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   Viewed 175 times - Published on Mar 5, 2010

Clifty Creek Water Quality Tests Dramatically Better

An environmental problem years in the making has been successfully remedied according to the Clifty Creek Watershed Project. The result is the removal of its designation as impaired waters by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management.

Bacteria from manure spreading, pasturing of livestock, leaking, and failing septic systems, and wildlife, had polluted lower Clifty Creek for years. Based on data collected from water quality sampling, the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) added one waterbody/segment of lower Clifty Creek to Indiana's 2002 Clean Water Act (CWA) section 303(d) list of impaired waters for Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria.

Using CWA section 319 funds, project partners educated stakeholders about sound agricultural management and installed best management practices (BMPs) throughout the watershed. Recent monitoring data show that the lower Clifty Creek segment meets water quality standards for bacteria, resulting in IDEM proposing to remove the segment from the state's 2010 CWA section 303(d) list of impaired waters.

Problem
The Lower Clifty Creek watershed lies within mostly agricultural areas of south-central Indiana in Bartholomew County, just southeast of the City of Columbus. This portion of Clifty Creek (8.12 miles in length) is the last watershed before Clifty Creek joins the East Fork White River. Upstream of this segment are two smaller streams, Sloan Branch and an unnamed tributary from the Columbus reservoir, that contribute to Clifty Creek and influence the lower segment of Clifty Creek. In 2002, IDEM sampled water quality in this section of the state to determine if waterbodies were impaired for bacteria and which ones would require a total maximum daily load (TMDL) report. Data revealed levels of E. coli that exceeded both the single sample and geomean water quality standards for bacteria, resulting in the listing of this segment on the 2002 CWA section 303(d) list.

IDEM identified nonpoint source runoff as the main contributor of E. coli. Key bacteria sources in the watershed include manure spreading, pasturing of livestock, leaking and failing septic systems, and wildlife. Point sources of E. coli in the basins include three small community wastewater treatment plants, none of which has a history of violations, further supporting IDEM's assertion that nonpoint sources caused the E. coli impairments.

Project Highlights
IDEM funded, using CWA section 319 funds, three projects in the greater Clifty Creek watershed. These projects resulted in the locally-led development of a comprehensive watershed management plan, identification of critical areas and needed actions, and targeting of resources to the installation of BMPs designed to improve water quality. Water quality improvement projects began in 2003 and continue through 2009. Allocated Section 319 grant funds total $1,088,175.00, with an additional $532,742.00 contributed as local match for all projects. Specifically, the Bartholomew County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) received a grant in 2003 to develop the Clifty Creek Watershed Plan and two additional grants in 2005 and 2007 to implement the plan through the installation of BMPs, coordination of other partner water quality improvement activities, and outreach/education.

Map 1 illustrates the locations of BMPs installed using section 319 grant funds. BMPs were installed or implemented on almost 10% of the surface area of the Lower Clifty Creek sub-watershed. These BMPs include prescribed grazing, pasture and hayland planting, heavy use area protection for livestock, residue management using no-till and green manure crop cover, alternate watering facilities as well as use exclusions with fencing and stream crossings for livestock. Nutrient management plans were also developed for several farm operations. Also shown are locations throughout the greater Clifty Creek watershed where water quality data was collected by IDEM, the US Geological Survey, and volunteers from the Clifty Creek Watershed Project.

Results
In 2007, IDEM assessed the water quality in the larger Clifty Creek watershed to determine if a TMDL was still needed. Results from that survey indicated that E. coli levels have dropped sufficiently in lower Clifty Creek to warrant the removal of the 2002 303(d) listed segment of Clifty Creek watershed from the 303(d) list. This delisting will occur in 2010. Table 1 summarizes this information:



Partners and Funding
The Bartholomew County SWCD closely worked with the Decatur County SWCD, the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) regional conservation staff, and a number of local and state partners including: Indiana Department of Natural Resources; Indiana State Department of Agriculture (ISDA); Hope Hardwoods; Bartholomew County Cattleman’s Association; Strand Associates; Bartholomew County and Decatur County health departments; kidsCommons Children’s Museum; Hoosier River Watch; Indiana Project WET; Southside, Rockcreek and LF Smith Elementary Schools; Columbus East High School; Sand Creek Watershed Project; Friends of the Muscatatuck River Society; Indiana-Purdue University Columbus; and Columbus City Utilities. Partners contributed resources to support education and outreach to stakeholders, water quality monitoring, and technical support for the installation of BMPs.

