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   Viewed 63 times - Published on Jun 4, 2010

Operation Diploma Grant Aids Veteran Students

Purdue University will use a $75,000.00 grant from Operation Diploma, an initiative of the Military Family Research Institute (MFRI) at Purdue University, to combine the Purdue Main Campus and Statewide Technology veterans' programs into an integrated statewide Purdue system for veteran recruitment.

The award will serve student service members, veterans and their families. "This is a wonderful opportunity for veterans to enhance their earning ability by taking advantage of the veteran friendly Purdue College of Technology Statewide system. "That means an individual can earn a Purdue bachelor's degree in southeast Indiana (Columbus and Greensburg)," said Jack Head, assistant director for Purdue College of Technology at Columbus and Greensburg and a combat veteran.

Launched with a $5.8 million gift from Lilly Endowment Inc., Operation Diploma empowers Indiana's institutions of higher education and student veterans' organizations to better serve student service members and veterans entering college for the first time, and those re-entering college after extended service or deployment. Student veterans at Purdue's Statewide Columbus' location have the opportunity to be members of the SVMA (Student Veteran Military Association), a student veteran-led club that was started at that location last year.

More than one-third of Indiana's two- and four-year campuses submitted innovative grant proposals. Thirty proposals, totaling more than $1 million, were ultimately funded.

"Indiana colleges and universities have grasped that student service members and veterans have unique attributes and have proposed creative and collaborative plans for supporting them," said Stacie Hitt, director of Operation Diploma. "The spectrum of Year 2 proposals submitted to Operation Diploma ranged from student access and transition programs to holistic retention strategies and longer-term employment initiatives. We are proud to collaborate with these institutions."

"This grant will go a long way in supporting the V2S (Veteran to Student) programs instituted by the Purdue College of Technology Statewide Technology system", commented Jack Head, who assisted in obtaining this grant.

The Operation Diploma grants range from $8,500 to $100,000. In the first year of funding, award schools were granted amounts totaling more than $270, 000. During a third and final year of funding, grants to individual schools of up to $50,000 will be available.

Shelley MacDermid Wadsworth, a professor of child development and family studies at Purdue and director of MFRI, said studies have shown that students who have served or are currently serving in the military often feel frustrated, alone and misunderstood when they arrive on campus. These grants will help promote academic success by tearing down barriers to higher education for this special group of students.

"Our hope is that some of the programs funded will become models for the state, as well as the nation," she said. "This is just one way MFRI and Operation Diploma are making a difference in the lives of military members and their families."

In addition to Purdue University, the following institutions received awards:

Ball State University
Franklin College
Grace College and Seminary
Indiana State University and Ivy Tech Community College-Wabash Valley
Indiana University
Indiana University-East
Indiana University-Kokomo
Indiana University-Southeast and Ivy Tech Southern Indiana (Sellersberg)
Indiana University Purdue University-Ft. Wayne and Ivy Tech Northeast
Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis
Ivy Tech-Bloomington
Ivy Tech-Central Indiana
Ivy Tech-Columbus
Ivy Tech-East Central
Ivy Tech-Kokomo
Ivy Tech-Lafayette
Ivy Tech-Northwest
Ivy Tech-Richmond
Ivy Tech-South Bend
Ivy Tech-Southeast
Ivy Tech-Southwest
Purdue University-Calumet
Purdue University-North Central
St. Mary-of-the-Woods
University of Evansville
University of Southern Indiana





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The summer of 2010 has been filled with severe weather in our neck of the woods. Several funnel clouds, including one which skirted the northern Bartholomew County line, were reported on the evening of Tuesday, July 20. The other was reported near Jonesville and Azalia. A funnel cloud near Trafalgar, Indiana in Johnson County was captured on video by an area resident. To view the YouTube video, <a target=_blank href=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qCRFFwmmOIA>CLICK HERE</a>. YOUTUBE Video - Trafalgar Funnel Cloud
   from Jul 22, 2010



