Wednesday, June 21, 2017

Indiana Birth/Death Data Available on Interactive Portal

The Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) has unveiled a new data portal that Hoosiers can use to review county- and state-level birth and death data from 2011-2015.

The portal incorporates information from written natality and mortality reports into an interactive dashboard that allows visitors to examine five-year live birth counts, fertility rates, birth outcomes and causes of death by county of residence, age group, gender and race and ethnicity. The portal also includes an infant mortality dashboard that shows the number and rate of children who died before their first birthday by county of residence and race and ethnicity.

“Reducing Indiana’s infant mortality rate is a top priority of the state health department, but we can’t do it alone,” said State Health Commissioner Jerome M. Adams, M.D., M.P.H. “Making this data more easily accessible to our local health departments and community leaders will help inform our conversations and bring more people together to help in this fight.”

The portal is available at http://www.in.gov/isdh/27465.htm. Birth outcome data include percentages of women who received prenatal care in the first trimester, those who were breastfeeding when they were discharged from a birthing facility, those who smoked during pregnancy and those who delivered babies with low birthweights. All of these factors have been shown to impact Indiana’s infant mortality rate.

The mortality dashboard lists rates of deaths from 39 selected causes included in the National Vital Statistics Report. They include cancers, HIV, cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, suicide, motor vehicle accidents and homicide.

The data portal is a complement to StatsExplorer, which ISDH unveiled in April and includes data related to the opioid epidemic and other health indicators.

Culver Man Seriously Injured in Fulton County Crash


A Culver man was seriously injured in a car accident Tuesday in Fulton County. Authorities say 80 year-old Bert Cramer Jr. pulled into the path of a vehicle driven by 19 year-old Jaycee Denton of Fulton on State Road 25 by the US 31 exit ramp. Cramer suffered a life threatening head injury and was flown from the scene by Samaritan Medical Helicopter to Parkview Hospital. Denton was not injured.

Indiana Honors Caston Elementary and Caston JR/SR High School Counseling Programs



The Indiana Department of Education has named Caston Elementary and Caston JR SR High School as recipients of the Indiana Gold Star School Counseling Award in 2017.  Gold Star schools undergo a rigorous process to raise student achievement by creating local community advisory groups that review student data, set specific student goals, and commit to maximizing the time and skills of the school counselor. The official award presentation will be at the Indiana School Counselor Association (ISCA) fall conference in Indianapolis in November.

“Indiana’s Gold Star Schools collaborate with community partners to assist the school counselor(s) in making data-based decisions to ensure that all students are successful,” says IDOE School Counselor Consultant Amanda Culhan. “We recognize Caston Schools for understanding the tremendous impact that school counselors can have in helping students succeed in school and also to plan for postsecondary success.”

Caston Elementary and Caston JR SR High School join just over 200 Indiana elementary, middle and high schools that have received the Gold Star Award since its inception in 2004. Six years later, IDOE, in collaboration with the Indiana Student Achievement Institute, began offering professional development opportunities for schools interested in aligning their counseling program with the Gold Star model. Schools participate in a one-day workshop, followed by a series of monthly webcasts, to help them make the transformation to the Indiana Gold Star School Counseling model.

All Indiana Gold Star schools are eligible to receive the nation’s highest recognition - the American School Counselor Association’s Recognized ASCA Model Program or RAMP Award. The award demonstrates that a school is “committed to delivering a comprehensive, data-driven school counseling program.” Indiana is the state with the highest number of RAMP Award recipients in the country.

To qualify for both awards, Caston Elementary and Caston JR SR High School submitted online portfolios with documentation that it meets the nine program standards found in Indiana’s Program Standards for School Counseling.

Additionally, administrators, counselors and teachers participated in training sessions during the school year and learned how to implement the Gold Star School Counseling model. Students, teachers, parents and community members who serve on the local School Counseling Advisory Council also took part in the initiative. This group provided valuable input and feedback as the


Gold Star School Counseling initiative was being developed. Grant funding from the Lily Endowment Counseling Planning Grant was used to fund the research and meeting time that was required to complete award requirements.

“The school counselors and others at Caston Schools have worked hard to ensure that students have an accountable school counseling program that meets their academic, career, and social/emotional development needs,” Sue Reynolds, President of the American Student Achievement Institute said. “These educators and community members are truly dedicated to the community’s young people and are going the extra mile to help students succeed.”



