The Owen News -- Oct. 3, 2025 (Vol. 2, Issue 10)

Early morning blaze consumes home

By Travis Curry Senior Correspondent

A single-story home on North Jefferson Street in Gosport was destroyed by a quickmoving blaze that broke out in the early morning hours of Sept. 22. The first wave of firefighters from the Gosport Volunteer Fire Department arrived on the scene around 2:15 a.m. and were

BLAZE | PAGE 20

FORGOTTEN NEVER

By Travis Curry Senior Correspondent

.S. Army Private First Class (Pfc.) Brett Everett Wood, a 2010 graduate of Owen Valley High School, was remembered and honored at separate events held in

Star

County hears insurance options

UHC makes offer amid Anthem dispute

Soldiers gather to honor, remember Pfc. Brett E. Wood

Gosport and Spencer in the month of September.

Wood, 19, served during Operation Enduring Freedom and was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, Fort Wainwright, Alaska.

by the

Restoration work on Doughboy begins

By Nicole DeCriscio Executive Editor

Work began late last month to restore the “Spirit of the American Doughboy” statue outside of the Owen County Courthouse.

The project will include pouring a new concrete plaza around the Doughboy statue, adding limestone benches and placing a total of seven obelisks near that corner of the courthouse.

By Nicole DeCriscio Executive Editor

In early August, just mere weeks ahead of budget hearings, the Owen County Board of Commissioners was thrown a major curveball regarding the county’s group health insurance rates.

Ron Remak, President and Owner of Bill C. Brown Associates, informed the commissioners that the two-year rate-locked plan they agreed to with IU Health Plans would not be honored as IU Health Plans sold to Anthem.

Remak said in the August meetings that Anthem was aware of the contract IU Health Plans

Gold

Family members honored

Gosport VFW Post #7850 and Commander Michael Oaks included (L-R) Ronette Patton, Sheila Patton, Earl Hilgert, Nikk Wood, Cheryl Hunsell, Olivia Crose, Jasper Wood, Tyler Adair, Amber Adair and Bryson Adair. TRAVIS CURRY | THE OWEN NEWS

Two neighboring North Jefferson Street homes in Gosport were damaged by an early morning blaze on Sept. 22. TRAVIS CURRY | THE OWEN NEWS

TRUSTED NEWS FOR A THRIVING COMMUNITY

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ABOUT

THE OWEN NEWS

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

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Marriages and Dissolutions

The following marriage licenses were issued since the last issue of The Owen News. Please note that this information is based on the applications. Marriage licenses are valid for 60 days from when they are issued, and the information below does not reflect whether or not the two individuals followed through with a marriage or if the signed marriage license was returned to the Owen County Clerk’s office.

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Kaleb Austin Bryant Dill (age 22) & Kirstin Leigh Richardson (age 23)

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Marissa Oldham (age 24) & Nickolas Langley (age 26)

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Alyssia Kaye Barnett (age 22) & Trystin Arthur Kirkhoff (age 21)

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Megan E. Freeman (age 30) & Kevin Delp (age 29)

Corey Lee Brown (age 32) & Christina Nicole Hayden (age 29)

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Shaydon Stickels (age 19) & Emily Collier (age 19)

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Kevin Troy Cazee (age 50) & Josette Renee Black (age 54)

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Bruce Sherfield (age 62) & Megan Russell (age 36)

Kain Gregory Bates (age 24) & Mason Lynn Miller (age 23)

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Ashley Tequila Rose Fullen (age 26) & Jared Carlisle Kindred (age 27)

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David Spadie (age 30) & Tarra Hammack (age 22)

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Michelle Sue Hume (age 44) & Duane Allan Miller (age 44)

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Claire Knies (age 24) & Cake Bunch (age 23)

Government Meeting Calendar

Oct. 6

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

Oct. 8

Spencer Redevelopment Board, 6 p.m. in the Spencer Municipal Building, 90 N. West St., Spencer.

Oct. 9

Spencer-Owen Community Schools Board of Trustees, 7 p.m. in the cafetorium at Owen Valley Middle School, 626 SR 46W, Spencer.

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

Oct. 13

Owen County Courthouse closed in observance of Columbus Day.

Owen Valley Fire Territory Board, 6 p.m. at the Owen Valley Fire Department, 401 Walnut St., Spencer.

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

Oct. 14

Owen County Council 2026 county budget public hearing , 6 p.m., Commissioners’ Room, Owen County Courthouse, 60 S. Main St., Spencer. Owen County Council, 6:30 p.m., Commissioners’ Room, Owen County Courthouse, 60 S. Main St., Spencer. Gosport Town Council, 7 p.m. in the Gosport Community Building, 301 N. Ninth St., Gosport.

Oct. 16

Owen County Board

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

Oct. 20

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

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

Oct. 21

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

Oct. 22

Spencer Economic Development Commission, 6 p.m. in the Spencer Municipal Building, 90 N. West St., Spencer.

Oct. 27 *** Owen County Council,

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Jesse Daniel Wilcoxon (age 27) & Emma Beth Mazur (age 22) ***

The following dissolutions of marriages were fi led since the last issue of The Owen News in Owen County Circuit Court 2.

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Kristan Crecelius-Powell & Dan Powell

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Kylee A. Carlin & William D. Carlin

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Nicholas Mehalick & Roxanne Terrell

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Donald James Mills & Julie Mills

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Airionna Nicole Hunter & Dustin Lee Arnold Annika Gilbert & Lydiah Gilmore

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Tiffany Minick & Samuel Minick

6 p.m., Commissioners’ Room, Owen County Courthouse, 60 S. Main St., Spencer. (If needed.)

Spencer Parks and Recreation Board, 6 p.m. in the Spencer Municipal Building, 90 N. West St., Spencer.

Oct. 28

Spencer Plan Commission & BZA, 6 p.m. in the Spencer Municipal Building, 90 N. West St., Spencer. Gosport Town Council, 7 p.m. in the Gosport Community Building, 301 N. Ninth St., Gosport.

Nov. 3

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

Nov. 6

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

THE OWEN NEWS

Community Events Calendar

Oct. 3

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.

Oct. 3 to 5

2025 Cataract Volunteer Fire Department Bean Dinner Festival in Cataract.

Oct. 4

Weed Wrangle, 10 a.m. to noon at McCormick’s Creek State Park. Work with the Sweet Owen Woodlands Network (SOWN) and MCSP staff to remove invasive species. Bring loppers and gloves if possible. Meet at Deer Run Shelter.

18th annual Spencer Pride Festival, noon to 7 p.m. in downtown Spencer.

Owen Valley High School Alumni Reunion, 6 p.m. at Harvest Moon Farms, 3925 Williams Rd., Gosport. Hosted by the classes of 1985 and 1986. Admission is $10 per person. For more information, call 812-340-0475 (1985), 317-441-1537 (1985), 317-339-1144 (1986) or 812-325-5065 (1986).

Oct. 5

Second Annual Owen Valley Patriot Choirs Jonah Fish Fry, noon to 3 p.m. in the Owen Valley High School cafeteria, 622 S.R. 46W, Spencer.

Owen Valley Patriot Choirs ‘90s Music Concert, 3 p.m. in the Owen Valley High School Auditorium. Sing along, clap along and relive the music that defined a generation. Admission is $5.

Oct. 6

Owen County 4-H Enrollment Kick-Off, 6 to 8 p.m. at the Poultry Barn at the Owen County Fairgrounds, 364 S. East St., Spencer. Pumpkin painting, games and a free chili cookoff. Information and enrollment discounts will be available.

Oct. 7 Spencer Lions Club meeting, 6:30 p.m. at the Lester F. Litten Community Building, 59 N. Main St., Spencer. Free showing of the documentary film “Uninvited: The Spread of Invasive Species,” 6:30 p.m. at the Historic Tivoli Theatre, 24 N. Washington St., Spencer. Sponsored by the Owen County Soil & Water Conservation District.

Oct. 8 Harrison Homemakers meeting, noon at the Purdue Extension-Owen County office, 180 S. Washington

St., Spencer. Owen Valley Patriot Bands Fall Concert, 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the Owen Valley High School Auditorium.

Oct. 9

S.P.I.R.I.T. (Special Paranormal Investigation and Research Indiana Team) present Hoosier Ghost Stories & Haunted Places pt. 2, 6 p.m. at the Owen County Public Library, 10 S. Montgomery St., 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.

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

Oct. 11

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. Flair 2025 Women’s Conference, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Lighthouse Fellowship Church, 5392 S.R. 67, Gosport. Free. Open to all women aged 18 and over. Breakfast will be available from 8 to 9 a.m. Register online at lfc.life/flair-womensconference.

Fiesta Owen County, 2 to 8 p.m. on E. Market St. in downtown Spencer. Food trucks, pinata, DJ, live performances, lotteria and vendors. Sponsored by the Owen County Chamber of Commerce, Sweet Owen Convention & Visitors Bureau and Boston Scientific.

Pumpkins in the Park & Silent Auction, 3 to 6 p.m. at Gosport Town Park. Games, pumpkin painting, bounce house, face painting, potato sack races, and more. Admission is $10. Organized by the Gosport Business Association. Proceeds will help support continued improvements to Gosport Town Park.

Oct. 13

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

Oct. 14

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.

Oct. 15

Owen County Caring Hands meeting from 9 a.m. to noon at 1580 Pottersville Rd., Spencer. For more information, contact Sandy Arthur at

317-446-1346.

The Stevens Puppets present Washington Irving’s “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” 11 a.m. in the outdoor pavilion at the Owen County Public Library, 10 S. Montgomery St., Spencer.

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

Oct. 16

Spencer Exchange Club meeting, noon at the Owen County Family YMCA, 1111 W. SR 46, Spencer.

Calico Homemakers meeting, 2 p.m. Meetings are held at a different restaurant each month. For more information, call 812-829-5020.

Senior Community Pitch-in, 4 p.m. at the Spencer United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall (old IGA building), 95 W. Franklin St., Spencer. Open to all senior citizens. A main dish will be provided; bring a side dish to share. Come dressed in a Halloween costume for a chance to win a special prize. RSVP by calling Purdue Extension-Owen County, 812-829-5020, or the Area 10 Agency on Aging, 812-325-4814.

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

Oct. 17

Genealogy Day of Learning, starting at 10 a.m. in the Community Room at the Owen County Public Library, 10 S. Montgomery St., Spencer. Join more than 80 libraries from Texas, Louisiana, Illinois and Indiana celebrating Family History Month with a free genealogy conference featuring top genealogical experts. Lectures are prerecorded and will be broadcast to all event locations and to virtual participants. Registration is required by calling 812829-3392. Virtual viewing will also be available.

