Small Town Living in Gibson County

It’s nice to have you back for an update on our community. It’s been a busy month. There’s been local businesses with open houses, a robotics tournament in the county, and a Mardi Gras Gala, to name but a few.

Now that the nastiness of winter is past, we have all kinds of events popping. There are two circuses coming, a huge flea market and a 19-year-old German dinner tradition. Event items are all throughout this issue.

Just in time for the holiday, the Cooking Corner has some ideas on how to use cherries. Many will remember a favorite hangout in Picturing the Past. Lamey’s was a landmark for years. A treat this month is a look into making music from the ground up in Local Talent Spotlight, the craft of making a guitar. Spring fever has hit and there all kinds of garden, bird and nature ideas included. Take a moment and plan for some spring fun in the county.

Jancey Smith

Jancey Smith and friends

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

copyright 2023

email at jancey@ > edwardjones.com | Member SIPC Shane Minton Financial Advisor 100 S Hull Street Ft Branch, IN 47648 812-753-3893

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Local Talent Spotlight Mennace Guitars - Custom Made & Ready to Play

Kevin Minnis, has played with the band Blue Collar, has played around the tri-state, but a hobby he began during COVID has a much wider audience.

“To me it means more to me to see my guitar played onstage than any show I’ve ever played,” Minnis said.

Menace Guitars, the custom-built guitar business he began in 2020, has sent guitars to Kentucky, Tennessee and Illinois.

“I’ve lost count of how many in Indiana,” he said, holding one of his early builds.

Minnis starts from the wood up – in fact, he has a lightning-struck log that’s he’s going to use to create a custom guitar in an upcoming project.

Looking at one of his early guitars while sitting in the family room of his Princeton home, that’s filled with guitar

and car memorabilia, Minnis can look back at the last three years with surprise at how much he’s learned.

“At the time I made this, this was the best I’d ever built. Now I sit here and see so many things I’ve learned from and I never do anymore,” he said.

While he has rebuilt many of his early guitars, there are two he’s kept original: the 2005 high school shop project that inspired him and a 2020 guitar that was the first one he built after returning back to his long-neglected hobby.

“The 2005 and 2020 are landmarks to stay in the condition they’re in to show how far I’ve come,” he said.

In 2005, he had a shop teacher, Mr. Anthis, and told him he wanted to build guitars. Knowing nothing at all about guitars, Anthis still jumped in to help him.

“For a 16 year old, they were decent. Looking back

they were horrible. Not horrible. They played. They made sound.”

Leaving school, however, he left the hobby behind to focus on his job at Toyota, his band, and his growing family with wife

Heather Minnis and their two daughters.

When COVID hit and everything shut down, his band didn’t have gigs booked the way they did pre-COVID because everything shut down. He finally had some free time.

“I had made friends who were building gorgeous guitars. I thought if they can do it I can do it...It was a lot of trial and error.”

Inspired by builders like Lucky Dog guitars, Minnis doesn’t call himself a “luthier,” which is the technical name for a guitar craftsman. Instead, he thinks of himself as building and crafting. He jokes he’s “YouTube certified.”

The work that involves sawdust and power tools is all out in his garage surrounded by tools and car license plates.

“It starts here. This is a chunk of mahogany here, which we can leave normal or throw a top on it so you get a flame like that.” A flame, in guitar speak, is a tiger-like stripe pattern in the wood.

Inspiration can come from anywhere, however, like the lightning strike of his friends’ tree. “On one of our trips to Nashville we threw literally half the tree in the back of the car.”

Over the last three years, his guitars are have gone onstage in a variety of venues, even as they improve. They now sport a signature Menace Guitars headstock, for example.

He built a custom guitar for a musician to perform for troops stationed in South America; he’s traded a guitar for studio time in Nashville, the center of the country music universe. “That guitar has been over so many people’s tracks,” he said.

Continued page 4

Some of his works in progress.

It’s become a scavenger hunt, he said, for people to send him pictures of the pink Menace Guitar on Broadway.

He’s also grown more confident in charging for his work. He remembered with his first guitar, he’d thought the person would ghost him at the first mention of cost.

“I thought, ‘as soon as I introduce price into this, I’ll never hear from him again.’ I sent the price, he said, ‘all right, let’s roll.’” That guitar went to Madisonville, Ky.

Since he’s started building, he’s been able to not only translate customers’ visions onto a musical canvas, he’s been able to introduce his own spin on guitars.

He likes to use colors from 1950s cars, painting one the Sonic Blue of a Cadillac, or the Heather Poly of an Oldsmobile.

Cars and guitars have been linked for years; Fender used automotive paints for their guitars back in the day because it was readily available. These days, Minnis does it by choice for that vintage feeling.

He also does specialty distressing in the paint jobs. s“People buy guitars, like jeans, with scratches already on them,” he said.

Partnerships with other locals have only made his builds more unique. Matt Robbins, at RPM Tool, fashioned a bottle opener that fits on a guitar.

“A lot of places my guitars end up are honky tonks

and beer joints and I just thought that it would be cool to incorporate a bottle cap opener. I’ve done a handful of them so far.”

Another partner was able to put a metal flake into the paint job for a guitar Minnis calls “bass boat inspired.” The customers also inspire him with their ideas. When asked if he thinks, in three years, he’ll see his current guitars as landmarks the way he does the 2005 and the 2020, he said everyone hopes they get better at what they do, but when it comes to guitars the possibilities are endless. He can’t guess what he’ll create or collaborate in the future. “Sky’s the limit.”

Princeton Communty Theatre Hosted Talent Show

Gibson County has plenty of talent, and the Broadway Players gathered some local performers to present a Talent Showcase at the end of March. Watch for future shows and upcoming events.

The performers welcomed the applause for their efforts from the crowd.

Kevin and his daughter Lexi. She’s been known to sing as dad plays.

Photo: Jennifer MacKay

Kevin’s latest project on his work bench needing some strings run and tuned.

Neal Mustard performed “Come Fly with Me” & “Cheek to Cheek.”

Chris MacKay broke out his guitar for the night.

Gibson County Community Foundation Announces Free Public Workshop

The Poverty Simulation

represent community resources and services offered to families in daily life. The Poverty Simulation is recommended for any individual wishing to increase their understanding of poverty, inspire local change, promote poverty awareness, and transform perspectives. Due to the realistic portrayals of the experience, it is recommended for those aged 17 or older.

Golf Scramble Planned for Kids

Christmas Shopping

(Gibson County, Indiana) The Gibson County Community Foundation is announcing a FREE public workshop, The Poverty Simulation on Tuesday, April 18th from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon at Oakland City University, Johnson Center, 705 N Franklin St, Oakland City, Indiana. Complimentary lunch will be provided following the workshop, so registration is required to attend. Please follow this link to register no later than Monday, April 10th: https://tinyurl.com/5btxkz6y .

Poverty is a reality for many individuals and families. But unless you’ve experienced poverty, it’s difficult to truly understand the implications. The Poverty Simulation is an experience designed to help participants begin to understand what it might be like to live in a typical low-income family trying to survive from month to month. It’s a simulation, not a game. The object is to sensitize participants to the realities faced by low-income citizens.

After receiving a Community Leadership Planning Grant from Lilly Endowment, Inc. as part of its seventh phase of the Giving Indiana Funds for Tomorrow Iniative (GIFT VII), the Gibson County Community Foundation conducted an active stakeholder engagement process including data and document review, community leader forums, and issue-specific stakeholder meetings. As a result, the “cycle of poverty” was selected as a top priority to address with GIFT VII Implementation Grant funds to align with existing work in the community. Community leaders discussed the need to increase education, access to financial capital, and connections of those living in poverty to help disrupt the cycle of poverty.

With the guidance of Nikki Lasher, Director of Family Health Services with Tri-Cap, participants will assume roles of families facing poverty. Each participant will have distinctive identities and will encounter different hardships while being tasked to provide basic necessities and shelter for their “families”. During the simulation, each “family” will visit different tables that

Princeton FOP Lodge #115 is hosting a golf scramble at the Oakland City Golf Club May 18th, at 9 a.m. The Lodge needs sponsors for holes, carts and prizes.

Each year the lodge organizes a Christmas shopping trip for approximately 40 Gibson County children. The Lodge, a non-profit organization, spends approximately $10,000 giving presents to children in need.

Contact president Craig Zurliene at 618-599-2773 or secretary Jennifer Loesch at 812-431-5831 for more information. Information will also be posted on FOP #115’s Facebook page.

Sports Injury?

