Annual Heritage Festival canceled

The coronavirus pandemic has led the Jay County Historical Society to announce a raft of cancellations:

•All monthly program meetings are canceled until the end of 2020.

•The annual Heritage Festival, a popular spot on the calendar in September, has been canceled.

•An open house at the historical museum set for June 20 has been canceled. That event was to be held in conjunction with the Portland High School Alumni Banquet, which has also been canceled.

The museum remains closed to visitors until Tuesday, June 26. 

It will then be open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The genealogy library is open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays by appointment only.



Take a pic

The Indiana State Department of Agriculture is now accepting submissions for the 13th annual Indiana Agriculture Photo Contest. 

Open to Indiana residents, the contest was created to recognize the hard work and contributions of Hoosier farmers, as well as the beauty of the state’s agricultural landscape.

Participants are encouraged to submit photos that reflect the wide array of agriculture. The categories photos can be entered under are:

•Conservation: Highlighting Indiana’s natural beauty with photos of landscapes, water and wildlife.

•Agritourism: This category includes seasonal and agricultural destinations, orchards, wineries, farmers’ markets and produce.

•Faces of Agriculture: Featuring those who grow and produce food, fuel and fiber engaged in farming/agricultural activities.

•On the Farm: Every building, piece of equipment or activity that is a part of life on an Indiana farm can be included.

In total, ten winners will be selected: two from each category and two overall. 

Winners will be invited to attend a special ceremony at the Indiana State Fair, where they will be recognized and receive certificates from Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch and Indiana State Department of Agriculture Director Bruce Kettler.

Contestants can submit up to five photos in digital format. 

Photos will be evaluated based on creativity, composition and category representation. 

Entries must be submitted by 5 p.m. on June 30.