Church secretary accused of stealing over $200,000

Thursday, August 13, 2009

GREENCASTLE -- A Greencastle woman was arrested late Tuesday afternoon in connection with alleged thefts of money from the church where she was employed.

Putnam County Prosecutor Tim Bookwalter said Melynda J. "Mindy" Fenwick, 37, is accused of stealing approximately $274,000 from Gobin Memorial United Methodist Church in Greencastle.

"These allegations were brought to the attention of the police by church officials who had uncovered the theft," said Bookwalter. "Any allegations involving stealing from a church is very disturbing."

A news release issued today by Gobin said Fenwick was placed on unpaid leave after her arrest. The release said the thefts were uncovered as during the church's own auditing process.

"Mindy Fenwick was a valued employee for five years, so her arrest has obviously shocked and upset us," said church spokesman Jeff Hansen, who serves as lay leader of the congregation. "We're carefully investigating exactly what happened. We're working closely with authorities who are doing the same."

Greencastle Police Department Detective Capt. Randy Seipel said the investigation into the alleged thefts is still underway, and that no exact total of losses has been determined yet.

Hansen said church officials discovered bookkeeping discrepancies "just days ago." Seipel said church representatives contacted him on Monday.

"We followed up on the concern that was raised then alerted police," Hansen said. "It will take time to understand the full details of what happened, but it's clear the policies and practices we had in place to prevent misuse of funds were circumvented."

A narrative prepared by Seipel said a member of the church's auditing committee found two bank statements for the same date, and when the statements were crosschecked it was discovered that there was a $46,000 discrepancy.

The committee member then examined other statements, the narrative said, and found "numerous inconsistencies in the statements and that the type and printer color was different from the original statement she had discovered."

Seipel's report said Fenwick admitted that she issued checks to herself and forged signatures on those checks.

"She further admitted that any check issued to her from the account in question was fraudulent," the report said. "She stated that there could be as many as 100 fraudulent, forged checks. She admitted that she clearly knew her actions weren't authorized and that they were illegal. She admitted that this had been going on for upwards of three years."

Fenwick told Seipel she took the money to help her parents and take care of family members, and that she "had dug a hole she could not get out of."

Fenwick admitted to falsifying documents and produced a flash drive on which she stored those false documents, Seipel's report said.

Seipel said Fenwick's alleged thefts "may go back as far as 2005." He said it appeared as though she had been issuing checks to herself and signing another woman's name to them.

Fenwick will face five counts of Class C felony forgery and six counts of Class D felony theft, Bookwalter said.

Gobin plans to bring in outside help to deal with the fallout of the alleged thefts.

"To find out precisely what occurred, as well as the extent of the loss and what steps we should take to prevent something like this from ever happening again, we plan to hire an independent auditor or accounting firm with expertise in this area," Hansen said. "We are concerned about both the financial loss and the potential loss of trust among the people who so generously support our ministry and mission. We are concerned about the effect of this incident on our congregation and even its implications for Mindy and her family. Our pastor, our staff, our leaders and, I hope every member, are committed to learning from this painful experience, correcting any problems and moving forward with God's work."

Fenwick began serving as church secretary at Gobin in 2004.

Hansen said it would not be helpful to release more information or speculate on what additional steps will be taken without more facts and more time to digest them.

Fenwick is set to be arraigned in Putnam County Circuit Court Thursday at 9 a.m.

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  • What is up with the mug shot? Why does everyone smile? I think that I would be embarassed to where I would cry. But lately, everyone seems to think its a big joke.

    -- Posted by amkedu on Wed, Aug 12, 2009, at 4:25 PM
  • Here we go again, same old "bleep" again.

    -- Posted by Harmony Church on Wed, Aug 12, 2009, at 4:34 PM
  • Any relation to the Sheriff?

    -- Posted by NotSoInnocent on Wed, Aug 12, 2009, at 4:46 PM
  • She is a mother, please keep all negative comments to yourself because you don't know the extent of the position she is in, or how it will affect her family.

    -- Posted by topher_hanneman on Wed, Aug 12, 2009, at 4:54 PM
  • What difference does that make?

    -- Posted by hardtobelieve on Wed, Aug 12, 2009, at 4:56 PM
  • Comment refers to relationship to Sheriff!

    -- Posted by hardtobelieve on Wed, Aug 12, 2009, at 4:57 PM
  • We don't know the extent of the position she is in??? She got arrested for stealing $200,000 from a church and she admitted that she did it.

