Small Town Living in Gibson County

Local People. Personal Service. Individual Attention. Springs Valley puts these principles to work every day, and we have since our doors opened in 1902. You’ll find local faces, local decisions, and our local roots allow us to fulfill our Brand Promise of fast, friendly, and personalized service. Springs Valley also prides itself in forecasting future trends and leading the way for all your banking needs, including eZBanking, with the latest online and mobile banking technologies.

S m a l l T o w n L i v i n g Small Town Living

in Gibson County

It’s a new year and another year of Small Town Living. With the help of some talented contributors, we’ll be starting our sixth year of bringing you stories, updates and tidbits of local information. We survived the difficult first few years of starting a business, only to then head into a pandemic, and now we’re all struggling with inflation and high prices. If you notice fewer pages, it’s because the price of paper has gone crazy! But we’ll hang in there and keep doing what we can.

This month the Cooking Corner is keeping it easy and offering a slow cooker dish to spice things up. In Backyard Birds our favorite little artist is back with another type of owl. In this month’s Picturing the Past you’ll find out about one of our first putt putt courses. Who knew?

After such a busy few weeks, take a break, grab something warm to sip on, and see what your friends and neighbors have been doing. Always shop small and support the local folks, especially our sponsors.

Brought to you by -

Jancey Smith and friends

Contact us - by mail at 427 N. Hart St., Princeton, IN 47670

Happy New Year from > edwardjones.com | Member SIPC Partnering throughout the years to reach your financial goals.

As the Vets Says - pg. 4 Backyard Birds - pg. 5 Picturing the Past - pg. 10

Local Events - pg. 15 Cooking Corner - pg. 23 and much, much more!!

copyright 2023

by email at jancey@ smalltownlivinggibsoncounty.com by phone at - 812-664-1082

Small Town Living in Gibson County assumes no responsibility for guest writers or submitted material. Signed articles are the opinion of the columnist and do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher.

Shane Minton

Advisor

Saving the Mustangs One Adoption at

One of the most iconic symbols of our country is the horse. For hundreds of years, they were our transportation, vital to farming, and aided in the expansion of our country. A cowboy and his horse were partners.

Of the many types of horses associated with our country, the Mustang is labeled as wild. Because they are descendants of domesticated horses that escaped from Spanish explorers, technically feral is a more accurate description. However, they were classified by the government as wild after spending hundreds of years roaming free in areas of the West aren’t easily accessible.

At one point in time, Mustangs were rounded up and harvested into products like glue, dog food and fertilizer. Public outcry resulted in the passing of a law in 1971, which made it illegal to kill or capture them. They were put under the supervision of the Bureau of Land Management. Now they are protected and live on government land (Herd Management Areas) in 10 western states.

Everything about nature needs to balance. Where at

a Time

one time, the Mustangs were being decimated, their population has been on a comeback since the 1980’s. There are about 82,000 mustangs now. Each range is designed to be able to adequately hold 26,200 horses. The ratio of horse to adequate land space, food, and water is once again out of balance. The herds need to be thinned for the sake of resources. Last year the bureau rounded up nearly 22,000 Mustangs.

When horses are cut from the herd, they travel to holding facilities where they await travel to new owners, trainers or farms. The hope is to assimilate them. So, by gentling and training the Mustangs, they can find another purpose and lifestyle. Many go on to work on ranches, are used in rodeos, or become trail horses. However, there are still more horses than homes. One person, here in Gibson County, who is trying to make a difference and help these wild horses is Sky Epperson. At his Triple E ranch in Haubstadt, he gentles the horses and gets them used to people and handling so they can be adopted. Although Sky has been training horses for about 20 years, he’s focused on Mustangs for

On the cover: Sky Epperson of Haubstadt with one of the many Mustangs he’s ridden. (Photo provided)

Pictured above is a recent addition to the ranch that Sky’s been working to gentle. (Photo: Jancey Smith)

the last two.

He explained, ”Mustangs are very hardy and intelligent. To survive in the wild they’ve had to be.”

After traveling to a holding facility in Illinois, Sky brings the horse back to his ranch in Haubstadt. He understands that it is once again a traumatic experience for the animal. First, it’s removed from the wild herd and the only life it’s ever known, to be captured with strange people and different horses in an unfamiliar setting. Instinctively, a horse’s two most important things are safety and food, so that’s what Sky does at first. They settle in and learn that they get fed by people.

longer. One even took 19 days.” The goal is to get a wild horse to just let you touch it, lift its feet, and harness it.

One motto that Sky has learned is “Sometimes you have to go slow at first to go fast later.” After the horses let you get close and touch them, progress moves much quicker. It takes patience and practice.

The ultimate goal is to line up adoptions for these horses, get them out of holding facilities, and ready for a new life. Surprisingly, the Bureau charges only $125 to purchase a horse. This is the most humane way to help the balance between the land and the wild horses that roam it. Sky giving a demo of horse gentling

Gradually, Sky works with them by slowly and easily getting them used to people. He allots about an hour to spend with each horse in their pen daily, talking to them, looking for eye contact, and narrowing the space between himself and the horse. It’s a scientific method studied by Dr. Steven Peters. It’s been discovered that when a horse licks and chews, it’s a sign of a release of dopamine and the horses begin to associate pleasure with people.

