VOL. 1, ISSUE NO. 7
WWW.THEOWENNEWS.ORG
FRIDAY, OCT. 4, 2024
Fire destroys Gosport home By Travis Curry Correspondent A Gosport home was destroyed by a fast-moving fire that broke out around 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 24. The first wave of firefighters and emergency personnel arrived on the scene a short time later to find heavy smoke billowing from the roof and flames engulfing the front porch of the home at 246 E. South St. Homeowner Bryan Rogers was at home when the fire broke out and was reportedly unharmed, declining medical treatment at the scene from the Owen County Emergency Medical Service. The American Red Cross was later contacted to help
meet Rogers’ immediate emergency needs. According to the Gosport Volunteer Fire Department, a cause for the fire was undetermined. Firefighters estimated around 30,000 gallons of water was used to battle the morning blaze. The Gosport VFD received mutual aid from the Owen Valley Fire Territory, Bean Blossom Township-Stinesville VFD, Owen County Sheriff’s Department and the Owen County EMS. Fire personnel were called back to the scene around 12:30 p.m. where they were able to quickly squelch the rekindled debris at the home, located on the southwest corner of East South and South Second streets.
Emergency personnel responded to a fully involved structure fire Sept. 24 at 246 E. South St. in Gosport. TRAVIS CURRY | THE OWEN NEWS
AIC’S HIGHEST HONOR
ON wins nonprofit of the year Staff Report The Owen News, Indiana’s first nonprofit newspaper serving Owen County, was named nonprofit of the year by The Owen County Chamber of Commerce. “This is an incredible honor, especially considering the amazing and impactful work being done by the other semifinalists that were also nominated for this award,” Board President Nicole DeCriscio said. Spencer Pride, The Tivoli Theatre and Owen County Boys & Girls Club were also named finalists.
Anton Neff (center) poses with his family. Pictured from left, Neff’s parents Tony and Vicky, Anton, his daughter Sadie and wife Shannon. SUBMITTED PHOTO.
County Councilman Anton Neff receives prestegious AIC award Submitted Article
instrumental in the formation of the AIC during his service as a Hendricks County Commissioner in the late he Association of Indiana 1950s. For many years Himsel served Counties (AIC) has named Owen as Indiana’s representative on the County Council member Anton Neff, as the 2024 Arthur R. Himsel National Association of Counties (NACo) Board of Directors. Since the inception Award Winner. The Himsel Award is the AIC’s highest of the Himsel Award in 1984, it has been given to an elected county official honor and is named for an individual who has served the interests of county who dedicated his public career as AWARD | PAGE 5 an elected county official. Himsel was
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Early voting begins this month Staff Report Early voting for the 2024 General Election begins Oct. 8 and continues through Nov. 4, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday at the Owen County Courthouse in Spencer. Early
voting ends at noon on Nov. 4. Early voting will also be held on three Saturdays: Oct. 19, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Freedom Community Center, 5552 Freedom-Arney Road; and Oct. 26 and Nov. 2, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
at both the Owen County Courthouse and the Faith Baptist Church, 11612 State Road 243. The 2024 General Election will take place Tuesday, Nov. 5, from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
VOTING | PAGE 4
NONPROFIT | PAGE 4
Fiesta! Owen County is Oct. 18 Staff Report Get ready for an unforgettable celebration of culture, music and community at the first-ever Fiesta! Owen County on Friday, Oct. 18. The event takes place from 4:30 to 8 p.m. on Market Street in downtown Spencer, featuring salsa dancing, Lotería, crafts, cultural booths, piñata and authentic Hispanic food. Mariachi Internacional de Bloomington (MIB) will also be performing live. This talented ensemble brings the vibrant sounds of Mexican-American, Mexican and Latin American music to life. Bring your family and friends and let’s celebrate together with great music, delicious food and lots of fun activities. Don’t miss out on this fantastic cultural experience! Event sponsors include the Owen County Chamber of Commerce, Boston Scientific, Connor Group, LLC Rentals and the Sweet Owen Convention and Visitors Bureau.