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Around Town – February 1

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Staff Reports
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Orchids to …

• Tropical Smoothie for the fantastic office breakfast that I won this morning, from Cathy Kelley.

• Sue Campbell, on her 20 years of service to her company, from Carla Ellington.

• Aubrey Smith with Ashlynn Leigh Cakes on 16th Street for sharing your delicious treats, from the library staff.

• Cody Burker for being 12th in your class, from Mom, Dad, Andrew, Lauren and Donna.

• Jaylin Walker, Caden Neise and Dawson Lambert from Northside Middle School and team Veritas for receiving Spectacular Spartan recognition.

• Dr. Brester and staff for being so caring and kind to Rosie and Princess and taking them to rainbow bridge, from Larry and Janet.

• people who think keeping the lights on the trees downtown is a good idea because it looks beautiful.

• April, Brittany and Shawna at Columbus Regional Hospital for taking awesome care of Charlene Cody, from Sharon Phillips.

• Peggy Corya for remembering me on my birthday and for the lovely flower and fellowship, from Darla Brown.

• Joe for all the love and care you have given me since my knee surgery, from Ann Kinderman.

• Trish Ward for her article in Saturday’s paper about her mother.

• the Boeue family and Ray Faubush for helping me after I fell, from Bill.

• Trish Ward for the inspiring and beautiful article in Saturday’s Republic, from Norma Smith.

• the young man for the card and gift card Friday night, from Diana.

Happy Birthday to …

• Randy Snyder, from Julie Brook, family and friends.

• Jamie Sue Deaton on No. 25, from Grandpa Don and Grandma Penny Gilham.

• Heather Heck, from your family and friends.

• Barbie Hjelter, from Buzz, Mary, Adam Annie, Cleo, Dad and Mom Hjelter.

• Sarah Wallace, from Bethel Baptist Church.

• Kathi Whipker, from Bethel Baptist Church.

• Mary Scheidt, from friends at the Moravian Church.

• Noel Knifley.

• Hope Bailey.

• Nicole Vontrager.

• Madison Turner on No. 8, from Mom, Dad, Austin, Lauren and Grandma and Papaw Zeigner.

• Jacob Anderson, from Mrs. Erickson.

• Judy Simpson, from Pastor Lewis and The Who So Ever Will Community Church.

Happy Anniversary to …

• Christenie Lazzell, on No. 30, from Bill.

Regional Hospital, Police – February 1

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Staff Reports
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Shriff Department car

JENNINGS COUNTY

Incidents

Thursday

7:44 a.m. — Property-damage accident at U.S. 50 and Gum Street.

8:12 a.m. — Suspicious activity at CountryMark.

2:49 p.m. — Theft in the 700 block of Pierce Street.

3:04 p.m. — Reckless driving in the area of Taco Bell, North Vernon.

3:11 p.m. — Property-damage accident in the 2000 block of Totten Court.

5:43 p.m. — Suspicious person on Hoosier Street.

5:38 p.m. — Vehicle loses its load on State Road 50 near the North Vernon city limits.

8:20 p.m. — Domestic disturbance north of Hidden Cove.

Local Police, Fire – February 1

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Staff Reports
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CPD patrol car
A Dodge Charger police patrol car. From neighborhood spats, to seat-belt enforcement and criminal activity, the Columbus Police Department has been directed to be more proactive in its work with the public. The idea is to make a difference in the community before problems escalate, or even start. (Joe Harpring | The Republic)

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

Arrests

Wednesday

David A. Greathouse, 38, 2205 Home Ave., probation violation, 4:15 p.m., by Community Corrections, no bond.

Adam J. Kerr, 22, 717 Maple St., probation violation, 4:37 p.m., by Community Corrections, no bond.

Brandon J. Jasper, 25, 1593 Michigan St., probation violation, 6:04 p.m., by Community Corrections, no bond.

Timothy J. Goldsmith, 48, Edinburgh, body attachment, 7:09 p.m., by the Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department, released on $400 cash bond.

Thursday

Paul J. Hammond, 45, 738 Seventh St., two counts of battery resulting in bodily injury and strangulation, 12:56 a.m., by the Columbus Police Department, released on $17,500 bond.

Terrance R. Crider, 18, Westport, possession of paraphernalia, theft and public intoxication, 2:57 a.m., by the Columbus Police Department, held in lieu of $13,500 bond.