“Every horse is different,” Sky explained. “Some will let you touch them within the first few days, others take

National Farm Machinery Show

The National Farm Machinery Show dates are February 15th-18th, in Louisville, Kentucky. Two local drivers have been invited to the Championship Tractor Pull. Josh Miley of Francisco, will driving High Maintenace on Thursday, in the 9,300 lb Super Farm Tractors. On Friday, Andrew Hartman from Haubstadt, will be competing with International Addiction in the 9,500 limited pro stock tractors.

As the Vet Says -

Tips for Traveling with Your Pets

Happy New Year!

Did you know, National Pet Travel Safety Day is January 2nd? If you have ever traveled with your pet, you might know that you need to do a little extra planning and plan on some buffer time. Here are a few things we think you need to be aware of when you are traveling with your pets.

1. If you are taking your pets across state lines, they will need a health certificate. If your pet is flying or you are traveling internationally, there are more regulations. As soon as you know what your travel plans are, reach out to your veterinarian! We can help you figure out what kind of vaccines, tests, or documentation your pet needs before you travel. You’ll need to plan ahead, taking a pet to Hawaii, Alaska, or any other country requires at least 4 weeks of prep time to get everything ready.

2. Traveling is a great time to make sure your pets are up-to-date on their vaccines. Best practice is to

get your pet’s vaccines boostered at least a month before you’ll travel with them. This will make sure their immune system is functioning the best it can.

3. What better time than now to check your pet’s microchip information? Make sure the contact information on your pet’s microchip is current and up-todate. If something happens and they get lost, you’ll want to make sure the people who find your pet can get in touch with you.

4. Replace any collars, leashes, or ID tags that are missing, torn, chewed, or likely to fall apart.

5. Invest in a doggy seatbelt or sturdy carriers for your cats and small dogs. It’s safest for your pets to be secured in your vehicles, instead of free to move around the vehicle.

6. Refill your pet’s medicines before you leave. You’ll want to make sure to pack at least the supply of medicine you’ll need while you’re away (and food if your pet is on a special diet).

C o m p a s s i o n a t e c a r e f o r ompassionate care for a l l a n i m a

C o m p a s s i o n a t e c a r e f o r

l l a n i m a l s

L A R G E a n d s m a l l

7. Plan extra time for bathroom breaks, walks to get some pent-up energy out, or for check-in at airports. Don’t want to travel with your pets? Board them with us! Princeton Veterinary Hospital has space to board cats, and Princeton Pup House is an excellent place for your dogs to have a PupCation while you are on your vacation! Boarding is a great way to make sure that you can enjoy your vacation and not worry about your pets, while they get some R & R time and don’t need to worry about you!

The Princeton Veterinary Hospital and the Princeton Pup House are always here when you need us. Thank you to all of our clients for being so patient with us during our construction phase! Call the Princeton Veterinary Hospital at 812-385-2733 to start your pet’s travel plans, or to book boarding reservations for your cats. Call the Princeton Pup House at 812-385-9713 to book your dog’s PupCation.

l s , L A R G E all animals, LARGE a n d s m a l l and small

By Guest Writer, Shawn Keith

The third owl in this series is the Barn Owl, not to be confused with the “Barred” owl with a similar sounding name. The Barn Owl has a look, a stature, characteristics and abilities that are different from most owls. The look of the Barn Owl, with its pale buff colored underparts, long legged stance, make it one of the more unusual looking owls. The heart shaped face with dark eyes adds to the curious look.

The odd characteristics continue: a raspy call that sounds more like a hawk, and the ability to hover buoyantly over meadows. With each wing beat, the barn owl can hang in the air over the areas of interest in search of food as it migrates slowly over open grassy areas. It has long sharp talons that have a serrated edge. This owl does not carry its prey in its talons like most but instead in its beak.

When it comes to keen eyesight owls are king, but eyesight is not the Barn Owl’s strong suit. When it comes to hearing, the Barn Owl is king of the forest. The Barn Owl has the best hearing of any animal ever tested. This raptor can locate prey by sound alone in the dark. Their acute hearing is aided by their satellite-dish shaped face that improves their hearing by directing the sound toward the ear canals similar to using a funnel.

A few other unusual things about this owl is; it will nest in caves, hollow trees, barn lofts, church steeples, abandoned houses and crevices under bridges.

The barn owl is the most widespread of all bird species in the world. There are only a handful of places in the world it cannot be found. Worldwide it has been said the Barn Owl comes in 46 different subspecies. The North American region contains the largest subspecies weighing in at more than twice as much as the smallest barn owl species in the Galapagos Islands.

In most avian species the male is the most colorful, but in the case of the Barn Owl the female has that honor by being showier of the two. When it comes to their conservation status, they are

of least concern and rightfully so because the egg clutch size ranges from 2-18 and with 1-3 broods per year you can see why they should be and are plentiful. Maybe that’s why they have spread around the world and had to start living in barns. Hence the name?

