Joanne C. Connell

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June 27, 2019

COLUMBUS

Joanne C. Connell, 91, of Central Avenue, died at 12:38 p.m. June 25, 2019, at Our Hospice of South Central Indiana Inpatient Facility.

Joanne was born May 22, 1928, in Memphis, Tennessee, the daughter of Glenn and Marie Daugherty Caraway. She married William Leo “Bill” Connell July 30, 1949, and he preceded her in death on April 1, 2006.

She was a member of St. Bartholomew Catholic Church. Joanne was actively interested in national, state and local politics and current events. She was known for her wit and sharp intelligence. Joanne also loved sewing and quilting, and especially loved bridge and other card games.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted at 10 a.m. Friday, June 28, 2019, at St. Bartholomew Catholic Church with Father Clem Davis officiating. Calling will be 6 to 8 p.m.Thursday at Jewell-Rittman Family Funeral Home with a rosary service at 8 p.m. She will be laid to rest next to Bill at Garland Brook Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family has asked that memorials be made to Our Hospice of South Central Indiana or their local hospice center.

Survivors include her daughters, Suzan Connell of Lincoln, Nebraska, and Julie Furnish of Columbus; her son, Mark (Christy) Connell of Augusta, Michigan, and grandchildren, Rachel, Corey, Ashlee, Logan, Erin, Chelsea, Jacob and Matthew; and six great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Bill; son, Gary Connell; and a son-in-law, Tom Furnish.

You are invited to view her video tribute, light a virtual candle and send a message to the family via the internet.

Information: www.jewellrittman.com.

Peter Flokowitsch

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Staff Reports

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June 27, 2019

COLUMBUS

Peter Phillip Flokowitsch, 74, of Columbus, formerly of Nashville died Saturday at Columbus Regional Hospital.

Graveside service on Friday, June 28 at 1:00 p.m. at the Weeping Willow Cemetery in Bean Blossom. Burial will follow.

Helena M. Whitlow

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Staff Reports

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June 27, 2019

NASHVILLE

Helena May Whitlow, 99, of Nashville, IN, formerly of Columbus, was called to her heavenly home on Monday, June 24, 2019, surrounded by her family at Brown County Health and Living Community.

Helena was born September 11, 1919 in Forest City, IL, at home on the family farm to John Earl and Mabel (Hare) Zimmerman. She was the middle child of seven siblings. Helena met the love of her life, John O. Whitlow, at a dance. They married in 1939 and celebrated 72 years together. He preceded her in death in 2012.

Helena attended Westside Community Church and was a member of Fairlawn Presbyterian Church. She was a receptionist for Dr. Harrison Lawyer for 17 years and a former volunteer at Columbus Regional Hospital.

Helena was an avid card player, especially bridge. She loved cooking and entertaining, especially preparing the family’s favorite meals. Above all, she was devoted to her family.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a son, John Douglas Whitlow; two infant daughters, Patricia and Suzanne Whitlow; brother, John Earl Zimmerman, Jr.; and sisters, Marie Reznicek, Pauline Braden, Marguerite Furrer and Gladys VanHorn.

Survivors include her loving daughters, Linda (Bill) Taggart of Nashville, and Judy (David) Furry of Mechanicsville, IA; daughter-in-law, Anna Whitlow of Highpoint, NC; brother, Richard (Marlene) Zimmerman of Springfield, IL; grandchildren; Alex (Kari) Taggart, Holly (Billy) Shrum, Drew (Sarah) Furry, Katie Furry (Chris), Michelle (Robert) Schneggenburger, Larry Furry, Todd (Linda) Whitlow, and Andi (John) Mohan; and great-grandchildren, Emily, John, Rhett, R.J., Caroline, Lexi, Lincoln, Ellis, Nolla, Mabelle, Olivia (Carson), Jacob, Gracie, Austin (Holly), and Jarod. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 29, 2019 at 11:30 a.m. at Hathaway-Myers Chapel. Pastor Robert Vestor will officiate.

