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

Page 1


Locals honored with Sagamores

Receiving the Sagamore of the Wabash award in Indiana is among the highest honors that can be awarded to Hoosiers; two community

members in Spencer got to experience when they were handpicked earlier this year.

Gov. Eric Holcomb bestowed the recognition to people throughout the state before the transition of power to Gov. Mike Braun. Anton Neff and

Stefan Welsh have both had an impact on their state and community and were among the group of Holcomb’s recipients in January.

According to the State of Indiana, the name of the award comes from a term Native American tribes

in the northeastern region of the U.S. used to describe “a great man among the tribe to whom the true chief would look for wisdom and advice.”

Neff was recognized for his accomplishments as a member of the Owen County Council

representing District 2 and Welsh for his work as director of digital communications for Holcomb.

“Receiving the Sagamore of the Wabash is an incredible honor

SAGAMORES | PAGE 9

Trail to Recovery

First annual ON morel mushroom contest

Staff Report

Student-led initiative fundraises for park restoration

Trail five at McCormick’s Creek State Park previously led visitors to the narrow passageway of Wolf Cave and the waterfall. Now, nearly two years after a tornado tore through the park, the trail remains inaccessible to the public.

The Enhanced Fujita Scale (EF

Scale), used to measure the strength of a tornado based on wind speeds, ranges from EF-1 to EF-5. The tornado went through passageways, buildings and habitats in the state park and was classified as EF-3.

According to the National Weather Service, an EF-3 tornado is on the high end of what’s considered to be a strong

Is it the thrill of the hunt, or the taste of the magnificent morel that drives Owen Countians wild? Whether foraging in the woods or frying up a batch of flavorful fungi is your favorite part of the annual spring tradition, The Owen News is pleased to announce our first-ever Morel Mushroom Contest!

FROM TOP: McCormick’s Creek State Park campground can be seen after initial road clearing. // Trail 5 to Wolf Cave is pictured under 6 to 8 feet of downed trees following the EF-3 tornado on March 31, 2023. PHOTOS COURTESY OF INDIANA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES.

Reflections: OCPL Director to retire in April

The time has come for me to write my last newspaper article as Director of the Owen County Public Library; I am about to embark on that new adventure called “retirement.” My last day at OCPL will be Friday, April 25.

I am so thankful to have had the privilege of serving as Director of the library these last 12 plus years. I am very proud of the work we have done at OCPL, and the part I was able to play in our accomplishments here, all the things we have built and services we have added.

In addition to “Sweet Owen” bragging rights, the mushroom hunter who finds the largest morel (length + width) will receive $50, while second place will be awarded $25, and third place $10.

The contest is open to Owen County residents only and will offi cially close at 4 p.m. on Friday, May 23. Entries cost $5 each and are not limited, so keep hunting as the season progresses.

Entry fees may be paid online, by check or money order or by cash at the time of entry. All proceeds will support The Owen News . The winners will be announced in our June 2025 issue.

The contest is limited to

Staff Report & Press Release

Printed local newspapers have been a given for most of our lives.

Over the last decade, however, what had become a fixture of most of our cities and towns is no longer a norm, but rather the exception – especially in rural communities. The Owen News offers a testament to what is possible when a community pushes back against what might seem inevitable and in the process, finds a local solution to keep community members informed and connected.

The Owen News, this year’s winner of the Quality of Place Innovation Award

TRUSTED NEWS FOR A THRIVING COMMUNITY

HOW TO CONTACT US

ADDRESS:

114 S. MAIN ST. SPENCER, IN 47460

EMAIL:

INFO@THEOWENNEWS.ORG

WWW.THEOWENNEWS.ORG

OUR BOARD

PRESIDENT

TRAVIS CURRY

VICE PRESIDENT

ASHLEY FLEETWOOD TREASURER

KURT ROSENBERGER BOARD MEMBERS

NICOLE DECRISCIO

AARON LAGRANGE

STEFAN WELSH

OUR STAFF

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

NICOLE DECRISCIO

ADVERTISING & BUSINESS MANAGER

LOLA GARRISON

CORRESPONDENTS

ELLIE ALBIN

HANNAH AMOS

LEANN BURKE

ELLA HOWELL

PICKUP LOCATIONS

BABBS SUPERMARKET

MILLGROVE COUNTRY MART

SOMMHERR’S BAKERY SPENCER PRIDE

CORRECTIONS POLICY

WE AIM FOR AS CLOSE TO PERFECTION AS HUMANLY POSSIBLE. PLEASE SEND CORRECTIONS TO INFO@THEOWENNEWS.ORG.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

WE WELCOME LETTERS TO THE EDITOR UP TO 300 WORDS. OUR FULL POLICY CAN BE FOUND ON OUR WEBSITE.

HOW TO DONATE

WE BELIEVE THAT OUR COMMUNITY DESERVES ACCESS TO RELIABLE, RESPONSIBLE AND ETHICAL NEWS. OUR MODEL IS RELIANT UPON DONATIONS MADE BY OUR READERS. ONLINE DONATIONS CAN BE MADE THROUGH OUR WEBSITE, BY USING THE QR CODE BELOW OR THROUGH THE OWEN COUNTY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION. CASH OR CHECK DONATIONS CAN BE MAILED TO US AT THE ADDRESS ABOVE.

ABOUT THE OWEN NEWS

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

Letter to the Editor

Nonsense about sex

The news that there is a request before the Commissioners to restrict the choices of informed parents to expose their child to a man who dresses in women’s clothes while reading a story concerns me. The move especially concerns me because it is based on ignorance about the varieties of human sexual expression.

I’m old enough to

remember a couple of occasions when women came home from the hospital without their baby and the parents were slow to announce whether the child was a boy or a girl. What was happening was that surgeons were tidying up the child so that it fit more clearly in either the male or the female category. Sometimes they picked the “right” category to adjust toward and sometimes the child grew

Government Meeting Calendar

March 10

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

March 11

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

March 13

Spencer-Owen Community Schools Board of Trustees, 7 p.m. in the gymnasium at Gosport Elementary School, 201 N. Ninth St., Gosport.

March 17

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.

March 20

Owen County Board of Commissioners, 6 p.m. in

Obituaries

Coming soon!

Our community, through the Needs Assessment completed as part of the Large Impact Planning Grant, resoundingly said that obituaries are a priority.

At The Owen News, we strive to get obituaries into the print product. However, the nature of a monthly paper means that printed obituaries can never be the main way to share this information with our community.

Our goal is to have our website be the go-to place for obituaries and to have this space, in our printed paper be a space of rememberance of those who have passed.

the Commissioners Room of the Owen County Courthouse, 60 S. Main St., Spencer.

March 25

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

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

Gosport Town Council, 7 p.m. in the Gosport

up uncomfortable with the choice.

The idea that there are two clearly differentiated sexes is nonsense. The county needs to avoid getting sucked into political posturing – for all our sakes.

— Leslie Nieves

The Owen News Letters to the Editor policy can be found online at theowennews.org/ our-policies. Letters must be sent in one week prior to the publication date.

Community Building, 301 N. Ninth St., Gosport.

March 27

Owen County Board of Zoning Appeals, 7 p.m. in the Commissioners Room of the Owen County Courthouse, 60 S. Main St., Spencer.

April 3

Owen County Board of Commissioners, 9 a.m. in the Commissioners Room of the Owen County Courthouse, 60 S. Main St., Spencer.

Community Events Calendar

March 7

Owen Valley High School Air Force Junior ROTC Military Ball, 6 to 9 p.m. at OVHS, 622 W. SR 46, Spencer.

Owen Valley Middle School Spring Fling, 6 to 8 p.m., in the OVMS cafetorium, 626 W. SR 46, Spencer. Semi-formal. Cost is $3 per person. Baked goods will be available for purchase for $1.

March 8

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.

Textiles through Time, 10 a.m. to noon at the Nature Center inside McCormick’s Creek State Park. Stop by to see a small loom weave demonstration.

Bingo Night, 6 p.m. in the 4-H Exhibit Hall at the Owen County Fairgrounds, 364 S. East St., Spencer. $20 for 10 games. Additional cards are $5. Cash prizes will be awarded. Gaming license #014638. Proceeds support the Owen County Fair.

Owen Valley Patriot Choirs’ concert, 3 p.m. in the Owen Valley High School Auditorium, 622 W. SR 46, Spencer. $5 per person. Featured groups will include the seventh and eighth grade choir, Patriot Choir, Sweet Pizzazz, The Valley Beat and The Valley Soundwaves.

March 10

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

March 11

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.

Purdue Extension-Owen County Annual Meeting and Dinner at the IGA Fellowship Hall, 95 W. Franklin St. in Spencer. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.; the event begins at 6 p.m. Free admission. RSVP by calling 812-829-5020 or emailing owences@purdue. edu.

March 12

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

March 13

Owen Valley Middle School Winter Sports Awards program, 6 p.m. at OVMS, 626 W. SR 46, Spencer. 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.

March 14-16

Live: The Outsiders, presented by the Owen County Civic Theatre, at the Historic Tivoli Theatre, 24 N. Washington St., Spencer. March 14, 7 p.m.; March 15, 2 p.m., and March 15, 7 p.m. Admission is $12 for adults and $5 youth.

March 15

Legislative Breakfast, 7:30 a.m. at Owen Valley Christian Fellowship, 338 S.R. 43S, Spencer. Sponsored by BBP Water Corporation and hosted by the Owen County Chamber of Commerce.

March 16

Spring equinox hike and celebration, 11 a.m. at the Owen-Putnam State Forest, 2153 Fish Creek Rd., Spencer. Hosted by Owen-Putnam Friends of the Forest and the Sierra Club Hoosier Chapter Outings Team. Meet at the Campgrounds Forest Office.

March 17

St. Patrick’s Day Party, noon to 7 p.m. at the CallPayton American Legion Post 285, 154 S. Main St., Spencer. Wear your green attire and celebrate with friends and members of the community.

March 18

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

March 20

Spencer Exchange Club meeting, noon at the Owen County Family YMCA, 1111 S.R. 46W, Spencer. Calico Homemakers meeting, 2 p.m. Meetings are

held at a different restaurant each month. For more information, call 812-8295020.

Owen County Homesteaders meeting, 4 to 6 p.m. at the Purdue Extension-Owen County office, 180 S. Washington St., Spencer. Attendees are encouraged to bring showand-tell items to share with the group.

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

March 23-26

Friendly Open Bible Community Church Spring Revival, 7 p.m., 14297 S.R. 246, Coal City.

March 24

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

March 25

Owen County Chamber of Commerce New Member Engagement Lunch, 11:30 a.m. to 1p.m. at the IGA Fellowship Hall, 95 W. Franklin St., Spencer. To RSVP, visit myowencountychamber. com or call 812-829-3245. Sponsored by Compass Rose Farm Sanctuary.

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

Owen Valley High School Winter Sports Awards program, 6 p.m. in the OVHS Auditorium, 622 W. SR 46, Spencer.

March 26

Spencer Pride Board of Directors meeting, 6:30 p.m. at the commUnity center, 17 E. Franklin St., Spencer.

March 27

Owen County Soil and Water Conservation District annual meeting, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the 4-H Building at the Owen County Fairgrounds, 364 S. East St., Spencer. Tickets are $10 for adults, free for children aged 12 and younger. RSVP to owenSWCD@gmail.com or call Tammy Bingham at 812-

606-6505. Tickets also are available at the SWCD River House, 788 Pottersville Rd., Spencer.

Owen Valley Band & Guard 2025 Winter Showcase, 8 p.m. in the main gymnasium at Owen Valley High School, 622 W. SR 46, Spencer. Free admission. The program will feature Varsity Winter Guard, Cadet Guard and Winter Percussion.

