Fire destroys Gosport home
By Travis Curry Correspondent
A Gosport home was destroyed by a fast-moving fire that broke out around 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 24.
The first wave of firefighters and emergency personnel arrived on the scene a short time later to find heavy smoke billowing from the roof and flames engulfing the front porch of the home at 246 E. South St.
Homeowner Bryan Rogers was at home when the fire broke out and was reportedly unharmed, declining medical treatment at the scene from the Owen County Emergency Medical Service.
The American Red Cross was later contacted to help
meet Rogers’ immediate emergency needs.
According to the Gosport Volunteer Fire Department, a cause for the fire was undetermined.
Firefighters estimated around 30,000 gallons of water was used to battle the morning blaze.
The Gosport VFD received mutual aid from the Owen Valley Fire Territory, Bean Blossom Township-Stinesville VFD, Owen County Sheriff’s Department and the Owen County EMS.
Fire personnel were called back to the scene around 12:30 p.m. where they were able to quickly squelch the rekindled debris at the home, located on the southwest corner of East South and South Second streets.
AIC’S HIGHEST HONOR
County Councilman Anton Neff receives prestegious AIC award
Submitted Article
The Association of Indiana Counties (AIC) has named Owen County Council member Anton Neff, as the 2024 Arthur R. Himsel Award Winner.
The Himsel Award is the AIC’s highest honor and is named for an individual who dedicated his public career as an elected county official. Himsel was
instrumental in the formation of the AIC during his service as a Hendricks County Commissioner in the late 1950s. For many years Himsel served as Indiana’s representative on the National Association of Counties (NACo) Board of Directors. Since the inception of the Himsel Award in 1984, it has been given to an elected county official who has served the interests of county AWARD | PAGE 5
Early voting begins this month
Staff Report
Early voting for the 2024 General Election begins Oct. 8 and continues through Nov. 4, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday at the Owen County Courthouse in Spencer. Early voting ends at noon on Nov. 4.
Early voting will also be held on three Saturdays: Oct. 19, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Freedom Community Center, 5552 Freedom-Arney Road; and Oct. 26 and Nov. 2, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
at both the Owen County Courthouse and the Faith Baptist Church, 11612 State Road 243.
The 2024 General Election will take place Tuesday, Nov. 5, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
VOTING | PAGE 4
Staff Report
The Owen News, Indiana’s fi rst nonprofi t newspaper serving Owen County, was named nonprofi t of the year by The Owen County Chamber of Commerce.
“This is an incredible honor, especially considering the amazing and impactful work being done by the other semifi nalists that were also nominated for this award,” Board President Nicole DeCriscio said.
Spencer Pride, The Tivoli Theatre and Owen County Boys & Girls Club were also named fi nalists.
Staff Report
Get ready for an unforgettable celebration of culture, music and community at the first-ever Fiesta! Owen County on Friday, Oct. 18.
The event takes place from 4:30 to 8 p.m. on Market Street in downtown Spencer, featuring salsa dancing, Lotería, crafts, cultural booths, piñata and authentic Hispanic food.
Mariachi Internacional de Bloomington (MIB) will also be performing live. This talented ensemble brings the vibrant sounds of Mexican-American, Mexican and Latin American music to life.
Bring your family and friends and let’s celebrate together with great music, delicious food and lots of fun activities. Don’t miss out on this fantastic cultural experience!
Event sponsors include the Owen County Chamber of Commerce, Boston Scientific, Connor Group, LLC Rentals and the Sweet Owen Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Emergency personnel responded to a fully involved structure fire Sept. 24 at 246 E. South St. in Gosport.
TRAVIS CURRY | THE OWEN NEWS
Anton Neff (center) poses with his family. Pictured from left, Neff’s parents Tony and Vicky, Anton, his daughter Sadie and wife Shannon. SUBMITTED PHOTO.
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The Owen News, Indiana’s first non-profit local newspaper, relies on tax-deductible donations to help fund our efforts. We have a dedicated fund through the Owen County Community Foundation (OCCF) or you can drop off or mail donations to The Owen
Spencer, IN 47460. Please make checks payable to The Owen News Project, Inc. It is our policy that all donors who give over $5,000 per year to The Owen News Project are named. If you wish to remain anonymous, the best way to give is through the OCCF. SUBMITTED PHOTO
Government Meeting Calendar
Oct. 7
Spencer Town Council, 6 p.m. in the Spencer Municipal Building, 90 N. West St., Spencer.
Oct. 8
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ABOUT THE OWEN NEWS
THE OWEN NEWS IS THE PRINTED NEWSPAPER OWNED BY THE OWEN NEWS PROJECT, INC, A NONPROFIT 501(C)3 ORGANIZATION. AT THE OWEN NEWS PROJECT, WE ARE COMMITTED TO DELIVERING RELIABLE AND UNBIASED LOCAL NEWS AND INFORMATION TO EMPOWER OUR READERS AND BUILD A STRONGER COMMUNITY.
Gosport Town Council, 7 p.m. in the Gosport Community Building, 301 N. 9th St., Gosport.
Oct. 10
Spencer-Owen School Board, 7 p.m. in the cafetorium at Owen Valley Middle School, 626 SR 46W, Spencer.
Oct. 14
Owen Valley Fire Territory Board, 6 p.m. at the fire department, 401 W. Walnut St., Spencer. Cloverdale Community School Corporation Board of Trustees, 7 p.m. in the Arthur L. Johnson Administration Building, 310 E. Logan St., Cloverdale.
Oct. 15
Owen County Council, 6 p.m. in the Commissioners Room on the second floor of the Owen County Courthouse, 60 S. Main St., Spencer.
Oct. 16
Owen County Board of Commissioners, 9 a.m. in
Obituaries
Coming soon!
Our community, through the Needs Assessment completed as part of the Large Impact Planning Grant, resoundingly said that obituaries are a priority.
At The Owen News, we strive to get obituaries into the print product. However, the nature of a monthly paper means that printed obituaries can never be the main way to share this information with our community.
Our goal is to have our website be the go-to place for obituaries and to have this space, in our printed paper be a space of rememberance of those who have passed.
the Commissioners Room on the second floor of the Owen County Courthouse, 60 S. Main St., Spencer.
Oct. 21
Spencer Town Council, 6 p.m. in the Spencer Municipal Building, 90 N. West St., Spencer.
Oct. 22
Owen County Advisory Plan Commission, 6:30 p.m. at the Owen
County Courthouse, 60 S. Main St., Spencer. This is also a public hearing for the UDO.
Gosport Town Council, 7 p.m. in the Gosport Community Building, 301 N. 9th St., Gosport.
Oct. 24
Owen County Board of Zoning Appeals, 7 p.m. at the Owen County Courthouse, 60 S. Main St., Spencer.
The Braysville Homemakers recently made a generous $300 donation in support of this newspaper and The Owen News Project.
Pictured are, left to right: Extension Homemakers county president Robert White, The Owen News Project Board of Directors member Travis Curry, Braysville Homemakers’ president Deb Jordan, and club members Jill Flynn and Brenee Helderman.
News, 114 S. Main St.,
Community Events Calendar
Oct. 4-6
Cataract Volunteer Fire Department Bean Dinner Festival, hosted by the Cataract Volunteer Fire Department in Cataract. Drawings, 100+ vendors, live music. For more information, email cataractbeandinner@ yahoo.com.
Oct. 5
Casting Kids Contest, hosted by the Spencer Exchange Club and Sweet Owen Bassmasters, 8:45 a.m. at the Owen County Fairgrounds, Spencer. Contest will involve casting, pitching and flipping to a target. Rods and reels will be provided. Age groups: 7 to 10-years-old and 11 to 14. No entry fee.
