By Kathy TretterEditor • ferdnews@psci.net Understanding school corporation financing (or basically any government financing) is a little like understanding how nuclear fusion works — for someone who never took chemistry nor physics. In a word — confusing. Whereas a typical household may have a couple of pools of money to draw from and can decide…

by Mackenzi Klemann, Indiana Capital ChronicleOctober 5, 2026 Indiana judges may soon have the ability to deny bail for more defendants they believe pose a danger to the public. Defendants are guaranteed the right to bail under the Indiana constitution except in cases of murder or treason — even when a judge believes the defendant may…

Greater Jasper students in grades three through eight beat the state benchmark in nearly every tested area on this year’s ILEARN, the first results under Indiana’s new testing model, district officials told the Greater Jasper Consolidated Schools board of trustees Monday. Tina Fauks, Assistant Superintendent of Instruction, said last year was the first full rollout…

Southridge Middle School’s eighth-grade students earned a major statewide distinction on the 2026 ILEARN assessment. The students, now freshmen at Southridge High School, scored the highest passing rate among eighth-graders statewide during the 2025–26 school year. For eighth-grade math teacher Myra Schnuck, the accomplishment reflects the students’ effort and determination throughout the year. “What an incredible…

Operation Mind, Body & Soul will hold an Oktoberfest in the downtown Jasper square this Saturday, Oct. 3, to raise money for local veterans organizations. The event includes a car and motorcycle show, live music and a veterans resource fair. The car and bike show is open to classic cars, trucks and motorcycles. Registration runs…

Huntingburg — Battery energy storage systems (BESS) and data centers would be allowed in Huntingburg’s zoning jurisdiction only with a special exception from the Board of Zoning Appeals under rules the Huntingburg Plan Commission began moving forward Monday. The proposal would amend the city’s Unified Development Ordinance, which does not define either use now. That…

Being for Others Health and Wellness Foundation (BFO) announces its second round of 2026 Project Grant recipients, awarding $123,420 to 11 organizations addressing health and wellness across Southern Indiana. BFO’s 2026 Project Grant Cycle 2 received 38 applications from various organizations serving communities throughout the Foundation’s eight-county region. Applicants requested more than $1 million in…

by Mackenzi Klemann, Indiana Capital ChronicleSeptember 30, 2026 Gov. Mike Braun on Wednesday renewed Indiana’s gas tax suspension for another 30 days — until early November — and issued a new order lifting restrictions on the sale of untaxed diesel fuel for trucks operated by farmers and timber harvesters on public roads. The order cited…

The Jasper Police Department is warning the public about a potential rental scam in our area. Scammers are using photos of local homes that are actually for sale and posting them on social media as properties available for rent. They may ask interested renters to send money electronically to secure the property. Police warn the…

by Mackenzi Klemann, Indiana Capital ChronicleSeptember 30, 2026 Gov. Mike Braun on Wednesday renewed Indiana’s gas tax suspension for another 30 days — until early November — and issued a new order lifting restrictions on the sale of untaxed diesel fuel for semi-trucks operated by farmers and timber harvesters, citing continued disruption to global oil…

The Dubois County Council approved an additional $35,000 appropriation to create the county’s first planning and zoning framework. The money pays for American StructurePoint to draft a plan and ordinance and to help form a county plan commission. Council President Mike Kluesner said the contract is about $28,000, but commissioners added a $7,000 cushion in…

by Stephanie Wells, Indiana Capital ChronicleSeptember 28, 2026 Many smart people have been spending time thinking about how state leaders might invest Indiana’s growing revenue and robust reserves. This is especially of interest as monthly revenue collections continue to outperform forecast estimates (revenues have exceeded estimates for the last ten consecutive months).  We mentioned in…

FERDINAND — Long-distance hiker Jennifer Pharr Davis will lead a hike at Ferdinand State Forest on Wednesday, Oct. 7, hours before she speaks at the Distinguished Citizens banquet honoring local philanthropist Mary C. Lange. The hike runs from 1 to 3 p.m. on the Southridge Trail, a loop of about 2.4 miles. It starts and…

Huntingburg — The City of Huntingburg is encouraging residents and community members to participate in a survey as part of the development of a new Comprehensive Parks & Recreation Plan. The plan will help guide the future of Huntingburg’s parks, recreation facilities, programs, trails, and public spaces. Community input is an important part of the…