April 1

Cataract Lake Area Crime Watch meeting, 6:30 p.m. at the Cataract Volunteer Fire Department. Open to the public.

April 3

Owen Valley High School College/Career/Military Fair, 8 a.m. to noon in the main gymnasium at OVHS. Presented by OVHS Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG). For more information, call 812-829-2266, ext. 6246 or email mgillenwater@socs. k12.in.us.

Coal City Crime Watching meeting, 7 p.m. at the Jefferson Baptist Church, 4019 Main St., Coal City. Open to the public.

April 4

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.

April 5

Bluebird nest box building workshop, 1 p.m. at the Pine Bluff Shelter inside McCormick’s Creek State Park, presented by the Brown County Bluebird Club. Preregistration is required at b4bluebirds@gmail.com. Owen County Farmers’ Market Vendor Meeting, 3 p.m. in the Community Room at the Owen County Public Library, 10 S. Montgomery St., Spencer.

April 6

Spencer Pride general meeting, 4 p.m. at the commUnity center, 17xe E.

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.

2-6

Robert Bandy, 44, Freedom, preliminary charges of domestic battery on a person less than 14-years-old (two counts), intimidation and disorderly conduct. Arrested by Spencer Police Department (SPD) officer Bryce Brock. Christopher Elrod, 49, Quincy, preliminary charge of domestic battery. Owen County Sheriff’s Department (OCSD) Deputy Brennan Clark was the arresting officer.

Meredith Enkoff, 37, Spencer, preliminary charges of resisting law enforcement and criminal trespass. Arrested by SPD officer E.J. Westgate.

2-9

William Dean, 47, Spencer, preliminary charge of operating a vehicle while intoxicated endangering a person. OCSD Deputy Jacob Williamson was the arresting officer.

2-10

James Blankenship, 40, Poland, IN, preliminary charges of domestic battery, criminal mischief and criminal recklessness. Arrested by OCSD K9

Deputy Joseph Musgrove.

2-12

Rebecca Maegerlein, 44, Spencer, preliminary charges of cruelty to an animal (seven counts), possession of paraphernalia and failure to appear. OCSD Sergeant Brandon Gasparovic was the arresting officer.

2-13

Alexander Jordan, 25, Spencer, preliminary charges of failure to appear and intimidation.

SPD officer Patrick Patterson was the arresting officer.

2-16

Joshua Hall, 19, Spencer, preliminary charge of intimidation. Arrested by OCSD Deputy Cory Poland.

2-17

Sara Whitaker, 36, Freedom, preliminary charges of possession of methamphetamine and probation violation. OCSD Deputy Tony Stevens was the arresting officer.

2-18

Carrie Stichter, 45, Alamo, IN, preliminary charge of auto theft. Arrested by OCSD Major William Snodgrass. Joseph Taylor, 42, Spencer, preliminary charges of probation violation and possession of methamphetamine. Indiana Conservation Officer Caleb Hutchison was the arresting officer.

2-20

Megan Peterson, 39, Ellettsville, preliminary charge of criminal trespass. Arrested by

Food Inspections

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

Reported below are the no violation, critical and non-critical comments left for these establishments:

2-13

Sweet Valley Ice Cream, 330 W. State Road 46, Spencer: No violations.

Pantry Pizzeria, 330 W. State Road 46, Spencer: No violations. Papi Chulo’s Cantina, 330 W. State Road 46, Spencer: 1 critical. Observed open, premade food with no “prepared-on” or similar labeling in the walk-in fridge. 2 non-critical. Observed improper scoop for salsa storage; observed frozen chicken products sitting out and un-thawed (2:10 p.m.).

OCSD Deputy John Lowder II.

Krystal Dennison, 27, Freedom, preliminary charges of unlawful possession of a syringe and probation violation. OCSD Major William Snodgrass was the arresting officer.

Sunshine Fisher, 33, Gosport, preliminary charges of possession of paraphernalia and driving while suspended with a prior charge. Arrested by OCSD Deputy Cory Poland.

Destiny Goff, 29, Spencer, preliminary charges of identity deception and criminal trespass. OCSD Deputy Elijah Volrich was the arresting officer.

2-21

Quinton Ruble, 31, Poland, IN, preliminary charges of probation violation and dealing in methamphetamine. Arrested by OCSD Deputy Brennan Clark. Brandon Collins, 20, Freedom, preliminary charges of reckless driving and resisting law enforcement. OCSD Lieutenant Clint Wampler was the arresting officer.

2-22

Andrew Stout, 36, Indianapolis, preliminary charges of failure to appear, operating while intoxicated and carrying a handgun without a license. Arrested by OCSD Deputy Brennan Clark.

2-23

Tarin Medley, 38, Spencer, preliminary charge of driving while suspended with a prior charge. SPD officer Patrick Patterson was the

When asked how long they’d been out, was informed they were set out that morning.

2-20

Hopper’s Hut, food truck: 1 non-critical. Must clean off food prep surfaces before preparing food.

Casey’s General Store, 639 W. State Road 46, Spencer: 1 critical. Observed food products (Combos Stuffed Snacks)

arresting officer.

Bryan Herrington, 35, Spencer, preliminary charge of operating while intoxicated. Arrested by OCSD Deputy Jacob Williamson.

2-24

Michal Hale, 43, Spencer, preliminary charges of intimidation, criminal mischief, trafficking and possession of marijuana, hash oil, hashish or salvia. SPD officer Bryce Brock was the arresting officer. Brian Abrell II, 34, Spencer, preliminary charges of driving while suspended with a prior charge and possession of paraphernalia. Arrested by OCSD K9 Deputy Joseph Musgrove.

2-25

Michael Farris, Jr., 37, Spencer, preliminary charges of failure to appear and dealing in methamphetamine. OCSD Major William Snodgrass was the arresting officer. Joseph Blendin, 32, Bloomington, preliminary charges of possession of a firearm by a serious felon and theft. SPD officer Ryan Combs was the arresting officer.

2-26

Brian Cline, 45, Spencer, preliminary charges of operating a vehicle as a habitual traffic violator (HTV), failure to appear and auto theft. Arrested by OCSD Deputy Brennan Clark. Brent Shelton, 40, Poland, IN, preliminary charges of dealing in methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine,

being stored with antifreeze. 1 non-critical. Observed open ice cream cones laying on the counter behind the cold brew machine.

2-24

Chambers Restaurant, 72 W. Market Street, Spencer: 2 critical. Observed no designated handwashing sink in back kitchen. Recommendation –dedicate one bay of

possession of a firearm by a serious felon, possession of a controlled substance, possession of paraphernalia, dealing in marijuana, hash oil, hashish or salvia and neglect of a dependent; child selling. OCSD Major William Snodgrass was the arresting officer.

2-27

Robert Maier, 57, New Palestine, IN, preliminary charges of stalking, operating with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08 to .14 and computer trespass. Arrested by SPD Sergeant Terry Sips.

2-28

Angela Gillin, 47, Spencer, preliminary charges of possession of methamphetamine and possession of paraphernalia. SPD officer Ryan Combs was the arresting officer.

3-1

James Stewart, 25, Coatesville, preliminary charges of driving while suspended with a prior charge, possession of paraphernalia and possession of marijuana, hash oil, hashish or salvia. Arrested by OCSD Deputy Stephen DeWitt II.

3-3

Maria Stewart, 41, Poland, IN, preliminary charges of counterfeiting (five counts). OCSD Special Deputy Levi Miller was the arresting officer. Jeremy Walker, 47, Bowling Green, preliminary charge of driving while suspended with a prior charge. Arrested by SPD officer Ryan Combs.

the two-bay sink in the middle of the kitchen as the handwashing sink; observed employee cutting tomatoes for salad bar without wearing gloves. 1 non-critical. Observed several ceiling tiles with an accumulation of dust, water damage and warped in the kitchen above food prep surfaces.

Temporary traffic signals installed on SR 43S

Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) contractor CLR, Inc. recently began work on a small structure paved invert project on State Road 43 South, between Parkview Drive and Wood Drive, south of SR 46E.

According to Sidney Nierman, Public Relations Director for INDOT’s Southeast District, the small structure paved invert work includes the installation of new concrete headwalls, which help to

support the areas surrounding the drainpipe. New headwalls, she explained, will also be installed at each end of the drainpipe along SR 43S.

In addition, Nierman said crews will work to fill in areas of the drainpipe that have experienced deterioration over time to improve the overall drainage in the area.

The project, part of a contract awarded to CLR in July of 2024, is expected to be completed in late April, weather permitting.

Temporary traffic signals are being utilized while work is in progress.

New signs focus of Coal City projects

“Where there is no vision, the people perish.” – Proverbs 29:18

In late 2023, I resolved to do something about our iconic but aging Coal City “Old Grouch” signs. It was the second version of the sign, the design featuring smiley face artwork. The signs were well-worn, the paint was faded, and the wooden frames were rotting away from years of outdoor aging. I took several pictures and sent them to A Sign Stop in Terre Haute with a request to duplicate the 4’x4’

signs.

Well, what I received was a draft design featuring Sesame Street characters. My wife, who is a semi-retired elementary school teacher, thought it was appropriate. I was perplexed because I thought it would be a simple reproduction of the sign shown in the pictures I submitted. Steve at A Sign Stop told me he thought it would not be suitable for a welcome sign, so he used the Sesame Street characters. I had failed to communicate to him that it was not a welcome sign, but Coal City’s iconic

festival sign. Anyway, the design grew on me. I personally funded this project; two local men, Rick and Lyman, helped me install the new framework and signs.

Next, I had to figure out a way to get the community involved with a fundraising idea. Years before, I came across the Original Old Fashioned Almanac Calendar through a historic, out-of-state hardware store. They used the calendar to advertise their store, and I saved the name and address. The Tennessee company has produced this

Daylight Saving Time to begin

Staff Report

It’s almost time to “spring forward.” Daylight saving time begins at 2 a.m. on Sunday, March 9.

Digital devices, including computers, TVs and cell phones, will automatically update to the new time at

2 a.m., but all other clocks should be manually changed before going to bed on the night of Saturday, March 8, turning them ahead by one full hour.

Daylight saving time ends on the first Sunday of November each year. This year the clocks will “fall back” an hour on Sunday, Nov. 2.

SWCD Annual Meeting is March 27

Staff Report

The Owen County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) will host its annual meeting on Thursday, March 27 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the 4-H Building at the Owen County Fairgrounds, 364 S. East St., Spencer.

Annual meetings of the SWCD are mandated by state law, requiring public reporting on the district’s finances and grants, current activities, upcoming plans, and as an opportunity to elect new board supervisors. Meetings are open to the public; board supervisors are voted onto the board by county landowners. Attendees at the upcoming event will enjoy a hearty charcuterie feast with refreshments and desserts, all while enjoying music performed by Tammy Pate from High Sierra. In addition, the evening will feature the opportunity to learn

upcoming SWCD programs, projects and events, and to meet resource technicians, volunteers and board supervisors.

Laura Demarest, Watershed Coordinator, will introduce the SWCD’s recently awarded Fish Creek Watershed 319 Implementation Grant and how you may qualify for its benefits.

Amy Rednour, owner of A Fungus Among Us, LLC, a firstgeneration mushroom farm located in Spencer, will also be on hand to lead attendees into the secret world of mushrooms. She may even share tips on finding morels.

Tickets are $10 for adults, free for children aged 12 and younger. Please RSVP to owenSWCD@ gmail.com or call Tammy Bingham at 812-606-6505. Tickets also are available at the SWCD River House, 788 Pottersville Rd., Spencer. Call the SWCD office with any questions or for more information.

classic calendar for over 140 years. It is an American tradition.