Deaconess Gibson Mardi Gras Jazz Gala Lit Up the Night

Photos: Jancey Smith

After a four year covid break, the annual Mardi Gras Jazz Gala was held on Saturday, March 11th, at the Toyota Event Center at the Gibson County Fairgrounds. It was a festive night with 320 people attending. The Bob Ballard Band performed, Klinker’s Bar and Grill provided drinks, and the event was catered by the Bauer Haus.

The purpose of the event was to raise money for needed equipment at our local hospital. There was a silent auction, live auction, raffles and a games to help the cause.

Check Small Town Living’s Facebook page for more pictures of the event.

Top: Dr. Gelhausen was able to reunite and catch up with his former coworker Celena McCandless.

Right: Chief Administrative Officer, Lois Morgan enjoys some fun conversation before the events began.

Springs Valley Bank & Trust came ready for some fun.

At the beginning of the evening COA Lois Morgan told a touching story of how she grew up in Snake Run and thanks to having a close local hospital her father was able to be saved. This led her to nursing and now back to our local hospital. Some interesting local statistics of hospital care are there have been increases in the following areasER visits - up 26% Radiology - up 76% Mammography - up 48% Infusion Therapy - up 200% There’s a need for our hospital close to home.

CITY OF PRINCETON Ea s ter Egg H u n t Easter Egg Hunt

Gibson County Courthouse Lawn | April 8 @ 9 AM

Hunt begins with fire engine sirens at 9 AM Easter Bunny photo ops by Gibson County Animal Shelter

AGES: 2 yr & under

3-4 yr

5-6 yr

7-8 yr

Commissioner Nick Burns took a minute to chat with Ben Kennard while getting a beverage.

Event organizer LeeAnn Cooper of the Gibson Foundation (right) greeted some of her guests.

One of the most fun events of the night was a game of heads or tails. Participants pick a body part and place their hands to see who is eliminated by a coin toss.

The Trotter House of Gibson County held its first event on March 8th – a “Coffee & Convo” with area pastors and church leadership. THGC is a new family and pregnancy center, hoping to open this summer. For more information, find Trotter House of Gibson County on Facebook.

Place of Grace Will Hold Open House

On Saturday, April 1, 2023, Center for Women’s Ministries, an international ministry set up to help hurting and broken women, will be having an “OPEN HOUSE” from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Its newest Center, “Place of Grace” is located at 5563 SR 64, Princeton, Indiana. It is a nonprofit ministry that provides (FREE) one-on-one peer counseling for women and girls ages 13 and up who live in Gibson County and the surrounding areas. You may contact them at 812-677-2609 or E-mail @ placeofgracegc@gmail.com

Written by Mikala Sisson

Pictured below is the irst Fire Department of Fort Branch, IN on a practice run in 1906. “The irst mechanized ire equipment was purchased in 1925. The bid for a Dodge-Graham ire truck was let by the Fort Branch Town Board on November 4, 1925, and a bid to equip the truck was let on December 10, 1925.” (DeLong)

Early ire engines were more or less mobile water pumps meant to aid the “bucket brigades” as far back as the 1700s. (Patrascu) Below, you can see the men pulling the water pump, followed by two men with a ladder and buckets. Before mechanized ire equipment and trucks, this setup would take a very long time to arrive at the scene of any ire. The men would grow tired from hauling the pump, and some ires would die out before they got there.

Julie Kifer, Executive Director of Trotter House of GibsonCounty

Photo and information from “The Fort On a Branch” by John V. DeLong, Jr., 1974. Additional information from a 2009 article, “Fire Truck History” by Daniel Patrascu.

Antique Tractor Pull Filled the Fairgrounds

Photos: Jancey Smith

For over 30 years the Gibson County Antique Tractor Club has been holding this National Pull. This event draws tractor pullers in from more than 20 states. It was a very large draw this year with 478 pullers visiting over the weekend of February 24th and 25th.

Tulip Tree Blood Drive

Photos: Jancey Smith

On Monday, March 6th, Tulip Tree Family Health Center sponsored a blood drive at the Princeton Community Center. There were more than 30 volunteers that came in to donate blood. The Red Cross is always in need of more donations.

help.

Holy Cross in Fort Branch will be hosting another blood drive the afternoon of April 20th. To schedule an appointment call 1-800733-2767.

75 Years of Eastern Star

Above: This Oliver 77 was up for the challenge and pulled this distance.

Right: Yes, even the ladies can compete, as this Allis-Chalmers had a little liftoff.

Photo provided

Left: In the back of the pavilion there was a RC competition. There tractors, cars and trucks all pulled along a short modified tract.

Betty Collins received her pin for 75 years as a member of the Eastern Star. There was a small celebration wishing her well.

Sheriff Bruce Vanoven dropped by to donate as well.

Jody Puro and Jennifer MacKay were on hand to help.

Betty with Angie Ford and Karen Collins

George Pickersgill - Gibson Co. Veterans Service Officer, 812-385-4522

Last month I very much enjoyed telling you the story of SGT Charles Garrigus, a Gibson County farm boy who made the supreme sacrifice in the service of his country in Korea, December 1st, 1950. After 68 years of being unaccounted for, SGT Garrigus was finally returned to U.S. soil, identified, and on March 10th, 2023, laid to rest back home in Indiana. It was my privilege and sincere pleasure to represent Gibson County at this hero’s memorial service and burial conducted by elements of the Indiana Army National Guard and the Army’s 3rd Infantry (The Old Guard) in Greenwood, Indiana. I am now happy to share with you a glimpse of that beautiful day. I remain very confident that our nation will continue to work hard, as evidenced by this case, until our last MIA (of any war) is finally accounted for.

The procession to the graveyard in Greenwood.

The plaque in honor of Charles Garrigus.

A folded flag was presented to Sargeant Garrigus’ brother Don.

All measures of military tradition honored the returned soldier.

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The annual Ag Day breakfast put on by Farm Bureau and the Chamber was held at the Princeton Knights of Columbus on Saturday, March 18th. There was a record turn out with over 500 people served and they ran out of their famous sausage provided by the K of C. It’s hard to beat a $2 breakfast with eggs, biscuits and gravy and sausage. There were also many local farm related information booths.

Photo: Jancey Smith

The Princeton Knights came in at 5 a.m. to get ready to serve.

If there’s an Ag event, there’s Ross Key.

After breakfast, a legislative forum was presented. Many different topics were covered and the question and answer segment went past 10 a.m. with many folks asking specific questions of a wide variety, including the trouble with trains blocking intersections.

Jim Tome and Mark Messmer of the Indiana Senate were some of those who attended the legislative forum at Saturday’s breakfast

Dr. Eric Goggins of North Gibson School Corporation asked about a minimum teacher pay rate and procedures for parents who question specific books.

Picturing the Past

Lamey’s Grove

Story: Mayor Greg Wright

Beginning as early as 1904, Lamey’s Grove was a staple entertainment venue in Southern Gibson County for nearly 80 years. Lamey’s Park or “Grove” originally was located near St. James along the traction “interurban” trolly line and was owned and operated by Mr. George Lamey. Lamey’s Grove was a stop along the traction line that ran from Patoka to Evansville with stops at Princeton, Kings, Ft. Branch, Haubstadt, Lamey’s (near St. James) Bauers Grove, and on to Evansville. Unfortunately founder George Lamey succumbed to a heart attack attending a dance at his hall in 1906.

As many as 500 people at a time would visit Lamey’s Grove for wedding receptions, church picnics, sorority socials, and even a Civil War Veterans reunion of Company H, of the 17th Indiana regiment in 1906.

Lamey’s Grove would move two miles East to the Dixie Bee Highway (Hwy 41) by the mid 1930s after the Traction Line was decommissioned. At this time Lamey’s would fall under the ownership and be managed by Mr. Peter Lamey. Mostly known for a dancing venue, in 1942 Lamey’s would be owned by Peter Lamey’s son, Urban and wife Marie. Urban managed Lamey’s for over 40 years. He passed away in 1982 and Lamey’s, the popular hangout, would not last many years more. It would be hard to find a teenager from the 1960’s and 70’s from southern Indiana and Illinois who at one time had not visited Lamey’s. Great bands like the Boots Randolph Orchestra,

Eddie Schmidt, The Corvettes, Free Reign, and Midnight Evil played there. Friends, familys and enemys were made here, but mostly life-long memories remain, as the legacy of Lamey’s Grove live in the hearts of Southern Indiana.

The Entrance to Lamey’s on HWY 41. (Courtesy Charlie Kiesel and Larry Lamey)

Above: George Lamey dies at his dance venue.