Considerable funds and technical resources have been focused within the larger Clifty Creek watershed. For example, the Decatur County SWCD has received $70,000.00 in Clean Water Indiana (CWI) grants and approximately $18,000.00 in Emergency Conservation Assistance Program (ECAP) grants from the Indiana State Department of Agriculture for water quality improvement projects. The Bartholomew County SWCD received $70,000.00 in CWI grants and approximately $87,400 in ECAP grants for similar projects.

The NRCS, working with SWCDs and the watershed project, provided general technical support to producers managing over 106,000 acres in the larger Clifty Creek watershed from 2003 through 2009. Additionally, NRCS’s Environmental Quality Improvements Program supported water quality improvement projects on 46,729 acres, which included nutrient management plans covering 15,562 acres, pest management plans for 13,701 acres, and 8,745 acres of residue management. Also, NRCS’s Conservation Reserve Program supported the creation of 54 acres of riparian zones, 185 acres of grassed waterways, and 152 acres in filter strips.




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Headcount at Ivy Tech Community College-Columbus continues to increase. As of the first day of classes, August 23, total headcount for the Columbus region was 4,631 as compared with 4,530 on the first day of fall semester classes last year; this represents an increase of 2 percent. FTE (Full-time equivalent) numbers for the first day of this fall semester are 3,425, representing an increase of 17 percent over last year's FTE number of 2,927. These numbers indicate that more students are taking classes full time this year than in the past.<br><br>Ivy Tech Community College students statewide are now being counted differently from the method used in the past. Beginning this fall semester, the total headcount for each region is determined by the number of students listing that region as their home campus. In the previous method, students were counted based upon both home campus and course campus. <br><br>Ivy Tech's Columbus region includes the counties of Bartholomew, Brown, Decatur, Jackson, Jennings, and the southern portion of Johnson. A total of 111,452 students were enrolled statewide for classes on the first day of fall semester; this represents an increase of 4 percent over last year at this same time. FTE numbers statewide increased by 6 percent for the first day of fall semester to a record high of 69,656.<br><br>Emphasis is being placed on assistance for new students in the form of new policies, including a statewide, mandatory student orientation for all new, first-time, degree-seeking students. In addition, the college has implemented mandatory advising and placement in student success courses based on assessment scores.<br><br>"Faculty and staff at Ivy Tech are focused on assisting students to reach graduation," Ivy Tech-Columbus chancellor John Hogan said. "The new policies will further support area residents as they reach for higher educational goals." <br><br><i>About Ivy Tech Community College<br><br>Ivy Tech Community College is the state's largest public post-secondary institution and the nation's largest singly-accredited statewide community college system with more than 165,000 students enrolled annually. Ivy Tech has campuses throughout Indiana. It serves as the state's engine of workforce development, offering affordable degree programs and training that are aligned with the needs of its community along with courses and programs that transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana. It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association.</i><br><br>::::third::::<br> Headcount At Ivy-Tech Columbus Increases
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The Indiana State Department of Health recently released the Indiana Medical Error Reporting System (MERS) annual report, which shows a significant decrease in the number of reported stage 3 or 4 pressure ulcers (commonly known as "bed sores"). Ninety-four medical error events were reported in 2009, compared to 105 reported each year in 2008 and 2007.<br><br>"I am greatly encouraged by the decrease in stage 3 and 4 pressure ulcers," said State Health Commissioner Gregory Larkin, M.D. "The medical error data has been instrumental in increasing awareness of patient safety.<br><br>"The purpose of the Medical Error Reporting System is to identify areas for improvement and then use that data to focus our efforts on improving quality of care for Hoosiers. MERS identified pressure ulcers as a problem, so we launched the Indiana Pressure Ulcer Initiative. The decrease in the number of pressure ulcers is likely linked to that initiative."<br><br>The Indiana Pressure Ulcer Initiative began in June 2008 and concludes in September 2010. More than 230 health care facilities and agencies participated in the Initiative. The initiative focused on improving facility systems through timely assessments, identifying risk factors, and enhancing care coordination. <br><br>Other highlights from the 2009 report follow:<br><br>Of the 94 reported events, 89 occurred at hospitals and 5 occurred at ambulatory surgery centers; 29 of the 94 reported events were retention of a foreign object in a patient after surgery; 22 events of stage 3 or 4 pressure ulcers acquired after admission to the facility; and 17 events of surgery performed on the wrong body part. <br> <br>In January 2005 Governor Daniels issued an executive order creating the medical error reporting system. This year's report is the fourth report issued by the department. <br><br>The 2009 MERS Report may be found on the State Department of Health Web site at: www.statehealth.IN.gov by clicking on "Medical Errors Reporting System."<br><br>MERS requires hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, abortion clinics, and birthing centers to report to the Indiana State Department of Health 28 reportable events in the following categories: surgical, products or devices, patient protection, care management, environmental and criminal.<br><br>Each facility is required to report the event, as well as the facility where the event occurred, and the quarter and calendar year of the event. MERS only collects data on the number and category of reported events. It does not collect specific information about the event; distinguish between events that result in death and serious disability; events that result in less than death or serious disability; "near misses;" and root cause analysis.<br><br><br>::::second:::: State Dept. Of Health Releases Indiana Medical Errors Report
   from Sep 6, 2010



