Small Town Living in Gibson County

Now that warm weather’s here hasn’t it just been busy? The outdoor jobs have just been never ending. The kids have wrapped up the school year with a ton of activities and festival, fair, and 4-H season is about to start. Watch for details.

This month we take a look at a few history tidbits and recognize some community members. The feature story is on the efforts of The Beadle Bunch promote a bigger cause – Relay for Life. Fighting cancer is a worthy battle.

Business Today features a long time local business in Oakland City. There’s more there than meets the eye at Jackson Automotive. With summer cooking and grilling here, the Cooking Corner offers a new idea for a burger. Be sure to check out what summer ideas our sponsors have. It always pays to shop local. Grab a cold beverage, take a break, and catch up with your neighbors to see what’s been happening in the county.

Jancey Smith

Jancey Smith and friends

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

Birds - pg. 21

the Vets Says - pg. 22

Voice - pg. 37

copyright 2024

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.

A Tribute to the Beadle Bunch

Story by Chase Beadle

In the spring of 2004, a family founded an organization that has grown into a beloved charity of our community. This organization is none other than the Beadle Bunch. The Beadle Bunch has been a large supporter in our community aimed at raising money for the Relay for Life.

In the beginning, they consisted of a few members, mostly doing small events. Their first year they raised roughly $5,000 and served about 200 people. Time has seen them grow tremendously over the years. Nowadays they consist of more than 30 members and have the ability to feed more than a thousand people at their events. This past year alone they fed 1,652 people in our community and raised a staggering $27,652 for the research for cancer between their three feeding events.

Speaking with Juanita Beadle, who has been instrumental to the Beadle Bunch since the beginning

and has been referred to by some as the heart of the group, she states that “looking back and comparing it to now, it is truly unbelievable that we started out so small and to see what we’ve grown into.” It is extremely impressive the way that this team has grown and become what many of us in the area would consider a staple of the community. Since its inception, the Beadle Bunch has had a variety of events and fundraisers, such as bake sales, flower sales, and others. Out of everything they have done though, there is one thing that they are most known for. That being their community breakfasts, lunches, or dinners that they host throughout the year, more specifically their Mother’s Day Breakfast and Bake Sale, the Soup and Sandwich Dinner, and their Turkey Noodle Dinner.

Well, on this past May 11th, the Beadle Bunch

On the front cover: Samples of the turkey noodle dinner and the many homemade desserts served by the Beadle Bunch. On the right: Curt Beadle stirring soup for their soup and sandwich dinner. Above: Luminaries are lit in honor of loved ones at the annual Relay for Life event, which is why they work to raise money – a cure for cancer. (Photos: Jancey Smith)

ROGERS HOME EXTERIORS

carried out their final community feeding event. It’s sad to say, but the saying “all good things must come to an end” has a ring of truth to it. Many of us in the community, I’m sure, have either heard about or partaken in these events, and for those who have, we know exactly what this community will be missing in the years to come. Memories flood back about the food, family, and simply great times being had while attending these events, and it has all been thanks to the Beadle Bunch. Their all-you-can-eat breakfasts and their mouthwatering dinners are definitely going to be events that will be missed along with the desserts that they bring out for each event.

Although we have attended these events, some of us may not realize the planning and effort that takes place behind the scenes. Countless hours of planning, baking, cooking, and more are hidden away. Let me put it to you this way. I had asked regarding the most they have ever had to cook or prep for any of their events, and their answer is quite shocking. Together as a team for one of their Turkey Noodle Dinners, they made over 2,000 pieces of dessert, 800 lbs. of turkey, 100 loaves of bread for dressing, 1,000 rolls, and 60 lbs. of noodles. Juanita alone made 35 pies for the dinner and more as well. I don’t know about you but for me the struggle is real with a maximum of 30 people at my Thanksgiving dinner, yet they dish out enough to feed hundreds at one event! Getting back to the Mother’s Day Breakfast and Bake Sale, this last event’s set up began the day before, and the Beadle Bunch volunteers started showing up as early as 4 a.m. the morning of to get things started. Like I said, countless hours of planning, cooking, baking, and more go into these events, and in the end the proceeds don’t go to someone’s pocket. They go towards the American Cancer Society. Time, money, and energy are all sacrificed in order to help those afflicted by cancer and for cancer research. No doubt that a “thank you” is in order.

For 20 years now we as a community have felt their presence and have enjoyed their, dare I say, “feeding frenzies” taking place primarily at the Princeton Community Middle School. This past month, at the Beadle Bunch’s final event, a surplus of people came out. This last occurrence fed roughly 200 people and raised an astonishing $3,329. This brings the total amount of money raised through their 20 years to a whopping $333,741. Wow! What an impressive feat for a small group to accomplish! No doubt they have done an incredible job raising money for a great cause. They should be proud of their accomplishment, and we as a community should be proud to have had them among us.

It was a wonderful Mother’s Day weekend event. The bake sale held about 130 desserts available for purchase, and many people showed up to take full advantage of the last event. I saw one couple walking out with, no joke, seven pies! Needless to say, I’m sure they had a pretty sweet Mother’s Day (pun very much intended). It was a great time with great people and amazing food, yet the question on everyone’s mind was “why is this coming to an end”? Asking Juanita Beadle the same question she replied, “We are grateful for everyone who has come out to support our dinners. Unfortunately, there is always a beginning and an end to events like these. We have all poured our hearts and souls into these events over the years, and it’s time to try something new.” She later goes on to thank the community for the tremendous amount of support shown and also for everyone attending.

When the topic of the future came up, she responded that the Beadle Bunch will continue to operate, yet it will be on a much smaller scale. She continued to say, “We’ve decided that going back to

what got us started, is a great way to keep the memory of all of our loved ones alive.” What a great sentiment. These events will be missed for sure. If you are feeling down about all of this so far, there is a sliver of good news for you and your appetite. For those that are worried about the possibility of not receiving some of Juanita’s famous pies anymore, you are in luck. She did say that she will still be taking orders for pies and sandwich spreads throughout the year. Be on the lookout for what is coming next. Like Juanita said, the Beadle Bunch will still be active in the community, just on a smaller scale going forward. There have been a lot

of wonderful memories. From all of us in the community, and on behalf of Small Town Living Magazine, we would like to give a heartfelt thank you to the Beadle Bunch and all that they have done.

Miss Teen Candidate Advances

Glorianna Spindler, of Princeton, was crowned Miss Northwest Territory’s Teen 2024 at the Red Skelton Performing Arts Center in Vincennes.

The Miss Northwest Territory Competition is an official preliminary to Miss Indiana’s Teen and Miss America’s Teen. She is set to compete at Miss Indiana’s Teen in Zionsville June 26-29. If she wins, she’ll advance to Miss America’s Teen.

She is the 16-year-old daughter of Jason and Rosanne Spindler and is a homeschooled sophomore. She enjoys traveling the world, riding dirt bikes, attending church and youth group, and is an 8-yearmember of 4-H. Glorianna has a twin brother and a twoyear-old sister.

The Miss Indiana and Miss Indiana’s Teen competition consists of three nights of preliminary competition followed by finals night. She will compete in

Langham Piano Service

Jonathan Langham

352 S. 180 E., Princeton, IN 304-670-7904

jonathan.langham123 @gmail.com langhampianoservice.com

judges’ private interview, fitness, evening gown, onstage question, and talent.

Glorianna says that having a mom who has competed before helps her prepare and keeps her motivated. “My mom was runner-up at Miss Indiana and was Mrs. Indiana. She also placed in the top five at Ms. America. She helps me every day with interview questions, drives me to Indianapolis for voice lessons, and helps coordinate all of my competition wardrobe. I remember watching old videos of her competing and just wanting to one day be like her. Now she’s the one helping me and I just feel so blessed to have this whole experience. I really hope to make my family proud.”

Pageantry has been something Glorianna has enjoyed for years. She was Gibson County Princess 2014, Little Miss Sweet Corn 2015, Gibson County Princess 2019, Little Miss Candy Cane Queen 2016, Jr. Miss Candy Cane 2019, and Teen Miss Candy Cane Queen 2022. Last year, she competed at Miss Indiana’s Teen as Miss Hoosier Hills’ Teen. Although she didn’t place, she said it motivated her to keep improving and working even harder toward her goal.

Her Community Service Initiate is “Project Smart-E Pants: Read to Succeed”. According to the latest literacy survey, almost one in five children between the ages of five and eight do not have a book of their own at home. Glorianna feels that the Miss America Opportunity allows her the chance to bring exposure to this sad reality. She collects and donates books to kids in need and encourages them to read by showing them how important it is and how fun it can be.

Glorianna is a vocalist and ventriloquist. She’ll be combining both talents into a special performance as her talent for the Miss Indiana judges. She spends an hour each day practicing with her puppet and working with her coach on improving her skills.

If you’d like more information on the pageant, visit http://missindiana.org/ . If you’d like to donate books or become a sponsor for her project, please email rosanne@spindlerlaw.com.

Patrons lining up for the all you can eat breakfast before Mother’s Day. (Photo: Chase Beadle)

Story & Photo provided

Above: (from left) Mayor Greg Wright, Police Chief Bobby Woods, Moose President Eric Hatfield, and Gibson County Sheriff Bruce Vanoven accept Tommy the Moose toys for kids.

Right: The toys were also given to Gibson Deaconess Hospital. From left: Derek McGraw, CAO Lois Morgan, CNO Shane Hayes & Travis Lashbrook.

