We're "ON" It! - The Owen News

When C.A.R.E. started two years ago, it was with a basketball tournament and as Cops Applauding Recovery Efforts. The tournament took place over several weekends.

Last year, the event shifted to a cornhole tournament to ensure it could be done in one day and that everyone who wanted to participate could do so. It meant that 42 teams participated.

And now, as the planning team prepares for the third annual event this month, another change is being made in the name, changing the word cops to community. They’re also increasing the number of teams to 50.

While the logo hasn’t yet been updated, it’s not hindering Owen County Sheriff’s Department officer Bill Browne, who is one of the organizers and a driving force behind the program, from sharing the change or the mission of the program.

“I tell everybody cancel the C for cops, put the C for community,” he said.

Now, there are other first responders and individuals who come in contact with those fighting addiction involved in the teams. Some of those groups include firefighters, EMS, dispatchers, jailers, nurses and even tow truck operators who those now in recovery might have had a negative experience with while in active addiction.

Browne, who has worked in law enforcement for 40 years, currently leads the D.A.R.E. or Drug Abuse Resistance Education program and the new criminal justice pathway at Owen Valley High School. When he isn’t teaching elementary and middle school D.A.R.E. or otherwise in a classroom, he also serves as another School Resource Officer.

Throughout his time in law enforcement, he’s seen how the job can wear on officers, impacting their attitudes surrounding the people and communities they serve, especially with those in active addiction.

“It does become wearing on us, almost like all of our efforts aren’t ever achieving the goal. The goal is to rid our communities of something that’s hurting our people,” Browne said.

This, he said, leads to something dangerous in the way officers approach their work — cynicism.

“A police officer’s got to fight against cynicism, or you start not working with people. You start working against; you’re working for the crime. You want the crime to be resolved, but you’re not worried about the people,” he said. “These are real people, with real struggles, with real problems, that come from real struggles in their lives that have led them down this pathway. When you can open up that and start to see their personality and their worries and their concerns and all of those things, your cynicism goes away.”

And at the same time, sometimes those in recovery have negative feelings and cynicism toward cops and other first responders based on interactions they had before recovery.

It’s the cynicism on both sides that Browne hopes to address with the event by cheering for those in recovery, supporting their efforts and making them feel seen, all while breaking the stigma.

Browne said officers can hold people accountable while also encouraging recovery.

“I gotta stop you from the bad stuff that’s going to hurt your body, that’s going to hurt your kids, it’s going to hurt your ability to become successful. I got to stop you first. That’s why I made the arrest in the first place. But if I’m going to be your biggest supporter, if you show any effort toward going to sobriety, I should be clapping,” Browne said. “As much as I am discouraging you from using it, I am encouraging you when you’re not.”

For Browne, it is about making the community stronger.

“A community that is strong is one that helps one another,” he said.

Browne also acknowledged that the struggle for those in recovery never truly goes away.

“The struggle will always be real because they know what it’s like to numb up and not have to deal with the realities,” he said. “We should be applauding every one of those efforts, and we should be screaming as loud as can be.”

That being said, he was clear that he can’t applaud active addiction, but he can encourage a return to recovery.

“You can’t find somebody who hasn’t made mistakes, and letting me go from those, showing me kindness and forgiveness and applauding my good efforts, that’s how we become a community that loves one another,” he said. “And then if your police don’t love people, it’s a bad place to be, right? So starting with us and trying to get that mindset into these young officers, as well as the guys that have been around for a while, and saying we need to start loving our people. We start loving our people, our community gets better.”

Browne first came across the idea for the program while working as a conservation officer. The statewide agency wanted to do something under then-Governor Eric Holcomb’s pillar of addressing the opioid epidemic. A deputy in Howard County tried the program, but it didn’t succeed due to a lack of promotion and insufficient volunteers to get it going.

For Owen County, there is a team of organizers and supporters of the program, and those support systems have existed since the beginning, which is how local business owner Katherine “Kat” Dennison became involved with C.A.R.E.

In the first year, knowing that her talent was not on the basketball court, she helped her church provide dinner.

“My gift is going to be in the kitchen, so I helped with our church and did the dinner for it,” she said.

She also became part of Owen County DART or Drug and Alcohol Resource Team and is now part of the planning team.

