The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles reminds that BMV branches have new hours.

This change enables the BMV to provide service six days a week in many areas across the state. The shift in operating hours is in response to increasing customer preference to use out of branch transaction options as well as to provide BMV team members opportunity to participate in critical on the job training to ensure efficient and accurate transaction processing.

You can visit BMV: New Branch Hours (in.gov) to plan your visits on or after Monday. This page provides a list by location with new operating hours. Customers can complete an online transaction or visit a BMV Connect kiosk 24/7.

To login to myBMV.com or find the nearest kiosk, please visit IN.gov/BMV.

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Feeling the pressure of busy schedules yet? Give your mealtime motivation a boost by trying the following tips from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics:

Keep it simple. On extra busy nights, prioritize recipes with fewer ingredients. With input from your children, create a small collection of family favorites to help you get in and out of the kitchen in less than 30 minutes. Cycle through these recipes regularly, and pretty soon both grocery shopping and meal prep will be a snap.

Choose ingredients that do double duty. Save shopping time by stocking up on ingredients you can use for more than one meal throughout the week. Cook two pounds of lean ground beef, instead of one. Use half for sloppy joes on whole grain buns one night, and reheat the other half to throw in a casserole the next night.

Drive past the drive-thru. A trip to a favorite take-out place is lovely, on occasion. Depending on your menu choices, however, it could be taking away from your family’s health in more ways than one. A semi-homemade meal that includes lean protein, whole grains and vegetables will provide great nutrition, and hopefully leftovers (Oh, hello savings!). Keep it semi-homemade by using canned or frozen vegetables and store-bought sauces or spice packets. The key is to read labels in order to choose the versions low in extra salt, added sugar, and saturated fat.

Make family meals an expectation. Whenever your schedules do ease up, tell every family member to be home for dinner at a set time on days when it works. The hope is that everyone will start to look forward to this time together, making it easier to prioritize.

Make it enjoyable. Add some excitement to family meals with theme dinners. Use a checkered tablecloth for an Italian-inspired meal, and bust out the chopsticks when serving an Asian-inspired dish. Dine al fresco (that’s in the open air) on the back patio, and bring a cheat sheet of fun conversation starters to liven up your family discussions. You might learn something new about one another.

Start small. You don’t have to drive past the drive-thru every time to make family meal gains. Set a goal to limit take-out to a couple times a week. If you have a set schedule, designate your busiest couple days for these meals each week. Make a commitment to prepare a semi-homemade meal at home at least one night per week. Before you know it, you’ll be enjoying a new tradition and setting new, bigger family meal goals.

Conversation Starters for Family Fun

Does mealtime seem so busy with your young children that sometimes you forget to "talk" as a family?Pick a “starter” question to begin mealtime conversations that will create great memories, too! You can write these on index cards or slips of paper and place them in a jar. Then take turns drawing a card at a meal and have all family members answer the questions – even the adults. Be creative!

• Whom did you have fun with today? What did you do?
• If you could be any type of animal, what would you be and why?
• What family tradition would you like for us to start?
• What is your favorite family tradition we already do?
• If you could be president, what is the first thing you would do?
• What was the nicest thing you did for someone today?
• What was the nicest thing someone did for you today?
• Tell us about your favorite food without using the name.
• If we had a time machine, where would you go and why?
• Would you rather be a dog, a bird, or a horse? Why?
• When you feel sad, what cheers you up?
• What crunchy food do you like the best?
• Share something new you learned today.

Visit our homepage at www.extension.purdue.edu/putnam or you can contact the local office by calling 765.653.8411 for more information regarding this week’s column topic or to RSVP for upcoming events. Office hours are Monday thru Friday from 8:00am-12:00pm and 1:00pm-4:00pm. Evening and lunch appointments are available, upon request. It is always best to call first to assure items are ready when you arrive and to RSVP for programs. While many publications are free, some do have a fee. All times listed are Eastern Time. Purdue University is an equal access/equal opportunity/affirmative action institution.

Upcoming Events

Oct. 9 – Extension Office Closed, County Holiday

Nov. 8, 15, 22, 29 – Dining with Diabetes, 12pm, Virtual, Register at 765-653-8411

Nov. 16 – Staying Health as you Age, 6pm, Fairgrounds York Auto Building

Get the most recent Putnam County Post headlines delivered to your email. Go to putnamcountypost.com and click on the free daily email signup link at the top of the page.

