Stories from Thursday, April 30, 2015

Greencastle is one of 50 communities celebrating victory today as quarterfinalists in the America's Best Communities competition, a $10 million initiative to stimulate economic revitalization in small towns and cities. The community will now be awarded $50,000 to develop a comprehensive strategy to accelerate the revival of the local economy and improve quality of life...

The Greencastle Police Department has been awarded a grant from CVS/pharmacy to install a drug collection unit at GPD headquarters,. The new unit is located in the front lobby of the Greencastle Police Department, 600 N. Jackson St., and will provide residents with a safe and environmentally responsible way to dispose of unwanted, unused or expired medication, including controlled substances...

Hellen Louise Baker, 71, of Greencastle, passed away on Thursday, April 30, 2015. She was born on Dec. 10, 1943 in Lovington, Ill., to Vincel Auten and Beulah Tracy Auten. Hellen had been employed by NACC -- P.R. Mallory Co. in Greencastle. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Dean; and a brother, Paul Auten...

Carol Lee Gerlach, 77, Cloverdale, went to her heavenly home on Wednesday, April 29, 2015 at her residence, surrounded by her loved ones. She was born on July 28, 1937 at Reelsville and was the daughter of the late James Clifford Mathews and Mary (Barr) Clifford...

To the Editor: Hickory Creek at Sunset would like to thank everyone that attended our annual Easter egg hunt. We would like to add a very special thank you to Baker's Septic Service, a local business here in Greencastle. Baker's Septic Service has donated the bicycles for our event for many years. This is greatly appreciated...

To the Editor: On behalf of the Putnam County Board of Realtors, I would like to thank everyone that attended our Bingo Event on Saturday, April 11. With so many fun events all going on that evening (Putting on the Hits, Dancing with the Stars, Endeavor Communication banquet) we were thrilled to have over 150 players in attendance, and we were able to give away bingo prizes of over $1,500...

O'Hairs Heating and Cooling celebrates its ribbon cutting ceremony.

CLOVERDALE -- The Cloverdale FFA Greenhouse is now open and will remain open until the end of school or it sells out. Days and hours of operation are 2-4:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays and 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturdays. The greenhouse has a large supply of annual flowers, including geraniums, petunias, wavy petunias, impatiens and more, several smaller perennials, lots of vegetables, hanging baskets and planters...

County Jail One person has been lodged in the Putnam County Jail recently. Michael James Vance, 24, Greencastle, was arrested for violation of home detention. City Police Two recent property-damage accidents were investigated by Greencastle City Police officers...

The John Wood Combo will entertain and the VFW Ladies Auxiliary of Post 1550, Greencastle, will serve barbecue country ribs Friday night, May 1 at the post at 819 S. Jackson St. Serving is scheduled for 5-7 p.m. Cost of the meal -- consisting of barbecue ribs, slaw, scalloped potatoes, rolls and dessert -- is $7 per person...

For property owners who would like a sidewalk repaired, replaced or reconstructed within the City of Greencastle, yet know the city has little in its coffers for such projects, there is an alternative. The City of Greencastle Sidewalk Improvement Program is designed to encourage such reconstruction, repair or replacement of residential sidewalks, Public Works Commissioner Brad Phillips and City Attorney Laurie Hardwick have announced...

CLOVERDALE -- The Cloverdale Town Council withdrew its three appointments to the Putnam County Convention Visitors Bureau during a special session Thursday night. The town joined the City of Greencastle and Putnam County Commissioners in rescinding the appointments on the CVB Board of Directors in an effort to combat a series of issues that have recently been brought to light. ...

The Eagle baseball team followed up is big won against North Putnam with another home win vs Turkey Run Wednesday. South Putnam won 11-9 with both teams scoring all of their runs in the first for innings.