The Internal Revenue Service is sending a special follow-up mailing to taxpayers in several states affected by disasters to let them know that they have additional time to pay their taxes.

The IRS is taking this special step to help reassure taxpayers affected by disasters that they do have extra time to file and pay their taxes. This new mailing is going to residents in California and seven other states in designated disaster areas that received a CP14 notice from the IRS in late May and June. The earlier mailings are for taxpayers who have a balance due, and they are sent out as a legal requirement. While the notice received by taxpayers says they need to pay in 21 days, these taxpayers actually have until later this year to timely pay under the disaster declaration.

Given the large reach of these disaster declarations and partner feedback, the IRS took an additional step to do a follow-up mailing to let these taxpayers know they have more time. The mailings, known as a CP14CL, will occur during the next few weeks. The letters are in English and Spanish.

“The IRS is working hard to improve our operations as part of our new Strategic Operating Plan,” IRS Commissioner Danny Werfel. “We know our initial mailing caused confusion for taxpayers and tax professionals, and we worked quickly to send a follow-up reminder to help reassure people. This mailing reflects how we’re trying to be more taxpayer-focused given the additional resources that we’ve been given under the Inflation Reduction Act.”

The notice going to affected people in eight states includes additional information to help taxpayers understand the disaster relief they’ve received.

“Since your address of record is located in a federally declared disaster area, the IRS has automatically granted you disaster relief,” the notice reads. “This gives you an extension of time to file your tax returns as well as make your tax payment listed on the CP14 Notices. You do not need to contact us to get this extra time to pay.”

The vast majority of impacted taxpayers (letter recipients) are in California, with smaller numbers of taxpayers scheduled to receive the follow-up letter in disaster areas in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Mississippi and Tennessee.

The IRS has also updated the insert that will accompany upcoming CP14 balance-due notices to make it clearer that the payment date listed in the letter does not apply to those covered by a disaster declaration, and the disaster dates remain in effect. The plain language insert, which is in English and Spanish, includes a special QR code that takes people to the IRS.gov disaster page

In an effort to educate recreational boaters about the dangers of boating while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, Indiana Conservation Officers will participate in the annual Operation Dry Water national campaign, which is July 1-3 this year.

Alcohol use continues to be the leading known contributing factor in recreational boater deaths and a leading contributor in boating accidents. The mission of Operation Dry Water is to decrease their occurrence through amplified recreational boater outreach, education, and coordinated enforcement.

“Individuals and families from across the country head to our nation’s waterways for a fun, safe, and pleasant experience,” said Indiana Boating Law Administrator Lt. Kenton Turner. “Our goal is not only to educate boaters on the dangers of impaired boating, but also to remind them of other safe boating practices, such as enrolling in a boater education course and always wearing a life jacket.

“Indiana Conservation Officers want boaters to have a safe and enjoyable summer while out on the water, and to do that, boat operators and passengers must remain sober and alert while underway.”

As part of Operation Dry Water weekend, DNR Law Enforcement will work to identify and remove dangerous and impaired boat operators. Last year, law enforcement officers across the nation removed 794 impaired operators from the nation’s waterways during Operation Dry Water weekend.

Boat passengers, not just operators, should also avoid alcohol use.

“The risk of serious injury is the same for operators and passengers when drinking,” Turner said. “ Alcohol use by passengers presents a danger regardless of whether the operator is consuming alcohol.”

Conservation Officers encourage all boaters to enjoy this boating season and help keep everyone safe by choosing to boat sober all year long and remember that use of drugs, both legal and illegal, also impairs judgment and reaction time and creates dangerous circumstances while on the water.

Visit operationdrywater.org or on.IN.gov/dnrlaw for more information about boating under the influence. 

A one-day project scheduled for Wednesday will impact traffic in Morgan County. 

State Road 39 will be restricted for pavement coring between Hendricks Co. Rd. and I-70, near Monrovia.

The work is expected to last through the end of the day, weather permitting.

This week we are going to continue our discussion about timber harvest. During the 4-session Forestry Management Workshop Series hosted by Purdue Extension and the Putnam County Soil & Water Conservation District in April, Extension Educators, industry representatives, and woodlot owners provided some suggestions on what should be in a timber sale contract.

