WHAT'S NEW

US 231 – North Jackson Street Traffic Update (Greencastle, Ind.) INDOT has started construction on the US 231 storm sewer work on North Jackson St. Northbound traffic and southbound traffic are being controlled by a traffic signal system. Drivers may be delayed by the signals; however, most drivers will not need to detour off of US 231. Truck traffic is asked to use the official detour of US 36, SR 75, and SR 240 or US 40. Work to install the storm sewer is expected to take four to six weeks. Upon completion of the work, INDOT will remove the traffic signal system and traffic flow will return to normal. During the work period, the following cross street intersections are closed at US 231: Frazier Street – west of US 231/North Jackson Street Frazier Street – east of US 231/North Jackson Street Earp Street – west of US 231/North Jackson Street  Elizabeth Street – west of US 231/North Jackson Street Drivers are reminded that the College St. to Frazier St. connection to US 231 is closed to through traffic. This route cannot be used to circumvent the construction zone. Drivers are also reminded that Madison St. is not available for a construction by-pass north of Green Street. At the north end of Madison St., Depot St. is one-way westbound which does not provide access to US 231. Muffler Connection, Dr. Scamahorn’s Animal Medical Clinic, Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance, and the Putnam County Museum can all be accessed from US 231/North Jackson St. Please note that the Farm Bureau Insurance driveway on Frazier St. is closed. Keener’s Mower Sales and Humphrey’s Outdoor Power are accessible from North Madison Street. Keener’s via Elizabeth St. and Humphrey’s via Frazier St. Drivers exiting Muffler Connection, the Animal Medical Clinic and Farm Bureau Insurance are reminded to use the signal buttons to ensure a safe exit from these businesses. Drivers are urged to use caution and to travel slowly in the construction zone.

GREENCASTLE ANNUAL FALL LEAF PICK-UP (Greencastle, Ind.) The Department of Public Works will begin the annual leaf pick-up on October 23 and run through November 30. The Department asks that residents in the city limits rake their leaves only, no limbs or other debris, to the curb or between the sidewalk and the street. For those who do not have a curb or sidewalk, please put your leaves out near the street, but not in the street. Please do not rake leaves into the street. The Department will be following the trash routes, so please have leaves ready for pick-up the day before your normal trash pick-up day. The Department will only go through each day’s route once during the week unless our efforts are ahead of schedule. Holidays will be run the day before, if possible, along with the regular route for the day. Veterans Day, Friday, November 10, will be run on Thursday, November 9. The Thursday and Friday routes of Thanksgiving break will be run on Wednesday, November 22. For updates and schedule changes, please check the local newspapers, the local radio station, and the City’s Facebook page. Weather and equipment breakdowns may impact the schedule. The city composts the leaves that are collected each year. After composting for a period of time, the materials are used to support community plantings and gardens. Also, please note that the Putnam County Yard West Site will close for the season at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, October 30, 2023. Regular hours are Monday and Wednesday from Noon until 6:00 pm and Saturdays from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. Please dispose of twigs, limbs and other yard waste at this site. Please see https://irp.cdn-website.com/0e04815a/files/uploaded/Fee-Sheet.pdf for more information about the Putnam County Yard Waste Site. Thank you in advance for your cooperation!

City announces Locust Street is Open to Traffic (Greencastle, Ind.) The City of Greencastle announced today that Locust Street is now open to traffic. The public is asked to continue to use caution when driving on the street as some construction work will continue. While Locust Street is open, street lights will be installed this week, resulting in construction vehicles and workers along the street. Trees along the street also will be planted in the coming weeks. Residents may notice a water truck in the area tending to the new sod and grass. Watering will be following a set schedule for several weeks. Residents are asked not to park on the street during normal work hours to allow contractors to have access to the area to complete the remaining work. The project was funded by the Indiana Department of Transportation and the City of Greencastle. Improvements include storm drainage, curbs, sidewalks, ADA ramps, paving, lighting and landscaping. The upcoming US 231 project along Washington Street will tie into the new storm sewer lines. The intersection of Locust and Washington also will see some additional improvements with the US 231 work. The city greatly appreciates the patience of the public and nearby residents. The public is reminded to use caution and be aware of construction traffic and workers in the area.

