Community News

Governor signs executive order for Emergency Management Assistance Compact to prepare for eclipse

Governor Eric Holcomb signed an executive order to support the anticipated needs of Indiana’s emergency response, transportation, communication and critical infrastructure systems due to the expected high-number of visitors traveling to the state to view the total solar eclipse.

The executive order will allow Indiana to utilize resources from other states who are members of the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC). Once a governor issues an order, EMAC members can and will share equipment and communications systems to help support state resources to ensure the safety, care and welfare of residents if an emergency event occurs due to such a large event.

In case of an emergency residents can text or call 911.

Temporary lane closures coming to S.R. 32 near Crawfordsville

The Indiana Department of Transportation announces temporary, alternating lane closures coming to State Road 32 in Crawfordsville between Englewood Drive and County Road 550 E.

Beginning on or after Monday, April 1, crews will be paving, patching, and installing ADA ramps and pedestrian signals at S.R. 32 and Englewood Drive.

During the work, flaggers will be directing traffic.

Work will take place during the daytime hours only, with the exception of Monday, April 8 during the solar eclipse where no closures will be in effect.


Krispy Kreme to provide fresh doughnuts daily at McDonald's restaurants nationwide

McDonald’s USA and Krispy Kreme are teaming up for a national expansion.

Fans will begin spotting Krispy Kreme doughnuts in their local McDonald’s restaurants later this year as part of a phased market rollout across the country. Nationwide availability at participating restaurants is expected by the end of 2026.

Three of Krispy Kreme’s most popular doughnuts will be delivered fresh to McDonald’s restaurants every day. They’ll be available individually, or in boxes of six, starting at breakfast and lasting throughout the day – while supplies last:

 

  • The iconic Original Glazed® Doughnut: A melt-in-your-mouth doughnut covered in Krispy Kreme’s signature glaze. The doughnut that started it all.
  • The Chocolate Iced with Sprinkles Doughnut: A chocolatey twist on the original, dipped in chocolate icing and covered in rainbow sprinkles.
  • The Chocolate Iced Kreme™ Filled Doughnut: Made with a light, fluffy dough and filled with a smooth Kreme™ filling then dipped in chocolate icing.

This follows a successful test at 160 McDonald’s restaurants in the Lexington and Louisville, Kentucky areas where consumer excitement and demand exceeded expectations. These pilot restaurants will continue to serve Krispy Kreme doughnuts during the nationwide rollout.    

“Since the launch of breakfast nearly 50 years ago, we’ve continued to offer new menu items, flavors and experiences that have made McDonald’s an irreplaceable part of fans’ morning routines,” said Tariq Hassan, McDonald’s USA’s Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer. “This partnership is an exciting next step in that journey and a chance to unlock new business opportunities in the breakfast category and throughout the day. Our fans’ love for Krispy Kreme runs deep, and we can’t wait to make it even easier for them to satisfy their sweet tooth at McDonald’s restaurants across the country.”

“The top request we receive from consumers, every day, is, ‘please bring Krispy Kreme to my town.’ Partnering with McDonald’s on a national scale will provide our fans and doughnut lovers unprecedented daily access to fresh doughnuts and the joy that is Krispy Kreme,” said Krispy Kreme President and CEO Josh Charlesworth.

“Significantly, by making Kreme Krispy accessible to fans nationwide through this partnership, we expect to more than double our points of access by the end of 2026. The partnership accelerates the development of our existing Delivered Fresh Daily channel, creating operating leverage through distribution density and production utilization,” said Charlesworth.

Krispy Kreme has been scaling its supply chain, building a support team, adding technology and new equipment, and enhancing field training to support its Delivered Fresh Daily expansion, which includes this phased rollout.

Krispy Kreme and McDonald’s will provide more details regarding the nationwide rollout in the coming months.

 

S.R. 75 to temporarily close between North Salem and New Winchester

The Indiana Department of Transportation announces a temporary closure of State Road 75 in Hendricks County between County Road 200 N and C.R. 350 N. 