(Courtesy Princeton Daily Clarion)

Lamey’s Grove in an advertisement for the Interurban (Traction) Line. (Courtesy Princeton Daily Clarion)

VFW #2714

Fort Branch

Kitchen open Tues. for Tacos, Thur. & Fri. specials, check Facebook for specials open to the public

**Treasure Hunt is back Mondays drawings at 7pm

What’s Happening!!

Patoka UMC Activities

Spring Dinner - April 1st

3-6:30 pm

Easter Egg Hunt - April 1st

2:00 pm

Call 812-779-3693 if questions

~ LocalEgg Hunts ~

Oakland City University - Saturday, April 15th, 10 am, Easter Eggstravaganza & Spring Fling (ages 3 thru 6th grade), 138 N Lucretia St. Oakland City

Haubstadt Easter Egg Hunt - Saturday, April 1st

Haubstadt Comm. School Football Field, 10 a.m.

Fil-Am Easter Get Together - Saturday, April 8th, 3 pm, Lafayette Park Shelter house 4

Owensville - Saturday, April 8th, Kids color run 10 am, Adults 10:30, Easter bunny pics, hot dogs & popcorn at 11:30, Special needs egg hunt 12:30, Egg hunt for others 1:00

Princeton - Saturday, April 8th - See page 6 for details

Child Abuse Prevention Event

Lafayettte Park, Princeton

Thursday, April 13th

4 - 6 pm

Games, bounce houses, prized, food

Owensville Alumni

Banquet

REH Center, Owensville

Saturday, April 22nd

3 - 7 pm

Yard Sale

Salvation Army, Gibson St., Princeton

Friday, April 28th, 8am - 1 pm

Collectors Carnival

Antique & Flea Mkt

Gibson County Fairgrounds

Saturday, April 29th

9 am-4 pm $2/person

7-9 am $5/person

Amer. Legion #265

Oakland City

1st Saturday each month

All you can eat breakfast

7 am - 10 am

$10 for biscuits & gravy, eggs, sausage, fried potatoes & pancakes

Amer. Legion Post #25 Breakfast

Broadway, Princeton

2nd & 4th Saturdays

8 - 10 am

YMCA Camp

Carson Bow Shoot

Fri.-Sun. April 21-23rd

NASP Archery Shoot

pageSee

42 detailsfor

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15 detailsfor

KofC CIRCUS

Ft. Branch

Monday, April 24th

5 & 7:30pm

Community Park

- 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

Friday: 9 am - Tone & Stretch

9:45 Line Dancing

11:30 - Lunch

*Closed 4;7 for Good Friday

*Designer Purse Bingo - Fri. April 14th 6 - 8pm

1st Thursday each month8:30 am - Men’s Breakfast Call for info 812-385-2897

Week of April 2nd-8th

Spring Super Stakes Championship - Coon Dogs

Saturday, April 29th

Collectors Carnival Antique Show

9am-4pm, Early birds 7-9 am

Friday & Saturday, May 5 & 6th

Antique Machinery Show & Flea Market

Friday 12-7 pm & Saturday 9 am - 7 pm

What’s Happening!!

Salvation Army Food Pantry

~ Help with Food in the Community ~ UMC

Gibson St., Princeton

Monday, April 3rd, 10th 17th & 24th

Wednesday, April 5th, 12th, 19th & 26th

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, April 4th, 11th, 18th & 25th

Fridays, April 7th & 21st

2:30 - 3:30 pm

Mackey Salem UMC

Community Meal

Third Tuesday monthly 11am - 12:30 pm

proceeds go to E. G. food pantry

Delivers

Dinners

Hillside Church, Princeton

Monday, April 10th

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. April 12th & 26th

Thur. April 13th & 27th

1 - 3 pm

East Gibson

Food Pantry

Trinity United Methodist Church, 405 S. Mulberry St.

Every Wednesday 9 am - noon

Salvation Army Free Grab & Go Meal

Gibson St., Princeton

Tues. April 11th & 18th

4:30 - 5:30 pm

Amer. Legion #256

Oakland City

1st Saturday each month.

All you can eat breakfast

7 am - 10 am, $10 for biscuits & gravy, eggs, sausage, fried potatoes & pancakes

Blood Drive

K of C, Princeton

Monday, May 15th

2 - 6 pm

Call for appointment

1-800-733-2767

Blood Drive

Holy Cross Cafeteria Fort Branch

Thursday, April 20th, 1:30 - 6 pm

Call for appointment

1-800-733-2767

Patoka UMC

Men’s Breakfast

Saturday, April 15th, 7 am

203 Spring St., Patoka

Third Saturdays monthly

Die Kirche Auktion

Sts. Peter & Paul

Friday, April 15th

German meal at 4 pm

Mt. Olympus Lions Club

Meetings 2nd & 4th Mondays

Monthly at Mt. O Community Center, 7 pm

Collecting old cell phones, hearing aid and glasses

JOY Club Bingo

Salvation Army, Gibson St., Princeton Sat., April 1st, Doors open at 3 pm 4 - 6 pm, bring can good

K of C Bingo

Open to Public

every Thursday Princeton K of C, 6 pm

Gibson County CEO

Annual Trade Show

Wednesday, May 17th, 4-7 pm

Princeton Public Library

Open to the public

See page 22 for details

Auctoion April 16th 8 am - 5 pm

Old Haubstat Gym

Chamber Golf Scramble

Oakland City Golf Club

Thursday, May 11th,

pageSee 12 detailsfor

Earth Day Slash Out Trash

Sts. Peter & Paul

Saturday, April 22nd 8 am - 12 pm

OCU International Student Day

Oakland City University

Saturday, April 1st 10am - 1pm

Student Life Center Cafe

April

Teel’s Dream on the Hill Had Opening Debut

In early March, Sonya and Todd Teel held an open house at their new event venue Shinnyville Hill. It was arranged much like a bridal fair with vendors spread throughout the building offering bridal and party services. There was a large attendance of friends and wellwishers present to sample snacks, see the property and note the services that the Teels will offer like flower arrangements, candies and coffees.

Tulip Tree is Back and Improved

After being closed for months to complete a remodel, the Fort Branch office of Tulip Tree Family Healthcare opened back up for services to the community. Updates were made inside and out including HVAC and windows.

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The sign in table offered a variety of door prizes.

Left: Gathering around the snack table was a nice place to be during the open house.

R’z Cafe presented a sampling of their services at the open house.

Above: The Gibson County Chamber of Commerce and the Tulip Tree Family Healthcare workers in Fort Branch held a ribbon cutting to celebrate the remodel and grand opening of the facility.

Right: Jody Puro made sure visitors were signed up for various door prizes.

Above: Sonya bombed this photo with some of her favorite girls.

Left: There was plenty of space for vendors and visitors to mingle amid the large decorated hall.

The Princeton Veterinary Hospital Opened the Doors to Their New Facilities

Saturday, March 4th was a busy afternoon at the Princeton Veterinary Hospital. They opened their doors to all so they could show the newly remodeled buildings.

Smoker’s Host Held Open House

At the beginning of March, Smoker’s Host Discount Tobacco, on Broadway, next to Dairy Queen in Princeton, held an open house. There were three prizes given away: an Apple Watch, a TV and a cooler. They held a live remote with WRAY and began taking entries for the grand prize to be given away at the end of June. Watch for customer appreciation day Memorial Day weekend.

Vice President of Merchandising at Kocolene Development Corp., store manager Elayne Birge, and Destiney

welcomed everyone for the open house.

~

April

required for entry.

Left: The grand prize of the drawing that will be June 30th is the Bison 400U ATV sponsored by Seneca. No purchase is

Above: Ben Reinhart,

Whitten

Right: Ben chatted with Jeff Lankford of WRAY in between segments during the live remote.

Members of the Chamber of Commerce as well as the staff and family of the Princeton Veterinary Hospital had a ribbon cutting to celebrate.

Above: The large animal clinic makes it easier to care for large animals like horses and cows safely.

Right: Artist Mya Hatfield did all the scenic animal murals throughout the office

The Princeton Pup House located behind the Veterinary Hospital on Water Street, is open for boarding pets when needed.

Indiana Robotics District Competition

This competition, presented by Toyota Indiana, will be the first time a FIRST® Robotics Competition event hosted in southern Indiana.

Teams had about eight weeks to build their robots, and now the competition season is underway. This event was the second in four competitions that qualify teams to compete at the state championship in April, at Anderson University. Teams will be vying for several spots to the world championship in Houston, Texas, later in April. Over 3,200 high school teams worldwide will participate in the FIRST® Robotics Competition this year.

