Stray arrows cause for concern
Property owner raises matter to Plan Commission
By Nicole DeCriscio Correspondent
The Owen County Plan Commission and then the Owen County Board of Commissioners heard a complaint concerning a business conducting allegedly unsafe archery shoots last month.
The issue was first brought up at the plan commission meeting.
Suzanne Simmerman from the planning and building department said that there had already been a cease and desist letter sent to the property owners
MORE THAN A CLUB
William and Laura Dayhuff. The business Nancy’s Broken Arrow is operating on the property. The letter said that the property owners planned an event and did not have a special event permit. Simmerman said the letter was handdelivered.
The neighboring property owner and owner of Happy Place Campground on MillGrove Road Will Daubenspeck was at both meetings.
Daubenspeck said that the previous property owner was amenable to making sure that the arrows did not leave the property and that if they did, it was rectified.
Daubenspeck also has a house on the property.
He noted that during the weekend of Aug. 10, he reached
Chamber Banquet this month
Staff Report
New Boys & Girls Club opens
By Hannah Amos Correspondent
Hallways echo with laughter at the new Owen County Boys & Girls Club, which opened this summer.
The childcare provider is under the umbrella of the Boys & Girls Club of
Bloomington, an organization started in 1956, making the Owen County location the fifth location.
Owen County residents Brandi Hamilton, the Owen County Community Director, and Nicole Lynn, the unit director, are hitting the ground running
FROM TOP: Lille F., age 6, enjoys some swim time as part of the new Owen County Boys & Girls Club this summer. // Club members play air hockey at the Boys & Girls Club. SUBMITTED PHOTOS.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library launches
Submitted Article
United Way of South Central Indiana celebrated the launch of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in Owen County on Aug. 22 at the Owen County Public Library. The kids had a wonderful morning full of free books, story time, Dolly & United Way swag. They also had special visits from community partners, such as the Owen County Chamber and Owen County State Bank. Owen County community members can officially enroll their child (ages birth up to 5) now through this link: unitedwaysci.org/ dolly
Get ready to travel back in time at the Owen County Chamber of Commerce (OCCC) Annual Banquet, set for Tuesday, Sept. 17. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., with the event to get underway at 6 p.m. at the Christian Life Center, 152 E. Clay St., Spencer. Karrah Herring, State of Indiana Chief Equity, Inclusion, and Opportunity Offi cer, will serve as the evening’s guest speaker. Awards will be presented to outstanding OCCC members who have made signifi cant contributions to the organization and the community.
47th Apple Butter Festival this month
By Travis Curry Correspondent
The Spencer Lions Club is gearing up to host the 47th annual Apple Butter Festival in downtown Spencer. This year’s event, set for Sept. 21 and 22, will again be chock-full of family fun, featuring live music, royalty and apple butter contests, a parade, commode races, classic car cruise-in, antique tractors and touch-a-truck.
Entries for the apple butter contest, presented by the Spencer Lions Club and Owen County Extension Homemakers, will be accepted from 9 a.m. until noon on Sept. 21, with judging to follow. This year’s contest takes place at the Historic Tivoli Theatre, with all entries required to contain apple butter. The categories include quick breads (1/2 loaf), cinnamon rolls (4), cakes (1/4), cookies (6), and miscellaneous (1/4). Recipes must be submitted with each entry. All entries must be on/in a disposable container. Remember: entries will be judged on taste and presentation. Cash prizes will be awarded.
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PICKUP LOCATIONS
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Dollar General opens two new stores
Government Meeting Calendar
Sept. 9
Owen County Council, 6 p.m. in the Commissioners Room on the second floor of the Owen County Courthouse, 60 S. Main St., Spencer.
Owen Valley Fire Territory Board, 6 p.m. at the fire department, 401 W. Walnut St., Spencer.
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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.
Cloverdale Community School Corporation Board of Trustees, 7 p.m. in the Arthur L. Johnson Administration Building, 310 E. Logan St., Cloverdale.
Sept. 10
Gosport Town Council, 7 p.m. in the Gosport Community Building, 301 N. 9th St., Gosport.
Sept. 12
Spencer-Owen School Board, 7 p.m. in the Mike Wells Memorial Board Room at Central Office, 205 E. Hillside Ave., Spencer.
Sept. 16
Spencer Town Council, 6 p.m. in the Spencer Municipal Building, 90 N. West St., Spencer.
Sept. 17
Advisory Plan Commission, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Owen County Courthouse, 60 S. Main St., Spencer.
Sept. 18
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.
Sept. 19
Owen County Redevelopment Commission, 6 p.m. at the Owen Valley High School Auditorium, 622 IN-46, Spencer.
Owen County Board of Zoning Appeals, 7 p.m. at the Owen County Courthouse, 60 S. Main St., Spencer.
Sept. 23
Spencer Parks and Recreation Board, 6 p.m. in the Spencer Municipal
Building, 90 N. West St., Spencer.
Sept. 24
Spencer Planning Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals, 6 p.m. in the Spencer Municipal Building, 90 N. West St., Spencer. Gosport Town Council, 7 p.m. in the Gosport Community Building, 301 N. 9th St., Gosport.
Sept. 26
Spencer-Owen School Board, 7 p.m. at McCormick’s Creek Elementary School, 1601 W. Flatwoods Rd., Spencer.
Two new Dollar General locations recently opened in Owen County. The first (shown on the left) opened near the corner of Big Four and Strouse roads, at 5481 Main Street in Freedom. Most recently, the village of Vandalia welcomed the county’s second new store at 5377 State Road 46W (shown on the right), about five miles west of Spencer. Dollar General, founded in 1939, currently operates more than 20,000 stores in 48 states. TRAVIS CURRY | THE OWEN NEWS
Community Events Calendar
Sept. 7
Owen County Farmers’ Market, 8:30 a.m. to noon, 459 W. Morgan St., Spencer. Live entertainment provided by Draken Asher.
McCormick’s Creek State Park Arts, Blues & BBQ Festival, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at MCSP. Seven bands will perform throughout the day. Artists will be on site. BBQ, beer, and wine will be available for purchase. Presented by The Friends of McCormick’s Creek and The Whirlwind Agency. Standard park admission fees apply.
Sept. 9
Jolly Homemakers meeting, 1 p.m. at the Freedom Community Center, 5558 Freedom-Arney Rd., Freedom. For more information, call 812-8295020.
Farm to Table Dinner, hosted by the Owen County Farmers’ Market, 6 p.m. at Abram Event Venue, 530 Owen Camp Dr., Spencer. Enjoy a delicious meal and help support local farmers. Live entertainment provided by Owen County S.O.U.N.D.S. and Michael Norris. For tickets or more information, visit owencountyfarmersmarket. com.
Sept. 10
Gosport Farmers’ Market, 3 to 6 p.m. at Gosport Town Park. Market will feature produce in season, baked goods, handmade gifts, and more.
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.
Sept. 11
Harrison Homemakers meeting, noon at the Owen County-Purdue Extension office, 180 S. Washington St., Spencer. For more information, call 812-8295020.
Sept. 12
AI: Your New Marketing Assistant Workshop, 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Exchange, 114 S. Main St., Spencer. Free. Sponsored by the Indiana Small Business Development Center. Limited seating. Call 812-829-3245 or visit myowenexchange.com to reserve your spot.
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.
Sept. 13
Area 10 Agency on Aging Golf Scramble, 1 p.m. at Rolling Meadows Golf Club, 4210 N. Mt. Carmel Rd., Gosport. For more information, call 812-8763383.
Sept. 14
Owen County Farmers’ Market, 8:30 a.m. to noon, 459 W. Morgan St., Spencer. Live entertainment provided by Happy Accident Duo.
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. Second Annual Owen County Classic Cruisers Cinema 67 Drive-In Car Show, 2 p.m. at the Cinema 67 Drive-In, 2037 SR 67, Spencer. Trophies will be awarded.
Chicken and noodle benefit dinner, 4 to 8 p.m. at the Clay City First Church, 610 Washington St., Clay City. Proceeds benefit rebuilding efforts of the Coal City Community Bible Church. Silent auction, dessert auction and live entertainment. Free-will donations will be accepted.
Patricksburg Community Volunteer Fire Department annual fish fry, 5 to 8 p.m. at the VFD, 10058 Marion St., Patricksburg. Proceeds help support the VFD.
Sept. 17
Owen County Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Christian Life Center, 157 S. Montgomery St., Spencer. The event will feature a formal dinner, networking opportunities and a prestigious awards ceremony.
Spencer Lions Club meeting, 6:30 p.m. at the Lions Club, 59 N. Main St., Spencer.
