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News: Friday, February 3rd, 2012

K.S.P. troopers catch meth suspect in Trimble Co.

On Thursday night, the Kentucky State Police-Campbellsburg Post arrested a drug suspect in Trimble County. 25-year-old Heather Riley was taken to Carroll County Detention Center at 7:42 PM. Riley faces two (2) counts each for Carrying a Prescription Drug Not in its Original Container, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and (first degree) Possession of a Controlled Substance—that is methamphetamine.

Source: Carroll County Detention Center (http://www.carrolldetention.com/Carroll_Inmatelist.html)

Suspected drug dealing duo arrested in Trimble Co.

On Friday morning, the Kentucky State Police-Campbellsburg Post arrested a pair of suspected drug dealers in Trimble County. Troopers responded to a noise complaint at an apartment along U-S Highway 42 in Bedford. When they arrived, the officers found an active methamphetamine lab with one (1) gram of meth and several meth ingredients.

They arrested 29-year-old Richard Wolfe, Junior of Bedford and 23-year-old Jeromy Clark of Bedford. Both were taken to Carroll County Detention Center at 3:41 AM. They were charged with (first degree) Possession of a Controlled Substance—that is methamphetamine, (first degree) Wanton Endangerment, Manufacturing Meth, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Trafficking in Over Five Pounds (>5 lbs.) of Marijuana.

Source: Kentucky State Police-Campbellsburg Post (http://www.kentuckystatepolice.org/posts/post5news.htm), Carroll County Detention Center (http://www.carrolldetention.com/Carroll_Inmatelist.html)

Off-duty I-S-P trooper arrests 3 suspected marijuana users

On Wednesday, an off-duty trooper from the Indiana State Police-Versailles Post made three (3) arrests. Around 11:20 AM, the trooper stopped a vehicle on Madison’s hilltop when the driver littered a cigarette butt. That driver, 35-year-old John Taulbee of Madison, was cited for Driving While Suspended. His passenger, 46-year-old Byron N. Parker, Junior of Madison, was carrying marijuana. Parker was taken to Jefferson County Jail; he faces a misdemeanor charge for Possession of Marijuana Under Thirty Grams (<30 g.). Later, Jefferson County Sheriff's deputies added another charge as part of an ongoing narcotics investigation. Parker was charged with Dealing in a Controlled Substance (a class B felony).

Then around 1:30 PM, the same off-duty trooper pulled over a vehicle in the Dupont Baptist Church parking lot when he spotted the occupants not wearing their safety belts. The trooper smelled burnt marijuana, and he found it inside the vehicle. A 1-year-old child was in the car at that time. The trooper arrested the driver 36-year-old Larry Dale Covington of North Vernon and 25-year-old Erin Jane Boldery of North Vernon. Both face misdemeanor charges for Possession of Marijuana Under Thirty Grams (<30 g.).

Source: Indiana State Police-Versailles Post

Clearinghouse leaders seek $200K from county government

On Friday morning, the Jefferson County Commissioners met for the first time in February.

County assessor Tina Gleeson announced that property records are now available online. County residents can access their property record cards, deduction eligibility, taxing history, and assessment history from 2007 to the present. Gleeson worked with a technology vendor to implement this new online system. It utilizes a G-I-S map of the county. Users can overlay the aerial photograph with information about voting districts, candidate districts, flood plains, or other local landmarks. Residents can access the online property records through the county website Jefferson-County-dot-I-N-dot-g-o-v (jeffersoncounty.in.gov).

Also, county emergency management director Dave Bell talked about an agreement to exchange property records with the Indiana Department of Homeland Security. The county must provide information on all parcels, addresses, roads, and county boundaries. State emergency officials could access this information quickly in the event of a disaster. No personal information will be included in the exchange. The state will pay the county six-thousand dollars ($6000) in the next three years (3 yrs.); that exceeds the vendor’s fee for this records exchange. Vendor Ann Yocum said, “Nothing’s gonna come out of the county’s pocket; in fact, you’re gonna gain five-hundred dollars per year ($500/yr.).”

