Local News

Crews remain on the scene of a rolled tanker on I-70 in Putnam County

It was a busy Monday afternoon for the Cloverdale Township Volunteer Fire Department, as they spent a chunk of the day along I-70 responding to a major crash involving a tanker truck with flammable liquid. The tanker was the only vehicle involved.

 

According to officials with the fire department, Engine 75 and Engine 77 responded, along with Medic 5, the Indiana State Police and INDOT to a call of a tanker that had rolled over. There were no injuries, but crews remain on the scene while the wrecker attempts to upright the tanker, which is filled with flammable liquid.

 

“The right lane is still closed and will remain closed until we get the tanker turned over. People should seek an alternate route for at least the next 30-60 minutes,” Lt. S. Caulkins told the Putnam County Post. 

Putnam County nonprofits awarded United Way funding

United Way of Central Indiana recently selected three local nonprofits to receive a total of $50,000 in grants as part of a special fund for organizations in Putnam County that are working to help people in need achieve their greatest potential.

 

Family Support Services of West Central Indiana, Transformers of Putnam County and Beyond Homeless all received grants.

 

Awardees and dollar amounts were determined by a local review committee consisting of members from the community. Organizations were selected based on their responsiveness to needs, financial stewardship and sustainability, collaboration, reporting on metrics, and overall strategy for helping people in need.

 

“We are thankful to have so many fantastic nonprofits within our community,” said Chris Flegal, United Way’s community relations director for Putnam, Hendricks and Morgan counties. “We are excited to see how this funding will help advance the work of these three organizations who are supporting struggling families in Putnam County in a meaningful way.”

 

The funds will be used to support new and ongoing transitional housing initiatives, financial literacy and economic mobility programs, and youth mentorship work.

 


Salvation Army prepares for increased food demand as enhanced SNAP benefits end in Indiana

June 1 marks the end of emergency enhanced SNAP benefits for Hoosiers statewide. In anticipation of increased demand, The Salvation Army Indiana Division is working to ensure that feeding programs and food pantries run by the organization across the state can continue to meet the needs of their communities.

 

Indiana’s COVID-19 public health emergency ended on March 3, 2022, making May 31 the final day that SNAP recipients would receive the maximum benefit allowed in accordance to the number of people in their household. Starting on June 1, benefits will be based on a formula that includes several eligibility factors, including household income. A permanent adjustment to the program made in October 2021 means that most households will receive higher benefits than they did pre-pandemic, but they will still experience a drop from May to June.

 

The USDA has provided examples of how these changes will affect households of difference sizes and circumstances. These can be seen by visiting the online “SNAP Benefits – COVID-19 Pandemic and Beyond” page of the USDA website.

 

The Salvation Army has already seen an increase in visits to its food pantries and hot food programs over the past several months as inflation has made it harder for Hoosiers to put food on the table. According to the USDA, between April 2021 and April 2022 grocery store prices have risen by 10.8 percent. Fresh produce, milk, eggs, and meat prices are continuing to skyrocket with farm-level egg prices predicted to increase us to 76.5 percent in 2022. These higher prices mean that struggling households are bringing home less food each time they go to the store, pushing them to find supplemental food at organizations like The Salvation Army.

 

“The cost of food, housing, medical, and transportation has not been put into consideration regarding the ending of the pandemic emergency funds,” said Dena Simpson, Divisional Director of Social Services for The Salvation Army Indiana Division. “Individuals and families are in recovery mode and facing a number of challenges.”

 

These challenges include:

  • Drained savings and strained finances
  • Loss and/or change in housing and utility needs
  • Increased instances of domestic violence
  • Ongoing COVID-related medical needs
  • Loss of primary income provider for the family
  • Larger households with combined and extended families
  • Changes in childcare and educational needs and routines

With inflation outpacing wage increases, the results have been devastating. The Salvation Army is working with partner organizations, food banks, donors, and community volunteers to meet the increased demand. Food costs continue to rise for The Salvation Army, as well, as provider food banks like Feeding America anticipate spending 40 percent more to purchase bulk food in 2022 compared to 2021.

13th annual Indiana State Fair Job Fair is this Thursday

The Indiana State Fair is now hiring seasonal employees to help put on the Great Indiana State Fair, returning July 29 - August 21. 

 

The 13th annual Indiana State Fair Job Fair will be held this Thursday, from 4 – 6 p.m. at the Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center in the Agriculture/Horticulture Building, 1202 E. 38th Street, Indianapolis, 46205. 

 

This year’s 165th Indiana State Fair is seeking hundreds of seasonal employees for positions related to parking, gates, security, operations, tractor shuttles, information booths and education exhibits. Several positions are ideal for college students, retirees, individuals with full-time jobs who want to earn extra money, and others. 

 

During the event, candidates seeking a seasonal position with the 2022 Indiana State Fair can complete an application and be interviewed onsite. Applicants are asked to bring a positive attitude and a copy of their resume if they have one.

 

Knowledge about the Fair is not a prerequisite – only a willingness to help

guests.

 

If applicants are unable to attend the Job Fair, they may visit the State Fairgrounds’ Employment Office, located on the northeast corner of the Fairgrounds beginning June 6 from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., Monday - Friday. For more information on the Job Fair or to download an application for seasonal employment, visit www.indianastatefair.com.

 

“Our seasonal employees help make the Indiana State Fair the best in the country,” said Mark Anderson, director of human resources, Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center. “We are excited to introduce new referral and attendance incentive programs to our staff this year. Many of our year-round employees began as seasonal workers, and we hope that trend continues.” 


City encourages residents to prepare for tornadoes

With tornado season upon us, the City of Greencastle is encouraging residents to be prepared for tornadoes and the havoc these extreme weather events unleash on communities.

 

According to the Indiana Department of Homeland Security, Indiana has verified more than 1,400 tornadoes since 1950, resulting in more than 5,000 injuries and 300 fatalities.

 

The City is sharing important information from FEMA to ensure residents understand the risk to public safety when a funnel cloud forms. This includes finding safe shelter right away when a tornado warning is issued, and staying put until the tornado passes or the warning is lifted.

 

FEMA also recommends three key strategies:

  • Prepare Now by knowing the area’s tornado risk and signs of a tornado, signing up for emergency warning systems, and identifying a location at home, work or school for safe shelter during a tornado.   Invest in a battery-operated weather radio.
  • Survive During by taking additional cover shielding the head and neck, and monitoring emergency management systems.  If outdoors or in a vehicle, and cannot get to a sturdy building, find a low lying or protected area and cover the head, neck and body.
  • Be Safe After by monitoring local emergency news systems, staying clear of fallen power or broken utility lines, staying away from damaged buildings and saving phone calls for emergencies. Residents should use text messaging or social media to communicate with family and friends to preserve batteries in electronic devices.

 

In Greencastle, the county emergency network can be accessed at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064758034270 . In an emergency, the City also will make every effort to keep its Facebook page updated with key information.   Residents can also tune into the NOAA All Hazards Radio Station, WXK-72 at Putnamville at 162.400 MHz on a weather radio.

 

The Putnam County Emergency Management Agency has an Emergency Notification System that provides phone calls and texts in the event of an emergency such as a tornado. The National Weather Service also can provide weather warning information through their “Weather warnings on the go!” program that can be found at https://www.weather.gov/wrn/wea

 

“Tornadoes can happen anytime, anywhere, which is why we encourage all residents to be prepared so they are fully protected in an emergency,” said Greencastle Fire Chief John Burgess. “Now is the time to check the batteries in your weather radio, stock up on non-perishable food, water, and develop a safety plan because in Indiana, it’s not a question of if a tornado will strike, it is a question of when.”

 

The most current FEMA information regarding tornadoes is attached. Residents also can visit https://www.in.gov/dhs/get-prepared/nature-safety/severe-weather-preparedness/tornadoes/ for more information.

 

Hendricks County Sheriff's Department responds to teenagers pointing a firearm

Teens pointing a firearm led to a call to the Hendricks County Sheriff's Department Thursday.

