Braun trumpets first-year success in State of the State address; addresses affordability
by Niki Kelly, Indiana Capital Chronicle January 14, 2026 Gov. Mike Braun delivered a State of the State speech Wednesday night that was heavy on achievements, light on new goals and with a few football callouts. “With our strong business environment, it’s not surprising that another organization has noticed that Indiana is open for business:…
Cities of Jasper and Huntingburg proclaim January 2026 as Mentors for Youth Month
In honor of National Mentoring Month, the mayors of the City of Jasper and the City of Huntingburg have jointly proclaimed January 2026 as Mentors for Youth Month. This recognition celebrates the invaluable role mentorship plays in developing young people in our community, as well as the dedicated mentors who provide guidance, support, and inspiration to help them…
Jasper police chief outlines December police activities
During Tuesday’s board of public works and safety meeting, Jasper Police Chief Chad Dick outlined the department’s activities for December. He began by noting that December is historically a busy month for responses to domestic disputes. The Jasper Police Department responded to 22 domestic violence calls in December, resulting in six arrests. “Domestic violence calls…
Jasper mayoral caucus candidates finalized
Ryan Craig and Phil Mundy are the two candidates who have met the requirements to be considered for the position of Jasper’s next mayor. Craig currently serves on the Dubois County Council as the representative for the county’s second district, which encompasses Bainbridge 2E, 2W, 3E, 4N, 4S, 5S and 6S. He was elected to…
Castle Knoll to feature Aaron Lewis and the Stateliners
One of country music’s most powerful and uncompromising voices is headed to Southern Indiana’s most scenic live music destination. Aaron Lewis and the Stateliners 2026 American Tour will hit the stage at Castle Knoll Amphitheater on Friday, July 10, 2026, delivering an unforgettable night of raw, authentic country music beneath the stars on the venue’s historic hillside. Gates open at 6:00…
Holland town councilman asks Huntingburg to support countywide zoning to stop solar developments
Holland Town Council member John Kaltenbacher asked the Huntingburg Council to work with the county commissioners to develop a countywide zoning ordinance to stymie future solar developments. He emphasized the need for regional cooperation to address the increasing number of solar projects in the area. His comments come as the town of Holland prepares to…
First Responder Agencies to Host Battle of the Badges in Jasper
Resolve to give blood and help save lives during National Blood Donor Month The public is invited to join the Jasper Fire and Police Departments as they come together for the first-ever Battle of the Badges to support patients in need of blood transfusions. Winter can be an especially challenging time to collect enough blood, as inclement…
Tropical Smoothie Cafe brings good vibes, great smoothies and healthy options to Jasper’s southside
With the success and warm welcome Brijesh Patel and his family received when they opened Dunkin’ Donuts in 2020, he knew he wanted to bring something else to the area. “I really wanted to do another business here in Jasper,” he explained. “But, I wanted to do something different.” After visiting a Tropical Smoothie Café…
BFO Foundation president named to Mutz Philanthropic Leadership Institute
Christian Blome of Being for Others Health and Wellness Foundation has been selected as a member of the 2026 class of the Mutz Philanthropic Leadership Institute. Launched by Indiana Philanthropy Alliance in 2021, the Mutz Institute provides a leadership training experience to skill-up professionals serving in board and executive roles at foundations, corporations and social impact…
St. Isidore hosts kids’ free throw competition
On Sunday, January 11, 2026, the Good Shepherd of the Hills #13623 Knights of Columbus council, serving St. Isidore Catholic Parish located in Celestine & Dubois, held their annual local round of the nationwide free throw competition at the Northeast Dubois Intermediate School. 36 youth competed in boys’ and girls’ age divisions, ages 9-14. Winners advance to…
John Cougar Mellencamp tribute band, American Fools Band, performance benefits Anderson Woods
John Cougar Mellencamp fans can experience a great concert and support local folks with special needs on Saturday, February 21 at 7:30 p.m. EST when the American Fools Band – A Tribute to the music of John Cougar Mellencamp performs at The Historic Astra Theatre. The concert supports Anderson Woods, a summer camp in rural…
Memorial Medical Center Foundation welcomes Craig Buse and Clara Fromme to board of directors
The Memorial Medical Center Foundation is pleased to announce the addition of Craig Buse and Clara Fromme to its Board of Directors. Craig Buse joined Springs Valley Bank & Trust Company in 2002 and has held a variety of leadership roles throughout his tenure, currently serving as president and CEO. His leadership is grounded in…
Dubois County Community Foundation announces new board members
Dubois County Community Foundation announced the appointment of two new board members, Luke Bawel and Adam Hedinger. Luke Bawel is the Manager of Jasper Production Systems at Jasper Engines & Transmissions and resides in Huntingburg. Luke is a member of Jasper Endows Today and Tomorrow (JETT), a Jasper Engine’s giving circle administered by the Community…
Tim Lampert files candidacy for Dubois County Sheriff
Dubois County Sheriff’s Department SRO Tim Lampert, 57, of Jasper, officially filed his candidacy for Dubois County Sheriff on the Republican ticket in the 2026 election. A lifelong resident of Dubois County, Lampert is the son of Dennis and the late Linda (Recker) Lampert of Jasper. He is married to Jennifer (Schwenk) of Ireland and…
Indiana State Police partnering in human traffic awareness initiative
Indiana State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division is partnering with the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) for CVSA’s Human Trafficking Awareness Initiative January 12 – 16, 2026. During this annual human trafficking initiative ISP’s Commercial Vehicle Enforcement units will have conversations with the CMV drivers they encounter during CMV Roadside Inspections. They will also pass…
Dubois County organizations celebrating America 250th to meet in January
