Stories from Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Monday night's Linton City Council meeting can be viewed in the Greene County News video library. Click on this link http://www.inkbarreltv.com/inkbarrelCMS/system/networks/in_greene_dailyworld/index.php?console=open to view.

The Indiana Department of Transportation announces that State Road 59 will be closing in Linton. Railroad crews will be closing S.R. 59 from the junction of State Road 67 to the junction of State Road 54. Crews will be making repairs to the crossing south of S.R. 54 on Linton's south side...

The Linton Police Department made eight alcohol-related arrests during the "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" enforcement campaign that ran Aug. 19-Sept. 5. "While our efforts did result in the arrest of several individuals, that was not the goal of this campaign," LPD Chef Troy Jerrell said in a prepared news release. "Our aim, first and foremost was to keep Linton roadways safe and hopefully save a life. According to our results, believe we've been successful in meeting that objective."...

Jay Johnson started his own satellite business in 2001 out of his home in Worthington, and by 2002 it had taken off. At that time, his 15-year-old son Jason was watching his father closely. Jay said the Worthington area had a problem with satellite providers only being in the area on service calls two days a month. This was an issue for local dish users, so he started Most Reliable Satellite to help with local service calls and offer satellite services...

GREENE CIRCUIT COURT Criminal Filings State vs. Kristina M. Vestal, dealing methamphetamine -- finances the manufacture of; four counts of dealing methamphetamine -- delivery. Civil Filings Springleaf Financial Services of Indiana vs. Todd A. Flinn, civil collection...

Maria J. Phillips, 86, of Bloomfield, passed away Thursday, Sept. 8, 2011 at her son's home in Bloomington. Maria was born March 23, 1925 in Bloomfield, New Jersey to Anthony and Mary Zamojski. She was married to James (Tex) D. Phillips on Dec. 27, 1944. She had been a member of the Trinity Baptist Church in Bloomfield. She retired from Bloomington Hospital as a Medical Education Coordinator...

Jon Alan McKee, Sr., 65, of Sandborn, passed away Monday, Sept. 12, 2011, at his residence in Sandborn. He was born in Rushville, on Oct. 6, 1945 to Lyman D. and Lillian (Rowe) McKee. Jon married Kathleen A. (Cochran) Dodd on Nov. 3, 2001. Jon was a member of the Sandborn Baptist Church. ...

Ervin L. "Buck" Burks, 79, of Bloomington, passed away at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 12, 2011 at IU Health Bloomington Hospital. Born Jan. 10, 1932 in Greene County, he was the son of Clifton Ervin and Loretta Marie (Woods) Burks. He retired as a self-employed carpenter. He was a member of the Indiana State Fox Hunters Association where he served as president for many years and was the current second vice president...

EASTERN HEIGHTS -- The fee paid for students to attend full-day kindergarten at Eastern Greene School prompted a discussion Monday night from board members. The board discussed the cost of its full-day kindergarten program in comparison with other programs offered in neighboring school districts...