 

 

About 4:30 pm, there was a report of an armed person at the Wynnebrooke Subdivision near 21st Street and Raceway Road.

 

The Hendricks County Sheriff's Department reports that a firearm was pointed at an individual who then reported the incident. In the initial report, the caller stated that there were four teenagers in a gray passenger vehicle, one of the teenagers being familiar to the caller, but also armed. The caller also stated that the teens may have pointed the firearm at a nearby school bus while it was stopped and off-loading students.

 

The vehicle then fled the area and was later located by Hendricks County deputies in the area of US 36 and Dan Jones Road.  However, the vehicle fled from the deputies, initiating a short pursuit. When the vehicle hit a curb, all four juveniles fled the vehicle on foot.

 

One of the teenagers was immediately detained by a deputy, with the other three being located and detained later during a search of the area. The firearm was also located during the area search and secured.  After further investigation it was determined the vehicle was stolen from Marion County.

 

Three of the juveniles, ages 14, 15, and 15, were charged with resisting law enforcement, which is a Class A misdemeanor.  One of the juveniles, age 16, was charged with resisting law enforcement, as both a Level 6 felony and as an A misdemeanor, possession of stolen property, a Level 6 felony, and operating while never receiving a license, a Class C misdemeanor. 

 

The investigation is continuing into this case and additional charges related to the possession and pointing of the firearm may be forthcoming.

 

The Hendricks County Sheriff’s Department extends their gratitude to the Avon School Police Department, Town of Avon Police Department, the Indiana Department of Child Services, and citizens who assisted with this investigation. 


Men from Gosport and Brazil among those sentenced in federal drug case

Seven individuals have now been sentenced for conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, including methamphetamine and marijuana.

 

The defendants. including one from Gosport and another from Brazil, had previously been indicted on their charges in 2019 and 2020.

 

According to court documents, beginning approximately June 2019 and continuing through December 2019, the group conspired to traffic methamphetamine and marijuana in and around Muncie and Anderson. During the months long investigation, law enforcement discovered that large quantities of methamphetamine and marijuana were being shipped from California to various addresses in Muncie and Anderson. The group maintained residences in Muncie and Anderson to store, process, and distribute the drugs and drug proceeds.

 

Multiple members of the conspiracy possessed firearms to protect the organization’s drugs and money. After arriving in Indiana, the drugs were resold to others in Muncie, Anderson, Gosport, and Brazil.

 

To date in this investigation, authorities have seizedapproximately 1.3 kilograms of methamphetamine as well as marijuana. In addition to drug seizures, authorities have seized over $15,000 in drug proceeds and seven firearms, including one AK-style, short barrel rifle.

 

To date, Chief Judge Tanya Walton Pratt has sentenced the following individuals in this case:

Defendant

Sentence

James Briscoe, 39, Muncie, Indiana

23 years in prison, 10 years supervised release

Damarus Page, 40, Anderson, Indiana    

10 years in prison, 5 years supervised release     

Bradley Clephane, 37, Gosport, Indiana

262 months (over 21 years) in prison, 5 years supervised release

Christopher Bays, 36, Brazil, Indiana

16.5 years in prison, 5 years supervised release

Jeremi Zarco, 31, Woodland Hills, California

200 months (over 16 years) in prison, 5 years supervised release

James Bell, 43, Muncie, Indiana

8 years in prison, 3 years supervised release

Mikhail Mgebrov, 39, Tarzana, California

10 years in prison, 5 years supervised release

 

The Drug Enforcement Administration and the United States Postal Inspection Service investigated this case. The Muncie Police Department, the Anderson Police Department, the Terre Haute Police Department, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, and the Indiana State Police provided assistance.

 

ISP trooper discovers estimated one million dollars of cocaine during a traffic stop

A pair of Florida men were arrested in Putnam County Thursday afternoon following a traffic stop by an Indiana State Trooper.

 

According to the Indiana State Police, an Indiana State Trooper stopped a tractor trailer at the 37-mile marker on I-70 East for a routine compliance inspection. 

 

A conversation with the driver, Leonardo Hernandez, of Miami, Fla., resulted in a search of the vehicle, where police found 44 pounds of suspected cocaine with a street value of $1 million.

 

Hernandez and Rolando Bermudez Acevedo, who was a passenger in the truck, were arrested and booked at the Putnam County Jail. According to police, the semi truck was headed to Indianapolis from Phoenix. 

 

Hernandez was arrested and charged with dealing a narcotic drug, a level 2 felony; and possession of a narcotic drug, a level 3 felony. 

 

Acevedo, of Orlando, was arrested and was also charged with dealing a narcotic drug, a level 2 felony, and possession of a narcotic drug, a level 3 felony. 


Community Foundation announces 2022 Share the Dream Program

The Putnam County Community Foundation is proud to announce that Share the Dream is set to begin on June 1.

 

This year, 29 charitable organizations, scholarships, and endowments will be participating. Participants include:

 

  • AgrIInstitute, Inc. Endowment
  • Bainbridge High School Alumni Scholarship
  • Cloverdale Community Dollars for Scholars -  FFA Alumni Scholarship
  • Cloverdale Community Dollars for Scholars -  First National Bank Scholarship
  • Cloverdale Community Dollars for Scholars -  Millgrove United Methodist Scholarship 
  • Cloverdale Community Dollars for Scholars -  Tucker Family Scholarship
  • Cloverdale Community Dollars for Scholars Endowment
  • Cloverdale Community Eye-Care Endowment (Cloverdale Lyons Club)
  • Dorothy Patch Christian Education Fund-First Baptist Church
  • Fillmore High School Alumni Scholarship
  • Greencastle Alumni Dollars for Scholars - Maxine Haskett Memorial Scholarship
  • Greencastle Alumni Dollars for Scholars, Inc.
  • Greencastle Civic League Community Endowment
  • Heritage Preservation Society Project Endowment
  • Kiwanis of Greencastle Indiana Endowment
  • North Putnam Dollars for Scholars - Ron Price Scholarship
  • Purdue Club of Putnam County Scholarship
  • Putnam County 4-H Dog Club Scholarship
  • Putnam County Board of REALTORS Scholarship
  • Putnam County Comprehensive Services, Inc. Endowment
  • Putnam County Fairgrounds Endowment
  • Putnam County General 4-H Scholarship
  • Putnam County Historical & Cultural Museum Endowment
  • Putnam County Library Endowment Fund
  • Putnam County Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD) Endowment
  • South Putnam Dollars for Scholars - South Putnam High School Scholarship Endowment
  • St. Paul's Ladies Guild Scholarship

The Greencastle NAACP Growing Roots Scholarship

  • Youth Philanthropy Endowment

 

Share the Dream will run from June 1 to July 31 and guarantees a 50-cent match to every dollar raised by the participating endowments. Each endowment must receive donations of $25 or more from at least ten unique households during the matching period.

 

This year, there will be an additional grant prize of $1,000 awarded to the endowment with the most unique donors during the matching period.

 

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.

Two killed in Thursday Putnam Co. head-on crash

A double-fatality occurred in a Thursday Putnam County head-on crash.

 

About 7:40 am Putnam County deputies responded to a two-vehicle accident on US 231 just south of county road 1000 North in Fincastle.

 

Corporal Brian Helmer investigated the crash. Corporal Scott Ducker assisted. The investigation indicates that a northbound Hyundai passenger car, drivenby Heather Kendall, 38, of Greencastle, lost control as it was negotiating a sharp curve. The vehicle crossed the centerline, impacting a southbound Infiniti SUV head-on. The SUV was driven Nancy Leonard, 53, of Crawfordsville. There was
also a passenger in the SUV, Deborah Allen, 58, of Crawfordsville.

 

Heather Kendall was pronounced deceased at the scene.

 

The passenger of the SUV, Deborah Allen, was transported to an Indianapolis area hospital where she later died from her injuries.


The driver of the SUV, Nancy Leonard, was transported to an Indianapolis area hospital for serious injuries.


Corporal Helmer is continuing his investigating into this incident.  Several witnesses observed the accident and were able to provide information to assist in the investigation. 