Andrew P. Barrows, 18, 1607 Lawton Ave., public intoxication, 3:01 a.m., by the Columbus Police Department, held in lieu of $3,500 bond.

Austen A. Riley, 18, 2220 Sims Court, Bartholomew County warrant, 5:30 p.m., by the Columbus Police Department, held in lieu of $2,500 bond.

Matthew G. Coon, 26, 965 Jonesville Road, carrying a handgun without a license, 7:42 a.m., by the Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department, held in lieu of $5,000 bond.

Michael B. Purdue, 43, 720 Maple St., two counts of theft, resisting law enforcement and possession of methamphetamine, 9:14 a.m., by the Columbus Police Department, held in lieu of $80,000 bond.

Ryan M. Beeman, 31, North Vernon, operating a vehicle as a habitual traffic violator, 11:53 a.m., by the Columbus Police Department, held in lieu of $7,500 bond.

Edward M. Henderson, 47, Edinburgh, Bartholomew County warrant, 12:38 p.m., by the Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department, held in lieu of $10,000 bond.

Meghann M. King, 30, 1248 Eighth St., body attachment, 1:07 p.m., by the Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department, held in lieu of $755 cash bond.

Amber R. Williamson, 33, 1216 Eighth St., Bartholomew County warrant, 1:37 p.m., by the Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department, held in lieu of $5,000 bond.

Dustin J. Thompson, 25, 13075 W. County Road 700S, Bartholomew County warrant, 2:20 p.m., by the Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department, held in lieu of $20,000 bond.

Fire, medic runs

4:32 a.m. — Possible heart attack in the 7400 block of Interstate 65 South.

4:49 a.m. — Possible heart attack in the 3500 block of Woodside Drive.

4:57 a.m. — Illness in the 900 block of Chestnut Street.

8:43 a.m. — Possible heart attack in the 1600 block of North Gladstone Avenue.

9:59 a.m. — Illness in the 1500 block of 13th Street.

11:53 a.m. — Difficulty breathing in the 2800 block of Norcross Drive.

12:48 p.m. — Unconscious person in the 1400 block of North National Road.

1:25 p.m. — Illness in the 1100 block of Kevin Drive.

2:22 p.m. — Injury in the 7100 block of East County Road 50N.

2:55 p.m. — Difficulty breathing in the 900 block of Chestnut Street.

3:29 p.m. — Difficulty breathing in the 1500 block of 13th Street.

3:35 p.m. — Difficulty breathing in the 1900 block of Taylor Road.

5:40 p.m. — Unconscious person in the 6400 block of East Highland Court.

6:05 p.m. — Unconscious person in the 3900 block of Williamsburg Way.

6:26 p.m. — Difficulty breathing in the 2400 block of Sims Court.

6:51 p.m. — Injury in the 1500 block of 13th Street.

7:09 p.m. — Injury in the 4800 block of Pine Ridge Drive.

10:03 p.m. — Possible heart attack in the 1300 block of Chestnut Street.

Incidents

12:18 a.m. — Theft in the 500 block of Pence Street.

12:28 a.m. — Disturbance in the 1600 block of Central Avenue.

4:29 a.m. — Subject refusing to leave in the 1800 block of North National Road.

6:39 a.m. — Shoplifting in the 2000 block of Merchants Mile.

6:52 a.m. — Drug violations in the 900 block of Third Street.

7:38 a.m. — Reckless driving at State Road 7 and Stephen Drive.

8:14 a.m. — Drug violations in the 2000 block of Merchants Mile.

8:25 a.m. — Theft in the 2800 block of Bonnell Road.

8:27 a.m. — Suspicious person and vehicle in the 1200 block of Tannehill Road.

10:02 a.m. — Theft in the 900 block of Westlake Hills Drive.

10:40 a.m. — Domestic disturbance in the 200 block of West State Road 46.

11:14 a.m. — Reckless driving at 10th Street and Gladstone Avenue.

11:17 a.m. — Suspicious person and vehicle at Goeller Road and Oakbrook Drive.

11:36 a.m. — Reckless driving at 13th and Sycamore streets.

11:45 a.m. — Subject refusing to leave in the 11000 block of U.S. 31 North.

11:54 a.m. — Suspicious person and vehicle in the 1100 block of 16th Street.

12:11 p.m. — Suspicious person and vehicle in the 2900 block of Scotland Drive.

