The Putnam County Museum’s fourth annual Student Art Show will open Saturday, February 11, with a reception at 11 a.m. The exhibit will run through April 14. The exhibit features art from Putnam County students in grades K-12. Every school in the county is invited to share student art in every form—drawings, paintings, ceramics and more. Home schooled and private school students are also invited to participate. . The opening will feature a performance by local folk singer Bobbie Lancaster, formerly of Bloomington, at 11:30 a.m. Also The museum’s upcoming exhibit celebrating the 175^th anniversary of the founding of DePauw University will open Feb. 16.

Its time once again to start thinking about the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life. The group will hold their Community's kickoff breakfest next Tuesday at the Putnam Inn Restaurant at 7am. Greencastle Mayor Sue Murray will be the kenote speaker. Also on February 7 at 7pm will be the DePauw University Kickoff at the Union Building Ballroom. The public is invited to both events, and remember you can donate to the Relay for Life at WREB radio.

"I scratched the ticket, realized I won, put the ticket above the sun visor of my truck and went to work," said Comer. "I mean, I'm happy, but I'm the same as I was before."

Comer won his $1 million prize after purchasing an $80 Million Cash Spectacular ticket at Greencastle Mini-Mart at 701 North Jackson in Greencastle. Comer became a winner on Jan. 24, but just made the trip to Hoosier Lottery headquarters in Indianapolis to claim his prize yesterday - further proof of his "routine" approach to his new fortune.

"I wasn't in any hurry. I knew I'd get up to Indy at some point," said Comer.

Sticking to his plan to continue living life as he has, Comer has identified only two things that he wants to buy.

"I'm going to get a truck and another coon dog," said Comer. "And, it won't be a new truck -- just a different one that's in a little better shape than the one I've got."

With the mild weather in the area, many residents are starting to think about spring, which includes summer sports for kids. The Bell Union Youth baseball and Softball leagues will be signing up kids 4 years and older to play ball this summer. The league will host sign up sessions at Central Elementary School on feb 4,11,18 and the 25^th. From 9am to noon each day. Should you like more information you can call 765-720-8829. Also the Putnam County Youth Soccer Association will be holding spring league sign ups at the Greencastle McDonalds on February 20 and 23 from 6:30 to 8pm each night. Children can be between the ages of 3 and 14 for the league. For more information call 765-720-3930

The United Way of Putnam County will be holding their annual dinner on Wednesday March 14^th at the Bainbridge Community Building. Registration will be from 6 to 7pm with the dinner and meeting from 7 to 9pm. The cost is 30 dollars per person or 200 dollars for a table of eight. You do need to RSVP if your planning to attend by March 1^st by calling 653 5638.

A water main break on south 231 has caused a boil order for some South 43 water customers. Those customers that are south of Deer Creek, as well as on highway 40 will need to boil their water till further notice. The break also has caused South Putnam schools to delay for 2 hours

The City of Brazil has a new fire chief this morning. Jake Bennet will take over as the new chief as he was sworn in by newly elected mayor Brian Wyndham. Bennet has been with the Department for 17 years and has acted as the Assistant Chief for the past 3 years. Brazil also swore in a new Police chief as well Clint McQueen will now take over the department, after serving the city of Brazil for 10 years.

Indiana Conservation officersarrested 44 year old Bradley Ferran of Martinsville for possession of a illegal whitetail deer. According to officers the deer was shot with a bow before Ferran obtained a license. Officers started to look into the incident when photos of the deer was circulated on phones and social media sites. DNR officials remind area hunters they will be on the look out as the hunting season winds down for deer that has been taken illegally.

The Putnam County Commissioner are asking for residents help in Clinton Township. The Commissioners along with the Walnut Creek Fire Protection District, are trying to qualify for a grant so they can buy a new fire truck for the district. Residents will be mailed income surveys as part of the grant applications and the Commissioners are needing residents to make sure and return those surveys. Should you have any questions about the survey you can call Kristy Jerrell at 812-238-1561

Firefighters from five local departments battled a barn fire yesterday afternoon. According to officials the call came in just after 4pm for the fire on County Road 100 north. The barn and a trailer near the barn was considered a total loss. Fire crews did report that all the animals that were housed in the barn got out safely. The cause of the fire is still being investigated.

The time has come again for Indiana’s trees to let their freak flags fly. But first, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources needs the public’s help in finding these woody weirdos. The DNR Forestry division is accepting submissions for its 2012 “Invasion of the Weird Trees” he online publication, which identifies the weirdest tree for each county and is updated every four years. Submissions can be any species and size. The only requirement is that they be weird. Past entries in “Invasion of the Weird Trees” have included trees that swallowed signs, trees grown together like conjoined twins, trees with trunks twisted like a snail shell, trees that resemble giant octopuses, and trees with root systems so exposed that it appears they might run away. Entry deadline for this year’s search is April 30, three days after Arbor Day. To submit a tree, send at least two non-returnable photographs to Sam Carman, DNR Division of Forestry, 402 W. Washington, Rm. W296, Indianapolis, IN 46204. Digital photos should be emailed to scarman@dnr.IN.gov. Along with the photos, be sure to include your name, address, phone number, and the specific location of the tree, including county.

