Stories from Friday, July 9, 2010

I can honestly say I'm surprised. I assumed all the talk about the Miami Heat forming their own "Big 3" to contend with the likes of the Celtics was just that -- a lot of talk. But now it's a reality. As most of you know already, LeBron James will join Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade in Miami next season, ending the "Where will LeBron go?" sweepstakes. And to be frank, I think it's a horrible idea...

To the Editor: Until recently, I have never really recycled, I don't own a hybrid car, I really haven't cared much about the 'environment.' That all changed when I saw the tragic pictures of oil-drenched sea turtles and pelicans. The day I heard about the BP oil spill quite literally changed my life...

The following were filed June 29-July 7 in the Putnam County Courts:...

Marjorie J. Buser, 84, of Crawfordsville passed away at Parkwood Health Care at Lebanon on Wednesday, July 7, 2010. She was born on July 2, 1926 in Ladoga to Lee and Florence Ewbank Wilson. She graduated from Roachdale High School in 1944. She worked at Wilson Brother's Greenhouse in Raccoon and retired from RR Donnelley's in Crawfordsville after 25 years. ...

Irma Beatrice Hess, 87, formerly of Greencastle, died Thursday, July 8, 2010 at the Barren County Health Care Center in Glasgow, Ky. She was the daughter of the late Alvie Gentry and Bessie Cook Gentry. She is survived by one son, Calvin C. Hess and wife his wife Naomi of Bedford, Va.; one daughter, Barbara Ross and husband James of Glasgow, Ky.; one daughter-in-law, Mary Ann Hess; six grandchildren, Jack Hess Jr., Mike Sanders, Tammy Cross, Kelley Woosley, Ron Hess and Chris Hess; and 13 great-grandchildren.. ...

Diana Jean Wand, 68, of Bainbridge passed away on Wednesday, July 7, 2010 at Methodist Hospital following a brief illness. She was born Feb. 9, 1943 in Indianapolis, the daughter of Nancy and George Tewell. She married Robert Wand on July 20, 1968 in Indianapolis, and he survives...

Shelley R. Howard, 37, of Cloverdale passed away on Wednesday, July 7, 2010 at Putnam County Hospital. She was born on July 28, 1972 in Indianapolis and was the daughter of Thomas L. and Judith A. Jeffras Miller. She married Aaron D. Howard on Feb. 20, 1993, and he survives. She was a homemaker and member of the New Providence Baptist Church and the Cloverdale Youth League...

Andrew R. King of Greencastle turned into the former Blockbuster parking lot on Indianapolis Road at 6:59 p.m. Wednesday, when his brakes failed, causing his vehicle to collide with a vehicle driven by Pamela Johnson of Greencastle, which was baking out of a parking space...

RUSSELLVILLE -- Anyone who enters Russellville on Sunday afternoon should be prepared to think they are in Hawaii. The community center will be hosting a luau hog roast, beginning at noon. Patrons will be greeted with a hug and a flowered lei. The luau buffet menu will consist of pork barbecue, baked beans, macaroni salad, pineapple and cheese salad, chips, fruit kabobs, pineapple upside down cake, chocolate cake, iced tea, lemonade, coffee and water...

The Indiana Historical Society recently launched its Indiana Experience -- a set of new interactive and high-technology experiences that allow the IHS to share its tremendous archival holdings, including 1.6 million photographs, in meaningful and enjoyable ways...

Bethany Bax (as Ruth Condomine), left, is vexed by Caroline Good (as Elvira Condomine) during "Blithe Spirit" at the Putnam County Playhouse. The show opened Thursday, and will also be staged today, Saturday and July 14-17. Curtain time for all performances is 8 p.m. Tickets are $9 and can be reserved by calling 653-5880.

GREENCASTLE -- A vehicle struck a pedestrian crossing North Jackson Street Thursday morning, sending a Greencastle man to the hospital with minor injuries. At 9:06 a.m., Jeff Ruff was crossing westbound in the area of the Mini Mart gas station and Coin Laundry when a vehicle operated by 26-year-old Adam Parks of Greencastle struck Ruff and knocked him approximately 10 feet...

PUTNAM COUNTY -- Around 12:30 p.m. Thursday, Indiana State Police Troopers from the Putnamville Post and Putnam County Emergency agencies were dispatched to the 36-mile marker of eastbound Interstate 70 for a one-vehicle crash. Preliminary investigation revealed a red 2005 Dodge Neon was eastbound on I-70 in the right lane, when for an unknown reason the vehicle veered left across the passing lane and ultimately into the guiderail...

Seven young women from across Putnam County will compete for the title of Miss Putnam County July 17 during the Putnam County 4-H Fair Queen Contest. The contest is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. in the community building at the Putnam County Fairgrounds...

Lucas Newland quietly reads a book during tutor time at the Putnam County Summer Day Camp at Ridpath, hosted by the YMCA. The camp is designed to help fight summer learning loss for children. Next week "campers" will learn about safety -- fire safety, swimming safety and first aid from emergency medical technicians.