Dr. Norma Schue Kreilein, a Ferdinand native and former Jasper pediatrician, has been named a recipient of the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Local Hero Award. The award recognizes her work on children’s exposure to industrial pollution in Southwestern Indiana. The award will be presented Oct. 3 at the AAP National Conference and Exhibition in San…

Jasper–The Jasper Common Council adopted an update to the city’s comprehensive plan at last week’s regular meeting. The plan, titled “Comprehensive Plan Update 2035 – The Future Is Now,” replaces the city’s 2019 plan. It grew out of more than a year of public meetings, surveys, and task forces run by consultants WGI, Jon Stover…

Dubois County Commissioners last week agreed to let the county’s contracted engineering firm use the rest of its federal pandemic relief money to finish design work on the Haysville portion of the regional sewer district. The planning funding is part of the allotment the county received under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The county…

Guests at the Comfort Inn in Jasper were evacuated early Saturday morning after a dryer fire filled the building with smoke. Firefighters responded to a fire alarm at the hotel at 1970 Hospitality Drive around 3:10 a.m. Jasper Fire Chief Kenny Hochgesang said dispatch radioed him to let him know heavy smoke was reported in…

Fleig’s Cafe at 905 Main Street has long been an iconic fixture in the heart of Ferdinand, Indiana. It sits across Main Street from the site where, 188 years ago, Rev. Joseph Kundek hammered a sign into a tree bearing the name of the village he was founding. Over the past few months, residents and…

Jasper Endows Today and Tomorrow (JETT) awarded a $20,000 grant on September 15th to the newly established Boys and Girls Club of Dubois County. It is the largest grant JETT has awarded in its 13-year history. Located within Trinity United Church of Christ in Jasper, Indiana, the Boys and Girls Club of Dubois County will…

Jasper–Injuries from high-powered electric bikes have prompted Jasper’s Common Council to draft safety regulations, but the proposed rules sparked debate over how much young riders should be restricted. At least three or four children have been hurt in e-bike and e-scooter crashes in Jasper this year. “We’ve had three or four crashes that I can…

Huntingburg–The Huntingburg Herbstfest Parade will take place this weekend on Sunday, September 27. The parade route is attached to this press release as a reminder for residents who live along or near the route. The Huntingburg Street Department will begin street sweeping tomorrow afternoon from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Residents who live along the…

Vincennes University Jasper announced the appointment of Ashley Schaefer as the new director of the Center for Technology, Innovation and Manufacturing (CTIM), effective Sept. 28, 2026. Schaefer possesses more than 15 years of technical expertise specializing in battery technology and sustainable energy. “VU Jasper deeply values our collaboration with community organizations and industry partners, and the…

JASPER — Amy Musia of Evansville won Best of Show for “The Prism: Let There Be Light” at Jasper Arts’ 33rd Annual Juried Art Exhibition, now on view at the Thyen-Clark Cultural Center. Awards were announced at the show’s opening reception Sept. 3. Jason Edward Hayden, director of the Owensboro Museum of Fine Art, served…

More than 100 people gathered on Sunday as the Ireland Historical Society marked its 30th anniversary. The free event ran from 1 to 3 p.m. and included the Liberty Tree Dedication. The Ireland Fire Department supplied tables, chairs and a grill, cooked the hamburgers and hot dogs and brought three of its fire trucks. Myron…

Jasper–The Jasper Board of Public Works and Safety waived a ticket for a downtown resident after he argued that language in a parking handout led him to believe he wasn’t breaking the ordinance. Shane Van Meter, who received a ticket on Aug. 26, argued that the rules, as written, let a driver return to the…

The Huntingburg Common Council on Tuesday raised the top of 2027 pay ranges for city employees and elected officials to 3.5%, up a half point from the 3% written into most of next year’s proposed budget. The council passed two salary ordinances on the same night it introduced them, after voting to suspend the rules….

