With early voting set to begin this month, Russell Harvey is asking voters for another term representing Greencastle's Ward 1. 

The Democratic incumbent is facing a challenge from Republican David Mastern, who served on council from 1996-2000. 

Harvey was named to the city council earlier this year by the county's Democratic Party when First Ward Greencastle City Councilman Adam Cohen stepped down, citing health issues. 

Public service is nothing new for Harvey, who currently serves as executive director of Main Street and was appointed previously to the Greencastle School Board by the city council. 

"I love this community. I've been blessed to serve in various capacities over the years, most recently on the Greencastle School Board. I was like many of us and having discussions about things I like and don't like. Frankly, I got tired of talking and figured that I should put more action to my conversations," Harvey told The Putnam County Post as to why he is running for office. 

Having served on council since March, Harvey has opinions on what the biggest issues facing the city of Greencastle are. 

"Some might say roads/infrastructure. Some green space. Others schools or parking. All of those are priorities and need continued focus. For me? It's drugs and mental health, along with affordable housing. We have to continue to work with our mental health facilities and law enforcement to provide better resources for those in the gaps. Proper support and funding for our emergency services to better engage these situations. Finding relief for our facilities that are at capacity, and awareness of our needs. In regards to housing, I believe it's a basic human right. While building a better community, we have to focus on these things. Housing isn't an easy challenge. That's why we need collaborative approaches from local leadership. It takes being innovative and taking a look at zoning where possible, use of TIF dollars and reimaging existing structures and places to build new ones. However, the key isn't just housing, the focus should be on affordable housing. We need opportunities for both renters and first time home buyers, both of which, in turn, assist in building a better community," Harvey said. 

Harvey said he wants residents to know he is a community member like everyone else. 

"I was a single dad for many years. I'm now a part of a blended family. I've worked hard, physical jobs and some not so tough. I know what it's like to need assistance, and I know what it's like to have enough. Daycare struggles and all of the things families deal with, good and bad. I don't have a longstanding family name here, just hard work and building community. I get what it's like for families in a way that I'm sure some local officials don't, I'm not always right, but I sure try hard to do right. That's why I'm passionate about serving. Community built me, and I hope that I can contribute to building others. I hope the people will support me in that vision," Harvey said. 

With early voting starting Oct. 11, Harvey said he is hopeful people vote for him because of his track record of living what he speaks. 

"I also want to truly represent the people. No party, no agenda, and, certainly, not just my own thoughts and opinions. We're losing sight of "We the People." We lose sight of that at a local level sometimes, even though it directly affects our friends and neighbors of all walks. I don't want just my voice heard. I want to represent my friends and neighbors in the 1st Ward of Greencastle. We have work to do. We need leadership that's willing to think outside the box, yet still maintaining fiscal responsibility. Roads and various infrastructure will happen. A lot of that is standard territory, even with different approaches to the end result. The piece often missing is building community around those things. Creating a sense of pride, even when it provides temporary inconveniences. It's clear and transparent communication. It's encouraging community involvement and input. We the People make it better and without leaders that encourage that, the status quo prevails. I just hope the people will help me bring that vision to life. Early voting starts Oct. 11- Nov. 6. Election Day is Nov. 7. Please get out and vote. It's our right, and should be our privilege," Harvey said.

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The Indiana Department of Transportation announced earlier in September the traffic shift on U.S. 231 in Greencastle in connection to the ongoing major pavement improvement project. 

This next phase (Phase 1B) is addressing the work on the second half of Bloomington Street, from Washington Street to State Road 240. The work on the west side of Bloomington St. (southbound), with traffic shifted into the northbound lanes on the east side of the road. Traffic is one way, northbound only. Crews are resurfacing and reconstructing the pavement, performing curb work and constructing sidewalks.

This phase is expected to last through the end of 2023, weather permitting. 

In addition to the traffic shift, starting on or after Monday, October 2, the southbound lane of U.S. 231 will be restricted between Frazier St. and Elizabeth St. The northbound lane will be down to 10-feet wide. This will allow crews to safely perform pavement reconstruction work and make sewer improvements. This restriction is expected to last through mid-November, weather permitting. Prior to the lane restriction, utility work will also be underway in the area. INDOT urges motorists to expect traffic delays during this time.

