Effective Oct. 1, 2021, two Indiana county income tax rates will increase, according to the Indiana Department of Revenue (DOR).

Local income tax rates are determined by county officials and provided to DOR for review regarding compliance with Indiana law.

Below are the two counties impacted along with their new tax rates:

Owen County: 0.025 (increased from 0.016)

Warrick County: 0.01 (increased from 0.005)

These tax rates affect businesses with employees who live or work in any of these counties and have income tax withholdings.

For Indiana residents on Jan. 1, 2021, county tax rates for individuals are based on the employee’s Indiana county of residence on that date.

For individuals who are not Indiana residents on Jan. 1, 2021, county tax rates are based on the individual’s county of principal business or employment on Jan. 1.

A complete list of current rates for all Indiana counties is available on DOR’s website in Departmental Notice #1 at dor.in.gov by clicking on the “Legal Resources” icon, then choosing “Tax Library” and selecting the “Departmental Notices” tab.

The Indiana Department of Transportation will be hosting a Statewide Winter Seasonal Hiring Event on Thursday, September 30 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. local time in various locations across the state.

Winter seasonal employment runs from November through March at a starting pay of $20 per hour. INDOT offers $250 sign-on and $500 retention bonuses for eligible candidates. Candidates must have a valid commercial driver's license (CDL). A high school diploma or GED is preferred, but not required.  

In the West Central District, hiring events will take place at the following locations:

• Terre Haute: 5693 East Sony Drive, Terre Haute
• Cloverdale: 10 High Street, Cloverdale
• West Lafayette: 2319 U.S. 231, West Lafayette
• Crawfordsville: 139 West 300 North, Crawfordsville 
• Frankfort: 1675 West State Road 28, Frankfort

INDOT staff will be on hand to answer questions and provide more information on open positions and careers with INDOT. Registration for the hiring event is not required, but candidates are encouraged to apply online prior to attending.

Visit indotjobs.com or text "INDOT Winter" to 468311 to learn more about the hiring events and to submit an application. Please email careers@indot.in.gov with any questions.

A Silver Alert has been issued regarding a Hendricks County man.

The Hendricks County Sheriff’s Department is investigating the disappearance of Michael Depasquale, a 58-year old white male, 5 feet 7 inches tall, 204 pounds, with brown hair with brown eyes, and last seen wearing a gray long sleeve shirt and sweatpants.

Michael is missing from Avon and was last seen on Tuesday, September 28,  at 9:00 PM. He is believed to be in extreme danger and may require medical assistance. 

If you have any information on Michael Depasquale, contact the Hendricks County Sheriff’s Department at 317-839-8700 or 911.

Lori S. White, whose presidency of DePauw University started amid a global pandemic, is scheduled to be inaugurated Friday, Oct. 1, the first woman and the first person of color to lead DePauw in its 184-year history.

The inauguration's theme is "Still I Rise," based on the poem by Maya Angelou, which is one of White's favorites. The ceremony will feature a rendition of Rosephanye Powell's song "Still I Rise" by the DePauw Chamber Singers.

The university Board of Trustees voted unanimously in March 2020 to appoint White, and she assumed the presidency the following July 1. She previously was vice chancellor for student affairs at Washington University in St. Louis.

Her inauguration was postponed because of the COVID-19 pandemic, and precautions will still be taken at the rescheduled event, which is set for 2 p.m. Friday on the south steps of the Emison Building, 204 E. Seminary St., Greencastle. Attendees are required to wear masks.

The ceremony will feature student leaders and representatives of Greek organizations; members of the DePauw faculty and staff; alumni; and representatives of more than 50 higher education institutions from across the country. They include her mentor, former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, the Thomas and Barbara Stephenson senior fellow on public policy at Stanford University, and her successor at Washington University, Anna Gonzalez.

The ceremony will start with an invocation and a libation ritual, directed by Thomas Parham, president of California State University, Dominguez Hills. The celebratory ritual, as interpreted by many Black Americans, is the offering of drink to ancestral spirits.

The keynote address will be given by Holden Thorp, editor-in-chief of the Science family of journals; White reported to him when he was provost and executive vice chancellor for academic affairs at Washington University. White's inaugural address will follow.

Other highlights of inaugural week are:

Thursday:

2 p.m. The naming of Vernon Jordan Residence Hall, 220 E. Olive St.

3 p.m. A symposium to highlight DePauw leaders, present and past. Students and faculty and staff members will present on topics such as DePauw firsts; Percy Julian and the rise of inclusive pedagogy in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry; moving beyond problematic hierarchies of musical value and toward an inclusive curriculum; celebrating the stories of Black biologists and the path toward diversity, equity and inclusion in STEM; and why gender matters at DePauw. Green Center.

6 p.m. Women leadership panel, featuring four alumna who have broken barriers, given back through civil service or philanthropy and have led organizations and communities. Green Center.

Friday:

2 p.m. Inauguration ceremony. South steps, Emison Building.

4 p.m. Reception. Great Hall, Green Center.

President White's biography:

Lori S. White is DePauw's 21st president; she succeeds D. Mark McCoy, who became DePauw's president in July 2016.

White was chosen by an 18-member presidential search committee that worked eight months to identify DePauw's next leader. The committee was chaired by Justin Christian '95 and comprised of alumni, faculty members, staff, students and administrators. Interest in the DePauw presidency was high, with college presidents, vice presidents and corporate executives seeking consideration.

In addition to the presidency, White holds the rank of professor of education studies at DePauw.

She came to DePauw from Washington University, where she was vice chancellor for student affairs. She has more than 40 years of experience in both student-focused leadership and academic roles. Before joining WashU in 2015, she was vice president for student affairs and clinical professor of education at Southern Methodist University; associate vice president for student affairs at the University of Southern California; associate vice president for student affairs and dean of students at San Diego State University; and assistant vice provost for undergraduate education and director of undergraduate advising at Stanford University.

