The Owen News -- Jan. 3, 2025 (Vol. 2, Issue 1)

VOL. 2, ISSUE NO. 1

WWW.THEOWENNEWS.ORG

FRIDAY, JAN. 3, 2025

ON awaits records request

By Nicole DeCriscio Correspondent One hundred and seventy-six days – that is how long The Owen News has been waiting for a response to a public records request that still

has not been denied or fulfilled.

As a result, The Owen News filed an informal complaint seeking the opinion of Indiana’s Public Access Counselor, Luke Britt. Britt issued that informal opinion earlier this week.

On July 11, following the county’s Redevelopment Commission (RDC) meeting concerning the jail project and the potential land swap that is being routed through the RDC, The Owen News filled out a

public records request form.

The request asked for “Within the last year, all emails to and from any current Owen County Commissioner concerning appraisals of potential jail sites, concerning the jail project and concerning

NAMING A LILLY

SCHOLAR

Vishwa Patel awarded Owen County Lilly Scholarship Submitted Article

T

he Owen County Community Foundation (OCCF) is pleased to announce the recipient of the 2025 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship for Owen County – Vishwa Patel of Owen Valley High School.

Lilly Endowment Community

Scholars are known for their community involvement, academic achievement, character and leadership.

“It is an honor to award this exceptional student the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship. Vishwa’s unwavering dedication to academics and

LILLY SCHOLAR | PAGE 3

Owen County’s 2025 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship recipient Vishwa Patel (center) poses for a photo with family and representatives from The Owen County Community Foundation. The scholarship provides full tuition, fees and a yearly book stipend to any Indiana 4-year college. PHOTO SUBMITTED BY OCCF.

Brinson retires from S-OCS board

By Nicole DeCriscio Correspondent

Sonia Brinson celebrated her last meeting on the Spencer-Owen Community Schools (S-OCS) Board of School Trustees after 16 years of service on Dec. 12.

Prior to being on the board, Brinson was a S-OCS employee, bringing her total years of service to the corporation close to 50.

“I do want to thank the board.

You have been so supportive all the time,” Brinson said.

The board reflected on Brinson’s

BRINSON | PAGE 7

From left, Sonia Brinson accepts a commemorative clock from Spencer-Owen Community Schools Board of School Trustees President Derek Morgan (center) and S-OCS Superintendent Andy Cline. Brinson has served on the board for 16 years and has worked for the corporationi for nearly 50 years. . NICOLE DECRISCIO | THE OWEN NEWS

public comment in relation to the jail or jail project. This does not include actual appraisals themselves.”

The paper request was handed first to County Auditor

RECORDS | PAGE 8

JAIL PROJECT UPDATE

RDC hosts hearing, rejects bid

By Nicole DeCriscio Correspondent The Redevelopment Commission (RDC) held the rescheduled public hearing concerning the land swap for a prospective jail site on Dec. 18.

The county is considering trading 96 acres of countyowned property on State Road 43, south of Franlin Road for a little over nine acres on a former quarry behind the Owen County YMCA and Wal-Mart.

The hearing was originally scheduled for September but was postponed as the RDC sought additional information.

At the start of the public hearing, RDC President Craig Coffman explained how the hearing would work. He offered a memo with some frequently asked questions and the information that the RDC has considered thus far.

He also said that folks would get three minutes to speak.

He added that they might answer some questions but that there would not be a back and forth.

RDC | PAGE 6

ON new year, exciting future Staff Report There are several exciting updates for The Owen News as we ring in the new year.

In November, we announced that we would begin to offer memberships to have the paper mailed directly to the homes of those who signed up. Because it was in conjunction with our end-of-year giving campaign, NewsMatch, anyone who signed up between Nov. 1 and Dec. 31 had their contribution included in the match. In addition, new monthly recurring donations were matched for the entire year.

NewsMatch Campaign Results The Owen News is happy to announce that we’ve not

FUTURE | PAGE 5

2

THE OWEN NEWS FRIDAY, JAN. 3, 2025

Elected officials sworn in for 2025 TRUSTED NEWS FOR A THRIVING COMMUNITY

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ABOUT THE OWEN NEWS

THE OWEN NEWS IS THE PRINTED NEWSPAPER OWNED

BY THE OWEN NEWS PROJECT, INC, A NONPROFIT 501(C)3 ORGANIZATION. AT THE OWEN NEWS PROJECT, WE ARE COMMITTED TO DELIVERING RELIABLE AND UNBIASED LOCAL NEWS AND INFORMATION TO EMPOWER OUR READERS AND BUILD A STRONGER COMMUNITY.

THIS PRINT EDITION IS MADE POSSIBLE IN PART DUE TO A GRANT FROM OCCF.

From left, newly sworn-in elected officials Judge Don VanDerMoere II, county commissioner David Risk, county council member Daniel Browning, county council member Polly Chesser, county auditor Sheila Reeves, county council member Joe Frye and county commissioner Sam Hobbs pose for a photo together following the Dec. 27 swearing-in ceremony. NICOLE DECRISCIO | THE OWEN NEWS

Government Meeting Calendar Jan. 6 Spencer Town Council, 6 p.m. at the Spencer Municipal Building, 90 N. West St., Spencer.

Jan. 9 Owen County Board of Commissioners, 9 a.m. at the Owen County Courthouse, 60 S. Main St., Spencer.

Spencer-Owen School Board, 7 p.m. in the Mike Wells Memorial Board Room at Central Office, 205 E. Hillside Ave., Spencer.

Jan. 13 Owen County Council, 6 p.m. in the Commissioner’s Room of the Owen County Courthouse, 60 S. Main St., Spencer.

Owen Valley Fire Territory Board, 6 p.m. at the Owen Valley Fire Department, 401 Walnut St., Spencer.

Cloverdale Community School Board, 7 p.m. in the Arthur L. Johnson Administration Building, 310 E. Logan St., Cloverdale.

Jan. 14 Gosport Town Council, 7 p.m. in the Gosport Community Building, 301 N. Ninth St., Gosport.

Jan. 15 Spencer Redevelopment Commission, 6 p.m. at the Spencer Municipal Building, 90 N. West St., Spencer.

Jan. 16 Owen County Board of Zoning Appeals, 7 p.m. at

Obituaries Coming soon!

Our community, through the Needs Assessment completed as part of the Large Impact Planning Grant, resoundingly said that obituaries are a priority.

At The Owen News, we strive to get obituaries into the print product. However, the nature of a monthly paper means that printed obituaries can never be the main way to share this information with our community.

Our goal is to have our website be the go-to place for obituaries and to have this space, in our printed paper be a space of rememberance of those who have passed.

the Owen County Courthouse, Jan. 22 60 S. Main St., Spencer.

Owen County Board of Commissioners, 9 a.m. at the Jan. 20 Owen County Courthouse, Owen County Courthouse 60 S. Main St., Spencer. closed in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Jan. 28 Owen County Public Gosport Town Council, Library Board of Directors, 7 p.m. in the Gosport 5 p.m. in the Library Vault, 10 Community Building, 301 N. S. Montgomery St., Spencer.

Ninth St., Gosport.

Spencer Plan Commission Jan. 21 & BZA, 6 p.m. at the Spencer Spencer Town Council, Municipal Building, 90 N. 6 p.m. at the Spencer West St., Spencer.

Municipal Building, 90 N. West St., Spencer.

Feb. 3 Owen County Advisory Spencer Town Council, Plan Commission, 6:30 p.m. at 6 p.m. at the Spencer the Owen County Courthouse, Municipal Building, 90 N. 60 S. Main St., Spencer.

West St., Spencer.

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THE OWEN NEWS FRIDAY, JAN. 3, 2025

Community Events Calendar Jan. 6 Cloverdale Community Schools students return to the classroom following Christmas Break.

Jan. 7 Spencer-Owen Community Schools students return to the classroom following Christmas Break.

Spencer Lions Club meeting, 6:30 p.m. at the Lester F. Litten Community Building, 59 N. Main St., Spencer.

Jan. 8 Harrison Homemakers meeting, noon. at the Owen County-Purdue Extension office, 180 S. Spencer.

Jan. 12 4-H Project Fair, 2 to 4 p.m. at the Owen County Fairgrounds Exhibit Hall.

Come learn about the wide range of 4-H projects possible and register for 4-H. Jan. 13 Jolly Homemakers meeting, 1 p.m. at the Freedom Community Center, 5558 Freedom-Arney Rd., Freedom.

Owen County Heritage & Culture Center board meeting, 4 p.m. at the OCHCC, 110 E. Market St., Spencer. Open to the public.

Jan. 14 Braysville Homemakers meeting, 5:30 p.m. in the upstairs meeting room at the Historic Tivoli Theatre, 24 N. Washington St., Spencer.

Elevator access is available.

For more information, call 812-829-5020.

Jan. 9 Spencer Masonic Lodge No. 95 stated meeting, 7:30 p.m. at the Spencer Masonic Lodge, 361 N. Harrison St., Spencer.

LILLY SCHOLAR | FROM PAGE 1

Lilly Endowment to Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI) and extracurricular Indiana Humanities. pursuits, along with “This scholarship her genuine passion allows me to study for learning, embody stress-free without the spirit of this having to worry prestigious award. about financial We are confident that complications. It will Vishwa’s ambition and keep me motivated talent will enable her for my future studies. to achieve her goal of I am grateful to becoming an engineer have achieved this and make a meaningful scholarship,” said impact in her field,” Vishwa Patel, 2025 said Ronda Stogsdill, Lilly Endowment 2025 Committee Chair Community Scholar for of the nominating Owen County.

OCCF Lilly Endowment In determining Community Scholarship Owen County’s Committee.

Lilly Endowment Each Lilly Community Endowment Scholar nominees, Community Scholarship consideration was provides for full tuition, given but not limited required fees and a to, the following special allocation of up criteria: eligibility, to $900 per year for academics, leadership required books and and accomplishments, required equipment and interview by the for four years. The OCCF Lilly Endowment scholarship is for fullCommunity Scholarship time undergraduate Nominating students leading to a Committee. After the baccalaureate degree field of applicants at any eligible Indiana was narrowed public or private down, nominees nonprofit college or were submitted to university.

ICI, the statewide Lilly Endowment administrator of the Community Scholars Lilly Endowment may also participate Community Scholarship in the Lilly Scholars Program, which Network (LSN), which approves the final connects both current selection of the scholars and alumni scholarship recipient. with resources and “This year we opportunities to be saw a deep field of active leaders on their scholarship applicants campuses and in their filled with students communities. Both the on their way to doing great things. Our scholarship program and LSN are supported Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship by grants from

COMING SOON

www.spencertivoli.org

Jan. 16 Calico Homemakers meeting, 2 p.m. Meetings are held at a different restaurant each month. For more information, call 812-8295020.

Owen County Homesteaders, 5-7 p.m. at the Owen County Public Library, 10 S. Montgomery St., Spencer..

Combating Multiflora Rose, hosted by the Owen County Soil & Water Conservation District, 6 p.m. at the Purdue ExtensionOwen County Office, 180 S. Washington St., Spencer.

