Small Town Living in Gibson County

Small Town Living in Gibson County, IN

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Small Town Living

Hello and welcome back to . . .

Inside -

in Gibson County

Business Today - pg. 2

Well it’s been a busy month and we have all kinds of things to share.

We have a local business that’s expanding, so check out Business Today for a little local history and business news.

There is also a story about a local musician, just across the river and a new take on Wabash’s Ribberfest. In keeping with last month’s first responder series, we now bring you some highlights on the EMTs of our county.

With all of the events that come with spring, be sure to check “What’s Happening” and our sponsors. There is always something going on locally.

There are a few recipe ideas for the upcoming holidays, be sure to check out the Cooking Corner.

Take a break, grab some sweet tea, and check out what’s been happening and what’s coming up around the county.

Picturing the Past - 15

As the Vets Says - pg. 21

Local Talent Spotlight - 26

Concerts & Events - pg. 30-31 Sports Insider - pg. 38

Cooking Corner - pg. 47

Jancey Smith

Brought to you by -

Jancey Smith and friends Contact us - by mail at 427 N. Hart St., Princeton, IN 47670

by email at jancey@ smalltownlivinggibsoncounty.com by phone at - 812-664-1082

copyright 2019 Small Town Living in Gibson County assumes no responsibility for guest writers or submitted material. Signed articles are the opinion of the columnist and do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher.

Graduation is no time to learn you haven’t saved enough for college.

For a free, personalized college cost report, contact your Edward Jones financial advisor today.

Shane Minton

www.edwardjones.com

Financial Advisor 100 S Hull Street Ft Branch, 47648 ShaneIN Minton 812-753-3893 Financial Advisor .

Small Town Living

Member SIPC

100 S. Hull Street Ft. Branch, IN 47648 t: 812-753-3893 c: 812-403-0004

May 2019

Page 1

B usiness T oday

Koberstein’s Continue to Expand

Story: Jancey Smith, Photos: provided

Many people that lived on the south-side of Princeton years ago, can still remember the rumblings of dump trucks and tankers rolling along the streets. Those trucks would have been the coming and going of Koberstein Trucking, started by Alvin Koberstein in 1955. He was one of 14 kids that originally grew up in rural Haubstadt. However, he and two of his brothers became residents on Stormont Street in Princeton.

Behind St. Joseph Church there’s a small cut-through street called Koberstein Way. The business began by hauling water in tankers throughout the tri-state area, hence Koberstein Trucking was born. Soon after, they added some small excavating equipment, like backhoes and dump trucks, which led to the excavating part of the business. During the 1960’s, three of Alvin’s brothers, Linus, Emory and Marion, became involved in various aspects of Koberstein Trucking and Excavating. By 1973, they joined ownership with Alvin, completing the picture of a family-owned business geared toward growth.

The second generation of Kobersteins began working for the family company in the 1970’s. During this time the business shifted more into commercial and less

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Page 2

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The Princeton rental office still serving the locals.

residential work. The tri-state area was beginning to grow and expand. Someone needed to prepare work site areas for the parking lots or buildings to come.

The Kobersteins were ready. When Toyota Motor Manufacturing of Indiana announced it’s intentions of coming into Gibson County, this company was ready to help them pave the way and offer equipment to create those work sites, parking lots and extras that come with growing industry.

When the founding owners began to retire, between 1990-2001, the next generation was prepared to step in and offer progressive ideas for the future. In 1996, they began Koberstein Rental and Sales, on Hwy. 64 West in Princeton. The over five acre area west of town offered plenty of space for not only equipment, but a variety of pipe, and other construction

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Small Town Living

Business Today continued

A rental storefront and corporate offices were erected in the 1990’s to better serve the growing businesses. In 2009, they changed the name from Koberstein Trucking to Koberstein Constracting, which better described their place in the evolving local industry.

More than 20 years later, that progressive spirit remains. After transitioning from a family-owned business to an employee stock ownership plan, an ESOP, the company continues to grow. An ESOP is where each employee receives beneficial stock in the company and has retirement benefits for helping the business succeed. The various facets of the business excavating, contracting, rental equipment and equipment sales, are doing quite well with another expansion nearly complete.

Just 20 minutes south, at the interchange of I-69 and Boonville/New Harmony Road, in Vanderburgh County, the Koberstein’s will offer a new location that allows room for growth and efficiency in serving Gibson, Warrick and Vanderburgh Counties. It’s near Earle and Daylight, just five miles from Lynch Road. The corporate offices for both Koberstein Contracting and Koberstein Rental & Sales will be located there as well as a maintenance facility for both companies. With so many trucks and pieces of equipment, there is much maintenance required.

Ground was

The ribbon cutting when the new rental office opened in 1996.

broken at the new site in November of 2018, and they’ve been busy ever since. The new building is 15,000 square feet, has a showroom that’s 80 feet long and sits on 23 acres, with room for growth and expansion. It has 15 offices and they’re hiring additional staff. The plan is to open the second location May 6th with a soft opening and have a ribbon cutting and grand opening May 31st between 10 a.m 2 p.m. Everyone is welcome to come visit.

There will be no changes in the Princeton rental store location.

They are not moving the business, only expanding it to a second location.

You will still be able to rent equipment, ranging from the home carpet shampooer and wall paper removers to backhoes for

An aerial view of Koberstein companies in Princeton, Indiana.

Now Serving You in Two Locations

3301 W. Broadway Princeton, IN 47670 812-386-RENT (7368) Small Town Living

“Making Your Job Easier” www.kobersteins.com May 2019

12600 Warrick Line Rd., Evansville, IN 47725 812-214-RENT (7368) Page 3

Business Today continued

walking trail from the Princeton Learning Campus to the City Aquatic Center.

There are many new additions to our community and those nearby, that the Koberstein businesses have helped clear the way for the development and progress in our area. Here’s to hoping they continue to “make your job easier.”

Duke Continues to Donate

For sixty years, Duke Energy has donated to the Gibson County Fair. They presented a check on April 26th.

Linus, Emory, Alvin and Marion Koberstein

business. They plan to still be a very involved in Gibson County.

The expansion will allow them to be centrally located for some of their many construction projects. Some of the projects the Koberstein businesses have been involved in recently are the High Rail Trail in Evansville, parking at Deaconess Gateway and the Evansville Regional Airport as well as the South Spencer High School. Commercially they do a lot of site prep work and get the ground ready for further construction projects. A project closer to home they completed recently was the

From left: Kurt Phegley, Community Relations at Duke Energy, Sharon Schmits, Fair board Treasurer, Charlie Woodruff and Dave Kunkel.

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Page 4

May 2019

Small Town Living

Shelter Insurance Expands Annual Contest

Local Financial Advisor Honored for Performance

Columbia, MO – Starting on April 15, Shelter Insurance® will begin accepting entries for their 6th Shane Minton, who has been an annual “Thankful for Our Communities” essay contest.

Edward Jones financial advisor in Five winners of the contest will each receive a $5,000 Gibson County since 1998, was recently grant for the charity of their choice and a $100 Visa® gift invited to attend the Edward Jones card for themselves.

Managing Partner’s Conference April 23 To win in the past, contestants would enter an essay - 26 in Scottsdale, Ariz. The prestigious that describes what makes their communities special. annual event honors the top 400 of the Contestants can still enter an essay, but new this year— firm’s more than 17,000 financial video submissions will also be accepted. Essays must be advisors.

350-1,000 words long and videos should be 3-5 minutes The meeting pools Edward Jones’ most successful long. Contestants should encourage others to vote for financial advisors for a discussion with Penny their entry because the submission that receives the most Pennington, Edward Jones’ managing partner, on issues votes will win one of the prizes. The next nine essays with facing the firm and the financial services industry as a the most votes will be reviewed by a panel of Shelter whole. judges, who will choose the four remaining winners.

Minton says, “It’s rewarding and extremely beneficial Entries will be accepted until May 6, 2019; voting ends to spend time with colleagues who are so accomplished May 13, 2019. and with our firm’s visionaries.” Minton adds, “I know I’ll Shelter has always encouraged community return energized and with lots of fresh ideas to share involvement, and this contest gives people a chance to with my clients.” spotlight their communities, as well as the opportunity to This is the 16th time Minton has been invited to this make a large contribution to their favorite charity. Some event. of the charities that received donations in the past from Minton’s office is located at 100 S. Hull Street, Fort the contest include: Branch, Indiana.

Haysville Education Foundation - Haysville, Kansas Minton and Branch Office Administrator Jill Fougnies Special Kids – Murfreesboro, Tennessee can be reached at 812/753-3893. You may also visit Union County Happy Pack Program – Henderson, KY Minton’s website at www.edwardjones.com/shaneBedford County Imagination Library – Bell Buckle, TN minton.

Saving Hope Charities – Leitchfield, KY Shelter Insurance® and its agents have a long history Happiness Comes Back to Hazleton of supporting the communities they serve. The contest is After a devasting fire a good opportunity to continue that tradition according to in mid-March, there Frank Thompson, Vice President of Marketing. “This is good news for the residents of Hazleton contest is always very well received and gives us the opportunity to help people point out the many positive and diners in the aspects of their communities, find out what’s important to county. The Ohana the citizens of those communities, and help support those Hilltop Tavern will be moving down the causes.” road to take over the To learn more about the contest, visit https:// former home of the www.ShelterInsurance.com/Thankful or contact your local White River Inn. The Hilltop will continue to be a 21 and over Shelter agent. crowd, serving their famous steaks and desserts again soon.

MKT-5894I-A

College or solutions retirement?

Finding for Find out how to afford both. your financial needs Shane Minton |

Member SIPC

Financial Advisor |.|100 S Hull Street | Ft Branch, IN 47648 | 812-753-3893 | www.edwardjones.com

Small Town Living

May 2019

Page 5

Business Updates

Auto Now Moves to Ft. Branch

Photos: Jancey Smith

Perfect Climate Control Finds New Location

For the last few years, Auto Now sold used cars on the corner of Hall and Broadway in Princeton (across from the former Byrne Motors). They have relocated to Hwy. 41 in Ft. Branch, next to Ruby’s Floral.

The former home of Hometown Pizza in Haubstadt, is now the new location for Perfect Climate Control, a heating and air conditioning business.

Meeks Guns Looking to Retire

Family Dollar Closing

What started as a hobby and turned into a business, is now up for sale. Retirement is in the future for the owner.

Family Dollar Stores, which are owned by Dollar Tree, have been closing, or being renovated nation wide. Princeton’s store is closing.

Haubstadt Business Finds New Home on Gibson Street

Is your broker an 800 number? Let's talk.

Ziliak Financial Services, Insurance & Investments is now in the building where Marketing & Media previously resided on East Gibson Street in Haubstadt.

Tyler A Brengman Financial Advisor

Bus Drivers

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Page 6

WANTED!

www.edwardjones.com Member SIPC

North Gibson School Corp.

CONTACT

812-677-0571 (Denny)

May 2019

Small Town Living

Business Updates Princeton Auto Parke Held Cookout

The Princeton Auto Parke welcomed spring with a cookout and give-aways just in time for Easter. On April 12th and 13th they were cooking hot dogs in the cool spring breeze.

winners

Pictured above: On the right, Steve and Jeff Lankford, along with Lori Martin, from WRAY radio came to have lunch at the Auto Parke. Right: The assorted gift baskets that were given away.

Photos: Jancey Smith

New Type of Clinic Opens in Princeton

On Wednesday, April 10th, the DirectCare 4U Wellness Clinic opened its doors at 1105 South Main in Princeton. This is not an urgent care, walk-in type of clinic. This is an employer sponsored work benefit.

Employees can schedule wellness and standard medical appointments, like blood work, medications and lab tests. Wait time is said to be two to five minutes so that you can be in and out within an hour.

