The Indiana Department of Transportation announces a chip seal operation starting on State Road 240, on or after Monday, August 1, weather permitting.

Work is scheduled from approximately 4.17-miles east of U.S. 231 to S.R. 75. Crews will place message boards at each end of the project, to alert the traveling public. INDOT suggests finding alternative routes during the short duration of the chip sealing operation.

Work is completed under lane closures with flagging.

Metronet announced they have declared Greencastle as the first Certified Gigabit City Powered by Metronet after the company’s ultra-high-speed fiber optic network became accessible to a majority of households and businesses throughout the city.

To date, Metronet has installed more than 250 miles of optic cable throughout Greencastle bringing future-proof Gigabit speeds to residents and business and is continuing to expand from its initial build plan.

Greencastle was Metronet’s first market, starting back in 2005. Since then, the Metronet Company has become the nation’s largest, independently owned 100% fiber optic provider building networks across 16 states in more than 250 communities.  

“As Metronet’s first fiber optic network city, Greencastle is proud to be named the first Certified Gigabit City Powered by Metronet,” said Mayor Bill Dory. “Greencastle residents and businesses have experienced the benefits of extremely fast and reliable internet service. We are thankful for the impact that Metronet’s service has made as our community continues to grow and thrive.”

Metronet maintains a store front in Greencastle at 15 South Indiana Street and currently employs more than 25 local associates in a variety of departments. Greencastle Residents interested in learning more about Metronet’s future-proof services may visit Metronet.com.

With the 2022-23 academic year approaching, Ivy Tech Community College has named Tammy Keenan the site director for Ivy Tech Greencastle.

Keenan started her new role at Ivy Tech on July 18.

“I am excited to join the elite team at Ivy Tech and welcome any chance to collaborate and find success in opening up our academic offerings to Putnam County and surrounding communities,” said Keenan.

As site director, Keenan oversees daily operations and leads the efforts to grow enrollment in programs offered at Ivy Tech Greencastle, including the Associate Accelerated Program (ASAP).

“With extensive career experience in leadership roles, Tammy will bring a strategic perspective to growing our partnerships and enrollment at the Ivy Tech Greencastle location,” said Chancellor Lea Anne Crooks, Ph.D. “Ivy Tech Greencastle has some unique programs not offered at our Terre Haute campus and are designed to fit the needs of Putnam County. As this region of Indiana grows, Tammy will continue our history of building collaborative partnerships to support the economic and residential growth of Greencastle and the surrounding communities.”

Keenan has been in Putnam County for 20 years. A graduate of Purdue University, Keenan has spent the majority of her career in the healthcare industry, most recently serving in executive leadership roles with Life’s Journey of Avon Hospice. For a short time during the last two years, Keenan owned and operated #harmony Music Boutique, which was located on the square in downtown Greencastle.

“The pandemic’s toll on the healthcare industry allowed me to look at new adventures and a chance to explore ways I could learn new lessons and skills through my career. #harmony Music Boutique was that opportunity,” added Keenan.

Keenan lives in southern Putnam County with her husband and their 16-year-old daughter.

Keenan can be reached at tkeenan8@ivytech.edu or by calling 765-719-6036.

Classes begin at Ivy Tech Greencastle on August 22 and those interested still have time to apply and enroll. Students can complete their degree at Ivy Tech Greencastle in practical nursing, general studies, liberal arts, psychology, and Indiana College Core, which allow students to transfer as a sophomore to any Indiana public four-year college. Students can also start their education in many other programs at Ivy Tech Greencastle before finishing at Ivy Tech Terre Haute. Anyone interested in getting started at Ivy Tech should apply at ivytech.edu/applynow or contact Ivy Tech Greencastle at (765) 653-7410.

The 165th Indiana State Fair opens Friday, July 29, and will continue through Sunday, August 21 (Fair is closed Mondays and Tuesdays). The Fair opens daily at 9 a.m.

The 2022 Indiana State Fair will feature fan favorites and new attractions for all ages. The 2022 Indiana State Fair is celebrating its automotive focused theme, Fun at the Speed of Summer - Celebrating Indiana's Automotive Excellence, presented by Tom Wood Automotive Group. 

Fairgoers are encouraged to act fast and buy tickets today to save up to 40%. Tickets are currently available to purchase online at IndianaStateFair.com. Discounts end today, July 28 at 11:59pm.

The Duke Energy Foundation is awarding more than $175,000 in microgrants to support 47 local emergency management agencies across the company’s Indiana service territory.

The funding is designed to help public safety agencies increase their resiliency to severe weather events and other emergencies through advanced preparation, planning, equipment and training. Each organization will receive up to $10,000 in funding.

