Following the service a light lunch will be served at the VFW Post.

The public is invited to attend.

The annual salute to the nation’s flag will be June 13-15 in Crothersville

For some wholesome family fun an ‘Ugly Woman’ contest has been scheduled on Friday, June 14 at 5:30 p.m. Local men of the community have been invited to strut their stuff as they parade across the festival stage in feminine attire.

And after that event gets your blood flowing, the Indiana Blood Center will hold a blood drive from 6-9 p.m. All persons donating a pint of blood will get a free FFA Porkburger.

In celebration of Flag Day the Disabled Veterans Wish Foundation of Indiana will launch over 200 balloons in honor of Old Glory. After the launch cake will be served from the Disabled Veterans booth. The festival committee asks everyone to wear red on Friday to salute, “Old Glory.”

Registration for a Cornhole Tourney will begin at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday at the entrance of the high school gym. Play will begin at 10 a.m. To register a team contact, Chris Lanning.

At 9 a.m. SNAP Fitness from Seymour will hold a Family Fitness Workout from the festival stage. Rachel Ely Mellencamp will lead festival goers in the early morning workout. Cost is just $1 per person.

For those who enjoy photography, a photo contest will be held on Saturday. Photos can be registered from 8 a.m. to noon in the lobby entrance of the gym. Judging will begin at noon. Categories are, nature, family, animals and life in Vernon Twp. Photos will be on display through out the day. Participants may pick up their photo that evening from 6 to 8 p.m.

On Saturday morning in the high school lobby will be registration for the Pie & Cake baking contest from 9 to 11 a.m. Categories for the pies are fruit, cream, your specialty and cobblers. Catergories for the cakes are, layer, sheet, your specialty and decorated.

Winners in the Photo Contest and the Pie & Cake Baking contest will be announced from the stage at 5:30 on Saturday. Also at that time the pies & cakes will be auctioned off to the highest bidder.  For more information on the photo contest and the baking contest contact Sarah Freeman.

Derby City Amusements will provide the carnival for this year’s festival. Pre-sales of arm bands can be purchased at a reduced price of $12 at The Peoples Bank.

Brady Riley is the festival media director and all information can be viewed at www.rwbfestival.com or like us on Facebook.

Who To Contact For Red, White & Blue Festival Events

Talent Show, Donna Smallwood, 812-793-3701

Pet & Bike Parade, Jessica Graff, 812-216-7893

RWB Golf Scramble, Marc Bowman, 812-801-1594

Photography Contest, Sarah Freeman, 812-530-7093

Baby Contest, Pamela Guy, 812-707-9247

Corn Hold Tourney, Chris Lanning, 812-599-8487

Antique Farm Show, Kevin Hoevener, 812-524-0372

Jimmy Stewart Memorial 3/3 Tourney, Chad Wilson, 812-530-1181.

RWB Parade, Lions Club Gordon Butler, 812-793-2693

Prince & Princess Contest, Zabrina Nicholson, 812-793-2051

Fiddle Contest, Bobby Deal, 812-889-3710

5K Run/Walk, Tina Kilgore, 812-525-7351

Media Director, Brady Riley, 812-525-1399

Festival Information, Sherry Bridges, 812-569-0407

Clerk-Treasurer Michele Teipen reminded local residents that trash and recyclables will be collected on Wednesday, May 29.

by Curt Kovener

There were all types of nature’s wonderment as I navigated out the wilderness lane on the way to church. And fortunately, I left early enough to allow for some time to watch the show.

It is mating season for the endangered Eastern Box Turtles and the boys are traveling looking for female companionship. Not once, but twice I stopped while a land turtle with amorous intentions crossed the lane in front of me seeking romance.

If I see them out on the highway and the roadway is clear behind me, I will stop and help them across. Not to speed them on their way to their date but to help insure an inattentive driver doesn’t send them to an early demise. Turtles really can’t hurry to get out of the way of fast approaching vehicles, you know.

Continuing on the trek out the lane I saw (how do I phrase this in a family newspaper) a pile of poop. A pile of fuzzy poop. The fuzz having formerly been the fur on some woodland creature but has now passed through the digestive system on a coyote. And taking a dump on a well traveled path is what coyotes do to let all other critters know they are in the area.

