The Internal Revenue Service received a record number of complaints about Economic Impact Payment scams in June and July 2021 not seen in more than a decade.

“Criminals will look for any opportunity to take what they are not entitled to and this is no exception,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Justin Campbell, of IRS Criminal Investigation, Chicago Field Office. “While this is not the first time that EIP payments have been targeted, this increase in scams is alarming. This payment is meant to help those that are struggling to get by as a result of the economic downturn caused by the pandemic. Be wary of any phone calls, emails, or text messages asking for your personal information or offering a deal that seems too good to be true,” said Campbell.

“The protection of our citizens from fraudsters and their schemes requires two things. The unflagging efforts of federal law enforcement to investigate and prosecute these criminals but also the awareness of all people that these scams exist, what they look like and how they work,” stated John E. Childress, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “When faced with those two things, most fraudsters will think twice before attempting to victimize another unsuspecting individual.”

Phishing scams attempt to mirror legitimate IRS communications with the goal of convincing unsuspecting taxpayers to enter personal information or submit a payment. This information is then exploited by scammers.

Recent scam reports include:

• Text messages stating that a taxpayer is eligible for a “stimulus payment” and they must click on a link to complete the necessary information to claim it.
• Phishing emails claiming the IRS has calculated a taxpayer’s “fiscal activity” and they are eligible for an Economic Impact payment in a specific amount.

Although criminals are constantly changing their tactics, taxpayers can help protect themselves by acting as the first line of defense. The best way to avoid falling victim to a scam is knowing how the IRS communicates with taxpayers. The IRS does not send unsolicited texts or emails. The IRS does not threaten individuals with jail or lawsuits, nor does it demand tax payments on gift cards or via cryptocurrency.

Taxpayers should be on the lookout for grammatical, capitalization and spelling errors in emails and texts, which serve as fraud indicators. Taxpayers should also exercise caution when clicking shortened URLs, which can lead to fraudulent web pages.

Taxpayers who receive unsolicited emails or social media attempts to gather information that appear to be from either the IRS or an organization closely linked to the IRS, should forward the message to phishing@irs.gov. Taxpayers are encouraged not to engage potential scammers online or on the phone.

Taxpayers can report fraud or theft of their Economic Impact Payments to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA). Reports can be made online at TIPS.TIGTA.GOV.

If you suspect you are a victim of identity theft as a result of a scam, visit the Taxpayer Guide to Identity Theft to know what steps to take.

To learn more about COVID-19 scams and other financial schemes, visit IRS.gov. Official IRS information about COVID-19 and Economic Impact Payments can be found on the Coronavirus Tax Relief page, which is updated frequently.

A Cloverdale man was seriously injured in a car-pedestrian collision on I-70 Sunday.

About 9:00 pm,  troopers from the Indiana State Police Bloomington, Putnamville, and Indianapolis Districts along with deputies from the Morgan County Sheriff's Department responded to a multiple-vehicle crash on I-70 at the 56-mile marker that included a pedestrian being struck and seriously injured.

The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2013 Ford passenger car was traveling on I-70 in the right westbound lanes when the driver, who attempted to change lanes due to slower traffic, made contact with a 2005 Jeep that was in the left lane. That collision caused the Jeep to leave the roadway and it came to rest in the grassy median. The Ford passenger car then collided with a 2018 Honda and both vehicles came to rest on the right shoulder of I -70.

The driver of the 2013 Ford was identified as Robert E. Bowles, 50, of Cloverdale. Early reports show that Bowles then exited his vehicle and began checking on the other drivers by running across the roadway. Upon crossing the travel lanes of the interstate, Bowles was struck by a fourth vehicle, a 2006 Kia.

Deputies of the Morgan County Sheriff's Department first arrived and were able to apply a tourniquet to Bowles' arm to prevent blood loss due to the severe injuries.

Once Indiana State Police arrived, they began to shut down the traffic on I-70 to coordinate for Bowles to be flown to an Indianapolis area hospital. As the investigation into the crash continued, troopers believe that Bowles may have been impaired due to his driving behavior, evidence at the scene and erratic actions before being struck.

The status of Bowles is unknown at of this report and this crash is still under investigation as troopers perform the crash reconstruction.

An illegal burning call resulted in an arrest on felony charges.

The Putnam County Sheriff's Department reported that dispatch was contacted about an illegal burn at a residence in New Maysville. Local fire departments responded with the sheriff's office and Roachdale Town Marshal.

At the scene officers discovered a vehicle matching the description of one stolen days before.  Putnam County detectives obtained a search warrant for the property and residence and found a second stolen vehicle and parts from a stolen trailer.

Brandon Dunagan, 37, was charged with three counts of Level 5 felony theft.  He haalso had a prior warrant for leaving the scene of an accident.

An Indiana State Police trooper and passers-by aided an I-70 crash victim.

About 7:30 pm Sunday, troopers from the Indiana State Police responded to a single vehicle crash on Interstate 70 near the 27-mile marker westbound.

