike Rightmyer II.

Ever since I learned to hunt, my father and I have used shotguns to hunt deer. We never had the need to shoot over 100 yards with our hunting taking place in thick woods.

Last year that changed though as we were fortunate to be given permission to hunt new areas of farmland with many shots far out of reach for a shotgun.

Last year though, I never connected with a buck and ended up having to pass on a solid 10 pointer because it was slightly out of shotgun reach. With this knowledge, my dad purchased rifles for both of us, mine being a 6.5 Creedmoor and his a .308. With these rifles, equipped with quality scopes, our shot opportunities extended greatly.

This year I would be doing another first, going out on youth weekend. I had never participated in youth weekend before for reasons me and my father both don't know, as it provides a great opportunity to hunt unpressured deer with the weapon of your choice.

With youth weekend looming closer and closer, we purchased ammo and sighted in my rifle. We have numerous cell cameras placed in the area we hunt that had been picking up multiple bucks we would be glad to shoot.

This was exciting to watch and only increased the excitement for the weekend's potential. We had planned on not being able to hunt Saturday morning due to my morning football practice. After my coach unexpectedly canceled the practice after our game on Friday, I sent my dad a message to tell him to pack my stuff and that we could now go hunt that morning.

We woke up early the next morning and packed our supplies into the truck, then started the drive to the property. Once we had arrived, we realized we were running late, and to reach the stand we planned on using, we would have to trek a very lengthy field.

Understanding that could potentially spook the deer at that time, we opted for a closer stand. It was great weather to hunt in, not freezing, but also not too hot for our selected clothing.

We waited as the sun rose, illuminating the fog over the field. As the woods started to come alive with the sounds of nature, we had no sighting of deer until we spotted two does across the field making their way towards us.

Once on our side of the field, they lingered around our path, suspecting something, but not sure what. They proceeded to meander around that spot for a while keeping our attention.

All of a sudden, I heard my dad, who was looking through binoculars, whisper, "Straight ahead. Might be a shooter, not sure yet." As I looked straight ahead in the distance, my gaze was directed to a massive set of antlers moving behind a highpoint in the field.

I whispered back, "Are you crazy? That's definitely a shooter." As I said that with my eyes still locked on to the original set of antlers, I noticed a smaller buck trailing.

I realized this was the deer my dad was watching so I told him to look right in front of it. As he did, he was shocked to see the headgear on the buck I had been watching.

I readied my rifle and watched through the scope, eager to secure a shot as quickly as possible. I didn't want to risk a bad shot though as its shoulder was barely visible on the other side of the highpoint.

"Just wait, he's walking over." My dad whispered. The buck emerged on top of the hill around 150 yards out and started walking quartering away across the field. He took a few more steps then stopped almost perfectly broadside.

Wasting no time, I focused my breathing and tried to steady my rifle, which was proving difficult as my body started shaking with buck fever. Once I had managed to steady my crosshairs behind his shoulder blade, I took a breath, exhaled, and then slowly squeezed the trigger.

The buck immediately dropped on the bullet's impact. This confused the other buck who remained as if nothing happened.

We were hunting with someone else, so we waited as the other buck slowly walked off in hopes that our friend might be able to harvest him. As we were waiting, I was completely taken over by the buck fever shakes and remained shaking for quite some time.

After 45 minutes and no movement from where we had seen the buck drop, we descended our stand and cautiously walked over to recover the deer.

Upon discovery of the buck, I realized how large of a deer it was. It was an extremely large eight pointer that we had seen on trail cams before.

Its body was arguably more impressive than its antlers, as it was enormous and still extremely heavy after we field dressed it. We took some photos, and I received congratulations before we specially field dressed it so its cape could be used for the taxidermy mount we would get.

With all of the firsts and our unprecedented luck with canceled practice and running late, I was very blessed to connect with by far my biggest buck to date. I'm very grateful to be given permission to hunt, and to have my dad and friends to hunt with and share this amazing experience and memory.

The Owen County Community Foundation (OCCF) is proud to announce six outstanding local students as finalists for the 2026 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship, which is one of the most prestigious scholarship opportunities in the state of Indiana.

This year, nine Owen County students applied for the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship, which provides full tuition, required fees, and up to $900 annually for books and equipment for four years of undergraduate study at an eligible Indiana college or university.

Following a competitive first round of evaluations, six students advanced to the second phase of the selection process, which included in-person interviews with the OCCF Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Committee.

The 2026 Owen County finalists are:

• Serenity Ferguson – Owen Valley High School
• Sean Goss – Owen Valley High School
• Dustin Jackson – Owen Valley High School
• Mason Paauwe – Cloverdale High School
• Kaitlynn Padgett – Owen Valley High School
• Phuc Tran – Owen Valley High School

One finalist will ultimately be nominated by the Owen County Community Foundation to Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI) for final selection. The 2026 Owen County Lilly Scholar will be announced in December 2025.

"The Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship is one of the most transformative opportunities available to our students," said Janet Rummel, OCCF President & CEO. "We're incredibly proud of each of our finalists and grateful to Lilly Endowment Inc. for continuing to invest in Indiana's future leaders."

OCCF scholarship application opens Nov. 26

Local students will soon have another opportunity to pursue scholarship funding through the Owen County Community Foundation. OCCF's 2026 Scholarship Application opens Nov. 26, offering more than 60 local scholarships totaling over $140,000 for students who reside in Owen County or attend Owen Valley High School.

Applications must be submitted by Jan. 16, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Students can apply at bit.ly/OCCFscholarship and can learn more at owencountycf.org/students.

About the 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 area nonprofit and charitable organizations in our community, and over $3.2 million in early childhood – adult education funding since 1994. 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, visit owencounty.org or call 812-829-1725.

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 their pharmaceutical business, Eli Lilly and Company. Although the gifts of stock remain a financial bedrock of the Endowment, it is a separate entity from the company, with a distinct governing board, staff and location. In keeping with the founders' wishes, the Endowment supports the causes of community development, education and religion. The Endowment funds significant programs throughout the United States, especially in the field of religion. However, it maintains a special commitment to its founders' hometown, Indianapolis, and home state, Indiana.

About Independent Colleges of Indiana

Since 1997, Independent Colleges of Indiana has administered the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program statewide with funding provided by Lilly Endowment Inc. Founded in 1948, ICI serves as the collective voice for the state's 29 private, nonprofit colleges and universities. ICI institutions employ over 22,000 Hoosiers and generate a total local economic impact of over $5.5 billion annually. Students at ICI colleges have Indiana's highest four-year, on-time graduation rates, and ICI institutions produce 30 percent of Indiana's bachelor's degrees while enrolling 20 percent of its undergraduates.

Runners and walkers praised the fun course as they completed the 2025 MYPath 5k run/walk on Saturday, Oct. 18.

The 5k route started and finished at the Owen County Fairgrounds. Participants experienced different surfaces as they crossed through gravel roads in the fairgrounds and Cooper Commons, the paved MYPath trail and the grassy "tree-tube trail."

Proceeds from the event will go toward maintenance and expansion of the MYPath trail.

Overall winners

Overall male winner: Jeff Taylor, Solsberry.
Overall female winner: Jamie Andree, Bloomington.

Age category winners

Male 70 and over: Greg Robbins, Brazil.
Female 70 and over: Joanne Allee, Quincy.
Male 60-69: Calvin Meisenheimer, Loogootee.
Female 60-69: Susan Demoss, Ellettsville.
Male 50-59: Jeremy Price, Bloomington.
Female 50-59: Karen Taylor, Trafalgar.
Male 40-49: Chad Taylor, Trafalgar.
Female 40-49: Shonda Klinger, Bloomington.
Male 30-39: Caleb Brinson, Spencer.
Female 30-39: Carrie Lamoureux, Spencer.
Female 20-29: Payton Johns, Mooresville.
Male 19 and under: Ryne Kinger, Bloomington.
Female 19 and under: Isabella Edwards, Mooresville.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Booking information is provided by the Owen County Security Center. These are preliminary charges and may change as cases are processed through the circuit court system. To follow a court case, search the state's court records at http://mycase.in.gov. This information is public record. All people are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

10-2

Lonnie Cooper, 46, Worthington, preliminary charges of battery by means of a deadly weapon, and violation of home detention. Arrested by Owen County Sheriff's Department (OCSD) Major William Snodgrass.

Cameron Rund, 24, Greenfield, preliminary charges of probation violation and possession of marijuana, hash oil, hashish, or salvia. OCSD Special Deputy Levi Miller was the arresting officer.

10-3

Jon Franklin, 74, Spencer, preliminary charges of indecent exposure (two counts). Arrested by Spencer Police Department (SPD) officer Ryan Combs.

Richard Smith, Jr., 56, Coal City, preliminary charges of driving while suspended with a prior charge, possession of paraphernalia, and possession of methamphetamine. OCSD Sergeant Brandon Gasparovic was the arresting officer.

10-7

Scott Fouts, 58, Greenfield, preliminary charges of disorderly conduct and criminal recklessness. Arrested by OCSD Lieutenant Clint Wampler.

10-8

Christy Truax, 52, Spencer, preliminary charges of driving while suspended with a prior charge and failure to appear. OCSD Lieutenant Clint Wampler was the arresting officer.

10-9

Brian Wallace, 25, Poland, IN, preliminary charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of paraphernalia, and operating with a schedule I or II controlled substance. Arrested by OCSD Deputy Cory Poland.

10-10

Blaze White, 27, Spencer, preliminary charges of operating while intoxicated endangering a person and invasion of privacy. SPD officer Ben Muncie was the arresting officer.

10-11

Thomas Barnett, 58, Poland, IN, preliminary charges of failure to appear and driving while suspended with a prior charge. Arrested by OCSD Deputy Brennan Clark.

Stephen Johnson, 38, Quincy, preliminary charges of operating while intoxicated endangering a person. SPD officer EJ Westgate was the arresting officer.

10-12

Tarin Rigsby, 61, Spencer, preliminary charges of auto theft and driving while suspended with a prior charge. Arrested by OCSD Deputy Cory Poland.

10-13

Joseph Riley, 33, Spencer, preliminary charges of probation violation and escape. OCSD Special Deputy Levi Miller was the arresting officer.

Kendall Michael, 41, Spencer, preliminary charges of violation of home detention, domestic battery and intimidation. Arrested by OCSD Special Deputy Levi Miller.

10-14

Billy Jones, 64, Gosport, preliminary charges of failure to appear and possession of marijuana, hash oil, hashish, or salvia. OCSD Sergeant Torrey Wallace was the arresting officer.

10-15

Coty Parsley, 33, Lyons, IN, preliminary charge of possession of marijuana, hash oil, hashish, or salvia. Arrested by OCSD Deputy Brennan Clark.

Joshua Reynolds, 48, Gosport, preliminary charges of operating while intoxicated endangering a person and failure to appear. OCSD Deputy John Lowder II was the arresting officer.

10-16

William Blevins, 46, Bloomington, preliminary charges of nonsupport of child (two counts). Arrested by OCSD Major William Snodgrass.

Korey Taylor, 32, Bloomington, preliminary charge of writ of attachment. OCSD Major William Snodgrass was the arresting officer.

10-17

Chance Parke, 32, Spencer, preliminary charges of possession of paraphernalia, possession of a controlled substance, and possession of marijuana, hash oil, hashish, or salvia. Arrested by OCSD Deputy Elijah Volrich.

Taylor Mras, 31, Paragon, preliminary charges of driving without a license, possession of paraphernalia, possession of a controlled substance, and possession of marijuana, hash oil, hashish, or salvia. OCSD Deputy Elijah Volrich was the arresting officer.

10-18

David Mitchell, 27, Poland, IN, preliminary charges of assisting a criminal, writ of attachment, and failure to appear. Arrested by OCSD Deputy Stephen DeWitt.

10-19

Herbert Kirkley III, 29, Coal City, preliminary charge of domestic battery. OCSD Sergeant Brandon Gasparovic was the arresting officer.

Kenny Cordell, 43, Lyons, IN, preliminary charge of driving while suspended with a prior charge. Arrested by OCSD Deputy Elijah Volrich.

Brooke Neal, 46, Unionville, IN, preliminary charges of failure to appear and driving while suspended with a prior charge. SPD officer Bryce Brock was the arresting officer.

10-20

Charles May, 32, Spencer, preliminary charges of child molesting (two counts), child solicitation, sexual misconduct with a minor, dissemination of matter harmful to minors, intimidation, distribution of an intimate image, and performing sexual conduct in the presence of a minor. Arrested by OCSD Deputy Jordan Hardey.

10-21

Jeremy Walker, 48, Bowling Green, preliminary charges of possession of methamphetamine, probation violation, conversion, failure to appear, driving while suspended with a prior charge, domestic battery, and disorderly conduct. OCSD Deputy Jacob Williamson was the arresting officer.

10-22

Athena Skiddle, 47, Spencer, preliminary charges of criminal mischief (three counts), criminal trespass, battery against a public safety officer (two counts), resisting law enforcement, and disorderly conduct. Arrested by SPD officer EJ Westgate.

10-23

Larry Tussey, Jr., 48, Freedom, preliminary charges of unlawful possession of a syringe (two counts), resisting law enforcement, failure to appear, auto theft, harvesting out of season, and illegal take, chase, or possession of a wild animal. Indiana Conservation Officer Caleb Hutchison was the arresting officer.

10-25

Melvin Jones, 67, Poland, IN, preliminary charges of possession of methamphetamine and possession of paraphernalia. Arrested by OCSD Deputy Jordan Hardey.

Joshua Donoghue, 41, Poland, IN, preliminary charges of probation violation and assisting a criminal. Indiana Conservation Officer Matt Mauder was the arresting officer.

10-28

Steven Wood II, 42, Freedom, preliminary charges of nonsupport of child and probation violation. Arrested by OCSD Sergeant Brandon Gasparovic.

10-29

John Todd, 35, Beech Grove, IN, preliminary charge of invasion of privacy. SPD officer Ben Muncie was the arresting officer.

Cody Tremmel, 28, Poland, IN, preliminary charge of resisting law enforcement. Arrested by OCSD Deputy Brennan Clark.

10-30

Izayah Webb, 23, Indianapolis, preliminary charges of disorderly conduct and domestic battery. OCSD Special Deputy Levi Miller was the arresting officer.

10-31

James Stivers, 60, Henderson, KY, preliminary charges of failure to appear and possession of a controlled substance. Arrested by OCSD Sergeant Brandon Gasparovic.

11-1

Taylor Leathers, 19, Bloomfield, preliminary charges of operating while intoxicated and illegal possession, consumption, or transportation of alcohol by a minor. SPD officer Ben Muncie was the arresting officer.

Vonda Meadows, 54, Bowling Green, preliminary charge of theft. Arrested by OCSD Sergeant Brandon Gasparovic.

11-2

Heidi Dennison, 33, no address given, preliminary charges of probation violation and dealing in methamphetamine. OCSD Deputy Jacob Williamson was the arresting officer.

Blake Patterson, 35, Spencer, preliminary charge of domestic battery. Arrested by OCSD Sergeant Brandon Gasparovic.

Colt White, 26, Gosport, preliminary charges of domestic battery and strangulation. OCSD Lieutenant Clint Wampler was the arresting officer.

11-3

Daniel Weaver, 38, Bloomington, preliminary charge of criminal trespass. Arrested by OCSD Special Deputy Levi Miller.

Donald Stuck, 74, Terre Haute, preliminary charge of intimidation. OCSD Deputy Cory Poland was the arresting officer.

11-4

Kaedon Muncie, 19, Greencastle, preliminary charges of alcohol-minor transporting alcohol, possession or consumption, and possession of marijuana, hash oil, hashish, or salvia. Arrested by OCSD Deputy Elijah Volrich.

Held on Oct. 23, the annual event featured information on forest, recreation and facility management, while also providing attendees with the opportunity to ask questions and provide comments to forest officials.

"These open house events provide Hoosiers with a chance to receive first-hand information about how the state forests are working to provide diverse wildlife habitat, forest products and recreational opportunities," State Forester John Seifert said. "They also allow us to receive valuable feedback from our neighbors and users about state forest management."

Established in 1948 with most of its landholdings purchased as smaller non-contiguous tracts in the 1950s and '60s, OPSF contains over 6,600 acres of forested land. Along with hiking and horseback riding trails, the state forest is home to three campgrounds. Each campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis and has its own self-registration booth. All campgrounds are primitive.

The office is located at 2153 Fish Creek Road, five miles west of Spencer and less than one mile north of State Road 46. TRAVIS CURRY | THE OWEN NEWS

Redistricting not just a power grab

Mainstream media outlets have largely written off Republican redistricting efforts as being part of a power grab aimed at preventing Democrats from taking over Congress in 2026.

But I cannot let that perception go, given we live next door to the king of gerrymandering, Illinois, which gave the GOP only three out of 17 U.S. House seats in 2021.

As a former Indiana state representative (2016-2022), current Greene County Republican chairman, and current candidate for State Senate district 39, I know a handful of state Republicans have balked at redrawing Indiana's nine House districts. Yet it is also true that the Indiana Republican base seems firmly behind a mid-decade redraw. And I talk to these people every day – it's not even close.

So, no, it's not the establishment that wants this. It's the voters.

It seems counter-intuitive. Voters are supposed to be the moderating voice in such issues, but there is a new sense of taking the fight to the Democrats. It's a lively spirit lacking in a few Statehouse Republicans.

And yes, it means the GOP risks more than the wrath of MSNBC and the elites if the Republicans redistrict. They risk the much more sizable wrath of the MAGA base if they don't redistrict.

President Trump and Vice President Vance made clear they desire a more aggressive redraw, one that reflects the GOP's Hoosier growth. Why do so many feel that way? Illinois, for starters. And New York. And some other blue states, such as Maryland and California. They played by different rules when they redistricted in 2021.

Here in Indiana in 2021, we drew maps that mostly gave us a predictable 7-2 U.S. House majority over the Democrats, even as the state grew more conservative. The GOP was polite and proper, and was tougher on its own party members than the Democrats. No more. It's time to realize we are in an arms race with an enthusiastic, gerrymandering cabal of national Democrats. It won't always be a gerrymandering war for the U.S. House of Representatives, of course.

I suspect things will settle down and maps will likely become more competitive decades hence. But for now, this is a lesson we need to teach California Gov. Gavin Newsom and others. It's time to steel ourselves and do it, Republicans.

–Jeff Ellington, Greene County GOP chairman

Stop the shutdown and confront the debt crisis

Senator Kelly and his party must stop the political maneuvering and end the government shutdown immediately.

To claim Republicans refused to negotiate is simply false; it was the Democratic side that broke faith with the American people, especially their commitment to paying our troops, and then forced this closure.

The reality is that we are no longer willing to compromise for the sake of a destructive political agenda. The constant pressure to accept poor legislative deals highlights a fundamental lack of fiscal seriousness. We must look around and realize we have almost $190,000 of debt loaded onto the back of every single person in this country. That devastating legacy should be reason enough for Democrats to agree to terms that prioritize the nation's financial health.

When elected leaders refuse to come to an honest, fiscally responsible agreement, they leave the opposition no choice but to find political solutions. The will of the people, expressed clearly in 2024, mandates a change in direction. We will use every legislative tool available, including redistricting, to ensure the government finally reflects the mandate to refocus on building, not destroying, our nation.