Art by Ms. Addison Potts, 5th grade

Susan

The Center Received Quilting Help

The Community Foundation awarded Verlie’s Quilters, who meet at the Center for Seniors, $2,250 for supplies to continue making quilts. This group has made over 300 quilts that have been given to CASA, Peyton Manning’s Hospital for Children, the Isaiah 1:17 Project and Gibson County nursing homes.

On November 27th, Amy Olds celebrated 33 years of working in the Water Department for the City of Princeton. She worked at the front desk for years, until Susie retired, and now she does billing. She was referred to the job by Peggy Whetstone, a former coworker at The Clarion.

Photo provided

Photo: Jancey Smith

Habitat Recognized

Habitat for Humanity of Gibson County held its annual volunteer appreciation dinner at R’z Cafe in Fort Branch, on Thursday, December 8th. Nearly 40 volunteers, board members, guests and business partners attended.

This year, there was not one, but two volunteers of the year awards. The awards were presented to Mike Sokeland and Brandon Collins, for their commitment and overall attitude. Mike has been involved with Gibson County Habitat for at least 10 years now. He says, “I just really like working with this group of guys.” It sounds like a building guy’s fraternity but they are doing good at the same time.

Brandon thought that helping Habitat was a good way to give back to the community and a way to help out. He likes being able to pass on some good karma to others. He’s been helping Habitat for about four years now. It was a somber evening because the entire Habitat crew knew that a vital member of the group was missing – project manager, Larry McConnell. Volunteer David Borofka gave a tribute to Larry by telling a few stories and remembering how Larry taught him to saw and work a screwdriver correctly. He also told the story of Larry being vary particular that things were “square and level.” When an Amish crew came to help, commented on those straights, in typical fashion, Larry attributed it to the volunteers. He truly appreciated his volunteer crew over his eight years of constructing homes for Habitat.

The current Habitat home under construction is on Prince Street in Princeton, and is nearing the final stages. The new homeowner is painting and they’re hoping for a dedication in early spring to late winter. Next Habitat will be moving to Oakland City to tackle a home

812-385-2434

Photos: Jancey Smith

Right: Interim construction manager, Brandon Eppers (center), presented volunteer of the year awards to Brandon Collins (left) and Mike Sokeland (right).

Larry McConnell at the Habitat volunteer appreciation dinner at Conservation Lake in October 2021.

The Gibson County Chamber Collected Cans for the Salvation Army

Wednesday, December 14th, was a busy day for the Gibson County Chamber. The day started with Chambernet and then they held an open house from 11-3. Canned goods were collected for the Salvation Army and they drew for their half pot. Cara Coomer was the winner.

The Princeton Library Kicked off Novelty Nook

The Princeton Public Library held an open house on Wednesday, December 14th. They introduced the new “Novelty Nook” which allows patrons to check out items like specialty cake pans, cookie cutters and puzzles. This is a cost saving feature for those with library cards.

Tyler’s Edward Jones Office Hosted Open House

On Wednesday, December 14th, Tyler Brengman opened his office doors for an open house. Clients came to visit, chat and have snacks. There was a good turnout after not being able to mingle for the past few years.

Right: Tyler Brengman and his helper Shiela Hannah gave out cookies.

The Brickhouse Hosted the Grinch

On Sunday, December 4th, the Brickhouse Boutique in Fort Branch held an open house with drinks, discounts and other goodies. The Grinch provided entertainment.

Left: Calin, Avery and Liam Adler got harassed by the Grinch while their mom did some quick shopping.

Christian Burch’s Edward Jones Office Held Open House

It was sweets, treats and a festive holiday open house at the office of Christian Burch on Friday, December 2nd. Their clients were invited to come by and enjoy some holiday cheer.

Financial advisor Christian Burch with his office administrator, Cara Coomer.

LeeAndrea’s Got a Visit from Santa for the Kids

On Saturday, December 10th, LeeAndrea’s Sweet Treats in Fort Branch, had complimentary cookies, drinks and Santa for the kids. There was also a wide variety of candies and cookies available.

Left: Sandy Weber was caught on Santa’s lap making a wish list.

Photos: Jancey Smith

Patty Vanoven chats with Kelly Bolhofner of Remax.

Downtown Housing Coming to Princeton

Shinnyville Hill - Venue to Open Soon

Todd and Sonya Teel have a new project that is nearly done. Once the plumbers are finished and some cleaning is done, their new party and wedding place, the Shinnyville HillVenue will be hosting an open house. Hopefully, all will be in line by early February.

John’s Smokin’ BBQ Said Goodbye

What was once the VFW in Princeton, next to the bowling alley, has new owners. G&G Design and Rentals will begin by offering wedding and reception rental items in the back of the building by appointment. They plan to carry home decor, gift items, crafts and clothing.

The upper levels of the old Farmer’s Bank on the corner of Hart and Broadway, in downtown Princeton, will become a twelve apartment complex known as “The Landing”. The $245,000 in funding for this project comes from a Regional Economic Acceleration Development Initiative funds. bowling alley.

