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Articles by Haley Segarra Torres
Spiceland council talks water project
The Spiceland Town Council celebrated Valentine’s Day with their monthly meeting with an infrastructure update. Senior Project Manager at Wessler Andrew Gordon came to the meeting to give an update on the upcoming Spiceland water project. Gordon explained that the State Revolving Fund (SRF) consulting group informed him that there is currently an emerging contaminant in Spiceland’s water. kAm%9:D AC@;64E :D DE:== 4FCC6?E=J :? E96 DEF5J A92D6] %96 DEF5J 92D 366? DF>>2C:K65 :?
County health board starts 2023
The Henry County Health Board met for the first time in the new year on Thursday. With a new year, the board conducted nominations for the positions of chair and vice chair. Jerry Cash was nominated to be chair and Brooke Cowan was nominated as vice chair. kAmvC2?ED H6C6 2=D@ C6?6H65 7@C E96 a_ab\a_ac 4J4=6] %96D6 8C2?ED :?4=F565 E96 $49@@= {:2:D@? 8C2?E E92E 3C:?8D Saa_[___ 2 J62C E@ E96 56A2CE>6?E] %96 '244:?6D 7@C r9:=5C6?
230211-CT-health board
The Henry County Health Board met for the first time in the new year on Thursday. With a new year, the board conducted nominations for the positions of chair and vice chair. Jerry Cash was nominated to be chair and Brooke Cowan was nominated as vice chair. kAmvC2?ED H6C6 2=D@ C6?6H65 7@C E96 a_ab\a_ac 4J4=6] %96D6 8C2?ED :?4=F565 E96 $49@@= {:2:D@? 8C2?E E92E 3C:?8D Saa_[___ 2 J62C E@ E96 56A2CE>6?E] %96 '244:?6D 7@C r9:=5C6?
Family-owned boutique expands to New Castle
Boutiques offer a small town feel while shopping local trends. A new boutique is coming to downtown New Castle once again. Luxe Lizzie’s Boutique started in 2012 after owner Lori Troutwine left her corporate job to pursue her dream. kAm%C@FEH:?6 D2:5[ “{FI6 {:KK:6’D :D 2 72>:=J\@H?65 3@FE:BF6 E92E 7@==@HD E96 :562 E92E 6G6CJ@?6 D9@F=5 92G6 2446DD E@ 7F?[ 277@C523=6 3@FE:BF6 :E6>D]”k^Am kAm%C@FEH:?6 92D @?6 DE@C67C@?E :? #:49>@?5 2?5 2? @?=:?6 3@FE:BF6] $96 92D ?@H 564:565 E@ 6IA2?5 E@ 5@H?E@H?
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Boutiques offer a small town feel while shopping local trends. A new boutique is coming to downtown New Castle once again. Luxe Lizzie’s Boutique started in 2012 after owner Lori Troutwine left her corporate job to pursue her dream. Troutwine said, “Luxe Lizzie’s is a family-owned boutique that follows the idea that everyone should have access to fun, affordable boutique items.” Troutwine has one storefront in Richmond and an online boutique. She has now decided to expand to downtown New Castle.
Meeting who is on your ballot
The New Castle Henry County Chamber of Commerce hosted a candidate open house Thursday. The candidates in attendance are running for positions on the ballot for offices such as Henry County Council, Henry County Sheriff, State Representative, Prosecutor and U.S. Congress. kAmr2?5:52E6D H9@ 2EE6?565 E96 6G6?E :?4=F56ik^Am k9cm$E2E6 #6AC6D6?E2E:G6 r2?5:52E6Dk^9cm kAmr@CJ rC:DH6== :D E96 #6AF3=:42?
Local business expanding, adding car dealership
Hoosier Automotive Repair has been helping the community with their vehicle needs since 2018. Owner Justin Lowhorn started the repair shop after purchasing the former Hoosier Brake and Alignment building at 2424 South 14th St. in New Castle. kAm%96 D9@A 92D 366? 96=A:?8 D@ >2?J 4:E:K6?D E92E E96J 564:565 E96J ?665 2 =2C86C 3F:=5:?8]k^Am kAm{@H9@C? D2:5[ “(6 92G6 ;FDE 8@EE6? E@ 2 A@:?E E92E H6 92G6 @FE8C@H?
