Purdue University announced Tuesday that it will resume requiring SAT and / or ACT test scores for admissions applications, beginning with students who apply for Fall 2024 admission to Purdue.

The resumption was recommended by university administration and endorsed by the board of trustees.

Purdue is making the announcement now so that current high school juniors can register for and schedule their exams and submit the test results with their applications. Purdue will begin accepting 2024 applications on Aug. 1, 2023.

Purdue has been “test flexible” since 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which prevented many students from having access to a testing site. For the last two years, Purdue has recommended but not required the test scores, and nearly three-fourths of applicants have provided them. Purdue accepts SAT or ACT scores and has no preference on which test is taken. Students may report the best scores from across different tests on their admissions application.

“The evidence is clear that test scores provide essential information in a comprehensive admissions evaluation that enables us to ensure the optimal chance of success for each admitted student,” said Kris Wong Davis, Purdue vice provost for enrollment management.

In September 2022, Purdue announced an all-time enrollment record. For Fall 2022, the average new student had a 3.74 GPA, an average SAT total of 1317 and an average ACT composite of 29.8. For Fall 2022, 82.4% of admitted students submitted either an SAT or ACT score.

If you step inside the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, you will see a bright red, Christmas-wrapping decorated box in the lobby. This fancy box is for collecting donations for a local organization that needs community support, especially during the holiday season.

The Beyond Homeless Incorporated shelter, located at 309 E Franklin St, Greencastle, is running low on supplies. Not just food, but basic needs like toilet paper, soap, and even cleaning supplies. Many of their shelves are steadily becoming empty.

Beyond Homeless has been home to many families and individuals over the years, helping those struggling to get back on their feet and into a more stable home. People who have benefited from the help provided by the shelter have only done so because the community has supported the shelter, the shelter is especially in need during the holiday season.

Your donations can make a difference to a struggling family living in the Beyond Homeless shelter. Even a single box of cereal or a roll paper towels can make a difference. That is why the Putnam County Sheriff’s office is taking donations, to support an organization that supports so many families and individuals.

You can drop off any of the non-perishable items at the Sheriff's Office during normal business hours: Monday - Friday 8:00AM to 4:00PM. If you have perishable items (meat, cheese, etc.) please contact Beyond Homeless Directly so that they can arrange to store those items. If you have a large amount of items or some special circumstances, you can send a private message through the Putnam County Sheriff Department’s Facebook page.

The box has been emptied and delivered once, but it is still there, where it will remain until Christmas.

“Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.” – Mother Teresa.

Setting up an artificial tree for Christmas is nice and may give you the perfect tree shape, but nothing can replace the memories made with family when you visit a Christmas tree farm and select a real tree. Setting up a real Christmas tree has been part of the holidays ever since 1842. That year, Charles Minnegerode set up the first real tree in Williamsburg, VA.

When selecting a real Christmas tree to purchase, you need to begin by deciding what type of tree you want. There are several different types of trees you can select from; however, Scotch pine tends to be one of the more popular types. Scotch pines last long and will remain fresh throughout the holiday season. Their needles are approximately 1 inch in length and remain on the tree even after they become dry.

White pine is another popular tree in Indiana. It has soft, flexible needles that tend to be longer than most other tree species. Their limbs tend to be more pliable than fir trees.

Fir trees tend to have good fragrance, good needle retention, and freshness. They also have strong limbs that will hold ornaments well. This would include the Fraser fir and the concolor (white) fir. 

Douglas fir have similar features to other fir trees; however, it is not a true fir. Douglas fir have soft needles that are dark green to blue green in color. Their needles radiate in all directions from the branch and when crushed, give off a sweet fragrance. 

Once you know what type of tree you would like, you need to select a tree that fits the space available in your house. Remember that you do need to allow height for your tree topper and your tree stand. As you are narrowing down your tree options, look for a tree that is fresh (especially if it is pre-cut). If it is a pre-cut tree, run a branch through your enclosed hand. If needles fall off, then the tree is not considered fresh.

As soon as you have found your ideal tree, you will want to cut it. Cutting the tree is a two-person job. The individual doing the cutting will need to lie on the ground and make the cut. The second individual will want to hold onto the tree and try to keep the bottom limbs out of the cutter’s way. Once the tree is cut, have the tree farm staff shake the tree to remove dry and dead needles and wrap the tree in netting to make transporting it easier.