The current office space of the Times on McCreary Street in Fort Branch will be closing in January. The pandemic taught many to work from home, so this theme to save cost will continue. A central phone number will be provided for inquiries.

As of December 23rd, John’s Smokin’ BBQ closed its doors. Due to health reasons, owner John Goodall has sold the business but truly appreciates its employees and the patrons.

Star Times to Close Office

Photo provided

Photos: Jancey Smith

Shinnyville Hill -Venue is located at 4467 W 525 S, Owensville, Indiana

Former VFW Has New Owners

John’s BBQ in Oakland City

Picturing the Past

Story: Mayor Greg Wright

The Princeton Golf Gardens, Inc. began in June 1930. The gardens were owned and operated by local entrepreneur Sam Redman. The miniature style golf course was located at 305 West Broadway, the current site of the Princeton Theater.

The Princeton Theater would not be built at that location until 1946, after a fire destroyed the original Princeton Theater, which was located at 226-228 East State.

The original shareholders of the Princeton Golf Gardens were Stuart Fisher, Eldon Armstrong, Amos Rhodes, Charles Fisher, and Sam Redman.

Local Girl Scout groups held tournaments there, and the site was also home of the Fuller Lawn Mower

Hospital. By the fall of 1930, the golf gardens also had an indoor course across the street inside the Joyce Building at 114 North West Street. These were most likely Princeton’s first putt putt style, miniature golf courses.

The Andy Griffith Quiz

According to Skippy, the son of a cop is usually a ______ when he grows up.

Cop B. Teacher

Gangster

Deputy

Opie offered to ________ _____ _________ for Miss Crump.

answers see page

Veteran’s Voice

Labor Day Events Coming to Princeton

Several years ago (in October, 2019 to be specific), I told you about a terrific and long overdue law passed by the state legislature which directly affected retired Indiana veterans. In an attempt to make our beloved state more vet-friendly, and attract them back home after service, the governor signed into law a state property tax exemption for retired Hoosier veterans. And, if you remember, the only disappointing aspect of that state law was the four-year phase-in process by which it would be implemented. It began in the first affected tax year with a 25% exemption and increased annually by an additional 25%.

Well… here’s the really good news. This current tax year (2022) is now the fourth year of this process, making it now fully implemented. In other words, if you are an Indiana veteran, and drawing retirement pay as a result of your service, it is now fully exempt from Indiana state income tax. When you file your taxes next spring (2023), you will pay no state tax on that income.

I am satisfied that most all reputable paid tax preparation services are fully aware of this law, but I do believe that it is important enough that it at least deserves asking the question. I strongly recommend that you inquire. The bigger concern however are those of us who are smart enough to prepare our own taxes (of which I am not one). If you were previously unaware of this situation, you are now. Examine your return carefully and make sure that you are receiving this exemption. Again, it should be a safe assumption that this should be happening automatically, but it is important enough to pay attention.

Please call me with your questions or if I may be of any service to you.

Michael Dennis, President of the Labor Day Association, is proud to announce that the 137th Annual Labor Day Celebration will be held at the Gibson County Fairgrounds in Princeton, Indiana, on Friday, September 1 – Monday, September 4, 2023.

The Labor Day Celebration is like a four-day county fair, and most events are subsidized by a combination of labor unions, business and civic organizations.This celebration is a call for solidarity to all local unions to gather on Labor Day to honor all working men and women of the tri-state area.

They offer a family-oriented celebration that doesn’t break the average family’s budget. They have FREE Carnival Rides and FREE Parking throughout the celebration, arena events like the demo derby, and other events such as kid’s games, horseshoes, cornhole, gospel singing, karaoke, pageants, talent show, poker run, car show, rummage sale, food and vendor booths, and the 137th Annual Labor Day Parade.

The Labor Day Association was established in 1886 to honor organized labor and the hard-working men and women of the Tri-State area. They are the second oldest continuous Labor Day Celebration in the Nation as it was started before Labor Day became an official federal holiday in 1894.

George Pickersgill

George Pickersgill - Gibson Co. Veterans Service Officer,

Photos: Jancey Smith

The first Friday of December is the annual You Can Help Drive held at Fifth Third Bank. Toys, food and donations are collected for the Salvation Army to help local families. This year through sponsorships and donations, more than $19,500 were raised that day.

Cookie Day Tradition Returned

Photos: Jancey Smith

What is now known as Cookie Day at the hospital was held Wednesday, December 7th. More than 28

in homemade cookies for the hospital staff. This tradition used to be called “coffee break” and has gone on at least back to 1962. That is 60 years of treats.

The ladies said that Dr. Brink has been one of their best customers, taking some of their sweets to local nursing

Above: The Grinch and the Deputy continued their support, flagging down drivers.

Left: Diana Michas, event organizer, and Captain Chris from the Salvation Army welcomed donations.

Teresa Barron, Betty Kramer, and Betty Bracken

Right: Natalie took a break to come down and sample some of the goodies provided by the auxiliary.