It is not insurance based.

Members of the Gibson County Chamber of Commerce welcomed the new clinic with a ribbon cutting.

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Small Town Living

May 2019

Page 7

~ Recycle Tips ~

Springtime is here which means it’s time for garden growth/ pruning and lawn mowing! Yard waste like grass clippings, leaves, and tree pruning debris are estimated to make up 18% by weight of all municipal waste. This takes up space, contributes to unhealthy gas production, acidic leachate, and settling problems leading to reduced efficiency of landfill incinerators because of the high moisture content. Indiana has banned all yard waste from landfills and initiated an open burn ban of leaves. BUT there are ways we can get rid of yard waste easily.

Tip 1: Leave it lay – grass only contributes to thatch buildup when they are long. Mowing on a weekly or biweekly basis does not contribute to buildup. The clippings contribute to the health of the soil in your lawn and saves you time!

Tip 2: Bring other yard waste to our compost yard!

Each spring we have compost piles ripe and ready so that residents can draw from it and use the compost as fertilizer for gardens or flower pots. Compost draws can only be done on Tuesday - Friday due to staffing.

For more information, visit our website or go to our Facebook page for an info video! Happy Spring!

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Gibson County Solid Waste Locations and Hours

Princeton Trash and Recycle Cente r – 771 Old Hwy 41 N, Princeton Tuesday – Friday 10:00am to 6:00pm Saturday – 7:00am to 3:00pm Trash and Compost Yard – 3702 S 175 E, Princeton Tuesday – Saturday 7:00am to 3:00pm Fort Branch – 46 W 650 S, Ft. Branch Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 10:00am to 6:00pm Francisco – 6960 E 150 S, Francisco Wednesday and Friday 10:00am to 6:00pm Haubstadt – 158 W 1100 S, Haubstadt Tuesday and Thursday, 10:00am – 6:00pm Saturday 7:00am to 3:00pm Hazelton – 201 W 2nd Street, off SR 56, Hazelton Wednesday and Friday 10:00am – 6:00pm Johnson – 9969 W State Road 165, Johnson Wednesday and Friday 10:00am to 6:00pm Oakland City – 116 S Madison, Oakland City Tuesday and Thursday 10:00am to 6:00pm Saturday 7:00am to 3:00pm Owensville – 6045 W Mill Street, Owensville Tuesday and Thursday 10:00am to 6:00pm Saturday 7:00am to 3:00pm Patoka – 3510 N West Street, Patoka Tuesday 10:00am to 6:00pm Saturday 7:00am to 3:00pm Somerville – 10043 E 600 S, Somerville Wednesday and Friday 10:00am to 6:00pm For more information visit us on our Facebook Page: Gibson County Solid Waste OR http://www.gibsoncountysolidwaste.com

Page 8

CASA Held Annual Ceremony Photos: Jancey Smith

To promote April as National Child Abuse Awareness month, the Gibson County CASA, court appointed advocates, held a ceremony on April 9th at the courthouse. Commissioner Steve Bottoms and Police Chief Derek McGraw were guest speakers.

There are 32 CASA volunteers in Gibson County. If you’d like to help, contact Joy Jines.

Joy Jines and Vickie Andrecht organized the event. xxxxxxx

The Singing Tigers performed.

Child Abuse Prevention Day at the Park Photo: Jancey Smith

On April 4th, Child Abuse Prevention Day was celebrated at Lafayette Park. There were hot dogs, games, bounce houses and prizes. There was a large turnout and other county departments participated.

There was lots of games & prizes.

These volunteers kept the hot dogs coming.

Exploring the fire truck was fun for all.

Looking to reach everyone in Gibson County with your product or service? Look no further. Call 812-664-1082 and be a part of Small Town Living!

May 2019

Small Town Living

? ? ?

~ A Letter to the Readers ~ What Would You Do?

? ? ?

I am a lifelong Gibson County resident who has lived and ran a small independent business in the City of Princeton for 65 years. Since 1985, I have owned/operated successful businesses on the corners of Brumfield and North Hart, first as “Bargains Unlimited” and now as “Jim’s Used Furniture”.

I purchased the building at 401 N. Hart St., it being over 100 years old, with parking and drainage to Brumfield, thinking it would be a great place for a small retirement business. It was good - for eight years.

Early last summer, the Mayor and architect stopped by to inform me they were putting a walking trail on Brumfield on City property. There was no information on how it was going to be built or what form or design it would be. At first, I was going to have to cut the loading dock back, as it stuck over on City property about a foot. Later, they did move the path over so the dock could stay standing and cut the curb’s height down for 12 feet along the path, so I could at least get to the loading dock on the west side. My van or a customer’s truck or SUV could now get to the dock, but any deliveries the size of a box truck or semi are not an option without blocking Brumfield.

The east side has a curb 15 inches high, which cuts me off from parking and the loading dock, with no water outlet. After having the basement flood three times with water line breaks (with no compensation), I was worried. That’s why I was concerned about the wall/dam on the west side between the building and street. After five trips to the Mayors office, which he was never in, he did send people down to tell me that there was nothing they could do since it was technically my

?

?

? ?

property. They had run a 4-inch pipe under the dam, if I wanted to hook up the four down-spouts to it. I had no choice but to spend $2000 to have it done.

The few weeks the walking path project was supposed to take turned into four months, cutting my business in half. The project went through fall and into November, which is any retail store’s busiest time.

Now I’ve heard, there were thousands of dollars paid to the neighbors of the Oddfellows Building for lost revenue during its demolition. What about my losses? A local realtor estimates that my property has been devalued by 20%-25%.

At this point, I’m not sure what to do. Many people have said I should talk to Mr. White, an attorney from Evansville, because of the costs I have incurred for a walking path.

I have 1) lost parking 2) lost revenue 3) lost access to the loading dock 4) have had to pay out of pocket for drainage 5) lost property value in the building.

Who would want to buy a building for business that has no parking, loading access and the risk of flood?

I don’t want to talk to an attorney, but I would like the public to stop by and look at the situation and suggest what they would do in my place.

What you would do?

J im W elch

?

Small Town Living

May 2019

Page 9

WWII Veteran Celebrates 95th Birthday

At the Ft. Branch VFW, World War II Veteran, Bob Emge celebrated his 95th birthday on Saturday, April 13th. Bob was a radio operator and gunner on a B-24 in the war. Originally from Haubstadt, he moved to Ft. Branch with his wife Rita Jean and worked at Prudential Insurance for 35 years. He has four children, six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren (one pictured at left).

Bob (pictured back row, 4th from left) is the last of his Army Corp squadron remaining.

Bob when he was Commander at the VFW Post #2714.

Is Your House

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Veteran’s Voice

George Pickersgill - Gibson Co. Veterans Service Officer, 812 385-4522

It doesn’t take much effort at all for many veterans to recall in their minds disturbing images of the VA of the 1970’s and ‘80’s. By all accounts, it was an overwhelmed, underfunded, broken down mess. Many of that era still have a hard time getting past that stigma, and understandably so.

If you are paying attention now however, it is plain to see that they are working exceptionally hard to overcome that and deliver our nation’s heroes the benefits and care that they rightfully deserve. I believe that is especially so in our little corner of Indiana. We are blessed with a fabulous VA facility, staffed with outstanding, hardworking folks, who work tirelessly to take care of us.

As evidence of our government’s promise to improve, consider the following: Congress recently passed the VA Accountability Act, allowing the VA to retain only those employees who consistently demonstrate a total commitment to the highest level of service to veterans. In other words, the “I’m just here collecting a protected paycheck” ship has long since sailed. The VA now possesses the ability to remove, demote, and/or suspend any employee (even those at the highest levels) who are not fully on board. They have even gone so far as to publish a list of every position within the department which has received disciplinary action over the past two years, a total of 5,385 employees nationwide. This list may be viewed at http://www.va.gov/accountability The point of all this is that the VA has seriously raised the bar for employee attitude and performance. Even so, I beg you to avoid extreme reaction whenever possible. If you encounter an issue with the service you receive, I would strongly encourage you to: 1. Remember that we are human and humans are fallible, and 2. Seek to resolve any conflict at the lowest (local) level possible. Talk with the Patient Advocate. He works for you and his primary purpose is to help resolve issues in a fair and amicable manner.

Call Steve Snodgrass of

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Page 10

May 2019

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Small Town Living

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Small Town Living

May 2019

Page 11

Easter Fun in the County

Photos: Jancey Smith

Owensville Held Annual Hunt

Ft. Branch Egg Hunt Draws Crowd

Those looking for eggs at Ft. Branch’s egg hunt came prepared in rain gear and galoshes after a cold wet start to the day. They weren’t deterred by the weather and sprang into action as soon as they were given the word “Go”! The annual event is sponsored by Larry Johnson & the Rosemeyer agency.

The annual egg hunt in Owensville was held at Transcendent Healthcare with their large yard and parking.

There were prizes, snacks and an Easter Bunny on hand for pictures. It was a cool, damp day, but by 1 p.m. the weather improved and the hunt was over in minutes.

The race is on!

Senior Center Egg Hunt

Pictures with the Easter Bunny

Saturday, April 20th was cold, wet and windy. The Gibson County Council on Aging held their first egg hunt and it was indoors, which was perfect. Kids five years and over gathered eggs in the activity room and the little ones searched for goodies in the TV room to give everyone a chance at candy and prizes.

Photos: Jennifer MacKay

Pictures with the Easter Bunny for pets and kids was held at Rural King on Saturday, April 6th. Not everyone was excited about the big bunny and a few had to have extra encouragement.

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Page 12

May 2019

Amity Waldroup 812-386-6200

Small Town Living

The Return of Car Show Season

Photos: Jancey Smith

The first car show of the season kicked off Friday, April 26th at the square in downtown Princeton. There were 90 cool cars in the line up with a good crowd in attendance. Next month the Cruise-In will be on Friday, May 24th with Rodney Watts performing.

Proceeds of the May show will go to Dollars for Scholars.

Dave Kunkle was playing songs at the CruiseIn, but had to take a break for some food.

This Dodge Dart drew a lot of attention.

A few cool classic coupes were at the show as well.

There’s a lot under the hood of this 1969 Dodge Dart. e rib in d prim ly shave served on f s o ju au Friday on 4thmonth for each & dinner lunch

There’s nothing quite like a unique classic truck.

The 1973 Chevelle SS was a popular model.

Come to the Cruise-In on the Square Every 4th Friday of the month (5-9pm)

Stop by for our Special French Dip

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Small Town Living

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May 2019

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Small Town Living

The Interurban Traction Line

Picturing the Past Story and photos: Greg Wright

automobiles at this time and if they did, the cars were A major form of transportation in the only used occasionally and usually for longer excursions. early part of the 20th century was the Just getting a car out of the garage and getting it started “interurban”. Many communities in the was a much bigger ordeal than it is today and the United States developed subways and traction cars were much traction trains more reliable. to move vast quantities of The traction line could be people in the most efficient used for only a few cents to ways across the ever ride to church or to the growing landscape of their square to trade with the local world. The Evansville & businesses. A strict Patoka Traction line began schedule was kept with passenger service in 1903. many stops throughout the This electric “trolley” car different neighborhoods of carried folks to and from Princeton and the other towns between Evansville towns on the line. An early and Patoka as well as short advertisement from trips from the country or Princeton stated, “Only an outskirts into the city. Many hour and 25 minutes to miners from Princeton would Evansville.” ride to Kings Mine just south The main office and of town daily to work. Not traction “Station” was every household owned The Traction Station was located at 120 North West Street.