Oct. 18

Second annual MYPath 5k run/walk, 8:30 a.m. at the Owen County Fairgrounds in Spencer. Participants start and finish at the fairgrounds. There are prizes for top finishers, and all participants receive a T-shirt. Registration is $25, but it will increase after Oct. 13. Visit runsignup.com and search for MYPath 5k.

Community hog roast, hosted by the Owen County Democratic Party, 3 to 5 p.m. at 152 E. Jefferson St., Spencer. Food, live music and silent and live auctions. Donations will be accepted.

Oct. 19

Trunk-or-Treat: Game On!, 5 to 6 p.m. at the Gosport Christian Church, 117 W. Main St., Gosport. Join in for a night of fun

and games. Costumes are optional, but bring your own treat bag.

Oct. 21

Owen County Democratic Party monthly meeting, 5:30 p.m. at the Democrat Headquarters, 152 E. Jefferson St., Spencer. Dinner and social hour begins at 5:30 p.m., with the meeting starting at 6:30 p.m. All are welcome. Spencer Lions Club meeting, 6:30 p.m. at the Lester F. Litten Community Building, 59 N. Main St., Spencer.

Oct. 22 to 24

Gospel Tent Meeting, 6:30 nightly, at Tier 10 Music & Sports Park, 2499 S.R. 43S, Spencer. All are welcome. For more information, call 812-8215885 or email opendoor. admin@protonmail. com. The event is being held in partnership with Vanguard Ministries.

Oct. 24 to 25

Fall-o-Ween at McCormick’s Creek State Park, 251 McCormick’s Creek Park Rd., Spencer. Visit the Friends of McCormick’s Creek State Park on Facebook for more information.

Oct. 25

Arts in the Park and Classic Car Show, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Cooper Commons in Spencer. Live performances and demonstrations, art, food, and kids activities. Car show registration begins at 11 a.m. Presented by the Sweet Owen Art Commission. Medieval Day, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Owen County Public Library, 10 S. Montgomery St., Spencer. Learn about Medieval weaponry, clothing, housewares, medicine and more. Royal falconry presentations at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Trunk-or-Treat, 3:30 to 5 p.m. at the Owen County Fairgrounds, 364 S. East St., Spencer. Halloween Hysteria Demolition Derby, 5 p.m. at the Owen County Fairgrounds in Spencer.

Signal 10 Wrestling, professional wrestling event, at Tier 10 Music & Sports Park, 2499 S.R. 43S, Spencer. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. The show begins at 6:30 p.m. General admission $15. Proceeds from the event will be utilized by the Gosport Lions Club to benefit local community projects and needs.

Oct. 26

Owen County Family YMCA Spooky Tour & Trunk-or-Treat, 6 to 8 p.m. at 1111 W. S.R. 46, Spencer.

Oct. 28

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

Open to the public.

Oct. 29

Annual Trunk-orTreat at Patricksburg Elementary School, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Park behind the school, 9883 S.R. 246, Patricksburg.

Oct. 31

Trick-or-treat hours in the town of Spencer, 6 to 8:30 p.m.

Trick-or-treat hours in the town of Gosport, 6 to 8 p.m.

Nov. 1

Franklin Township Community VFD Chili Supper, 4 to 8 p.m. at the Freedom Nazarene Fellowship Center, 5504 Jefferson St., Freedom.

Nov. 2

Vandalia Community Preservation Association Chili Fest, 1 to 4:30 p.m. at 5471 Vandalia Rd., Spencer. Chili and dessert will be served in the historic Vandalia one-room schoolhouse beginning at 1 p.m. The multi-talented Lloyd Wood Band will perform a variety of classic country music in the Vandalia Historical Chapel starting at 2 p.m. The cost of the event is $12 for adults and $5 for children (age 10 and under), which includes both the meal and the live music. Visit the VCPA Facebook page and website, vandaliacpa. org, for more information.

Nov. 4

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

Nov. 5

Owen Valley High School Fall Sports Awards program, 6 p.m. in the OVHS Auditorium.

Nov. 6

Friends of McCormick’s Creek State Park board meeting, 4 p.m. in the Program Room inside the MCSP Nature Center. Open to the public.

Owen County Chamber of Commerce Grill and Chill event, 4:30 to 6 p.m., 120 S. Main St., Spencer. Take time after work to just “chill” and have a burger and a drink at the OCCC Fiber Garden. Sponsored by Coffman Proactive CPA Services, LLC.

Gosport Lions Club meeting, 6:30 p.m. at the Gosport Community Building, 301 N. Ninth St., Gosport.

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

Nov. 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.

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.

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Gretchen Carlisle, 60, Freedom, preliminary charges of possession of paraphernalia, possession of methamphetamine, and possession of marijuana, hash oil, hashish, or salvia. Arrested by Indiana Conservation Officer Caleb Hutchison.

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Robert Addington, 56, Spencer, preliminary charge of burglary. Owen County Sheriff’s Department (OCSD) Deputy Brennan Clark was the arresting officer.

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Rhonda Hodge, 74, Gosport, preliminary charge of operating while intoxicated. Arrested by Spencer Police Department (SPD) officer Ben Muncie.

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Ever Munoz Gonzalez, 24, Indianapolis, preliminary charges of alcohol-minor transporting alcohol, possession or consumption; failure to appear. OCSD Deputy Jacob Williamson was the arresting officer.

Nicholas Ritz, 47,

Lafayette, IN, preliminary charge of nonsupport of child. Arrested by OCSD Deputy John Lowder II.

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Bree Moore, 27, Paoli, preliminary charges of battery (two counts) and battery by bodily waste. OCSD Deputy Jordan Hardey was the arresting officer.

Nicole White, 43, Mitchell, preliminary charges of unlawful possession of a syringe, possession of methamphetamine, neglect of a dependent, maintaining a common nuisance, dealing in methamphetamine, and probation violation. Arrested by SPD officer Zachary Brock.

Shawn Sondergard, 44, Mitchell, preliminary charges of unlawful possession of a syringe, theft, probation violation, and use of private land without consent. Indiana Conservation Officer Matt Mauder was the arresting officer.

Tessla Wichlacz, 48, Bloomington, preliminary charge of public intoxication. Arrested by OCSD Deputy Jacob Williamson.

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Jasmine Gates, 27, Bedford, preliminary charge of theft.

SPD officer Chester Richardson was the arresting officer.

Jeremy Devylder, 46, Gosport, preliminary charges of domestic battery and invasion of privacy. Arrested by OCSD Deputy Jordan Hardey.

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Rebecca Schwartz, 32, Spencer, preliminary

charge of driving while suspended with a prior charge. OCSD Deputy Elijah Volrich was the arresting officer.

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Virgil Jones, Jr., 71, Poland, IN, preliminary charges of driving while suspended with a prior charge and operating while intoxicated. Arrested by SPD officer Bryce Brock.

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Dalton Morgan, 28, Freedom, preliminary charge of driving while suspended with a prior charge. OCSD Sergeant Torrey Wallace was the arresting officer.

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Jordan Hancock, 28, Spencer, preliminary charge of domestic battery. Arrested by OCSD Deputy Brennan Clark.

Brittany Freeman, 35, Gosport, preliminary charges of possession of paraphernalia and possession of methamphetamine. OCSD Deputy Jordan Hardey was the arresting officer.

Brandi Holmes, 33, Spencer, preliminary charge of battery resulting in bodily injury. Arrested by Spencer Chief of Police Terry Sips.

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Anderson Lewis, 19, Bloomington, preliminary charges of operating with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .15 or more, operating while intoxicated endangering a person, and alcohol – minor transporting alcohol, possession or consumption. SPD officer Ben Muncie was the

arresting officer.

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Toni Whipple, 44, Indianapolis, preliminary charges of failure to appear and auto theft. OCSD Special Deputy Levi Miller was the arresting officer.

James Stewart, 48, Poland, IN, preliminary charges of driving while suspended with a prior charge and failure to appear. Arrested by OCSD Deputy Elijah Volrich.

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Brian Marchiando, 47, Spencer, preliminary charges of possession of methamphetamine, driving while suspended with a prior charge, possession of paraphernalia, and possession of marijuana, hash oil, hashish, or salvia. OCSD Sergeant Brandon Gasparovic was the arresting officer.

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Caedyn Smith, 19, Spencer, preliminary charges of pointing a firearm, criminal recklessness, and disorderly conduct. Arrested by OCSD Deputy William Browne.

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Kyle Bell, 24, Bedford, preliminary charges of resisting law enforcement, reckless driving, driving without a license, and failure to appear. OCSD Major William Snodgrass was the arresting officer. Philip Dennison, 59, Spencer, preliminary charges of obstruction of justice, possession of methamphetamine, and possession of paraphernalia. Arrested

by OCSD K9 Deputy Charles Hallam.

Jennelle Naanes, 39, Gosport, preliminary charges of theft (two counts) and probation violation. OCSD Special Deputy Levi Miller was the arresting officer.

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Kristie Rundell, 53, Bloomington, preliminary charge of operating a vehicle while intoxicated endangering a person. Arrested by Indiana State Police Trooper Clay McBride.

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Marshall Walker, 38, Bicknell, IN, preliminary charges of probation violation and dealing in methamphetamine. OCSD Deputy Brennan Clark was the arresting officer.

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Betty Perez, 44, Indianapolis, preliminary charges of possession of cocaine or a narcotic drug, theft, and possession of marijuana, hash oil, hashish, or salvia. Arrested by OCSD Deputy Tony Stevens. Joshua Stahl, 43, Freedom, preliminary charges of resisting law enforcement and invasion of privacy. OCSD Deputy Riley Pardue was the arresting officer

Michael Love, 42, Martinsville, preliminary charges of operating with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .15 or more, operating while intoxicated endangering a person, and neglect of a dependent; child selling. Indiana State Police Trooper Clay McBride was the arresting officer.

Big tax law changes coming in 2026: What they mean for charitable giving

Press Release

A major new federal law will change the way many people plan their taxes, estates and charitable giving beginning in 2026.

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), signed into law on July 4, 2025, makes permanent several tax provisions from 2017 and adds new rules that will shape how individuals support organizations like the Owen County Community Foundation (OCCF).

“These changes bring more certainty to families planning ahead,” reported OCCF president & CEO, Janet Rummel. “But they also mean donors should be aware of new opportunities and challenges.”

A More Stable Tax Landscape

The new law locks in several key tax provisions that were scheduled to expire in 2025:

- Estate and gift tax

exemption rises to $15 million per person ($30 million for couples).

- Standard deduction increases to $15,750 for single filers and $31,500 for joint filers.

- Top income tax rate stays at 37 percent instead of reverting to 39.6 percent.

For families considering legacy gifts or larger contributions, this stability provides a clearer framework for long-term planning.