White earned an undergraduate degree in psychology and English from the University of California, Berkeley, and a doctorate in education administration and policy analysis from Stanford. She also attended Harvard University's Institute for Management and Leadership in Education and is passionate about the power of the liberal arts.

She comes from a family immersed in higher education. Her husband, Anthony Tillman, is DePauw's dean of student academic success and equity. Her late father, Joseph L. White, was known as the father of black psychology and was the first African American to receive a doctorate in clinical psychology from Michigan State University. Her sister, Lisa D. White, is a Ph.D. geologist and director of education and outreach at the University of California Museum of Paleontology.

The Indiana State Police is accepting additional applications for the 82^nd Recruit Academy. 

Individuals who are interested in beginning a rewarding career as an Indiana State Trooper must apply online at IndianaTrooper.com.  This website will provide a detailed synopsis of the application process as well as information on additional career opportunities with the Indiana State Police.

Note:  If you have already applied for the 82^nd Recruit Academy you do NOT need to reapply. Please contact a recruiter about participating in the testing. 

Applications must be submitted electronically by 11:59 pm (EST) on Wednesday, September 29.  Applications submitted after the deadline will not be accepted for the 82^nd Recruit Academy.   

If selected to proceed in the selection process, applicants will complete the Physical Abilities Test, Written Examination, and Oral Interview in one weekend.  Testing will be held Saturday & Sunday, October 2 - 3, at the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy in Plainfield, IN.  Applicants must pass each phase of the selection process to continue to the next phase.  Further details and instructions will be sent by email to applicants by the end of business September 30, 2021. 

Basic Eligibility Requirements and consideration factors for an Indiana State Trooper:

1. Must be a United States citizen.
2. Must be at least 21 and less than 40 years of age when appointed as a police employee. (Appointment date is June 16, 2022)
3. Must meet a minimum vision standard (corrected or uncorrected) of 20/50 acuity in each eye and 20/50 distant binocular acuity in both eyes.
4. Must possess a valid driver's license to operate an automobile.
5. Must be willing, if appointed, to reside and serve anywhere within the State of Indiana as designated by the Superintendent.
6. Must be a high school graduate as evidenced by a diploma or general equivalency diploma  (GED).                                                                              

The starting salary for an Indiana State Police Department Recruit is $1,615.39 bi-weekly during the academy training.  At the completion of academy training, the starting salary is $48,000.00 a year. 

Recruits of the 81^st Recruit Academy are offered an excellent health care plan, which includes medical, dental, vision and pharmacy coverage for both current and retired employees, along with their families, until reaching age 65. 

The Indiana State Police pension program provides a lifetime pension after 25 years of service.  Additionally, the Indiana State Police Department provides comprehensive disability coverage and a life insurance program.  Student loan forgiveness programs are being offered at this time through the following:  https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/repay-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service

Current Law Enforcement Officers:

Current Law Enforcement Officers having a minimum of three continuous years of merit full time law enforcement service as of November 23, , if they choose, will be assigned to the District where they currently reside.

Current Out of State Law Enforcement Officers having a minimum of three continuous years of merit full time law enforcement service as of November 23, 2021, if they choose, may be afforded their District of choice, if their home state certification is determined equivalent to the Indiana Law Enforcement Training Board standards. 

Interested applicants can obtain additional information about a career as an Indiana State Trooper by visiting IndianaTrooper.com. Applicants can also contact a recruiter at isprecruiting@isp.in.gov.

The Indiana Department of Health announced today that booster doses of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine are available to eligible Hoosiers following federal authorization of the additional dose.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Thursday recommended the administration of a booster dose of the Pfizer vaccine to counter waning immunity in specific populations following the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA’s) decision to expand its Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) to include the boosters. Previously, the FDA had authorized a third dose (Pfizer or Moderna) for immunocompromised individuals who did not build protection from the vaccine.

The single booster dose can be administered at least six months after completion of the second dose and applies only to individuals who previously received the Pfizer vaccine. Individuals who received the Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccines are not eligible at this time.

According to the CDC:

    Individuals ages 65 and older and residents of long-term care facilities should receive a booster dose.

    Individuals ages 50 to 64 with underlying medical conditions that put them at high risk of severe COVID-19 should receive a booster dose.

    Individuals ages 18 to 49 with underlying medical conditions may receive a booster dose, based on their individual benefits and risks.

    Individuals ages 18 to 64 who are at high risk of COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of an occupational or institutional risk of exposure may receive a booster shot based on their individual benefits and risks.

Eligible Hoosiers who want to obtain a booster dose can go to www.ourshot.in.gov and search for a site that has the Pfizer vaccine, which is designated by PVAX, or call 211 for assistance. Hoosiers are encouraged to bring their vaccination card to their appointment to ensure that the booster dose is added.

Upon arriving at the vaccination clinic, Hoosiers will be asked to attest that they meet the eligibility requirements listed above. Beginning Monday, that attestation will be incorporated into the online appointment registration at www.ourshot.in.gov.

A Silver Alert has been announced from Morgan County.

The Morgan County Sheriff’s Department is investigating the disappearance of Madelyn Miller, a 23 year old white female, 5 feet 7 inches tall, 115 pounds, brown hair with brown eyes, last seen wearing a dark shirt, jeans, and white shoes, and driving a tan 2003 Chevrolet Impala with an Indiana license plate of 944RVI.

Madelyn is missing from Mooresville and was last seen on Wednesday, September 22, at 5:00 pm.  She is believed to be in danger and may require medical assistance. 

If you have any information on Madelyn Miller, contact the Morgan County Sheriff’s Department at 765-342-5544 or 911.

Just before 11:00 am this morning, Hendricks County Deputies responded to a call about a gunshot victim at the TA Truck stop at SR 39 and I-70.