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   from Jul 8, 2010



As first reported in the media via this website, the resignations of Cross Cliff Primary Principal Mike Wilkerson and five others within the school system were announced at the June 22 meeting of the Flat Rock - Hawcreek School Corporation.<br><br>Wilkerson has served the school corporation for over 33 years as a teacher and administrator. School Board President Tom Miller commended the well-liked principal. "This caught us all by surprise... Mike has played a big role in the elementary education in this school corporation and he will be missed. We all know what a big heart he has for this community." Per his contract, Wilkerson will receive $24,000 per year for the next 5 years as an incentive for retirement.<br>At the Celebration of Cross Cliff event just over a month ago, Wilkerson had expressed to The Star-Journal that he was looking forward to working in the new facility. <br><br>Several other resignations and one reassignment were also announced at the meeting. Vicki Tedder issued her resignation and thanked the community for their support during her 10 year career with the Hauser Volleyball program. Hope Intermediate's Shane Yates and Hauser's Sarah Dillon each resigned their teaching positions after accepting positions in other school corporations. Dillon commented that she has built friendships and as-sociations in the school system that will last a lifetime. Cross Cliff's Pam Walker resigned her 3rd grade teaching position opting to be a stay-at-home mother. Cross Cliff's Andrea Sullivan will move from her 2nd grade teaching position to teaching Kindergarten. Heidi Sipes will assume the role of job coach. All resignations and reassignments were accepted and approved during the meeting.<br><br>The meeting was also the last for Interim Superintendent Dr. Bob Mahan and School Board Member William Hill. Hill served the school district as a board member for eight years.<br><br>More news from the FRHC School Board meeting can be found in this week's Hope Star-Journal. Principal And Five Others Resign From FRHC Schools
   from Jun 22, 2010



As is tradition, The Hope Star-Journal published a photo of the first ripe tomoto reported each Spring. Hope's Buck Meek was the first caller to the HSJ... and is the honor-holder for 2010's growing season. According to Meek, the ripe tomato was of the Early Girl variety. Meek also had quite a few Cherry Tomatoes ripe on the vine.<br><br><img border=0 src=../article-photos/buck1.jpg hspace=8 vspace=5><br><br><img border=0 src=../article-photos/buck2.jpg hspace=8 vspace=5><br><br><img border=0 src=../article-photos/buck3.jpg hspace=8 vspace=5><br><br><img border=0 src=../article-photos/buck4.jpg hspace=8 vspace=5><br><br><br><br> Buck Meek Wins First RipeTomato Honor
   from Jun 19, 2010



The Indiana ISTEP+ Parent Network opened June 3, allowing parents to view student level scores and applied skills images for the annual statewide assessment. This network provides parents access to student results, a process required by Indiana Law.<br><br>Parent Network invitation letters were delivered to school corporations the first week of May and schools are required to distribute the letters in a timely manner. Invitation codes included in the letter are specific to each student and enable parents to securely access their student's results.<br><br>The Parent Network is available 24/7 to families as a resource to help them stay involved in their student's learning and progress. This network not only provides scores and released student responses, but also gives parents additional support to help increase their student's learning and achievement. <br><br>Parents can login and access their students' scores at www.doe.in.gov/istepparentnetwork. Parents who did not receive an initiation code should contact their student's school immediately. Questions can be directed to the Indiana Parent Network by calling (800) 481-4769 or via e-mail at support@ctb.com.<br><br>Statewide aggregate data will be available to the public in the coming weeks. The Indiana Department of Education will release this as soon as possible once these numbers are final. The 2010 ISTEP+ was administered in two sections; the applied skills assessment was given in March, and the multiple-choice assessment was administered from late April through early May.<br><br>For more information on the Parent Network, go to: http://www.doe.in.gov/istep/parentnetwork/parent_network_flyer.pdf<br><br>::::second::::<br><br><br><br> <br><br> DOE Allows Parents Access To Student Test Scores
   from Jun 13, 2010