Changes That Affect Giving

Several new rules directly impact charitable donors:

- Deduction for nonitemizers: Starting in 2026, taxpayers who don’t itemize can deduct up to $1,000 (single) or $2,000 (joint) in cash gifts to public charities like OCCF. This does not apply to Donor Advised Funds or private foundations.

- “Giving floor” for itemizers: Donors who itemize must now

contribute at least 0.5 percent of their adjusted gross income (AGI) before gifts are deductible. For example, with an AGI of $100,000, the first $500 in giving cannot be deducted. This may encourage donors to “bundle” multiple years of giving into one larger gift.

- Cap for highincome donors: Those in the top 37 percent tax bracket will see deductions capped at 35 percent of income. Donors considering significant contributions may want to act in 2025 to maximize benefits.

- Cash gift deduction limit stays high: Donors may continue to deduct cash gifts up to 60 percent of AGI, a rule now made permanent.

- Extra deduction for seniors: From 2025 through 2028, taxpayers age 65+ can claim an additional $6,000 deduction, even without itemizing. The benefit phases out above $75,000

for single filers and $150,000 for couples.

What Donors Can Do Now

While most people give because they care about causes, tax incentives often affect how much and when they give. OCCF encourages donors to review their situation and consider steps such as:

- High earners: Talk with your advisor about making gifts before the end of 2025 to avoid new limits.

- Annual givers: Consider combining two or more years of giving into one larger gift to clear the new deduction floor.

- Nonitemizers: Plan to use the new $1,000/$2,000 charitable deduction starting in 2026.

- Seniors: Factor in the additional $6,000 deduction when planning your charitable support.

Lasting Impact in Owen County “Tax laws may shift,

but the impact of your giving here at home does not,” said OCCF staff. “Every gift helps strengthen Owen County, whether you’re supporting education, youth programs, community spaces or local nonprofits. We’re here to help donors make the most of these new rules while continuing to support the causes they love.” Residents with questions about how the new tax law may affect their charitable giving are encouraged to contact the Owen County Community Foundation at 812-829-1725, email operations@ owencountycf.org, or visit owencountycf.org.

The Owen County Community Foundation does not provide legal, tax or financial advice. Donors should consult with their own advisors to determine the most appropriate strategies for their individual circumstances.

CCSC Board adopts 2026 budget

By Travis Curry Senior Correspondent

The Cloverdale Community School Corporation (CCSC) Board of Trustees

officially adopted the corporation’s 2026 budget, Capital Projects Plan and School Bus Replacement Plan during the board’s monthly meeting held Sept. 9.

Acting on a recommendation from CCSC Superintendent Greg Linton, the board voted 7-0 to approve the requests.

Linton noted approval of the 2026 budget would provide him with the authority to file Form 4 with the Department of Local

Government Finance (DLGF) to request advertised levies for the Debt Service, Pension Bond and Operation Funds, all of which were discussed during the board’s previous budget workshop and hearing held Aug. 25.

In addition, the board approved all related resolutions needed to manage the corporation’s 2026 budget.

Coverage of the corporation’s 2026 budget workshop held Aug. 25 was featured in the September issue of The Owen News and can be found online.

Regarding communications, the board recognized the corporation’s

Student of the Month honorees for September, which included Cloverdale Elementary School (CES) student Jenna Tanner, Cloverdale Middle School (CMS) student Remington Neumann and Cloverdale High School (CHS) student Jaydhan Maybaum. Also recognized were Ella Haltom and Kinzlee Cummings, who earned Good Citizen Awards for the month of September, presented by CCSC School Resource Officer (SRO) Roger Tonna.

In other new business, the board approved the renewal of the current coaching

staff at CMS, including Traci Scott, co-ed cross country; Todd Rightmyer, eighthgrade football; Jacob Whitaker, seventh-grade football; Jimmy Kelso, seventh/ eighth-grade football assistant; Chelsey Adams, eighthgrade volleyball; Lori Pieper, seventhgrade volleyball; Brandon Moon, eighth-grade boys’ basketball; Kiersten Wade, eighth-grade girls’ basketball; Todd Rightmyer, wrestling; Billy Pigg, wrestling assistant; Sara Howard, girls’ track; and Aleksey Stewart, track assistant.

The board also approved a request from CMS Principal Chelsey Meluch to create an additional instructional assistant position at the school. Meluch stated in her request how “this position would primarily work with our special education students in providing access to their accommodations in general education classrooms,” noting the school has experienced an increase in the number of highneed students this school year.

Next, the board approved and formally accepted a check in the amount of $1,000 awarded to CES by the Mary Allison Children’s Fund.

“We are truly grateful to the Mary Allison Children’s Fund for their continued support of students at Cloverdale Elementary School,” Linton said.

In other new business, the board approved the latest cash transfer-ins, with Linton noting the corporation has welcomed 75 additional students since February.

In addition, the board approved the following field trip and facility use requests:

Field trips

Sept. 10 – LIM Council, CMS B112.

Sept. 10 –Horticulture Class, Marvin’s Floral.

Sept. 16 – Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG), ISU, Bloomington.

Sept. 18 – AG students, Purdue University, Lafayette.

Sept. 18 – AP Spanish and Advanced Art, Newfields.

Sept. 20 – FFA Horticulture Team, Purdue University, Lafayette.

Sept. 22 – CHS junior and senior classes, Putnam County Fairgrounds.

Sept. 23 – CMS seventh grade, Putnam County Fairgrounds.

Oct. 2 – CHS FFA Livestock Skillathon Team, Clay County Fairgrounds.

Oct. 2 –BPA, Indiana State University, Terre Haute.

Oct. 9 – Sixthgrade class, Beasley’s Orchard, Danville, IN.

Oct. 10 – Pre-K 4, Beasley’s Orchard, Danville, IN.

Oct. 11 – CHS FFA Livestock Skillathon Team, Purdue ASREC Farm.

Oct. 12 – CHS Band, Martinsville Fall Foliage Festival.

Facility use

Sept. 13, 27, 28 – Cloverdale Community Youth League (CCYL, football field and concession, youth league games for football and cheer.

Sept. 13 – CHS junior class, CHS auxiliary gym, Homecoming Dance.

Sept. 25 to May 26, every other Wednesday – Girl Scout Troop 1142, CES cafeteria, meetings.

Sept. 28 – CHS Junior Post Prom Committee, CES gymnasium and playground, post prom fundraiser.

Oct. to Dec., Saturdays and Sundays –Cloverdale Winter Guard, CES gymnasium, Elevate

instruction.

Oct. 8 – CHS and CMS Band, CHS cafetorium, Fall Concert.

Dec. 10 – CHS and CMS Band, CHS cafetorium, Winter Concert.

Jan to Apr., Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays –Cloverdale Winter and Class A Winter Guard, CES gymnasium, Elevate Winter Guard instruction.

Jan. 12 – CMS PTO, CMS Media Center, PTO meeting.

Apr. 17 – District VII FFA, CHS, host District Leadership Contest.

Additional personnel matters receiving unanimous board approval included:

Resignations

Renee Dyer –part-time, café.

Employment

Traci Scott – CHS Student Council sponsor lead. Alison Dobbs –CHS Student Council sponsor assistant. Erin Robertson – CES special education teacher. Jane Huge –CHS part-time AEP discipline assistant. Christainey Williams – CMS instructional assistant.

FMLA

Kiley Cope – CMS teacher.

Coaching hire Kassie Wade – CHS assistant volleyball coach.

The Cloverdale Community School Board will meet again on Tuesday, Oct. 13, beginning at 7 p.m. in the Arthur L. Johnson Administration Building, 310 E. Logan St., Cloverdale. Members of the board include Vivian Whitaker, Katrina Lewis, Donna Fidler, Melissa Carrell, Emily Haltom, Joe Mann and Mike Rightmyer

FRIDAY, OCT. 3, 2025

He was killed in Mushan, Kandahar province, Afghanistan, when insurgents attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device (IED) on Sept. 9, 2011.

Wood joined the Army in July 2010 and graduated from Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Benning, Georgia. He arrived in Alaska in November 2010. His brigade had deployed to Afghanistan in midApril 2011 for a planned one-year tour in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

A Patriot Day Celebration held Sept. 13 in Gosport Town Park honored several Gold Star Families, those who have lost an immediate family member in the line of duty of military service, including the families of Pfc. Wood, Army Sgt. Christoper K. Hilgert, Marine Lance Cpl. Kyle Price and Army Staff Sgt. James Patton.

“To you, the mothers and fathers, husbands and wives, sons and daughters, brothers and sisters of the fallen, we offer our deepest gratitude and respect,” began VFW Post #7850 Commander Michael Oaks. “Your loved ones gave the last full measure of devotion to this nation, and you’ve worn that sacrifice with strength and dignity. Please know that we see you, we honor you, and we will never forget the price your family has paid for our freedom.”

Oaks recalled one of the darkest days in our nation’s history – Sept. 11, 2001.

“Our nation awoke to a morning like any other, but by the end of that day our world had been forever changed,” he said. “We all remember where we were when we heard the news, and we remember the shock and disbelief and the grief, but we also remember something else, the way our nation came together in the days that followed. Strangers comforted one another, communities rallied, and Americans stood united under one flag. Out of the smoke and rubble rose the enduring spirit of the American people. That is why Sept. 11 is not only a day of mourning, but also a day of remembrance of what it means to be a Patriot.”

Oaks noted the global war on terror would become the longest conflict in American history.

“With that came sacrifice, lives lost and families changed long after the battlefield,” he said. “As we pause to honor those who gave their lives in the years since 9-11, let us also remember that

courage, dedication and selflessness will never be forgotten. Though his time with us was far too short, his impact is everlasting. We carry his memory with us every day, and we speak his name with pride. Rest in peace, Brett. Your sacrifice will never be forgotten.” PATRIOT | FROM PAGE 1

they stand in a long and unbroken line of American heroes, from the Revolution that first secured our freedom to the battlefields of the Civil War that preserved our Union. From the trenches of World War I to the beaches of World War II, to the frozen hills of Korea, the jungles of Vietnam and the sands of the Persian Gulf. Every generation that produced Patriots who were willing to lay down their lives for liberty. We are here today because of them, because of their courage, their sacrifice and their families who bore their absence. Patriot Day reminds us that their legacy did not end in the pages of history; it lives on in every veteran and every Gold Star Family and in every citizen who chooses to serve something greater than themselves.”

The program also featured guest speaker, retired Brigadier General Michael Osburn.

General Osburn began his career as an enlisted soldier in the U.S. Army in 1975 and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Indiana Army National Guard in June 1982. He deployed to Afghanistan in 2010 as Commander of 2nd Battalion, 19th Agribusiness Development Team and later served as the Deputy Commander, 81st Troop Command, during the Indiana floods of 2008.

