News

Putnam County officials reported no new cases of COVID-19 on Tuesday afternoon. The daily report from the Putnam County Health Departemnt, Putnam County Hospital, Putnam County government and City of Greenastle showed the same number of cases, 25, as on Monday afternoon...

While it was welcome news Tuesday that there had been no new positive cases of COVID-19 in Putnam County since the county report from Monday afternoon, cases statewide continued an upward trend. The Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) reported 568 new cases of as of the end of Monday, the largest single-day increase since the first case was reported in the state on March 6...

The Masked Mommas have filled almost 2,000 orders for N95-style and protective masks since they began making them in their basements more than two weeks ago — and they are still accepting requests. They have provided masks for the entire Putnam County Hospital staff, including dietitians and pharmacists. ...

INDIANAPOLIS -- Hoosiers are facing challenging times to keep their families safe and avoid the spread of COVID-19, and unfortunately scammers are adding additional risk by taking advantage of the current health crisis. Newly-surfaced reports show scammers creating text messages, emails, websites and social media posts to pose as government entities and organizations to obtain financial information from individuals for personal gain...

The Indiana Department of Transportation has announced 12 upcoming bridge projects in Putnam and Montgomery counties. The five Putnam County projects involved in the INDOT projects announced this week are: Work begins this week with lane restrictions begin on the U.S. 136 bridge over Black Creek, 3.1 miles west of U.S. 231. Next week, the contractor plans to move to the U.S. 231 bridge over Black Creek, located just south of Montgomery CR 550 North, 2.35 miles north of Interstate 74...

With the state announcing $126.5 million in Community Crossings grant funding Tuesday afternoon, Putnam County will share some of the wealth, as nearly $1.13 million was awarded to a pair of county entities. Putnam County will receive a $1,000,0000 Community Crossings Grant, while Russellville will receive $128,367...

The Indiana Department of Transportation has announced that an intersection improvement project begins this week on U.S. 40 at the intersection with U.S. 231, south of Greencastle. The contractor will add a dedicated right turn lane for northbound U.S. 231 to eastbound U.S. 40. The existing right and left turn lanes on U.S. 40 in both directions will be lengthened...

Indiana State Parks remain open for day use only with entrance fees temporarily suspended. When visiting, bring and use hand sanitizer, bring your own drinking water, practice social distancing and if you or someone in your household doesn’t feel well, stay home...

Local officials announced Monday afternoon that the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases has climbed to 25. This marks an increase of eight cases in the county since the Sunday afternoon report. It is also four more than the 21 reported by the Indiana State Department of Health Monday morning...

The family of 36-year-old Ernie “Pokey” Phillips II
 of Greencastle has posted a $2,700 reward for any information about his recent shooting death in Morgan County. Phillips was killed in a March 7 home invasion at Paragon. His mother, Debby Phillips, has posted a $1,000 reward for any information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the murder of her son in the late hours of March 6 or early hours of March 7...

When Ben Wilkerson was named the 2020 Putnam County Lilly Endowment Community Scholar back in December, the world was slightly different. The Greencastle High School senior was attending class daily with 500 or so schoolmates, and well-wishers were able to surprise him in the GHS library with news of the award...

Being a small sandwich shop that would now be catering to hungry college students, Jimmy John’s has been greatly affected by the slowdowns due to the COVID-19 spread. Depending on its in-person dining as much as its delivery, the limitations the local eatery now faces have placed a greater emphasis on reaching out as much as possible...

Putnam County leaders will extend the current response to the COVID-19 pandemic for two weeks, officials have announced. This means county offices will continue to work with minimal staffing, with limited public hours whenever possible, as well as having employees work from home whenever possible...

While Gleaners Mobile Food Truck visits have gone to a drive-through model in the name of social distancing, a cold rain Saturday morning also makes it more convenient for clients to remain in their vehicles.

The Putnam County Hospice and Palliative Care Association (PCHPCA) recently announced its “Speaking Up for Your Care” theme for National Health Care Decisions Day on Monday, April 16. If someone became seriously ill, would the people who matter most to them really know what matters to them?...

BRAZIL -- Indiana Sheriffs Youth Ranch leaders are closely monitoring the coronavirus pandemic and following Gov. Eric Holcomb’s guidance – both at their local departments and at their not-for-profit academy now under development for future law enforcement and at-risk kids...

The Roachdale Town Council has canceled its April 8 meeting due to COVID-19.

It isn’t uncommon for someone to call the Purdue Extension office stating they saw something online, but wasn’t sure if it is true. For example, one of the common questions we get is, “Will mothballs take care of the moles digging up my yard?” Purdue Extension cannot recommend any home remedies (bubble gum, razor blades, mothballs, lye, mole dances, spinning or electric devices, flooding tunnels with water or car exhaust, etc.) for mole control, because they are not research-based. ...

In an effort to help special education students at Central Elementary School, the Mary Allison Children’s Trust recently presented a $600 check to the school in order to purchase a reading pen and sensory materials.

From a field of 280 nominees from throughout the state, South Putnam senior Abigail Teipen was chosen as one of 50 named as 2020 Indiana Regional Academic All-Stars by the Indiana Association of School Principals. The regional award is part of an IASP program that also honors 40 seniors as Indiana Academic All-Stars...

Another Gleaners mobile food giveaway is scheduled for Thursday, April 9 at Greencastle Christian Church, 620 Primrose Lane. The giveaway is set for 10 a.m. until noon and will be specifically for those who are aged 55 and older. This event will also be a drive-through service. Those who wish to take part will not be required to bring their own boxes or bags. Instead, Gleaners will be handing out pre-boxed food...

MetroNet is installing unrestricted Wi-Fi hot spots in many of the markets it serves, including at its store at 15 S. Indiana St. in Greencastle. The hot spot began being operational beginning Monday and will operate 24 hours a day for short-term use by anyone in urgent need of internet access...

The Greencastle City Council is seeking candidates for the Greencastle Community Schools Board of Trustees. The position is a four-year term. The seat, currently filled by Brian Cox, will commence on July 1, 2020 and continue until June 30, 2024. Applications can be obtained by calling Linda Huber at 848-1515 and also on the city’s website at www.cityofgreencastle.com. ...

Putnam County saw an increase of one confirmed COVID-19 case between Saturday and Sunday, officials announced Sunday afternoon. Currently, there are 18 confirmed cases in Putnam County, up from 17 reported by local officials on Saturday afternoon, as well as what the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) reported Sunday morning...

Four new cases of COVID-19 were reported in Putnam County between Friday and Saturday. A Saturday afternoon update from local officials put the total number of positive cases in the county at 17, three more than were listed by the Indiana State Department Health earlier in the day...