 

The Roachdale Fire Department, INDOT, Putnam County EMS and Adams Towing assisted at the scene.


Putnamville Post holds annual memorial service

The Indiana State Police Post at Putnamville held their annual memorial service Wednesday to honor those members of the department who gave their lives in the line of duty. 

 

Troopers were brought to attention and prepared for roll call by Putnamville District First Sergeant Matt Mischler. Opening prayer was given by Indiana State Police Chaplain Dick Smith. Members of the Putnamville District Honor Guard then displayed the national and state flags as Captain Tony Delello, Area V Commander, and Lieutenant David Cox, Commander of the Putnamville District, read each fallen member’s name, along with a description of the circumstances surrounding their death.  The closing benediction was given by Indiana State Police Chaplain Christopher Gadlage.  

 

 

Members of the Honor Guard were Senior Trooper Charles Murphy, Senior Trooper Brian Thomas, Trooper Cameron Bottema, and Sergeant Phil Cooley. Veteran Honor Guard member Trooper Austin Fowler coordinated the unit for today’s service. 

 

Members of the Firing Party were Sergeant Dustin Zehnder, Trooper Tanner Hurley, Trooper Farias Brandon, Trooper Kyle Taylor, Trooper Sam Gillespie, Trooper Steven Peyton, Trooper Tyler Line and Master Trooper Chris McCawley (OIC). 

 

Taps was played by Trooper Athan Lamson. 

 

A total of 44 sworn officers and 3 civilian members of the Indiana State Police, both men and women, have died in the line of duty since the department’s inception in 1933.    

 

 

Since the early days of the Indiana State Police, memorial services have been held each May at all Indiana State Police districts to perpetuate the memory of those who have died in the line of duty. The service serves as a means of paying tribute to those who died in the line of duty, that their sacrifice was not made in vain, and as a reminder to those of us left behind that we should strive to maintain the level of professional service to the public our departed comrades so unselfishly gave their lives for. The first ever memorial service was held on Memorial Day of 1943 at the former Ligonier Post in northern Indiana. 

 

Putnam County Playhouse to give taste of upcoming season on Sunday

The 61st season of Putnam County Playhouse will begin with an Open House on Sunday, from 1 pm to 3 pm at the Hazel Day Longden Theatre in Greencastle.

 

The public is invited.

 

The event will include rehearsals of numbers from the season opener the musical Oliver!  Light refreshments will be served.

 

Board members will be on hand to answer questions.  Season tickets and individual tickets for all shows will be on sale at that time. 

 

The season includes – in addition to Oliver!  – Clue: Onstage in July, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat in August, and The Miracle Worker in September.

State Rep. Beau Baird votes to override veto, keep biological males from competing in K-12 girls' sports

State Rep. Beau Baird (R-Greencastle) joined the majority of Indiana's lawmakers in successfully overriding the governor's veto of legislation protecting the integrity of girls' sports.

 

House and Senate legislators voted on Tuesday at the Statehouse to override the governor's veto of House Enrolled Act 1041, which prohibits biological males from competing in K-12 girls' sports in Indiana. The vote came as part of technical corrections day, where lawmakers can take up any vetoes and fix technical errors in laws passed during the prior session.  

 

"Ensuring equal opportunity for Hoosier K-12 female athletes is the intent of this legislation," Baird said. "Girls deserve to play, compete and win on a level playing field."

 

Indiana will join at least 16 other states that have similar laws on the books protecting female sports. Baird said concerned parents reached out after an increasing number of biological males have dominated the national spotlight in girls' athletic events across the nation.

 

There are certain biological differences that give males an unfair advantage over females in sports, like greater muscle mass, bone density and cardio capacity. Baird said the vote Tuesday was especially important as June marks the 50th anniversary of Title IX, which ensures women have an equal opportunity to play and compete in sports.

 

In Indiana, a gubernatorial veto can be overridden with a constitutional majority vote in both chambers, and the bill becomes a law without the governor's signature. For more information about House Enrolled Act 1041, effective on July 1, 2022, visit iga.in.gov.

 

POET facility to reopen in Cloverdale in 2023

After closing the majority of its operations in Putnam County, Poet has returned to Cloverdale and Putnam County.

 

On Wednesday, Poet announced plans to invest $30 million and reopen its ethanol production facility in Cloverdale, which it shuttered in 2019. In a release, Poet officials cited actions by federal and state officials to "safeguard domestic markets for low-carbon biofuels."

 

The facility will create 50 full-time local jobs and generate demand for 34 million bushels of corn from Indiana farmers annually. 

 

“We are very excited to be reopening our Cloverdale facility,” Jeff Broin, POET Founder and CEO, said in a release. “The plant will undergo significant upgrades to include the same industry-leading advantages operating at other POET plants, and we are confident it will be a strong asset to the POET portfolio. We are grateful to the Putnam County Council and the Putnam County Economic Development Corporation for supporting this investment.”

 

The announcement comes on the heels of a tax abatement announced recently by the Putnam County Council. 

 

Councilman Dave Fuhrman told the Putnam County Post favorable regulations had POET considering the location in Cloverdale again.

 

“The Cloverdale site never fully shut down and the enhancements have already started. The abatement is a tool local governments use to attract investment of companies to the area. By reducing property tax initially, the long-term benefits of job creation and infrastructure improvement mean a stronger community with enhanced opportunities for many citizens. Because of the operations location, you will not see the improvements being made to Poet itself, but you will notice the state modifying the on/off ramps of US 231 to allow a smoother truck flow for area farmers delivering their grain,” Fuhrman said.

 

As part of its reopening, Poet is slated to invest $30 million in new technology with the hope of creating new efficiencies that will set the facility up for long-term success and increase annual production from 80 million to 95 million gallons of bioethanol. 

In a release, Congressman Jim Baird, R-4th District, welcomed the news. 

 

“Bioprocessing, ethanol, and other biofuel facilities play an integral role in supporting rural jobs and strengthening local economies across Indiana and the Midwest. Facilities like POET – Cloverdale create new markets for family farms and contribute to state and local tax revenue all while improving vehicle emissions. We’re fortunate to have POET’s investment in West Central Indiana, and the value it will bring to Hoosier farmers and rural communities," Baird said. 

 

The plant is set to reopen in 2023. 

Three local nonprofits awarded United Way funding

United Way of Central Indiana recently selected three local nonprofits to receive a total of $50,000 in grants as part of a special fund for organizations in Putnam County that are working to help people in need achieve their greatest potential.  

 

Family Support Services of West Central Indiana, Transformers of Putnam County and Beyond Homeless all received grants.

 

Awardees and dollar amounts were determined by a local review committee consisting of members from the community. Organizations were selected based on their responsiveness to needs, financial stewardship and sustainability, collaboration, reporting on metrics, and overall strategy for helping people in need.  

 

“We are thankful to have so many fantastic nonprofits within our community,” said Chris Flegal, United Way’s community relations director for Putnam, Hendricks and Morgan counties. “We are excited to see how this funding will help advance the work of these three organizations who are supporting struggling families in Putnam County in a meaningful way.”

 

The funds will be used to support new and ongoing transitional housing initiatives, financial literacy and economic mobility programs, and youth mentorship work.  

 

Recipients and grant amounts:

 

Family Support Services of West Central Indiana -- $20,000

 

Transformers of Putnam County (Gobin Church) -- $15,000

 

Beyond Homeless, Inc. -- $15,000

Putnam Co. tax abatement opens door to hoped for future with POET

It has been 11 years since POET hosted a grand opening in Putnam County at its ethanol refinery in Cloverdale.

 

And, now, Putnam County officials are waiting with baited breath to see if the company will reopen the site, which it closed in 2019. After shuttering the plant, POET honored farmer contracts that were already in place, but those contracts were reduced significantly as the company moved most of its ethanol production capabilities to Shelby County.

 

“The Poet project proposal was to reopen the Cloverdale facility and invest $30 million in new capital investment into the facility. They currently have a small crew of 6-8 people on staff at the Cloverdale facility. They would increase that number to a full-time employment of 50 employees,” Greencastle/Putnam County Development Center executive director Kristin Clary told the Putnam County Post.

