Cassie Garrett


Whitewater Valley REMC Community Trust awards several community grants

The Whitewater Valley REMC Community Trust, Inc. has awarded several grants to local community organizations.

UCSO responds to concerns regarding K9 ICE

Union County community members raised concerns when they learned the Union County Sheriff’s Office (UCSO) K9, ICE, was being temporarily housed at the Union County Animal Shelter due to unforeseen circumstances.

The story behind Metamora’s Castle

On top of a massive hill just outside the Metamora town limits stands a lone castle and towering cross, piquing the interest of nearly everyone who drives by and notices the oddity.

Milroy man arrested for child pornography

Members of Indiana’s Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force served a search warrant on April 25 following a lengthy investigation involving Mark Richard Victor Herbert, 24, of Milroy, and the possession of child pornography.

Plea agreement filed in child molestation case

A plea agreement was filed between the State of Indiana by Phillip Caviness, Rush County Prosecuting Attorney, and Anthony Judge on March 26, 2024, regarding several charges filed against Judge...

Charges will not be pursued in regard to shooting

March 30 around midnight, Union County Deputy Jeff Shoemaker was dispatched to a residence on Liberty Pike.

Lifelong FC resident turns 100

Life-long Franklin County resident Virginia “Virgie” Hunt recently celebrated her 100th birthday.

Rushville will not aid in water source at this time

The Rushville Common Council met on April 15 at 6 p.m. Bob Bridges, Brad Berkemeier, Rob Hadley, Jemmy Miller, and Ron Gardner answered roll call.

Hidden Gems: The Moscow Covered Bridge

In the small town of Moscow, Rush County, there is a hidden gem known as the Moscow Covered Bridge. This bridge spans 346 feet and is a two-span covered Burr arch-truss that carries a county route over the Flatrock River.

Less than two weeks until totality

The Total Solar Eclipse is less than two weeks away and is expected to bring approximately 500,000 visitors to the state.

Preparing for the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse

On April 8, 2024, all areas of Indiana will see at least a partial eclipse.

Lucas Byrd sworn in at BOW meeting

On March 18, the Board of Public Works and Safety for the City of Rushville held its regularly scheduled meeting.

Calling all actors and stage crew

Attention all actors and stage crew! The Rushville Regional Theatre (RRT) invites you to participate in their upcoming play, Jerome Bixby’s “The Man from Earth.” Auditions for RRT’s first straight play (non-musical) will occur at Mocha Moose from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on April 2 and April 3.

Breaking Down Barriers: Free Pregnancy and Infant Support

The My Health Baby program in Indiana aims to provide support and guidance to pregnant women and new parents who are on Medicaid.

Rushville will be in totality for almost four minutes

The Board of Public Works and Safety met on March 5 to discuss updates and new developments in various city departments. Mayor Mike Pavey, city council members, department heads, and city attorney Julie Newhouse were present during the meeting.

ECHS student shares why displaying the American Flag is important to him

On Thursday, March 7, posts began to emerge on social media saying East Central High School (ECHS) senior, Cameron Blasek, was asked by school staff to remove the American Flag he had flying on his truck in the East Central parking lot.

Traffic stop leads to narcotic arrest

According to a press release from the Liberty Police Department, on Wednesday, Feb. 21, while conducting speed enforcement near US 27 North and North Market Street, Officer Brandon Creech observed a vehicle driving over the posted 55MPH zone.

Eclipsing the sky in Union County

On April 8, 2024, a rare and spectacular celestial event, a total solar eclipse, is set to occur. This stunning phenomenon will be visible from a narrow path that stretches across North America, offering viewers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the moon completely block out the sun and plunge the environment into darkness. Liberty will begin totality at 3:07:54. The duration will be 3m 31s.

The iconic Nixie’s Burger is back

The community of Brookville has been eagerly waiting for the reopening of Nixie's, the iconic restaurant that has been a part of the community for generations.