Indiana singer/songwriter Carrie Newcomer has agreed to allow the Indiana Humanities Council to use her song "I Wish I May, I Wish I Might" as the official theme song for its Food for Thought (FFT) program. <br><br>A celebration of Indiana fairs and food festivals, the song demonstrates the way Indiana's food and culture often are tightly intertwined. The song is from "Before & After," Newcomer's latest recording, and used courtesy of Rounder Records. <br><br>In granting permission for the song's use, Newcomer wrote, "I am delighted to have 'I Wish I May, I Wish I Might' included in the Food for Thought program, which examines and celebrates the ways that food helps to define Indiana's culture. I am excited that this program considers the context of food in art, ethnicity, science, religion, history, law and politics. I am also proud to be included in a project that encourages Hoosiers to share, sample and learn more about the wonderful diversities of cultures represented right here in Indiana, and addresses the local and global issues of hunger, nutrition, obesity, food security, safety and the importance of bringing local foods to our daily table." <br><br>Newcomer added, "'I Wish I May, I Wish I Might' was inspired by the essays 'Carnival" and "Bill and Bunny" by celebrated Indiana author, Philip Gulley, and that it was originally written for a musical/literary performance featuring both writers. I should mention that most of the names listed in this song are the names of real Indiana county fairs!" <br><br>"Carrie is a shining example of the humanities in Indiana, and we're delighted for her to be a part of Food for Thought," said Keira Amstutz, president and CEO of the Indiana Humanities Council. "Carrie performs all over the U.S., Europe and India and sheds a positive light on our state and its culture."<br><br>Newcomer was raised in Elkhart, attended Goshen College, earned a degree from Purdue University and now lives in Bloomington. <br><br>Here are the lyrics to "I Wish I May, I Wish I Might":<br><br>Sweet Corn Days in Oakland City, <br>The Apple Fest in Nappanee, <br>The Blueberry Cavalcade, <br>The Sacred Heart Polish Days, <br>Oktoberfest in Rensselaer, <br>Marshmallow Days in Ligonier, <br>The Feast of the Hunter's Moon, <br>The Pork and Pumpkin Rendezvous.<br><br>At this year's county fair<br>All our friends will be there.<br>Gather kin and cousins near, <br>And everything we love is here.<br><br>Soybean Fest in Rising Sun<br>Scarecrow Days in Wanatah<br>The Bean Blossom Jamboree, <br>Maple Syrup Fest in Wawasee, <br>Popcorn Fair in Versailles, <br>The Mennonite Relief Quilt Sale, <br>A fish fry, gala, holiday, <br>Covered Bridge and Dogwood Days.<br><br>There'll be fireworks and lemonade<br>A tractor pull and fine parade.<br>There'll be a gospel jubilee, <br>Right before they crown the Sausage Queen.<br><br>Bingo games and, polka bands, <br>Arts and crafts made by hand, <br>Pierogies, sweet corn on a stick, <br>Carnival rides think of it, <br>Now I am grown and miles away, <br>>From apple nights and limestone days, <br>I wish I may I wish I might, <br>Be at the county fair tonight,<br><br>The song and full CDs by Carrie Newcomer can be purchased from http://carrienewcomer.com/#carrie-newcomer-store-music-dvds-shirts.html%E2%80%9D.<br><br>About Food for Thought<br>Food for Thought is a statewide program, two-year program of the Indiana Humanities Council that encourages Hoosiers to think, read and talk about food online and in person through events, festivals, public conversations, reading programs, a traveling exhibit, community gardens and more. <br><br><i>Food For Thought partners include Indiana's Family of Farmers-a coalition of agriculture commodity groups-as well as Indiana State Department of Agriculture, Indiana Historical Society and the Indiana State Fair.<br><br>About the Indiana Humanities Council<br>The Indiana Humanities Council connects people, opens minds and enriches lives by creating and facilitating programs that encourage people to think, read, talk and listen. As a convener, leader and partner, the Council promotes the public humanities and engages Indiana's community of minds to create stronger, more vibrant communities. Learn more at www.indianahumanities.org</i><br> Carrie Newcomer Song Official New FFT Anthem
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   from Jul 22, 2010