Sept. 19
Calico Homemakers meeting, 4 p.m. Meetings are held at a different restaurant each month. For more information, call 812-8295020.
Owen Valley High School Cheer Clinic, 5 to 8 p.m. in the OVHS Auxiliary Gym. Cost is $35. Participants will receive a t-shirt and cheer bow. Participants will learn a routine and chants
to perform during the first quarter of a home football game on Friday, Sept. 20.
Sept. 20
Junk in the Trunk sale, 4 to 7 p.m. at the Owen County Fairgrounds in Spencer. Pre-registration is not required. Cost is $10 per 10 foot space. Indiana State Dirt Series (ISDS) at the Owen County Fairgrounds, Spencer. ATV, Bike, and Cart classes. Gates open at 3 p.m., racing starts at 7 p.m. Grandstand admission is $10 for adults, $5 for kids age 12 and younger. Pit pass is $15. For more information, call 812821-4495.
Sept. 21
Junk in the Trunk sale, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Owen County Fairgrounds in Spencer. Pre-registration is not required. Cost is $10 per 10 foot space.
Owen County Farmers’ Market, 8:30 a.m. to noon, 459 W. Morgan St., Spencer. Live entertainment provided by The OSO.
2024 Apple Butter Festival, presented by the Spencer Lions Club, 9 a.m to 9 p.m. on the courthouse square in Spencer. For more information visit theapplebutterfestival.com.
Nelson’s BBQ at the Tivoli, 1 to 5 p.m., 24 N. Washington St., Spencer. Hosted by Owen County Preservations. Preorder at spencertivoli.org/ ordernelsons. Availability onsite without a preorder may be limited.
Sept. 22
2024 Apple Butter Festival, presented by the Spencer Lions Club, 9 a.m to 5 p.m. on the courthouse square in Spencer. For more information visit theapplebutterfestival.com.
Freedom Reunion pitch-in. Doors open at noon at the Freedom Community Center, 5552 Freedom-Arney Rd., Freedom. Lunch begins at 1 p.m. For more information, call 812-821-1846.
Run to the Creek 5K run/ walk or 10K run, 2 p.m. at McCormick’s Creek State Park, Spencer. Register online at runsignup. com/Race/IN/Spencer/ RuntotheCreek5K10K.
Sept. 23
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.
Sept. 25
Canva 101 Workshop, 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Exchange, 114 S. Main St., Spencer. Free. Sponsored by the Indiana Small Business Development Center. Limited seating. Call 812-829-3245 or visit myowenexchange.com to reserve your spot.
Sept. 28
Owen County Farmers’ Market, 8:30 a.m. to noon, 459 W. Morgan St., Spencer. Live entertainment provided by Rikki Jean & the Dogs. S23F Indiana Golf
Scramble at Rolling Meadows Golf Club, 4120 Mt. Carmel Rd., Gosport. Hosted by the Shield 23 Foundation. Entry fee is $85 per person ($340 per foursome), includes lunch, two drink tickets and an S23F goodie bag. Registration opens at 10 a.m. Help fight smoke, fire, and cancer by participating.
Sept. 28-30
Stinesville Stone Quarry Festival in downtown Stinesville. This three-day festival features food trucks, craft vendors, a parade, live music, and more.
Sept. 30
Spencer VFW Post 1405 and Auxiliary Candidate Forum, 6:30 p.m. Event will be livestreamed on the Owen County Matters Facebook page.
Oct. 1
Spencer Lions Club meeting, 6:30 p.m. at the Lions Club, 59 North Main Street, Spencer.
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: 7-10 years old and 11-14. No entry fee.
Spencer Pride Festival, noon to 7 p.m. in downtown
Upgrades made to YMCA equipment
Submitted Article
After 20+ years, the Owen County YMCA made several updates in their Strength and Conditioning room.
In 2003, the Cybex equipment was moved into the brand-new Y; it’s served our community well but was time for improvements. Sixteen pieces of equipment were replaced or added to the space, including a deadlift platform to provide a quieter, safer space in which to work out. Some of the other equipment upgrades include a leg press, leg extension, triceps extension, biceps curl and a glute machine.
Staff and volunteers have spent considerable time evaluating
equipment and layout options.
The upgrades allowed the YMCA to respond to the changing needs of their members by streamlining the cardio equipment, optimizing the space via a new layout, and expanding the weight training area.
Strength training is wildly beneficial for people of all ages, genders and physical makeup. The benefits of consistent strength training include the development of stronger bones, weight management, improved ability to complete activities of daily living, management of chronic conditions and improvement of thinking and learning skills.
Some research also finds strength training lengthens lifespan, improves mood, improves cardiovascular health and of course, strengthens muscles.
The strength training area provides the ability to fight against heart disease, which is a growing concern for Sweet Owen. While strength training is beneficial in many ways, it is quite notably time friendly. Even with a warm-up and cool down, a good strength training workout should only take 30 minutes to an hour. Taking the time to strength train today sets a foundation for a stronger tomorrow.
The total cost of the new equipment was
$68,396. The YMCA is grateful for grants from the Boston Scientific Foundation as well as the Owen County Community Foundation to help offset some of the expenses.
However, the Y secured a loan to cover the gap and appreciates donations to advance their services. Equipment upgrades for the Y will result in stronger members and visitors, which will lead to a healthier community.
Donations can be made online through the Owen County Community Foundation or in person at the YMCA. Donations can be made online at https:// owencountycf.fcsuite. com/erp/donate/create/ grant?grant_id=13747
Gosport starts public restroom campaign
Submitted Article
As Gosport continues its transformative journey, a significant new development promises to elevate the town’s charm and functionality. The latest initiative in Gosport will be the introduction of new public restroom facilities aimed at improving comfort and convenience for both residents and visitors.
This project is part of IHCDA’s CreatINg Places program, which supports communitydriven efforts to
enhance public spaces. IHCDA is offering a matching grant for this campaign. That means every dollar you contribute will be matched, doubling the impact of your support and helping us reach our goal faster. Donations for the matching grant will be accepted through October 27th & can be made through the campaign page or by cash or check made out to the Owen County Community Foundation. Recent improvements in Gosport include
CHAMBER | FROM PAGE 1
Lieutenant Colonel Dave Allen will be honored posthumously with the 2024 Heart of the Community Award, and Amy Lanham will be honored as the 2024 Educator of the Year.
Semi-finalists for Entrepreneur of the Year are Cookies & CroShay, Busy Bee Cafe, Barbara Jean’s Truly Clean and Fallen Oak
the creation of a new public park, the installation of basketball courts, a beautifully renovated bandstand, and enhanced landscaping. Each of these projects have contributed to a more lively atmosphere in our community, and the addition of public restrooms will further enhance the experience for everyone who visits.
The new restrooms will be conveniently placed between the old town hall and the shelter house, making them easily accessible
Campground and Vineyard LLC.
Semifinalists for Business of the Year are Main Street Coffee and Cook Medical.
Semifinalists for Small Business of the Year are Civilian Brewing Corps, Millgrove Diner and Gosport Dental.
Semifinalists for Nonprofit of the Year are the Boys & Girls Club of Owen County, the Historic Tivoli
for anyone using the park or attending events. Some key features of the facilities will include durable materials, such as concrete block construction, wood-framed roofing, and ADA-compliant fixtures.
To support the Gosport campaign and help us secure the matching grant from IHCDA, please consider making a donation.
You can contribute online at Patronicity. com/OCCF_
FacilitiesGosport_IN -or- Mail a check
Theatre, The Owen News and Spencer Pride.
This year, organizers are bringing the ‘80s back in style, so dust off your leg warmers, tease up your hair and get ready to dance the night away to some classic ‘80s tunes! Whether you’re a fan of neon colors, big hair, or iconic ‘80s fashion, this is an event you won’t want to miss.
Tickets are on sale now, so
to the Owen County Community Foundation at PO Box 503 Spencer, IN 47460. Cash donations may also be dropped off in person at 60 E Market Street Spencer, IN 47460.
For more information or if you have any questions, please reach out to Janet Rummel, ceo@ owencountycf.org or call 812-829-1725. Your support will make a significant difference in the continued revitalization of our community.
grab yours today and join in for an unforgettable evening of fun, food, and networking. Attendees are encouraged to wear ‘80s attire or business professional.
Visit myowencountychamber. com to purchase your tickets and get ready to step into a totally rad time warp. For more information, call 812829-3245.
55th Annual Cataract Bean Dinner Festival next month
Staff Report
The Cataract Volunteer Fire Department is gearing up to host the 55th annual Bean Dinner Festival, set for Oct.