For the 80th consecutive year, millions of youths, parents, volunteers and alumni across the country will celebrate National 4-H Week from October 1-7.

This year's theme, I  4-H, is a theme that will bring awareness that 4-H provides a place for all youth to feel valued, heard and connected in a safe environment with a caring adult to build life skills.Youth success time and again has as a number one criterion for youth to have a caring adult who continually invests in their livelihood. In 4-H we believe in the power of youth and see that every child has valuable strengths and real influence to thrive in the world around us. Our 4-H volunteers, in some cases, may be the primary caring adult for a child empowering the child to have awareness of their value, strengths and influence.

4-H was founded on the belief that when kids are empowered to pursue their passions and chart their own course, their unique skills grow and take shape, helping them to become true leaders in their lives, careers and communities.

Once again, the 4-H enrollment window for all of Indiana’s grade 3-12 youth will occur between now and January 15 to assure the availability of all project activities. One may enroll by going to https://v2.4honline.com/#/user/sign-inand additional information will be posted during the month on the local Purdue Extension Putnam County website. Specific exhibit details will be provided by January. Additionally, Extension staff plan to conduct school visits to all third-grade classrooms throughout the county in October and November.

Also, in conjunction with National 4-H Week, like all Tractor Supply Stores (TSC), locally the TSC store will host the Fall Paper Clover event in the store and online during October 4 - October 15. The Putnam 4-H program thanks the local store management for this ongoing promotion since 2010 and the funds that support local 4-H youth. Customers for $1 may purchase a paper clover and place names, etc. on the clover to be posted in the store. As a reminder, 90% of the funds raised are returned to the local 4-H program to support youth/teen participation in leadership or camping opportunities. These include Teens as Teacher training, 4-H Camp, 4-H Roundup, 4-H Academy and other statewide 4-H activities and can include transportation expenses.

Visit our homepage at www.extension.purdue.edu/putnam or you can contact the local office by calling 765.653.8411 for more information regarding this week’s column topic or to RSVP for upcoming events.

Office hours are Monday thru Friday from 8:00am-12:00pm and 1:00pm-4:00pm. Evening and lunch appointments are available, upon request. It is always best to call first to assure items are ready when you arrive and to RSVP for programs. While many publications are free, some do have a fee.

All times listed are Eastern Time.

Purdue University is an equal access/equal opportunity/affirmative action institution.

Upcoming events

Oct. 9 – Extension Office Closed, County Holiday

Nov. 8, 15, 22, 29 – Dining with Diabetes, 12 pm, Virtual, Register at 765-653-8411

Get the most recent Putnam County Post headlines delivered to your email. Go to putnamcountypost.com and click on the free daily email signup link at the top of the page.

If you are a water customer of the City of Greencastle, the city needs your help. 

Town officials have mailed a survey to every water customer with the hope of developing an inventory of drinking water service lines in the city. 

The measure is due to a government requirement from both IDEM and the United States EPA. 

As a result, the city's water department will have to list the materials on the utility owned part of the service line, which is a pipe that runs water from the city water main to a residence or business. 

The purpose of the survey is to ask property owners and businesses to list materials on the service line between the meter and residence or business. 

The deadline to complete the survey is nearing, as the city would like them back by Sept. 29. The survey can be done by the website on the survey, scanning the QR code on the survey or bringing it back to city hall. 

Get the most recent Putnam County Post headlines delivered to your email. Go to putnamcountypost.com and click on the free daily email signup link at the top of the page.

A day of lane restrictions is coming up early next month between Bellmore and Bainbridge,

Lane restrictions are expected to start on or after October 2 on U.S. 36 between S.R. 59 and U.S. 231. The right lane will be temporarily restricted with traffic control services onsite. This is so drill crews can gather pavement samples for future improvements.

The restrictions are expected to last for one day but are weather permitting. 

State Rep. Beau Baird (R-Greencastle) is seeking interns to join him at the Statehouse during the 2024 legislative session.

He said House interns will be paid $900 bi-weekly as they work in downtown Indianapolis during session, which starts in January and concludes mid-March.

"There aren't many internships like this one where you can meet officials and industry leaders from across the state," Baird said. "So many have used this experience to learn about potential careers and meet employers."

Baird said internships are open to college students and recent graduates of all majors. The paid, spring-semester intern positions are full time, Monday through Friday, and include free parking, career and professional development assistance, enrollment access to an Indiana government class, and opportunities to earn academic credits through the student's college or university. Interns are also eligible to apply for a competitive $3,000 scholarship to use toward undergraduate and graduate expenses.

