News

A ‘roadmap’ of what going back to school will look like in August was unanimously approved during the Tuesday special session meeting of the Clay Community School Corporation Board of Trustee meeting. Superintendent Jeff Fritz told the trustees and members of the audience in the board room of the Central Administrative Office there were a lot of unknowns due to COVID-19 in the upcoming school year. Still, the main goal is to provide the safest learning experience for students and staff members...

State Rep. Alan Morrison (R-Brazil) encourages Hoosiers who may be struggling to make ends meet and needing food assistance to turn to the state’s recently launched Operation Food program for help. Indiana’s community kitchens, pantries and food banks saw a 154% increase in visits since the onset of COVID-19, according to the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration. ...

CLAY AND VIGO COUNTIES – The Indiana Department of Transportation announces a project to improve bridge decks will begin on or after Monday, July 6. Motorists will be controlled at the bridges on two-lane roadways with a temporary traffic signal while construction work is underway...

The Rev. Dr. Quentin Madden became the pastor of Brazil First Baptist Church officially on June 28, 2020. Quentin was drawn by the church’s focus on social ministry. He said, “The church is here not for us, but for God and for others and so I am excited about being a part of a church that wants to serve God by loving others in very real ways.”...

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- The National Air and Space Intelligence Center welcomed Col. Maurizio D. Calabrese, a 1992 graduate of Northview High School, as its new commander during an assumption of command ceremony here, June 9. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 response, Center leaders limited in-person attendance and instead streamed the ceremony live from the NASIC Forum at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio...

Nothing represents the 4th of July holiday more than fireworks. Fireworks can be fun, but are also dangerous. The safest way to enjoy fireworks is through viewing a public display conducted by a professional. 2020 will be the Brazil Rotary’s 85th Annual Fourth of July Celebration at Forest Park, and Aerial Arts public display is viewable from many locations in our community within and near Forest Park. ...

(Terre Haute, Indiana) – The Terre Haute Symphony Orchestra has exciting news coming out of the COVID pandemic; the announcement of new Executive Director, Samantha Johnson-Helms. No stranger to the Terre Haute Symphony Orchestra (THSO), Johnson-Helms (or Sammy, as she is known) has been the Symphony’s Principal Clarinet since 2013, along with serving as the organization’s Personnel Manager in 2018 and recently working as the Marketing Manager...

With all that’s been going on in our country—with all the fighting over race relations, debates over whether we should or should not wear a mask, the politicians posturing over positions, power, and pride, the integrity of the media, the control we have allowed fear to have over our lives—we can’t stop the calendar. ...

Many offices are mandated to only allow so many people inside at one time. That is obviously what is going on at the Brazil office of the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. A long line of people, some practicing social distancing, can be seen any time during business hours, standing outside, regardless of the weather...

You have probably seen the message in one or more of its various forms: Don’t use your cell phone when driving. Starting Wednesday, July 1, it will be the law in Indiana and your could face a fine if an officer pulls you over because he sees you using your phone...

On Monday, the Indiana State Department of Health reported 6,127 new tests performed in 24 hours (June 27-28), with 312 new positive results, and five new deaths throughout the state. In the Wabash Valley, the ISDH data shows Clay County is ranked fourth for COVID-19 positive cases when considering the eight counties in District 7...

Time is of the essence during an accident involving grain entrapment, which is why Duke Energy Foundation recently awarded the Clay City Harrison Township Volunteer Fire Department with a $2,000 grant to purchase additional safety equipment. Duke Energy Community Relations Directors (Southwest Region) Rick Burger and Kurt Phegley worked together to acquire the fire department’s grant...

Due to unforeseen circumstances, this year’s Hull-Dickison Reunion will not be held, but (the family) is looking forward to next year. The Hassler Reunion has been canceled for this year as well.

A Brazil man faces felony charges of sexual misconduct with a minor and criminal confinement in Clay Superior Court. A warrant was issued by the court for the arrest of Nicholas W. Purtell, 37, Brazil, on June 25 upon review of the probable cause affidavit by the Clay County Prosecutor’s Office...

Camp Courtesy was a filling station and tourist camp, with cabins for camping and a party dining room. They had eight tourist cabins. It was located one mile east of Brazil on U.S. Highway 40. At the filling station they advertised Linco Gasoline and Sterling Motor Oil. ...

TERRE HAUTE – Ivy Tech Community College’s Fall 2020 Semester begins August 24, and many in-person classes will be offered in addition to virtual, online, and flexible classes that give students the option to attend online or in-person. Enrollment is open for both current and new students...

As many states in the United States are easing lockdown restrictions, more people are venturing out of self-isolation, anticipating the quarantine is over and looking forward to returning to a healthy, normal life. However, in recent days many states are reporting record numbers of positive COVID-19 cases...