The preliminary crash investigation, by Master Trooper Troy Cobb, revealed that Jon D. Bachelor, age 46, of Brazil, was driving a 2004 Ford SUV on Interstate 70 westbound near the 27-mile marker. For an unknown reason Bachelor lost control of his vehicle and overcorrected, causing his vehicle to leave the Interstate and travel into the median. The vehicle rolled several times before coming to rest on its passenger side, against the median guide wire of Interstate 70.  

While the dust from the accident was still settling, ISP Sergeant Brent Robinson arrived on scene.  He and several Good Samaritans pushed Bachelor's vehicle off the guide wire.  

Prior to the arrival of medical personnel, Sergeant Robinson quickly grabbed his medical gear and assessed the situation.  Sergeant Robinson noticed severe damage to one of Bachelor’s arms which was causing heavy bleeding.  In order to get to the injury, Sergeant Robinson cut away the seat belt holding Bachelor in place, and quickly applied a tourniquet to his bleeding arm, stopping the blood loss. This immediate action of Sergeant Robinson possibly saved Bachelor’s life. 

Bachelor was flown via a medical helicopter to a hospital in Indianapolis.

Master Trooper Cobb and Sergeant Robinson were assisted at the crash scene by Clay County Sheriff’s Department, Jackson Township Volunteer Fire Department, Trans Care, Air Evac, Edington’s Wrecker Service and several Good Samaritans.  

Governor Eric J. Holcomb is directing flags to be flown at half-staff to honor and pay our respects to the U.S. service members and other victims killed in the terrorist attack on August 26, 2021 in Kabul, Afghanistan. 

Flags should be flown at half-staff until sunset on Monday, August 30, 2021.

Gov. Holcomb also asks businesses and residents to lower their flags to half-staff.

The Putnam County Sheriff’s Department has placed pictures on its Facebook page seeking the public’s assistance.

The pictured suspects are wanted for questioning for illegal dumping and trespass at Jack’s Trash Service.

If you have any information, you can contact Corporal Helmer by calling dispatch at 765-653-5115, Press 0.

You can also leave a message and it will be relayed (anonymously, if you wish).

With COVID cases on the rise, Hendricks Regional Health will open a temporary walk-in vaccine clinic this week to help protect our associates and community:

WHAT: Hendricks Regional Health COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic

WHEN: August 25 - 26

TIME: 4 - 7 p.m. both days

WHERE: Hendricks Regional Health Danville Hospital

1000 East Main Street

Danville, Indiana

Park at East Entrance

REGISTER: Register at https://www.coronavirus.in.gov/vaccine/ Walk-ins are accepted

The clinic will offer the Pfizer vaccine, which earned full FDA approval on August 23, to any Hendricks Regional Health associate, patient or community member age 12 or older who would like to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

Booster shots will be available for high-risk individuals including those who have:

• Been receiving active cancer treatment

• Received an organ/stem cell transplant and/or are taking medicine to suppress the immune system

• Moderate or severe primary immunodeficiency

• Advanced or untreated HIV infection

• Active treatment with high-dose corticosteroids or other drugs that may suppress your immune response

The CDC recommends that booster shots should be the same brand vaccine as received for your first two doses. This clinic is ONLY offering the Pfizer vaccine.

If you are unsure of whether you should receive a booster shot, please consult with your primary care provider.

The COVID-19 vaccine from Pfizer and BioNTech has now received full approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for those 16 years and older.

Aaron Lottes, a Purdue University expert on FDA regulatory processes, explains what this means going forward.

Lottes worked with the FDA on the approval of drug-device combination products for 13 years. Now, as an associate professor of engineering practice in Purdue’s Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, he continues to collaborate with the FDA and industry experts to educate the next generation of biomedical engineers and regulatory leaders.

Q: Does FDA approval mean the Pfizer vaccine is officially considered safe and effective?

A: FDA approval means that the Pfizer vaccine has now gone through the FDA’s full standard review process and the FDA has determined, based on extensive data with longer follow-up, that the vaccine is safe and effective for preventing COVID-19. An emergency-use authorization had just indicated that the vaccine may be safe and effective and that the known and potential benefits outweighed the known and potential risks.

Q: Why has the Pfizer vaccine just received FDA approval for people age 16 and up?

A: Studies for ages 12-15 were started later than for those 16 and older. While there are enough data to support emergency use in this younger age group, it was not part of the submission for approval. A supplement is planned for this age group once the required six-month data are available.

Q: Are there still risks involved with getting the Pfizer vaccine?

A: The FDA has identified an increased risk of myocarditis and pericarditis, especially for males under 40. But this is being followed up in multiple required postmarket studies. The approved labeling includes a warning for this risk.

Q: How fast was the FDA approval timeline for the Pfizer vaccine relative to other vaccines approved by the FDA in the past?

A: The submission was accepted by FDA and received priority review status in July. A normal submission has a target 10-month review timeline, whereas a priority submission is targeted at six months, which would have been January 2022. The actual review and approval time was just over one month, representing a tremendous effort by the FDA review team. This does not mean that FDA only spent one month reviewing all the data. Rather, this submission was provided over time to FDA for review. As different parts of the application were completed, FDA was able to review in near-real-time. It was just the final pieces that were not submitted until more recently. Additionally, based on the urgent need, the FDA diverted extensive resources to focus on this review and ensure that safety and effectiveness were thoroughly evaluated.

