News in Brief

OV's Aubrey Sparks earns All-Star honors

Incoming Owen Valley High School junior Aubrey Sparks put on a strong performance at the 18th Annual Indiana Girls All-Star Basketball Classic hosted at Anderson University.

The multi-game event showcases the state's top underclassmen, dividing standout freshmen and sophomores into multiple matchups. Sparks made her mark in Game 3 of the showcase—a Futures game featuring Class of 2028 and 2029 prospects. Playing for Team Red, the 5-foot-7 shooting guard scored 26 points, with 21 of those coming in the first half alone. Her offensive performance led her team and earned her Co-Most Outstanding Future Player honors for the game alongside Angola's Kendal Vanderwal, who finished with 25 points.

OV Bass Fishing Team nets third place state finish

The Owen Valley Patriots bass fishing team reeled in massive success at the 2026 State Championship, capping off an outstanding season with a third-place overall team finish. This stellar performance marks Owen Valley's fifth top three state finish within the last nine years, further cementing the program's reputation as one of the most consistent and talented high school angling powerhouses in Indiana.

The Patriots found plenty of action on the water with several standout individual performances. The duo of Louis Barnes and Carsyn Wheeler delivered a strong showing to capture fourth place overall in the tournament. Adding to the team's historic run, Austin Boltinghouse and Bryson Hamilton finished in second place in the highly competitive State Angler of the Year points race.

Boltinghouse and Hamilton's remarkable season-long consistency has earned them an elite bid to compete at the National Championship on Kentucky Lake this month (July). Their qualification marks the second consecutive year that OV has successfully advanced a team to the national tournament stage. Program organizers expressed deep gratitude to the parents and dedicated volunteer boat captains whose extensive travel commitments and support made the memorable 2026 championship season possible.

First Annual Patriot Invitational boys' soccer tournament

Local soccer fans are in for an action-packed evening as Owen Valley High School hosts its First Annual Patriot Soccer Invitational on Saturday, July 18. Presented by Anthony's Lawn Care, Tree Removal and Landscaping, all tournament matchups will take place at Patriot Field (the Owen Valley High School varsity field) located at 622 S.R. 46 in Spencer.

The tournament kicks off with game one at 5 p.m., featuring a matchup between host Owen Valley and Seven Oaks Classical School. Immediately following, game two will see Eastern Greene face off against South Vermillion at 6:15 p.m. The action continues into the evening with the consolation round, as the losers of the first two games compete in game three at 7:30 p.m. The invitational concludes with the championship matchup in game four at 8:45 p.m., where the winners of game one and game two will battle it out for the tournament title.

Admission to the entire event is completely free for all spectators, and concessions will be available for purchase throughout the evening. Anyone with questions regarding the tournament is encouraged to reach out to coach Stephen Jones at 812-679-8533.

CHS grad dominates in Prospect League opener

Former Cloverdale High School (CHS) standout Drake Hoffa is making a major impression on the summer baseball circuit. The 2025 Clovers graduate, who currently plays collegiate baseball as a right-handed pitcher for Vincennes University, was recently honored as the Prospect League's ArmCare.com Pitcher of the Week for the opening week of the 2026 season.

Suiting up for the Danville Dans, Hoffa put together a dominant stretch on the mound from May 26 to June 1. Over the course of two game appearances, the local product logged six complete innings pitched while giving up zero hits and zero walks. Hoffa completely stifled opposing batters, racking up ten strikeouts and earning a perfect 2-0 record alongside a flawless 0.00 ERA to guide the Dans through a successful opening week of play.

OVMS summer football workouts

Middle school athletes looking to hit the gridiron this upcoming season can now prepare for the Owen Valley Middle School (OVMS) summer football program.

Activities will begin with equipment distribution during pad pickup on July 7 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Following equipment distribution, official summer workouts are scheduled to begin July 14. These training sessions will regularly take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

To participate in any of the scheduled sessions, all student-athletes must have a completed physical form on file with the school. For more details or questions regarding the summer workout schedule, please contact the OVMS athletic department at 812-829-2249.

OVSC celebrates successful season

League organizers, coaches and families are celebrating the conclusion of another highly successful youth baseball and softball season at the Owen Valley Sports Complex (OVSC) in Spencer. Despite battling a mix of summer rainouts, high temperatures and plenty of mosquitoes, the 2026 league season successfully crossed the finish line thanks to the dedication of local players, volunteer coaches, umpires and supportive parents. Organizers expressed deep gratitude to the community and local sponsors whose commitment keeps Owen Valley youth sports thriving each year.

The tournament brackets wrapped up with thrilling championship games across multiple age divisions. In the 12U leagues, Languell Title Company captured the baseball championship title over finalist Lifeway Baptist, while HomeTeam Properties secured the softball crown against finalist OC Rentals. The 10U division saw Tucker Paving claim the baseball championship with Elite Auto finishing as the finalist, while OCSB (Owen County State Bank) took home the softball title ahead of finalist BBP Water Corporation.

