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Sometimes when I am walking through a city, I see white tennis shoes hanging from the power lines. Somebody took the time to tie the shoes together, aim, and toss them high, hoping they would get caught and dangle from the lines. It seems like a complete waste of time and money. I’ve heard it is a signal for illegal purposes. But maybe it is something bigger.

I have always enjoyed attending talks by naturalists. It is entertaining and educational to go to our parks and participate in a presentation about birds, trees, bugs, or any kind of topic about nature and the world around us.

In recent years, I have received training to be a Certified Interpretive Guide and lead those types of park programs. In 2024, I worked part-time at McCormick’s Creek State Park where I led a variety of programs and helped feed snakes (but that’s another story).

Interpretation is more of an experiential kind of presentation. The audience gets to touch things, talk about things, and gain a better understanding of the natural world around them. When I talked about bobcats, I shared a bobcat skull and explained the predator’s eye sockets and shape of their teeth. When I talked about sinkholes, I provided a chance to stand in a sinkhole for perspective. When we looked for invertebrates in the creek, we put on boots, stood in the creek, and turned over rocks.

The recognized leader of the interpretation movement was former newspaper reporter, Freeman Tilden who wrote “Interpreting our Heritage” in 1957. He promoted talking about nature in a way that made people feel it while they were learning about it. “The chief aim of interpretation is not instruction, but provocation,” he said. His style of talking about nature became the standard for our National Park Service.

Now, let’s go back to McCormick’s Creek State Park. In 1923, an artist from Indianapolis was spending a lot of time in the park. Lucy Pitschler began walking through the park, pointing out different plants and animals and helping visitors notice the relationships and changes going on in the natural world. People started following her. The schedule for these hikes was exhausting, but visitors loved it.

And the crowds kept growing. In 1926, after she had been leading these popular nature walks for three years, the State of Indiana paid Lucy to keep doing naturalist programs at McCormick’s Creek. In 1927 the state hired naturalists to lead programs at Turkey Run and Clifty Falls. And it kept growing. By 2005 nearly every park and reservoir had at least one interpretive naturalist and multiple naturalist aids.

And it all started, at McCormick’s Creek, with Lucy Pitschler, the “little lady in the white tennis shoes” (because that is how we referred to accomplished women in the 1920s). Today, when Indiana park naturalists gather for their annual conference, held at McCormick’s Creek, they present the White Shoes Award to the outstanding naturalist of the year. It is quite an honor to be chosen from all the talented naturalists and interpreters in Indiana.

Indiana was one of the leaders in interpretive programs. It was a national movement that started at McCormick’s Creek State Park. But now I fear Indiana no longer holds that position. In 2025, state budget cuts eliminated part-time, seasonal interpretive positions, including mine. That is okay, I still volunteer and help when I can. But those positions have not come back. Unfortunately, funding is being cut for our national parks too.

So, when I see white tennis shoes hanging from a power line, I think somebody is making a statement. Remember Lucy Pitschler! Remember the power of nature walks! Remember the importance of our parks!

As autumn begins to settle across Owen County, local property owners are reminded of the upcoming Nov. 10 deadline to submit fall property tax installments.

Operating under Indiana's market-based property tax system, current bills reflect assessed values as of Jan. 1 of the preceding year, 2025. County officials have noted that while overall property values have climbed and tax rates have ticked downward, the net amount billed for individual parcels fluctuates based on a complex mix of factors. These variables include assessment adjustments, corrections, deductions, exemptions, circuit breakers, and recent legislative shifts from the state level. Residents seeking a deeper dive into the mechanics of the tax system can consult the Indiana Department of Local Government Finance's Citizens Guide online.

Taxpayers have several avenues to submit their payments ahead of the upcoming cutoff. Traditional methods include mailing payments to PO Box 600, Spencer, IN 47460, or visiting the Owen County Treasurer’s Office on the first floor of the courthouse, which is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. For after-hours convenience, a secure drop box stands just outside the north door and main entrance of the courthouse. Digital options are also available around the clock; residents can pay online or via phone at 812-562-5258 using a credit card, debit card, or e-check, though vendor fees will apply.

County offices remain open to field questions regarding the billing process. For statements and payment concerns, residents can contact Treasurer Shelly Townsend's office at 812-829-5011 or check records via the Low Tax Info website. Inquiries regarding assessments and appeals should be directed to Assessor Dusty White at 812-829-5018, with public records hosted on the WTH Think GIS platform. For questions concerning exemptions and deductions, Auditor Sheila Reeves' office is available at 812-829-5000.

Parke County, IN is home to beautiful, covered bridges and even more beautiful natural resources. Fall is a favorite time to visit because of the explosion of vibrant colors as the leaves change. It’s also when the Covered Bridge Festival occurs, which by all accounts is one of the largest and best fall festivals I’ve ever attended.

Known as the “Covered Bridge Capital of the World,” Parke County is home to 31 historic covered bridges. They are scattered across the region. Some are out in the middle of nowhere, some are in small towns, but my favorites are the few you float under on Sugar Creek. When cool October mornings arrive, the hardwoods turn red, orange and gold, gliding a canoe through mist rising off the water beneath a century old, covered bridge is one of the prettiest sights to behold in the Midwest.

I came to know this country well during my years at Purdue University. Back then, I was looking for outdoor adventures to fit a college student’s budget. Sugar Creek quickly became one of my favorite destinations. Canoeing, camping and fishing provided escape for little cost. The scenery made Parke County feel much farther from civilization than it really was. All these years later, the region remains one of my favorite fall destinations.

Sugar Creek flows through Shades State Park and Turkey Run State Park. These are two of Indiana’s most outstanding public properties, both offering camping and direct access to the creek. My favorite way to experience the fall foliage is from a canoe or kayaking. Depending on the stretch you float, paddlers can pass beneath multiple covered bridges. The Narrows Covered Bridge and Cox Ford Covered Bridge still span Sugar Creek near Turkey Run. Seeing one of these old wooden structures appear around a bend while floating beneath a canopy of fall color is a uniquely Indiana experience.

Sugar Creek offers excellent fishing, especially for anglers who enjoy moving water. Smallmouth bass are plentiful and some grow to trophy size. A canoe or kayak allows you to cover water, then stop and work promising holes, runs and rocky banks. This is a great water to try your hand at fly fishing. Fall also brings relief from the heavy summer crowds.

The camping opportunities are equally impressive. Turkey Run and Shades state parks provide excellent bases for exploring the region, with hiking trails and easy access to Sugar Creek. There are also numerous privately operated campgrounds around Parke County and the Sugar Creek corridor, making it possible to turn a day trip into a long weekend.

Another option is Raccoon Lake, or as it is officially known, Cecil M. Harden Lake. The 2,060-acre reservoir offers boating, camping and excellent fishing. Indiana DNR surveys have identified striped bass, black crappie and channel catfish among its top fishing opportunities, with largemouth bass and bluegill also present. Raccoon State Recreation Area offers hundreds of campsites and multiple boat ramps.

Big Raccoon Creek below the dam deserves attention, too. Compared with the number of paddlers on Sugar Creek, Big Raccoon can feel really quiet. The wooded banks, moving water and historic bridges give it character all its own. My old route began below the dam and continued toward Mansfield and Bridgeton, passing through some of the prettiest areas in Parke County.

Fall always offers another reason to return. The 2026 Parke County Covered Bridge Festival runs October 9 through October 18. Billed as Indiana’s largest festival, the 10-day celebration spreads across communities throughout the county. Visitors come for arts and crafts, food, small towns, fall foliage and, of course, the 31 covered bridges. Rockville serves as festival headquarters.

My suggestion is to experience the festival, but don't spend the entire trip on pavement. Pack a tent or camper. Bring fishing rods. Rent a canoe or kayaks and spend a lazy day on the water floating Sugar Creek or take out a fishing boat on Raccoon Lake. Spend a day wandering through festival towns, then spend the next.

Covered bridges are beautiful when viewed through a windshield. They are even better when you paddle beneath one with a fishing rod beside you and October leaves floating on the water.

See you down the trail…

For more Driftwood Outdoors, check out the podcast on www.driftwoodoutdoors.com or anywhere podcasts are streamed.

There is always something happening at Owen County Public Library (OCPL), and this fall is no exception. From educational opportunities and community programs to special events and new services, the library continues to expand the ways it serves the Owen County community.

One of the library’s growing areas of service is Adult Education. Through its Adult Education program, OCPL offers opportunities for adults to gain skills and certifications that can help them in the workplace, including CompTIA A+, QuickBooks, Microsoft Excel, and HVAC-R training. The program continues to explore additional opportunities to expand the classes and certifications available to residents.

The library is also preparing for a special event on Nov. 4, when award-winning author Roland Smith will visit Owen County. Students from Spencer-Owen Community Schools will have the opportunity to hear Smith speak about his books, including “The Wildes: The Amazon” and “Thunder Cave.” The library is also bringing back its immersive Read-n-Feed experience, allowing a limited number of students to step into scenes inspired by Smith’s books while enjoying a meal and activities connected to the stories.

The community is invited to join Smith at 6 p.m. on Nov. 4 at the OCPL for a special community presentation and walk-through of the immersive book scenes. Books will be available for purchase and signing, giving local readers an opportunity to meet the author and learn more about the stories that have inspired the event.

While special events bring excitement to the library, much of OCPL’s work happens every week through its regular programs and services. Tai Chi is offered Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10 a.m., and the Dementia Caregiver Support Group meets on the fourth Thursday of each month. The library also continues to offer resources and programs designed to connect residents with information, technology, education, and community support.

The Library of Things continues to grow as well, with increasing interest from patrons in borrowing items beyond traditional books. The library’s private meeting spaces are another popular resource, with the rooms being reserved more than 1,000 times in the past year by community members and organizations.

OCPL is also excited to add wide-format printing as a new service for patrons. The service will allow community members to print larger materials such as posters, signs, presentations, artwork, and other projects without having to travel outside of Owen County. Wide-format printing will be offered at a minimal cost, making it an affordable and convenient option for individuals, families, students, organizations, and local businesses.

Looking ahead, OCPL is also working on its next long-range plan. The library is gathering input from patrons, staff, and the community through surveys as it looks toward the future and considers how the library can continue meeting the changing needs of Owen County residents.

The library’s partnerships throughout the community remain an important part of that work. OCPL works with local organizations, schools, businesses, and community groups to provide programs and services that reach beyond the library walls.

As the library continues to grow, its goal remains the same: to provide a welcoming place where people can learn, connect, discover something new, and find the resources they need.

Whether you are looking for a class, attending a program, borrowing a book, using a meeting space, taking advantage of a new service, or simply looking for a place to spend some time, there is a good chance you will find something happening at Owen County Public Library, 10 S. Montgomery St., in Spencer.

Community members, school officials, and local families gathered Sept. 19 to tour the new Spencer-Owen Community Schools (S-OCS) Transportation Center located at 1441 Flatwoods Road. The modern facility, designed to streamline operations and better serve the district's extensive bus fleet, opened its doors to the public to showcase its comprehensive upgrades and capabilities.

Reflecting on the history of the project and what ultimately led the district to this milestone, S-OCS Superintendent Andy Cline shared details regarding the initial vision behind the facility.

"Prior to my arrival in 2021, the Board of Trustees had been studying the placement and construction of a transportation center to take care of the needs of the school district," he said. "There are 16 corporation routes and 21 contractor routes that provide bus service for our students during their a.m./p.m. routes for a majority of the county on a daily basis. On top of that, there are several additional school buses that provide transportation for students throughout the day who are on shortened schedules based on their academic needs.”

The primary vision for a transportation facility, Cline noted, was to provide a space where all buses could be stored, serviced and maintained for the district, providing efficiency and room for growth.

“The previous building, which has been transitioned into the facility and maintenance building, did not provide the space to work on a fleet of school buses this size," he explained.

Selecting the right site for a project of this magnitude required careful consideration of county geography, existing infrastructure, and responsible stewardship of taxpayer funds. When asked why 1441 Flatwoods Rd. was chosen as the ideal location, Cline explained the practical advantages of the property.

"The property was/is owned by the school district, which provided immediate cost savings to the community and taxpayer base," he said. "The ground provided a suitable building site. Other school-owned property and private property that had been looked at earlier in 2021 did not meet suitable building conditions based on geo-tech studies received by the board. The Flatwoods Road location was reviewed in 2023 and provided a suitable building site. It also afforded us the opportunity to connect to existing water, sewer connections, and allowed us to extend existing fiber/Internet connectivity to the new site, again saving taxpayer dollars."

For years, S-OCS struggled with logistical hurdles caused by scattered parking and a lack of indoor workspace. To address these challenges and improve financial efficiency, Cline explained how the new facility eliminated past space constraints while unlocking new operational capabilities.

"The school district did not have an established location to house all buses in order to provide on-site mechanical service and inspections," he said. "We were parking buses in the middle school parking lots and up near the tennis courts at the high school and middle schools when they were not in use. The facility construction also has allowed the district to begin cutting costs by buying service materials in bulk. For example, air filters, oil filters and wiper blades. We had nowhere to store those materials and were purchasing them at retail versus wholesale (bulk) prices. Also, the Indiana State Police inspection process and mechanic/maintenance processes have been much easier to complete and provided in a timely and frequent manner."

Visitors touring the open house had the opportunity to examine the building's specialized interior layout, built to accommodate both heavy mechanical work and staff needs. Detailing the core features and amenities included in the construction, Cline noted the thoughtful use of space.

"The new facility provides two mechanic bays which are used throughout the year for various repairs and scheduled maintenance for the buses," he said. "There is also a wash bay to clean school buses, which has come in handy during our first winter in the building in particular. There are parking spots and heating tapes to take care of up to 50 full-size school buses with additional space for activity buses and parking for drivers and visitors in the front of the building. In addition, the interior of the building houses offices, a break room for drivers, restrooms, and a training room for updating drivers on new requirements. The perimeter fence provides a means to secure the buses when not in use throughout the school year, during holiday breaks and the summer recess as well.”

Utilization of space was also taken into consideration with the creation of additional storage space in the mezzanine above the offices, restrooms, and a breakroom for the drivers.

“The board and employees who would be using the space on a daily basis took the time to carefully plan out the design and use of space,” Cline explained. “We also created a dedicated room to house all the blueprints and working documents for the district as well. It had been found that those items were spread across buildings. The inclusion of the ‘blueprint’ room allows for those items to be stored in one place, and they become easily accessible for review."

Operating across Owen County presents unique geographical demands, spanning over 380 square miles and hundreds of miles of local roadways. Discussing how a centralized hub impacts daily routes and scheduling, Cline emphasized the strategic advantages of the location.

"The facility and its location has provided a reasonably centralized transportation hub given the roughly 387 square miles that make up the county and the 635 miles of roads that have to be maintained by the county which we travel on a daily basis throughout the school year," he said. "The facility provides a space that will be prepared to handle the potential growth of homes and opportunities for Owen County families and their students."

Safety compliance and vehicle upkeep are vital components of daily student transportation. To support these efforts, Cline detailed the new transportation center's dedicated maintenance and training provisions while highlighting a valuable partnership with state officials.

"All inspections, maintenance, training, and repairs are now primarily done at the new facility," he said. "It provides a single space for work to be done in a controlled climate. We also are now able to host training/education sessions for folks interested in obtaining their school bus (CDL) license. The Indiana Department of Education has been very appreciative of being able to provide training sessions for folks in this part of the state. Recently, they completed a training session with 17 possible drivers for the surrounding counties. This is a positive collaboration that will hopefully help to curtail the driver shortage that so many school districts are now facing, including us. We are still looking for two more drivers."

Effective communication between drivers, mechanics, and administration is essential for maintaining smooth daily operations. To support this, Cline explained how the new facility enhances administrative oversight and strengthens safety protocols.

"The construction/use of the facility provides a single point of communication and maintenance oversight for drivers to their director and mechanic staff," he said. "Materials can be left and reviewed there, whether it be paperwork or bus videos to review stop arm violations or student behavior. School buses are maintained and inspected on site as well, providing a quick turnaround on service and/or repairs."

Bringing a project of this scale from concept to completion involved coordinated financial planning and dedicated local leadership, Cline noted, while outlining the project's timeline, funding, and key partners.

"Total costs for the facility were 4.3 million dollars, funded using lease bonds in conjunction with the improvements completed at Owen Valley Middle School and improvements at Spencer Elementary School," Cline explained. "The staff took occupancy of the transportation building during the 2025-2026 school year. Weather delayed earlier completion and occupancy of the building and campus."

Cline also acknowledged the professional teams responsible for the physical execution of the building.

"The Board of Trustees and school team worked with The Stenftenagel Group to oversee the project," he said. "In addition, Three i Design from Evansville, IN provided architectural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, planning, and design as the lowest, most responsible bidder."

Looking ahead, school leaders view the completion of the transportation center as a cornerstone for future community development and educational stability. Summarizing the long-term impact of the facility, Cline shared his outlook for the corporation.

"The construction, opening and utilization of the new facility provides a long-range and forward-thinking opportunity to house and provide school bus services for Owen County families well into the future," he said. "As contractors fade away and are no longer able to be replaced, the school system will have the facility and infrastructure in place to take on the full responsibility of buses and their storage and maintenance in order to provide a safe ride to and from school for our students on a daily basis."

As a lasting marker for future generations, a time capsule was integrated directly into the structure during construction.

"Mark July 1, 2050 on your calendar," Cline added. "As part of construction, a time capsule has been created and placed in part of the block walls. That capsule is scheduled to be opened in 25 years."

The Cataract Lake Community Center reopened about a year and a half ago, with hopes to build trust and offer meaningful resources to the community.

The center offers monthly free community dinners, emergency food assistance and free resources, such as hygiene products, diapers, formula, clothing and mobility aids like crutches and walkers. The building is also open for people to come hang out and play and hosts regular events like ice cream socials and LEGO® nights.

The monthly dinners are held on the third Wednesday of each month from 5-7 p.m., drawing anywhere between 45 and 100 attendees. The center’s board president, Patricia Chappell, said the dinners are a chance for all people to come together for a meal.

One of the center’s greatest impacts, she said, is showing respect. The center opens its doors to “people who are already struggling, who are already in a situation of uncomfortableness, who are being judged, who are being looked down upon, who are leery,” Chappell said.

Focusing on being non-judgmental, the center aims to avoid the stigma or ridicule faced by people who are living in poverty or dealing with addiction.

“I wish people understood that they’re good people,” board vice president Christal Perrine said. “They deserve to have things as well. They deserve food. They deserve kindness. They deserve people to be friendly to them.”

Chappell said the center is important in giving aid to community members in need but is in “desperate” need of food and hygiene donations and involvement. Chappell said she wants to see more people come to the monthly dinners, join as volunteers and tell the center what resources, services or events they want to have.

The center tries to cater to those who may be experiencing homelessness or don’t have the resources to cook in a kitchen by offering food items that can be easily made over an open pit or with boiling water. It also opens up during tornados or extreme warm or cold weather as a place where people can find shelter.

“Last year we stayed open,” Chappell said. “There was about five days where it was extremely cold. My family actually stayed up there for three days straight. We slept on the floor to keep the building open for people to come in and provided coffee and soups and different things in case people were cold.”

Chappell said her goal is to have organizations like the IU Health Owen County Women, Infants and Children office, Division of Family Resources or local health department come to the center and provide outreach and services to the “really underserved area.”

Transportation is a large barrier for some, she said, and some kind of shuttle to take those without their own transportation to the grocery store, a job interview or doctor appointments would help people get on their feet.

“You’d be really surprised how many people don’t have internet,” she said. “They don’t have a home. They’re living in tents in the woods, so they don’t have cars. They don’t have a means to apply (to jobs) or obtain services outside that little bitty area.”

Working with and volunteering for the center has changed the way Chappell thinks about the underserved people in the community, she said. Learning just how many are facing generational poverty, homelessness and addiction was “heartbreaking.”

“There's a lot of children, an enormous amount of children in that area that nobody knows about, that are living in the woods, that are living in tents, that are not going to school, that are hungry, covered in sores,” Chappell said.

Not only does center leadership hope to attract more volunteers, as the most current ones are the seven board members, but also more users of the community building. Chappell said the center has tried some programs that haven’t quite taken off. Perrine said more people are starting to come to the dinners and use the center, but she wants to know what the community wants.

In the future, Perrine said she would like the center to be open at least five days a week. With more volunteers, donations and community members offering resources, programs and events for the center, Chappell hopes the facility will have the stability it needs to be open and stay open more often.

“If we had more resources and more ability to get resources out there, I do believe that people would see a change,” Chappell said of the underserved community.

The nonprofit leases the building from the Jackson Township Trustee in Owen County, who currently covers rent and helps with utility bills. But, in March 2027, the center will fully fund itself and needs donations to last.

Perrine and Chappell both want the community to know that it’s not the same center that’s been open off and on for five to 10 years and broke the community’s trust with a lack of transparency. It has new leadership.

“Our main goal is a community,” Perrine said. “We’re not doing this for us, we’re doing this for the community. We want them to come in. We want them to know that we’re there for them.”

The center is open from 3-7 p.m. on the first and third Sunday of each month, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesdays, 4-7 p.m. Fridays, 7-10 a.m. on the first and third Saturday of each month and 4-6 p.m. on the second and fourth Saturday of each month, according to its website.

The center, located at 5530 State Road 42 in Poland, IN, regularly posts updates and events on its Facebook page.

“I want to see that place full of people,” Perrine said. “I want to see kids in there playing. I want to see seniors in there enjoying coffee, playing cards. I want to see adults socializing, everybody just getting together.”

I can still remember the time when I was camping and heard strange, eerie sounds coming from deep in the forest. I was in my tent, and it was pitch dark outside. It was the middle of the night. A bird or animal made several high-pitched calls that sounded like I was in the middle of the jungle instead of a national forest. But then I heard the familiar call of a barred owl. A sigh of relief came over me.

Their normal vocalization sounds like: “Who cooks for you, who cooks for you all?” But, they also make those loud calls that make the little hair on the back of your neck stand-up. I finally got back to sleep that night, but it sure took me a while.

Indiana is home to at least eight species of resident and migratory owls. On more than a few of my hiking adventures and explorations, I have come across an owl from time to time.

Some facts about owls: An owl’s diet consists mostly of rodents, though they do eat snakes and frogs as well. Owls can rotate their heads 270 degrees. They can fly almost silently. They have amazing hearing and they can see in the dark.

Owls are often associated with Halloween because of their habits such as hunting at night, turning their head around, their startling night calls…well, you get the picture.

They are amazing creatures and I love owls. It’s very rare to see one during the daytime as they are nocturnal but sometimes, they are out in the daylight hours.

Out of all the owls that can be found in Indiana, the barred owl is one of my favorites. These owls are found throughout the state. They are also the most common owl in the state. They can grow to as much as 20 inches in height with a wing span as wide as 43 inches. They are very vocal owls, and this is one of the reasons I like them.

Another favorite of mine is the great horned owl. This owl is among the largest owls in Indiana. They are also year-round residents to the state. They’re easily recognized by their large size, their ear tufts, and yellow eyes. They can grow to be 18 to 24 inches tall with a wingspan of about 4.6 feet.

I also got to see one of these wonderful birds of prey at another time when I was camping. It was nighttime, and there was a full moon that illuminated the whole forest. The branches on the trees made eerie shadows on the ground. I was having trouble sleeping, so I laid there with my tent open and looked up at the sky to watch the moon. Suddenly, a large creature with big wings flew over my tent and startled me. At first, I didn’t recognize it as an owl, but once I heard it hooting, the call it made, I knew what it was.

Some other owls found in Indiana are the barn owl, Eastern screech owl, long-eared owl, and short-eared owl.

There have been many superstitions about owls throughout history. Some cultures used to believe that if you saw an owl, it was a harbinger of bad luck. Other cultures associated owls with wisdom. Owls are also classic symbols of Halloween because of their nocturnal habits, eerie calls, and centuries of folklore linking them to the supernatural. Perhaps they’ve gotten a bad rap.

I like owls, but I have got to tell you, when I’m sound asleep in my tent, deep in the dark forest, they can still make those small hairs on the back of my neck stand up when I hear those loud, startling calls in the dead of night.

In reality, owls are awesome birds of prey that live in our forests and help with keeping the rodent population down.

In closing, I’ll leave you with a quote about owls: “The wailing owl screams solitary to the mournful moon.” – David Mallett

“Who cooks for you?”

Happy Halloween!

Susan

In “Heart of the Beast,” a retired soldier finds the fight of his life in the Alaskan wilderness.

I don’t know if Brad Pitt is a good actor, but he is certainly a movie star. He has never worn his good looks comfortably. His best roles are always, if not undercutting how handsome he is, at least commenting on his attractiveness. He is captivating in stillness. Director David Fincher, of “Se7en” and “Fight Club” fame, was key in unlocking Mr. Pitt’s super power: being a character actor. He is much more interesting being just left of center frame. From there, he reliably draws your eye.

Apart from a memorable scene with the towering J.K. Simmons and a few war flashbacks, this is a true two-hander. A boy and his dog. Being a boy who happens to have a dog myself, this was a fastball right down the center of the plate for me. The deep connection we have with these loyal and sometimes silly creatures is beyond my vocabulary to describe. How many of us can handle violence against our fellow humans in film, but the second a filmmaker comes for our furry friends, we revolt? I’m certainly one. I’ll tear all the curtains down while pitching my righteous fit.

Here once again, Mr. Pitt finds himself in the supporting role to a German Shepherd named Odin. Odin is actually portrayed by four dogs. Chiefly by a retired search-and-rescue dog named Uber and his three sons Seeka, Ryker and Hondo filling in as his stunt doubles. Only Mr. Pitt has enough presence to draw your eye from this shepherd. With his battle scarred face, artificial leg and titanium teeth, he gives even your goodest boy at home a run for their money (please don’t read this to my goodest boy Sutter Cane). Can a non-human win a best actor Academy Award? If so, I can’t think of a more deserving actor this year.

Another clear stand out character is Alaska herself. The vistas shot in this film drew gasps from my chest. Putting a puddle-jumping airplane in a movie set in Alaska is a must. From the snow-capped peaks down to the thicket of lush undergrowth, the views make you realize you need a good friend in the travel industry.

The director here, David Ayer, is a director I’ve been on the fence about for quite some time. He made his name initially as a screenwriter. Right out of the gate he wrote “U-571”, a solid WWII submarine movie, “The Fast and the Furious” and the great “Training Day”. That is quite the start to a career. As he transitioned into the director’s chair, he has missed more than hit for me. In “The Heart of the Beast”, his tough guy style has matured into a ruminative, straightforward look at survival.

“Heart of the Beast” will be playing at our Tivoli October 2-4.

I’d like to take a moment to make a statement of intent for the “Watch Local” column. For you dear readers that have kept up with my few articles (and hopefully the many to come) you might be wondering if I like every movie I’ve ever seen. I have not. In fact, I can be quite cutting to what I dislike. And I’d happily wax poetic in person. My main goal with this column is to champion what is playing in our community. To help drive film appreciation, not dissuade theater attendance.

As always, thanks for reading.

Owen County EMS is the first emergency medical services team to receive a new quarterly recognition from the IU Health Bloomington Cardiac Cath Lab for outstanding care of heart attack patients.

The Owen County team was recognized for its response to a patient experiencing a STEMI, a serious type of heart attack caused by a blocked coronary artery. EMS personnel identified the heart attack in the field and activated the hospital’s cardiac catheterization team before arriving at IU Health Bloomington.

The American Heart Association benchmark is to open a blocked vessel within 90 minutes of a patient’s first contact with a medical professional. In this case, the Owen County patient’s blocked vessel was opened in just 63 minutes. Once the procedure began, the Cath Lab team needed only 13 minutes to place a stent and restore blood flow.

The case demonstrates the importance of identifying a heart attack quickly and activating the Cath Lab while the patient is still being transported. It also highlights the role of equipment such as cardiac monitors and onboard communications systems that allow EMS crews to transmit EKG results from the field.

A banner recognizing the Owen County EMS team and documenting the response is now displayed in the ambulance bay at IU Health Bloomington.

The Owen County 4-H program is excited to announce Forestry as the 2026 Project of the Year, offering youth an engaging opportunity to explore the outdoors while learning valuable skills related to tree identification, forest stewardship, conservation, and natural resource management. This year-long focus will introduce members to the fascinating world of forests and the important role they play in our communities and environment.

Through a variety of hands-on activities, workshops, and educational experiences, 4-H members will discover how forests provide wildlife habitat, clean air, water protection, recreation opportunities, and sustainable natural resources. Participants will learn to identify common tree species by examining leaves, bark, seeds, and growth patterns. Youth will have opportunities to collect, preserve, and display leaves while creating their own forestry collections and gaining a better understanding of the diversity found in local woodlands.

A major component of the project will be forestry stewardship. Members will explore what it means to be responsible caretakers of natural resources by learning about healthy forest management practices, invasive species, wildlife conservation, and environmental sustainability. Through interactive lessons and outdoor exploration, participants will gain a greater appreciation for the importance of protecting forests for future generations.

The project will also highlight forestry-related careers, exposing youth to professionals who work in conservation, environmental science, natural resource management, wildlife biology, urban forestry, and the forest products industry. By connecting members with experts in the field, Owen County 4-H hopes to inspire future career interests while helping youth understand the many opportunities available within the forestry sector.

In addition to educational programming, members can look forward to exciting activities such as tree and leaf identification challenges, nature hikes, forestry demonstrations, project exhibits, and creative conservation projects. These experiences will encourage youth to develop observation, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills while fostering a deeper connection to the natural world.

The Forestry Project of the Year was selected because of its ability to combine science, environmental education, outdoor recreation, and leadership development into a meaningful learning experience. Whether a member is new to forestry or already enjoys spending time outdoors, the project offers opportunities for youth of all ages and experience levels to learn, grow, and make a positive impact in their community.

Owen County 4-H looks forward to helping members discover the beauty and value of forests throughout the coming year. By encouraging stewardship, conservation, and hands-on learning, the Forestry Project of the Year will empower youth to become knowledgeable leaders who understand the importance of preserving one of our most valuable natural resources. Community members are encouraged to follow Owen County 4-H throughout the year to learn more about upcoming forestry events, activities, and educational opportunities.

Patricksburg Elementary School (PES) recently welcomed a crowd of special guests on Friday, Sept. 18 for their Lunch on the Lawn, a tradition that brings students, families, and the school community together for an hour of food and fun.

Parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles arrived at PES carrying picnic lunches (and plenty of McDonald’s and Wendy’s bags) to enjoy with their children. Families spread out under the shade trees and gathered in the shelter house, taking time to relax and enjoy lunch and recess together.

Following lunch, guests had the opportunity to watch their children enjoy recess on the playground and soccer field. Students also received a special visit from the Patricksburg Community Volunteer Fire Department, which brought a fire truck to the school. Students enjoyed getting an up-close look at the truck and learning more about the important role local firefighters play in their community.

Events like Lunch on the Lawn are about much more than sharing a meal. They provide an opportunity to strengthen the connection between home and school. Building positive relationships with families is an important part of creating a school community where students feel supported and connected.

PES appreciates the tremendous turnout and is grateful to the many family members who took time out of their day to join their children at school.

With plenty of laughter, playground fun, and time spent together, the Lunch on the Lawn served as another reminder that some of the best school days are the ones shared with family and friends.

The Owen County Community Foundation (OCCF) is proud to announce six outstanding local students as finalists for Owen County’s 2027 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship, which is one of the most prestigious scholarship opportunities in the state of Indiana.

This year, ten Owen County students applied for the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship, which provides full tuition, required fees, and up to $900 annually for books and equipment for four years of undergraduate study at an eligible Indiana college or university.

Following a competitive first round of evaluations, six students advanced to the second phase of the selection process, which included in-person interviews with the OCCF Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Committee.

The 2027 Owen County finalists are:

• Blake Atkerson – Cloverdale High School
• Enoch Brothers – Owen Valley High School
• Zoe Kyle – Owen Valley High School
• Riley Martin – Owen Valley High School
• Macy Mullin – Edgewood High School
• Isabelle Sylvester – Owen Valley High School

One finalist will ultimately be nominated by the Owen County Community Foundation to Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI) for final selection. The 2027 Owen County Lilly Scholar will be announced in December 2026.