When you arrive at your house, you need get your tree into cool water. Trees, which have been cut for more than 6 hours, do not absorb water. To help with water absorption, you need to make a fresh cut (removing a half inch of the trunk) before placing your tree in the tree stand. Ideally, you would want to utilize a tree stand that holds at least one quart of water for each inch of stem diameter.

Lastly, before you decorate your tree, you will want to place it in an area of your house that keeps it away from direct sources of heat. Therefore, you would want to avoid warm air floor vents, wood stoves and fireplaces, hot lights, etc. Avoiding heat allows your tree to stay cooler and avoid drying out as easy. Over time, you will have to add water to your tree stand in order to keep your tree from become a fire hazard. For instance, a 7-foot tree may take two quarts of water a day for the first week after being cut.

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:

Dec. 1 – PARP & Outlook Meeting, 9:30 am, register at https://tinyurl.comPutPARP22

Dec. 5, 7, 9, 12, & 14 – Managing for Today & Tomorrow webinar series, 10:00 am, $25, register at https://tinyurl.com/M42AT

Dec. 5 – Junior Leader Officer webinar, 7:00pm, https://bit.ly/JrLdrOfficers

Dec. 6 – Digging Deeper Into Land Leases webinar, 6:30 pm, $25, register at               https://tinyurl.com/Digging22

Dec. 7 – Digging Deeper Into Land Leases webinar, 10:00 am, $25, register at               https://tinyurl.com/Digging22

Dec. 13 – ServSafe 1-Day Class and Online Exam, 9 am - 4 pm, register at       https://purdue.edu/servsafe/workshops

Voting is now open for the 2022 FSA county committee elections. Now through December 5, farmers and ranchers in eligible administrative areas can cast their votes for who will serve on their local FSA committee.

County committees are unique to FSA and serve as a direct link between agricultural communities across the country and USDA.

Ballots for the 2022 elections were mailed to eligible voters beginning november 7. if you did not receive your ballot by mail, you can request one from your local USDA service center. Ballots must be returned or postmarked no later than December 5.

For more information, visit fsa.usda.gov/elections or contact your local FSA office.

Sometimes it may be easier to prepare your turkey the day before you plan to serve it. Here is how to do it safely.

Cook the Turkey

Follow these steps to safely cook a turkey. First, set your oven temperature no lower than 325°F. Always wash hands, utensils, the sink, and anything else that comes in contact with raw turkey and its juices with soap and water. Remove the giblet package before cooking. Remember to use a food thermometer. If your turkey has a "pop-up" temperature indicator, it is recommended that you also check the internal temperature of the turkey in the innermost part of the thigh and wing and the thickest part of the breast with a food thermometer. A whole turkey is safe when cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 165 °F as measured with a food thermometer.

1. Wait about 20 minutes after removing turkey from the oven to allow the juices to distribute.
2. Wash your hands with soap and water for about 20 seconds.
3. Slice breast meat; legs and wings may be left whole. Place turkey in shallow containers; limit depth to less than 2 inches. Metal containers cool faster than glass-type pans or plastic containers.
4. Refrigerate turkey, loosely covered to help cool faster. Cover tightly when food is completely cooled.
5. Save broth in shallow containers for gravy and place in refrigerator.

Reheat the Turkey

When serving your turkey the next day, the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline advises that cooked turkey may be eaten cold or reheated. To reheat your turkey, USDA gives the following recommendations:

In the Oven:

1. Set the oven temperature no lower than 325°F.
2. To keep the turkey moist, add a little broth or water and cover.
3. Reheat turkey to an internal temperature of 165°F. Use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature

In the Microwave Oven:

1. Put turkey in a microwave safe container.
2. To keep the turkey moist, add a little broth or water and cover.
3. Cover your food and rotate it for even heating.
4. Consult your microwave oven owner's manual for recommended times and power levels.
5. Allow standing time. Check the internal temperature of your food with a food thermometer to make sure it reaches 165°F.

Leftover Turkey

Throw out any leftovers left at room temperature longer than 2 hours. Either freeze leftover turkey or plan to eat it within 3-4 days of the day it was originally prepared. For best safety and quality, avoid reheating and cooling turkey multiple times.

Traveling with Turkey

It is easier and safer to bring turkey pre-cooked and cold. Carry it in an insulated cooler packed with ice or frozen gel-packs to keep the cooler temperature under 40°F. Then reheat the turkey at your final destination.