Thursday, Sept. 15 * The Bloomfield-Eastern Greene County Public Library Main Branch will have Preschool Storytime at 10:30 a.m. for ages 4-6 years old. The theme will be "Hello, Goodbye." Preschool Storytime is the first and third Thursday of each month, now through December. For more information call 384-4125. * The White River Valley Board of School Trustees wil meet in regular session at 7:30 p.m. in the administrative center. An executive session to discuss personnel will precede the open meeting at 6 p.m. * The Shakamak Board of School Trustees will meet at 7 p.m. in the Shakamak Jr./Sr. High School media center. An executive session is planned for 6 p.m. * The Linton Public Library board meeting will be at 6 p.m. in the library. Saturday, Sept. 17 * The Lyons Senior Citizens Center will host a breakfast from 7-10 a.m. There will also be a bake sale that day. Both are by donation only. * The Jasonville F&AM Lodge 530 meeting scheduled for today has been canceled. * From 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. the Solsberry Hometown Fair for a day of fun. There will be local artisans, music all day, games, activities, and good food. The Sculpture Trails Traveling Foundry will have an aluminum pour to benefit Eastern Greene Art programs. You can create your own art. Bring a chair and spend the day at the fair. * The Lyons American Legion James Gastineau Post 479 will have a ribeye dinner from 5-8 p.m. The public is invited. * The third Saturday sing at Union Church will be at 7 p.m. The church is located on State Road 43 between Solsberry and Hendricksville. Everyone is welcome. * The Noah D. and Ida Belle Lynch family reunion will be at the west shelterhouse at Linton's Humphreys Park. Dinner will be at 1 p.m., and beverages will be furnished. All family and friends are invited. * Entries are now being accepted for the Scotland Festival parade. The parade will be at 3 p.m. Individuals, clubs, and businesses are welcome. To enter call Allen Toon at 863-2364 or David Stone at 863-7382. * The annual United Mine Workers of America Local 1410 retiree dinner will be at the Roy Clark Community Building in Linton at 6 p.m. Please RSVP by Aug. 27 to Curt Todd at 847-4712 or John Hubbell at 665-2066. * The descendants of Carl and Flo Weddle will gather at noon at Linton's Humphreys Park east shelter. Please bring a dish to pass and memories to share. Sunday, Sept. 18 * The Miller-Poole reunion will be at Linton's Humphreys Park (on the north side, watch for signs). Lunch will start between noon and 12:30 p.m. * Antioch Christian Church, U.S. 231 South and County Road 300 South, will host a revival with Leroy Blankenship today through Friday starting with Sunday Worhship at 10:30 a.m. followed by a pitch-in meal at noon. Sunday night service will be at 6:30 p.m., and Monday through Friday services will be at 7 p.m. * Providence Baptist Church will celebrate its homecoming service at 1 p.m. following a pitch-in dinner and regular morning service. For more information call Pastor Darren McDonald at 847-8519. * The Combs and Corwin reunion will be at the Cincinnati Christian Church Fellowship Hall. A potluck meal will start at 12:30 p.m. Please bring a wrapped item for an afternoon auction. * All descendants of Bruner, Mowery, Stark, and Carpenter families are invited to a genealogy party at the east shelterhouse at Linton's Humphreys Park. Please bring any records or old pictures. * The Jasonville Cord Factory reunion will be from 1-5 p.m. at the Boy Scout Building in Jasonville. Please bring a covered dish. * Highland Township schools will host a reunion at 1 p.m. at the Calvertville Fire Station. It will be a pitch-in dinner. * There will be a special gospel singing at the Switz City Full Gospel Church (Pastor Vernon Thompson) at 6 p.m. featuring the group Open Heart from Bedford. Sunday, Sept. 18 * Pleasantville United Methodist Church will celebrate its 192nd anniversary. The schedule of events: 9:15 a.m., Sunday School; 10:15 a.m., Morning Worship with Pastor Dwight Gould; noon, pitch-in dinner; 1:30 p.m., music program with Sally Burton, Cathy and Jammy Cox, and church members. Please bring pictures of the church, town, and family. Tuesday, Sept. 20 * Country Classic Band will play at the Lyons Senior Citizens Center from 6-8 p.m. Chili, drinks, and desserts will be available for a donation. Thursday, Sept. 22 * If you are interested in tourism, have a tourism related business, or want to help work on how to draw and capitalize on visitors in Greene County, then join the Greene County Tourism Advisory Board (GCTAB) from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Greene County Fairgrounds