Stories from Monday, March 27, 2023

Well, spring has sprung and the vernal equinox is behind us, and for most of the past week that’s meant primarily wind and rain across central Indiana. Putnam County wound up with rainfall totals and wind reports among the highest in the state during the period Thursday through Saturday...

Help from local governmental and economic development officials is fast tracking the return of the “World’s Fastest Lawnmower” to its old manufacturing home. As Dixie Chopper transitions back to its original factory facility east of Fillmore, it will do so with a tax abatement on both real property improvements and personal property recently granted by the Putnam County Council...

After successive years of construction, COVID and a shortage of lifeguards, things are already looking up for the 2023 pool season at the Greencastle Aquatic Center. What Assistant Park Director Chrysta Snellenberger has planned for this summer is the resumption of a seven-day-a-week schedule, the return of summer swim lessons and a more normal schedule for the pool lifeguards...

It’s had a number of names over the years, including the Fleece Fair, the Fiber Event and now the Greencastle Wool Show. However, when the two-day festival of knitting, crocheting, weaving, spinning, felt and other fiber-related activities returns to the Putnam County Fairgrounds on April 14 and 15, fiber aficionados will find many of the same vendors and workshops...

With the balmy weather Sunday a stark contrast to the chaos that rocked Coatesville 75 years ago, Washburn Chapter DAR member Sharon Ellett reads the names of the 14 residents who died in the wake of the devastating tornado that swept through the area on March 26, 1948.

RUSSELLVILLE — While specific requirements are not to be outlined for the town, Russellville leaders are in support for the county’s new comprehensive plan. Though with Cathy Jones absent, Russellville councilmen Cary McGaughey and Tony Riggen voted to opt into the plan at their regular meeting last Wednesday evening. The consideration was tabled last month as Riggen was absent, while Jones was in favor of the town being involved...

In a transition year, South Putnam was able to add a win to its 2021 record, finishing 9-15 in the 2022 campaign with a 4-6 record in WIC play. The same problems remained from the prior season, however: The Eagles didn’t produce enough runs, scoring four runs or fewer in 13 of 24 games, going 1-12 in those outings...

Peace Lutheran Church is inviting the community as it will hold services celebrating Holy Week and Easter. Holy Week will begin on April 2 with a Palm Sunday service at 10:15 a.m. The Holy Triduum observance will then commence with services on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday (April 6 and 7, respectively) at 7 p.m...

The lack of a contested primary in the upcoming municipal elections will delay the inclusion of candidate biographies in the Banner Graphic. Originally slated for early March for primary candidates, the lack of a primary led to few submissions...

One of the most common remarks heard from current and former Putnam County 4-H’ers is how awesome their camp experiences were while in the 4-H program, or what a great experience it was to be on a college campus for science workshops. Most will make lifelong friends while participating in these experiences...

St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, 202 E. Washington St., Greencastle, is hosting the last of its two annual Lenten season Fish Fry Fridays this Friday, March 31. Tickets for the 4-7 p.m. event can be purchased at the door at $8 adults and $4 for children 12 and under...

The Putnamville Cemetery will hold its annual meeting on Monday, April 10 at 6:30 p.m. at the Putnamville Methodist Church. All ground flowers should be removed by April 15.

The City of Greencastle will partner with the Putnam County Mural Project to honor the city’s bicentennial this year by commissioning a mural on the west-facing wall of Dick’s Barber Shop at 1 E. Franklin St. The committee is inviting the public to be part of the process of identifying stories and people that honor Greencastle’s past, and to help select the artist who will install the mural...

To the Editor: “Agriculture: Food Brings Everyone to the Table” was the theme celebrated at the 2023 Putnam County Ag Day event held on Saturday March 11, where families came together to learn about a farmer’s everyday life. Ag Day kicked off its festivities with an Ag Day breakfast, followed by a short program by Indiana State FFA President Seth Ariens. ...

Director Lita Sandy will have two sessions of auditions for the Putnam County Playhouse’s June production of the musical “Grease.” The first session will be Sunday, April 2 at 3 p.m., while the second session will be Monday, April 3 at 7 p.m. Both sessions will be at the Hazel Day Longden Theatre...

Beverly Ann (Ingram) Finley, 94, of North Manchester, entered the gates of heaven on March 25, 2023. She was born Aug. 5, 1928, in Kent, Ohio, to Walter M. and Flora M. (Pember) Ingram. Beve was a 1946 graduate of Lehman High School in Canton, Ohio, where she was a member of Quill and Scroll and the a capella choir. ...

Loretta Lynne Maxwell passed away unexpectedly on March 25, 2023. She was 83. She was born on Sept. 8, 1939. She was the daughter of Harlis and Thelma Duncan of Greencastle. They preceded her in death. Loretta graduated from Greencastle High School in 1958 and attended Indiana University...

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Indiana 4th District Congressman Jim Baird (R-Greencastle) led the inaugural 118th Congress hearing of the Conservation, Research and Biotechnology Subcommittee as the subcommittee’s chairman Thursday. The hearing examined the implementation of key research programs within the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), research program efficacy and opportunities within these programs to increase productivity across the Agriculture Industry...

Beyond Homeless Inc. has recently expanded its footprint at its 309 E. Franklin St. location, adding a day shelter and relocating its thrift store. Already providing lodging for women and children at the location, Beyond Homeless is now providing day shelter services for individuals unable to be sheltered...

The Indiana House of Representatives recently advanced legislation supported by State Rep. Beau Baird (R-Greencastle) that would expand work-based learning opportunities in high schools around the state. Baird said House Bill 1002 would create Career Scholarship Accounts for Hoosier students to pay for career training, apprenticeships, certifications and internships. ...

Several people were booked in the Putnam County Jail recently. Sunday • At 9:23 p.m. Austin A. Cox, 37, Greencastle, was taken into custody on unlawful possession of a syringe, possession of methamphetamine, possession of a controlled substance and possession of paraphernalia...