Next, county veterans’ services officer Joe DeVito gave his annual report. Last year, the veterans’ services office was moved into the Jefferson County Annex, providing clients with restrooms, handicap accessibility, and more room to sit. Also, DeVito has set up a media station with a computer for veterans to access their medical and military records. DeVito and a newly-hired assistant have kept the office open for five days a week (5 days/wk.). During 2011, they filed over six-hundred-fifty (650) forms for benefits and retroactive payments. As a result, Jefferson County veterans received over one-point-five-million dollars ($1,533,450) in awards last year; that was down slightly from the year before. According to DeVito, the U-S Department of Veterans Affairs has had a backlog of applications which has delayed payment on some claims. He said, “We’re doing as much as we can or more for local veterans, but it’s just taking awhile to come back.”

Later, organizers with the Clearinghouse Project of Madison requested more funds from Jefferson County. The Clearinghouse will co-locate many non-profit and faith-based organizations under one (1) roof. Residents from twelve (12) counties in Southeast Indiana will be able to seek help at the Clearinghouse for mental health counseling, transportation, rent and housing, family case management, food assistance, and other services. Organizers have purchased a building at the corner of West Street and Second Street which they planned to renovate. However, the bids for renovation came in higher than expected. Also, several funding sources dried up. Organizers have scaled back their renovation plans, and they’ve approached their current funders for more support. Clearinghouse organizer Merritt Alcorn requested a two-hundred-thousand dollar ($200,000) appropriation; this could be split between the County Economic Development Income Tax revenue and the Historic Preservation Funds the county receives from Belterra Casino. The county has already provided a-hundred-thousand dollars ($100,000) for the Clearinghouse. The commissioners said that they would review the request before possibly making a recommendation to the county council. Commissioner Tom Pietrykowski said, “We all think it’s a beneficial project.”

Finally, the commissioners spoke with Jefferson County Courthouse architect Rob Creviston. They mentioned several tasks which still need to be done for the courthouse restoration. These include putting up interior signage, patching a leak in a curtain wall, repairing a dumbwaiter, installing bathroom stall locks, replacing non-certified boiler pumps, cleaning fan coil unites, washing the basement walls, painting shelves, inserting bird spikes, installing the first floor windows, and fixing leaks on a drinking fountain, at a restroom sink, and in the basement. The commissioners want these tasks finished before the contractors’ warranty expires in July.

The next meeting of the Jefferson County Commissioners will be February 16th.

Reporter: Casey Bloos, WORX/WXGO

Rand updates legislative actions after 2012 session’s 1st month

On Friday, 47th district State Representative Rick Rand gave a legislative update from the 2012 Kentucky General Assembly.

Rand mentioned his support for a resolution to promote the study of wild pig populations in the commonwealth. House Concurrent Resolution 76 would urge the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture to study the problems these feral pigs pose to farmers, citizens, and the environment. In his update, Rand wrote, “For those not in agriculture, wild pigs may not seem like a major issue. But, the truth is that their growing numbers are wreaking havoc in the fields of many farmers.”

Also, Representative Rand drew attention to bills that would limit student exposure to toxic cleaning chemicals in schools, create a pilot program of wellness incentives for state employees, and give tax breaks to companies for geothermal drilling and alternative and renewable energy. Rand wrote, “The number of bills moving through the House will pick up in the days ahead.”

The Kentucky General Assembly runs through mid-April.

Source: Kentucky legislature (http://www.lrc.ky.gov/record/12RS/HC76.htm), Office of 47th district State Representative Rick Rand

Cheatham supports licensing ‘non-resident’ roe harvesters

On Wednesday, 69th district State Representative Dave Cheatham sponsored a bill that was passed by the Indiana Senate.

Senate Bill 351 would create a “non-resident” license for roe harvesters who live outside Indiana. And, the bill would give priority to Indiana residents in receiving licenses for roe harvesting and dealing. If approved, Senate Bill 351 would take effect on July 1st. The Indiana Senate passed the bill unanimously; it now goes to the House for consideration.

The Indiana General Assembly runs through mid-March.

Source: Indiana legislature (http://www.in.gov/legislative/bills/2012/SB/SB0351.2.html)

Fewer Madison residents are unemployed than rest of Jefferson Co.

On Friday, the Indiana Department of Workforce Development released their monthly "Labor Market Review" for Southeast Indiana. The unemployment rate for the City of Madison was better than the rest of Jefferson County.