Three big items that should be included in a timber sale contract include the length of the contract, number of trees being harvested, and payment information. In terms of length of contract, oftentimes, contracts are for 2 years. This allows the company cutting the trees time to harvest everything when the weather is conducive (i.e. not raining or snowing and likely to cause extra erosion issues). As the seller, if you do not want the timber to be harvested during hunting seasons, then the contract length is usually increased to 2 ½ years.

In terms of number of trees, the contract should state how many trees of each species and the estimated board feet being harvested. A board foot is a unit of volume equivalent to a board that is one inch thick, one foot wide, and one foot long. It is the common measurement use in timber harvests. When you are setting up the contract, as the seller, you have the right to say you do not want to harvest any trees under a certain size.

Payment information would include all terms of payment such as when the seller will receive the income, will it be split between two installments, how much they will receive, etc. 

As you review timber contracts, you may notice that some include a list of BMPs or Best Management Practices. These are practices that are listed in the contract that the individual doing the harvest would need to follow. They can be related to building access roads, having log landings, skid trails, how stream crossings are utilized, how the property is left once the timber harvest is over, and others. Including a list of BMPs that will be followed is good to help protect the overall health of the forest, but may not be found in all contracts. Additionally, it is important to note that as a seller, if you include a large list of restrictions or requirements for the timber buyer to follow, it may lower the price you receive.

Once you enter into a timber contract, it is a good idea to have the contract recorded. By recording the contact, you are essentially protecting both parties in the event something would occur. Ultimately, this is a good business practice to follow whenever entering into any contract.

As was mentioned in the last article, having a timber sale is not something everyone wants to do. However, we hope that anyone interested in having a timber sale does find this article useful.  If you would like to know more timber sales, please visit Purdue Extension publication Marketing Timber at < https://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/fnr/fnr-111.pdf> or the Indiana DNR publication Indiana logging & Forestry Best Management Practices at <https://www.in.gov/dnr/forestry/files/BMP.pdf>.

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:

June 28 – “Men’s Health Month” Bite by Bite podcast episode airs, listen at https://anchor.fm/bitebybite

June 28 – Getting Flowers Ready, 6:30 pm, York Bldg., Fairgrounds

June 29 – Public Speaking & Summer Judging Contest, 5-8 pm, York Bldg. Fairgrounds

July 1 – Last day to sign up for state fair livestock exhibition at least entry cost

July 4 – Extension Office Closed for Independence Day Holiday

July 21-28 – Putnam County 4-H Fair, Fairgrounds

Aug. 2 – Last day to apply for Master Gardener Course, contact 765-653-8411 to apply

Have you heard of The MIND diet? This eating pattern is designed to prevent dementia and loss of brain function as you age. "MIND" stands for "Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay." This diet contains foods rich in certain vitamins, carotenoids, and flavonoids that are believed to protect the brain by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation.

Food groups recommended in the MIND diet are a rich source of fiber and packed with several dietary nutrients that have been found to boost brain health. They include Vitamin E, Folate, Omega-3 fatty acids, Carotenoids, and Flavonoids. Research shows that the MIND diet can improve brain health and lower your risk of developing conditions like Alzheimer's disease, dementia, and other forms of age-related cognitive decline. In fact, studies show that eating certain foods and avoiding unhealthy ones can slow brain aging by 7.5 years.

Here are the 10 foods the MIND diet encourages:

1. Green, leafy vegetables: 6 or more servings per week. This includes kale, spinach, cooked greens, and salads.
2. All other vegetables: Try to eat another vegetable in addition to the green leafy vegetables at least once per day. It's best to choose non-starchy vegetables.
3. Berries: Eat at least twice per week. Berries such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries all have antioxidant benefits.
4. Nuts: Try to get 5 or more servings of nuts each week.
5. Olive oil: Use olive oil as your main cooking oil.
6. Whole grains: at least 3 servings daily. Choose whole grains like oatmeal, quinoa, brown rice, whole wheat pasta, and 100% whole wheat bread.
7. Fish: Eat at least once per week. It is best to choose fatty fish such as salmon, sardines, trout, tuna, and mackerel for their high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids.
8. Beans: Include in at least 4 meals per week.
9. Poultry: Try to eat chicken or turkey at least twice per week.
10. Wine: Aim for no more than 1 glass daily. Both red and white wine may benefit your brain.