The competitive spirit continued through the younger divisions on the diamond. In 8U play, Mason Private Locating won the baseball championship over finalist Truesdel Heating, Cooling & Maintenance and General Interior earned the softball title over finalist JSR.

Finally, in the 6U division, Pete's Economy Muffler finished as the baseball champion with Bone Dry taking the finalist spot, while Valley Optical secured the softball championship over finalist Pfeiffer's Auto Repair.

League officials congratulated all the young athletes on their hard work and sportsmanship, wishing everyone a safe summer before returning to the ballpark next season.

Spencer Lions offer free Summer Food Service Program

The Spencer Lions Club has officially launched its annual Summer Food Service Program, which will run weekdays through July 31. Healthy lunch meals are served on a first-come, first-served basis from noon to 1 p.m. at the Lester F. Litten Community Building, located at 59 N. Main St. in Spencer.

The program provides free meals to all children aged 18 and under. Free admission to the meal service is also extended to individuals over the age of 18 who are enrolled in a state-approved educational program for the mentally or physically disabled. For all other adults wishing to eat, meals are available for purchase at $3 each.

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, meals are identical for all participants, and discrimination of any kind is strictly prohibited during the service. For more details, general questions or regulatory information regarding the program, community members can contact Lion Charlotte Query at 812-829-4496.

MCSP to celebrate 110th anniversary

McCormick's Creek State Park (MCSP) is gearing up for a historic dual celebration this July 4th, marking both Independence Day and the park's 110th anniversary. Dedicated on July 4, 1916, as a centerpiece of Indiana's centennial celebration, MCSP holds a proud legacy as Indiana's very first state park.

The site's rich history dates back to 1816, when it was first settled by John McCormick after serving as a shared hunting ground for Native American tribes. Over the decades, the park evolved from a popular local picnic spot into a protected natural treasure, aimed at preserving its scenic limestone canyon, native resources and waterfalls. Its historic landmarks tell a story of their own: the park's beloved Canyon Inn originally opened in 1888 as a sanitarium founded by Dr. Frederick Denkewalter, while much of the enduring stone infrastructure, iconic arch bridge, shelters and 90-foot fire tower were constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) during the 1930s.

The upcoming anniversary highlights the park's centuries-long role as a vital outdoor landmark. While recovery and trail restoration efforts continue following a damaging tornado in March 2023, the park remains open for a full lineup of celebratory, family-friendly events.

Visitors on July 4 can participate in park activities starting with an all-day Red, White and Blue Scavenger Hunt hosted at the Nature Center.

Later in the morning, the Nature Center will also host a patriotic crafting session titled "Nature's Fireworks" starting at 11 a.m.

The festivities will conclude in the evening with a guided night hike called "O'Say" Can You See a Firefly, which departs from the Canyon Inn at 9:30 p.m. to look for summer's natural light display.

Park visitors are invited to come out, participate in the activities and explore the history and outdoor heritage that have defined Indiana's state park system for 110 years.

Standard daily gate admission fees apply, which are $7 per vehicle for vehicles with in-state license plates and $15 per vehicle for out-of-state visitors. Valid Indiana State Park annual entrance passes ($50 for residents, $120 for non-residents) or a Golden Hoosier Passport ($25) will also grant full admission to the park and the day's activities.

New playgrounds inside MCSP

Playgrounds at Deer Run and Pine Bluff inside McCormick's Creek State Park east of Spencer are among the 43 playground updates that are being installed across Indiana State Parks.

These playground updates are made possible as part of a $50 million grant awarded to the Indiana DNR by Lilly Endowment Inc. in 2024. The grant is being used for a variety of enhancements at Indiana State Parks, including $11 million invested into playgrounds.

The new playgrounds provide updated equipment and improved accessibility. Sixteen playground installations have already been completed, five more will be complete by early June, and the remainder will be completed by fall 2026. An updated playground is also planned for Sunny Acres inside nearby Lieber State Recreation Area.

This historic investment is an important part of the statewide effort to enhance outdoor recreation opportunities and improve accessibility across DNR properties, reflecting DNR's commitment to ensuring that all Hoosiers have the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors.

SWCD Riverfront Restoration Project accelerates

The Owen County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) has announced that phase one of its highly anticipated Riverfront Restoration Project has been a major success.

According to SWCD Executive Director Tammy Bingham, the initial phase accomplished all its targeted goals, successfully stabilizing a key area along the White River that had been eroding for decades and threatening both Cooper Commons and the MYPath Riverfront Trail.

The initial $100,000 Lake and River Enhancement (LARE) construction grant was awarded in 2024 to control severe erosion and flooding along the riverbank. This critical work was made possible through a Community Investment Grant from the Owen County Community Foundation, which successfully inspired matching funds from both the Spencer Town Council and the Owen County Council. Completed in December 2025, the initial repairs have proven durable and have been highly praised by the community.

Following a six-month assessment period to evaluate the project's durability, impact and local reception, the SWCD is officially moving forward with the next phases of the restoration. Bingham announced she has secured a $55,000 LARE design grant to engineer solutions for additional critically unstable sites along the river.