— Kristi Risk, Candidate for IN Senate District 39

Local organizations like Wagler Education & Training Center are needed
By: Britt Miller, Director, Member Engagement, UDWI REMC

According to a study conducted by Ivy Tech earlier this year, there will be a need for more than 82,000 people to gain non-degree credentials— such as skills training, certifications and licenses— in the next decade to meet the growing demand for skilled trade jobs in Indiana.

One organization helping to support people into entering skilled-trade positions is Wagler Education & Training Center (WETC), based in Lyons. WETC is a state-approved Adult Education Site offering the Indiana High School Equivalency and certifications in trade skills. As a local organization, Wagler Education & Training Center is passionate about helping fellow community members achieve their goals by advancing their careers and their overall qualities-of-life— something I discovered when I toured WETC to learn more about what they do.

During the tour, I had the chance to meet with Michelle Ellis, Director of Training Programs & Adult Education Coordinator. Michelle truly embodies the mission of WETC and cares for the success of each one of her students; her heart for helping the community is reflected in the success of WETC, with 352 students having graduated from various programs from July of 2024 through June of this year. Upon graduation, many families are able to become self-sufficient, going into skilled-trade professions across Indiana and advancing their annual incomes by thousands of dollars.

The specific trade skills offered by Wagler Education & Training Center include: IT Fundamentals, Welding, CNC Machining, CDL-A training, CDL-B, School Bus, Heavy Equipment Operations, Core Construction, Certified Clinical Medical Assistant, HVAC and Medical Billing & Coding.

For those looking to further themselves, now is a great time to apply as a student at waglereducation.com. Community members can also support WETC's mission by purchasing something on their Amazon wishlist or by "sponsoring a student."

Those who knew Mike Spinks say it's hard to find the right words to describe him, not because he was complicated or difficult to work with, but because he was more. More patient than most, more generous with his time, more dedicated to the quiet, everyday work of making Spencer better.

And even near the end, despite a brief bout with an aggressive form of stomach cancer, he was still thinking about Spencer and its future.

Spinks passed away on Oct. 23.

"He took time to call me. He's barely worked with me, and he talked about continuing on with the town... He had so much going on in the end and that was still a concern of his," fellow councilman Evan McKalip said. McKalip has served on the Spencer Town Council with Spinks for about two years. "He was worried about me. He was worried about the town still. I think that says a lot about his character."

Service to Spencer and the citizens of Owen County was integral to who Spinks was, offering steady leadership, a visionary approach, and a deep love for the entire community.

"It's a huge loss for Spencer and the community and Owen County because he was so involved with a lot of different projects. His expertise, his background touched on a lot of subjects, and he applied them all to his job and work with the town," County Councilman Anton Neff said.

Spinks served two separate stints on the Spencer Town Council. The first was for about six months before he moved outside of the town limits and was no longer eligible to serve. Former council member Dean Bruce filled his spot.

"Sometimes life is 360, and he ended up right back in town and jumps back in and gets involved again. So that's dedication and passion for you," Neff said.

But Spinks' indelible mark on the community extends beyond his time on the town council.

Spinks was responsible for starting both the Spencer Redevelopment Commission and the tourism board.

"He really had a great vision for both the county and the town, and was instrumental in getting a number of programs started and maintained and aggressive to promote economic development for the entire county and the town," Spencer Town Attorney Richard Lorenz said. "And I think he's one of the people that you would have to look to to say that they had the vision and aspirations for the county that it was going to achieve a community ambience, an aura that was beneficial to all the population. He just really saw it that way."

Lorenz described how Spinks would visit other communities to learn about opportunities for growth and improvement for Spencer.

Town Clerk-Treasurer Cheryl Moke also described how Spinks started the Spencer Redevelopment Commission.

"That was something nobody did here. And it wasn't really big in small towns, I don't think," Moke said. "He saw how it could grow and how it could help us do things, and it's starting to show."

Moke said she met Spinks more than 50 years ago when she moved to Spencer. Spinks lived two doors down from her.

In addition to his service to the Town of Spencer, Spinks was a member and former president of the Redevelopment Association of Indiana, a mentor for SCORE which helps young businesses thrive, a member of the Owen County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and Economic Development Corporation, a member of the Spencer Plan Commission, chairman of the Board of Service Concepts and a member of several other boards.

He also helped develop the business plan for Patriot Manufacturing at Owen Valley High School.

"He was a caring, kind person. He was very knowledgeable. He spent a lot of time learning about the different boards that he was on and contributed greatly," Moke said.

And he was well known for his impact and leadership in Spencer.

"You know, when I go places and to some of my conferences and things, whenever I say I'm from Spencer or Owen County, there's sometimes some names that come up, and Mike Spinks was one of those names. He had a good reputation and had done a good job of networking and representing Owen County and Spencer," Neff said.

More so, Spinks was known for his collaborative spirit, calm resolve and quiet conviction. He was someone who cared about people, process and progress, not credit.

"He participated in all these boards, and also reached out to Indiana University and their ROI teams for things they were doing there," Lorenz said. "He bridged the gap of having the personality to encourage these relationships and foster new and better relationships between the various entities, and I think he helped resolve some conflicts that from time to time would occur… It's one of those things you can't articulate with a particular name or denomination. It's just his involvement was so expansive and so completely in favor of trying to build the community."

Spinks won the Owen County Heart of the Community Award in 2017 and the Owen County Humanitarian Award in 2022.

Moke also spoke of Spinks' positive attitude toward the work he put in for the town.

"He never complained, always provided what was needed," she said.

She noted how he always made himself available when he was needed and that you could turn to Spinks if you had a question.

"He was a servant to the town in the best definition of that word for an office holder. He did everything he could for it," Moke said.

She, like Lorenz, struggled to have adequate words to describe Spinks.

"I don't know the correct word for his personality," Moke said, offering several words and dismissing each as inadequate. "There's something more that I can't quite pinpoint because of the way he wanted to be involved and the way he wanted to accomplish something but still he wasn't pushy about it. He was very kind throughout everything."

She also commented on his respect for others.

"He didn't get in arguments with the other [council] members, or even the County or anything like that," she said.

McKalip noted that Spinks was never antagonistic, always calm and that he never saw Spinks stressed out or upset.

Professionally, Spinks worked for Hoosier Energy for 43 years. And when he wasn't in service to others, he loved spending time with his family, always bringing up recent visits in conversation. As deeply as Spinks cared for the town of Spencer, he cared even more so about his family.

"He was a very impressive man," McKalip said. "It's very, very big shoes to fill."

McKalip noted that part of Spinks' care of and forward thinking for the town was ensuring that there was extended legacy, beyond the time that Spinks would serve, taking the extra time to share the knowledge he had about various items.

"He was concerned about younger people picking that up," McKalip said.

There will be a caucus to fill the open Spencer Town Council position at 5:45 p.m. Nov. 14 at the Democratic Party Headquarters, 152 E. Jefferson St., Spencer. Those interested should reach out to Party Chair Bill Breeden.

Lorenz spoke of the vision Spinks had for the community.

"He could see that we needed to have this way of having the community grow and prosper and enjoy the benefits that we have in Owen County and the town of Spencer. He didn't see it as the town of Spencer only. He clearly was thinking of the entire county and the entire populace of the county," Lorenz said. "We're going to be the beneficiaries of Mike's vision for years to come and his memory should be respected and appreciated for all that he put into these projects."

The Owen News is excited to announce its participation in NewsMatch 2025.

NewsMatch is a collective, matching campaign through November and December for member publications of The Institute for Nonprofit News (INN), of which The Owen News is part of. NewsMatch provides a 1:1 match for any donations or memberships made to The Owen News. It also provides certain goal-based bonuses.

NewsMatch will match new or increased monthly pledges at the amount for the full year. For example, a new recurring donation set up at $10 per month would be matched at $120 for the entire year.

Additionally, The Owen County Community Foundation (OCCF) is providing a local match of up to $20,000, creating a 2:1 match. This means that every dollar donated to support local, independent journalism will be tripled, helping us to fulfill our mission to be Owen County's leading source of reliable and unbiased local news in order to foster an informed and engaged community.

In addition to one-time donations, there are several ways to support The Owen News throughout November and December.

Fundraising Event at Tivoli

The Owen News will host a fundraiser screening of the original "Superman: The Movie" (1978) at 6 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 15 at the Historic Tivoli Theatre, 24 N. Washington St., Spencer.

The event will feature remarks from The Owen News board members and staff highlighting our upcoming projects. It will also include appetizers, adult beverages and a silent auction.

Tickets will cost $30 and will be made available online through theowennews.org and on our Facebook page. There will also be the ability to purchase reserved seating for your group at an additional cost.

Businesses wishing to donate as part of the silent auction should email info@theowennews.org. Donations received by Nov. 28 will be listed in the December issue of The Owen News.

Proceeds from the event and the silent auction, if paid by check or online will qualify for the match through NewsMatch.

Renew or Sign up for a Membership

The Owen News will continue offering mailed copies of the paper to our members, making now the ideal time to renew your own membership or give the gift of news this holiday season.

As part of Newsmatch, the donation portion of the individual sponsorship or membership tier will both count toward the fundraising goal and will be considered tax deductible.

The membership tiers and benefits are as follows:

Friends of the Owen News ($5 per month/ $60 per year): Benefits include: mailed print edition of The Owen News, access to members-only merchandise that will have an exclusive annual design, a monthly e-newsletter with behind-the-scenes insights, and recognition on The Owen News website.

Headline Supporter ($15 per month/ $180 per year): Benefits include: all Friends of The Owen News benefits and an The Owen News tote bag.

Columnist Champion ($25 per month/ $300 per year): Benefits include: all Headline Supporter benefits, an The Owen News mug, your name listed in the printed edition of The Owen News, and a special invite to an exclusive quarterly virtual Q&A session with the editorial team.

Editor's Circle ($50 per month/ $600 per year): Benefits include: all Columnist Champion benefits, an Owen News travel mug, and special recognition in the annual member guide and report.

Publisher's Partner ($100+ per month/ $1,200+ per year): Benefits include: all Editor's Circle benefits, an Owen News t-shirt, and a ¼ page ad for individual use (subject to The Owen News' ad policy).

Those interested in making a donation or becoming a member can do so through OCCF or by contacting The Owen News at info@theowennews.org.

Individuals interested in volunteering with The Owen News should email volunteers@theowennews.org. Volunteers are needed in several areas including as trained correspondents, fundraising and staffing festival booths to name a few.

"The non-profit news model allows us, first and foremost, to be a community partner in our community. But most importantly, by being a non-profit, The Owen News will forever be owned by our community," Executive Editor Nicole DeCriscio said. "At the end of the day, the success of The Owen News thus far is a testament to the strength of our community, and we're relying on community support to capitalize on this important fund-matching opportunity."

Charles "Chip" May, 32, of Spencer, has been accused of several sex crimes with children and is facing multiple felonies.

The felony charges include two counts of child molestation, a count of child solicitation, a count of sexual misconduct with a minor, a count of performing sexual conduct in the presence of a minor, a count of dissemination of matter harmful to minors, and a count of intimidation. He also faces a misdemeanor charge of distribution of an intimate image.

According to the probable cause affidavit, Detective Riley Nungester was contacted by Indiana State Police Detective Sgt. Chris Fears following a July report made to Owen County Department of Child Services after a juvenile victim disclosed that May allegedly showed the child a video of May engaging in a sexual act.

A friend of the juvenile was also interviewed as part of the probable cause affidavit and claimed that when playing hide and seek, May would make the juvenile touch him. They also said that May began touching them in fall of 2024. They also claimed that May "told her not to tell anyone, or he would have to beat her," according to the probable cause affidavit.

Throughout the investigation, the probable cause affidavit includes interviews with other children with whom May allegedly participated in sexual misconduct with.

According to reporting from The Banner Graphic, in the Spring of 2012, May previously faced "four sex-related charges concerning alleged improper contact with an 11-year-old girl at an Indiana state park."

An initial hearing was held on Oct. 23. May was required to check in with Owen County Probation to be placed on GPS Level 4 monitoring with Pretrial Services.

Prosecutor Ben Kim has issued a reminder that all persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Owen County will join the rest of the nation in honoring its military veterans for their service on Veterans Day, Nov. 11. Because it's also a federal holiday, the county courthouse and other government offices will be closed. There will be no U.S. Mail delivery, and many area banks will also be closed.

The day will begin with a free breakfast for all veterans, served from 8 to 11 a.m. at the Spencer American Legion Post #285, 154 S. Main St., Spencer.

In Gosport, a Veterans Day drive-thru parade is planned for 8:30 a.m. at Gosport Elementary School, 201 N. Ninth St. Veterans are encouraged to drive through the school's front parking lot to enjoy student-made posters and banners as the students cheer and salute you for your service. Veterans will also receive a free drive through breakfast. Reservations are not required but attendees are encouraged to call 812-879-4694 to enable organizers to know how many participants to expect.

Owen Valley High School's Air Force Junior ROTC will host a Veterans Day ceremony from 9:15 to 9:45 a.m. at the school, 622 S.R. 46W, Spencer. All veterans and their families are invited to attend. RSVP to Lt. Col. Russell Callaway at rcallaway@socs.k12.in.us or 812-829-2266.

The Owen County Courthouse lawn will take center stage at 11 a.m. for the annual Veterans Day program, organized this year by the Spencer American Legion. A portion of the program will shine the spotlight on the "Spirit of the American Doughboy" statue on the northwest lawn. A rededication will be held, commemorating the recent restoration work on the statue and the renovation of the nearby area.

A free ham and beans dinner will follow the program at the Spencer VFW Post.

Later in the afternoon, a Veterans Day dinner will be offered from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Gosport VFW Post #7850, 159 E. Main St., Gosport. The Auxiliary will serve a variety of soups and sandwiches to honor veterans and their families. Come enjoy a meal and fellowship.

In Spencer, a free Veterans Day Dinner begins at 6 p.m. in the 4-H Building at the Owen County Fairgrounds, 364 S. East St., Spencer. There will be a short program presented by the 4-H Fishing Team. All veterans and their families are welcome to attend.

Marriages

The following marriage licenses were issued since the last issue of The Owen News. Please note that this information is based on the applications. Marriage licenses are valid for 60 days from when they are issued, and the information below does not reflect whether or not the two individuals followed through with a marriage or if the signed marriage license was returned to the Owen County Clerk's office.

10-2
Samantha Anne Majors (age 26) & Matthew Jon Proctor II (age 25)

10-3
Colsyn Joshua Head (age 24) & Jossalyn Grace Persons (age 20)

10-6
Andrea Leigh Davis (age 28) & Elias Raymundo Lopez (age 31)

10-8
Jacob R. Higginbotham (age 24) & Carly J. Rader (age 22)
Greta Auler (age 25) & Elijah Mccrary (age 25)

10-10
Amber Shawn Speicher (age 28) & Zachery Joseph Stevens (age 41)

10-15
Elijah Del Fierro (age 23) & Autumn Bauer (age 26)
Stephen Joseph Wilson (age 29) & Mary Kate Mccann (age 28)

10-16
Melanie Rhianon Pearson (age 27) & Anthony Craig Romanelli, Sr. (age 27)

10-17
Zachary England (age 35) & Jaymey Chastain (age 32)
Justin Chance Clark (age 33) & Jessica Diane Hawkins (age 34)

10-22
Haley Brook Jansen (age 26) & Richard Theodore Wright II (age 22)

10-28
Konrad Lind (age 53) & Rachel Strong (age 4)

10-29
Daeshon Jerome Jackson (age 19) & Summer Marie Lindig (age 22)
Jacob Cole Seibert (29) & Courtney Rae Langley (age 28)

10-30
Bradley Russel Abram (age 35) & Tasha Ann King (age 37)

10-31
Cole Garrett Macy (age 25) & Mackenzie Marie Day (age 23)
Jodi Lynn Drescher (age 49) & Joshua Shane Somers (age 46)
Brandon James Collins (age 21) & Billee Smith (age 22)

Dissolutions

The following dissolutions of marriages were filed in Owen County Circuit Court 2 since the last issue of The Owen News.

10-2
Seth Miller & Martha Miller

10-13
Christine Stewart & Michael V. Stewart

10-16
Abigail Clevenger & Colin D. Clevenger

10-21
Allisa May & Charles May

10-27
Kelly Reed & Jeremy Hupp

Fatal single-vehicle accident on U.S. 231

Austin M. Perdue, 26, of Cloverdale, passed away following a single-vehicle motorcycle crash on U.S. 231 in northern Owen County around 1 a.m. on Oct. 18. The accident took place near Hardware Road and County Road 1250 North. The Indiana State Police conducted the crash investigation.

Spencer woman killed in tragic accident

Cheyenne Sears, 25, of Spencer, passed away following a deadly crash on State Road 67 near Paragon on Oct. 25.

According to the Morgan County Sheriff's Department, a driver of a Pontiac travelling northbound on State Road 67 struck a deer. The deer was thrown into southbound lanes where it struck the windshield of a Chevrolet Blazer.

Sears was a passenger in the Blazer. The driver of the Blazer and a juvenile passenger in the rear seat were both transported to the hospital for their injuries. No one in the Pontiac was injured.

Sears worked at Trilogy Health Services as the Assistant Director of Health Services at The Springs of Mooresville and was the mother of twins born earlier that month.

Speed limit reduced on SR46 in Spencer

The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) recently reduced the speed limit on State Road 46 in Spencer. The speed limit was decreased from 40 mph to 35 mph on S.R. 46 between just east of Crane Avenue and North Fairview Avenue on the town's east side. The reduced speed limit, INDOT said, is intended to improve safety. Advanced speed limit warning signs were installed to help emphasize the change.

Local VFC award recipients

Owen Valley Fire Territory (OVFT) and the Clay Township Fire Company were among 100 rural and volunteer fire departments from 54 Indiana counties awarded a total of $453,386 in Volunteer Fire Assistance Capacity (VFC) awards from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. OVFT received $5,000, while the Clay Township Fire Company was awarded $2,200, both for "wildland firefighting assistance." The grants are administered by the DNR Division of Forestry and made available through the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service.

Few details known about skull found in June

The Owen County Sheriff's Department (OCSD) is still investigating after a human skull was found on June 29 on private property in northern Owen County.

Despite cadaver dogs being deployed, no additional human remains were found.

Preliminary results indicate that the skull had been there for several years and belongs to a female of African American descent, according to Sheriff Ryan White.

"We have no ID. So without DNA to find out who it belonged to, you have nowhere to start," White said.

He said they are awaiting additional testing from the Indiana State Police laboratory and that they hope they can derive DNA from the skull.

The lack of bone marrow makes DNA difficult to derive. Without it, White said OCSD does not have much to go off of.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact the sheriff's department at 812-829-4874. As always, callers may remain anonymous.

Shooting range created for OCSD

County-owned property adjacent to the former landfill in Patricksburg has been repurposed to serve as a private shooting range for use by the Owen County Sheriff's Department.

The idea to utilize the property in this way started last year. Because it is the same property as the former landfill, permits had to be filed through the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM). Rezoning was not needed because of how the property was already zoned.