Q: Why has the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine not yet been approved by the FDA?

A: Moderna’s submission was about a month behind Pfizer’s submission, so it remains under review.

Q: Does FDA approval for the Pfizer vaccine also include a booster shot?

A: The booster shot is not yet approved. At this time, there is only an FDA emergency use authorization in place for certain immunocompromised individuals to receive a booster shot.

The Indiana Department of Health says that in recognition of the increasing numbers in Putnam County it is deploying a strike team for testing and vaccination efforts.

They will be offering PCR and Binax rapid testing as well as Johnson & Johnson and Pfizer vaccinations at Robe Ann Park Monday, August 23, through Wednesday, August 25, from noon - 8:00 pm.

They are capable of administering up to 300 tests per day.

The Putnam County Health Department is also administering vaccinations. An individual is able to schedule an appointment by visiting www.ourshot.in.gov.

Appointments are strongly recommended. Walk-ins are accepted at the Health Department from 9:00 am -11:30 am, and 1:00 pm - 5:30 pm. 

Labor Day weekend is coming up, and the Indiana State Police and local law enforcement agencies are warning residents against drinking and driving.

Departments all over the state are taking part in the national Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over enforcement mobilization to educate motorists about the dangers and consequences of impaired driving. Now until September 6, officers will be increasing patrols showing zero tolerance for anyone caught driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

The extra high-visibility enforcement is funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) through the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI).

About 28 people die in the U.S. in drunk driving crashes every day. That’s approximately one person every 52 minutes and more than 10,000 annually, according to NHTSA.

In Indiana, drunk driving has been on the rise. Of the 898 traffic fatalities that occurred last year in the state, 151, or 17 percent, were alcohol related. That’s up from 130 in 2019. During Labor Day weekend alone, there were 12 fatal collisions with one involving a driver over the legal limit. 

“Impaired driving continues to take a terrible toll on our state and nation,” said Devon McDonald, ICJI Executive Director. “While these overtime patrols are effective and will undoubtedly save lives, we can’t enforce our way out of this issue. It’s up to everyone to drive sober and make smart choices behind the wheel.”

In Indiana, it is illegal to drive with a BAC of .08 or higher. In addition, drivers under 21 with a BAC of .02 or higher are subject to fines and a license suspension for up to one year. 

However, impaired driving includes more than just alcohol. Drugs and even some over-the-counter medications can also cause impairment and can slow coordination, judgment, and reaction times on the road.

Officers will be on the lookout for all forms of impairment, in which the consequences can include thousands of dollars in legal fees, increased insurance rates, loss of license, a criminal record, and possible jail time.

To avoid those, plan a safe and sober ride home before going out. Even if only one drink is consumed, designate a sober driver or plan to use a rideshare service, public transportation, or taxi. Motorists that encounter a drunk driver on the road are encouraged to call 911.

A Putnam County farm along with others in Parke, Clay and Morgan counties were honored at the Indiana State Fair.

Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch and Indiana State Department of Agriculture Director Bruce Kettler presented 73 family farms with a Hoosier Homestead Award, recognizing their family’s longstanding commitment to Indiana agriculture.

To be named a Hoosier Homestead, farms must be owned by the same family for more than 100 consecutive years, and consist of 20 acres or more, or produce more than $1,000 in agricultural products per year.

Families are eligible for three different distinctions of the Hoosier Homestead Award, based on the age of the farm. They can receive the Centennial Award for 100 years, Sesquicentennial Award for 150 years or Bicentennial Award for 200 years of ownership.

Since the program's inception in 1976, nearly 6000 families have received the award.

Greencastle students will wear masks again starting Tuesday.

Superintendent Jeff Gibboney released the following letter Monday afternoon.  It states that masks will be required indoors for students and staff, K - 12, regardless of vaccination status.  Students and staff are not required to wear masks while outside, including at recess.

Good Afternoon,

I wanted to take a moment to communicate with families regarding an important update to the GCSC Return to In-Person Instruction Plan.  The updates to the GCSC Return to In-Person Instruction Plan (effective August 17, 2021) are a result of ongoing collaboration between district officials, the GCSC Board of School Trustees as well as local and state health officials. 

Unfortunately, COVID-19 rates are on the rise in our schools and local community.  It is our goal to continue to prioritize the safety of our students and staff while reducing the need to quarantine and avoid the disruption of in-person learning.  In addition, we also wish to protect student opportunities in performing arts, athletics and special activities.  

Major changes to our plan includes:

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for Students and Staff

As of July 1, 2021, the Governor of Indiana has provided the authority for local school boards and health departments to establish COVID-19 related policies.  

Grades K-12

Effective August 17, 2021 masks will be required indoors for students and staff in grades K-12, regardless of vaccination status.  Students and staff are not required to wear masks while outside, including at recess.  While the school has a few extra masks in supply, families should plan to provide their students with masks.