Local Moose Gives Back to the Community

It’s been a busy month for Moose #354. They gave out stuffed Tommy the Moose toys to help kids in traumatic times to local agencies. They also collected band instruments for local kids, gathered DVDs for nursing homes, and books for jail inmates.

Special Financing May be Available

Story & Photos: Jancey Smith

The Years of Jackson Automotive

Jackson Automotive started in 1975 by Bill Beauchamp. His dad had a parts store, so he grew up in the business. After working in the mine, he made connections and began stocking and selling parts wholesale out of his garage. The demand continued, and then he expanded to a pole barn in 1986 and added retail part sales to the business.

In 1997, Bill bought the building on Morton Street in Oakland City. Don’t let the small doorway out front fool you. The stock room and inventory space go throughout the back of the building. It began selling automotive parts to service stations and car dealers. At that time, there were many local mechanics who could repair automobiles. Today, with computer chips, sensors and so many parts being

electrical instead of mechanical, the ability of the do-ityourself or “shade tree” mechanic is limited.

Jackson Automotive still has all of the parts needed for cars, but has sustained by expanding into industrial and commercial products. Their service area reaches over a hundred mile radius. They supply a variety of specialized switches and relays for the mines. One customer came all the way from Indy to get a Murphy Switch, which is an explosion proof switch. They also stock many oils and chemicals – everything from WD40

Continued page 8

to diesel additives and hydraulic oil. There are also specialized batteries which range from golf carts to cars and more. The number of belts they stock is staggering –from lawn mowers to cars, trucks and beyond. They even keep CB radios on hand for the mines, as well as Baldwin filters. The shop stocks over 10,000 filters.

In 2020, after two local hardware stores closed in Oakland City, locals complained so much, that Bill bought the inventory and expanded once again. Folks didn’t want to drive 15 miles just to get simple hardware parts. The retail shop, which accounts for about 30% of the revenue, once again expanded to fit the new inventory of parts.

On May 1st, 15-year-employee, Debra Weisling, celebrated her first year as the new owner of Jackson Automotive. She and her husband raced demo derby and mud trucks and were always needing parts. That’s how she met Bill and became an employee. Bill is officially retired, but still visits the shop almost daily. Some habits are just hard to break.

HONESTY, EXPERIENCE, GUIDANCE

Leo Cunningham, Bill Beauchamp, Gary Bise, Brett Beauchamp John Butcher, Mark Nelson, and Pat Votaskavic.

The Cooking Corner

Story & photos

Jancey Smith

Recipe adapted by Michael Curry

Who gets tired of thinking about what to do for dinner? After a few years of doing dinner for the family, the thought gets tiring, and sorry to say, it’s just not affordable to eat out all the time. It’s easy to get into a rut of fixing the same rotation of meals. Of course, weather often dictates whether it’s soup or salad season, or if the oven or grill should be used, but still, the same stuff just gets boring.

Back of the Box

Burgers

One of the places I often get ideas is on the “back of the box,” whether it be a baking mix box, soup can label, or pasta box. There are all kinds of ideas out there if you keep your eyes open. One of the best places for ideas is on the back of the Bisquick™ box. There are dishes for all categories there, pancakes (breakfast), biscuits, shortcakes (dessert) and even main dishes. One of my favorites was the Cheeseburger Pie. It was really simple and yet good. The crew loved it, which is a plus.

My Black Forrest Pie was once a “back of the box” recipe. I just can’t remember where I found it. It could have been a Cool Whip™ label or it could have been on a Jell-O™ box, because both have ideas, but it’s been so long ago I don’t know. I just make it.

Another of my favorite back of the box recipes comes from Stove Top Stuffing™. That’s where I discovered Smothered Pork Chops. This dish has basically just three ingredients - boneless pork chops, creamed soup and that holiday classic, Stove Top Stuffing™. You just layer, cover in foil and bake. Easy is so good and this is moist and filling.

Speaking of holiday classics - one of the most brilliant marketing schemes of all times was when

Campbell’s made its mushroom soup a key ingredient to the green bean casserole that’s a Thanksgiving day staple. The recipe is right on the can and there’s just not that big of a call for mushroom soup in your daily life. No one who gets sick calls out, “Mom, (or honey, depending on who the patient is) can you make me some mushroom soup?” No, that particular request is usually chicken noodle, which by the way is another Campbell’s classic. One of my sons found a recipe on the back of a container of French’s French fried onions. You know the one’s used in that green bean casserole on Thanksgiving? Yep, they’ve got one for some really tasty burgers where the fried onions are mixed in with the meat. Who would’ve thought? But it just goes to show that it pays to keep your eyes open for new ideas, especially for easy ones with few ingredients.

Continued next page

Onion Burger & Mexican Corn

Fried Onion Burgers

Ingredients -

1-1/2 lb. ground chuck

1 cup French fried onions (Cheddar flavored if available)

1/2 cup fried onions reserved for topping (optional)

3 T. Worcestershire sauce

3/4 tsp. garlic powder

1/8 tsp. pepper

6 slices cheese of choice

Directions -

Combine beef, 1 cup of French fried onions, Worcestershire sauce, pepper, and garlic powder in medium bowl. Mix until just combined. Shape into 6 patties. (They’ll be big.)

Heat large skillet over medium heat. Place burgers on hot skillet and cook, covered, until juices run clear, turning once after about 4-5 minutes. Total cooking time no more than 10-12 minutes.

Remove from heat and top with sliced cheese. Cover and let melt while preparing buns.

Top burgers with remaining fried onions and serve on bun of choice. Makes 6.

* Recipe easily adaptable to the grill using medium high heat.

Note - Burgers will look charred to almost the point of seeming burnt (probably because of the Worcestershire sauce) but they’re not.

Free Food Program Coming to Gibson

County

Purdue Extension and Legacy Taste of the Garden will once again deliver farm fresh produce for free to Gibson County residents. This year we are excited to partner with the Gibson County Health Department to deliver a Food Is Medicine approach to our program. At each site, participants are provided education for chronic disease prevention (like diabetes and heart disease) through nutrition instruction. The Gibson County Health Department will provide A1C and cholesterol testing for free. The Gibson County Health Department will provide grocery vouchers (ONE per family) to those who participate in the program.

Food is medicine is a concept that uses food and nutrition as a therapeutic method to prevent and treat chronic diseases. A short class is provided by Purdue Extension, Angie Ray, Health and Human Sciences Educator for Gibson County. Produce is provided by Legacy Taste of the Garden, by Denise, John, and DeAnthony Jamerson of the Greer family farms.

Upcoming Locations (while supplies last)

Lafayette Park Pavilion: starting at 1:00 pm - June 24

Gibson County Center for Seniors (Seniors only):

Starting at 10:30 (after Bingo) - July 8 & August 12th

Oakland City Columbia Township Public Library: 1:00-3:00 - July 1st & August 5th

A Look Into Our Past

Gibson County has a long history of growth and expansion that many here in our community may not be aware of. Our county was actually settled in the early 1800’s and our schools started developing soon after. The first schoolhouse in our area was erected in the northern part of White River Township in 1807. The school was a one-story log house with clapboard roof and puncheon floor. A year later another school popped up half a mile northwest from present day Owensville which was reportedly taught by Joseph Duncan.

During the period of 1807 to 1813 a good number of families started settling in the area. With more and more families coming into the area more schools were needed. Princeton’s first school, taught by Adley McDonald in 1812, was organized in a log cabin which stood on the south bank of a little creek near what we now call Main Street. Many years later, William Putnam taught at a school in the Barton Township. These men were some of the educational pioneers in Gibson County. As settlers came in and the population increased, each community built their own school roughly two to five miles away from each other. Altogether there were approximately 135 schools in our county. One of these schools absorbed many of the others. It was known then as the Ennes School and was the forerunner of the Mount Olympus school.

The Ennes School was built in the early to mid1800’s and got its name Mt. Olympus Hill in 1845 by Samuel Kelly. Throughout its lifespan this school absorbed many others in the area. These included Valley Academy, Giro School, Wheeling School, Union Bethel, West School, and Hunt School just to name a few. The first high school graduation class was in 1902. The smallest graduation class was in 1905 with only 2 students and the largest was in 1941 with 37 students. In 1909, Pike County even began transferring their high school students to Mt. Olympus. In 1921, when Lewis Sisson was a trustee, a gymnasium and assembly were added to the back of the school along with four more rooms to the front of the school. Before then, in 1916 Mt. Olympus organized their first basketball team. Coach Morley was coach at the time and led the team their Story: Chase

whole season without a single loss! Later, Mt. Olympus had more athletic successes when they were Gibson County Basketball Champions consecutive years in a row from 1928 to 1930, one of those years going undefeated once more. However, in 1965 the Mt. Olympus school merged with Princeton to form the Princeton Community High School.

Modern day Mt. Olympus school is no longer in use. However, the gymnasium has now become a community center for the area. The same happened at other schools in the area. One in particular was Owensville. The Owensville gym was saved and turned into a community center, and it also stands as a museum from the high school that once flourished with students. When the school closed and was vacated, Kenny Sharp, who was a teacher and coach at the school, became set on saving the gym. He called upon other Alumni, and the results did not disappoint. Housed in the community center is the Kenny Sharp Kickapoo Museum which has a numerous amount of artifacts including banners, jackets, shirts, band uniforms, pictures, drums, coronets, flags, one of the pair of first glass backboards in Indiana, programs, and more.