The range is built in a hallowed out area where the topsoil for the landfill was pulled from. It allows the sheriff's department to shoot up to 200 yards.

Ground was broken in the Spring. Per the agreement with IDEM and the county, Owen County Highway Department is responsible for maintaining the roadway to the back of the property. Because it had not been used, the roadway had been neglected, and new rock needed to be laid.

The highway department also delivered "junk rock" that could not be used on the roads to help level the area for a small building to host classes.

"It had sat there for many years because they can't use it on roads. There's no use for it. It's mostly mud. It does have some rock in it, but it's mostly mud, but it packs really well," Sheriff Ryan White said.

Sponsors sought for Christmas lights display at Cooper Commons

The Town of Spencer Parks Board is hoping to make Cooper Commons shine bright for the holiday season. In addition to festivities happening at the Spencer town square this December, take a stroll or a drive down to Cooper Commons from Dec. 6 through Jan. 11, where lights will spread holiday magic. Sponsors are currently being sought, with the sponsorship levels being $50, $100 and $150. All donations are tax deductible through the Owen County Community Foundation.

Cooper Commons recreation project near completion, ribbon cutting

Work is progressing smoothly at the corner of E. Cooper and S. Main streets in Spencer on the new restroom facility, basketball, and pickleball courts. E&B Paving of Bloomington expects the project to be complete before Thanksgiving.

The Town of Spencer Parks Board would like to invite the public to the official ribbon cutting at 4:30 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 19 to commemorate the new amenities at Cooper Commons. Ribbon cutting will be at the northeast corner of Cooper and Main streets in Spencer.

There will be a grand opening in the Spring, so be on the lookout for more information about that coming soon.

SRO Bill Browne wins Hamilton Center award

Spencer-Owen Community Schools School Resource Officer (SRO) William "Bill" Browne received the volunteer award at Hamilton Center, Inc.'s annual Hamilton Awards Dinner on Oct. 28 at Sycamore Banquet Center on the campus of Indiana State University in Terre Haute.

"William is deeply dedicated to the students and adults he serves at the Spencer-Owen School Corporation. He developed the Hope Squad, a peer-nominated program in which students are trained by school staff to serve as trusted individuals who can connect peers in distress with mental health resources. He also created the CARE Program, designed to strengthen relationships between law enforcement and individuals in recovery through community events and outreach activities. In addition, William helped reinstate the DARE Program, which educates students about the dangers of drug use and equips them with the skills to make safe, responsible choices. To date, more than 250 students in Owen County have successfully completed the program, fostering mental health awareness, drug prevention, and community connection," the press release reads.

Whistle Stop Café to serve meals

Whistle Stop Café will serve a meal and hold various craft classes as weather allows from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Tuesday through Thursday at 36 Concord Rd., Spencer. There will be a salad bar and/or a hot meal served. Contributions are welcome but not necessary.

Owen County is part of Dementia Friendly America

Through collaborative efforts with Area10 Agency on Aging, Owen Valley Memory Care, Babbs Supermarket, Home Instead, Elara Caring and Owen County resident volunteers, Owen County is now registered as a member of the Dementia Friendly America (DFA) network. DFA is a multi-sector, national network fostering dementia friendly communities that are equipped to support people living with dementia and their care partners. More information can be found at www.dfamerica.org.

Dementia Friendly Business Training has been completed by many Owen County organizations including, McCormick's Creek State Park, Save-A-Lot, Owen County Health Department, and Spencer Pride.

To schedule this complimentary training for your place of business, contact Area10 Agency on Aging's Dementia Outreach Specialist, Amy Guerrettaz at aguerrettaz@area10agency.org

County government officials attend AIC conference

Several Owen County Government officials recently attended the Association of Indiana Counties' (AIC) annual conference held Sept. 29 to Oct. 2 in Orange County.

The 67th annual conference offered county officials a wide variety of professional development courses as well as opportunities to network with their peers. The AIC's annual conference is the largest gathering of county officials around the state, and this year saw a new record attendance.

Representatives from public agencies, private entities and local elected officials addressed issues such as: cost saving strategies, transportation, economic development, property tax reform, cyber security, federal funding, human resources, artificial intelligence, criminal justice, public safety, elections, preservation of records, employee wellness and more.

Owen County's officials in attendance were: Treasurer Shelly Townsend; Clerk of the Circuit Court Diane Stutsman; County Councilman Anton Karl Neff; County Council President Polly Chesser; and Highway Department Secretary Bennita Woodward. Neff spoke during the conference general session as Indiana's appointment to the National Association of Counties' Board of Directors and had the honor of presenting the AIC's Arthur R. Himsel Award to Allen County Assessor Stacey O'Day during the conference banquet.

Following a day and a half of testimony, 15-year-old Jeremiah Dill will face two counts of murder as an adult as a result of an August double-shooting in northeastern Owen County.

Owen Circuit Court I Judge Donald Van Der Moere ruled Tuesday, Oct. 28 that the case would be waived to adult court, saying that the juvenile system is insufficient in the time and resources for the aftercare necessary for Dill.

On the afternoon of Aug. 9, a call came in concerning a gunshot victim at a home in the 1500 block of Truesdel Road. Upon arriving at the scene, officers found Jeffrey Fauber, 61, and Grantham Adam Chandler, 41, deceased from gunshot wounds. 

Shortly after, the Martinsville Police Department posted to their Facebook page that they detained a juvenile male that had entered the Morgan County Sheriff’s Department lobby advising them of an incident in Owen County that was “criminal in nature.” 

Initial information, including the responding agencies and what information could be released was made available at a press conference at the Owen County Courthouse at 9 p.m. that night. Dill’s name was not released at that time, as he is a minor and needed to be waived to adult court before his name would be made publicly available. 

In order to be charged as an adult, Prosecutor Benjamin Kim had to prove that the defendant was at least 12 years old, that probable cause of the crime occurred and that the juvenile was involved and that charging as an adult is in the best interest of the juvenile and the safety of the community. 

Defense attorney Megan Schueler argued that keeping the case in juvenile court was in the best interest of Dill and the safety of the community. She argued that the services and structure provided through the juvenile system provides Dill with the best chance of rehabilitation. Schueler argued that the system had repeatedly failed Dill. 

Van Der Moere cited a history of guardians unable to control Dill at home and a historical record of mental health interventions and commitments. He also cited that Dill is currently on the same medications as he was at the time of the incident and upon his release from at least two different facilities. 

Van Der Moere spoke to the appearance of intentionality behind the actions, saying, “Based on what it appears, you were lying in wait.”

He also cited the premeditated and trivial nature of the crime, saying, “They took your damn Xbox.”

Van Der Moere said he would be ordering Dill to be held without bond and that he was not making a specific finding that Dill be held in an adult facility while awaiting trial and returned him to the juvenile facility until trial. 

More information from the probable cause affidavit will be included once it is made available.

Prosecutor Kim has issued a reminder that all persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Note from my journal - 9/7/25.

Sitting at the pond at Fish Creek Campgrounds in Owen-Putnam Forest. Had to get out of town. Stopped at Babbs for a chicken dinner. Escaped to the forest. Fish Creek Road did not disappoint. Both sides of the road were lined with the beauty of late summer flowers. The westside was lined with yellow jewelweed. The eastside was a riot of Jerusalem Artichoke and iron weed. Occasionally, different flowers added a dash of white. Impossible to escape the feeling of driving through an elaborate tunnel on my way to Fish Creek Campground.

Luckily, no one was at the picnic table by the pond. Listening to the crickets chirp as I munch. I hear a few birds; see none. One guy fishing is sitting on a five-gallon bucket. The pond surface is covered with tree pollen dust. A breeze rustles the tree leaves. I notice they are fading already. The recent hot, dry weather has caused the trees to shed early. The vibrant green of summer is fading away. Memories of time spent here with my family and friends flood my heart. Over 50 years of memories. Many changes here and in my life. The dragonflies still fly over the water, sunlight glints off their gossamer wings. The frogs are quiet. The grass is sparse in the shade of the old trees. The bare hard ground is littered with fallen leaves. The dry, hot summer forces the trees to shed leaves to survive. The leaves of the tiny violet plants make up for the lack of grass. They quit blooming long ago but still add beauty. As I remember, 50 years ago, more exotic native plants thrived around this pond. Man changes the land even when he strives to preserve it.

Tears flood my eyes as thoughts of happy times fill my heart. Change is hard to cope with. Changes in my life, changes to the forest campground. I remember when we trudged through the woods up the hill from the road to this pond. There was no road, no picnic tables, no campsites, no toilets, no drinking water. I did not come alone then. I was not an old woman with knees that protested at climbing hills. Sunshine still filters through the trees, fish jump in the small pond, clouds float by lazily. Warmed by the afternoon sun, I absorb serenity from the forest.

A family arrives. A couple, two kids and a grandmother go to the south side of the pond. They dip their bobbers in the dark water. Grandma sits on a chair, pole in hand, giving directions. I envy her. I have no fishing pole or family to share this beautiful afternoon.

The Owen-Putnam State Forest was established in 1948. The forest consists of 6,688 non-contiguous acres mostly in Owen County. This forest is what brought my family to Owen County 46 years ago. My aunt lived on Coon Path. After she and her husband moved to Florida, my husband had to find a new place to hunt deer. He discovered the O-P State Forest. We began to visit regularly. The O-P State Forest once was said to be the finest hardwood stand of trees in the country. I don't know if that is still true. It has suffered a lot of logging in the last few years. I do know the deep ravines and towering stone cliffs are still adorned with fantastic ferns. In spring, the forest floor is a kaleidoscope. The wildlife that abounds is shy but will say hello to patient visitors.

I had planned to include a few facts from my research, but I lack space. The first state forest, Clark, was established in 1903. The last, Mountain Tea in Brown County, was established in 2020. Currently, 15 state forests protect 160,251 acres. Please go visit one.

'til next time,
Annie

I grew up in an older house built sometime around the 1940s. Our house was like a lot of the other houses of the day in that it had an old cellar beneath it. Cellars were usually used for storing things like fruits and vegetables, and it also housed the furnace that heated the house in the winter. Our cellar had a coal furnace. It had to be fed coal and had to be stoked at least twice a day. And as if that wasn't enough, the ashes and embers had to be emptied every day.

To make matters worse, the doors to some cellars were on the outside of the house. Ours was no exception. Our cellar was like something out of an old horror movie. Just looking down the old stairs made the little hairs on the back of my neck stand up. It was very dark down there, and there was almost always a spider web or two hanging from the ceiling. It was an eerie feeling to say the least. When you finally got to the end of the stairs, you had to fumble for the light to turn it on. The light only served to illuminate the room enough to make dark shadows appear across the cellar wall.

There was a back room where the coal was stored, and it was really dark back there. Naturally, as a child, I had a very active imagination. I was convinced that some kind of monster lived back in that coal room. I was sure that it was the same monster that made the shadows on the wall and the sounds that I heard at night coming up through the heat register in my room. My bedroom happened to be right above the cellar. When I would lay in my bed at night and try to go to sleep, almost invariably the noises would begin coming from the cellar. This continued off and on all through the night.

My mother was the one who tried to convince me that the noises were from the furnace, but I was skeptical! What about all the other noises that went "bump in the night?"

Eventually, I developed a peaceful coexistence with the monster in the cellar. I decided as long as I stayed upstairs, and it stayed downstairs, it could make all the noise it wanted. But soon, my truce with the cellar and its inhabitants would end.

The day came when my father announced that I was old enough to start tending to the furnace. Translation: I would have to go down to the cellar by myself. I tried to convince my father I wasn't ready but to no avail.

The next morning, I was on furnace duty. I will never forget the first time that I went down into that cellar alone. All those years of imagining what was down there had finally turned into a childhood fear. As I walked down the cellar steps that morning, I could hear every pop, crack, creak and groan that the old cellar had ever made. When I reached the bottom of the stairs, it was total darkness. I reached for the light and flipped the switch. The dim light lit up the room. There were dancing shadows on the wall. The window in the door on the furnace glowed bright orange. But all I saw was the face of a monster. I was out of there quickly.

Yes, of course I had to go back. With a flashlight in hand, my father accompanied me back into the cellar. We examined every crook and cranny of the place, which was my father's attempt to convince me that there was nothing to fear.

Eventually, I got used to going down in that cellar. And I returned to my peaceful coexistence with the furnace monster. It wasn't long before the old furnace was replaced with a new oil furnace. Years later, I realized that my father had me go to that cellar to attempt to get over my childhood fears.

Time certainly changes things. Children grow older and turn into adults. And furnaces get old and get replaced. But I think that the "things that go bump in the night" will always remain as long as there are children with active imaginations. And of course, those old cellars that house furnace monsters!

Happy Halloween!
-Susan

Oct. 3
7 p.m. – Varsity football vs Brown County at Brown County.

Oct. 4
6 p.m. – Varsity boys' and girls' cross country at Nike Valley Twilight XC at Columbus North.

Oct. 6
6 p.m. – Junior varsity football vs Brown County at Cloverdale.

Oct. 7
6 p.m. – Junior varsity girls' volleyball vs Eminence at Cloverdale.
7:30 p.m. – Varsity girls' volleyball vs Eminence at Cloverdale.

Oct. 9
6 p.m. – Junior varsity girls' volleyball vs Sullivan at Sullivan.
7:30 p.m. – Varsity girls' volleyball vs Sullivan at Sullivan.

Oct. 10
7 p.m. – Varsity football vs West Vigo at Cloverdale.

Oct. 11
10 a.m. – Varsity boys' and girls' cross country at WIC meet at Brown County.

Oct. 13
6 p.m. – Junior varsity football vs West Vigo at West Vigo.

Oct. 17
7 p.m. – Varsity football vs South Putnam at South Putnam.

Oct. 20
6 p.m. – Junior varsity football vs South Putnam at Cloverdale.

Oct. 28
6 p.m. – Varsity girls' basketball scrimmage vs Bloomfield at Bloomfield.

Nov. 4
7:30 p.m. – Varsity girls' basketball vs Riverton Parke at Riverton Parke.

Oct. 3
7 p.m. – Varsity boys' football vs West Vigo at West Vigo.

Oct. 4
10 a.m. – Varsity boys' soccer vs South Vermillion at Owen Valley.
11 a.m. – Junior varsity girls' volleyball vs Lighthouse Christian Academy at Owen Valley.
Noon. – Varsity girls' soccer vs South Vermillion at Owen Valley.
12:30 p.m. – Varsity girls' volleyball vs Lighthouse Christian Academy at Owen Valley.
6 p.m. – Varsity coed cross country at Nike Valley Twilight XC at Brown County.

Oct. 6
6 p.m. – Junior varsity football vs West Vigo at Owen Valley.
6 p.m. – Junior varsity girls' volleyball vs White River Valley at White River Valley.
7 p.m. – Varsity girls' volleyball vs White River Valley at White River Valley.

Oct. 7
6 p.m. – Junior varsity girls' volleyball vs Greencastle at Greencastle.
7 p.m. – Varsity girls' volleyball vs Greencastle at Greencastle.

Oct. 10
7 p.m. – Varsity football vs South Putnam at South Putnam.

Oct. 11
9 a.m. – Varsity girls' volleyball vs North Putnam at North Putnam.
10 a.m. – Varsity co-ed cross country at WIC.

Oct. 13
6 p.m. – Junior varsity football vs South Putnam at Owen Valley.

Oct. 17
7 p.m. – Varsity football vs Heritage Christian at Owen Valley.

Nov. 4
7:30 p.m. – Varsity girls' basketball vs Eastern Greene at Eastern Greene.

Nov. 8
9 a.m. – Girls' wrestling at Sullivan Fall Brawl at Sullivan.
6 p.m. – Junior varsity girls' basketball vs South Vermillion at South Vermillion.
7:30 p.m. – Varsity girls' basketball vs South Vermillion at South Vermillion.

In my last column, I told of a day this summer when I golfed and later that day bluegill fished with a friend. I outfished him. Now normally this would be a good thing, but not if you want to maintain a friendship. Golfing and fishing are similar in that small adjustments make a big difference. The devil, or angel, is truly in the details.

My friend lives out of town and was visiting for the day. We had played 18 at Country Oaks Golf Course near Montgomery, and now later in the afternoon we were at West Boggs, a nice fishery just north of Loogootee. For whatever reason, probably the abundant grass and fertile water, the fish population does well even under heavy angler pressure.

After locating some much-needed shade, we started fishing at about four in the afternoon. We were in a spot I had done well on before, so I knew there was potential. It was a point with submerged stumps about 8-12 feet deep near the bank. I cast my mealworm out with the float set about five feet deep, and I started to catch a few, mostly small gills but with an occasional keeper. He sat and watched his bobber, rather glumly. This pattern continued for several minutes.

Eventually, I realized some things about what he was doing, the silence was getting awkward, and I gave in and discussed some adjustments with him. He caught a few fish then. The issue mentioned last time was that he would leave his bait in one area, while I moved mine around. Covering more water just makes sense.

Cast, wait a few seconds, pull the bait a foot or so very slowly, repeat, and you'll get more attention. There may be times when leaving it in one spot can work, maybe during the spawn. Generally, move the offering around some, looking for the right spot. The action of working the bait helps keep you alert too. He also wanted to see his bobber go under. Frequently, these bluegill just moved it slightly one way or the other.

My friend's next issue: bobber too large. Bluegill, even big ones, can be very finicky about moving the float if there's too much resistance. Even Jaws struggled a little with submerging Quint's yellow barrels. Solution: Use the smallest bobber that's visible, easy to cast, and that will float the bait. I like the weighted ones because they cast distances easier. Often fish I was catching would not pull the bobber under, only move it slightly to the side. Sometimes bluegill, mainly big ones, eat the bait without moving it at all. Good eyesight and paying attention are small but important details. You can't be inattentive bluegill fishing, and don't wait until the bobber submerges to set the hook.

Next issue: hook size. I like a no. 6 gold hook for bluegill. The longer shank makes hook removal easier, and the color is an attractant. His hook was too large, even for bluegill, and the short shank caused him to miss fish or let them swallow the bait too deeply, making it hard to remove. Lots of folks use bluegill or crappie hooks that are too large. Small needle-nose pliers are a must for hook removal. A blue surgical glove will help you avoid fin cuts.

Next issue: casting smoothness. My friend had an open-faced spinning reel. I have never been a fan of that type, but I see TV pros using one all the time. To me, they seem prone to line foul-ups, and my friend was fouled up, with line going hither and yon. I doubt that he had lubricated his reel or changed line lately. I use a closed-face Bass Pro brand casting type reel called a Tiny Lite, and it has done very well. I've tried underspins of various brands in the past, and eventually they end up in the trash. After a time, the line just doesn't feed out smoothly. I also like high-quality fluorocarbon line, about six pounds. A four-pound line would be better, but at many spots, there's brush or grass that fish head for when hooked. You need enough line strength to get them moving your way. If no brush is in the way, a lighter line can work and would be better, but I don't trust it to hold when I swing a big gill into the boat. The heavier line also allows one to bend the hook with a steady pull if hung up.

