The Decatur Daily Democrat

Adams County Farm Bureau teaches children how to grow a pumpkin with INFB”s 2026 Book of the Year

The 2026 Indiana Farm Bureau Book of the Year is “The Pie That Molly Grew” written by Sue Heavenrich with illustrations by Chamisa Kellogg. The book follows Molly as she goes on the journey of growing a pumpkin– from the planting of a single seed to...

Less time to find, more time to fix with Vialytics

Decatur has decided to join governments in seven nations, around 40 U.S. states, some 30 Indiana counties, and many cities in this state by using an “intelligent road-management system” known as Vialytics. The city council voted 4-0 on January 20,...

Band students earn day out

AC Middle School Band students who met prestigious performance and participation requirements during the first semester earned a celebratory trip to Sky Zone, where they enjoyed the opportunity to celebrate their hard work and success together. (Photo...

Murals at the jail

County Republican candidates launch campaigns

Republican candidacies for a number of local races officially began on Thursday night at the Adams County Republican Party Announcement Celebration in Berne at the Clock Tower Inn. The night started with a dinner that went from 5:30-6:00 and featured...

“Terrible” energy rates cited as reason for use of solar, nuclear power in county

Energy costs in Indiana are “terrible and it’s going to get worse.” That comment by Rick Anderson, an executive of the Veregy energy-saving company of Indianapolis, was the basis of his pitch to the Adams County commissioners on January 13 for a...

Young readers complete 1,000 books

Levi Dowler and Emilia Dixon have finished 1000 Books before Kindergarten. Levi is the son of Danny and Alyssa Dowler. Alyssa commented, “It has been fun incorporating reading into our daily routine and to see it bring him joy.” Emilia is the daughter...

Christner speaks at Lions Club on behalf of Cancer Coalition

President of the Adams County Cancer Coalition Steve Christner spoke at the January meeting of the Decatur Lions Club on Monday night. The Adams County Cancer Coalition provides financial support to cancer patients. Dispersed money is used for a...

With the recent milder temperatures, woolly worms (banded woolly bear caterpillars) may make an appearance from hiding under their logs or leaf litter.

They possess a natural antifreeze (glycerol) that lets them survive freezing winters. Once an adult, they will become an Isabella tiger moth. Folklore states if they have a wider brown band, a milder winter is expected. If they have more black, a...

Turkey, chicken farms struck by Avian flu

(Editor’s Note: This story is the second in a series the Daily Democrat will be running this week recalling some of the top news stories of 2025). An outbreak of the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) struck turkey and chicken producers in Adams...

Union Township, roundabout, AC leadership highlight 2025

A review of events from 2025 showed a year-long investigation into financial irregularities of the Union Township Trustee’s office concluded with former trustee Nathan Mihm pleading guilty following a detailed audit of township books by the Indiana...

Local reader reaches milestone

Nora Burkhart is the latest finisher of 1000 Books! Burkhart is the daughter of Alex and Kate Burkhart. The 1000 Books program helps to increase vocabulary, attention span, a love of reading and learning, and prepares children to enter kindergarten....

ACCF awards grants to Swiss Village for new campus signage

Adams County Community Foundation (ACCF) is pleased to announce that Swiss Village was recently awarded a grant for new campus signage. Swiss Village retirement facility, located in Berne, IN, reports visitors, delivery drivers, and EMS drivers have...

ACCF granted The Hope Clinic for Margie’s Place membership to the Muselman Wellness Pavilion in Berne

The Adams County Community Foundation (ACCF) is pleased to report that The Hope Clinic received a grant for Margie’s Place membership to the Muselman Wellness Pavilion in Berne. Margie’s Place is a home for pregnant women or new moms who need extra...

ACCF grants Fraternal Order of Police for Cops for Kids

The Adams County Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) #127 recently held their annual ‘Cops for Kids’ event at Walmart. The event reached over 20 families with special thanks to the Adams County Community Foundation (ACCF) David Houck Fund. David Houck was...