Source: Nebraska Extension Food Calendar

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:

Nov. 24 & 25 – Extension Office Closed for Thanksgiving

Dec. 1 – PARP & Outlook Meeting, 9:30 am, register at https://tinyurl.com/PutPARP22   

Dec. 5, 7, 9, 12, & 14 – Managing for Today & Tomorrow webinar series, 10:00 am, $25, register at https://tinyurl.com/M42AT  

Dec. 5 – Junior Leader Officer webinar, 7:00pm, https://bit.ly/JrLdrOfficers  

Dec. 6 – Digging Deeper into Land Leases webinar, 6:30 pm, $25, register at https://tinyurl.com/Digging22

Dec. 7 – Digging Deeper into Land Leases webinar, 10:00 am, $25, register at https://tinyurl.com/Digging22

Dec. 13 – ServSafe 1-Day Class and Online Exam, 9am-4pm, register at https://purdue.edu/servsafe/workshops

The wait is over as Gleaners is set to return to Bainbridge this weekend, just in time for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday.

Food distribution is slated for Saturday at Bainbridge Elementary School on South Washington Street as a drive-through event.

Distribution will begin at 10 a.m. and last until the food runs out. 

Volunteers are needed by 9 a.m. to help with loading boxed food items.

Just over 60% of U.S. land in farms are owner-operated, according to the 2017 Census of Agriculture. The national share of farmland that is owner-operated has been relatively stable over the past 50 years, with a noticeable decline during the farm crisis of the 1980s. That means that about 40% of U.S. farm land is rented. 

There are number of different ways that individuals can rent farm land, but most land leases fall one of three categories.  The categories are cash lease, crop share lease, and flexible lease. Cash leases are common and based on an agreement between the landowner and tenant on annual rental rates.  Crop share leases are based on production yields rather than a predetermined rental rate; operating expenses are shared between landlord and tenant.  Flexible Lease agreements allow for the risk and reward sharing of a crop share lease without the tracking and sharing of crop production expenses or the division of crops or crop revenue.  

Landowners and farmers can learn more about the various lease types, trends, and legal protections available with farmland leasing by participating in the Purdue University Extension virtual workshop, "Digging Deeper Into Land Leases."  Many times, lease terms must be negotiated that match expectations for both landlords and tenants.  The current volatility of ag inputs is another factor in discussions between the involved parties.  The Purdue Land Lease Team has developed this program that address many questions concerning land leases.

This virtual workshop will be offered at two different times including Tuesday, December 6 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. EST and Wednesday, December 7 from 10 a.m. to noon EST.  Please consider registering for the session that best fits your schedule.  Todd Janzen, an attorney with Janzen Ag Law, will present the legalities of having an effective land lease along with challenges associated with terminating a lease. Purdue Extension Educators will also discuss the following topics:

• Identify the various lease tools available
• Evaluate the pros & cons of common lease types
• Learn about farm land leasing trends

The registration fee for this workshop is $25.  Individuals wanting to participate in this virtual workshop can sign up at https://tinyurl.com/Digging22  The deadline for registration is 24 hours before each session.  The Purdue Land Lease Team will send an e-mail to the e-mail address you provide with the link to connect from your home computer, tablet or smartphone.

For more information, or if you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this program, contact Jenna Nees at 765-653-8411 or smith535@purdue.edu prior to the program.

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:

Nov. 24 & 25 – Extension Office Closed for Thanksgiving

Dec. 1 – PARP & Outlook Meeting, 9:30 am, register at https://tinyurl.comPutPARP22

Dec. 5, 7, 9, 12, & 14 – Managing for Today & Tomorrow webinar series, 10:00 am, $25, register at https://tinyurl.com/M42AT

Dec. 5 – Junior Leader Officer webinar, 7:00pm, https://bit.ly/JrLdrOfficers

Dec. 6 – Digging Deeper Into Land Leases webinar, 6:30 pm, $25, register at https://tinyurl.com/Digging22

Dec. 7 – Digging Deeper Into Land Leases webinar, 10:00 am, $25, register at https://tinyurl.com/Digging22

The Greencastle Civic League is thrilled to celebrate their third year of the Winter Wonderland Lights Festival at Robe Ann Park.

This year, the installation is expected to be three times larger and they are looking for volunteers to help make it possible. Volunteering is open to everyone; however, children 14 and under need to be accompanied by an adult.

All volunteers will sign a waiver upon arrival.

The timeline: 
Installation: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM on November 12, 19, and 26.

One Day Festival December 3: 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

Donation Collections: 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM on December 9, 10, 16, and 17.

