Volume 131 Issue 20 June 25, 2008
Front Page News
Please enjoy news stories from this week's Journal. For more local news, pick up this week's issue at newsstands all over Pulaski County!
West Central School Corp. carefully saves for projects
West Central School Corporation has carefully saved for capital projects from year to year in order to provide for necessary repairs as needed.
As Superintendent Charles Mellon creates the annual budget, he is careful to get lists from each school and itemize the needed repairs based on importance, ensuring money is put away so it is available when a project needs to be done.
At the school board meeting Thursday night, the board discussed various repairs including the roof of the high school and carpeting several classrooms in each school each year.
Mellon has a three year plan for capital projects, which includes construction and improvements from 2009 through 2011, and some projections reaching further into the future than that.
Under the current three-year plan, the elementary school will see new bathroom stalls, carpeting several classrooms and updating the sound system, among other things.
In 2010 the elementary school will need a control replacement. There is already $100,000 in the fund and the corporation will save an additional amount this year to fund the project.
"We're gradually trying to build on each of these as we go across," Mellon said about the projects from year-to-year.
The middle school will have two classrooms carpeted in 2009 and one classroom carpeted each of the following two years. The school will also look into purchasing more desks and chairs and providing a new trophy case, possibly made by students at the school.
The corporation has been working to accumulate money to replace the high school roof, a project which will cost around $400,000.
Currently, the roof is the major task, Mellon said.
Two classrooms per year in the high school will be recarpeted and some other equipment will be purchased.
In 2011 the outdoor track will need to be resurfaced, costing around $140,000. The corporation would like to have $150,000 saved by then to ensure enough money is available.
Beyond the current three year plan, the stadium and gym bleachers will be replaced, football stadium lights will be addressed and the gym floor will be redone. Money is already being saved for these projects.
Rubberized material will be placed beneath elementary school playground equipment where needed to increase safety.
The board also discussed a small price increase with the building rental contract and asking renters to do more clean-up at the end of events.
Mellon said the corporation is losing money with the pool, but looking for ways to perhaps lose a little less.
"It is something we still want to present to the community, even if we can't break even," Mellon said. "It's good for every child to learn how to swim and that's why we put it in."
He said at the time the pool was installed the corporation was aware they would probably not break even, but still realize the importance the facility has to the community.
The board approved the renewal of 12-month employee contracts, including seven maintenance people, bus drivers, secretaries and administrators. The renewal is simply a roll-over in contracts that begin on July 1 of each year.
A special needs teacher, who will be splitting time between the elementary and high school, was hired after being well recommended by the school he attended and being student teacher of the year.
With the hiring of the special needs teacher, Mellon said the whole staff was in place other than a half time instruction aid and kitchen worker.
The board also discussed how the corporation will be affected by the local option income tax and HEA 1001, the new property tax reform for the State of Indiana. Projections are difficult to make until the corporation gets its budget for the year.
However, under HEA 1001, the County Council must review all budgets and issue suggestions, and some entities must also get the Council's direct approval of its budget.
July 24 will be the board's budget work session and Aug. 21 will be the public hearing addressing the budget. Mellon said he hopes Sept. 11 will be the approval date for the yearly budget.
Copies of the budget must now be given to the county auditors and public notices placed for the budget and capital projects.
The next WCSC School Board meeting will be July 10 at 7:30 p.m. at the Corporation offices in Francesville.
No statements given during IDEM regional sewer meeting
No statements or testimony were given as the IDEM hearing Monday evening concerning Star City's sewer district.
The meeting, held by the Star City Sewer District Study Committee and the Indiana Department of Environmental Management, was held on a petition to establish as regional sewer district for the Star City area.
Lynne Newlon, from IDEM's Office of Water Quality, opened the floor for discussion and questions before the hearing began.
Newlon explained that becoming a regional district makes entities eligible for grants and low interest loans that can play a major part in offsetting the costs of large projects, such as a wastewater treatment and collection.
“At this point we're just trying to set up an entity,” Newlon reminded those with concerns about the sewer system.
Jim Gould, the Van Buren Township Trustee for the study committee, said he is aware of the backed-up sewage issues and wants to work to solve the problems in a timely manner.
“We are here to find the most economical solution to the one Star City is having,” he said.
Star City's sewage issues have been increasing in recent years and in the fall of 2002 the process to fix the problems began.
Terri Hansen, the director of environmental health for Pulaski County, said she would like to see a sewer system in place to keep everything up to code and safe for the community.
She said, based on Pulaski County Health Department's best judgment call, 90 percent of the systems installed in Star City do not meet state codes and hence there is a big need for a sewer system.
“This has been a year of historic-type things,” Gould said about sewage issues.
He mentioned the closing of the highway in Royal Center due to sewage issues in the past and has heard stories around Star City of sewage slime and other such problems.
Rick Schultz of Star City said he has two to three inches of sewage slime around a ten inch tile in his yard.
Under state statute, anyone who has installed a complete, brand new sewer system can ask for an exemption from the sewer board to hook up to the new system on a later date or can be prorated up to $7,500 on the new system.
Gould said the study committee has faced many problems along the way in trying to solve the problem. He said it is as if the committee takes four steps forward, then three and a half backwards, especially when problems could not be resolved with the previous engineering firm involved with the project.
Ultimately, the IDEM Commissioner makes the final decision on the formation of the regional sewer district.
Several at the meeting agreed it makes a lot of sense to connect up to Winamac's sewer system rather than installing a new one in Star City, a very costly project.
The study committee is still waiting on more surveys concerning the sewer district to be returned in order to make them more eligible for state and federal funds.
Following the public hearing, the petition and findings from the hearing, including verbal and written statements, are compiled and reviewed by the regional district coordinator for the project. The commissioner then signs the final order and returns it to the Office of Water Management and notice of a final decision is given to the petitioner, Star City in this case.
The regional district is then formed 33 days after the petitioner receives notice of the final decision. Notice of the formation of a regional district must be published in newspapers to inform the public.
Happy cows and conservation combine
Cows get a nutritious meal after being milked by Jones Dairy Farm’s milking robots. With the robots, the cows are able to choose when to be milked and the farmers are able to automate and track the milking process.
Members of the Arrowhead Country Resource Conservation and Development Area toured Jones Dairy Farm as part of the RC&D annual meeting last Wednesday.
Jones Dairy Farm remains a step ahead of the competition, even after having their milking robots for five years.
Human contact remains an important factor at the Jones farm, but the family no longer has to be awake for milking at 5 a.m., unless the robot calls with a problem.
Sammy and Pam Jones purchased the $150,000 robots in 2003 after touring several farms in Madison, Wisc. with similar technology. The family had spent two years collecting information on robots and did not purchase the robots until approved by a family vote.
Within two weeks of installing the two robots, Pam noticed the cows were more relaxed and less stressed. While being milked and eating special flavored tabs, through a study done by a local student, the cows were giving their milk twice as fast in the robot compared to being milked by a human.
“You do not have to be here 24 hours a day, but there are certain things that must be done everyday,” said Norma Miller, Pam’s mom who helps out on the farm whenever possible.
Part of the reason for the mood and efficiency changes is that the cows are now able to choose when to be milked, when they feel pressure in their udders.
Cows are now being milked 24 hours on the farm instead of twice-a-day milkings done by humans.
Once a cow is milked, they exit into another barn where they get to eat. Each cow gives an average 72 lbs. of milk per day and eats an average of 92 lbs. of food.
Everything is totally computerized. Each cow has a tag in its right ear with a barcode which is read by a sensor when they enter the BouMatic milking robot. Data on each cow can be entered into the computer and data from each cow is gathered on each milking. At any given time, the farmers know exactly how much milk each cow has given and how many times they have been milked in a day.
“Anytime a cow has milk that’s not fit to be kept, her number is put in the computer upstairs and the milk is dumped,” Miller said.
The robot is also very sanitary. It self-cleans and disinfects in between each cow and the milk never comes in contact with humans, virtually eliminating the possibility of contamination.
The farm has two tanks to collect and chill milk to 38 degrees. The milkman empties the tanks every other day and delivers it to the local Dean dairy factory which gets the milk onto store shelves just two days after it is taken from the cow.
Each day, one robot could milk up to 60 cows, three times, with an average of seven cows per hour.
“I think they’re friendly to the cow and efficient to us,” Pam said. “There’s not a day that goes by we don’t learn something new about the robots.”
The computer does the calculating and regulating on its own. Not only does it have specific data on every cow on the farm, it has all the data from the time a cow is born. By storing this information in the computer, the Jones’ are able to alter genetics when breeding cows and trace back several generations in a cow’s history.
Sammy and Pam agreed the robots have brought the farm a long way, increasing its efficiency as well as their knowledge on dairy farming.
The Jones’ host home school groups and do tours of the farm constantly, with learning tools for younger children as well as adults. They have also given tours of the farm to other dairy farmers and have attended conferences to speak about the robots.
Following the tour, members of the RC&D gathered at the Winamac VFW for a fish fry and presentation by Randy Moore, Arrowhead Country RC&D Area coordinator. The tour and dinner were sponsored by the Pulaski County Soil and Water Conservation District.
The Arrowhead district consists of Cass, Fulton, Jasper, Kosciusko, Marshall, Miami, Newton, Pulaski, Starke and White counties. Each county has three representatives, one from the county commissioners, extension office and salt and water district, that sit on the RC&D council.
“Our goal is to conserve natural resources and do community development projects pertaining to conservation,” Moore said.
Since Jan. 1, Arrowhead Country RC&D Area has held an Envirothon camp for around 200 kids, had a tree planting workshop in White County, had a deer control workshop in Starke County and helped with Winamac Tree Committee, among many other projects and tours for education.
They have received two grants through the Pulaski Community Foundation, one of which will be used to build a playground in Star City. They are also trying to arrange a Tippecanoe River clean-up day.
Moore said a tourism committee and Tippecanoe River Watershed Alliance Committee have been formed recently as well.
Arrowhead Country RC&D Area hopes to continue serving and educating the local areas through events, projects and educational tools and is always looking for volunteers and others wanting to get involved in the conservation of Indiana’s resources.