Friends will be received from 10:00 a.m. until service time. Inurnment will be at Garland Brook Cemetery.

Helena’s family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of Brown County Health and Living Community as well as Our Hospice of South Central Indiana for all the love and special care they provided to Helena and her family.

Memorials in her name should be directed to either Our Hospice of South Central Indiana or Brown County Health and Living Community Activity Department.

The family will receive online condolences at: www.Hathaway-Myers.com.

Hathaway-Myers Chapel is serving the Whitlow family.

2 arrested in Jennings shooting incident

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Staff Reports

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June 27, 2019

Staff Reports

Two men have been arrested following an incident involving a Jennings County resident exchanging gunshots with a man found on his property.

One of the men arrested, 18-year-old David Eggert of North Vernon, is charged with attempted murder.

Police responded to a report of shots fired and a suspicious vehicle along County Road 1000W in Spencer Township in Jennings County shortly after 1 a.m. Tuesday.

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A homeowner discovered a vehicle parked in the middle of the road in front of his home, and checked his property to look for the vehicle’s owner. Police discovered the vehicle had been reported stolen from Medora.

The resident discovered a man hiding in his yard. The man opened fire on the homeowner with a small caliber firearm. The property owner returned fire, and the suspect fled. No one has been reported injured in the exchange.

Later on Tuesday, Alex Mullikin, 26, of North Vernon, was arrested after he was observed walking in the area of County Road 1000W. He is charged with theft and is being held in the Jennings County Jail on $1,055 bond, said Jennings County Chief Deputy Dave Turner.

David Eggert, 18, of North Vernon, was arrested by Sgt. Cody Low and his canine, Axle, on Hoosier Street in North Vernon after a foot pursuit, Turner said.

Low attempted to stop Eggert, who was on foot on Hoosier Street. Eggert fled, but was taken down by canine Axle. During the incident, Eggert took out a handgun, which was discovered under a nearby vehicle, Turner said.

That vehicle, the second in the incident, had been stolen by Eggert after fleeing County Road 1000W, Turner said.

Eggert is in the Jennings County Jail on preliminary charges of:

Attempted murder

Possession of a firearm by a felon

Theft

Criminal recklessness with a weapon

He also was wanted on an Indiana parole warrant.

Eggert is being held in jail without bond.

Regional Hospital, Police – June 27

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Staff Reports

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June 27, 2019

JENNINGS COUNTY

Arrests

Monday

Keith Cook, 44, Indianapolis, probation violation for original charge of possession of paraphernalia with a prior, 10:40 a.m., by the Jennings County Sheriff’s Department, $1,055 bond.

Darrell Manning, 44, Greensburg, warrant for failing to appear in court for final attorney conference for original offenses of maintaining a common nuisance – controlled substance, possession of methamphetamine, possession of paraphernalia, operating a motor vehicle without ever receiving a license, 12:38 p.m., by the Jennings County Sheriff’s Department, $2,605 bond.

Conner A. Wheeler, 23, Paris Crossing, warrant for probation violation for operating while intoxicated, 1:30 p.m., by the Jennings County Sheriff’s Department, $1,055 bond.

Incidents

Monday

7:23 a.m. — Burglary in the 2100 block of North State Street.

12:31 p.m. — Child molestation in the area of Hendricks Court.

6:31 p.m. — Property-damage accident in the area of Buckeye Street.

10:43 p.m. — Theft in the 2100 block of North State Road 3.

Local Police, Fire – June 27

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Staff Reports

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June 27, 2019

Police, Fire

EDITOR’S NOTE: The following information was summarized from the records of city, county, and state police, fire and hospital agencies.

Arrests

Sunday

Clarissa D. Johnson, 36, of 920 Chestnut St. — 9, Columbus, criminal mischief — damaging or defacing property, public nudity, public intoxication, disorderly conduct, criminal trespassing, 3:23 p.m., by the Indiana State Police, released on $14,500 bond.