The Dubois County Board of Commissioners voted Monday, Sept. 21, at its regular meeting to move forward with a $28,000 contract with consulting firm American Structurepoint to draft a limited zoning ordinance covering large-scale developments — solar, battery storage, data centers and wind — in the county’s unincorporated areas. The vote doesn’t adopt zoning. It…

Dubois County’s local governments have recommended raising the county’s local income tax rate from 1.2 percent to 1.9 percent, potentially starting in 2029. The Municipal Unit Strategic Taskforce, or MUST, agreed to the recommendation at a meeting last Thursday. State law passed in 2025 and 2026 lets counties form a MUST made up of the…

Heart of Jasper is excited to announce the return of Mingle on Main, its annual fundraising event celebrating downtown Jasper and the people, businesses, and community partners who make it special. The event will take place Friday, October 2, from 6–9 p.m. in downtown Jasper. Mingle on Main offers guests an evening filled with delicious…

Enrollment in Indiana’s Choice Scholarship school voucher program slowed in overall growth for the second year in a row last school year, new data from the state shows, but the number of higher income families using the program increased.

Dubois County CARES is welcoming three new members to its board of directors and five new members to its subcommittees, bringing additional experience, community connections and fresh perspectives to the organization’s youth-focused efforts on substance-use prevention. “CARES is excited to welcome these new board and subcommittee members and grateful for the experience, passion and perspectives…

The Indiana Department of Transportation announces a road closure for State Road 164 in Dubois County. Beginning on or around Monday, September 28, crews will close State Road 164 near Celestine. This closure will occur between County Road 900 East and County Road 1000 East. This closure will allow crews to replace a culvert. Work…

by Mackenzi Klemann, Indiana Capital ChronicleSeptember 15, 2026 The Indiana State Board of Finance on Tuesday approved its third round of reimbursements to local governments for losses incurred during the state’s gas tax suspension. The three-member board unanimously approved roughly $139 million in reimbursements from the State Highway Fund to replace July revenue from Indiana’s…

by Tom Davies, Indiana Capital ChronicleSeptember 15, 2026 An image of a sunglasses-wearing Abraham Lincoln will appear near the top of Indiana election ballots this fall. That is the emblem submitted by the Lincoln Party to appear in the section for voters choosing to cast straight-ticket ballots — even though the newly formed party’s only…

by Casey Smith, Indiana Capital ChronicleSeptember 15, 2026 Our newsroom doesn’t take democracy for granted, and we hope you don’t either. This story is part of an international celebration called Democracy Day, to remind us all to value our democracy and work to protect it. Below you will learn about the legislative process to turn…

Ferdinand–The Dubois County Democratic Party is proud to announce the grand opening of its new county headquarters on Wednesday, September 16, at a historic downtown Ferdinand location that will serve as a gathering place for community engagement, volunteer activities, candidate events, and party operations. The opening celebration will begin at 7:00 p.m., with doors opening at 6:30…

The Indiana German Heritage Society has named Father John Boeglin as the 2026 Hoosier German-American of the Year. Father Boeglin is a senior priest in the Diocese of Evansville and is from Haubstadt. Father John has been extremely active in preserving and promoting the German culture in southwestern Indiana, especially during the many years he…

The Department of Defense announced plans to install Indiana’s first advanced nuclear Micro Modular Reactor (MMR) at Naval Weapons Station (NWS) Crane no later than September 2028. The project implements President Donald J. Trump’s executive orders to deploy advanced nuclear reactor technologies for national security and reinvigorate the nuclear industrial base. The commercially owned and…

The Dubois community will celebrate its 24th Annual Septemberfest on Saturday, September 12, at Dubois Community Park, with a full day of races, food, live music, and family activities under the event’s longtime theme of “Good Friends, Good Food, Good Times.” The day kicks off at 8 a.m. with the Dubois FCA 5K/10K Walk &…

Jasper Mayor Ryan Craig, in partnership with Jasper Arts, is accepting proposals from artists interested in creating a commissioned artwork for display in the Mayor’s office at Jasper City Hall. Craig wants to transform a wall in his office into a vibrant, inviting space that reflects the spirit of the community, creating a visually engaging,…

Actors Community Theatre Inc. (ACT) is eager to announce auditions for its upcoming production of “Frankenstein: The Radio Play”, adapted by Philip Grecian from the novel by Mary Wollstencraft Shelley. Performances will be held on October 8-10, 2026, at the Thyen-Clark Cultural Center Black Box Theatre.  Auditions for Frankenstein: The Radio Play will take place…