Trunk-or-Treat, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Gosport Christian Church, 117 Main St., Gosport. Make plans to join in for a cartoon trunk tour. Costumes are optional.
Spencer Pride Festival, noon to 7 p.m. in downtown Spencer. Hosted by Spencer Pride.
Oct. 6
Owen Valley Patriot Choirs’ Jonah Fish Fry, noon to 3 p.m. at Owen Valley High School, 622 W. S.R. 46, Spencer. Cost is $12 per plate (three pieces of fish, two sides and a drink). Choir concert to follow in OVHS auditorium ($5/person). Presale tickets are available at Babbs Supermarket, Spencer Hardware, in the OVHS front office or from any choir member.
Oct. 8
Gosport Farmers’ Market, 3 to 6 p.m. at 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.
Oct. 9
Harrison Homemakers meeting, noon at the Owen County-Purdue Extension office, 180 S. Washington St., Spencer. For more
information, call 812-8295020.
Tier 10 Music & Sports Park ribbon cutting and grand opening, noon to 1 p.m. at 2499 S.R. 43S, Spencer. Hosted by the Owen County Chamber of Commerce.
Free showings of “Night of the Living Dead” at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. at the Historic Tivoli Theatre, 24 N. Washington St., Spencer.
Oct. 10
“Putting Your Garden to Bed” forum, 6 to 8 p.m., in the Community Room at the Owen County Public Library, 10 S. Montgomery St., Spencer. Hosted by the Owen County Soil and Water Conservation District and Urban Soil Health. Free. Light snacks will be available.
White River Beekeepers meeting, 6:30 p.m. in the upstairs meeting room at the Owen County Public Library, 10 S. Montgomery St., Spencer. Everyone is welcome to attend.
Oct. 12
Pancake breakfast, 8 to 10 a.m., at the Stinesville Lions Club, 8060 N. Stinesville Rd., Gosport. Hosted by the Stinesville Lions Club. Donations accepted.
The Friends of the Library monthly book sale, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Community Room at the Owen County Public Library, 10 S. Montgomery St., Spencer.
Gear up for Goblin’s Weekend at Lieber State Recreation Area and Cagles Mill. Bring your spooky ghosts, ghouls, and goblins for a fun-filled day. Games and activities, food, hayrides, and a pumpkin decorating contest. Trick-or-treating in the campground from 5 to 7 p.m.
Oct. 14
Jolly Homemakers meeting, 1 p.m. at the Freedom Community Center, 5558 Freedom-Arney Rd., in Freedom. For more information, call 812-8295020.
Oct. 15
Spencer Lions Club
meeting, 6:30 p.m. at the Lions Club, 59 North Main St., Spencer.
Oct. 17
Calico Homemakers meeting, 4 p.m. Meetings are held at a different restaurant each month. For more information, call 812-8295020.
Sweet Owen Woodlands Network (SOWN) gathering, 6 p.m. in the Community Room at the Owen County Public Library, 10 S. Montgomery St., Spencer. Learn about invasives. Snacks will be provided.
Oct. 18
Fiesta Owen County, 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on East Market St., Spencer. The event will feature salsa dancing, a DJ, loteria, food trucks, crafts and a cultural clothing competition. Hosted by the Owen County Chamber of Commerce. For more information, call 812829-3245 or email admin@ myowencountychamber.com.
Oct. 19
Inaugural MYPath 5K, starting at 8:30 a.m. at the Owen County Fairgrounds, Spencer. Participate in the first MYPath 5K and help the MYPath Trail. Registration is $25 and includes a t-shirt. For more information, email mypathspencer@gmail.com.
2024 Mutt Strut, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Spencer Savea-Lot, 42 Bob Babbs Dr., Spencer. Hosted by the Owen County Health Department and the Owen Valley FFA. The event will feature pet vaccines, nail trimming, a costume contest, agility playground, pet-friendly vendors and more. Entry fee is a small donation of needed items or a financial donation.
Pumpkins in the Park and silent auction, 3 to 6 p.m. at Gosport Town Park. Kids games, fun activities, and concessions. Admission is $10, which covers all activities. Proceeds benefit the annual Gosport Lazy Days festival.
Oct. 22
Monthly Owen County Soil and Water Conservation
District board meeting, 4:30 p.m. at the SWCD office, 788 Pottersville Rd., Spencer. Open to the public.
Oct. 23
Free showings of “The Ghost and Mr. Chicken” at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. at the Historic Tivoli Theatre, 24 N. Washington St., Spencer. Sponsored by Curry Farms.
Oct. 24
Skills Development Resources Workshop, 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Exchange, 114 S. Main St., Spencer. Free. Sponsored by Ivy Tech Community College. Limited seating. Call 812-829-3245 or email myowenexchange.com to reserve your spot.
Oct. 25-26
Haunted trail, 7 to 10 p.m., hosted by the Owen Valley Patriot Choirs. Brave Owen County’s infamous haunted trail (Owen Valley cross country trail) if you dare! Cost is $5 per person. Refreshments will be available for purchase. Proceeds benefit the choirs.
Oct. 25-27
Fall-O-Ween at McCormick’s Creek State Park. Family fun events are planned throughout the weekend. Visit the McCormick’s Creek State Park Facebook page for more information.
Oct. 26
Trunk-or-Treat off the Street at the Owen County Fairgrounds, 5 to 7 p.m. Free to set-up. Decorate your trunk, or just bring a lawn chair and treats. Safe for kids of all ages.
Oct. 27
Live musical performance by The Freemans, 11 a.m. at the Lighthouse Fellowship Church, 5392 SR 67, Gosport. This southern gospel powerhouse has a rich legacy spanning over four decades.
Oct. 31
Trick-or-Treat hours in the town of Spencer, 6 to 8:30 p.m.
S.R. 67 bridge closed north of Gosport
By Travis Curry Correspondent
Indiana Department of Transportation contractor Force Construction Company recently closed State Road 67 over Little Indian Creek to complete a bridge rehabilitation project in northeastern Owen County.
The road closure, north of Gosport near Culross Road, is expected to be complete by early November, weather permitting. Crews began placing signage in the
VOTING | FROM PAGE 1
each of the eight local vote center locations. Vote centers will be located at:
- Faith Baptist Church (11612 State Road 243, Cloverdale)
- Millgrove United
NONPROFIT
| FROM PAGE 1
Methodist Church (11151 Millgrove Rd., Quincy) - Lighthouse Fellowship Church (5392 S.R. 67, Gosport)
- Clay Township Fire Department (5663 S.R. 43, Spencer)
- Freedom Community Center (5552 Freedom-Arney Rd.,
“Over time, we’ve seen firsthand the impact that local news can have not just in keeping people informed but in bringing our community together,” DeCriscio said before adding, “And this is only the beginning.”
The Owen News Project, Inc., the nonprofit entity behind the publication
Freedom)
- Jefferson Baptist Church (4019 Main St., Coal City)
- Garrard Chapel Church (7410 W. S.R. 46, Bowling Green)
- Spencer Nazarene Church (126 E. Market St., Spencer) Registered voters
was formed in the fall of 2022.
The organization received a $10,000 planning grant from The Owen County Community Foundation at its start through a Large Impact Grant. Throughout
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
the next year, the Board of Directors, consisting of community members, researched nonprofit news models across the country and condujcted a community needs assessment.
In April of 2023, the organization took part in The Owen County Chamber of Commerce’s Business Buildout Program. Through the program, The Owen News developed branding and built a website for a digital launch that summer.
The inaugural print edition of the monthly printed newspaper was released in April of this year ahead of the total solar eclipse.
“The Owen News is proof that people care deeply about what’s
non-English speaking materials.
The deadline for absentee applications is Thursday, Oct. 24. For more information, call the Owen County Election Office at 812829-5028.
happening in their community and that journalism can thrive when it’s focused on community service rather than profit,” DeCriscio said.