“We’re proud to recognize this year’s Owen County Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship finalists,” said Janet Rummel, OCCF President & CEO. “Each has worked hard to reach this point, and we look forward to learning more about their goals during the interview process. We’re grateful to Lilly Endowment Inc. for making this opportunity available to students across Indiana.”

Next Opportunity for Students: OCCF Scholarship Application Opens Late November

Local students will soon have another opportunity to pursue scholarship funding through the Owen County Community Foundation. OCCF’s 2027 Scholarship Application opens in late November, offering more than 60 local scholarships totaling over $155,000 for students who reside in Owen County or attend Owen Valley High School.

Applications must be submitted by January 16, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. Students can apply at bit.ly/OCCFscholarship and can learn more at owencountycf.org/students.

About the Owen County Community Foundation: The Owen County Community Foundation (OCCF) is a public charity founded in 1994 as a resource to connect caring individuals with causes they support, enabling them to make a charitable impact on the community. Since its founding, the OCCF has been able to grant more than $12.9 million to area nonprofit and charitable organizations in our community, and over $3.4 million in early childhood – adult education funding since 1994. The OCCF is committed to enhancing the quality of life for all citizens of Owen County, now and for generations to come. For more information, visit owencounty.org or call (812) 829-1725.

Lilly Endowment Inc. is an Indianapolis-based, private philanthropic foundation created in 1937 by J.K. Lilly Sr. and his sons Eli and J.K. Jr. through gifts of stock in their pharmaceutical business, Eli Lilly and Company. Although the gifts of stock remain a financial bedrock of the Endowment, it is a separate entity from the company, with a distinct governing board, staff and location. In keeping with the founders’ wishes, the Endowment supports the causes of community development, education and religion. The Endowment funds significant programs throughout the United States, especially in the field of religion. However, it maintains a special commitment to its founders’ hometown, Indianapolis, and home state, Indiana.

Since 1997, Independent Colleges of Indiana has administered the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program statewide with funding provided by Lilly Endowment Inc. Founded in 1948, ICI serves as the collective voice for the state’s 29 private, nonprofit colleges and universities. ICI institutions employ over 22,000 Hoosiers and generate a total local economic impact of over $5.5 billion annually. Students at ICI colleges have Indiana’s highest four-year, on-time graduation rates, and ICI institutions produce 30 percent of Indiana’s bachelor’s degrees while enrolling 20 percent of its undergraduates.

The Patriot Band & Guard perform their half-time show “Scorched” with music from Celine Dion, Igor Stravinsky and Manuel De Falla. The Patriot Band & Guard placed second place in ISSMA Class C at the Decatur Central Contest of Champions on Sept. 19th, also earning first place in Visual. The Band & Guard will face off in several competitions throughout the month, including the Bands of America Indy Super Regional at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Oct. 16.

Governor Mike Braun and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) have released formal plans for a modernized, expanded campground at McCormick’s Creek State Park (MCSP) east of Spencer. The announcement marks a major milestone in the recovery of Indiana’s first state park following the devastating EF-3 tornado that struck the property in March 2023.

“As Indiana’s first state park, McCormick’s Creek has been a place where families and friends have gathered and created memories for more than a century,” Governor Braun said in a news release. “The tornado in 2023 was a heartbreaking moment in the park’s history, but we are now ready to rebuild this campground stronger, more resilient, and better suited for today’s visitors. We look forward to welcoming campers back to camp once construction is complete.”

The late-night storm on March 31, 2023, packed peak winds of nearly 150 mph and cut a destructive 400-yard-wide path through roughly 282 acres of the park. The campground suffered catastrophic damage, toppling most of the surrounding mature trees and destroying over 90% of the sites in key loops, alongside all three campground shower houses. Following extensive multi-year debris removal, root ball extraction, and site cleanup, the grounds are finally clear and prepared for rebuilding.

The newly designed campground will feature a larger footprint spanning 65 acres, housing 192 modern campsites equipped with full hookups for electricity, water, and sewer. Measuring approximately 32 by 40 feet, the modern sites are built to comfortably accommodate larger recreational vehicles. Additionally, 32 primitive campsites will remain available for tent camping, and the park’s existing group camps will continue to welcome visitors.

To enhance the overall visitor experience, the $25 million project also includes building a new gatehouse, a camp store, and three modern comfort stations equipped with adjacent playgrounds. Substantial landscaping and tree planting initiatives are integrated into the master plan to restore the natural forest character of the campground area. True to local roots, the Indiana DNR Division of Forestry will supply timber used for constructing the new gatehouse and camp store.

“McCormick’s Creek State Park holds a special place in the hearts of so many Hoosiers, and the loss of the campground in the 2023 tornado was felt across our entire state,” added Brandt Baughman, Director of Indiana State Parks. “Our team has worked thoughtfully and carefully to design a new campground that honors the park’s history while creating space for future generations to explore, connect, and make memories.”

Construction bids for the infrastructure, including buildings, electrical grids, water lines, and sewer systems, are scheduled to open on Oct. 20. State officials anticipate that the newly rebuilt campground will officially open to the public in the late summer of 2028.

Detailed information regarding the 2023 tornado and ongoing recovery efforts can be found online at on.IN.gov/McCormicks-Recovery, while general park details are available at on.IN.gov/McCormicksCreek.

The Owen News and the Spencer Evening World have a new competitor in the newspaper game. The Patriot Paper, created and published by Spencer Elementary School (SES) sixth graders, is now here to supplement the news landscape of Spencer. The Patriot Paper’s inaugural 2026 edition features profiles of teachers and students, Owen Valley sports reports, advice and environmental columns, animal facts, and comics.

The Patriot Paper is published by students in an enrichment period for selected sixth graders at SES. These students pick their own topics to pursue, such as sports, teacher interviews, or animal fact reports based on a framework created by SES teacher Shelby Sego. The framework is meant to give students ideas about what they should write about, mainly profile stories and sports coverage, but students are also free to pursue topics that they find interest in. Sego noted that, this year some students have branched out from the typical topics seen in the Patriot Papers of the past.

“This year we actually had some [students] that wanted to do research on pollution and how that affects local ecosystems. So it was kind of neat to see that,” she said. “As long as [they] can show me that [they] can back this up then they can write about it. They even had an advice column about how to handle stress.”

The Patriot Paper has existed in some form for the last several years but is back this year after a 2025 school year hiatus. Sego has been overseeing it for the last four years.

“Over the years, I will say they've gotten better and a little bit more creative,” she said. “They’ve gotten a lot more polished.”

Sego says that even though the paper is “by students, for students,” some of their biggest fans are the other teachers at SES.

“We'll double check, make sure everything looks good, and then share it to the whole faculty so they can take a look,” she said. “A lot of these students [faculty] had in previous years, so they get to see their stuff, they get to see their writings and see how they've grown. And it's also kind of fun just to look back and say, ‘Oh yeah, I remember [that] student.’”

The Owen News staff looks forward to hearing more from the Patriot Paper and wish the students luck covering the halls of SES and beyond!

Artist Christina Hollering recently brought vibrant color and community spirit to 9 E. Market St. in Cloverdale as part of the Putnam County Mural Project. Her stunning new mural at Shady Dale Studio hair salon features a vibrant display of butterflies and wildflowers painted across the building's exterior.

To celebrate the finished artwork before the local football game at nearby Cloverdale High School, Shady Dale Studio hosted a "Meet Me at the Mural" event on Sept. 25.

The Cloverdale Community School Corporation (CCSC) Board of School Trustees met Sept. 14, navigating a full agenda covering critical financial votes, policy readings, and community recognitions.

A key focus of the evening was fiscal management, highlighted by the unanimous approval of the proposed 2027 budget, capital projects plan, and school bus replacement plan. Recommended by CCSC Superintendent Dr. Stacy Mason, the approval included authorizing the submittal of Form 4 to the Department of Local Government Finance (DLGF) to request advertised levies for debt service, pension bond, and operational funds.

The board also unanimously approved a series of routine financial and administrative items. These included the formal adoption of the evening's agenda, alongside minutes from the Aug. 10 executive and regular sessions and the Aug. 24 public budget hearing. Additionally, the board approved financial reports and payroll details presented by Dr. Mason, accepted the 2026-2028 Title IV grant, and authorized various community donations supporting schools and the football team.

Board members also advanced the first reading of board policy volumes (36 #2 and 38 #2), July 2025 updates, and a June 2026 artificial intelligence update. They also handled routine personnel items, including hiring a homebound instructor, setting Clover Café student worker compensation, and approving transfer-in students, professional leaves, field trips, and staff hires.

The meeting reserved significant time to spotlight local achievements across the district. Cloverdale Elementary School (CES) students Kason Parrish and Liam Bernard were honored as Students of the Month, as were Cloverdale Middle School (CMS) student Zoey Bond and Cloverdale High School (CHS) senior Ryan Walker, who was celebrated for academic growth and extracurricular success. CES teacher Chelsea Beatty was recognized as Staff of the Month for her dedicated service to the district. In addition, students Orion Monnett and John Freeman were recognized as the Cloverdale Police Department’s Citizens of the Month for their positive attitudes and community service.

Dr. Mason later shared several updates on district activities as the autumn semester picks up pace. She noted that iLearn checkpoint testing is currently underway across the district, and College Go Week was rapidly approaching. The high school's Emerald Command Marching Band was congratulated for capturing a first-place victory at Brownsburg, and community members were invited to attend the upcoming one-hour "Coffee and Conversation" event on Oct. 7 beginning at 8:30 a.m. in the CHS Clover Café.

In addition, the board approved the following field trip requests: the Emerald Command Marching Band visiting Brownsburg High School on Sept. 12; eighth graders traveling to Ivy Tech in Terre Haute on Sept. 18; the marching band performing at Noblesville High School on Sept. 19; the marching band at Southport High School on Sept. 26; seventh graders visiting the Putnam County Fairgrounds on Sept. 27; FCCLA students visiting the Innovation Center in Indianapolis on Sept. 29; chemistry and physics students visiting IU Bloomington on Oct. 9; the high school band performing at the Martinsville Fall Foliage Festival on Oct. 11; preschool students visiting Beasley's Orchard on Oct. 19; and first graders visiting the Terre Haute Children's Museum on April 8, 2027.

Additional personnel matters receiving board approval included retirements, resignations, and new employment. Under retirement, the board accepted actions for staff members. Resignations included Todd Rightmyer as CMS football coach. Employment actions covered various long-term substitutes, teachers, instructional assistants, and cafeteria personnel, including Ken Schnepp as CHS Spanish teacher, Sally Bush at CMS Café, Sherry Flory as part-time CMS Cafe staff, Lori Halloran as CMS sixth grade teacher, and Andy Tyler as CMS athletic director substitute.

Further employment approvals included Beth Ann Williams as CMS teacher long-term substitute, Roy Bowers as CMS sixth grade teacher, Reagan Ladd as CES instructional assistant, Jenna Lanham as Knoy teacher, Brian Siddons as CMS athletic director long-term substitute, Dana Sawyer as CES instructional assistant, Jean Raney as CMS cafeteria part-time four-hour worker, Jesse Hornaday as CHS special education classroom instructional assistant, and Wanda Thompson as CMS cafeteria part-time four-hour worker.

Coaching volunteers were also approved by the board including Damon Slaton as CHS boys’ basketball volunteer assistant, along with girls’ basketball volunteer assistants Kristin Kukman, Kiersten Wade, Kassie Wade, Veronica Carter, Autumn Halloran, Anna Linton, Paige Glassburn, and Emily Mann.

The Cloverdale School Board, which includes Vivian Whitaker, Katrina Lewis, Donna Fidler, Melissa Carrell, Emily Haltom, Joe Mann, and Mike Rightmyer II, is scheduled to convene for its next regular meeting on Monday, Oct. 12, at 7 p.m. The meeting will be held at the Arthur L. Johnson Administration Building.

The Sept. 15 Blue Bash event hosted by the Owen County Democrats and the Sept. 26 Lincoln Day Dinner event organized by the Owen County Republicans brought many state legislators and legislative hopefuls to Owen County to fundraise for their respective parties and to energize their respective bases in the lead-up to the Nov. 3 midterm election.

The Democrats’ Blue Bash was held at Abram Farms east of Spencer. Speakers at the event included Indiana State Minority Caucus Leader Shelli Yoder, Vincennes Mayor Joe Yochum, U.S. 8th District Congressional candidate Mary Allen, Indiana House District 46 candidate Jimmy Pittsford, and Indiana State Treasurer candidate Coumba Kebe.

The Republicans’ Lincoln Day Dinner was held at the Christian Life Center in Spencer and featured several speakers including former Indiana Secretary of State Ed Simcox, District 37 State Senator Rodric Bray, State Treasurer Daniel Elliott, State Comptroller Elise Nieshalla, and Indiana House District 46 Representative Bob Heaton.

In a rare example of bipartisanship, both events were catered by Cassie Britton.

As the midterm elections draw nearer, both parties are doing what they can to rally their bases before Election Day. Both events featured speakers emphasizing how important it is to vote and to get as many people to the polls as possible.

The Democrats often focused on the fact that people in Indiana are having trouble making ends meet and that the Republican supermajority at the state level wasn’t doing enough to address issues that people are experiencing. State Representative Matt Pierce pointed out that the number of Democrats running in Indiana has increased dramatically during this midterm election, something he sees as a reaction to these issues.

“Just looking around and seeing what’s happening, the state going in the wrong direction, people’s basic needs not getting addressed; so people are basically saying, ‘I’ve gotta get out there and get our state on the right path,’” he said.

Republicans focused heavily on state financial wins, often describing Indiana’s balanced budget and the fact that 24 years ago, the state found itself less financially solvent than during the succeeding Republican tenure.

“There was a time when we ended the year with six cents in the bank when the democrats were in leadership in this state, owing millions of dollars,” said Indiana Republican Chairwoman Lana Keesling. “Today, we have a AAA credit rating and are one of only 16 states with economic growth.”

Midterm elections often bring in a fraction of the voters that a presidential election cycle does, often due to the fact that there are not as many high profile candidates on the ballot. The 2020 election brought out 69% of registered Owen County voters, while the 2022 midterms only saw 42% participation.

At the state level, Owen County voters will have their choice of Secretary of State, State Treasurer, State Comptroller, and Indiana House District 46. There is only one national race Owen County can vote on, the 8th District of the U.S. Congress, between Mary Allen and incumbent Mark Messmer. There are, however, 42 separate races at the county level on the ballot this November. Many of these races are unopposed or have the exact number of people running as there are open seats, but 18 races are contested and will be decided by constituents on Election Day. With historically lower voter turnout, each vote has a much higher ability to swing a race one way or another.

The ballot box is calling, Owen County, and local election officials have drawn your road map to the polls. With the Nov. 3 General Election fast approaching, the Owen County Clerk’s Office has unveiled a comprehensive slate of early voting opportunities, satellite locations, and absentee options designed to ensure every eligible voice is heard.

For residents wishing to vote early in person, the Owen County Courthouse located at 60 S. Main St. in Spencer will open its doors starting Tuesday, Oct. 6. Voting will continue Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., though voters should note that while voting remains available during these hours, other courthouse offices close for lunch from noon to 1 p.m. Additionally, the courthouse will be closed on Oct. 12 for Columbus Day. Voters must enter via the main northside door and bring a valid government-issued photo ID. To accommodate busy schedules, extended Saturday hours will be offered at the courthouse on Oct. 24 and Oct. 31 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., with the final day of early voting taking place on Monday, Nov. 2, from 8 a.m. to noon.

In addition to courthouse voting, satellite locations will open on specific Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. for in-person voting requiring a valid photo ID. Residents can visit the Freedom Community Center located at 5552 Freedom-Arney Rd. in Freedom on Saturday, Oct. 24, or the Faith Baptist Church located at 11612 State Road 243 in Cloverdale on Saturday, Oct. 31.

Voters who prefer or require alternative methods also have several options. Ballot packets can be mailed to voters who meet specific statutory requirements allowed by Indiana Code and submit a written request. Applications are currently available at indianavoters.in.gov/MVPHome/PrintDocuments, with a mail-in application deadline of Oct. 22 at 11:59 p.m. For voters who qualify under Indiana Code and require direct assistance, a traveling board can bring a ballot packet directly to them upon written request, with applications due by Nov. 2 at noon. Meanwhile, military and overseas voters can find special actions, qualifications, and required forms by visiting the state voter portal online.

The 2026 General Election will officially take place on Tuesday, Nov. 3, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. On Election Day, voters may cast their ballots at any of the seven local vote center locations across the county. These include Faith Baptist Church at 11612 S.R. 243 in Cloverdale, Family of God Church at 2018 S.R. 67 in Spencer, Clay Township Fire Department at 5663 S.R. 43 in Spencer, and the Freedom Community Center at 5552 Freedom-Arney Rd. in Freedom. Additional locations are Jefferson Baptist Church at 4019 Main St. in Coal City, Garrard Chapel Church at 7410 W. S.R. 46 in Bowling Green, and the Spencer Christian Life Center at 126 E. Market St. in Spencer.

Anyone with questions can contact Linda Roy, Deputy Clerk of Elections and Voter Registration, located on the first floor of the Owen County Courthouse in Spencer. She can also be reached by phone at 812-829-5028 or via email at linda.roy@owencounty.in.gov.

At the Sept. 14 Owen County Council meeting, the council members held public hearings for additional appropriations from the Aug. meeting and conducted a 2027 budget workshop review.

The council heard and accepted the following appropriations:

• Fund $3,300 to 1170-22300 Tires
• Fund #1000-County General Cash $10,000 to 1000-235-39800 Care of Patients
• Fund #1176/#1173/#1169-Cash $500,000 each Fund to Road Projects -30101
• Fund #1000-County General Cash $10,000 to 1000-232-37000 Contract Services
• Fund #1191-Riverboat Cash $45,000 to 1191-30100 Other Service
• Fund #1150-Auditor Endorsement Cash $9,600 to 1150-30100 Other Services
• Fund #1000-County General Cash $4,000 to 1000-012-11200 Wages
• Fund #1000-County General Cash $1,797 to 1000-003-20100 Supplies

Owen County Commissioner Sam Hobbs spoke to the council regarding the appropriations for the road projects.

“We got so much work going on that we're going to have to have contractors to help us,” he said. “We can’t get around it. And while we have the money available without depleting our funds because we want to make sure we have enough in December, we have the greatest opportunity right now to get this work done while we have the funds.”

In terms of the plan for the road projects, auditor Sheila Reeves reminded that the list is an outline, subject to change.

“I do not want (the council, commissioners and highway department) beat up, nor do I want the 10 of them to be beat up when there might be a road that changes or has to be changed or an emergency comes up,” Reeves said. “There will be some adjustments. Please try to be flexible and understand. They're trying to figure out how to make everything happen with as little as much they have to work with.”

On other additional appropriations listed under new business, the council moved to advertise the following, to be voted on at the next meeting:

• Sheriff's Dept. 1170-Cash $3619.00 to -30100 Other Services
• Sheriff's Dept. 1170-Cash $2400.00 to -37000 Contract Services
• Sheriff's Dept. Fund #4913 $7000.00 to -22200 Gas-Oil-Lube

The council members also discussed a request to give funding to Rural Transit, an Area 10 Agency on Aging public transportation service that gives door-to-door service to anyone, regardless of age or ability, for $3 a ride. It’s the only form of public transportation in Owen County.

Council vice president Anton Neff said the council has three options, creating a grant fund with a certain dollar amount for it, adding a line item for Rural Transit in the budget and taking no action, not giving Rural Transit funding.

“It is taxpayer money and I don’t like giving it away,” council member Steve Carrell said. “There’s stuff we have to do. Let’s do the have to-dos.”

None of the council members made further motions to take action.

The council additionally discussed the building department and its current financial standing. Reeves said when the commissioners first created it in 1992, they said the building department could be cut if it is not self-supporting.

The department has attempted to gain more revenue by raising the price of building permits, but as stated at the meeting, it is too early in its enactment to calculate the long-term impact.

Reeves said following the change, in August, the department brought in $12,000, as opposed to the average $7,500 it had been bringing in each month. She expects the department will bring in enough to maintain the budget this year, but is concerned with what it will start with in January and have moving forward.

The council also made decisions on a couple positions, changing a courthouse custodian position from part-time to full-time, giving her benefits. The council decided to finalize her pay at a later date.

“A lot of people really say that whoever this is, they’re very pleased with what she’s doing. She does a good job,” council member Nick Robertson said.

A vote to accept a part-time position within the election office ended in a tie between the six present council members, with Neff and council members Joe Frye and Dan Browning voting in favor, and council president Polly Chesser, Robertson and Carrell voting against it. The tie resulted in a remaining status quo, with no added position.

“I absolutely would have been for that if it had been an election year,” Chesser said.

Frye said he thinks the repercussions of the vote will be “significant.”

“We have a current part-time employee in there that does the work of a full-time,” he said. “I think there’s value to having somebody that is experienced in that role. By skipping a year, I think we’re going to lose that experience and that employee, and we’ll have to retrain somebody.”

In a rare surge of attendance at the Sept. 22 Gosport Town Council meeting, applause filled the community building after an ordinance stymying data center development near and around the town was passed.

The ordinance, introduced at the Sept. 8 meeting, restricts potential developer access to town resources, such as water and electricity, in an attempt to make it “uncomfortable” for one of the sprawling facilities to establish, town council member Michael Miller said.

“I don’t know how you guys feel, but I don’t want one,” council president Marian McGee said at the meeting.

The ordinance mandates that violators be subjected to a $2,500 fine per day, per parcel of land.

Although Gosport is only about 0.4 square miles, just over the size of the average data center site in 2024, Miller said the ordinance would also address the potential for large plots of land, like farmland, to be annexed into the town.

Just a day earlier, at its Sept. 21 town council meeting, the Town of Spencer passed Ordinance 2026-07, which established a 12-month moratorium on data centers.

And just about an hour before the Gosport meeting, the Owen County Commissioners passed their own suspension, Ordinance 2026-011 authorizing a moratorium on data centers in the county.

“No one that I know of has asked to put one in Owen County yet, but we’re going to try to get out in front of this with this moratorium which gives us a year to figure ourselves out, to do a little more research,” commissioner Norman Warner said at the commissioners’ Sept. 22 meeting. “What we don’t want to do is just kind of leave ourselves hanging in the wind and then somebody swoops in and takes advantage of us.”

At the meeting, commissioner Sam Hobbs said the county plan commission will continue researching and working on a more permanent regulation to present to the commissioners.

Public records request dispute

The town council reviewed a public records request made by Gosport resident Dusty Paris-Trisler, who asked the town for records in more than 35 categories from Jan. 1, 2024, to Sept. 21, 2026.

From the start of the conversation, town attorney Terry English recommended the request be denied. He cited the Indiana Access to Public Records Act, which requires reasonable specificity.

Paris-Trisler said the request was filed the day prior and was nearing the 24-hour mark. The public records code, IC 5-14-3, notes that records requested in person or by phone require a response within 24 hours, or the request is deemed denied. Those made by other means, like through email for example, have a seven-day window.

The records requested do not have to be produced by the end of that day, but the request must be acknowledged, which signifies that the agency received it.

“All we’re going to do is promote the transparency and the municipal government establishes consistent procedures,” Paris-Trisler said. “That is not out of the ordinary for people to request records. If you want to tell us what you are willing to provide, we are more than happy to review that.”

English responded that he doesn’t have an issue providing records according to law, however, manpower is limited in Gosport government.

“The fact is that with a two-member town clerk’s office, we can’t stop the operation of the town clerk’s office in order to comply with your records request,” English said.

Town Clerk-Treasurer Don Hall officially denied the request on the grounds that it was excessive. He, like English, said the few office personnel don’t have the bandwidth to take boxes of physical records and make copies of each claim and invoice. Paris-Trisler agreed to reduce her request and resubmit.

Water main project

Using money from a Great Lakes Grant, the Town of Gosport plans to replace water lines in three spots. One of the program’s focuses is giving money to rural and remote areas facing environmental and public health challenges, according to its website.

“It’s supposed to help us pay for water, so we have a lot of old water lines still underground and trying to get bids together to come up with a solution where we can replace some of the older lines that are breaking more often,” Miller said.

The town intends to replace lines on Eighth Street between North and Lafayette streets, on Main Street between Seventh and Ninth streets, and on Main Street between Second and First streets.

The council approved the three projects, which are expected to cost about $198,000, McGee said. She said construction should start as soon as possible.

Also at the meeting, the town council moved to delay 2027 budget approval because the council didn’t have enough information, McGee said. The council instead planned a special meeting for 9 a.m. Oct. 2 at Gosport Town Hall.

The next town council meeting is set for 7 p.m. Oct. 6 at the Gosport Community Building at 301 N. Ninth St. in Gosport.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Booking information is provided by the Owen County Security Center. These are preliminary charges and may change as cases are processed through the circuit court system. To follow a court case, search the state’s court records at mycase.in.gov. This information is public record. ALL PEOPLE ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY.

9-15

Denise Helton, 41, Nineveh, IN, preliminary charge of failure to appear. Arrested by Owen County Sheriff’s Department (OCSD) Special Deputy Levi Miller.

9-16

Christopher Prine, 30, Freedom, preliminary charges of possession of child sexual abuse material (two counts) and sex offender registration violation (two counts). Owen County Prosecutor’s Office Investigator Brayton Wyatt was the arresting officer.

9-18

Christina Simpson, 31, Poland, IN, preliminary charges of possession of methamphetamine and probation violation. Arrested by OCSD Deputy Elijah Volrich.

Garry Hammond II, 48, Spencer, preliminary charge of domestic battery. OCSD Deputy Jacob Williamson was the arresting officer.

9-19

Michael Hunter, 42, Terre Haute, preliminary charge of operating while intoxicated. Arrested by Spencer Police Department (SPD) officer Bryce Brock.

9-21

Simon King, 44, Terre Haute, preliminary charges of probation violation and operating a vehicle as a habitual traffic violator (HTV). OCSD Special Deputy Levi Miller was the arresting officer.

Gary Borer, 44, no address given, preliminary charge of domestic battery resulting in serious bodily injury. Arrested by OCSD Deputy Elijah Volrich.

9-22

Brandie Rogers, 46, Spencer, preliminary charge of conversion. OCSD Deputy Brennan Clark was the arresting officer.

9-23

Michael Kays, 30, Spencer, preliminary charges of probation violation and operating while intoxicated. Arrested by OCSD Special Deputy Levi Miller.

Tonya Ferguson, 37, Bloomfield, preliminary charges of operating while intoxicated and neglect of a dependent; child selling. OCSD Deputy Jacob Williamson was the arresting officer.

9-24

Brennen Somes, 29, Spencer, preliminary charge of battery. Arrested by SPD officer Zachary Brock.

Melvin Lones, Jr., Gosport, preliminary charge of possession of child sexual abuse material. Owen County Prosecutor’s Office Investigator Brayton Wyatt was the arresting officer.

Gary Rousseau, 57, Gosport, preliminary charges of contributing to the delinquency of a minor, domestic battery, neglect of a dependent, and dealing in marijuana, hash oil, hashish, or salvia. Arrested by OCSD Special Deputy Levi Miller.

9-25

Derek Snapp, 40, Terre Haute, preliminary charge of writ of attachment for nonsupport of a child. OCSD Special Deputy Levi Miller was the arresting officer.

Helen Fleschner, 24, Terre Haute, preliminary charge of failure to appear on an original charge of possession of marijuana, hash oil, hashish, or salvia. Arrested by OCSD Special Deputy Levi Miller.

Jeremy Skinner, 45, Spencer, preliminary charge of failure to appear. OCSD Deputy Brennan Clark was the arresting officer.

9-27

William Hardy, 46, Bowling Green, preliminary charges of theft (two counts), possession of methamphetamine, and possession of paraphernalia. Arrested by Indiana Conservation Officer Nicholas Hartman.

9-28

Donald Kerby, 37, Cloverdale, preliminary charge of theft. OCSD Special Deputy Levi Miller was the arresting officer.

Coty Parsley, 34, Lyons, preliminary charge of probation violation. Arrested by OCSD Special Deputy Levi Miller.

The Spencer Town Council met Sept. 21 for a comprehensive session addressing critical municipal operations, infrastructure projects, and legislative updates. Board members Jon Stantz, Evan McKalip, and Ginger Kohr were all in attendance, alongside clerk-treasurer Cheryl Moke.

Following the opening roll call, the council swiftly moved through routine administrative duties, approving previous meeting minutes and authorizing payments for town claims. In a move to clear longstanding financial obligations, members voted to settle two outstanding invoices from Commonwealth Engineers totaling $40,510, resolving a backlog dating back to April of this year.

Community events and infrastructure management also took center stage during the meeting. The council granted an event permit to Civilian Brewing, authorizing them to serve craft beer at the second 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. The event is being hosted by the Sweet Owen Arts Commission.

Turning to broader public works, the council discussed a revised Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) agreed order for the town sewer plant and approved funding applications for the Community Crossings Matching Grant (CCMG). To secure the grant for local road improvements, the town committed $41,867 in matching funds.

A substantial portion of the evening was also dedicated to collaborating with county representatives regarding a $4 million sewer expansion project required to support a new jail facility, with the council emphasizing the necessity of clear budget figures from developers before moving forward.

Legislative actions shaped much of the meeting's agenda, highlighted by the approval of four significant ordinances. Most notably, the council approved a 12-month moratorium covering data centers, solar fields, and battery energy storage systems, which will allow the town sufficient time to formulate permanent ordinances. Members also passed an ordinance providing re-zoning regulations for Accessory Dwelling Units within town limits, authorized the re-authorization of Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) agreements, and formally approved the revised IDEM agreed order.

Department reports highlighted ongoing progress across town operations, with Spencer Police Department Chief Terry Sips reporting the successful completion of field training for new personnel alongside necessary facility maintenance, including entry door repairs.

The sewer department shared news of a successful lab audit alongside updates on basin cleaning and blower repairs, while the street department reviewed ongoing signage and sidewalk maintenance projects.

Addressing public safety and community concerns, the council tackled property abandonment issues on W. Market St. and noted local parking complaints on Walnut St. for follow-up with the police department.

On a festive note, officials confirmed that official trick-or-treat hours in Spencer will be held on Halloween night, Oct. 31, from 5:30 to 8:00.

The Spencer Town Council meets on the first and third Monday of each month, beginning at 6 p.m. in the Spencer Municipal Building, 90 N. West St.

Michael L. Smith, 82, of Gosport, passed away on Sept. 17, 2026, at I.U. Health Bloomington. Born on Jan. 14, 1944, to Harold and Eva (Hart) Smith, Mike was a lifelong pillar of his community.

After graduating from Cloverdale High School in 1962, Mike attended Purdue University and Indianapolis Business College. Before returning to Cloverdale in ‘65, he applied his talents at Holcomb and Holt Engineers in Indianapolis and IBM. Upon his return, he took ownership of Cloverdale Hardware and Lumber Co., preserving its legacy as Indiana's oldest operating hardware store, established in 1887.

He proudly served in the National Guard for seven years and dedicated his time to numerous civic organizations and roles. He was a member of the Quincy Masonic Lodge, a Lions Club member, a volunteer with the Cloverdale Fire Department, an E.M.T. for Putnam County Operation Life, and past president of Invest Putnam Stardust Hills. He also held an Indiana Real Estate License.

Mike is survived by his devoted wife of 57 years, Marsha (Harrah) Smith; his sister, Ellen (Smith) Davies; several nieces and nephews; many good friends and loyal customers; and his cherished cats, Bella and Inky.

He was preceded in death by his sister, La Vaughn Patten; and his four brothers, Harold "Red" Smith, Delmas "Joe" Smith, Max Smith, and Elvin "Epp" Smith.

Funeral services were held Sept. 24, 2026, at Whitaker Funeral Home in Cloverdale. Burial followed in Mannan Cemetery. Condolences may be shared online at www.whitakerfunerals.net.

Betty Jane “Jane” (Vest) McCollum, 83, of Spencer, Indiana, passed away peacefully on Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026, at Redcrest Hospice House in Bloomington.