In addition, General Osburn’s long and distinguished career included serving as Commander of Division Artillery, commanding a 1,000 person hurricanes Katrina and Rita Task Force in 2005, as well as serving as the Commander of Operation Noble Eagle from 2003 to 2005.

“Those who have served and those who are currently serving in the United States Armed Forces are ever mindful that the sweetness of enduring peace has always been tainted by the bitterness of personal sacrifice,” General Osburn said. “We are compelled to never

forget that while we enjoy our daily pleasures, there are others who have endured and may still be enduring agony of pain, deprivation and internment. We must never forget it is the strength of our military that has brought us to this point, and it is that strength that will continue to ensure our liberties.”

Each of the Gold Star Families in attendance was later presented with triangular flags in wooden display boxes, along with Gold Star Family flags presented by the VFW Post #7850.

The following morning, Sept. 14, a special program was held in front of the Owen County War Memorial in downtown Spencer, featuring words of remembrance, stories of military service, laughter and countless tears from those who served alongside Pfc. Wood. The group also visited his headstone, located near the Soldiers Memorial Pavilion inside Riverside Cemetery.

Those who took part in the program, many traveling long distances to be in attendance, said it helped provide some closure to Pfc. Wood’s passing. They told of visiting his headstone and the significance of placing coins on headstones of a service member or veteran as a show of respect and honor. A penny, they said, means someone has visited the grave.

A nickel signifies that the visitor served with the deceased service member at boot camp. A dime means the visitor and deceased service member served together at some point. A quarter, they said, is left by someone who was physically with the service member when they died.

The words spoken during the 30-minute

FROM TOP: A special program was held in front of the Owen County War Memorial on Sept. 14, featuring words of remembrance, stories of military service, laughter and countless tears from those who served alongside U.S. Army Pfc. Brett E. Wood. // A table of remembrance featuring photos of U.S. Army Pfc. Brett E. Wood was on display during a special remembrance program held Sept. 14 in front of the Owen County War Memorial in downtown Spencer. // Retired Brigadier General Michael Osburn served as the featured guest speaker for a Patriot Day program hosted Sept. 13 by the Gosport VFW Post #7850. // Flowers and mementoes were left at the headstone of U.S. Army Private First Class Brett E. Wood in Riverside Cemetery following a remembrance program held Sept. 14 in Spencer. TRAVIS CURRY | THE OWEN NEWS

program by Pfc. Wood’s fellow soldiers could best be summed up by a post shared to the In Remembrance of Brett Wood Facebook page the following day by Eric Yepez of Fresno, California: “Brett was more than a uniform –he was a son, a friend, a brother and a hero. His

Cluckin’ good time

Community flocks to Chester Chicken Chuck

Clockwise from top: Attendees gather on the south side of the courthouse lawn during the Owen County Chamber of Commerce’s Chester Chicken Chuck. The event was held Sept. 6. // The Chick Chuckers representing The Boys and Girls Club of Owen County compete in the Chicken Chuck. //Attendees watch as a team attempts to catch the rubber chickens thrown from the courthouse roof. // Steve Withem and Janet Rummel watch and applaud during the Chicken Chuck. // Kurt Rosenberger converses with The Owen News team of Aaron LaGrange and Walker LaGrange.

AARON LAGRANGE | THE OWEN NEWS

FRIDAY, OCT. 3, 2025

course, feature the CVFD’s signature ham and beans cooked over an open fire. Beans will be served from noon to 8 p.m. on Oct. 3, 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Oct. 4 and 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 5.

The event also features live music and more than 125 vendors.

For more information, visit cataractfire.com or email cataractbeandinner@ yahoo.com.

The Cataract VFD relies on this festival to generate more than 60 percent of its annual operating funds.

Spencer Pride Festival: Oct. 4

The annual Spencer Pride Festival will take place from noon to 7 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 4 in downtown Spencer.

The festival includes free parking and free admission.

The event will feature live, local entertainment, and local brewery Civilian Brewing Corps will be onsite selling alcohol for those 21 and over.

This year’s festival marketplace will feature more than 150 booths from retail businesses and notfor-profit organizations. A huge variety of festival foods will be available, including cotton candy, pretzels, fresh baked goods, elephant ears, specialty ice cream, candies and more. Additionally, plazas will be spread throughout the event, where individuals can gather and focus together.

Official Spencer Pride Festival merchandise will be on sale at the festival, including limited edition t-shirts which tend to sell out during the event. These items are available at the Spencer Pride commUnity center, located on the north side of the Owen County Courthouse square.

A variety of free Health & Wellness services, including HIV screening, vaccinations and more, will also be available at the Spencer Pride Festival. The festival also features a blood drive.

There is also a ticketed 21+ only after party hosted at the Spencer Pride commUnity center. Tickets can be purchased online.

The Spencer Pride Festival is a place where all are welcome, regardless of their age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, socioeconomic status or ability. For more information, visit spencerpride.org, call 812652-5000, or email info@ spencerpride.org.

Fiesta! Owen County: Oct. 11

Fiesta! Owen County is making its return on Saturday, Oct. 11.

Get ready for an unforgettable celebration of culture, music and community. The event takes place from 2 to 8 p.m. on Market Street in downtown Spencer, adding more than two additional hours of fun.

Fiesta! Owen County will feature salsa dancing, Lotería, crafts, cultural booths, piñata and authentic Hispanic food.

Bring your family and friends to celebrate together with great music, delicious food and lots of fun activities.

Event sponsors include the Owen County Chamber of Commerce, Boston Scientific and the Sweet Owen Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Pumpkins in the Park: Oct. 11

The annual Pumpkins in the Park at the Gosport Town Park will take place from 3 to 6 p.m. Oct. 11.

While this event isn’t free, all proceeds go to support continued improvements

to the Gosport Town Park through the Gosport Business Association.

Admission is $10 and includes games, pumpkin painting, a bounce house, face painting, pinatas, potato sack races and a pumpkin roll relay.

The event is sponsored by Gosport Dental, Insurance Services, Gosport VFW Post 7850 & Auxiliary, The Crazy Lady Nextdoor, Penguin Cycle Works, Harriman Farms & Greenhouse, Brighton Fevelopments, Babbs, Harvest Moon Farms & Winery, Value Market, Niki Gessler Artist, 67 Auto Salvage, Style Station and Owen County State Bank.

MCSP Fall-o-ween: Oct. 24 & 25

Friends of McCormick’s Creek State Park will host Fall-o-ween on Oct. 24 and 25.

There will be free face painting from 5 to 6:30 p.m. and a free spooky movie night at 6:30 p.m. on Oct. 24 at the Canyon Inn.

There’s also a full day on Oct. 25 with minimal cost, all to support Friends of McCormick’s Creek State Park.

From 9 a.m. to noon, there is Buck’s Dead and Breakfast, featuring spooky spider donuts and hot drinks available for purchase.

From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. there will be hayrides leaving from the Nature Center every 30 minutes. The cost is $2 per person.

Then, from 2 to 4 p.m., there will be pumpkin carving at the Nature Center Amphitheater. The cost is $5 per pumpkin.

There will be a trick or treat trail alon the habitat trail and trail 8 from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

Finally, the event will wrap up with Owel Prowl at 8 p.m. with a 1.4 mile night hike.

Participants are encouraged to bring a redlight flashlight. More information can be found on the event Facebook page.

Arts in the Park: Oct. 25

Sweet Owen Arts Commission will host an inaugural Arts in the Park and Classic Car Show. The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 25 in Cooper Commons Park. Car show registration begins at 11 a.m., with awards starting at 3:30 p.m. The event will feature live performances, live demonstrations, kid activities, art, food and fun.

Vandalia Chili Fest: Nov. 2

The annual Vandalia Community Preservation Association (VCPA) Chili Fest will take place on Sunday, Nov. 2, from 1 to 4:30 p.m. Chili and dessert will be served in the historic Vandalia one-room schoolhouse beginning at 1 p.m. The multi-talented Lloyd Wood and Band will perform a variety of classic country music in the Vandalia Historical Chapel starting at 2 p.m.

Enjoy an afternoon of great entertainment and food while supporting a great cause. The cost of the event is $12 for adults and $5 for children (age 10 and under), which includes both the meal and the live music.

Proceeds benefit VCPA for preservation and maintenance of the historic chapel and schoolhouse. The event will take place in the village of Vandalia (six miles west of Spencer on S.R. 46) at 5471 Vandalia Rd., Spencer. Visit the VCPA Facebook page, facebook.com/ vandaliacpa, and website, vandaliacpa.org, for more information.

Bright as a new penny Courthouse dome replacement completed

By Travis Curry Senior Correspondent

Originally dedicated on Aug. 31, 1911, the historic Owen County Courthouse dome is once again shining as bright as a new penny in downtown Spencer.

Precision Construction and Roofing was behind the Herculean restoration effort following extensive hail damage suffered in June 2023. The project was financed via a county insurance claim.

The scope of the project included a new copper exterior for the dome and a new rubber membrane for the courthouse’s flat roof. Additionally, the windows on the dome were repaired, painted and permanent coverings installed to protect the dome’s original windows from the elements of weather.

According to a Sept. 15 post on the Precision Construction and Roofing Facebook page, “every inch of the dome was handfabricated from 20-ounce ribbon copper and installed

piece by piece onsite, a true team effort from start to finish.”

The new dome will at first

have the bright copper color of a newly minted penny but will slowly turn a dark brown color. Then over time,

the copper will achieve a classic green patina due to chemical interactions with the environment

Gosport VFD seeks volunteers

Staff Report

The Gosport Volunteer Fire Department continues to actively seek dedicated

individuals to join its volunteer firefighter program. Applications are available at Gosport Town Hall during normal business

hours, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The office is closed for lunch from noon to 12:30 p.m.

Anyone interested is encouraged to apply, regardless of prior experience.

For further details about the

volunteer firefighter program and its requirements, call deputy clerk Wanda White at Gosport Town Hall, 812-8794334.

Gosport Town

Hall is located at 7 E. Main St., Gosport.

54th Annual Old Grads Day

Work to restore the dome of the Owen County Courthouse is complete and the shiny new copper top is once again taking center stage in downtown Spencer. TRAVIS CURRY | THE OWEN NEWS

Clockwise from top left: Representatives from the classes of 1951, 1952 and 1952 pose for a photo. Old Grads Day celebrates graduates from Spencer High School. It includes classes up through the class of 1971, which was the first class to graduate from Owen Valley High School, despite never having attended school there due to a construction delay. // Walter Sadler and Naomi Maners Dean of the class of 1951 pose for a photo. The class of 1951 was oldest class represented at the reunion. // Anton Neff (right) converses with Tad Wilson (left) and Walter Sadler (center). NICOLE DECRISCIO | THE OWEN NEWS

Food Inspections

Routine food inspections were conducted by the Owen County Health Department during the month of September 2025. Reported below are the critical and noncritical comments left for these establishments: 9-15

The Back Forty Farm & Kitchen , 2780 S.R. 46E, Spencer.