Hear ye, hear ye, contestants vying to be crowned king and queen and prince and princess will take center stage at 9:30 a.m., with check-in to begin at 9 a.m. on Sept. 21. Contestants must be age five or six by
4 to 6 in northwestern Owen County. Featuring live music, more than 100 vendors and over 900 pounds of ham and beans cooked over an open fire, the
the day of the contest and a student in the Spencer-Owen school system. A parent or guardian for each contestant must complete, sign, and return an entry form by Sept. 18. Entry forms are available in this year’s Apple Butter Festival booklet. For more information, contact
festival will take place from noon to 8 p.m. on Oct. 4, and from 10:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. Oct. 5 and 6. For more information, visit cataractfire.com or email
contest chairman Anton Neff at 812-829-4254 or email akneff306@att.net.
The fan-favorite commode races will get underway at 11 a.m. on Main Street, with the festival parade to step off at 1 p.m. The grand marshal for the 2024 parade will be well-known Spencer artist Ken Bucklew.
Bucklew, an Owen County native, honed his craft from an early age. With unlimited access to the woods surrounding his parents’ property, he spent countless hours walking and drawing the flora and fauna and wildlife native to the area.
cataractbeandinner@yahoo. com. The Cataract VFD relies on this festival to generate more than 60 percent of its annual operating funds.
His natural talent for drawing and painting was recognized by his elementary school art teacher, Ms. Ina Hight, who gave him an awareness of his potential. Bucklew’s work began earning him recognition, awards, and a limited income during his high school years.
A diving accident in 1975 while vacationing with friends nearly ended those dreams as he suffered a significant spinal cord injury which left him paralyzed. With a lot of perseverance and determination, Bucklew worked his way back to being the artist he was meant to be by utilizing upper arm and shoulder movement.
Beginning in the late ‘70s and early ‘80s his work became popular with many publishing companies on a wide variety of products from greeting cards, calendars and educational tools, as well as being published in a wide variety of magazines, books and prints. He became the all-time winner of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources Duck Stamp and Game Bird Stamp competitions. Each year his work is featured in fundraising efforts here in Indiana for the preservation of wetlands by Ducks Unlimited.
In the 1990s he transitioned to mostly fine art and was no longer involved in commercial art. Bucklew’s work is now included in the permanent collections of the Indiana State Museum, Lafayette Art Museum, Richmond Art Museum and many corporate and private collections.
Bucklew continues to give back to Owen County in many ways such as having one of his pieces featured annually in the Delta Theta Tau sorority fundraiser. He also has several paintings in the collection at the Owen County Public Library.
There will be a display of the artist’s work at the Spencer Lions Club building throughout the festival.
Be sure to pick up a copy of this year’s festival guide, available at local merchants. Featuring over 100 vendors, this year’s festival takes place from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sept. 21, and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sept. 22.
The Spencer Lions Club will have a welcome tent on Main Street, just north of the Owen County War Memorial Wall, where you can stop to rest, obtain information, and mostly importantly, purchase apple butter!
For more information, visit theapplebutterfestival. com.
Crime Watch is like a form of homestead security made not of electronics but real people, your neighbors who know you and you know them. A neighborhood crime watch community is where you know contact phone numbers and have a very limited mutual agreement to watch out for each other’s property while you are gone to work or to the store, etc.
The Cataract Lake Area Crime Watch covers Jackson and Jennings Townships in Owen County and Cass Township in Clay County.
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.
Ken Bucklew. SUBMITTED PHOTO.
Apply to be an Owen County CASA
Staff Report
Owen County CASA or Court Appointed Special Advocates is accepting applications for the next class of volunteers through today.
CASAs are trained community members who are appointed by a judge
to represent the best interests of children who have experienced abuse or neglect.
CASAs work with children, parents, foster parents and school personnel to advocate for the child in court. They investigate, negotiate and monitor the child’s case. They also advise the court by testifying and
submitting written reports. These reports include recommendations for the child’s case plan, such as placement and treatment.
CASAs can help children navigate the complex foster care system and keep them from being overwhelmed by social services and foster homes. They can also provide guidance and
CHAMBER | FROM PAGE 1
Lieutenant Colonel
Dave Allen will be honored posthumously with the 2024 Heart of the Community Award, and Amy Lanham will be honored as the 2024 Educator of the Year.
Semi-finalists for Entrepreneur of the Year are Cookies & CroShay, Busy Bee Cafe, Barbara Jean’s Truly Clean and Fallen Oak Campground and Vineyard LLC.
Semifinalists for Business of the Year are Main Street Coffee and Cook Medical.
Semifinalists for Small Business of the Year are Civilian Brewing Corps, Millgrove Diner and Gosport Dental.
Semifinalists for Nonprofit of the Year are the Boys & Girls Club of Owen County, the Historic Tivoli
comfort to children who have experienced trauma, which can help support their development and selfesteem.
Owen County’s New CASA Volunteer training will take place from Sept. 17 to Oct. 5. For more information or an application, call 812-5857652.
Theatre, The Owen News and Spencer Pride.
This year, organizers are bringing the ‘80s back in style, so dust off your leg warmers, tease up your hair and get ready to dance the night away to some classic ‘80s tunes! Whether you’re a fan of neon colors, big hair, or iconic ‘80s fashion, this is an event you won’t want to miss.
Tickets are on sale now, so grab yours today and join in for an unforgettable evening of fun, food, and networking. Attendees are encouraged to wear ‘80s attire or business professional.
Visit myowencountychamber. com to purchase your tickets and get ready to step into a totally rad time warp. For more information, call 812829-3245.
| FROM PAGE 1
Each child registered with the Imagination Library will receive a free, new ageappropriate book mailed directly to their home each month, until their fifth birthday.
The initiative aims to inspire a lifelong love for reading and learning in children and provide them with the tools they need to succeed. The Imagination Library is a renowned early literacy program that makes it possible for every child to access high-quality books, regardless of family income.
“United Way is thrilled to bring Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to both Owen and Greene counties,” shared Randy
Rogers, United Way of South Central Indiana President & CEO. “We appreciate that the community foundations in Greene and Owen counties stepped in to provide grant funding to launch this program. We look forward to ensuring that children grow up with books in their home which will help our entire region thrive.”
United Way of South Central Indiana supports and creates community-based and community-led solutions to help local families move from poverty to possibility.
In Owen County, the program is funded in part by a Community Investment Grant Fund of the Owen County Community Foundation.
Lazy Days Bed Races
WE NEED LISTINGS
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1. We have been in business since 1976.
2. We are a local, small business.
3. We can sell your real estate either by traditional listing and sale or by auction. 4. We take pride in working hard to help you buy or sell property.
5. We conduct on-site auctions. This means you don’t have to wait days for your personal property or real estate to get sold. It is usually done in 1 or 2 days.
We know that we are not the largest real estate and auction company. We do know that we willdo our very best to help you in any way possible. We would like to ask you that before you list/buy property or want an auction, please contact us and let us tell you what we offer to make your selling/buying experience as easy as possible.
Drescher Auction & Real Estate
5191 N US HWY 231 Spencer, IN 47460
Office: 812-829-3766
Cell: 812-327-3517
Email: colfredauctioneer@gmail.com
Website: www.drescherauction.com
FROM TOP: Gosport Car Care races against the Indiana Dinosaur Museum (IDM) from South Bend in the 56th Gosport Lazy Days Bed Race. IDM won the match. // Gosport Tavern representatives run in their race against the Owen Valley High School (OVHS) cheer and stunt team. The stunt team won the match. // The OVHS varsity football team races against the Gosport Car Care team. The football team won the match. // The OVHS varsity football team receives their first-place trophies at the 56th Gosport Lazy Days Bed Race. The trophies were made by OVHS students for the race. HANNAH AMOS | THE OWEN NEWS
Purdue Extension - Gearing up for fall
By Jim Luzar
encouraged to think about what can be done now to ensure a safe harvest. Dry weather may mean a greater possibility of fire, so taking inventory of fire extinguishers for equipment and facilities can help make sure a fire started by dry chaff can be better controlled.
National Farm Safety and Health Week takes place Sept. 15 to 21. This observance highlights the importance of preparation for safe farming practices and developing standard operating
procedures to make the farm a safe place to work.
Harvest will also mean increased road traffic for farm equipment. These slowermoving machines require navigating tree limbs, narrow roads and traffic. By law, slow-moving vehicles should yield to traffic when three or more vehicles are backed up, when it is safe to do so. Moving from farm to farm is a reality for today’s crop farmers. Let’s all remember we all share the road and practice some patience this fall when farm machinery is out and about.
Remember the combine you encounter may have difficulty seeing your vehicle when you are following too closely.
