While the snow and frozen temperatures are gone from Putnam County, a new issue has emerged -- potholes. 
According to Putnam County Highway Supervisor Jim Peck, Putnam County has seen quite a few potholes on gravel roads around the county. Peck said the freeze and thaw has created the issues. 

"We have been spreading #8 stone on the gravel roads but holding off grading the roads with equipment. Since the gravel roads subgrade is saturated, the graders will do more harm than good," Peck told The Putnam County Post. 

Peck believes the upcoming weather forecast of warmer temperatures and some sun will assist his department. 

"The future weather forecast appears will help dry the gravel roads so we can start grading next week," Peck said. 

When it comes to asphalt roads, Peck said the Putnam County Highway Department will start patching in areas where there is no standing water in potholes beginning Feb. 1. 

Attorney General Todd Rokita and West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey are leading a 27-state brief to the U.S. Supreme Court in support of former President Donald Trump’s right to appear on the Colorado ballot in 2024. 

The brief asserts that the Constitution gives Congress, not courts, authority to decide who is eligible to run for federal office under Section 3 of the Fourteenth Amendment. 

“American voters choose the President, not a partisan court in Colorado,” Attorney General Rokita said. “This is an obvious attempt to confuse and disenfranchise millions of voters wanting to cast their ballots for former President Donald Trump.” 

The brief asserts the state court’s decision to declare former President Trump an insurrectionist has vast consequences that reach far beyond Colorado and will create widespread chaos just weeks before an election cycle. Given that reality, the brief argues, the U.S. Supreme Court should immediately intervene. 

“Trust in the integrity of our elections is essential to a free republic,” Attorney General Rokita said. “If activist judges in Colorado can dilute the voices of ordinary voters in states like Indiana, all confidence in our election process will be lost.” 

For elections to be fair, voters need a single, certain answer as to whether former President Trump is eligible to run for president under Section 3 of the Fourteenth Amendment. 

The 27-state petition for writ of certiorari is attached below. 

• 23-719 tsac Indiana West Virginia.pdf

From ribs to brisket and pulled pork, Dave Mitchell has been serving up the favorites at Backwood Barbecue, 158 S. Main, Fillmore. 

The love of barbecue and cooking originated from a hobby, Mitchell said. 

"I got into cooking as a hobby, and I was cooking for friends and family. It started in 2010 as a catering company and has grown into a small business. The thing I love most about cooking for others is the joyous smile on their face when they leave," Mitchell told The Putnam County Post. 

Owning a restaurant was something Mitchell always viewed as a "pipe dream," but admits he has enjoyed it becoming a reality. 

"I truly figured owning a restaurant was a pipe dream but by the grace of God and my wife, it has become a reality," Mitchell said.

And, he looks to branch out with his cooking this year, taking part in various BBQ competitions in Indiana. 

"I plan on entering the BBQ competitions tour here in Indiana. It brings competitors from Kentucky and Indiana," he said. 

For anyone who has not tried his food, Mitchell has a message.

"If you have not tried the food here, you should come out, enjoy the food and the family atmosphere we provide. Everyone is welcome in our family. And if you need a meal and can't due to money, come sit at our table and break bread with us, on us," Mitchell said. 

Mitchell said he enjoys helping others and uses his ability to cook to do so. 

"Well truly, it makes what we do worth it. It lets us know that we have the ability to change someone's day for the better or even more so. We make new friends. The joy of serving others has always been a passion. Most of all, we can't change the world, but we can be the change the world needs to see," he said.

On Veteran's Day, Mitchell, who served in the United States Army, gives a free meal away to veterans and the business held a free Thanksgiving meal to anyone in need. 

"It's truly a blessing. We met a ton of great people Thanksgiving day and as crazy as it is, we had people reach out and help us that day. The biggest thing I could say is simply that I am a recovered drug addict that spent time away, but it's not about how many times or what gets you down. It's how much you fight to get back on top. I have been blessed with being on top again. I am not rich, but blessed," Mitchell said. 

Congressman Jim Baird (IN-04) issued the following statement supporting the Committee on Homeland Security’s decision to release articles of impeachment against Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.

“Secretary Mayorkas has completely failed in his duty to secure the homeland and protect American lives,” said Rep. Baird. “He has intentionally left our southern border open as drugs, crime, and human trafficking ravage American communities. We do not need more Congressional action to secure our southern border. We only need Alejandro Mayorkas to do his job and enforce existing laws. There must be consequences for this unacceptable and willful dereliction of duty. I fully support the Committee on Homeland Security’s decision and look forward to holding Secretary Mayorkas accountable for his intentional lack of action.”

Border Security by the Numbers:

• According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), there have been 6.7 million encounters at the southern border since Biden took office, in addition to 1.7 million known gotaways.

• In FY2023, 169 individuals whose names appear on the terrorist watchlist were stopped trying to cross the U.S.-Mexico border. 18 were apprehended in September alone.

• In FY2023, CBP arrested 35,433 migrants with criminal convictions or outstanding warrants, including 598 known gang members, 178 of those being MS-13 members.

• In FY2023, CBP seized 27,293 pounds of fentanyl at the southern border – enough to kill more than 6 billion people.

• Fentanyl is the leading cause of death for Americans 18-49.

A truckload of circus animals was saved from a semi fire on I-69.

Just after 2 a.m. Saturday, Trooper Edward Titus was patrolling I-69 near the 263 mile-marker. He observed that the cab of a 2012 Volvo semi-truck and trailer was engulfed in flames. Trooper Titus located the driver, Armando C. Alvarez, 57, from Sarasota, Florida, who had safely exited the vehicle. 

Trooper Titus learned that the trailer was loaded with animals from the Shrine Circus. With help from Grant County Deputy Joshua Kennedy entry was made to the trailer and they were able to rescue the animals. Trooper Titus, Deputy Kennedy, and a member of the Shrine Circus rescued five zebras, four camels, and a miniature horse.

Additional officers on the scene were able to secure all the animals until other trucks from the Shrine Circus arrived.

After the fire was extinguished, crews began cleaning up the scene. All lanes were opened at approximately 6:30 a.m. During the road closure, traffic was diverted from I-69 northbound at the 259 mile-marker to State Road 22. The preliminary crash investigation revealed that an equipment failure was the cause of the fire.

Trooper Titus and Deputy Kennedy were treated at a local hospital for smoke inhalation and later released without further injury. Alvarez and all the animals were uninjured.  

The Indiana State Police Peru Post was assisted by other members of the Indiana State Police Fort Wayne Post, Indiana State Police Pendleton Post, the Marion Police Department, Markel Police Department, Warren Police Department, Grant County Sheriff’s Office, Upland Volunteer Fire Department, Matthews Volunteer Fire Department, Indiana Department of Transportation, Losure’s Towing, and Marion Health.                        

There may still be four months until the May primary, but that's not stopping a host of Republicans from throwing their hat in the ring for several Putnam County races. 

Three candidates have announced their intention to run for County Commissioner District 1 seat. The candidates running are Andy Beck, Don Hatfield and David Furhman. Incumbent David Berry is currently not seeking re-election. 

In addition, Commissioner Tom Helmer has announced his intention to seek a second term in District 3, while coroner Todd Zeiner, who is serving out the rest of former coroner Jon Myers' term, will be seeking his first term in office. 

On county council, Stephanie Campbell has filed paperwork to run for another term, while incumbents Larry Parker and Phil Glick have yet to announce their plans. 

Auditor Kristina Berish is seeking another term, while Karrie Minor has filed to run for treasurer. 

Anyone wishing to run for in the primary has until noon on Feb. 9 to submit paperwork for the May 7 primary. 

With a strong slate of events last year combined with a solid annual dinner last week, momentum is strong for the Putnam County Chamber of Commerce as the calendar moves closer to February. 

Last year saw record attendance for the farmer's market with 65 vendors signed up, as well as strong connections between the Chamber and the community, according to executive director Madison Hanna. 

"When I look back on the past year, the invaluable connections we’ve cultivated within our community stand out the most to me. We honed in on providing members with meaningful opportunities to connect, which resulted in the launch of new programming, and growth in our membership," Hanna told The Putnam County Post. 

With 2024 underway, Hanna is looking for new ways to create additional ways to engage the community and foster continued collaboration. 
At the annual dinner last week, new Chamber of Commerce Board President Brooke Trissel told those in attendance the chamber is looking to bring back the Business after Hours program. 
Hanna said one thing is for certain, the chamber has planned events where there is something for any and every one. 

"Whether it be a workshop, lunch and learn, or yoga on the floor of a brewery, we try to keep it interesting. If you would like to participate we encourage you to check out our website and social media for more updates and opportunities for you to join us," Hanna said. 

A pair of Putnam County volunteer fire departments will be able to better protect their firefighters thanks to a grant from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. 
The Cloverdale Township and Jefferson Township departments were notified this week they will be able to purchase wildland firefighting gear. The funds are part of grants totaling over $450,000 that went to 101 volunteer departments and fire territories in 58 counties. The 50/50 matching grants are administered by the Department of Natural Resources' Division of Forestry from funds made available through the U.S. Forest Service. 

Cloverdale Township Fire received $5,000, while Jefferson Township Fire will receive $4,785. Jefferson Township posted on its Facebook page the last time it purchased wildfire gear was in 2005 and that was on a grant from FEMA. 

"We will be purchasing wildland pants and coats to replace what we currently use. Wildland gear protects our firefighters and is a lot lighter than our regular turnout gear. The grant will not cover enough to get everyone on the fire department new Wildland Gear, but it's a good start," Cloverdale Chief Kerry Shepherd told The Putnam County Post. 

Shepherd said his department received a Fire Act Grant for $85,000 last year to purchase 21 complete sets of turnout gear and he is working on getting all of it in service in the next few months. 

Indiana’s unemployment rate in December stands at 3.6%, according to the Indiana Department of Workforce Development.

By comparison, the national unemployment rate for December stands at 3.7%.

In addition, Indiana’s labor force participation rate stands at 63.2% for December, remaining above the national rate of 62.5%. This rate is the percentage of Hoosiers 16 and older that are either working or actively looking for work. Those not in the labor force include, primarily, students, retirees and other non-working populations, such as individuals unable to work due to a disability or illness, or adults responsible for their family's childcare needs.  

Indiana’s total labor force stands at 3,420,262 - a decrease of 2,989 from the previous month.

"As core inflation abates and the economy normalizes, Indiana remains in a strong economic position," said DWD Commissioner Richard Paulk. "Private employment grew throughout the year and the Department of Workforce Development continues to partner with employers and our regional offices in connecting talent to jobs and providing necessary training to meet the state's employment needs."

Private sector employment in Indiana decreased by 200 jobs over the last month, resulting in a gain of 45,400 jobs from this time last year. Indiana's December private employment stands at 2,858,500.
Industries that experienced job increases in December included:

• Professional and Business Services (+600)
• Private Educational and Health Services (+400)
• Manufacturing (+300).

As of Jan. 16, there were 99,220 open job postings throughout the state. In December, 16,206 unemployment insurance claims were filed in Indiana.

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

It has been an incredible two year stretch for Kayla Brennan, owner of After Glow Aesthetics. 

A self proclaimed small town girl with a big city dream, Brennan was a nurse during the height of the Covid-19 global pandemic and was worn down and looking for a change. 

"Working in health care at bedside during a pandemic, took everything out of me. I wanted to do something different and help people from a different way, and that's when the idea for After Glow Aesthetics was born," Brennan told The Putnam County Post. 

In 2022, After Glow Aesthetics started with one room and Brennan left her full time job in 2023 and putting everything into her business. Since then, the business has expanded into a third room, a mobile unit and the addition of two machines to offer more services to clients. 

The dedication paid off last week, as she won the Rookie Business of the Year, something she said was "seriously amazing."

"When I first opened, I had several naysayers that said this town wouldn't support me, that this business was a joke, and that I was just catering to a bunch of "drunk people" and making people look fake and overfilled; when, infact, I've done the exact opposite," Brennan said. 

