The Clinton County Republican Women’s Club will host a summer social on Thursday, June 25, from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. at the Nickel & Rye in downtown Frankfort.

The event will be held at Nickel & Rye, located at 58 N. Main St., and is open to members and guests interested in attending an informal gathering to connect with the organization.

Event details:

• Date: Thursday, June 25
• Time: 4:30–6:00 p.m.
• Location: Nickel & Rye, 58 N. Main St., Frankfort, IN

The post Clinton County Republican Women’s Club to Host Summer Social June 25 first appeared on Clinton County Daily News.

Frankfort’s signature summer event is set to return with new attractions, expanded entertainment, and continued emphasis on safety, according to Frankfort Main Street Director Kim Stevens.

The 2026 Frankfort Hot Dog Festival will be the weekend of July 24,25,26 rain or shine.  The festival is typically scheduled for the last full weekend in July.

Speaking on WILO and Boone 102.7 FM’s Party Line program, Stevens highlighted several additions to this year’s Hot Dog Festival, including a large-scale dinosaur exhibit designed to attract families and younger attendees.  “We’ve got some really great, exciting things happening for the Hot Dog Festival,” Stevens said. “We are bringing in the dinosaur takeover, and there will be a dinosaur museum. There will be a 50-foot dinosaur that will be appearing, and there will be some that will be roaming around.”

New Attractions and Family Focus
The dinosaur exhibit is part of a broader effort to expand free, family-friendly activities at the festival. Stevens said organizers are prioritizing experiences that are both engaging and accessible.   “It’s not only fun and exciting for the kids, but it’s also educational,” she said. “We’re really kind of looking at how we get the young people involved and things that are not going to be costing them anything to do.”

Additional new features include live wood carving demonstrations and a glass blower performing throughout the weekend. Traditional favorites such as dock diving dogs will also return, drawing participants from across Indiana and beyond.   “That’s going to be a staple of the Hot Dog Festival for years to come because they just bring so much fun and excitement,” Stevens said, noting that some participants travel long distances to compete.

Expanded Entertainment and Participation
Organizers are also expanding the festival’s entertainment footprint. Two stages will be active throughout the event, including the Farmers Bank Performance Center and a secondary stage on Clinton Street.   “Both of those will be full of activity and fun for the entire family,” Stevens said.

The full entertainment schedule is expected to be released soon, with additional acts still being accepted in the coming weeks.  “If there’s something that you want to see, please don’t hesitate to give us a call,” she said. “We still add some things up to about two weeks before.”

Safety Planning a Top Priority
With large crowds expected, Stevens emphasized that safety planning remains a central focus. Volunteers undergo regular training, including coordination with local law enforcement and emergency services.   “We spend a lot of time on the training of our volunteers,” she said. “You cannot be too prepared for that.”

The festival operates under a detailed emergency action plan that covers scenarios ranging from severe weather to lost children. Stevens pointed to last year’s storms as an example of preparedness in action.

“We were able to get people to the emergency shelters as quickly as we could,” she said. “Everybody was safe, nobody got hurt, and we were able to go right back to the festival.”
She added that volunteers are trained to respond calmly and prioritize public safety rather than take unnecessary risks.

“You’re not there to be the hero,” Stevens said. “You’re there to get as many people out of the way as possible.”

Broader Downtown Efforts
Stevens noted that the Hot Dog Festival is just one part of a larger effort to bring people downtown and support local businesses. Events like Thursday Thunder concerts and movie nights are designed to showcase the community while maintaining a welcoming atmosphere.
“We are inviting folks to come to our community—we want to show you what our living room looks like,” she said.

An upcoming Thursday Thunder event on July 2 will help kick off Independence Day celebrations and the nation’s 250th anniversary, featuring live music, food vendors, and a veterans memorial display at Prairie Creek Park.

How to Participate
Stevens encouraged community members, performers, and vendors to get involved as planning continues.   “They can give us a call at the office… or reach out to us on either our social media site or our FrankfortMainStreet.org website,” she said.

