Logansport Chosen as New Location for Indiana Transportation Museum

At a news conference this afternoon, Mayor Dave Kitchell and Indiana Transportation Museum board of directors chairman John McNichols announced that Logansport has been chosen as a new location for the museum’s trains, rolling stock and excursions. The mayor said as the Indiana Transportation Museum refocuses on education, it stands to reason that the museum and Logansport could potentially be a destination for day trips for Indiana schools and families and more tourism dollars coming into the community. Logansport’s rich history as a railroad town and existing railroad facilities made it an outstanding choice for the museum’s new location. The announcement came on what was, for twenty years, the starting day of the former Logansport Iron Horse Festival.

Galveston Boy Dies after Falling in Creek

A 6 year-old Galveston boy has died after being pulled from a creek last night. Authorities say the boy was with his family at Galveston Town Park and had been playing near the creek when he fell into the water and was unable to be located. First responders arrived on scene a short time later. Forty-five minutes after the initial 911 call, first responders located the boy in the water and began CPR. The boy was transported to St Vincent Hospital in Kokomo where he was pronounced dead. Conservation Officers want to stress the dangers of flood waters and swift water and the importance of avoiding those areas.

Two Heartland Virus Cases Confirmed in Indiana

State health officials announced today that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed two cases of Heartland virus infection in Indiana over the last two years. Both patients were residents of southern Indiana and survived their infections.
Heartland virus is a recently discovered virus that is thought to be transmitted by ticks. The most common signs and symptoms are fever with flu-like symptoms and decreases in blood cells that are important in blood clotting and fighting infection. Only a small number of Heartland virus cases have been detected nationally, with others reported in Missouri, Tennessee, Oklahoma and Arkansas. Most cases have required hospitalization.
“Tick bites can cause serious illness and even death, and the discovery of Heartland virus gives Hoosiers another important reason to take precautions,” said State Health Commissioner Jerome Adams, M.D., M.P.H. “If you become ill after spending time outdoors, visit your health care provider immediately — especially if you found an attached tick. Prompt diagnosis of tick-borne illness helps prevent complications.”

Ticks are found throughout Indiana in grassy and wooded areas. They tend to be most active during the late spring and early summer. Other tick-borne diseases found in Indiana include Lyme disease, ehrlichiosis, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. In 2016, Indiana reported more than 200 cases of tick-borne illness.
“It’s really important to avoid tick bites and conduct thorough tick checks during and after your time outdoors—even if you’re in your own backyard,” said Jennifer Brown, DVM, MPH, state public health veterinarian. “This will prevent not only Heartland virus, but also other tick-borne diseases.”
Hoosiers can reduce their risk of tick bites by:
·         Avoiding direct contact with ticks by staying away from wooded and brushy areas and walking in the center of trails
·         Using EPA-registered insect repellents with active ingredients such as DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus
·         Applying products containing 0.5% permethrin to clothing and gear, such as boots, pants, socks, and tents

After outdoor activities, people should conduct full-body tick checks using a hand-held or full-length mirror. Children should be assisted when performing tick checks. Showering or bathing can help remove any unattached ticks. Pets, coats, and day packs should also be checked for unattached ticks. Tumbling dry clothes in a dryer on high heat for 20 minutes will kill unattached ticks on clothing.

Attached ticks may be safely removed by using tweezers to grasp the tick close to the skin and then pulling outward with steady and even pressure. After the tick is removed, the area should be washed thoroughly. The tick should be discarded by submerging it in alcohol, placing it in a sealed bag or container, wrapping it tightly in tape or flushing it down the toilet. Ticks should never be crushed with the fingernails.

Visit the Indiana State Department of Health at www.StateHealth.in.gov for important health and safety information, or follow us on Twitter at @StateHealthIN and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/isdh1.

