The Owen News -- May 3, 2024 (Vol. 1, Issue 2)

Public comment policy change

By Nicole DeCriscio Correspondent

The Owen County Board of Commissioners approved an updated public comment policy during their April 17 meeting. The conversation started with County Attorney Dana Kerr reading the draft policy out loud. “The handbook on

Indiana’s Public Access Laws from the Office of the Public Access Counselor states that Indiana’s Open Door Law ‘does not guarantee the right to speak at public meetings. Although an

individual has the right to attend and observe all public proceedings, no specific statutory authority allows an individual to appear before and address a governing body. A

governing body may choose to provide an opportunity for comments or discussion at any time or may allow a limited number

JUSTICE FOR ‘BIZZY’

Jay White convicted in murder of Elizabeth ‘Bizzy’ Stevens

By Travis Curry Correspondent

A39-year-old

Spencer man was convicted on April 24 in connection with the Sept. 14, 2021 death of Elizabeth “Bizzy” Stevens.

An Owen County jury returned verdicts finding Jay White guilty of murder and obstruction of justice, concluding a sevenday jury trial. Special Judge Darcie Fawcett, of

Monroe County, entered a judgment of conviction based on the jury’s verdict.

Owen County Prosecutor Benjamin Kim and Deputy Prosecutor Robert Garrett represented the State of Indiana at the trial, where White was accused of shooting Stevens, 26, also of Spencer, while they were both passengers in a vehicle.

“There was a passerby who found a dead body on Texas Pike and called

it in [to Owen County Security Center Dispatch],” Owen County Sheriff Ryan White told The Owen News. “When our units arrived, they found who they later identified as Elizabeth Stevens deceased due to extreme head trauma.”

An autopsy conducted the following day in Terre Haute determined Stevens succumbed to a single gunshot wound to the back of the head.

JUSTICE | PAGE 6

Jail project committee established

By Nicole DeCriscio Correspondent

Discussion of

building a new county jail has been ongoing for at least a decade, with additional taxes being levied as recently as 2020 to fund the project.

The current jail was dedicated in March of 1987 while the late Harley Melton was sheriff. It replaced a small jail located half

a block north of the courthouse and west of the Tivoli Theatre.

The special joint meeting last month with the Owen County Council and Board of County Commissioners to discuss the project was standing room only.

All three county commissioners – Gary Burton, Bob Curry and Joel Lowe – were present along with council members Andy Wood, Steve Carrell, Amy Casebeer, Nick

Robertson, Polly Chesser and Anton Neff.

“We want to make it real clear that there is no current jail proposal on the table. There is no jail being built. It’s still in conversation.

That’s why we’re all here tonight,” Commissioners President Burton said.

“There’s been talk on social media that we’re raising taxes; none of that’s true.”

Burton said that the council established a tax in 2020 that took

effect in January of 2021.

“Everybody in this room that is an Owen County citizen is already paying that tax, so there is no tax increase,” Burton said. “So again, just a quick update: we’re not raising your taxes and there’s no $40 million jail on the table.”

The project relies on the two government bodies working together – the commissioners are responsible for signing

EPA soil testing continues

By Nicole DeCriscio Correspondent

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has started remedial investigation into the Franklin Street Groundwater Contamination in Spencer.

The site was added to the national priorities list in May of 2018, but work to start the remedial investigation, the next step in the site milestones, did not start until last fall, with the testing starting earlier this year.

The contaminant tetrachloroethene (PCE) was first detected by Bean Blossom Patricksburg (BBP) Water Corporation in 2011 and has been completely removed from the treated water since 2017. Even at the initial detection, the contaminnat’s levels were 1.2 parts per billion (ppb), which is under the maximum contaminant level set by the EPA at 5 ppb.

“We’re the ones that found the problem in the first place because we do annual water testing,” BBP CEO Todd Gardner said.

“Even though the finished water was under

Commissioners update requirements at recent meeting Owen News Celebrates Launch

The Owen County Chamber of Commerce (OCCC) has announced plans to host a ribbon cutting ceremony to commemorate the recent print launch of The Owen News, the only non-profit local newspaper in Indiana. The event will take place Friday, May 17, from noon to 1 p.m. at the OCCC’s Exchange Coworking space and Fiber Garden, 114 S. Main St., Spencer. The Fiber Garden is located behind OCCC.

Community members, local government offi cials, business owners, and those

Elizabeth “Bizzy” Stevens’ headstone asks for “Justice for Biz.” On April 24, an Owen County jury found 39-year-old Jay White guilty of the Spencer woman’s Sept. 14, 2021 murder. TRAVIS CURRY| THE OWEN NEWS

TRUSTED NEWS FOR A THRIVING COMMUNITY

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ABOUT THE OWEN NEWS

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Downtown Spencer during eclipse totality

Owen County was in the path of totality during the April 8 solar eclipse. While crowds were smaller than anticipated, there were tourists from several states including Georgia, Wisconsin and Washington. There were activities to celebrate the historical moment at the Owen County Fairgrounds and in downtown Spencer with a shuttle between events and parking at Owen Valley High School. Downtown Spencer can be seen during totality from the roof of the Spencer Pride commUnity center.

Government Meeting Calendar

May 6

Spencer Town Council meeting, 6 p.m. at the Spencer Municipal Building, 90 N. West St., Spencer. Open to the public.

May 7

Primary Election Day, Owen County Courthouse closed.

May 9

Spencer-Owen School Board meeting, 7 p.m. in the Owen Valley High School auditorium. Open to the public.

May 13

Owen County Council meeting, 6 p.m. in the Commissioners Room, second floor of the Owen County Courthouse, 60 S. Main St., Spencer. Open to the public.

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

Cloverdale Community School Board of Trustees meeting, 7 p.m. in the Arthur L. Johnson Administration Building, 310 E. Logan St., Cloverdale. Open to the public.

May 14

Gosport Town Council meeting, 7 p.m. in the Gosport Community Building, 301 N. Ninth St., Gosport. Open to the public.

May 15

Owen County Board of Commissioners meeting, 9 a.m. in the Commissioners

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.

Correction

Mike Miller was erroneously listed as the vice president of the Gosport Town Board in “Gosport without utility clerk, again” published on April 5. Ernie Arnold is the vice president of the Gosport Town Board.

Room, second floor of the Owen County Courthouse 60 S. Main St., Spencer. Open to the public.

May 16

Owen County Board of Zoning Appeals meeting, 7 p.m. in the Commissioners Room, second floor of the Owen County Courthouse, 60 S. Main St., Spencer. Open to the public.

May 20

Spencer Town Council meeting, 6 p.m. at the Spencer Municipal Building, 90 N. West St., Spencer. Open to the public.

May 21

Owen County Advisory Plan Commission meeting, 6:30 p.m. in the Commissioners Room, second floor of the Owen County Courthouse, 60 S. Main St., Spencer. Open to the public.

May 23

Spencer-Owen School Board meeting, 7 p.m. in the Mike Wells Memorial Board Room at Central Office,

205 E. Hillside Ave., Spencer. Open to the public.

May 27

Memorial Day, Owen County Courthouse closed.

May 28

Spencer Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals meeting, 6 p.m. at the Spencer Municipal Building, 90 N. West Street. Open to the public. Council meeting, 7 p.m. in the Gosport Community Building, 301 N. Ninth Street in Gosport. Open to the public

June 3

Spencer Town Council meeting, 6 p.m. at the Spencer Municipal Building, 90 N. West Street. Open to the public.

June 5

Owen County Board of Commissioners meeting, 9 a.m. in the Commissioners Room, second floor of the Owen County Courthouse 60 S. Main St., Spencer. Open to the public.

PHOTO BY NICOLE DECRISCIO | THE OWEN NEWS

Hess awarded scholarship at annual Art Guild auction

Community Events Calendar

May 4

Primary Election early voting, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Owen County Courthouse, 60 S. Main St., Spencer. Owen County Clean-Up Day, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dumpsters will be located at the Owen County Highway Department, Franklin Township Volunteer Fire Department (VFD) in Freedom, Poland VFD, Thatcher Trucking in Coal City, and the Patricksburg VFD. Free. Specifically excluded items include construction debris, building materials, tires, paint, liquid waste, electronics and hazardous waste.

Cloverdale Farmers’ and Makers’ Market, 8 a.m. to noon, adjacent to 302 S. Main St., Cloverdale.

Owen County Farmers’ Market, opening day, 8:30 a.m. to noon. Musical guest is High Sierra. Market is located adjacent to Babbs Supermarket at 459 W. Morgan St., Spencer. Weather permitting.

Owen Valley Sports Complex Spring Kicko, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The parade starts at 10 a.m. There will be an inaugural irst pitch thrown by the school’s SROs, a free dunk tank, scrimmages, give aways, a silent auction and more.

May 7

Primary Election Day, polls open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. A full list of locations can be found on page 4. All facilities are handicap accessible.

Gosport Farmers’ Market, 3 to 6 p.m. in the Gosport Town Park.

Owen Valley FFA & Ag Boosters Pet Vaccination Clinic, 5 to 7 p.m., Franklin Township VFD, in Freedom

Strengthening Families Program, hosted by Owen County Purdue Extension, 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Owen Valley Middle School. This is a free seven-week program for families with children ages 10 to 14, to be held each Tuesday, May 7 to June 18. Preregistration required by calling 812-821-5020 or emailing lowder0@ purdue.edu.

Cataract Lake Area Crime Watch meeting, 6:30 p.m. at the Cataract Volunteer Fire Department. Everyone welcome.

May 8

Harrison Homemakers meeting, noon at the Owen County-Purdue Extension office, 180 S. Washington St., Spencer. For more information, call 812-829-5020.

Caring for Caregivers, a support group for caregivers, noon to 1:30 p.m., Owen County Public Library.

Free showing of “Love & Mercy,” 1 p.m. and 7 p.m., at the Historic Tivoli Theatre, 24 N. Washington St., Spencer. Sponsored by McAuley Law, LLC.

May 9

Owen Valley FFA & Ag Boosters Pet Vaccination Clinic, 5 to 7 p.m., McCormick ' s Creek Elementary School.

Owen County Homesteaders, 4 to 6 p.m., Owen County Public Library.

White River Beekeepers meeting, 6:30 p.m. in the Owen County Public Library’s upstairs meeting room. Open to beekeepers and those interested in beekeeping.

