After ringing in the new year, Attorney General Todd Rokita invites Hoosiers to visit?IndianaUnclaimed.gov to see if they have some extra money waiting for them in 2023.  

“Our hardworking Hoosiers deserve to have their money returned,” Attorney General Rokita said. “My office is committed to serving the people of Indiana and protecting their individual liberty. Getting unclaimed property back in the hands of its rightful owner is crucial.”  

With the new year rolling in, let’s celebrate together with newly discovered cash.  

In 2022, Attorney General Rokita’s office returned over $62 million in unclaimed property to its rightful owners. This is in addition to the $48 million returned in unclaimed property in 2021. 

Unclaimed property is any financial asset with no activity by its owner for an extended period of time. This can include once unclaimed property in its custody. The Unclaimed Property Division at Attorney General Rokita’s office conducts outreach efforts to locate the rightful owners or heirs.    

Individuals and/or businesses have 25 years to claim money once it is reported to the Unclaimed Property Division. 

Over $700 million remains to be claimed, and it can be returned to its rightful owners in 2023. Visit IndianaUnclaimed.gov or text CLAIM to 46220 to search your name, family, or business.   

You can also contact the Unclaimed Property Division at 1-866-462-5246 or updmail@atg.in.gov.   

You may also like and/or follow the Unclaimed Property Division on Facebook.   

Two area school districts and an agency will receive employer-sponsored child care grants.

Governor Eric J. Holcomb announced the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration’s Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning is awarding $18.1 million in employer-sponsored child care grants to 64 businesses, community groups and school corporations. The initiative, part of Gov. Holcomb’s 2023 Next Level Agenda, is mobilizing employers and communities to create or expand child care offerings that address the needs of working Hoosiers.

“We wanted those who know first-hand the critical needs of their employees, and those who are best positioned to partner in their communities, to create child care solutions for their workforce, and they delivered,” Gov. Holcomb said. “This effort harnesses the combined efforts of businesses, community groups, and schools that want to support working Hoosiers’ careers and our youngest learners across the state.”

Thirty-three employers plan to provide on-site child care to their employees, and 13 will offer child care tuition benefits to their workers. The remaining awardees plan to support child care for their employees in a variety of other ways, such as reserving seats at partner child care centers. 

Among those chosen from the area include the South Putnam School Corporation ($100, 000), Crawfordsville Community School Corp. ($200, 000) and the Montgomery County Communnity Foundation ($698, 576).

This round of awardees will receive 72% of available funding from the $25 million fund. Round two awardees – which will be announced in early 2024 – will receive the remaining funds.

Thirty large employers with 1,000 or more employees will receive up to $750,000 each. Twenty-five mid-sized employers with between 100 and 999 employees will receive up to $350,000. And nine small employers with between 20 and 99 employees will receive up to $50,000.

“I look forward to seeing all the inventive approaches to child care come to life in communities across the state, and partnering with more businesses, community groups and schools on this important, collaborative effort to support children, their families and the state’s economy,” said Courtney Penn, OECOSL director. “Birth to age 5 are the most critical in a person’s life, and now more of our next generation will receive early education that is crucial to their brain and social development.”

The program, a partnership with the Indiana Chamber of Commerce, uses a portion of the state’s remaining federal relief funds from the COVID-19 pandemic and is part of the state’s broader efforts to strengthen the early care and education sector, providing support for today’s workforce and investing in tomorrow’s. The program is also supported by the Indiana Manufacturers Association.

This week, we will continue our discussion on farm tax information shared during the virtual Tax Strategies for Midwestern Farm and Ranch Women series.

We will begin by talking about whether or not you should use a Schedule F or Schedule C. 

A Schedule F reports the gains or losses from the sale of farm products raised for sale. It does not include gains or losses from the sale of land, depreciable farm equipment, building and structures, or livestock held for draft, breeding, sport, or dairy purposes. Generally speaking, for tax purposes, all individuals, partnerships, or corporations that cultivate, operate, or manage farms for gain or profit would file a Schedule F. If an individual’s business income is not derived from farming, it will generally be reported instead, on IRS Form 1040 - Schedule C, Profit and Loss from Business. This is where you would typically find processed ag products such as wine or packaged meat as examples.

As you may be aware, the federal government uses “brackets” to determine the tax rate to use on your “taxable income.” For 2023, if you are married filing jointing, the tax brackets are:

• Bracket 1       $0-$22,000
• Bracket 2       $22,001-$89,450
• Bracket 3       $89,451-$190,750; and so on. 

What might surprise you is that if your taxable income fell into bracket 3; only part of your taxable income is taxed at that rate. Specifically, if you had $90,000 of taxable income, the first $22,000 is taxed at the rate for bracket 1, the next $67,450 is taxed at the rate for bracket 2, and the remaining $550 will be taxed at the rate for bracket 3. Essentially, only the dollar amounts in each bracket is charged that rate, not the entire amount for the bracket you fell into.