Beginning on or after Tuesday, April 9, crews will be doing bridge rehabilitation work over Hunt Creek, located between North Salem and New Winchester.

The official detour around the closure will be from U.S. 36 and S.R. 75 to U.S. 36 east to S.R. 39, then, north to S.R. 236, and north back to S.R. 75. 

S.R. 75 will be open to local traffic only.

Work is expected to be finished by the end of May but is weather permitting and subject to change.

INDOT encourages all drivers to seek an alternate route during this project.


Added turn/auxiliary lanes coming to U.S. 231 in Cloverdale

The Indiana Department of Transportation announces new turn lanes on U.S. 231 onto County Road 800 S.

This is part of a project that started in early March, that had a temporary crossover to allow for a lane shift between I-70 and County Road 700 S on U.S. 231.

Beginning on or after Wednesday, March 20, crews will begin installing a right turn lane and left through lane going northbound to County Road 800 S on the northbound side of U.S. 231. The southbound side of U.S. 231 will be getting right and left turn lanes.

During this construction, there will be a temporary traffic barrier to separate traffic from the work site.

Greencastle Parks and Recreation Department's Easter Egg Hunt sees new location

Construction has prompted the Greencastle Parks and Recreation Department to move its two big Easter egg events, but don't fret. 

Greg Ruark, director of the Parks and Recreation Department, made it known at the Greencastle City Council meeting, the Easter Bunny knows the way to the new location as construction at Robe-Ann Park has moved events to Big Walnut Sports Park. 

"It is a big space," Ruark said of the Big Walnut Sports Park. 

On March 23, the Parks and Recreation Department will host a Woofy Egg Hunt Adventure at 2 p.m. at Big Walnut Sports Park's dog park. Treats and toys will be hidden for dogs to find. 

"We anticipate a successful event. Please bring pets for an opportunity to take part in an Easter Egg hunt," Ruark said. 

Mayor Lynda Dunbar admitted her dog is looking forward to the festivities, which cost $5 per family. Pre-registration is available at www.cityofgreencastle.com/departments/parks-recreation.

A week later, April 30, the annual Easter Egg Hunt will take place at Big Walnut Sports Park. Festivities are slated to begin at 10 a.m., with the egg hunt starting at 10:30 a.m. The event, which is open to children ages 1-10 is free. 

Ruark noted it will also be the opening day for youth baseball and softball at Big Walnut Sports Park on March 30.

"I have met with organizers of both sports and each sport will be sequestered to their own area. It should be a tremendous event," Ruark said. 


Alternating lane closures coming to U.S. 40 in Brazil

The Indiana Department of Transportation announces alternating lane closures coming to the eastbound lanes of U.S. 40 in Brazil, between Raridan Street and Tower Road.

Beginning on or after Monday, March 18, crews from Joink will be working in the area to expand their services.

The restrictions will be in place between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., and last for a few days.

Rep. Baird announces opening of 2024 Congressional Art Competition

Congressman Jim Baird (IN-04) announced the beginning of the 2024 Congressional Art Competition for students grades 7 through 12.

The competition is open to all qualifying students in Indiana’s 4th Congressional District who are looking to display their artistic passions.

“I’m pleased to announce that my office is currently accepting submissions for the 2024 Congressional Art Competition,” said Rep. Baird. “This is an amazing opportunity for aspiring young artists to showcase their talents and display their original work in our nation’s capital. I hope every student in the fourth district with an artistic background will send in a submission, whether they’re preparing for art school or just beginning to develop their skills.”

The winner of the 2024 competition will have their artwork on display in the U.S. Capitol for an entire year and earn a free trip to Washington, D.C. to see their work on display. The winning artwork is also featured on the U.S. House of Representatives Congressional Art Competition Page.

How to participate:

Students, teachers, and parents are encouraged to submit one piece of original art to the district office in Danville, along with their student release form.

