The Dogwood Festival Queen Contest and Junior Miss competition entry deadline is Friday, April 11.

The Queen Contest has long been the kickoff ceremony to start the festival. The contest will be Saturday, April 26 at 6 p.m. at the Orleans Elementary School.

Jr. Miss Contestants must be in grades 7-8 and Queen Candidates must be in grades 9-12.

Candidates must have a sponsor, as well as a $45 sponsor fee.

A complete listing of rules and entry information can be picked up at Fifth Third Bank, Orleans Town Hall or in the Orleans High School principal’s office or on the festival  website at www.orleansdogwoodfestival.com.

For more information, please contact the event’s chairperson, Kimberly Fletcher, at (812) 620-4131 or by email at kim.hopper@ymail.com.

The Washington County chapter of the Indiana Federation of Young Republicans (IFYR) elected new officers Saturday, March 22, at their monthly meeting.

According the IFYR bylaws, county chapters are required to hold elections every two years and pass bylaws in order to become a chartered group. The group elected Chairman, Cody Bodenbender of Fredericksburg; Vice Chairman, Adam Brown of Salem; Secretary, Angel Coomer of Salem; and Treasurer, Phillip Jones of Pekin.

“I am very excited to see a group of motivated individuals become the officers of the Washington County Young Republicans,” said IFYR 9^th Congressional District Vice Chairwoman, Sarah Milligan Bodenbender. “To become a powerful and influential group in Indiana we need strong leaders. I believe this group has what it takes to build up their county and also the state federation.

IFYR is a chapter of the Young Republican National Federation and is the youth and young professional arm of the Indiana Republican Party. The group consists of Republicans age 18-40 and provides these individuals with a better political knowledge and understanding of the issues today.

The organization is used as an outlet for members to directly affect campaigns and elections through a variety of activities, including campaign leadership, door-to-door activities, fundraising assistance, and producing candidates to run for office.

The Washington County YRs will be taking part in that mission and helping to build the Republican Party within the county and state. The newly elected officers have already developed goals and brainstormed ideas to be ready for the 2014 election cycle.

“The YRs are the party’s ‘boots on the ground,’ who are ready to take action when needed,’ said newly elected YR, Chair Cody Bodenbender. “Along with growing membership, I will ensure our group is well trained and prepared to take part in any and all political activities. If a candidate needs help with phone banks, going door-to-door, or events, I want the Young Republicans to be the first one’s they call.”

The Washington County YRs will hold their next monthly meeting on Wednesday, April 9, 6:00 p.m. at Arby’s in Salem. Anyone interested is encouraged to attend, as well as any candidates running for office in the county.

If you are interested in becoming a member of the Washington County Young Republicans you can contact Chair Cody Bodenbender at codybodenbender01@gmail.com or by phone at 502-774-0435.

If you do not reside in Washington County and would like to join a YR group in your area you can contact the IFYR 9^th Congressional District Vice Chair Sarah Milligan Bodenbender at sarahmilligan01@gmail.com or 812-272-7216.