Jan. 18 Legislative Breakfast, 7:30 a.m. at Owen Valley Christian Fellowship, 338 S.R. 43S, Spencer. Sponsored by Owen County State Bank and hosted by the Owen County Chamber of Commerce.

application process requires students to demonstrate academic excellence, communitymindedness, leadership and communication skills, and we were thrilled with the quality of applications and interviews. These students are excellent role models for our communities, and they all demonstrate great potential in leading the next generation,” said Janet Rummel, President & CEO of the Owen County Community Foundation.

Lilly Endowment created the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program for the 199798 school year. Since then, grant funding in excess of $490 million has supported more than 5,300 Indiana students who have received scholarships through the program.

The primary purposes of the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program are: 1) to help raise the level of educational attainment in Indiana; 2) to increase awareness of the beneficial roles Indiana community foundations can play in their communities; and 3) to encourage and support the efforts of current and past Lilly Endowment Community Scholars to engage with each other and with Indiana business,

Jan 8

The Magnificent Seven (1960). Sponsors: Sandra Butts & Janet Long Jan 22 The Egg & I (1947)

spencertivoli

Jan. 22 Free showing of “The Egg and I,” 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. at the Historic Tivoli Theatre, 24 N. Washington St., Spencer.

Jan. 28 Owen County Soil & Water Conservation District Board of Supervisors meeting, 4:30 p.m. at the SWCD office, 788 Pottersville Rd., Spencer.

Open to the public.

Have we missed your event? Email us at info@ theowennews.org. Events must either be free and open to the public or hosted by a nonprofit organization.

governmental, educational, nonprofit and civic leaders to improve the quality of life in Indiana generally and in local communities throughout the state.

About the Owen County Community Foundation The Owen County Community Foundation (OCCF) is a public charity founded in 1994 as a resource to connect caring individuals with causes they support, enabling them to make a charitable impact on the community. Since its founding, the OCCF has been able to grant more than $12 million to area nonprofit and charitable organizations in our community. The OCCF is committed to enhancing the quality of life for all citizens of Owen County, now and for generations to come. For more information, visit owencounty.org or call (812) 829-1725.

About Lilly Endowment Inc. and ICI Lilly Endowment Inc. is an Indianapolisbased private foundation created in 1937 by J.K. Lilly Sr. and his sons Eli and J.K. Jr. through gifts of stock in their pharmaceutical business, Eli Lilly and Company. Although the gifts of stock remain a financial bedrock of the Endowment, it is a separate entity from

26 N Washington St in Spencer

SHOWTIMES: FR 7P, SA 2P (OPEN CAPTION), SA 7P, SU 2P. ADMISSION $5/$3.

FREE MOVIES 11:00A & 2:30P

Jan. 21 Spencer Lions Club meeting, 6:30 p.m. at the Lester F. Litten Community Building, 59 N. Main St., Spencer.

WICKED MUFASA, THE LION KING DOG MAN *The weekend movie lineup might be subject to change depending on the studios' scheduling.

It's always good to keep an eye out for updates in case there are any last-minute changes.

Visit our website or Facebook page for the most current schedule.

the company, with a distinct governing board, staff and location. In keeping with the founders’ wishes, the Endowment supports the causes of community development, education and religion. Although the Endowment funds programs throughout the United States, especially in the field of religion, it maintains a special commitment to its founders’ hometown, Indianapolis, and home state, Indiana.

Since 1997, Independent Colleges of Indiana has administered the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program statewide with funding provided

by Lilly Endowment.

Founded in 1948, ICI serves as the collective voice for the state’s 29 private, nonprofit colleges and universities. ICI institutions employ over 22,000 Hoosiers and generate a total local economic impact of over $5 billion annually. Students at ICI colleges have Indiana’s highest four-year, on-time graduation rates, and ICI institutions produce 30 percent of Indiana’s bachelor’s degrees while enrolling 20 percent of its undergraduates.

4

THE OWEN NEWS FRIDAY, JAN. 3, 2025

Cloverdale School Board wraps up 2024

By Travis Curry Correspondent Cloverdale’s seven-member school board required less than 30 minutes to wrap up its 2024 calendar year during a meeting held Dec. 9 in the Arthur L. Johnson Administration Center.

The evening began with recognition of the corporation’s latest Student of the Month honorees, which included Cloverdale Elementary School (CES) student Aubrey Fidler, Cloverdale Middle School (CMS) student Bella Patton and Cloverdale High School (CHS) student Celeste Terrell.

CMS PE/health educator Brian Siddons was recognized as the latest Staff Member of the Month.

Under new business, Cloverdale Community School Corporation (CCSC) Superintendent Greg Linton addressed the board with a request to approve an additional appropriation for the corporation’s Education Fund in the amount of $3,100,000.

“The additional cash is in the Education Fund as cash, but I need the authority to use it for end-ofyear expenditures,” Linton explained.

“This is directly related to the extensive growth of the program.”

Board member Donna Filder made a motion to approve

the request, with Mike Rightmyer II seconding the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

Next, the board unanimously voted in favor of a request to approve Teacher Appreciation Grant funds, distributed to school corporations each year by the Indiana Department of Education. The funds are awarded to teachers based on the prior year’s performance evaluations.

“Teachers receiving a Highly Effective or Effective on their 2023-2024 evaluation are eligible to receive the stipend,” Linton said. “I am requesting the board to award the same stipend amount to administrators, which will be paid out of the Education Fund.

The amounts of this year’s stipends are $1,275.52 for certified staff members receiving a four (4) on their evaluation, and $1,020.41 for certified staff members receiving a three (3) on their evaluation.”

Rightmyer made a motion to approve the request and board member Melissa Carrell seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

A request to approve an additional instructional assistant for Cloverdale Middle School (CMS) was also approved, 7-0. CMS Principal Chelsey Meluch submitted the additional

personnel request, noting the position would primarily work with special education students in providing access to their accommodations in general education classrooms.

The school’s special education department is currently serving 74 students, which amounts to 26-percent of the school’s student population.

The board also unanimously approved the corporation’s 2025-2026 school calendar, which begins Aug. 5 for students and is scheduled to end on May 20. Graduation is slated for May 22.

Acting on a request from CCSC Food Service Director Billy Boyette, the board unanimously approved a request to pay equal wages, $14.46 per hour, for three- and four-hour café positions. “Both are crucial positions and perform the same duties,” Boyette noted in his request.

The board later voted 7-0 to approve a request to declare wrestling mats as surplus at CMS. The mats were purchased in 1999 and have reached the end of their useful life.

“We have been blessed with two newer mats in the last few years and now have three competition mats that are tapeless,” CCSC Athletic Director James Wade explained.

“We no longer need the 25-year-old CMS mat that requires

tape that sometimes damages the gym floor.”

The board also cast 7-0 votes to approve end-ofthe-year purchase orders that would not be ready for payment until after the board’s Dec. 9 meeting, as well as a request to approve an updated RainyDay Resolution for the 2025 annual budget.

“The original resolution that was submitted contained an incorrect date and the DLGF (Department of Local Government Finance) representative asked me to have a corrected resolution approved by the board,” Linton noted.

The board later approved 11 professional leave requests, two field trip requests, and four facility use requests.

Field Trips May 9 – Seventh/ eighth grade honor roll students, Bogey’s Family Fun Center, Terre Haute.

May 15 – Seventh/eighth grade students, Indianapolis Indians baseball game, Indianapolis.

Facility Use Nov. 15, 2024 – Cloverdale Community Youth League (CCYL), youth basketball photos, CES gymnasium.

Dec. 12, CCYL board meeting, CMS library.

Jan. 13, 2025 – CMS Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) winter meeting, CMS media center.

Feb. 8 – CHS

junior class, father/ daughter dance prom fundraiser, CMS gymnasium.

Additional personnel matters receiving unanimous board approval included: Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) Morgan Barley – CES teacher.

Dawneen Hardwick – CMS medical instructional assistant.

Resignation Nicole Campbell, junior varsity/varsity head cheerleading coach.

Hire Camille Garcia, CHS winter cheerleading coach.

Eddie Byrns, CHS girls’ wrestling coach.

Kiersten Wade, CMS girls’ basketball coach.

Volunteer Pedro Perez, Jr. – CHS volunteer wrestling coach.

Zach Thomas – CMS boys’ basketball volunteer assistant.

Dustin Cummings – CMS boys’ basketball volunteer assistant.

The Cloverdale Community School Board will meet again on Monday, Jan. 13 beginning at 7 p.m. in the Arthur L. Johnson Administration Building, 310 E. Logan St., Cloverdale.

Members of the board include Vivian Witaker, Katrina Lewis, Donna Fidler, Melissa Carrell, Emily Haltom, Joe Mann and Mike Rightmyer II.

5

THE OWEN NEWS FRIDAY, JAN. 3, 2025

Jury trial for Sims murder set for late January Staff Report The jury trial for a man accused of the murder of Malik Darea Sims is scheduled to begin on Jan. 21 at 9 a.m.

The body of Sims was discovered off of Stephenson Road near the Owen-Monroe county line by a passerby on July 15.

An autopsy later revealed the cause of death to be a single gunshot wound to the head. The death was ruled a homicide by the examining pathologist.

Quentin Porter, Jr., 25, of Bloomington, was arrested in July for Sims’ murder.

In addition to the murder charge, Porter

FUTURE | FROM PAGE 1

is also facing a Level 6 Felony for auto theft, a Level 5 Felony for attempting to escape and a Level 5 Felony for battery against a public safety official.

The latter two charges were filed on July 31, after Porter’s July 25 initial hearing for the auto theft and murder charges.

The case log for

In addition to a successful NewsMatch campaign, OCCF only met but exceeded our has awarded The Owen campaign goal. Our goal was News a multi-year $300,000 to raise $15,000 with at least operational grant. OCCF 50 new donors. will grant The Owen News “This newspaper exists $150,000 for 2025, $100,000 because of our community for 2026 and $50,000 for rallying together, and our 2027, as we move toward inaugural NewsMatch sustainability. campaign is no different,” “Through surveys, focus Board President Nicole groups and community DeCriscio said. “We’re listening sessions, the incredibly thankful for our Community Foundation community’s generosity and discovered that residents support of local news. We’re overwhelmingly identified able to be a pioneer in the the lack of an objective and way of rural nonprofit news trustworthy source of local in Indiana because of our news and information as community.”

The successful NewsMatch the greatest need in Owen County. The all-volunteer campaign will result in board and staff of The Owen $23,500 in funding being given to The Owen News from News have done a wonderful job; but we know that they outside of the community. need paid staff to take the December’s newspaper was mailed out thanks to The paper to the next level.

Thanks to our generous Owen County Community donors, the Foundation was Foundation (OCCF). able to provide funds to Additional Grant Support From OCCF make this happen,” said Janet

Porter’s Aug. 1 initial hearing for the escape and battery charges reads, “Court would note for the record that defendant is being uncooperative.

