News

An intense investigation by the Clay County Sheriff’s Department has led to the arrest of an Owen County man on local charges of child molestation and rape and may lead to more charges in Owen County. Officials confirm that Trent Thompson, 25, Quincy, IN, was arrested around 12:30 Tuesday and has been preliminarily charged with level 4 felony child molesting, Sexual battery, Battery and a class A misdemeanor charge of Criminal trespass. ...

Lucius Palmer Bowman was born in Brazil, Indiana, to Lucius Joslyn and Emily Pauline (Geiger) Bowman on Thursday August 6th, 1885. Palmer was named after his father and paternal grandfather; he went by his middle name, Palmer. He was one of five children born. Palmer’s father L.J. Bowman was a former Clay County Recorder and later in business for himself as a real estate abstractor and attorney...

A hen mallard and seven of her young ducklings walked along my backyard fence this morning. We watched at the patio door for more that might have failed to join the others. A setting is usually nine to fifteen eggs and the incubation period 26 to 30 days. Some eggs do not hatch...

Forest Park Elementary is one of just nine elementary schools in Indiana to be certified as STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) schools. That means the school has applied and been certified by the Indiana Department of Education as being seriously involved in STEM education...

Northview High School’s Auto Tech program is a happening place for students, and the faculty members. Once again Northview Automotive Tech Instructor Tony Migliorini’s students have come out on top at the April 18th competition at Ivy Tech Automotive Skills Challenge. Of the more than 200 students participating, Northview senior Ryan Bolinger, 19, of Brazil, Clay City junior Makayla Ethington, 17, of Brazil, were winners in their respective divisions...

The skies looked a bit ugly during the annual Sons of the American Legion Post 2 Car, Truck and Bike Show May 11th at the post located at 10 North Depot Street, Brazil. But that didn’t stop car enthusiasts from stopping by to check out the vehicles on display and supporting the American Legion Child Welfare Foundation...

For the youngest students in Clay County, college is no longer simply something they imagine—it is a place they have visited and seen for themselves. On April 26, every kindergarten student in Clay Community Schools visited Ivy Tech Community College - Terre Haute for a day full of activities and fun. Students were celebrated for the efforts they are making to “Walk Into the Future.”...

Applications are being accepted for the 2019 Clay County Fair Pageant. Contestants must have had their 12th birthday on or before June 1, 2019, and they cannot have had their 21st birthday by June 1, 2019. The Princess age group will include contestants who are ages 12 through 16 of age, and the Queen age group will include contestants who are 17 through 20 years of age. ...

The Indiana Historical Society (IHS) announced the list of 2019 Indiana Living Legends Wednesday that included Eva Mozes Kor among other honorees that included Angela Ahrendts, Dan and Beth Elsener, and Peyton Manning. Each year the IHS recognizes extraordinary Hoosiers for their local, statewide and national accomplishments in a variety of areas and disciplines, but Kor’s heroic story is international...

Volunteers collected donations of food and cash to help support the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) 27th Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive on Saturday, May 11th. The Brazil Branch Local 670 has been participating for more than 10 years. The donations are weighed and separated in the parking lot behind the Brazil post office...

This morning there is confession in the Church from 9-9:30. This afternoon there is youth group from 2-3:30. Next Saturday at 7 p.m. at St. Paul’s in Greencastle we will watch the Hunger Games and talk about “Faith in Films.” There is no cost! Bring a friend!...

The next Staunton Community Center Dinner, prepared by the Lady Volunteers, will be on Friday, May 31 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. This month’s meal features Chicken and Noodles, mashed potatoes, green beans, salad, homemade rolls, dessert, and coffee, iced tea, or lemonade. Plan to come out and celebrate the beauty of Spring with good food and nice people. As always, profits go to support worthy causes in the community...