All entries MUST include the Student Information and Release Form for the competition.

The submission deadline is Monday, May 6, 2024, at 4 PM EST.

Please visit the website for more information and to download the student release form.

Submissions can be mailed or dropped off at the office. As the winner will be displayed in Washington, D.C. for a full year, students should submit a piece that will not be needed for other purposes.

Office of Congressman Jim Baird
355 S. Washington St
Danville, Indiana 46122

The Student Information and Release Form can be found here.

Eligibility requirements:
All students in Indiana’s 4th Congressional District grades 7 through 12, are eligible to submit their work. Artwork must be two-dimensional. Each framed artwork can be no larger than 26 inches high, 26 inches wide, and 4 inches deep. Even when framed, it must still measure no larger than the above maximum dimensions. No framed piece should weigh more than 15 pounds.

Accepted mediums for the two-dimensional artwork include:

  • Paintings: oil, acrylics, watercolor, etc.
  • Drawings: colored pencil, pencil, ink, marker, pastels, charcoal (it is recommended that charcoal and pastel drawings be fixed).
  • Collages: must be two dimensional.
  • Prints: lithographs, silkscreen, block prints.
  • Mixed Media: use of more than two mediums such as pencil, ink, watercolor, etc.
  • Computer-generated art.
  • Photographs.


Each entry must be original in concept, design, and execution and may not violate U.S. copyright laws. Any entry that has been copied from an existing photo or image (including a painting, graphic, or advertisement) that was created by someone other than the student is a violation of the competition rules and will not be accepted. Work entered must be in the original medium (that is, not a scanned reproduction of a painting, drawing, etc.).

  



Move your clocks forward this weekend

Clocks will "spring forward" one hour at 2 a.m. on Sunday, March 10.

It won't be until Nov. 3, the first Sunday of November, when they "fall back" to standard time.

Putnam County Sheriff's Office training today at Cloverdale Conservation Club

The Putnam County Sheriff's Office posted information related to training that is being conducted Thursday.

The post simply wanted area residents to be aware that there is a large police presence at the Cloverdale Conservation Club. No problems at the site. It's just related to training.
 

Putnam County Fair looking for partner to sponsor thousands of parking passes to the event

The Putnam County Fair is seeking a key sponsor for the 2024 event.

The Putnam County Fair posted on its social media that it is looking for businesses interested in being featured on the 2000 parking passes sold for the Putnam County Fair?

The fair is in search of a new sponsor for the parking passes beginning in 2024. They  are accepting closed bids to sponsor the passes annually for the next three years. For those interested, you're askied to submit your bid to putnamcountyfairbookings@gmail.com by noon on March 18.

 

Nomination deadline extended for 2024 Governor's Awards for Environmental Excellence

The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) announced today that the deadline for acceptance of nominations for the 2024 Governor’s Awards for Environmental Excellence has been extended until Friday, March 15.

The previous deadline was March 1.

Citizens, government agencies, businesses, organizations, and educational institutions are invited to submit nominations. Self-nominations are encouraged. Nominated projects must have occurred in Indiana and been implemented in 2022 or 2023.

“It is always an honor for IDEM to recognize these outstanding Hoosiers who are choosing to go above and beyond to make a difference in Indiana’s environment,” said Commissioner Brian Rockensuess. “I encourage Hoosiers to submit their applications for their innovative projects, and I look forward to celebrating this year’s honorees and their many contributions to our state.” 

The Governor's Awards for Environmental Excellence are the most prestigious environmental awards given in the state. This year, IDEM and Governor Eric J. Holcomb’s office will present seven awards, one in each of the following categories: Energy Efficiency/Renewable Resources; Environmental Education/Outreach; Five Year Continuous Improvement; Greening the Government; Land Use/Conservation; Pollution Prevention; and, Recycling/Reuse.