Defendant refused to watch the video explaining his rights, and officers had to bring him to the hearing. He sat in the chair with head down,

Rummel, OCCF President & CEO. “This level of support from a community foundation isn’t common in the nonprofit news world, and words cannot express how thankful we are that OCCF is dedicated to seeing The Owen News succeed,” DeCriscio said. “While we had an extremely successful NewsMatch campaign, the financial jump to having paid staff would not be possible without OCCF.” The grant agreement provides that OCCF shall be able to appoint one board member to The Owen News Board. The Owen News retains all editorial control and independence.

Hiring Staff As a result of the additional support from OCCF and the successful NewsMatch campaign, The Owen News is pleased to announce that DeCriscio has

unresponsive.”

Porter will be represented by public defender Jacob Fish.

Owen County Prosecutor Benjamin Kim issued a reminder that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

been hired as the inaugural Executive Editor to oversee The Owen News full-time.

DeCriscio has served as Board President since The Owen News’ creation in July 2022. She will remain on the board but not in the role of Board President.

“I’m thankful that I get to do what I love in a community that I love. I fell in love with Owen County when I worked for The Spencer Evening World, and I’m constantly finding new things to love about this community,” DeCriscio said.

DeCriscio will manage the day-to-day operations and lead the editorial coverage for The Owen News. She will start Jan. 13.

In addition to hiring DeCriscio full-time, Ad Sales Consultant Lola Garrison has been promoted to serve as the part-time Advertising and Business Manager, starting Jan. 6.

6

THE OWEN NEWS FRIDAY, JAN. 3, 2025

RDC| FROM PAGE 1

based on related background checks by attorney Dana [Kerr]; Only a dozen people all history only reflects materials showed up for the hearing, but being taken out and nothing comments concerning the land being put in the ground (such swap took place for nearly an as fuel tanks, etc.) Shared by hour and a half.

Dana at the previous Executive “We were just looking at the Work Session in September,” the site itself. We’re not in charge of report reads. how the jail is going to be built.

During the hearing, citizen We’re not in charge of the budget Pam Rogers asked if the for the jail. We were just looking environmental study would be at the site,” Coffman said. made available to the public.

The summary of site data “The study was reported to created by Coffman was created the RDC under land acquisition, for an executive work session so if you would like a copy of it, held in November and shared file a public records request for with those in attendance at the the RDC. I’ll tell you here publicly, public hearing. you can do that through the “Elevatus Architect Greg auditor’s office, since the RDC Wehling has confirmed a bare doesn’t have an office, and it will minimum of six acres is needed be responded to,” Kerr said. depending on the shape of the The Owen News filed a lot, arrangement of building, public records request for the drives and detention base,” the environmental study on Dec. 21. three-page document reads.

On Dec. 23, county auditor The document notes that Sheila Reeves responded that Owen County Sheriff Ryan the request was received and White would like the potential that she did not have a copy of site to have at least seven acres the environmental study. The to be able to consider future Owen News has not received the expansion. records or a status update.

“Greg [Wehling] also The report written by commented that the 9.5 acre Coffman also references a rock site allows more options with soundings report from Patriot building location, especially Engineering and Environmental. when there are still many “Architect Greg Wehling unknowns about the site such commented ‘The structural as location for a detention engineer has no issue with what basin, depending on whether he is seeing. We will probably all areas are buildable. ‘Given have some borings done and the proximity to the quarry, get compaction tests done as I would assume it is all stone we move forward.’ So far the and more than adequate to proposed site does not appear support this structure. However, to be one that will have ground soil boring and a topographic settling issues,” Coffman wrote. survey will need to be obtained The report also addresses right away to confirm bearing bringing utilities to the proposed capacity and natural drainage. jail site.

My assumption is that it is stone “Preliminary feedback which generally requires blasting from BBP Water indicates the or other costly methods if there current 4-inch line will need is a need to have it removed. to be upgraded to an 8-inch If there is no rock, then spread water line to provide sufficient footings should work well. On service to address FPE service site detention will need to be requirements for implementing located within the property lines,’ a secondary line, etc. The cost is [Wehling was quoted]. We can in excess of $150,000,” the report ask Greg to elaborate more now reads in reference to bringing that the rock sounding report water to the proposed site. has been completed,” the report The cost for the sewer was reads. also cited in the report.

The report also addressed “Commonwealth Engineers, the appraisal discrepancy.

Inc. provided a rough estimate The appraisals themselves are of the cost to expand the current not a matter of public record sewer reaching the area of the under Indiana’s Access to Public proposed jail site to handle the Records Act. anticipated flow needed by the “The two independent jail. The cost to handle 250 gpm appraisals average $205,000 [gallons per minute] for the new for the 9.57 acre site while the jail is estimated to add another two independent appraisals $550,000 to $850,000 bringing average $337,500 for the 96.38 the total estimate up to $1.95 acre site at Franklin Road,” the million to $2.75 million if the Fifth report reads. “It was noted that Street lift station is dealt with the 96.38 acre site was not at the same time to handle the discounted to account for the future flow,” the report reads. landfill, but did take into account Coffman also had a section the general value of timber. Since for future use of the neighboring then, we have found comparable quarry to the prospective jail site. acreage at commercial sites “We were able to obtain near the proposed jail site are the following disclosure from priced significantly higher on the Spencer DePoy, VP of Indiana market.”

SMA Rogers Group, Inc. via his The appraisals were email to Gary Burton on Sept. 13, conducted by Figg Appraisal 2024,” the report from Coffman Group and Hopkins Appraisal reads. “To confirm the details Services LLC. Both businesses of our conversation earlier this are located in Bloomington. week related to the Rogers The report also includes Group limestone quarry just information about an outside of Spencer. This location environmental study. is not active. Our plant has “Regarding the environmental been removed. We leased our study on the Quarry Property, sales yard to Tri-State Timber. everything appears to be ‘clean’ We access the site monthly to

monitor our property for safety and security. We still own and lease limestone reserves on this property. Those minerals are all to the north and west of your proposed location. Our Bloomington location has the production capacity [to] cover our sales needs in Owen County.

We own additional reserves in Owen/Morgan County as well.

We still have some inventory on site. We reserve the right to sell that material and may do so.”

The report also addresses floodplain issues.

“Although some preliminary findings on other sites for sale near Spencer seemed to offer a reduced cost in sewer and water utility upgrades required due to closer proximity, these sites, like the current jail site, are in the floodplain,” the report reads.

It also says that the cost of flood insurance for these sites would be cost prohibitive, and it cites concerns of future structural issues due to ground shifting if soil was brought in to raise the areas within the floodplain.

It also says that one potential site in the floodplain was across the railroad tracks, which raised concerns about being cut off from access to the jail in case of an emergency due to a train and the additional wear and tear on the vehicles from going over the tracks more frequently.

The report also addresses that the current jail site is not large enough, even with additional land purchases and that Sheriff White estimates an additional cost of $1.8 to $2.4 million to house the inmates elsewhere while rebuilding in the current location.

“There are currently lawsuits in other counties, such as Vigo, that resulted in failure to act on jail site overcrowding and related issues. Our current jail is not in compliance with state standards and failed its last inspection. The cost of not making a decision for a viable site to build the new jail in the near future could be quite extensive in comparison to the costs identified with the current proposed site,” the report reads.

Coffman ended the report with the following, “While the above may not cover everything, I hope it will help us decide if we have enough information to proceed with a public hearing and enable us to openly share our thoughts, concerns and other questions regarding the evaluation of the proposed jail site in relation to the proposed land swap. Thanks to all on the OC RDC who have provided questions, input and feedback to help identify and list all the items above.”

Citizen Tom Abrell raised concerns about the value of the timber on the county-owned 96 acres on State Road 43S. “I’m not opposed to this…

It’s just there’s a business way of doing things that needs to be followed and knowing the value of what you have is very, very, very important. And I don’t think you know the true value of that property on 43, and it’s simply based upon, you don’t have any idea the value of the timber on that property,” Abrell said.

He said that he questions it

based on a 12-year conservative logging cycle on property that he owns. He wondered if the county could sell the timber and purchase the nine acres outright.

According to commissioner and RDC member Gary Burton, the county-owned property hasn’t been logged in 30 years.

“I hope you understand where I’m coming from. It’s strictly a business thing. It’s not that this isn’t necessary, that this isn’t a good idea. I personally think that property up there for the new jail is an excellent one,” Abrell said.

Rogers asked about the process if the county rejects a bid for the county-owned property on SR 43S. “The RDC has an absolute legal authority to reject any bids received in response to its offer to dispose of the property. In the event that those bids are rejected, the redevelopment commission cannot dispose of the property for less than the amount that was required in the proposal form for a period of 30 days. After that period of 30 days, the redevelopment commission is permitted to dispose of the property by negotiation for any price acceptable to the redevelopment commission,” attorney Dustin Meeks said. Meeks is from Barnes & Thornburg and has been brought in to assist the RDC through this process.

The RDC opened and rejected a bid proposal from Pam Rogers for purchase of and use of the property on SR 43S and moved forward with three resolutions.

Rogers’ bid was the only bid submitted for the county-owned property. Burton had moved to deny the bid, and Hunter Stogsdill seconded the motion.

Meeks interrupted saying that he had a resolution that addressed the rejection of bids, and the motion was withdrawn.

The first was resolution number 2024-005, Resolution of the Owen County Redevelopment Commission Confirming an Amendment to the Declaratory Resolution for the St. Rd. 43 Corridor Economic Development Area and the Economic Development Plan for Said Area and Related Matters.

Stogsdill moved to approve the resolution, and Burton seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

The second was resolution number 2024-006, Resolution of the Owen County, Indiana Redevelopment Commission Authorizing the Acquisition of Certain Real Property. Burton moved to approve the request, and Stogsdill seconded the motion, which also passed unanimously.

The third and final resolution was resolution number 2024007, Resolution of the Owen County, Indiana Redevelopment Commission Authorizing the Disposition of Certain Real Property, and Related Matters.

It is within this resolution that the RDC rejected all bids on the county-owned property. Stogsdill moved to approve the resolution, and Bobby Hall seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.

7

THE OWEN NEWS FRIDAY, JAN. 3, 2025

BRINSON | FROM PAGE 1 service, including her desire to have the ditch outside of Owen Valley High School (OVHS) cleaned up.

“I’ve always looked to Sonia for advice,” fellow board member Jack White said.

“Similarly to what Kris [Sammick] said, Sonia, it’s been my pleasure to work under your purview while you’ve been on the board. It’s been wonderful seeing you advocate for all the students and staff from my level to any level below,” McCormick’s Creek Elementary School (MCES) Principal Matt Cazzell said.

Brinson was celebrated after with cake and punch, and superintendent Andy Cline presented her with a commemorative clock.

Cline thanked Brinson for having a nearly three-hour conversation on what is and what could be for the district and taking a chance on him as superintendent.

“You’ve watched over me,” Cline said.

“You are great people. You work for this community. I appreciate you so much, and I appreciate all our principals and our students, everybody.

You do such a great job,” Brinson said.

All of the seven board members were present at the meeting – White, Lizz Bixler, Rick Smeltzer, president Derek Morgan, Brinson, Chad Cooper and Mark Rogers.