ISDH Quarantine Guidance 

Close Contact Exception (Per CDC Guidelines)

In the K–12 indoor classroom setting, the close contact definition excludes students who were within 3 to 6 feet of an infected student (laboratory-confirmed or a clinically compatible illness) if both the infected student and the exposed student(s) correctly and consistently wore well-fitting masks the entire time.

The full plan may be viewed on our website or in the attachment to this message.  In addition, we plan to restart the use of our COVID-19 dashboard that will be posted to our homepage.  The dashboard will be updated every Friday by the end of the day.  We appreciate your patience and cooperation during this challenging time.

Respectfully,

Jeff Gibboney, Superintendent

A Hendricks County robbery involved what appeared to be an unmarked police vehicle.

Hendricks County Sheriff’s deputies responded to the report of an armed robbery that occurred just after 1:00 pm Monday on County Road 650 N east of County Road 1000E near Brownsburg.  The initial report is that a person was robbed at gunpoint as he pulled over alongside the road for what he believed to be an unmarked police vehicle. 

Hendricks County Sheriff’s Office detectives are currently working to gather more information in this investigation. 

There were no injuries reported in this incident.   

To say we are in the post-COVID era would be naïve.  Perhaps, even silly.  With the rising cases of variant strains even businesses, schools, etc. are exploring the implementation of mask wearing and other protocols again.

But the economics of COVID is changing.  For business, government and others the decisions about how to handle employees who have COVID remains a sticking point.  Even to break it down to whether someone has been vaccinated or not and how that factors into the equation.

Putnam County Commissioners President Rick Woodall says the county is debating how to handle the issue.

From the other side, Woodall says he was interested in what other counties were doing.

The commissioners hope to have a first draft available for consideration at their first meeting in September.

Football teams are scheduled to kickoff the Indiana high school season this Friday.  The GIANT fm Sports WREB broadcast schedule has been a source of controversy and conversation.

3 Towers Broadcasting is the name of our corporation that recently acquired WREB.  I know we haven’t had nearly the chance to meet many face-to-face.  Between cleaning, painting, moving the studio, etc., it’s been a hectic few weeks. I hope we can remedy that through upcoming festivals, events, games or even people coming by to visit our new location, 8 North Jackson.

Okay, back to the sports broadcast schedule.  From the immediate changes you may have noticed in the music, developing changes in news and morning show, we’re trying to find the ways that we can serve the communities that listen to WREB and read our new online news source called Putnam County Post. 

An announced change in the upcoming football broadcast schedule sparked a lot of reaction.  As we compared and contrasted the other markets that we serve we tried to decide what would be best to do at WREB.   We knew the station had a history of broadcasting a county-based games schedule.  As you well know, we looked at going away from that.  Now, as you’ll see below, the schedule that our play-by-play announcer, Doug Wokoun, has prepared is set to start Friday when Cloverdale visits South Putnam.

First, my thanks to those of you who reached out and told us what you wanted.  Granted, it wasn’t always enjoyable.  Let’s face it.  Complaints and criticism usually aren’t.  And it may come again in some fashion down the road as we make decisions on programming and other factors.  Nothing comes to mind that will spark reaction quite like high school sports.

I’ve been broadcasting high school sports for nearly 30 years.  Most of those with our station in Shelbyville.  Some back in my home state of Illinois.  I look forward to it as much as anyone.  And I'm always open to taking phone calls and messages and having conversations with you.  If you can catch me at the office or on the sidewalk somewhere, that's even better.  I'm just young enough I can and do message and text.  I'm old enough that talking is better.

We do hope you’ll contact us if you’re a business, industry, organization that would like to get your products and services out there to the public. Looks like a passionate Putnam County sports audience will be listening.

August 20,  Cloverdale at South Putnam

August 27,  Southmont at North Putnam

September 3,   South Putnam at North Putnam

September 10,  Greencastle at South Putnam

September 17,  North Putnam at Cloverdale

September 24,  West Vigo at South Putnam

October 1,  Greencastle at Cloverdale

October 8,  Owen Valley at Greencastle

October 15,  North Putnam at Greencastle

GIANT fm Sports WREB  pregame begins at 6:45 pm. 

Kickoff is set for 7:00 pm.

You can check out the Perseid meteor shower at state sites this weekend.

Stargaze at the darkest public night sky in Indiana. The Wabash Valley Astronomical Society will have telescopes set up for visitors to use on Saturday from 10 pm – midnight at Shades State Park.

Park visitors can usually see stars, constellations, planets and the Milky Way on clear nights.

Park naturalists will have a few space themed crafts/activities available for the young & old while waiting to look through a telescope. 

This is a weather dependent event. The Star Party will be cancelled if the sky is too cloudy or if it is raining.

Standard park entrance fee will apply.

Another opportunity is scheduled for 10:00 – 11:00 pm Saturday with Stargazing at The Beach, Lieber SRA (Cagles Mill Lake).

Learn about the mythologies hidden within our night sky and who knows we may even catch glimpses of shooting stars from the Perseids meteor shower event. You are more than welcome to bring your own telescopes if you would like.

Another day of hot, humid temperatures before relief going into the weekend.

The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for Thursday much of the state. The advisory is officially in effect from 1:00 pm - 8:00 pm EST.