Beautiful Saturday weather draws crowds for Winamac’s annual "Jets Over the Heartland"
Ron Ballard, of Wren Turbines USA, brings his plane in for a quick check after a successful flight. His plane bears the name of the Brazilian Air Force, Forca Aerea Brasileira.
Winamac Wastewater Treatment Plant upgrades
The Winamac Wastewater Treatment Plant is in the process of completing $2.2 million in upgrades to the water filtration systems.
Bradley Zellers, plant superintendent, said two clarifiers are being added at the facility to filter out phosphorus in the water.
"People will notice absolutely nothing," he said about the extra water filtration step.
To house the new clarifiers, crews from R.E. Crosby and Sons, Inc. are digging two 80 ft. holes, both 16 ft. deep. Zellers said the holes will be big enough to fit entire houses.
The entire project, which includes adding several other structures including something for sludge removal, will take a year to complete.
"This is being done through an IDEM permit requirement," he said.
Being within 40 miles of Lake Shaffer requires the town to undergo this project.
Zellers said stagnant water in lakes and ponds creates a phosphorus which, in turn, can create too many nutrients in the water. The new clarifiers will eliminate these nutrients.
The town received a $500,000 grant from the Office of Community and Rural Affairs to help offset the costs of the large project.
While the town will see few, if any, changes to the water, the new clarifiers require Zellers and his team to do more water testing and more maintenance around the plant.
Within the next week and a half, a 10 year project to separate the storm and sewer pipes will be underway.
Once complete, all the dirty storm water will be filtered through the treatment plant. Clean water will still be dumped in the river.
Winamac Town Council Meeting Minutes
The Council for the Incorporated Town of Winamac held a public hearing on Monday, June 9, 2008 at 7:00PM in the Municipal Utilities Complex at 623 West 11th Street with all council members present. Also attending were Jim Conner, Dan Murphy, Judy Heater, Randy Mitchell, Brad Zellers, Don Thompson, Kevin Roe, Brian Gaillard and Scott Hanson.
The meeting was called to order at 7:00PM by Council President, John Plowman. This public hearing is being held in regards to the vacation of the platted alley, twenty feet in uniform width commencing at its south boundary of Lots 27 & 28 of the Jenkins Second Addition to the Town of Winamac, running north for one hundred thirty -two feet to the north boundary of lots 27 & 28 of the Jenkins Second Addition to the Town of Winamac, and the twenty foot strip of land shall be divided equally between the adjoining owners of land on the east and west. This petition was presented by Steve Morrison, President of Habitat for Humanity.
Also presented was a petition presented by Dave Bennett, President of LaurDi Properties, to vacate the public street that is 25 feet in uniform width commencing at the southeast corner of Lot 20 of Hogan's Addition to the Town of Winamac, and running north two hundred eighty feet to its intersection with the south edge of Hogan Street, Winamac, Indiana and should be divided equally between the adjoining owners of land on the east and west.
There being no objection presented to either petition, a motion was made to adjourn the public hearing at 7:05PM by John Behny, seconded by Tom J Murray and approved by all.
The Council for the Incorporated Town of Winamac met in regular session on Monday, June 9, 2008 at 7:06PM with all council members present. Also present were: Jim Conner, Judy Heater, Dan Murphy, Randy Mitchell, Brad Zellers, Don Thompson, Kevin Roe, Brian Gaillard and Scott Hanson.
The meeting was called to order by Council President, John Plowman.
The minutes of the May 12th executive session were approved in a motion made by Tom J Murray and seconded by Rod Button with John Behny abstaining as he was not present at the May l2th meeting
The minutes of the May 12th regular session were approved in a motion made by James DeArmond and seconded by Rod Button with John Behny abstaining as he was not present at the May 12th meeting.
Don Thompson, Park Manager, informed Council that the park is back to normal after the flood damage. His one request was for help in dealing with the unsavory youth that frequent the park and vandalize the property, harass the public and generally create havoc. Officer Gaillard was in attendance and stated that he has ordered several from the park already this summer. Once they have been banned from the park, they can be charged with trespassing if they return. The parents of kids under 18 can be held responsible for restitution up to $6500. This may act as a deterrent in some cases. The problem is catching them in the act of vandalizing park property. They are burning the inside of the tunnel slides with cigarette lighters, painting foul language on the benches and tables and in some cases, destroying the rafters in the shelters. The cost of hiring a security guard for 10 hours a day is prohibitive. This has been discussed but would not fit into the park budget. Parent watch may be the most effective. The Council thanked Officer Gaillard for the police efforts as they have seen the officers patrolling the park this summer.
Kevin Roe, Water and Street Superintendent, reported that his summer help is doing an excellent job of keeping up with the yard waste pickup. This courtesy service offered by the Town may suffer due to the rising cost of fuel. Tom J Murray requested that the crew use Co road 50 instead of going down to 200. This keeps to a minimum the travel on 14 West and lessens the chance of losing brush off of the truck before they get to the town woods.
Brad Zellers, Wastewater Superintendent, reported that all is going well. The trees were moved in good order, The surveying was started last week and the project trailer will be moved in some time this week. Both engineers will start attending the monthly meetings next month when all should be in full swing. The dirt that will be removed during the plant upgrade may be recycled on site, but probably would not be suitable for use elsewhere. Brad was asked why we move the concession stand to the park every year for the activities there. We have always done this as a courtesy.
Randy Mitchell of KIRPC was on hand to update Council on what KIRPC is all about. They write and administer many types of government grants. One he wanted to tell Council about in particular is one that offers needy families help with home repair. This is a federal grant through the Indiana Housing Authority and HUD with a local match sponsored by the participating town. The amount could be as much as $15000 per family. The homeowner must fit into the low to moderate income guide lines and meet several other criteria. Randy left some applications with Jim and will be glad to return for the July meeting with more information. "Good job" to Jim Conner for bringing this opportunity to Council.
Town Managers Report: Jim Conner
1) A discussion regarding the proposal for the new Plymouth Tube substation, which will require a rate increase of approximately 10%, was held. A motion was made by Tom J Murray to accept the proposal with John Plowman authorized to sign any and all related contracts, seconded by John Behny and approved by all. A copy of the proposal will be included with the minutes. A clause needs to be included specifying a time period that they will guarantee to be here and that they will reimburse the town for half of the cost of the substation over a 5 year period.
2) Jim requested permission to send Doug Shorter and Jeff Shidler to Great Lakes Metering school in August. OK with Council.
3) A motion to accept Ordinance #7 of 2008, the vacation of an alley, was made by Torn J Murray, seconded by John Behny and approved by all.
4) A motion to accept Ordinance #8 of 2008, the vacation of a street, was made by Rod Button, seconded by Tom J Murray and approved by all.
5) A motion to accept Ordinance #9 of 2008, regarding locates for underground utilities, was made by Tom J Murray, seconded by Rod Button and approved by all.
6) A motion to accept Ordinance #10 of 2008, rezoning of LaurDi Property on Logan street, was made by Rod Button, seconded by James DeArmond and approved by all.
7) Pay estimate #1 for the clarifier project was presented for payment and accepted in a motion made by Rod Button, seconded by James DeArmond and approved by all.
8) Jim Conner has been selected to serve on the Demand Response and Energy Efficiency Committee by IMPA. A motion was made by James DeArmond, seconded by Tom J Murray and approved by all to allow Jim to serve on this committee and attend meetings accordingly.
9) We need to permanently close and seal the artesian well at the park. Kevin will get prices from at least one more entity and a decision will be made in the near future. We received an estimate from Peerless Midwest for $4978.00.
10) We have received a letter from Frank Deveau regarding our status with IDEM on our work plan for the former dump site. Dawn Groves has been on Maternity leave for the past 3 months and has yet to review the plan. She assured Frank that she would expedite review of the report, discuss the matter with the project geologist and their landfill expert and get back with him.
11) We have received a letter from INDOT declining our request for a speed limit reduction on US 35 north stating that their traffic study shows no need for a reduction in speed at this time.
12) INDOT was supposed to be down last week to assess the corner of Highway 14 East and US 35 for visibility. We should then receive a letter regarding their findings.
13) We have received a notice from Umbaugh's that our tracking factor for the next quarter has increased. John Behny made a motion, James DeArmond seconded and all approved to pass the increase onto the customer.
14) A copy of the annual CCR report for the water department will be inserted in the June 21st Independent.
15) Bids received for tree removal are:
• Heims Tree Service $2062.00
• C & J Tree Service $3125.00 A motion was made by John Behny, seconded by Rod Button and approved by all to accept the bid from Heims Tree Service.
16) Bids received for street paving were:
• E&B Paving $32400.00
• Central Paving $35136.00
A motion was made by Tom J Murray, seconded by James DeArmond and approved by all to accept the bid from E & B Paving for $32400.00.
17) The park committee would like to do the following projects: Install a sprinkling system to cover the infield of the big ball diamond to keep the dust down. Estimate from Rudy DeSabatine $1050.00 to do this. Cement the floors of the last two shelter houses this fall. This would cost approximately $9000.00. Sandblast the conservation clubs fire place to remove spray painting from last year (price from McKinleys soon) and have Bill Schambers tuck point and do some other work for around $1000.00. There is $27000.00 in the Park Gift Fund. Council decided not to install the sprinkler system, have Jim get prices on some better lights for the main road and look into underground wiring and get the price for the sandblasting. A motion was made by John Behny, seconded by Rod Button and approved by all to do the cement work on the remaining two shelters.
18) Rod Lauritsen is checking into a filtering system to handle the sulphur smell at the water plant.
Rod Button presented cost information on automatic meter reading systems per Councils request. Most of the surrounding towns have these systems in place. The cost for the Electric Department would be $132,939.00. The cost to the Water Department would be $186,075.00. There would be a cost of $292,990.00 from HD Supply for the entire project. The electric department would do the installation. John Behny questioned who would lose the job if this is going to be such a time saver. Answer no one. Clerk Treasurer stated that she is not against the project as a whole, it will become necessary at a point in time, however, with the increases we have had to make lately in the utilities, the one we need in the Electric Department due to the rise in cost of everything, and the next one to be implemented by the Wastewater Department, now does not seem to be the right time to pursue this endeavor. She also stated that the water department cannot afford this project without a rate increase as they are in the middle of paying off ten year bonds needed for the new water plant and tank. The customers are already feeling the increases and struggling to pay their utility bills. We would need to let H J Umbaugh know of this project so they could figure more of an increase to cover the project. Council wants to pursue this further and will be visiting towns with the system to see how they work. The office staff will go along if its possible.
