The Owen News -- July 3, 2025 (Vol. 2, Issue 7)

Former S-OCS staff member charged with two misdemeanors

By Nicole DeCriscio Executive Editor

Jacob Denton, 24, of Poland, was charged with Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor, a Class A Misdemeanor, and Furnishing Alcohol to a Minor, a Class B Misdemeanor.

Denton was the choir choreographer at Owen Valley High School.

The incident allegedly occurred at Denton’s residence.

Reports were made to

Indiana State Excise Police on May 20, and Denton was arrested on June 25.

According to the probable cause affidavit, Denton allegedly “confirmed that he had some high schoolaged friends over at

his residence earlier in the year, though [he] initially denied any alcoholic beverages being consumed. After a few minutes, Denton admitted that the four minors had taken some of his alcoholic beverages that evening, though they were not intended for them.”

“Spencer-Owen Community Schools has been made aware of recent allegations

‘Living

out his Tony Kale joins ISSA Hall of Fame childhood dream’

By Travis Curry Senior Correspondent

Area radio personality Tony Kale, well-known locally as the “Voice of the Patriots,” was among those inducted into the Indiana Sports Writers and Sportscasters Association (ISSA) Hall of Fame for 2025 during a ceremony held earlier this year at the

Valle Vista Country Club in Greenwood. Kale has spent 38 years gracing the local radio airwaves, and the last 37 of those have included doing play-by-play for Owen Valley and other area high school sports. He was the 2009 Marv Bates Award winner from the ISSA, and is

DREAM | PAGE 15

YMCA to close childcare center

By Nicole DeCriscio Executive Editor

The Owen County Family YMCA announced in early June that they would close their childcare center. The childcare center started approximately 16 years ago with an afterschool program.

The YMCA doubled the size of the building in 2019

to be able to expand, and the building and program could accommodate 35 daycare children and 20 after-school children.

Board President Justin Roddye and CEO Sherri Knieriem cited high losses in personnel costs alone for the program.

Roddye said that in 2022, the program came close to breaking even for the

personnel costs alone, not including utilities or other expenses for the program.

“But then in the last two years, it’s been $15,000 to $20,000 where our personnel costs exceeded our revenue again,” Roddye said.

The Y Alliance of Indiana did a cost breakdown of every program offered by

Man charged with child seduction

By Nicole DeCriscio Executive Editor

Jayson Tatlock, 46, of Spencer, was charged with one felony count of child seduction in which a child care worker engaged in foundling or touching with a child aged 16 or 17, a misdemeanor charge of contributing to the delinquency of a minor, a misdemeanor charge of furnishing alcohol to a minor, and a misdemeanor charge of battery.

Tatlock, who served as a School Resource Officer (SRO) at Bloomington

CHARGED | PAGE 15

Discovery of skull leads to investigation

By Travis Curry Senior Correspondent

Authorities with the Owen County Sheriff’s Department (OCSD) are investigating after a human skull was found June 29th on private property in northern Owen County.

According to Sheriff Ryan White, the skull was discovered on private property near North Cataract Road. He said cadaver dogs

| PAGE 7

ON receives grant for

app

Staff Report

The Owen News recently received a $15,000 grant from AARP through their Community Challenge grant process to support a new project to provide muchneeded information for Owen County.

Tony Kale was among those inducted into the Indiana Sportswriters and Sportscasters Association’s Hall of Fame class of 2025. SUBMITTED PHOTO.

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S.R. 46 bridge work planned in Ellettsville

Staff Report

Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) contractor E&B Paving, Inc. is scheduled to begin a bridge deck overlay project on State Road 46 over Jacks Defeat Creek on or after Monday, July 7 in nearby Ellettsville.

Phase 1 of the project will take place on eastbound S.R. 46 between South Park

Street and North Hartstrait Road. Eastbound S.R. 46 will be reduced to one lane, INDOT explained, and a 10-foot width limit will be in effect while work is in progress. Work is expected to be completed in late November, weather permitting.

Additional bridge work will take place on westbound S.R. 46 in 2026. Further information and

Government Meeting Calendar

July 4

Owen County Courthouse closed in observance of Independence Day.

July 7

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

July 8

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

July 14

Owen County Council, 6 p.m. in the Commissioners Room of the Owen County Courthouse, 60 S. Main St., Spencer.

Owen Valley Fire Territory Board, 6 p.m. at the Owen Valley Fire Department, 401 Walnut St., Spencer. Cloverdale Community Schools Board of Trustees, 7 p.m. in the Arthur L. Johnson Administration Building, 310 E. Logan St., Cloverdale.

July 15

Owen County Advisory Plan Commission, 6:30 p.m. in the Commissioners Room of the Owen County Courthouse, 60 S. Main St., Spencer.

July 17

Owen County Board of Commissioners, 6 p.m. in the Commissioners Room of the Owen County Courthouse, 60 S. Main St., Spencer. Spencer-Owen Community Schools Board of Trustees, 7 p.m. in the Mike Wells Memorial Board Room at Central Office, 205 E. Hillside Ave., Spencer. Owen County Board of Zoning Appeals, 7 p.m. in the Commissioners Room of the Owen County Courthouse, 60 S. Main St., Spencer.

July 21

Owen County Public Library Board, 5 p.m. in the OCPL Vault Room, 10 S. Montgomery St., Spencer.

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

July 22

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

updates will be provided by INDOT at a later date.

This project is part of a $4 million contract awarded to E&B in May 2025.

INDOT reminds drivers to slow down, use extra caution and avoid distractions when traveling in and near work zones.

All work is weatherdependent, and schedules are subject to change.

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

Aug. 4

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

Community Events Calendar

July 4

Fourth of July Jamboree, 1 to 3 p.m. at the Gosport Town Park and Shelter House in Gosport. Food, games and conversation. Come join the fun!

Cloverdale American Legion Post #281 Fourth of July Celebration, beginning at 3 p.m. at the Post, 501 S. Main St., Cloverdale. Vendors, food trucks, bounce houses, raffles, live music, and family activities. Fireworks at dusk.

July 5

Annual Owen County fireworks display at Tier 10 Music & Sports Park, 2499 S.R. 43S, Spencer. Free live music from 6 to 10 p.m. Fireworks display to follow at 10 p.m.

July 6

Spencer Pride general meeting, 6 p.m. at the commUnity center, 31 E. Franklin St., Spencer.

July 6 to 12

2025 Owen County Fair at the Owen County Fairgrounds in Spencer.

July 7

Book to Barn is back! Join Purdue Extension staff at 5 p.m. at the Owen County Fairgrounds for a free evening of fun for kids. Move through five themed stations at your own pace—crafts, games, sensory play, snacks and story time. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Don’t miss this barnyard adventure!

July 7 to 11

Prophetic Tent Revival with Dr. Robin Johnson, 7 p.m. nightly at Yeshua Tabernacle of Praise, 9700 W. Foster Fiscus Rd., Gosport.

July 8

Gosport Farmers’ Market, 3 to 6 p.m. in the parking lot of the Lighthouse Fellowship Church, 5392 S.R. 67, Gosport. Weather permitting.

Braysville Homemakers meeting, 5:30 p.m. in the upstairs meeting room at the Historic Tivoli Theatre, 24 N. Washington St., Spencer. Elevator access is available. For more information, call 812-8295020.

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

July 9

Free showing of “The Wild Robot,” 10 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. at the Historic Tivoli Theatre, 24 N. Washington St., Spencer. Sponsored by the Youth Services Bureau of Monroe County.

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

July 10

Book to Barn is back! Join Purdue Extension staff at 5 p.m. at the Owen County Fairgrounds for a free evening of fun for kids. Move through five themed stations at your

own pace—crafts, games, sensory play, snacks and story time. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Don’t miss this barnyard adventure! White River Beekeepers meeting, 6:30 p.m. in the Community Room at the Owen County Public Library, 10 S. Montgomery St., Spencer. Current and prospective beekeepers are welcome to attend.

Spencer Masonic Lodge #95 stated meeting, 7:30 p.m. at the Lodge, 361 N. Harrison St., Spencer.

July 11-12

Free school supplies and clothes giveaway, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days at the Freedom Church of the Nazarene Family Life Center (across the street from the church parking lot), 5505 Jefferson St., Freedom. The church is also accepting donated items; all clothing must be free of stains and holes. To donate, call 812-632-0903.

July 12

Owen County Farmers’ Market, 8:30 a.m. to noon, 459 W. Morgan St., Spencer. Live music by Michael Norris. The Friends of the Library monthly book sale, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Community Room of the Owen County Public Library, 10 S. Montgomery St., Spencer.

July 14

Jolly Homemakers meeting, 1 p.m. at the Freedom Community Center, 5558 Freedom-Arney Rd., Freedom.

July 14 to 17

Free basketball camp with former Owen Valley and Indiana State University standout Harry Marshall at McCormick’s Creek Elementary School, 1601 Flatwoods Rd., Spencer. Fundamentals: 5:30 to 7 p.m. Advanced skills: 7 to 8:30 p.m. Open to SpencerOwen students in grades third through sixth.

July 15

Digital Skills Workshop, 10 a.m. at the Purdue Extension-Owen County office, 180 S. Washington St., Spencer. A fun, hands-on class where you’ll explore how to choose the right computer, turn it on and use it with ease and dive into helpful tips for smartphones and tablets— including navigating home screens, using apps and more. Bring your own device to follow along and practice.

Gosport Farmers’ Market, 3 to 6 p.m. in the parking lot of the Lighthouse Fellowship Church, 5392 S.R. 67, Gosport. Weather permitting.

Owen County Democratic Party monthly meeting, 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Democrat Headquarters, 152 E. Jefferson St., Spencer. Dinner and social begins at 5:30 p.m., with the meeting starting at 6:30 p.m. All are welcome.

Free showing of “Alone in the Wilderness,” 6:30 p.m. at the Historic Tivoli Theatre,

24 N. Washington St., Spencer. Sponsored by the Owen County Soil & Water Conservation District.

July 16

Free showing of “Hit Pig,” 10 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. at the Historic Tivoli Theatre, 24 N. Washington St., Spencer. Sponsored by the Grace Place Worship Center.

Teen Chefs—Get ready to cook! Join Purdue Extension staff at 1 p.m. at the Owen County Public Library, 10 S. Montgomery St., Spencer, for a fun, hands-on cooking class. Learn new skills, make delicious recipes and gain kitchen confidence.

Owen County Homesteaders meeting, 4 to 6 p.m. at the Owen County Public Library, 10 S. Montgomery St., Spencer. Spencer Pride Board of Directors meeting, 6:30 p.m. at the commUnity center, 17 E. Franklin St., Spencer.

July 17

Spencer Exchange Club meeting, noon at the Owen County Family YMCA, 1111 W. SR 46, Spencer. Junior Chefs are cooking up fun on July 17 starting at 1 p.m. at the Owen County Public Library, 10 S. Montgomery St., Spencer. Join Purdue Extension for a handson cooking experience where kids can learn kitchen skills and make tasty, healthy snacks.

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

Trivia Night with Rance Fawbush, 6 p.m. at Owen Valley Winery, Vineyard & Bistro, 491 Timber Ridge Rd., Spencer.

July 19

Tristan Calvin 5K Scholarship Run & Walk, 8 a.m. at the Owen Valley cross country course. Registration is $25. Day of race registration begins at 6:45 a.m. Register online at www.runsignup. com/Race/Events/IN/Spencer/ TristanCalvin5kScholarshiprun Owen County Farmers’ Market, 8:30 a.m. to noon, 459 W. Morgan St., Spencer. Live music by Kevin & Bristi. Free wrestling clinic, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Seven Oaks Classical School, 200 E. Association St., Ellettsville. Open to fifth through 12th grade students from any school. Bring a water bottle, towel and lunch (one hour intermission).

July 21 to 25

Gosport Christian Church Vacation Bible School, 6 to 8 p.m. nightly. Dinner starts at 5:30 p.m. each day. Open to children age three through sixth grade. Register online at https://vbsmate.com/students/ GosportChristianChurch/27182.