Brennan said the best feeling she gets is when she sees someone leave her injection chair or hydration chair with more pep in their step than when they came in. 

"When people realize that even though life is busy, you don't have to feel like crap doing it, it is a total game changer. I've helped the tired mom who hasn't slept in three nights get a little extra energy boost with B12 because she's not getting it in her diet. People have come to me with long Covid symptoms, who haven't felt like doing anything for weeks and feel so much better when they leave one of my IV chairs. I hear all the time how I have helped people feel so much better with the vitamin injections and IV cocktails I offer. On the aesthetic side of things, I can physically see the improvement at their two week follow up with "wrinkle relaxers," she said. 

As for her favorite thing to do, Brennan said that is easy -- lips and lip fillers. 

"There is an art to it. I take my time and build them up. I'm not an injector that will tell you yes, yes yes and out taking all of your hard earned money. Clients are walking around with my business on their face, and I want it to look as natural as possible. If you want the over done, fake look, that's amazing, do what makes you happy, I'm just not the injector for you. And I think that's what sets me apart from everyone else -- I have people driving from Carmel and Evansville just for me to inject them because I do things differently than the big town med spas, which in turn generates more local income for other small businesses because they go grab food from Marvin's, Almost Home or Lost Hollow to name a few," Brennan said. 

After expanding her business last year, Brennan said 2024 will feature more expansion. 

"We're changing the layout of the office and moving some things around. I'll be hiring an aesthetician and another nurse during the first half of this year," Brennan said. 

And, while the business is expanding, Brennan maintains one thing will always remain -- a caring business for the people of Putnam County. 

"The friendships that I've made has been fun. I've seen babies that come in with their mom achieve their milestones as they grow. I know what's happening in their families, the good times and bad. I've gotten to know each and every one of my clients personally and I make it a point to ask for updates every time I see them. You're not just another appointment to me. I am fully invested in my client's lives. I genuinely want people to feel their absolute best. When you feel good, you look good, and when you look and feel good, you do good. I'm just trying to put good back in the world," Brennan said. 

For more information on After Glow Aesthetics, visit them on the web at www.afterglowaestheticsllc.com. 

An Illinois man was sentenced to five years in federal prison for years of stalking and threatening an Indiana couple.

Patrick Kearney, 41, of Glenview, Illinois, was sentenced to five years in federal prison after pleading guilty to two counts of stalking, one count of transmitting threats via interstate commerce, and two counts of making harassing telephone calls.

According to court documents, beginning in September of 2019, and continuing through October 4, 2022, Kearney engaged in a targeted campaign of stalking, intimidation, and harassment directed towards Victims 1 and 2.

Kearney met Victim 1 in the early 2000s, when they both attended the same university. Kearney pursued a relationship with Victim 1 by trying to walk with her after class, meeting her at her dorm, calling the dorm phone, and leaving mail at her dorm mailbox. Victim 1 did not reciprocate interest in a relationship with Kearney. Victim 1 graduated from college, married her husband, Victim 2, and had not seen Kearney since.

In September of 2019, Kearney began sending Victim 1 anonymous handwritten letters to her home in Indiana, mostly stating that Victim 1 should have died in the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The letters typically included pictures or drawings of the World Trade Center burning. Kearney sent approximately 23 handwritten letters to Victim 1 between September of 2019 and September of 2022, all including similar abusive language and most referencing September 11, 2001.

In addition to sending letters, Kearney also began repeatedly calling Victim 1’s cell phone at all hours, leaving threatening voicemails and using different phone numbers to avoid being blocked.

On February 22, 2022, Kearney mailed a package from Arizona to Victim 1’s home. The package contained Raid roach bait and a handwritten note stating, “Here is some poison for you and give the rest to your idiot boyfriend!”

Indiana State Police initiated a criminal investigation after receiving information that children had been molested.

The information indicated that Tyler A. Maybaugh, 34, of Brazil, allegedly molested a male and female under the age of 14.

After conducting forensic interviews, Putnamville detectives discussed their findings with the Clay County Prosecutor’s Office. This discussion resulted in the immediate arrest Maybaugh. Maybaugh was taken into custody without incident and was detained at the Clay County Justice Center.

Indiana State Police Trooper Detective Colton Maynor was assisted by Master Trooper Detective Ryan Winters and Trooper Kyle Hall of the Putnamville Post.

The Putnam County Department of Child Services, and Susie’s Place assisted in the investigation..

Maybaugh was charged with three counts 0f Class 4 felony child molestation.

A Morgan County deputy is expected to recover fully from a gunshot wound to the shoulder while the teenage suspect is dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Deputy Schwab wants to thank everyone for their outpouring of thought, prayers, concerns, for her and her family.

Please join us in praying for a quick recovery for Mallory!

Law enforcement responded to a Martinsville home for a welfare check after a 911 caller stated a post on social media showed that a 15-year old was going to harm himself.

Morgan County Sheriff Rich Myers said deputies arrived at the home in Martinsville about 7:30 a.m. There was no reply when the knocked on the door. Deputy Mallory K. Schwab was checking around the exterior of the home when a shot came from inside the home. Schwab was hit once in the upper right shoulder.

She was taken for treatment at an Indianapolis hospital and was later released.

Schwab just joined the department this month.

SWAT teams from Morgan and Johnson counties worked together to surround the perimeter. Attmepts to contact the boy inside the home were unsuccesful.

Tear gas was fired into the home. Later, the 15-year-old boy was found dead inside.

An autopsy will be held to determine the cause of death. 

Sheriff Myers says no officers fired their weapons during the incident.

Indiana State Police will oversee the ongoing investigation.

Photo from Morgan County Sheriff's Office Facebook page

State Reps. Beau Baird (R-Greencastle) and Maureen Bauer (D-South Bend) are teaming up to lead the Future Caucus, which is made up of legislators focused on bipartisanship and finding policy solutions for issues affecting Indiana's youth.

The Indiana Future Caucus includes Republican and Democrat state lawmakers from the Gen Z and millennial generations who pledge to work across the aisle to address issues important to young Hoosiers across the state.

"As co-chair of the Indiana Future Caucus, I'm thrilled for the opportunities that 2024 holds," Baird said. "My commitment to fostering critical conversations and finding common ground remains unwavering. In the spirit of collaboration, I believe the best solutions emerge from diverse perspectives that advance policies that truly reflect the needs and aspirations of Hoosier communities. Let's build bridges together that propel Indiana toward a future of shared progress and prosperity."

"I am honored to be the co-chair of the Future Caucus heading into this next legislative session," Bauer said. "Intergenerational, diverse perspectives are not only good for culture, education and social wellbeing, but also spur economic development. If we want to attract more young workers and families to our state, they need to feel like they have a voice in the state legislature. The work that we do in the Future Caucus aims to make Indiana a better place to call home for the young people who will live and work here for generations to come. With collaboration from leaders on both sides of the aisle, we can uplift all Hoosier communities to reach our state's full potential."

The Indiana Future Caucus will host a press conference to outline its policy agenda for the 2024 legislative session at 11:30 a.m. on Jan. 29 in the south atrium of the fourth floor of the Statehouse in Indianapolis. 

For more information on the Indiana Future Caucus, visit futurecaucus.org.

A Morgan County deputy was shot Tuesday morning when law enforcement responded to a call of a suicidal person.

About 7:30 a.m.,  the Morgan County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to the 7000 block of Beech Grove Road, Martinsville, on the report of a suicidal person. Shortly after deputies arrived and received no answer at the door, a male subject reportedly fired a shot from inside the house striking a deputy. That deputy was transported to an Indianapolis hospital via ambulance. Morgan County Sheriff Rich Myers is with the deputy and, at last report, that deputy's condition was reported as Stable.

Multiple agencies are on the scene assisting with the perimeter. Both the Morgan County and Johnson County Sheriff’s Office Tactical Teams are working together at the scene..

With the soulful sounds of the '70's serving as a soundtrack, a crowd of about 160 people turned out to Three Fat Labs Saturday evening for the annual dinner of the Putnam County Chamber. 

The event brought about not only awards but the passing of the torch from past president Beau Battin to current president Brooke Trissel. 

In his remarks, Battain said he served because of the people. 

"It was great people to work with, and I am very thankful for the opportunity I had," Battin said. 

Trissell echoed those sentiments, adding that she is "super excited" about 2024, as the Chamber looks to bring back Business after Hours and other events. 

"We have the best of the best here," Trissell said. 

Allison Leer named Citizen of the Year, other awards handed out

The highlight of the evening was the presentation of several awards, including the Citizen of the Year. 

In announcing this year's Citizen of the Year, Chamber of Commerce executive director Madison Hanna said the recipient was a "vibrant person in the community," adding she was passionate about preserving natural areas, environmental efforts and the well being of animals, before recognizing Allison Leer as the Citizen of the Year. 

"I have had the opportunity to live a blessed life and have won several awards, but none like this. I am grateful and humble to win this award," Leer said. 

Leer said she grew up in Putnam County, played on the same basketball team with Mayor Lynda Dunbar and moved away for 35 years. 

"We came back, and feel like we won the lottery. We found good people here. I thank all of you," Leer said. 

After Glow Aesthetics won the Rookie Business of the Year award, which is given to a business that has been around for two years or less and employs less than 50 people. 

In receiving the award, owner Kayla Brennan said she started her dream in 2017 and saved every penny to open her business in 2022, starting with one room, before quitting her full time job in 2023 and putting everything into After Glow Aesthetics. Since then, the business has expanded into a third room, a mobile unit and the addition of two machines to offer more services to clients. 

The Amazing Dedication Award went to Isaiah House 117, which serves as a "beacon of hope for children facing uncertainty," according to chamber officials. 

The Business Leader of the Year award went to Crown, while the Director of the Year award went to Matt Owens, of Athletico Physical Therapy. 

**Look for further stories on each Putnam County Chamber of Commerce award winner **

Knowing the Indiana Department of Education has set a goal to have 95 percent of all third graders passing the state's IREAD-3 exam by 2027, the South Putnam School Board doubled down on investing in literacy during its meeting this week. 

Acting on a request from superintendent Dr. Corey Smith, the board approved an additional stipend for faculty and staff who will have a direct delivery of instruction aimed at improving foundational reading skills in students in grades kindergarten through third grade, as well as special education staff. 

In addition, the school board voted in favor of a literacy resolution stating the district would support the Indiana School Board Association's literacy goals. 

"We have been ahead of the curve for a while now on this," Smith said. 

In addition to literacy, the school board also addressed security needs through its security initiative. 
The board voted in favor of addressing interior door security at Fillmore Elementary School. 

"This is part of our security initiative and our goal of providing electronic door access externally and internally at our schools. We have already provided for exterior door access and control systems while also installing control in all offices for visitor access," Smith said. 

Smith said the next step in the security initiative is electronic controlled fobs for all classrooms through the district, but noted that budgets and reserves have required the district to do the upgrades in phases. 

"The current door locks are problematic. It makes sense to start the project at that school," said Smith, who added one of the goals is to have a fob on each ID badge so faculty and staff can get into any classroom in the event of an issue. 

Thanks to a state initiative, South Putnam Schools has received a $100,000 pre-school grant aimed at helping the district provide preschool for teachers who have children ages 4 and 5. 
The money came from the Office of Early Childhood and Out-of-School Learning and is an employer sponsored child care fund, which is a $25 million program that provides funding for employers and local communities to expand employer subsidized child care benefits that will address child care needs. 

"It was a huge, group effort," South Putnam superintendent Dr. Corey Smith said during this week's school board meeting. 

Smith said the program will be housed at Fillmore Elementary School and open to staff who have preschool students ages 4 and 5. 

"Staff throughout the district will have dibs on the first 15 spots in our employer based pre-school. If not all the spots are used, we will open it up to the public," Smith said. 

Smith added the district was the only one in Putnam County to receive the grant funds. 

During the meeting, school board members asked Smith if it would be free for parents. 

"We are hoping to pay for it all through the grant. Worst case, it will be a reduced fee," Smith said. 

In a press release, Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb said the state wanted to provide a solution to employers looking to create child care solutions for their workforce. 