Concrete shortage puting cracks in road work plans
Road work has been a constant in New Castle this summer. City officials heard updates Thursday morning from United Consulting representatives and Lykins Construction representatives about the sewer project on the north side of town and the Force Main Replacement Project at State Road 3 and East County Road 200 North. k9cmr$~k^9cm kAm%96 4@>3:?65 D6H6C @G6C7=@H Wr$~X !92D6 c |:E:82E:@?
New Start driving class wraps up
Since 2000, the Henry County New Start class has been helping younger drivers learn after their first traffic offense. The class is now may be coming to an end. Founder and facilitator Landon Dean does not know if the program will continue after Henry County elects a new Sheriff in November. The program started in Knightstown’s Court, then moved to New Castle after the court was closed.
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The Henry County Commissioners and the Henry County Council met together for a joint work session on Monday to discuss reports on multiple county-owned buildings. DLZ Corporation conducted the facility assessment and life cycle cost analysis (LCCA) for the Henry County Courthouse, Justice Center, and Office Building. Due to the meeting being a work session, no official decisions or votes were taken. The commissioners first heard the DLZ analysis report in early September.
Commissioners, council discuss building renovations
The Henry County Commissioners and the Henry County Council met together for a joint work session on Monday to discuss reports on multiple county-owned buildings. DLZ Corporation conducted the facility assessment and life cycle cost analysis (LCCA) for the Henry County Courthouse, Justice Center, and Office Building. Due to the meeting being a work session, no official decisions or votes were taken. The commissioners first heard the DLZ analysis report in early September.
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House of Prayer Fall Festival canceled The House of Pray Fall Festival that was scheduled for Oct. 8 has been canceled for this year. Carthage town meeting Monday The Town of Carthage will its regular monthly meeting at 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 10 at Carthage Town Hal, 6 West 1st Street. Tri Kappa cheeseball sale The Alpha Zeta Chapter of Kappa Kappa Kappa in Knightstown met on Tuesday, Sept. 13 for their monthly/annual corporate meeting and Chapter Review.
New Castle Skate Park plans change
The New Castle Park Board opened bids for two projects during their meeting on Monday. They received two bids for a fencing project and one bid for the infield project at the Osborne Park softball diamonds. Fencing project The board received a bid of $165,000 from K and K Fencing in Indianapolis and another bid for $181,400. They approved the bid from K and K Fencing. Infield project The board received a bid from J and D Turf for their infield project. The bid’s total was $93,628.89.
City trash bills may look different soon
The New Castle City Council met for a quick meeting on Monday night. Council President Rex Peckinpaugh started the discussion about trash fees. “Things have went up and the amount we are putting in our trash fee is maybe not enough,” Peckinpaugh said. “We don’t want to, at least I don’t want to, increase the trash fee for our citizens.” He explained that contrary to what the city’s water bill says, there is not a toter fee. The $2.50 charge is set aside to go into a toter replacement fund.
STOP, ROAD WORK AHEAD
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NCPD welcomes three new officers
The New Castle Police Department (NCPD) swore in three new officers at the Board of Public Works and Safety Meeting on Monday morning. City Clerk-Treasurer Brenda Grider swore in Trevor Morrison, Jackie Hernandez and Dylan Reno to the NCPD team. United Consulting invoices The board of works approved four United Consulting invoices Monday, as well.
The Cary Center is open & growing
Knightstown’s newest non-profit community center, the Cary Center, has been working hard to make renovations and host events. The Cary Center is located at 210 East Jackson St. and named after Waitsell Cary, who helped Jonathan Knight found Knightstown. Cary Center Director Kelly Hall told The Courier Times that they have renovated the building's main room to host weddings and events. The newly-renovated room can accommodate 100 people. She said, “The design of this room was my vision.
Knightstown is ready for the spooky season
Knightstown is getting ready for a spooky and fun October. They have planned multiple family friendly “spooktacular” events to celebrate the holiday. Fang-Tasting Feast On Saturday, Oct. 22, the Fang-Tasting Feast will take over the Town Square from 4-9 p.m. The feast will be provided by the Friends of Fred Food Truck Festival.