The new bucket truck for the electric dept will be ready by the last of June or first of July. A discussion was held on what to do with the old bucket. Its in good shape for general use, just not safe for our purposes. Scott will check to see what they would give us as a trade in and Jim will check into selling it outright.
Comments
Rowan Street needs fixed, will happen soon. Vines are in the wires in several places, will take care of this week. The fireworks ordinance will be in effect as of June 21st
John Behny made a motion to accept claims #1083 through #1296, Tom J Murray seconded and all approved.
Council decided that once a week to mow the triangle at the Decker drive is plenty. The Clerk Treasurer will send a letter.
A motion to adjourn at 9:45PM was made by John Behny, seconded by Rod Button and approved by all.
Local dealership fire ruled Local dealership fire ruled accidental
Chief Investigator Fred Sumpter, discusses his findings with Fire Chief Bill Weaver and the Insurance adjuster.
"This fire was accidental and most likely electrical in nature. There are no signs of criminal activity." stated Frederick J. Sumpter, Assistant Chief of Investigations, of the fire that occurred at Fred Allen's car dealership in the early hours of June 15th.
On Friday, June 20th, Winamac Fire Chief Bill Weaver and Investigator Sumpter spent hours carefully looking over the charred remains of the dealership to determine the exact cause of the fire.
Sumpter went on to say "This was the most dangerous kind of fire; the flames were trapped within layers of old building and newer building and could not immediately be seen."
He was surprised there were no injuries due to the high probability that the roof could have collapsed within the first minutes of the firemen entering the building to see exactly from where the smoke was emanating.
Investigator Sumpter also stated, "This volunteer department did an outstanding job keeping the fire from reaching the surrounding homes. If the heat had been too intense on the backside of the building, the garage and homes would have ignited across the alley."
He had much praise for the Volunteer Fire Departments called to the scene.
Blaze ravages downtown dealership
Making a statement, barefoot
With an average of 15 miles per day and 1500 miles to his trip, Eric Sheets hopes to arrive at his destination within 150 days of starting out.
Eric Sheets is not glamorously riding off into the sunset for a good cause, he is fighting for it the hard way and doing it barefoot.
Sheets, 30, of Rockford, Ohio, is walking across the United States barefoot, with an unusual version of a noble steed and companion, and inspiring many along the way.
In hopes of talking to Bill Gates in Seattle, Wash., Sheets has teamed up with a burro named Moses and a dog named Buck to make the long trek from his hometown, on a journey paired with large goals.
“I’m doing this for education,” he said. “From the two year olds to the oldest elder.”
Sheets is taking a stand against the rising costs of higher education and the lack of inspiration in many of today’s teachers.
He said it is unfair for teachers to form blueprints of their students based on only several encounters, assuming they know the child’s personality, dreams and interests.
“Inspiration is key,” he said. Children should not be held to a cookie cutter version of themselves assumed by others.
“If you’re inspired, you’re more likely to help your neighbor and help your family,” he said.
His idea is simple. Create a place where everyone around the world can virtually interact, learning anything they desire for free.
It would take the involvement of many and the use of today’s amazing technology, but with new programs such as “A Laptop Per Child,” recently started by Gates, Sheets knows such a place is possible.
He insists anyone can learn anything if someone is willing to explain it in such a way that it makes sense to the learner.
“Knowledge and happiness go hand-in-hand,” he said.
Since setting out on Memorial Day, Sheets has been amazed at the hospitality and kindness of those he has met during the journey.
Carrying enough food for 15 days, Sheets has only had to eat from the supply three times.
He has woken up on the side of the road some mornings with stockpiles of food for him and his animals laying beside him. He has seen people part with their hard earned money to lend a helping hand to the cause.
Sheets gave up everything when he left Rockford, leaving with less than $20 in his pocket and praying for the best.
“I never realized that this many people would have taken us in,” he said.
Saturday and Sunday nights, Sheets found warmth and hospitality in Winamac with Jim and Patsy Perry, 329 E 13th St., waiting out Sunday’s heavy rain before continuing towards Illinois.
With Moses and Buck asleep in the backyard, Sheets talked about how many people give up on higher education because it is too expensive, are afraid they cannot do it or feel it is not the right choice for them. He disagrees.
Everyone can and should receive the education they want and deserve. Everyone should be able to learn anything, without the high costs.
Sheets, Moses and Buck each have their own luggage to carry. Sheets has a backpack, which used to weigh more than 80 lbs. before he decided to get Moses, who now carries a full load including a solar panel, tent, food and other necessities. Buck also has his own backpack.
Originally, Sheets was planning to make the trip on his own, until Buck showed up on a friend’s doorstep and took an immediate liking to Sheets. Shortly thereafter, he bought Moses from a business called Mt. Hope at an auction. The 14-year-old burro cost less than $90.
With an average of 15 miles per day and 1500 miles to his trip, Sheets hopes to arrive at his destination within 150 days of starting out.
After being injured as a fullback for Urbana University, he was diagnosed with Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome. With his football career over and money for college gone, he decided to take control of his life.
It was during a trip to Jamaica he had a life altering moment, creating his dreams to see his education program fall into place.
Sheets seems fearless. He has ridden across the US on a motorcycle and battled the possibility of losing all function in his arm and thinks nothing of his current adventure.
Through his journeys, he has begun writing Then and Now and Not Until Finally, a book full of inspiration and wisdom learned through his journeys.
He makes it clear he is not in search of fame or fortune, simply education for all, and the end to laziness. He does not like the focus being on him and would just prefer to smile and make someone’s day. To him, smiles make all the difference in the world.
He realizes Gates may not even see him when he reaches Seattle, but hopes his journey will create enough stir in itself to inspire others to make a difference in education.
“I really believe people will learn if it’s up their alley and someone takes the time to explain it,” he said.
Sheets is not sure what the future holds beyond this leg of his life adventure, he just knows he’s living every boy’s dream and hoping to make a difference.
Someday he wants to climb Everest and run for president, only time will tell.
From Winamac, Sheets traveled down SR 14 towards US 421, hoping to make a stop at the Jasper/Pulaski Fish and Wildlife Area.
You can learn more about Sheets and his journey by visiting his web site, www.milesofsmilesforever.com where he is documenting his journey with videos, photos and blogs.
Commissioners move forward with supply office
Before long, office supplies will be centralized for all the county offices in a strategy to save the county some much needed money after budget cuts.
The Pulaski County Commissioner’s approved Theresa Anderson to move forward and advertise for office supply contract bids from various companies.
Anderson said Cass County implemented a similar office recently, saving the county over $40,000.
“I don’t think we’re big enough for that, but with half that, $20,000, that’s a whole lot of gas,” said Dan Frain, a member of the County Council.
When the supplies become centralized, in an area secured and monitored by Anderson, supply budgets will be eliminated for each department and request forms will be available when items are needed.
Everything from pens, pencils, paper and staplers to ink cartridges and batteries will be in the supply room and available only upon request. When needed, Anderson will restock the room with necessary items.
Of course special exceptions and orders will be made for specialized, specific items required by each department.
So far Smith’s, DeGroot’s and Cardinal companies have shown interest. Companies will be bidding to offer the best deal based on their catalogue prices, such as 10 percent off prices for the year.
The commissioners also approved a company to look around the building for hail damage. A representative from the company, which deals mainly with various roofing materials such as slate, offered to look at damage to the building following the recent storms.
His company will do a thorough inspection of the building, allowing the county to submit an insurance claim. Once approved by the insurance adjustor, the company could repair the slate roof free of cost to the county, except for the deductible.
Potential road problems with a new dairy farm being built just outside county lines were also a concern to the commissioners.
Dan Dolezal, Community Development Commission president, said it would be a good idea for the county to have pictures of the road before the farm begins operations.
The 3,600 cow farm will be on the northern edge of Cass County. The trucks will be entering the farm using a Pulaski County road.
Kenny Becker from the county highway department suggested the farm should pay for damage to the road since it is not paying taxes to the county or making the county any profit.
Becker and his department were approved to try a four day, 10-hour work week to try and save employees on gas getting to work five days a week.
The hours will only last through August, or end sooner if the department decides it is not working.
During a public auction of county property, two individuals purchased two lots on the H block in Monterey for $200 each. Another individual purchased .45 acres in Medaryville for $500.
The auction was left open for those still wishing to purchase some property up for sale.
The commissioners approved sticking with the same insurance contract as last year, which provided a 3 percent (almost $40,000) decrease from last year’s costs.
Under the new contract, little will change said Brian Liechty from County Group Insurance.
The barking dog ordinance has been put on hold due to possibility of affecting the sheriff’s department negatively.
Frain said the animal control officer should be more in charge of responding to calls, but realizes that can be a problem since she is only on duty during daytime hours and no new people can be hired under the current county plans.
He said he is worried about the cost of officers responding to complaints about barking dogs when there is really nothing they can do about the problem, gas prices are high and that pulls them away from being able to respond to more serious situations.
On the other hand, people understand the annoyance of barking dogs, especially within city limits.
The commissioners will continue to work on the ordinance in the upcoming weeks.
Blaze ravages downtown dealership
Eastern Pulaski School Board approves summer repairs
The Eastern Pulaski School Board approved several summer repairs at the Monday night meeting including new lockers for the band room and repaving the elementary school playground.
Along with the playground, the parking lots by the baseball fields and behind the Superintendent’s office will also be paved. At the last meeting, the board also approved redoing pavement in most of the parking lots around the Eastern Pulaski Community School Corporation campus in Winamac.
The board approved spending $17,160 on new lockers for the band room, possibly converting the old space into a much desired computer lab for all music students, equipped with music writing software and other tools.
The new lockers contain acoustically absorbant material and are much more secure than the current lockers. Enough new lockers will be purchased to hold all the band instruments and more.