Jane was born Jan. 22, 1943, in Freedom, to Harold and Edna (Bales) Vest. A 1961 graduate of Freedom High School, she began a life centered on family, friendship, service, and her community. On May 17, 1963, she married Kenneth “Kenny” McCollum, with whom she shared many treasured years.

Jane worked for many years as manager and partner of Ideal Credit Corporation in Spencer. She was deeply involved in the organizations and community she loved, including the Order of the Eastern Star, Delta Theta Tau Sorority, where she was a devoted member for more than 50 years, and the Freedom Community Center Board. Jane was also a longtime member of Freedom United Methodist Church.

A loyal Indiana University sports fan, Jane followed IU athletics with enthusiasm and pride. Above all, she cherished time spent with her family and friends, creating memories that will remain a lasting source of comfort to those who loved her.

Jane is survived by her children, Kim (Tom) Frazier of Spencer, Mark (Kaylee) McCollum of Brazil, and Lisa (Shane) Bassett of Borden; 10 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and her sister, Marilyn Walters.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Kenny McCollum; her brother, James Vest; and her sister, Sandra Truax.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 2, 2026, at West & Parrish & Pedigo Funeral Home of Walton Funeral Service Inc., 105 N. Montgomery Street in Spencer. Visitation will be held at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will follow the service at Riverside Cemetery in Spencer.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Ken and Jane McCollum Memorial Fund at the Owen County Community Foundation.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.westparrishpedigo.com.

John Fuhs Memorial Casting Kids Contest

Get ready for a morning of outdoor fun and friendly competition! The Spencer Exchange Club and Sweet Owen Bassmasters Club invite young anglers to cast their lines at the upcoming John Fuhs Memorial Casting Kids Contest. The exciting community event is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 24, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the Owen County Fairgrounds, specifically in the west end of the Commercial Building.

Designed for kids in age groups 7–10 and 11–14, the contest challenges participants to showcase their precision through casting, pitching, and flipping to a target. Best of all, there is no entry fee, and rods and reels will be provided, making it an easy and accessible way for youth to test their skills and make a splash.

Organizers have spots available for a total of 10 kids in each of the two age groups. Walk-ups will not be accepted. Email vandermoere@live.com to secure your child’s spot.

Cataract Bean Dinner Festival

Excitement is building across northwestern Owen County as plans are finalized for the 57th annual Cataract Bean Dinner Festival, scheduled for Oct. 2 through Oct. 4 in Cataract.

Beyond its status as a cherished autumn tradition, the three-day festival serves as the critical financial backbone for the Cataract Volunteer Fire Department. Supplying a remarkable 60 percent of the department's yearly operating budget, this major fundraiser generates the revenue necessary to keep station doors unlocked and emergency water-pumping trucks ready for action.

Visitors can enjoy the department's famous dining hall hours on Friday from noon to 8 p.m., Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. The menu features more than 850 pounds of slow-cooked ham and beans, accompanied by a bustling lineup of food trucks and vendors offering everything from BBQ and burgers to kettle corn, tacos, and sweet treats.

Shoppers will also find plenty to explore with over 125 vendor booths showcasing handmade crafts, artwork, antiques, apparel, and tools, while a dedicated shuttle service will help visitors navigate the weekend's festivities.

Join Girl Scout Troop #2682

Calling all girls in grades first through sixth: Girl Scout Troop #2682 is inviting new members to embark on a journey of friendship, leadership, and fun. Meetings are held every other Tuesday after school at Patricksburg Elementary School, located at 9883 S.R. 246, running throughout the school year from September to May.

Members will have the opportunity to make new friends, explore the outdoors, earn badges, learn new skills, do fun crafts, help the community, and participate in the classic Girl Scout Cookie season. Building girls of courage, confidence, and character, the troop offers a supportive environment where girls can be kind, be brave, and be themselves.

For more information on joining Girl Scouts, contact troop leader Rebecca Chinn at 812-585-0912.

OVMS secures grant for new wrestling mat

Owen Valley Middle School (OVMS) recently shared a note of appreciation following a generous $5,000 donation from the Owen County Community Foundation (OCCF). The funds contributed toward purchasing a brand-new wrestling mat, covering approximately one-third of the total cost.

The upgraded mat will benefit athletes of all ages, serving students at OVMS, Owen Valley High School, and local community wrestling clubs for practice and competition. School leaders expressed gratitude for the OCCF’s continued investment in local youth, noting that partnerships of this kind help expand opportunities for student-athletes throughout the community.

Patriot Band & Guard shine at Contest of Champions

Congratulations to the Owen Valley Patriot Band & Guard on a solid performance at the recent Decatur Central Contest of Champions.

Competing in ISSMA Class C, the ensemble brought home an impressive second place overall finish, as well as capturing first place in Visual.

PES goes ‘Gaga’ over new recess addition

Recess at Patricksburg Elementary School (PES) just got a major upgrade. Students are trading standard playground games for a high-energy craze, thanks to the arrival of a brand-new Gaga Pit.

Made possible by a generous donation from the Owen County Boys & Girls Club, the octagonal pit has quickly become the school's most popular spot. Blending the elements of dodgeball and handball, the fast-paced game challenges students to run, jump, duck, and slap a soft ball while keeping it below opponents' knees, all without picking it up.

Celebrate the Class of 2027 with personalized yard signs

Owen Valley High School (OVHS) is offering custom graduation yard signs to help families honor and celebrate seniors in the Class of 2027. Each full-color, two-sided, and waterproof sign is personalized with the graduate's name and photo and is proudly manufactured by OVHS Patriot Manufacturing students.

Signs cost $40 each, and all proceeds directly benefit student activities at the high school. Orders and payments are due by Friday, April 9, 2027. Checks should be made payable to OVHS, and cash payments are accepted in the OVHS Main Office. To place an order or learn more details, visit https://forms.gle/pqaAzeKkznqeebyM9.

Owen County Alliance Christmas Assistance Program

Making Christmas magical for kids in Owen County, the Owen County Alliance Christmas Assistance Program is ready to help local families. Sponsors will provide Christmas gifts for children ranging from newborns up to 18 years old.

Enrollment for the program opened Oct. 1 and runs through Oct. 31.

Families who apply by Oct. 31 are guaranteed to have their child sponsored. Applications can be completed online by visiting https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/6t5YfjUJ2g.

Gift pick-up will take place at the Owen County Fairgrounds in Spencer during the week of Dec. 14. Parents and guardians will receive a call when their child's gifts are ready for collection. For more information or assistance, contact Amanda Knight at 812-821-7310 or Angie Temples at 812-829-7905.

Gosport’s annual Pumpkins in the Park

Mark your calendars for an afternoon of autumn festivities at the upcoming Pumpkins in the Park event, taking place Oct. 10 from 3 to 6 p.m. in Gosport Town Park.

For just $10 per child, kids can enjoy a wide array of activities, including a bounce house, face painting, pumpkin painting, story time, games, wagon rides, piñatas, and potato sack races.

In addition to the children's activities, the event features a silent auction and a chili cook-off, where the winner will take home a $100 cash prize. Entry forms for the cook-off are currently available at the bank in Gosport.

Concessions will also be available for purchase, with a $5 meal option that includes a drink and your choice of a bowl of chili, a chili dog, or two hot dogs.

Come out and support the community while enjoying a fantastic fall day!

Get carving for annual MCSP Falloween Event

McCormick's Creek State Park (MCSP) is calling on local businesses, organizations, and artists to showcase their creativity by donating a Jack-o-Lantern for this year's Falloween Event. Participants will compete for a chance to win a 2027 Annual Entrance Pass to Indiana State Parks.

Registration is due by Friday, Oct. 16, and interested participants can sign up by emailing Jfiler@dnr.IN.gov. When registering, remember to send a logo for your business or organization so it can be displayed next to your pumpkin. Pumpkins must be dropped off at the Nature Center between 9:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Oct. 23, and participants are asked to label the bottom of their pumpkin in permanent marker.

The Jack-o-Lanterns will be on display during the Pumpkin Parade event on Oct. 24 from 5:30 to 7 p.m., where guests will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite design. Additionally, all Jack-o-Lanterns will be shown on the DNR Facebook page. Enter if you dare!

Unearth your roots at Genealogy Day Lock-In

Whether you are a seasoned family historian or just beginning your journey, the Owen County Public Library (OCPL) invites community members to join the second annual Genealogy Day Lock-In on Oct. 16 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 10 S. Montgomery St., Spencer.

Presented in collaboration with more than 80 libraries across the country and originally organized by The Genealogy Center at the Waco-McLennon Public Library in Texas, this premier event connects fellow family history researchers and enthusiasts for a day of discovery.

Participants can choose to attend either on-site or virtually to enjoy six expert-led programs recorded exclusively for the event. Topics range from organizing your digital files and learning advanced search techniques to researching your Scottish or Revolutionary War ancestors. For more information, call the OCPL at 812-829-3392.

Annual Arts in the Park & Classic Car Show

Join the Sweet Owen Arts Commission for the second 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 offers a full day of entertainment and community activities, including all-day live performances headlined by The Indiana Boys, an art fair featuring local and regional vendors, live art demonstrations, a collaborative community quilt project, various food trucks, and kids' activities.

Car enthusiasts are invited to showcase their vehicles for a $5 registration fee. Awards will be presented across four categories at 3:30 p.m., with all registration proceeds directly benefiting the Sweet Owen Arts Commission to support its mission of promoting the arts throughout Owen and surrounding counties.

Whether you are hunting for unique local art or admiring vintage horsepower, there is something for everyone to enjoy. To learn more about the Sweet Owen Arts Commission, visit www.sweetowenarts.org.

Trail and staircase improvements at MCSP

Visitors to McCormick's Creek State Park (MCSP) will soon enjoy improved accessibility and enhanced trail conditions, thanks to generous funding from the Owen County Community Foundation (OCCF) and the Indiana Parks Alliance. Earlier this spring, the park was awarded two separate grants to help fund these vital infrastructure updates.

Work has been ongoing along Trail 3 to improve the surface and drainage, as well as making the trail fully ADA accessible from the Canyon Inn parking lot. In addition to the trail renovations, repairs have also been completed on the stairs leading from the main road parking area down to the falls.

MCSP extended its sincere thanks to both organizations for their continued support and investment in the park.

Nominations being sought for Owen County SWCD Supervisors

The Owen County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) is now accepting nominations for two positions on the Owen SWCD Board of Supervisors, through Friday, Oct. 16, 2026.

SWCD Supervisors are appointed and elected officials of the Indiana government, responsible for the management of Indiana’s soil and water resources and the environment in which we live. Serving on the SWCD Board is a great responsibility but also is an opportunity for a person to make a difference in their county. Any qualified person interested in serving a three-year term may be nominated.

Minimum qualifications require a nominee to be of voting age, an occupier of a tract of land in Owen County, and to maintain their residence in the County.

Nominations must be submitted on the nomination form and received by close of business on Oct. 16, 2026, at 4 p.m. Forms are available online at owenswcd.org, on Facebook, or at the River House Office, 788 Pottersville Road, Spencer.

Appointment and Election of Supervisors will take place at the Owen County Soil and Water Conservation District 2026 Annual Dinner, Meeting, and Expo, Feb. 25, 2027.

For more information, please contact the Owen SWCD office at 812-829-2605 or 812-606-6505, or email owenSWCD@gmail.com.

G.L. Chandler, Jr., 83, of Ellettsville, passed away on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026. Born April 30, 1943, in Madisonville, KY, G.L. dedicated his life to kindness, humor, and service.

A licensed funeral director for 63 years, G.L. began his work in Indianapolis at Conkle Funeral Home, where he served as a funeral director intern and also drove ambulances for the funeral home. He later moved to Monon, IN, where he worked as a director at Kellogg Funeral Home and served as Coroner for White County for two terms. His career also included time with Whitaker Funeral Home in Greencastle and Gosport, where he continued to build the reputation for care and integrity that would define his life’s work. In 1976, he built his own funeral home in Ellettsville, where he served the community for more than 50 years. He purchased Whitaker Funeral Home in Gosport in 1986 from the Whitaker family and continued the tradition of compassionate service there as well.  He returned to Greencastle and opened Chandler-Hays Funeral home there also owning that funeral home for several years.

Deeply devoted to his community, G.L. was a member of local Masonic lodges, the Lions Club, Scottish Rite, Shriners, and Elks Lodge. He served as president of the Ellettsville Chamber of Commerce and Babe Ruth Baseball League and spent 11 years on the Ellettsville Town Council. He enjoyed NASCAR, MLB games, and the beach, but most of all cherished his family.

He is survived by his son, Jeff Chandler (Terri Richardson); grandchildren, Laura (Michael) Roberts, Grant Pickett, Chloe Chandler, and Ellis Chandler; great-grandchildren, Laina and Colson; sister, Pam (John) Marks; and extended family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, G.L. Sr. and Beatrice Chandler; and sister, Phyllis Patterson.

Funeral services were held Sept. 24, 2026, at Chandler Funeral Home in Ellettsville, with a Masonic Service. Interment followed at Chambersville Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the G.L. Chandler Scholarship Fund for Dollars for Scholars at any Peoples State Bank location.

People of all ages lined Main Street in Spencer Saturday, Sept. 19, as they anxiously awaited the start of one of the few parades to take over downtown streets each year.

Excited children held bags in anticipation of candy being thrown their way. Others waited to see friends or family walk or perform as the parade rolled by.

The event was part of the Owen County community’s 49th annual Apple Butter Festival. In addition to the parade, the two-day festival sponsored by the Spencer Lions Club includes vendors for food and crafts, and even a little king and queen royalty contest.

While apple butter is the festival’s theme, and there is apple butter available as well as an apple butter contest, organizers say the main goal is to support small local businesses and get people in the community together to have a good time.

Charlotte Query, secretary of the Spencer Lions Club, said the festival was started by two men whose wives owned businesses just off the square. “People were beginning to migrate out and businesses were suffering,” she said. “So they decided they would start this festival.”

Query said there were about 10 vendors that first year, but it quickly grew the second year. As growth continued, the Lions Club took over and gave it the apple butter theme.

Apple butter was available for sale at the Lions Club’s booth on Main Street along with jams and preserves from Dillman Farm in Bloomington. Query said proceeds from those sales go to the club’s many service projects such as Dictionaries for third graders, summer food programs and scholarships.

A variety of other vendors were on hand for attendees to shop and browse. One of those was Marybeth Hines of Sparkles and Sprinkles Bakery, a gourmet cookie business she operates out of her home kitchen.

Hines participated in the festival for the first time last year and decided to come back this year.

“Last year was also my first year in business, so I was kind of just trying new things,” Hines said. “I wasn’t really sure what I was going to do exactly, but living here in Spencer, I’ve always been familiar with apple butter, and it seemed like a fun thing to be involved with.”

Hines said she appreciates how local the Apple Butter Festival is because it is put on by a community organization.

“You can’t find anyone in Spencer who doesn’t know about the Apple Butter Festival,” she said.

The festival draws people from the surrounding areas as well as locals.

Sarah Gardner, an elementary school teacher from Bloomington, sells books for a direct sales company that specializes in books for toddlers through teens. She has been a vendor at the festival in recent years and keeps coming back because she’s made good sales and likes the family-friendly atmosphere.

“I like exposing kids to books, getting them a library of books in their homes, so they are more exposed,” Gardner said. “Kids who read at home and kids who have a larger library of books at home become better readers and are better students.”

Attendees flock to the festival for a range of reasons. But Spencer resident Tab Koontz came mainly for the food and other specialty vendors.

Originally from Bloomington, Koontz said he moved to Spencer more than 30 years ago and has been coming to the festival ever since. He said it’s a great opportunity to get out of the house to meet and talk to people.

“We come back not only to grab a bite to eat, but also to see what the sellers are selling and chit-chat with the vendors and stuff, too,” Koontz said.

Julie Chandler has also attended the festival multiple times and appreciates vendors' willingness to chat and get to know people. She and her mom have made it a tradition to attend each year.

Query said the continued support of people like Koontz, Chandler and the many vendors help make it possible for the Lions Club to keep the tradition going.

“It brings people together that they haven’t seen for a year,” Query said, “and it still helps the merchants downtown.”

Stella Klaus is a student reporter with the Indiana Newsroom, a learning lab designed to give Indiana University students practical experience in community journalism and provide news coverage to areas where reliable local news is limited or nonexistent. It is funded by a grant from the Community Foundation of Bloomington & Monroe County and housed at The Media School in Bloomington.

Note: the print edition of this story incorrectly identified Heather Huntington as Heather Herrington

The Owen County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a 12-month moratorium on data center applications during its Sept. 22 meeting, giving county officials time to research the issue and consider regulations before any proposals are submitted.

Commissioner Norm Warner then explained that, although the county has not received any requests to locate a data center in Owen County, the Plan Commission recommended temporarily prohibiting applications for the facilities.

Warner said the 12-month period would allow the county to learn more about data centers, research their potential impacts, and develop appropriate regulatory ordinances. He also said a temporary moratorium would be more legally defensible than immediately adopting an outright ban.

Building and Planning Administrator Heather Huntington clarified that the moratorium also places a pause on rezoning requests related to proposed data centers.

The commissioners unanimously approved the moratorium, drawing applause from the crowded meeting room.

Later in the meeting, Commissioner Sam Hobbs read a letter of resignation from Huntington and praised her work for the county. Hobbs said the county was better off because of her service and that her knowledge and experience would be missed.

Before leaving, Huntington provided commissioners with two additional draft ordinances for future consideration involving government transparency and a prohibition against county officials signing nondisclosure agreements, or NDAs.

Residents urge long-term planning

During the meeting, Owen County resident Jeff Marks encouraged commissioners to provide more direction regarding the county’s economic and community development priorities.

Marks said county leaders and residents should consider what types of industries Owen County wants to attract and what the community wants to be known for. He cited drone sales and data analytics as examples of industries the county could potentially pursue.

Marks also argued that relatively low local incomes contribute to the county’s tax burden and said Owen County’s comprehensive plan already addresses many of the issues facing the community.

He encouraged commissioners to review and prioritize elements of the comprehensive plan and called for greater coordination between the Plan Commission and the Owen County Economic Development Corporation.

Marks concluded with four requests: that commissioners read the comprehensive plan, reengage the public in planning for the county’s future, encourage the Plan Commission and EDC to work together regularly, and prohibit NDAs.

Veterans Park maintenance discussed

Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs Southwest District Service Officer Kevin Hinton reported that the Owen County Veterans Service Office is in full compliance with state requirements. Hinton also praised the local office for providing veterans services on a daily basis.

Terry Laverty later spoke about the need for additional volunteers and resources to maintain Veterans Park, as well as the need to identify someone to serve as superintendent.

Commissioners discussed the roles of local American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars organizations in maintaining the park. Hobbs said representatives from the organizations should meet to develop a plan for caring for the property, with the resulting responsibilities eventually incorporated into an ordinance.

Highway Department business

Hobbs also discussed plans to auction old and unused Highway Department equipment. He said commissioners expect to have an ordinance prepared for consideration at the Oct. 6 meeting, with hopes of holding the auction by the end of October.

Commissioners approved hourly wage increases for two Highway Department employees.

Officials also discussed damage to Pottersville Road caused by increased traffic resulting from Indiana Department of Transportation closures along U.S. 231.

Hobbs said INDOT has assured the county that it will address necessary repairs. He asked the Highway Department to continue documenting road damage with photographs and to keep state officials updated on conditions.

Commissioners opened five bids for mowing county rights of way along county roads. Highway Department Deputy Superintendent Chad Walker said he would contact each bidder for additional information. Because the bids were all within approximately $50 per hour of one another, the county could potentially use four or five contractors to complete the work.

EMS receives rural health grant

Owen County EMS Director Cris Lunsford reported that the department had been awarded funding through the Rural Health Transformation Program to support implementation of a mobile integrated health program.

The grant will provide funding for a position to help implement the program. After discussing the grant requirements and confirming that the department could meet them, commissioners authorized Lunsford to sign the grant agreement.

Meeting schedule changes

Commissioners also approved changes to their meeting schedule for the remainder of 2026.

Meetings will begin at 6:30 p.m. on Sept. 29, Oct. 6, Oct. 22, Nov. 10, Nov. 24, Dec. 8 and Dec. 22.

Beginning in 2027, commissioners said they intend to meet at 6:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month. The 2027 schedule is expected to be formally adopted in January.

Historic artwork to return to courthouse

During public comment, Owen County resident Bill Pursell told commissioners that several paintings and prints depicting historic Indiana buildings are being stored in the basement of the armory.

Pursell said the works were donated to the county around the time of the nation’s bicentennial and previously hung in the courthouse before being placed in storage when the courthouse rotunda was remodeled.

He asked commissioners to have the artwork displayed again.

Hobbs agreed and asked Pursell to work with Tony Neff and county maintenance staff to identify locations where the pieces can once again be displayed in the courthouse.

The Owen County Board of Commissioners will next meet on Oct. 6 at 6:30 p.m. at the Owen County Courthouse.

No figure looms larger in my childhood than Mr. Tim Curry.

My sister,cousin and I sat resplendent before our grandmother’s RCA tube television set, and we slid in the first of two VHS tapes of “IT" (1991) into the VCR. When tape two drew to a close, we were changed. No longer the children we once were, we were stranger, both more grown up and a little more ghoulish. In the coming month, without sleep, I had a lot of time to think (when I wasn’t sprinting to the bathroom and staying well away from what lurked under the bed). Amid those restless nights, I discovered I loved being scared. They say the first cut is the deepest and Tim Curry cut deep indeed.

Hollywood will be remaking “IT” for the next century. Mr. Curry’s Pennywise will be the Pennywise against whom all will be judged. Not to mention his incredible work in  “Legend,” “Clue,” “Congo” and“FernGully: The Last Rainforest” (a high point in countless voice performances).

As soon as you think he can only give big performances, he’ll toss a toned down “Hunt for Red October” supporting role in your lap. He had so much more to give than what you suspected. We were robbed of 20 years of his craft. Regardless, his work is totemic, running through generations of pop culture veins.

At sixteen, I discovered “Rocky Horror." From the opening song “Science Fiction/Double Feature” I knew the “Rocky Horror” poster on my wall was written in the stars. I drove around in my 1978 Pontiac Catalina blaring the soundtrack ad nauseam. I’ve seen it countless times: introduced it to countless friends. I had the joy of seeing a proper sold-out live production at the Tivoli by the traveling group Flustered Mustard (shout out to Jessica Turnbull for spearheading the event). To say we lost an icon recently in the passing of Mr. Curry isn’t bestowing the fields of flowers the man is entitled to.

The core theme of Rocky is that found family can reveal who you are. That it’s okay to be odd. That in fact, it’s your oddity that makes you who you are. There is no more welcome message to an awkward teen (and to be Frank-N-Furter a sometimes awkward adult).

And found my family, I have. Spencer didn’t have a lot going on when I was a teenager, but over the last 20 years we’ve been coming up in the world. The Pride Center is an absolute gift, bestowing much needed services, events and activities to our humble commUnity(sic). The arts are alive and well with the Owen County Theater and Arts Alliance (OCTAA) putting on real deal community theater, the Manhattan Short film festival at the Tivoli September 29^thand Owen County’s own Blue Box Film Festival coming to the Tivoli this April and Blue Box Film Club holding monthly private screenings(currently seeking new members).

Civilian Brewing Corps sharing a wall with the Tivoli is magic manifest. To gather with friends and family over a shared giant pretzel in anticipation of a film is where I really live. You have a vantage point to see the right moment to get in line to still get your favorite seat. It’s knowing when you exit the theater, you have a proper place for a film debriefing. So much going on in Spencer to mention but I have Owen News HQ breathing down my neck about word counts.

"The Rocky Horror Picture Show" is playing at our Tivoli Oct. 10^th. $15 admission to give Mr. Curry his flowers.

At 9:00 on Saturday morning, Sept. 5, 1,684 birds, 169 exhibitors, and several vendors descended upon the Owen County Fairgrounds. By 2:30 that same afternoon, all that remained were a few stray feathers. What caused this acceleration of avian activity? The 51^st Annual White River Poultry Club’s Fall Show.

Around 2,000 people from around the area and state brought their birds to compete for Best in Show and awards in their breed categories as well as showmanship. Poultry are judged Best in Show according to the American Poultry Association’s Standards of Perfection. While you may see an odd duck or a funny old bird elsewhere, the poultry on exhibit at this show are championship material. Readers familiar with the American Kennel Club’s Dog Show have a good idea of the framework of a show like this, but the American Poultry Association had already been established for 11 years before the American Kennel Club was even founded. Poultry exhibitors have the same enthusiasm for their breeds as canine exhibitors have for theirs.

“This show brings in people from all over the country, " said Bill Pursell, Vice President of the White River Poultry Club, and self described “volunteer floater” of the White River Poultry Club’s Fall show. “Go around and take a look at some of the license plates, you’ll see them from everywhere.”

The White River Poultry Club’s shows attract around 4,500 people each year. In the state of Indiana, only four American Poultry Association and American Bantam Association sanctioned poultry shows remain and Spencer hosts two of them. The White River Poultry Club’s Spring Show is traditionally the first show of the Midwest region’s poultry show season and their Fall Show kicks off the Midwest’s fall season. Pursell has been here to see it all, being one of the White River Poultry Club’s founding members in 1976.

“We were founded by two 16-year-old kids with $100 from the Chamber of Commerce,” Pursell recalled. “The first year we did the show we had 410 birds and had no idea what to do. At one point [along the way] we were borrowing cages from seven different county fairs.”

Since then, the show has quadrupled in size to become one of the top poultry shows in the state. Pursell has noticed a lot of changes since then, mainly, the state of the poultry exhibition landscape.

“When we first started, a lot of [the shows] were competing with each other to get the most attendance. Now we all mostly work together to promote the whole hobby,” he said.

The number of poultry shows has dwindled over the years, mostly due to local poultry clubs aging out and folding. Pursell noted that the White River Poultry Club has stayed relevant and thriving with constant youth outreach. The fall show in Spencer has a separate youth show that had many exhibits this year.

“Different members of ours each work with their own 4-H clubs in their counties and encourage all the 4-H showers to come out and do this too,” Pursell said. “I think it’s critical to bring in young people and show them what we do and get them involved.”

The poultry shows bring a lot of guests into Owen County but their influence ripples outwardly, too. Members of the White River Poultry Club worked with researchers at UC Davis to breed frizzle chickens to help determine what in their genetics causes their unusual feather growth. Locally bred frizzle chicken eggs were shipped to California from Owen County to give researchers examples of frizzle chickens for genetic testing.

But perhaps the most famous chicken in Owen County is tightly integrated with the history of the Poultry Show. The Big Chicken at the Owen County Fairgrounds ended up at its current roost through its connection to the Poultry Show. The big chicken used to watch over the former Frosty Drive-In along N. Fletcher Ave./U.S. 231N. Since the chicken was such a prominent fixture in Spencer, the White River Poultry Club had used its likeness as part of their advertising. Jim Vance, founder of Boston Scientific, purchased the chicken when the land that the Frosty Drive-In was located on was purchased for the construction of Boston Scientific.

“Jim had the chicken, and he had wanted to put it down in Cooper Commons,” Pursell said. “The park board at the time didn’t want it there but Jim did. We [the poultry club] wanted to keep it around because we were so associated with it. I reached out and asked him if he would want to put it in the corner of the fairground, overlooking the park instead, and that’s where it’s been ever since.”

Spencer’s big chicken is most likely a white leghorn, but it would not place very well in the poultry show. According to Pursell it’s downward sloping tail would knock it out of contention in any competition.

“The nice thing about the poultry circuit is that people are competitive but they are also cooperative,” Pursell said. “We are all striving for that standard of perfection, that no bird can ever reach but the process of trying to get there is what it’s all about.”

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What started 22 years ago as a "wild idea" has officially become a cherished small-town institution, bringing together students, staff, and residents for a morning of community pride.

Gosport Elementary School (GES) Principal Carol Watson recalled the inception of the event during her second year at the helm. Two teachers, Shelly Roofe and Cindy Sichting, approached her with the concept of marching students through the streets of Gosport.

"To be completely honest, I thought they were crazy," Watson shared. "I remember telling them, 'This is going to be an absolute disaster!' Luckily, they were persistent, and I was young enough and willing enough to give it a try. And look at what we have done!"

Now, that initial leap of faith has evolved into one of the most anticipated days of the school year. The excitement builds well before the parade begins, with students crafting banners, preparing chants, and receiving new school shirts purchased annually by the school’s Parent Teacher Organization (PTO). The Gosport VFW Post #7850 also contributes by supplying handheld American flags for the children to carry along the route.

When parade day arrives, the entire community steps forward to support the school.

"As the principal of Gosport Elementary, seeing our community show up year after year is one of the things that makes me most proud," Watson said. "There is something to be said about a small town that comes out on a random Friday morning in September to line the streets, wave, cheer, and celebrate their hometown elementary school."

For Watson, watching the students march behind her evokes a powerful emotional response that reaffirms her dedication to education.

"I honestly can't describe the feeling I get when I look back and see all of those kids marching behind me through the streets of Gosport. It always makes me smile, and it makes my heart incredibly proud," Watson noted. "For about 45 minutes, the world seems to slow down. The everyday stresses disappear, everyone is smiling, and things just seem right. I truly have the best job in the world… and on parade day, I am reminded of exactly why."

Sustaining a 22-year tradition requires extensive collaboration among local agencies and volunteers. School leadership expressed gratitude to the Owen County Sheriff’s Department, School Resource Officers Daniel “Opie” Rhienhart and Ryan Bonebrake, the Gosport Volunteer Fire Department, and community volunteers. Special thanks were also extended to Casey Neal of Hometown Transmissions for providing a trailer to transport prekindergarten and kindergarten participants.

GES currently serves 162 students in prekindergarten through sixth grade across northern Owen County. While the student body may be small, Watson emphasizes that the impact of their collective presence is profound.

"One hundred sixty-two students may not sound like a lot to some schools,” she said, “but when those 162 students walk through the streets of Gosport surrounded by teachers, families, community members, waving flags, banners, cheers, and smiles, they make a big statement: ‘This is Gosport. This is our school. This is our community.’

What began two decades ago as an improbable suggestion has steadily transformed into a cherished fixture of the small town, proving just how powerfully a simple "wild idea" can unite the close-knit community of Gosport.

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On a hot and humid, but beautiful late-summer afternoon, community members, local veterans, and families gathered in Gosport Town Park for the annual Patriot Day celebration hosted by the Gosport VFW Post #7850. Attendees came together to honor the victims of Sept. 11, 2001, and recognize the generation of service members who answered the nation's call in the decades since, with a ceremonial presence provided by the Owen County Honor Guard and the Morgan County Young Marines.

The ceremony opened with master of ceremonies Joanna Wall, Auxiliary Vice President of the 7th District and Auxiliary President of Post #7850, who spoke movingly about the Gold Star family members in attendance and the enduring sacrifices borne by military families. Following the presentation of the colors, Kelly Jo Rooney performed the National Anthem, and minister Michael Wall delivered the invocation.

Honoring service and sacrifice

Post Commander David Cornett took to the podium to reflect on the historical weight of Sept. 11 and the profound bonds shared by veterans of foreign wars. He emphasized that commitment to service does not end when a uniform is put away, highlighting the ongoing duty to support returning service members and welcome them back to small-town communities like Gosport.

7th District Junior Vice Commander Mike Oaks also addressed the crowd, paying tribute to specific local and national fallen heroes, including U.S. Marine Corps Lance Corporal Jonathan Kyle Price, U.S. Army Private First-Class Brett Everett Wood, and U.S. Marine Sergeant Justin A. Harris. Oaks underscored the importance of keeping their memories alive and supporting Gold Star families.

Major General Timothy N. Thombleson

The keynote address was delivered by retired Major General Timothy N. Thombleson, a veteran with 40 years of service in the Indiana Army National Guard who concluded his career as Deputy Commanding General, Army National Guard, 5th Corps at Fort Knox, Kentucky.

Addressing the crowd, Thombleson reflected on the foundation of the nation's military excellence.