Awards will be presented in September. A panel of conservation, environmental, and academic professionals review nominations. The awards will be based on project innovation, measurable results, and transferability. Nomination forms and instructions are available at idem.IN.gov/partnerships/governors-awards-for-environmental-excellence/.

In 2023, award winners included: GM Fort Wayne Assembly, Red-tail Land Conservancy, VA Northern Indiana Healthcare System, Michigan City Sanitary District and Delta Institute, DePuy Orthopaedics, Inc. and Carroll Elementary School - Flora.

 

 

North Salem State Bank's Clampitt named IBA Future Leadership Division President

A local banking leader will serve as the Future Leadership Division President of the Indiana Bankers Association.

Michael Clampitt is the senior vice president of commercial lending for North Salem State Bank. He joined the bank in 2008. He specializes in commercial lending to businesses, municipalities, churches and agriculture. Clampitt is also the liaison for the bank's legal and collection matters.

He currently serves as president of the Putnam County Economic Development Board and is a member of the Scott College of Business Dean’s Executive Council at Indiana State University. Clampitt volunteers coaching youth league basketball at Wabash Valley Family Sports Complex in Terre Haute as well as the South Putnam Youth League. He was named to the IBA Future Leadership Division Advisory Board in 2016 and currently serves as the president.

Clampitt is a 2007 graduate of Indiana State University and a 2014 graduate of the Barret Graduate School of Banking in Memphis, Tennessee.

Join Purdue Extension for an Upcoming Ag Law Program on March 15

Last March, participants had a great time learning about legal issues related to land leasing, hunting rights, and fence law during our Legal Side of Agriculture program. 

Therefore, we have invited Roger McEowen,professor of Agriculture Law and Taxation at Washburn University School of Law, back to Putnam County to share more of his knowledge of ag law issues.

This year, Roger McEowen will be talking about:

  • Structuring the farm business from to minimize self-employment and income tax;
  • Fences, boundaries and common farm lease issues;
  • Wills, trusts and asset ownership;
  • And more!

Professor McEowen conducts seminars annually across the United States for farmers, agricultural business professionals, lawyers, and other tax professionals.  He also conducts two radio programs each airing twice monthly.  In addition, his 2-minute radio program, “The Agricultural Law and Tax Report,” is heard daily by over 2 million listeners on farm radio stations from New York to California as well as SiriusXM 147. Roger can also be seen as a weekly guest on RFD-TV, where he discusses various agricultural law and tax topics.

The Legal Side of Agriculture program will be held on March 15 from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm at Ivy Tech Community College in Greencastle.  If you would like to participate in The Legal Side of Agriculture, please register at <https://purdue.link/AgLaw24> or call 765-653-8411.  There is a $20 per person fee to attend the program.  We do ask that you register by March 11th.  If you have any questions, concerns, or need reasonable accommodations, please contact 765-653-8411.

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:

Mar. 6 – Breakfast with a Forester, 8-10 am, Fairway Restaurant, register at
              765-653-5716 ext. 3

Mar. 9 – Ag Day Breakfast & Mini Farm Fest, Fairgrounds

Mar. 15 – The Legal Side of Agriculture, 10 am – 12 pm, Ivy Tech-Greencastle, $20,
                 register at https://purdue.link/AgLaw24
Mar. 16 – Garden Fair, Fairgrounds

Mar. 22 – Weather & Climate Tools to Mitigate, 12 Noon, register at https://bit.ly/WIAWebinars2024

Mar. 29 – Extension Office closed in observance of Good Friday

April 8 – ServSafe Food Manager course and exam in Montgomery County – register at https://cvent.me/zEnyl3 by April 1st

Apr. 26 – Artificial Intelligence in Farm Management, 12 Noon, register at https://bit.ly/WIAWebinars2024

February: National Canned Food Month

Canned foods are convenient, portable, quick, and have a long shelf life. They also help provide needed nutrients to meet USDA Dietary Guidelines.

