The Owen News -- April 5, 2024 (Vol. 1, Issue 1)

Printing this paper is history making

By Nicole DeCriscio Board President

History is being made, here, today in this very newspaper in your hands. It’s making history here in Owen County, but also in our state as our board is fairly certain that we’re the fi rst local nonprofi t newspaper in Indiana. And, if we’re wrong, and another one exists, they certainly are not

the fi rst local nonprofi t newspaper in rural Indiana. We’re creating a model that currently doesn’t exist. But more than that, today marks the return of local news to our community, which should be celebrated, regardless of whether or not we’re the fi rst anything. This very newspaper is the culmination of nearly two years of hard work toward the goal of ensuring that our community has sustainable, responsible, ethical, unbiased local news

HISTORY | PAGE 4

budding HORTICULTURISTS

County in path of totality

Here’s the events surrounding the solar eclipse

By Ellie Albin Correspondent

By Leann Burke Correspondent

OOwen Valley High School’s agriculture department buzzed all year thanks

to completion of an oncampus greenhouse. Students and staff returned from fall break to see the 24-feet by 40-feet structure near the tennis courts. That’s when

OVHS launches greenhouse

agriculture teacher Ryan Scully started fielding daily questions. “When are we going in the greenhouse?” students wanted to know.

If you’re heading to Spencer to celebrate Eclipse Day on April 8 or the days leading up, don’t worry — food, activities and camping are readily available. But amid the celebration, don’t forget — total darkness is from 3:04 to 3:08 p.m. on Monday. Remember to wear your eclipse glasses, which are for sale at Babbs in Spencer.

For a comprehensive list of events on April 8 and the days leading up, look no further than the list below.

GREENHOUSE | PAGE 15

Food Food trucks will be available on South Washington on April 8.

A “Sunshine Breakfast” will also be served from 8 to 10 a.m. on April 7 and 8 at the Owen County Fairgrounds. April 7 will

ECLIPSE | PAGE 14

FROM LEFT: Students work on separating plant starts. // Students Veronica Ray (left) and Ethan Coffey (right) are supervised by agriculture teacher Ryan Scully. NICOLE DECRISCIO | THE OWEN NEWS

TRUSTED NEWS FOR A THRIVING COMMUNITY

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ABOUT THE OWEN NEWS

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

Local artist creates eclipse selfie window

Local artist Steve Adams braves the changeable March weather to ready downtown Spencer for what could be quite an influx of visitors for the total solar eclipse on April 8th. Local residents will be familiar with Adams’s seasonal designs. This is the ninth time that Spencer Main Street, Inc., has engaged Adams and his abundant talents. The first time was Christmas 2020 when, according to Spencer Main Street president Julie Coffin, “We felt that we needed to do something to lift people’s spirits during that difficult year. The idea was born, Adams was willing to make it a reality, and he has been beautifying and cheering up the whole town ever since.”

Coffin noted that Spencer Main Street typically tosses an idea or a theme to Adams, and then, “He simply creates. And the result is always delightful.” Adams says that retirement now gives him the time to work on things he enjoys. All of Spencer—and all of our

Government Meeting Calendar

April 8

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.

April 9

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.

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

April 11

Spencer-Owen School Board meeting, 7 p.m. in the Patricksburg Elementary School gymnasium. Open to the public.

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.

April 15

Owen County Public Library Board meeting, 5 p.m. in the library’s Genealogy Vault, 10 S. Montgomery St., Spencer. Spencer Town Council meeting, 6 p.m. at the Spencer Municipal Building, 90 N. West St., Spencer. Open to the public.

April 16

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.

April 17

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.

April 18

eclipse visitors—should be glad that the downtown windows are on the list of things he enjoys. Be sure to take a selfie by the solar eclipse selfie window so you’ll always remember where you were for the 2024 total solar eclipse!

April 23

Spencer Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals meeting, 6 p.m. at the Spencer Municipal Building, 90 N. West St. Open to the public.

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

April 24

Spencer Economic Development Commission meeting, 6 p.m. at the Spencer Municipal Building, 90 N. West St. Open to the public.

May 1

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

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.

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.

PHOTO SUBMITTED BY JACOB BALASH

Community Events Calendar

April 6

Freedom Community Center Breakfast, 7 to 10 a.m. at the Freedom Community Center, 5552 Freedom-Arney Rd., Freedom. Free-will donations appreciated.

Spencer Lions Club Fish Fry, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Lions Club building, 59 N. Main St., Spencer. Proceeds benefit local scholarships, the Summer Food Program, and the third grade dictionary program.

Live entertainment with Michel Norris, 4 to 6 p.m. at the Owen Valley Winery, Vineyard & Bistro, 555 Timber Ridge Rd., Spencer. No cover charge.

Pre-Eclipse Concert at the Park with King Bee and the Stingers, 5 to 8 p.m. at the amphitheater inside McCormick’s Creek State Park. Sponsored by the Friends of McCormick’s Creek and the Canyon Inn.

Uncle Johnnies Karaoke, 8 p.m. at the Spencer American Legion Post #285, 154 S. Main St., Spencer.

April 8

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

Sweet Beats, a tribute band featuring the music of The Beatles, 4 to 6 p.m. at the Historic Tivoli Theatre in Spencer. Free. Sponsored by the Owen County Chamber

of Commerce. Seating is firstcome, first-serve.

April 9

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 812-829-5020.

April 10

Harrison Homemakers meeting, 12 p.m. at the Owen County-Purdue Extension office, 180 S. Washington St., Spencer. For more information, call 812829-5020.

April 11

College Career Military Fair, presented by OVHS Jobs for America’s Graduates, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Owen Valley High School. For more information, call 812829-2266 ext. 6246 or email mgillenwater@socs.k12.in.us.

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.

April 13

White River Poultry Club Spring Poultry Show, judging begins at 9 a.m. at the Owen County Fairgrounds, 364 S. East St., Spencer. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Coal City Community Volunteer Fire Department bake sale, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in front of McKay Family

We would like to welcome The Owen News to Owen County. We have great need for a local voice in print. The county will grow well with a local voice working for us. Thank you all for the hard work from the board.

- Ernie & Willie Du Fault, Cataract, Indiana

Gifts, 305 E. Morgan St., Spencer. ABATE Region 6 Turkey Shoot, gates open at 10 a.m. at the Spencer Conservation Club, 478 W. Coonpath Rd. Shooting starts at 11 a.m. Cost is $25 per shooter, 10 rounds. 12-, 16-, and 20-gauge ammunition supplied. Prizes for all ages. For more information, contact Jim Farmer at 812-821-2858. Open to the public.

Cloverdale Farmers’ and Makers’ Market Vendor Meeting, 2 p.m. at Sweet Clover Coffee, 202 S. Main St., Cloverdale. Learn more about how you can participate in the market.

April 18

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

April 20

Primary Election early voting, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Owen County Courthouse, 60 S. Main St., Spencer. Friends of McCormick’s Creek State Park 5K Run/ Walk, 8:30 a.m. at MCSP. Register online. Packet pickup begins at 7 a.m. at the Nature Center. For more information, email race-director@ friendsmccormickscreek.org.

Community Baby Shower, sponsored by Anthem Medicaid and the Owen County Health Department, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., in the 4-H Building at the Owen County Fairgrounds in Spencer. Snacks, free education/ resources, diaper bags, diapers and baby products, while supplies last. Games and prizes. Event is intended for expectant mothers and mothers of toddlers.

3rd Annual Owen County Art Guild Art Auction, 2 to 4 p.m. at the Guild, 199 W. Cooper St., Spencer. This year’s featured artist is Niki Gessler. Raffles with prizes will be held every 30 minutes during the event. For more information, call 812-829-1877, email owencountyartguild@outlook. com, or visit the Owen County Art Guild’s Facebook page.

Owen County Farmers’ Market Vendor Meeting, 3 p.m. in the downstairs meeting room at the Owen County Public Library, 10 S. Montgomery St., Spencer. Learn more about how you can participate in the market.

