Governor Eric J. Holcomb today announced Ryan W. Tanselle as his appointment to the Hendricks County Superior Court.

Tanselle succeeds Judge Karen Love who retired May 31, 2022. 

Tanselle currently is the vice president and general counsel at State Bank in Brownsburg. Previously he spent more than 10 years in private practice at the firm of Capper Tulley Reimondo where he also served as a part-time public defender in Hendricks, Montgomery and Putnam Counties for nine years. He received a bachelor of science from Indiana University and his law degree from the Indiana University McKinney School of Law.      

Tanselle will be sworn in as the Judge of the Hendricks County Superior Court on a mutually agreeable date to be determined.

In celebration of Putnam County’s 200th Anniversary, the public is invited to look back on a Putnam County legacy.

On October 15, from 1-4 p.m., the library will present IBM’s Impact: An Afternoon of Stories and Remembrance. IBM was a fixture in Putnam County for 33 years, from 1954 until 1987. IBM employed 945 people at its peak and its impact affects Putnam County and its residents to this day. 

This event will feature a panel of speakers, viewing of photographs and documents from the library’s archives, and plenty of opportunities for discussion. Light refreshments will be served.

“As we leave the 200th year of Putnam County, we want to reflect on the legacy of IBM and the residents who worked there,” said Archivist Anthony Barger. “We hope to share this rich history with those who lived it as well as those who have perhaps only heard stories passed down from family and friends.” 

Panelists include Former Mayor Mike Harmless, Former County Councilman Bob Evans, community leader Bill Marley, and IBM retiree Duane Kelly. Harmless’ intensive research on Putnam County history inspired an optional self-guided walking tour of downtown Greencastle after the event. Attendees are encouraged to pick-up a resource booklet following the event, stroll down mainstreet, and take in the rich history of Greencastle’s local businesses and eateries. 

"Our goal is to highlight some of the most important economic aspects of the community from the past 200 years," said Mike Richmond, Putnam County Visitors Bureau/Main Street Greencastle. "Bringing together the history of IBM here in Greencastle, along with additional historical aspects from downtown, will be a unique and interesting way to spend the afternoon!"

This event is sponsored by the Putnam County Public Library, the Heritage Preservation Society, Main Street Greencastle, and the Putnam County Visitors Bureau.

For more information about this event, please contact Archivist Anthony Barger at abarger@pcpl21.org. This event is free and open to the public.

The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, Indiana State Police and emergency responders were called to a one-car accident involving rollover on Thursday evening.

The crash resulted in the death of a Greencastle woman.  Initial reports indicate Debbie Hurley was driving westbound on 125 South when her vehicle left the road and rolled over.

More details as they become available.

The Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) today announced changes to its COVID-19 dashboard to reflect new publishing schedules and additional surveillance tools.

Beginning this week, the COVID dashboards at www.coronavirus.in.gov will be updated each Wednesday by 5 p.m. This change reflects a national shift to evaluating weekly metrics rather than daily case counts and will ensure that trends in COVID-19 activity remain available to the public and healthcare providers to help inform decisions.

Breakthrough case counts and hospitalizations have been removed from the vaccine dashboard at www.ourshot.in.gov and from the youth dashboard in recognition of the fact that the widespread use of at-home tests, new variants and updated vaccines no longer provide a clear picture of breakthrough cases. 

IDOH also has added a new wastewater surveillance dashboard that shows the results of SARS-CoV-2 tests conducted on untreated wastewater. Since people infected with the virus can shed it in their stool even if they do not have symptoms, wastewater surveillance can serve as an early warning that COVID-19 is spreading in a community.

“Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we have made changes to our dashboards to ensure we are providing information that most accurately reflects the current situation so that individuals and communities can take steps to protect themselves and their families,” said State Health Commissioner Kris Box, M.D., FACOG. “These adjustments allow us to better evaluate COVID-19 activity in communities at a time when many cases go unreported due to the high use of home tests.”

In addition to the changes to the COVID-19 dashboards, IDOH has shifted to weekly updates of its monkeypox dashboard at https://monkeypox.health.in.gov to reflect declining case counts.

Indiana Conservation Officers encourage Indiana hunters to donate harvested deer to help feed hungry Hoosiers.

The Sportsmen’s Benevolence Fund administered by the DNR Division of Law Enforcement provides grants to Hoosiers Feeding the Hungry, the Dubois County Sportsmen Club, and Hunters and Farmers Feeding the Hungry to pay for processing fees when hunters donate legally harvested deer.

 Participating in the program is simple:

1. Enjoy a deer hunting experience.
2. Harvest a deer.
3. Drop off the field-dressed deer at a local participating processor.
4. Processing fees are paid for by the Sportsmen's Benevolence Fund.
5. The processor will create healthy venison burger to distribute to food banks.

The participating organizations notify food banks throughout Indiana when venison is ready to be collected from certified Sportsmen’s Benevolence Fund butchers. The food banks distribute venison to soup kitchens and food pantries. 

As a result of the 2021 deer hunting seasons, Hoosier hunters donated 879 harvested deer that resulted in 45,326 pounds of venison being donated. 

For information on donating your harvested deer and participating processors, please visit sbf.IN.gov.

Continuing with a project through the weekend, the Indiana Department of Transportation has nights of single lane restrictions on I-70, just west of the U.S. 231 interchange, near Cloverdale.

The schedule, weather permitting:

Tonight: Left lane, EB I-70 (9P-6A)

Sunday night: Right lane, WB I-70 (9P-6A)

Monday night: Left lane, WB I-70 (9P-6A)

The Morgan County Sheriff’s Department is investigating the disappearance of Rodney Harper, a 60 year old white male, 5 feet 11 inches tall, 170 pounds, brown hair with blue eyes, last seen wearing a fedora hat, dark blue jean jacket and green pants.

Harper is missing from Quincy, Indiana, just southeast of Cloverdale in Owen County, and was last seen on Wednesday, September 28, at 3:30 AM. He is believed to be in extreme danger and may require medical assistance. 

If you have any information on Rodney Harper, contact the Morgan County Sheriff’s Department at 765-342-5544 or 911.

Go Ivy Day is around the corner and it’s the perfect time to find out what Ivy Tech Greencastle can do for you. 

On Friday, October 7, from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM, with lunch provided, high school students and their families are invited to see firsthand how Ivy Tech (915 Zinc Mill Road) can be the path toward a high-paying career or an affordable start to a bachelor’s degree.

Students and their families will also have an opportunity to meet faculty and discover degree programs, tour campus and hear from Ivy Tech students, learn how Ivy tech can help you save thousands on the cost of a bachelor’s degree, and receive scholarship and financial aid information as well as get help completing your FAFSA.

Reserve you spot today at bit.ly/3DfInXr. For questions, call 765-719-6036.

A Putnam County property is one of three selected by Duke Energy for its 2022 Site Readiness Program.

Duke Energy Indiana has selected three properties in Hamilton, Hendricks and Putnam counties for inclusion in its 2022 Site Readiness Program, which prepares high-potential business and industrial sites for economic development investments and markets them nationwide to companies looking to expand or relocate their operations.

“We’re committed to ensuring our communities have the resources and support they need to thrive – now and well into the future,” said Stan Pinegar, president of Duke Energy Indiana. “Utilities play a critical role as industries weigh whether to relocate to an area or expand their presence. The Duke Energy Site Readiness Program has been a valuable offering and we are proud of the program’s many successes. Through this initiative and many others, we work hand in hand with local and regional partners to bring new jobs and capital investment to the communities we serve.” 

Through its Site Readiness Program, Duke Energy identifies high-potential sites and partners with county officials and local economic development professionals to develop a strategy for getting the sites fully ready to market to industrial prospects. In Indiana alone, Duke Energy has helped prepare 41 properties that have won 16 major projects since the program started in 2013, drawing more than 5,500 new jobs and $5.3?billion in capital investment to the state.

The company works with Banning Engineering and Site Selection Group to evaluate sites. Based on consultant recommendations, Duke Energy will collaborate with county leaders and local economic development professionals to develop a strategy for marketing the sites. After each site’s state of readiness has advanced, Duke Energy’s national business recruitment team strategically markets them nationwide to companies looking to expand or relocate their operations. Duke Energy will award up to $10,000 to each site to help prepare them to attract projects.

The 2022 Site Readiness Program locations include:

Putnam County – Harrold Farm Site

The Harrold Farm Site is situated on approximately 100 acres in central Putnam County, just north of Greencastle Enterprise Park I. The property is located near the intersection of North Calbert Way and South County Road 200 East. Served by city of Greencastle municipal water and wastewater, Duke Energy electric, and CenterPoint Energy natural gas, with multiple options for broadband, all utilities are available at the southwest corner of the site with a short extension. Rail service could be provided with a city-owned railroad from CSX Transportation in Indianapolis to St. Louis Main Line.