In 2024, I started offering the calendar for sale for a donation of $25. The calendar featured a custom header about our sign. I ordered more for 2025, but with a different header. I plan to continue to offer this yearly calendar, each with a different header about Coal City and Jefferson Township. A tradition is born. If you would like

to contribute and invest in a local, visible cause please consider ordering your 2025 Coal City “Old Grouch” Original Old Fashioned Almanac Calendar. Email MakeCoalCity GreatAgain@proton. me or call 812-8594266.

Phase two of the project is the Coal City welcome sign. I teamed up with Jason Kinney from the Owen County Historical & Genealogical Society for this phase of the project; his

historical knowledge was invaluable. We selected key structures with historical value and relevance, and I contracted with David Pigg, a pencil artist from Terre Haute, to draw each of the structures. Eight drawings are completed and the sketches scanned for the draft design of the sign, which will be eight feet wide and five or six feet tall and set in a permanent structure on the north and south ends of town.

CLR, Inc. recently began work on a small structure paved invert project on State Road 43S, resulting in the installation of temporary

Spencer Council hears park project update

Working in the absence of councilman Jon Stantz, Spencer Town Council members Evan McKalip and Mike Spinks met in regular session Feb. 18, along with clerk-treasurer Cheryl Moke, town manager Hunter Stogsdill and town attorney Richard Lorenz.

Following approval of the Feb. 3 meeting minutes, the council heard from Colleen Minnemeyer, a member of the Spencer Parks and Recreation Committee, regarding the committee’s plan to develop a vacant lot on the northeast corner of S. Main and E. Cooper Streets into a pocket park.

Typically, a pocket park occupies one to three municipal lots and is smaller than one acre in size. The committee envisions public restrooms, a full-size basketball court and two pickleball courts occupying the currently unused space.

Minnemeyer presented the council with a progress update, including a proposed site development plan prepared by architecture firm Rundell Ernstberger Associates (REA). She noted REA’s original plan was divided into two phases in the event the entire project could not be funded at once. The Spencer Parks and Recreation Committee is actively applying for grant funding, Minnemeyer said, and feels strongly that they will be able to secure a sizable portion of the overall project cost.

Although completing the entire project in one phase would be more cost-effective, Minnemeyer said the committee is willing to undertake the project in separate phases as funding allows.

In other business, the council voted 2-0 to approve three invoices from Commonwealth Engineers related to wastewater system improvements and extensions, including Wastewater Improvements Phase 1, $11,400; Wastewater Improvements Phase 1, $686.83; and MCSP

(McCormick’s Creek State Park) Project, $15,665.15.

Spencer Police Department (SPD) Chief Richard Foutch later addressed the council, reporting he had posted an employment ad on the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy website. Foutch said the department aims to hire at least two additional officers due to impending changes to his department and officers attending the academy.

Foutch also presented the council with a quote from John Jones for the purchase of a new police pursuit vehicle. The quote was for $62,043.50, with additional police radio system costs bringing the grand total to $65,608.55.

Councilman Spinks made a motion to approve the purchase of the vehicle for the SPD. McKalip seconded the motion, which passed 2-0.

In addition, Foutch publicly thanked the Owen County Health Department for donating a ZOLL manufactured automated external defibrillator (AED) to the Town of Spencer. Towns are required to have an AED in case of emergencies. AEDs are described as life-saving tools that deliver critical care to someone experiencing sudden cardiac arrest before an ambulance can arrive. The AED cabinet has been installed on an interior wall of the Spencer Municipal Building.

Sewer department superintendent Ryan Klaassen provided an update on the sewer plant and collections, explaining that a damaged sewer line on James Drive needed to be replaced. Tree roots, he said, have caused a 100-percent blockage of the sewer line. He presented a quote from DuBois Excavating for $7,800.

Spinks made a motion to approve the sewer line replacement quote from DuBois Excavating. McKalip seconded the motion, which passed 2-0.

Klaassen also presented the council with two quotes from Brown Equipment Company (BEC) for the purchase of a hydro-jetter trailer, both of which were lower than quotes obtained

two years ago for similar equipment. The council took the quotes under advisement until its next meeting.

Lastly, Klaassen presented the board with a quote for the purchase of a new service vehicle from Curry Auto Center. Again, the council took the matter under advisement until its next meeting.

Regarding the Owen Valley Fire Territory, clerktreasurer Moke reported that a new attorney was recently hired by the fire territory board – Christine Bartlett with Bloomington-based Ferguson Law. Bartlett also serves as an attorney for the Spencer-Owen School Board, Moke explained.

The council met again on March 3 with all three council members in attendance, along with clerk-treasurer Moke, town manager Stogsdill, and town attorney Lorenz.

Following acceptance of the Feb. 18 meeting minutes, the council voted 3-0 to approve an ABATE of Indiana memorial ride event request for May 25, from 10 a.m. to noon. The SPD will provide a police escort out of town at the conclusion of the event.

Under departmental reports, the council learned the SPD received eight applicants for its open police officer positions. Plans call for interviews to be conducted within two weeks.

Street department superintendent Tony Floyd told the council his department had focused attention the previous week on sweeping town streets of sand and salt left behind from treating streets over the

winter months. Their efforts help prevent excess salt and sand from being washed into storm sewers and surface waters.

Floyd also provided the council with an update related to the Community Crossings Matching Grant (CCMG) program. The program provides funding for cities, towns and counties across Indiana to make improvements to local roads and bridges, with Spencer prepared to again apply for funds to repave select streets.

The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) holds two CCMG Call for Projects each year, one in January and one in July. Floyd said he and the Town of Spencer will apply for the next round in July.

Floyd also requested council permission to supply and spread a single load of stone at the Brad Harris property located off Hyden Road, just outside of town limits. Floyd said the department utilizes the drive as a turnround when plowing snow.

“Every four or five years we’ll bring them a load of stone and utilize one of our tractors to spread and grade the drive,” Floyd said. “It’s just a friendly thank you for letting us use their drive.”

Councilman McKalip made a motion to approve the request, which was seconded by councilman Spinks and approved 2-0-1. Stantz abstained from the vote, noting a family connection to the property owner.

Klaassen, superintendent of the town’s sewer department, provided the council with an update on the ongoing SPENCER | PAGE 12

Local author publishes first book

Blackmail, road trips and handsome British strangers highlight fi rst-time author and 2009 Owen Valley High School graduate Nikota Brault’s self-published novel, “Where Beauty Never Fades: A Destined Encounters Novel.”

Brault hosted a book signing event on Feb. 18 at the Owen County Public Library (OCPL) in Spencer, where among other details, the fi rst-time novelist discussed the book’s central character, 23-year-old Remy Montgomery.

“Remy seems to have it all, but in reality, she has lived in a gilded cage her entire life on the Upper East Side of NYC,” she explained. “Blackmailed into an engagement by her womanizing, egotistical boyfriend wasn’t on Remy’s todo list, but here she is. After all, how could she have predicted that her controlling mother would have constructed this awful situation? If Remy stays, she is subjecting

herself to a lifetime of unhappiness but, if she leaves, Remy risks the happiness of the one person she cares for most, her dad.”

Ultimately, Remy is forced to make an impossible decision.

“On the eve of her wedding, Remy fi nds a lucky opportunity to escape her unwanted life sentence with the help of Oliver Aldey, a handsome British stranger,” Brault continued. “Together they embark on a multi-city journey that eventually leads Remy to her safe haven and a place where beauty never fades.”

Brault is no stranger to storytelling, cultivating a love of writing that began in the third grade into her fi rst novel, a labor of love that took seven years to complete from start to fi nish.

“I don’t have the luxury of writing fulltime,” Brault said. “The fi rst line of the novel just popped into my head one day and was just rolling around over and over and over, and the main character just started talking to me over the course of the next seven years.”

A 15-year employee of the OCPL where she serves as head of circulation in the Youth Services Department, Brault said she enjoys the creative freedom of writing in her spare time.

“It’s a good outlet for getting things out of your head and for getting ideas down on paper,” she explained. “It’s an outlet for your emotions and another way to express yourself.”

Brault, who now makes her home in nearby Bloomington with her husband Russell Knapp, said she had already begun working on her second book, though the future release date is not known.

“I’m about six chapters in,” she said. “I already have a lot of people chasing me down wanting to know when it will be published, which means a lot.”

As for how many books she envisions writing in the series, Brault said “two for sure, but there could potentially be a third based on another character in the world the book

encompasses.” Geared toward the new adults and adult book categories, “Where Beauty Never Fades: A Destined Encounters Novel” involves a series of twists, turns and romance that no doubt has readers clamoring for the second installment in the series.

“Where Beauty Never Fades” is available for purchase online through

Amazon, Walmart, Barnes and Noble and Books-A-Million to name a few. The book can also be purchased directly from the author by contacting her via email at nikotawrites@gmail. com.

Brault can also be found on various social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram and TikTok by searching Nikota Writes.

Nikota Brault, a 2009 graduate of Owen Valley High School, signed copies of her first book, “Where Beauty Never Fades: A Destined Encounters Novel,” during an event held Feb. 18 at the Owen County Public Library. TRAVIS CURRY | THE OWEN NEWS

Routine matters discussed at CCSC Board meeting

The seven-member Cloverdale Community School Corporation (CCSC) Board of School Trustees met in regular session on Feb. 10 to approve routine matters, recognize student and staff members of the month, and to address several items under the new business portion of the meeting.

Under routine matters, the board voted 6-0-1 to approve meeting minutes for work, executive, regular and annual finance sessions held Jan. 13, as well as work sessions held Jan. 18 and Jan. 28.

Acting on a motion from board member Donna Fidler, seconded by Mike Rightmyer II, the board also voted unanimously to approve the latest claims and financial reports, which CCSC Superintendent Greg Linton advised totaled $2,664,190.23 since the board’s previous meeting.

Next, the board voted 7-0 following a motion from Melissa Carrell, seconded by Emily Haltom, to approve Board Policies Vol. 36, No. 1 and Special Update.

The board later recognized the corporation’s Student of the Month honorees for February, which included Cloverdale Elementary School (CES) student Harper Lotz, Cloverdale Middle School (CMS) student Ally Shepherd and Cloverdale High School (CHS) student Autumn Wheeler.

“All of you young people honored here tonight represent the best in our school corporation,” board president Vivian Whitaker said at the conclusion of the presentations, addressing the Student of the Month recipients. “You each have parents and family with you here tonight. You’re lucky to have them here to support you, and that’s a big reason why you’re all being recognized here tonight, because of how much they care for you and have set examples and standards for you to be. I wish you all continued success in school.”

Megan Puckett, Knoy Resource Center Program Director and third grade teacher at CES, was recognized as the latest Staff Member of the Month.

“We received an email this afternoon. They had a site review of the Knoy Center, and it was very, very positive,” Whitaker said. “We want to thank Megan for everything she has done in that program.”

The goal of the corporation’s Knoy Resource Center is to provide students with academic and enrichment opportunities, as well as additional activities to complement their regular academic programs at CES and CMS.

Also recognized was Cooper Wilson, a third grader at CES, who earned the Good Citizen Award for the month of February, presented by Cloverdale Town Marshal Adam Hull.

“Cooper always prioritizes others and genuinely cares about the safety and wellbeing of his classmates,” Hall said. “His infectious smile and positive attitude create an environment in the classroom where everyone feels valued. Cooper’s leadership qualities make him a role model for his fellow students, truly embodying the spirit of citizenship at Cloverdale Elementary.”