City Water Line Inventory (Greencastle, Ind.) The City of Greencastle announced today that it has mailed surveys to every water customer of the city’s water utility. By October 2024, the Indiana Department of Environmental Management and the United State Environmental Protection Agency require all water systems to develop an inventory of drinking water service lines. The service line is the pipe that connects a home or business to the city water main. The Greencastle Water Department must list the materials on the utility-owned portion of the service line, the line from the water main to the water meter. The inventory survey asks property owners and businesses to list the material of the service line between the meter and the home or business building. Residents are asked to complete the survey by September 29, 2023. The survey takes a few minutes to complete and includes pictures of various types of water lines to help with identification. The survey can be completed by using the included website or QR code on the survey. Owners of multiple properties can access the on-line survey multiple times to enter properties. The paper survey can also be dropped off at city hall at the drive-up window or the after-hours deposit slot. Your response will also help identify lead service lines. The City of Greencastle treats its drinking water with a corrosion control method that prevents lead from leaching into drinking water. Orthophosphate, a common food additive, as used by the city, prevents lead from leaching into drinking water. The inventory is important in helping to prepare future plans and priorities for the water utility.

City invests $1,404,618 in street improvements (Greencastle, Ind.) The City of Greencastle announced today that it will be completing several street improvement projects around the community. The Board of Public Works and Safety recently awarded a $905,875 contract to Feutz Contractors, Inc., and a $498,743 contract to DC Construction Services, Inc., to complete the work. The Feutz Contractors contract is funded in part by a $679,406 Community Crossings grant from the Indiana Department of Transportation. Weather permitting, work will begin on or after September 11 with an anticipated completion date of November 15. The schedule may have to be adjusted depending on weather or other conditions. The Community Crossings improvements include: Poplar Street from Locust Street to Madison Street Work will start September 11 with work proceeding from Locust Street and moving west. Locust to Spring – Mill and overlay with two areas of full depth patching. Spring to College – Mill and overlay with one small area of full depth patching. College to Vine – Mill and overlay with two areas of full depth patching. Vine to Indiana – Full depth pavement replacement on the east half of the block. Indiana to Jackson – Full depth pavement replacement. Jackson to Market – Full depth pavement replacement. Market to Madison – Full depth pavement replacement. Various locations will receive new curbs, sidewalk areas, and ADA ramps. Madison Street from Poplar Street to Franklin Street Work is scheduled to start approximately September 21. Poplar to Walnut Street – Full depth pavement replacement. Walnut to Washington – Full depth pavement replacement. Washington to Franklin – Mill and overlay. Various locations will receive new curbs, sidewalk areas, storm pipe, and ADA ramps. Gardenside Drive from Wood Street to Hammond Street Work is scheduled to start approximately October 13. Mill and overlay with several areas of full depth patching. Hammond Street from Gardenside Drive to Washington Street Work is scheduled to start approximately October 20. Mill and overlay with several areas of full depth patching. Ohio Street from Locust Street to Crown Street Work is scheduled to start approximately October 26. Mill and overlay with several areas of full depth patching. The DC Construction Services contract was awarded for annual street resurfacing work funded through Motor Vehicle Highway funds budgeted by the City Council. Work will start September 18 with a completion date of November 30. This work includes primarily milling the existing pavement and resurfacing of the following streets: Illinois Street from Sycamore Street to Howard Street Olive Street from College Avenue to Locust Street Elm Street from Locust Street to Maple Avenue Jefferson Street from Walnut Street to Liberty Street Madison Street from Columbia to Liberty Street Arlington Street from Shadowlawn Avenue to Vale Street Kirkwood Drive from Evensview Drive to Albin Pond Road Longcastle Drive from Indianapolis Road to the dead end Both contractors will maintain traffic and access during the work. Vehicle access may be restricted from time to time to allow for work activities and to allow concrete to cure. During repaving, access may be limited while the asphalt cures. Adjoining residents are asked not to park on the street during the construction period. Every other year, the City updates its pavement management plan to help guide decisions on street resurfacing projects. For 2023, the City Council budgeted additional funds for street improvement projects. These funds provided the match for the Community Crossings grant and the annual street resurfacing project. “We appreciate the support of the members of the City Council and Board of Works for these projects,” said Mayor Bill Dory. “Our Public Works and Engineering team help select the candidates for improvement while our Clerk-Treasurer ensures the budgeted funds are available to pay for the projects. We understand that these street improvements can be disruptive for nearby residents, and we appreciate their patience throughout this process.” The Locust Street project should be completed by September 15. The pavement is in place with work on landscaping and street lighting underway to finish the project. This project, funded with a substantial INDOT grant provided significant improvements to our storm sewer system in preparation for the 2024 phase of the US 231 project. The storm sewer system on US 231 will tie into the Locust Street system. INDOT will continue work on the US 231 project from Washington Street to SR 240. In 2024, work will shift to Washington Street and Jackson Street. INDOT’s SR 240 project continues toward completion with paving work on the shoulders.