 

Recently, the Putnam County Council approved a tax abatement for POET in hopes of luring them back to Putnam County. Currently, the Cloverdale location is one of three sites across three states being considered. The abatement was approved at 100 percent for five years for both personal property and real property.

 

Councilman Dave Fuhrman told the Putnam County Post favorable regulations have POET considering the location in Cloverdale again.

 

“The Cloverdale site never fully shut down and the enhancements have already started. The abatement is a tool local governments use to attract investment of companies to the area. By reducing property tax initially, the long-term benefits of job creation and infrastructure improvement mean a stronger community with enhanced opportunities for many citizens. Because of the operations location, you will not see the improvements being made to Poet itself, but you will notice the state modifying the on/off ramps of US 231 to allow a smoother truck flow for area farmers delivering their grain,” Fuhrman said.

 

Clary echoed those sentiments, adding Indiana has offered state incentives through its tax credit programs, as well as the efforts by local officials.

 

Both Clary and Fuhrman are optimistic that POET will view Putnam County as a great place to do business.

 

Furhman said should POET reopen the Cloverdale site, it will be a win-win for the entire county and POET.

 

“It’ll bring 60 or so jobs, farmers will have a closer buyer especially with $5-6 diesel, an eventual increased tax base and trickle down benefits to local merchants and eateries. It would signal to other corporations that Putnam County is a good place to do business,” he said.

 

That is also Clary’s hope.

 

“It is true that Putnam County is a great place to do business. This is in large part to our proximity to major transportation systems in Indiana, being located right off I-70 within 30 minutes of the Indianapolis International Airport. And as pertaining to the ethanol plant, the abundant amount of corn within a 40-mile radius makes it an excellent place to produce ethanol,” Clary told the Putnam County Post.

 

Clary acknowledged Putnam County’s elected officials understand the importance and willingness to be “business friendly.”

 

“They understand that in order for business to locate and expand in Putnam County, they have to offer local incentives to companies to be competitive. We are also located in close proximity to a labor shed of over 100,000 people, so finding workers to fill new jobs is easier than it is in more rural Indiana. And Indiana is known for their work ethic, which is especially true in the Agriculture industry, of which Poet will be a part,” Clary said.

 

So now that the abatement has been granted, what’s next?

 

For Putnam County officials, it is waiting.

 

Should POET reopen its Cloverdale location, they would begin construction this June.

 

“Once construction has been completed, the Assessor’s office will properly assess the additional capital investment, and they can begin requesting tax abatement on the new assessed value, through the process of filing their personal property tax return with the assessor’s office and filing their CF-1 forms in the county assessor and auditor offices. At this time, we are patiently awaiting Poet’s decision, which will be made in the immediate future, as they have a construction schedule primarily planned for June,” Clary said. 

Greencastle Buckets of Love Benefit hopes to raise money for women's recovery center

For 34 years, Lynn Dunning has been delivered from drug and alcohol abuse and has been on a crusade to help fellow women get over their addictions.

 

“I totally understand the brain cravings and flesh desires. I know that God delivers and sets you free. We are overcomers by the blood of the lamb and word of our testimony,” Dunning told the Putnam County Post.

 

It’s one why the evangelist is so committed to bringing a women’s recovery center to Greencastle, and an event tonight will help make that dream a reality. The Buckets of Love Benefit will be held tonight from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Greencastle Christian Church, 620 Primrose Court. The event will feature guest speakers Curt Hoseman and Shelby Lindsey, as well as a BBQ dinner with sides and a dessert for $15, an auction and live music.

 

“We have been planning and making connections for the Kingdom. Our event is to help raise money to purchase a home for women,” Dunning said.

 

The women’s recovery center would help women deal with the seed of their addictions, according to Dunning.

 

“God gave me the curriculum and it will be directed by the Holy Ghost. We will deal with the seed of addictions. That is where the rubber meets the road per say. So often, people only deal with the root and never remove the seed. The program is written as to deal with the individual for that one on one teaching,” Dunning said.

 

She told the Putnam County Post the women’s center and event are great opportunities for Greencastle.

 

“We are getting closer every day. Once we have the house and it is ready, we will accept 16 women for the 12-month program. In the future, once the women’s program gets going, we will have a men’s program as well,” Dunning said.

 

Dunning said the need for sponsors is always great, and anyone wishing to help can also purchase a candle.

 

“Taking the burden of working will help the ladies focus on total recovery. We are also selling candles and will teach the girls how to make candles,” Dunning said.

 

In addition, there are opportunities for residents to get involved.

 

“We are also looking for volunteers to be mentors. We will be taking applications and doing interviews once we have the house. If anyone would want to bless us with a four bedroom, two bath house, that would be awesome,” Dunning said. 

Nucor announces growth, $3 billion acquisition

A company with Crawfordsville ties is expanding again.

 

Nucor has announced that it is buying an overhead door manufacuterer based in Illinois.  The $3 billion deal should close in June.

 

Nucor, based in Charlotte, North Carolina, will purchase C.H.I. Overhead Doors.  C.H.I makes overhead doors products for residential and industrial customers along with rolling steel and rubber doors.  It has over 800 employees in Arthur, Illinois, and Terre Haute.  There are also regional warehouses across the country.

 

Nucor has also recently added a $1 billion acquisition of two insulated metal panel brands from Cornerstone Building Brands and a steelracking manufactuerer, Elite Storage Solutions, for $75 million.

 

Nucor employs almost 27,000 workers throughout its more than 300 facilities in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. 

 

In 1989, Nucor pioneered EAF thin-slab casting at its Crawfordsville sheet mill.

 

Donations to Greencastle Fire Department meant to help save pets lives

Thanks to a fundraising initiative by the Putnam County 4-H Dog Club, the Greencastle Fire Department will be able to help pets in need of oxygen when rescued from fires.

 

Rob Frank, assistant chief with the Greencastle Fire Department, told the Putnam County Post the idea was the result of efforts from Jane Hugh, the Putnam County 4-H Dog Club leader.

 

"She reached out to all the county fire chiefs last fall and said the 4-H Dog Club was raising money to buy all county fire and EMS pet oxygen masks. I believe she said she got the idea when she saw another county doing something similar. She thought if they can do it there, why not here in our county," Frank said. 

 

Frank explained the goal was one per fire department, and she asked the Greencastle department how many more would they want if she could get them.

 

"They were able to raise enough money through sponsors, donations and a grant from the Putnam County Community Foundation Youth Philanthropy to get the departments the amount they requested," Frank said. 

 

With the donations in hand, the Greencastle Fire Department will now have masks on all its fire apparatus, according to Frank.

 

"We had a set on our engine, and we have used them several times. But to have them available on all of our fire apparatus makes them more accessible and will allow us to work on multiple pets if that occasion were to arise," Frank said. 

 

He acknowledged the masks are invaluable to the department and pets.

 

"Pets are like family to a lot of people. We do everything we can to try to save them. The availability of these masks will give us a better chance of doing that," Frank said. 

Second COVID-19 vaccine booster now available to Hoosiers ages 5-11

Hoosiers aged 5-11 are eligible for a booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine following authorization this week from the U.S. FDA and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

 

The Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) is advising vaccine providers that they can begin administering boosters of the Pfizer pediatric vaccine to children in this age group whose last dose was administered at least five months ago. The Pfizer vaccine is the only one currently authorized for children ages 5-11.

 

Booster doses have been shown to increase protection from hospitalization and death from COVID-19 and the Omicron variant of the virus.  

 

To find a vaccine location, go to www.ourshot.in.gov or call Indiana 211 (866-211-9966) for assistance. Any site that administers pediatric doses can administer a pediatric booster dose. Most sites accept walk-ins.

First Friday of the year, take 2

Join Main Street Greencastle on June 6 for First Friday. 

 

May 6, 2022 was supposed to be the first First Friday of the year, but the rain had other plans; at least it wanted everyone to think it had other plans. Shortly after making the difficult decision to cancel the event, the rain came to a screaching hault. Now, June 6 is the official first First Friday of the year. Starting at 6:00 pm and running until 11:00 PM, it promises to provide a night of social activity and fun for the whole community.