A male driver of a Subaru Outback and his female and infant passengers were eastbound on I-70 near the 57 mile marker, just west of State Road 39, were traveling in the left lane when they were passed, on the right, by a white vehicle with dark tinted windows. The passing vehicle, believed to possibly be a Hyundai Elantra, then cut in front of the victim.

The victim changed into the right lane, pulling alongside the white car. A passenger in the white car then fired a gun multiple times at the victim driving the Subaru, striking him in the lower leg. The suspects continued eastbound on I-70.The victim exited I-70 on the State Road 39 exit at the TA truck stop and dialed 911.  

The victim, whose name has not yet been released, had nonlife-threatening injuries to his lower leg and was taken to an Indianapolis area hospital. His female and infant passengers were not injured during the incident. The incident is believed to be a case of road rage.

The suspect vehicle is described as a white 4 door passenger car with dark tinted windows, possibly a Hyundai Elantra occupied by at least 3 black males.  Anyone with any information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Hendricks County Sheriff’s Office Investigations Division at (317) 745-9354 and reference case number 21-7769.

A St. Louis company has announced the purchase of a Parke County industry.

Spartech, a leading manufacturer of engineered thermoplastics and custom packaging solutions, announced the acquisition of Crawford Industries, L.L.C. This partnership will provide Spartech with new opportunities for growth and strengthen its abilities to develop and deliver standard and custom plastic sheet and packaging products to its valued customers.

“It’s the beginning of a great and mutually beneficial relationship – Spartech has the desire and resources to help Crawford take its business to the next level, and they have high-quality, thin-gauge capabilities that will enhance Spartech’s existing product offerings,” said Spartech CEO John Inks. “Together, we will be able to offer our joint customer base a wider array of products that we can leverage into new, more complete and more customized solutions.”

“Joining an industry leader with 14 manufacturing sites and a unique Innovation Center, a diverse arsenal of technologies, and enduring customer partnerships will accelerate Crawford’s growth initiatives,” said Kendall Faulstich, Co-President of Crawford Industries.

Crawford Industries has more than 50 years of experience in manufacturing thin-gauge extruded polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) sheets and converting them into unique, environmentally friendly products that will add depth to Spartech’s plastic products line. Founded in 1959 by Ken Crawford, the company’s ability to not only extrude, but also convert PE and PP products through printing, die cutting and a variety of finishing capabilities, gives it a distinct differential advantage in its markets and provides one-stop shopping for its customers.

About Spartech

Headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri with a unique Innovation Center and 14 manufacturing facilities located throughout the United States, Spartech is a leading plastics manufacturer of engineered thermoplastic materials and specialty packaging products. Meeting exact standards for everything from food packaging to aerospace and automotive applications, Spartech continues to make a world of difference with sustainable, diverse, reliable and innovative products including UltraTuf™, Royalite®, Korad™, PreservaPak™, and Polycast®. https://spartech.com/ 

About Crawford Industries

With plants in Crawfordsville, Indiana and Thomasville, Georgia, Crawford Industries is the leading producer of graphic-quality polyethylene and polypropylene sheet and the industry leader in printing and converting for 50 years. Crawford makes custom packaging using plastic materials t

A Greencastle woman was killed in a one-vehicle Tuesday accident.

Anita Cundiff, 48, of Greencastle, was the driver of a vehicle that went thru an intersection, left the road and struck a utility pole at a high rate of speed just after 10:00 am. The accident occurred near 50 South County Road 100 East; locally know as Crows Bridge Road.

A witness told emergency responders they observed a vehicle driving what they assumed to be 100 mph or more.

Several area Duke Energy customers nearby lost power.

The Putnam County Sheriff’s Department, Greencastle Fire Department, and Putnam County EMS, along with County Coroner, Todd Ziner were at the scene Tuesday morning.

The following information was released by Tzouanakis Intermediate School Principal Jennifer Rhodes regarding a reported threat at the school Tuesday morning:

This morning at arrival, it was reported that a student had come to school with a knife and that the student had it in the desk. Upon notification, school officials immediately conducted an investigation. The knife was immediately confiscated by school officials and the Greencastle Police Department was notified. The student was removed from class and proper action was taken to ensure the safety of all of our students and staff. The student and parent fully cooperated in our investigation.

Please be assured that safety is my top concern and priority for our school. It is unfortunate that this situation occurred today but I am proud of how our staff and students responded by reporting and taking serious action to keep our school safe. We would encourage parents to talk with their children regarding school safety and the severity of threats directed towards students, staff and our schools.

A fatal accident occurred Tuesday morning just after 10:00 am. The accident occurred near 50 South County Road 100 East; locally know as Crows Bridge Road.

A witness told emergency responders they observed a vehicle driving what they assumed to be 100 mph or more.

The driver, whose name has not been released as of this report, hit a utility pole, knocking out power residents in the area. Duke Energy was called to the scene around to assist with the power lines and power outage.

While the accident took place near the old Crows bridge, which is over the railroad tracks, the vehicle did not land on the tracks; however, CSX was notified of the incident, in case of further issue.

The vehicle was removed just after 1 pm; however, it would be around 2 pm when emergency vehicles returned to their respective stations.

On scene were Putnam County Sheriff Department, Greencastle Fire Department, and Putnam County EMS, along with County Coroner, Todd Ziner.

Several Putnam County businesses will be aided by Covid-19 grants issued through the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs

Putnam County Commissioners announced 26 local business received a grant of just over 9,600 back in June of this year. Kristy Jerrell, of Jerrell Consulting, stated the law required her to hold a second, and final hearing for the release of the grant money, despite the money already being distributed.

Putnam County was able to contribute $6,250 of the EDIT funds for a local match, which was used for the administration of the grant money. The bulk of the money came from the Putnam County Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) Covid-19 Phase 3 Grants to small businesses. The county was awarded $250,000. After reviewing applicants for the grant, 26 checks written to businesses on June 23, 2021; 25 checks of $9,615.38 each and one check for $9,615.50.