“This award isn’t just a reflection of our efforts, but rather the entire county’s commitment to local journalism. It’s a testament to the strength of our community.”
DeCriscio specifically thanked OCCF during her speech, citing their generosity, belief in the vision and need for local news as instrumental to the organization’s growth and success.
“This has truly been a community effort, and we’re proud to serve Owen County with journalism that reflects our community.
We’re proud to be part of this community, and we look forward
to continuing our mission to serve Owen County,” DeCriscio said. “We’re excited about what lies ahead and are committed to continuing our work to serve our community with honest, reliable reporting… We look forward to continuing to serve our community and continuing to be your source for local news.”
The Owen County Chamber of Commerce also announced the following award recipients: Entrepreneur of the Year: Busy Bee Cafe Small Business of the Year: Civilian Brewing Corps Business of the Year: Cook Medical Business of the Year: Main St. Coffee Educator of the Year: Amy Lanham Heart of the Community: Lt. Col. Dave Allen
The purpose of the Cataract Lake Area Crime Watch is to coordinate training for citizens on observation, detection and procedures on reporting crime. On average, a burglary happens about every minute nationwide and usually in the middle of the day. It is important to understand that your neighbors are your first line of defense against burglars while you are away.
Please join us at our next meeting while we learn together as good neighbors.
We meet the first Tuesday of the month at 6:30 P.M. at: Cataract Volunteer Fire Department 9582 Hi Ridge Trail Phone number: 765-795-3790
President of Cataract Lake Area Crime Watch is Barron Eugene Barnett. His phone number is 765-795-5289.
Upgrades planned for Cooper Commons
Submitted Article
The Town of Spencer Parks Board is in the planning phase of an exciting upgrade to Cooper Commons. On the northeast corner of Cooper and Main Streets, a space that sits just opposite Cooper Commons, a public restroom facility, a basketball, and pickleball court are currently being planned by landscape architect firm, Rundell Ernstberger Associates (REA).
In response to the
2015 Parks Master Plan, a public restroom facility was the number one request for improvements to Cooper Commons. The need for more recreational activities was also a high priority of the public when surveyed for the Master Parks Plan. The lot is owned by the Town of Spencer and has building restrictions on it as determined by FEMA guidelines; the only permissible structure being a public restroom.
Thanks to the support of the Spencer Town Council for funding the planning phase, REA is helping to guide the Parks Board in the design of the space as well as navigating the complicated permitting requirements to build in a floodway. The Parks Board hopes that this project will satisfy the needs of the public, while also implementing a little fun - a dedicated place to play and exercise.
The Owen County
Community Foundation secured a $53,500 Regional Opportunities Initiative (ROI) Emerging Opportunities Grant to get the project started. More funding will be necessary to complete the project and will come from other grants and public support with a matching grant from the Indiana Housing Community Development Authority (IHCDA). Stay tuned for more information to come on the public support portion of the IHCDA matching grant;
AWARD | FROM PAGE 1
to be able to receive the match, donations from businesses, organizations, and individuals will be necessary. Anyone interested in learning more about the project or to get involved is encouraged to come to a Parks Board meeting. Meetings are open to the public and occur every 4th Monday of the month at 6 p.m. at the Town of Spencer Municipal Building.
government through involvement with the AIC.
Neff has been an elected offi cial since 2003. His passion for county government and the AIC was a result of a former county offi cial and AIC president, Margaret Tucker, insisting he become involved in the AIC by attending the Annual Conference, Legislative Conference, AIC Institute classes and workshops.
The last elected offi cial from Owen County to receive the award was Tucker in 1995.
Neff ’s passion for local government and his community is impossible to exceed. He is constantly fi nding new ways to serve his community, the state, the AIC, their affi liate and the National Association of Counties (NACo).
Neff has served on NACo’s membership committee, live healthy committee and he has been a delegate to NACo’s Annual Conferences. He has helped the Indiana County Councils’ Association (ICCA) increase member participation and engagement at the Statehouse. He is currently the president of the (ICCA). He has served on the Owen County Community Corrections Board and Planning Commission. He is currently serving on the state’s My Path Trail System, State Comptroller Advisory Committee and is an area board member on the United States Selective Service.
He was selected as the Outstanding County Council person in 2015, and he has served on the AIC’s Legislative Committee,
Training Committee, Awards Committee, Nominating Committee and the Executive Committee, being elected AIC President in 2020. He is a graduate of NACo’s High Performance Leadership Academy, AIC’s Institute for Excellence in County Government.
He has a bachelor’s degree from Indiana University in Telecommunications, and he is also a trained spotter for the US National Weather Service.
The award was presented during the AIC’s 66th Annual Conference in Switzerland County. The AIC’s Annual Conference is the largest gathering of county offi cials in the state. Representatives from public agencies, private entities and local elected offi cials addressed issues such as: Retirement, Transportation, Public Records, Human Resources, Elections, Public Health Funding, Cybersecurity and the Future of Local Funding.
For more information about the AIC or the Annual Conference, please contact Elizabeth Mallers at emallers@indianacounties. org.
The Association of Indiana Counties, Inc. is a nonprofi t organization that was established in 1957 for the betterment of county government. The various functions of the AIC include lobbying the Indiana General Assembly on behalf of counties, serving as liaison among counties, state and federal agencies as well as providing technical assistance and training to county offi cials and employees.
Ribbon cutting opens first multi-use trail
Submitted Article
Friends and supporters of the MYPath Trail System cut a ribbon to open the Riverfront Trail, the first multi-use trail for walkers, cyclists, wheelchairs and strollers in Owen County.
The trail along the south side of the White River, across from Cooper Commons and the Owen County Fairgrounds, was upgraded as part of a $941,000 project. Most of the funding for the project, $640,000, came from the competitive Department of
Natural Resources Next Level Trails program. The rest of the funding came from donors and the Owen County Community Foundation.
Representatives of the Community Foundation and Department of Natural Resources participated in the ribbon cutting ceremony on Sept. 27. Due to inclement weather, the celebration was moved indoors, at Civilian Brewing Corps in downtown Spencer. Civilian even tapped the MYPath Amber Trail Ale to celebrate the accomplishment.
The paved trail winds from 788 Pottersville Rd., along the White River, to a connection with River Road. One of the highlights of the trail is a new, 80-foot-long bridge crossing Elliston Creek.
The bridge was delivered, in one piece, on Sept. 17. It was set into place, by crane, the next day.
“This is an important addition for Owen County,” said Janet Rummel, CEO of the Owen County Community Foundation.
“Many communities have been enjoying the health and economic benefits of multiuse trails. We are excited that Owen
County will see these same benefits.”
In 2013, community leaders envisioned a trail stretching from the Family YMCA on the west side of Spencer to McCormick’s Creek State Park. Since then, several miles of shared roads and sidewalks have been used as part of MYPath. The Riverfront Trail is the first new construction, completely separate from roadways. Rummel said she hopes the growing popularity of this new part of the trail will provide momentum to build the next section into the park.
DeCriscio selected for LSN Academy, SPJ Board
Submitted Article
Nicole DeCriscio, 2012 Allen County Lilly Scholar and a founding board member and current board president of The Owen News, has been selected as part of the inaugural class of the Lilly Scholars Network (LSN) Academy. This comprehensive statewide leadership development program is designed exclusively for alumni of the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program (LECSP).
LSN, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. and oversight from Indiana Humanities (IH), works to engage Lilly Endowment Community Scholars and alumni scholars in topics and with people focused on advancing Indiana’s future prosperity; inspire and equip the scholars to be active leaders in their communities; and cultivate meaningful connections among scholars and with other Indiana leaders.