    Whatever problem someone in her family may experience be reading other peoples' comments here will pail in comparison to the anxiety they will experience when find out their mom stole $200K and will have to go to jail.

    "She is a mother...." Gees!

    -- Posted by fritzthecat on Wed, Aug 12, 2009, at 5:04 PM
  • What is up with all of this theft. So many women have resorted to doing this lately.

    -- Posted by faithful1 on Wed, Aug 12, 2009, at 5:13 PM
  • Glad to see she's so happy in her mug shot. Maybe she can order an 8 X 10 glossy.

    -- Posted by purple_heat on Wed, Aug 12, 2009, at 6:23 PM
  • Every church has a financial committee-what are they doing when they meet? I don't understand how folks don't see the red flags when an employee steals money. Was she bonded and insured? Gobin is a wonderful church that does a lot for our community. I am terribly shocked by this-it really hits home since my family attends there on a regular basis. I feel really angry about this because our beautiful organ needs work done on it and it is expensive and the church has been trying to raise money to get the repairs done-the money taken could have helped with this. Our church has a strong group of members and we will survive this set back. I am not going to lose faith in my church. I feel so blessed to know the folks that belong and pray together. If, Mindy needed help I don't understand why she didn't reach out to our congregation.

    -- Posted by peace2019 on Wed, Aug 12, 2009, at 6:45 PM
  • I feel such sadness for Mindy, her family, the church, and our community.

    -- Posted by talkymom3 on Wed, Aug 12, 2009, at 7:06 PM
  • Exactly she is a mother and should be setting a good example for her children. She isn't sorry!!! Look at her mugshot! She is facing some real trouble and she is laughing!! What is wrong with people? They think it is funny to steal from people? They think it is okay to live beyond your means and steal to make up the difference! A lot of us are facing some sort of financial hardship right now and we don't steal from the church or from anyone else for that matter. Mother or not, it is wrong and she should be punished. I'm sorry for her kids but we can't continue to feel sorry for people that commit crimes and let them off the hook, just because they are someone's mother.

    -- Posted by putnammom on Wed, Aug 12, 2009, at 7:52 PM
  • This is a photo from Gobin United Methodist Church website. http://www.gobinumc.org/people_ministering_at_gobin.htm

    The photo in the Banner Graphic is not,in fact, a mug shot. THANK YOU!

    -- Posted by topher_hanneman on Wed, Aug 12, 2009, at 8:43 PM
  • Good night, this is an epidemic in Putnam County.

    Is embezzlement a new fashion trend or something?

    -- Posted by shocktherapy on Wed, Aug 12, 2009, at 9:06 PM
  • "She is a mother"

    Guess she should have thought about that BEFORE she stole 200K then.

    -- Posted by shocktherapy on Wed, Aug 12, 2009, at 9:17 PM
  • That is not a jail mugshot for those of you that think that it is! It is a picture of her from the church. People need to get all the facts straight before they write things about other people!

    -- Posted by lovingson on Wed, Aug 12, 2009, at 9:25 PM
  • Ok, you're right..my mistake. I apologize for jumping to the conclusion that this was her mugshot. I saw the orange and didn't think the Banner would put a random picture of her up there laughing.

    This still doesn't change the fact that what she did was wrong and she should be punished. And being a mother doesn't give you some sort of sheild when you commit felonies, that protects you from a harsh punishment. No matter what "position" she was in.

    -- Posted by putnammom on Wed, Aug 12, 2009, at 10:03 PM
  • Perhaps the prosecutor will give Ms Fenwick a chance to plead guilty to one Class D Theft like he did Ms. Wade.

    -- Posted by S B on Wed, Aug 12, 2009, at 10:18 PM
  • it totally baffles my mind that the church was raising money to get the organ fixed. this lady stole over 200,000k and nobody noticed. that could buy 5 organs and nobody noticed. nobody noticed!!!! why???? what the heck is going on?

    i guess when u have so much money u get tired of keeping track off it......i wish i had that problem!!

