Efforts appreciated
Capts. Alan and Jodi Sladek led the Salvation Army in Columbus for seven years, and during that time they made a positive impact on the community with their efforts.
For example, they:
•Expanded the food pantry from two to four days of operation weekly, and increased service from 200 to more than 1,000
•Began Bags of Hope, a monthly home-delivery service for shut-ins and others with mobility and transportation issues
•Launched men’s, women’s and youth ministries, and put together a summertime Vacation Bible School curriculum
The Sladeks, who have been transferred to the Shelbyville Salvation Army headquarters, did a good job helping community residents. They will be missed.
Good modification
Kudos to the Bartholomew County Emergency Operations Center and emergency management officials who have made changes to Everbridge, the county’s emergency notification system.
During an early July thunderstorm, some local residents were bombarded with more than a dozen emergency notifications via texts and phone calls that essentially provided the same message, but with slight changes.
Tweaking Everbridge so that continuing warnings will not be sent to repeatedly prevents residents from feeling harassed, and reduces the chances of a “crying wolf” situation where residents ultimately ignore important warnings.
Honor deserved
Congratulations to longtime math teacher Dale Nowlin, who was honored as the Bull Dog Alumni Association’s Outstanding Teacher of the Year, which also earned him a $1,000 stipend.
Notably, Nowlin has taught for the past 20 years at Columbus North High School and is the math department chair at North and Northside Middle School. Previously, he received a presidential award for excellence in science and mathematics teaching in 1992. His selection reflects a highly respected and accomplished educator.
