Do more. See more. Live more.
Spring 2014
welcome
... to Seymour and Jackson County, located in the crossroads of southern Indiana. Our community is alive with progress and prosperity. About 17,500 people called Seymour home in the 2010 Census, and another nearly 25,000 called Jackson County home. From our historic tree-lined neighborhoods in Seymour, Brownstown, Crothersville and Medora to our more modern subdivisions and rural settings, Jackson County has much to offer those choosing to live here. We also offer a diverse economy, attracting new industrial prospects, helping existing firms expand and drawing visitors to town. The junction of Interstate 65 and U.S. 50 offers another strong
reason to live here; our proximity to the highway offers quick trips to Indianapolis, Louisville and Cincinnati. It’s a true mix of hometown hospitality with a taste of urban life on the fringes. Big cities are not your bag? Don’t worry. The outdoors offers a lot, too, from the Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge east of Seymour to the Hoosier National Forest in northwestern Jackson County. In between, there’s the East Fork of the White River, the Muscatatuck River, Starve Hollow State Recreation Area and Jackson-Washington State Forest. And don’t forget about golfing in Seymour and Brownstown.
Our many festivals celebrate our heritage, from Seymour’s annual Oktoberfest to Brownstown’s MelonFest and many others around the county. There’s also the popular Jackson County Fair. For those interested in the arts, be sure to check out the Southern Indiana Center for the Arts on Indiana 11 at Rockford, just north of Seymour. And save time for a stop at the Jackson County Community Theatre in Brownstown. We hope you’ll find Explore Jackson County as interesting and enjoyable as we do. So check it out, then head out to do more, see more and live more.
Published by: The Seymour Tribune Editor: Dan Davis Advertising Director: Melissa Bane | Account Executive: Anita Emigh and Tracie Lane Advertising Design: Tonya Cassidy, Julie Daiker, Phil Manning, Tina Ray and Kelsey Ruddell Editorial Design: Phillip Spalding and Amanda Waltz Copy Editor: Katharine Smith Stock images provided by ©Thinkstock ©2014 by Home News Enterprises. All rights reserved. Reproduction of stories, photographs and advertisements without permission is prohibited.
DON’T MISS OUT!
SEE THE BEST OLD TIME HARDWARE STORE IN SOUTHERN INDIANA! Serving Jackson County since 1894 116 S. Chestnut St., Downtown Seymour • 522-1663 Hours: Mon.-Thurs. 8:00am - 5:30pm • Fri. 8:00am - 6:00pm • Sat 8:00am - 5:00pm
union.doitbest.com
Local Service, Measurable Savings WE ARE INSURANCE, WE ARE FARMERS. TM
812-799-0662
WISCHMEIER AGENCY
Ashton Wischmeier
1125 16th St. Columbus, IN 47201 awischmeier@farmagent.com explore jackson county 3
CONtents
Do more. See more. Live more.
32 features
12 seymour cityjam
four bands will play this summer
18 skate park
tragedy brings opportunity
24 brownstown speedway training young racers
32 turkey call maker
woodcarver wins national recognition
4 explore jackson county
18
references 6 9 14 16 17 20 23 26 28 30 31 34 36
Community services events & festivals health care schools & libraries adult learning arts & entertainment seymour main street sightseeing history remembered going fishing Living farms church directory calendar of events
Do more. See more. Live more.
SPRING 2014
> > ON THE COVER: Rich Corzatt of Leesburg flips his calf onto its back before tying its legs during the 2013 Jackson County Rodeo at HD Hogan Arena. | Photo by Aaron Piper
Free Wine & Beer Tasting Weddings Wedding Receptions Rehearsal Dinners Special Occasions Corporate Functions Holiday Parties
pardieck winery & vineyard
handcrafted beer
812-522-9296 • chateaudepique.com 6361 N. Co Rd 760 E., Seymour, Indiana explore jackson county 5
Alcohol and drug abuse program, (812) 523-8630 Assessor, (812) 358-6111
community serviceS
Auditor, (812) 358-6122 Children and Families, (800) 403-0864 Clerk, (812) 358-6116 Commissioners, (812) 358-6121
Active civic groups and organizations in Jackson County Anchor House Anchor House, a homeless shelter for families with children, works toward fostering lifetime independence. To live at Anchor House one needs to live or work in Jackson County, have legal custody of minor children under the age of 18 and have no major criminal history. 250 S. Vine St., Seymour • Phone: (812) 522-9308 • email: ahshelter@ anchorhouseshelter.org Jackson County ARC Jackson County ARC serves as an advocate for the developmentally disabled and works to seek funding, monitor services and purchase programs as needed in Jackson County. Three day programs (Jackson Developmental Industries, Anthony Wayne Academy and Stonebelt of Jackson County) as well as several group homes are
available through the agency. 2490 N. 925 W, Norman • (812) 995-2793 • lytrudyreynolds@ peoplepc.com Big Brothers Big Sisters Big Brothers Big Sisters offers a unique brand of one-toone mentoring that is safe, professionally supported and a proven strategy for helping at-risk youth. The program matches each child with a caring, adult mentor for quality time on a regular basis. 105 E. Second St., Seymour • (812) 522-9699 • jcbbbs@hsonline. net • www.bbbssi.org Boys & Girls Club of Seymour Boys & Girls Club provides youth throughout Jackson County with supervised activities, behavioral guidance, positive adult role models and a facility in which children feel safe. 950 N. O’Brien
Community corrections, (812) 358-8053
county
government
contacts
Emergency management, (812) 358-6110 Extension office, (812) 358-6101 Food stamp office, (800) 403-0864
St., Seymour • (812) 522-2434 • bgcsey@compuage.com • www.bgcsey.com Child Care Network Inc. Child Care Network Inc. coordinates and implements programs and events that address significant needs of working parents with younger children. The agency provides child care services for schoolage children, licensed home child care, affordable early childhood programs and access to child and adult care food program benefits. 113 N. Chestnut St., Suite 3, Seymour • (812) 523-1825 • ccnetwork@ verizon.net • www.seymour. org/community
Health clinic, (812) 522-6667 Health department, (812) 522-6474 Highway garage, (812) 358-2226 Jackson Circuit Court, (812) 358-6133 Jackson Superior Court I, (812) 522-9677 Jackson Superior Court II, (812) 358-6803 Juvenile center, (812) 358-2981 Planning and zoning, (812) 358-6108 Probation officer, (812) 358-6138 Prosecuting attorney, (812) 358-6130 Recorder, (812) 358-6113 Sheriff (non-emergency calls), (812) 358-2141 Surveyor, (812) 358-6106 Treasurer, (812) 358-6125 Veterans Service office, (812) 358-6115 Voter registration, (812) 358-6117
6 explore jackson county
Tulip Trace Council of Girl Scouts Tulip Trace Council of Girl Scouts gives girls ages 5-17 in 14 counties in south-central Indiana the opportunity to become tomorrow’s leaders. Girl Scouts serves nearly 200 girls and more than 60 adults in Jackson County. (800) 4676804 • lrischitelli@tuliptrace. org • www.tuliptrace.org Girls Inc. of Jackson County Girls Inc. of Jackson County serves 2,000 girls throughout the county by providing recreational and educational classes in areas such as career education, sports, substance abuse, preventing adolescent pregnancy, leadership, science, math and health. 501 W. Second St., Seymour • (812) 522-2798 • btracy. jackson@girls-inc.org Head Start Head Start provides comprehensive preschool program-
Boys & Girls Club of Seymour members play a dancing video game.
ming for children ages 3-5. Children attend classes five days a week, four hours per day for 160 days. (800) 878-9608 • jhammer@hsi-headstart.com • www. acf.hhs.gov/programs/hsb
adults in Jackson County and offers programming in substance abuse, child abuse, illiteracy, work ethic, latch key programs, ethics, crime and hunger. (800) 844-6809 • guest145@bsamail.org • www.hoosiertrailsbsa.org
Hoosier Trails Boy Scouts Council Hoosier Trails Boy Scouts Council has 606 youth members and 101 registered
Mental Health Association Mental Health Association works to educate the public
about causes, treatment and prevention of emotional problems and mental illness. 113 N. Chestnut St., Suite 304, Seymour • (812) 522-3480 • jcmha@verizon.net • www.seymour.org/Community/jcmha Read Jackson County Read Jackson County’s mission is to sponsor educational programs and services
FREE
Locally owned. Convenient. CHECKING All welcome. Proudly serving Seymour at 520 South Jackson Park Drive, beside Bob Poynter Ford. Visit Centra.org for the full list of 20 Centra locations.
Connect with us today. Any location
523-3230
Centra.org From anywhere
Federally Insured by NCUA. Equal Opportunity Lender.
explore jackson county 7
>> community services (Cont.) designed to empower adults and their families with literacy skills and practices to function effectively in Jackson County. 113 N. Chestnut St., Suite 306, Seymour • (812) 523-8688 • read.jacksoncounty@verizon. net • www.seymour.com/ community/literacy Meals on Wheels The Meals on Wheels Program delivers hot, nutritious meals to the homebound five days a week. (812) 5220173 • anjilltj@hotmail.com
PFLAG Look to the Seymour Chapter of PFLAG (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) to find fellowship, education and advocacy for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender members of Jackson County and surrounding communities. PFLAG provides opportunities for dialogue concerning sexual orientation and gender identity, and its members act to create a society that is healthy and respectful of
Electricity Duke Energy, (800) 521-2232 Jackson County Rural Electric, (812) 358-4458
area
utilities
Water and Sewer Indiana-American Water Co. (water service in Seymour), (800) 492-8373 Jackson County Regional Sewage District, (812) 497-3072 and (812) 522-3998
human diversity. PFLAG – Seymour Chapter, P.O. Box 997, Seymour. Information: (812) 498-2380, www.seymour.org/community/pflag, seymourpflag@gmail.com or www.facebook.com/groups/ seymourpflag. Red Cross Red Cross relies heavily on its 300-plus dedicated volunteers to carry out its mission and provide its services and programs. Current programs and services offered include, but are not limited to, disaster assistance (food, clothing, shelter and other necessities) to families and individuals, sending volunteers to help in large national disasters and providing support services to local emergency responders. 410 Indianapolis Ave., Seymour • (812) 522-3888 or (812) 379-9551, Emergency line: 1-800-813-3260 • Office hours are Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. • www.jacksonredcross.org • www.redcross.org
Jackson County Water Utility, (812) 358-3654 Gas Midwest Natural Gas, (800) 654-2361 Vectren, (natural gas in Seymour), (800) 227-1376 Telephone Frontier Communications, (877) 462-8188 Verizon, (800) 483-4000
Vectren crew members do pressure checks at Seymour High School.
