Bicentennial Torch Relay looking for local participants

With Indiana's bicentennial coming in 2016, the state will be commemorating the milestone with a torch relay in September and October.

As the 39th county the torch will pass through, Putnam County is in need of 20 different torchbearers to carry the flame from border to border.

The local nominating committee is looking for those nominations, which are due by Dec. 31.

The torch may be carried in memory of someone or by the person being honored.

The nominee must be a current or former resident of Indiana and must possess the physical ability to carry the torch (weighing no more than five pounds and measuring 32 inches in length) a minimum of a quarter mile.

It is important to note that transportation can be arranged. Not all torchbearers are required to run or walk while carrying the torch.

Most importantly, the nominee will have achieved personal or professional excellence or celebrity status or the must have made an outstanding contribution to their neighborhood, community, region or state through service, stewardship or involvement.

Self-nominations and anonymous nominations will not be accepted.

Nomination forms are available at the Partnership Center at 2 S. Jackson St., Putnam County Public Library at 103 E. Poplar St. or the Banner Graphic, 100 N. Jackson St. Writable DPF forms can be downloaded at www.indiana2016.org/torchrelay.

Nominations (only completed forms will be accepted) should be emailed to gpcdassistant@gmail.com or dropped off at the Partnership Center.

For more information on the process, call co-coordinator Tami VanRensselaer at 653-2474.