Press Release, Caston School Corporation



Tuesday, June 20, 2017

Preservation tax incentives, Memorial Center master plan presented Monday

Logansport and Cass County residents are invited to a free informational meeting at 7 p.m. Monday at McHale Performing Arts Center.
The event, “Past, Present and Future Historic Preservation in Logansport,” is sponsored by the city.
The panelists for the event are Todd Zeiger of Indiana Landmarks, Jonathan Young of Browning Day Mullins and Deardorff, Indianapolis, and Jennifer Vandeburg of the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs.
Zeiger will present information on the federal tax incentive program for residential properties. Young will present information about the master plan for the Logansport/Cass County Memorial Center renovation. Vandeburg will provide information on a state program established last year for income-producing business and residential properties.
Mayor Dave Kitchell said the meeting will not only provide information to the public, but allow local citizens to ask questions about how they can take advantage of available state and federal programs. The mayor said the meeting also is a chance for those with questions about the Memorial Center to find answers from an architectural firm that specializes in historic buildings.
“For several reasons, Logansport and Cass County have a vested interest in pursuing historic preservation for many of our properties,” Kitchell said. “If this is done the right way, we can not only add value to our tax base by leveraging public and private funds, but make our community more attractive.”
The event is expected to be broadcast on local cable access channel 18.


Press Release, Mayor Dave Kitchell

City mulling adding, replacing AED units

Logansport officials are taking a pro-active approach to assuring local residents that a lifesaving device will be available to them or their loved ones in more locations.
City department heads, Logansport Mayor Dave Kitchell and Deputy Mayor Mercedes Brugh have been inventorying the number of Automated External Defibrillator (AED) units in city-owned buildings. Their conclusions have found that 30 units will be needed to fully equip police cars, fire and rescue units and park structures and other public meetings.
“Ironically, we found that one of the places that doesn’t even have an AED unit is the City Building,” Mayor Dave Kitchell said. “After conferring with the Logansport Municipal Utilities and our department heads, it’s clear that we need units not only for the public, but for our own employees who spend much or all of their workdays in city-owned structures.”
While Dykeman Municipal Golf Course is equipped with a unit, other parks buildings such as the new parks office in Huston Park, the Fairview Park concession stand and the Tower Park concession stand do not. City Parks Administrator Marc Vendl recently purchased a new one for the pool, which did not have one on site. Other buildings such as the Logansport/Cass County Memorial Center and the City Welcome Center also don’t have AEDs. The list of sites where AEDs would be added include the Street Department and LMU work stations outside the City Building.
Kitchell said the aviation authority board recently approved the purchase of an AED unit, but the city may be able to secure a lower purchase price by buying several of the devices in bulk. In total, an estimated $22,800 will be needed to purchase new units and replace outdated units, the mayor said.
“Additionally, we’re going to find people in each department of the civil city and LMU who can be trained to operate an AED unit so that we can be prepared for an emergency,” he said.
The top-down review of AED units in the city was initiated following a gift by the Cass County Community Foundation’s Chogas Memorial Fund to local emergency response agencies. The fund, established by the late Mary Chogas, was tapped following the passing of Mike Mordenti.
“If this kind of investment saves even one life at one location, it is worth it,” Kitchell said.


Press Release, Mayor Dave Kitchell

Monday, June 19, 2017

Callaghan Named 'Citizen of the Week'

Kevin “Bones” Callaghan, who was one of the masters of ceremonies for the opening of the Indiana Special Olympics last week in Terre Haute, has been named the Logansport Citizen of the Week.
Mayor Dave Kitchell said the award is one Callaghan richly deserves because he represents not only the Logansport community, but Special Olympics well.
“Kevin has been involved in the Special Olympics movement for many years in our community and he is a terrific role model for a new generation of Special Olympic athletes who are just now getting involved,” Kitchell said. “We’re fortunate to have someone who is a real ambassador for Special Olympics living in our community.”
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 receive a certificate of appreciation from the city and a $20 gift certificate.


Press Release, Mayor Dave Kitchell

Reminder Regarding Dumpster Requests

Contractors and Residents are reminded that dumpster requests need to be presented to the Logansport Board of Public Works and Safety for approval PRIOR to Dumpster placement if being placed on city streets.

Request forms are available in the Logansport Building Commissioner office, 601 E. Broadway Room 303, Logansport IN   46947.

