Stories from Thursday, December 2, 2010

GREENCASTLE -- A night after having narrowly lost to Terre Haute South Tuesday, the Greencastle girls' swim team had to make an immediate turnaround and take on an opportunistic Tri-West squad that nearly pulled off a stunner. The score heading into the final event was tight enough that a win for either squad would seal the meet in their favor. Fortunately, Greencastle had enough fight left to pull away and down the visiting Bruins 96-88...

GREENCASTLE -- Local residents Sue Furr and Kate Durham will launch a 12-week non-profit course that will offer tips on nutrition and exercise, along with a little friendly competition to make losing weight fun. The challenge will take place on Monday nights at the Blue Door Café, 304 W. Washington St. The Blue Door is closed to customers Monday nights, so this will be a private "Biggest Loser" meeting...

William L. Raney III, 85, Quincy, passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2010 in Indianapolis. He was the son of the late Melvin L. Raney and Ida Jane Hawk Raney Bova. He was married to Betty June Sanders Raney on April 11, 1955, and she preceded him in death on April 20, 2001...

On Friday, the Walmart Transportation Center gave $7,500 to different 501C organizations. In the back row: Sharon York, Kevin Pulliam, Laura Sanders, Angie Nichols with Reelsville Elementary School, Ernie Maesch with the Northview High School, Brent Sailor, the assistant principle of Cloverdale High School, Debbie Smith-Reed (obstructed), Jon Young, Tim Rogers. In the front row: Kim Wright and Jenni Artis with Cloverdale Main Street, Rita Bain with Fillmore Elementary, Janet Wallace, Susan Flater, Joe Steen the general transportation manager. Not pictured are representatives of the Juvenille Diabetes Research Foundation and the Clay Emergency Food Pantry. The Walmart Distribution and Transportation centers gave a combined $50,000 to similar organizations throughout the year.

GREENCASTLE -- A Greencastle woman who served time in prison for her role in the death of her husband has been accused of violating her probation and ordered held in jail without bond. Tonya M. Benassi, 37, was convicted of Class C felony reckless homicide on Dec. 4, 2008 in connection with the Oct. 15, 2007 death of her husband Tracy. Judge Matthew Headley sentenced Benassi to 2 and a half years in prison, to be followed by an 18-month probation term...

GREENCASTLE -- Even though it was a cold night outside, the smell of gingerbread kept everyone warm inside Greencastle City Hall. The warmest were the winners of the annual Gingerbread House and Brickmania Santa Claus. In the family category, Seth Lawrenz and his parents, Kim and Steve, defended their title after winning last year. ...

A new Indiana State University scholarship was created by a former Greencastle teacher to honor her mother, another former Greencastle teacher. The scholarship recognizes Muriel Rector Rockhill, who taught at Greencastle until 1967. It is funded by an endowment from her daughter, Nancy Walters Smith...

Be prepared: Before traveling, check the forecast and let someone know your travel route. Keep your gas tank full if possible. Carry a winter driving kit that should include: blankets, flashlight and extra batteries, a brightly colored cloth, sand (or cat litter), shovel, candle, matches, non-perishable high calorie food, a first aid kit and jumper cables and cell phone...

GREENCASTLE -- As the first snow hit the ground, some Putnam County residents didn't adapt well to the change in the weather. "We had quite a few who slid off the road earlier," said Putnam County Sheriff Steve Fenwick. "The roads cleared after morning."...

GREENCASTLE -- As I took my seat in DePauw's Moore Theatre for Tuesday night's Carolina Chocolate Drops show, I have to admit I was a bit apprehensive. Since I found out the Drops would be visiting town, I've spent quite a bit of time familiarizing myself with their music. I must say I love the way they meld diverse influences into a cohesive set...

One of two documentaries released by Walt Disney Home Entertainment Tuesday, "Walt & El Grupo" is the story of Walt Disney and a creative team from his studio and their goodwill mission to South America on behalf of the government. Asked to be a cultural ambassador, Disney assembled his team and make the trek to South American in 1941, spending three months traveling, researching and most importantly, playing a part in keeping the South American countries on the side of the United States during World War II.. ...

On Tuesday, Disney released the documentary "Waking Sleeping Beauty," giving us a behind-the-scenes look at a distinct period in the history of one of the most iconic franchises in film history. "Waking Sleeping Beauty" takes us behind the scenes of the fledgling animation department at Disney in the mid-80s and how a creative team of artists and executives raised it from the ashes. ...