The LSN Academy was created in response to interest among scholars in establishing a statewide program to inform scholars on statewide issues and provide an opportunity for deeper engagement. The LSN Academy distinguishes itself through its exclusive focus on alumni of the LECSP. The shared background of participants as Lilly Endowment Community Scholars fosters a unique camaraderie and understanding, creating a strong foundation for collaborative learning and networking.
Beyond the LSN Academy,
LSN offers a range of programs and events. These initiatives provide the scholars with ongoing opportunities for personal and professional growth as well as a vibrant and supportive community of individuals committed to making a positive impact in Indiana.
The LSN Academy has drawn interest from LECSP alumni of various graduating classes and representing counties across Indiana. The inaugural class includes 23 outstanding individuals who have demonstrated a strong commitment to leadership and service within their communities. They hail from diverse backgrounds, with representation from a wide range of professions, including healthcare, education, business, and the nonprofit sector.
“The LSN Academy complements other LSN programs and events by providing a deeper dive into the challenges and opportunities in our state while providing a unique leadership development opportunity for our alumni Lilly Endowment Community Scholars,” said Bryana Schreiber, LSN Program Director. “This comprehensive program will not only enhance the skills of these alumni scholars but also empower them to create positive change in Indiana. We believe the LSN Academy will significantly expand the reach and impact of our work across the state.”
Over the course of eight months, October 2024 through May 2025, the LSN Academy will provide participants with opportunities
to enhance their leadership skills, expand their networks, and engage with critical issues facing Indiana. The program will focus on five key themes: Economy and Innovation, Education, Environment, Public Health, and Quality of Life. The inaugural LSN Academy Class will travel around the state of Indiana to explore these topics from urban, suburban and rural perspectives.
The LSN Academy is made possible through the generous support of Lilly Endowment and is guided by Indiana Humanities. For more information and updates about the LSN Academy program, visit lillyscholars.org/ academy.
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DeCriscio is also among the newly elected Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) 2024-25 Board of Directors and Regional Coordinators.
“It is a great honor and privilege to be elected by fellow journalists to serve SPJ in this way,” she said. “SPJ offers journalists around the world training, resources and support and has done so for the last 115 years. I hope that in addition to serving an organization that has shaped my career, this will draw much-needed attention to news deserts in rural America and to the model being created by The Owen News. Because of this, journalists from around the world will be paying attention to the strides being made by The Owen News and taking note.”
Newly elected SPJ Board of Directors members and Regional Coordinators for Regions 1, 4, 5 and 9 are:
Chris Vaccaro, Vice President, running unopposed (505 votes).
Sara Catania, SecretaryTreasurer, with 56.9% of votes (301 votes) for this role.
Patricia Gallagher Newberry, Director At-Large, with 29.8% of votes (290 votes) for this position.
Nicole DeCriscio, Director At-Large, with 28.5% of votes (277 votes) for this role.
Michelle Watson, Region 1 Coordinator, with 53.4% of votes (63 votes) for this position.
Ginny McCabe, Region 4 Coordinator, with 94.7% of votes (36 votes) for this role
Nicole DeCriscio, Region 5 Coordinator, running unopposed (40 votes).
McKenzie Romero, Region 9 Coordinator, running unopposed (22 votes).
DeCriscio became an independent journalist based in Indiana in 2019 after previously working for several daily newspapers throughout south-central Indiana as a general assignment reporter, copy editor and page designer. In addition to her national and regional roles within SPJ, she also serves as an at-large director for the SPJ Florida Board and the Freelance Community Board. She has previously served as the Regional Coordinator Caucus Chair, as chair for the Generation J Community and as Region 5 Assistant Coordinator.
In addition, DeCriscio completed a 10-month grant writing fellowship through Regional Opportunities Initative. She graduated from DePauw University in 2016.
Submitted Article
Gosport Family Tree Project
Forty new trees have been planted in Gosport Town Park, strategically located to enhance the quality of space, inviting family leisure and recreation. Each tree displays a permanent marker with the donor family name.
More information on the Gosport Family Tree Project can be found in the Gosport History Museum, 19 N. Fourth St., Gosport. A permanent marker will soon be set in the park, next to the Goss Family Tree in the center of the park, to commemorate this initiating eff ort of the Gosport Town Park Revitalization Project. There are still eight trees available for a $200 contribution each. Funds will go towards the future Public Restrooms, featured later in this article.
Gosport Town Park – GBA Playground
The Gosport Business Association (GBA), with the assistance of the Owen County Community Foundation, local donors and volunteers completed the initial installation of playground equipment in the fall of 2023. Additional equipment and mulch are planned for early 2025. The new playground facility provides a welcomed attraction to the park for families and kids.
Gosport Town Park –Sports Court
“King Court” was installed soon after the playground. The new sports court is dedicated to all Gosport basketball coaches, players, managers, cheerleaders
and fans that attended Gosport High School (GHS), including residents who would have attended GHS. The court is honorably named in great appreciation of the King family who has continually made signifi cant contributions to the community of Gosport for many, many years. There will be a ribbon cutting ceremony and dedication on Saturday, Oct. 12, courtside in the park. All are welcome to attend to show appreciation of John and Joe King. We would like for you to come with your stories and memories of Gosport basketball and the Kings. This will also be a great time to see what has been done in the park so far and what organizers anticipate going forward with the Gosport Town Park Revitalization Project.
Gosport Memorial Brick Walk
More than 50 engraved bricks have been claimed to date toward a goal 200 to complete a memorial brick walk that will provide access from the bandstand area to the shelter house and future public restrooms. The memorial brick walk separates the sports court and the playground and will extend east and west from South Third Street to the alley. Businesses, organizations, families and individuals are encouraged to have their names engraved in support of the Gosport Town Park Revitalization Project. Bricks are $100 each and proceeds will go toward the new public restrooms mentioned later in this article.
Gosport Town Park – Rally in the Alley Contributions are needed to fund the installation of grass pavers in the east/ west alleyway that separates the bandstand area and the recreational area of the park. Grass pavers are a solid paving material with voids which allow grass to grow through. This provides additional green space while maintaining a solid surface for vehicular and pedestrian traffi c. Each end of the alley will be controlled with timber frame gates. Timber curbs have already been installed that defi ne the thoroughfare. This space provides opportunities for many uses during events and festivals. Your tax-deductible contribution toward this project can be made payable to the Owen County Community Foundation, Memo: Gosport Town Park –Rally in the Alley.
Gosport Town Park – Public Restrooms
Currently, the primary focus is on the public restroom project. The Owen County Community Foundation has obtained a matching grant to fund the construction of four public restrooms located between the existing shelter house and the old town hall building. The grant will match funds raised in 60 days up to $30,000. The fundraising campaign began Sept. 27 and will close Oct. 27. The campaign has been
well received, but is still short of the goal. Your support is urgent to reach that goal! If funded by the grant, construction will be required to be completed within one year. Public restrooms have been needed in the park for a long time and will provide many more opportunities for events, festivals and park programming in the future. Please consider seeing your contribution doubled in this unique funding opportunity. Tax deductible contributions can be made to: the Owen County Community Foundation. Memo: Gosport Town Park – Public Restrooms. Or online at patronicity.com/ creatingplaces.
Contributions:
Make contributions payable to: the Owen County Community Foundation, PO Box 503, Spencer, IN 47460. Note: Please designate the project in the memo line.
Special thanks to the following sponsors:
Gosport History Museum
Owen County Community Foundation, Inc.
Sweet Owen Convention and Visitors Bureau, Inc.
Gosport Lions Club
Lions Club International, Inc.