Purdue University will use a $75,000.00 grant from Operation Diploma, an initiative of the Military Family Research Institute (MFRI) at Purdue University, to combine the Purdue Main Campus and Statewide Technology veterans' programs into an integrated statewide Purdue system for veteran recruitment.<br> <br>The award will serve student service members, veterans and their families. "This is a wonderful opportunity for veterans to enhance their earning ability by taking advantage of the veteran friendly Purdue College of Technology Statewide system. "That means an individual can earn a Purdue bachelor's degree in southeast Indiana (Columbus and Greensburg)," said Jack Head, assistant director for Purdue College of Technology at Columbus and Greensburg and a combat veteran.<br><br>Launched with a $5.8 million gift from Lilly Endowment Inc., Operation Diploma empowers Indiana's institutions of higher education and student veterans' organizations to better serve student service members and veterans entering college for the first time, and those re-entering college after extended service or deployment. Student veterans at Purdue's Statewide Columbus' location have the opportunity to be members of the SVMA (Student Veteran Military Association), a student veteran-led club that was started at that location last year.<br><br>More than one-third of Indiana's two- and four-year campuses submitted innovative grant proposals. Thirty proposals, totaling more than $1 million, were ultimately funded.<br> <br>"Indiana colleges and universities have grasped that student service members and veterans have unique attributes and have proposed creative and collaborative plans for supporting them," said Stacie Hitt, director of Operation Diploma. "The spectrum of Year 2 proposals submitted to Operation Diploma ranged from student access and transition programs to holistic retention strategies and longer-term employment initiatives. We are proud to collaborate with these institutions."<br> <br>"This grant will go a long way in supporting the V2S (Veteran to Student) programs instituted by the Purdue College of Technology Statewide Technology system", commented Jack Head, who assisted in obtaining this grant.<br><br>The Operation Diploma grants range from $8,500 to $100,000. In the first year of funding, award schools were granted amounts totaling more than $270, 000. During a third and final year of funding, grants to individual schools of up to $50,000 will be available.<br><br>Shelley MacDermid Wadsworth, a professor of child development and family studies at Purdue and director of MFRI, said studies have shown that students who have served or are currently serving in the military often feel frustrated, alone and misunderstood when they arrive on campus. These grants will help promote academic success by tearing down barriers to higher education for this special group of students.<br><br>"Our hope is that some of the programs funded will become models for the state, as well as the nation," she said. "This is just one way MFRI and Operation Diploma are making a difference in the lives of military members and their families."<br><br>In addition to Purdue University, the following institutions received awards: <br><br>Ball State University<br>Franklin College<br>Grace College and Seminary<br>Indiana State University and Ivy Tech Community College-Wabash Valley<br>Indiana University<br>Indiana University-East<br>Indiana University-Kokomo<br>Indiana University-Southeast and Ivy Tech Southern Indiana (Sellersberg)<br>Indiana University Purdue University-Ft. Wayne and Ivy Tech Northeast<br>Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis<br>Ivy Tech-Bloomington<br>Ivy Tech-Central Indiana<br>Ivy Tech-Columbus<br>Ivy Tech-East Central<br>Ivy Tech-Kokomo<br>Ivy Tech-Lafayette<br>Ivy Tech-Northwest<br>Ivy Tech-Richmond<br>Ivy Tech-South Bend<br>Ivy Tech-Southeast<br>Ivy Tech-Southwest<br>Purdue University-Calumet<br>Purdue University-North Central<br>St. Mary-of-the-Woods<br>University of Evansville<br>University of Southern Indiana<br><br>::::third:::: Operation Diploma Grant Aids Veteran Students
   from Jun 4, 2010



In collaboration with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), and as a precautionary measure, McDonalds USA today issued a voluntary product recall of the four Shrek Forever After promotional glassware currently being offered in U.S. restaurants. The glasses were found to contain cadmium. <br><br>Cadmium is a naturally occurring element in soil. For more information about cadmium, visit www.cdc.gov or www.epa.gov<br><br>The CPSC has said the glassware is not toxic and that they have far less cadmium than the childrens metal jewelry that CPSC has previously recalled. <br><br>In addition, an independent third-party laboratory, accredited by the CPSC, evaluated the glassware and determined them to be in compliance with all applicable federal and state safety requirements at the time of manufacture and distribution. However, in light of the CPSCs evolving assessment of standards for cadmium in consumer products, McDonalds determined in an abundance of caution that a voluntary recall of the Shrek Forever After glassware is appropriate.<br><br><br>To be clear, the glassware was evaluated by an independent third-party laboratory, accredited by the CPSC, and determined to be in compliance with all applicable federal and state requirements at the time of manufacture and distribution. However, in light of the CPSC's evolving assessment of standards for consumer products, McDonalds determined in an abundance of caution that a voluntary recall of the Shrek Forever After glassware is appropriate.<br><br>Beginning June 8, customers may access instructions to return the glassware and how to request a refund by visiting www.mcdonalds.com/glasses or by calling McDonalds toll-free number at 1-800-244-6227. <br><br> McDonalds Issues Recall Of New Shrek Glasses
   from Jun 4, 2010