Purdue land rent and value survey
The 2024 Purdue Farmland Value Survey found the average value of bare Indiana cropland increased 3.7 percent during the past survey year. The average value of bare Indiana cropland ranged from $9,071 per acre for poor-quality land
(167-bushel corn expected) to $14,392 per acre for topquality land (226-bushel corn expected). An increase in land value over the past survey year is attributed to limited farmland on the market, solar and wind project demands, and development pressure.
The 2024 survey average for Indiana cash rent saw some changes as well. On average, cash rents ranged between $204 per acre for poor-quality land and $313 per acre for top-quality land. Cash rents decreased by 3.7 percent for poor-quality land and increased by 2.3 percent for top-quality land. Readers should keep in mind the Purdue survey is a sampling of data points and that variation around each value exists. My farm in Putnam County doesn’t merit the Purdue survey value because some fields are small in size, have woods lining each side of the field and have some access issues. Each individual tract of land will have strengths and weaknesses that may adjust the value of cash rent. Also, the Purdue survey is for cash rent and
doesn’t include values of share leases. Share crop leases are simply not part of the survey instrument. Readers can review the complete Purdue Farmland Value Survey by obtaining a copy of the Purdue Agricultural Economics Report issue for August 2024.
Indiana Master Naturalist Program
The Indiana Master Naturalist Program is an eight-week course that covers many aspects of the natural resources of Indiana. The program covers topics in forestry, water quality, wildlife and ecology.
We still have some seats available for the program. In working with Indiana DNR, participants must be 18 years of age or older. A program fee of $60 covers all costs and couples can share materials for $90 per couple. The first class begins Tuesday, Sept. 10 and runs for eight consecutive Tuesdays. Class time is 6 to 9 p.m. with sessions held at the Purdue Extension-Owen County office in Spencer.
National kids take over the kitchen day
By Jamie Jo Lowder Health & Human Sciences Educator Purdue Extension Owen County
Greetings from the Purdue Extension Health and Human Science Corner. My name is Jamie Jo Lowder, and I am happy to be a reference for the community and hold programming for all things food, family, finance and health-related.
Did you know that Sept. 13 is National Kids Take Over the Kitchen Day? It is important to get those kiddos in the kitchen and teach them life skills to help them develop. Here are some age-appropriate
ways that your children can help in the kitchen from familydinerproject.org.
Ages 2 to 5
- Fold and carry napkins and other lightweight items
- Set out unbreakable dishware and utensils
- Wash fruits and vegetables
- Scoop and stir ingredients
- Learn to pour liquids safely and wipe spills
- Help find items at the grocery store
Ages 6 to 12
- Set and clear the table independently
- Rinse dishes, load and unload the dishwasher
- Learn proper use of sharp or hot kitchen tools
- Wash, dry and put away sturdy dishes and glassware
- Add items to grocery list and follow a short grocery list
- Begin to cook scrambled eggs, rice and pancakes
Ages 13 to 18
- Learn to cook more difficult items like soups, casseroles and pasta dishes
- Help plan family meals and manage the grocery list
- Wash pots, pans and more delicate items
- Get dinner started without adult supervision
- Learn food safety such as how to manage raw meats
- Plan, budget and execute a short grocery shopping trip
If you would like more information, to register for programs or would like to learn about something in one or more of these program areas, please reach out to me with any questions at the Purdue Extension Office here in Owen County, 180 S. Washington St., Spencer or call 812-829-5020 EXT:
3. You can also email me at lowder0@purdue.edu.
Here are some upcoming programs I have for September and October.
Sept. 19, Sept. 26, Oct. 3 and Oct. 10 – this is a 4-week series called Dining with Diabetes at the Owen County YMCA starting at 5:30 p.m. You need to pre-register for this event and you can do so at https://cvent.me/Q2RVBx Oct. 8, 15, 22, 29 and Nov. 12 – Steps to a Healthy You (Benefits of the Mediterranean Diet) Stay tuned for more information coming on this program.
Oct. 10 – Parents Forever – at the Owen County Purdue Extension Office from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. You must preregister for this program.
Oct. 24, Oct. 3t, Nov. 7, Nov. 14 and Nov. 21 – Family Dinner Project – Enjoy family meals together again.
Owen Valley High School Sports Calendar
Sept. 6
7 p.m. – Varsity football vs Indian Creek at Owen Valley.
Sept. 7
8:30 a.m. –Varsity co-ed cross country at Terre Haute Savings Bank Invitational.
9 a.m. – Varsity co-ed cross country vs Terre Haute North at Terre Haute North.
11 a.m. – Junior varsity football vs Indian Creek at Owen Valley.
Sept. 9
5 p.m. – Varsity girls’ golf vs Greencastle at Owen Valley.
Sept. 10
5 p.m. – Varsity boys’ tennis vs Sullivan at Owen Valley.
5:30 p.m. – Varsity girls’ golf vs Brown County at Owen Valley.
5:30 p.m. – Varsity girls’ soccer vs North Knox at North Knox.
6 p.m. – Varsity co-ed cross country at Clay City Invitational.
6 p.m. – Junior varsity girls’ volleyball
vs Cloverdale at Cloverdale.
7:30 p.m. –Varsity girls’ volleyball vs Cloverdale at Cloverdale.
Sept. 11
5 p.m. – Varsity boys’ tennis vs Indian Creek at Indian Creek.
5:30 p.m. – Varsity boys’ soccer vs Edgewood at Owen Valley.
6 p.m. – Junior varsity girls’ volleyball vs South Putnam at South Putnam.
7 p.m. – Varsity girls’ volleyball vs South Putnam at South Putnam.
7:30 p.m. –Varsity girls’ soccer vs Edgewood at Edgewood.
Sept. 12
5 p.m. – Varsity girls’ soccer vs White River Valley at Owen Valley.
6 p.m. – Varsity boys’ tennis vs South Vermillion at Owen Valley.
6 p.m. – Junior varsity girls’ volleyball vs Edgewood at Owen Valley.
7 p.m. - Varsity girls’ volleyball vs Edgewood at Owen Valley.
Sept. 13
7 p.m. – Varsity football vs Edgewood at Edgewood.
Sept. 14
8:30 a.m. – Varsity co-ed cross country at South Putnam Eagle Classic.
9 a.m. – Varsity boys’ tennis vs Edgewood at Edgewood.
Sept. 16
6:30 p.m. – Varsity boys’ soccer vs White River Valley at Owen Valley.
5:30 p.m. –Varsity girls’ golf vs Northview at Northview.
5:30 p.m. –Varsity boys’ soccer s Cascade at Cascade.
5:30 p.m. –Varsity girls’ soccer vs Cascade at Owen Valley.
6 p.m. – Junior varsity football vs Edgewood at Owen Valley.
6 p.m. – Junior varsity girls’ volleyball vs Linton-Stockton at Linton-Stockton.
7 p.m. – Varsity girls’ volleyball vs Linton-Stockton at Linton-Stockton.
Sept. 17
5 p.m. – Varsity boys’ tennis vs South Putnam at Owen Valley.
5:30 p.m. –Varsity boys’ soccer vs Brown County at Owen Valley.
5:30 p.m. – Varsity girls’ soccer vs Brown County at Brown County.
Sept. 18
4:45 p.m. – Varsity girls’ golf vs LintonStockton at Owen Valley.
6 p.m. – Varsity co-ed cross country at Chad Smith Scholarship Invitational.
7 p.m. – Junior varsity girls’ volleyball vs Eastern Greene at Eastern Greene.
7:30 p.m. – Varsity girls’ volleyball vs Eastern Greene at Eastern Greene.
Sept. 19
5:30 p.m. – Varsity boys’ soccer vs West Vigo at Owen Valley.
5:30 p.m. – Varsity girls’ soccer vs West Vigo at Owen Valley.
6 p.m. – Junior varsity girls’ volleyball vs Bloomfield at Owen Valley.
Cloverdale High School Sports Calendar
Sept. 6
7 p.m. – Varsity football vs Brown County at Cloverdale.
Sept. 10
5 p.m. – Varsity girls’ golf vs Shortridge at Shortridge.
6 p.m. – Varsity boys’ cross country at Clay City Invitational.
6 p.m. – Varsity girls’ cross country at Clay City Invitational.
6 p.m. – Junior varsity girls’ volleyball vs Owen Valley at Cloverdale.
Sept. 12
4:30 p.m. – Varsity girls’ golf four-way match vs Cascade, Owen Valley, and Monrovia at Cloverdale.
Sept. 13
7 p.m. – Varsity football vs
Southside Homeschool Crimson Knights at Cloverdale.
Sept. 14
9 a.m. – Varsity girls’ volleyball at Putnam County Volleyball Tournament at Cloverdale.