July 22

Gosport Farmers’ Market, 3 to 6 p.m. in the parking lot of the Lighthouse Fellowship Church, 5392 S.R. 67, Gosport. Weather permitting. Owen County SWCD Board

of Supervisors meeting, 4:30 p.m. at the SWCD office, 788 Pottersville Rd., Spencer. Open to the public.

July 23

Free showing of “Sonic the Hedgehog 3,” 10 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. at the Historic Tivoli Theatre, 24 N. Washington St., Spencer. Sponsored by the Spencer United Methodist Church.

Bonus Blood Drive, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Open Class Building at the Owen County Fairgrounds, hosted by The American Red Cross. All donors at this drive will receive a voucher for a Kings Island ticket. Donors can register at redcross.org for a time slot.

July 24

Boys & Girls Club of Owen County Lunch & Learn, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at The Exchange, 114 S. Main St., Spencer. Join CEO Leslie Abshier for a one-hour conversation as she shares in-depth information about the club. Lunch will be provided. RSVP to bhamilton@bgcbloomington. org or 812-332-7849.

July 26

Owen County Farmers’ Market, 8:30 a.m. to noon, 459 W. Morgan St., Spencer. Live music by JC Clements. Back to School Beach Bash Expo, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Owen Valley Middle School, 626 W. S.R. 46, Spencer. Free backpacks and supplies, haircuts, clothes and hygiene products, vaccines and hearing screenings. Bounce houses, games, prizes and refreshments Children must be present at the event to receive a backpack. Sponsored by the Owen County Health Department and the Owen County Chamber of Commerce.

July 29

Gosport Farmers’ Market, 3 to 6 p.m. in the parking lot of the Lighthouse Fellowship Church, 5392 S.R. 67, Gosport. Weather permitting.

July 31

Freshmen Parent Night, 6 p.m. at Cloverdale High School.

Aug. 1

Blood drive, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Open Class Building, Owen County Fairgrounds, 364 S. East St., Spencer. Hosted by the Owen County Extension Homemakers, Owen County Fair Board, and the American Red Cross. Register online at redcross.org. Enter the Spencer zip code, 47460, to find the drive held in Owen County.

Aug. 2

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

Food Inspections

Routine food inspections were conducted by the Owen County Health Department during the month of June 2025.

Reported below are the critical and non-critical comments left for these establishments:

Jail Bookings

EDITOR’S NOTE:

Booking information is provided by the Owen County Security Center. These are preliminary charges and may change as cases are processed through the circuit court system. To follow a court case, search the state’s court records at mycase.in.gov. This information is public record. All people are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

6-4

Denise Helton, 39, Poland, IN, preliminary charge of driving while suspended with a prior charge. Owen County Sheriff’s Department (OCSD) Jordan Hardey was the arresting officer.

Korey Taylor, 32, Bloomington, preliminary charge of writ of attachment.

OCSD Special Deputy Levi Miller was the arresting officer.

Bety Perez, 44, Indianapolis, preliminary charges of failure to appear, theft, possession of marijuana, hash oil, hashish, or salvia, and possession of cocaine or a narcotic drug. OCSD Special Deputy Levi Miller was the arresting officer.

Darrick Freeman, 35, Spencer, preliminary charge of driving while suspended with a prior charge. Arrested by OCSD Special Deputy Levi Miller.

6-13

Dollar General #16411, S.R. 42, Cloverdale. Routine inspection. Non-critical violations. Observed debris build up in the bottom of the drink cooler. Observed dust build up on top of

Joshua Leitzman, 46, Gosport, preliminary charges of unlawful possession of a firearm by a domestic batterer, possession of a firearm by a serious felon, probation violation, and operating a motor vehicle after forfeiture of license for life. OCSD Major William Snodgrass was the arresting officer.

6-5

Thomas Barnett, 58, Poland, IN, preliminary charges of failure to appear and driving while suspended with a prior charge. Arrested by OCSD Special Deputy Levi Miller.

Ronnie Gibson, 59, Mooresville, preliminary charges of possession of methamphetamine and probation violation. OCSD Special Deputy Levi Miller was the arresting officer.

Hubert Plummer, 59, Bloomfield, preliminary charge of criminal trespass. Arrested by Spencer Police Department (SPD) officer Bryce Brock.

6-10

Michelle Robbins, 45, Poland, IN, preliminary charges of criminal mischief and two counts of invasion of privacy. OCSD Special Deputy Levi Miller was the arresting officer.

front drink coolers. Cataract Lake Community Center, Inc., 5530 S.R. 42, Poland, IN. Preoperational inspection. No violations. Cataract Lake Country Market, 10710 Boat Dock Rd.,

Sara Whitaker, 36, Spencer, preliminary charges of possession of a controlled substance and probation violation. Arrested by SPD officer Bryce Brock.

6-14

Michael Vance, 34, Fillmore, preliminary charges of possession of methamphetamine and probation violation. OCSD Deputy Elijah Volrich was the arresting officer.

Aaron Schrock, 19, Spencer, preliminary charges of battery against a public safety official (three counts), resisting law enforcement, possession of paraphernalia, criminal mischief, disorderly conduct, intimidation, and possession of marijuana, hash oil, hashish, or salvia. Arrested by Indiana State Police Trooper Ian Portteus.

6-15

Joshua Stahl, 43, Spencer, preliminary charge of invasion of privacy. OCSD Deputy William Browne was the arresting officer.

6-16

John Natzke, 51, Chicago, Illinois, preliminary charges of criminal recklessness, operating a vehicle while intoxicated endangering a person, operating

Poland, IN. Routine inspection. Noncritical violations. Light fixtures over food prep area need coverings installed; thermometers need to be installed in all fridges and freezers; observed dust build up on walk-in fridge air condenser, around front food prep area, and in front window air conditioner in the food prep area; and “thawed on,” “frozen on,” etc. date markings need to be placed on ready-to-eat foods.

with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .15 or more, and operating while intoxicated endangering a person. Arrested by OCSD Major William Snodgrass. John Todd, 35, Spencer, preliminary charges of battery and intimidation. OCSD Deputy John Lowder II was the arresting officer.

6-17

Michael Gates II, 42, Terre Haute, preliminary charge of writ of attachment. Arrested by OCSD Major William Snodgrass. Elijah Haldeman, 36, Sullivan, preliminary charges of probation violation and possession of a narcotic drug. OCSD Lieutenant Clint Wampler was the arresting officer.

Stefani Snapp, 45, Whiteland, preliminary charges of unauthorized entry of a motor vehicle and auto theft. Arrested by OCSD Deputy Jordan Hardey.

6-18

Regina Deckard, 42, Worthington, preliminary charges of intimidation, domestic battery, and aggravated battery. OCSD Lieutenant Clint Wampler was the arresting officer.

Nicholas Anderson, 45, Spencer, preliminary charge of domestic battery. Arrested by OCSD Deputy Jordan Hardey.

6-20

David Clayton, Jr., 21, Paragon, preliminary charge of false informing. OCSD Deputy Jordan Hardey was the arresting officer.

Cameron Rund, 24, Terre Haute, failure to appear on an original charge of possession of marijuana, hash oil, hashish, or salvia. Arrested by OCSD Deputy Elijah Volrich.

6-21

Levi Butler, 34, Indianapolis,

preliminary charges of probation violation and invasion of privacy. SPD officer EJ Westgate was the arresting officer.

Cheryl Rybolt, 69, Poland, IN, preliminary charge of operating while intoxicated. Arrested by OCSD Deputy Riley Pardue.

6-22

Dayton Brown, 23, Ellettsville, preliminary charges of leaving the scene of an accident and obstruction of justice. OCSD Deputy Cory Poland was the arresting officer.

6-24

Kathryn Grimes, 36, Indianapolis, preliminary charges of violation of home detention, dealing in methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine, and possession of paraphernalia. Arrested by SPD officer Bryce Brock. Joshua Turpin, 31, Bloomington, preliminary charge of false informing. OCSD Deputy Cory Poland was the arresting officer.

6-25

Laramie DeFord, 26, Spencer, preliminary charge of writ of attachment. Arrested by OCSD Special Deputy Levi Miller.

Jacob Denton, 24, Poland, IN, preliminary charges of contributing to the delinquency of a minor and furnishing alcohol to a minor. Indiana State Excise Police officer Marty Workman was the arresting officer.

Jayson Tatlock, 46, Spencer, preliminary charges of contributing to the delinquency of a minor, furnishing alcohol to a minor, battery, and child seduction. Arrested by OCSD Sergeant Torrey Wallace.

6-26

Russell Bandy, 55, Spencer, preliminary charges of child molesting and

sexual misconduct with a minor. OCSD Special Deputy Levi Miller was the arresting officer.

6-27

Duane Culler, 53, Bowling Green, preliminary charge of operating a vehicle as a habitual traffic violator (HTV). Arrested by OCSD K9 Deputy Daniel Rhienhart.

6-28

Brock Miller, 49, Spencer, preliminary charge of domestic battery. OCSD Sergeant Brandon Gasparovic was the arresting officer. Matthew Shouse, 24, Clay City, preliminary charges of pointing a firearm, obstruction of justice, and intimidation. Arrested by OCSD Deputy Jordan Hardey. Brooke Neal, 46, Unionville, preliminary charge of driving while suspended with a prior charge. SPD officer Bryce Brock was the arresting officer.

6-29

Chad Robinson, 39, Spencer, preliminary charges of strangulation and domestic battery. Arrested by OCSD Deputy William Browne.

Joseph Mimms, Jr., 33, Gosport, preliminary charges of operating a vehicle while intoxicated endangering a person (two counts). SPD officer Bryce Brock was the arresting officer. Robert Christenberry, 39, Spencer, preliminary charge of writ of attachment. Arrested by OCSD Deputy Jordan Hardey.

6-30

Randy Tapp, 59, Springville, IN, preliminary charge of possession of marijuana, hash oil, hashish, or salvia. SPD officer Bryce Brock was the arresting officer.

Spencer Council hears downtown entryway update, fiber proposal

By Travis Curry Senior Correspondent

Spencer Town Council members

Jon Stantz, Evan McKalip and Mike Spinks met in regular session June 16, along with clerk-treasurer Cheryl Moke, town manager Hunter Stogsdill and town attorney Richard Lorenz.

Following approval of the June 2nd meeting minutes, the council heard from Spencer Main Street Executive Board President Julie Coffin, who provided an update related to proposed downtown entryway improvements at the intersection of Main and Morgan streets.

Coffin said the design team at Rundell Ernstberger Associates developed four entryway designs, with the committee ultimately selecting one of the presented designs. Coffin explained how the other three designs were less formal, and one was “very contemporary” but did not blend well with the historic courthouse square. The style and compatibility of the presented design, which incorporates an arch, were some of the reasons it was selected by the committee.

The overall height of the design was also discussed, and Coffin noted the project design team was considering all INDOT requirements. Council member Spinks mentioned how log trucks and other oversize vehicles frequent this area and should also be taken into consideration.

Clerk-Treasurer Moke commented on how the courthouse dome was a focal point in the schematic provided of the proposed entryway. Coffin stated that the next phase would be actual engineered drawings of the design to include a cost estimate. The Town of Spencer is funding the $14,000 design cost and the intent is for Spencer Main Street to determine how to move forward toward construction.

Coffin stated the committee has asked the designer to increase the base of the design so that raised flower beds could be developed and aid with the overall aesthetic at the entryway/ intersection.

Spencer Main Street, Coffin added, has also initiated conversations with the owners of the used car lot located at

the southeast corner of Main and Morgan streets related to additional green space in that area.

In other news, Coffin commented on the banners displayed on the 14 streetlights around and near the downtown square. Coffin mentioned Main Street is working toward the purchase of new banners. She also requested that one missing flag support post be replaced, to be completed by the town street department.

Next, the council heard an update on a proposed fiber network build out from Mike Wilson with Mainstream Fiber Networks. Wilson was in attendance along with Bryan Gabriel, founder of the Nashville, Indianabased company. Wilson oversees governmental affairs for the company which works to bring fiber service to unserved and underserved areas.

Gabriel founded the company following the need of Brown County Schools to improve fiber for the school’s ISTEP testing. He pointed out that a grassroots mentality first started their company and since that time they have been working to serve

many other Indiana counties including Harrison and Crawford. The company currently serves close to 13,000 customers.