To read the feature on Timothy Andrews recent visit to Hope for the Bartholomew County Library's Distinguished Speaker's Series<a target=_blank href=../article-photos/ANDREWS-5-13-2010.pdf> CLICK HERE</a>. Andrews Encourages Making A Difference
   from May 17, 2010



The Tuesday, May 4 primary held a few surprises for candidates seeking their party's nod to battle it out in the upcoming autumn election. In our neck of the woods, a school board incumbent (one of three seeking re-election) was defeated. See the voting results for all of Bartholomew County, Precinct 3800, and Precinct 4800 below:<br><br><br><br><br><br><br><img border=0 src=../article-photos/primary2010.jpg hspace=8 vspace=5> Primary: County Results Plus Precincts 3800 & 4800
   from May 7, 2010



As first reported here on Saturday, May 1 at 9:27 a.m., Dr. Kathy Griffey was named the new Flat Rock Rock - Hawcreek School Superintendent at a morning meeting of the FRHC School Board. She is a native of Shelbyville, IN.<br><br>Dr. Griffey's current position is Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction at Battle Creek Public Schools in Battle Creek, Michigan -- a postion she has held for nine years.<br><br>Before moving to Battle Creek, Dr. Griffey was Assiatnt Superintendent at Elwood Community School Corporation (Elwood, IN) for six years. <br><br>A press release from the FRHC School Corporation, states Dr. Griffey is active in her community and has served on local boards and committees including United Way and Kiwanis. Her administrative experience includes 15 years as an assistant superintendent, four years as principal, and four years as assistant principal. She received her Bachelor's degree from Purdue University and earned her Master's and Doctorate degrees at Ball State University. She will start her new position as superintendent of Flat Rock - Hawcreek School Corporation on July 1, 2010.<br><br> Dr. Kathy Griffey Named New FRHC Superintendent
   from May 1, 2010



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
   from Apr 24, 2010



<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



Tommy L. Thompson, Jr., 48, of Indianapolis, Christopher Wells, 45, of Indianapolis, Francis W. Coleman, 41, of Laurel, Md., Carl E. McCreary, 48, of Frisco City, Ala., and Fred D. Bear, Jr., 39, of Avon, Ind., were indicted in connection with an auto theft ring that allegedly stole more than 80 vehicles valued in excess of $1 million dollars. This indictment follows their arrests on Dec. 28, 2009 on a complaint filed in district court.<br><br>This indictment is the result of a seven-months long investigation by the U.S. Secret Service and the Indiana State Police with assistance by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Greenfield Police Department, Shelbyville Police Department, Lawrence Police Department, Muncie Police Department, Greensburg Police Department, Fishers Police Department, Clarksville Police Department, Kokomo Police Department, Brownsburg Police Department, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department and the Alabama Department of Safety and Alabama Bureau of Investigation.<br><br>The indictment alleges that in June 2006, Christopher Wells and Francis Coleman entered into an agreement to steal motor vehicles and use counterfeit motor vehicle titles and counterfeit vehicle identification numbers to fool state title authorities into thinking the stolen vehicles were not stolen, and could be legally sold. Wells and Coleman were purportedly joined by Thompson and McCreary in or about April 2007, and all four participated until their arrest on Dec. 29, 2009. Bear allegedly participated from March 2008 through September 2009. In furtherance of this scheme, the defendants utilized the U.S. Postal Service and Federal Express to send and receive the counterfeit documents.<br><br>According to the indictment, Coleman, Wells, Thompson and others would steal motor vehicles from both within and outside of the Southern District of Indiana. They would then locate vehicles of an identical make and model in Canada and copy those vehicles' vehicle identification number (VIN). Coleman would create counterfeit Washington, D.C., or North Carolina motor vehicle titles and VIN stickers bearing the Canadian vehicles' information. Coleman would then either drive or ship the counterfeit documents to Wells in Indianapolis, where Wells, Thompson and others would clone the vehicles. After the vehicles were cloned, either Bear or McCreary would receive the vehicles for sale.<br><br>According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Bradley P. Shepard, who is prosecuting the case for the government, all are charged with conspiracy to commit mail fraud and each faces a maximum of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Thompson remains in custody and the remaining defendants are on pre-trial release.<br><br>An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.<br><br> Indictments Made In Connection With Theft Ring
   from Jan 31, 2010