12:27 p.m. — Property-damage accident at 25th Street and Central Avenue.

2:14 p.m. — Drug violations in the 1100 block of Kevin Drive.

2:15 p.m. — Leaving the scene of an accident in the 700 block of Seventh Street.

2:37 p.m. — Property-damage accident in the 11000 block of South County Road 100W.

3:00 p.m. — Battery in the 900 block of Chestnut Street.

3:06 p.m. — Disturbance in the 10000 block of East Legal Tender Road.

3:26 p.m. — Suspicious person and vehicle in the 1200 block of Sycamore Street.

3:28 p.m. — Property-damage accident in the 200 block of South Marr Road.

3:34 p.m. — Property-damage accident in the 1700 block of Central Avenue.

3:40 p.m. — Drug violations in the 1600 block of Central Avenue.

4:18 p.m. — Threats in the 10000 block of East Legal Tender Road.

5:27 p.m. — Possible drunken driver at U.S. 31 and County Road 500N.

5:29 p.m. — Property-damage accident at Jonesville Road and Jonathan Moore Pike.

5:30 p.m. — Subject refusing to leave in the 2200 block of Sims Court.

6:27 p.m. — Domestic disturbance at Bonnie Court and Central Avenue.

6:50 p.m. — Suspicious person and vehicle in the 800 block of Werner Street.

6:51 p.m. — Suspicious person and vehicle in the 10000 block of West Grandview Drive.

6:56 p.m. — Reckless driving at State Street and Gladstone Avenue.

7:54 p.m. — Reckless driving at U.S. 31 and Interstate 65.

8:10 p.m. — Reckless driving at Ohio Street and McShane Avenue.

8:44 p.m. — Theft in the 2100 block of Elm Street.

8:16 p.m. — Suspicious person and vehicle at County Road 475W and County Road 250S.

10:00 p.m. — Harassment in the 2500 block of Franklin Street.

10:35 p.m. — Suspicious person and vehicle in the 1800 block of North National Road.

10:50 p.m. — Possible drunken driver at Deaver and Jonesville roads.

10:55 p.m. — Suspicious person and vehicle in the 3300 block of Fairlawn Drive.

11:05 p.m. — Disturbance in the 2900 block of Scotland Drive.

11:30 p.m. — Suspicious person and vehicle in the 3300 block of Larkspur Lane.

Central girls win tourney

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Staff Reports
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Staff Reports

The Central seventh-grade girls basketball team won the Central Invitational.

Central downed Edinburgh 53-13, Brown County 51-20 and St. Peter’s 50-11.

Against Edinburgh, Riley Eder had 11 points, Shelbie Hollman scored nine, Brooke Bruin and Ciera Simpson each put up six points, and Sydney Kimbler had five.

Against Brown County, Kimbler, Makayla Reeves and Bruin each scored eight points for Central, while Eder scored seven and Hollman had five.

Against St. Peter’s in the title game, Eder led the way with eight, Kaylyn Bates added five, and Kimbler, Bruin, Kaitlyn Dougherty and Makayla Hensley each scored four.

St. Bartholomew soars

St. Bartholomew’s sixth-grade boys team downed Brown County 39-33 as Luke Golding lit up the scoreboard with 28 points.

Kyle Carlson added eight points for St. Bartholomew. Golding had eight rebounds, and Michael Gambaiani had seven rebounds.

St. Bartholomew also defeated Hope 22-13 as Carlson scored 16 points and Golding had six points.

In a third game, St. Bartholomew defeated St. Mary’s 36-15 as Carlson had 15 points and Golding scored 11.

Jets handle Eastern Hancock

The Hauser seventh-grade boys basketball team downed Eastern Hancock 48-26 as Trey Johnson led the way with 13 points. Parker Eickbush added 10 points, Sam Johnson had nine, Keagan Miller tallied seven and John Bragg added six for the Jets.

Central notches win

The eighth-grade Central boys team downed St. Bartholomew 28-21 as Nash Murphy led the winners with nine points and Zach Pierce scored eight. Also for Central, Julian Greenwell had five points, while Jacob Felicijan and Kenton Kammon each had three. For St. Bartholomew, N. Schiavello had nine points, while C. Wischmeier and S. Wilderson each had five.

The seventh-grade Central boys team defeated St. Bartholomew 26-22 as Lance Greiwe scored 13 points to spark the win. Logan Kaiser had five points and Braeden Ziegler scored three. For St. Bartholomew, Shawn Tyler and Nicholas Schiavello each had 11 points.

