News in Brief - Sept 4 '26

U.S. 231 improvements and active detours

The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) is advancing work on two major U.S. 231 infrastructure developments in Owen County, bringing one project near completion while initiating a temporary road closure for another.

In Freedom, crews working on the $2.6 million improvement project along U.S. 231 were executing final striping operations as of Aug. 25th between County Road 550 West and Freedom-Arney Road. The project, which includes brand-new sidewalk installations, will be largely complete once the striping work is finalized.

Meanwhile, construction has officially commenced on a small structure replacement project near Spencer to swap out two pipes between Hancock School Road and Dunn Road. Following initial delays caused by recent heavy flooding, U.S. 231 is now closed in that area and is scheduled to stay closed through the end of September, pending weather conditions.

An official detour has been established directing traffic along State Road 46, S.R. 59, and S.R. 54. Local traffic will continue to have access up to the exact point of the closure. INDOT transportation officials remind all drivers to slow down, exercise extra caution, and avoid distractions when traveling in and near active work zones.

Quentin Lamont Porter sentenced to 60 years for murder of Malik Sims

A years-long legal process including postponement, a mistrial and finally a seven-day legal proceeding, led to the murder conviction of Quentin Lamont Porter. On Aug. 26th, the Owen Circuit Court I handed down its sentence: 60 years.

Porter was convicted on five counts related to the killing of Malik Darea Sims including theft and identity deception, but the sentences for each would be served concurrently, making the 60-year sentence for murder the maximum time served.

While Judge Don VanDerMoere II handed down the sentence, the proceedings in this case are not yet over. Porter and his public defender have filed an appeal, and new public counsel will now be provided to Porter as he seeks to appeal his case in the Indiana Appellate Court. If the appeal is granted, Porter’s public defender would need to prove that there was a mistake in the legal proceedings that convicted and sentenced him. If the appeal is denied, Porter will report to an Indiana Correctional facility to begin serving his sentence.

CCSC approves 2027 budget

The Cloverdale Community School Corporation (CCSC) Board of School Trustees held a rapid public hearing on Aug. 24, officially approving the corporation’s 2027 budget in a meeting that wrapped up in just two minutes.

Gaveling the session to order at 7 p.m. with six of seven members present, the board quickly approved the agenda before moving straight to the evening’s sole item of new business: the 2027 budget public hearing.

With no members of the public in attendance and no board discussion following the preliminary presentation two weeks prior, the trustees moved straight to a vote. Board members unanimously approved the 2027 budget as presented.

Following the vote, Superintendent Dr. Stacy Mason offered brief closing remarks, noting that the board will reconvene for its next regularly scheduled meeting on Sept. 14.

Spotlight on Julia Wright at Art Guild

The Owen County Art Guild (OCAG) is presenting a solo exhibition featuring recent works by artist Julia Wright throughout the month of September. The exhibition highlights Wright’s latest creations and offers art enthusiasts an opportunity to view her work locally.

Community members are invited to celebrate the showcase during an opening reception Saturday, Sept. 5th, from 2 to 4 p.m. The event and exhibition will be held at the OCAG, located at 199 W. Cooper St. in Spencer.

S-OCS Transportation Center open house

Spencer-Owen Community School Corporation (S-OCS) invites students, families, staff, and area residents to celebrate the opening of its newly completed Transportation Center.

An open house will take place on Saturday, Sept. 19, from 10 a.m. to noon at 1441 Flatwoods Rd., Spencer. Community members are encouraged to tour the new facility and explore this key addition to the school district before heading downtown for the Apple Butter Parade at 1 p.m.

OV grad receives scholarship from AIC

Sadie Neff, daughter of Owen County Councilman Anton Neff and wife Shannon Neff, recently received a $500 scholarship from the Association of Indiana Counties (AIC). This scholarship is awarded to four students across the state that graduated high school in 2026, are attending an Indiana college, and are either Indiana county employees or children of Indiana county employees.

Neff was awarded her scholarship on Aug. 20 at the Owen County Courthouse. Representatives from the AIC, SRI Inc., her mother, father, and grandfather Tony Neff all joined Sadie for the presentation.

Sadie Neff is attending the O’Neal School of Public and Environmental Affairs at Indiana University this fall.

Cloverdale FFA Golf Outing

The Cloverdale High School FFA invites local golfers and supporters to tee it up for a great cause at the Cloverdale FFA Golf Outing on Sunday, Sept. 20, hosted at Clover Meadows Golf Course in Cloverdale. Every swing helps make the holiday season brighter for children in the community, as all proceeds directly benefit the Cloverdale FFA Toy Drive in December.

Check-in and lunch begin at 12:30 p.m., followed by tee-off at 2 p.m. In addition to an afternoon on the green, participants can enjoy a provided lunch and bid on gift baskets during a silent auction.

Entry fees are $75 for individual players or $300 for four-player teams. Local businesses and community members can also support the cause through a $100 hole sponsorship, which includes a custom sign displayed on the course, an announcement during lunch, and business recognition before and after the event.

To register a team or sponsor a hole, contact Drew Boyette at 765-712-5301 or Heather Clingan at 765-719-2462.

YMCA 2026 Fall Benefit & Auction

The Owen County Family YMCA, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) charitable organization, will host its 2026 Fall Benefit & Auction on Thursday, Sept. 24, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Owen Valley Winery, located at 491 Timber Ridge Rd., Spencer.

The evening features live music, light refreshments, and a community auction, with all proceeds supporting YMCA programs and community operations. Tickets are $35 for an individual ticket or $65 for a pair. Each admission includes appetizers and one complimentary beverage choice of tea, water, soda, or wine.