“Duke Energy has always been there to provide programs that help smaller communities, such as Putnam County, gain that competitive edge to land new jobs and investment,” said Kristin Clary, executive director of the Greencastle/Putnam County Development Center. “We are grateful for the Site Readiness Program and the Duke Energy economic development team for providing us with the knowledge and tools needed to promote our sites to help bring new businesses and industries to our community. And we are grateful for Duke Energy’s willingness to be part of our team to assist us with our business attraction efforts.”

Hamilton County – Innovation Mile

The city of Noblesville recently purchased 77.65 acres of land near East 141st Street and Olio Road, expanding upon nearly 300 acres of land that has been designated Innovation Mile. Innovation Mile will be a mile-long, master planned innovation district that includes advanced manufacturing (industrial), health technologies, life science innovation, wholesale trade, and professional and financial services. This property holds unique value in its location and proximity to I-69. It also encompasses Borg Warner as an anchor, which designs, manufactures and delivers mobility solutions for the automobile market. This area will be able to serve companies looking for technology-related infrastructure like fiber and conduit.

“This is the second Site Readiness Program grant the city of Noblesville has received, and we greatly appreciate Duke Energy’s continued support and partnership in economic development,” said Andrew Murray, economic development director for the city of Noblesville. “The Innovation Mile development will encompass approximately 300 acres and will be able to serve businesses within our targeted industries. This is going to be a very sought-after location for those seeking new construction, and we appreciate Duke Energy’s help to further market the site and attract new companies to Noblesville.”

Hendricks County – Avon Logistics Center

Avon Logistics Center is adjacent to Avon Rail Yard, and conveniently situated near Indianapolis International Airport, FedEx and UPS hubs, and a desirable retail corridor. Being the first major large-scale industrial development in Avon, the logistics center boasts the possibility of up to 14 building sites and over 5.7 million square feet of warehouse space. As the industrial logistics industry in Avon ramps up, this project will provide additional jobs and improve the community’s tax base.

“Avon Logistics Center is situated in close proximity to several key transportation and retail corridors, making it an attractive site for private development,” said John Taylor, economic development director for the town of Avon. “We’re grateful for Duke Energy’s financial and technical support to help us hone our competitive advantage and prepare to attract companies in key focus industries to locate and grow in Avon.”

An Indiana State Police member of the Putnamville Post has been promoted.

Indiana State Police Superintendent Douglas Carter recently announced the promotion of Master Trooper Detective Brian Maudlin to the position of First Sergeant. He will serve as the District Investigative Commander for the Putnamville Post.  His responsibilities will be to provide supervision and support to the district investigators, as well as to plan, coordinate, and manage all the district criminal investigations for the Putnamville Post. 

First Sergeant Maudlin earned this promotion through a competitive selection process.

First Sergeant Maudlin is a 28-year veteran of the Indiana State Police. He is a 1985 graduate of Whiteland Community High School in Whiteland, and a 1990 graduate of Hanover College where he earned a bachelor’s degree in business.  In 2000, Maudlin graduated from Indiana State University with a Master Degree in criminology.

Maudlin served in the U.S. Reserve Marine Corp from 1985 to 1991.  He then joined the Indiana National Guard where he served 20 years, retiring as a Major.  While being a member of the Indiana National Guard he was deployed to Iraq in 2005 and served as a Company Commander of the 1438th Transportation Company.  

 In July of 1993, First Sergeant Maudlin graduated from the 50th Indiana State Police Recruit Academy and was assigned to the Toll Road Post.  During his career Maudlin has served the state police as a member of the Tactical Intervention Platoon, as a commercial vehicle enforcement officer, and as a detective.

Maudlin resides in Hendricks County with his wife Laurie and his daughter Lauren. 

According to officials with Marathon Petroleum, the source of a natural gasoline leak near Fillmore has been identified and the release of product stopped. 

In an email to The Putnam County Post, a media representative for Marathon Petroleum said Marathon Pipe Line continues its response of petroleum product from its Robinson-Indiana-Ohio pipeline. 

"The pipeline was shut down Saturday night, the source of the release has been identified and the release of product stopped. Response crews are on site and continue clean-up and environmental remediation activities," the email said. 

Calls initially began coming into Putnam County Dispatch Sunday night of reports of a strong odor of propane in the area of 707 South County Road 525 East. Upon arrival, firefighters began checking houses in the area and then noticed the propane smell eased the farther out they traveled. In addition, they noticed a film on top of water in Dyer Creek. 

Immediately after being notified, Marathon Pipeline shut down the RIO pipeline and confirmed natural gasoline was leaking from the pipeline. 

As a result of the leak, fish in the creek were poisoned and some wildlife was killed. 

Fillmore Volunteer Fire Department Capt. Darrel Bunten told The Putnam County Post he has never been a part of anything like this in terms of a response. He also noted that since being released from the scene early Monday morning, he had not heard anything more about the incident and was unsure of a timeline on clean-up. Bunten said the fire department placed some absorbent pads for petroleum products known as booms in three different locations down stream from the leak site. 

"They still have a lot of testing to do before that can be determined, I'm sure," Bunten said. 

Officials with Marathon Petroleum told Putnam County Post the Marathon Pipe Line's top priorities remains the safety of responders and neighbors and to limit environmental impact. 

"No injuries have been reported as a result of this incident. Regulatory notifications have been made and the response is being coordinated with local, state and federal responders," officials said in an email to The Putnam County Post.

Formal charges have been filed against a pair of siblings in the wake of an investigation and animal welfare check by the Putnam County Sheriff's Department. 

James Gray, 55, and his sister, Julia Gray, 60, both of Brazil, are facing more than two dozen animal cruelty charges after law enforcement officials found two dead dogs and 33 others in "deplorable conditions" at their German Shepherd breeding company Vom Greystone Guardians, 7501 S. County Road 800 West. 

According to court records, an investigation was prompted after a call was made to animal control requesting food for several dogs. Upon arrival, animal control found several malnourished dogs, as well as a "severely emaciated dog" on the property, who later had to be put down by a vet. A search warrant later revealed more animals looking malnourished and living in deplorable conditions. In addition, police found 11 German Shepherds stacked on top of each other in small cages, and one cage had a dead dog at the door of the cage. No water or food could be found inside the cage. 

Documents state that Julie Gray told investigators at the scene that people dumped several of the dogs, could be observed laughing and smiling at the scene and told police she "would just find more dogs and continue breeding."

After seizing the animals and transporting them to Putnam County Animal Care and Control, the Putnam County Sheriff's Department took to Facebook, asking for help in not only finding temporary placement for the dogs, but also for supplies. 

"As many of you know, the Shelter along with many other local shelters are already at max capacity. We are currently working hard to find temporary placement of these dogs until they can be evaluated and cared for," the post stated. 

The post continued to state the animal care and control were asking the public to contribute for much needed supplies for the dogs. 

"They desperately need kennels to help temporarily house these guys at the shelter. Additionally they are asking for your help in gathering supplies and funding to help care for them," the post said. 

Anyone wishing to donate is asked to contact Tammy Eastham at putnamanimalcare@gmail.com. 

Indiana's Lt. Governor is hosting a roundtable in Parke County Tuesday.

Suzanne Crouch, Lieutenant Governor of Indiana with Denny Spinner, Executive Director, Indiana Office of Community & Rural Affairs and David Terrel, Executive Director, Indiana Communities Institute (BSU) will meet with Parke County community leaders for the 'Thriving Rural Communities' Roundtable.

Tuesday's event is set for 2:00 pm at the Turkey Run State Park Inn- Strauss Room, 8102 E. Park Road, in Marshall.

According to a report issued by Ball State University’s Center for Business and Economic Research titled “The State of the Rural Economy in Indiana", several Indiana communities are poised for growth as Indiana’s economy continues to thrive. In less than six years - from 2017 to the present - Indiana has attracted almost $5 billion more in capital investment than it did in the previous 12 years combined. 

Parke County is one of the communities in the report poised for growth. To learn why certain rural communities are succeeding and to find out what these communities need to thrive, Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch is conducting a series of roundtable discussions with civic leaders in communities around the state.

The Marshall event will be the fourth of six ‘Thriving Rural Communities’ Roundtables around the state.

Many citizens have accumulated a lot of electronics over the years and probably have old or outdated electronics lying around in closets or stacked in the garage collecting dust.

On Saturday, October 8, from 8:00 AM to 12:00PM, residents of Putnam and Parke Counties can drop-off electronics free of charge for recycling and safe disposal without leaving the comfort of their vehicle at the Greencastle Middle School (rain or shine). Exception: $20 fee for each television (any size). Businesses and large quantity generators are prohibited.

Electronics (E-waste) often contain hazardous materials like lead and mercury. Since 2011, it is illegal to knowingly throw away e-waste such as computers, printers, cell phones, and televisions in your trash, as they are banned from landfills.

To find a list of accepted items, plus information on other WCSWD programs, see their Facebook page or website www.westcentralswd.com.  For questions, call the WCSWD office at 765-653-2150.