Unemployment within city limits was at seven-point-eight percent (7.8%) in November. That same month, the rest of county had an unemployment rate at nine-point-four percent (9.4%). Unemployment got better in Madison, but the rate got worse for the rest of Jefferson County.

Source: Indiana Department of Workforce Development (http://www.hoosierdata.in.gov/publookup/default.aspx)

D.W.D. issues unemployment claims report in Jefferson County

On Friday, the Indiana Department of Workforce Development issued a report about unemployment claims in Jefferson County. Total county unemployment claims were lower this January than last January. Three-hundred-ten (310) Jefferson County residents accepted unemployment benefits last week.

Source: Indiana Department of Workforce Development (http://www.hoosierdata.in.gov/dpage.asp?id=58&view_number= 2&menu_level=smenu1&panel_number=2)

Lewis elected as IN prosecutors’ association president

This week, Jefferson County Prosecutor Chad Lewis announced that he was elected as 2012 board president for the Association of Indiana Prosecuting Attorneys. This organization assists prosecutors with legal research, training, lobbying, and connections to government agencies and officials. Indiana’s prosecutors and deputy prosecutors voted for president of the association’s board of directors, and Lewis won the vote. As president, he’ll preside over monthly board meetings, meet with legislators to review proposed changes to state laws, and help to train other prosecutors.

In a press statement, Lewis wrote, “Serving on the board and as president is a great benefit to our local community. I am able to be proactive instead of reactive to changes in the law, and I have developed relationships to bring best practices in prosecution to the citizens of Jefferson County.”

Source: Jefferson County Prosecutor Chad Lewis

‘IN-DoT’ grants $37K for Madison Railroad crossing upgrades

On Wednesday, the Indiana Department of Transportation finalized a grant contract for the Madison Railroad. This thirty-seven-thousand dollar ($37,500) will go toward upgrades at two (2) railroad crossings. Those are located on Dawson Smith Road near Madison and Ripley Street in Vernon. “IN-DoT” believes that these railroad crossing improvements will offer more safety for motor vehicles.

Source: Indiana Department of Administration (https://financial.gmis.in.gov/IDOAcontracts/public/61602-000.pdf)

Madison Future-Young Professionals compile list of Wi-Fi spots

On Wednesday, the Madison Future-Young Professionals Network announced plans to compile a list of public “Wi-Fi” hot spots in Madison. These can be used to access the internet on most laptops, smart phones, and tablet computers. Some restaurants and businesses have offered free “Wi-Fi” access to their customers. The Young Professionals group has posted the list of local hot spots on their website Madison-future-dot-com (www.madisonfuture.com).

Source: Madison Future-Young Professionals Network (http://www.madisonfuture.com/events-and-activities/wifi-locator/, http://secure.campaigner.com/Campaigner/Public/t.show?QHe5--BuiK-13CHAp0)

Coming Soon

Cincinnati Opera Outreach performs at Madison High School

On Friday, the Madison Performing Arts Foundation will host a performance by the Cincinnati Opera Outreach program. They’ll perform the show “Porgy and Bess”—an abridged version of George Gershwin’s famous opera. The show begins at 7:00 PM at the Opal Sherman Auditorium of Madison High School. Doors open at 6:30 PM. Admission is free and open to the public.

Source: Madison Performing Arts Foundation, Cincinnati Opera (http://www.cincinnatiopera.org/education/2011-2012-touring-programs-schools/)

Hanover College hosts West African dance troupe

On Friday, Hanover College will continue their celebration of Black History Month. They’ll have a performance by the Thiossane West African Dancers. They’ll demonstrate some authentic dance routines from cultures in West Africa. That starts at 7:00 PM from the Fitzgibbon Recital Hall inside the Lynn Center for Fine Arts. This event is free and open to the public.

Source: Hanover College (http://www.hanover.edu/about/news?a=2858)

‘Library After Lights Out’ Carnival comes to Vevay on Friday

On Friday, the Switzerland County Public Library will host its 3rd annual “Library After Lights Out” Carnival. That runs from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM in conjunction with the Vevay First Friday event. Families can play games, win prizes, and enjoy refreshments. The “Library After Lights Out” Carnival is free and open to the public.