Pre-operational. No violations.

9-20

Lainey’s Watering Trough , drink truck, temporary, Apple Butter Festival. No violations.

FoodieGang Bites, food truck , temporary, Apple Butter Festival. No violations. Lumpia Creations,

DOUGHBOY | FROM PAGE 1

Six of the obelisks or stone pillars will be for each branch of the United States Military, and they will be lighted in the evening.

There will be a different, smaller obelisk or pillar honoring Ernest Moore “E.M.” Visquesney, the sculptor of the

INSURANCE | FROM PAGE 1

had with Owen County and that part of the agreement was that the plan rates would be honored.

Remak later came back and said that Anthem agreed to honor the rate, kind of. For budgetary purposes, they would honor the rate for 2026, but if Owen County had a “bad claim year,” which was not specifically defined, the county would owe an additional 10 percent in 2027 plus whatever rate increase would take place for that year.

He presented on the matter again at the Sept. 18 commissioners meeting.

“I just wanted to give you an update on the Anthem situation and their lack of commitment to what IU Health Plans

food stand, temporary, Apple Butter Festival. No violations.

King Kones Indy, food truck , temporary, Apple Butter Festival. No violations.

Kornfed Kettle Korn, food stand, temporary, Apple Butter Festival. No violations.

Hoosier Minis, food truck , temporary,

Doughboy. The Doughboy was created to honor the veterans and casualties of World War I. Visquesney was from Spencer.

In addition, the project will include a few small concrete pads added near the existing flagpole to make it ADA accessible and support a podium for memorial events.

had promised. As I mentioned to you, I made a formal complaint to the Indiana Department of Insurance. First time I’ve done that in 46 years,” Remak said.

He noted that Anthem had received the complaint and had until Sept. 25 to respond.

In the meantime, Remak has worked to see what other plans are out there for the county and wanted to present a competitive offer that the county had received from United Healthcare (UHC).

The information about the plan was presented by Scott Thompson, vice president of sales for UHC in Indiana and Kentucky.

“We are a part of United Health Group; that is our parent company. We are fortunate for, but we always say that very modestly,

though, because big doesn’t always mean good, but in the insurance and health care delivery space, it allows us to truly deploy different solutions to meet the needs of our employer and member partners across the country,” Thompson said. “The thing that I think will stand out the most is the network that we’re able to provide to your employees and their family members as they are accessing care across the state of Indiana and also all 50 states across the country.”

He continued.

“From a network perspective, which we’ll get into a little more detail, all the hospitals in the state of Indiana are currently in network with us,” Thompson added.

Remak also provided some more context

Apple Butter Festival. No violations.

Wever’s Smoke Eaters BBQ, food truck, temporary, Apple Butter Festival. No violations. Shaggy’s Concessions, food truck & stand, temporary, Apple Butter Festival. No violations.

Taqueria Mil Amores, food truck,

There will also be a new sidewalk connecting the Doughboy to the perimeter sidewalk around the Courthouse.

The limestone for the project is coming from Romona Quarry, which is based in Owen County and is the quarry from which the original base of the Doughboy statue.

regarding the cost of the insurance.

“If you remember, Anthem came in with again not honoring the commitment that IU Health Plan had made, but they did come in and say, ‘Look, where we think you should be is 10 percent higher than what you are currently with IU Health Plans.’ Again, this would be for 2026. What they said though, they would bill you the exact same amount of premiums that you are being billed for for IU Health Plans with the idea though at the end of 2026 or early 2027, they would look at claims and if you haven’t had a good claims year, then they can ask for that additional 10 percent that they’re charging,” Remak said. “So, although we appreciate the fact that they’re willing to help you from a budget standpoint, the reality is you still have that exposure if you don’t have as good a claims year as you’ve had the last few years. And again, trends are excellent. You guys have been healthier for quite a while. But as you know, as well as I do, some things you can’t predict.”

Remak said the cost and coverage is almost identical, but it provides employees with a larger network of providers.

“And then you can see

temporary, Apple Butter Festival. No violations.

Rye’s Concessions, food truck , temporary, Apple Butter Festival. Non-critical violation: fans need to be cleared of dust.

The Shucker Shak, food truck , temporary, Apple Butter Festival. No violations.

The goal is to have the project completed in time for the plaza to be rededicated on Veterans Day in November.

Cris Lunsford and Jack White have spearheaded the project with support from the Owen County Commissioners and the Owen County Community Foundation.

premiums, they’re really just coming in, matching the premiums, which will guarantee you no stipulation that the premiums for 2026 are going to be what you had budgeted for, exactly the same as you currently have,” Remak added.

Commissioners Sam Hobbs and Norm Warner were present at the meeting, and they asked about a multiyear contract, citing concerns that the rates would be low for 2026 but steeply increase the year after.

Thompson said that is something that has to be reviewed with the company’s underwriters.

Instead, he offered why he does not believe steep increases are part of UHC’s plans for doing business with the county.

“Doing business here in the state of Indiana, we’ve been able to grow our business year over year, and we don’t do that by buying business on the front end and then increasing the rates in year two,” Thompson said. “From our perspective, there’s a lot of time and investment we make in the front end to bring on a new customer, educate numbers, make sure that everything’s set up correctly. So we both try to take a longterm approach that we’re

underwriting on the new business side so that we can maintain long-term relationships.”

Remak added that throughout his time in business, IU Health Plans was the first to come up with a two-year rate guarantee, which was dependent on participation in healthy results, preventative health screening and other preventative measures.

“I’m not surprised by their answer,” Remak concluded.

Warner asked about the clinic at Owen Valley Middle School that employees can currently use. That clinic is a separate contract not related to health insurance, though it does help cut down on the number of claims, which helps with the rates for the county’s group health insurance.

Thompson said that UHC asks for 60 days for implementation. No decision was made at the Sept. 18 meeting, and the commissioners said they planned to consider it at the Oct. 2 meeting so it could be properly budgeted for during the Oct. 14 council meeting.

“I don’t want to wait up until November to make this decision to change over,” Hobbs said. “I don’t want any employee being left in the dark.”

Royalty crowned at 2025 Apple Butter Festival

Winners of the 2025 Spencer Lions Club Apple Butter Festival royalty contest are shown with Lion Anton Karl Neff, who again served as royalty contest chairman, and 2025 Miss Owen County Fair Queen MiaRose Hess. Pictured are (L-R) Prince Atticus Locke, King Connor Smith, Queen Anna Hamm and Princess Everly Lientz. AARON LAGRANGE | THE OWEN NEWS

OVHS Homecoming parade

Owen Valley High School Sports Calendar

Oct. 3

7 p.m. – Varsity boys’ football vs West Vigo at West Vigo.

Oct. 4

10 a.m. – Varsity boys’ soccer vs South Vermillion at Owen Valley.

11 a.m. – Junior varsity girls’ volleyball vs Lighthouse Christian Academy at Owen Valley.

Noon. – Varsity girls’ soccer vs South Vermillion at Owen Valley.

12:30 p.m. – Varsity

girls’ volleyball vs Lighthouse Christian Academy at Owen Valley.

6 p.m. – Varsity coed cross country at Nike Valley Twilight XC at Brown County.

Oct. 6

6 p.m. – Junior varsity football vs West Vigo at Owen Valley.

6 p.m. – Junior varsity girls’ volleyball vs White River Valley at White River Valley.

7 p.m. – Varsity girls’ volleyball vs White River Valley at

White River Valley.

Oct. 7

6 p.m. – Junior varsity girls’ volleyball vs Greencastle at Greencastle.

7 p.m. – Varsity girls’ volleyball vs Greencastle at Greencastle.

Oct. 10

7 p.m. – Varsity football vs South Putnam at South Putnam.

Cloverdale High School Sports Calendar

Oct. 3

7 p.m. – Varsity football vs Brown County at Brown County.

Oct. 4

6 p.m. – Varsity boys’ and girls’ cross country at Nike Valley Twilight XC at Columbus North.

Oct. 6

6 p.m. – Junior varsity football vs Brown County at Cloverdale.

Oct. 7

6 p.m. – Junior varsity girls’ volleyball vs Eminence at Cloverdale.

7:30 p.m. – Varsity girls’ volleyball vs Eminence at Cloverdale.

Oct. 9

6 p.m. – Junior varsity girls’ volleyball vs Sullivan at Sullivan.

7:30 p.m. – Varsity girls’ volleyball vs Sullivan at Sullivan.

Oct. 10

Oct. 11 9 a.m. – Varsity girls’ volleyball vs North Putnam at North Putnam.

10 a.m. – Varsity co-ed cross country at WIC.

Oct. 13 6 p.m. – Junior varsity football vs South Putnam at Owen Valley.

Oct. 17 7 p.m. – Varsity football vs Heritage Christian at Owen Valley.

7 p.m. – Varsity football vs West Vigo at Cloverdale.

Oct. 11

10 a.m. – Varsity boys’ and girls’ cross country at WIC meet at Brown County.

Oct. 13

6 p.m. – Junior varsity football vs West Vigo at West Vigo.

Oct. 17

7 p.m. – Varsity football vs South Putnam at South Putnam.

Oct. 20

Nov. 4

7:30 p.m. – Varsity girls’ basketball vs Eastern Greene at Eastern Greene.

Nov. 8

9 a.m. – Girls’ wrestling at Sullivan Fall Brawl at Sullivan.

6 p.m. – Junior varsity girls’ basketball vs South Vermillion at South Vermillion.

7:30 p.m. – Varsity girls’ basketball vs South Vermillion at South Vermillion.

6 p.m. – Junior varsity football vs South Putnam at Cloverdale.

Oct. 28

6 p.m. – Varsity girls’ basketball scrimmage vs Bloomfield at Bloomfield.

Nov. 4

7:30 p.m. – Varsity girls’ basketball vs Riverton Parke at Riverton Parke.

FROM LEFT:Members of the Owen Valley High School Cheerleading Team pose for a photo ahead of the Homecoming Parade on Sept. 25. // The float for the senior class was beach themed.

NICOLE DECRISCIO | THE OWEN NEWS

Green’s Bluff Nature Preserve grows by 83 acres

By Travis Curry Senior Correspondent

Green’s Bluff Nature Preserve, a hidden gem nestled in the hills of rural Owen County, is expanding thanks to a recent land donation to The Nature Conservancy (TNC).

Owned and managed by TNC, the preserve comprises 1,134 acres of land and features a grove of eastern hemlock trees, cave entrances and remnants of an old grist mill. Scarlet tanagers, wood thrushes, bobcats and great blue herons have been spotted passing through the area’s hardwood forests.