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Small Town Living

May 2019

Page 15

and would later use it for their utility service. The last traction car made its final run in 1934. The old raised roadbed for the tracks of the interurban system can still be identified throughout town. A section of the line on Princeton’s north side has been utilized today as a walking trail complete with a bridge, along old Hwy. 41.

Next month we will look at one of the oldest existing homes in Gibson County.

Picturing the Past Continued -

4-H Career Workshop Story and photos: Brooke Haldeman

.A traction car in front of the Joyce Building on West Street near the station.

o rate M ther’s D b e a el

y

C

located at 120 North West Street which also housed the generators and operating equipment. At first the traction cars were built without windows and had an open air feel. Later windows were added to protect the riders from the elements and gave the cars a more “passenger train” look.

With the improvement of automotive designs and the roads on which they traveled, more and more people purchased and utilized cars to get around putting an end to the interurban system. Southern Indiana Gas and Electric purchased the traction line and its right of way

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The Purdue Extenstion of Gibson County hosted a Career Exploration Workshop completed by Gibson County 4-H the last week of March. This program was open to youth in grades 7-12 and visited Participants visited Princeton various careers within the Veterinarian Hospital community. This program encouraged youth to explore career opportunities, gain hands-on experience in a “job shadow” type of setting, and suggested members develop career goals.

The workshop highlighted several careers within our community and involved numerous businesses. 4-H members visited Gibson General Hospital, Deaconess Women’s Hospital, Gibson County Health Department, Gibson County EMS services, Princeton Veterinarian Hospital, Vincennes University Gibson Center, and heard from speakers in the agricultural fields from Superior Ag., and the Soil and Water Conservation District. Participants were able to see a variety of careers at William Munro uses the heavy equipment simulator at V. U. Gibson Center each location, learn about job outlook, educational requirements, and see first hand job responsibilities!

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Page 16

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May 2019

Small Town Living

What You Gonna Do When They Come for You?

By Jeff Minnis

Do you remember the first time you were pulled over? If it was in the 60’s to the mid ‘80’s chances are it was a Plymouth in your rear view mirror! For me it was the fall of 1984, Les Wirth from the Gibson County Sheriff department, in an early ‘80’s Gran Fury chased me down with that old school twinsonic light bar flashing! I was lucky that time, a nervous trip to night court and a judge who was pretty cool so my fate was just a ticket.

The best thing was Mom and Dad didn’t find out until many years later. While growing up I was fortunate there was another “Jeff Minnis “ in town. When the court records would come out in the paper guess who I ALWAYS blamed?!?!

From the 1960’s to the ‘80’s, 80% of the police cars on the road were Plymouths, their low price and and dependable reputation made them a favorite for many departments. Drawing from their years of knowledge, building tough and reliable fleet cars for taxi service, they introduced the first true police package car in 1957, on the Savoy, Plaza and custom models. Throughout the years Plymouth offered a variety of engine choices from the fuel efficient, under powered 225 slant 6, to the 440 magnum with 375 hp. By 1967, they offered six different engines. The years of ‘68 and ‘69, were known as the all time best years for Plymouth performance. The Belevdere was called the 4-door Road Runner by many departments that tested cars each year before placing their bids. For many years they claimed the Belevderes were the best police cars ever to hit the road. Fast forward to 1978, road tests showed the Plymouth fury, with its 440 cubic inch motor, was able to out run the Corvette, Trans Am,

280ZX, RX7 and even a Maserati with a top speed of 133 mph. Unfortunately, 1978 marked the last year for the big block and big Fury. From this point on it would be the Plymouth Volare and later Gran Furys to end Plymouth’s rich history of producing great pursuit vehicles. The last V8 rear-wheel drive Plymouth produced was in the spring of 1989, when the Chrysler Corp shut down production at their Kenosha Wisconsin plant. It wasn’t until 2005, when Chrysler re-introduced big full size V8 rear-wheel drive cars and once again started offering a police package in the Dodge Charger. A Few attempts were made with the Plymouth Reliant and later the Acclaim, but never really caught on especially when Ford and Chevrolet were still making full size V8 cruisers.

Here in Gibson County, Plymouth’s were the main car the Sheriff dept used for many years, with all of them purchased from Byrne Motors. Back then its was a big deal and came with a lot of bragging rights for your dealership to have their brand patrolling the roads. Pat Byrne once told me there were many times he pretty well sold them at cost for such bragging rights.

One of first Plymouth’s purchased that I could find record for was a 1958 Savoy for $1,893.00. At this time, they got a contract from a local gas distributor to purchase fuel for .24 cents a gallon. Pictured are two 1979 Plymouth Volare’s the Sheriff’s department purchased from Byrne Motors. One had just been unloaded off the truck and sitting in the free parking lot and the other was in front of the Sheriff’s department. I believe these were the first cars the department bought that had air conditioning. The last Plymouth the county purchased was a 1985 Gran Fury for $10,235 a long way from that first 1958 Savoy for $1,893.00.

I hope this brought back a few memories. Be sure to buckle your seat belt and watch your speed!

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Page 17

Backyard Birds

By Guest Writer, Shawn Keith

Each spring my wife puts beautiful hanging baskets of flowers on our front porch. In the last few years we’ve had visitors that have made use of these baskets. If you get a step stool and look under the green foliage and flower blooms you will see a nicely built nest of light blue eggs with a few speckles.

A House Finch couple has been building their nest and raising their babies just a few feet from our front door for a few years now. They don’t cause any trouble as they go about their business of raising a family on our front porch. Sometimes the nest is not in a hanging basket but in a floral wreath hanging on the wall but still under the roof of our front porch.

To see a male in your backyard, look for a small sized bird that has a raspberry color on his head and breast that fades into a tan and grey streaked markings.

Their sweet, innocent, soft sounding calls are quite charming and a delight to your backyard landscape.

The House Finch is now abundant over most of North America. It was native to the Southwest until the 1940’s, when New York City pet shop owners were selling these birds illegally as “Hollywood Finches”. The pet shop owners found out the law was onto them and feared

being caught, so they released these birds from their stores and into the city. They have since spread to cover most of the continent.

Their eggs are four to five, sometimes two to six and pale blue, with black and lavender dots mostly at the larger end. Incubation is by the female for about 13-14 days.

The young are fed by both parents. The young leave the nest about 12-15 days after hatching. They have as many as three broods per year, perhaps sometimes more. The House Finch eats mostly seeds, buds, and berries. Almost all of their diet is vegetable matter and they feed mainly on weed seeds. Other important items include buds and flower parts in spring, berries and small fruits in late summer and fall.

Update on my Backyard birds : My Bluebird husband and wife have laid five eggs.

The fifth egg was laid on 4-16-19. I’m waiting to see these little guys being fed soon.

My Purple Martins are still arriving from their migration. There looks to be almost 50 plus Purple

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May 2019

Small Town Living

A Master Gardener Note ~ Now - Let’s Plant!

by Guest Writer, Nancy Harper

Last month we talked about preparing your flower beds. Now let’s talk about designing your landscaping. Whether it’s new or existing, much of the same information applies.

What’s your preference – a formal looking garden or more eclectic with a little bit of this and a little bit of that?

You decide. While looking and purchasing, think about height and width size at maturity because in the spring plants tend to be smaller than in the middle of the summer. Is there access to water or do plants need to be somewhat drought tolerant with just a little water? Try to look for some plants that maintain year around color. Think about if the plants bloom and if so what time of the year? Choose different colors, textures and shapes. If you live near a woods are the plants deer resistant? Do you want to attract birds, bees or butterflies? Read the tags on plants to see if they are specific attractors.

Once you decide how you want your landscape to appear, you may look at the thousands of plants, but before you buy, draw a plan and try to stick to it. That’s not always easy because there are so many choices!

Have you ever wondered why some flower gardens just seem to suck you in, stop you in your tracks, pull your curiosity around every corner to see what’s next, while others have about as much interest as my sock drawer, leaving no lasting impression? What elements are missing? Maybe it’s a focal point. A focal point is that element that is used to draw your eye into the garden.

Your gaze will stop at this element. Then travel to

Gardening Goodies

Wandering Jews are fast growing, easy care plants that are perfect to hang in front of a window that gets bright indirect light.

They have been around for many years. Many of you I am sure remember a pot or pots of them sitting in the window or on a table in your grandmother’s and/or great grandmother’s parlor or living room. These ladies would often share cuttings with neighbors and friends, and like the Jews in the Bible, the plant would travel-wander-from place to place.

Wandering Jews are native to South America and Mexico. They are commonly used in the Tabasco region of Mexico as a herbal tea called ‘Matali’. ***NOTE: These are considered poisonous and should be kept away from pets and children.

Light-They like bright indirect light. The better the light, the more colorful leaves it produces. Direct sun causes the purple and cream colors in the leaves to

Small Town Living

The Master Gardeners in their new location at the Gibson County Council on Aging. Photo: Chris MacKay.

adjacent plants and details that you may not have noticed otherwise. The focal point may be a particularly unusual plant or a piece of statuary. It could be a form, color or texture, something that catches your eye that is unique from anything else surrounding it.

Whatever you do, be creative in your gardening. But, most of all enjoy what you’re doing. Gardening should be fun not work.

When you purchase plants, buy locally. Visit local growers or better yet support plant sales provided by Master Gardeners. One will be held in Princeton on May 11th on the Finder’s Keepers parking lot on West Broadway.

To learn even more, get to know a Master Gardener.

At our third Monday of the month at 7 p.m. meetings, we have an educational component to which the public is invited. Or better yet, become a Master Gardener. We will be hosting 12 week classes this fall. Contact Addie Thornley at the Extension Office in Princeton at 812-3853491 Ext. 103 for more information.

Nancy Harper, Gibson County Master Gardener

Wandering Jews (Tradescantia Zebrina)

by Guest Writer, Kevin Smith

fade.

Water-Water them well and then allow the top 23 inches of soil to dry out before watering again. If the soil becomes too dry the plant will get ‘stringy’ and the leaves will begin to fall off. If the soil is kept really wet the stems can rot and/or the roots will rot.

The plant will then die.

Fertilize-Fertilize your Wandering Jew every two weeks beginning in May or June and continue every other week through August or September. Use a plant food that is high in nitrogen. This will help the plant to produce more colorful leaves. Over fertilizing it, is another reason why the bright colors in the leaves start to fade.

Temperature-Keep temperatures between 60-80 degrees.

Humidity-Average to higher humidity is best for a Wandering Jew. If the air is to dry the leaf tips will burn

May 2019

continued page 20

Page 19

Gardening Goodies continued and turn brown. You could sit your it on a tray of pebbles, with about 1/4”-1/2” of water. This water will help increase the humidity around your plant.

Flowers-Your Wandering Jew may produce small purple or pink flowers providing the growing conditions are good.

Repotting-When it’s time to repot, choose a pot that is about 2” larger. Place about a 1/2”-1” of drainage material in the bottom. Then put about 1”-2” layer of potting soil. Take the it out of its pot and place it in its new pot. Firmly, press potting soil all around the root ball. Put an 1” or so layer of potting soil on top. Firmly pressing it down. When finished with your potting, make sure there’s about 1/2”-1” from the top of the soil to the top of the pot. Water well and place in a bright indirect lit place.

Propagation-If you’d like to start other Wandering Jews, take scissors and cut 4”-5” off of 6-8 of what is hanging down. There are two ways to start your new plants.

1.) Place your cuttings in a clear glass or jar of water and place in a sunny location. When you start seeing roots, take them out and pot them up in a 4”-5” pot of soil. Water well and place in bright indirect light.

2.) You can also use a rooting powder, found in most garden centers. Take the cuttings, moisten about 1”-2” of stems and dip in the rooting powder and then place in a 4”-5” pot. Water well and place in bright indirect light.