"One of the things I became quite confident in is there are two reasons the United States military is the strongest in the world, second to none,” he said. “The first, very strategic: our ability to project power, to use aircraft carrier groups, to use cargo aircraft, to move troops and to sustain them for a fight, at a very strategic level. But at a more tactical level, our strength, unequal to no other army in the world, is the strength of our noncommissioned officer corps."

Reflecting on the Global War on Terrorism, Thombleson praised the bravery of the nearly three million Americans who enlisted following the attacks on the World Trade Center, noting the difficult choices faced by those answering the call.

"Those young men and women, maybe the hardest thing they had to do was go down and raise their hand, because the brotherhood that they joined would help them out from there on forward," he noted.

Thombleson walked the audience through the evolution of conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq, noting the grueling conditions and enduring bonds formed during deployments. He emphasized that while military engagements shift, the primary mission now is welcoming veterans home safely and integrating them back into supportive local communities:

"Our job now is to welcome them back and to transition them back safely into these beautiful small-town communities that we have here in Indiana and around the world," he said.

Concluding his remarks, Thombleson read a personal roll call of fallen service members who left an enduring mark on his life, including Army Cpl. Darrel Smith, Army Specialist William Jeffries, Army Sergeant First Class Craig Boling, Army Sergeant David Davis, and Army Sergeant Gary Henry, before offering a final blessing to the veterans, families, and the nation.

Community members, veterans, and local officials gathered Sept. 11 on the Owen County Courthouse lawn for the annual POW/MIA and 9/11 Remembrance Day ceremony, marking the solemn 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The event honored the nation's fallen, prisoners of war, those missing in action, and the victims of that tragic day.

The evening program featured ceremonial traditions, military honors, and heartfelt addresses from veteran leaders who reflected on the high cost of freedom and the enduring resilience of the American spirit.

The ceremony opened with a welcome by VFW Post #1405 Commander Brian Nash. Introductions were then led by VFW Auxiliary Post #1405 POW/MIA Chairwoman Sharron Barger. The invocation was delivered by Post #1405 Chaplain Charlotte Broerman, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by VFW Auxiliary Post #7850 President Joanna Wall. County councilwoman Polly Chesser performed the National Anthem.

Following the opening presentations, VFW Post #1405 Past Commander Ted Mangin served as the guest speaker and challenged how administrative language coldly labels captives, emphasizing the human beings behind the terms.

“POW/MIA, acronyms describing the current state of being held captive or having been lost to effects of combat operations,” Mangin said. “Terms very efficient for administrative and forensic accounting, yet so insensitive and impersonal. I prefer using, respectfully, the full wording when describing our men and women, living or deceased, who waited, or are waiting to be repatriated.”

Detailing the harrowing environments prisoners often face, Mangin spoke about inhumane confinement and intense interrogation.

“You cannot imagine what many faced in captivity. Usually, confinement is less than humane or comfortable, with many more hardships possible as time goes on, such as torturous interrogation, sometimes ending in all-out torture,” he explained.

Recognizing the ongoing mission to bring service members home, Mangin praised the military and government support provided to veterans.

“Our government and military continue to locate our confined and lost brothers and sisters of service and return them home, providing the support needed for any health-related issues or making adjustments for their return to a normal life,” he said.

Concluding his remarks, Mangin offered a prayer for the peace of missing service members and a blessing for Owen County.

“I make a thankful plea that our beloved prisoners of war and those missing in action, upon ending their time with us in this world, may find peace and comfort in the outstretched arms of our Lord after experiencing time in hell,” he said. “God bless you for supporting our troops like you always do in Owen County. God bless the men and women in uniform who are serving and protecting this great Republic we call home."

Continuing the program, a folding of the flag was presented by the Owen Valley High School Air Force Junior ROTC. The Missing Man Table followed, featuring a presentation by VFW Auxiliary Post #1405 President Sharron Barger and table pointer duties handled by Post #1405 Quartermaster Gabriel Del Fierro.

The keynote 9/11 address was then delivered by U.S Army veteran James Rooney of the Gosport VFW Post #7850. Rooney, who served on active duty for almost nine years, three of those years spent in Iraq, reflected on his own service and the purpose of fighting overseas to protect the homeland.

“We fought for years so this wouldn't happen here,” he said. “When I went over myself, that's what I thought. I'm going there so it's not here. That's what we go there for. That's what we do as Americans, as citizens, as soldiers, Marines, airmen, Navy, our new Space Force. We're doing this for all of you.”

Shifting his focus to the extraordinary heroism displayed amidst the tragedy of 9/11, Rooney underscored the courage of the first responders who rushed toward danger.

“In the darkest hours of the day, we witnessed the absolute best of human spirit,” he said. “While the towers burned, first responders, firefighters, police officers, and medics ran towards the danger. They didn't ask who the person next to them was. They only knew they had a duty to save them.”

Highlighting how the tragedy redefined service for military members, Rooney spoke of the grief and resilience that followed in the wake of the attacks.

“That same call to duty rippled across the entire nation, for those of us who wore the uniform or who put on the uniform in the days and years that followed, 9/11 redefined our service,” he said. “We honor every veteran who answered that call, who stood watch, and sacrificed pieces of their minds, bodies, and hearts to protect our freedoms. The true legacy of September 11th is not just found in the tragedy we endured, but in the resilience that followed. America was struck, but we did not bow.”

Concluding his address, Rooney offered a message of remembrance to affected families and closed with a blessing.

“To the families who still bear the empty seat at the dinner table, and to the veterans and the first responders carrying lingering burdens and health struggles from that day, your nation remembers you,” he said. “We stand with you today and always. Let us carry forward the unity, the selflessness, and the profound courage of September 11th into our everyday lives.”

Following the keynote, a memorial poem was read, wreath layers honored WWI, WWII, Korean War, Vietnam War, Gulf Wars, All Other Wars, and 9/11, and Chesser sang "God Bless America."

Military honors continued with a 21-gun salute by the Owen County Honor Guard and the playing of Taps, performed on a ceremonial bugle by Ed Roy. Closing remarks were delivered by Nash, and the benediction was offered by VFW Post #1405 Chaplain Warren Havenor. The formal program concluded with a candle lighting at the Owen County War Memorial wall.

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To many across Owen County, Richard Lorenz was the quintessential small-town attorney who never truly retired, simply because he loved the work too much. Yet beneath his commanding presence and half-century tenure with the county’s oldest law firm lay a deeply layered life. Whether he was serving as an Air Force Lieutenant Colonel, embarking on globe-trotting adventures with his wife, Nancy, or offering behind-the-scenes guidance to local government boards, Lorenz lived a story defined by long-term commitment and quiet excellence.

Lorenz arrived in Spencer in 1973, carrying a newly minted law degree and an appointment as deputy prosecutor. Over the ensuing decades, he evolved into far more than a mere legal fixture across Owen County. He became a steady architect of local growth, a trailblazing partner at the historic firm of Hickam and Lorenz, and a cherished community presence alongside Nancy, his wife of nearly 57 years. When Lorenz passed away on Aug. 13 of this year at the age of 80, he left behind a profound legacy defined by civic dedication, enduring friendships, and an unwavering love for his adopted hometown.

“He loved the practice of law and its ability to affirmatively impact the lives of individuals and our community. Richard [Lorenz] was a teacher at heart and his approach to mentorship was not only intended to develop new legal advocates that strengthened our profession as a whole but to also instill the desire to help people who could not advocate for themselves, and to make our community a better place for all of us.” - Attorney Jack Woodruff, Hickam & Lorenz

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Roots, education, and arrival in Spencer

Born in Shelbyville in 1946, Lorenz’s early life was marked by a passion for music and science. Encouraged by his aunt, Dr. Phyllis J. Fleming, he attended the University of Notre Dame to major in chemistry, laying the groundwork for a disciplined, analytical mind that would later serve him well in the courtroom and boardroom. His path to Spencer was intertwined with Nancy, whom he met in Indianapolis after borrowing a pencil in a summer school class.

After marrying in 1969 and living on the Indiana University Bloomington campus while Lorenz completed his MBA and law degrees, the young couple moved to a home on Hillcrest Drive in Spencer in ‘73. They would cherish and maintain that residence for the next five decades.

Expanding upon that early chapter, Lorenz went on to build an extraordinary municipal and federal career. His public service footprint included serving as the Owen County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney from 1973 to ‘74, Owen County Attorney from 1977 to ‘78 and again from 2005 to ‘18, Trustee in Bankruptcy for the U.S. District Court of the Southern District of Indiana from 1979 to 2016, and Attorney for the Town of Spencer from 2004 until his passing. After leaving the county prosecutor’s office to launch his own practice, Lorenz achieved a rare professional milestone by accepting an invitation to join Hickam & Hickam, located on the northwestern corner of S. Main and W. Franklin streets in Spencer, becoming the firm's first non-family member to enter the oldest family law partnership in the state.

A pillar of the legal community and government

Known today as Hickam & Lorenz, the firm was his professional home for more than fifty years. He practiced bankruptcy and corporate law with relentless enthusiasm, famously taking a client call just two days before his passing. Beyond private practice, his deep commitment to public service shone through his long tenure as attorney for the Town of Spencer.

As Spencer Town Council President Jon Stantz reflected on how Lorenz’s legal guidance shaped the town over his years of service, he noted that Lorenz preferred to stay out of the spotlight.

“Richard always wanted to be involved… mostly behind the scenes and quietly,” he said. “His legal acumen reached well past anything the town or the county needed; that was apparent in his time with other legal endeavors.”

When asked what motivated Lorenz’s dedicated commitment to public service, Stantz pointed to his ability to anticipate the community's long-term needs.

“I would say that Richard was always interested in making Spencer and Owen County a better place,” he said. “He could see the future better than most, looking twenty, thirty years ahead.”

Describing their personal bond beyond the professional realm, Stantz added a concluding thought on their friendship.

“He may have been an attorney to a lot of people,” Stantz said, “but he was a friend to me. I miss him.”

Town councilwoman Ginger Kohr, who served alongside Lorenz during his final year, observed how thoroughly prepared he remained across multiple municipal bodies.

“His perspective was always valued and I was relieved every time he walked into the town council meetings or to any of the various other meetings in which he was involved, the Redevelopment Commission, for instance, and Planning and Zoning, because you could count on him to be up to date on our issues, and on current laws and proposed laws that pertained to what we were doing or considering,” she explained. “I know that his many years of experience gave him a thorough background, but it was his grasp of all things current that amazed me. How did he find the time to keep up with the ever-changing field of state and county legislation while doing all that he did for us week by week, month by month? I was dazzled by his intelligence and comforted that we had his knowledge to rely on.”

Town councilman Evan McKalip also reflected on Lorenz's enduring impact when asked about the underlying motivation of his public service.

“I think that public service was just a key element of Richard’s personality and values,” he said. “The work that he chose to do was always focused on public service to some end, whether you look at his military service or his legal work, we were just lucky enough to have him working here in Spencer.”

Detailing Lorenz’s working style and dedication during deliberations, McKalip emphasized his visionary approach to local development.

“Richard was always thoughtful and deliberate in his advice and recommendations,” he said. “When he would speak about development and growth for Spencer or Owen County, you could tell that he had long-term plans and hopes for improvements. He always worked so hard and was very passionate about the town.”

Owen County Councilman Anton Neff also reflected on Lorenz’s administrative impact and dedication to county governance.

"Richard had always been a dependable source of knowledge on any subject,” Neff said. “We didn't always agree on the approach to tackling some issues, but I could always count on him sharing his perspective and respected his insight. He became our county attorney following a difficult and challenging situation involving a former one. He was calm and deliberate when working with us. Outside of county government work, Richard (and his wife, Nancy) had always been generous community philanthropists, of which we will forever be grateful."

A legal renaissance man and mentor

Within the legal community, Lorenz’s legacy is equally profound. Attorney John McKay, his brother-in-law and law partner, described Lorenz’s unique approach in private practice.

“Richard was truly a legal Renaissance man. His approach to most problems went far beyond a standard nuts-and-bolts stock response,” McKay said. “Richard could almost always look outside the parameters of a problem and craft a solution that was unique.”

Discussing what it was like to work alongside him day-to-day; McKay highlighted Lorenz’s role as a trusted colleague and educator within the firm.

“Richard was a sought-after sounding board for many attorneys across Indiana. His thoughts and opinions were widely respected,” McKay said. “He was a mentor to several associate attorneys who started with our firm. And he was a mentor and a source of advice to me for the past nearly 36 years that I have practiced with him. I always took it as a hugely high compliment that Richard would tell me that he enjoyed working on legal matters and pleadings with me, and that he sought and valued my input on his drafts.”

When asked about a moment that captured his professional essence, McKay observed that his uniform treatment of every client defined his career.

“Richard treated every client with the same kindness, courtesy, and respect, and I feel in many instances Richard was the only attorney who could have helped some of the folks we have seen,” he said.

Reflecting on what the community should remember most, McKay summarized the breadth of his life outside the courtroom.

“That he was so much more than an attorney. He was a philanthropist, a volunteer, and an advisor to groups and individuals on myriad matters outside the law,” he said. “Richard was also my brother-in-law, and through the years we enjoyed discussions and debates, Notre Dame football and IU basketball, trips together, Dilbert and Far Side cartoons, the movie Forbidden Planet, holiday gatherings, and musical performances. Richard was an excellent clarinet player in the Notre Dame Marching Band, both undergraduate and alumni iterations, and a singer of no mean talent. Many were the times he would lead the office in a round of Christmas carols or break into a rendition of one of his favorites, ‘Oh, What a Beautiful Morning’ from Oklahoma!”

Adding further depth to Lorenz’s professional legacy, Jack Woodruff, a veteran attorney at Hickam & Lorenz who joined the firm in 1998, reflected on what truly set his colleague apart as a legal mind.

“I practiced law in Owen County for 11 years prior to joining with Richard at the Hickam Law firm in ‘98. I will acknowledge that during that time I always found him to be a tough but respected and respectful adversary who required you to bring your best game,” Woodruff said. “No doubt I will be echoing others’ sentiments, but what really stood out to me after joining the Hickam firm was Richard’s constant reminder to all of us to ‘look at the global picture.’ Although it was not unusual for us to tease Richard about his constant use of this catch phrase, it was his innate ability to successfully see or predict future consequences that really set him apart. I learned to respect his unique ability to look beyond what most of us see. It was almost like he had his own crystal ball; and in most cases it keep him three steps ahead of the rest of us.” 

Describing the daily reality of sharing an office with Lorenz and witnessing firsthand how he invested in the next generation of attorneys, Woodruff shared his perspective on mentorship and daily collaboration.

“Richard never hesitated to share his wealth of legal, business, financial and technical knowledge. I believe he relished every opportunity to mentor young attorneys,” he said. “He loved the practice of law and its ability to affirmatively impact the lives of individuals and our community. Richard was a teacher at heart and his approach to mentorship was not only intended to develop new legal advocates that strengthened our profession as a whole but to also instill the desire to help people who could not advocate for themselves, and to make our community a better place for all of us. That was his approach to the practice of law and to life in general.”

Looking at the broader picture of how the community should remember his decades of service, Woodruff offered a heartfelt tribute to Lorenz's character and selflessness.

“I hope the local community will remember Richard as a man with a huge heart who loved his community,” he said, “who generously gave of himself and his resources to make our corner of the world a better place; and that he was willing to be a voice for those who thought they could not be heard even at the cost of his own reputation.” 

Finally, reflecting on the transition from professional adversary to trusted partner, Woodruff shared a personal memory highlighting Lorenz's sharp wit, diverse intellect, and unforgettable humor.

“Richard was an extremely funny man, with great wit and a wicked sense of humor,” Woodruff said. “I will always cherish my memories of Richard walking into my office to give advice, seek advice, shoot the bull, to discuss local and world politics, to share his latest tech toys, to discuss art, literature and history, and to inevitably share his latest ‘dad joke’ which in most cases was not funny but always resulted in my hearty laughter because Richard cracked himself up every time telling the joke. After more than 28 years practicing with Richard and sharing life in and out of the office, he was my brother and I will miss him greatly.” 

A rewarding personal life and deep connections

Lorenz’s impact also extended to civic institutions like the Owen County Community Foundation, the Area 10 Agency on Aging, and the Boys and Girls Club. Behind his professional accomplishments was a rich personal life anchored by his partnership with Nancy. Though they had different personalities, they viewed those differences as strengths, proofreading each other's work and building a life of mutual respect.

Lorenz’s service ethic extended far beyond the courtroom. He led a local Girl Scout troop in his early years in Spencer and embraced new technology with the enthusiasm of a lifelong learner. Whether he was traveling the globe with Nancy, cheering for Notre Dame football, or welcoming students to their home, Lorenz lived a life of vibrant curiosity and deep devotion to others.

In a twist of remarkable serendipity, Lorenz spent a year of his military service stationed at Hickam Air Force Base in Hawaii, a post named in honor of Horace Meek Hickam, the son of a Spencer attorney. Years later, that very military connection would mirror his civilian destiny, as Lorenz joined the historic firm founded by the Hickam family, eventually lending his own name to the practice.

Horace Hickam tragically lost his life in a 1934 night-landing accident in Texas and now rests at Arlington National Cemetery. Decades after these intertwined paths first crossed, the newly minted Hickam & Lorenz law firm received the Indiana Lieutenant Governor's Century Business Award in 1999, cementing its proud legacy as the oldest family law partnership in the state of Indiana.

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Lloyd Stephen Cooksey, 81, of Spencer, passed away on Friday, Sept. 11, 2026, at Redcrest Hospice House in Bloomington, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on June 11, 1945, in Greencastle, he was the son of Frank Cooksey and Melissa “Lucille” (Cook) Cooksey. Lloyd graduated from Spencer High School with the class of 1963. On December 18, 1964, he married Peggy Arthur Cooksey, with whom he shared many wonderful years.

Lloyd dedicated his working career to the Spencer-Owen Community School Corporation, serving as a custodian for many years prior to his retirement. Known for his dependable nature and strong work ethic, he will be fondly remembered by his community, friends, and family. Outside of work, Lloyd found great joy in following baseball and cheering on Indiana University sports.

He is survived by his daughters, Lisa Patterson, Kim (Chris) Campbell, and Stephanie Sare; grandchildren, Megan Elmore, Luke Patterson, Doug Patterson, Drake (Caitlynn) Patterson, Aidan Campbell, Delaney Campbell, Anna Sare, Christian Sare, and Jeffrey Sare; and great-grandchildren, Branson Elmore, Aila Elmore, and Silas Cox.

Lloyd was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Peggy Cooksey; and brother, Don Cooksey.

Private family services were entrusted to West & Parrish & Pedigo Funeral Home in Spencer.

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Eighteen students of all ages met at the Owen County Fairgrounds on Sept. 12 for a Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Hunter Safety Education course. With deer season beginning Sept. 15 in Indiana, Conservation Officers Caleb Hutchison and Matt Mauder went through a free safety presentation, including actual firearms, crossbows, and hunter safety equipment. The class is meant to cover the safety essentials that every Indiana hunter should know and goes over everything that an aspiring hunter needs to earn their Hunter Education Certificate, a necessity for anyone born after 1986 to legally hunt in Indiana under normal circumstances.

Hutchison and Mauder estimate they have given hunter safety training classes at least 15 times. They give their free class to the public before the Spring and Fall hunting seasons begin and also facilitate a seventh grade class at Owen Valley Middle School.

But hunter safety is not something to learn just to pass a test. DNR officers like Hutchison and Mauder often have to respond to calls from people that started out from someone not following proper safety protocols.

“Probably the thing we see the most is people not using a proper hunter safety system and then falling out of a treestand,” Hutchison said. “A lot of times people even have their safety system on but don’t clip in properly and then they fall anyway. If you fall with the harness on, you might be bruised but it beats falling 30 feet to the ground.”

Mauder also stressed the importance of vigilantly checking the direction you are aiming and not firing until you are sure that it is safe. He recalled an incident where someone accidentally shot their own father with an arrow thinking that he was a deer.

“It’s important to practice [with your weapon],” he stressed. “The more comfortable you are, the less likely you will make a mistake when you are all keyed up and the adrenaline starts flowing.”

For many people, this is the first and last time that they will ever take a class like this. Hutchison said that most people take the class as a kid and won’t sit in the class again until they bring their own kids.

“It’s probably [worth sitting in] class again every so often, even if it's not required,” Hutchison said. “A lot of things change, usually every year and you need to know what is different.”

Mauder reiterated the importance of knowing the regulations.

“Don’t be afraid to ask a question, don’t assume,” he said. “There is a 24-hour dispatch that you can call and if you are in our area, you will get routed to someone who can help answer your question. It’s always best to ask if you aren’t sure about something.”

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The first Saturday in October will bring Spencer’s 20th Annual Pride Festival, marking two decades of the event in the community.

The festival will run from noon to 7 p.m. Oct. 3 and feature a full day of family-friendly activities throughout downtown Spencer.

The Historic Tivoli Theatre will host performances throughout the day, including drag shows, the Quarryland Men’s Chorus, Tipsy Teasdale and several other regional performers.

Civilian Brewing Corps will serve alcoholic beverages during the festival and will be joined by more than 130 vendors, local businesses and food trucks.

Family activities will include WonderFest from Bloomington’s WonderLab, the outdoor Iris Fun Area, a Birdy scavenger hunt and other outdoor activities.

The festival schedule also includes a community yoga class, line dancing party, poetry writing workshop and tabletop gaming. Author Josh Vidmar will lead a discussion, while educator Ace Schwarz will give a presentation on supporting youth. Rainbow Birders will offer a birdwatching presentation titled “Looking for Birds in All the Wrong Seasons.”

Health resources available during the festival will include a community blood drive and free STI testing provided by local health partners.

For those traveling from outside Spencer, parking will be available at Boston Scientific, with free shuttles running throughout the day to transport festivalgoers downtown. Parking and shuttles will be accessible to people with disabilities. Additional accessibility services will include sign language interpreters and a designated low-sensory area.

“Everyone deserves the opportunity to celebrate, connect, and build community,” said Elisabeth Solchick, Spencer Pride vice president and accessibility lead. “As we mark our 20th anniversary, we’re continuing to strengthen accessibility throughout the festival because inclusion only works when everyone can participate.”

After the festival concludes at 7 p.m., visitors 18 and older can continue the celebration at the Spencer Pride After Party in the ballroom of the Spencer Pride commUnity Center, featuring entertainment from Justin Teague.

While the festival officially begins at noon, some activities will start earlier in the day. The complete schedule is available on the Spencer Pride website.

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The Owen News is excited to host a free, open-to-the-public "Meet the Candidates" event on Monday, Oct. 19. The forum will be held at the Historic Tivoli Theatre, located at 24 N. Washington St. in Spencer, just ahead of the upcoming Nov. 3 general election. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., with the official program getting underway at 6:30 p.m.

With voter turnout in Owen County historically running low, this event organized and moderated by The Owen News aims to help boost overall community interest and increase participation in the democratic process. The gathering gives residents a direct line to local candidates to hear firsthand about their visions and plans for the community. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions, share concerns, and connect with neighbors.

Any candidate appearing on the local ballot is encouraged to RSVP at info@theowennews.org by Wednesday, Sept. 30th. This invitation includes township trustees and candidates running unopposed.

For additional election-related resources, sample ballots, or registration details, you can visit the Indiana Secretary of State Election Division and the Indiana Voter Portal.

Early voting and Vote Center locations

Early voting is available from Oct. 6 through Oct. 30 at the Owen County Courthouse from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. Additional early voting opportunities include Saturday, Oct. 24, from 7 a.m. until 3 p.m. at both the courthouse and the Freedom Community Center; Saturday, Oct. 31, from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. at both the courthouse and Faith Baptist Church in Cunot; and Monday, Nov. 2, from 8 a.m. until noon at the courthouse.

Registered voters who want to request an absentee ballot in Indiana must do so before Oct. 22. The deadline to turn in your completed ballot is 6 p.m. on election day, Nov. 3. You may apply online or with an application form. Restrictions apply. Visit https://indianavoters.in.gov/ for more information.

The 2026 General Election will take place Tuesday, Nov. 3, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. at each of the following seven local vote center locations: Faith Baptist Church (11612 S.R. 243, Cloverdale), Family of God Church (2018 S.R. 67, 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), and Spencer Christian Life Center (126 E. Market St., Spencer).

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Leonard Ernest White, 84, of Bowling Green, IN, passed away on Sept. 14, 2026, surrounded by his family at IU Health Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis.

Bornon Nov. 28, 1941, in Owen County to Ernest and Ilabelle (Schroer)White, Leonard dedicated his life to farming. He found deep fulfillment in the outdoors, hunting, and a lifetime of honest, hard, work. He will be fondly remembered for his devotion to his family, his strong work ethic, and his love for the quiet joys of rural life.

He is survived by his children, Patricia (Joe) Dubree, Katie Williams,and Leonard (Renee) White II; grandchildren, James (Karlie) Robert,Ashley Dubree, Rebecca Dubree, Luke (Anna) Williams, Megan Williams, Shawn (Amanda) White, Emily (Dilan) Daniel, Connor White, and Ian White; and great-grandchildren, Jeremiah Robert, Elijah Robert, Kylie Robert, Elliot White, Amelia White, Rowan White, and Roslyn Daniel. He is also survived by his sister, Trela (Gerald) Clark.

Leonard was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Irene White and Thelma Brinson; and brothers-in-law, Richard Brinson and Pete Campbell.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2026, at the West & Parrish & Pedigo Funeral Home of Walton Funeral Service Inc., in Spencer. Visitation will take place from 3 to 7 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 21, 2026, and again from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Sept. 22.

Online condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.westparrishpedigo.com.

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September has arrived, and if you are anything like me, you may still be trying to figure out how summer went by so quickly! School is back in session, fall activities are filling the calendar, and suddenly the holidays don't seem quite so far away. Before we know it, we will be talking turkey, making Christmas lists, attending holiday gatherings, and wondering how December got here so fast.

The good news? You don’t have to wait until December to figure out how you’re going to pay for it all. September is a great time to make plans.

Purdue Extension Health and Human Sciences encourages individuals and families to take a closer look at where their money is going, identify spending habits, determine priorities, and create a spending plan that fits their goals. A budget isn’t about never having fun or saying “no” to everything. It’s about telling your money where you want it to go instead of wondering where it went!

Start with what matters most

Before you start making a shopping list, think about what you want your holiday season to look like.

Is it important to have a big family meal? Do you want to travel? Are there certain traditions your family looks forward to every year? Do you want to purchase gifts for a large group of people?

Write down the things that matter most and build your budget around those priorities. When you know what is important, it becomes easier to decide what you can skip.

Give yourself a holiday spending limit

Look at your income and regular expenses and decide how much you can realistically set aside for holiday spending.

Then break that amount into categories such as: gifts, food and special meals, travel, decorations, activities and entertainment, charitable giving, and other holiday expenses.

Don’t forget those expenses that tend to sneak up on us. Wrapping paper, teacher gifts, stocking stuffers, baking supplies, party food and last-minute purchases can turn into a surprisingly large bill.

Watch for “spending leaks”

Purdue Extension uses the term “spending leaks” to describe money that can slip away through unplanned or thoughtless purchases. In Purdue Extension programming, participants have identified spending leaks and then used that information to make changes that better fit their financial goals.

This month, pay attention to where your money is going.

Are you making extra trips through the drive-thru? Ordering things online because they are on sale? Buying something simply because it’s a good deal?

A sale isn’t really saving money if you don’t need the item in the first place!

Try the “wait before you buy” rule

Holiday advertising is designed to make us want things, and want them right now. Before making an unplanned purchase, give yourself some time to think about it. Ask yourself:

- Do I need it?

- Do I want it?

- Does it fit my holiday budget?

- Would I still buy it if it weren’t on sale?

Sometimes a little time is all we need to decide that something can stay on the store shelf.

Start saving now

Even small amounts can help. If you have a specific amount you want to spend during the holidays, divide that amount by the number of weeks you have left and start setting that money aside.

The goal isn't perfection. The goal is preparation.

A little planning now can mean less stress later, and hopefully fewer January credit card surprises.

Most importantly, remember that the holidays aren't measured by how much money you spend. Some of the best traditions are free: watching Christmas movies together, playing games, baking as a family, driving around to look at lights, volunteering, or simply spending time together.

And if you need a little help putting the brakes on those “I deserve this!” purchases, stay tuned! I will be presenting a program in October called “Curb Your Urge to Splurge” on October 19. More details will be coming soon, so keep an eye out and get ready to take a closer look at your spending habits and your financial goals!

Until next time, remember: A little planning today can save you a lot of stress tomorrow!

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In my previous column I related how my dad at a fairly advanced age could recall every car or truck he had ever owned. That got me thinking about boats I’ve owned. In my youth my bass fishing nut father climbed the watercraft ladder first with a ten-foot aluminum boat, then a 14-foot v-hull we carried on top of our car. Eventually in the seventies dad made a trip to Tyler Boats near Rockport and returned with a real bass boat, a 16-foot fiberglass model. It was a convenient fishing machine for us, solid, heavy, very comfortable and fairly sleek, that is until disaster struck.

We were out on Glendale (Dogwood Lake) in the very early spring, way before cell phones. Mid-March provided a pleasant day, and we caught a couple of small bass near the ramp.  Then we headed out for the shallow east end of the lake, where from past experience we knew the territory inside and out. In order to get to the far side, a boater must navigate a short but treacherous obstacle course of small stumps that lay just below the water line. We had traveled this route many times before and had usually come through unscathed. If the boat got hung on a stump, we would rock the boat and even both sit at one end. That usually dislodged us and we could proceed.

On this day we were motoring smoothly through the maze when we hit a stump and stuck. We did our usual thing. Soon we slid off and proceeded on our way, until we hung on a second stump. All our efforts could not remove us from that aggravating hunk of wood. We tipped this way and that, moved to one end, rocked back and forth, went in circles, all to no avail. Around 15-20 minutes of trying everything we knew resulted in nothing. What the heck? Then we noticed it. Water was slowly filling up the bottom of the boat. The stump had punctured the bottom. That’s why we were unable to move. Our boat had been stabbed, shish kabobed. Now what?

We looked around to see if another boater might help us. Nope. Nothing in sight. Too early in the season. The boat continued to slowly but gradually fill, and we were in a jam. I thought about diving in, swimming to the bank, and heading to the reservoir office to see if they could assist us. Would they even be around? In March the water is cold. I wasn’t sure if I could make the 50-yard or so swim to the bank, then the half mile walk to the office.

  Just about then, we heard the lovely sound of a motorboat headed our way. We hailed the owner, who came over for a look. Our boat continued to fill. The fisherman headed off to get help. Soon the property manager appeared in his boat with a pulley and set of chains. Maybe this had happened before here? We transferred ourselves and our equipment to his boat, and then he hooked up a rope system anchored to a tree that effectively snatched our sinking craft off the stump. That done, now there was a race against time to tow the sinking vessel back to the ramp before the boat would completely fill. Water rushed in as soon as the hole was cleared. 

Thankfully we got back in time to load the boat onto our trailer and head home. I’m forever thankful to that manager for saving our behinds and our boat. Unfortunately, Tyler personnel looked at the damage and convinced us that a new aluminum 17-foot Tracker might be a good idea. That new boat was our companion for several years, but it had an outboard that was delicate. If it hadn’t been run for a while, it just didn’t want to operate smoothly. I took my wife out a couple of times in it and both times we had issues. She lost faith and I did too. After dad passed, I took it to Outdoor World in Washington, where they sold it for me. They told me the new owner put a new engine on and was happy with his purchase. 

In 2015 I was in the market for my own bass boat. I liked one I saw on a website and headed down to Kentucky to check it out. It was a 16-foot Tracker that appeared to be in good shape. The tires weren’t great, but other than that it was what I was looking for. The owner gave me a bit of a sob story about his financial situation, and my soft heart resulted in my paying a few hundred more than I should have. But I proudly towed it home and it still sits in my garage. I’ve tweaked it several times, with anchors, decent graphs, and new trailer tires, among other things. What I’ve most appreciated about the four-stroke 40-horse Mercury on the back is the ease of starting and the smoke-free, trouble-free running. That is until I hit a sandbar at Turtle Creek Lake a couple of years ago. Sediment got into the water intake and fouled up the works, causing the engine to overheat. This issue has resulted in painful, expensive, frequent trips back to Port of Jasper to keep flushing out the debris. It seems that any time my lower unit brushes against the lake bottom, more junk is sucked up, causing the overheating alarm to go off. Believe me, that is not a pleasant sound when one is trying to enjoy a day on the lake. Lately the issue seems to have been resolved.