Approximately 50 Duke Energy employees volunteered to put in some "sweat equity" at the Exotic Feline Rescue Center, located at 2221 East Ashboro Road, Center Point. The unique volunteer effort allows members to plant flowers, build a fence, clean up recent storm damage and help out with the large tour groups that were stopping by for a visit...

Senior Education Ministries, Inc. has scheduled Dine with a Doc®- Clay County: the 2nd Wednesday of every month from 10a-12pm to take place at the Staunton Community Center 101 N Monroe St; Staunton, Indiana 47881 -- (812) 448-1487. Dine with a Doc® - Clay County is a FREE program that welcomes the local senior public to getting to hear an educational topic while enjoying a complimentary lunch. No need to bring any money! Just bring a questioning mind, an appetite and perhaps a friend...

The Brazil Nazarene Church’s Music Director Sam Glover is preparing to retire, and the congregation invites the public to join in a celebration of his many years of service to the community on Sunday, May 19. During the 9 a.m. Sunday Service, Glover will be recognized for his many accomplishments at the church and the choir. Afterward, a Farewell Reception will be held to honor his community involvement...

The Extensions Homemakers are having their annual Achievement and Cultural Arts evening next Tuesday, May 21st at 6:00 in the evening. The program, Back In Time, will be given by Laura House. She will show several pieces of her Jewel Tea dish collection and tell about the history of this company and the impact it had on the everyday housewife...

At Wednesday’s Brazil Rotary Club noon luncheon meeting the top ten graduating seniors of Northview High School were invited to be special guest speakers. Each student was introduced by Guidance director Scott McDonald, then told the Rotarians highlights of their high school careers, mentors in their lives, and plans for the future...

Once a person is placed on the home detention electronic monitoring system by the Clay Community Corrections Department, they can’t take it off without committing a crime. A Staunton man recently learned that the hard way. Thomas F. Light Jr., 23, was arrested Monday after removing his monitor...

Spring has sprung, and the grass is on the grow, which means it’s time to get out the lawnmower. While many people grumble at the thought of mowing the grass, Shawna Marie Vencel isn’t one of them.

The suspect wanted in Clay County on felony charges and believed to be the shooter in an active investigation by the Brazil Police Department is in custody. According to officials at BPD, Jay Samuel Ellis, 24, Reelsville, was spotted in Terre Haute Thursday evening around 8 p.m. The Terre Haute Police Department was notified of a possible location, and it was reported that Ellis entered a home before police arrived...

But spending time relaxing in the sun’s warmth requires everyone use protection from the damaging effects of the sun, which can lead to melanoma. The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can damage skin in as little as 15 minutes. Reduce the risk of skin damage and skin cancer by seeking shade under an umbrella, tree, or other shelter before you need relief from the sun...

A large crowd of veterans and their spouses attended the free workshop to learn about new Veterans Administration regulations that will help pay for senior care expenses on Wednesday, May 8. Michael Craig, a Financial Services Agent with Veterans Financial, Inc., was the guest speaker...

Those recognized at the dinner at North Clay Middle School on Monday, May 6, included (not everyone was present for the photo) Cindy Anderson, Michelle Bell, Chris Bess, Rusty Bottomley, Beth Boyce, Elaine Clarke, Janice Davis, Diane Dierdorf, Patty Dyer, Janet Eaglin, Tracey Giffin, Cindy Grove, Frank Hacker, Elizabeth Harris, Louann Kern, Jim Latta, Ruth Ann Medworth, Tommy Megenhardt, Joanie Mitchell, George Priest, Dianne Priest, Terry Riddell, Sara Schlatter, Cheryl Schoffstall, Kae Smith, Cassy Smith, and Dan Webster.. ...

Everyone probably remembers that great song, “Summer Lovin” because we all enjoy summer. Our elderly friends love sitting outside on a warm summer day. We enjoy thinking back to great fun times “when the livin’ is easy,” to quote another great song...