Take Down 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM on January 7 and 8.

Volunteer spots are filling fast, reserve yours at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60b0f4aaaad2da5f85-winter.

Putnam County Hospital hosted the final drive thru flu shot clinic at the four primary care offices the last week of October.  Over 340 flu vaccines were given during these drive thru clinics.  Family Medicine of Greencastle, Putnam Pediatrics and Internal Medicine, North Putnam Family Healthcare, and Family Medicine of Cloverdale all participated for the 2022 clinics.

The drive flu vaccines were held on one Friday afternoon and over the course of two Saturdays.  Community members could call the office of their choice, schedule and appointment, drive up to the office and never have to leave their vehicle.  These clinics make it convenient for those that cannot always get off work to go to the doctor, children do not have to be pulled out of school, and it is a quick and easy process.

CDC recommends everyone 6 months and older get vaccinated every flu season. Children 6 months through 8 years of age may need 2 doses during a single flu season. Everyone else needs only 1 dose each flu season. It takes about 2 weeks for protection to develop after vaccination. There are many flu viruses, and they are always changing. Each year a new flu vaccine is made to protect against the influenza viruses believed to be likely to cause disease in the upcoming flu season. Even when the vaccine doesn’t exactly match these viruses, it may still provide some protection.

Anyone looking to schedule an appointment to receive a flu vaccine or are looking for a new healthcare provider, please visit us at www.pchosp.org.  All of the Putnam County Hospital primary care offices are accepting new patients.

Putnam County Hospital continues to look for ways to make healthcare convenient for all community members, while providing exceptional healthcare close to home. 

On Tuesday, November 8, 2022, the Putnam County Guild held their Annual Fall Luncheon.  The luncheon was open to all Guild members to attend, with special guests Putnam County Hospital CEO, Dennis Weatherford and Putnam Palliative Care Representative, Elaine Peck.

During the luncheon, the Guild presented Dennis Weatherford with at $10,000 check to Putnam County Hospital.  Weatherford stated that part of the money would be used for a wheel chair scale.  These scales allow wheel chair bound individuals to not have to move from their wheel chair onto a scale.  This will make it easier for the patients and caregivers when trying to obtain weight. 

The Putnam County Hospital Guild is a charitable organization dedicated to assisting Putnam County Hospital in carrying out its mission and improving the lives of its patients through service and fundraising. This organization is open to both men and women interested in this type of community service, and is currently actively seeking new members.

The Guild is composed of an all-volunteer staff with the same mission in mind- to better the patient experience at Putnam County Hospital. The volunteers staff the gift shop, located just inside of the main hospital entrance, volunteer at the information desk at the Medical Office Building, and also hold several fundraising events such as scrub sales, book fairs and popcorn sales, every year. All of the funds raised at these events are invested back to Putnam County Hospital

Serving on the Putnam County Hospital Guild not only supports our local hospital, it also is a group of caring individuals who support each other with friendship and fellowship throughout the year.

The 2022/2023 Board of Directors are listed below.  We want to thank each and every Guild member for their hard work and dedication.  If you are interested in becoming a Guild member please stop in Putnam County Hospital or reach out to a member listed below.

Brenda Heacock

President

Anita McEnulty

Vice President

Sharyl Berry

Recording Secertary

Beth Dodds

Corresponding Secretary

Regina King

Gift Shop Treasurer

Kay Thomas

Gift Shop Scheduler

Members at Large

Doris Knauer, Jackie Sutherlin, and Ella Marie Torr

Putnam County Hospital ran a contest across all four county elementary schools to participate in an anti-vaping poster contest.   The posters that were turned in were featured on social media platforms where followers could vote on their favorite poster.

The winner of the poster contest was Madilyn Wilson from Tzounakis.  Madilyn’s poster will now be created into foam board posters to be distributed and displayed by willing businesses throughout the community. 

Vaping is unsafe for kids, teens, and young adults. Most vapes contain nicotine. Nicotine is highly addictive and can harm adolescent brain development, which continues into the early to mid-20s. Vapes can contain other harmful substances besides nicotine. Young people who use e-cigarettes may be more likely to smoke cigarettes in the future. Visit https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/e-cigarettes/Quick-Facts-on-the-Risks-of-E-cigarettes-for-Kids-Teens-and-Young-Adults.html for more information regarding youth and vaping.

