Hello Rising Sun! This week we're exploring the history of Jack's Place, a Main Street landmark with roots dating back to 1966. As always, you'll also find local events, community news, and opportunities happening around town.

Jack's Place: Nearly 60 Years of Rising Sun History

For nearly 60 years, the building at 406 Main Street has been a familiar part of the Rising Sun community.

The story began in 1966 when Martin R. Green opened the Dairy Maid, a modern ice cream and sandwich shop. Historic photographs from the era show the restaurant shortly after it opened.

The Dairy Maid remained in business for just one year under Green's ownership. In 1967, Gerald "Uncle Jack" Jackson purchased the restaurant, expanded the building, and renamed it Jack's Place. Over the next several decades, Jack's Place became a familiar part of the Rising Sun community, serving local residents and visitors alike.

After operating for many years, the restaurant closed its doors in 2003. The building remained vacant until 2006, when Belinda and Jack purchased and restored the property. The project held special meaning for Belinda, who had worked as a waitress at the Dairy Maid before eventually becoming an owner.

On September 1, 2006, Jack's Place officially reopened, beginning a new chapter in the building's long history.

A poem displayed inside the restaurant, written by Helena Hastings, celebrates the occasion and the excitement it brought to the community. One line recalls how residents "waited and waited" for the restaurant to reopen, while another describes how "the whole town was full of talk" as the building was renovated and prepared for a new beginning.

Today, nearly twenty years after reopening, Jack's Place continues to welcome customers looking for breakfast, lunch, coffee, and conversation. While ownership and generations may change, the building's role as a gathering place for the community remains much the same.

Do you have memories of the Dairy Maid or Jack's Place? We'd love to hear your stories and see your photos from years past.

Last week's severe storms caused damage to homes, barns, garages, and other structures throughout the area. Many residents and businesses were also without power from Wednesday evening until service was restored Friday afternoon.

Cleanup and recovery efforts continued throughout the week as the community worked to recover from the storm.

Thank you to the utility crews, first responders, emergency personnel, and volunteers who worked throughout the recovery effort. We also extend our best wishes to everyone affected by the storm.

(June 23– June 29, 2026)

📚 Ohio County Public Library
🧘 Tai Chi with Rosie — 9:30 AM

📚 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

🎨 Art Class at The Gathering Place
Create your own America 250th birthday décor using bandanas and blue jeans with instructor Amberly King. The class includes all supplies, step-by-step instruction, and refreshments.
RSVP and prepayment are required to reserve your spot. Call (859) 445-9484 for details.
🕕 6:00 PM
📍 The Gathering Place, 201 Main Street, Rising Sun

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

📚 Ohio County Public Library
• 10:30 AM – Children's Story Time

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

The Ohio County 4-H Fair returns June 26 through July 3, bringing a full week of livestock shows, competitions, exhibits, entertainment, and family activities.

Highlights include the Exhibit Hall opening on June 26, livestock shows throughout the week, the Dairy Goat Show, Rabbit Show, Poultry Show, and the always-popular 4-H Auction on July 2. Fairgoers can also enjoy the Open Class entries, Supreme Showmanship competition, and daily exhibit hall activities.

For a complete schedule of events and show times, visit the Ohio County 4-H Fairgrounds or check local fair information sources.

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

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

📢 Community Announcements

🎓 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!

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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