Huntingburg–A resident’s blunt assessment of rundown buildings and eyesores last month has pushed the Huntingburg Common Council to consider a townwide beautification effort. Randy Wahl, who told the council he was a councilman in Texas before moving to the area, spent several minutes of citizen comment time cataloging what he called long-neglected properties around town:…

by Casey Smith, Indiana Capital ChronicleSeptember 9, 2026 A Dubois County man accused of sending threatening messages to Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith was sentenced Tuesday to nearly a year of probation after pleading guilty to felony intimidation. Joshua Wasson, 25, of Jasper, pleaded guilty in Dubois Circuit Court to one Level 6 felony count of…

After letters to the 41 property owners around Seng Park prompted several calls to the city, officials scheduled a public informational meeting on the park’s future for 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 30, at the Jasper Train Depot, 201 Main Street. Seng Park, at Genevieve Avenue and Giesler Road, is listed as Lot No. 14 in…

Commissioner Chad Blessinger told the commission he’s still trying to get someone at RWE to talk to him about the Shamrock solar project, a proposed solar and battery site planned for the abandoned coal mine area north of Ireland. Blessinger referenced a joint press release from Peabody and RWE in 2024 and explained he’s emailed…

Jasper Police Chief Chad Dick told the city’s Board of Public Works and Safety on Tuesday that officers handled nearly 1,400 calls for service in August, even as the department dealt with a rash of vehicle breakdowns tied to the summer heat. Dick said that among the 1,389 calls for service in August, officers worked…

Inkspot Productions, LLC and Automated Routing, Inc. present the 15th St. Meinrad Rocks Fest on September 25 and 26. The two-day benefit music event will be held at the St. Meinrad Park and will again feature free admission. This year’s event will again feature a beer garden (sponsored by Louie’s Tavern), children’s activities and country and rock…

The Dubois County Election Board will hold a public meeting to conduct the public test of election equipment on Wednesday, September 24, at 1:00 p.m., according to a notice posted by the Dubois County Clerk’s Office. The meeting will take place at the Dubois County Courthouse Annex, 602 Main St., Jasper, and is being held…

by Tom Davies, Indiana Capital ChronicleSeptember 8, 2026 Former Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard touts his run for secretary of state under the new Lincoln Party banner as a way to burst open an easier path for independent-minded candidates to make the election ballot. ClaraMary Winebrenner, a Republican officeholder-turned-independent candidate in DeKalb County, hopes the new…

The new roundabout will be closed overnight twice this week for paving operations: Detour routes during this time are as follows: During daytime hours, motorists should continue to expect delays as construction continues. Flaggers will direct traffic through the intersection during this phase of construction. Please slow down, follow flagger directions, and allow extra time…

1. I frequently phoned my widowed father to take a long-distance pulse check. My parents were married two months shy of 60 years. A Diamond Jubilee denied. Sixty! Ancient love. Not bad for a 1962 shotgun wedding. Dad only spoke of mundanities: post office visits, adding flowers to Mom’s grave, talking to my younger brother,…

Construction on the Crossvine Solar + Storage project is approximately 35% complete as of late August, according to a project update from AES. The 85-megawatt solar and 85-megawatt battery energy storage system is expected to reach substantial completion and begin operations by summer 2027, following a testing phase planned for spring 2027. Battery deliveries to…

Gov. Mike Braun has extended the suspension of Indiana’s Gasoline Usage Tax and Gasoline Excise Tax through October 6. The extension is part of a declared state energy emergency that took effect August 7, under which both gas taxes have been suspended in all 92 counties on a series of consecutive, monthly extensions. The energy…

by Mackenzi Klemann, Indiana Capital ChronicleSeptember 3, 2026 The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles is launching an optional mobile driver’s license for Hoosiers who wish to limit what information bank tellers, bartenders and others see when asked to verify their age or identity. The digital license would not replace a person’s physical driver’s license, but…

Jasper–Jasper Arts is heading into 2027 with a tighter budget than originally sought, though Director Kyle Rupert says the organization is well positioned to adapt and has plenty of momentum heading into a promising performance season. Before getting into the budget discussion at Tuesday’s regular Jasper Community Arts Commission meeting, Rupert reported on the department’s…

Dubois County has been redesignated as an Indiana Healthy Community by the Wellness Council of Indiana, recognizing the county’s continued commitment to improving the health and well-being of its residents. The Indiana Healthy Community designation is an evidence-based program that evaluates communities across four areas — health, economy, environment and community — and helps local…