This project includes four phases, and will involve both lane restrictions and closures. The project limits are on U.S. 231, between S.R. 240 and Frazier Street. Work includes milling, curb replacement, curb ramp reconstruction and full-depth pavement replacement work. One-way traffic will be maintained throughout the project, with exception to the closures. 

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FEMA, in coordination with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), will conduct a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) on Wednesday.

The national test will consist of two portions, testing WEA and EAS capabilities. Both tests are scheduled to begin at approximately 2:20 p.m. ET on Wednesday, October 4.

The WEA portion of the test will be directed to all consumer cell phones. This will be the third nationwide test, but the second test to all cellular devices. The test message will display in either English or in Spanish, depending on the language settings of the wireless handset.

The EAS portion of the test will be sent to radios and televisions. This will be the seventh nationwide EAS test.

FEMA and the FCC are coordinating with EAS participants, wireless providers, emergency managers and other stakeholders in preparation for this national test to minimize confusion and to maximize the public safety value of the test.

The purpose of the Oct. 4 test is to ensure that the systems continue to be effective means of warning the public about emergencies, particularly those on the national level. In case the Oct. 4 test is postponed due to widespread severe weather or other significant events, the back-up testing date is Oct. 11. 

The WEA portion of the test will be initiated using FEMA’s Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS), a centralized internet-based system administered by FEMA that enables authorities to send authenticated emergency messages to the public through multiple communications networks. The WEA test will be administered via a code sent to cell phones. 

This year the EAS message will be disseminated as a Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) message via the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System-Open Platform for Emergency Networks (IPAWS-OPEN).

All wireless phones should receive the message only once. The following can be expected from the nationwide WEA test:

• Beginning at approximately 2:20 p.m. ET, cell towers will broadcast the test for approximately 30 minutes. During this time, WEA-compatible wireless phones that are switched on, within range of an active cell tower, and whose wireless provider participates in WEA, should be capable of receiving the test message. 
• For consumers, the message that appears on their phones will read: “THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed.”
• Phones with the main menu set to Spanish will display: “ESTA ES UNA PRUEBA del Sistema Nacional de Alerta de Emergencia. No se necesita acción.”

WEA alerts are created and sent by authorized federal, state, local, tribal and territorial government agencies through IPAWS to participating wireless providers, which deliver the alerts to compatible handsets in geo-targeted areas. To help ensure that these alerts are accessible to the entire public, including people with disabilities, the alerts are accompanied by a unique tone and vibration. 

Important information about the EAS test:

• The EAS portion of the test is scheduled to last approximately one minute and will be conducted with the participation of radio and television broadcasters, cable systems, satellite radio and television providers and wireline video providers.
• The test message will be similar to the regular monthly EAS test messages with which the public is familiar. It will state: “This is a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System, issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, covering the United States from 14:20 to 14:50 hours ET. This is only a test. No action is required by the public.

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Detectives from the Putnamville State Police Post initiated a criminal investigation at a local establishment in Farmersburg in the early morning hours of September 23.

The investigation was in reference to a firearm being pointed at patrons, shots being fired and battery of a patron at the establishment.

Through the course of the investigation, detectives received an active warrant for Phillip A. Foster, 28, of Rosedale, on several felony charges. On September 29, the U.S. Marshal Task Force was able to locate Foster and take him into custody without incident.

Foster is charged with Aggravated Battery, Level 3; Criminal Recklessness With a Deadly Weapon, Level 6 Felony; Possession of a Firearm by a Serious Violent Felon, Level 4 Felony; Intimidation to Commit a Forcible Felony With a Deadly Weapon, Level 5 Felony.

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The news coming out of the Humane Society of Putnam County was not good Friday morning, as it took to social media alerting the public the animal intake is closed until further notice. 
In a post on Facebook, the Humane Society of Putnam County stated it only had space to house 27 dogs inside and it currently is housing 52. 