There are several varieties of canned foods on grocery store shelves, offering an array of nutritious options. Check out the following tips on storing and using canned foods.

 

Purchasing canned goods: Avoid rusted, dented, scratched, or bulging cans. Always check freshness dates on foods. Below are different types of “dates” you may see on canned items.

  • Sell by: tells the store how long to display the product for sale. You should buy the product before the date expires to have enough time to use it at best quality.
  • Best if used by: is recommended for best flavor or quality. It’s not a purchase or safety date.
  • Use by: is the last date recommended for the use of the product while at peak quality and has been determined by the manufacturer.
  • Closed or coded: are packing numbers for use by the manufacturer to rotate the stock as well as to locate products in the event of a recall.

 

Comparing food labels: Read the Nutrition Facts Label on products to find food with the most nutrition for your money. Using the Nutrition Facts Label helps you compare fat, calories, fiber, sodium and sugar found in different products. They also provide information on the serving size and how many servings are in an item. Look for lower sodium or no salt added versions of canned foods.

 

Storing canned foods in the cupboard/pantry: Store canned food in clean, cool, dark, and dry spaces. Don’t put them above the stove, under the sink, in a damp garage or basement, or any place exposed to high or low temperature extremes. The optimal temperature range is 50-70ºF. Temperatures over 100ºF may cause canned food to deteriorate and lose quality. Freezing temperatures may cause changes in food textures, and lead to rust, bursting cans, and broken seals that may let in harmful bacteria.

 

First in, first out rule: To prevent foods from spoiling use the first in, first out rule as your rotation system. Using this rotation method will help you use older canned and dried food items before using recently purchased products. Check canned items regularly for signs of spoilage. Do not use food from cracked, bulging or leaking cans, or those that spurt liquid when opened; discard cans immediately.

 

Fortifying with fruits and vegetables: Canned fruits and vegetables are always in season and packed at the peak of freshness. Keep canned tomatoes, beans, fruits and vegetables on hand to quickly create meals or boost the nutrition of recipes. Try adding canned black beans, chick peas, Mandarin oranges, beets or other colorful fruits and vegetables to your next salad. Canned soup, broth, pasta and chili can serve up meals with vegetables, grains and protein.

For more food, nutrition, and health information go to food.unl.edu.

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

Feb. 27 & Mar. 5 – Navigating Farmland Inheritance webinar series, 12-2 pm, $25 per household/farm, Register at https://cvent.me/EPBQ0D

Feb 29 – Mini 4-H Grade 2 Kickoff, 6 pm, York Auto Bldg., Fairgrounds

Mar. 5, 7, 12, 14 - Emergency Preparedness for Rural Families, 5:30-8:30 pm, Register at https://wia.unl.edu/prep

Mar. 6 – Breakfast with a Forester, 8-10 am, Fairway Restaurant, register at
765-653-5716 ext. 3

Mar. 9 – Ag Day Breakfast & Mini Farm Fest, Fairgrounds

Mar. 15 – The Legal Side of Agriculture, 10 am – 12 pm, Ivy Tech-Greencastle, $20,
register at https://purdue.link/AgLaw24
Mar. 16 – Garden Fair, Fairgrounds, April 8 – ServSafe Food Manager course and exam in Montgomery County – register at https://cvent.me/zEnyl3 by April 1.

U.S. 231 restrictions to begin north of Cloverdale

The Indiana Department of Transportation announces temporary restrictions coming to U.S. 231 north of Cloverdale.

Beginning on or after Monday, March 4, crews will be adding a temporary crossover to allow for a lane shift between I-70 and County Road 700 S on U.S. 231.

This will be the first phase of a multi-phase construction project and will be used to allow future steps in this project to be completed.

Work is expected to last a couple of weeks, weather permitting. All work schedules are subject to change.