High temperatures are expected to reach the middle 90's with the heat index ranging from up to 105.

Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses to occur. People are advised to drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors.

Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances. Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch and the Office of Community and Rural Affairs announced the new Hoosier Enduring Legacy Program.

“In my position as Secretary of Rural Development, I have seen many Indiana rural communities grow and develop with the help of OCRA’s programs,” Crouch said. “HELP is the newest way for the state to partner with our already vibrant and successful rural communities, and further build them so they become stronger and more resilient.”

HELP is designed for local units of government to optimize their Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Funds, the $1.28 billion of federal funds delivered in 2021 and 2022 to Indiana communities from the American Rescue Plan Act.

“When I was mayor of my hometown of Huntingburg, I got to experience how OCRA and its partners can help transform a community,” said OCRA Executive Director Denny Spinner. “I am excited to now bring the spirit of Stellar into a new iteration that will support communities in best employing Fiscal Recovery Funds to create a legacy in these Hoosier towns and cities.”

Spinner said HELP melds the pillars of OCRA’s Stellar initiative into a program that will capitalize on the successes of previous efforts, while addressing the current environment of Hoosier communities. This new program supports communities directly by building capacity, creating a peer network system between communities participating in the program, developing a strategic investment plan and providing access to set-aside funding.

HELP will also include thorough training on ARPA, the introduction of a community coordinator position, and the creation of an online dashboard that includes high-quality data about the selected city or town.

To help carry out the year-long program, OCRA is partnering with the Purdue Center for Regional Development, the Indiana University Center for Rural Engagement, the Ball State University Indiana Communities Institute and Ivy Tech Community College.

Communities selected to participate in HELP will collaborate with these higher education institutions on four key pathways, advancing e-connectivity, enhancing quality of place, promoting community wellness and strengthening local economies. These pathways will help communities to be more resilient to future economic downturns. Columbus-based nonprofit CivicLab along with the higher education institutions, will provide data training to support the implementation of a Strategic Investment Plan based on community feedback, community data and these four pathways.

Additional organizations assisting with OCRA’s new program include the Indiana Arts Commission, the Indiana State Office of Rural Health/Indiana State Department of Health, the Indiana Department of Transportation, and the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority.

HELP will have three cohorts, with each cohort supporting up to four communities. As a result, HELP will have the capability to implement an increased number of broad projects over a wider area and in a shorter time-frame than previous programs like it.

The application for the first cohort opens on Sept. 6. Communities must apply before the Oct. 1 deadline. Communities are allowed to apply for multiple cohorts and a community’s status as a READI region will not impact HELP selections.

A live, informational webinar outlining HELP details will be held at 3 p.m. ET on Aug. 18. For more information on the webinar and HELP, visit in.gov/ocra/HELP/.

The Indiana Department of Transportation announces a public information meeting will be held on Thursday, at 5:30 pm at the Roachdale Christian Church.

This meeting will give an overview of the construction project underway and discuss upcoming closures.

This project was awarded to Milestone Contractors L.P. for $9.1 million. This project will complete a cold in-place recycle under four separate road closures. The project spans from U.S. 231 to just west of S.R. 75.

A cold in-place recycle treatment, a type of resurface similar to a full-depth reclamation, is an environmentally friendly method of removing and reusing the existing asphalt surface. It involves grinding off the top 2 to 5 inches of asphalt surface and mixing the crushed asphalt with an asphalt recycling agent, and placing it back down with a paver.

The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for Wednesday much of the state.

The advisory is officially in effect from 1:00 pm - 8:00 pm EST.

High temperatures are expected to reach the lower to middle 90's with the heat index ranging from 95 to 105.

Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses to occur.  People are advised to drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors.

Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances.

Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening.

Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible.

The names have been released of the August 5 officer-involved shooting in Parke County.

Parke County Sheriff Justin Cole has requested that the Indiana State Police release additional information regarding the officer involved shooting that occurred on August 5, 2021. 

The autopsy and forensic evidence has revealed that Chad M. Fiscus, 35, of Rockville, did die as the result of a gunshot wound from a law enforcement officer.  

The night of August 5,  Parke County deputies were responding to a domestic situation at 9856 East South Street, between Fiscus and his father.  Upon their arrival, Fiscus immediately began firing an assault rifle at the deputies, shooting in excess of thirty rounds at them.  

Deputy Darian A. Lewellen, of the Parke County Sheriff’s Department, was involved in the gunfire exchange with Fiscus.  Deputy Lewellen has been placed on administrative leave which is customary in an officer involved shooting.  He has served with the Parke County Sheriff’s Department for two and half years.  

 Upon completion of their investigation, Indiana State Police detectives will submit a full report of the incident to the Parke County Prosecutor’s Office for review and determination of charges, if any, to be filed. 

Cloverdale schools are wrapping up significant portions of a renovation project just ahead of the start of school this week.

Superintendent Greg Linton says it’s been a hot summer with HVAC replacement.

Linton says another piece of the project should make them more energy efficient.

Linton says a thanks and tip of the cap goes to several staff members who worked thru a hot summer in the buildings.