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   from Jun 22, 2010



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   from Jun 4, 2010



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Sen. Greg Walker (R-Columbus) announced on April 23 that Hoosiers can now access a complete summary of the new laws approved during the 2010 legislative via his website at <a target=_blank href=http://www.in.gov/Senator.Walker>www.in.gov/Senator.Walker</a> The information can be found under the MEDIA CENTER section (upper right on homepage) and selecting PUBLICATIONS. (Note: A direct link is featured at the end of this article.)<br><br>"By posting this comprehensive summary online, we are providing citizens quick and easy access to the new laws recently passed by the legislature and signed into law by the governor," Walker said. "I encourage not only members of the legal profession, but all interested Hoosiers to log on and see the changes made to the Indiana Code."<br><br>This session, lawmakers worked together to approve 115 new laws pertaining to a range of topics including several new job creation initiatives, government ethics reforms, school funding flexibility, agricultural assessments and child support payments. The publication breaks down the new laws by general subject matter and includes the bill number, public law number and the sections of the Indiana Code affected by the new law.<br><br>Click <a target=_blank href=http://www.in.gov/legislative/senate_republicans/homepages/s41/files/Walker_Summary_of_new_laws.pdf>HERE</a> for a direct link.<br><br> Sen. Walker Announces Resource To View New Laws
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<b>DONNA'S DAY: CREATIVE FAMILY FUN<br>By Donna Erickson</b><br><br><img border=0 src=../article-photos/donna415.jpg hspace=8 vspace=5><br><br><br><br>::::start::::While millions of enthusiastic basketball fans recently made their Basketball National Championship college team picks, thousands of high-school seniors with acceptance letters in hand began the process of whittling down their final pick for the college they'll attend this fall. For them, it is another kind of ballgame. With a May deadline fast approaching at most colleges, these students are deliberating, crunching numbers, weighing the pros and cons, and some are even revisiting campuses in these final days. <br><br>Big questions loom: Do I want to live near or far away from home? Sunshine or snow? Big city or small town? Will the educational and social environment be a good fit for me? And ultimately, how much will it cost?<br><br>A good college decision is made when preparation and thought are done well in advance of this major life step, according to Dr. Linda Parkyn, professor of Spanish at North Park University in Chicago, who assists parents of young teens in her "College 101" seminars. She believes parents can help students as young as middle-school-age to see a larger purpose in life and to view their education as preparation for their goals. <br>Here are practical tips to help your teens begin thinking about post-high-school and college planning:<br><br><b>1.</b> Expose your children to a variety of people engaged in different types of careers, and talk actively about career choices and vocations. Tell them what you like about your job and explain what is challenging and rewarding.<br><br><b>2.</b> Seek volunteer opportunities to connect each of your children's dispositions, likes and dislikes with potential career options. Discover interests and service projects together, and look for exemplars who can model for your kids.<br><br><b>3.</b> Present college not simply as a job-training site, but as another opportunity to gain tools, flesh out interests, try new things, meet interesting people and see a little more clearly who you are and what you enjoy.<br> <br><b>4.</b> Regularly remind your teens that even though the thought of one day attending college seems exciting, living in the moment and enjoying all that high school has to offer is very important. They will pass this way only once, so encourage them to live in the now while thinking and planning for the future.<br><br>And, for those students who need to decide by May ... good luck!<br><br><br><br><i>Donna Erickson's award-winning television series "Donna's Day" airs on public television nationwide. Visit www.donnasday.com to find out when it airs on your local PBS station and to sign up for Donna's e-newsletter.<br><br>(c) 2010 Donna Erickson<br>Distributed by King Features Synd.</i><br><br> How To Make Picking A College Less Stressful
   from Apr 14, 2010