It Was a Chilly Snowflake Parade

Photos: Jancey Smith

Princeton’s Snowflake Christmas parade was held Saturday, December 3rd. There were 55 floats decorated for the annual event. The 2022 winners were Princeton Community High School Marching Tigers, Kirchner Building Center, Princeton Auto Parke, Princeton FFA, Addiction Solutions, Deaconess Gibson Hospital, Nieco’s Salon and Spa, Girl Scouts of Southwest Indiana Troop, GWC Fil-Am Group Inc., The Oasis Church, Parker Excavating, Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance, Frosty

Fun at Haubstadt Town Hall

Town Hall in Haubstadt was the place to be on Sunday, December 4th, during the afternoon before the parade and tree lighting. While there, youngsters were able to have their pictures taken with Santa and the library had crafts and games in the back room.

These members of the GWC FilAm group were ready for some fun being in the parade.

Photos: Jancey Smith

Four-year-old Kalee Meyer was a little shy at first but warmed up to Santa in no time.

Blair Harris (8-years) and her brother, Bo (5-years) had fun playing corn hole with snowballs.

The Isaiah 1:17 Project Held Christmas Event

Celebrating 60 Years Together

Alan and Elizabeth Creamer of Owensville would like to invite their friends and family to a renewal of their wedding vows on Saturday, Feb. 11th, at Blythe Chapel Methodist Church at 1 pm. A cake reception will

at the Owensville Community Center at 4 pm.

Raegan Smith (7 years) helped out at the event.

To help foster kids have a chance to shop and have some fun, the Isaiah Project held an event at Oasis on Saturday, December 10th. There was lunch and games. Santa had plenty of elf helpers for the children. From left: Josalynn Hull, Laney Saum, Elli Hanks and Olivia Key.

Santa Came for Cookies at St. Joe

St. Joe fed 83 people at breakfast with Santa. They also had a cookie walk on Saturday, December 3rd.

Left: Oakley got to have her picture taken with her baby cousin Braxton.

Alan and Elizabeth in 1963. The couple today.

Animal Shelter Activities

The cats and dogs at GCAS invite you to help them find new homes by taking part in our annual “Furever Frenzy.” Individuals can sponsor an adoption of a cat ($100) or dog ($125) at GCAS. The adoption drive continues through January, with a special open house on January 15th. The Betty White 2023 Challenge takes place on Tuesday, January 17th, at the Chamber of Commerce building and donations will be accepted.

Mondays 6PM-8PM Beginning 27 February 2023

First General Baptist Church 2101 E. Broadway St. Princeton, In 47670 812-385-5410

What’s Happening!!

~ Help with Food in the Community ~ UMC Delivers Dinners

Amer. Legion #256

VFW #2714 Breakfast

Salvation Army Food Pantry

Gibson St., Princeton Monday, Jan. 9th, 23rd & 30th Wednesday, Jan. 4th, 11th, 18th & 25th 9-11:30 am & 1-3 pm

Owensville Food Pantry

303 Church St. Tuesday & Thursday

8-12 & 1-4 pm

Haubstadt Food Pantry

New Life House of Prayer 208 S. West St, Haubstadt 1st and 3rd Wednesdays 4:30 - 5:30 pm

Salvation Army Free Food Give Away

Gibson St., Princeton Tuesdays, Jan. 3rd, 10th, 17th , 24th & 31st 9-10 am Fridays, Jan. 13th, & 27th 2:30 - 3:30 pm Check Facebook for details

Salvation Army Free Grab & Go Meal

Gibson St., Princeton Tue. Jan. 10th & 24th

4:30 - 5:30 pm

Hillside Church, Princeton Monday, Jan. 9th Call 812-385-2910 by 2:30 pm

Lord’s Pantry

Fort Branch Every Wednesday 9 am - 11 am

Food Pantry for Seniors

The Senior Center, Princeton, Wed. Jan. 11th & 25th Thur. Jan. 12th & 26th 1 - 3 pm

East Gibson Food Pantry

Trinity United Methodist Church, 405 S. Mulberry St. Every Wednesday 9 am - noon

Oakland City

1st Saturday each month. All you can eat breakfast 7 am - 10 am, $10 for biscuits & gravy, eggs, sausage, fried potatoes & pancakes

Sausage Grind

K of C, Princeton Saturday, Jan. 7th, 6 -11 am, pick up after 9:30 Call 812-385-5732 & order by Wed. Jan. 4th

Don Winkler Coney Sauce Sale

Masonic Lodge fundraiser taking orders Jan. 15th - 29th Pick up at lodge (Prince & Water St., Princeton) Thur. Feb. 2nd - 4th $10 pint Call 812-385-2911 to order

Fort Branch

2nd Saturday each month Breakfast, 7 am - 10 am Knights of St. John’s sausage, biscuits & gravy, eggs, hash browns & drink Carryout 812-753-4161

Blood Drive

K of C, Princeton Tuesday, Jan. 10th 2 - 6 pm Call for appointment 1-800-733-2767

JOY Club Bingo

Salvation Army, Gibson St., Princeton Sat., Jan. 7th, Doors open at 3 pm 4 - 6 pm