If you're unable to consume the target number of servings, don't quit the MIND diet altogether. Research has shown that following the MIND diet even to a moderate degree is associated with a reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease and cognitive impairment.

When you're following the diet, you can eat more than just these 10 foods. However, the more you stick to the diet, the better your results may be. According to research, eating more of the 10 recommended foods and less of the foods that the diet recommends avoiding has been associated with a lower risk of Alzheimer's disease and better brain function over time.

The unhealthy items, which are higher in saturated and trans-fat, include:

• Less than 5 servings a week of pastries and sweets
• Less than 4 servings a week of red meat (including beef, pork, lamb)
• Less than 1 serving a week of cheese and fried foods
• Less than 1 tablespoon a day of butter/stick margarine

Take small steps to include healthy foods, especially vegetables as you plan your daily meals and snacks. Your overall health is dependent on your mindful daily food choices. The MIND, Mediterranean and DASH diets are all healthful for families and individuals to follow.

Source: Karen Ensle, Rutgers Cooperative Extension

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:

June 22 – Indiana 4-H Quality Assurance Program, 1:30 pm, York Bldg. Fairgrounds

June 23 – Electricity 4-H Workshop, 1-3 pm, York Bldg. Fairgrounds

June 28 – “Men’s Health Month” Bite by Bite podcast episode airs, listen at https://anchor.fm/bitebybite

June 28 – Getting Flowers Ready, 6:30 pm, York Bldg., Fairgrounds

June 29 – Public Speaking & Summer Judging Contest, 5-8 pm, York Bldg. Fairgrounds

July 1 – Last day to sign up for state fair livestock exhibition at least entry cost

July 4 – Extension Office Closed for Independence Day Holiday

July 21-28 – Putnam County 4-H Fair, Fairgrounds

Greencastle Assistant Fire Chief Rob Frank understands the importance of reading and education.

It's a major reason why he is involved with the United Way's Real Men Read program where he reads to kindergarten students once a month during the school year. 

In addition, he has volunteered to read when the United Way hosts Read Across America at the Putnam County Library.

"We read books and then the kids get a copy to take home with them," Frank told The Putnam County Post.

So when he was asked to collaborate with them for a reading event, it only made sense to get the whole department, including the equipment, involved as the Greencastle Fire Department recently read to children and then provided an up close and personal experience with a fire truck. 

"They chose the books and we brought the fire truck. We read and then gave the families a chance to see the fire truck up close. Reading is so important in developing children. We plan on doing another event in the future," Frank said. 

Frank said giving back to the community is something the department prides itself on. 

"As a department we enjoy giving back to a community that is invested in us. So events like this mean a lot to us. Plus several of the firefighters that read had their young children there," he said.

Frank continued by saying not only do the children get read to by firefighters, but they also get to see what is in a fire truck and how it operates. 

"We tell them it's like a big tool box where we carry all the tools we need for an emergency. It's also important for them to know that we are there to help in times of emergencies," Frank said. 

The assistant chief said the event was made possible by Kaitlin Tipsword, marketing and communications director at the library, Krista Mullinnix, youth services director, and Taylor O'Brian, youth services librarian. 

"The event wouldn't have happened if they wouldn't have invited us," Frank said. 

Fans of truck and tractor pulls are in for a treat later this month, as the Putnam County Antique Tractor and Machinery Association will be in full effect at the Putnam County Fairgrounds.

The association will be hosting truck and tractor pulls June 23 and June 24, as well as its craft fair and machinery show. 

On display will be blacksmith demonstrations, wagon rides, an ice cream maker, and plenty of antique tractors, trucks, farm equipment and cars. 

The craft fair will feature over 50 different vendors and will be open to the public from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. June 23 and will kick things off at 9 a.m. a day later. 

General admission and parking will be free, however, the tractor pulls, which begin at 5 p.m., are $10 per person and fans ages 5 and under are free. 

For more information or to get involved in the truck and tractor pulls, call Ethan Woods at 765-721-5515, those seeking information for the craft fair can call Brandi McKinney at 765-720-7841 and those wanting information on the machinery show can call Jim Adams at 317-538-6931. 