Baird said students can apply for internships in a variety of departments related to their field of study, including legislative operations, policy, and communications and media relations.  

Applications are available online at indianahouserepublicans.com/internship and are due by Oct. 31.

The DePauw University theatre and music programs will present four performances of The Addams Family, Sept. 28 through Oct. 1, in Moore Theatre at the Green Center for the Performing Arts located on the DePauw campus.

A musical comedy based on the familiar characters created by cartoonist Charles Addams, originally for The New Yorker and later the iconic ’60s television series, The Addams Family follows the plight of daughter Wednesday, who has fallen in love with Lucas, a boy from a “normal” family. Things explode when Lucas’s parents come to dinner at the creepy Addams mansion and meet the family—including their ghostly ancestors—who must help Uncle Fester in his efforts to give the young couple a happy ending.

Photo: by Ha Chu

Double Trouble: The part of Morticia Addams, which is double cast in the DePauw production of The Addams Family, will be played by Elise Martinez (Thursday and Saturday) and Zoe Kales (Friday and Sunday).The role of Gomez, originally created by Nathan Lane, will be sung by baritone Grant Jackson. 

Featuring music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa and book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, the musical adaptation of The Addams Family opened on Broadway in April 2010 and was nominated for two Tony Awards. The DePauw production is directed by Susan Anthony with music direction by Orcenith Smith and choreography by Deborah Grammel.

Show times are Thursday–Saturday, Sept. 28–30 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 1 at 3 p.m. Tickets, which are $10 for adults and free to all students, can be obtained online at dpugreencenter.eventbrite.com, or in person at the Green Center box office, beginning 60 minutes prior to any ticketed performance.

Come join this spooky esprit de corpseas they try to pull off “one normal night” for Wednesday and the prospective in-laws!

On Thursday, the Putnam County Highway Department will be closing Manhattan Road to seal it.

The work is to start on the south end and work north. Due to not knowing where and when each section will be closed, area drivers are advised to take an alternate route.

Work will start around 7:30 - 8 a.m.

Get the most recent Putnam County Post headlines delivered to your email. Go to putnamcountypost.com and click on the free daily email signup link at the top of the page.

This fall, over 100,000 film lovers in over 500 cities across six continents will gather in cinemas, museums, libraries, and universities for one purpose...to view and vote on the Finalists' Films in the 26th Annual MANHATTAN SHORT Film Festival. Putnam County Public Library will host the festival locally, showcasing ten short films that attendees will be able to view and vote on.

WHAT IS MANHATTAN SHORT?

MANHATTAN SHORT is not a touring festival; rather, it is an instantaneous celebration that occurs simultaneously across the globe, bringing great films to great venues and allowing the audiences to select their favorites.

If the Film Festival experience truly is about getting great works in front of as many eyes as possible, MANHATTAN SHORT offers the ultimate platform -- one that sees its films screened in Sydney, Mumbai, Moscow, Vienna, Cape Town to cinemas in all fifty states of the United States and beyond.

WHEN IS MANHATTAN SHORT?

The MSFF will span three days, with showings of the ten short films available each day. All showings will take place in the PCPL Kiwanis Room.

Showings:

• WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 4  |  5-8 P.M.
• THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5  |  5-8 P.M.
• FRIDAY, OCTOBER 6  |  1:30-5 P.M.

Showings will begin at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 4 and Thursday, October 5 and 2 p.m. on Friday, October 6. Please arrive early to allow time to get seated and to receive voting cards.

All ten films will be shown at each showing. Each date is a repeat showing of the following films:

SUNLESS

Synopsis: As they pilot their submarine down into the world's deepest point, two researchers must debate pressing on when a crack in their window port grows.

VOICE ACTIVATED

Synopsis: A florist with a stutter is forced to cooperate with a voice-activated car on the way to an important delivery.

YELLOW

Synopsis: In Taliban-controlled Afghanistan, a woman walks into a chadari store in Kabul to buy her first full-body veil and face an uncertain future.

TUULIKKI

Synopsis: When a young woman, dominated by an over-protective mother plots her escape, their relationship dissolves into one of mutual suspicion.

THE FAMILY CIRCUS

Synopsis: A Vietnamese-American family's plan to cover up a drunk-driving incident begins to unravel when their emotional baggage spills out in front of the police.

CAREER DAY

Synopsis: A once promising 90's pop star and his aging boy band reunite for his daughter's elementary school Career Day. They go viral.