for a tourism workshop as the group continues its efforts to promote Greene County. The group will provide an update to the many endeavors and activities that it has been working on and presenting, for the first time, its long-awaited and completely redesigned Greene County Tourism Brochure. * The semi-annual luncheon for RCA/GE/Thomson Retirees Association members, former employees, and guests will be from 10:30 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. at Terry's Banquet & Catering, 3124 Canterbury Drive, Bloomington. Cost for lunch and service charge is $12. Please call 824-8245 for reservations. * The Greene County Redevelopment Commission will meet at 10 a.m. in the third floor meeting room at the county courthouse in Bloomfield. The meeting was previously scheduled for Sept. 15. Friday, Sept. 23 * The Linton Public Library will have a book sale today from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. There will be a large selection of books, VHS tapes, and library items. Large items and some books will be located outside in the library's parking lot (weather permitting). Additional books and VHS for sale will be housed inside the library. Free prize drawing also included. * The 30-year class reunion for the Shakamak High School class of 1981 will be at 6 p.m. at the Boy Scout Building. Please bring finger food and drinks. RSVP by Sept. 17. Call Lois at (812) 223-6812 or Shari at (812) 512-2074 for more information. * The 2011 Delta Tau Apple Festival queen applications are now available. Contestants must be a resident of Greene County for six months prior to the deadline for entry (today) living with her parents or guardian. You must also be enrolled in a Greene County High School, grades 9-12. Applications are available in the Bloomfield High School principal's office. For more information call 384-3488. Deadline is today. Saturday, Sept. 24 * The Old Time Apostolic Church's annual Old-Fashion Day starts at 10 a.m. There will be a free hog roast, music (The Heartmenders, Potter's Clay, and The Weavers), classic cars, craft tables, and an auction. The church is located at the junction of State Roads 54 and 43. For more information call 381-4993. * The Linton Public Library will have a book sale today from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. There will be a large selection of books, VHS tapes, and library items. Large items and some books will be located outside in the library's parking lot (weather permitting). Additional books and VHS for sale will be housed inside the library. Free prize drawing also included. Sunday, Sept. 25 * The Helms Reunion will be conducted at the south shelter house of the Bloomfield Park. There will be a pitch in meal at 1 p.m. For more information, contact Ben Helms, 825-5004. * The Ferree reunion -- descendants of Albert and Thelma Ferree -- will host the annual reunion at the Scout Cabin in Linton Humphreys Park. It will start at 11:30 a.m. and lunch will be at 1 p.m. Please bring a covered dish and a few items for the auction. There will be a 50/50 drawing, an auction, raffle items and door prize. * Providence Baptist Church will host a fall revival service today at 10:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m., and Monday through Friday at 7 p.m. each night. Evangelist Tom McGuirt will be the guest speaker. For more information call 847-7144. * Bethany Christian Church (Plummer Community) will celebrate its 63rd homecoming and 124th anniversary. Sunday School starts at 9:30 a.m., followed by Worship Service at 10:30 a.m., a carry-in dinner at 12:30 p.m., and afternoon service at 2 p.m. There will be special music by Peggy White and Family and Crystal Ray. Message will be from Mike Frances of Montgomery Christian Church. For more information call 825-7770 or 384-4993. * The Lyons Senior Citizens Center will host a Johnny Davis fish fry from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. A fish sandwich, cole slaw, potato salad, dessert, and drink will cost $8. Tuesday, Sept. 27 * The Greene County Literacy Coalition invites you to its annual meeting to honor literacy learners, tutors, board members and volunteers. It will host a free dessert bar. It will start at 7 p.m. at the Saron church located at 440 1st Street NE in Linton. Contact Beth Burcham at 384-4125 for more information. Friday, Oct. 7 * The 2011 Bloomfield Apple Festival Art-Photography Show, sponsored by Friends of the Library, will be today and Saturday in the community room of the Bloomfield Library. There are separate entries for students and adults with a fee of 50 cents per work for students and $1 for adults per work. Please keep subject matter