Dorel Juvenile Group, a designer and manufacturer of child safety products, announced today that it will expand its development and production operations here, creating 98 new jobs by 2013.<br><br>The company, which manufactures car seats and strollers, among other child safety products, will invest more than $20.8 million over the next four years to establish and operate a new Design and Development Competency Center for its car seat division. Dorel will renovate 40,000 square feet of office and warehouse space for the project, which will also increase manufacturing capacity at the site.<br><br>"Dorel's decision to expand its development and testing operations here is a vote of confidence in the Indiana economy and the workforce of Columbus," said Governor Mitch Daniels. "We appreciate their continued investment in this region and look forward to the new opportunities they will bring Indiana workers."<br><br>Dorel, which currently employs more than 850 associates in Columbus, plans to begin hiring additional development, manufacturing and managerial positions immediately as some design and development operations are moved from the company's Foxboro, Mass. headquarters.<br><br>"We take great pride in the continued innovation and advancements our team has made in the car seat industry, most recently with the launch of the ground-breaking Air Protect Side Impact Technology," said Dave Taylor, president of Dorel Juvenile Group US. "The new Design and Development Competency Center will enable us to bring additional leading car seat technologies to more families on the road today."<br><br>The new competency center will house resources that include a crash test sled and side-impact testing capabilities, among other safety testing equipment. Currently, Dorel manufactures 90 percent of its car seats at the Columbus facility. <br><br>The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered Dorel Juvenile Group up to $550,000 in performance based tax credits and $175,000 in training grants based on the company's job creation plans. Up to $40,000 will be provided to the city of Columbus for infrastructure improvements at the site. The city will consider additional property tax abatement.<br><br>"Having Dorel choose Columbus for its new Design and Development Center says a lot about the company as well as our community," said Mayor Fred Armstrong. "Dorel has always been a strong supporter of Columbus and the jobs this will bring to our city are much needed and very much appreciated. We welcome Dorel's continued investment in Columbus and look forward to a strong and long partnership."<br><br>Dorel's announced expansion comes on the heels of the state's year end jobs numbers announcement. In 2009 the state partnered with 160 companies who committed to create nearly 20,000 new jobs, an increase of more than 1,200 committed jobs over 2008.<br><br>::::second:::: Dorel To Establish New Development Center
   from Jan 19, 2010



Governor Mitch Daniels recently announced the appointment of an additional Hoosier to serve on the 15-member Indiana Arts Commission (IAC).<br><br>Governor Daniels' newest appointment is Linda Goad of Indianapolis.<br><br>"The Indiana Arts Commission thanks Governor Daniels for selecting another outstanding Hoosier to serve on the Commission," said Lewis C. Ricci, IAC executive director. "Ms. Goad's experience in the service sector will be vital as the Arts Commission continues to carry out its mission."<br><br>With an early career in marketing, Ms. Goad made the decision to devote the majority of her time to parenting and subsequently became actively involved with a number of activities at Park Tudor School, including serving as the middle school tennis coach.<br><br>Ms. Goad has spent the past 20 years dedicated to public service and philanthropic endeavors. Not-for-profits Ms. Goad has worked with include: The Junior League, The President's Roundtable, Indianapolis Art Center, Indiana State Museum, Governor's Residence Commission, CARA, and Impact 100.<br><br>IAC Commissioners are appointed by the Governor to four-year terms. The Governor may re-appoint commissioners for a second four-year term. Commissioners are selected based on their broad range of experience and involvement in community leadership, and interest in advancing the role of the arts in community, economic, educational and cultural development.<br><br><br> State Arts Commission Member Named
   from Jan 15, 2010


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