Benefits planned for injured Cougar

BAINBRIDGE -- On Saturday, the North Putnam community was rocked by the news that two players from the boys' basketball team had been involved in an automobile accident. The accident resulted in the postponement of the Putnam County Classic and has spurred concern for the students countywide.

North Putnam students Cory Dean and Zach Hedrick were injured in the devastating accident, with Dean being ejected from the vehicle and being transported to Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis. While Hedrick was treated and released, Dean remains in critical condition at Methodist.

Members of the North Putnam community, including Cougars head coach Wes Peek, are in the process of setting up multiple fundraisers to benefit the Dean family in their time of need.

The North Putnam Cougars basketball team will host a chili supper on Dec. 15 prior to their match up with Riverton Parke. The cost of the event is $5, with all proceeds being donated to the Dean family.

Another fundraiser the team has set up is the selling of "Cory Dean #10" bracelets that will be available at any of the four North Putnam schools for $2 beginning next week. Also, there will be made available die cuts with Dean's number to be placed on the gym walls to show support for Dean and his family. The die cuts will cost $1 each and the officials behind the fundraiser are hoping to sell 1,000 units.

As an added bonus, Peek and assistant coach Jason Chew have pledged to shave their heads publicly if 2,000 units of the die cuts are sold.

"In terms of need, medical cost will be high and as a program and basketball family, we take care of our own and will do everything we can to help alleviate the burden of those costs," Peek said. "Our goal is to raise $5,000 for the family to assist with these medical costs."

Donations are also being accepted at all Tri-County Bank locations for a benefit fund for Dean.