Gosport Business Association
Brighton Developments, LLC
Volunteers, families and friends
TRAVIS CURRY | THE OWEN NEWS
The future of Library Reference Collections
By Ginger Kohr OCPL Director
A recent visit to the library, or the library’s Facebook page, has probably made you aware of one of our newest acquisitions: a fully articulated, anatomically correct skeleton.
You may have also noted that we invited the help of the public to give our skeleton a libraryappropriate name. Choosing a name has been fun, and we have enjoyed the creative names that have been offered.
But don’t mistake this for a seasonal activity or decoration. The skeleton is of the
same quality found in nursing and medical schools and can be checked out (in house) by students for hours at a time as an aid to study for anatomy classes, for example.
The skeleton is a part of a very intentional focus on acquiring helpful objects and books for our reference department as we re-think the needs of a library Reference Collection in the “technology age.”
For several years now, libraries in general have no longer kept up with purchasing physical sets of encyclopedias annually, and reference and informational books
have seen less and less use as people have discovered the convenience of the internet, and have shown a preference for one quick answer to a question rather than pursuing reading more about the subject from authoritative sources, to learn why, or how, or in what context the answer they found is suitable or not.
In this environment, we have put some thought into what are the most responsible, helpful ways we can add to our Reference Collection. We are more than a repository of books… but we are a repository of books. And if our Reference Collection is going to be less
used, then we need to be cognizant that what we do keep on hand in our Reference Collection should be the most authoritative, respected, well researched volumes of the day.
We also thought we need to have items on hand… such as the skeleton… that offer a more hands-on approach to learning; items that go beyond online learning.
And finally, we asked the question: what if we suddenly didn’t have access to the internet (temporarily or longterm), would our collection be able to fill in the gap for our patrons?
We are just getting
started on this new way of looking at the Reference Collection, but these are ideas we are considering as we go forward with the collection for the next few years.
On another subject, we would like to ask the public for some help in acquiring old Spencer High School and Owen Valley High School yearbooks. We are especially in need of copies from the 1970s, ‘80s and ‘90s. There are some years that we are missing completely, and some years for which we have copies but they are missing pages or are in rough condition. Please keep us in mind as you come across extra copies.
Purdue Extension - Owen farm, garden update
By Jim Luzar
the top end of yield removed, thanks to late summer dry weather stress and a fungal disease called tar spot. Hay harvest seemed bountiful early in the summer, but again, dry weather reduced late cuttings. This article highlights some concerns and interests of the Purdue Extension-Owen County offi ce.
Forage testing
Early fall is a great time to prepare for inventorying hay supplies and determining hay quality condition. The Extension offi ce owns a
forage testing probe that can be signed out for client use. The probe has carbide teeth that chew into the hay bale and require a drill to operate. A forage test checks bales for heating damage and determines feed value so producers can adjust feed ration for hay quality. Contact the offi ce at 812-829-5020 for help obtaining samples and/ or to borrow the hay probe.
Corn storage considerations
Corn prices are really sluggish and below cost of production. Many producers are anticipating storing corn for a longer period of time with expectation for improvement in price. Grain quality starts with a clean storage bin and good quality corn. Cracked corn kernels and old crop debris can create problems with insect pests and molds. Removing some corn incrementally can allow a producer to inspect corn quality and adjust the storage environment. We have harvested good quality corn early this fall, but the later planted corn may not fare as well. The main point is: poorer quality corn can lead to bridging and that can
lead to bin entrapment. With an almost two-billion-bushel projected carryout for 2024 corn, longer term storage will require close monitoring.
Farm rental arrangements
Farm rental contracts that have a set term are pretty straightforward for both parties to know when the end of contract happens. Where things get murky is when the lease is verbal or the term lease has expired and both parties are operating on said lease under a verbal contract (written lease for one year executed in 2023 and terms continued in 2024). Indiana law has supported the end of contract year for a verbal contract being the end of November. Written notice to terminate a verbal lease is preferable. Poor communication between tenant and landlord can create issues: notifying a tenant sooner than later regarding lease termination is a good land management practice. That way the tenant can plan for 2025 with more surety.
Cash rental rates for 2025 are anticipated to remain static from 2024 levels.
Projected 2025 corn and bean prices are not looking strong and input prices have not correspondingly dropped. Purdue has a solid management tool to evaluate farm lease arrangement. Also, fl exible cash leases provide both parties an opportunity to set a base level of cash rent and reward the landowner if things end up better fi nancially with respect to yield and price. Contact the Extension offi ce at 812829-5020 if you would like to see what resources Purdue Extension can provide.
Fall adjustments
Tired lawns and gardens signal the end of a hot, dry late summer. Now is a great time to make notes about what worked in the landscape this year and what could be improved upon. Soil testing helps gardeners fi nd out where their nutrient levels are in the garden and avoid under- or overapplication of expensive fertilizer. The Owen County Soil & Water Conservation District operates a soil testing program that provides a certifi ed lab test. Fall is a great time to complete a test.
Owen Valley High School Sports Calendar
Oct. 5
Noon – Varsity girls’ soccer vs South Vermillion at South Vermillion.
6 p.m. – Varsity co-ed cross country at Nike Valley Twilight meet at LaVern Gibson Cross Country Course in Terre Haute.
6 p.m. – Varsity football vs Angola at Owen Valley.
Oct. 7
6 p.m. – Junior varsity girls’ volleyball vs White River Valley at Owen Valley.
7 p.m. – Varsity girls’ volleyball vs White River Valley
at Owen Valley.
Oct. 8 6 p.m. – Junior varsity girls’ volleyball vs Greencastle at Owen Valley.
7 p.m. – Varsity girls’ volleyball vs Greencastle at Owen Valley.
Oct. 11
7 p.m. – Varsity football vs South Putnam at South Putnam.
Oct. 12
1 p.m. – Varsity girls’ volleyball vs Monrovia at Monrovia.
Cloverdale High School Sports Calendar
Oct. 4
7 p.m. – Varsity football vs Greencastle at Greencastle.
Oct. 8
6 p.m. – Junior varsity girls’ volleyball vs Eminence at Eminence.
7:30 p.m. – Varsity girls’ volleyball vs Eminence at Eminence.
Oct. 11
7 p.m. – Varsity football vs West Vigo at West Vigo.
OVMS Sports Calendar
Oct. 7
6 p.m. – Girls’ volleyball East/ West Western Indiana Conference Championship at Owen Valley. Oct. 10
6 p.m. – Seventh grade football vs West Vigo at Owen Valley.
7 p.m. – Eighth grade football vs West Vigo at Owen Valley.
CMS Sports Calendar
Oct. 5
9:30 a.m. – Girls’ volleyball at WIC (first round, East) at Indian Creek.
11 a.m. – Co-ed cross country at WIC at Brown County.
Oct. 10 6 p.m. – Football vs North Central (Farmersburg) at Cloverdale.
Oct. 12
Oct. 14
Noon – Junior varsity football vs South Putnam at South Putnam.
Oct. 18
7 p.m. –Varsity football vs Cascade at Cascade.
10 a.m. – Varsity boys’ cross country at Western Indiana Conference (WIC) meet.
10 a.m. – Varsity girls’ cross country at Western Indiana Conference (WIC) meet.
Oct. 19
10 a.m. – Junior varsity football vs Cascade at Owen Valley.
Oct. 31
6 p.m. – Varsity girls’ basketball vs Southport at Owen Valley.
Oct. 18 7 p.m. – Varsity football vs South Putnam at Cloverdale.
Oct. 29
6 p.m. – Varsity girls’ basketball scrimmage vs Bloomfield at Cloverdale.