The post Frankfort Hot Dog Festival 2026 to Add Dinosaurs, Expanded Entertainment Lineup first appeared on Clinton County Daily News.

A Dine to Donate event benefiting C.R.A.M. will be held today. The event will take place from 4 to 9 p.m. at Hawaiian Shave Ice, 1959 E. Wabash St., Frankfort, offering guests a chance to enjoy shaved ice, custards, specialty drinks, and a variety of food while supporting a local cause.

A portion of the proceeds from sales during the event will go directly to C.R.A.M., helping fund its ongoing community outreach and assistance efforts.

The fundraiser provides an opportunity to support local services while participating in the festival atmosphere.

The post Dine to Donate Event at Hawaiian Shave Ice to Support C.R.A.M. During Hot Dog Festival first appeared on Clinton County Daily News.

St. Matthew Preschool is expanding its early childhood program with the opening of a new classroom for 1-year-old children beginning Monday, August 3, at its main campus.

The program will offer full-day care Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., providing a faith-based environment designed to support early learning, play, and social development.

Teachers will incorporate age-appropriate activities and hands-on learning experiences aimed at helping toddlers grow through structured play and interaction with their peers.

The new classroom is open to children who are 1 year old, and enrollment openings are currently available.

Families interested in learning more or scheduling a visit can register online at
https://app.tryplayground.com/listings/pZA2UaWShSID45rfVDdI

The post St. Matthew Preschool to Open New 1-Year-Old Classroom Aug. 3 first appeared on Clinton County Daily News.

 The City of Delphi will light up the night sky on Saturday, July 4, 2026, as part of a special Independence Day celebration marking America’s 250th anniversary.

The annual Delphi Main Street Fireworks display will take place at dusk at the Delphi Community School Corporation, 501 Armory Rd., Delphi. The event is free and open to the public.

The celebration continues a long-standing local tradition made possible through generous donations from residents and local businesses. Contributions go directly toward funding the fireworks display that caps off the holiday festivities.

The evening will honor the nation’s history and the spirit of Independence Day as part of the milestone 250-year celebration.

The post Delphi Main Street Fireworks Set for July 4, 2026, Celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary first appeared on Clinton County Daily News.

The annual Kirk’s Crossing Festival kicks off tomorrow, bringing with it two community-focused events aimed at helping others while bringing residents together.

A community blood drive and Dan’s Fish Fry will be held Thursday, June 25, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. The blood drive will take place aboard a Versiti Blood Center blood bus located at the Kirklin Public Library, 115 N. Main St. The blood bus will be stationed on the north side of the library building.

The blood drive will coincide with the KVFD fundraiser, Dan’s Fish Fry, taking place at the Kirklin Fire Department across from the library.

Community members are encouraged to schedule an appointment and support the effort to maintain a stable blood supply. Every blood donation has the potential to help patients in need and strengthen local communities.

Appointments can be scheduled through Versiti.

The post Kirk’s Crossing Festival Blood Drive and Dan’s Fish Fry Set for June 25 in Kirklin first appeared on Clinton County Daily News.

Prairie Creek Park’s 2026 Summer Concert Series continues on Friday, June 26, with another evening of free live entertainment at the Farmers Bank Performance Center in downtown Frankfort.

The concert begins at 6:30 p.m. and will feature performances by Davey & The Midnights and Indy Annies, bringing a mix of high-energy music and crowd favorites to the Prairie Creek Park stage.

Davey & The Midnights are known for their dynamic performances and wide-ranging setlists that keep audiences engaged from start to finish. Joining them will be Indy Annies, a popular Indiana-based group recognized for their blend of country, rock, and contemporary hits that appeal to music fans of all ages.

Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and settle in for an evening of live music, community fellowship, and summer fun. Local food vendors and a beer garden will be available throughout the event, offering a variety of food and beverage options.

