Photo Galleries

Brazil Elks Lodge 762, located at 19 South Sherfey St., gathered Saturday for the inaugural "Jeep and Buggy Ride for Cancer Research." More than 85 people hopped in Jeeps and side-by-side "buggies" for the parade west led by Brazil City Police Chief Clint McQueen along Jackson Street to north Depot and traveled through Parke County to fundraise for the Indiana Elks Association's state project: Cancer Research, which has raised more than $10 million to combat cancer over 70 years.

The Auxiliary of the Bussing-Louderback Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1127 brought a “taste of home” to the soldiers on drill at the Brazil National Guard Armory Sunday. According to incoming Commander Adam Carroll, approximately 110 soldiers were on duty at the 138th Composite Supply Company this weekend. The event was canceled last year due to COVID-19.

A Blessing Box was recently dedicated in memory of Knightsville’s Clerk-Treasurer, Terri Close. Close, 57, passed away unexpectedly on vacation on St. George Island, Florida, on Saturday, June 13, 2020. “We had been working on this project for more than two years,” said Charlotte Reyher. “It is an honor to have this put up in Terri’s memory. She was such a generous loving and caring person.” The Blessing Box sits out front of the Knightsville Town Hall, which used to be the Knightsville United Methodist Church on Crawford Street. Blessing Boxes serve as a way for locals to give and receive anonymous donations of new non-perishable food, hygiene items, and cleaning supplies at any time. This box will also feature things for children, including snacks, new school supplies, clothing, and small toys.

Witnessing the history of the old west and the sport of “cowboy action shooting” is happening in Clay County, thanks to the Pine Ridge Regulators (a local Single Action Shooting Society). The group gathers every second Saturday (9 a.m.-2 p.m.) from April-October for “shooting matches” at 2375 West County Road 1500 North (Carbon area). These photos were taken at the July 10th event. The public is invited to watch the events or join in the fun. To learn more, log on to pineridgeregulators.com or their Facebook page.

The First Christian Church, 1875 East US 40, Brazil, was getting a lot of attention from motorists passing by Monday. Almost 100 children participating in the Daycare and Summer Camp were out on the front lawn enjoying some good clean fun at a FOAMHOMIES Foam Party. Laken and Steve Richardson, Riley, IN, are the owners and operators of FOAMHOMIES. They stopped by to put on the unique event for the church, and the motorist who saw it Monday afternoon. Several of the adults at the event mentioned “bathtime wouldn’t be a problem tonight.” Learn more about FOAMHOMIES by logging onto foamhomies.com, or checking out their Facebook of Instagram pages.

All Rise Fireworks, locally owned by the Clarke Family, put on their first show during the Brazil Rotary Club’s annual 4th of July Celebration Sunday night at Forest Park. Josh Clarke, who admitted to being nervous before the show started, said he was looking forward to the opportunity to provide the fireworks display, and hoped everyone enjoys it, saying: "We are looking forward to making it bigger and better as the years go by."

Happy Independence Day!! Enjoy these photos taken during the annual Brazil Rotary Club's 4th of July Celebration at Forest Park.

School's out, but the hallways at Forest Park Elementary are still a buzz of activity with children attending the YMCA Summer Day Camp. On Tuesday, The Times visited children during lunchtime before a planned excursion to the Forest Park swimming pool. Summer Camp activities include field trips, swimming daily and water safety, nutrition advice to help promote healthy eating habits, STEAM learning, and many adventures to expand social skills and relationship building. In addition, the YMCA provides free breakfast and lunch for all campers and anyone ages 18 years and younger. Contact the Y for more information at 812-442-6761. Enjoy these photos taken by Times Reporter IVY JACOBS.

One of the hottest days of Spring so far, Saturday’s wine tasting festival at White Pines Manor was sweltering, to say the least, but there was a crowd for the State Line Wine Trail event. There was plenty of wine, food, music, and fun for everyone at the event the raised funds to help support the Council on Domestic Abuse, Inc. (CODA). Please enjoy these photos taken by Times Reporter IVY JACOBS.