(This is excerpt #5 from the book currently being written by Greg Eckerle called “Cat Tales: Jasper Sports Stories.” Eckerle can be reached at gregeckerle@twc.com.) From the high of the 1934 Indiana basketball Final Four to the low of losing Eddie Rottet, his best friend, and also losing his dream Purdue basketball scholarship because of illness,…

by Anna Claire Vollers, Indiana Capital ChronicleSeptember 1, 2026 Jalapenos. Frozen berries. Beef. Alfalfa sprouts. A summer of food recalls, including the record-shattering cyclosporiasis outbreak tied to iceberg lettuce that has sickened thousands, has raised many Americans’ fears of contracting a foodborne illness. The recalls have focused attention on the Trump administration’s decision to cut…

The Indiana Secured School Safety Board (the Board) unanimously approved the distribution of more than $26.9 million to support school safety initiatives, including more than $250,000 in combined funding to Dubois County school corporations. Greater Jasper Consolidated Schools received the largest local award at $82,229.71, followed by Southwest Dubois County School Corp at $72,498, Northeast…

Indiana State Police are investigating a crash that resulted in three deaths and three juveniles being critically injured in a head-on collision in Pike County. According to police, at approximately 7:42 p.m., a Pike County Sheriff’s Department deputy was traveling westbound on State Road 64 with his emergency lights and siren activated while responding to…

Huntingburg–The community is warmly invited to attend the 4th Annual Designer Bag Bingo on September 8, 2026, at Venue 1408 in Huntingburg, Indiana. Doors will open at 4:30 p.m. EST, with the first game beginning at 6:30 p.m. Hosted by the Dubois County Humane Society, this highly anticipated event will raise funds to support the…

by Mackenzi Klemann, Indiana Capital ChronicleAugust 28, 2026 Gov. Mike Braun’s administration has asked lawmakers to tap into state cash reserves to cover losses from Indiana’s gas tax suspension, but top legislative leaders aren’t ready to commit to the plan just yet. “The Speaker (Todd Huston) and I said the same thing: We can never…

The Ireland Historical Society will celebrate 30 years with a community celebration Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026, from 1 to 3 p.m. in Ireland. The event is free and open to the public, with burgers, hot dogs, chips, popcorn, cake, and ice cream, plus cornhole, balloon art, face painting, and other yard games. Door prizes will…

During Monday’s regular Greater Jasper Consolidated School Corporation board meeting, Assistant Superintendent of Student Support Services Ryan Erny updated the board on the district’s ongoing work to strengthen suicide prevention efforts. The district has partnered with Dr. Ann Kelly, who reviewed the district’s existing suicide prevention policy and proposed revisions to its language. She is…

The city council approved an additional $390,000 appropriation from the Local Road and Street fund for the 4th Street roadway reconstruction project during a recent meeting, with the funds earmarked for a concrete base adaptation beneath the street’s existing pavers. The vote passed 5-0, though not before resident Randy Wahl used the public hearing to…

by Niki Kelly, Indiana Capital ChronicleAugust 26, 2026 Indiana will receive a guaranteed $296 million — and up to $419 million — as part of a landmark $17.1 billion settlement with Meta Platforms, Inc. The settlement resolves allegations that the company knowingly designed and deployed harmful features on its social media platforms intended to addict…

Dubois County voters will decide a full slate of state, county, and local races — along with three public questions and four judicial retention questions — on Election Day, November 3, 2026. (Early voting begins October 6) Statewide and Federal Races County Races Township Trustees Township Board Members (three seats each): Birdseye Town Races Clerk-Treasurer:…

The Huntingburg City Council approved an amended wheel tax ordinance at its recent meeting. City Attorney Phil Schneider explained that the original draft of Ordinance Number 2026-28, introduced at the previous meeting, would have inadvertently increased excise wheel taxes on some motor vehicles by up to $10 in certain cases. The amended version was revised…

In a meeting frontloaded with special requests for construction, street closures and events, the Jasper Board of Public Works and Safety met on Tuesday and took the following actions. Approved closing the sidewalk and two parking spaces on the corner of Jackson and 6th Street to replace shingles and repair the awning and soffits on…

Governor Mike Braun has directed flags to be flown at half-staff in honor of Dolly Parton, who died Tuesday at the age of 80. Dolly Parton was an international icon, country music singer, and philanthropist who shared hundreds of millions of books with children through her Dolly Parton Imagination Library.  Gov. Braun’s flag order applies…

The City of Jasper and Calcar Paving will close Leopold Street between 13th and 14th Streets starting at 8:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 27, 2026, for the full depth removal of asphalt and rock from the street.  This closure will remain in effect overnight. The street should reopen to traffic by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, August 28, 2026….