As for schools opening, Cloverdale will take the angle most have with its re-entry plan.  Masks are optional for students starting the year.  However, due to federal mandate, they are still required on buses.

Owen County EMS paramedic Brandon Staley passed away in the line of duty while caring for patients en route to the hospital.

Just after 5:30 pm Sunday, Staley responded to the scene of an auto accident north of Gosport.  A press release from Owen County E.M.S. states that access to the patients was difficult due to the immediate terrain. Two pediatric patients were transferred to the waiting ambulance where Staley and his partner treated their injuries while a firefighter drove them to the hospital.

During the course of the transport, Staley developed chest pain and fell unconscious. He was taken to IU Bloomington Hospital where he later died.

Staley’s  patients arrived safely at the hospital where their care continued.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Brandon’s family. Arrangements are pending and will be shared. Please keep the EMS families in your thoughts and prayers as we work through this difficult time,” in a statement released by the Owen County EMS.

Hendricks County Sheriff’s deputies responded Sunday to the report of a motor vehicle crash on County Rd 200 N, west of County Rd 800 E near Avon.  A  Jeep had traveled off the roadway, partially ejecting the driver and sole occupant of the vehicle. 

The driver, who was later identified as Benjamin Marvin, 43, of Speedway, died at the scene.  The cause of the crash is currently under investigation by the Hendricks County Sheriff’s Office’s Crash Reconstruction Team.  

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources announced today that Hoosiers in 76 counties across the state can resume feeding birds but asks that residents of the remaining counties keep their feeders down while the investigation into what is killing songbirds continues.

DNR recommended a statewide moratorium on bird feeding on June 25 to slow the spread of a still-undetermined illness that is killing birds across the state. Hoosiers answered the call, removing feeders, cleaning birdbaths, and submitting more than 3,400 reports of sick or dead birds. DNR biologists believe there to be more than 500 cases in 72 counties that involve a very specific set of clinical signs (crusty eyes, eye discharge, and/or neurological issues).

Based on the data, it appears that the bird illness is consistently affecting specific areas. There is no imminent threat to people, the population of specific bird species, or to the overall population of birds in Indiana.

DNR recommends that residents of the following counties continue to refrain from feeding birds: Allen, Carroll, Clark, Floyd, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Johnson, Lake, Marion, Monroe, Morgan, Porter, St. Joseph, Tippecanoe, Whitley.

Residents of other counties may again put out their feeders. Seed and suet feeders should be cleaned at least once every two weeks by scrubbing feeders with soap and water, followed by a short soak in a 10% bleach solution. Feeders should be thoroughly rinsed and dried before being filled with birdseed. Hummingbird feeders should be cleaned at least one a week with a 10% bleach solution and rinsed thoroughly.

The USGS National Wildlife Health Center’s avian disease experts are working to determine the cause of this disease outbreak. Indiana will continue to support the effort by providing samples to the laboratory.

If you see a sick or dead bird with the above symptoms, report it at on.IN.gov/sickwildlife. Reports help DNR staff continue to track this outbreak.

Huge, life defining decisions are in play when one begins to plan and consider post high school education. There are many options and choices that families have for consideration. Doing nothing or making no plans is a decision. Ideally, one would want to be the most informed as possible to make sound and wise decisions.

For many in primary or elementary school, post high school is far off in considering the future. The Putnam 4-H Education Pledge is a program with many elements that will bring information to families enabling an early start to building expectations for post high school education.

The term “post high school education” is used because the discussion should not be centered on a traditional four-year college degree. In fact, the labor markets are hungry for skilled labor that does not involve a college degree and leaving many in work force development pondering how to meet the needs. Furthermore, the program is centered on building the “expectation” of youth seeking some sort of post high school education and realizing the attainment of such education.

 Several studies have shown that there are significant differences in those who have a post high school educational savings plan compared to those who do not have such a plan. Research supports that the money or funds being placed into such accounts is not as much a factor as is building the expectation that one has post high school educational goals and objectives to be met.

The Putnam 4-H Education Pledge will include workforce development and other professional experiences providing youth with life skills needed to find their niche in the work force. The Putnam County 4-H Council is sponsoring $25 payment to 529 plan funds for those in third and sixth grade as of 1/1/21 and plans to continue with future incentive programs for these grades.

Currently, less than eight percent of Putnam youth in grades K-12 have a 529 college savings plan, thus many families are missing out on a key state income tax direct credit. Research from Washington University in St. Louis suggests that youth who have a 529 college savings plan for post high school education are greater than 70 percent more likely to go and seek education after high school compared to those who do not. Having an account played a bigger role than the account value.

