VOL. 3, ISSUE NO. 1
WWW.THEOWENNEWS.ORG
FRIDAY, JAN. 2, 2026
BZA delays conditional use decision
BlueTriton request tabled pending further review By Nicole DeCriscio Executive Editor Concerns welled up from residents who filled the room to speak against a conditional use transfer considered by the Owen County Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) until the new year.
The request was required as part of a change of ownership for a commercial water pumping enterprise on Pottersville Road. The matter was ultimately tabled. BZA President Sandra Calvert and members Beth Wood, Chad VanRyn
and Alfio Saitta were all present at the meeting. Member Corbin Abrell was not in attendance at the Dec. 22 meeting. The application came from BlueTriton Brands. In 2021, One Rock Capital Partners and Metropoulos & Co. purchased Nestlé
Waters North America and formed BlueTriton Brands. The company is in the process of merging with Primo Water to create Primo Water Brands. The company is responsible for bottled water brands such as Poland Spring, Arrowhead, Deer Park, Ice
A BUILDER OF
Belonging Spencer Pride Founder, Judi Epp, leaves legacy of creating community By Nicole DeCriscio Executive Editor
J
udith “Judi” Epp did not wait for community to find her. Instead, she built it steadily, visibly and with a kind of courage that made others feel less alone. Epp, one of the founding board members of Spencer Pride and a beloved community member, passed away at the end of November.
Mountain, Primo Water, Saratoga, Canadian Springs, Crystal Springs, Sierra Springs, Pure Life and Splash, among others. BlueTriton was represented by local attorney Richard Lorenz. “The application is
BZA | PAGE 7
Man accused of child sexual abuse
By Travis Curry Senior Correspondent
A 56-year-old Spencer man, out on bond awaiting trial in a separate case related to allegations of child sexual abuse, is facing new charges of dissemination of matter harmful to a minor and sexual battery, both level six felonies. Russell William Bandy was arrested and preliminarily charged on Dec. 6, 2025 following an investigation conducted by Indiana State Police Detective Riley Nungester. According to the
ACCUSED | PAGE 19
BELONGING | PAGE 11 Judith “Judi” Epp poses for a photo with a pride flag inside the Spencer Pride commUnity center. Epp was a founding member of the organization. She unexpectedly passed away at the end of November, and a celebation of life was held at the commUnity center on Dec. 20 in accordance with her wishes. PHOTO COURTESY OF JACOB BALASH.
Porter trial set to start this month Staff Report
Dustin Jackson awarded 2026 Owen County Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Press Release The Owen County Community Foundation is pleased to announce the recipient of the 2026 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship for Owen County: Dustin Jackson of Owen Valley High School. Lilly Endowment Community Scholars are recognized for their community involvement, academic achievement, character and leadership. “It is an honor to award Dustin the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship. His leadership, character and commitment to learning, both in his own pursuits and
in supporting others within his community, embody the values this prestigious award is intended to recognize. We are confident that his passion for computer science will continue to have a positive impact,” remarked Ronda Stogsdill, 2026 Committee Chair – OCCF Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Committee. Each Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship provides full tuition, required fees and up to $900 per year for required books and equipment for four years of full-time undergraduate study leading to a
JACKSON | PAGE 6
The pending murder trial for Quentin Lamont Porter, Jr., accused of the July 2024 shooting death of 23-year-old Malik Darea Sims, is scheduled to begin later this month. Although the trial was originally set to get underway on
TRIAL | PAGE 8
NEWS IN BRIEF Free tax service volunteers needed
Owen County’s 2026 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship winner Dustin Jackson poses for a photo. PHOTO SUBMITTED BY OCCF.
Each year, the Owen County Free Community Tax Service helps residents prepare and file their taxes at no cost, putting critical dollars back into the hands of individuals and families who need it most. This year,
BRIEF | PAGE 6