Another way to propagate them and help your parent plant look even better, is to cut off the ends and poke a 1”-2” hole in the soil of the main plant with your finger or a stick. Take your cuttings, wet the ends and dip wet ends in the rooting powder. Now, take those cuttings and plant in the holes that you poked in the soil. Firmly press the soil around the ends of the cuttings. This is a great way to keep your main/parent plant looking full and lush.

Propagating them is a wonderful activity to do with your children and/or grandchildren. By doing this, you can pass along the fascination and wonder of seeing something grow and flourish for generations to come.

If you have a Wandering Jew, enjoy it and share it.

They make a great little gift to give to those in your

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world. In giving these away, your passing along a little sunshine and good will into other people’s world. Many of which, are really in need of some sunshine and a reminder that they are cared for.

Annual 4th Grade Farm Fair Photos: Jancey Smith

Each year, area fourth graders visit the Fairgrounds for a field trip that introduces them to various aspects of farm life. The children are split into groups and travel to different stations that feature various agriculture topics.

Some of the points of interest include birds, bee hives, popcorn, wood working and live animals.

Beehives and their importance were the topic at this station.

Harold Williams of Wheeling talks about his wood projects.

Lamb Camp Comes to the Fairgrounds The third annual Lamb Camp was held at the Fairgrounds on Saturday, April 20th. There were 63 kids in attendance. This was open to anyone with an interest in sheep. Being a 4-H member was not required.

The kids were divided into five age groups and taught showmanship techniques and sheep care. Justin Rexing can be contacted for future information.

Photos: Jancey Smith

5 am - 9 pm 6 am - 8 pm

Page 20

May 2019

Small Town Living

As the Vet Says -

-Dr. Marybeth Feutz, Princeton Veterinary Hospital

Give Your Pets a Lifetime of Love

National Pet Week is May 6-12, 2019. We’ll be doing a few fun things on our Facebook page that week, so be sure to follow along at facebook.com/ PrincetonVet. While we do like to have a lot of fun during National Pet Week, that certainly isn’t the only time we celebrate our pets! Our furry family members are such a big part of our daily lives, and we know that you want to do everything you can to give your pets a Lifetime of Love.

These are our top five recommendations for caring for your pets to keep them happy and healthy.

1. Give your pet the right nutrition and exercise.

Puppies and kittens have different nutritional needs than our older pets, and they both need plenty of exercise. Be sure your pet is eating the right food for her stage of life, and be sure she is getting lots of regular exercise to keep her fit.

2. Regular vaccines are important. Getting your pets vaccinated is one of the easiest ways you can keep them happy and healthy.

3. Use flea, tick, and heartworm prevention. Nobody likes these creepy-crawlies! Fleas and ticks can make our pets uncomfortable, can affect our families, and can even cause some serious health problems for our furry family members.

Heartworms can be deadly to both dogs and cats.

Simple monthly prevention medicines can keep your pets flea, tick, and heartworm free.

4. Be prepared for an emergency. Check out April’s issue of Small Town Living for our recommendations for your pet emergency kit, or find it on our website at PrincetonVet.net.

5. Visit your veterinarian regularly. Not only are yearly veterinary visits important to keep your pets up-to-date on vaccines, this is a great time to have a chat with your veterinarian about any other Small To

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, IN

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C ompassionate care for all animals, LARGE and small

We are always accepting new patients!

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concerns you may have about your pets. As our pets get older, they start to have more health problems. Regular visits to your veterinarian are very important to identify and treat these problems early to keep your pet healthy, comfortable, and happy as long as we can.

Now go give your furry family members a big hug and grab their favorite toy for some quality play time for you both! Happy National Pet Week!

The Princeton Veterinary Hospital always accepts new patients! Call us at 812-385-2733 if you have any questions, or bring your animals in during regular business hours, no appointment needed! You can also find us online at PrincetonVet.net

Country Connections Behind the Scene . . . and s of Area Much More!

March 2017

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May 2019

Page 21

Local Relay for Life Events Bake Sale at Princeton IGA

The Friday evening before Easter, the Princeton IGA Relay for Life team held a bake sale. They were able to raise $450 for their efforts.

Sasha Berry (left) did some baking along with friends and family for the bake sale.

Gibson County Relay Golf Scramble

Apr

Saturday, June 1, 2019

Vendor Fair at Enon Church

Relay for Life Team TBIN, held a fundraiser on Saturday, April 13th, at Enon Church. There were many interesting vendors. They were able to raise $1400 for Relay for Life!

Tyra Forest (left) with help from friends organized this fundraiser.

May

Oakland City Golf Club Registration Form for Golfers : Saturday May 11, 2019 Tee Times 8:00am and 1:00pm $50 per person/$200 per team this includes: 18 Holes of golf with a cart, and lunch will be provided by The Beadle Bunch and John’s Smokin’ Bar-B-Que following the morning flight and before the afternoon flight. Contact: Amanda Cox 812-550-2345 emailto:amanda.hurstcox@53.com or Krista Coleman 812-664-1783 for more information about the tournament.

Annual Relay Event at Fairgrounds

il

Photos: Jancey Smith

Kali Lance of Port Side Coffee Company in Owensville served coffees at the event.

Beadle Bunch Breakfast & Bake Sale

On Saturday, May 11, from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the PCMS cafeteria, the Beadle Bunch Relay for Life team will hold their annual breakfast. The menu includes scrambled eggs, biscuits and gravy, sausage, bacon, pancakes, potato wedges and drink. There will be a Mother’s Day bake sale at the same location which begins at 7 a.m. and goes until it’s sold out. The breakfast is $7 per person, kids 5 to 12 years are $4, and under 5 years free.

New Gibson County Relay Team

June

Event Schedule

Opening Ceremony - 12 pm 12 PM – 10 PM Gibson County Fair Survivor/Caregiver Walk - 12:15 pm Luminary Ceremony - 9 pm 709 N Embree St. Closing Ceremony - 10 pm Princeton, Indiana

***Numerous activities are planned throughout the day.

The newest Relay for Life team is the crew at Princeton IGA. They took action after cancer claimed their friend & coworker, Joyce Deffendall.

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Small Town Living

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Page 23

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Owensville Alumni Banquet

The last Saturday of April, Owensville graduates traveled down memory lane. The biannual Owensville Alumni Banquet was held at the old Owensville gym, also known as the REH Center.

This wonderful old gym was transported into a high school museum because of Kenny Sharp’s persistence.

There are class pictures from 1937-1956 and a collage of old photos from 1920-1957. Class jackets also adorn the walls along with numerous newspaper clippings. The last graduating class from Owensville High School was in 1974.

Nearly 200 people were in attendance. The graduating class that went back the furthest was the class of 1943.

The older classes were honored by being served dinner along the upper walk way among the school memorabilia. The featured classes during this reunion were the classes of 1968 and 1969. Margo English directed the evening’s events.

These ladies came early for dinner.

Mona Taylor sang the National Anthem.

Karla Goodman, (left) was presented with a plaque for her service as President of the Alumni Association.

Dinner was catered by Dewig Meat and Grandy’s.

Coach Maier was honored with an award.

The view of the banquet area from the upper deck.

Max Armstrong’s high school jacket hangs on the wall.

The older classes were served their meal on the upper deck.

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May 2019

Small Town Living

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Small Town Living

May 2019

Page 25

L ocal T alent S potlight

Story by Guest Writer Jennifer MacKay Photos provided

Fiddler - Dennis Stroughmatt

How does the song go? “If you’re gonna play in Texas, you gotta have a fiddle in the band.” The country band Alabama sang these lyrics from their song named the same, from 1984. They were definitely onto something for sure.

Last month I met a local treasure right under our noses. A fiddle player named Dennis Stroughmatt. If you have been fortunate enough to have caught him performing locally, you may already know how talented he is. What surprised me about his music career, compared to many other bands I have interviewed, is he actually plays more away from this area than in it. As a member of three different bands: Creole Stomp, L’Esprit Creole and Honkytonk Circus, he may be the busiest man I have met yet.

Currently hailing from Albion, Illinois, Dennis lives with his wife and two young daughters. He holds a part-time job teaching Music History and Anthropology at Wabash Valley College. Yes, I said part time. He said many of the locals that know him do not know that his full-time career is actually music.

The style he seems to follow closest to is French Creole music but also plays lots of Country Swing and Honkytonk music, too. Creole music has a Vincennes connection. Vincennes is an old French town and at one point it had a rather large French population. Growing up in this area, he stumbled on this sound and thus piqued an interest in French Creole music.

Dennis started performing around the age of five. He recounted memories of him often singing on his porch, entertaining the other kids in his neighborhood. Growing up in a family where music was always part of everyday life he stated, “Music is everything that I am, it’s always been a part of me.” He shared fond stories of how his parents would sing together and you could easily tell how

much that means to him. He even has some old reel-to-reel recordings of his dad singing that he treasures. He also grew up with aunts and grandparents who shared the same love for music which helped nurture even further his love for music and instruments to this day.

Dennis was given his first fiddle by his grandfather, who challenged him to learn it. By age 16, Dennis was already performing around the area in bands. The man who showed him his very first notes on the fiddle and how to hold it, was a man named Chlores Worlow. Chlores was a five-time Illinois state fiddle champion. Dennis had been playing drums in his band at the age of 16-years-old when Chlores showed him some techniques to playing the fiddle, and his first notes.

Eventually he moved away from the Illinois area for a number of years, which created many opportunities and experiences that helped hone his craft. Dennis moved to Missouri and got involved with the French population there. While living there, he learned to speak fluent French, as well as sing French songs.

Playing in bands and learning a lot from French Creole fiddle players in the Missouri area, he learned of the Cajun people in Louisiana and decided to move there to immerse himself in the Cajun population and music scene. He lived around the Lafayette area and was able to make a living by playing in bands, working several nights a week traveling all over Louisiana, and making a go of a music career.

When Dennis’s travels brought him back to Illinois again, he was able to finish his master’s degree in history and continued to play in various bands. This also blessed him with a new friend in the business, a man by the name of Wade Ray. Wade was an American Swing Fiddler

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performance. His answer, “Every time”. I guess even the most experienced of artists still get butterflies. Some of legend and vocalist. Wade also had quite a few notable the festival crowds he has performed for attendance of connections in the music world. Moving to Nashville in the around 20,000. That is a good reason to be a nervous 1960’s, he was known to be a mentor to Willie Nelson and stepping onto the stage. traveled with Willie quite a bit.

Dennis has been fortunate to play with and open for Wade took Dennis with him to an event in Missouri quite a few well-known artists over the years. He named where Willie Nelson hired Wade to play with him on stage. a few like: The Spin Doctors, Marty Haggard who is At the time, Wade was age 81 and requested Dennis Merle Haggard’s son, as well as his personal be on stage with him for the entire show. Dennis hero Tony Booth. His career has led him to regretted not getting pictures of that night, but in play with a variety of bands and genres recent years has come across people who which always keeps it interesting. had been at the same show and actually He credits some of his biggest fiddle pulled up pictures on their phones of the influences to be his hero Tony Booth, event showing Willie and Wade together Ray Price, and Wade Ray. As a and standing there as well was Dennis. singer as well, he notes his father Wade looked out for Dennis and he joked was probably his biggest influence in that Wade would not let him go party on that area.

Willie’s tour bus.

“He always sang, but only at Once Dennis met his wife, they ended home”, Dennis explained. His father up settling back in the Albion, Illinois area loved big band songs like Frank but still continued to play in various bands Sinatra would sing. Dennis called as well as teach. him a “world class singer.”

Dennis and his wife have passed the Unfortunately, he lost his dad 16 love of music onto their two little girls as years ago, but still has his mother, well. The entire family went with Dennis to Geneva, and claims she is his biggest perform on a TV show last summer called fan and supporter.