Rain stops for Run to the Creek
Submitted Article
The air was heavy even though the rain ceased while runners and walkers from across the state competed in Run to the Creek 5K & 10K on Sunday, Sept. 22, at McCormick’s Creek State Park. Racers were challenged by the rolling hills of the course which included paved park roads and trail 9. Spectators, including Owen Valley High School Cheer Squad, encouraged runners and walkers to strive for their personal best times. Runners and walkers enjoyed fellowshipped, refreshments provided by Spencer McDonalds and awards immediately after the race.
Seventy-eight runners finished the 5K course. Bentley Rayhill, age 13, of Mitchell, turned in the winning time of 20:51, a 6:42 pace. Justin Graham of Bloomington finished next with a time of 21:21. Rebecca Roberts was the first female to finish with a time of 24:50.
Forty-seven walkers completed the course. Darin Klotzsche of Greenwood crossed the finish line with a time of 34:56, an 11:14 pace. Carol Smith of Fillmore was the first female walker with a time of 42:32.
Twenty-two runners completed the 10K. With
a time of 51:40, Braedon Churches of Bloomington won overall, an 8:18 pace. Close behind him was Cary Walsh, also of Bloomington, with a time of 52:03. Amy Peterson of Bloomington was the first female to finish with at time of 53:57.
The Friends of McCormick’s Creek plan to use the proceeds from the race for park improvements, repairs from the tornado and other projects to enrich the experience of park visitors. Registration has already begun for their spring race, Friends of McCormick’s Creek 5K. Online registration is available at https://runsignup. com/Race/IN/Spencer/ FriendsMcCormicksCreek5k
The Friends of McCormick’s Creek would like to thank park staff, volunteers, and all the valued sponsors. Gold-level sponsors include: Spencer Lions Club, Sweet Owen Convention & Visitors Bureau, Hoosier Energy and IU Health. Green Dental of Owen County served as a silver-level sponsor. Bronze-level sponsors include:McDonalds of Spencer, Insurance Services Inc., Byers Home Furnishings, Pizza Pantry of Ellettsville, J5 Engineering, Endeavor Communications, Racetrackers, Ridgeline Veterinary Services, Friends of MYPath, Canyon Inn and Nite Owl Promotions.
Jon Jackson, David Arthur, James Rogers compete in Run to the Creek. SUBMITTED PHOTO.
Trailing or Leading: Many feet crossing new bridge
By Kyle Hannon Project Manager, MYPath Trail System
In just eightand-a-halfminutes, the new MYPath bridge, all 80-feet long and 14-feet wide of it, was lifted off a truck and placed across Elliston Creek. Just like that, the two sections of the MYPath trail were joined.
Remember the recent solar eclipse? It was a pretty big deal in Owen County. The community prepared for months, years in some cases. After all that, the sun was blocked for about four minutes. It was a fantastic experience. For many of us, it was a once-in-a-
lifetime event.
Watching a large bridge be lifted off of a truck and placed on waiting bridge abutments was also a once-ina-lifetime event, probably. A related once-in-alifetime event was watching an 80feet long and 14feet wide bridge moving down River Road.
The bridge was brought to us from a company in Wisconsin. But its journey was much, much longer.
You may remember that the original plan for our bridge across Elliston Creek was to refurbish and reuse the old Hancock School Road bridge, which is still standing today. There are companies that specialize in restoring old bridges. We had plans and drawings to move this bridge. We were excited to restore this bit
of history for MYPath. But our dreams were bigger than our wallet.
When we were opening the bids, it became quickly apparent that we could not afford to restore the old bridge. Fortunately, in our bid advertisement, we included the option to use a newly constructed bridge. The bids for a new bridge were also too expensive, but we could move forward by scaling back our trail plans. So now we have a new bridge and a new trail from the Soil and Water Conservation District office to River Road.
We were warned by our bridge contractor, Milestone, that the bridge would not be ready until fall. A disappointment, but workable. We signed off on the bridge construction
drawings at the end of January. Milestone completed the bridge abutments at the end of April. And there the abutments sat for months.
In the meantime, All American Construction got to work on the new trail. Maybe you have had the chance to walk or ride a bicycle on the new path. It is a great trail. But something is missing – a bridge.
Then we got the word. After nearly eight months, the bridge would be delivered. Milestone made sure the crane would be ready the morning after the bridge arrived. Tuesday, Sept. 17 the bridge arrived on site of the MYPath New Meadow. Wednesday, Sept. 18 was the day to set the bridge.
As an observer and not a professional
bridge mover or installer, I was nervous about a few things. How in the world would an 80-foot bridge drive from State Road 46 onto River Road? Then, how can bridge abutments be built by one company, a bridge constructed by a different company, and transported by the third company, and lifted up by a fourth company, all fit together after the passage of eight months?
In eight and a half minutes, I had my answer. It is all done flawlessly.
Once the bridge was in place, Milestone still had some concrete work to do on the ends. But we were welcome to cross the bridge. Which many of us did. The next day, Milestone removed the caution tape around the ends and more people were able to cross. All
American worked to complete the trail leading to the bridge in time for the MYPath ribbon cutting on Sept. 27. It took some time to complete this trail, but it looks great. Our next step is to get some benches, signs and other amenities for MYPath. But the key has been connecting the two sides of MYPath with a bridge, and that is complete. I hope you have a chance to walk across this beautiful new bridge soon.
Kyle Hannon is the project manager for the MYPath Trail System. He has served in many community development and trail connection roles throughout the state. On many weekends, he serves as an interpretive specialist at McCormick’s Creek State Park.
Outdoor Type: Recalling writing career, hunting and fishing origins
since I was a beginning teacher and needed to eat, I wrote three or four articles that HO actually published. After I moved to Jasper in the mid-seventies, the writing gig got put on the back burner, replaced by shepherding students at Jasper High and Vincennes UJ in the summers. I was still
hunting and fishing but not writing about it because one of my three sons was at any moment ready to hurt himself or someone else, or get into trouble of some kind, and I needed to be present to rush the victim(s) to the ER. Now I get to pen something occasionally for the Dubois County Herald and recently The Owen News I’m far from an outdoors expert, but I’ve had a lot of experiences, mostly in fishing. My main interest is how to catch more and bigger bass, bluegill and crappie, but I’ve read numerous articles on other species. I’m not
fond of catfish, but I’m happy when someone in my family catches a nice channel. My biggest bass is a seven pound, three ouncer. My largest crappie is around 15 inches.
I know there’s a better personal best out there somewhere. My cousin has an eight-pound bass in the pond he personally manages. He doesn’t let me forget that his eight beats my seven.
Hunting is also an interest. I grew up chasing quail and squirrel, but not deer. Too much sitting still in cold weather and too big a job dealing with the carcass to suit me. In my youth we
had a bird dog of sorts, so rabbits were off limits lest we send confusing messages to our big pointer Pretty Boy, who was confused enough already. I’ve hunted quail with guys who had quality bird dogs. A great outdoor experience is watching a good dog work through cover, show down, slow down some more, (called “getting birdy”) and go on point with maybe just his tail twitching a bit.
After Lady, which my dad said was a fine dog, we got the aforementioned Pretty Boy, a big, high-strung specimen who liked to get out there a long way.
That would be fine in open country, but around our home it was rolling hills and thick brush. PB was often out of sight and would bark when he was on point and nobody showed up. The bark came after the birds would flush, and we had no clue where they went. This was way before the electronic collar age. There were lots of times when we would have loved to zap him. We had a suitable squirrel woods right behind our house, and I usually managed one or two each time out. I rarely accomplished the max of five and was always jealous of some other
guys around who almost always limited out. Now I enjoy floating rivers for squirrel after the leaves fall, or hunting with dogs in late season. My neighbor’s brother has a couple of Mountain Curs, who comb the woods floor and bark treed. Then the issue is seeing the little guy somewhere up there, assuming he didn’t head for a hole or a nest. I’m working on my wife to accept a squirrel stew, but so far, she’s adamant that it won’t happen. Deboned and placed in a crock pot with vegetables, it makes a fine dish. I’ll keep working on her.