SNAIL

Synopsis: A loving mother strives to make her young son's singing dreams come true but an audition takes a dramatic, unforeseen turn.

THE RECORD

Synopsis: An antique musical instrument dealer obsessively plays a magical vinyl record that “reads your mind and plays your lost memories.” Even the forgotten ones.

THE STUPID BOY

Synopsis: In London, a broken man groomed for a terrorist attack is confronted by a local lad who sees things differently. But seeing things differently can be dangerous.

SOLEIL DE NUIT

Synopsis: While training for a moon landing, a group of Canadian astronauts are tasked with an added mission by a Native American elder.

For more information about library services, programs, and collections, please call us at 765-653-2755 or visit pcpl21.org.

The library is open Monday through Thursday from 9-8 p.m. and Friday through Saturday from 9-5 p.m. The library is closed on Sundays.

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) needs the public’s help to update The Big Tree Registry, a list of the largest known specimen of each native tree species in Indiana.
“Indiana’s currently tallest recorded tree is a 152-foot-tall bitternut hickory, and our widest tree circumference is a silver maple at more than 361 inches,” said Jacob Roos, DNR urban forestry director. “We need help getting out across the state to find our new record-setting trees.”
That means it’s time to review the recently updated champions list and start looking for new candidates to nominate for the list, which is maintained by DNR’s Division of Forestry.
Three measurements are required:

• trunk circumference, in inches, at 4 1/2 feet above the ground;
• total height, in feet;
• and average crown spread, in feet.

The total size of each tree nominated is calculated by adding the circumference and height to a quarter of the average crown spread.
The individual tree of each Indiana native tree species with the highest total points will be that species’ Big Tree champion. All nominations are reviewed, but only those with the highest scores will be verified.
To review the updated Big Tree Registry, view detailed measurement instructions and nominate, see on.IN.gov/big-tree.

Over the last several months the Putnam County Community Foundation has heard from hundreds of community members in interviews, focus groups and through the online survey about what matters most to the public and how the foundation can best support the community’s needs in the future.

The Putnam County Community Foundation wants to say “thank you” by offering a free community meal at Myers’ Market on September 21, from 11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. for its fall cookout. Community members will receive a free ribeye sandwich as a “thank you” to the community for its support and feedback in the Community Needs Assessment this year.

The American Red Cross is experiencing a national blood shortage.

Fewer donors than needed gave this summer, drawing down the national blood supply and reducing distributions of some of the most needed blood types to hospitals.Hurricane Idalia further strained the blood supply with blood drive cancellations and reduced blood and donations in affected areas.

Donors of all blood types are urgently needed, and there is an emergency need for platelet donors and type O blood donors to make an appointment to give nowto ensure patients across the country continue to receive critical medical care. 

When Idalia slammed into the Southeast – leading to widespread power outages, travel hazards and flooding – the storm also forced the cancellation of over a dozen blood drives and causedhundreds of blood and platelet donations to go uncollected. This compounded a shortfall of about 30,000 donations in August. Right now, blood product distributions to hospitals are outpacing the number of blood donations coming in.

The Red Cross needs blood and platelet donors now. Schedule an appointment to give by downloading the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visitingRedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

In thanks for helping rebuild the blood supply, all who come to give through September 18 will receive a limited-edition Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last. Those who come to give throughout September will also receive a coupon for a free haircut by email, thanks to Sport Clips Haircuts. Plus, they’ll be automatically entered for a chance to win a VIP NASCAR racing experience. Details are available at RedCrossBlood.org/RaceToGive.

How to donate blood

To make an appointment, simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Due to cooler temperatures and despite passing the most recent water test, the Greencastle Parks and Recreation Department is choosing to close the Greencastle Splash Park for the season.

The department feels purchasing additional chemicals to keep it open would be an inappropriate use of department funds.

Thank you for your consideration as well as your participation this year at the Greencastle Aquatic Center. 

September is National Preparedness Month.

The goal of this month is to encourage individuals, families and communities to take proactive steps in preparing for various emergencies and disasters. House fires, tornadoes, winter weather and power outages are just a few emergencies that can affect Hoosiers.

Each member of your family needs to know their role and what to do for each emergency. That includes the older members of your family. The focus of 2023’s National Preparedness Month is preparing for older adults.

"Just like every member of your family, older adults face great risks when it comes to emergencies, especially if they are living alone, have a disability or live in rural areas. We need to check in on our family members and neighbors before, during and after a crisis to make sure they have the support they need," said IDHS Emergency Management and Preparedness Director Mary Moran. 