Baker Chosen 'Citizen of the Week'

A retiring Cass County official has been recognized with a special city honor.
Virginia Baker, the county’s voter registration deputy, has been named Logansport’s Citizen of the Week.
Born in Peru, she moved to Cass County as a youth and was enrolled in Logansport schools in the fourth grade. She graduated from LHS in 1962, eventually working at Logansport’s long-running department store, The Golden Rule. She began making draperies more than 40 years ago and was a part of the partnership that established Merry Windows & Walls. She became voter registration clerk in 2005.
“Virginia has done a magnificent job for both parties and independents in serving our community,” Mayor Dave Kitchell. “Voter registration and filing necessary paperwork for public office is a time-consuming and often laborious process. Virginia has been a true public servant and done everything in her power to support our electoral process at the local level.”
The mayor said she also has been a role model as a parent. In addition to raising two children of her own, she and her late husband, Alvin, raised 12 foster children. She also was active in helping young people with 4-H projects, and has attended a Christian church at the 4-H fairgrounds for several years.
The Citizen of the Week is sponsored by the Mayor’s Office and recognizes Logansport natives or residents who contribute to the community or are recognized for their achievements. Recipients received a certificate of appreciation from the city and a $20 gift certificate.


Press Release, Mayor Dave Kitchell

Wisconsin Man Arrested Following Handgun Incident on I-65

A man is in jail following an altercation involving a handgun on I-65. According to Indiana State Police the incident occurred near the White/Jasper County Line at the US 24/201 exit.  25 year-old Justin Dennis Altwein of Wisconsin allegedly pointed a gun at the driver of a white semi as they were both traveling SB on I-65.  The driver of the semi called police to report the incident.  When troopers pulled Altwein over he made verbal and hand jesters to the troopers and took off running.  The troopers chased him through the woods, then into a corn field and ended up in a bean field where he was apprehended Altwein faces charges of a Felon in Possession of a Handgun and Resisting Law Enforcement.

Resurfacing Resumes Monday

The city’s street resurfacing project will resume Monday, July 10th.  Grinding will begin Monday on East Market from 25th to Longtree Lane, followed by 4th and 5th Streets and Cicott Street from West Market to Biddle Street.  Work is expected to last approximately one month. Please use caution when driving in the work zones and use alternate routes if available.

Orientations for 2018 Lilly Endowment Community Scholars

The Cass County Community Foundation has set orientation dates and times for the 2018 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program. Students graduating high school in 2018 who wish to apply for the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship must attend a mandatory orientation for instructions and application materials.
This program is open to seniors who are Cass County residents and:
Who are high school seniors in 2017-2018 and will have graduated by the end of June 2018 with a diploma from an accredited Indiana high school
Who will pursue a full-time baccalaureate course of study at an accredited public or private college or university in Indiana
Who have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher on an un-weighted 4.0 scale
Score 1100 or more on the verbal and math portions of the SAT or 24 or more on the composite ACT

Orientations are scheduled for the following dates and times:
Monday, July 24th at 10 am and 4pm
Tuesday July 25th at 1pm
Wednesday July 26th at 5pm
Monday July 31st at 4pm

Students MUST call and register for a date and time. All orientations will be held at the Cass County Community Foundation office at 729 E. Market St., Logansport.

14 Year-Old Suffers Head Injury in Carroll County ORV Accident

Indiana Conservation Officers are investigating an off-road vehicle accident involving minors that occurred this afternoon near Pittsburg in Carroll County. Witnesses at the scene stated a 14 year old Delphi male was operating a when he attempted to catch his baseball cap that had flown off of his head. He lost his balance and fell off of the four-wheeler, hitting his head on the roadway.  The minor was airlifted by IU Health Lifeline to Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis to be treated for his head injury. Two passengers on the four-wheeler, another 14 year-old and an 11 year-old were not injured. No safety equipment was being worn at the time of the crash. Indiana Conservation Officers strongly encourage anyone operating an ORV to wear the proper protective equipment along with a helmet.  A new state law, effective July 1, requires operators and passengers of an ORV, that are under the age of 18, to wear a DOT approved helmet.