Moving on to new business, the board voted 7-0 to approve Title IV federal grant funds totaling $19,706.54 for the 202425 school year.

The board also voted 7-0 to approve a Special Education Teachers Summer Stipend Day for nine teachers.

“All of our special education teachers and staff have to transition students’ IPs (intellectual property) over into a new system,” Linton explained. “It’s a good bit of work, so we want to be able to provide them with a paid day over the summer to be able to have some time to do this, so they don’t have to do it on their own time.”

Similarly, the board voted 7-0 to approve a Summer Stipend Day for teachers who participated in the Indiana Learning Evaluation and Assessment Readiness Network (ILEARN) pilot program.

“We have several teachers that participated in the ILEARN pilot program, and we would like to give them some time this summer as well to be able to analyze the data we have collected from that process,” Linton said, “and to be able to use what we’ve learned and to

be able to implement that into the classroom next year.”

The board also cast separate 7-0 votes to approve acceptance of a grant for CHS, as well as donations for CES and CHS.

In addition, the board unanimously approved the following professional leave, field trip, and facility use requests: Professional Leaves

Jan. 10 – Michaela Marcum, Praxis 5205 test for license renewal, CES.

TBD in Feb. – Nick Winders, shadow Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) program at Greencastle Middle School.

TBD in Feb. – Megan Schroeder, Carolyn Hall and Jill Schreiber, transition to Individualized Education Program (IEP), CMS.

TBD in Feb. – Morgan Barley, Whitney Roberts, Rachel Scott, Debra Estep and Chelsea Reed, transition to IEP, CES.

Feb. 12 – Jill Schreiber, Reading Routines Workshop, Area 30 at Greencastle.

Feb. 13 – Chelsey Meluch, Nicole Campbell and Lori Halloran, Leader in Me Community Day, Monticello, IN.

Feb. 17 – Chelsey Meluch, School Safety Basic Training, Indianapolis.

Mar.=ch 19 – Ethan Linton, Indiana State University (ISU) Educational Extravaganza, ISU Career Center, Terre Haute.

March 31 – Sandi Price, Snails to Trails clerical work, CMS.

April 29 – Megan Puckett, IN

Afterschool Network Conference for Knoy, Plainfield.

Field Trips

Jan. 17 – Cloverdale JAG, IVY Tech, Terre Haute.

Jan. 18 – CHS Winter Guard, Martinsville High School.

Jan. 25 – CHS Winter Guard, Plainfield High School.

Feb. 3 – CMS eighth grade class, Putnam County Fairgrounds, Area 30.

Feb. 15 – CHS Winter Guard, Brownsburg High School.

Feb. 22 – CHS Winter Guard, Terre Haute South High School.

March 7 or 8 – CHS Band, Terre Haute South High School.

March 8 – CHS Winter Guard, Franklin Central High School.

March 8 – CMS Ethics Team, Prindle at DePauw, Greencastle.

March 14 or 15 – CMS Band, Monrovia High School.

March 15 – CHS Winter Guard, Decatur Central High School.

March 15 – Bring Change 2 Mind, Colts practice field, Indianapolis.

April 25 – CES second grade class, Skate World, Deming Park.

May 9 – CES fourth grade class, Putnam County Fairgrounds.

Facility Use

Jan. 10 - Mar. 28, Fridays – Performing Arts, A Class Winter Guard instruction, CES gymnasium.

Feb. 1 – Student Council, Homecoming Dance, CHS

SAGAMORES | FROM PAGE 1

and a deeply humbling moment for me,” Welsh said. “It represents not just recognition for the work I’ve done but also a reflection of the team I’ve been fortunate to work alongside.”

Neff had just woken up when he received the news in an email. He said he had to reread it a couple of times.

“They were informing me that I was going to be a recipient of the Sagamore of the Wabash and that it would be the last group of those that Gov. Holcomb was going to be awarding,” Neff said. “So that right there was a big surprise, a good way to start the morning.”

Those awarded with the Sagamore of the Wabash are unique as every active governor has their own set criteria and recognize Hoosiers for their dedication at their own discretion, but anyone can be nominated.

“To be recognized this way by Gov. Holcomb is something I never expected. I’ve always believed in doing the work because it matters, and I felt lucky to have had the chance to do it,” Welsh said.

“I feel a deep sense of gratitude for the team I was part of and the good we did for Hoosiers.”

While recognition for their efforts to make an impact feels good, Welsh said he hopes his work shows that leadership isn’t about titles and awards.

MOREL | FROM PAGE 1

yellow or gray morel (sponge) mushroom varieties. All entries must have been found in Owen County. All entries must be measured at our office, 114 S. Main St., Spencer, either by appointment by calling 812510-4662 or emailing info@ theowennews.org. Office hours specifically for the mushroom contest are:

- March 20, noon to 5 p.m.

- March 25, 9 to 10:30 a.m.

- March 27, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

- April 1, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 to 5 p.m.

- April 3, 2 to 5 p.m.

- April 8, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 to 5 p.m.

- April 15, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

- April 17, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 to 5 p.m.

- April 22, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 to 5 p.m.

- April 29, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 to 5 p.m.

- May 1, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 to 5 p.m.

- May 6, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 to 5 p.m.

- May 13, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 to 5 p.m.

- May 15, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

- May 20, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 to 5 p.m.

- May 23, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

This year’s contest is sponsored by A Fungus

Among Us, LLC.

“It’s about service, persistence and the willingness to step up when there’s a need. Whether it’s through public service, community engagement or helping a stranger, I want folks to see that real change happens when you combine vision with action,” Welsh said.

Neff has a similar view on the overarching purpose of getting involved and making a lasting impact in his community. Based on his experience, he knows the importance of consistency in the next generation of leaders.

“You have to roll up your sleeves and produce something, make a contribution and find something you’re interested in that makes a big difference,” Neff said.

As a reminder, morel mushrooms typically start to emerge when the soil temperature reaches around 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit. They prefer air temperatures in the 60s and 70s during the day and no lower than 45 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit at night.

For the best longevity and to prevent mushrooms from going bad, mushrooms should be stored in a brown paper bag or lined with paper towels to absorb excess moisture. Storing them in plastic traps moisture, leading to a slimy texture and creates the potential for mold growth.

The best way to harvest morel mushrooms is to cut them at the base with scissors or a knife, or pinch them off at the base with your fingers. Cutting or pinching ensures that the mushroom is removed without damaging the mycelium, which is the underground network that helps the mushrooms grow.

Using a mesh bag is also recommended because it allows the spores to fall back to the ground as you continue your hunt, potentially helping to

“If it’s a subject that you know you may have personal interest in, or something that’s unique that you want to learn more about or do more with, that’s probably a good starting point.”

Neff recently got his award back from being framed and hung it on the wall to serve as a reminder of his impact and a motivator to continue his work.

He hopes that he can show those who will strive to become leaders that committing to make an impact is worth their time, with or without feedback.

“Everything’s so fragmented these days. There’s so many different sources of information and things. People get things differently, interact differently, and so it’s very tough

maintain or increase the morel population.

Morels are found in various habitats, often near dead or dying trees such as elms, poplars and ash trees, as well as in old apple orchards. Morel mushrooms are considered to be mycorrhizal, meaning they form a mutualistic relationship with the roots of trees. This relationship benefits both the fungus and the tree, with the fungus

to see a clear end point,” Neff said. “Today’s leaders need to do more to encourage and reckon and support the next group of leaders.”

Welsh said some of the most meaningful projects he’s been a part of have come from asking, “How can we help?” He said people who authentically engage with their communities will always be the ones who leave a lasting impact.

“This recognition isn’t just about one person — it’s about a collective effort to make Indiana a better place,” Welsh said. “I look forward to continuing that work and finding new ways to contribute to the future of our state.”

receiving carbohydrates from the plant and the plant gaining access to more water and nutrients from the soil due to the increased surface area provided by the mycelium of the fungus. This dual nature of morels— being both mycorrhizal and saprotrophic—explains why they can be found in a variety of environments, including around dead or dying trees.

Good luck and happy hunting!

tornado, just below violent. This means there were wind speeds ranging from 136-165 mph and falls under “severe” on the EF Scale.

The time it took for the tornado to complete its path through the park was estimated to be 30 to 40 seconds, and in that time 282 out of the park’s 1,961 acres were damaged, according to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

While the damage to the park was extensive, it wasn’t the only thing lost after the March 31, 2023 tornado. Brett and Wendy Kindcaid lost their lives when the storm passed through McCormick’s Creek.

According to their service announcement from SollerBaker Funeral Homes and Crematory, the couple died “doing what they loved, camping together.”

Not long after the storm, the Owen County Chamber of Commerce visited Owen Valley High School to encourage students to create a project that would help better the community. One student wanted to help restore the park he’s grown to love and encouraged his peers to join him.

Sawyer LaGrange is passionate about the environment and had already started the club Students for the Planet at the school. Following the extensive damage to different areas throughout the park, LaGrange started a second student group, Patriots for the Park.

“That’s always kind of been in the back of my mind, just the devastation that the park has gone through, “ LaGrange said. “So I knew that the project I wanted to do was to help our park, because in my mind, this community is so tied to our park that, you know, they’re one in the same.”

Students in the group work to raise money for restoration projects to reopen trail five through donations from local businesses and residents of the community and earning profits through fundraising events.

“Pretty much for the entirety of football season at my high school, we were at our home football games selling baked goods,” LaGrange said. “We’ve also made tote bags and cups and magnets and key chain stuff, so kind of crafting and creating different things that we can sell.”

Initially, LaGrange had settled on a goal of raising $10,000 for the park and was skeptical of their ability to reach it. Before the first semester even ended, it was clear they could shoot for more to make a bigger impact on recovery efforts.

Now, over halfway to their

$25,000 goal, the students have also recently started working on writing grants to help them reach it. In addition to their goal, the Owen County Community Foundation is partnering with them and will match their donation if they meet their goal.

Amy Lanham is the media specialist at the school and wanted to help by supporting LaGrange’s initiative to bring awareness to environmental issues. She said the students have also learned a lot of useful skills in the process of helping to restore the park.

“One of the most exciting things about it is it uses a lot of different skills because they’ve learned about marketing, they’ve learned about website creation, obviously learning about grant writing, which pours over into them applying for scholarships … It taught them about sales, and then we were able to donate the items that didn’t sell at the fair directly to the park, and they are selling them there,” Lanham said.

LaGrange appreciates her dedication and support for the students in their steps to help the planet and raise money for McCormick’s Creek.

“She already had so much responsibility that she has to take care of, and she stepped up,” LaGrange said. “[She] was able to help Students for the Planet and Patriots for the Park, and she really has done a phenomenal job at propelling us forward.”

In addition to the support students have received from faculty at the school, both Lanham and LaGrange have credited the community for part of their success so far in the project.

“Without them, there’s no way that we could have done any of this. So it’s really been just a community endeavor, which is really neat to see,” Lanham said. “We’ve had a lot of different businesses that have supported us.”

Tom Hohman is the president of Indiana Parks Alliance which has donated $5,000 to Patriots for the Park. They have also made sure to get the word out about how people can help this group of students’ cause.

“We’re not major dollar players in the recovery efforts, but [we’re] trying to provide what support we can,” Hohman said. “Friends of the Park usually do things that tax dollars can’t do.”

Hohman said from an outside perspective it has also been nice to see the effort and support that has come from the community.

“I don’t live in Spencer, but it’s been nice to see the support that the town of Spencer has given to the park and the recovery efforts,” he said. “I can tell that the park means a lot to them.”

