New analysis projects $8B in long-term benefits from Mid-States Corridor, INDOT says; Some figures require context
A new economic analysis says Section 2 of the Mid-States Corridor project in Dubois County could bring benefits worth four times its estimated cost, according to a July 15 announcement from the Indiana Department of Transportation. (Release attached at the end of the story.) But questions submitted by the Dubois County Free Press to INDOT…
14,000 meals added to local food banks through Kimball Solutions’ efforts
Hips swayed and heads bobbed along three production lines at Kimball Solutions Friday afternoon. It was a fun moment as pop music blared from a nearby garage speaker, and each employee assembled their piece of the product before it was weighed, sealed and packed into cardboard boxes. Though much less technical than the work employees…
Rotary Club of Dubois County announces 14th Annual ATHENA Leadership Award finalists
The Rotary Club of Dubois County is proud to announce six outstanding women leaders as finalists for the 14th Annual ATHENA International Leadership Awards. This year’s ATHENA Leadership Award finalists are: Beatriz Cobo Becerra, Shannon Fuhs, Tammy Humbert, Susan Mann, Paula Rasche, and Somula Schwoeppe. The 2026 awards banquet will be held on Thursday, September…
All smoke, no fire; perfect for training
It was all smoke, but no fire, as firefighters trained on a home set to be demolished just off U.S. 231/Main Street in Huntingburg Wednesday evening. Firefighters from the Huntingburg and Jasper fire departments held a joint training session, practicing home entry and responding to simulated scenarios on multiple levels. “Acquired structures provide some of…
Property around Huntingburg’s south water tower could be subdivided for private sale
The City of Huntingburg is considering the sale of a portion of a six-acre site where the city’s south water tower is located. The city council voted unanimously on Tuesday to authorize Mayor Neil Elkins to seek two appraisals and contract for a survey on the city-owned parcel along Sunset Drive as the first step…
Dubois County Democratic Party hosting “Your Community, Your Say” event
Dubois County Democrats launch Big Tent town hall series in St. Anthony on July 22. Property rights, solar, data centers, property taxes, and more. Free and open to everyone. St. Anthony–Neighbors across Dubois County are invited to a community town hall on Wednesday, July 22, from 6:30 to 8:30 PM at the St. Anthony Community…
Indiana’s state budget reserves jump 60% in past year to $4B
by Tom Davies, Indiana Capital Chronicle July 15, 2026 Indiana’s state government cash reserves grew by $1.5 billion over the past year as tax collections increased much faster than expected. Rising revenue combined with an ongoing clampdown on state spending led to a 60% jump in the reserves to just shy of $4 billion as…
Kimball Electronics launches rebrand to Kimball Solutions
Jasper–Kimball Electronics, Inc. (Nasdaq: KE) announced the successful completion of the first phase of its rebranding to Kimball Solutions at its Jasper and Indianapolis, Indiana facilities, effective July 1, 2026. This milestone reflects the Company’s continued transformation from a traditional electronics manufacturing services (EMS) provider into a global, diversified manufacturing and engineering solutions partner. The…
Huntingburg considering how to address data centers
At Tuesday’s Common Council meeting, Huntingburg officials discussed establishing clear regulations for data centers after acknowledging the city’s current zoning code has no specific provisions governing the facilities. The topic arose after resident Jacey Lamb asked for an update on the Unified Development Ordinance and its governance over data center development. Mayor Neil Elkins confirmed…
2026 Miss Strassenfest Pageant contestants
Announcing the 2026 Miss Strassenfest Pageant contestants. The 2026 Miss Strassenfest and Jr. Miss Strassenfest Pageant is on Saturday, July 25, at 6 p.m. at Redemption Christian Church in Jasper. Photos courtesy of Studio Expressions by Jessica.
2026 Little Miss and Mister Strassenfest Pageant contestants
Announcing the 2026 Little Miss and Little Mister Strassenfest Pageant contestants. The 2026 Little Miss & Mister Strassenfest Pageant is on Saturday, July 25 at 2 p.m. at Redemption Christian Church in Jasper. Photos courtesy of Studio Expressions by Jessica.
2026 Jr. Miss Strassenfest contestants announced
Announcing the 2026 Jr. Miss Strassenfest Pageant contestants. The 2026 Miss Strassenfest and Jr. Miss Strassenfest Pageant is on Saturday, July 25 at 6 p.m. at Redemption Christian Church in Jasper. Photos courtesy of Studio Expressions by Jessica.
