Stories from Monday, June 28, 2010

PUTNAMVILLE -- The 2010 DIRTcar Summer Nationals "Hell Tour" for late models continues its grueling march across the Midwest with a visit to Lincoln Park Speedway this evening. The tour includes 29 races in 32 days over eight states and includes many of the nation's top late model drivers. The UMP Modifieds and bombers are also on tap for some thrilling racing at the Putnamville oval...

PUTNAMVILLE -- The pits were once again filled with a wealth of talented drivers on a sunny, humid afternoon at Lincoln Park Speedway. California native, Robert Ballou, has found the Midwest to his liking in 2010 as he has cleaned up while competing with the Lucas Oil Sprint Bandits Tour 'N Topless Series. On Saturday night he made a lucrative stop in Putnamville and came away with another win to add to his resume topping a field of 37 sprint cars that were on hand...

TERRE HAUTE -- Putnam County football was front and center stage Saturday night in Terre Haute at the sixth annual Wabash Valley Football Coaches Association High School All-Star Game. Led by quarterbacks Andy Walsh of South Vermillion and Taylor Duncan of Marshall, Ill., the North overwhelmed the South 40-13 at Indiana State's Memorial Stadium...

Should one grow heirloom or hybrid plants? This is a discussion that keeps coming up between local gardeners and horticulture professionals. There is a lot of confusion about both types of plants. Heirloom plants can be defined in many ways, but there are some characteristics that many of the definitions share. ...

Gene Clodfelter, with the help of his grandchildren and any recruited help, work hard to complete the new boy's shelter before the weekend church camp. Clodfelter's Pond hosted this weekend's Community Church Camp for the 47th year. Area youth have gathered at Clodfelter's Pond for the weekend retreat through the years for the summer church camp.

Roachdale Elementary teacher Char Coffman gets dunked in the dunk tank by the Putnam County Sheriff's Department's new Safety Pup during Roachdale's 2010 Summerfest. Coffman spent most of the day in the tank, which she said was full of cool water on a warm day. Several children lined up to dunk Coffman, all in good fun.

GREENCASTLE -- Parkfest will continue this week with another 7 p.m. Tuesday performance, but not in its usual location. As has become tradition, the Tuesday performance before July 4 will not be at the Robe-Ann Park bandshell, but will move to Gobin United Methodist Church as the Brazil Concert Band performs a selection of music in tune with the season...

On Saturday, the 2010 Putnam County Playhouse Youth Theatre workshop presented two versions of William Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night."

BAINBRIDGE -- It has been a dream come true for Lori Wittig. The Bainbridge Elementary instructional assistant has been selected for a Habitat for Humanity house -- the first one to be built in Bainbridge. "There are no words to express my gratitude," said Lori...

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