BOAT: Bring Out Another Thousand. Yes, maintaining a watercraft is pricey. Industry figures say the average annual maintenance on boats runs the gamut from $1,000 to $10,000 and more. Is it worth it? Most boat owners would say that it is. I would agree.

I have been fighting a losing battle all summer with a plant. My little patio was invaded in the spring by a culprit named “Creeping Charlie.” That is the name my mom used. He has many aliases. Culpepper calls him “alehoof.” Some call him “gill-over-the-ground” or “ground ivy.” I call him a nuisance and a formidable foe. He stretches his long tentacles out in all directions and makes himself right at home.

“Alehoof” is an attractive plant. Two scalloped leaves are attached to the long slender vine. Many leaf bearing shoots emerge from the vine. They snake across the ground, soon creating a thick mat. In spring two small purple-blueish blooms emerge at the juncture of vine and leaf. Bees love it. The problem is he smothers any plant in his vicinity. He has smothered the sedum with the pretty yellow blooms that once covered the gravel along my patio. Now he is making his way to the lawn. I’ve sprayed him with vinegar; I’ve ripped him up by the roots. He persists. 

Glechoma hederacea is not native to North America. Like many plants it came with the settlers crossing the Atlantic. The plant belongs to the mint family and has many uses. The Saxons used it to flavor their ale. For centuries, the leaves were made into tea and used as a tonic. The leaves contain protein and can be eaten as salad. The plant also contains vitamin C, phosphorus, potassium, copper, ink, and calcium. Before modern medicine people used plants to heal their ailments. That is why we have so many wild non-native plants. The people that lived here before the white invasion also knew how to use plants to heal. 

Years ago, a big patch of “Creeping Charlie” grew along the foundation at the back of my house. A friend of mine, a Blackfoot brave, participated in the Sun Dance in Brown County. The Sun Dance ceremony takes many days. The spiritual aspects are profound. It is also a grueling physical experience. He knew about the benefits of this plant I considered a weed. He asked me if he could harvest some to make tea. He explained to me the benefits of drinking the tea to replenish his body. Of course, I said yes. I even pulled it up for him.  

The knowledge he had about this plant I had considered a nuisance was useful. Foraging for wild things has been a lifelong habit. My mother and her mother took me foraging when I was still a toddler. I could identify and use many ‘wild’ things. I never imagined this plant I considered a nuisance had so much to offer. Modern day herbalists collect the plant in late spring when the flowers are still fresh. They use it for many things, from kidney disease to eye problems. Mixed with chamomile flowers and made into a poultice it is also used to heal abscesses.  

I do want to add a caution. Foraging for wild things can be dangerous. Please do not ingest any plant based on my description.

‘til next time,

Annie

Community members will soon have an opportunity to learn more about the ongoing investigation into local groundwater contamination as federal environmental officials prepare to visit Spencer.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has scheduled a public meeting and presentation regarding the Franklin Street Groundwater Superfund Site. The site was designated to address local groundwater contamination stemming from Tetrachloroethene (PCE), a chemical compound historically and widely used across industries for dry-cleaning and degreasing, which was first detected in local drinking water samples about a decade ago. While the BBP Water Corporation previously implemented mitigation measures to ensure safe drinking water processed through its facilities, the official Superfund designation has opened the door to dedicated federal resources focused on locating and remediating the precise sources and underground concentrations of PCE.

Since releasing its Community Involvement Plan in January 2024, developed with input from residents, the EPA and its contractors have been conducting groundwater, soil, and sewer water testing along public rights-of-way throughout Spencer. Agency officials are now finalizing a Remedial Investigation (RI) report. The upcoming report will deliver a comprehensive analysis of groundwater and vapor intrusion data collected since 2023, while defining the full extent and nature of the contamination. Following the RI report, the agency will launch a Feasibility Study to analyze potential cleanup and remediation options for the community.

The public meeting will take place on Wednesday, Sept. 23, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Historic Tivoli Theatre, 24 N. Washington St., in Spencer. Agency representatives will present the latest findings on soil, groundwater, and vapor intrusion sampling, as well as outline the next steps in the investigation process.

Residents who have questions or require special accommodations are encouraged to contact Ruth Muhtsun, EPA Community Involvement Coordinator, by phone at 312-886-6595 or via email at muhtsun.ruth@epa.gov. Complete project documentation, resources, and contact information remain accessible on the EPA's project website.

The Cataract Volunteer Fire Department buzzed with the activity of residents and several guests, including Indiana District 37 State Senator Rodric Bray and a representative from Indiana preservations. Cataract resident Michelle Roy led the meeting. 

Cataract is in the process of pursuing National Historic Registration status for the Cataract General Store, the historic Cataract Schoolhouse, or perhaps a whole district that includes both buildings. Noah Noble from Indiana Preservations spoke at length about the process involved for a site to become a National Historic Place. Paperwork has been filed for the three proposed sites in Cataract and will go through an initial review before moving on to another selection round. If these sites become National Historic Places they will be listed on a national register, and grant funds will become available for those locations. If the whole district is approved as a historic district, even residential homes in the area could qualify for federal grant funds for qualifying home improvements. If the initial review is approved, the process to be added to the National Register can take from 12 to 18 months.

“I’m here for my constituents, but I do live in a house built in 1870, so historical preservation is close to my heart,” Bray said.

Roy also detailed the success that the Cataract Schoolhouse had with its first year of field trips. The schoolhouse hosted 130 kids from Owen County schools. Through a partnership with the Owen County Theater and Arts Alliance, students step back in time and experience school like it was in the 1800s. Field trips are currently on hold while the schoolhouse undergoes renovations.

The Cataract General Store may also find itself with a new owner. While still in the early preliminary stages, Riley Guyer, the prospective buyer, spoke at the meeting about his plans for the store if his plan to purchase goes through.

“I’ve been in the area for seven years,” he said. “I want people to be able to walk in and see the same general store that I have been going to for years.”

More discussion included plans for the Cataract Bean Dinner, plans for collaboration with the Friends of Lieber State Recreation Area (SRA), and suggestions for more frequent smaller events to keep people coming to visit Cataract. Roy stressed that the Bean Dinner should be the big event but that smaller events, like musical guests, could happen more often that would keep a consistent stream of visitors coming to the area without overwhelming the community.

People interested in getting involved with the historic preservation efforts in Cataract or that would like to volunteer with the schoolhouse or at the Bean Dinner can reach out to Cataract Schoolhouse or Historic Cataract Indiana on Facebook or email cataractschoolhouse1886@gmail.com.

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The Spencer Town Council moved efficiently through a wide-ranging agenda during its Sept. 8 meeting, tackling infrastructure financing, upcoming budget preparations, and local department updates.

The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and roll call. Council members Evan McKalip and Ginger Kohr were present alongside town clerk-treasurer Cheryl Moke and town attorney John McKay. Council president Jon Stantz was absent. Minutes from the previous meeting and claims were approved unanimously.

The focus quickly shifted to major infrastructure investments with a unanimous vote to approve a $152,853.74 payment for Phase 1, Pay Application #2 for Graves Construction, following a review and recommendation by Commonwealth Engineering. Three additional sewer project engineering invoices from Commonwealth, totaling $49,617.20, $3,759.66, and a third task-order invoice, were also unanimously approved, all funded through the State Revolving Fund (SRF) loan program. Additionally, two contractor invoices from Steve Egemo received unanimous approval: $5,250 for ADA-compliant work on Jefferson St. and $8,985 for sidewalk replacement on N. East St., which is split between the town and participating homeowners.

Community events and financial planning shared a major portion of the evening. The council unanimously approved the annual MYPath 5k run/walk scheduled for Sept. 12, noting it required police notification and minimal town involvement. Following a public hearing that drew no objections, the council approved additional appropriations. Moke also reported that data entry for the 2027 budget is nearly complete, setting the stage for public hearings ahead of the Nov. 1 statutory deadline.

Departmental reports covered a variety of municipal updates. In Spencer Police Department (SPD) Chief Terry Sips' absence, the council reviewed updates regarding SPD reserve officer training, completed repairs on a 2013 Dodge Ram and a 2023 Dodge Durango, upcoming taser instructor training, and pending facility repairs.

Reporting via email, Spencer Sewer Department Superintendent Ryan Klaassen noted steady sewer plant construction progress, planned concrete rehabilitation for sewer basins three and four, updated job descriptions, and a request to consider appointing an assistant superintendent.

Spencer Street Department Superintendent Tony Floyd reported that a recently rebuilt street section finished slightly over budget, highlighted a new car wash owner’s offer to pave a nearby alley at no cost between West Morgan and West Franklin streets, and discussed managing multiple sewer backups, including one requiring rented equipment.

Park department updates featured completed playground repairs, a pending purchase for digger-scoop playground equipment, and preparations for a bike ride and costume contest fundraiser.

Meanwhile, planning and zoning discussions centered on a Spencer Plan Commission vacancy requiring a Republican town resident, a near-complete accessory dwelling unit (ADU) ordinance, resolved final plat issues for Trillium Woods, and general updates to zoning language.

In redevelopment news, officials noted that requests for qualifications (RFQs) for the former Riddle Tractor Sales property were due the following day, with two already received, and the council reaffirmed its commitment to avoiding realtor conflicts of interest. Council members also weighed two competing Main Street grant proposals, expressing a stronger preference for a smaller, downtown-focused option over a larger project that would require substantial local funding.

The meeting concluded with public commentary addressing several neighborhood challenges. A resident reported a fall at the end of a newly-installed N. East St. sidewalk, raising questions about liability and ADA compliance, while ongoing driveway obstructions prompted suggestions for clearer pavement markings and increased police patrols.

The Spencer Town Council regularly meets on the first and third Monday of each month at 6 p.m. in the Spencer Municipal Building, located at 90 North West Street. These meetings are open to the public.

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The Town of Gosport is considering an ordinance that aims to thwart data center development by restricting the access potential developers have to local resources.  

At the town council’s Sept. 8 meeting, town attorney Terry English introduced a reading of the proposed ordinance, with the council members approving its addition to the Sept. 22 meeting agenda for consideration. 

English said that although the town does not have the power to enact an outright ban of a lawful business operating within town limits, it can create ordinances for the good of the town.  

“We don't have the ability to do that by law,” English said. “However, the public health and welfare does give us the ability to oversee construction of processes or buildings and such things. (It) also gives us the power to restrict what they can do and how they can operate if they do in fact locate in the town of Gosport.” 

According to the proposed ordinance, its purpose is to “ensure that such facilities are compatible with local land use, to minimize environmental impacts, to protect natural resources, to contribute positively to the community, and to encourage transparency, efficiency, and public accountability.” 

The ordinance devised three main regulations. First, any data centers in the town of Gosport must be completely independent of the local electrical grid. This section of the ordinance emphasized that the center can have “no negative impact on power availability or cost to the residents of the town of Gosport.” 

Bloomberg reported that near significant data center activity, electricity costs grew to up to 267% more for a single month, compared to five years ago.  

Additionally, the ordinance requires that data centers be independent from local water resources — such as wells, town water, lakes, rivers, ponds and streams — and have tanked water brought to the site. It also requires that the water is managed by a closed loop non-evaporating system. This type of system involves reusing water used to cool the computer systems to avoid daily water discharge.  

A medium-sized data center has the capability to swallow up around 300,000 gallons of water each day, equating to usage from about 1,000 United States households, NPR reported.  

The proposed ordinance also looks toward the future, stipulating that data centers in the town must abide by all the town’s current and future regulations. Any violations of the ordinance are subject to a $2,500 fine per day, per parcel of land.  

“We are sort of ripe for them to come in and do something,” English said. 

This ordinance follows other efforts to give local Owen County government control over data center development. At the Aug. 20 Owen County Board of Commissioners meeting, Michael Broach, local resident and Marion Township Trustee candidate, explained the impact of data center development on Boone County, his former home.  

Broach said the LEAP facility construction, including a Meta data center, caused mass construction that ruined his life. Residents dealt with constant traffic, he said. Data center campuses can span hundreds of acres, and have brought up concerns over noise pollution and land conversion. 

The commissioners also discussed data centers at the Aug. 6 meeting, according to meeting minutes. In this meeting, commissioner Sam Hobbs said he acknowledged the concerns related to data center development but also recognized economic development benefits.  

According to the Georgia Institute of Technology, data centers can bring a 3.5 percent increase in employment and five percent increase in wages within the county.  

Right now, no developers are known to be planning data center construction in Owen County, but local residents have shared concerns that without a temporary moratorium or outright ban, development could strike at any moment. 

Gosport budget hearing 

At the end of the meeting, the council moved to recess for a 2027 budget hearing. The adoption meeting will be held Sept. 22 at 301 N. Ninth St.  

Council president Marian McGee read off each budgeted amount, starting with the estimated civil max levy, which is $109,093. The property tax cap credit estimate is $7,800. The general fund budget estimate is $269,184. The local road and street budget is $12,500, and the motor vehicle highway budget is $126,359.

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The Spencer-Owen Community Schools (S-OCS) Board of School Trustees meeting on Sept. 10 was a swift 32 minutes, featuring no public comments or non-unanimous votes. The Sept. 10 meeting was the official meeting for public comments on the annual budget, but as no public comments were made the public budget hearing was closed. The 2027 S-OCS budget adoption will occur on Sept. 24, 2026.

Approval of additional appropriations

Appropriations of $146,502.72 for School Resource Officers (SRO) were approved, a slight increase over the previous year’s cost. A school safety grant will pay $73,751.36, 50% of the cost, with the other 50% being paid for by the school district.

A one-time stipend of $13,510 was approved for Kris Samick. This is to compensate Samick for the additional work she does as S-OCS Communications Director in addition to her role as Principal at Patricksburg Elementary School (PES).

An approval was also passed for bus driver Rick Shields to perform certain minor repairs to school buses for a compensation of $20 per hour for up to five hours per week. This arrangement has the potential to save money by avoiding an official request to mechanic services for minor repairs.

Other information

The 2027 graduation date has been set for May 22 at 10 a.m. in the high school gymnasium.

The board also approved a $1,000 grant from the Owen County Community Foundation to help send Owen Valley Middle School (OVMS) teachers to the National Council of Teachers of English National Convention in Philadelphia, PA.

Finally the board approved a $4,000 donation to Backpack Buddies from the The Owen County Alliance.

Personnel updates

Leave, resignations and Employment were approved with one motion with the following employment changes.

Resignations

Vickey Blake - Owen Valley High School (OVHS) custodian

Laban Clark - OVHS assistant basketball coach

Employment

James (Kyle) Jennings - OVMS PC teacher and OVHS basketball coach

Brandy Pittman - S-OCS behavior tech

Dan Bixler - McCormick’s Creek Elementary School custodian

TIffany Byerly - PES special needs instructional assistant

Jenny McGuire - PES two days per week instructional assistant

Ethan Jennings - OVMS assistant football coach

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Preparations are officially underway for the 57th annual Cataract Bean Festival, inviting the community to downtown Cataract in northwestern Owen County from Friday, Oct. 2 through Sunday, Oct. 4. As the single largest annual fundraiser for the Cataract Volunteer Fire Department, this beloved three-day autumn tradition supplies the bulk of the department's operating budget, making it the essential lifeline that keeps station doors open and emergency trucks pumping water.

The department relies on the annual Cataract Bean Dinner for 60 percent of its funding year-to-year, with most of the annual operating budget coming directly from this first weekend of October event. The next largest source of revenue comes from a portion of community tax dollars equal to $18,000 a year. Covering 1,750 residents, this tax allocation averages out to about $10 a year per person, according to information found on the department’s website. These vital funds are required to keep station doors open, maintain water-pumping trucks, and support community outreach and education, with organizers emphasizing that a successful event is essential for the department to continue assisting the community during emergencies.

The festival features fire department serving hours on Friday from noon to 8 p.m., Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. The traditional menu includes over 850 pounds of ham and beans, along with on-site vendors selling items such as BBQ, ice cream, burgers, pizza, kettle corn, tacos, coneys, fried vegetables, and Mexican food. The event also hosts over 125 vendor booths featuring tools, crafts, art, antiques, jewelry, and shirts, alongside a shuttle service running for 2026.

Organizers are actively seeking additional vendors and sponsors for the upcoming festival. Individuals interested in becoming a vendor, securing a sponsorship, or volunteering can find more information by visiting the official website at www.cataractfire.com, contacting the department via email at cataractbeandinner@yahoo.com, or calling 765-720-8178.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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Coal City is preparing to welcome residents and visitors alike as C Little Big Town, Inc. presents the 2026 Coal City Old Grouch Festival from Sept. 11–13. The three-day celebration promises packed schedules filled with demonstration events, live music, food vendors, games, crafts, and family fun under the banner, “Come be a part of the Happy Folks!”

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Festivities kick off on Friday, Sept. 11, with the information booth opening (3 p.m.) and a solemn 9/11 remembrance & prayer (5-5:15 p.m.). Guests can enjoy a campfire cookout dinner (5:15-9:15 p.m.), followed by a ventriloquist performance (6-7 p.m.). Evening activities include open practice for 3-on-3 basketball (7-8 p.m.) as well as corn hole, horseshoes, and disc golf (7-9 p.m.). Visitors can also join a euchre tournament (7-10 p.m.) or cake walk contest (7:30-8 p.m.). The night wraps up with a free outdoor movie featuring Buster Keaton’s silent film “The General” (9-10:30 p.m.), DJ entertainment (9 p.m.-12 a.m.), and campfire s’mores (10:30-12 a.m.).

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Saturday, Sept. 12, starts early with an American flag raising ceremony & prayer (7-7:15 a.m.), and a sponsored breakfast (7:15-9:15 a.m.). Runners can register (7:30-8:30 a.m.) for the Old Grouch Fun 5K Run/Walk (8:30-9:30 am), while the American Legion Auxiliary serves coffee and pastries (8-10 a.m.). Morning highlights feature a living statue coal miner (8-10 a.m.), antique tractor display (8 a.m.-2 p.m.), artisan craft vendors (8 a.m.-4 p.m.), and the crowning of the Old Grouch Contest Winner (9-9:15 a.m.). Spectators can enjoy a cake walk (9:15-9:45 a.m.), a lumberjack contest featuring crosscut saw, tomahawk throwing, and log splitting (9-11 a.m.), 3-on-3 basketball practice (9 a.m.-2 p.m.), a skilled labor job fair (9 a.m.-3 p.m.), Abraham Lincoln appearances (9 a.m.-3 p.m.), a car show (9 a.m.-3 p.m.), and the Coal City Train Depot Museum (9 a.m.-3 p.m.). Open practices for all outdoor sports run throughout the day (9 a.m.-6 p.m.).

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Late morning on Saturday brings a Pageant Contest (9-11:30 a.m.), Queen City Stunt Circus Trapeze (10-10:30 a.m.), and children’s activities including foam pit, clown balloon art, and face painting (10 a.m.-2 p.m.). Food trucks serve lunch and dinner (10 a.m.-8 p.m.) alongside a Single Action Shooters performance (10:30-11 a.m.) and Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address (11-11:15 a.m.). Afternoon events kick off with parade line-up (12:15-1 pm) and the main parade (1 p.m.), followed by a second trapeze show (2 p.m.), Swinging Mates Square Dancing (2:30-3 p.m.), a homemade ice cream contest (3 p.m.), and the Owen County Homemakers Baking Contest (3-4 p.m.). The day closes out with the Jackson Township Community Band (3:30-4:30 p.m.), a third trapeze show (4-4:30 p.m.), the Old Grouch Auction fundraiser (4-5 p.m.), more square dancing (4:30-5 p.m.), another cake walk (5-6 p.m.), The James Family Singers (6-6:30 pm), fireworks (7-9 p.m.), and evening s’mores (9:30 p.m.-12 a.m.).

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Sunday, Sept. 13, opens with information booth operations (10 a.m.) and food vendor trucks (12-5 p.m.). Stage entertainment includes Miss Janene’s Puppets and Flannel Graph Stories (12-12:30 p.m.), followed by gospel music from the Evangelist Jimmy Gilbert Family Singers and Calvary’s Cause Band (12:45-1:45 p.m.). Officiated tournament action takes over the afternoon, starting with corn hole (1:30-2:30 p.m.) and continuing with horseshoes, disc golf, 3-on-3 basketball, baseball/softball, and volleyball (2:30-4:30 p.m.).
For more information, visit C Little Big Town, Inc. on Facebook or email clittlebigtowninc@proton.me.

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Prepare a loaf of your favorite toast, as Spencer’s Apple Butter Festival kicks off Sept. 19-20. The event is organized by the Spencer Lions Club, who are celebrating their 97th year serving the people of Owen County.
Saturday is set to begin with an Apple Butter contest featuring an apple nacho bar at the Historic Tivoli Theatre from 9 a.m. to noon in partnership with the Owen County Extension Homemakers. Categories to enter include Quick Bread, Cinnamon Rolls, Cakes, Cookies, and Miscellaneous. All entries must contain apple butter and will be judged on taste and presentation and must be submitted in a disposable container with a recipe card.

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Vendor booths open starting at 9 a.m. on Saturday after an opening ceremony featuring patriotic songs.

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Meanwhile, on the courthouse square, beginning at 9 a.m. the Apple Butter Royalty Contest will commence. A Prince, Princess, King and Queen will be selected and have cash prizes donated to their respective school classrooms. Entrants must be either six or seven years old at the time of the contest and entries should be submitted by Sept. 16.

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This all leads up to the Apple Butter Festival Parade at 1 p.m. Starting at Cooper Commons and running all the way down Main Street in Spencer. The Grand Marshals of the parade are set to be George and Martha Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Betsy Ross to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States of America.

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After the parade, at the Owen County Public Library’s Tom and Kay Erney Pavilion, look out for a Community Choir concert starting at 3 p.m. and a Princess Sing-A-Long at 6 p.m.

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The Owen County Heritage and Culture Center will have an open house Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

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There will also be a cruise-in classic car show, bouncy castles for the kids, an antique farm machinery show and touch-a-truck featuring emergency vehicles from around Owen County.

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The Spencer Lions Club will have an information tent where you can find out more about the festival, the Lions Club, and pick up some all-important apple butter.
You can enjoy all the Apple Butter Festival has to offer from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

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An Owen County jury convicted Kelsey Jo Nicole Wright, 31, of Coal City, on felony charges of aggravated battery and criminal recklessness on Aug. 20 following a three-day trial. The verdict was publicly released by the Owen County Prosecutor’s Office on its official Facebook page.
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The jury returned a mixed verdict for Wright, convicting her of Level 3 felony aggravated battery and Level 6 felony criminal recklessness, while acquitting her of Level 5 felony battery with a deadly weapon and two Class A misdemeanor theft charges. Judge Don VanDerMoere II accepted the findings, formally entered the convictions and acquittals, and ordered Wright remanded to the Owen County Sheriff’s custody.
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The legal penalties for the convictions carry potential prison time. A Level 3 felony carries a sentence of three to 16 years with a nine-year advisory sentence, while a Level 6 felony carries six months to two and a half years with a one-year advisory sentence, alongside potential fines of up to $10,000 per count.
According to the probable cause affidavit, on March 27, 2024, at approximately 11:04 p.m., law enforcement with the Owen County Sheriff’s Department (OCSD) responded to a shooting complaint in western Owen County along rural Patricksburg Road where a resident reported hearing a single gunshot and someone saying "whoa" near a truck parked in the roadway before its lights were turned off.
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The affidavit details that upon arriving, OCSD Sergeant Torrey Wallace checked the area after observing dogs running across the road and located a female sitting in a field on the north side. The officer observed that she had dried blood from her nose to her upper lip and a small drop of blood on her sweatshirt. The court document notes that the female initially refused to answer questions or identify herself but agreed to sit in the officer's patrol vehicle. She denied needing an ambulance, noted she was not driving, and repeatedly stated she did not know why her nose was bleeding or how it happened. According to the affidavit, she also recalled seeing someone walking outside with a light from a nearby residence.
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While the officer spoke with her, radio traffic indicated that a male victim had arrived at the Owen County EMS facility with a gunshot wound. Spencer Police Department officers responded to the facility, where the victim stated that a female named Kelsey Wright had shot him. When asked, the female confirmed her name was Kelsey. Detectives later noted in the affidavit that the officer smelled an odor of an alcoholic beverage on Wright, and she admitted to consuming a couple of beers and a few shots at a friend's house.
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After learning Wright had an active warrant out of Monroe County, Sergeant Wallace took her into custody. As noted in the probable cause affidavit, as they left the scene in the patrol vehicle, Wright mentioned that "there was a 22 mag out in the field." Other officers remaining on the scene subsequently located the firearm.
While Wright was being transported, OCSD Detective Nathan Martin spoke with the victim at IU Health-Bloomington Hospital. According to the probable cause affidavit, the victim stated that he and Wright had been in an off-and-on dating relationship for five years (though Wright later estimated six months to investigators) and were returning home to the Coal City/Patricksburg area from Bloomington after drinking. The affidavit states he reported they got into an argument in the truck and Wright "jumped out of the truck with my gun and my phone." As outlined in the charging document, the victim explained that the truck engine was running with the headlights facing west when he stopped and walked around the driver's side toward the back to see where she went. Wright then shot him from about 30 yards away using his bolt-action .22 magnum rifle equipped with a clip. The victim heard the gunshot, fell to the ground, and was shot in the "kneecap area." He reportedly crawled back to his truck and drove away to seek help.

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The affidavit further details that at the Owen County Sheriff's Department, Sergeant Wallace read Wright her Miranda rights using an Advice of Rights form, which she agreed to sign with an "X." Wright stated that she lived with the victim and recalled lying in the field about 30 to 40 yards from the truck with a bloody nose. She reportedly acknowledged retrieving his green Ruger .22 mag rifle from the front of the truck and taking it into the field, though she claimed she had never fired it before, despite having experience with similar bolt-action rifles. OCSD Lieutenant Clint Wampler requested that the officer briefly wait to interview Wright until Detective Dan McBride arrived at the OCSD.

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According to the probable cause affidavit, once Detective McBride arrived, Wright was re-read her rights and interviewed again by both officers. Wright recalled seeing the victim walk toward her, feeling "terrified and scared to death" that he was going to drag her back to the truck, and telling him not to come any closer. She stated she often has "blackout modes" during major events and could not remember the argument, how her nose started bleeding, or getting out of the truck. When asked directly if she shot the gun, she replied "apparently," but maintained throughout questioning that she had no recollection of loading the weapon, disengaging the safety, pointing it at the victim, or firing it. Following the interview, Wright was formally placed under arrest.

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Judge VanDerMoere will sentence Wright during a hearing scheduled for Sept. 21 at 9 a.m.

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Prosecutor Benjamin Kim and Chief Deputy Prosecutor Parker Trulock represented the State of Indiana, supported by lead investigating officer Sergeant Wallace of the OCSD. The investigating team also included Lieutenant Wampler, Detective McBride, and Detective Martin of the OCSD, as well as officers with the Spencer Police Department.

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Defense attorney Ashley Fleetwood of the Gibson Law Office represented Wright.
The Owen County Prosecutor’s Office expressed gratitude to both the Owen County Sheriff’s Department and the Spencer Police Department for their work on the case.

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A planned arts and recreation park along the White River in Spencer will move closer to reality with a $1 million investment through the state’s READI 2.0 program.

The funding will support the first phase of the Sweet Owen County (OC) Arts Park, a project intended to transform an underused portion of Spencer’s riverfront into a destination combining public art, recreation, nature and economic development.

Plans for the first phase include an Arts Market Pavilion, an updated MyPath Trailhead, bird sculpture garden, a Follow the River-themed playscape and scenic overlooks of the White River.

“This project is about recognizing what has always made Owen County special: the river, our natural landscape, our artistic heritage and our people, and bringing those assets together in one place,” said Marce Johnson, CEO of the Owen County Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Corporation. “Sweet OC Arts Park will give residents a place to gather, give artists a place to create and give visitors another reason to experience Owen County.”

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Celebrating Owen County artists

The park’s design draws inspiration from three artists with strong Owen County connections: author James Alexander Thom and artists T.C. Steele and Ken Bucklew.

Thom, who was born in Owen County, is best known for historical novels including ”Follow the River.” His work and its connection to the region’s history inspired the planned ”Follow the River”-themed playscape.

Steele, one of Indiana’s best-known painters, frequently depicted the state’s landscapes and spent time painting in Owen County, including areas surrounding what later became McCormick’s Creek State Park.

Bucklew, an Owen County artist and naturalist, is known for detailed paintings of Indiana birds and wildlife. His work provides inspiration for the park’s planned bird sculpture garden and its emphasis on the area’s natural environment.

Together, the three provide themes that park planners hope will help tell the story of Owen County through its history, art and landscape.

Designing a park that can flood

The park’s riverfront location presents an unusual design challenge: periodic flooding from the White River.

Rather than attempting to isolate the park from the river, planners say the site is being designed with flooding in mind. The location and construction of structures, landscaping and other features are being considered based on their ability to withstand or recover from high water.

Native and flood-tolerant vegetation will be incorporated into the landscape, while structures and other site features will be positioned with periodic flooding in mind.

“Part of what makes this project so unique is that we are not pretending the river isn't going to flood,” Johnson said. “It is a riverfront. It is going to flood. Instead of designing around that reality, we are designing with it.”

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Connecting downtown to trails and parks

The project also seeks to strengthen connections between downtown Spencer, the White River, MyPath, and McCormick’s Creek State Park.

Improvements to the MyPath Trailhead at the park will serve as part of the developing trail network connecting Spencer with the state park and other recreational destinations.

“This project is an example of how we can build on the assets we share across the region: our trails, parks, waterways, arts and natural resources, to create experiences that benefit both residents and visitors,” said Kyle Hannon, director of MyPath and the Owen County Nonprofit Alliance.

The Arts Park is also envisioned as part of a broader network of arts and cultural destinations throughout the Indiana Uplands region.

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Creating opportunities for artists

Economic development is another component of the park plans, particularly through the proposed Arts Market Pavilion.

The pavilion is intended to provide a permanent venue where artists can exhibit and sell their work, lead workshops, and participate in markets and other events.

Programming developed through the Owen County Chamber of Commerce and EDC is expected to help local artists develop entrepreneurial skills and create opportunities to generate income from their work.

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Years of planning behind project

Although the READI 2.0 funding represents a major step toward construction, plans for developing Spencer’s riverfront have been discussed for more than a decade.

The Town of Spencer’s 2015-2019 Parks and Recreation Master Plan identified the riverfront property as a priority for future development.

During the past two years, the Owen County Chamber of Commerce and EDC worked with Taylor Siefker Williams Design Group to develop an architectural framework and artistic vision for the Sweet OC Arts Park.

A $10,000 grant from the Indiana Arts Commission helped establish the Sweet OC Arts Commission, a nonprofit organization governed by a board and involving local artists.

The Arts Commission has hosted community events, gathered public input and worked with the EDC on public meetings related to the park. Ideas contributed by residents and other participants have addressed public art, programming, native plants, and environmental features.

The project has developed into a public-private partnership involving the Town of Spencer, Owen County leaders, businesses, nonprofit organizations, artists, conservation and environmental organizations, and regional economic development partners.

In addition to the $1 million READI 2.0 investment, project partners are expected to contribute matching funds, expertise, volunteer labor and in-kind support.

Once developed, organizers envision Sweet OC Arts Park as both a community gathering place and a destination that encourages visitors to move between the riverfront, downtown Spencer, MyPath and other attractions throughout Owen County.

The Owen County Council spent two days reviewing departmental spending plans for 2027, with discussions ranging from employee compensation and health insurance to road funding, staffing, and the effects of reductions in state funding.
The budget workshops followed the council’s Aug. 26 regular meeting and continued the following day, with council members reviewing budgets from nearly every county department.