“This event is about replacing the stigma with support and showing those who are fighting addictions that they don’t have to fight alone, that there’s a peace that comes from the Lord through His people, through mercy of our Town of Spencer and our county, that we’ll stand with you and beside you and help build you up, that every person standing in recovery is a miracle of perseverance, grace and second chances in our community. It’s filled with a network of people that can help give addicts and those who have recovered a pathway to walk alongside one another, including those of the badge,” Dennison said. “You know there’s a lot of hate and anger that goes to everyone who’s involved whenever we get in trouble, but then the whole point is to take away that fear of knowing that all those people are doing their job.”

She said there’s beauty in bringing the two groups together.

“To be able to kind of bring those who were there during your darkest days, they want to be able to see you and your brightest day, see you in recovery,” she said, something that she calls recovering out loud.

Browne and Dennison alike would like to see the event grow not only in Owen County but within other communities.

The event, which will take place at noon on June 13 at the Owen County Fairgrounds, is supported through DART this year. Participants will receive a t-shirt and a medallion, and food will be provided for those participating in the contest. It will also feature speeches from Rex Nichols and Sheriff Ryan White.

Those wanting to support the program financially can do so by making a donation to DART using a link on its Facebook page, indicating that the donation is for the C.A.R.E. program.

For Dennison, the switch to a cornhole tournament reminds her of her own recovery journey. She celebrated seven years of recovery in March after 12 years of addiction to meth, heroin and opioids.

Her recovery journey started with moving back home to Owen County and finding her faith after going to church.

And the entry point? Ironically, it was also a cornhole tournament that her church was hosting, where she was accepted as she was. She then started attending church.

“I don’t know if it’s about cornhole tournaments or what, but there’s just something about whenever people come together,” she said. “It’s a lot of magic that happens there.”

In a move that signals both continuity and a fresh perspective for local education, the Cloverdale Community School Corporation (CCSC) Board of School Trustees officially hired Dr. Stacy Mason during its meeting on May 11.

Dr. Mason, a veteran educator with three decades of experience, will succeed outgoing Superintendent Greg Linton. The board’s decision comes after an extensive search process aimed at finding a leader capable of maintaining Cloverdale’s unique identity while navigating the evolving landscape of Indiana education.

When asked to provide a snapshot of her professional journey, including where she earned her degrees and the key career stops that led her to CCSC, Dr. Mason highlighted a career dedicated to service in her home region.

“I am a lifetime Vigo County resident. I left to go to college at Indiana University Bloomington and returned,” she said. “All my 30 years in education have been at the VCSC (Vigo County School Corporation). I have been lucky enough to teach or lead at all levels including elementary, middle, high school and in district level positions. The majority of my career was spent at Terre Haute North Vigo High School where I was a teacher, dean, special education PAR, assistant principal and then principal. I then moved to the district level where I served as the Director of Secondary Education and Assistant Superintendent.”

Cloverdale is a district with a very distinct identity. When asked what the “selling point” was that convinced her this was where she wanted to lead, Dr. Mason noted the district’s reputation and its potential for growth.

“Cloverdale has a strong reputation in the education sector. The district is known for solid leadership by both Mr. Linton and the board with excellent educational, athletic and extra-curricular opportunities for students,” she said. “I was intrigued by the size of the district and the community. After working my whole career in a district the size of VCSC, I felt this would bring a new perspective and offer a welcome challenge. I felt due to the nature of the experiences I have had to this point in my career and my skill set, CCSC would be a good fit.”

Regarding how she plans to get the “lay of the land” and understand the specific culture of Cloverdale’s schools, Dr. Mason emphasized immediate engagement.

“I have already met with the principals and started tours of the facilities,” she explained. “Once I am in the office in July, I will offer ‘Meet and Greet’ times for students, staff and parents. I, too, plan to go out into the community to begin making acquaintances.”

When asked what tangible change or improvement residents can point to a year from now because of her vision, Dr. Mason pointed toward a collaborative roadmap.

“With the board’s guidance, together, we will develop a ‘Strategic Plan’ that will outline goals for the district spanning the next five years,” she said. “In developing the plan, we will seek feedback and input from all stakeholders inside and outside of the district. An example of one goal that has been shared is to increase our marketing footprint so that we are highlighting our students, staff and all the good things happening at CCSC for all to see. I would love to grow the ways in which we communicate with families and the community through social media and other means as well as to offer a website that is user friendly and inviting.”

With shifts in state-wide educational standards and funding, Dr. Mason was asked how she plans to protect Cloverdale’s local interests while navigating broader political and financial pressures.