The meeting started with Gosport Elementary School (GES) custodian Dale Brown being recognized for the You Make A Difference Award. He was nominated by Maintenance Director Jeff Mauder.

“Dale is dependable, knowledgeable, and most importantly, trustworthy. He gets along well with his coworkers and students. Dale is an asset to my team and to the GES students and staff,” Mauder said.

Mauder then read comments from GES Principal Carol Watson, “Mr. Dale (as he has become known to his kids at GES) has become a true leader to our community and students at Gosport. He might look like a tough military guy, but under that exterior lies the heart of a lion and a true champion for kids. I have watched him grow, play and lead with the toughest of kids, and I have watched him gain

the respect of these kids at the same time.”

Two OVHS Air Force Junior ROTC cadets, AnneMarie Arthur and Maddison Moats, led the Pledge of Allegiance at the meeting.

The board first considered their consent agenda, which includes financial reports, claims, previous meeting minutes, and reports from food service, transportation, technology, facilities and building principals. Brinson moved to approve the request, and Rogers seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously, 7-0.

Next, the board considered approval for a $9,000 grant for Patriot Manufacturing from Conexus. Bixler made the motion to approve the request.

Smeltzer seconded the motion, which passed 7-0.

The board then considered a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between S-OCS and the Department of the Air Force for the ROTC program. Smeltzer moved to approve the MOA, which Rogers seconded. The motion passed unanimously.

Next, the board approved allowing the OVHS treasurer to share direct deposit information with Coca-Cola for commission, rebate and contract funds. This allows the funds to be received electronically.

The board also approved: -Certified administrator stipends for 2025; -Certified director pay increase for 2025; -Certified administrator pay for the 2024-2025 school year; -A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Centerstone for counseling and social services; -A MOU with Hamilton Center for counseling and social services; -A grant from the Owen County Community Foundation for a OVHS professional development conference in June 2025; -An out-of-state, overnight field trip for the OVHS band to Kings Island; -An overnight field trip for the OVHS girls’ wrestling team to go to sectionals at Mount Vernon; -Contract bus services through the 2026-2027 school year with an increase of 20-percent for the daily rate; -Reopening position control number 12314, an instructional assistant position

FROM TOP: From left, Spencer-Owen Community Schools Superintendent Andy Cline, You Make A Difference Award winner Dale Brown and Maintenance Director Jeff Mauder pose for a photo. Brown is the head custodian at Gosport Elementary School. // From left, AFJROTC Cadets Maddison Moats and AnneMarie Arthur pose for a photo with Superintendent Andy Cline. Moats and Arthur led the Pledge of Allegiance during the December S-OCS School Board meeting. NICOLE DECRISCIO | THE OWEN NEWS at Patricksburg Elementary School (PES); and -A heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) building maintenance agreement with Harrell-Fish Inc. for $157,640 for one year.

The board also approved the following personnel items: Resignations - Calinda Ennis, cook for OVHS - Lynn Traylor, route driver 32 for S-OCS -Brittnie Henry, Behavior Tech for S-OCS Leaves - Mike Robison, PES Principal, request for intermittent FMLA - Jennifer Livingston, secondgrade teacher at MCES, request for intermittent FMLA - Gina Boyd, preschool teacher at Spencer Elementary School, request for intermittent FMLA Employment - Adriana Dow-Vaugn,

instructional assistant/latchkey supervisor at GES - Jacob Boling, instructional assistant at MCES - Orion Gladson, instructional assistant at MCES - Morgan Bewley, instructional assistant at PES ECA Positions - Hiring of Natalie Goodwin, OVHS assistant girls’ wrestling coach - Hiring of Dana Hauser, OVHS head girls’ wrestling coach - Resignation of James Hendrickson, Owen Valley Middle School (OVMS) head boys’ track coach - Hiring Adam Smith, OVHS Percussion (Choral) - Hiring Zach Turnbull, OVHS Staff Lighting (Choral) The board will meet again for reorganization at 7 p.m. on Jan. 9 in the Mike Wells Memorial Board Room at Central Office, 205 E. Hillside Ave., Spencer.

8

THE OWEN NEWS FRIDAY, JAN. 3, 2025

Column: I’m thankful I get to serve Owen County desperately

By Nicole DeCriscio *Future* Executive Editor wanting to remain

When I was in college, the saying, “Love what you do, and you’ll never work a day in your life,” was said a lot.

And when I graduated nearly a decade ago, I did so with the same lofty dreams of all recent college graduates pursuing a career in journalism – I was going to become a war correspondent in the Middle East, work for The New York Times or better yet, do both.

And naturally, I was disappointed when my first newspaper job was in none other than neighboring Martinsville. But I learned a lot, then left for a design job in Columbus, Indiana. I learned a lot more, then left, taking a job, here in Spencer, at The Spencer Evening World.

I learned some more, but this time, I stayed.

There’s just something special about Sweet Owen.

I was devastated when I was laid off from The Spencer Evening World in 2019, and for several years, I freelanced,

connected to journalism and to this community.

Fast forward to the March 2022 legislative breakfast. After the event, I had a conversation with Marce King, CEO of the Chamber of Commerce. I was excitedly telling her about an investigative piece that I was working on. I’m sure I had that spark, that glimmer that true news junkies get when they’re on the verge of a fix.

Marce indulged me, and then she asked me a question that has forever changed my life, and unknowingly, yours too. She asked, “What would it take to have a robust online-only news outlet that had a flyer with the recent headlines and instructions on reading it online?”

I had no clue, both in the answer to the question Marce asked me, and in what would be in store for me.

I told her I’d look into it, and she told me to create a business plan.

I knew nothing about making a business plan, so I researched it, found a template and made a really bad first attempt.

In my research, I stumbled across the idea of forming a nonprofit news outlet. At first, the naive idea of

RECORDS | FROM PAGE 1 Sheila Reeves, who passed it to County Attorney Dana Kerr.

After seeing the request, Reeves submitted two email chains that she had been copied on in an effort to fulfill the request from her office.

The auditor’s office does not maintain emails outside of the ones sent to their office.

On Aug. 27, The Owen News followed up with Kerr in regard to the request, asking for the records or an update on the status of the request.

“While an update was requested in August, the county attorney cited an unfortunate family circumstance for a delay, of which you graciously accepted as a rational justification for the wait. Nonetheless, further status update requests went unanswered, and you turned to this office for guidance and sought this informal inquiry,” 24INF-7 written by Britt reads.

On Sept. 24, The Owen News once again asked for a status update via email. Kerr did not respond.

there being tons of operational grants (which shows you how little I knew about grant writing) and the tax status seemed alluring. But the more I sat with it, I realized the most important reason that nonprofit news works, especially in small, closeknit communities – nonprofits are owned by their board of directors, comprised of members of the community. It makes nonprofit news owned by the community it covers.

A simple conversation led to what has become The Owen News.

Marce took my bad, half-baked business plan to Janet Rummel at the community foundation, and Janet connected me with two key folks – Laura Wilkerson and Travis Curry.

Travis, Janet and I met, and Janet encouraged us to apply for a Large Impact Grant to serve as a planning grant to research nonprofit news models, to survey the community and to create the foundation of what would become The Owen News.

That July, we had the first, unofficial board meeting with Niki Gessler, Aaron LaGrange, Darrell White, Laura, Travis and I. And later,

On Oct. 11, The Owen News filed an informal complaint with Britt’s office after the request for a status update remained unanswered.

In November, in passing Kerr stated he had received the requested emails from the county’s IT department, but no further update and no written update has been received.

Britt’s opinion addresses the timeliness requirement of the Access to Public Records Act (APRA).

“Given recent legislation limiting the ability of the public access counselor (PAC) to define the myriad of ambiguous statutory terms in the access laws by utilizing traditional legal writing methods, the PAC still provides guidance outside of the formal complaint process, including through informal inquiry responses like these,” the informal opinion reads.

The Owen News contacted Britt’s office at least twice throughout August and September in an effort to explore other options to encourage a response to the records request

Ale Young, Kurt Rosenberger, Ashley Fleetwood, Larken Seymour and Stefan Welsh joined the board.

We brought back all of the wonderful columnists from the old Spencer Evening World (Annie Bright, Susan Anderson and Dixie Richardson) and brought on new columnists and columns from local stakeholders and leaders (Kyle Hannon, Jason Kinney, Ginger Kohr, Jim Luzar, Jamie Lowder, Wendy Moler and Cassie Linville).

We hired an independent contractor Ad Sales Consultant in Lola Garrison, and we hosted our first (unpaid unfortunately) intern, Hannah Amos. Hannah’s mom, Margaret Amos, has also been a staunch supporter and one of our volunteers.

Some have stayed, some have had to leave for various reasons, but each has left their mark on this project.

It truly takes a village to put out a newspaper, and I’m sure I’ve forgotten someone unintentionally.

Please accept my apology now!

It’s not lost on me that my fellow founding board members and those who joined before we started printing in April 2024 did so with nothing more

than the belief in the imporance of local news, faith in me and most importantly, love for Owen County.

The ways that this community shows up and so completely never ceases to amaze me.

When I needed to find board members, folks stepped up, going all-in.

When we were spinning our wheels, the Chamber came out with their business buildout program and helped us build our foundation.

When we needed a place, the Exchange coworking space was being created.

When we wanted to have a ribbon cutting and wanted to provide lunch, Steve Withem, Spencer Main Street and of course, Steve’s smoker Baby came to the rescue.

When we needed to raise $15,000 for our NewsMatch campaign, folks signed up to have the paper mailed to them in droves.

And now, when we’ve needed the ability to grow and make this sustainable, the Owen County Community Foundation and generous donors throughout the community have said, we value local news.

When we need help, this community steps up and goes all-in.

from Kerr on behalf of the Owen County Commissioners.

“The subjective and ambiguous term ‘reasonable time’ is not defined by APRA; and thus, it falls to this office to decide on a case-by-case basis whether an agency responded within a reasonable time,” the informal opinion reads.

When considering whether or not the response is timely Britt’s office considers the size of the public agency, the size of the request, the number of pending requests, the complexity of the request and any other operational considerations or factors that may reasonably affect the public records process.

“Herein lies the current issue. Your records request was delayed due to a family circumstance of the county attorney. Notably, attorneys often handle public records requests – and rightfully so — as they frequently trigger legal analysis regarding disclosability.

Therefore, the incapacity of a lawyer for personal reasons is not problematic if it causes a slight delay – something you

This newspaper exists because of our community. It succeeds because of our community.

It is special because of our community.

I often think about whether or not what I do is “work,” and with time, I’ve learned it’s not just what you do.

That saying is only partially true.

I get to do what I love and what I’m passionate about.

But I’ve worked as a journalist before, and I’ve had jobs even outside of the industry that I loved.

What the saying is missing, and what really makes a job no longer feel like work is doing what you love in a place that you love with people that you love. Then, and only then are you not working.

I feel so honored that I get to serve this community, my community, in this way. I’m excited about this new chapter for me and for The Owen News because I get to do what I love, where I love, in a community that I love.