GREENCASTLE HEAVY TRASH DAY KEEPING GREENCASTLE BEAUTIFUL SATURDAY, September 30, 2023 8:00 am - 12:00 pm Customers will be expected to unload their own vehicles. Help will be available for those not physically able to unload. City of Greencastle Trash Customers are invited to dispose of their trash at the following designated location at NO CHARGE (FREE) REPUBLIC SERVICES- 525 W Columbia St (Must enter off of W Columbia St.) Will accept the following items: * Household furniture, mattresses, large toys, small appliances, large appliances (limit 1), microwaves, television sets (limit 2), etc.. * Carpeting: tied in three (3) foot bundles * Small (limited) amounts of construction debris, ( NO Contractor, Business or Remodeling Companies Allowed ) * Automobile tires (limit 4) NO Tractor tires or Large Equipment tires accepted Yard Waste Site will be open 9:15 am - 12:00 pm Sept. 30, 2023 2362 South County Road 250 West - Located by County Highway Dept. YARD WASTE ONLY - NO CHARGE TO GREENCASTLE TRASH CUSTOMERS * Persons who require assistance under the American w/Disabilities Act are requested to telephone Laurie Hardwick, ADA Coordinator, at {765)655-2301 or {765)653-3100, at least three days in advance of the event, and a work order will be submitted. Work order is scheduled, and items will be collected and disposed of at the next scheduled service date. Greencastle Heavy Trash Day is free of charge with proof of residency, copy of utility bill, or a copy of flyer. 

Saturday, September 16, 2023 (8am–1pm Rain or Shine) Fairgrounds, Rockville *Parke & Putnam County Residents Only Residents of Parke and Putnam Counties are welcome at all WCSWD Tox-Away Days to properly dispose of household hazardous wastes in a safe, drive-thru environment. *Please stay inside your vehicle and trained personnel will unload your items. Most items are accepted free of charge, unless noted. Cash/checks accepted. Regulations prohibit the collection of hazardous wastes from businesses, churches, schools, and non-profits at these events . 

Saturday, October 7, 2023 (8–noon) Greencastle Middle School parking lot *Parke & Putnam County Residents Only It’s shocking how fast electronics (E-waste) become obsolete. PLEASE do not put these items in your trash as they contain toxic materials banned from landfills since 2011. Accepted Electronics Include (free of charge): Computer monitors/towers, laptops, personal size printers/scanners, keyboards, cables, modems, ipads/tablets, stereo systems, MP3 players, DVD/VHS players, camcorders, fax machines, tabletop copiers, blenders, toasters, telephones, answering machines, gaming systems, cell phones, chargers, digital cameras. **Exception - $20 FOR TELEVISIONS/ANY SIZE (checks payable to NuGenesis) Non-Accepted Items Include: Vacuum cleaners, hair dryers, A/C, large appliances, microwaves, batteries, smoke detectors, chemicals/cleaners, fluorescent tubes, furniture, grills/propane tanks, other items deemed unacceptable by event contractor.