Midwest Country, out of Minnesota. His girls Dennis has accomplished so much even got to go on stage and sang with him. This already in life, but I had to ask what his year the producer of the show asked him to come future goals or plans are for his musical career back this summer as well, but with an added perk. They and this interesting instrument he loves to play. He said want him to do his own show this time and include time for his next goal would be to “play the Grand Ole Opry”, but his girls to sing with him again! with stipulations. He went on to explain, he wants to play Currently, as member of three different bands plus the Opry with the guys who made him who he is today solo projects, he travels a large portion of the year. Music the musicians who taught him everything. He feels they keeps him on the road around 150-160 days of the year have been a big a part of shaping him and would really performing all over the country and in some cases the like them to be there, too. world. It is not uncommon for him to be out on a tour for Dennis offered this piece of advice for those wanting two and a half weeks at a time in some cases. This can to get into the music business: “If you are going to get lead to some not so energetic mornings when you get into the music industry, realize it requires a lot of practice back from a tour at 4 am and are scheduled to teach a and education. Not just on the music side, but also the class at 8 am at the college. business of music as well.” He went on to say that more I asked Dennis if he ever gets nervous before a than anything it requires patience.

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Page 27

L ocal T alent S potlight

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Even though his music, teaching and family schedules keep him very busy, he does try to fit in charity work. One of his favorite organizations to perform for is the Shriner’s Children’s Hospital.

Although he does travel out of the area a lot to perform, he did tell me about an upcoming twoday event in June. It’s called “Wabash Roots N’ Cue Festival” (previously Ribberfest) in Mount Carmel, Illinois on Friday, June 21st and Saturday, June 22nd. The music will be a mix of Cajun, Blue Grass, Country, and Folk. The event will have bands from all over, some coming as far as Texas to perform. There will be over a dozen food vendors, a BBQ competition, wine and beer gardens, family fun and more. More importantly, it will be FREE admission and FREE parking, rain or shine. This is a great community event for people to come together for a good time! I encourage you to check it out and listen to the fiddle playing talent of Dennis Stroughmatt. You can search for the event name on Facebook for further details. You may find a new style of music or band you were not aware of before.

Over the years Dennis has been signed to a few different record labels. If you would like to check out his music, you can find him on iTunes, YouTube, and Amazon.

If you would like to reach Dennis here are his two two websites: http://www.HonkyTonkFiddle.com or http://www.CreoleFiddle.com, where you can click on a contact link to send a message.Thanks to last month’s music feature, Styll Country, for putting us in contact with this great musician.

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16th Annual Die Kirche Auktion Fest Photos Jancey Smith

On Sunday, April 7th, the 16th annual Die Kirche Auktion Fest was held at the old Haubstadt Gym. Saturday, there was a dinner of sausage, beans, sauerkraut, mashed potatoes and gravy with extras served. This served as a preview of the auction items for the next day. The auction proceeds go to benefit Sts. Peter & Paul Parish and school. They are also helping with missions in Haiti.

Volunteers lined up to serve authentic old style German food.

Just a few of the many auction items at the event.

~ The Andy Griffith Quiz ~

1) Barney & Andy had this dessert when they visited ‘The Esquire Club’ in Raleigh.

(Clue: According to Barney this dessert became a dessert only after this now state became a state) A. Baked Alaska B. Colorado Cobbler C. Pennsylvania Pudding D. California Carrot Cake 2) Barney Fife’s cousin ______ comes to visit & fails at everything.

May 2019

A. Ralph B. Virgil C. Henry D. Ed 3 Andy’s rich girlfriend was ________?

A. Helen B. Mary C. Ellie D. Peggy

for answers see page 39

Small Town Living

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May 2019

Page 29

What’s Happening!!

NITTWITS Meeting Dick Clark’s Restaraunt Saturday, May 11th, Noon

Ft. Branch VFW Aux. Breakfast

Saturday, May 11th 7 - 10 am full breakfast plates $7, carryout available

Pet Wellness Clinic

Princeton Vet Hospital Saturday, May 18th 1 - 3 pm low/fixed income pre-register 812-386-8079

~ In the Area ~

Vine Street Market Ft. Branch Comm Park Saturday, May 4th 9 am - 4 pm Food, music, vendors

OC/Wood Alulmni Banquet

WMHS cafeteria June 8th Social hour 5 pm, Dinner 6 pm, $15 Reservations: 812-3856631 or 812-380-1451

Coloring & Coffee Salvation Army Princeton Tuesdays, 9:30-10:30

May 5 - WWE Live at Ford Center, 7 pm May 11 - 10th Annual Spring Funk in the City, Haynie’s Corner, Evansville May 11 - Evansville Donut Festival, Old National Events Plaza, 9 am June 2 - Truckin’ to the Music, W. Franklin St., Evansville, 10 am- 6 pm

Fun Days to N ote in M ay

May 5 - Cinco de Mayo May 5 - National Nurses Day May 12 - Mother’s Day May 25 - National Wine Day May 27 - Memorial Day

M ay is -

Strawberry Month, Health Awareness Month, and Foster Care Month

UPSP Canned Good Drive

Gibson County Post Offices Saturday, May 11th For local food pantries

Fransisco Lion’s Club Car Show Sunday, May 12th 10 am - 3 pm

Spring BBQ & Plants

VFW Derby Day Party

Treasure Hunt Drawing

Mackey Salem UMC 150 Year Celebration

Gibson County Council on Aging Ft. Branch VFW Saturday, May 18th Saturday, May 4th - 3 pm Plant Sale 10am-2pm Dress up, Potluck carry-in $10 BBQ dinner 5-7pm Rodney Watts 7-10 pm VFW #2714 Ft. Branch Thursdays, 7:00 pm Tickets are on sale Dinner special 5-7:15 pm

Mackey Sunday, June 16th, 10:30 am Lunch to follow service

~ May Movies ~

Friday, May 3rd - Long Shot - R - Seth Rogen and Charlize Theron star in a story of how a childhood friend, turned journalist helps his former baby sitter run for president as a speech writer.

Friday, May 10th - The Hustle - PG13 - AAnne Hathaway and Rebel Wilson are scam artists in a remake of the 1964 movie Bedtime Story.

Friday, May17th - John Wick Chapter 4 - Keanu Reeves returns as John Wick with a contract on his life in New York. Also starring Halle Berry and Lawrence Fishburne.

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May 2019

Small Town Living

Mackey United Methodist Church Community Meal Tuesday, May 14th 11am - 12:30 pm

What’s Happening!!

JOY Club Bingo

Food Pantry for Seniors

Salvation Army Gibson County Council Princeton on Aging, Princeton Saturday, May 4th Wednesday, May 22nd & 18th, 4-6 pm 1 - 3 pm

Salvation Army Free Community Meal Gibson St., Princeton Tuesday, May 7, 14, 21st 5 - 6:30 pm

Disc-o-DeMayo Disc Golf

Princeton Country Club Saturday, May 4th

Yard Sale

Salvation Army, Princeton Friday & Saturday, April, 5th & 6th, 12th & 13th, 26th & 27th 8:00 am - 1 pm

K of C and ARC Tootsie Roll Drive

Princeton Friday-Sunday, May 4-6th

Events at Gibson General Hospital

May 8th, 2019 Tupperware and Judy Schmitt Cinnamon Rolls June 5th, 2019 Grundman’s Shoes & Boot Truck

Fun at the Gibson County Fairgrounds May 10th-11th, 2019 IKI Horse Show June 1st, 2019 Relay for Life at the Pavillion

Share your events! Email jancey@smalltownlivinggibsoncounty.com

OC Good Shepherd UMC Comm. Lunch

Knights of Columbus Bingo Open to Public every Thursday Princeton K of C, 6 pm

Tuesday, May 21st?? or 14th??

Free Clothing Bank

Oak Grove Church Gymnasium, Oakland City every Tuesday, 9 - 11 am Free, new and used clothing

Princeton United Presbyterian Free Community Meal Saturday, May 11th

Cruise-In at the Square

Lions Club Cookout

American Red Cross Blood Drive

Mt. Olympus Alumni Banquet

Fred’s Pharmacy Oakland City Saturday, May 4th 11am - 2pm Burgers & Fish fry

Music by Rodney Watts Friday, May 24th 5:30 pm, Awards 8:45 Princeton K of C Monday, May 20th 2 - 6 pm

Mt. Olympus Gym Saturday, June 15th, 4pm Info call 812-385-8228

Area Concerts & Events

Chicago at Old National Events Plaza, Evansville, Tue. May 7th Amy Grant at Victory Theatre, Evansville, Thur. May 9th I am King - The Michael Jackson Experience at Victory Theatre, Evansville, Thur. May 9th Jason Aldean at Ford Center, Evansville, Thur. May 9th Gretchen Wilson at French Lick Resort, Fri. May 17th

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May 2019

Page 31

Self Defense ~

Princeton Police Department’s FREE Women’s Self Defense Class

Story & Photo: Jennifer MacKay Domestic violence is unfortunately a major problem throughout our world, not just our country. Each year more than 10 million women and men in the United States are subject to some degree of domestic violence.

These can include stalking, physical violence, rape and too often even death.

The Princeton Police Department has taken the initiative to lower these rates in our area.

Sgt. Bobby Wood heads up this effort and has created a class for women that provides them some important skills needed to protect themselves in various ways if the need arises.

Around 2012, Gibson County had an alarming rate of domestic violence on the rise. Often coming in second to larger counties around the Indianapolis area.

After becoming a defensive tactics instructor, Sgt. Wood was approached by some ladies at the gym who inquired if the police department ever offered selfdefense classes. A light bulb went off in his head so he approached the Police Chief at the time about this and the beginning of something great started to come together.

Sgt. Wood started forming a class structure with the help of fellow officer Derek McGraw, utilizing skills they learned from various training sessions and schools attended. They focused on scenarios where women specifically, may find themselves in dangerous situations and more importantly how to avoid them. Sgt Wood stated that he wanted to do something to make women “proactive rather than reactive.” With the help of Reserve

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Page 32

Officer L.C. Jones, the two have kept this program going strong and growing. L.C. is known to be Sgt. Wood’s guinea pig while demonstrating the moves, as well as some of the comic relief.

There are two levels of instruction you can attend.

The basic class would be the first one to attend. The basic instruction class covers many details and options to protect yourself should you find yourself in an attack of some sort.

You will be shown secondary weapons such as a taser gun that shoots electrically charged prongs up to 25 feet into your attacker, stun guns, pepper spray as well as utilizing things like your keys as a weapon. If you are licensed to conceal carry a gun, you can even checkout some pretty cool holsters that help conceal in under your clothes. A nice piece of information shared at each class is on a specific taser that is available to the public to buy for $400 from the taser company. The nice thing about this type taser is that if you are ever in a position where you had to use it to defend yourself from an attacker, you simply then go to your local police department and fill out a report and send the taser back to the company and they will send you a replacement for life. The price won’t seem so high if you ever have to use this to protect yourself.

Then he starts the physical part of the class. For many of the moves you learn, you will use a square punching bag that they provide you, to take turns with a partner practicing the moves on each other. If any of the moves make you feel like you may not be able to do them due to injury or physical impairment, you are not required to do them. You can watch and still learn something that can come in handy later.

Next you will learn a basic straight punch. This may sound simple, but too often people do not know how to punch correctly to deliver an effective hit and avoid breaking their own bones in the process.

A fun one I personally enjoy are the kicks. The various kicks you learn to defend yourself can easily be practiced at home as well as give you a pretty good workout.

Pressure points are another useful tool you are taught in this basic class. The pressure points are interesting because they often do not take much force on

May 2019

Small Town Living

your part to inflict a pain or reaction from your attacker.