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While dozens of individual line items were discussed, several broader issues emerged as the council worked toward a proposed 2027 county budget.

Road funding prompts concern
Road funding generated some of the most significant discussion during both the regular meeting and budget workshops.
During the Aug. 26 meeting, the council agreed to advertise requests for an additional $500,000 from each of three road funds: a total of $1.5 million for road projects.

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Council members questioned whether spending those funds could leave the county short if its Community Crossings Matching Grant (CCMG) funding is less than anticipated.

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County officials said current projects include approximately $425,000 for several roads, a roughly $56,000 culvert on Rattlesnake Road, and work associated with approximately 200 road culverts. Officials also said they were uncertain whether anticipated federal reimbursement for the Rattlesnake Road project would materialize.

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The discussion continued during the budget workshops, when officials considered how much the highway department can realistically spend in 2027 while maintaining adequate cash balances.

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Commissioner Sam Hobbs described 2027 as a potential “breaking point” for the highway department if additional resources are not identified, saying the county currently has $500,000 or less annually available for road improvements and emphasizing the cost of preparing roads, including ditching and culvert work, before paving.

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No final decisions on all highway spending were made during the workshops.

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Council chooses approach to employee raises
One of the longest discussions centered on compensation for county employees.
The county has been working to move employee salaries toward target wages established through its compensation study rather than simply providing the same percentage increase to every employee.

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Officials presented several scenarios. Merely accounting for longevity increases would cost approximately $76,800, while immediately bringing employees all the way to the compensation study midpoint would cost approximately $622,300.
Council members ultimately selected a proposal that moves employees who remain below their target wage 20% closer to that target while providing a one-half percent cost-of-living adjustment to employees who would not otherwise receive an increase.

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Under that scenario, many employees who remain below the midpoint would receive increases of approximately four percent to five percent, while elected officials and some employees already at or above their target would receive the smaller cost-of-living adjustment. The estimated overall cost was approximately $306,000.

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Health insurance remains a concern
Employee health insurance also received considerable attention.
The county currently pays approximately 94% of employees’ health insurance costs, a benefit council members said they would like to preserve if financially possible. However, officials acknowledged that rising insurance costs could eventually require reconsidering how those costs are shared.
For budgeting purposes, officials estimated approximately $12,500 per full-time employee for insurance and related benefits.

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Council members also discussed reorganizing the way insurance expenses appear in the county budget. Instead of maintaining group insurance line items in numerous departmental funds, the council is considering placing the expense in one central account under the commissioners’ budget.
The council directed officials to study the change and return with more information, potentially at the Sept. 14 meeting.

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State cuts shift community corrections costs to county
Another significant issue surfaced during the review of probation and community corrections.

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Owen County’s community corrections program is dealing with a reduction in Indiana Department of Correction grant funding. Officials said the department has experienced approximately $122,000 in grant reductions over two years, including nearly $88,000 in the latest reduction.

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The department requested county assistance with employee insurance costs as one way to absorb the reduction without cutting additional positions.
Officials told the council that community corrections departments statewide are experiencing similar reductions as the Department of Correction shifts funding away from community supervision and toward correctional facilities. The earliest potential change in how those grants are administered would be 2028, leaving counties to address the funding gap in 2027.

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Veterans service position could become full-time
The council also spent time discussing whether the county’s Veterans Service Officer (VSO) position should become full-time.
The position has been budgeted at approximately 20 hours per week, but officials discussed increasing it to 35 hours. The estimated annual cost of making the change, including benefits and payroll expenses, is approximately $30,800.

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Council members also supported increasing the position’s hours for the remainder of 2026, without adding benefits, so the office can provide additional service to local veterans.

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The permanent change for 2027 remains among the items the council must consider as it finalizes the budget.

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Other staffing questions remain
The workshops also included discussion about adding or restructuring administrative and human resources duties within county government.
Rather than immediately creating a position, council members discussed defining the county’s human resources needs, developing a job description and determining an appropriate classification and salary. A separate administrative position could potentially be full- or part-time depending on what the council ultimately decides to do with HR responsibilities.

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Those positions were left among the council’s “wish list” items for further consideration.

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Regular meeting includes appropriations, mileage change
Before beginning the budget workshops Aug. 26, the council conducted its regular meeting.

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Among the more notable actions was a $36,000 transfer within the 911 budget to cover overtime. Officials said two full-time positions were vacant and discussed using available group insurance funds for the transfer.

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The council also agreed to advertise several additional appropriations for consideration in September, including the $1.5 million in road funding. The council authorized advertising up to $45,000 for the CentralSquare public safety software system and $9,600 for WTH Technology expenses.

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Council members also approved updating the county’s mileage reimbursement ordinance to match the state rate of 64 cents per mile.
Budget work continues

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By the conclusion of the workshops, the preliminary 2027 spending plan totaled approximately $23 million. Officials cautioned that the figure represents expenditures and does not account for revenues available to support those expenses.

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Despite increases in several areas, council members said the preliminary numbers appeared manageable, although several “wish list” items remain to be considered before the budget is finalized. Those items are expected to return to the council for decisions at an upcoming meeting.

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The Owen County Council will hold its next regular meeting Monday, Sept. 14 at 6 p.m.

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The council will meet again Tuesday, Oct. 13, with a public hearing on the proposed 2027 budget at 6 p.m. The council’s regular meeting will follow at 6:30 p.m. Each of these meetings will be held in the Commissioners’ Room, located on the second floor of the Owen County Courthouse.

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Doris Scully’s favorite time of year is during the fall.  She harvests corn while the sun sets, driving a combine through the field, watching the yield monitor go up.  
She thinks about the hard work she’s done to get to this point — planning, paying, spraying.

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“You finally get to reap your reward there for harvest,” she said.

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In July, Scully earned national recognition for her dedication and sustainable agriculture practices. She was named one of four finalists in the Farm Progress Women in the Field: Producer of the Year Award.

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The award recognizes women who “exemplify excellence in production ag, demonstrate innovation and serve as leaders,” according to the Farm Progress website.  
Scully operates Sips Family Farms in Spencer and manages 1,350 acres of land used for crops, hay, pasture and forest. The farm is home to beef cattle, corn and soybeans, all while implementing no-till farming and growing cover crops.

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The Owen County farmer retired almost two years ago from a 37-year-long career with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), an agency within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). But, for about as long, Scully and her husband worked full-time while raising their three sons and operating the farm.
In her position, Scully gave technical and financial assistance to agriculture producers. She spent her time visiting farmers and teaching them about soil health and best management practices, among other topics.

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Historically, farmers have tilled their soil to prepare it for planting, control weeds and incorporate fertilizer, according to the USDA. But this practice releases carbon in the soil into the atmosphere, Scully said. Tilling compacts and finely breaks up the soil. So, when it rains, earthworm and root holes are clogged, and the water doesn’t get into the soil. No-till agriculture prevents erosion and allows the soil to soak up the rain.  

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Scully also champions her work in implementing cover crops on her farm. Cover crops are planted to protect soil from erosion, weeds, pests and diseases during off seasons, according to the USDA. The roots and plant matter above ground goes back into the soil and improves organic matter, benefiting the farm long-term, Scully said.

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It’s an investment that leads to diverse microbiology and can fight the effects of climate change.

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The organic matter stores water and nutrients in the soil for when it gets dry, and the soil is more able to handle severe changes, Scully said.
“We’re having what you call weather pattern changes and extreme temperatures, really hot, really cold,” Scully said. “Everything comes from the soil, and you’ve got to improve that soil.”

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Scully emphasized the benefit of diversifying cover crops as well. She said monocultures only benefit one thing, and mixing up the crops feeds microbes in different ways.

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Throughout her career, Scully has used what she’s learned about soil health to benefit other women in farming like herself. She’s worked with the Owen County Soil and Water Conservation District to host Women4theLand Learning Circles. This group of about 25 women meets to learn and connect with each other. Scully focuses on empowering them and teaching them about soil health and how to care for their land.

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“I love to share knowledge,” Scully said. “I love it.”
Educating across Indiana and with other women in farming is one of the reasons Scully’s former NRCS coworker and district conservationist Don Donovan nominated her for the award.

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“She practices what she preaches on the farm and learns there so she can bring some of that knowledge back to us,” Donovan said. “She’s innovative, she’s wanting to teach people how to farm in a better manner and support the sustainability and the regeneration of our soils. She’s taught a lot of people and spoke to a lot of people.”

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Scully has also passed down her love and expertise for farming to her son, Mike Scully. Mike Scully grew up on the farm much like his mother, who was feeding chickens and gathering eggs from a very young age.

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“We can’t get him off of it,” she said. “I think he’s the whole reason that we just keep plugging away and doing it, because he’s got that love of the land and I want to help him grow.”

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When Doris Scully and her husband were both working full-time, they spent nights and weekends tending to the farm, doing all they could do.

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“She (Doris Scully) set a very good example as far as work ethic and getting everything done,” Mike Scully said. “She’s a very timely worker. She’s on task at all times.”
To stay motivated working and caring for the farm, Doris Scully said her faith kept her going.

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“I think God just puts a love of the land in your heart and you just do what you can do,” she said. “Knowing the end game that we wanted, what we wanted in the end was a better life for our kids. There’s nothing better than farm life.”

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Mike Scully said being considered for an award recognizing Doris Scully’s work has been “a long time coming.” He said she’s earned it, and that soil health has been her life.

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The award nominees were scheduled to be announced during the Farm Progress Show at 3 p.m. EST Sept. 2 in Boone, Iowa, however, stormy weather disrupted the ceremony.The nominees were instead honored in a smaller ceremony inside, under cover, where Wendy Johnson from Charles City, Iowa took home the top prize.

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Doris Scully said she was humbled to hear about the nomination.
“I was surprised to even be nominated because I just do what I do because I like it and I love it and I live it,” Doris Scully said.

The Aug. 20^th meeting of the Owen County Board of Commissioners started off with a warning: everyone stay civil, everyone stick to their three minutes, if they don’t they will be removed. Commissioner Sam Hobbs recalled the Aug. 6 meeting, where decorum was harder to come by, and apologized on behalf of himself and the other commissioners for letting the previous meeting get out of hand.

“We aren’t always going to agree on everything, and we can disagree, but we don’t have to get nasty about it,” Hobbs said.

Public comments stayed civil, but the opinions of nearly every resident were similar. Nine residents expressed their support for either a temporary moratorium on data center development in Owen County or an outright ban. Concerns stated were noise, excessive water use, electricity costs, and property value decreases. 

While there are currently no plans from any developers to build data centers in Owen County, many residents expressed their concerns that without a formal prohibition, data center development could happen at any moment.

Local resident Mike Broach has seen the results of this development come to pass in his former home of Boone County. The LEAP facility including a Meta data center began construction two miles from his former home near Lebanon. He moved to Owen County last December from his family home to get away from the mass construction that he says disrupted his life.

“We had started noticing infrastructure changes: a lot of construction, basically on our front doorstep,” he recalled. “The main highway into town changed from a two land road into a four lane road.”

Broach also remembers the constant traffic that was involved. 

“They had specific construction routes, but those routes were busy and congested, so those guys would juke these routes . . . and so that puts construction traffic driving right by the places they shouldn’t be driving. . . one of those places was my home,” he added.

Another concerned citizen, Judy Morris took it upon herself to investigate the data center issue after hearing about devastating effects on other rural communities. At this point, she told The Owen News that she would rather be enjoying her retirement, but she is concerned about what the future would bring if a data center came to Owen County.

“Just looking at stuff, how could we bring [this] stuff into our county without messing up our farmland, messing up all this rural beauty that we have around us and just what everybody's here for,” she said. “You're gonna run everybody out with it.”

Her investigations led her to send three messages to the Owen County Board of Commissioners citing sources from government reports around the state. The first email contained information about data center water usage and the effects on groundwater, the second information about the effects a data center build can have on farmland and the third, information about environmental impacts of a so-called “closed-loop” water cooling setup.

The State of the State

Data center development is accelerating across the state and the scale of some projects is staggering. 

According to market research firm Cleanview, Indiana currently has 23 operating data centers with an electrical capacity of 1352 megawatts. The largest operating data center, a Meta-owned facility in Jeffersonville, consumes 108 of those megawatts alone. In comparison, the planned Takanock-owned facility in Elkhart County is estimated to consume a whopping 1500 megawatts alone. According to Cleanview, there are 130 planned data centers for Indiana with a total estimated capacity 10 times higher than current consumption. 

If all these data centers are built, their total electricity usage at full capacity would account for 13.2% of the entire state of Indiana’s total 2024 electricity use (an estimated 13,140,000 mWh for the data centers vs 99,219,607 mWh of state electricity use per a 2024 EIA report.) 

At an EDC Access meeting on Aug. 21 at the Owen County Methodist Church’s In God’s Arms (IGA) building, State Treasurer Daniel Elliot spoke at length about how much data centers could benefit Indiana residents and how, in his opinion, short-sighted that it is to try to ban them.

“I'll give you a perfect example,” he said to a crowd of community leaders and local government officials. ”Indianapolis said, they were gonna do a data center, and they said, no, we're not gonna do it–too much heat, too many people get mad at us. They made a bad business decision based on politics. Morgan County, where I'm from, they were already in the middle building one. They said, okay. We'll just make this one bigger. So who benefited? Morgan County did.”

Elliot was most likely referring to a proposed Google project in Franklin Township near Indianapolis that Google cancelled due to strong local backlash, and an approved 390 acre Google-backed project near Monrovia in Morgan County.

Keeping up with the neighborhood

According to 2025 reporting from the Morgan County Correspondent, there was strong local opposition to the development due to non-disclosure agreements signed by county officials with Google and the same concerns about utility use and property value decline cited by Owen County residents. Morgan county officials went through with the proposal despite its unpopularity citing the increases in income tax and the deal they made with Google to provide donations to local charities in lieu of higher tax rates. Officials there stated that even if they were voted out of office due to the unpopularity of their plan, they considered the additional income coming into the county to be worth the sacrifice.

2025 Reporting from Fox 59 details a similar story in the rural Franklin Township of Marion County: local officials signing non-disclosure agreements, farmland getting rezoned for data center use, and local residents voicing grievances. If Google hadn’t formally withdrawn their proposal, Franklin township likely would have had their own 460 acre Google data center to contend with.

On Aug. 19, 2026, Marion County banned all new data center construction through Dec. 31, 2027. Marion County data center projects already in progress can still continue, but new construction cannot begin until at least January of 2027.

Meanwhile, back in Owen County

Broach brought example legislation before the commissioners at their Aug. 6th meeting. The draft he presented was based on a Marshall County ordinance that bans all data center development in the county. Since that meeting, he also presented example ordinances to the Gosport Town Council and the Spencer Town Council.

Broach’s proposal is not the only one being considered by the county. The first, a moratorium on data center development based on a similar Putnam County ordinance and the second is the total ban on data center development first presented by Broach.

“I’m not asking [them] for a moratorium, I’m asking them to ban it,” he said. “People are concerned that with a ban it can’t be undone. . . essentially a ban can be overturned at any time. With a moratorium it guarantees it’s going to be undone.”

The process to pass either ordinance requires a legal review from county officials, the ordinance to be passed by the Owen County Plan Commission, and finally a motion to pass the ordinance by the commissioners.

In response to worries about transparency in relation to land development, all three commissioners promised at their Aug. 20th meeting to avoid signing any non-disclosure agreements with any potential future data center developers.

Almost half of Indiana counties currently have ordinances that prevent new data center development but state legislation has the ability to override them.

The 2026 Indiana State Legislative Session included House Bill 1333 that would allow developers to use property zoned as farmland for data center development. If that bill had been passed, data center developers could buy farmland directly from the owner and begin construction, bypassing any rezoning process that has prevented construction in other counties. While most residents are in favor of a county ordinance that would prevent data center construction, a state law like House Bill 1333 or a state law preventing data center bans would supersede it.

“The problem is, if they go down [that road] then we can moratorium and resolution all we want and it won’t matter,” commissioner Norm Warner said.

Alternative ordinances such as water use limits for business use, noise ordinances or electricity use limits were suggested at the meeting as ways that Owen County could be made inhospitable to data center development without creating a ban that would be overturned at the state level.

Still, most concerned residents want to see official county action taken to stop data centers now.

Judy Morris plans to continue her pleas to the commissioners to keep data centers out of Owen County.

“[The benefits of data centers] all seem great until you've got no more clean water to drink,” Morris said. “I’m hoping that more people will get involved and that I won't be up there by myself.”

Broach feels similarly and thinks the aggressive pace of datacenter buildout is excessive.

“I think that the destruction outweighs the benefit heavily,” he said. “At the very least I think we should slow down and think [about] what we are doing.”

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Lois Gertrude (Simpson) West, 103, a longtime resident of Spencer, IN, passed away on Monday, Aug. 17, 2026, in Byron Center, MI. Born on Sept. 1, 1922, in Daviess County, IN, she was the daughter of the late Bert and Ada (Ault) Simpson. On Nov. 26, 1942, she married Ballard West, with whom she built a life centered on family and devotion until his passing.

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Lois dedicated much of her career to public and community service, working for many years in the accounting department at the Indiana University Student Health Center in Bloomington. Following her time at IU, she continued her professional life at the Macy’s department store in Bloomington. She was a faithful member of the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Bloomington.

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She is survived by her son, Larry West, and his wife, Suzanne, of Alto, MI; two grandsons, Chris West and his wife, Ashley, and Andy West and his wife, Maggie; six great-grandchildren, Norah, Isaac, Joseph, Tucker, Molly, and Jillian; and her brother, Gary Simpson.

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In addition to her parents and her beloved husband, Ballard, Lois was preceded in death by her sister, Maxine Henson; and four brothers, Lowell Simpson, Paul Eugene Simpson, Robert Simpson, and Kenny Simpson.

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Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, at the West & Parrish & Pedigo Funeral Home in Spencer. Friends and family may call from 9 a.m. until the time of service on Saturday. Burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery in Spencer.

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Arrangements are under the direction of West & Parrish & Pedigo Funeral Home of Walton Funeral Service Inc. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Lois’s memory to Faith Hospice, 8214 Pfeiffer Farms Drive SW, Suite 200, Byron Center, Michigan 49315. Union Carolina Cemetery.

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Perry Lou McClain, 70, of Atkinsonville, Indiana passed away peacefully on Monday, August 24, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Perry was born on January 12, 1956, in Indianapolis, Indiana, the son of Oral Wright and Olive E. (Ervin) Wright. Perry proudly served his country in the United States Army stationed in Germany. He worked in the logging industry for over thirty-five years, having retired in 2025. Perry spent 30 years building a wonderful life with his true love, Mary L. (Cassida) McClain, finally tying the knot on June 28, 2013. Perry loved the outdoors, spending time with his family, sharing laughter, and hanging out in his garage.

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Perry is survived by his wife; children, Annie (Phillip) Walden-Danniel, Sara Tate, and Kata Teuton; grandchildren, Mitchell, Ethan, Mason, Evan, and Halyn; siblings, Oral W. “Huck” Wright, and Peggy Wright; and many nieces and nephews.

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Perry was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Robert Wright, Clifford Owen “Butch” Wright, and Richard Larry McClain, Jr.; and sister, Sharon Hurt.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, September 12, 2026, at the New Union Carolina Church, Atkinsonville, IN. Fred Ervin will officiate. Military rites will be provided by the Owen County Honor Guard.

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Perry will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.

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In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the New Union Carolina Cemetery.

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Richard Wayne Lorenz, 80
Richard Wayne “Rich” Lorenz, age 80, of Spencer, Indiana passed away Thursday, August 13, 2026, at the Redcrest Hospice House in Bloomington, Indiana with his wife and family at his side.
Rich was born on July 7, 1946, in Shelbyville, Indiana to Helen (nee Fleming) and George Lorenz. He loved music and participated in band at Shelbyville High School and was involved in solo vocal competitions around the state.  As a young man he was mentored and supported by a beloved Aunt, Dr. Phyllis J. Fleming of Wellesley, Massachusetts. Aunt Phyllis fostered in Rich a love of science and helped finance his way to The University of Notre Dame where he majored in Chemistry.
Richard met his future wife Nancy at a summer school class in Indianapolis when he borrowed a pencil from her.  Nancy was an undergrad at Indiana University in Bloomington and for the next three years, until his graduation in 1968, Nancy and Richard took the bus back and forth to visit each other.  
In 1968 Richard enrolled in a graduate program at Indiana University. He took a leave from the program to enlist in the US Air Force and was sent to Officer Training School at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas. At the end of his active duty, he joined the reserves at Grissom Air Force Base in Kokomo, Indiana. As logistics officer, he led his unit for many years to summer camp in Wisconsin and then one year to Hickam Air Force Base in Hawaii. A highlight for him was transporting and billeting his unit to Aviano, Italy where his unit participated in joint operations with the Italian Air Force. He retired from the reserves as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1994 after 27 years reserve duty.
After Richard returned from Lackland Air Force Base, he and Nancy married on August 23, 1969 at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church in Indianapolis. Richard and Nancy had a good life together.
They had very different personalities, but they used that difference to their advantage. They thoroughly discussed everything they did together and made decisions based on mutual respect and understanding. They proofread each other’s work. Richard and Nancy were true partners in life. They would have been married for 57 years this month.
After the wedding, Richard and Nancy lived on campus at IU Bloomington where Nancy worked and supported their family while Richard completed his Master of Business Administration and law degrees. He completed his law degree in 1973 and took his first job as Deputy Prosecutor of Owen County under Vern Petri.  This job required the young couple to live in Spencer where they bought a house on Hillcrest Drive and where Richard and Nancy lived happily for over 50 years.
Richard left the prosecutor’s office and started his own firm and eventually was invited to join the law firm of Hickam and Hickam, the oldest family law firm in Indiana.  Rich was the first non-family member to be invited into the practice which was a great honor for him.  Now the firm is called Hickam and Lorenz, and he practiced there for over 50 years right up until his passing. Of special note are his relationships with his law partners John McKay, Jack Woodruff, Tom Spencer and Maryann Williams.  He worked with them for over 30 years, and they have been true friends to Nancy and him.
Richard was a general practitioner who specialized in bankruptcy and corporate law. His life’s work was advising people and helping them with legal matters. He loved his job so much he never retired and was on the phone with a client two days before he died.
He was the town of Spencer’s attorney also until he passed.  His greatest pride and joy was advising the town government. He loved working with the council and helping elected officials and community stake holders work together to meet the needs of the growing and changing population.  He enjoyed supporting community groups like Owen County Community Foundation, Area 10 Agency on Aging, and Boys and Girls Club.
Rich loved technology. He was always the first one to adopt a new gadget or electronic device. He loved IU basketball, Notre Dame Football, and the Notre Dame Marching Band. Most of all he loved doing things with Nancy and he supported her in her work with IU students. Richard helped Nancy host pool parties and welcome events for students and staff at their home. For many years they led an annual trip to New York City for students, and he had very fond memories of helping lead a Spencer Girl Scout Troop early in his time in Owen County.
Later in life Richard loved attending The University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish Marching band reunions. Rich and Nancy also traveled all over Europe, Central America, the Caribbean, and various US and Canadian ports of call by ship.  Richard appreciated crossing into the Arctic Circle from Greenland and especially loved going to Russia which they visited three times.
Nancy and Richard never had children of their own but had many loving nieces and nephews who were a great joy to them. They took them to drive-ins, parades, Indy 500 race parties, neighborhood fireworks, and many family celebrations. They loved watching movies and eating sliced apples during special evenings with their siblings’ children.
Richard is survived by his wife Nancy (McKay) Lorenz, brother Robert “Bob” (Gloria) Lorenz, brother-in-law John (Sandra) McKay, sisters-in-law Carol (Nolyn) Taylor, and Barbara (the late David) White.  Nieces and Nephews Brian Lorenz, Kandice (Allan) McBride, Andy (Bri) Strouse, Jocelyn (Patrick) Barone, Jennifer Fiocca, Gavin (Jenn)Taylor, Seth (Deonna)Taylor, Brooke (Chad) McDonald, Adam White, and numerous great nieces and great nephews. Richard was predeceased by his parents, his Aunt Phyllis, and nephew, Jason Lorenz.
Richard’s graveside service will take place on Friday, October 23rd at 5:30 pm at Chambersville Cemetery in Spencer, Ind. The next day, in the spirit of Richard’s affinity for fall football weekends, please join the family in a Celebration of Life which will be held at a time and location to be announced.  If you have one, wear your favorite football jersey. Tailgate food will be served.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Owen County Community Foundation, Area 10 Agency on Aging, Boys and Girls Club of Owen County, The Nancy McKay Lorenz and Richard W. Lorenz Scholarship Fund at IU, or the University of Notre Dame Marching or Jazz Bands.

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Imagine you live in a neighborhood that is on the edge of a big, empty ditch. Every year, when a large rainstorm moves through town, the ditch fills with water. But most of the time, the ditch just sits there, empty.

Community leaders might be tempted to build more houses in the ditch. After all, it rarely fills with water. They could add some dirt and build the houses on top of that. Or they could add piles of dirt on each side to try to keep rainwater out. The community benefits from the jobs to build the houses. Plus, there are new taxpayers to help fund schools, police, and firefighters. Everybody wins.

Then it rains again. In fact, a huge rainstorm crosses the community. Worst storm in ten years. Usually, the water collects in the empty ditch. But the ditch isn’t empty, so it fills the new houses instead. Plus, because the houses take up space, there is leftover water. That water goes into the neighboring houses too.

Now, think of the same story. But instead of an empty ditch, there is a giant sponge. The giant sponge is squeezed dry, then paved over. When the big rainstorm comes to town, there is nothing to soak up the water, except the houses.

You have probably figured out that I’m talking about floodplains and wetlands. Floodplains and wetlands are annoying barriers when you are trying to develop a community. But watching the devastating, and deadly, flooding in Indiana this week, I can’t help but wonder if there were places along the swollen rivers that could have held more rainwater if they weren’t paved and developed.

As I write this column, the same deadly flood is reaching Owen County. It is not predicted to be as bad as it was upstream. It is not predicted to top last year’s major flood. Still, as I am writing, the floodwaters are starting to cross MYPath.

That is okay. MYPath floods every year. It flooded this past March. The trees in the reforestation project are happy to drink as much of the floodwater as they can. Sometimes the flood leaves a mess, but it doesn’t really hurt anything. I’m saying this as the person who is responsible for getting the trail cleared. Still, I would rather hold as much water as possible on MYPath, The Wetlands Loop, and the Pollinator Garden, if it prevents tragedy and damage in the community.

Sure, a flooded trail is an annoyance. We are going to have to re-route the Wednesday walk this week. That’s okay. We’ll still laugh at corny jokes and look at interesting things.

Think about that for a moment. Owen County has created a trail through a floodplain that brings people together. And as we have talked about in previous columns, it provides an economic benefit to the community. We don’t hike the trail when it is underwater, but we still gather and the community still benefits.

We are about to do it again. Hopefully you have heard that the Owen County Chamber of Commerce was awarded a major grant to help build an arts park in Cooper Commons. Will it flood? Yes. The park will include artistic works, an arts market pavilion, parts of MYPath, and more. It will also hold floodwater when needed. It is designed for that. And it will have an economic benefit from visitors when it is dry, most of the year.

As communities around the state and nation continue to evaluate the August 2026 flood, I hope they turn to Owen County. We have learned to accept the floods. And we have learned that parks and trails can turn flood-prone areas into recreational and economic generators.

Welcome to Stella’s View. As Stella goes on her walks, she gets a unique dog’s eye view of several neat things all around Owen County.

We know what Stella saw, but what else can we find out.

What Stella sniffed:

• A flagpole
• Picnic Tables
• A Grill
• A slide

What Stella heard:

• Squirrels and Chipmunks
• School Buses (faintly)

If you know where Stella went for this week’s dogs-eye-view, take this issue of the paper, take a photo there yourself, and send it to stella@owen.news. The first person to submit a photo with this paper in the correct location will receive a free The Owen News tote bag.

Jerry has retired, his hometown has fallen on hard times and his marriage has lost its spark. At a loss for purpose, enter our true hero of the picture: Math! One equation to rule them all in a scheme to exploit a flaw in a lottery. Based on a true story, “Jerry & Marge Go Large” is playing at our Historic Tivoli Theatre on September 10th. Admission is free.

Why is the depiction of math on screen so entertaining? We’ve seen it visualized in so many ways: from the tried-and-true chalkboard to a ‘galaxy brain’ rush of equations flowing around our hero’s head. Here they use a pairing of both handwritten and floating equations. Free of the burden of excelling at high level math, I come to the sport solely as a spectator. These scenes always work for me.

What is the innate appeal in ostensibly showing your work on a tricky equation? In “Jerry & Marge” they use math to game the system and bring prosperity to their small town. In “Good Will Hunting” (which is my favorite representation of math on screen) Will Hunting uses math to pull himself out of a low income situation. In “Moneyball,” Billy Beane uses math to change what is most valued in baseball to on base percentages. In all three cases, the heart of the story is the underdog turning conventional knowledge on its head and winning against all the odds. And who doesn’t love that?

Pairing a math movie with a heist format is a winning combination. While not a traditional heist, in that no laws are being broken, the tropes are there. The setup, building a team, the unforeseen force at odds and the reveal. Here the formula is so simply and directly told it sidesteps the main pitfall to the genre: predictability.

The term “programmer” is a classic movie term for a mid-budget production that is almost lost today. This category of film has essentially been relegated to the Netflix farm. Where every movie is designed to be watched with a phone in your hand. “Jerry & Marge” is a movie perfect for a lazy Sunday 2 p.m. cable viewing (or a 7 p.m. September 10th Tivoli viewing {Nudge Nudge}). It’s not your prestige picture, but it’s also not your B picture. “Jerry and Marge” nestles beautifully in this category.

Directed competently by David Frankle, who directed the programmer turned cultural phenomenon “The Devil Wears Prada” (and “The Devil Wears Prada 2” released earlier this year). Here he turns in the biting wit of Prada for the kindness and warmth reminiscent of your favorite middle school math teacher.

The cast all puts in good work. Bryan Cranston and Annette Bening carry the majority of the load here in a real two-hander. The small town is riddled with an eclectic cast of character actors. Michael McKean, a real “When is he bad?” performer, always elicits a smile while on screen. Another stand-out in the cast is Uly Schlesinger who plays sniveling like it owes him money.

In summation: Do you like popcorn? If so, I recommend “Jerry & Marge Go Large.” If not, why are you reading this?

Get ready for an unforgettable adventure at the Owen County Public Library! Readers of all ages are invited to join us on November 4th for a special visit from the New York Times bestselling author Roland Smith.

If you have ever dreamed of exploring the Amazon rainforest, surviving an incredible adventure, or meeting the author behind some of your favorite action-packed books, this is an event you will not want to miss!

Roland Smith is the author of “The Wildes: The Amazon” and “Thunder Cave,” along with numerous other popular novels for young readers. His books take readers on thrilling journeys filled with adventure, wildlife, mystery, and unforgettable characters.

Both “The Wildes: The Amazon” and “Thunder Cave” are available to check out at the Owen County Public Library and digitally through Libby, making it easy to read them before the event.

The Read-n-Feed experience will bring the pages of both “The Wildes: The Amazon” and “Thunder Cave” to life with specially themed rooms designed around each book. Visitors can explore the Amazon-themed room inspired by “The Wildes” and step into the African Savanna of “Thunder Cave” through interactive activities, games, special themed snacks, and other book-inspired experiences. Each Read-n-Feed room is designed to make readers feel as though they have stepped directly into the adventures Roland Smith created. Whether exploring the Amazon or facing the mysteries and dangers of Thunder Cave, visitors will have the chance to experience the stories in a whole new way.

But the excitement does not stop there. Roland Smith will be giving a special presentation in the evening, giving the community an opportunity to hear directly from the author, learn more about his books and adventures, and ask questions. The Read-n-Feed rooms will also be open for visitors to explore and experience throughout the event.

The Read-n-Feed program is designed to encourage young people to discover the excitement of reading while connecting books to real-world experiences. For the full Read-n-Feed experience, readers are encouraged to read “The Wildes: The Amazon” and/or “Thunder Cave” before November 4th. Knowing the characters, adventures, and details of the stories will make exploring the themed rooms and meeting Roland Smith even more exciting. Instead of simply reading about an adventure, individuals get the chance to step inside the story and experience it for themselves.