Pet of the Week: Esther the Miracle Cow

Meet Esther, a 7-year-old bottle-fed freemartin cow from Wallis Farm in Decatur, owned by Valerie and Shane Wallis. What makes her extra special? Both Esther and her owner were told they couldn’t have children–yet somehow, life had other plans. Esther...

Anderson finds his path in Ag

At just 20 years old, Colin Anderson of Geneva, Indiana, is helping prove that agriculture remains a strong and meaningful path for the next generation. For Colin, agriculture is more than crops and livestock–it’s about responsibility, consistency, and...

ACCF announces 2026 Lilly Endowment Community scholar

The Adams County Community Foundation is pleased to announce the recipient of the 2025 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship (LECS) for Adams County, Reagan Bollenbacher of South Adams High School. Lilly Endowment Community Scholars are known for their...

AMH introduces new MRI scanner, enhancing diagnostic capabilities and patient comfort

Adams Memorial Hospital has announced the installation and launch of its new Siemens Magnetom Altea 1.5 Tesla MRI scanner, now in full operation within the hospital’s newly constructed MRI suite. This upgrade significantly enhances imaging capabilities...

Local musicians spread Christmas cheer

This past weekend, AC band students filled the air with holiday cheer during a community benefit event hosted by Adams Medical Group, performing a variety of beloved Christmas tunes as guests walked through the venue admiring the beautifully decorated...

A Tradition Reborn: the story of Downtown Decatur Day

How a 70-Year-Old Celebration Came Back to Life For more than seven decades, the Downtown Sidewalk Sale was the heartbeat of Decatur, Indiana–a summer ritual that turned quiet streets into a scene straight out of a nostalgic postcard. Picture it: shop...

Henry receives DAISY Award

Adams Health Network has announced that Missy Henry, RN, of Adams Memorial Hospital’s Obstetrics (OB) Department, has been selected as the latest honoree of the prestigious DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses. This award recognizes nurses who...

ACCF grants to Community Care of Northeast Indiana for Transitional and Recovery Support at Hannah’s House

The Adams County Community Foundation (ACCF) is pleased to announce that Community Care of Northeast Indiana was awarded a grant for Community Care serving Adams County residents transitional and recovery Support at Grace & Mercy and Hannah’s House....

ACCF grants to Community Care of Northeast Indiana for Transitional and Recovery Support at Hannah’s House

Shown are the Community Care of Northeast Indiana, Hannah’s House staff, and resident: Taylor Davis, Office Manager, Christine Walker, Executive Director, Danielle Blough, resident, Andrea Dimond; Program Director, and Becky Watson, grant writer. The...

D Town Energy opens doors with heart and faith

Downtown Decatur just got a fresh burst of energy as D Town Energy officially opens its doors in its new location at the former M.C. Blooms building, 127 S 2nd Street. Owners Sian and Chris McDonald are excited to welcome the community into a space...

A whimsical winter dream comes to Berne: the Berne Christkindlmarkt

As you cross the threshold of the Berne Christkindlmarkt, a dazzling arch of lights and lush garlands frames your path. Nutcracker sentinels stand proudly at attention, their polished boots crunching on snow in your imagination. The air hums with...

Adams County Community Foundation grants to Alive & Well for Classes at Adams County Schools

Alive & Well seeks to partner with parents and teachers in order to educate, empower and inspire young people to make wise, healthy choices in all areas of life, make a positive impact in the world and seek help from trustworthy adults. The ACCF...

The Interurban Line: The electric marvel that one stirred our streets, and the quiet day it finally went dark

There was a time–not so long ago–when the low hum of an electric motor could be heard before dawn, gliding through Decatur like a promise of progress. Housewives would pause at their porches, farmers tipped their hats, and children raced to the corner...