The following is a list of businesses who received a portion of the IOCRA grant:

1. Big Bounce Fun House Rentals, 3583 E. State Rd. 240, Greencastle, IN 46135
2. Brenco Services LLC dba The Maids, 3197 S. US Hwy 231, Greencastle, IN 46135
3. Camryn’s Pet/Livestock Sitting, 2326 N. County Rd. 50 E., Greencastle, IN 46135
4. Castle Sound, LLC, 1502 Albin Pond Rd., Greencastle, IN 46135
5. Chicago’s Pizza, 1004 N. Main St., Cloverdale, IN 46120
6. Doug and Carrie Enterprises LLC, 5382 E County Rd. 600 S., Greencastle, IN 46135
7. Econolodge, 1010 N. Main Street, Cloverdale, IN 46120
8. Fighting Chance Medical Training, LLC, 2326 N. County Rd. 50 E., Greencastle, IN 46135
9. Harris Sugar Bush LLC, 999 E. County Rd. 325 N., Greencastle, IN 46135
10. Harvest Moon B&B, 4209 E. County Rd. 50 S., Fillmore, IN 46128
11. Hatchet House BBQ & Catering, 12 E. Washington Street, Roachdale, IN 46172
12. Hicks & Sons, 2740 E. County Rd. 900 S., Cloverdale, IN 46120
13. Hutch’s Body Shop/Graphic Shack Signs, 3216 S. County Rd. 675 E., Greencastle, IN 46135
14. JM Service, 3016 W. County Rd. 300 S., Greencastle, IN 46135
15. Krambos LLC, 4248 W. US Hwy 40, Greencastle, IN 46135
16. Krupa Inc., 924 N. Main Street, Cloverdale, IN 46120
17. Marsee Tree Service, Inc., 3139 S. County Rd. 500 E., Greencastle, IN 46135
18. McCammon Agency Corp., PO Box 418, 357 E. North St., Cloverdale, IN 46120
19. Morton Hook & Sinker & County Store, 4919 W. US Hwy 36, Greencastle, IN 46135
20. Putnamville Collision, Inc., 551 W. US Hwy 40, Cloverdale, IN 46120
21. Scorpion Protective Coatings, Inc., 6184 S. US Hwy 231, Cloverdale, IN 46120
22. Scott A. Armitage, DDS, 104 S. Main Street, Cloverdale, IN 46120
23. Shiv Hospitality, Inc. dba Days Inn, 1031 N. Main Street, Cloverdale, IN 46120
24. Summit Builders, Inc., 2015 S. County Rd. 500 E., Greencastle, IN 46135
25. Aries Lodging, Inc. dba Super 8 Motel, 1020 N. Main Street, Cloverdale, IN 46120
26. Taylor Made Awards & Apparel, 1292 N. Jackson Street, Greencastle, IN 46135

The Indiana Department of Transportation announces a patching project is underway on I-70 westbound.

The contractor is currently strengthening the inside 4 ft. shoulder. This work is scheduled to last through this weekend, weather permitting. Then traffic will be shifted into the left lane while patching work occurs in the right lane.

The contractor will have a two and one half of one mile construction zone set up. The restrictions will be in place around the clock with the exception of Fridays between 6 a.m. until 9 p.m. The construction is scheduled to last through Wednesday, November 17.

The contract was awarded to Rieth-Riley Construction for $17 million. This project will deep patch the interstate in both directions from the 40 mile marker, one mile west of U.S. 231 (Exit 41) to the 58 mile marker, nearly one mile west of S.R. 39 (Exit 59). The eastbound lanes of I-70 and the area in Clay County will be under construction next year. The Clay County portion of  the I-70 patching will occur from approximately the 22.5 mile marker, one half of one mile west of S.R. 59 (Exit 23) to the 29 mile marker. The completion date is May 26, 2022.

INDOT reminds motorists to follow the posted work zone speed limit, use caution and consider worker safety when traveling through a construction zone. 

An arrest has been made in the murder of a woman in Owen County.

The Owen County Sheriff’s Office reports Jay White, 36, of Spencer, was arrested at the Indianapolis International Airport late last night by detectives with the Owen County Sheriff’s Office.

White is charged with shooting Elizabeth Stevens.  Stevens body was found along Texas Pike near Manhattan Road on September 14.  The Owen County Sheriff’s Office says Stevens died of a single gunshot wound to the head and was shot while she and White were passengers in a vehicle.

The investigation into the case continues.

Harvest season is here and for some that means visiting pumpkin patches and apple orchards, but a reminder for motorists that harvest season also means farmers will begin harvesting this year’s corn and soybean crops. That means more slow-moving agricultural equipment will be traveling on Indiana’s rural roads and highways. 

“Fall is one of my favorite seasons of the year, and I know for many others it's their favorite, too. While traveling along our rural roads I often come across tractors, grain wagons and combines traveling between fields to harvest their crops,” said Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch. “I want to encourage all motorists to slow down, be patient and be on high alert for agricultural equipment on our roads this harvest season.”

In 2019 in Indiana, farm equipment vehicles (other than trucks) were involved in three accidents, with one fatality, according to the National Highway Traffic Administration.

“Harvest season is a busy time for both farmers and motorists, I want to remind everyone to slow down and be courteous on our rural roads and highways,” said Bruce Kettler, director of the Indiana State Department of Agriculture. “Slow moving farm equipment typically travels at 25 miles per hour or less, so be sure to exercise caution when approaching.”

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 patient. 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.

The Putnam County Health Department has released information of a positive test for West Nile in a mosquito sample:

Indiana Department of Health officials have confirmed the presence of West Nile virus in mosquitoes in Putnam County.

