Photo Galleries

Here is a selection of photos that were taken on or around Veterans Day to honor those who sacrificed so much for our country.

Local residents had lots of opportunities to get their spooky on this Halloween season. Here are some of the pictures the Times Reporter Ivy Jacobs took this year at the Community Trunk or Treat, York Chevy Trunk or Treat, Towne Park & Exceptional Living Trick or Treat event, and the Harvest Barn at Brazil Nazarene Church.

On Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2019, a ceremony was conducted at Brazil's Forest Park to remember the events of Sept.11,2001. Fifth graders from Forest Park and East Side Elementary and Cornerstone school attended the event. Keilee Hollowell, an East Side student, helped lead the Pledge of Allegiance.

Sunday's Open House for Brazil Main Street's Interactive Street Art Wall was a busy place. The wall is located a bit off the beaten path at the parking lot located next to RM Design Custom Kitchen & Bath, 34 East National Ave. (Across from Pappy's Bar-B-Que, 111 East National Ave., Brazil) The three-year project has taken a lot of volunteers cleaning and preparing the walls so the artists could start to work on bringing the exit wall to life with color with their ideas of how people could interact with the art while taking pictures. A list of the volunteers who helped with the project included: Helen Anne Meunier Janet McClellan John Moore Michelle Rodgers Shakara Riggle Addalee Thompson Rylee Long John Brahnam Michael Balzano Tyler Marlar Earl Hutchison Tyler Hutchison Susan Hane Thomas Rick Koch Kade Carter Olivia Herron-Provines Chris Herron Emily Targett Josh Alsip Dr. Michael Shaw Kerstie Shaw Cindy Barr Miller Jane Neier Amy Neier Steve Day Kelsey Heaton Mackenzie Heaton Lindsey Heaton Hailee Lewis Taylor Aker Lucas Alsip Caitlyn Herron Kloe Hawkins Emilee Floyd Cody Siddon Wendy Kirchner Roe Brason Moody Caleb Owens Wes Coulter Kensey Kunkle Chris Hoskins Gruener Josh Lewicki Taylor Revalee Brittany Walden Matt Tribble Tri Kappa 2019 Joel Childress Gravel Mershon Concrete TJ Fencing RM Design Custom Kitchen & Bath

A gallery of photos taken during the Clay county 4-H Fair in 2019.

Steven King photos On Saturday, July 6, the 2019 4-H Fair Queen and Princess pageant was held at Clay City High School.

The annual YMCA Firecracker 5K was started with a bang on Saturday, thanks to a miniature cannon supplied by Mayor Brian Wyndham. YMCA Executive Director Nicole Fry did not have the registration numbers at hand but said she was pleased with the turnout. The event's main sponsor was Riddell National Bank, who sponsored a series of races at the YMCA this year. Other sponsors include Britt Aero, Ace Hardware, PDF, Emmert Realty, Margaret Berry Attorney At Law, A+ Printing, and Miller & Stewart.

Paint The Park contest takes place during the annual Clay City Lions Club Pottery Festival. Penny voting helps determine a winner of the contest that raises funds to support CRADLES of Clay County.

On Memorial Day weekend both Northview and Clay City high schools held their commencement programs. Here is a photographic record of those events.

On Memorial Day the 2019 "Food For Families 5K" was held at Forest Park. Here is a photographic record of that event.

The McKinley Hill Church was the scene of a very clean battle Thursday afternoon in honor of the last day of school. Families arrived shortly before 4 p.m. to share popsicles and strategy techniques for the End Of School Party and Shaving Cream Fight. Armed with cans of shaving cream the group, which kept growing as the time ticked away for the start of the battle, warriors of all ages took to the field. Many sweetly taunted who their targets were going to be, including Pastor Brook Reinoehl. When event organizer Amy Reynolds yelled “Go” the field behind the church became a splattered mess of shaving cream and laughter, with other family members watching and taking pictures from a safe distance. The event said organizers, is fun outreach for families of school-age children, and a way to blow off the stress of the school year and get ready for summer fun.

Not many people can say they've recently run by lions and tigers and pumas! Not so many volunteers can say they planted flowers next to tigers either! 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. Enjoy the photos of the volunteers and the big cats that were watching them.

Clay Community School Corporation held its 2019 Employee Recognition Dinner at North Clay Middle School on Monday, May 6. Superintendent Jeff Fritz said that more than 794 years of experience was leaving the corporation this year with 29 retirees. Fritz shared some humor with the crowd attending the event, especially how Barney Fife MD (Mayberry Deputy) helped influence the staff and his contributions to public education. Enjoy these photos taken during the event by Times Reporter Ivy Jacobs.

Celebrating 100 years in business and new owners, the Clay City community came out to celebrate a ribbon cutting at the Clay City Pharmacy, 730 Main Street, Clay City, Saturday afternoon. Pharmacist and new owner Alpesh Patel cut the red ribbon during the Clay County Chamber of Commerce event. Patel told the crowd he was pleased to be a part of the community and assured them the pharmacy would continue the 100 years of customer service in the community, adding: “We are all about family here.”