"This effort harnesses the combined efforts of businesses, community groups and schools that want to support working Hoosiers' careers and our youngest learners across the state," Holcomb said. 

 The Indiana State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) announced it has a cooperative agreement with U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) under the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program (RFSI). Through this agreement, the two entities are working together to offer over $6.7 million in competitive grant funding for projects designed to build resilience across the middle of the supply chain.

“These grants are critical to ensuring the security of our food supply,” said Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, Indiana’s Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development. “Federal partners like USDA-AMS are a wonderful asset to Indiana and to agriculture. I am excited to see Hoosier businesses expand with these grants.”

The purpose of this program is to improve food supply resilience in the middle of the food chain through increasing distribution, aggregation, storage capacity, market expansion and facility updates/expansions. Following federal guidance, the project performance period will be June 2024 through May 2027. Applicants must demonstrate how this project will improve resilience in the middle of the food chain.

“Our Hoosier farmers, producers, agribusinesses and consumers need a steady food supply chain system. We are grateful that USDA recognized this need in Indiana and across the country and continue to work with us to enhance our middle of the food chain businesses,” said Don Lamb, Indiana State Department of Agriculture director. “These grants will go a long way in ensuring rural vitality and success for our small and mid-sized producers, processors as well as Hoosier consumers.”  

WHO IS ELIGIBLE:

Indiana businesses and producers that work in the middle of the food chain sector, defined as “from the farm gate to the end retail market” or the processing and aggregation/distribution sector of the food chain. Eligible product ideas could include, but are not limited to, creating a produce packing line, value added dairy and egg products, establishing/expanding a co-packing facility or building a commercial kitchen. 

WHO IS INELIGIBLE:

Products including meat, poultry, wild-caught seafood, dietary supplements and food for animal consumption do not qualify in this program. Businesses may have the above listed product lines, but grant funds cannot be used to benefit these products. All for profit businesses must qualify as a small business by the Small Business Administration standards. 

ELIGIBLE EXPENSES MAY INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

• Purchase/upgrade of equipment, infrastructure and technology - including installation;
• Construction of a new facility or expansion of current facilities;
• Increasing storage space - including cold storage, addition of new product lines;
• Increasing packaging and labeling capabilities; and
• Facility upgrades for climate-smart equipment.

“This partnership between USDA and Indiana is allowing critical funding to reach areas of the supply chain that need it most,” said USDA Marketing and Regulatory Programs Under Secretary Jenny Lester Moffitt. “The projects funded through this program will create new opportunities for the region’s small and midsize producers to thrive, expand access to nutritious food options, and increase supply chain resiliency.”

Applications will open on Jan. 29, 2024 and will be due to ISDA on March 8, 2024 by 12:00 pm (noon) EST. Those interested in receiving a subaward should apply directly through ISDA by March 8, 2024. Links to technical assistance webinars, application materials and additional resources can all be found at ISDA.in.gov. AMS encourages applications that serve smaller farms and ranches, new and beginning farmers and ranchers, underserved producers, veteran producers, female producers and underserved communities. 

Through the program and in addition to the Infrastructure Grant funding, ISDA will support supply chain coordination and technical assistance to farmers and food businesses operating in processing, aggregation and distribution—all critical activities to support access to more and better markets for farmers.

For details about a virtual Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure grant overview on Jan. 24 from 3-4 p.m. or for more information, visit isda.in.gov. 

The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Anchorage, Alaska recently arrested Michael Koetter on charges of Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material and Coercion.

Koetter is originally from Indiana and investigators believe he may have additional victims in and surrounding Marion County.

Koetter, of Eagle River, man was arrested by the FBI on criminal charges related to his alleged possession of child pornography and attempted coercion of a minor.

According to court documents, Koetter, 28, possessed child pornography depicting minors as young as toddlers. He also allegedly attempted to induce, entice, or coerce a minor to engage in sexually explicit behavior by seeking out girls under 12 years old that “have rates,” which is a term often used in the commercial sex industry referring to the price to perform sex acts or purchase sexually explicit images.

Potential victims or anyone with information is urged to contact FBI Anchorage at 907-276-4441 or online at tips.fbi.gov.

FBI agents and our offices would greatly appreciate assistance spreading Koetter’s photos and information, as well as FBI contact information, so they can identify potential victims. 

With a theme of Studio 24, the Putnam County Chamber of Commerce is inviting the public to 3 Fat Labs, 2001 South County Road 400 West, Greencastle, for a night of disco, dinner, awards and fun on Jan. 20 for its annual dinner.

The event will begin at 6 p.m. and last until 10 p.m. 

"The theme this year is Studio 24, promising a groovy evening that celebrates our local businesses. In the true spirit of a Chamber, we aim to promote and support local businesses in myriad ways throughout the event. Multiple restaurants will cater, with the idea that our guests will have the opportunity to savor the diverse culinary experiences Putnam County has to offer," Putnam County Chamber executive director Madison Hanna told The Putnam County Post. 

Hanna said the night will feature artisans and artists, as the night is devoted to being a tribute to the county's growing arts and culture scene. 

"Guests will witness our awards ceremony, where we announce the winners for Citizen of the Year, Rookie Business of the Year, Business Leader of the Year, the Amazing Dedication Award, and Director of the Year," Hanna said. 

Hanna said the night wouldn't be possible without the efforts of sponsors Buzzi Unicem, the City of Greencastle, Duke Energy, First National Bank, Jedele Enterprises and Putnam County Hospital. In addition, she wanted to thank everyone who has played a role in this year's event. 

For more information, call the Chamber at 765-653-4517. 

Greencastle Police continue to urge caution with gift cards

While social media has been abuzz about a potential gift card scam at a Putnam County business, Greencastle Police officials are urging caution when it comes to gift cards. 

Assistant Chief Ed Wilson said the department has received only one complaint since Jan. 1, but does want to urge the public to be aware of a new scam. 

"There is a new scam where thieves are stealing non activated gift cards from the store, removing the activation numbers and then returning them to the store. When you purchase the gift card, they are then able to use the stolen activation numbers and redeem the money that you have placed on them. Watch for opened card packages and check to make sure the card has not been tampered with in any way before purchasing. Most stores will allow you to open the card before you purchase it at the counter to verify it has not been tampered with," Wilson said. 

Anyone who believes they have fallen victim to a gift card scam is asked to call the Greencastle Police Department. 

While work is underway on a new YMCA facility in Greencastle, plans may be changing to the facility. 
Initial plans for the facility did not include a pool, however, with Greencastle and DePauw University in the running for a Lilly Endowment College and Community Collaboration Initiative grant, officials have had a change of thought. 

In her first council meeting as mayor last week, Greencastle Mayor Lynda Dunbar dropped a nugget that there is a possibility of having a pool at the YMCA and asked the public to turn out to a Community Forum, Jan. 17 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Inn at DePauw, 2 West Seminary St. 

At the meeting, Dunbar told a surprised crowd that there could be grant money for the project, as the grant leadership team has identified the addition of an indoor pool at the YMCA as one of the projects that may be included in the Lilly Endowment grant proposal. 
The community forum will feature an open house format and those wishing to attend can drop by at any time between 5:30 and 7 p.m. to meet with representatives from Elevatus Architecture, who will be seeking feedback. 

Greencastle Councilman Vincent Aguirre said he had not heard from constituents concerning a pool, but noted he hadn't tried hard to gather feedback because he was under the impression "that ship had sailed." 

"I think it would be a great asset to the community. I do have concerns about having one pool per every 3,333 people in town, but I understand that since DePauw and the high school are not generally open to the public that it doesn't work that way in practice," Aguirre told The Putnam County Post. 

With sub zero temperatures, snow and wind bearing down on Putnam County at various points during the weekend, there were plenty of variables that could've proven disaster for residents.
But, according to Greencastle Fire Chief Rob Frank, the weekend weather wasn't too bad for his department. 
By Monday afternoon, the department had responded to 11 responses, with almost half of them being medical runs, according to Frank. 

"We had five medical runs, three fire alarms, a possible vehicle fire that wasn't on fire, a mutual aid fire with Fillmore and a small grease fire at McDonald's that was out when we got there," Frank said. 

The mutual aid with Fillmore was on Monday, as firefighters responded to a small wooden barn fully engulfed at 233 South County Road 550 East, Fillmore. 
Frank said several small pigs were lost in the fire. 

"We were able to stop the fire from spreading to an adjacent pole barn building," Frank said. 

Multiple fire departments respond to bin fire at Poet

Multiple fire departments from around Putnam County responded to a fire Monday evening inside a bin at Poet in Cloverdale. 

According to Greencastle Fire Chief Rob Frank, the fire was contained to a hammer mill. 

"Corn inside the mill is what was on fire. Once we got it open, it was extinguished rather quickly," Frank told The Putnam County Post. 

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

There are many Indiana 4-H Foundation scholarships awarded each year. For information about these scholarships and the application process, go to https://extension.purdue.edu/4-H/get-involved/scholarships.html to find requirements and eligibility along with other various scholarships.

Indiana 4-H Foundation scholarships are due Jan. 25 and 4-H’ers will use their 4honline account https://v2.4honline.com/ to submit applications.

The Putnam County-focused scholarships through the 4-H Foundation include the Louis and Mary Luzar 4-H Scholarship Endowment (senior scholarship) of $1,000 for a current Putnam 4-H high school senior. Also, the Beverly Torr Memorial Scholarship (senior scholarship) is set up for a 4-H’er who excelled in the fashion revue or sewing project activity. The Putnam 4-H Junior Leader scholarship will also continue in 2023 as a senior scholarship. In other words, all 4-H seniors should apply for the senior scholarships to determine if any of the numerous awards would be awarded to them.

The 4-H Club scholarship is only available to those who will be attending Purdue University.

The Putnam County 4-H scholarships administered locally by the Putnam County Community Foundation (PCCF) can be applied for using the online application at its website at www.pcfoundation.org. The PCCF application process is available online and includes the Brookshire 4-H Scholarship, Darrel Thomas 4-H Scholarship, Putnam County 4-H Livestock Scholarship, 4-H Dog Club Scholarship and Putnam County General 4-H Scholarship.

These are due Feb. 2, but check with PCCF for other scholarships to assure you know deadlines, since a few scholarships are outside of the general online application.

Indiana-based agriculture and energy cooperative Ceres Solutions is ringing in the New Year by redeeming $33 million in patronage from the 2023 fiscal year earnings.

Ceres will also be redeeming $11.5 million of equity that was earned in years 2008-2013.
“It is a cornerstone of the cooperative model to provide returns to farmer-owners whose membership and purchases help the cooperative prosper,” said Ceres Solutions CEO Jeff Troike.
“Patronage and equity provide added value to our members for their support and bolster rural economies across Indiana and Michigan where our farmer-owners live, work, and conduct business.”
Farmers become members of the cooperative by completing a membership application and running an active farm operation. The amount of patronage paid back to each member is based upon the volume of business they completed with the cooperative in the fiscal year. For 2023, approximately 5.5% of member business is being paid back.
Redeeming $44.5 million to farmer-owners across Indiana and Michigan will continue to support the vitality of rural communities through local spending, investments and charitable contributions. This give-back represents nearly 65% of the company’s annual earnings.
The cooperative model is much different than a publicly traded or privately owned business. Because Ceres Solutions is farmer-owned and directed, company leadership is empowered to make local decisions with a long-term view, supporting rural communities and providing top-notch service to farmer-owners and customers along the way.
“We look forward to another year of growth and continued dedication to providing a competitive, farmer-owned solution in the marketplace,” Troike said. “The successes of our cooperative are the successes of our farmer-owners and the communities we all call home.”
Farmer-owners of Ceres Solutions Cooperative, Inc. can expect to receive their patronage and equity payments in January 2024.

After losing her seat on the Greencastle Common Council last November, Veronica Pejril is far from done in politics. 

The Greencastle Democrat took to social media recently to announce her intention to run for Indiana State Senate District 24. The seat is currently held by Republican John Crane, who has announced he will not seek re-election. The district encompases both Putnam and Hendricks counties. 