Next issue: the right rod. I have two long poles, one eight feet and one 10 feet. For crappie, the 10 is nice for dunking a minnow straight down into a small hole in a brush pile. The eight is just right to be able to cast a bobber, which is set at up to about six feet deep, and the action is flexible enough that a bull bluegill will put up a big-time fight. My friend had a short spinning rod that made it awkward to cast a bobber set to the right depth. A slip bobber setup would've been an improvement. Bluegill will rise to a bait to a degree, but not if it's completely out of their eyesight. Four to five feet was the right depth. His rig was set at about two. We finished our couple of hours with 13 fish that we kept, plenty for him to take home and clean. He caught two or three. I wanted him to do better.

There are approximately 487 other factors in fishing that determine the difference between fair and good results. Successful golfing and productive fishing are dependent on many factors.

Paying attention to small details is critical.

By Dixie Kline Richardson
Guest Columnist

On Oct. 13, 1918 in Saint Germain, France, a young Owen County man died of pneumonia, just one statistic among the many world-wide deaths from influenza and pneumonia. The son of a German immigrant, he was a member of Company D, 309 Engineers in the war that was meant to end all wars.

Carl Kaiser was 27-years-old and unmarried. He was born in Patricksburg, Aug. 26, 1891, a son of George Kaiser of Wurttemburg who came to America in 1866. His mother was Mary Hoot or Haute. Like many Americans with German roots, he may have been in battle facing cousins.

From my childhood, I heard the story of Carl Kaiser and his statue on guard at Patricksburg Lutheran Cemetery. My father, who was a boy at the time of the reinterment of Kaiser's remains, told me Kaiser's family wanted a statue that was lifelike; an original work didn't please them. The figure that has stood at the grave since 1921 so resembled the soldier that Patricksburg residents were amazed.

The statue in recent years has shown some damage. There is a nick in the helmet which may have come from hail or a thrown stone, or (we'd like to think not) a BB gun.

Kaiser, who did not die from an enemy bullet or suffer from gas poisoning, nonetheless gave his life in service of his country. Other Owen countians in his regiment were J. W. Egnor Jr., Clarence Hendershot, Robert Hendershot, Larry Crouse, Freal McBride and an Arney.

Fred Kaiser, a brother, wrote, "Carl left us in the best of spirit and his letters always seemed as though he was happy...May our service flag be draped as a memorial of love and eternal gain, of the one blue star whose threads have been changed to gold."

The funeral was held at the Lutheran church where Carl had been baptized at two months. The Reverends L. E. Minneman and H. L. Ridenour officiated at the service. Surviving him were his parents, and siblings Fred, Emma, Mary and Charlot. A sister, Elizabeth, was deceased.

While the Doughboy on the square in Spencer, and its clones all over the country are visible almost to the point of not being noticed, and plainly on the attack, our "other Doughboy" stands silent and vigilant. I always think he's waiting for the time the guns can be put away.

Owen County families are invited to celebrate the start of a new 4-H year at the Fall Enrollment Kick-Off, taking place Oct. 6 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Owen County Fairgrounds Poultry Barn. This free, family-friendly event promises an evening packed with festive fall activities, valuable information and delicious food—all designed to welcome new and returning youth to the 4-H community.

The event serves as a gateway for youth in grades K–12 to explore the many opportunities available through Owen County 4-H. Whether you're a seasoned member or brand new to the program, this event offers a chance to connect with local clubs, meet volunteers and educators and learn more about the exciting projects and programs planned for the upcoming year.

One of the highlights of the evening is pumpkin painting, a creative and colorful activity that encourages kids to express themselves artistically while celebrating the fall season. Supplies will be provided, and participants can take their painted pumpkins home as a festive keepsake.

In addition to painting, youth can enjoy a variety of pumpkin-themed games that are sure to bring laughter and friendly competition. These hands-on activities are designed to engage kids of all ages and showcase the fun, interactive spirit of 4-H.

Families attending the kick-off will also benefit from an enrollment discount, available exclusively during the event. This special offer makes it easier for new members to join and for returning members to re-enroll. For youth in grades 3 to 12, the regular $20 yearly enrollment fee will be reduced to $15. Even better, Mini 4-H enrollment for grades K to 2, which is normally $5, will be completely free for those who register at the event. This limited-time offer is designed to encourage early sign-ups and reduce financial barriers for families. Additionally, those who sign up in October get to enjoy all the programs and events that 4-H has to offer all year long!

Another key feature of the evening is the opportunity to learn more about community clubs throughout Owen County. Representatives from various community clubs will be on hand to share information, answer questions and help families find the right fit based on interests, location and age group.

To top it all off, attendees can enjoy a free chili cookoff, featuring homemade recipes from 4-H Council members. The warm, hearty meal is a perfect complement to the crisp autumn air and provides a chance for families to relax and connect with others in the 4-H community.

The Fall Enrollment Kick-Off is open to the public, and no prior registration is required. Whether you're curious about joining 4-H for the first time or simply looking for a fun evening out with the family, this event offers something for everyone. From livestock and gardening to robotics and arts, Owen County 4-H offers a wide range of programs that cater to diverse interests and talents. This event is all about bringing people together and showing what 4-H is all about. We want families to feel welcomed, informed and excited about the opportunities ahead.

For more information, contact the Owen County Extension Office at 812-829-5020 or visit the Owen County 4-H Facebook page for updates and details.

Which one of these is making us sneeze? That is the question many MYPath walkers are asking as they walk along the trail, with plants towering over their heads.

The rainy summer provided excellent conditions for plants. All summer we watched plants growing along the trail. We had several discussions about what seeds the major flood might have left behind. In addition, we had been given several packets of wildflower seeds from the Owen County Garden Club, which we had planted in various spots.

Using apps and other tools, we could identify flowers and plants, though not always. It was fun trying to figure out what was growing. But there were four plants we could identify. We knew what they were and what they would do: Johnson grass, cup plant, goldenrod and ragweed.

Johnson grass is a nasty invasive, non-native plant. It looks a little like a corn plant, or maybe a decorative grass. I identify it by a single white stripe that goes down the center of each leaf. If you have some in your yard, come to terms with it. If you pull it, it will come back. If you spray it, it might die. Or it might wait until you are looking the other way and come back. The best bet is to mow it regularly to keep it from going to seed. If you walk MYPath today, you will be flanked by lots of Johnson grass, about eight feet tall.

Another plant is the cup plant. The leaves are shaped into a little hollow section, next to the stem, that holds water. In the late summer, they share a pretty yellow flower. Growing amongst the cup plant is the Jerusalem artichoke, a type of sunflower. Both of these plants provide beautiful yellow flowers at the same time. The Jerusalem artichoke is still blooming right now. It is nice to walk along a wall of yellow.

The other yellow-flowered plant that is blooming right now is goldenrod. It is a common plant that you have seen all your life. The flowers are not single flowers, like a sunflower or daisy. They are a group of smaller yellow flowers along a narrow "finger." Some people don't like the goldenrod because they say the flowers trigger allergies. But goldenrod is NOT the culprit. Instead, the hay fever villain is the plant growing right next to the goldenrod. Ragweed.

On MYPath, we have regular ragweed, and giant ragweed. The giant ragweed is growing 10-feet high. You can't miss them as you walk along the trail. They are leaning over your head, taunting you with their pollen.

Plants handle pollination in different ways. The innocent goldenrod has pretty flowers that attract bees, butterflies and other critters that will carry their pollen to other plants. Ragweed does not have flowers, so it spreads pollen by wind. Or gravity. Wind blows the pollen to other plants, or your nose. When you start sneezing, you are a pollinator. A few of our weekly walkers skip walking MYPath during ragweed season.

If you walk MYPath now, you can scowl at the giant plants without flowers, the Johnson grass and ragweed. And you can enjoy the yellow flowers. This time of year, you might see another creature that is enjoying the yellow flowers, the monarch butterfly.

Even if you sneeze, this is a nice time to visit the trail.

Kyle Hannon is the Project Manager for the MYPath Trail System. He has served in many community development and trail connection roles throughout the state. On many weekends, he serves as an Interpretive Specialist at McCormick's Creek State Park.

Green's Bluff Nature Preserve, a hidden gem nestled in the hills of rural Owen County, is expanding thanks to a recent land donation to The Nature Conservancy (TNC).

Owned and managed by TNC, the preserve comprises 1,134 acres of land and features a grove of eastern hemlock trees, cave entrances and remnants of an old grist mill. Scarlet tanagers, wood thrushes, bobcats and great blue herons have been spotted passing through the area's hardwood forests.

Now, thanks to an anonymous donation to TNC, Green's Bluff will expand by nearly 83 acres. This means more forest protection for Raccoon Creek, which meanders through the preserve. It also means a larger swath of intact forest for migrating songbirds.

"Green's Bluff has a tremendous array of plants and animals," said Vince Garmon, land protection specialist with TNC. "The preserve is actually two separate properties, and the new acreage connects directly to pieces of existing preserve near the center, providing connectivity inside the preserve. These additional protected acres will help flora and fauna thrive."

Apart from the new addition, TNC has been very busy at Green's Bluff over the past several years. TNC has improved existing trails and added interpretive signage to enhance visitor enjoyment. In October, TNC will unveil a new trail engineered and created by the Hoosier Hikers Council.

"It's a great win, not just for TNC but the entire state of Indiana to have this property," Garmon added. "TNC has done a remarkable job of making acquisitions here over the last five years, making this place a scenic destination for all Hoosiers."

Green's Bluff currently features two hiking trails: the North Loop Trail and Raccoon Woods Trails. North Loop Trail is a 1.2-mile moderate loop trail through the northern section of Green's Bluff. The trail overlooks hemlock bluffs above Raccoon Creek, then descends a steep slope to continue along the face of the bluff down to the creek. This portion of the trail can be quite rugged.

The trail continues along the creek, where a sharp eye may notice the stone foundation of James Green's grist mill from the late 1800s.

Raccoon Woods Trail is a 1.4-mile moderate loop trail through the newer southern section of Green's Bluff. After starting in a clearing where TNC has planted rows of oak trees, the trail winds through deep woods with many mature oak, beech and hickory trees. As it descends into steep ravines, the trail crosses spring-fed creeks. Climbing out of the ravines, it offers views of the forest canopy. At the far end of the loop, the trail rises into an open area where TNC is attracting birds and insects with pollinator plantings.

The North Loop Trail can be rugged, while the Raccoon Woods Trail is more moderate. Interpretive signs can be found along both trails.

Travel directions: From Spencer, take S.R. 46 E. to S.R. 43 S. Continue south on S.R. 43S for about five miles, then turn right on to Sherfield Road. This road comes to a "T" after about a mile. Turn left and go about 0.4 mile to where the road ends. You'll see a Green's Bluff Nature Preserve sign at the trailhead.

To get from the North Loop Trail to the Raccoon Woods Trail, head north on Heddings Rd./C.R. 75E to Sherfield Rd./C.R. 525S. Turn right onto Sherfield Rd./C.R. 525S. Travel one mile and then turn right (south) onto State Road 43S. Travel 1.9 miles and turn right onto E. Porter Ridge Rd./C.R. 675S. Travel about two miles. Parking for Raccoon Woods Trail will be on the right (north) side of the road.

New trail opening

Join TNC and the Hoosier Hikers Council (HHC) on Saturday, October 18, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to celebrate the grand opening of their new trail at Green's Bluff. Described as a five-mile extension to the Raccoon Woods Trail in the southern portion of Green's Bluff, the new trail system will be six miles long and offer views of ephemeral waterfalls, oaks, hickories, ferns, beech and maple trees.

This event is co-hosted by HHC and TNC and will feature special remarks from HHC and TNC leaders about the site and trail, a six-mile or two-mile hike with leaders (your choice), a trail-naming activity and other activities for kids.

Light refreshments will be provided before the hike.

RSVP online at bit.ly/GreensBluffNewTrailOpeningRSVP.

Note: the access and meeting location for this event is NOT a public access area and is only open for this special event.

October is arguably the best month of the year to be outdoors in the Midwest. Archery deer seasons are open across the region. Upland hunters are stretching their legs across the plains. And anglers have so much opportunity they don't know what to do with themselves. If you like catching largemouth bass, now is the time—they're feeding aggressively. The same goes for toothy predators like northern pike and muskie. Panfishing is hot across the region, and anglers are busy filling freezers with bags of bluegill, crappie and perch fillets. With a little planning and calendar management, sportsmen can have it all in October. Now if only the month were a little longer.

Indiana – Cagles Mill crappie

Cagles Mill, also known as Cataract Lake, is located in the west-central part of the state near Cloverdale. The 1,400-acre impoundment is well-known for its crappie fishing. October is a top month for putting limits in the livewell. The reservoir is used for flood control, so conditions vary, but at normal pool, wise anglers focus on fishing standing timber or sunken brush in depths of four to six feet near creek channels. Crappies are caught on jigs or under a bobber with a minnow. White crappie are usually found a little deeper than blacks. In October, crappie are also biting below Cataract Falls at Lieber SRA. Night fishing is popular around boat docks with artificial lights.

Michigan – Archery deer

As the home of Fred Bear, Michigan is often regarded as the birthplace of modern archery hunting. Perhaps no destination in the country has the potential to transport one back to the early days of archery deer hunting like the Upper Peninsula. With a strong deer population spread out across millions of acres of public land, hunters have the opportunity to hunt forests where they'll likely not encounter other hunters. Camping is free on most federal lands, so traditional deer camps pop up all over during the season, which opened on Oct. 1. In the Central UP, Delta and Marquette counties are known for record-book bucks. In the western reaches, Ontonagon and Iron counties produce lots of big, old bucks. The Hiawatha and Ottawa National Forests offer more land than any group of hunters could need. Brook trout fishing and grouse hunting are solid add-ons to an October archery deer hunt in the UP.

Missouri – Pomme de Terre muskie

Pomme de Terre is a premier muskie lake in a part of the country where muskies aren't expected to be found. Located at the southern edge of our country's muskie zone, Pomme is well regarded as the place to go in the Show-Me State to tangle with one of these toothy predators. When the water temperature drops into the 60s in October, the fish feed aggressively in the shallows. Focus on water less than 10 feet deep. With 8,000 acres of surface water, this big reservoir is clear with a rocky bottom. If you can find a distinct weed line along a drop-off deep in a finger, you'll want to fish it with a large in-line spinner or big, shallow-running stickbait. MDC first stocked muskies in Pomme de Terre in 1966, and they have thrived there ever since. Quarry Point Public Use Area is a good starting place.

Ohio – Fall turkey

Fall turkey hunting is nowhere near as popular as spring turkey hunting. This is good news for those strong souls venturing out into the October turkey woods. For the hardcore turkey hunters out there, fall can be a great time to pursue these magnificent birds without much competition. Fall wild turkey season opens on the second Saturday of October. This year that date is Oct. 12. A top tactic in the fall is to locate a flock of turkeys and purposefully break them up, then work on calling them back together. Blue Rock State Forest and Fernwood State Forest are two public properties where you may be able to break up a large flock and call one back to you.

See you down the trail...

For more Driftwood Outdoors, check out the podcast on driftwoodoutdoors.com or anywhere podcasts are streamed.

Hi friends! I'm Jamie Jo Lowder, and I'm thrilled to be your local guide to living your healthiest, happiest life right here in Owen County. From food to family, finances to fitness, I'm all about giving you tips that actually stick—and yes, sometimes that means sprinkling a little pink into your day!

This October, we're turning our attention to Breast Cancer Awareness Month: learning the facts, taking action and having a little fun while we do it. Because staying healthy shouldn't be boring—it should be empowering, down-to-earth and totally doable. Let's dive in!

So, let's talk breast cancer, Indiana style, with a little Extension know-how, a sprinkle of Hoosier humor and some practical steps we can actually take right here in Owen County.

The Reality Check

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in Indiana. Each year, about 5,460 Hoosier women are diagnosed, and sadly, about 910 die from it, according to the Indiana Department of Health.

But here's the hope: when breast cancer is found early, the five-year survival rate is an incredible 99 percent. That's about as good a reason as any to stay on top of screenings.

In Owen County, IU Health's Community Health Needs Assessment tells us cancer rates—including breast cancer—are higher than the state average. That means the choices we make here can make a big difference.

So, What Can You Actually Do?

Here's the cheat-sheet version—straight from Purdue Extension, Indiana health experts, and your friendly neighborhood educator voice:

Schedule that mammogram. Women ages 50 to 74 should have one every two years. If you have a family history, talk to your doctor—sometimes starting earlier is best.

Know your "normal." Self-checks aren't perfect, but being familiar with your body helps you notice changes. Think of it like doing a "monthly quality control check."

Move more, sit less. Walk the dog, rake leaves, dance in the kitchen—physical activity lowers your risk. No treadmill required.

Eat smart. Pile your plate with fruits, veggies and whole grains. (The local farmers' market can basically be a breast-health buffet!)

Cut back on alcohol. Even just a little less can lower risk. Swap that extra glass of wine for sparkling water with a splash of juice—you'll still feel fancy.

Support each other. Text a friend: "Got your mammogram scheduled yet?" Make it a buddy outing and reward yourselves with coffee after. Sometimes accountability is what gets it done.

Why This Matters for Owen County

Picture this: if every woman in Owen County who was due for a mammogram actually went, our local screening rate would jump—and survival rates would follow. We don't have to just match the Indiana average (about 72 percent of women screened every two years)—we can beat it.

And when we beat it, it means more birthdays, more grandkids' ballgames and more Sunday dinners. That's the real win.

Wrapping It in a Pink Bow

So, here's the takeaway, friends:

Breast cancer is serious—but beatable when caught early. Indiana has too many women not getting screened, and Owen County can change that story. A few lifestyle tweaks—more movement, smarter eating, less alcohol—lower your risk in real ways. And the best prevention tool is still community: looking out for one another.

This October, don't just wear pink. Live pink. Schedule pink. Support pink.

Because awareness is just the start—action is where lives are saved.

Want to learn more about more exciting programs? Call the Purdue Extension–Owen County office at 812-829-5020. Looking to bring a program to your group? From food and health to family and finance, I've got you covered! Shoot me an email at lowder0@purdue.edu and let's make it happen.

And don't forget — you can always spot my upcoming programs in the Community Calendar section of this newspaper, Facebook page or our website extension.purdue.edu/county/owen/hhshome.html.

OCPL Genealogist Shannon Neff

Tucked inside the Owen County Public Library's genealogy vault are seven filing cabinets overflowing with local family history. From Aarnink to Zulauf, more than 2,000 Owen County families are represented. Some files hold only a few papers, while others are packed to the brim. So, what treasures await you discover inside?

Many files contain Family Group Sheets, the foundation of genealogical research. These organized records list names, birth and death dates, places of residence and burial locations—often connecting multiple branches of a family tree.

You'll also find obituaries, which since the 18th century have served as miniature biographies. Obituaries provide valuable details about a person's life and often include lists of surviving relatives, making them an essential tool for expanding family connections.

Beyond that, the files preserve the beatings of life's milestones—marriages, new babies, school achievements, career advancements, even sports victories. In earlier days, nearly every happening in Owen County made its way into the newspaper, and many of those stories live on here.

Perhaps most captivating are the family stories, both handwritten and published. These personal accounts bring the past to life, offering perspectives that statistics alone cannot capture.