Sherry Landrum of Healthy Families did a presentation for the school board suggesting becoming a smoke-free campus.
Currently, facilities are smoke-free, allowing students and faculty to smoke in parking lots. Landrum said becoming a smoke-free campus could help further smoking prevention.
“The younger someone is when they try tobacco products, the more likely it is they will become addicted,” she said.
Landrum pointed out that Plymouth Tube Corp. just became a tobacco free campus, elimintating all tobacco substances. West Central School Corporation is set to become a smoke-free campus in Jan. 2009.
The board approved the bus driver handbook which contains several changes for the upcoming school year.
Dr. Klitzman said the biggest change will come from the elimination of the phone tree used to contact everyone on a bus route in case of a school cancellation or delay.
“I don’t think we need to be calling every single student on a bus,” he said. “I think the word is getting out to the media.”
The school will renew their dairy and bakery contracts with Prairie Farms and Aunt Millie’s after receiving a couple other bids for the contract.
In other business, the board approved the retirement of Jane Schneider, an educator with EPCSC for 29 years.
“She was very dedicated to the profession and a good role model to live by,” Dr. Klitzman said.
Her retirement was accepted, with regret, by the board.
Attendance in all three schools was good for the last grading period, and numbers remained steady or increased by one percent from last year with attendance averaging 96 percent.
Lastly, EPCSC will now have a rainy day fund to protect everyone from emergencies and unforseen circumstances. There are criteria and guidelines for how the money can be spent, but will serve as a guarantee funds are available if something goes wrong.
Golf cart ordinance to be in place before garage sale
Occupants will be required to keep their hands, legs and arms inside the ride at all times as golf carts could take to the streets in time for the Francesville town-wide garage sale.
The golf cart ordinance allowing the more fuel-efficent vehicles on the streets of Francesville is almost complete and received a second reading from the Francesville Town Board at last Monday’s meeting.
The board hopes to have the ordinance complete and in place in time for the town-wide garage sale, making it legal for anyone with a valid driver’s license to travel the streets of Francesville in a new way.
Under the ordinance, driver’s not only need a valid driver’s license, but must also drive within the city limits, have headlights, turn signals, brake lights and a rearview mirror.
Goft carts may not be driven on roads with a posted speed above 30 mph and cannot be driven on highways, only crossed at an intersection.
The number of occupants allowed in each golf cart will be determined by manufacturer specifications and driver’s must hold liability insurance in case of an accident.
“Financial responsibility is a big deal,” said board member Doug Gutwein.
Penalties for disobeying the ordinance can include a fine up to $200.
The new pond doctor seems to be working well thus far, furthering the gratefulness of the board to avoid the three million dollar fine from IDEM they faced months ago.
The pond doctor has been in place in one lagoon for six weeks, bugs were put into the other lagoon and comparisons will continue to be made over the following months.
Final approval of the clock for downtown included a check for $3,700 for the two-faced, dusk-til-dawn timepiece.
Town Board concern of the factory being built on the north side of town has ended, construction of the new facility is scheduled to begin soon.
Other matters included reports from various departments, including the police department staying quiet and only having a few fender-benders to deal with as the warm summer months approach.
The Francesville Town Board meets each first and third Monday of the month at 7:30 p.m. in the town offices.
Differing views challenge future of Pleasant View
Many in Pulaski County have strong opinions about what the future of Pleasant View Rest Home should be, others are not so sure.
When Sandy Hurd, superintendent, took her position just three months ago she had no idea the opposition she would face not only from individuals, but also from county officials.
The Community Development Commission President Dan Dolezal has assembled a committee to survey the home, going through paperwork and assessing the need and usage of the home.
Rumors of the home closing have circulated through the eight current residents of the home and have hindered others from coming.
Hurd has received several phone calls since starting her job, but no one has moved in because the rumors have scared them away.
The home recently received a $50,000 grant from the Office of Community and Rural Affairs, the county has promised an additional $50,000. With the money, needed renovations and updates could be done to the house, dating back to the late 1800’s. Or, a new, handicap accessible home could be built in its place.
“It’s in the air, we really just don’t know what the future will be,” Hurd said.
The roof on the current home is 30 years old. Hurd said after large storms, they often find pieces of roofing materials in the yard.
Hurd said while the historical value of the current home is priceless, using the grant money to build a one-floor new facility would allow more people to live in the home.
Residents of the home must be able to clothe, bathe and feed themselves and must be physically able to navigate around the home on their own.
The rent, $865 a month, covers their room, food, cleaning and laundry. If residents want a television in their room, they must provide it and pay for the cable. Same goes with the telephone if they choose to not use the one already provided in the dining room.
“Not everyone can afford the luxury of an assisted living apartment,” Hurd said.
Pleasant View provides homes for people that need a home, can’t be on their own and can’t go into a nursing home.
Residents on Medicaid pay as much of their own rent as possible, with Medicaid paying the rest. For some residents, that means $52 a month, or less, in spending money.
When it comes to prescriptions, the Knights of Colombus donates $100 a month, or as needed when funds are low.
“They have told us they will give us the money for copays,” Hurd said.
She is in charge of all the doctors appointments, medications, going to the grocery store, payroll, state paperwork, activities and more. Hurd must keep a running tally of prescriptions to ensure none of them run out as well as stock the cupboards with food.
To save money, Hurd has applied to use Gordon Food Service. While she loves buying locally, she said the home must look to save money in every way possible.
Judy Loehmer has been working at the home for over 30 years, and it certainly is not because she has an amazing salary. She loves it.
Her mother even ran the home for awhile before becoming a resident herself. Now confined to a wheelchair, she can no longer live in the home.
“The residents have really taken to Sandy,” Loehmer said.
The home currently has four full-time employees and two part-time employees, one of which is paid through the state, not the county.
“Why do we want to talk about closing the county home and take away jobs,” Hurd said concerning current economic conditions.
She said we ought to be proud of our county that it does not turn people away, but provides a safe place for people to live. Not only would closing the home cause many of the residents to have no where to go, jobs would also be lost.
“They get to be like family,” Hurd said. “This is all many of them have.”
Seated on a hill with large trees and soft grass, residents of Pleasant View take walks with employees, play ring-toss and have picnics. Years ago, many people and organizations frequently came to the home to visit. Today, there are only a couple.
As money dwindles, the home’s budget has been cut 6.4 percent this year, removing the $100 Loehmer used to have to plant flowers for residents each year.
But in the end, the flowers are not what matters. It is the relationships residents and employees have built between each other.
“The girls are so good to me,” one resident said. “Their smiles are just wonderful.”
Tina Kasten has been working at the home for 18 years and has seen many residents come and go, but at least one resident has been there longer than her.
Kasten, Loehmer and Hurd told stories of some of the residents, how they came to the home and how many have no where else to go. The families of some visit from time to time, but others have no family.
Hurd has planned some summertime activities for residents, including a picnic with family and friends followed by watching fireworks from the backyard. There will also be a float in the Fourth of July parade and a picnic at the State Park.
All the residents, along with many powerful people in the community and state have written letters to the county in support of the home, including a state senator.
Dan Dolezal has reassured people at multiple meetings he and his committee, including a registered nurse, pastor and hospital employee, will remain neutral on the subject and will not determine the final outcome of the survey.
Thus, only time will tell what the future holds for Pleasant View, whether it is making enough money to be worthwhile to the county and if it is a valuable enough asset to remain open.
Ordinance reminders for the summer months
As summer filled with garage sales, yard and housework approaches, city ordinances remain in effect to keep everything running smoothly.
Garage Sale Signage
While there are no specific garage sale ordinances for the Town of Winamac, it is important to remember signage limitations.
• Signs cannot be larger than four sq. ft. in surface area and 36 in. high.
• No more than two signs per property.
• Signs cannot be posted sooner than twelve hours before the event.
• Signs must be removed within six hours of end of event.
• Signs must contain: name and address of person displaying the sign. Time and date of event.
• Signs must have a wood backing and mounted sturdily of stakes of wood, plastic or metal.
• No signs on utility poles, trees, posts, traffic signs or other permanent structures within the town.
• Permission is required for placing signs on another person’s property.
• Violations may result in fines, or more.
The above information is according to the Town of Winamac language usage ordinance on signs.
Garbage/Rubbish/Trash
Residential
• Pick-up on scheduled days
• Property must be free from trash/rubbish.
• Sidewalks and alleys adjacent to property must be free of trash, garbage, rubbish and/or yard waste.
• Material must be placed in a plastic bag and placed in a container (no larger than 33 gal. that can close securely, is water tight and weighs no more than 40 lbs. when full).
• Allowed two containers per week. Each additional bag must be purchased from the Town Clerk’s Office for $2.
Businesses
• Property free of trash, garbage and rubbish.
• Insure all trash, garbage and rubbish is removed on a regularly scheduled basis.
• Allowed one (1) container of trash per week day, excluding holidays, provided business is accessible to collectors.
• Material must be placed in a plastic bag and in a container (as specified above.)
General Guidelines
• Containers must be within five ft. of curb or alleyway, located so as not to be easily upset.
• Containers cannot be places sooner than 5 p.m. the evening before pickup day.
• Excess, non-authorized bags will not be picked up.
• It is unlawful to dispose of garbage via burial of cremation.
• Broken glass, needles and other sharp/dangerous objects must be in a non-permeable receptacle.
• Medical sharps not collected.
Yard Waste
• Collection at times announced by Town of Winamac.
• All yard waste, with the exception of tree limbs, must be placed in a container not containing any trash or recyclable items.
• Container: no larger than 33 gal., close securely, water tight, no more than 40 lbs. when full.
• Grass clippings shall be places in a container.
• During fall leaf collection: leaves raked to curb, no more than four inches into roadway, clear of utility poles and mailboxes. Leaves must be separate from all other materials.
• The Town will collect tree limbs no more than five inches in diameter. Any limb between one and five inches in diameter must be trimmed to a single branch, bundled and stacked parallel to the curb of placed in a proper container.
• If private tree service is used, it is the owner or service’s responsibility to remove all yard waste.
Violations for both trash and yard waste ordinances include a $50 fine for each day the violation exists. All revenue from the fines goes towards offsetting the costs associated with the recycling and solid waste management programs and operations of the Town.