Mainstream, Wilson explained, has an existing network in Worthington where they are partnering with UDWI REMC to connect customers in that community. The company previously presented a plan where a $500,000 investment would have been required to serve Spencer. However, once some additional transport requirements were removed from the plan, the company explained the current plan would require a reduced investment of $250,000 from the Town of Spencer.

Wilson explained how the system would be fully symmetrical, which is an improvement over prior nonsymmetrical technology town residents would have experienced. He explained that the current timeline, if approved, would have the fiber build out completed by the third quarter of 2026.

Council member Spinks asked if the service would be installed overhead, with Wilson explaining the original plan previously considered a 70 percent aerial and 30 percent underground installation proposal. However, the updated plan is now looking at installation rates of eightpercent aerial and 92 percent underground. All installation methods are still to be determined. Wilson said the company is estimating the project would add upwards of 1,500 new fiber customers once completed.

Marce Johnson, CEO of the Owen County Chamber of Commerce, explained how the local economic development committee is served by representatives from other internet providers. All other internet provider organizations supported Mainstream being at the meeting, Johnson emphasized.

Johnson said she had previously spoken to Comcast and learned the company did not have any plans in the foreseeable future to upgrade its existing copperbased internet system.

Wilson further pointed to the service area map and explained how some underserved areas such as the southwest side of Spencer could benefit from access to telemedicine and other internet services. He also stated the company would work with the Town of Spencer to identify community space where they could offer additional public access wireless bubbles.

Wilson said the average price for 150 megabits per second (mbps) symmetrical signal service is estimated at $35 per month and stand-alone gigabit service $85 per month. It was stated that 150 mbps service is already faster than the current internet speed serving many homes in Spencer.

The Council asked what some common issues were, if any, Mainstream Fiber Networks has experienced in other projects. Wilson stated they sometimes have issues coordinating with electric companies when they utilize aerial lines. However, this updated plan for installing fiber underground would make implementation easier.

The need for easements was also discussed, with Wilson noting easement issues would need to be clarified upon further engineering. He also noted, unlike some previous utility installations, no franchise fees would be paid to the Town of Spencer related to the proposed fiber build out.

It was discussed how the $250,000 investment by the Town of Spencer could be made via a payment plan. The overall investment by Mainstream Fiber Networks would be $2.5 to $3 million dollars, while the Town’s investment would help to make the underground model more feasible and move the project forward more quickly.

The council also discussed a possible payment plan of $50,000 per year for five years.

Following a lengthy discussion, the council opted to take the proposal under advisement and plans to follow up with Mainstream Fiber Networks with any additional questions/ concerns.

The council later heard departmental reports from the Spencer Police Department and Spencer Street Department, approving a request from the street department to fund the removal of nine tree stumps at a total cost of $2,700. The work will be performed by Chip Hamilton of Chip’s Outdoor Service of Spencer.

The Spencer Town Council will meet again on July 7 and July 21. Both meetings will begin at 6 p.m. in the Spencer Municipal Building, 90 N. West St.

Cloverdale School Board looks toward 2025-2026 school year

By Travis Curry Senior Correspondent

The Cloverdale Community School Corporation (CCSC) Board of School Trustees met in regular session on June 9 to approve routine matters and to address several items under the new business portion of the meeting.

Board members Katrina Lewis, Emily Haltom and Mike Rightmyer II were not in attendance.

Under routine matters, the board voted 4-0 to approve meeting minutes for executive and regular sessions held May 12.

Acting on a motion from Melissa Carrell, seconded by Joe Mann, the board voted 4-0 to approve the latest claims and financial reports, which CCSC Superintendent Greg Linton advised totaled $1,681,785.12 since the board’s previous meeting.

Next, the board recognized the corporation’s latest Student of the Month honoree, Cloverdale High School (CHS) student Jesse Carroll.

Next, the board voted 4-0 to approve student handbook changes for Pre-K, Cloverdale Elementary School (CES), Cloverdale Middle School (CMS) and CHS for the 2025-2026 school year.

Acting on a recommendation from Superintendent Linton, the board also voted unanimously to approve the corporation’s 20252026 memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Cloverdale Police Department.

I am requesting the board approve the Emergency Preparedness MOU with Clay Community School Corporation which will extend the agreement through March 2030.”

“This addendum extends the original agreement for the Town of Cloverdale to provide the school corporation with a full-time SRO (school resource officer) through the 2025-26 school year,” Linton explained. “In addition, the school district will be adding an additional $5,000 in salary, and the Town will match that for a pay increase.”

The board also approved, 4-0, an emergency preparedness and mutual aid MOU with Clay Community Schools.

“In the spring of 2020, an MOU was developed that would allow participating West-Central school corporations to provide support to each other in the areas of transportation, relocation facilities and supervision without concern of liability,” Linton said. “The MOU has been reviewed and approved by Michelle Cooper, Ferguson Law and EMC Insurance and releases liability from all school districts that would participate in aiding neighboring school districts.

Acting on a motion from Mann, seconded by Donna Fidler, the board voted 4-0 to approve a joint program agreement between CCSC and Eminence Community Schools.

“This agreement will allow Mr. (Billy) Boyette and three CCSC food service employees to aid the Eminence School Corporation in resetting their food service program,” Linton noted. “Mr. Boyette and his staff have agreed to help them get the department up and running smoothly if approved by the CCSC Board. There will be no cost to CCSC.”

The board also cast separate 4-0 votes to approve hiring a certified medical assistant for the CES/CMS nurse’s office, and to extend the employment of Heather Mannix as the C.L.A.S.P. advisor/ learning disability teacher assistant at CHS for the 2025-2026 school year.

Next, the board voted 4-0 to approve a request to add an additional instructional aid position at CHS for the 2025-2026 school

year.

Unanimous board approval was also given to requests to approve recycling old CCSC electronics, the summer employment of Dee Dee Skiles for maintenance department support and the hiring of four employees (Chelsea Adams, Robin Hallam, Brenda Mowry and Shayla Jordan) for summer custodial work, not to exceed 29.5 hours per week, per employee.

In addition, the board voted unanimously to approve the following professional leave, field trip, and facility use requests:

Professional Leaves

June 5-6 – Nicole Campbell, IN School Health Network, Plainfield.

June 9-10 –Heather Clinigan, Indiana Association of Agricultural Educators (IAAE) Summer Workshop, Purdue University.

June 17-19 –Heather Clinigan, IN FFA State Convention, Purdue University.

July 15-17 – Carrie Hall, ASSET Program Training, Noblesville.

August 20 – Jill Schreiber, Carolyn Hall, and Megan Schroeder, ONT Teacher Training, Area 30.

Field Trips

June 5-6 – CHS basketball, Vincennes University.

June 17-19 – FFA, FFA State Convention, Purdue University.

Facility Use

July 4-5 – CHS parking lot, community parking for Fourth of July fireworks. Varies – CHS and auxiliary gym, basketball training with Harry Marshall.

Additional personnel matters receiving unanimous board approval included:

Retirement

Holly Ford – bus driver.

Pam Wade – CES instructional assistant.

Resignation

Tabitha Williams – CMS instructional assistant.

Employment Corey Branigan –summer maintenance help.

Samantha Gregg – CES instructional assistant.

The Cloverdale Community School Board will meet again on Monday, July 14 beginning at 7 p.m. in the Arthur L. Johnson Administration Building, 310 E. Logan St., Cloverdale. Members of the board include Vivian Whitaker, Katrina Lewis, Donna Fidler, Melissa Carrell, Emily Haltom, Joe Mann and Mike Rightmyer II.

The Chamber’s Chester Chicken Chuck

A feather-ruffling, fun-filled historical

Press Release

Get ready to fl ap back in time! The Owen County Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Babbs Super Market, The Owen County Community Foundation and Smithville, is proud to present The Chamber’s Chester Chicken Chuck — a plucky tribute to one of Owen County’s egg-straordinary historical events.

Back in 1940, local businessmen Dwight Johnson, Chester Babbs and Fred White cooked up a wild idea: toss live turkeys, ducks and chickens from the courthouse roof so townsfolk could wrangle their Christmas dinner right off the street. The original “Fly” was a festive aff air — and now, we’re recreating the fun,with a modern twist and no live animals.

The event will take place from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 6 on the south lawn of the Owen County Courthouse.

Here’s the pecking order: Wingman Team Challenge

Starting July 14, teams of two can sign up to become “Wingman” teams. During round one, teams have 30 seconds to catch at least one toy chicken tossed from the courthouse roof. Make the catch and move on to round two — where it’s all about quantity. The team that scoops up the most chickens in their next 30-second fl urry will win Babbs Chicken for a year! In case of a tie? It’ll come down to a lucky cluck with a random draw. Teams can apply online at the Owen County Chamber website, myowencountychamber.com

Cluck for a Cause – Charity Chicken Chuck

Here’s your chance to

dress up like a chicken and help a good cause. Sign up your organization’s charity team of two to compete in the Chicken Chuck. If your feathered fundraisers catch at least one chicken, your charity gets $100. Also, the best-dressed chicken wins a bonus of a $50 prize. It’s a great way to ruffl e some feathers for good. Bring the Whole Flock! –Babbs Open Flys

Following the excitement of the Chicken Chuck contest, the festivities continue with the Babbs Little Chick Fly and the Babbs Open Fly— two lively events off ering fun for all ages. Children 12 and under can take part in the Babbs Little Chick Fly, where they’ll have the chance to catch one of 50 foam chickens and redeem it for a prize at the Babbs booth. Adults 18 and older can join the Babbs Open Fly,

with 200 foam chicken toys up for grabs. Some of these chickens will have numbers on the bottom, unlocking special prizes, including a 97-second Babbs shopping spree in celebration of the store’s 97th anniversary. With fl apping fun, laughter and a host of whimsical, birdthemed activities, this event promises a feather-fi lled morning of entertainment and community spirit that’s not to be missed.

Gather your crew, fl uff your feathers and be ready to take part in this egg-stremely fun throwback to one of Owen County’s most hatching historic events.

If you are interested in signing up with your partner for the Chicken Chuck go to myowencountychamber.com/ events or call 812-829-3245 for more information.

Indiana awards community grants to accelerate entrepreneurship resources, support statewide

Press Release

Indiana’s Commerce Office awarded $925,107 in grant awards to accelerate entrepreneurial activity and resources statewide through its Community Collaboration Fund (CCF). These awards will help fuel 28 communityled projects focused on entrepreneurial education, connection and acceleration across Indiana.

“Under Governor Braun’s leadership, Indiana is more committed than ever to cultivating the

FORMER | FROM PAGE 1

involving a former contracted employee associated with the music department.

growth of Main Street entrepreneurship and celebrating the impact our business owners have on our economy,” said Secretary of Commerce David Adams. “These community projects will ensure that current and future entrepreneurs across the state have access to the programming, resources and support needed to start and scale a business right here in Indiana.”

CCF provides matching grants to support new community collaborations, services and programming that

The reported incident is alleged to have occurred at a private residence and did not take place on school property or during school hours,”

Superintendent Andy Cline

will serve Indiana’s entrepreneurial ecosystem with a focus on education, connection and acceleration.

After receiving a large number of applications, the state’s Commerce Office selected 28 projects for matching grants based on their potential to fill critical gaps across the entrepreneurial ecosystem, support underserved markets and collaborate across boundaries. The projects selected – which are outlined below – will result in a variety of new programs

and resources for aspiring entrepreneurs and current small business owners, such as AI education, business planning, financial literacy, online visibility and prototyping design, for businesses across a variety of industries such as the creative economy, childcare, food and beverage, defense and in rural communities.

The Owen County Chamber of Commerce received $25,000 in support of Base Camp.

The Owen County Chamber of Commerce will begin Base Camp, a six-week long

said. “While this individual is no longer affiliated with the district, Spencer-Owen Community Schools takes any such information seriously and remains committed to maintaining a safe and supportive environment for all students. As this matter is being addressed by the appropriate authorities, the district will refrain

program that delivers an intensive curriculum to equip rural entrepreneurs with the tools, knowledge and connections necessary for stability and growth.