Jennings has solid game

The Jennings County boys seventh-grade Blue boys team defeated Madison 30-28 as Logan James scored 11 points and Rythm Patel added 10 points. Lance Bailey had four points for the winners.

The same team came back with a 43-40 victory against Seymour. Patel had a huge game with 17 points, while Adam Leach added seven points, James had six and Joey Dulong had five, including the winning basket in overtime.

The seventh-grade boys White team lost to Bedford Middle School 62-42 to drop to 6-12 on the season. They also dropped a 49-31 decision to Northside.

In other Jennings County action, the eighth-grade boys Blue team dropped a 51-25 decision to Madison to fall to 6-11 on the season.

The eighth-grade boys White team lost to Northside 55-29. Josh Pettit had 13 points for Jennings County.

The eighth-grade girls Blue team lost 28-15 to Northside. Madi Skinner and Brooke Ernstes each scored six points for Jennings County, which is now 4-9.

The seventh-grade girls White team downed Waldron 32-20 as Hanah Bertram led the way with 10 points and Baylee Byford had eight. Abi Vogel scored seven points for Jennings County. That squad also downed Onlitie 33-17 as Kerrigan Moore scored 11 points and Bertram had 10. Vogel and Grace Taylor each had four points.

The eighth-grade girls White team defeated Batchelor 42-27 to raise its record to 12-3. Alana Daeger led the way with 10 points, while Madi Skinner had seven and Mary Leahigh added six. Kylee Matern scored five for Jennings County, and Callie Wilder, Gabby Mahoney and Morgan Jones each had four.

WRESTLING

Jennings earns wins

Jennings County downed Seymour 68-43 in seventh-eighth grade action.

Winning for Jennings County were Dathan Malone, Keagen Craig, Takota Grigsby, Zane Law, Joey Moran, Justin Brogdon, Nick South, Trenton Stuckwisch, Hunter Dickmeyer, Brooks Wathen, Tennessee Henry, Josh Walters, BRandon McGuire and Nathaniel McDonald. Reserve winners for Jennings County were Blake Hardesty, Crayton Morrison, Logan Askew, Jake Coffman, Mason Coffey and Hunter Bays.

Jennings County also defeated Greensburg 79-46.

Winners for Jennings County were Treagen Johnson, Keagen Craig, Zane Law, Joey Moran, Cameron Woodard, Blake Skinner, Nick South, Crayton Morrison, Tyler Ellis, Brooks Wathen, Tennessee Henry, Damon Burton, Quinton Houshour and Brandon McGuire. Reserve winners were Lance Machino, Rusty Vaughn and Ethan Mathews.

BOWLING

Big scores in league play

Dave York captured high-game honors with a 265 in Tuesday Men’s $5,000 To Win League play at the Columbus Bowling Center.

Justin Weichman was next at 259, while Billy Gray rolled a 258.

Brian Phillips had the high series of 731, followed by Steve Schroyer at 710 and Richard Baldwin at 707. Whitts Roofing had the high team game of 1,322, and Clifty Creek Golf Course had the high series of 3,657.

Poynter GM leads the standings at 124-52, followed by EnviroTest at 118-58 and Team No. 17 at 114-62.

In Wednesday Night Mixed action, Melvin Roberts Jr. rolled the high game of 277, while Steve Phillips was next at 249 and Jeff Brown and Rick Gearhart tied for third with a pair of 217s.

Phillips had the high series of 646, followed by Richard Baldwin and Charles Roberts at 611.

On the women’s side, Vera Powers had the high game of 210, while Katie Jessup and Sarah Jessup each shot 190. Sarah Jessup had the high series of 537, followed by Powers at 531 and Bonnie Roberts and Katie Jessup at 526.

Bi-Polar Rollers had the high team game of 855, and Kramers had the high team series of 2,436.

Aces & 8s leads the standings at 104-56, followed by Bar Nuts at 93-67 and Ramm Rods at 92-68.

Wes Sullivan had the high series in Merry Mixers action with a 653, followed by Fred Burton at 652 and Vern Phillips at 626. Jackie Burton led the women with a 604 series, while Corey Behymer shot 602 and Shannon Antcliff rolled a 596.