Emergency management in Putnam, Owen and Montgomery counties each received $5,000.

“At Duke Energy, we put safety first in everything we do – and we’re committed to helping our local emergency management agencies prepare to respond in any type of emergency situation,” said Stan Pinegar, president of Duke Energy Indiana. “We know that successful emergency preparedness and recovery begins and ends at the local level. We appreciate our collaborative relationships with these key organizations in the communities we serve, particularly when storms bring power lines down or an emergency occurs.”

The grants will help fund search and rescue K-9s, the installation of tornado sirens, search and rescue programs for “at-risk” individuals, volunteer training, and various emergency preparedness and response programs.

During major emergencies and natural disasters, local emergency management agencies play a critical role in providing information, resources and support that Duke Energy relies on to speed power restoration for its customers.

Detectives from the Indiana State Police Indianapolis District have recently received complaints about a potential scam in the form of a text message. The messenger claims to be from the Indiana Department of Workforce Development and indicates the recipient has unclaimed money from the state. The message gives instructions to click a link, that link will take them to a webpage asking for personal / confidential information.

Detectives have communicated the Indiana Department of Workforce Development and confirmed that they will not send a text or email message asking individuals to click a link to receive benefits or any type of payment. Clicking on the link and providing personal information will give fraudsters the ability to access personal accounts or sell personal information on the dark web. Y

ou can report unemployment fraud here: in.gov/dwd/indiana-unemployment/fraud/ .

The fraudulent link received via text message looks like this: https: //uplink-indiana .us/ login .

A reputable resource to research potential scams, or cross check a suspicious message you have received can be found on the Better Business Bureau's Website: https://www.bbb.org/scamtracker/ .

The Indiana State Police would like to remind Hoosiers the easiest way to protect yourself from being scammed by text or by email is to ignore and delete unsolicited requests for information from unknown senders. You should never provide any information to an unknown sender about your personal identity, social security number, bank account(s), or credit card number(s). Be extra cautious about clicking any links that are sent to you by an unknown person.

Putnam County is working on a new comprehensive plan and wants input from the community. A brief 10 minute survey has been developed and they are hoping all Putnam County citizens take the time to complete the survey, found at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/EnvisionPutnamCounty.

To facilitate the planning process, Putnam County partnered with HWC Engineering to create the Putnam County Comprehensive Plan and update the Unified Development Ordinance.  This comprehensive plan will be used by community leaders, residents, and business owners as a reference when making decisions that affect the county’s future.

Putnam County officials are invested in planning for its future and is seeking input from residents and business owners about how they envision Putnam County evolving over the next 10-15 years. If you have questions, please feel free to contact Lisa Zeiner at (765) 301-9108 or director@pcplan.us.

I-70 eastbound and westbound will be restricted today between C.R. 1100 and U.S. 231 for a four-phase box installation. Crews are also constructing a median crossover.

Traffic will shift down to two, 11 foot travel lanes with two-foot shoulders to allow crews to install the box under I-70 westbound and then on I-70 eastbound. 

Putnam County Fair events Friday, July 22 include:

12:00 pm - 2:30 pm: Garden entries accepted, Harris Hall

3:00 pm:  Registration for the Putnam County Farm Bureau Inc. Pedal Tractor Pull.  The event begins at 3:30 pm.  It is free to enter for all non 4Hers under 9 years of age.

3:00 pm: 4-H Llama & Alpaca Show, Indoor Arena

3:30 pm: Garden judging, Harris Hall

3:30 pm - 9:00 pm: Harris Hall is open to the public

6:00 pm - 9:00 pm: 4-H & Adult Open Class Exhibit Hall is open to the public

7:00 pm: Classic country music with the Mystery Train Band, Free Stage

Law enforcement agencies in Indiana are taking part in a multi-state effort to address the troubling rise in speeding and aggressive driving. Across the Midwest, officers will be out in full force showing zero tolerance for drivers traveling above the posted speed limit.

The Speed Awareness Day enforcement campaign will take place on July 27 and is part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s “Great Lakes, High Stakes” initiative. The overtime patrols are funded with federal grants administered by the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI).

Participating states include Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin.

“We have a growing crisis on our roadways and driving too fast and aggressively is at the center of it,” said Devon McDonald, ICJI Executive Director. “This isn’t a game. There are no second chances. If you die in a crash or end up killing someone, that’s it. We can and we must break this cycle.”

Mirroring national trends, Indiana has seen a drastic increase in deadly crashes and speeding-related fatalities since the start of the pandemic.

In 2020, a total of 897 people lost their lives on Indiana roads, a 10% increase from 2019. Of those fatalities, 238 or approximately one-fourth involved speeding. That’s the highest number in the past decade and an 18% increase from the previous year, despite having fewer drivers on the road.

