🏡 Welcome to Issue #18 Rising Sun Newsletter
Hello Rising Sun! This week we're celebrating 20 years of hospitality at the Empire House while sharing local events, community updates, and opportunities happening around town.
Celebrating 20 Years of Hospitality at the Empire House
This year marks 20 years since Marsha became the owner of the Empire House, one of Rising Sun's most recognizable historic buildings.
After teaching for 33 years, Marsha was ready for a change of pace. When the opportunity to purchase the Empire House came along, she saw a chance to begin a new chapter while staying connected to the community she loves.
A historic photograph of the Empire House shows the hotel in its early years. The image reveals a neighboring section connected to the building and signage advertising whiskeys, offering a glimpse into the property's long history in downtown Rising Sun.
Built in 1816, the Empire House has welcomed visitors to Rising Sun for more than two centuries. Today, the hotel offers a variety of guest accommodations, from standard rooms to spacious suites with full kitchens and living areas.
These are just two of the guest rooms available at the Empire House. The hotel also offers accommodations with kitchenettes and a spacious suite featuring a living room and full kitchen, providing visitors a comfortable base for exploring Rising Sun and the Ohio River Valley.
When asked what she enjoys most about owning the hotel, Marsha's answer was simple: meeting people.
Over the years, she has welcomed travelers, families, hunters, and guests from across the country. One of her favorite memories came in 2023 when the owner of Clif Bar flew in from California to visit the Empire House before booking the entire hotel for two weeks. The guests were volunteers and crew members working with Living Lands & Waters, a nonprofit organization dedicated to cleaning America's rivers. During their stay in Rising Sun, the group spent their days helping remove debris from the Ohio River and other waterways. Evenings often included shared meals, music, and conversation, creating friendships and memories that Marsha still treasures today.
Each fall, returning deer hunters once again fill many of the rooms, and throughout the year the hotel serves visitors exploring Rising Sun and the surrounding area.
Twenty years later, it is the relationships and friendships she has built along the way that continue to make the Empire House a special place.
Congratulations to Marsha on 20 years of hospitality and helping visitors feel at home in Rising Sun.
One of the many views that has welcomed guests to the Empire House for generations.
📅 This Week in Rising Sun
(June 16– June 22, 2026)
Tuesday, June 16
📚 Ohio County Public Library
🧘 Tai Chi with Rosie — 9:30 AM
📍 Rising Sun Church of Christ
🌴 Jungle Expedition VBS
Call (812) 438-3805 for details and times
📅 June 15–19
Wednesday, June 17
📚 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
Thursday, June 18
📚 Ohio County Public Library
• 10:30 AM – Children's Story Time
🌴 Jungle Expedition
🕕 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM Bounce House
📍 Rising Sun Church of Christ
Friday, June 19
📚 Ohio County Public Library
• Closed for Juneteenth Observance
♻️ Screened Electronics Amnesty Day
🕐 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
📍 1432 Barbour Way, Rising Sun
Free disposal of up to two screened electronics per household.
🌴 Jungle Expedition
🕕 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM Bounce House
📍 Rising Sun Church of Christ
🎬 Critter Cinema Family Night
• Friday, June 19 | 5:00–8:00 PM
📍 Rising Sun Visitors Center, 217 N. High Street
• Miniature ponies from Boots N' Mini Moo's
• Free popcorn from the Boy Scouts
• Free face painting
• Free make-it, take-it craft
• Dori's Rolled Ice Cream available for purchase
• Bring your own lawn chairs or blankets
• Movie begins at 8:00 PM
🎥 Featured Movie: Zootopia 2
FREE and open to the public.
Saturday, June 20
♻️ Screened Electronics Amnesty Day
🕗 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 1432 Barbour Way, Rising Sun
Free disposal of up to two screened electronics per household.
🎨 Fused Glass Squares Workshop
🕙 10:00 AM
📍 Ohio County Public Library
🎶 Live Music: DJ Adkins
🕓 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
📍 Rising Star Casino Resort (Pavilion)
Sunday, June 21
👔 Father's Day
Wishing all fathers, grandfathers, and father figures in our community a wonderful day.
Monday, June 22
📚 Ohio County Public Library
🚶 Walking Club — 9:00 AM
🧘 Chair Yoga — 9:30 AM
📢 Community Announcements
Rising Sun Church of Christ invites children to Jungle Expedition VBS, Call (812) 438-3805 for details and times. The week includes activities, lessons, games, and a 63' bounce house on Thursday and Friday.
🎓 Ohio County Community Foundation Continuing Education Scholarships
Applications are now available for Ohio County residents and Rising Sun High School graduates pursuing college, graduate studies, or a skilled trade.
📅 Application Deadline: Friday, July 3, 2026 at 3:00 PM
For details and eligibility requirements, visit occfrisingsun.com or contact Tracy Stegemiller at 812-438-9401.
💰 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.
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