Stories from Friday, May 18, 2007

A former Putnam County Sheriff's employee sought by police has contacted the BannerGraphic to say he was only following orders when he allegedly took more than $45,000 in federal law enforcement grant money. But the lead investigator in the case says he does not believe that statement, and expressed confidence that George Alexander will be arrested to face the felony charges of misappropriation of funds...

Federal postal inspectors were at the Greencastle post office Friday morning to investigate the apparent theft of money from a stamp vending machine located in the post office lobby. Greencastle Post Master Jeff Adams explained that the lobby is accessible to the public 24 hours a day, which allows people to access their post office boxes, mail a letter or purchase stamps from an automated machine after hours...

By LISA MEYER TRIGG, Editor County officials gave initial approval to a tax abatement for a long-time local industry, but were mixed in their opinion on a pay raise for the county highway superintendent. Buzzi Unicem USA, formerly Lone Star Industries, will be constructing a new materials handling building and storage silos to burn non-toxic waste products...

Born May 15, 2007 Infant twins Jailyn Rose Christian and Joseph Edward Christian II were stillborn Tuesday at Putnam County Hospital. Surviving are their mother, Melinda (Hartley) McCurry, Fillmore; brother Joshua Hargroves; sisters Elizabeth and Rebekah McCurry; grandparents Gloria and Ed Christian, Fillmore; and several aunts, uncles and other relatives...

PLAINFIELD -- While the host Quakers were pulling away from Avon late in the running to take the team sectional title, Greencastle boys' track coach Mike Schimpf was happy with his team's finish. The Tiger Cubs' 67 points were enough to place them third in the team competition...

BAINBRIDGE -- North Putnam's softball team hit a speedbump on its march to sectional Thursday night as it fell to Southmont, 5-0, at home. Despite one inning, the Cougars played solid ball but the second inning proved to be too much for North Putnam to overcome...

Staff reports SPENCER -- The Greencastle boys' golf team stopped the Patriots on Thursday, 158-169, to improve its record to 12-2 on the season. David Lilly paced GHS with his medalist performance of 35 and Nick Pritchard shot a solid 37. "It was great to see David get back into form. ...

Staff reports WEST TERRE HAUTE -- Jennifer Wiley took a beating, with two line drives finding her legs, but helped power the Clovers past West Vigo, 8-3, Thursday on the road. Wiley pitched a complete game with six strikeouts but the story of the night was the Cloverdale pitcher's resilience after being hit twice...