As Indiana's first transgender elected official, Pejril served on the Greencastle Common Council from 2019-2023, representing the Third Ward. Last November, Republican challenger Tina Nicholson defeated Pejril, securing 54.06 percent and 173 votes, compared to 45.94 percent and 147 votes. 

During the municipal campaign, Pejril said she had listened to the people of Greencastle: teachers, public safety officers, shop floor union leaders, retail workers and more and tried to represent their voices in City Hall while working on city policy. 

Now, she says, her voice is needed in a different legislative area. 

In announcing her intention, Pejril said her voice in the State Senate will be essential when it comes to restoring healthcare freedoms and civil liberties many Hoosiers have seen eroded in recent years. 

"I lost my sister to overdose in 2017, and I also lost a brother-in-law to a home gun-safety accident in 1989. These events are part of what drove me to bring my voice in representation as a public servant in 2019. And they're what drive me today to bring my unique experiences to the table for Indiana. I will work tirelessly to improve outcomes for Hoosiers with substance use disorder and their families and to strengthen gun safety laws while protecting the constitutional rights of lawful gun owners. I'll also work to restore liberties for women and LGBTQ+ Hoosiers, who have seen their rights and freedoms eroded by the 80 percent supermajority in the Indiana State Senate," Pejril said. 

Pejril said while women make up a majority of Indiana's population, it holds a small proportion of the General Assembly, and she is aware the trend is the same when it comes to the LGBT population.

"Seven percent of Americans are LGBT, but only 0.2 percent of us serve in elected office. It's time that our Statehouse looked more like the everyday Hoosiers it claims to represent. We shouldn't see bills being written about us, without us in the room where it happens. I promise to support common sense solutions that will better the lives of all the workaday citizens of State Senate District 24," said Pejril, who serves as President of the Putnam County Recover Coalition's Board of Directors, Treasurer for Indiana Youth Group, as well on the boards of Main Street Greencastle and the Fuller Center for Housing of Putnam County. 

Pejril said those are two issues she will address, and is also focused on and wants to really talk about are "kitchen table issues."

With a theme of Studio 24, the Putnam County Chamber of Commerce is inviting the public to 3 Fat Labs, 2001 South County Road 400 West, Greencastle, for a night of disco, dinner, awards and fun on Jan. 20 for its annual dinner.

The event will begin at 6 p.m. and last until 10 p.m. 

"The theme this year is Studio 24, promising a groovy evening that celebrates our local businesses. In the true spirit of a Chamber, we aim to promote and support local businesses in myriad ways throughout the event. Multiple restaurants will cater, with the idea that our guests will have the opportunity to savor the diverse culinary experiences Putnam County has to offer," Putnam County Chamber executive director Madison Hanna told The Putnam County Post. 

Hanna said the night will feature artisans and artists, as the night is devoted to being a tribute to the county's growing arts and culture scene. 

"Guests will witness our awards ceremony, where we announce the winners for Citizen of the Year, Rookie Business of the Year, Business Leader of the Year, the Amazing Dedication Award, and Director of the Year," Hanna said. 

Hanna said the night wouldn't be possible without the efforts of sponsors Buzzi Unicem, the City of Greencastle, Duke Energy, First National Bank, Jedele Enterprises and Putnam County Hospital. In addition, she wanted to thank everyone who has played a role in this year's event. 

For more information, call the Chamber at 765-653-4517. 

The numbers are in and 2023 was a busy year for the Greencastle Police Department when it comes to calls for service and other law enforcement related matters. 

According to data, Greencastle Police responded to 5,632 calls for service, took part in 2,387 traffic stops, had 405 arrests and worked 386 traffic crashes last year. While the numbers may seem high, Greencastle Police Chief Chris Jones says they are close to where the numbers were prior to the Covid-19 global pandemic. 

"Our enforcement, traffic stops and arrests, are back to those years as well (steep climb) and that is really about Officers (fully staffed) feeling more comfortable getting back to dealing with people up close and likewise, the same with the community as a whole is getting more comfortable with personal interaction. So, I just see it as our community is starting to get back to a more normal pace and interaction in life, as well as our Officers (fully staffed)," Jones told The Putnam County Post. 

Jones said in the new year he and his officers will continue keeping Greencastle safe and a place everyone can go out and not be worried about their safety. 

"That is our goal and we take pride in it.  It is tough to stay ahead of the constant criminal activity that makes its way our direction from the big city east of us. Criminals are constantly changing their tactics and in general people have bad days where they do something that gets them caught up in the legal system. We try to educate and work as much as we can with the community, so that we can be where the problems are flaring up before anything bad happens. By being proactive, and going out looking for the issues, we can get to them much sooner than just being reactive to the situation once things go south," Jones said. 

In order to do that, Jones said his department will aim to reduce crime, especially drug activity, as well as enforcing traffic laws in order to get people to slow down and avoid traffic accidents. Furthermore, Jones said his department will work to keep schools safe and free of crime, as well as working to keep officers healthy and safe. 

Jones noted recruiting and retention are a major focus in police departments. 

"We just hired a new officer and we need to get her up to speed and out there as soon as we can so that we are back to being fully staffed. Keeping the great Officers we have and not losing them to a nearby agency with higher pay and benefits is a constant challenge. Since hiring pools are down across the state, keeping the officers you have is critical, since there is a high demand for lateral experienced Officers statewide. Keeping the Officers here supplied with the best technology and equipment we can afford is also important. My job is to take care of the Officers so that they can take care of the City to the best of their abilities," said Jones, who added eventually, his department will need a bigger space to operate out of. 

An investigation continues into the arrest of Brazil Fire Chief John Bennett from earlier this month. 
According to police, a call came into Clay County 911 Emergency Dispatch pertaining to a single vehicle accident near the intersection of Lambert and Illinois streets. Upon arrival, officers located a vehicle that struck a parked vehicle and a male walking away from the scene. 
When responding Brazil Police officers realized the man walking away was Bennett, a request was made to the Clay County Sheriff's Office to take over the investigation. 

Bennett, 49, of Brazil, was booked into the Clay County Jail on a Level C Misdemeanor charge of Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated. Bennett is no longer listed as an inmate in the jail and he is slated to appear in court Jan. 24 for formal charging. 

While Mother Nature has been lenient thus far with snowfall in Putnam County, she will be countering that with sub zero temperatures the next few days that have officials stressing caution for residents. 

According to weather forecasts, Greencastle will hit a high of 20 Sunday before plummeting into the single digits for highs and lows Monday and Tuesday with wind chills that could reach 20 below zero. 

Greencastle Fire Chief Rob Frank said residents should make plans to stay inside where it is warm, if they can. 

"If you are traveling, make sure your cell phone is charged and that you have an emergency kit in the event you get stranded. If you are going to be outside, dress in layers and make sure you wear a hat and gloves. A large percentage of your body heat is lost from your head," Frank told The Putnam County Post. 

Greencastle Police Assistant Chief Ed Wilson is asking residents to help look out for the homeless the next few days. 
Wilson said the homeless population is fairly prevalent in the city. 

"Folks can help by placing items of food/hygiene in the blessing boxes throughout town. Also spare blankets can be placed in these boxes," Wilson said. 

As a result of the temperatures, Beyond Homeless will open a warming center at its shelter, 309 E. Franklin St., Greencastle. 
The warming center will open its doors Saturday and remain open through 6 p.m. Tuesday and will be open to everyone in need of a warm place to be. 

Wilson said residents should have an alternative location or heat source in the event of a power outage and is also urging caution for residents. 

"Have extra blankets and or hand/body warmers in vehicles in case of a stall or breakdown. Also, check antifreeze in vehicles. Sub zero temps can cause skin freezing quickly, so wear face and hand coverings when outside. Also, open kitchen and bathroom cabinets to allow airflow to avoid freezing pipes and leave water dripping in sinks. Make sure animals have adequate shelter with blankets and check water bowls regularly as these will freeze over," Wilson said. 

Both Frank and WIlson added it is important neighbors check on each other the next few days. 

"Check on your neighbors to make sure they are okay and keep your pets inside," he said.

Wilson echoed those sentiments. 

"Contact elderly neighbors and check up on them. Prepare in advance by getting supplies. Don't wait until the last minute and overload businesses and cause a rush on supplies on hand," Wilson said. 

Nasty. Windy. Wet. Snowy.
Those words can sum up what the weather will be like this weekend for Putnam County, and the Putnam County Highway Department will be ready for whatever Mother Nature brings this weekend. 

Jim Peck, Putnam County Highway Engineer, said the storm will come in as rain first and then transition to snow.

"The County Highway Department is prepared for a potential accumulating snow event," Peck told The Putnam County Post. 

With that said, Peck acknowledged the weather could play an impact in how his department keeps the roads clear. 
With both rain and wind in the forecast, things could be tricky. 

"With the weather system dropping an inch to an inch and a half of rain, spreading salt/sand mixture now will just wash away. The storm transition to high winds will help dry the roads, however, drifting snow will block north/south roads. The Department will start spreading salt/sand mixture at 5 a.m. Saturday morning," Peck said. 

Peck said his recommendation is for residents to stay off the roads once the storm transitions to snow, allowing his department an opportunity to get out and treat the roads. 
In addition, he said residents should ensure their vehicles are ready for the extreme temperature drop associated with this storm.

"Residents should equip their vehicles just in case of a breakdown. The extreme temperature will put stress on vehicle batteries," Peck said. 

As for how the extreme temperatures will impact the Highway Department, Peck said the department's dump trucks are equipped with engine block heater so there will be no impact to equipment. 
However, there will be an impact to the salt/sand mixture. 

"The extreme low temperatures will make the salt in the mixture ineffective. Residents should use extreme caution when driving on the roads next week," Peck said. 

Republican State Representative Beau Baird has announced his candidacy for a fourth term in the Indiana General Assembly, representing House District 44.

This district encompasses all of Putnam County and the majority of Montgomery County.

State Representative Beau Baird expressed his deep commitment to the people of House District 44, stating, "I am honored to have served the people of House District 44 for the past five years, and I am eager to continue our work together. From defending our constitutional rights to protecting the sanctity of life and ensuring the safety and well-being of our community, I remain committed to being a tireless advocate for the values that matter most to the people I represent."

Building on a record of achievement, Representative Baird, a steadfast advocate for the people of House District 44, has been instrumental in driving positive change and progress. His commitment to Republican principles has yielded significant achievements, emphasizing the values of individual rights, fiscal responsibility, and community well-being.

Before diving into his key accomplishments, it's crucial to highlight Representative Baird's unwavering support for the Second Amendment. Baird has been a staunch defender of citizens' right to bear arms, proudly voting twice in support of constitutional carry. His efforts in 2022 contributed to the landmark passage of constitutional carry, ensuring the protection and preservation of Hoosiers' fundamental rights.

In a critical environmental battle, State Representative Baird stepped up to protect the community when harmful waste from East Palestine, Ohio, threatened House District 44. Responding swiftly, he worked collaboratively with both state and federal agencies to halt the shipment of materials until thorough testing

could be conducted. The proactive measures taken by Baird not only safeguarded the community but also led to a successful appropriation in the state budget to conduct comprehensive water testing in the affected area.

Representative Baird is proud to serve on the Ways and Means Committee, where he plays a crucial role in shaping fiscal policies that benefit Hoosiers. Additionally, he serves as the Vice Chair of the House Agricultural

Committee, championing the interests of farmers and promoting policies that support the agricultural community.

Key Achievements:

1. Protecting Individual Rights and Jobs:

- Strengthened COVID-19 vaccine exemptions to safeguard employees from unfair termination.

- Successfully ended Indiana's state of emergency while ensuring vital services and programs continue.

2. Returning money to taxpayers, Maintaining fiscal integrity:

- Delivered direct relief by reducing Indiana's individual income tax, benefiting working Hoosiers.

- Utilized reserves for a substantial one-time payment towards pre-'96 teacher pension obligations.

- Lowered utility bills by repealing the Utility Receipts Tax.