Crowds are already arriving, and there's plenty of room to splash around at the Forest Park Pool on those hot, humid days. The public pool, located at 911 Bonnie Geyne Miller Drive in the park, is open seven days a week from noon to 5 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays are scheduled for night swims($4 per person), and Friday nights are movie nights ($5 per person). Learn more information and updates about the pool, pass prices or book a party, and follow future events at the Forest Park Pool on FaceBook, or call 812-251-7086.

The Annual Strawberry Festival at Forest Park was a busy place Friday afternoon. The fundraiser was held at the Cow Palace and included a drive-thru and picnic tables to enjoy the sunny afternoon. Funds raised during the fundraiser support various local projects and the annual Christmas Celebration. Enjoy these photos taken by Times Reporter IVY JACOBS.

The first food distribution from the $144,000 OCRA COVID-19 relief grant was busy Saturday, May 22. Cars were lined up early - around 6:30 a.m. - to participate, and waited patiently while volunteers organized some home deliveries before the start of the event at First Christian Church, 1875 West US 40, Brazil. There were enough food and hygiene supplies (approximately $90 for each package) to help 300 families. Organizers admitted they were able to work out a few kinks since the first food distribution program held in June 2020, including setting up lines in the church parking lot to stop traffic from flowing over onto US 40. The next Saturday giveaway at the church will take place June 19, July 24, August 21, September 25, and October 23. Check out the Events Calendar on the City of Brazil’s website at brazil.in.gov/events for more details.

LOYALTY DAY VETERANS LUNCHEON The veterans at the Loyalty Day Luncheon at Pappy's BBQ were a shy bunch, but they did pose for pictures for The Brazil Times. There are World War II veterans in Clay County, but none were present at the event. Pictures included: Korean Veterans - Clifford Peterson and Walt TerMeer Vietnam Veterans Gulf War veterans to present Guest Speaker - Darrin Chaney Enjoy some snapshots of the event. LOYALTY DAY PARADE A crowd of people was spread out along Main Street in Brazil, enjoying Saturday’s Loyalty Day Parade from South Depot Street to Vandalia Street. Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #1127, 303 South Depot Street, Brazil, organized the parade to honor active military servicemen and women and veterans while sparking patriotism. Loyalty Day kicks off National Military Appreciation Month during May. Each year the V.F.W. announces winners of the best entries. In 2021 the winners included: 1st place: KAT Horsemanship, 2nd place: Sons of American Revolution, and 3rd place: A to Z Construction.

More than 40 vehicles participated in the annual American Legion Car Show (10 North Depot Street) Saturday, with several entering the Loyalty Day Parade afterward. The fundraising event was held by the Sons of the American Legion at Post #2.

Cruising Brazil was a spectacle to behold as hundreds - if not a thousand or so - vehicles showed up in Brazil. It was not just cars, there were people everywhere throughout the night taking up spots along US 40 to watch the fun. The Brazil Times tried to catch as many of the cars - everything from beat-up heaps to vintage classics, to project cars, to motorcycles with sidecars, pickup trucks of all sorts, old fire trucks, dune buggies, Jeeps, to newer style cars and EVERYTHING in between. You name it, you might have found it Saturday night. It wasn't just car guys who showed up either. From toddlers to seniors, everyone brought their lawn chairs, or turned their vehicles around and sat in the trunks or on the ground to watch and cheer on their favorites. We hope you enjoy these photos of all the hubbub, which started a bit early and was still going around 10:30 p.m.

Dreary weather didn’t allow for much stomping around Saturday at “White Pine Manor” during the Multiple Sclerosis event. However, people still came out to enjoy festivities during “Milling Around the Manor for MS.” It’s not too late to support TEAM GRIMES during Walk MS: Terre Haute 2021; log onto tinyurl.com/Msteamgrimes to donate.

