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…
Craig picking up Vonderheide’s vision with future in mind
Ryan Craig, 39, will officially take office as Jasper’s mayor on April 1. He was chosen by caucus vote to finish Mayor Dean Vonderheide’s term. For now, he has a dual responsibility: shadowing Mayor Dean Vonderheide and finishing out his time on county council. He hasn’t officially resigned from the council, but will soon. His…
Doug Uebelhor running for County Commissioner District 2 seat
Republican Doug Uebelhor has filed his candidacy for the Dubois County Commissioner District 2 seat. Uebelhor is currently on the Dubois County Council as an At-Large member and was elected to the position in 2016. He previously served as County Commissioner from 2010-2014. Uebelhor is eager to continue serving the citizens of Dubois County. “I…
Stephanie Stallwood Fair files for Dubois County Clerk on Republican Ticket
Stephanie Stallwood Fair has officially filed to run for Dubois County Clerk on the Republican ticket in the 2026 election. Fair currently serves as Chief Deputy Clerk, a position she has held since 2023. She brings years of hands-on experience in the clerk’s office and is committed to continuing the efficient, professional service currently provided…
GOP chair provides background and rules for caucus procedure
The Dubois County Republican Party is providing the following information in advance of the City of Jasper Mayoral Caucus scheduled for January 16, 2026, to outline the caucus process, reference governing rules, and provide background on key dates. All caucus rules and procedures are established by Indiana election law and the Indiana Republican Party. The…
Jasper VFW announces updated hours, open to public, more
Veterans of Foreign Wars Dubois County Post 673 welcomes all members, auxiliary, and guests to experience the recently released Electronic Gaming. We are also introducing our updated hours: Monday through Friday, 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. We are OPEN TO THE PUBLIC every Thursday from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. with several drawings at 6:00 p.m. Our…
L4G announces leadership change
Living For God (L4G), a Dubois County faith-based nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening our communities through essential services and support, announced a leadership transition as founder Amilcar “Mo” Peraza is stepping down as president, with Alex Zehr assuming the role effective 1 January 2026. The leadership change represents a carefully planned transition. “This transition has…
Emily Meyer announces candidacy for Dubois County Auditor
Emily Meyer has officially announced her candidacy for Dubois County Auditor on the Republican ticket, pledging a commitment to accuracy, transparency, and responsible financial oversight for county residents. Meyer is running on a platform focused on fiscal responsibility, efficient recordkeeping, and open communication between county government and the public. As County Auditor, she aims to…
Erin Houchin files for re-election to Congress
Congresswoman Erin Houchin has filed for re-election to represent Indiana’s Ninth Congressional District. About her decision to seek re-election, Houchin said, “Our work is not finished. Since taking office, my team has helped return nearly $15 million to constituents across Indiana’s Ninth District through community project funding and constituent casework, making sure families, veterans, seniors,…