If you are interested in the latest edition of the Farmer’s Tax Guide, please download a copy at https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p225.pdfAs you work on your farm taxes in the coming weeks, we recommend that you take time to visit with your accountant. Please keep in mind that working with your tax professional is a year-round process, but we do recommend having at least one face-to-face meeting annually. Make sure your tax professional has experience with farm returns because you want someone that understands the specialized tax rules associated with agriculture and understands the terms, lingo, and trends of agriculture production.

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:

Jan. 9 – Running for Office, 6-8pm, Fairgrounds, register by Jan. 4 at   
https://tinyurl.com/PutGov24

Jan. 15 – Extension Office closed for holiday

Jan. 25 – Extension/SWCD Annual Dinner, Fairgrounds

Jan. 26 – Managing Your Cyber Ecosystem webinar, 12 Noon, register at https://bit.ly/WIAWebinars2024

Feb. 1, 8, & 15 – Keeping The Business In The Family: A Roadmap to Successful Succession, 9-11 AM, Russellville Community Center, $50 per person, Call
765-653-8411 to register

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

Multiple recycle locations are available to dispose of a live Christmas tree in Putnam and Parke counties.

Road restrictions for Indiana Department of Transportation are in place this week.

Restrictions in both lanes will be happening on S.R. 75 near Coatesville, as well as some shoulder work.

It will continue for a couple days, weather permitting.

It’s almost the New Year, are you planning to make a New Year’s resolution?

Millions of Americans make resolutions every January hoping to improve their health by losing weight, getting fit, or eating healthy.

Make this the year you and your family lead a healthier lifestyle by following these 4 tips:

TIP #1 - Eat the Right Number of Calories for You: Everybody requires a different number of calories depending on their age, gender, height, weight, and physical activity level. To determine the appropriate number of calories for you, enter your information into the Daily Food Plan by USDA's MyPlate to receive a personalized plan.

TIP #2 - Build a Healthy Plate by Following the MyPlate Guidelines:

• Find your healthy eating style and maintain it for a lifetime.
• Make half of your plate fruits and vegetables.
• Move to low-fat or fat-free milk or yogurt.
• Make at least half your grains whole grains.
• Vary your protein routine.
• Make small changes.

TIP #3 - Choose an Eating Style Low in Saturated Fat, Sodium, and Added Sugars: Consuming foods high in solid fats, added sugars, and salt may increase the risk of certain chronic diseases. Drink water instead of sugary drinks and select fruit for dessert. Add spices or herbs to season food instead of adding salt and compare sodium in foods like soup, bread, and frozen meals. Eat cakes, cookies, ice cream, pizza, cheese, sausages, and hot dogs in moderation.

TIP #4 - Be Physically Active Your Way: It is important to be physically active your way. Start by doing what you can and picking activities you like. To gain the most health benefits, adults should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week and youth should do 60 minutes or more of physical activity daily.

This year make your goals SMART, as in Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timely. Ask yourself how you will measure progress and if you goal is attainable. Consider breaking larger goals into smaller ones. It could be overwhelming if you cannot obtain a goal as quickly as you would like. Keep yourself motivated by rewarding yourself in healthy ways!

Source: My Plate

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. 22-Jan.1 – Extension Office closed for Winter Recess

Jan. 9 – Running for Office, 6-8pm, Fairgrounds, register by Jan. 4 at   
https://tinyurl.com/PutGov24

Jan. 15 – Extension Office closed for holiday

Jan. 25 – Extension/SWCD Annual Dinner, Fairgrounds

Jan. 26 – Managing Your Cyber Ecosystem webinar, 12 Noon, register at https://bit.ly/WIAWebinars2024

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

All Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicle (BMV) branches will be closed Saturday, Dec. 23 – Tuesday, Dec. 26 in observance of the Christmas holiday.

Branches will resume regularly scheduled business hours on Wednesday, Dec. 27.

Additionally, branches will be closed Saturday, Dec. 30 - Monday, Jan. 1, 2024, in observance of the New Year’s holiday. Branches will resume regularly scheduled business hours on Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024.

Visit this link for a list of branch hours by location. Customers can also complete over a dozen common transactions at a BMV Connect kiosk or online at myBMV.com.  

The Indiana State Police is proud to partner again in 2024 with the U.S. Department of Justice in promoting the National Missing Children’s Day Poster Contest. 

In 1983, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed May 25th as National Missing Children’s Day.  This day is dedicated to encouraging parents, guardians, caregivers and all concerned individuals with the well-being of children to make child safety a priority.  It serves as a reminder to continue our efforts to reunite missing children with their families and loved ones.  It also serves as an occasion to honor those who are dedicated to this very noble cause.  The National Missing Children’s Poster Contest provides an opportunity for schools, law enforcement, and parents/guardians to discuss and promote child safety.