PRINCETON, Indiana – On March 11th and 12th, students, parents, teachers, and industry professionals from around the state of Indiana convened at Princeton High School for the FIRST® Robotics FRC competition. A competitive field of 28 teams from around the state of Indiana competed in this weekend’s event.

While the on-field competition is fierce, collaboration is another important aspect of robotics tournaments. Supporting one another, lending a helping hand or a critical tool, and working together - even from rival teams and schools - is part of the experience.

Audrey Henning, a student on team 2197 Las Pumas says, “This program helps you communicate with others and learn to network with new people.”

“FIRST is an amazing experience for our students.” said Mark Pendergast a mentor for team 292 Panther Tech. He went on to say “It is ‘real life’ on a smaller scale. There is never enough time, skill, or knowledge, yet we do what we can and it is good enough to

Princeton’s Disco Ducks between rounds.

welcomes the students to the FIRST Robotics competition during the opening ceremonies.

A crowd filled the gym for the two day competition.

Robots must balance on these charging stations to earn points.

compete and win.”

Teams must use innovative engineering, creative thinking, and teamwork to build a robot to play the new game. After the game kicked off in January, students brainstorm, prototype, design, and program robots to compete at several events this season.

“FIRST isn’t about competing, it’s about cooperating, and recognizing that if you have the right tools, you’ll be able to make this world a better place for yourself and for the country,” said Dean Kamen, president of DEKA Research and Development and FIRST Founder, adding, “There is no stimulus package that will have as much return as stimulating a bunch of kids to become the workforce of the future, the problem solvers, the creators of the future.”

While the students are attracted to the challenge of building a robot, the focus of FIRST® is on the skills the students develop in the program.

The atmosphere of a robotics competition is markedly similar to a basketball game; fans decked out in spirited clothing, constant cheering, and the moments of euphoria when a team scores just before the buzzer rings. It’s a truly incredible experience for all involved.

FIRST Indiana Robotics (FIN) believes our future is built better together and improving the world starts with our youth. FIN changes the lives of Hoosier students through mentorship partnered with hands-on learning, problem-solving connected to community engagement, and core values applied

in times of intense competition. In alignment with the global mission of FIRST, FIN inspires young people in Indiana to be science and technology leaders and innovators, by engaging them in exciting mentor-based programs that build science, engineering, and technology skills, that inspire innovation, and that foster well-rounded life capabilities including self-confidence, communication, and leadership.

In between the final round competitions, students filled the aisles around the gym and danced to the Electric Slide. In the center, one of the teams had a student mascot dressed up.

Twenty- eight teams from all over the state came to compete. This team is from Crown Point which is near Chicago.

Students drive the robots with laptops and joysticks.

High School Student Organized Slash Out Trash Event for Earth Day

By guest writer Clayton Moyer

Clayton Moyer, currently a Junior at Princeton Community High School, is a member of the Princeton Tigers Marching Band, the National Honor Society, Key Club, Student Council and works at Deaconess Gibson Hospital. He plans to attend the nursing program at the University of Evansville after graduation next year in hopes of becoming a CRNA.

As a sophomore, I took an Earth and Space course with Mr. Jim Maglis. During the year I spent learning with him, he shared his passion for the environment, never missing an opportunity to teach us something about conservation and enjoying the world we live in. His passion led me to consider what I could do as a

~ Recycle Tips ~

Spring is Here! Time for Spring Cleaning!!

Greetings, Gibson County residents, and Happy Spring! We celebrate Earth Day on April 22, 2023. The theme for Earth Day this year is “Invest In Our Planet”. Very fitting, since this planet is our HOME, and investing in your home is always a smart decision. This year, we here at Gibson County Solid Waste would like to ask all of you to join us for a county-wide clean-up effort, as our way of continuing to invest in our home, and care for our environment.

We invite organizations and individuals alike to organize and participate in the effort to clean up your areas of the county, and make your little piece of the planet cleaner and more beautiful. The main event will take place on April 22, 2023, in correlation with Spring Household Hazardous Waste Day, sponsored with Toyota. Bags will be distributed and collected at our open sites prior to Earth Day.

If you or your organization would like to participate, please contact us at 812 385-3136 or email mailto:gcsw@gibsoncounty-in.gov. Sign Up…to Clean Up! And remember to Reduce~Reuse~Recycle!

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

teenager in our community to help. My idea started small, thinking I could gather a group of friends and family to pick up trash in the community. This idea quickly grew larger and larger as I had opportunities to share my thoughts with the Princeton City Council, North Gibson School Board, the Gibson County Chamber of Commerce, Deaconess Gibson Hospital, and Springs Valley Bank.

So many people helped make this a reality! Mr. Maglis helped me schedule time at meetings and Mayor Wright promoted the event in the newspaper, on the radio and social media. The logo for the event was a collaboration between myself and the PCHS Art Club. The art club helped me take my ideas and put them to paper. After the design was completed, Kaylor at Make Your Mark brought it to life, digitizing it for t-shirts. Springs Valley Bank made a monetary donation to sponsor shirts for all students that committed to attend from various high school committees. Sheep Dog Impact Assistance provided hand sanitizer for all locations and employees at Deaconess Gibson Hospital donated water. Gibson County Solid Waste is providing all trash bags for the event. The Princeton Police Department will also be providing safety vests for the event.

My community leaders rallied behind me to provide support in so many ways, using their voice and platform to share this event. We have local churches, Girl scout and Boy scout groups, local businesses, and many community members that have committed to spend National Earth Day, April 22nd, “Slashing out the Trash” and I could not be more thankful and grateful to everyone who has helped this event be successful.

Clayton Moyer

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The Good Will Good Way GIbson County Home Ec. Club had their monthly meeting at Taylor’s Two Steakhouse in Oakland City. They wore festive St. Patrick’s Day accessories as they celebrated two of their members who had March birthdays. Nora Miller turned 80 and Ann Georges was quite happy to see 87 years on the planet. Happy Birthday to them!

Their next meeting will be at The Depot on April 19th at 11:00 with lunch to follow at 11:30.

Kenny

Portside

Watch for new items as the season goes

Farm

Peppers, Potatoes, & Tomatoes

Photo: Jancey Smith

AmeriCorps Students Visit Camp

Photos: Jancey Smith

For the month of March, our YMCA Camp Carson has had some visitors. Eighteen members of AmeriCorps have been lending a hand with various projects. When you have 332 acres of trails, woods, cabins, and landscape to maintain, some volunteers to help is a great thing.

AmeriCorps is a government agency that is a work program that connects volunteers in community service projects in areas such as the environment, public safety, education, and health. There are four regions in the U.S. and the volunteers at Camp Carson have a base in Vinton, Iowa. Their region covers fifteen states throughout the Midwest. These young volunteers who are recent graduates come from all over the country: Connecticut, Washington, California and more. They all expressed

interest in traveling, new experiences and helping others.

The main project at Camp Carson has been to restore three “wagons” which can sleep five campers. They will be connected with a deck and will be a great place for a nature experience for small groups just at the wood’s edge. The structures had to be moved, gutted, and refaced.

“This will create quite an outdoor experience for campers,” explained Heather Pearce of YMCA Camp Carson.

While in Southern Indiana, the volunteers get some free time to explore our area on the weekends. They also planned a bowling night in Mt. Carmel at Ten Pins. To complete the Gibson County experience, they’ll also meet Princeton’s Mayor, Greg Wright and Sheriff Bruce Vanoven. One of their goals is to know the specific needs in the community. Let’s hope our hospitality showed our appreciation for their help.

Dirt Bike Camp at YMCA Camp Carson

1st Year Dirt Bike Camp is a fun way to learn about dirt bikes & riding safely!

Campers participate in a 21-step instructional program on clutch control dirt bike riding and safety then progress to trail riding. They also spend time participating in traditional camp activities later in the week.

Lessons start with the assumption that the rider has no dirt bike experience. However, even our experienced riders find they learn new skills and enhance their riding ability.

1 Week, Coed, Ages 11 - 15

FFA Had a Week of Fun

Every year the local farm kids involved in FFA have a week of events and activities. These often include a tractor drive, cowboy dress up days, and other fun things. Princeton also held a truck show that raised over $100 for the Gibson County Animal Shelter. One popular event was the petting zoo. With coordination from the transportation department and teachers, over 450 primary students were able to come see the animals up close in real time. Many young kids have never been to a farm.

PCHS FFA Petting Zoo Pics

These are some of the items that just PCMS alone collected.