Reductions of deductions made in state property taxes

The Adams County auditor’s office has announced that large reductions in the number of state property tax deductions were made by the Indiana General Assembly and signed into law by Gov. Mike Braun, with the law going into effect on January 1,...

Cub Scouts help retire flags

On November 19th, Decatur American Legion Post 43, along with recently reformed Cub Scout Pack 3064 of Decatur, conducted an American flag retirement ceremony. The flags that were collected for this event were worn, tattered, no longer suitable for...

Weekend snow creates fun experience for youngsters

AC musicians perform for veterans

The Adams Central High School Band recently played for those who served during a performance at the Annual Veterans Day Program. The band helped set the tone for the program and thanked the heroes who protect our freedoms.

The spirit of Thanksgiving in Adams County

On a crisp November morning in Adams County, Indiana, the air carries the familiar scents of roasting turkey, cinnamon-spiced pies, and simmering vegetables. Farm trucks rumble softly along county roads, delivering produce for holiday tables, while...

MR Planners celebrates 50 years in Decatur

While many were out and about celebrating the start of the holiday season this past weekend in downtown Decatur, one local business, MR Planners, commemorated a milestone of service to the community. 2025 marks 50 years in business for MR Planners,...

ACCF announces the Rita Girard Scholar

Established in 2007 this fund is in memory and as a tribute to this well-known local musician. Rita (Rumschlag) Girard was best known in the local music world as the ‘behind the scenes’ musical accompanist, but her friends at the St. Mary’s Choir did...

Project Connect brings hope and healing to Decatur with grand opening celebration

(Photo by Diedra Lindsey) The community of Decatur came together in celebration as Project Connect, a local jail re-entry program, hosted its official open house – an event filled with joy, hope, and unity. Project Connect’s mission is simple yet...

ERIC MANN Five versions of Polk St. improvements shown to Monroe Town Council

The majority of the November session of the Monroe Town Council was filled by a video and verbal presentation from town superintendent Justin Shaffer about five concepts to improve heavily-used Polk St. between US 27 and State Rd. 124. The five ideas...

ACCF grants to The Literacy Alliance for Project Graduate at MERIT Center in Adams County

The Adams County Community Foundation (ACCF) is pleased to announce that the Literacy Alliance received a grant for Project Graduate at the MERIT Center in Adams County. The Literacy Alliance (LA) works closely with local organizations to support and...

Berne teen turns homemade recipes into a growing business

Berne, IN – At just 19, Katelin Vas is proving that passion and creativity can turn a simple idea into a thriving business. The Berne native recently launched Katelin’s Recipe Cards, a small business that offers beautifully designed, handwritten and...

Milkweed Seeds

Milkweed Seeds are currently being dispersed by wind, carried by their “parachutes.” Their silky, fluffy floss, which is lightweight and water-resistant, was historically used in life preservers and pillows. It is now used for hypoallergenic stuffing....

Buggy collision results in multiple charges

Charges were filed against several individuals after a buggy accident that was investigated by the Adams County Sheriff’s Department early Saturday morning. The accident involved a pair of horse-drawn vehicles. The initial report stated that two...

JOE SPAULDING

After a 21-year career with the city of Decatur, operations director Jeremy Gilbert submitted a letter of resignation this week to the Decatur Board of Public Works and Decatur City Council after accepting a position with Brooks Construction Company in...

Award-winning goat production team near Berne hits 36-year mark

Roger and Jenny Neuenschwander of Berne along with their extended family, have been raising, showing, breeding, and milking goats for 36 years. They are well-known dairy goat breeders, particularly recognized for their Toggenburg (Toggs) and Nubian...

Decatur Main Street receives funds to spice up downtown holiday decorations this year

A new “wow” factor will greet persons going downtown Decatur during the holiday season this year as Decatur City Council members learned Tuesday night that Decatur Main Street was the recent beneficiary of up to $20,000 from the Artistic Holiday Design...