Sept. 16
4:30 p.m. – Varsity girls’ golf at Putnam County Meet at Cloverdale.
6 p.m. – Junior varsity girls’ volleyball vs Southmont at Southmont.
7:30 p.m. – Varsity girls’ volleyball vs Southmont at Southmont.
Sept. 17
4:45 p.m. – Varsity girls’ golf vs West Vigo at Cloverdale.
6 p.m. – Junior varsity girls’
6 p.m. – Varsity girls’ volleyball vs Bloomfield at Owen Valley.
Sept. 20
7 p.m. – Varsity football vs Northview at Owen Valley.
Sept. 21
9 a.m. – Varsity co-ed cross country at Greencastle Tiger Cub Invitational.
Sept. 23
4:30 p.m. – Varsity boys’ tennis vs White River Valley at White River Valley.
6 p.m. – Junior varsity football vs Northview at Northview.
6 p.m. – Junior varsity girls’ volleyball vs Sullivan at Sullivan.
7 p.m. – Varsity girls’ volleyball vs Sullivan at Sullivan.
Sept. 24
5 p.m. – Varsity boys’ tennis vs Greencastle at Owen Valley.
Sept. 25
5 p.m. – Varsity boys’ tennis vs Northview at Northview.
volleyball vs Riverton Parke at Cloverdale.
7:30 p.m. – Varsity girls’ volleyball vs Riverton Parke at Cloverdale.
Sept. 19
6 p.m. – Junior varsity girls’ volleyball vs North Vermillion at North Vermillion.
7:30 p.m. – Varsity girls’ volleyball vs North Vermillion at North Vermillion.
Sept. 20
7 p.m. – Varsity football vs North Putnam at North Putnam.
Sept. 23
6 p.m. – Junior varsity football vs North Putnam at Cloverdale.
6 p.m. – Junior varsity girls’ volleyball vs North Montgomery
Owen Valley Middle School Sports Calendar
Sept. 10
6 p.m. – Girls’ volleyball vs Tri-North at Tri-North.
Sept. 11
5 p.m. – Co-ed cross country vs South Putnam at Owen Valley.
6 p.m. – Girls’ volleyball vs Eastern Greene at Owen Valley.
Sept. 12
5 p.m. – Co-ed cross country vs Cloverdale at Owen Valley.
6 p.m. – Seventh grade football vs Edgewood at
Edgewood. 6 p.m. – Girls’ volleyball vs Martinsville at Martinsville.
Sept. 14 11 a.m. - Co-ed cross country vs Cascade at Cascade.
Sept. 15 11:40 a.m. – Seventh grade football vs West Vigo at West Vigo.
Sept. 16
5:30 p.m. – Co-ed cross country vs Brown County at Brown County.
6 p.m. – Girls’ volleyball vs Greencastle at Owen Valley.
Sept. 18
6 p.m. – Girls’ volleyball vs White River Valley at White River Valley.
Sept. 19
5:30 p.m. – Girls’ volleyball vs Monrovia at Monrovia.
5:45 p.m. – Co-ed cross country vs Jackson Creek at Jackson Creek.
6 p.m. – Seventh grade football vs Sullivan at
7 p.m. – Varsity girls’ volleyball vs Indian Creek at Indian Creek.
Sept. 26
5:30 p.m. –Varsity boys’ soccer vs Eastern Greene at Owen Valley.
Sept. 27
7 p.m. – Varsity football vs Sullivan at Sullivan.
Sept. 28
9 a.m. – Varsity co-ed cross country at Shakamak Invitational.
10 a.m. – Varsity girls’ soccer vs Indian Creek at Owen Valley.
12 p.m. – Varsity boys’ soccer vs Indian Creek at Owen Valley.
Sept. 30
6 p.m. – Junior varsity girls’ volleyball vs Northview at Northview.
6 p.m. – Junior varsity football vs Sullivan at Owen Valley.
7 p.m. – Varsity girls’ volleyball vs Northview at Northview.
6 p.m. – Junior varsity girls’ volleyball vs Indian Creek at Indian Creek.
at Cloverdale
7:30 p.m. – Varsity girls’ volleyball vs North Montgomery at Cloverdale.
Sept. 26
6 p.m. – Junior varsity girls’ volleyball vs North Putnam at Cloverdale.
7:30 p.m. – Varsity girls’ volleyball vs North Putnam at Cloverdale.
Sept. 27
7:30 p.m. – Varsity football vs South Decatur at Cloverdale. Oct. 1
7:30 p.m. – Varsity girls’ volleyball vs Edgewood at Edgewood.
Oct. 4
7 p.m. – Varsity football vs Greencastle at Greencastle
Sullivan. 7 p.m. – Eighth grade football vs Sullivan at Sullivan.
Sept. 21 9 a.m. – Co-ed cross country at South Putnam Eagle Classic.
Sept. 23
5:30 p.m. – Co-ed cross country vs Sullivan at Sullivan.
Sept. 25
6 p.m. – Girls’ volleyball vs South Putnam at South Putnam.
Sept. 26
6 p.m. – Seventh grade football vs South Putnam at South Putnam.
7 p.m. – Eighth grade football vs South Putnam at South Putnam.
Sept. 28
9 a.m. – Co-ed cross country vs Shakamak at Shakamak.
Sept. 30
6 p.m. – Girls’ volleyball vs Jackson Creek at Owen Valley.
Trailing or Leading: ADA compliant trail
By Kyle Hannon Project Manager, MYPath Trail System
Some of us believe the key to protecting nature is allowing more people to have access to it, to experience it. With MYPath, we are counting on the public using the trail and smelling, touching and seeing the natural wonders it connects with. With more people understanding and feeling the importance of this trail, more people will be interested in protecting and expanding it.
Most of us will experience MYPath by walking or riding a bike on it. But wait a minute. What about the people who are unable
to walk or ride a bike? Aren’t they important too?
Of course they are! The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) says, yes, people with disabilities must be included. To be eligible for the DNR Next Level Trails grant, the one that is making our trail upgrade possible, the main trail must follow the guidelines of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
At first, I was thinking about my parents. Dad is not able to visit the trail, but if Mom tries out MYPath, it will be with a walker or wheelchair. Other people have been using strollers to push children on the new surface. I have been describing the MYPath as covering the circle of experiences: Parents pushing children in strollers, and children pushing parents in
wheelchairs.
Then I received a photo.
The photo is of a young woman who lives in Owen County who has mobility challenges. She is using a walker with wheels to enjoy MYPath. She would not have been able to experience MYPath, or this section of nature, if our trail was not ADA compliant. How much more will she be able to enjoy when we have an ADA compliant bridge to extend the trail? This goes beyond the circle of experiences I have been talking about.
I talked to her parents about her visit to MYPath. They shared how some supposedly accessible trails have cracks and bumps that make it difficult to use her special walker. The MYPath trail was perfect.
Then I received an email.
A couple weeks later a local
person sent us an email asking us to consider assisting visually impaired visitors. Helping blind and low-vision visitors enjoy the beauty of nature is not an unrealistic request.
For the solar eclipse, I was working at the Nature Center at McCormick’s Creek State Park. We had a variety of tools to help people experience the wonders of the eclipse, including a set of cards with raised ridges, so visually impaired guests could “feel” the eclipse.
The person who was asking about visual assistance on MYPath included information for something called, RightHear “talking signs” or Soundscapes. I am beginning to study these options. Stay tuned for ways you can help.
Thanks to these visitors, we have even more ways
to make our trail more welcoming. Another way to look at this is that the DNR and visitors are asking us to do what we want to do anyway.
Accessibility has required design and construction alterations. So, let’s do it.
For the most part, MYPath is a flat trail, especially compared to most of Owen County. It follows part of the river that has been underwater and smoothed out over the past few generations. However, it has a few dips and gullies, and it climbs a hill to connect with River Road. The ADA requires the slope cannot be too steep. So MYPath construction has leveled the trail further. The blacktop surface will be smooth. And the trail will be wide enough that wheelchairs can pass one another without
leaving the trail. We are doing that. As I have said in earlier columns, this new section of MYPath trail will not be finished until October. Our construction crews have not finished the paving. The new bridge to cross Elliston Creek has not been placed yet. Beyond that, we still need some benches and signage. The parking area needs to be improved. We are working to make sure ALL our visitors can experience and enjoy MYPath.
