Council authorizes commissioners to pursue purchase of roughly 17 acres for potential jail, contingent on testing The Owen County Council voted to authorize the county commissioners to move forward with a purchase agreement for about 17 acres west of Walmart at a stated asking price of $90,000 per acre, contingent on environmental testing, core drilling and a survey. Council members said the site offers utilities and two-way access, while some warned about long-term costs and tax impacts.

The Owen County Council has taken a significant step towards potentially relocating the jail, authorizing a purchase agreement for 17 acres near Walmart—amidst concerns over costs and environmental testing.

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Owen County election board disqualifies one candidate for missing financial disclosure, orders audits for others At a Feb. 25, 2026 continuation of candidate‑challenge hearings, the Owen County Election Board disqualified Dustin White for failing to submit a required CAN‑12 disclosure, kept multiple other challenged candidates on the primary ballot, and ordered follow‑up audits and hearings for campaign finance reports.

Dustin "Dusty" White is out of the May primary after the Owen County Election Board disqualified him for failing to submit crucial financial disclosures, raising questions about the integrity of the ballot!

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Board asks attorneys to review hydraulic‑geology issues as members raise concerns about water withdrawals and propose zoning limits on data centers Board members said previous water‑withdrawal applications lacked needed information and asked the county attorney to review hydraulic‑geology handling; one member proposed amending ordinances to bar data centers and solar farms as allowable uses in zoning districts.

Owen County board members are raising red flags over past water withdrawal applications and pushing for stricter zoning rules against data centers and solar farms!

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Owen County commissioners warn council of multimillion-dollar budget cuts, urge action to shore up highway fund Commissioners said state funding adjustments and a 75% reduction in CCMG allocations left the county with significant shortfalls that could require council action Monday; they urged mapping fixes and a budget oversight committee to protect highway and election-registration funds.

Owen County faces a staggering budget crisis, with nearly $600,000 slashed from the highway fund, leaving critical repairs in jeopardy!

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Owen County BZA tables Blue Triton conditional-use transfer after hours of public opposition The Owen County Board of Zoning Appeals heard hours of public comment objecting to a proposed transfer/name-change for a bottled-water operation (Blue Triton/Primo Brands). Concerns centered on groundwater withdrawal (50,000 gallons/day limit), road damage from tanker trucks, alleged permit irregularities and requests for independent studies; the board voted to table the matter pending further review.

Residents raised serious concerns over a proposed bottled-water operation in Owen County, leading the Board of Zoning Appeals to table the decision for further review.

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Owen County panel tightens language for commercial/industrial rules, asks staff to research mineral-extraction safeguards The commission replaced several 'should' provisions with 'must' language for erosion control and industrial siting, approved adding prime-farmland definitions, and asked staff to research bonding/inspection standards and buffer distances for mineral extraction and heavy industrial uses.

Owen County is taking a bold step by replacing vague "should" with enforceable "must" in new planning rules, ensuring stronger protections for residents and prime farmland!

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Owen County tables proposed ownership change and variance for bottled-water site after extensive public concern over water extraction Blue Triton Brands sought to complete a purchase and continue bottled-water operations at a Pottersville Road site; residents questioned whether the 2017 approval covered commercial bottling and voiced concerns about groundwater impacts and truck traffic. The board voted to table the matter for a site visit, independent hydrogeologic review and review of the 2017 record; follow-up hearing set for Dec. 11.

Owen County residents are raising alarms over a proposed ownership change for a bottled-water operation, questioning its impact on local groundwater and traffic—what will the board decide next?

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Owen County advances jail project planning, approves fund transfer and keeps bond cap flexible Commissioners heard bond counsel outline a financing timeline for a new jail: a bond structure payable from income taxes, a target January guaranteed maximum price (GMP) and bond ordinance, and a February bond sale. The board approved a transfer of roughly $630,000 into the new jail project fund and discussed a single RFP team (BW and Garmong).

Owen County is making significant strides in its jail project, with a flexible financing plan and a crucial fund transfer approved—what's next for this ambitious initiative?

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Owen County hires Deborah Simmons as incoming 9-1-1 director; dispatch staffing and state training requirements flagged Deborah Simmons, an experienced dispatcher who has worked in nearby counties, will start as Owen County's 9-1-1 director; commissioners and staff discussed dispatcher shortages, a new state statute requiring dispatcher training, and the ongoing radio system upgrade.

Owen County welcomes Deborah Simmons as its new 9-1-1 director, tackling urgent staffing shortages and new training mandates head-on.

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County Council Discusses Budget Concerns and Restructuring Emergency Service Pay Council analyzes budget gaps and explores restructuring emergency services pay to enhance recruitment.

Owen County Council is at a crossroads, debating a major shift in funding that could redefine how essential services like the billing department are managed and sustained.

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County Commissioners Discuss Employee Insurance Changes and Human Resources Consulting Commissioners weigh options for employee insurance and endorse new HR consulting services.

Owen County Commissioners raised alarms over payroll claims, signaling a pivotal moment for financial transparency and accountability in local government.