“Students are the key to funding stability. CCSC must offer innovative programming to attract new students,” she said. “By expanding athletic, extra-curricular, dual credit or advanced placement programming, we are offering something that others around us don’t, making CCSC the exception. Getting feedback from our students at all levels will tell us what students want. While CCSC has taken the steps that other corporations haven’t with their very successful virtual school, we can investigate what other adaptive learning models might be attractive to students. Career center and CTE offerings that truly expand on the new graduation requirements and pathways will be a way to attract students. Finding time to send teams to visit other schools and districts to see how they implement new or varied programs is always a way to spark new ideas. Our students have to have a big voice in this initiative; they know what they want and listening to them will allow us to think outside of the box.”

When asked what she sees as the biggest challenge facing Cloverdale students today and how her administration plans to tackle it, Dr. Mason focused on the balance of life and academics.

“For Cloverdale students and all students, I believe helping them to focus on the rigors of school while balancing the challenges of society and life in general is tough,” she explained. “Ensuring that students and families have the resources they need to support student achievement and well-being is important. Understanding what our families need and how we can help outside of what CCSC is already doing is something we will study.”

The relationship between a superintendent and the community is vital. On the topic of building trust with parents and taxpayers who might be skeptical of new leadership, Dr. Mason pledged high visibility.

“For me, developing relationships with civic groups, community organizations, businesses, local government leaders and nearby higher education institutions is imperative as the superintendent of CCSC,” she said. “Superintendents must immerse themselves in the fiber of the community in order to gain the trust and respect of those around them. That immersion means active attendance at community and school events. Students, staff and parents need to see their superintendent. Being present and engaged at school functions both during the school day and in the evening is top priority. Visibility and approachability come with being where everyone else is. Active listening and interactions with all stakeholders at school functions will help me to keep a pulse on the heartbeat of the district.”

In her experience, when asked what the key is to maintain a healthy relationship with the school board and the faculty, and what “collaboration” looks like in her office, Dr. Mason spoke to the power of shared goals.

“I believe that good communication with the board and with staff ensures a smooth working environment,” she said. “Whether the communication is coming directly from me to faculty or through the principals, timely and consistent messaging is vital for everyone to be on the same page. I often like to get feedback from those that I am working with to understand what they need from me. Collaboration is important to me and an area of strength in my leadership practices. We are all better and smarter when we are working as one.”

For those in the community who don’t have children in the school system, Dr. Mason explained why they should be excited about her appointment and how a strong school corporation benefits Cloverdale as a whole.

“Strong schools attract families,” she emphasized. “If our schools grow, Cloverdale grows and so does business.”

Beyond her professional resume, Dr. Mason shared a look at the person behind the desk and what she and her family do in their free time.

“My husband and I have three grown children. My oldest daughter lives in Cleveland, Ohio and is an entrepreneur working to grow a small business,” she said. “My son is an accountant at Thrive West Central in Terre Haute and my youngest daughter just finished her sophomore year at IU Southeast in New Albany. All my kids were athletes playing multiple sports, so we have spent our free time on the ball fields or the court. Our lives have slowed a bit as we are now down to just watching one daughter on the court as she plays volleyball at IU Southeast.”

When asked if there is a particular book, mentor or piece of advice that has shaped her approach to leadership, Dr. Mason credited her upbringing.

“My parents were educators, and I grew up in a household that valued education and treating others the way you want to be treated,” she said. “I am a product of their love and guidance. My ultimate hope is to lead with kindness and heart, always remembering that students are at the center of everything we do in this field and that if the adults around them are not happy or taken care of, whether the issue is big or small, students lose out. My parents and several other strong, caring leaders I have had the privilege to work with over the years have helped to shape me into the person I am today.”

Starting a new position in a new town is a big step. When asked what she and her family are most looking forward to exploring in the Cloverdale and Putnam County area, she already has a destination in mind.

“I have never been to Lieber State Park,” she said. “I think that is one of the first places we will explore. I hear it is a treasure!”

Finally, when asked what direct message she would send to every student walking into a Cloverdale classroom on their first day this fall, Dr. Mason offered a hand of partnership.

“I would like CCSC students to know that I am here for them,” she said. “I am ready to listen and learn from them so that we can work collaboratively with staff, parents and the community to make school the absolute best place for them every day!”

Following the appointment, CCSC Board President Ms. Vivian Whitaker described the rigorous process the board went through during the search and what she anticipates Dr. Mason will bring to CCSC.