May 10

The Chamber of Commerce will host their Unstoppable Women event from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at The Canyon Inn, 451 McCormick Creek Park Rd., Spencer. Tickets are $25, include lunch and a gift and can be purchased online or by calling 812-829-3245.

May 11

Cloverdale Farmers’ and Makers’ Market, 8 a.m. to noon, adjacent to 302 S. Main St., Cloverdale.

Owen County Farmers’ Market, 8:30 a.m. to noon. Musical guest is Tom Petry. Market is located adjacent to Babbs Supermarket at 459 W. Morgan St., Spencer. Weather permitting.

Owen Valley FFA & Ag Boosters Pet Vaccination Clinic, 2 to 4 p.m., Owen Valley High School.

May 12

Indiana Free Fishing Day. You can fish in the state’s public waters without a fishing license on this day. All other rules such as seasons, bag limits and size limits apply.

MiaRose Hess was awarded a $500 scholarship during the Third Annual Owen County Art Guild Auction. Hess plans to study business management and entrepreneurship at Cedarville University in Ohio. She will also be playing her violin and singing. Hess (left) posed for a photo with Owen County Art Guild President Leslie Asher. This year’s auction was the third annual event and took place on April 20. The proceeds from the auction supports both the guild and allows them to give out an annual scholarship. This year’s featured artist was Niki Gessler. Gessler auctioned off a painting of the iconic chicken that can be seen at one of the entrances to the Owen County Fairgrounds. NICOLE DECRISCIO | THE OWEN NEWS

May 13

Jolly Homemakers meeting, 1 p.m. at the Freedom Community Center, 5558 FreedomArney Rd., Freedom. For more information, call 812-829-5020.

Owen Valley FFA & Ag Boosters Pet Vaccination Clinic, 5 to 7 p.m., Bowling Green Fire Department.

May 14

St. Vincent Mobile Mammogram Bus will be located behind the Spencer-Owen Community Schools’ administration building, 205 E. Hillside Ave., Spencer. Mammograms are free, but appointments are required. For more information, or to schedule an appointment, call the Owen County Health Department at 812-8295017.

Gosport Farmers’ Market, 3 to 6 p.m. in the Gosport Town Park.

Braysville Homemakers meeting, 5:30 p.m. in the upstairs meeting room at the Historic Tivoli Theatre in Spencer. Elevator access is available. For more information, call 812-8295020.

May 15

Caring for Caregivers, a support group for caregivers, noon to 1:30 p.m., Owen County Public Library.

Owen Valley FFA & Ag Boosters Pet Vaccination Clinic, 5 to 7 p.m., Gosport Elementary School.

May 16

Calico Homemakers meeting, 4 p.m. Meetings are held at a different restaurant each month. For more information, call 812-829-5020.

May 17

The Owen News Ribbon Cutting, noon at the Owen County Chamber of Commerce, 120 S. Main St., Spencer. Celebrate the recent launch of Indiana’s only non-profit newspaper. Lunch will be provided, and RSVPs appreciated. Open to the public.

May 18

Cloverdale Farmers’ and Makers’ Market, 8 a.m. to noon, adjacent to 302 S. Main St., Cloverdale.

Owen County Farmers’ Market, 8:30 a.m. to

noon. Musical guest is Rick LeDune. Market is located adjacent to Babbs Supermarket at 459 W. Morgan St., Spencer. Weather permitting.

Owen Valley High School Commencement Ceremony, Class of 2024, 10 a.m. in the OVHS gymnasium

May 21

Gosport Farmers’ Market, 3 to 6 p.m. in Gosport Town Park. “The Greatest Show” Summer Kick-Off, 3 to 5 p.m., at the Gosport Christian Church. Carnival-style games, face painting, dunk booth, prizes, cotton candy and popcorn, and more. Open to kids in grades 1 to 12. Parents/guardians are encouraged to attend.

Owen Valley FFA & Ag Boosters Pet Vaccination Clinic, 4 to 7 p.m., Owen Valley High School.

May 22

Caring for Caregivers, a support group for caregivers, noon to 1:30 p.m., Owen County Public Library. Free showing of “Get On Up,” 1 p.m. and 7 p.m., at the Historic Tivoli Theatre, 24 N. Washington St., Spencer. Sponsored by VentFest.

May 23

Owen Valley FFA & Ag Boosters Pet Vaccination Clinic, 4 to 7 p.m., Owen Valley High School

May 25

Cloverdale Farmers’ and Makers’ Market, 8 a.m. to noon, adjacent to 302 S. Main St., Cloverdale. Owen County Farmers’ Market, 8:30 a.m. to noon. Musical guest is Michael Norris. Market is located adjacent to Babbs Supermarket at 459 W. Morgan St., Spencer. Weather permitting. Cloverdale High School Commencement Ceremony, Class of 2024, 3 p.m. in the CHS gymnasium

May 27

Spencer Main Street monthly meeting, 6:30 p.m. in the Viquesney Room at the Historic Tivoli Theatre, 24 N. Washington Street, Spencer. Open to the public.

May 28

Gosport Farmers’

Market, 3 to 6 p.m. in Gosport Town Park.

May 29

Caring for Caregivers, a support group for caregivers, noon to 1:30 p.m., Owen County Public Library. Free showing of “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. at the Historic Tivoli Theatre, 24 N. Washington Street, Spencer. Sponsored by Frederick A Turner, attorney at law.

May 31

The 9th Annual Sweet Owen Flea, noon to 6 p.m., at the Owen County Fairgrounds, Spencer. For more information, call or text 812-322-4322.

June 1

Indiana Free Fishing Day. You can fish in the state’s public waters without a fishing license on this day. All other rules such as seasons, bag limits, and size limits apply.

Cloverdale Farmers’ and Makers’ Market, 8 a.m. to noon, adjacent to 302 S. Main St., Cloverdale.

Owen County Farmers’ Market, 8:30 a.m. to noon. Market is located adjacent to Babbs Supermarket at 459 W. Morgan St., Spencer. Weather permitting.

The 9th Annual Sweet Owen Flea, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Owen County Fairgrounds, Spencer. For more information, call or text 812-322-4322.

June 2

Indiana Free Fishing Day. You can fish in the state’s public waters without a fishing license on this day. All other rules such as seasons, bag limits and size limits apply.

June 4

Gosport Farmers’ Market, 3 to 6 p.m. in the Gosport Town Park. Cataract Lake Area Crime Watch meeting, 6:30 p.m. at the Cataract Volunteer Fire Department. Everyone welcome.

June 6

Coal City Crime Watch meeting, 7 p.m. at the Jefferson Baptist Church in Coal City. Everyone welcome.

Spencer Main Street hosts annual Tailgate on the Square

Spencer Main Street hosted its 4th Annual Tailgate on the Square event on Saturday, April 27th. The five-hour sale welcomed a steady crowd of bargain hunters to East Market Street, including Leslie Nieves of Spencer whose interest was piqued by several books being offered for sale by Becky Schrock of Poland. Two dozen vendors took part in the event, which also featured live music by Samuel McGuire and Tom Petry. Steve Withem and his smoker trailer, “Baby,” were also on hand, tempting attendees with the aroma of grilled hamburgers and hotdogs. TRAVIS CURRY | THE OWEN NEWS

of comments or limited amount of time for comments on matters under consideration. During certain meetings, a provision for public comment may be required by statute or local ordinance,’” Kerr read directly from the policy.

a person’s statement when the statement is too lengthy, personally directed, abusive, obscene or irrelevant.

Board President Gary Burton said that creating the policy was discussed about a month prior and it was ready for their consideration.

Election voting, coverage

Staff Report

The 2024 Primary Election will take place Tuesday, May 7, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. at each of the eight local vote center locations. Vote centers will be located at:

Faith Baptist Church (11612 State Road 243, Cloverdale)

Millgrove United Methodist Church (11151 Millgrove Rd., Quincy)

Lighthouse Fellowship Church (5392 State Road 67, Gosport)

Clay Township Fire Department (5663 State Road 43, Spencer)

Freedom Community Center (5552 (Freedom-Arney Rd., Freedom)

Jefferson Baptist Church (4019 Main St., Coal City)

Garrard Chapel Church (7410 W. State Road 46, Bowling Green)

Spencer Nazarene Church (126 E. Market St., Spencer)

Registered voters can choose to cast their ballot at any one of the eight vote

centers, regardless of the precinct in which they reside. All vote center locations are handicap accessible and help will be available for anyone who needs assistance due to vision loss or who may require non-English speaking materials.

Remaining early voting dates include Saturday, May 4, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at both the Owen County Courthouse and at the Faith Baptist Church. Early voting will end on Monday, May 6, at noon at the county courthouse in Spencer.

The deadline for absentee applications was April 25th.

Questions can be directed to the Owen County Clerk’s Office at 812-829-5015, or the Owen County Voter Registration Office at 812829-5028.

Results will be posted on The Owen News Facebook page on Election Day after polls close and votes are counted. They will also be on The Owen News’ website, theowennews.org by the end of the week.

own child cannot be specifically named.

In 2022, a new law was passed that requires school boards to take public comment before taking final action on a topic, but the law leaves it up to the board to set a time limit, to “adopt reasonable rules” and to take steps to maintain order. S-OCS’ rules predated the change in law. POLICY | FROM PAGE 1

The policy reiterates a previous policy that limits public comment to the second commissioners meeting of the month. Currently, those meetings are typically held on the third Wednesday of the month at 9 a.m. in the Commissioners Room of the Owen County Courthouse.

Kerr then read the list of guidelines for public comment:

Public comments shall be limited to three minutes for each person;

The public comments portion of the meeting is limited to 15 minutes;

Public comments are limited to only residents of Owen County (When Kerr read the policy out loud, he added taxpayers of Owen County. This addition is not represented in the policy posted outside of the Commissioners Room on the second floor of the courthouse.);

The speaker must provide their name;

Public comments are only allowed on matters under consideration at the meeting;

Public comments are allowed so that residents of Owen County can provide information on the matters under consideration. This is not a time for questions and answers or discussion. Those can be done with each commissioner outside of their public meetings. The commissioners’ telephone numbers and email addresses are on the county website for that purpose; Further, public comments are not to be attacking any individual, are not to be political or election based, and may not be in regards to matters such as personnel or matters held in an executive meeting;

The presiding officer will take reasonable steps to maintain order in a meeting, including the removal of any person who is willfully disruptive of the meeting; and

The presiding officer may interrupt, warn or terminate

Commissioner Bob Curry moved to approve the policy, and commissioner Joel Lowe seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously with no discussion prior.