With frequent rain showers and dreary skies overhead, Center Point Fire Chief Dustin True (right) and Assistant Chief Zeph Smith (left) talked with Times Reporter Ivy Jacobs about the changes happening during Saturday's 65th annual Fish Fry Benefit at the location of the new fire department...

The G.I. Ride in support of Team Mercy, Survivors of Suicide at Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1127 was canceled due to the weather and ensure the safety of the participants. Officials confirm the ride has been rescheduled for August 8, with further details to be announced...

First United Methodist Church Our Opportunities June 28, 2020 – July 5, 2020 Sunday – June 28 9:00a Traditional Worship Service 11:00a Contemporary Worship Service Wednesday – July 01 4:30p Somethings Cooking (TAKE-OUT ONLY)...

Staunton Scene The Staunton Lady Volunteers plan to resume monthly Community Center dinners in late July. Details will be forthcoming. STAUNTON UNITED METHODIST CHURCH NEWS Sunday morning church service starts at 10:45. Covid-19 precautions are in place, so everyone can have a safe worship experience. ...

t’s finally summer and the sounds of nature are in full force. Waking up to birds chirping and listening to butterflies fluttering and bees buzzing while enjoying the patio is something we’ve all been looking forward to since winter. But these animals are bringing more than just music to our ears – they’re also bringing food...

Children at the Clay County YMCA Day Camp got to see scientific principles in action last Friday during a science experiment afternoon. This was the culminating event for their “Mad Scientist Week.” Students created water bottle lava lamps, slime, and milk fireworks. They also got to power foam boats with soap and blow up balloons without using air. Every station was led by a counselor who explained the science and guided students to create their own experiment...

The Brazil Concert Band, directed by Matthew S. Huber, is back live and in-person July 5th, 8 p.m. at Forest Park. In case of rain, the concert will take place in the Pavilion. Back Home Again: A Patriotic Salute will feature all the Independence Day favorites to wrap up the Brazil Rotary's annual celebration...

LIMEDALE — A Brazil man died in a single-vehicle crash on Manhattan Road Friday morning. Levi Dotson, 34, was northbound just past the County Road 300 West intersection (Antioch Church) at approximately 7:50 a.m. when he apparently lost control of his 1990 Mazda Miata...

Members of the Wednesday Morning All Service Veterans Breakfast Club has disbanded the organization and donated all their treasury to the VFW Post 1127 Veterans Memorial Fund on Friday. The memorial is under construction at Craig Park. Memorial bricks may still be purchased. Call the VFW Post for more information...

State Rep. Alan Morrison (R-Brazil) encourages Hoosiers who may be struggling to make ends meet and needing food assistance to turn to the state’s recently launched Operation Food program for help. Indiana’s community kitchens, pantries and food banks saw a 154% increase in visits since the onset of COVID-19, according to the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration. ...

The Terre Haute Symphony Orchestra has exciting news coming out of the COVID pandemic; the announcement of new Executive Director, Samantha Johnson-Helms. No stranger to the Terre Haute Symphony Orchestra (THSO), Johnson-Helms (or Sammy, as she is known) has been the Symphony’s Principal Clarinet since 2013, along with serving as the organization’s Personnel Manager in 2018 and recently working as the Marketing Manager...

Children at the Clay County YMCA Day Camp got to see scientific principles in action recently during a science experiment afternoon. This was the culminating event for their “Mad Scientist Week.” Students created water bottle lava lamps, slime, and milk fireworks. They also got to power foam boats with soap and blow up balloons without using air. Every station was led by a counselor who explained the science and guided students to create their own experiment...

Starting out the Celebration’s free entertainment off on Friday night, July 3 from 7 to 10 p.m. is Endless Summer Band. Now in their 27th year, Endless Summer Band is one of the nation’s most in demand entertainment bands performing 120+ shows a year delighting audiences all over the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and The Caribbean. ...

Last Sunday was Father’s Day. I chose to focus my column on a tribute to my father and I did. This writer also wished all dads the same on their special day. I decided anything else on my mind should be put on a back burner and wait until this week...

The good news regarding the COVID-19 pandemic crisis is the number of positive cases is remaining stable in Clay County at 56 as more tests are completed. However, a fourth death was confirmed late Monday afternoon. Officials at the Indiana State Department of Health announced early during the crisis that personal information regarding those diagnosed with COVID-19 is protected by the Federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)...

A portion of the City of Brazil was plagued with utility problems this week. Some 488 customers of Duke Energy lost power around 9:30 Monday night when storms tore through the area, knocking down trees and power lines. The power company kept customers apprised of the situation with texts. But the texts kept estimating power would be restored later and later...

The Centerpoint firehouse will be the location for the Volunteer Fire Department’s 65th annual fish fry beginning at 4:30 p.m. with one serving line and two drive-through lines. Please follow the signs as the drive-through will be on Main Street this year...