The Logansport Board of Public Works and Safety meets every Wednesday at 10:00 A.M. in the Logansport City Council Chambers Room.  Request received prior to 9:00 A.M. on Tuesday will be on the agenda for discussion and/or approval the following day.

Contractors and/or residents are urged to plan ahead before acting on these issues to avoid problems.

DeHaven to Appear on 'American Ninja Warrior'


A Logansport native will appear on American Ninja Warrior tonight. 35 year-old Robin DeHaven of Austin, Texas auditioned for three years before being selected for the popular TV show. He was one of 600 competitors out of 77,000 applicants chosen to compete in the San Antonio qualifying rounds earlier in the Spring. The episode will air at 8:00 PM tonight on NBC. Robin DeHaven graduated from Logansport High School in 2000, is a United States Army Veteran, and is the son of Stan and Kathy DeHaven who reside in Logansport.

Thursday, June 15, 2017

Civic Players Present 'Mame'

Civic Players of Logansport will present the musical “Mame” on June 16th, 17th, 18th, 23rd, and 24th at McHale Performing Arts Center. Showtimes are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 P.M. and Sunday the 18 at 2:30 P.M.  The musical Mame is an endearing story of vibrant livelihood, family ties, and being true to one’s self.  This musical centers around the wild life of the eccentric Mame Dennis (played by Heather Carr) and the boy thrown into the path of her storm, her nephew Patrick (played both by Ethen Gaumer and later by Chip Geisler) as they cope with the Great Depression through a variety of escapades.  You don’t want to miss this show because “Life’s a banquet…” and you wouldn’t want to be “…starving to death.” Come see Mame!  For tickets, visit The Animal Hospital of Logansport, call (574)516-2255, contact Civic Player of Logansport on Facebook, or visit civicplayers.com



Press Release, Civic Players of Logansport

Paving Scheduled at Mount Hope Cemetery this Weekend

There will be paving at Mount Hope Cemetery this Saturday, June 17 at the North end of the cemetery. Entrances affected will be St. Joseph Street from Logan Way to Grant Street. Intersections include Grant Street & Saint Joseph Street, Perrone Blvd & Saint Joseph Street, McCarty Street & Saint Joseph Street and Logan Way & Saint Joseph Street.


Wednesday, June 14, 2017

Michael Miller to Appear on Today Show's "All Star Dad" Contest


A Logansport man will be appearing on the Today show Friday morning. Kelsey Miller recently nominated her husband, Michael Miller, for an "All Star Dad" contest through the Today Show’s website. The show was looking for 'guys who are incredible Dads and who love baseball'. Kelsey submitted a photo and essay detailing why her husband should be chosen. The couple received a call Monday letting them know Michael was in the running to be one of three finalists to compete in a baseball-themed contest live on the show. Tuesday afternoon the call came that they had been waiting for. The Millers will head to New York City Thursday. On Friday, sometime after 9:00 AM on NBC, Michael will compete in the All Star Dad Contest. The winner will win a trip to the 2017 MLB All-Star game in Miami. Michael Miller is Principal of Franklin Elementary School and he and his wife Kelsey have a 20 month-old adopted son, Mason.

Tuesday, June 13, 2017

UPS to Open New Plainfield Plant

UPS has announced it will invest $260 million for a new package processing plant in Plainfield, IN. The company says it will add more than 575 high-wage, full-time jobs over the next five years in central Indiana. UPS says a portion of the new 893,000 square foot facility will open this fall.

Court will Hear Arguments Regarding New Abortion Law

Today The ACLU of Indiana and Planned Parenthood of Indiana and Kentucky will argue in court that a new abortion law is unconstitutional. Senate Bill 404, which is set to take effect July 1, will require judges considering giving a minor permission to have an abortion to also consider whether her parents should be notified.

Monday, June 12, 2017

Van Vleet Selected ‘Citizen of the Week’

A north side woman who sought a place for local young people to skateboard is this week’s recipient of a special city honor.
Margaret Van Vleet has been named the Logansport Citizen of the Week for her efforts to support the lives of young people. She actively supported the designation of city property for use as a skateboard park. Mayor Dave Kitchell said those efforts may surprise some people because she didn’t do it for her own children. She did it for the community.
“Margaret is the kind of person who saw a need that had to be filled, and she brought it to the attention of the city before the establishment of the Skatepark at Riverside Park,” Kitchell said. “This is a great thing, but it takes people who are committed to making the community better for young people to be their advocate in a an adult world.”
Van Vleet also is known to have opened her home for a weekly summer volleyball fellowship many years ago.
“She has been a model for people who find ways to help young people in their free time,” the mayor said. “They say it takes a village to raise a child, and in our case, it takes a Margaret Van Vleet to support young people in ways their parents either can’t or don’t. She saw voids and filled them in the community, and there’s no government program that’s better or cheaper than that.”
The Citizen of the Week is sponsored by the Mayor’s Office and recognize as 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

