Stories from Tuesday, December 16, 2008

The Greencastle wrestling team traveled to Zionsville for the Zionsville Tournament this past Saturday. The Tiger Cubs had five individual placers on the day. Jacob Wright finished the day with a third-place finished, while Jesse Vermillion and Ben Hesler placed fourth. Kyle Buchanan finished fifth and Tyler Rickenbaugh ended the day with a sixth-place finish...

The South Putnam wrestling team had a successful day Saturday at the Tri-West Invitational. The Eagles walked away with a 3-2 record, with their only losses coming at the hands of Speedway and Tri-West. To get their three wins, South Putnam defeated Scecina, Lapel and Theodore Guerin Catholic...

The girls' and boys' swim team from South Putnam battled with Fountain Central Saturday at home. The boys came away with a 93-82 win, while the girls fell 121-62. The boys had six individual winners and capture the top spot in each of the relay races...

Genie M. Zimmerman, 88, of Greenfield passed away Sunday, Dec. 14, 2008. She was born in Waltonville, Ill. on July 8, 1920, to the late Walter O. and Genevieve Fry. Survivors include her daughter Linda Brackney and husband Steve, granddaughter Kim Green and husband Barry, great-grandson Jacob Green and stepson Stan Zimmerman...

Ellen Jane Nichols, 85, of Bainbridge passed away Monday, Dec. 15, 2008 at her son's residence. Born May 3, 1923 in Sellersburg, she was the daughter of Paul R. and Flaura Hurst Salmon. She was a graduate of Fillmore High School class of 1941 and Central Business College. She married Herschel Nichols on March 3, 1946 and he preceded her in death January 1989...

Clyde A. Buis, 76, of Spencer passed away Saturday, Dec. 13, 2008 at Putnam County Hospital. He was born in Coatesville on Sept. 4, 1932 to Emmett Frank and Margaret Blue Buis. He was a self-employed carpenter and farmer and a member of the Faith Baptist Church in Cunot...

Sheriff's Department The Putnam County Sheriff's Department has reported the following accidents. Jayne Bray, Greencastle, was traveling north on U.S. 231 at 8 a.m. Monday, when her vehicle began to skid due to icy road conditions. Bray's vehicle skidded across the road, into a light utility pole and a tree leaving no damage to the pole. Jerry's Wrecker Service towed the vehicle from the scene. There was an estimated $5,001 to $10,000 in damages...

Putnam County Hospital has launched a Web site in an effort to better inform area residents of the services the hospital has to offer. The Web site will allow for a new demographic to be reached. This is one of the "positive aspects" of the creation of the website, noted Jennifer Bedwell, marketing coordinator at PCH...

The Putnam County Museum will name the "Greatest Sports Legend of Putnam County" on Jan. 17. Putnam County residents are invited to vote for their favorite sports legend by casting a ballot at the museum. Votes can also be mailed to 1105 N. Jackson St., Greencastle, IN 46135 or e-mailed to museum2@co.putnam.in.us...

Rebuilding Together Owen Putnam is now accepting applications for houses of veterans in need of repairs beyond what can be accomplished on their own. The need is great and "help is out there," said Steve Newland, RTOP board chairman. The Owen/Putnam chapter of the national organization is looking to again take on five projects the last Saturday in April 2009. Home improvements range from installing handicap accessible ramps to roof replacement, siding and some remodeling...

Deanne White was named Dispatcher of the Year and presented with a plaque at the Monday evening Putnam County Commissioners meeting. Putnam County 911 Director Dave Costin told Putnam County Commissioners Gene Beck and Jim Baird what a terrific employee White has been...

INDIANAPOLIS -- State Rep. Nancy Michael (D-Greencastle) is reminding area seniors that they still have until Dec. 31 to file for a new credit that will reduce their property taxes. "People over 65 years of age still do have time to file for this credit, which was part of the property tax reforms passed by Legislature," Michael said. "You can apply for the credit at your local auditor's office."...

A Putnam County man's appeal of a prison sentence was denied recently in Putnam County Circuit Court. Shaun A. Miles, 23, of Greencastle was convicted on Jan. 24 of Class B felony battery of a child resulting in serious bodily injury. He was sentenced to six years with four executed with two suspended, and has been serving his time at the Miami Correctional Level 3 Facility...

CLOVERDALE -- A Cloverdale woman pled guilty in Putnam County Circuit Court Monday to Class D felony battery resulting in bodily injury. Kelly Anne Lashbrook, 26, was arrested Monday. She was released on her own recognizance after her court appearance. She will be sentenced on Jan. 12...

South Putnam High School Principal Kieth Puckett shared improved ISTEP scores with school board members Monday night. Despite the disappointing 2008 ISTEP results statewide, South Putnam students increased their scores 2.5 percent from last year. More than half -- 76.5 percent to be exact -- of all students tested passed the exam. South Putnam also showed better passing percentages than other county schools...

Brady Wachtel (center) accepts a gift from Santa Claus Monday evening at the Waters of Greencastle as Calvin and Chris Wachtel look on. Monday was the Christmas party at the Waters for residents and their families. After a meal and some musical entertainment, Santa and Mrs. Claus showed up and handed out gifts...

Putnam County Commissioners Jim Baird and Gene Beck discussed issues with the Rockies Express Pipeline in Russellville, heard about digital television changes and approved contracts at their Monday evening meeting. Beck commented on having received complaints about the repairs not being made on some of the gravel roads near Russellville. He and attorney Scott Huff discussed what could be done to assure that all promised repairs were made...

The freezing drizzle that came through Putnam County Tuesday evening made roads dangerous for motorists and cause a number of accidents on highways and county roads around the area. County 911 dispatcher Anthony Buis said there had been at least six accidents on I-70, with a number of the victims having been transported to the hospital...

The weekend death of a Coatesville boy has been ruled accidental. Stephen E. "Stevie" Patterson, 8, died Saturday after an accident at home. Indiana State Police Sgt. Richard Myers said the boy was playing with his brother and a friend in the basement of the Patterson home...