"This means we are not taking in strays either until further notice, it's come to the point of crisis mode. We can't make room when there isn't room to be made," the Humane Society of Putnam County wrote. 

The Humane Society is asking if someone sees a stray animal around Putnam County to take a photo and post it to Facebook. 

"Most of the time you can find an owner or someone can point you to the direction of who owns it. If you are able to house the animal until you can find the owner with knowing the potential, you might not find the owner and get stuck with an animal, then pick it up at your own risk," the Humane Society wrote. 

Officials with the Humane Society said they have been running at or over capacity all year, citing they are a "small staff and are overrun with animals at this point." 

“The Putnam County Community Foundation is committed to supporting local philanthropy, and we know first-hand the power of endowment. A $50,000 gift today can grow to $150,000 in 50 years even while providing over triple its initial value in grants to support the community,” commented Neysa Meyer, Executive Director of the Putnam County Community Foundation. “Our entire community wins when we invest our resources in charitable endowments which will continue to make an impact for generations to come.”

Share the Dream will run from October 10-17. Eligible funds must receive qualifying donations totaling a minimum of $250 during the program dates to receive a portion of $35,000 endowment building grant.The first $250 in qualifying donations made will be matched dollar for dollar. Donations beyond the first $250 will be matched proportionally with the remaining match grant dollars across all participating funds.

All cash and check donations must be received at the Putnam County Community Foundation between 8:30 AM on Tuesday, October 10 and 5:00 PM on Tuesday, October 17. Checks dated or received outside the program dates will not qualify. Online gifts may qualify if they are made between 12:00 AM on Tuesday, October 10 and 11:59 PM on Tuesday, October 17 at pcfoundation.org.

This year, there will be two additional grant prizes of $1,000 each awarded to the fund with the most donors and the fund which raises the most money.

Consider a gift to a fund listed above and help them increase their impact. Donations can be mailed to 2 S. Jackson St., Greencastle 46135, or can be made online at www.pcfoundation.org.

For additional information about Share the Dream, persons may contact Sarah Stone at sstone@pcfoundation.org or call the office at 765.653.4978.

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Attorney General Todd Rokita is advising Hoosiers to watch for texts and emails informing them of shipping-and-delivery issues with items they supposedly have ordered.

Scammers are flooding inboxes with these false claims in an effort to steal personal information and/or lure victims into unknowingly downloading malware onto their computers or phones. The fraudulent emails and texts often contain links purported to help the consumer track a package — when in reality those links connect to malicious websites.

These scam messages typically appear to come from such sources as Amazon, FedEx, the U.S. Postal Service, UPS and others.

If you receive an email or text of this nature, DO NOT click on any links or reply in any manner.

Instead, if you believe there is any possibility such a message could be valid, simply contact the delivery carrier yourself by navigating to the appropriate website — without using any contact information provided in the suspicious text or email.

Anytime you believe you are the target of a scam attempt, you may file a complaint at in.gov/attorneygeneral/ or call 1-800-382-5516.

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Heavy trash day is Saturday in Greencastle.

Details are in the following post by the City of Greencastle.

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Bittersweet.

That is how Greencastle officials describe the news they are leaving the Western Indiana Conference for a new, unnamed conference beginning with the 2024-25 school year. 

"It's exciting and a little sad. We weren't looking to leave the WIC, and we weren't unhappy," Greencastle High School principal Chad Rodgers told The Putnam County Post. 

On Monday night, the Greencastle School Board approved the departure from the Western Indiana Conference for a new conference that will feature the likes of North Putnam, Crawfordsville, North Montgomery, Western Boone, Frankfort, Southmont and Cascade, as well as the Tiger Cubs. 

According to Rodgers, when North Putnam and Cascade, who was leaving the Indiana Crossroads Conference for the WIC, both decided to leave, that is when Greencastle officials began having internal conversations.