Jasper A. Newsome, 27, of 12201 W. Sawmill Road, Columbus, two Bartholomew County warrants, released on $8,500 bond.

Jennifer L. Alis, 38, of 5235 Norway Court, Columbus, two counts battery on a public safety official, battery by bodily waste on law enforcement, resisting law enforcement, 5:39 p.m., by the Columbus Police Department, held on $35,000 bond.

Stephen B. Wyatt, 56, of 611 Garden St., Columbus, possession of a lookalike substance, out-of-county warrant, 9:41 p.m., by the Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department, held without bond.

Daniel W. Burton, 40, Hope, three body attachments, out-of-county warrant, 11:03 p.m., by the Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department, held without bond.

Monday

Michael O. Kent, 30, of 1039 Lafayette Ave., Columbus, probation violation, held without bond.

Fire, medic runs

Monday

8:56 a.m. — Person injured in a work-related accident in the 200 block of Raymond Street.

12:52 p.m. — Person injured in the 3800 block of Pawnee Trail.

1:28 p.m. — Hazardous material spill near the 63 mile-marker of South I-65.

2:07 p.m. — Unconscious person in the 6100 block of Basswood Drive.

2:56 p.m. — Unconscious person in the 600 block of Garden Street.

4:07 p.m. — Person injured in the 2300 block of Maple Street.

7:17 p.m. — Person injured in a fall in the 3600 block of Westenedge Drive.

7:35 p.m. — Person injured in a fall in the 400 block of Pence Street.

Incidents

Monday

6:11 a.m. — Property-damage accident at the intersection of North State Road 9 and East County Road 800N.

8:05 a.m. — Residential burglary in the 2600 block of South County Road 550W.

8:13 a.m. — Fraud reported to the sheriff’s department.

10:16 a.m. — Battery in the 2900 block of 15th Street.

10:59 a.m. — Shoplifting in the 700 block of Creekview Drive.

11:15 a.m. — Theft in the 1800 block of Washington Street.

11:37 a.m. — Criminal mischief or vandalism in the 900 block of Jonesville Road.

1:16 p.m. — Property-damage accident near the 63 mile-marker of I-65.

2:37 p.m. — Property-damage accident near the 68 mile-marker of South I-65.

2:57 p.m. — Personal-injury accident at the intersection of South Jonesville Road and East County Road 400S.

3 p.m. — Residential burglary in the 10000 block of East Legal Tender Road.

3:30 p.m. — Violation of a protective order reported to the police department.

3:35 p.m. — Property-damage accident in the 2700 block of Central Avenue.

3:50 p.m. — Damage to property in the 3400 block of Washington Street.

3:42 p.m. — Theft reported to the sheriff’s department.

3:49 p.m. — Property-damage accident at the intersection of East State Road 46 and North State Road 9.

4:17 p.m. — Property-damage accident at the intersection of 17th Street and McClure Road.

5:05 p.m. — Property-damage accident at the intersection of Cessna and Mapleton drives.

5:18 p.m. — Damage to property reported to the police department.

5:47 p.m. — Forgery in the 11000 block of North U.S. 31.

5:53 p.m. — Drug violations reported to the police department.

6:42 p.m. — Residential burglary in the 6800 block of West County Road 450N.

7:08 p.m. — Theft at the intersection of North National Road and Central Avenue.

7:30 p.m. — Drug violations reported in the 1500 block of North Gladstone Avenue.

7:48 p.m. — Residential burglary in the 600 block of Main Street.

7:59 p.m. — Damage to property in the 1000 block of Pennsylvania Street.

8:15 p.m. — Public intoxication at the intersection of Taylor and Rocky Ford roads.

8:36 p.m. — Violation of a protective order in the 1000 block of Phoenix Court.

9:28 p.m. — Personal-injury accident at the intersection of North Marr Road and East County Road 500N.

10:11 p.m. — Personal-injury accident at the intersection of South U.S. 31 and East County Road 400S.

Parent feels left out when ex keeps a secret

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Staff Reports

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June 27, 2019

Dear Amy: My ex-fiance and I were together for five years, and have been separated for over three years. We have a child.