About the Indiana Office of Commerce

The State of Indiana’s Office of Commerce was created by Governor Mike Braun to align and accelerate the state’s economic development efforts and is led by Indiana Secretary of Commerce David J. Adams.

from further comment to respect the integrity of any ongoing investigations.”

An initial hearing was held on June 26, where Denton pleaded not guilty. The case is currently

SKULL | FROM PAGE 1 were deployed to search for additional human remains, though none were found.

Testing later determined the skull to be that of an adult. It has since been sent to the Indiana State Police laboratory for additional testing and DNA sampling.

scheduled for trial on Sept. 9. Owen County Prosecutor Benjamin Kim would like to remind everyone that all persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

“We are utilizing every resource available to us and those of our partner agencies,” Sheriff White said. This case remains under investigation by the OCSD. Anyone with any information is asked to contact the sheriff’s department at 812-829-4874. As always, callers may remain anonymous.

OCCF awards over $51k in grants

Press Release

The Owen County Community Foundation (OCCF) awarded $51,810 in Community Investment Grants to 13 local organizations that work to meet community needs and enhance the quality of life across Owen County. These flexible, strategic grants reflect OCCF’s mission to create lasting, locally-led impact—now and for future generations.

Community Investment Grants support eligible 501(c) (3) nonprofits, schools, churches and government entities addressing high-priority community goals identified in OCCF’s 2022–2026 Strategic Plan. This includes initiatives focused on parks and trails, early education, wellness, access to local information and other community development needs.

“These grants represent the best of Owen County— neighbors helping neighbors, organizations solving problems and communities working together,” said Janet Rummel, President & CEO of OCCF. “We’re proud to invest in projects that offer both immediate support and long-term value.”

2025 Community Investment Grant Recipients:

Owen County Humane Society — Spay Neuter Assistance for Community Members. Received a $5,000 grant to offer financial assistance to low-income pet owners for spay/neuter services,

vaccinations, and preventative veterinary care.

Hoosier Trails Council, Scouting America — STEM Afterschool Program. Received a $2,500 grant to provide highquality STEM-based afterschool programming in partnership with the Owen County Boys and Girls Club.

Franklin Township Community Volunteer Fire Department — Furnace Replacement. Secured a $2,000 grant to replace the furnace at the Freedom Firehouse, ensuring emergency readiness for over 1,200 area residents.

Gosport Lions Club — Gosport Town Park Revitalization Project. Obtained a $5,000 grant to install turf pavers and timber access gates in the Gosport Town Park as part of a broader revitalization effort.

Owen County Farmers’ Market — Kids Harvest Dollars Program. Received a $2,100 grant to provide “market money” for children to buy fresh fruits and vegetables, encouraging healthy eating and local food awareness.

American Legion PutoffLautenschlager Post 141 — Coal City Community Support. Received a $1,010 grant to support Honor Guard services, holiday food baskets, and a free Christmas dinner and gift program for residents in the Coal City area.

Freedom Community Center — Upgraded Playground Equipment. Procured a $2,200 grant to replace aging

playground equipment, creating a safer and more welcoming space for outdoor recreation.

Owen County Family YMCA — YMCA Security Upgrades. Acquired a $5,000 grant to enhance security with upgraded cameras and a new PA system, improving safety for more than 3,600 members.

Owen County Soil & Water Conservation District — White River LARE Restoration Project. Provided a $5,000 grant to stabilize a severely eroded section of the White River near the MYPath trail, preserving river health and recreational access.

Patriots for the Park — New Bridge at McCormick’s Creek State Park. Secured a $5,000 grant to rebuild a bridge on Trail 5 (Wolf Cave Trail), restoring access to areas impacted by the 2023 tornado.

United Way of South Central Indiana — Dolly Parton Imagination Library. Received a $5,000 grant to expand this early literacy program, which mails free books monthly to Owen County children from birth to age five.

South Central Community Action Program — Owen County Beat the Heat 2025. Obtained a $5,000 grant to provide fans, A/C units, and repair services to help low-income residents stay cool during extreme heat.

Owen County S.O.U.N.D.S. — 2025 S.O.U.N.D.S. Community Impact. Procured a $5,000 grant to expand music education through instrument purchases, sheet music, accompanist

support, and early childhood programming.

About OCCF’s Grant Opportunities

Community Investment Grants range from $1,001 to $5,000. Large Impact Grants of up to $30,000 support transformational community projects, while Rapid Response Grants of up to $1,000 are available year-round to address urgent or time-sensitive needs.

The next Community Investment Grant application deadline is Spring 2026. Larger projects may also be featured in OCCF’s online Grant Catalog to engage additional donor support.

About OCCF

The Owen County Community Foundation (OCCF) is a public charity founded in 1994 as a resource to connect caring individuals with causes they support, enabling them to make a charitable impact on the community. Since its founding, the OCCF has been able to grant more than $12.3 million to local students, area nonprofits and charitable organizations in our community. The OCCF is committed to enhancing the quality of life for all citizens of Owen County, now and for generations to come. For more information on the scholarships awarded or how to begin your own philanthropic journey, please visit owencountycf.org, call 812-829-1725, or stop by our office located on the Courthouse Square at 60 E. Market St., Spencer.

Benefit ride scheduled to raise funds for Stan Frank’s cancer treatment

By Nicole DeCriscio Executive Editor

Stank Frank isn’t used to being the one receiving help.

He’s usually the one giving it, having worked in public safety and emergency services for nearly 25 years.

Throughout his career, Frank has worked in fire, EMS and as a coroner. He even served as a reserve officer for the Spencer Police Department for a few years.

“I just felt like I wanted to give to the community,” he said of his service.

He currently works for the state as an Emergency Preparedness Manager, which he says is essentially a district EMS manager, and he serves as chief deputy for the Owen County Coroner’s Office.

And this spring, Frank was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer.

“It’s pretty overwhelming,” he said of the support he has received throughout the community. “I haven’t

asked for any of it.”

He continued saying it has been with mixed emotions.

“I’m not one to take help a lot, so that makes it difficult,” he said. “I’m not one to ask somebody to come and help me. That’s just the way I’ve always been.”

He said he still won’t ask for help but that he has had a lot of support and offers to help.

The help offered in fundraising to alleviate the financial burden has stretched far and wide, including a t-shirt fundraiser from the Greencastle Fire Department and a former EMS district manager from Vincennes including Frank in an existing benefit ride there.

“He’s just got so many irons in the fire of public service,” Shelby Hershberger said.

Hershberger is the current Owen County Coroner, and she was with Frank in the coroner’s office when he received the test results confirming it was cancer. It happened to be the anniversary of when Shaylyn

Ammerman’s body was found.

“I just kind of like ignorantly assumed that he was wiping tears from his eyes because it was the anniversary of her death,” Hershberger said.

She added that there are dreamcatchers above their desks that were Shaylyn’s. She said Frank told her the news and she was halfway across the room to comfort him.

“This is such a Stan thing to do. He sticks his hand out. He says, ‘Don’t you come any closer to me, because I’ll punch you right square in the nose. You’re gonna make me cry. Under all those layers of tattoos and toughness, he is a real big teddy bear,” Hershberger said. “It’s hard watching somebody go from someone that you kind of view as a superhero into a position of vulnerability. It’s hard for him to admit to it.”

Frank said that he’s noticed that sometimes others don’t know what to say.

“You’ve probably seen a few posts about

if you come and ask me, I’m going to tell you I’m okay, because I truly am. You know, I see people out there every day getting treatments like I do, and a lot worse off than I am. I don’t feel bad. I’m not tired,” he said.

He said detection of his cancer wasn’t because he wasn’t feeling well, and that if it wasn’t caught early through other testing, he still would not know he has cancer, based on how he feels physically.

“You get told that you’ve got a terminal illness that isn’t curable but it’s treatable. That’s a real eye-opener,” Frank said. “The choice is you live or you lay down somewhere and die and give up, so I don’t have ‘give up’ in me, so that’s where it’s at.”

Frank also noted that he doesn’t wish to be treated differently. He said that those with terminal illnesses don’t want to feel like they’re different.

“I’ve always been deemed that grumpy old ba****d, but that’s the thing, I’m not going

to change that,” he said. “I’m going to be the same person regardless. It doesn’t matter.”

Frank said that since he has worked to treat every day as if it were his last.

“They keep using the term treatable but not curable.. I don’t know that I’m going to die tomorrow. I don’t plan on dying tomorrow,” he said. “You’ve got to live everything to the fullest. Some of those things that you were like, I might do it tomorrow, you better just go ahead and do it.”

He also said to listen to the small voice encouraging you to go talk to someone else.

“It always seems like when I reach out to those people, when I think about it, there was a good reason,” he said. “You’ve got to live every day because tomorrow’s never promised.”

Hershberger has planned a benefit ride and fundraiser to assist in expenses related to his treatment.

The fundraiser will start with the benefit ride, which includes

FRANK | PAGE 14

A community with ‘dummies’ VentFest comes to Tivoli stage for fourth year

By Nicole DeCriscio Executive Editor

When Steve Withem pitched the idea of VentFest in 2019 at a Spencer Main Street meeting, the room fell silent.

“I said, ‘I want to do a ventriloquist festival in Spencer, Indiana.’ Dead silence. Finally, one of the board members spoke up and said, ‘Are you serious?’ And I said yes. More silence. Finally another board member spoke up and said, ‘Well, you know, if Steve’s willing to really put this together and run with it, and make sure Spencer Main Street, Inc. doesn’t take a terrible bath on it, well, maybe we should give him an opportunity,” Withem recalled, adding that he had the idea for it five to six years prior.

And run with it he did.

He attended the annual Vent Haven Ventriloquist Convention in Cincinnati later that year and put together the inaugural festival for June of 2020. Except the COVID-19 pandemic prevented it.

He tried again for 2021, but pandemicera travel restrictions prevented international ventriloquists from joining the show. This left the festival delayed until 2022.

Jay Johnson, the only ventriloquist to be nominated for and win a Tony Award, headlined the inaugural festival.

“That gave us credibility,” Withem said. “And now, I’ve got performers wanting to come here.”

The festival has brought world-renowned ventriloquists to the stage of the Tivoli Theatre, including Ronn Lucas, Willie Tyler and Steve O. Schuling, to name a few.

In fact, Lucas, who performed for six U.S. presidents and was the first ventriloquist to headline his own act in

Las Vegas, has been called the best ventriloquist in the world by The New York Times.

As word has spread, those who perform recruit their friends within the ventriloquism community, and past performers come back to help out from year to year. For example, Schuling performed in 2023 and has come back each year to volunteer for the festival.

“We’re building a real family of ventriloquists, something special here. The international ventriloquism world is taking notice of Spencer, Indiana,” Withem said. “We’ve already got some legendary talent lined up for next year.”

He said that it becomes easier to get ventriloquists to say ‘yes,’ making his job as festival director easier year after year.

“The word’s out among the vent community. I’m tickled pink about that, you know that they want to come to Spencer, Indiana. To be down there at the

convention and hear how people who have been here talk so lovingly and glowingly about Spencer and the Tivoli Theatre and what we’re creating here, it does my little heart good,” Withem said.

And Withem has discovered up-andcoming talent along the way, like Melissa Graham, who started her ventriloquism journey in 2018.

Graham is from Panama and worked in a clinic.

“We get a lot of children that come in for treatment, and they get shots every day. I used to watch these kids come in and be very nervous because they knew they were going to get shots,” Graham said.

She wanted to find a way to make children feel more comfortable. And then one day, she saw a performance by Darcie Lynne on America’s Got Talent, which Lynne won in 2017. Graham had the idea to use puppetry and ventriloquism to help put the children entering the clinic at ease.

Graham pursued learning the art form on her own, and she is the only ventriloquist in Panama.

“It’s great in the sense to know that I am kind of pioneering ventriloquism in Panama, and it’s such an honor to be able to bring this art form to people around me in my country,” Graham said. “It’s also a little isolating in the sense that there’s no one else who I can get support from. But that’s what’s so amazing about this community that I’ve been able to find here in the U.S., because I’ve been able to learn so much from them.”

Australian ventriloquist Glenn Pearce was also at the table while Graham was being interviewed.

“Puppets are therapy,” he said.