Single-lane traffic in effect at Bretzville Junction
Indiana Department of Transportation issued a reminder of ongoing construction of the roundabout at Bretzville Junction. Last week, crews installed Phase 1 traffic control at the Bretzville Junction in advance of construction beginning. A new single-lane traffic pattern is in effect through the work zone. The project is still on schedule to close the intersection…
Indiana Tax Amnesty 2026 window opens
Beginning today, July 15, 2026, Indiana taxpayers will be able to sign up for Tax Amnesty 2026 and pay their amnesty balance in full or set up an amnesty payment plan. The Indiana Department of Revenue (DOR) is partnering with United Collection Bureau (UCB) for this limited-time opportunity for taxpayers to pay past due, eligible…
Annual remembrance ride cycles through Dubois County
Over the course of 13 days, cyclists—many of them survivors, officers, retirees, and family members—travel nearly 1,000 miles across Indiana, stopping in communities to meet with survivors, share memorials, and ensure that the service and sacrifice of Indiana’s fallen heroes are never forgotten. What began in 2002 as a ride to Washington, D.C. has grown…
Three days, one mission: New bourbon fest joins Red White and Boots festival weekend
Story provided in partnership with Visit Dubois County. Jay Baker estimates that more than 5,000 children in Dubois County have received shoes since the county hosted its signature country music festival, Red White and Boots, six years ago. During the Christmas season, Rally Point & the Jasper RWB committee partner with RWB sponsors, such as…
Water main break affecting 14th Street
Jasper–The Jasper Municipal Water Department is currently working on a water main break in the area of West 14th from Maute to Newton Streets. The water may be turned off, or water pressure may be low while the repairs are being made. The anticipated time to restore service will be dependent upon the severity of…
Kathy Thewes named volunteer of the year at Deaconess Memorial
Jasper–Kathy Thewes has been named the 2026 Little Company of Mary (LCM) Volunteer of the Year Award recipient at Deaconess Memorial Medical Center. This award is named in honor of the Sisters of the Little Company of Mary, the founders of Deaconess Memorial. Thewes is the ninth recipient for this annual award that is based…
Grand Slam Bourbon Fest brings premium bourbon, baseball history and an exclusive experience to historic League Stadium
Huntingburg–Bourbon enthusiasts and collectors have a rare opportunity to experience one of Southern Indiana’s most exclusive bourbon events as the inaugural Grand Slam Bourbon Fest comes to Historic League Stadium on Thursday, August 27. Created to celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary, the Grand Slam Bourbon Fest is limited to just 250 guests, ensuring an intimate experience…
Community rally planned in response to ICE activities
Jasper–A community rally is scheduled for 4 p.m. Saturday, July 18, on the courthouse square in Jasper. Called Stand Together, the event was organized by Breanna Knies, who said she decided to plan the gathering after Lilia Hernandez posted on Facebook last week about her husband, Angel Hernandez, being detained. Mrs. Hernandez posted on Facebook…
State employees to receive one-time bonus of up to $2,500
by Niki Kelly, Indiana Capital Chronicle July 13, 2026 Gov. Mike Braun informed state employees Monday they will receive a one-time bonus in their July 29 paycheck. But they won’t receive an ongoing pay raise even though state tax revenue collections have been strong. “Since taking office, I have directed my cabinet secretaries and agency…
INDOT holding open house for a sidewalk installation project along State Road 56 in Ireland
The Indiana Department of Transportation will hold a public open house for a sidewalk installation project along State Road 56 in Ireland. The public is invited to learn more about the proposed project and provide feedback to INDOT. This meeting is an open house format and does not include a formal presentation.
Haitians who made Indiana home prepare for end of legal protections for thousands
by Jack Forrest, Indiana Capital Chronicle July 13, 2026 His given name is Obensley. But during the process of immigrating to the United States from Haiti, he became Obenson. Obenson Jean Gilles. In the 1990s, his grandfather left Haiti for a better life in the United States. In the tiny town where Jean Gilles was…
ICE operations impacting Dubois County; ALASI providing needed assistance
ICE operations targeting immigrants through minor traffic stops in Dubois County and surrounding Southern Indiana communities have sparked widespread fear, misinformation and community disruption — prompting a local nonprofit to mobilize resources and push for an organized rapid response network. The enforcement actions, which began around 5 a.m. on Thursday, have been confirmed in Jasper,…
La Tricolor brings Colombian street food culture to Huntingburg
About a year ago, Jen and Franklin Quimbaya launched their food truck, La Tricolor, serving up the sweet flavors of Colombia around the area. As they became more popular, many customers asked about more traditional foods like empanadas and arepas. “Maybe in the future,” Franklin said at the time. The idea took root, and about…
Huntingburg seeking community input as it plans major playground update
The City of Huntingburg is applying for a Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Grant to help bring a new playground to City Park and is seeking community input. Join the Huntingburg Parks Board on Monday, July 20, 2026, to share your thoughts in person. If you can’t attend, or you’d like to provide additional…
‘Faith set in stone’ features Jasper’s geode grotto
A special presentation from “Across Indiana” featuring Jasper’s Mother of God Grotto. Constructed from thousands of Indiana geodes, this Catholic shrine is unlike anything you’ve ever seen. Shaped by Father Phillip Ottavi’s own loss after surviving a devastating earthquake in Italy, see how stone, faith, and tragedy can be turned into a handmade place of…
Commissioners considering moving Veterans Service Officer position to full-time
The Dubois County Veterans Service Office may move toward full-time staffing after Veteran Service Officer Nick Pagragan presented commissioners with a formal proposal at Monday’s meeting. Pagragan told commissioners the office has logged 1,117 total veteran interactions so far this year — including 931 in-person visitors and 186 documented phone calls — averaging 10.8 interactions…
INDOT planning big changes for State Road 64 through Huntingburg
State Road 64 through Huntingburg will undergo major modifications in 2027 as the Indiana Department of Transportation plans to reduce the four-lane section through parts of town to three lanes. INDOT hosted an open house at the Huntingburg Public Library Wednesday evening. Representatives from the department and VS Engineering were on hand to take questions…
Whirlwind camp and production brings Treasure Island to life this weekend
“We can both be first mates,” Steven Dunn hollered playfully at Kate Letterman Conway from the stage at the Jasper Arts Center. He, along with Kate, is part of a group of volunteers associated with Actors Community Theatre’s Rising Stars Children’s Theatre, a camp put on by the nonprofit for third through eighth grade students…
Gas tax breaks to cost state, local governments $533M
by Leslie Bonilla Muñiz, Indiana Capital ChronicleJuly 9, 2026 The total price tag for Gov. Mike Braun’s gas tax holiday is in: the state of Indiana and hundreds of local governments are expected to lose out on a combined $533 million, with the impacts felt through October. That also means motorists saved that much money…