suitable for family viewing. Please check the website www.bloomfield.lib.in.us before submitting your work. For more information call 384-4125. Saturday, Oct. 8 * Liberty Church of Christ in Hendricksville will host a free clothing giveaway from 8 a.m. to noon. Items included will be clothes, shoes, coats, household items, linens, toys, books, and games. A free breakfast and lunch will be served. For more information call 825-8581. * The Marco High School all-class reunion will be at 6:30 p.m. at the White River Valley Lyons cafeteria. A covered dish dinner with drinks and dinnerware will be furnished. * The George S. and Rhoda Ann McDonald reunion will be at Humphreys Park in Linton in the Roy Clark Community Building. Dinner will begin at 1 p.m., and please bring a covered dish. Table service will be furnished. * Linton-Stockton High School's choir will host a 5K run and walk fundraiser at 9 a.m. It will begin on the track. Registration will begin at 7:30 a.m. Cost is $20 before Oct. 5, and $25 on race day. For more information call 847-6024, ext. 429 or email swrittenhouse@lssc.k12.us . * The Bloomfield High School Class of 1971 is having an informal reunion dinner at the Pepperoni Grill in Bloomfield. It will begin at 6 p.m. All classmates and significant others are welcome. Ongoing Events * The Linton Public Library is now operating at its winter hours: Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Sunday, closed. * The Hobbieville Christian Fellowship Church will host a gospel sing the second Saturday of each month at 6 p.m.There will be food served. * The Linton-Stockton High School class of 2012 is selling Miner discount cards for $5. These cards are available from senior students and parents, and offer valuable discounts from local businesses. You can also purchase tickets at Regions Bank, Linton Sporting Goods or by calling Rennae Lehman at 699-0907. * The board of directors of the Peavey Cemetery is planning to replace the old flagpole and flag at the entrance. Anyone wishing to donate to the cause, please contact board members Danny Keller, John Hubbell, Fred Hubbell or Lorene Pell. Donations may be mailed to Joan Whitaker, treasurer, 226 South Washington St., Jasonville, Ind., 47438. * Meals on Wheels are now available at the Lyons Senior Citizens Center starting at 11:30 a.m. Please call 847-3509 the day before you plan to attend. For those who are homebound and needs meals delivered, call 2-1-1 or 1-800-742-9002. * Dugger American Legion Post 224 will be taking items for an auction to help save the post. Donations will be accepted until Sept. 17. For more information call 648-2148 or 648-2753. * WorkOne in Linton is hosting a new program for employers. The AARP Foundation WorkSearch program offers employers a chance to have workers for two to three weeks at no cost so it will ensure that it's a good match before you hire them full-time. If you would like more information, call (812) 232-2345 or 847-4479, ext. 230. * The Solsberry Hometown Fair is still accepting food vendors and fine arts/craftsmen for the fair on Sept. 17 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cost is $25 for a 10 X 10 space. For more information call 360-6701. For-profit and non-profit vendors are welcome. * The 2011 Greene County plat books are now available. They can be purchased for $20 at the Greene County Soil & Water Conservation office, 104 CR 70, E. in the USDA building. For more information call 384-4781, extension 3 for more information. * There will be a family/Christian movie night at Woodland Bible Camp from 7-10 p.m. It will be the second Friday of every month. Please bring your favorite finger food or dessert. * The Main Branch of the Bloomfield-Eastern Greene County Public Library will have a Safari Tots Storytime for children ages 2 - 3 years Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. Explore the world of animals through stories, games and crafts. The Trekkers Storytime is for children entering grades 1-5, Tuesdays at 1:30 p.m. Come in and "trek" around the world through stories, games, and crafts. Students, entering grades 6-12, will have a Movie Mania program at 6 p.m., preregistration is required for all teen programs, limit 12. Movie presented will be "I am Number Four." For more information call 384-4125. * Friends of Goose Pond is sponsoring its annual calendar photo contest featuring photos shot at Goose Pond Fish and Wildlife Area. Suggested photo subjects include landscapes, seasons, activities, wildlife and plants. Contest rules and entry information are available at www.friendsofgoosepond.org . Dates for electronic submission are July 1, 2011 -- Sept. 1, 2011. Winning photos