3. Supporting Hoosier Nurses and Addressing Healthcare Worker Shortage:

- Boosted the healthcare workforce pipeline, providing flexibility for nurses in licensure.

- Supported nursing programs and educators to meet workforce needs.

- Assisted nursing students in obtaining required hours for licensure.

4. Boosting Local Public Safety Efforts:

- Provided judicial flexibility for sending felony offenders to the Indiana Department of Correction, addressing jail overcrowding.

5. Highlights in Fiscal Responsibility and Education:

- Maintained a responsible, balanced state budget with healthy reserves and a AAA credit rating.

- Significantly invested in new K-12 funding over the biennium.

- Took actions to protect youth, promote school safety, and reduce the infant mortality rate. - Strengthened the commitment to students and teachers, attracting and retaining Hoosier teachers.

- Aligned and promoted workforce initiatives, encouraging early and continuing career exploration and navigation.

For Main Street Greencastle, last year was one of transformation as the organization saw a change at the top and produced events that brought numerous people to downtown Greencastle. 

As he closes in on a full year at the helm, Main Street Greencastle executive director Russell Harvey admits the last ten months have been a "whirlwind at times," but one that has helped propel not only him but the organization he oversees into what promises to be an eventful 2024. 

"I was able to make great connections with business owners, building owners and some community stakeholders. We had our First Friday season and that was fantastic and a lot of fun. Overall, for Mainstreet, it was a great 2023. I am so much more comfortable and that is with a lot of trainings I have attended, connections with Indiana Main Street, National Main Street, great board and previous director. Coming into 2024, I am ready to run and a lot more confident," Harvey told The Putnam County Post. 

Harvey said Main Street Greencastle has a few items it will focus on in 2024.

"One of the things will be making sure we are helping and promoting businesses in downtown Greencastle. There is a lot of great history here and we need to make sure we are telling the history. People need to make those connections and really feel that. We are going to reach outside the community and let people know Greencastle is a great destination spot with great music, food, all those types of things. And, we are so thankful to be able to work on some partnerships with the Tenzer Hub and build on partnerships with the Putnam County Chamber and the Putnam County Community Foundation," Harvey said. 

One of the staples of Main Street was the First Friday events, which brought people downtown the first Friday of every month for food, shopping, entertainment and more from May to October.  And while the events were a major success, Harvey notes he is focused on making the events more kid friendly this year and looking at different ways to incorporate events for children. 

In addition, Harvey will look to utilize data gathered through a recent survey to see what Main Street Greencastle can do to to further help downtown and the community. The survey garnered 223 responses from people and identified what people viewed as positives and negatives with Greencastle, downtown and the community, according to Harvey. 

"That was very interesting and eyeopening for me. Some of the things we knew we would find were construction frustration, parking frustration, but we also heard a lot of positives about the city and community, the events we have going on and that was good. Some of the things that were a little more frustrating were when some folks look at downtown, they feel it is empty," Harvey said. 

In addition, Harvey said there were some points raised about business hours and he acknowledges there have been a lot of discussions held with business owners. 

"When we work with small businesses, these are your friends and neighbors who have their own things going on," Harvey said. 

He also said it is important that the community gets out and supports business owners downtown, as the small businesses are the backbone of Greencastle. 

Keeping customers and businesses downtown is of the utmost importance to Harvey, as it helps to not only promote but also bolster a strong community.  

"If we are driving past them to go to another city or go to some of these big box places where we can get the same thing, I don't think we are doing the community any favor and we are certainly not boosting our downtown. I want people to think about that," Harvey said. 

And, Main Street Greencastle looks to not only bring residents downtown, but also reach out to people from other parts of Indiana to see what makes Greencastle great in 2024.

After mulling over what to do when it comes to development and regulations for the last month, the Cloverdale Town Council made a decision Tuesday during its first council meeting of the new year. 

In an unanimous decision, the council voted in favor of approving a Unified Development Ordinance, which is a document that combines traditional zoning and subdivision guidelines with other city regulations into a single document. It lays out a uniform set of guidelines for developers and helps municipalities have a say in how development occurs. 

A UDO can limit what kind of development occurs, as well as the size, how much parking is needed, what landscape, lighting and signage looks like, and also the design of stormwater management and utilities. In addition, there are various zoning districts ranging from rural preservation and agricultural to residential and heavy development to downtown mixed-use. 

Putnam County's new comprehensive plan moves the county to a UDO. Under the UDO, the Plan Director and/or designated staff serves as the zoning administrator. Lisa Zeiner is the Plan Director for Putnam County. There is also involvement by the Board of Zoning Appeals, the County Commissioners, a floodplain administrator, the plan commission, a technical advisory committee and town councils. 

At last month's council meeting, James McKee, who is a member of the Cloverdale Planning Board, laid out the options for the town council. 

Heading into Tuesday, the council had three options it could take. 

The first ordinance would have Cloverdale pass the UDO and keep its Plan Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals but let the county take over administrative duties. 

The second would have Cloverdale pass the UDO and keep its Plan Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals as well as handle all administrative duties. Roachdale and Bainbridge currently do this. 

The final would have Cloverdale pass the UDO and give up its Plan Commission to the county. Should Cloverdale officials give up its Board of Zoning Appeals, it would have to be added as well. 

"We adopted the UDO, kept the BZA and got rid of our planning commission. It gives us that one representative from the town for county projects," Cloverdale Town Council mulls UDO possibilities

When the new year hits, the Cloverdale Town Council will have a decision to make when it comes to development and regulations, as the council received information recently on what a Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) would mean for the town. 

A UDO is a document that combines traditional zoning and subdivision guidelines with other city regulations into a single document. It lays out a uniform set of guidelines for developers and helps municipalities have a say in how development occurs. A UDO can limit what kind of development occurs, as well as the size, how much parking is needed, what landscape, lighting and signage looks like, and also the design of stormwater management and utilities. In addition, there are various zoning districts ranging from rural preservation and agricultural to residential and heavy development to downtown mixed-use. 

Putnam County's new comprehensive plan moves the county to a UDO. Under the UDO, the Plan Director and/or designated staff serves as the zoning administrator. Lisa Zeiner is the Plan Director for Putnam County. There is also involvement by the Board of Zoning Appeals, the County Commissioners, a floodplain administrator, the plan commission, a technical advisory committee and town councils. 

At the December council meeting this week, the board got a look at three possible UDO ordinances and heard from James McKee, who is a member of the Cloverdale Planning Board. 

"The county is going under a uniform planning and zoning so all of our coding will be uniform across. The plan commission, for the town or county, the primary duties are to approve the comprehensive plan, consider development plans, consider primary plats for subdivisions, zone map change recommendations, zoning subdivision ordinance and PUD recommendations. What this UDO will do, if we give up the administrative duties which is building permits, building inspections. That gives the county control over the comprehensive plan zoning, primary plats for subdivisions, zone map changes, and PUD recommendations," McKee said.

McKee said should that happen the only duty of the Cloverdale Planning Commission would be zoning map changes, which would be approved by town council. 

The first ordinance would have Cloverdale pass the UDO and keep its Plan Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals but let the county take over administrative duties. 

The second would have Cloverdale pass the UDO and keep its Plan Commission and Board of Zoning Appeals as well as handle all administrative duties. Roachdale and Bainbridge currently do this. 

The final would have Cloverdale pass the UDO and give up its Plan Commission to the county. Should Cloverdale officials give up its Board of Zoning Appeals, it would have to be added as well. 

"We kept the BZA and got rid of our planning commission. It gives us that one representative from the town for county projects," Cloverdale Town Council President Brandon Tancak told The Putnam County Post. 

In addition, Cloverdale will join the county's Advisory Commission, which will feature a nine member board. 

Each town that participates in the Area Plan Commission is able to appoint a member to the board. With Cloverdale having a population of over 2,100 but less than 10,000, Cloverdale would have a seat at the table with its town council making the appointment. 

In other Cloverdale Town Council news, council selected Tancak as president and Brice Howell as vice president. 

Council also voted in favor of allowing the Cloverdale Police Department to purchase four ballistic vests to replace outdated vests. 

Town Marshal Adam Hull told the council the department is mandated by law to have the vests current and vests have to be replaced every five years. The funding will come from donations and the uniform allowance, Hull said. 

After losing its K9 and handler last month, Cloverdale town officials are weighing what is next for the Cloverdale Police Department when it comes to replacing the K9.

K9 officer Sam Fogle was hired away last month to a job in Montana and Town Marshall Adam Hull told town officials the dog belonged to Fogle. 

Cloverdale Town Council President Brandon Tancak said while the town has already hired a replacement officer, the status of adding a K9 is unknown. 

"Time will tell on the matter of replacing the outgoing K9. Owning a K9 is one thing and having an officer in place to handle and care for that K9 is another. It can get very expensive. From the cost of the K9, food, veterinary bills, insurance, continuous training, additional pay for an officer with the "K9" title, etc. These costs are paid for largely by taxpayers and donations," Tancak told The Putnam County Post. 

He said Cloverdale will be one step ahead if they do opt to own another K9, as the town has a vehicle equipped to handle both the officer and the dog. 

While the town weighs its next option, Tancak said if one is needed, Cloverdale will be covered by surrounding law enforcement agencies. 

"In the meantime, if our police department gets into a situation and they need the assistance of a K9, there are three agencies in Putnam County within 10 minutes of Cloverdale town limits that have K9's and, hopefully, one of them would be able to assist. I know we have assisted them in the past when they were going through their hiring/selection process of a K9/officer," Tancak said. 

Governor Eric J. Holcomb delivered his eighth State of the State address on Tuesday to a joint convention of the Indiana General Assembly.

The governor renewed his promise to conclude his second term in office with vigor and commitment to finish the job he started. He unveiled The Indiana Model, a pathway to create sustainable, generational change that elevates Indiana to the Next Level. The governor reflected on what’s changed over the last seven years, what’s changing and what still needs to change to build a brighter future for all Hoosiers.

“The Indiana Model seeks excellence, rejecting any notion that a Midwestern ‘vowel state’ would be content with mediocrity and instead takes giant leaps rather than baby steps. It hinges on collaboration among the public, private, and philanthropic sectors, between our Administration and the legislature, across all levels of government, and it’s Hoosier-wide in every way,” Gov. Holcomb said.

Gov. Holcomb celebrated Indiana’s momentum by recognizing what’s changed in Indiana since taking office. He bolstered Indiana’s healthy fiscal position by recognizing that the state paid down $4.5 billion of debt and returned $1.5 billion to taxpayers all while maintaining reserves and a AAA credit rating.

“The State of our State is strong, and the rest of the world has taken notice and wants in on it,” Gov. Holcomb said.

The governor pointed to Indiana’s strong workforce and economic development by touting the record-breaking $28.7 billion in committed capital investment in 2023 that brought the state more than $50 billion of investment in two years. Furthermore, he said that rural and mixed-rural counties captured $18.7 billion in capital commitments, resulting in more than 15,000 new jobs in that timeframe.

As an example of our strong corporate and diplomatic partnerships, the governor recognized in the audience Yun Jae Kim, the CEO of StarPlus Energy, the joint venture between Samsung-SDI and Stellantis, which is building two EV battery factories and creating thousands of new jobs in Kokomo. Also, Gov. Holcomb thanked Consul General Yanagi of Japan and Consul General Cohen of Israel and their long-standing relationships with Indiana.

“Consul General Yanagi, our hearts are with your people and our friends affected by the recent tragedies in Japan. And Consul General Cohen, please know we continue to pray for the safety and security of all those living in the Holy Land, and for the prospect of lasting peace,” Gov. Holcomb said.

The governor announced a $250 million Lilly Endowment grant that will support Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI) 2.0 projects focused on blight reduction, redevelopment and arts and cultural initiatives. This investment is the single-largest grant in the history of Lilly Endowment, and it’s expected to provide transformational change to all corners of the state.

In promoting a healthier Indiana, Gov. Holcomb will continue to empower counties to pursue actions to improve Hoosier Health.

Our Health First Indiana program is the nation’s most substantial new commitment to public health and will further empower Indiana counties to create tailored actions,” Gov. Holcomb said.