Source: Switzerland County Public Library (http://scpl.us/news/3rd-annual-library-after-lights-out-carnival)

Red Cross schedules blood drive at Carrollton Walmart

On Saturday, the American Red Cross will hold a blood drive at Walmart in Carrollton. That goes from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The Red Cross recommends eating iron-rich foods and drinking plenty of water before giving blood. Donors must be at least 17-years-old and weigh at least one-hundred-ten pounds (110 lbs.). Bring a photo I-D or a donor card to the blood drive.

Source: American Red Cross (http://www.redcrossblood.org/make-donation)

Clifty Falls hosts ‘Mid-Winter Bonfire & Picnic’

On Saturday, Clifty Falls State Park will host their “Mid-Winter Bonfire and Picnic”. Park visitors can brave the cold to roast marshmallows over the bonfire. This free event starts at 2:00 PM.

Source: Indiana Department of Natural Resources (http://www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/files/sp-clifty_january-february.pdf)

Madison Water Dept. plans water line repairs along Clifty Dr.

On Monday, the Madison Water Department will work on the water lines along West Clifty Drive. These repairs will cause a water interruption for some customers between 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. When the water service is restored, affected residents will have a precautionary “boil water advisory” for the following forty-eight hours (48 hrs.).

This will affect customers who live on Clifty Drive between the National Guard Armory and West Black Road. They should boil their drinking or cooking water for three to five minutes (3-5 min.) and add a few drops of bleach for dishwashing. The “boil water advisory” was issued as a precautionary measure until the water has been tested.

Source: City of Madison (http://www.madison-in.gov/)

Big Oaks conservationists meet at Madison Library

On Monday, the Big Oaks Conservation Society will hold their February meeting. That starts at 6:30 PM from the Madison Public Library. The guest speaker is Tyson Library director Andy Rowden. He’ll portray Doctor James Prescott who was a U-S Army field surgeon during the Civil War. That meeting at the Madison Library auditorium is free and open to the public.

Source: Big Oaks Conservation Society (http://www.bigoaks.org/), Tyson Library (http://tysonlibrary.org/resources_programs.html)

Red Cross schedules blood drive at Calvary Baptist Church

On Tuesday, the American Red Cross will hold a blood drive at Calvary Baptist Church in Madison. That goes from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM. The Red Cross recommends eating iron-rich foods and drinking plenty of water before giving blood. Donors must be at least 17-years-old and weigh at least one-hundred-ten pounds (110 lbs.). Bring a photo I-D or a donor card to the blood drive.

Source: American Red Cross (http://www.redcrossblood.org/make-donation)

Madison City Council holds 1st February meeting

On Tuesday, the Madison City Council will meet for the first time in February. It starts at 5:30 PM from Council Chambers of City Hall.

Source: City of Madison

Hanover sets regular Town Council meeting for February

On Tuesday, the Hanover Town Council will hold their regular February meeting. That starts at 6:00 PM from the Hanover Municipal Building.

Source: Town of Hanover

Southeast I.S.B.D.C. hosts free tax workshop in Vevay

On Wednesday, the Southeast Indiana Small Business Development Center will hold a free tax workshop in Vevay. Advisor Mike Johnson will answer questions about tax planning and reporting for businesses. This free program goes from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the Switzerland County Public Library.

Source: Southeast Indiana Small Business Development Center (http://isbdc.ecenterdirect.com/ConferenceDetail.action; jsessionid=8BD36C7808472D5CF0100320767FC67F?ID=12320)

Madison Chamber teaches members about ‘Q.R.’ codes

On Wednesday, the Madison Area Chamber of Commerce will host a lunchtime seminar at their downtown office. That goes from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM. Chamber members can learn about “quick response” codes. These “Q-R” codes can be read by smart phones and tablet computers to give consumers quick information about retailers, products, services, or events. Business leaders can enjoy lunch and learn how to implement “Q-R” codes. They can register by calling the chamber at (812) 265-3135.

Source: Madison Area Chamber of Commerce

Hanover College financial aid director talks about ‘FAFSA’ at SWHS

On Wednesday, Southwestern High School will host an informational program on how to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or “FAFSA”. Hanover College financial aid director Richard Nash will talk about the form and answer questions. Local students and their parents are encouraged to attend. This free program on the “FAFSA” starts at 6:00 PM from the Southwestern High School cafeteria.

