Putnam County Republican Party

03/26/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Governor Visits Putnam County, Meets with Local Leaders, Farmers, and Small Business Owners

Greencastle, IN – Today, Governor Mike Braun visited Putnam County to meet with local elected officials, small business owners, and members of the agricultural community for a working lunch focused on the needs of West Central Indiana.

The discussion brought together a diverse group of community leaders, including Putnam County Commissioners Rick Woodall and Andy Beck, County Clerk and GOP Vice Chair Tracy Bridges, Sheriff Jerrod Baugh, and County Republican Secretary and local attorney Scott Bieniek. Greencastle Mayor Lynda Dunbar also participated, offering insight from the city’s perspective.

The meeting also included local business owners and agricultural leaders, such as Carl Harlan of C Bar C, Jenny Hutcheson of Chicago Pizza, and members of the Poynter family, including Ray Jr., Noah, and Jonathan Poynter, representing multiple generations of Putnam County agriculture.

“This was a valuable opportunity to have a direct, honest conversation about what’s working and where we need to do better,” said State Representative Beau Baird. “From multi-generation farm families to young entrepreneurs building the future of agriculture, Putnam County represents the strength and potential of rural Indiana.”

“As both County Clerk and Vice Chair of our local party, I see firsthand how important it is that state leadership stays connected to our communities,” said Tracy Bridges. “Today’s conversation ensured that the voices of Putnam County residents, small businesses, and families were heard directly.”

“Strong communities are built on both sound policy and strong local leadership,” said Scott Bieniek, County Republican Secretary and local attorney. “Opportunities like this allow us to bring real-world perspectives forward and ensure decisions at the state level reflect the needs of our counties.”

Key topics included supporting small businesses, ensuring the long-term success of family farms, expanding access to new agricultural technologies, and maintaining a strong workforce pipeline in rural communities.

Several attendees represented deep-rooted agricultural operations that have been part of the community for generations, while others are part of the next wave of innovation. Noah Poynter, for example, is helping lead the adoption of drone technology in agriculture, highlighting how innovation is shaping the future of farming in Indiana.

The visit underscores the importance of continued collaboration between state leadership and local communities to strengthen Indiana’s economy and preserve its agricultural legacy.

03/17/2026

Greencastle Mayor Lynda Dunbar delivered the City of Greencastle’s State of the City Address tonight, highlighting the progress and momentum happening across our community.

From infrastructure improvements and housing development to economic growth and investments in youth leadership, Mayor Dunbar outlined a strong vision for Greencastle’s future. Her leadership reflects the kind of responsible, community focused governance that Republicans believe in.

The Putnam County Republican Party is proud to see strong Republican leadership helping move Greencastle forward while preserving the values that make our community such a great place to live, work, and raise a family.

We encourage everyone to take a few minutes to watch the full State of the City address here:

https://greencastlein.portal.civicclerk.com/event/1619/media

Great things are happening in Greencastle and across Putnam County. 🇺🇸

03/04/2026

Friends and Family:

It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of Danise Baird, the beloved wife of Congressman Jim Baird. While many of you have likely already heard this news, we want to ensure our entire community is informed so we can come together to support the Baird family during this time of loss.

Danise was a remarkable woman whose kindness and dedication left an indelible mark on Putnam County. We invite you to join us in honoring her life and legacy at the following services:

Visitation
Date: Friday, March 6, 2026
Time: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Hopkins-Rector Funeral Home (4 Percy L. Julian Drive, Greencastle, IN 46135)

Funeral Service
Date: Saturday, March 7, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM
Location: Gobin Memorial United Methodist Church (307 Simpson Street, Greencastle, IN 46135)

Memorial Contributions
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you consider a gift to the Danise Baird “Angel” Endowment at the Putnam County Community Foundation. This endowment will continue her lifelong mission of helping others.

Give Online: https://bit.ly/3NcXS9M

Congressman Jim Baird, Chairman and Representative Beau Baird, and the entire Baird family are deeply moved by the outpouring of love they have already received. They thank you for your continued prayers and support.

You may read her full obituary and share memories here: https://bit.ly/4rQNpju

With deepest sympathy,

The Putnam County Republican Party

01/08/2026

🚔 Moving forward with purpose and gratitude🇺🇸
Today, I officially filed the paperwork to seek re-election as Sheriff of Putnam County.

It has been an incredible honor to serve this community and work alongside the dedicated men and women of the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office. I am truly thankful for the trust, support, and encouragement you’ve shown throughout my first term.

I humbly ask for your continued support as we continue working together to keep Putnam County safe, strong, and a place we’re proud to call home—now and for generations to come.

11/24/2025

Indiana Democratic Party Chair Karen Tallian and Indiana Republican Party Chair Lana Keesling released the following joint statement condemning the recent swatting attempts and threats of political violence in Indiana:

11/10/2025

What a fantastic night at our annual Hog Roast! A huge thank you to everyone who made this event possible, from the volunteers who worked tirelessly in the kitchen and behind the scenes to those who donated and bid in the pie auction. For a year without major campaigns underway, our loyal supporters still showed up in full force, helping us raise as much as we have in nearly any other year.

Special thanks to:
🐖 Brian Berry (hog donor)
🔥 Travis Lambermont (hog cooker)
👨‍🍳 Ronnie Cambel and Michael Fischer (hog cooks)
🍽️ Kitchen crew: Marsha Carrington, Steve Butts, Jade Griffin, Alyssa Borchak, Rick Ming
🎉 Setup and décor: Scott Bieniek, Steve Butts, David Masten
🏆 Auctioneer: Jeff Rich

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who donated pies and purchased pies at the auction. Your generosity made a big difference.

And of course, we owe this success to our Vice Chair Tracy Bridges, whose leadership and organization made this all come together. We’re proud of what our Putnam County Republicans can achieve when we work together.

08/03/2025

The INGOP Team is excited to announce our biennial Congress of Counties the weekend of February 20-21, 2026 in French Lick, IN. We're looking forward to a jampacked weekend filled with sessions on campaigning, social media, communications, and more! Early bird registration opens today, so don't miss out!

Hope to see you there!

More Information At: indiana.gop/about-the-event/

Registration At: indiana.gop/registration-sponsorship/

07/19/2025

https://www.suncommercial.com/banner_graphic/news/article_81d6e62f-8b3b-5320-b7a7-87a82bf046d3.html

In front of a towering American flag and a sold-out crowd, the Putnam County Republican Party hosted a particularly poignant Lincoln Day Dinner on Sunday, featuring a patriotic fireside chat

07/13/2025

Last night, under the glow of a giant American flag, we were honored to host a powerful fireside chat with Congressmen Jim Baird and Brian Mast, two decorated veterans who exemplify courage, service, and conservative leadership.

From exposing wasteful foreign spending to fighting for veterans’ healthcare, both Congressmen delivered a bold and inspiring message: America comes first. Always.

💬 “Five eyes. Five arms. Four legs. But all American.”
🇺🇸 Faith. Freedom. Fiscal Responsibility.

Thank you to Todd Scroggins for exceptional photos of our evening!