There has been a big community effort in the two years since the tornado to help

restore McCormick’s Creek State Park. Whether it’s through donations or volunteer work, local businesses and members of the community have stepped up in the process of restoring the park.

LaGrange said his advice for those who are hoping to get involved is that “you just have to go for it.”

“I think that that’s been the most rewarding thing about this whole thing is that we put it into action, and, you know, we’re getting it done, and we’re going to be able to see at the end of it that we did have an impact on McCormick’s Creek,” he said.

Now a senior at Owen Valley, LaGrange will attend Indiana University to study environmental management in the fall and continue his efforts

to remain a positive impact on the planet.

“I started Students for the Planet at my high school because I felt like kids often feel like there’s nothing that they can do. The world’s always going crazy, and when you’re a kid, you feel like you can’t do anything about that,” LaGrange said. “So, you just have to kind of take life in your hands and do what you can because there’s always going to be something that you can do.”

“That nature preserve will never look anywhere near the same in my lifetime … but in a couple hundred years that’ll be what it wasn’t before,” he said. “Tornadoes are a natural occurrence. It’s not like man made disturbances, it’s a natural

TRAIL | PAGE 10

Owen Valley High School Sports Calendar

April 2

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

April 3

11 a.m. – Varsity girls’ softball vs North CentralFarmersburg at Owen Valley.

5:30 p.m. – Varsity co-ed

track & field vs Edgewood at Edgewood.

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

April 4

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

Cloverdale Sports Calendar

March 8

9 a.m. – Middle School Boys’ wrestling at WIC Tourney at Edgewood.

TRAIL | FROM PAGE 10

occurrence that existed far before we were impacting it. So nature looks at things in a longer term than we do.”

Hohman encourages people who enjoyed the park before the tornado to keep coming back. He said watching nature recover is also a natural experience. He himself has returned to the park

“It’s interesting watching it. That first year, certain native bushes that bear fruit, or have flowers and fruit, are more prolific,” Hohman said. “They’re bearing more fruit because they’re getting more

April 5

10 a.m. – Varsity girls’ softball vs Crawfordsville at Cloverdale.

sunlight … It’s going to be interesting to go back there every year and watch how it differs from the year before. How it recovers.”

LaGrange hopes others find what they’re passionate about in giving back to the planet. He encourages young people in the community to develop their leadership by encouraging peers to join them in making a change.

“Improve the world and make a difference,” LaGrange said. “You always just have to go after it, you know, believe in yourself and believe in whatever it is you’re fighting for, and I think that’s the key to making a difference.”

OVHS grad gains experience at Indiana Statehouse

Press Release

Colin Harris is serving as an intern for the Indiana Senate Majority Caucus during the 2025 legislative session, said Senate President Pro Tempore Rodric Bray.

Harris, a native of Spencer, is the

RETIRE | FROM PAGE 1

I want to thank the OCPL Board that hired me: Frank Coffin, Don Taylor, David Weaver, Dodie Schinske and Myrna Fields. Barbara Winders joined the board within a year or two, joining a core group that I called my Dream Team Library Board. I was so pleased to find that they were all library users, which makes such a difference in the viewpoint of a library trustee. I came to rely on them so much for advice, guidance, encouragement and eventually, friendship. I am so blessed to have worked for and with such caring people. They have been supportive of our desire to be of service to this community in all the various ways we have endeavored to serve. They have shown concern for our staff and have lived up to their responsibility to monitor the way taxpayer money is spent. I think that our

son of Craig and Cheri Harris. Harris graduated from Owen Valley High School and is a graduate of Indiana University with degrees in English and criminal justice.

“Interns are extremely helpful to the daily operations of the Senate,

new director will find that she is serving with her own “dream team” of board members.

Our four administrators, each manage their own department, their own staff, and their own budget. They order their own materials and services, hire their own staff and never go over the budget I give them each year. Thank you so much, Debbie, Anne, Brad and Amy for your commitment to the library. I have enjoyed these 12 years of working together. Thank you, programmers, past and present, your work requires so much coordination, commitment, patience, imagination, at times empathy and the ability to see patrons’ needs and the heart to want to meet those needs.

Thank you, Cyndi, Brooke, Hannah and most especially, Jenn for all that you all put into being so amazing, and

CCSC | FROM PAGE 8

auxiliary gymnasium.

Feb. 3 to May 7, Mondays/ Wednesdays – 4-H meeting, CHS agriculture room.

Feb. 19 – Cloverdale Community Youth League (CCYL), youth volleyball pictures, CES gymnasium.

Feb. 28 – CMS sixth grade dance, CMS.

Feb. 28 – CES PTO, Knights and Princesses Ball, CES gymnasium.

March 2 to May 25, Sundays –8U softball practice, CHS auxiliary gymnasium.

March 7 – CES PTO, Boys Night Out Dance, CES gymnasium.

March 7 – C.H.O.I.C.E. positive behavior support program, ice

SPENCER | FROM PAGE 6

sewer line issue on James Drive. He noted the line was to be replaced later in the week. He also requested and received council permission to purchase a new 28 horsepower pump for a lift station located along Beem St., not to exceed $2,500.

Lift stations are mechanically operated and designed to move wastewater, sewage waste or excess stormwater from a

especially during a busy legislative session,” Bray said. “I am always glad to have interns from our local community coming to the Statehouse to gain professional experience and am excited to have Colin interning with us this year.”

Scott, our Bookmobile driver extraordinaire!

Thank you to all our clerks from past years, and our current and new clerks for the great customer service you provide. Thank you all for your friendly smiles, listening ears, and great book recommendations. For the extra responsibilities you have taken on, thank you, Nikota, Jessica, Jennifer and Nick.

Fond memories of Laura continue as we welcome Shannon. I am confident she is going to excel at the genealogy position.

Thank you to both of the hard-working, driven Adult Education directors we have had, for preserving this muchneeded program. You change lives.

We threw so much work at our bookkeeper, Ale, when she first started here! It’s a wonder she ever took the job. But she faced every difficulty as a challenge, with patience

cream social, CES/CMS cafeteria.

April 12 – CCYL, Youth Jamboree Day, CHS varsity softball and baseball fields.

April 19 – CCYL Easter egg hunt, CHS football field and nature trail.

April 26 – CCYL youth softball and baseball pictures, CES gymnasium.

April 30 – CMS Drama Club, play, CMS cafetorium.

May 16 – CHS FFA, celebratory banquet, CHS cafetorium.

May 20 – Cloverdale PTO, CES track & field day, CHS track, football field and facilities, and CES playground.

Additional personnel matters receiving unanimous board approval included:

lower elevation to a higher elevation to prevent problems from developing.

Returning to quotes provided at the council’s Feb. 18 meeting for the purchase of a hydrojetter trailer and a 2025 Chevrolet Silverado service truck, the council voted unanimously to approve both purchases for the sewer department. The trailer quote was for $84,000, and the service truck quote totaled $80,073. The council also

As a legislative intern, Harris tracks and analyzes bill data, provides constituent services, staffs Senate committee hearings and meetings and conducts legislative policy research

“I am thankful for this opportunity to intern for the Senate,

and unbelievable competence.

Thank you, Tyler, for keeping our technology up to date, secure and running smoothly.

Thank you, B.J., for all you put into teaching and meeting the needs of your students.

Thank you to the many individuals, businesses and organizations who have donated in various ways to the work of the library. Special thanks to Tom and Kaye Earney for making the library pavilion possible; to the Owen County Community Foundation, for helping us with project after project. To Cook and Boston Scientific for your donations. To the more than 62 individuals who help fund testing fees for the Learning Center students working for their GED.

Thank you to our very dear Friends of the Library group, for all your hard work and support. You are all

Retirement Mary Miller – CMS registrar/ secretary.

Debra Warfel – CES and CMS choir teacher.

Resignations

Autumn Lewellen – CHS Alternative Education Program (AEP) Discipline Assistant.

Lori Halloran – Knoy teacher.

Employment

Jane Huge – CHS business instructor, long-term substitute, 2024-25 school year.

Seth Geiger – CES and CMS choir, long-term substitute, 202425 school year.

Jamie Gibson – intermittent bus aide.

FMLA

Debra Warfel – CES and CMS choir teacher.

Lesley Spatta – CHS teacher.

Brad Sandy – CES teacher.

voted 3-0 to provide up to $325,000 toward the Spencer Parks and Recreation Committee’s plan to develop the vacant lot at the northeast corner of South Main and East Cooper Streets into a pocket park. A large portion of the funding will come from the town’s Rainy Day and Riverboat funds.

Councilman McKalip noted the base bid for the plan, which only includes the bathrooms, all concrete work, one pickleball court and a half

and I am looking forward to all I will experience and learn through my time at the Statehouse,” Harris said.

Senate Majority interns work through the duration of the legislative session, which is scheduled to end by April 29.

wonderful, and I don’t know what we would do without you.

To our patrons, I have come to know and love so many of you and will miss seeing you on a regular basis. Thank you for making this job such a happy experience.

Remember that the library is here to uphold the First Amendment rights of freedom of speech, freedom of the press and freedom to peaceably assemble for every resident of Owen County. If you can walk through the library and not find any books you agree with, we aren’t doing our job. If you can walk through the library and can’t find any books you disagree with, we aren’t doing our job. A public library should provide different points of view for your consideration. Thank you for the opportunity to serve Owen County for the last 12 years. Please welcome our new Director, Brittany Van Hook.

Paige Glassburn – CES Pre-K teacher.

Coaching Hire

Sara Howard – CMS seventh/ eighth grade girls’ track coach.

Michael Nees – CHS assistant track coach.

Seth Geiger – CHS assistant boys’ track coach.

Coaching Volunteer

Roger Tonna – CMS volunteer assistant wrestling coach.

The Cloverdale Community School Board will meet again on Monday, March 10 beginning at 7 p.m. in the Arthur L. Johnson Administration Building, 310 E. Logan St., Cloverdale. Members of the board include Vivian Witaker, Katrina Lewis, Donna Fidler, Melissa Carrell, Emily Haltom, Joe Mann and Mike Rightmyer II.

basketball court totals $303,687. The committee, working in collaboration with the Owen County Community Foundation, remains focused on fundraising to support the construction of a second pickleball court as well as the installation of a full basketball court rather than a half court.

In other news, the council spoke with Owen County Humane Society Board President Becky Brown, who was in attendance to discuss the local shelter’s capacity and

funding issues. Although the shelter is often unable to accept stray animals due to limited housing capacity, she emphasized the shelter will always respond to calls received from the town and county related to animal neglect, abuse or hoarding, regardless of the shelter’s ongoing limitations.

The Spencer Town Council will meet again on March 17 and April 7. Both meetings will begin at 6 p.m. in the Spencer Municipal Building, 90 N. West St.

Plans continue for restroom and courts next to Cooper Commons

The Parks Board of the Town of Spencer is moving forward with plans to enhance Cooper Commons by adding a public restroom, a full court basketball court and two pickleball courts on a currently vacant lot on the Northeast corner of Cooper and Main Streets.

Titled the Cooper Commons Recreation Project, it aims to add much-needed amenities that will provide new opportunities for outdoor activity and community engagement.

The planned upgrades align with the growing demand for recreational amenities in Spencer. Pickleball, one of the fastest-growing sports in the country, will now have a dedicated space in the community, while a new basketball court will provide a space for intergenerational play.

The addition of a restroom will make Cooper Commons more accessible and comfortable for visitors at the park, those using the MYPath Trail and community events, such as parades in Spencer that gather at the Fairgrounds and at

Cooper Commons.