We invite you to step into the genealogy vault and explore this wealth of history for yourself. The collection is always growing, and we welcome donations of organized family history. Owen County veterans and other records of lasting value.

The MYPath 5k run/walk is returning for a second year Saturday, Oct. 18, at 8:30 a.m.

The course begins and ends at the Owen County Fairgrounds, 364 S. East St., in Spencer.

Runners and walkers will cross both paved and natural surface trails as it winds around the fairgrounds, through Cooper Commons, and along the MYPath Riverfront Trail.

It is considered a fast course because it is mostly level.

Registration is $25 plus a sign-up fee and includes a T-shirt. There will be prizes for the fastest times. After Oct. 16, registration increases to $30.

To register, visit runsignup.com and search for MYPath 5k.

Direct questions to mypathspencer@gmail.com.

Proceeds from the event are used by the Friends of MYPath, Inc. for development and maintenance of the trail.

The Gosport Volunteer Fire Department continues to actively seek dedicated individuals to join its volunteer firefighter program.

Applications are available at Gosport Town Hall during normal business hours, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The office is closed for lunch from noon to 12:30 p.m.

Anyone interested is encouraged to apply, regardless of prior experience.

For further details about the volunteer firefighter program and its requirements, call deputy clerk Wanda White at Gosport Town Hall, 812-879-4334.

Gosport Town Hall is located at 7 E. Main St., Gosport.

In early August, just mere weeks ahead of budget hearings, the Owen County Board of Commissioners was thrown a major curveball regarding the county's group health insurance rates.

Ron Remak, President and Owner of Bill C. Brown Associates, informed the commissioners that the two-year rate-locked plan they agreed to with IU Health Plans would not be honored as IU Health Plans sold to Anthem.

Remak said in the August meetings that Anthem was aware of the contract IU Health Plans had with Owen County and that part of the agreement was that the plan rates would be honored.

Remak later came back and said that Anthem agreed to honor the rate, kind of. For budgetary purposes, they would honor the rate for 2026, but if Owen County had a "bad claim year," which was not specifically defined, the county would owe an additional 10 percent in 2027 plus whatever rate increase would take place for that year.

He presented on the matter again at the Sept. 18 commissioners meeting.

"I just wanted to give you an update on the Anthem situation and their lack of commitment to what IU Health Plans had promised. As I mentioned to you, I made a formal complaint to the Indiana Department of Insurance. First time I've done that in 46 years," Remak said.

He noted that Anthem had received the complaint and had until Sept. 25 to respond.

In the meantime, Remak has worked to see what other plans are out there for the county and wanted to present a competitive offer that the county had received from United Healthcare (UHC).

The information about the plan was presented by Scott Thompson, vice president of sales for UHC in Indiana and Kentucky.

"We are a part of United Health Group; that is our parent company. We are fortunate for, but we always say that very modestly, though, because big doesn't always mean good, but in the insurance and health care delivery space, it allows us to truly deploy different solutions to meet the needs of our employer and member partners across the country," Thompson said. "The thing that I think will stand out the most is the network that we're able to provide to your employees and their family members as they are accessing care across the state of Indiana and also all 50 states across the country."

He continued.

"From a network perspective, which we'll get into a little more detail, all the hospitals in the state of Indiana are currently in network with us," Thompson added.

Remak also provided some more context regarding the cost of the insurance.

"If you remember, Anthem came in with again not honoring the commitment that IU Health Plan had made, but they did come in and say, 'Look, where we think you should be is 10 percent higher than what you are currently with IU Health Plans.' Again, this would be for 2026. What they said though, they would bill you the exact same amount of premiums that you are being billed for for IU Health Plans with the idea though at the end of 2026 or early 2027, they would look at claims and if you haven't had a good claims year, then they can ask for that additional 10 percent that they're charging," Remak said. "So, although we appreciate the fact that they're willing to help you from a budget standpoint, the reality is you still have that exposure if you don't have as good a claims year as you've had the last few years. And again, trends are excellent. You guys have been healthier for quite a while. But as you know, as well as I do, some things you can't predict."

Remak said the cost and coverage is almost identical, but it provides employees with a larger network of providers.

"And then you can see premiums, they're really just coming in, matching the premiums, which will guarantee you no stipulation that the premiums for 2026 are going to be what you had budgeted for, exactly the same as you currently have," Remak added.

Commissioners Sam Hobbs and Norm Warner were present at the meeting, and they asked about a multiyear contract, citing concerns that the rates would be low for 2026 but steeply increase the year after.

Thompson said that is something that has to be reviewed with the company's underwriters.

Instead, he offered why he does not believe steep increases are part of UHC's plans for doing business with the county.

"Doing business here in the state of Indiana, we've been able to grow our business year over year, and we don't do that by buying business on the front end and then increasing the rates in year two," Thompson said. "From our perspective, there's a lot of time and investment we make in the front end to bring on a new customer, educate members, make sure that everything's set up correctly. So we both try to take a long-term approach that we're underwriting on the new business side so that we can maintain long-term relationships."

Remak added that throughout his time in business, IU Health Plans was the first to come up with a two-year rate guarantee, which was dependent on participation in healthy results, preventative health screening and other preventative measures.

"I'm not surprised by their answer," Remak concluded.

Warner asked about the clinic at Owen Valley Middle School that employees can currently use. That clinic is a separate contract not related to health insurance, though it does help cut down on the number of claims, which helps with the rates for the county's group health insurance.

Thompson said that UHC asks for 60 days for implementation.

No decision was made at the Sept. 18 meeting, and the commissioners said they planned to consider it at the Oct. 2 meeting so it could be properly budgeted for during the Oct. 14 council meeting.

"I don't want to wait up until November to make this decision to change over," Hobbs said. "I don't want any employee being left in the dark."

The Cloverdale Community School Corporation (CCSC) Board of Trustees officially adopted the corporation's 2026 budget, Capital Projects Plan and School Bus Replacement Plan during the board's monthly meeting held Sept. 9.

Acting on a recommendation from CCSC Superintendent Greg Linton, the board voted 7-0 to approve the requests.

Linton noted approval of the 2026 budget would provide him with the authority to file Form 4 with the Department of Local Government Finance (DLGF) to request advertised levies for the Debt Service, Pension Bond and Operation Funds, all of which were discussed during the board's previous budget workshop and hearing held Aug. 25.

In addition, the board approved all related resolutions needed to manage the corporation's 2026 budget.

Coverage of the corporation's 2026 budget workshop held Aug. 25 was featured in the September issue of The Owen News and can be found online.

Regarding communications, the board recognized the corporation's Student of the Month honorees for September, which included Cloverdale Elementary School (CES) student Jenna Tanner, Cloverdale Middle School (CMS) student Remington Neumann and Cloverdale High School (CHS) student Jaydhan Maybaum.

Also recognized were Ella Haltom and Kinzlee Cummings, who earned Good Citizen Awards for the month of September, presented by CCSC School Resource Officer (SRO) Roger Tonna.

In other new business, the board approved the renewal of the current coaching staff at CMS, including Traci Scott, co-ed cross country; Todd Rightmyer, eighth-grade football; Jacob Whitaker, seventh-grade football; Jimmy Kelso, seventh/eighth-grade football assistant; Chelsey Adams, eighth-grade volleyball; Lori Pieper, seventh-grade volleyball; Brandon Moon, eighth-grade boys' basketball; Kiersten Wade, eighth-grade girls' basketball; Todd Rightmyer, wrestling; Billy Pigg, wrestling assistant; Sara Howard, girls' track; and Aleksey Stewart, track assistant.

The board also approved a request from CMS Principal Chelsey Meluch to create an additional instructional assistant position at the school. Meluch stated in her request how "this position would primarily work with our special education students in providing access to their accommodations in general education classrooms," noting the school has experienced an increase in the number of high-need students this school year.

Next, the board approved and formally accepted a check in the amount of $1,000 awarded to CES by the Mary Allison Children's Fund.

"We are truly grateful to the Mary Allison Children's Fund for their continued support of students at Cloverdale Elementary School," Linton said.

In other new business, the board approved the latest cash transfer-ins, with Linton noting the corporation has welcomed 75 additional students since February.

In addition, the board approved the following field trip and facility use requests:

Field trips
Sept. 10 – LIM Council, CMS B112.
Sept. 10 – Horticulture Class, Marvin's Floral.
Sept. 16 – Jobs for America's Graduates (JAG), ISU, Bloomington.
Sept. 18 – AG students, Purdue University, Lafayette.
Sept. 18 – AP Spanish and Advanced Art, Newfields.
Sept. 20 – FFA Horticulture Team, Purdue University, Lafayette.
Sept. 22 – CHS junior and senior classes, Putnam County Fairgrounds.
Sept. 23 – CMS seventh grade, Putnam County Fairgrounds.
Oct. 2 – CHS FFA Livestock Skillathon Team, Clay County Fairgrounds.
Oct. 2 – BPA, Indiana State University, Terre Haute.
Oct. 9 – Sixth-grade class, Beasley's Orchard, Danville, IN.
Oct. 10 – Pre-K 4, Beasley's Orchard, Danville, IN.
Oct. 11 – CHS FFA Livestock Skillathon Team, Purdue ASREC Farm.
Oct. 12 – CHS Band, Martinsville Fall Foliage Festival.

Facility use
Sept. 13, 27, 28 – Cloverdale Community Youth League (CCYL), football field and concession, youth league games for football and cheer.
Sept. 13 – CHS junior class, CHS auxiliary gym, Homecoming Dance.
Sept. 25 to May 26, every other Wednesday – Girl Scout Troop 1142, CES cafeteria, meetings.
Sept. 28 – CHS Junior Post Prom Committee, CES gymnasium and playground, post prom fundraiser.
Oct. to Dec., Saturdays and Sundays – Cloverdale Winter Guard, CES gymnasium, Elevate Winter Guard instruction.
Oct. 8 – CHS and CMS Band, CHS cafetorium, Fall Concert.
Dec. 10 – CHS and CMS Band, CHS cafetorium, Winter Concert.
Jan to Apr., Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays – Cloverdale Winter and Class A Winter Guard, CES gymnasium, Elevate Winter Guard instruction.
Jan. 12 – CMS PTO, CMS Media Center, PTO meeting.
Apr. 17 – District VII FFA, CHS, host District Leadership Contest.

Additional personnel matters receiving unanimous board approval included:

Resignations
Renee Dyer – part-time, café.

Employment
Traci Scott – CHS Student Council sponsor lead.
Alison Dobbs – CHS Student Council sponsor assistant.
Erin Robertson – CES special education teacher.
Jane Huge – CHS part-time AEP discipline assistant.
Christainey Williams – CMS instructional assistant.

FMLA
Kiley Cope – CMS teacher.

Coaching hire
Kassie Wade – CHS assistant volleyball coach.

The Cloverdale Community School Board will meet again on Tuesday, Oct. 13, beginning at 7 p.m. in the Arthur L. Johnson Administration Building, 310 E. Logan St., Cloverdale. Members of the board include Vivian Whitaker, Katrina Lewis, Donna Fidler, Melissa Carrell, Emily Haltom, Joe Mann and Mike Rightmyer II.

U.S. Army Private First Class (Pfc.) Brett Everett Wood, a 2010 graduate of Owen Valley High School, was remembered and honored at separate events held in Gosport and Spencer in the month of September.

Wood, 19, served during Operation Enduring Freedom and was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Wainwright, Alaska.

He was killed in Mushan, Kandahar province, Afghanistan, when insurgents attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device (IED) on Sept. 9, 2011.

Wood joined the Army in July 2010 and graduated from Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Benning, Georgia. He arrived in Alaska in November 2010. His brigade had deployed to Afghanistan in mid-April 2011 for a planned one-year tour in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

A Patriot Day Celebration held Sept. 13 in Gosport Town Park honored several Gold Star Families, those who have lost an immediate family member in the line of duty of military service, including the families of Pfc. Wood, Army Sgt. Christopher K. Hilgert, Marine Lance Cpl. Kyle Price and Army Staff Sgt. James Patton.

"To you, the mothers and fathers, husbands and wives, sons and daughters, brothers and sisters of the fallen, we offer our deepest gratitude and respect," began VFW Post #7850 Commander Michael Oaks. "Your loved ones gave the last full measure of devotion to this nation, and you've worn that sacrifice with strength and dignity. Please know that we see you, we honor you, and we will never forget the price your family has paid for our freedom."

Oaks recalled one of the darkest days in our nation's history – Sept. 11, 2001.

"Our nation awoke to a morning like any other, but by the end of that day our world had been forever changed," he said. "We all remember where we were when we heard the news, and we remember the shock and disbelief and the grief, but we also remember something else, the way our nation came together in the days that followed. Strangers comforted one another, communities rallied, and Americans stood united under one flag. Out of the smoke and rubble rose the enduring spirit of the American people. That is why Sept. 11 is not only a day of mourning, but also a day of remembrance of what it means to be a Patriot."

Oaks noted the global war on terror would become the longest conflict in American history.

"With that came sacrifice, lives lost and families changed long after the battlefield," he said. "As we pause to honor those who gave their lives in the years since 9-11, let us also remember that they stand in a long and unbroken line of American heroes, from the Revolution that first secured our freedom to the battlefields of the Civil War that preserved our Union. From the trenches of World War I to the beaches of World War II, to the frozen hills of Korea, the jungles of Vietnam and the sands of the Persian Gulf. Every generation that produced Patriots who were willing to lay down their lives for liberty. We are here today because of them, because of their courage, their sacrifice and their families who bore their absence. Patriot Day reminds us that their legacy did not end in the pages of history; it lives on in every veteran and every Gold Star Family and in every citizen who chooses to serve something greater than themselves."

The program also featured guest speaker, retired Brigadier General Michael Osburn.

General Osburn began his career as an enlisted soldier in the U.S. Army in 1975 and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Indiana Army National Guard in June 1982. He deployed to Afghanistan in 2010 as Commander of 2nd Battalion, 19th Agribusiness Development Team and later served as the Deputy Commander, 81st Troop Command, during the Indiana floods of 2008.

In addition, General Osburn's long and distinguished career included serving as Commander of Division Artillery, commanding a 1,000 person hurricanes Katrina and Rita Task Force in 2005, as well as serving as the Commander of Operation Noble Eagle from 2003 to 2005.

"Those who have served and those who are currently serving in the United States Armed Forces are ever mindful that the sweetness of enduring peace has always been tainted by the bitterness of personal sacrifice," General Osburn said. "We are compelled to never forget that while we enjoy our daily pleasures, there are others who have endured and may still be enduring agony of pain, deprivation and internment. We must never forget it is the strength of our military that has brought us to this point, and it is that strength that will continue to ensure our liberties."

Each of the Gold Star Families in attendance was later presented with triangular flags in wooden display boxes, along with Gold Star Family flags presented by the VFW Post #7850.

The following morning, Sept. 14, a special program was held in front of the Owen County War Memorial in downtown Spencer, featuring words of remembrance, stories of military service, laughter and countless tears from those who served alongside Pfc. Wood. The group also visited his headstone, located near the Soldiers Memorial Pavilion inside Riverside Cemetery.

Those who took part in the program, many traveling long distances to be in attendance, said it helped provide some closure to Pfc. Wood's passing. They told of visiting his headstone and the significance of placing coins on headstones of a service member or veteran as a show of respect and honor. A penny, they said, means someone has visited the grave. A nickel signifies that the visitor served with the deceased service member at boot camp. A dime means the visitor and deceased service member served together at some point. A quarter, they said, is left by someone who was physically with the service member when they died.

The words spoken during the 30-minute program by Pfc. Wood's fellow soldiers could best be summed up by a post shared to the In Remembrance of Brett Wood Facebook page the following day by Eric Yepez of Fresno, California: "Brett was more than a uniform – he was a son, a friend, a brother and a hero. His courage, dedication and selflessness will never be forgotten. Though his time with us was far too short, his impact is everlasting. We carry his memory with us every day, and we speak his name with pride. Rest in peace, Brett. Your sacrifice will never be forgotten."

Originally dedicated on Aug. 31, 1911, the historic Owen County Courthouse dome is once again shining as bright as a new penny in downtown Spencer.

Precision Construction and Roofing was behind the Herculean restoration effort following extensive hail damage suffered in June 2023. The project was financed via a county insurance claim.

The scope of the project included a new copper exterior for the dome and a new rubber membrane for the courthouse's flat roof. Additionally, the windows on the dome were repaired, painted and permanent coverings installed to protect the dome's original windows from the elements of weather.

According to a Sept. 15 post on the Precision Construction and Roofing Facebook page, "every inch of the dome was hand-fabricated from 20-ounce ribbon copper and installed piece by piece onsite, a true team effort from start to finish."

The new dome will at first have the bright copper color of a newly minted penny but will slowly turn a dark brown color. Then over time, the copper will achieve a classic green patina due to chemical interactions with the environment.

A major new federal law will change the way many people plan their taxes, estates and charitable giving beginning in 2026.

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), signed into law on July 4, 2025, makes permanent several tax provisions from 2017 and adds new rules that will shape how individuals support organizations like the Owen County Community Foundation (OCCF).

"These changes bring more certainty to families planning ahead," reported OCCF president & CEO, Janet Rummel. "But they also mean donors should be aware of new opportunities and challenges."

A More Stable Tax Landscape

The new law locks in several key tax provisions that were scheduled to expire in 2025:

• Estate and gift tax exemption rises to $15 million per person ($30 million for couples).
• Standard deduction increases to $15,750 for single filers and $31,500 for joint filers.
• Top income tax rate stays at 37 percent instead of reverting to 39.6 percent.

For families considering legacy gifts or larger contributions, this stability provides a clearer framework for long-term planning.

Changes That Affect Giving

Several new rules directly impact charitable donors:

• Deduction for nonitemizers: Starting in 2026, taxpayers who don't itemize can deduct up to $1,000 (single) or $2,000 (joint) in cash gifts to public charities like OCCF. This does not apply to Donor Advised Funds or private foundations.

• "Giving floor" for itemizers: Donors who itemize must now contribute at least 0.5 percent of their adjusted gross income (AGI) before gifts are deductible. For example, with an AGI of $100,000, the first $500 in giving cannot be deducted. This may encourage donors to "bundle" multiple years of giving into one larger gift.

• Cap for high-income donors: Those in the top 37 percent tax bracket will see deductions capped at 35 percent of income. Donors considering significant contributions may want to act in 2025 to maximize benefits.

• Cash gift deduction limit stays high: Donors may continue to deduct cash gifts up to 60 percent of AGI, a rule now made permanent.

• Extra deduction for seniors: From 2025 through 2028, taxpayers age 65+ can claim an additional $6,000 deduction, even without itemizing. The benefit phases out above $75,000 for single filers and $150,000 for couples.

What Donors Can Do Now

While most people give because they care about causes, tax incentives often affect how much and when they give. OCCF encourages donors to review their situation and consider steps such as:

• High earners: Talk with your advisor about making gifts before the end of 2025 to avoid new limits.
• Annual givers: Consider combining two or more years of giving into one larger gift to clear the new deduction floor.
• Nonitemizers: Plan to use the new $1,000/$2,000 charitable deduction starting in 2026.
• Seniors: Factor in the additional $6,000 deduction when planning your charitable support.