8 explore jackson county
Salvation Army Salvation Army touches the lives of many people in the community. The assistance ranges from making friendly visits to shut-ins or nursing home residents at Christmas to providing for a utility or rent payment to keep a family warm and secure during the cold winter months. (800) 589-1037 • charles_kennedy@usc.salvationarmy.org • www.salvationarmyusa.org Senior citizens centers •124 S. Main St., Brownstown, (812) 358-3261 •114 East Main St., Crothersville, (812) 793-2523 •Main and George, Medora, (812) 966-2375 •107 S. Chestnut St., Seymour
Turning Point Turning Point provides food, clothing and personal care items for short-term relief to domestic violence victims. Emergency transportation is also available from anywhere in the service area to the shelter. Crisis Phone (800) 221-6311 • www. turningpointshelter.com United Way of Jackson County This organization supports 20 partner agencies focused on creating long-lasting change for our neighbors in the areas of education, health and financial stability. Those agencies include: American Red Cross, Anchor House, Arc of Jackson County, Big Brothers/ Big Sisters of Southeast Indiana, Boys & Girls Club, Child Care Network, Inc., Girl Scouts of Kentuckiana, Girls, Inc., Hoosier Trails Council – Boys Scouts of America, Human Services/Head Start, Meals on Wheels, Mental Health America of Jackson County, Read Jackson County / Plaza Latina, Salvation Army Indiana Division, and the Seniors Citizens programs in Brownstown, Crothersville, Freetown, and Medora. United Way of Jackson County also supports the following programs: Day of Caring, Stuff the Bus & Rock’n Ready, FamilyWize Prescription Drug Discount Cards, United Way 2-1-1 South Central Indiana, Vounteer Center, Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA). To learn more about United Way of Jackson County: go to www.jacsy.org, like us on Facebook: Jackson County United Way, email tonja@ jacsy.org, or call 812-522-5450.
events & festivals Festivals are like badges of honor for Jackson County communities. And they should be. Festivals showcase each community’s unique characteristics, giving each small town a chance to share a little of what makes it great.
People pack the streets of Seymour during Oktoberfest.
March
The annual Maple Syrup Festival takes place at Burton’s Maplewood Farm near Medora, where you can enjoy a breakfast of hot pancakes with 100 percent maple syrup each day of the event. Held the first and second weekends in March.
May
Wings Over Muscatatuck Migratory Bird Festival attracts bird and wildlife enthusiasts for special programs and advice on birding, gardening
and information on other animals found in Indiana.
machinery enthusiasts to Tampico each June and September.
Held twice a year, the Norman Bluegrass Festival is the place to be for bluegrass fans.
Head outside for the Seymour CityJam, which includes live music, food and beverages. Held the third Thursday of the month in downtown Seymour.
June
Crothersville proudly celebrates the U.S. during the Red, White and Blue Festival held on the grounds of the Crothersville Schools. Grassy Fork Volunteer Fire Department Tampico Tractor Pulls attract agricultural and
July
Jackson County’s Independence Day Celebration is held each year at Freeman Field recreation area in Seymour. Freetown July Festival is
held the first Saturday in July. Winding past the county’s two remaining round barns, the Round Barn Bike Ride is held the second Saturday in July. Visit the multi-award-winning Jackson County 4-H Fair each July, which includes 4-H events, livestock and farm competitions and a midway for ride lovers. The Seymour CityJam offers live music, food and beverages. Held the third Thursday of the month in
explore jackson county 9
>> festivals (Cont.) downtown Seymour.
August
Bustock offers a series of nightly concerts that follows the week after the Jackson County Fair each summer. It includes free live music on the lawn of the Southern Indiana Center for the Arts, 2001 N. Ewing St., Seymour. The art center raffles autographed memorabilia and a guitar signed by Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member John Mellencamp, a Seymour native and benefactor of the center. The V-J Day Parade takes place each August in Seymour to celebrate the anniversary of V-J Day during World War II. Head outside for the Seymour CityJam, which includes live music, food and beverages. Held the third Thursday of the month in downtown Seymour.
September
Brownstown’s MelonFest highlights Jackson County’s reputation as a great source for high-quality watermelons. Head outside for the Seymour CityJam, which includes live music, food and beverages. Held the third Thursday of the month in downtown Seymour.
Right: A band plays at Bustock music festival. Above: A young competitor grooms a cow at the Jackson County Fair. Tribune file photos.
10 explore jackson county
October
Held the first weekend in downtown Seymour, Oktoberfest celebrates the large number of German descendants in Jackson County. With crafts demonstrations, mule-drawn wagon rides and food, Log Cabin Day is held at the historic Myers Cabin in the Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge each October. Houston Fall Festival is set near the woods by the Houston school and church and proceeds benefit the historic school.
Left: Wings over Muscatatuck. Above: The funhouse at the Jackson County Fair. Tribune file photos.
Window World
Fort Vallonia Days celebrates the pioneer and Native American history of Jackson County with a parade, demonstrations of traditional crafts and re-enactments within the fort. Held the third weekend of October.
NovemberDecember
The Greater Seymour Chamber of Commerce and Seymour Main Street co-sponsor One Chamber Square Christmas on the first Monday after Thanksgiving, where adults and children can enjoy carriage rides, reindeer visits, food, vendors and pictures with Santa. The Medora Christmas Parade winds through Medora each December and helps ring in the holiday season.
AMERICA’S LARGEST REPLACEMENT WINDOW COMPANY Call Your “Ear Experts” Today!
Stylish OPTIONS FOR YOUR HOME.
Cindy Gilbert Patient Coordinator
Jeanne Schrink Licensed Hearing Care Practitioner
Where patient satisfaction is, and always has been, our #1 priority since 1975.
523-1750
FREE Hearing Test
....just tell us you saw us in Explore Jackson County. Color Palette CMYK: 0, 100, 36, 37
CMYK: 0, 8, 22, 56
RGB: 147, 22, 56
PANTONE® 1955 C
Exceptional Quality
Hex #: 931638
RGB: 140, 127, 112
PANTONE®
Warm Grey 9 C
Hex #: 8C7F70
Exceptional Quality
Made in USA
Made in USA
Exceptional Quality
Exceptional Quality
Made in USA
Made in USA
(812) 372-0008 1-800 NEXT WINDOW
1636 State St., Suite G Columbus
www.WindowWorld.com www.windowworldscindiana.com
We are located at 1171 West Tipton Tipton Crossing Plaza by the Jay C Store
explore jackson county 11
The Marlinaires
Forty Years of College
The Halley DeVestern Band
Lunar Beach House Photos courtesy of bands
12 explore jackson county
brings sounds of summer to Tribune staff reports Downtown Seymour will rock and sway again this summer with a series of four outside concerts. CityJam will launch its second season on East Second Street between Indianapolis Avenue and Ewing Street when the Columbus-based band 40 Years of College takes the stage on June 19. The Halley DeVestern Band follows with its bluesy sounds on July 17. Lunar Beach House of Louisville, Ky., delivers a Jimmy Buffett sound with the Aug. 21 concert. The series reaches a conclusion on Sept. 18 with a performance from The Marlinaires, which will offer a range of music, including pop, country, rock, R&B and the classics. The concert series is sponsored by JCB, Jay C Food Stores, Seymour Crossing and The Tribune, and proceeds benefit the Southern Indiana Center for the Arts in Seymour. The arts center provides classes, summer camps and other opportunities for area residents to explore the arts and exhibit artwork. Food, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages are available at each concert, and the shows will take place rain or shine. Forty Years of College generally plays music from the ’60s and ’70s and also a few later tunes. Some of their favorite bands are the Beatles, the Eagles, Van Morrison and Crosby, Stills & Nash. They also throw in an original (from their CD “Long Way to New York City”) from time to time. The Halley DeVestern Band, rated the No. 1 blues band in New York City by Reverbnation. com, sounds something like Janis Joplin backed by Red Hot Chili Peppers and The Mothers of Invention with just a hint of howitzer, organizers say. Lunar Beach House is a seven-piece Jimmy Buffett and beach music band that performs about 50 percent Buffett songs with the rest of the set focused on beach songs along with a few other covers. The Marlinaires is a musical trio that proves that the family who sings together clings together, the group says. Concert-goers are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and to sit inside the fenced area and enjoy the free concerts.
explore jackson county 13
health care Jackson County is home to a state-of-the-art health care facility, Schneck Medical Center, and a community health center, Jackson County Community Health Center and Dental Clinic. Both are located in Seymour and serve the region.
Schneck Medical Center
Schneck broke ground in the summer of 2006 for a cancer treatment center. It opened to chemotherapy patients in July 2007 and to radiation patients in August 2007. The $9.2 million, 16,000-square-foot center at Pine and Tipton streets includes an outpatient oncology area that provides both radiation and medical
14 explore jackson county
oncology as well as intensity modulated radiation therapy, a technology that allows for more precise delivery of radiation to a tumor while sparing nearby normal tissue. The cancer center is part of a $60 million expansion and remodeling project that added 82,000 square feet of new space and renovated 99,000 square feet of existing space at Schneck. Schneck already features a complete surgery center, ra-
diology department, intensive care/cardiac care unit, a large emergency trauma and treatment center and extensive medical support group areas. Schneck is a 165-bed facility that has attracted a highly qualified staff and provides a complete range of services, including the latest in diagnostic and surgical techniques. In November 2011, President Barack Obama and Commerce Secretary John Bryson announced Schneck
Medical Center was one of four recipients of the 2011 Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award. Schneck President Gary Meyer credited all hospital employees, patients and the community’s support for the level of success the hospital has experienced over the years for receiving the award of excellence. Address: Walnut and Tipton streets, Seymour. Telephone: (812) 522-2349.
Jackson County Community Health Center and Dental Clinic
Located in the Community Agency Building on North Chestnut Street in downtown Seymour, the health center opened in March 2004 to meet a growing number of under-insured and uninsured residents in need of health care. The dental clinic opened in the summer of 2006. The health center
treats more than 2,000 patients annually and provides numerous on-site services, including laboratory work, pharmaceuticals, prenatal, maternal and newborn care, outreach and social services, case management, mental health visits, Medicaid enrollment and a sliding fee scale for outsource services from Schneck Medical Center. Women, Infants and Children offices are also located within the center.
Address: Community Agency Building, 113 N. Chestnut St., Seymour. Telephone: (812) 524-8388.
Opposite page: Staff, administration and guests view the newly unveiled Baldrige Award in the lobby of Schneck Medical Center, above, presented in 2011. Photos by Aaron Piper.