The first $75 million was recently delivered to 86 counties that chose to participate to support the implementation of local initiatives to meet the unique needs of their residents.

The governor acknowledged there is still work to be done in the fight against drug addiction but highlighted the Next Level Recovery Progress Report which shows that drug overdose deaths in Indiana dropped 5% year-over-year in 2022, the first decrease since 2018.

To further support the governor’s commitment to enhancing quality of life for Hoosiers, he committed to complete the following:

• Plant the one millionth tree on Arbor Day.
• Build 280 miles of trails across the state.
• Finish connecting more than 70,000 households and businesses by completing the $320 million in Next Level Broadband investment and then launch a new $800 million federally-backed program.
• Complete the Final Mile of I-69 that connects Indianapolis to Evansville.
• Make progress on capital projects including the new archives building, prison in Westville, crime labs, state-of-the-art law enforcement academy and co-locating the Indiana School for the Blind and Visually Impaired with the Indiana School for the Deaf.

Gov. Holcomb applauded Lauren Tomkiewicz, who used her voice to make a difference. The widow of Captain Matthew Tomkiewicz of the United States Marine Corp, who lost his life during a NATO training accident in 2022, worked with the Bureau of Motor Vehicles to redesign the Gold Star Family Plate to better represent the sacrifices made by those who served.

“It’s the everyday citizens who step up to improve the lives of others that are most essential to the flywheel effect of The Indiana Model,” Gov. Holcomb said.

The governor remarked on his final year in office by committing to deliver on what still needs to change:

• Improve policies around third grade reading to ensure every child masters the essential skill.
• Require a computer science class for high school graduation to better prepare students for a digital world.
• Launch the campaign, One Stop to Start, to build better awareness of Next Level Jobs programs to connect people with high-paying, life-changing jobs.
• Work with public universities to make more three-year and associate degree options available.
• Expand our child care workforce to help more working parents.
• Update the State Disaster Relief Fund to make it easier for communities to access funds.

“My administration will not be a ship in port. We will find constructive answers to any unforeseen challenges that arise when we move from ideas to implementation during times of great transformation. And I will continue to listen as I’ve done for seven years now to any and all partners who share a love for Indiana and believe in our future,” Gov. Holcomb said.

Each year, Indiana’s governor addresses both houses of the state legislature, the state’s Supreme Court justices and other state leaders at the beginning of the legislative session in the State of the State Address. It provides an opportunity for the governor to report on the status of the state’s affairs, highlight key accomplishments of the past year and outline top priorities for the year ahead.

The video and text of Gov. Holcomb’s 2024 State of the State Address can be viewed by clicking HERE.

It has been a month since Dr. Dustin LeMay took over the reins of superintendent for the North Putnam School District, and he admits it has been a great time. 

"I love my job. It means the world to me how welcoming everyone has been. I have been in almost every classroom," LeMay told The Putnam County Post. 

LeMay was hired late last year to replace interim superintendent Dr. Nicole Singer, who replaced Nicole Allee, who resigned in 2023. LeMay came to North Putnam from Avon Schools, where he served as director of teaching and learning in grades 7-12. 

He said what first caught his attention about North Putnam was the focus on community. 

"Everyone I have spoken with in North Putnam cares deeply about the community and the schools. There are so many strengths in the district such as academic achievement, the FFA program and athletics. There is a great emphasis on providing students with unique opportunities both within and beyond the classroom that is impressive," LeMay said. 

LeMay said he has noticed a constant theme as he has made his way through the schools and visited with his transportation department -- family. 

"North Putnam schools feel like family and that is special. I want to make sure everyone knows that this is a great place to learn and grow," LeMay said. 

He is also using the time to solidify several goals he has for the district. However, when hired, LeMay said one of his major goals was to make sure students within the district were going to North Putnam schools. 

"We want North Putnam kids going to North Putnam and not to other schools. One way we can accomplish this is to build on the opportunities already in place, with new partnerships for STEM, advanced placement and work based learning," LeMay said. 

In addition, he said another goal is to continue the work already started with the school board to improve and enhance the district's facilities. 

With the first council meeting of the new year slated for tonight, Cloverdale Town Council President Brandon Tancak has one eye on the past and the other set firmly on the future as Cloverdale comes off an "extremely busy year."

Despite the busy year last year, Tancak says there is still plenty on the horizon to keep himself and Cloverdale officials busy in the new year.

"We still have several large projects that are still in different stages, from planning to current construction. These projects have been funded already or are in the process of being funded. Examples include wastewater and stormwater projects, Beagle Club Road reconstruction, Interstate 70 water line project, new basketball court for the park, and new parking lot for Town Hall. For most of these projects, minus any unforeseen setbacks, they should be completed this year, which is exciting," Tancak told The Putnam County Post. 

Another example of how great last year was is Poet reopening, which has helped spark the addition of a pilot plant for PCC Hydrogen, Inc., according to Tancak. 

"Having PCC Hydrogen build and open its pilot plan this year is encouraging for the town in many aspects. When Poet reopened in 2023, this was a major contributor to PCC selecting Cloverdale as its location to build and invest," he said. 

Tancak said some of the aforementioned projects are designed to help solicit "new, responsible growth" the town is looking for. 

"From industrial, manufacturing, lodging, entertainment and restaurants just to name a few market segments for that area of town," Tancak said. 

Tancak said a major area of focus in 2024 will be the "downtown" area of Cloverdale as a result of the success and groundwork that is in play for the I-70 and 231 intersection area. 

"We need to shift our focus to the downtown area of Cloverdale for future planning to sustain and grow this area now, while maintaining our continued progress "uptown." Some state grants are leaning heavily on this sector for rural towns, and we will, hopefully, be able to capitalize on some of those this year for future growth," Tancak said. 

In addition, he said growth within the current town limits, including housing, is a challenge he foresees for the immediate future. 

"It takes developers, investors, money and time, but we will get there, I can assure the public of that. When we start to see housing developments go in, the rest will fall into place," Tancak said. 

And, along the way, he is confident the stigma about Cloverdale will change. 

"It's no secret that there has been a negative stigma for the past decade or longer about the Town of Cloverdale. Elected officials and community leaders are working to make Cloverdale a great place to live, work and raise a family. It takes a village and we will make it happen," Tancak said. 

With a mission of helping and advocating for parents of addicted loved ones, as well as individuals who have experienced or are experiencing addiction, the Putnam County Recovery Coalition will hold an open house for the community Thursday, Jan. 11. 
The festivities will begin at 5 p.m. at PCRC, located at 620 Tennessee St., Suite 4, Greencastle, and features a ribbon cutting ceremony, as well as words from special guest Douglas Huntsinger, who is the Executive Director for Drug Prevention, Treatment and Enforcement and Chairman of the Indiana Commission to Combat Substance Use Disorder. 
There will also be food from The Whisk, as well as a 360 photo booth by Poppin Photography and door prizes. 

"We have a fun way to learn about some of resources by doing a scavenger hunt and prizes will be given away for that as well," Sheila Holloway, PCRC executive director, told The Putnam County Post. 

Holloway said there will also be peer coaches available to talk with and answer questions, as well as Parents of Addicted Loved Ones facilitators as well. 

"We welcome the community to come out and celebrate with us. We are blessed to have this office and look forward to working with the community more to provide support and awareness. Our office is close to the park, where a lot of homeless and people struggling with addiction hang out, not to mention lots of events happen there, so we hope to be more involved. We have lots of space for a price we can afford and we have other community help around us," Holloway said. 

Governor Eric J. Holcomb on Monday unveiled his 2024 agenda at the Indiana School for the Blind and Visually Impaired. 

The governor focused on work that will continue this year because of an incredibly successful 2023 budget session as well as new administrative and legislative items that build on major progress already made in key priority areas such as childcare, education and workforce.

To showcase resources and programs that Indiana has built for individuals, businesses, and communities across the state, the governor unveiled the Hoosier Playbook – a place-making resource guide for local leaders and partners.

“The Hoosier Playbook will assist local leaders locate state resources to further strengthen their communities. From health and wellness initiatives to education and training to cultural amenities and placemaking tools, the state of Indiana seeks to be a partner with our cities, towns, and counties as they work to develop in their own unique ways,” Gov. Holcomb said. “This Administration and this year’s agenda, approaches the work ahead as an all-hands-on deck effort to connect Hoosiers with the assistance they need and when they need it the most.”

New administrative and legislative initiatives on Governor Holcomb’s 2024 agenda will continue his efforts to increase early childhood education access, affordability, and expansion as well as take additional steps to bolster K-12 literacy efforts. Among other priorities, the governor also said he will work directly with local communities to better help them prepare and recover from natural disasters, and he announced the One Start to Stop campaign, an effort to connect Hoosiers with a single source to lead them to education, training and jobs programs and services.

The 2024 Next Level Agenda contains both legislative and administrative priorities in five categories.

Education

The governor has prioritized education at all levels since his first year in office and will pursue proposals that further strengthen early childhood, K-12 schools, and higher education.

Early Childhood

The governor will work with the legislature and administratively to expand the supply and sustainability of childcare and early childhood education providers by better attracting, retaining and training the workforce, empowering employer-sponsored options, and continuing systemic regulatory reforms.  Specifically, the governor seeks to:

• Strengthen the workforce pipeline by administratively adding early childhood education credential training to the state’s Workforce Ready Grant and Employer Training Grant programs.
• Reduce the minimum caregiver age for infant and toddler rooms from 21 to 18 for certain individuals, with appropriate training, parental notice, and requirements for child safety.
• Lower the minimum supervised caregiver age for school-age classrooms from 18 to 16 for certain individuals, with appropriate training, parental notice, and requirements for child safety.
• Expand the pool of early childhood educators and support workforce needs by allowing qualified individuals working in other fields, such as K-12 teachers, to register as ‘substitute educators’.
• Inform ongoing efforts to improve salaries for early childhood educators by conducting a statewide employee compensation study.
• Launch the second phase of Governor Holcomb’s Employer-Sponsored Child Care Fund by awarding the remaining $6.9 million to assist employers and communities in expanding child care options. The first $18 million was announced in December 2023.
• Create a new eligibility category for the On My Way Pre-K Program and Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) vouchers for the employees of licensed child care entities, providing free or reduced cost child care to members of this critical workforce who earn up to 85 percent of the state’s median income.
• Continue administrative regulatory reforms to increase the number of high-quality child care providers by considering recommendations from the Early Learning Advisory Committee and allowing more K-12 public schools to qualify as eligible providers for the On My Way Pre-K Program.

K-12

Gov. Holcomb will continue his commitment toward reaching the state goal of 95% of third graders reading proficiently by 2027. Over the last two years, the governor announced several reading initiatives, including a monumental investment by the Lilly Endowment to prepare educators to teach to the science of reading. This year, the focus is on providing early intervention tools and resources to assist students and educators with reading efforts. Among the governor’s proposals are: 

• Requiring schools to administer IREAD in second grade and to offer summer school reading programs to students in second grade who are not on track for reading proficiency and third graders who did not pass.
• Continuing to test students who have not passed IREAD through sixth grade or until they demonstrate reading proficiency.
• Strengthening retention efforts for students who have not passed IREAD in third grade.

The governor will ensure the state’s 2023 promise that a free public education includes free curricular materials is implemented statewide by requiring schools to annually report to IDOE any and all student fees charged to families, regardless of type, and the data will be posted online.

The governor will establish a computer science course requirement for high school graduation beginning in 2029 to better equip Hoosier students with the necessary digital skills to enter the mid-twenty-first century workforce.

Higher Education

Gov. Holcomb will also propose three ways to accelerate and increase post-secondary student achievement.  The governor will do the following:

• Pursue legislation to require state universities to review bachelor’s degree programs for the feasibility of providing structured three-year degree programs.
• Propose that all public four-year institutions carefully consider, on a campus-by-campus basis, awarding earned associate degrees (at least 70 eligible credit hours) to eligible current and former “stopped out” students.
• Establish a statewide ‘reverse transfer’ system that proactively identifies former community college students who transferred to a four-year state educational institution who are eligible for an earned associate degree (at least 60 eligible credit hours) as either a current or former “stopped out” student.

