Stories from Monday, July 18, 2016

It has been brought to our attention of at least three different instances in recent months where various leaders across the county may have violated the Open Door Law. Indiana Code 5-14-1.5-1 states, in part, "It is the intent of this chapter that the official action of public agencies be conducted and taken openly, unless otherwise expressly provided by statute, in order that the people may be fully informed."...

WORTHINGTON. -- Indiana Conservation Officers are investigating a late night ATV crash that resulted in injury and an arrest for Operating a Motor Vehicle While Intoxicated. According to an Indiana Department of Natural Resources District 5 press release, Alicia Nelson, 34, of Bloomfield sustained serious blunt force trauma injuries to her face, lacerations and possible internal injuries...

Gerran Taylor Wilkes, 23, of Jasonville, passed away at 1:30 a.m. Sunday, July 17, 2016 in Knox County. He was born March 24, 1993 in Sullivan, to Jeff Wilkes and Brandy (Bogard) Wilkes Lambermont. Survivors include his mother and stepfather, Brandy and Shawn Lambermont of Jasonville; father, Jeff Wilkes of Dugger; sister, Jesylan Lambermont; and brother, Bron Walker Lambermont of Jasonville; maternal grandparents, Nancy and Gary Shipley of New Lebanon; paternal grandparents, Ed and Brenda Wilkes of Dugger, Max and Linda Lambermont of Jasonville; maternal great-grandmother, Mary Powell of Sullivan; paternal great-grandmother, Ruth Gore of Jasonville; several aunts, uncles and cousins; special friends, Ben Boyd, Brooklyn Samm, Rudy Wernz, Megan Miller, Matt Lyday and Josh Marlow.. ...

Serena Jenkins, 33, Lyons, was arrested on a warrant for neglect of a dependent. No bond is set. Jessica Donna-Thompson, 28, Linton, was arrested on a warrant for dealing a synthetic drug. Bond is set at $4,000. Jared Conolty, 31, Bloomfield, was arrested on preliminary charges of operating while intoxicated. Bond is set at $4,000...

The Linton Police Department responded to 47 incidents from service Friday to Monday, including one property damage accident, three bank/residential alarms, one animal complaint, six assists to other departments, eight assists to the public, one burglary, one child custody, five domestic disputes, one extra patrol, one fight in progress, one fraud, four interviews, one juvenile complaint, one noise complaint, one open door, one special detail, one reckless driver, one road hazard, four suspicious, one threat, two traffic stops and one warrant service.. ...

Criminal Cases Michael Kuhlenschmidt, 34, Lyons, Class B misdemeanor possession of marijuana; Class C misdemeanor possession of paraphernalia Steven R. Howell Jr, 33, Worthington, level 6 felony possession of methamphetamine; Class B misdemeanor possession of marijuana; level 6 felony maintaining a common nuisance; Class B misdemeanor refusal to aid an officer; Class C misdemeanor possession of paraphernalia...

The Linton Fire Department will soon be starting a fundraising project to purchase tactical vests for the firefighters. Fire Chief Brad Sparks brought the idea before the Linton City Council last week. The fire department's budget will not allow for the purchase of the equipment, so Sparks will instead be seeking fundraising opportunities...

Gary Vandeventer is the owner of Heavenly Shake-ups and is also the leader of I.M.P.A.C.T Ministries, an outreach ministry geared towards youth and promoting community. Vandeventer said "We are just getting the Impact Ministries up and going again. It was really big a few years ago when we were youth pastors/associate pastors at a local church, but took a set back and thought it was time to set it back for awhile. ...

Artist and painter Ginger Spice is a recent retiree who now spends more of her time on artistic pursuits. Having grown up in rural Greene County, she often has her artwork displayed at Carnegie Heritage & Arts Center (in Linton), and also showcases her paintings at the Owen Valley Winery, Crane Employee Art Shows, Lost River Kennels, the Sullivan Area Art Guild and also the The Shawnee Theater in Bloomfield. ...

When Dylan Morris stepped onto the football field at North Central High School (Indianapolis) Friday night, he knew it would be the last time he strapped on the helmet and pads. Although it really didn't matter who won or lost the game, the former Linton-Stockton all-state lineman had a little something to prove...

The White River Valley School Board will be looking for local bids for the construction of the WRV High School track building. The building was lost in a fire on May 12. WRV Superintendent Bob Hacker said the new structure will be a multipurpose facility...

E. Irene Garwood, 85, of Linton, passed away peacefully, with family by her side, on July 17 at her residence. Irene was born in Lyons, Indiana, on December 16, 1930 to Howard and Doris (Kibbons) Shields. Irene retired as a cafeteria cook from Pike High School in Indianapolis, and once worked at Goldman Union Summer Camp in Zionsville, Indiana...