The sample was taken in Greencastle on August 28.

As of September 16, no human cases have been detected; however, health officials are encouraging all Hoosiers to take steps to protect themselves from insects and diseases they may carry. The Indiana Department of Health expects to see increased West Nile activity throughout the state as the season progresses until the first freeze.

Recommended preventative measures include:

• Avoid being outdoors when mosquitos are active (especially late afternoon, dusk to dawn, and early morning)

• Apply an EPA-registered insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para- menthane-diol, or 2-undercanone to clothes and exposed skin

• Cover exposed skin by wearing a hat, long-sleeved clothing, and long pants in places where mosquitos are especially active such as wooded areas

• Install or repair screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitos out of your home

Containers as small as a bottle cap can be a mosquito breeding ground. The following steps should be taken to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds around your residency:

• Discard old tires, tin cans, ceramic pots, or any container that can hold water

• Repair failed septic systems

• Drill drainage holes in recycling bins or any containers left outdoors

• Keep grass cut short and shrubbery trimmed

• Clean out clogged roof gutters and downspouts

• Frequently replace the water in pet bowls

• Flush ornamental fountains and birdbaths periodically

• Aerate ornamental pools or stock them with predatory fish

The Indiana Department of Health states that West Nile Virus disease is the most commonly reported mosquito-borne disease in Indiana and the United States. Most people who become infected with West Nile Virus do not develop any symptoms, but some can develop severe inflammation in the brain, spinal cord, or other parts of the nervous system.

If you think that you may have West Nile Virus disease, contact your primary care physician as soon as possible.

To learn more about West Nile Virus, see below and visit: https://www.in.gov/.../zoonotic.../diseases/west-nile-virus/

Refunds are on the way for over 100 customers impacted by billing oversights for city water in Cloverdale.

During the September Cloverdale Town Council meeting, many issues and concerns were discussed. One involved an oversight in billing for city water. Cloverdale residents are charged in part for storm water. However, residents outside of city limits are not allowed to be charged that fee, yet some were. Over 120 customers were affected, to the tune of $22,000 worth of overpayments, and will be getting a refund check based on the amount they overpaid. Again, this only applies to those on city water who live outside of city limits.

Another concern was the local park. The park cabin roof needs repaired and the park itself needs general repairs and updates. The Heritage Preservation society donated $1,000 to help with the cost of the roof, while the $4,000 CCI fund will be used for the rest of the park.

The Cloverdale Volunteer Fire Department has been a concern for some time. One of the issues between the town of Cloverdale and the CVFD was a contract they were legally obliged to that was 20 years old. As the world changed and inflation increased the cost of materials and services, the contract kept Cloverdale and CVFD tied to outdated procedures. Now, they have adopted a new contract that is only five years, allowing both parties time to readjust when the contract ends. Cloverdale has agreed to pay CVFD $35,000 a year and agreed to be responsible for maintenance costs, equipment, insurance, and the first 10,000 gallons of water used. Furthermore, Cloverdale is transferring the real property that is home to the CVFD to the TWP Trustee. This will allow the fire department to operate as if they own the building, allowing them to update as they need to accommodate modern times.

C Bar C extended their property line to that of the city line; this entitles them to sewage access. At first glance, this does not appear to help Cloverdale and, instead, cost the town money in order to put in a new line leading to the nearest sewage structure. This could be relatively cheap at an estimation just above $5,000. However, the council decided to spend an estimated $10,500 for the project. Instead of installing a single line to the nearest sewage station, they will build a new structure or sewage station. This will allow some of the developable areas access to the sewage system; a prime consideration for housing developers.

The final, and likely the biggest, concern was the shape of the roads. Town Manager, Jason Hartman, had spoken with Greencastle City officials, including Mayor Dory, and learned that the entire county was included on the Readi Grant application. The Cloverdale Town Council had already decided in previous meetings to apply for the Community Crossings grant, which they hoped to apply in time to receive the January round of awards. After a lengthy discussion, including the input received from Greencastle Mayor Dory, it was decided to wait on applying for the Community Crossings grant. The town will wait until the results of the Readi Grant are released and then apply for the Community Crossings grant in time for the second round of awards that come in midsummer. This will allow for more money at one time to make the needed repairs to the roads as well as save money on the cost of an engineer, as the engineer will only be needed one time instead of two.

The Owen County Sheriff's Department has confirmed their investigation into what is now being called a homicide.

About 9:30 pm Tuesday, deputies were dispatched to Texas Pike near Manhattan Road.  A person had been found lying in the road at that location.

A deceased female was found.  An autopsy was ordered to aid in positive identification and cause of death.

Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita announced a settlement reached by his Consumer Protection Division with California-based StubHub Inc. concerning the company’s refusal to pay refunds to consumers for concerts, sports events and other events canceled as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Indiana is joined by nine other states and the District of Columbia in a multistate resolution with the company.

“Hoosiers have suffered enough from the pandemic without having to pay admission to events canceled due to circumstances quite outside their control,” Attorney General Rokita said. “They have every right to expect these refunds, and we will always work diligently to protect consumers.”

StubHub operates one of the largest ticket-reselling marketplaces in the country. Under its “FanProtect Guarantee,” StubHub offered consumers full refunds of the purchase price and fees they paid for tickets if their events were canceled. In March 2020, however, following the mass cancellation of entertainment events, StubHub stopped honoring its refund guarantee and instead told its customers that they would receive account credits equal to 120% of their purchases to be used for future events and denied their requests for refunds.

Following the commencement of the states’ coordinated investigations, in May 2021 StubHub reversed its decision and notified its customers that if they purchased tickets prior to March 25, 2020, and their events were canceled, they would receive full refunds of the amounts they paid for their tickets to events unless they elected to retain their account credits. This included approximately 6,800 consumers residing in Indiana or purchasing tickets for events in Indiana, who had previously purchased tickets on StubHub’s marketplace under terms that included the FanProtect Guarantee.