April 21

Rally for Drew, beginning at 12 p.m. at American Legion Post 285, 154 S. Main St., Spencer. Auction, live music, food, and fun. Cancer benefit. Everyone is welcome.

April 22

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

April 23

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

April 25

Getting Your Business on Google Workshop, 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Exchange, 114 S. Main St., Spencer. Free. Sponsored by Duke Energy. Limited seating. Call 812-829-3245 or email myowenexchange.com to reserve your spot.

April 27

Primary Election early voting, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Owen County Courthouse in Spencer. 4th Annual Tailgate Sale on the Square, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Market Street in Spencer. Reserve your space by April 25 at spencermainstreet.org/ events. For more information, call 812-821-7039. Sponsored by Spencer Main Street. Rain date is May 4.

April 30

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

May 2

Area V 4-H Performing Arts Contest, 6:30 p.m. at the Historic Tivoli Theatre in Spencer. Coal City Crime Watch meeting, 7 p.m. at the Jefferson Baptist Church in Coal City. Everyone welcome.

May 4

Primary Election early voting, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Owen County Courthouse in Spencer. Cloverdale Farmers’ and Makers’ Market, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., adjacent to 302 S. Main St., Cloverdale.

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

The Cataract Lake Area Crime Watch covers Jackson and Jennings Townships in Owen County and Cass Township in Clay County. Our purpose is to coordinate training for citizens concerning observation, detection and procedures on reporting crime. This includes information on criminal activities from our local sheriff department. Membership shall be defined as residing in our area as listed above. Our goals are neighbors looking out for each other and being good responsible citizens. Please join our team and prevent crime.

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.

Fire destroys church in rural Coal City

By Travis Curry Correspondent

Flames that consumed a church in rural Coal City were likely sparked by a lightning strike, investigators said Tuesday.

The Coal City Community Bible Church stood at the corner of Fifth Street and State Road 157 for more than three decades, welcoming an average of 45 attendees to weekly Sunday worship services in recent years.

Church pastor Matthew Wall was on scene with a representative of the state fire marshal’s office, surveying what remained of the building’s interior Tuesday morning. He noted how locals had reported hearing a “loud booming sound” before the fire broke out.

The first fire call came in to first responders around 6:19 a.m., with the initial wave of firefighters arriving on scene a short time later. Wall said he was grateful for the quick response as he stood in the entryway of the church, studying the charred rafters and burnt insulation, broken window glass, and other debris that littered the

HISTORY | FROM PAGE 1

that is just that – local.

The long road to getting here started with a mere conversation sparking the idea and planting the seeds. It meant that the right people were connected, the vision was formed and our board of folks who love this county embarked on learning as much as we could about both the existing nonprofit news models out there and what our community missed most in the changing local news landscape. It was important that we build something that ultimately, because of the nonprofit model, is owned by the community, and supported by the community for as long as The Owen News exists.

We have been fortunate enough to have incredible community support to make this historical moment possible.

We’ve had support from individuals willing to donate both money and time.

We’ve been able to take the

interior of the church.

Miraculously, many of the church pews were still standing, with some containing undamaged Bibles visible in Bible racks.

The building itself was deemed unsafe following the fire and initial plans called for a portion of the structure, which had begun to visibly bow on the north side, to be demolished to ensure public safety.

The Coal City Community Volunteer Fire Department received mutual aid from fire personnel from Patricksburg, Clay City, Worthington, Franklin Township, Owen Valley, Bloomfield and Wright Township in Linton, along with the authorities from the Owen County Sheriff’s Department.

“We are thankful that we serve a big God who can use this situation for His glory,” pastor Wall later noted in a message posted on the church’s Facebook page. “Stay tuned as we regroup and rebuild.”

Heavy storms were reported county-wide on Tuesday, with the ensuing flood waters and road closures prompting Owen County Emergency Management to issue a “Yellow” travel status advisory.

time to build a solid foundation because of the Owen County Community Foundation’s Large Impact Grant in the fall of 2022, which gave us as a newly established nonprofit a planning grant to figure out how to bridge the news loss.

And, without the Owen County Chamber of Commerce sparking the initial idea and the support leading to rapid progress through their Business Buildout program, we wouldn’t be where we are today.

But this is just the beginning. The goal to provide trusted news for a thriving community is an ongoing one, and our success is directly tied to support from our community.

We believe that we’re stronger together and that providing vital information creates an informed and engaged community, empowers readers and ultimately builds a stronger community.

Our goal and current model is to keep our content free and accessible to our community for both print and online at theowennews.org.

Gosport without utility clerk, again

The sun set over another full parking lot at the Gosport Town Council meeting on March 26. All council members were present, including president Marian McGee, vice president Mike Miller and Ernie Arnold. Also present were town attorney Terry English and clerktreasurer Don Hall.

The drinking water improvement plan continued with a pre-construction meeting on April 1. Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) grant funds for the project were released late last week, and a construction schedule will follow the meeting.

Hillary Moore requested use of the town park again this year for the Gosport Farmers’ Market. The request was approved unanimously, and the market will be held on Tuesdays from 3 to 6 p.m. beginning April 23 at the Gosport Town Park on Main Street. Moore expects eight to 10 vendors at the seasonopening market.

In the fall of 2023, the previous town board created an ordinance to include a utility clerk in the cast of town employees. Previously, water and sewer bills could only be paid via check or cash in the drop box, with no set business hours.

On Sept. 1, Wanda White began work full-time in the

new position. Since then, she has been available in-person at the town hall, by email and by phone during regular office hours to take payments by cash, check and card.

White has also made alerts available via social media during boil orders, hydrant flushing, water leaks, council meeting cancellations and more.

At the meeting, councilman Arnold made the motion to repeal the ordinance of the utility clerk. McGee seconded the motion, but Miller shook his head. The motion passed 2-1, with Miller voting in opposition, and the position was dismantled.

After it was blamed on lack of funds, councilman Miller stated, “Based on the state’s accounts… I don’t know where that money’s gone.”

Gosport’s clerk-treasurer will now oversee the new ‘deputy clerk’ position, which can be funded via multiple budget items instead of solely the water fund, which funded the utility clerk position.

In contrast, the utility clerk position was under the authority of the town council.

White has accepted the new deputy clerk position.

“I’d like to see the [water system improvement] project go through. I’d like to help the people get through this difficult time,” White said. “I think the town council needs to work together as a team to do what is right for the town.”

But to do this, we need your continued support – through engaging with our content, volunteering, making a donation or purchasing an advertisement. There’s something for everyone, not just those interested in helping create content.

We look forward to showing

you what The Owen News, with the help of our community, is capable of when we work together, and we’re constantly looking for new ways to partner with community stakeholders. But most of all, we’re excited to become your trusted local news source.

on smoldering portions of the Coal City Community Bible Church. Travis Curry | The Owen News

With your support, United Way is helping local people move from poverty to possibility.

Nearly half of households in South Central Indiana are in, or one emergency away from, poverty — including 30% of households with children and 43% of senior (65+) households.

Local support of United Way touches 1 in 3 lives in our region — including Owen County families: $100,000

Local primary election candidates

Editor’s note: Attempts were made to contact and receive responses from all candidates for county offices and any Owen County resident running for state or federal offices. Any additional responses received will be made available on The Owen News’ website, theowennews.org. All candidates appearing on the ballot will be listed below.

Due to space in the printed paper, only bios and headshots will be included. All candidates were asked to also answer the following questions:

- How will your experience serve you in this position? / Why are you the best candidate for this position?

- What issues do you hope to address and how?

- What else should the public and voters know?

Responses to these questions can be found on our website.

Please note that the Libertarian Party does not utilize the state primary system that most individuals are familiar with. Libertarian candidates will appear on the general election ballot.

U.S. President

Mike Braun – R

Brad Chambers – R

Suzanne Crouch – R

Eric Doden – R

Curtis Hill – R

Jamie Reitenour – R U.S. Representative, Eighth District

Erik Hurt – D

Peter FH Priest II – D

Edward Upton Sein – D

Michael Talarzyk – D

Jim (JustIN) Case – R

Jeremy L. Heath – R

John N. Hostettler – R

Dominick Jack Kavanaugh – R

community, Kristi has volunteered extensively with local youth organizations like 4-H and church youth groups, providing guidance and support to the next generation. Her faith inspires her service, having counseled many through faithbased programs. Kristi has supported local conservative causes as the former director for the pregnancy resource center and serving on her church board.