Dubois County’s America 250 Committee will meet on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at 6 p.m. at the Jasper Public Library Hickory Room. The focus of those organizations attending is to coordinate activities to most effectively use resources. The group has already had 5 successful meetings where ideas were shared. There has been discussion about planned and potential…
Magnolia Boulevard is scheduled to bring some “Rock & Soul” to Astra Theatre Feb. 7
The Astra Theatre is excited to announce the first event of the 2026 season, featuring the rapidly rising band Magnolia Boulevard on Saturday, February 7. Magnolia Boulevard is a five-piece band built in Lexington, KY. With a diverse range of musical backgrounds, the group has come together seamlessly to create a common sound, balancing the…
Indiana wins national drone test site designation
by Niki Kelly, Indiana Capital ChronicleJanuary 8, 2026 The Trump administration on Thursday announced Indiana as one of two new national drone test sites — a designation that could attract jobs and spending from the industry. Sen. Todd Young, who spearheaded the effort to land the site, applauded the move. “It means that we have…
Local students shine at Noetic Learning Math Contest
Students from Southwest Dubois County School Corporation recently demonstrated exceptional problem-solving skills in the Noetic Learning Math Contest (NLMC) — a national mathematics competition that challenges elementary and middle school students to think critically and creatively. The Noetic Math Contest is a nationwide, semi-annual problem-solving competition for students in grades 2–8 that emphasizes deep thinking…
In light of injuries, business owner asks city to address Fourth Street issues
Huntingburg Grind Coffee and Tea owner Chad Brian brought concerns over the condition of Fourth Street to the board of public works after suffering from a fall. “I took a pretty bad fall yesterday. Just tripped on a loose paver walking from one business to another across the street,” Brian told the board. He said…
Jasper family displaced, responders able to save two pets
A Jasper family was displaced from their home on West 36th Street on Thursday evening after the home was severely damaged in a fire. (Clothes and other essentials have been taken care of and a GoFundMe has been set up for the family at this link) Eric and Kela Bailey, along with their two teenage…
Hohl running for re-election in county’s fourth district
Republican Alex Hohl has announced his candidacy for re-election to the Dubois County Council District 4. Hohl has represented District 4 (Patoka, Cass, and Bainbridge 1 Townships) since 2021 on the seven-member fiscal body of county government. He also serves on the Community Corrections Board. Alex Hohl is a 2002 graduate of Southridge High School, a 2006 graduate of Indiana State University with a degree in…
Amy Kippenbrock files for State Representative District 63 seat
Thursday, Amy Kippenbrock officially filed her candidacy for the Republican Primary in Indianapolis, taking the next step in her campaign to represent her community in the Indiana General Assembly. Kippenbrock currently serves as Dubois County Clerk, a position she has held since first being elected in 2018. In that role, she has focused on modernizing…
Deaconess Memorial places temporary visitor restrictions as flu cases rise
In response to a steady increase in flu and RSV activity, Deaconess Memorial Medical Center, along with all Deaconess facilities, is joining several other hospitals across the Tri-State to implement temporary visitor restrictions. Influenza-like illness reported by patients at local hospital emergency departments is on the rise. These temporary visitor restrictions are being implemented to…
Optimist Club of Jasper set to celebrate 50th anniversary
The Optimist Club of Jasper is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a public dinner and party on Saturday, Jan. 10, at the Thyen-Clark Cultural Center Atrium. The club received its charter with 58 members on Jan. 6, 1976, and has since grown to 134 members. The event, called ‘Half a Century of Hope, A Future…
Dubois County Humane Society announces new director
The Dubois County Humane Society (DCHS) announced the appointment of Jordan Wehr as its new Executive Director. Jordan brings nearly 14 years of hands-on animal-welfare experience to DCHS, along with a long history of service to the organization. For more than a decade, community members have seen her volunteering in the shelter, assisting in the…
Jasper Arts to honor former director, Kit Miracle
Jasper Arts will present ‘In Memory of Kit Miracle’, an exhibition honoring the great artist, beloved family member and friend, Kit G. Miracle, for the months of January and February 2026 at the Thyen-Clark Cultural Center. Kit was the former Director of Jasper Community Arts and, before that, was employed by Ford Motor Company in…
Schwenk, Kaiser 2026 Junior Achievement Dubois County Business Hall of Fame inductees
Junior Achievement of Southwestern Indiana announced the 2026 JA Dubois County Business Hall of Fame Laureates at a press conference on Thursday, January 8, at the Dubois County Museum. The 2026 Laureates are Bill Kaiser and Raymond “Ray” J. Schwenk. Laurates will be inducted into the JA Dubois County Business Hall of Fame on Thursday,…
Schroeder seeking re-election as Dubois County Prosecutor
Republican Beth E. Schroeder has announced her candidacy for re-election as Dubois County Prosecutor. She officially filed to seek re-election for the office on January 8, 2026. Schroeder, 39, has dedicated her entire legal career to serving Dubois County as a prosecutor. She started with the office as a deputy prosecutor in 2011, was promoted to…
Guth files for County Recorder
Tammy Guth has filed to seek the Republican nomination for the office of Dubois County Recorder in the May 2026 primary. She has served as the Chief Deputy Recorder since January 1, 2019, and would welcome the opportunity to continue serving the citizens of Dubois County by recording and preserving their land records, she…
Vonderheide ready to pass the torch
“We get more compliments than we do criticisms as an entire team,” Jasper Mayor Dean Vonderheide said. “Our street department, our park department, arts department, electric department, every department. It is what our teams do, they care about the residents.” The dedication of the city employees to the citizens of Jasper and the compliments he…