Consumers who have not been contacted by StubHub and believe they are entitled to a refund may either contact StubHub at (866) 788-2482 or the Indiana Attorney General’s Office at 1-800-382-5516.

The settlement also includes an injunction that requires 1) StubHub to clearly and conspicuously disclose any modification to its refund policies before a consumer agrees to it, 2) honor those policies when events are canceled and 3) promptly process refund requests it receives from consumers for the events at issue going forward. The agreement also provides for a $382,500 civil penalty, which will be waived provided that it pays the refunds owed to Indiana consumers and it does not violate the other terms of the agreement.

Most of Indiana remains in the higher risk categories of Covid-19 spread with orange and red dominating the state's coronavirus map.

Putnam, Parke, Clay and Hendricks counties are all listed as Red this week.  Montgomery and Morgan counties are Orange.

Indiana has reported a dip in Covid-related hospitalizations this week but intensive care units are still stressed.  Over 2500 patients were in hospitals with Covid, as of Tuesday.   That number dropped since Monday but is still double the numbers from one month ago.

Covid patients were reportedly taking up 32% of the available ICU beds in the state which are at 82% capacity.

22 of the state's 92 counties are in the Red category, highest level for Covid-spread, on the state's dashboard map.  67 are at the next level below in Orange.

Greencastle was one of the many recipients to receive the OCRA grant, and no. It’s not a lifetime supply of the curious little vegetable found in soups or deep fried on a buffet table.

The Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs, or OCRA, works with communities, most notably with grants, to restore, repair, and revitalize in order to help improve the quality of life for the citizens in those communities.

Many communities throughout the state apply for grants throughout the year and this year Greencastle was chosen to receive a grant.  The City plans on using the $700k grant for the water system; new generator at the plant, replacement water trunk on Albin Pond Road, and fire hydrant upgrades as well as new fire hydrants.

The new generator for the water plant will be 6kw, bigger than the current generator, so the plant can keep running during power outages. Currently, the plant can only maintain minimal operation, requiring manual operation, during power outages.

The replacement water trunk on Albin Pond Road will actually be in three different segments, running from Shadowlawn to Toddson Drive. The current water main along Albin Pond was described as being in “rough shape.”

Throughout the City of Greencastle, nine fire hydrants need upgrades to maintain code. The city will also be able add ten additional fire hydrants to areas deemed necessary.

This OCRA grant, when added to a match from the Water Works budget savings, comes to a total of $1.2 million. Because money was saved by the water department and the OCRA grant was received, the city hopes to temper any future rate increases. The City is looking to do the engineering this winter and start the Albin Pond Road construction the summer of 2022.

The Indiana State Police is accepting additional applications for the 82nd Recruit Academy. 

Individuals who are interested in beginning a rewarding career as an Indiana State Trooper must apply online at IndianaTrooper.com.  This website will provide a detailed synopsis of the application process as well as information on additional career opportunities with the Indiana State Police. Note:  If you have already applied for the 82nd Recruit Academy you do NOT need to reapply. Please contact a recruiter about participating in the testing.

Applications must be submitted electronically by 11:59 pm (EST) on Wednesday, September 29, 2021.  Applications submitted after the deadline will not be accepted for the 82nd Recruit Academy.           

If selected to proceed in the selection process, applicants will complete the Physical Abilities Test, Written Examination, and Oral Interview in one weekend.  Testing will be held Saturday & Sunday, October 2 - 3, 2021 at the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy in Plainfield, IN.  Applicants must pass each phase of the selection process to continue to the next phase.  Further details and instructions will be sent by email to applicants by the end of business September 30, 2021.  

Basic Eligibility Requirements and consideration factors for an Indiana State Trooper:

1. Must be a United States citizen.
2. Must be at least 21 and less than 40 years of age when appointed as a police employee. (Appointment date is June 16, 2022)
3. Must meet a minimum vision standard (corrected or uncorrected) of 20/50 acuity in each eye and 20/50 distant binocular acuity in both eyes.
4. Must possess a valid driver's license to operate an automobile.
5. Must be willing, if appointed, to reside and serve anywhere within the State of Indiana as designated by the Superintendent.
6. Must be a high school graduate as evidenced by a diploma or general equivalency diploma (GED).                                                                                

The starting salary for an Indiana State Police Department Recruit is $1,615.39 bi-weekly during the academy training.  At the completion of academy training, the starting salary is $48,000.00 a year. 

Recruits of the 81st Recruit Academy are offered an excellent health care plan, which includes medical, dental, vision and pharmacy coverage for both current and retired employees, along with their families, until reaching age 65. 

The Indiana State Police pension program provides a lifetime pension after 25 years of service.  Additionally, the Indiana State Police Department provides comprehensive disability coverage and a life insurance program.  Student loan forgiveness programs are being offered at this time through the following:  https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/repay-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service

Current Law Enforcement Officers:

Current Law Enforcement Officers having a minimum of three continuous years of merit full time law enforcement service as of November 23, 2021, if they choose, will be assigned to the District where they currently reside.

Current Out of State Law Enforcement Officers having a minimum of three continuous years of merit full time law enforcement service as of November 23, 2021, if they choose, may be afforded their District of choice, if their home state certification is determined equivalent to the Indiana Law Enforcement Training Board standards. 

Interested applicants can obtain additional information about a career as an Indiana State Trooper by visiting IndianaTrooper.com. Applicants can also contact a recruiter at isprecruiting@isp.in.gov.

The Indiana Department of Transportation announces a public informational meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 14 for the proposed U.S. 36 added travel lanes project in Avon.

The meeting will be held at the Avon Town Hall in the Council Chambers located at 6570 E. U.S. 36, Avon.  Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. will the presentation to begin at 6:00 p.m.