Lasting Impact in Owen County

"Tax laws may shift, but the impact of your giving here at home does not," said OCCF staff. "Every gift helps strengthen Owen County, whether you're supporting education, youth programs, community spaces or local nonprofits. We're here to help donors make the most of these new rules while continuing to support the causes they love."

Residents with questions about how the new tax law may affect their charitable giving are encouraged to contact the Owen County Community Foundation at 812-829-1725, email operations@owencountycf.org, or visit owencountycf.org.

The Owen County Community Foundation does not provide legal, tax or financial advice. Donors should consult with their own advisors to determine the most appropriate strategies for their individual circumstances.

The following marriage licenses were issued since the last issue of The Owen News. Please note that this information is based on the applications. Marriage licenses are valid for 60 days from when they are issued, and the information below does not reflect whether or not the two individuals followed through with a marriage or if the signed marriage license was returned to the Owen County Clerk's office.

9-2
Kaleb Austin Bryant Dill (age 22) & Kirstin Leigh Richardson (age 23)

9-4
Marissa Oldham (age 24) & Nickolas Langley (age 26)

9-5
Alyssia Kaye Barnett (age 22) & Trystin Arthur Kirkhoff (age 21)

9-8
Megan E. Freeman (age 30) & Kevin Delp (age 29)
Corey Lee Brown (age 32) & Christina Nicole Hayden (age 29)

9-9
Shaydon Stickels (age 19) & Emily Collier (age 19)

9-10
Kevin Troy Cazee (age 50) & Josette Renee Black (age 54)

9-11
Bruce Sherfield (age 62) & Megan Russell (age 36)
Kain Gregory Bates (age 24) & Mason Lynn Miller (age 23)

9-19
Ashley Tequila Rose Fullen (age 26) & Jared Carlisle Kindred (age 27)

9-22
David Spadie (age 30) & Tarra Hammack (age 22)

9-24
Michelle Sue Hume (age 44) & Duane Allan Miller (age 44)

9-25
Claire Knies (age 24) & Cake Bunch (age 23)

9-26
Jesse Daniel Wilcoxon (age 27) & Emma Beth Mazur (age 22)

The following dissolutions of marriages were filed since the last issue of The Owen News in Owen County Circuit Court 2.

9-5
Kristan Crecelius-Powell & Dan Powell

9-12
Kylee A. Carlin & William D. Carlin

9-15
Nicholas Mehalick & Roxanne Terrell

9-17
Donald James Mills & Julie Mills

9-19
Airionna Nicole Hunter & Dustin Lee Arnold
Annika Gilbert & Lydiah Gilmore

9-22
Tiffany Minick & Samuel Minick

EDITOR'S NOTE: Booking information is provided by the Owen County Security Center. These are preliminary charges and may change as cases are processed through the circuit court system. To follow a court case, search the state's court records at mycase.in.gov. This information is public record. All people are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

9-1
Gretchen Carlisle, 60, Freedom, preliminary charges of possession of paraphernalia, possession of methamphetamine, and possession of marijuana, hash oil, hashish, or salvia. Arrested by Indiana Conservation Officer Caleb Hutchison.

9-2
Robert Addington, 56, Spencer, preliminary charge of burglary. Owen County Sheriff's Department (OCSD) Deputy Brennan Clark was the arresting officer.

9-3
Rhonda Hodge, 74, Gosport, preliminary charge of operating while intoxicated. Arrested by Spencer Police Department (SPD) officer Ben Muncie.

9-5
Ever Munoz Gonzalez, 24, Indianapolis, preliminary charges of alcohol-minor transporting alcohol, possession or consumption; failure to appear. OCSD Deputy Jacob Williamson was the arresting officer.

Nicholas Ritz, 47, Lafayette, IN, preliminary charge of nonsupport of child. Arrested by OCSD Deputy John Lowder II.

9-9
Bree Moore, 27, Paoli, preliminary charges of battery (two counts) and battery by bodily waste. OCSD Deputy Jordan Hardey was the arresting officer.

Nicole White, 43, Mitchell, preliminary charges of unlawful possession of a syringe, possession of methamphetamine, neglect of a dependent, maintaining a common nuisance, dealing in methamphetamine, and probation violation. Arrested by SPD officer Zachary Brock.

Shawn Sondergard, 44, Mitchell, preliminary charges of unlawful possession of a syringe, theft, probation violation, and use of private land without consent. Indiana Conservation Officer Matt Mauder was the arresting officer.

Tessla Wichlacz, 48, Bloomington, preliminary charge of public intoxication. Arrested by OCSD Deputy Jacob Williamson.

9-10
Jasmine Gates, 27, Bedford, preliminary charge of theft. SPD officer Chester Richardson was the arresting officer.

Jeremy Devylder, 46, Gosport, preliminary charges of domestic battery and invasion of privacy. Arrested by OCSD Deputy Jordan Hardey.

9-11
Rebecca Schwartz, 32, Spencer, preliminary charge of driving while suspended with a prior charge. OCSD Deputy Elijah Volrich was the arresting officer.

9-12
Virgil Jones, Jr., 71, Poland, IN, preliminary charges of driving while suspended with a prior charge and operating while intoxicated. Arrested by SPD officer Bryce Brock.

9-14
Dalton Morgan, 28, Freedom, preliminary charge of driving while suspended with a prior charge. OCSD Sergeant Torrey Wallace was the arresting officer.

9-15
Jordan Hancock, 28, Spencer, preliminary charge of domestic battery. Arrested by OCSD Deputy Brennan Clark.

Brittany Freeman, 35, Gosport, preliminary charges of possession of paraphernalia and possession of methamphetamine. OCSD Deputy Jordan Hardey was the arresting officer.

Brandi Holmes, 33, Spencer, preliminary charge of battery resulting in bodily injury. Arrested by Spencer Chief of Police Terry Sips.

9-17
Anderson Lewis, 19, Bloomington, preliminary charges of operating with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .15 or more, operating while intoxicated endangering a person, and alcohol – minor transporting alcohol, possession or consumption. SPD officer Ben Muncie was the arresting officer.

9-19
Toni Whipple, 44, Indianapolis, preliminary charges of failure to appear and auto theft. OCSD Special Deputy Levi Miller was the arresting officer.

James Stewart, 48, Poland, IN, preliminary charges of driving while suspended with a prior charge and failure to appear. Arrested by OCSD Deputy Elijah Volrich.

9-21
Brian Marchiando, 47, Spencer, preliminary charges of possession of methamphetamine, driving while suspended with a prior charge, possession of paraphernalia, and possession of marijuana, hash oil, hashish, or salvia. OCSD Sergeant Brandon Gasparovic was the arresting officer.

9-22
Caedyn Smith, 19, Spencer, preliminary charges of pointing a firearm, criminal recklessness, and disorderly conduct. Arrested by OCSD Deputy William Browne.

9-25
Kyle Bell, 24, Bedford, preliminary charges of resisting law enforcement, reckless driving, driving without a license, and failure to appear. OCSD Major William Snodgrass was the arresting officer.

Philip Dennison, 59, Spencer, preliminary charges of obstruction of justice, possession of methamphetamine, and possession of paraphernalia. Arrested by OCSD K9 Deputy Charles Hallam.

Jennelle Naanes, 39, Gosport, preliminary charges of theft (two counts) and probation violation. OCSD Special Deputy Levi Miller was the arresting officer.

9-27
Kristie Rundell, 53, Bloomington, preliminary charge of operating a vehicle while intoxicated endangering a person. Arrested by Indiana State Police Trooper Clay McBride.

9-28
Marshall Walker, 38, Bicknell, IN, preliminary charges of probation violation and dealing in methamphetamine. OCSD Deputy Brennan Clark was the arresting officer.

9-29
Betty Perez, 44, Indianapolis, preliminary charges of possession of cocaine or a narcotic drug, theft, and possession of marijuana, hash oil, hashish, or salvia. Arrested by OCSD Deputy Tony Stevens.

Joshua Stahl, 43, Freedom, preliminary charges of resisting law enforcement and invasion of privacy. OCSD Deputy Riley Pardue was the arresting officer.

Michael Love, 42, Martinsville, preliminary charges of operating with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .15 or more, operating while intoxicated endangering a person, and neglect of a dependent; child selling. Indiana State Police Trooper Clay McBride was the arresting officer.

Routine food inspections were conducted by the Owen County Health Department during the month of September 2025. Reported below are the critical and non-critical comments left for these establishments:

9-15
The Back Forty Farm & Kitchen, 2780 S.R. 46E, Spencer. Pre-operational. No violations.

9-20
Lainey's Watering Trough, drink truck, temporary, Apple Butter Festival. No violations.

FoodieGang Bites, food truck, temporary, Apple Butter Festival. No violations.

Lumpia Creations, food stand, temporary, Apple Butter Festival. No violations.

King Kones Indy, food truck, temporary, Apple Butter Festival. No violations.

Kornfed Kettle Korn, food stand, temporary, Apple Butter Festival. No violations.

Hoosier Minis, food truck, temporary, Apple Butter Festival. No violations.

Wever's Smoke Eaters BBQ, food truck, temporary, Apple Butter Festival. No violations.

Shaggy's Concessions, food truck & stand, temporary, Apple Butter Festival. No violations.

Taqueria Mil Amores, food truck, temporary, Apple Butter Festival. No violations.

Rye's Concessions, food truck, temporary, Apple Butter Festival. Non-critical violation: fans need to be cleared of dust.

The Shucker Shak, food truck, temporary, Apple Butter Festival. No violations.

Work began late last month to restore the "Spirit of the American Doughboy" statue outside of the Owen County Courthouse.

The project will include pouring a new concrete plaza around the Doughboy statue, adding limestone benches and placing a total of seven obelisks near that corner of the courthouse.

Six of the obelisks or stone pillars will be for each branch of the United States Military, and they will be lighted in the evening. There will be a different, smaller obelisk or pillar honoring Ernest Moore "E.M." Visquesney, the sculptor of the Doughboy.

The Doughboy was created to honor the veterans and casualties of World War I. Visquesney was from Spencer.

In addition, the project will include a few small concrete pads added near the existing flagpole to make it ADA accessible and support a podium for memorial events.

There will also be a new sidewalk connecting the Doughboy to the perimeter sidewalk around the Courthouse.

The limestone for the project is coming from Romona Quarry, which is based in Owen County and is the quarry from which the original base of the Doughboy statue.

The goal is to have the project completed in time for the plaza to be rededicated on Veterans Day in November.

Cris Lunsford and Jack White have spearheaded the project with support from the Owen County Commissioners and the Owen County Community Foundation.

A single-story home on North Jefferson Street in Gosport was destroyed by a quick-moving blaze that broke out in the early morning hours of Sept. 22.

The first wave of firefighters from the Gosport Volunteer Fire Department arrived on the scene around 2:15 a.m. and were later joined by personnel and equipment from the Paragon VFD and Owen Valley Fire Territory, along with emergency personnel from the Owen County EMS and Owen County Sheriff's Department.

Danny Carpenter, the occupant of the home at 404 N. Jefferson St., reportedly escaped the fire unharmed.

Owned by the South Central Community Action Program (SCCAP) of Monroe County, the 1,100 square foot home was later deemed a total loss.

In addition, the intense heat of the fire heavily damaged a portion of the vinyl siding and privacy fence of an adjacent home owned by Jessica Wilson at 21 W. Greencastle Ave.

Firefighters, who were called back to the scene around 6:50 a.m. to address a rekindle, estimated the blaze required around 6,000 gallons of water to fully extinguish.

Although the exact cause remained under investigation at press time, officials believed the source of the fire was likely electrical in nature.

The month of October brings fall, which also brings fall festivals. Several different festivals will take place in Owen County within the next month. Here are a few worth noting.

Cataract Volunteer Fire Department Bean Dinner Festival: Oct. 3 to 5

The Cataract Volunteer Fire Department will host the 56th annual Bean Dinner Festival, set for Oct. 3 to 5 in northwestern Owen County.

The festival will, of course, feature the CVFD's signature ham and beans cooked over an open fire. Beans will be served from noon to 8 p.m. on Oct. 3, 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Oct. 4 and 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 5.

The event also features live music and more than 125 vendors.

For more information, visit cataractfire.com or email cataractbeandinner@yahoo.com.

The Cataract VFD relies on this festival to generate more than 60 percent of its annual operating funds.

Spencer Pride Festival: Oct. 4

The annual Spencer Pride Festival will take place from noon to 7 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 4 in downtown Spencer.

The festival includes free parking and free admission.

The event will feature live, local entertainment, and local brewery Civilian Brewing Corps will be onsite selling alcohol for those 21 and over.

This year's festival marketplace will feature more than 150 booths from retail businesses and not-for-profit organizations. A huge variety of festival foods will be available, including cotton candy, pretzels, fresh baked goods, elephant ears, specialty ice cream, candies and more.

Additionally, plazas will be spread throughout the event, where individuals can gather and focus together.

Official Spencer Pride Festival merchandise will be on sale at the festival, including limited edition t-shirts which tend to sell out during the event. These items are available at the Spencer Pride commUnity center, located on the north side of the Owen County Courthouse square.

A variety of free Health & Wellness services, including HIV screening, vaccinations and more, will also be available at the Spencer Pride Festival. The festival also features a blood drive.

There is also a ticketed 21+ only after party hosted at the Spencer Pride commUnity center. Tickets can be purchased online.

The Spencer Pride Festival is a place where all are welcome, regardless of their age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, socioeconomic status or ability. For more information, visit spencerpride.org, call 812-652-5000, or email info@spencerpride.org.

Fiesta! Owen County: Oct. 11

Fiesta! Owen County is making its return on Saturday, Oct. 11.

Get ready for an unforgettable celebration of culture, music and community. The event takes place from 2 to 8 p.m. on Market Street in downtown Spencer, adding more than two additional hours of fun.

Fiesta! Owen County will feature salsa dancing, Lotería, crafts, cultural booths, piñata and authentic Hispanic food.

Bring your family and friends to celebrate together with great music, delicious food and lots of fun activities.

Event sponsors include the Owen County Chamber of Commerce, Boston Scientific and the Sweet Owen Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Pumpkins in the Park: Oct. 11

The annual Pumpkins in the Park at the Gosport Town Park will take place from 3 to 6 p.m. Oct. 11.

While this event isn't free, all proceeds go to support the Lazy Days Festival.

Admission is $10 and includes games, pumpkin painting, a bounce house, face painting, pinatas, potato sack races and a pumpkin roll relay.

The event is sponsored by Gosport Dental, Insurance Services, Gosport VFW Post 7850 & Auxiliary, The Crazy Lady Nextdoor, Penguin Cycle Works, Harriman Farms & Greenhouse, Brighton Developments, Babbs, Harvest Moon Farms & Winery, Value Market, Niki Gessler Artist, 67 Auto Salvage, Style Station and Owen County State Bank.

Arts in the Park: Oct. 25

Sweet Owen Arts Commission will host an inaugural Arts in the Park and Classic Car Show.

The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 25 in Cooper Commons Park.

Car show registration begins at 11 a.m., with awards starting at 3:30 p.m.

The event will feature live performances, live demonstrations, kid activities, art, food and fun.

Vandalia Chili Fest: Nov. 2

The annual Vandalia Community Preservation Association (VCPA) Chili Fest will take place on Sunday, Nov. 2, from 1 to 4:30 p.m. Chili and dessert will be served in the historic Vandalia one-room schoolhouse beginning at 1 p.m. The multi-talented Lloyd Wood and Band will perform a variety of classic country music in the Vandalia Historical Chapel starting at 2 p.m.

Enjoy an afternoon of great entertainment and food while supporting a great cause. The cost of the event is $12 for adults and $5 for children (age 10 and under), which includes both the meal and the live music.

Proceeds benefit VCPA for preservation and maintenance of the historic chapel and schoolhouse. The event will take place in the village of Vandalia (six miles west of Spencer on S.R. 46) at 5471 Vandalia Rd., Spencer.

Visit the VCPA Facebook page, facebook.com/vandaliacpa, and website, vandaliacpa.org, for more information.

A few years ago, I had the chance to play golf and fish on the same day, a retirement dream.

An old friend who resides out of town and who loves golf was coming for the day. I decided Country Oaks Golf Course and West Boggs Lake would make a nice combo, wrapping up with a bountiful meal with our wives at Stoll's Restaurant right on the water.

It doesn't get much better than that.

Golf and fishing are similar in that to be successful, one must pay attention to the details. A slight tweak can make a big difference.

It was my first time at Country Oaks. According to the pro shop guy, this course rates as one of the top 25 toughest in Indiana.

Having played very little around the state, I'd take his word for it after my round. It's a tough layout, all right, even when you play from the senior tees.

The course is a monster from the back tees.

On the front nine, I kept struggling with my putts. Nothing unusual there.

Finally, I discovered that zone when you stand over your ball, eye the line and feel confident that it's going in or at least it will be close. All it took was a slight adjustment to my stance, and the ball started dropping more often.

On my drives, all it took to get more roll distance was a slight upward angling of my shoulders, like the guy in Golf magazine said to do. I gained maybe five to 10 yards.

Every little bit helps.

I shot a better score on the back nine than I did on the front, which shocked me. I thought that after four hours of golf I'd wilt in the afternoon sun, but instead I found a rhythm and employed those small changes, and the result was a decent score for me.

Hitting Boggs about four o'clock, we were after the lake's big bluegill. I knew a place where we could be in the shade and still catch something, I hoped.

The July sun was bearing down.

We arrived at the spot, I rigged up and soon began catching fish, although not the size I had seen in the spring. Still, there was action.

My friend rigged up and cast out in the same area. I caught a bluegill.

He continued to sit and watch his bobber. I caught another, and another, and another.

Most were non-keepers, but still it was fun.

Now, here's the dilemma. Do I tell him what to do to correct the problem, or just let it go?

He wasn't asking me for advice. He was just watching his large bobber sit motionless, or so he thought.

Earlier on the golf course, I had made a suggestion about his putting that seemed to help. That was with his permission.

Now, I wasn't sure that I should give advice when none was asked for.

Finally, I couldn't stand my success and his lack of it any longer. I offered to look at his rig and see what the problem was.

He complied, somewhat reluctantly. He had caught bluegill before with this same setup, and he couldn't understand why he wasn't catching them now.

One difference in our fishing styles was that he cast his bait out to one spot and waited. I would cast, wait a few seconds, pull the rig very slowly about a foot, wait a few seconds, and repeat.

Fish tend to move in and out of an area, unless it's spawning time. Covering more water just makes sense, and the moving bait gets more attention.

Another issue was his waiting until he saw the bobber go completely under before he would react. Often these bluegills would only slide my bobber one way or the other a few inches, alerting me to set the hook.

Very few of them took it all the way under, even the larger ones. Bluegill fishing is relaxing, yes, but one must be alert to what the bobber is doing in order to catch more fish.

Next time I'll get into some more techniques for bluegill that can help you get a few more bites. It's early fall, and fish are biting.

The weather will gradually become more pleasant, and there's less competition. And when the colors come out, it's really special.

Here in Owen County, we love our pitch-ins, family dinners and sweet treats (who can say no to dessert?). But sometimes our health needs a little extra TLC, and diabetes is one of those things we can't ignore. The good news? Taking charge of your health doesn't mean giving up flavor or fun. In fact, with a few smart swaps and fresh ideas, living healthier can be just as tasty as that homemade pie at the church social.

