The Whitewater Valley Voice

01/03/2026

🦋 Did you know Mary Gray Bird Sanctuary hosts youth outdoor education programs in the summer? To learn more, read a grant report from Fayette County Community Voices that highlights those activities: https://bit.ly/49oJTF8

01/03/2026

The Lady Spartans welcome Greenfield Central to the Bowl. Dave Pollard and Brent Duncan have the pregame this afternoon at 1:15.

01/03/2026

U.S. Forces Capture Nicolás Maduro and Cilia Flores in Bold Caracas Raid

The United States military successfully executed a high-stakes operation in the early hours of January 3, 2026, capturing Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores at their residence in Caracas (The Guardian). President Donald Trump announced the "brilliant operation" on Truth Social, describing it as a large-scale strike involving elite U.S. special forces and targeted airstrikes across the Venezuelan capital (Al Jazeera). Witnesses reported hearing at least seven massive explosions and seeing low-flying aircraft over key military installations, including the Fuerte Tiuna complex where the couple was seized (Times of India).
Details of the Military Incursion
The raid was led by the U.S. Army’s elite Delta Force in coordination with federal law enforcement agencies (Washington Examiner). According to officials briefed on the mission, the tactical team breached Maduro's "fortress" and removed the couple from their bedroom in under 30 minutes (CNN). While some U.S. personnel sustained minor injuries, President Trump confirmed there were no American fatalities during the operation (PBS News). Following the capture, Maduro and Flores were transported to a U.S. warship, the USS Iwo Jima, to be flown to New York for criminal proceedings (The Guardian).
Criminal Indictments and Prosecution
U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi confirmed that Maduro and Flores face trial in the Southern District of New York based on long-standing federal indictments The primary charges include narco-terrorism conspiracy, co***ne importation, and weapons offenses related to the "Cartel of the Suns" (ANI News). Bondi stated that the pair would "soon face the full wrath of American justice on American soil in American courts," ending years of U.S. efforts to bring the Venezuelan leadership to account for allegedly flooding the United States with narcotics.
Global Aftermath and Power Vacuum
The operation has left Venezuela in a state of emergency, with Vice President Delcy Rodríguez initially demanding "proof of life" while admitting the government was unaware of the couple's location (WGBH). While the U.S. indicated it has no plans for further kinetic action, Secretary of State Marco Rubio noted that the military presence was deployed specifically to execute the arrest warrant. Internationally, the move has drawn sharp condemnation from Russia and China, who labeled the operation a violation of sovereignty, while opposition leaders within Venezuela have expressed support for the transition.

01/03/2026

01/03/2026

📣 We’re officially accepting Classified Ads!

Have something to sell?
Hiring? Hosting a yard sale? Offering a service?
This is your community space to share it all.

💵 Just $15 per ad
🌐 Posted on our website + shared on social media

👉 Visit our website to submit
👉 Share this so others know!

01/02/2026

Fayette County Clerk Dawn Hughes has released the preliminary list of local offices up for election in 2026. If you have been thinking about running for office, the filing period starts very soon.

Key Dates for Candidates: The first day to file a declaration of candidacy is Wednesday, January 7, 2026. All filings must be turned in by the deadline on Friday, February 6, 2026, at noon.

Two Important Rules for Primary Candidates: Under Indiana law, there are two main requirements to run as a major party candidate (Democrat or Republican) in a primary. To qualify, a candidate must meet one of these two rules:

The Two-Primary Rule: The last two primary elections you voted in must have been with the party you are now running for.

The Party Chair Rule: If you do not meet the primary voting requirement, you must instead get a written certification from your county party chair stating that you are a member of that party.

Clerk Dawn Hughes recommends that anyone interested in running for office come into the Clerk's office to pick up the necessary paperwork and a candidate guide.

"I recommend that anyone interested in running for office come by and see us at the courthouse so we can get you the right forms and the information you need to get started," Hughes said.

Offices on the 2026 Ballot: The list includes Superior Court Judge, Prosecutor, Clerk, Auditor, Recorder, Sheriff, Surveyor, and Assessor.

District roles include Commissioner District 1, County Council Districts 1 through 4, and School Board Districts 3 and 4.

Voters will also choose Trustees and Board members for Columbia, Connersville, Fairview, Jackson, Jennings, Harrison, Posey, Orange, and Waterloo townships.

The Clerk’s Office is located at the Fayette County Courthouse: 401 N. Central Ave, Connersville, IN 47331

Office Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Thursday: 8:00 AM – 12:30 PM

For more information, please call (765) 825-1813.

01/02/2026

Gameday ‼️⚪️🔴

Your Connersville Boys Varsity Basketball team looks to defend their homecourt against the 4-2 Oldenburg Twisters. JV Tipoff at 6, Varsity to follow.

Come out and pack the Spartan Bowl as this group looks to move their winning streak to 3 games!

01/02/2026

Semester 2 begins Monday, January 5, 2026 with Early Release! Doors open at 8am!

01/02/2026

01/02/2026

INDIANA, WILL YOU ACCEPT THIS ROSE? 🌹

Indiana Football dominates Alabama to advance to the CFP semis for the first time ever 🤯

01/02/2026

The Lady Wildcat Wrestlers have sectionals tomorrow at Eastern Hancock High School. The action starts at 9 AM. Good luck ladies!