Gibson County, whether it is Mt. Olympus, Owensville, Haubstadt, or even Fort Branch, who recently in 2022 broke ground on their project of transforming their old gym into a new community and teen center.

NOTE: The above art is a picture of a brick on which Faye Evans painted the Mt. Olympus School and gym.

Beadle

Recognizing Our Youth

Prince Lodge #231

Awarded Scholarship

Photo: provided

DAR Awarded Students

Photo: provided

The General John Gibson Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) recognized the 7th and 8th grade winners of the American History essay contest, the senior high school students chosen as Good Citizens and the winner of the DAR Good Citizen Essay Scholarship from Gibson County.

The essay written by the DAR Good Citizen from Gibson Southern High School, Senior Kelton Luhring, was chosen to represent the Gibson County in the National DAR Good Citizenship Essay competition.

Sherry Michel, DAR Vice-Regent, presented the American History Essay certificates, pins, and stipend checks for the American History essay contest to Addyson Lamey and Mia Sefton, both students at Haubstadt Community School.

Pictured from left to right are Mr. John Kelly, Social Studies teacher, Addyson Lamey, Sherry Michel, Mia Sefton, and Principal Dr. Nicole Alcorn.

Right: Victoria Martin (left) presented the Good Citizen Certificate to Wood Memorial High School senior Kamryn Blacklock (center), accompanied by Principal Amanda D. Crews.

and stipend, accompanied by Principal Jon Adams.

The graduating preschool class of 2024 at Hillside. (Photo provided)

Katherine Hurst of Princeton was the recipient of the scholarship from Prince Lodge #231 presented by Troy Wilson.

Left: DAR Vice-Regent Sherry Michel presented Kelton with his certificate, pin,

Recognizing Our Youth

Gibson Deaconess Auxiliary Presented Scholarships

Photos: Jancey Smith

Each year the Deaconess Auxiliary awards three scholarships to students from each school district pursuing a medical career. On Wednesday, May 15th, the auxiliary held a luncheon to award the scholarships and recognize its members’ specials achievements. Lois Morgan welcomed the group and spoke of the continued

A Little One That Won Big

Photo: provided

Team Tiger had Princeton’s first ever Triple Crown winner, which means winnig the state championship in all three wrestling styles this year (Folkstyle, Freestyle, and Greco). That wrestler is a little girl, 7-year-old Rose McCorkle of Patoka. She set a few records at the tournament as well, with the most pins in the least amount of time, and Rose scored more team points than any other girl in the entire state tournament. Wrestling was just recently sanctioned in Indiana for girls, and is the #1 growing sport among females in the U.S.

growth of services at Gibson Deaconess. Lt. Derek McGraw gave a brief presentation about his new role in protecting the hospital and what changes will be coming to make the area more secure.

The scholarships were presented to • Clayton Moyer of Princeton Community High School, who has been accepted into nursing school at the University of Evansville, Breanna Jones from Wood Memorial High School who will go on to study oncology, and Ally Malone of Gibson Southern High School.

Rolling Smoker is ComingPork • Chicken • Sides & More!

Scholarship recipients from left: Breanna Jones, Ally Malone & Clayton Moyer.

Kane Madison & Brianna Davenport.

Vacation Bible School

First Baptist Church, 800 W Faith Blvd., Princeton June 15th & each 3rd

Saturday thru September

Ages 4-14 register at fbcprinceton.net

Downtown Princeton

Farmers Market

Bicentennial

Park Lawn

Saturday, June 22nd

9am - noon

Tiger Bingo

Wed. June 5th, First Wed. monthly American Legion, Princeton Doors open 5 pm, Games 6-9, Lic #016963

What’s Happening!!

93rd

Mt. O Alumni Banquet

Mt. O Community Center, Saturday, June 15th, Doors open 4:00

Dinner 5:30, $18

Mail reservation to Mt. O Alumni PO Box 236 Princeton, IN 47670

Bunco Night

Princeton Moose Lodge Thursday, June 20th

Homecoming

Owensville Nazare

Church, Owensville

Sunday, Aug. 4th

9 am worship Lunch to follow

Oakland City/Wood Memorial Alumni Banquet

Wood Memorial Cafeteria

Sat. June 8th - $20

Social hour 3 pm, Meal 4 pm

Mail check to Carl Shomate, 133 S. 1150 E. Oakland City, IN 47660 ~ Haubstadt Sommerfest ~

June 20-22nd Food starts at 4pm, music, games & local fare like Knights of St. John chicken dinners

Parade - Saturday, June 22nd, 1 pm

Steak Night

Fort Branch

VFW Post #2714

Saturday, June 8th

To reserve call post 812-753-4161 or text

Kim 812-632-8600

Broadway Players “Sex Please, We’re 60!”

Broadway Theatre, Princeton June 7-8 & 12-15, 7pm June 16th, 2 pm

pageSee 30 detailsfor

Trivia Night

Fort Branch

VFW Post #2714

Friday, June 14th, 7 pm

In Concert

Owensville Library Park

Featuring Gordon Mote & Austin Glover Friday, June 7th, 6:30 pm

Food truck available, free will offering, bring lawn chair

- Senior Center Activities -

Monday: 8:45 Breakfast 9:30 am - Bingo 12:00 pm - Card Players

Friday: 9 am - Tone & Stretch 9:45 am - Line Dancing 11:30 - Lunch

F u n a t t h e G i b s o n C o u n t y F a i r g ro u n d s

F u n a t t h e G i b s o n Fun at the Gibson C o u n t y F a i r g ro u n d s County Fairgrounds

Saturday-Sunday, June 22nd-23rd

Central Indiana Gun Show - $6 admission

Sunday, June 23rd

Best One Car Show - 1-4 pm Saturday, June 29th

Miss Gibson County Contest, 7 pm. PCHS

Tuesday: 9 am - Exercise Class 11:30 - Lunch Noon - Crocheting (6/18, 6/25) Wednesday: 11 am - Quilters Thursdays: 10 am - Bible Study 1 pm - Art Class/Painting 1 pm - Sewing 6/20

Men’s Breakfast - Thursday June 6th, 8:30 Day trip to Vincennes

Ponderosa & Hobby Lobby - June 26th, 10:00 June Carnival, June 11th, noon, Games & cake walk

Patriotic Flower Design, June 12th, 10:30 Call for info 812-385-2897

NOTE: Closed Wednesday, June 19th

Summer Lunch Specials!

What’s Happening!!

~ Help with Food in the Community ~

Souled Out

Saturday

Oasis Church, Princeton 1st Saturday monthly

Sign in - 7-10:30 am

Breakfast - 7:30-8:30 am

Food Pantry - 8:30-11am

Shopping - 8-10am

Haubstadt Food Pantry

New Life House of Prayer

208 S. West St, Haubstadt 1st and 3rd Wednesdays 4:30 - 5:30 pm

Hillside Delivers

Dinners

828 Archer Rd., Princeton Monday, June 10th Call 812-385-2910 by 2:30 pm on May 10th, to reserve a meal

Lord’s Pantry

Vine St., Fort Branch

Every Wednesday 9 am - 11 am

Mackey Salem

Church Community Meal

Third Tuesday monthly 11 am - 12:30 pm proceeds go to E. G. Food Pantry

East Gibson Food Pantry

Oak Grove Church, 805 W. Morton St. Every Wednesday 9 am - noon

Food Pantry for Seniors

The Senior Center, Princeton, Wed. June 12th & 26th Thur. June 13th & 27th 1 - 3 pm

Owensville Food Pantry

303 Church St. Tuesday & Thursday 8-12 & 1-4 pm

Salvation Army Food Pantry

Gibson St., Princeton Monday, June 3rd 10th, 17th, & 24th, Wednesday, June 5th, 12th, 19th & 26th 9-11:30 am & 1-3 pm

Lord’s Table

Food Give Away

Greater Holy Temple, 202 E. Pinkney, Princeton Saturday, June 8th, 11am - 2 pm

Please bring a box/bags

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

Mt. Olympus Lions Club

Meetings 2nd & 4th Mondays

Monthly at Mt. O Community Center, 7 pm

Collecting old cell phones, hearing aids and glasses

Amer. Legion Post #25

Breakfast

Broadway, Princeton 2nd & 4th Saturdays 8 - 10 am

Princeton Moose Lodge Saturday, June 15th, 6 pm

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

Patoka Methodist

Men’s Breakfast

Saturday, June 15th, 7 am

203 Spring St., Patoka Third Saturdays monthly

Susan Bobe’s Give Back Night

To benefit FOP Cops & Kids, Princeton Saturday, June 15th 10 am - 10 pm

15% of all sales go to help

GCAS Car Show

To help Gibson County Animal Shelter Texas Hold Em

Karaoke Night

Princeton Moose Lodge Saturday, June 22nd, 8 pm

Thunder on the Square

Downtown Princeton Saturday, June 8th, 5 pm

Monthly

Car & Bike Show

Mom’s Diner, Oakland City Friday, June 7th, 6 - 8 pm

Lafayette Park, Princeton Saturday, June 8th

8:30 am - 12:30 pm

Best One Cruise In Car Show Gibson County Fairgrounds Sun. June 23rd, 1 - 4 pm

Cruise-In at the Square

Princeton Square Thursday, July 4th 4:00 - 7 pm

The Community Welcomes Dominos

After months of watching construction progress, the new Dominos Pizza located across from CVS on Broadway in Princeton opened its doors on Monday, May 13th. They offer a variety of pizzas, sandwiches and assorted pasta dishes. Delivery, carryout and dinein options are available. There’s also a station for kids to watch the food being made.