Nicole DeCriscio is the soon-to-be inaugural Executive Editor of The Owen News. Her first day will be Jan. 13.

DeCriscio serves on the national board of directors for The Society of Professional Journalists.

seemingly value considering your Aug. 28 email to the county attorney,” the informal opinion reads. “Your point is well taken, however, that after a time of three months without an update, even upon seeking one, you still have not received the records.

Simply put, the ARPA does not answer the ‘how long is too long’ question, or what circumstances justify delays such as these.”

Britt also shared in the informal opinion that when coaching public officials, he uses 30 days as a benchmark for reasonable timeliness.

“Taking the human element into account, an excess of 30 days would have been justified in this case. But a 90-day delay for a request such as yours is indeed likely longer than the legislature meant by ‘reasonable time,’” Britt wrote.

As of The Owen News’ press deadline, there has not been a response to the records request.

Britt’s full informal opinion can be read online at theowennews. org.

9

THE OWEN NEWS FRIDAY, JAN. 3, 2025

Owen Valley High School Sports Calendar Jan. 3 6 p.m. – Junior varsity boys’ basketball vs Covenant Christian at Owen Valley.

7:30 p.m. – Varsity boys’ basketball vs Covenant Christian at Owen Valley.

Jan. 4 Noon – Freshmen boys’ basketball vs Decatur Central at Owen Valley.

Jan. 8 6 p.m. – Varsity co-ed wrestling vs Bloomington South at Owen Valley.

Jan. 9 6 p.m. – Varsity co-ed wrestling vs Greencastle at Greencastle.

Jan. 10 6 p.m. – Junior varsity boys’ basketball vs Clovedale at Owen Valley.

6 p.m. – Varsity girls’ basketball vs Cloverdale at Owen Valley.

7:30 p.m. – Varsity boys’ basketball vs Clovedale at Owen Valley.

7:30 p.m. – Junior varsity girls’ basketball vs Cloverdale at Owen Valley.

Jan. 11 9:30 a.m. – Freshmen boys’ basketball at John Foutch Memorial Tournament at Owen Valley.

6 p.m. – Junior varsity boys’ basketball vs Northview at Owen Valley.

6 p.m. – Varsity girls’ basketball vs Northview at Owen Valley.

7:30 p.m. – Varsity boys’ basketball vs Northview at Owen Valley.

7:30 p.m. – Junior varsity girls’ basketball vs Northview at Owen Valley.

Jan. 13 6 p.m. – Freshmen boys’ basketball vs Bloomington North at Owen Valley.

6 p.m. – Junior varsity girls’ basketball vs Clay City at Clay City.

6:45 p.m. – Varsity girls’ basketball vs Clay City at Clay City.

Jan. 15 6 p.m. – Freshmen boys’ basketball vs Bloomfield at Bloomfield.

Jan. 16 6 p.m. – Junior varsity girls’ basketball vs Edgewood at Owen Valley.

7:30 p.m. – Junior varsity boys’ basketball vs Edgewood at Owen Valley.

Jan. 17 7:30 p.m. – Varsity boys’ basketball vs Edgewood at Edgewood.

7:30 p.m. – Varsity girls’ basketball vs Edgewood at Edgewood.

Jan. 18 6 p.m. – Junior varsity boys’ basketball vs Clay City at Clay City.

6 p.m. – Junior varsity girls’ basketball vs South Putnam at Owen Valley.

7:30 p.m. – Varsity boys’ basketball vs Clay City at Clay City.

7:30 p.m. – Varsity girls’ basketball vs South

Putnam at Owen Valley.

Jan. 20 6 p.m. – Freshmen boys’ basketball vs Clay City at Clay City.

Jan. 21 6 p.m. – Junior varsity boys’ basketball vs White River Valley at Owen Valley.

7:30 p.m. – Varsity boys’ basketball vs White River Valley at Owen Valley.

Jan. 22 6 p.m. – Freshmen boys’ basketball vs Mooresville at Owen Valley.

6 p.m. – Varsity coed wrestling vs South Vermillion at South Vermillion.

Jan. 24 6 p.m. – Junior varsity girls’ basketball vs North Putnam at North Putnam.

7:30 p.m. – Varsity girls’ basketball vs North Putnam at North Putnam.

Jan. 25 6 p.m. – Junior varsity

boys’ basketball vs LintonStockton at Owen Valley.

7:30 p.m. – Varsity boys’ basketball vs LintonStockton at Owen Valley.

Jan. 28 6 p.m. – Junior varsity girls’ basketball vs White River Valley at Owen Valley.

7:30 p.m. – Varsity girls’ basketball vs White River Valley at White River Valley.

Jan. 29 6 p.m. – Freshmen boys’ basketball vs North Knox at Owen Valley.

Jan. 31 6 p.m. – Junior varsity boys’ basketball vs North Putnam at Owen Valley.

7:30 p.m. – Varsity boys’ basketball vs North Putnam at Owen Valley.

Feb. 6 6 p.m. – Junior varsity boys’ basketball vs Sullivan at Sullivan.

7:30 p.m. – Varsity boys’ basketball vs Sullivan at Sullivan.

Owen Valley Middle School Sports Calendar Jan. 7 6 p.m. – Girls’ basketball vs Tri-North at Tri-North.

Jan. 8 6 p.m. – Seventh grade boys’ basketball vs Batchelor at Batchelor.

6 p.m. – Eighth grade boys’ basketball vs Batchelor at Batchelor.

Jan. 9 6 p.m. – Girls’ basketball vs Bedford at Owen Valley.

Jan. 11 9 a.m. – Boys’ wrestling at Edgewood Colt Invitational.

Jan. 14 6 p.m. – Seventh grade boys’ basketball vs Linton-Stockton at Linton-Stockton.

6 p.m. – Eighth grade boys’ basketball vs Linton-Stockton at Linton-Stockton.

Jan. 15 6 p.m. – Girls’ basketball vs White River Valley at White River Valley.

6 p.m. – Boys’ wrestling vs John Wooden Middle School at John Wooden Middle School.

Jan. 16 6 p.m. – Seventh grade boys’ basketball vs St. Charles Borromeo at Owen Valley.

6 p.m. – Girls’ basketball vs St. Charles Borromeo at St. Charles Borromeo Middle School.

7 p.m. – Eighth grade boys’ basketball vs St. Charles Borromeo at Owen Valley.

Jan. 21 6 p.m. – Girls’ basketball vs Linton-Stockton at Owen Valley.

Jan. 22 6 p.m. – Girls’ basketball vs Eastern Greene at Eastern Greene.

Jan. 23 6 p.m. – Girls’ basketball vs Bloomfield at Bloomfield.

Jan. 25 9 a.m. – Boys’ wrestling at Franklin Middle School Super 16.

Jan. 27 6 p.m. – Girls’ basketball vs Batchelor at Batchelor Middle School.

6 p.m. – Boys’ wrestling vs Batchelor and Seven Oaks at Owen Valley.

Jan. 29 6 p.m. – Boys’ wrestling vs Jackson Creek at Jackson Creek.

Jan. 30 6 p.m. – Seventh grade boys’ basketball vs Bedford at Bedford.

6 p.m. – Eighth grade boys’ basketball vs Bedford at Bedford.

Cloverdale Middle School Sports Calendar Jan. 6 6 p.m. – Boys’ basketball (7th/8th) vs North Putnam at North Putnam.

Jan. 7 6 p.m. – Boys’ basketball (7th/8th) vs Eastern Greene at Eastern Greene.

Jan. 9 6 p.m. – Boys’ basketball (7th/8th) vs Monrovia at Cloverdale.

Jan. 13 6 p.m. – First round of the Putnam County Tournament at Greencastle.

Jan. 15 6 p.m. – Finals of the Putnam County Tournament at Cloverdale.

Jan. 18 10 a.m. – Seventh grade boys’ basketball, first round of WIC Tourney at Owen Valley.

10 a.m. – Eighth grade boys’ basketball, first round of WIC Tourney at Edgewood.

Jan. 21 6 p.m. – WIC Tourney championship game at Cloverdale.

Jan. 23 6 p.m. – Girls’ basketball (7th/8th) vs White River Valley at Cloverdale.

Jan. 25 9 a.m. – Eighth grade girls’ basketball vs Sarah Scott Middle School at Sarah Scott MIddle School.

Jan. 27 6 p.m. – Girls’ basketball (7th/8th) vs Monrovia at Cloverdale.

Jan. 30 6 p.m. – Boys’ wrestling (6th8th) wrestling vs North Clay at North Clay.

Feb. 1 9 a.m. – Boys’ wrestling (6th8th) wrestling at White River Rumble at North Clay.

Feb. 3 6 p.m. – Girls’ basketball (7th/8th) vs Eminence at Cloverdale.

Feb. 4 6 p.m. – Boys’ wrestling (6th8th) wrestling vs Southmont at Cloverdale.

Feb. 6 6 p.m. – Girls’ basketball (7th/8th) vs Owen Valley at Owen Valley.

Feb. 1 9 a.m. – Boys’ wrestling at White River Rumble at Owen Valley.

Feb. 3 6 p.m. – Seventh grade boys’ basketball vs Shakamak at Owen Valley.

6 p.m. – Girls’ basketball vs South Putnam at Owen Valley.

7 p.m. – Eighth grade boys’

basketball vs Shakamak at Owen Valley.

Feb. 4 6 p.m. – Girls’ basketball vs Monrovia at Monrovia.

Feb. 6 6 p.m. – Girls’ basketball vs Cloverdale at Owen Valley.

6 p.m. – Boys’ wrestling vs TriNorth at Tri-North.

10

THE OWEN NEWS FRIDAY, JAN. 3, 2025

Trailing or Leading: Is MYPath for the birds?

By Kyle Hannon Guest Columnist

I’m not a bird guy. I like birds.

They can be pretty.

I like to listen to them. But I’m not very good at identifying them, either by sound or sight.

That is almost okay. You don’t have to be an expert on birds to be a contributing member of society.

My problem is that I am a seasonal naturalist at McCormick’s Creek State Park. The bigger problem is that my mom is very good at birds.

Joanne Hannon used to write a column about birds and things for the Spencer Evening World. I should be better at identifying

and understanding our feathered residents.

Fortunately, I work on the MYPath Riverfront trail. I have access to more birds than anywhere I have lived before. One of our regular visitors says there is something about the curve of the river right next to our wooded trail that attracts a wide variety of birds.

Vern Wilkins can be seen on MYPath with a camera that has a lens the size of the Hubble telescope. Vern is a regular contributor to the MYPath Hotspot on the eBird web page. In fact, Vern and other contributors have recorded 155 bird species along our trail.

Another local group that uses MYPath to find unique bird species is Spencer Pride.

Jonathan Balash

has led the Rainbow Birders on birding expeditions along MYPath. For the uninitiated, a birding expedition is NOT a hunting expedition with rifles. It is an opportunity to look for and identify birds. If you are fortunate, you may see a bird you have never seen before.