Max W. Woodard II, 51, of Lebanon, was sentenced to ten years in federal prison after pleading guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

According to court documents, on April 19, a law enforcement officer stopped Woodard’s vehicle for a traffic violation near U.S. 40 and North Miami Gardens Street in Vigo County. The officer identified Woodard as the driver and sole occupant of the vehicle. Woodard appeared nervous when the officer approached his vehicle, and he did not comply with the officer’s commands. The officer asked Woodard to exit the vehicle, but Woodard refused. The officer attempted to open Woodard’s door, but it was locked. The officer continued to ask Woodard to exit the vehicle and he continued to refuse.

Another officer with a police K9 arrived on the scene and the K9 alerted to the presence of controlled substances inside the vehicle. Officers searched the vehicle and found a black bag containing 477 grams of methamphetamine. Woodward was traveling to Terre Haute, to sell the methamphetamine when he was stopped by police. Woodard was taken into custody and transported to jail.

The next day, investigators went to Woodard’s residence in Lebanon, after he consented to a search of his residence. The officers found two loaded firearms in Woodard’s couch: a black 9mm handgun and .22 caliber handgun. Two additional firearms were surrendered to law enforcement by a third-party who had removed the firearms from Woodard’s residence shortly before officers’ arrival. All four firearms belonged to Woodard.

Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, Michael Gannon, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the DEA’s Indianapolis Field Office, made the announcement.

The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Judge Jane Magnus-Stinson. As part of the sentence, Judge Stinson ordered that Woodard be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for five years following his release from federal prison.

Something for everybody.

That is how Veronica Sawyer sums up the Reelsville Craft Fair, which will be held Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Reelsville Community Center, 7840 South County Road 625 West.

"We have around 50 vendors that will bring a product to sell. That could be a handmade product, clothing, Scentsy or homemade desserts," Sawyer told The Putnam County Post. 

This marks the third year for the event and vendors participating include: Scentsy, Paparazzi, Pink Zebra, Max's Toy Shop, Eclectic Cupackes and Crazy Colors Tie Dye, among others. In addition, Wally's BBQ will be on hand to provide food. 

"The proceeds will go to the Reelsville Community Center so we can keep it clean and open for public use. The Community Center offers a space for people to get out and go for a walk, practice softball, basketball inside the gym, the opportunity to rent it for birthday parties and the Putnam County Library sets up a "Story Walk," so you can walk a trail and read a book," Sawyer said of the impact the community center has on the community. 

It is believed a driver suffering a medical issue was the cause of a box truck turning over Thursday morning on I-70 in Putnam County.

According to officials with the Cloverdale Fire Department, firefighters from various departments were dispatched to a call of a box truck over a guardrail on I-70 at the 33 mile marker. 

"The driver had to be extricated by Cloverdale firefighters. He was possibly suffering an asthma attack at the time, which is what caused the accident. He was awake and alert," said Kenny Shepherd, of the Cloverdale Fire Department. 

The driver, who was complaining of shoulder and head pain, was transported to Union Hospital in Terre Haute. 

The Reelsville/Washington Township Volunteer Fire Department, Cloverdale Township Volunteer Fire Department, Putnam County Sheriff's Department and the Indiana State Police all worked the incident. 

The smell of ribs and the sounds of good music are sure to make their way through Roachdale this Saturday as the annual Roachdale Rib and Blues Fest is slated to take place.

The festivities will be held along the north side of Railroad Street with the gates opening at noon and the music beginning at 2 p.m. with Fret Set, Scott Ballantine and Andra Fay, and Bubbles Brown before head liner Jennie DeVoe rocks the show at 6 p.m. 

This year's event will feature numerous food vendors, including Wally's BBQ, Delta Theta Tau, Indy Porkopolis BBQ and more. In addition, Big Lug Brewing Company and Blackhawk Winery will be on hand for beer and wine, and there are plenty of retail vendors slated to be in attendance. 

Other highlights of this year's event include an old-time hardware exhibit and the dedication of two more Roachdale murals. 

Joe Buser, of the Roachdale Revitalization Cooperative Alliance, told the Putnam County Post this year marks the 8th year the event has entertained Putnam County and Roachdale. 

"One of our board members, for a few years, held a private rib competition party for friends. When we looked at having an event to bring more people to Roachdale, we decided to continue with her tradition. We added music and food vendors. After seven years, we dropped the competition from our event because attendees wanted to taste the competitor's ribs and that became not practical. This year's highlights include our mural dedication, coverage from WISH-TV and scene filming for the new documentary titled, "North Putnam," Buser said. 

Buser has one final message to those considering attending. 

"Bring a chair. Donations are accepted so we can keep this a free, community event," he said. 

For more information about this year's event, contact the Roachdale town office at 522-1532.

A longtime Hendricks County highway department employee was struck by equipment and killed in a Tuesday accident.

About 9:45 am Tuesday Hendricks County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a fatal accident on County Road 450S near County Road 675W.  The Hendricks County highway department was working near that intersection with a large piece of equipment that is commonly used for excavating draining ditches along roadways. 

For an unknown reason, a highway department employee who was acting as a safety flagger stepped behind the piece of equipment while it was slowly backing up in the worksite.  The employee was struck by the equipment and died at the scene.  

The deceased has been identified as David Appleby, 61, of Clayton.   

There is no indication of alcohol or other intoxicants being involved in this incident.  The operator of the equipment (also a Hendricks County highway employee) is cooperating fully with the investigation. 

The Hendricks County Sheriff’s Office, Hendricks County Coroner’s Office and IOSHA are investigating this incident. 

Curt Higginbotham, Superintendent of the Hendricks County Highway Department stated, “Dave was a valued employee that had been with the Highway Department for more than 30 years.  We are sad about the events that took place today.” 

Indiana State Police Superintendent Douglas Carter recently announced the promotion of Master Trooper Tim Rader to the position of sergeant.

Sergeant Rader will be assigned to the laboratory division and serve as a Crime Scene Investigator.  His responsibilities will include field laboratory services and forensic support at crime scenes. Sergeant Rader earned this promotion through a competitive selection process.

Sergeant Rader is a 15-year veteran of the Indiana State Police. He is a 1999 graduate of Cascade High School, in Clayton, and a 2000 graduate of Lincoln Tech in Indianapolis, IN, where he earned an associate degree.

In July of 2007 Sergeant Rader graduated from the 67th Indiana State Police Recruit Academy and was assigned to the Terre Haute Post and then the Putnamville Post where he worked as a road patrol trooper assigned to Parke and Vermillion counties.

During his career, Rader has served the state police as a member of the Tactical Intervention Platoon, marijuana eradication team, shore support for the dive team, recruit counselor for 77th recruit class, accident reconstructions and a small unmanned aerial system operator, and as a field training officer. 

Crews will be paving driveway approaches along U.S. 136 near Mace, between the hours of 8AM and 5PM. This is between Co. Rd. 550 and Co. Rd. 600.

This work is expected to last through the end of October, weather permitting.

Flaggers will be out directing traffic. Please slow down and use caution in the work zone.

The Reelsville/Washington Township Volunteer Fire Department responded to a single vehicle accident Tuesday morning, which resulted in four occupants being transported to a hospital. 

According to John McPherson, assistant chief, the accident was a single vehicle in the median and on its side. There was no entrapment and all four occupants were transported to Union Hospital in Terre Haute by Putnam County EMS and Star ambulance with minor injuries.

"The left wheels dropped off the road and they overcorrected. We have had several accidents there over the years, and it is always the same cause," McPherson told Putnam County Post.  

More than 200, 000 pickup trucks are being recalled by Nissan.  They could roll away while in park.

Nissan Frontiers and Titans from years 2020 through 2023 are involved.  The NHTSA said the trucks could roll away because the transmission parking pawl, which prevents the vehicles from moving, may not engage when the trucks are in park.

Owners are advised to use their parking brake every time they park.

This is separate from another Nissan recall from June.  Then, the company recalled more than 180, 000 Frontiers and Titans from 2020-2022 for the same thing.

Owners are to be notified by letter on November 1.

The school year has only begun for DePauw University and it is already a record school year for the Putnam County university, as the Class of 2026 is the largest incoming class in four years. 

According to school officials, 535 first-year students have called DePauw home.

In a press release, Mary Beth Petrie, vice president for enrollment management, said the new students hail from 31 states and 27 countries. All together, the students span a geographic area that ranges from Greencastle to the Philippines.

"The DePauw Class of 2026 is incredibly talented and bright and we are happy to welcome them to the Tiger family," Petrie said. 

A high number of students have expressed an interest in studying economics, computer science and psychology, and the average GPA of the Class of 2026 was a 3.97 with 45 percent of the students graduating in the top 10 percent of their high school class. 

The university's Bold &Gold 2027 Strategic Plan is also starting to take effect with prospective students, as one in five reported the university's future plans had a positive influence in their decision to enroll at DePauw, which will establish a School of Business and Leadership and a Creative School as part of its future plans. 