Members of the community as well as the Chamber of Commerce participated in a ribbon cutting to welcome the new store. Jacklyn Davis is the General Manager and Coy Davis is the District Supervisor.

PARTENHEIMER, KINKLE & PARTENHEIMER MICK

Rural Roots Held Grand Opening Event

Photos: Elyssa Mason

On Sunday April 28th, the new family produce stand opened in rural Francisco. They invited vendors, food trucks, friends and family for the event. The turnout was fantastic. They are located at 5085 S 800 E, Francisco. Follow their Facebook page for offerings. Fresh flowers and veggies are coming along.

Above: Rural Roots Family Produce stand offers a unique shopping experience Right: Heidi Gregory was one of the younger vendors at the event, selling handmade bracelets.

Glow Aesthetics Opens on the Square in Princeton

MacKay

What was once Alexandria’s Boutique on the north side of the square in Princeton, just down from Lin’s Garden, is now a new skin care and beauty boutique –Glow Aesthetics. They have other stories in nearby counties. Their grand opening was Saturday, May 4th.

Members of the Chamber of Commerce and the community welcomed Glow with a ribbon cutting at their open house.

The Center for Seniors Gets New Ride

Thanks to grants and donations, the Senior Center has a new van to take folks on day-trips and outings. They’re very thrilled.

Photo provided

Singletons Open Country Kennel Playcare in Fort Branch

To celebrate the opening of the new pup-friendly business, friends, family, and Chamber members held a ribbon cutting and open house.

Located at 753 E. 600 S. Fort Branch, Singleton’s Country Kennel Playcare offers a variety of services for pet owners. They have doggie daycare, boarding and a puppy preschool.

Touchstone Therapy Welcomes New Location

Touchstone Therapy, previously located on South Main Street in Princeton, celebrated its new location on Richland Creek Drive, just past Menards. They had an open house on Wednesday, May 1st, and members of the Chamber held a ribbon cutting to welcome them.

Above: Members of the Gibson County Chamber of Commerce welcomed Touchstone Therapy’s new location with a ribbon cutting.

Right: Sky Epperson of Mustang Adoption Academy in Haubstadt brought one of his horses that can be useful in therapy.

Photo: Jancey Smith

Duke Helped Habitat Restore

Photo: provided

A Duke Energy in Action event was held in Princeton

ASC Awarded Grant

(Princeton, Indiana) Addiction Solutions Corporation recently received a $3,000 grant from the Gibson County Community Foundation through the Celebrating 30 Years of Supporting our Communities Grant Program.

In celebration of Gibson County Community Foundation’s 30th Anniversary, the Celebrating 30 Years of Supporting our Communities Grant Program allows advisory board members to recommend $3000 grants to local nonprofit organizations. The Community Foundation’s most recent grant recommendation was made by advisory board member Kent Walden.

Addiction Solutions Corporation (ASC) is a nonprofit organization rooted in faith, established in 2018. Their initiative began with the creation of two recovery homes—one catering to men and the other to women in Vincennes, Indiana. In the same year, they opened a mixed-gender residence in Olney, Illinois. Then, in 2020, they extended their services to Gibson County by opening a men’s home, and then a women’s residence in 2023. Presently, the organization serves 65 residents across the three counties, with their primary focus on individuals struggling with substance abuse disorder. ASC provides a secure and structured environment for both men and women who are determined to transform their lives and overcome addiction. The program emphasizes not only immediate rehabilitation but also long-term restoration, by equipping their participants with the necessary tools to reintegrate into society as productive and contributing members.

Celebrating 100 Years

Therne Noble Scott was born on June 8, 1924, to Kern Noble Scott and Edna Opal (Ivey) Scott. He was the second-born of a pair of identical twins; his older brother being Thurman Kern Scott. Eventually, three more boys were born into the family: Delbert, Charles, and Leroy. A daughter, Rozella, was also born, but she unfortunately did not live past three days old. Growing up on a farm, Therne became a helper with the livestock and crop. He attended a oneroom schoolhouse with his twin brother, often playing shenanigans on the teacher by swapping seats with his twin and seeing if anyone noticed. They would also help each other out by each studying for half of a test, and then swapping seats halfway through to finish each other’s test.

At age 22, Therne was a youth leader at his church in Mt. Carmel, during which he met 18-year-old Hazel Lee Gambill, and the two started dating. On October 24, 1947, they got married. They had four children: Phyllis, Daniel, Rex, and Donna.

Over the years, Therne has worked many jobs — most prominently, at his family’s farm. Other places he has worked were Potter & Brumfield, Bucyrus Erie, and Colvin’s Funeral Home.

As time has passed, Therne has become a grandfather and a great-grandfather. In December of 2013, his wife Hazel passed away. A month later, his son Rex also passed away after a long struggle with multiple sclerosis. His only living sibling is Leroy “Roy” Scott.

His family willhave a celebration for him on June 8th,from 2-4 pm at New Life Church of the Nazarene at 712 N.Embree St,Princeton.

Chris Roeder, Adam White, Nick Brown

Therne Scott

Kristina Hannel and Kent Walden

Backyard BirdsThe Red-Headed Woodpecker

In 2018, the Red-headed Woodpecker was downgraded to least concern on the Endangered Species list. From 1966 to 2015 their population had been in decline at the rate of over 1% per year. By 2004, this was a loss of over 65%. Loss of habitat could be the biggest cause combined with the invasive European Starling competing for nesting cavities. Humans have caused most of the habitat loss over the years. Just think about how often we see dead trees left standing in our local landscapes. Most are cut down, cleaned up, and cleared away and obviously for good reason. If dead trees can be left that do not pose a safety risk, nature will clean them up for free over time while providing all kinds of food and resources for many types of critters. The Red-headed Woodpecker was dealt a big benefit in 1928, when the Dutch elm disease broke out in the US. Obviously, the disease devastated many trees, but the benefit to the woodpecker created many foraging opportunities for food as well as potential nesting site locations.

Art by Ms. Addison Potts, 6th grade nesting spot which may be difficult since in my area dead trees and branches are quite numerous.

There are over 200 woodpeckers in the world with 23 of those species in North America. Four of those 23 will store its food when times are plentiful. The Red-headed Woodpecker will hide seeds and insects in the bark of trees, cracks of wood from trees to fence posts. It will also store live grasshoppers wedged in tree bark so tightly they cannot get free.

The woodpecker will drill out a hole in a rotten tree by hammering the wood with its beak and eventually drill out a two inch hole along with a larger cavity hollowed out behind that for a nesting cavity. It takes an average time of 14 days for a nesting cavity to be carved out. A European Starling cannot build its own hollow nest cavity, leaving it to use old woodpecker holes. This leaves the woodpecker vulnerable to fighting for its new home.

Upon establishing a territory, the Red-headed Woodpecker will defend it aggressively. Nesting locations will be chosen by the female.

I have lived at my current location for 23 years and for the first time I finally saw a Red-headed Woodpecker in my backyard. The male and female have identical markings so I was not able to determine which sex it was, but it danced around on the side of the new utility pole in my yard. It bounced up and down the side pole looking for bugs in the brand new creosote pole. I was amazed to see the first one in 23 years and chuckled lightly to myself. I found it humorous that it was looking for insects on this petroleum soaked pole.

In early May, the female will incubate 4-7 white eggs. She will do this during the day while the male will take over the duties for the night. Both will care for the young once hatched which takes between 27-31 days. Once the young leave the nest, a second brood may be started while still feeding the first brood. The same cavity could be used or a new one may be built. As far as the one I saw in my backyard, I would like to find their

Interesting facts:

There are many nicknames for the Redheaded Woodpecker such as “shirt-tail bird”, “Half-a-shirt” and “flying checker-board” to name a few.

Fossils from the Pleistocene-age have been found that were up to 2 million years old of the Red-headed Woodpecker. They were reportedly found in Florida, Virginia, and Illinois.

The oldest Red-headed Woodpecker on record was banded in 1926 in Michigan and lived to be at least 9 years, 11 months old.

The next time you see a dead tree it may just be a home to or a food source for Red-headed Woodpeckers.

As the Vet Says -

Take Your Dog to Work Day

Take Your Dog to Work Day is coming right up on June 21st! We sure do love our dogs, and are lucky at the Princeton Veterinary Hospital that every day can be Take Your Dog to Work Day. But for those of you who work someplace that doesn’t always welcome animals, here are a few tips to enjoy Take Your Dog to Work Day with your four-legged best friend.

• Make sure your dogs are up to date on their vaccines. Chances are, they will be meeting other dogs that they aren’t usually around, and you want to make sure they are protected from illness as best you can.

• Check with your manager or boss. Make sure that your company is on board with Take Your Dog to Work Day, and will allow you to bring your pup with you.

• Talk to your co-workers. Check with the people who work with you, and the people who sit near you to

find out their feelings on dogs. You won’t want to bring your dog to work if your closest co-workers are allergic or are afraid of dogs!

• Be prepared – bring food and water dishes, baggies to clean up on walks, and some cleaner and paper towels just in case there are any accidents.

• Bring your pet’s favorite toy. Tossing tennis balls and frisbees might not be the best office playthings, but Kongs stuffed with peanut butter or favorite (non-squeaky) chew toys will keep your dog entertained while you’re getting some work done.

• Stick as close to your dog’s regular schedule as possible. Don’t forget about mealtimes, nap times, and bathroom breaks.