The above information is from the solid waste ordinance of the Town of Winamac, adopted March 27, 2000.
From grocery store to mortuary
The Journal is pleased to be adding a new, special section to the paper each week covering a historical property of interest. There is currently a historical landmark survey being done in Pulaski County and we will be featuring some of those landmarks which help make Pulaski County a unique place with rich history. If you have any special stories to share about your property, feel free to contact Michelle at michelle@pulaskijournal.com.
Built in the fall of 1900, Weisshaar grocery store and bakery began providing food items to Medaryville area citizens.
On Dec. 14, 1900, the store, 514 E. Main St., was opened by owners Fred and Augusta Weisshaar. The new store was equipped with a brand new bake oven and fresh bread, cakes and pies.
In 1922, Melvin and Margaret Maxwell took over the bakery, becoming “Home of the Butterfly Bread.”
In the late 1930’s, Jimmy Ahler bought the store, opening Ahler’s IGA.
Ahler’s business offered “locker plant” services beginning in 1940, since small freezers were not yet widely available for homes.
“For a few dollars a month people could rent freezer lockers of various sizes, and there they would store frozen items for their family’s use,” said Brian Capouch of Medaryville. Capouch, a professor at St. Joseph’s College, has done extensive research on the history of Medaryville and currently has a student doing a survey of the area.
People came from all around to use the lockers, including area farmers.
Five years later, Ahler added a smoking and curing service.
The store became the first “self-service” grocery in Medaryville in June 1947 and in 1950 began featuring locally raised beef.
Capouch said the beef was raised on the farms of Omer Garling and Kenneth Croft.
During the late 1940’s and 1950’s, free movies were shown outside during the weekends. Images were projected on the side of a building on the east side of Main St. and Mrs. Maxwell became known as the “popcorn lady,” selling to movie-goers from the comfort of her front porch.
Ahler’s closed in 1965 and the store was then operated by Eldon “Bud” Sanders and his brother Pat, who currently operates Sanders in Winamac.
Capouch said during the 1970’s the building was used as a hardware store run by the Shidler family and later on used by First Love Baptist Church.
Then, in the late 1980’s, Scott Vollmer concerted the building into a funeral home. Since then, the business has come and gone with a variety of owners. It is currently Medaryville Mortuary or Frazier Funeral Home.
Pulaski County honors fallen officers at Memorial Service
On Tuesday, May 27 the Pulaski County Sheriff's Office held its second annual Police Memorial Service.
The ceremony was to pay tribute to the three fallen Pulaski County officers and the more than 19,000 nationwide that have been killed in the line of duty. Sheriff Mike Gayer said to those in attendance "We stand here with their families and loved ones, and as a community to honor them and their commitment so others may live in peace and without fear. We will never forget their names or devotion to duty."
The officers honored during the ceremony were Sheriff Charles Henry Oglesby, who lost his life in 1907, Sherriff Milo "Mike" Lewis who was killed in 1967 and Deputy Sherriff Shadron Kiley "Shad" Bassett, who died in 2005. Family members of Lewis and Bassett were present at the observance. Gayer recounted the circumstances of each officer's deaths before explaining the purpose of speaking their names.
"These are our departed comrades," he said. "The greatest honor that we can bestow on them is not to forget them, but to say their names and remember them each year. Those of us who are left behind shall carry on their hope that we can live together in peace in a civilized world."
Sheriff Gayer also talked about the "Thin Blue Line" something law enforcement officers across the nation face each moment of service.
As a steady rain fell Debra Walters sang a song of assurance then a prayer for all police officers and their families was offered by pastor Denny Wilson. A lone bugler from the Indiana State police played "Taps" followed by a 21 -gun salute by members of the VFW and American Legion concluded the ceremony.
After the service those in attendance could tour the Pulaski County Justice Center while mingling with police officers and having refreshments.
County Commissioners renew cell phone contract
The Pulaski County Board of Commissioners approved the renewal of the cellphone contract with Verizon Wireless.
The renewal will save the county eight percent on voice plans and twelve percent on data plans that include text messaging.
Celinda Briny, manager of Venture Wireless in Winamac, assembled a spreadsheet outlining the minutes usage of all employees on the contract. George Cook, the area representative for Verizon, then told the board there could be some substantial savings if some plans were reduced where there were a lot of unused minutes each month.
The total savings from simply adjusting plans based on the spreadsheet is over $2,000 beyond the eight percent savings the county will already get by using Verizon.
Also, Cook said some employees are also due for phone upgrades, which can be done free of cost after rebates.
“It sounds like we’re going to save some money,” Commissioner Mike Tiede said.
Emergency Medical Services will be upgrading to the advanced life support level by providing the necessary classes to paramedics right at the station in Winamac for $150.
Larry Brock said the upgrade will allow paramedics to offer even more services to patients.
The biggest cost increase EMS has seen has been in fuel costs, which is to be expected. Brock said everything else is on track and looking good.
In the past five months, EMS has generated $97,000 in total profit for the county over the past five months.
EMS may be looking into purchasing a new ambulance sometime next year.
Christi Hoff and Brian Liechty are still working on providing insurance for county employees.
Liechty said the idea of having bigger plans is a good way to save money is a myth because claims are claims.
He also talked about the possibility of partnering with another county or similar entity in a trust to balance out claims. He and the commissioners agreed that would not be a good step for the county because it requires some amount of trust with others.
Hoff said Fulton County has already approached her wanting to form a trust, but said that county has much different guidelines to their insurance than Pulaski County.
Dale Fishtorn said maintenance of the courthouse area is going well, including repairing the wall.
He said he and the workers just continue to work their way around the wall and it will be a good summer project.
Estimates for repairing all the brickwork around the courthouse were in the hundreds of thousands of dollars range, but the commissioners agreed they had been discussing having the work done for several years.
“It’s one of those things that needs to be done,” Fishtorn said. “They repair everything with a fine tooth comb.”
Such repairs have not been done for about 18 years on the courthouse brickyard and surrounding areas. The commissioner’s decided to hold off at least a little longer on the large expenditure.
“For the last five years we’re talked about it,” Tiede said. “But the money’s pretty short right now.”
Kenny Becker did not have a whole lot for the board during the county highway report.
He said FEMA has been in town all week evaluating issues.
“He’s trying to work it out as best he can,” Becker said.
Lastly, the commissioner’s read the revised barking dog ordinance, originally instated in Jan. 1995. The new ordinances allows dogs to bark for 15 minutes during the night before law enforcement can step in. Activities involving hunting are excluded from the ordinance. More details will be available in the following weeks.
The next commissioner’s meeting will be June 16 and 8 a.m. at the courthouse.
Commissioners discuss future of Pleasant View
A wide array of topics were discussed at Monday’s County Commissioner’s meeting.
Items on the agenda included an inquiry on Pleasant View Rest Home, updating the Verizon Wireless contract for county employees, improving the employee handbook, redoing the county septic ordinance and signing the Pulaski County Health Department Local Antiviral Distribution Annex for the Health Department.
Dan Dolezal, of the County Development Commission, will be in charge of putting together a non-biased team to gather information on the rest home.
Commissioner Terry Young wants to be sure the inquiry is done in a fair, objective manner since many already have preconceived ideas and opinions on the future of the home.
The new superintendent of the home, Sandy Hurd, questioned why they are wanting to dig into the home.
Hurd said since she took the job three months ago, her hands have been full of rumors the home will close and in turn she does not want to bring in anyone new for fear they will have no place to go if the home in shut down.
“It is the opinion of some county leaders the home is not profitable,” said Commissioner Paul Grandstaff.
He said while the commissioner’s are in favor of keeping the home open, it is important to investigate other possibilities.
Dolezal said the inquiry could take up to six months and the committee would just evaluate and offer alternatives. It would then be up to the commissioner’s and the County Council to move forward.
Terri Hanson and Sherry Fagner of the Pulaski County Health Department update the commissioner’s on their progress with anti-terrorism measures as well as continued preparations in the event of a pandemic flu.
Hanson also said the county is in dire need of a new septic ordinance, which the commissioner’s encouraged her to move forward on drafting a new ordinance.
“It is going to be a lot stricter than the ordinance now,” Hanson said.
The current ordinance dates back about 15 years and is not up to current codes and standards.
The commissioner’s decided to move forward on a barking dog ordinance proposed by a concerned citizen.
The ordinance will be written up by a lawyer, taking into account exemptions such as hunters and giving residents an allotted amount of time to silence their dogs before law enforcement can step in.
Larry Brock said the EMS department is being reimbursed by many insurance companies and individuals for usage expenses, the trucks are in good working order and EMS workers are becoming more involved in the community.
“Since Jan. 1 we have had no patient complaints,” Brock said.
Trucks are on the road within three minutes of receiving the message on the pager.
The recycling and transfer station is in the black and more than halfway through its yearly budget already.
Ed Clark delivered a report on the station saying sales are good with the price of steel and other metals in the current market, but he is concerned with the rising fuel costs.
Rita Carpenter, vice president of the County Council, said she realized many departments will be coming to the Council for more gas money in the future.
Verizon Wireless is looking to put together a revised phone contract for the upcoming year including an 8 percent discount on talking plans and 12 percent discount on data.
Commissioner Mike Tiede said the county has been very pleased with their Verizon service and is glad to move forward with it.
Lastly, Christi Hoffa has been looking at the employee handbooks and bringing them up-to-date on items such as overtime and benefits for different positions and job duties.
The next County Commissioner’s meeting will be June 2 at 8 a.m.
Against the odds
When Chris Nielsen’s left hand started shaking two decades ago, he kept living life and attempting to ignore the problem.
By the following year, 1989, there was pain and nervousness added on to the shaking. Nielsen was having trouble eating and doing his job.
At a physical exam the next year, the Winamac resident was told he had the most hyperactive reflexes the doctor had ever seen. It was then he knew something was definitely wrong.
After four years of pain and shakiness, Nielsen was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, more commonly know as ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease.
According to the ALS Association, life expectancy of an ALS patient is two to five years, but more than half the patients live more than three years.
Nielsen went on with life, despite living with deep depression. The ALS kept progressing.