Prairie Creek Park’s Summer Concert Series has become a summertime tradition in Frankfort, attracting residents and visitors alike with free concerts and family-friendly entertainment. The series not only provides live music opportunities but also helps support local businesses and brings the community together in the heart of downtown.

Following the June 26 concert, the remaining performances in the 2026 Summer Concert Series include:

• August 15 — The Time Travelers + The Flying Toasters
• August 29 — Damon Mitchell + Midnight RedEye
• September 26 — Love ‘N Fire + The Pretender

All concerts are free to attend and begin at 6:30 p.m. at the Farmers Bank Performance Center in Prairie Creek Park. Organizers invite everyone to come out and enjoy another memorable night of music under the summer sky.

The post Prairie Creek Park Summer Concert Series Continues June 26 with Davey & The Midnights and Indy Annies first appeared on Clinton County Daily News.

BOONE COUNTY, Ind. – The Indiana Department of Transportation announces lane closures that will impact U.S. 52 near Lebanon.

Beginning on or after Tuesday, July 7, INDOT contractors will close one lane at a time on U.S. 52 over Prairie Creek, located just north of County Road 250 N. The purpose of construction is to waterproof the bridge. Work is anticipated to last through July but is weather-dependent and subject to change.

INDOT encourages drivers to use caution and reduce speed while traveling in and around work zones.

The post Lane Closures to Impact U.S. 52 in Boone County first appeared on Clinton County Daily News.

Red Barn Summer Theatre is gearing up for its first showing of the thriller “Wait Until Dark” tonight, June 24 to continue its 58th season.

“Wait Until Dark” opens tonight, Wednesday, June 24, and will run Wednesdays through Sundays for two weeks. All performances begin at 7:30 p.m., except for Sunday matinees, which start at 2 p.m.

“Wait Until Dark” stands as a thriller with twists and turns that engage all audiences through its developing characters and lighting cues. The show exhibits lighting techniques new to many audiences as they attempt to see the action, relying on their hearing and spatial awareness to truly understand and experience some scenes unraveling before them. The lighting techniques are utilized to increase the thrilling atmosphere while paying tribute to the leading lady’s main character identification–blindness.

“Wait Until Dark” was written by Frederick Knott and adapted by Jeffrey Hatcher; however, through the direction of Director Luke McLaughlin, the show has taken on a new form at the Red Barn Summer Theatre. Originally based upon the classic suspense film starring Audrey Hepburn, the show utilizes classic theatre tropes and cues paired with innovative storytelling techniques to enthrall audiences of all ages.

“Wait Until Dark”:

In 1944, in Greenwich Village, Susan Hendrix, a blind yet capable woman, is imperiled by a pair of men in her own apartment. As the climax builds, Susan discovers that her blindness might be the key to her escape, but she and her tormentors must wait until dark to play out the chilling conclusion of this classic thriller. This new adaptation modernizes the brilliant tension of Knott’s original play and builds on the 1967 film starring Audrey Hepburn.

Throughout the show, Susan is consistently doubting her abilities to function by herself due to consistent factors acting against her abilities that she has developed despite her condition. Through the aid of unsuspecting suspects, Susan formulates a plan that plays to her own strengths, weakening those who have not experienced the same challenges she faces on a daily basis, to overcome her own self-doubt and showcase her resilience to those she loves.

Cast:

“Wait Until Dark” features a smaller, six-person cast who fill the stage with their presence. With the cast ranging from fresh faces at the Red Barn to seasoned cast members, including Artistic Director Michael Taylor, the dynamics present on stage are electric.

Eloise Brown – Susan

Aaron Moon – Roat

Abi Hampton – Gloria

Michael Taylor – Mike

Matthew Reich – Carlino

Ben Brickner – Sam

Pre-show favorites:

Tonight, Wednesday, June 24, the Opening Night celebration of “Wait Until Dark” will feature the talented Frankfort musicians Jason and Gibson Wells on the Heather’s Flowers Music Stage from 6:15 p.m. until showtime at 7:15 p.m. This year, there will be music on the Heather’s Flowers Music Stage every evening except Sundays. Additionally, the Cellar is open before the shows and also during intermission, serving Whyte Horse wine and Sun King beer. “Wait Until Dark” has been brought to the community by Zachary Confections.