Cheers to the next 50 years, Pizza Haus

On Feb. 22, 50 years ago, Lowell and Marge Yorn and Jack and Vicki Kellerman established Pizza Haus, a beloved Batesville business.

State of Indiana v. Gregory C. Guilfoyle

Just six days before the State v. Guilfoyle trial was scheduled to begin on Feb. 12, Franklin County Prosecutor Chris Huerkamp filed a motion to dismiss the charge of Attempted Murder, amongst others, with the intent of refiling the charges.

Breaking Down Barriers: "Shining a Light on Maternal and Infant Health: Challenges, Opportunities, and Solutions in Rural Communities”

This article is a part of a year-long series, made possible by the "Together We Will" Grant. Since July of last year, we have been casting a spotlight on two out of the three most pressing health crises in our rural communities: Substance Use Disorder and Mental Health.

Tammy Drudy named an I-Star Educator

Tammy Drudy of Liberty, taught for 22 years before she retired last year. She split her teaching career mainly between Kindergarten and second grade, but has taught all elementary grades (except first). Drudy was recognized as an I-Star educator after being nominated by Crystal Calihan, a senior at Franklin County High School whom Drudy hugely impacted while teaching at Laurel Elementary School.

FCHS Students Excel in Regional Jobs for America's Graduates Competition

Every year, during the spring semester, the Jobs for America's Graduates program hosts a regional competition consisting of 12-14 categories where students compete.

Nostalgia and Personal Touch: My experience hunting for SVH Books at The Bookshelf

As a child, I was an avid reader and spent countless hours lost in the pages of my favorite book series, "Sweet Valley High" by Francine Pascal. The books chronicle the lives of identical blond-haired, blue-eyed twins Jessica and Elizabeth Wakefield, who live in the fictional Sweet Valley, California, a suburb near Los Angeles.

The race for the 6th Congressional District Primary is heating up

So far, six candidates have thrown their hats in the ring for the Indiana 6th Congressional District Primary Election, each hoping to secure their party's nomination to run in the general election.

A note from the Chocolat Café, soft opening tomorrow, Feb. 8

The highly anticipated opening of Rushville's newest business, the Chocolat Cafe, is almost here.

Breaking Down Barriers: Hope in prison

An update on Billy Conn Billy Conn, Jr. of Franklin County is serving a 50-year sentence at the Miami Correctional Facility in Bunker Hill, Indiana, after being convicted in the Dearborn Circuit Court for Dealing in Methamphetamine (F2) in the amount of 10 or more grams and being a Habitual Offender.

Grubbs responds to Involuntary Chapter 7 Bankruptcy filing

On Jan. 19, the pickleball community was rocked when Indiana Secretary of State Diego Morales announced the Indiana Securities Division issued a Cease and Desist to stop an alleged fraudulent investment scheme concerning "All about Pickleball LLC., also known as Pickleball Rocks.

Community celebrates retirement of local power couple

Keith and Debbie Combs have lived in Laurel for as long as anyone can remember and have faithfully served the community for just as long. They both retired from their respective jobs on the same day, and the community has expressed deep gratitude for their service in their work roles and beyond.

Woman found guilty in death of brookville resident

A jury of 12 found Gina Price of Richmond guilty on Jan. 16 of Causing Death while Operating a Motor Vehicle while Intoxicated (F4), Reckless Homicide, Recklessly Killing another Human Being (F5), and Causing Serious Bodily Injury when Operating a Vehicle with Schedule I or Schedule II (F5).

Don’t miss Johnny Welborn Cowboy Boot Night

The Thursday, Jan 18, Patriots girls basketball game and the boys basketball game on Friday, Jan 19, will allow community members to give back in honor of a special community member, Johnny Welborn.

Breaking Down Barriers: Virtual Recovery Community Cafe

Recovery Community Cafe, a program through Ireland Home Based Services (IHBS), kicked off a virtual eight-week series that helps individuals recovering from substance use connect with a supportive community and build resiliency.