with photographer credits will be published in a 2012 calendar. For maps and additional information about the Goose Pond Fish and Wildlife Area visit www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild/goosepond/ . * Books for Babies is a national literacy program that acquaints parents and newborns with the important role they play in the development of their children. Parents are presented with a Books for Babies kit containing a book, baby's first library card and brochures with reading tips for parents and caregivers. If you are a new mother and a resident of Greene County in one of the following townships -- Richland, Highland, Taylor, Beech Creek, Center or Jackson -- you are eligible for a free gift for you and your baby. Please bring your baby in "to show him/her off" to the circulation desk in the Bloomfield-Eastern Greene County Public Library, 125 Franklin St. in Bloomfield to receive your free gift. * The Bohley Cemetery board is taking donations for upkeep at the cemetery. For more information call 384-8375. * Bingo at the American Legion in Worthington is on Fridays. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. with games at 6:15 p.m. This is open to the public. Cost is $30 for 15 games All proceeds go to the Worthington American Legion. This event is non-smoking with breaks made for smokers to go outdoors. * The First Christian Church in Dugger is beginning a study of the book of Revelation on Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. The study is taught by Minister Jerry Carmichael. Workbooks are available for those wanting to learn more. For more information call Carmichael at 648-3043 or 648-2323. * A 12-Step Overcomers Recovery Support Meeting is held every Wednesday at the Family Life Center on the East side of the square in Bloomfield from 7:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Come and join us to overcome life-controlling problems of all sorts with Bible principles, prayer, memory verses and weekly support. Call Instructor Tom Jacob for more information at 384-6321. * The Clay County WIC program is in Jasonville at the Senior Center on the second Wednesday of each month from 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. * VFW Post 7118 in Linton needs eligible members to join men's auxiliary. Bring required form. Contact post with eligibility questions at 847-9016 or visit the post 190 South Main St. * The Lyons Community Pantry at 150 East Broad Street (the old fire station) will be open from 3-6 p.m. the third Monday of every month, serving zip codes 47443, and 47465. * The newly appointed Worthington Park Board will host meetings at 6 p.m. on each first Wednesday of the month at the Worthington Municipal Building in downtown Worthington. The public is welcome to attend. * Mineral United Methodist Church will have Bible study from 7 - 8 p.m. on the second, third and fourth Wednesdays of the month. * The Alzheimer's Support Group meeting will be at the Switz City Christian Church fellowship hall on State Road 54 in Switz City. The meeting will be the first Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. If you have questions, call 798-1589. * Faith Community Church cookbooks are available for $10 and can be purchased at Richard Brown Insurance or call 847-4798. * Hobbieville Christian Fellowship Church will have a gospel singing at 6 p.m. on the second Saturday of each month. The public is invited. * The mobile food pantry will be at the Jasonville United Methodist Church from 10 a.m. to ? on the first Wednesday of the month. * The Back Door Food Pantry is open from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. on the third Saturday of the month. * Narcotics Anonymous will meet Saturdays at 7 p.m. at the Trinity Lutheran Church on State Road 54 East. There will be open discussion and all are welcome. * Lebanon Baptist Food Pantry will only be open on the fourth Thursday of each month from 6-7:30 p.m. * The Refuge Assembly of God food pantry will be open every Wednesday from 1-5 p.m. to assist those living in Bloomfield. To donate, please contact Trina at 384-8093 during the pantry's open hours. * The Mineral Christian Men's Group meets at 8 a.m. every third Saturday of the month at the Mineral Community Building. * House of Grace Coffee House will offer fellowship, food, worship and youth classes. The church is located at 792 S. Section St. in Dugger. * The Pleasantville United Methodist Church food pantry is now open on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month from 10:30 a.m. - noon. * The Lyons First Christian Church youth group meets at 6 p.m. on Mondays at the church's East Broad Street location.