So I guess that make coyotes precise particular poopers as in contrast to the indiscriminate offerings to the earth that Charley, my yellow lab, provides.

Continuing on my way out the lane that morning, I apparently broke up a fight. There was this squirrel with his back to me standing up on his back legs in the middle of the road.

Across the ring…I mean, lane… were three crows kind of bobbing and weaving their way towards the squirrel which had his tail and all of his hair fluffed out to make the biggest menacing impression he could. I rather imagined he was on his back legs with his fists clenched and goading the crows to make their best move.

I am not sure what the cause of the confrontation was, but my vehicle’s sudden appearance made all aggressors scatter to various trees thus ending the impending fight.

And it was for the best, I suppose. Afterall, I thought on my way to church: Blessed are the peacemakers.

LOCAL HOBBY PHOTOGRAPHER looking for wildlife photo opportunities. Do you have an owl or other birds of prey nesting in your barn or tree? Know of a fur bearing animal that has a den nearby? We would like the opportunity to take photos of wildlife in their natural settings. All information & locations will be kept confidential. Please call (812) 793-3074 if no answer, please leave a message

TIRED OF POWER OUTAGES? We can install back-up electric generators to insure sump pumps, freezers, furnaces (even TV) operate during extended power outages. Natural Gas or LP, sizes starting at 7KW. Call Crothersville Heating & Cooling, 793-3059 for more information

FOR SALE: Well established food provider business in Crothersville area with loyal customer base. Turn key operation. Mail inquiries for more information to “Food Business” PO Box 141, Crothersville, IN 47229

IF YOU CAN READ, help someone who can’t. Call 523-8688 to start helping

MOBILITY ISSUES?? We have walkers, wheelchairs & canes to lend. Contact Crothersville Senior Citizens at 793-2523.tfn

BANKRUPTCY Payment plans available. 812-522-0628, Mark Risser, Attorney at Law. We are a debt relief agency. We help people file for bankruptcy relief under the bankruptcy code. tfn

911 SIGNS Make sure police, ambulance & fire department can find you. $15 includes bracket. Proceeds go to Crothersville-Vernon Township Volunteer Fire Department. For more information or to order call 793-3473 & leave message

STORAGE RENTAL, 3 Sizes, No Deposit All Point Enterprise, 206 E Main, Crothersville. Call Marion Gill, 523-1889 12/31pd

36 YEARS EXPERIENCED CARE. Professional grooming & boarding. WALKER’S KENNELS. Original location at 12086 East Base Road, Seymour, 523-3666.

NO ONE DESERVES to be hurt! Domestic violence and sexual assault hurt women, children and families. We can offer support, advocacy and safe shelter. All services confidential and at no cost to you. Call 24-hours toll-free: 1-888-883-1959.

ARE YOU EXPIRED? Check your mailing label to see when your subscription to the Crothersville Times should be re-newed. Send your check for $20 for one year; $35 for two in Jackson & Scott Counties; $35 per year elsewhere to PO Box 141, Crothersville, IN 47229

AIRLINE CAREERS begin here – Become an Aviation Maintenance Tech. FAA approved training. Financial aid if qualified – Housing available. Job placement assistance. AC0901 CALL Aviation Institute of Maintenance (888) 242-3197 www.FixJets.com

FARMWORKERS Worked on a farm in last 2 years? Trainings available including welding, truck driving, nursing. Call Transition Resources – South Bend – 574-237-9407; Kokomo – 765-457-5201; Pendleton – 317-547-1924; Vincennes – 812-886-0783; Madison – 812-265-3734 – x216

HOMEOWNERS WANTED!! Kayak Pools is looking for demo homesites to display our maintenance-free Kayak pools. Save thousands of $$$ with our pre-season SALE! CALL NOW! 800-315-2925 kayakpoolsmidwest.com Discount Code: 607L01

DirecTV – Over 140 channels only $29.99 a month. Call Now! Triple savings! $636.00 in Savings, Free upgrade to Genie & 2013 NFL Sunday ticket free!!  Start saving today! 1-800-246-2073

DISH NETWORK. Starting at $19.99/month (for 12 mos.) & High Speed Internet starting at $14.95/month (where available.) SAVE! Ask About SAME DAY Installation! CALL Now! 1-877-825-9465

