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SCOTT/WASHINGTON COUNTY, Ind. — The planned closure on State Road 56 west of Scottsburg has been postponed. The closure was previously scheduled to begin as soon as Monday, June 3, between Mount Road and Finley Firehouse Road. Additional information, including a new closure date, will be provided at a later time.

This project is part of a $2.1 million contract awarded to E&B in January 2023. INDOT reminds drivers to slow down, use extra caution and avoid distractions when traveling near work zones. All work is weather-dependent and schedules are subject to change.

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The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the town of Sheridan celebrated the start of construction for phase 1 of the Monon Trail extension in northern Hamilton County today.

The asphalt multi-use trail will be constructed by the town of Sheridan with help from a $2,089,850 Next Level Trails (NLT) grant. The award was announced by Gov. Eric J. Holcomb in April 2022 as part of the third grant round of NLT. “The Monon Trail is well known for making connections between communities across central Indiana,” said Dan Bortner, DNR director. 

“The Monon’s excellent connectivity set an early example of ways we’d bring communities together through Next Level Trails, including with the construction of the Monon South Trail in southern Indiana. Next Level Trails has now helped communities build more than 100 new miles of trail–and growing—across Indiana.” 

The new trail will extend 0.75 miles north from the existing Monon Trail at State Road 47. The trail follows the historic railroad corridor north into the town center of Sheridan to 2^nd Street. To the south, the existing Monon Trail extends more than 26 miles and travels through Westfield, Carmel, and Broad Ripple, ultimately terminating at 10^th Street in downtown Indianapolis.  

Phase 2 of the project will work to extend the trail 1.1 miles north to the Hamilton/Boone county line, thus completing the trail within Hamilton County. 

"Funded in large part by a $2 million grant from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources Next Level Trails grant program, this project is a collaborative effort that will bring the Monon into our downtown, where trail users will find our richly unique Main Street lined with storefronts that are seeing new life," said Sheridan Town Council President Silas DeVaney III. "We are confident the completed trail will add to the quality of life for our residents as well as invite people to Sheridan that might not otherwise have a reason to visit our small town.”

As part of Gov. Holcomb’s Next Level Connections initiative, NLT is the largest infusion of trails funding in state history. The now $180 million program is administered by the DNR and facilitates critical trail connections within and between Hoosier communities. Thirty-four of the 89 NLT projects are complete, totaling more than 100 miles of trail built since the program’s inception. Several projects are under construction, with many more slated to break ground during the next year. 

In December 2023, Gov. Holcomb announced that 14 communities received a combined $31.2 million for 28 miles of new trail as a part of NLT’s fourth round. The grants awarded in the fourth round include seven regional projects and seven local projects. The list of awards, project descriptions, and a map are posted at on.IN.gov/nlt-round-4. 

More information about NLT is at on.IN.gov/NextLevelTrails.

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The eating contest for the Pekin 4th of July is upon us! Here is the information you need to know regarding the event.

The watermelon contest will be held July 4, Immediately following the Prince & Princess Contest (1 p.m.)

The Corn on the Cob contest will be held immediately following the Baby Contest (2:30 p.m.)

1. Participants must be 18 years or older.

2. Participants must sign this liability waiver before participating in each contest.

3. Each participant participating in the watermelon eating contest will receive a dedicated watermelon piece designed by the Pekin Community Betterment.

4.  Each participant participating in the corn on the cob eating contest will receive a predetermined amount of corn.

5. Participants may only use their hands to eat the food.

6. Participants must keep their hands behind their backs until the starting signal is given.

7. The participant who finishes all of their watermelon first or eats the most in 5 minutes will be declared the winner.

8. In the event of a tie, a tiebreaker will be determined by a sudden-death round.

9. The winner will receive a prize determined by the Pekin Community Betterment Organization.

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The Baby Contest will be held Saturday June 29, 3 p.m.

The location is First Baptist Church of Pekin which is located at 1145 E 5th St., Pekin, IN 47165 

Everything You Need to Know

1. Entry Fee is $20 per baby or $30 for multiples (twins, triplets, etc.)

2. Pre-Registration is highly appreciated with forms mailed in and received by Friday, June 22, 2024. However, it is not required. You can register the day of at the church from noon until 2:30 p.m. You do not have to stay if you register earlier in the afternoon. You may leave and come back closer to time of contest but you are responsible for keeping up with your index card.

3. Entries will be separated by gender from 0-3 years old.

4. There will be a multiples category (twins, triplets, etc). This category will only include one trophy but each baby will receive their own participation ribbon. 

5. Once you receive a trophy, the Betterment is no longer responsible for them and they will not be replaced if it gets broken in any way.

6. Participants will be judged solely on their personalities ONLY. Judges will judge based on outfits only IF there is a tie.

7. Babies may bring one small toy with them on stage and only 1 escort is allowed.

8. Winners must stick around for pictures after the contest.

9. Derogatory remarks or bad behavior from parents/guardians will result in being banned from future contests.

10. Accepted forms of payments: check, cash or money order. Please make checks out to Pekin Betterment Community Organization.

11. Payments are non-refundable!!

12. Mail forms to: 102 Mahuron Dr. Salem, IN 47167. Anything dropped off at this address will be automatically banned from contest without warning!!!

Day of Contest Information:

1. PARKING: you must park in the main parking lot only! If you need handicap assistance, please let us know and we will help you with this arrangements.

2. Registration: Registration will be upstairs in the lobby before going downstairs where the contest will be held.

3. No running!!

4. No entering the classrooms or the sanctuary!!

5. Absolutely no smoking, vaping or alcohol on property

6. Out of respect of our host, all participants and guests must be mindful of your dress attire and foul language!!!

Call or text Tisha Coles with any questions at (317) 430-8277