    -- Posted by badboy46120 on Thu, Aug 13, 2009, at 12:23 AM
  • Badboy46120: I am a co worker of a recent mug shot, stealing, mother, wife, sister, daughter and I can tell you this. People are watching their money, these woman are very smart at what they are doing and how they are covering it up. There are double checks and balances and it is still happening. It has become an art of what they are doing. Read Mindy's story. She used a zip drive, and printed different statements. This means she gave the church a false statement. Why would they question it? Mrs. Mitchener created a false business. She copied checks using a typewriter with false payees on them. She would then enter the checks in the computer with these false names, but they were made payable to her false business. The computer when then show they were made to actual vendors. Mrs. Wade was solely in charge of certain DePauw accounts. They were her's to oversee. She had an accounting degree and had never been in trouble. Why would you think she would steal? One can not watch over the shoulder of every entrusted employee. It could be happening to every club, organization, school, business, church, etc. It's not that people aren't watching their money, believe me.

    -- Posted by theworldwelivein on Thu, Aug 13, 2009, at 5:47 AM
  • And some places keep quiet about thefts so the public continues to give money and trust the organization.

    -- Posted by mad-mom on Thu, Aug 13, 2009, at 6:12 AM
  • Somehow I don't think all the mothers that donated their legally earned money to that church will be able to say, "Oh, it's all right that she stole $274,000.00 from us; she IS a mother, after all!" How sad for the members of Gobin. I hope this woman can buy them a new organ.

    -- Posted by '74tiger on Thu, Aug 13, 2009, at 6:22 AM
  • topher_hanneman

    If she didn't want negative comments SHE SHOULDN"T STEAL. A THIEF IS A THIEF!

    -- Posted by Sand mann on Thu, Aug 13, 2009, at 6:55 AM
  • Maybe she will get off with the same punishment as our former sheriff.... Frisbie got two months in prison, four months on home detention with electronic monitoring and two years of probation..... wow

    -- Posted by cassie on Thu, Aug 13, 2009, at 7:14 AM
  • SHE IS SMILING FOR A FACULTY PHOTO!!!

    http://www.gobinumc.org/people_ministeri...

    "If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved." (Romans 10:9)

    -- Posted by topher_hanneman on Thu, Aug 13, 2009, at 7:15 AM
  • topher_hanneman

    nice comment ! doesn't change the fact she is a thief! so many HIDE behind the church.

    -- Posted by Sand mann on Thu, Aug 13, 2009, at 7:20 AM
  • professional help , I hope you are talking about correctional officer . this will be an expense taxpayers might be happy to pay. her in prison.

    -- Posted by Sand mann on Thu, Aug 13, 2009, at 7:41 AM
  • WHY IS IT THAT THE PICTURE OF HER AND TAMMY WADE WERE NOT MUG SHOTS BUT OF OTHER PICTURES YET THEY ARE BOTH IN ORANGE??? I BELIEVE YOU TOPHER, IT JUST SEEMS SOMEONE ALREADY KNEW!!!!

    -- Posted by senior'08 on Thu, Aug 13, 2009, at 7:50 AM
  • ALSO WHEN SOUTH PUTNAM SCHOOL BOARD IS PUT TO THIS TYPE OF PUBLIC OPINION, THE BANNER ALWAYS REMOVES THE STATMENT, BUT WHEN THE ARTICLE IS ABOUT A WOMAN STEALING MONEY, YOU WILL LET ANYONE AND EVERYONE STATE AN OPINION!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    -- Posted by senior'08 on Thu, Aug 13, 2009, at 7:52 AM
  • Is it his wife? Is it his mother? Is it his aunt? Who cares. He did not steal the money.

    -- Posted by dcsaiht on Thu, Aug 13, 2009, at 8:53 AM
  • This is a very sad situation and we should be praying for all concerned. Some of the comments show how calloused Putnam County people are. They are still chewing on Mark Frisbie and associating this woman with our current sheriff. Let our authorities handle this as they see fit.

    -- Posted by not gullible on Thu, Aug 13, 2009, at 9:08 AM
  • topher, We are holding Mindy, you and her children in our hearts while she faces the consequences of her actions. She touched so many people in positive ways; still, this is heartbreaking. Stop reading these comments: Brush them haters off.

    -- Posted by compassion first on Thu, Aug 13, 2009, at 9:23 AM
  • Wow didnt know Putnam County had so much money?? Geez whose next?????

    -- Posted by skittlebug on Thu, Aug 13, 2009, at 9:52 AM
  • compassion first

    it only takes 1 bad thing to forget

    all the good a person does.

    not gullible ,

    guess most are as you call haters. for me , it's not the person it's the actions.

    I bet she was the only one whom benefitted from all that money, OK! bet then it was coming in they just turned the other cheek.