Should you have a student that is heading off to college this next fall, a couple of organizations might be able to help. The Putnam Purdue club will be offering a scholarship for a student who is currently going or will be going to Purdue University and majoring in Agriculture. Applications can be picked up at the clubs office located at 2 south Jackson Street in Greencastle. Applications must be turned back in by January 13^th. Also the Greencastle High School Alumni will be giving away scholarships to Greencastle High school grads, or to former Greencastle High School students who are in college. These applications can be picked up at the guidance counselors office, or online at www.greencastlealumni.com These applications must be turned in by March 15^th.

Some good news for Clay County was announced yesterday. Great Dane Trailers, Clay County’s largest employer, announced they will be expanding in Brazil. According to plant officials, plans are being made to add about 200 jobs by March of this year. Officials say that the expansion is necessary do to a increase demand in semi trailers. Great Dane already has about 1200 employees, and with the expansion this will mark the largest number of workers at the plant in 4 years.

The Putnam County Commissioners have decided at their meeting yesterday, that the county will now start paying its workers by direct deposit. Most county workers already utilize the direct deposit system, and those that do not have a bank account will be able to get a debit card in which they will be able to access their pay. The Commissioners were also asked by Nancy Dennis, the Assessor for more funds to hire 2 part time people for the reassessment project that is going on. The Commissioners voted per the Councils approval for just over 15 thousand dollars for that purpose.

A accident yesterday afternoon kept US 231 closed for most of the afternoon. According to officials on the scene a northbound semi driven by Warren Eikelburg, of Michigan City, left the roadway and then bottomed out on his return to the pavement. No injuries were reported in the accident.

Area Firefighters were kept busy yesterday afternoon at a blaze at the home of Gary Hazlett on county road 850 east. Eight fire departments from both Putnam and Hendricks counties responded to the blaze around 1:30. The fire seems to have started in the garage and spread to the north part of the house. Fire officials say they do not have a cause for the blaze but the house will probably be a total loss.

The three people accused of the December 15^th bogus Subway robbery, have now all made initial court appearances. Subway worker 21 year old Haley Ellis has now been charged with is charged with theft, conspiracy to commit theft, and false informing. The other two, 19 year old Mathew Davidson, and 19 year old Joshewa Lizotte of Greencastle have been charged with theft. All three were ordered to not step foot on Subway property, have no contact with each other, or Subway employees. All 3 are being represented by public defenders and will have court dates in 2012.

Authorities are starting to believe the driver of the semi that caused a fatal accident on I 70 Monday fell asleep at the wheel. 65 year old George Leggett of Ohio was killed when his semi hit a bridge support at I 70 and County Road 775 west. According to Michael Shahadey of Bloomington, He was attempting to pass Leggett's, rig when the semi drifted over into his lane and then into the bridge support. Shahady also told police he did not see any brake lights from the semi before the accident. An autopsy did not show any medical reason why Leggett would have passed out. The accident is still under investigation.

The Indiana Department of Transportation is developing plans for a proposed detention pond project at US 40 and Pogues Run in Clay County. The project proposes to construct an 7.5 acre retention pond to detain the increased amount of runoff destined for Pogue's run from a proposed future US 40 pavement replacement. Construction of the project will require approximately 15.5 acres of new permanent right-of-way with no displacement of residential or commercial properties will be involved with this project.  There is no roadway work involved with this project, thus no maintenance of traffic plan is needed.  The total cost of the project is approximately 2.8 million with both federal and state funds being used.  All interested persons may request a public hearing be held or express their concerns by submitting comments to the attention of Mary Wright, INDOT Public Hearings Examiner, Room N642, 100 North Senate Avenue, Indianapolis, Indiana 46204-2216 or mwright@indot.in.gov (317) 234-0796 on or before Friday, January 13, 2012.  Should a public hearing be determined to be in the best interest of the community, a legal notice wil be published advertising the date, time and location.  Otherwise, all comments and materials received for the record will be fully considered during the decision-making process.

The Greencastle Parks Dept want to know if you like to walk for exercise, but are looking for someone

to walk with? No place to walk this winter?Join others in the community in walking or running each

Wednesday morning from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at DePauw’s Tennis and Track Center. Come alone or

bring a friend or family members for a non-timed 5K or 1-Mile walk. This program is open to residents of

all ages, and is free. Although not timed, participants may check-in and receive recognition for participating

in at least 7 walks. Participants under age 18 shall be accompanied by an adult. If inclement weather

exists, that day’s walk could be canceled. For more information contact the Parks Department at 653-3395

Students at Greencastle Middle School were greeted this morning by fire and law enforcement officials. According to authorities the school had received a third party threat on the assistant principle’s voice mail. Students and faculty was taken to Mcanally Center while authorities searched the building. There search turned up nothing unusual and students and teachers went back to the building to resume classes. Authorities are still investigating the threat and school officials are also watching all buildings

The Indiana Department of Transportation say that work on the Eel River Bridge at Bowling Green will start soon. The d.o.t. Has awarded a repair contract to George Harvey and Son from Danville Indiana to do the construction. The bridge was closed last month after inspections revealed a crack in one of the gusset plates.