When we ask people what they are made of we usually don’t mean literally. If you were to be asked what you are literally made of, the correct response should be, “water.” If you are asked figuratively, that is another topic entirely and one that we shall not approach today...

Soldiers and sailors, ballplayers and bartenders. Nearly every profession has its own language that can be indecipherable to others. Lawyers and legal terms can be especially confusing if you aren’t familiar with the jargon. Here’s information about some of the key people you might hear about if you’re working with an estate planner or elder law attorney...

The Jackson Township Better Homes Extension Club met on Thursday, April 25th at the Extension Office with Rose Mary Price serving as hostess. Ellen Knox, president, called the meeting to order with Mary Kent leading the “Pledge of Allegiance” to the American flag and Marilyn Bott leading the “Homemaker’s Creed.”...

At Wednesday’s meeting of the Clay County Redevelopment Commission, Rob York asked for help in getting city water and sewer utilities to the new Chrysler-Ram trucks-Jeep dealership across from the existing York dealership on U.S. 40 West. The York family, Rob and his brother, Nick plan to build a 30,000-square-foot building that will eventually incorporate a car wash and employ 30-40 people, Rob said Wednesday...

The investigation into the Central West Village shooting is keeping local law enforcement busy while they are requesting the public’s help in locating a suspect. Brazil Assistant Police Chief Dennis Archer confirmed Thursday Jay Samuel Ellis, 24, Reelsville, was identified during witness interviews as the shooter...

The 5th-grade math-letes from all the local elementary schools anxiously waited for the start of the 2019 Mental Math competition at North Clay Middle School Wednesday evening. The group answered 50 math equations in two rounds without a calculator, using only their minds and a marker to write down the answers...

When workers were replacing handrails in the Forest Park pool they discovered an expensive problem. There is an 8-foot by 25-foot section of concrete with a void underneath it. An estimate has been received to repair the concrete and replace the handrails for $6,900...

This week two visitors from the country of Brazil were in town on vacation. They had seen a documentary filmed recently about the City of Brazil in Indiana and decided to visit our city while in the United States. Leo Heitmann works for a Brazilian oil company. ...

The Brazil Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance in locating a wanted subject believed connected to Saturday’s shooting at Central West Village. Jay Samuel Ellis, 24, Reelsville, is a white male, approximately 5’01’’, 120 pounds with brown eyes and brown hair. Ellis is currently wanted for a Felony charge of Dealing in Methamphetamine and a Felony charge of Possession of Methamphetamine issued by the Clay County Prosecutor’s Office.

On Thursday, May 16, 2019, from 11 am to 5 pm, Smithfield/Ekrich will have fully cooked half rack of ribs for $6 and full racks of ribs for $10 at Miller's IGA. Every purchase will benefit The Rock in Clay City. If you would like to preorder, you can do so by calling Miller's IGA at 812-939-2107 or letting a cashier know while you are in the store...

Get your child interested in reading with stories, singing, and crafts with Story hour at Brazil Public Library. Story hour is for children ages 3-5. Parents/Guardians must have a valid library card. Sign up for Story hour begins May 28 and class will begin on Wednesday, June 12 at 10:30...

Honorable Elias S. Holliday died on March 13, 1936, at the age of ninety-four years after a long and useful life. He was one of Clay County’s oldest and most eminent citizens. He was born in Dearborn County, Indiana, on March 5, 1842, to Dorman and Julia Holliday. Elias spent his early years on farms in Indiana, Missouri, and Iowa. He taught public schools in Iowa and Jennings County, Indiana...

I visited my health care provider, a scheduled six-month check-up last Friday. I have hypertension, controlled by medication, though; when the cuff circles my arm, on doctor’s visits, the reading is usually in the danger zone. This nervous patient was happy when Dr. Wright saw 140/84 at that visit and smiled...