Deputies are searching for Tamara Fields, age 39 of Columbus. Fields is wanted on warrants out of Bartholomew County Superior Court for Possession of Methamphetamine and Possession of Marijuana. Fields is the current target of Sheriff Marvin Gorbett's Most Wanted List for Bartholomew County.<br><br>The warrants result from cases made by the Columbus Police Department in the past few months.<br><br>Fields is a white female, 5’8”, 160 lbs, with light brown hair and brown eyes. The address listed for Fields is a burned out dwelling in Jewell Village. Investigators believe that Fields is still in the area.<br><br>The public has provided invaluable information in the past in our most wanted series. If anyone has any information as to the whereabouts of Fields, I am asking that they contact our Tip-line at (812) 379-1712. Information can be left anonymously.<br><br><img border=0 src=../article-photos/tamara.jpg hspace=8 vspace=5> <br><br> Bartholomew County's Most Wanted: Tamara Fields
   from Mar 26, 2010



The Flat Rock - Hawcreek School Corporation's new construction and renovation project is progressing nicely. It has been a little over one year since the groundbreaking ceremonies. The videos and photos will give you a glimpse of the project in its current state. The images, however, will soon be outdated as several major moves will occur while students are on Spring Break. One of the most noticeable changes students will encounter upon their return will be the use of the new kitchen and cafeteria areas. <br><br>The Hope Star-Journal will continue to keep you updated with videos and photographs throughout the remainder of the project. Keep watching and reading! <br><br><br>Follow this link to view four new videos of the project:<br><a target=_blank href=http://www.youtube.com/user/hopestarjournal>CLICK HERE TO VIEW</a><br><br><br><br><img border=0 src=../article-photos/FRHC-PROJECT-GALLERY.jpg hspace=8 vspace=5><br><br><br><br><br><br> FRHC - A Sneak Peek At The School Building Project
   from Mar 12, 2010



