Stories from Friday, May 11, 2007

Five years of planning finally paid off Thursday night as Putnam County officials approved the construction and funding for a new Emergency Operations Center and 911 facility. Putnam County 911 Director Dave Costin clapped his hands when members of the Putnam County Council voted unanimously to approve just more than $2.6 million to construct the facility and fill it with equipment...

An estimated 75 percent of incoming kindergarteners in Greencastle may opt for a full-day program, the Greencastle School Board heard Wednesday. Deer Meadow Principal Gwen Morris said of the parents surveyed during a recent kindergarten orientation, 75 percent were interested in sending their children to a full-day program. Parents at the upcoming Ridpath orientation will also be surveyed about their preferences...

A Terre Haute man who was arrested on drug and weapons charges at a Cloverdale motel last August is facing 20 to 50 years in prison after a jury found him guilty earlier this week. On Wednesday, a Putnam County jury convicted Mark A. Chandler, 47, of dealing in methamphetamines, a class A felony; possession of methamphetamines, a class C felony; and possession of a switchblade knife, a misdemeanor...

Gene Parker, 76, Fillmore, died Wednesday. He had been a professional boxer, winning both the lightweight and welterweight championship of Indiana with 48 career wins He was a Korean War veteran, and retired as a foreman in 1990 from General Motors...

Helen Rising, 83, Greencastle, died Thursday at her residence. Arrangements are pending at Bittles and Hurt Funeral Home, Greencastle.

CLOVERDALE -- A young Greencastle golf squad charged to the front and won the Putnam County Tournament Thursday night at Clover Meadows. Greencastle finished the night with 167 points and two golfers making all-county, with one taking top honors. "I can't be more proud," GHS coach Donovan Wheeler expressed...

Staff reports Cougar softball gets 14th win BAINBRIDGE -- The North Putnam Cougars picked up their 14th win of the season on Thursday, downing Owen Valley, 10-2. The Cougars finished the game with 15 hits as Alyssa Simpson was 3-for-3 with two doubles...

Staff reports Eagles top Patriots The South Putnam High School tennis squad managed to eke out a 3-2 home win over Owen Valley Thursday. "This was a good win against a good team," SPHS coach Johnnie Briones said. The Eagles picked up wins at both varsity doubles spots, but lost at No. 1 and No. 2 singles...

Staff reports South Putnam's new assistant coach Emmitt Carney, Indiana Bulls pitching coach and Associate Scout for the Atlanta Braves, is helping draw college and pro level attention to South's baseball players. On Tuesday, junior Jon Davidson received an invitation from the Indiana High School Baseball Coaches Association, to participate in the annual Indiana High School North/South All Star Series. ...