On Wednesday, the Brazil Board of Public Works and Safety approved contracts with DC Construction and with GAI in connection with plans to pave more city streets this summer using the Community Crossings grant. DC Construction won the paving contract and hopes to begin working in August. The end date on the contract is October 31, said City Attorney Traci...

The Indiana Department of Transportation announces traffic pattern changes to U.S. 40 between Knightsville and Harmony will take place next week. The existing four lane section of U.S. 40 between Belle St. and C.R. 200 East will become one lane in each direction with a two-way left turn lane. This is to improve the safety along this 1.7 mile section of roadway by allowing motorists to move out of the through lane when preparing to make their left turns...

Announcing the 2020 Good Citizen Award Winner, Ethan N. Rogers of Clay City High School. Ethan was also the Valedictorian this year and participated in several sports. He is the son of Chip and Jamie Rogers of Clay City. Ethan will be continuing his education at Rose Hulman School of Engineering in Terre Haute, Indiana, in the fall. Members of the Eliza Rizley Stacey Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution wish him all the best!...

It’s long been proclaimed that the Bible is the bestselling book of all time. There’s really no way of determining just how many Bibles that are floating around out there, but publishers have estimated there are over six billion copies of printed Bibles sitting on bookshelves and coffee tables all over the world...

Clay County now has four deaths from COVID-19. Clay County Health Nurse Kim Hyatt confirmed the fourth death was updated on the Indiana State Department of Health website Tuesday. The local COVID-19 data had remained stable for two weeks at 56. Hyatt confirmed two Clay County residents are hospitalized due to COVID-19, but the remaining cases have either recovered or are in self-isolation.

School’s out for summer, but the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic that ended classroom time for students and teachers alike on March 16, 2020, are also looming on the horizon of the upcoming 2020-2021 school year. A Special Session of the board of trustees is scheduled on Tuesday, June 30, at 6:30 p.m. to discuss the health and safety re-entry plan, titled “Clay Community School Roadmap.” The project details the process of how to open schools for the upcoming school year, starting in August...

I went to a graduation ceremony at Forest Park last night. The graduates wore homemade paper “mortarboard” hats and were just as cute as could be. The ceremony took place in the pavilion. As I sat there, taking pictures and watching the proceedings, I couldn’t help but think about those years when our kids were too young to go to kindergarten...

Jasmine K. Riddell, age 16, of Brazil has been located and is now in a safe location, said Brazil Police Department Chief Clint McQueen on Monday. A Silver Alert was issued for Riddell Thursday night after shd was reported missing from her home. She was located at a residence in Brazil and removed without incident, the Police Chief said...

The Brazil Concert Band, directed by Matthew S. Huber, will present their first public concert of the 2020 season on Sunday July 5th, 8 to 9 p.m. at the Forest Park Bandshell (or Pavilion if rain. The concerts will continue at Forest Park each Sunday through July and August...

The Brazil Fire Department is going to begin hydrant testing and flushing today, TGhey will be working on the North side of National Avenue from Walmart area west to Ashley St. They will be performing testing and flushing the next 3 weeks.

There will be a drive-through birthday party at the Villas of Holly Brook located at 1941 US 40 West Brazil, Indiana, for Betty Herbert. It will be 2 p.m.- 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 28. If you will be participating in this event they ask that you not get out of your car when passing by Betty...

For many of us, every aspect of our life has somehow been altered due to Covid-19. Many funerals,celebrations and activities were cancelled indefinitely due to the requirement to social distance. Hospice of the Wabash Valley has found a way to host a Memorial Service while adhering to the social distancing rules...

The suspect in the officer-involved shooting on Wednesday, June 17, 2020, has been placed under arrest. Marion Tanner Joseph Haywood, 23, Owensburg, Indiana, was released from Regional Hospital in Terre Haute early this afternoon and was taken into custody by the Indiana State Police upon his release. Haywood has been transported to the Clay County Jail where he is now incarcerated...

When their baby boy was born on June 21, 1891, in Center Point, Indiana, his parents, James Preston and Nevada Ann (Hicks) Jenkins, had no idea what a long life in public service this child would have. Everett Elwood Jenkins was destined to be a well-known name in Brazil, Indiana...

First United Mewthodist Church Our Opportunities June 21, 2020 – June 28, 2020 Sunday – June 21 HAPPY FATHER’S DAY BABY BOTTLE CAMPIGAN FOOD PANTRY DONATIONS 9:00a Traditional Worship Service 11:00a Contemporary Worship Service Wednesday – June 24...

The Staunton Lady Volunteers plan to resume monthly Community Center dinners in late July. Details will be forthcoming. STAUNTON UNITED METHODIST CHURCH NEWS Sunday morning church service starts at 10:45. Covid-19 precautions are in place, so everyone can have a safe worship experience. ...