• Give your dog a good brushing, or have her groomed before the big day. Dog hair sticks to everything, and co-workers who don’t have furry family members might not appreciate having dog hair on their clothes or in their spaces. A good grooming will get your dog looking – and smelling –their best!

Most of all, have fun! Take Your Dog to Work Day is supposed to be a fun day for both of you. Relax and have a good time. If you do bring your dog to work, be sure to share a photo with us on our Facebook page! If you need to get your pups’ vaccines updated, come on in! The Princeton Veterinary Hospital always accepts new patients. Call or text us at 812-385-2733 if you have any questions, or bring your animals in during regular business hours, no appointment needed! We also offer grooming at the Princeton Pup House – call for grooming appointments at 812-385-9713.

Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner

Animal Hoarding: See Something, Say Something

Animal hoarding harms not only the innocent animals but also the hoarders themselves—and ultimately the community. Thousands of animal shelters across the country—including Gibson County Animal Services (GCAS), rescue approximately 250,000 animals from hoarding situations each year. While dogs and cats are the most common innocent victims in hoarding situations, goats, horses, rats, birds, chickens, ducks, monkeys, and even tigers have been rescued from unsafe situations.

Animal hoarders essentially “collect” more animals than they can care for, failing to provide them with minimal standards of sanitation, space, food, and veterinary care.

Numbers alone do not indicate hoarding. One individual may be overwhelmed by three or four dogs while someone else with the space and resources can properly care for a dozen dogs or cats.

Most animal hoarders love their pets and believe they are the best ones to care for them; they simply can’t acknowledge the neglect and its negative effects. They take in strays, believing they are rescuing them but then fail to spay or neuter them. As the number of animals increases, and conditions worsen, they deny a problem exists and refuse help from anyone in caring for their pets, operating under what psychologists describe as a delusional disorder.

Most hoarders are single, widowed or divorced middle-aged females who live alone. They either start with good intentions and become overwhelmed due to changes in their financial or medical circumstances or see themselves as the only ones who can save their animals from death or life on the streets.

Friends, family, and neighbors need to be aware of the signs indicating hoarding and how to help both the people and animals.

S i g n s o f A n i m a l H o a r d i n g

• Hoarders frequently do not know how many animals they have.

• Hoarders typically deny access to anyone, offering to meet you somewhere other than their home.

• Their own personal care has deteriorated, demonstrating signs of self-neglect (diet, cleanliness, sleep).

• They are loners and behave secretively, suspicious

Juenell

of local animal services and may refuse veterinary care.

• Animals appear either emaciated or obese and not well socialized.

• Neighbors may complain about incessant barking.

• The property itself is deteriorated.

• Neighbors notice fleas and vermin on the property.

• The property may appear to be overrun with animals, with different cats lounging in windows or on balconies or porches.

• Animal hoarders frequently hoard other items, resulting in cluttered, unclean living conditions.

• Neighbors notice strong odors, especially ammonia, around the property.

• Neighbors can see dead animals on the property.

• Young animals may exhibit birth defects.

• Hoarders talk about new pets, but most animals never seem to live long.

H o w t o H e l p

• Treat potential hoarders with compassion, not judgment.

• Hoarding is often linked to mental illness; many hoarders were victims of child abuse themselves.

• They mean well but need help.

• Contact your local police department or animal shelter, asking them to conduct a wellness check.

• Provide reassurance to the hoarders while communicating to them their animals require care.

Note: We want to extend a special thank you to the wonderful crew at Princeton Veterinary Hospital for hosting the annual Wellness Clinic in May. Sixty-five dogs and cats received their necessary vaccinations at a reduced price.

Your new furever friend is waiting for you at GCAS. Four-year-old Honcho enjoys head “scritches” and being rubbed. A chubby guy, he gets along well with children, other cats, and even dogs since he has such a “chill” personality.

Honcho’s career goal is to excel as a couch potato— and you could make his dream come true. He just needs your couch to do it. Come visit us at GCAS so that you can meet Honcho and show him pictures of your couch.

While you’re relaxing on the couch (Honcho would love to be with you), be sure to visit our online auction available on the Gibson County Indiana Animal Services Fundraising Facebook page, running through June 7th.

We hope to see a roaring turn out at the annual car show June 8th, at Lafayette Park. Come for some fun!

What Colors Are in Your Palette?

Hi everyone. When it comes to June in the life of a gardener it is all about COLOR! It seems everything in our landscapes is blooming.

There are four palettes of color that we are attracted to because of the pigmentation in our bodies. I am attracted to warm bright colors and if you see my landscape, you will see it vividly - my reds, oranges, and gold. The other three palettes are: soft warm colors, bright cool colors, and soft cool colors. We will even gravitate towards our palette when buying our personal items such as makeup and clothing.

Speaking of colors, we have been gifted in many states with the Aurora Borealis lighting the sky at night due to solar flares coming from our sun. But just as awesome is finding Robin’s blue eggshell broken knowing that there will be more robins searching our soil looking for worms to feed their young. The grass is so green from our spring rains. But as a gardener, I have always eliminated my grass to grow more landscape.

Besides supplying water, remember to feed your landscape on a regular basis. The three basic requirements for living things in nature: 1 - water, 2sunshine and 3 - fertilizer. If you fail to give these three things, your landscapes will not flourish. It is called neglect. Flourish versus Neglect which one will win?

Now is the time to check your withering, spent spring flowering bulbs. You can tie them off and trim them back so the energy from the leaves stays in the bulb. If they completely disappear, use some sort of planter marker to remember where they are so you don’t try to plant something in their spot.

At this time of year, the Azaleas and Rhododendron shrubs are in their full blooming glory. The Rhododendron blooms after the Azalea. However, they now have Encore Azaleas that bloom in spring, summer, and fall, usually 4-6 months of bloom. Two places to observe the blooming beauty up close and personal in Gibson County are the Azalea Path and Lyles Station Historic School and Museum. Encore Azaleas are also

planted at the Gibson County courthouse.

Fruit trees and flowering trees are bearing their blooms and fruit. They begin to put on their new growth for next year, so they are bigger and better. The Dogwood and Red Bud trees are blooming trees with the most beautiful blooms and many smell so wonderful. My childhood memory of our great apricot trees with their white blossoms that had such a wonderful smell followed by the best tasting fruit I have ever eaten.

June is also when geraniums come into their glory dotting our landscape with beautiful colors. The Martha Washington variety is my favorite with the larger blooms and larger leaves. If you choose only one variety of flowers, put it by your front door as a welcoming gesture for all your visitors.

Enjoy the colors of June!

Return of the Least Terns

The Friends of the Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge will host a special Least Tern event at the Cane Ridge Management Area on June 15 from 8-10 am CST. Least Terns, an Indiana endangered species, come to the Cane Ridge area every summer to nest. Come learn about the Least Tern and what the Refuge is doing to ensure the species survival. Experienced birdwatchers will assist with the identification of the Least Tern and other birds and water fowl in the area.Viewing will be from an outdoor observation platform and binoculars are recommended but not required.

Cane Ridge is located in Gibson County just south of Gibson Lake on County Road 1075W. From State HWY 64 heading west from Princeton Indiana, turn south onto State HWY65, travel 1.3 miles and turn right on CR 125 S. Drive 2.25 miles on CR 125 S to CR 850W, turn left on CR 850W, then turn right on CR 150S and follow to the Observation Deck at Cane Ridge.

Owned & Operated

The Lois Kissel Room at Fort Branch/Johnson Township Public Library was nearly at full capacity with around 50 citizens coming to hear Mayor Wright’s presentation on Monday, April 29th. He had pictures of the train depot, the interurban, two of the three county courthouses and information on the times and travel of days past.

Mayor Wright also shared a selection of websites that folks could use for their own historical research.

Mayor Greg Wright presented a slide show of historical and locally known buildings and tips for research.

Register today beginning at 9am in youth area. Pick up reading logs and register for special programs where space is limited.

Family Make & Take Craft 1pm

Rad Glasses & 80s tunes

Decorate your own really rad sunglasses

Movie Night Monday 5pm Gremlins (PG)

*Might not be for small children. All Movie Night Mondays are meant to be enjoyed by all. Please assess screenings for yourself before attending.

Family Make & Take Craft 1pm

Celery Stamp Rainbow Fish Craft Fun crafts with lots of color!

Movie Night Monday 5pm

The Little Mermaid (G) (animated version)

All Movie Nights will have popcorn free while supplies last.

Family Show 10am

Foam Party in the Park Evansville’s Foam:30 says it’s time to have a soapy & bubbletastic good time! Please make sure to join us in your swim suits! All kids must have parent supervision and permission. Groups will have time in & out of foam.

Teen Tuesday 4pm Club Dance: Name that 80s tune! Fun 80s music

Family 1pm

Princeton Fire Department

Our brave firefighters will be coming with their Fire Safety House teaching kids about what to do in a fire!

Craft Night for Adults 6pm

*Pre-registration Required

We will be making Glass bead suncatchers with glue. All craft supplies provided. Limited to 12 spots

SATURDAY JUNE 8th Play-Doh Party at 2-4pm!

Family Show 10am

The WATER Show!

Magic Don Miller presents the popular fan favorite WATER Show!

You WILL get wet! In case of rain, a magic show will be performed at the library

Teen Tuesday 4pm

Water Color Destiny

Playing with water colors

Family 1pm

Interactive Viewing for The Princess Bride

See The Princess Bride rated PG and stop along the way with fun activities and snacks!