Tractor Supply celebrates local heroes with donations, discounts, and community events

This November, Tractor Supply Company is inviting communities across the nation to celebrate the everyday heroes who make a difference. On Saturday, November 1, stores will host special events to honor military members, veterans, and first...

Braun calls for special session of legislature for redistricting effort

Indiana Governor Mike Braun announced Monday he has decided to call the Indiana Legislature back to Indianapolis for a special session next Monday in an effort to devise a new map for Indiana Congressional districts. Indiana Republicans currently have...

Winners of Rotary Callithumpian Poster Painting contest announced

The Decatur Rotary Club hosted its 45th annual Callithumpian Poster Painting Contest on Thursday, October 23. Kindergartners through 5th graders were eligible to paint and were given one hour to paint a Halloween-themed poster. The Rotary Club supplies...

Facing Hunger: Indiana Families Brace for Possible SNAP Cuts in November

When SNAP benefits arrive on time, Camille Thomas can fill her pantry and plan meals for the week. But with federal funding in limbo, she fears November may bring empty shelves. “If SNAP gets cut, we’ll have days we go hungry,” she says. “I already...

Hail Falls

Tuesday’s Adams County weather brought wind gusts close to 30 mph with light rain. The Northeast portion of Decatur received hail around 5:15 p.m. as evidenced by this front porch of an area residence.

From Mortgages to Mobile Homes

“Mortgage to Mobile Home” is a continuing Decatur Daily Democrat series exploring how Hoosiers are redefining the American Dream. From downsizing and building tiny homes to embracing off-grid and mobile living, this series tells the real stories of...

Rain helps, but county still said to be “bone dry”

A rare occurrence of recent months came to pass last weekend in Adams County with varying amounts of rainfall landing on farm land badly in need of precipitation. Purdue-Adams County agricultural agent Brad Kohlhagen noted Monday afternoon he thought...

DIEDRA LINDSEY Between buggies and wi-fi: Amish life in Decatur

On a quiet morning along U.S. 27, the rhythmic clatter of a horse-drawn buggy mingles with the steady hum of traffic. For the Swiss Amish community of Adams County, that sound is more than transportation–it’s a heartbeat. Since the mid-1800s, when...

“GOLDEN HOUR”

--The 2025 Indiana corn harvest is experiencing a variable crop this year due to weather-related challenges, with southern parts of the state being too wet and northern areas being too dry, leading to inconsistent yields. Farmers are hoping for...

County Democrats hear from State Senate candidate

Adams County Democrats met Tuesday evening at the Geneva branch of the Adams Public Library System for their monthly meeting and heard from candidate Tim Murphy, a rural Fort Wayne resident, who has thrown his hat into the race for State Senate...

County council gives final OK to 2026 budget

The last required vote by the Adams County Council on the 2026 budget was 6-0 on October 14, but the $22,436,619 total must still be examined and approved by Indiana’s Department of Local Government Finance before being complete. The council also...

New Barbershop buzzing into Decatur

There’s a fresh energy buzzing through Decatur–and it’s coming from the doors of Lifestyle Kutz, a new barbershop founded by 20-year-old Jose Mejia, a proud 2023 graduate of Bellmont High School. More than a place to get a clean cut, Lifestyle Kutz is...

Spooky Sounds and Melodies!

The Adams Central Middle School Band put on a hauntingly good Halloween concert Monday night, performing festive tunes while dressed in creative costumes ranging from superheroes to skeletons. The audience cheered as music and Halloween spirit filled...

Kindergarten students learn pedestrian safety

Last week, North Adams Community Schools kindergarten classes visited Safety Park with Officer Elwell and Officer Bessesen to learn about pedestrian safety. The students explored the park while learning to recognize street signs and understand their...

Several injured in car-buggy accident

At approximately 11:20 p.m. Tuesday, Adams County Sheriff’s Deputies and other emergency personnel were summoned to the area of SR 218 and CR 000 in Berne where a traffic accident involving a motor vehicle and a buggy caused multiple injuries. Once on...