We have shared custody of our child, and although my ex is very wealthy, I have never asked for any child support or compensation because I just wanted us to focus on co-parenting our child, without the mess.

My mother informed me that my ex was engaged, after she saw it on social media. He never told me. We had a great relationship until he started seeing this woman. According to him, she is very jealous of me.

I see my ex at least once a week. Although I had a negative opinion when I found out about their relationship, I got over it quickly and told my ex that if she makes him happy, then I wish him the best.

They got married quickly after being engaged and he still hasn’t said anything to me.

Now our relationship has an awkward vibe. I don’t want to make him feel uncomfortable, and I’ve been waiting to see if he would eventually tell me about his marriage. I have been very nice to his wife. I’m not sure why he’s hiding all of these important events from me.

Should I say something, just to get it out of the way so it doesn’t strain our relationship?

— Glass Half Full

Dear Glass: You seem to focus entirely on your ex’s life — and his feelings — when you should be focusing on your own, and your child’s.

You both seem cowardly. He is too chicken to tell you he’s gotten married. And you don’t seem to have advocated for your child. Do you have a legal custody agreement?

Even if you can readily afford raising your child, you could advocate for help with insurance, extracurricular activities and college down the road. Helping to support a child financially is an important aspect of "co-parenting."

Your child now has a stepmother. This could be a game-changer on many fronts — for all of you.

You should receive legal counsel as soon as possible.

Find the words. Say to your ex, "So, I understand that you and Margo got married. Can you explain why you decided not to tell me this?"

Dear Amy: I recently hosted an old college friend for lunch at my house, along with her husband and young daughter, "Lillie."

I’ve got a medium-sized dog that gets nervous around new people, so for safety’s sake I locked the dog in her kennel and kept her in a back room.

My friend asked several times if she could take her daughter to the back to "see the puppy," but I said no because the dog would stay calmer if she was left alone.

Well, while I was busy cooking lunch, my friend apparently snuck Lillie to the back room to see the dog.

Next thing I know, Lillie is screaming/crying, and my friend is yelling at me.

Apparently the dog nipped at Lillie and scared her (there was no physical contact). Now, my friend is angry with me for "allowing" my dog to scare her child. She is threatening to report me to animal control.

I think she’s insane.

My dog was locked away in her kennel. I stated very clearly to leave the dog alone, and she ignored me.

My friend says she wants an apology and for me to get rid of the dog, or she won’t be visiting anymore. Who is right here?

— Doggone

Dear Doggone: From this point forward, it would be wisest for you to refer to this person not as a friend, but a "former friend."

Taking your narrative at face value, she is an irresponsible parent who knowingly and deliberately ignored clearly stated warnings and put her child in harm’s way.

I won’t suggest that you counter her threat with one of your own (to report her to CPS for child endangerment), but the temptation is surely there.

You do not owe her an apology. Nor do I think you should continue to communicate with her about this.

I do think you should hold her to her promise not to visit you anymore.

Dear Amy: Cute advice to "Frozen," to offer a young child an ice pack for a little boo-boo. But — hello — ice packs can actually "burn" young skin.

I suggest you rethink your advice.

— Disappointed

Dear Disappointed: Parents must make sure their remedy doesn’t cause other problems. I think most can manage to make their ice packs safe.

WILL TV DEBATES IGNORE FARMERS LIKE THE REST OF TELEVISION?

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Staff Reports

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June 27, 2019

FROM ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

FOR RELEASE: THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 2019

TUNE IN TONIGHT by Kevin McDonough

WILL TV DEBATES IGNORE FARMERS LIKE THE REST OF TELEVISION?

— A second scrum of 10 candidates appears on the 2020 Democratic candidates debate (9 p.m., NBC, MSNBC and Telmundo).

It’s never wise to predict what happens in politics or political events, particularly when you file columns days in advance, as I do. But I will make a guess as to one subject that probably won’t get mentioned.