Only $25 will get one started with college savings using the College Choice 529 Savings plan that is recognized by the state of Indiana to receive a 20 percent direct income tax credit. Parents, grandparents, family etc. can make gifts obtaining a 20 percent direct credit back on state income taxes. The $25 Putnam 4-H match program will only be available to 4-Hers who were in grades three and six as of 1-1-21, completed 4-H and these individuals need to bring the UGift form associated with the account to receive the $25 into the account. Bingo… the child now has at least $50 saved for post high school education! Signup for a 30 minute program using https://tinyurl.com/4f4j37ae

Visit our homepage at www.extension.purdue.edu/putnam or you can contact the local office by calling 765.653.8411 for more information regarding this week’s column topic or to RSVP for upcoming events. Office hours are Monday thru Friday from 8:00am-12:00pm and 1:00pm-4:00pm. Evening and lunch appointments are available, upon request. It is always best to call first to assure items are ready when you arrive and to RSVP for programs. While many publications are free, some do have a fee. All times listed are Eastern Time. Purdue University is an equal access/equal opportunity/affirmative action institution.

Upcoming events

August 2 – National Night Out 4-H station, Fairgrounds

August 11 – 4-H Education Pledge Program, Noon, signup https://tinyurl.com/4f4j37ae

August 17 – Clear Choices Clean Water: Make a Difference webinar, 12 pm register at https://tinyurl.com/WIAWebinars21

August 17 – Putnam 4-H Education Pledge Noon or 7:30 pm, signup https://tinyurl.com/4f4j37ae

August 21 – Enhancing Your Garden Soil Health Program, 10 am, ISU Community Garden,
                    register at https://tinyurl.com/PHISH2021

August 22 – State Fair last day

August 23 – 4-H Education Pledge Program, Noon, signup https://tinyurl.com/4f4j37ae

August 23 – Families pickup state fair projects they took to state competition

August 23 – ServSafe Food Manager Class & Online Exam, 9am-4pm, register at  
          https://purdue.edu/servsafe

August 24 – Families pickup state fair projects Extension staff took to state competition from Extension office

If you haven’t heard of Putnam Pride, you are missing out on a valuable resource.

Putnam Pride Initiative was formed a few years ago, in an attempt to give the LGBTQIA+ community a local resource. The goal was simple, bring awareness and bridge the gap between LGBTQIA+, their allies, and the local community. They pulled together picnics and potluck dinners, bringing together the community. Then, 2020 happened, and like many other organizations, Putnam Pride had to stop meeting for the safety of their members. However, they are making their comeback and it is destined to be stronger than ever.

The members of Putnam Pride realized the Putnam County community needed more than picnics. Once the Covid-19 restrictions were lifted, Putnam Pride splintered off to offer a support group. The support group meets the second and fourth Wednesday, 6:00 pm, every month at Conspire Contemporary Craft on the Square and everyone is invited. Everyone is welcome, whether you are part of the LGBTQIA+ community, the parent or loved one of someone in the community, an ally, or simply want to learn more and understand the people in the Putnam County communities.

J.D. Grove, owner of Conspire Contemporary Craft and current support group host, said, “Everyone’s welcome, if you have a kid coming out and need some support or you’re part of the community, any age group, everybody is welcome to come. And we’ll have pizza. It’s a moderated discussion; just an opportunity for all of us to talk, feel heard, feel supported, have some snacks, and just be in community.”

The original Putnam Pride Initiative team still exists and they too are growing. Putnam County still needs awareness, education, and a community-wide presence, which Putnam Pride Initiative can provide. They are looking to not only expand their volunteer base, but they’re also looking to grow their board, especially with a younger crowd. Younger board members offer a fresh look into the growing needs of the LGBTQIA+ community and are aware of the challenges that face the younger members. Putnam Pride meets on the fourth Wednesday, 7:00 pm, every month at Conspire Contemporary Craft, directly after the support group meeting.

If you would like more information on the support group, Putnam Pride Initiative, or need to talk or help with resources outside of meeting times, stop by Conspire Contemporary Craft.

Detectives from the Indiana State Police Putnamville Post have been requested by Parke County Sheriff Justin Cole to investigate an officer involved shooting incident that took place on Thursday night at 9856 East South Street in Parke County.

Just after 11:00 pm., deputies of the Parke County Sheriff’s Department were dispatched in reference to a domestic situation between a father and son.  Two Parke County deputies arrived on scene approximately one minute later.  They found a subject outside the residence with a rifle.  The subject immediately started shooting multiple rounds at both deputies, who quickly took cover behind their patrol vehicles. An exchange of gunfire then ensued between deputies and the subject, resulting in the subject being shot.

Medical assistance was immediately rendered by the deputies at the scene.  The subject was subsequently transported to Union Hospital in Clinton.  He has been identified as Chad M. Fiscus, 35, of Rockville.  Fiscus later died.

One deputy was transported to Union Hospital in Terre Haute with a superficial wound.  He was treated and released.  

All Parke County deputies involved in this incident have been placed on administrative leave, which is customary in officer involved shootings. The names of the deputies involved in this incident will be released at a later date.

The investigation is being conducted by Indiana State Police detectives, Michael Featherling, Ryan Winters, and Don Curtuis, with the assistance of Lieutenant Jeff Hearon, First Sergeant Jason Fajt, and CSI Sergeant Brandon Mullen of the Putnamville State Police Post.

This is an active and ongoing Indiana State Police investigation.  Upon completion of their investigation, Indiana State Police detectives will submit a full report of the incident to the Parke County Prosecutor’s Office for review and determination of charges, if any, to be filed.  