This focus underscores the necessity of creating inclusive emergency plans that consider factors like mobility challenges, medical needs and social isolation, which can significantly impact the well-being of older individuals during crises.

Tips for planning for elderly adults in an emergency include:

• Plan how you will communicate with older adults if you have a communications need.
• Plan for food, water and essentials they will need.
• Plan ahead for transportation if they need help evacuating.
• Include items that meet their individual needs, such as medicines, medical supplies, batteries and chargers, in their emergency supply kit.

You can learn more about creating emergency kits and plans on the Get Prepared webpage.

The Indiana Department of Transportation announced State Road 42 will temporarily close on Wednesday, September 6, for a pipe replacement project near Center Point.

It will be closed between S.R. 59 and N. County Road 300 W. through the end of the day Thursday, September 7, weather permitting.

Get the most recent Putnam County Post headlines delivered to your email. Go to putnamcountypost.com and click on the free daily email signup link at the top of the page.

The Bellmore Volunteer Fire Department is hosting its annual BBQ chicken dinner Saturday.

The department will serve your choice between chicken breast or leg / thigh quarters, sides, and dessert. Meals will be available for $12.00 and individual chicken portions for $5.00.

You can dine-in or stop in and grab an order to go from 4-8 p.m.

Individual pieces of chicken will be available to go starting around 2:00 p.m. if you would like to grab some to take home. 

Governor Eric J. Holcomb kicked off the statewide expansion of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, which gifts free, high quality, age-appropriate books to children from birth to age five on a monthly basis, regardless of family income. Gov. Holcomb announced Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library statewide expansion as part of his 2023 Next Level Agenda.

The goal of the statewide expansion is to make books available to children ages 0 – 5 in every zip code in Indiana.  The program is free to enrolled children and will soon be available to more children and families in Indiana.

“I learned from a very young age that reading is the key to further education and opportunity ahead, long-term,” Gov. Holcomb said. “The very ability to read can transport children and adults alike to places they have never been and open doors they never knew existed. By making Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library available in every zip code, we are giving Hoosier children yet another personalized tool close to home they’ll need for literary success.”

On May 4, 2023, Gov. Holcomb signed legislation into law that allotted $6 million over the biennium, $2 million in the first year and $4 million in the second year, as part of a community share to expand the program to every zip code in the state.

"It takes a lot of great people working together to make this possible, and I want to thank Governor Holcomb, the Indiana General Assembly, State Librarian Jake Speer and all our Local Community Partners across the state who helped make this dream a reality," Dolly Parton said.

The Indiana State Library will coordinate the program and provide the state’s match to interested organizations or individuals to become local program partners. Currently in Indiana, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is available in 54 counties and is partially available in eight counties, with expansion plans to fully cover the entire state – all 92 counties. Starting Sept. 1, current local Imagination Library partners will only pay 50% of their local program cost with the remaining 50% paid by the state.

“Early literacy is very important, and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program makes reading fun and exciting for children and their families,” said Jake Speer, Indiana State Librarian. “I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to work with existing and new partners in Indiana to get statewide coverage of this program.”

To check to see if a program is available in your area, visit www.imaginationlibrary.com. You can enroll your child or sign up to be notified when a program comes to your community.  

Get the most recent Putnam County Post headlines delivered to your email. Go to putnamcountypost.com and click on the free daily email signup link at the top of the page.

Throughout the year, many individuals ask what the “going rate” is for farmland rental prices.

That is a difficult question to answer.

The rate fluctuates and is highly dependent on the individual farm ground being discussed. That is why when asked, Purdue Extension provides a range of values based on the annual Purdue Farmland Value Survey and stresses the importance of not simply utilizing the values given. Instead, landlords and tenants are told the final rental amount will need to be adjusted based on numerous items including the size of the field, drainage, soil fertility, ease of access for farm equipment, and much more. 

The 2023 Purdue Farmland Value Survey found the average value of bare Indiana cropland increased. The average value of bare Indiana cropland ranged from $8,689 per acre for poor quality land (a 0.7%increase from 2022) to $13,739per acre for top quality land (a 7.3% increase from 2022).The average corn yield for poor quality land was165bushels per acre and 221 bushels per acre for top quality land.

The 2023 survey average for Indiana cash rent increased too. On average, cash rents ranged between $212 per acre for poor quality land and $306per acre for top quality land. Cash rents increased by 2.5% for poor quality land and 1.99% for top quality land since June of 2022.