Source: Southwestern High School

Madison School Board schedules February meeting

On Wednesday, the Madison Consolidated School Board will hold their regular February meeting. That starts at 6:30 PM from the Wilson Avenue Administration Building.

Source: Madison Consolidated Schools

K.D.H. offers ‘sibling class’ for children of expectant mothers

On Wednesday, King’s Daughters’ Hospital and Health Services will offer a special class for children of expectant mothers. Experts will teach brothers and sisters from 2- to 8-years-old about their baby siblings. Participants should bring a “baby doll” for demonstration purposes. The cost is five dollars ($5) per child. The “Sibling Class” runs from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM at the K-D-H Medical Office Building in downtown Madison.

Source: King’s Daughters’ Hospital and Health Services (http://kdhhs.netreturns.biz/Calendar/CalendarItemDetail.aspx?Id=a4d8b555-6e16-4c06-9909-250cf67b95cc)

Documentarian screens film on college life for black students

On Wednesday, Hanover College will continue their celebration of Black History Month. They’ll show a half-hour (½ hr.) documentary film about the experience of black college students in America. And, the filmmaker will host a discussion with audience members after the show. This documentary will be shown at 7:00 PM from the Horner Health and Recreation Center. It’s free and open to all community members.

Source: Hanover College (http://www.hanover.edu/about/news?a=2858)

Blood drives set @ Madison Presbyterian & Lydia Middleton

On Thursday, the American Red Cross will hold a pair of local blood drives. The first will be at Madison Presbyterian Church. That goes from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Then, another blood drive is scheduled at Lydia Middleton Elementary School from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

The Red Cross recommends eating iron-rich foods and drinking plenty of water before giving blood. Donors must be at least 17-years-old and weigh at least one-hundred-ten pounds (110 lbs.). Bring a photo I-D or a donor card to the blood drives.

Source: American Red Cross (http://www.redcrossblood.org/make-donation)

Beginning knitters invited to Madison Library workshop

On Thursday, the Madison Public Library will host a knitting workshop for beginners. That starts at 6:00 PM. Children’s librarian Kara Pettey will teach knitting tips to kids over 9-years-old. The cost for needles, yarn, and instructions is five dollars ($5). For reservations, call (812) 265-2744.

Source: Jefferson County Public Library (http://mjcpl.org/wordpress/event/knitting-for-beginners/)

Red Cross schedules blood drive at Carrollton Christian Church

On Friday, the American Red Cross will hold a blood drive at the Carrollton Christian Church. That goes from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM. The Red Cross recommends eating iron-rich foods and drinking plenty of water before giving blood. Donors must be at least 17-years-old and weigh at least one-hundred-ten pounds (110 lbs.). Bring a photo I-D or a donor card to the blood drive.

Source: American Red Cross (http://www.redcrossblood.org/make-donation)

Madison Community Players treat audience to dinner, murder

This weekend, the Madison Community Players will perform a murder mystery as part of dinner theatre at the Livery Stable. The show “Murder For One (1)” runs Friday (2/10) and Saturday (2/11) at 6:00 PM. Theatre-goers can enjoy dinner while they help solve the murder that’s performed onstage. Tickets cost twenty-eight dollars ($28); that includes the performance and meal. Community members can reserve a seat at “Murder For One (1)” by calling (812) 701-3028.

Source: Madison Community Players (http://www.madisonplayers.org/)

Hanover Community Arts Series features chamber orchestra

On Friday (2/10), Hanover College will continue their Community Arts Series with another concert. The Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra will perform at the Fitzgibbon Recital Hall inside the Lynn Center for Fine Arts. This thirty (30) piece orchestra will play a variety of music including selections from Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Johann Sebastian Bach, and Richard Strauss.

This concert starts at 7:30 PM. Tickets are sixteen dollars ($16) for adults, fourteen dollars ($14) for senior citizens, and five dollars ($5) for kids. They’re available online at hanover-dot-e-d-u-slash-arts (www.hanover.edu/arts).

Source: Hanover College (http://www.hanover.edu/about/news?a=2320)

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