For years the schools in North Gibson School Corporation have held an Animal Shelter drive. This year the students set a record for collecting needed items. It took two trucks and two days to deliver. This event coincided with the FFA’s Truck show that collected entry fees which were donated to the shelter.

Photos: Jancey Smith

Above:

Left: These are just a few of the pieces of farm equipment that made it to “Drive You Tractor to School Day” at PCHS.

Gibson Southern’s FFA tractor display (photo courtesy GSHS FFA)

Luke Ice kept tabs on a calf.

The rabbit Raven Flusche snuggled was a little nervous.

The kids were fascinated with the lambs drinking a bottle.

News at Lyles Station, Indiana

So many of you may already know some of the events that occur at the Lyles Station Historic School and Museum. But have you experienced it in the eyes of the children? Many children in the tri-state area schools attend the Heritage classroom at Lyles Station School. They learn the basics in the school but also back-to-basic of living in rural Indiana, such as shelling corn, milking a cow, weaving and candle making. Second and fourth graders have annual field trips to the rural location, with a picnic on the grounds of the school.

Did you know that Lyles Station Historic School and Museum has partnerships with the Smithsonian, National Parks Service, Indiana Landmarks and the National Underground Railroad Network?

Over the years many civic minded clubs and volunteers have helped with the maintenance and upkeep of the grounds. Like everything else those organizations or volunteers have moved on, or no longer exist. More help is needed on a routine basis.

The Green Thumb Garden Club has over the past years used their green thumbs to help maintain and

am sure back then flower and horticulture lessons and afternoon teas were the main topics of club meetings. Our club currently meets the first Tuesday of each month starting March through December at Lyles Station. New plantings around the school and the grounds have occurred in the past few years with more to come. That is where we need your help. New projects are available for you and your family, your church organizations, your civic group, class reunion project or high school club, to “Adopt a flower garden plot.” That’s right, you can adopt a plot, plant it, maintain it and put your signature on it for all the visitors to see your accomplishments. Your garden plot could also be in memory of loved ones, former teachers who made a difference, your Doctor, your Nurse, your neighbor, or just for the FUN of it. A plaque with your name or groups name or however you want to label the area you have maintained will be provided. Various sizes are available.

Some garden plots have already been adopted by the Green Thumb Garden Club members, Gibson County Master Gardeners club and some plots in memory of loved ones. There are many more to adopt and future expansion in the works for the many acres of the

Interested? Contact Stanley Madison at 812-3852534 or Neal Mustard at 812-664-0649 to arrange your

We are in the planning of “Adopt a vegetable garden plot” you have heard of the many places with community garden areas, well this is our version. You would adopt the plot to plant your vegetables, you would weed, water, and maintain, then YOU would harvest your crops. It could be all tomatoes, a mixture of this and that, a kitchen garden, fruits and vegetables or a salad garden, it would be your choice. We recommend NO invasive

The adoption of the larger plots will be available later in the spring for the growing season and more details will be coming. Contact Stanley Madison to sign up on the waiting list for your garden plot, and start planning your

As I am writing this article, having been to Lyle Station Historic School over the weekend, my heart was full in seeing the thousands of daffodils in bloom. Over the years they have been added by school children, civic groups, and some are just old faithfuls that have been there for years and years. Boy if they could talk!

Think about the opportunities for your family, your club, your Sunday school class or just you to grow with nature.

Happy Spring from Lyles Station Historic School and Museum!

Eliminating Unwanted Vegetation (WEEDS!)

If you believe that whatever grows in your yard or garden should be left alone, read no further. If you want some ideas on how to eliminate most of the unsightly green vegetation that interferes with your garden plans, read on.

Have you checked the gardens and landscape recently? Even with the extreme high and low temperatures we’ve had this winter, there is something growing that you may want to eliminate – chickweed, henbit, dandelions, purslane, field bindweed, Canadian thistle, spurge, etc. Weeds can turn your lovely garden into an unsightly mess in just a few weeks without preventative maintenance. Weeds steal nutrients from the plants you want to save.

Definition: A weed is a plant growing where it is not wanted and is in competion with preferred plants.

Here are some ideas on how to eliminate them without hours of hoeing, digging, tilling or spraying something that may damage the plants you want to save.

Bare soil is asking for weed growth. Unwanted vegetation seeds may be spread by the blowing winds, animals or even our shoes. Keep the soil covered in winter, summer, fall and spring to help prevent this from happening. In spring, add a thick layer of mulch where you do not want anything else to grow. In the fall, refresh the mulch so that you have at least four inches. That way, most unwanted seeds cannot geminate. Mulching not only keeps weeds at bay, but also insulates the wanted plants in cold weather and helps to retain moisture, thus keeping down your water bill. In your garden, you may want to consider growing a cover crop of annual rye or oats.

Now you ask – what kind of mulch is best? You may purchase shredded mulch in bulk or bags that can be expensive. You may also use shredded leaves, untreated grass clippings or straw. These are all biodegradable and do over time enrich the soil. The importance here is the depth, not the product used. In vegetable gardens, initially you may choose to lay down heavy cardboard between the rows to keep unsightly vegetation from growing.

No-till has been used for years by our farmers. They have the right idea. As gardeners, we simply work too hard disturbing the soil annually. This practice not only allows for more weed seed germination as we plow them under, but it also leads to unhealthy soil by disturbing the microorganisms in the soil.

Even if you mulch consistently, you still will have a

few weeds that you may have to dig or pull out, so, particularly if you plant a garden, make sure you have time to care for it. A few minutes each day is so much easier than two hours once a week. Try to remove this vegetation when it is small and has not had time to spread or re-seed.

Master Gardeners generally do not recommend using commercial herbicides. If you must use some type of weed killer, read the label before purchasing and please do not believe all the home remedies you find on the internet. Some of these suggestions will do more harm than good.

A pre-emergent herbicide works on weed seeds in the early spring before they germinate. Be aware though, it also may prevent good seeds you want to spread. Post-emergent herbicides targets weeds that are already growing. Again, usually most effective on small plants. A broadleaf herbicide kills non-grass type plants and can be used in existing yard. Think dandelions. A nonselective herbicide kills any plant it touches and will leave a bare spot.

Want to know more about the many aspects of gardening? You are welcome to meet with the Master Gardeners on the third Monday, March through November at the Senior Center at 6:30 p.m. Although we encourage you to become a member, you can attend these educational events for free with no pressure. Don’t forget our Mother’s Day Plant Sale May 13th at the Senior Center.

Free Tree Give Away

In celebration of Earth Day, the Friends of the Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge will be giving away trees free of charge.There will be 6 species of hard wood trees, shellbark hickory, cherry bark oak, red oak, white oak, overcup oak, and chinkapin oak.

The trees can be picked up between on April 22nd, 10 am to 2 pm CT at the Buehler’s IGA in Oakland City and at the Jay C’s in Petersburg between the hours of 11 am until 3 pm Eastern time. The tree giveaway is in support of conservation efforts. “Treet” the Earth on it’s special day by planting a tree!

Photo credit Widepedia: Otto Wilhelm Thomé - Prof. Dr. Thomé’s Flora von Deutschland Österreich und der Schweiz in Wort und Bild für Schule und Haus. Band III. Mit 155 Tafeln in Farbendruck nach Originalzeiehnnngen von Walter Müller in Gera. Gera-Untermhaus. Verlag von Fr. Eugen Köhler. 1888.

Through the Veil and Beyond Program

Dr. Thomas Talbott has written an introduction, endorsement and summary of the April programs of Charlie Kiesel at the Princeton Library.

“In a presentation on the topic of Synchronicities and Universal Salvation and a subsequent discussion he will lead on the same topic, Charles Kiesel will feature, among other things, a wonderful manuscript by William F. Bromley entitled UNTIL HE FINDS IT: A Journey of Exploration into Final Human Destiny. An active minister and professor of religion prior to his death in 2010, Bromley sets forth in his manuscript powerful reasons for his thesis that ‘in the love and power of the God revealed in Jesus Christ a ground is provided for hope that all humanity will at last share in the life of fellowship with him.’ In a similar vein, St. Paul himself repeatedly made explicit statements to the effect that God will eventually bring all things into subjection to Christ (1 Cor. 15:20-28) and reconcile all things in Christ (Col. 1:20) and bring justification and life to all human persons through Christ (Rom. 5:12-21); and beyond that, I have yet to see a single plausible argument against the claim that Paul was herein embracing a doctrine of universal reconciliation.”