Ivy Tech continues to help Henry County
Jeannie Hamblin-Fox from New Castle Ivy Tech was at the Henry County Commissioners meeting on Wednesday to talk about how much Ivy Tech does for Henry County. Hamblin-Fox has worked for Ivy Tech for 23 years and is a Henry County resident. She said, “I really believe in what Ivy Tech does, and I am passionate about what we have to offer.” Ivy Tech is the largest community college in the nation and has had a campus in New Castle since 2012.
The search continues for new owners for EMS Building
The commissioners continued their discussion Wednesday about the bid for the former county EMS building on Broad Street in New Castle. They already had one bid from Rose City Partners, and Commissioner Ed Tarantino stated that he was given an unofficial bid over the phone. Rose City Partner Patty Broyles told the commissioners that her group has already helped transform downtown New Castle by buying five formerly-empty buildings.
Businesses will be popping by downtown New Castle
A newly designed building has popped up in downtown New Castle. The “Popped” pop-up shop is a unique shop coming to 1102 Broad Street that will be ever changing. New faces and businesses will be there to welcome you to a different experience frequently. The Popped pop-up shop will be a short-term rentable space for home businesses and entrepreneurs to test the waters of bringing their business to a brick and mortar storefront.
Pacful hosting open house at their new location Friday
Businesses are continuing to grow and move around New Castle. Pacful is a newer business in town who started their journey in New Castle on Troy Avenue. Now, they are celebrating a new home on CR 300 South. Pacful is a logistics company that offers e-commerce and shipping. New Castle Manager Kelly Dowell told The Courier-Times, “We are like Amazon, and we ship the products from here.
Local veteran was at Queen Elizabeth's coronation
Queen Elizabeth II passed away Sept. 8, 2022 at 96 years old. She was the United Kingdom’s monarch for 70 years and the longest serving monarch the United Kingdom has ever had. One Henry County resident was there when Queen Elizabeth ascended to the throne. Navy Veteran Kenneth R. Edwards was on the USS Baltimore for her coronation in 1953. “She requested our ship represent her at her coronation,” Edwards told The Courier-Times.
October library events get readers ready for fall
Fall is here, and the New Castle-Henry County Public Library has planned many spooky events to keep your family entertained through the month of October. Anime Club In the TeenScape, there will be an Anime Club on Oct. 3. A showing of “Sailor Moon” will start at 6 p.m. This is open for students in grades 6-12. Snacks will be provided.
Memorial Park Board changes rental rates
The Memorial Park Board approved a new way of renting out some of their buildings and new prices during their meeting on Monday. The rentals for the Shelter House and W.G. Smith Building are now in a “block format” which allows anyone to rent a building for just the morning (9 a.m. to 3 p.m.) or the evening (4-10 p.m.). The buildings can still be rented for a full day, as well.
New Castle Parks made plans into reality
The New Castle Park board created a comprehensive plan to cover 2016-2020. The plan may be past its end date, but the New Castle Park Board is still looking towards the future. The City of New Castle has eight parks and recreation facilities under its oversight, ownership, and control. The parks system consists of Baker, Osborne, Lowe, Your Park (corner of Broad Street and Memorial Drive), Hospital Heights, Murphy Park, Trojan Woods Wildlife Sanctuary and the park at the corner of 24th and Vine.
Working towards a better New Castle
The City of New Castle released its comprehensive plan in April of 2018. The New Castle Comprehensive Plan is a long-term strategic guide to help the community “manage and facilitate stable and desired economic growth to achieve the desired community goals” outlined in the plan itself. The plan looks at future development, connectivity, utilities, sustainability, education and workforce development and special districts within New Castle.
Looking forward in Henry County
Comprehensive plans give counties, cities, and boards the chance to look towards the future and plan. Henry County adopted their Comprehensive Plan on June 13, 2018. The plan was made by the Henry County Planning Commission and Commissioners. Their plan starts with a short history of Henry County. “Henry County, Indiana is located between the cities of Indianapolis and Richmond in the East Central part of the state.