Experiences in 4-H and with Extension programs vary and most individuals have their favorite area of activity. Sometimes one can become so wrapped up in their favorite Extension or 4-H activity that they forget about the other areas of entire program. In other situations, individuals may want the program to have objectives that align well with mission and vision statements while other times individuals may have personal objectives that do not align with program mission and vision statements. Both Purdue Extension and Indiana 4-H have their own mission and vision statements. Let’s take a look at these statements:

Indiana 4-H Mission: The Indiana 4-H Youth Development mission is to provide real-life educational opportunities that develop young people who will have a positive impact in their communities and the world.

Indiana 4-H Vision: Indiana 4-H Youth Development s?trives to be the premier, community-based program empowering young people to reach their full potential.

Purdue Extension Mission: We deliver practical, research-based information that enhances lives and livelihoods.

Purdue Extension Vision: We will be a leader in providing relevant, high-impact educational programs that transform the lives and livelihoods of individuals and communities in Indiana and the world.

As we enter the summer time period with exhibit competitions, keep these statements in mind. The real-life educational experiences for youth working on projects and activities will be memorable for them if they are allowed to take ownership and be engaged. Parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and other relatives, it is fine to help give ideas to youth who seek guidance but please don’t do the project and take this great learning opportunity away from the youth.

In the adult exhibitions, you will have opportunities to use practical and research-based information you have learned from Extension programs and other life experiences to demonstrate how your life and livelihood has been advanced. Regardless of youth or adult demonstrations or exhibitions, what you learned is what matters most. Always remember that a placing is no more than ONE judges opinion on that one given day.

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 8:00 am-12:00 pm and 1:00 pm-4:00 pm. 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

June 13 – Cake Decorating 4-H Workshop, 4-7 pm, Harris Hall, Fairgrounds

June 19 – Extension Office Closed for county Juneteenth Holiday

June 20 – Indiana 4-H Quality Assurance Program, 6 pm, York Bldg Fairgrounds

June 21 – Electricity 4-H Workshop, 5-7 pm, York Bldg, Fairgrounds

June 22 – Indiana 4-H Quality Assurance Program, 1:30 pm, York Bldg Fairgrounds

June 23 – Electricity 4-H Workshop, 1-3 pm, York Bldg, Fairgrounds

June 27 – ServSafe Food Handler Course and Exam, 1-5pm, register at https://cvent.me/qd97XM

June 28 – “Men’s Health Month” Bite by Bite podcast episode airs, listen at https://anchor.fm/bitebybite

June 28 – Getting Flowers Ready, 6:30 pm, York Bldg., Fairgrounds

June 29 – Public Speaking and Summer Judging Contest, 5-8 pm, York Bldg, Fairgrounds

July 1 – Last day to sign up for state fair livestock exhibition at least entry cost

July 4 – Extension Office Closed for Independence Day Holiday

July 12 – Canning Workshop, Putnam Co. Fairgrounds, 11am-4pm, registration required at 765-653-8411

A concerning shortfall in blood donations last month could stress the American Red Cross blood supply. The Red Cross collected over 26,000 fewer blood donations than needed in May to meet the needs of patients.

The need for blood is constant, with someone needing a blood transfusion in the U.S. every two seconds. Platelet donors are especially needed at this time. The public can help ensure continuity for patients by making an appointment to give blood or platelets now and in the weeks ahead. 

June 14 is World Blood Donor Day, a day meant to raise awareness of the need for a safe, diverse and stable blood supply and to recognize volunteer blood donors.

In thanks for taking time to help, all who come to give blood, platelets or plasma June 1-30 will receive a $10 gift card by email to a merchant of their choice. Those who come to give throughout June will also be automatically entered for a chance to win a backyard theater package. Details for both offers can be found at RedCrossBlood.org/June.

Download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to schedule a time to give now at a blood drive near you.

Starting Monday, S.R. 236 will close near Russellville for resurfacing work.

It will be closed between S.R. 59 and U.S. 231 through early September, weather permitting.

Indiana State Police troopers from the Putnamville Post and the Vermillion County Sheriff’s Department had the privilege to escort the Vietnam Traveling Wall to Hillsboro in Vermilion County.

The Traveling Wall can be seen through June 11, 9:00 pm. It is open to the public 24 hours a day.

Madison Parker of Pittsboro, will travel to Mobile, Alabama, on Wednesday, June 14, to participate in the 66th Distinguished Young Women National Finals on June 22, 23, and 24 at the Mobile Civic Center Theater.