“It used to be a depression that overwhelmed me,” Nielsen said. “But it has made me be the person I am today.”
In 1995, he suffered a back injury at work which caused him to take a step back from life and exit the working world.
Since then, his ALS progression has slowed dramatically. He attributes this to being away from the many toxins he had been exposed to at his job, which have the potential to cause permanent nerve damage and chronic health conditions. His employer paid him workers compensation for the ALS.
Today, at age 46, Nielsen is still living a strongly independent life. He can drive a car, run errands, take care of himself, and live a pretty normal life.
He receives regular epiderals of steroids as well as botox injections to help with the pain and progression of the disease.
“ALS has a lot of the achy-breaky pain,” he said.
In 1994, Nielsen faced yet another scary moment, but a great moment in his life. He got married.
“I’m lucky to have a better half that’s willing to pick up where I can’t go on,” he said.
Nielsen has overcome his depression and now lives a happy life, making only tentative plans and taking life one step at a time.
“I take it one day at a time and that’s just how you have to take it,” he said. “I still have terrible bad days and I don’t know what tomorrow holds.”
On average, every 2 out of 100,000 people has ALS. In Pulaski County, however, there are 20 diagnosed cases out of a population of 13,000.
Sherry Fagner, environmental health specialist for the Pulaski County Health Department, said five to seven of those cases have been diagnosed within the past three years.
Fagner said the state is trying to pinpoint a cause for the increased number of cases in the county, but as of now there is no rhyme or reason to it.
The American Academy of Neurology released information based on a cancer prevention study by the American Cancer Society saying there may be a link between regular exposure to formaldehyde and ALS.
In fact, researchers found people regularly exposed to formaldehyde were 34 percent more likely to develop ALS than those with no exposure to the chemical.
According to statistics from the Environmental Protection Agency’s 1996 Modeled Exposure Concentrations for Indiana of various chemicals, a compound related to formaldehyde called acetaldehyde has a higher concentration in Pulaski county than in other areas of Indiana.
Nielsen said staying active is at the top of his priority list.
“I feel very blessed that I’m still here and going,” he said. “There is hope.”
West Central relay team sets new school record
West Central’s 3200 meter relay team of Cody Feuquay, Jake Tauber, Angus Cameron and Jesse Wuethrich.
Congratulations to the 3200 meter relay team of Cody Feuquay, Jake Tauber, Angus Cameron, and Jesse Wuethrich, who broke the school record in the first race of the evening with a time of 8:52.79. Also scoring for the Trojans were: Wuethrich – first in high jump, second in 800 and fourth in long jump; Travis Nuest – second in discus, shot put and 300 hurdles, third in 110 hurdles; Brandon Wireman – second in high jump; Jake Smidler – second in 100; Jake Tauber – second in 200; Cody Fuequay – second in 3200; Michael Greve – third in 1600; Jason Minix – fourth in 100; Angus Cameron – fourth in 1600; Logan DeVos – third in 400, fourth in 3200; 400 m relay team of Tauber, Smidler, Cody Spencer, and Minix – second; 1600 m relay team of Justin Faler, Minix, Greve, and Cameron – second. Good effort guys!
Winamac names top students of senior class
This year’s Valedictorian, Addison Elston, is the son of Scott Elston and Darla Smith. Addison plans to attend Butler University and has yet to declare a major. While in high school Addison has participated in Peers Educating Peers, Midwest Conference Writing Competition, Midwest Conference Math Competition, Bible study, Peer Facilitating, National Honor Society, Drama Club, Fall plays, Spring musicals, Student Council, Senior Class President, and has played football, track, cross country, soccer, basketball and baseball.
This year’s Salutatorian, Krista Podell, is the daughter of Randall and Rosetta Podell. Krista plans to attend the University of Indianapolis majoring in Pre-medical Biology and Chemistry. After receiving her Bachelor’s Degree, she plans to attend Indiana University School of Medicine to become a pediatrician. While in high school Krista has participated in Student Council, Science Olympiad, Indiana Junior Science and Humanities Symposium, Academic Superbowl, Academic Spellbowl, Students Against Destructive Decisions, Sunshine Society, Midwest Conference Math team, National Honor Society, Science Research, Choir, ISSMA Solo & Ensemble, Spring musicals, Fall plays, and volleyball.
UPDATE: Solano dies one month after fatally shooting wife
On Friday, May 9, Thomas Solano was transferred from North Shore Nursing Home to North Lake Methodist Hospital in Gary, Indiana. He died Saturday, May 10 at Northlake Methodist Hospital in Gary.
Solano shot and killed his wife, 35-year-old Denise Solano outside their home in Monterey on April 13.
Pulaski County Chamber discusses memberships
The Chamber of Commerce debated membership issues at last Tuesday’s meeting.
Board members discussed event involvement of non-Chamber members in the “It’s All About Mom” event for Mother’s Day. There was also concern about future involvement of non-Chamber members.
President Robin Scott said the Chamber’s mission is unclear regarding whether non-Chamber members can be involved in events.
“Membership is our life,” Karrie Sutton said. “If there’s no membership, nothing will be done.”
The Chamber agreed to some extent non-members should profit as well. Chamber membership gives businesses access to business building tools and other events.
The board agreed events such as “It’s All About Mom” are a good way to draw in new members.
“We should have one event to draw membership,” said Secretary Tina Foust.
Administrative Assistant Alex Haschel said the Chamber has 22 new members since December, and membership losses have been due to business closings.
Scott said without an updated membership list, it was difficult to target only Chamber members for the Mother’s Day event. Also, the group agreed part of their mission is to help bring in business to the area.
The Chamber approved a budget of $500 for the Father’s Day promotion next month.
The farmer’s market move to the Goble Heal Chiropractice parking lot was approved by the Chamber. The board discussed ways to bring in more local vendors including artisans and bakers.
On other business, the Reality Store program went well, but will be moved from spring to fall for the 2008-2009 school year due to the ISTEP test.
Haschel said the guidance counselors and others involved hope for more community involvement in the future.
The Community Development Commission will begin offering classes to entrepreneurs. The CDC is looking into creating a business incubator for the county to help during the early stages of entrepreneurship.
Haschel said the Tourism Council will be hosting a town-wide yard sale July 19.
She said she hopes to partner with area non-profit organizations as an opportunity for them to raise money as well.
Winamac Softball
The Winamac softball team traveled to Caston Tuesday night and came home with a conference victory 17-3. The Warriors belted out 17 hits on the night. Whitlee Scott was 4-5 with two RBI's, Erika Redweik went 3-5 with 3 RBI's, and Rachel Younger was 3-5.
Rachel Younger started the game on the mound for Winamac but was relieved after one inning because of soreness in her shoulder. Whitlee Scott came in the second and went the rest of the way for the Warriors. Scott picked up her eighth win of the season.
The Warriors are now 17-5 (5-0 MWC). Winamac will play Frontier in a Midwest Conference game Friday night at Winamac. The game is scheduled to start at 5 p.m., and the Warriors will be recognizing their seniors before the game. The JV teams will play following the varsity game.
The Winamac Softball team lost its first conference game of the season Friday night. The Warriors played well, but Frontier came away with the win 5-3.
Winamac scored the first run of the game in the second inning. The Warriors added two more in the fifth with the help of a walk, two Frontier errors, and an RBI sacrifice fly by Whitlee Scott.
The score remained 3-0 until the top of the seventh when Frontier rallied for three runs to tie the game. The Falcons then scored two in the extra inning to take the lead. Winamac could not score in the extra frame.
Coach Belcher’s Comments: I am very pleased with how our team played tonight. Frontier is a good team, and they put some hits together when their backs were against the wall. Even though we lost, I am proud of our effort tonight.
Winamac’s Record: 17-6. Frontier’s Record: 17-3.
The Lady Warriors lost two games Saturday in a double header against Delphi. In game one, Delphi pounded out 13 hits and 15 runs, and the Winamac offense was held scoreless. The Warrior defense aided Delphi’s scoring effort by committing an uncharacteristic seven errors.
In the second game, Winamac lost by a score of 3-5. Winamac’s Whitlee Scott went 3-4 with a double, Cortney Brandt was 3-4 with two doubles and two RBI’s, and Erika Redweik added a double and an RBI.
Winamac is now 17-8 and 5-1 in conference play. The Lady Warriors will play MWC opponent Tri-County Monday, at home, 5 p.m.
Boone Grove and Culver will open sectional play on Monday, May 19 at 6 p.m., as the Lady Warriors will host this year’s girls’ softball sectional. Winamac will play in the second game at 8 p.m. against North Newton.
The winner of game one will play the winner of game two in the third game held at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, May 20. Hebron will play North Judson in the fourth game at 8 p.m. and on Thursday, May 22 the the winner of game three and the winner of game 4 will play for the championship at 7 p.m..
Admission is $5 per session or $8 for the full sectional ticket.
The winner will advance to the LaVille Regional on Saturday, May 31.
West Central names top students of senior class
Dispute arises at Town Council meeting as board is forced to explain “eyesore” list
Community Calendar
• The Pulaski Memorial Hospital Auxiliary will host a South Bend Chocolate Sale in the hospital lobby from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. There will be a wide variety of light and dark chocolates, sugar-free, coffees and gifts.
Saturday, May 10
• Chili Benefit Dinner from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Winamac VFW for Tim and Tammy Floyd of Winamac. The band “Money Shot” starts at 8 p.m. Chili, cornbread and a Silent Auction featuring: Four White Sox Tickets & Parking Pass, Chicago Cubs Tickets, Metal Garden Bench, Golf Passes, and much more including beauty sets, gift certificates, and items from local businesses and individuals.. Dine in or carry-out. $5/person with kids under 10 free! Come bid at our Silent Auction featuring.
• Winamac Kiwanis Club and the Pulaski County Family Y are sponsoring their third annual scenic bike tour along the historic Tippecanoe River. Tippecanoe & Bicycles Too! is part of the Kiwanis Spring Fest scheduled for Saturday, May 10. The tour begins at 7 a.m. (e.d.t.) at the Winamac Town Park historic pavilion and features 12 mile, 25 mile and 63 mile routes winding through Pulaski and Monterey. A free 2-mile kids ride for ages 12 & under (sponsored by Town & Country Women) has been added this year. Call the Pulaski County Y at 574-946-4150 for details and registration information.