Graham’s performance is called The Alpacachino Show.

“It all kind of started because I just really love puns. My puppet is an alpaca,” she said.

His name is Alpacachino after Al

Pacino, adding to the pun of him being an alpaca.

“Alpacachino is just kind of a naughty little alpaca. He’s just silly,” Graham said.

She also has a jaguar puppet that she calls Jaguar Yoo in Spanish or Howard Yoo in English.

“Which is kind of a pun in Spanish because it sounds kind of like, ‘How are you,’” Graham said, describing Jaguar as sleepy and grumpy. “He’s just not taking anything from anyone.”

Her final puppet is a pig named Saucy, which is a pun in both languages, and is fitting because Saucy has a “pageant queen” personality.

Graham described writing material in English separate from her usual content in Spanish, as not all jokes can be easily translated, whether it be because of the difference in timing, cadence, meanings or whether or not it is culturally relevant.

She was excited to perform at VentFest this

2025 VentFest performers pose for a photo. From left, Todd Oliver, Maegan Hall, Lynn Trefzger, Melissa Graham, Mike Hemmelgarn, Jaxson Murphy, David Pendleton, Darren Carr and Buford (AKA Stephen Knowles) are pictured. SUBMITTED PHOTO.

2025 drawing raffle winner announced

The 2025 winner of the original Ken Bucklew’s drawing is Kathy Monticue. Pictured are Bucklew, Monticue, and Kim McCollum-Frazier, a representative from Delta Theta Tau Sorority, Iota Chi-Spencer. Bucklew donates a drawing every year for the sorority to raffle off.

SUBMITTED PHOTO.

DNR announces state park centennial challenges

100-year-old Indiana State Parks to enjoy

their new challenges to help celebrate the history of Indiana State Parks. Parks with

centennial challenges include McCormick’s Creek State Park (est. 1916), Turkey Run

State Park (est. 1916), Clifty Falls State Park (est. 1920), Pokagon State Park (est. 1925) and Indiana Dunes State Park (est. 1925).

The challenges kick off the celebration of this year’s 100th anniversaries of Indiana Dunes State Park and Pokagon State Park. For a hundred years, these parks have provided northern Indiana with natural playgrounds and

conservation of unique natural resources.

“We have challenges at many parks that provide opportunities for physical activity through hiking, kayaking or canoeing,” said Ginger Murphy, deputy director for stewardship for Indiana State Parks. “We are happy to add these opportunities for Hoosiers to open a window into some

of the people and places who helped to shape our state’s history.” Each challenge explores the history of the respective park’s natural resources, pre-park establishment and important historical structures and stories. Guests who complete a challenge earn a unique sticker for that park. The instructions for each challenge can be found online at dnr. IN.gov/healthy.

FROM LEFT: Babbs Supermarket recently made a donation of $2,000 to the Mark of Discipleship Food Pantry through the Babbs Casual for Charity program and cash from their lost and found. From left, Darrell Bault accepts a check from Babbs’ Operations Manager Tony Clements. // Owen County Humane Society Director Becky Brown accepts a $100 check from the Save-ALot lost and found funds. SUBMITTED PHOTOS.

Local art comes to MYPath

Press Release

An Owen County artist is sharing 12 sculptures along the MYPath trail.

The sculptures have been on display since June 1 and can be seen by walking along the MYPath Riverfront Trail from its trailhead at 788 Pottersville Rd., Spencer.

Thomas Maher is the owner of Falling Leaf Metalworks where he specializes in recycling machinery from vehicles and farm equipment into sculptures of plants, animals and people.

“After I proposed displaying some of my artwork along the trail, I spent a lot of time walking the beautiful trail and determining the pieces that

look the best,” Maher said.

“MYPath is in a wonderful natural setting, and I think Thomas’ sculptures look great among the trees, bushes and wildflowers,” said Kyle Hannon, MYPath project manager.

Maher began sculpting recycled metal in 2020 after retiring from Cook Medical in Spencer. He has lived in Owen County since 2001. Previously he lived in San Fransico where he worked at Hunter’s Point Naval Shipyard. Though he also paints and works in other arts, he began focusing on the recycled metal art after a chance visit to a local scrapyard while helping a neighbor recycle some old farm equipment.

People can see more of Maher’s artwork with a

Town of Ellettsville

12th

July 19th

July 26th

Brown and the Boat

Away in Margaritaville show. Jimmy Buffet and Beach Party music.

Artist Thomas Maher specializes in recycling machinery from vehicles and farm equipment into sculptures of plants, animals and people. SUBMITTED PHOTO.

Riverside Cemetery sees decline in interments, seeks donations

By Nicole DeCriscio Executive Editor

Between 2012 and 2024, Riverside Cemetery in Spencer has seen a 50-percent decrease in the number of burials and a 50-percent increase in the number of cremations.

In 2012, there were 45 burials and six cremations, and in 2024, there were 22 burials and nine cremations.

“Your revenue is primarily from the sale of plots, and then you get some funding when you do the grave openings and closings, and that’s it,” said Keith Bucklew, President of the Riverside Cemetery Board. “People are still passing away at the same rate, if not more so, but people are steering away from traditional burials… Cremations are a whole lot cheaper, and we are seeing a major shift. We’re not the only ones. Every cemetery has this exact same problem.”

According to the National Funeral Directors Association’s 2023 Cremation and Burial Report, the cremation rate in 2023 was 60.5 percent. The report suggests that the rate of

cremation is expected to increase to 81.4 percent by 2045. Data from the Cremation Association of North America shows that in 2009, 38.1 percent of individuals were cremated. In 2014, that number grew to 46.7 percent, and by 2024, the percentage grew to 61.8 percent.

Bucklew offered an explanation as to why there is an increase in cremations – the cost savings for families.

“You’re really reducing a lot of costs, and that is a major trend all across the country,” Bucklew said.

With cremation, families no longer have to buy burial plots, headstones, or pay for the opening and closing of the vault. Depending on the service, they might not even need a casket.

“But what does that mean long-term?

Someday when your great-grandkids want to know more about their history, they’re not going to be able to find it,” Bucklew said.

In addition to being buried, cremains could be in an urn somewhere, scattered, or divided among family members. Burning cremains does not require opening and

closing of a vault in the same way that traditional burial does.

“With the cemetery, its role is to provide a respectful place for burial, but it’s also a historical place for the community,” Bucklew said.

To help with the cemetery’s financial position, Bucklew said they have pursued fundraising and grants.

“We’ve received a

tremendous amount of donations,” Bucklew said, which included Riverside being included in some estate plans. “All that is still not enough.”

Donations have helped restore the front gates to the cemetery at the west end of West Wayne Street, add lights to the flag poles, clean up damage from the March 2023 tornado, and purchase a new mower.

“If we had to pay for all that, we wouldn’t have had the money to do it,” Bucklew said, adding “They [donors] see our need, and they support.” Bucklew hopes to secure grants to cover the cost of materials for cleaning and repair as he has individuals within the community willing

Renowned local sculptor Ernest Moore [E.M.] Viquesney created a grave marker, “The Unveiling,” as a memorial to his first wife, Cora Bell Barnes, who died of diphtheria on Oct. 3, 1933. The sculpture still stands over the Viquesney family burial plot in Riverside Cemetery. Viquesney is probably best known for creating the WWI memorial statue “The Spirit of the American Doughboy,” an example of which still stands proudly on the northwest corner of the Owen County Courthouse lawn. TRAVIS CURRY | THE OWEN NEWS

S-OCS Meet the Teacher Nights, Back to School Expo dates announced

By Kris Samick S-OCS Director of Communication

As summer winds down and the excitement for a new school year begins to build, SpencerOwen Community Schools is pleased to announce the schedule for our Meet the Teacher Nights and the highly anticipated Back to School Expo. These events are designed to help students and families start the school year feeling confident, connected and prepared for success.

Mark your calendars now for the Annual Back to School Expo. This year, it’s bigger and better than ever. It will be held on Saturday, July 26, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and this

fun-filled, family-friendly event is a must-attend for all Spencer-Owen students and their families.

Students who attend with a parent or guardian can receive free:

- Backpacks and School Supplies

- Haircuts

- Clothing, Socks and Shoes

- Hygiene Products

- Vaccinations - Hearing Screenings

Kids can enjoy bounce houses, explore emergency and service vehicles at Touch-a-Truck, play games, win prizes and grab some tasty refreshments. It’s a onestop event to make sure every student is ready to hit the ground running on the first day of school

FRANK | FROM PAGE 9

Jeeps, at 10 a.m. on July 26.

The cost is $25, with the starting place being the Masonic Lodge in Spencer, located at 361 N. Harrison St. While the ride will end at noon, lunch for those who would like to support the cause will begin being served

with all the essentials they need to learn and thrive.

Starting a new school year is always easier when students have a chance to meet their teachers, find their classrooms, and get familiar with the building. Meet the Teacher Night is a perfect opportunity to do just that. Students and families are invited to tour the school, drop off supplies and meet our amazing educators who will be guiding them this year.

Here is the full schedule for each school’s Meet the Teacher Night: Owen Valley Middle School, Thursday, July 31 from 5 to 7 p.m.

Gosport Elementary School, Monday, Aug. 4 from 5 to 6:30 p.m.

from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the lodge. There will also be raffles and a silent auction. Those with questions should contact Hershberger at 812821-0057.

There is also a t-shirt fundraiser organized by Hershberger through Bonfire and a GoFundMe organized by Linda Terrell, Frank’s mom.

McCormick’s Creek Elementary School, Monday, Aug. 4 from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Spencer Elementary School, Tuesday, Aug. 5 from 4 to 6 p.m. Patricksburg Elementary School, Tuesday, Aug. 5 from 4 to 6 p.m.

These evenings are a great way to ease first-day jitters and help students feel more confident walking through the doors on day one. Teachers and staff are looking forward to welcoming you, answering your questions and sharing important information to help your student start the year strong.

Starting school with the right supplies, a

“Stan is a person who pours his whole self into the community. He plays Santa, free of charge, shows up and plays Santa for anybody who wants him to show up, and goes to nursing homes and the school,” Hershberger said. “I just feel like he’s a really deserving person, and he’s never asked for help

positive mindset and a familiar face makes all the difference. S-OCS is committed to making sure every student feels supported and ready to succeed from day one. Events like the Back to School Expo and Meet the Teacher Nights reflect our shared belief that when families, schools and communities come together great things happen.

Stay up to date on event details and reminders by following Spencer-Owen Community Schools on social media or visiting our district website at socs.k12.in.us.

The academic year starts Aug. 6. Let’s make the 2025–2026 school year the best one yet!

from anyone, ever. I really feel like the community owes it to him and that we, as an office, owe it to him, to show him how much he’s appreciated, and for him to know that we support him in the same way that he supports so many other people.”

CHARGED | FROM PAGE 1

High School North, was arrested on June 25, 2025. He also previously served as a sheriff’s deputy in Owen County, a sheriff’s deputy in Monroe County, an officer with the Seymour Police, and an investigator for a public defender’s office.

According to the probable cause affidavit, an Indiana Conservation Officer received a report on June 18, 2024 regarding alleged

sexual misconduct with a juvenile female at Cataract Falls. The alleged incident took place on June 4, 2024 during a fishing trip.

The probable cause affidavit details interviews with the victim, who said she spent a lot of time in Tatlock’s office and that a key joke between the two was that she was his “number one… his favorite student.” The victim also described Tatlock keeping her favorite snacks and Starbucks drinks in his office in addition to bringing her food from

DREAM | FROM PAGE 1

approaching nearly 1,450 career games called, including six state championship appearances.

Kale also handles numerous Edgewood broadcasts and hosts a popular morning show on WCLS 97.7.

An Ellettsville native, Kale played varsity basketball and baseball for Edgewood High School and grew up listening to Marty Brennaman, the Cincinnati Reds’ announcer, and Jack Buck, the voice of the St. Louis Cardinals.

“My dad had a big influence on me, as far as getting me into sports,” Kale said. “At night I used to listen to the AM stations on my Sony Walkman, I could pick up games practically from coast to coast. I’d just scan the dial and find a game and listen to it.”