Even more concerning, early projections from ICJI show that overall traffic deaths rose last year to 931 fatalities, and Indiana is once again on track to surpass that in 2022. Speeding, along with other dangerous driver behaviors, such as impaired driving and not wearing a seat belt, are some of the leading causes.

“People who travel at excessive speeds are more likely to engage in other forms of reckless driving,” said Robert Duckworth, ICJI Traffic Safety Director. “Speeding, by itself, puts people at risk, but when you combine that with other unsafe choices like drinking or texting while driving, you’ve got a recipe for disaster.”

Statistics show that young people, especially male drivers, are particularly susceptible to high speeds and represent the largest demographic involved in speeding-related crashes. Parents are encouraged to talk to their teens about the dangers of speeding and ignoring the rules of the road.

“Parents are critical to making a difference on this issue,” McDonald said. “Teens will often adopt driving habits based on those around them, whether good or bad, which is why we need every driver, parents especially, to set a good example.”

Throughout the campaign, law enforcement officers will be issuing citations for those driving above the posted speed limit, as well as working to raise awareness about the deadly consequences of speeding and aggressive driving.

Speeding reduces a driver’s ability to steer safely around another vehicle, a hazardous object or an unexpected curve. As speed increases, so does the likelihood of a crash and the degree of crash severity leading to more severe injuries for the driver, passengers, pedestrians and other road users.

Speeding also increases the potential for loss of vehicle control, especially in inclement weather, and reduces the effectiveness of occupant protection equipment.

Drivers who encounter someone speeding or following too closely should allow them to pass by safely steering out of the way. Since speeding is tied to aggressive driving, it’s important to give them plenty of space, as they may lose control of their vehicle more easily.

Motorists are encouraged to call the police if they believe a driver is following or harassing them.

The Putnam County Coroner’s Office has identified the deceased individual that was involved in a fatal accident on Interstate 70. 

Dominic Michael Woodfield, 56, of Joppa, Maryland, was the driver of the semi tractor-trailer just before 8:30 am on July 3.  Troopers with the Indiana State Police Putnamville Post responded to investigate the crash.

A  2001 Volvo semi tractor-trailer was traveling westbound on Interstate 70 when, for an undetermined reason, the driver lost control of the semi and struck a guardrail.  The impact from the accident caused the semi to flip over and catch on fire.  There were no passengers in the semi.

Drugs and alcohol are not believed to be a contributing factor of the accident. 

The Greencastle Aquatic Center had to close their doors on Thursday, due to unsatisfactory water test. According to the testing center, several pools have closed for similar reasons. Representatives with the testing center believe these unsatisfactory results are due to the recent weather conditions.

The Greencastle Parks and Recreation department and Greencastle Aquatic Center staff are working hard to resolve these issues, with the hope of reopening by Saturday, July 23, 2022.

The Indiana State Fair returns in just nine days and there are many ways to save on the State Fair experience.

The State Fair offers deals and discounts throughout the 18 day Fair, including 100+ free things to do once you’re there. The State Fair is open Friday, July 29 through Sunday, August 21 (closed Mondays & Tuesdays).

Fairgoers are encouraged to buy tickets early to save up to 40%. Tickets are currently available to purchase online at www.IndianaStateFair.com. All advance discounts end Thursday, July 28 at 11:59pm.

Advance Admission Discounts - the following discounts are available now at IndianaStateFair.com

? Advance Discount Fair Admission Tickets. $10 advance discount State Fair Tickets are available through July 28 at 11:59PM ET - SAVE 29% off gate admission

? Advance Discount Fair Parking Pass. $8 discount State Fair parking is available through July 28 at 11:59PM ET - 20% savings

? Advance Discount Midway Wristbands. $25 midway wristbands available through July 31 at 11:59PM ET - 38% savings

? Advance Discount Family 4-Pack. Includes 1 parking pass and 4 admission tickets to the 2022 Indiana State Fair. Available now through July 28 at 11:59PM ET - 40% savings Daily Gate Discounts - discounts listed available on select days:

Daily Gate Discounts - discounts listed available on select days:

? BMV Discount Day, Wednesday, August 3. $7.00 gate admission with printed or digital voucher from IN.GOV/BMV (50% savings on admission)

? $3 Thursdays presented by the Indiana Secretary of State, Thursday, August 4, 11, and 18. $3 admission, $3 Midway Rides, and $3 food options at each food stand

? Free IndyStar Ticket Union Carpenters’ Day, Wednesday, August 10. Grab a copy of the IndyStar on Thursday, August 4th for a FREE admission ticket to the Fair - valid ONLY at the State Fair on Wednesday, August 10 for FREE admission

? AAA Day, Wednesday August 17. AAA Cardholders receive FREE State Fair admission with a valid AAA membership card presented at the gate. One valid card per person.