The meeting will inform the community of the project scope and schedule, describe preliminary design plans and solicit input and comments from the community. An open house with a question and answer session will be offered before and after the presentation. The meeting will also establish the Community Advisory Committee for the project which will identify willing participants to represent their effected community through the project development process.

The proposed recommended alternative involves an added travel lane project beginning just west of Avon Ave. (Old S.R. 267) to just west of Ronald Reagan Parkway. The proposed improvements will involve milling, resurfacing, and widening of the existing roadway to provide three through travel lanes in both the eastbound and westbound directions on U.S. 36. A single left turn lane would be provided in both the eastbound and westbound direction at each signalized intersection. Right turn lanes would be provided, as required.

A combination of storm sewer, curb turnouts with ditches and drive pipe culverts are proposed to handle drainage along the corridor. The existing traffic signals may require modification or replacement.

The existing horizontal alignment of US 36 will remain unchanged. The profile grade will match the existing profile grade.

INDOT is also providing a virtual opportunity to watch the public information meeting live online. The presentation will be conducted via Microsoft Teams, an online meeting platform. If you would like to attend virtually, please click the following link to follow along with the project team:

https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_YjIxMzUyZGYtYzdjOS00ZmVhLTk0OTMtNjI5NGYzY2MxYzk3%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%2256e7165c-4169-4e68-96c0-25c600451ffc%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%229c91745b-b6fd-47f6-ab90-1d2eecbf67ba%22%7d.

Two festivals join together this weekend at the Putnam County Regional Airport.

Putnam County Airport Appreciation Days and the 2021 Putnam County Green Light Art Festival are together on Saturday after Covid prevented them from happening a year ago.

It’s the fourth-annual art festival, hosted by Putnam County Comprehensive Services.

Airport Appreciation Days will offer a chance to take to the skies.

And plenty more to see and do at the airport this weekend.

Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch and the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs announced 25 rural Indiana communities will receive more than $12.8 million in federal grant funding to improve water infrastructure and to address blighted properties. 

“These grants are important for our rural communities to continue their economic and community development,” Crouch said. “Not only does this funding help address blight and water infrastructure issues, but also is an important investment to improving the quality of life and quality of place for Hoosiers.”

The State of Indiana distributes Community Development Block Grant funds to rural communities, which assist units of local government with various community projects such as infrastructure improvement, downtown revitalization, public facilities and economic development. 

The City of Greencastle was awarded $700,000 to rehabilitate an at-risk trunk line, which will include the installation of new fire hydrants and new valves that will increase fire protection and system isolation capabilities. The project will also include water treatment plant expansion of electrical capacity to allow the?plant?to function properly and decrease the possibility of water system failure.

“We need to ensure our Hoosier communities have safe, reliable structures and water infrastructure,” said OCRA Executive Director Denny Spinner. “These grants will help towns and cities to make necessary, and sometimes critical, improvements to their water systems or remove blight property to help provide a safe and healthy community for its residents.”

Funding for OCRA’s CDBG programs originates from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Community Development Block Grant program and is administered for the State of Indiana by OCRA. 

A Putnam County business will receive Manufacturing Readiness Grant.

The Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC), in partnership with Conexus Indiana, announced the fourth round of awards totaling more than $2.8 million to 34 Indiana businesses in Manufacturing Readiness Grants to support a projected $17.4 million in technology-based capital investment in Indiana.

Liberty Trailers in Fillmore designs and manufactures commercial-grade trailers suitable for homeowners and businesses such as car and equipment haulers and dump, utility, tilt, flatbed and pipe trailers. The company is investing in fully autonomous, robotic welding cells and increasing internal fabrication capacity.

 
The Manufacturing Readiness Grants program was launched in 2020 to stimulate private sector investments to modernize Indiana’s manufacturing sector. Based on the program’s success, the Indiana General Assembly appropriated $20 million in additional funding to the two-year state budget that runs through June 30, 2023, to help position Hoosier operations for future growth and prosperity. Availability of the new funding on July 1, 2021, has enabled a total of 122 awards to date totaling nearly $9.7 million in grants to Hoosier companies in 50 counties, supporting technology-based capital investment projected to be more than $68.6 million. 
 

The Indiana Department of Workforce Development (DWD) and WorkOne Central are hosting a virtual job fair highlighting dozens of job openings in Hendricks and Morgan counties.

The virtual job fair is scheduled to run from 2 to 3 p.m. EDT on Thursday, Sept. 23, 2021.

Participating employers will include Campbell’s Snacks, Deckers Brands, GXO, HomeGoods D.C. and TOA (USA).

A variety of positions are available at each company. Presenters from each will discuss job opportunities in detail, along with benefits and how to apply. 

“Recruiting continues to be a high priority for local employers as the economy continues to recover. Many openings exist and the Region 5 Workforce Board, in partnership with DWD, is working to assist employers with filling these openings,” said Lance Ratliff, Executive Director of Region 5 Workforce Board. “The virtual hiring fair provides an opportunity for employers to showcase their companies, career opportunities and benefits to a large number of interested job seekers in one setting. Questions can be answered in real time including how to apply for employment. We encourage all those seeking work to attend the hiring event to learn more about the many opportunities for employment.”

Those interested in the job fair but unable to attend are encouraged to still register, as a recording will be sent via email the following day.

To register, visit: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5036315627354442508.

After registering, a confirmation email will be sent containing information about joining the webinar.

 Indiana State Police Superintendent Douglas Carter has announced the promotion of Region III Dispatch Center Shift Supervisor Paula Summitt to the position of Regional Dispatch Center Manager. She was chosen after a promotion process that included an oral interview and review of overall her work performance.

A native of Spencer, Summitt graduated from Owen Valley High School in 1991. She started with ISP in 2012 when she was hired as a Region III Dispatcher. In 2017 she was promoted as Region III Dispatch Center Shift Supervisor.