What exactly is diabetes?

Think of your body like a car engine. Food is fuel, and insulin is the key that helps the fuel power the engine. For people with diabetes, the "key" doesn't always work the way it should. Sometimes the body doesn't make enough insulin, and sometimes it doesn't use it properly. That leaves too much sugar in the blood, which, over time, can wear down the body like bad gas in a car.

There are two main types:

Type 1 diabetes: the body doesn't produce insulin at all.

Type 2 diabetes: the body makes insulin but doesn't use it effectively

The good news? While there's no cure, diabetes can be managed with healthy meals, exercise and lifestyle choices. And that's where we, as a community, can make a difference.

Why it matters here in Owen County

Here at home, the numbers tell us we've got some work to do. Owen County reports higher-than-average rates of obesity and physical inactivity, which feed directly into diabetes risks. Add in barriers like limited access to healthy food and fewer exercise options, and it's clear why this health issue needs attention.

But statistics don't tell the whole story. Behind every number is a neighbor, a friend or a family member trying to live well with diabetes.

Enter: Purdue Extension

The good news is, we don't have to tackle this alone. Purdue Extension is here to help. Through programs like Dining with Diabetes, families can learn how to shop smarter, cook healthier and still enjoy food that tastes amazing.

It's not about giving up your favorites — it's about reimagining them in a way that supports health and keeps meals fun.

Yes, dessert is still on the table

One of the biggest myths about diabetes? No dessert. Thankfully, that's not true! With a little creativity, sweets can still be part of the plan. Here are a few tasty ideas:

Strawberry-Chocolate Greek Yogurt Bark
Creamy yogurt, fresh strawberries and dark chocolate chips — frozen and broken into bark for a sweet, crunchy snack.

Apple-Oat Crumble
Warm apples with a cinnamon-oat topping that delivers cozy comfort without the sugar overload.

Peanut Butter Banana "Ice Cream"
Frozen bananas blended with a spoonful of peanut butter = smooth, creamy and surprisingly indulgent.

Berry Parfaits
Fresh berries layered with vanilla Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of nuts. Pretty to look at, fun to eat!

Pumpkin Spice Muffins
Whole-wheat flour + pumpkin puree + warm spices = a treat that feels decadent but is packed with nutrition.

The takeaway

Diabetes may be a serious health concern in Owen County, but small steps can make a big difference. With the support of Purdue Extension's programs and a few creative kitchen swaps, living well with diabetes doesn't mean saying goodbye to flavor — it just means discovering new ways to enjoy it.

Because sometimes, the sweetest solutions come from working together.

Want to learn more about Dining with Diabetes? Call the Purdue Extension-Owen County office at 812-829-5020. Looking to bring a program to your group? From food and health to family and finance, I've got you covered! Shoot me an email at lowder0@purdue.edu and let's make it happen.

And don't forget — you can always spot my upcoming programs on our Facebook page, or our website extension.purdue.edu/county/owen/hhshome.html.

Owen County 4-H is excited to announce the launch of two engaging youth programs designed to spark creativity, curiosity and hands-on learning for local students.

Beginning this October, both regular 4-H members and Mini 4-H participants will have the opportunity to take part in monthly activities that blend education with fun.

The first program, Minds in Motion, is open to all current Owen County 4-H members in grades three through 12. This dynamic initiative will meet on the second Monday of each month from October through May, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. in the Purdue Extension-Owen County office meeting room.

Minds in Motion is designed to get young minds moving through a variety of STEM-based activities. Participants will explore topics like robotics, chemistry, engineering and biology in a hands-on, interactive environment. Planned activities include building LEGO robots, experimenting with junk drawer robotics, fluid power robotics, extracting DNA from fruit, making slime and oobleck, creating electric circuit boards and much more.

This program is all about encouraging curiosity and problem-solving in a fun and supportive setting. We want our 4-H members to explore how things work, ask questions and get excited about learning.

The second program, Mess Makers, is a returning favorite for Mini 4-H members in grades kindergarten through second. After a successful run last year, Mess Makers is back—and better than ever—with more meetings and even more messy fun! This year, the program will meet on the fourth Monday of each month, also in the Purdue Extension-Owen County office meeting room, from 4 to 5 p.m.

Mess Makers is designed to let Mini 4-H members explore their creative and messy sides through playful, hands-on activities. From crafting and experimenting to sensory play and simple science projects, each session will offer a new opportunity for discovery and fun.

Our Mini 4-H program is all about letting kids be kids. We want them to explore, create and enjoy the process of learning through play.

Both programs are free to current Owen County 4-H and Mini 4-H members. Families interested in participating are encouraged to ensure their children are enrolled in 4-H for the 2025–2026 program year. Event registration is available on 4-H Online after the program enrollment process is complete. Enrollment information and assistance are available through the Purdue Extension-Owen County office.

With these exciting offerings, Owen County 4-H continues its mission to provide meaningful, educational experiences that help youth grow into confident, capable and curious individuals.

For more information or to enroll, contact the Purdue Extension-Owen County office at 812-829-5020 or visit us at 180 S. Washington St., Spencer.

When I was a child, I used to sit and watch my mother wash the laundry in her Maytag wringer washer. The washer came with two tubs used for rinsing. My mother took the clothes out the water from the clothes. Even though there were other brands available, my mother was a Maytag woman.

Maytag washers typically lasted for about 10 years. They were known for their durability. They first started making them in 1907 and stopped making them in 1983.

It was common to find one of these washers in every household. Ours was in our kitchen, back in the corner. We had a pretty big kitchen area back then. In the farmhouse kitchen, which pretty much had room for everything.

My mother stayed home with me until I started school. Mondays were wash days at our house. After the clothes were washed, they were carefully hung out on a clothesline to dry. So, every week I watched my mother wash the clothes in the wringer washer. Usually, she had to hook a hose up to the kitchen faucet to fill up the washer. Then she would dug it in and start it up. I will put the clothes. The clothes sloshed back and forth inside the tub for an appropriate period of time, until my mother thought they were clean. Then she would drain the water from the washer back into the sink and then began to put the clothes through the wringers.

Our washer was an electric one and so the wringers worked by electricity. There was a lever to turn them on. There was also a release bar that you could push if the clothes got stuck in the wringers or if a hand happened to get stuck in the wringers. My mother had never had her wringers, but she knew of many times about not getting my hands near the wringers.

One day, our phone rang, and my mother had had to go answer it. She paused what she was doing and went across and wringers and went to take the call. She left me in the kitchen by myself. I could hear her talking in the other room. I looked into the washer and saw that there was still some laundry that needed to be wrung out. I thought I would help my wringers. I decided to surprise my mother and help finish some of the clothes. So, I hit the button that started the wringers, picked up a shirt, and began to hold it through as I had watched my mother do countless times. Only it didn't quite wring the shirt. My fingers somehow got in the way and began to go through the wringers.

I started to scream and cry and tried to pull my fingers out of the death grip that the washer had on me. But they were held fast and I couldn't get my fingers out. I pulled the worse I got, I continued to scream until suddenly I heard my mother running towards me. She pushed the release button that stopped the wringer, and then she pushed the release bar, and then the wringers with it opened up. I was able to pull my fingers out. I had my mother put my hand under cold water to ease the pain. she checked out my hand and applied an ice pack, the lecture began. I thought to myself that having my hand stuck in the wringer was punishment enough!

When my mother, a lecture always began by her telling me, "I've told you a dozen times...". I think the lecture was a way of her to take care of herself and the that I would try to do a load of laundry in it. That old childhood trauma of having my finger stuck in that thing some back in an instant. But Stix on a that moment. But I was very careful, and I'm proud to say I got every piece of laundry wrung out without incident.

Nostalgia can be painful if I listen to this day, every time I see a Maytag washer, I think about those days, I sure miss that old Maytag.

And I miss the days of sitting at my mother's feet while she did the laundry. I don't miss those wringers at all. They say that facing childhood fears is a good thing.

Maybe so. But I think not getting your fingers stuck in an old Maytag washer is a much better thing. Yep! Those Maytags really were the best!

—Susan

One of the programs the Owen County Public Library is proud to offer the community is the Lifelong Learning Center; our adult education program.

The center provides a welcoming environment where adult learners can expand their knowledge, develop new skills and pursue their educational and personal goals with confidence. We offer a wide variety of courses designed to meet different interests and needs. Whether you're looking to gain new job skills, explore creative maker projects, earn a career certification or complete your high school equivalency diploma, chances are we have a class for you, or are at little to no cost.

We are best known for our High School Equivalency (HSE) program, often referred to as the GED. To better serve our students, we proudly offer these classes twice a week. We fit a variety of schedules. Last year alone, 21 students successfully graduated from the program. Since 2010, the center has celebrated more than 380 HSE graduates, and we look forward to watching that number continue to grow in the years ahead.

In addition to GED classes, we offer a variety of industry-recognized certification courses for those looking to strengthen or expand their skills. Currently, our programs include certification in Microsoft Excel and QuickBooks. This year, we are excited to expand our offerings with three new options; CompTIA A+, Salesforce and HVAC.

If you're looking for a more creative outlet, our maker classes may be just what you need. We offer everything from 3D printing, laser engraving, 3D printing and digital design with Cricut. These classes not only spark creativity but also give you the opportunity to explore and master some of today's most exciting creative technologies.

The Lifelong Learning Center is more than just a place to take classes—it's a community where adult learners are encouraged, supported and empowered to achieve their goals. With programs that span academic achievement, career development and creative exploration, the center provides opportunities for growth in every area of life. No matter your interest or experience level, the Lifelong Learning Center is here to help you learn, create and succeed—often at little to no cost.

We invite everyone in the community to take the next step in their learning journey with us.

To enroll in one of our courses, students must be at least 16 years old and no longer enrolled in school. To learn more about our programs, email our Adult Education Coordinator, Jamie, at jamieh@owenlib.org, or call 812-829-3392 ext. 212.

After a distinguished career spanning several decades and multiple counties across Indiana, Jim Luzar has retired from his role as the Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR) Educator with Purdue Extension-Owen County. His retirement marks the conclusion of a remarkable journey dedicated to agricultural education, natural resource stewardship and community service.

Luzar's work with Purdue Extension began long before his time in Owen County. Over the years, he served in various counties throughout Indiana, building a reputation as a knowledgeable, approachable and deeply committed educator. His expertise in crop production, soil health, forestry and wildlife management made him a trusted resource for farmers, landowners and residents across the state.

In Owen County, Luzar became a cornerstone of the local Extension office, offering practical solutions and educational opportunities that help local farmers and landowners improve their operations and strengthen the community. His ability to connect with people and provide meaningful guidance has left a lasting impact that will be felt for years to come.

"Jim has been a pillar of Purdue Extension and a tremendous asset to Owen County," said Cassie Linville, County Extension Director. "His retirement is well-earned, and while we will miss his presence, we celebrate the legacy he leaves behind."

Though Luzar is stepping away from his official duties, the Purdue Extension-Owen County office remains fully committed to providing the services and support associated with the ANR educator position. Residents are encouraged to continue reaching out with questions or concerns related to agriculture and natural resources.

"We want to assure everyone that ANR support is still available," Linville emphasized. "If you call or visit our office, we will connect you with another ANR educator who can assist you. Our commitment to serving Owen County remains as strong as ever."

Jim Luzar's retirement is not just a farewell—it's a celebration of a career that helped shape Indiana's agricultural landscape. His contributions have empowered countless individuals to make informed decisions about their land, their livelihoods and their communities. His work has left a lasting legacy, and his influence will continue through the ongoing efforts of Purdue Extension educators across the state.

For more information or to access ANR services, contact the Purdue Extension-Owen County office at 812-829-5020 or visit the office at 180 S. Washington St. in Spencer.

The Owen County Courthouse square will soon come alive with the familiar sights and sounds of the annual Apple Butter Festival, returning for a 48th year Sept. 20 to 21.

Presented by the Spencer Lions Club, this year's event will again be chock-full of family fun, featuring royalty and apple butter contests, a parade, fun zone, classic car cruise-in, antique tractors and much more. Over 100 vendors selling homemade, handmade or store-bought treasures and food will help bring the festival to life.

The fan-favorite festival parade will step off at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 20, featuring this year's grand marshal, well-known area radio personality Tony Kale.

Kale has spent 38 years gracing the local radio airwaves, and the last 37 of those have included doing play-by-play for Owen Valley and other area high school sports. He was the 2009 Marv Bates Award winner from the ISSA and is approaching nearly 1,400 career games called, including six state championship appearances. Kale also handles numerous Edgewood broadcasts and hosts a popular morning show on WCLS 97.7.

Kale was among those inducted into the Indiana Sports Writers and Sportscasters Association Hall of Fame for 2025 during a ceremony held earlier this year at the Valle Vista Country Club in Greenwood.

A demolition derby will be held at the Owen County Fairgrounds on Saturday beginning at 7 p.m.

For more Apple Butter Festival information, visit The Apple Butter Festival on Facebook or the website theapplebutterfestival.com.

This morning while dusting one of the many bookcases that clutter my home, I discovered a tiny book of wisdom.

"A Year of Good Cheer" was created by Delia Lyman Porter and published in 1906. The book is a collection of quotes from famous and not so famous writers and philosophers.

It begins with a quote from Emerson: "Write on your hearts that every day is the best day of the year." The book devotes a page to every week of the year filled with wisdom and advice on how to live a good life. The book includes writings from Robert Louis Stevenson, Emerson, Wordsworth, Helen Keller, Goethe and many people I have never heard of. One such individual is Carl Hilty. I am going to do some research on him. Ms. Porter quotes him often.

The page for the last week of August gives the following advice from Mr. Hilty: "The best way to have permanent peace with the world is not to expect much of it; not to be afraid of it; see the good in it; and to regard the evil as something powerless and temporary which will soon defeat itself." These words that were written over a century ago are meaningful today. For me they bring some comfort, a connection to those who survived dark times in the past. I hope, dear readers, they have a positive effect on you.

Here is another quote from the book. These words are from Ralph Waldo Emerson: "But in the mud and scum of things, there alway, alway something sings." I so want to put an 's' on the end of those always, but Emerson didn't. I dare not edit his work. Now on to those things that sing.

We are about to enter the most glorious time of the year – autumn. The natural world is already showing signs of the coming glory. The heat has forced some trees to drop leaves. Others appear to have faded from the vibrant green of summer. The few small sunflowers I managed to coax to life have gone to seed. Purple ironweed blooms wave in the breeze along the country roads. The pink surprise lilies bloomed on cue a couple of weeks ago. The bare stalks remain in some gardens. Silent testimony to the fleeting beauty of these lilies.

The hummingbirds have been busy lately. Their survival depends on their ability to fly thousands of miles to their winter home. Part of their journey is across the Gulf of Mexico. They empty the feeder daily putting on a layer of fat. The male that entertained me last year is back. He sits on the nearby shepherd's hook and declares ownership of the feeder. The sunshine glints off the tiny feathers on his head. The patch of red beneath his bill glows like a precious ruby. He permits some fellow hummingbirds to dine; others he chases away with a fierce flight. I would not want him to dive bomb my head. I have always suspected that the birds he allows to visit the feeder are his mate and young ones. They will all leave soon. I will await their return with much anticipation.

'til next time,
Annie

The MYPath trail is bringing economic, social and health benefits to Owen County, and the more the trail expands, the greater those benefits will be. That was the finding of an intensive study by Indiana University O'Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs graduate students and the IU Center for Rural Engagement.

The final study was entitled MYPath, Our Community: The Future of Trail Systems in Owen County, Indiana. The report was shared at an Aug. 8 community meeting at McCormick's Creek State Park.

Based on the impact of similar trails around the state and country, local users of MYPath spend between $7.21 and $11.33 per daily trail visit. Non-local users spend between $13 and $70.50 per day trip. Overnight visitors spend between $98 and $176.98. By expanding the trail, the economic impact will increase because more people will be attracted to MYPath for both day use and overnight visits.

In addition, the study determined that trails like MYPath increase property values and attract both business and residential development. Social and health benefits have also been recorded with similar trails. Long-term discussions to connect MYPath to McCormick's Creek State Park, and then to Ellettsville and Monroe County trails would increase all these benefits as even more, as more people use the trails.

The study also outlined considerations for trail expansion. They recommended the creation of a Trail Expansion Advisory Group of local stakeholders to identify routes and funding possibilities.

The third section of the study focused on communication strategies. It encouraged participating in more public events and inviting more people to use the trail. With increased trail use, more stakeholders are created.

The study was created when the Owen County Community Foundation and the Regional Trail Advocates group had asked the Center for Rural Engagement (IUCRE) for assistance in determining the economic impact of MYPath and regional trails and for strategies for trail expansion. Through the IUCRE, 11 O'Neill School graduate students from around the country, completing their IU Masters of Public Affairs degree, spent weeks studying MYPath and surrounding trails. The course culminated in an intensive week visiting MYPath and the community. Their result was shared with community members on Aug. 8 at McCormick's Creek State Park. If anyone would like to see the entire 107-page study, contact mypathspencer@gmail.com

Spencer Town Council members Jon Stantz, Evan McKalip and Mike Spinks met in regular session Aug. 18, along with clerk-treasurer Cheryl Moke, town manager Hunter Stogsdill and town attorney Richard Lorenz.

Following approval of the Aug. 4 meeting minutes, the council approved invoices from Commonwealth Engineers totaling $297.84 for on-call miscellaneous services and $11,000 for preliminary design work for sewer improvements related to the ongoing wastewater improvement project.

Council approval was also given for a Brett Wood Memorial Day event to be held on the courthouse lawn and at Cooper Commons on Sept. 14, sponsored by the Spencer VFW Post #1405.

The council also heard and approved a request to hold an Arts in the Park event at Cooper Commons on Oct. 25. The event will require the closure of park entrances beginning the day prior to the event.

Mike Wilson with Mainstream Fiber Networks was in attendance to further discuss the possibility of bringing fiber internet service to the town of Spencer. Wilson oversees governmental affairs for the company, which works to bring fiber service to unserved and underserved areas. The town's commitment would be $250,000 to be paid over five years.

Two local business representatives were in attendance to explain how current internet service negatively impacts their business. Both noted how they currently utilize internet-based payment services to aid customers. Both have experienced occasions when the internet has gone offline and they have been unable to finalize transactions or have had to switch to cash-only purchases.

The council also shared concerns they have heard from other parties in town and how there does not appear to be a plan for future upgrades to existing internet infrastructure in town.

Regarding cost, Wilson said the average price for 150 megabits per second (mbps) symmetrical signal service is estimated at $35 per month and stand-alone gigabit service $90 per month. It was stated that 150 mbps service is already faster than the current internet speed serving many homes in Spencer.

Stantz made a motion for the Town to enter into a contract with Mainstream for $250,000, which would be paid utilizing $50,000 per year out of Economic Development Income Tax (EDIT) funds available in the town's budget. The motion was approved, 3-0.

"This will affect people, 20, 30, 40 years down the road, we hope in a positive way," Stantz said. "We are spending taxpayers' dollars; we want to make sure we are doing it right."

