Stories from Monday, February 1, 2010

ROACHDALE -- Coming off an emotional and physically draining loss to Greencastle on Friday, the North Putnam girls' basketball team had to turn around and play a Saturday matinee against the Shakamak Lady Lakers. Having done so once already in the season, the Cougars were able to handle the quick turnaround, but needed a 23 point third quarter to take the lead for good in defeating the Lady Lakers 49-42...

GREENCASTLE -- Sitting at 2-12 on the season, losers of five straight, the South Putnam boys' basketball team needed a fresh start. That's exactly what coach Micah Elliott and his team have decided to give themselves. "We started the season rough, and I told the kids, 'There's five games left. We are 0-0 and we have a tournament after our five games,'" Elliott said. "We're not going to worry what happened in the past. It's over. We can't change it. We can only get better for the future."...

AVON -- Months of preparation led area wrestlers to Avon Saturday for the 2010 Avon Wrestling Sectional for a chance to compete for a state title. Of the county competitors, 12 grapplers will make the journey to Mooresville Saturday to battle at the regional...

When cold weather comes it is very likely that you will not continue to ride your horses throughout the cold months. Most horse owners don't own an indoor arena and also have no desire to ride in the cold weather. Especially during the coldest temperature and the nastiest weather we need to remember that our large animal companions need attention...

There are numerous charities worth supporting, but it is hard to find one organization that touches as many lives in Putnam County as the United Way. As the campaign ends for the year, Executive Director David English reports a total as of January 28 of $149,645...

Nathan Welty was crowned the 2010 South Putnam Winter Homecoming King on Saturday. He is the son of Kent and Sandy Welty and was escorted by Taylor Goss. Princes crowned at the ceremony were freshman Gavin Jacobs, sophomore Jake Girton and junior Max Vanichnatee.

GREENCASTLE -- Why become a Girl Scout? For the cookies? It's about more than the famous cookies sold annually across America. Members of Greencastle Troop 59 have some other reasons for being a Girl Scout. "I like the (community service) projects," said troop member Alina Bemish...

GREENCASTLE -- While he is admired by many in the community, some of Ken Heeke's biggest fans are his children and grandchildren. When Heeke was announced as the Greater Greencastle Chamber of Commerce's Citizen of the Year on Saturday, his toddler granddaughter was the first to wrap him in a congratulatory hug...

LADOGA -- A one-vehicle crash early Saturday sent a Greencastle High School student to the hospital. Indiana State Police responded to an accident at approximately 4 a.m. Saturday involving Alyssa Nichols, 17, of Greencastle. The wreck took place on U.S. 231 near Montgomery C.R. 1000S...

Barbara Passwater, 57, of Brazil died unexpectedly at her residence on Thursday, Jan. 28, 2010. She was born Aug. 26, 1952 to William and Eleanore Hatfield Wells. She graduated from Carmel High School and had previously worked at Marsh Supermarket in Greencastle. She was presently a mold tech at the Lear Corporation...