? Military & First Responders’ Day presented by Peterman Brothers, Friday August 19. First responders, current and former Military, and their families receive FREE admission with valid ID presented at the gate. Additional Daily Deals & Value:

? Free Tractor Shuttle Rides. Travel around the fairgrounds for FREE this year on the tractor shuttles

Additional Daily Deals & Value:

? Free Entertainment and Activities at Every Turn. Visit IndianaStateFair.com to view the Top 100 Free Things to Do DAILY at the 2022 Indiana State Fair

? Free Entertainment Every Day at The Hoosier Lottery Free Stage. Visit IndianaStateFair.com to see the full Hoosier Lottery Free Stage line up - All Concerts are FREE with paid fair admission

? Pedal and Park. Save $1.00 off Fair admission when you ride your bicycle to the Fair and use one of the free secured bike racks on the Monon Trail north of 38th St.

Congressman Jim Baird (IN-04) and Congressman Jimmy Panetta (CA-20) introduced an amendment to the Agriculture, Rural Development, and FDA appropriations bill that directs the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to modernize its regulatory process for new products produced through techniques like gene editing. 

“As America’s researchers continue to develop innovative products, it’s critical that they have a clear, coordinated, and predictable pathway to the marketplace,” said Congressman Baird. “I’m proud to work with Congressman Panetta to modernize the FDA’s existing regulatory process so that onerous red tape does not stifle innovation, particularly at this time of high food prices.”

“The FDA has stalled on issuing plant gene editing guidance for too long, creating uncertainty for a promising industry that bolsters food security and reduces waste,” said Congressman Panetta. “My bipartisan amendment with Rep. Baird will equip the FDA with the resources and staff they need to modernize its plant biotech consultation program. These technologies can be used to develop drought and climate change resilient crops that stay fresh longer, meriting this federal investment in the 2023 appropriations package.”

The Indiana Arts Commission has added several key staff members including a DePauw graduate.

Montgomery and Putnam counties and AT&T are collaborating on a $5.7 million plan to bring AT&T Fiber to nearly 2,200 homes, businesses and farms. The project is contingent upon a final contract between the state of Indiana and AT&T.

Using an award from Indiana’s Next Level Connections Broadband Grant Program and private investment from AT&T, the plan calls for the state-of-the-art fiber network to cover portions of Ladoga, New Market and Waveland in Montgomery County and portions of Russellville in Putnam County.

Following the execution of a final agreement between AT&T and the state, extensive design and engineering work will begin immediately. 

“This AT&T project will bring fiber-based internet to many of our residents who desperately need it,” said Montgomery County Commissioner John Frey. “It’s a great example of the public and private sectors working together to build a brighter future for Hoosiers. We’re thrilled to see this progress on broadband access.”

AT&T has extensive experience deploying fiber-optics across Indiana. In fact, hundreds of thousands of locations in the state have access to AT&T Fiber today. AT&T is also currently working with both Vanderburgh County and the City of Boonville to bring AT&T Fiber to those communities through public-private partnerships.

“We have a long history of connecting Hoosiers, and we’re excited about this opportunity to continue to work with the state, Montgomery and Putnam counties on closing the digital divide,” said Bill Soards, president, AT&T Indiana. “Our AT&T Fiber network is fast and reliable, and we look forward to helping build better futures for the businesses and people in these communities.”

AT&T Fiber is the fastest among major providers[1] and offers symmetrical speeds of up to 5-Gigs on downloads and uploads. The faster speeds and increased bandwidth mean customers can connect multiple devices, stream multiple entertainment sources, quickly upload content to social media and experience ultra-low lag for pro-level gaming – all at the same time.

Residents and businesses can learn more about AT&T Fiber at att.com/fiber and can sign up to be notified when service will be available at their address at att.com/notifyme.

Affordable internet service is available for low-income households as part of AT&T’s commitment to help close the digital divide. Access from AT&T offers low-cost broadband options, including free internet for eligible households when combined with federal benefits from the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP).[2] After you confirm your ACP eligibility, call us at 866-986-0963 to discuss your options and order service. Be sure to have your National Verifier application ID handy when you call.

Sunday's weather forecast has resulted in the decision to cancel the Putnam County Fair Parade that was set for today.

The event will not be rescheduled.

A bank robbery suspect was apprehended Friday in Brazil.

The Brazil Police Department was dispatched to Riddell National Bank for a reported robbery. The suspect was said to have left on foot from the bank. The Brazil Police Department, Clay County Sheriff's Office, and Indiana Conservation Officers searched the area but were unable to locate the suspect.

