News in Brief - Aug 7 '26

Veteran Service Officer earns IDVA accreditation

Phillip Davis, Owen County Veteran Service Officer (CVSO), has achieved official Service Officer Accreditation from the Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs (IDVA).

Davis was presented with an accreditation certificate and a specialized IDVA challenge coin by IDVA Director Jake Adams and agency leadership during the opening of the department’s annual training event at the Johnson County Armory.

The accreditation program is part of a pioneer statewide effort aimed at setting standardized, high-quality support guidelines for County Veteran Service Officers across Indiana. The initiative ensures CVSOs are fully equipped to assist local veterans and their families in navigating complex state and federal benefit systems.

“Achieving accreditation marks a milestone for our County Veteran Service Officers, signifying a new era of service excellence for Indiana’s veterans,” said IDVA Director Jake Adams.

Owen County veterans seeking assistance with claims, benefits, or resources can contact the local CVSO office at 812-829-5158, email phillip.davis@owencounty.in.gov, or visit the state department online at in.gov/dva.

Sew for a cause: Unraveled plans annual Quiltathon

Lace up your sneakers and thread your needles! The Unraveled Quilt Store, located at 381 Fletcher Ave. in Spencer, is hosting its high-stamina Quiltathon starting at 10 a.m. Saturday, August 8, and continuing until 2 a.m., August 9.

Quilters and sewists of all skill levels are invited to set up their machines under a giant outdoor tent in the store’s parking lot for a full 16-hour marathon day of stitching to support local animal rescues.

Participants collect hourly or lump-sum pledges from friends and family prior to the event. A $35 registration fee covers the tent space, plus all-day meals, snacks, and drinks provided by Unraveled, ensuring every dollar raised goes straight to this year’s beneficiaries: Compass Rose Farm Sanctuary and The Sanctuary at Browning Farms. Together, these organizations provide medical care and lifelong safe havens for over 250 rescued farm animals and pets.

Setup begins at 9 a.m., with the official marathon kicking off at 10 a.m. Non-sewists can still get involved by sponsoring a participant or dropping off donations of Friskies wet and dry cat food to help support feed costs.

To reserve your table or learn more about sponsorships, call Unraveled at (812) 821-0309.

Structure work closes portion of U.S. 231

Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) crews recently closed a stretch of U.S. 231 near Spencer to begin a small structure replacement project.

The closure, which took effect in late July, affects U.S. 231 between Hancock School Road and Dunn Road. Work is expected to continue through the end of September, depending on weather conditions.

The official detour route utilizes State Road 46, State Road 59, and State Road 54. Local traffic retains access up to the point of the closure.

INDOT reminds motorists to reduce speeds, exercise extra caution, and stay alert for workers and changing traffic patterns in active construction zones.

Chip seal work underway on S.R. 67

INDOT maintenance crews recently began chip seal operations along State Road 67.

Work has been underway on the stretch of S.R. 67 between U.S. 231 near Gosport and State Road 39 near Martinsville. Motorists traveling through the area should continue to watch for lane closures, loose aggregate, and flagging operations.

The routine maintenance process involves applying liquid asphalt to seal pavement cracks against water damage, followed by a layer of aggregate. Once cured, crews complete the project by fog sealing the driving surface and reapplying permanent pavement markings.

INDOT reminds drivers to use caution, reduce speeds, and stay alert for workers in active work zones.

New OVHS assistant principal

Owen Valley High School (OVHS) has announced the appointment of Dr. Gretchen Morgan as its new assistant principal.

Dr. Morgan brings more than two decades of educational leadership experience to OVHS. She holds a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from Indiana University and has served in various roles across Indiana schools, including as a principal, assistant principal, curriculum director, and classroom teacher.

Throughout her administrative career, Dr. Morgan has focused on leading curriculum initiatives, supporting teacher development, and improving student achievement through collaborative leadership and instructional excellence.

School officials welcomed Dr. Morgan to the Owen Valley High School community, citing her extensive experience and dedication to supporting students, staff, and district families.

S-OCS welcomes new educators

Spencer-Owen Community Schools (S-OCS) kicked off the upcoming academic year by welcoming 18 new teachers and counselors during the district’s New Teacher Orientation.

The day began with opening remarks from Superintendent Andy Cline, who outlined the district’s vision and expectations while emphasizing S-OCS’s commitment to supporting new staff. Throughout the orientation, educators representing the elementary, middle, and high school levels explored curriculum standards, instructional technology, and district resources.