Hundreds of people showed up at Craig Park Saturday to either watch or participate in the American Legion Auxiliary’s annual Easter Egg Hunt. “We moved the egg hunt to Craig Park this year, which allows us a lot more space for the various age groups and social distancing,” said Auxiliary President Lori Knight about the March 27th event. The large crowd started gathering at Craig Park around 12:30 p.m. and were surprised to see the Easter Bunny arrive on a motorcycle for the event. Children who were just learning to walk up to those up to 12 participated in one of the four hunts to find some of the more than 2,000 Easter Eggs, which had lots of prizes, and a bicycle was given away in each category. A raffle was also held among all the children, and a 32-inch HD television was given away to the lucky ticket drawn. Enjoy these photos taken during this community event.

The COVID-19 restrictions were upheld during the school board of trustees’ “Swearing-In Ceremony” at the Clay Community School Corporation’s Administrative Building Thursday. Clay Circuit Judge Joseph Trout was on hand to provide the oath of office to elected trustees, including Dr. Michael Shaw, Tom Reberger, Andrea Baysinger and new trustee Ryan Keller.

York Automotive recently opened a 29,000-square foot addition on the south side of U.S. 40, across the highway from its original location.

Republican candidates who won their races during the November election gathered for “Swearing-In Ceremony” Tuesday, December 29 in Clay County Circuit Court (3rd Floor of the Courthouse) with Superior Court Judge Robert Pell presiding. Pictured are Clay County officials Council Member At Large John Nicoson, Commissioner Bryan Allender, Council Member At Large Dave Amerman, County Clerk Amy Jordan, Council Member At Large Patricia Heffner, Commissioner Marty Heffner, County Surveyor Vernon Maesch, and Coroner Nick French. Clay County Commissioner Paul Sinders and Patti Foxx thanked Pell for taking the time to come to the ceremony and fill in for Judge Joseph Trout, who was scheduled to be there but was ill.

Trinity Baptist Church had a two-night "rolling" live nativity scene last weekend, visiting homes in the church's neighborhood.

The Clay County Highway Department’s crews are early this year preparing to remove winter snowfall and ice on almost 700 miles of county roads. Considering 2020 has been a year of disharmony in many areas, getting ready for a potentially temperamental Mother Nature seems a safe bet. The highway department has a building full of salt/sand/calcium mixture at the garage facility located at 409 N. S.R. 59 and a game plan in place. Drivers know to arrive early the evening before a potential winter storm’s projected arrival, in case intersections and other trouble areas along the roads need to be pretreated. Otherwise, as snowflakes flittered down Monday and temperatures dropped, drivers know it’s a waiting game before they attack the falling snow with snowplows, graders, and the sand/salt mixture. The crew knows they will be out there - no matter when winter arrives or how long it takes to clear away the snow and ice - until the roads are safe.

It's beginning to look like Christmas in downtown Brazil, as local businesses prepare for the holidays. the times will update this gallery as more businesses decorate as Christmas comes closer.

The Clay County Courthouse is decorated for the holiday season. The 14-foot tall Christmas tree is once again the centerpiece, with more decorations throughout the rotunda. The trees decorated with handmade ornaments to represent the local elementary schools are not present this year due to COVID-19 and students doing eLearning from home. Enjoy these photos of the decorated courthouse.

The Brazil Times has been keeping an eye on the activity at Forest Park as work crews have decorated in preparation for the Christmas In The Park Light Show this year. The COVID-19 pandemic canceled the parade earlier in November, but the fireworks display (8 p.m. Friday, Nov 27) will start this year's event, with the lights coming on at the end at approximately 8:20 p.m. Event organizers said all the displays in the park will be lit up, as well as some new ones. The community is invited to drive thru the park to participate in the spirit of the holidays. Please enjoy these photos that have been taken as the work progressed, right up up until Friday afternoon.

Residents put their masks on and tried to keep their distance during the annual Staunton Community Center Craft Fair Saturday. The Lady Volunteers sponsor the annual event, allowing people to shop local artisans wares and find great Christmas gifts, home decor, or something for themselves during the event at the Staunton Community Center. The Ladies also provide food during the event, using the funds they raise to support community projects.