Kale would listen and learn, unknowingly honing his future craft by following his favorite teams and playby-play announcers.

“I would imitate those guys,” he said, recalling his playing days at Edgewood. “During baseball season,

McDonald’s.

In the interview, the victim “recalled an occasion when she had a sunburn and Tatlock made a joke that if she would do a handstand her body would appear as a frowny face.”

The victim also described an incident that occurred in late May of 2024 in which she accidentally dropped part of a Wendy’s Frosty in her lap, which was brought up during the June 4, 2024, fishing trip, where Tatlock allegedly said that it “attracted him or fascinated him.”

During the fishing

some of my buddies who weren’t playing out on the field would say, ‘Hey, do the play-by-play.’ I just had kind of a knack for it, and they thought it was funny.”

Kale recalled the thrill of seeing radio broadcasters at his high school games.

“Back then, with no social media or anything, that was the only coverage other than newspapers,” he said. “To have your game broadcast on the radio back then was a big thing, there’s no doubt it was. I think I still have a copy of a game or two of mine somewhere on cassette tapes. It was really, really a thrill to know that the radio guys were showing up to your game.”

Following his graduation from high school in 1986, Kale attended Indiana University for a short time before fate – and his mom – led him to the Columbia School of Broadcasting in Indianapolis.

“I ended up being one of five students out of almost 500 that made the national honor roll out of the Indianapolis location,” Kale said. “I graduated in a little over a year, and I was fortunate at the time to get

STYLE STATION

trip, Tatlock allegedly navigated the boat to a back corner of the lake, which was surrounded by trees. Shortly after, the victim alleged that alcohol was served and that she felt “dizzy” and described herself as feeling “pretty tipsy” before being assaulted.

Tatlock openly admitted to the victim that he had cheated on his wife. Following the fishing trip, the victim described asking Tatlock how many girls he had cheated on his wife with and that Tatlock said that she

a part-time job at WLSO in Spencer, so I could work on some of my school stuff while I was working there. I never thought I was going to end up making broadcasting my entire career, but I’ve been very blessed to get to do what I do each day.”

WLSO later became WSKTFM and in 2005 the station moved to Bloomington and changed music formats.

“We went all-Christmas through the holiday season, and then we switched from country music to classic hits and became WCLS,” Kale recalled.

Kale is currently the operations manager for WCLS and produces commercials, does the FCC paperwork and even sells advertising time in addition to hosting his popular “Morning Mayhem” show alongside John Chance.

At the helm for countless memorable broadcast calls through the years for Owen Valley sports, Kale said he’s had the good fortune to share the broadcast booth with buddies and color commentators Chance, Reggie Johnson and Brent Ranard to name just a few.

“I’ve shared the booth with a lot of good people

was the youngest. She also described Tatlock expressing to her that “he had felt creepy for having the attraction to her.”

An initial hearing was held on June 26, 2025, and Tatlock pleaded not guilty. A jury trial is currently scheduled for Dec. 16, 2025.

Owen County Prosecutor Benjamin Kim would like to remind everyone that all persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

and interviewed a lot of good coaches and players,” Kale said. “I’ve had the opportunity to meet so many people and build so many relationships, which has been my favorite part of the job more than anything – they become part of your family.”

When asked if he incorporated any of the mannerisms or sayings of some of his favorite broadcasters into his own work Kale replied, “The only thing I’ve really kind of stolen off another announcer comes from Jack Buck, who used to be the radio voice of the St. Louis Cardinals. He always closed his broadcasts with, ‘Thanks for your time, this time, until next time.’ And that’s the way I always close my shift every day.”

Although he said he tries not to think about what legacy he may leave behind once he steps away from the broadcasting mic for the final time, he does know how he hopes he’ll be remembered.

“Just as someone who got to live out his childhood dream and tried to do it to the best of his ability,” he said.

Kale makes his home in Ellettsville with his wife, Rhonda.

Libby: The library beyond the walls

By Brittany Van Hook OCPL Director

that a library card grants access to thousands of books, DVDs and other media

within the library walls. But did you know it also gives you access to Libby, a free app that’s revolutionizing the library experience? Libby allows patrons to borrow ebooks, digital audiobooks and magazines—anytime, anywhere. It’s compatible with most devices, including smartphones, tablets and even Kindles.

What makes Libby even more powerful is its reach. It doesn’t just pull from the Owen County Public Library’s collection. Instead, it connects patrons to a larger consortium of libraries, expanding access to a much wider selection of materials. That means more choices—and shorter wait times for popular titles.

Need to place a

hold? Libby makes it simple. You’ll receive a notification when your item is ready to download. Not quite ready yet? You can even extend your hold within the app. Libby also lets you customize your reading experience. Adjust font size, screen brightness and even switch to dark mode to reduce eye strain and blue light exposure.

In short, Libby brings the library to your fingertips— wherever you are. All you need is your library card.

For more information or help getting started with Libby, visit the Owen County Public Library or call us at 812-8293392.

Purdue Extension: Let’s talk about your tomatoes

low 40-degree evening temperatures and a small amount of decent growing weather.

I plant a tomato in my garden every week using the same variety from April 15 to June 15. This year, early planting just did not pan out. Every year is different, but I’m thinking for 2026 I’ll wait until later in May to plant crops like tomatoes.

Eggplants planted six weeks ago look very

rugged and have endured flea beetle damage. These beetles overwinter as adults in grass, feed on leaves and cause some to think they have aphid damage. Normally, the plant grows out of the feeding damage with warmer weather.

Soil drainage has been a significant variable to tomato growth so far this season. Well-drained soils that have been amended with compost over time have provided a superior growing condition. Container and raised beds have really been a bright spot this season. I have noted in my 24 raised beds that beds with more organic matter have warmed quicker and drained better. Two beds have clay soil, and they have not performed

any better than bare soil. Don’t be like me and not incorporate compost into your raised beds!

Weeds are starting to really thrive in the garden. I put down landscape fabric for my 80 tomato plants and have some mulched with straw. The fabric has really helped keep annual weeds like crabgrass in check. The wet weather has provided great habitat for yellow nutsedge. This plant is a sedge and is neither grass nor broadleaf. Another weed that grows fast is an annual called Galinsoga. A member of the daisy family, this weed grows extremely fast, so like all weeds, keep after them when they are little. Preen herbicide is a preemergent product that controls grasses mainly.

Preen will do nothing to control nutsedge and Galinsoga.

Keep an eye on containers of tomatoes for blossom-end rot. A nice tomato will develop a leathery patch on the skin. This is due to plants being too wet then too dry, especially containers. Even regular watering of containers can reduce blossomend rot. The plant is not able to take up enough calcium, but this is because of water imbalance, not calcium deficiency in the soil. The disease triangle provides us with an idea about managing disease. A susceptible host, favorable environment and the actual pathogen create the disease triangle.

Let us examine the most prevalent fungal disease that hits our tomatoes: early blight. This

disease starts with infection at the base of the plant and spreads slowly up the whole plant. Weeks later, the plant’s leaves are dead except those at the very top. So, how can you manage disease? Disease resistance to early blight is not expressed in many of our favorite varieties. Rotating your vegetable bed into a crop that is not tomatoes, eggplant or peppers will help reduce spore production of early blight. Straw mulch around the base of the plant will help keep spores from splashing up from the soil and infecting the lower leaves. Some references mention Epsom salt or milk as a barrier to keep spores from germinating. A Purdue plant pathologist said this is not

productive for preventing disease. I know, the stuff is out there for sale. If your soil needs magnesium or sulfur, that is a different matter. For disease prevention, keep the Epsom salt only to soak your toes.

There are many issues that may be impacting your tomatoes. Some are treatable and some are just a function of the weather. Feel free to send me a photo of your tomato issue via text to 812-2366039, and we can talk about your tomato issue. If we cannot figure out what is going on we can utilize the Purdue Plant and Pest Diagnostic Lab for additional support. Tomatoes are an important garden planting for many of us. Let us know if we can be of assistance.

Brighten your summer with lemons

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

When life gives you lemons… squeeze the day!

I’m Jamie Jo Lowder, your Purdue Extension Health and Human Science Educator here in Owen County, and I love how something as small and sunny as a lemon can bring a big boost to your day. Whether it’s adding zing to a healthy dish, naturally freshening up your home or just giving your mood a little lift—lemons do it all. So, grab a citrusy sidekick and let’s explore all the juicy ways lemons can

brighten your summer. There’s a day for almost everything these days, but National Lemon Day on July 23 is one celebration that’s both refreshing and welldeserved. Lemons are more than a garnish or a summer drink staple. They’re a nutritional powerhouse, a natural cleaner, a culinary secret weapon and—believe it or not—an ally in supporting your mental health.

Lemons are most known for their high vitamin C content, but that’s just the beginning. According to health information supported by Purdue Extension and other land-grant university research, lemons also contain antioxidants that help fight inflammation and support heart health. The citric acid in lemons may aid digestion and help the body absorb nutrients more effectively. For those

watching their sodium intake or looking to reduce sugar in their diets, lemon juice offers bold flavor without added salt or sweeteners. But the benefits of lemons go beyond physical health. Studies suggest that citrus scents, including lemon, may help improve mood and lower stress levels. The aroma of lemon has been linked to increased focus and reduced symptoms of anxiety in some settings. While a lemon won’t replace professional mental health care, small rituals—like starting your day with warm lemon water or taking a moment to enjoy the scent of a freshly sliced lemon—can provide simple, sensory ways to reset and refresh.

Purdue Extension encourages Owen County residents to make use of lemons not only in the kitchen but around the home. Lemons can

be used to brighten up fruit salads and seafood dishes, clean cutting boards and countertops naturally or freshen the air with a homemade simmer pot. Even freezing lemon slices in ice cubes or using lemon zest in baked goods can add a little summer flair without much effort.

Lemons also serve as a creative and accessible way to engage in wellness habits. Staying hydrated during hot weather, for example, can be easier when water is flavored with citrus. Preparing food at home with lemon-based marinades or dressings can reduce reliance on processed, high-sodium condiments. And perhaps most importantly, taking the time to enjoy small, intentional habits like preparing fresh lemonade or diffusing a citrus scent can support mindfulness—an important part of mental well-being.

In a time when life often feels busy and unpredictable, taking a moment to enjoy something as simple as a lemon can be a small act of self-care.

So, on July 23, celebrate National Lemon Day by finding a new way to use this bright, cheerful fruit. Whether it’s in a recipe, a glass or even just a moment of pause, lemons might offer more than just flavor— they might offer a fresh perspective.

For more tips on health, nutrition and simple wellness strategies, contact Purdue Extension’s Owen County office at 812-8295020 or visit extension. purdue.edu.

Interested in bringing a program to your group or organization? Whether it’s food, health, family or finance—we’ve got you covered. Email me at lowder0@purdue.edu and let’s plan something together.

4-H honors volunteers, seniors and champions on July 7

By Cassie Linville 4-H Youth Development Educator

The Owen County 4-H community invites everyone to a special evening of celebration and recognition on Monday, July 7, in the Show Arena at the Owen County Fairgrounds. This annual event brings together

families, friends and supporters to honor the heart of 4-H—our dedicated volunteers, graduating seniors, scholarship supporters and outstanding youth exhibitors.

The evening will begin at 6 p.m. with Volunteer Recognition and the 4-H Scholarship Auction, followed by Senior Recognition and the Parade of Champions.

We’ll begin the evening by recognizing the incredible individuals who make 4-H possible—our

COMMUNITY | FROM PAGE 10

year for the fourth year of the festival.

“I just want to express how grateful I am for this opportunity to be here and connect with my fellow ventriloquists but also with the community of Indiana and Spencer. It’s definitely such a treat,” she said.

Graham and Withem both attended Vent Haven in 2019 as newcomers, and Withem saw Graham perform at Vent Haven two years ago and asked her to perform this year.

“I couldn’t say no to that,” Graham said.

Graham commented on the ventriloquism community, which has welcomed her, naming several of the 10 other ventriloquists in the room as friends. Of the 11 ventriloquists at the opening lunch, only six were performing.

For example, Pearce came from Australia because fellow Aussie and friend Darren Carr

volunteers. These dedicated mentors and leaders give countless hours to support our youth, organize events and ensure the success of our programs. Their commitment is the foundation of 4-H, and this is our opportunity to thank them for their service and impact.