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.
are few. In my youth, I don’t believe I ever took the limit of five squirrels at one time. Growing up in Perry County, I seldom equaled my older relatives and friends who often got their limits, the hallmark of the successful hunter. At least that was my youthful impression. When I was 12 or so, an older guy who lived in town agreed to take me to a woods that he knew had a good supply of bushytails. We came out with a double limit of 10
gray squirrels—I killed exactly one. I then knew the reason he took me along. Still, it was fun to watch him hit far-away targets with his beastly 12-gauge Browning shotgun. I still remember him telling me, “If I can see them, I can hit them.” And he could.
I once limited out on doves. I found a remote strip pit that had a small pool of water in it. Birds were using the area for their grit and a bath or drink. My youngest, Justin, was about 10 or so, too young to carry a gun. Since there were no other hunters, his job was to walk around the pit to keep the birds flying so that I could get some shots. It worked to perfection, and yes, I made sure I knew where my son was before I shot. I harvested
the limit of 15 birds, took them home, cleaned them saving the breast and later had them for supper. They weren’t as tasty as quail, but they were palatable. I grilled them, and they were just ok. This game bird needs a little culinary assistance to taste good. A dove stew or casserole with vegetables would be a good bet. If you can find the right farmer’s field, you’re in business, or 8,000acre Glendale Fish and Wildlife area southeast of Washington has managed sunflower fields and welcomes dove hunters, as do some other state-managed areas. I’ve had some success there. Property managers worked hard to get the sunflower fields ready. Hunter
draws were held for the opener Sept. 1 and 2, so a lot of birds fell then, but more generally filter in as the season goes on to its Oct. 20 finish. The later dove seasons are available but usually hold few birds. A HIP registration and Game Bird Habitat Stamp are required. The HIP requirement is designed to help states improve harvest estimates for migratory game birds, thereby affecting seasons and bag limits. Go online at wildlife. in.gov/3567.htm or call 866-671-4499. Glendale’s number is 812-644-7711, Monday to Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
I recall hunting at Glendale in an area aptly named Dove Hollow several years ago. Four or five hunters were working the
large sunflower field, but one guy had “the spot.” He was in full camo standing in an area that concealed him well. He was right beneath the bird highway. I got some shots, but I’m sure he filled his limit. A prehunt scouting trip to Glendale would be an excellent idea. Maybe you can find the right field and the right spot to be.
Make sure you follow good safety protocols when you dove hunt. Don’t shoot at low-flying birds. If you’re fortunate enough to down a bird, put your gun on safety, lay it down carefully and keep your eyes glued to the spot where the bird went down. It helps to get some sort of visual marker or line. It’s often difficult to retrieve a dead bird, especially if you lose the visual
line. Do not take your gun with you when fetching the downed bird. If there’s a lot of action, you’ll be tempted to fire at another target. You don’t want two downed birds. Chances are you won’t find either of them. Dove hunting is a great way to introduce youngsters to firearms. If you’re in the right spot, multiple chances to shoot are available. My middle son once took 60 or so shots in a Patoka dove field. I recall that he killed something like two birds, but he still had a good time. Doves, especially when there’s quite a bit of hunter presence, can really speed along and tend to fly higher. So, if you miss, no big deal. Another chance should be coming along soon.
Driftwood Outdoors: Preparing for a successful hunt
By Brandon Butler Guest Columnist
Hunters across the country are eagerly anticipating the arrival of fall. Many have trips planned to the mountains for elk, the Midwest for deer, the plains for upland birds and river systems for waterfowl. A common theme of all these destination experiences is the importance of being properly prepared. The success of any hunting trip begins at home with acquiring knowledge and packing the right gear.
Plan carefully and pack well Hunting offers many challenges, so having the right gear is critical to a successful and fulfilling experience. Mother Nature is ultimately in control, so being prepared for whatever she may throw at you is the most important aspect of any hunt. It can be a matter of life and death. Aside from having all the basic gear, like a firearm or bow, pack, binoculars, ground blinds, clothing and boots, it’s critical to have a first aid kit and safety gear packed for
the hunt. Go through your gear now to make sure you have everything you need and that it is in proper working order.
Select the right knife
A key piece of gear for any hunt is selecting and having the right knife. It’s one thing to be prepared for better taking an animal. It’s another issue altogether to be prepared to take care of the animal after the hunt. There is no end to the brands and types of knives available to hunters. The proper knife to field dress an elk is far different than a knife used to prepare a quail for the freezer. Knowing what knife you
need for the adventure you are undertaking is an important step in preparedness. Buck Knives alone offers more than 200 options. Spend some time researching options, and purchase what you need to do the job at hand. One good tip is your knife doesn’t need to be camouflaged. Knives fall off our belts and are often left behind during the field care process. An eyecatching blaze orange handle helps ensure you can find a knife that has gone missing or was left behind.
Be prepared for success
Heat is the enemy
Cloverdale Middle School Sports Calendar
Sept. 10
5:30 p.m. – Co-ed cross country vs Edgewood at Cloverdale.
6 p.m. – Girls’ volleyball vs Greencastle at Greencastle.
Sept. 12
4:30 p.m. – Co-ed cross country vs Owen Valley at Owen Valley.
6 p.m. – Football vs Brown County at Brown County.
Sept. 14
11 a.m. – Co-ed cross country
at Jon Mitchell Invitational at Cascade.
Sept. 16
6 p.m. – Girls’ volleyball vs North Putnam at North Putnam.
Sept. 19
5:30 p.m. – Girls’ volleyball vs Cascade at Cloverdale.
6 p.m. – Football vs South Putnam at South Putnam.
Sept. 21
10:30 a.m. – Co-ed cross country at Tiger Cub Invitational
of meat until it’s placed on the grill. Earlyseason hunts often mean hunters face high temperatures, and this can mean meat spoilage for those who are not prepared. A small tarp to aid with keeping meat clean during field processing and mesh game bags to help hang and keep meat cool are the basics. Some hunters also carry a can of black pepper and apply this to game meat to keep pesky flies at bay. Coolers and access to ice are critical if you won’t immediately have access to a freezer. Don’t be surprised when you are successful. Be ready to deal with all the meat as efficiently as possible. This is the number one responsibility of all hunters.
Know the risks and make a plan In many areas of the country, humans are not the apex predator. Bears, mountain lions and wolves are dangerous predators. They are smart and many have come to recognize gunshots as dinner bells. They’re attracted to easy meals left behind by hunters. In much of
at Big Walnut Sports Park.
Sept. 23
6 p.m. – Girls’ volleyball vs Southmont at Cloverdale.
Sept. 24
6 p.m. – Girls’ volleyball vs Clay City at Clay City.
Sept. 26
5:30 p.m. – Co-ed cross country at David Landes Invitational at Danville.
6 p.m. – Football vs Greencastle at Cloverdale.
Sept. 28
the northern Rocky Mountain states, grizzly bear populations are increasing, and each fall these big bruins attack and kill or seriously injure hunters. Research state game department websites to determine recommended steps to avoid bear encounters and conflicts. Having bear spray in bear country is a must. Keep your head on a swivel while caring for downed game in bear country, and if you leave a kill site, use caution as you return.
When all goes right, hunting adventures can create the memories of a lifetime. The likelihood of a fun and successful trip directly correlates to the amount of time one spends preparing for the adventure. You owe it to yourself, your loved ones and the game you are pursuing to ensure you are as prepared as possible for whatever may come on your next great hunting adventure.
See you down the trail…
For more Driftwood Outdoors, check out the podcast on driftwoodoutdoors.com or anywhere podcasts are streamed.
9 a.m. – Girls’ volleyball at Putnam County Tourney at Cloverdale.
11 a.m. – Co-ed cross country at Putnam County Meet at South Putnam.
Sept. 30
6 p.m.- Girls’ volleyball vs South Putnam at Cloverdale.
Oct. 1
7 p.m. – Football vs Owen Valley at Owen Valley.
Being prepared to take care of game meat after the hunt is the top responsibility of hunters. PHOTO SUBMITTED B Y DRIFTWOOD OUTDOORS.
It’s Just a Country State of Mind: The Five and Dime
By Susan Anderson Guest Columnist
who prides themselves on being called a part of the baby boomer generation has graced the doors of the old “five and dime” store.
A “five and dime” was a variety store where a lot of goods that were for sale cost about a nickel or a dime or at least had prices that were considered to be thrifty.
Hence the name, “five and dime.”
You could find one in almost every small town across the country.
I used to get a weekly allowance as a child for doing various chores around the house. The highlight
of my week would be when Saturday morning came around and I got to go to the five and dime store to spend my meager earnings. I remember that the actual process of picking out what to buy was more of a reward for me than the actual toy that I would purchase.
I would quickly enter the store and head straight for the toy section. I spent many an hour studying the merits of each item and trying to decide which one that I couldn’t live without.