"In my opinion, movement by North Putnam in the spring and a desire to get to eight teams in the new conference played big roles. My take was the end goal was to get to eight teams in the new conference. It was new to us and we were content and fine in the WIC, and then things went dormant. Cascade then made the decision to leave and join the new conference and that changed the geography of things. We have good relationships with the WIC teams, and I appreciate the new conference being honest with us and giving us time to see what we wanted to do," Rodgers said. 

Part of the internal conversations included talking to all athletic coaches, surveying athletic families and having discussions with both the middle school and high school athletic directors, as well as the superintendent, Rodgers said. 

"We had no conversations with anyone. Everything was up front and we only talked with the conference. We had been invited, had heard rumors of leaving the WIC. In a meeting this fall, it was evident Cascade was leaving the WIC and we wanted to be diligent. When our neighbors left and there was seven teams, we had to look at it," Rodgers said. 

The survey of the families was overwhelming in making a move, and Rodgers said 100 percent of the athletic coaches were in favor. 

"The surveys offered three choices -- leave, stay or don't care. We gave facts and asked, and about 60 percent were in favor of leaving. All of our coaches were in favor," Rodgers continued. 

Currently, Greencastle is in the Western Indiana Conference, which features Northview, Indian Creek, Owen Valley, Sullivan, Edgewood, South Putnam, North Putnam, Cloverdale, West Vigo, and Brown County. 

Greencastle's football team already plays new conference member North Putnam in football, but Rodgers said Greencastle plays many of the other programs. 

"One of the big positives with the new conference is distance. That was a big factor. Also, we have a lot more feeder programs in the new conference and more sports. We are more common in athletics and we are all more like sized," Rodgers said. 

Despite the move, Rodgers is optimistic Greencastle can keep playing its county rivals as much as possible. 

"We are excited about our new opponents, but we want to keep the county rivals as much as we can. We appreciate South Putnam and Cloverdale and the priority will be to try and keep them. The same with our regional games, like against Owen Valley. Those are great rivalries with a long history, big gates and everyone benefits when we play each other," Rodgers said. 

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As an educator, Sonny Stoltz understands the significance of addressing needs. 

It's one reason why the Cloverdale High School principal embraced the concept of a food pantry to help the community. 

"There were a few members in our community that saw the need and attempted to get a pantry up and running. They were valiant in their efforts but the need was greater than they could endure creating. Resources/volunteers was the biggest concern. They pitched the idea to the Superintendent, Mr. Greg Linton, and he came to me to see if it was a possibility. I was happy to hear of the possibility, and quite frankly, love to help the less fortunate," Stoltz told The Putnam County Post. 

From there, Stoltz took the idea to staff, students and other stakeholders to gauge interest. 

"They all welcomed the idea. It has been rewarding and a pleasure to see the impact and effects this endeavor has had on all those who have participated to date," Stoltz said. 

Stoltz said the food pantry is open to anyone in need of help. 

"We will not turn away anyone who darkens our doorstep. We just want to provide a quality and resourceful pantry for all those who need it," he said. 

Stoltz said the school loves the community of Cloverdale, and as the school, it is the central hub of the community. 

"We have the most thoughtful and service above self students and staff imaginable. It is an honor and a privilege to help anyone in our community or surrounding communities in their time of need," Stoltz said. 

The Clover Cupboard is set to open the second Wednesday of the month from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. and the fourth Friday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. 

For more information, contact the high school at 765-795-4203. 

Eric Rippy understands how tough it can be to bounce back after spending time in jail.

In 2006, he was facing a 28-year sentence when he decided to help addicts, forming Recovery Raw Putnam County. 

The work continues eight years later, as Rippy was instrumental in the formation of the Recovery Raw Putnam County Criminal Diversion Program recently. 

The program was implemented to decrease recidivism in drug arrests, help active addicts by offering them addiction recovery and make Putnam County safer, according to Rippy. 

"When these first and second time offenders are offered a diversion, that means that with the completion of this 12 month program, the individual will not become a felon. That is life changing when offered the proper treatment and tools to change their current way of thinking," Rippy told The Putnam County Post. 

The only way to be a part of the program is to be arrested and charged with a drug related felony, Rippy said. 

"This is for first time offenders," Rippy noted. 