Following volunteer recognition, we’ll host the alwaysanticipated 4-H Scholarship Auction. This event raises vital funds to support scholarships for 4-H youth pursuing

was performing. Schuling came from Germany to help out, as did Dave Dizon from Canada, Trish Dunn from North Carolina, Lori Bruner from Kentucky, and David Turner from Nashville, Tennessee.

“The coolest thing about this festival is the community spending time together,” said Rick Dimond, a friend of Withem’s who came to Spencer from Arkansas to help with the festival. “People just come to hang out.”

When asked about the success of VentFest, Withem didn’t take the credit.

“It isn’t what I’ve done, it’s what the ventriloquist world has done. They’ve embraced us. They’ve embraced the idea,” he said.

He described going to Vent Haven for the first time, not knowing anyone or what to expect

“All I’ve got is an idea and a dream, and for this community to embrace me and understand that I had nothing going for me

higher education and career training. Community members are encouraged to attend and bid generously—every dollar raised goes directly toward helping our young people achieve their goals.

Next, we’ll celebrate our graduating 4-H seniors—young leaders who have grown through years of learning, leadership and service. Their achievements, both in and out of the show ring, reflect the values of 4-H. As they prepare for

the next chapter in their lives, we’ll honor their accomplishments and wish them continued success.

The evening will conclude with the Parade of Champions, a proud tradition that showcases the excellence of our top exhibitors. This year’s parade will highlight champions from static projects in the Exhibit Hall as well as winners from pre-fair events, celebrating the diverse talents and hard work of our 4-H youth.

It’s a moment of pride not only for the champions themselves but for the entire community that supports them. This event is a true celebration of the people and moments that make 4-H in Owen County so special. We invite everyone to join us in the Show Arena on Monday, July 7, for an evening filled with recognition, gratitude, and inspiration. Let’s come together to honor our volunteers, celebrate our seniors, support our youth and cheer on our champions!

except sincerity,” Withem said. “What it’s become, that is a credit to the ventriloquist community. I have just grown to love so many people in that community.”

He continued.

“The greats like Willie Tyler and Ronn Lucas and Jay Johnson are just so kind and so gracious,” he said. “The other thing that’s so lovely is that they know we’re Spencer, Indiana. I’m honest with them about what I can and can’t do.”

Withem said that several ventriloquists have offered to perform for free, which he will not let them do.

“I can’t say enough good things about the people we have had over the years at VentFest,” Withem said. “Starting this festival has been a blessing for me. What can I say? I’m a lucky man.”

Withem said he has always loved the art form but isn’t talented in it himself.

“Anytime there was a ventriloquist performing on television, I was just mesmerized

by the art form. It is actually, in my humble opinion, one of the most difficult performance art forms to do, and yet it’s kind of like the Rodney Dangerfield of the performing arts. It gets no respect, but when it’s done well, I can’t think of anything that’s more entertaining than a person getting up there with this inanimate object and bringing it to life and just creating this tremendous comedy that has the audience doubled over in their seats,” he said. “I kind of made a joke at the final [performance] that it was so great to be able to be up there on that stage with all these greats and for them to allow me to come out in front of the audience, but all they would let me do was point out where the bathrooms and the exits are. So that’s the level of my ventriloquist talent.”

In 2026, VentFest will move from the last weekend in June to the last weekend in July. More information can be found online at ventfest.org.

Trailing or Leading: Flowers, both natural and metal

By Kyle Hannon Project Manager, MYPath Trail System

One of the experiences of walking on MYPath is enjoying the wildflowers that display lovely blossoms along the way.

I can identify many of the wildflowers, but I frequently use the Seek app on my phone to help with identification. A lot of our Wednesday walkers can identify flowers or use other apps. But this flower I’m looking at right now will not show up on my app. It is much larger than most flowers.

And it is made of metal.

Several weeks ago, I was walking along the trail on a regular maintenance check. Another walker stopped me to talk about the trail and art. I met Thomas Maher, and several other local artists, a few weeks before, at a meeting of the new Sweet Owen Arts Commission. This new arts commission is an effort to gather and promote all types of arts in the community. It may be the topic of a future column.

On this day, Maher complimented the trail. And he suggested the addition of art along the trail could make the experience even

better. I agreed. He explained that he recycles automobile and farm equipment into sculptures.

I’m a fan of art. But I also believe that not all art fits all circumstances. I started asking about his work. He shared several photos of machinery that he turned into flowers, birds and other things. Perfect. I shared my desire that the natural amenities remain the focus of MYPath. The art should work with nature, not overshadow.

Maher spent a day walking along the trail, evaluating locations and getting a feel for this project. Then we picked a day when I could

meet him at the trailhead and help deliver the sculptures to their locations. As he described it, he wanted people to walk along the trail for a while, absorbing nature, before they encountered the first sculpture. A flower greets visitors to the first major crossroads of the trail. In all, there are 12 sculptures along the trail. You may have to deliberately look for them to see them all because they blend in with the surroundings.

So far, the public response has been very positive. Some visitors have reported having a favorite sculpture. As Maher said, people, especially

children, may have limited exposure to art. This is an opportunity for people to encounter art in a very approachable way, while they are enjoying the MYPath trail. There may be more opportunities for artwork along MYPath. We already host the Owen County Public Library Trail Tale along the first part of the trail. The monthly children’s stories are fun to read, and the book artwork is entertaining. We have been in conversations about becoming a stop on the Enchanted Fairy Trail. We may bring poetry readings back to the fire ring at

the back part of the trail. Could we host plein air painting at the pollinator garden or other parts of the trail? Could we host an art fair?

There are many types of art and events that “fit” the trail. On MYPath, nature is the main show. The new sculptures by Thomas Maher, and future art, complement the natural display.

Kyle Hannon is the Project Manager for the MYPath Trail System. He has served in many community development and trail connection roles throughout the state. On many weekends, he serves as an Interpretive Specialist at McCormick’s Creek State Park.

Outdoor Type: A finesse fishing technique

packages of Creme three-hook red worms with the spinner in front. Lots of fish were caught on those in the 50s and 60s. Company founders Nick and Cosma Creme had started pouring the Wiggle Worm by hand in their basement and selling them through the mail in 1949, a buck for five worms. I fished recently with a fellow who still had one and used it to catch a three-pound bass, bigger than anything I caught that day. Back in

the day, I used them more than my dad did when I first started fishing because my lighter spinning outfit would cast it. His stiff bass rod and heavy line were too much for the light worms. A trip to Kentucky Lake later in the 60s introduced me to the so-called Texas rigged worm. A retired military guy, who fished the lake regularly and successfully, and who was staying at the same resort near Big Sandy Tennessee, told us that this specially rigged worm was the way to go. He gave my dad and me some packages of eight-inch giants with the hook and sinker included. I thought it was a huge bait, much bigger than any worm I had ever fished. The sinker with a hole in it looked too heavy

and the hook too big. What do you mean you insert the hook back into the worm? And only one hook? This bait was something completely new to us. But after a lot of trial and error, over the years my dad and I learned to fish plastic worms and pretty much swore by them.

I caught my third or fourth biggest bass ever, a 6.21 largemouth on a good old slip sinkered, Texas rigged, curly tailed red Culprit, one of my favorite worms. Now that it’s summer and the water is warming, some fishermen have hung it up for the year, but the fish are still feeding. It will be a good time to get out there, with whatever style of fishing you prefer. You might try going wacky, if fish are not super deep. This bait

will get bass to move up from the depths to get it. The hook is placed in the middle of the worm, not at the head. With the right worm, the action is perfect. The key is to slow down.

Several years ago, my cousin and I were fishing a private lake that has a good population of bass. Fishing and releasing had been good that June morning, but as usual the bite died when the sun came out hot and bright. It was 11 a.m. Time to take it in and call the outing a success. The bass were in siesta mode until evening, or so we thought.

“Before we leave, let’s hit that spot where we were getting them earlier,” Ron said. “I have a new bait I’d like to try.”

We trolled over to the west bank near some sunken

brush, and Ron rigged up a fat, six-inch, straight tail, red and black Strike King worm with his hook inserted into the middle.

Before then, I had tried the sideways thing, called wacky rigging, but I’d had little success. I’d always go back to the standard straight rig after a few casts. The thing looked clumsy in the water: it just didn’t act right. And it didn’t have a curly or paddle tail, which I had always used before. It moved sideways, for gosh sake. That’s just not natural. Worms don’t do that in the water. Do they? Does a curious or hungry largemouth care?

Cousin Ron rigged up his wacky rig, tossed it out and did almost nothing with his rod. He retrieved it oh so slowly—one

cast took forever. I was observing his technique and marveling at his patience. Then he set the hook on a nice 14-inch bass and brought it to the boat. All right—the thing does work. In about 45 minutes, in the middle of a hot, sunny day, he caught six or seven bass from a spot we had given up on earlier. He’s better than I am at it because he’s more patient and methodical. This lure takes slow hands.

Ever since then, I’ve been a believer in wacky style. I’m confident that if a bass is in the vicinity of a wacky-rigged plastic worm, he or she is going to attack it. Fish it super slowly, as if a curious largemouth is studying your bait, which is likely the case. More next month on this technique.

Driftwood Outdoors: Agencies work together for wildlife habitat

By Brandon Butler Guest Columnist

Conservation organizations should put your financial support to work on habitat. If you are a member of a nonprofit, like the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF), then you expect your membership fees and additional donations to go towards the mission of the organization. In this case, habitat for wild turkeys. Down in southwest Missouri, NWTF in partnership with the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), just showed us how it’s done.

Grasslands are an imperiled habitat critical for turkey population success. Only fragments remain of the Midwest’s once ocean of native grasses and wildflowers. Grasslands are essential to the lifecycle of many ground-nesting birds, like the wild turkey. This crucial habitat is where turkeys nest and raise their poults.

Grassland conservation has far-

reaching benefits. Not only for the wildlife calling the impacted acres home, but for all of us who appreciate clean air and water. Quality habitat supports healthy wildlife populations, which enhances hunting, hiking, bird watching and more. Native plant species contribute to a healthier ecosystem for wildlife and the world around us.

Fort Crowder Conservation Area is located near Neosho in southern Newton County. The property was part of Camp Crowder Army Base, used during World War II. Today, the conservation area covers 2,362 acres of mostly forested land with a couple hundred acres of established native warmseason grasses, 100 acres of crop fields and 600 acres of fields maintained in an early successional stage. A nice sized chunk of those 600 acres of fields just received an upgrade.

A special effort, called the Fort Crowder Conservation Area Grassland Restoration

Project, is now complete. Conservation success has been delivered on 137 acres through the restoration of native warm-season grasses.

“This is the kind of work that we need to see more of if we want to seriously address the turkey decline.

Creating more ‘turkey factories’ like the one just completed at Fort Crowder Conservation Area is the proper response. Restoring quality nesting and brood rearing habitat is how you effectively make more turkeys. Without routine management, the ‘turkey factories’ quickly transition into less productive areas, becoming brushier and/or overwhelmed by invasive species, drastically reducing their value for wildlife and recreation,” said John Burk, NWTF district biologist for Iowa, Illinois and Missouri.

To begin the natives’ restoration, the invasive trees, vines and woody encroachment had to be destroyed. Species like Japanese honeysuckle,

autumn olive and Bradford pear were removed. Some natives had to be beaten back a bit, too. Shrubs such as sumac, plum and buckbrush, though natural to the area, were suppressing grassland structure.

Using a bull-hog forestry mulcher, MDC crews mowed down the undesirables and overgrown natives, to create space for native warm-season grasses and forbs to re-establish. Improving the grasslands habitat for wild turkeys, bobwhite quail, pollinators and many more native species. After aggressive herbicide was applied to control regrowth of invasives and woody sprouts.

With all the invasives floating around today, grasslands do require work to maintain their integrity. Moving forward, the grasslands will be maintained naturally with frequent applications of prescribed fire. The acres will be monitored for successful restoration of the desired native grasses and plants. Maintenance, such as overseeding, may be needed in the coming years to maintain and enhance these gains.