For individuals in our area, it is probably of more importance to look at the results for the West CentralRegion. The West Central Region (consisting of Benton, Carroll, Fountain, Montgomery, Parke, Putnam, Tippecanoe, Vermillion, Warren, and White Counties), had cropland values that ranged from $9,321 per acre for poor quality land and $13,965 per acre for top quality land. Cash rents for the West CentralRegion varied from $243 per acre for poor quality land to $327per acre for top quality land (average quality land was $278per acre). For the West Central Region, cash rent values decreasedfrom 2022 to 2023.  The average corn yield for poor quality land was171 bushels per acre and 227bushels per acre for top quality land in this region.

Producers may also want to look at values for the Southwest Region due to the similarities in topography and soil productivity. The Southwest Region (consisting of Clay, Daviess, Dubois, Gibson, Greene, Knox, Martin, Owen, Pike, Posey, Spencer, Sullivan, Vanderburgh, Vigo, and Warrick Counties), had cropland values that ranged from $7,182per acre for poor quality land and $12,8557 per acre for top quality land. Cash rents for the Southwest Region varied from $173per acre for poor quality land to $296 per acre for top quality land (average quality land was $239 per acre). For the Southwest Region, cash rent values decreased from 2022 to 2023. The average corn yield for poor quality land was160 bushels per acre and 227 bushels per acre for top quality land in this region.

To obtain your own copy of the 2023 Purdue Farmland Value Survey Results, contact your local Extension Office or go to:https://ag.purdue.edu/commercialag/home/purdue-agricultural-economics-report/. As a reminder, the values and information found within the survey should be adjusted for your individual situation when determining your rental agreement.

The Purdue Women in Agriculture Team is hosting a Ladies Night Out: Livestock Edition in Putnam County on September 19th at 6:30 PM at the Putnam County Fairgrounds. Participants will enjoy dinner and networking along with learning how to build a Veterinary Client-Patient Relationship (VCPR) and how it relates to obtaining animal health products. Additionally, participants will learn about administering medication through a hands-on activity. Cost is $10 per person (check or cash). Please register by September 16th.To register either contact Purdue Extension Putnam County at 765-653-8411 or go online at: https://tinyurl.com/WIASept23

Visit our homepage at www.extension.purdue.edu/putnam or you can contact the local Purdue Extension Office by calling 765.653.8411 for more information regarding this week’s column topic or to RSVP for upcoming events. It is always best to call first to assure items are ready when you arrive and to RSVP for programs. While many publications are free, some do have a fee. Purdue University is an equal access/equal opportunity institution. All times listed are Eastern Time.

Upcoming Events:

Sept. 1 – My Record of 4-H Achievement and Junior Leader 4-H Manuals due

Sept. 5 – Canning Garden Vegetables, Putnam Co. Fairgrounds, 7pm

Sept. 5 – Get WalkIN’ emails begin, email asmith22@purdue.edu to register by Sept. 1^st

Sept. 11 – ServSafe Food Managers course and exam, register at https://cvent.me/l8DXv2

Sept. 11 – Venison Processing Workshop, Putnam Co. Fairgrounds, 6pm, RSVP required  at 765-973-9281

Sept. 18 – Home Food Preservation workshop, Parke Co. Fairgrounds, $15, 11am-3pm, RSVP required at 765-569-3176

Sept. 19 – Ladies Night Out: Livestock Edition, Putnam Co. Fairgrounds, $10, 6:30pm, register at https://tinyurl.com/WIASept23

Get the most recent Putnam County Post headlines delivered to your email. Go to putnamcountypost.com and click on the free daily email signup link at the top of the page.

Putnam County residents in need can receive a hand up this weekend as a pair of events will be taking place aimed at helping residents. 

Gleaners will be distributing food Saturday in the parking lot of Bainbridge Elementary, 412 S. Washington St. 

The event begins at 10 a.m. and will last until food runs out. Residents are reminded this is a drive-thru event and open to all, with no identification necessary. 

In addition, the Putnam County Non-Food Pantry will be giving away cleaning and hygiene products Saturday afternoon. 

The event will be held at St. Andrew's Episcipal Church, 520 East Seminary St., Greencastle, from noon until 3 p.m. 

The giveaway will be held indoors and those attending can select products they wish. However, as a result, proof of residency in Putnam County is required and will have to be provided. 

In addition to the supply items, there will be lunch provided as well. 