The program is aimed to give those arrested for a first time drug offense a "second chance at a productive life."

"It is a second chance at a productive life that so many only wish they would have been offered. It means being able to rent an apartment in your name, take that life changing job or travel the world because, yes, they hit a tough spot in life, but our county, our prosecutor and probation department, and Recovery Raw cared enough about you to offer this once in a lifetime program and give the chance to not only offer help to deal with trauma that caused the addiction, but also combat the addiction," Rippy said. 

Rippy and the probation department have done intakes for a dozen individuals that are currently incarcerated, and Rippy admitted new people are being added each week. 

He said the response has been great. 

"Personally, the last statement made by the individual being considered is, "After my year with you and I am free, will you still be there to give continued support?" It's very encouraging. The answer, of course, is yes I will. Recovery Raw will always be open to these individuals on a willing basis upon completion of the diversion program," Rippy said. 

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For Tadd Clark, there was no other choice.

Construction on US 231/Bloomington Street in recent months has forced Clark to make the decision to relocate his business, TF Clark Auto Brokers, 705 S. Bloomington St., Greencastle. 

"The road is opened up now, but I had been looking for months. Customers couldn't park here, cars had to cut through the grass. Sales have been down 80 percent since construction started," Clark told The Putnam County Post. 

Clark said there were multiple instances where road paving equipment was left in the driveway of his business, a cone was placed in the driveway making it impossible to tell where the driveway was, and the construction impacted not just his business but others. 

"I got hundreds of messages where people said they were impacted. I am not complaining about the new construction, but I am not sure why they tore it up several times, left it and left equipment in my entrance for days. The biggest frustration was equipment blocking my driveway. I had to constantly ask for it to be moved if we could find someone. People couldn't figure out how to get in at times," Clark said. 

He said he took the issue to the City of Greencastle, and was told there wasn't much the city could do. 

TF Clark Auto Brokers will relocate to Plainfield mid-October Clark said. 

"I am from here, and graduated from North Putnam. It's super frustrating. I just want to thank our customers in Putnam County, and I am sad to leave. We have a lot of friends here and I appreciate their business and hope they will follow us to Plainfield. I think it'll be a good thing," Clark said. 

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A missing Owens County man has been found in a pond.

The Owens County Sheriff’s Office received a call about a body found in a pond at a residence in Patricksburg.

The Owen County Sheriff’s Office responded with the county coroner, Indiana Conservation officers and the Patricksburg Fire Department. They were able to recover the body of Christopher Callas.

Callas was reported missing by his family on September 6.

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A Brazil couple found themselves behind bars on drug charges following a visit from the Clay County Adult Probation Department. 

According to police, the probation department, along with the Clay County Sheriff's Department visited a residence in Brazil and discovered a large amount of meth, marijuana and paraphernalia. 

Upon investigation, police arrested James Anderson, 44, of Brazil, and Tabitha Anderson, 45, also of Brazil. They were transported to the Clay County Jail, where they were booked on several charges. 

Both were booked on a Level 2 felony charge of dealing meth, a level 3 felony of possession of meth, a Class A misdemeanor of possession of a controlled substance, a Class B misdemeanor of possession of marijuana and a class c misdemeanor of possession of paraphernalia. 

A week after a motion for a special exception was denied, it is back to the drawing board for the Cold Spring Solar Farm proposed project. 

For almost a year and a half, officials with Tenaska and Arevon have worked to bring a 200-megawatt solar farm to 1,400 acres of farmland in Russell Township in Putnam County. 

The proposed solar farm has received a tax abatement from the county council, a $6 million economic development agreement with the commissioners, and Tenaska and Arevon officials have said the Cold Spring Solar Farm would have numerous economic benefits, including more than $40 million paid in taxes, as well as 214 direct jobs. 

But, all that has come to a screeching halt following a recent vote by the Putnam County Board of Zoning Appeals, who denied a motion to approve a special exception for the proposed development by a vote of 4-1. 

As a result, there are two avenues for Cold Spring Solar Farm to take. Officials can wait six months and apply to the BZA again or take the matter to court. 