 

The June sponsor is Abstract & Title and they will have a booth with items to give-away. CastleMakers will have a foam box car drag race set up outside of their building, on Franklin Street. Several craft and food venders will be available, including BBQ, Kona Ice, craft venders, and even boutique shopping and non-profits.

 

Music will start as early as 5:00 pm outside of Hashtag Harmony with Luke Austin Daughtry playing. WREB GiantFM will be broadcasting live from the Square between 5:00 pm and 7:00 pm. Around 7:00 pm, Almost Home will host Big Fun Band on the Courthouse Stage and Moores Bar will host Fancy Sauce on Indiana Street.

Putnam County student receives educator scholarship

North Putnam High School's Alexander McHargue, who is preparing to become a teacher, is among this year's recipients of the state's Next Generation Hoosier Educators Scholarship.

 

The scholarship program, established in 2016 through legislation supported by the Indiana General Assembly, awards $7,500 per year to 200 high-achieving students. Recipients must commit to teaching in Indiana for a minimum of five years after graduating college. Current high school seniors or college students are eligible to apply.

 

More than 600 students applied, and McHargue is among this year's 200 scholarship recipients.

 

Those qualifying for the renewable scholarship totaling up to $30,000 must graduate in the highest 20 percent of their high school class, earn a score in the top 20th percentile on the SAT or ACT or have a cumulative grade point average of at least a 3.5 on a 4.0 scale.

 

To learn more and apply for the next round of scholarships opening in the fall, visit LearnMoreIndiana.org/nextteacher. Questions may be directed to NextTeacher@che.in.gov.

Lora Busch leaving her post as Area 30 Executive Director

In the mid 1990’s, Lora Busch owned her own landscaping business serving Indianapolis and Carmel when she an ad in the paper about Area 30 Career Center starting a landscape class.

 

In 1995, Busch began the landscape class at Area 30 and never looked back, becoming the assistant director and director of Area 30 before recently announcing her intentions to retire from Area 30.

 

“I will be working in my yard, learning to golf and spending more time with my husband, family, friends and dogs. And, I will be staying close to Career and Technical Education, as I have accepted the position as the Executive Director of Indiana Association of Career and Technical Education Districts,” Busch told the Putnam County Post.

 

Busch told Putnam County Post the opportunity to start up the landscape class and put her Horticulture Education degree from Purdue to use was “exciting,” as it allowed her to put her 13 years of work experience to test.

 

“I did my student teaching and it was fun to see the way kids had changed over the years. I enjoyed working with high school students, and they enjoyed being able to apply the knowledge they learned in the classroom. We installed and maintained landscapes all over Putnam County. The class was popular with students and community members and we stayed very busy. I worked year-round so we were able to employ students in the summer. We continued our landscape work right up until school started,” Busch said.

 

And, Busch never stopped learning, earning a Master’s Degree in Adult Education in 2000, followed by a Director’s License two years later. In 2003, she became the assistant director at Area 30 and in 2008, she was named the executive director of Area 30.

 

“I am most proud of the staff, who have created an environment that encourages the love of learning through multiple avenues. One accomplishment is the number of certifications and dual credits that are earned while in high school that create opportunities for students as they enter college and their chosen careers,” Busch told the Putnam County Post.

 

During her time in education, Busch admits she has seen an increased awareness of career and technical education and its value to students, families and the community.

 

“Area 30 mirrors our high schools’ student bodies and we are proud to serve all students. Area 30 has had the opportunity to provide students with current industry equipment, software and other resources through local, state and federal grants and donations from our local community partners. We have increased the number of program offerings from 10 to 18 in the past 14 years. When I started with Area 30 in 1995, we had about 150 students enrolled. We now average about 365 each year,” Busch said.

 

With a vision statement of “Explore opportunities, experience excellence and realize potential,” Busch says Area 30 is there for all students, regardless of what their post-high school plans are.

 

“It is important for students to leave high school with a plan. Area 30 provides students with the opportunity to explore multiple career areas and this is accomplished through work based learning, clinical experiences and operation of business enterprises within their program areas. Area 30 has prepared students to enter the workforce at a high level with skills, certifications and experiences that employers are seeking. Students also secure college credit and this provides them with a better understanding of the educational expectations post secondary institutions. This also saves students thousands of dollars each year,” Busch said. 

Recycle outdated electronics on June 18

West Central Solid Waste District is sponsoring an Electronics Recycling Day on Saturday, June 18,  from 8 am-noon at the Parke County 4-H Fairgrounds in Rockville.

Parke and Putnam County residents can drop-off electronics for recycling and safe disposal without leaving the comfort of their vehicle.  All allowed electronics will be accepted free of charge with the exception of a $20 / each fee for televisions.

 

Businesses are prohibited. Find list of accepted items plus more information about this event and other WCSWD programs on their Facebook page or website www.westcentralswd.com, or by calling 1-800-211-2750.

 

Candidates for Greencastle School Board sought by Greencastle City Council

The Greencastle City Council is seeking candidates for the Greencastle Community Schools Board of Trustees.  The position is a four-year term. 

 

The seat, currently filled by Russell Harvey, will commence on July 1, 2022 and continue until June 30, 2026.

 

Applications can be obtained by calling Linda Huber at 765-848-1515 and also on the city’s website at www.cityofgreencastle.com.  Completed applications are due at City Hall at 4:30 p.m., Monday, May 31, 2022.    The application includes instructions for submission via e-mail, drop box, or U.S. Mail.

 

In addition to providing name, address, telephone number and email address, the application asks that candidates submit a cover letter accompanied by two letters of recommendation.

 

Applicants are also asked to answer four questions posed by Council members:

  • What are the greatest strengths you would bring as a member of the Greencastle Community School Corporation Board of Trustees?
  • What goals would you pursue as a member of the Greencastle Community School Corporation Board of Trustees?
  • What is the ideal relationship between the school corporation and the City of Greencastle?
  • Is there anything else you would like to share with the members of the City Council about your qualifications for the position?

Candidate interviews with the City Council will be scheduled at a later date. Interested persons must reside within the city limits to be considered.  The appointment will be made at the regular meeting of the City Council on Thursday, June 9.

 

Candidates will be contacted regarding interview arrangements in mid-May.   Questions may be directed to Councilor Adam Cohen at acohen@cityofgreencastle.com

 

The school board seat is one of two representing residents within the city limits of Greencastle on the appointed GCSC board.   Brian Cox fills the other seat appointed by the City Council.

R&J Petrol allowed to reopen

The Putnam County Health Department (PCHD) temporarily closed R&J Petrol (located at 306 W Pat Rady Way, Bainbridge, IN) on April 28, 2022 due to violations for Rule 410 IAC 7-24 and Putnam County Ordinance 2015-3-2. However, after follow-up inspections, R&J Petrol were allowed to reopen the food service in their establishment.

 

The PCHD and its authorized agents completed two follow-up inspections; the first on Friday, May 6, 2022 and the second on Monday, May 9, 2022. After the May 9 inspections, R&J Petrol was given the green light to once again begin selling potentially hazardous food once again in accordance with their issued permit.

 

The original violations that needed to be corrected in order to reopen include: 

  • Hand Washing Facility; Location
  • Hand Washing Facility; Maintenance
  • Drying Mops · Function Of Temperature Measuring Devices
  • Sanitizing Solutions; Testing Devices · Hand Drying Provisions · Toilet Room Receptacle; Covered
  • Outside Receptacles · Protected Outer Coverings
  • Controlling Pests
  • Physical Structures; Restrictions And Frequency Of Cleaning
  • Food Storage
  • Equipment Food-Contact Surfaces, Nonfood-Contact Surfaces And Utensils
  • Not Potentially Hazardous Food Contact Surfaces Cleaning Frequency
  • Separation Of Poisonous Or Toxic Materials
  • Plumbing System Maintained In Good Repair
  • Repairing Premises, Structures, And Attachments
  • Repair And Proper Adjustment Of Equipment
  • Time And Temperature Control Of Frozen Food
  • Removing Dead Or Trapped Birds, Insects, Rodents, And Other Pests
  • Packaged And Unpackaged Food; Separation, Packaging, And Segregation Manual Or Machine Ware washing; Chemical Sanitation; Temperature, Ph, Concentration

Governor Eric Holcomb directs flags to be flown at half-staff

Governor Eric J. Holcomb is directing flags in the State of Indiana to be flown at half-staff in remembrance of the one million American lives lost to COVID-19.

