News in Brief - Nov 6 '26

Patriot Band & Guard Senior Send-Off, Community Night

The community is invited to pack the stands and celebrate the Semi-State Finalist and Gold Rated Patriot Band & Guard during their Senior Send-Off and Community Night on Nov. 6 at 6 p.m. at Patriot Field, Owen Valley High School. The evening will feature senior recognition and the band’s final home turf performance of their marching show, "Scorched," along with energetic pep tunes.

Attendees can enjoy a full lineup of family-friendly activities, including interactive games like a Drumline Showdown, Color Guard Challenge, "So You Think You Can March?" and a band-themed selfie station. Food available for purchase includes chili, hot dogs, chili dogs, chips, baked goods, and drinks. The event will also feature raffles with prizes donated by local businesses, as well as the chance to take home marching history with uniforms, flags, and show shirts available.

There is a suggested donation of $10 for adults (student admission is free) at the door, with all proceeds directly supporting the local band program. Everyone is welcome to attend. For questions, contact dcramer@socs.k12.in.us.

Annual NBPRC Fall Fundraiser Banquet

Community members are invited to mark their calendars for the New Beginnings Pregnancy Resource Center’s (NBPRC) Annual Fall Fundraiser Banquet, themed "Lasso Life," taking place Nov. 12 at the Abram Farm Event Venue east of Spencer. Doors open at 6 p.m., with dinner served shortly after at 6:10 p.m. Guests will enjoy a delicious catered meal featuring pulled pork, macaroni and cheese, green beans, coleslaw, and dessert.

This year’s event features keynote speaker Heather Lawless, founder and CEO of Reliance Ministries. A national speaker, leadership coach, and author of “We Do Talk About It,” Lawless has spent over a decade equipping leaders and restoring hope to families in crisis. Her passionate work is deeply rooted in her personal story of redemption and faith, driving programs that offer holistic healthcare, maternity housing, fatherhood mentorship, and job training.

Admission to the banquet is complimentary, though seating is limited and honored on a first-come, first-served basis. Dress for the evening is business casual, though guests are welcome to wear boots and jeans to embrace the rustic "Lasso Life" theme. To reserve your seat, call 812-829-2229, email director.nbcpc@gmail.com, or visit online at newbeginningsowen.org.

Annual Tri Kappa Christmas Bazaar

Community members are invited to jump-start their holiday shopping during the Annual Tri Kappa Christmas Bazaar on Saturday, Nov. 14. The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Owen Valley Middle School, 626 S.R. 46W, in Spencer.

Attendees can gather with friends and family to shop a variety of local craft and gift vendors. In addition to holiday shopping, a delicious buffet lunch will be available for attendees to enjoy.

MCSP to close for deer management hunts

McCormick’s Creek State Park (MCSP) will temporarily close to the general public this November and December to facilitate two scheduled deer management hunts. These firearms-only hunts are conducted by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to reduce overbrowsing and protect the park’s natural vegetation.

To ensure public safety, the park will close to all non-hunting visitors starting at 8 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 15, and reopen at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 18, for the first hunt period. The park will close a second time at 8 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 29, and reopen at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 2, following the conclusion of the second hunt.

For drawn participants, the hunts will take place on Nov. 16–17 and Nov. 30–Dec. 1, with daily hours running from one-half hour before sunrise until 4 p.m. An informational open house for hunters will be held at 4 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 6, at the park’s Nature Center. Hunters must enter and exit through the Main Gate off State Road 46 while presenting a photo ID and valid hunting license. All harvested deer must be brought to the service area check station by 5 p.m. for biological data collection before leaving.

Participants may take up to three deer per hunt period, with a maximum of one antlered deer. This is strictly a firearms-only hunt, meaning archery equipment and crossbows are prohibited. Full hunter orange gear, including a head covering and outer garment, must be worn at all times.

OVCF to host free Community Thanksgiving Meal

Owen Valley Christian Fellowship (OVCF) will host a Free Community Thanksgiving Meal on Thursday, Nov. 26, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The in-person gathering will take place at the Spencer Lions Club, located at 59 N. Main St. in Spencer.

In addition to dine-in seating, delivery and curbside pickup options will be available while supplies last. Anyone requesting delivery or curbside pickup is asked to call 812-828-9840 by Monday, Nov. 23 to place an order.

OCCC to host "Jumanji" themed Small Business Saturday

The Owen County Chamber of Commerce (OCCC) is bringing a jungle-themed adventure to local shopping for Small Business Saturday on Saturday, Nov. 28. Community members can support local Chamber member businesses while competing for over $400 in local gift cards.

Shoppers can earn raffle tickets towards local gift cards by making purchases at participating Chamber member businesses and leaving online Google reviews for local merchants. Each saved receipt and completed review counts as an entry.

To collect raffle tickets, participants must bring their receipts and proof of Google reviews to the Chamber office, located at 120 S. Main St. in Spencer, between Monday, Nov. 30 and Wednesday, Dec. 2. While at the office, shoppers will get a chance to roll the "Jumanji" dice for bonus prize entries, including a shot at a $100 gift card. All prize drawings will take place on Thursday, Dec. 3.

For more information, a list of participating Chamber members, or event details, call 812-829-3245 or visit myowencountychamber.com.

Marce Johnson named Ivy Tech 2026 Distinguished Alumna

Owen County Chamber of Commerce (OCCC) Executive Director and CEO Marce Johnson has been honored as Ivy Tech Community College Bloomington’s 2026 Distinguished Alumna. Johnson, alongside Benefactors of the Year Connie and Steve Ferguson, was celebrated at a statewide Ivy Tech Foundation ceremony in Indianapolis.