Nick Gentry, spokesman for Cold Spring Solar Farm, told The Putnam County Post all options are being looked at to move the plan forward. 

"We believe Cold Spring Solar would create major benefits for Putnam County and are still interested in moving the project forward. We will make a decision on the next steps for the project soon," Gentry said. 

According to Jeffrey Lee, director of community relations for Arevon Energy, landowners in Putnam County chose to lease land to host the project and it was designed to meet the stringent requirements of Putnam County's solar ordinance. 

"The Cold Spring Solar project would occupy less than one percent of the agricultural land in Putnam County, while creating more than 300 construction jobs and delivering an impressive $6.3 million in economic development payments to the county. Over the course of the project's lifetime, Cold Spring Solar will contribute approximately $75 million in tax revenue to the community," he said. 

Lee said Cold Spring Solar has been "actively engaged with the community" throughout its development process and has provided a dedication to transparency and open dialogue through the establishment of a local office, support for events in the community and an informational open house. 

"The Cold Spring Solar team addressed questions from the public and provided detailed studies and technical information to demonstrate that Cold Spring Solar would be safe, reliable and a good neighbor to the community," Lee said. 

Furthermore, Lee pointed out Putnam County Planning Director Lisa Zeiner recommended approval to the Board of Zoning Appeals. 

"We believe that landowners have the right to use their private property as they see fit and that the local government should not infringe on those rights. We are disappointed in the recent decision by the Board of Zoning Appeals and are looking at all options to continue moving Cold Spring Solar forward, enhancing the prosperity and sustainability of Putnam County," Lee said. 

The Greencastle Fire Department extended congratulations to all of the Putnam County agencies who received awards at the annual Indiana Emergency Response Conference banquet. 

The award winners include:

PCEMS - ALS Provider of the Year (Non-Fire Based)

PMH Ambulance - BLS Provider of the Year (Non-Fire Based)

Chief Mike Poole - Volunteer Fire Chief of the Year

Dr. Paige Ostahoski - Medical Director of the Year

PCEMS, Putnam County 911, Putnam County Sheriff’s Department, Greencastle Fire, Madison Fire, and Roachdale Fire - Heroic Rescue of the Year

A Republican caucus has been scheduled to replace State Senator Jon Ford.

Ford announced he is resigning from his elected position on October 16.

The caucus will take place October 2 at the Northview High School Auditorium in Brazil. The person chosen will serve out the remainder of Ford's term through 2026.

Ford has been in office since his election in 2014. He ran unopposed in 2022.

Senate District 38 covers Vigo and Clay Counties and a portion of Sullivan County.

The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration’s Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning announced that the On My Way Pre-K program for eligible 4-year-olds and their families has reached record enrollment – supporting more than 7,500 Hoosier children so far this year, up about 21% from last year.  

On My Way Pre-K allows 4-year-olds from low-income families to receive a free, high-quality, pre-kindergarten education through Indiana’s only state-sponsored pre-kindergarten program. Information about the program and the link to apply can be found at OnMyWayPreK.org.  

More children than ever before are eligible due to Gov. Eric J. Holcomb and the Indiana General Assembly expanding eligibility this year. Starting in August, children were eligible if their families made as much as 150% of the federal poverty level, up from 127%. For example, a child from a family of four is eligible if household income is $45,000 per year or less.  

“We are celebrating supporting an additional 1,300 children this year, giving them an equal opportunity to learn and grow alongside their peers,” said Courtney Penn, director of the Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning. “I am proud of our team’s commitment to reach kids in every county, ensuring that as many young learners as possible are better prepared for elementary school and beyond.”  

Though school has started, families can still enroll. Staff and partners continue to work to recruit more On My Way Pre-K providers to support as many children as possible. An easy-to-use, online application called “Early Ed Connect” serves as the application for both On My Way Pre-K and child care assistance provided via the federal Child Care Development Fund, or CCDF.  

Eligible families may choose from any of the more than 1,100 approved On My Way Pre-K programs located across Indiana. These programs are operated in homes, centers, schools and religious settings, allowing families to choose the type of setting that works best for them. Families can search approved providers at www.ChildCareFinder.IN.gov.  