 

Per President Biden's order, flags should be flown at half-staff immediately until sunset on Monday, May 16.

 

Gov. Holcomb is asking businesses and residents in Indiana to lower their flags.

South Putnam's Yowell named District 8 Principal-of-the-Year.

For Levi Yowell, the path to education was not the most traditional one, but that hasn’t stopped the South Putnam High School principal from constantly making an impact in the lives of his students.

 

After spending time in the business sector, Yowell made the transition to the classroom by going back to the University of Indianapolis to earn a master’s degree in teaching.

 

“I have a desire to serve that comes from my faith and felt like being in public education was a way that I could serve students and families. I thought about moving into administration was a long-term goal for me,” Yowell told the Putnam County Post.

 

After being laid off several times due to changes in school funding during the late 2000’s, Yowell acknowledged he looked for an opportunity earlier than anticipated.

 

And, it has been very positive, as he was not only named to the principal’s seat at South Putnam High School, but he was recently named the Indiana Association of School Principals District 8 Principal-of-the-Year.

 

The honor was a “surprise” for Yowell.

 

“I was really surprised to receive this recognition as we have so many outstanding administrators in District 8 and around the state of Indiana. I am surrounded by great people who come to school each and every day in order to serve the students and families of our school district. I enjoy getting to serve in public education and try to bring energy and passion every day to my role as principal at South Putnam,” Yowell said.

 

Yowell told the Putnam County Post that while there are many aspects of his job he enjoys, the thing that stands out above the others is the responsibility he has to create the best teaching and learning environments for his faculty and students.

 

“I will never get to make the deep impact that a classroom teacher can make, but I can create environments, procedures, and processes where kids are cared for and have the opportunity to learn from the best educators that I can find. I enjoy having so many different aspects of my job that it keeps me thinking, moving and planning. I am glad that I get to serve students and families through public education and happy to serve at South Putnam,” Yowell said.

 

For anyone thinking of entering the classroom as a teacher or educator, Yowell said public education is an “awesome” career choice for anyone who is positive, motivated and seeking to make a difference.

 

“My first belief about education is kids before content, and, so that has to be true for anyone thinking about a career in education. You have to like Suzie more than science and Matt more than math. That belief is what makes all the difference for me,” Yowell said.  

Crawfordsville man sentenced for murder of his wife

A Crawfordsville man has been sentenced to 50 years in prison after pleading guilty to killing his wife.

 

Michael Parks, 46, was sentenced for the murder of his wife, Hope, in August of 2020. He will not be eligible for parole.

 

Parks reported his wife missing to Crawfordsville Police.  He said he hadn’t seen her for two days after they had an argument.

 

Hope Parks’ headless body was found on a bridge.  Parks head was found buried in the basement after blood was found in the couples’ home.  An autopsy found she died of a gunshot wound to the head.

Putnam County accident sends one to the hospital via air ambulance

A Montgomery County man was seriously injured in a Tuesday one-vehicle crash.

 

Around 8:30 am Tuesday, Indiana State Police Putnamville Post and the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department responded to a single vehicle crash on US 40 near County Road 475 East.

 

Larry S. Brown,  64, of Crawfordsville, was driving a 2017 Mack (tri-axle) on US 40 eastbound near County Road 475 East. Brown lost control of his vehicle and traveled to the south side of US 40, running off of the roadway.

 

Trooper Colton Maynor performed the preliminary crash investigation.  Brown overcorrected the vehicle back to the north side and traveled into the median.  The overcorrection caused the vehicle to roll over, coming to a stop on the driver's side. 

 

The Greencastle Fire Department assisted at the scene by extracting Brown from the vehicle.  

 

Brown was transported to a hospital in Indianapolis via Stat Flight, for serious injuries.

 

Trooper Maynor was assisted at the crash scene by Putnamville Post Troopers, Putnam County Deputies, Greencastle Fire Department, Putnam County EMS, Stat Flight, INDOT, and Curtis Wrecker Service.

Husband and wife who conspired with Subway spokesperson Jared Fogle to sexually exploit children sentenced to federal prison

Russell Taylor, 50, Indianapolis, and his ex-wife, Angela Taylor (now known as Angela Baldwin), 40, Connersville, were sentenced today, ending a years-long child exploitation investigation into a conspiracy that involved Taylor, Baldwin, and Jared Fogle. Taylor was sentenced to 27 years in prison and Baldwin was sentenced to over 33 years in prison.

 

According to Court documents, the investigation into Taylor, Baldwin, and Fogle began in 2014, when an acquaintance of Taylor and Baldwin contacted the Indiana State Police to report that Taylor had offered to send her child sexual abuse material. In 2015, a search warrant was executed at the home that Taylor and Baldwin shared. Child sexual abuse material was discovered on multiple electronic devices and law enforcement officers concluded that there were likely hidden cameras in the house.

 

Taylor and Fogle were both charged, pled guilty, and convicted in 2015. Taylor appealed, and his conviction was vacated in 2020. During the subsequent re-investigation, investigators discovered evidence that implicated Baldwin, and she was charged with production of child sex abuse material, possession of child sex abuse material, and conspiracy to produce child sex abuse material.

 

According to court documents, between 2011 and 2015, Taylor and Baldwin worked together and with other individuals, including Jared Fogle, to produce, possess, and distribute child sexual abuse material. Taylor and Baldwin placed hidden cameras in their house to secretly record minor children fully nude and/or engaging in sexual activity. In addition to viewing the hidden camera footage, Taylor and Baldwin also distributed the sexually explicit images and videos to each other, to Fogle, and to other members of the conspiracy.

 

Taylor, who pled guilty in June 2021 to multiple offenses, including 24 counts of producing child sexual abuse material, was sentenced today to 324 months in federal prison.

 

Baldwin, who was convicted by a jury in October 2021 of two counts of production of child sexual abuse material, one count of conspiracy to produce child sexual abuse material, and one count of possession of child sexual abuse material, was sentenced to 400 months in federal prison.

 

“The Taylors have finally been held accountable for their years of heinous sexual exploitation of children,” said U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Myers. “Child sexual abusers must be held accountable for the lifelong impact of these crimes on survivors and their families. The prosecutors, investigators, and analysts of Indiana’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force will not relent in our mission to protect children from these offenders. I commend all of the dedicated professionals who fought to take these child predators out of our community and help to bring justice to their victims.”

 

“This case demonstrates the never-ending commitment of the FBI and our law enforcement partners to seek justice for the victims of child sexual abuse,” said FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Herbert J. Stapleton. “Russell Taylor and Angela Baldwin not only abused children by producing child sexual abuse material in their home, but also re-victimized children over and over again by contributing to the distribution of these images.  Sentences like this one send a clear message that adults who participate in this type of despicable abuse will be held responsible for their actions.”

 

“The collaborative work performed by the Indiana State Police, Indiana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and our federal law enforcement partners helped to bring to justice those who sought to perpetuate the victimization of children”, said Indiana State Police Superintendent Douglas G. Carter.  “And for that, I am so proud and grateful for their tireless efforts.”

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force investigated the case. The sentence was imposed by U.S. District Chief Judge Tanya Walton Pratt. As part of the sentence, Judge Pratt ordered that Taylor and Baldwin be supervised by the U.S. Probation Office for life following their release from prison. Taylor and Baldwin will also be required by law to register as a sex offender wherever they live, work, or go to school.

 

U.S. Attorney Myers thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kathryn E. Olivier and Bradley P. Shepard who prosecuted this case.