Joseph R. Biden Jr. – D

Nikki R. Haley – R

Donald J. Trump – R

U.S. Senator

Marc Carmichael – D

Valerie McCray – D

Andrew Horning - L

Jim Banks - R

Governor

Jennifer G. McCormick – D

Donald Rainwater – L

Indiana, despite not being a career politician herself. Currently chairwoman of the Owen County Republican Party, Kristi also owns Pink House Sweets, a family chocolate manufacturing company whose products have been featured on TV and are expanding internationally. Deeply devoted to her

Drescher Auction & Real Estate

5191 N US Hwy 231

Spencer, IN 47460

Office: 812-829-3766

Cell: 812-327-3517

Website: drescherauction.com

Email: colfredauctioneer@gmail.com

She helped establish a local chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation, working to raise conservation awareness among students through the JAKES program. Kristi is an avid outdoorswoman and has worked alongside her husband to offer hunter education and support programs assisting veterans

She enjoys shooting trap and target practicing with her boys. Kristi’s lifelong commitment to community service, youth development and conservative values make her an ideal candidate for public office.

She is determined not to let liberal ideologies, which she believes could deprive future generations of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, retain control of our country. Kristi lives with her husband David in Spencer, Indiana. They have been married for 31 years.

State Senator, District 37

Kimberly M. Schfield – D

Rodric D. Bray – R

Jay Hart – R

State Representative, District 46

Kurtis J. Cummings – D

Bob Heaton – R

Judge, Circuit Court No. 1

Donald R. VanDerMoere II – R

R. VanDerMoere II, and I currently serve the citizens of Owen County as Judge of the Owen Circuit Court I.

Prior to my appointment to the bench in 2023, I served Owen County as the elected Prosecuting Attorney from 2009-2023.

I was born and raised in Owen County and graduated from Cloverdale High School in 1995. I graduated from Indiana University in 1999 and Valparaiso University Law School in 2002.

I have been a licensed attorney in the State of Indiana since 2002, and I have practiced law throughout the state and even practiced in the Federal Courts of Indiana.

CANDIDATES | PAGE 7

3300 S US Highway 231, Freedom, IN 3-bed, 1-bath with full unfinished basement. House has a Generac 22-watt house generator, electric stair lift, CA, Propane gas heat, covered front porch, washer & dryer, stove & refrigerator, well and septic. There is also a 4-bay shed with electric. House sits on 3 acres. There is also a 16-acre lot of land across the highway. It is currently used for hay. This property is available as a house with 19 acres for $459,000, or in two separate lots. House and 3 acres listed for $299,000. The 16-acre lot is listed for $160,000. Only 4 miles south of Spencer on S. US Highway 231. Make an appointment today to see this nice farmhouse.

CANDIDATES | FROM PAGE 6

Judge, Circuit Court No. 1

Donald R. VanDerMoere II, continued:

I am married to my lovely wife, Shelby, and we have four wonderful children.

County Auditor

Sheila K. Reeves – R (Did not respond by the deadline) County Commissioner, District 2

up on a family farm south of Spencer and graduated from Spencer High School. A U.S. Army Reserve veteran, his leadership experience encompasses work as a small business owner and as a county employee. Curry worked for Spencer Monument Works for 10 years before opening Curry Tire Shop in Spencer, a familyowned business he would operate alongside his wife, Brenda, for 23 years. Curry was later employed as a machine operator at Oxford Automotive in Greencastle before he began a 10-year public service career as Road Crew Supervisor for Owen County Community Corrections (OCCC). Upon retirement from the OCCC in 2015, he was presented with the opportunity to serve with the Owen County

Sheriff’s Department as a parttime Courthouse Security Officer, a position that enabled him to continue serving Owen County until he fully retired in late 2019. He was elected to serve as Owen County Commissioner, District 2 beginning in 2020.

Curry has completed various forms of specialized training including recordkeeping, budgeting, personnel management and public relations. He has attended the Indiana Association of County Commissioners Conference each year since being elected, listening to and learning from other elected officials while also participating in roundtable discussions involving important topics affecting government boards, offices and the people they represent. He volunteers with the Spencer Conservation Club where he manages the club’s trap shooting range and currently serves as president of its board of directors. He is a member of the National Rifle Association and the Amateur

believe my experience in working with the public during my terms as sheriff will bring the much needed communication to bridge the current gap that exists between the commissioners and the public. It is imperative that the public have the right to bring their concerns, ideas, knowledge and wisdom to the commissioners meetings.

I am the best candidate for commissioner in District 2 because I respect and value the public’s opinion.

I feel public safety and our infrastructure are the utmost priorities in our county. I plan to accomplish this by diligently working with the County Council as well as the Spencer Town Council and Gosport Town Council and include all department heads. I wish to obtain the input of the public as well, because three county commissioners cannot have all the answers for the issues in this county.

sheriff of Owen County. I

County Commissioner, William L. Jennings – D; (Did

Owen County. I reside on a farm in Coal City that has been in my family for over 100 years.

Throughout the years, I have seen many positive changes and growth. While much progress has been made, much work is still necessary to ensure that Owen County continues to grow and develop into a fiscally and stable community that is able to thrive even more than it already has and does. Unfortunately, there is a lot of negativity and conflict in our political components, and that needs to be replaced with positivity and cooperation.

For all these reasons, I bring a strong work ethic, innovative thinking, and more than anything, a STRONG desire to help build a better Owen County for its people. With that, I am seeking the position of Owen County Commissioner from District 3.

If elected, I will work diligently in my position to make the best choices for the good of Owen County. The future of Owen County depends on people who will work together with cooperation and teamwork. Owen County needs to be a place of pride; not shame and embarrassment, and unstable political environments. It should be a place where all voices are heard and every suggestion is taken into consideration; a place of growth and prosperity, where people can raise their families in a safe and economically sound environment.

This is my vision for Owen County, and, if elected, I will work relentlessly to ensure the best for Owen County.

CANDIDATES

Many events taking place this April

By Jason Kinney Director, Sweet Owen CVB

As spring weather takes hold, April is a time of many events and activities in Owen County.

A unique happening will be a total solar eclipse on April 8, which will arc across parts of several states, including the southern half of Indiana from southwest to northeast.

In Owen County, the partial eclipse will start at 1:49 p.m., with the full eclipse starting at 3:04:38 p.m. The full eclipse will end at 3:08:39 p.m., with the partial eclipse ending at 4:22:15 p.m. The total

time of totality will be four minutes and one second. These times are based on the area around Spencer.

There will be some very slight variations in different parts of the county.

A variety of eclipserelated events will be taking place in early April leading up to the day of the eclipse and on the eclipse day itself.

Check out the event calendar page on the Sweet Owen Convention & Visitors Bureau website sweetowencvb. org/event-calendar and the eclipse page on the Owen County Chamber of Commerce Go-Owen website goowen.com/2024eclipse

for information about eclipse happenings and resources for preparing for and enjoying the eclipse.

Also coming up in April are the Freedom Community Center Pancake & Sausage Breakfast on the 6th, White River Poultry Show at the Owen County Fairgrounds on the 13th, Friends of McCormick’s Creek State Park Spring 5K Run/Walk on the 20th, ATV & Dirt Bike Races at the Owen County Fairgrounds on the 20th, James Whitcomb Riley Reenactment at the Owen County Public Library on the 20th, and Spencer Main Street’s Tailgate Sale on the

Square on the 27th, and more.

Also taking place in April will be Wildflower Weekend, starting on the 12th at the MYPath Riverfront Trailhead and continuing on the 13th and 14th at McCormick’s Creek State Park.

May 4 will kickoff the Owen County Farmers’ Market season. The market will be on Saturday mornings from May through September. May 31 to June 1 will be the Sweet Owen Flea at the Owen County Fairgrounds.