Mental health
Centerstone, 720 N. Marr Road, Columbus. Telephone: (812) 348-7449. Christopher and Associates, 415 S. Walnut St., Seymour. Telephone: (812) 523-0386.
explore jackson county 15
schools & libraries Brownstown Central Community Schools Brownstown Elementary: (812) 358-3680 Brownstown Central Middle School: (812) 358-4947 Brownstown Central High School: (812) 358-3453 Superintendent: (812) 358-4271
Crothersville Community Schools
Crothersville Elementary School: (812) 793-2622 Crothersville Junior/Senior High School: (812) 793-2051 Superintendent: (812) 793-2601 Online: crothersville.k12.in.us
Medora Community Schools Medora School: (812) 966-2201 Superintendent: (812) 966-2210 Online: www.medorahornets.org
Adult education
Jackson County Learning Center provides local access to college classes through Ivy Tech Community College, IUPUC and Indiana Wesleyan and workplace training through Workforce One. Contact: (812) 524-8788 Ivy Tech Community College: (812) 374-5341
Seymour Community Schools
Cortland Elementary: (812) 522-7483 Emerson Elementary: (812) 522-2596 Margaret R. Brown Elementary: (812) 522-5539 Seymour-Jackson Elementary: (812) 522-5709 Seymour-Redding Elementary: (812) 522-5621 Seymour Middle School: (812) 522-5453
SMS Sixth Grade Center: (812) 523-4637 Seymour High School: (812) 522-4384 Superintendent: (812) 522-3340 / Online: www.scsc.k12.in.us
Parochial schools
Trinity Lutheran High School: (812) 524-8574 Immanuel Lutheran School: (812) 522-1301 St. Ambrose Catholic School: (812) 522-3522 Lutheran Central School: (812) 358-2512 Seymour Christian Academy: (812) 522-7628 Liberty Christian Academy: (812) 523-2097 St. John’s Lutheran School: (812) 523-3131 Zion Lutheran School: (812) 522-1089
Jackson County Public Libraries
Jackson County Public Library has branch offices in Seymour, Crothersville and Medora, and provides service to other county residents through its bookmobile. Patrons will find a blend of new and old at the Seymour Library at Walnut and Second streets. New features in the children’s department include a large hollow “tree” that children can sit inside, an expanded program room and a play area for younger children. There’s also the Teen Scene Room on the second floor, which includes comfortable seating, a television and age-appropriate books and magazines. Crothersville Library: 120 W. Main St., Crothersville. (812) 793-2927 Medora Library: Main Street, Medora. (812) 966-2278 Seymour Library: 303 W. Second St., Seymour. (812) 522-3412; www.myjclibrary.org Brownstown Public Library: 120 E. Spring St., Brownstown. (812) 358-2853
• Upholstery cleaning • Ceramic tile cleaning and sealing • Vinyl tile stripping, waxing and polishing
• Wood floor sanding and refinishing • Water removal with mold and mildew treatment • Deodorizing
• Stone floor care • Janitorial Services • FREE Estimates
We are fully insured and certified in stain removal.
3250 W. Market Place Dr. | Edinburgh, IN | 812.526.3485 www.mannsharleydavidson.com 16 explore jackson county
Call for an appointment at 812-524-2405 or toll free at 1-866-716-7709 www. clean-right.net
adult learning
Jackson County Learning Center
Area residents can continue their educations and find occupational training at the Jackson County Learning Center in Seymour. The $2.4 million facility on Dupont Drive opened in the summer of 2010 and was hailed as the most significant event to take place in the community in the past 40 years. “I believe the learning center will have a more generational positive ripple effect than anything we could have done,” Bill Bailey, president of the Greater Seymour Chamber of Commerce, said during a dedication event. The center will serve the area’s existing and future post-secondary educational needs, as well as offering work force training and development. There are classrooms and offices for Ivy Tech Community College, Indiana University-Purdue University Columbus and Indiana Wesleyan University, with additional space available for other colleges and universities. Inside its 20,000 square feet, the facility has many features and amenities geared toward students’ interests and needs. There is an advanced manufacturing lab and bio-medical/life science lab, an Internet cafe and a computer lab. A large central
room can be divided into classroom space or opened to serve as a community meeting room. The state office of WorkOne is also located within the building for convenient client referral to training and classes.
Latino Plaza
Hispanics and Latinos in the community have a new partner—the Latino Plaza at the Community Agency Building. A $100,000 grant funds the Jackson County Latino Literacy Initiative, which offers a place for Hispanics to learn to speak, read and write English. Child Care Network Inc., La Paz de Cristo Social Ministry, READ Jackson County and Seymour Community Schools have combined resources to assist those seeking English as a second language classes. A grant from Community Foundation of Jackson County has funded English as a second language courses. The Latino Plaza plans to include a hotline for parents to call when questions about their child’s education arise. The plaza is on the second floor of the Community Agency Building, at 113 N. Chestnut St., Seymour. For information, call (812) 519-2975.
Your source for building supplies!
1800 S. WALNUT ST. SEYMOUR | 812-522-4181
2885 N. HWY. 3 NORTH VERNON | 812-346-3627
GOECKERS.COM explore jackson county 17
Angela Grubb stands in the newly opened Schurman and Grubb Skate Park. Photos by Aaron Piper
New Skate Park
Becomes Reality After Tragedy By January Wetzel // Tribune Staff Writer
Todd Schurman
18 explore jackson county
Zach Grubb
When Zach Grubb was little, his mother, Angie, gave him haircuts. As he grew older, that wasn’t the case. He wanted the longer, shaggy hairstyle popular with skaters, she said. Zach and many of his friends, including Todd Schurman, were avid skateboarders and dreamed of the day Seymour would have a skate park. That skate park — or at least the first stage — was dedicated this past winter, and fundraising is underway for its next phase. The teens helped raise money to get the park built, but Zach and Todd, both of whom had been students at Seymour High School, would never get to use it. The boys were killed in the spring of 2010 after the bicycle they were riding on was hit by a vehicle on U.S. 31 south of Seymour. Their dream, however, didn’t die. Family members picked up where the boys had left off and formed the Seymour Skate Park Association. With support from longtime skate park advocate Matt Nicholson, owner of B2 Bikes and Boards in Seymour, the group continued to raise money toward its goal of $60,000, half of the cost of the first phase. The city had committed the other half in 2007.
BELOW: Jacob Stamper jumps onto a raised platform. LEFT: A rendering shows future plans for the park. MIDDLE: Friends and family of the boys were invited to help cut the ribbon. BOTTOM: Isaiah Gambrel lands a jump.
To help move the project along, it was divided into three phases. The second phase will cost an estimated $30,000, and the third phase will be more than $100,000 to complete, Nicholson said. He has increased fundraising efforts this year for that work. “I can’t believe once they started it got done this quick,” Melissa Schurman, Todd’s mother, said at the ceremony to officially open the 5,000-square-foot Schurman and Grubb Memorial Skate Park on the city’s north side. Hugging a framed photo of her son tightly to her chest, Angie Grubb used the same pair of scissors she once lovingly used on Zach’s hair to cut the caution tape surrounding the park. Many others brought their own scissors to take part in the ribbon-cutting ceremony. She is happy to see the next generation of kids will have a safe place to practice their sport and have fun. Trying to hold back tears, Missy Schurman said the park is a dream come true, for both her son and the rest of her family, including her husband, Todd, and their daughter, Maranda. Mayor Craig Luedeman also thanked those who have been involved in the project for their efforts and patience. Jacob Stamper, 12, and his friend, Thomas Hoffmeier, 12, both of Seymour, were among the first to skate across the park and attempt some tricks on the grind rails and elevated surfaces. They have eagerly been awaiting the park’s opening so they can grow their skateboard team. Thomas said he wants to use the park to get better at skateboarding. The biggest problem for skaters, he said, is the bad reputation they have for causing problems in the community. “I’ve been kicked out of places before,” he said. “But there was no safe environment for us, and all we want to do is practice.” He plans to donate nearly $200 he has saved to the next phase of the park. Besides adding another 3,500 square feet of skate area, the next two phases will add new features, including a quarter pipe, volcano, three-quarter bowl, stair set and handrails. explore jackson county 19
arts & entertainment Southern Indiana Center for the Arts
Housed in a beautiful 1851 Greek Revivalist brick house, the Southern Indiana Center for the Arts is leased to the city by Seymour’s own John Mellencamp and boasts the only permanent collection of Mellencamp paintings in the world. SICA’s main galleries feature ever-changing exhibits, with work for sale by local and regional artists. The Center offers a studio for instruction or practice, a student gallery and an art resource room. Festivals, demonstrations, private instruction, handson classes, recitals, musical programs and a three-week Youth Summer Art Camp are offered at SICA. During recent summers, the center has been home for the Friday Night Live concert series, which offers local and regional artists a venue to showcase their musical talents. Don Hill Crafts Barn and Amphitheater The crafts barn has a resident
potter available to help visitors take a turn on a pottery wheel and the amphitheater is a great venue for summer concerts. Conner Museum of Antique Printing The museum is a working print shop of period presses of the 1800s and displays a handson timeline from the stone tablet to stone lithography. Guests can feel different types of papers, follow the history of printing and even take home examples. Special tours can be arranged. Annual Events Admission to SICA is free; the center is open from noon to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays, or by appointment. SICA is located at 2001 N. Ewing St., Seymour. For information, call (812) 522-2278, e-mail sicaad-
Southern Indiana Center for the Arts
min@frontier.com or visit www. soinart.com. —Jackson County Visitor Center
Entertainment
Brownstown Speedway Located one mile southeast of Brownstown at the Jackson
County Fairgrounds, Brownstown Speedway opened in May 1952. Races are held March through September on the quarter-mile dirt oval track and include four different classes: Late Models, Modified,
Fish
The
STAND 423 N. Ewing St., Seymour, IN • 522.1526 Hours: M-F 10-2 & 4-7, Sat 10-4 20 explore jackson county
Y ou C an F eel
522-1760 l 222 Carter St., Seymour www.stuckwisch.com
Street Stocks and Bombers. Several special races are held each year, including the Hoosier Dirt Classic, the Lee Fleetwood Memorial, Jackson County Grand Champion Fair Race and the Jackson 100. For information, visit www. brownstownspeedway.com or call (812) 358-5332. —Jackson County Visitor Center
Chateau de Pique Winery and Brewery Nestled into 80 rolling acres of picturesque farmland in Seymour, Chateau de Pique Winery is housed in a quaint, restored 19th-century horse barn. There, up to 126 guests can enjoy an evening in the wine tasting room or outside on the spacious patio. Guests can sample wines made from grapes harvested from the property vineyards, as well as sample handcrafted beers. Also on the property, visitors
to the winery will find a large tent that seats up to 400 for wedding receptions and parties. Location: 6361 N. County Road 760 E. Information: www.chateaudepique.com or call (812) 522-9296. Jackson County Community Theatre A not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing quality, live theater productions, the Jackson County Community Theatre got its
official start in 1971. After moving to the RoyalOff-the-Square Theatre building in 1974, the theatre now boasts additional seating and an extensive lobby, and it features local actors and crew in four productions each year. Other community events held at the theatre include a winter dinner theatre, concerts and theatre camps for children. Location: 121 W. Walnut St., Brownstown. Information: (812) 358-5228, www. jcct.org
in a half-gallon growler. When the growler is empty, bring it back to refill it at a discounted price. Empty pint containers, T-shirts, and koozies are also sold at the brewery. Hours are Fridays, 4 to 8 p.m.; Saturdays, 2 to 8 p.m.; Sundays, noon to 4 p.m. Location: 755 W. Second St. Information: (812) 519-BEER (2337).