 

Indiana Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force is a partnership of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies led by the Indiana State Police. The Task Force is dedicated to investigating and prosecuting crimes involving the technology-facilitated sexual exploitation of children and the trafficking of child sexual abuse material. Each year, Indiana ICAC investigators evaluate thousands of tips, investigate hundreds of cases, and rescue dozens of children from ongoing sexual abuse. In fiscal year 2019, the most recent year for which data is available, the Southern District of Indiana was second out of the 94 federal districts in the country for the number of child sexual exploitation cases prosecuted.

 

Additionally, this case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc

South Putnam's Chloe Pistelli to receive IHSAA/C. Eugene Cato Memorial Scholarship

The Indiana High School Athletic Association, Inc. is pleased to announce this year’s group of 12 senior student-athletes who will be honored with the 2022 IHSAA/C. Eugene Cato Memorial Scholarships.

 

To reward the efforts of Indiana’s complete student-athletes, Forté Sports Medicine, Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance, Indianapolis Colts, Indiana Fever, Indiana Pacers, Sport Graphics, Inc., and Franciscan Health Systems have all partnered with the IHSAA and the IHSAA Foundation to sponsor the program.

 

South Putnam's Chloe Pistelli is among those being honored

 

These well-rounded, positive role models have demonstrated excellence in academics, school and community involvement, character, sportsmanship, and citizenship.

 

Two females and two males from the three IHSAA districts will each receive a $2,500 scholarship for their prep accomplishments and be recognized at this year’s Thomas A. Brady Sports Achievement Awards Dinner established by Forté Sports Medicine, on June 2.

 

 

Patchwork on 231 set to begin Monday

Improvements are coming to U.S. 231.

 

Starting Monday, there will be restrictions on U.S. 231 from Frazier Street to the intersection of U.S. 231 and 240 for patchwork between 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

 

Work could possibly continue into Tuesday.

 

Indiana Conservation Officers to host recruiting event in Putnam and Greene counties

Anyone interested in becoming an Indiana Conservation Officer is encouraged to attend one of two identical recruiting events that DNR Law Enforcement’s District 5 will host in Putnam and Greene counties.

 

The same material will be covered at each event.

 

The first is Wednesday, May 18, at 6 p.m. in Greene County at the Goose Pond Fish & Wildlife Area Visitor Center. The address is 13540 West County Road 400 South, Linton, IN 47441.

 

The second is Saturday May 21, at 9 a.m. in Putnam County at the Cagles Mill Lake (Lieber State Recreation Area) Nature Center. The address is 1317 W. Lieber Road, Suite 1, Cloverdale, IN 46120. Gate fees will be waived for those attending this event.

 

District 5, located in west-central Indiana, includes Sullivan, Greene, Parke, Putnam, Vigo, Owen, Clay, and Vermillion counties.

 

Each event will cover critical portions of the 2022 Indiana Conservation Officer hiring process, including duties of a conservation officer, preparation for the written exam and core values training, and physical agility testing requirements. Participation at either event does not guarantee participants a position.

 

To see if you qualify to be an Indiana Conservation Officer and to complete the pre-screen exam, see on.IN.gov/dnrlaw and click on Become a Conservation Officer.

 

Questions regarding the District 5 recruiting events should be directed to ICO Cole Hollingsworth, 765-635-8114, chollingsworth2@dnr.IN.gov.

The May First Friday is canceled due to inclement weather

First Friday for May 6 has been canceled due to the excessive rain. However, folks still wanting to enjoy tonight have some options that are still available. 

 

Almost Home and Swizzle Stick is moving Cade Pucket inside.  The show is 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM and Almost Home will still be offering their special drink for the night in honor of this First Friday’s sponsor, Prime Real Estate. The drink is the Prime Vodka Lemon Shake-up.

 

Moore’s will also be moving their entertainment indoors. Hometown Haven will play from 7:00 PM to 10:00 pm.

 

The new Granola Girl Apothecary will still have their ribbon cutting at 5:00 pm. However, some of the entertainment they planned to offer may not be available with the rain.

 

Castlemakers will still have their open workshop hours from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM. They will not, however, race foam cars down Franklin Street.

 

And the newest business on the square, The Whisk, located at 18 South Jackson in the basement, will still open their doors at 6:00 PM.

Owen County Sheriff's Office says there was no shooting at elementary school

The Owen County Sheriff's Office confirms there was no shooting despite such a  report to them Thursday.

 

The Owen County Emergency 911 Center received a report of a school shooting at Patricksburg Elementary School.  Deputies with the Owen County Sheriff’s Office quickly responded, entered and cleared the building.

 

All students are safe and accounted for. The report was unfounded and no shooting had occurred.

 

An investigation is underway to determine the source of the phone call.

Bridges overcomes election night confusion for 7-vote win

For a brief moment Tuesday night, Tracy Bridges felt both ends of the spectrum that come with running for office and watching election results be tallied in the Putnam County Clerk of Courts race.

 

Bridges, the current Putnam County recorder, was initially announced as the loser against Debbie Ensor, who serves as the first deputy in the clerk’s office.

 

However, when the dust settled, Bridges was actually the winner, having defeated Ensor by a total of seven votes – 2,049 to 2,042 to claim the Republican ticket for the November general election.

 

“I’m thrilled. I was lucky to get my feet wet being an elected official in the recorder’s office. I’ve always wanted to be Clerk. I’m just thankful the voters trust me to be their next clerk,” Bridges told the Putnam County Post.

 

The moments on Tuesday night with confusion are actually something that Bridges hopes to clean up as clerk now.

 

“One of my goals is to update the entire election process. There needs to be no whiteboard, hand-written results. No one on a microphone misreading the numbers and names. That was terrible,” Bridges told the Putnam County Post.  

 

As was the case with the recorder’s office, Bridges will now hold an office her mother, Opal Sutherlin, once held before retiring after more than 20 years of county government service.

 

“My mother is a fantastic woman and I attribute my values and work ethic to her,” Bridges said.

 

And, the clerk race is an opportunity to continue her passions, Bridges said.

 

“My passions lie in the courts and elections. I have a degree in criminal justice and psychology. I am a licensed polygraph examiner. The whole criminal system is intriguing to me. I look forward to working with Holly Sullivan to further the safe and secure elections,” Bridges said. 

Baugh wins Putnam Co. Sheriff's primary; Bridges by seven votes over Ensor in clerk's race

Putnam County Republican primary contested race results

 

County Sheriff

Jerrod Baugh, 2063

Dwight Simmons, 1540

Steven Hibler, 887

 

County Council – District 1

Wayne Huffman, 507

David Fuhrman, 403

 

 

County Clerk

Tracy Bridges, 2049

Debbie Ensor, 2042

 

 

County Recorder

Heather Gilbert, 2363

Lorie Hallett-Talbert, 1647

 

County Surveyor

Gregg Williams, 2171

David Penturf, 1886

 

Franklin Twp. Trustee

Zach Bowers, 99

Clyde Flynn Coulter, Jr., 54

 

Cloverdale Town Council – Ward 3

Brandon Tancak, 123

Cindy Holland, 113

 

Rockville man's tractor-trailer struck by vehicle in fatal U.S. 41 accident

The Indiana State Police are investigating a Monday afternoon crash between a passenger vehicle and a semi tractor-trailer on US 41 just north of State Road 48, that claimed the life of one individual.

 

The preliminary investigation by Indiana State Police indicated that about 1:30 p.m., a 2015 Mack semi tractor-trailer driven by Thomas E. Selig, 64, of Rockville, was traveling northbound on US 41 in the driving lane just north of State Road 48 with its emergency lights (four-way flashers) activated.  The emergency lights were activated due to hauling hazardous materials.

 

Selig stated he was stopped at a railroad crossing, which he is required by law to do due to hazardous materials, when he felt an impact in the rear of his semi.  A 2014 Chevrolet was traveling northbound in the driving lane, directly behind the semi tractor-trailer, and failed to observe that the truck had stopped, running into the rear.  The driver of the Chervolet succumbed to injuries at the scene of the accident.