For people like me, I have found tremendous assistance using the Merlin bird ID app. It comes to us from the great ornithology school at Cornell University. If a bird is singing, turn on the Merlin app, and it will identify what kind of bird it is. I am getting to the point where I can identify the birds, and I just use Merlin to confirm.

Merlin can identify pictures of birds too, if you can take a good one.

Side lesson:

Ornithology is the study of birds. A Merlin is a type of bird. It is a small hawk that eats other animals.

Merlins are really cool, and they have been seen on MYPath.

Even though I like birds and am getting better at identifying them, I’m not likely to join a birding expedition any time soon. My wife and I attended a New-Years bird count several years ago in a different community. I discovered that I talk too much.

The other birders were glaring at me because I might have been (it was never proven) scaring the birds away.

In a similar situation, I am likely to start laughing out loud when some birds are identified.

For example, a couple days ago I was listening to a

pretty bird song. I pulled out Merlin and learned it was a Yellow-rumped Warbler. How am I supposed to keep from snickering?

Another side lesson: Your knowledge of birds might impress a potential date, but not if you refer to them as a Yellowrumped Warbler.

I hope you enjoy birds. And I encourage you to bring your curiosity to MYPath. Right now, because the leaves are down, you can see a bald eagle’s nest across the river near the fairgrounds. They regularly fly over MYPath, and one of our volunteers knows where they hang out. He has gotten several great photos.

At MYPath I have really learned a lot about birds. I can have knowledgeable conversations with

my bird-expert mom. And I feel more confident helping visitors at McCormick’s Creek.

Check out the MYPath Riverfront Trail Hotspot on the eBird web page.

You will see a list of birds from the common cardinal to the indigo bunting to the osprey.

Better yet, visit MYPath in person to see what you can find. Bring your binoculars, your Merlin app and a guidebook. Or just sit and listen. That’s okay too.

Kyle Hannon is the Project Manager for the MYPath Trail System. He has served in many community development and trail connection roles throughout the state.

On many weekends, he serves as an Interpretive Specialist at McCormick’s Creek State Park.

Cloverdale High School Sports Calendar Jan. 7 6 p.m. – Varsity coed wrestling vs South Putnam at Cloverdale.

6 p.m. – Varsity boys’ wrestling vs South Putnam at Cloverdale.

Jan. 9 6 p.m. – Varsity boys’ wrestling vs West Vigo at Cloverdale.

6 p.m. – Varsity co-ed wrestling vs West Vigo at Cloverdale.

Jan. 10 6 p.m. – Varsity girls’ basketball vs Owen Valley at Owen Valley.

6:30 p.m. – Junior varsity boys’ basketball vs Owen Valley at Owen Valley.

7:30 p.m. – Varsity boys’ basketball vs Owen Valley at Owen Valley.

Jan. 11 9 a.m. – Varsity co-ed wrestling vs Covington at Covington.

9 a.m. – Varsity boys’ wrestling vs Covington at Covington.

7:30 p.m. – Varsity girls’ basketball vs Greencastle at Greencastle.

Jan. 14 6 p.m. – Varsity co-ed wrestling vs Sullivan at Sullivan.

6 p.m. – Varsity boys’ wrestling vs Sullivan at Sullivan.

6:30 p.m. – Varsity girls’ basketball vs West Vigo at West Vigo.

Jan. 16 6:30 p.m. – Varsity girls’ basketball vs Crawfordsville at Cloverdale.

Jan. 17 7:30 p.m. – Junior varsity boys’ basketball vs Cascade at Cascade.

7:30 p.m. – Varsity boys’ basketball vs Cascade at Cascade.

Jan. 18 9 a.m. – Varsity boys’ wrestling at WIC Championships at South Putnam.

9 a.m. – Varsity coed wrestling at WIC Championships at South Putnam.

6 p.m. – Junior varsity boys’ basketball vs White River Valley at Cloverdale.

7:30 p.m. – Varsity boys’ basketball vs White River Valley at Cloverdale.

Jan. 21 6 p.m. – Varsity girls’ basketball vs Eminence at Eminence.

Jan. 23 6 p.m.– Junior varsity boys’ basketball vs North Putnam at Cloverdale.

7:30 p.m. – Varsity boys’ basketball vs North Putnam at Cloverdale.

Jan. 24 6:30 p.m. – Varsity girls’ basketball vs Sullivan at Sullivan.

Jan. 25 9 a.m. – Varsity boys’ wrestling at Bob Hasseman Super Six at Plainfield.

9 a.m. – Varsity coed wrestling at Bob Hasseman Super Six at Plainfield.

6 p.m. – Junior varsity boys’ basketball vs Clay City at Clay City.

7:30 p.m. – Varsity boys’ basketball vs Clay City at Clay City.

Jan. 28 6 p.m. – Junior varsity boys’ wrestling vs Eminence at Eminence.

6 p.m. – Junior varsity co-ed wrestling vs Eminence at Eminence.

7:30 p.m. – Varsity girls’ basketball vs North Daviess at Cloverdale.

Jan. 30 6 p.m. – Junior varsity boys’ basketball vs Northview at Northview.

7:30 p.m. – Varsity boys’ basketball vs Northview at Northview.

Feb. 1 6 p.m. – Junior varsity boys’ basketball vs Eastern Greene at Cloverdale.

7:30 p.m. – Varsity boys’ basketball vs Eastern Greene at Cloverdale.

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THE OWEN NEWS FRIDAY, JAN. 3, 2025

Outdoor Type: Memorable outdoor TV shows

By Larry LaGrange Guest Columnist

Last month was a discussion of televised outdoor shows and some famous names from fishing lore, such as Roland Martin, Bill Dance, Forrest Wood and Jerry McKinnis, of The Fishin’ Hole fame, lure maker Tom Mann, and the original TV angler, Gadabout Gaddis, the Flying Fisherman.

If you remember Gad, you’re an old dude like me. The winters can

be long, and outdoor TV programs help fill the bill until warmer temps arrive.

Speaking of Jerry McKinnis, I recall his coming to a Jasper boat dealer for a seminar, maybe in the eighties.

Patoka Lake was fairly new, but the honeymoon was over, and bass fishing had gotten more difficult.

Jerry had previously aired an episode of fishing Patoka, and he made it look easy, landing nice bass right and left.

An audience member asked about how that great catch came about.

McKinnis said something like, “Well, my camera guy and I were passing through the area on our way to another lake.

We had heard about Patoka, we had a little

time, so we gave it a try one afternoon. I looked around as we motored along, saw an island (the one visible from the beach), and thought there might be some bass around it. I just started casting and hit a nice school.” He made it sound as if catching that kind of fish at Patoka was not really that big a deal.

Someone in the audience, maybe me, groaned. Sometimes you just get lucky. Regardless, Jerry produced and starred in a fine fishing program, a big step up from Gadabout in technical quality but still featuring Jerry’s homespun narration.

One of the outstanding televised fishing shows today is the Bassmasters tournament

program. Hosts Tommy Sanders and former pro Davy Hite and guests narrate the adventures of Elite anglers as they try to get the most bass weight in three or four days of grueling competition, vying for the $100,000 first place prize. The top anglers qualify for the Classic and its windfall of $300,000. The film work is outstanding, and the locales are diverse, from California, Florida, Alabama, Missouri, to New York State. The program’s drama gets intense as the four days unfold. Consult the Bassmaster website for specific TV times.

The Bass Pro Major League Fishing show is also excellent and perhaps more interesting in that there’s less

time between catches.

Of course, there are many other options out there to watch outdoor programs. Youtube is loaded with them, and many are available if you stream. For a good laugh, check out Bill Dance’s flub videos.

That guy is hilarious, and we fishermen can all relate to some of his misadventures.

In the winter it’s nice to watch someone else land a fish or hunt game even if we can’t, but take heart. Spring will arrive before you know it. Outdoor shows on television help January and February go by a little more quickly.

Happy watching.

Driftwood Outdoors: ACE Reauthorization Act

By Brandon Butler Guest Columnist

Policy-focused conservation organizations are applauding the U.S. Senate for unanimously passing America’s Conservation Enhancement (ACE) Reauthorization Act. Having already passed the House of Representatives, ACE now heads to the President’s desk where it is

expected to be signed into law.

There are many legislative acts and rules that benefit conservation and natural resources in our country. But ask a few sportsmen to name a few, and chances are you’ll find little public knowledge of the crucial means by which our way of life is protected, funded and regulated.

ACE includes the reauthorization of one

government initiative sportsmen and wildlife enthusiasts nationwide should be especially interested in, the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA). The NAWCA bolsters fish, wildlife and habitat conservation, and protects access for anglers across the nation.

According to Ducks Unlimited, since its enactment

in 1989, NAWCA has conserved almost 32 million acres and created an average of 7,500 new jobs annually. It is a voluntary matching grant program that leverages non-federal and federal funds for wetland restoration. Every dollar spent by the federal government, on average, receives a $3 match from program partners like

DRIFTWOOD | PAGE 13

Purdue Extension — Looking forward to a good year in 2025

By Jim Luzar Extension Educator, Clay/Owen Counties

I am looking forward to working for Purdue Extension-Owen County in 2025.

I have set some goals for the coming year that I hope provide benefits to the community and justify the county

expenditure. If you have items you would like to see provided by Purdue Extension-Owen County, please contact me at luzar@purdue.edu or call 812-829-5020.

Client Visits I want to visit more farms, landowners and homesteads in 2025. This may involve identifying causal factors of plant and animal problems, identifying opportunities such as farm succession or new enterprise development. I may

have to reach out to a campus specialist, but I am the “boots on the ground” to make contact in the field. There is no charge for a farm visit. Your tax dollars help support this service!

I have a few new tools in the office to assist clients: soil probe, compaction tester, bush honeysuckle puller and forage probe.

Many of these items can be checked out like a library book.

Purdue on the Farm On-farm

applied research is useful to address issues like nutrient management, pest control and cropping practices. Purdue on the Farm is a clientbased program that tracks crop progress through the growing season. I would like to cooperate with two farmers in Owen County in 2025.

Again, this program is not fee based.

Indiana Master Naturalist Program I plan on hosting a class series in April/May of 2025 in Spencer. Class time will be 9 a.m. until noon. Please let me know if you are interested and would like more information.

Owen County 4-H Program My goal is to assist Cassie Abrell and the complement of 4-H volunteers with subject matter materials

and educational support. I will be demonstrating the garden and floriculture projects for the 4-H Project Fair set for Jan. 12.

See Cassie’s article for more details.

Field Days I want to promote an on-site field day each quarter of 2025.

Pond management, woodland stewardship, pasture management and conservation practices are topics that clients have expressed interest in.

These projects have a natural partnership with the Owen County Soil and Water Conservation District and Owen County Farm Bureau. Again, if you have ideas, please let me know.

With respect to customer service, I want to be the best Extension educator in agriculture Owen County can access.

My goal is to return emails and phone calls each week and not “drag out” response time. If I need to secure additional intel, I promise to be as prompt as possible.

January Ag Dates Jan. 7 – IBCA Area 5 Beef meeting at Hilltop Restaurant.

Jan. 14 – Backyard Poultry Program at the Brazil Public Library.