Craft Night for Adults 6pm

*Pre-registration required We will be doing cross stitch for beginners! Learn with us

Make sure you still attend our regular events throughout the month! Fiber Fanatics, Sewing with Susan, Euchre, & other general age and adult programs will continue through summer.

Story Time 10am

Story & Activity (kids not started kindergaten)

Reading Rocks! Fun & Games 4pm

Awesome 80s Board Games

Try The Game of Life, Guess Who?, or Connect 4!

10am Story & Activity Color Party!

Learn all about colors!

Fun & Games 4pm

Color Puzzles

Come play puzzles and games with lots of color with us, your friends, and family!

Don’t forget that turning in your progress every week can earn you more prizes and chances at winning buckets!

Family Make & Take Craft 1pm

Paint a Snake Wooden and paper snakes

Movie Night Monday 5pm

Beetlejuice (PG)

*Might not be for small children.

Alonzo Fields Presentation 6pm

Join our Local History department & Lyles Station on learning more about this compelling Gibson County Figure

Family Make & Take Craft 1pm

Button Making & PAC-MAN

You can make your own buttons to show off all your own creativity! Plus, learn all about PAC-MAN. A game that swept the nation!

Movie Night Monday 5pm

The Great Muppet Caper (G)

All Movie Night Mondays are meant to be enjoyed by all. Movie will have free popcorn and water available while supplies last. Other snacks brought in are welcome

Family Show 10am

Rex Morell & Hoosier

Herpetological

Rex Morell and friends bring reptile and amphibian animals for an educational experience like no other!

Teen Tuesday 4pm

Snake Design

Design some of our favorite reptiles

CLOSED IN OBSERVANCE OF JUNETEENTH! NO EVENTS

FOR TODAY! SEE YOU TOMORROW!

For some educational & cultural celebrations on this holiday, visit our friends out at Lyles Station!

FRIDAY JUNE 21st Summertime Bingo at 4pm

Family Show 10am

Professor Steve Science Show

Professor Steve’s Excellent Adventure! Science can make dreams come true!

Teen Tuesday 4pm

*Registration Required* Build-a-Buddy 20 spots only

80s Adventourous Trivia 6pm

A wifi connection is required to play but if you don’t have a phone or tablet we can get you a mobile computer!

Family 10am & 1pm

*Registration Required* Build-A-Buddy 15 spots per time slot

Craft Night for Adults 6pm

*Registration required Make your own Faux Snake Plant! Limited spots available

Books & Breadsticks 6pm (at Susan Bobe’s Pizza)

Discussing The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood

Story Time 10am Book Buddies! Everyone loves a book buddy, especially puppets!

Fun & Games 4pm

Bored this summer? Try board games

Have all kinds of fun with different funny games and jokes with prizes

Story Time 10am

Jazzy-cise & Fireworks Paint

Fun times with jazzy-cise dancing and making smooth moves with firework painting

Fun & Games 4pm Retro Game Flashback

We have all kinds of games that are radically retro and ready for you to play! Compete against your friends & family!

FRIDAY JUNE 28th Special appearance! Roz Puppets Puppet Show at 2pm

All reading hours must be in by 8pm, Wednesday, July 24th!

Family Make & Take Craft 1pm

Build a Keychain

Have a keychain for backpacks, purses, and more!

*While supplies last

Movie Night Monday 5pm

Return of the Jedi (PG)

Movie Night Mondays are meant to be enjoyed by all audiences. Please assess films for yourself & kids before attending our screenings. Free popcorn and water will be served while supplies last

Family Make & Take Craft 1pm Dinos & Geese Designs

That’s right: Dinosaurs. Geese. But make it fashion!

Movie Night Monday 5pm

Raiders of the Lost Ark (PG)

All Movie Night Mondays will have popcorn and water free while supplies last

Family Make & Take Craft 1pm

Gnarly Velvet Art

Color your world with awesome and totally gnarly velvet art mini posters

*While supplies last

Movie Night Monday 5pm E.T. (PG)

All Movie Night Mondays will have popcorn and water free while supplies last

Family Make & Take Craft 1pm Sand Art

Hit the sand this summer with art!

Movie Night Monday 5pm Back to the Future (PG)

Free popcorn and water while supplies last

Fiber Fanatics, Sewing with Susan, Charlie Kiesel Presents, Euchre Players & Adult Craft Nights will all continue after Summer Reading has concluded. Make sure to watch our Facebook and Instagram pages for more on these year round programs!

Family Show 10am

Monte Skelton

One of Evansville’s most elite music acts graces our library once again to play melodic jazzy tunes fit for all ages to enjoy!

Teen Tuesday 4pm

Glo Paint

Have a fun and retro time with glow in the dark paint and make sure you wear something that you could get messy

Family Show 10am

Feller Express Dinosaurs Dinosaurs are ROARING into the library! See these massive puppeteered dinos in action! Plus, learn about how dinos lived millions of years ago!

Teen Tuesday 4pm ALL HONK!

Did you know about the 80s Geese phase? Now you do! Prepare for lots of wacky fun by playing games, nostlagic photos, & crafting up your own geese!

Family Show 10am

Animal Tales

Family friendly live animal show!

Animal Tales doesn’t simply lecture, but involves the crowd to help have a memorable learning experience.

Teen Tuesday 4pm

PONG & Gremlins

Learning all about the game of PONG and lore of the Gremlins

Family 10am

Silly Safaris

Back by popular demand, our Silly Safaris live animal program friends are back to showcase their wonderful and exciting creatures!

Teen Tuesday 4pm Party Animals Pony Party

Have a heyday and horse around with us!

Make sure to have your hours turned in by 8pm tomorrow night!

Family 1pm

Meet & Greet & Movie with Herbie!

Take pictures with a real life

Herbie Volkswagen Beetle!

Then enjoy the movie Herbie Goes Bananas! (PG)

*Rain may delay or cancel meet and greet portion. Movie will be presented regardless

No Adult Crafts this month

Closed for 4th of July!

Reminder: We will still be offering our regular programs like Fiber Fanatics, Euchre, Sewing with Susan, & more! Please check with the library & on our social media for more details.

Family 1pm Fossils and Footprints

Learn all about fossils and try discovering your own. Plus, chalk footprint and cave drawing fun

Adult Program 6pm

Charlie Kiesel Presents UFOs & UAPs

Odd events and sightings in the night sky! What could they be?

Family 1pm

Grow Animals and Chalk

Have fun while learning how animals grow and learn how that can help you draw them!

Adult Program 6pm

Charlie Kiesel Presents UFOs & UAPs

Odd events and sightings in the night sky! What could they be?

Story Time 10am Dino Stomp! Learn to dance and play like dinos! Fun & Games 4pm Take Aim!

Target hitting & skills games

Reminder: Summer Reading registration ends today Thursday, July 11. All hours and entry forms MUST be turned in by Wednesday, July 24th at 8pm.

Story Time 10am

Story & Activity

Monster Paint

Let your creativity roar with monster paint and bubbles!

Euchre Card Players 1:30pm

Fun & Games 4pm

Action Games & PONG

Learn about PONG and play movement based games

All reading hours and tickets due by 8pm tonight!

Thank You to everyone that has participated this summer! Our readers are the absolute best!

Summer Reading Program Swim Party Grand Finale 6-8pm

Absolutely no drop offs! Children under age 12 MUST be accompanied by someone age 18+. Lightning will cause party to be cancelled. Prize winners will be announced tonight and pickup begins tomorrow at 9am. Thank you to our Sponsors for making this awesome summer reading program possible!

Fort Branch & Haubstadt Public Library

2024 Summer Reading Program

MON, May 20 - MON, July 1

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www.fortbranchlibrary.com

by Mikala Sisson, Library Staff Member

Saturdays at Fort Branch only.

JUNE EVENTS S

Summer Reading Program 2024

Monday, May 20 - Monday, July 1 FOR ALL AGES!

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Family/Teens

World Food Fair (6th-12th Grade)

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Adult Ages

Haubstadt Annual Book Sale

Saturday, June 1 @ Haubstadt Library

7 am - 12 pm | By monetary donation.

Senior Game Day

Monday, June 3 @ Ft. Branch Library 1 pm - 3 pm

Adult Game Night

Monday, June 3 @ Ft. Branch Library 6 pm - 8 pm

Books & Brews Book Club

Tuesday, June 4 @ Ft. Branch Library 6 pm | Sign-up required.

Classic Book Club

Thursday, June 13 @ Haub. Town Hall 6 pm | Sign-up required.

Senior Activity

Monday, June 17 @ Ft. Branch Library

1 pm - 3 pm | Floral arranging.

Intro to Genealogy

Monday, June 24 @ Ft. Branch Library

6 pm | Learn about our services.

Monday, June 3 @ Ft. Branch Library 1 pm | Cook cultural cuisine.

Disney Trivia Night

Thursday, June 6 @ Ft. Branch Library 6 pm | Sign-up required.

Field Day

Friday, June 7 @ Haubstadt Old Gym 10 am - 12 pm | Raf le drawings.

Dungeons & Dragons (6th-12th Grade)

Tuesday, June 11 @ Ft. Branch Library 12 pm | Sign-up required.

Paracord Bracelet DIY (6th-12th Grade)

Wednesday, June 5 @ Haub. Library 12 pm | Sign-up required.

Magician Larry Wirtz

Friday, June 21 @ Ft. Branch Park 10 am - 12 pm | Bring lawn chairs.