After the motion passed, Burton said, “There’s some counties that don’t allow any [public comment] at all.”

He added that some do a suggestion box model.

“We still feel it’s important that the public speak at at least one of our meetings. As you see, by state law it doesn’t have to happen, but we provide that opportunity,” Burton said.

Later in the meeting, Curry said that they would “make an adjustment [to include] the local newspaper.” He said that they would add that to the policy; however, no formal vote or action was taken on the matter. The other two commissioners verbally confirmed a desire to update the policy with that inclusion.

Burton then added that the point of adding property owners was brought up because a property owner might not necessarily reside on the property that they own. No formal action was taken to amend the policy for this inclusion either.

The policy as written, if enforced, could also preclude community stakeholders that reside outside of the county and do not own property from speaking at the meeting. This would include a business owner that rents their storefront and resides outside of the county.

“I do value the importance of public comment and recommend it unequivocally,” Public Access Counselor Luke Britt said in an email. “It does, however, remain at the discretion of the governing body whether they choose to allow it. And if they do, they may set reasonable rules to keep order.”

Other boards and commissions place various

restrictions on public comment. For instance, Spencer-Owen Community Schools offers two chances to speak at their meetings. The first is at the beginning, related to a specific agenda item, and the second is after the meeting has adjourned and can be on any topic. Their policy includes a three minute time limit and that staff and students other than a parent’s

Annual FFA Pet Vaccine Clinics

Staff Report

The Owen Valley High School FFA chapter and Ag Boosters are teaming up once again to host their annual pet vaccination clinics.

Remaining clinic dates include:

Tuesday, May 7, Franklin Township Volunteer Fire Department in Freedom, 5 to 7 p.m.

Thursday, May 9, McCormick’s Creek Elementary School (drive-thru clinic in rear parking lot), 5 to 7 p.m.

Saturday, May 11, Owen Valley High School (drive-thru clinic in front parking lot), 2 to 4 p.m.

Monday, May 13, Bowling Green Volunteer Fire Department (walk up clinic), 5 to 7 p.m.

Wednesday, May 15, Gosport Elementary School (drive-thru clinic in front parking lot), 5 to 7 p.m.

Tuesday, May 21, Owen Valley High School (walk up clinic), 4 to 7 p.m.

Thursday, May 23, Owen Valley High School (walk up clinic),

4 to 7 p.m.

Canine services include:

Rabies (must be at least 12 weeks of age) - $10

Puppy Combo (Distemper, Hepatitis, Coronavirus, Parvovirus, and Parainfluenza) - $20

Adult Canine Distemper (Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parvovirus, and Parainfluenza) - $20

Canine Lyme - $30

Canine Bordetella (kennel cough) - $15

Heartworm Test (canine only) - $15

Feline services include:

Rabies (must be at least 12 weeks of age) - $10

Feline Distemper (Rhinotracheitis, calcifiers, Chlamydophila, Distemper) - $15

Feline Combination (Distemper + Leukemia) - $25

Accepted forms of payment include credit/debit cards, cash, and check. For more information, call Shelby Wolford at 812829-2266 ext. 6244, or email swolford@socs. k12.in.us.

May activities at OCPL

By Ginger Kohr OCPL Director

While we have always had activities throughout the school year for both children and adults, we have recently hired a new programmer, Bradan Canon, who is doing lots of new and fun things, especially with the kids in those in-between ages.

There has been a lot of enthusiasm about the new Lego Club, the Dungeons and Dragons group, and the Retro Games club. Bradan has written his own article about the things he has planned for the month of May. Please see his article for more information.

Last year was our first year to hold the Medieval Fair in the library pavilion and the north parking lot, and we had more attractions and more vendors than ever before.

This year’s Medieval Fair will again be held at the library pavilion on May 4th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be Celtic music provided by Emily Ann Thompson’s Band from noon until 1 p.m., and a Royal Falconer presentation at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. We will again have displays

and examples of aspects of Medieval life, as well as vendors. Come dressed for the occasion, for extra fun.

On May 25 at 11 a.m. Jim Griffin will be in the Library Community Room to talk about the “Good Ole Days” of Owen County. Jim has spoken at the library before, and he is an enjoyable speaker. Come join us to reminisce, or to learn some history of the community in earlier days.

Regular Kids Programs: Mondays at 4:30 p.m.LEGO club. All ages. Tuesdays at 10 a.m. - Cuddle Up Storytime, geared toward ages 0-3 and their caregivers. Siblings are always welcome.

Wednesdays at 11 a.m.

- Homeschool Storytime (May 15 will be the last one for the school year. Storytime will resume in August.)

Thursdays at 10 a.m.Fun with Friends Preschool Storytime, geared toward ages 3-5.

Fridays at 4 p.m.Dungeons and Dragons, for ages 9+ (younger with parental approval.)

Regular Adult Programs: Watercolor Class with Zoe Dean - The first Friday of every month, 2 p.m. Crafts with BJ - May 1st, 15th, and 20th from 3:30

to 5:30 p.m.

Cupcakes and CanvasTuesday, May 21 at 6 p.m. Must sign up as spots are limited.

Creative Journal Making - Tuesday, May 28 at 6 p.m. Book ClubWednesday, May 22 at 1 p.m. Pick up this month’s book at the front desk.

Caregiver Support Group - Every Wednesday from noon to 1:30 p.m. Bookmobile Public Stops Schedule:

Tuesdays, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., Whitehall Holiness Church; 5 to 6 p.m., Freedom Baptist Church

Wednesdays, 11 a.m. to noon, Cunot Community Center; 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., Coal City Community Volunteer Fire Department.

Thursdays, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., Kingston Ridge Apartments, Gosport; 4:45 to 5:45 p.m., downtown Gosport.

Fridays, 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., Greenbriar Apartments, Spencer; 1:35 to 2:30 p.m., Sweet Owen Manor, Spencer. Coming next month:

“Adventure starts at Your Library” is the theme for this year’s Summer Reading in June and July. All ages are welcome to participate.

OCPL Introduces ‘Out-of-School Antics’ this summer

By Bradan Canon OCPL Activities Programmer

Summer break is just around the corner, and we at the Owen County Public Library are

excited to launch our new initiative: “Outof-School Antics.” This program is designed to provide a safe and engaging space for local youth during their summer downtime.

“Out-of-School

Antics” features a variety of activities tailored to different interests - from Dungeons & Dragons, anime and video games to LEGO and board games. There’s something for everyone here at

Homesteaders coming again in May 2024

Anything to do with Homesteading; Plants, Animals, Trees/Fruit trees, Canning, etc.

We will meet at the Owen Co. Library Thursday, 9 May 2024 from 4 to 6 p.m.,so we Elder folks don’t drive home in 0’dark thirty.

We will meet in the ground level large meeting room in Library.

If you have friends that would like to come please let them know about our gathering.

If you have goodies to bring, do so. We will have bottled water.

Bring ideas for sharing subjects of interest and talks.

Each month’s sharing will be for someone to come forward to share whatever they want.

COMING SOON

the library.

Drop in anytime; we’re always ready to offer fun and excitement. Our activities are available throughout the day with no fixed start or end times.

Simply come by when you have some free time, head up to the second floor to our youth department and join in the fun away from the summer heat.

For those who prefer more organized activities, we offer:

LEGO Club: Mondays, 4 to 6 p.m. in the Community Room. This club provides a space for creativity and building for LEGO enthusiasts of all ages.

Anime Club: Wednesdays, 2 to 5 p.m. in the Tech Room. Enjoy popular anime series and movies with us. The shows and movies

viewed will be aimed at teens 14+ as they will contain cartoon violence, mild language and mild suggestive themes. Parents should decide if this content is suitable for their children.

Dungeons & Dragons: Fridays, 3 to 6 p.m. in the Activity Room. Engage in sessions of fantasy and adventure, suitable for kids who can sit attentively, take turns, and interact well with others for up to three hours at a time. Ideally aged 9+. Sessions will involve pretend violence and pretend fantasy magic. Parents are advised to consider the content before allowing their children to join. Why “Out-ofSchool Antics”?

We believe every child deserves a memorable summer filled with laughter,

creativity and new friendships. By offering a range of activities, we aim to cater to the interests of all local youth and create an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome.

If you’re a parent seeking a safe and enriching environment for your child this summer, or a kid in search of some out-of-school fun, look no further than your local library. You’re always welcome to stop by and participate in our activities.

For more details about our summer programming and activity schedule, to keep up to date on current library programs, go to owenlib.org to view our newsletter, or stop by the Youth Department at the OCPL. We can’t wait to see you there!

Exhibit to feature Bobby Grim

By Jason Kinney on behalf of the OCHCC

The Owen County Heritage & Culture Center will kick off its reopening for the year with an open house for its new exhibit about Coal City racing legend Bobby Grim on May 4, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Refreshments will be served.

This May commemorates the 65th anniversary of Grim being 1959 Indianapolis 500 Rookie of the Year. He is a National Sprint Car Hall of Fame inductee and was one of the best shorttrack drivers in the United States. Throughout his spectacular 25-year racing career he drove in Midwest Dirt Track Racing Association (MDTRA), Central States Racing Association (CSRA), International Motor Contest Association (IMCA) and United States Auto Club (USAC) competitions and had

JUSTICE | FROM PAGE 1

199 victories, an amazing achievement.

Bobby Grim (19241995) was born in Coal City, the son of Harold and Thelma Grim. Bobby’s father owned the Coal City Garage, with William Weatherwax, where Bobby learned to drive at age six. At age 12, he was driving his father’s Model A Gasoline Texaco truck. After graduating from Coal City High School in 1943, Grim served in the United States Third Army in Europe during World War II. After the war, his racing career began. His first race car was built in Coal City. Visit the museum to learn about Grim’s life, his racing career and his hometown of Coal City.

The Bobby Grim exhibit is a partner project of the Owen County Heritage & Culture Center and the Owen County Historical & Genealogical Society.

Sheriff White recalled how his department received a phone call the day after the shooting from an individual who said he wanted to talk to the police.