In honor and recognition of our great Veterans, a Veterans Day Program took place in the Rotunda of the Clay County Courthouse Wednesday. The Jackson Township Concert Band, under the direction of Matt Huber, performed musical selections for the event on the second floor to allow social distancing. Members of the American Legion Post #2 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1127 organized the annual event, which this year dealt with the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Staunton residents celebrated the Fall season during the Annual 4-Corner Event Saturday, Oct. 24. The four-way stop in the center of town was a community festival complete with free food, games, and fun for everyone, especially the children. The Staunton Town Board sponsors the free event. Participants contributing to it include the Posey Township Fire Department, the Community Center Lady Volunteers, Staunton Christian Church, and Staunton United Methodist Church. Enjoy these photos taken by Times Reporter IVY JACOBS.

A&B Farmhouse owners Andy Stone and Brandon Sneath along with members of the Clay County Chamber of Commerce, family, and friends were on hand for the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new furniture, home décor, and accent business located at 525 East National Ave., Brazil. The business, which plans to expand into upcycled pieces in the future, is open Tuesday through Sunday.

The B-29 Doc Flight Experience Tour at Terre Haute Regional Airport was hosted by Hoosier Aviation. The promise to experience a piece of history, to hear and see the sights and sounds of engine before takeoff and experience flight at 8,000 feet. Up where Air Force veterans once sat as they fought in World War II and Korea. Of the 3,970 B29s built, 26 survive in complete form today, 24 of which reside in the United States, and two of which are airworthy, including DOC. One of the most technologically advanced airplanes of World War II, the B-29 had many new features, including guns that could be fired by remote control. Two crew areas, fore and aft, were pressurized and connected by a long tube over the bomb bays, allowing crew members to crawl between them during up to 15-hour flights. The tail gunner had a separate pressurized area that could only be entered or left at altitudes that did not require pressurization. B-29s were primarily used in the Pacific theater during World War II, two of the most famous being Enola Gay and Bockscar, that dropped atomic bombs on Tokyo. The B-29 saw military service again in Korea 1950-1953, battling jet fighters and electronic weapons. The last B-29 in squadron use retired from service in September 1960. Doc’s Friends is on a mission to HONOR the men and women who sacrificed so much for the freedom of others, including those who designed, built, maintained and flew the B-29 during and after WWII. CONNECT people with the rich heritage of the B-29 and allow aviation enthusiasts to experience the thrill of a B-29 up close. EDUCATE today’s and future generations on the contributions of the Greatest Generation during wartime. Enjoy these photos taken by Times Reporter IVY JACOBS, and an upcoming story about this event.

The 51st annual Cory Apple Festival was a fun and busy event this year despite the COVID-19 pandemic. More than 140 venders were on hand for visitors shopping and snacking pleasures, and sanitizer stations and signs advising guidelines about hygiene and mask-wearing were available in several places. Enjoy these photos taken Saturday, Sept. 26, by Times Reporter Ivy Jacobs.

Brazil resident Eric Jensen’s simple idea about getting some friends together for a nostalgic cruise in town took on a life of its own and turned into “Cruising Brazil.” The first family-friendly event Saturday, August 29, was so popular many people begged the accidental event organizer to do it again, and he did on Saturday, Sept. 19. No one knows how many people actually showed up to “bop” around town during the second event, but US 40 in Brazil became a mecca for people to gather in fellowship and remember the “good old days.” The traffic was heavier, the crowds were larger watching the fun, and the vast array of street legal vehicles was greatly appreciated by those who pulled up chairs along mainstreet to watch. Enjoy these photos taken by Times Reporter Ivy Jacobs, who rode along with family members to experience Cruising Brazil 2.0. Citing a couple of areas that need work, Jensen was happy with the turn out and is planning to organize another event next year.

The annual Van Buren Volunteer Fire Department Fish Fry, in Carbon Saturday, Sept. 19, is always a busy place, and it was no different this year despite the COVID-19 pandemic. With a large crowd in attendance, the drive-thru lines were bustling, which kept the fryers hopping. But there was always time to stop and wave. Even Sparky, The Fire Dog, took time to wave while out visiting with people. The fire department uses funds raised during this event to purchase necessary equipment.

Clay County supporters of President Donald Trump gathered on the lawn of the courthouse Saturday morning. Carrying flags and with a cardboard cutout of the president, the supporters waved to traffic on US 40, with many motorists honking their horns during the event.