Twisted Crew Brewing Co. Sample six beers on tap and two seasonal beers at Twisted Crew Brewing Co., and— if you find one you like—take some home
ALL YOU CAN EAT E X PA N D E D BUFFET TEPPANYAKI GRILL
Lunch Buffet $6.45 • Dinner Buffet $8.75
SUSHI BARR
Appetizers, Soups, Entrees, Fruits & Desserts Carry Out Available! Private Rooms Available for Business Lunches and Parties!
Online Ordering at www.buffetchinaseymour.com 1244 E. Tipton St., Seymour (Next to JC Penney) Open 7 Days a Week • 11 AM - 10 PM
812-523-6628
Award Winning
Taste of Home Cookbooks available through The Tribune.
Call today for cookbook titles and pricing. 522-4871
explore jackson county 21
>> arts & entertainment
Famous
faces Katie Stam Jackson County is proud to count Miss America 2009 Katie Stam among its natives. Stam, a Seymour native, won over America’s heart and helped put Jackson County on the map when she was crowned Miss America in Las Vegas on Jan. 24, 2009. Since then, Stam, a Seymour High School graduate, has traveled the country and world promoting community involvement and various charities, including the Children’s Miracle Network. She has never forgotten her roots, however, and has visited the area several times, including a homecoming party in March 2009, an appearance at the Jackson County Fair and National Maple Syrup Festival and at a fundraiser for Trinity Lutheran High School. Stam, the daughter of Keith and Tracy Stam, was also nominated for Time Magazine’s 100 most influential people list, chosen as the spokeswoman for the Indiana and National Dairy Associations. She even had a spice from Marion Kay Spices in Brownstown named after her. Stam’s reign as Miss America ended in January 2010.
John Mellencamp The area is also proud to have this singer/songwriter/artist as a native whose boyhood memories of Seymour inspired his famous song, “Small Town.” Many of his songs paint a descriptive picture of the people, places and things here in our small town in Middle America. Mellencamp’s songs have motivated visitors from 48 states and six countries to come to Jackson County to see the roots of their favorite celebrity. He was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2008. The John Mellencamp Exhibit makes its home in Seymour and includes memorabilia from throughout the musician’s career in music, painting and film. The exhibit, dedicated to Grandma Laura Mellencamp, features some poignant family photographs, albums and even includes an outfit worn by his beloved Grandma, who was featured on the album, “Scarecrow.” Mellencamp started painting in the late 1980s and created large, dark portraits of people he had known. Almost immediately, his paintings created interest among private collectors and Mellencamp admirers. Several of his paintings and other memorabilia are on display at the Southern Indiana Center for the Arts, where his “Wild Nights” video was produced in the Crafts Barn. For more information, call (888) 524-1914 or email jacksoncountyin@frontier.net. —Jackson County Visitor Center
22 explore jackson county
main street Seymour Main Street is an organization committed to planning, promoting and preserving Seymour’s historic downtown area. The organization sponsors and promotes many events throughout the year. April Parking Lot Pickers Features great selection of crafts, collectibles, antiques and treasures.
April-September Farmers Market Local farmers gather in the Walnut Street parking lot from Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 11 a.m., to sell their goods.
May Lawn, Garden & Patio Show Features live entertainment, an auction and many vendors and booths with lawn and garden items on display. Held at the Robertson Mill Parking Lot on Walnut Street. The Seymour Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast is held at 7 a.m.
October Downtown Trick or Treat Held on the Monday before Halloween, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Children can trick or treat at participating merchants in the downtown area on the evening of the Lions Costume Parade. Arts, crafts and foods are available.
The band Schulhaus 4 + 3 plays at Oktoberfest. The Tribune file photo.
Your Neighborhood Experts Electronics and Appliances to fit YOUR daily needs.
Evening Lions Costume Parade Held on the Monday before Halloween in the downtown area.
November - December Downtown Christmas Held the Monday after Thanksgiving, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Santa is available at the event to talk to children who want to have their pictures taken with him. Vendor booths offer everything from hot chocolate to games to face painting. The annual holiday window-decorating contest is judged on the day of the event with plaques going to the first, second and third place winners. Mayor lights the tree. Stage entertainment, horse and wagon rides and hayrides are also available. Chestnut Street and St. Louis Avenue are closed off during the event. Santa House at One Chamber Square Schedule to be determined. Watch The Seymour Tribune for upcoming details.
• Major Appliances • Built In Appliances • Contractor Discounts • High Definition TV • Home Theatre • Whole House Sound • Indoor and Outdoor Speakers • Car Audio & Video
1255 West Tipton (Highway 50 W.) 812.522.5123 www.lueckeaudiovideo.com explore jackson county 23
Story by Sherri Dugger
THE FAST TRACK
Racing fans rush to Brownstown each summer in search of speed
B
rownstown Speedway got its
the nation, known as the “Dirty Dozen.”
start in the early 1950s as a
Brownstown was on the list.
½-mile track to race horses. But
Over the years, the Speedway has
in 1952 the Jackson County Fair board
grown by attracting more racers (and,
of directors decided to add horsepower
therefore, more fans) with bigger purs-
to the Speedway by adding auto racing
es. The $2,500 purse for the Indiana Ice
to its offerings.
Breaker, one of the track’s most popular
The addition of cars to the track,
events held early in the year to kick off
476 E. County Road 100S, Brownstown, (812) 358-5332, www.brownstownspeedway.com
which was later cut down to a ¼-mile
racing season, was raised to $10,000,
length, was all the Speedway needed
for example, and the $10,000 purse
to start making a name for itself. Over
for The Jackson 100, one of the biggest
the years, the Speedway became more
annual events at the track, was raised to
Fest, is held each October and features
popular, earning a title “Black Ice” in the
$20,000 to win.
family activities, music, food, and, of
’80s because of its smooth track surface.
Fans flock to the grandstand on the
course, racing. The mission of Brownstown Speed-
As its reputation in racing grew, racing
Jackson County Fairgrounds, which
fans around the country took notice,
serves as the home of the Brownstown
way is to develop racing as a family
and USA Today eventually published an
Speedway, for numerous events each
pastime and provide a training ground
article that featured the top 12 tracks in
season. One popular party, the Fun
for up-and-coming young racers.
24 explore jackson county
MAY 17 Armed Forces Night may 24 Grad Night
SELECT SUMMER RACING EVENTS
MAY 31 POWRi Lucas Oil National Midget Series
june 14 Senior Night june 11 31st Annual "Hoosier Dirt Classic" /UMP Summer Nationals
june 21 Kids Night
july 5 Super Stock Special
july 24 Jackson County Fair Race july 12 Pure Stock Special
july 26 Jackson County Grand Champion Fair Race /Paul Crockett Memorial
august 2 Fan Appreciation Night
august 16 "Hall of Fame Classic"
august 23 Fire and Police Night
august 30 Midwest Sprint Car Series (MSCS)
September 13 Jackson 100 Tune Up
september 19-20 35th Annual Jackson 100 October 9-12 19th Annual Funfest
explore jackson county 25
sightseeing Round barns
Hall Round Barn Located on private property on County Road 150S in Medora, this barn was built in 1920 for Howard Smith. At 72 feet in diameter, this barn is the biggest of the two remaining in the county and is unique because it has no central silo. Stuckwish Round Barn This barn was constructed in 1910-1911 at a cost of $1,500. Nestled among the cornfields near Medora, the barn is located on County Road 460W off Indiana 235.
Covered bridges
Medora Covered Bridge Built in 1875, this bridge is the longest three-span covered bridge in the United States, measuring 434 feet long with a 12-foot overhang. Abutments and piers for the bridge were quarried in the Dixon’s quarry at Fort Ritner. J.J. Daniels built the bridge, which utilizes the double Burr Arch, for a cost of $18,142. Located near Medora on the East Fork of the White River near Indiana 235, the bridge was bypassed in 1970. In 2011,
renovations to the bridge were completed through federal grants and local matching funds, and it was rededicated. Shieldstown Covered Bridge Built by J.J. Daniels in 1876, this bridge is 355 feet long and spans the East Fork of the White River. The bridge uses a multiple King Post design and utilizes the Burr Arch Truss system. The original construction cost $13,600. Located approximately 1 mile north of Highway 50 west on County Road 175N, the bridge carried traffic until 1980.
Explore nature
Hoosier National Forest Hoosier National Forest encompasses 200,000 acres in nine counties of south central Indiana. The forest features more than 257 miles of hiking, horseback and mountain bike trails and offers hunting, nature study, camping and picnicking. Horse camps also are available. 811 Constitution Ave., Bedford; (812) 275-5987; www.fs.fed.us/r9/hoosier
Everything Pool and Spa • POOLS • SPAS • SUPPLIES • ACCESSORIES Two 626 Tipton St., Seymour ~ 522-5137 ons: 420 N. State St., North Vernon ~ 352-8200 c Lo ati www.perryspoolshop.com Cash - Check - Visa - Mastercard
26 explore jackson county
Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge. The Republic file photo.