"They will be here for the inauguration of the two new schools and will be able to choose majors and minors that include six new programs that have been added since last spring," Petrie said. 

On Saturday, September 17, Greencastle Youth Football and Cloverdale Youth Football fifth and sixth graders traveled to Lucas Oil Stadium to play one another where the pros play.  The game was more of a scrimmage, but an experience these young athletes will always remember.

“Keeping these athletes engaged and excited about football is our goal.  We want to keep them loving the game.  These kids are our future Clovers and Tiger Cubs.  I am so excited to see them grow as teams and players” Said GYF president Brooke Trissel.

The athletes from both teams were full of excitement and smiles as they ran onto the field, with their family and friends cheering them on from the stands.  The game was not about winning and losing, it was about these athletes experiencing something great, experiencing being on the pro field not as two separate leagues, but as athletes from Putnam County showing great sportsmanship, friendship, and the love for football. It is an experience that they will not soon forget and such a magical night for both leagues.  

If you are interested in learning more about Cloverdale or Greencastle Youth Football please contact the leagues individually. Signs up will begin in the spring with practices starting in July.

Applicants information has been compromised in a cybersecurity incident reported by the Indiana Department of Workforce Development.

Someone gained access to some of the information held by the DWD.  Information impacted includes login email addresses and security questions. Currently, the agency doesn't believe social security numbers were accessed.

More than 4000 accounts were impacted.  The DWD says most of those were not currently receiving benefits.  Those impacted are being notified by mail.

Anyone impacted by the data breach can request a credit freeze from the three credit agencies.

Governor Eric J. Holcomb announced several appointments to various state boards and commissions.

Emergency Medical Services Commission

The governor also made six new appointments to the commission, who will serve until September 30, 2026:

• Lori Mayle (Brazil), program director with Air Evac Lifeteam

Law Enforcement Training Board

The governor made nine reappointments to the board, who will serve until July 31, 2026:

• Joel Thacker (Plainfield), executive director of the Indiana Department of Homeland Security

The governor also made eleven new appointments to the board, who will serve until July 31, 2026:

• John Kuykendall III (Avon), associate professor and dean of the school of education at the University of Indianapolis

State Historical Records Advisory Board

The governor also made five new appointments to the board, who will serve until September 30, 2025:

• Nolan Eller (Crawfordsville), Wabash College archivist
• Bethany Fiechter (Greencastle), university archivist at DePauw University

State Police Board

The governor made one new appointment to the board, who will serve until September 30, 2026:

• Marilyn Culler (Greencastle), associate director of the DePauw University Media Fellows Program   

Call it being at the right place at the right time. 
Members of the Reelsville/Washington Township Volunteer Fire Department were in the midst of wild land fire training on Sunday and put their practice to use after being dispatched for a brush fire at 9389 South County Road 375 West in Putnam County. 

Upon arrival, firefighters found an active fire a half mile off the road and called in several other fire departments to assist. Greencastle, Cloverdale Township, Madison Township and Poland responded with brush trucks, while Cloverdale assisted with ATVs as well. Putnam County EMS also responded. 

"Units used 300 gallons to extinguish the field fire that was directly under high tension power lines and burned around 25 acres of grass," said John McPherson, Reelsville assistant fire chief. 

Firefighters were able to put the fire out in 20 minutes and no injuries were reported. 

A traffic stop of a man on a moped has resulted in drugs being taken off the street and an arrest of a man.

According to the Brazil Police Department, K9 officer Chandler Damon observed a male on a moped commit several traffic infractions Wednesday night. 

The operator of the moped failed to stop, went the wrong way on a one-way, travelled through several citizen’s front yards and eventually crashed. 

After crashing, the suspect fled, prompting Damon to give chase and use his Taser to apprehend the suspect, who has identified as Curtis Modesitt, of Brazil. 

A search of Modesitt's property unveiled bags containing nearly 60 grams of Methamphetamine. 

Modesitt was arrested and charged with  Possession of Methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, and resisting law enforcement. Court records show he was also charged in May on drug and resisting arrest charges, as well as having charges in April. 

Hendricks County authorities are investigating a crash with injury.

About 3:00 pm Thursday, Hendricks County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a serious bodily injury crash in the 3100 block of East County Road 100N, near Danville.

Preliminary investigation shows that a black Mercedes, occupied by three persons, was traveling eastbound on County Road 100 North, when for an unknown reason, the vehicle crossed left of center and struck a westbound silver Kia head-on.

There was one occupant in the Kia. All four were transported to area hospitals believed to be in critical condition.

Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, announces that the U.S. Attorney’s Office is implementing new public reporting procedures for environmental crimes and issues relating to environmental justice.

Members of the public who have concerns about environmental matters in the Southern District of Indiana can now report them to the Department of Justice via email to
USAINS-Environmental@usdoj.gov.

The Office is implementing this public reporting procedure under the Department of Justice’s Comprehensive Environmental Justice Enforcement Strategy. This Strategy seeks to provide “timely and effective remedies for systemic environmental violations and contaminations and for injury to natural resources in underserved communities that have been historically marginalized and overburdened, including low-income communities, communities of color, and Tribal and Indigenous communities.”

“Advancing environmental justice and public health through civil and criminal environmental enforcement are priorities of the Department of Justice,” said U.S. Attorney Myers. “We hope that concerned individuals and organizations in our community will partner with us and bring more of these matters to our attention. Together, we will work to reduce public health and environmental harms caused by violations of our laws and regulations—especially in underserved communities.”

The Office’s public reporting procedures complement the other avenues for reporting environmental concerns to the federal government, such as the online portal maintained by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), https://echo.epa.gov/report-environmental-violations.

Putnam County is included in the following notice posted by the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office regarding an investigation about a number of thefts from vehicles in four different Indiana counties.

Information and pictures below are of suspect and suspect vehicle.

The Hamilton County Sheriff's office is asking for anyone with information to contact them.

Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch and the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs announced 21 rural Indiana communities will receive more than $12.9 million in federal grant funding to create and expand community facilities and improve water infrastructure.

The State of Indiana distributes Community Development Block Grant funds to rural communities, which assists units of local government with various community projects such as infrastructure improvement, downtown revitalization, public facilities and economic development. 

The Town of Roachdale has been awarded $700,000 Wastewater / Drinking Water Program grant to make improvements to the wastewater system. This project will install an equalization basin, rehabilitate manholes, reline wastewater mains and make structural improvements to a beam at the wastewater treatment plant.

Governor Eric J. Holcomb announced he has selected Morgan County Judge Peter Foley as the next member of the Indiana Court of Appeals. Judge Foley will replace retiring Judge Edward W. Najam, Jr.

“Judge Foley brings to the bench a calm and confident demeanor no matter the case before him or its complexity,” said Gov. Holcomb. “The Indiana appellate courts will benefit from his extensive experience, his compassion to do what’s right and his sense of justice.”

Judge Foley has played a pivotal role in helping those suffering from mental health and addiction. In 2016 he collaborated with local stakeholders to establish the Residential Substance Abuse Program in Morgan County. Since its implementation, the program has become a model for other counties to replicate.

He serves as a member of the Morgan County Justice Reinvestment Advisory Council which oversees the residential jail substance use disorder treatment program. Judge Foley was appointed in 2017 to the Advisory Task Force on Remote Access to and Privacy of Electronic Court Records to help examine the release of court records while maintaining personal privacy in a digital environment.

“I am humbled and deeply honored by Governor Holcomb’s appointment,” said Judge Foley. “I look forward to the opportunity to work with the other judges of the Court of Appeals for the advancement of justice in the State of Indiana. I am privileged to follow Judge Najam, who exemplified the characteristics of a strong judicial leader. I remain committed to the rule of law, leadership within the judiciary, and service to my community.”

Foley was born and raised in Morgan County. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Indiana University and a law degree from the Indiana University McKinney School of Law.

Following graduation, Foley returned to Martinsville where he practiced law as a third-generation attorney at his grandfather’s firm. He then served for many years as the county attorney for Morgan County. In 2014, he was elected to serve as the Judge of the Morgan County Superior Court I.

Foley continues to give back to his community with a focus on supporting the next generation of students entering law. Judge Foley speaks to high school students about the judicial system and offers internships and job shadow opportunities in his courtroom.

Judge Foley lives in Martinsville with his wife Jill, an occupational therapist where they raised their two college-aged children.

A date for Foley’s robing ceremony will be determined by the Indiana Court of Appeals.

Repairs continue on the State Road 42 bridge over Mill Creek. This is east of Cloverdale, near S. County Road 750 E.

A vehicle struck the bridge a few months ago and caused damage.

The bridge will remain closed until the necessary repairs are completed and the bridge is safe to reopen. That's expected to be after the end of September / the beginning of October, weather permitting. 