LITTLE CINCINNATI -- The Eastern Greene Lady Thunderbird volleyball team has decided to forego the usual "dig pink" to support breast cancer research this season according to head coach Gina Ingram. Instead, the Lady Thunderbirds will use the event to support one of Eastern Greene's own -- Keith Maze...

The Eastern Greene High School girls golf team earned a second-place finish in a triangular match at Vincennes Monday. Host South Knox won with a 199. Eastern Greene shot 225 and Sullivan finished with a 236. For the Lady Thunderbirds, Alexas Pardue shot 53, Macy Morguson 56, Alyssa Crowe 57, Sierra New 59 and Alex Dubois and Regan Holtsclaw both shot 60...

The Linton-Stockton Junior High volleyball team competed at North Central Monday, earning two victories. The eighth graders won 25-12, 14-25, 15-6 and the seventh graders were victorious 25-12, 25-9. Linton-Stockton 7th grade stats Tayler Moore -- 9 aces, 2 assists, 4 kills...

Shakamak placed third out of eight teams that competed at the boys cross country invitational at Washington High School Monday. Washington won with 46 points, Princeton had 47 and the Lakers scored 78. Luke Sweet led the Lakers and was sixth overall with a time of 17 minutes and 58 seconds...

Linton-Stockton Junior High School 's Janzen Franklin won the boys cross race with the Miners host Sullivan and Clay City Monday. Franklin's time of 11 minutes and 12 seconds was 2 1/2 minutes ahead of the rest of the field. Also for the Miners, Grant Sipes finished fourth, Alec Mossburger fifth and Ben Lewellyn 12th...

The Linton Girls Softball Association will be holding a free pitching clinic on Sunday Sept. 18 at 5 p.m. The clinic will be for beginning to intermediate pitchers. Any girls interested in learning how to pitch are encouraged to come. For more information, please call Ricky Templeton at (812) 798-5648 or Brock Thuis at (812) 798-1569...

The Associated Press Top 10 Indiana high school football teams, with first-place votes in parentheses, records through games of Sept. 10, rating points and previous rankings: Indiana HS Football Top 10 Poll The Associated Press Class 5A W-L Pts Prv Others receiving votes: Lake Central 32, Center Grove 20, Fishers 14, Ft. Wayne North 10, Chesterton 8, Floyd Central 8, Zionsville 8, Ft. Wayne Snider 2...

The man in charge of the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marines told upper management officials at Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane on Tuesday morning that the work they do every day helps to save lives of allied military warfighters around the globe. Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus rallied those attending an All Hands meeting at the NSWC gymnasium...

The Lyons Town Council will be accepting bids for building shelters above the local well. An inspection by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management declared shelters must be placed over wells and the water distribution system needs new check valves and back flow protectors...

Dara Holder had an eagle on No. 5 as part of a 38 as she won the inaugural Southwestern Indiana Athletic Conference individual high school girls golf championship, which took place Tuesday at the Phil Harris Golf Course in Linton. Lady Cougar teammates Cassie Knepp and Maggie Swartzentruber finished 8-9, also earning all-SWIAC honors...

MONTGOMERY -- The Barr-Reeve Vikings defeated White River Valley 4-1 in a high school boys tennis match here Tuesday. Knowing the Vikings had a strong program, I set a goal for the team today and they didn't come close. I wanted them to start being more competitive so I told them as a team they needed to at least win a reasonable amount of games. They came up nine games short of that challenge...

Casie Divine and Brittany Igel combined for 46 of 49 serves, 40 points and eight aces to lead the Eastern Greene volleyball team to a 25-9, 25-11, 25-3 victory over visiting Mitchell Tuesday night in a high school match. Divine, who finished with 22 points and four aces, made 26 of 27 serves, including scoring the first 11 points of set three...

SWITZ CITY -- Sometimes you just can't get a win no matter how hard to you try -- just ask the White River Valley Lady Wolverines. After winning the first two sets against visiting Bloomfield in dramatic fashion, the tide quickly turned and the Lady Cardinals walked off the floor with a 23-25, 23-25, 25-21, 25-7, 15-12 Southwestern Indiana Athletic Conference victory...