McKalip added, "I've talked to a lot of people, and people are very excited and positive. I didn't hear one person say no, don't spend taxpayer money on this. No, they all said do it."

Next, the council heard from the festival safety coordinator of this year's upcoming Spencer Pride Festival concerning coordination with the local railroad during the festival. It was noted that during coordination with the Indiana Rail Road (INRD) the railroad suggested they contact Operation Lifesaver, a national organization that provides education and training. It was discussed that the council would assist with reaching out to Operation Lifesaver to assist in coordinating training for local partners, first responders, etc.

Spencer Pride is working on its contract for the Pride Festival with the INRD and will provide the Town with the preliminary contract with the railroad, along with the final documents when available.

Marce Johnson, CEO of the Owen County Chamber of Commerce, later reported on the Riverfront Commons project. She explained that the arts commission has pursued funding and received a portion of the design dollars for an amphitheater in Cooper Commons. Design is now finalized, and public hearings have been held.

Moving forward, plans call for the full proposal for grant funds to be submitted in October 2025. Johnson is working to make sure the proposal matches the most recent priorities and goals for funds.

Johnson requested the Town's assistance with covering the final $8,500 match for project design. Any funds the Town spends on design and current construction projects underway will count toward the 20 percent match required for the construction phase for the amphitheater.

McKalip made a motion to approve the $8,500 request, but the Town tabled the request until the council's next meeting to allow time to explore which fund could best be utilized.

Next the council heard from Stogsdill whose update included efforts to add items to the town's strategic plan for the years 2029 and 2030. He also noted the Town has met with FEMA to discuss the costs incurred during the most recent flood. Stogsdill said FEMA is going to work with the Town to try and get reimbursed for 75 percent of all costs incurred from the flood.

In departmental reports, the Spencer Police Department (SPD) provided updates on personnel and equipment, along with information concerning 37 cats housed on a South Main Street property. While the cats have now been spayed and neutered, they still need to be rehomed with assistance from the SPD.

Sewer department superintendent Ryan Klaassen later provided the board with an update, noting the department planned to televise the sewer main going toward the effluent outfall at the river. The quote from Fluid Waste Services was approved for this service totaling $6,260.

Klaassen also noted that on West Hillside Avenue, west of Pine Hill Road, a sewer main was jetted due to complaints and he would be obtaining quotes to fix this portion of sewer and to install a manhole.

Street department superintendent Tony Floyd noted that a new backhoe would soon be delivered. He also presented a quote for disaster services from Chip's Outdoor Services. In the event of a storm, this contract would ensure the Town has services needed for maintenance and cleanup. Stantz made a motion to approve the contract, which received unanimous council approval.

In other business, Spinks proposed the Town dispose of the former Riddle Tractor Sales property and utilizing those funds to aid with other projects. The Town will discuss this proposal further at a future meeting.

The Spencer Town Council will meet again at 6 p.m. Monday, Sept. 15 in the Spencer Municipal Building, 90 N. West St.

The Owen County Chamber of Commerce is gearing up for their annual banquet.

This year's event is celebrating the Chamber's 100th birthday.

The annual banquet will take place on Sept. 30 at the Christian Life Center, located at 157 S. Montgomery St., Spencer. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and dinner and program is scheduled from 6 to 8 p.m.

The chamber will also honor awards in the following categories: Small Business of the Year, Heart of the Community, Educator of the Year, Business of the Year, Entrepreneur of the Year and Nonprofit of the Year.

Ridgeline Veterinary Services and Harriman Farms are the nominees for Small Business of the Year.

For Business of the Year, West & Parrish & Pedigo Funeral Home and Henry Holster's were both nominated.

JH Landscaping, A: Angels Announg Us and Sweet Escape Baking Studio LLC were all nominated for Entrepreneur of the Year.

The Nominees for Nonprofit of the Year are Graycoach's Ranch, Owen County Boys & Girls Club and the Historic Tivoli Theater.

Cathay Woodruff and Matthew Latta were nominated for Educator of the Year.

There are three nominees for the Heart of the Community award: Janet Rummel, Tom Wallace and Dawn LaGrange.

Tickets can be purchased on the Owen County Chamber of Commerce website.

The MYPath 5k run/walk is returning for a second year Saturday, Oct. 18, at 8:30 a.m.

The course begins and ends at the Owen County Fairgrounds, 364 S. East St., in Spencer.

The course uses both paved and natural surface trails as it winds around the fairgrounds, through Cooper Commons, and along the MYPath Riverfront Trail. It is considered a "fast course" because it is mostly level.

Registration is $25 plus a sign-up fee and includes a T-shirt. There will be prizes for the fastest times. After Oct. 16, registration increases to $30.

To register, visit runsignup.com and search for MYPath 5k. Direct questions to mypathspencer@gmail.com.

Proceeds from the event are used by the Friends of MYPath, Inc. for development and maintenance of the trail.

Code/IT Academy is now accepting applications for its fall 2025 session.

This free, fast-track training program prepares Hoosiers for high-demand careers in technology, offering certification-based courses, career support and direct connections to employers.

Fall offerings include CompTIA Fundamentals.

Classes begin Oct. 7 and run through Dec. 9 in a hybrid format, combining online learning with in-person support. Applications are open now through Sept. 27 at codeitacademy.org. The class will be held twice per week at the Owen County Community Foundation located at 60 E. Market St., Spencer.

"This program is a launching pad for people looking to pivot into tech or level up their careers," said Haley Pritchett, Program Manager at Code/IT Academy. "Our pathways are designed to quickly build the skills employers want and connect students to real opportunities in the local job market."

Code/IT Academy is a partnership between The Mill, Ivy Tech Bloomington and the City of Bloomington, with funding from the ARCC Recover Forward initiative. The program is open to all Owen County residents and surrounding counties and is completely free to participants.

In addition to technical training, students receive career coaching, mentorship, job placement assistance and wraparound support to help them succeed. No previous experience in tech is required—just a commitment to learning and apply at codeacademy.org.

About Ivy Tech

Ivy Tech Community College is home to over 70 programs. We offer a wide variety of not only Academic Programs, but also a large number of certificate programs and options are available. Which one is right for you? Visit us at the link below or call 812-883-6989. ivytech.edu/locations/sellersburg/

About The Mill

The Mill is the heart of southern Indiana's startup ecosystem and its largest coworking space. A 501(c)3 nonprofit, its mission is to spark Bloomington's innovation economy by launching and accelerating startups, and its vision is to become Indiana's center of gravity for entrepreneurship. For more information, visit dimensionmill.org.

About Regional Opportunity Initiatives

Regional Opportunity Initiatives (ROI) is a nonprofit organization with a mission to advance economic and community prosperity in the 11 counties of the Indiana Uplands (Brown, Crawford, Daviess, Dubois, Greene, Lawrence, Martin, Monroe, Orange, Owen and Washington counties). ROI is growing potential and possibility through a focus on equalized industry sectors: regionalism, transformative school and workforce redesign, and placemaking strategies. To learn more about ROI's programs, visit regionalopportunityinc.org.

About the Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI) in the Indiana Uplands

In May 2021, Indiana Gov. Eric J. Holcomb and the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) launched the Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI), a transformational initiative with $500 million in state appropriations to promote strategic investments to make Indiana a magnet for talent and economic growth.

Through READI, regions worked collaboratively to create visions for the future, with programs, initiatives and projects aligned to sustaining quality and attracting the workforce of tomorrow. In the Uplands region, this effort, led by Radius Radius Indiana, included participation from hundreds of stakeholders and organizations and leadership from a steering committee representing 17 members representing regional anchor institutions and organizations.

In December 2021, the Indiana Uplands was awarded $30 million in READI funding for our Region on the Rise." Regions are required to provide a 4:1 match in support of projects and programs. This includes a required 1:1 match in local public funding and a recommended 3:1 match from private and philanthropic sources.

For more information on the announcement on Indiana Uplands READI projects, please visit regionalopportunityinc.org/readi-projects/.

'A reason to turn at the light'

At the start of the Spencer Main Street annual membership banquet, President Julie Coffin took the audience on a trip.

That trip, while being descriptive while folks attentively listened during Coffin's opening remarks, was along State Road 46 from Bloomington to Spencer.

"You're moving in a generally westerly direction. You just left a populated area, and you're starting to enjoy the rolling countryside, and you're getting the town. And you hit the first stop light, and you think, 'Wow, that town must have a bang up Garden Club, because look at that...'" Coffin began before being interrupted with applause.

She continued.

"So then the light turns green, and we move on, and we get to the second stoplight. And it's red, of course, and you're sitting there thinking, 'Well, there's nothing particularly scenic there, right?' So you wait there, and the light turns green," Coffin continued.

"And because I'm an optimist, I say the third light is green, so you roll on through. You say, 'Oh, look, this town has a Walmart, just like every place else does.' And you're done with this little town."

Coffin wanted to paint a different vision of Spencer.

"But wait, what if it could be different? Let's rewind. Go back to the first stoplight. Admire the garden again, ooh ahhh great garden, right? As you begin to approach the second stoplight, you look down at the table in front of you, and you turn over your placemats, and you see the most fantastic entryway arch you've ever seen," she said, as folks unveiled the photo of the arch as their placemat.

In this version, folks leave Morgan Street, have a bench to sit on to enjoy the most fantastic hanging baskets.

"Your turn signal is on, and you're thinking, 'It's a good thing that that arch is there so that I knew to turn at the light. So once you turn, you find this charming historic downtown area. It meets every single one of your needs. You can eat at any time of the day. You have multiple absolutely one-of-a-kind shopping sequences. You have a historical theater for entertainment. You have a music restroom, and you have a bench to sit on to enjoy the most fantastic hanging baskets."

Coffin then painted a vision for the future.

"Wouldn't that be great if everybody who was driving on Morgan Street knew that there was a reason to turn at the light?" Coffin asked.

She then said they have been working with the town and noted to get a design and that they are working on finding a way to fund the archway to the downtown.

Punctuality and consistent school attendance are more than just routines, they're the foundation of lifelong learning, strong social connections and future success.

At Spencer-Owen Community Schools, teachers, staff and administrators understand that when students arrive on time and attend regularly, they are better positioned to thrive personally, academically and socially.

When students are in class every day and on time, they stay connected with lessons, maintain academic continuity and avoid falling behind. Missing even a single day can disrupt learning; frequent absences can erode engagement and weaken the habits and skills that lead to long-term achievement.

Research shows that chronic absenteeism (missing 10 percent or more of the school year or roughly 18 days) is a major early warning sign. Children who are chronically absent in kindergarten or first-grade are significantly more likely to struggle with reading and other core skills, putting them at risk for lasting academic setbacks. When students fall behind early, they are more likely to disengage, and in high school, poor attendance strongly correlates with a higher dropout rate.

Indiana has clear laws designed to keep students in the classroom and support families along the way:

If a student misses five or more unexcused days within a 10-week period, schools must notify parents and develop an attendance plan, which may include wrap-around services, counseling, mentoring or academic support.

Students who accumulate 10 or more unexcused absences in a school year are considered habitually truant, and schools must report the matter to the local prosecuting attorney. However, prosecutors are not compelled to file charges, and they may offer supportive interventions instead.

More broadly, students who miss 10 percent or more of instructional time (chronic absenteeism) now have a standardized measurement across Indiana, and schools are encouraged to monitor attendance monthly and intervene early, even before truancy thresholds are met.

Spencer-Owen is committed to working with families to make attendance a positive, achievable priority. If your student begins to miss multiple days (even excused absences), our teachers and administrators stand ready to help with strategies like mentors, outreach, attendance plans or connecting you with helpful services.

To minimize disruptions and ensure your child gets the most learning time:

Whenever possible, schedule doctor's and dentist's appointments after school or, if needed during the day, late in the afternoon.

Establish a consistent morning routine, ensuring children are ready and at school on time.

Communicate proactively with school staff if appointments, travel, or family needs might affect attendance.

Every day of school is an opportunity for connection, growth, learning and building the habits that shape futures. At Spencer-Owen Community Schools, we believe every student can thrive with reliable attendance and punctuality, and we're here to partner with your family every step of the way.

The Cloverdale Community School Corporation (CCSC) Board of School Trustees heard a budget presentation Aug. 11 for the 2025-2026 budget, presented by CCSC Superintendent Greg Linton during the board's regular monthly meeting.

"Education, Operation, Debt Service, Pension Bond and Rainy Day are the five funds that we have at Cloverdale Community Schools that we submit to the Department of Local Government Finance (DLGF) for budget approval," Linton explained.

Average daily membership, Linton noted, is what drives the Education portion of the corporation's budget.

"All of the other funds that are listed – if they have revenue going into them – are tax-driven," he said. "Debt, Pension and Operation are the three funds that are tax-driven. The Education fund is driven primarily by attendance and the foundation formula that the state uses to send money to us."

Linton highlighted the fact that CCSC's student enrollment only declined six students between the 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 school years.

"That's not bad for a small rural school district," he said. "Most school districts are losing a higher percentage, so we felt like that was good news for us and our brick-and-mortar school attendance. What was even better for our budget is when you look at Cloverdale Distance Learning Academy, in January 2020 we started with 179 kids, and we ended last year with 2,150 kids. These students are enrolled from across the state of Indiana, and for those students we receive 85-percent funding of the foundation amount of what we receive for our brick-and-mortar kids."

The Education fund, Linton said, is the corporation's largest fund and drives a lot of its financial decisions.

"We've been steadily since 2020 building our cash balance in this (Education) fund," Linton said. "Last year was a good year, and we increased the cash balance in this fund by almost 1.8 million dollars. Some of the assumptions that are used when we build the budget are that efforts will be made to maintain responsible staffing levels for positions that are supported by the Education fund. We budgeted a 10 percent increase for utilities, 15 percent increase for property-casualty insurance and a decline of 12 brick-and-mortar students for this school year. The budget is based off of Cloverdale Distance Learning Academy not growing; we ended last school year with 2,150 students. I think we'll probably exceed that number considerably, but to keep a conservative budget, we (didn't factor in any growth in the CDLA)."

Linton commented on the impact of circuit breaker funds on the corporation's budget. Circuit breaker funds provide financial assistance to public school districts, helping to offset costs. Additionally, property tax caps, often linked to circuit breaker credits, can lead to revenue losses, affecting overall school funding.

"Our Circuit Breaker impact went up substantially, but it's still not very high compared to a lot of neighboring schools who are at $700,000 and $800,000," Linton explained. "Our tax cap is at $177,000, which went up from $72,000 last year, which is still a very manageable number."

Regarding the tax levy, Linton explained, "Our tax levy history has dropped every year since about 2019, and one of the primary indicators for that rate going down is the Owen County and Putnam County assessed value has gone up substantially over the last couple of years. This past year we dropped below $1 to $0.95."

The corporation's Education fund budget is based on 18 months, the last half of 2025 and all of 2026.

"You can see that we are projecting revenue of a little over 40 million dollars," Linton said. "In 2014 it was 14 million dollars, so you can see that things have changed a lot in the last few years at Cloverdale."

Regarding Debt Service, Linton noted "the local property taxes that we know we've got coming in the remainder of this year and all next year is $860,000. You can see our expenditures (total) 2.4 million dollars – that number is substantially higher than what it will actually be because we have the new facility that we are going to start building so we'll sell bonds later this year. We projected that first payment to be $1.25 million, but it will probably be far under that amount. We just want to make sure we cover our expenses on debt payments to our lenders.

Linton requested the board approve a levy of $1,859,917 with a tax rate of a little over $0.58, which is lower than last year when it was over $0.60. "It will actually come in a little lower," he said, "because they (state) always give you a lower rate than what you are asking."

The corporation's Pension bond includes a zero levy and a zero rate.

"The reason we do that is Indiana code will allow you to use your LIT (local income tax) dollars to be able to pay for that so what we do is we use revenue that we already have coming in so that we don't tack on an additional rate to the taxpayer," Linton said. "It's one way that we can lower the tax rate compared to other districts that don't have LIT coming in."

Regarding the corporation's Operations fund, Linton said the corporation's project revenue for the next 18 months will be just under $9 million.

"We're projecting almost 15 million dollars in expenses, which again is most likely much higher than what we will probably spend," he said. "We're requesting a levy in 2026 for $6,494,710.00 with a rate of just a little over $2. Because the Education fund is carrying such a good cash balance, we are able to transfer some of those dollars, up to 15 percent of the revenue that goes into our Education Fund to the Operations fund each year. A month or so ago, we did an additional appropriation for the Education fund in the amount of 2.8 million dollars. Because our Education fund is doing well, it allowed us to transfer into our Operations fund. That 2.8 million dollars will count as an additional expense in the second half of this year so that's one reason the expenditures are at least 2.8 million dollars more than we'll actually spend. I don't anticipate our Operations fund being any higher than it's ever been, but because of that additional appropriation, it will kind of skew our number for the second half of this year."

In summary, Linton told the board, "If you look at our advertised versus our actual rate since 2017, you can see that what we've advertised is always substantially higher, but within reason to what we actually get and 2026 will be no different."

The board approved advertising the budget as presented by Linton. Members of the public also had an opportunity to make comments and discuss their concerns at a public hearing held Aug. 25. The board is expected to move to adopt the 2026 budget at its next regularly scheduled meeting on Sept. 9.

In addition, the board approved the following professional leave, field trip and facility use requests:

Professional leaves
Aug. 13 – Heather Clingan, Indiana State Fair Experience Day, Indianapolis.
Aug. 20 – Ivy Oberkrom, ONT new IIEP system training, ONT.
Aug. 25 – Heather Clingan, MI-BAT mentor training, Hendricks County Fairgrounds.

Field trips
Aug. 13 – FFA, Indiana State Fair, Indianapolis.
Sept. 6 – Emerald Command Marching Band, Brownsburg High School.
Sept. 20 – Emerald Command Marching Band, Greenwood High School.
Sept. 20 – Horticulture Team, Purdue University.
Oct. 4 – Emerald Command Marching Band, Southport High School.

Facility use
July 31 to Aug. 1 – CHS gymnasium, auxiliary gymnasium and café; volleyball team bonding, practice, and lock-in.
Aug. 9 to Sept. 6 – Football field and concession; Cloverdale Community Youth League (CCYL), youth league games, football and cheer.
Aug. 18 – CMS Media Center, CMS PTO; fall meeting.
Sept. 16 – CHS gymnasium, auxiliary gymnasium and café; FFA, District VII Kick-Off.

Additional personnel matters receiving unanimous board approval included:

Resignations
Hannah Beaman – CES instructional aide.

Employment
Courtney Lary – CES medical instructional aide
Kirsten Vaughn – Knoy part-time sub.
Kayla Parrish – Bus driver, full-time.
Rhonda Trueblood – CMS café, part-time.
Patricia Sipes – Café long-term sub.

FMLA
Sara Zaring – deputy treasurer.

Coaching volunteer
Payton Asbury – CHS wrestling coach.

The Cloverdale Community School Board will meet again at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 9 in the Arthur L. Johnson Administration Building, 310 E. Logan St., Cloverdale. Members of the board include Vivian Whitaker, Katrina Lewis, Donna Fidler, Melissa Carrell, Emily Haltom, Joe Mann and Mike Rightmyer II.