Applying the right force onto parts of their body will make them release you in a hurry if done properly.

Sgt. Wood recently re-vamped the class a little by taking some techniques out and adding some new ones.

One very valuable one he demonstrated was, how to get out of a situation if an attacker grabs you by the hair in an effort to control you physically. We may not think often enough that these things could easily happen to us and we need to be prepared.

If you get a chance to take the class, make sure you try the duct tape escape. They will show you how to free yourself from duct tape if you are bound at the wrists with the tape. When you first get taped you will not think you are about to just split some duct tape, but you do...and you will be happy that it works.

Sgt. Wood explained, the two most important skills that are taught in the class are awareness and how to get out of being choked. I asked “has anyone ever come back and shared a story where these skills had come in handy?” He said that “most will say they are more aware of their surroundings, especially walking at night.” They remember to have their keys positioned in their hand for response. They are choosing to no longer look at their phone when they leave work so that their full attention is on what is going around them.

The class also focuses on strength. Some people feel they may not be able to take down an attacker because they are weak or too small. Sgt. Wood would like you to know, you may be a 90lb tiny woman, but you still have 90lbs of force you can use if you need to. This class is great for all ability types. Young or old, tall or short, weak or strong. You may have some bad knees, hips or back. But in the event someone does try to do you physical harm, you may be surprised just what might click in your head and you kick the attackers butt! The goal is to get away and get to safety either way.

If you are feeling adventurous at the end of the class, Sgt. Wood will allow you to experience a slight jolt from the taser on your leg. I can say from my own personal experience, I am glad I did it, but glad when it was over. Even a one second burst of electricity was one second too many for me.

In recent years the basic class has had so many newcomers, that he has not been able to get in many advanced classes as he would like. The advanced class covers some more lessons plus the RedMan. The RedMan is a suit that can be worn by someone so they can be beat on like they are the attacker, with the added protection of super thick padding to avoid real injury.

This gives you a better, hands on approach and allows you to use more realistic force that you may need in the event you are assaulted.

All classes are offered for FREE. He will accept donations which go directly to their training fund to buy additional equipment, but are not required. He does this

Small Town Living

our citizens safe and free from serious injury.

Classes will now be held normally at the police station in a training room. It is also not uncommon to catch them around the community teaching for various organizations and businesses to further share this gift.

Sgt. Wood estimated, close to 6,000 women have taken this class so far. Many women have taken the class four and five times to stay proficient as possible and safe.

I asked what else they may want the public to know about that class, Sgt. Wood replied, “if they are interested, come to a class to learn.” He went on to say, “the awareness factor is so important and just having some basic training can be huge.”

As for future plans, Sgt. Wood intends to continue to offer these classes and hopefully expand it even further.

This Includes fitting more of the advanced classes in for the women who already have taken the basic one.

If you would like to attend one of the women’s selfdefense classes offered, please keep an eye on their Facebook page for class dates and times by searching Princeton Police Department Self Defense on Facebook.

On top of working toward making women safer, Sgt. Wood does a number of other things in our area to prepare the public for situations we may deal with in this day and age. He is also an active shooter instructor for the department and branches out as an A.L.I.C.E. instructor as well. A.L.I.C.E. stands for Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, and Evacuate (ALICE).

An active shooter instructor teaches other officers the training needed when there is an active shooter, but an A.L.I.C.E. instructor is able to teach the public about what to do if an active shooter is present. He teaches these skills in our local schools with the help of Officer John Dyer, to students and teachers, the proper steps to stay safe. He said “our schools are our treasure” and Sgt. Wood enjoys doing what he can to give back to the community and it shows in all he is involved in. I encourage all women reading this to take the time to attend one of the classes offered throughout the year, it may just save your life one day.

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Fi rst Responders ~

EMS

Is It the Job for You?

Story & Photo: Jennifer MacKay

We’ve all been in traffic a time or two, heard the skills they learn are bleeding control, CPR, taking vital sirens and hopefully had enough sense to get over to let signs, eye irrigation or administering oxygen. them pass. The dreaded ambulance. A sign someone is Next you might choose to move up to the EMT in medical distress.

(Emergency Medical Technician) level of You may let the ambulance pass certification. They do all that EMR’s do and go about your day. You may be the and then some. A few of their added type who wonders or worries about the skills would be splinting, use of a cervical person in distress for the rest of your collar, assisting in complicated childbirth day. Both are normal reactions, delivery and administering a limited probably depending on how your own number of certain types of medication day is going thus far. needed to save a person’s life.

I’d like to direct your focus to The next step above EMT is AEMT someone else in this scenario. The (Advanced Emergency Medical EMS (Emergency Medical Service) Technician). This advanced level of professionals are charged with the job training adds a bit more to the skill set of of working hard, doing all they can to an EMR and EMT. They are able to start keep us alive and breathing in these intravenous access, use advanced scary times when disaster strikes our airway devices as well as perform basic lives. cardiac monitoring.

I met with professionals, C.L. The highest level would be a Mitchell and Jim Allen from our local Paramedic. They are able to perform a Gibson County EMS to learn more long list of procedures in an emergency.

C.L. Mitchell of Gibson County EMS Some include: endotracheal intubation, about this career choice.

Jim Allen is the director of the county’s EMS program drug administration, manual defibrillation and chest and C.L. Mitchell has over 50 years in the profession needle decompression. with no plans to fully retire anytime soon. Both were full The skills listed are just a few from each area of of information and first hand experiences they could certification. Schooling, testing and continuing education share with me to better understand what this career path hours differ for each level and can vary by state. might be like.

Colleges offer some of the programs needed to train you EMS workers are a special group of people, skilled in in this field. Some classes can be found locally at emergency medical treatment at accident scenes and various training institutes around the area. during transport to the hospital.

Based on my conversation with Jim Allen and C.L. There are different levels of certification and different Mitchell, the EMS field in general trains often to stay on limitations for each level in the EMS world. Schooling the cutting edge of the skills needed to be the most expenses will vary as well, depending on the level you effective. wish to obtain.

EMS shifts are similar to the fire department, running The first one being EMR (Emergency Medical in 24 hour shifts at a time. This of course will often Responder). This would be considered the most basic interfere with family time. But surprisingly the job level of EMS. They are trained to provide basic turnover rate does not seem to be very high. Jim immediate life saving care, as well as to assist EMT’s explained from his own personal experience growing up and Paramedics once they arrive on scene. Some of the Continued page 46

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May 2019

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Small Town Living

Red Hats Traveled to Boonville Photo provided

On March 28th the Gibson Girls of the Red Hat Society traveled to Boonville for lunch. We enjoyed a delicious lunch a the Double D Dinner.

May 30-June 1

2019 Fort Branch Town Fest

Kick Off Festival Season

Fort Branch Community Park First Festival of the Season

EVERYDAY

Rides, Food And Live Music

ENTERTAINMENT

Seated L-R: Patty Knowles, Betty Shelton, Queen Shirley Martin, Ann Padgett , Standing L-R: Karen Knapp, Cindy Beard, Peggy Hyneman, Molly Minor, Jeannie Sollman, Vice-Queen Donna Whitehead, and Kay Weber.

Gibson General Auxiliary Held Geranium Sale Photo: Jancey Smith

The annual geranium sale filled the lobby of Gibson General Hospital from April 15th-17th. The volunteers sold over 2,500 geraniums in one of their biggest fundraisers of the year.

Betty Kramer (right) keeps track of the plant sale orders.

She’s been a member of the auxiliary for 20 years.

Small Town Living

Thursday, May 30 Lip Sync Battle 6PM Friday, May 31 Boozehound Duo Live 6:30PM Kenna Elpers Live 9PM Saturday, June 1 Cage Willis Live 5:30PM Five Below 8 PM

EVENTS

Thursday Glow Bike Ride Free 8:15PM Saturday Red Bank Bike Ride 7AM Parade 3PM Car Show 4PM

Sponsored by Ft. Branch Community Pride

For more info see Facebook

May 2019

Page 35

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Lyles Station Has Kite Day

Bad Art Night in Oakland City

Photos: Jancey Smith

Photos: Julie Elmore

On a cool, damp Saturday, April 27th, Lyles Station hosted an “Into the Wind” kite day. There were kites for sale, concessions and music for all to enjoy.

The Oakland City – Columbia Township Public Library held a “Bad Art Night” at Oakland City American Legion on Friday, April 26th. The Legion provided food and drinks and the library brought a variety of art supplies.

Gary Schmidt gets his blue kite in the air.

Marilyn and Dennis West provided music for the event.

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May 2019

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Sports I nsider

Jackie - From “Just A Kid from Princeton” to #1

Story & photos by Jancey Smith

This isn’t new news, but it’s big news. decide to return to Notre Dame and finish We’re in Indiana, we are Hoosiers, and her senior year, or take the risk and go basketball is our thing. In a small town, going professional, Jackie had to make one of to the high school games is what we do. We the most important decisions of her life. support our youth and make it a community The hometown girl decided to follow her event. After the local basketball sectionals dream and go for the WNBA draft. Boy did are past us, we turn to college ball. When that get the grapevine going! the NCAA college tourney starts, we have Jackie’s Aunt Lisa decided to throw a our teams, but when it comes down to it, we “Watch Party”. In less than a day’s notice, Jackie was the first pick by close friends and pull for anyone from the home state. the Las Vegas Aces.

This March, those Purdue Boilermakers family were invited gave it a good ride, but it was the Ladies of to Klinker’s in Notre Dame’s Fighting Irish who were the last ones in Princeton, the night of the the dance. The Irish once again took on UConn and WNBA draft, to see what round were victorious, but not without a fight. she might be selected for a Now who do you think was watching this path to the professional team. Over 100 WNCAA championship? It would be safe to say a good locals were on hand to watch part of Southern Indiana and quite a bit of Gibson on national TV, a hometown County, but definitely all of the Big Red Nation were girl be the number one draft tuned into the games. Princeton’s Jackie Young was pick in the nation for the once again involved in a championship game. After WNBA. How can you say Lisa nervously giving a helping the Lady Tigers win a state championship, then anything but wow?! A person TV interview. last year with Notre Dame’s Fighting Irish taking the from Gibson County is on college title in a clutch win, she was once again dancing national TV and the sports in the big game. announcers are mentioning Princeton, Indiana. How Local basketball fans watched the first half of the often does that happen? game with a bad feeling in the Even though Jackie landed in pit of their stomachs, but the Las Vegas to play with the Aces second half was a sight to on the 26th of April and follow behold. The Irish came back her dream, don’t be surprised if from a 17 point deficit to tie the you don’t see her at the local game, with a nail-biting, heart restaurants and shops when she breaking finish. What a hard comes back to visit family. After fought, great game. We were all, she’ll always be, “Just a Kid proud. from Princeton,” who we lucky With a very limited time to ones know, love and respect.

The crowd anxiously awaiting word.

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May 2019

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Small Town Living

Sports I nsider

Baseball Season is Back

Opening day for Princeton Youth Baseball was Saturday, April 6th. Wearing your mud boots would’ve been a good idea.

Photos: Jancey Smith

Disc Golf Came to the County

The weekend of April 6th and 7th, a two day disc golf tournament was held at the Fairgrounds and the Princeton Country Club. There were 70 participants in the weekend event in both professional and amateur levels. There are hopes of creating a youth league and other events are in the planning.

Above: A good crowd turned out for opening day T-ball games.

Right: The concession stand was up and running. Volunteers are always needed.

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May 2019

Page 39

Lifestyles ~

The Importance of Parks Story & Photos: Jancey Smith

20,000 and the town was left with 38 old buildings along Everyone living in a small town has heard the young the river front that had environmental issues. The town people whine, “There’s nothing to do here.” That may tore the buildings down and put in a large park on the have been the case years ago, but it is no longer true in river front. This attracted new businesses, a strip mall, Princeton. We have three city parks that have been updated, renovated and improved for our citizens. There an apartment complex and a residential development.