WANTED: LIFE AGENTS; Earn $500 a day; Great Agent Benefits; Commissions Paid Daily; Complete Training; Leads, Leads, Leads. NO LICENSE NECESSARY TO APPLY. Call 1-888-713-6020

HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR CAREER! 3 Week Hands On Training School. Bulldozers, Backhoes, Excavators. National Certifications. Lifetime Job Placement Assistance. VA Benefits Eligible. 1-866-362-6497 AC1213

DRIVERS: Flatbed Drivers New Pay Scale – Start @ .37cpm. Up to .04cpm Mileage Bonus. Home Weekends. Insurance and 401K. Apply @ Boydandsons.com 800-648-9915

DRIVERS: Hiring Experienced/Inexperienced Tanker Drivers! Earn up to $.51 per Mile! New Fleet Volvo Tractors! 1 Year OTR Exp. Req. – Tanker Training Available. Call Today: 877-882-6537 www.OakleyTransport.com

DRIVERS: Two raises in first year. Qualify for any portion of $.03/mile quarterly bonus: $.01 Safety, $.01 Production, $.01 MPG. 3 months OTR experience. 800-414-9569 www.driveknight.com

DRIVERS: “Partners in Excellence” OTR Drivers APU Equipped Pre-Pass EZ-pass passenger policy. 2012 & Newer equipment. 100% NO touch. Butler Transport 1-800-528-7825

RG TRANSPORT IS HIRING! Class A CDL Drivers. Full Time, Part Time and Owner Operators. *Great Pay & Benefits. *Weekend Home Time. *No Touch Freight. *Paid Holidays & Vacations. *Let Your Great CSA Score Earn You a $0.03 CPM Safety Bonus! Call us!!! 866-275-1454 Or apply online at: www.rgtransport.com

DRIVERS: Training, Class A-CDL. Train and work for us! Professional and focused training for your Class A-CDL. You choose between Company Driver, Owner Operator, Lease Operator or Lease Trainer. (877) 369-7203 www.centraltruckdrivingjobs.com

DRIVERS: Stone Belt Freight puts drivers first! Competitive pay! Home weekends! Excellent Benefits! Pre-loaded trailers. Call Kelsy, 888-272-0961.

DRIVERS: Class A CDL Flatbed Drivers Needed. Excellent Pay & Benefits. 6 month exp, Min 23 yrs of age. 877-261-2101

DRIVER TRAINEES NEEDED NOW at Stevens Transport! New drivers earn $750 per week. No CDL? No Problem! CDL & Job Ready in 15 days. 1-877-649-3156

DRIVERS: $1,000 Sign On Bonus! Class A CDL Drivers, Run Regionally, Be home weekly. Exceptional Pay ($60-$70K annually) and Benefit Package. Call 888-409-6033 Or visit us online www.drivejtc.com

RECENTLY LAID OFF? IN A RUT? WERNER NEEDS DRIVERS! Train to be a professional truck driver in ONLY 16 DAYS! The avg. truck driver earns $700+/wk*! Get CDL Training w/Roadmaster! Approved for Veterans Training. Don’t Delay, Call Today! 1-866-205-1569 *DOL/BLS 2012 AC-0205

AVERITT OFFERS CDL-A DRIVERS a Strong, Stable, Profitable Career. Experienced Drivers and Recent Grads – Excellent Benefits, Weekly Hometime, Paid Training. 888-362-8608 AverittCareers.com Equal Opportunity Employer

CDL-A DRIVERS NEEDED! Solos up to 38¢/mile, 50¢/mile for Hazmat Teams. New Trucks Arriving Daily! 800-942-2104 Ext. 7308 or 7307 www.TotalMS.com

ATTENTION SLEEP APNEA SUFFERERS with Medicare. Get CPAP Replacement Supplies at little or NO COST, plus FREE home delivery! Best of all, prevent red skin sores and bacterial infection! Call 1-888-696-5125

GUN SHOW!! Greenfield, IN – May 25th & 26th, Hancock County Fairgrounds, 620 North Apple Street, Sat. 9-5, Sun. 9-3 For information call 765-993-8942 Buy! Sell! Trade!