Economic and Workforce Development

Gov. Holcomb will continue his work toward connecting Hoosiers with the jobs of the future by announcing the creation of the “One Stop to Start” workforce hub that will: 

• Offer real-time support and one-on-one navigation that connects Hoosiers and employers to workforce, education and training programs that meet their needs and sets them up for future success.
• Promote awareness and access to the state’s workforce education and training programs, including Next Level Jobs and other resources.

Community Development

Gov. Holcomb will work with legislators to make it easier for communities to prepare and recover from disasters by doing the following:

• Streamline how the State Disaster Relief Fund (SDRF) can be used to ensure more expenses associated with disasters are eligible.
• Allow a portion of the SDRF to be awarded for disaster mitigation programs to assist in protecting against future damage.
• Simplify the public assistance grant formula for easier access when needed.
• Increase the maximum potential award for individual assistance from $10,000 to $25,000.
• Provide Hoosiers flexibility when applying for assistance by removing the requirement that individual assistance can only be used when the United State Small Business Administration declares a disaster.
• Incentivize counties to prepare hazard mitigation plans by increasing the amount the county can receive in a disaster.

Good Government

The governor will work with the General Assembly to create a task force charged with reviewing bail reform efforts and analyze data to determine how these efforts have impacted public safety including violent crime and recidivism rates. 

Health

Gov. Holcomb will also direct his social services agencies to focus on two nationwide issues: the state’s aging population and Hoosier youth that require a higher level of services and supports due to complex mental and behavioral health challenges.

• The Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) will create a Multisector Plan for Aging in collaboration with public, private and independent sectors. The 10-year guide will include solutions that will position the state to best address the current and future needs of its growing aging population across the lifespan, focusing on housing, transportation, employment, income security and health.
• The governor will also direct continued agency collaboration among FSSA, DOE, the Department of Child Services and the Department of Corrections, as well as external stakeholders, to develop a comprehensive plan to improve support services and treatment options for youth with high acuity needs and their caregivers. 

A Hendricks County man was killed in a Friday morning collsion.

Hendricks County Sheriff’s Deputies were called to investigate a motor vehicle crash at the intersection of County Road 500N and State Road 39, just south of Lizton.  At that location, deputies encountered a post-collision scene involving a Chevrolet pickup truck and a large commercial waste vehicle. 

The preliminary investigation indicates that the driver of the pickup truck was traveling westbound on County Road 500 N approaching the intersection of State Road 39 when, for an unknown reason, he disregarded the stop sign for westbound traffic and was subsequently struck by the southbound commercial vehicle. 

The driver of the pickup truck, a 25-year-old man from North Salem, was pronounced dead at the scene.  The driver of the commercial vehicle was transported to a local hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.   

The intersection was completely closed for about three hours while officers and reconstruction specialists conducted their on-scene portion of the investigation.  The roadways are fully reopened at the time of this release.  

Drugs and alcohol are not currently suspected as a primary contributing factor in this crash investigation.   

If anyone has additional information regarding this tragic collision, please contact the Hendricks County Sheriff’s Office at 317.745.6269

The moment has officially arrived and Putnam County will be ready in the event it receives its first measurable snow of winter this weekend and next week. 

With forecasts calling for an inch of snow this weekend, both Putnam County's Highway Department and the Cloverdale INDOT office will be rolling trucks this weekend. 

Cloverdale's INDOT office will be doing a full callout at midnight to take care of pre-treating roads and clearing. 

According to Jim Peck, Putnam County highway engineer, his office will be ready and he will be bringing crews in at 5 am Saturday to start spreading salt and sand on county roads. 

"The last time we checked, we are expected to get an inch and temperatures will be around freezing. We will keep an eye on Sunday and next week as well, but we wanted to get two to three hours in of treating roads before there is a lot of traffic out. We will have 14 trucks out there and some will have snow plows on them. We put the same amount of salt and sand down if we get an inch or six inches of snow," Peck told The Putnam County Post. 

Peck said the county has over 1,000 tons of road salt and another 1,000 tons of salt/sand mixture on hand and have another 500 tons coming. 

In addition to salt and sand, the highway department has an arsenal of trucks and equipment, according to Peck. 

The fleet includes: 15 dump trucks with plows and salt/sand spreaders, three pickup trucks with plows, three road graders with "V" plows, a salt brine truck and a Military Oshkosh truck with a rotating plow, which was obtained several years ago from the U.S. Defense Department equipment giveaway. Peck said the Oshkosh truck is used during substantial snow events, such as a blizzard. 

"This will be the first one of the season, and we are ready. We spent the summer getting equipment ready. We are prepared with an ample amount of salt and we are good on material," Peck said. 

The Indiana State Police Putnamville Post is requesting assistance from the public and asking for information in reference to a pedestrian being struck. 

The incident occurred about 8:15 p.m. on Interstate 70 westbound on Christmas night near the 22 mile marker.

According to the Indiana State Police investigation, the victim had stopped at a fueling station located on State Road 59 near Interstate 70.  The victim is seen inside of the fueling station with two other males. The victim then gets into a red passenger vehicle with the two males and a female, leaving the fueling station.  Approximately 20 minutes later the victim is observed walking on Interstate 70 and was struck by a passenger vehicle.  

The Clay County Coroner’s Office identified the victim as Fredy Romas Escobar, 33, of Kansas City, Kansas.

Trooper Rondell Shelton is requesting individuals with any information or who may have observed something in regard to this incident on the night of December 25, to please contact him at the Putnamville State Police Post at 1-800-225-8576.

The photos include the vehicle involved and persons of interest in the investigation.

Original release

On December 25, 2023, at approximately 8:15 p.m., Indiana State Police Putnamville Post and Clay County Sheriff’s Department responded to a pedestrian being struck on Interstate 70 westbound near the 22 mile marker.

Troopers were originally dispatched to the area of the 22 mile marker westbound of Interstate 70 in reference to a pedestrian walking on the Interstate for an unknown reason.  However, before troopers arrived on scene there was a second 911 call reference to a pedestrian being struck.

Preliminary investigation revealed that an individual was walking in the passing lane on Interstate 70 westbound near the 22 mile marker when he/she was struck by a passenger vehicle.  The driver of the vehicle immediately pulled over and called 911, fully cooperating with the investigation. 

There were no other injuries to report.

When the Indiana General Assembly kicks off the 2024 session, there will be a handful of education related measures on the docket. 

The session convenes Monday, Jan. 8 and several bills have already been filed that could make their way to the governor's desk by the end of the session. 

For the third consecutive year, the Indiana General Assembly is set to take up proposed legislation centered around school boards in the Hoosier State. 

A year ago, a bill that would have let Indiana voters decide if local school board elections should become partisan fell in the Indiana House of Representatives after J.D. Prescott's, R-Union City, measure failed to garner a full chamber vote after Prescott opted not to call the bill for a vote. Indiana is one of 41 states where school board election candidates do not have to claim a party. 

Rep. Alan Morrison, a Republican who represents part of Parke County, has authored HB 1016, which provides a candidate for a school board race may not be an employee or agent for the school corporation. In addition, a candidate must live in the school district for at least a year before the election. 

Other bills that could shape the future of education matters in the House include HB 1017, authored by Vernon Smith, D-Gary. The measure would make it so a school, employee or staff member of a school or a third party vendor used by a school could not provide instruction to a student in grades kindergarten through 12 concerning Christopher Columbus, a President of the United States who owned an enslaved person, however, the instruction is permitted if if the instruction concerns the historical person's involvement in the institution of slavery, harmful effects of colonialism or the decimation of indigenous populations throughout the world. 

House Bill 1035, authored by Republican Michelle Davis, would do away with school improvement plans and repeal the requirement that a public school or state accredited nonpublic school develop an initial three year strategic and continuous school improvement and achievement plan. 

Cursive writing is back in the Statehouse, as HB 1075, authored by Democrat John Bartlett, would require each school corporation, charter school and state accredited non public elementary school to include cursive writing in its curriculum.

House Bill 1104, authored by Davis, is centered on school safety. The measure would provide that a school safety plan be developed by a school corporation or charter include an armed intruder drill protocol. Furthermore, it requires safe school committees to develop a policy that considers the effect of armed intruder drills on the safety and mental health of students, faculty and staff. In addition, it prohibits a drill that includes sensory components or activities from requiring student participation or taking place during regular school hours if a majority of the student body is present. 

House Bill 1105, authored by Davis, pertains to a student withdrawing from school and provides a specified exception to the information required in an official high school transcript. It provides that if a student is less than 18 years of age, they may participate in the Indiana high school equivalency testing program if the individual receives a recommendation from a specified individual and it prohibits the department of education from requiring certain students to attend an exit interview to participate in the testing program. 

Finally, in the House, HB 1173, authored by Democrat Maureen Bauer, includes a plan for school districts to implement a classroom based violence prevention program for students that would promote emotional competencies while reducing aggression and acting out behaviors, as well as increasing self regulation and group regulation, as well as reducing problematic behavior. 

There is a familiar face leading Putnam County Comprehensive Services, Inc. and that is J.D. Miller. 

Miller replaces Andrew Ranck, who spent a decade as executive director of PCCS, which provides services to individuals with disabilities in order for them to reach their optimum potential in attitudes, habits and skills through training and integration. 

"It feels somewhat surreal. Over the past 14 years, I have made this a goal of mine to become the Executive Director, and I'm honored to have the support of the Board of Directors, all of my support staff, the Direct Support Professionals and the individuals we serve," Miller told The Putnam County Post. 

For Miller, Putnam County Comprehensive Services, Inc. has been a part of his life dating back to his days as a high school student.

"I've known many of the individuals we serve beyond the 14 years that I have been employed, so when the opportunity came to work with some of them following my graduation at DePauw in 2009, I was very excited. The most enjoyable part of my job is watching individuals set goals for themselves and attain them. Being able to help support and guide individuals to make choices in their lives to attain the goals they have identified as being important is the most rewarding aspect of working with PCCS," Miller said. 

PCCS services over 400 individuals and families across 26 Indiana counties, while employing over 500 people to provide services. In addition, the organization has been active participants in the communities it serves, establishing partnerships with local businesses and offering support to municipalities, local colleges and universities and non-profits. 

Miller said he enters the new year and his new role with several goals. 

"One of my goals for PCCS in the new year is to expand our supportive employment program, not only with businesses and industry that we currently have successfully placed individuals, but to other industries and local small businesses who are willing to see the potential and abilities of our individuals," Miller said.

Miller said PCCS is always hiring for Direct Support Professionals, with wages starting at $15 an hour and a $2,000 sign on bonus, as well as paid training and many incentives. To apply, visit PCCS at www.pccsinc.org or the office at 630 Tennessee St., Greencastle. 

The Parke County Sheriff's Office is looking for a man involved in a burglary.

Carl “Noah” Fromm is wanted for burglary of a dwelling, along with two accomplices.

This crime occurred near the Clay County line.

The other two suspects are already in custody. Fromm's last known location was in the Terre Haute area.

Congressman Jim Baird (IN-04) released a summary of his office’s constituent services program and legislative achievements in 2023.

Among the many accomplishments for the people of the 4th district, Congressman Baird’s team returned $2,223,857 to Hoosiers and responded to more than 62,000 pieces of constituent mail.

“I’m incredibly proud of the work my staff and I have accomplished over the past year to get Hoosiers the help they need and return millions of their hard-earned tax dollars,” said Rep. Baird. “One of our priorities in Congress is making sure our government is working for the people of Indiana, which means devoting time protecting their interests. I’m excited to build on this success and continue delivering victories for Hoosier families.”

The summary of Congressman Baird’s constituent service program:

• $2,223,857 returned Hoosier taxpayers
• 62,173 letters and emails sent to constituents
• 853 cases resolved with federal agencies
• 14 bills sponsored
• 201 bills cosponsored
• 51 hours of mobile office hours conducted

In December, 28 newly appointed probationary troopers graduated from the 84th Indiana State Police Academy. One of those probationary troopers is being assigned to the Indiana State Police Putnamville Post.

