Also, Union Street bridge to close July 19-24

The sound of banjos, fiddles, and mandolins will echo across western Howard County once again this August as the Winding Creek Music Festival returns. But there’s something wandering in the woods this year.

That’s right. There has been a Bigfoot sighting!

Make sure to visit the Winding Creek Music Festival, Aug. 13-16, as a fantastic line-up of bands are joined by vendors, music instructors, a Sunday 5K, and that hairy forest recluse and his friends.

Tickets for the Winding Creek Music Festival are on sale now and can be purchased at www.windingcreekmusicfestival.com. A discount is available for buying tickets prior to Aug. 1. See the site for prices on single-day, three-day, and four-day tickets. The Sunday family ticket includes admission for two adults and up to four kids for just $20.

The Howard County Sheriff’s Office Task Force Unit has arrested one woman and filed additional criminal charges against a current inmate following an investigation into an attempt to introduce illegal drugs into the Howard County Jail.

On the morning of July 9, 2026, a Howard County employee discovered a suspicious package near the courthouse inmate holding area and immediately notified courthouse security. Detectives responded to the scene and recovered the package, which contained suspected methamphetamine, suspected controlled substances, and other evidence consistent with an attempt to introduce contraband into the jail.

During the investigation, detectives identified Jennifer White as the individual believed to have placed the package in the holding area. Investigators also developed evidence linking current inmate Peyton Leveridge to the attempted transfer of the contraband.

As a result of the investigation, Peyton Leveridge was arrested for Trafficking with an Inmate, a Level 5 Felony. Jennifer White was arrested for Trafficking with an Inmate, a Level 5 Felony, as well as Dealing in Methamphetamine (Level 5 Felony), Possession of Methamphetamine (Level 6 Felony), and Dealing a Schedule I, II, or III Controlled Substance (Level 6 Felony).

The Howard County Sheriff’s Office encourages anyone with information regarding criminal activity to report it. Tips may be submitted through the Howard County Sheriff’s Office mobile app, by visiting the Sheriff’s Office website, or by contacting law enforcement directly.

Anyone with additional information regarding this investigation is asked to contact Detective Justin Bohannon at (765) 614-3490 or Detective William Cline at (765) 614-3494. This investigation is being conducted by the Howard County Sheriff’s Office Task Force Unit.

The Howard County Sheriff’s Office emphasizes that the filing of the information is merely an allegation, and that all persons charged are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

Union Street bridge to close July 19-24

The bridge on Union Street between Superior Street and Vaile Avenue will be closed July 19-24 for water main replacement on the west side of the bridge. Local traffic will be able to access areas adjacent to the bridge, but there will be no through traffic allowed on Union Street across the bridge.

The walk on the east side of the bridge will be open to pedestrians during the closure, but the walk on the west side will be closed. Additionally, the trail along the creek will be closed under the bridge during the closure.