Get the most recent Putnam County Post headlines delivered to your email. Go to putnamcountypost.com and click on the free daily email signup link at the top of the page.

The Greencastle Farmers Market will switch locations this weekend with the Greencastle Music Fest Friday and Saturday in the downtown.

On Saturday, the Greencastle Farmers' Market will be setting up shop at the South Jackson Street Parking Lot from 8 a.m. to noon.

Get the most recent Putnam County Post headlines delivered to your email. Go to putnamcountypost.com and click on the free daily email signup link at the top of the page.

Law enforcement agencies axcross the state agree that scams, both old and new, are on the increase.

Indiana State Police troopers and detectives have conducted investigations into a variety of online and/or phone scams that have surfaced in the last two to three months.

Method of Operation for such scams include individuals claiming to represent government agencies like the Internal Revenue Service or other local government agencies requesting some form of financial payment(s). Other scams include individuals making claims they are affiliated with computer or software companies and are demanding funds to scrub victims' computers, tablets, or cell phones from viruses. Scams can also include a home improvement nexus such as roof repair, remodeling, or driveway paving as well as individuals representing themselves as affiliated with charity organizations requesting donations especially following a natural disaster or significant traumatic event.

The Indiana State Police would like Hoosiers to know about the variety of tactics used by scammers to gain trust and obtain personal information. Below are techniques used in the past by those wishing to obtain personal information, and be advised government agencies, such as the Social Security Administration, Internal Revenue Service, Federal Trade Commission, Law Enforcement, or the Office of the Inspector General, will not:

• Suspend your Social Security number.
• Threaten you with arrest or legal action because you don’t agree to pay money immediately.
• Claim to need personal information or payment to activate a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) or other benefit increase.
• Pressure you to take immediate action, including sharing personal information.
• Ask you to pay with gift cards, prepaid debit cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or by mailing cash.
• Threaten to seize your bank account.
• Offer to move your money to a “protected” bank account.
• Demand secrecy and have you withdraw cash for pick-up.
• Direct message you on social media.

The Indiana State Police recommends that Hoosiers follow the recommendations from the Indiana Attorney General’s Office.

• Be on alert for communications with dangerous attachments or fraudulent links.
• Treat any emails or texts with subject lines or information with caution.
• Avoid clicking on links in unsolicited emails and be wary of email attachments.
• Always verify the email addresses of those who send you emails.
• Use trusted, legitimate government websites to obtain up-to-date information.
• Don’t reveal personal or financial information via email or text message.
• Verify the authenticity of a charity before donating money

The Indiana State Police requests that if you have any doubts as to the inquiry being made, please check with family members and/or contact law enforcement.

Regarding identity theft, victims can seek assistance from the Attorney General's Identity Theft Unit. The unit provides investigative services to help in the prosecution of identity thieves. The Identity Theft Unit is committed to reducing incidents of identity theft around the state by providing educational resources to teach Hoosiers how to protect themselves from this crime. Hoosiers can visit the Indiana Attorney General Office’s website at https://www.in.gov/attorneygeneral/

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Governor Eric Holcomb recently presented The North Salem State Bank (NSSB) with the Governor’s Century Award, which honors Hoosier businesses that have operated for a minimum of 100 consecutive years and have exhibited a commitment to community service.

North Salem State Bank celebrated its centennial anniversary on Friday, July 14 in North Salem, complete with a large community cook out that included customers, neighbors, friends, and family to share in the celebration of their monumental milestone.

Also, the North Salem State Bank  presented a $10,000 charitable contribution to the Putnam County 4-H Fairgrounds on Friday, July 28. $2,750.00 of the contribution was used to sponsor the Wall of Champions banners that can be seen hanging in the swine barn, allowing $7,250.00 to be used for various upgrades to the livestock barns at the fairgrounds, and AG related items to be purchased to benefit the 4-H’ers of Putnam County.

“As we celebrate our 100th anniversary, we are fortunate to have such a strong agricultural connection to Putnam County and to be able to give back to a program that is instrumental in the future success of the next generation of 4-H’ers in our community," President and CEO Matt Howrey remarked.

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The school year can bring new challenges for middle and high school students trying to make sense of their homework, especially after the summer break. 

The Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology provides the free AskRose Homework Help program for students who need extra math and science homework help. 

Tutors are available Sunday through Thursday from 7-10 p.m. for tutoring sessions by video, telephone, email or chat. Tutors can be reached during operating hours via the AskRose website or by calling 877-ASK-ROSE (877-275-7673).