 

An autopsy is scheduled at Regional Hospital in Terre Haute.  At that time, a positive identification of the driver of the Chervolet will be made.

Putnam County Public Library offers hotspots, technology to residents

As a way of connecting with the entire county, the Putnam County Public Library has taken advantage of federal funds to assist residents with the opportunity to have internet access.

 

Through the FCC’s Emergency Connectivity Fund, the Putnam County Public Library has free mobile hotspots available for checkout to patrons. In addition, the library offers laptops and tablets to patrons.

 

“We want to help residents in rural Putnam County to have access to reliable internet. Over the past year, the grant has really helped us get laptops, tablets and hotspots to people,” Putnam County Public Library director Matt McClelland told the Putnam County Post.

 

The Emergency Connectivity Fund is a $7.1 billion program that assists schools and libraries with the tools and services needed to help families with remote learning. In addition, the program covers the costs of laptops and tablets, hotspots, modems, routers and broadband connectivity purchases for off-campus use by students and library patrons.

 

In addition, the technology aspect is part of the library’s new strategic plan, according to McClelland.

 

“This is very important. One of the goals of our new strategic plan is to reach out to all the areas of Putnam County, and we want to expand and serve all of the county. We are a county library,” McClelland said.

Car crashed into guardrail on 231 Monday; concerns for nearby resident

A one-vehicle accident in the 3:00 pm hour Monday stopped traffic on 231 near Waterworks Hill.

 

The accident involved a vehicle into the guardrail. 

 

The section of roadway has become one of conversation and concern over the years.  Bill Lady has lived near today’s accident site for 10 years.

 

 

Lady told the Putnam County Post that a change in speed limit hasn’t really helped the crash concerns for the roadway.  Or his nearby home.

 

 

The Nature Conservancy in Indiana celebrated Earth Day in Putnam County

Earth Day was April 22, 2022 and the Nature Conservancy in Indiana (TNC), an environmental nonprofit working to create a world where people and nature can thrive, commemorated Earth Day with a variety of in-person and virtual events.

 

Locally, TNC and a group of volunteers met at the Big Walnut Nature Preserver (also known as Fortune Wood) in the Roachdale and Bainbridge area on Saturday for an Earth Day Garlic Mustard Pull. Garlic mustard, while edible, is a non-native and invasive plant. Volunteers met at the reserve early in the morning to learn how to identify the plant and how to safely remove it to stop its spread.

 

Esmé Barniskis, TNC Indiana’s Volunteer & Events Coordinator, also stated TNC works with Department of Nature Preserves and Hoosier Hikers Council. The Hoosier Hikers Council recently rerouted a trail at the Big Walnut Forest Reserve to follow along a ravine, making for a more interesting hike.

 

 

TNC  stated there are many small but impactful steps Hoosiers can take to be good stewards of the environment, which can be done anytime, not just Earth Day. Those include:

 

  • Plant trees to improve air quality and remove carbon from the atmosphere
  • Recycle
  • Carry reusable water bottles
  • Be a conscientious traveler (walk, bike, bus or carpool to work)
  • Switch to energy efficient appliances or a smart thermostat to prevent unnecessary energy expenditure
  • Participate in meatless Monday or plan one meal per week without meat

Math prof-turned-administrator named new vice president for finance and administration

Andrea Young, a mathematician-turned-college administrator, will be DePauw University’s next vice president for finance and administration, President Lori White announced today. She will start July 15.

 

Young, who also will be chief financial officer, has been interim president of Ripon College since January, having been appointed to the interim position as Ripon’s Board of Trustees searches for a new president. She has held a variety of administrative roles at Ripon, including vice president for finance and director of strategic initiatives, which she had held since July 2019, dean of faculty, special assistant to the president and liaison to the board of trustees.

 

Ripon, located in east central Wisconsin, is a liberal arts college with about 800 students.

 

“The thing that I love about higher ed, particularly institutions like our small liberal arts institutions, is the way that we embody principles of shared governance,” she said. “We work together across areas-- across the constituencies of faculty, staff, students, board members, alumni and administrators--to solve the big problems of how to continue to compete in an increasingly competitive marketplace and to provide transformative educational experiences for our students.”

 

Young is a tenured math professor who “never expected to be an administrator” but “got tapped on the shoulder by our president, who asked me to join the administration.” She has held a variety of administrative roles since then, “and it turns out, I I love working in the administration to do the behind-the-scenes work that allows our faculty and our staff to help our students succeed.”

 

As a university’s top financial person, “you are working with complex institutional and financial data and communicating that to a wide variety of audiences,” she said. “And that’s what you do as a math professor as well. In a lot of ways, the work of the CFO is kind of a giant math problem.  I enjoy institutional problem-solving and working with different areas of campus to do what’s best for our students.”

 

Said President White: “Dr. Young brings great knowledge and vigor to DePauw, including her experiences as a faculty member who has served on important faculty and university committees and as a member of the cabinet at Rippon.  During the search process for the vice president for finance and administration at DePauw, Dr. Young impressed us with her knowledge of the financial challenges and opportunities for small liberal arts colleges. She also demonstrated her ability to communicate the nuances of university budgets to a wide variety of constituencies. That’s always important, and especially so at a time when we are undertaking many new initiatives called for in the strategic plan.”

 

Young said she is excited to work on implementing the strategic plan, which calls for academic renewal and work toward an exemplary student experience, institutional equity and a flourishing university.

 

DePauw has “created an inspiring and forward-thinking strategic plan,” she said. “I'm excited to join in on the work of realizing that vision and working with internal and external partners to put our time and our resources behind the strategic pillars that you’ve collectively identified will move the institution forward.”

 

Young started at Ripon 11 years ago. She earned a Ph.D. in mathematics at the University of Texas at Austin and a bachelor’s degree in math, with a minor in Italian, from Pennsylvania State University.  As a professor, Young won several teaching awards; published many peer-reviewed articles; and been principal investigator for a National Science Foundation grant aimed at improving undergraduate STEM education.  

Greencastle Parks and Recreation celebrated Arbor Day with new trees

Greencastle Parks and Recreation celebrated Arbor Day, which was April 29, 2022, by planting new trees over two days.

 

On Thursday, April 28, Greencastle Parks and Recreation partnered with Jamie Herd and Tara Garrett of Putnam County Comprehensive Services, along with PCCS tree planters Casey, Joe, John, Thomas, and Tommy, to plant a Bir Oak in Robe Ann Park. Also assisting were park staff members David Bault, Rick Long, Mac McCammack, and DePauw University Bonner Scholar Haleigh Menendez. The trees were planted in the southeast corner of the park, near the aquatic center.

 

 

On Friday, April 29,  the Greencastle Parks and Recreation Department planted four trees in the southwest corner of the park. With the Mayor of Greencastle, who recited the proclamation honoring National Arbor Day, are Civic League representatives Kate Knaul and Kristen Wells, in addition to park staff member, David Bault.

 

The four-tree planting is the result of a generous gift from the Greencastle Civic League.

 

CNBC journalist to return to Depauw to deliver commencement address

A veteran journalist who is quite familiar with DePauw University will be delivering the commencement address.

 

Jon Fortt, who graduated from DePauw University in 1998, will address the Class of 2022 on May 22. Fortt, who was a reporter for the DePauw student newspaper, is currently an anchor for CNBC, having served as a co-anchor on “Squawk Alley” and “TechCheck.”

 

In a release from DePauw, Fortt touched on how the Greencastle university changed his life.

 

“DePauw molded me in many ways – as a community member, a writer, a thinker and a journalist, to name a few. I arrived on campus as a student in 1994, the year the web browser was born; the DePauw liberal arts education prepared me for a world marked by the internet-driven technological change and social upheaval. I hope to offer the graduates a message of hope: that the experiences that have molded them during their time at DePauw will position them to lead our country and our world to a better, braver place,” Fortt said.

 

In addition, DePauw will be awarding three honorary degrees during the ceremony, as Elgan L. Baker Jr. (1971), William F. Carroll Jr. (1973) and Kelsey Kauffman will all be honored.

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