People from are also numerous activities other areas that the Parks and wanted to Recreation Department put live and work on for the benefit of the near the community. Two such events park. are “Music and Movies in the Mishawaka Park” and they are free for built more all to come and enjoy. They parks and also put on programs like the swimming lessons, wiffleball New equipment at Lafayette Park population tourneys, bike rides, helping has returned to about 50,000, without any major industry kids get ready for school with a backpack bash and a contributing to the population growth. basketball tourney.

This story got Brent to thinking that Princeton’s Parks Why does this matter?

When a company is considering moving into an area, Department could also have an impact on the City’s growth, beyond just improving the lifestyle of those in the they investigate the availability of housing, the school community. Over the last few years, Brent and his small system, restaurants and other retail businesses and crew of two employees and two summer helpers, have what parks are available for recreation. If a college been busy updating graduate is and rejuvenating all considering three city parks, taking a job adding new with a local playground company, equipment to each. these are On the the things Southside, a bridge they look at has been added, in their walking trails to decision to connect parts of The Lincoln Park on East Brumfield relocate. the park were Many created and a disc golf course was developed last studies and reports have concluded that parks and summer. Vandalism had been a problem for years, but recreation are vital to a community because now with increased activity in the park, that has been 1. Quality parks increase property value and tax greatly reduced. They also made improvements to the base. softball fields for the 2. Parks and walking trails provide the community summer leagues. The with ways to be healthy and active, even for those with Lincoln Park on disabilities and/or low income.

Princeton’s east side, 3. Trees retain water runoff that would go into storm now has newly painted water treatment facilities. playground equipment, 4. Parks and events can be used as a marketing tool a concrete parking pad to attract tourists, conventions, concerts, festivals and and fenced area. businesses.

In Layette Park, new, While attending a conference in French Lick, Parks safe equipment has and Recreation Director, Brent Denbo was inspired by replaced the outdated what other communities were doing to improve their cities through the use of their parks. He cited the story of items and they removed the pole barn used for Mishawaka, Indiana, a town of 52,000 when the storage that was in the company Uniroyal was there. When Uniroyal abruptly middle of the park moved out in the 1990’s, the population went down to

Page 40

The disc golf course at Southside.

May 2019

Small Town Living

Parks Continued behind the lodge. “It stuck out like a sore thumb,” so to speak. Seventy-seven new trees have been planted and 60 stumps have been removed.

Even though parks use tax dollars, they also create revenue. Through shelter house/lodge rental, pool admissions/rental and the Summer Explosion Day Camp, the Princeton Parks Department brought in $195 thousand dollars of revenue in 2018. One of the largest increases has been the Summer Explosion program.

Affordable daycare for working parents is one of the biggest challenges in our community and this program, run by Deb Walker, has been vital.

Brent firmly believes that to “attract and retain” quality people in our community, parks need to continue to improve for the benefit of all.

Refuge Night Hike

The Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge is open from sun up until sundown. However, on May 18 the Refuge Office will make an exception and issue a special use permit to allow for a guided night hike on the Refuge in the light of a full moon. The 2.5 mile hike of moderate difficulty will begin at Boyd’s Station at 8 pm CT. Participants need to wear appropriate hiking clothes and shoes and bring their own flashlights or headlamps and insect repellant. The hike is open to all ages but children must be accompanied by an adult. The hiking permit is specifically for the guided night hike and no other areas of the Refuge may be accessed on this evening. For more information call 812 457-4859.

Wirth Park Gets New Equipment Photos: Julie Elmore

On Monday, April 12th, Wirth Park in Oakland City received new playground equipment. It took the next few days, due to weather, to get all of the pieces installed and concrete set for the equipment to be up and ready for the kids.

Note: A man reading instructions

Teamwork is always better.

Coloring & Coffee is Fun & Free

Every Tuesday morning, the Salvation Army holds a Color & Coffee time free for all. Above are Nell Ceaney, LuAnn Beasley, Janice Tapley and Vivian Greentree.

Keeper of Local History

IHS, IHB appoint first Gibson County historian since 2010

Princeton, Ind.—The Indiana Historical Society (IHS) and the Indiana Historical Bureau (IHB) are celebrating Gibson County’s past by looking to its future with the appointment of the county’s first historian since 2010.

Greg Wright of Princeton joins the ranks of dozens of men and women lending their talents to the County Historian Program, which was established in 1981 to improve the historical communication network across the state. In this role, Wright acts as a liaison between state and local organizations. He also answers questions from the public about local and family history.

Wright says he is looking forward to setting people on the right path on their research journey. He hopes to help spark an interest in local history for the younger generation, as his own family did for him.

“My parents, Robert and Kathryn, related historical stories to me of growing up in Gibson County,” said Wright. “Their recollections of the 1925 Tri-State Tornado, the Great Depression, World War II and other various hardships endured by my family in the early part

Small Town Living

of the 20th century instilled an interest in the past that I continue to cherish and pursue to this day.”

A member of the Princeton city council, Wright is the author of Prince Town: A Pictorial History of Princeton and a contributing historical writer for Small Town Living magazine. He also is a program presenter at the Princeton Public Library. His interest in Gibson County history extends to landmarks, buildings and homes, several of which he has personally restored and researched, such as the home he and wife Megan share on West Spruce Street.

Wright and Megan, library director at Princeton Community Primary School South, have four children.

Daughter Kaitlyn is a student at St. Ambrose University Doctoral School of Physical Therapy in Davenport, Iowa, while son Collier is a sophomore at IUPUI in Indianapolis. Son Gavin and daughter Abigail attend Princeton Community Intermediate School.

More information about the County Historian Program, as well as a directory of local county historians, is available online at www.indianahistory.org or by calling IHS at (317) 232-1882.

May 2019

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The Princeton Public Library Is Expanding!

When was the last time you dusted off your library card? If you are a frequent public library patron or even the occasional visitor of the library –we have some cool news to share!

I met with our local Princeton Public Library Director Brenda Williams as well as their Marketing and Program Director Shannon Lindsay, to get all the juicy details of a very exciting new project.

I often wonder if people know about all of the current services and programs our public library offers?

Besides books to read, there is a number of other services available for the public to utilize.

Computers and internet availability are great for those that need to handle some personal business or students working on school projects. Faxing and printing options also come in handy.

There are adult and children’s reading programs are great for keeping your brain and imagination active.

Creative clubs like knitting and crochet clubs meet monthly and promote creativity building friendships.

They even offer a variety of art classes like, String art and painting.

Meeting space is available to non-profits, civic, cultural and educational meetings, providing a nice place for our residents to come together to better our community.

With over 5,000 DVDs’ in their inventory, this allows the community to keep up on all the latest flicks and new releases arriving weekly. These are really just some of the things you can take advantage of at our local library and the list goes on.

Now let’s get to the good stuff. The Library has been working on a big project to expand our current library and in turn will be able to offer so much more!

Planning for the expansion project started as far back in 2016. They have made their addition decisions based on two surveys conducted within the community. It will cost an estimated 5.4 million dollars and will take approximately a full year to complete.

A few of the additions include: More meeting space, that will also be adjustable by size needed for a room.

The new meeting spaces will also all have outside entrances. This is huge for one important reason.

Currently if you are conducting or attending a meeting at the library you must leave by the time it closes so employees can go home. Well with outside doors in the meeting rooms, the library can basically lock certain doors that cut off access to the other areas in the library but allows you to remain in the meeting rooms if your meeting goes longer than regular business hours. This

Page 42

Story by Guest Writer: Jennifer MacKay

can be a major benefit for those that need some extra time and not feel rushed or pressure to finish up.

Another cool thing they are looking to add are cooking classes to their event calendar and I know many who will be so excited about this! They are even looking into bringing a vehicle to the library to also host auto repair classes. The youth area will be expanding from one room once shared by pre-school thru 8th grade but will now have multiple age appropriate rooms.

A new IT room will be added, along with an IT person on site every day. In the past they had to hire outside sources for IT help. The library currently owns a 3D printer that is not able to be utilized as much as they hoped and with an IT person on site, this will be a great help with being able to utilize this 3D printer much more often. Having an IT person on site, will make any IT issues much easier and faster to be taken care of and keep the technology running smoothly.

One of the biggest undertakings with all the construction going on will be that basically all the current rooms will be flipped to other locations in the building.

Some are simply moving to the opposite site of the building and some are moving from the first level to the second level. Their goal with this is to arrange the layout to have a quiet area and a noisier area. This means everything, including every single book in the building will need to be moved. What an undertaking! Director Brenda Williams said, “this is the first time we will use movers to help complete this part of the project due to the size of this undertaking.”

The elevator will remain as is but they will be adding another staircase for a total of two staircases, providing two more options for navigating around the library.

Sitting and reading or surfing the web on your laptop will become brighter too! The plans show a beautiful sunroom to be added with very large windows to really brighten the space up! The addition of wireless printing will be a nice advantage to sitting in this beautiful sunroom doing work without having to use the library computers to get some printing done as well as the ease of printing from your mobile devices like tablets and phones as well.

The entrances and exits will be changed up a bit also. The main entrance will end up on Main Street. The library purchased two lots behind the building which allows them the space for the building expansion as well as a proper sized parking lot to handle the new capacity of patrons using the library and their services. An added bonus to this will be all entrances will now be at ground

May 2019

Small Town Living

Library continued level. Much easier for patrons to come right in!

Moving the entrances and exits around a bit, and adding a larger parking area will require a few extra technology upgrades. They will be expanding their current security camera system from 16 to 60 cameras!

That is a great way to make sure our citizens are safe going in and out of the library as well as making sure everyone is respecting the space provided.

The changes I have listed do not fully explain all that is to come and are really just the beginning. The attitude of the library at this point is skies the limit! All employees are super stoked about what is to come for our beautiful public library.

The entire expansion project is projected to cost approximately 5.4 Million Dollars. Once it is finished it will have added 2,962 square feet to the upper level and 6,499 square feet to the lower level.

Funding for this build has come from various sources including: the Patoka Township board, Gibson County Redevelopment Commission, Toyota, the Library itself and bonds. What a blessing to our community to have all this finally be able to come to fruition.

Ground breaking for this is to take place in May 2019 but not specific date is set just yet. They cannot wait until they have a date and can announce this to the community. The construction will be done by ARC Construction out of Evansville. ARC Construction says they are ready to go at any time. The architect on the project is Jack Faber of Hafer Architects also out of Evansville. Once some final details are set, we will see things start to happen!

In preparation for this project, the library is weeding out their inventory of books. They are going back to 2015 and pulling books that have not been signed out since that time and putting them in their large book sale that will start on May 11th to coincide with the citywide yard sale. Brenda Williams walked me through some rooms on the lower level that currently houses what will be available for purchase. If you love books, you will not want to miss this sale. There are numerous rows, shelves and piles full of books and they are not done yet.

The books will be sold off individually, by the box, or by the bag at ridiculously low prices to make room for the

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expansion process while clearing out valuable storage space that will be needed. The sale will take place in the lower level of the library and will run most likely for two weeks until all is gone. Besides making the expansion go a little easier, it will also free up space for the public to maybe spot other books that they may not have seen in the past due to overcrowding with other books not being checked out.

The library asks for your patience while this project is underway. There may be times of inconvenience that the genealogy and history room may not be available, or general construction may cut off access to areas of interest you may want to check out on the book shelves.

Alternative options may be to see if your books of interest are available on their eBook system. If you encounter any roadblocks while trying to utilize the library services, please be sure to ask the staff for help.