“This project is the first of many big and small updates being discussed to improve the parks in Spencer. When deciding on what to do first, we went back to the Parks Master Plan and saw there was a clear winner — the need for bathrooms at Cooper Commons. The board is working diligently to apply for grants and raise funds to make this - and future improvements happen,” said Kristen Portteus, Parks Board President.

The project is moving to the bidding phase in March, with a goal of construction

starting in May and a completion of October to November.

The Parks Board is actively seeking additional support to help bring these exciting improvements to life. Every contribution, big or small, will play a crucial role in making Cooper Commons a better place for residents of all ages. The board is calling on the Spencer and Owen County residents, businesses and organizations to get involved in the project by spreading the word and making donations that will be matched by the IHCDA CreatINg Places grant.

Donations can be made to the Owen County Community Foundation, directed to the ‘Cooper Commons Recreation Project’. An online link will be available soon to donate, so stay tuned for more information online. Anyone interested in learning more about the project or to get involved is encouraged to come to a Parks Board meeting. Meetings are open to the public and occur every 4th Monday of the month at 6 p.m. at the Town of Spencer Municipal Building, 90 N. West. St., Spencer.

OPSF 50|50 Trail Race this month

Submitted Article

The OPSF 50|50 Trail Race event is believed to be the longest ultramarathon event in Indiana.

Jeff Tincher started the race in 1993 as a 50-mile race starting at rattlesnake campground. It became the first Indiana’s 50-Mile Trail Run, and its 50-mile loop race started at rattlesnake campground. It became Indiana’s proclaimed toughest ultra.

Forty-two brave ultra souls showed up, through surviving three separate car creek crossing and then suffering the leaf covered, muddy, rocky terrain and the monster hills that was provided.

Twenty-nine finished at the rattlesnake primitive campground without getting shot by the deer hunters.

The course changed several times in the first five or six years including moving the race to the horse campground in 1996 because of the poor conditions of Surber road.

Trail running at its most fun and toughest, OPSF50|50 runs through beautiful and rugged Owen-Putnam State Forest.

This course is the toughest in Indiana with over 4500 elevations gaining over 50 kilometers. Come tough it out and have some fun too!

This year, it will be it’s 33rd Anniversary of the first running of the OPSF 50|50

Trail Race event – this race has become an Indiana

tradition in the trail ultra running community.

Trailing or Leading: Visitors make the trail less efficient but more fun

It’s getting so bad that a guy can’t get any work done.

A couple weeks ago, I was determined to assemble a couple picnic tables to go with the new pavilion on MYPath. It wasn’t a complicated process. I just needed to attach the table, legs and benches with bolts. Darrell White volunteered to help me.

As we started unpacking the boxes that held all the parts and materials, David Henk approached. He had just been on the trail with his camera and large lens. He was taking photos of some of

the birds that hang out near the path. Darrell is also a photographer, so that led to conversations about photography, birds and MYPath in general.

Eventually, we got back to work. The tables had been delivered to the Soil and Water Conservation office. The destined location was under the pavilion, which is down the trail and across the bridge. So, we had to both assemble and transport. Due to rain, snow and mud there were some other complications, like the instructions being frozen in ice, then disintegrating. But it wasn’t too complicated. The interruptions were the thing that made it a longer process.

As we were moving one table into place, we met a couple that

were new to Owen County. They had been living and traveling in an RV for many years. They decided to settle down and had recently moved into one of the houses in the Cook development on Texas Pike. The husband was recovering from an ankle injury and needed a steady, level path, like MYPath. They were interesting, and their dog was very nice.

A woman walking a dog passed by. We only talked with her briefly. Then a neighbor from across River Road came over. He has been keeping an eye on the trail construction and activity on the path. He stopped by to say he liked the pavilion. We chatted for a while. He reported on activities that are happening when nobody else is looking. It’s nice

to have neighbors watching out for the trail.

We were enjoying the conversations. But I kept looking at a bag full of bolts, washers and nuts. I kept looking at the upside down tabletop, waiting for us to attach the legs. The seats fit on the legs. None of it was happening while we were talking.

Local artist Thomas Maher was walking down the path. He stopped to talk to us about having some art along the trail. He makes sculptures out of scrap machinery. I had met him briefly at the inaugural meeting of the new Sweet Owen Arts Commission. We agreed that art along the trail would be fantastic. He promised to send me photos of samples (which he emailed me, and they look great).

Tony Craig

from the Owen County Community Foundation walked by. We see him on the trail regularly. This time he was not going to get a free pass. We recruited him to help us load one of the tables for transport. The tables are very heavy, and the extra set of hands was appreciated.

When Darrell and I finally assembled that last table and carried it to its spot, we started laughing. We agreed we could have finished the job a lot faster if all those people hadn’t been interrupting us. We were chuckling about those people getting in our way while we were trying to make something for people.

It is moments like that when you start to really get a feeling for the importance of a community trail like MYPath.

We didn’t send invitations to the community to come watch a couple guys put picnic tables together. We just happened to be there at the same time several members of the community chose to use this new resource. And it was a friendly atmosphere where we could just chat.

Darrell and I decided that all the chatting delayed our project completion by about an hour. And we enjoyed every minute of it.

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: While hunting or fishing, always follow the law

usual way now (deiced) since they’re hungry after the winter’s fast. The early season is the best time to catch the biggest bass in the lake or to get a nice bunch of crappies. But you must fish dead slow and be very patient. The afternoons are usually best. Remember to renew your hunting/ fishing licenses soon. You don’t want to be caught

without proper documentation. It’s embarrassing and expensive. A couple of times I have nearly run afoul of the law, due to my ignorance or carelessness.

Once I was merrily fishing away at Turtle Creek Reservoir near Merom, south of Sullivan. My dad and I were in a cove which was near a county road. A couple of conservation officers stopped and asked us to read the numbers from our licenses. My dad complied, but as I frequently do, I had left my wallet locked up in the car. I always imagine I might fall in the lake and there goes the contents, and a wallet is uncomfortable to sit on all day. The officers were not pleased with my claim, and in hindsight, it sounded

AWARD | FROM PAGE 1

was recognized at Regional Opportunity Inc’s (ROI) Annual Report to the Region on Feb. 18 in French Lick. The Quality of Place Innovation Award recognizes projects and meaningful community improvements that enhance the Indiana Uplands as an inventive, industrious, and friendly place to live, work, and play.

“In an age dominated by national news and social media, local news outlets remain vital to the overall health and connectedness of small communities,” said Travis Curry, President of The Owen News Board of Directors. “By shining the spotlight on local government, achievements, events and challenges, The Owen News aims to foster a sense of belonging and shared community for our readers. We are honored to share this

phony. They debated what to do. They played “good cop, bad cop,” a scenario in which one wanted to write me a ticket then and there and the other argued for meeting us at the ramp. Luckily the good cop won out, and we all had a semi-pleasant meeting back at my car, where I produced my license. I could’ve saved stress and fishing time by having my paperwork on my person.

The Indiana DNR launched the Activity Hub on Dec. 11. You can purchase your licenses, check in game, register with the HIP (Harvest Information Program) and perform other tasks. Call the DNR Customer Service Center at 317-2324200 if you need assistance.

Another time my

award from ROI with the entire Owen County community, whose financial and collaborative support makes it possible for our non-profit to focus on delivering the best journalism from Owen and the surrounding areas.”

As reported by Indiana Public Media in their series Paper Cuts, local newspapers in south-central Indiana have suffered steep circulation and staffing declines. This left many Hoosiers without access to truly local journalism—coverage that prioritizes their communities, not just regional or state-level stories.

In Owen County, the northernmost of the Indiana Uplands counties, The Spencer Evening World, once a vibrant daily newspaper had become a weekly newspaper and website, dominated by headlines about state government and news from other cities.

Unwilling to accept the demise of local news, the

dad and I were not so fortunate. We were at Dogwood Lake (Glendale) in the late fall. It was duck season, and the entire eastern section of the lake was off limits to fishermen. This restricted area was our favorite, so we resigned ourselves to staying as close to the cutoff zone as we could. Fishing wasn’t good, and things got much worse when an official-looking boat approached. The fellow identified himself as the Glendale property manager and asked, “You boys know anything about an angler’s boat motoring through a decoy setup?”

We had not done this and thought anyone who did would be nuts, because somewhere close would lurk a guy with a shotgun. We vehemently

denied any guilt, but he asked us to accompany him to his office. When we got there, a conservation officer was present. After quite a bit of discussion in which my dad, never one to anger that much, grew quite upset, the officer wrote us up. My dad, an upholder of all laws, was absolutely incensed—I had never seen him that mad. We weren’t guilty, but we paid the price for being at the wrong place at the wrong time. My upright father was concerned that since I was a Jasper teacher, my good name would be soiled forever. I’m pretty sure Dad, a retired teacher and community leader, had never gotten a ticket for anything in his life. I have forgotten what the penalty amounted

Owen News Project, Inc., the underlying non-profit behind what today is known as The Owen News, established a 501(c)3 non-profit in the fall of 2022 and received a $10,000 Large Impact Grant from the Owen County Community Foundation (OCCF) to launch and a $30,000 implementation grant to support the printing of the newspaper in 2024. Most recently, OCCF committed $300,000 to support the newspaper’s work. The foundation is also offering bookkeeping, administrative and fundraising support throughout the next three years.

“The Owen News fills a news gap in an Indiana Uplands community and, in the process, is offering a sustainable model for other communities to replicate,” the ROI press release reads.

“By restoring access to truly local journalism, The Owen News strengthens community connections and ensures that

to, but we paid it and moved on. We consoled ourselves by knowing the newspaper notice of the fine would be in the Washington papers and not Jasper’s. It was a difficult situation for everyone, so we put it in the past. Spilled milk. Lesson learned. Conservation officers have a tough job. They have plenty on their hands without having to deal with us lawabiding folks who just neglect to know the rules. Those who intentionally flaunt the law, such as deer poachers and fishermen who keep more than the limit, deserve prosecution. A really difficult aspect of a CO’s job is assisting recovery of drowning victims. The next time you see one of these officers, thank them for their service. They deserve it.

the stories, defining the Indiana Uplands as a vibrant place to live, work and play, are told,” said ROI Vice President of Economic and Community Development Julie Halbig.

“Traditionally, local news has only been tied to our democracy and holding those in power accountable. While that is certainly one of the many important aspects of local news, the impact stretches much further into the very fabric of our society and communities,” Executive Editor Nicole DeCriscio said. “Local news has a direct impact on economic development and overall quality of place and life. It is an honor to receive this regional award, which shows both the value that our part of the state places on local news and the recognition that local news is essential to thriving, successful Hoosier communities.”

March: Farm and garden time

world? Well, all you have to do is look at recent years and the negative impact of food insecurity around the world and we realize what a blessing our food supply truly is. We have an abundant and safe food supply in the United States and should think about how important that is to a stable economy and society. We are all involved in

agriculture because we all eat three meals a day, every day. Let’s take a moment during National Agriculture Week to count our blessings and recognize the farmers and agribusiness families that provide abundant and wholesome food, as well as provide fiber and fuel from our

Extension-Clay County is hosting a garden expo on Saturday, March 29, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Clay County Fairgrounds. I am currently soliciting vendors for this event, which is an area event. My intent is for the expo to showcase businesses that provide garden plants, supplies and services. Vendor space is $50 for the table space, and two tables can be reserved for $90. There will be gardening talks each hour, on the

hour, and a youth activity center will be available. We are getting decent feedback about the event, and I think the crummy winter is helping everyone yearn for warmer weather. Vendors: email me at luzar@purdue. edu if you would like to participate in the event. Gardeners: make note of the March 29 date and plan to attend.

