The Humane Society of Putnam County will host a free microchip clinic is back for Putnam County residents.     

The clinic is on May 11, 9 - 11 a.m. As in the past, it will be a drive thru event again.

If anyone is wanting to volunteer for this event, please email putnamcoanimalcare@gmail.com.

An area state trooper was recognized for his record and achievements.

The Indiana State Police held its annual awards ceremony in Indianapolis to recognize top-performing individuals.

Superintendent Doug Carter presented the Trooper of the District award to Trooper Tyler Turchi. Turchi is a 5-year veteran of the Indiana State Police and primarily patrols Vermillion and Parke County. He was also recognized as the top DUI arrest Trooper of the Putnamville District with 36 DUI arrests.

The Indiana Department of Transportation announces temporary lane closures on U.S. 231 in Greencastle. 

Beginning on or after Friday, April 19, crews will be closing the southbound lane of U.S. 231 through town between Earp Street and Maple Avenue. This is part of a project that will be addressing road rehabilitation needs between Bloomington Street and North Jackson Street.

During this next phase of construction, crews will be working on a storm sewer installation, a new water main, paving, as well as curb and gutter work. Work on this part of the project is expected to run until late November but is weather dependent and subject to change.

The official detour around this project will be U.S. 231 to eastbound/westbound U.S. 40 or State Road 240 to northbound/southbound S.R. 75 to eastbound/westbound U.S. 36 to U.S. 231.

In coordination with National Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 27, the Greencastle Police Department and Putnam County Sheriff’s Department will be taking unused prescription drugs at the Greencastle Police Department, 600 N. Jackson St, between 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.

The Indiana Department of Transportation announces alternating lane closures on I-70 in Putnam and Morgan counties. 

Beginning on or after Monday, April 15, crews will have lane closures in effect on I-70 eastbound and westbound between U.S. 231 (Cloverdale) and County Road 1100 W (Little Point, Morgan County). 

During the closures, crews will be doing shoulder work and drainage ditch correction. Work is expected to last until the summer but is weather-dependent and subject to change.

The Indiana Department of Transportation announces temporary lane closures coming to State Road 42 near Cloverdale, between County Road 1200 S and C.R.

1275 S.

Beginning on or after Tuesday, April 9, crews will be putting temporary lane closures in effect with flagging operations so pipelines can be replaced in the area.

Work is expected to last until the early part of July but is weather-dependent and subject to change.

Weather permitting, a test of the tornado sirens is planned for today, April 5, in Putnam County.

The test is scheduled for 11 a.m.

In observance of National Safe Digging Month in April, NIPSCO today shared results from a recent national survey of 1,000 U.S. homeowners revealing that more than half plan to complete an outdoor do-it-yourself project that involves digging in the next year.

However, over half of those planning projects do not intend to notify 811 ahead of time, putting themselves and their communities at risk.

Thousands of buried utilities are damaged each year due to digging activities. Safe Digging Month reminds homeowners and contractors that digging without knowing the approximate location of underground utilities can result in serious injuries, inconvenient service disruptions, and costly repairs when natural gas, electric, communications, water, and sewer lines are damaged.

Making a free locate request online at Indiana811.org or by calling 811 at least two full working days before digging will help maintain essential utility service while keeping excavators and their communities safe by reducing the likelihood of accidentally digging into buried lines.

After initial contact with 811, professional locators will mark the approximate locations of underground lines with flags, spray paint, or both. Each color of paint and/or flag represents a unique type of underground utility. The flags may be removed once the project is completed.

Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, in collaboration with the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration’s Division of Aging, announced today that nominations are now being accepted for the 2024 Golden Hoosier Award.

This is the 17th year of the program.

“Our state is filled with generous Hoosiers who are constantly giving back to their neighborhoods and communities,” said Lt. Gov. Crouch, Indiana's Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development. "The Golden Hoosier Award is an amazing opportunity to honor those who have dedicated their lives to serving Indiana communities." 

The award began in 2008 and annually honors senior Hoosiers for their lifetime of service and commitment to their communities. Since the start of the program, more than 200 Hoosiers have been honored. 

To be eligible, the nominee must currently be an Indiana resident, age 65 or older and have been a volunteer in the community for the past three years.

The deadline for submitting applications is Sunday, July 14. Nomination forms can be accessed electronically by visiting in.gov/lg/lt-governor-initiatives/golden-hoosier-award.

A ceremony honoring those selected will be held later this year.

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.).

It's that time of the year again -- Kindergarten Roundup activities are being planned for several Putnam County schools. 

At South Putnam Schools, kindergarten roundup will be held at both Fillmore Elementary and Central Elementary School.

Fillmore Elementary will hold its event Thursday and parents can register for timeslots by reaching out to Jayna Haldeman at 765-246-6136 or emailing jhaldeman@sputnam.k12.in.us. Central Elementary's event will be April 4 and parents can register by contacting Tina Cook at 765-653-6175 or emailing tcook@sputnam.k12.in.us. 

Students who turn five on or before Aug. 1 will be eligible to attend kindergarten and at both events, tours will be given, parents and students can meet staff and screenings will also be conducted. 

Greencastle Schools to hold Kindergarten Roundup

Greencastle Schools will also hold kindergarten roundup at Deer Meadow Primary and Ridpath Elementary. 

The festivities will take place April 2 and APril 4 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at both school. Those attending will be able to meet teachers, tour the building, receive a free book and shirt. 

Parents are asked to bring student's birth certificate, two proofs of residency and shot records with them. 

As the weather starts to usher in spring conditions, things are changing outside the Greencastle City Hall when it comes to landscaping. 

According to mayor Lynda Dunbar, an urban pollinator garden is coming to the outside of the facility, and Dunbar believes the changes will be a welcomed addition. 

"There's been a lot of trash and poison ivy. A lot of plants have found a new home at the cemetery. It's not popular with some folks, but it is in the best interest of city hall. It will be more park like," Dunbar told the city council earlier this month at its meeting. 

Dunbar said it will have the same effects as other pollinator gardens, and is something she is excited about. 
 

The first year mayor said it is important city hall looks attractive to the residents of Greencastle. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

A virtual information session for small business is set for Thursday to prepare for the April 8 eclipse.

Tuesday is the second of four scheduled dates through May to offer free legal service in Putnam County.

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.

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.
 

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.

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.