9-year-old killed in ATV crash
Authorities are investigating an ATV crash that resulted in the death of a nine-year-old Spencer County boy over the weekend. On Saturday, July 5, 2025, at 7:05 p.m., Spencer County Dispatch received a 911 call reporting a severe ATV accident near the intersection of County Road 1150 North and County Road 1200 East, close to…
Braun appoints state entrepreneurship director
by Whitney Downard, Indiana Capital ChronicleJuly 7, 2025 An Indianapolis business owner will lead the state’s new Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, with a focus on supporting Hoosiers’ launching the next generation of Main Street businesses. Brian Schutt, the co-founder of Refinery46 — a co-working space and startup incubator in Indianapolis — and co-founder of…
Judge Verkamp arranges survey work on Pfister property
Bob Pfister’s testimony from the witness stand in the Dubois County Circuit Court was marked by tears and anger on Wednesday afternoon. Mr. Pfister made his first appearance on allegations that he was in contempt of the temporary injunction that Dubois County Circuit Court Judge Nathan Verkamp had ordered, allowing INDOT’s contractor, Lochmueller Group, to…
Judge considers permanent injunction for Midstate Corridor Property surveys, asks for better communication between parties
Dubois County Circuit Court Judge Nathan Verkamp is considering whether to grant the state a permanent injunction, allowing surveyors to access private property for the Midstate Corridor highway project, after several property owners denied entry to their land. Judge Nathan Verkamp heard testimony during a declaratory judgment hearing in which the Indiana Department of Transportation,…
Verkamp continues preliminary injunction allowing surveys for Mid-States Corridor
Judge Nathan Verkamp of the Dubois County Circuit Court is weighing a declaratory action and permanent injunction for surveyors to access properties as they conduct the Tier 2 study for the Midstate Corridor project, a proposed highway linking State Route 66 and I-69. The case revolves around the state’s authority to access private property for…
Pfister agrees to date for survey work
Property owner Bob Pfister made his appearance in the Dubois County Circuit Court today after evicting Lochmueller Group surveyors from his family property on Trainer Lane twice in June. Pfister read from a prepared statement regarding the generational importance of the land before being cross-examined by Deputy Attorney General Wesley Garrett. Dubois County Circuit Court…
Found-art artist Keven Titzer’s original work from Dubois County items on display at Thyen-Clark Cultural Center
Jasper Arts will present the work of Evansville installation artist Kevin Titzer from July to September 2025 at the Thyen-Clark Cultural Center. The solo installation exhibition titled ‘From Pillar To Post’ features a variety of objects found throughout Dubois County assembled into a breathtaking, larger-than-life gallery creation. Kevin Titzer is an Evansville-born artist who works…
2025 Cops Cycling for Survivors Ride to Remember
Cops Cycling for Survivors is preparing to navigate across the state. This will be the 24th year that CC4S will take to the roads around the state of Indiana, supporting the families of fallen police officers and encouraging the public never to forget the service and sacrifice of our fallen heroes. On Monday, July 7, cyclists will…
Dana Kunz named Director of Workforce Readiness for Hub19
Hub19, the regional initiative that unites educators, businesses, and community partners to create future-ready career pathways, today announced the appointment of Dana Kunz as Dubois County Director of Workforce Readiness. In this newly created role, Kunz will spearhead programs that give high school students hands-on industry experience, industry-recognized credentials, and direct entry into high-demand careers….
New playground under construction at St. Mary’s with community foundation support
The Dubois County Community Foundation highlighted a recent update to St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Ireland, the addition of a new playground. “Exciting things are happening at St. Mary’s Church in Ireland— a new playground is on the way! Our $20,000 grant made possible by the C.J. Gehlhausen Endowment helped upgrade the existing playground equipment,”…
Schnitzelbank Restaurant to unveil new Glockenspiel later this month
The Schnitzelbank Restaurant will celebrate the completion of its new Glockenspiel clock tower with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, July 24th, marking three years of planning and a significant upgrade to the Jasper establishment’s German-inspired attractions. The Schnitzelbank has been operating as a destination restaurant in Dubois County since its opening in 1961. Originally a…
French Lick Man charged with Level 1 felony child molestation
Orange County – Indiana State Police initiated a criminal investigation in April 2025 after receiving information that Scotty Settles, 40, of French Lick, had allegedly molested a child. Indiana State Police Detective Tyler Matthew conducted the investigation and submitted his findings to the Orange County Prosecutor’s Office. After reviewing the investigation, the Orange County Prosecutor’s Office…
Huntingburg Library renovations continue
Work has closed the top portion of the Huntingburg Public Library, but the downstairs updated area is open for patrons. According to Director Lisa McWilliams, the full renovation is expected to be complete by September 30th. But for now, they are operating with a large number of the library’s items held in temporary storage in…
Cigarette, gas tax hikes coming to Indiana July 1
by Leslie Bonilla Muñiz, Indiana Capital Chronicle June 27, 2025 Indiana’s cigarette tax is set to increase for the first time in nearly two decades, following a late April legislative scramble for additional revenue. Separately, a gasoline excise tax will continue its annual one-cent climb. The changes take effect July 1, with the beginning of…
Blackgrove named Miss Dubois County, Schnell Teen Miss
The Dubois County 4-H Fair Miss and Teen Miss Dubois County pageant was held Sunday, June 29 and here are this year’s members of the court. Taylor Blackgrove has been crowned Miss Dubois County 2025 as well as Miss Photogenic and Miss Congeniality. Laurian Gayso was named First Runner-Up, while Lexi Fuhrman and Brooke Buening…