The following day, Brazil Police Detective Overton was provided video footage from the robbery. A suspect was identified, and an arrest warrant was issued for Matthew Craig.

On Friday evening, Detective Overton learned of a possible location for Craig and a vehicle description. Craig was located and a brief foot chase ensued.  Craigwas quickly caught and arrested for Robbery, a Level 5 Felony.

Authorities in Hendricks County are asking for the public's help to find a missing teen.

The Hendricks County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a missing 16 year old, David Burgess.  Burgess had reportedly left his home in the 5000 block of County Road 600 South (west of Plainfield) on his black mountain style bicycle at approximately 2:40 pm. 

Burgess has previously ridden to Danville and Pittsboro areas when he has left home and he may possibly be carrying a tent with him. 

If anyone has seen David Burgess or knows of his whereabouts, please call the Hendricks County Dispatch Center at 317.839.8700 regarding Hendricks County Sheriff’s Case Number HP22-5315. 

The Cloverdale Town Council has a vacancy as president Rick Dearwester has officially resigned. 

Improved security is planned for the park in Cloverdale after recent vandalism.

The Cloverdale Town Council heard of two recent cases of vandalism at the park.  Plans are to upgrade security there with cameras.

Also at the meeting of the council on Tuesday Cloverdale Town Marshall Steve Hibler confirmed that the funds for the second K9 contract have been collected, although no formal decisions have been made.

Regarding the Doe Creek Meadows Subdivision, town manager Jason Hartman confirmed that construction of homes will begin in two weeks.

To discuss the 2023 budget, a public hearing will be held on September 13.  The adoption date is scheduled for October 11.  

It's a weekend with a pageant and a parade leading up to the 2022 Putnam County Fair.

Eight candidates will vye for the title of Miss Putnam County Fair Queen on Saturday.  The pageant is scheduled to begin at 7 pm. 

The candidates include:  Sarah Baker, Rainey Birge, Handley Everman, Bree Mahoney-Sutherland, Brooke Robertson, Haley Smith, Alex Steffey and Hailee Young.

The Fairgrounds Community Building will open at 6:30 pm.  Admission is $5.

Deadline for registration for Sunday's Putnam County Fair Parade is today, July 13.  See more at www.putcofair.org.  Floats must be decorated with the parade theme, "4H: Planting Seeds for Success".

The parade starts from the intersection of East Washington Street / Wood Street / Indianapolis Road at 2 pm.  The parade will arrive in downtown Greencastle by 2:30 pm.

The parade travels downtown to the courthouse square to the east side of the Putnam County Courthouse (Indiana St.) and returning back to their location via Franklin Street or Indiana Street.

During the event there will be no parking on Washington Street or on the east and north side of the courthouse square, including Indiana and Franklin streets.  This will allos spectators to gather in the area to view the parade and also allow a safe travel for all entries.

Street closings include:

Noon - 4 pm, East Washington from Percy Julian Drive to Wood

Noon - 4 pm, Wood Street, Gardenside, Stadium, Draper and Anderson

1 pm - 4 pm, Re-route of US 231; State Road to follow Jackson St. to VMH

1 pm - 4 pm, Indiana Street

1 pm - 4 pm, Franklin  Street will be very limited

1 pm - 4 pm, All connecting streets along Washington St. from intersection of 

Wood / Indianapolis Road to Indiana Street.

For now, the Bainbridge Community Volunteer Fire Department is covering the Clinton Township area of Putnam County.  Hopes among the Walnut Creek Fire Protection District, which contracts with for fire coverage both, is that it won’t continue for too long.

The Walnut Creek District stepped inf ollowing the recent resignation of Clinton Township Fire Chief Jack Giles. At a meeting for the public Tuesday it was announced that they would terminate the contract with the Clinton Township Volunteer Fire Department as it currently exists.

Walnut Creek President Rusty Burch on the situation as it currently stands.

Burch said the effort now is to find a new fire chief. Then, that person will be responsible for interviewing and choosing volunteers for the newly formed department which would cover Clinton Township.

Will that department be called the Clinton Township Volunteer Fire Department?   The immediate answer would be no.  However, there is a way that it could be. If the department and its board were to choose to disband, then be brought back under the new umbrella, Walnut Creek leaders said it’s possible the name could go on. As it stands, the department under the old name still exists as a 501(c)(3) and so the name could not be used.

Walnut Creek also advised the audience, that included a handful of Clinton Township department members, that they are working with legal counsel in separating any personal and Clinton Township property so that it is properly allocated.

There’s no timetable as of now for the hiring of a new chief or to get a department back online that serves the immediate Clinton Township area.