"Exploring 4-H" for Grade 2 Kicks off February 29

Eligibility in the regular 4-H program necessitates one must be in Grades 3 through 12 as of January 1 of the current year. However, second graders can get a taste of 4-H by signing up for the “Exploring 4-H” or mini 4-H program. Exploring 4-H is a program for children who are not yet old enough for 4-H. Any youth in the second grade as of January 1 of the current year is eligible.

There will be three meetings leading to a field day during the summer months for Exploring 4-Hers and ultimately project exhibition during the Putnam County 4-H Fair during July 19-26. With help from the Junior Leaders, the meetings include an introduction to the 4-H program, individual project instruction, recreation, and a snack. Additionally, the youth in this program typically have entered their own float in the fair parade which will likely occur again this year if the group so desires.

Project choices for Exploring 4-H youth include collections, crafts, drawing, entomology, farm animals, foods, photography and wildlife. Collections, photography and wildlife are poster projects while drawing is submitting a framed picture, foods involve entering no bake cookies, and crafts is hands-on construction creating a small standing or hanging exhibit. A model of an ant that the youth assemble is the entomology exhibit option while those doing farm animals will use a shoe box to make an animal themed diorama. Information and registration forms were sent home with all second-grade school students during recent school visits.

Parents may sign up their second graders now by selecting one of the eight projects. Enrollment is simple. The cost is ten dollars and forms are available at the office or one may enroll online at https://v2.4honline.com/#/user/sign-in and pay with a credit card there as well or with cash/check at first meeting. The first meeting will be between 6-7 pm on Thursday, February 29th at the Putnam County Fairgrounds in the York Automotive Community Building.

Other meetings will occur on March 27th, April 29th and the field day will be on June 18th. The meetings are typically 6-7 pm, the field day is during the afternoon starting at 1 pm, and all events are at the fairgrounds. Project check-in at the fair will be July 16th anytime between 4-7 pm and the “Fun at the Fair” scavenger hunt will be at 5:30 pm on July 24th. It is fine if one misses a meeting as that should not keep one from participating.

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

Feb. 22 – Ag Women Engage Conference, Fort Wayne, $100, register at https://purdue.link/AWE2024

Feb. 27 & Mar. 5 – Navigating Farmland Inheritance webinar series, 12-2 pm, $25 per household/farm, Register at https://cvent.me/EPBQ0D

Feb 29 – Mini 4-H Grade 2 Kickoff, 6 pm, York Auto Bldg., Fairgrounds

Mar. 6 – Breakfast with a Forester, 8-10 am, Fairway Restaurant, register at
765-653-5716 ext. 3

Mar. 5, 7, 12, 14 - Emergency Preparedness for Rural Families, 5:30-8:30 pm, Register at https://wia.unl.edu/prep

Feb. 19 – 24 is Emergency Management Agency Appreciation Week

Hoosier heroes step up to the plate to serve, protect and take care of Indiana every day. February 19 -24 honors a group of heroes who work year-round to ensure your county is ready to respond to a crisis.

Counties throughout Indiana have emergency management offices that take steps to reduce their communities' vulnerability to hazards and to help cope with disasters. These Emergency Management Agencies (EMAs) work with other public safety partners and organizations to prepare for, mitigate, respond to and recover from emergencies.

The Indiana Department of Homeland Security joins Gov. Eric J. Holcomb in recognizing the efforts and accomplishments of all its dedicated emergency managers statewide and invites Hoosiers to join in honoring them during EMA Appreciation Week.

Recently, EMAs have been ramping up preparedness planning for the Total Solar Eclipse on April 8, 2024. They have been working with state agencies and their local partners to ensure their counties are ready to handle the influx of crowds. Their behind-the-scenes work will shine bright during a rare spectacle for Indiana.

“Emergency Management Agencies have the foresight to see how events big and small will affect their communities. We have been working with them hand-in-hand to understand potential problems that may occur and how state partners can work with EMAs to mitigate any issues. We cannot keep Indiana safe without these partners,” said IDHS Executive Director Joel Thacker.