Once these designs are approved, the district will apply for a subsequent LARE construction grant. Thanks to the initial local and state investments, a project timeline originally projected to take seven years—and later reduced to four—is now on track to be completed in just two years, preserving the vital natural resource for future generations.

WOW 2026 Women's Conference

The Christian Life Center, located at 157 S. Montgomery St. in Spencer, will host the WOW 2026 "Dancing in the Rain" Women Of the Word event from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, July 11.

This year's featured guest speaker is Tara Dickson—author, podcaster and Director of Education for Heart Christian Academy. After losing her husband in 2016, Dickson turned her personal journey of grief into a mission of hope, which she now shares through her podcast Seek and Savor and her devotional book Let All the Weary World Rejoice.

The day promises an uplifting lineup of music, singing, local speakers, praise and prayer. A $20 donation is requested for each participant, which includes a goodie bag, a book, snacks and lunch. Attendees are also welcome to bring a young lady along for free (though she must still be registered).

Registration applications can be sent to Shiloh Wesley Chapel UMC, P.O. Box 554, Spencer, IN 47460. For more information, contact wells.bdmd@yahoo.com.

Employer Partnership Exchange event is July 14

Local business owners, managers, HR professionals and skilled trade employers are invited to help shape the next generation of local employees at the upcoming Employer Partnership Exchange. The event will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on July 14 at Owen Valley High School, located at 622 S.R. 46 in Spencer. Attendees are asked to use the building's back entrance, and a complimentary lunch will be provided.

The exchange acts as a direct bridge connecting area employers with schools to develop graduation-aligned, work-based learning (WBL) opportunities. During the session, business leaders will receive a comprehensive overview of the high school's WBL program, including an explanation of required graduation seals, student hour requirements and the various experience pathways available such as internships, apprenticeships, career mentorship and job shadowing.

The interactive meeting will allow participating businesses to complete a Letter of Interest, identify specific work-based learning designations they want to offer and ask questions regarding program expectations and support. School representatives will also be on hand to help employers schedule follow-up meetings to develop individualized student engagement pathways that address local workforce demands.

Organizers ask that all interested industry partners RSVP for the event by July 3. For more information or to secure a spot, community members can contact Marce Johnson at 812-829-3245 or via email at exchange@myowencountychamber.com. Alternatively, inquiries can be directed to Jake Steinmetz at 812-829-2266 or jsteinmetz@socs.k12.in.us.

Free 'Adulting 101' virtual series for young adults

Are you a young adult or recent high school graduate ready to take on independent living with confidence? Purdue University Extension is hosting Adulting 101: Embracing Independence, a free four-part virtual series designed to teach you essential, practical life skills. This valuable series will help participants bridge the gap between graduation and full self-sufficiency by tackling everyday challenges that everyone eventually faces.

The interactive sessions will take place on consecutive Tuesdays from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. via Zoom, starting on July 21 with a dual focus on self-care and car care. The following week, on July 28, participants will learn vital quick meals, kitchen tips and household tips. On Aug. 4, financial advisor Justin Campbell will lead a crucial discussion on personal finances, and the series will wrap up on Aug. 11 with strategies to protect your digital self, alongside basic interview skills.

Advance registration is required to access the virtual meetings. To secure your spot or to learn more, contact Beth Evans by calling 574-235-9605 or emailing bevans4@purdue.edu. Please note that anyone in need of special accommodations to attend this program should contact Evans by July 7.

Tivoli plans 'Summer Send-Off'

Say goodbye to the season in style! The Historic Tivoli Theatre in downtown Spencer is hosting a jam-packed "Summer Send-Off" event Aug. 1 featuring cars, live concerts and cinema. Attendees are encouraged to bring a lawn chair and settle in for a full day of community fun.

The festivities kick off with a car show hosted by the B-Town Dub Club from 1 to 5 p.m., concluding with an awards ceremony from 4:30 to 5 p.m. Both the car show and the awards are completely free to the public.

Music lovers can enjoy free live concerts from 2 to 5:30 p.m. (with a brief intermission for the car awards). The stage will feature country tunes from Zach N Den alongside classic rock sets from the 46 Drifters.

For moviegoers, the Tivoli will also host two indoor screenings of Spider-Man: Brand New Day at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Regular admission ticket prices apply for the cinema screenings at $7, $5 and $3.

Registration open for MYPath 5K Run/Walk

Fitness enthusiasts and community supporters are invited to grab their friends and hit the trail for the upcoming MYPath 5K Run/Walk. The event is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 12, kicking off at 8:30 a.m. at the Owen County Fairgrounds in Spencer.

Participants will enjoy a picturesque route that begins and ends at the fairgrounds, winding through the grounds, looping through Cooper Commons and showcasing the natural beauty of the MYPath trail itself.

Registration for the event is $25 per person, which includes a commemorative event t-shirt. All proceeds raised from the run/walk will directly support the ongoing maintenance and future extensions of the MYPath trail system. Interested participants can sign up online ahead of time at bit.ly/MYPath5K.