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Spencer 10/18/2024
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Driftwood Outdoors: October’s Best
By Brandon Butler Guest Columnist
October is arguably the best month of the year to be outdoors in the Midwest. Archery deer seasons are open across the region. Upland hunters are stretching their legs across the plains. And anglers have so much opportunity they don’t know what to do with themselves. This is the month to spend as much time outdoors as possible.
If you like catching largemouth bass, now is when they are feeding aggressively. Same goes for toothy predators like northern pike and muskie. Panfishing is hot across the region, and anglers are staying busy filling freezers with bags of bluegill, crappie and perch filets. With a little planning and calendar management, sportsmen can have it all in October. Now if only the month were a little longer. Here are a few suggestions for where you could enjoy the outdoors this
month.
Indiana – Cagles Mill Crappie
Cagles Mill, also known as Cataract Lake, is located in the west-central part of the state near Cloverdale. The 1,400acre impoundment is well-known for its crappie fishing.
October is a top month for putting limits in the livewell. The reservoir is used for flood control, so conditions vary, but at normal pool wise anglers focus on fishing standing timber or sunken brush in depths of four- to six-feet deep near creek channels. Crappies are caught on jigs or under a bobber with a minnow. White crappie are usually found a little deeper than blacks. In October, crappie are usually biting below Cataract Falls at Lieber SRA. Night fishing is also popular around boat docks with artificial lights. Michigan – Archery Deer
As home to Fred Bear, Michigan is often regarded as the birthplace of modern
archery hunting. Perhaps no destination in the country has the potential to transport one back to the early days of archery deer hunting like the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. With a strong deer population spread out across millions of acres of public lands, hunters have the opportunity to hunt forests where they’ll likely not encounter other hunters. Camping is free on most federal lands, so traditional deer camps pop up all over during the season, which opened on Oct. 1. In the Central UP, Delta and Marquette counties are known for record book bucks. In the western reaches, Ontonagon and Iron counties produce lots of big, old bucks. The Hiawatha National Forest and Ottawa National Forest offer more land than any group of hunters could need. Brook trout fishing and grouse hunting are solid addons to an October archery deer hunt in the UP.
Missouri – Pomme de
Terre Muskie
Pomme de Terre is a premiere muskie lake in a part of the country where muskie aren’t expected to be found. Located at the southern edge of our country’s musky zone, Pomme is wellregarded as the place to go in the Show-Me State to tangle with one of these toothy predators. When the water temperature drops into the 60s in October, the fish are feeding aggressively in the shallows. Focus on water less than 10-feet deep. With 8,000 acres of surface water, this big reservoir is clear with a rocky bottom. If you can find a distinct weedline along a dropoff back deep in finger, you’ll want to fish that with a large in-line spinner or big, shallow running stick bait. MDC first stocked muskies in Pomme de Terre in 1966. They have thrived there ever since. Quarry Point Public Use Area is a good starting point. Ohio – Fall Turkey Fall turkey hunting is nowhere near as popular as spring
turkey hunting. This is good news for those strong souls venturing out into the October turkey woods. For the hardcore turkey hunters out there, fall can be a great time to pursue these magnificent birds without much competition in the field. Fall wild turkey season opens on the second Saturday of October. This year that date is Oct. 12. A top tactic in the fall is to locate a flock of turkeys and purposefully break them up, then work on calling them back together. Blue Rock State Forest and Fernwood State Forest are two public properties where you may be able to break up a large flock of turkeys and call one back to you.
See you down the trail…
For more Driftwood Outdoors, check out the podcast on driftwoodoutdoors.com or anywhere podcasts are streamed.
Ramblings: Squirrel’s Picnic
By Annie Bright Guest Columnist
One never knows what surprises are waiting in the forest. Every season presents moments of delight. One fine morning last week, I was strolling around the Ridge. The signs of autumn were abundant. Poke berries hung on dying plants. The purple berries glistened in the dappled sunlight. Along the edge of the woods, the blue mist flowers bloomed. Many of the autumn flowers bloomed early this year. The lack
of rain has brought early death to some. The trees have been shedding leaves for weeks. They do that when there is not enough rain. Nut trees will drop their fruits early also. That has been happening on the Ridge. Hickory, walnuts and acorns litter the ground. As I walked along the overgrown path, I spied a squirrel sitting on an old fallen tree trunk. Of course he scampered away. I walked over to see what he had been doing and discovered the squirrel was having a picnic. Several hickory nut shells were on the log. He had gnawed them open to get at the tasty treats hiding inside. One of the nuts had been discarded. I picked it up to examine why.
The nut meat was mushy. It looked like a sponge. No wonder he discarded it. Getting into the meat of a hickory nut is not easy. I admire the critters that can crack them open with their teeth.
I have spent many hours cracking hickory nuts and digging out the tasty morsels inside the shells. Our family harvested a lot of them. We would gather around the table and work on an assembly line basis. My older brother usually busted the small shells with a light blow of a hammer. He used a piece of a 2x6 as a base. Then we girls would pick out the nut meats. Mom would create some tasty treat. Sometimes it was persimmon pudding with hickory nuts. That dish says
autumn in Indiana to me. Once she made a hickory nut pie, like a pecan pie. That took a lot of work to get enough nuts. It was delicious. We often added hickory nuts to cookies. Getting enough to last the winter was very time consuming. The process brought the family together. Even the youngest, Bridget, could help in picking up the nuts from the forest floor.
Hickories are kin of the pecan. They belong to the genus Carya. There are 18 species in this genus. Many of these tall trees grace the hills of Indiana. My favorite is shagbark hickory. This tree is very easy to identify. The dark bark appears to be peeling off the tree in strips. The nuts are big and mighty
tasty. We learned early not to bother with what my brother called ‘Pignuts.’ Those tiny hickory nuts are bitter and not worth the trouble. The shellbark hickory produces a large nut. These huge trees also have bark that is somewhat shaggy, but it is light gray. A woody husk covers the actual nut on all these hickories. It is divided into four segments and is easy to remove. Sometimes it falls off when the nut hits the ground.
The squirrel’s picnic brought back warm memories of how our family worked together. I have also developed a hankering for persimmon pudding with hickory nuts. Guess what I am doing this weekend?
‘til next time, Annie
It’s Just a Country State of Mind: Autumn
By Susan Anderson Guest Columnist
Autumn. The air is cool and crisp. Natures landscape comes alive with color as the Indian Summer lays a bridge between the memory of the summer heat and the approaching bitter cold of winter.
The corn stocks in the country fields have dried, and the ears of corn dropped down out of their husks from the weight of their hardened kernels as they await the fall harvest.
Pumkins in abundance
can be found at country markets and road size stands. Pumpkins for pies and pumpkins for carving and pumpkins for the sake of pumpkins. Firewood is cut and split and stacked in anticipation of the upcoming cold winter nights. The trees are magnificent in their autumn colors of red, yellow, brown and orange. The leaves will soon fall from the trees and then will have to be raked. As they fall, the leaves will scatter across the ground, and the autumn winds will blow more leaves down from the trees to take their place.
Then they will have to be raked as well. Then finally, the trees will stand naked before the winter sky.
The Bittersweet vines are ready for harvest and at the orchard, apples are sold by
the bushel. Caramel apples, apple pie, apple butter. Apples for eating. Apples for bobbing underwater in a tub. Then there are wiener roast and football games. And there are sunset walks on a country road in the late evening with a sweater because the evenings are cool. And there are hay rides on country roads under the country sky with some good friends along for company. The wagon supplied with bales of fresh hay that remind one of the days gone by and for a while time stands still as the sound of laughter can be heard echoing through the autumn night.