Jackson-Washington State Forest Jackson-Washington State Forest encompasses more than 17,000 acres in Jackson and Washington counties with about 7,000 in Jackson County. The forestry offers scenic views from Skyline Drive and other vistas. The main forest area is located 2.5 miles southeast of Brownstown on State Road 250. Hiking, biking, fishing, camping, horseback riding and hunting are offered. 1278 E. State Road 250, Brownstown; (812) 3582160; jackstfor@hsonline.net Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge With 7,800 acres, Muscatatuck was established as a
refuge to provide resting and feeding areas for waterfowl during their annual migrations. Muscatatuck is now home to a family of nesting bald eagles and hundreds of species of birds. Myers’ cabin and barn were built around 1900 and have been restored to give visitors a glimpse of life on the refuge at that time. A Visitors Center and many trails and tours are available. 12985 E. Highway 50, Seymour; (812) 522-4352; muscatatuck@fws.gov Starve-Hollow Recreation Area Starve-Hollow Lake was first constructed in 1938 and now covers 145 acres and is stocked with largemouth
Award Winning
DARLAGE
CUSTOM MEATS PORK
•
BEEF
•
DEER
FULL RETAIL MEAT CASE T-BONES
• RIBEYES • FILETS • BEEF PATTIES ITALIAN SAUSAGE • PORK BURGERS PORK CHOPS • BACON • SAUSAGE GROUND BEEF
INQUIRE ABOUT OUR FREEZER BUNDLES! CALL AHEAD ORDERING AVAILABLE.
5974 Schleter • Just off Highway 50 Seymour • 522-1635 M-F 8 AM - 5:30 PM • Sat 8 AM - 1:30 PM
freeman
field
bass, bluegill, redear, channel catfish and crappie. Three boat launch ramps are available at Starve Hollow. Rowboat and canoe rental is available from mid-April through October. The swimming beach is available from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Both primitive and modern campsites are available for reservation up to six months in advance, by calling (812) 358-3464 from noon to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday or visit www.camp.in.gov. 4345 S. County Road 275 W., Vallonia; (812) 358-3464; starvesra@dnr.state.in.us. —Jackson County Visitor Center
Freeman Field was activated on Dec. 1, 1942, and was used to train American pilots to fly twin-engine planes. Freeman Field also served as a central location for mechanics and military officials to evaluate and study planes captured during the war. Among many other planes of varying nationalities, the field housed a German helicopter and a red Messerschmitt BF 108B1, which was rumored to belong to Hermann Goering, the commanding general of Germany’s Luftwaffe. The base was the first Army helicopter training base in the United States, and the school had 19 classes with a total of 4,237 graduates. Twenty-three cadet pilots and
one combat pilot were killed during training. Freeman Field included mechanics, nurses, Women’s Army Corps, WASPS and its own fire department. At its peak, Freeman Field had about 5,000 people on base. Gus Grissom, future astronaut, enlisted in the Cadet program. The 477th Bomb Group, the Tuskegee Airmen, was transferred to Freeman Field. The Freeman Airfield Museum is located on the grounds of Freeman Field. Mementos include graduation announcements, dance invitations, uniforms, airplane models, photos, an original World War II fire truck, World War II radio gear and maps of the area. There is an array of plane parts that were buried on the base, including the tail section from a German fighter plane, that still has the Nazi emblem.
Taking a tour
Freeman Army Airfield Museum is open for tours by appointment. For more information, call the Freeman Field Airport Office at (812) 522-2031 or visit www. indianamilitary.org —Jackson County Visitor Center
The wins. The losses. The stats. The crossword. The comics. The coupons. The people. The politics. The police blotter. The tax hikes. The scandals. The truth. Our towns. Our lives. Our news.
ThiS iS YOUR NEWSPAPER.
Your town. Your community. Your media company. 100 St. Louis Ave., Seymour | 812-522-4871 | TribTown.com
explore jackson county 27
history remembered Jackson County Genealogical Society and Jackson County Historical Society merged in 2009 to become the Jackson County History Center. Operating with a non-circulating library that contains more than 400 family histories, the Jackson County History Center finds, preserves, records and makes available documents and records of genealogical value. The history center, which also houses birth, death and marriage records, census information and listings of township cemeteries, is dedicated to the collection, restoration, compilation and presentation of records and artifacts that provide evidence of the historical and cultural growth of the county. Members of the center aid researchers in the search for their ancestors, especially those with Jackson County connections. The grounds of the history center include the Ball Memorial Museum,
Open Early Every Day! Sun 7AM-2PM Mon 6AM-2PM Tue-Fri 6AM-8PM
The library is at 415-1/2 S. Poplar St., Brownstown. For information call (812) 358-2118 or visit www. jchistorycenter.org.
Of Railroads and Renos
Families enjoy the Christmas Model Train Show at Jackson County Library. The Tribune file photo.
Livery Barn, which hosts bluegrass and other music concerts, and the Ketcham Pioneer Village. The village is a replica of a pioneer village during Jackson County’s frontier history, and it houses a memorial honoring the 34 Revolutionary War Veterans buried in Jackson County. The history center is open
Townhouse Cafè
Where the Locals Dine! • Hometown Cooking • Daily Lunch Specials • Catering Owners Mark & Connie Stockhover
106 E. Fourth St., Seymour • 812-522-1099 A Seymour Tradition Since 1962!
28 explore jackson county
from 9 a.m. to noon Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday and is located at 207 E. Walnut St., Brownstown. For information, call (812) 358-1745. The Genealogical Library hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Friday; 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday; and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. the first and third Saturday of each month.
Seymour has a rich railroad history, which began with Seymour’s founding father, Meedy Shields. The town became official in 1852, at which time the Jefferson and Indianapolis Railroad ran through Shields’ property. To further the growth of his town, Shields enticed the Ohio and Mississippi Railroad to cross with the J & I Railroad on his land. To sweeten the deal, Shields offered to name his town after the railroad engineer, Henry C. Seymour. Shields, a state senator at the time, pushed a law requiring all trains to stop whenever tracks intersected, as the J & I and O & M did in Seymour. Thanks to the new regulations and bustling railroad, the town grew rapidly.
Hildreth’s Liquor Mart A SEYMOUR TRADITION Serving Our Community Since 1933
512 W. Tipton St., Seymour
522-4422
www.hildrethsliquors.com
Jackson County Visitor Center
— Photo courtesy of the Jackson County Visitor Center
the
reno
brothers
The Reno brothers, John, Simeon, Frank and William, took advantage of the access the railroad offered by stealing, gambling and even murdering many helpless travelers. Their gang once numbered between 100 and 200 and was definitely a force in early Seymour. On Oct. 6, 1866, the Reno Brothers helped Seymour gain notoriety as the location for the world’s first train robbery. The brothers, along with Seymour local Frank Sparks, robbed a train about one-half mile east of Seymour. Portions
The grave marker of William Reno, an infamous member of the Reno gang of Jackson County. The Republic file photo.
of the Reno Gang were captured and hanged, but the brothers continued robbing trains and were finally apprehended and transferred to a jail in New Albany. Local vigilantes traveled to New Albany, broke into the jail and hanged Frank, Simeon and William. John had been captured earlier and served time in a Missouri prison, before returning to Seymour. The Reno brothers are buried at the old city cemetery and their loot was never found. —Jackson County Visitor Center
Sharynn’s QUILT BOX
Authorized Janome Sales & Service-Handi Quilter Rep. ONE SHOP FOR ALL YOUR QUILTING NEEDS FULL LINE QUILT STORE • CLASSES AVAILABLE HOURS: Tue-Fri 10am-5pm; Sat 10am-3pm; Closed Sun & Mon
Sharynn & Darrell Patterson OWNERS 812-346-4731 1551 N. State Street North Vernon, IN 47265
sharynn@frontier.com www.sharynns.com Visit us on Facebook®
The Jackson County Visitor Center, 100 N. Broadway St. in Seymour, serves as a public relations firm, promoting the people, places and beauty of Jackson County. The Visitor Center is the central resource for tourism information on local lodging, attractions, restaurants, shopping, festivals and other events. The Jackson County Visitor Center is a county office formed in 1997 and housed in the Southern Indiana Freight Depot, which was built circa 1890. The center also handles state and regional material and is constantly pursuing tourism leads from across the country. It is dedicated to promoting the growth of the visitor, convention and tourism industry in Jackson County. The center features an interpretive exhibit that displays Jackson County’s past, present and future, including the infamous Reno gang, the influence of the railroad in the county, Freeman Army Airfield Museum and rocker John Mellencamp. Also on the grounds of the
center are a jail cell used by a Reno gang member and a memorial marker dedicated to the Underground Railroad. The center distributes brochures and promotional materials throughout the county on tourism-related businesses and works closely with tour bus operators to promote the county. It also partners with area visitor centers to combine efforts on regional events and happenings. The center maintains working relationships with county lodging facilities, restaurants, businesses and county and city government. The Visitor Center maintains a strong Web presence with a Facebook and Twitter page and a website, www. jacksoncountyin.com. A bi-monthly newsletter, Jackson County Jaunts, is distributed to keep subscribers updated on happenings in Jackson County. For questions about the Jackson County Visitor Center, call 888-524-1914 or email jane@jacksoncountyin.com.
explore jackson county 29
going fishing Lakes, ponds and fishin’ holes Crosley Fish and Wildlife Area Crosley Fish and Wildlife Area is made up of 4,228 acres of rolling hills, 13 ponds ranging in size from 2 to 14 acres and the Muscatatuck River, which flows through about seven miles of the property. Fishing is allowed on all lakes. Eight of the 13 ponds have ramps. Electric motors only. Cypress Lake This 21-acre lake, near Interstate 65 and Indiana 11, just north of Seymour, has largemouth bass, bluegill/redear, carp, catfish, crappie. Jackson-Washington State Forest Jackson-Washington State Forest is located 2.5 miles east of Brownstown on Indiana 250. Five lakes—Spurgeon Hollow Lake (12 acres); Potter Lake (10 acres); Plattsburg Pond (8 acres); Knob Lake (7 acres); Cypress Pond (1 acre)—in the 18,000-acre forest are open to fishing. Boat ramps are located on Knob Lake and Spurgeon Hollow Lake; boat motors are limited to electric trolling motors only. Plattsburg Pond and Potter Lake are walk-in lakes. Swimming is not permitted in
30 explore jackson county
any of the lakes. All the lakes have been stocked with largemouth bass, bluegill, redear, sunfish and channel catfish. Starve-Hollow Lake The 145-acre Starve-Hollow Lake, located 2.5 miles southeast of Vallonia on County Road 310W at the dam, has largemouth bass, bluegill/ Redear, catfish, crappie. Boat ramp is 2.5 miles southeast of Vallonia on County Road 310W at the dam. Big Oaks National Wildlife Refuge Fishing is allowed only on the 165-acre Old Timbers Lake, located in the public use area of the 50,000-acre refuge, located north of Madison between Indiana 421 and Indiana 7 in Jefferson and Scott counties. Hardy Lake is accessible from Indiana 256 and straddles Scott and Jefferson counties. The 741-acre lake is the smallest state-operated reservoir. The dam was constructed on Quick’s Creek in 1970 for the purpose of water supply and outdoor recreation. Hardy Lake was constructed in accordance with a long-range program developed by the Stucker Fork Conservancy District of Scott County to provide water for the surrounding community.
Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge Fishing is permitted on certain areas of Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge year-round, and seasonally in Stanfield Lake, where hand-powered boats may be used. Largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie and channel catfish can usually be caught on the refuge. Ice fishing is permitted when conditions are safe. Refuge fishing areas are marked with “Public Fishing Area” signs.
River access sites Muscatatuck River Muscatatuck River, 2½ miles east of Indiana 135 on County Road 600S, then south to County Road 50W. Boat ramp; carp and catfish.
East Fork White River East Fork White River, access from U.S. 50, Indiana 235, Indiana 258, County Road 725N and Sparksville. Boat ramps at most sites. Pike, carp, catfish, sauger. Muscatatuck River at Millport Muscatatuck River at Millport off Indiana 135, boat ramp; carp, catfish. Muscatatuck River Muscatatuck River, south of Tampico on Indiana 39, boat ramp; carp, catfish. East Fork White River East Fork White River, five miles west of Millport on Wheeler Hollow Road, boat ramp; catfish, carp.
living farms Jackson County has a rich agricultural history and the Living Farms Tour will showcase places from modern farming operations to quaint family farms and farmers markets. Hackman Family Farm Market > > Hackman Family Farm Market, 6077 S. State Road 135, Vallonia. Open daily mid-May through end of August. Family-owned and operated produce market started in 2012. Known for fresh, local produce picked daily. Driftwood State Fish Hatchery 4931 S. 250 West, Vallonia. Just down the road from the tree nursery, this facility raises 8,500 channel catfish, 250,000 two-inch and 20,000 four-inch largemouth bass in nine rearing ponds. Kamman’s Farm Market 4683 S. Indiana 135, Vallonia. Kamman’s Farm Market is known throughout the state for supplying some of the most delicious watermelon and cantaloupe. The family farm has a long history in Jackson County and now boasts more than 300 acres. The market offers perennials, annuals, hanging baskets, vegetable plants, fruits, vegetables, refreshments and an impressive gift shop area. Schneider Nursery 3066 E. U.S. 50, Seymour. As the largest nursery in southern Indiana, Schneider sells landscaping and garden plants both on the wholesale and retail levels. Open year-round, the nursery offers professional landscaping services and spans hundreds of acres on both sides of U.S. 50 between Seymour and Brownstown.
f Experienced staf t! us tr yo u can
Starve-Hollow Lake 4345 S. Road 275W, Vallonia. In this state recreation area, you’ll find swimming, fishing, boat rentals, camping, a beach and playground equipment. At one time, the 145-acre lake was the largest in the state. Tiemeyer’s Farm Market & Greenhouse 3147 S. Road 300W, Vallonia. Tiemeyer’s is well known for having great perennials, annuals and a large variety of gourds, pumpkins and squash in the fall. The farm market also features an ice cream shop and cafe. Fruits and vegetables, old-fashioned candy, jams and jellies line the shelves. Vallonia Nursery, Division of Forestry 2782 W. Road 540S, Vallonia. Approximately 4.5 million seedlings are grown here annually. Sixty different species are raised on the 250-acre facility, including conifers and hardwoods. —Jackson County Visitor Center
Shop Seymour First! Help build our local economy!
522-3681
229 S. Chestnut St., Seymour, IN • 812-522-2098 Hours: Mon.-Fri. 7:30am-5:30pm • Sat. 8:00am-Noon
105 S. Chestnut St. Seymour, IN 47274 www.seymourchamber.org explore jackson county 31
Talking Turkey Dudleytown woodcarver creates nation’s best call By aubrey woods // Tribune Staff Writer A local turkey call maker recently earned top honors in a national competition, but don’t expect to see Rick Steward with his own reality television show anytime in the near future. “I don’t plan on making a lot of calls in my lifetime,” Steward said from his workshop outside his Dudleytown home. Steward, 59, and his wife, Maryellen Steward, attended the 38th annual National Wild Turkey Federation Convention and Sport Show in Nashville, Tenn., this past winter. During that show, Rick Steward’s custom-carved decorative box turkey call “In the Timber” outshone the competition. He said he was ecstatic to learn his entry earned every possible award during the 21st annual Grand National Wild Turkey Federation Decorative Call competition. The carved box call, which took about 190 hours to make, received first place in carved decorative box calls and best of class carved decorative box calls. Steward also won the Earl “Mick” Mickel Purchase Award as call maker of the year and the grand national decorative turkey call competition. “This takes in everything,” Steward said of the awards. “There’s nothing higher than this.” That doesn’t mean he won’t be back at his workshop bench carving another turkey call before next year’s convention. He’s been entering contests since 1999. “I’m going to keep making calls as long as my hands will hold out,” he said. Steward said his hands, which have grown to be less steady over the years, and his eyes are his most important tools. And there’s actually one additional honor he can pursue. That competition would be the Grand National Champion of Champions, which is limited to past decorative turkey call best of show winners (1994 through 2004) and The Earl Mickel Purchase Award winners (2005 to 2014). A museum piece Steward didn’t get to bring home his winning entry. In fact, none of the entrants bring their calls home after the competition because they are sold at an auction used to raise funds for turkey federation projects. Steward’s winning entry, however, will wind up in the federation’s museum in Edgefield, S.C. The competition is judged by five people. Each decorative
32 explore jackson county
Name: Rick Steward Age: 59 Residence: Dudleytown area south of Seymour Family: Wife, Maryellen Steward; sons, Daniel and Dustin Why he is in the news: His carved decorative box turkey call that he named “In the Timber” was the top entry at the recent National Wild Turkey Federation competition in Nashville, Tenn.
Rick Steward took home several awards at the National Wild Turkey Federation convention and sport show. OPPOSITE PAGE: The turn barrel yelper is one of many turkey calls he has created in his spare time. Photos by Whitney Riggs
call is judged for eye appeal and artistic beauty, craftsmanship, originality and creativity uniqueness in design. And there’s one other important test. “They have to sound like a turkey,” Steward said. “I try for the best sound.” Steward, who has worked for Seymour’s sanitation department the past 35 years, said his wife has always been supportive of his hobby. “She enjoys the camaraderie of it and the fellowship of other wives whose husbands make calls,” he said. “It’s kind of a different group of people. We hang out together and see who can tell the biggest stories.” Steward said his business, Back 40 Custom Calls, is not Walmart, and you can’t come in and just pick a call off the wall and buy it. “There is a six-year waiting list,” Steward said. “It’s not that there are that many customers. I just don’t make that many calls.” Waiting is generally not an issue for hunters looking to purchase one of his custom-made decorative calls, he said. Steward can and will make calls to be used for turkey hunting, but the decorative calls are a little pricey to be used for that purpose. How he does it The process of making a call begins with a piece of wood and an idea. From that piece of wood, which can be walnut, ebony or pink ivory, Steward makes a blank and from that blank he begins carving details based upon a theme for each call. This year’s winner featured two hunters sitting by a tree in a woods with weapons pointed at a turkey. Steward also makes wing-bone calls out of turkey bones, turn-barrel yelp out of wood and slate calls. He said if he makes a
mistake along the way, the call is not ruined because he just turns the mistake into another feature. For instance, if he accidentally cut down one of the trees in the call, he would turn it into a tree stump. He said he knows he’s finished with a call quite simply: “When there’s nothing more to do.” And when the show is just three days away, he added. Steward said he traces his love of making turkey calls back to the early 1970s when he started hunting turkeys. He began making turkey calls in 1978. His first was made out of a piece of 2-by-4-inch lumber and a piece of tile roofing slate. “I don’t think you could buy turkey calls in the store back then,” said Steward, who is a member of the turkey federation’s Muscatatuck River Longbeards in Seymour. He said he’s continued to make turkey calls over the years because it is a unique hobby and something he enjoys. Balancing interests He said he doesn’t want to give too much of his time to making turkey calls, however. “The more calls you make, the more it takes away from your life,” he said. And while he still hunts turkey, Steward said, he enjoys being the turkey caller more than the hunter. “It’s not the amount of turkeys you have taken, but the fun you have doing it,” he said. To that end, you can often find Steward out turkey hunting with his sons, Daniel and Dustin, and Dustin’s sons, Wyatt, 10, and Lane, 7. “He’s an up-and-coming hunter,” Steward said of Lane. He said carving calls is a good way to relax and unwind, and when he’s not busy making calls, he carves jewelry out of bone and ivory for his wife and other women in their circle of friends.
explore jackson county 33
church directory AME
AME – Bethel 200 S. Lynn St., Seymour
Assembly of God
Lighthouse 209 S. Sugar St., Brownstown New Life 800 Brookhaven Drive, Seymour
Baptist
Alliance Bible 187 East St., Crothersville Bethany Crothersville R1 Brownstown First 1095 S. Ind. 135 Calvary 1200 Ewing St., Seymour El Calvario 1202 N. Ewing St., Seymour Gustavo A. Vasquez, Pastor Community 117 W. Tanner St., Brownstown, 358-1860. Crothersville First 305 Moore St. Faith 4654 S. Cloverleaf Drive, Seymour Faith Southern First Marion Commiskey Pike/Paris Crossing Freetown First & Main streets Gorbett’s Chapel Living Word Baptist (Independent) 400 Jackson Park Drive, Seymour. Mountain View 10 miles west of Brownstown on U.S. 50, 3 miles west and north off Curry Road Seymour First 505 Community Drive, Seymour Tampico Uniontown Vallonia 2778 S. 300W 34 explore jackson county
Victory Missionary Myers Street, Seymour
Catholic
St. Ambrose 325 S. Chestnut St., Seymour Our Lady of Providence Brownstown
Christian
Brownstown 703 W. Spring St. Central (Disciples of Christ) 1434 W. Second St., Seymour Community 1005 S. Poplar St., Seymour Cortland Crothersville 200-400 N. Preston St. Driftwood Freetown 7077 N. Ind. 135 Honeytown 406 E. 300 N Houston Jonesville Off Indiana 11 Liberty Congregational 3 miles south of Norman Medora George and Riley streets Norman Ratcliff Grove Reddington 10516 N. U.S. 31, Seymour Seymour 915 Kasting Road, Seymour Surprise 6382 N. 100 W, Seymour, (812) 497-2679. Tampico Vallonia Wray’s 1/4-mile north of U.S. 50 on Clearspring Road
Church of Christ Brownstown Meeting at Tanner and Sugar streets. Immanuel 104 N. Kattman Ave., Crothersville
Seymour 710 Meadowbrook Drive, Seymour, (812) 522-8814
Church of God
Praise Cathedral 1039 N. O’Brien St., Seymour Seymour First 625 E. Fourth St., Seymour
Church of the Brethren
New Hope 7 miles south of Seymour on U.S. 31
C&M Alliance
Alliance Bible 187 East St., Crothersville
Four Square
Life Line U.S. 31 Main St., Crothersville
Free Methodist Spraytown
Holiness
Seymour Bible 1365 Shields Ave., Seymour
Interdenominational I.C. Mission – Medora Rivervale Chapel 10935 W. 675 S, Sparksville Seymour Community 1023 N. O’Brien St., Seymour Seymour Family Worship Center 4934 N. U.S. 31, Seymour
Jehovah’s Witness Seymour
1154 N. O’Brien St., Seymour
Lutheran
Emanuel Evangelical Dudleytown Emmanuel — Leesville Good Shepherd 186 W. Main St., Medora Immanuel 605 S. Walnut St., Seymour Peace Lutheran 330 W. Tipton St., Seymour Redeemer 504 N. Walnut St., Seymour St. John’s Sauers, Missouri Synod, (812) 523-3559 St. John’s 16270 S. 300 W, White Creek, (812) 342-6832 St. Paul’s - Borchers Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, 10792 N. 210 E, Seymour St. Paul’s — Jonesville St. Paul’s Wegan 1165 E. 400 S, Brownstown St. Peter — Waymansville St. Peter’s Evangelical Bridge and Sycamore streets, Brownstown Trinity Indiana 135, 2 miles south of Vallonia Zion 1501 Gaiser Drive, Seymour
Methodist
Acme, Freetown, Surprise Brownstown Cana Indiana 250 East, Uniontown
Crothersville Hayden Medora Mount Nebo Mount Zion Rockford North Indiana 11, Seymour Seymour First 201 E. Third St., Seymour Trinity 333 S. Chestnut St., Seymour Vallonia White Creek 6730 W. 930 S, Columbus White’s Chapel Corner of Chapel Lane and 925 North, Seymour.