“Tyler Byers expressed that they were driving in his pickup truck [a Dodge Ram] and he was driving,” Sheriff White said, detailing the conversation authorities had with Byers. “Jay White was the front seat passenger and Elizabeth Stevens was the backseat passenger, behind the driver. Jay White had an AR-15 [rifle] and turned around and shot Elizabeth Stevens in the head. They [then] stopped the truck on Texas Pike and [Byers] says [he] opened the back door and her body fell out.”

Byers and Jay White reportedly drove away from the scene, leaving Stevens’ body lying in the roadway where it would be discovered by a passerby around 9:30 p.m.

The ensuing investigation conducted by OCSD Deputy Mitchell Fleetwood and Detective Brandon Gasparovic led authorities to determine the pair went back to Jay White’s house,

The museum has a variety of exhibits showcasing the history of Owen County. Also on display are “Did You Know?” fascinating tidbits of Owen County history placed throughout the museum, Owen County Extension Homemakers Club scrapbooks, Cataract Falls, Schmalz Hardware & Farm Store at Patricksburg, Spencer Wood Products Company (aka the clothespin factory), E.M. Viquesney WWI and WWII memorial statuary, H.B. Laymon’s World’s Products Company, a variety of old photographs and more.

Can’t make it to the open house on May 4th?

Regular open hours, starting May 9th, will be Thursdays and Fridays, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The museum will also be open by appointment. For more information, go to owencountyindhistory. org.

The Owen County

where he allegedly started to spray out Byers’ truck after he took his gun inside.

“It was Jay’s AR-15. When we [obtained] a search warrant for Jay’s property, we found brain matter and blood in the driveway, along with a casing from a 223 round, which is consistent with an AR,” Sheriff White explained. “We did a search of the residence – we did not find the rifle. The rifle was actually given to us by Jay’s wife a week later.”

The sheriff’s department reached out to the Morgan County Major Crimes Task Force during the initial stages of the investigation to provide assistance.

“They sent a couple of detectives and an evidence tech to help recreate the scene with

Heritage & Culture Center (OCHCC) is housed in the historic Spencer Carnegie Library building, which is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. It was built in 1911 and served as a library until 1997. It became home to the OCHCC in 2007.

The OCHCC, a nonprofit organization, operates the Owen County Heritage Museum,

some sophisticated photographic equipment that we do not have,” Sheriff White said. “They also helped to conduct a search of the truck after [Byers] had told police where the truck was located.”

After Jay White’s AR-15 was given to police, it was tested for DNA at the Indiana State Police forensic laboratory, with Sheriff White explaining that the results showed only Stevens’ and White’s DNA being found on the rifle.

During the course of the investigation, authorities say Jay White gave conflicting stories of what happened that night, none of which were found to be credible. He also reportedly failed a lie detector test he agreed to take after being charged with killing Stevens.

“The lab also tested blood and tissue that was recovered from the truck and the driveway of Jay White,” Sheriff White said. “All of that came back to Elizabeth Stevens. So, we know she was killed in the truck. Jay’s first and second story that he told police was that they dropped her off [alive] at the Circle K in Spencer. We checked surveillance footage and found that was not true… His last story

a reference/research reading area and the Carnegie Coffee Shoppe & Gift Shop. Visit to learn about Owen County’s history and enjoy the warm, historic charm of the restored library building. Admission is free. The Heritage & Culture Center is located on the southeast corner of the courthouse square at 110 E. Market St., Spencer.

was that she committed suicide with his rifle.”

Jay White has remained incarcerated at the Owen County Security Center since his arrest on September 20, 2021 at the Indianapolis International Airport, after a trip to Arizona to attend a wedding.

“They did do a bond hearing to see if he was going to be eligible for a bond earlier in 2024,” Sheriff White recalled, “and his bond was denied.”

A sentencing hearing for Jay White is slated for Thursday, May 23 at 8 a.m. in the Owen Circuit Court. He faces a prison sentence of 45 to 65 years for murder and two years on the charge of obstruction of justice.

“When multiple agencies work together for the same common goal, justice gets served,” Sheriff White said. “When we try to do things alone or when we try to live on an island, I think the citizens are the ones who get the short straw when we do that. We must work together as law enforcement to achieve our goals, and that’s justice for the victims. You can’t do it alone - no agency can work alone.”

Magnificent Painting

FROM TOP: Bobby Grim achieved his greatest fame while driving Hector Honore’s Bardahl Special “Black Deuce” race car in the International Motor Contest Association (IMCA) sprint car competitions. PHOTO SUBMITTED BY JASON KINNEY.

Jay White

It’s Just a Country State of Mind: The Liar’s Bench

You can find one in nearly every small town across America. It’s a special sort of place. It’s a place where old friends are known to gather, and it’s a place where stories are swapped and tales are told.

This special place is called, “the liar’s bench.” To the outside observer, it might not look like such a big deal.

But to those who visit this place, there’s a common thread that binds them together and for them, that has become part of their daily routine.

When I was a child, my father used to take me with him to an old gas station on Saturday mornings near the small town where I grew up. The funny thing was he never actually bought gas on our visits. It seemed he had a much higher purpose in mind.

It was during these visits that I first learned the concept of the liars bench. Now before I go any further, let me clarify

something: The liar’s bench is not necessarily always a particular bench that one sits on. Sometimes, it consists of an area of several chairs or various other pieces of furniture on which to sit one’s gluteus maximus. A liar’s bench can be indoors or it can be outdoors. It can be a bench or sometimes it can be a place where people just stand and talk. The main thing is, that it’s a place that is conducive to holding a conversation. It’s the atmosphere that counts. It’s just a place that sort of evolves over time.

Back in the day, when I accompanied my father on those Saturdays, I never really understood why he would want to waste so much time sitting around an old, greasy, gas station talking to a bunch of other men about seemingly unimportant topics. Through the eyes of a six-year-old girl, it seemed pretty insignificant. But I did enjoy tagging along with my dad, and I also liked hanging out with the guys. Somehow, it made me feel special to be accepted as a part of the group. I especially enjoyed the snacks that came along with the privilege of sitting around with the boys. You see, my dad always

bought me a Coke to drink back then. They came in the little bottles with the cork lined caps. You were supposed to pay a deposit for the bottle, but we never had to as we finished our cokes before we left. There was also a peanut machine inside of the gas station. For a nickel, you could get a handful of peanuts. The guys used to partake of their peanuts by putting them into the Coke. I never liked eating mine that way as I didn’t like the greasy film that would form on the dark sweet liquid inside the bottle. I always enjoyed watching the guys as they made a contest by seeing who could down the most peanuts in a single swallow. That was pretty good Saturday morning entertainment if you asked me.

There were regulars that came into the station every Saturday. Sometimes a new person would drop in, but for the most part, it was always the same old bunch of guys every week. Each one seemed to be an expert in one thing or another, and some of them seemed to be an expert in everything. There was hardly ever a lull in the conversation, and it was during that time that I learned a lot of things about life.

For instance, I learned that basketball is played best in your own backyard with your best friend and that tomatoes grow better in manure.

I learned that a tree needs a lot of space to grow in and so do children. I learned that there are always more questions than there are answers. I learned that a fish grows longer and weighs more long after it’s been filleted, cooked and eaten. But it wasn’t just a fish that grew bigger. Someone always knew someone that had a bigger and better something.

Someone always found a bigger mushroom or grew a bigger tomato or raised a fatter chicken. Bragging rights were everything. I absorbed all the information I was hearing like a sponge. It was an education that I could get no other place, and I learned to look forward to those Saturday morning visits week after week.

In all of the things that I learned there, I now realize that there was something more than what was happening in that place besides just an exchange of information. It was a gathering of friends. It was a place of shared observations. It was a place to hear the views of others in a

place of formed opinions. Politics were debated. Wars were fought and won and sometimes lost. Religion was shared, and advice was poured out like water on dry ground. The dialogue flowed freely into the ears of eager listeners. The stories were skillfully woven into yarns that were destined to become legends for years to come. It was the art of conversation at its finest. It was a masterpiece of words.

Many years have passed since those early liar’s bench days but the memory is still as fresh in my mind as if it had been yesterday.

I did go back and pay a visit to the little town recently. The gas station wasn’t there anymore, but I am happy to report that there was still a liar’s bench. It’s is now located near the local grocery. And on someone’s front porch. And there’s one at the small town park. Most of the faces have changed over the years, but the conversation continues on week after week. Yes, you can find one in almost every small town across America. It’s a place where old friends are known to gather.

It’s called the liar’s bench, and that ain’t no lie.

– Susan

Cataract Community News: News from our neighbors

By Wendy Moler Guest Columnist

Ruby Hess recently passed away, April 4th at her home in Cloverdale. The Cloverdale American Legion will host her Celebration of Life on Saturday, May 4, starting at 1 p.m. Many people in Cataract knew Ruby and her family.

Ruby was born in 1930 and married John Hess shortly after her 18th birthday. She had six children, and one of her daughters, Debbie was married to the former Cataract Fire Chief Ed. Her husband, John Hess and Wayne Snyder were the original two men that started the Cataract VFD. Talking about Cataract VFD, if you would like to attend the Cataract VFD meeting, it’s always the 1st Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Cataract VFD of course. The fire dept. is also used for community events and meetings as well.

Every month the community is welcomed to attend the Cunot/ Cataract Crime Watch meeting. It is always the 1st Tuesday of every month at 6:30 p.m. and as this meeting is going, in the next bay over the AA meeting begins at 7 p.m. It’s May, everything is green, bright and beautiful

here in Cataract. Folks are out cutting grass, starting to plant and trying to make everything look good. Hamm’s is now open Sat. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sun. 11a.m. to 5 p.m.

I’ve already talked about all the new babies born this year a couple of months ago in Our Cataract Community Newsletter. I have really enjoyed visiting and holding a few of the babies.

I’m excited this month to celebrate a few more birthdays with you. The first of the month Don Meek turned 93. Happy Birthday Don! We would not have had Cataract News for the last two years if it wasn’t for him. I NEVER thought I was going to be writing a paper. And I can’t believe it’s been two years now.

And Helen is turning 92 on the May 7. Happy Birthday Helen! It’s been an honor that you chose me. I wish I could spend more time with both of you! I absolutely love these two!

With the Meek’s family background being right here in Cataract and Helen having roots in Gosport, I could walk back and forth between their houses all day long. They are a blessing and a wealth of information for this community.