An environmental problem years in the making has been successfully remedied according to the Clifty Creek Watershed Project. The result is the removal of its designation as impaired waters by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management.<br><br>Bacteria from manure spreading, pasturing of livestock, leaking, and failing septic systems, and wildlife, had polluted lower Clifty Creek for years. Based on data collected from water quality sampling, the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) added one waterbody/segment of lower Clifty Creek to Indiana's 2002 Clean Water Act (CWA) section 303(d) list of impaired waters for Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria. <br><br>Using CWA section 319 funds, project partners educated stakeholders about sound agricultural management and installed best management practices (BMPs) throughout the watershed. Recent monitoring data show that the lower Clifty Creek segment meets water quality standards for bacteria, resulting in IDEM proposing to remove the segment from the state's 2010 CWA section 303(d) list of impaired waters.<br><br><b>Problem</b><br>The Lower Clifty Creek watershed lies within mostly agricultural areas of south-central Indiana in Bartholomew County, just southeast of the City of Columbus. This portion of Clifty Creek (8.12 miles in length) is the last watershed before Clifty Creek joins the East Fork White River. Upstream of this segment are two smaller streams, Sloan Branch and an unnamed tributary from the Columbus reservoir, that contribute to Clifty Creek and influence the lower segment of Clifty Creek. In 2002, IDEM sampled water quality in this section of the state to determine if waterbodies were impaired for bacteria and which ones would require a total maximum daily load (TMDL) report. Data revealed levels of E. coli that exceeded both the single sample and geomean water quality standards for bacteria, resulting in the listing of this segment on the 2002 CWA section 303(d) list.<br><br>IDEM identified nonpoint source runoff as the main contributor of E. coli. Key bacteria sources in the watershed include manure spreading, pasturing of livestock, leaking and failing septic systems, and wildlife. Point sources of E. coli in the basins include three small community wastewater treatment plants, none of which has a history of violations, further supporting IDEM's assertion that nonpoint sources caused the E. coli impairments.<br><br><b>Project Highlights</b><br>IDEM funded, using CWA section 319 funds, three projects in the greater Clifty Creek watershed. These projects resulted in the locally-led development of a comprehensive watershed management plan, identification of critical areas and needed actions, and targeting of resources to the installation of BMPs designed to improve water quality. Water quality improvement projects began in 2003 and continue through 2009. Allocated Section 319 grant funds total $1,088,175.00, with an additional $532,742.00 contributed as local match for all projects. Specifically, the Bartholomew County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) received a grant in 2003 to develop the Clifty Creek Watershed Plan and two additional grants in 2005 and 2007 to implement the plan through the installation of BMPs, coordination of other partner water quality improvement activities, and outreach/education.<br><br>Map 1 illustrates the locations of BMPs installed using section 319 grant funds. BMPs were installed or implemented on almost 10% of the surface area of the Lower Clifty Creek sub-watershed. These BMPs include prescribed grazing, pasture and hayland planting, heavy use area protection for livestock, residue management using no-till and green manure crop cover, alternate watering facilities as well as use exclusions with fencing and stream crossings for livestock. Nutrient management plans were also developed for several farm operations. Also shown are locations throughout the greater Clifty Creek watershed where water quality data was collected by IDEM, the US Geological Survey, and volunteers from the Clifty Creek Watershed Project.<br><br><b>Results</b><br>In 2007, IDEM assessed the water quality in the larger Clifty Creek watershed to determine if a TMDL was still needed. Results from that survey indicated that E. coli levels have dropped sufficiently in lower Clifty Creek to warrant the removal of the 2002 303(d) listed segment of Clifty Creek watershed from the 303(d) list. This delisting will occur in 2010. Table 1 summarizes this information:<br><br><img border=0 src=../article-photos/Clifty.jpg hspace=8 vspace=5><br><br><b>Partners and Funding</b><br>The Bartholomew County SWCD closely worked with the Decatur County SWCD, the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) regional conservation staff, and a number of local and state partners including: Indiana Department of Natural Resources; Indiana State Department of Agriculture (ISDA); Hope Hardwoods; Bartholomew County Cattleman’s Association; Strand Associates; Bartholomew County and Decatur County health departments; kidsCommons Children’s Museum; Hoosier River Watch; Indiana Project WET; Southside, Rockcreek and LF Smith Elementary Schools; Columbus East High School; Sand Creek Watershed Project; Friends of the Muscatatuck River Society; Indiana-Purdue University Columbus; and Columbus City Utilities. Partners contributed resources to support education and outreach to stakeholders, water quality monitoring, and technical support for the installation of BMPs. <br><br>Considerable funds and technical resources have been focused within the larger Clifty Creek watershed. For example, the Decatur County SWCD has received $70,000.00 in Clean Water Indiana (CWI) grants and approximately $18,000.00 in Emergency Conservation Assistance Program (ECAP) grants from the Indiana State Department of Agriculture for water quality improvement projects. The Bartholomew County SWCD received $70,000.00 in CWI grants and approximately $87,400 in ECAP grants for similar projects.<br><br>The NRCS, working with SWCDs and the watershed project, provided general technical support to producers managing over 106,000 acres in the larger Clifty Creek watershed from 2003 through 2009. Additionally, NRCS’s Environmental Quality Improvements Program supported water quality improvement projects on 46,729 acres, which included nutrient management plans covering 15,562 acres, pest management plans for 13,701 acres, and 8,745 acres of residue management. Also, NRCS’s Conservation Reserve Program supported the creation of 54 acres of riparian zones, 185 acres of grassed waterways, and 152 acres in filter strips.<br> Clifty Creek Water Quality Tests Dramatically Better
   from Mar 5, 2010