1. At least 16 years of age (donors under age 17 must have a signed Indiana Center Parental/Guardian Consent Form).
2. Weigh at least 110 pounds.
3. Pass a brief mini-physical and medical history review.
4. Follow normal eating patterns before donating.
5. Bring a picture I.D.

With the first snowfall of the season  the Indiana State Police would like to remind the motoring public of a few safety tips for driving during inclement weather.

Drive according to road conditions:

• Allow extra time to get to your destination.

• Clear all windows of ice and snow and remove snow from hood, roof and headlights and tail lights.

• Beware of bridges, underpasses, overpasses and intersections where ice tends to form first.

• Don’t use cruise control on slick roads.

• Avoid abrupt stops and starts, slow down gradually and keep wheels turning to avoid losing traction.

• Use headlights even during daylight hours

• Increase the following distance between you and the vehicle in front of you.

• Decrease your speed according to the road conditions

• Make sure you have a charged cell phone in your vehicle AND NEVER TEXT WHILE DRIVING.

• MOVE OVER AND/OR SLOW DOWN FOR EMERGENCY VEHICLES.

• ROAD CONDITIONS: visit INDOT’s website www.TrafficWise.IN.gov or dial 800-261-ROAD (7623).

Give the outdoor lovers on your list the gift of Indiana's state parks, reservoirs, state park inns and Outdoor Indiana magazine, all in one bargain package, without ever leaving your home.

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The $99 State Park Holiday Gift Pack includes a 2012 resident Annual Entrance Permit, an Indiana State Park Inns gift certificate worth $70, a one-year subscription to Outdoor Indiana magazine, and a 2012 Outdoor Indiana full-color calendar. The buyer saves $19 over the regular price of the items purchased separately.

The $129 State Park Holiday Gift Pack upgrades your $99 State Park Holiday Gift Pack to include a $100 Indiana State Park Inns gift certificate.

Indiana has 32 state parks and reservoirs scattered throughout the state. The entrance permit grants gate entrance for all of 2012 for all state parks and reservoirs.

The gift certificate can be used at any of seven state park lodging facilities, as well as the award-winning Pete Dye-designed golf course at Fort Harrison State Park in Indianapolis.

Outdoor Indiana is a bi-monthly magazine that brings you the best of the state's outdoors in 48 pages of full color.

Order at Innsgifts.com, now through Dec. 31.

Supporters and opponents of the right to work law are gearing up for tomorrows ceremonial opening of the General Assembly. Governor Daniels urged fellow republicans not to push a right to work bill in the last session. He argued the ban on requiring workers to pay at least a portion of union dues hand not been discussed at the statehouse or on the campaign trail, and warned it could derail his top priorities, which was a package of education reforms, legislators went ahead anyway, but dropped it when democrats bolted the state in protest.

The Greater Greencastle Chamber of Commerce is now accepting entries for the 2011 Spirit of Christmas Award. The traveling plaque will be presented at the Civic League’s Annual Lights of Love Ceremony on Sunday, December 4^th at the Green Center on the DePauw University Campus. The time is still to be announced. Competing businesses must have their entry forms in no later than 4pm, Wednesday, November 30^th, and have their businesses decorated and ready for judging by 4pm on Thursday, December 1^st. To be eligible for judging, entries may be made by sending the entry form to the Chamber of Commerce at 16 S. Jackson St. or by faxing it to 765-848-1015 If you have any questions please call Tammy Amor at the Chamber office, 765-653-4517.

Indiana's Attorney General has decided to suspend Dr. Ray Howell of Roachdale's Medical License for 90 days. Howell was arrested last week on 15 felony counts which involved the alleged unlawful dispensing of controlled substances. Deputy Attorney General Michael Minglin has filed a petition with the Medical Licensing Board of Indiana, asking them to set a hearing on Howell's license. Howell has retired as of September 30^th of this year. Howell will have a pretrial conference in December in Putnam County Court.

57 year old Dr. Ray Howell of Roachdale has entered a not guilty plea for 15 felony counts charged against him. Howell will hire his own attorney and was bonded out of the Putnam County Jail. Judge Matt Headly has set a pre trial for December 8^th at 10am. Howell was arrested this week after a more than 2 year investigation of the Doctor by D.E.A. And the Indiana State Police for allegedly prescribing more than what was required of controlled substances to patients.