The official eastbound detour follows S.R. 42 to U.S. 231 to I-70 to Little Point and back to S.R. 42. The westbound detour follows S.R. 42 at Little Point to I-70 to U.S. 231 back to S.R. 42.

INDOT will provide updates to the public on the status of the bridge.

Join LLona Reynolds and members of the Legion Riders at the Cloverdale Legion at 9:00 AM on Saturday, September 17 for their third annual women only charity and domestic violence awareness ride.

Proceeds of the event go Beyond Homeless: Women’s and Children Shelter.

LLona Reynolds, also known as Hotrod, started this domestic violence awareness ride because she lost a dear friend to domestic violence. Feeling lost and wanting some way to make a difference, she started the ride in honor of her friend.

“You know I can't think of many things that are more awesome than strong woman to set goals and give hope to other woman.” LLona stated.  “Well also what's more cool than a bunch of babes on bikes?!”

 Jeeps and wind vehicles are also welcome to join the ride. Registration is 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM at the Cloverdale American Legion, located at 501 S Main St, Cloverdale, IN 46120. Kickstands up at 11:00 AM. Rider/driver fee is $25.00 and passengers are $10.00.

There will be 50/50 raffles, multiple auction items, and the public is welcome to come and bid or simply leave a donation.

If you or a loved one are in a domestic violence situation and need help, you cancall the domestic violence hotline at 800-799-7233 or text START to 88788.

An Indianapolis man will serve time in federal prison for pretending to be a DEA agent at the Avon Costco.

Patrick Hancock, 42, was sentenced to four years in federal prison after pleading guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.

According to court documents, on December 6, 2021, employees at a Costco in Avon called police after observing Hancock in the store wearing a badge with a gun on his person. Store employees had been alerted to be on the lookout for Hancock, who they believed to be travelling to multiple Costco locations and making purchases with fraudulent checks. Police responded and found Hancock wearing a DEA “Special Agent” badge around his neck and openly carrying a 9mm Glock pistol in a holster on his hip. Officers also found that Hancock was in possession of a baton and two pairs of handcuffs. During an interview, Hancock admitted to law enforcement that he purchased the fake DEA badge on a website to feel like part of something bigger.

Hancock is prohibited from possessing firearms because he has been previously convicted of multiple felony crimes over the past twenty years, for offenses including credit card theft, fraud, illegal firearms possession, and false impersonation of law enforcement.

Hancock’s most recent felony conviction was for being a felon in possession of a firearm in federal court in the Northern District of Indiana. That case stemmed from a 2017 incident where Hancock posed as a federal law enforcement officer and attempted to arrest an employee of an adult nightclub utilizing a false arrest warrant. Over the course of that investigation, law enforcement officers discovered that Hancock illegally possessed a firearm. Hancock was sentenced in the Northern District of Indiana to 41 months in federal prison and three years of supervised release.  

Greencastle Community Schools are still undergoing construction and changes, but the end result will be a more conducive atmosphere for the education of studenta in an age of internet and technology, as well as keeping students safe.

The construction at the Greencastle High School has been long, but the end goal is well worth the wait. Those driving near the school may notice construction for the basement connector between the McAnally and the high school has started, the hole has been dug.

The former main entrance of the school will be student commons area and this part of the project is on track.  The media center is getting a much needed update and spaces in the back of the school will house the future Fab Lab.

Over the summer, at the primary schools, secure entrances were installed and updated. This included adding a vestibule, funneling visitors directly to the offices of the schools. While the vestibules are secure, they look unfinished due to supply chain shortages. However, they are expected to have their completed look by fall break.

Tzouanakis has had the “envelope” sealed; allowing for a more controlled climate and getting rid of moisture and warm air.

Construction at the Greencastle Middle School is expected to start soon. Families should be on the lookout for information being sent home about the updates and changes to procedures during the construction; including updates to student drop-off and pick-up.

New this year, and with special thanks to Endeavor Communications; events on the turf field, like football and soccer, will be live streamed as well as the basketball court in the McAnally Center. This is provided at no cost to families and spectators and the link to these live streams is available on the Greencastle Athletics page, https://greencastleathletics.com/.

A 20-page opinion from the Indiana Court of Appeals means a former Greencastle and Terre Haute man will continue to serve nearly 90 years in prison for a 2020 murder.

John Gonzalez, 30, was found guilty in a 2021 jury trial in Putnam County of the murder of Lisa Attkisson at her Greencastle home.

Gonzalez was eventually apprehended in Illinois after the murder was discovered.

The conviction has been upheld by Indiana Court of Appeals.

The Court of Appeals affirmed the results of the local trial in a conclusion that read:

While Gonzalez has waived his challenge to the trial court’s denial of his motion for change of venue, his claim also fails on the merits because the record does not indicate the jury was unable to render an impartial verdict.  Moreover, the trial court did not abuse its discretion in its finding of aggravating factors because the factors were supported by the record and not improper as a matter of law.  Finally, Gonzalez’s sentence is not inappropriate given the nature of his offense and his character. 

Gonzalez had previous convictions for robbery in Fountain County and sexual battery in Vigo County.

The Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) announced today that it has added locations that are offering the new bivalent COVID-19 booster vaccines, which protect against the two most common strains of the virus, to its map at www.ourshot.in.gov.

Appointments are not yet available online but can be made by contacting a pharmacy or healthcare provider, or by calling 211 (866-211-9966) for assistance.

Additional locations will be added as vaccine shipments continue to arrive in the state.

The FDA authorized the bivalent boosters on Aug. 31, and the CDC endorsed their use Sept. 1. The new boosters include protection against the Omicron variant that is the dominant strain circulating and replace previous boosters, which covered only the original COVID-19 strain.

“The Omicron variant has been the main cause of COVID-19 infections for months, so having a vaccine that specifically targets this variant as well as the Delta variant will help keep Hoosiers healthier as we enter the fall and winter, when respiratory illnesses often increase,” said State Health Commissioner Kris Box, M.D., FACOG. “I encourage individuals who are eligible to consider getting the new COVID-19 booster when they schedule their annual flu shot and make protecting themselves against COVID-19 part of their annual healthcare strategy.”

The Pfizer bivalent booster is authorized for individuals age 12 and older, while the Moderna bivalent booster is available to individuals age 18 and older. Individuals are eligible to receive an updated booster so long as it has been at least two months since they received their last booster dose or completed their primary vaccine series.

Online scheduling for boosters is expected to be available later this month at www.ourshot.in.gov.

The Greencastle Police Department is hosting a free child restraint seat clinic Monday September 19, from 5 pm to 7 pm at the Greencastle Walmart Supercenter located at 1750 Indianapolis Road.

The clinic will be set up in the lawn and garden area of the Walmart parking lot.

In order for Greencastle to have Permanent Fitting Station program at the Greencastle Police Department, certain requirements must be met, including periodic child restraint seat clinics like this one.

The Automotive Safety Program (ASP) is sponsoring this event as part of National Child Passenger Safety Week, September 18-24. 

West Central Solid Waste District will sponsor a Tox-Away Day, rain or shine, on Saturday, Sept. 17 from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Parke County Fairgrounds.

While held in Parke County, the event is also open to Putnam County residents.

Tox-Away Days are opportunities to recycle or safely dispose of household hazardous waste such as appliances, tires, electronics, chemicals and unwanted medication for free or a reduced rate.

Attendees may dispose of pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers and other such waste in containers up to five gallons, but not in drums.

With electronics, there is a $20 fee for disposing of a TV of any size.

Car or light truck tires are accepted free for the first six, with $2 for each additional tire up to 12 total. Quartered tractor tires are free for the first two, then $5 for each additional one. WCSWD will pay $65 of the $90 fee for whole tractor tires over 54 inches (farmers pay $25 per whole tire).

Latex paint is not accepted at Tox-Away Days, as it is water-based and not hazardous.

To avoid congestion and interfering with set-up, attendees are asked not to arrive before 7:45 a.m. Earlier times tend to be busier.

Attendees should remain in their vehicle at all times, while personnel will unload items in a drive-through environment. Small or mixed items should be visible in a box or container for easy identification and safe handling.

Regulations prohibit the collection of hazardous wastes from businesses, churches, schools and nonprofits.

For a more complete list of accepted and unaccepted items, visit WCSWD’s Facebook page or its website at www.westcentralswd.com, or call the office at 653-2150.

The Putnam County Sheriff's Department posted an update following the weekend seizure of a number of dogs, mostly German Shepherds, from a property in the southwestern part of the county.

That story available at this link:

https://putnamcountypost.linkedupradio.com/local-news/651955

The Sheriff's Department noted in the post that they can't give out much information about the situation right now as it is still an ongoing investigation. After a search warrant was served,  Animal Control seized 33 dogs from a location in the southwest area of Putnam County.

32 were German Shepherds and 1 Rottweiler.

Dr. Jason Huff with West Central Veterinary Services was called on scene and took three of the dogs that were in the worst conditions. He is currently working hard to try and save them. It should be known that Dr. Huff has graciously donated his time and funding (The required treatment is VERY expensive) to help try and save these little guys.