<img border=0 src=../article-photos/weddle.jpg hspace=8 vspace=5><br><br><b>Nikkiah C. Weddle</b><br><br><br>::::start::::February 24, at approximately 11:15 a.m., at Payton Manning Children's Hospital, in Indianapolis, Detective Roger G. Drew served a Jennings County Arrest Warrant for Nikkiah C. Weddle. She is being charged with one count of Neglect of a Dependant, Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury a class B felony.<br><br>On February 14th, Indiana State Police Detective Roger G. Drew II followed up on an investigation into the temporary asphyxiation of a 2 month old boy, by his mother Nikkiah C. Weddle. Trooper David Owsley responded to the initial call for medical assistance inside Country Squire Lakes.<br> <br>According to Detective Drew, sometime after midnight, and after giving her son a bottle of formula, the child's mother, Nikkiah Weddle, fell asleep with her infant son on her chest. Nikkiah was awakened around 6:00 a.m. by a relative who noticed the infant pinned between Nikkiah and the loveseat cushion. The infant was described as having labored breathing during a 911 call. EMS responded, treated, and transported him to the St. Vincent Jennings Emergency Department. Infant Asphyxiation Leads To Mother's Arrest
   from Feb 25, 2010



The U.S. Department of Energy recently approved Indiana's Energy Star Appliance Rebate program, which will begin February 1, 2010. The program will provide Hoosier homeowners with a rebate up to $500.00 when they purchase an Energy Star rated Furnace or Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning (HVAC) system. The rebate could be as high as $1,000.00 if a Geothermal Heat Pump is purchased.<br><br>A total of $6.1 million has been made available to Indiana for the program, which is part of the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act funding that is being administered by the Indiana Office of Energy Development (OED).<br><br>"Consumers can save more money and more energy by replacing a furnace than any other appliance in the home," said Brandon Seitz, Director of OED. "And it's the only appliance where replacing an older or worn out unit is also a safety issue."<br><br>Indiana's version of the rebate program is expected to give a boost to some Indiana manufacturing companies, including WaterFurnace, the Ft. Wayne company that is the world's largest manufacturer of Geothermal systems.<br><br>Many utility companies offer their own rebates for purchasing energy efficient furnaces and HVAC systems. When other rebates exist, the addition of the new Energy Star Appliance Rebate will increase the total amount Hoosiers could receive for replacing their heating and cooling system. In areas of the state where utility-based rebates are not offered, the Energy Star Appliance Rebate will stand alone.<br><br>The Energy Star program requires appliances have a certain minimum energy efficiency to gain the Energy Star seal. Energy Star has rated a variety of heating and cooling systems, including gas or oil furnaces and boilers, Air Source Heat Pumps and Geothermal Heat Pumps.<br><br>Rebates will be based on documentation of the purchase and installation. The program is on a first come, first served basis and will be discontinued when the rebate fund has been exhausted. The program will not be retroactive, so any purchase must be made after January 31, 2010 to be eligible for a rebate. Documentation will also be required showing the unit is Energy Star rated. For more information about the Energy Star rating system, and for a list of Energy Star rated heating and cooling systems, visit the Web site www.energystar.gov.<br><br>Now that Indiana's Energy Star Appliance Rebate program has been approved, administrative procedures will be ramped up. All the information about how Hoosier homeowners can apply for the rebate program will be posted on OED's Web site, www.energy.IN.gov when available. Energy Star Appliance Rebate Program Launched
   from Feb 5, 2010


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