Our upcoming Home Vegetable Gardening Series offers vegetable growers the opportunity to learn more and increase the success and quality of vegetable production in their gardens. The series is three evening sessions: April 8, 15 and 22 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Sessions will be held at the Purdue ExtensionOwen County office meeting room. Purdue specialists will discuss garden preparation, pest management,

organic pest control and timely topics. The program fee is $30 for all three sessions. Register by March 28 at https:// cvent.me/Mm7XQ. Purdue presenters will conduct the training across the state via Zoom. I will serve as the local host and facilitator. Let me know if you have any questions. Due to logistics, we have moved the Owen County Homesteaders program to the Purdue ExtensionOwen County office meeting room. Program date is set for Thursday, March 20. Program time is 4 to 6 p.m. If the weather is nice, we have the attached carport to look at the items homesteaders may present. I have been asked if this program is only open to Owen residents? No, it is open to all area residents.

Owen Soil and Water Conservation District is sponsoring the March 28

Lunch and Learn.

The session is to be held in the Purdue ExtensionOwen County office meeting room from noon until 1 p.m. Come join the program for a roundtable on garden soil issues, vegetable gardening topics and whatever topics clients bring. Last month, we discussed fruit tree care, soil amendments and soil health issues. This is an informal session that features topics you are interested in.

We have eight exciting sessions planned for the Indiana Master Naturalist program in Owen County. Sessions will be held from 9 a.m. to noon on Tuesdays starting in April. Sessions will cover wildlife, settlement of Owen County, geology, forestry, water quality and much more. Program fee is $60 and Owen SWCD is sponsoring five scholarships. Classes will be based out of the Purdue Extension-Owen County office. Call us at 812-529-5020 for questions.

Extension Educator Dave Osborne from Ripley County will lead a fun program at the Purdue ExtensionOwen County office from 6 to 8 p.m. on April 10. Osborne is an avid fisherman and will be discussing water quality issues, fish health and fish preparation. A fish fry will be featured from Osborne’’s catch of the day. Come learn about fish preparation, concerns with fishing wild and to have any questions answered that you may have about fishing in Indiana. Seriously, Osborne has fished all over! Again, contact the Purdue Extension-Owen County office for questions.

County 4-H announces entomology as Project of the Year

entomology as the Project of the Year for 2025.

This fascinating field, which involves the study of insects, promises to engage and educate students in new and exciting ways. With a focus on hands-on learning and scientific exploration, the entomology project is set to be a highlight of the upcoming Owen County Fair.

Students who participate in the entomology project will have the opportunity to delve into the world of insects,

learning about their biology, behavior and ecological importance. From collecting and identifying diff erent species to understanding their roles in various ecosystems, participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of these incredible creatures.

The project encourages curiosity and scientific inquiry, making it an ideal choice for young minds eager to explore the natural world.

One of the most exciting aspects of this year’s project is the special incentive for students who complete their entomology projects. Those who turn in a completed project at the 2025 Owen County Fair will receive a free T-shirt themed to the Project of the Year. This unique T-shirt will serve as a badge of honor, showcasing the students’ hard work and dedication to their studies. It’s a wonderful way to reward their

eff orts and celebrate their achievements.

In addition to the entomology project, Owen County 4-H is off ering a SPARK Club specifically designed to support students in their entomological endeavors. The SPARK Club will provide additional resources, guidance and opportunities for hands-on learning. The club will meet on two separate dates, ensuring that all interested students can participate.

The first SPARK Club meeting will take place via Zoom, allowing students to join from the comfort of their homes. This virtual session will cover the basics of entomology, introduce key concepts and provide an overview of the project requirements. It’s a great way for students to get started and ask any initial questions they may have. This will take place on Thursday, May 29 from 6 to 8 p.m.

The second SPARK

Club meeting will be held in-person, off ering a more interactive and hands-on experience. During this session, students will have the chance to work directly with entomology experts, participate in fieldwork and engage in practical activities. This in-person meeting will provide invaluable experience and help students gain confidence in their abilities. The in-person session will take place on Saturday, May 31 from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Purdue ExtensionOwen County offi ce in Spencer. All participants must be registered as 4-H members and must sign up for the workshop on 4-H Online.

Owen County 4-H is committed to providing enriching educational experiences for its members, and the entomology project is a testament to this dedication. By off ering both virtual and inperson support through the SPARK Club, the

organization ensures that all students have the opportunity to succeed and thrive.

As the 2025 Owen County Fair approaches, excitement is building for what promises to be an unforgettable year. The entomology project is set to inspire and educate, fostering a love of science and nature in the next generation of 4-H members. With the added incentive of a themed T-shirt and the support of the SPARK Club, students are sure to have a rewarding and enriching experience.

For more information about the entomology project and the SPARK Club, please visit the Owen County 4-H Facebook page or contact the 4-H offi ce directly by calling us at 812-829-5020 or emailing owences@ purdue.edu. Let’s make 2025 a year of discovery and learning as we explore the incredible world of insects together!

Owen County Public Library’s annual scorecard

Libraries throughout the state of Indiana are required to complete a survey each year, answering about 70 pages worth of detailed questions about our operations. Some of these questions are required by the federal government, others by the state library. The questions cover information about our library, about what services were offered in the past year and how many hours per week these services were available. They ask about our buildings, the Bookmobile, about our library users and basic information about our community.

They want to know all about what revenue we receive and how we spend it. The state is so interested in this part that there is actually a second extremely detailed report that covers our finances much more thoroughly.

The report also covers the programs we offer, what ages we plan for and how many in each age group attend those programs.

They also want to know how often our computers are used, how often materials are checked out and how many materials and how much equipment we have available for you.

They ask about our Board of Trustees and information about our employees; how many we have, their level of education, experience and approximately what they are paid and what benefits we offer them.

And finally, there are about seven pages of state required standards which we

must comply with, and in many instances, must show evidence of being in compliance with, to be considered “within Standards.”

In all the years I have been here, we have always been ruled “In Compliance” with those standards, and I’m so happy to report, we have always exceeded many of those standards.

After completing the report in the past, I have usually shared some of the information that was revealed by the report for the public that I thought might be of interest; usually by means of a newspaper article.

The following information is our “scorecard” for 2024 based on those findings:

We currently have 5,604 Registered Library Card Holders. And as a side note, we do not charge Owen County residents for library cards. We only require that adults bring proof of address and a photo ID. If the photo ID has your correct, current address, no other information is needed.

We also do not charge a fine for materials that are turned in late.

While we encourage all Owen County residents to register for a library card, many frequent library users do not have a card because a card is not necessary for so many of the ways they use the library:

Cards are not necessary to use WiFi from anywhere outside of the building. Cards are not necessary to use Wi-Fi or the computers in the building, to use the annual free tax preparation service or the legal help kiosk, to attend adult

education or language classes. A card is not necessary to access the newspapers and magazines or any of the books available in the library to be read while you visit here. A card is not needed to use the resources available in the genealogy vault. Many residents who do not have a card come in often to use the copy machines, the fax machines and to attend programs, exercise classes, educational classes; whether librarysponsored or one of the many programs or meetings held in library spaces by other groups or individuals. A library card is not necessary to reserve one of at least eight spaces available for meetings, events or study areas, in most cases without charge, or to shop the Friends of the Library monthly book sale.

So, while we are happy that more than a quarter of Owen County residents have a library card, that number does not come close to telling the whole story of library use here.

The library does not charge for the items that we are able to access for you through the state courier system. Last year we borrowed 537 items from other libraries for our patrons here. We also provided 480 items to other libraries around the state.

In 2024 we provided 350 library-planned programs in the library for children aged 0 to 5 and had a total attendance of 3,068 for all those programs combined.

We provided 188 programs for children 6 to 11-years-old with a total attendance of 5,106.

For young adults we

provided 115 programs with an attendance of 944.

For adults we provided 129 programs for 3,152 attendees.

We also provided 266 programs of general interest for all ages and counted a total of 5,170 in attendance at those programs.

The meeting rooms here were used 659 times by outside groups.

While this number is never static, since we are always adding to our collection, we currently have 62,552 books available to check out; 6,719 audio materials, 9,148 videos and 62 other circulating items, including hot spots (these are new hotspots this year, and improved in quality from the ones we had previously). Last year 72,738 physical items were checked out, and 45,905 books, audiobooks and movies were checked out from the children’s collection. Other physical items, such as hot spots were checked out 402 times.

Our digital library includes books, audio, videos, research databases and online learning platforms. Especially popular with children are Tumblebooks and Worldbook online.

Our electronic collection is always expanding, but currently we offer about 13,183 downloadable e-books, 4,285 electronic magazines and 21,296 audiobooks. A total of 38,764 online materials were checked out in 2024.

The Bookmobile provided 1,152 hours of public use throughout the year, providing 186 children’s programs (ages 0 to 5), with a

total attendance of 1,786 children; 144 programs for children (ages 6 to 11), with a total attendance of 4,188; 52 programs for adults with an attendance count of 1,778, and one general interest program attended by 123 people.

As usual, we exceeded the number of books that we are required to purchase per capita.

Our seven-member Board of Trustees all serve voluntarily without pay, as do our Friends of the Library.

The OCPL staff members have a wide variety of previous work experiences, and come to us with various levels of education, with three staff members holding a Master of Library Science degree.

The Owen County Public Library is open 59 hours in a typical week – Mondays through Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m, Fridays, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Some regularly scheduled programs to look forward to in March:

Tuesdays, 10 to 11 a.m., Cuddle Up Program for parents and their infants or toddlers.

Wednesdays, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Homeschooled children from kindergarten and up. Wednesdays, 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., Crafting with B.J.

Thursdays, 10 to 11 a.m., Fun with Friends for children ages 3-5.

The First Friday of each month, 2 to 3 p.m., Watercolor Painting Friday, March 8, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Friends of the Library Book Sale in the Community Room.

Ramblings: Stroll through a meadow

Last month, I said I’d take my readers on a stroll through a summer meadow to enjoy sunloving wildflowers. Although most of the plants I am going to mention thrive in a meadow environment, they also will thrive in a small garden space.

Most of us do not have large expanses of land to grow our favorites. These plants will thrive in a small yard or

in containers on a patio. I hope you will give a few of them a try this year. Growing native plants invites the pollinators and the birds to visit you. They are easy to grow and most of them self-seed.

One of my favorite native plants is Butterfly Weed. Asclepias tuberosa is that fiery orange bloom that attracts butterflies along most of our country roads. This prairie plant grows well in full sun and likes average, well-drained soil. It has a long tap root and does not like to be transplanted. The plant will reach a height of 30 inches. It is an important larval food source for monarchs. I have grown it in the Owen County clay. It behaves well in a bed of mixed natives.

Purple Coneflower,

Echinacea purpurea, is a plant that most people recognize. The tall plants are covered with big purple daisy-like flowers all summer and well into fall. In the fall, the spikyorange seed heads attract small birds. The plant, which can reach heights of 40 inches, does well in a small garden space. I am going to try it in a pot this year.

We can’t have a meadow without grass. My favorite grass is Little Bluestem. Some of the old folks in Owen County call it poverty grass, probably because it will grow in any kind of soil. It seems to love the clay covered hills and fields of Owen County. Schachyrium scoparium is the most widespread grass of the prairie. It

is native to every state except Washington, Oregon, California and Nevada. The tiny shoots emerge a rich bluish green in the spring. In autumn the three-foot-tall grass turns pale orangered. A snow-covered field of Little Bluestem grass is a fantastic sight. Plant a single clump in a mixed perennial bed for a focal point or along a fence for some winter color.