Jan. 16 – Owen County Homesteaders, 5 to 7 p.m., at the Owen County Public Library.

Jan. 22 – Purdue Small Farm Resources Lunch and Learn, 11 a.m. to noon, in the Purdue ExtensionOwen County Office meeting room.

Jan. 30 – Purdue Extension Master Gardener Class starts, 6 to 9 p.m., at the Purdue

12

THE OWEN NEWS FRIDAY, JAN. 3, 2025

New Year, new Purdue Extension programs offered

By Jamie Jo Lowder Health and Human Sciences Educator, Purdue Extension-Owen County

that we set ourselves up for failure. She suggests that instead of making a resolution you do an honest evaluation of yourself and focus on one area that you would like to make a change in.

Harden suggests, ‘“The most important thing is to change your mindset about where you are, what’s feasible, what’s realistic, and what The hustle and bustle environmental support of the holidays has you need to get you drawn to an end, and we there.” The article goes are now embarking on on to say, “To help keep a new year. There are these goals feasible many slogans out there and realistic, Harden such as “New Year, New recommends honing in You,” “New Year, New on what aspect of your Beginnings,” “Seize the life needs improvement New Year” and “This is most: mental health, the Beginning of a New hobbies, finances, social Chapter.” interactions, spiritual wellEach year individuals being or physical health? set out to make this When you focus on that coming year better than area of improvement, the last. They set goals, or you can set short-term resolutions, for what they goals for something soon would like to accomplish. and long-term goals for They give themselves something this time next a word to live by or an year and find the ‘why expectation to live by that behind your why.”’ year. Many times, only to We want you to have give up before we even hit a successful New Year summer. This year I was here at Purdue Extension, reading an article called and we will be ushering “Tips for managing New in some programs that Year’s resolutions and might be able to help staying mindful in 2025,” you do that. I have some written by Samantha programs that I would like Harden in the Virginia to get started, so if you Tech News. She explains are an organization or individual that would be that when we make a interested in any of these resolution it is usually programs please reach something so extreme

out and let me know.

Our Strengthening Families Program: for Parents and Youth ages 10 to 14 is an evidencebased parent, youth and family skills-building curriculum that reduces teen substance abuse and other behavior problems, strengthens parent/ youth communication skills, increases academic success in youth and reduces violence and aggressive behavior at home and at school. If you, as an organization or individual families, would like to be a part of this wonderful program please let me know.

Another program that I am working on is a Get Walk’IN coming up in the spring. This will be a program/challenge that we will do around the courthouse from noon to 1 p.m. Anyone is welcome. Stay tuned for more information.

Here are some programs that I already have on the schedule for this winter and heading into spring: Safe Sitter – Jan. 25 at Patricksburg Elementary School, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The cost is $30/ person, and we will have CPR certification included in this class. This is for children in grades 6 to 8.

This program is designed to prepare students to be safe when they’re home

alone, watching younger siblings, or babysitting.

The instructor-led class is filled with fun games and role-playing exercises.

Students even get to use mannequins to practice rescue skills like choking rescue.

Dining with Diabetes – Jan. 21, Jan. 28 and Feb. 4 and Feb. 11, starting at 5:30 p.m. at Heritage Baptist Church in Coal City. This is a free program sponsored by the Owen County Health Department. Nutrition and physical activity are keys to managing your Type 2 Diabetes. But where do you start? The Dining with Diabetes program can help! Dining with Diabetes consists of four sessions and a reunion. Adults with Type 2 Diabetes (or who are at risk) are invited to participate as well as family members, caregivers, and support people. You must preregister for this class at https://cvent.me/N0aody.

If you have any questions or need help registering, please call the office at 812-829-5020.

Parents Forever – Feb. 13 from 1-5 p.m. at the Owen County-Purdue Extension Office. This is an educational program for families experiencing divorce, separation, a change in child custody or who are just wanting

to learn how to parent better together. Please pre-register for this event by calling 812-829-5020 or emailing lowder0@ purdue.edu.

Matter of Balance – Weekly from Feb. 25 to April 15 – Matter of Balance – from 10 a.m. to noon at Heritage Baptist Church in Coal City. Many older adults experience concerns about falling and restrict their activities.

A Matter of Balance is an award-winning evidencebased fall prevention program designed to manage falls and increase activity levels. This is a free program for those 60 and older thanks to the Area 10 Agency on Aging. For those younger than 60 who would like to participate there is a $25 fee. There is limited seating available for this program and pre-registration is required. The link for this program is https://cvent. me/9x5RwV. If you have any questions or need help registering, please call the office at 812-8295020.

If there is a program that you would like to see in the areas of food, finance, family and/or health please reach out to me and let me know what you are interested in: lowder0@purdue.edu.

13

THE OWEN NEWS FRIDAY, JAN. 3, 2025

Openings, tax service and board meetings

By Ginger Kohr OCPL Director A new year is a good time to try new things, start a new occupation, form new interests and make new friends.

The Owen County Public Library could be the place to begin for two or three people, as we are currently accepting applications for a clerk’s job and for some unique and interesting positions on our staff.

Does it seem like you know almost everyone

in Owen County? Do you enjoy stories about things that have happened here in the past? Do you think it is important to keep track of current events in the county because they will someday be history?

Do you enjoy looking up the answers to questions?

If so, you might be the person we are looking for to fill our Genealogy position.

Would you enjoy creating and/or hosting programs that would help people of all ages grow, learn, express their

creativity, solve problems and enjoy themselves?

You might be right for our Programmer position.

Are you looking for your first job? A new job?

A post-retirement job?

Would you like to join our staff as a circulation clerk?

Training is provided for all these positions.

Come in and ask for an application. See our Facebook page for more details.

OCPL will once again provide the Vita Free Tax Service this year and will be making appointments

later in January. Please watch for notice when we begin taking appointments.

The tax service will run from Feb. 4 through April 12; Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Thursdays and Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

We are accepting volunteers to serve as greeters for those coming to get their taxes prepared. We need greeters on Tuesdays and Saturdays. A short training session is

provided for the few duties of the greeter.

There is a deadline for training completion.

Please call 812-829-3392, option 2.

The Board of Directors meetings of the Owen County Public Library will continue to be held in the Library Vault in 2025.

Meetings will begin at 5 p.m. on the third Monday of each month. Check postings in the library for any changes.

Season’s greetings and best wishes for the New Year!

4-H Project Fair is Jan. 12 at fairgrounds

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DRIFTWOOD | PAGE 16

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President’s desk for his signature.

This legislation demonstrates yet again that conservation and issues of importance to sportsmen and women continue to be bipartisan issues across Congress,” said CSF President and CEO Jeff Crane. “We look forward to the President quickly signing this bill into law to deliver on-the-ground, meaningful conservation for fish and wildlife as well as a key protection for our nation’s anglers.”

The ACE Reauthorization Act

Local help with your Medicare questions.

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the fair will provide a glimpse into the diverse activities that make 4-H such a rewarding experience.

For more information about the 4-H Project Fair or to learn how to get involved in 4-H, visit the Owen County 4-H Facebook page or contact the 4-H Youth Development Educator, Cassie Linville, at 812-8295020 or cassiel@ purdue.edu.

Join us on Jan. 12 for an afternoon of discovery and fun – and take the first step toward a year of growth and learning through 4-H!

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of legislators at the national and state levels, CSF works tirelessly for sportsmen and women in Washington, D.C. and in statehouses nationwide, regardless of the political landscape, to pass legislation beneficial to fish and wildlife, and our rights and privileges to hunt and fish.

“CSF thanks the Congressional Sportsmen’s caucus members who were instrumental in seeing the ACE Reauthorization Act clear Congress and head to the

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Ducks Unlimited. NAWCA grants totaling more than $2.1 billion have leveraged over $4.3 billion for NAWCA projects through matching funds. The ACE Act reauthorizes NAWCA at $60 million a year until 2030.

“America’s Conservation Enhancement Reauthorization Act impacts many of North America’s foundational conservation programs,” said Ducks Unlimited CEO Adam Putnam. “From national initiatives like NAWCA to

this year can also get assistance with signing up as a volunteer and completing the enrollment process.

This is an excellent opportunity to get a head start on the 4-H year and ensure your child can participate in their favorite projects.

We encourage enrollment by Jan. 15 to enjoy the full program year of activities, events and workshops!

The 4-H Project Fair is a great way to learn about the many opportunities available through 4-H and get inspired for the upcoming year.

Whether a child is interested in animals, arts, robotics or community service,

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regional partnerships like the Chesapeake Bay Program, this bill will strengthen our ability to conserve wetlands and other waterfowl habitat in all 50 states.

Its passage indicates a strong finish for the 118th Congress, and we thank Reps. Wittman and Thompson and Sens. Carper and Capito for their leadership.

We look forward to carrying this bipartisan momentum for conservation into the new year.”

ACE was a priority for the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF). Made up

Owen County 4-H Fair.

In addition to discovering new 4-H projects, families can also enroll in 4-H at the event. Those who sign up during the event will receive a $5 discount on the 4-H enrollment fee. This makes enrollment for mini4-H members in grades K-2 FREE for the program year and regular 4-H members in grades 3-12 only $15 for the year! Volunteers will be available to guide families through the enrollment process and help new members choose their projects for the year.

Adult volunteers interested in serving as a 4-H volunteer

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DRIFTWOOD | FROM PAGE 11

entomology display will introduce young visitors to the fascinating world of insects, with project guidelines, fun facts and handson activities with Purdue Universities Entomology Department.

Attendees can learn about the life cycles of insects, their roles in the environment and how studying them connects to larger fields of science. For kids interested in biology and ecology, entomology offers a unique and engaging way to explore the natural world. Special incentives will be shared at our Project Fair for completing the Entomology Project at the 2025

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If you’re looking for a fun and educational way to get involved in 4-H, mark your calendar for the 4-H Project Fair set for Jan. 12, from 2 to 4 p.m. in the 4-H Exhibit Hall at the Owen County Fairgrounds. This event is designed to introduce local youth and their families to the exciting world of 4-H and provide

hands-on experience with a wide variety of 4-H projects.

At the project fair, attendees will have the opportunity to explore interactive displays and demonstrations that highlight the many projects available through 4-H. From arts, crafts and photography, to science, technology and agriculture, there’s something for everyone. The event will give kids the chance to see how they can get involved in these projects, learn new skills and find areas that spark their interests.

A special focus of this year’s event will be the 2025 Project of the Year: Entomology. The

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By Cassie Linville 4-H Youth Development Educator

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THE OWEN NEWS FRIDAY, JAN. 3, 2025

Ramblings: Winter woodpecker visitors

By Annie Bright Guest Columnist

Gray clouds rode low over the cornfield; tiny flakes of snow swirled in the chilly morning air.

I was snug in my living room as I watched the small crew of starlings fight over the suet cake.

Starlings are not what I had hoped to attract when I put the suet cake in the gum ball tree. Sturnus vulgaris, the European starling, is a common bird that many consider a nuisance. The breed was introduced to North America in the

late 1800s in New York.

