Mayor Dean Vonderheide announces candidacy for Dubois County Commissioner
Dean Vonderheide, the current Mayor of Jasper, has officially announced his candidacy for Dubois County Commissioner. Vonderheide, who will serve out the remainder of his term as Mayor until March 31, 2026, is eager to bring his executive experience and robust energy to the county level. While Vonderheide recently announced plans to step down from…
2026 Primary Candidate list finalized
The filing period for candidates seeking nomination in the 2026 Primary Election concluded today, Friday, February 6, 2026, at noon. Candidates from the Democratic and Republican parties submitted their filings by the deadline to qualify for placement on the primary election ballot. The following candidates have officially filed for the 2026 Primary Election: See the…
Indiana officials keeping up push on Bears stadium bid
by Tom Davies, Indiana Capital Chronicle February 6, 2026 A year ago, Indiana House Speaker Todd Huston wanted to annex some counties from Illinois. Now, he’s diving into Indiana’s bid to snatch away the Chicago Bears. The Republican speaker announced Thursday that he’s taking the unusual step of becoming the lead House sponsor on the…
Jasper fast-tracking TIF addition process for northside properties
The Jasper Planning Commission unanimously approved a resolution acknowledging that the addition of two undeveloped parcels to the city’s Central Tax Increment Financing District fits in the city’s economic development plan. The parcels, totaling about 90 acres and located north and east of Home Depot, are owned by Horne Development Group and have been for…
Ferdinand Heimatfest welcomes Best Home Furnishings as presenting sponsor
The Ferdinand Heimatfest Committee announced Best Home Furnishings has joined the 2026 Ferdinand Heimatfest as the Presenting Sponsor, marking an exciting partnership between one of the community’s favorite festivals and a company deeply rooted in the local community. Ferdinand Heimatfest, a longstanding community celebration, draws thousands of visitors each year for family-friendly entertainment, live music,…
Community Foundation celebrates 30 years of impact
Dubois County Community Foundation celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, marking three decades of strengthening our county through impactful philanthropy. Founded in 1996 by local community members, the Community Foundation was established with a shared vision of building a stronger community through collective charitable giving. Over the past 30 years, the Community Foundation has grown…
Firing squad, Ten Commandments bills among proposals to falter at mid-session cutoff
by Casey Smith, Indiana Capital Chronicle February 3, 2026 With a key mid-session deadline now passed, dozens of Indiana bills — including proposals on execution methods, displaying the Ten Commandments in schools, youth social media access and marijuana policy — have stalled or died after failing to reach passage votes in either chamber. Monday marked…
Five Star Breaktime Solutions acquires Krodel Vending
Five Star Breaktime Solutions announced the completion of the acquisition of the vending and coffee operations of Jasper-based Krodel Vending. This acquisition strengthens Five Star’s presence in Southern Indiana and supports continued growth throughout the region. Krodel Vending is owned by Dan Smith, the great-grandson of the original founder, Carl Krodel. Carl founded the company…
Jasper Redevelopment Commission approves first step to add 90-acre property to Central TIF district
The Redevelopment Commission unanimously approved the first step to add two parcels totaling approximately 90 acres to the central Tax Increment Financing district, potentially paving the way for a major mixed-use development north of Walmart and Home Depot. The property, currently owned by Horne Properties of Tennessee, has remained largely undeveloped since 1998, with only…
The heart of Dubois County Museum: Its volunteers
This article was written in partnership with Visit Dubois County. Dubois County’s museum is a love letter to the past, present and future generations of this county written through the hearts of its volunteers. Volunteers like Sandy Miller, who loves the museum because, as she says, there is something there for everyone, “Infants to 99-year-olds.”…
Local students perform in All-State Honor Choir
Students from three Dubois County schools performed in the Indiana All-State Honor Choir in Fort Wayne, January 16 and 17. Jasper High School Choir sent Aanias Jackson, Ally Larkin, and Ava Claire Werne; Southridge sent Russell Kendall, Katelynn Goodwin, Lilah Rasche, William Dubon, and Katelyn Wright, and Forest Park High School sent Eve Gatwood, John…
Lincoln Amphitheatre announces 39th season following record-setting Year