Many of the other dogs have been taken to Indiana GSD & Siberian Husky Rescue, Inc for foster care. Inmate workers also worked very hard constructing the temporary shelters needed to house the dogs still at our animal shelter.

As of Saturday, most of the dogs were doing MUCH better. They are up and running around and being much more vocal. Crews from all over spent Saturday cleaning the dogs up and treating any conditions.

Thanks to the many generous donations from local citizens they have clean kennels and lots of food now. Putnam County Animal Control and the Humane Society are still working to find foster placement for many of the dogs.

If you would like to help or donate, please get in contact with Tammy Eastham at animal control. Email: putnamcoanimalcare@gmail.com .

The Putnam County Sheriff's Department and the Putnam County Animal Care and Control are asking for the public's help in finding a temporary home for about 30 German Shepherds. 

In a Facebook post from the sheriff's department on Friday evening, officials with Animal Care and Control and the sheriff's department responded to an animal welfare check in the southwestern part of Putnam County and seized the dogs after finding them in deplorable conditions. 

"As many of you know, the Shelter along with many other local shelters are already at max capacity. We are currently working hard to find temporary placement of these dogs until they can be evaluated and cared for," the post stated.Anyone 

The post continued to state the animal care and control were asking the public to contribute for much needed supplies for the dogs. 

"They desperately need kennels to help temporarily house these guys at the shelter. Additionally they are asking for your help in gathering supplies and funding to help care for them," the post said. 

Anyone wishing to donate is asked to contact Tammy Eastham at putnamanimalcare@gmail.com. 

The Hendricks County Sheriff’s Department is investigating the disappearance of Michael Dubak, a 74 year old white male, 5 feet 10 inches tall, 180 pounds, brown hair with blue eyes, last seen wearing a gray T-shirt and blue jeans, and driving a white 2003 Ford F-150 with Indiana registration TK287LPX.

Michael is missing from Brownsburg, and was last seen on Thursday, at 4:00 pm.

He is believed to be in extreme danger and may require medical assistance. 

If you have any information on Michael Dubak, contact the Hendricks County Sheriff’s Department at 317-839-8700 or 911.

The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration received approval from the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to continue its practice of extending postpartum coverage for Hoosiers receiving Medicaid during pregnancy from 60 days to one year. Indiana has been providing this extended coverage since April; today’s federal announcement will allow it to continue.

“We are delighted that Hoosiers, regardless of their income, will now have access to quality healthcare for a full year following the birth of a child,” said Dan Rusyniak, M.D., FSSA secretary. “This is significant as more than 40 percent of individuals who give birth each year receive Medicaid. And, since more than half of postpartum complications occur after six weeks, extending coverage to a full year will help meet Gov. Holcomb’s goal of reducing Indiana’s maternal mortality rate.”

Previously, postpartum Medicaid coverage ended after 60 days. In May, Indiana’s Office of Medicaid Policy and Planning asked CMS for approval to extend the postpartum coverage period for traditional Medicaid, Healthy Indiana Plan Maternity and Hoosier Healthwise members. This will apply to all who received maternity care from Medicaid since April 1.

The postpartum coverage period is available to any individual who meets one of the following criteria:

• Becomes pregnant while already enrolled in traditional Medicaid, HIP or Hoosier Healthwise
• Applies and is eligible for Medicaid while pregnant
• Applies for Medicaid after the child is born and was both pregnant and eligible in the month of application or one of the three months prior to the application month.

Today’s CMS approval authorizes the extended coverage for Medicaid-eligible individuals for a five-year period, through March 31, 2027.

Twenty new, high-quality jobs are projected for the Putnam County community with the receipt of conditional performance-based EDGE tax credits from the Indiana Economic Development Corporation by Distinct, a Greencastle based Web Design company.  

Vincent Aguirre, Founder of Distinct, noted, “We are a small business in Putnam County focusing our talent and energy to support small businesses with dynamic websites and service.  We are committed to hiring new employees to service the 90+ projects we manage and continuing our exponential growth."

Mayor Bill Dory hails news of the grant as important to job creation and says it reinforces the fact that high speed internet access in Greencastle is spurring innovation, opportunity and worldwide outreach.

“Distinct supports local businesses and organizations,” Mayor Dory says, “with just one example being the city’s revamped website. A vibrant economy requires innovation and access to good jobs, and both are heavily in play here.”

To support Distinct’s mission of exceptional client services, Holli Hill, a Purdue graduate and Putnam County resident, will be joining Distinct this month as Community Relations Coordinator.

"I have always had a passion for building relationships and cheering others on in their successes."  Holli noted.  "I'm looking forward to building a 'Distinct' community of small business owners and helping them achieve their goals."

In addition, Distinct has added two additional members to the organization. Aaron Miller has been engaged to reach new markets and build a pipeline of new clients with services that will build and maintain their online brand with custom websites.  Aaron, a DePauw University alum, has extensive entrepreneurial and technology experience with tech start-ups and adds his broad, regional business network to Distinct’s growth plan. "I enjoy meeting business owners and being a source of excitement for them in their journey. Whether it be new technology, branding or community projects, I add value anyway I can."

“For at least a decade of my entrepreneurial journey, Ken Eitel has been a mentor and advisor.  I’m excited to announce he has agreed to devote some of his retirement hours to Distinct as our Lead Integrator.”  Vince noted, “Ken, a lifelong small business owner, educator, and advocate for Putnam County, will provide Distinct with experienced leadership and an advisor for organizational development.”

“I’m pleased to become a small part of Vince’s growing venture.”  Ken related.  “Vince is an example of the young, forward-thinking professionals and business owners who live in Putnam County and see a future for themselves and their families.”

The Indiana Small Business Development Center advisor, Dave Bittner, conveyed, “The reality is few small business owners are experts in online marketing. Vince, and his expanding team at Distinct, create value and growth for a business."  He continued, "By partnering to help these businesses capture customers with an online presence.”   

 Greencastle-based Distinct, provides web design and unlimited website support to over 400 clients since its launch in 2013.   Distinct is focused on building a strong local and digital presence for small businesses and non-profits; expanding businesses targeted marketing, increasing the economic opportunity for tech professionals, and giving back to our own community. 

Distinct’s office is based in The Tenzer Hub for Entrepreneurship, created by Lee Tenzer, with a goal of spurring entrepreneurship and innovation in the heart of the seat of Putnam County.

Vince can be contacted at vince@becomedistinct.com or visit Distinct's website to learn more. www.becomedistinct.com

Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, and the Justice Department announced that it has entered into a settlement agreement with the Indiana State Board of Nursing (Nursing Board) to resolve claims it violated Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

The settlement agreement ensures that nurses who take medication to treat opioid use disorder (OUD) can remain on their medication when participating in the Indiana State Nursing Assistance Program. The program assists in rehabilitating and monitoring nurses with substance use disorders, and is often required for these nurses to maintain an active license or have one reinstated. The department previously notified the Nursing Board of its findings, and described the remedial measures necessary for the Nursing Board to address the ADA violation identified. This case was handled jointly by the Disability Rights Section of the Civil Rights Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Indiana.

“The opioid epidemic has greatly impacted professionals and families of all walks of life, and Indiana nurses have the right to seek medically approved treatment for opioid use disorder under federal law,” said U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Myers for the Southern District of Indiana. “Following the Justice Department’s findings and the parties’ settlement agreement, Indiana must now enact policies to ensure that Hoosier nurses will not be forced to choose between their recovery and their livelihoods.”

“Indiana may not deny individuals life-saving medications, including medications that treat opioid use disorder, based on stereotypes and misinformation,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Requiring nurses to stop taking prescribed medication as a condition of maintaining a nursing license violates the ADA, and not only creates barriers to recovery, but inappropriately limits employment opportunities based on disability.”

Under the terms of the agreement, the Nursing Board will allow nurses to participate in the states’ rehabilitation program while taking medication, including medication to treat OUD, when the medication is prescribed by a licensed practitioner as part of a medically necessary treatment plan and incorporated into a recovery monitoring agreement. In addition, the Nursing Board has agreed to revise its written polices to ensure that nurses taking prescribed medications for OUD are not subjected to discriminatory conditions or terms. The Nursing Board has also agreed to pay a total of $70,000 in damages to the complainant, and to report periodically on its compliance to the United States.

Methadone and buprenorphine (including brand names Subutex and Suboxone) are approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat OUD. According to the U.S. National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), methadone and buprenorphine help diminish the effects of physical dependency on opioids. When taken as prescribed, these medications are safe and effective.