    -- Posted by Sand mann on Thu, Aug 13, 2009, at 10:17 AM
  • Who cares if she is a mother. If it was a father would everyone be so concerned? I'm a mother too but that doesn't make me anymore important then a father. She did what she did now she and her family have to live with it!

    -- Posted by johndeeregreen on Thu, Aug 13, 2009, at 10:28 AM
  • I do agree that when a person does 1 bad thing everyone forgets all the good the person does. However i do not think there is ANY excuse for stealing money!!! Especially from a church that you attended, taught bible school, and etc.... I guess i am not in that situation and it is not my family that has to deal with it, but i feel sorry for the family only becuase i know it has to be embarassing for the entire family!

    -- Posted by mom212008 on Thu, Aug 13, 2009, at 10:52 AM
  • I'm confused.... I am a working mother with teenagers..& for those who have teenagers, or anyone with kids, you know how expensive that can be. Anyway, I try & live by what I can afford..It would take me around 8-10 years of working to make what she has stolen..So why should we feel sorry for her????? I don't believe she deserves a break.. She knew, as she pointed out, that it was wrong..She's only sorry she was caught.. How much more would she have stolen had this not been brought to light??I hope the Judge gives her what she deserves.

    -- Posted by coconut9092 on Thu, Aug 13, 2009, at 11:10 AM
  • Just wanted to make clear that i do not feel sorry for her one bit, its the kids and husband i feel sorry for.

    -- Posted by mom212008 on Thu, Aug 13, 2009, at 11:13 AM
  • The Banner Graphic should print a correction to let everyone KNOW that this PHOTO OF Mindy is not a MUG shot. IT was taken from the Gobin Website!!!!!

    This is hurtful and sends the wrong message to the community, that she is callous and not remorseful.

    BannerGraphic please correct this with a correction addendum in your next paper.

    -- Posted by zebra-in-gcastle on Thu, Aug 13, 2009, at 11:21 AM
  • and one more thing, if anyone is short on cash they should get a 2nd job or change their lifestyle. It's not like its expensive to live in Putnam County Indiana.. come on!

    Stealing is a crime and it does matter if you're a man, woman, mother, father, child, etc. It's wrong and you know better. Don't bite the hand that feeds you.

    Everyone seems to be stating people shouldn't be writing hateful things or making judgements; tell me how anyone can justify stealing anything especially money!

    -- Posted by BankerGuy on Thu, Aug 13, 2009, at 11:43 AM
  • BANKERGUY, It doesn't matter if the alledged event did or didn't happen. So stop trying to start things you can not finish or prove!! At this point we have enough to worry about!!

    Thanks

    -- Posted by topher_hanneman on Thu, Aug 13, 2009, at 11:44 AM
  • How can you justify what you say is true....clearly it is an opinnion that can be omitted.

    -- Posted by topher_hanneman on Thu, Aug 13, 2009, at 11:47 AM
  • Why are we bringing up the past? This situation has nothing to do with Wade, or the Sheriff's Department. So keep your conclusions to yourself!!!

    -- Posted by topher_hanneman on Thu, Aug 13, 2009, at 12:03 PM
  • Why would the Banner Graphic correct the whole mugshot thing? They didn't when they plastered a picture of a smiling Tammy Wade and I am sure that was not a mugshot. You could see a gold chain in the photo. They don't let you keep your jewelry on for mugshots.

    Continue on with the mudslinging and general nastiness that prevails in Putnam County. Let's all express our outrage with the latest embezzlement case. By the way I am not intending to make light of it-I think it is awful.I am just tired of seeing court cases splashed across the front page of this paper. I sometimes think the only thing Miss Barrand is capable of putting out is negativity. There are other things happening here besides theft and stories about inmates at the corrctional facility. Where are the positive news stories? She is on the community advisory board for the correctional facility...perhaps that explains some of her sunny outlook on Putnam County. Whatever the reason it is getting old.

    Comment while you can I am sure this will be deleted.

    -- Posted by citizenoftheworld on Thu, Aug 13, 2009, at 12:29 PM
  • Wow that was quick.The whole picture changed while I was typing.

    -- Posted by citizenoftheworld on Thu, Aug 13, 2009, at 12:30 PM
  • This is terrible! Here we go again in Putnam County. What makes her think she would not get caught? She said she did it o help her parents out and family members; here is a thought her parents get a JOB!! This is a shame for her realatives and not her husband cuz u can tell me he had no clue this was going on come on that is riduclous and I'm guessing more people knew about this as well. She should be punished to the fullest!!

