Strassenfest honors America’s 250th in 2026 theme
The Jasper Strassenfest Committee has announced the theme and Hofmarschall for the 48th Annual Jasper Strassenfest to be held July 30 through August 2, 2026, in downtown Jasper, Indiana. This year’s theme will be “Threads of History, Patterns of Progress”, celebrating America’s 250th birthday. The theme will be reflected in the button design for the 48th…
Indiana National Guard ‘military police’ bill passes House
by Leslie Bonilla Muñiz, Indiana Capital ChronicleJanuary 29, 2026 Following 90 minutes of intense debate, a bill empowering Indiana’s governor to deploy a “military police force” of Indiana National Guard members throughout the state advanced Wednesday from the House on a 67-29 vote. It now heads to the Senate. Proponents maintain the measure ensures Hoosier…
Indiana’s bid for the Chicago Bears gains momentum with Senate vote
by Casey Smith, Indiana Capital ChronicleJanuary 28, 2026 The Chicago Bears might not be packing their bags yet — but Indiana’s bid for the team picked up momentum Wednesday after senators approved legislation creating a state-run stadium authority that could finance and build a National Football League stadium in northwest Indiana. Senate Bill 27, authored…
Three set to take part in Dubois County GOP caucus Saturday
Adam Martindale, Brady Albright, and Michael Stallman have filed paperwork to be considered as the Republican candidate to fill the seat vacated by Ryan Craig on the Duobis County Council. The Dubois County GOP will hold a caucus of the seven precinct committee members in District 2 at 9 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, at…
Being for Others Health and Wellness Foundation welcomes Kaitlyn Neukam as office and communications coordinator
The Being for Others Health and Wellness Foundation (BFO) announced that Kaitlyn Neukam will join the Foundation as its Office and Communications Coordinator beginning in February. In this role, Neukam will support a range of Foundation functions while contributing to communications, coordination, and outreach efforts that help advance BFO’s mission across the region. Her background…
Veterans group requests county support for expanded mental health services
A local veterans support nonprofit presented a comprehensive mental health and recovery program to county commissioners, seeking $100,000 in opioid settlement funds over two years to expand services to veterans, law enforcement and emergency first responders. They also asked for $50,000 to support the remodel and renovation of a former factory building for the expanded…
Closures, cancellations and adjustments
This is by no means an exhaustive list, but includes those organizations that have reached out to us to share their closure or cancellation information. If you would like to be added, please contact us via the contact form on our page or email editor@duboiscountyfreepress.com.
Duck hunters rescued on White River
Indiana Conservation Officers responded to a call for help on the White River on Saturday and rescued five hunters after their boat froze into the White River near Haysville. At 11:37 a.m., officers responded to the call for help just east of the Haysville bridge. According to officers, the five men were working their way…
Letter: Dubois County and Jasper report HELP results
In late 2021, Dubois County and the City of Jasper partnered to apply for and were selected to participate in the Hoosier Enduring Legacy Program (HELP) initiative through OCRA (Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs). The purpose of the program was to develop a strategic plan for using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds…
Commentary: Indiana’s property tax cut will shrink local government — and economic growth
by Michael Hicks, Indiana Capital ChronicleJanuary 26, 2026 Indiana’s Senate Enrolled Act 1 of 2025 delivered what many voters have wanted for years: lower property taxes. Homeowners received higher deductions, but businesses — especially those with substantial personal property — saw significant reductions in tax liability. Let’s compare the two. A family who owns a…
Commissioners extend local emergency travel declaration
After originally declaring the local emergency and limiting travel in the county at about 8:30 a.m. Sunday, the commissioners have extended the Local Emergency Declaration and Travel Advisory Warning until 8 p.m. Monday, Jan. 26, 2026. All citizens are asked to comply with necessary emergency measures, and to cooperate with public officials and disaster service…
Closures and cancellations Jan. 24 and 25
This is by no means an exhaustive list, but includes those organizations that have reached out to us to share their closure or cancellation information. If you would like to be added, please contact us through the contact form on our page or by emailing editor@duboiscountyfreepress.com.
Jasper Council approves $34 million bond financing plan for Regional Wellness Center project
The Jasper City Council unanimously approved a resolution authorizing a $34 million bond financing plan for the Regional Wellness Center project at Wednesday’s regular meeting. The financing structure mirrors the approach used for the city’s outdoor aquatic pool, using lease agreements between the Redevelopment Authority and the Redevelopment Commission to avoid exceeding the city’s constitutional…
Snow Emergency issued as Huntingburg prepares for weekend winter weather
The City of Huntingburg has declared a snow emergency effective Saturday, January 24, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. Parking on city streets designated as “snow routes” will be restricted during this time, and all vehicles must be removed before 11:00 a.m. Vehicles remaining on snow routes after this time may be towed at the owner’s expense….