Summitt's new responsibilities will include direct supervision of Regional Dispatch Center Shift Supervisors, and management of subordinate communications operational personnel, operational functions, and other resources to ensure the Center functions at peak efficiency and accuracy, ensuring officer and public safety. The Bloomington Regional Dispatch Center serves southwestern Indiana that includes the Bloomington, Jasper, and Evansville districts.

Paula and her husband Chris reside in Spencer and have two grown children and two grandchildren.

More than 70 rural and volunteer fire departments from 46 counties have been awarded more than $319,000 in Volunteer Fire Assistance grants.

The awards will be used for training, installation of dry hydrants, or to purchase necessary firefighting equipment and gear to combat wildland fires. The grants are administered by the DNR  Division of Forestry and made available through the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service.

Recipients were selected based on population density, acres of public wildlands protected, and wildland fire reporting to DNR Fire Control Headquarters. As in past years, emphasis was given to projects that involve the fighting of wildfires.

The awarded grants range from $1,590 to $5,000 and were given to 73 departments.

Fire departments receiving the grants in 2021, county, the amount of the grant, and the project category include:

Van Buren Township Volunteer Fireman’s Assoc., Inc. (Clay), $5,000.00 - Safety

Stilesville Volunteer Fire & Rescue, Inc. (Hendricks), $2,365.00 - Safety

A & A Township Volunteer Fire Department, Inc. (Morgan), $5,000.00 -  Wildland

Gregg Township Fire Department  (Morgan), $2,500.00 - Safety

Washington Township Fire Department (Morgan), $5,000.00 - Safety

Adams Township Fire Department  (Parke), $5,000.00 - Water Handling

J.U.G.A. Volunteer Fire Department (Parke), $5,000.00 - Safety

The sights and sounds of a downtown festival in Greencastle tonight.  But it’s the tastes that are the feature attraction.

Taste of Putnam County is tonight.  Putnam County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Brian Cox sets the stage.

Executive Director of Main Street Greencastle Mike Richmond highlights the entertainment.

Richmond notes there’s even an early music opportunity.

A number of corporate sponsors have provided the backing to make Taste of Putnam County possible.

The Covid testing and vaccination clinic held at Robe Ann Park August 23-25, was a success.

It was the first time the Indiana Department of Health had deployed a strike team to Greencastle and with the help of the Putnam County Board of Health and the Greencastle Parks and Recreation Department, close to 1,000 Putnam County residents took part.

During the 3-day vaccination clinic, 889 residents came for testing, with 16.38% testing positive. In addition, 122 residents chose to receive vaccines.  84 chose the Pfizer vaccine and 38 went with the Johnson and Johnson vaccine.

As a side note, an additional 130 residents were vaccinated at the Putnam County Hospital on Wednesday.

While Putnam County residents were able to stay in the comfort of their vehicles or walk and leave when they were done, the healthcare workers stayed all day in 90 degree (sometimes higher!) and humid weather.

City Councilman Adam Cohen was so impressed with the logistics of the event and the dedication of the healthcare workers working in the heat, that he donated money for the healthcare workers to all enjoy some ice cream from Dairy Queen. In fact, he donated so much, the healthcare workers coming to the return Covid Testing and Vaccination Clinic this weekend, will also be able to enjoy some ice cream.

If you missed your chance during the August clinic, you still have time to get vaccinated at the next clinic this weekend, September 3-4, at Robe Ann Park from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM each day.

In July of 2021, Indiana State Police Master Trooper Detective Brian Maudlin of the Putnamville State Police Post, began an investigation into the former president and treasurer of the Cloverdale Community Youth League.  During his investigation it was discovered that both individuals had allegedly deprived the Cloverdale Community Youth League of over $21,848.51. 

Stephen D. Caulkins, 41, of Cloverdale, was the president, and Amber D. Caulkins, 37, of Cloverdale, was the treasurer for the Cloverdale Community Youth League, from 2018 through 2020.  During their duties as the president and treasurer, they allegedly were not depositing funds into the bank accounts, in order to benefit in self-gain.

After reviewing the investigation, the Putnam County Prosecutor Timothy Bookwalter issued summons for both parties to appear in Superior Court on October 27, at 9:00 am.

Summons and Charges:  

Stephen D. Caulkins

• Theft, Class 6 Felony
• Conspiracy to commit theft, Class 6 Felony

Amber D. Caulkins

• Theft, Class 6 Felony 
• Conspiracy to commit theft, Class 6 Felony 

Greencastle's Wasser Brewing Company is suspending operations.

The restaurant / pub made the announcement via its Facebook page.  The  announcement opened by thanking everyone involved in the establishment of Wasser.  It went on to note the problems brought on by the Covid pandemic in 2020.

The announcement notes that Wasser had been able to survive with assistance in the first round of PPP but that there hadn't been any further federal funding since then.  Continued surges in the fall and winter and the ongoing staffing shortage had catastrophic effects on the brewery.

The announcement also stated that efforts are being made to explore all options to be able to reestablish the Wasser Brewing Company.  But, for now, the operations are suspended.

The first group of 1,000 Afghanistan evacuees will arrive at CampAtterbury as soon as this week.

Their stay is expected to last at least 14 days, but 9 weeks or less.

Brig. Gen. Dale Lyles, Indiana National Guard adjutant general, says Atterbury is a site prepared to handle such a task.

Camp Atterbury joins Fort Pickett, Marine Corps Base Quantico and Fort Lee in Va.; Fort Bliss, Texas; Fort McCoy, Wis.; Holloman Air Force Base, N.M.; and Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in N.J. to provide temporary housing and support for up to 50,000 Afghans.

Brigadier Gen Lyles talks about the process of moving evacuees to Johnson County.

Camp Atterbury is expected to host as many as 5000 evacuees.