The Indiana Department of Transportation announces State Road 236 will close on or after Friday, July 22 from U.S. 231 and Rush St. This is for Phase One of the ongoing S.R. 236 reconstruction project.

Access will be maintained for homes and businesses. This section of road is expected to reopen mid-October, weather permitting. 

The official detour follows U.S. 231 to U.S. 36 to S.R. 75.

This project was awarded to Milestone Contractors L.P. for $9.1 million. This project will complete a cold in-place recycle under four separate road closures that will be publicized prior. Phase Three is complete. Phase Two is almost finished. The project spans from U.S. 231 to just west of S.R. 75.

INDOT describes a  cold central plant recycle treatment as an environmentally friendly method in which reclaimed asphalt pavement materials are combined with new asphalt and/or recycling agents to produce cold base mixtures. It involves milling off 8 to 10 inches of existing asphalt and stockpiling the millings nearby at a central location. Then, it's hauled back to the roadway and poured. This will be used as an intermediate layer, and works as a deeper treatment to restore the roadway.

The Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) has partnered with local health departments and other healthcare entities across the state to host back-to-school immunization clinics this summer as part of a statewide public awareness campaign to help families easily access required and recommended school immunizations prior to the start of the 2022-23 school year.

The Start Smart campaign includes a map showing dates, times and locations of community immunization clinics. The map can be found at https://startsmart.health.in.gov/. The clinics are open to children ages 5 and older. Families will not be charged at the site of the clinic but should provide insurance information if available.

“Over the last two years, immunization rates for diseases like measles, mumps and chicken pox have fallen 10 percent across Indiana, which puts children at greater risk of highly contagious, yet highly preventable, diseases,” said State Health Commissioner Kris Box, M.D., FACOG. “While many parents already have appointments scheduled with their child’s pediatrician, we know that some may be having difficulty with access. These community clinics bring the services to areas with the greatest need to help ensure every child is protected before they walk into the classroom.”

IDOH is also mailing letters to parents of children whose state immunization records show they are behind on a required immunization. A list of immunizations required for school can be found here.

“Immunizations are an essential part of keeping students healthy, and we encourage every family to take advantage of these local opportunities to get their children caught up and take one important task off their back-to-school checklist,” Dr. Box said.

Three Duke Energy Trucks, along with three Duke Energy employees, were working on 800 West near US 40 when a passenger car, headed south, collided with them.  

The three employees were able to walk away, but were still transported to Methodist Hospital to be checked out. The driver of the car also appeared to be fine, but was transported to the Putnam County Hospital to be certain.

Witnesses in the area stated the car seemed to traveling at a high rate of speed as it crested the top of the hill.

Emergency crews are at the scene.

The Putnam County Chamber will host a job fair July 21 from 8 - 11:30 am at the Inn at DePauw in Greencastle.

The event is free to the public and will showcase opportunities throughout the county.

Almost two dozen employers will table at the job fair, and job-seekers are welcome to attend, make a connection, and explore new avenues of employment.

Employers tabling next Thursday include Ascena, Co-Alliance, Crown, Cummins Behavioral Health, Endeavor, F.C. Tucker Advantage, Furniture AwareHouse, Hammer & Swigart, Ivy Tech, Kindred at Home, Manpower, Mill Pond, Mr. Appliance, Phoenix Closures, Prime Real Estate Group, PCCS, Putnam County Hospital, Staff Management SMX, ULG Staffing, WorkOne, YMCA of Wabash Valley, and York Automotive.

Employees continue to maintain high demand compared to the readily available supply in the labor force.

Preliminary unemployment data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics puts Indiana’s May unemployment rate at 2.2 percent. In 2021, 53 percent of U.S. adults who quit their job did so for a career change, or to seek a new field of work.

All who are considering a career change are encouraged to attend.

Putnam County Chamber Executive Director, Cody Eckert, noted the excitement of the employers scheduled to table at the job fair.

“We wanted to facilitate an opportunity for our membership to meet with members of the public seeking a new job or change in career,” Eckert said. “The immediate response by our employers to take advantage of the opportunity tells me it’s a buyer’s market for folks looking for work.”

The Putnam County Chamber continues its effort to revamp summer events, noting that the job fair will follow the introduction of a quarterly ‘Lunch & Learn’ open to Chamber members, with a ‘Chamber Happy Hour’ and ‘Business After Hours’ to land with regularity starting in August, following the conclusion of the 4H Fair.

Those interested in joining the Putnam County Chamber can email cody@goputco.com or call 765-653-4517 for more information.

The Indiana Department of Transportation announced the intersection of U.S. 36 and State Road 59 will become a four-way stop condition to improve safety.

Crews with INDOT will install the stop signs on or after Sunday, July 17. The installation will happen at night.