    -- Posted by coltsfan25 on Thu, Aug 13, 2009, at 12:43 PM
  • ITS NOT TRUE!!! Does people in our community have nothing else they can do other than to post false oppinions, lies. FOR REAL

    -- Posted by topher_hanneman on Thu, Aug 13, 2009, at 1:05 PM
  • mom212008'

    do u really hubby didn't know $200,000.00 was gcoming into the house

    -- Posted by Sand mann on Thu, Aug 13, 2009, at 1:39 PM
  • I am not sure of what wrong/inappropriate actions Mindy has taken in the past or present...however, I know that the outrageous comments people are posting are very hurtful to her family. Yes, I know IF she committed this crime, she should be punished...but please keep your hurtful comments to yourself. As Christians, we should offer our words to support to her family in their time of need, not the opposite. I personally know the Fenwick family and her mother and father (and no, I am NOT related)...both families of which HAVE worked hard to try to support themselves, but somehow they fell onto hard times (as any of us could these days). I, by NO MEANS, think this is a reason to steal, don't get me wrong...I just think before you post rude, hurtful comments like "get a job" you should know the facts...the facts are, they are employed. Mindy, Linda, Jimmie, Lenny, & kids...you are all in my thoughts and prayers, as you should be in the other poster's as well, shame on some of you....God bless!

    -- Posted by mkycrzy1971 on Thu, Aug 13, 2009, at 1:51 PM
  • citizenoftheworld ,

    negativity, drug, sex, violence sells newspapers. there are at least 53 comments not counting the ones that have been deleted on a female stealing from a church. don't think there was that many when a sectional was won by any team in putnam co.

    If she was involved in any other things subject with money, I would look into that. She found guilty of this crime , she should of thought about the impact her family. If she didn't care why should I.

    topher_hanneman ,

    there is no way you believe the things you write.

    -- Posted by Sand mann on Thu, Aug 13, 2009, at 1:54 PM
  • putnam mom God Hates all sin, alcoholism, drug use divore etc. Should churches not use their space to help people deal with these issues?

    The classes don't teach you how to get divorced. They are supposed to teach you and your soon to be ex ways to deal with the children of the divorce and the situation in general.

    -- Posted by hardtobelieve on Thu, Aug 13, 2009, at 1:57 PM
  • VICTORY 04>

    STOP CALLING PEOPLE OUT AND WORRY ABOUT YOUR OWN PROBLEMS. I BELIEVE IN WHAT I WANT AS DO YOU!!!!RIGHT? DONT GET ME WRONG IF WERE IN THE SITUATION, BUT OBVIOUSLY YOUR NOT!!!

    -- Posted by topher_hanneman on Thu, Aug 13, 2009, at 2:21 PM
  • IF THEY ARE SO (FACT), SHOW PROOF, YOUR KEEP YOUR WORDS TO YOURSELF.

    -- Posted by topher_hanneman on Thu, Aug 13, 2009, at 2:23 PM
  • topher_hanneman ,

    Problems ? we all have them but I'm not stealing or commiting crimes to help myself. as for calling someone out isn't that what you are trying to do.

    didn't want to get into your feeling.DONT GET ME WRONG IF WERE IN THE SITUATION, BUT OBVIOUSLY YOUR NOT!!! and OBVIOUSLY I DID get into your feelings . If I was in this situation it would be my picture instead of hers...no brainer......

    this is comments everyone has a right to them even you. good or bad. it is a comment. If people don't like them delete them or don't read them.

    -- Posted by Sand mann on Thu, Aug 13, 2009, at 2:37 PM
  • i did not say one negative thing about you. I LOVE MY MOTHER.....

    -- Posted by topher_hanneman on Thu, Aug 13, 2009, at 2:46 PM
  • topher_hanneman ,

    after looking back at my comments I have seen 6 , didn't look real hard, comments to you

    1.there is no way you believe the things you write.

    2. nice comment ! doesn't change the fact she is a thief! so many HIDE behind the church

    3. If she didn't want negative comments SHE SHOULDN"T STEAL. A THIEF IS A THIEF!

    4. there is no way you believe the things you write.

    5. lthe last on

    6.this none wasn't neg. Well I don't think. the 4th one maybe but I was wondering if you really believe that . Not sure where I love my mother came from but good for you and her i think. hope we all love our family no matter what they do. you can't change family.