Get tickets:

Tickets for “Wait Until Dark” may be purchased on the Red Barn website at redbarntheatre.net or visit or call the Red Barn Box Office at 765-659-1657 Wednesdays through Saturdays from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. or Sunday 12p.m. to 2 p.m. Red Barn Summer Theatre is located 2120 E. County Road 150 S. in Frankfort.

The post Red Barn Summer Theatre Presents ‘Wait Until Dark’ Beginning Tonight, June 24 first appeared on Clinton County Daily News.

Residents and party members interested in seeking a seat on the Clinton County Council will have an opportunity to participate in an upcoming caucus to fill an at-large position.

Clinton County Council At-Large Caucus Scheduled for July 11, 2026 At-Large Caucus will be held on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. at the Frankfort Police Department, 1740 W. State Road 28, Frankfort.

Individuals interested in being considered for the position must submit the required paperwork before the caucus. Candidates are required to complete a CEB-5 Form and submit a Letter of Intent to Party Chair Jordan Brewer by July 8, 2026. Documents should be emailed to Jordan Brewer at jordanbrewer20@gmail.com.

The post Clinton County Council At-Large Caucus Scheduled for July 11, 2026 first appeared on Clinton County Daily News.

Demonstrate Prepayment FWA Detection
Validate that AI/ML can analyze near realtime Indiana Medicaid claims data to identify suspect billing patterns—such as upcoding, phantom services, and geographic anomalies—before claims are paid.

The post State of Indiana Partners with CMS and Oracle to Launch Next-Generation Medicaid Fraud Prevention Pilot first appeared on Clinton County Daily News.

County officials are advising motorists that 500 N will be closed between 700 W and 850 W for the entire day due to scheduled road work and maintenance activities.

The post Advisory: Road Closure on 500 N first appeared on Clinton County Daily News.

Residents still have time to support a local ministry and an upcoming Christian concert by participating in C.R.A.M.’s (Christ Rescues All Mankind) “Fuel Up and Make a Difference” fundraising campaign throughout the month of June.

Participating Good to Go gas stations in Frankfort are offering customers the opportunity to round up their purchases at the register. The proceeds will help support C.R.A.M.’s Summer Christian Concert and other outreach efforts planned for the community.

Those who are not prompted during checkout can simply ask the cashier to round up their purchase total. Even small donations can make a meaningful impact as efforts continue to bring a nationally touring Christian music group to Frankfort during the Hot Dog Festival on July 25, 2026.

Funds raised through the campaign will help cover expenses associated with the concert and support C.R.A.M.’s ongoing mission to serve and encourage the community through faith-based outreach programs.

Participating Good to Go locations include:

• 201 S. Columbia St.
• 7701 W. SR 28
• 401 S. Jackson St.

The fundraiser will continue through the end of June, with every donation helping make the event possible.

The post CRAM Fundraiser Continues Through June at Frankfort Good to Go Locations first appeared on Clinton County Daily News.

A pair of Clinton County farm boys who helped change humanity’s understanding of the universe are about to get their due in their hometown.

A new Indiana State Historical Marker honoring astronomers Vesto and Earl Slipher will be dedicated this summer during the Indiana Family Star Party on August 8th at Camp Cullom’s Prairie Grass Observatory.  The dedication program at 11:30 AM will be led by Kevin Schindler, historian and public information officer for Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona, where the Slipher brothers spent their celebrated careers. Dr. Catherine (Caty) Pilachowski, Distinguished Professor of Astronomy from Indiana University will participate in the dedication and will also speak at the Astronomy gathering at Camp Cullom later that day. 

Vesto (1875–1969) and Earl (1883–1964) Slipher grew up in Clinton County and graduated from Frankfort High School before continuing their studies at Indiana University, then heading west to join Lowell Observatory near Flagstaff, Arizona.  From those small-town beginnings, their work would reshape modern astronomy.