Learn more about these events and other events by visiting our website event calendar page. You can also check out our monthly

events newsletter by visiting our website or Facebook page.

Sweet Owen Convention & Visitors Bureau is here to help you plan your visit to Owen County. Check out the resources on our website sweetowencvb. org and Facebook page facebook.com/ sweetowencvb, and feel free to call us at 812714-8110.

We carry a variety of brochures and pamphlets at the visitor’s center, which is located at 54 E. Market St., Spencer. Spring is a great time to pick up or request our guide to hiking in Owen County.

Cataract Community News: News from our neighbors

By Wendy Moler Guest Columnist

Let’s dive into the highlights of what’s happening in our neck of the woods; Spring is here. Harriman Farms and Country Acres are open, and Don has started tilling.

Dale’s Garage

Under New Ownership:

A familiar landmark and everyone wants to know, who bought it? The Robinson family from the Plainfield area now owns it. Most of the garages are rented out, but keep an eye on the threebay in the very back because it’s currently available for rent.

BIG news: the Main

Garage Revival:

Total Eclipse Weekend:

1. Eclipse glasses (if you’re using a welding hood, the lens needs to be a 14, according to NASA.)

2. If you’re going to leave the house, don’t forget your jacket because the temperature will drop.

3. All vehicles leaving state parks must turn right; park appropriately.

4. Cataract Road is just a big horseshoe! (If you don’t know the road you’re going out to, look on a map first! Don’t just Google it!)

5. Be prepared. (CASH, water, food, RX)

Community Gatherings:

Cataract General Store

Open Thursdays from noon until 5 p.m., and Friday to Sunday from 10 a.m. until

I can’t say much yet, but what I will say is, rumor has it that the main garage is on the verge of becoming a fully operational service center once again. Stay tuned for updates as our community eagerly awaits its revival.

6 p.m. “The oldest, continuously run general store in the state of Indiana.”

The store will also be open Monday for the Eclipse, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Old Cataract Schoolhouse

Open Friday to Sunday, from noon to 5 p.m. Our historic one-room schoolhouse will be open for the season this Friday. And this week we’ll be open until Tuesday, the day after the eclipse. Come in and learn the history of Cataract, while indulging in some ice cream. Plus, grab some lunch and a musthave T-shirt!

Cataract Falls

Nature lovers, take note! Cataract Falls, our natural gem, can only accommodate 125 vehicles. Arrive early to secure your spot and witness the eclipse from this picture-perfect location.

Community Pitch-in

The community pitch-in is at the Old Cataract Schoolhouse on April 28 at 5 p.m. Bring your favorite dish, share your stories, and celebrate together as a community. As the sun sets over Cataract, we look forward to a season of togetherness, natural wonders and shared memories. See you under the eclipse!

Privies

Remember, Cataract embraces its rustic charm. While exploring our scenic spots, keep in mind that there’s

not always indoor plumbing. Fear not! Well-dug privies (outhouses) are strategically placed around town.

“Remember: very small town.”

PLEASE do your business, but Please be a Sweetie and Do NOT Place Anything Else down our Privies! Locations include:

- Cataract Falls: two privies are located near the playground (upper falls) and two privies at the lower falls.

- Cataract VFD: Two privies are located behind the fire station.

- Cataract

Schoolhouse: You’ll find another one at the Old Schoolhouse.

- Cataract

General Store: And finally, there’s a porta-potty at the General Store.

Recipe: Peanut Butter Fudge

1 jar of peanut butter

1 jar of cream cheese frosting Put both in the microwave to melt in 30-second increments until melted. Mix together in a medium-size bowl, and pour in an 8x8 foil pan. Place in the refrigerator for at least two hours.

We’ll Keep Telling Evan’s Story. Until He

Can Tell His Own.

One year ago, Evan Gershkovich was arrested in Russia for doing his job. His silence continues to echo.

We need his voice back.

#IStandWithEvan

Trailing or Leading: New trail means new era for Owen County

By Kyle Hannon Guest Columnist

Communities around Indiana are becoming identified by a trail. Bloomington and the B-Line are well-known. Carmel has leveraged the Monon Trail as an economic and cultural draw. Noblesville is taking advantage of the Nickel Plate Trail, just like Kokomo and Rochester.

Why doesn’t Spencer and Owen County have a trail identity?

Owen County is actually 11th from the bottom in terms of access to trails.

How can that be? We have Indiana’s first state park with McCormick’s Creek. We have a few other remarkable trails in the area.

But the facts are the facts, and we don’t have as much access to trails as most other Hoosier communities. And we didn’t have ANY access to a multiuse trail like the B-Line, Monon or Nickel Plate.

That will soon change, starting with a groundbreaking ceremony that was held in December 2023.

Thanks to a grant from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Next Level

a section of the MYPath Trail System to a paved, ADA-accessible, multiuse trail along the White River. Bicycles, strollers and wheelchairs will now be able to enjoy the natural treasures that many hikers use right now.

At our groundbreaking ceremony, we had a variety of shovels. They were different styles, shapes and ages and serve different purposes. Kind of like the people of our community. They (the shovels, not the people) were all painted pretty silver for this momentous occasion.

If you have been following the story of MYPath you know we have made a big step. MYPath was created with a dream back in

Family YMCA with McCormick’s Creek State Park using a path that people could walk and bike. So far, the trail uses existing sidewalks and streets. You may have noticed MYPath banners and signs along the east side of Main Street in Spencer.

Across the White River, the MYPath Riverfront Trail starts near the Owen County Soil and Water Conservation District office. It is a very nice trail. In fact, it’s beautiful, but it is a natural surface, meaning grass, sticks, rocks, mud and other things that would be unpleasant for a stroller, bicycle or wheelchair.

Using the grants and gifts from the DNR, the Owen County Community Foundation,

paving a section of this trail. A 10-footwide asphalt trail will start next to a parking area at, roughly, 788 Pottersville Rd., just south of the river from Spencer.

The trail follows the White River to an upcoming bicycle/pedestrian bridge that will cross Elliston Creek. Then the trail will continue to follow the river until the riverbank gets too narrow and steep. From there, bicyclists can continue their journey on River Road. Strollers and wheelchairs may just return to the trailhead. Unlike any other multiuse trail around the state (at least, I don’t know of any), MYPath will include side paths to other natural features, like the wetlands loop and

trails won’t be very comfortable for wheeled users, and they are not part of the DNR grant that is paving the main trail. Maybe future grants will bring more accommodations. But, believe me, the paved section passes through some of the most beautiful scenery in the state.

In future columns, I will describe more details about what awaits users of the MYPath Trail System. For such a relatively small stretch of Owen County, MYPath connects trail users with a lot of wonders, like the White River, a reforestation project, historic settlements, a food forest and more.

While these natural amenities have been available

a little muddy, the Next Level Trails grant will bring more opportunities to more types of trail users, and it gives our community the type of multiuse trail that other Hoosier communities have been using to build their local economies and communities.

The new type of trail for our community started in December with a groundbreaking. Looking forward to seeing you on the trail.

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.

Take a step back in time at Gosport History Museum

By Dixie Richardson Guest Columnist

The little town on the big bluff was formed when Indiana was still the “far west.” It had advantages for new landowners — it sat above a highway, the White River; there was good water, fertile ground for farming, trees galore for building, and in the early 1800s still undiscovered resources like stone; the people to come were tough and hardy.

It all began about 1818 when the state was much smaller in area and very thinly settled, and the last of the Native Americans were still present.

Under the leadership of the late Sue Trotman, encouraged by June Burns, and with assistance from the long-standing Fortnightly Club, the museum not only housed all kinds of items, but sponsored various history programs, walking tours and a quarterly newsletter.

Sue, more than 40 years as curator, highlighted local history for the community’s youth.

In 1999, having more than the bank space could hold, the museum with funds from a

In 1966, when Indiana celebrated its sesquicentennial, the idea of collecting, preserving, exhibiting and interpreting artifacts and records of Gosport and its environs’ past was born. The Owen County State Bank became the first repository of donations of items tied to local history.

grant from the Owen County Community Foundation bought the former Nazarene church building and moved into it, lock, stock and barrel and with a huge collection of documents, records and photographs, which is now outgrowing several file cabinets.