Cass Co. Recycling District June/July Column

The Cass County Recycling District has some upcoming events to share with the community. First, I’d like to introduce the public to our new website. All of the programs we offer are listed with details about what you can recycle and how to recycle it. This is also a great way to keep up with events we sponsor. Find us at www.recyclecasscounty.org. Look us up for any of your recycling questions. There are also additional resources listed for other outlets throughout the county that you may find helpful.
TWO UPCOMING EVENTS
Farm/Agriculture Plastic Collection – July 24th
Household Hazard Waste Disposal – September 23rd

The District is hosting an Agricultural Plastic Collection on July 24th. East Terra Plastics Company will accept 5-gallon plastic buckets that once held hazardous chemicals. The buckets must be clean and free of debris. The plastic will be ground on-site, and there is no limit.
The collection will be held at two different locations on the same day, at different times, within Cass County for the convenience of farmers. Information is as follows:
The first location is at the Cass County Fairgrounds, 2281 E. 125 N., Logansport, IN  46947, from 9am to 11am.

The second location is in Walton at the empty lot owned by Ben DeHaven (south side of Iron Monger Spring Factory, east side of Hwy 35):
7635 S. US 35, Walton, IN. It’ll take place from 1pm to 3pm.

Also, the District’s annual Household Hazardous Waste Day is quickly approaching which means now is the perfect time to undergo a whole house clean up.
The event will be held on Saturday, September 23rd at Logansport High School from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.  Items accepted are, but not limited to:
Oil based paints/stains, flammable liquids (gas/paint thinner), insecticides, pesticides, corrosives, flammable solids, putty, adhesives, household cleaners, oxidizing solids (pool chemicals), fire extinguishers, driveway sealer, acids and bases, household cleaners, oil, oil filters, automotive fluids, fluorescent and mercury-containing bulbs, antifreeze, prescription and over-the-counter medicines (non-controlled), sharps (contain and label needles and lancets) aerosols, small propane tanks, non-hazardous material (soaps, lotions, makeup).

All of our programs are for Cass County residents only. The events are FREE, but donations are appreciated.

REMINDER
The Cass County 4-H Fair begins Saturday, July 8th and will run through the following week. Because of this, the recycling bin located at the fairgrounds will be removed the morning of Friday, July 7th and won’t return until Monday, July 17th. Please don't leave items on the ground during the fair. We have 5 other locations around the county for you to dispose of your material. You can find the locations on our website: www.recyclecasscounty.org.
For any and all questions about general recycling, programs, or hosted events, please call our office at 574-732-9253 or visit our website.

CCCF Sponsoring Robotics Teams at 4-H Fair

The Cass County Community Foundation is excited to announce a new matching opportunity at the Cass County 4-H Fair July 10-14th.  The Foundation has previously supported robotics teams from all four local school systems and will offer the opportunity to earn up to $500 in match money during the fair.

This year at the fair, CCCF will have donation containers for Caston, Lewis Cass, Logansport and Pioneer robotics teams and will match those donations up to a total of $500 per school for the week.  Visitors can stop by the CCCF booth in Merchants Building #1 and “cast their vote” for their favorite school by placing a donation of any size in that school’s container. Donations will be matched dollar for dollar up to the school’s $500 total.

The community will also be able to view demonstrations by each school’s teams on Monday through Thursday evening at the entrance to Merchants Building #1. The teams will bring their equipment and offer demonstrations from 6-9pm as follows:

Monday July 10th-Caston
Tuesday July 1th-Pioneer
Wednesday July 12th- Lewis Cass
Thursday, July 13th-Logansport

Teams will also offer a chance to drive the robot for a $5.00 donation.

CCCF President, Deanna Crispen said, “We are so proud and excited to support our county’s robotics efforts. These teams are providing critical training and educational opportunities for students to learn about more than the practical applications. Students learn teambuilding, strategy, communications, programming, and problem solving while building and competing.”  