INDOT crews will also place additional signage, flashers, markings and temporary message boards ahead of the installation. The message boards will remain in place for at least four weeks after the change is made. Motorists are urged to pay attention to the changes in traffic patterns.

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

An officer from Clay County took over command of the USS North Carolina during a recent ceremony.

The Virginia-class fast-attack submarine USS North Carolina (SSN 777) conducted a change of command ceremony at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, June 28.  Cmdr. Tad Robbins, from Brazil, Ind., relieved Cmdr. Michael Fisher, from Sterling Heights, Mich. as commanding officer during the ceremony, which was held on the deck of the North Carolina.

Under Fisher’s leadership, North Carolina successfully executed back-to-back Western Pacific deployments in the U.S. 7th and 3rd Fleet areas of operations, completing tasks vital to national security.

“I will forever remember our most recent Western Pacific deployment and everything that we were able to accomplish as a crew,” said Fisher. He then proceeded to thank the crew of the North Carolina and other guests in attendance.

Fisher’s next assignment will be to Submarine Group 7 in Yokosuka, Japan.

Rear Adm. Richard Seif, commander, Submarine Group 7 was the guest speaker at the ceremony.

“Mike, your desire for excellence in all you do has proven itself in your sustained superior leadership of North Carolina,” said Seif. “You and your chiefs established a command culture, through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, that empowered your Sailors and junior officers to take ownership and demand excellence, no matter the size of the issue or task at hand.”

Robbins comes to North Carolina after serving as deputy executive assistant, Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet.

“Our ship, our crew will be prepared and combat focused. North Carolina will be ready when she is called,” said Robbins.

North Carolina was commissioned May 3, 2008. North Carolina is the fourth Virginia-class submarine and the fourth U.S. Navy ship to be named for the state of North Carolina. Measuring 377 feet long with a beam of 34 feet, North Carolina has a crew of approximately 150 Sailors. North Carolina is capable of supporting various missions, including anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface ship warfare, strike warfare, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance.

The Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) has adopted an emergency rule that lowers the level at which it determines a child has elevated blood lead levels. The move, the initial step toward a permanent change, is part of continued statewide efforts to increase lead testing and reduce the risk of lead exposure, which can lead to lifelong health effects in children.

Effective today, Indiana’s blood lead reference value stands at 3.5 micrograms per deciliter, in alignment with values set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This level is used to identify children with blood lead levels that are higher than those of most children under age 6.

“Reducing the blood lead threshold in Indiana has been a years-long process that has required partnerships with healthcare providers, local health departments and lawmakers to identify the resources and funding needed to ensure that more Indiana children not only were tested for lead, but that those with elevated levels could receive appropriate services,” said State Health Commissioner Kris Box, M.D., FACOG. “The CDC states clearly that no level of lead is safe in a child, and we are grateful to state lawmakers for providing funding through House Enrolled Act 1007 to support our efforts to increase testing and case management to protect our most vulnerable Hoosiers.”

Under the new guidance, families of children who have a blood lead level between 3.5 and 4.9 micrograms per deciliter will receive education about lead risks and be advised to test siblings in the same household. Children with a confirmed level of 5 or above will be enrolled in case management, in which families are offered a home visit by trained case support personnel and a home risk assessment by a licensed assessor. Families are encouraged to participate in the home visit, in which staff from the local health department will talk about the child’s environment, discuss what potentially leaded objects or surfaces they may be around and identify support services (nutritional, developmental, educational) that may be available to the child. The home assessment will test surfaces inside and outside of the home to determine where lead hazards may exist and help the family determine how to best address those.

The lower thresholds are expected to increase lead caseloads across the state from roughly 600 children per year to nearly 2,000 in the first year of the program.

The new thresholds follow legislation signed into law earlier this year that requires healthcare providers to offer universal screening for lead for all children under age 6. Previously, only Indiana children covered by Medicaid were required to be tested for lead at 12 and 24 months. House Enrolled Act 1313 takes effect Jan. 1, 2023.

Lead exposure can damage the brain and nervous system, lead to learning and behavior problems, slow growth and development, cause nausea and hearing loss and have other debilitating effects. Young children are especially vulnerable because their bodies are still developing and growing rapidly. Although plastics, toys, jewelry and other consumer products can be sources of lead, the primary source in Indiana is lead-based paint and lead dust from painted surfaces in homes built before 1978.

“Every Indiana child deserves to be protected from the hazards of lead exposure,” Dr. Box said. “Unfortunately, before this funding became available, some counties were able to offer case management to children whose lead levels were between 5 and 9.9 micrograms per deciliter, and others were not. These changes help ensure that every child has access to the same level of case management and puts Indiana among the states leading the nation by providing case management services at a level of 5.0 or higher.”