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Local Commissioners Discuss $40K Repair Costs for Broken Mowing Tractor Commissioners evaluate options for repairing a broken mowing tractor and acquiring replacements.

Owen County is set to upgrade its law enforcement technology at a fraction of the cost, ensuring safer streets and smarter policing for all!

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Commissioners Review Highway Department Plans And Dust Control Measures Highway commissioners discuss upcoming construction, detour plans, and budget for dust control.

Owen County commissioners are making crucial decisions on upcoming road projects that could reshape your daily commute and safety—find out what changes are coming!

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From a dawn shoot at an #OwenCounty (Ind.) getaway in April 2012. #photography #WasatchLake #Indiana #geese #lake #nature

Council Members Honor Late Advocate Darren Barnett and Emphasize 911 Importance Council reflects on Darren Barnett's contributions and calls for stronger emergency response.

The Owen County Council meeting was a poignant tribute to the late Darren Barnett, as members rallied to strengthen the vital 911 emergency services that keep the community safe.

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Council Maintains Budget Limitations for Jail Project Amid Concerns Over Tax Increases Council affirms budget constraints for jail project, avoiding potential tax hikes.

The Owen County Council is taking a stand on fiscal responsibility, ensuring the jail project stays within budget and avoiding tax increases for residents.

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Council Approves Transition from EMT to Full-Time Paramedic Position Council votes to replace one full-time EMT position with a paramedic role.

Owen County is making a bold move to enhance emergency response by replacing an EMT position with a full-time paramedic, a shift that could significantly improve community safety.

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County officials consider interim director for vacant dispatch leadership position Officials discuss budget adjustments and interim solutions for vacant 911 dispatch leadership roles.

Owen County Council is racing against time to fill a critical emergency services director position, with potential budget surpluses on the line and the community's safety at stake.

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County Council Reviews 2026 Budget Proposals and Prioritizes Essential Services Council emphasizes urgent budget preparations and prioritization of taxpayer needs for 2026.

Owen County Council faces a pivotal moment as they navigate budget challenges and prioritize essential services for 2026, all while considering a significant tax credit for homeowners.

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Council Approves Additional Appropriations for Vehicles and Services Amid Fund Cleanup Council members approve significant appropriations for vehicles and contract services in public hearing.

In a pivotal Owen County Council meeting, members tackled financial discrepancies and approved over $477,000 in appropriations to enhance community services and health initiatives.

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Commissioners Approve $20K Grant for Health Department Contract Services Commissioners vote to apply for unexpected $20K public health grant for salary services.

Owen County's council just secured a surprise $20K grant that could revolutionize local public health services—are you ready to see how this impacts your community?

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Local Leaders Highlight Need for Effective Staff Training and Employee Retention Officials stress importance of retaining knowledgeable staff for consistent training and development.

Owen County leaders are sounding the alarm on a critical staffing crisis that threatens the quality of service for residents—will they find a solution?

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Council Approves Grant Motion with 6 to 1 Vote Council votes to approve grant motion with no opposition following discussion.

In a heated meeting, the Owen County Council approved a crucial grant proposal with a decisive 6 to 1 vote, signaling their commitment to community progress!

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County Plans Emergency Health Response with Triage Center and Grant Funds County prepares for public health emergencies with triage center plans and pretrial grant funds.

Owen County is stepping up its game in public health preparedness with plans for emergency triage centers and crucial grant funding for judicial services!

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Sheriff's Department Proposes Five-Year Body Camera Contract Renewal Before September Expiration Sheriff's Department seeks approval for full payment of five-year Axon body camera contract.

Owen County Council grapples with crucial decisions on body cameras and staffing transitions that could reshape public safety and operational efficiency.

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Dolan County Sheriff's Office seeks auction for surplus Ford Explorers Dolan County Sheriff's Office requests approval for five surplus Ford Explorers to be auctioned.

Owen County is taking a bold step to optimize resources by auctioning off five outdated Ford Explorers, all while celebrating team camaraderie during a lively commissioner meeting!

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Board of Commissioners Reappoints Tony Volker to Library Board Commissioners unanimously reappoint Tony Volker to the library board for another term.

Owen County's Board of Commissioners has unanimously reappointed Tony Volker to the library board, ensuring strong leadership as they tackle future challenges.

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Jackson Township Mourns Trustee Baron Barnett Following Sudden Death Council discusses upcoming decisions and human resources position after Barnett's passing.

Owen County mourns the unexpected loss of Trustee Baron Barnett as commissioners honor his legacy and tackle pressing community issues at their latest meeting.

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County Approves Grant Application for Public Health Emergency Preparedness Program County officials authorize grant application to enhance public health emergency response capabilities.

Owen County takes a bold step towards safety by securing a $20,000 grant to boost emergency preparedness for natural disasters and public health crises.

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Commissioners Approve Joe White's Community Road Cleanup Initiative on Hancock School Road Commissioners endorse Joe White to clear overhanging limbs and debris on Hancock School Road.

Owen County's residents are stepping up to tackle road maintenance challenges, with local business owner Joe White leading the charge to clear debris and overhanging limbs on Hancock School Road!

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