    I understand when someone gets into someone elses feelings they lash out. I have big shoulders.

    there are alot with comments that can take anger 101

    -- Posted by Sand mann on Thu, Aug 13, 2009, at 3:03 PM
  • Stupidity rules in these cases and a lack of good sense. Makes one wonder how all these people were taught at home and the school systems etc. They are all younger than 40 yrs. I have noticed they are the ones that have a terrible attitude towards others and lack of respect in general. Now is the time to show them who means business.

    Enough is enough!!

    -- Posted by bakermom on Thu, Aug 13, 2009, at 3:29 PM
  • One thing Mindy does not have (and never has had as long as I have known her...15 yrs) is a "terrible attitude toward others".

    -- Posted by mkycrzy1971 on Thu, Aug 13, 2009, at 3:35 PM
  • I really feel for her.. But she puts o a great front. Who knew? What did she use the money for to help her sister get an attorney ?? To help give her parents what? Maybe they need to get second jobs everyone else has to.. I love my family too but not to steal for them.. Maybe thats how she has all her horses?? She should have a talked with her Grandmother the trustee, Mrs. Bumgardener.. She won't help anyone else, maybe she has helped her? What a family affair?

    -- Posted by sheder on Thu, Aug 13, 2009, at 4:51 PM
  • BankerGuy:

    Exactly. Or, simply talk to Mindy herself.

    Due to the overwhelming evidence, I don't think it would be terribly difficult for the prosecutor to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that she committed similar crimes in the past. It would also help if he could get her previous employers to cooperate. Just let the evidence speak for itself.

    I really feel for her children. Please leave them alone!

    As for Mindy, I think she obviously has a lot of problems and needs professional help (which I sincerely hope she gets) but also hope that she pays for what she has done first.

    I realize that she is innocent until proven otherwise. If she is convicted, though, I have absolutely no sympathy for her. True, I have never walked in her shoes but have had my share of adversities (haven't we all?), some of them financial, some of them pretty dire, I think, but never, ever, even considered stealing. There is just absolutely no excuse for this type of behavior.

    -- Posted by outtahere on Thu, Aug 13, 2009, at 5:14 PM
  • She may not have a "terrible attitude toward others," but she must have thought that we were all pretty stupid, if she thought she was never going to get caught. I wouldn't have guessed in a million years she had been doing something like this either, but, after being shown the proof (in layman's terms), I was so disgusted, felt stupid, and couldn't look at her in the eye anymore.

    -- Posted by outtahere on Thu, Aug 13, 2009, at 5:26 PM
  • What is the point in attacking people in this article that had nothing to do with any of this? This is about Mindy...Thelma Bumgardner isn't Mindy's grandmother. She is her aunt. Don't attack people that had nothing to do with this especially when you don't have your facts straight. It only makes you look ignorant.

    -- Posted by bbridgeresident on Thu, Aug 13, 2009, at 6:24 PM
  • This is totally offtopic but someone esle opened this can of worms so here goes:

    Why would GOD HATE DIVORCE? Not trying to start a religious debate but I find that comment hard to swallow. Is it not better to live happy and divorced than married and miserable? People do have legitmate grounds for divorcing such as abusive relationships,alcohol or drug abuse,lack of support etc.etc.etc......just sayin.

    -- Posted by citizenoftheworld on Thu, Aug 13, 2009, at 7:09 PM
  • citizenoftheworld - Ms. Barrand is doing her JOB. ALL news should be reported, regardless of what Boards they are on. I'm not sure what Banner Graphic you have been reading, but I have read plenty of "good" news stories. As far as the Banner correcting the picture, I didn't read anywhere where the Banner claimed it was her mugshot, people just ASSUMED that is what it was. You may or may not know the people involved with this story so your judgement may be a little clouded, but everyone, even you, has the right to voice their opinion on here, which you seem to have no problem doing.

    -- Posted by NotSoInnocent on Thu, Aug 13, 2009, at 7:29 PM
  • Topher - hannemann - How about all the time you are spending here tearing down everyone else's opinions, be better spent on, I don't know, Spelling and Grammer classes? Just a thought. You could also start passing the hat for bond money, because I believe Mrs. Fenwick is going to need a boatload of it. See everyone here could be doing something more productive, right?

