Stories from Thursday, August 6, 2020

PUTNAMVILLE — The largest single-day spike in county COVID-19 cases since the beginning of the pandemic appears to have its origin in a recent increase in cases at Putnamville Correctional Facility...

Putnam County officials announced Thursday there have been 277 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the county. Of the 43 new cases four were Putnam County Community members. For a further breakdown of casesb visit www.coronavirus.in.gov. The positive case number also may include positive cases at the state correctional facility located in Putnam County. ...

While a Hollywood star trotting out the old line, “It’s an honor just to be nominated” may come off as a bit trite, when Greencastle author Troy Cummings expresses a similar sentiment, it comes from a place of genuine respect for his fellow authors...

Given the current circumstances of the COVID-19 global pandemic and after much consideration by the Putnam County Airport Authority, PDM Aviation LLC and EAA Chapter #1374, the Putnam County Airport Appreciation Days have been canceled for 2020. The annual event, which had been scheduled for Sept. 12-13, has been postponed until Sept. 11-12, 2021 for the safety and concern of the community, organizers said...

With no concrete details as to how the incident occurred, a wrecked car blocked Stadium Drive on the city’s east side Thursday morning...

Two area communities will receive funding from the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) to improve water and wastewater infrastructure. The towns of Coatesville and Ladoga will each receive $600,000 to improve their facilities. They are two of the 24 rural Hoosier communities that will share more than $15.3 million in federal grant funds announced Thursday by Indiana Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch...

CLOVERDALE -- Traffic on U.S. 231 under Interstate 70 will be down to one 14-foot lane in each direction beginning Monday, Aug. 10, the Indiana Department of Transportation has announced. The traffic pattern change is scheduled to last through Nov. 20. Weather permitting, there will also be overnight closures on U.S. 231 in both directions beginning Friday, Aug. 14 at 9 p.m. through 6 a.m. the following morning...

Mark Skinner, 67, of Owen County, passed away on Aug. 4, 2020. He was born Aug. 28, 1952 in Indianapolis, the son of LaVon and Wallace Skinner. He was a graduate of Ben Davis High School and went on to school for HVAC repair and maintenance. Mark was married to Connie (Rohland) Skinner in April 1992...

Given the current circumstances of the COVID-19 global pandemic and after much consideration by the Putnam County Airport Authority and PDM Aviation LLC, the Putnam County Airport Appreciation Days have been canceled for 2020. The annual event, which had been scheduled for Sept. 12-13, has been postponed until Sept. 11-12, 2021 for the safety and concern of the community, organizers said...

NEWPORT -- After “considerable discussion and debate” and consulting with the organizers of other festivals, the Newport Lions Club has canceled this year’s Newport Antique Auto Hill Climb. “We find it would be difficult if not impossible to implement the recommended safety measures for our spectators, drivers and volunteers,” organizers related in a press release. They cited “increasing permitting and requirements” and other motorsport events not allowing spectators...

The Gleaners Mobile Food Truck is now visiting the Putnam County Fairgrounds twice a month. The truck will visit on the second Tuesday and second Thursday of each month through December. In August, that means the drive-through event will take place from 4-6 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 11 and from 10 a.m.-noon on Thursday, Aug. 13...

Ten recipients of Lilly Endowment Community Scholarships will be among the first-year students who start their college education at DePauw University later this month, the university has announced. The 10 students are among 143 recipients of competitive Lilly scholarships, which are awarded to Indiana residents who plan to attend a four-year, public or private college or university in Indiana. The scholarships provide full tuition, fees and book stipends for four years...

BLOOMINGDALE --The Natural Resources Commission (NRC) has approved an addition to the Mossy Point Nature Preserve in Parke County. The Parke County nature preserve addition protects 25.73 acres along Sugar Creek and offers a trail and a parking area...

While the Ivy Tech ASAP program promises a unique learning experience, none of the eight graduates of Cohort No. 4 at Ivy Tech Greencastle could have imagined what their 11-month learning experience would entail...

At the national level, Habitat for Humanity believes in everyone having a “safe, healthy and affordable place to call home.” This notion is derived from the organization’s principle to “demonstrate the love of Jesus Christ.” At the local level, the Putnam County office believes part of sticking to these ideals means connecting with the churches in the community. No matter the denomination, each church brings a set of beliefs that includes serving the community and helping others...

The following cases were filed in Putnam County courts recently. Randy S. Delano, 38, Ashtabula, Ohio, Level 4 felony possession of methamphetamine, Class C misdemeanor possession of paraphernalia Devon R. Matlock, 20, Greencastle, Level 6 felony failure to register as a sex or violent offender...

Greencastle evened its girls’ golf record at 1-1 on Wednesday with a 222-233 win over South Putnam, which was playing its season opener. Greencastle’s Molly Ramey was the individual medalist with a 46. Other Tiger Cub scores were Kadence Shaner 53, Allison Scott 61, Ryleigh Tuttle 62, Lilli Oliver 64 and Olivia Monnett 65...

The ancient adage that if something “walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it’s probably a duck” is rearing its ugly head when contemplating the horrific decision the Indiana High School Athletic Association faces in evaluating health reports and deciding how (or if) to proceed with the fall sports season...

If you are planning a staycation this fall or just looking for a fun and educational weekend you might consider the 25th annual Gathering of the People Pow Wow on Sept. 26-27 at the Vigo County Conservation Club, 10382 Grotto Road, Terre Haute. On Saturday, the Grand Entry begins at 1 p.m. with Intertribal Dancing 1:30 to 5 p.m. and a program by Boy Scouts 5:15 to 6:30 p.m. Retiring the Colors and Dancing begins at 7 p.m...

Seven people were booked in the Putnam County Jail recently. Wednesday • At 11:04 p.m. Kaleb G. Cooksey, 21, Plainfield, was taken into custody on a Hendricks County warrant. • At 1:02 p.m. Roger P. Lopez, 50, Cloverdale, was housed at the jail for possession of methamphetamine, unlawful possession of a syringe, possession of marijuana and two counts of possession of paraphernalia...