On Saturday, Mitchell "Jack" Jackson's family, friends and volunteers put on the third annual Jack's Senior Family Dinner at the Clay County Senior Center. The purpose was to generate support for the center which has lost funding from the United Way. More than $2,000 was generated this year and nearly $4,000 in the past three years.

On Monday morning, Meridian Elementary faculty and staff held a special assembly to motivate students to do their best on ILEARN, the testing that replaced ISTEP+ this year. Also participating was professional baseball player Brady Shoemaker and Northview High School baseball and softball athletes.

Mary Yelton was presented with the 2019 Difference Maker of the Year Award at Thursday night’s banquet at Pappy’s Corral on National Avenue in downtown Brazil. Enjoy these photos of the event, including photos of the finalists Molly Ascheman, Marilyn Bowers, Mavery Bridgewaters, Kristi Cundiff, Charlie Lucas, James Miller Moon, and Bobbie Thomas Ringo. Two nominees were unable to attend the event, including Pastor Mark Thompson and Pat Krider.

On Saturday, April 14, opening day ceremonies were held at Forest Park's baseball diamond.

The 2019 Clay County Tri Kappa Fashion Show was a packed house at the Brazil Elk’s Lodge 762 Saturday evening. The large crowd came early for a wine tasting provided by the Brazil House of Spirits and a social hour, then went upstairs to enjoy the fashion show featuring styles provided by four Clay County-owned boutiques, including Kristin Tippin’s Bear Threads Boutique, Lexi Ruhe’s Lexi’s Threads, Ashley Lear’s New Elegance Salon, Spa and Boutique and Jenny Hamilton and Stephanie Snider’s Paisley Pistol. The funds raised during the event will help support the Clay Youth Food Delivery Program. Enjoy these photos taken by Times Reporter Ivy Jacobs.

Students from seven elementary schools attend AG Day on Friday, March 22 at the Clay County Fairgrounds in Brazil, Indiana. More than 300 fourth-grade students from across Clay County took part in the event, which had the theme “Where does our food come from?”

Residents and staff members at Cloverleaf Healthcare in Knightsville enjoyed Friday afternoon (03-15-19) at “The Green Dragon Pub.” The pre-celebration for St. Patrick’s Day was a hit. Residents donned their best Kelly Green clothing, put on the party favors and played games, enjoyed Irish music, a menu of “homemade” beer battered catfish nuggets, green beer bread and (tater) chips. There were special drinks for the day, including green lemonade and green beer. When asked, most of the partygoers selected to imbibe, with doctors’ approval of course.

These photos were taken between the JV and Varsity games at Northview High School Saturday night. See sports for a report on the Northview-Crawfordsville game.

Amid the snowfall Saturday afternoon, three local families gathered at Forest Park to enjoy some “snow memories.” The members of the Websters, Wells and the VanNess families enjoyed snowball fights, building a few snowmen and sledding down the hills in the park on cardboard pieces and snowboards. The age of the group was between 5-years old and 61 years of being young at heart, as the group was having too much fun to stop for an interview. The Winter Storm Warning issued by the National Weather Service in Indianapolis continued through Sunday morning. Forecasters were predicting total snow accumulations of 4 to 7 inches with locally higher amounts expected with minimal ice accumulations of a light glaze possible in portions of central, south central, southeast, southwest and west-central Indiana. With a wintry mix of rain and snow in the morning, travel was expected to be very difficult on the highways, but the Indiana Department of Transportation and Brazil City Garage were on the job in Brazil and the surrounding areas. Enjoy this PHOTO GALLERY of some “snow memories” during the first measurable snow in several years in Brazil.

On Saturday, Dec. 29, the 2018 Oath of Office ceremony took place in Clay County Superior Court.

The original paintings of these images created by art students during their finals are on display at South Putnam High School along with adoption ads created by the students for animals currently going through the adoption process at the Clay County Humane Society. As the animals are adopted, an adopted sign is placed on the appropriate picture. Holly Cooper, the creator of the project, said the display is definitely an attention getter among the students and faculty. The following images are currently on display at the local animal shelter during normal business hours. The Brazil Times has been granted permission to publish the images of the artwork as an effort to raise awareness about the importance of adopting animals from a shelter.

The Open Hands Preschool Vendor Fair was held Saturday, Dec. 8 in the basement at the First United Methodist Church. The family shopping event featured local vendors and crafty persons selling their wares. Open Hands Preschool is a preschool dedicated to providing fundamental educational, spiritual, and social needs for children ranging from ages 3-5.

With the crowd lining up around the building, it was a grand entrance for “Misfit” and “Reindeer Randy” at the Brazil Elks Club Saturday afternoon. Both adults and the children were equally excited at being able to visit with the reindeer and elf. A couple of other friendly critters were also on hand to visit and take pictures with, including “Bandit the Bunny” and “Wofford” from Silly Safaris, out of Indianapolis. Organizers for the event were excited to see the turnout by the community and thanked everyone for taking part.