INDY 1500 GUN & KNIFE SHOW – Indiana’s Largest! State Fairgrounds. Expo Building Fri., May 31, 2-8. Sat., June 1, 8-6. Sun., June 2, 9-4. Bring this ad for $1 off 1 admission.

WANTED TO BUY: Cash Paid for Diabetic Test Strips. Up to $10 Per Box. Most Brands. Call Tom Anytime toll-free 1-888-885-3996.

Getting a college degree before a high school degree is not something lost on their beaming with pride parents.

Last year, Ivy Tech Community College partnered with Crothersville and Austin High Schools to offer the Ivy Tech High School Academy, a program offering early college courses for juniors and seniors.

This year is the first year that graduating seniors also had an opportunity to earn associate’s degree from Ivy Tech.

The eight Crothersville High School students who earned associate’s degrees in general studies while in high school. They are Lauren Barnes, Kaitlyn Hoevener, Caleb Minton, Chandler Nehrt, Hailey Pasley, Olivia Robinett, Jessica Schmelzle, and Olivia Smedley.

Crothersville offers students the opportunity to take 33 credit hours in dual-credit classes, according to CHS principal David Schill.

Schill said he initially had this dream when he became Crothersville’s principal and the Indiana Department of Education mandated Indiana schools to provide students with the classes allowing them to earn dual credit.  Dual credit classes are classes where the curriculum combines high school and college requirements, thus adding rigor to the course.

“We thought it would be a positive achievement if students could get enough credits to get a degree,” Schill said.

Crothersville and Austin students in the program attend classes three days a week each semester, taking six classes a year.

Schill said this one is the only program that works between two districts.

“It’s been a project of firsts,” he said. “It’s worked out well.”

Tuition for the program is completely free for students. The only fees students pay are for book rental.

The program saves parents an estimated $30,000 in college costs, Schill said. Thus another reason for parents to beam with pride.

“Students who are involved in the program have the opportunity to get ahead of the (educational) game,” Schill said.

President of the Crothersville School Board Dale Schmelzle, father of Jessica Schmelzle, one of the dual credit students,said the dual credit program was rigorous but that students who stuck with it will have a better chance of success in college.

“They now have the confidence that they can successfully do college level work,” said the Schmelzle.

He said the seven Crothersville students maintained a college study program along with their high school studies and still competed in athletics, and took part in cheerleading and extracurricular activities.

All of the credits they received will transfer to a 4-year Indiana college.

“They will enter college as second semester sophomores,” said the board president.

Schill said the school plans to continue the program in the future, despite the state instituted budget cuts.

“We’re working out whatever we have to do to have it continue,” he said.

“It’s been a real pleasure to get it going. Just in the short term, we’ve seen it serve the students well and we expect it to continue to do so.”

New light pole banners will soon grace US 31 in Crothersville welcoming visitors to the community’s Red, White & Blue Festival.

Festival committee member Chad Wilson displays one of the banners he designed for this year’s patriotic salute planned for June 13-15.

Pet & Bike Parade, Jessica Graff, 812-216-7893

RWB Golf Scramble, Marc Bowman, 812-801-1594

Photography Contest, Sarah Freeman, 812-530-7093

Baby Contest, Pamela Guy, 812-707-9247

Corn Hole Tourney, Chris Lanning, 812-599-8487

Antique Farm Show, Kevin Hoevener, 812-524-0372

Jimmy Stewart Memorial 3/3 Tourney, Chad Wilson, 812-530-1181.

RWB Parade, Lions Club Gordon Butler, 812-793-2693

Prince & Princess Contest, Zabrina Nicholson, 812-793-2051

Fiddle Contest, Bobby Deal, 812-889-3710

5K Run/Walk, Tina Kilgore, 812-525-7351

Media Director, Brady Riley, 812-525-1399

Festival Information, Sherry Bridges, 812-569-0407

Carl is retired from the America can company in Austin and Lil is a homemaker.

They are the parents of two children, Michele (Roger) Teipen of Crothersville and Andy Edwards of Crothersville; three grandchildren, Justin (Stacey) Teipen, Josh (Stacie) Teipen, and Levi Edwards; a great-grandson Nolan Matthew Teipen and a great-granddaughter due June 7.