    -- Posted by lindam7766 on Thu, Aug 13, 2009, at 7:56 PM
  • Yes, Ms Barrand is doing her job promoting the negativity and stupidity within this county. I read a lot of newspapers and none of them have the amount of court garbage that this one does. As far as judgment being clouded,it's not. I, as well as several others, are tired of the BS court stories some of which have little to do with this county.As far as the photo, I was merely responding to every other statement in this commentary about Mrs. Fenwicks smiling ASSUMED mugshot. There is a good example of propagating crap. It was a church photo close enough to being a mugshot that the Banner felt compelled to print it. In doing so they were well aware of that people would jump right on it with snide remarks.

    What difference does it make whether I know the people involved or not? I would suspect that not everyone who has commented here knows this lady personally. We live in a small community.Most of us know the who's who of Putnam County.I really am not sure why that would CLOUD my judgement.

    And thanks so much for allowing to voice my opinion.

    -- Posted by citizenoftheworld on Thu, Aug 13, 2009, at 9:02 PM
  • vlcrod..thanks for pointing that out. Earlier in the day the Banner posted a photo that was taken straight off the Gobin Church website. It was the orange mugshot looking photo I was referring to earlier. The Banner did change the pic..now we know why or we can at least ASSUME that is why.

    -- Posted by citizenoftheworld on Thu, Aug 13, 2009, at 9:16 PM
  • I beg to differ with you, Ms. Barrand is not promoting anything, she is simply doing her job. You speak of the "mudslinging and general nastiness in Putnam County", yet you go on to promote it by doing the very same thing to Ms. Barrand and the Banner Graphic. Since you seem to be able to see into the future and KNOW what the intentions of the BG are, please continue to use your powers for the greater good. IF you were close to the people involved or even related to them, and read some of these comments it would hurt a little deeper than if you didn't know them at all. And lastly, I didn't allow you the right to voice your opinion, many GOOD men and women have died for you to have that right, thank a soldier for that one!

    -- Posted by NotSoInnocent on Thu, Aug 13, 2009, at 9:30 PM
  • I really enjoy reading all of these comments in the Banner Graphic. If it were not for these comments I would stop reading the Banner Graphic because in my opinion the comments are the best part of the paper.

    I really get a kick out of reading some of the STUPID comments. I DO agree with some of them but some of them are STUPID in my opinion.

    IF YOU DO THE CRIME YOU SHOULD DO THE TIME.

    -- Posted by Old Man on Fri, Aug 14, 2009, at 2:25 AM
  • I have not personally attacked Ms. Barrand.I stated a viewpoint.Funny the only thing you can contribute to this commentary was "Any relation to the sheriff?" How original....another statement that has led to many more negative comments.

    You can continue to defend the editor all you want.If she really wanted wanted to promote this community she would do so in a manner more positive and slanting away from the criminal aspect of it.

    -- Posted by citizenoftheworld on Fri, Aug 14, 2009, at 3:09 AM
  • The lure of easy money has a very strong appeal.

    -- Posted by Xgamer on Fri, Aug 14, 2009, at 6:53 AM
  • well bg you know......

    -- Posted by gottokno on Fri, Aug 14, 2009, at 11:05 AM
  • We all know what she did was wrong and illegal. She will likely be punished. The only thing I would urge is that we,as parents, explain to our children that what has happened is not the fault of the finwick children and that we do not condone bulling and abuse because of what has transpired. It will be difficult enough for these children without adding cruelty to the mix. Actually I would suggest that we not mention this story to our children and keep our anger over the situation under control. We should reach out to these children and let them know that we do not blame them. This must be a terrible time for them.

    -- Posted by think_first on Fri, Aug 14, 2009, at 1:53 PM
  • First, citizenoftheworld, maybe you should look back at your own comments - "I sometimes think the only thing Miss Barrand is capable of putting out is negativity. There are other things happening here besides theft and stories about inmates at the corrctional facility. Where are the positive news stories? She is on the community advisory board for the correctional facility...perhaps that explains some of her sunny outlook on Putnam County." , that is an attack on Ms. Barrand. Second, it is not her job to promote Putnam County, it is her job to report the news. Third, I simply asked a question (not a statement)(shaking my head), because evidently I do not know the who's who of Putnam County, but do know that the Sheriff's last name is Fenwick, was wanting to educate myself so maybe one day I too will have the privilage of knowing the who's who around Putnam County. I cannot help what other people do with the question. There you go ASSUMING again! Keep tryin' though.

