National Night Out set Monday, July 31

Preparing for the 17th annual National Night Out during a recent meeting are (from left) Terry Tippin, North Putnam Community Schools; Beva Miller, Putnam County Health Department; Roachdale Town Marshal Heath Kerns; Kimberly Holt, Putnam County Recovery Coalition; Sgt. Frank Gardner, Army National Guard; Kerri Keyt, StatFlight; Patti Sprinkle, Moose Lodge; Sara Cofer, Family Support Services; Cathryn Ensley, Hendricks Regional Health; Elizabeth Butts, Family Support Services; Alan Zerkel, Kiwanis; NNO Co-Chairman Linda Merkel; Mason Hubner, Indiana 811; Renee Marsteller, Putnam County Juvenile Probation; Greg Allen, Hamilton Center; Karen Martoglio, Mental Health America of Putnam County; Carrie Tanner, Cummins; Putnam County Chief Deputy and NNO Co-Chairman Tom Sutherlin; Megan Ward, Everwise; Bainbridge Town Marshal Ronnie Campbell; Greg Ruark, Greencastle Parks and Recreation; and (not pictured) Della Eastep of Tri-County Bank.

Banner Graphic/JARED JERNAGAN

Putnam County Fair aside, it is also now back-to-school season. With it comes the 17th year of Putnam County National Night Out.

The event is scheduled for Monday, July 31 at the Putnam County Fairgrounds beginning at 5 p.m. and running until 8 p.m., rain or shine.

The many community partners taking part in the event have again come together to provide a night of food, fun and back-to-school supplies for local families.

Food will be served in the Legion building, with the Putnam County Youth Development Committee set up outside to get more people involved in Teen Court.

Last year, 90 pizzas were donated between Dominos, Casey’s, Papa John’s, Chicago’s, Monical’s and Pizza King, with organizers looking for even more support in this area.

One new area being addressed is that Ruth Myers of Phil the Need is going to help supply healthy food items that families can prepare.

“The committee has been attending meetings since February, collaborating and sharing ideas,” said Linda Merkel, who co-chairs the event. “Our ultimate goal is to encourage and support our families in making appropriate decisions by teaching children about the dangers of drugs, alcohol and tobacco. We want all children to have every opportunity to grow up safe, healthy and to experience a successful and happy future.”

Everyone is to enter and exit the fairgrounds at the north end. Greeters will be stationed at the entrance to share a map to help all the booths along with the food and drinks donated by the events many partners.

Those participating include Heather Taylor State Farm Insurance, Family Support Servies of West Central Indiana, Putnam County 911, Everwise (formerly TCU), Jim Hardwick, Elizabeth Butts, Putnam County Hospital, Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, Josh Boller, Roachdale Police Department, Bainbridge Police Department, Greencastle Police Department, Greencastle Fire Department, Greencastle Pediatric Dentistry, Duke Energy, Indiana 811, Cummins Behavioral Health, Mystic Wiseman, Hamilton Center, North Putnam Schools, Tools for School, Farm Bureau Inc., Indiana National Guard, Tri-County Bank, Putnam County Public Library, StatFlight, Greencastle Parks and Recreation, Greencastle Kiwanis, Putnam County Health Department, Putnam County CERT, Mental Health America of Putnam County, Putnam County Recovery Coalition and Putnam County Safe Schools.

Many attendees have registered for the Tools for Schools station and Coats for Kids area. Those who were not able to are still encouraged to check at each location so organizers can secure the necessary information to ensure children are prepared for school and for colder weather.

The public is reminded that this is free for all to attend. The event is possible because of the many community members who so freely give of their resources and/or their time.

Anyone who has not attended in the past is encouraged not to miss the opportunity to have an evening of fun before the kids head back to school.

Any organizations or individuals who would like to participate are invited to contact Merkel at 720-5535 or wlmerkel7@gmail.com, or Chief Deputy Tom Sutherlin at the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office.