Over the past year or so, America’s farmers have faced tariffs, floods and a rained-out planting season. Imagine how "the news" would react if the tech sector or Wall Street faced such ruinous prospects?

The simple fact is, television rarely pays attention to farms or farmers. With few exceptions, including Netflix’s "The Ranch" and Paramount’s "Yellowstone," most "rural" shows have followed a "Green Acres" tradition. They’re more likely to be about the comedy of city slickers adjusting to country life. ABC’s recent comedy "Bless This Mess" is just that.

If TV ignores farms and farmers, why should we expect anything different from a TV debate?

— Not in the business of advertising or ratings, Netflix rarely releases audience figures. But it was quick to point out that more than 30 million viewers had streamed "Murder Mystery," a movie comedy starring Jennifer Aniston and Adam Sandler.

While I’m generally mystified by the popularity of anything involving Sandler, I can appreciate this comedy’s broad, old-fashioned appeal. Its drawing-room murder plot hearkens back to "Clue," both the board game and the movie, and won’t tax the patience of Agatha Christie fans. It features nice scenery, sets and costumes and even a nod to "If It’s Tuesday, This Must Be Belgium."

While Sandler stars, it’s not an Adam Sandler movie. He’s not surrounded by his usual entourage.

The most old-fashioned thing about "Murder" is its celebration of the average American (Sandler and Aniston are a cop and a hairdresser, respectively) over rich snobs.

Aniston channels a girl-next-door-who’s-smarter-than-she-lets-on appeal that dates back to Meg Ryan in her heyday and Ginger Rogers in too many movies to mention.

It’s slight, fun summer fare. Like most Sandler efforts, it has been savaged by critics. In this case, I have to disagree. It’s not art, but it is amusing.

— On two episodes of "Life in Pieces" (CBS, TV-PG): milestones (9 p.m.) and an eye-opening vacation (9:30 p.m.). The second episode is the series finale.

Airing its finale tonight, "In the Dark" (9 p.m., TV-PG), the CW drama about a blind, hard-drinking, promiscuous sleuth, has been renewed for a second season.

— Filmmaker Paul Thomas Anderson ("Boogie Nights," "There Will Be Blood") joins forces with musician Thom Yorke (Radiohead) to present the short "one-reel" film "Anima," streaming today on Netflix and available to screen (for free) in select IMAX theaters.

TONIGHT’S OTHER HIGHLIGHTS

— An engineering student sends the windmills spinning on "Holey Moley" (8 p.m., ABC, TV-PG).

— A murder trial captivates millions on part four of "O.J.: Made in America" (8 p.m., ESPN, TV-14).

— A tech genius develops a prophetic app on "Elementary" (10 p.m., CBS, TV-PG).

— A stolen laptop could compromise the governor on "Reef Break" (10 p.m., ABC, TV-PG).

— Martha gets tipsy and forgets the pot roast on "Baskets" (10 p.m., FX, TV-MA).

CULT CHOICE

The late Gene Wilder stars in Mel Brooks’ 1974 Western parody "Blazing Saddles" (7 p.m., IFC, TV-MA), as well as the 1971 musical "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" (9 p.m., IFC, TV-G).

SERIES NOTES

On two helpings of "Young Sheldon" (CBS, TV-PG, r), a test drive (8 p.m.) higher office (8:30 p.m.) … Trivia matters on "The Wall" (8 p.m., NBC, r, TV-PG) … Liv nibbles on the brains of a beauty pageant runner-up on "iZombie" (8 p.m., CW, TV-14) … Six-course meals on "Family Food Fight" (9 p.m., ABC, TV-PG).

LATE NIGHT

Howard Dean is booked on "The Daily Show With Trevor Noah" (11 p.m., Comedy Central) … Isaac Hempstead Wright appears on "Conan" (11 p.m., TBS, r) … Gov. Chris Christie, Carly Zakin and Danielle Weisberg are booked on "The Late Show With Stephen Colbert" (11:35 p.m., CBS) … Jimmy Fallon welcomes Nicki Minaj, Phoebe Robinson and Julia Michaels on "The Tonight Show" (11:35 p.m., NBC) … Miles Teller, Ayesha Curry and Hollywood Vampires appear on "Jimmy Kimmel Live" (11:35 p.m., ABC, r).

