News in Brief

Primary Election Vote Centers

Early voting for the 2026 Primary Election ends at noon on May 4 at the Owen County Courthouse in Spencer.

The 2026 Primary Election will take place Tuesday, May 5, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. at each of the seven local vote center locations. Vote centers will be located at:

Faith Baptist Church (11612 S.R. 243, Cloverdale)

Family of God Church (2018 S.R. 67N, Spencer)

Clay Township Fire Department (5663 S.R. 43, Spencer)

Freedom Community Center (5552 Freedom-Arney Rd., Freedom)

Jefferson Baptist Church (4019 Main St., Coal City)

Garrard Chapel Church (7410 W. S.R. 46, Bowling Green)

Christian Life Center (152 E. Clay St., Spencer)

Registered voters can choose to cast their ballot at any one of the seven vote centers, regardless of the precinct in which they reside. All vote center locations are handicap accessible and help will be available for anyone who needs assistance due to vision loss or who may require non-English speaking materials.

For more information, call the Owen County Election Office at 812-829-5028.

INDOT begins sidewalk project

Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) contractor Crider & Crider, Inc. recently began a sidewalk improvement project along U.S. 231 in Freedom.

The project is taking place between County Road 550 West and Freedom Road and is expected to be completed in late July, weather permitting. During the project, a 10-foot lane width restriction will be in effect on northbound and southbound U.S. 231.

This project is part of a $2.6 million contract awarded to Crider & Crider in February 2026.

Drainage improvements along 231

Elsewhere, INDOT contractor Crider and Crider, Inc. was scheduled to begin a drainage improvement project on U.S. 231 on or after April 27, south of Spencer.

The project will take place on U.S. 231 between Old Highway 67 and Goose Creek Rd. and is expected to be complete in late July, weather permitting. During the project, a 10-foot lane width limit will be in effect on northbound and southbound U.S. 231.

This project is part of a $2.6 million contract awarded to Crider & Crider in February 2026.

INDOT reminds drivers to slow down, use extra caution, and avoid distractions when traveling in and near work zones. All work is weather-dependent, and schedules are subject to change.

Teacher of the Year award finalist

Kristen Portteus, a teacher at Owen Valley High School (OVHS), has been selected as one of just nine finalists for the Indianapolis Indians Teacher of the Year Award.

The Indianapolis Indians' Teacher of the Year program shines a spotlight on outstanding educators who go above and beyond by inspiring students, strengthening their communities, and truly making a difference in the classroom each and every day. For decades, teacher recognition programs like this have celebrated educators who elevate the profession and impact students far beyond school walls.

Ms. Portteus represents the best of OVHS: passion, dedication, and a commitment to helping every student succeed.

Be sure to cheer her on as she is recognized on the field at Victory Field in Indianapolis before the Indianapolis Indians' game on Saturday, May 9.

State Parks offer free admission May 3

Celebrate the start of the outdoor recreation season with free admission to all Indiana State Parks properties on Sunday, May 3, the second day of Welcome Weekend.

Find an Indiana State Parks property and see what's new at on.IN.gov/stateparks. If you've never visited, on.IN.gov/dnr-welcome offers helpful tips.

"To longtime visitors and brand-new visitors alike, we warmly welcome everyone to the parks," said Brandt Baughman, Director of Indiana State Parks. "Our parks offer beautiful natural getaways, camping under the stars, healthy outdoor activities, and delicious dining and restful lodging at our inns."

Many activities are on tap for the weekend, including full moon hikes, scavenger hunts, cloud watching, and more. All Indiana State Parks programs and events during Welcome Weekend and beyond are listed at calendar.dnr.IN.gov and on each property's Facebook page.

MCSP awarded grant funds

The Indiana Parks Alliance (IPA) recently awarded nearly $20,000 in grants to 11 Indiana State Park Friends' groups, including McCormick's Creek State Park. Nine grants totaling $14,850 are being given through IPA's Tom Hohman Project Grants Fund. Two trail-related grants are being awarded with a total of $5,000 in Trails for Tomorrow funds. These grants, when paired with local Friends' fundraising, will result in projects that benefit property visitors and state parks' natural/historic resources.

The 2026 grants include:

Brown County State Park – Benches for planned firetower plaza.

Charlestown State Park – Carsonite trail markers and identifying signs for bridges (Trails for Tomorrow funds).

Clifty Falls State Park – Filtered water fill station and fountain.

Falls of the Ohio State Park – New carpet for wildlife viewing room.

Harmonie State Park – Trail development around campground fishing pond.

McCormick's Creek State Park – New stone and step repairs for Trail 3 from the Canyon Inn to the falls (Trails for Tomorrow funds).

Mississinewa Lake – Tree replacement due to flooding.

Mounds State Park – Plant restoration on the Great Mound.

Shakamak State Park – Installation of a tri-county interpretive sign and a boardwalk to access the location.

Turkey Run State Park – Wildlife feeding area improvements.

Versailles State Park – Native plants for wildlife viewing area and sign installation.

Free fishing days for 2026

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources has announced free fishing days for 2026. On select days each year, Indiana residents can fish the state's public waters without a fishing license or a trout/salmon stamp.

This year's Free Fishing Days will be on May 10, June 6 & 7, and Sept. 26.

For anglers who fish year-round, remember that annual licenses and stamp privileges from last season expired on March 31.

Purchase your 2026 license online, in person, or by mail. For more information, visit in.gov/dnr/fish-and-wildlife/fishing/free-fishing-days.

Speed limit changed in Coal City

The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) approved a township request to reduce the speed limit in Coal City. Late last year, an INDOT crew replaced the 35 mph signs with 30 mph signs. This is an effort to slow down traffic though the town, particularly with three families living on State Road 157 with young children.