Thomas Talbott, Ph.D., University of California at Santa Barbara, is an Emeritus Professor of Philosophy Willamette University, Salem, Oregon, and has written a notable book The Inescapable Love of God, published in 2014. William F. Bromley had previously written a scholarly six-hundred-and eleven-page book entitled BIBLICAL CHRISTIANITY: A Contemporary Survey, published in 1987.

I will share happenings (synchronicities) that have occurred since the passing of my wife. I have experienced many unusual events since her passing, coincidences that only I have a connection with and which seem to be messages from beyond the veil. One powerful example in my case was the appearance in the sky of my initials “cr”, first and middle initial. The significance of that will be explained during my program. I looked to the sky and saw the “cr” synchronicity. Only I

Here is a close-up view at what are clearly, to me, my lower-case initials formed in the sky by wispy clouds.

would have noticed them as they were formed by wispy clouds, meant for me alone, a synchronicity event. I will share that event and other happenings recorded in my book Through the Veil and Beyond. I hope others who have had similar experiences after the passing of a loved one will attend my programs and share those happenings and discuss what they believe. Are these synchronicities a sign of afterlife?

I will also discuss the topic of Universal Salvation, a belief that has been around since the beginnings of Christian Churches. While Thomas Talbott’s professional life has centered around teaching and writing about the philosophy of religion, metaphysics, moral philosophy, and other areas of philosophy, my professional life has centered around teaching from the elementary level to the university level during my career of fifty-two years, but always with those same areas of religion and philosophy as a secondary vocation, an avocation for me. I have also taught religion classes for many years at the junior-high level and have a layman’s perspective of religion and philosophy to share.

My wife and I raised & released Monarch Butterflies. During a tagging event a newly tagged Monarch, still needing to warm its wings, choose me for warmth from many other people at the event. Monarch butterflies by tradition are consider to be a sign of resurrection. My wife had died several years before this tagging event.

Program Dates and Times: Wed, April 12th - 10am

Mon, April 17th - 10am & Tues, April 25th - 6pm

Directors: Richard D. Hickrod and Mark R. Walter

Story and photos: Charlie Kiesel

812-385-4464

www.princetonpl.lib.in.us

Monday-Thursday: 9am-8pm Friday & Saturday: 9am-5pm Sunday: Closed April

SEPTEMBER 2015

2 3 Twilight Tales 5pm

Native Plant Presentation 5pm

Ancient Roots Native Plant

Nursery will be here to tell us about plants native to our area & how to add them to your garden

Fiber Fanatics 6pm

Sewing with Susan 6pm

9 10 Family Movie 5pm Raya and the Last Dragon Rated PG

Fiber Fanatics 6pm

Sewing Class 6pm Please make sure you call to register for these limited spots! Ext. 112

1 6 17 Pink Ladies Plant Sale 9am5pm

Chats with Charlie 10am Encore of Through the Veil

Fiber Fanatics 6pm

Sewing Class 6pm

2 3 24 Friends of the Library Book Sale 9am-8pm Family Craft Night 5pm

Fiber Fanatics 6pm

Sewing Class 6pm Please make sure you call to register for these limited spots!

3 0 1 May

Quilting Speciality Class 6-8pm

4 Story Time 10am

VU GED 12-3pm

Learn how to get your GED! Call 812- 6024136 to register

Basic Computer Class 3pm

*Only 5 spots available! Free class, call 812-385-4464 ext. 112 to reserve your spot. Want to get better with your computer? We can help!

11 Story Time 10am

VU GED 12-3pm

Books & Breadsticks 6pm

Join us at Susan Bobe’s Pizza for sodas & breadsticks while we discuss this month’s book: Where the Crawdads Sing

The Mighty Pen 6pm Meeting with a Muse--Becky LeCloux, owner of The Mommy Island blog will be joining us to inspire ideas & success

18 Pink Ladies Plant Sale 9am-5pm

VU GED 12-3pm

Library Board Meeting 4pm Open to the public

InGENWeb Presentation 6pm George Pickersgill presents on the database InGENWeb. Learn how the genealogical information stored here can help you find obituaries & familial histories

*Pick up your next Books & Breadsticks book choice today at 9am!

25 Friends Book Sale 9am-8pm

Time 10am

GED 12-3pm

of the Library Meeting 5:30pm Chats with Charlie 6pm Final presentation of Through the Veil

Adult Coloring Session 6pm Coloring & conversation in the gallery!

2

GED

12 Chats with Charlie 10am Through the Veil & Beyond. A look into strange coincidences around you & what they might mean Teen Scene

19 Adult Coloring Session 10am

Join us in our upstairs gallery for a morning of coloring & conversation

Craft Night 6pm Bird house Stands

Special Olympics’ Plunge Was a Success

Each year Special Olympics hold a fundraiser to help raise money for their programs and athletes. This year the Polar Plunge was at Pride’s Creek in Petersburg and there were 179 participants who

Photos provided

Above: Garie and Ike Belcher pose for a picture with Wes McKannan before the plunge.

Left: Gerit Bock did the plunge in honor and memory of his brother Jarrod.

Sts. Peter & Paul Parish of Haubstadt, Indiana, is having its 19th Annual Die Kirche Auktion Fest on the weekend of April 15th and 16th, 2023! Please join us for lots of food, fellowship, and fun at the Old Gym in Haubstadt.

The German Meal is Saturday, April 15th, from 4:00 pm-6:30 pm. Drive through the East side of Sts. Peter and Paul Cafeteria to pick up your meal. Then join us at the Old Gym, where tables will be set up to dine in, have drinks, and preview the auction items.

On Sunday, April 16th, the doors open at 8 am. The Silent Auction and Chinese Auction are from 8 am-

noon. There are Half-Pot, Treasure Chest, and Quilt Raffle tickets on sale. The Live Auction will be from 1:00 pm-5:00 pm. Mike Blake will again be the Emcee along with Jon Jenkins as the auctioneer. There are hundreds of items up for bid, including beautiful quilts made by our Labor of Love quilters!

Is there a budding young birder in your home? The Friends of Patoka River NWR will host a birding hike for youngsters ages 8 to18 on Saturday, April 22nd, at 8 am CT at Boyds Station on the Refuge. The hike will last approximately 2 hours. The hike is open to both experienced and inexperienced junior birders. There will be a limited number of binoculars available for use so if those attending have binoculars, we ask that they bring their own. Parents may follow along with the hike or explore the nearby areas. Sturdy walking shoes and insect repellent are strongly recommended. To get to the Refuge, take SR64 east through Oakland City. Look for the brown Refuge signs and follow the signs to the Snakey Point Marsh. For more information or questions, call Jim Lodato at 812 760-5944. Happy Birding!

Mike Blake as emcee and Jon Jenkins as auctioneer.

Christian G Burch, CFP®, CRPC® Financial Advisor

Daughters of Isabella

Serving Spaghetti & the Community

Photo provided

At the latest meeting of the Daughters of Isabella, Haubstadt Circle #151, Regent Kris Lutz passed out membership cards and reminded everyone the State Convention will be April 21st-23rd, in Nashville, Indiana. Ann Minnis gave the Respect-Life report. Progress continues for The Trotter house of Gibson County, a pregnancy-care center to be located in Princeton. For information or to donate, call Jeff Huff 812-430-8448 or

Circle #151 held a Spaghetti Supper. Volunteers made homemade spaghetti sauce and served Italian and French bread, salad, applesauce, and desserts. There was a good turn out from the community. The Circle voted to send half the profits to the Trotter House of Gibson County.

Left to right: Linda Kissel, Bobbie Biggs, and Lucy Will served at the spaghetti supper sponsored by the Daughters of Isabella in Haubstadt.

The clock is ticking on

Backyard Birds -

Our calendar tells us spring has arrived but each day we experience does not always resemble Spring. Some days are gloomy, cold and quiet while other days are warm, sunny and full of cheerful songs. What a difference a warm, sunny, spring day can do to the sound coming from our backyards. Our songbirds are singing, calling for mates with cheerful calls. What causes our birds to give us such a glorious gift? What is it that makes them sing so pretty this time of year and why more in the spring and not so much later part of the year?

There are two reasons birds sing. One reason is that nesting time is approaching and a mate must be found. The other reason is to establish their territory. When the nesting season is getting close the male will begin calling from a high perching area or prominent location that will project his sound well announcing to all the ladies that he is looking for a partner. Once the lady approves of this fellow, the nest building will begin. Singing will continue until the young have been fledged and taught how to find food along with other skills. Some species will continue singing to teach the young their local dialect in song. Usually by late July, all singing has usually ceased by all species. The silence can be deafening. It’s a startling thing when the sound you had become a custom to is no longer there.