Now, thanks to an anonymous donation to TNC, Green’s Bluff will expand by nearly 83 acres. This means more forest protection for Raccoon Creek, which meanders through the preserve. It also means a larger swath of intact forest for migrating songbirds.

“Green’s Bluff has a tremendous array of plants and animals,” said Vince Garmon, land protection specialist with TNC. “The preserve is actually two separate properties, and the new acreage connects directly to pieces of existing preserve near the center, providing connectivity inside the preserve. These additional protected acres will help flora and fauna thrive.”

Apart from the new addition, TNC has been very busy at Green’s Bluff over the past several years. TNC has improved existing trails and added interpretive signage to enhance visitor enjoyment. In October, TNC will unveil a new trail engineered and created by the Hoosier Hikers Council.

“It’s a great win, not just for TNC but the entire state of Indiana to have this property,” Garmon added. “TNC has done a remarkable job of making acquisitions here over the last five years, making this place a scenic destination for all Hoosiers.”

Green’s Bluff currently features two hiking trails: the North Loop Trail and Racoon Woods Trails. North Loop Trail is a 1.2-mile moderate loop trail through the northern section of Green’s Bluff. The trail overlooks hemlock bluffs above Raccoon Creek, then descends a steep slope to continue along the face of the bluff down to the creek. This portion of the trail can be quite rugged. The trail continues along the creek, where a sharp eye may notice the stone foundation of James Green’s grist mill from the late 1800s.

Raccoon Woods Trail is a 1.4-mile moderate loop trail through the newer southern section of Green’s Bluff. After starting in a clearing where TNC has planted rows of oak trees, the trail winds through deep woods with many

mature oak, beech and hickory trees. As it descends into steep ravines, the trail crosses spring-fed creeks. Climbing out of the ravines, it offers views of the forest canopy. At the far end of the loop, the trail rises into an open area where TNC is attracting birds and insects with pollinator plantings.

The North Loop Trail can be rugged, while the Raccoon Woods Trail is more moderate. Interpretive signs can be found along both trails.

Travel directions: From Spencer, take S.R. 46 E. to S.R. 43 S. Continue south on S.R. 43S for about five miles, then turn right on to Sherfield Road. This road comes to a “T” after about a mile. Turn left and go about 0.4 mile to where the road ends. You’ll see a Green’s Bluff Nature Preserve sign at the trailhead.

To get from the North Loop Trail to the Raccoon Woods Trail, head north on Heddings Rd./C.R. 75E to Sherfield Rd./C.R. 525S. Turn right onto Sherfield Rd./C.R. 525S. Travel one mile and then turn right (south) onto State Road 43S. Travel 1.9 miles and turn right onto E. Porter Ridge Rd./C.R. 675S. Travel about two miles. Parking for Raccoon Woods

Trail will be on the right (north) side of the road.

New trail opening

Join TNC and the Hoosier Hikers Council (HHC) on Saturday, October 18, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to celebrate the grand opening of their new trail at Green’s Bluff. Described as a fivemile extension to the Raccoon Woods Trail in the southern portion of Green’s Bluff, the new trail system will be six miles long and offer views of ephemeral waterfalls, oaks, hickories, ferns, beech and maple trees.

This event is co-hosted by HHC and TNC and will feature special remarks from HHC and TNC leaders about the site and trail, a six-mile or two-mile hike with leaders (your choice), a trailnaming activity and other activities for kids.

Light refreshments will be provided before the hike.

RSVP online at bit.ly/ GreensBluffNewTrailOpeningRSVP.

Note: the access and meeting location for this event is NOT a public access area and is only open for this special event.

MYPath 5k run, walk returns for second year on Oct. 18

Press Release

The MYPath 5k run/ walk is returning for a second year Saturday, Oct. 18, at 8:30 a.m.

The course begins and ends at the Owen County Fairgrounds, 364 S. East St., in Spencer. The course uses both paved and natural surface trails as it winds around the fairgrounds, through Cooper Commons, and along the MYPath Riverfront Trail. It is considered a “fast course” because it is mostly level. Registration is $25 plus a sign-up fee and includes a T-shirt. There will be prizes for the fastest times. After Oct. 16, registration increases to $30.

To register, visit runsignup.com and search for MYPath 5k.

Direct questions to mypathspencer@ gmail.com.

Proceeds from the event are used by the Friends of MYPath, Inc. for development and maintenance of the trail.

Green’s Bluff will expand by nearly 83 acres thanks to an anonymous donation to The Nature Conservancy. This means more forest protection for Raccoon Creek, which meanders through the preserve. PHOTO SUBMITTED BY VINCE GARMON & TNC.

Trailing or Leading: Yellow flowers are your friends

By Kyle Hannon Project Manager, MYPath Trail System

Which one of these is making us sneeze? That is the question many MYPath walkers are asking as they walk along the trail, with plants towering over their heads.

The rainy summer provided excellent conditions for plants. All summer we watched plants growing along the trail. We had several discussions about what seeds the major flood might have left behind. In addition, we had been given several packets of wildflower seeds

from the Owen County Garden Club, which we had planted in various spots.

Using apps and other tools, we could identify flowers and plants, though not always. It was fun trying to figure out what was growing. But there were four plants we could identify. We knew what they were and what they would do: Johnson grass, cup plant, goldenrod and ragweed.

Johnson grass is a nasty invasive, non-native plant. It looks a little like a corn plant, or maybe a decorative grass. I identify it by a single white stripe that goes down the center of each leaf. If you have some in your yard, come to terms with it. If you pull

it, it will come back. If you spray it, it might die. Or it might wait until you are looking the other way and come back. The best bet is to mow it regularly to keep it from going to seed. If you walk MYPath today, you will be flanked by lots of Johnson grass, about eight feet tall.

Another plant is the cup plant. The leaves are shaped into a little hollow section, next to the stem, that holds water. In the late summer, they share a pretty yellow flower. Growing amongst the cup plant is the Jerusalem artichoke, a type of sunflower. Both of these plants provide beautiful yellow flowers at the same time.

The Jerusalem artichoke is still

blooming right now. It is nice to walk along a wall of yellow. The other yellow-flowered plant that is blooming right now is goldenrod. It is a common plant that you have seen all your life. The flowers are not single flowers, like a sunflower or daisy. They are a group of smaller yellow flowers along a narrow “finger.” Some people don’t like the goldenrod because they say the flowers trigger allergies. But goldenrod is NOT the culprit. Instead, the hay fever villain is the plant growing right next to the goldenrod. Ragweed.

On MYPath, we have regular ragweed, and giant ragweed. The

giant ragweed is growing 10-feet high. You can’t miss them as you walk along the trail. They are leaning over your head, taunting you with their pollen.

Plants handle pollination in different ways. The innocent goldenrod has pretty flowers that attract bees, butterflies and other critters that will carry their pollen to other plants. Ragweed does not have flowers, so it spreads pollen by wind. Or gravity. Wind blows the pollen to other plants, or your nose. When you start sneezing, you are a pollinator. A few of our weekly walkers skip walking MYPath during ragweed season.

If you walk

MYPath now, you can scowl at the giant plants without flowers, the Johnson grass and ragweed. And you can enjoy the yellow flowers. This time of year, you might see another creature that is enjoying the yellow flowers, the monarch butterfly.

Even if you sneeze, this is a nice time to visit the trail.

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

Outdoor Type: It’s the little things (part II)

outfished him. Now normally this would be a good thing, but not if you want to maintain a friendship. Golfing and fishing are similar in that small adjustments make a big difference. The devil, or angel, is truly in the details.

My friend lives out of town and was visiting for the day. We had played 18 at Country Oaks Golf Course near Montgomery, and now later in the afternoon we were at West Boggs, a nice fishery just north of Loogootee. For whatever reason, probably the abundant grass and fertile water, the fish population does well even under heavy angler pressure.

After locating some muchneeded shade, we started fishing at about four in the afternoon. We were in a spot I had done well on before, so I knew there

was potential. It was a point with submerged stumps about 8-12 feet deep near the bank. I cast my mealworm out with the float set about five feet deep, and I started to catch a few, mostly small gills but with an occasional keeper. He sat and watched his bobber, rather glumly. This pattern continued for several minutes.

Eventually, I realized some things about what he was doing, the silence was getting awkward, and I gave in and discussed some adjustments with him. He caught a few fish then. The issue mentioned last time was that he would leave his bait in one area, while I moved mine around. Covering more water just makes sense.

Cast, wait a few seconds, pull the bait a foot or so very slowly, repeat, and you’ll get more attention. There may be times when leaving it in one spot can work, maybe during the spawn. Generally, move the offering around some, looking for the right spot. The action of working the bait helps keep you alert too. He also wanted to see his bobber go

under. Frequently, these bluegill just moved it slightly one way or the other.

My friend’s next issue: bobber too large. Bluegill, even big ones, can be very finicky about moving the float if there’s too much resistance. Even Jaws struggled a little with submerging Quint’s yellow barrels. Solution: Use the smallest bobber that’s visible, easy to cast, and that will float the bait. I like the weighted ones because they cast distances easier. Often fish I was catching would not pull the bobber under, only move it slightly to the side. Sometimes bluegill, mainly big ones, eat the bait without moving it at all. Good eyesight and paying attention

are small but important details. You can’t be inattentive bluegill fishing, and don’t wait until the bobber submerges to set the hook.

Next issue: hook size. I like a no. 6 gold hook for bluegill. The longer shank makes hook removal easier, and the color is an attractant. His hook was too large, even for bluegill, and the short shank caused him to miss fish or let them swallow the bait too deeply, making it hard to remove. Lots of folks use bluegill or crappie hooks that are too large. Small needle-nose pliers are a must for hook removal. A blue surgical glove will help you avoid fin cuts.

Next issue: casting smoothness.

My friend had an open-faced spinning reel. I have never been a fan of that type, but I see TV pros using one all the time. To me, they seem prone to line foul-ups, and my friend was fouled up, with line going hither and yon. I doubt that he had lubricated his reel or changed line lately. I use a closed-face Bass Pro brand casting type reel called a Tiny Lite, and it has done very well. I’ve tried underspins of various brands in the past, and eventually they end up in the trash. After a time, the line just doesn’t feed out smoothly. I also like high-quality fluorocarbon line, about six pounds. A four-pound line would be better, but at many spots, there’s brush or grass that fish head for when hooked. You need enough line strength to get them moving your way. If no brush is in the way, a lighter line can work and would be better, but I don’t trust it to hold when I swing a big gill into the boat. The heavier line also allows one to bend the hook with a steady pull if hung up.