More than 10 years after criminal code reform, Indiana piles on new penalties
by Madelyn Hanes, Indiana Capital ChronicleJune 30, 2025 A decade after Indiana overhauled its criminal code to reduce incarceration, lawmakers approved more than a dozen new crimes and sentencing enhancements. The new laws, set to take effect July 1, were passed in this year’s long legislative session. Among the changes are stricter sentences for fentanyl-related…
Fireworks safety and responsibility reminder
Jasper Fire Chief Kenny Hochgesang has issued information regarding the safe and proper use of fireworks this 4th of July. Chief Hochgesang asks residents to be respectful and courteous to their neighbors by following the guidelines set by the State of Indiana for fireworks and to set a good example for their neighborhood by cleaning…
Dubois County Museum hosting tribute to Mary Jo Meuser for lasting impact on student exchange program
With the upcoming 2025 Strassenfest, a remarkable milestone will be honored. 2025 marks the 40th Anniversary of the Jasper-Pfaffenweiler Sister Cities Partnership. One of the significant achievements of this special partnership was the creation of an annual High School Student Exchange with students from Jaspe and Pfaffenweiler, Germany. The exchange program, which typically lasts four…
Travel by Design ensures you have a good time
Brandon Ferguson and Landen Weidenbenner have turned their passion for travel into a full-service business, launching Travel by Design in January to help community members plan personalized vacations with a level of service they say sets them apart from online booking sites. The couple’s foray into travel planning is an extension of their years of…
State Senator Schmitt clarifies property tax changes, emphasizes local control benefits
Senator Schmitt conducting outreach meetings across District 48 to explain Senate Enrolled Act 1 provisions and address confusion about revenue projections State Sen. Daryl Schmitt is holding a series of public meetings across District 48 to clarify provisions of Senate Enrolled Act 1, Indiana’s new property tax reform law, and address confusion about its financial…
Tara Knight recognized for work to prevent, treat osteoporosis
The Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation (BHOF) announced Tara Knight, DNP, FNP-C, as the recipient of the 2025 Robert F. Gagel, M.D. Community Leadership Award. This award recognizes healthcare professionals who are instrumental in raising awareness about bone health and providing exceptional care to people living with osteoporosis in their communities. Dr. Knight has shown a…
Jasper Board of Public Works June 26 meeting report
The Jasper Board of Public Works approved several requests during its July meeting, including safety improvements for Wood Capital Pizza and training for police officers, while addressing ongoing code enforcement challenges throughout the city. Wood Capital Pizza received approval for two encroachment requests related to its upcoming restaurant opening. The board unanimously approved the installation…
Jasper Strassenfest Half Pot Booth sales kickoff on Wednesday, July 2
Jasper Strassenfest’s Half Pot event is back this year, and the committee and VU Jasper representatives are ramping up ticket sales with set hours beginning Wednesday, July 2, at their Big Red Booth located in front of Ruler Foods in Jasper. The event is in conjunction with the Jasper Strassenfest, which will take place from July…
Police departments warn of phone scams
The Huntingburg Police Department and the Dubois County Sheriff’s Office have received reports of a scammer calling residents and posing as police officers with their departments. Huntingburg reported a scammer, most recently using the name “Sgt. Gill,” who was contacting residents to demand money and a hair sample. The department stated they will never call…
Jasper to close section of Mill Street Thursday, June 26
The Jasper Street Department will close a section of Mill Street between 9th and 13th Streets on Thursday, June 26, for surface asphalt placement in trenches across the roadway. Due to extreme heat in the forecast, the closure may be extended to allow additional time for the asphalt to cool properly before reopening to traffic….
Fun in the fountain
A few folks took advantage of Central Green’s fountain on Tuesday.
Jasper Downtown Construction Phase II update June 25
Construction teams are still working between 7th and 9th streets on North Main, and both blocks will likely stay closed to vehicular traffic for most of the construction period. Starting June 25, workers will be pouring concrete for the 8th Street intersections, planters, and street areas. This work will continue into the following week. Over…
Huntingburg Council gives approval for civilian firearms training program
The Huntingburg Police Department received authorization to offer civilian firearms safety training courses at the airport firing range following unanimous city council approval of a lease addendum. Police Chief Brad Kramer was in front of the council Tuesday evening to request the addendum to the lease allowing civilian participation in structured firearms safety courses through…
Huntingburg Police Department adds new full-time officer
The Huntingburg Police Department announced the hiring of Logan Brown as the department’s newest full-time police officer. Logan was officially sworn in on Monday as a full-time officer. He originally joined the department as a reserve officer in February and, following his exemplary service and dedication, has now transitioned into a full-time role. He will…
Column: Summer side of life
“ ’Cause it’s summerSummertime is hereYes, it’s summerMy time of year.”— War My favorite summer songs are those that are soundtracks to a specific memory or simply conjure a general sense of the season. My auditory recollections remain as indelible as the scent of roadside honeysuckle and sweet cotton-candied air at the Fourth of July…
Celestine Streetfest this Saturday
The annual Celestine Streetfest is this Saturday, June 28th, 2025, on the grounds of St. Celestine Catholic Church in downtown Celestine. Everyone is welcome to attend the festival for a day full of fun events, great food, enjoyable music, and most of all, lots (and lots) of friends and fellowship. Most events, food, and drink…