Two years of hard work brings Bicentennial events to Henry County
Henry County has officially turned 200 years old. The Henry County Bicentennial Committee filled the month of June for the county’s birthday celebration. A mural, commemorative coin, and book were all made to remember Henry County’s 200th birthday, as well. More events are still planned and are coming soon to finish off the celebration. Bicentennial Committee The Henry County 200 Committee consists of Scott Frost, Carrie Barrett, Everett Cole, Ricky Cottman and Kaye Ford.
The Guest House looks back on 2022 during annual dinner
The Guest House Men’s Shelter hosted their annual fundraising dinner on Thursday. This was the first time they have been able to hold the dinner in three years. The dinner was held in The Armory in New Castle. The meal was provided by Grill’t and served by the Blue River Future Farmers of America (FFA). The special guest speaker was supposed to be Kent Benson, but unfortunately he was unable to attend due to an illness.
CAB awarded for academic gains
The Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) hosted their first ever Educational Excellence Awards Gala earlier this month. IDOE handed out awards and $4.6 million to different schools that have shown progress in student excellence and growth. The IDOE recognized Charles A. Beard School Memorial School Corporation (CAB) for their excellence in academic gains and awarded CAB with $500,000 to help even more. The awards gala took place Sept. 9 in Indianapolis.
Memorial Park bringing new additions
Memorial Park has stepped up their duck feeding game. The park installed a new feeder this month to help keep the local duck population healthy. The new duck feeder costs 25 cents for a handful of feed. Park Superintendent Casey Richards said, “I am happy to report we have collected around $55 in the past week which means it has been used around 220 times!” Richards said bread has been a go-to option for duck feeders for years, but bread is not the best food for ducks to be munching on.
Army Intelligence Officer gunning for SoS position
Destiny Wells started serving her country in the Army as an Intelligence Officer. Now she wants to serve the State of Indiana as Secretary of State. Wells is the Democrat candidate for the Indiana Secretary of State (SoS) race. Wells said, “I have 19 years of service at this point. I was in Afghanistan two weeks before the 2016 election.
Henry County is ready for fall
Today is the official start of the fall season. Very soon, there will be crunchy leaves on the ground, pumpkins on porches and cooler weather. Henry County businesses are celebrating the season with fall activities and events. Knightstown Fall Festival The Town of Knightstown will be hosting its Fall Festival on Sep. 24 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the town square.
Stop signs or traffic lights?
Stop signs and traffic lights were a hot topic at the New Castle City Council meeting on Monday. Council member Mike Guffey started the conversations when he brought up an email that the council received from Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT). The email reportedly stated that INDOT wants to remove multiple traffic lights on Broad Street, which is also Indiana State Road 38.
New Castle transit may do away with bus fare
The New Castle Board of Public Works & Safety discussed removing the fare from the city’s public bus system Monday morning. Public Transportation General Manager Doug Sloan told the board that the State of Indiana recommended that the fare be removed after an audit. Sloan said, “If we go to a free fair, they will cover the difference.” Mayor Greg York said, “So we will go from 50 cents to free?
Retiring flags with respect and honor
Military members, veterans, Marine recruits (“poolees”), and community members came together on Saturday to retire multiple American flags at the American Legion Post 137. Flags from all around Henry County were retired properly for the first time at the Legion Post in three years due to Covid-19. Since they were not able to perform flag retirement ceremonies, Hinsey Brown Funeral Service had been retiring and cremating flags for them.
Five winners split Cash Bonanza grand prize
The New Castle Henry County Chamber of Commerce’s Pardi Gras Cash Bonanza took The Armory by storm Saturday. The annual fundraiser event was presented by Henry Community Health. This was the first time that the Chamber of Commerce was able to hold this event in person in the past two years due to the Covid-19 Pandemic. “It was a thrill to be back in person after two years!” Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce Shonda Kane said.
Planning Commission approves two rezoning requests
Henry County planners unanimously approved two requests Thursday to rezone land for light industrial use. Draper Inc. came to the Henry County Planning Commission to seek approval for the rezoning of a bit of land they own on Pearl Street in Spiceland. The plot is currently zoned residential, and Draper wanted it rezoned to light industrial. The company is planning on expanding on their already-established business with a 100,000 square foot building that will go on the plot.