The museum is the safeguard of the tangible evidence of 200 years of life in a typical American, Hoosier community and its people — from a broadax that made clearings in a wilderness to the Gosport link to satellite development by NASA.

The “shotgun” style building at 19 N. 4th St., has a new handicapped entrance.

It is maintained totally by volunteers. There’s no admission fee.

Hours are from April to December, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Fridays and 10 a.m. until l p.m. on Saturdays.

Special tours outside regular hours are available on request.

Deborah Wampler, who has the longest connection with the museum, is chairman of the museum’s board of directors.

For individual or group visits outside regular hours and any other information, call Mrs. Wampler at 812-821-3007, Dixie Richardson at 812-8761431 or Rita Ringler at 812-325-4360.

The Gosport History Museum features a large collection of documents, records, and photographs highlighting local history. Staff Photo

A groundbreaking held in December of last year signaled the start of upgrading a section of the MYPath Trail System to a paved, ADA-accessible, multiuse trail along the White River. PHOTO SUBMITTED BY KYLE HANNON

Driftwood Outdoors: Catch spring slabs when crappie come shallow

By Brandon Butler Guest Columnist

Crappie fishing is a signal spring is upon. When “slabs,” as big crappie are called, are found close to shore, you should also expect turkeys to be gobbling and morel mushrooms to be popping. I’ve often said, if I were in charge, we’d have 10 Octobers and two Aprils. In my book, we’re entering the second-best outdoors month of the year.

Crappie are a common panfish. They’re fun to catch and great to eat. Using minnows under slip-bobbers is a common tactic for catching crappies, but jigs often work just as well. This time of year, you’ll catch crappie shallow. I’m talking in less than 10-feet of water. You’ll want to find solid bottoms around brush or near drop-offs on ledges. The crappie bite might be strong, but you still must know where they’re at. If you don’t have a boat, there are many options for fishing from shore. As water

temperatures continue to rise, crappie are drawn to the warmer shallow water along the shore and in the back of bays. Standing timber in shallow water should be one of your key targets. Fallen trees, brush piles and manmade structures, like docks or water intakes, are also prime locations to find shallow water crappie.

I’ve been fishing the same lake for a few weeks waiting on the crappie to move shallow. Just the

other night, they finally showed up where I’ve been waiting for them.

When I pitched my bait to the end of a fallen tree, a beautiful 11-inch crappie slammed my minnow. I couldn’t believe how aggressive the bite was. I dropped the fish in my basket and put on another minnow. A minute later, I was dropping in another keeper.

Personally, I’m a bobber man. Grandpa used to get all fancy

with his slip bobbers. He’d use these long, tall pencil bobbers. I believe he thought of himself as some sort of panfish master, making his own jigs and all, but I don’t think one needs to make it so complicated. Just stick with a nice, simple slip bobber.

My preferred bait for targeting crappie is minnows. I usually fish them between two and four feet deep. Many crappie anglers swear by jigs. For me, there’s just something about watching a bobber dance. So, whether you like casting or you like pitching minnows under bobbers, both methods work extremely well when the bite is on.

To find big crappies, even in the spring, you’re going to have to do some exploring. A tip I tend to follow when targeting a big body of water is to break the lake down into smaller lakes. There are crappie all over on big reservoirs, so what you want to do is pick a cove or a finger and dissect it. Learn it. Know it. You’ll be way better off having a thorough knowledge of

a particular area than a general knowledge of the whole lake.

While you’re fishing this time of year, keep in mind you may also luck into a find of morel mushrooms. Good areas to look for morels include south-facing slopes, around fallen logs and around the bases of elm trees, especially dead ones. South-facing slopes are prime spots early in the season because they warm up first.

The spring trifecta is to kill a turkey, catch a crappie and find a morel mushroom in the same day. If you can pull this off and put all three of these gifts from nature on a dinner table at the same time, then my friend, you will be experiencing a meal money can’t buy. Forget eating like a king or queen. Royalty wouldn’t know what to do with a Midwestern meal this good.

See you down the trail…

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

Outdoor Type: April, or maybe March, is the cruelest

the small town of Merom. This coal-driven power plant lake, built in 1980 and opened to fishing in 1982, has fishable water pretty much year-round.

‘The Waste Land.’

If you’re a local golfer, fisherman, or any kind of outdoor person, you are familiar with Southern Indiana’s fickle spring weather.

I always think the first warm days of March signal the start of fishing season. The cold nights keep water temperatures low, making fish sluggish and not inclined to feed. Thus, March to me is the hardest to take. April can be frustrating too, but during this month the sun will open up its warmth and nature starts perking.

Because I’m always eager (an understatement) to get a lure wet after a long winter, the first place I think about for spring fishing is Turtle Creek Reservoir, just south of Sullivan near

I have history on the lake, as my dad and I discovered this place back in the ‘90s. It was probably the best bass lake in Indiana for many years until things went awry a few years back, probably due to water quality issues. I recall one windy summer day back then that I caught seven quality bass in eight casts. I had found a magic stump in about six feet of water.

Pictures on my wall are a testimony to the quality angling we had there.

Sadly, the largemouth bonanza faded away, turning this 1,550-acre lake into a catfish and carp deal with just a few bass and crappie remaining. The lake’s always had a one or two-fish limit. Now it’s one fish bass 20 inches or larger, so it’s essentially a catch and release deal.

But a Department of Natural Resources stocking program has reinvigorated the

lake, and the water quality issues have apparently been solved.

I’ve been hearing good reports, so in early March last year a friend and I loaded up my bass boat and headed north up Highway 41 for the 90-minute drive, hoping to find some bass biting. It was a pleasant day with temps in the 60s.

There’s always wind at this flat land lake, and this day a brisk southwest breeze made the water a little choppy, but there were no whitecaps. Maybe 15 boats were in the parking lot as we entered the sign-in area. That’s a good omen. I figured if that’s how many boats were here on a Monday, how many were hammering the water over the weekend?

We paid our $1 senior fee apiece ($5 regular fee) and $5 launch charge, dropped the boat in, and headed north to see if we could find the warmest water. The fellow at the check-in station told us fish could be caught all over the lake, but I wanted to check out the warm water discharge area

on the north end to see if the temps up there had drawn some fish. It took maybe 20 minutes at idle speed, which is the requirement. The lake formerly allowed only 10 horse or smaller engines, but the rule changed to accommodate most bass fishermen with larger boats going at idle speed.

The water temps in the south end were around 56 degrees, a good sign. When we arrived at the discharge area, the temps were only a couple of degrees warmer. Was no water being discharged by the plant? Smoke was pouring out of the stack, so we took that to mean power was being generated. We decided the area was too wind-blown to attempt casting, so we made our way to the west bank and looked for protected coves, which we quickly located. One other boat was in a fishy-looking inlet with a couple of guys throwing fast moving lures, probably spinnerbaits. Soon we saw one of them haul in a decent bass, maybe 15 inches or so. That was encouraging. Small

shad were flicking here and there, also a good sign. After a bunch of fruitless casts to brushy cover, we gave it up and looked for another spot.

We soon realized most of the boats were in the south end, so we headed that direction down the west bank, searching for a cove that Dad and I used to fish. I couldn’t find it. We did locate one nice inlet with wind protection and goodlooking bank cover, but nothing doing there either. Time to head down the lake back toward the launch area.

The west side of Turtle Creek is mostly composed of a huge shallow flat. As I neared the south end approaching an area I wanted to fish, my 40-horse Mercury ground to a halt in less than a foot of water. Dang it. This spot had snared me on earlier trips, but on this day, I was too busy looking far down the lake.

Ok, the solution for being stuck in the shallows is to use the trolling motor to move to deeper water. I did that, but after firing up the big motor, I realized it

wasn’t ejecting water, a real problem that can lead to engine overheating. Sucked up sediment had fouled the cooling system water intake. I tried a couple of maneuvers going forward and backward, but the engine alarm sounded, signaling we needed to call it a day. A problem like that needed the boat on dry land where proper flushing can occur.