They are now one of the most common birds throughout the country. They will take up residence wherever humans live. They will eat anything… garbage, worms, insects, seeds and fruit. They have a straight tapered bill and very strong muscles in their necks. They usually travel in large flocks.

Luckily, the flock that is devouring the suit cake is small.

The midsize black birds will nest just about any place – crevices in buildings, or trees or birdhouses meant for other birds. They are easy to spot as they do not look like other birds. Their fat little bodies waddle about the ground searching for bits of corn or seeds that have fallen from the suet cake.

The starlings have

short, square tails. This morning their feathers are fluffed up to hold the air for heat, making them look even fatter.

Their black bodies are sprinkled with white spots. The adult breeding males have a spot of iridescent on their shoulders and neck. If the sun were shining it would be glistening. Their voice is a harsh chatter mixed with gurgling hiss. They can imitate other birds’ calls. They flit about the suet cake fighting each other for a beak full of the seed filled suet. I do not begrudge them their breakfast. It is cold, and they need to eat.

I was wishing for a visit from the little brown creeper or the downy woodpecker that has been visiting me.

The downy woodpecker, Picoides pubescens, is often confused

with the larger hairy woodpecker, Picoides villosus. Downy woodpeckers are only about six or seven inches long. The small black and white bird is common in any wooded habitat. They are very common in the town of Spencer. Probably because of all the trees that line the streets and alleys and the White River that winds around the south edge of town.

The downy is more common than the hairy. Other than size there are very few ways to distinguish the two species. Both males have red spots on the back of their heads. Both have white bellies. When flying the underside of their wings show black and white stripes. Both have black beaks. The small differences are not very noticeable; the downy

has a small tuft of nasal bristles. They also have a short, slow drum. The Hairy is about nine and a half inches long. They are not as common as their smaller lookalike.

They prefer the safety of mature woods.

Their call is a sharper, stronger peek. They drum extremely fast and for a longer time. They often visited the feeders on the Ridge during the cold days of winter.

Both species are fun to watch scamper up and down trees as they search for food. The presence of the little black and white visitor makes me happy. I am hoping he will return when the starlings leave.

It is wise to appreciate nature in all forms, so I will enjoy watching while the starlings have their breakfast. ‘til next time, Annie

It’s Just a Country State of Mind: What’s in your lunch box?

By Susan Anderson Guest Columnist When I was in first grade, the small school I attended didn’t have a hot lunch program. We all had to bring our lunches. You could say that lunchtime was our social time of the day.

There were two groups of lunch kids: those who carried their lunch in a brown bag, and those that carried a lunchbox.

I was a brown bagger myself.

My mother must not have believed in lunchboxes because I always carried those brown paper bags

to school. Only a few of the elite kids had lunchboxes.

Probably 90 percent of the class were brown baggers.

We were ranked by the kind of lunch container we used.

The lunchbox kids sat together at one table, and the brown baggers at another.

It was a fun time at lunch to compare our lunches: what we brought and how much. It was almost like a competition at times to see who had the best lunch.

A lot of trading and bargaining went on as well. If you didn’t like what your mother packed for you, if you were lucky, you could pawn it off on some unsuspecting victim.

When my family went to the grocery store, my mother would let me pick out what I wanted to take for my lunch.

I always picked the same things.

Pickle Pimento loaf sandwiches, bananas, fig bars and potato chips.

I was a creature of habit.

I didn’t have too many takers on my lunch selection, but I did not want to trade anyway. Most of the sandwiches offered up consisted of some sort of lunch meat or peanut butter and jelly. Occasionally someone would break up the monotony.

One day a kid named Ralph brought an unusual sandwich to school.

He bragged about how good it was.

I always thought during my whole six years of existence that eggs were for breakfast. But when the egg sandwich surfaced out of his brown bag,

all the boys lit up.

Excitement rang out in their voices and trades were being offered. A Twinkie for an egg sandwich?

How about an apple? It still made no sense to me.

Finally, the coveted egg sandwich would find its way to a new owner while Ralph on the other hand ended up with the motherload of some kid’s lunch. The lucky winner of the egg sandwich held his prize for everyone to see.

Later on down the road, I would learn the truth. It turned out that Ralph was smarter than most of us.

You see he really didn’t like those egg sandwiches that his mother made for him. But he pretended to like them. Ralph went on about those old sandwiches like

they were made of gold. After a while, everyone started believing him. Soon, everyone wanted Ralph’s sandwiches.

His sandwiches became legendary.

To win one from him was the highest reward. That’s what I would call good marketing. He was a natural salesman. In the order of things, I would say that Ralph had arrived. He had found his niche early in life. He was head of the hierarchy of the first-grade lunches. He was king of the brown paper bags. He had a great run that year.

That is until the following year. That’s when the school started serving hot lunches and that pretty much did away with our lunch trading program.

From then on, most of us bought our lunches. We were

all served the same thing every day so there was nothing left to trade.

Those first-grade years are long gone but every now and then, when I eat a Fig Newton bar, I remember that small classroom of long ago.

We were all entrepreneurs in the making. And we were in the presence of genius and didn’t even know it. Sometimes I still think about Ralph and wonder if he is out there somewhere, still pedaling those egg sandwiches. He might even have his own fast-food chain by now. Guess I will never know. But the real question here is, “What’s in your lunchbox?”

Happy New Year!

Susan

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THE OWEN NEWS FRIDAY, JAN. 3, 2025

S-OCS hosts annual career expo

By Kris Sammick S-OCS Director of Communications Spencer-Owen Community Schools (S-OCS) recently held its highly anticipated Annual Fifth Grade Career Expo, offering students a unique opportunity to learn about a wide range of careers. This event served as a platform to inspire students, broaden their horizons and encourage them to start thinking about their future paths.

The importance of early career exposure cannot be overstated.

At this pivotal stage in their development, fifth graders are naturally curious and eager to learn. By introducing them to various careers early on, they gain a better understanding of the possibilities that lie ahead. Events like the Career Expo help students connect classroom learning to real-world applications, giving them a sense of purpose and motivation to pursue their dreams.

Community Volunteers: The Heart of the Expo The success of the Career Expo would not have been possible without the incredible support of our community volunteers.

These dedicated professionals took time out of their busy schedules to share their experiences, educate students about the training and education required for their jobs, and emphasize the importance of essential workplace skills.

We extend our deepest gratitude to the following volunteers who made this event truly special: Andrea Miles – Nurse Practitioner Dr. Mike Robison – Principal Shelby VanDerMoere – Mobile Health Program Manager Cassie Linville – 4-H Youth Development Cory Bougher –

Remote Instructional Designer Crystal Minnick & Vickie Dibbern – Respiratory Therapy Joey Miles – Cybersecurity Ashley Fleetwood – Attorney Larry Hensley – Director of Finance Nicole DeCriscio – Newspaper Reporter Eric Reno – Safety Manager Dr. Grant Minnemeyer – Veterinarian Crystal Heidrick – RN, Case Management Jamie Neibel – Emergency Management Rick Smeltzer – Engineer Jarrod Jacobs – Preacher Mychal Doering – Career Coach Samantha Carver – Real Estate Professional Heather Gott – Workers’ Compensation Claims Adjuster Jasmine St. John – Proactive MD Opie Rhienhart & Ryan Bonebrake – School Resource Officers Kim Stahl – IU Health Quality Management Matt Floyd – Transportation Director Stephanie Hoadley & Carmen Wall – Insurance Services Cassie Arthur – Registered Nurse David Elmore – Retired Army Veteran Melissa Arnold – QA Documentation (BSC) Brandi Wright & Ashley Hollows – Engineers (BSC)

Kennon Wright & Kelly McVicker – BSC Planning Melissa Gillenwater – OVHS JAG Instructor and Students Steve and Deanna Stickels – Community Leaders Learning Beyond Careers In addition to learning about specific career paths, students were introduced to the critical “soft skills” needed for success in the workplace.

These skills, including communication, teamwork, problemsolving and adaptability, are essential for thriving in any profession.

Many volunteers shared their personal career journeys, emphasizing the importance of determination, hard work and continuous learning. By hearing these real-world stories, students gained valuable insights into the challenges and rewards of pursuing

FROM TOP: Nearly 170 fifth graders from across the district gathered in the gymnasium at McCormick’s Creek Elementary School to learn about a variety of careers. // Local Boston Scientific engineers Brandi Wright and Ashley Hollows volunteered their time at the Fifth Grade Career Expo to share what they do each day at work. // OVHS alumnus and Bloomington attorney Ashley Fleetwood spoke to groups of fifth graders about the education necessary to become a lawyer. PHOTOS SUBMITTED BY S-OCS. various careers.

A Community Effort to Build the Future The Annual Fifth Grade Career Expo was a testament to the strength and commitment of our community to support the next generation.

By coming together, parents, educators and professionals provided

students with a memorable experience that will help guide their future aspirations.

S-OCS is proud to host events like this that inspire, educate and empower students.

Together, we are shaping future leaders and equipping them with the tools they need to succeed.

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Visit us at www.personalfinancialservices.net or call us at (812) 822-2119 to find out more.

Elizabeth Ruh, EA Personal Financial Services, LLC 1612 S Liberty Dr, Ste B Bloomington, IN 47403

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THE OWEN NEWS FRIDAY, JAN. 3, 2025

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in m s i r u o moting T

! y t n u o C n e Ow Pro

The Owen County Community Foundation partnered up again with the Spencer FOP and staff from Spencer’s Walmart to help support over 80 kids in need in Owen County. Families were able to bring their children to come shop with local officers for clothing, winter coats and a special toy for each child. PHOTOS SUBMITTED BY AARON LAGRANGE.

DRIFTWOOD | FROM PAGE 13 includes a five-year protection to prohibit the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from regulating the use of lead fishing tackle under the purview of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). Despite efforts by the environmental community, the EPA has consistently reaffirmed that they do not have the authority to regulate lead tackle under TSCA. ACE will fund projects and programs nationwide. For most state fish and game agencies, federal funding is crucial for management and upkeep of public resources.

“These programs are indispensable to the scientific management of our natural resources, empowering state agencies to ensure abundant fish and wildlife, healthy habitats, and

recreational opportunities for all Americans,” said Judith Camuso, Commissioner of the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and President of the Association. “On behalf of the state agencies entrusted to steward these resources and the millions of hunters, anglers and outdoor recreationists across the country, we thank Chairman Carper (D-DE), Ranking Member Capito (R-WV) and the entire Senate for once again passing this bill unanimously.”

The original co-sponsors of ACE were Senators Boozman (RAR), Cardin (D-MD), Mullin (R-OK), Padilla (D-CA), Van Hollen (D-MD), Whitehouse (D-RI) and Wicker (R-MS).

See you down the trail…

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

Cataract Falls

Indiana’s largest waterfall by volume

Stop by the Visitors Center

Discover what’s happening in the county and get information about local attractions. Check out our monthly newsletter and our events calendar on our website.

We’re here to help you plan your visit.

Contact us today!

(812) 714-8110 facebook.com /sweetowencvb sweetowencvb.org 54 East Market Street, Spencer owentourism@gmail.com