Parker is one of 50 representatives competing for over $150,000 in cash scholarships and the opportunity to represent the program as the Distinguished Young Woman of America for 2023.

Following her selection as the Distinguished Young Woman of Indiana, Parker began preparations for the National Finals competition, which will include five categories of evaluation: scholastics, interview, fitness, talent, and self-expression.

During her two weeks in Mobile, Parker will participate in team building activities, complete community service projects, interact with the Gulf Coast community through various events, and engage in many hours of rehearsal in preparation for the three-night scholarship competition.

“We are excited to welcome the 50 outstanding state representatives to Mobile for the 66th annual National Finals of Distinguished Young Women,” said Carole Hegwood, Executive Director of Distinguished Young Women. “These young women are accomplished, talented, intelligent, and have exciting futures ahead of them.”

If selected as the program’s overall winner, Parker will spend the next year representing Distinguished Young Women across the country through various appearances and promoting the program’s national outreach initiative of Be Your Best Self. The outreach program is designed to combat major issues facing children today including childhood obesity and high school drop out rates, as well as encourage young people to take an active interest in their communities through service. The outreach program consists of five elements – Be Healthy, Be
Involved, Be Studious, Be Ambitious, and Be Responsible.

Parker is a 2023 graduate of Tri-West Hendricks High School and the daughter of Lori and William Parker.

Putnam County is a large and diverse county encompassing a lot of small communities. Director of the Roachdale Public Library Jennifer Stranger grew up and graduated from North Putnam and says she is blessed to still work in the community.

The Roachdale Public Library wanted to take a moment and celebrate the teachers, aides, staff, students, parents, grandparents and supporters of Roachdale Elementary, with a huge thank you to Principal Beth Waterman at Roachdale Elementary. Together, we embarked this year on a reading challenge to get the students excited about reading and expanding their horizons.

Director, Jennifer Stranger stated, “We honestly had no idea how long the program would hold steam. We found our answer - the ENTIRE school year!”

Over the course of the year, the students at Roachdale Elementary read over 19,000 (19,220!!!!) books and chapters.

Stranger continues, “Students began reading new genres, recommending books to friends, and sharing stories with each other. For all of the parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, teachers, aides, and caregivers who have been encouraging these students - THANK YOU!!!!!! What an amazing group of kids!”

On the final day of school, during the awards ceremony, Mrs. Stranger and Mrs. Waterman celebrated the top readers .

Roachdale Public Library is also offering a full line up of summer programs for all ages this summer! In addition to their traditional Summer Reading program on Thursdays (3:30-4:30 p.m., June 1-July 20), there is a separate program for students going into 4^th-12^th grades on Tuesday afternoons (1-2;30 p.m. June 6 to July 11) and family programs on the 1^st & 3^rd Monday evenings (6:30-7:30 p.m.) and Saturday afternoons (1-3 p.m.).

But wait – there’s more!

Thanks to generous sponsorship from Tri-County Band & Trust and Hoosier Heartland State Bank, the Roachdale Public Library is also offering FREE yoga classes at the Roachdale Community Center. Tuesdays at the Community Center, adults can try out Chair Yoga with Kim Green of Quest for Balance from 3-4 p.m. (June 6, 13, 20, and 27). In addition, Katherine Asbell will lead a Beginner’s Yoga class at the Community Center on Thursdays from 6:30-7:30 p.m. (June 8, 15, 22, and 29).

The library is also partnering with the Roachdale Friends of the Library and Roachdale Community Park to offer FREE lunches on Wednesdays at 11 a.m. from June 7 - July 19.

Check out all of the library events on their Facebook page: Roachdale Public Library, or contact Jennifer at 522-1491 or via e-mail roachdalepubliclibrary@gmail.com.

The open Grief Support Group continues to meet on the first and third Thursday of each month. Our next meeting is Thursday, June 15th at 7:00pm at Gobin Memorial United Methodist Church in the Peace Chapel on the north side of the Sanctuary. Please register at www.dusk-to-dawn.org or call 765-267-1760. The group meets again on June 1st at 7pm.

Celebrating its 10^th anniversary as a non-profit association, the organization helps alleviate the suffering associated with loss and grief by providing free access to support, counseling, education, and resources for anyone in need. These services are made possible through community donations and grants.