Let me give you an

example. Last weekend Candy, Dale McCullough’s granddaughter, was over at his house, having a yard sale. I stopped in and she handed me a copy of a picture of a mill and one of Dr. Gary’s Sanitarium. She said she had no idea where it was or anything about it. The picture is now at the Old Cataract Schoolhouse on display. But of course, I needed more information before taking it to the Schoolhouse. I needed a story to go with it. I took it to Helen, who at first sight knew exactly where both of them were located. She then told me to take it to Don, which I did and yes, he remembered it as well. He said it was at the same location and that it had burnt down as well. Neither one remembered the mill but knew its location because of the iron bridge in the picture. Jason Kinney at Spencer Tourism had had some valuable information too. Dr. Gray and later his son had a general practice there. He then moved to Indianapolis after developing a skin cancer cream (Mohns Paste). He later moved back to Quincy and continued treating patients until 1928. I asked him if he knew when it burned down, he figured in the early 30’s because how the paper he was reading

from was written. But we know now it had to have been in the late 40’s. Helen also added she remembered Dr. Gray having a practice in Cloverdale, which after talking with Jason, would have made sense. Since Dr. Gary’s practice was a family business. I only wonder how many generations it was passed to his son. And if his father before was in practice. If anyone has any more information about Dr. Gray’s Sanatarium, the family or the Mill by the metal bridge, please send or bring to the Old Cataract Schoolhouse, 2771 Cunot-Cataract Rd., Spencer. As a reminder to all, including myself, take time to listen and tell stories to the younger generation. Stories do not get told like they use to, they just get lost anymore. If you have any old pictures, tell a story to anyone willing to listen. Which brings me to another special birthday, a young gal that has really started soaking up all of these wonderful stories. Shaylyn turns 13-yearsold on May 6. Happy Birthday Shaylyn! Talking about the bright and beautiful girls of Cataract, here’s another one for you. Chole is graduating from Cloverdale this year. Congratulations Chole!

Mother’s Day is May 12, and Michelle has already started planting hostas for flower pots starters. Then, children of all ages, can plant their flower of choice to finish them off, for the FREE Flowers for Mom Event, happening May 11 and 12 from1 to 4 p.m.

MillGrove’s Employee of the Month is: Jenn Jackson.

In memory of Mike and Lucy Write, MillGrove Diner will feature the couple’s favorite meal, Spaghetti for two, as the special for the weekend of May 4 and 5.They’re also having a special in the diner for Mother’s Day as well.

Joseph Sitton that works at MillGrove is hosting a Versiti Blood Drive May 18 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Register at versiti. org or at MillGrove gas station.

Spring Turkey Season Ends May 12. Lastly, the Community Pitch-in is at the Old Cataract Schoolhouse is on May 26 at 5 p.m. Bring your favorite dish, share your stories, and celebrate together as a community. ****

Recipe: Tuna Salad

One of April’s potluck dishes. Throw can tuna, mayo, onions, celery, dill weed, chopped dill pickles, dill pickle juice in a bowl, and mix it up. YUM!

Ramblings: Melissa Officinalis, aka Lemon Balm

By Annie Bright Guest Columnist

Someone once said a weed is a plant that is growing where you don’t want it.

Many plants and herbs used by our ancestors can fit that category. The old plants will survive untended for years if undisturbed and some will take over the garden. Walk around any old homestead and you will find herbs and flowers elbowing their way up through the grass to reach the sunlight. If you walk around my place here on the Ridge, you will find a bright green, wrinkled leaf plant growing nearly everywhere. You might think that it is some very stubborn weed, but you would be

wrong. The plant is stubborn, but it is also extremely useful. Pinch off a leaf and inhale the fragrance. The strong lemon scent reaches your nose as soon as you break off the leaf. That plant is Melissa officinalis, commonly known as lemon balm.

There are many ways for humans to get their “fix” of lemon flavor. There are several other lemony herbs: lemon mint, lemon thyme, lemon verbena, lemongrass and lemon basil to name a few.

Melissa officinalis is my favorite and is amazingly easy to grow. The Native Americans used the berries of a sumac to make a lemonade drink. The liquid is very refreshing on a sizzling summer day. I have also eaten something akin to lemony Italian ice made with the sumac berries. Sumac

comes in many varieties, some poisonous, but that can be another article.

The lemon balm plant thrives in the most unlikely places and easily selfseeds. Scattered by the wind, it has escaped my herb garden and roams the ridge around my place. The small plants carpet any sunny spot in spring and become lush mounds of fragrant green in summer. The bloom is not showy or even “pretty,” but the plant is a good backdrop for more colorful blooming plants.

I let it grow unless it is crowding out a delicate plant that is just putting down roots.

Lemon balm is one of the many herbs our grandmothers grew in their kitchen gardens. It is native to southcentral Europe and the Mediterranean Basin, like many

well-loved herbs. I can imagine women bringing a packet of seeds with them on their journey across the Atlantic.

There was a time when the “drug store” was grandmother’s pantry; her garden provided peppermint, catnip, tansy, lemon balm, thyme, sage and many other useful plants. She kept her pantry stocked with jars of dried herbs to deal with common ailments. Those same herbs were used to enhance the taste of everyday food.

Many of our grandmothers also had a knowledge of wild plants that were useful. If she didn’t grow it, she knew where to find it.

In theory, modern medicine frowns on the old ways. However, many modern drugs are based on knowledge that wise women knew generations ago.

There are many

uses for Melissa officinalis, which is one of the reasons I love it. When I am working in the garden, I like to break off a piece and stick it behind my ear. I can enjoy the rich lemony smell while I work.

The leaves added to a tall glass of iced tea is a less expensive garnish than a slice of lemon.

A cup of hot lemon balm tea is great to ward off the chills or settle an upset stomach.

One of my favorite hot teas is made with wild raspberry leaves and lemon balm. I like to steep the fresh leaves in hot water, but the tea can also be made using dried leaves.

Adding a handful of the leaves to a tub of hot water makes a soothing bath.

The dried leaves are very aromatic in potpourri.

Lemon balm can also be used in cooking - try it with baked or

LAUNCH | FROM PAGE 1

interested in learning more about the newspaper are encouraged to attend to help commemorate this important milestone and to celebrate the return of local news to “Sweet” Owen County.

The Owen News published its inaugural edition on April 5, marking the culmination of nearly two years of work toward a shared goal to deliver reliable and unbiased local news and information that empowers readers and builds a stronger community.

Whether it’s breaking news, in-depth investigations or stories that showcase the remarkable individuals and organizations making a difference in our community, this newspaper and its all-

steamed fish. The young leaves are tasty mixed into a salad.

If you have been thinking about starting an herb garden or want to try something new this year, but don’t want to tackle a big project, buy a plant of two of Melissa officinalis. If you don’t have much room, it makes a good container plant.

The Owen County Garden Club will be at the Owen County Farmers’ Market Opening Day, May 4. Someone will surely be selling lemon balm. You can support the local club, get good garden advice and healthy plants at a great price.

The plants come right out of our gardens and are acclimated to the soil conditions in Owen County. ‘til next time, Annie Bright

volunteer board of directors is dedicated to providing you with the news you need to make informed decisions and take action.

Those attending the upcoming ribbon cutting can look forward to lunch and giveaways, along with the opportunity to network with the newspaper’s board members and content contributors.

To help organizers plan for the event, please RSVP by responding to The Owen News ribbon cutting event announcement posted on the Facebook pages of the Owen County Chamber of Commerce and The Owen News. RSVPs can also be made by emailing info@ theowennews.org.

EPA | FROM PAGE 1

the guidelines set for the chemical [PCE] the BBP Water Corporation Board of Directors decided to be proactive and in 2014 designs for treating and removal of all PERC from the finished water was being engineered,” BBP’s 2022

COMMITTEE

annual water quality report said.

PCE has not been found in BBP’s finished water since air strippers were added and turned on in May of 2017.

“Even before then we weren’t using the well that had the contamination, so we never sent

| FROM PAGE 1 contracts and making decisions regarding the location, size, etc. of the jail, while the council is responsible for approving the expenditures required to build a new jail and ensure that the county can afford it.

“We have come up with, that we definitely can afford a $1.3 million payment,” Council President Chesser said. “Now whether we take that for 20 years or 40 years, that’s something that’s not been absolutely decided yet but needs to be because that affects our bottom line.”

The county currently has a little more than 2.3 million dollars saved and set aside for the project, whether it is to serve as a down payment, to help offset other costs or to help pay down the loan sooner. There is also an option for financing through the USDA with 3.5 percent interest and no penalty for early payoff.

Chris Sailors from Elevatus Architecture presented the drawings from a 120-bed, $22 million facility in Lawrence County, Missouri that is slated to be completed in May. He also talked about a $25 million jail with a similar layout in Carroll County, Indiana that broke ground six months ago.

Owen County Sheriff Ryan White said that the county jail currently averages 45 inmates but that in the summer months, they tend to have around 60 inmates. He also said that the current jail was originally built for 35 inmates.

The Indiana Department of Corrections (IDOC) deems that inmates be separated based on various classifications and anything over 80 percent capacity does not allow for that classification. The current jail, which is one of two remaining linear jails in the state, has an 80 percent capacity of 57 inmates, meaning that once the jail has more than 57 inmates, they cannot be separated based on the necessary classifications.

White said that the goal and what is feasible for Owen County

treated water that was contaminated. It was a well that wasn’t being used at the time that it popped up on,” Gardner said.

“We are proud to report that the water quality provided by BBP Water Corporation has met or exceeded the

is a 120- to 125-bed facility. Ideally, the facility would also have an on-site training facility and a large conference room known as a “war room” in which multiple agencies can coordinate their response and the desire to include the county EMA and county coroner’s office was expressed.

“We need to prepare for the future, not just look at today and try to fix a problem that we have today only,” White said. “We have to look so that our kids and our grandkids aren’t having to revisit the same problem that we have now and that they’re burdened with it again.”

Councilman Wood asked what the life expectancy is of the jail, to which White responded that it is a 70-year rated facility and that another pod system can be added if future expansion is needed.

White also spoke about a situation in which there was a missing child in July and that there was not a room large enough for the four different agencies to meet in and coordinate looking for the child. White currently works out of a former storage unit building that has been renovated for office space for the sheriff’s department.