A couple of guys were going by in their boat and asked if we needed help. I told them that the launch ramp was close enough that I could troll to it.

Had they caught anything? Around 15 bass with a couple of four-pounders was the response. Yes, the lake is back to being productive. I’ll return there some day, attempting to relearn a place I used to enjoy. I just hope it’s not too windy. If breezes exceed 20 mph, a warning siren will sound, requiring boats to head to the bank.

No cash is accepted at the check-in

Big crappie like this can be found shallow in the spring. PHOTO SUBMITTED BY BRANDON BUTLER

Ramblings: Searching for frogs

fantastic wetland habitat on one of the longest wetland boardwalks in the Midwest.

By Annie Bright Guest Columnist

On a warm, sunny day in early spring my sisters and I went in search of frogs. We were looking for frogs waking up from their long winter naps, frogs singing their love songs to welcome spring.

Our travels took us to Monroe County to visit the Bean Blossom Bottoms Nature Preserve. The Sycamore Land Trust manage this 736-acre wetland area. Bean Blossom Bottoms is home to several threatened and endangered species, including the Indiana bat, Kirtland’s snake, river otters and rare native orchids. This preserve offers a hike through

The Bean Blossom Bottoms is a fantastic place for bird watching. Today, we were looking for frogs. We knew we would find several frogs in the boggy wonderland. We were not disappointed. We parked in the lot on Woodall Road. As we climbed out of the van we could hear the choir. The air was full of the melodious songs of various species of frogs. The deep croak of the bull frogs came from deep in the boggy woods. The sharp sound of the spring peepers competed with the songs of the wood frogs. As we walked along the muddy path, the frogs nearest the path hushed. Many of them stared at us with huge eyes just

above the murky water. I swear they were giving us dirty looks. How dare we interrupt their Springtime party! Many of the frogs were spread out floating on top of the water, just resting. Their dark backs blended with the deep brown water very well. Foamy clumps of frog eggs floated near the surface of the brackish water. Indiana is home to 17 species of frogs and toads. Bullfrogs and spring peepers are probably the species most people recognize. Their songs are quite distinct. In early Spring, the peepers come down out of their hiding places in the trees to find a mate. They look for vernal ponds to breed. Spring peepers, like most tree frogs, are tiny and hard to spot. Bullfrogs are huge compared to spring peepers. They are the

It’s Just a Country State of

It’s that time of year again. You know, that time of year when people get that strange condition called “mushroom madness.” So, you’re probably wondering, “What is this strange phenomena?”

Well, if you live in Indiana, chances are you could be at risk for developing it. Mushroom madness is sort of a state of being.

It’s a condition that comes upon certain people whom are normally found to be of sound mind during the Spring when the sponge type objects, called morel mushrooms, start to pop up out in the woods.

People who develop this “state of madness,” really don’t have any control over how they act during this time.

Let me shed a little light on this subject myself.

If you’ve never tasted an old-fashioned fried mushroom sandwich, you don’t know what you’re missing. In these parts, most people consider

the morel mushroom a delicacy.

I have put away my fair share of them over the years and can keep up with the best of them when it comes time to eat a big plate full. But, be warned! Once you’ve tasted one, you will be hooked.

I am convinced that it was because of that first bite many years ago, that I myself came down with the dreaded mushroom madness and for this milady, I have found no cure.

I was exposed to my first case of the madness as a child when I was around four years of age. My parents took me on my first official mushroom hunt.

I didn’t know what a mushroom was, but I gathered it was something really significant by the way my parents acted. I was thrilled by the intrigue of it all, after finding out that we would be going to a secret spot that no one else knew about to look for these mushroom things.

We also had these special brown paper sacks to hide the mushrooms in after we found them, so no one could see them and figure out what it was we were doing.

My father had high hopes for me due to the fact that I was very short, which meant

largest frog species in Indiana. They inhabit permanent bodies of water like lakes and rivers. Bullfrog tadpoles can take two years to complete the metamorphosis from egg to adult frog.

There is no scientific distinction between a toad and a frog. All toads are frogs, but all frogs are not toads. Both frogs and toads belong to the order Anura, which means without a tail. There are classifications of true frogs and true toads. Not all species fall into those categories.

Confused yet?

There are some differences. Toads do not have upper teeth. They secrete a toxic substance from glands behind their eyes. The toxin is usually harmless to humans, but you should always wash your hands after handling a toad.

Another difference is the

hind feet of a frog are webbed. Frogs also have smoother skin. The eggs of a toad look like long strings of black pearls in the water. Frog eggs are clumps of bubbles, usually attached to vegetation.

They have several things in common. My favorite attribute of this family is the wonderful songs they sing in the spring to attract their mate. The fact that they gobble up mosquitos by the hundreds also gives them a special place in my heart.

The scent of the wet earth, the decaying leaves in the warm sun reminded me that turning on all the senses is essential to capture the essence of a wild space. My lungs swelled with the scent of Spring. I closed my eyes and stood motionless for a bit as the warm spring breeze ruffled my hair

and the soft earth cushioned my feet. For a moment

I felt connected to something ancient and profound. The earth was awakening as it always does. For a moment I was part of that magical experience. Some hikers on their way back to their car came along and brought me back to reality.

I decided to look for early spring flowers. At first glance, none were visible. Looking under the fallen leaves I discovered tiny green ferns and cut leaf toothwort poking through the soil. The small blue stem grass was showing green shoots among last year’s faded stems. Bright yellow dandelions were blooming along the edges of the path. As we walked back to the van, we saw several colorful butterflies soaring in the sunshine.

Mind: Mushroom Madness

I was closer to the ground than everyone else, and therefore would be able to see the mushrooms better.

This was my first hint that perhaps there was a little more going on with the folks than meets the eye. But, I learned early on that mushroom madness was hereditary, so I just kinda went with it.

Besides, I’ve always loved a good adventure.

My father became my mentor of sorts, teaching me all about the different types of mushrooms and where they were likely to pop up. I remember following him around in the woods just waiting for him to find that first mushroom.

I can still recall the depth of concentration with which my father pursued this sometimes elusive species of the fungi family.

On that first expedition, it wasn’t long until my father had filled his sacks to the brim, with a really nice variety of the much sought-after golden sponges. I was in awe of being in the presence of such talent as his, and I can safely say I was well on my way to being infected with the fever.

I am positive that my fate was sealed after I tasted my first official fried mushroom. After we went home that evening, my mother

carefully salted and cleaned the golden treasures and quickly cooked them up into a meal fit for any king.

So, that’s my story of how the madness first came to me.

It wasn’t long until I became a seasoned mushroom hunter in my own right.

Over the years, I have practiced the fine art of hunting mushrooms, and I feel that I can hold my own with the best of them.

I can tell you there’s a fine line between being an avid mushroom hunter and living on the edge of mushroom madness.

Just how crazy does it get? Well, I’ve heard stories let me tell you.

I know one guy that guards his woods every Spring out of fear that someone will steal all the mushrooms out of his patch. He drives around his property on a daily basis to check for parked cars that might belong to someone who is out picking his mushrooms.

Another person I know (not as ambitious) uses trail cams to watch his patch. I thought this plan was ingenious, though a bit expensive.

Even the local grocery store has sometimes been known to encourage this behavior by holding occasional mushroom contests. Prizes for the biggest

morel mushroom found are given out to the participants.

And if you have the craving to eat some mushrooms, but cannot find any for yourself, never fear! Some local grocery stores buy mushrooms from other people and sell them to the folks who are down on their luck.

There’s some good news, though.

If you find yourself in the ranks of the mushroom hunters, you’re not alone.

There are many of us out there and this time of year, we talk regularly in the Spring at various places throughout the community. You can pretty much hear conversations anywhere in town - the library, the grocery store, the gas station, coffee shop... everywhere.

There are even groups on social media! And sometimes, someone will bring the “big one” to town to show off!