Other grasses that could add interest would be bottle brush grass (Hystrix patula) with its unusual seed head or Prairie Dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepis). Ground feeding birds and small mammals love the seeds; they smell like popcorn. A meadow or a garden needs some

yellow blooms. BlackEyed Susans or Kansas sunflowers do well in a mixed garden or a meadow. They bloom all season.

I love goldenrod, especially the variety called Wreath or bluestemmed goldenrod. Solidago caesia has lanceshaped leaves on an arching branch. The small yellow blooms grow in the leaf axis.

A mixture of these plants will give you blooms for months. Getting them established will take some work, but you will have years to enjoy them. A bonus is that you are helping all the pollinators and the birds.

‘til next time, Annie

It’s Just a Country State of Mind: March Madness

Well March is here again and that means it’s once again time for March Madness. To be clear, it’s time for lots of college hoops, more correctly NCAA basketball tournaments.

For some people that live in Indiana, basketball isn’t just a sport, it’s a religion. I’m not trying to be sacrilegious, just keeping it real. Many of us can attest to the fact that there are a lot of people in Indiana that are fanatics when it comes to basketball. In fact, you can drive down almost any country road or through many small towns and

find a basketball goal. Sometimes you’ll find them attached to old barns or attached to a garage. I’ve even seen them nailed to a tree before. In any case, how many of us can remember shooting some hoops in the backyard with our parents when we were kids?

Today there are sports clubs and the YMCA and other places where kids can play basketball. It’s just part of our history. It’s in our DNA.

I, myself, have spent many a day over the years trying to make that round ball hit the hoop. Not that I would ever assume to be an exceptional player or anything. But there’s something about living in Indiana that causes one to get that special madness this time of year.

I must confess

I am guilty of experiencing this madness as well. This madness is particularly worse during the month of March when tournament time rolls around for Big Ten basketball. I’m talking about college basketball and television and streaming games online.

Or, if you’re lucky, you might possess season tickets for games and perhaps even drop a few bills for tournament play.

Almost everywhere you look this time of year, you can see signs of the madness. Online stats, people getting into office polls with the “brackets” of teams that made the cut and people walking around displaying their favorite teams on T-shirts, hats and other paraphernalia.

Yes, I fear that March is full of this

madness. And even though I am sure it occurs in other states, I tend to think we Hoosiers have the madness a bit more than others around the country. Of course I could be prejudiced. I grew up with Hoosier basketball as my father was an avid fan of one particular team.

As a child, I watched as my father would sit in front of the television where he would get all excited, sometimes even jumping up and down yelling at the TV screen.

It was a roller coaster of an affair, but a love affair all the same. One minute he was upset about a foul that was just called on his team and the next minute, he was jubilant over a ball that landed inside the hoop to bring his team into the lead.

Sometimes he would attend the games too. He was a season-ticket holder. But personally, I think he enjoyed the living room games the most.

Of course, it only stands to reason that I was influenced by his behavior. After a while, I began to watch the games too. Soon, I was also jumping up and down and getting all excited and sometimes even upset by a call made by the referees. The madness lived on.

I cannot fail to mention that food plays an important role in March Madness. I am not sure why it does but every diehard basketball fan that I know makes a trip to the store before the big game to purchase a lot of junk food which will be consumed before, during and after each game.

It’s just a given that food must be a part of this ritual. I think pizza has always been my favorite. But of course, some people have tailgate parties and grill hot dogs and brats. And we must not forget the beverages. Enough said. Of course, this madness is not for everyone or for the faint of heart, but it is a wonderful sport after all. You really cannot knock it until you’ve tried it. But I must warn you. It is highly addictive, and it usually only takes one game to get you hooked. So, this column is dedicated to all the faithful basketball fans out there. You know who you are. Stand tall and be proud of your madness. After all, it is March, and you do live in Indiana. What more can I say? Game on!

National Napping Day is March 10

Happy spring everyone from the Health and Human Sciences corner for Purdue Extension-Owen County. My name is Jamie Jo Lowder, and I am happy to be a resource for the community and hold programming for all things food, family, finance and health related.

Here is a fun fact: Albert Einstein, Winston Churchill and Leonardo da Vinci indulged in a good power nap. These are some magnificent minds in history that knew the importance of a good quality nap. Our furry little friends do not have any qualms about taking naps throughout the day. Humans are the only mammals who delay sleep.

Here at Purdue Extension, we emphasize the importance of consistent sleep schedules, limiting screen time before bed and creating a relaxing

As we spring forward with daylight saving time, many of us feel the effects of lost sleep. That’s why the second Monday of March—March 10, 2025— is National Napping Day, a perfect reminder to recharge and prioritize rest. According to Purdue Extension, sleep is essential for overall health, improving memory, mood and even immune function. Research suggests that short naps—around 20 to 30 minutes—can boost alertness and productivity without leaving you feeling groggy.

bedtime routine to ensure quality rest. While naps can be beneficial, they shouldn’t replace a full night’s sleep, which adults need for physical recovery and mental wellbeing.

So, this National Napping Day, take a wellearned break, embrace your inner cat, and enjoy a quick snooze—you just might wake up feeling like a genius! For more sleep health tips, I have classes available on the benefits of sleep. Contact me if you are interested in one of these programs.

Here are some programs that are happening in March:

- March 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31 – Steps to a Healthy You, 5 to 7 p.m. at the Purdue ExtensionOwen County office. Steps to a Healthy You is a five-session series focused on eating a healthy Mediterraneanstyle eating pattern (a.k.a. eating the Med Way). Sessions focus

on the 7 Simple Steps to Eating the Med Way. Each session explores one to two simple steps, a mindfulness skill and features Med Way recipes. Food demonstration and/or cooking instruction is included in each session. Please pre-register by calling 812-829-5020 or emailing lowder0@ purdue.edu.

- March 18 – Sleep on It: Why Sleep Matters, 10 to 11 a.m. at the Purdue Extension-Owen County office. We will talk about why sleep is so important and help give you tips to promote good sleep habits. We will also cover the benefits of sleep, risks of poor sleep, stages of sleep, when to contact a healthcare provider, barriers to quality sleep and ways to improve sleep quality. If you have any questions or would like to sign up for this program, please email lowder0@purdue.edu or call 812-829-5020.

- March 19 – Crafting to Reduce Stress, 6 to 7 p.m. at the Owen County Public Library, 10 S. Montgomery St., Spencer. Please register by contacting the library, 812-829-3392. We will be going over techniques to help reduce stress as well as making a craft.

Sneak Peak - During the month of May we will offer a county-wide Get WalkIN challenge. Stay tuned for more information on this program in next month’s edition of the newspaper.

More programs will be added throughout the month, so stay tuned to our Facebook page and website for updates!

If you’re interested in a program on food, finance, family or health, let me know—I’d love to bring one to your group or organization. To feature a program at your event/ meeting, email the details to lowder0@purdue. edu. I look forward to connecting with you!

OVHS Empowers Students with 20 Career Pathways

Owen Valley High School (OVHS) is dedicated to preparing students for success beyond graduation by offering an impressive selection of 20 Career Pathways. These pathways provide students with valuable opportunities to explore their interests, gain realworld experience and develop essential skills that align with future careers. Through this initiative, OVHS ensures that students graduate with a strong foundation for college, technical training or immediate entry into the workforce.

The Benefits of Career Pathways Career Pathways offer students numerous advantages that contribute to their overall academic and career success. One of the most significant benefits is early career exploration. By participating in a career-focused curriculum, students can identify their strengths and passions before making critical decisions about their future. This early exposure helps them select a career path that aligns with their interests and long-term goals.

Another key benefit is relevant coursework. Each Career Pathway provides specialized instruction tailored to specific industries, making learning more engaging and applicable. Whether a student is interested in engineering, business, or healthcare, OVHS ensures they acquire the knowledge and technical skills needed for success in their chosen field.

Additionally, OVHS emphasizes work-based learning opportunities. Students have access to internships, apprenticeships and job shadowing experiences that bridge the gap between classroom instruction and realworld application. These handson experiences enhance their understanding of workplace expectations, industry standards and professional networking.

By engaging in Career Pathways, students also experience improved college and career readiness. The focused coursework and handson training better prepare students for higher education or vocational programs, ensuring they make informed decisions about their next steps after high school.

Studies show that careerfocused education contributes to higher graduation rates. When students see the direct connection between their studies and their future careers, they are more motivated to succeed academically. OVHS students benefit from this engagement, leading to one of the highest levels of achievement and completion in the surrounding area.

Furthermore, OVHS fosters stronger community connections by partnering with local businesses, industries and organizations. These collaborations provide students with mentorship, networking opportunities and potential job placements, strengthening the bridge between education and employment.

Diverse Career Pathways at OVHS

Owen Valley High School offers a comprehensive selection of Career Pathways, ensuring that every student finds a program that aligns with their interests and ambitions. The Patriot Pathways include:

Engineering

Computer Science

Advanced Manufacturing

Precision Machining

Radio & TV Broadcasting

Education Careers

Digital Design

Business Marketing

Biomedical Sciences

Human & Social Services

Criminal Justice

Fashion & Textiles

Civic Arts (Band, Choir, Visual Arts)

Agriculture

Natural Resources

Food Science

Horticulture

Animal Science

Preparing Students for a Bright Future

At OVHS, the mission is clear: to equip students with relevant, real-world experiences that set them up for success. Whether students plan to attend college, pursue technical training, join the military or enter the workforce, these Career Pathways provide the knowledge, skills and experiences needed to thrive in their chosen fields.

With a strong commitment to student success, Owen Valley High School continues to lead the way in career-focused education, ensuring that graduates are wellprepared for life beyond high school. For students looking to take control of their future, OVHS provides the pathway to success.

OV JAG students sweep at Region 8 Career Development Conference

Submitted Article

Owen Valley High School’s Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) students showcased their impressive skills at the Region 8 Career Development Conference in French Lick, Indiana, bringing home a slew of awards and demonstrating their readiness for future careers.

The competition, which included 10 other JAG programs, highlighted students’ abilities in a range of essential workforce skills.

Melissa Gillenwater,

the 11th and 12th grade JAG Specialist at Owen Valley High School, expressed immense pride in her students’ achievements.

“These students have worked incredibly hard to develop their skills, and their success at the regional conference is a testament to their dedication and the power of the JAG program,” Gillenwater said. “We are thrilled to see them excel and represent Owen Valley so well.”

The JAG program is a resiliency-building workforce program that equips students with in-demand employability

skills and provides a bridge to postsecondary education and career advancement opportunities. The regional Career Development Conference allows students to demonstrate these skills in various competitive events.

Owen Valley students earned top honors in several categories: Employability Skills: Landon Summerlot, 1st Place; Macie RaymondSchelfo, 2nd Place Business Plan: 1st Place – Kale Paquette, Daniel Worthington, and Ella Powell Project Based

Learning (PBL): 2nd Place – Lilly Cox, Gaige Fluet, and Morgan Freeman Career Preparation: Rylee Burner, 1st Place Financial Literacy: Ian White, 1st Place Digital Design: Jason Dotson, 1st Place Digital Design Brochure (Chapter): 2nd Place

Outstanding Senior: Kearston Roan, Honorable Mention

These outstanding achievements earned the students trophies and cash prizes: $200 for 1st place, $150 for 2nd place and $100 for honorable mention.

Six first-place winners

from OVHS—Landon Summerlot, Rylee Burner, Ian White and the Business Plan team of Kale Paquette, Daniel Worthington and Ella Powell—will advance to the Indiana State Career Development Conference in Indianapolis on March 14. They will compete against top JAG students from across the state.

“We are excited for our students to compete at the state level and showcase their talents once again. Their success is an inspiration to all of us at Owen Valley High School,” Gillenwater said.

Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.