News briefs

Chamber tips

The Greater Greencastle Chamber of Commerce April Business after Hours is set for 5-7 p.m. today at Windy Hill Country Club.

The sponsor this month is Parke County REMC.

For more information, call 653-4517.

Puzzle prize

And the winner is ... Daily Crossword.

The latest online poll at www.bannergraphic.com asks readers if they have a favorite puzzle in the newspaper. Of those responding, 44 percent indicated the crossword puzzle is their favorite. Another 39 percent chose Sudoku. Cryptoquote had 14 supporters, and four puzzle-doers responded they like all three.

Check out the latest online poll, along with daily news, sports and obituaries, at the BannerGraphic website.

Cloverdale Scholars hosting golf outing

Cloverdale High School is preparing for its annual Dollars for Scholars Golf Outing.

The outing will take place Saturday, May 12, at the Clover Meadows Golf Course.

Prizes will be awarded to winning teams, men's and women's closest to pin, men's and women's longest drives, door prizes and auction items.

For more information on the scholarship foundation, call Bob Steele at 317-852-2822. For information on the golf outing, contact Roger Shrum at 765-795-3079 or Bruce Cook at bcook@cloverdale.k12.in.us.

Toast and Tips set April 19 at PCPL

The Putnam County Public Library will sponsor the Greater Greencastle Chamber of Commerce Toast and Tips membership breakfast at 7:30 a.m. Thursday, April 19, in the Kiwanis Room of the library, 103 E. Poplar St., Greencastle.

The business community is invited to celebrate National Library Week. Those interested in attending will find out what's new i nthe business collection and on the Internet. A light breakfast will be served.

The event is free to all Chamber members and their guests. Those attending are should call the Chamber office at 653-4517 so there is enough food and seating available.

Governor signs bill to preserve covered bridges

Gov. Mitch Daniels signed House Enrolled Act 1034, authored by Rep. Dale Grubb (D-Covington) and co-authored by State Rep. Amos Thomas (R-Brazil).

The act increases government funding for covered bridges in Indiana.

"Covered bridges symbolize small-town Indiana," said Thomas. "Parke County is known as the 'Covered Bridge Capital of the World,' and I want to make sure it stays that way."

Currently, the state operates and maintains 79 covered bridges in Indiana. More than 30 covered bridges are located in Parke County and neighboring Putnam County houses nine. House Enrolled Act 1034 increases the annual funding each Indiana County receives for maintaining its covered bridges. The estimated increase in funding for each covered bridge will rise from $1,250 to $1,850.

"Tourism in the covered bridge region provides economic growth in our area," he said. "Preserving the bridges is imperative for growth in our community."

Rep. Amos Thomas represents House District 44, which includes all of Putnam County, northern Clay County, and parts of Parke and Vigo Counties.