A friend and I were recently reminiscing about all the different toys that we had bought as children. With obvious gender differences aside, we found that we both had some common favorites, Play-Doh, Slinky’s, Old Maid cards, marbles and coloring books, just to name a few.
As a little girl, I appreciated the usual
things that a little girl might play with such as dolls and tea sets.
My particular preference though, was paper doll sets.
My friend’s favorite was the wooden gliders. These planes came with a rubber band with which to wind the propeller. You would wind it as tight as you could, and then let go of the plane, and it would take off flying.
My brother, on the other hand, had quite an obsession for marbles. He had a large collection of marbles as a boy, and was always on the lookout for new ones to add to that collection. The local “five and dime” just happened to keep quite a stock of them.
I always seemed to have a hard time deciding how to spend my allowance on those Saturday morning shopping excursions with my family.
I would usually
make the final decision with my mother‘s help.
If I was really in a hurry, I would always go with my old standby, a bag of candy.
I am sure there were other things for sale in that “five and dime” besides toys, but through the eyes of a child, the toys were everything.
By the time I grew into adulthood, the old stores were starting to fade away.
New and bigger chain stores started to pop up and take the place of the old “five and dimes.” Before long they had become a thing of the past.
Every now and then, I like to go to the local department store to check out the toys just to see what is still around.
Believe it or not, they still make some of the same toys today. You can still find a slinky and bubbles, and even play dough. They still make
marbles and wooden airplanes. And they are still affordable enough to fit into the budget of a kid’s weekly allowance by today’s standards.
This just goes to show me that kids are still kids – that they still like to play with the same things. And it also tells me that perhaps “five and dimes” are still around after all.
They may not be around in the physical sense, with a building or structure, but they are around in the minds of kids today as they stroll down the aisle of local department stores on Saturday mornings, trying to decide how to spend their hardearned allowances.
They are also still around in the minds and imaginations of some of us grown-up kids as well.
Happy shopping! - Susan
What is going on at the Owen County library?
By Ginger Kohr OCPL Director
You may have noticed the black iron fence surrounding the pavers creating a patio area at the northeast side of the library property along West Franklin Street. We plan to soon add seating and some fun outdoor musical instruments to create an outdoor reading area for all ages. Also enclosed in the fence is the area where we hope to continue to add
to our community garden. Watch for continuing changes to this area.
You may have noticed that the Owen County Art Guild has been bringing in paintings by local artists to display in the library every other month. We should be receiving another batch of paintings soon.
Upon entering the library, the shelf directly in front of the door, on the very top shelf, holds bound copies of National Geographic
going back to 1908! The library has faithfully preserved these magazines over the years and until recently they had been in storage for safekeeping. But we decided they need to be more accessible for those who are interested in looking through them.
Since school has started all of our regular programs are back on the schedule: Cuddle Up for infants and toddlers is every Tuesday morning at 10 a.m.
Homeschool group (kindergarten and up) meets on Wednesdays at 11 a.m.
Fun with Friends (preschool age) meets on Thursdays at 10 a.m.
Retro Game Club for pre-teens and teens meets on Tuesdays at 4 p.m. in the Tech Room.
After School Hang Out time is on Wednesdays at 4 p.m.
Dungeons and Dragons Group meets on Fridays at 4 p.m.
For the Adults: Crafts with B.J. meets at 3:30 p.m. on Wednesdays. The Caregiver Support Group meets every Wednesday at noon.
Book Club will meet Wednesday, Sept. 25 at 1 p.m. Pick up a copy of this month’s book at the front desk. Watercolor painting is the first Friday of the month from 2 to 3 p.m. Materials are provided.
The Friends of the Library monthly Book Sale will be in the Community Room on Saturday, Sept. 14 from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Please check our website for further information and activities and for the Bookmobile’s scheduled stops in Freedom, Cunot, Coal City, Gosport and more.
Please note the following days we will be closed in September: Friday, Sept. 20 (for staff training day).
Saturday, Sept. 21 (closed to provide more parking for Apple Butter Festival).
Don’t forget that this is an election year. The library will be collecting and posting information to help keep you updated on deadlines.
Be sure to register by Monday, Oct. 7 to be able to vote in the General Election.
The first day of early in-person voting is Tuesday, Oct. 8.
See the voter portal: indianavoters. in.gov to check your registration status and more.
You can also call or visit the Owen County Voter Registration Office for specific local information.
Ramblings: Autumn is just around the corner
By Annie Bright
Guest Columnist
Isn’t it wonderful when a glimpse of something unexpected lifts your spirits? Driving home from Bloomington this week in rush hour traffic, I noticed a big patch of ironweed and Queen Anne’s Lace growing in the middle of a field. The patch looked like a big round bouquet dancing in the late summer sun. Large purple heads of the ironweed towered
over the dainty white blooms of the Queen Anne’s Lace. The field around the bouquet had been mowed. I do not know why the farmer left the big bouquet. Maybe he liked the look of the purple and white flowers. Maybe he stopped mowing to do some other chore. I don’t have a clue why, don’t really care. The huge bouquet of wildflowers brought a smile to my face.
Ironweed is one of my favorite flowers. I love the deep purple blooms. A big bunch of goldenrod and ironweed in a fruit jar brings autumn into any home. For decades I have collected the seed heads in the late fall after they are dried. When you remove the little tufts of
fluff from the seed heads, a tiny wooden flower appears. They are fragile but beautiful in autumn flower arrangements and wreaths.
According to the USDA there are 17 species of ironweed in North America, mostly in the southeast and Puerto Rico. I am familiar with two varieties of ironweed that grow wild in our area, tall ironweed and New York ironweed. Thedifferences are subtle. Only one variety produces the tiny wooden flowers that I collect. I have not taken the time to determine which species. Ironweed doesn’t seem to care where it puts down roots. It thrives in all types of soil. It does love sunshine. Cattle do
not eat it. I don’t think deer do either. Ironweed is an excellent plant to attract pollinators, especially butterflies. The tall stately plant adds late summer color to the natural garden.
Another plant that tells us autumn is just around the corner is Joe-Pye weed. Joe-Pye plants often reach heights of eight or 10 feet. This plant is a member of the Asteraceae family, like sunflowers. The huge pinkish dome-shaped cluster of tiny flowers rise high above all the surrounding plants in late summer. The plant gets its common name from a legend about an indigenous man called Joe Pye. The legend is that he used this plant to
cure fevers. Pioneers also used parts of the plant for folk medicine. There are several species, one has a hollow stem, another has foliage that smells like vanilla when crushed. This plant would do well in a native plant garden, if planted in the back or against a fence. A small bunch planted together, could be a stand-alone statement in a garden. Butterflies love this plant and the deer like to munch on it. The seeds provide food for the seed-eating songbirds. According to some, the flowers and seeds have been used to produce a pink or red dye. I may do some experimenting with them this fall.
‘til next time, Annie
Spencer Pride Festival is next month
Staff Report
The Spencer Pride Festival, the largest rural LGBTQ+ gathering in Indiana, is set for Saturday, Oct. 5 from noon to 7 p.m. in downtown Spencer. Live, local entertainment will be
on the Ivy Tech Stage at the Historic Tivoli Theatre and at various downtown locations throughout the day. Local brewery Civilian Brewing Corps and area distilleries will be onsite selling alcohol for those 21 and over. This year’s festival marketplace will
feature more than 150 booths representing both retail businesses and not-for-profit organizations. A huge variety of festival foods will be available, including cotton candy, pretzels, fresh baked goods, elephant ears, specialty ice cream, candies and more.
The festival is also pet-friendly and will again include a Pet Pride Parade to help raise awareness for pet spaying and neutering.
A variety of free Health & Wellness services will also be available at the Spencer Pride
Festival, including HIV screening, vaccinations and more.
For more information, visit spencerpride.org, call 812-652-5000, or email info@spencerpride. org.
out to the Owen County Sheriff’s Department. He described his displeasure at the lack of action.
“So after we serve them with a cease and desist from Owen County, you call the sheriff’s department, and they said, ‘Oh well?’” Plan Commission President Norm Warner asked.
“I beg you guys to please do something to bring this back in line because it’s not safe,” Daubenspeck said.
“Our law enforcement is failing to protect the kids at the campground,” plan commission member Donna McIntyre said.
Mike Swafford made a motion to fine the property owner the maximum rate of $500 per violation day for the use violation of the property which is zoned agricultural. Bill Purcell seconded the motion, which passed unanimously 7-0.
The next day, during the commissioner’s meeting, Board of Commissioners President Gary Burton started a discussion on the
issue by asking Simmerman if it was a permitted use, to which Simmerman said it was not.