The Distinguished Alumni Award is the college’s highest honor for graduates, recognizing individuals who have made a lasting impact through professional achievement, community leadership, and philanthropic dedication. Since taking leadership of the Owen County Chamber of Commerce, Johnson has championed local small businesses, expanded workforce opportunities, and fostered key partnerships to drive economic development and improve quality of life across the region.

Reflecting on the honor, Johnson credited the college with reshaping her trajectory.

"Ivy Tech opened a door I thought had closed and helped me find a path forward," Johnson said. "It gave me the confidence, skills, and opportunities that changed the trajectory of my life. Thank you, Ivy Tech, for believing in people, investing in our communities, and continuing to open doors for so many."

Matching grant opportunity triples donations

Donors have an opportunity to triple their support for the community. Through the Lilly Endowment’s GIFT IX initiative, every $1 donated to a new or existing Community Impact Fund at the Owen County Community Foundation (OCCF) will be matched with $2 through June 2028.

These Community Impact Funds support local needs today while establishing a lasting investment for future generations. Past contributions have directly funded community initiatives, such as a Large Impact Grant awarded in May 2024 to La Campagne Ministries for the Boys & Girls Owen County Club launch. That grant funded facility upgrades, including a new furnace, air conditioning, and windows, allowing the site to host over 200 members with a safe, engaging space for local youth.

Residents interested in making a matched contribution or viewing a list of eligible funds can visit bit.ly/OCCFcommunityfunds.

Book Buddies at S-OCS

Thanks to a generous grant from the Owen County Community Foundation (OCCF), kindergarten students across Spencer-Owen Community Schools (S-OCS) are discovering the joy of reading through the impactful Book Buddies program.

Each month, dedicated volunteer readers visit every kindergarten classroom across the district to share an inspiring story. A key highlight of the program is its emphasis on positive male role models, showing young learners that reading is for everyone while boosting literacy skills and building confidence.

To make the experience even more special, every kindergarten student receives a personal copy of the featured monthly book to take home and add to their home library. S-OCS recently took to social media to recognize and thank dedicated volunteer Book Buddies Bill Grandi (Spencer and Gosport elementary schools), Ryan East (McCormick's Creek Elementary School), and Larry Hensley (Patricksburg Elementary School) for their time and commitment.

CCSC students selected for IBA Honor Bands

Six Cloverdale Community School Corporation (CCSC) students have been selected to perform with the Indiana Bandmasters’ Association (IBA) Honor Bands this year.

Melanie Elison was selected for the All-District Honor Band, playing clarinet.

Five students were named to the All-Region Honor Band: Brooke Stwalley on flute, Patrick Hennis on clarinet, Myles Sawyer on alto saxophone, Addison Mustaine on baritone saxophone, and Zanna Caldwell on euphonium.

Both honor ensembles will showcase their talents during a special concert scheduled for November.

Indianapolis Colts’ mascot visits CES

Students at Cloverdale Elementary School (CES) recently enjoyed an action-packed morning as “Blue,” the official mascot of the Indianapolis Colts, visited the school to present "Blue’s Chaos Lab."

The interactive educational event brought real-world science concepts to life through hands-on experiments, interactive demonstrations, trick shots, and even a hovercraft ride. Students participated in energetic games and contests alongside the NFL mascot, filling the gymnasium with Colts spirit and laughter.

‘Holiday Quilts at the Creek’

The Friends of McCormick’s Creek State Park and Unraveled Quilt Store are joining forces to present "Holiday Quilts at the Creek" on Saturday, Dec. 12. The display will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Canyon Inn inside McCormick's Creek State Park.

Visitors can view a variety of holiday-themed quilts and creative fiber projects on display throughout the inn. Awards for first, second, and third place in each category will be decided by a public vote, with voting tickets available for purchase at $5 for six tickets.

Quilt makers interested in exhibiting their work can enter for a $5 fee per entry. Projects must be dropped off between Saturday, Nov. 14, and Saturday, Dec. 5, at Unraveled Quilt Store, located at 381 N. Fletcher Ave. in Spencer. For rules, questions, or details on how to participate, call Unraveled Quilt Store at 812-821-0309.

2026 Merry Meter Contest

Spencer Main Street is calling on local residents, families, organizations, and businesses to get into the holiday spirit and help make the historic Owen County Courthouse square merry and bright for the annual Christmas at the Square celebration. The popular Merry Meter Contest invites participants of all kinds to transform the town's parking meter poles into creative, festive holiday displays. Entry is open to everyone, including individuals, classrooms, clubs, and local businesses, for a $10 fee per meter that directly supports Spencer Main Street, Inc.

Participants can begin installing their creations on Saturday, Nov. 28, with all meter décor required to be completely finished by 12 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 5. Decorators are asked to keep designs fun, festive, and strictly holiday-themed without any political messaging. To ensure safety and preservation, decorations must not use direct adhesives like glue or tape on the poles, must not exceed four feet in total width or three feet above the meter head, and must be securely fastened against winter winds.

Contest awards include a $50 People’s Choice prize judged on Dec. 5, as well as a $50 Judge’s Choice prize selected by an impartial judge no later than Dec. 8. All display materials must remain up through the holiday season and be removed by Jan. 9, 2027.

To reserve a meter pole and sign up online, visit https://wix.to/uTM7JBo. For general questions or to register by check, reach out to Sachi at sachi.sometimes@gmail.com or send mail to Spencer Main Street, PO Box 540, Spencer, IN 47460.