At Lowell, Vesto Slipher was among the first astronomers to systematically measure the spectra of spiral nebulae—what we now know are distant galaxies. His careful measurements of galactic redshifts in the 1910s and 1920s provided the first strong observational evidence that most galaxies are racing away from us, laying the groundwork for the modern theory of an expanding universe later associated with Edwin Hubble. Vesto also confirmed the existence of interstellar gas and dust and discovered reflection nebulae, proving that space between stars is far from empty.

Earl Slipher became one of the world’s leading experts on the planet Mars. Over more than five decades, he led major observing campaigns and photographic expeditions, including trips to observatories in South Africa to capture high-quality images of Mars at opposition. Earl’s  pioneering planetary photography produced some of the earliest and best color images of Mars, helped document seasonal changes such as polar caps, clouds, and dust storms, and culminated in an influential volume often cited by later planetary scientists.

CLICK HERE for information about Crater on Mars Named after Sliphers.

CLICK HERE for information about Lunar Crater Named after Sliphers.

Together, the Slipher brothers’ work provided crucial evidence that the universe is expanding, revealed the nature of the material that fills interstellar space, and advanced our understanding of the planet that would become a prime target for space exploration. For astronomers around the world, their names are woven into the story of modern cosmology and planetary science.

The new two-sided historical marker, now delivered to Frankfort, summarizes that story and ties it back to the community where it began. One side highlights the brothers’ Clinton County upbringing, their Frankfort High School and Indiana University educations, and their long careers at Lowell Observatory. The reverse side explains Vesto’s spectroscopic work that provided observational evidence for an expanding universe and the existence of interstellar gas and dust, as well as Earl’s groundbreaking Mars photography and international observing expeditions that produced some of the earliest color images of the Red Planet.

A site near the Frankfort City Building “Old Stoney”  has been selected so residents and visitors can easily see the marker and learn how a story that stretches from Indiana cornfields to Arizona mountaintops and South African observatories began in Frankfort and Clinton County. The Slipher Brothers attended High School at Old Stoney before it became home for the City of Frankfort administration.  The marker will stand as a daily reminder that world‑class science can grow from small Midwestern communities.

Bringing the Slipher marker to Frankfort has been a collaborative effort involving local, regional, and statewide partners. The project was carried out in cooperation with Frankfort Mayor Judy Sheets and the Frankfort Board of Works; Camp Cullom’s Prairie Grass Observatory and the Wabash Valley Astronomical Society; the Clinton County Historical Society and Nancy Hart; the Slipher family; Indiana Astronomical Society: Tom Borlik (IAS’ Gothe Link Observatory Historian); the State of Indiana; and Kevin Schindler and Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona.

Schindler, who has written extensively about Lowell Observatory’s legacy, notes that without Vesto Slipher’s radial‑velocity measurements of galaxies and Earl Slipher’s meticulous Mars observations, key chapters of twentieth‑century astronomy would look very different. His appearance at the Indiana Family Star Party at Camp Cullom August 8th will connect today’s amateur astronomers and local residents directly to that history.

Details about the exact date and time of the dedication program at the Indiana Family Star Party will be announced soon.

Organizers say they hope the new marker will inspire students, stargazers, teachers and community members to see Frankfort and Clinton County not just as a place on the map, but as the starting point of a story that helped the world understand the cosmos in a new way.

Vesto and Earl Slipher were honored as posthumous inductees in the Frankfort Hot Dog Alumni Hall of Fame’s 2023 class. Vesto (Frankfort High Class of 1897) later became director of Lowell Observatory, and Earl (Class of 1902) became known for his photographic studies of Mars and the brighter planets, achievements cited in their Hall of Fame recognition.

The induction ceremony took place at Frankfort High School on July 29, 2023, during the sixth annual Hall of Fame event. 

The post Two Clinton County Farm Boys Changed Humanity’s Understanding of the Universe: Indiana Marker Coming for Vesto and Earl Slipher first appeared on Clinton County Daily News.