In Sunday Night Mixed action, Thomas Wilson shot the high game of 247, followed by Ron Lynn at 233 and Luther Johnson at 225. Steve Sebastian rolled the high series of 667, followed by Toby Burton at 653 and Rick Wilson Jr. at 642.

On the women’s side, Ashlynn Branum had the high game of 188, followed by Shanna Wilson at 178 and Nikki Lynn at 172. Kerry Walker rolled the high series of 554, followed by Jessica Davis at 514 and Janet Acton at 474.

In Thursday Ladies Matinee play, Carol Baldwin had the high series of 537, followed by Lu Kinman at 503 and Leda Dean at 399. Baldwin rolled the high game of 215, while Kinman had a 179 and Rosemary Hull rolled a 147.

The Pin Seekers had the high team series of 1,813 and the high team game of 630. Heaven Bound leads the standings at 86-74, followed by Chillin Out and Pin Seekers at 82-78.

Steve Phillips shot 679 for the high series in Monday Night Church League action. Jim Fields rolled a 664, followed by Charles Miller at 648, John Nichols at 646, Steve Shroyer at 633, John Zieleniuk at 624, Everett Herron at 605, Vern Phillips at 597, Richard Crouch at 580 and Mike Buzzard at 579.

In Tuesday Night Ladies League action, Kathy Lentz had the high series of 536, while Roberta Phillips rolled a 535, Pat Franklin and Traci Petro each rolled a 534, and Bev Crussel had a 532.

Crussel had the high game of 214, followed by Petro at 204, Jackie Burton at 198, Irene Sorrells at 197 and Amy Gilkam at 196.

Toad’em So had the high team game of 1,024 and the high team series of 2,872. CBC leads the standings at 134-34, followed by Burton Hydraulic at 128-40 and Toad’em So at 112-56.

In Senior Men’s League action, Steve Phillips had the high score of 267, followed by Dave Mikels at 253, Scott Crowder at 235, John Zieleniuk at 229 and Jim Fields at 228.

Phillips had the high series of 738, followed by Zieleniuk at 670, Mikels at 659, Fields at 651 and Rick Riggle at 600.

The Falcons rolled the high handicap series of 3,039. The Pumas lead the standings at 90-62, followed by the Tigers at 88-64 and the Cougars at 80-72.

BROOMBALL

Monster shock for Rock Pile

The Rock Pile suffered the first blemish on its record as Monsters of Rock managed a 1-1 tie.

Tom Kubat scored for Monsters of Rock, while Matt Street had the goal for The Rock Pile, which is 9-0-1.

Our Name is Earl held second place with a 3-2 win against CCA Kutters. Ryan Putnam scored twice for Our Name if Earl, while Ryan Gray tallied once. Rob Luck and James Schnable scored goals for Kutters.

Hansons downed Yoopers 4-3 as Matt Psota scored twice and Keith Henry and John Lane each tallied once. Ryan Ingalls scored twice and Ryan Siefring once for Yoopers. Toyota Renegades picked up their second win with a 6-4 decision against Flying Zambonis. Jimmy Robertson had a hat trick which Greg McNealy, Erich Miller and Shawn Rose each scored once.

Scrapbook submissions should be sent to sports@therepublic.com. The Republic accepts information and photos about local sports achievements and events. The deadline for weekend events is 5 p.m. Tuesday to run in the following Sunday’s Scrapbook. Events during the week should be reported by 8 p.m. Thursday to run in the Sunday Scrapbook.

Library hosting genealogy event

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Staff Reports
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The Jennings County Public Library, 2375 State Road 3, North Vernon, is planning a genealogy seminar and open house from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday in its Genealogy Department.

“During the next three years, there will be a lot of attention on our community’s history, so we want to help individuals research their own family history because that is where the real story begins,” said Sheila Kell, genealogy research director.

History will receive more attention than usual, Kell said, because the town of Vernon will celebrate its bicentennial this year. Indiana will celebrate its bicentennial in 2016. Jennings County willcelebrate its 200th anniversary in 2017.

“A community’s history is built by the histories of its families” Kell said. “We are hoping we can help people have fun finding their own family story.”

During the open house, documents from Jennings County’s earliest days will be available for research. Kell said staff members will available to help beginners get started on researching their own history.

Cummins profits from move to stick with project

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Staff Reports
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Patience and perseverance are two qualities Cummins Inc. exhibited during a challenging time.