• Winamac Spring Fest on the streets of downtown Winamac from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Arts & craft vendors, activities, car show, games, inflatables and more!
• The Pulaski County Extension Chords will present “Jukebox Memories” at 7 p.m. in the Winamac High School Socialtorium. The ladies will perform songs by The Everly Brothers, The Supremes, The Carpenters, Elvis, The Beach Boys, and many other artists of the 50’s and 60’s. They will also have some fun reminders of our favorite TV programs from that era. Tickets are available for a donation of $8 from any chorus member or at the door. The doors will open at 6:30 p.m. e.d.t. and the curtain will go up at 7 p.m. For tickets or more information contact Pam Zahora at 574-225-0273, Jeannie King at 574-842-3760, Mary Cotner at 574-946-6382 or Nancy Rowe at 219-843-5313.
Tuesday, May 13
• The WHS/WCHS Alumni Organization will be meeting at the Pulaski County Highway garage at 7 p.m.
• V. I. P. (Visually Impaired People) will meet at 1 p.m. (EDT) at the Von Tobel Center, 115 W. Pearl, Winamac. Anyone with vision problems, and other visitors are always welcome to attend. For transportation in Pulaski County 574-946-6500 Questions? Contact Johanna Gudas 574-946-6126 or Maurine Wilder 574-946-3836.
Friday, May 16
• Movie Night at Pulaski Presbyterian Church starting at 7:30 p.m. All ages welcome. Popcorn and drinks provided. Admission is an item for the food pantry. Call 574-595-6231 or 574-242-0036 with any questions.
Saturday, May 17
• Project T.I.P.Y., "Together Improving People’s Yards," is an all volunteer one day event planned for 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Winamac Town Park to distribute flowers, starter trees, mulch and other yard items to households in Pulaski County experiencing damage to their yards as a result of the recent flooding and heavy rains. For further information or to volunteer, e-mail projecttipy@hotmail.com or write to Project T.I.P.Y., P.O. Box 1023, Winamac, IN 46996. Project T.I.P.Y. is being sponsored by PCHS, Inc. as a community project.
Sunday, May 25
• The faith community of the United Methodist Church invites you to experience all the adventure and fun of six famous Old Testament stories during a special sermon series, “From the Investigations of Indianapolis Jones”. This six week series will feature a zoologist’s take on what happened with Noah and the Ark (May 25 at Medaryville UMC), an armorer’s view of the confrontation between David and Goliath (June 1 at Medaryville UMC), a sailor’s whale of a tale account of Jonah (June 15 at Medaryville UMC), a demolition consultant’s consideration of Joshua and his project code-named “Jericho” (June 29 at Medaryville UMC), a “to-tell-the-truth” look at the encounter between God’s prophet Elijah and the followers of Baal (June 8 at Francesville UMC), and a chat with a friend of Daniel about what to do “when bad things (being tossed into a den of lions) happen to good people” (June 22 at Francesville UMC). All services are at 10 a.m. EST. Everyone is welcome! For more information, please contact Pastor Susan Jennys at 567-9926.
Tuesday, May 27
• Second Annual Sheriff's Memorial Service will be from 4 to 6 p.m. featuring a static display of emergency vehicles, LifeLine Helicopter, open house and refreshments.
Wednesday, May 28
• Pulaski County Human Services, Inc. Annual Health/ Resource Fair and Volunteer Recognition Picnic sponsored by Northwest Indiana Community Action Agency. At the Winamac Town Park Community Building. Health screenings, information on housing, services, finances, volunteering, employment options and more. Fair: 8:30-10:45 a.m. Workshop: 10:45 to 11:45 a.m. Picnic: 11:45 a.m. Recognition: 12:15 to 1:15 p.m. All times EDT. Transportation provided by Arrowhead Country Public Transit. Call 574-946-6500 or 1-877-946-4211 by Monday, May 26 for a ride. Call for more information or email pulaskipchs@embarqmail.com or go online at www.pulaskionline.org/humanservices. Pulaski County Human Services is funded in part by Title III Older American Act.
June 14, 2008
• The WHS/WCHS Alumni Banquet will be held June 14 at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Winamac. Doors open at 5 p.m.
Relay For Life
• Has winter lasted too long for you? Escape the winter blahs with the tropical aromas of smooth coconut, splashed with hints of lemon verbena and rich, creamy vanilla all in “Coconut Lime Verbena,” this month candle available at the First National Bank of Monterey. Each 16 oz. candle is $16 with $5 going to cancer research.
Notices
• The WHS/WCHS Alumni Association is requesting address changes be mailed to PO Box 251, Winamac, IN 46996 or emailed to winamacalumni@yahoo.com.
• The Pulaski Memorial Auxiliary will accept applications for Interest Fee loans until June 1, 2008. Applicants must be Pulaski Co. residents; full time students who plan to study Nursing, or other medically related fields. For Information call 946-6097.
• K-IRPC Head Start is currently taking applications for the 2008-09 classes in Pulaski County. If you have a child between the ages of 3 and 5 years old, and would like more information, call 574-946-4211.
West Central Sports Shorts
Varsity Track
• At the April 25 Bi-County track meet the West Central boys’ varsity track team finished a respectable second with 119 points to first-place finisher Winamac’s 190. Knox was 3rd with 64, followed by North Judson with 56 and Oregon-Davis with 15. Outstanding efforts in a strong wind gave the Trojans their best finish in several years. Travis Nuest broke his own discus record finishing 1st with a throw of 149’9”. He was also 4th in shot, 2nd in the 300 hurdles and 3rd in the 110 hurdles. Jesse Wuethrich was 1st in high jump and a close 2nd in the 800. The 3200 m relay team of Feuquay, Tauber, Cameron, and Wuethrich dominated the race to finish 1st. Cody Fuequay also controlled the 3200 run and was a game 2nd in the 1600. Michael Greve was 3rd in the 1600 and 6th in the 400. Jake Tauber was 3rd in the 800. Angus Cameron was 4th in the 800. Dalton Powell was 4th in the 300 hurdles, 5th in the 110 hurdles, and 6th in the long jump. Jake Smidler was 4th in the 100 and 6th in the 200. Jason Minix was 5th in the 400 and 6th in the 100. Brandon Wireman was 4th in high jump. Jared Patterson was 6th in the 3200. The 400 m relay team of Smidler, Powell, Spencer, and Minix finished a close 2nd. Great job guys!
• The girls’ track team defeated North White May 1, with a final score of 97-26. Several girls added to the scoring for the Trojans. Courtney Miller, Chantel Conley, and Sarah Viktora took all three places in the discus and Chantel Conley, Courtney Nelson, and Kayla Bennitt took all three places in the shot put, Vanessa Wuerthner finished 1st in high jump, Andria McCarty finished 1st in the 100 and 300 hurdles, Caity Sams 1st in the 1600, Sabrina Tanner 1st in the 400, Audra Leman 1st in the 3200, Makenna Hamilton 2nd in long jump and 3rd in high jump, Sabrina Risner 2nd in high jump, Carlee Davis 2nd in 100 and 300 hurdles and the 200, Karissa Neihouser 2nd in the 100, Kirstie Bailey 2nd in the 400 and 800, Jenny VanOort 2nd in the 3200, Dori Barkho 3rd in long jump, Shasta Ledford 3rd in the 100 and 200, Emily Boehning 3rd in the 1600, Lauren Werner 3rd in the 400, and Hannah Grieger 3rd in the 800. Good job, girls!
Softball
• The softball team split a double header at North Judson on Saturday, April 26. They won the first game 9-4 with solid hitting from the entire line-up and consistent pitching from Alyssa Morgan. In game 2, defensive miscues by the Trojans gave the game to the Bluejays. Lindsey Seats pitched well but she got little offensive and defensive support.
The softball teams traveled to South Newton on April 29, and drove home with a 4-2 victory in the varsity game. Alyssa Morgan pitched for the win striking out 5 and walking 0. Rylie Pfledderer and Chelsi Laposi had 2 hits each. The JV team led after 3 innings 9-2 but darkness ended the game. Kimmy Conley and Bethany Whited each had 2 hits.
County Commissioners look to save money
The Pulaski County Commissioner’s met Monday morning to help keep the county running smoothly.
Six people attended the 9 a.m. meeting to share reports, audits and county department updates. Most of the reports offered ways to save the county money.
Larry Brock said emergency services revenue increased last month when he presented the EMS report to Commissioner’s Michael Tiede, Terry Young and Paul Grandstaff.
Last month, EMS was able to arrive at the scene within seven minutes, with scene time around 17 minutes.
Brock said a majority of patients are taken to Pulaski Memorial Hospital, but patients can be taken to hospitals in the surrounding counties such as Jasper and Starke.
“We support the nearest facility,” Brock said. “But we cannot force a patient to go to any hospital.”
EMS is also tracking personal use of the three ambulances more closely due to rising gasoline prices.
Brian Liechty of KL Benefits discussed different options to save the county money on employee health insurance.
One option is to increase the insurance deductible back to three thousand dollars after it was lowered last year to help out county employers.
Another option is to eliminate the traditional insurance plan, currently used by 80 percent of beneficiaries. The county would then only offer the Health Savings Account, which is currently used by the other 20 percent of beneficiaries.
Tiede said since employees will not be getting large raises this year, he would prefer to not take back any help already offered.
“My goal is to try and find a couple thousand dollars here,” Liechty said.
Dale Fishtorn presented the maintenance report, including centralizing cleaning supplies to one location to cut back on costs.
To further reduce costs, Theresa Anderson is working on a project for the supply office to centralize and streamline office supplies.
“After going through all this I think it’s going to benefit us,” Young said.
The county is looking to save eight percent on its Verizon Wireless contract. The commissioner’s discussed blocking texts and downloads from certain phones, but not from others.
Tiede said they would look into a text-messaging package for phone users.
A dog demonstration was approved for Spring Fest. Spring Fest Chairman Steve Morrison requested the event.
Other items covered included a motion to deny spending special emergency funding for an 800-megahertz radio for the county coroner and signing payroll claims.