Habitat for wild turkeys is extremely important right now because we have been seeing a regional trend in population decline. There is more than one reason why. Lack of habitat is a huge issue. With every subdivision or strip mall development, we lose wildlife habitat. Pesticides kill bugs and bugs are food. Predators are also a problem. But the most critical aspect for a healthy turkey population is healthy turkey habitat, and that means grasslands are a must.

The Missouri NWTF State Chapter provided Super Fund dollars to assist with the cost of heavy machinery rental needed to do the work.

See you down the trail…

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

Ramblings: Happy Fourth of July!

By Annie Bright Guest Columnist

Why do we celebrate July 4th?

On July 4, 1776, the Declaration of Independence declared the 13 American colonies to be an independent nation. All ties to British rule and the monarchy were severed. Revolution! It took two wars to actually complete the task. The first anniversary of that day in 1777 was celebrated with fireworks, parades and public readings of the Declaration of Independence. July 4th was first recognized

as a federal holiday in 1870. Today, July 4th is still celebrated with fireworks and parades. I don’t think anyone reads the Declaration of Independence as part of the celebration now. Fireworks are still an important part of the celebration.

Last night my slumber was postponed as a neighbor started their July 4th celebration early. The sound of small firecrackers was accompanied by loud booms for over an hour. I did not see the sky erupt in a blaze of color, so they had no rockets. July 4th is several days away as I write this. Maybe they are saving the rockets to light up the sky until closer to the actual holiday.

My father loved those big pyrotechnical displays. He made

sure we attended several every year. The last time I saw him alive was on July 4th. The whole family, grandkids included, attended a fireworks display. He was so happy that night sharing something he loved with his grandchildren. I remember the smile on his face lit up in the reflection of those exploding rockets. He passed away two weeks later, so I still cherish that night.

What July 4th traditions do you have? I still like to attend firework shows. I often go with my sisters. It would be more fun if we had children along to share the experience.

Another tradition I like to observe is to have a ripe tomato hanging on the vine by July 4th. In the past,

when I had space for a real garden, I often accomplished my goal. This year is a wash out, literally. We have had so much rain, most of the things I am trying to grow are drowning. The basil seeds I planted in late April rotted. I planted a variety of herbs and vegetable seeds in early May. The birds enjoyed the smorgasbord of seeds. I bought tomato plants at the farmers’ market. They are growing slowly. No tomatoes yet. Growing everything in containers is not easy.

Another tradition my family celebrates in July is berry picking. This week it is raspberries, but they’re almost gone. The berries seem larger and juicier this year. That must be because of the abundance of

rain. Blackberries are plentiful on the Ridge. Before we bought that property in the 1990s it was logged. The blackberry vines came in and flourished in the open spaces. They help hold the soil in place after logging and provide food and shelter for wildlife. A patch of briars is the devil to walk through, but they give a glorious bonus of sweet berries in mid-summer.

Blackberries are a useful source of vitamins C, E and K. They also contain calcium and manganese, and they are not high in sugar content. If you go berry picking this week, be aware of the heat. Go early in the morning. You will avoid the heat and beat the birds to the berries. ‘til next time, Annie

It’s Just a Country State of Mind: Dance of the fireflies

By Susan Anderson Guest Columnist

a little girl, one of my favorite summer pastimes was to catch lightning bugs, better known as fireflies.

They are the small blinking insects that light up the night as they fly about. My friends and I would run around and catch them. We would then put them into an old mason jar with a

lid on it. The lid had holes poked in the top for air circulation. It was like having a homemade flashlight.

At the end of the evening, when it was time for bed, the fireflies would be turned loose into the night air, dancing their way back to the business at hand.

The illumination part of the firefly is all rather scientific. To explain all the details would take all the fun out of it.

Fireflies aren’t truly a fly, but rather a soft body beetle. The light is produced in special cells

located near the end of their abdomen. A sort of chemical reaction takes place. The main purpose of the light is not for our entertainment but instead used to attract a mate. Obviously, it must work, though we often don’t see the results – we just see the dance. There are many different species of fireflies in Indiana. Each species has its own unique flash pattern. The best time to see them in Indiana is in the summer months of June and July. After that, their dancing time is winding down. They only have a lifespan of two months.

They’re easy to locate. Some good places to find them are along the edge of the woods, in fields, meadows or in the yard.

One species of firefly is the official insect of Indiana. The Say’s Firefly, also called the Angle Candled firefly became the state’s official insect when it was proclaimed so by Governor Eric Holcomb on March 23, 2018.

Fireflies are as much a part of a Hoosier summer as cookouts, corn on the cob and fireworks.

You could say it’s nature’s gentle firework display.

The poet, James Whitcomb Riley,

wrote in one of his poems that, “Fireflies like golden seeds are sewn about the night.”

Another poet, Robert Frost, perhaps penned it best in his poem, Fireflies in the Garden.

“Here come real stars to fill the upper skies. And here on earth come emulating flies.

That though they never equal stars in size.

And they were never really stars at heart.

Achieve at times a very start.

Only, of course, they can’t sustain the part.”

Fireflies fill the night air with

their twinkles, like little stars, and give us a hint of the heavens. We should pause to enjoy the illumination, however brief. And even now, another generation of children are still awed by their charms.

Another mason jar has holes punched in its lid. And yet another child’s imagination is stirred as they delight in the midsummer’s night dance. The dance of the fireflies.

Enjoy the dance!

— Susan

GRANT | FROM PAGE 1

The project, called OwenDIRECT, which also received a $2,000 grant from the Duke Energy Foundation, will be a web and mobile accessible software application providing a resource directory, events calendar, commercial advertising and emergency notifications for the county. This project is part of The Owen News’ efforts to provide Owen County with needed local information resources in print and on the web.

OwenDIRECT will be an Owen County product through and through.

It was designed by Leslie Nieves, an Owen News

YMCA | FROM PAGE 1

the Owen County YMCA, and according to Roddye, the childcare center was the largest loss.

“The Alliance said you’re the only Y that has both. You’re the only small Y that has both,” Knieriem said. “You’re trying to do both, and basically you can’t do both.”

“This is not something any of us wanted to do,” Roddye added. “None of the board members, all of whom are volunteers, all of whom donate our own money to the Y, none of us did this as some cold-blooded calculation to save a few pennies. It was a matter of the financial health of the entire Y, and we had a program that was important to the community, that we were very proud of, that we worked really hard to get that licensure for. But the fact is that it can serve 35 children, and then we’ve got the Y…”

Knieriem said the YMCA currently has

volunteer, who will be the Project Manager, and will be developed by Ethan McNeil of Peace Builders, based in Freedom. Developing the digital application will involve collaboration with the Owen County Chamber of Commerce, the Owen County Community Foundation, the Owen County Public Library, and county emergency service units.

The goal is to make information about services, resources, businesses, events and actions needed for personal safety easily available to everyone living or working in Owen County. Basic access to OwenDIRECT will be free of charge, with customized services offered at

about 2,000 members before Roddye continued.

“It was being subsidized by essentially the rest of the members, and again, while we were okay, essentially breaking even on it or losing a little it, the numbers became such that there just wasn’t another way,” he said.

In an effort to keep the daycare open, rates were increased in April. Prior to the rate increase, there was a waitlist.

“We made a couple of pretty dramatic raises to try to break even or lose a sustainable amount of money. And I know that’s an odd thing to say… but this is not a situation where it’s like, oh we’re not making money, we’re ending the program. This situation was costing a lot of money,” Roddye said.

The April rate increase was to the tune of 20 percent.

Knieriem explained what the rate increase tried to do.

“If we could only

RIVERSIDE | FROM PAGE 13

to donate their time for the labor needed to clean, repair, and restore headstones.

Maintenance of headstones typically falls to families, but Bucklew noted that they have individuals buried at Riverside from the Civil War era, some of which have no living relatives. In that case, he said, the cemetery tries to repair and maintain the headstones.

He also wanted to make the issue known to the community with the hope that others will come forward with ideas to raise funds and include Riverside in their estate planning.

By Indiana law, when a cemetery is no longer solvent, its maintenance falls to the township trustee. Riverside Cemetery is located in Washington Township, which already has at least six cemeteries to maintain.

Bucklew said he and the other cemetery board members are trying to prevent that.

Starting this month, Riverside will begin offering a Headstone Cleaning Service. More information will be shared as it is

reasonable rates.

“Our mission is to strengthen our community through news and verified information, and this is just one additional way for us to lean into that mission and close information gaps within our community,” Nicole DeCriscio, Executive Editor of The Owen News, said.

When the project is complete, OwenDIRECT is expected to be a model that can be used in other rural counties and smaller cities.

“We have been incredibly fortunate to have the support of The Owen County Community Foundation, our advertisers, our donors, our volunteers, our board members and last but not

break even, we would keep the program because the community needs it. And we really debated that 20 percent increase because we knew it was a lot, but we wanted to keep it,” she said. “We wanted to add some benefits to the staff. We wanted to offer memberships to the families, also with that 20 percent increase. It didn’t work. I mean, we kind of priced ourselves out of what they could afford.”

Knieriem said that they considered recruiting more families to bring the childcare center back to capacity, but she added they didn’t want to do it only to raise rates again or close in the future.

“We can’t just expand and make it bigger, because we have limited amounts of children that we can have pursuant to state regulations per caregiver, and in the last three years, our personnel expenses have outstripped our income from the

least our readers to support and grow The Owen News,” DeCriscio said. “In addition to serving our community, we see OwenDIRECT as a model for other news deserts — a first step communities can take to rebuild local news and close information gaps. The goal is for this to be something local chambers or foundations could adopt and run themselves to close the gap when there isn’t a news outlet or as a central place for information when there are multiple news outlets.”

Fundraising to complete the project is ongoing, and The Owen News welcomes sponsorships or donations.

that would necessitate us getting more personnel.”

With the number of kids down to 17, the decision was made to close the program at the May board meeting.

“It felt to me that this is the time to really step back from it,” Knieriem said.

After meeting with the director of the program and holding an in-person meeting with staff, the news went out to parents electronically.

The childcare center was scheduled to close with the start of school in August, but after speaking with parents, the date was postponed to the end of August, provided that staffing levels allow for it to remain open.

This was in response to feedback that spaces opening because of school starting might not be available on the same day.

Last year, in another attempt to make the childcare center financially viable, the

Development Fund (CCDF) vouchers, but funding was delayed.

Knieriem said the director of the center, who was full-time, was offered other job opportunities at the YMCA and that the majority of the other childcare staff are student-aged or were hired for summer seasonal work. She said she is working on giving impacted staff career resources through a virtual career counselor, and all impacted staff are eligible for a small bonus if they stay until the final closure date.

She also addressed future use of the building.

“We’re actively pursuing other daycares to take it on,” Knieriem said.

She said that they would like to try to find another daycare to rent the space to at a reasonable rate to try to maintain current

made available. Bucklew said the service will apply to any cemetery in Owen County. Individuals can request headstone cleaning for family and friends and can sponsor a cleaning for headstones in need, especially for those who have served in the military.

Those wishing to make a donation or to include Riverside in their estate planning can do so through the Owen County Community Foundation.

To volunteer with groundskeeping or to offer ideas, email RiversideCemeterySpencer.IN@ gmail.com or visit their Facebook page.

FROM TOP: The Soldiers Memorial Pavilion at Riverside Cemetery was designed by renowned local sculptor E.M. Viquesney and “dedicated to the memory of those who served their country during the wars of the United States.” The memorial was erected through the efforts of the Women’s Relief Corps of Spencer in 1939. // Byron Bancroft “Ban” Johnson, founder and president of the American League of Baseball from 1900-1927, is buried in Riverside Cemetery in Spencer alongside his wife, Sarah Jane. Johnson, baseball’s most influential executive for more than a quarter of a century, passed away on March 28, 1931, at the age of 68. He was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1937. TRAVIS CURRY | THE OWEN NEWS

Serving TOGETHER

The 5th Annual Serving Owen County Together event took place on June 22. More than 111 volunteers served 518 adults and 432 kids, totaling 950 indivuals throughout the day. Participants received both items and information connecting them to services. PHOTOS SUBMITTED BY AARON LAGRANGE.