The engine company and the Columbus community are benefiting greatly from Cummins’ decision to not give up on its light-duty diesel engine project after losing a potential customer more than five years ago.

Cummins has moved engine production back to the Columbus Engine Plant for the first time since 2002, as it begins building a 5-liter V8 Cummins Turbo Diesel for the 2016 Nissan Titan XD full-size pickup.

Equally important is the addition of jobs — a morale boost for the community and also more local income taxes for local government.

About 150 people have been hired for the engine project since it was announced in August 2013, bringing the total number of people working on the project to about 450. Cummins officials expect that number to eventually exceed 600 — meaning at least another 150 people will be hired.

The company’s patience and perseverance had been put to the test. First the company removed engine production from the Columbus Engine Plant in 2002, transferring assembly of heavy-duty diesel engines to a more modern facility in Jamestown, New York.

That sad news seemed to be alleviated in 2006 when Cummins announced plans to produce light-duty diesel engines for DaimlerChrysler at the Columbus Engine Plant, with a commitment to invest $250 million and create at least 600 jobs. The engine was planned for the 1500 version of the Ram.

The agreement died when Chrysler filed for bankruptcy in 2009. When it emerged, Chrysler used an engine from parent Fiat SpA for its light-duty diesel truck.

Instead of giving up on its light-duty diesel project — in which a lot of time, energy and money had been invested — Cummins kept contacting automakers in search of a partner. What resulted was the deal with Nissan.

Cummins’ steadfast belief in the light-duty diesel project and dogged pursuit of a new partner is impressive. It speaks volumes about leadership at the Columbus-based, global, Fortune 500 company.

Wise choices have guided the company for nearly 100 years. Decisions regarding the light-duty diesel are another example of that.

Bicentennial bash

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Staff Reports
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Vernon has been a unique town for 200 years, and its rich history will be on display this year as residents celebrate the town’s bicentennial a year ahead of Indiana’s bicentennial.

Vernon was legally chartered in 1815, a full year before Indiana became a state in 1816. Surrounded on three sides by the Muscatatuck River, the tiny southern Indiana town is the county seat of Jennings County.

With its population of 323, Vernon holds the distinction of being one of the smallest county seats in the United States.

Now listed as an historic district on the National Register of Historic Places, the town was first platted by Col. John Vawter. The early Indiana pioneer town was officially named in honor of Mount Vernon, President George Washington’s home.

According to current Vernon Mayor Dan Wright, most of the standing buildings in Vernon were constructed in the early- and mid-1800s, giving the town the look of being lost in time.

“Really, our town is a good architectural study because we have buildings designed in several different eras,” Wright said.

Several buildings of the Italianate, Gothic, Federal and Greek revival styles stand almost as they did when they were first built, Wright added.

Vernon has more than 100 buildings that were built well before the 1900s, and the town still has the same boundaries as it did when it was first platted in 1815.

When the town was first designed, an area called “The Commons” was created as the first public playground in the state. The Commons is still used as a park.

The building known as The North American House that once served as a tavern and stagecoach stop still stands proudly on the corner of Brown and Pike streets. It now serves as a museum and headquarters for the Jennings County Historical Society.

The stone archway over the street near The North American House was built in 1837. It was the first elevated railroad west of the Alleghenies and the passage is still used today.

Houses and tunnels that were part of the Underground Railroad still stand today as they stood before the Civil War.

The three-story Italianate style courthouse built in 1859 still functions as the site of Jennings Circuit Court trials and other legal functions.

“I love this little town, and I think it is very important to preserve its history and this year will be an important year to do that,” Wright said.

Vernon also maintains many customs from days gone by, including the way elections are conducted. Because Vernon was legally chartered before Indiana became a state, Vernon has maintained a separate election process for city officials. For the past two centuries, despite being a town, Vernon has been legally allowed to have city elections on the first Monday in March of every odd-numbered year. Residents elect the mayor, town marshal and three seats on the city council. The election this year is March 2.

“We don’t have a primary so anyone can throw their hat into the ring up until the middle of February,” said Wright.

[sc:pullout-title pullout-title=”Upcoming bicentennial events” ][sc:pullout-text-begin]

March 14: 6 p.m., free, public movie at Vernon Gym, free. The movie will be “Hoosiers.” Hot dogs and popcorn will be available.