Tips as first winter storm of season threatens area
With a significant winter weather system expected to make its way to Dubois County on Saturday, January 24, 2026, the Emergency Management Agency is asking all citizens to prepare in advance. Preparations include charging cell phones and other items in case power is interrupted, evaluating whether shoveling is necessary, taking your time if you decide…
Huntingburg Park Board discusses new playground, dog park safety issues, pickleball, League Stadium lease
Huntingburg City Park will have a new playground area ready for when the warmer weather returns. The playground replacement near the girls’ softball field will be prepped for installation by the end of February, with workers already digging footers and preparing the site despite challenging weather conditions, according to Park Director Jace Merkel. The project…
Connect with Indiana 211 to find local warming centers during the winter weather season
During the winter weather season, warming centers will be open across the state for those in need of a safe and warm place to stay. Connect with Indiana 211 for up-to-date information on warming center locations and hours in your area. Call: Speak with a Community Navigator on the phone. Phone: Dial 2-1-1 or 1-866-211-9966 Available Mon.- Fri.,…
Jasper Municipal Gas asks customers to reduce gas usage
With falling temperatures expected over the upcoming weekend and into early next week, the Jasper Municipal Gas Department is asking local industries and schools to help reduce natural gas consumption wherever possible. Officials say the request is precautionary and not considered an emergency. However, with colder weather in the forecast, any reduction in usage can…
Laura Grammer ATHENA display unveiled at Dubois County Museum
On January 21, 2026, the Rotary Club of Dubois County proudly unveiled Laura Grammer’s permanent display in the ATHENA exhibit at the Dubois County Museum. The ATHENA Leadership Award is a prestigious honor presented annually by the Rotary Club of Dubois County, recognizing women whose leadership, service, and commitment have made a lasting impact on…
Dubois County GOP calls caucus to fill County Council District 2 seat
The Dubois County Republican Party has scheduled a caucus to fill the upcoming vacancy in the office of Dubois County Council, District 2, following the resignation of Councilman Ryan Craig. Craig was selected to finish Jasper Mayor Dean Vonderheide’s term in a recent caucus. The caucus for county council will take place on Saturday, January…
Indiana State Police report Human Trafficking Awareness initiative results
The Indiana State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division partnered with the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) for the CVSA Human Trafficking Awareness Initiative, which took place from January 12 through 16, 2026. This initiative sought to empower commercial motor vehicle drivers, motor carriers, school bus drivers, law enforcement officials, and the public with crucial knowledge…
Commissioners cold on Duff Solar Project expansion in light of moratorium
County Commissioners agreed the expansion of the Duff Solar project into a second phase would remain on pause as officials study and consider enacting new ordinances regulating solar installations. Commission Chad Blessinger stated he had been approached by officials from EDP Renewables, the company installing the Duff Solar Park, about a planned second phase. The…
County Board of Finance reports $2.3 million in investment earnings for 2025
The Dubois County Board of Finance collected $2.3 million in investment earnings during 2025, maintaining strong returns despite declining interest rates throughout the year, County Treasurer Craig Greulich reported. The earnings represent a slight decrease from 2024’s peak of $2.7 million but match the $2.3 million earned in 2023. “We peaked maybe in March, it…
Being For Others seeking grant applicants
It’s not every day an offer of lunch comes with a potential $250,000 grant, but that was exactly the case on Friday, January 16, when the Being For Others Health and Wellness Foundation provided both. The event was held at the Dubois County Museum, which also houses the Being For Others Foundation offices. Attendees covered…
Scriptless in Seattle, musical improv comedy group, coming to The Astra
The Astra Theatre will be welcoming America’s musical improv comedy group, Scriptless in Seattle, for a night of entertainment on Saturday, March 21, 2026. Come and enjoy a show that has not yet been written and even get the chance to steer its direction! Tickets are on sale now at www.AstraTheater.com. Reserved seating tickets are $20, and…
OFS “Feed the Dream” initiative supports local communities in honor of MLK
In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, OFS has launched “Feed The Dream,” a January food drive dedicated to supporting local hunger relief organizations and putting service into action. Recognized as a National Day of Service, Martin Luther King Jr. Day calls on individuals and organizations to move beyond reflection and actively serve their…
For Zen Michalski’s family, Indiana’s title run is a homecoming
As Zen Michalski prepares to play for a national championship once again, the moment feels surreal — not just for the Indiana offensive tackle, but for his family watching in the stands tonight and at home in Jasper and even in Oregon. For his mother, Tami (Williams) Ware, the Hoosiers’ run has been more than…
Stove fire causes evacuation of Jasper Lofts
About sixty residents of the Jasper Lofts were forced to evacuate the apartment complex Sunday evening when a stove fire set off the sprinklers in a third-floor apartment. According to Chief Kenny Hochgesang, they were called out at 3:55 p.m. for a water flow activation alarm caused by the stove fire. According to Hochgesang, no…
Commentary: SEA1’s (Indiana’s 2025 tax cut bill) unintended effects
One of the thornier issues in tax policy is anticipating behavioral, or second-order, effects. These are normally analyzed over a couple of years to avoid unintended consequences. That didn’t happen with last year’s Senate Enrolled Act 1. The looming effects are worth noting, beginning with the size and scope of tax changes across businesses, families…
Dubois County Art Guild Gallery Walk at the Jasper City Mill
The Dubois County Art Guild at the Jasper City Mill in Jasper has a new exhibit up, and it will be on display through May, 2026. The DCAG Gallery Walk exhibit changes every six months. The public is invited to the Jasper City Mill, open Thursday through Sunday. The featured artist for this time period…