“We’re not looking for a Taj Mahal. We’re just looking for a place to be able to work. That’s what we need,” White said.

The proposed modern facility also allows for a service access hallway that would not require staff to move inmates out of their cells and provide easier access to plumbing and electricity.

According to White, the jail inspector from the Indiana Department of Corrections (IODC) said, “Ryan, you have the worst jail in the state of Indiana.”

White then shared his thoughts on the comment, “That hits home, you know one that sets us up for failure in many ways.”

He equated it to insurance.

“Every single person in this room has insurance, whether you’ve got car insurance, health insurance, life insurance, some

water quality standards established at the state and federal levels,” the report reads. It can contaminate drinking water, indoor air quality through soil vapor intrusion and groundwater, and the EPA is currently investigating the potential

type of insurance policy, every single person in here. You don’t have that because you want it. That’s not something that you get because you want. It’s something so it prevents financial catastrophic failure in the event that something occurs and you need it. That is the same thing that this is doing. We’re trying to prevent extreme financial failure, that if we were to be sued, something happened inside the jail or someone was injured, and we end up getting a lawsuit, we are going to go bankrupt. It will bankrupt our county. We can’t afford to do that,” White said. “I don’t want to build a jail. The last thing I want to deal with is a jail.”

White also spoke to the condition of the current jail. He said there are 22 air handlers that need fixed that cost $10,000 each to repair. He also said that a recent failed pump that had to be repaired meant that they could not run water – which meant no showers for inmates and an inability to wash dishes and laundry.

Dan Zuerner from Garmong Construction Services raised concerns over whether or not the facility designed by Elevatus could be built for $26 million.

The county officials also signed onto a letter to explore what it would look like to partner with Monroe County to house Owen County inmates there. Monroe County would charge $37.50 per day, per inmate, and the fee does not include transportation to and from Owen County or their medical costs.

White estimated that the housing fees alone would be between $616,000 and $812,000 per year.

The need to build some sort of holding facility if Owen County did away with a jail was also brought up. And, several county officials pointed out that at the end of the 20 years, when the current tax sunsets and the agreement with Monroe County would end, Owen County would be in the same position.

White pointed out that the department runs, at least in part, on the commissary funds from

for soil vapor intrusion and groundwater contamination.

To read more about PCE, the implications and remedies for each potential type of contamination and the EPA’s efforts so far, the indepth story can be found at theowennews.org.

having a jail. He said he has a lot of logistical questions.

Yet, a benefit would be the lack of liability for the facility or if something happened to an inmate, as that liability would fall to the regional facility.

Despite these issues, it was unanimously decided it would be worth having the information on what that partnership could entail as part of their due diligence.

“We need to know,” Carrell said after the vote.

“We wouldn’t be responsible with the taxpayers money if we didn’t at least explore this,” Chesser said.

During the meeting, the two boards also established a Jail Committee that is starting with Chesser, Carrell, Lowe, White, County Auditor Shelia Reeves and Jail Commander Bill Snodgrass.

No other formal actions were taken at the meeting.

Finally, the two boards discussed location if the county decides to move forward with building a new jail facility.

Suzanne Simmerman, GIS Office administration, spoke to the floodplain in the county, which is set to be raised by two feet. This change means that the property where the current jail sits would no longer be a viable location to build the new jail as previously intended. The county even purchased and operates a neighboring storage unit property to have the adjacent land for the project.

Burton said that earlier that day, he was in talks to offer an exchange for the quarry property owned by Brett Franklin and Rusty O’Neal behind Wal-Mart and the YMCA. That property, which is approximately 30 acres, has easier access to sewer and water access. Burton said that the idea would be to exchange the approximately 107 acres that the county owns on State Road 43 that does not have easy access to sewer and water. Burton said running a sewer line to the State Road 43 property would cost $9 million.

Fast times, record participation at Friends of McCormick’s Creek 5K

Submitted Content

Press Release

Runners and walkers from across southern and central Indiana and Illinois congregated at McCormick’s Creek State Park on April 20 to compete in the annual Friends of McCormick’s Creek 5K.

The event boasted a record number of 313 entries. The race course was described by one runner as “hilly, especially toward the end, but fast.” The race route, on paved park roads, weaved through a large portion of the park not extensively damaged by the March 31, 2023, F3 tornado.

The enthusiastic Owen Valley High School Cheer Squad was on hand throughout the course to cheer and encourage runners and walkers, creating an atmosphere of celebration, fun and fellowship.

One-hundred sixty-two runners finished the course. Elliot Campbell, age 20 of Bloomington, was the first to cross the finish line with a time of 18:06, an astonishing 5:49 pace.

Landon Peterson, of Worthington, came in second with a 6:18 pace.

Rebecca Roberts, age 45 of Bloomington, was the first female, finishing with a time of 22:33, a 7:15 pace. Staci Fiddler, of Bedford, closely followed Roberts with a pace of 7:16.

Runners ranged in age from seven to 78 years.

Walkers completing the course numbered 106. Jill Vance, age 43 of Bedford, was the first walker with a time of 35:43, an 11:30 pace.

Carol Smith, of Fillmore, was the second female walker with a pace of 12:32.

Dan Leach, age 66 of Bedford, was the first male walker to finish with a time of 36:32, an 11:45 pace.

John Huffman, of Bainbridge, followed Leach with a pace of 11:58.

Walkers ranged in age from eight to 87.

After the race, participants gathered at the Nature Center amphitheater for refreshments and camaraderie. Bananas and cookies were donated by Babbs Supermarket. The Canyon Inn donated complementary dinners for two to all the overall winners. Age group awards were presented to first and second place finishers in the run division and first place in the walk division. Proceeds from this event help fund park improvements and events, enhancing the experience for visitors and locals year round.

The Friends of McCormick’s Creek would like to thank park staff and volunteers for making this a safe and enjoyable event. They would also like to thank the following race sponsors: Boston Scientific, Owen County State Bank, Sweet Owen Convention & Visitors Bureau, Hoosier Energy, Home Team Properties, Crane Credit Union, Farm Bureau Insurance, Friends of MYPath, Commercial Service, RE/MAX Select Associates, Babbs

Supermarket, McDonalds of Spencer, Canyon Inn, and Nite Owl Promotions.

already registering for the next McCormick’s Creek State Park race, Runto the Creek 5K & 10K, scheduled for Sept. 22 at 2 p.m. Online registration is available online at at runsignup.com. Anyone wishing to sponsor, volunteer orjust find out more information is urged to email the race director at race-director@ friendsmccormickscreek.org.

Extension programs coming to Clay, Owen Counties

By Jim Luzar Extension Educator, Clay/Owen Counties

for Purdue Extension, Clay and Owen counties, again this past December, serving as Extension Educator in agriculture and natural resources.

Before retiring from Purdue Extension, I served in Montgomery, Vigo, Putnam and Parke counties. I live on the family farm with my wife, Ella, and seven rescue dogs. What brought me back after six years? I wasn’t that bad at golf, but I truly enjoy lifelong learning and Purdue Extension is a great place to do this. No matter if you are a farmer, youth, homemaker, gardener, landowner or small

business owner, Purdue Extension is all about learning more about your world, others and yourself. This article provides a brief review of some programs being offered during May. Questions? Contact me directly at my email address luzar@purdue. edu or call my cell at 812-236-6039. Grow and Cook Microgreens This program will teach you how to take a kit and grow microgreens like arugula for your dinner table. A true make-and-take program, the program will send you home with a starter kit of your own. Microgreens will be prepared for your tasting by Clay County educator Olivia Morgan. Production tips will be offered by Greene County educator Sean Huss. The program will take place on Wednesday, May 8 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Clay County Fairgrounds Extension Office. Register by calling 812-

448-9041 or my cell (text is fine). A program fee of $5 per person provides each with a starter kit to take home.

Container Gardening Program

The Owen County Health Department wants more people to accrue the health benefits of growing your own vegetables. A container garden program will be held at the health department on Saturday, May 11 from 9 a.m. until noon. Owen County Extension educators Jamie Jo Lowder and Jim Luzar will be offering ready to go five-gallon garden containers with donated plants from area vendors to help you get growing. The containers are heavy cloth with handles, look nice, and are easy to move around. Bring your garden questions! Pond Management Program

Having a pond means having weeds and management challenges. Plan now

You picked up your tree seedlings at the Owen County Soil and Water Conservation District event on April 27, now you must keep the tree alive and growing. This workshop will take place at the Purdue Extension-Owen County Office on May 16 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. We will review good tree planting decisionmaking, including planting, pruning, fertilizing and pest management. Advance registration for this free event is appreciated. The focus of this program is on the trees in your backyard, not woodlot management.

on taking that awesome photo of a landscape or flock of birds. Mike will also share some of his favorite nature photos. Advance registration for this free event is appreciated. I am very excited to offer this series of programs for the citizens of Clay and Owen counties. Future programs will include a pollinator day, invasives workshop, soil health workshop, pasture walk and garden pest management clinic. Do you have a program idea you want to see delivered locally? Please contact me!

FROM TOP: into third place overall, 20 seconds before their nearest competitor. // Grant Minnemeyer glides effortlessly into 20th place overall in the run. SUBMITTED PHOTOS.

Forestry Field Day is May 4 near Vandalia

Submitted Content

Learn all about timber sales at this forestry fi eld day for landowners, scheduled for Saturday, May 4 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The fi eld day will take place in northwest Owen County, six miles west of Spencer, near Vandalia. Directional signs will be posted on State Road 46 to the fi eld day site near 744 Chapman Ro., Spencer. Let the Sun Shine In-Indiana and JT Brickyard Timberland LLC are the sponsors for the fi eld day, in

cooperation with the IDNR Division of Forestry. The utilization of timber harvests is a great tool to encourage birds and other wildlife and to encourage successful regeneration of oak forests.

Perry Seitzinger, Consultant Forester and JT Brickyard Timberland LLC Property Manager will lead the tour.

The property currently has an active timber harvest on-site, and the theme of the tour is “Managing a Timber Sale on Your Property.”

Jeremiah Lemmons,

IDNR District Forester, will participate in leading the tour and answering forestry questions. Topics to be discussed include meeting the landowner’s goals and objectives, how a timber sale can improve your forest ecosystem, using a professional forester, what trees to select for harvest, advertising the sale and sale contract language, best management practices to protect the site and a logging demonstration, if the logging is still

Owen Valley High School Sports Calendar

May 3

5:30 p.m. – Varsity girls’ softball vs White River Valley at Owen Valley.