“We used the University Search Team, led by Dr. Terry McDaniel, to screen the 19 applications and make a recommendation as to the ones they felt we should interview. As a result, we offered interviews to seven people, five of whom accepted,” Ms. Whitaker said. “Following those interviews, we selected two finalists with whom we felt comfortable. Each candidate was to prepare a 10-minute presentation on something they feel passionate about that would improve the quality of our schools.”

Ms. Whitaker noted that Dr. Mason stood out immediately during the final stages.

“Dr. Stacy Mason’s presentation knocked it out of the park,” she said. “It was obvious she did her homework in learning about our school corporation. Her vision aligns with everything we are doing now. I believe she will continue the excellent leadership set by Mr. Greg Linton. I’m so very pleased that Dr. Mason is now part of the Clover family.”

Guest speaker Daryl Kasper speaks at the podium while American Legion Putoff-Lautenschlager Post #141 Honor Guard members Helen Jones (left), Randy Mitten and Rick Hoffman stand steadfastly in the falling rain during Memorial Day services at the Lutheran Cemetery near Patricksburg on Sunday, May 24. As part of the program, Owen County helped carry the light of America 250 forward by welcoming a commemorative lantern (shown on the table) traveling across Indiana. Inspired by the lanterns of the Revolutionary War era, the relay leads up to the nation’s semiquincentennial and symbolizes remembrance, unity and the enduring spirit of patriotism connecting communities today. TRAVIS CURRY | THE OWEN NEWS

American Legion Post #141 Honor Guard members Jack Hauser, left, and Arthur Bailey carry the U.S. flag and the flag of Indiana through the Lutheran Cemetery near Patricksburg during Memorial Day services on May 24. TRAVIS CURRY | THE OWEN NEWS

Putoff-Lautenschlager Post #141 Honor Guard member Frank Jones plays Taps on a ceremonial electric bugle as a fellow guard member salutes during Memorial Day services at the Lutheran Cemetery near Patricksburg on May 24. TRAVIS CURRY | THE OWEN NEWS

Featured speaker Pastor Alan Farmer addresses the crowd during a Memorial Day ceremony held May 25 at the historic Hudson Hill Cemetery chapel in northeast Montgomery Township. Originally established as “Decoration Day” in the wake of the American Civil War—to honor fallen soldiers by decorating their graves with flowers—Memorial Day has evolved into a deeply rooted national tradition of remembrance. TRAVIS CURRY | THE OWEN NEWS

Members of the Owen County Honor Guard prepare for a 21-gun salute during the Memorial Day service in Chambersville Cemetery on May 25. There were four services in the Spencer area, starting at Chambersville Cemetery, moving to the Owen County Courthouse, making a stop at Veteran's Memorial Bridge and concluding at Riverside Cemetery.

Former VFW Post #1405 Commander Ted Mangin gives the speech at the Owen County Courthouse Memorial Day service.

Spencer American Legion Post #285 Commander Mitchell Muse (left) and Spencer VFW Post #1405 Commander Brian Nash pose for a photo.

Past Department President and current Secretary of the VFW Post #1405 Auxiliary, Sharron Barger (right), places a wreath during the Memorial Day service in Riverside Cemetery. NICOLE DECRISCIO | THE OWEN NEWS

Owners Josh Singh (left) and Harry Singh, pictured alongside employee Prince Singh (right), welcome customers to their new convenience store and Shell gas station at 5720 Main St. in Freedom. In addition to standard convenience store staples like snacks, beer, wine, and fountain drinks, BJ Market serves hot food items - including chicken and breakfast sandwiches - and will soon feature made-to-order options through an upcoming partnership with Hunt Brothers Pizza. The business is now open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. TRAVIS CURRY | THE OWEN NEWS

Robert Boltinghouse took the lead of the Owen Valley High School Patriots seven years ago, after spending about 15 years as a special education teacher, athletic director, assistant principal and middle school principal in other districts.

In the fall, Boltinghouse will return to Edgewood High School, the school he taught at for eight years and graduated from in 1998, as principal. He hopes to bring the skill set he developed at OVHS, his vision for career pathway development and philosophy of individualizing education for students.

Despite a slightly larger student body and change of day to day scenery, Boltinghouse’s goal stays the same.

“It’ll be the same mission at Edgewood,” Boltinghouse said. “No matter who you are, no matter where you go, leave it better than you found it.”