In April, Purdue Extension and the Putnam County Soil & Water Conservation District hosted a 4-session Forestry Management Workshop Series. The series featured presentations from Extension Educators, industry representatives, and woodlot owners. This week’s article will feature some of the key points that was shared during the series as it relates to timber harvest.

You may wonder why someone might want to have a timber harvest. There are about six common reasons why individuals have a timber harvest. 

Reason 1. The trees are there and if you don’t harvest, then you may lose that potential funding source. You could lose that source due to disease issues, insect pressure, stress (weather or other cause), and/or storm damage. 

Reason 2. Trees are a renewable resource. Therefore, if you harvest the tree a new one will grow. If you want a certain type of tree, then you would need to plant it, but if you don’t have a preference allow nature to take the course and a seedling might germinate that is in the seedbank underground.

Reason 3. You can use a timber harvest as a periodic source of income. Theoretically, if you properly maintain your forest, you should be able to harvest it every few years (assuming the growth rate of the trees). 

Reason 4. You would like to maintain a healthy forest. As mentioned before, trees can be impacted by disease, insects, weather, and other stressors. As you learn about the signs and symptoms of these issues, you may decide to harvest your timber when you first start seeing an issue in an effort to minimize the impact it has on the overall health of your forest. A good example of this was when individuals decided to harvest ash trees before they were impacted by emerald ash borer. 

Reason 5. Some individuals will have a timber harvest to help provide them with an income to cover unexpected financial needs they have occurred. 

Reason 6. The forest owner wants to salvage any trees that have been impacted by disease or wind before they are fully destroyed. This is similar to reason 4; however, in this case the issue has already caused destruction and you are trying to find some salvageable income from what remains.

Now that you know some of the reason an individual may decide to have a timber harvest, you may wonder what trees are worth harvesting. Recently, the top valued trees have been black walnut, white oak, red oak, black cherry, and sugar maple. However, there are a number of factors that can determine the actual price the timber is valued at. Some of those factors include the tree species, ease of access by the loggers, distance from the saw mill, fuel prices, mill inventory, quality of the tree, contract restrictions, and the need for a county permit (required in some counties). 

Not everyone wants to or needs to have a timber harvest. Some individuals prefer to maintain their forest and allow the trees to grow to their maximum potential without being harvested. Regardless of whether or not you want to have a timber harvest, it is important that you have a basic understanding of timber sells, in case you ever consider the possibility of having one. We will dive deeper into timber harvest in our next column.

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:

June 1 – Last Day to sign up for 4-H Roundup

June 19 – Extension Office Closed for Juneteenth Holiday

June 27 – ServSafe Food Handler Course and Exam, 1-5pm, register at https://cvent.me/qd97XM

June 28 – “Men’s Health Month” Bite by Bite podcast episode airs, listen at https://anchor.fm/bitebybite

July 1 – Last day to sign up for state fair livestock exhibition at least entry cost

July 12 – Canning Workshop, Putnam Co. Fairgrounds, 11am-4pm, registration required at 765-653-8411

It’s a free fishing weekend in Indiana.

On Saturday and Sunday, June 3-4, Indiana residents can fish in public waters and without having to buy a fishing license and/or a trout/salmon stamp.

One free fishing day remains this year. It’ll be on September 23.

The Indiana Department of Veteran Affairs will be offering funding applications to veteran families experiencing financial hardships this summer.

Operation Back to School offers veteran families $500 per dependent child for back to school expenses. Veteran families are able to apply and receive money from the Military Family Relief Fund for children in grades K-12 and full time college students that still live with their veteran family up to age 23.

Applications will be accepted from June 1 to August 31. Those interested in applying must have proof of income, proof of child’s residency, proof of child’s dependency, a bank statement, and a DD 214.

A link to the application is here. 

The Indiana Department of Transportation says State Road 234 in Montgomery County will close for a box culvert replacement project near Ladoga on or after Tuesday, June 6, weather permitting.

The road will be closed between County Road S. 800 E. and Co. Rd. S. 750 E. through the end of July, weather permitting.

This contract was awarded to Conexco, Inc. for $1.1 million. It also involves additional culvert work on S.R. 234, approximately 3.54 miles west of S.R. 75 in Hendricks County and approximately 7.28 miles west of S.R. 75 in Montgomery County.

The entire contract is expected to be completed in June of 2024.