7 p.m. – Junior varsity girls’ softball vs White River Valley at Owen Valley.

May 6

4:30 p.m. – Varsity boys’ golf vs South Putnam at South Putnam.

5 p.m. – Varsity girls’ softball vs Eastern Greene at Eastern Greene.

May 7

5 p.m. – Varsity boys’

baseball vs Edgewood at Edgewood.

5 p.m. – Varsity girls’ softball vs Edgewood at Edgewood.

5 p.m. – Varsity girls’ tennis vs Sullivan at Owen Valley.

5:30 p.m. – Varsity coed track & field vs Edgewood at Edgewood.

7 p.m. – Junior varsity boys’ baseball vs Edgewood at Edgewood.

7 p.m. – Junior varsity girls’ softball vs Edgewood at Edgewood.

May 8

5 p.m. – Varsity girls’ softball vs Indian Creek at Owen Valley.

5:30 p.m. – Varsity boys’ baseball vs Indian Creek at Owen Valley.

5:30 p.m. –Varsity girls’ tennis vs Greencastle at Greencastle.

May 9

5 p.m. – Varsity girls’ tennis vs South Putnam at Owen Valley.

5:30 p.m. – Varsity coed track & field vs Northview at Northview.

May 10

5:30 p.m. – Varsity girls’ softball vs North Daviess at Owen Valley.

7 p.m. – Junior varsity girls’ softball vs North

Cloverdale High School Sports Calendar

May 6

5 p.m. – Varsity boys’ baseball vs Eastern Greene at Eastern Greene.

May 7

4:30 p.m. – Varsity boys’ golf vs Clay City at Cloverdale.

5:30 p.m. –Varsity boys’ baseball vs Sullivan at Sullivan.

5:30 p.m. –Varsity girls’ softball vs Sullivan at Sullivan.

5:30 p.m. – Varsity girls’ WIC track & field meet at Edgewood.

May 9

4:30 p.m. – Varsity boys’ golf Putnam County Tournament at South Putnam.

5 p.m. – Varsity boys’ baseball vs Edgewood at Cloverdale.

5:30 p.m. – Varsity girls’ softball vs Edgewood at Cloverdale.

5:30 p.m. –Varsity boys’ WIC track & field meet at Northview.

May 10

5 p.m. – Varsity boys’ baseball vs Monrovia at Monrovia.

5:30 p.m. –Varsity girls’ softball vs Eminence at Cloverdale.

May 11

9 a.m. – Varsity boys’ golf WIC at South Putnam.

May 13

5:30 p.m. –Varsity boys’ baseball vs North Central

Middle School Sports Calendars

May 3

6 p.m. – OVMS Girls’ softball vs North Daviess at North Daviess.

May 6

5p.m. – CMS Coed track & field vs North Clay and South Putnam at North Clay.

5:30 p.m. –

OVMS Coed track & field vs Greencastle, North Putnam, and Southmont at Greencastle.

May 7

5 p.m. – CMS Coed track & field vs Owen Valley and Seven Oaks at Cloverdale.

5 p.m. – Coed track & field vs Seven Oaks at Cloverdale.

5:30 p.m. –

OVMS Boys’ baseball vs South Putnam at Owen Valley.

5:30 p.m. –OVMS Girls’ softball vs South Putnam at Owen Valley.

May 9

6 p.m. – OVMS Boys’ baseball vs Cloverdale at Owen Valley.

May 11

11 a.m. – CMS &

underway. The forestry practices showcased will be ones easily put to work on private forest landowner properties. Lunch will be provided free of charge for tour participants.

Since the fi eld day site is recently harvested, participants should wear appropriate clothing and footwear for walking in the forest, partially on skid roads. Insect repellant and water will be provided.

On-site checkin begins at 8:30 a.m., with the tour to get underway

Daviess at Owen Valley.

May 13

5 p.m. – Varsity girls’ softball vs Bloomington North at Owen Valley.

May 14

5:30 p.m. – Varsity boys’ baseball vs Sullivan at Owen Valley.

5:30 p.m. – Varsity girls’ softball vs Sullivan at Owen Valley.

May 15

5 p.m. – Varsity boys’ golf vs Greencastle at Greencastle.

5 p.m. – Varsity girls’ softball vs Bloomfield at Owen Valley.

7:30 p.m. – Junior

(Farmersburg) at North Central (Farmersburg).

5:30 p.m. –Varsity girls’ softball vs North Central (Farmersburg) at North Central (Farmersburg).

May 14

5:30 p.m. –Varsity boys’ baseball vs Brown County at Cloverdale.

5:30 p.m. –Varsity girls’ softball vs Brown County at

OVMS Coed track & field WIC Meet at Owen Valley.

May 13

5:30 p.m. –OVMS Girls’ softball vs White River Valley at White River Valley.

6 p.m. – OVMS Boys’ baseball vs North Daviess at Owen Valley.

May 15

6 p.m. – OVMS Boys’ baseball vs North Putnam at North Putnam.

6 p.m. – Girls’ softball vs North Putnam at North Putnam.

at 9 a.m. There is no fee to attend.

Contact Judi Brown, Let the Sun Shine InIndiana Coordinator with questions, or visit facebook.com/ LSSIIndiana/ for more information. Let the Sun Shine In-Indiana is a collaboration of Indiana organizations, focused on recovering and maintaining Indiana’s oak-hickory ecosystems for the benefi t of the wildlife and the people of southern Indiana.

varsity girls’ softball vs Bloomfield at Owen Valley.

May 16

5 p.m. – Varsity boys’ baseball vs LintonStockton at Owen Valley.

5:30 p.m. – Varsity girls’ softball vs Cascade at Owen Valley.

7 p.m. – Junior varsity girls’ softball vs Cascade at Owen Valley.

May 20

5 p.m. – Varsity boys’ golf vs West Vigo at Owen Valley.

Cloverdale.

May 16

4 p.m. – Varsity boys’ golf vs Cascade at Cascade.

5 p.m. – Varsity boys’ baseball vs Southmont at Cloverdale.

5:30 p.m. –Varsity girls’ softball vs Greenwood Christian Academy at Cloverdale.

May 22

4:30 p.m. –

Varsity boys’ golf vs Greencastle at Greencastle.

May 23

4:30 p.m. –Varsity boys’ golf vs Martinsville at Martinsville.

May 29

4:15 p.m. –Varsity boys’ golf vs White River Valley and Terre Haute South at Terre Haute South.

Trailing or Leading: The mystery of the white tubes

By Kyle Hannon Project Manager, MYPath Trail System

“What are those white tubes on MYPath?”

I get asked that question a lot. Quite frankly, I asked that same question when I first started working on the MYPath project. If you have been on MYPath, or driven down River Road, you know exactly what I am talking about.

One of the values of MYPath is that it provides an opportunity for people to walk through a natural setting. The birds, plants and trees, so close to the town, but definitely a wooded area, are a park-like oasis. We

are proud of all the interesting plants and wildlife people can see. Then there are these white, plastic tubes, in rows, next to the trail.

White plastic tubes don’t seem to fit. Are they part of some environmental remediation project, venting poisonous gases out of the ground? Are they marking underground missile silos, preparing to defend our country? Are they signals for space aliens to come visit Owen County?

Feel free to imagine any kind of fun plot you wish. The truth is either more, or less, exciting, depending on your perspective.

The tubes are individual tree shelters, made by Plantra, Inc. Inside each tube is a native, hardwood tree. As many of you are aware, new plantings of any

kind are in danger of becoming a snack for hungry deer. The tubes keep the deer out. In addition, each tube acts like a greenhouse, holding in heat and moisture while protecting the plant from the elements.

They seem to work. If you walked on MYPath two years ago, you would have seen walnut trees poking out of the tops of some of the tubes. Last year, you would have seen swamp white oak trees poking out of tubes too. If you are on the trail, feel free to walk over to the tubes and see what is growing. If the tubes can withstand deer, they won’t be hurt by you peeking in the top.

The tubes, and corresponding trees, were planted in 2021, thanks to generous donations from Duke Energy Foundation, the Owen County

Community Foundation (OCCF) and Owen County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD).

Volunteers from SWCD, Friends of MYPath and local schools installed the tubes. Approximately 800 tubes are protecting trees along MYPath. The tubes stay in place until the trees are large enough to touch the sides.

So, while the tubes help individual trees, I think they serve another important purpose by drawing attention to the fact that trees have been planted. The entire area along this part of the White River had been a lowlands forest. Then, like in much of Indiana, the trees had been cleared to make room for agriculture.

Currently, the property is owned by the SWCD. The OCCF has helped

columns, I’ll talk more about some of the trees you may see and the wildlife that accompanies them. And I’ll share about the “food forest” next to the SWCD building.

Even though we 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.

ON-SITE PUBLIC AUCTION ON-SITE

Due to the death of my husband, I will therefore offer of sale at public auction located at 15210 Orman Road, Clay City, IN (from Spencer, IN take West Highway 46 to the 46/59 junction, turn left on 59 and go to the intersection of 246/59 in Clay City, and go approximately 3 miles to the North County Line Rd, turn left on N. County Line Rd, go to Orman Rd, turn right to the first house on the right). Watch for signs.

Saturday, May 18, 2024

(Beginning promptly at 10:00 am)

MOWERS, WORDWORKING

TOOLS: Ariens zero-turn 42” mower (only used 6 hours); Murray 42” riding lawn mower; Electric B&D 18” push lawn mower; Huskee 8.5hp 30” snow blower (electric start); Craftsman 14” bandsaw; Table saw; 10” compound mitre saw; Ryobi 12 5/16 precision surface planer; Sears belt sander; McGraw 8-gal portable air compressor; 3 Central Pneumatic air nail guns; 1/2” drill press; Chicago electric plastic welder; Chicago electric 115V spot welder; Clarke weld 100E welder; 4 0V Lynxx chainsaw; Bauer portable electric bandsaw; Central hydraulic crimping tool (new); Portable chopsaw work bench; Pittsburgh ½ ton engine hoist; 40V hedge trimmer; Shop Vac; ATV/Lawn mower lift; 20T hydraulic jack; LS Starrett Co. master level with box; Rolling shopcart; Air hose; 100 pc drill set; Wood chisels; Drawknives; Mini woodworking kit; 4-way lug wrench; Bench grinders; Sanders; 2 2-wheel garden trailers (both full of wood); Copper wire; Chisels; Several Craftsman tool boxes; Drill bits; Tap & Die sets; Misc. welding wire; Lots of sockets; Air chisels with bits; Welder gauges; Flood lights; Lots of nuts, bolts; Small solid oak 3 -drawer chest; Sockets; Handsaws; Assorted hose clamps; Extension cords; Different sizes of hammers; Gas welding hoses; Appx. ½ roll of 3/8 inch chainsaw chain; 2 boxes of 6-pack fire brick; LP torch; Several 50-gas plastic barrels; Set of folding aluminum loading ramps; Steel fence posts; LOTS of pine boards (1x4, 4x4, etc.); 3 Dayton lithium multipurpose grease hood fan.