Rescheduled for spring 2027. Jasper–On Saturday, October 3, DC Multisport is excited to partner with Puzzles and Padlocks Escape Room and the Tri-County YMCA to introduce its newest event, “Puzzled at Parklands: Quest 4 the Flag,” a 4-person team event to complete timed challenges and puzzles to earn flags as the team races against the…

The American Pickers plan to film episodes of The History Channel hit television series throughout Indiana, Ohio and Michigan in October 2026. AMERICAN PICKERS is a documentary series that explores the fascinating world of antique “picking” on The History Channel. The hit show follows skilled pickers in the business as they hunt for America’s most…

by Mackenzi Klemann, Indiana Capital ChronicleAugust 24, 2026 A petition to ban automated license plate readers in rural Lawrence County garnered 500 signatures in four days. The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department is investigating one of its officers for reportedly accessing the department’s license plate network for personal use, which the Washington Post reports went undetected…

Mentors for Youth of Dubois County has named The Kerstiens Companies as the exclusive Grand Howl Sponsor for this year’s Howl at the Moon fundraiser, set for Sept. 18 at the Thyen Clark Cultural Center. As title sponsor, The Kerstiens Companies is helping fund the event, which will include dinner, drinks, dancing, a silent auction…

Loving Life Productions Casting has opened casting for the Huntingburg shoot, working on behalf of production company Studio Auteur. The Sept. 18–19 shoot dates line up with the reenactment portion of filming Harkness described to the Park Board; the earlier Sept. 17 date covers documentary interviews only and isn’t part of this casting call. The…

The Jasper Street Department, along with contractor Calcar Paving, will start asphalt milling operations on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, continuing through Thursday, August 27, 2026, on the following streets: Please remove your vehicles from these streets between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.  Watch for “No Parking” signs to indicate which streets will be milled the next day. …

Three Dubois County farms were among the 135 farming families presented with a Hoosier Homestead Award in recognition of their commitment to Indiana agriculture. To be named a Hoosier Homestead, farms must be owned by the same family for more than 100 consecutive years and consist of more than 20 acres. If less than 20…

The Jasper Common Council voted to deny a petition to vacate a public alley behind Becher-Kluesner Funeral Home at Wednesday’s council meeting, repealing Ordinance Number 2026-5 and confirming the alley’s continued status as a public right-of-way. The dispute centered on a north-south alley the funeral home had long used for deliveries, client services, and accessible…

The Huntingburg Water Department will be closing Van Buren Street from Short 4th Street to 3rd Street today, August 20, to repair a water main. Please use an alternate route of travel at this time. 

The Dubois County Health Department is urgin residents to take precautions against West Nile virus after two mosquito samples in the county recently tested positive for the disease. Health officials recommend the following steps to avoid mosquito bites: The department also outlined ways residents can reduce mosquito breeding grounds around their homes: Health officials noted…

The Huntingburg Park Board voted to recommend a new bike ordinance to the city council that would designate where bicycles and other mobility devices are allowed in city parks. The move comes in response to growing safety concerns over reckless riding on ball fields and park trails. The recommendation includes three designated exceptions where bikes…

The Dubois County Regional Sewer District has closed 90% of the design work on the $18 million Haysville sewer project, but a $9.4 million funding gap remains even after an $8.6 million state loan. Dubois County Councilwoman Deena Lewis, president of the sewer district board of trustees, presented a comprehensive update on the District’s progress…

by Casey Smith, Indiana Capital ChronicleAugust 18, 2026 Indiana officials directed more than $130 million Tuesday to state and local road programs, replacing revenue lost in June amid Gov. Mike Braun’s continued suspension of the state’s gasoline taxes. The State Board of Finance approved three transfers totaling $130.45 million from the State Highway Fund’s existing…

The Dubois County Chamber of Commerce invites businesses, community leaders, and residents to join us for the Annual Luncheon & Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, October 14, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Ferdinand Community Center. This signature Chamber event brings together business owners, community leaders, elected officials, and professionals from across Dubois County for an afternoon of networking,…