April 25-26: The Sassafras Festival’s events will feature the Vernon Bicentennial, the 150th anniversary of the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, the Blue-Grey Ball and Civil War re-enactments. Open to the public.

May 15, June 19, July 24, Aug. 21, Sept. 18: A square dance featuring “The Hoosier Broadcasters” will be on the Vernon Courthouse square beginning at 6:30 p.m. Open to the public.

June 27 and 28: The Jennings County Historical Society’s Home and Garden Show. This year’s Home Show will feature some of the historical home sites of Vernon. Tickets available for purchase.

July 24-26: Three-day bicentennial celebration in Vernon, including dances, a stage play, historical re-enactments, music and food. Open to the public. Event places and times will be announced.

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Letter: News media ‘cried wolf’ on blizzard reporting

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Staff Reports
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From: Noel Taylor

Columbus

One of Aesop’s fables is “The Boy Who Cried Wolf.” This week’s public relations blitz about the blizzard “of historical proportions” that didn’t happen is typical of our drama-hungry news media. Perhaps they should be reading fables rather than writing them. I wonder how they will spin the non-response of the public they make jaded to a real crisis, should one ever occur, since we already know that the talking heads won’t accept responsibility for that inevitable outcome.

Letter: Alternative option available for train problem

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Staff Reports
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From: Terry Marbach

Columbus

An alternative to the train problem in Columbus would be the following:

Straight-line the track from south of the State Road 46 crossing to north of the Flat Rock River, at which point it would curve east to tie in to the existing track on the east side of Indianapolis Road.

This would allow trains to travel at 30 to 60 mph through the State Road 46 crossing. A mile-long train would thus only take 1 to 2 minutes to clear the crossing, surely a tolerable time for traffic to be stopped. This option would also take the train traffic and noise away from near downtown and Mill Race Park (no more marathon incidents) and Noblitt Park.

The cost would shift to the railroad from taxpayers. Since it is the one desiring to change its historical use of the tracks, it only seems right that the railroad should pay the cost of doing so. The bridge over the narrower Flat Rock should be less expensive than what it would pay to rebuild the bridge over the wider East Fork of the White River. One would also think that the railroad would be in favor of a solution that allows its trains to travel at a faster speed.

Certainly this solution would allow the entrance to Columbus to remain attractive versus what it will be if an overpass is built.

Letter: State can get jump on tobacco tax

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Staff Reports
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From: Debra Richard

Tobacco cessation counselor with Reach Healthy Communities

Columbus

News that state Reps. Ed Clere (R-New Albany) and Charlie Brown (D-Gary) plan to submit a bill to regulate and tax electronic cigarettes is a giant step in the right direction for Indiana. However, there’s one major detail that’s been overlooked concerning all tobacco and nicotine delivery products. Both federal and state governments have not been consistently applying an excise tax to all tobacco-related products.

For the last eight years Indiana has levied 99.5 cents to a standard pack of cigarettes. What is left out of this equation is loose tobacco (pipe and roll-your-own), small and large cigars, snuff, chew/dip, hookah, dissolvable, gels, rolling papers, tubes and electronic cigarettes and liquids.

Among the 50 states, Indiana’s tax rate ranks 31st. The highest is $4.35 in New York. The national average is $1.54 per pack. Some cities also have an additional tax. Unfortunately, Indiana’s smoking rate is among the highest nationwide — 22 percent. That’s over 1 million people. Every year 11,000 Hoosiers lose their lives to tobacco-related illnesses.

Increasing the cigarette tax by $1 would reduce youth smoking by 13.3 percent, save the lives of 32,500 Hoosiers from premature smoking-caused death and result in $2.08 billion in long-term health care savings. Directing that revenue to prevention and cessation programs makes cents and sense.

Indiana receives annual installments of the 1998 Master Settlement Agreement from the tobacco industry of between $125 million and $150 million, depending on sales volume each year, but fails to meet the level of prevention funding recommended by the CDC. Statewide funding continues to be cut. Only $5.8 million was allocated to the Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Commission to disburse across 92 counties. The dollar figures for health care and disability benefits related to tobacco products are staggering and continue to climb.

While the Food and Drug Administration studies e-cigarettes and slowly figures out how to regulate tobacco products, Indiana can deliver a one-two punch. I’ll applaud Indiana for getting a jump on the latest players in the tobacco ring. I just encourage our representatives to make a TKO and include all tobacco and nicotine delivery products in this fight.

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