IDHS will celebrate EMAs on FacebookX (formerly known as Twitter) and Instagram. Follow along to learn about the people putting in countless hours to keep you safe. 

Jerron Paxton to appear next week at DePauw

Green Guest Artist Jerron Paxton will perform at the Green Center, Thompson Recital Hall on Wednesday, February 21 at 7:30 p.m.

Raised in the Watts district of Los Angeles but deeply influenced by the music and culture of his Louisiana family heritage, this multi-instrumentalist storyteller plays traditional American music of all kinds. Now based in New York City where he is part of a lively traditional music community, Paxton travels the country sharing his immense musical gifts and extensive knowledge of nineteenth- and twentieth-century country blues, ragtime, and old-time string band music.

This event is made possible through support from the DePauw Performing Arts Series.

For tickets: dpugreencenter.eventbrite.com

New tax information for Indiana's military service members

New for this year’s Indiana Individual income tax return is a deduction for military pay earned by Hoosiers who are active or reserve members of the Armed Forces of the United States or the National Guard.

Retired military service members, or their surviving spouse, may also be eligible for this deduction.

This deduction is equal to the actual amount of military income received (i.e., military pay, retirement pay, and/or survivor's benefits) or $5,000, whichever is less. If both a service member and their spouse received military income, they may each claim the deduction for a maximum of $10,000.

Prior to 2023, the exemption was only for the period that military service members who were mobilized or deployed. Find more information in Information Bulletin #27.

Additional guidance for military service members including due dates and extensions of time to file for those serving in a combat zone, choosing the right form, and paying Indiana county taxes is available.

Indiana accepting nominations for Governor's Century, Half Century business awards

The state of Indiana is now accepting nominations for the Governor's Century and Half Century Business Awards, which honor Hoosier businesses that have remained in operation for at least 100 or 50 years, respectively, and have demonstrated a commitment to serving the community. 

Qualifying criteria are as follows: 

  • The business must have had continuous operations in Indiana for 100 or 50 years by Dec. 31, 2023.
  • The business must have participated in the same line of work for the duration of its operations. If different, an explanation of the evolution into the current business must be provided on the nomination form. 
  • The business must have had its base in Indiana since it was founded.
  • The business must recognize, acknowledge and agree that it is in full compliance with the Indiana Secretary of State.
  • The business must not have previously received a Century or Half Century award from the state of Indiana. Previous Half Century award recipients may qualify for a Century award.

 

February 11 proclaimed 211 Day in Indiana

Indiana 211’s mission is to improve quality of life for Hoosiers by promoting equity and connecting people to health and human service resources through highly skilled navigators, continuous community collaboration and a robust community database and technological innovations. National 211 Day celebrates and helps to spread awareness in the United States about assistance, resources and services offered by 211.

As a result, Governor Eric Holcomb has proclaimed Feb. 11, 2024, as 211 Day in Indiana.

Indiana 211 became a part of the Family and Social Services Administration in July of 2020, and since then, has assisted hundreds of thousands of Hoosiers connect with help and answers from thousands of health and human service agencies and resources in their local communities—quickly, easily and confidentially. Indiana 211’s team is comprised of experienced, responsive and compassionate community navigators who are skilled at actively listening and identifying needs and providing referrals that best meet those needs

In 2023, Indiana 211 answered approximately 180,905 calls and community navigators helped make over 637,930 referrals to community organizations and programs.

Indiana 211 uses statistical data from calls, texts, and web visits to help shed light on the nature of social needs in Indiana for community decision-makers and government across the state. Communities are encouraged to search the Indiana 211 dashboard, county-by county, by multiple counties or statewide, to identify top need categories by their chosen metric, including the percentage of unmet needs within each need category.

To access Indiana 211, simply call 2-1-1 or 1-866-211-9966 from anywhere in Indiana, text your ZIP code to 898-211 or visit our website at IN211.org.

Search

Weather


Obits

Entertainment

Wet Ink