To reserve your spot, call 812-828-9622 ext. 101 to purchase tickets.

Spencer Lions Club serves over 7,500 free meals

The Spencer Lions Club (59 N. Main St.) wrapped up a highly successful Summer Food Service Program, serving over 7,500 free, balanced meals to Owen County youth aged 18 and under.

In partnership with the Indiana Department of Education and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the initiative ensured local children maintained access to vital nutrition during the school break. Each menu provided healthy, complete servings of proteins, grains, fruits, and vegetables.

Generous support from community donors, partner organizations, and dedicated club members allowed the program to enhance its food offerings throughout the season. In a comment shared on the Spencer Lions Club Facebook page, organizers extended their deepest gratitude to everyone who contributed to making a positive impact on local families, adding that they look forward to welcoming youth back again next summer.

Fueling student success at S-OCS

As students return to the classroom, Spencer-Owen Community School Corporation (S-OCS) is receiving crucial support from Keystone Propane through the company’s Propane with Purpose initiative.

S-OCS is one of 34 school corporations selected to receive funding from the program, which is distributing a collective $177,450 to local schools and rural communities. The donated funds are designated to remove barriers to student success by directly reducing school lunch debt and addressing regional food insecurity.

The initiative operates through community-driven contributions: Keystone Propane donates $0.50 to the Propane with Purpose fund for every delivery stop made. These everyday contributions pool together to create significant relief for families, helping fulfill students’ fundamental needs so they can focus on their education.

S-OCS officials expressed deep gratitude for community partners like Keystone Propane, emphasizing that meeting basic student needs plays an essential role in classroom achievement. Keystone Propane’s investment in local families helps ensure every child in the Spencer-Owen community has a seat at the table.

OCCF highlights local grant recipients

Over a series of recent individual posts on its official Facebook page, the Owen County Community Foundation (OCCF) highlighted several grants issued to support non-profit organizations, community groups, and local initiatives throughout Owen County. Through these individual spotlights, the OCCF showcased how its Community Investment and Rapid Response grants continue to invest in local infrastructure, youth development, arts, and human services.

Infrastructure and youth engagement led the featured announcements. The Freedom Community Center received a $5,000 Community Investment Grant to execute a major parking lot expansion, increasing its limited 10-car footprint to approximately 50 spaces to better serve visitors. Meanwhile, the Owen County 4-H Poultry Club received a $5,000 Community Investment Grant to purchase new poultry cages and materials for custom storage boxes, ensuring safe housing for animals during competition and protecting the equipment for years to come.

Local arts and downtown vitality also gained significant momentum in the OCCF’s spotlight series. The Owen County Art Guild was awarded a $5,000 Community Investment Grant to repair and upgrade its HVAC system, providing a comfortable environment year-round for their wide array of adult and children’s classes. Down the road, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post #1405 received a $2,000 Community Investment Grant to help fund production expenses for a newly commissioned mural in downtown Spencer, designed to celebrate community spirit and honor local veterans.

The showcase rounded out with targeted assistance for community support services. Spencer Pride received a $4,000 Community Investment Grant for its Holigay Holiday Assistance Program, which supplies food, hygiene items, and gifts to LGBTQ+ individuals and families during the holiday season. Additionally, New Beginnings Pregnancy Resource Center received a $1,000 Rapid Response Grant, enabling the program to supply specialized, name-brand diapers to infants requiring them for sensitive skin, allergies, or other medical needs.

To keep up with future grant announcements and see what the OCCF is doing in our area, residents are encouraged to follow the Owen County Community Foundation Facebook page or visit their website at www.owencountycf.org.

SCCAP Energy Assistance Program

The South Central Community Action Program (SCCAP) will officially launch its 2026–2027 Energy Assistance Program (EAP) on Oct. 1st, providing eligible households with a one-time benefit to help pay winter fuel bills.

Applications become available to the public and the online portal opens on Oct. 1st, with all submissions due by April 30th, 2027, at 5 p.m. Households enrolled in the 2025–2026 EAP will automatically be mailed an application, while new applicants can request one by emailing their full name and mailing address to eap@insccap.org.

Program eligibility is based on household income limits: $34,635 for a one-person household, $45,292 for two persons, $55,949 for three persons, $66,607 for four persons, and $77,264 for five persons.

For program updates, to apply online, or to find more details, visit www.insccap.org, follow @insccap on social media, call 812-829-2279, or visit the office at 205 E. Morgan St., Suite D, Spencer. Anyone needing immediate utility support before the application launch can call 211, text 898-211, or reach out to their local township trustee.

Annual Arts in the Park & Classic Car Show

The Sweet Owen Arts Commission invites the community to the 2nd Annual Arts in the Park & Classic Car Show on Saturday, Oct. 24, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Cooper Commons in Spencer. This free-admission family event features an all-day lineup of live performances, headlined by The Indiana Boys, alongside an art fair showcasing local and regional vendors, live art demonstrations, food trucks, kids’ activities, and a collaborative community quilt project.

Car enthusiasts can show off their rides at the Classic Car Show for a $5 registration fee, with awards presented across four categories at 3:30 p.m. All registration proceeds directly benefit the Sweet Owen Arts Commission and its mission to support the arts across Owen and surrounding counties.

Whether you are hunting for unique local art or admiring vintage horsepower, there’s sure to be something for everyone to enjoy.

To learn more about the Sweet Owen Arts Commission, visit www.sweetowenarts.org.