K of

Senior Center Activities

Monday: 8:45 Breakfast 9:30 am - Bingo 12:00 pm - Card Players Tuesday: 9 am - Exercise Class 11:30 - Lunch then music Noon - Crocheting Wednesday: 11 am - Quilters Thursdays: 10 am - Bible Study 1 pm - Art Class/Painting

Bingo Open to Public every Thursday Princeton K of C, 6 pm

C

Friday: 9 am - Tone & Stretch 9:45 Line Dancing 11:30 - Lunch 12:00 pm - Games & Cards

Thurs. Jan. 5th - 8:30 amMen’s Breakfast

*Closed Jan. 2nd New Year’s and Jan.16th for Martin Luther King’s Day Call for info 812-385-2897

Business Elite

• Chips, Inc.

• Gibson County Fairgrounds

• Hampton Inn - Princeton

• Mid-States Rubber Products, Inc.

• Nidec Motor Corporation

• Red Dawn Armory

• Toyota Logistics Services, Inc.

• Vail Estates

• VUTEQ Operations Support Center

• Walmart - Princeton

• WIN Energy REMC

Business Select

• 14 WFIE - TV

• Ameriprise Financial

• Atlas Technical Consultants LLC

• Automated Office Solutions

• Baymont Inn & Suites

• Best One Retreading of Princeton

• Business Communications Solutions, LLC

• Colvin Funeral Home

• Cordray Insurance Agency LLC - Shelter Insurance

• Custom Staffing Services

• Deaconess Clinic - Oakland City

• Deaconess Clinic - Princeton

• Doyle Funeral Home

• Dr. Rachel Harvey, DDS

• Edward Jones - Christian Burch

• EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants

• Ewing Printing

• F.C. Tucker EmgeAnita Waldroup

• First-Line Fire Extinguisher Co

• Gibson County Soil & Water Conservation District

• Gilbert J. Rode & Sons

• Good Samaritan Home & Rehab Center

• H & R Block

• Hahn Trans LLC/Hahn Auto Parts/Hahn Bus Service LL

• Hansen Corporation

• Haubstadt Family Dentistry, LLC.

• Hennessy Surveying, Inc.

• Hometown IGA - Princeton

• Hoosier Business Machines Inc

• Hoosier Pain & Posture

• Hoosiers for Renewables

• Indiana Business Forms & Labels

• Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance

• Inter-Rail nTransport of Princeton, LLC

• Kemper CPA Group LLP

• Kenny Kent Toyota-Lexus-Scion

• Koberstein Contracting, Inc.

• Koberstein Rental & Sales

• Lamar Architecture & Design LLC

• Max Carwash

• McDonald’s of Princeton

• Mission Manufacturing Corporation

• Mulzer Crushed Stone, Inc.

• Office 360 / Office Connection

• Partenheimer, Kinkle & Partenheimer Mick

• Princeton Veterinary Hospital

• Deaconess Gibson Hospital

• Diversity Vuteq LLC

• Duke Energy

• First Bank

• Full Metal Armory

• German American Bank

• Gibson County Coal, LLC

• Ivy Tech Community College

• Kahn, Dees, Donovan & Kahn, LLP

• Red Dawn Armory

• River Oaks Health Campus

• SERVPRO of Vincennes

• Steve Faulkner Automotive Princeton, LLC

• Smith & Butterfield

• Sokeland Heating & Air

• Southern Indiana Tire Warehouse

• Southwestern Indiana Land Title

• SR Meny, Inc

• Stilwell Law Office

• Sunsational Tans

• Superior Ag Resources Co-op, Inc

• SWAT Pest

• T Mobile

• Taco Tierra Inc. (WDM, Inc)

• The Arc Southwest Indiana

• The Barthel Agency

• The Original Co DBA

WBTO & TOC Direct

• Townsquare Media

• Toyota Tsusho America, Inc.

• Truss Systems, Inc

• Uebelhor Chevy-Cadillac-Toyota

• USI Outreach & Engagement

• Vowells and Schaaf, LLP

• W & F - Burton Insurance and W & F Realty

• Watson Insurance Inc.

• West Industries LLC

Business Basic

• 3C Therapy & Wellness

• Addiction Solutions

• American Family Insurance

• American Red Cross

• An Eye 4 Art, LLC

• Azalea Path Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, Inc.

• Basden’s American RV Center

• Brandon Hatten, Financial Advisor

• Benefit Solutions Group, INC.

• Better Business Bureau serving Evansville and the Tri-State

• C.A.P.E.

• Calibre Computer Solutions, LLC

• Carts Gone Wild

• Casey’s General Store - Princeton

• Casey’s General Store

- Fort Branch

• Christy Construction Inc

• Clark Interiors

• Consolidated Grain & Barge

• Country Barns & More

• County Quest Consulting

• David Lowe’s Sales & Service

• Dewig Bros. Packing Co., Inc.

• Dick Clark’s Family Restaurant

• Donut Bank Bakery

• doTerra Essential Oils

• Downtown Princeton Inc.

