Volume 1, Issue 13 - Free Edition, June 29, 2026

Pratt Reviews One Year as County Democrat Party Chair

Noelle Maxwell

Last year, John Pratt was named the Decatur County Democratic Party chair. According to a 2025 press release his key initiatives were re-engaging the voter base and fielding candidates for all local races. The Independent interviewed Pratt regarding the party’s situation following the 2026 primary election, which featured two non-delegate democratic candidates on the ballot, Christopher Ramey for Washington Township Board and Kevin Gay for Decatur County Council – District 4, to learn how he’s met his goal of making the party more “formidable.”

Pratt initially became interested in getting involved locally because of the 2023 elections. “In 2023,” he wrote, via email, “the city general election was canceled. Election results from the 2023 general election show that there were races in Saint Paul and Westport but the most recent election results to include city races in Greensburg were 2019. “To have a canceled election,” Pratt explained, isn’t “good for our democracy.”

“I set out a year ago,” he wrote, “to help make our party ‘formidable.’ So, how have I done in creating local candidates for the 2026 election? Mediocre at best.” This was partially due to Pratt’s wife facing major health challenges over the past year. Pratt emphasized that his use of “formidable” was as a goal, noting “you do have to walk before you can run. To judge our success in fielding candidates, I believe one should encompass both the 2026 election and the 2027 city election.” He also said that as a newcomer, he didn’t “fully understand our role in state and district elections.” The Decatur County Democratic party has hosted candidates like Brad Meyer and Beau Bayh at local events and Pratt hopes that “their potential positive outcomes will only contribute to positive local outcomes.” The Decatur County Democratic Party has until July 3 to appoint candidates, which “we are in full pursuit of,” Pratt shared.

Pratt emphasized that regardless of how many candidates run this year, “we have already begun looking for 2027 candidates. There will be a 2027 Decatur County general election.”

“I do feel,” said Pratt regarding his other goal of re-engaging the voter base, “that we have begun re-engaging” local Democratic voters of all ages. “We have organized and well-attended monthly meetings,” he noted. Hosting meetings in a consistent location, Art on the Square Gallery, 114 E. Washington Street, Greensburg, has helped attendance. The party had civil rights advocate Joan Browning, who participated in Freedom Rides in 1961, speak at the annual Robert F. Kennedy Sr. Pratt described Browning as a “truly inspirational” speaker. At monthly meetings, the party has hosted several statewide candidates, including secretary of state candidate Beau Bayh who “brought a standing-room only crowd,” according to Pratt.

When asked about the challenges facing the party and whether those have changed since he took on the role as party chair, Pratt said those haven’t changed. “Finding candidates is goal one and as previously stated, we are in full pursuit. Goal two – working with them to understand they have a chance is very important. People are very frustrated with their government these days and the winds of change are blowing. Inflation is sky high and taxes continue to rise. The one consistency in government at the local, state and national level is that our governments are run by Republicans. Last fall, we had a successful fundraiser and we now can support our local candidates with dollars for campaign materials.” Pratt said the biggest obstacle in local election “rests with the voters themselves.” He feels the majority of citizens, locally, believe in a functional democracy. “I’ve had so many Republicans reach out to me expressing that very thought. These are people who want to see choices when they go to vote. I challenge all to take their right to vote seriously and give us the most qualified candidates to help us during these challenging times.”

Letts Volunteer Fire Department Concludes Decatur County 4-H Fair Fish Fry

Press Release

Letts, Indiana – After more than four decades of service to the community, the Letts Community Volunteer Fire Department has made the difficult decision to discontinue its annual fish fry tent at the Decatur County 4-H Fair.

Since 1983, generations of fairgoers have enjoyed the department's fried fish and tenderloin sandwiches, making the fish fry tent a cherished tradition and an opportunity for the department to connect with the community it proudly serves. Over the years, countless volunteers, family members, and supporters have dedicated their time and effort to making the event successful. Due to several factors, including the increasing challenges associated with staffing and operating the event, the department has determined that it is no longer feasible to continue the fish fry at the fair.

Like many volunteer organizations across the country, the department has experienced a decline in volunteer participation over the years. As the number of volunteers has decreased, the responsibility placed upon those who continue to serve has steadily increased. Balancing the demands of emergency response, training, fundraising, and family commitments has made it increasingly difficult to sustain an operation of this size during the fair.

In addition, the department has faced rising food and supply costs. Challenges affecting commercial fisheries in the North Pacific have resulted in reduced harvests and increased seafood prices, making it more difficult to maintain the quality and affordability that the community has come to expect from the fish fry. Combined with increasing operating expenses, these factors have contributed to the decision to conclude the department's presence at the fair. "This was not a decision we made lightly," said Chief Matthew Morrow. "For more than 40 years, the fish fry tent has been a part of the fabric of the Decatur County Fair and a tradition that many people looked forward to each summer. We are incredibly grateful to all of the volunteers, supporters, and community members who have helped make it possible since 1983. Most importantly, we are thankful for the dedicated men and women who continue to answer the call and serve our community. Their commitment and sacrifice remain the foundation of our department."

The department extends its sincere appreciation to everyone who has supported the fish fry throughout the years, whether by volunteering, donating supplies, or simply stopping by for a meal. The friendships and memories created over the past 43 years will always be cherished. Although the department will no longer operate at the Decatur County 4-H Fair, this does not mark the end of the tradition. The Letts Community Volunteer Fire Department is currently evaluating dates and opportunities to host fish fries and other community events at the fire station. By hosting events closer to home, the department hopes to continue bringing people together, preserving traditions, and creating a more sustainable model that supports both the community and the volunteers who serve it.

"We are proud of the legacy built by those who came before us," Morrow said. "While our time at the fair has come to an end, we look forward to continuing to serve the community and creating new traditions at the fire station. We hope everyone will join us when we announce future fish fries and community events."

The Letts Community Volunteer Fire Department remains committed to its mission of protecting and serving the community through emergency response, fire protection, and EMS services. The department thanks the community for its support over the past 43 years and looks forward to serving Decatur County for generations to come.

Saint Paul Data Center Not on Area Plan Agenda

Press Release

The Decatur County Area Plan Commission published a statement on Facebook, June 29 regarding an Area Plan meeting agenda item labeled "Town of St. Paul, draft of comprehensive plan."

The press release states the following: "There is no item on the Area Plan Commission agenda for [the] Wednesday, July 1 meeting concerning a data center in St. Paul, Indiana. HWC Engineering is working with the Town of St. Paul to create a comprehensive plan. The item on the agenda is simply a requirement for the town to receive OCRA funding for the comprehensive plan so the town can apply for grants in the future to help with much-needed utility, mostly sanitary, upgrades."

Decatur County Area Plan's next monthly meeting is 7 PM, July 1, 2026 at the Decatur County Courthouse, first floor suite 106. The meeting agenda is available online here: https://decaturcounty.in.gov/download/apc-agenda-july-1-2026/?wpdmdl=8914&refresh=6a42e02f5ad3f1782767663 and Decatur County government meetings are streamed on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/@decaturcountygovernment

Message From Independent

Noelle Maxwell

Hello, readers, Noelle here! The Decatur Independent will be taking a break from our weekly schedule over the July 3 to July 5 weekend. We will not publish an issue that weekend due to the Fourth of July holiday. We will return sometime the following weekend.

Please bear with us as we work to return to a consistent publishing schedule. The Independent is a one-woman staff, currently, and I have other obligations that make it challenging to keep this newsletter publishing. If you'd like to show your support by subscribing to the paid version of our newsletter, it is $12 per month and you can subscribe here: https://decaturindependent.mymagic.page/#/portal/signup