When I spoke with their Marketing and Program Director, Shannon Lindsay, I asked her what make this library special? What makes it stand out? Her reply, “Everything we do here is for the citizens of Princeton and Gibson County as a whole.” She went on to say, “it is a free place that anybody can come to and have access to all kinds of things – and it’s a safe place.”

They do everything for their patrons and that is why it exists.

The overall motto at the library right now is, skies the limit! With all the changes about to happen everyone there is super pumped and ready to get this underway.

Ideas are flowing like crazy with the prospect of all the upgrades and space that will now be available in 2020.

Normally the library would accept book donations, but while this project is in process, they will not be accepting any books as donations. They will accept monetary donations that might be needed once the project is close to being done for items like upgrading the children’s and other furniture in the building.

Donations can be sent directly to the Princeton Public Library.

For more information on what our local public library currently offers and news on the upcoming changes, keep an eye on their Facebook page as well as their website: http://www.princetonpl.lib.in.us

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Name_________________________________ Address_______________________________ City______________State_____ Zip_______ email _________________phone__________

Mail form & check to - Jancey Smith, Small Town Living 427 N. Hart St., Princeton, IN 47670 - or - email: jancey@smalltownlivinggibsoncounty.com

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May 2019

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Stay up to date by following us on Facebook!

124 South Hart Street Princeton, IN 47670 812-385-4464 www.princetonpl.lib.in.us

May 2019

Friends of the Library Book Sale: May 10 – May 18!

HUGE Sale! New items will be added daily!

ALL proceeds will benefit the library expansion project!

S Mon Tue The library will be holding fundraisers over the next year to raise $75,000 for our expansion! A Jewelry Fundraiser will be held on Tuesday, May 21, at 6pm. Personalize & design your own hand stamped jewelry! $5 to register gets you FREE shipping. Items begin around $22.

Purchase jewelry for yourself! 25% of sales goes to the library AND the library will receive extra jewelry for Summer Reading Prizes AND extra jewelry for our late fall auction!

Register on Sat. May 4, beginning at 9am! * 5

C L O S E d

6 Monday Night Knitters 6pm Family Movie Night 6pm. A Dog’s Way Home Rated PG

12 13 Monday Night C Knitters 6pm

7

Wed

Thu

*The library will now be closed on Sundays through July 28. Open again Sundays beginning August 4.

8

Jewelry fundraiser!

Details coming soon!

Sat 4 Gibson County Knitters 9am-noon * Register TODAY at 9am for the Design Your Own Jewelry Fundraiser on May 21. 6pm! 20 spots. $5 registration fee gets you FREE shipping Crafty Kids: 10am-noon Lego Club, 2-4pm

9 Creative Writing Club, 6pm.

The Mighty Pen!

10 11 Crafty Kids: Book 10am-noon Sale Lego Club, 2-4pm Meets 2nd Thursday of beevery month.

Everyone welcome!

14

Fri

2 3 1 Activity & Snacks Teen Scene, 3:30-4:30 *After school programs end Watch for our today. They will resume in ONLINE September after Labor Day.

15

gins

9am

16 Crocheting Club 17 6pm. All ages and skill levels welcome. No pre-registration required. Meets 3rd Thursday of every month. All welcome.

L O S E d

19 20 Monday Night C Knitters 6pm L O S E D

21 Princeton Public 22 May is Mental Health Awareness Month Library Board Meeting, Talk Saves Lives! 6pm 4:14pm Learn common risk factors, how to spot warming signs, Design Your Own and how to keep ourselves, Jewelry Fundraiser, loved ones, and our 6pm. *Must pre-register Bring your smartphone, community safe! Presented tablet, or laptop! (or use by Gibson County Out of the Darkness Walk one of our computers!)

26 27 CLOSED FOR C MEMORIAL DAY L O S E D

28

29 May is Mental Health Awareness Month: More Than Sad: Teen Depression! 6pm Teens learn how to recognize signs in themselves and others!

Presented by Gibson County Out of the Darkness Walk

23 NEW! Princeton, IN Extreme Couponers Club, Meets 4th Thursday monthly. 6pm.

Everyone welcome!

18 Crafty Kids: 10am-noon Lego Club, 2-4pm Meets every Saturday!

Book sale ends, 4pm!

24

30 Adult / Youth 31 Movie Night 5:15 pm PG-13 Bumblebee Free movie, popcorn, and water!

25 Crafty Kids: 10am-noon Lego Club, 2-4pm Meets every Saturday!

Summer Reading Program begins Monday, June 3, 9am!

Register for summer programs!

Kick-off party will be held from 1-3pm!

We will not have any crafting classes in May. We will be preparing for summer reading! Crafting classes will resume in June. Registration will begin on Monday, June 3, 9am!

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May 2019

Small Town Living

Cooking Club Tested the Pioneer Woman

By Jancey Smith

The Cookbook Club held their monthly meeting on Thursday, April 11th at the Oakland City Library. Each month a cookbook is chosen and the participants pick out a recipe to make for the next meeting. The April cookbook chosen

was by Ree Drummond, The Pioneer Women.

The dishes chosen were Citrus Punch, Vanilla Bean Ice Cream, Roasted Cauliflower, Chicken Salad, Citrus Cookies and Apple Bread Pudding. Tasting was fun.

Small Town Living

May 2019

Page 45

First Responders Continued from page 34 -

not have a clue what they do and if you aren’t in this with parents who were in the EMS field, that you don’t career field, you really don’t know what they do. get holidays at the same time as other I asked for advice for someone families normally do. That is the biggest wanting to consider this field. Jim’s drawback to the life in the medical or response, “make sure you can handle first responder careers. it.” He advised to do a couple ride Gibson County currently has 27 full alongs to get a feel for what you might time EMS employees and 12 part time. encounter. He went on to say they have A total of eight ambulances are actually had people go through the operating on a daily basis if need be. classes and then get on scene and Jim explained four are considered front actually freak out and realize this is not line and four are backup. for them.

I asked what type of call they feel The guys both agreed they feel the they get called out to most often. In my public appreciates what they do for our head I was assuming their answer community. I asked what is the best would be car accidents. But they said it way to show support and appreciation is actually more private home medical for what they do for us. Jim advised that emergencies than anything else. Their Jim Allen, Director of Gibson County EMS citizens many times will write letters to average number of calls per day hits the county commissioners letting them know what a somewhere between eight and ten. valuable asset our EMS personnel are to our area.

When asked what is the worst part of this job, they If you have a personal story of appreciation where both agreed it is probably the long hours and hard work.

I was again surprised by their answer given the nature of our EMS took excellent care of you, or you maybe witnessed them do this for someone else, please reach the job and what sights they see in any given day, even out and let the county commissioners know what great multiple times per day. But Jim advised that “you people we have saving lives in our community every develop coping mechanisms, you learn to turn your day. emotions off.” He went on to say the peer support is Jim stated there is actually a nationwide shortage of most widely used. Talking it out with others in the field EMTs. If you would like information on getting into the helps them process what they see day to day since they field of EMS and first responder training available, understand what the other may be going through. There please contact Jim Allen via email at are also programs offered for counseling if need be, but jallen@gibsoncounty-in.gov for more detailed the peer support is their first choice when dealing with information. the issues this career can bring on.

Remember these men and women are the super The flip side is the rewarding part of the job. C.L. heroes behind the scenes. They are ready and waiting stated that you feel a personal satisfaction helping when disaster strikes. They see a lot, they work hard people. That is definitely the biggest response across all and they deserve our appreciation for all they do for our the first responders I’ve spoken with in recent months. community and the many lives they save. If you get a These professionals see everything from blood and chance to speak to someone in this field, thank them for guts, to people high on drugs dancing around their yard. what they do, . . . and mean it.

They have to be ready at a moment’s notice to treat and help whatever medical emergency they come upon. C.L. explained that unless you’ve used their services, you do

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Page 46

May 2019

Small Town Living

The Cooking Corner

by Jancey Smith

W hen the Kids Call, IGet Ideas

Whenever the kids call it’s always interesting. You never know what to expect.

Sometimes we get great news about a new job, or one of them is moving, but you also have to be prepared for a “woe is me” tale of trouble in paradise. The calls that tickle me the most are when they call and ask a cooking question. Recently, the youngest son called and asked about the time and temperature to cook a meatloaf. No problem, I’m there for you. However, when they call and ask how to make a grilled cheese, I scratch my head and wonder if they are really my offspring. Some did not get that cooking gene.

A little while back, our youngest daughter called and asked if I’d smoke a pork butt for her. She found a great deal and has always been a fan of smoked meat.

After checking my schedule and the weather, I told her no problem. What turned out to be an adjustment, was that I was out of my typical dry rub spices. Even though I have several recipes for dry rubs, I didn’t have enough of any particular ingredient. Well, let me tell you, over the years I’ve learned to improvise. After

taking stock in the spice cabinet, I decided to rub that pork butt with a premixed Creole seasoning. Those southern Louisiana flavors have always been a favorite of mine and they were in stock. It worked out perfectly.

That weekend, I not only rubbed and smoked a pork butt in Creole spices, but also made a Cajun potato soup. It was a taste of down south and the Big Easy. This apparently went over so well, that for my cooking fee, we only got a small taste of the pulled pork because it had been grabbed up by other family members. Creole spiced pulled pork had been a hit.

With Memorial Day and graduation holidays coming up, I thought I’d share the simple but tasty way to do a pork butt or make some potato soup to have on hand.

If you should need a dessert, here’s the pie that our family loved at Easter dinner, thanks to the Log Inn. It’s Grandma Vic’s recipe and Kathy shared it with me, so I’m sharing it with you. Some recipes are just too good not to share. Enjoy!

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Page 47

Fluffy Peanut Butter Pie

The Cooking Corner Continued

Recipe courtesy Kathy Elpers

Creole Rubbed Pork Butt

Ingredients-

Ingredients-

3/4 cup peanut butter, smooth or crunchy 1-8 oz. cream cheese, softened 1 cup powdered sugar 1/2 cup milk 9 oz. cool whip 9 inch graham cracker crust 1/2 cup finely chopped peanuts (optional)

8-9 lb. pork shoulder 1 can Cherry Coke or Dr. Pepper 1 tsp. garlic powder 1 tsp. black pepper 2-3 T. Creole seasoning

Preparation-

Beat cheese until soft and fluffy. Add peanut butter and sugar gradually and beat. Slowly add milk into the mixture. Fold in whipped topping and pour into prepared crust. Sprinkle on nuts and freeze.

Remove from freezer about 15 minutes before serving. Makes 1 pie.

Preparation-

Trim excess fat from pork.

Sprinkle with seasonings and rub into meat.

Prepare smoker and heat to 225 degrees. Place meat in smoker and let cook for 4 hours, checking wood chips as needed.

Preheat oven to 225.

Remove pork from smoker and place in foil on a baking sheet. Pour cherry soda in bottom of foil. Wrap meat tightly in foil and place in oven.

Let cook 8-10 hours or overnight.

Remove from oven and let rest 30 minutes to an hour.

With two forks, pull or shred meat.

Pour sauce and stir if desired.

Serves 12-15.

Slow Cooker Cajun Potato Soup Ingredients1 1/2 lb. Andouille sausage, sliced 4-5 medium diced Yukon gold potatoes 1 can (14.5 oz) cream of chicken soup 3 cups chicken broth/base 2 T. onions (minced or diced fine) 2-3 T. Cajun/Creole seasoning 1 tsp. pepper 1/2 tsp. salt 8 oz. cream cheese, softened & cubed

Preparation-

Combine all ingredients in slow cooker except cream cheese and cook on low 8-10 hours. During the last 30-45 minutes, add cubed cream cheese. Stir to combine and melt.

Makes 6-8 servings.

Photos: Jancey Smith

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