Putnam County Hospital offers a Kick It program for adults and teens to kick the nicotine habit.  KICK IT is the newer Putnam County Hospital Tobacco Cessation Program. The program offers patients one on one cessation counseling that is based on best practice guidelines from the CDC and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Employees can self-refer. Patients will be referred from primary care or specialty care to work with a Tobacco Treatment Specialist (TTS) at Putnam County Hospital. The two Tobacco Treatment Specialists have been trained in Motivational Interviewing, pharmacotherapy strategies and tobacco treatment interventions. Patients will meet with a TTS for a four week session with the intent of setting a quit day at the end of the sessions or before. TTS staff will be available for telephone and offsite support for patients during business hours.

For more information on our Kick-It program visit https://www.pchosp.org/in-house-tobacco-cessation

Putnam County Hospital; providing exceptional healthcare close to home.

^{Madilyn Wilson and Assistant Principal Mrs. Asbell}

The American Red Cross urges blood and platelet donors to give now and help fight the potential impact of seasonal illnesses and a potentially severe flu season on the blood supply.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention predicts a serious spread of flu this year and is already reporting an early spike in cases in several states. When seasonal illnesses increase, the number of healthy donors tends to decrease, leaving the Red Cross blood supply vulnerable to a potential shortage over the holidays.

Paired with busy holiday schedules, seasonal illnesses may make it harder to collect the blood hospital patients require this winter. Donors −especially those with type O blood and those giving platelets − can help bolster the blood supply now by making an appointment to give in the coming weeks.

There is no waiting period to donate blood or platelets after receiving a flu shot.Schedule an appointment by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). 

Learn more about flu safety and prevention at redcross.org/flusafety.

As a thank-you, the Red Cross is offering severalopportunities to donors this month:

• All who come to give Nov. 1-22 will receive a $10 e-gift card to a merchant of choice. Details are available at rcblood.org/perks.
• Those who come to give over the Thanksgiving holiday, Nov. 23-27, will get a Red Cross knit beanie, while supplies last.
• All who come out to help Nov. 28-Dec. 15 will receive a $10 Amazon.com Gift Card by email, thanks to Amazon.Details are available at rcblood.org/together.

How to donate blood

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. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. 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.

Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass^® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.

Producers can now take a nationwide survey to help the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) improve and increase access to its programs and services for America’s farmers, ranchers, and forest managers. The survey includes new and existing customers. USDA encourages all agricultural producers to take the survey, especially those who have not worked with USDA previously. The survey gathers feedback on programs and services available through USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and Risk Management Agency (RMA).? 

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The survey is available online at farmers.gov/survey, and producers should complete by March 31, 2023. Stakeholder organizations are also encouraged to share the survey link through their networks. The survey is available in 14 different languages including Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Hmong, Korean, Navajo, Punjabi, Somali, Spanish, Tagalog, Thai, Urdu and Vietnamese. 

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“A robust survey response that includes the perspectives of all of our customers, including underserved producers, will help USDA better understand the unique needs of both existing and prospective customers, while identifying opportunities to enhance government programs and services. Please take the survey, especially if we haven’t worked with you before,” said Robert Bonnie, USDA’s Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation (FPAC). “This survey will provide USDA with critical data to help USDA serve all of agriculture.”? 

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In addition to the online survey, the FPAC Business Center, which is administering the survey, will also mail 11,000 printed surveys to various local state stakeholder organizations and farmers markets.  

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The survey is an Office of Management and Budget requirement supported by the Biden-Harris President’s Management Agenda (PMA), which identified FSA and NRCS as High-Impact Service Providers. These agencies provide critical customer-facing services and are expected to use the survey data to make targeted improvements.?? 

Putnam County 4-H families joined together Sunday afternoon at the Putnam County Fairgrounds to recognize volunteers and acknowledge the achievement and accomplishments of 4-H members. The highest award in the Putnam 4-H program is the Spirit of 4-H Award which is sponsored by Bittles and Hurt and Hopkins-Rector funeral homes. The 2022 winner is Jacob Beadles who was presented with a framed certificate and a cash award by Jay Prewitt representing the sponsors.

Prewitt said, “We are proud to annually sponsor this top 4-H award honoring an outstanding Putnam 4-H career. The Spirit of 4-H award has been awarded since 1991.” Typically there is one winner for this prestigious award. However there has been twice in the history of the award that no award was given and there have been two occurrences of awarding two awards in the same year.