MISCELLANEOUS: Old Jack Daniels tin; Avon ceramic steins (including baseball, football, firefighters, ducks, etc.); HO scale model train cars and parts; Dark crystal metal lunch box; Garden utility cart; Small pottery churn with pig figure; Large wood cutting board; Air horn; C02 357 BB pistol; Model plane sets; Vinyl pop-up tent; Machete; Several plastic milk cartons; Several other items too numerous to mention.

TERMS: Cash or check day of sale. Number system will be used. Nothing to be removed until settled for. Not responsible in case of accidents.

FRANKIEE BUSH, OWNER

Sale conducted by Drescher Auction & Real Estate

Fred Drescher

Mike Jacobs AU01023225 AU08601234

812-829-3766 812-876-6019

AUCTIONEERS’ NOTE: Impossible to list all the tools on handbill. Mr. Bush owned several of each item such as hammers, bench grinders, bolts, screws; tap & die sets; handsaws, etc. The garage is full and there are bound to be some supplies. If you need a zero-turn mower that has only been used for 6 hours, then be at this auction. Most of the pine boards are precut and ready to use. This will be a large sale. Bring your pickup and trailers and be prepared to bid on some real nice tools. For see pictures of the items, please go to drescherauction.com

Food will be available.

The plastic tubes shown above serve as individual tree shelters, holding in heat and moisture while protecting each plant from the elements. PHOTO SUBMITTED BY KYLE HANNON.

Driftwood Outdoors: Lake of the Ozarks delivers new world record paddlefish

By Brandon Butler Guest Columnist

We have dinosaurs swimming in the Midwest. Paddlefish fossils date from 65-million years ago. They’re native to North America and once flourished in the Mississippi and Missouri watersheds. Today, they are doing well in many areas and are a popular game fish. One such destination is Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri, where the world record paddlefish was snagged this spring.

Lake of the Ozarks has an abundance of prehistoric paddlefish, as does neighboring Truman Lake. Each spring anglers pursue them with snagging equipment. Numerous guide services offer paddlefish trips. One lucky group of anglers picked the right guide the day they hired Jason Smith. They never imagined they would break a world record that day, but that’s exactly what happened when they boated a massive 164-pound, 13-ounce paddlefish.

Smith, the owner and operator of Smith’s

group told Chad Williams to grab it. After all, he’d never caught a paddlefish before. This was his first time ever on a snagging expedition.

Nathan “Shags” McLeod, co-host of the Driftwood Outdoors Podcast, and I were invited to join Smith on a snagging trip a couple of weeks later to see if we could put a couple in the boat and record a conversation about catching the world record for the podcast. Hearing him tell the story in person, about

and Shags the exact spot where the record was caught. You can tell he’s proud of the accomplishment coming on one of his guide trips, but he’s also playing it pretty cool. The guide and the angler in this story both add to the feel-good aspect of this inexperienced angler landing the fish of a million lifetimes.

Smith did express he is proud to have brought the record back to Missouri, where it had once been, before Oklahoma broke it

numerous times. The record was certified by MDC officials.

Shags knew what a paddlefish was, but also had never caught one when we stepped into Smith’s boat. The thought of, could it happen again, ran through both of our minds. Could there be a 165-pounder out there waiting for us? Likely there is, but we didn’t run into it that evening. Shags did boat his first paddlefish. Honestly, on what was called out to be his last cast of the day.

The wildest part of this trip was using LiveScope. This is super advanced fish finding technology. You watch a screen and see fish in real time and can use horizontal and vertical axis to calculate how far away from the boat the fish is and how deep. This determines the angle of your cast. See kids, geometry is used after you graduate. Who would have thought on a paddle fishing trip. It very much has a video game feel to it, and I feel kind of guilty for liking it.

Lake of the Ozarks is such a crazy place, in all the best ways. There is so much to

do there. The fishing is astounding. Largemouth bass dominate the scene, with tournaments taking place all year. Crappie are close behind. A ton of brush is sunk on this lake to build crappie habitat. The bluegill fishing is overlooked but excellent, and the blue catfish fishery, which is what Smith spends most of his time chasing, is world class. There is also great walleye in the lake that many people don’t know about. Smith guides for them, too.

Neither Shags nor I caught the next world record on this trip, but we did boat one with only a couple of hours to do it. We re-booked with Smith for next year, and plan to spend the day experiencing one of his signature catfish and paddlefish combination trips. The Missouri paddlefish fishing season ended April 30. See you down the trail…

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

Nathan “Shags” McLeod holds his paddlefish with Brandon Butler (left) and guide Jason Smith. PHOTO SUBMITTED BY BRANDON BUTLER.

Outdoor Type: Boats I have known run the gamut

first boat I recall was a cramped 10-foot aluminum job we would toss in a truck and head out for small waters.

in Kentucky. It had a few issues, but after a bunch of tweaks I’m getting it into shape. I texted my three sons a photo of it, and one of them said it looked like it would “boogie.” That I believe is a high compliment. I’ve come a long way with fishing boats. Growing up in St. Croix, a tiny town in northern Perry County, I had limited choices of entertainment. Fishing and hunting were a huge part of the family culture, and since Dad was a die-hard bass fisherman, I tagged along. But finding places to fish was a challenge. Mostly small ponds and strip pits were the only options, so the

Next may have been a heavy Sears model 12-footer we would haul upside down on top of our vehicle. One spring in the early 70s we took this boat to Lake Monroe, along with our trusty green 10-horse Johnson that weighed at least 5,000 pounds. The wind was brutal on that early April weekend, so we defaulted to nearby and smaller Lake Lemon. Dad had heard about Lemon but had never fished it. We pulled into a deserted area on the east end and dropped the boat into the water. The shallow area looked fishy, with loads of lily pads and grass. It was fishy. We caught seven bass that evening and the next morning. All were nice, and two were especially nice, maybe four and six pounds. We used a Johnson Silver Minnow with a rubber skirt to

The author’s father, Clyde LaGrange, enjoys a nice bass caught in a Tracker boat. The Tracker boat replaced the “sinker” which succumbed to a tree stump at Dogwood Lake at the Glendale Fish and Wildlife property. PHOTO SUBMITTED BY LARRY LAGRANGE.

get through the vegetation. That’s a lure that I haven’t used for years, but I’ll bet it will still catch fish in thick cover. Maybe you don’t really need a fancy boat to catch fish.

Eventually Dad bought a fiberglass bass boat. That was a big upgrade, but not long after getting it we encountered a small problem at one of our favorite spots, Glendale’s Dogwood Lake. This place is loaded with broken off small trees whose tops are right about even with the water line. You have to go carefully through certain areas, or

stump.

One chilly March day we ventured out and met up with one of those nasty stumps. Usually, we would just rock the boat, go forward, go backward, and eventually we would slide off. Not this time. No amount of rocking, twisting, or maneuvering would dislodge us. We couldn’t figure it out. Then we noticed water coming in. We had effectively drilled a hole in the bottom with our turning and twisting efforts to get off the treetop.

Well, we thought, this is a fine mess.

Things could get ugly. We needed help, and this was before cellphones. It was a mid-March day, and very few people were fishing. But God is kind to fishermen. Right about then we heard a boat approach. The sympathetic boater gave us a ride back to the dock, where the folks in the Glendale office jumped to our aid. We got into their boat and headed out with a winch. Somehow, with a bunch of tugging, pulling, and engineering, we got the boat dislodged. But now water was pouring in through the hole, and we had to hustle with boat in tow back to the ramp before it sank.

The boat was shot, but insurance helped Dad purchase a nice used 17-foot Tracker that we used for several years. It was another move up, but the engine was temperamental. If it hadn’t been started lately, it would be

slow to get going and keep going. I may have missed a boat in there somewhere. I need Dad around for a good source, but he’s fishing heavenly waters. I know he would recall all his boats because once I asked him if he could remember all the vehicles he had owned. He was around 60 at the time, and he proceeded to rattle off maybe a dozen or more with specifics like color and interiors, troubles he had with them, and so on. I was impressed.

So now I have a nice rig with a trailer, because it would be hard for me to lift this boat onto my truck bed or tie it down to the top as in the old days. It has trim and tilt, a large livewell, storage for rods and other equipment, nice gray carpeting, comfortable seats, and a 40-horse Mercury that almost always starts on the first key turn. I’m sure Dad’s looking down with envy. Life is good.

Community celebrates Arbor Day

giveaway, hosted by the Owen County Soil & Water Conservation District and the Spencer Parks and Recreation Committee. Seedling varieties available included Redbud, Virginia Pine, Persimmon, Chokeberry, Shagbark Hickory, Washington Hawthorne, River Birch and Button Bush. The event was held in the MYPath pavilion in Cooper Commons. // Spencer resident Todd Reid and his five-year-old granddaughter, Grace, were the first in line for the free tree. The pair walked away with one of each of the eight varieties of seedlings being offered. “We’re going to spend the day learning about trees,” Reid said, smiling at his granddaughter. “It’s going to be a fun day.” Grace is the daughter of Seth and Martha Miller of Spencer. // Bill Glass, owner of Woodland Farm Nursery on Query Road, once again took part in our community’s annual Arbor Day celebration by donating a tree. This year’s offering was a Southern Magnolia, described by Glass as a large, broadleaf evergreen tree known for its glossy dark green leaves and large, fragrant flowers. The tree was planted near the playground in Cooper Commons. Glass has donated and planted several trees through the years, many of which continue to beautify and provide shade at the local park. TRAVIS CURRY | THE OWEN