Junior Book Club (5th-8th Grade)

Tuesday, June 25 @ Ft. Branch Library 5:30 pm | Sign-up required.

Galaxy Shirts & Soap (6th-12th Grade) Thursday, June 27 @ Ft. Branch Library 2 pm | Sign-up required WorldFoodFair (6th-12thGrade)

Toddler/Kids ds

World Travel Fair (K-5th Grade)

Tuesday, June 4 @ Ft. Branch Library 2 pm OR 3 pm | Travel the world.

Grab & Go Kids Craft

Wednesday, June 5 @ Both locations. Available during open hours for FREE

Space Lander Challenge (3rd-5th Grade) Wednesday, June 5 @ Haub. Library 10 am OR 1 pm

Bubble Dance Party (Preschoolers) Thursday, June 6 @ Ft. Branch Library 10:30 am | Dress for a mess!

Camping Stories & Crafts (K-2nd Grade)

Wednesday, June 12 @ Haub. Library 10 am OR 1 pm

Amazing Race (3rd-5th Grade)

Thursday, June 13 @ Ft. Branch Library 1 pm

Under the Sea Sensory (Preschoolers)

Tuesday, June 18 @ Ft. Branch Library 10:30 am | Dress for a mess!

Safari (K-2nd Grade)

Thursday, June 20 @ Ft. Branch Library 10 am OR 1 pm

Sensory Play (Preschoolers) Wednesday, June 26 @ Haub. Library 10:30 am | Dress for a mess!

Toyota Makes Dreams Come True with Cycles

Members of Toyota Christian Fellowship at

Helmets were handed out by volunteers to each of the new bicycle owners.

Left: Kids got to test ride their bikes and have them adjusted before taking them home. The volunteers love seeing the kids faces riding their bikes.

Photos: Jancey Smith

Above:

News from Lyles Station, Indiana

Juneteenth: What is it?

According to Wikipedia, Juneteenth is officially called Juneteenth National Independence Day as of 2021, when the Juneteenth National Independence Act was signed into Law. It is a federal holiday in the USA, and is celebrated yearly on June 19th, to commemorate the ending of slavery.

As you might remember from school, Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, as the nation was entering its third year of the bloody Civil War. To summarize the proclamation, it declared “that all persons held as slaves within the rebellious states are, and henceforward shall be free.”

History tells us that on June 19, 1865, Major General Gordon Granger was ordered to go to Texas for the final enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation at the end of the war. He led over 2000 Union troops to Galveston Bay. The Army announced that more than 250,000 enslaved black people in Texas were free by the executive decree. That day became known as Juneteenth by the newly freed people in Texas.

Juneteenth is also known as Jubilee Day, Emancipation Day, Freedom Day, and Black Independence Day. The significance of the day is the freedom of the enslaved people in the United States.

In some areas of the U.S., festivals, parties, parades, and church services are all held to celebrate Juneteenth. The first celebration was June 19, 1866. Early celebrations were held by Christian Churches and the Freeman’s Bureau.

Lyles Station is no different. They annually celebrate the same freedoms Juneteenth brought to many people of the nation. Lyles Station Historic School and Museum today is known as An Early Midwestern Black Pioneer

Master Gardeners Spread Green at Plant Sale

Photo: Jancey Smith

Just in time for Mother’s Day, the Gibson County Master Gardeners held their annual plant sale on Saturday, May 11th, at the Senior Center in Princeton. It was also the city-wide yard sale and the town was hopping. Look for the Master Gardeners at the Gibson County Fair.

Settlement. So, each year a Juneteenth celebration is planned for the local community and visitors in the tri-state area. It is for ALL people.

Juneteenth Lyles Station-style is set for June 19, 2024, with the celebration starting at 1:00 p.m. in the Lyles Station Historic School Auditorium. The keynote speaker is Sherry Williams of Chicago, Illinois. Sherry is the Founder and president of the Bronzeville/Black Chicagoan Historical Society. Sherry is a decedent of former slaves who lived in the Delta of Mississippi, and worked the plantations of Senator Henry Cooper (Tennessee) and U.S. President James Madison. On May 22, 2024, Illinois Humanities awarded Sherry Williams with a Public Humanities Award.

Lyles Station Historic School and Museum will also recognize local volunteers during the Juneteenth celebration.

So, mark your calendar for June 19th –Juneteenth, at 1:00 p.m. at Lyles Station Historic School and Museum for this special event. See you there!

~ Recycle Tips ~

School is out for summer! With this joyous occasion for children, teens, and staff everywhere, comes the flood of papers and assignments left in their desks and lockers all year. What to do with all of this paper? Bring it to any of our regular sites to recycle! (This means you too, teachers and staff!) After a year of working hard, let’s give an extra boost to our environment! According to EPA: Worldwatch Institute, for every ton of paper made from recycled materials, we save about 7,000 gallons of water, 17 mature trees, 380 gallons of oil, 3 cubic yards of landfill space, and 4,000 kilowatts of energy. What do the numbers mean and why are they important? It all means that producing recycled paper requires 60% of the energy used to make paper from virgin wood pulp which saves trees! When paper gets dumped into the landfill, it lets off methane as it breaks down. This is a helpful byproduct in compost, but it proves harmful in the landfill as it combines with other gases produced from other materials. The more we recycle and purchase recycled paper, the cheaper it becomes! Recycling paper saves money, energy, and resources. Bring your paper to Gibson County Solid Waste and we will get it to the paper recycle mills! And Remember to Reduce~Reuse~Recycle!

For more information visit us on our Facebook Page: Gibson County Solid Waste OR http://www.gibsoncountysolidwaste.com

Beth Kirsch gets some pointers from Master Gardener Angie Walden

~ Local Authors ~

In addition to the presentations as a program specialist at the Princeton Public Library, I have written two books. Both books are available on Amazon and available for checking out at the Princeton library.

The description of my book Through The Veil...And Beyond which I wrote for listing on Amazon. This book of random thoughts is the result of the loss of my soulmate (We were a perfect match for each other.) Her desire to experience the world – the sky, trees, animals, hobbies, trips to see and experience life extensively were beyond her financial ability. After she met me, she was able to do things she had never dreamed of, having a college degree in biology and chemistry, becoming a teacher, a real estate broker associate and a photojournalist for a small-town newspaper. She was financially disadvantaged, and I was emotionally disadvantaged having a lonely childhood. We found that our lives fit perfectly as the answer to each other’s disadvantages. Just as the Goodness of God is the answer to our longings, Jann and I were the answer to each other’s human longings that we all have.

by Charlie Kiesel

“At every opportunity, I photographed Comet Hale-Bopp over a period of several months. The photo collection begins with photos taken in late 1996, and ends with the last photos taken in 1997.”

In addition to the books I wrote, I helped design the layout for a couple of wonderful children’s books my wife wrote. The titles of those books are The WEB...As Wee See It and Little Tail, The Squirrel, Finds True Friends.

The WEB…As Wee See it” is a story of the adventures of a ladybug named Linda who’s ventures into the garden were both exciting and sometimes dangerous. However, Linda could always count on her family to help her.

I have searched for the answer to life’s great mystery, and the most important one – death. The loss of my wife intensified my search for answers. The results are my random thoughts about where we are headed, what are we going to be doing, etc. Most of these thoughts are concerned with wanting to know where my wife is, what she is doing, and my religious thoughts. In addition, I found comfort in dealing with my wife’s passing to a new life from her examples of trust in God’s Love as she saw it, through His love shown in creation and in the love shown to her by others. This book is, in a sense, a tribute to her sweet, loving spirit. In addition, my collections of random thoughts of my religious philosophy may help others find comfort in times of the great loss of a soulmate.

Through the Veil…And Beyond is a book that honors Jann’s (Janice L. Atkinson Kiesel’s) memory, a tribute to her. It is also a collection of my random philosophical thoughts about religion along with, “happenings,” “coincidences,” and “synchronicities” we experienced during our lives.”

Another topic of great interest to me was the passing through our solar system of the Great Comet Hale-Bopp during its several months visit travelling across our skies.

“Little Tail’ The Squirrel, Finds True Friends,” a squirrel mistreated by other squirrels finds a hero. Jann wrote this description, for “The Squirrel, Finds True Friends.” “Reginald,” the squirrel, and his buddies learn a valuable lesson about bullying in this kid-friendly, photo-filled little book. This little group of squirrels learn that no matter the differences between individuals, everyone deserves to be treated with kindness, compassion and respect. It takes the love and concern of Reginald’s older sister Ramona to set the “the boys” on the right path in life. They realize their mistake, learn from it and gain a new friend in the process. Included in the back section of the book, titled “A Squirrel’s World,” the reader will find an array of nature photos. Recommended for ages 6-12.” Both of these books are available on Amazon and at the Princeton Public Library, Princeton, Indiana.

I am happy, in the sunset of my life, to be able to finish my life story, legacy, after fifty years as a professional, licensed educator to still be sharing educational topics that I find interesting at the Princeton Public Library.

April 25th kicked off Southern Indiana’s car show season in Princeton. It was a nice night and they had a good turn out of rides.

Eric and Dana Walls from the Owensville Cruzers entered their 1940 small block Chevy.

Spring Car Shows

The last two years, YMCA Camp Carson has held a car show on the Saturday before Mother’s Day, May 11th. Look for this event next year as they’re hoping to grow.

Ray Jernigan brought his 1939 Desoto Sedan for the show.