Bragging rights are everything. It can get rather competitive. Thank goodness the morel mushroom season only lasts a few weeks.

To all of my fellow mushroom hunters out there, Happy Hunting!

CANDIDATES | FROM PAGE 7

County Commissioner, District 3, Continued

and children to learn to hunt. David established the archery program for 4-H and helped start the 4-H shotgun club.

sweetheart, Kristi, and has four children and one granddaughter. His three sons recently joined the Army in the span of six weeks, and his daughter, Kelsie, and granddaughter remain residents of Owen County. In his spare time, he helps assist with the family’s chocolate company located in Spencer, enjoys riding his Harley on long trips and relaxes with his granddaughter, “Little Bit,” catching bass in the pond.

David graduated from Spartan School of Aeronautics in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and has traveled the world working for freight airlines, as well managing outstations, and competing in the aerospace maintenance competition in Nevada. David helped establish a local chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation, has worked to raise conservation awareness and is an avid outdoorsman, loving to hunt, fish and shoot. He worked to offer hunter education programs assisting veterans

His support of the community and love for Owen County make him an outstanding candidate to serve as commissioner and continue building Owen County as a place people are proud to call home.

County Council, At-Large

Sandra (Wood) Calvert –D; (Did not respond by the deadline)

Dustin Combs – L

I am thrilled to present myself as a candidate for the Owen County Council. My name is Dustin Combs, and my family and I made the decision to relocate to Owen County in 2019 from Indianapolis, seeking a more serene and communityfocused environment. With a professional background in the broadband service industry, I have cultivated skills in budget management and strategic decision-making. Additionally, I am actively engaged in local governance, serving as the Chair for the Libertarian Party of Owen County and contributing to the Owen County BZA.

prudent financial management, we can ensure the prosperity of our community while honoring the trust of our taxpayers.

If elected to the County Council, I am dedicated to:

1. Reviewing and optimizing the county budget to identify opportunities for cost reduction without compromising essential services.

2. Advocating for the interests of our taxpayers, ensuring that their voices are heard and respected in all decision-making processes.

3. Opposing any new tax increases and diligently exploring alternative avenues to alleviate the financial burden on our residents.

VanRyn Construction LTD, is about a year old, but I have been self-employed since 2018. My wife Bonnie and I have been married since 2018. Two of my three adult children live, work and pay taxes in Owen County. I attend the Lighthouse Fellowship Church in Gosport and regularly volunteer at the Lighthouse Food Pantry.

My journey has instilled in me a deep commitment to fiscal responsibility and transparency. I firmly believe that by prioritizing

I offer a fresh perspective, best interests of Owen County

I have been a member of the Owen County Advisory Plan Commission since January of 2023 and ran for commissioner in 2022. In July of 2022, I became the Treasurer of the Libertarian Party Owen County, prior to that I was the vice chairman. The government handling of the Corona Virus was one of the main reasons I became involved in politics. It motivated me to find people to help create the Libertarian Party Owen County. We hope to offer a viable alternative to the two-party system for voters and potential candidates in Owen County.

am running for Owen County Council at-large. I have lived in Owen County for about 12 years now. I am a carpenter by trade, and a small business owner. My current business,

I am Daniel Browning, a 47-year-old native of Owen County. I reside just inside Clay Township. I am married with four amazing kids. I met my wife while doing mission work in the Philippines.

I am the Children’s Pastor at CANDIDATES | PAGE 14

CANDIDATES | FROM PAGE 13

County Council, At-Large Daniel Browning, continued:

McCormick’s Creek Church, where I have served in children’s ministries for nearly 35 years. I have been a Deacon for 20 years.

I currently serve on the Farm Bureau Board and have for the past four-plus years. I also serve as a vice precinct committeeman for the Owen County GOP. I served the Owen Valley Fire Department for nearly 16 years years and the Owen County Rescue Team for 15 years. In my time as a firefighter, I served in many capacities including President of BOD, president, vice president, secretary/treasurer of firefighters, lieutenant, captain, policy chairman, instructor and safety officer.

I served the Town of Spencer on the Plan commission and the BZA for eight-plus years.

I served on the Washington Township Advisory Board for one complete term. I was re-elected, but we sold our house in town to raise our children in the country and moved just across the township line, so I had to resign that position.

I was involved in the farmers’ market for nine years, serving on the board six years; one year as vice president and three years as President.

I have been a public servant nearly all my life and have always felt that the County Council is where I belong. Any board that I have ever served on in the past, I have held the position of president or vice president. I believe this shows the leadership abilities needed to serve in a public office. I have always been fiscally responsible and take pride in keeping my own credit score above 800. I manage a multi-line-item budget in my daily job as Director of Plant Operations. I worked in the jail for seven years as a correction officer, holding the rank of sergeant and did the maintenance for one and a half years, so I feel with the jail project being a huge issue on the table I can be an asset to that project.

Other issues on the table that I feel need addressed include an HR position. I feel this should be outsourced to prevent any chance of nepotism.

ECLIPSE | FROM PAGE 1

be biscuits and gravy and breakfast casserole, and April 8 will be pancakes, sausage and breakfast casserole. The breakfast is $10 per person.

Transportation

A free shuttle route will be available from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. the day of the eclipse. The shuttle will have stops in downtown Spencer, Owen Valley High School, Owen County Fairgrounds and at the corner of Height Street. The shuttle stops will also provide information about the science behind the eclipse.

Live music

The Sweet Beats, a Beatles cover band, will provide live music from 4 to 6 p.m. at the historic Tivoli Theater.

Retail shop, restrooms and raffle

The Spencer Pride CommUnity Center will be a hot spot of activity

A code enforcement officer position is important, but needs to be looked at thoroughly so not to bring lawsuits and additional undue hardship or expense on the county.

Taxes and assessments are out of control and have got to be looked at thoroughly. We have mortgage and homestead exemptions, but once those are paid off taxes are higher than a mortgage.

I believe our EMS needs a substation in the north, but it needs to be done without raising taxes.

Road repairs are always going to be an issue, but we have got to aggressively seek funding in different avenues to curb the problem.

I will back our public safety professionals to the best of my ability. Working with police, fire and EMS in the past gives me an understanding of their needs.

I am typically a quiet guy, but when I believe in something I don’t back down, and I believe in Owen County and will stand up for the people who reside here.

My signs have a scripture verse on them, Titus 2:6-8. This verse basically tells us to be a man of integrity, that when someone wishes to speak evil of you, they are ashamed, having no evil thing to say. I am striving to be that man.

I look forward to serving the people of Owen County. If you have questions feel free to reach out to me at draahomestead@ gmail.com or 812-828-1006.

and running a business. We have four amazing sons and 10 adorable grandchildren who reside in Owen County as well. Two of our sons serve full-time in the Air National Guard in Terre Haute. Our second son farms with us and has his own cattle and hay business, while our third son is graduating from ISU in May with a degree in business.

I have been on the county council for almost four years and have served as council president for three of those four years. When I started my role as councilwoman, our county was on the verge of financial ruin. As a result of a lot of hard work and fiscal conservatism, we are now back on good financial footing. I love serving the people of Owen County, and I would be honored to be chosen to serve Sweet Owen again and keep us moving in the right direction.

Joe Frye – R; (Did not respond by the deadline)

community.

Republican Convention

Delegate

Daniel Browning, Sam Hobbs, Verl Keith, Denise Line, David Risk, Kristi Risk, Lori L. Warner, Norman

Warner III

Clay 1 Republican Precinct Committeeman

Roger Daniel, Verl Keith

Clay 2 Republican Precinct Committeeman

Daniel Browning

Franklin Republican Precinct Committeeman

Leroy Gentry, Denise Line

Harrison Republican Precinct Committeeman

Troy Lantz

Jackson Republican Precinct Committeeman

Barron Eugene Barnett, John

Hunter

Jefferson Republican Precinct Committeeman

Greg A. Melton, Andrew (Andy) Wood

Jennings Republican Precinct Committeeman

Susan M. Huftel

its Financial Officer, so I know all about being fiscally conservative

all day, providing a retail shop, restrooms and a raffle for visitors.