Whether you are already a huge Roland Smith fan or have never read one of his books, this is the perfect opportunity to discover a new favorite author.

Mark your calendar for November 4th and get ready for an adventure!

Roland Smith is coming to the Owen County Public Library, and you won’t want to miss the adventure!

This is yet another story about my father. He made life interesting for me when I was a kid. I hope that you enjoy this one.

When I was young, about 13 years old, my dad had some health issues and had to stay home one summer to recuperate. My mother was working or gone most of the time after he came home and it fell to me to cook his meals. The whole summer after I turned 13, my dad started teaching me to cook!

I sit and laugh when I think about those lessons. I didn’t have a clue how to even boil water. I had lived a happy, carefree existence up until this point. There was no time for cooking. I was out playing or riding my bike. That was the summer that I learned a bit about responsibility.

My first lesson in cooking was learning how to work the gas stove in our kitchen. That first lesson ended with me burning my hair off my arm. Dad settled for cheese and crackers that day. But, while slicing the cheese, I cut myself. Dad looked at me and said, “this is gonna take a while.” They didn’t have meals on wheels back then. No Door Dash to call. It was just me.

He was as patient with me as he could be and I soon mastered spaghetti, grilled cheese, BLTs, egg sandwiches, cinnamon toast… simple things. By the end of that summer, I had learned to cook enough to keep me and him from starving. When I went back to school in the fall, I made his breakfast before I left and made a tray of snacks for his lunch. Then I came home to make dinner. You see my dad was the breadwinner in the family and my mom was working two jobs to make ends meet. So again, it was just me and dad as my older brother was in college and my younger one stayed with my grandparents.

It was a big change in all our lives, but looking back, I realize now how hard it was on him to have lost so much, and he was only in his late 30s. My cooking lessons eventually ended and all my domestic lessons, laundry, cleaning, cooking, reading lessons, memorizing poems, learning to sew a button on a shirt, all came to an end. I had to learn all the rest on my own over the next few years.

My dad and I would never be that close again. But during that time, he was my teacher and cooking instructor. I was a kid. I didn’t understand any of it. But now, I wish I could go back one more time to fix my dad a grilled cheese sandwich. I have perfected the art! I would like to think that I’m a connoisseur of sorts when it comes to grilling cheese sandwiches. After all, I had a great teacher.

I think he would be proud of me! He has been gone quite a while now, but every time I make a grilled cheese sandwich, I think of him. I have not lost my touch when it comes to making grilled cheese.

My dad was a good teacher. I am so glad that I was paying attention. Pay attention to the little things! Those are the moments that make up our lives! And during it all, you just might learn how to make a great grilled cheese sandwich.

Bon appétit!

Susan

One of the biggest challenges facing hunting and fishing today is access. It doesn’t matter how interested someone is in becoming a hunter or angler if they don’t have a reasonable place to go. Certain parts of the country have enormous swaths of public land, and some don’t have much at all. More public opportunities have been needed, and the federal government just acted on it. Once implemented, more than 92 million acres of the National Wildlife Refuge System will be available for hunting. That represents more than 95 percent of the system.

The Department of the Interior claims to have just completed the largest expansion of hunting and fishing opportunities in the history of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The new rule will add 1,488 hunting and sport-fishing opportunities at 111 Fish and Wildlife Service locations across 32 states. Those include 107 national wildlife refuges and four national fish hatcheries.

The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, which represents state fish and wildlife agencies across North America, applauded the announcement.

“Hunting and fishing are vital conservation tools that connect people to nature while sustaining wildlife, habitats, and local economies,” said Paul Johansen, Chief of the Wildlife Resources Section at the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources and Association President. “As primary managers of these resources, state fish and wildlife agencies are essential partners in delivering responsible, science-based opportunities tailored to local communities.”

A strong partnership between federal and state wildlife managers is essential. Wildlife doesn’t recognize property boundaries. So, when a deer walks from private property onto a national wildlife refuge, it doesn’t change ownership. It always belongs to the citizens of the United States. Regulations, however, do recognize boundaries.

Hunters and anglers sometimes face different rules depending on who manages the land beneath their boots. Something legal under state regulations may be prohibited on neighboring federal property. For experienced sportsmen, navigating these differences can be frustrating. For someone just beginning to hunt or fish, it can be enough to discourage participation altogether.

Having more regulations aligned between state and federal agencies makes management more effective and the public more satisfied. Successful wildlife management requires cooperation among federal agencies, states, private landowners and conservation organizations. The new rule attempts to address some of that confusion by updating regulations at individual federal properties and better aligning them with state hunting and fishing regulations.

“We appreciate this latest expansion of opportunities, and also the directive from USFWS Director Brian Nesvik to ensure consistency between federal and state hunting and fishing seasons and regulation,” Johansen added. “Lack of access, opportunity and regulatory complexity have been identified as barriers for those looking to participate in hunting and fishing. This rule and efforts to work collaboratively with states will help to facilitate increased participation by both seasoned and novice hunters and anglers.”

For years, the outdoor community has talked about recruiting, retaining and reactivating hunters and anglers. It’s called R3. We have programs designed to introduce kids to fishing. Organizations host mentored hunts. State agencies have youth seasons and spend significant resources trying to convince people to buy licenses and participate. Those efforts matter, but most important is ensuring those people have places to go.

Many longtime hunters grew up with access to a family farm, a neighbor’s property or a local piece of ground where permission was relatively easy to obtain. Those days are gone for most Americans. Land ownership has changed. Leasing is the norm. Development continues to consume habitat. In many places, gaining access to quality hunting ground has become increasingly difficult and expensive.

Public land helps fill that void. But it, too, is becoming overcrowded. As private land access shrinks, public land becomes the only option. National wildlife refuges were created first and foremost for wildlife conservation. Hunting and fishing must remain compatible with the biological purposes of individual refuges. But where those activities can responsibly occur, sportsmen should have access. It’s great to see hunting being used as a tool for conservation.

Hunting and fishing are both part of the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation. Our unique system has successfully restored countless wildlife populations. Hunters and anglers fund conservation through licenses, excise taxes and direct contributions. Participation creates personal connections to wildlife and wild places, and in many people, a desire to give back.

The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies says the rule should be published in the Federal Register before this year’s hunting season. Opening more land is a good start. Making regulations easier to understand is another. If we want future generations to care about wildlife conservation, we need to give them opportunities to participate in it. At the core is providing the next generations with places to hunt and fish.

See you down the trail…

For more Driftwood Outdoors, check out the podcast on www.driftwoodoutdoors.com or anywhere podcasts are streamed.

The start of October marks the beginning of a brand-new year for Owen County 4-H, bringing exciting opportunities for youth to learn, lead, serve, and grow. The 2026-2027 4-H program year officially begins on Oct. 1, 2026, and families are encouraged to prepare for enrollment as the new year gets underway.

Oct. 1st is an important date for all current and prospective 4-H members because it serves as the annual reset date for 4-H enrollment. Every year, enrollment begins fresh, which means that all youth who wish to participate in 4-H activities, clubs, events, and projects must complete enrollment for the new program year.

Returning members should note that enrollment does not automatically transfer from one year to the next. All current 4-H members must re-enroll for the 2026-2027 year in order to remain active and participate in upcoming programs and activities. New members interested in joining 4-H for the first time are also welcome to enroll beginning Oct. 1.

Owen County 4-H offers opportunities for youth in kindergarten through grade 12 to explore interests, develop life skills, and make lasting connections. Through hands-on learning experiences, members can participate in a wide variety of project areas, including animal sciences, agriculture, STEM, arts, communication, leadership, health, and more.

Each year, 4-H helps young people build confidence and independence while learning valuable skills that prepare them for future success. Members have opportunities to engage in project work, community service, public speaking, leadership development, competitions, workshops, and local events that encourage personal growth and learning.

The start of the new 4-H year is an exciting time for both returning families and those considering joining the program for the first time. Enrollment on Oct. 1 opens the door to a year filled with educational experiences, friendships, and opportunities to discover new interests.

In addition to enrollment opening, Owen County 4-H is preparing to launch another exciting year of programming. Local staff and volunteers are currently planning activities designed to engage youth of all ages and interests throughout the coming year.

Families should also keep an eye out for information regarding the county’s annual fall kickoff event.

Details for Owen County 4-H’s October Kickoff event will be announced soon, and families are encouraged to stay tuned for more information. The kickoff event will provide an opportunity to celebrate the start of the new 4-H year, learn about upcoming programs and opportunities, connect with other 4-H families, and get excited about everything planned for the year ahead.

As Oct. 1 approaches, families are encouraged to mark their calendars and complete enrollment early. Whether a young person is interested in science, animals, leadership, crafts, community service, or trying something completely new, 4-H offers something for everyone.

The 2026-2027 4-H year officially begins on Oct. 1, 2026, and all members must enroll or re-enroll to participate. Watch for enrollment information and announcements about the upcoming October Kickoff event as Owen County 4-H prepares to welcome members for another exciting year of learning, growth, and opportunity.

Harvest Moon Winery & Farms is getting ready to roll out the orange carpet for its third annual PumpkinFest, running from Friday, Sept. 11 through Sunday, Sept. 13. Beyond the fall traditions, this year’s festival marks a major milestone, the official launch of the winery’s very own in-house wine labels.

The destination rests on land with deep local roots. CEO and owner Billy Williams grew up on the Gosport property, which was originally purchased by his grandfather, Col. Gene Williams, in 1947. Inspired by visiting a farm winery in 2009, Williams envisioned turning his portion of the family land into a community gathering place. Drawing on his background in construction, he milled timber salvaged directly from the property to hand-build the site’s signature barn in 2015, incorporating personal historic touches like the front door from his childhood home and an antique windmill turned chandelier. Today, the working farm features vineyards, orchards, live entertainment, and seasonal attractions alongside its rustic tasting space.

Williams revealed that six inaugural wine varieties will be available for the new label, covering both sweet and dry profiles. The initial lineup includes Brianna, La Crescent, Marquette, Marquette Rosé, Twister Red Blend—named in honor of a tornado that passed directly in front of the farm earlier this year—and Willow Dog White, a dry white blend named after the farm’s longtime hound.

While the official grand opening and Owen County Chamber of Commerce ribbon-cutting are scheduled for Friday, Sept. 11 at noon, visitors to the farm on Saturday, Aug. 29th were treated to an unexpected sneak peek.

“We actually soft-launched six of them on Saturday night,” Williams said. “I was held up waiting for labels to come in, and all of a sudden they just appeared Saturday night. So, we hurried up and labeled two cases of each and took them back out to the barn and almost sold out.”

In addition to the new wine launch, PumpkinFest will feature a robust lineup of free, family-friendly attractions. Visitors can expect hayrides, a corn pit, food trucks, and a U-pick pumpkin field right at the entrance of the property.

“It was a great event last year. We ran about 1,000 people through there that weekend, and I’m looking for quite a few more than that this year,” Williams said. “We’re trying to make everything a community event, a family-friendly event, and make it to where families can afford to come out and have fun.”

Harvest Moon Winery & Farms is located at 3925 Williams Rd., Gosport. For additional details regarding event schedules, activity ticketing, and winery hours, visit the farm’s website, www.visitharvestmoon.com, or its official Facebook page ahead of the festival weekend.

Health problems affect more than life expectancy and quality of life. For employers and communities, chronic illness and preventable health conditions can also translate into higher medical spending and, eventually, pressure on health insurance costs.

Recent data show Owen County faces several health challenges that could contribute to greater use of medical care.

The 2024 Community Health Needs Assessment prepared by IU Health Bloomington Hospital found that Owen County ranked 71st among Indiana’s 92 counties for overall health outcomes in the 2023 County Health Rankings and 72nd for health factors.

Of 41 health indicators examined, 30 placed Owen County in the bottom half of Indiana counties, 19 were in the bottom quarter and four were among the bottom 10.

Among the concerns were smoking, obesity and physical inactivity. County Health Rankings data included in the IU Health assessment estimated 24.3% of Owen County adults smoked, compared with 20.2% statewide. Adult obesity was estimated at 39.1%, compared with 37.2% statewide, while 28.4% of adults reported no leisure-time physical activity, compared with 25.6% statewide.

Access to care is another challenge. The assessment reported only 38.8% of Owen County residents had adequate access to locations for physical activity, compared with 76.8% statewide. The county also had one primary care physician for every 10,420 residents, compared with one for every 1,520 residents statewide.

Those statistics take on additional significance following recent discussions about health insurance for Owen County government employees.

At an Aug. 6 meeting of the Owen County Commissioners, insurance adviser Ron Remak reported that three major insurance carriers declined to quote coverage for the county. Remak said the county had experienced claims totaling more than twice the premiums paid during the preceding year.

That does not mean every Owen County resident pays higher insurance premiums because of the county’s health statistics.

Under Affordable Care Act rules, Indiana is divided into 17 geographic rating areas for individual and small-group insurance. Owen County is part of Rating Area 13 along with Brown, Johnson, Lawrence and Monroe counties. Insurers may consider geography when establishing premiums, but an individual applicant cannot be charged more because he or she has diabetes, obesity, heart disease or another pre-existing health condition.

Employer health plans are different. The claims experience of an employee group can affect what insurers are willing to charge, or whether they are willing to offer coverage at all. For Owen County government, unusually high claims have already become part of that equation.

Improving community health is therefore about more than lowering a number on a health ranking.

Reducing tobacco use, increasing opportunities for physical activity, improving access to primary and preventive care, and helping residents manage conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure can potentially prevent more serious and more expensive health problems later.

Owen County residents can also take advantage of local preventive services. The Owen County Health Department offers vaccinations, blood pressure and blood glucose checks, A1C screenings, tobacco cessation assistance and other services.

The connection between community health and insurance premiums is complicated, and no single year of insurance claims proves that Owen County’s broader health statistics caused the county government’s insurance difficulties.

But the two tell a related story: Poor health carries costs for individuals, families, employers and ultimately the community, while investments that make healthy choices easier may pay dividends far beyond the doctor’s office.

References if you would like to learn more

• IU Health Bloomington Hospital’s 2024 Community Health Needs Assessment
• County Health Rankings & Roadmaps’ Indiana data page
• Information related to regional health insurance rates: CMS and Indiana Department of Insurance ACA filings page
• Aug. 21 issue of The Owen News
• Owen County Health Department

Starting a teaching career is an exciting milestone, but stepping into a classroom for the first time also comes with plenty of questions, challenges, and opportunities to learn. At Spencer-Owen Community School Corporation (S-OCS), new teachers don’t have to navigate those first experiences alone.

Through the district’s New Teacher Mentor Program, beginning educators are paired with experienced teachers who provide encouragement, guidance, and practical support as they begin their careers with S-OCS.

Throughout the first semester, new teachers and their mentors meet monthly to learn together, share ideas, ask questions, celebrate successes, and work through some of the challenges that naturally come with being new to the profession.

The goal is simple: make sure new teachers know they have people in their corner.

Providing strong support during the early years of teaching can help new educators build confidence, develop effective classroom practices, and feel connected to their school community. Mentors also provide something that can’t always be found in a handbook or professional development session…the perspective and reassurance that come from experience.

As part of the program, new teachers and mentors are reading and discussing “What Great Teachers Do Differently” by educator and author Todd Whitaker. The book focuses on the practices and mindsets that distinguish highly-effective educators.

Among its central themes is the importance of relationships. Great teachers understand that how they interact with students matters and that treating every student with respect helps create a classroom where children feel valued and ready to learn. Whitaker also emphasizes that effective teachers focus on the things they can control, maintain high expectations, and consistently make decisions based on what is best for students.

Another important message is the power of consistency and intentionality. Great teachers don’t simply rely on programs or strategies to create successful classrooms. They recognize that their daily actions, attitudes, expectations, and relationships have a tremendous influence on the culture of their classrooms and the success of their students.

Those ideas provide a starting point for meaningful conversations between Spencer-Owen’s new teachers and their mentors.

The monthly meetings, however, are about much more than discussing a book. They provide an opportunity to build relationships among educators and create a network of support across the district. New teachers can talk openly about what is going well, ask for advice when something isn’t working, and learn from colleagues who have experienced many of the same challenges.

The program also gives veteran educators an opportunity to share their knowledge while encouraging the next generation of teachers.

At Spencer-Owen Community Schools, supporting new teachers is an investment that reaches far beyond the individual educator. Teachers who feel supported and confident are better equipped to create positive classrooms, build strong relationships with students, and focus their energy on teaching and learning.

Local farmers, ranchers, forest landowners, and concerned community members are being given a direct opportunity to shape the future of environmental and conservation funding in Owen County. The Owen County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD), in partnership with the Indiana USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), will host a public forum titled the “Locally Led Working Group Q&A” on Friday, Sept. 11, from 9 to 11 a.m. The meeting will take place at the Owen County SWCD’s River House, located at 788 Pottersville Rd., Spencer.

The primary goal of the session is to evaluate local agricultural, forestry, and environmental needs across the county. An NRCS District Conservationist will be present to answer community questions, discuss natural resource concerns, and gather input through a brief public survey. Feedback gathered from attendees will directly determine where federal USDA conservation program dollars are allocated locally, ensuring that public resources are aligned with community priorities for soil health, water quality, and wildlife habitats.

NRCS programs provide voluntary, science-based technical assistance and grants to help agricultural producers and forest managers conserve vital natural resources. Organizers emphasize that these programs benefit both individual landowners and the broader environment, supporting local agricultural sustainability and economic viability.

Community participation is central to the decision-making process, and all local land managers and residents are encouraged to attend. For additional information regarding the meeting or survey, contact Tammy Bingham, Owen County SWCD Director, by phone at 812-829-2605 or 812-606-6505, or via email at owenSWCD@gmail.com.

Members of the Spencer Redevelopment Commission met Thursday, Aug. 20, working through municipal procurement decisions while taking time to honor a long-serving colleague whose decades of dedication left a deep, lasting imprint on the local community.

The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence to remember attorney Richard Lorenz. With over two decades of public service, including roles as attorney for the Town of Spencer since 2004 and attorney for Owen County across multiple terms, his deep expertise in municipal law helped shape and guide the town’s growth for years. Commission members in attendance were Evan McKalip, Ginger Kohr, Wally DeFord, Ed Hines, Gary Brinson, and ex-officio member Andy Cline, Superintendent of Spencer-Owen Community Schools. Tiffany Chapman, an executive assistant with Hickam & Lorenz, Attorneys at Law, was also present.

Once preliminary matters concluded, including the routine, unanimous approval of prior meeting minutes and the monthly claims package, the commission turned its focus to securing real estate services for pending redevelopment projects.

While Lorenz had previously suggested holding direct interviews with prospective real estate firms, the commission ultimately decided to shift to a seven-day solicitation window for quotes. Because real estate consulting is categorized as a professional service rather than a public works construction project, formal public bidding is not legally mandated under Indiana law.

However, board members highlighted the importance of transparency, noting that several local agents had already voiced interest in helping guide town property transactions. Rather than picking a single firm out of the gate, the commission agreed to distribute a standardized questionnaire to ensure every applicant provides consistent operational and pricing details.

This standardized approach aims to maintain fairness and give all local professionals an equal shot at the contract. The board unanimously approved a motion to draft and issue the request for quotes, scheduling its next public session for Sept. 9 at 6 p.m. in the Spencer Municipal Building (90 N. West St.) to review responses. This timeline accounts for member availability while fitting within the seven-day submission period.

Lastly, the board clarified that the town’s long-standing legal representation remains intact. The firm Hickam & Lorenz will continue serving as legal counsel for the Town of Spencer, as the municipal contract is held directly with the firm rather than an individual attorney, ensuring uninterrupted guidance following Lorenz’s passing.

Owen County Preservations is pleased to announce an exciting new chapter for the Tivoli Theatre and its operations. As part of an effort to strengthen community involvement and provide greater focus to the Tivoli’s programming and future, Owen County Preservations will be separating its organizational responsibilities from the day-to-day operations of the Tivoli. Under the new structure, Owen County Preservations will retain ownership of the Tivoli building, while a newly established nine-member Tivoli Board will oversee the direction of Tivoli operations and work closely with the Tivoli Director.

The new board will be organized around three key areas of focus:

• Volunteer Recruitment and Retention: Three board members will focus on building and strengthening the Tivoli’s volunteer base, helping recruit new volunteers and create opportunities that encourage continued involvement.
• Non-Movie Programming: Three board members will focus on developing and expanding events and programming beyond regular movie offerings, helping make the Tivoli an even more active community destination.
• Grant Writing and Donor Relations: Three board members will focus on identifying grant opportunities, strengthening donor relationships, and supporting the long-term financial sustainability of Tivoli operations.

While members will have specific areas of responsibility, all nine board members will participate in fundraising efforts and contribute to the overall success of the Tivoli. The board will meet monthly and members will also be expected to participate in special events and activities throughout the year.

Serving on the Tivoli Board will require a commitment of approximately three to four hours per month, along with a willingness to support the Tivoli’s mission and work collaboratively with fellow board members, volunteers, staff, donors, and the community.

“This new structure provides an opportunity to bring even more community involvement and dedicated leadership to the Tivoli,” said Robert White, Owen County Preservations board president. “We are excited about what this next chapter can mean for the Tivoli and look forward to working with community members who are passionate about preserving this important local landmark while helping create new opportunities for the future.”

Community members interested in serving on the Tivoli Board are encouraged to apply. Applications are available online at www.owencountypreservations.com. Applications will be accepted thru October 31, 2026 with interviews conducted in November. Owen County Preservations looks forward to building this new partnership and continuing to preserve the Tivoli while supporting its role as a vibrant gathering place for the Owen County community.

About Owen County Preservations

Owen County Preservations is dedicated to preserving and maintaining historic properties and landmarks in Owen County while helping ensure they remain meaningful and accessible community assets for generations to come.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Booking information is provided by the Owen County Security Center. These are preliminary charges and may change as cases are processed through the circuit court system. To follow a court case, search the state’s court records at mycase.in.gov. This information is public record. ALL PEOPLE ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY.

8-18

Bryan Hammond, Jr., 31, Spencer, preliminary charges of invasion of privacy and probation violation. Arrested by Owen County Sheriff’s Department (OCSD) Deputy Elijah Volrich.

Matthew Tussey II, 18, Terre Haute, preliminary charges of burglary (four counts). OCSD Major William Snodgrass was the arresting officer.

Robert Wheeler, Jr., 51, Gosport, preliminary charges of resisting law enforcement and disorderly conduct. Arrested by OCSD Deputy Cory Poland.

8-20

Jeremy Frye, 51, Bloomington, preliminary charge of dealing in methamphetamine. Arrested by Spencer Police Department (SPD) officer Seth Givans.

8-21

Sheryl Stiddom, 61, Gosport, preliminary charge of theft; receiving stolen property. OCSD Deputy Mitchell Fleetwood was the arresting officer.

8-23

Darrell Brewer, 47, Gosport, preliminary charge of intimidation. Arrested by OCSD Deputy Elijah Volrich.

David Mitchell, 28, Poland, IN, preliminary charge of writ of attachment. OCSD Deputy Brennan Clark was the arresting officer.

8-24

John Jennings, 51, Spencer, preliminary charges of criminal trespass and residential entry. Arrested by OCSD K9 Deputy Charles Hallam.

8-26

Trenton Steele, 35, Paragon, preliminary charges of driving while suspended with a prior charge and probation violation. OCSD Sergeant Brandon Gasparovic was the arresting officer.

Whitney Kelly, 36, Bowling Green, preliminary charges of auto theft, invasion of privacy, and unlawful entry of a motor vehicle. Arrested by OCSD Deputy Jacob Williamson.

8-27

Sharon White, 59, Spencer, preliminary charge of possession of methamphetamine. OCSD Deputy Cory Poland was the arresting officer.

Austin White, 32, Spencer, preliminary charge of driving while suspended with a prior charge. Arrested by OCSD Deputy Cory Poland.

Jeffrey Walters, 63, Poland, IN, preliminary charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of a firearm by a serious felon, dealing in methamphetamine, and possession of marijuana, hash oil, hashish, or salvia. OCSD Sergeant Brandon Gasparovic was the arresting officer.

Rachel Warner, 26, Spencer, preliminary charge of public intoxication. Arrested by SPD officer Bryce Brock.

Albert Kelsey, 77, Freedom, preliminary charges of failure to appear and possession of marijuana, hash oil, hashish, or salvia. OCSD Deputy Luke Wright was the arresting officer.

8-28

Sheri Mosley, 62, Spencer, preliminary charges of domestic battery and failure to appear. Arrested by OCSD Special Deputy Levi Miller.

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.

Correction note:

A previous version of this article incorrectly identified Sims and Porter in the third paragraph.

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 Wednesday, 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 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.

Read 7 days of Owen News trial coverage:

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

Day 7

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Trial Summary

Owen County families will soon have another option for child care, with a new state-approved facility expected to open in Spencer this fall and focus primarily on serving infants and toddlers.

The Owen County Childcare Coalition, Uplands Smart Start and South Central Community Action Program (SCCAP) partnered to apply for Indiana’s Child Care Micro-Facility Pilot Program in response to the county’s need for greater access to high-quality early care and learning opportunities.

On Aug. 7, the Indiana Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning (OECOSL) notified the partners that their proposal had been approved. The award includes $49,999 to help establish the program, which must be open and operational as a state-approved micro-facility by Oct. 31.

The new facility will be located on the grounds of the Owen County Public Library in the building currently occupied by Owen County Adult Education.

What is a child care micro facility?

Indiana created the Micro Facility Pilot Program as a new approach to expanding child care, particularly in communities where families have limited access to care.

Under the state program, a micro facility is a smaller child care program operating in a non-residential setting and serving between three and 30 children at a time for more than four hours per day.

Unlike a traditional stand-alone child care center, a micro-facility operates as an extension of an established child care provider. This allows the smaller location to share resources, staff and administrative support with the larger provider.

The model also uses streamlined regulations designed to reduce some of the costs associated with opening and operating a child care center while continuing to meet health and safety requirements. Indiana officials have identified community locations such as libraries, schools and shopping centers as potential sites for micro facilities.

The state’s goal is to make it easier for established providers to expand into communities where opening a larger traditional child care center may not be financially feasible.

For Owen County, that model created an opportunity to bring an established early childhood provider into an existing community building.

Library provides home for new program

The micro facility will be housed in the building currently occupied by Owen County Adult Education on the grounds of the Owen County Public Library.

Adult Education is expected to move into a new location this fall. Recognizing the need for additional high-quality early care and learning opportunities in Owen County, the library’s board of directors agreed to make the building available for the new child care program.

Much of the renovation work needed to prepare the building has already been completed. Installation of fencing and additional outdoor improvements are expected to begin soon.

The facility has been approved to serve children from infancy through preschool. However, organizers plan to focus primarily on infants and toddlers, an age group for which finding child care can be particularly challenging for families.

Specific information about the number of available spaces, hours of operation, tuition and the enrollment process is expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

Experienced provider to operate facility

SCCAP will operate the Spencer micro-facility.

The Bloomington-based nonprofit serves families throughout Brown, Monroe, Morgan and Owen counties and has more than 55 years of experience providing programs and services to families in south-central Indiana.

SCCAP already operates several early childhood programs in Monroe County, including Head Start and Early Head Start programs. Its Early Head Start programming serves children from six weeks through age 3 and focuses on early childhood development and family support.

By partnering with an established provider rather than creating an entirely new child care organization, the micro facility model allows Owen County’s new site to draw upon SCCAP’s existing early childhood expertise, staffing resources and administrative infrastructure.

The Spencer location will also demonstrate the type of partnership envisioned by Indiana’s Micro Facility Pilot Program: an established child care provider, local organizations and an existing community space working together to create additional child care capacity without the expense of constructing a traditional child care center.

Additional information about enrollment and the opening of the new Owen County micro-facility will be announced as plans are finalized.

I recall a discussion I had 60 or so years ago with my dad on the way to Kentucky Lake. We had plenty of time to chat on the six- or seven-hour ride down to our beloved fishing hole. Once we were discussing cars, and he at age 50 proceeded to recall every vehicle he had ever owned, the color, make, and other details. That was a list of perhaps a dozen or more. Checking his accuracy was impossible, but as he rattled off car after truck after car, he had the assured tone of a confident memory. There’s little doubt he was nearly right on the money.

Most of my cars and trucks are brain stored, but my memory gets vague on a few. My wife would do better at it. She occasionally reminds me of what happened to this car or that, and I nod and conjure up dusty recollections of them. An issue here is that I’m not a car guy. To me a car is a service contraption, a utility device. I clean them at fairly regular intervals, these days at car washes. When there’s a problem, the service department jumps to my aid. Some of my friends are really into their rides, and I’m sure they could easily spout off their vehicle history.

I do recall being very proud of a used blue Ford LTD my wife and I bought in the ’80s. To us it was luxury vehicles. I fondly remember the salesman’s great line: “Dictators in third world countries drive cars like this.” Good enough for the LaGrange tribe! Actually, we did like that car with its plush seats, smooth ride, and dependable air conditioning. “The boat” was terrible on snow or ice, and once or twice that was a problem.

I got to thinking about actual boats I’ve owned or had access to, and it brought back some pleasant and not-so-pleasant memories. While growing up and frequently a guest at my grandparents’ farm, I recall my uncle’s old wooden boat parked on the nearby Oil Creek bank. It gave us an opening to fish a stretch of the creek that was otherwise inaccessible. Man, that thing was heavy, but it served the purpose.

Then there was a 10-foot aluminum boat my dad had, but someone stole it right out of our yard. Dad was boiling mad about the theft and thought he knew the guilty party. I remember riding with him from our Perry County home over to a nearby tiny town and him bravely marching up to a ramshackle house way out in the boondocks. I was truly concerned for his life, not being sure of what would happen when Dad accused the occupants of thievery. We didn’t get that boat back, but I believe Dad felt somewhat appeased that he faced the alleged culprits, had his say, and walked away unharmed.

Dad soon acquired a pretty much identical ten-footer, which was handy for the little ponds and strip pits we fished. We stored it in the trunk of our car with a red flag adorning the pooched-out rear, carted that thing over hill and dale, and got a lot of use from it, even with its confined quarters. Next might have been a 12-foot Sears v-hull that we toted on top of his car, tied down at the front and back. That boat was present in the ’70s when my father and I caught a giant string of early spring bass at Lake Lemon, near Bloomington, but it was a pain to transport.

While I was at Indiana State a friend and I bought a ten-footer that we used in the strip pits around Terre Haute. The little aluminum craft was one I took my new wife out in, once keeping her overly long. She says I refused to stop fishing long enough to let her use the bathroom. That one has been hard for me to live down. I take my wife’s word that it’s true. Yes, it sounds like something I might do, depending on how the fish were biting. We also took my one-year-old son out in it, tying him to a small chair with a thick life preserver stifling his every move. It’s no wonder he didn’t want to go boating or fishing after that. On the back of a photo my wife took is the caption: “Nathan’s first fishing trip, March 30, 1973 at Raccoon Lake. Didn’t catch anything.” Eventually the boat ended up in my middle son’s care, and he affectionately dubbed it “the sinker.” Its bottom was a patchwork of black tar patches covering the dents and holes.

After moving to Jasper, I bought a blue 14-foot jon boat that serviced my fishing needs for a few years. It had a real trailer, padded chair seats, and a small outboard, a big step for me. I once took my wife out on Patoka Lake in this boat. The water was choppy, someone zipped by, and waves started coming into the boat. That was it for my wife and this too-little vessel, unless we were on small waters.

In his later years, Dad acquired a real bass boat, a heavy, fiberglass 16-footer, from Tyler Boats down near Rockport. Crystal clear is the ’80s memory of that boat’s nearly sinking at Dogwood Lake (Glendale). We were out on the lake in March, rushing the season a bit but struck with cabin fever. The water was ice cold and very few boats were on the lake, but it was a pleasant day.