Jacob Beadles, the son of Chad and Kim Beadles, is a 2022 South Putnam High School graduate. He is currently seeking his post high school education at Purdue University via the Pathway to Purdue program where his degree objective currently is leaning towards animal science, though he has not completely decided.

When asked, what had the most significant influence for his accomplishments, Beadles cited, “My family, whether it was showing in the arena with my brother, Aiden, or late night in the [sheep] barn with my parents and grandma as I would not have had the experience I did without their help. I also carried the tradition and legacy started by my Great Grandparents, William and Helen Hurst. They started the wheel a rolling and I have been so proud to keep their memory alive.”

In terms of his experience with the overall 4-H program, Beadles said, “It is much more than a program, rather a life experience of learning.” Beadles’ parents agreed with their statement, “4-H has been such an important part of Jacob’s life and this is such an honor as he ends his 10-year career.”

As his 4-H Lucky Clovers club leader, Mona Smith said, “Jacob is a delightful young man that was eager and ready to help any young 4-Her. Whether giving advice on a project, giving a demo about something pertaining to 4-H or helping them with our activity of the night. An honor well-earned throughout his 4-H career.”

Putnam County’s 4-H Youth Educator, Mark Evans stated, “Jake will certainly be missed as he added joy to any location with his enthusiasm and warmth of encouragement. He has a compassion of helping others in wanting to see younger members succeed which really came out in his sheep project area.”

Other awards during the afternoon program included Outstanding First Year 4-Her for 2022, Cora Beasley, honored for being the most active in her first year. Two Junior Leader awards were presented. Outstanding first year Junior Leader accolades went to Adelynn Moore and the Top-Notch Junior Leader recipient was Kelsey Moore. The awards are based annually on the “My Record of Achievement” forms submitted in early September by the 4-Hers. Extension Staff and 4-H Council Members review forms to determine the award winners.

Photo Caption: Pictured (L) is Jacob Beadles, the 2022 Spirit of 4-H Award winner, with Jay Prewitt (R) representing the sponsor, Bittles and Hurt and Hopkins-Rector funeral homes (courtesy photo).

Duke Energy is dedicating an additional $200,000 in financial assistance to its Indiana customers who may be struggling to pay their energy bills.

Qualifying Duke Energy customers can receive up to a $300 credit annually.

Year-to-date, Duke Energy has aided nearly 1,700 Indiana households with more than $378,000 in energy bill assistance through its Share the Light Fund.

Duke Energy works in partnership with the Indiana Community Action Association to distribute assistance funds. Customers should contact their local community action agency to see if they are eligible. A list of Indiana community action agencies by county can be found at www.incap.org/energy-assistance.

“We know that our customers are facing rising costs for necessities, from groceries and transportation to their electric bill, which has risen due to escalating fuel costs to produce electricity,” said Duke Energy Indiana President Stan Pinegar. “We’ve found that more of our customers could take advantage of the resources available to them, and we want to connect them to help.”

The company also is encouraging customers who may be struggling to apply to the Indiana Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The federally funded program is administered through statewide community action agencies and assists qualifying individuals with their energy bills. The application period opened Oct. 3.

”We expect that with the rising cost of natural gas and heating oil, as well as the challenging economy, the number of families in need of energy assistance will increase again this year. We are proud to partner with our local service providers to administer the Energy Assistance Program to help Hoosiers with these costs,” said Jacob Sipe, executive director of the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority.

Hoosiers should contact their local service provider to apply for LIHEAP. A list of service providers and more information can be found at eap.ihcda.in.gov.

Duke Energy also offers a number of tools and resources to help customers manage their bills, control their energy use and save money, including:

Budget Billing: Budget Billing lets customers pay one predictable amount every month to better manage their budget. The amount is periodically reviewed and adjusted.

Pick Your Due Date: Customers can choose the date they want their Duke Energy bill to be due each month to align with a date that works for them.

Installment plans: Duke Energy recently extended interest-free payment plans from three to six months for eligible Indiana customers. Customers can request a few extra days or restructure a past-due balance into a monthly payment plan. Customers should contact Duke Energy at 800.521.2232 to discuss options available to them.

Usage alerts: Customers can sign-up for emails and/or texts halfway through a billing cycle, well before a bill arrives, with their current usage amount and a projection of what their final monthly bill could be.

Budget alerts: Customers can also set alerts, so they know when their bill reaches a specific dollar amount of their choosing, allowing them to adjust their usage before their bill arrives.

To learn more about these programs and others, visit duke-energy.com/HereToHelp.