Nazarene
Brownstown 616 W. Commerce St. Crothersville 606 E. Bard St. Freetown Kurtz Peter’s Switch West of Indiana 11/I-65 interchange Seymour First 311 Myers St., Seymour
Nondenominational
The Alley 416 East Second St., Seymour (812) 525-5858 Brown’s Corner Chapel Cornerstone Community 1088 Sarasota Drive, Seymour Harvest Fourth and Chestnut streets, Seymour New Covenant Church 109 W. Second Street, Seymour. Norman Community Resurrection Life Church 110 S. Chestnut St., Seymour Russell Chapel
Pentecostal
Apostolic Tabernacle Third Street and Indianapolis Avenue, Seymour Brownstown First 610 S. Main St. (812) 358-2710 Crothersville Church of the Lord Jesus Christ 302 Dixon St., Crothersville Christ Temple 607 Euclid Ave., Seymour Easyville Faith Apostolic Ministries 320 N. Sugar St., Brownstown.
Full Gospel Tabernacle 1116 W. Spring St., Brownstown Freetown Pentecostal Church of Jesus Christ Corner of Fourth and Hayes streets, Freetown Glenlawn Apostolic 700 Noble St., Seymour Lighthouse Tabernacle U.S. 31N, Crothersville Medora Elm and Central streets, Medora Midway Apostolic Medora Junction on U.S. 50 and S.R. 235 New Life — Apostolic 313 W. Tipton St. Trinity Chapel 1013 W. Laurel St., Seymour Victory Tabernacle 1 block south of U.S. 31/S.R. 250 junction, Uniontown Waynesville Chapel, Church of the Lord Jesus Christ of the Apostolic Faith Indiana 11 at Waynesville
• FREE Prescription Delivery in Jackson County • Vital Care Home Infusion Services • Rx Advantage Discount Club • Monthly Health Screenings • Medication Consultation • Compound Prescriptions • ConvaCare Home Oxygen • Home Medical Equipment
...& Much More
Presbyterian
Brownstown 417 N. Elm St. Seymour First Third and Walnut streets, Seymour.
Quaker
Sandcreek - Azalia 13275 S. 350 E, Elizabethtown
CLASSIFIEDS ARE GROWING!!
The Tribune has a variety of ad packages designed to help you sell your items, advertise your garage sale and promote your products & services.
Seventh-Day Adventist
Seymour Third Street and Broadway, Seymour
United Church of Christ
Immanuel United Howard & Kattman streets, Crothersville St. Paul United Tipton and Walnut streets, Seymour
If you would like to learn more about our advertising rates, call 812-523-7066.
Wesleyan
Medora David and Washington streets Seymour First 101 E. Eighth St., Seymour
Take advantage of our readership and put the power of print to work for you! explore jackson county 35
2014
Calendar of Events April
16-18 — U.S. 50 Nationwide Yard Sale, held along U.S. 50. Visit www.route50.com/yardsale.
25, 26, May 2, 3 — Jackson County Community Theatre’s production of “Rabbit Hole” at 7:30 p.m., Royal Off-the-Square Theatre, Brownstown. Tickets $8 and $6, available at Family Drug and Bevers Family Pharmacy. For information, call 812-358-JCCT.
16-17 — Norman Station Conservation Club Camp Jamfest and Bluegrass Festival, held in Norman Station. Great music, camping, food and fun for the entire family. Events, music and jamming held throughout the festival. For information, call 812834-5184. Camping available by calling Ron at 812-869-0850.
26 — Child Care Network and Seymour Noon Lions Kids Fest, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., held at Seymour High School. Lots of activities for children of all ages. For information, call Janie Read at 812-524-2585 ext. 2 or email ccn1@cabjackson.org. 26 — Brownstown Ewing Main Street will sponsor Artsfest from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at various businesses in the area. Artisans will be paired with a business for the day to help promote their work. Live music will be performed at WR Ewing and Jackson County History Center. Local nonprofit and church groups will be selling goods on the courthouse lawn. For information, call Wilma Wessel at 812-358-2199 or email wwwessel@yahoo.com. 26 — A Time to Remember – Opening Reveal of the Sesquicentennial Time Capsule, 11 a.m., Jackson County Courthouse Lobby, Brownstown. Come celebrate the opening of the 1966 Brownstown Sesquicentennial time capsule, as we gear up for the bicentennial celebration for Indiana, Jackson County and Brownstown. For information, call 888-524-1914. 27 — Fifth Annual WINGS 1 & 5 Mile Walk/Run, 1 p.m., leaves from St. Paul Lutheran Church, Borchers, 10792 N. County Road 210E, Seymour. For information, call 812-522-7364 or visit www. stpaul-borchers.org.
May 3 — Seymour Mini Marathon, begins at Seymour High School. www.seymourmini.com. 8-10 — Fifth annual Jackson County Antique Farm Machinery Show, held at the Jackson County Fairgrounds. Featuring Case tractors and Illinois-built engines. Vintage equipment displays, gas engines, working displays, pedal tractor pull, barrel train, silent auctions, trading post, swap meet and flea market, live music, tractor games, skillet toss, open cruise-in. Vintage Garden Tractor Club of America will be featured. For information, call 812-523-3246, 812-523-3594 or 812-216-5597. 10 — Cruizin and Showin at Rockford Ridge, 2200 N. Ewing St., Seymour, 4 to 8 p.m. No cost to enter. Music, door prizes, food. For information, call Glenn at 812-522-5104. 13 — Jackson County United Way’s 18th annual Day of Caring begins at 7:30 a.m. To volunteer, call Bonita Dobbs at Jackson County United Way, 812-522-5450 or email bonita@jacsy.org.
36 explore jackson county
17 — Seymour Main Street Lawn, Garden and Patio Show, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., held in the Robertson Parking Lot, downtown Seymour. 21 — Ride of Silence Worldwide, 7 p.m., begins from Trinity United Methodist Church. Free ride to remember fallen cyclists. For information, call Matt Nicholson at B2 Bikes and Boards, 812-524-7433. 28 — Mother/Daughter Tea with the Apron Lady, noon, at Batar Café, 12649 E. U.S. 50, Seymour. One of Batar’s most popular tea party events, with Debra Sloane and her collection of aprons and stories. $18 per person, register by calling 812-522-8617. 31 — Southern Indiana Hispanic Services will sponsor a golf scramble, 9 a.m., Shadowood Golf Course. Entry for a team of four is $200. Trophies will be given. Business and individual hole sponsors are needed. For information, call 812-524-8618, Joyce at 812-525-7138 or Ryan at 812-521-1911, or email sihs@cabjackson.org.
June 12-14 — Crothersville Red, White and Blue Festival, held on the grounds of Crothersville Community Schools, Crothersville. Fun, parade, vendors, food, games and entertainment for all. Call Sherry Bridges at 812-569-0407. 13-14 — Country Neighbors Spring Into Summer Open House, held at various home-based businesses in the Seymour, Norman, Brownstown, Freetown and Bedford area. For information, call Denise at 812-834-5529 or email mustardseedshop@ hotmail.com. 14 — Cruizin and Showin at Rockford Ridge, 2200 N. Ewing St., Seymour, 4 to 8 p.m. No cost to enter. Music, door prizes, food. For information, call Glenn at 812-522-5104.
15 — Norman Station Conservation Club Monthly Bluegrass Jamboree, held at Norman Station Conservation Club, 1 p.m., 12157 W. County Road 450N, Norman. For information, call 812834-5184.
20 — Norman Station Conservation Club Monthly Bluegrass Jamboree, held at Norman Station Conservation Club, 1 p.m., 12157 W. County Road 450N, Norman.
19-21 — Grassy Fork Volunteer Fire Department Truck and Tractor Pull and Fish Fry, Tampico. Pedal tractor pull Thursday, tractor pulls Friday, truck and tractor pulls Saturday. For information, call 812-522-0305.
26 — Christmas in July celebrated at Starve Hollow State Recreation Area, Vallonia. For information, call 812-358-3464.
20-21 — Jackson County Relay for Life will be held at the Seymour High School football field from 6 p.m. June 20 to 11 a.m. June 21. For information, visit Relay for Life of Jackson County on Facebook. 25 — Cowboys and Cowgirls Tea for grandmothers, granddaughters and grandsons ages 3-10, noon, at Batar Café, 12649 E. U.S. 50, Seymour. Western attire is a must; food and fun await. $16 per person, register by calling 812-522-8617. 27-28 — Captain Backfire will perform at Starve Hollow State Recreation Area, Vallonia. For information, call 812-358-3464. 28 — Cars and Guitars Inc. Cruz-In, Car Show and concert, held in downtown Seymour on Chestnut and Second streets. For information, call 812-522-3449 or 812-522-3261. 28 — Youth Triathlon, sponsored by Boys and Girls Club of Seymour. For information, visit www.bgcyouthtriathlon.com or call 812-522-2434.