    -- Posted by NotSoInnocent on Fri, Aug 14, 2009, at 4:36 PM
  • Thank you NotSoInnocent..defender of Banner Graphic. I am not the only one who feels this way . I am just one of the few who will actually verbalize it.If you doubt that's true just check the commentary on latest installation of this news story.There at least one other person who is concerned about how Putnam County is portrayed to the rest of the world.

    And again that was not an attack on Ms. Barrand herself.It's not like I am calling her names or attacking her PERSON.It was a commentary on the way she runs the paper and it is nothing that I have not written to her PERSONALLY before. She is very aware of my feelings as I have stated them to her. And in case you are curious I have also complimented her on some of her work.She has written some very good articles as well. My issue stems from the amount of court cases covered in this paper.

    When you work for the public you also open yourself up to contructive criticism. I have taken in everything you have said towards me and your criticism about my comments.Thanks so very much for sharing that with me. It still doesn't change my viewpoint.

    -- Posted by citizenoftheworld on Fri, Aug 14, 2009, at 5:13 PM
  • Oh, BTW I do disagree with you on one point if you are the editor of a smalltown newspaper (or any other business here) it is your job to promote the county as well as report the news.

    -- Posted by citizenoftheworld on Fri, Aug 14, 2009, at 5:18 PM
  • I agree with old man,its the comment sections that keep me coming back to read the banner online. Well....that and to laugh at how uneducated Greencastle residents really are I truly cant believe some of you even graduated with you spelling and grammar. Wow, no wonder people think were inbred hicks.

    -- Posted by shell81 on Sat, Aug 15, 2009, at 1:38 AM
  • REPLY to shell81

    Who said that they graduated?

    If I were a betting man I would bet at least 25% of them DID NOT GRADUATE.

    In my opinion it is not just Greencastle, it is all of Putnam County.

    I enjoy reading some of their asinine statements that sometimes has nothing to do with the article that they are commenting on.

    -- Posted by Old Man on Sun, Aug 16, 2009, at 2:11 AM
  • To shell81: Was your grammar error's on purpose?

    "cant believe some of you graduated with you spelling and grammar." There are a few mistakes in there but you still got the point across.

    Who gives a rats @@@ about a few spelling or grammar errors? Early morning, not enough coffee yet, some folks just are not quite awake enough yet to think clear. Other people might get so fired up over a story or a comment their brain is going five X's faster then their fingers will type.

    Maybe there is nothing wrong with making fun of people and their mistakes, at least you are not out stealing money from your employer.

    -- Posted by mad-mom on Sun, Aug 16, 2009, at 8:16 AM
  • Putnam county is full of thieves, they all have not been caught yet. We need answers. Why were they not bonded? Where were the accountants and auditors etc that should be handling financial matters employed by this church and the other businesses, to watch for these type of problems? I alway thought it took 2 people to sign off on checks written on accounts handled by office secretary's. Evidently not, since all of these cases in this county were only implicating one person. SHAME ON EVERYONE

    -- Posted by bakermom on Mon, Aug 17, 2009, at 10:08 AM
  • Not everyone knows all the facts about this issue.Have some compassion for her family and especially the children. The system in conjunction with the church will take care of business.Justice will be done fairly. Everyone needs to look at their own life and not be so judging. The hardest thing for folks to do is forgive. Everyone makes mistakes. I feel it will all turn out.Everytime there is a new article everyone starts throwing stones. Read the news update and move on.

    -- Posted by peace2019 on Wed, Aug 19, 2009, at 6:35 AM
  • Even in a small town , guess you really don't know the person whom lives next door, or someone you grew up with. greed changes a person.

    -- Posted by Sand mann on Wed, Aug 19, 2009, at 9:43 AM
  • To Mad mom- yes my mistake was on purpose...was trying to see how many would catch! Lol!

    -- Posted by shell81 on Wed, Aug 19, 2009, at 1:56 PM
  • I did not take the time to read all the comments because most of what I read appears to be the rantings of people who are guilty of whatever, and are readily pointing their finger at someone who has been caught. It's so nice to find someone useful to draw attention away from our own short-comings.

    Yes, God hates sin, but He does not hate the sinners, and He asks us not to hate the sinners, for if we do, we also hate ourselves. And that is what most of these comments sound like, people who hate themselves striking out at someone publicly because it makes them feel better about themselves. "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."

    -- Posted by charpo on Fri, Aug 21, 2009, at 7:28 AM
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