In the early mornings, before light, is when they are most actively singing. This time just before dawn is known as the “dawn chorus”. These are mainly males doing their best to defend, protect or claim a territory and attract a mate. Why is this early time period so important to them? Why are they up before the sun putting in the work to sing the “dawn chorus”?

One of the early theories that exist about this morning phenomenon is that since the air is the coolest and driest at this pre-dawn time, it allows their voices to travel further distances. We have since learned it is really because the morning air is more quiet, allowing for sound to travel more

efficiently. This would allow for other distant males to hear the message to stay out and for females to hear the invitation to join him in his claimed area. There are other theories on this as well but this one seems to be the most plausible.

Most recently I have noticed the American Robin, Northern Cardinal, along with the House Finch, are the ones sharing their big voices in my yard this spring. If you’re up before dawn take a listen, or on the next warm sunny spring day, take a moment to stop and listen to your backyard and enjoy what you hear. Take the time to let it soak in because, when late summer arrives you may be listening to the sound of silence.

Looking to reach everyone in Gibson County with your product or

As the Vet Says -

First Aid for Your Pets at Your Fingertips

April is American Red Cross Pet First Aid Awareness Month! Yes, our pets need first aid sometimes, too!

To help pet owners out, the American Red Cross has an app dedicated to pets – just search “American Red Cross” in your app store, and look for the Pet First Aid app. You can use this app to keep details about your pet – name, age, microchip and rabies tag numbers, medication list, and photos. You can keep your veterinarian’s number in this app, too, so you have easy access to all the important information you need for your pet in case he gets lost or there is an emergency. The app can help you find pet-friendly hotels or emergency veterinary hospitals while you are traveling. They have checklists for what you’ll want in a pet first aid kit or an emergency go-bag. And, of course, there are several tutorials on

how to do first aid.

We recommend calling your veterinarian any time you have an emergency with your pets or your pet gets injured. Most of the time, even if you do administer first aid to your pet, you will still need to follow up with your veterinarian for further care or medications. But knowing how to do first aid, or at least knowing that you have a guide in your pocket, can give you great peace of mind!

It is important to call your veterinarian before you give your pets any medicines. Some over-the-counter medicines for people are safe for animals to take, but at a different dose. Some medicines for people can be very dangerous for pets, so it’s important to know which medicines and what dose to give to your pets.

The Princeton Veterinary Hospital always accepts new patients, and we are available after hours for emergencies. Call us at 812-385-2733 if you have any questions, or bring your animals in during regular business hours for an exam, no appointment needed!

Aspen is a very sweet and cuddly boy. He is quite a LARGE dog, and has been someone’s pet before. He shows signs of being (likely) house trained, and is already Neutered!

Time to Dispel the Myths About Shelter Dogs!

Your new furever friend is waiting for you at Gibson County Animal Services (GCAS). Dogs—both young and old—end up in shelters for a variety of reasons through no fault of their own. Perhaps they were surrendered by their owners or lost and unclaimed. Some may have been seized from a hoarding situation or a breeder/puppy mill that was shut down. Some may have been strays who never had an owner.

Sadly, Adoption Myths keep people from visiting shelters to find their new friends. It’s time to dispel those myths.

Myth 1: Shelters don’t have any purebred dogs.

R e a l i t y : Many purebreds find themselves in shelters and breed-specific rescue groups. Instead of paying thousands for a purebred, you can adopt one at GCAS for the standard adoption fee of $125; that includes microchipping and spaying/neutering. You may meet a toy poodle, a Bernedoodle, or an Aussie Shepherd when you visit. Don’t discount the mixed breeds though – in many cases, mixed breed dogs do not suffer from the genetic or behavioral problems present in some purebreds. What is more important is the dog’s personality, not its breed.

Myth 2: People give up or abandon their dogs because there is something wrong with them.

Reality: Dogs normally end up in the shelter because of an “owner problem,” not a dog problem. Domestic and personal problems may cause owners to surrender their pets, as well as having to move where pets are not allowed. In some cases, the owners can no longer afford to keep their pets. Sadly, some dogs are surrendered because their owners died.

Myth 3: You don’t know what you are getting

By Clare Junell Owens, photos provided

with a shelter or rescue dog.

R e a l i t y : Some surrendered dogs come with a complete set of medical records and may have their own bed, leash, and toys with them, along with a list of their favorite foods and tv shows. In most cases, shelters such as GCAS can tell you about the dogs’ histories, temperaments, and personalities, including how they respond to different situations. Foster dog parents can let you know if they get along with children or cats or if they prefer jazz to country music.

Some come in as strays, so their histories may stay unknown. However, dogs don’t live in the past and will respond to the love from their new owners. You’ll know more about a dog you rescue from a shelter than one adopted from a puppy mill or pet store. Also, you can foster a dog before making the final decision to adopt

Myth 4: Adopting an older rescue dog means you can’t train it.

Reality: Adopting an older dog means you probably don’t have to train it—it may already be. Just because an older dog is in a shelter doesn’t mean it is untrained. If it was surrendered, it is probably already housetrained. Additionally, old dogs can learn new tricks. Puppies are adorable, but housebreaking and teaching puppies not to chew everything in sight can be exhausting.

Myth 5: Shelter animals are unsocialized.

Reality: Dogs in shelters receive regular social interaction with workers and volunteers—in fact, the dogs and cats at GCAS daily supervise the office work and oversee the humans as they work on the computers and help greet visitors. Many dogs, especially smaller ones, stay in foster homes where they socialize with families and other pets. All these dogs need is your love.

Continued page 43

Smoked Pork Chop Dinner with the Fixins!

James is a 3 year old beagle.

Circus Returns to South Gibson

After a five-year absence, the Culpepper & Merriweather Great Combined Circus returns to South Gibson for two magical performances on Monday evening, April 24th. The Circus location this year remains at the Ft. Branch Community Park with 90minute performances at both 5:00 and 7:30pm. Gates open to the circus campus an hour before each performance, providing Kids rides, concessions and circus souvenirs. Intermission also offers face painting, rides, concessions and additional souvenirs. A coloring contest is judged for prizes in two divisions, seven and younger and ages 8-11.

For over 250 years, the circus has been a familiar form of entertainment in America, capturing the imaginations of the young and old through performers defying gravity and incredible stunts of courage. While circuses have changed dramatically over the years, they still invite the same pleasure and excitement for their audiences as they did in the mid-18th century. Thanks to a handful of small family-owned circuses, there has been a resurgence of the circus since the 1980’s.

One such family-owned circus is Culpepper and Merriweather, specializing in affordable, family friendly entertainment for over 35 years. This circus evolved from its very humble beginnings in 1985, when three

men started a small show. These three circus veterans alternated announcing, performing and selling concessions during each show. Not relying on tickets sales, instead they passed the hat after each performance at camp grounds, festivals or any group of people that would stick around and watch.

Based today in Hugo, Oklahoma, deep in the Red River Valley, Hugo is known as “Circus City, USA”. C&M is the 20th circus to reside in Hugo since 1941. This Circus performs in 17 states each season, journeying on either a western route across the desert to the Pacific Ocean or an eastern route across the Mississippi River and through the Midwest, visiting over 200 cities in about 32 weeks.

Today, the Culpepper & Merriweather Combined Circus is a tented, one-ring circus performing two 90minute shows, featuring 10 amazing acts, nearly seven days a week. No seat is further than 40 feet away from the ring, so you don’t have to worry about missing any of the action! See Big Cats, Aerialists, Horses, Leo the Clown, Daredevils and SO MUCH MORE!

This authentic One-Ring, Big Top Circus has been featured on National Geographic’s Explorer TV series, Entertainment Tonight, The Los Angeles Times, The Chicago Tribune, and Arizona Highways Magazine. It has also been featured on the A&E Special: Under the Big Top and most recently, On the Road with Circus Kids, a Nickelodeon special featured on the Nick News Program.

2023 will be the 4th Circus Day appearance in Ft. Branch for Culpepper & Merriweather. 2014 was their inaugural arrival in South Gibson, followed by appearances in 2016 and 2018. The 2020 season schedule was interrupted by a pandemic. The western route restarted in 2022 and the eastern circuit schedule is restarting this season.

Circus morning, watch as our familiar community park is transformed into a bustling Circus City. Activity swirls around the grounds as animals are unloaded, the Big Top is erected, and rigging is prepared for performances later in the day. Following the tent raising, a walking tour of the circus grounds is offered to the community to introduce the Circus family (man, woman and beast). Learn interesting facts about their performers, the history of their show and the different

This tiger is one of the big cats in the show.

species of animals in the Circus Family.