During the holiday season many people wish that love, success, luck, and friendship come knocking at the door for those they love and fill their hearts with the Christmas spirit. At East Side Elementary the staff recently decorated the doors in the building to encourage the fun of the holidays. Last Friday (Dec. 7, 2018) five winners were selected to receive a $25 Coffee Grounds Gift Card for their efforts, which the winner an choose to get a cookie treat for their classroom if they want. The Pink Angles Division, which included grades 3-5 and also was the Student Choice Winner, was Room A107: “The Nightmare Before Christmas” designed by Caitlyn Long. In the Green Christmas Tree Division, which included grades kindergarten-grade 2, was Room A117: “Andy’s Room from Toy Story” designed by Teacher Stacey Falls. In the White Snowman Division, which included support staff, was the Library Door: “Little Mermaid” designed by Mrs. McIntosh. In the Yellow Stars Division, which included office staff and special teachers, was Room B132: “Mickey’s Disney Christmas” designed by Trinity Kirby.

The Brazil Police Department’s Shop With A Cop started helping ensure children had the best Christmas possible 19 years ago. Earlier this week it took three days for the Shop With A Cop event, starting with a toddler/infant event on Monday, and two nights of shopping with older children on Tuesday and Wednesday. It takes a lot of volunteer hours to create the many activities the program provides. Children and their family members get to enjoy a visit and have their picture taken with Santa Claus, craft time, eat snacks, watch a holiday movie, take part in a bicycle drawing and then meet with their personal “cop” and possibly a volunteer before going shopping at the Brazil Walmart. Each of the 70 children participating this year received $150 to purchase any clothing, shoes, coats, and gloves they might need first, and then they could buy what they wanted with what was left over. Donations to support the 2019 Shop With A Cop program can be dropped off or mailed anytime to the Brazil Police Department, or Human Resource Office at City Hall, 203 E. National Avenue, Brazil, IN 47834. For more information, contact the Brazil Police Department 812-446-2211, or Human Resources 812-448-6960.

Chocolate Walk 2018 Mrs. Claus was also out visiting with people attending the Chocolate Walk in Clay City Saturday evening. The lively crowd was more than twice the size of last year’s event, with more than 49 chocolate stations for people to visit among many other attractions. Although there was a drizzle of rain no one seemed to mind. People of all ages strolled the main street searching for the chocolate to fill their bags, but also enjoying the unexpected pleasure of meeting friends and neighbors along the way. Many stopped to visit, share memories with a few people trading snacks and then parted with hugs. Organizers were excited by the attendance and look forward to the event growing even larger next year.

On Saturday night the first YMCA Clay County Youth Food Delivery Program Christmas Program was held at First Christian Church in Brazil. “Every dollar is going to buy food,” said program volunteer Lisa Beyers. Hundreds of attendees paid $10 per ticket, there was a silent auction and tickets sold for chances on an outdoor play set. Hot chocolate, pies, cookies and other baked goods were served. Live music was provided by the Northview High School Band and Ozlynne Tharp. Sponsors were Reconstruction Services of Indiana, Inc., Andi’s Pies, French Funeral Home, Michelle Engle, RE/MAX Real Estate Associates, Stressed Blessed and Home Improvements, Mayberry Malt and Coffee Shop, Marshall and Brenda Singleton, Shabby Girl Crafts, Eclectic Creations and Triple M Bakery. All the refreshments were donated, space was donated by First Christian Church.

There was a lot of holiday fun during the Broomtree Ministries’ Parent’s Day out event Saturday and the Brazil church of Nazarene, 1002 E. National Avenue, Brazil. The special event raised money to help support the backpack program at Staunton Elementary, Head Start and it’s program for homebound children. The young at heart could decorate cookies, make a craft project, eat a snack, watch a holiday movie, listen to Christmas carols and spend time in fun fellowship with each other. Some of the people captured in these pictures include Santa Claus, Braxton Kelly, 4, and Gryphon Walls, 8, August Mason, 1, Larissa Lohrman and Andrew Mason, Cameron Pund, Brazil Nazarene Youth Leader Ian Hartsook, Daryl Walls, Mary Treash (Broomtree Ministries founder), Viola Pund (Broomtree Ministries Treasurer), and Lisa Walls (elf). If in learning more about this program in supporting this project call (812) 531-7531 or (812) 236-3570. Or, to find out how you can support this project, send donations to 1520 White Rock Road, Brazil IN 47834, or log on to brazilbroomtree.blogspot.com or send an email to broomtreeministries@gmail.com. Check out The Brazil Times in the coming weeks as Broomtree Ministries of Clay County, Indiana will be announcing some exciting information for the community.

Enjoy these photos taken during the 2018 Christmas In the Park "Silvers Bells" Lighted Parad along US 40/National Avenue on Friday, Nov. 23, 2018.

The 2018 YMCA Turkey Trot 5K was held at the Clay County YMCA on Thanksgiving morning.

The Clay County Courthouse is almost completely decorated for the holidays and will be open to the public on Friday, Nov. 23, for cookies and hot chocolate from 5-7 p.m., before the annual Christmas In the Park "Silver Bells" Lighted Parade travels westward along US 40 from Vandalia Street. Local elementary students send in decorations for various trees so families are encouraged to stop by and find their child's ornament. Times Reporter Ivy Jacobs stopped and took photos for a sneak preview of this year's decorations.