That trooper will begin his next phase of training, a three-month field training period, riding with veteran troopers.

The purpose of the field training is to put into practical application the training received over the duration of the formal academy. Upon successful completion of field training, the trooper will be assigned a state police patrol vehicle and will begin solo patrol. The trooper has already completed over 1,200 hours of structured training in law enforcement techniques as well as hands-on and scenario-based training at the Indiana State Police Recruit Academy. The curriculum included criminal law instruction, emergency vehicle operations, psychology, traffic law, crash investigation, self-defense, first responder, and other general enforcement related training.

The new trooper is Caleb Cannon, a native of Cory, Indiana. He is a graduate of Terre Haute South High School. After graduating from high school he attended Ivy Tech Community College in Terre Haute and received an associate degree of Applied Science in Paramedicine.

Cannon has served six years with the Cory Volunteer Fire Department and has received the honor of Firemen of the Year three times from the department. Trooper Cannon and his wife, Emily, reside in Clay County.

Trooper Cannon is very excited about being assigned to the Putnamville Post and is looking forward to his career with ISP and everything it has to offer. Cannon is ready to serve his hometown community as a public servant providing assistance and enforcement to make the community a safer place to live. His primary counties will be Clay and Putnam.

District Commander Lieutenant Dave Cox stated that he is very excited to receive Trooper Cannon to the district and cannot wait for the probationary trooper to start aiding the public and enforcing state law.

Individuals seeking information on a career as an Indiana State Trooper should visit the website at www.indianatrooper.com. This website will provide a detailed synopsis of the application process and career information about the Indiana State Police Department. The Indiana State Police will begin accepting applications for the 85th recruit class on January 5, 2024.

A cyber tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) led to the arrest of a Reelsville man for possession of child pornography.

Detectives Colton Maynard and Ryan Winters of the Putnamville State Police Post, working with the Indiana State Police - Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) task force began an investigation in March 2023 after receiving a cyber tip report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. The cyber tip report indicated that a specific account possibly received child pornography images or video files.

As a result of the investigation an arrest warrant was requested and granted through Putnam Circuit County Court for Matthew Hopper, 39, Reelsville. He was taken into custody Wednesday without incident charged with Level 5 felony - possession of child pornography. Hopper was held at the Putnam County Jail on a $20,000 cash only bond.

The Indiana ICAC Task Force encourages Hoosiers to report online exploitation, solicitation, and enticement-type crimes against children to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). The NCMEC website can be accessed through the ICAC Task Force website. To report a crime with your child as a victim involving the Internet or other electronic means, please contact your local Indiana law enforcement agency.

Two decades to the day he lost his life in the line of duty, family and members of the Putnam County community took to the steps of the Putnam County Courthouse Tuesday afternoon to remember the life and service of the late Captain James Baugh. 

Baugh was killed in a single vehicle accident while responding to a minor-property damage accident on Jan. 2, 2004. Baugh lost control of his vehicle, struck an embankment and overturned into Big Walnut Creek. He was trapped in his vehicle for over 15 minutes and died at Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis hours after his arrival there. 

Pastor Mark Miller, of Staunton First Christian Church, recalled one of the first times he met Baugh.  

You can hear the service here:

"I was fortunate to come to Greencastle in 1982 and I remember it was a New Year's Eve celebration at the church and Jim and Lauralee walked in about midnight and it was the end of the term. He was so looking forward to being a normal police officer, serving and not having all the jumps you had to go through," Baugh said. 

Miller also recalled the day Baugh lost his life. 

"What a tribute, what a joy. I don't know if I will forget 20 years ago. My wife and I were headed out of town to meet some friends for dinner and saw all the stuff that was happening up on Waterworks Hill and made a detour. My phone rang and I realized what had happened and it was a hard night. We were at Methodist Hospital and got together in that room. What a night of love and celebration of his life and what he meant to so many," Miller told those in attendance. 

Putnam County Commissioner David Berry recounted that he could never remember a time anyone spoke ill of Baugh. 

"Most of you knew Jim a lot better than I did, but he was one of the few people I've ever known that I never heard a bad word about. Everywhere he went, he touched somebody and he helped me a long time ago. Today's dedication is a long time coming. We got the monument made and I am glad everyone is here. We will never forget him, but tonight we can think about him a little extra," Berry said.

A monument honoring and remembering Baugh's service to Putnam County was erected last year on the grounds of the Putnam County Courthouse and standing a few feet away from it, Baugh's son, current Putnam County Sheriff Jarrod Baugh, remembered his father, who served as Sheriff from 1975 to 1982 and had also served as a member of the Greencastle Police Department and served in the United States Air Force during the Vietnam War. 

"When a law enforcement officer dies in the line of duty, the family, department and community learn of the incident each in their own way. The family will ask why him, why now and may spend the rest of their lives searching for answers never to be found. The department will ask why, could it have been prevented and how do we keep it from happening in the future. The community mourns and supports both the family and the department. Then the quiet comes. This is probably the part that hurts the most. Then out of nowhere someone reminds you they were a hero, how they lived and not how they died. So many times you would hear, "Did I ever tell you about the time your dad did..." Most of you can fill in a story or three there. This is a special occasion, and, we, as a familiar are forever grateful to the county commissioners for their dedication in remembering our fallen hero, Captain Jim Baugh," Sheriff Baugh said. 

Baugh said his father helped bring about a positive view on how citizens view police in Putnam County. 

"It sets a precedent for how our community treats its law enforcement, which is above and beyond some of the others. We watch in some of these towns where there is strife and malcontent and discord against their law enforcement. Putnam County is a good place to be, and it is a good place to be a law enforcement officer and I hope the young ones coming up realize that. I'm sure they will and will continue to serve the community like Jim Baugh did," he said. 

Sheriff Baugh said it is his hope his father's time in Putnam County will never be forgotten, pointing to the fact the memorial will stand forever. 

"We were talking to someone about how nice the memorial is, in that it's granite and it's not just a wooden memorial, a flower that's going to die or a tree that's going to grow old and fall over dead. It is what it is and I don't think monuments like that don't go up the year after a war or you lose a deputy like that. Twenty years later people realize, knock on wood, we haven't had to do it again and we praise God every day for that. The biggest thing is when the time goes past and you realize the measure of the man and what he meant to the community. They told us what they were going to do. That permanent remembrance of the man himself and the service he gave to the community, it's a big deal for us and our family. We know we will be gone someday, but that will still be there," he said. 

Baugh said the spot of the memorial means something special to the family, as it is near the door his father used to enter the courthouse when he would check on dispatchers.  

"We always had to stop by dispatch and go in and talk and find out what they were doing on vacation. The fact that they are here today shows how tight knit we are through all the ups and downs, the bad calls and the good calls, it's a group that is a family that remembers, watches out for each other. Being there by that door that he went in and out of hundreds of times. That's where he passed hundreds of times," Baugh said. 

The latest report from the Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy Barometer indicates that U.S. farmers’ inflation expectations have subsided while overall producer sentiment changed little. 

The December barometer recorded a reading of 114, just one point lower than in November. Both subindices of the barometer, the Index of Current Conditions and the Index of Future Expectations, mirrored this slight decline, settling one point below their respective November figures at 112 and 115. Notably, farmers’ inflation expectations for the upcoming year were markedly lower than those reported a year ago for 2023. This month’s Ag Economy Barometer survey was conducted from Dec. 4-8.

Farmers reported another improvement in their farms’ financial performance during the month of December. The Farm Financial Performance Index saw a 2-point increase compared to the previous month, marking a continued positive trend. Since late summer, the index has climbed 11 points, and at year-end, it was 21 points above the low point for 2023, which occurred in May.

“The shift in farmers’ perception of financial performance during the fall quarter corresponds with USDA’s (U.S. Department of Agriculture’s) more optimistic 2023 farm income outlook released in late November, which was $10 billion higher than their previous forecast,” said James Mintert, the barometer’s principal investigator and director of Purdue University’s Center for Commercial Agriculture.

The Farm Capital Investment Index reading of 43 was only one point above November’s, but it marked a 13-point increase compared to the same period last year. Respondents endorsing the notion that now is a favorable time for substantial investments in their farm operation cited “higher dealer inventories” and “strong cash flows” as key factors supporting this perspective. While the percentage of respondents selecting “strong cash flows” as a rationale for investment rebounded from the previous month, it remained less popular than in July and August. Conversely, in December, the percentage of producers citing “higher dealer inventories” as a primary motivation for investment was more than double the proportion who expressed a similar sentiment in July.

“High input costs continue to be concerning for U.S. farmers, although a notable shift in concerns took place as 2023 unfolded,” Mintert said.

Farmers concerned about the risk of lower prices for crops and livestock increased from 16% of respondents in January to over one-fourth (26%) by December. Number three on the list of concerns for the upcoming year was “rising interest rates,” chosen by 24% of farmers in December’s survey.

Producers’ inflation expectations moderated, with 70% expecting inflation in 2024 to be less than 4%. By comparison, 50% of the producers anticipated an inflation rate of 6% or higher a year ago. When asked about interest rates, about one-third (34%) of respondents said they anticipate rates declining in 2024 while 22% expect no change in interest rates in the upcoming year.

Perspectives on farmland values weakened slightly in December compared to November. The Short-Term Farmland Value Index fell 4 points to a reading of 121, while the long-term index decreased by 2 points to 149. Compared to a year ago, the short-term index was down 3 points, while the long-term index was 9 points higher.

“The improvement in farmers’ interest rate expectations since late 2022 could help explain the year-to-year rise in farmers’ long-term farmland value expectations,” Mintert stated.

A special ceremony is set for Tuesday to honor a former Putnam County law enforcement officer.

Captain James Baugh was killed in a single-vehicle accident while responding to a minor property-damage accident in 2004.    Baugh lost control of his patrol car, hit an embankment and overturned into Big Walnut Creek.    

He was trapped inside his squad for over 15 minutes before being transported to Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis, where he died five hours later.    

Captain Baugh, from Greencastle, had served as sheriff for two terms from 1975 to 1982. He had also previously served with the Greencastle Police Department for four years. Jerrod Baugh, his son, is the current sheriff.

Captain Baugh, 60, was survived by his wife, two sons, daughter-in-law, granddaughter and four sisters.

Baugh also served in Vietnam 1963-66.

With a support of military families and veterans already in place, North Putnam Middle School is taking it one step further, as the school is looking to be named a Purple Star School by the Indiana Department of Education. 

North Putnam Middle School principal Bucky Kramer said the opportunity was the result of a proposal brought to him by social studies teacher Scott Spencer. 

"Currently, North Putnam Middle School meets many of the requirements for this distinction already. North Putnam schools are committed to serving the students and families of Northern Putnam County and proudly supports all of our veterans, both current and past," Kramer told The Putnam County Post. 

According to the Indiana Department of Education, the schools that receive the designation do so as a result of their display of commitment to service members, veterans and students and families connected to the military. 

"The daily sacrifices of our service members and their families are beyond what many of us can comprehend. Honoring their selflessness and unwavering commitment to protecting our freedoms as Americans is a priority for our state, on Veterans Day and every day of the year. It is an honor to award the Purple Star designation to these Indiana schools for their recognition, celebration and support of our military families, as well as our students who may be considering a future in military service," said Indiana Secretary of Education, Dr. Katie Jenner. 

In order to receive the designation, schools must meet certain criteria including: having an assigned point of contact for military families, meeting all grade level requirements for the point of contact, having a dedicated webpage providing recognition and resources for service members, veterans and students and families, host an annual military program, have a public military display recognizing service members, a school board resolution publicizing support for military students and families and ensure military service members and their immediate family members meet minimum job qualifications for open positions at the school will be guaranteed a job interview. 

"At the conclusion of this process, North Putnam Middle School will proudly display a permanent fixture in our Media Center to honor those individuals past, present and future. Earning the distinction as a Purple Star School helps to solidify our commitment to those that have sacrificed so much for all of us," Kramer said. 

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