The state winner will receive a national award certificate from the U.S. Department of Justice and their poster will be selected to go to the national judging competition.  The national winner, along with his/her parents and teacher, and the state manager will be invited to Washington, D.C. to participate in the U.S. Department of Justice’s National Missing Children’s Day ceremony.

Some important facts about the contest:

• There is NO LIMIT on the number of posters a school can submit.
• Only one (1) poster per student is allowed for submission.
• Students who submit posters MUST be in the 5th grade. 
• Artwork should reflect the theme “Bringing Our Missing Children Home”. This phrase MUST appear somewhere on the poster.
• The theme may be depicted in the artwork through one or a combination of illustrations and can be created using media such as acrylics, watercolor, pencils, charcoal, magic markers, spray paint, crayons and pastels. Digitally produced images, collages, cut-outs and stamping WILL NOT be eligible for consideration.
• The finished poster MUST measure 8 ½ x 14 inches.
• The poster must be submitted with a COMPLETED application, which includes a description of the poster and a brief biography of the artist.
• All poster contest rules can be found here: 2024 Poster Contest Packet
• Deadline for submissions from participating organizations to be received by Sergeant Seth Tumey is February 16, 2024.
   

Submissions are to be sent to:
Indiana State Police Museum
Attn: Sergeant Seth Tumey
8660 E. 21st Street Indianapolis, IN 46219
 

If ever a child goes missing, contact your local police department or dial 9-1-1.  It is also a good idea to keep an updated picture or cell phone image, and a DNA sample from your child.  For more safety and prevention tips please visit: 

  http://www.in.gov/amberalert/2335.htm   

Governor Eric J. Holcomb is directing flags to be flown at half-staff in honor of Sandra Day O'Connor, retired Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. Per President Biden, flags should be lowered to half-staff from midnight until sunset on December 19, 2023, marking the day of interment.

Gov. Holcomb is also requesting residents and businesses to lower their flags on the day of internment.

Scholarship application season is in full swing with many due in January or immediately thereafter.

There are two very important features to being successful at receiving scholarships. The first is a “duh!” but seriously, one has to apply with a quality application! Too often scholarships go un-awarded due to no applicants or no applicants who followed instructions. In other instances, one could pay attention to detail with cover letters and power statements to out-compete a limited number of other applicants. Secondly, power statements will be discussed to enhance applications.

There are many Indiana 4-H Foundation scholarships awarded each year. For information about these scholarships and the application process, go to https://extension.purdue.edu/4-H/get-involved/scholarships.html  to find requirements and eligibility along with other various scholarships. Indiana 4-H Foundation scholarships are due January 25th and 4-Hers will use their 4honline account https://v2.4honline.com/ to submit applications. There are state wide competitive awards for youth in grades 10 through the year following high school. The Putnam County focused scholarships through the 4-H Foundation include the Louis and Mary Luzar 4-H Scholarship Endowment (Senior Scholarship) of $1,000 for a current Putnam 4-H high school senior. Also, the Beverly Torr Memorial Scholarship (Senior Scholarship) set up for a 4-Her who excelled in the fashion revue or sewing project activity. The Putnam 4-H Junior Leader senior scholarship will also continue in 2023 as a (Senior) scholarship. In other words, all 4-H seniors should apply for the senior scholarship to determine if any of the numerous awards would be awarded to them. The 4-H Club scholarship is only available to those who will be attending Purdue University.

The Putnam County 4-H Scholarships administered locally by the Putnam County Community Foundation (PCCF) can be applied for using the Putnam County Community Foundation website www.pcfoundation.org online application process. The PCCF application process is available online and include the Brookshire 4-H Scholarship, the Darrel Thomas 4-H Scholarship, Putnam County 4-H Livestock Scholarship, 4-H Dog Club and the Putnam County General 4-H Scholarship. These are due February 2, 2024 but check with PCCF for other scholarships to assure you know deadlines since a few scholarships are outside of the general online application. These 4-H awards are typically between $750 to $1500, though the Putnam 4-H Council will be meeting in January to determine scholarship values based on earnings for their scholarships. These 4-H awards are overseen via agreements between Putnam County 4-H affiliates/clubs and the Putnam County Community Foundation and are not affiliated with the Purdue Extension Putnam County office.

If you have scholarship questions or need help, feel free to contact Mark Evans via email mevans@purdue.edu to help with questions or if you want help with a review.