July 4 — Independence Day Celebration at Shields Park, noon to 3 p.m. and at Freeman Field, Seymour. For information, call 812-522-4020. 5 — Round Barn Bike Ride, registration from Brownstown Central High School, 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. Various routes available from 33 miles to 80+ miles. SAG stops. Visit two historic round barns and the Medora Covered Bridge. For information, email president@ brownstownexhangeclub.org or check out www.brownstownexchangeclub.org. 5 — Fourth of July Parade at Starve Hollow State Recreation Area, Vallonia. For information, call 812-358-3464. 9 — Chef for a Day, noon, at Batar Café, 12649 E. U.S. 50, Seymour. For grandmothers and their grandchildren ages 3-10. Be your own chef and prepare your meal and dessert in official chef’s hat and apron provided. $16 per person, register by calling 812-522-8617. 11-12 — Freetown July Festival, held in downtown Freetown. Events include music, food, crafts, flea market, parade, baby contest. Visit Freetown July Festival on Facebook. 12 — Cruizin and Showin at Rockford Ridge, 2200 N. Ewing St., Seymour, 4 to 8 p.m. No cost to enter. Music, door prizes, food. For information, call Glenn at 812-522-5104. 20-26 — Jackson County 4-H Fair, held in Brownstown. Weeklong events include racing, music, dancing and carnival rides. Call 888-524-1914 or visit www.jacksoncountyfair.org.
For information, call 812-834-5184.
30 — Princess Tea, noon, at Batar Café, 12649 E. U.S. 50, Seymour. For grandmothers and granddaughters ages 3-8. Come dressed as your favorite princess, play games, dine and enjoy being a princess. $16 per person, register by calling 812-522-8617.
August 2 — Dinner on the Medora Covered Bridge, serves as a fundraiser for the Friends of the Medora Covered Bridge and Area (FMCBA). For tickets, mail check to FMCBA, Box 132, Medora, IN 47260. For information, call Morris Tippin at 812-966-2491. 6 — A Quilter is Born, featuring Elizabeth Burns, noon, at Batar Café, 12649 E. U.S. 50, Seymour. Visually impaired Burns’ program “Through Tragedy, Challenge, Perseverance and Triumph, a Quilter is Born” is about this woman’s journey through life. She will amaze and inspire. $20 per person, includes lunch and presentation. Register by calling 812-522-8617. 8, 9, 15, 16 — Actors Community Theater of Seymour presents dinner theater, “Fools” by Neil Simon, Celebrations Event Center, Seymour. For information, visit www.seymouracts.org, follow at Facebook or Twitter @ActorsACtS or call 812-528-1951. 9 — Cruizin and Showin at Rockford Ridge, 2200 N. Ewing St., Seymour, 4 to 8 p.m. No cost to enter. Music, door prizes, food. For information, call Glenn at 812-522-5104. 10 — VJ Day Parade, 1 p.m., downtown Seymour. Sponsored by VFW Post 1025, Seymour. For information, call 812-522-1207. 15-16 — Jackson County Rodeo, held both days at the Plumer Hay Farm, near Cortland, with riders from International Professional Rodeo Association. For information, call Laura at 812-5694414 or visit www.jacksoncountyrodeo.com. 17 — Norman Station Conservation Club Monthly Bluegrass Jamboree, held at Norman Station Conservation Club, 1 p.m., 12157 W. County Road 450N, Norman. For information, call 812-834-5184. 23 — “Scoop the Loop” held in downtown Seymour, from 6 to 10 p.m. For information, call 812-522-7645.
explore jackson county 37
September 3 — A Quilter is Born, featuring Elizabeth Burns, noon, at Batar Café, 12649 E. U.S. 50, Seymour. Visually impaired Burns’ program “Through Tragedy, Challenge, Perseverance and Triumph, a Quilter is Born” is about this woman’s journey through life. She will amaze and inspire. $20 per person, includes lunch and presentation. Register by calling 812-522-8617.
11 — Log Cabin Day Festival, held at Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge, 12985 E. U.S. 50, Seymour, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. For information, call 812-522-4352.
5-7 — Jackson County Watermelon Festival, held around the courthouse square, in Brownstown. Vendors, activities, a large parade and music are held throughout the event.
11 — Sixth Annual Rockford Ridge Car Show, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., held at Rockford Ridge, 2200 N. Ewing St., Seymour. Registration from 9 a.m. to noon, awards at 3 p.m., $15 registration fee. Goody bags, dash plaques, trophies, participant judging. For information, call Glenn at 812-522-5104.
6 — Jackson County Watermelon Festival 5K Run/Walk sponsored by Brownstown Exchange Club, registration at 7 a.m., begins at 8 a.m. from Jackson County Park in Brownstown. Visit www.brownstownexchangeclub.org for information. 6 — Gears for Girls Bike Ride, sponsored by Girls Inc. of Jackson County. Ride options include 6.5, 17 or 30 miles. For information, contact Girls Inc. at 812-522-2798. 12-13 — Country Neighbors Reap the Harvest Open House, held at various home-based businesses in the Seymour, Norman, Brownstown, Freetown and Bedford area. For information, call Denise at 812-834-5529 or email mustardseedshop@hotmail.com. 13 — Cruizin and Showin at Rockford Ridge, 2200 N. Ewing St., Seymour, 4 to 8 p.m. No cost to enter. Music, door prizes, food. For information, call Glenn at 812-522-5104. 19-20 — Norman Station Conservation Club Camp Jamfest and Bluegrass Festival, held in Norman Station. Great music, camping, food and fun for the entire family. Events, music and jamming held throughout the festival. For information, call 812834-5184. Camping available by calling Ron at 812-869-0850. 24 — Mother/Daughter Tea with the Apron Lady, noon, at Batar Café, 12649 E. U.S. 50, Seymour. One of Batar’s most popular tea party events, with Debra Sloane and her collection of aprons and stories. $18 per person, register by calling 812-522-8617. 27-28 — Fourth Annual Fall Open House at Hoosier Heartland Alpacas, Seymour. Meet alpacas, see demonstrations, buy great gifts and visit the country store. Located at 2500 N. County Road 1000W, Seymour. Call 812-445-7874 or visit www.hoosierheartlandalpacas.com.
11 — Medora Goes Pink Event for Breast Cancer Awareness, held around downtown Medora. For information, call Rhonda at 812-521-7701 or visit Medora Goes Pink on Facebook.
11 — Aviation Awareness Day at Freeman Field, Seymour. Airplane rides available and the Freeman Army Airfield Museum will be open. Several types of aircraft will be on display. For information, call 812-522-2031. 12-18 — National Wildlife Refuge Week, held at Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge, 12985 E. U.S. 50, Seymour. For information, call 812-522-4352. 18-19 — Fort Vallonia Days, Vallonia. This two-day festival celebrates Vallonia’s heritage with Indian lodges, muzzle loader shoots, pioneer crafts, parade, food and vendors. 19 — Fort Vallonia Days 5K Run/Walk, registration at noon with 1 p.m. start at the main stage in downtown Vallonia. For information, visit www.brownstownexchangeclub.org. 19 — Norman Station Conservation Club Monthly Bluegrass Jamboree, held at Norman Station Conservation Club, 1 p.m., 12157 W. County Road 450N, Norman. For information, call 812834-5184. 25 — Christmas Craft Bazaar, held at First United Methodist Church, Seymour, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. For information, call 812-522-5264. 27 — Downtown Trick or Treat, 4 to 6 p.m., sponsored by Seymour Main Street, held in downtown.
October 2-4 — Seymour Oktoberfest, held in downtown Seymour. The festival includes food, a biergarten, a large parade, vendors and entertainment. For information, call 812-522-4020. 9-12 — 19th annual Funfest, held at Brownstown Speedway, located on Highway 250 at the Jackson County Fairgrounds, one mile southeast of Brownstown. For information, call 812-3585332 or visit www.brownstownspeedway.com. 11 — Houston Fall Festival, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Vendors, food, music and entertainment. For information, call 812-497-3874.
38 explore jackson county
Fort Vallonia Days >>
your community newspaper delivered your way
EZ Simple, automatic payments deducted from your credit/debit card, or checking account.
Pick the plan that works for YOU:
$14/MONTH
EZ
For 6-Day Delivery Plus everyday All Digital
$10/MONTH
EZ
For Wed/Sat Delivery Plus everyday All Digital
$10/MONTH
EZ
For everyday All Digital
Call 800-435-5601 Mention promo code rop14
Cheryl Stuckwish
Lonn Stuckwish
GRI, CRB Broker/Owner
Wendell Acton
525-8451
Roger Beineke
Stacey Brasher
Pam Cooper
Dorla Curry
Chuck Gordon
525-7654
525-9168
528-0353
521-0881
525-9346
Marilyn Johnson
Tani Johnson
Judy Mellencamp
Rob Millman
Ken Parsons
Shelli Plummer
528-2637
498-3149
Assoc. Broker
498-3154
CRS, GRI, Assoc. Broker
Jennifer Hilton
528-0414
Assoc. Broker
Assoc. Broker
Assoc. Broker, GRI
Randy Rotert
Mike Rudolph
216-5804
497-2284
Assoc. Broker
Professionals you can Rely On”
GRI, CRS, ABR Broker/Owner
525-8944
GaleActon
“A Name you can Trust.
Assoc. Broker
Assoc. Broker
Assoc. Broker
Assoc. Broker
Assoc. Broker
525-2616
Assoc. Broker
525-9902
CCIM, CRS, Assoc. Broker
528-3028
525-6953
528-3774
Amy Sutherland
Jim Thompson
Armando Torres
Anthony Walker
Roger Wessel
528-1516
528-0472
569-0094
569-0095
528-2852
Assoc. Broker
Assoc. Broker, CHMS
905 E. TIPTON ST. A PREFERRED REAL ESTATE SUPPLIER OF BROOKFIELD GLOBAL RELOCATION SERVICES.
Assoc. Broker
Assoc. Broker
Assoc. Broker
Assoc. Broker, SFR
Assoc. Broker
...NOW PINNING FRESH IDEAS FOR SPRING DECOR & CURB APPEAL HUD Certified
PRUSEYMOUR.COM
©2013 BRER Affiliates LLC. An indpendently owned and operated broker member of BRER Affiliates LLC. Prudential, the Prudential logo and the Rock symbol are registered service marks of Prudential Financial, Inc. and its related entities, registered in many jurisdictions worldwide. Used under license with no other affiliation with Prudential Equal Housing Opportunity.
JACKSON COUNTY’S #1 REAL ESTATE COMPANY 812-522-5060
Assoc. Broker
Indiana Realty