Next issue: the right rod. I have two long poles, one eight

feet and one 10 feet. For crappie, the 10 is nice for dunking a minnow straight down into a small hole in a brush pile. The eight is just right to be able to cast a bobber, which is set at up to about six feet deep, and the action is flexible enough that a bull bluegill will put up a big-time fight. My friend had a short spinning rod that made it awkward to cast a bobber set to the right depth. A slip bobber setup would’ve been an improvement. Bluegill will rise to a bait to a degree, but not if it’s completely out of their eyesight. Four to five feet was the right depth. His rig was set at about two. We finished our couple of hours with 13 fish that we kept, plenty for him to take home and clean. He caught two or three. I wanted him to do better. There are approximately 487 other factors in fishing that determine the difference between fair and good results. Successful golfing and productive fishing are dependent on many factors.

Paying attention to small details is critical.

You can’t be inattentive during bluegill fishing, and don’t wait until the bobber submerges to set the hook. PHOTO

Driftwood Outdoors: October in the Midwest

By Brandon Butler Guest Columnist

October is arguably the best month of the year to be outdoors in the Midwest. Archery deer seasons are open across the region. Upland hunters are stretching their legs across the plains. And anglers have so much opportunity they don’t know what to do with themselves. If you like catching largemouth bass, now is the time—they’re feeding aggressively. The same goes for toothy predators like northern pike and muskie. Panfishing is hot across the region, and anglers are busy filling freezers with bags of bluegill, crappie and perch fillets. With a little planning and calendar management, sportsmen can have it all in October. Now if only the month were a little longer.

Indiana – Cagles Mill crappie

Cagles Mill, also known as Cataract

Lake, is located in the west-central part of the state near Cloverdale. The 1,400-acre impoundment is wellknown for its crappie fishing. October is a top month for putting limits in the livewell. The reservoir is used for flood control, so conditions vary, but at normal pool, wise anglers focus on fishing standing timber or sunken brush in depths of four to six feet near creek channels. Crappies are caught on jigs or under a bobber with a minnow. White crappie are usually found a little deeper than blacks. In October, crappie are also biting below Cataract Falls at Lieber SRA. Night fishing is popular around boat docks with artificial lights.

Michigan – Archery deer

As the home of Fred Bear, Michigan is often regarded as the birthplace of modern archery hunting. Perhaps no destination in the country has the

potential to transport one back to the early days of archery deer hunting like the Upper Peninsula. With a strong deer population spread out across millions of acres of public land, hunters have the opportunity to hunt forests where they’ll likely not encounter other hunters. Camping is free on most federal lands, so traditional deer camps pop up all over during the season, which opened on Oct. 1. In the Central UP, Delta and Marquette counties are known for record-book bucks. In the western reaches, Ontonagon and Iron counties produce lots of big, old bucks. The Hiawatha and Ottawa National Forests offer more land than any group of hunters could need. Brook trout fishing and grouse hunting are solid addons to an October archery deer hunt in the UP.

Missouri – Pomme de Terre muskie

Owen Valley Middle School Sports Calendar

Oct. 9

6 p.m. – Seventhgrade football vs West Vigo at West Vigo. 7 p.m. – Eighthgrade football vs West Vigo at West Vigo.

6 6 p.m. –Seventh-grade boys’ basketball vs Greencastle at Greencastle.

Pomme de Terre is a premier muskie lake in a part of the country where muskies aren’t expected to be found. Located at the southern edge of our country’s muskie zone, Pomme is well regarded as the place to go in the ShowMe State to tangle with one of these toothy predators. When the water temperature drops into the 60s in October, the fish feed aggressively in the shallows. Focus on water less than 10 feet deep. With 8,000 acres of surface water, this big reservoir is clear with a rocky bottom. If you can find a distinct weed line along a dropoff deep in a finger, you’ll want to fish it with a large in-line spinner or big, shallowrunning stickbait. MDC first stocked muskies in Pomme de Terre in 1966, and they have thrived there ever since. Quarry Point Public Use Area is a good starting place.

Ohio – Fall turkey

p.m. –Eighth-grade boys’ basketball vs Greencastle at Greencastle.

Cloverdale Middle School Sports Calendar

Oct. 4

9 a.m. – Seventh and eighthgrade football vs North Putnam at Lucas Oil Stadium. 9:30 a.m. – Seventh and eighth-grade girls’ volleyball at Western Indiana Conference tournament (first round) at Indian Creek.

Fall turkey hunting is nowhere near as popular as spring turkey hunting. This is good news for those strong souls venturing out into the October turkey woods. For the hardcore turkey hunters out there, fall can be a great time to pursue these magnificent birds without much competition. Fall wild turkey season opens on the second Saturday of October. This year that date is Oct. 12. A top tactic in the fall is to locate a flock of turkeys and purposefully break them up, then work on calling them back together. Blue Rock State Forest and Fernwood State Forest are two public properties where you may be able to break up a large flock and call one back to you.

See you down the trail…

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

8 9 a.m. – Seventhgrade boys’ basketball at Patriot Invitational at Owen Valley.

a.m. – Eighthgrade boys’ basketball at Patriot Invitational at Owen Valley.

6 6 p.m. – Western Indiana Conference volleyball tournament championship. Oct. 9 6 p.m. – Seventh and eighthgrade football vs North CentralFarmersburg at North CentralFarmersburg.

Don’t just wear pink; Live pink

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

Hi friends! I’m Jamie Jo Lowder, and I’m thrilled to be your local guide to living your healthiest, happiest life right here in Owen County. From food to family, finances to fitness, I’m all about giving you tips that actually stick—and yes, sometimes that means sprinkling a little pink into your day!

This October, we’re turning our attention to Breast Cancer Awareness Month: learning the facts, taking action and having a little fun while we do it. Because staying healthy shouldn’t be boring—it should be empowering, downto-earth and totally doable. Let’s dive in!

So, let’s talk breast cancer, Indiana style,

with a little Extension know-how, a sprinkle of Hoosier humor and some practical steps we can actually take right here in Owen County.

The Reality Check Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in Indiana. Each year, about 5,460 Hoosier women are diagnosed, and sadly, about 910 die from it, according to the Indiana Department of Health.

But here’s the hope: when breast cancer is found early, the fiveyear survival rate is an incredible 99 percent. That’s about as good a reason as any to stay on top of screenings. In Owen County, IU Health’s Community Health Needs Assessment tells us cancer rates— including breast cancer—are higher than the state average. That means the choices we make here can make a big difference.

So, What Can You Actually Do ?

Here’s the cheatsheet version— straight from Purdue

Extension, Indiana health experts, and your friendly neighborhood educator voice: Schedule that mammogram.

Women ages 50 to 74 should have one every two years. If you have a family history, talk to your doctor— sometimes starting earlier is best.

Know your “normal.” Self-checks aren’t perfect, but being familiar with your body helps you notice changes. Think of it like doing a “monthly quality control check.”

Move more, sit less. Walk the dog, rake leaves, dance in the kitchen—physical activity lowers your risk. No treadmill required.

Eat smart. Pile your plate with fruits, veggies and whole grains. (The local farmers’ market can basically be a breasthealth buffet!)

Cut back on alcohol. Even just a little less can lower risk. Swap that extra glass of wine for sparkling water with a splash of juice— you’ll still feel fancy.

Support each other. Text a friend: “Got

your mammogram scheduled yet?”

Make it a buddy outing and reward yourselves with coffee after. Sometimes accountability is what gets it done.

Why This Matters for Owen County Picture this: if every woman in Owen County who was due for a mammogram actually went, our local screening rate would jump—and survival rates would follow. We don’t have to just match the Indiana average (about 72 percent of women screened every two years)—we can beat it.

And when we beat it, it means more birthdays, more grandkids’ ballgames and more Sunday dinners. That’s the real win.

Wrapping It in a Pink Bow So, here’s the takeaway, friends: Breast cancer is serious—but beatable when caught early. Indiana has too many women not getting screened, and Owen County can change that story.

A few lifestyle tweaks—more movement, smarter eating, less alcohol— lower your risk in real ways.

And the best prevention tool is still community: looking out for one another. This October, don’t just wear pink. Live pink. Schedule pink. Support pink. Because awareness is just the start—action is where lives are saved.

Want to learn more about more exciting programs? Call the Purdue Extension–Owen County office at 812-829-5020. Looking to bring a program to your group? From food and health to family and finance, I’ve got you covered! Shoot me an email at lowder0@ purdue.edu and let’s make it happen.

And don’t forget — you can always spot my upcoming programs in the Community Calendar section of this newspaper, Facebook page or our website extension.purdue. edu/county/owen/ hhshome.html.

Family stories live on at OCPL

By Shannon Neff OCPL Genealogist

Tucked inside the Owen County Public Library’s genealogy vault are seven filing cabinets overflowing with local family history. From Aarnink to Zulauf, more than 2,000 Owen County surnames are represented. Some files hold only a

few papers, while others are packed to the brim. So, what treasures might you discover inside?

Many files contain Family Group Sheets, the foundation of genealogical research. These organized records list names, birth and death dates, places of residence and

burial locations— often connecting multiple branches of a family tree.

You’ll also find obituaries, which since the 18th century have served as miniature biographies.

Obituaries provide valuable details about a person’s life and often include lists of surviving relatives,

making them an essential tool for expanding family connections.

Beyond that, the files preserve clippings of life’s milestones— marriages, new babies, school achievements, career advancements, even sports victories. In earlier days, nearly every happening

in Owen County made its way into the newspaper, and many of those stories live on here.

Perhaps most captivating are the family stories, both handwritten and published. These personal accounts bring the past to life, offering perspectives that statistics and

records alone cannot capture. We invite you to step into the genealogy vault and explore this wealth of history for yourself. The collection is always growing, and we welcome donations of organized family history, Owen County yearbooks and other records of lasting value.

Owen County’s other ‘Doughboy’

By Dixie Kline Richardson Guest Columnist

On Oct. 13, 1918 in Saint Germain, France, a young Owen County man died of pneumonia, just one statistic among the many world-wide deaths from influenza and pneumonia. The son of a German immigrant, he was a member of Company D, 309 Engineers in the war that was meant to end all wars.

Carl Kaiser was 27-years-old and unmarried. He was born in Patricksburg, Aug. 26, 1891, a son of George Kaiser of Wurttemburg who came to America in 1866. His mother was Mary Hoot or Haute. Like many Americans with German roots, he may have been in battle facing cousins.

From my childhood, I heard

the story of Carl Kaiser and his statue on guard at Patricksburg Lutheran Cemetery. My father, who was a boy at the time of the reinterment of Kaiser’s remains, told me Kaiser’s family wanted a statue that was lifelike; an original work didn’t please them. The figure that has stood at the grave since 1921 so resembled the soldier that Patricksburg residents were amazed.