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

Dec. 22-Jan. 1 – Extension Office closed for Winter Recess

Jan. 2 – Extension Office reopens, 8am

Jan. 9 – Running for Office, 6-8pm, Fairgrounds, register by Jan. 4 at   
   https://tinyurl.com/PutGov24

Jan. 15 – Extension Office closed MLK Holiday

Jan. 25 – Extension/SWCD Annual Dinner, Fairgrounds

In a ceremony before the final Greencastle Common Council meeting of the year, residents and city officials took a moment to honor the tenure of Mayor Bill Dory, as well as outgoing council members Russell Harvey, Dave Murray, Cody Eckert and Veronica Pejril. 

For Dory, the last meeting brought about an end to an eight year tenure and Mayor-elect Lynda Dunbar took a few minutes to highlight some of the accomplishments during Dory's tenure. 

"Bill has given a lot and served a lot. It has been a real pleasure working with Bill. The highlight is the YMCA going up and sidewalks on Indianapolis Road. There have been huge accomplishments and it has been an honor to work with you. You will be missed and congratulations on your retirement," Dunbar said. 

For Dory, his time as mayor has been a "pleasure."

"This community has had great leadership for a long time. People who serve our community day in and day out, for a community our size, we have a great crew that serves our community," said Dory, who added there are a lot of things that take place in the town the community never sees. 

Dory told this in attendance how fortunate the citizens of Greencastle are. 

"I meet with other mayors and hear their stories. Are we perfect? Do we make mistakes? Certainly, but we are fortunate we have people who want to make the community better. Thank you for letting me serve," Dory said. 

Dory was presented with a gift, as were each outgoing council member.

For anyone wishing to get one last glimpse at Santa before the Christmas holiday, there will be three opportunities around Putnam County this weekend. 

Santa will be at the Bainbridge Volunteer Fire Department, 500 W. Pat Rady Way, Saturday morning from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. 

Those attending can get their picture taken with Santa, as well as enjoy milk and cookies and receive a gift. 

There will also be an opportunity for children to visit with Santa at the Putnam County Courthouse Saturday from 9 a.m. until noon as part of the Community Christmas with Cops, sponsored by the Putnam County Fraternal Order of Police. 

The free event features photos with Santa, snacks, crafts and a toy for children. While the event is free, anyone wishing to make a donation can do so or bring nonperishable food items, as well as dog or cat items. 

In addition, those with pets are asked to bring them to Robe-Ann Park for photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus on Saturday. 

The event will take place at the park office, 403 Bloomington St., from noon until 2 p.m. Photos will be available for a donation to Putnam County Animal Care and Hoosier Bakery will be offering treats for pets. 

The Indiana Senate is now accepting applications for the 2024 Senate Page Program.

Through the full-day program, students in grades six through 12 tour Indiana’s Statehouse, listen to debates and help staff with age-appropriate tasks. Students also have the opportunity to meet their state senator. 

The Senate Page Program will begin in January and run through February. Pages are scheduled for Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays during the legislative session. They begin their day at 8:30 a.m. and are dismissed at 3:30 p.m. Groups serve together on Wednesdays.

Serving as a page is considered an excused absence from school. Positions fill quickly, so it is important to apply early.

For more information or to apply, visit www.IndianaSenateRepublicans.com/Page-Program.  

The Greencastle Parks and Recreation Department is sharing its direct line to the North Pole. But the deadline for Letters from Santa is a week away.

You can use the following form to submit.

Gov. Eric Holcomb is directing flags to be flown at half-staff across Indiana in remembrance of Pearl Harbor Day.

Flags should be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Thursday, Dec. 7. Gov. Holcomb is also requesting businesses and residents to lower their flags to half-staff.

The deadline for leaf pick-up in Greencastle was extended to Friday.

Putnam County Sheriff Jarrod Baugh is inviting area K-6 students to a free Breakfast With Santa on December 2 at the Indiana Sheriffs’ Youth Ranch.

Baugh said the holiday event will be hosted at the Sheriffs’ Lodge & Conference Center, located on the ISYR property, 5325 N. State Road 59, from 9 a.m. to 12 noon.

A free breakfast sponsored by the Clay County Optimist Club, Vigo County Sheriff’s Office and the ISYR Chaplain’s Fund will include pancakes, cereal, turkey sausage links, juices and milk.

The ISYR Chaplain’s Fund provides needed clothing, toiletries and food for young visitors to the 62-acre not-for-profit training retreat for future law enforcement officers, at-risk kids, young witnesses and victims of crime.

Baugh encouraged parents and grandparents to make certain kids bring an appetite and a smart phone or camera for selfies with Santa.

Students can also make keepsake ornaments and write letters to Santa. 

No reservations are needed. All parking is free. Handicapped spots are available.

For more information about the Breakfast With Santa, write to the ISYR Chaplain’s Fund, 5325 N. State Road 59, Brazil, IN 47834.