🏡 Welcome to Issue #22 of the Rising Sun Newsletter!

Hello, Rising Sun!

Thank you for reading and for supporting the Rising Sun Newsletter. I hope you enjoy this week's community highlights!

Ohio County Historical Society Welcomes Visitors for Open House

On Saturday, Evan and I stopped by the Ohio County Historical Society's Open House to enjoy an afternoon celebrating local history and community.

President Abraham Lincoln and Mary Todd Lincoln greeted visitors at Saturday's Open House.

One of the highlights was meeting President Abraham Lincoln, who shared interesting stories from the 16th president's life while posing for photos with visitors. Guests also enjoyed tea, cupcakes, cookies, raffles, and a plant sale, with proceeds benefiting the Historical Society.

While we were there, we also spent time viewing the Student Art Show, featuring artwork created by local students. It was wonderful to see so many young artists sharing their creativity with the community.

Thank you to everyone who helped make the Open House such an enjoyable event.

Classic Cars Cruise into Downtown Rising Sun

Downtown Rising Sun came alive Sunday as classic cars, trucks, motorcycles, and specialty vehicles rolled into town for the 30th Annual Shiner Pride Car Show. Families and car enthusiasts spent the afternoon exploring the impressive lineup and enjoying everything downtown Rising Sun had to offer.

After spending time admiring the classic cars and trucks, I stopped by the American Legion Post 59 for Omer Brown's Famous BBQ. It was a delicious lunch and a welcome break before exploring more of the show. Throughout the day, visitors could also enjoy hot dogs and burgers from Roeschlein Meats at the Shiners food booth, cool off with a snow cone, or stop by the Rising Sun United Methodist Church's Ice Cream Social for a sweet treat.

Great day along the river. Thank you to the Shiners, volunteers, sponsors, participants, and everyone who helped make another successful community event possible.

👕 Missed Out on the 30th Anniversary Shiner Pride Car Show Shirt?

One of the most popular items at Sunday's 30th Annual Shiner Pride Car Show was this year's commemorative T-shirt, featuring the Shiner Pride mascot in a classic Rat Fink-inspired hot rod design created by local comic book artist and Band Booster Vice President Colonel Tony Moore.

The shirts sold out during the event, but it's not too late! You can still order yours online.

Even better, every purchase helps support the Rising Sun Shiner Pride Marching Band, with proceeds going directly toward giving these students the best marching season possible.

I ordered one for Nate and one for myself—I couldn't pass them up. I think they're one of the coolest Shiner Pride shirts I've seen.

📅 This Week in Rising Sun

(July 14– July 20, 2026)

Tuesday, July 14

📚 Ohio County Public Library
• 9:30 AM – Tai Chi with Rosie
• 1:00 PM – Relaxing with Watercolor

Wednesday, July 15

📚 Ohio County Public Library
• 9:00 AM – Walking Club
• 9:30 AM – Chair Yoga
• 11:00 AM – Adult Craft
• 1:00 PM – Learn to Crochet

🏛️ Rising Sun–Ohio County Tourism Board
• 4:00 PM – Tourism Board Meeting
📍 Tourism Office

🎨 Art with Amberly: Driftwood & Mushrooms

Get creative with Art with Amberly at The Gathering Place on Wednesday, July 15, at 6:00 p.m.

Participants will create a driftwood and mushroom arrangement while enjoying a fun evening of crafting. The $30 registration includes all supplies, instruction, and a generous scoop of Hershey's ice cream. Class size is limited to 15 participants (ages 15+).

Thursday, July 16

📚 Ohio County Public Library
1:00 PM – Children's Story Time

Friday, July 17

📚 Ohio County Public Library
• 9:00 AM – Walking Club
• 9:30 AM – Chair Yoga

♻️ Community Reminder: Free Refrigerant Disposal

Ohio County residents can dispose of one refrigerant-bearing appliance free of charge this weekend at the Ohio County Recycle Center.

Friday, July 17: 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Saturday, July 18: 8:00 a.m. – Noon

Accepted items include refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, dehumidifiers, and other refrigerant-bearing appliances. Limit one item per household. Residential customers only.

Saturday, July 18

🎒 Back to School Bash – Saturday, July 18

Families are invited to the Back to School Bash on Saturday, July 18, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Rising Sun High School back door entrance on Downey Street.

Ohio County students can receive free school supplies, backpacks, haircuts, immunizations, health screenings, and enjoy hot dogs, shaved ice, games, prizes, a foam machine, and more.

🏊 Community Back to School Pool Party

Saturday, July 18 | 6:30–9:30 p.m.
Rising Sun City Pool

All Ohio County families are invited to a free Community Back to School Party at the Rising Sun City Pool. Enjoy an evening of swimming, family fun, and celebrate the start of the new school year together.

💚 Community Benefit for Roger Hilligoss

The American Legion Post 59 will host a Cancer Benefit for Roger Hilligoss on Saturday, July 18, following the Treasure Hunt festivities.

The evening will feature live music by The Ahrens Brothers Band, along with raffles, silent auctions, and a 50/50 raffle. All proceeds will benefit Roger as he battles lymphoma.

If you're looking for a way to support a local family, consider stopping by.

🎶 Live Music: Meaghan Richardson
🕓 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
📍 Rising Star Casino Resort (Pavilion)

Sunday, July 19

✝️ Vacation Bible School – July 19–24

Pleasant Ridge Church of Christ invites children and families to its "Red, White and Blessed" Vacation Bible School from July 19–24, 6:00–8:00 p.m.

This year's program will feature Bible lessons, music, activities, and games celebrating America's faith and freedom. Everyone is welcome.

See the flyer below for complete details.

Monday, July 20

📚 Ohio County Public Library
🚶 Walking Club — 9:00 AM
🧘 Chair Yoga — 9:30 AM

📢 Community Announcements

💰 Ohio County Community Foundation Annual Celebration Grant

The Ohio County Community Foundation is accepting applications for its 2026 Annual Celebration Grant. One competitive grant of $10,028 will be awarded to a nonprofit organization serving Ohio County.

📅 Application Deadline: Friday, July 31, 2026 at 3:00 PM

For more information, visit occfrisingsun.com or contact Tracy Stegemiller at 812-438-9401.

🎓 2027 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Applications Now Available
The Ohio County Community Foundation is now accepting applications for the 2027 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship. Eligible Rising Sun High School seniors planning to attend an Indiana college or university should be sure to apply by Friday, August 14, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. See the announcement below for eligibility requirements and application details.

💰 Ohio County Community Foundation Grant Cycle 2 Applications Open 📅 Application Deadline: Friday, August 31, 2026 at 3:00 PM

🏡 Community Corner

🐰 FREE Rabbit Cage & Supplies

Free rabbit cage, roof panel and assorted supplies. Still available! Looking for someone who can put this large rabbit cage and supplies to good use.

Dimensions: 80" L × 46" H × 26" D

📍 Pickup in Rising Sun
📞 Call or text: (812) 807-1533

If you know of an event or community story, hit reply — I’d love to hear it!

Thank you for supporting the Rising Sun Newsletter.
If this newsletter helped you stay connected this week, please forward it to a neighbor or friend — that’s how our community grows.

See you next week,
Peggy

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