CCCF Board Chair, Paul Kroeger noted, “Our goal is to provide support to help these teams grow into robust programs across the county. We are hopeful that our involvement with the schools at the 4H Fair will shine the spotlight on these student teams and encourage others to get involved to help us continue to support the students, mentors, and faculty. These are the students who will be the entrepreneurs and inventors of technology in the future.”


Crispen noted that all contributions are tax deductible and anyone who makes a donation by check will receive a written receipt of their donation.

All fairgoers are encouraged to visit the Community Foundation booth and watch the demonstrations!  For more information call CCCF at 574-722-2200.


Press Release, Cass County Community Foundation

Assault at Kokomo Goodwill Leads to Child Molestation Charge

A Kokomo man has been arrested for child molestation following an incident at a Kokomo Goodwill store. 28 year-old Breighton Wells allegedly approached a juvenile male and assaulted the juvenile inside of the store. The juvenile was separated from his parents at the time. Authorities located and arrested Wells after releasing surveillance video images from the store and receiving tips from the community.

INDOT Presents "J-Turn" Proposal Tonight

The Indiana Department of Transportation will host a public information meeting tonight regarding proposed intersection improvement on U.S. 24 at C.R. 600 East and U.S. 24 at Logansport Road in Cass County.  The proposed intersection improvement is a J-Turn. According to INDOT, J-Turn intersections enhance safety by preventing direct crossing and left-turn movements. The formal presentation begins at 6:30 this evening at the Logansport public library, with an open house to follow. During the open house session, INDOT representatives will be available to address questions and discuss the J-Turn proposal.

Workman selected ‘Citizen of the Week’

A Logansport native who left the city as a straight-A student and went on to become a role model for patients with Crohn’s Disease is this week’s Logansport Citizen of the Week.
Katie Workman was honored Sunday at Victory Field in Indianapolis as an Honored Hero for the Crohn’s and Colitis event.

Workman, 22, has now lived half her life with the disease, according to the Logansport Pharos-Tribune. After graduating from Purdue, she now operates her own marketing company. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Dave Workman of Logansport.

“Katie is a role model not just for those with Crohn’s, but for everyone who is stricken with a disease,” Mayor Dave Kitchell said today. “She is a determined young woman who has remained focused on her goals and her happiness. Her story and example gives hope to the 30,000 Indiana residents and 1.6 million Americans afflicted with this disease. She stood tall on the basketball court when she played with former Miss Basketball Whitney Jennings, and today, she stands tall in the hearts of those who are dealing with their own battles with Crohn’s.”

The Citizen of the Week is sponsored by the Mayor’s Office and recognizes Logansport natives or residents who contribute to the community or are recognized for their achievements. Recipients received a certificate of appreciation from the city and a $20 gift certificate.

Hoosiers Urged to Check HIV Status

State health officials are urging Hoosiers to learn their HIV status as part of National HIV Testing Day on June 27.
HIV, or human immunodeficiency virus, weakens a person’s immune system by destroying cells that fight disease and infection. It can be transmitted sexually, through shared drug injection equipment and through blood, breast milk and other bodily fluids. HIV can progress to a severe condition called acquired immune deficiency syndrome, or AIDS.
Though there is no cure for HIV, it can be successfully managed as a chronic disease with proper medical care. Testing and early participation in HIV care are critical parts of managing HIV infections and preventing the spread of disease.
“HIV is both preventable for those who don’t have it, and manageable for those who do,” said State Health Commissioner Jerome M. Adams, M.D., M.P.H. “Everyone benefits from knowing their HIV status, but testing is even more important for those who engage in high-risk sexual behaviors or injection drug use. When you get tested, you aren’t just taking a step to protect yourself – you are protecting those close to you.”
In 2016, preliminary numbers show 413 Indiana residents were newly diagnosed with HIV, while 94 were diagnosed with AIDS. Nearly 80 percent of those newly diagnosed individuals were men. A total of 12,175 Indiana residents were living with HIV or AIDS at the end of 2016.
Nationally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates nearly 13 percent of Americans living with HIV do not know their status. That means they are not accessing testing and medical care that can keep them healthy and protect their loved ones from infection.
HIV can be detected through testing of oral fluids and blood. Health care providers, local health departments and other entities can provide testing. To find a testing site near you as part of National HIV Testing Day, visit https://www.hiv.gov/locator/ and enter your ZIP code.
Individuals who are not infected with HIV but who engage in high-risk behaviors can receive medication that lowers their risk of contracting the virus. Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, or PrEP, can reduce the risk of getting HIV through sexual contact by more than 90 percent and through injection drug use by more than 70 percent. Talk to your doctor about whether PrEP is right for you.
To learn more about National HIV Testing Day, visit www.hiv.gov. To find testing events in Indiana, go to http://www.in.gov/isdh/17397.htm.
For more information about HIV, visit http://www.cdc.gov/actagainstaids/basics/whatishiv.html.  Additional details about HIV in Indiana can be found using Stats Explorer at https://gis.in.gov/apps/isdh/statsexplorer.
Indiana residents concerned about their HIV status can contact the HIV Services Hotline at (866) 588-4948. The only way to know if you have HIV is to be tested!
Visit the Indiana State Department of Health at www.StateHealth.in.gov for important health and safety information, or follow us on Twitter at @StateHealthIN and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/isdh1.