Oakland City Held First Friday Show

Mom’s Diner in Oakland City had its monthly car show on May 3rd. They raise money for various community projects and are open to all types of vehicles. Trucks, motorcycles, and Jeeps are all welcome.

Mel Deno brought his 2002 Corvette with a 350 engine and 48K miles.

For 38 years now, the Francisco Lions Club has hosted a car show on Mother’s Day. They had lots of support from area sponsors for prizes from Petersburg to Mt. Carmel.

There was little room left at the Francisco Lions club with over 40 participants in their annual show.

Photos: Jancey Smith

Chamber Held Annual Golf Event

Photos: Jancey Smith

The Gibson County Chamber Foundation held an annual golf scramble on Friday, May 10th, at the Oakland City Golf Course. Nineteen teams tested their skills for awards, bragging rites and to help raise money for local scholarships. Each year three scholarships are awarded to each of the area high schools for local

afternoon round.

Matt Robbins of RPM Tool got a few mulligans from Jacinda Hughen who helped with the event.

Photos: Jancey Smith

There was a variety of fun events at the Fort Branch VFW Post 2714 to celebrate the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 4th. Members and guests held a carry-in potluck of dishes that included hot brown sliders and a cappuccino cheese ball. A horse racing game entertained the crowd while waiting for the big race and the ladies held a hat contest to get in the spirit.

Veteran’s Voice

If you had not already heard, your Veterans Service Office has moved. As part of a larger county-wide workspace reorganization effort, I have moved to 107 S. Hart Street (corner of Broadway and Hart) to what was most recently the Clarion (newspaper) building. The office hours will remain the same – Monday thru Friday, 8:00 am to 4:00

Know that I continue to remain totally committed to

A

History of VBS

Story Courtesy of Kim Saunders

Like me, many of you may remember a special summer activity through your local church called Vacation Bible School. When I was growing up, it was truly a highlight of my Iowa summer, and I remember how much effort the ladies of our church exerted to provide a fun and beneficial learning time for two weeks during our break from school. But, do you know the origin of this wonderful activity? I did not, but a quick Google search revealed that the first known Vacation Bible School happened a mere 230 miles or so to the northwest of our very own Gibson County in Hopedale, Illinois. A public school teacher by the name of D. T. Miles also taught Sunday School back in 1894. She wished she had more time to teach the Bible to her Sunday School children and decided to devote four weeks of her summer to this endeavor. This first class included 40 students and was held in a local school with recreation held in a nearby park.

In 1898, Mrs. Walker Aylett Hawes, who was the director of the children’s department at Epiphany Baptist Church in New York City, began an “Everyday Bible School” for children in the neighborhood at a rented beer parlor in New York’s East Side. From there it drew the attention of Robert Boville of the Baptist Mission Society, who recommended it to other churches. Students from the Union Theological Seminary were enlisted to help in some “summer schools” which grew from these. One summer, 1,000 children were a part of five different schools. A similar program was launched by Abraham L.

my mission statement, which is to do whatever I can reasonably do to serve the veterans of Gibson County by ensuring you are aware of your VA benefits and helping you interface with the VA to secure them. Remarkably, not a month goes by that I don’t meet a vet who has absolutely no clue that this office exists. One of the ways you can help me do what I do is to talk to your friends, neighbors, and co-workers. Please help me get the word out that you and your fellow veterans have someone on your side. Call me and tell me how I can serve you.

WE MOVED!

www.smalltownlivinggibsoncounty.com in Gibson County, IN

Latham at the Third Presbyterian Church in Chester, Pennsylvania, in 1912 for five weeks which consisted of four hour sessions per day. This endeavor reached 650-700 students. In 1922, the World Association of Daily Vacation Bible School organization was founded by Mr. Boville.

A year later, the first printed VBS curriculum was produced by Standard Publishing. It included a robust five-week course for kids of kindergarten, primary and junior ages. I remember attending VBS for four hours a day over a two week period when I was young.

To this day, Vacation Bible School is offered by many churches, independently of a national organization and often with a themed curriculum. It most commonly lasts now for a week with Bible teaching, music, crafts, dramatic presentations including skits and puppets and engaging elementary school aged children.

Recent studies have shown that VBS is declining, but I believe it still has much to offer the younger generation and is just plain fun. Many churches have gotten creative with times offered to better accommodate our busy lifestyles. Check out the “What’s Happening” pages in Small Town Living, to find out where the children you care about can participate in at least one VBS this summer.

George Pickersgill

Dr. M. S. Krishna Remembered

On Saturday, May 18th, at the Toyota Event Center, the life of Dr. Krishna was remembered and celebrated.

Over 250 people attended the memorial for a pediatrician that helped so many young children and families throughout the county. There were coworkers, employees, and many patients who remembered his effect on their lives.

Gibson County Animal Serviced Received 30th Anniversary Grant

provided

(Princeton, Indiana) Gibson County Animal Services recently received a $3,000 grant from the Gibson County Community Foundation through the Celebrating 30 Years of Supporting our Communities Grant Program.

In celebration of Gibson County Community Foundation’s 30th Anniversary, the Celebrating 30 Years of Supporting our Communities Grant Program allows advisory board members to recommend $3,000 grants to local nonprofit organizations. The Community wisdom, and compassion

For years it has been a local tradition to visit the annual salad bar held by Hillside UMC the first Friday of May. This year was no exception. Locals came out to try their many varieties of pasta, meat, fruit and veggie salads.

Foundation’s most recent grant recommendation was made by advisory board member Tiffany Coomer.

Established in 1996, Gibson County Animal Services (GCAS) works to address the issue of stray animal overpopulation within Gibson County, collaborating with law enforcement agencies across the county, partnering with various community organizations, and engaging residents.

GCAS has implemented a range of programs and services designed to promote responsible pet ownership and animal welfare. These initiatives include educational presentations at local libraries, wellness clinics tailored for low-income individuals, seniors, and veterans, training sessions addressing animal abuse prevention, regular adoption events, spay/neuter assistance, foster programs, and educational outreach in public schools, among others.

To learn more about GCAS, or to find a new FUREVER friend, visit the organization’s website at https://www.gcasonline.org/.

For more information about funding opportunities through the Gibson County Community Foundation, contact Amy Smith, Regional Director of Community Engagement and Impact, at 812.386.8082 or via email at asmith@communityfoundationalliance.org.

Pictured: Tiffany Coomer, Community Foundation Advisory Board Member, along with GCAS employees and youth volunteers.

Photo

Anita and Amity Waldroup came for lunch and to visit with friends.

Wellness Clinic Held for Pets

Photo: provided

On May 11th, Dr. John Feutz and Dr. Brittany Odle and staff volunteered time for 45 dogs and 20 cats of low income, seniors and veterans to get their vaccinations and wellness check. The next clinic will be in the Fall, so watch for details, registration required.

Duke Helps Cops K9 Event

Photos: Jancey Smith

The Gibson County Fairgrounds offered a flurry of activities on Saturday, May 18th. Duke Energy and first responders and law enforcement held events for the community. There was a helicopter, firetruck, live music, K9 demonstration, food truck and line safety.

Above: Linemen from Duke Energy demonstrate how electricity travels to your home and what happens when a squirrel causes problems.

Right: Kids were able to see a medical helicopter up close.

Tools of the job as well as protective wear were also demonstrated for the crowd.

4th Graders Got Farm Experience

Photo: Jancey Smith

Each year Gibson County 4th graders come to the fairgrounds to see what farm life is like and gain knowledge of how animals, plants and the land contribute to our daily lives. This year’s Farm Fair was cut short due to bad weather. This old pony named after Grover Cleveland came from Hazleton to be with the kids on May 8th.

After a year of visiting businesses, meeting entrepreneurs, and learning about many local businesses, the 2024 CEO class held their end-of-theyear trade show. It was rescheduled after bad weather to Tuesday, May 22nd, at the Broadway Community Center. Each student showcased a business that they developed for the class. The students all commented on how much they’d learned through the CEO program, from public speaking and many business skills.

Best of luck to the CEO students. Next year CEO will have 16 students in the program with a new focus and new ideas. It should be a fun year.

Riley, Brice Smith, John Zimmerman, and facilitator Richard Coleman.

~ Andy Quiz ~

1. What did Col. Harvey say, his smoke signal meant?

A. The eggs are done

B. Barney has a bullet in his pocket

C. Mayberry is a friendly town

D. The cavalry is coming

2. Otis calls Aunt Bea’s ‘jail’ _____.

A. The Slammer

B. The Rock

C. The Fortress

D. The Lockup

Knights of Columbus Helped with Annual Tootsie Roll Drive

Photo: Jancey Smith

For years now, the Princeton Knights of Columbus has held an annual Tootsie Roll Drive fundraiser to help the ARC of Southwest Indiana provide assistance to those with disabilites. This year’s drive was on May 4th.

Alice, Jason and Angie helped handing out Tootsie Rolls at the

3. In ‘The Guitar Player’ episode, who did Jim Lindsey wind up playing for?

A. Bobby Fleet and His Band with a Beat

B. The Mayberry Band

C. Alabama

D. The Monkees

For answers see page 13

The Sheriff Marks a Milestone

A surprise birthday party was pulled off for Gibson County Sheriff Bruce Vanoven on Monday, April 29th, at Lin’s Garden in Princeton. Many friends and coworkers came by to toast/roast Bruce for his 50th birthday. Feel free to ask about the gift of Cheetos.

Jennifer MacKay chuckles as Bruce opens a handmade card from friend Kristofor Schmidt.

Photo: Jancey Smith