Western Indiana’s Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) programs were recognized by the State of Indiana recently. A ceremony was held in Indianapolis for Region 7 JAG leaders and specialists who were being recognized for the 2021-2022 school year. Among them was Karl Turk of Cloverdale High School, who placed third in Most Scholarships earned by recent JAG graduates, with a total of $931,400 scholarship dollars. First place was awarded to Diana Lighthizer of Sullivan High School with $1.84 million scholarship dollars.

Turk, along with Kim Snodgrass of Riverton Parke / Parke Heritage, was also honored for five years of service to the JAG program.

Cloverdale, North Putnam, Riverton Parke / Parke Heritage, and Sullivan (part of Region 7) JAG specialists were also recognized for the 5 of 5 Awards, which honors programs that meet or exceed the standard in five key metrics:

• graduation rate
• job placement/military service
• total positive outcomes
• full-time placement (work, military, full-time school)
• total full-time jobs

Region 7 also received the Regional 5 of 5 Award for meeting or exceeding these measures. Region 7 consists of the following high schools:  Northview, Riverton Parke, West Vigo, North Putnam, Sullivan, Terre Haute North,  Terre Haute South, Cloverdale and Parke Heritage.

“Congratulations to the outstanding JAG programs in Region 7 for their excellent work in preparing students for college, careers and beyond,” said Lisa Lee, executive director, Western Indiana Workforce Development Board. “Region 7’s JAG specialists are among the best in the nation, and their dedication to their students is a leading factor in successfully launching these young people into college, post-secondary education and the workforce. We are proud of, and grateful for, their efforts.”

Jobs for America’s Graduates is a national workforce skills readiness program for high school students. It focuses on the importance of earning a high school diploma and acquiring the soft skills required of employers. Skills which are developed include problem solving, leadership, job seeking, team building, and academic skills; all necessary to complete post-secondary training and success in today’s job market.

More than 135 JAG programs operate in Indiana. In the Wabash Valley, JAG programs are supported by the local school administrations and the Western Indiana Workforce Development Board.

A Putnam County semi crash killed the driver Sunday.

The Indiana State Police Putnamville Post responded to the area of Interstate 70 westbound near the 36 mile marker just before 8:30 am Sunday to investigate a single semi tractor-trailer accident.

Preliminary investigation revealed that a 2001 Volvo semi tractor-trailer was traveling westbound on Interstate 70 when, for an undetermined reason, the driver lost control of the semi and struck a guardrail.  The impact from the accident caused the semi to flip over and catch on fire, subsequently causing fatal injuries to the driver. 

There were no passengers in the semi.

Positive identification of the driver is not yet available.  Once identification has been determined and family has been notified, the driver’s name will be released.

Drugs and alcohol are not believed to be a contributing factor of the accident. 

Assisting at the scene were the Putnam County Sheriff’s Department, Putnam County EMS, Cloverdale Volunteer Fire Department, Putnam County Coroner’s Office, and Curtis Wrecker Service.

With very little notice, an emergency meeting was called on Thursday by the Walnut District Fire Protection board to discuss what will be happening with the volunteer fire department now that the chief, Jack Giles, resigned.  

Walnut District Fire Protection is the district leader over the Clinton Township’s Volunteer Fire Department, with the Clinton firehouse being located near Van Bibber Lake. The District board members present at the meeting were President Rusty Burch, Vice President Mike Mahoy (who did not speak), and Secretary Richard Cope.

Burch stated coverage of the area would fall to the Bainbridge Volunteer Fire Department and other surrounding departments. Burch assured the audience this was a temporary move until a new and qualified fire chief can be found.

When asked by a member of the VFD, Lt. Loren Leonard, whether they would be allowed to assist Bainbridge with calls to the area or if they were going to be “kicked to the curb,” Burch stated the volunteer crew were not to have any of the equipment; it was to be turned in.

Former Assistant Fire Chief, Doug Chubb, argued the board was overstepping bounds according to SOPs [standard operating procedures] and bylaws, as only members of the VFD can decide who would replace an open leadership position. He went on to state there are two members who are qualified to be chief, referring to himself and his wife, Lydia Chubb. However, the board responded they had lost confidence in the Clinton Township Fire Department and lost confidence that any of the members would be qualified.

Chubb further stated that Bainbridge would be ill equipped to cover the area, stating they were unable to complete all of their own runs in recent months. Secretary Richard Cope stated Bainbridge would do the best they can and there are other departments on the box that could be called for a run.

By the end, the board assured the audience good people who are local and qualified will be placed in position and the department can open its doors again. It was stated that this was not a sudden change, but something that had long been coming as the issues have been ongoing for quite some time.