FC Animal Shelter will be forced to put down dogs if not adopted

The Franklin County Animal Shelter is full of dogs who have been abandoned or mistreated and are desperately seeking their forever families. The "Friends of the Franklin County Animal Shelter" is a volunteer organization that works tirelessly to provide a safe and loving environment for the animals in their care.

Michaela Farms offers vegetables and eggs during the winter months

Although it's the time of year when temperatures drop below freezing and snow sometimes blankets the ground, Green Acres Michaela Farm in Oldenburg has vegetables and pasture-raised eggs available throughout the winter months.

Where to vote in Ripley County during 2024 elections

When Ripley County registered voters head out to cast their ballot during the 2024 elections, they will no longer have to go to the traditional precinct-based polling site on election day. Instead, voters will head to one of nine "Vote Centers" throughout Ripley County on Election Day.

As a part of Save A Lot's Hometown Heroes program, shoppers, team members, and the general public were invited to nominate those doing good work in their community.

With the Whitewater Valley Explorer, we aim to take you on a journey while exploring our hometown's beautiful hidden gems and breathtaking landscapes.

Only two days left to vote for Rushville’s “Hometown Hero”

As a part of Save A Lot's Hometown Heroes program, shoppers, team members, and the general public were invited to nominate those doing good work in their community.

Breaking Down Barriers: NaloxBox Locations

Naloxone is a medicine that rapidly reverses an opioid overdose. It is an opioid antagonist. This means that it attaches to opioid receptors and reverses and blocks the effects of other opioids.

Bobcat caught on trail cam in Mt. Carmel

Bobcats are the only resident native wild cats in Indiana and have been reported in almost every county. Although they are most common in southern and west-central Indiana, there have been confirmed bobcat sightings in Franklin County.

Watch 20,000 pounds of ice be transformed into artistic masterpieces

On Jan 26 and 27, the annual "Meltdown Winter Ice Festival" in Richmond will return, bringing professional ice carvers and artists to town to transform over 20,000 pounds of ice into artistic masterpieces for an experience that won't soon be forgotten.

Paul Satchwill shares inspiration behind “The Art Of” Podcast

The Batesville Area Arts Council (BAAC) recently announced local art would be brought to the community in a brand new way with "The Art Of" podcast.

17-year-old Valerie Tindall still missing: What we know so far

Yesterday, Oct. 11, Valerie Tindall's family shared their concern over the police presence at 58-year-old Patrick Scott's house, the neighbor Valerie worked for, and the person who saw her last.

The Growing Laurel Food Pantry opens

The "Growing Laurel Food Pantry" grand opening was held on Saturday, Sept. 9. On its first day, the pantry served 204 individuals.

The 2024 Indiana Governor Race: Meet the candidates

This article is a part of a series sharing brief bios on the candidates for the 2024 Governor of Indiana race.

City Dept heads report updates

The Board of Public Works and Safety of the City of Rushville met on Sept. 5 at 5:30 p.m. Mayor Mike Pavey, Gary Cameron, Brad Berkemeier, Maria Bridges and city attorney Julie Newhouse were present. Phil King was absent.

Business Highlight of the Week: Vogel’s Florist & Landscaping

This week, we are highlighting Vogel's Florist and Landscaping, LLC. Located in Rushville at 359 E. 6th Street, this business is here and ready for all of your inside and outside floral decor.

Breaking Down Barriers: Who is affected by Mental Illness?

Mental illnesses can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender or background. It is among the most common health conditions in the United States.

Willkie Days Rundown

Willkie Days returns this weekend Sept. 15 - 17 and is jam packed with activities for all ages.

The St. Louis Festival Block Party will offer unique raffle item

As a part of the annual St. Louis Church Festival, a "Festival Block Party" has been added to this year's event.