Training sessions were led by Instructional Technology Coordinator Betsy Breedlove, Curriculum Director Matthew Taylor, and Principal/Director of Communications Kris Samick. The Spencer-Owen Education Association (S-OEA) Leadership Team also welcomed the incoming group by providing lunch and gift bags.

District leaders expressed enthusiasm for the new cohort as they prepare to serve local students and school communities in the school year ahead.

Vendors sought for OVPC ‘Harmony Market’

Vendor registration is now open for the second annual “Harmony Market” Vendors Faire and Flea Market, hosted by the Owen Valley High School Choir Boosters.

The event will take place Sept. 12 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the front parking lot at Owen Valley High School. Proceeds from the market directly support the Owen Valley Patriot Choirs (OVPC). Local small businesses, artisans, crafters, and flea market sellers are invited to reserve booth space.

Parking-space-sized vendor spots (approximately 17.5' by 8.5') are available for $25, with additional spots priced at $10 each. Vendor set-up runs from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m., with tear-down from 2 to 4 p.m. Participating vendors will have access to restrooms, a booster-sponsored hospitality area, and volunteer assistance from Patriot Choir members.

Cash, checks, or money orders payable to “OVHS Choir Boosters” can be dropped off at the OVHS main office during normal school hours. Payment and registration must be submitted to secure a spot. The deadline to sign up is Wednesday, Sept. 10.

For additional details, search for the “2nd Annual Harmony Market” event page on Facebook.

CES benefits from POET donation

Cloverdale Elementary School (CES) is expanding its literacy initiatives thanks to a generous $2,000 donation from local bioethanol producer POET Bioprocessing – Cloverdale.

The contribution will be used to purchase books for the school’s book vending machine, an innovative program designed to encourage a love for reading through positive reinforcement and meaningful student rewards.

POET, a global leader in biofuel and sustainable bioproducts, operates a bioprocessing facility in Cloverdale that processes millions of bushels of locally grown corn each year into renewable energy and agricultural co-products. In addition to its agricultural and economic impact in Putnam County, the company maintains an active commitment to supporting local education and community initiatives.

School officials expressed deep gratitude for POET Cloverdale’s partnership and investment in student literacy, noting that community support of this kind plays a vital role in creating inspiring educational opportunities for young readers.

Trail 5 bridge rebuilt at MCSP

A major step in the ongoing recovery at McCormick’s Creek State Park (MCSP) is complete following the reconstruction of the Trail 5 bridge.

The original structure was destroyed in March 2023 when a devastating EF-3 tornado swept through Indiana’s first state park, causing extensive tree and infrastructure damage.

The replacement effort was powered by a coalition of local and statewide partners. The Indiana Parks Alliance contributed $5,000 through its Trails for Tomorrow Fund and facilitated the bridge’s design using a retired DNR engineer to reduce project costs. Key support was also provided by Owen Valley High School students, the Friends of McCormick’s Creek State Park, the Owen County Community Foundation, and numerous community contributors.

While the Wolf Cave parking lot and the initial segment of Trail 5 remain closed, park visitors can now access Wolf Cave via a loop connecting Trail 8 from the Nature Center to Trail 5.

For updates on park access and recovery efforts, visit on.IN.gov/mccormickscreeksp.

Audition for A Christmas Carol in Spencer

Get ready to bring a holiday classic to life! The Owen County Theatre & Arts Alliance is seeking performers of all experience levels for its upcoming production of A Christmas Carol, adapted by Brian Walsh, directed by Stephen Jones, and produced by Jessica Turnbull. A wide variety of principal and ensemble roles are available for actors eager to share this heartwarming story of redemption and holiday cheer.

While not required, actors are strongly encouraged to submit an early virtual audition video featuring a short monologue by Sunday, August 9, to assist the director with pairing candidates for scene readings. Prospective cast members for Tiny Tim, Fezziwig, Mrs. Fezziwig, or a Caroler role should also include a 30-second vocal selection. Email video links directly to octheatreandartsalliance@gmail.com.

In-person auditions will take place at the Historic Tivoli Theatre, located at 24 N. Washington St. in Spencer, on Sunday, August 23, from 5 to 7 p.m. and Monday, August 24, from 6 to 8 p.m. Attendees should bring a current headshot.

Following a full cast read-through on August 30, mandatory rehearsals begin November 2, leading up to tech week and performance dates running December 3 through December 6. Contact the theater alliance at owencountycivictheatre@gmail.com for audition forms and complete details.