The website also provides more than 500 instructional videos and downloadable reference materials.

For more information about AskRose, click here.

Tutoring grants are also available. Families can receive grant funding to spend on math and English / language arts tutoring and approved out-of-school academic programs for students through Indiana Learns.

Eligible students must qualify for the federal free or reduced lunch program, be in third through eighth grade during the 2023-24 school year, have completed ILEARN testing during the 2022 or 2023 school year, and scored below proficiency in either math or English/language arts.

To check your child's eligibility for, enroll in or learn more about Indiana Learns.

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Are you ready to get moving, improve your health, and enjoy life more?  Get WalkIN’ is a free e-mail-based walking program being offered through Purdue Extension in Putnam County. Participants can sign-up, walk on their own, and receive e-mailed support and information. It is designed to encourage individuals to learn more about the health benefits of walking and encourage individuals to get moving.  

Walking is a popular form of physical activity—and good for your health! Only half of all American adults get the recommended amount of physical activity. Lack of physical activity is directly related to the occurrence of adult obesity and overweight. Regular physical activity can lower risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, depression, and falls in older adults. Walking is an excellent way for most people to increase their physical activity. It is an easy way to start and maintain a physically active lifestyle.

Walking is accessible to almost anyone, doesn’t require specific skills or abilities to perform, can be performed alone or with others, and is adaptable (i.e., can be performed at any chosen intensity, and is inexpensive). Walking can serve many purposes. It can be a way to exercise, have fun, or get to school, work, or other nearby destinations.

Do you know that you need to get more active but lack the initiative to get started?  Do you make excuses like “I do not have time, I don’t want to walk alone, or where would I walk?” Have you started to walk and lost interest or motivation?  Get WalkIN’ is just for you! You will receive e-mails that provide encouragement, motivation, provide information about health and wellness, and more! For more details or to register, contact Abbi Smith at asmith22@purdue.edu. Participants must be 18 years or older, but do not have to reside in Putnam County, IN. Before you know it, you will be walking, feeling better, having more energy, and a new healthy habit!

Visit our homepage at www.extension.purdue.edu/putnam or you can contact the local Purdue Extension Office by calling 765.653.8411 for more information regarding this week’s column topic or to RSVP for upcoming events. It is always best to call first to assure items are ready when you arrive and to RSVP for programs. While many publications are free, some do have a fee. Purdue University is an equal access/equal opportunity institution. All times listed are Eastern Time.

Upcoming Events:

Aug. 23 – Bite by Bite podcast “A Dive into Nutrition and Fitness” launches, listen at https://anchor.fm/bitebybite or any listening app

Sept. 1 – My Record of 4-H Achievement and Junior Leader 4-H Manuals due

Sept. 5 – Canning Garden Vegetables, Putnam Co. Fairgrounds, 7pm

Sept. 5 – Get WalkIN’ emails begin, email asmith22@purdue.edu to register by Sept. 1^st

Sept. 11 – ServSafe Food Managers course and exam, register at https://cvent.me/l8DXv2

Sept. 18 – Home Food Preservation workshop, Parke Co. Fairgrounds, $15, 11am-3pm, RSVP required at 765-569-3176

The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) announced the availability of grant funding for recycling and household hazardous waste (HHW) collection and disposal from the agency’s Community Recycling Grant Program (CRGP).

“IDEM is proud to partner with communities in improving recycling efforts. Community Recycling Grants can provide startup funding or a financial boost for programs and ideas that make recycling easier and more cost-effective for Hoosiers,” said IDEM Commissioner Brian Rockensuess. 

Indiana counties, municipalities, solid waste management districts, universities, schools, and nonprofit organizations are eligible to submit a Community Recycling Grant application requesting $1,000 to $100,000 in funding.

The CRGP is accepting applications from Aug. 21, 2023 – Sept. 29, 2023.

Eligible projects should focus on education and promotion of recycling, processing of recyclable materials, waste reduction or HHW and organics management (including yard waste management and composting).
The Community Recycling Grant Program is funded through IDEM’s Solid Waste Management Fund. Grant funding is intended to create successful, cost-effective, and sustainable programs. Applicants must demonstrate a direct or indirect increase in waste diverted from landfills as a result of the project.

To apply, visit IDEM’s website at idem.IN.gov/recycle/2543.htm. For additional information, contact
800-451-6027 or crgp@idem.IN.gov.
Final funding determinations will be made in late-December 2023.

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