The Haubstadt Knights of Columbus will be sponsoring this Circus Fundraiser as part of their Faith in Action for the welfare of our local communities and supporting youth education. The three South Gibson Catholic Schools will be the benefactors of the proceeds. April 14th, the circus advance clown Skeeter, will be visiting with local school children. Skeeter is an old school circus veteran; she shares the circus tradition and enthusiasm as she entertains the children with a short program.

SAVE MONEY by purchasing your Advance Discount Tickets prior to Circus Day! All tickets are general admission and available as follows – Ft. Branch: Holy Cross School and Rosemeyer Agency; Haubstadt: St James School, Sts Peter & Paul School, and Knights of Columbus Hall. Advance tickets are $13.00 for adults (buy four or more for $10 each) and $8.00 for seniors (65 and over) and children ages 2 to 12 . . . children under 2 are always free. Circus Day, tickets can only be purchased at the Circus ticket office and are $16.00 for adults and $9.00 for seniors/children. For Credit Card purchases, discount tickets are also available online @ www.cmcircus.com and picked up one hour before performances at the Circus ticket office. For more information see these Facebook Pages at cmcircus OR Knights of Columbus, Haubstadt… OR Text/Call Mr. Bob @ 812-746-5591.

Kitchen Manager WANTED

The Center for Seniors

is looking for a part time Kitchen Manager to prepare meals for lunch for Seniors in a community setting. Will participate in menu planning, food purchasing and be responsible for keeping kitchen clean and sanitized. Apply in person at Senior Center behind Rural King.

Shelter continued -

Myth 6: You can’t find puppies at a shelter. Reality: You want puppies? We have puppies (and kittens!). GCAS houses pets of all ages, and in some cases, pregnant dogs end up at the shelter then go to foster homes where they have their puppies. The best way to find out if you’re ready to adopt a shelter dog is to visit GCAS at 3840 South County Road 175 E., Princeton, Indiana, and meet the dogs (and cats and maybe a bunny or two). Please call 812.386.8079 if you have any questions. Come see us at the May DPI Street Market and our annual Cruzin’ For Critters July 2nd!

Cowboy is a six month old mini Australian Shepherd who is looking for a home.

Officials for the Gibson County Council on Aging received a $3,000 contribution from the Duke Energy Foundation. The contribution will be used for funding of meals for seniors and includes the purchase of food, meat, vegetables, fruit, breads and nutritious ingredients to cook for the seniors.

812-385-2897

Hours: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm

212 S. Richland Creek Drive • Princeton, IN

Pictured L-R are: Kurt Phegley of Duke Energy and GCCOA staff members Board President Bill Tuley, Executive Director Ronda Colbert and Transportation Manager James Leatherman.

Photo provided

Duke Foundation Helped the Center for Seniors

Leo the Clown is a fan favorite.

The Cooking Corner

Story & photos:

Jancey Smith

Spring Blossoms & Cherry Ham

Spring is gradually inching closer. We have longer days, some rain and hopefully a little warmer weather. One of the pretty things about spring is when the flowering trees blossom. (Except for those of with allergies.) Early April happens to be the famous cherry blossom season in Washington D. C. Now while we may not have many cherry trees in the area, we do have an assortment of fruit trees. Stop by Thomas Family Access to see their assortment - pear, peach, apple, and more.

With Easter fast approaching many of us will be cooking a ham. Why not? It’s easy, versatile and can stretch for a crowd if needed, and you can always freeze the leftovers. There are also quite a few ways to dress up a ham. I’ve slathered them in orange marmalade, decorated them with pineapple and glazed them with cola to name but a few ideas. One of the most interesting and popular combinations I came up with was using cherry BBQ sauce on a smoked ham one year. It was a huge hit, leftovers were scarce but “To Go Plates” were very popular. Apparently I was

Smoked Ham with Cherry BBQ

Ingredients-

9 lb. bone-in smoked ham

2 T. dry rub of choice or combinations of 1/2 tsp. each of paprika, garlic powder and cumin with 1/8 tsp. pepper. 1/2 cup cherry BBQ sauce

PreparationPreheat oven to 325.

Trim ham of any excess fat. Place in sprayed and foillined baking pan. Sprinkle all over with dry rub. Bake covered for 3 hours.

Remove from oven, uncover and bake 1 hour more or until meat reaches temperature of 160. With 30 minutes left, spread 1/4 cup BBQ sauce over top of meat and return for last 30 minutes.

Let cool at least an hour. Slice into serving size pieces and return to pan to sit in juices. Pour remaining BBQ over meat. Cover pan in foil. Either refrigerate for next day use or put in warm oven until ready to serve.

Cherry BBQ Sauce

Ingredients-

1 tsp. oil

1/4 cup onion, finely diced

1 clove garlic, finely diced

sprinkle kosher salt

2 tsp. tomato paste

1/2 tsp. lemon juice

1-12 oz. pkg. frozen dark

pitted sweet cherries

1/8 cup cider vinegar

1/8 cup ketchup

2 T. cherry preserves

1/2 tsp. dry mustard

1/2 tsp. paprika

1 tsp. chili powder

Preparation -

Heat oil in medium saucepan. Add onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook 2-3 minutes more. Stir in tomato paste until blended and then add lemon juice and vinegar. Add remaining ingredients and bring to just a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 30 minutes. Let cool at least 15 minutes. Pour into blender and puree. Refrigerate overnight to blend flavors. Makes about 1-1/2 cups. Good served with chicken or ham.

If you like a sweeter twist with your cherries, try this take on one of our classic favorites - Cherry Delight. It’s perfect for the holidays or anytime you crave a fruity sweet.

Cherry Delight Dip

Ingredients-

8 oz. cream cheese, softened

3/4 cup sugar

8 oz. pkg. whipped topping

1 can cherry pie filling

1 pkg. graham cracker sticks

Preparation -

Beat cream cheese and sugar until creamy. Fold whipped topping into creamed mixture. Clean whipped topping container and line with plastic wrap with ends over hanging. Put mixture into container and level gently with the back of a spoon. Cover completely with plastic wrap. Refrigerate over night.

To serve, unwrap plastic and flip onto glass plate. Bowl and wrap should remove easily. Pour can of cherry pie filing over mixture. Place graham cracker sticks on plate around center for dipping.

April

Knights of Columbus Keep Tradition

For three Fridays during Lent, the Princeton Knights of Columbus continued the fish fry tradition. Between the first two fries, they served about 350 meals which was a record

St. James Fish Fries Had Great Attendance

The fish fries at St. James are always popular. This year they served about 1450 the first night and 1440 the second. Over 100 volunteers help.

Photos: Jancey Smith

Photos: Jancey Smith

Bob Eckert has been taking tickets for years. Heather Lanham was his helper.

Amy was in charge of serving cornbread squares.

Jeff and Amy Hill brought their crew to dinner.

The serving line wrapped half way around the gym. The ticket line went past the cafeteria.

J. R. Hary and David Lutz dished up dinners as fast as they could.

Mt. O’s Lions Club’s Filled the Gym

On Saturday, March 18th, diners began filling the Mt. Olympus Community Center for the annual fish fry that has gone on for over 25 years. They served between 400500 folks including carryout. The money raised will be going for a new furnace for the historic gym. The community center can be rented for birthdays, reunions, and other celebrations.

The Beadle Bunch Held Soup Supper

The last Saturday in February was a perfect day for a soup dinner. The Beadle Bunch is back with their annual Right to Life fundraising events. They served over 400 people, sold nearly 70 gallons of bulk soup and raised over $8,000. Their next event will be a breakfast/bake sale the Saturday before Mother’s Day (May 13th).

Photos: Jancey Smith

Photos: Jancey Smith

This year two serving lines were set up to make it go faster.

Harold Williams and his wife were just a few of many diners.

The doors to Mt. Olympus’ Community Center opened at 4:00 and by 4:45 the seats were filled and some were dining in the bleachers.

1. Barney warned Fred Plummer _____ times about sweeping trash into the street. A. 5 B. 1 C. 3 D. 10

2. According to Barney, his salt and pepper suit, was just perfect for __________. A. Walking B. Running C. Sitting D. Dancing

~ Andy Quiz ~

3. Gomer and Barney talked to Andy through an open __________.

A. Door

B. Window

C. Porthole

D. Gate

4. Barney says in a letter that where he’s visiting, is not like in Mayberry. Because in Mayberry they ______ ______ ______ ______.

A. Roll up the sidewalks

B. Stop all people shopping

C. Party all night long

D. Have big time bargains

For answers see page 19