WORTHINGTON ---- The town of Worthington and Eastern Heights Utilities will try again to secure a state grant to pay for a major portion of a new water tower. A public hearing was conducted Tuesday night in an effort to secure a $600,000 grant to pay for part of a $1,104,883 water tower project...

B As the final draft of a proposed five-year parks plan nears completion, consultants and community leaders agree one project's proved popular across the board: New softball and baseball fields. Presently, the city's facilities are below recommended standards for volleyball, baseball and softball, said Sheila McKinley, a consultant from Burke Engineering who is drafting the plan...

CRANE -- Team Crane will host a joint POW/MIA ceremony at 10 a.m. on Thursday on Naval Support Activity, Crane. Crane Army Ammunition Activity will join with Naval Support Activity Crane, Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division, and members of the Marine Corps and Air Force, in honoring past and present POWs and MIAs...

Linton's Conservation Club, located north of Humphreys Park on Park Road, will be the scene of the last motocross race of the year this weekend. Riders can sign up Saturday with an entry fee of $25 for first-class riders and $20 for an additional class. There will be a practice session from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, and the races will take place Sunday at 11 a.m...

Research shows that 80 percent of adults have the desire to quit smoking, and Quit Now Indiana is offering an incentive to do so. Indiana health officials have joined forces with MDWise Hoosier Alliance and ADVANTAGE Health Solutions to offer up to $2,500 in rewards for those who stay tobacco free, whether smoking or chewing tobacco. "Quitting smoking is one of the best ways to improve your health," Indiana State Health Commissioner Gregory Larkin, M.D. said in a prepared statement. "We know there are a large number of Hoosiers who are ready to quit smoking and the Quit Now Indiana Contest is the perfect opportunity for many of them to make a serious quit attempt." The 2010 contest had more than 3,500 entrants, representing every county in Indiana. Contestants must remain tobacco free for the duration of the month of October, which is 31 days. Once the contest is completed, names of those entered in the contest will be drawn and given a saliva test to ensure they remained tobacco free. "The 2010 Quit Now Indiana Contest was a great success. Indiana is committed to helping anyone who is ready to quit. Tobacco use is an addiction, not a habit. People are generally more successful if they seek help in quitting. The contest is a great way to prepare, set a quit date and break free from tobacco use," Karla Sneegas, Assistant Commissioner of Tobacco Prevention and Cessation at the State Health Department said. In 2010, Steve Williams, of Indianapolis, took home the $2,500 grand prize. Second place went to Craig Watson, of Elkhart, with $1,500 and $1,000 went to Nikki Wall, of Fort Wayne, for third place. In coordination with the Quit Now Indiana program, the State Health Department is offering options for employers to help their employees stop smoking. There are currently more than 400 employers enrolled in the Quit Now Preferred Employer, Providers and Organization Networks. Last year, the campaign reached more than 40,000 employees and students, according to a press release. "They (employers, health care providers and non-profit organizations) are provided with a tool kit with information, flyers, posters and quit cards," Greene County Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Coordinator Nancy Cummings said. "There are people in our county -- such as me or Chris Sparks (of Home Health Care) and others -- that can come and talk to them about how to adopt a comprehensive policy," Cummings explained. Employers interested in participating in the Preferred Networks can request information at QuitNowIndiana.com or call (317) 234-1787. All entries for the contest must be received by midnight, Sept. 30. Eligible Hoosiers can register online at INShapeIndiana.org and QuitNowIndiana.com . Starting Sept. 5, Quit Now Indiana sign-up boxes were placed at the Utilities Office in Jasonville, the Greene County General Hospital ER waiting room, Family Life Center in Bloomfield and Greene County Health Department and Greene County Tobacco Prevention and Cessation office in Bloomfield. Tobacco users trying to quit can call 1-800-Quit-Now for a free counseling service, offering personal coaching, healthcare provider resources, family and friend support and tools for tobacco control.