The Civil Rights Division, together with U.S. Attorneys’ offices, has been working to remove discriminatory barriers to recovery for individuals who have completed, or are participating in, treatment for OUD. Through outreach, technical assistance and enforcement under the ADA, the Civil Rights Division seeks to ensure that those in treatment or recovery can successfully participate in their communities and the workforce. For example:

• On April 5, 2022, the department issued guidance on protections for people with OUD under the ADA.
• On March 24, 2022, the department entered into a Settlement Agreement with the Massachusetts Trial Court to resolve allegations that its drug court violated the ADA by discriminating against individuals with OUD.
• On March 17, 2022, the department entered into a Settlement Agreement with Ready to Work, a Colorado-based employment, residential and social services program for individuals experiencing homelessness, resolving allegations that the program denied admission to an individual because she takes medication for OUD.
• On February 24, 2022, the department filed a lawsuit against the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania, alleging that it prohibits or otherwise limits participants in its court supervision programs from using medication to treat OUD.

The second time proved to be the difference for Living Water Farms when it comes to the Taste of Putnam County, as the farm located in Putnam County, captured accolades at the recent event. 

"My mother used to own Completely Nuts and Candy Co. (Fineline Chocolate), where we have competed before. It was great to win after so many years being involved with the taste one way or another," Elliot Dunbar told The Putnam County Post. 

Dunbar, who is one of the co-founders of Living Water Farms, explained this year Living Water Farms took a "farm to table" approach using produce grown at the farm to produce a gourmet grilled cheese sandwich.

 
The sandwich highlighted fresh grown tomatoes and fresh baked sunflower bread, which is one of the items they sell at their markets and farmer's market. 

"The salad was made from our aquaponics lettuce and greens, which is our core farm item. Fried green tomatoes were our tomatoes, served with a ranch dip mix that we sell at our markets. The Tabouli and Syrian bread was a parsley salad, and the bread is a house recipe that we sell at our markets," he said. 

While the Taste of Putnam County is a fun event to bring the community together,Dunbar said there was another mission for Living Water Farms with the event. 

"Our goal with the event was to highlight unique ways to produce farm fresh produce, and to share items that we offer outside of just veggies. We received great feedback on all of the items, including the fresh squeezed herbal lemonade," Dunbar said. 

A missing Hendricks County man, focus of a Silver Alert, has been found.

About noon on Wednesday, Charles Larry Adkins was located approximately one mile south of his home in a corn field.  Adkins was walking when he was located.  He was not reportedly injured; however, he was transported to a local hospital for precautionary measures. 

The Hendricks County Sheriff's Department says that through the use of drones, helicopters, side-by-side UTV’s and horseback from surrounding agencies and citizen volunteers, this was the happy conclusion they had hoped for. 

The Hendricks County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank everyone who helped with the search; the several dozen community volunteers, Danville Police Department, Danville Fire Department, Brownsburg Police Department, Brownsburg Fire Department, Boone County Sheriff’s Department, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, Johnson County Sheriff’s Department, Lizton Fire Department, Pittsboro Fire Department, STAT Flight, Hamilton County Sheriff’s Department, Plainfield Fire Department, Indiana Task Force One and the Indiana State Police.  

A Veedersburg man was killed in a Labor Day weekend crash in Parke County.

The Parke County Sheriff’s Office says deputies responded to the on US 41 near the 132 mile marker in the area known as "Snake Holler".  A 2012 Toyota Camry driven by Brad A. Pollock, 47, of Veedersburg, was northbound US 41 and a 2015 Ford F150 driven by Michael S Myers, 61,  of Waynetown, was southbound on US 41. Pollock's vehicle went left of center at a turn in the roadway and struck Myers' vehicle head on.

Brad Pollock was pronounced dead at the scene. Myers and his passenger were transported to Union Hospital in Clinton for non-life threatening injuries.

Parke County EMS, Lyford Rescue, Adams Township Rescue and Mecca Fire along with the Rosedale Town Marshal assisted at the scene.

The Parke County Sheriff’s office says excessive speed was a contributing factor in the crash.

The Indiana Senate Republican Caucus offers paid spring-semester internships in a number of different fields, including communications, information technology, legal, legislative, page and policy positions.

Internship candidates can be of any major, but must be at least a college sophomore. Recent graduates, as well as graduate and law school students, are also encouraged to apply.

Positions are open to Indiana residents and nonresidents who attend a college or university in Indiana.

Interns earn an $800 biweekly stipend and benefit from scholarship and academic credit opportunities, professional development, community involvement and networking.

These are full-time positions at the Statehouse in downtown Indianapolis that typically begin with a mandatory orientation in late December and conclude at the end of the legislative session in April 2023.

For more information and to access an application, go to www.IndianaSenateRepublicans.com/Intern.

The deadline to apply is Oct. 31.

For the 7th year, the Bainbridge Volunteer Fire Department will hold its Smokin' Rides & Rods car show. 

This year's event will be held on Saturday, with registration beginning at 8:30 a.m. judging taking place at 12:30 p.m., awards at 1:30 p.m. and plenty of fun and food in between. It will take place at the Bainbridge Volunteer Fire Department, 500 W. Pat Rady Way, Bainbridge. 

"It was formed to help bring a yearly event into the community, along with a fundraising effort for the department to help with our projects and to ease the purse strings on our budget. Its payment to the community is worth it for the department, seeing everyone getting out to enjoy the weather, reminisce of the vehicles that they or their friends had at one time. This year, we are having the kid's choice award, as well as the fire trucks with supervision. This year's project is upgrades to the building and grounds of the fire station," Bainbridge VFD Chief Kevin Thorson told The Putnam County Post.

Thorson said his department covers Monroe Township, as well as being dual toned from county line to both east (Floyd Township) and west (Clinton) of U.S. 36 in Putnam County. 

"Every volunteer fire department is very vital to each community. In most rural areas it is all they have," Thorson said. 

Thorson said events like this Saturday's are vital to the fire department's ability to handle expenses and continue to get equipment. 

"Some of our equipment and all of our PPE has a shelf life. That's where the biggest expense is focused on our budget. Each set of gear costs around $4,000 to 5,000 from head to toe and lasts 10 years regardless of how much they are used," Thorson said. 

The Hendricks County Sheriff’s Department is investigating the disappearance of Charles Adkins, a 69 year old white male, 6 feet 1 inch tall, 176 pounds, grey hair with blue eyes, last seen wearing a blue shirt and blue jeans.

Charles is missing from Danville, Indiana and was last seen on Monday, September 5, 2022 at 7:30 pm.  He is believed to be in extreme danger and may require medical assistance. 

If you have any information on Charles Adkins, contact the Hendricks County Sheriff’s Department at 317-745-4052 or 911.

The Parke County Sheriff’s Office is reporting an arrest in a death investigation.

On Friday afternoon Parke County deputies were dispatched to Hideaway Lane, which is off Putnam Road in eastern Parke County. During the investigation deputies located Timothy Tomey, 54, of Indianapolis.  Tomey was found dead in a camper from a gunshot wound.

The scene was processed with the assistance of Indiana State Police crime scene technicians. Deputies also began interviewing neighbors and others in the area. During the initial investigation, Tomey’s wife, Angela Thomas, 54, of Indianapolis, was taken into custody.

An autopsy was conducted on Saturday and the manner of death was determined to be homicide due to a gunshot wound.

The Parke County Prosecutor’s Office will conduct a review of the case and finalize charges. Thomas was initially charged with murder and was being held in the Parke County Jail with no bond.

A lesson in driving turned into an accident that sent people to the hospital Sunday in Bainbridge.

According to Bainbridge Fire Chief Kevin Thorson, there was a single car accident on the grounds of Bainbridge Elementary. 

"They were teaching them the basics on how to drive a vehicle. Apparently, the driver got nervous and panicked. The vehicle ran over the curb and struck a tree, not the building. The tree will be removed tomorrow," Thorson told The Putnam County Post. 

Thorson said the driver was not a minor and three occupants were treated for minor injuries and transported to the hospital to be checked out.

A Putnam County Commissioner was injured in a hunting accident in Pulaski County.

Indiana Conservation Officers are investigating a hunting incident that occurred on private property in Pulaski County.  Dave Berry, 69, of Roachdale, was dove hunting along a Sandy Prairie Hunt Club field when he was struck by a gunshot.

Initial investigation has revealed that unbeknownst to other hunters, Berry began searching for a downed dove in an uncut cornfield when he walked in the direction of another group of hunters. At the same time, a juvenile hunter attempted to shoot at a low-flying dove striking Berry approximately 35 yards away with pellets from the 20-gauge shotgun.

Berry was transported by members of his hunting party to Pulaski Memorial Hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries to his arms, legs, and abdomen.

The incident remains under investigation.

The Indiana Department of Transportation announced State Road 39 is now closed to trucks, commercial vehicles or vehicles with a gross weight above 10,000 pounds. This is for paving operations between S.R. 236, one-mile north of Danville, and W. Co. Rd. 825 N., near Lizton.

The road will be open to local and emergency traffic only. This closure is expected to last through the end of September, weather permitting.