Flea and vendor market

Owen County Fairgrounds will host a flea and vendor market

April 6 to 8. The market will last from noon to 4 p.m. on April 6 and 7 and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on April 8. Restrooms, food and activities will be available.

Eclipse photography

lesson

This hands-on demonstration from 10 to 11 a.m. on April 8 at the Spencer Pride CommUnity Center will teach photographers how to capture the eclipse. Photographers must provide their own cameras, but solar filters will be provided.

Outdoor solar eclipse viewing

From 2 to 4 p.m. on April 8, grandstand seating at the Owen

William (Bill) Pursell – R; (Did not respond by the deadline

Norman Warner III – R

I have lived in Owen County since 1986. I met my wife Lori in Owen County, and we were married in 1988. We raised our three sons Bryan, Brandt and Brandon in Owen County, and two of my three grandchildren reside in Owen County. I have coached in this community since 1987 and have worked at Spencer Owen Community Schools since 2000. I have served as President of youth football, served on a church board, been a district director of a national breed club and was an IHSAA official. I am the current President of the Owen County Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Appealsand a member of the Owen County Fair Board, and I’ve volunteered in our community since I have lived here. Serving is in my DNA, and my run for County Council is an extension of that service to my

County Fairgrounds is available at $20 per person. Tickets are $10 for kids 10 and under.

Eclipse viewing room

Observe the eclipse through a digital telescope from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. in the Spencer Pride CommUnity Center. If the weather in Spencer is cloudy, the center will provide a livestream of the eclipse from another location.

Owen Valley Winery Experience

From noon to 6 p.m.

Owen Valley Winery will offer eclipse viewing, blue grass and sights of the beautiful contryside.

Tickets include eclipse viewing glasses, a BBQ brisket meal and a drink ticket for an alcohol or non-alcohol drink. There are seating packages inside or outside. No outside food or drink.

Tickets range from $50 for a single entrance lawn ticket to $360 for an

Lafayette Republican Precinct Committeeman

Cris Lunsford, Vincent P. Meyers

Marion Republican Precinct Committeeman

Christine J. Hutson

Montgomery Republican Precinct Committeeman

Lori L. Warner

Morgan Republican Precinct Committeeman

Kenneth (Kenny) Anderson, Sharon Close, Craig D. Lopossa

Taylor Republican Precinct Committeeman

Charlie Hallam, Nick Robertson

Washington 1 Republican Precinct Committeeman

Patty Edwards, Sam Hobbs

Washington 2 Republican Precinct Committeeman

Joe Frye, David R. Weaver

Washington 3 Republican Precinct Committeeman

Gary R. Dubois

Washington 4 Republican Precinct Committeeman

Richard Dunigan, William (Bill) Pursell, Janet Stogsdill Schmidt

Wayne 1 Republican Precinct Committeeman

Viola M. Hall, Larry Bruce

Norman

Wayne 2 Republican Precinct Committeeman

Gary Burton

inside table for six. Yoga can be added on for $20 per person.

Spencer, Indiana: A History Lesson

From 1 to 2 p.m., the Spencer Pride CommUnity Center will host a history lesson on the area. The event is suitable for all ages.

Drag show

To wrap up the big day, Spencer Pride is sponsoring a drag show from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Tivoli Theatre.

Weekend camping

From April 5 to 8, Fallen Oak will host a solar eclipse camping event. Both tent camping and RV hookups are available, costing $275 and $650, respectively. All hookups are nonrefundable, and each site can hold up to six people. Live music, vendors and food will be present. Owen County Fairgrounds will also host weekend camping.

On April 5, arrival for camping is from 4 to 8 p.m. and everyone must depart on April 8 by 7 p.m. Pop-up tent spots cost $100, 30’ x 40’ primitive camp/RV spots cost $250, and 60’ x 60’ primitive camp/RV spots cost $300. Restrooms, food and activities will be available, and each camping spot purchase includes two grandstand tickets at the fairgrounds for viewing the eclipse. “E.T. the ExtraTerrestrial” viewing Steven Spielberg’s classic 1982 film will play at 6:30 p.m. on April 7 at the Tivoli Theater. Adult tickets are $5 and 12 and under tickets are $3.

Demolition derby

At 5 p.m. on April 6, the Owen County Fairgrounds will host a demolition derby. Grandstand tickets are $10 for ages three and up and $5 for under three.

GREENHOUSE

FROM PAGE 1

“When do we start planting?”

He had to tell them the greenhouse wasn’t quite ready yet.

Crews from Greenhouse Megastore of Danville, Ill. were still at work inside the structure installing the state-of-the-art automated temperature and irrigation systems. Both can be controlled remotely through a cell phone app.

Work on the roughly $413,000 structure — paid for through 2021 bond funds — wrapped up over winter. A grant from the Owen County Farm Bureau and seed donations from WalMart and seed supply companies provided the consumable supplies needed for daily operations.

The greenhouse opened to students in January.

Horticulture students spend almost every day working hands-on in the greenhouse. The space is teeming with flower starts — sunflowers, snap dragons and forget-me-nots, to name a few — and vegetable transplants.

“We’re seeing all the seedlings now and know soon they’ll be flowers,” senior Nova Mobley said. “It’s like, ‘Wow. We did that.’”

It’s a moment that wouldn’t have been possible last year.

Although OVHS students have learned animal science hands-on for years through the school’s goat farm, there wasn’t anything comparable for plant science classes. Although they had a hydroponics system, labs for horticulture classes were limited to what would fit under grow lights in the classroom.

“It was a struggle,” said Agriculture Department Head Shelby Wolford. “We would do little plants. It was mostly house plants.”

Now, students will be able to grow a variety of plants using several methods. Staff can also add new plant science classes, including a soilless growing class and a greenhouse management program. The

plan is to make the greenhouse financially self-sustaining by selling the plants at the Spencer Farmers Market and through other student-led fundraisers.

Mobley is excited to see the connections the fundraisers build.

“It’s a way to communicate with the community and show them what kids are learning in the school and how they’re applying it to real life,” she said.

Information on the spring plant sale will be available on the corporation’s website and social media and through media outlets closer to the end of the school year.

Seeing the greenhouse operational represents a milestone for Wolford’s career at Owen Valley. When she joined the faculty seven years ago, conversations about bringing a greenhouse to campus were in their infancy.

“They realized they had the goat farm and a good food science program,” Wolford said. “But they wanted to get more for plant science.”

By 2018, Wolford and her colleagues knew what they wanted in a greenhouse, but the superintendent at the time said the project needed to wait until bond funds became available. Then COVID happened, and everything paused.

Bond funds became available in 2021, but construction prices had risen so much that Wolford had to restart the planning process. She began by inviting a representative from Greenhouse Megastores to teach about greenhouses during one of her classes. Then, students built models of what they wanted in a greenhouse and used those in presentations to school administrators.

“It broadens their horizon on what else is involved in agriculture,” Wolford said. Scully joined Owen Valley’s staff last year. Like Wolford, he’s engaged students at every step of the greenhouse project.

“I can base the entire curriculum around hands-on learning,” Scully said.

As the greenhouse started to take shape, Scully taught students what goes

into greenhouse management, and they planned the inaugural planting season. When it was time to plant the seeds, students got their hands dirty. Now, they’re learning to manage the automated temperature control and irrigation systems and planning the department’s first plant sales.

“It’s really neat learning how to grow these plants and how all of it works,” junior Anya DeFord said.

DeFord joined the Future Farmers of America (FFA) club and ag department last year. Now, she’s designing her senior project around the greenhouse. She’ll be taking on management responsibilities and helping run the farmer’s market fundraiser.

“I’m excited to see how far this takes our program,” DeFord said. “I think it’s going to be really cool to see how many students can learn to grow these plants and get involved in our agriculture department.”

The greenhouse is already attracting students like flowers attract bees. Wolford overheard students talking excitedly about adding plant science classes to next semester’s schedules.

Ethan Coffey waters plants in the newly constructed greenhouse at OVHS. NICOLE DECRISCIO | THE OWEN NEWS