More than 28,000 Hoosier children have attended pre-K through the On My Way Pre-K program since it began in 2015. The program, which started as a five-county pilot and then expanded to 20 counties in 2017, became a statewide program in 2019. A long-term study released last year showed that children who attend On My Way Pre-K are better prepared for school and that the benefits continue well into elementary school. 

Families may call 800-299-1627 for assistance from an early learning referral specialist or for other questions about On My Way Pre-K. 

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Indiana’s unemployment rate in August stands at 3.4%, according to the Indiana Department of Workforce Development. By comparison, the national unemployment rate for August stands at 3.8%.

In addition, Indiana’s labor force participation rate moved to 63.5% for August, remaining above the national rate of 62.8%. Indiana’s total labor force, which includes both Hoosiers employed and those seeking employment, stands at 3,429,353 - a decrease of 714 from the previous month.

"The number of Hoosiers in the labor force remains near an all-time high, and the need for skilled workers has never been greater," said DWD Commissioner Richard Paulk. "Individuals looking for their next job are encouraged to visit a WorkOne office or utilize the online resources available through the Indiana Department of Workforce Development to re-enter the workforce and fill one of the many open positions across the state. For many of Indiana's most in-demand jobs, there are resources available to obtain the necessary skills Indiana employers require. Qualifying workers may be eligible for free training to help them increase their earnings."

Private sector employment in Indiana decreased by 4,400 jobs over the last month, resulting in a gain of 45,800 jobs from this time last year. Indiana's August private employment stands at 2,843,100. 

Industries that experienced job increases in August included construction, which had 1,300 jobs added over the month, and manufacturing, which increased by 400 jobs.

As of Monday, there were 104,794 open job postings throughout the state. In August, 15,247 unemployment insurance claims were filed in Indiana.

Individuals looking for work, training or career information are encouraged to visit in.gov/dwd/job-seekers.

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Chris Callas is missing from Owen County.

Any information regarding his whereabouts should be directed to the Owen County Sheriff’s Office. 812-829-4874.

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The Indiana Department of Transportation is looking for individuals to fill jobs for this winter.

INDOT will host Winter Seasonal Hiring Events on Tuesday, September 26 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (local time) at 13 locations across the state.

Winter seasonal positions run from early November to early April. Pay starts at $21 per hour for full-time operations and $25 per hour for on-call snowplow-only operations. Job duties for full-time seasonal positions include performing general highway maintenance, traffic maintenance, snow and ice removal and other duties related to winter operations.

A valid CDL is required to be considered for full-time or on-call positions.

Registration is not required to attend the event. Interviews will be conducted on-site, and INDOT team members will be available to answer questions and provide more information about open positions and careers with the agency.

For a full list of hiring event locations and more information, visit bit.ly/INDOTSeasonal or text INDOT Winter to 468311.

Harvest season is officially underway for Indiana’s 94,000 farmers, which means more slow-moving farm equipment will be on Indiana’s rural roads and highways. To keep Hoosiers safe this year, state agencies are asking motorists to be alert and patient, as they share the road with farm equipment this fall.

“At least once each fall as I am traveling through rural Indiana, I find myself behind or crossing paths with large agricultural equipment,” said Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, Indiana’s Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development. “It is important to remain alert this fall and keep an eye out for these slow-moving farm vehicles, and if the opportunity allows, to safely navigate around them.”

In 2020 three vehicles were involved in crashes with farm equipment in Indiana which resulted in two deaths, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

“The fall harvest season is certainly an exciting and busy time for farmers and motorists,” said Don Lamb, director of the Indiana State Department of Agriculture. “By working together to practice alert driving, we can all make it home safely to our families each night.”

Farm equipment during harvest season could include tractors, combines, grain carts, grain wagons and large trucks hauling agricultural products. These vehicles are wide, sometimes taking up most of the road, and often travel at speeds no greater than 25 mph.