Opportunity to go anywhere after a Covid-impacted 2020 year may certainly have aided this year’s attendance at the Putnam County Fair.  Having fairs such as this could mean improvements for fairs and the fairgrounds down the road.

Lee Fordice served as president of the fair board.

Fordice says that even in changing times the fair still holds importance.

The Indiana State Fair opened earlier this year.  Fordice says he doesn’t hink that had a big impact locally but they are cognizant of it.

Fordice says the Putnam County fair board has made strategic moves to improve financially.  That will always be a concern, however.

Fordice says his term as up as president as the president and vice-president can serve two one-year terms and then they need to sit out.  Each township has a representative and he intends to go ahead and run for that this upcoming election. 

The annual meeting will be held in September. 

Indiana Conservation Officers are investigating after the body of Ambachew Nigatu, 29, of Plainfield, was recovered from Monroe Lake.

Nigatu was swimming with family off the beach of Fairfax State Recreation Area when he went missing. Family checked the surrounding area and called 911 for assistance at 5:40 pm. Emergency personnel from multiple agencies responded to do a search.

At 6:50 pm., a member of the Monroe County Dive Team found Nigatu in 6 feet of water, unresponsive, and he was pronounced dead on the scene.

An investigation is ongoing. The exact cause of death is pending autopsy results.

Indiana Conservation Officers were assisted in scene by the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department and IU Hospital Bloomington EMS.

Putnam County’s share of American Rescue Plan Act funds will be the focus of a public meeting on Wednesday.

This will be the first of three meetings with members of the county’s commissioners and county council to consider proposals for the county’s nearly $7 million.

President of the county commissioners Rick Woodall says he had been prepped to download the first of the payments.  He joked that that it’s been a process.

Tonight's meeting is at 6:30 pm.  It will be held in the Commissioner’s room at the Putnam County Courthouse.

This past weekend was a busy one for an area Indiana State Police trooper.

Just after 12:30 Friday morning, Trooper Ian Portteus located an person an active warrant driving in Spencer, and with the assistance of the Spencer Police Department and Owen County Sheriff's Department they conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle at the intersection of Morgan Ave. and Fletcher Ave. in front of a local restaurant.

The two male occupants of the vehicle were detained and records showed that both had active warrants for their arrests. The men were traveling with a juvenile who was released to the Department of Child Services to wait for their family to arrive.

Further investigation by Trp. Portteus and his K-9 partner Czar resulted in locating controlled substances and paraphernalia by the two men. 

Both individuals were identified and transported to the Owen County Jail on several charges.

Jeremy J. Burch, 47, Newburgh:  Possession of Methamphetamine, Level 6 Felony…Possession of Hypodermic Syringe, Level 6 Felony…Possession of Marijuana with Prior Conviction, A Misdemeanor…Possession of Paraphernalia, A Misdemeanor

Frederick Qualkenbush, 49, Newburgh:   Possession of Methamphetamine, Level 6 Felony…Possession of Paraphernalia, C Misdemeanor…Possession of Marijuana with Prior Conviction, A Misdemeanor ….Driving While Suspended, A Misdemeanor

Then Saturday afternoon, the same trooper responded to the area of 2000 block of North County Line Road on a dispatch of two individuals slumped over inside their stationary vehicle. Upon arrival Trp. Portteus and Owen County EMS found two men asleep inside the vehicle.

With aid from the Owen County Sherriff's Department, one man was identified as Danny Slaybaugh, 54, from Indianapolis. The second man provided identifiers but was later positively identified as James Carr, 55, from Bainbridge. Furthermore, Carr was also found to have active warrants out of Monroe County. 

With the assistance of his Deputy Hallem's K-9 Partner Chewy, the officers located controlled substances and hypodermic syringes either within the vehicle or in the men's possession. Both men were transported to the Owen County Jail.

James Carr, 55, Bainbridge:        Possession of Hypodermic Syringe, Level 6 Felony…Trafficking; Level 5 Felony….Possession of Controlled Substance, A Misdemeanor….Possession of Marijuana with Prior Conviction, A Misdemeanor…..False Informing, A Misdemeanor

Danny L. Slaybaugh, 56. Indianapolis:     Possession of Hypodermic Syringe, Level 6 Felony….Trafficking; Level 5 Felony….Possession of Controlled Substance, A Misdemeanor….Possession of Marijuana with Prior Conviction, A Misdemeanor ….Driving While Suspended, A Misdemeanor

The regional partnership of Putnam, Hendricks, Montgomery and Boone counties now have more time to build a proposal in a competition for $50 million.

Governor Holcomb announced an extended submission deadline for the Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI), providing regions an additional 30 days to submit proposals – now due on or before Sept. 30.

Each of the regions spanning participation across 91 counties will continue working to collaborate and develop bold, strategic plans to accelerate small- and large-scale growth within their communities and work to secure matching funds through the state’s $500 million initiative. Regions may be further refined or consolidated in the coming weeks. 

Proposals will be reviewed throughout October and November, and first round investment decisions will be made and announced in December. More information, including answers to frequently asked questions and a map of all the identified regions, is available at IndianaREADI.com.