We motored down our usual path to the lake’s east end through the maze of cut trees that frequently lurked just below the water line. Suddenly we were stuck on a stump of the many that lurked right at the surface, which was a common occurrence. We maneuvered this way and that, shifting our weight here and there, and eventually we slid off and proceeded on our way. We thought we were in the boat lane that was relatively free of obstructions, but not so. Soon we were hung again. That experience proved to be a real adventure. Tune in next time for “the rest of the story.”

One of my favorite songs is Woody Guthrie’s “This Land is Your Land.” He wrote those words in 1940 as the Great Depression ended. The original name was “God Blessed America for Me.” Some of the original lines have been replaced with softer less critical words. Now we sing a softer version. My Dad was a big fan of Woody Guthrie and other singers from the 1930s, like Jimmy Rogers, Burl Ives and Lead Belly. Dad had a great voice and loved to sing. He was a young rambling man himself during the 1930s, ’til he met my Mom and got married in 1938. I grew up listening to them sing the ‘old’ songs. My parents were hippies long before the 1960s came along.

This column is not about my parents. It is about “YOUR lands.” Abe Lincoln set aside land in Yosemite Valley in 1864 to hold it in public trust and protect it. President Grant created the first National Park, Yellowstone in 1872. On August 25, 1916, President Wilson signed an act that established the National Park Service to support the conservation and preservation of lands for future generations.

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources was established in 1965. Who was responsible for the state forests and state parks and other state lands before that? I will need to dig deeper. McCormick’s Creek State Park, established in 1916, was the first state park. In 1903 Clark State Forest, the first state forest was established with 2,000 acres. The purpose was forest research, tree nursery and scientific forestry experimentation. The Division of Forestry now manages 15 state forests with 160,250 acres. Purposes now include watershed protection, recreation, wildlife habitat, scenic beauty, and timber.

Unfortunately, the current political situation has put our public land, nationally and locally, in jeopardy. Nationally, several federally held lands are in danger. In Utah, land sacred to native people, Bears Ears and Grand Staircase National Monument, was reduced in size by over a million acres. They have been opened to coal, mineral and energy exploration. Your lands have been given to the highest bidder.

The same thing happens to our state forest. Timber buyers look at a stand of mature trees and see board feet, not a natural environment for the creatures that inhabit the forest. Recently, the Rattlesnake Campground area was logged. Go visit and see the results for yourself. Logging does not bring a huge amount of funds to the DNR. Logging does destroy habitat for birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians, pollinators, and other insects. Logging causes erosion of topsoil. It also causes soil compaction and injures younger trees. Trees are the lungs of this planet. They cleanse the very air we breathe. I want my great-grandchildren to walk through a forest of huge trees with awe in their eyes.

The responsibility for protecting our public land falls on our shoulders. Our descendants deserve wild places to roam. The politicians will bend to a man with dollar signs in his eyes every time, unless their power is in jeopardy. Visit a state forest. There is a wonderful one right here in Owen County. Let the politicians know how you feel. Call them, email them, join a protest, VOTE!

’til next time,

Annie

The school supplies are bought, the backpacks are packed, the first day pictures have been taken, and everyone has officially settled into the school routine, or at least we’re pretending we have!

Now that we’re about two weeks into the school year, the reality of those busy evenings is starting to sink in. Homework, sports practice, meetings, appointments, church activities and work schedules can make the hours between school and bedtime feel like a race against the clock.

And somewhere in the middle of it all comes the question: “What’s for dinner?”

When you’re feeding a family, especially a larger family, dinner doesn’t have to be complicated to be nutritious. In fact, some of the best busy night meals are the ones that are simple, affordable, filling and easy to customize.

Instead of searching for a complicated recipe every night, think about building a meal with three basic components: Protein + Produce + Grain or Starch. For example, scrambled eggs + fruit + toast; taco meat + lettuce and tomatoes + tortillas; or chicken + frozen vegetables + rice.

This approach makes it easier to use what you already have and adjust the amount depending on how many hungry people are sitting around your table.

Five Busy-Night Dinner Ideas

Taco Bar: Brown several pounds of ground beef, turkey or chicken and put out tortillas, shredded lettuce, cheese, tomatoes, salsa and other favorite toppings. Everyone can build their own meal, and leftovers can become taco salads or quesadillas later in the week.

Pasta Night: Cook a large pot of pasta and serve it with your favorite sauce, meatballs or browned ground meat and a frozen vegetable. Add fruit on the side. It’s inexpensive, filling and easy to make in a larger quantity.

Loaded Baked Potato Bar: Bake a big batch of potatoes and set out toppings such as shredded cheese, broccoli, chili, leftover meat, salsa or plain yogurt. Everyone gets to create their own combination.

Sandwich Night: Sandwiches don’t have to mean boring! Offer several choices of bread, lean meats, cheese and vegetables. Add fruit or vegetables and a simple side such as yogurt or popcorn. This is especially handy on those nights when everyone is eating at different times.

Breakfast for Dinner: Eggs, whole-grain toast, fruit and a side of vegetables can make a quick, affordable meal. Pancakes or waffles can also be part of the fun, just add some protein and produce to round out the meal.

Have a “We’re Out of Time” Plan

Every family needs a few emergency meals for those nights when practice runs late, someone has a last-minute project, or nobody remembers to check the calendar.

Keep a few quick staples on hand: eggs, pasta, canned or frozen vegetables, tortillas, rice, canned beans, bread and fruit. Frozen vegetables and canned foods can be nutritious, convenient options and can save you time when fresh ingredients aren’t available.

Another simple strategy is to cook extra when you can. If you’re already making a large batch of taco meat, pasta or rice, prepare enough for another meal. Larger families can especially benefit from cooking once and using the leftovers as ingredients rather than expecting one meal to stretch for days.

And don’t forget to check your pantry, freezer and refrigerator before grocery shopping. Planning around what you already have can help reduce food waste and stretch your grocery budget.

So as the school year gets busier, remember simple meals aren’t taking the easy way out, they’re using a smart strategy for busy family life!

Purdue Extension Health and Human Sciences provides research-based education to help individuals and families make healthy choices that fit into real life. For more information about upcoming Purdue Extension-Owen County programs in Food, Family, Finance and Health, contact the Purdue Extension-Owen County office at 812-829-5020 or email lowder0@purdue.edu.

A wet and windy start may have delayed the opening ceremonies, but it didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of the crowd that gathered on Thursday, Aug. 13 to kick off the 2026 Gosport Lazy Days festival.

The Outstanding Citizens of the Year, chosen by the Lazy Days Committee were Shelly Leonard and Craig Brighton.

The Senior Citizens of the Year were Linda Holsapple and Ernie East.

Little Miss and Little Mister went to Knox Truesdel and Chloe Fauber, respectively.

Festivities continued into the night with music on the town park bandstand.

Friday continued the activities with the Tim Dittemore Memorial Car Show, the Gosport VFW Fish Fry and three musical acts on the bandstand.

Saturday started early with the Gosport Lions Club 5k Race and continued with the annual Bike Race, Baby Contest and Sidewalk Chalk Art Contest.

One o’clock began the Gosport Lazy Days Parade with floats representing organizations from Gosport, greater Owen County and beyond.

The parade’s end brought what may be Gosport Lazy Days’ most signature event: the Main Street Bed Races.

For the uninitiated, the Bed Races consist of two teams of five, four of whom pull an old wheeled hospital bed without a mattress, and one of whom lies flat on the bed and holds on for dear life. The first makeshift sleigh-bed team across the finish line wins the race and a double-elimination tournament determines the champion of the event.

This year, the Bed Races were renamed in memory of the longtime host of the event, Kip Seidenstucker. In his place this year was his daughter Kassie Smithey, who recalled how much her father enjoyed hosting the Bed Races each year and how much he would have appreciated the event being named in his honor. The champions this year were a team drafted from the crowd by the Indiana Dinosaur Museum of South Bend, IN.

The Spencer Main Street Board of Directors welcomed members, volunteers, community partners, and guests to the organization’s 2026 Annual Meeting on Aug. 10 at Civilian Brewing Corps Brewpub. The evening celebrated downtown Spencer’s continued revitalization, recognized those who continue to contribute to its success, and looked ahead to future opportunities. The gathering also marked a welcome return to the historic courthouse square after several years of holding the annual meeting outside of downtown. Spencer Main Street Director Ronda Stogsdill served as emcee in the absence of board president Julie Coffin, who was unable to attend due to illness.

Guests enjoyed a meal prepared by Steve Withem and his smoker, Baby, along with Ben and Kylene Williams, owners of Civilian Brewing Corps. Desserts were provided by Kathy Balash and Debbie Bolin. During the business portion of the meeting, members reelected Ronda Stogsdill, Ben Williams, and Steve Withem to serve three-year terms on the Spencer Main Street Board of Directors. Secretary Sally Elmore and treasurer Jace Elmore were recognized for their leadership and continued service, along with the other members of the board of directors. Board vice president Steve Withem also provided a lively update on VentFest, an international ventriloquism and performing arts festival sponsored by Spencer Main Street. The festival has become a signature community event, drawing performers and visitors from around the world while showcasing Spencer’s welcoming spirit and vibrant downtown.

The evening highlighted the many projects and events Spencer Main Street creates, cultivates, and supports throughout the year. With the help of countless volunteers, businesses, and community partners, the organization works diligently to preserve the character of downtown Spencer while fostering opportunities for residents and visitors to gather, shop, and connect. Ongoing efforts to beautify and bring people downtown include hanging flower baskets, flower beds along the railroad, tailgate sales, seasonal window painting, advertising banners, tribute benches, and events such as the annual Spencer Christmas at the Square. Presented in partnership with downtown businesses, local organizations, and the Historic Tivoli Theatre, Christmas at the Square provides a magical holiday experience for children and the young at heart, free of charge. Spencer Main Street also partnered with VFW Post #1405 for this year’s celebration of America’s 250th anniversary. Held on Washington Street in front of the Historic Tivoli Theatre, the celebration was spearheaded by Civilian Brewing Corps.

Design Committee Chair Jacob Balash leads the installation of the flowering hanging baskets, coordinates the volunteers’ watering schedule, and oversees the decorating of downtown streetlamps with Christmas ornaments. Special recognition was given to the volunteers whose dedicated time and energy keep the baskets looking glorious throughout the summer. Three watering teams maintain 28 baskets around the courthouse square, 10 baskets along Morgan Street, and additional planters belonging to the Owen County Garden Club. Volunteers recognized included Evan McKalip, Shelley Harriman, Janet Rummel, Connie Murphy, John Corbin-Settle, Patti Cowin, and Shea Finnigan. Community partners and volunteers were also thanked for contributing their time, talents, and support to downtown Spencer, including representatives of the Spencer Town Council, Owen County Community Foundation, Owen County Chamber of Commerce, and Spencer Pride.

Attendees received an update on Spencer Main Street’s proposed entryway arch, an ambitious project intended to encourage those traveling along busy Morgan Street to turn toward the historic courthouse square and discover the downtown area the community is so proud of. Although significant fundraising remains ahead, the organization continues to build partnerships and explore funding opportunities. Spencer Main Street plans to begin the extensive application process for a Stellar Pathways grant, which is intended to support transformative community projects such as the proposed arch. The project would build upon years of investment, collaboration, and perseverance in downtown Spencer. A 2009 Spencer Comprehensive Plan questioned downtown’s short-term viability as a location for new businesses. Seventeen years later, the courthouse square has become a destination filled with local businesses, community events, and renewed energy.

Spencer Main Street’s mission is “community collaboration dedicated to preserving and revitalizing downtown Spencer to enhance living and business.” Through beautification efforts, signature events, business support, and strategic partnerships, the organization remains committed to ensuring downtown Spencer continues to thrive. Membership is vital to this work because dues directly support the nonprofit organization’s efforts to preserve and revitalize downtown. Annual membership dues are $10 for individuals, $15 for families, and $50 to $150 for businesses based on the number of employees. Members receive the annual newsletter and voting privileges, as well as opportunities to serve on the Board of Directors or committees, participate in projects, and help create a positive impact throughout the community.

To become a member or learn more about Spencer Main Street and its volunteer opportunities, visit www.spencermainstreet.org. Follow Spencer Main Street on Facebook for event information, news, and updates.

After months of determination, community support, and grassroots fundraising, the Historic Tivoli Theatre is proud to announce the successful installation of a new state-of-the-art 4K laser projection system, marking a major investment in the future of moviegoing in Owen County.

The journey began in December 2025, when the Tivoli’s aging digital projection system began experiencing intermittent technical failures, including color distortion, image instability, and unexpected interruptions during screenings. While temporary repairs allowed the theatre to remain open, it became increasingly clear that the projector had reached the end of its reliable service life.

Rather than waiting for a complete failure, the Historic Tivoli Theatre launched its “Projecting Better Days” fundraising campaign to ensure the community could continue enjoying high-quality films and events for years to come.

On June 22, 2026, that vision became a reality when the new 4K laser projection system was installed.

Through grassroots fundraising efforts, grant funding, and the extraordinary generosity of a benefactor who helped close the remaining funding gap, the campaign raised an incredible $103,956.01.

The success of the campaign allowed the Tivoli to do far more than simply replace its projector. Thanks to the generosity of the community, the theatre was also able to invest in several critical upgrades that will enhance the moviegoing experience and improve long-term reliability. These improvements include:

• Installation of a new 4K laser projection system;
• A new projection computer to support the upgraded system;
• Two new amplifiers to power the main left and right speakers and the subwoofers;
• An upgraded 4k compatible HDMI board for the AP20 audio processor;
• A new 4K DVD/Blu-ray player for repertory films, classic movie programming, and private rentals.

Together, these improvements modernize the Tivoli’s presentation systems while preserving the charm and history of one of our treasured historic theatres.

“This project represents what can happen when a community believes in preserving something special,” said Andrea White, Director of the Historic Tivoli Theatre. “Every donation, every grant, every word of encouragement, and every person who shared our campaign played a role in making this possible. This isn’t just a new projector, it’s an investment in the future of the Tivoli and the countless memories that will be made here for generations to come.”

The Historic Tivoli Theatre extends its sincere gratitude to every individual, family, business, organization, and foundation that supported Projecting Better Days. Whether through a financial gift, grant award, fundraising event, or simply sharing the campaign with others, every contribution helped make this project a success.

The Tivoli would like to recognize the following partners and donors whose generosity made these improvements possible:

• The Cook Group
• Steve Withem
• Joyce Cathell
• Ed & Diana Curry
• Spencer Exchange Club
• Tony Neff Family
• Withem Donor Advised Fund
• David Friedel & Ann Mahrdt
• Cluce
• Wally & Kathy DeFord
• Insurance Services
• Sons of the American Legion
• Owen County Community Foundation (grant funding)
• Owen County Preservations
• Owen County Theatre & Arts Alliance – Community Choir
• Amanda Knight
• Bethany Harriman
• Clifton, Jr. and Janna Hocker
• Devota Sheffield
• Elizabeth Wheby
• Jo Kimmel
• Kent Messmacher
• Mark & Diane Riggins
• McKay Gifts (Kevin McKay)
• Michele Kelmer
• Michelle David
• Stephanie Warner
• Pip Chamberlien
• Susan Easton
• Tiffany Morgan
• Karen Elbin
• Joyce Smidley
• Stanley Griffith
• Freedman Family
• Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund
• Pavich Family
• Gary & Kim Brandt
• Tatum Dyar
• Les & Deb Jordan
• Laura Brinson
• Beth Guerrettaz & Family
• Ethan Payne
• Spencer Elementary School Student Council

Because of this incredible support, every guest who walks through the Tivoli’s doors will experience brighter images, richer colors, improved sound, and greater reliability for years to come.

As the Historic Tivoli Theatre approaches its 100th anniversary, this milestone ensures that the magic of the movies will continue to inspire, entertain, and bring the community together for generations to come.

About the Historic Tivoli Theatre

Owned and operated by Owen County Preservations, Inc., the Historic Tivoli Theatre has served Spencer and Owen County as a center for entertainment, education, and community gathering for nearly a century. Through first-run films, classic movies, live performances, educational programming, and community events the Tivoli continues its mission of preserving history while creating new memories for future generations.

Routine food inspections were recently conducted by the Owen County Health Department, including the following:

7-27

Sweet Valley Ice Cream, mobile food truck. Preoperational. No violations.

7-30

Spencer Lions Club, 59 N. Main St., Spencer. Routine inspection. No violations.

7-30

Sweet House Café, 52 Vandalia Ave., Spencer. Follow-up inspection.

7-31

The Flying Flamingos, mobile food truck. Preoperational inspection. No violations.

Addressing both routine municipal projects and major budget concerns, the Spencer Town Council met Aug. 3 at the Spencer Municipal Building. Council members Jon Stantz, Evan McKalip, and Ginger Kohr were joined by clerk-treasurer Cheryl Moke as the council reviewed sidewalk replacements, park updates, and a funding shortfall facing local emergency services.

Following routine approvals for claims and meeting minutes, the council gave unanimous backing to a 250th anniversary community project set for Cooper Commons. The initiative, presented at no cost to the town, includes tree planting and commemorative signage. Council members welcomed the proposal, highlighting the rare occasion of the national milestone.

In street infrastructure news, the council approved a $15,800 expenditure for complete sidewalk replacements handled by contractor Steve Egemo, operating under a 50-50 cost-share split between the town and participating homeowners.

The council also approved two event and street closure requests: a special event permit for Home Team Properties behind 16 N. Main St. scheduled for Aug. 4, and a 45-minute closure of parking spaces near the Owen County War Memorial Wall along S. Main St. for an annual POW/MIA ceremony on Sept. 11.

Additionally, the council formally approved two engineering invoices from Commonwealth Engineers for Phase 1 wastewater improvements, totaling $20,110.36 and $5,730.85.

Spencer Police Department (SPD) Chief Terry Sips provided updates on department hiring, equipment, and operations. Out of roughly 36 applications for a replacement officer position, the applicant pool had been narrowed down to four top candidates, including two lateral transfers. The council also approved a $3,845.31 repair estimate from Summit Auto Repair for a 2013 Dodge Ram pickup truck requiring new lifters. Chief Sips noted the truck, with an odometer showing less than 50,000 miles, remains a valuable fleet asset for a future trade-in or continued use.

In street department news, superintendent Tony Floyd reported that crews were freshening crosswalks ahead of the 2026-2027 school year. He also presented the preliminary breakdown for the 2026 Community Crossings matching grant street projects, which carries a maximum town match of $52,497 out of a total project cost of $209,987.

Following a recent incident at Cooper Commons involving a damaged playground structure, street crews inspected and subsequently removed the unsafe equipment. The council approved $500 for lumber and materials to reconstruct the wooden playground platform. To replace older removed equipment and revitalize the area, the council unanimously approved purchasing two commercial-grade digger/excavator toys for approximately $2,212 to be installed in the pea gravel area of the playground. The council also discussed ongoing maintenance issues with fence ties at the pickleball courts caused by children climbing the back fence to retrieve lost balls, with potential plans to install a back gate in the future.

Owen Valley Fire Department Chief Lee Freeman presented a detailed breakdown of the Owen Valley Fire Territory’s growing operational demands and projected funding shortfalls for the 2027 budget cycle. Current coverage relies on five full-time firefighters working 40 hours a week, seven part-time weekend staff, and 10 volunteers. Station staffing covers only about 50 percent of the total hours, Freeman said, forcing remaining calls to rely on off-duty personnel responding from home. Emergency calls have nearly doubled from 596 calls in 2020 to 1,189 calls in 2025, with 690 calls already logged to date in 2026. On-station response averages seven minutes, whereas off-duty response from home takes 15 minutes or longer. To achieve dual-firefighter station coverage 24/7, the territory proposed a $727,718 budget for 2027, leaving a projected budget shortfall of $162,718. Hiring three full-time firefighters for $18/hour would allow round-the-clock coverage.

Chief Freeman requested the town consider assisting with the shortfall. Council members acknowledged the critical service provided by firefighters but highlighted severe ongoing financial pressures on municipal budgets, upcoming state property tax restructuring, and the potential loss of public safety tax funds.

Council members and department heads later agreed to coordinate attendance at upcoming county-level meetings to discuss public safety funding strategies. Additionally, the council voiced no objections to a request from the Owen Valley Sports Complex to burn a brush pile cleared during tree removal for a new entrance parking lot, provided proper burn permits are acquired.

Council members noted that downtown parking meters have officially been removed. However, the mounting posts will remain temporarily while the council reviews post office loading zone restrictions, time limits, and overall parking signage to prevent abandoned vehicle issues.

The Spencer Town Council meets on the first and third Monday of each month beginning at 6 p.m. in the Spencer Municipal Building, 90 N. West St.

The Cloverdale Community School Corporation (CCSC) Board of School Trustees opened the new academic year Aug. 10 with a full agenda that included academic updates, a required public hearing on major athletic facility improvements, a detailed financial presentation, and approvals across district operations. All seven board members were in attendance for the meeting.

A major portion of the meeting centered on a legally required public hearing regarding proposed improvements to the district’s football field and track. Superintendent Dr. Stacy Mason outlined the necessity of the project, pointing to persistent drainage problems on the football field and an aging track surface.

“Our current football field faces significant drainage challenges,” Dr. Mason said. “Transitioning to a synthetic turf field will resolve the drainage issues and eliminate ongoing costs.”

She added that the current track had “exceeded its functional life expectancy,” explaining that combining both renovations into a single project would reduce overall costs.

A statement and PowerPoint presentation from Stifel, Nicolaus & Co., the district’s underwriter, outlined the financing plan for $4.895 million in bonds, with $4.5 million allocated directly for construction. Dr. Mason emphasized that the net tax impact on residents would remain less than five cents per $100 of assessed property value.

Following the public hearing, attorney Stacy Barclay with Sutherlin, Zeiner & Barclay, LLC of Greencastle, presented five project-related resolutions to the board. The trustees approved the main Project Resolution by a 7–0 vote, while unanimously passing the Reimbursement Resolution, the Resolution Determining Need for the Project, the Lease Amendment Resolution, and the Reapproval of Building Corporation Formation.

Greg Linton, former CCSC superintendent and current Chief Financial Officer for the Cloverdale Distance Learning Academy (CDLA), later delivered a comprehensive budget workshop, highlighting that district enrollment grew by 53 students last year. While the district’s virtual program saw a decrease of 97 students, Linton noted that the program remains “very robust.” Though cash balances continue to climb, Linton cautioned the board about rising utility expenses, increasing insurance rates, and circuit breaker revenue losses.

To help offset facility project costs, the district plans to transfer $1.5 million from its Rainy Day Fund.

“We’re always wanting to do the very best we can for students,” Linton said, “but that’s always done in a tone of very conservative, fiscally responsible [planning].”

The board voted unanimously to advertise the 2027 budget, capital projects plan, and bus replacement plan.

Curriculum Director Cathy Ames opened the evening’s academic presentations with updates on statewide testing and upcoming legislative mandates. Ames noted that IRead results were expected the following day and that ILearn scale scores were already available to administrators, though state proficiency cut scores had not yet been released. She outlined new state legislation requiring individualized math plans for students in kindergarten through eighth grade and commended recent upgrades to the state’s TIDE testing platform, which will now grant teachers access to real-time student data.

Reflecting on the return to classrooms, Ames said, “A lot of great things [are] starting out our school year, and I know it will continue to be a successful year.”

Moving into routine and operational business, the board voted unanimously to approve the meeting agenda, while the July 13 meeting minutes were approved 6–0 with one abstention. Claims and financial reports totaling $1,133,972.17 passed unanimously, and no public comments were submitted during the meeting.

The board then addressed several operational, personnel, and policy changes. Members unanimously approved changing the district’s Medicaid billing provider to Relay, adopted the SuperEval superintendent evaluation tool, and approved stipends for CDLA co-directors and the guidance secretary. Middle school coaching staff appointments passed by a 6–1 vote, while new hires and adjunct teacher contracts were approved unanimously. Trustees also unanimously approved an increase in the IRS mileage reimbursement rate to 76 cents per mile, as well as all submitted professional leaves, facility use requests, and student transfers.

As part of the approved field trips, trustees gave the go-ahead for 14 FFA students to attend the Indiana State Fair on Aug. 13, 85 sophomores to attend the Area 30 Career & Academic Programming Exploration on Nov. 23, and 120 juniors and seniors to visit the Area 30 Career Fair on April 9, 2027.

The board also formally approved the complete personnel agenda, acknowledging several resignations, employment changes, and coaching updates:

Resignations

• Christina Bessell (CES instructional assistant)
• Cathy Ames (Director of Cloverdale Distance Learning Academy)
• Brittany Jacobson (part-time custodian)
• Ashlee Burnham (CES instructional assistant)
• Jason Frye (CHS instructional assistant)

Employment

• Aubree Grundlock (reassigned from CMS Special Education teacher to CMS seventh grade English/Language Arts teacher)
• Ron Lyon (promoted from substitute bus driver to full-time)
• Cathy Tipton (bus aide)
• Kiersten Wade (Knoy part-time Instructional Assistant)
• Dani Cummings (transferred from CMS instructional assistant to CES instructional assistant)
• Jenny Dicken (CES instructional assistant)
• Rae Stout, Ashley Wells, Laura Anderson, and Sherry Flory (CMS four-hour cafeteria staff)
• Samantha Hollcraft (CMS 5.5-hour cafeteria staff)
• Holly Howard, Jaci Maynard, and Whitney Wilkerson (CMS instructional assistants)
• Dorothy Austin (moved from CMS four-hour cafeteria staff to substitute)
• Britney Manuel (CHS part-time custodian)
• Kayla Parrish (moved from full-time bus driver to substitute)

Athletic personnel actions included the resignations of Sara Howard (CMS head track coach) and Ken Schnepp (assistant track coach), the hiring of Bambi Wiley (CHS fall cheer coach), and volunteer approvals for Jamie Steffy (CHS girls’ golf volunteer assistant), and Cooper Neese (CHS boys’ basketball volunteer assistant).

Acceptance of local grants and donations also received unanimous support, including a $2,000 gift from POET Biorefining for book vending machines at Cloverdale Elementary School and $2,767 from Drew Boyette for the football program.

Concluding the meeting, Dr. Mason commended district staff and students for a smooth return to school, noting early compliance with the district’s new cell phone policy.

Board members echoed praise for the maintenance and custodial staff for their hard work readying campus facilities for opening day and acknowledged recent donations supporting the district’s neuroscience lab and local contributions to Dollars for Scholars.

CCSC Board members Vivian Whitaker, Katrina Lewis, Donna Fidler, Melissa Carrell, Emily Haltom, Joe Mann, and Mike Rightmyer II will meet again on Monday, Sept. 14, at 7 p.m. in the Arthur L. Johnson Administration Building.

During a marathon 3.5-hour session held Aug. 6, the Owen County Board of Commissioners heard public comments regarding datacenters, made plans for repaving roads, made a worrying discovery about county employee health coverage, and approved a new director for the 911 Dispatch Center.

The Commissioners’ Room was full, and extra chairs were brought in with standing-room-only space available for the first part of the meeting.

County Health Insurance Coverage

Ronald Remak, from Bill C. Brown Associates presented health insurance options for county employees to the three commissioners. The county sought bids for health coverage for its employees from three major insurance providers, all of which declined to provide quotes. According to Remak, this was a result of overall low health in the State of Indiana and more specifically that in the last year the county had more than double the amount of payouts as they paid in premiums.

“When you have a situation where an insurance company has that big of a payout with that little money coming in, it’s just not profitable for them to provide coverage,” Remak said.

Commissioners Hear From Citizens About Datacenters

County resident Mike Broach presented a draft ordinance to the commissioners that recommends banning all data centers of any kind in Owen County. He cited similar ordinances passed by the board of commissioners in Marshall County. His proposal also included prohibitions on wind, solar and industrial scale battery farms anywhere in the county.

Public comments about these datacenters also took up a fair chunk of the meeting with most in attendance being strongly against having datacenters of any kind in Owen County. The most support the idea of a datacenter received was from a few people who wanted the ban to be temporary and not permanent.

New 911 Director Approved

After hearing from the public, the commissioners considered the appointment of Alyssa Heaslet as Owen County 911 Dispatch Director, following a recommendation from the Owen County 911 Board. The meeting included nearly two hours of contentious debate, during which former dispatcher Alan McBride voiced strong objections and made unverified claims.

During the nearly two hours of public comment, McBride called into question the commissioners’ commitment to public safety, Heaslet’s professional qualifications, and the experience of the 911 Board to make the recommendation. Heaslet defended herself and her experience saying that if McBride had any proof to his accusations, she would like to see them. Heaslet and other 911 employees in attendance admitted that there were several issues that would need to be addressed by a new director.

Heaslet was ultimately confirmed as the new 911 Director by a 3-0 board vote, with conditions for a 90-day review and a report being submitted to the commissioners every two weeks.

Regarding issues at the 911 Dispatch Center, commissioner Norm Warner stated, “I would like this to be the last time, for however long I am insane enough to sit in this chair, that I have to hear about 911 and all the problems down there. I would like to hear that we’ve fixed a few of them.”

Additional Discussion

The commissioners also heard from a representative of the 2026 Hilly Hundred bicycle tour to ask for an officer to help the more than 1,200 bicycles cross State Road 46 in Owen County.

Chad Walker, Deputy Superintendent of the Owen County Highway Department presented quotes to replace culverts on Sherfield Road and MacVille Road before road surface repair can begin. Repairs are also slated to come to Hyden and Howard roads.

The lease for the county armory building was extended for the next five years at $2,600 per month. The current and future tenant, Kathleen’s Gymnastics, has occupied the building for several years. Commissioner Sam Hobbs pointed out that there were some repairs that the building needed and that the proceeds from the rent should go toward making those repairs.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Booking information is provided by the Owen County Security Center. These are preliminary charges and may change as cases are processed through the circuit court system. To follow a court case, search the state’s court records at http://mycase.in.gov. This information is public record. ALL PEOPLE ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY.

8-5

Jayson Tatlock, 47, Seymour, preliminary charge of child seduction. Arrested by Owen County Sheriff’s Department (OCSD) Deputy John Lowder II.

Shawn Sondergard, 45, Mitchell, preliminary charge of unlawful possession of a syringe. OCSD Major William Snodgrass was the arresting officer.

8-6

Toby Chandler, 30, Spencer, preliminary charges of invasion of privacy (three counts) and intimidation. Arrested by OCSD Deputy Cory Poland.

Nathaniel Jones, 45, Martinsville, preliminary charge of invasion of privacy. OCSD Deputy John Lowder II was the arresting officer.

Austin Holmes, 29, Linton, preliminary charges of resisting law enforcement and probation violation. Arrested by OCSD Deputy Cory Poland.

8-7

Matthew Miller, 23, Spencer, preliminary charge of driving without a license. OCSD Sergeant Brandon Gasparovic was the arresting officer.

Travis Bland, 48, Bloomington, preliminary charges of possession of methamphetamine and violation of home detention. Arrested by OCSD Deputy Jacob Williamson.

Johnathan Goleman, 30, Bloomfield, preliminary charge of commitment order. OCSD Major William Snodgrass was the arresting officer.

8-8

Brian Merriman, 31, Freedom, preliminary charges of disregarding a stop sign, criminal vandalism, domestic battery, resisting law enforcement, auto theft, criminal confinement, and exceeding urban speed limit (30 mph). Arrested by OCSD Deputy Jacob Williamson.

Robert Orman, 57, Spencer, preliminary charge of driving while suspended with a prior charge. Spencer Police Department (SPD) officer Bryce Brock was the arresting officer.

8-9

Chrishaun Matthews, 18, Ellettsville, preliminary charge of theft. Arrested by SPD officer Ryan Combs.

8-11

Aaron Deaton, 34, Spencer, preliminary charge of unlawful possession of a firearm by a domestic batterer. OCSD Sergeant Brandon Gasparovic was the arresting officer.

8-13

Amber Beam, 35, Spencer, preliminary charge of writ of attachment. Arrested by SPD officer Ryan Combs.

Former Spencer Town Council member and Spencer resident Mike Spinks was honored by Spencer Main Street with a new memorial bench between the Historic Tivoli Theatre and Civilian Brewing Corps. A small crowd of Spencer Main Street representatives, family, and friends helped dedicate the bench in Spinks’ memory.