And then it’s time for trick-or-treat and caramel corn and scary tales and things that go bump in the night. Change is in the air. Even nature senses the change. Birds fly south for the winter. The squirrels can be seen scurrying about as they gather a bounty of nuts in anticipation of the long winter that lies ahead.
The wild fur bearing animals have grown thicker coats to keep them warm during the cold weather that lies ahead, and the sound of Summer insects has
been silenced by the cooler, shorter days and the longer chilly nights.
It’s almost as if life is trying to find closure of some sort. It begins, and it ends, and in between the two, it’s a process. Sometimes it’s a struggle to connect the two and so we have our autumn. Life begins to slow the pace down a bit as a prelude to winter. Autumn gives us a sense of everything coming to a close, otherwise the changes would come too fast.
We humans need time to become acclimated to our new environment. The cold must come, but let it come gently and quietly until we suddenly find ourselves in winter. Autumn is a bridge that we all have to cross over. But you can bet that when you do cross it, the landscape will be magnificent. And that you will find yourself eased into that old cold winter. So enjoy the autumn! It’s a wonderful bridge to cross. It doesn’t stay around too long so enjoy the moments. Put an extra log on the fire and sit back and enjoy the season!
Happy fall!
Genealogy helps unlock the story of you
By Dixie Richardson Guest Columnist
There once was a time when it seemed only the rich and elite could trace their ancestry and publish the results – notable people who could have their roots traced by a professional to some European royalty, or still a favorite, Charlemagne who died in 814 AD. Today, family research is one of the most popular pursuits with digitized records and submitted information online by companies who furnish access for a fee. This method is easier and quicker and replaces writing letters, traveling to courthouses and libraries, and tracking down living relatives.
Yet, as convenient as it is, as Genealogy Specialist Laura Wilkerson at the Owen County Public Library testifies, the cyber information doesn’t have it all and often contains errors. For a community of less than 2,500 people, Spencer has a repository of local history and family data that is remarkable in the sheer number of its contents.
Laura estimates that in the four individual drawers of 14 file cabinets, there are
35 to 40 labeled families and, of course, each family surname connects to multiple others.
Laura refers to these compiled histories submitted by families and those documents of the past as the “meat and potatoes.”
Aside from calling, writing and emailing, researchers come to the library to search hands-on, and Laura says she has witnessed “minireunions” when relatives show up at the same time, unknowingly. They find birth, death, marriage, some probates and commissioners’ meetings among the vital records.
The local history and genealogy unit was moved and expanded when the holdings of the Spencer Public Library in the original Carnegie building on the south corner of the square were transferred into the vacated Owen County State Bank on Montgomery and Franklin streets in 1997. Safe and secure in the former bank’s huge vault is a researcher’s dream, not just for seeking ancestors, but looking at all aspects of the county’s past two centuries. Laura relates that information in research and reference area is available
to students, governmental agencies, home buyers, planners and builders, preservationists, and public historians, as well as those just curious, history lovers. One of those key resources is information about Owen’s historic sites and structures.
Many shelves hold books – worth a fortune, I might add – of genealogies and histories of other states, Indiana county histories published in the 1880s, and those of states from which the migration routes originated as Indiana was settled from the bottom up.
There’s a four-volume set titled “Virginia Genealogies,” for instance, and from New England a set containing original Massachusetts witch trial texts.
Lamenting the loss of the recording of the everyday life of communities as local newspapers fade into oblivion (“hometown news” will hardly be a feature of social media), we agreed that the microfilmed newspaper collection is appreciated more than ever.
A current project, Laura reported, is the gathering of all the Spencer yearbooks, because some in the collection “have drifted away.” If there are high
school annuals that need rehomed, here is the place to donate them.
Laura believes the popularity of family research will continue and that even Generation Z will eventually develop an interest. The need to collect, conserve and make available local history will always be important.
She is invested in her work, having begun on the low rung of the library ladder. She smiled as she recalled working all night cleaning in IU’s Wells Library helping her husband Jay graduate with a degree from the School of Library and Information Science. Then she moved up to working in reference, circulation, interlibrary loans, etc., giving her a rounded and varied experience in library services. Jay has retired and is serving as an educator in the local adult learning program. The couple reside in Spencer and have three grandchildren.
All those interested in Owen County’s people, place, and events of the past are welcome to visit during the library’s regular hours. Laura Wilkerson, incharge of a wealth of information, will be your guide.
GES hosts back-to-school parade
By Travis Curry Correspondent
Downtown Gosport came alive Sept. 20 with the sights and sounds of the annual back-to-school parade hosted by Gosport Elementary School (GES).
“The back-to-school parade is one of the best days of the year,” GES Principal Mrs. Carol Watson said. “This has become a tradition at GES as this is the 20th year for the parade. Parents, family and community members love to line the streets year after year to cheer on their favorite Gosport Indians.”
Students are eager to receive their new GES t-shirts on the morning of the parade, Watson explained, and enjoy making banners and posters to carry in the parade to show their Gosport pride.
“It always amazes me the huge turnout that we have every year for the parade,” she said. “This community loves their school. They love to support the students by cheering and clapping as the students march downtown and then turn around to go back to the school.”
Watson issued a special thank you to the emergency personnel who participate in the parade year after year, helping to ensure a memorable and safe event for the students.
FROM TOP:
the students as they participated in the annual GES back-to-school parade. TRAVIS CURRY | THE OWEN NEWS // GES fifth grader London Blaine, son of Trey Blaine and Brandi Allen, is shown holding the American flag upright and aloft during the annual back-to-school parade, while fellow fifth grader Logan Keller, son of TJ and Josie Keller, displayed the Indiana state flag. Following close behind are classmates Jordan Riley (left), son of Taylor Alaniz and Joey Riley and Taylor Alaniz, and Amarion Danaher, grandson of Tony and Shelley Danaher. TRAVIS CURRY | THE OWEN NEWS // Joe King was all smiles as he watched the GES back-toschool parade make its way past his West Main Street home, where he was caught by the camera proudly displaying a “We love Gosport” sign. PHOTO SUBMITTED BY SPENCER-OWEN COMMUNITY SCHOOLS.
Well-known auctioneer and rural Gosport resident, Billy Williams, served as the emcee for this year’s parade. Williams introduced each class, faculty
and school administration as they made their way east on Main Street while students enthusiastically chanted “GES is the best.”
The 47th annual Spencer Lions Club Apple Butter Festival royalty, crowned Sept. 21, included (from left to right) Prince William Baxter, King Easton Flick, Queen Sydney Ruth Shake and Princess Tiffany Kim. This year’s royalty court is pictured with Lion Anton Neff, who again served as royalty contest chairman and emcee.
William, the son of Curt and Amanda Baxter, is a kindergarten student at McCormick’s Creek Elementary School. Easton, a firs- grader at Spencer Elementary School (SES), is the son of Brooklyn Neff. Sydney, the daughter of Casey and Krystal Shake, is also a first-grader at SES. Tiffany, also a first-grade student at SES, is the daughter of Benjamin and Insun Kim. TRAVIS CURRY | THE OWEN NEWS
Above: Six pilots boarded their “toilet bowl” vessels and plunged south on Main Street as part of the 2024 Spencer Lions Club Apple Butter Festival commode races, held September 21st.
The commode races are just like they sound. Participants sit on a “commode” and use a pair of plungers to steer their way toward the finish line… some more successfully than others! The winner and runner-up in each race received a gold and silver plunger, respectfully.
Below: This year’s race winners were Ethan Murray and Hannah Barnes, while Sadie Baxter and Braddock Nickless finished runners-up in their respective races. Barnes and Baxter (left) are pictured below with their trophies. TRAVIS CURRY | THE OWEN NEWS