The statue in recent years has shown some damage. There is a nick in the helmet which may have come from hail or a thrown stone, or (we’d like to think not) a BB gun. Kaiser, who did not die from an enemy bullet or suffer from gas poisoning, nonetheless gave his life in service of his country. Other Owen countians in his regiment

BLAZE | FROM PAGE 1

later joined by personnel and equipment from the Paragon VFD and Owen Valley Fire Territory, along with emergency personnel from the Owen County EMS and Owen County Sheriff’s Department.

Danny Carpenter, the occupant of the home at 404 N. Jefferson St., reportedly escaped the fire unharmed.

Owned by the South Central Community Action Program (SCCAP) of Monroe County, the 1,100 square foot home was later deemed a total loss.

were J. W. Egnor Jr., Clarence Hendershot, Robert Hendershot, Larry Crouse, Freal McBride and an Arney.

Fred Kaiser, a brother, wrote, “Carl left us in the best of spirit and his letters always seemed as though he was happy... May our service flag be draped as a memorial of love and eternal gain, of the one blue star whose threads have been changed to gold.”

The funeral was held at the Lutheran church where Carl had been baptized at two months.

The Reverends L. E. Minneman and H. L. Ridenour officiated at the service. Surviving him were his parents, and siblings Fred, Emma, Mary and Charlot. A sister, Elizabeth, was deceased.

While the Doughboy on the

square in Spencer, and its clones all over the country are visible almost to the point of

not being noticed, and plainly on the attack, our “other Doughboy” stands silent and vigilant.

I always think he’s waiting for the time the guns can be put away.

In addition, the intense heat of the fire heavily damaged a portion of the vinyl siding and privacy fence of an adjacent home owned by Jessica Wilson at 21 W. Greencastle Ave.

Firefighters, who were called back to the scene around 6:50 a.m. to address a rekindle, estimated the blaze required around 6,000 gallons of water to fully extinguish.

Although the exact cause remained under investigation at press time, officials believed the source of the fire was likely electrical in nature.

Owen County’s other “Doughboy” stands guard at Patricksburg Lutheran Cemetery. PHOTO SUBMITTED BY DIXIE KLINE RICHARDSON.

4-H to host Fall Enrollment Kick-Off

By Cassie Linville 4-H Youth Development Educator

start of a new 4-H year at the Fall Enrollment Kick-Off, taking place Oct. 6 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Owen County Fairgrounds Poultry Barn. This free, familyfriendly event promises an evening packed with festive fall activities, valuable information and delicious food— all designed to welcome new and returning youth to the 4-H community.

The event

serves as a gateway for youth in grades K–12 to explore the many opportunities available through Owen County 4-H. Whether you’re a seasoned member or brand new to the program, this event offers a chance to connect with local clubs, meet volunteers and educators and learn more about the exciting projects and programs planned for the upcoming year.

One of the highlights of the evening is pumpkin painting, a creative and colorful activity that encourages kids to express themselves artistically while celebrating the fall season. Supplies will be provided, and participants

can take their painted pumpkins home as a festive keepsake.

In addition to painting, youth can enjoy a variety of pumpkinthemed games that are sure to bring laughter and friendly competition. These hands-on activities are designed to engage kids of all ages and showcase the fun, interactive spirit of 4-H.

Families attending the kick-off will also benefit from an enrollment discount, available exclusively during the event. This special offer makes it easier for new members to join and for returning members to reenroll. For youth in grades 3 to 12, the

regular $20 yearly enrollment fee will be reduced to $15. Even better, Mini 4-H enrollment for grades K to 2, which is normally $5, will be completely free for those who register at the event. This limited-time offer is designed to encourage early sign-ups and reduce financial barriers for families. Additionally, those who sign up in October get to enjoy all the programs and events that 4-H has to offer all year long!

Another key feature of the evening is the opportunity to learn more about community clubs throughout Owen County. Representatives from various

community clubs will be on hand to share information, answer questions and help families find the right fit based on interests, location and age group.

To top it all off, attendees can enjoy a free chili cookoff, featuring homemade recipes from 4-H Council members. The warm, hearty meal is a perfect complement to the crisp autumn air and provides a chance for families to relax and connect with others in the 4-H community.

The Fall Enrollment KickOff is open to the public, and no prior registration is required. Whether you’re curious about joining 4-H for the first time or

simply looking for a fun evening out with the family, this event offers something for everyone. From livestock and gardening to robotics and arts, Owen County 4-H offers a wide range of programs that cater to diverse interests and talents. This event is all about bringing people together and showing what 4-H is all about. We want families to feel welcomed, informed and excited about the opportunities ahead.

For more information, contact the Owen County Extension Office at 812-8295020 or visit the Owen County 4-H Facebook page for updates and details.

Apple Butter Festival Parade

PHOTOS BY TRAVIS CURRY | THE OWEN NEWS

Ramblings: An afternoon at the pond

By Annie Bright Guest Columnist

Note from my journal – 9/7/25. Sitting at the pond at Fish Creek Campgrounds in Owen-Putnam Forest. Had to get out of town. Stopped at Babbs for a chicken dinner. Escaped to the forest. Fish Creek Road did not disappoint. Both sides of the road were lined with the beauty of late summer flowers. The westside was lined with yellow jewelweed. The eastside was a riot of Jerusalem Artichoke and iron weed. Occasionally, different flowers added a dash of white. Impossible to escape the feeling of driving through an elaborate tunnel on

my way to Fish Creek Campground. Luckily, no one was at the picnic table by the pond. Listening to the crickets chirp as I munch. I hear a few birds; see none. One guy fishing is sitting on a five-gallon bucket. The pond surface is covered with tree pollen dust. A breeze rustles the tree leaves. I notice they are fading already. The recent hot, dry weather has caused the trees to shed early. The vibrant green of summer is fading away. Memories of time spent here with my family and friends flood my heart. Over 50 years of memories. Many changes here and in my life. The dragonflies still fly over the water, sunlight glints off their gossamer wings. The frogs are quiet. The grass is sparse in the shade of the old trees. The bare hard ground is littered with fallen leaves. The dry, hot

summer forces the trees to shed leaves to survive. The leaves of the tiny violet plants make up for the lack of grass. They quit blooming long ago but still add beauty. As I remember, 50 years ago, more exotic native plants thrived around this pond. Man changes the land even when he strives to preserve it.

Tears flood my eyes as thoughts of happy times fill my heart. Change is hard to cope with. Changes in my life, changes to the forest campground. I remember when we trudged through the woods up the hill from the road to this pond. There was no road, no picnic tables, no campsites, no toilets, no drinking water. I did not come alone then. I was not an old woman with knees that protested at climbing hills. Sunshine still filters through the trees, fish jump in the

small pond, clouds float by lazily. Warmed by the afternoon sun, I absorb serenity from the forest.

A family arrives. A couple, two kids and a grandmother go to the south side of the pond. They dip their bobbers in the dark water. Grandma sits on a chair, pole in hand, giving directions. I envy her. I have no fishing pole or family to share this beautiful afternoon.

****

The Owen-Putnam State Forest was established in 1948. The forest consists of 6,688 non-contiguous acres mostly in Owen County. This forest is what brought my family to Owen County 46 years ago. My aunt lived on Coon Path. After she and her husband moved to Florida, my husband had to find a new place to hunt deer. He discovered the O-P State Forest. We began to visit regularly.

The O-P State Forest once was said to be the finest hardwood stand of trees in the country. I don’t know if that is still true. It has suffered a lot of logging in the last few years. I do know the deep ravines and towering stone cliffs are still adorned with fantastic ferns. In spring, the forest floor is a kaleidoscope. The wildlife that abounds is shy but will say hello to patient visitors.

I had planned to include a few facts from my research, but I lack space. The first state forest, Clark, was established in 1903. The last, Mountain Tea in Brown County, was established in 2020. Currently, 15 state forests protect 160,251 acres. Please go visit one.

‘til next time, Annie

It’s Just a Country State of Mind: The cellar

By Susan Anderson

Guest Columnist

I grew up in an older house built sometime around the 1940s. Our house was like a lot of the other houses of the day in that it had an old cellar beneath it. Cellars were usually used for storing things like fruits and vegetables, and it also housed the furnace that heated the house in the winter. Our cellar had a coal furnace. It had to be fed coal and had to be stoked at least twice a day. And as if that wasn’t enough, the ashes and embers had to be emptied every day.

To make matters worse,

the doors to some cellars were on the outside of the house. Ours was no exception. Our cellar was like something out of an old horror movie. Just looking down the old stairs made the little hairs on the back of my neck stand up. It was very dark down there, and there was almost always a spider web or two hanging from the ceiling. It was an eerie feeling to say the least. When you finally got to the end of the stairs, you had to fumble for the light to turn it on. The light only served to illuminate the room enough to make dark shadows appear across the cellar wall.

There was a back room where the coal was stored, and it was really dark back there. Naturally,

as a child, I had a very active imagination. I was convinced that some kind of monster lived back in that coal room. I was sure that it was the same monster that made the shadows on the wall and the sounds that I heard at night coming up through the heat register in my room. My bedroom happened to be right above the cellar. When I would lay in my bed at night and try to go to sleep, almost invariably the noises would begin coming from the cellar. This continued off and on all through the night.

My mother was the one who tried to convince me that the noises were from the furnace, but I was skeptical! What about all the other noises that went “bump in the night?”

Eventually, I developed a peaceful coexistence with the monster in the cellar. I decided as long as I stayed upstairs, and it stayed downstairs, it could make all the noise it wanted. But soon, my truce with the cellar and its inhabitants would end.

The day came when my father announced that I was old enough to start tending to the furnace. Translation: I would have to go down to the cellar by myself. I tried to convince my father I wasn’t ready but to no avail.

The next morning, I was on furnace duty. I will never forget the first time that I went down into that cellar alone. All those years of imagining what was down there had finally turned into a

childhood fear. As I walked down the cellar steps that morning, I could hear every pop, crack, creak and groan that the old cellar had ever made. When I reached the bottom of the stairs, it was total darkness. I reached for the light and flipped the switch. The dim light lit up the room. There were dancing shadows on the wall. The window in the door on the furnace glowed bright orange. But all I saw was the face of a monster. I was out of there quickly. Yes, of course I had to go back. With a flashlight in hand, my father accompanied me back into the cellar. We examined every crook and cranny of the place, which was my father’s attempt to convince me that there was nothing to fear. Eventually, I got used to going down in that cellar. And I returned to my peaceful coexistence with the furnace monster. It wasn’t long before the old furnace was replaced with a new oil furnace. Years later, I realized that my father had me go to that cellar to attempt to get over my childhood fears. Time certainly changes things. Children grow older and turn into adults. And furnaces get old and get replaced. But I think that the “things that go bump in the night” will always remain as long as there are children with active imaginations. And of course, those old cellars that house furnace monsters!

Happy Halloween!

— Susan