Crime news & stories from
the crime & courts beat
in Greene County, Indiana
GreeneStreets. Feature photo of a back country road in Greene County, Indiana.
Indianapolis, IN – On Saturday, October 24, 2020, Hoosiers participated in the 19th nationwide “Prescription Drug Take Back Day" by visiting Indiana State Police Posts, locations sponsored by the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (IPLA) and the Indiana Board of Pharmacy, and other sites across the state.
Read MoreBy Izabelle Hilderbrand, Girl Scout Troop 2552
Voting is a quintessential part of our democracy, but it hasn’t always been assured. Only 100 years ago, on August 18, 1920, the 19th amendment was ratified. This promised women the right to vote. It took some time for all of the states across the nation to implement this, and still some women were denied the right to vote, but it gave the country hope. Hope that soon, all voices will be heard. Unfortunately, it is this hope that is dying in our country.
In 2016, less than 60% of eligible voters voted. When people are asked why they do not vote, there are varying responses but one of the most common is simply “my vote doesn’t matter”. The issue becomes that when so many people believe this, we stop having a true democracy. About half of the people’s voices are not represented.
The underrepresentation of voters is especially prevalent in local politics. Local elections are the epitome of when the sentiment “my vote doesn’t matter” is inapplicable. Local elections can be swayed by just a few votes, and they tend to be the elections that impact your community the most!
Another common reason people do not vote is because they don’t think they have the time. Remember that the polls are open from 6am to 6pm and as long as you are in line by 6pm, you legally have the right to vote! There are 10 polling places across Greene County, so there might just be one near you! Please note that if you are registered in Greene County, you can only vote in Greene County, but you can vote any polling place in the county. While you may have missed it this year, keep in mind that early voting begins almost a month before the election.
While some may see it as inconvenient, voting is a necessary part of our democracy. Without voting, our democracy fails. Please, if you can, make your voice heard. Vote this Election Day and restore the hope in our democracy that all voices will be heard.
Resource Guide:
Voting Locations:
Center Township Fire Dept. 12116 E. St. Rd. 54 Bloomfield (Eastern)
Eastern Fire Dept. 4098 N. St. Rd. 43 Solsberry
Event Center @ Fairgrounds 4503 W. St. Rd. 54 Bloomfield (Switz City)
Greene County Courthouse 1 E. Main Street Bloomfield
Jackson Township Fire Dept. 11523 E. Main Street Owensburg
Jasonville Fire Dept. 235 Cook Street Jasonville
Linton Park—Roy Clark bldg. 1351 E St. NE Linton
Lyons Community bldg. 600 W. Broad Street Lyons
Taylor Township Fire Dept. 7904 S. Westgate Road Newberry (Scotland)
Worthington Town Hall 20 S. Commercial Worthington
If you forgot to turn in your mail in ballot, you can vote in person, but bring your mail in ballot with you.
If you requested a mail in ballot and never got it, you can request a “provisional ballot” at your polling place.
If you have any more questions, contact Greene County Voter Registration (812) 384-2015 or registration@co.greene.in.us
Indianapolis – United States Attorney Josh J. Minkler recently announced that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Tiffany Preston will lead the efforts of his office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 3, 2020, general election.
Read MoreIt’s that time of year when kids are looking forward to dressing up in their favorite costumes and spending time with family and friends trick-or-treating! Although everyone loves to get lots of candy and have fun, the most important thing is health and safety while trick-or-treating and making sure everyone gets home safely!
Read MoreElection Day is Tuesday, November 3, with options for early voting in these last few days. The Greene County Voter Registration Office has provided some information for Election Day and a list of candidates that will be on the ballot.
Read MoreINDIANAPOLIS (October 21, 2020) — Secretary of State Connie Lawson is reminding Hoosiers of the deadline to request an absentee ballot for the 2020 General Election. All requests must be received by the county clerk’s office no later than Thursday, October 22, 2020. Registered voters can request an absentee ballot online at www.IndianaVoters.com.
Read MoreThe health department continues to surveil an increase in the number of positive COVID-19 cases in Greene County. The cases are not limited to one event or organization but are contributed to relaxed adherence to COVID-19 safe practices such as social distancing, wearing a mask, staying at home when you are sick, etc.
Read MoreINDIANAPOLIS (October 5, 2020) –Are you registered to vote? If you want to have your say in the November 3rd General Election, you need to register today. Voters registering in the county clerk’s office must do so by close of business, and voters registering online have until midnight. Hoosiers can register to vote online by visiting www.IndianaVoters.com.
Read MoreINDIANAPOLIS – Governor Eric J. Holcomb is directing flags across the state to be flown at half-staff for the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service. Flags should be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Sunday, October 4. Gov. Holcomb also asks businesses and residents to lower their flags to half-staff on Sunday.
Read MoreAs the flu season approaches in the United States, the addition of another respiratory illness on top of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic could overburden health care systems, strain testing capacity, and increase the risk of catching both diseases at once. Even with a mild flu season, the convergence with a COVID surge could very rapidly overwhelm our hospital and clinic systems in and around Greene County.
Read MoreHealth Administrator Shari Lewis of the Greene County Health Department has shared a number of COVID-19 related updates including information on the Governor’s order to move the state into Stage 5 of Indiana’s Back On Track plan; resources for schools and youth; flu vaccine information; and some new guidance from the CDC.
Read MoreEffective at 4 p.m. this afternoon, Tuesday, September 22, the Greene County Commissioners declared a local disaster emergency due to dry conditions and ordered a ban on open burning in Greene County. This is effective for seven days but it can be extended if necessary. The penalty for a violation could be substantial and all local law enforcement personnel are empowered to enforce the ban and write citations.
Read MoreIn an effort to encourage students to wear a mask, the Green County Health Department used a mask decorating contest to educate K12 parents and their children about non-medical interventions that reduce the spread of COVID-19—wearing a mask, social distancing and frequent handwashing/hand sanitizing.
Read MoreSeptember 14, 2020 - The Indiana Supreme Court and Office of Judicial Administration confirm Chief Justice Loretta H. Rush has tested positive for COVID-19. The Chief Justice tested positive on September 13 after a family member tested positive.
Read MoreGreeneStreets covers crime news, court news, jail logs, obituaries and sometimes other news from Greene County, Indiana.