The Clay/Vigo County line was a busy place Monday afternoon after a natural gas leak was reported shortly after 12:30 p.m. Clay County Emergency Management Director Bryan Husband was on the scene within minutes to assess the situation. The immediate threat, according to Husband, was a Duke Energy worker stuck in the elevated bucket of a work truck being used to replace a utility pole, that ruptured the gas line...

As the rain cleared the crowds started arriving for the Clay County Humane Society Spring Shot Clinic at the Cow Palace in Forest Park. Pet owners and their dogs and cats took advantage of the annual event to ensure their pets were vaccinated. Brazil resident Thomas Hess and his two dogs Lucy and Rascal had to take a “time out” during the recent Clay County Humane Society Spring Shot Clinic at Forest Park. ...

The Silver Sneakers group that meets at the Clay County YMCA gave $2,000 to the Clay County YMCA on Monday. Joy McPheeters said $1,000 was donated to the Strong Kids Program and $1,000 for the banner program in the gymnasium. YMCA Executive Director Nicole Fry and Teri Chamberlain received the money on behalf of the YMCA...

Shortly after 12:30 p.m., Monday, officials were notified of a gas line break near the Clay/Vigo county line at the US 40/340/Miami Gardens Road split. At this time there is little information to provide. Officials are on the scene assessing the situation...

The Clay County Senior Center will be having a fundraising Bean Dinner and Flea Market this Saturday, May 18th, from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. All funds raised will be used to support the Center. For more information call 812-448-8848. Our 13th annual Relay for Life yard sale at 511 Edgewood Drive in Brazil will be May 18-19th, 8-4 p.m. ...

Officials confirm the investigation into a Saturday shooting is still in the preliminary stages with not much information to share with the public. According to Brazil Police Chief Clint McQueen, the shooting was reported around 9 p.m. It is unclear what lead up to the shooting, and upon arrival of Brazil Police Department, Clay County Sheriff’s Department and the Indiana State Police at the scene at West Central Village Apartments all of the individuals believed involved had left the area, including the victim.. ...

From Jackson Township Elementary School, bottom, left to right: Makayla True, Nevaek Rudisel, Tatom Lookebill, middle, left to right, Shaydn Mullenix, Lucy Eiling, Marley Rea, top, left to right, Mrs. Sebastian, Peyton Esker, and Nathan Goebel. See the full story in last Saturday’s edition of The Times...

John Martin Chapter President Cliff Blanchard presents the SAR Vietnam War Veterans Corps Certificate to Lt. Commander (Ret.) Wilbur Decker for his service in Vietnam. Commander Decker of Brazil is a retired Navy officer with over 20 years of service to his country...

Laura Plummer and Mikey finish up a flower bed in front of Forest Park elementary School on Friday by adding top soil. Students began the project on Tuesday during their garden club meeting. It is part of the STEM initiative. Forest Park was recently named one of 12 certified STEM elementary schools in the state of Indiana...

The Church is Open from sun up to sun down Monday –Friday for anyone wanting to come and pray. There is a 12-hour Adoration every Tuesday 8am-8pm St Vincent de Paul food pantry is open every Tuesday Noon-2pm in the basement of the Annunciation school building at 19 N Alabama St., Brazil. The SVdP food pantry is in need of breakfast items. All donations can be dropped off in the parish center. Thank you in advance for your support!...

Sunday School begins at 9:30 a.m., followed by morning worship service at 10:30. Mark Miller is our minister. Wee Worship meets at 10:30 in the Educational Wing. Children’s Church meets with adult worship until after the offering is taken, when they dismiss to their classroom...

The Mental Math competitions took place at North Clay Middle School Wednesday evening with the elementary principals watching in support. Pictured are Forest Park Principal Dustin Jorgensen, Jackson Township Elementary Principal Brad Ennen, Staunton Elementary Sheryl Jordan, Meridian Elementary Principal Karen Phillips, Van Buren Elementary Principal Gail Williams and Clay City Elementary Principal Michael Owens. East Side Principal Lisa Froderman was not available for the photo...