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1127 reently planned a day of fun activities supporting the WAR DOGS fundraising event. Local auxiliary members served a special breakfast and lunch menu throughout the day until the feature event started around 12:30. That’s when fun really began, and the pies started flying. It only cost $5 to push a cream pie into the face of a bartender, officer, or volunteer who wanted to give their all in support of the WAR DOGS. The U.S. War Dogs Association was established in 2000 as a non-profit organization. The U.S. War Dogs Association consists of former and current U.S. Military Working Dog Handlers and supporting members. With the creation of Chapters, the Association spreads across the U.S., and together they are Remembering, Supporting, and Honoring our Nation’s war dogs and their handlers, past, present, and future. Those wanting to learn more about WAR DOGS can log onto www.supportourpaws.com. Monetary donations can be dropped off at VFW Post 1127, located at 303 South Depot, Brazil, until June 2021.

Brazil Mayor Brian Wyndham talks with the participants in the ninth annual Mayor's Ride in support of the Clay County Human Society Saturday afternoon. Registration started at City Hall at 2 p.m., and kickstands went up at 3 p.m. Participants received a T-shirt, and there was food, and live entertainment afterward at American Legion Post #2.

Clay City residents celebrated Labor Day 2020 at Goshorn Park n Sunday, Sept. 6th. There were lots of people in the park enjoying the weather and being outdoors. Food was plenty, as many were enjoying the Clay City Lions’ Club drive-thru Chicken Breast and Tenderloin Dinner from 4-8 p.m., and the Clay City Band Boosters served Eel Ears and other goodies until the fireworks started at 9:30 p.m. See more pics in a Photo Gallery online at www.thebraziltimes.com.

A new business in Brazil may appeal to the creative talent in each of us. Lori Crowder has opened D&L Creations Paint Studio in Crowder Plaza next to Crowder Lawn and Garden on State Road 59 South in Brazil. The emphasis is on attending classes and paint parties and creating an object of art to take home with you, whether that is painting or ceramics, Lori said. “This is something I have always wanted to do,” Lori said. “I got into crafting a few years ago and I just wanted to bring something to Brazil, for people to come out and paint. On Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., the public is invited to go and learn how to create something beautiful. Take out kits are also available. “It’s a kind of therapy,” Lori said. See the photo gallery for more photos.

Brazil resident Eric Jensen, who accidentally organized the “Cruising Brazil” Saturday night, was unable to be found among all the people who showed up for a trip back to nostalgiic days of "bopping around town. Jensen posted the idea on Facebook and idea just “grew legs and took off.” It was unclear how many people showed up to participate in the fun, or just to watch the cars go by, but there were hundreds of cars and two lanes of bumper-to-bumper traffic to watch the during fun event. Many of the parking lots along US 40 in Brazil became small car shows as more vehicles of all kind pulled over and people walked around to look at them, and talk about the "good old days." Engines roared, horns honked, people waved and yelled greetings to those they knew, and cameras and phones were everywhere recording the family event. Many people enjoyed the event so much, they want to do it again, and bring their friends next time.

Members of the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, Center Point Community Fire Department, the Posey Township Fire Department, Clay City/Harrison Township Fire Department, Poland Volunteer Fire Department and the Cory/Perry Township Fire Department assemble Friday afternoon to escort 9-year-old Keaton Jackson as he returns home from Riley Children’s Hospital following treatment for cancer. Jackson has been battling cancer for about two years, but on Friday he was told he was now cancer-free.

Rodgers CPA Group LLC, 112 West National Ave., Brazil, held a grand opening celebration Tuesday, Aug. 18. Members of the Clay County Chamber of Commerce and other local businesses in the community stopped by to wish the new business good luck. The CPA firm will provide payroll, bookkeeping, business and individual income tax preparation, business and non-profit consulting and tax preparation service Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. (Extended hours will be available during January-April. Learn more at rodgerscpasgroup.com.)

On Saturday, Dan and Gloria's dream of opening a home for homeless female veterans became a reality when "A Place Called Hope" opened in Clay City, serving the entire state of Indiana.