• East Gibson School Corporation

• Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve

• Evansville Thunderbolts

• Finally Kleen Professional Service

• First Place Trophies and Awards

• Floor It 41

• Fort Branch-Johnson

Township Public Library

• Francisco Lions Club

• Liberty Federal Credit Union

• Millennium Steel

• Oakland City University

• Old National Bank Princeton

• Oldham, Pearson, White, Monroe Group - Baird

• Peabody Energy

• RE/MAX Revolution, Tim & Jan Mason

• G E Tree Service

• Gibson County Animal Services

• Gibson County Community Foundation

• Gibson County Council on Aging - The Center

• Gibson County Economic Development Corp

• Gibson County Health Department

• Gibson County Indiana Farm Bureau, Inc.

• Gibson County Republican Party

• Gibson County Visitors & Tourism Bureau

• Gibson County Warehousing

• Gibson General Health Foundation

• Goodwill Industries, Inc.

• Grow Southwest Indiana Workforce

• Guacamole Grill

• Habitat for Humanity of Gibson County Inc

• Holder’s Furniture Store

• Hometown IGA - Oakland City

• Horrall’s Insurance

• HT Painting & Powder Coating

• IMI

• In-Tex Signs & Graphics

• Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance - Dusty Wilhite

• Ingler Eye Care

• John’s SMOKIN’ BBQ LLC

• Junior Achievement of Southwestern Indiana

• Krieg Insurance

• Kiesel Enterprises Inc.

• L & M Lawncare

• Lighthouse Road Consulting Group

• Lin’s Asian Star Restaurant

• LRA Consulting, LLC

• LSM Investments, LLC

• Lupe’s Mexican Grill

• Main Street Cottages

• Make Your Mark

• Mapes Construction & Design LLC

• Maple Hill Cemetery of Princeton, Indiana Inc.

• Marcy King - State Farm Agent

• MasterPlan4Success

• Meeks Realty

• Memmer’s True Value

• Metro Carpet

• Murphy Chiropractic Services Inc

• North Gibson School Corporation

• Oakland City Golf Club, Inc.

• Oakland City Lions Club

• Oasis Assembly of God

• Pillar to Post - Jeff Wade

• Polka Dots Play Cafe

• Port Side Coffee Company

• Premier Staffing Solutions, Inc.

• Prince Street Cottages

• Princeton Auto Parke

• Princeton Country Club

• Princeton Daily Clarion

• Princeton Moose Lodge #354

• Princeton Public Library

• Roof Masters of Southern Indiana

• Springs Valley Bank & Trust

• Toyota Boshoku Indiana, LLC

• Toyota Indiana YMCA

• Vincennes University

• VUTEQ

• WRAY Radio

• Princeton Pup House

• Princeton Theater

dba Broadway Players

• ProRehab of Haubstadt

• ProRehab of Oakland City

• Reception Rentals LLC

• Reinbrecht Homes

• RPM Tool

• Saum Tax & Accounting

• Shayegan Shamsaie, DDS, LLC

• Sheep Dog Impact Assistance

- Southern Indiana Chapter

• Siemers Auto Glass Co Inc

• Small Town Living

• Smith Farms

• South Gibson School Corporation

• South Gibson Star-Times

• Southern Indiana Car Club

• Special OlympicsGibson County

• St. Joseph Catholic School and Church

• Staffing & Employment Solutions by Hamiltons

• State Farm Insurance & Financial Services - Marcus Iunghuhn

• The CRAZT Lady on a Trike

• The Isaiah 1:17 Project

• The Log Inn

• The Palace City Cafe, Inc

• The Salvation Army

• Tim’s Awesome BBQ

• Titan Construction Partners LLC

• Tri-State Food Bank, Inc.

• Tri-State Speedway

• Tulip Tree Health Services of Gibson Co.

• Uniquely Michaels Florist & Gifts

• United Way of Gibson County

• Vertical Church

• Visionary Wealth Creation

• Walker’s Hometown Store

• Willow Harvest Financial Services LLC

• Working Distributors

• YMCA - Camp Carson

• Youth First

Individuals & Retirees

• George Ballard

• Helen Hauke

• Karen Thompson

• Mark Iunghuhn

3-D Archery Shoot Came to Red Dawn

Photos: Jancey Smith

Archery shooters from around the area came to Red Dawn Archery for a 3-D tournament on Saturday, December 17th. There were over 15 competitors from Evansville, Sullivan, Pike, Castle, Princeton and Gibson Southern. There were 13 targets and points are scored by how close you get to the center. There were a variety of 3-D targets ranging from a dinosaur, turkey, bear and a bobcat. The trickiest target may have been the alligator.

Pictured at top: Tim Speedy explains the scoring system to the participants.

~ Recycle Tips ~

Happy New Year Gibson County!

We hope you had a wonderful holiday season. We would like to thank you all for doing your part toward our recycling mission here at Gibson County Solid Waste. This is always our busiest time of year, and this year was no different. As we begin a new year, please remember to Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle! Items that you may bring to us to be recycled include batteries, light bulbs, cardboard, paper, plastic, oil, oil filters, antifreeze, electronics, aluminum and metal. Please visit our website for a complete list of items that we accept at our locations across Gibson County. Thanks again for your efforts to keep waste out of our landfills and keep Gibson County clean. Let’s make 2023 our best year yet!

