The Owen News

06/13/2026

06/13/2026

What if the police officer who arrested you became one of your biggest supporters in recovery?

That's the idea behind C.A.R.E., which now stands for Community Applauding Recovery Efforts.

The program brings together people in recovery and the first responders they may have encountered during some of the hardest moments of their lives. Organizers say the goal is simple: replace cynicism with understanding and stigma with support.

Read more about the people behind the program which will take place this afternoon: https://www.theowennews.org/article/care-brings-recovery-first-responders-together

06/13/2026

An Owen County Sheriff’s Department deputy is recovering in stable condition after being shot yesterday afternoon during a welfare check on Texas Pike.

According to Indiana State Police, the deputy was conducting a welfare check requested by the Owen County Probation Department when they were met with gunfire. The incident led to a multi-hour standoff involving local, state and federal law enforcement agencies before the suspect, 58-year-old Wendell Hart, surrendered peacefully.

The deputy was airlifted to an Indianapolis hospital and remains in stable condition. The investigation remains ongoing, and formal charges are pending review by the Owen County Prosecutor’s Office.

Read the full story here: https://www.theowennews.org/article/deputy-shot-suspect-arrested-after-owen-county-standoff

This remains a developing story. We will continue to provide updates as additional information becomes available.

Owen County, Indiana.

06/13/2026

🐔 Today's the day!

The second annual Chamber's Chester Chicken Chuck takes flight this morning from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on the south lawn of the Owen County Courthouse.

Hosted by the Owen County Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Babbs Supermarket and the Owen County Community Foundation, the event features foam chicken-catching competitions, charity challenges, prizes, a costume contest, children's activities, a new teen division and the Window Chicken Painting Contest.

The event celebrates a unique piece of Owen County history while marking Babbs Supermarket's 98th anniversary.

Before you head downtown, learn more about the event and its unusual origins: https://www.theowennews.org/article/occc-to-host-second-annual-chicken-chuck-celebration

It's sure to be a cluckin' good time! 🐔

The Chamber’s second annual Chester Chicken Chuck returns June 13 with foam-chicken tosses, a new teen division and Babbs’ 98th anniversary. Owen County, Indiana.

06/13/2026

It's July 4th, of course. We'll close off Washington Street and have a little block party. Come and enjoy!
https://www.spencermainstreet.org/post/spencer-celebrates-250

06/13/2026

06/12/2026

Congratulations to the winners of the Second Annual Owen News Morel Mushroom Contest! 🍄

Congratulations to David Meek, First Place; Rebecca Huffman, Second Place; and Judy Lester, Third Place in this year's contest! 🥇

To learn more about the contest and this year's winning entries, check out the June edition of The Owen News here: www.theowennews.org/e-edition 📰

06/12/2026

From WTHR-TV: This is a developing story. We’ll share more as additional details become available.

Police say the incident happened on Texas Pike, near Manhattan Road, Friday afternoon.

06/12/2026

❄️ Opening night is here! ❄️

After months of planning, rehearsals and preparation, 75 cast and crew members ranging in age from 5 to 67 are bringing Frozen the Broadway Musical to life this weekend in Owen County. Performances begin tonight at Owen Valley High School Auditorium.

The Owen County Theatre and Arts Alliance says this production is about more than princesses and magic — it’s a story about family, sisterhood and finding where you belong. Audiences can also expect special effects, audience interaction and a few surprises that will transform the auditorium into Arendelle.

Read the preview story and learn what makes this production special: https://www.theowennews.org/article/owen-county-theatre-and-arts-alliance-frozen-musical

Will you be attending this weekend? Let us know which performance you’re planning to see!

The Owen County Theatre and Arts Alliance stages “Frozen” June 12-14 at OVHS, with 75 participants and a focus on family. Owen County, Indiana.