Stories from Thursday, September 15, 2016

Two years of discussions and planning officially came to fruition Thursday morning when Sheriff Scott Stockton swore in three new officers to provide added security at the Putnam County Courthouse. The additions of bailiffs Mark Witt and Robert Boyd, along with probation field officer Garret Nichols, bring the number of officers regularly providing security at the courthouse up from two to five...

Justin P. and Darrianne Howard Christian, both 1995 graduates of DePauw University, have committed more than $500,000 in funds to support improvements to the Association of African American Students (AAAS) house and programming to enhance diversity and inclusion at DePauw University...

Director Lora Busch announced Tuesday that the Area 30 Career Center has received the Career and Technical Education Rural Grant in the amount of $78,249. “We are really excited,” Busch said, “and our teachers will be getting some professional development out of that.”...

On Wednesday, the Office of Indiana Secretary of State issued a press release reminding elgible voters that Sept. 2016 is National Voter Registration Month. “With only eight weeks to go until the general election on Nov. 8, there is no time to waste in verifying your voter registration and polling location,” Secretary of State Connie Lawson said. “Voting is a privilege we enjoy as citizens and getting ready to vote in Indiana is simple and straightforward.”...

To the Editor: In a recent document from the Banner Graphic it mentions “They deserve our courtesy when we’re out on the road.” The “Project of Independent Utility #4” at the intersection of U.S. 231 and 36 is a mess and is putting many people at risk. More than 705 people die yearly just in Indiana due to vehicle crashes...

The official bicentennial of the State of Indiana is still nearly three months away on Sunday, Dec. 11, 2016. Planning for bicentennial celebrations has been going on since 2011 at the state level and since 2013 here in the county. Lost in those dates, though, is that next Thursday, Sept. 22, might just be the best time to take in the bicentennial experience here in Putnam County...

ROACHDALE -- As part of the council’s efforts to improve a number of water issues in the town, newly developed meter-reading devices will soon be steadily installed onto Roachdale’s more than 400 water meters. Receiving unanimous approval at Tuesday’s regular public session, the Neptune meter-reading system, which was proposed to the board Tuesday by representatives from the Utility Supply Company (USC) out of Indianapolis, promises to increase efficiency and accuracy for not only Clerk-treasurer Debbie Sillery and the billing process, but for the various issues residents have been experiencing, as well.. ...

Three people were booked in the Putnam County Jail recently. Tuesday • At 2:31 p.m., Barry Alan Wright, 56, of Fontana, Calif., was lodged at the jail on charges of possession of methamphetamine. Wednesday • At 11:06 a.m., Frederick Buttery Jr., 42, of Cloverdale, was lodged at the jail on a local warrant and charges of theft...

The Putnam County Hospital main parking lot and the drive up from U.S. 231 will be getting sealed starting Saturday, Sept. 17 through Monday, Sept. 19. The entrance will be open, but with barrels to keep visitors, patients and employees safe from the work area...

Dunbar Bridge located on Dunbar Road at Big Walnut Creek will be closed for seven days starting on Monday, Sept. 19 for resurfacing. Putnam County Highway Department officials hope the project will be completed in less than the allotted time.

Several events and preparations have been announced by the town office of Bainbridge. They include: • Homecoming Parade -- North Putnam High School’s annual homecoming parade will be held today (Friday, Sept. 16) at 5 p.m. in Bainbridge. Streets affected will include South Cherry Street, West Main Street and South Washington Street. The parade will begin at Bainbridge Elementary School...

The DePauw University Choir and DePauw Chamber Singers, directed by Kristina Boerger, will present “Follow You, Follow Me: An Interactive Circle” for the combined choirs’ first concert of the 2016-17 season at 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 18 in the Great Hall of the Judson and Joyce Green Center for the Performing Arts...