Senior Center Cancels Activities/Services Due to Water Main Break

The Cass County Senior Center reports they have had a water main break today. Because of the break, the senior center has cancelled lunch, activities, and transit for the day.

AG Hill warns Hoosiers considering timeshare memberships

Attorney General Curtis Hill is advising individuals to act with caution and look for any false statements or hidden fees when signing up for timeshare memberships.

With school out for the summer, many Hoosier families are planning summer vacations. Timeshare rentals are a common lodging option. However, Hill is asking Hoosiers to beware when signing up for timeshare memberships.

Many Hoosiers will receive invitations to a free dinner at a hotel or restaurant with the catch that they listen to a presentation regarding timeshares. Following the presentation, they’re pressured to sign a contract on the spot, not allowing the appropriate amount of time to look over and think about the agreement. These contracts often have stipulations such as annual maintenance fees hidden deep in the contract that Hoosiers aren’t aware of because they didn’t have time to review the agreement due to the pressure to sign the contract on the spot.

The Office of the Indiana Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division (CPD) encourages individuals to take time when considering signing a timeshare membership contract. The CPD suggests Hoosiers should wait for at least 24 hours before signing an agreement. Consumers should also be cautious of any ongoing fees associated with the membership, regardless of what the salesperson says. The CPD also wants consumers to know that they have a three-day right to cancel any timeshare membership contract.

Hoosiers are encouraged to contact the Consumer Protection Division of the Office of the Indiana Attorney General if they have been scammed. You can reach the CPD by visiting IndianaConsumer.com or calling 1-800-382-5516.

Governor Issues Statement Regarding Health Care Bill

 Governor Holcomb issued a statement regarding the Senate health care bill unveiled today:

“We will thoroughly examine the language in the U.S. Senate’s health care bill, and we’ll be thoughtful in our analysis of how it may affect Indiana’s programs and citizens—as well as the opportunities it may provide for us to better meet the needs of Hoosiers."

 “This week, we learned two health care providers will exit the federal marketplace. Indiana isn’t alone; insurers are pulling out of Obamacare in states across the country. This underscores the need for reform, and Indiana is poised to lead the way if given the flexibility and time to tailor the best solutions to meet the needs of our people.”

C.R. 150 N Closed for Culvert Replacement

County Road 150 North between 350E and 450E will be closed for a culvert replacement, starting this afternoon. The closure could last up to a week. This is work in connection with the reconstruction of the road.

Surplus Equipment Available from Cass Co. Highway Dept.

The Cass County Highway Department has listed surplus equipment items with an online auction service. Items for sale include three dump trucks, a cab and chassis truck, self-propelled rotary broom and a tractor. The items are scheduled to be listed today through July 2nd at assetauctionsonline.com.