The official detour for trucks, commercial vehicles and vehicles with a gross weight above 10,000 pounds follows U.S. 36 to S.R. 75 north to U.S. 136 and back to S.R. 39. 

Starting on or after Tuesday, September 6, S.R. 39 will be restricted between Walnut Grove Ct. and W. Co. Rd. 825, near Lizton for bridge resurfacing work. It will be down to one lane over Ross Ditch. Traffic will be maintained by a temporary signal. These restrictions are expected to last through the end of November, weather permitting.

This project was awarded to Milestone Contractors, L.P. for $9.6 million. This project will complete a cold in-place recycle treatment on S.R. 39 and resurfacing of the bridge over Ross Ditch.

According to INDOT, cold in-place recycle treatment, a type of resurface similar to a full-depth reclamation, is an environmentally friendly method of removing and reusing the existing asphalt surface. It involves grinding off the top 2 to 5 inches of asphalt surface and mixing the crushed asphalt with an asphalt recycling agent, and placing it back down with a paver. This results in a much stronger, stable base for the new road. It also results in less hauling away of materials.

A Greencastle High School graduate and member of Putnam County 4-H has been named to a Purdue Extension position in another county.

Bailey York is the Purdue Extension 4-H Youth Educator in Shelby County, Indiana.

Bailey grew up in Greencastle where she was an active 10 year 4-H member.

During her time in 4-H she was active in the goat barn, showing her Boer goats with her sister. She served in her junior leader club as the vice-president, and completed various general projects.

Bailey also went to 4-H camp and served as the Junior Director in her 10^th year. For approximately two years,she acted as the summer assistant in Putnam County.

Bailey was a 2020 graduate from Indiana State University, where she studied Human Development and Family Studies, with a minor in Early Childhood Education. Throughout her time at ISU, Bailey was a member of her sorority, Alpha Sigma Alpha. She was part of the National Honor Society of Leadership and Success and served as a resident assistant her senior year.

Her greatest accomplishment has been accepting her dream job within Purdue Extension.  Bailey is ecstatic to be joining the Purdue Extension team in Shelby County.

The Indiana Secured School Safety Board has approved more than $22.9 million in matching state grants, marking the fourth consecutive year of record-breaking school safety investments.

The grants will be allocated to 425 schools, which is the largest number of schools to ever apply.

“We continue to prioritize investments in school safety to help students and staff succeed without the worry of violence in Hoosier schools,” Gov. Eric J. Holcomb said. “This funding allow schools to address their specific safety needs through additional personnel and programs designed to prepare for and prevent school violence.”

The General Assembly allocated $19 million the past two years for the Secured School Safety Grant (SSSG). Legislators will set future allocations during this year’s budget session. With the addition of $3.9 million in funds unspent from previous grant cycles, Indiana was able to fully fund all top priority, eligible requests from all schools that applied. Additionally, the funding will cover all eligible requests for additional training for School Resource Officers and staff. 

With this funding, Indiana now has invested more than $132.9 million in school safety since 2013, when the SSSG program was initiated.

For FY23, the Board approved $22,911,714.45 in school safety funding. The performance period for the grant begins September 1.

Among area schools receiving funding:

Greencastle Community, $47,068.00

North Putnam, $40,000.00

South Putnam, $100,000.00

Cloverdale Community, $50, 000

The allocation of funds for FY23 includes:

“These grants allow Indiana to make a real and tangible impact on students, staff and administrators at schools across the state,” said Rusty Goodpaster, director of the Secured School Safety Board. “We’re proud to be able to help make these schools safer while Hoosier kids receive a world-class education.”

The Secured School Fund is administered by the Indiana Department of Homeland Security. Visit the IDHS website for a full breakdown of SSSG awards (schools and total award received).

The SSSG issues matching grants for eligible items and then schools match those funds at a certain level, either 25 percent, 50 percent or 100 percent. The match requirement is based on average daily membership of the school district, the total amount of the project or what the request covers. 

Eligible items in the grant include funding for school resource officers (SROs) and law enforcement officers in schools; equipment and technology; active event warning systems (no matching requirement); firearms training for teachers and staff that choose to allow guns on school property; threat assessments and to implement a student and parent support services program. Common ineligible requests include vehicles, clothing/uniforms or vape detectors for schools.

The Indiana School Safety Hub also provides schools with a wealth of resources, training opportunities and other information designed to give schools the tools they need to keep students and staff safe.

The calendar has shifted to September, and that can only mean one thing...The Taste of Putnam County is upcoming. 

The event, which is sponsored by Main Street Greencastle, the Putnam County Chamber and Prime Real Estate Group, will be held Friday at the Putnam County Courthouse, 1 W Washington St., Greencastle between 6-11 p.m.

There will be something for everyone, as the Taste of Putnam County features over 40 vendors, live music, games and plenty to eat and drink, as well as vendor booths. The Lemon Brothers will be playing on the Courthouse stage, while The Roosters Band will play on the Indiana St. stage this year, according to event organizers. 

Mike Richmond, executive director of Main Street Greencastle, told The Putnam County Post the setup will be very similar to that of First Friday events.

"We will have two stages of live music, we have nearly 15 food vendors joining us for the Taste of Putnam County, which is a food competition between all Putnam County groups with the winner voted on by the public. Then we will have our normal selections of craft vendors and kids games, highlighted by a KidZone, sponsored by Prime Reality Group, with a bounce house and face painting," Richmond said. 

The Indiana chapter of Jobs for America’s Graduates announced that this year's graduating class earned more than $24,300,000 in scholarship money.

Recipients included students from 48 Indiana counties.  27 Putnam County students accounted for $1,379,586 in scholarships.  Putnam County was the fifth highest awarded for scholarship money trailing only Marion, Elkhart, Sullivan and Wabash counties.

Other area counties included:

Parke - 17 students with $372, 737

Hendricks - 2 students with $93, 500

Clay - 2 students with $96, 245

Montgomery - 2 students with $226, 000

Morgan - 7 students with $300, 497

“The Jobs for America’s Graduates program impacts the lives of young people in an extraordinary way, and I’m thrilled to see so many Hoosiers reap the benefits of receiving their high school diplomas and earning financial aid for more education or training to begin their career,” said Governor Eric J. Holcomb, who serves on the JAG’s National Board of Directors. “JAG continues to equip Hoosiers with employable skills and provides a road map to lifelong success.”

JAG Indiana, which is administered by the Indiana Department of Workforce Development, is a state-based, national non-profit organization dedicated to helping high school students of promise who have experienced challenging or traumatic life experiences achieve success through graduation. JAG students receive adult mentoring while in school and one year of follow-up counseling after graduation. 

Recently, JAG Indiana received the “5 of 5” Award at the 39th Annual National Training Seminar held in Las Vegas. The award recognized the Indiana program for exceeding five goals set at the national level relating to graduation rates, post-secondary education, job placement and other significant milestones.

JAG Indiana’s achievements for the 2021-22 school year include:

• 94% graduation rate (national goal is 90%);
• 85% full-time employment rate (national goal is 80%);
• 82% positive outcome rate (national goal is 80%);
• 69% job placement rate, including military (national goal is 60%); and
• 39% further education rate (national goal is 35%).

“The JAG Indiana program continues to be a national leader for boosting educational opportunities for Hoosier high school students,” said DWD Director of Youth Initiatives Brianna Morse. “The outcomes our students achieve are in part due to the work of the dedicated JAG Indiana staff who work year-round to transform the lives of their students in and out of the classroom, through building relationships that last long after graduation.”

Since 2006, more than 40,000 students have participated in JAG Indiana with 94% graduating from high school.

Two people have been charged in a series of burglary, theft and fraud cases in and around Parke County.

The Parke County Sheriff's Office began receiving several reports of mail theft and check fraud from Sunday, August 28 thru Tuesday, August 30. The victims in these initial reports were centered in the Raccoon Lake area.

During the investigation deputies also discovered that an individual's residence had been burglarized west of Rockville. This individual whose home had been burglarized is confined to a nursing home and was unaware that it had been burglarized. Deputies were able to develop two suspects related to all these events on Tuesday.

?In the afternoon hours on Tuesday, Parke County deputies located the two suspects at the IGA / Fountain Trust Bank in Rockville. Anthony Q. McCleery, 37, of Rockville and Julie A. Anderson, 25, of Indianapolis were taken into custody.

After the arrests, search warrants were executed related to the investigation at their Rockville residence and of their vehicle which was seized at the arrest location.

?Deputies located items taken during the burglary including numerous firearms, a large amount of suspected stolen mail, suspected stolen checks, and suspected stolen packages and other items of evidence. Deputies are in the process of contacting individuals / victims whose items were located during the searches. This includes individuals in Parke, Vermillion, Clay and Vigo counties.

?Both suspects were held in the Parke County Jail on charges of Burglary, Fraud and Theft. McCleery is also being held on charges of Possession of a Firearm by a Serious Violent Felon.

Additional charges are expected. The investigation is continuing and evidence is still being processed.