The Clinton County Antique Machinery Club will hold its next meeting on Thursday, June 25, at 7 p.m., as members continue preparations for the upcoming fair season.

Club officials announced the meeting will take place in the shelter house, weather permitting. In the event of inclement weather, the meeting will be moved to the Edward Jones Building.

Several important topics are on the agenda, including fair setup plans, selecting a date for setup activities, and coordinating other fair-related events. Scholarship application forms will also be available for any last-minute applicants seeking consideration.

This year’s featured tractors will be Ford, Ferguson, and Massey-Harris/Massey Ferguson models. However, club members emphasized that owners of all makes and models are welcome and encouraged to participate in fair activities and exhibits.

Members are encouraged to attend the meeting to stay informed about upcoming events and volunteer opportunities as preparations for the fair continue.

The post Antique Machinery Club to Discuss Fair Plans at June 25 Meeting first appeared on Clinton County Daily News.

Governor Mike Braun and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) announced that more than 1,400 additional acres of forestland in northern Indiana will soon be part of Indiana State Parks, with Salamonie River and Frances Slocum state forests transitioning in management from the DNR Division of Forestry.

“Our state parks are some of Indiana’s most cherished places, where families make memories, enjoy the outdoors, and connect with the natural beauty of our state,” said Gov. Braun. “Expanding Indiana State Parks to include Salamonie River and Frances Slocum state forests will help more Hoosiers and visitors experience these special places while preserving them for future generations.”

Effective July 1, Salamonie River State Forest will be managed as part of Salamonie Lake, and Frances Slocum State Forest will be managed through Mississinewa Lake. Recreational opportunities, including hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, and horseback riding, will continue to be available at both properties, and both properties will maintain staffing. Primitive and horseman’s campsites at Salamonie River State Forest will be reservable via that Indiana State Parks reservation system starting in August for reservations beginning on September 1.

“By managing Salamonie River and Frances Slocum state forests through Indiana State Parks, we’re providing a warm welcome for guests to come check out these two great forests,” said Alan Morrison, DNR director.

The Indiana State Parks system manages 24 state parks and seven small satellite locations, eight reservoir properties, two state forest recreation areas, and two off-road riding areas.

The post Gov. Braun Announces Indiana Will Expand State Park-Managed Land in Northern Indiana  first appeared on Clinton County Daily News.

Residents are asked to contact Indiana 211 by calling 866-211-9966 to report damage from the June 9-21 storm events.

To help establish a comprehensive assessment of damage, residents can call 866-211-9966 or visit the Indiana 211 website. Collecting assessments via this process will help IDHS determine damage estimates and develop the next course of action in the disaster recovery process.

Only residents from the following counties should submit damage reports at this time:

June 9 events:

Harrison County

June 11 events:

Carroll County
Elkhart County
Huntington County
Lake County
Porter County

June 16-18 events:

Clay County*
Jackson County
Jefferson County
Monroe County
Owen County
Putnam County
Scott County*

June 21 events:

Daviess County*
Gibson County*
Knox County*
Sullivan County*
Warrick County*

*New Indiana 211 activations since June 19, 2026 update

Other counties should reach out to their local emergency manager. All agriculture damages should be reported to the local USDA Farm Service Agency. To locate the appropriate contact, individuals can use the USDA locator tool.

The post Indiana 211 Activation Expands to Seven More Counties as June Severe Weather Persists first appeared on Clinton County Daily News.

The Sewer Department will have Gentry Street closed between Barner Street and McClurg Street for most of the day. Drivers are encouraged to avoid the area and use alternate routes when possible.

In addition, the County Highway Department will have County Road 400 East (CR 400 E) closed between County Road 250 South (CR 250 S) and County Road 350 South (CR 350 S) throughout the day. Travelers should seek alternate routes and expect detours in the area.

The post Traffic Advisory: Multiple Road Closures Announced for Today first appeared on Clinton County Daily News.