County Commissioners look to save money
The Pulaski County Commissioner’s met Monday morning to help keep the county running smoothly.
Six people attended the 9 a.m. meeting to share reports, audits and county department updates. Most of the reports offered ways to save the county money.
Larry Brock said emergency services revenue increased last month when he presented the EMS report to Commissioner’s Michael Tiede, Terry Young and Paul Grandstaff.
Last month, EMS was able to arrive at the scene within seven minutes, with scene time around 17 minutes.
Brock said a majority of patients are taken to Pulaski Memorial Hospital, but patients can be taken to hospitals in the surrounding counties such as Jasper and Starke.
“We support the nearest facility,” Brock said. “But we cannot force a patient to go to any hospital.”
EMS is also tracking personal use of the three ambulances more closely due to rising gasoline prices.
Brian Liechty of KL Benefits discussed different options to save the county money on employee health insurance.
One option is to increase the insurance deductible back to three thousand dollars after it was lowered last year to help out county employers.
Another option is to eliminate the traditional insurance plan, currently used by 80 percent of beneficiaries. The county would then only offer the Health Savings Account, which is currently used by the other 20 percent of beneficiaries.
Tiede said since employees will not be getting large raises this year, he would prefer to not take back any help already offered.
“My goal is to try and find a couple thousand dollars here,” Liechty said.
Dale Fishtorn presented the maintenance report, including centralizing cleaning supplies to one location to cut back on costs.
To further reduce costs, Theresa Anderson is working on a project for the supply office to centralize and streamline office supplies.
“After going through all this I think it’s going to benefit us,” Young said.
The county is looking to save eight percent on its Verizon Wireless contract. The commissioner’s discussed blocking texts and downloads from certain phones, but not from others.
Tiede said they would look into a text-messaging package for phone users.
A dog demonstration was approved for Spring Fest. Spring Fest Chairman Steve Morrison requested the event.
Other items covered included a motion to deny spending special emergency funding for an 800-megahertz radio for the county coroner and signing payroll claims.
Winamac Supermileage team finishes second
Members of the Supermileage team include: Mason Moyer, Matt Wenzler, Devin Daugherty, Matthew Koepkey, Brandan Geise, Meghan Newman, Aaron McKinley.
Last week at a cold, rainy, and windy O’Reilly Raceway Park, the WCHS Supermileage team managed to overcome mechanical difficulties to finish second place in the state. On a day that saw most teams struggle with gas mileage the team managed a 950 mpg average for three runs with a best run of 1045 mpg.
Following a week of successful practices at the Tippecanoe River State Park, the team was looking forward to having a good performance at the IMSTEA competition. Alas, it was not to be. On their first run mechanical problems with the drive system mysteriously appeared. After some time in the pits the team was able to get a successful run in. Throughout the day mechanical problems kept reappearing, they were made even worse by the rotten weather.
It was not until the final heat of the day that the team was able to finish their 3rd official run, a requirement to compete for the title. Thanks to the outstanding efforts of our drivers Brandan Geise and Meghan Newman along with great backup from the pit crew the team again had a successful season.
Hard work does have it’s rewards as the team was selected for the Sportsmanship Award. This award, selected by other teams in the competition, rewards the team that shows the best sportsmanship buy helping other teams.
Members of the team were: Brandan Geise, Mason Moyer, Devin Daugherty, Matthew Koepkey, Aaron McKinley, Matt Wenzler, and Meghan Newman. Advisors for the team were Brad Moore, Bob Rosenbaum, Josh Jones, and Greg Hildebrandt.
Dansen, Steenburgen make surprise stop in Pulaski County to campaign for Clinton
Keith and Lynda Hurlburt, owners of Cruizers restaurant in Winamac, hosted screen stars Ted Danson and Mary Steenburgen as they campaigned on behalf of Hillary Clinton on Thursday.
News in a small town travels fast and it didn’t take long for the word to get out that former Cheers star Ted Danson and his wife actress Mary Steenburgen were at Cruizers restaurant in Winamac on Thursday afternoon.
Owners of the restaurant, Keith and Lynda Hurlburt, received a phone call on Wednesday from the Clinton campaign office for a reservation for a group of 12 to 15 people for lunch on Thursday. Ted Danson and Mary Steenburgen were campaigning on behalf of Hillary Clinton in the Hoosier State. They were out meeting with voters to share Hillary’s plans to jump start the economy, create new jobs and restore the middle class.
Danson spoke with passion about the race so far and commented that Mrs. Clinton has taken on more attacks than any other candidate. “All she cares about is getting back up and taking care of you, and I think that's a quality that I would like to see in our next president,” Danson told the crowd. “Because the world is going to throw a lot of punches at our next president and it'd be nice to know that they are capable of getting back up and staying focused.”
Actress Mary Steenburgen, spoke of her 30 year friendship with the Clintons. The actress stated that she believes Hillary Clinton is the most experienced and qualified person to be our next president. She is from Little Rock, Arkansas and former President Bill Clinton gave her away when she and Danson got married. The couple pointed out that Indiana is a critical state in the primary and everyone has the opportunity to help decide the next president of the United States.
Danson and Steenburgen took the time to sign autographs and pose for pictures with patrons of Cruizers before hitting the road for more campaign stops.
Pulaski County sees high voter turnout at the polls
The highly controversial Democratic Presidential nomination was won by Hillary Clinton with 60.73% of the vote in Pulaski County. John McCain won the Republican nomination, earning 77.03% of the votes.
The Democratic Governor nomination was won by Jill Long Thompson with 56.55%.
Luke Puckett earned the most votes for Republican United States Representative District 2 with 53.35%.
State Senator District 18 Republican winner was Phillip R. Messer with 40.34% of the votes.
Terry L. Young won the most votes for County Commissioner District 1 with 63.44%.
County Council at Large Republican winners were: Roger Querry with 18.19%, Robert Parish Foerg with 17.42%, and Jerry A. “Jay” Sullivan with 17.04%
Appointed to the Eastern Pulaski School Board for Monroe Township were: Cathrynrae “Cathy” Fritz with 27%, Chris Schramm with 25.10%, and Larry L. Beach with 25.19% of the votes.
Jeffrey Allen Tanner was elected to the West Central School Board at Large with 64.84% of the votes.
Where Do I Vote?
Beaver St. James Salem United Church Of Christ
10934 West 600 South, Francesville
Cass Medaryville Community Center
125 S. Railroad Street, Medaryville
Franklin Winamac Fish & Wildlife Area
1493 West 500 North, Winamac
Harrison Gilsinger John Deere Implement
US 35 South, 1235 E. 250 S., Winamac
Indian Creek Tippecanoe Christian Church
5292 West 750 South, Winamac
Jefferson Bethel Bible Church
6966 West State Road 14, Winamac
Monroe Jim Dobson Ford-Mercury
Precinct #1 806 N. Plymouth Rd., Winamac
Monroe Winamac Fire Station
Precinct #2 120 W. Main Street, Winamac
Monroe County Highway Garage
Precinct #3 1131 Us 35 North, Winamac
Monroe Winamac Municipal Utilities
Precinct #4 623 West 11th Street (Sr 14), Winamac
Rich Grove Bethel Bible Church
6966 West SR 14, Winamac
Salem Francesville Fire Station
122 East Montgomery St., Francesville
Tippecanoe Monterey Town Hall
7033 N. Walnut St., Monterey
Van Buren Star City Community Center
2550 East Key St., Star City
White Post Christian Church Annex
Corner Of Ridge & National St.,
Medaryville
Winamac Boys’ Middle School Track
Ben Taylor
Winamac vs. Knox • April 23
The Winamac Middle School boys smashed the Knox Redskins 83-26 on Wednesday, April 23. They are now 2-1 on the season. The Warriors swept two events, both relays and won 11 events to earn the victory “Warrior of the Meet” is Ben Taylor. Ben won both the shot and discus convincingly. Ben is a hard worker who keeps improving every week. Ben has been a great mentor to the younger throwers this year.
Community Calendar
• West Central School Corporation will be hosting the Indiana Blood Center Blood Drive on Wednesday, April 30, 2008 from 7:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. If you are over 17 years of age, please call Arlene Metzger, School Nurse, at 567-9741 to schedule an appointment. The blood drive will be held in the Auxiliary Gym.
Thursday, May 1
• Sandy Roth, NP at Monterey Family Medicine, is sponsoring a community walk program free to all those interested. To learn more about the event, attend the informational meeting at 6 pm at the Monterey Health Clinic. Guest speaker will be Sue Nies on “Healthy Eating”. Participants in the event will receive educational information, packets, and earn bids for a drawing at the end of the program. The first 25 to register will win a free water bottle. Call 574-542-2552.
Saturday, May 3
• The Winamac chapter of Psi Iota Xi will host its Third Annual Celebrating the Arts Festival from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Church of the Heartland. CTA features a Judged Children’s Art Contest, artist demonstrations and displays, Make ‘n Take tables for kids and Books are Fun. This year, Elmo and Spongebob will attend to greet visitors. There is a $1 admission fee. Children entered in the art contest attend for free.
• Pulaski County Human Services Inc. will present May Day- May Day 2008 “Senior Citizens Gone Wild” fundraiser from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the West Central Auxiliary Gym for senior citizens and families. Admission is free and activities include corn hole tourney, old timer baseball, hoops, rockers, hula hoop, relays, cake walks, generation games, concessions, great grandbaby contest and much more. For more information, please call 219-843-5600 or 877-946-4211. Transportation is available upon request.
Sunday, May 4
• 30-Hour Famine Breakfast sponsored by the Nazarene Youth will be held at the Winamac Nazarene Church from 7:30 to 10 a.m. Freewill donation.
Tuesday, May 6
• Voting in Pulaski County will be conducted at designated precincts as has always been done in prior elections. Please call the Clerk’s office at 946-3313 if you have any questions regarding your polling location.
Thursday, May 8
• The Pulaski Memorial Hospital Auxiliary will host a South Bend Chocolate Sale in the hospital lobby from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. There will be a wide variety of light and dark chocolates, sugar-free, coffees and gifts.
Saturday, May 10
• Chili Benefit Dinner from 4 to 7 p.m. at the