The Lincoln Amphitheatre announced the majority of its 2026 performance season, marking the venue’s 39th year of live entertainment in the heart of Abraham Lincoln’s boyhood home. The announcement follows a landmark 2025 season — the first after a major infrastructure and seating expansion — that delivered the highest attendance and revenue totals in more…
Commissioners approve Revolutionary War marker for courthouse
The Dubois County Commissioners have approved the placement of an America 250 Revolutionary War Patriot Marker on the courthouse wall after being approached by members of the local Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution and after gathering public feedback on the proposal. The marker is a 24-inch-by-24-inch bronze plaque to be mounted on…
Freedom Bank promotes Dakota Begle to president
Freedom Bank announced Dakota Begle’s promotion to president. A born leader, Dakota is both ambitious and humble, prioritizing people while consistently delivering strong performance, the company said in a press release about the promotion. Dakota began working for Freedom Bank in 2017 and has since managed a large loan portfolio and supervised operations at Freedom…
Stallman chosen to finish Craig’s term on County Council
Michael Stallman, a former Jasper police officer and local business owner, was chosen from among three candidates in the Republican Precinct Committee caucus held Saturday morning at the Jasper Train Depot. The 46-year-old Stallman began his public service career at Dubois County Communications before joining the Jasper Police Department, where he served until retirement. He…
Thyen Clark Cultural Center featuring five mixed media artists
Jasper Arts is pleased to present the ‘Group Exhibit: Elements of Alchemy’ featuring five Mixed Media artists, Curtis R. Uebelhor, Bill Whorrall, Ashley Brossart, Art Orr, and Curtis Grace for the months of February through April 2026 at the Thyen-Clark Cultural Center. Mixed media artwork has been around for over a hundred years and has…
Tickets now available for ‘This Murder Was Staged: Dinner Theatre Experience’
Actors Community Theatre announced tickets are now available for This Murder Was Staged: Dinner Theatre Experience, taking place at the Jasper Arts Center, 951 College Ave, Jasper, IN 47546, on March 26th-29th, 2026. Auditions for This Murder Was Staged were held in mid-January, where local talent was chosen to fill both single and dual-roles for this production. Cast…
Rotary Club of Dubois County announces 2026 Community Grant Program
The Rotary Club of Dubois County announced the launch of its 2026 Community Grant Program, inviting nonprofit organizations, schools, and community groups across Dubois County to apply for funding to support impactful local projects. The Rotary Club of Dubois County is a vibrant service organization made up of dedicated professionals committed to making a lasting…
State legislators take questions; rundown legislative priorities for this session
State Senator Daryl Schmitt and State Representative Shane Lindauer presented their legislative priorities to community members during the recent Jasper Chamber of Commerce Legislative Breakfast last Saturday. Schmitt, representing District 48, began by discussing Senate Bill 1, which targets waste and abuse in Indiana’s Medicaid system. The state’s Medicaid costs have ballooned from $5 billion…
Every Dollar Doubled: Huntingburg launches fitness court crowdfunding campaign
The City of Huntingburg has launched a community-wide crowdfunding campaign to bring an outdoor Fitness Court to Charles C. Niehaus Memorial Park, expanding access to health and wellness opportunities for residents of all ages and abilities. In partnership with the National Fitness Campaign (NFC) and Patronicity/IHCDA through the CreatINg Places program, the city is seeking to…
Illusionist to share substance-prevention message
The Vive18 national drug prevention tour is coming to Dubois County on Feb. 24 to show eighth-graders they can have fun, make friends and feel good without using substances. A free session for the public is scheduled for the evening. Vive18 was created when co-founder Jake White began hosting house parties at his college without any…
Lawmakers back away from a youth social media ban
by Casey Smith, Leslie Bonilla Muñiz, Tom Davies and Niki Kelly, Indiana Capital Chronicle January 29, 2026 With key legislative deadlines for the first half of session looming, the Indiana House and Senate passed numerous bills Wednesday — and eliminated a controversial social media provision. Language that would have barred young children from social media…
2026 State of Jasper
Jasper Mayor Dean Vonderheide gave his final state of the city address to the council last week as he prepares to step down from the position on March 31. The mayor reported Jasper maintains a robust financial position with over $32 million in reserves at the end of 2025, exceeding the $26 million the city…
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.