ACCF grants to Swiss Heritage Society for the Annual Education Day and Heritage Festival

Swiss Heritage Society was awarded an ACCF grant in support of the Swiss Heritage Village for their annual education day. Education day was attended by 1400 4th graders from 29 schools. The event provides 4th graders a look at early U.S. and Indiana...

Family members join Adams Central Band

At this special event, family members didn’t just watch – they joined in! Parents, siblings, and grandparents sat side by side with Adams Central beginning band students to experience firsthand just how much these young musicians have learned. From...

ACCF awards to Three Oaks Christian School for classroom map updates

The Adams County Community Foundation (ACCF) recently awarded a grant to Three Oaks Christian School (located in at the former Southeast Elementary School) for updated classroom maps. Three Oaks Christian School is continually working to prepare...

Halloween decorations are popping up across Adams County

Halloween decorations are going up in Adams County – take a drive around and see all of them

September students of the month recognized

Bellmont Elementary School kicked off the 2025-2026 school year by recognizing six outstanding students who embody the school’s BRAVE values–Bravery, Respect, Accountability, Value, and Excellence. Each Student of the Month was nominated by their...

Adams Central Squadron of Sound to perform

Join the Adams Central Squadron of Sound on Sat., Sept. 27, at 11:30 a.m. for their exciting 2025 program performance! The band invites community members to attend and discover more about their show. The event will be held at the Adams Central High...

Commissioners elaborate on underground utility debate

The latest of several public discussions about private property rights in regard to placement of underground utility services consumed the latter part of a short meeting of the Adams County commissioners on September 16. The issue was brought up by...

Sculpture outside Indiana State Museum

Adams County’s stories of nature, art, and imagination have taken shape— literally. A new sculpture, rising gracefully outside the Indiana State Museum, honors the county’s artists and writers, standing as a proud reminder of the place that shaped some...

Memorial to Charlie Kirk

Last night, hundreds of patriots gathered together at two separate vigils in Bloomington and Noblesville to honor and remember the legendary life of Charlie Kirk. The outpouring of love and prayers was a beautiful testament to his enormous impact on...

Motor Sports Festival rolls into Decatur

The Decatur Motor Sports Festival took place on Thursday night. Shortly before the official start of the festival at 4:00 p.m., motorists began to line their cool cars up in the area of the Adams County Courthouse. Wonderful weather created a...

Gov. Mike Braun Orders Flags at Half-Staff in Remembrance of Charlie Kirk

INDIANAPOLIS – Governor Mike Braun has directed that flags be flown at half-staff at all state facilities in accordance with President Donald Trump’s order for all U.S. flags to be lowered at federal facilities nationwide. This order is being made in...

Young readers reach 1,000 books

The Adams Public Library proudly applauds Lilah Espy, daughter of Nadia Hall and Bob Espy, and Parker Moore, daughter of Bryan and Lindsey Moore, for finishing 1000 Books before Kindergarten! Lilah’s mother reported that they loved making the different...

For those who love to home-brew beer,

hops harvest is here! Hops can also be used to make herbal teas, edible vegetables, and natural remedies for anxiety and insomnia. Their vibrant green leaves and delicate cones make a natural choice for crafting wreaths and other decorative items.

Good times and plenty of smiles at Monroe Day

Monroe Day 2025 took place in downtown Monroe on Saturday and attracted scores of people from all ages for a fun afternoon in the center of Adams County. It was a perfect afternoon for a festival as temperatures remained comfortable and the sky was...

Monroe proposes $914K budget for 2026, adds two firefighters, may add two more marshals

A very active September session of the Monroe Town Council lasted about 90 minutes and touched on many topics: next year’s budget, new members to the marshal’s department and the fire department, plans for a town park board, a golf cart ordinance, an...