Follow us on Facebook OR check out our website: http://www.gibsoncountysolidwaste.com

GREENWELL AUTO BODY

South Gibson Held Shopping Events

Photos: Jancey Smith

For anyone wanting to purchase handmade items for the holidays, South Gibson offered such opportunities. On Saturday, December 3rd, Kappa Omega held its 39th annual Christmas bazaar while the Holiday Expo was going on in the old gym in Haubstadt. The next week, the Owensville Market was held in four different locations throughout the town with a wide variety of crafts, homemade items, and foods. The library had a gingerbread contest and local authors for book signings.

This family was caught by the stand that had a variety of plants inside “Baby Groot” and Yoda.

with his book “Driven Hearts,” originally written in 2010, but has been reprinted at the request of a literary agent.

Donna Kissinger came from Evansville to

handmade accessories.

grandfather Kenny. He offered rolling pins, cutting boards & wooden games.

by Mikala Sisson, Library Staff Member

The Old Fort of 1811 Library Program

Sue Freudenberg’s beautiful recreation of the Old Fort of 1811 and the pioneer life associated with it is a time travel back to the early beginnings of Fort Branch, Indiana. A closer look at the painting provides a representation of pioneer activity near the fort at that time.

Using data from the stone marker still located along Hwy 41, the approximate location of the Fort can be estimated. Could we imagine, given the historical marker indicating the location of the Old Fort and the painting by Sue, think of how nice it would have been to have had a reconstruction of the fort and cabins as shown in the painting. That not having materialized, the beautiful mural allows us to appreciate the experience of the pioneers during the early days of what was to become Fort Branch.

The Old Fort of 1811 program will include information about how pioneers may have reached Fort Branch. It will also answer the question of whether the fort ever came under attack by Indians. Another question will be considered: What was the source of the water for the fort since the pioneers wanted to protect their water supply from disruption by an Indian attack?

Maybe at this time the best way to appreciate the pioneer past in the Fort Branch area is through the beautiful painting by Sue. The mural allows us to immerse ourselves in the past. It can be viewed at the Fort Branch-Johnson Township Library. The Princeton library presentation on the Old Fort of 1811 are: Wed., Jan. 11th at 10am, Tues., Jan. 17th at 2pm, Thurs., Jan. 19th at 6pm.

Photo of the painting of the Old Fort of 1811 and pioneer scene by Sue Freudenberg. Used with permission

by Jancey Smith

I love spices and herbs. I always have. They make such a difference in smell, texture, color and especially flavor. There is such variety, from the curry powders to the chili powders. To me, spicy does not mean hot. These items can either enhance, complement or add flavor. It’s all about the flavor, not the heat.

I remember when my mother turned me loose in her kitchen to cook spaghetti for family dinner one night. I found the spice rack. Oh, what fun! Sorry to say, I didn’t have the experience to know my measures, and with some spices, a little bit goes a very long way. Poor dad!

After that, I discovered a spice isle in a large discount store. My eyes lit up like a kid in the candy store. I found big jars of the basic spices at great prices. Spices can be expensive.

One of my favorite dishes that many people consider spicy is jambalaya. (It’s actually only got 4-5 spices, depending on if you use real celery or seed.) I like to do it in the slow cooker (throw it in and forget about it), but it can easily be simmered on the stove. This you can make as hot as you like, or not, and serve over rice with

Slow Cooker Jambalaya

Ingredients-

1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breast, cut in cubes

1/2 lb. smoked sausage (andouille if you can find it)

1 can 15 oz. diced tomatoes

1 medium onion, chopped 2 cloves garlic, diced 1 green bell pepper, chopped 1 stalk celery, chopped (or 1/2 tsp. celery seed) 1 can chicken broth (or 2 chicken bouillon cubes) 2 tsp. oregano (more if using fresh herb)

1 T. Cajun or Creole seasoning

1 tsp. hot sauce (less or none if you like)

2 bay leaves

1/2 tsp. thyme (more if using fresh herb) salt and pepper to taste

1 lb. frozen, peeled, and cooked shrimp, thawed 2 cups cooked rice

Preparation -

Put all ingredients in crock pot except shrimp and rice. Let cook on low for 7 hours or high for 3 hours. Stir in thawed shrimp. Cover and cook about 5 minutes until shrimp are heated (turn pink). Discard bay leaves and serve over cooked rice.

As seen in the last issue of Small Town Living, the “Gibson County Christmas Cookbook” to help the Fort Branch Library expansion has become available. Copies are $15 minimum (donations accepted) and can be purchased at both the Ft. Branch and Haubstadt libraries. Digital versions may be available in the future.

Photo provided

Photo provided

To help the Fort Branch Library with their expansion project, Springs Valley Bank made a donation of $15,000 to help the local community.

Lori Martin, Rachel Adamson, Crystal Smith, and Laura Happe, director.