“We put these ordinances together, this board does, to protect the citizens of this county for a reason. That’s why we do what we do, and they have to be upheld,” Burton said, adding that he wanted to hear from Sheriff Ryan White.
White noted that he and Daupenspeck had not had a chance to speak to one another yet.
“The judgment call of being safe is irrelevant because they’re breaking a county ordinance,” Burton said. “That was a bad call.”
Burton said he believed it was a safety issue.
“None of us want to have our neighbors shoot arrows at our property and we’re out in the yard,” Burton said.
The fines for violating the special events ordinance are permitted to be a maximum of $2,500 per day. The commissioners decided to assess a matching $500 fine per event day to what the plan commission assessed for the usage violation. They initially decided not to pursue the injunction which was recommended by the plan commission.
Chief Deputy Matt Miller related the issue to the previous Precision Gun range issue. He stressed the need for an injunction for the sheriff’s department to step in.
White wins annual Bucklew painting raffle
“We don’t have a lot of bite in this,” Miller said without an injunction.
Commissioner Joel Lowe moved that they move forward with an injunction, and Commissioner Bob Curry seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously.
As of the publication of this story, Indiana’s online court case search engine MyCase did not have an injunction filed against the Dayhuffs or Nancy’s Broken
HANNAH AMOS | THE OWEN NEWS
Tivoli announces ‘Revive the Stage’ program
Submitted Article
The Historic Tivoli Theatre is excited to announce the launch of the “Revive the Stage” program, supported by a grant made possible in part by the Brown County Community Foundation, Indiana Arts Commission (a state agency) the National Endowment for the Arts (a federal agency) and event sponsors.
Revive the Stage will bring at least one live event to the Tivoli each month during the 2024–2025 season. The goal of the program is to enrich the cultural offerings of the theatre and also to open up new revenue streams and expand audience demographics, enhancing overall sustainability of the theatre. The grant assists the theatre in supporting Indianabased artists in the program.
The Tivoli has most of the 2024 schedule now confirmed and is looking forward to some great shows.
Matthew Ball, aka the Boogie Woogie Kid—the piano and song man with five million YouTube views—presents a family program of music fun on stage on Sept. 26 at 6:30 p.m. Ball performs New Orleans and Swing Dance era favorites from the Classic American Songbook including songs such as “In the Mood,” “It Had to be You,” “Basin Street Blues,” “On the Sunny Side of the Street,” “When the Saints Go Marchin In,” “Bumble Boogie” and many more! This concert is sponsored by Curry Farms.
Jim Hayden and the Country Playboys join the Revive the Stage line-up with an Oct. 10 concert at 7:30 p.m. With two guitars, steel guitar, fiddle, keys, bass, drums, six singers and
lots of harmonies, this talented group plays real country music from the 1960s–1990s, and you’re sure to be entertained.
Bloomington-based band King Bee and the Stingers are newcomers to the Tivoli stage, but several KBS singles have been distributed by Sony Orchard and are being played on hundreds of radio stations around the world. The six-piece blues, soul and funk band was a semifinalist in 2018, 2019 and 2023 at the Blues Foundation’s International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tennessee. King Bee and the Stingers take the stage Oct. 22 at 7 p.m.
On Dec. 3 at 7 p.m., the Bloomington Symphony Orchestra (BSO) returns to the stage to present a holiday concert. Founded in 1969, the BSO is a musical home for southern Indiana residents who want to keep their love of music alive. Nearly every type of profession is represented among the players—school teachers, physicians, small business owners, professors, sales clerks, bakers and students, just to name a few. The BSO is, in a very real sense, your community orchestra. This concert can be your first step toward the holiday season. Tickets for all of the scheduled concerts are $15 for adults and $5 for youth age 12 and under. Tickets are available now at spencertivoli.org.
Stay tuned for additional Revive the Stage events.
If you are a band and would like more information about becoming part of the Revive the Stage programming, please leave a message by calling the Tivoli at 812-714-8137 or emailing director@spencertivoli. org.
Robert White of Spencer poses with his daughter, Charlotte, and Owen County wildlife artist Ken Bucklew outside of the artist’s studio. The trio is shown with a drawing Bucklew completed for the Delta Theta Tau sorority raffle, which White won. The sorority hosts the annual raffle to raise funds for the Owen County community, and Bucklew has been donating different art pieces for them to raffle since around 1985. This year’s piece is a colored pencil work of two birds Bucklew photographed outside his studio.
FROM TOP: An Owen County Sheriff’s Deputy holds an arrow allegedly shot from Nancy’s Broken Arrow. // Several arrows that were allegedly found in a neighbor’s yard can be seen. //
arrow can be seen lodged into a tree.
Before they opened in summer 2024, the process to start the Boys & Girls Club in Owen County began prior to the Covid-19 Pandemic. A survey was conducted over childcare in the county that concluded that there wasn’t enough childcare for schoolaged children, Hamilton said.
The Owen County Community Foundation (OCCF) found in 2022 that 77.3 percent of the county lived in childcare deserts, areas with more than three children per childcare facility.
According to the United States Census Bureau, Owen County’s population as of July 1, 2023 was 21, 532 with 4.5 percent under the age of 5 and 19.8% under 18.
Due to this desert, the Boys & Girls Club began approaching the idea of expanding into Owen County in early 2023. Hamilton was hired on to help in June 2023 to spearhead the process.
She ran the feasibility study, where the club interviewed around 40 community members and found Owen County would support the club. In October 2023, the board of directors voted to move forward with the opening.
Once the green light was given there was what Hamilton described as a domino eff ect of securing a location, hiring staff and everything else they needed to open. Ultimately, the club opened on May 28.
In Owen County,The Boys & Girls Club serves children in grades kindergarten through 12th grade, and the majority of the children they serve are in grades kindergarten through eighth grade who are going into ninth grade.
With this focus on childcare for school-aged children, the club focuses on providing programming and services during the summer and after school.
“Our mission is to empower all young people, especially those who need us most to be caring, productive, responsible citizens,” Hamilton said. “So, for us, it’s important to have something for youth to do when they’re not in school.”
Hamilton said to not think of the club as a daycare or babysitting service, but instead as structured programming with youth development professionals.
“The kids are constantly made engaged in something, so it’s not school either,” she said. “It has that structure like school, but it’s not school.”
Lynn, the Owen County Boys & Girls Club Unit Director hired in March, added that this structure “makes a diff erence across the board,” encouraging children to be more productive as well as limiting behavioral issues.
The main topics in their programming are a warm welcome, an icebreaker or community builder, going over rules and expectations, and going over their code of conduct — CPRS (caring, productive, respectful and responsible). They end their activities by refl ecting and recognizing the kids and
their accomplishments in the activities.
When Lynn, who has been a part of the organization for six years, was hired, her main priorities were hiring staff and recruiting members, and now, she focuses on overseeing everything, she said.
Now the club is up and running, with Lynn overseeing the day-to-day operations and Hamilton focusing on community outreach and resource development, the women are looking forward.
The Owen County Boys & Girls Club is in the charter process to be recognized by the Boys & Girls Club of America (BGCA) and get their charter membership.
Their fi rst goal to be recognized is to have 100 children registered, and now they have 187 registered members. Along with the membership, there is a safety inspection that’s completed by a BGCA representative.
In order to be a registered member, the child has to be between the ages of 5 and 18 and meet their eligibility requirements. There’s a $20 annual membership fee. To make an account, go to bgcbloomington.force.com.
An incentive the Owen County club did for the 2024 summer is having free summer programming, after paying the membership fee.
“Because we opened May 28 for summer programming, we didn’t feel that it was right to start charging right off the gate,” Hamilton said.
Typically, members pay $20 a day during the summer, with scholarships helping to cover the cost. However, for no extra cost, parents can drop off their children from noon to 6 p.m. Owen County will be using this method in the summer of 2025.
The club has also enjoyed the Spencer’s Lions Club Free Lunch Program for the summer. A program that provides free lunch to children.
During the school year, the club is off ering transportation from McCormick’s Creek Elementary School and Spencer Elementary School daily.
With the school year starting and the fi rst day of school being Aug. 7, both women said they couldn’t have gotten to this point without each other.
“We opened a brand new club so there’s always great things. There’s always challenging things with it,” Lynn said. “A lot of just fi nding the right people [and] the right staff . All of our staff that we have employed are Owen County residents, so that is very important.”
What keeps the women moving and the Owen County Boys & Girls Club growing is constantly having goals and hitting them.
One goal that was achieved was to receive the OCCF’s Large Impact Grant. They used the grant to update their facility, such as upgrading their HVAC system and purchasing new windows for the building.
Both women are thankful to the Owen County community and OCCF, saying they wouldn’t be open or in their great space without them.