Andy Cline, Spencer-Owen Community Schools Superintendent, has worked with Boltinghouse since he began as superintendent five years ago. He said Edgewood is receiving a student-driven principal.

“He will be thinking about the kids first in whatever capacity that may be, whether it’s academics, or the arts or athletics,” Cline said. “He will always put those students first. He’ll look to support those kids and their families in whatever ways he can.”

OVHS legacy

At OVHS, Boltinghouse helped develop a career pathway program containing about 20 options that give students the opportunity to tailor their high school education to explore a career of their choice and integrate them into the community to gain experience.

It was a team effort, Boltinghouse said, that required a supportive staff, teachers and guidance department to work together to focus on individual students and interests while equipping them with skills they could use after graduation.

Derek Morgan, S-OCS School Board President, said he thinks of Boltinghouse as a “bold and decisive leader,” qualities that make him an asset for Edgewood.

“He is somebody who sees a problem, and identifies a path forward and pursues that path and goes at it with force,” Morgan said. “He doesn’t sit back and wait for things to get worse.”

Both Cline and Morgan pointed to Boltinghouse’s work to revitalize OVHS through an inclusive culture and fun atmosphere. One project the principal executed was placing bright graphics and phrases around the school. They made students feel seen, like they were a part of something, Morgan said.

“That’s been something he’s worked hard at and something that I think is going to be a lasting legacy in that building,” Morgan said. “I think everybody should strive to make the place better than they found it, and I fully believe that he’s left it better than he found it.”

Boltinghouse said he tried to stretch the money from the school’s Coca-Cola sponsorship to take care of and show appreciation for teachers and revitalize the school. OVHS was in good shape and well maintained, he said, but “very bland and very boring.”

“We wanted the student body to have an identity,” Boltinghouse said.

The project, parts of which used district money and local sponsors, included bright, Patriot-themed wraps on the gym doors, a track and field record board and signs with phrases like “Proud to be a Patriot” and “Patriot Proud.” Outside, at the front of the school, blue channel letters light up to spell “Home of the Patriots,” a way to market the school from State Road 46, Boltinghouse said.

When Boltinghouse first came to OVHS, he would hear people say things like, “What do you expect? This is Owen County,” an outlook he believes stunted students from seeing they could succeed and achieve.

The signage and “Patriot Nation” mantra came from his desire to remind students on a daily basis that they belong.

“They start to build a belief and a pride in themselves, that no matter what they want to do, college, workforce, military, that they could go out and they could achieve those things,” Boltinghouse said. “I think that has shifted. Kids take pride in what they’re doing.”

Plans for Edgewood High School

Edgewood leadership had given him opportunities to return to the school in the past, but it never felt like the right time, Boltinghouse said. This year, Edgewood principal Dirk Ackerman is retiring, with Boltinghouse’s role to officially begin July 1.

Taking the lead of the Edgewood Mustangs this fall felt like an opportune chance to use his skill set in career pathway development and keep the momentum the school already created going. Boltinghouse specifically believed he could help the school bolster its hands-on learning opportunities.

“It’s a chance to go home,” Cline said. “There’s always high expectations going home. Just take the best things that you have and go home and make your hometown better. That’s what I’ve always said to him in our conversations.”

Following some construction down the line, Edgewood is set to be one of the first schools in the state to offer opportunities in robotic manufacturing and the addition of a medical-related wing for a medical pathway program in partnership with Cook Medical and Boston Scientific.

Just like in Owen County, Boltinghouse plans to reconnect with people he knew while growing up in the area and build connections with the businesses and organizations in the community to connect the school and students with chances for experience.

“To be back at Edgewood, I told them in the interview, this is not just a job for me,” Boltinghouse said. “This is something that I take very serious, but it’s also kind of an honor to be back and serve the same community that invested so much in me.”

Making the decision to move schools was difficult and bittersweet, Boltinghouse said. But, the move was about his vision and where the Richland-Bean Blossom Community School Corporation is headed.

“I was definitely not out shopping for jobs,” Boltinghouse said. “I probably would not have left for anything but Edgewood, and it just had to be the right time, right place.”

New principal search

Owen Valley’s search for a new principal is already underway, with about 18 applicants, Cline said. The hiring committee has begun reviewing applications and holding interviews for the position and is expected to narrow down a finalist soon, Cline said.

“He will be missed, and he has made a positive impact on our kids,” Cline said. “But as we move forward, we’ll try and find a person with similar qualities, and who has an endearment towards our community and our kids.”