Jasper–The City of Jasper issued a notice that Frontier Communications is currently engaged in a fiber-optic cable build-out project within the city. As part of this project, residents may notice colored flags and colored paint markings within rights-of-way and easements on or near their property. City of Jasper utility crews are placing these flags and…

by Leslie Bonilla Muñiz, Indiana Capital Chronicle August 17, 2026 Indiana has opened grants for emergency food, clothing, temporary housing and other basic needs to victims of severe storm and flooding damage, Gov. Mike Braun announced Monday. At least 1,000 residents have been displaced statewide, Indiana Department of Homeland Security Executive Director Jonathan Whitham estimated,…

Jasper–Local first responders will be the beneficiaries of a new community fitness competition next month, as Kerstiens Companies hosts the inaugural Patriot Day Challenge on Sept. 9 at 1 DCB Plaza in Jasper The event, set for 5 to 7 p.m., will pit teams from local businesses, banks and public safety agencies against each other…

by Casey Smith, Indiana Capital Chronicle August 14, 2026 After days of deadly storms, historic flooding and widespread power outages, Indiana Gov. Mike Braun on Friday requested a presidential emergency declaration to bring federal assistance into the state. The request, submitted through the Federal Emergency Management Agency, seeks federal support for emergency response costs. That…

The Dubois County Highway Department reports that two county roads in Patoka Township are closed due to rising water levels from Bruner Creek and Short Creek. Districts 1 and 2 have no active closures. In District 3, First Street in Huntingburg west of County Road 75 West is closed due to Bruner Creek, and County…

The fourth Big Tent town hall in the series is set for this Wednesday, August 19 at Ruritan Park in Dubois.  Dubois–Neighbors from across Dubois County and beyond are invited to a community town hall. It is the fourth in the series of Big Tent town halls hosted by the Dubois County Democratic Party. Let us…

by Mackenzi Klemann, Indiana Capital ChronicleAugust 13, 2026 The Chicago Bears are continuing to look at two Northwest Indiana sites as potential locations for the team’s new domed football stadium, but team officials declined to fully commit to the move across the border in a much-hyped press conference Thursday. “Our focus is on Hammond,” team…

Check your tickets: the winning number of the 2026 Jasper Strassenfest Half Pot is A-23524744 The drawing was held Friday morning at the Jasper Chamber of Commerce. The total funds raised with the half pot were $150,170. The winning ticket holder will receive half of the gross proceeds, for a prize of $75,085. The winner…

The Jasper Municipal Water Department is currently working on an emergency repair on Genevieve Avenue. During this time, water customers in this immediate area may have little to no water pressure. The anticipated time to restore service depends on the severity of the break and could take several hours to repair. The city will provide…

The Indiana State Board of Animal Health announced the state was free from highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI). This designation, in accordance with standards set by the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH), eases export restrictions and international trade barriers for Indiana poultry and poultry products. Poultry owners should note that HPAI-free status is NOT…

The Rotary Club of Dubois County has awarded a total of $21,000 in community grants to four local organizations as part of its 2026 Community Grants Program. This year’s recipients are ALASI, Deaconess Memorial Medical Center Volunteer Services/Memorial Medical Center Foundation, Next Step Recovery Home, and Holy Trinity Catholic School. “We are honored to continue investing in…

Dubois Strong Economic Development Corporation and planning firm IncCodes have released the initial findings from a comprehensive zoning audit of Jasper, Huntingburg and Ferdinand, the next step in a zoning modernization effort the county announced earlier this year. The review examined existing zoning standards, comprehensive plans, infrastructure and local development patterns to understand how current…

The Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial welcomed 47 immigrants on their final steps to citizenship Thursday morning in its chapel. The guests of honor hailed from 29 countries, spanning every continent. As of last week they all had one thing in common, they are Americans, and they all began that new chapter of their lives in…

Facing a new state mandate that ties road-funding eligibility to local vehicle taxes, the Huntingburg Common Council introduced a wheel tax ordinance this week to unlock up to $1 million in Community Crossings grant funding. Mayor Neil Elkins presented the ordinance as a necessary step to meet a state requirement, with the deadline to certify…

The Jasper Board of Public Works and Safety met Tuesday, August 11, 2026, for its regular meeting. Jasper Police Chief Chad Dick presented the department’s July monthly report to the Board of Public Works and Safety on Tuesday. Chief Dick opened by highlighting the scale of the department’s commitment to Strassenfest, noting that from Thursday…