News In Brief September 18 Edition
Important property tax information for seniors
Qualifying Indiana seniors may be eligible for two valuable property-tax relief options for taxes payable in 2027. The Over 65 Credit provides an annual property-tax credit of up to $150. Additionally, the Over 65 Circuit Breaker Credit generally limits year-over-year homestead property-tax liability increases to two percent, including increases resulting from referendums, after other applicable credits are applied.
Income limits for the Over 65 Circuit Breaker Credit are set at $61,680 or less for single taxpayers and $71,960 or less for married couples filing jointly, based on 2025 federal AGI. Recent legislative updates removed the previous $240,000 assessed-value cap, and eligible taxpayers are permitted to receive both senior benefits simultaneously.
These property-tax credits are not applied automatically. Seniors who meet all eligibility requirements must submit State Form 43708 to their county auditor by Jan. 15, 2027. Local residents can reach the Owen County Auditor's Office in Spencer by calling 812-829-5000.
Patriot Touchdown Club scores $1,000 mini-grant
The Owen County Community Foundation (OCCF) recently awarded a $1,000 Board of Directors Mini-Grant to the Patriot Touchdown Club, a local booster organization supporting the Owen Valley Football Program.
Presented by OCCF Board of Directors member Marcus Robinson, the mini-grant will help fund new equipment and gear for the team, as well as team-bonding events that foster camaraderie among the players throughout the season.
OCCF awards Rapid Response Grants
Recent funding from the Owen County Community Foundation (OCCF) is bringing new energy to local arts and youth sports through a pair of Rapid Response Grants.
The Owen County Art Guild (OCAG) received a $1,000 grant to successfully transform a storage area into a bright, clean room ready to house essential art supplies. Guild representatives expressed deep appreciation for the OCCF's ongoing commitment to local culture, noting that the upgrade lays the groundwork for numerous upcoming projects and community art initiatives. With physical improvements completed, the OCAG looks forward to stocking shelves and welcoming members to create new works that enrich the region's artistic landscape.
Additionally, youth sports received a boost as the Spencer First Church of the Nazarene was awarded a $500 grant to support its Upward Soccer program. Designed to give local kids a fun, low-pressure environment to learn and play, the program provides an accessible recreational option for area families.
Gosport Town Park updates
New improvements are now visible throughout Gosport Town Park, made possible by a 2026 Community Investment Grant. Earlier this year, the Owen County Community Foundation (OCCF) awarded a $5,000 grant dedicated to installing new trash receptacles and benches.
The additions are part of an ongoing initiative to revitalize the park, helping to keep the grounds clean and providing comfortable seating for families and residents.
Local crafters stitch hope, warmth at OCPL
Community members looking to unwind, make new friends, and give back to the local area gather for the Knit and Crochet Club every Thursday at 10 a.m. at the Owen County Public Library (OCPL) in Spencer.
This dedicated group meets weekly to craft cozy hats, scarves, mittens, gloves, socks, and blankets for local school students and neighbors in need. Their hard work recently caught the attention of Cloverdale Community Schools, which expressed gratitude on social media, writing, "Thank you to this close 'knit' group of ladies, including our very own Kathleen Glaser (retired middle school counselor), who knitted 100 hats to donate to Cloverdale Clothe-a-Child. What a great way to give back to the children of our community!"
Participants are encouraged to bring their own supplies, enjoy coffee, tea, and snacks, and put leftover yarn to good use. While formal instruction is not currently available, all experienced knitters and crocheters looking for a welcoming, positive space to craft are invited to attend.
Tenderloin clash at Cataract Lake
The Cataract Lake Country Market will host the Indiana Tenderloin Challenge on Saturday, Sept. 19, bringing together local restaurants to compete for bragging rights and a coveted state title.
Competitors will prepare their signature pork tenderloins on-site as they vie for a $1,000 cash prize. Participating restaurants can reserve competition space for a $100 registration fee, which is fully refundable upon arrival and participation in the contest.
Community members and food enthusiasts are invited to attend and watch the culinary action unfold. Additional details about the event and the Cataract Lake Country Market, located at 2831 N. Cataract Rd., Spencer, are available online at www.cataractlake.com or on the market's Facebook page.
Paranormal presentation coming to OCPL
Are you brave enough to step inside one of Indiana’s most notoriously haunted landmarks?
On Thursday, Sept. 24 at 6 p.m., the Owen County Public Library (10 S. Montgomery St., Spencer) will host a spine-chilling, must-see event: "Paranormal Presentation: Randolph County Asylum History and Hauntings."
Presented by Spirit Indiana Paranormal Investigators, the 45-minute lecture dives deep into the grim history and active haunts of the 1899 Randolph County Asylum and Infirmary in Winchester, IN. Attendees will uncover the tragic stories of former residents, the site's dark past, including a shocking historic murder committed on the grounds, and exclusive audio and visual evidence gathered during recent 2025 and 2026 field investigations.
The event concludes with an interactive Q&A session, giving locals a chance to ask the investigators their burning questions. Whether you are a history buff or a seeker of the supernatural, this is an evening you won't want to miss.
Free fishing and youth hunt days
Indiana residents have upcoming opportunities to experience the state's outdoor traditions without a license, starting with the year's final Free Fishing Day on Sept. 26. On this date, all Hoosiers can fish public waters across the state without purchasing a fishing license or state stamp, an accessible way to try the sport at local city parks and urban fishing spots stocked by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
Young hunters will also have one last chance to get out in the field this season during the final Free Youth Hunting Days on Nov. 28–29. Indiana residents 17 or younger can hunt any legal game in season, such as deer, quail, and waterfowl, without a license, HIP number, or state stamp (though Federal Duck Stamps are still required for those 16 or older hunting waterfowl). Participating youth must be accompanied by an adult who is at least 18 years old and holds a valid hunting license. Accompanying adults must remain close enough to provide direct supervision and instruction; they may help call game, but they cannot carry a firearm or harvest game themselves.
For full details on guidelines and regulations, visit on.IN.gov/youth-hunts.
Owen-Putnam State Forest plans open house
The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will host an open house at the Owen-Putnam State Forest (OPSF) on Thursday, Oct. 1 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the property office, located five miles west of Spencer and less than a mile north of State Road 46 at 2153 Fish Creek Rd.
The event gives residents an opportunity to learn about outdoor recreation, speak with professional foresters about long-term forest management, and share feedback. A guided hike will kick off at 5 p.m. starting from the forest office; participants should gather there beforehand.
For more information, call the OPSF office at 812-829-2462. Written comments can also be submitted online at https://in.accessgov.com/dnr/Forms/Page/forestry/forestry-comment/0.
Pumpkins in the Park and Chili Cook-Off
Bring the family out to Gosport Town Park on Saturday, Oct. 10, from 3 to 6 p.m. for the annual Pumpkins in the Park event and silent auction, benefiting the Gosport Lazy Days festival. Admission is $10 and includes a full afternoon of fall festivities, including pumpkin painting, a bounce house, face painting, games, piñatas, wagon rides, storytime, and potato sack races.
Got a winning chili recipe? Enter the Pumpkins in the Park Chili Cook-Off for a chance to win a $100 prize! Check-in and set-up run from 3 to 3:30 p.m., with judging taking place at 4 p.m. Entry forms can be picked up at the Owen County State Bank in Gosport.
For attendees looking for a bite to eat, $5 concessions will feature your choice of a bowl of chili and a drink, a chili dog and a drink, or two hot dogs and a drink. Don't miss out on good food, great fun, and community spirit!