Time capsule ceremony is Oct. 1
The Henry County 200 Committee announced the official date for the 2022 time capsule burial at the Henry County Commissioners Meeting on Wednesday. Henry County 200 Committee members Carrie Barrett and Scott Frost said the ceremony will take place from 4-6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1, at the Henry County Courthouse. Barrett said, “We will have items from the time capsule displayed.
Knightstown's new disc golf course opens Saturday
Disc golf has been a hot topic among parks around Henry County. Memorial Park has had discussion over bringing a disc golf course to their park. Baker Park is in the process of installing course. Before all that, though, Sunset Park in Knightstown is cutting the ribbon on their new disc golf course: Montgomery Creek Disc Golf Course. Montgomery Creek Disc Golf Course is a 9-hole course. It is considered a beginner-friendly course that features two tees per hole.
Motorcycle event driven by toy donations
Downtown New Castle will have a few streets shut down for family-friendly events Saturday night. Kickstands for Kids is bringing together lovers of motorcycles and charity. The event will start with a benefit ride. To sign up for the ride, each rider can donate a toy or pay $20. Sign up will start at 11:30 a.m. The ride starts at RD3 Muscle Motors, located at 2498 Ind. 3, just north of New Castle.
Truck load of flowers for a good cause
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New business has a 'varie-tea' of products
New businesses have been popping up on South Memorial Drive this year. One of the newest, Diamond Nutrition, has officially opened its doors at 2020 S. Memorial Drive. Diamond Nutrition is a one-stop shop for teas, protein shakes, protein coffee, and protein bites. Co-owner Cara Brown told The Courier-Times that she opened the business so she could have more freedom with her children and be her own boss. “The freedom to be the boss instead of the employee is great,” she said.
New Castle schools are planting seeds
New Castle School Superintendent Dr. Matt Shoemaker gave his school board with a slideshow tour Monday of things going on throughout the district. The presentation included Tiny Trojans pre-school, the new tennis court grand opening at New Castle High School, the After the Bell after-school program provided by FourSquare Church, Westwood Elementary clothing drive, Parker Elementary’s Fresh Fruits and Veggies program, Spirit Week, and more.
IT’S A ‘PARDI’ IN THERE
ABOVE: Kilyssa Hamm (left) helping keep track of which numbers had been called during the cash bonanza. ABOVE RIGHT: The armory was filled with hundreds of party goers for the New Castle-Henry County Chamber of Commerce’s Pardi Gras Cash Bonanza on Saturday. BELOW RIGHT: Finalists of the cash bonanza discussing if they will “press their luck” or spilt the $10,000 prize money.
SOS candidate plans to help you track your vote
Jeff Maurer is the nominated Libertarian candidate for Indiana Secretary of State (SOS). Maurer is a “Hoosier by choice.” He was born in New York City and moved to Indiana in 2013.
Saddle Club staying busy this fall
The Henry County Saddle Club has been working to improve the future for horses, horse owners and the community for over 63 years. They host different events, including shows and sales, throughout the year at 321 West 100 North in New Castle. They have events planned every weekend up to Oct. 22. Their next event is this upcoming Saturday and Sunday. On Sept. 17 and 18, the Indiana Pinto Hoosier Classic will be starting at 8 a.m. Over 100 shows are on the show bill for the weekend.
'Younique' store coming to The Hub
Unique Boutique has been a well known small business in New Castle for years. When the previous owner decided to advance her career into a different field, Cheyanne Spears and Melaney Cumberland jumped on the opportunity to make Unique their own. Cumberland said, “It has been a whirlwind! It has all happened in just about two months.” In those two months, the ladies have completely rebranded the boutique.
Henry County Resident writes book all about Indiana
Long-time Henry County resident Jamie Ward started a travel blog called Cornfields & High Heels (https://fieldsandheels.com/) six years ago. She has now written a book all about traveling in Indiana. “It started as a hobby and that hobby has slowly evolved into a full-time career,” Ward said. “It’s been a lot of hard work.” Through connections with the Midwest Travel Network, Ward found more opportunities to work with regional and national destinations.
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