Stories from Monday, July 26, 2010

PUTNAMVILLE -- The month of July has provided sweltering temperatures, but the heat can't compare to how hot Dickie Gaines has been at Lincoln Park Speedway. The Mitchell, Ind. sprint car driver remained unbeaten this month at the Putnamville oval scoring his third straight feature at LPS and in the process, took home a USAC AMSOIL National Sprint Car Series win on Saturday night. ...

INDIANAPOLIS -- After a wild beginning to the 2010 Brickyard 400, the drivers settled down and watched as Juan Pablo Montoya led the most laps for the second straight year, only to come up short after wrecking on lap 146 and finished 32nd. It was his teammate Jamie McMurray who captured the race on Sunday, making him just the third driver to win both the Daytona 500 and Brickyard 400 in the same year. ...

The Greencastle High School Class of 1995 will be celebrating its 15-year reunion Aug. 7. A picnic lunch is scheduled for graduates and their families at the Big Walnut Sports Park from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. In addition, a private party is planned from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Swizzle Stick for graduates and their significant others...

The acronym "I.R.A." (i.e. Individual Retirement Account) is so commonly tossed around in coffee shop talk and the media, it is assumed we all comprehend what one is. How often have you heard statements similar the following? "Because of what's going on in the market, I'm staying away from an I.R.A." Or, "The bank is not paying enough interest to even consider locking up my money in an I.R.A."...

GREENCASTLE -- In May 2009, a talented anonymous donor provided a queen-size quilt to raffle off and benefit Putnam County Hospital's Cancer Center. This year, another beautiful tacked, multi-colored, crazy quilt has been donated along with a handcrafted wooden sitting bench, two sides of freezer pork and a pop-up yard awning...

Big Bounce Fun House Rentals owner Susan Lorimer cuts the ribbon, as a new member of the Greencastle Chamber of Commerce. Big Bounce offers more than 30 items for any entertainment need. They can provide rock-climbing mountains, a bounce house or two, slides, a dunk tank, a bungee trampoline or yard signs, clowns, a magician or a disc jockey. Big Bounce also provides concession items, such as cotton candy and sno cones, and airbrush tattoos. To book a rental or for more information about Big Bounce services, call toll-free at 866-JUMPTOO or locally at 653-2851 between the hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday or by appointment on Saturdays. Pictured are Austin Shubert, Jacob Lorimer, Michael Lorimer, Susan Lorimer, David Lorimer, Sarah Lorimer, Breana Smith, Lexi Smith, chamber director Tammy Amor, Lori Hardwick, Jinsie Bingham, Beau Battin, Banner Graphic advertising representative Kerry McLain, Greencastle Mayor Sue Murray and Tracy Maynard.

GREENCASTLE -- Roger Bailey, County Executive Director for the Putnam/Hendricks County FSA Office, announced recently that the Farm Service Agency is seeking nominations for the Putnam/Hendricks County farmer elected committee. "I encourage local producers to become a member of their local FSA Committee and make a difference," said Bailey. "FSA County Committees have an important role in the decision making process on important agricultural issues in their community."...

The Putnam County Public Library will hold its monthly board meeting at 6 p.m. Wednesday in the Kiwanis room, downstairs in the library, 103 E. Poplar St. During the meeting, the Internet safety policy will be reviewed by the board of trustees. The public is invited to attend...

Today, July 26 -- Monday Movie Day at 1 p.m. with Kermit, Miss Piggy, Gonzo and other friends hosting a variety show. Wednesday, July 28 -- Library Board Meeting at 6 p.m. The board meeting is open to the public; Summer Story Time starts at 9:30 a.m. with Cuddle Time, 10 a.m. Toddler Time, 11 a.m. Pre-school Time and 4 p.m. school-age...

GREENCASTLE -- The Putnam County Public Library announced its online catalog might be down briefly Thursday morning, while an upgrade is applied to the Polaris System software. As a result of the upgrade, patrons will notice two new features. First, series information will display in the brief title record when available. For example, fans of a particular books series will have an easier search for the order in which the books are read...

Patricia L. Nicholson, 73, of Plainfield passed away Sunday, July 25, 2010 at her residence. Born April 3, 1937 in Greencastle, the daughter of Chester L. and Edna M. (Sutherlin) Goodman. She was a 1955 graduate of Greencastle High School. She married Charles L. Nicholson and he survives...

GREENCASTLE -- The 30th annual United Way golf scramble is slated for Aug. 6 at Old Hickory Golf Course. "This is the largest fundraiser for the United Way of Putnam County," said its director David English. Teams along with hole and event sponsors are still being sought, English noted. "We need a 19th hole sponsor and a sponsor for the snack and beverage cart on the course."...

A head-on collision Friday evening resulted in one driver being injured. At 5:45 p.m., the Greencastle Fire Department was dispatched to the accident on CR 200W, a few miles south of West Walnut Street. The 18-year-old driver of a S10 pick up suffered head and neck injuries after her truck overturned in the ditch. Crews work to remove her from the SUV, also involved in the crash, which she was placed in until emergency crews arrived. She was taken to Putnam County Hospital for treatment of her injuries. After collecting oil and fuel spilled at the scene, GFD was back in service at 7:04 p.m.

CLOVERDALE -- The town council has officially appointed a new clerk-treasurer to replace Patti Truax. In a special meeting Saturday, the council voted 4-0 for Cathleen Monaco to fulfill Truax's remaining term, which is up in 2012. Council member Don Sublett was absent from the meeting...

GREENCASTLE -- The heat index reached triple digits Saturday, leaving many 4-H'ers and their animals looking for relief. Many large fans were set up in each of the barns to help keep the animals cool, while many people were drinking water and not over exerting themselves to help prevent heat-related illnesses...

By JAMIE BARRAND Editor GREENCASTLE -- It looked for a while like the event wasn't going to happen at all, but the 2010 Battle of the Barns at the Putnam County 4-H Fair came off Sunday -- new and improved. Teams from all the livestock barns took part, as well as teams made up of members of the 2010 Putnam County 4-H Fair Queen's Court, 4-H'ers with projects in the community building and members of the 4-H Junior Leaders Club...

GREENCASTLE -- A Plainfield woman was transported to the Putnam County Hospital Monday morning after being involved in a two-vehicle crash on U.S. 240. Greencastle Police Department Officer Ed Wilson said Amanda Freriks, 21, was driving eastbound on U.S. 240 just before noon when her vehicle was struck by a car driven by Russell Keck III, 27, of Roachdale. Keck was driving southbound on Warren Avenue when he pulled out and struck Freriks' car on the driver's side...

Alberta Mae Brown Thomas, 81, of Greencastle has left her earthly home for her new home in heaven. Bert, or Bertie, as she was known to her friends, was born in Putnamville Nov. 16, 1928. She was the middle of five children born to Samuel Edward and Margaret Louise Mace Brown