Kate McKinnon, Rep. Pramila Jayapal and Jon Wurster visit "Late Night With Seth Meyers" (12:35 a.m., NBC) … Pamela Adlon, David Harbour and Wallows appear on "The Late Late Show With James Corden" (12:35 a.m., CBS, r).

State legislators have low interest in high smoking rates

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Staff Reports

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June 27, 2019

South Bend Tribune

It’s hardly shocking news to learn that Indiana has one of the highest smoking rates in the nation.

Nor should it come as a surprise to anyone who’s paying attention that in the most recent legislative session, state lawmakers failed once again to act on this public health issue.

For years, Indiana has failed to do the right thing by Hoosiers on the issues of smoking prevention and cessation. Since 1998, Indiana has received $2.7 billion from tobacco companies as part of the master settlement agreement. But the Indiana General Assembly has continually raided money intended to pay for smoking cessation efforts and public programs aimed at helping smokers kick the habit.

And in the recently concluded session, the Republican- controlled legislature seemed unwilling to move on measures that targeted reducing the rates of tobacco use and vaping. A bill that would have increased the state’s cigarette tax died, despite backing from a broad range of interests in the state, as well as the public. And lawmakers also failed to act on raising the smoking age from 18 to 21. This summer, a committee will study vaping products.

Meanwhile, here are a couple of facts worth studying: More than one in five Indiana adults smoke cigarettes, while the percentage of high school students using e-cigarettes in 2016 — the last year for which data is available — is double what it was in 2012, according to the Indiana State Department of Health.

With no reason to believe that state lawmakers will act in their best interests, Hoosiers are left to root for a national proposal. Todd Young, Indiana’s senior senator, introduced a bipartisan bill that would prohibit the sale of tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, to anyone under the age of 21. In an recent interview, Young noted that public health experts call the move an “incredibly impactful policy change.”

Too bad Indiana lawmakers, who could make an impact on a public health scourge, have chosen not to do so.

Letter: Find middle ground on riverfront project

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Staff Reports

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June 27, 2019

STOCK - Writing, Letter to Editor — Businesswoman hand working with new modern computer and writing

From: Sheryl Nulph

Columbus

Much has been said and written recently regarding the proposed riverfront project People are either for or against it. Both sides have valid points.

My question is, why can’t there be a middle ground?

I’m all for cleaning up that area. It’s the gateway into our city from the west. Many taxpayer dollars were spent on the beautiful bridge that perfectly frames our courthouse as you cross it. The swamp of overgrown trees and brush surrounding the bridge somewhat negates all the money spent to make the entry welcoming.

On the other hand, improvements to the area that would promote it as a "destination" for kayak and water sports enthusiasts is taking an unnecessary step toward a potential liability suit for our city. Think of amusement parks where someone is injured or killed on a ride. Most of these case end up in court with the family suing the park for negligence. Does our city really need that kind of potential law suit?

Why can’t the area be improved for people to enjoy in good weather without seeking to make it a sports destination as well? Gates (similar to the ones on Fourth Street) could and should be installed to become barricades when flooding happens multiple times each year. There should also be natural or man made barriers to the water making it difficult to access for children or pets who may stray too far. The area should also be clearly posted warning that anyone entering the water does so at their own risk and the city is not liable for injury to those who ignore the postings.

Will kayakers and other water sports enthusiasts ignore warnings and good judgement and venture into the water? Without a doubt. However, if the area remains as it is now — cleaned up, dressed up and promoted only for the safe enjoyment of people using the park and the People Trail — we lesson our liability should someone decide to risk venturing into the water against the direction of the city.

Clean up and renovation of the area is necessary. Promotion of the area for water sports is not.