The following list includes several safety tips for motorists approaching large farm equipment:

• Farmers will pull over when they are able to let motorists pass, but it may take time for them to get to a safe place to do so.
• Be alert. Farm equipment is wide, sometimes taking up most of the road.
• Be careful when passing. Do not pass in a designated “No Passing Zone” or within 100 feet of any intersection, railroad grade crossing, bridge, elevation structure or tunnel.
• Do not try to pass a slow-moving vehicle on the left without ensuring that the vehicle is not planning a left turn. It may appear that the driver is pulling over for you to pass when it is actually preparing to turn. You will drive right into its path, endangering yourself and the farmer.
• Avoid tailgating, as some farm equipment might have to make sudden stops along the road.
• Allow plenty of time to get to a destination, be aware of alternate routes and avoid distractions.

“When you see farmers out working and moving from field to field, please be patient as they work to harvest their crops which are needed to help feed our communities and the world,” said Doug Carter, Indiana State Police Superintendent. “Let’s all work together to help ensure everyone’s safety on our roadways.”

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Indiana State Police Superintendent Doug Carter recently announced the promotion of Trooper Colton Maynor to the rank of Trooper Detective.

Maynor’s responsibilities will include conducting criminal investigations and managing, investigating, and processing crime scenes. He will also be interviewing victims, witnesses, and informants. Detective Maynor will also be responsible for appraising affected commanders and other personnel of crime investigations and related activity.

A native of Greencastle, Detective Maynor is a 2012 graduate of South Putnam High School. He attended Vincennes University and graduated with an Associate Degree in Criminology in 2014, and then received a Bachelor's Degree in 2021 for Homeland Security.

Detective Maynor was a member of the 2015, 75th Indiana State Police Recruit Academy and was assigned to the Lafayette Post upon graduation, transferring to the Putnamville Post in 2016, where he worked as a road patrol trooper assigned to Putnam County. Throughout his career he has served the state police as a member of the Tactical Intervention Platoon, as a Defensive Tactic Instructor, and an Internet Crimes Against Children Investigator.

First Sergeant Brian Maudlin, commander of Criminal Investigations at the Putnamville Post stated, “We are very excited to have Detective Maynard become part of our investigative team here at the Putnamville Post. He will be an asset. Maynor’s primary county of assignment will be Putnam County, where he will continue to serve his community.”

Detective Maynor is a resident of Putnam County with his wife, Alex, and two children, Oaklyn and Rowen.

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While an investigation continues into a stabbing in Fillmore on Friday, the Putnam County Sheriff's Department is releasing a few details. 

According to the Putnam County Sheriff's Department, a woman was stabbed during an altercation in the backyard of a residence located across from the Hoosier Market, 401 North Main Street. 

The victim has been identified as Cathy Weddle, and she was airlifted to a hospital with knife injuries that are not believed to be life threatening, officials said. 

"Detectives are still putting the pieces together and gathering further witnesses and those involved with the incident," Detective Captain Doug Nally told The Putnam County Post. 

Nally said individuals involved in the altercation will be named once the investigation is complete. 

"The investigation is ongoing and all information will be turned over to the Putnam County Prosecutor, Tim Bookwalter, once it is complete to determine if any charges will be filed from the incident," he said.

Parke County Sheriff Jason Frazier took to social media Sunday evening with an update in a missing person's case dating back to June. 

"On today's date at 5 p.m., I received a call from a local realtor. The realtor was showing a residence and property to some potential buyers, when they discovered Betty Jane Capps' 2007 Ford Focus. This location is in the rural Rockville area. The vehicle was found approximately 200 yards off the roadway, down an embankment. Human remains were found near the vehicle," Frazier wrote in a post. 

Frazier said deputies with the Parke County Sheriff's Department, Indiana State Police's Crime Scene and the Parke County Coroner's Office were on the scene and investigating. 

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends," Frazier wrote. 

Capps was last seen on June 29 at approximately 4 p.m. in Mecca, Indiana, when she and her vehicle disappeared. 

The sheriff's department had conducted multiple searches using drones, wing aircraft and off road vehicles searching for Capps.