Thousands Turn Out for Indy's Pridefest Parade

Thousands of people were in downtown Indianapolis Saturday for the Indy Pridefest Pride Parade. The parade is the culmination of a week of Pridefest Activities and has been celebrated annually since 2005. More than 170 floats participated in this year's parade. The money raised during Indy’s Pridefest goes to support educational programs, scholarships and also help fund other organizations involved with the LGBTQ community.

Lowry Appointed to Airport Authority

Logansport city appointees will be taking on new responsibilities at the end of this month.
Mark Lowry, 32, a Logansport insurance agent, will begin serving a four-year term on the Logansport/Cass County Aviation Authority Board. He succeeds Tad Wilkinson who has been appointed to serve on the Logansport Municipal Building Corporation. Wilkinson will succeed Carl McPherson.
“We appreciate the work Carl has done for the building corporation, as well as the time he has spent on the Emergency Management Agency Board and the Logansport Board of Public Works and Safety,” Mayor Dave Kitchell said. “Given the potential conflicts of time and any potential conflicts of interest, it’s in our best interest to take some of the burden off Carl’s shoulders and involve more people.”
The mayor said Wilkinson’s background in heating and cooling will be beneficial to the corporation and the city.
“Tad is a former city councilman and he understands the situation facing our city budget,” Kitchell said.
Lowry is a graduate of Logansport High School and St. Joseph College. He and his wife, Melissa, are member of Trinity Lutheran Church and are the parents of three children. He is a member of the Logansport Rotary Club.
The other mayoral appointments on the board are Mark Hildebrandt and Patrick McNarny.


Press Release, Mayor Dave Kitchell

Friday, June 9, 2017

Ulrich Promoted to Senior Admission Director, Trine University

Betsy Ulrich has been promoted from assistant director of admission to senior regional director of admission at Trine University’s Logansport Education Center.
Ulrich has been with Trine since 2012, when she joined the university as an enrollment specialist. Over the course of her career with the university she has enrolled more than 100 students.
In her new role, she will handle the admission process for all of Trine’s Logansport applicants and will market the university in Cass and surrounding counties. She also will build partnerships with Logansport-area businesses and other higher education institutions, and travel to Trine’s seven other education centers throughout Indiana and Michigan to provide additional support and training for admission staff.
She earned a Bachelor of Science in psychology degree from Trine University in 2016.
“Continuing to grow the Logansport education center of Trine University is my main focus, as well as strengthening and developing business partnerships in Cass County and the surrounding areas,” she said. “I also look forward the additional responsibilities of travelling to the other education centers offering training and additional support to the admission team.”


Trine University’s Logansport Education Center is located at 421 E. Broadway in Logansport.

Join the conversation, #TrineU.

Trine University, an internationally recognized, private, co-educational, residential institution, offers associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in the Allen School of Engineering & Technology, Ketner School of Business, College of Graduate and Professional Studies, Franks School of Education, Jannen School of Arts & Sciences and Rinker-Ross School of Health Sciences. Trine is a member of the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association and offers 23 varsity sports (introducing men’s and women’s ice hockey, bowling, esports and women’s triathlon in fall 2017). Its golf program includes the university-owned 18-hole championship Zollner Golf Course. Founded in 1884 and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (www.ncahigherlearningcommission.org), Trine operates a 450-acre main campus in Angola, Indiana, and education resource centers throughout Indiana and Michigan.


Press Release, Trine University

Logansport Man Shoots Himself as Officers Attempt to Serve Warrant

A Logansport man shot himself Thursday morning while police officers attempted to serve an arrest warrant. 54 year-old Gary F. Colford was arrested May 26 on charges of child molesting. Colford posted bond and was scheduled to be back at court at 1:00 PM yesterday. Early in the day however, additional charges and new warrants were issued against him, leading authorities to serve a warrant at his home. Colford was armed with a handgun and standing in his backyard when officers arrived. He turned the weapon on himself and fired. Colford is at Parkview Hospital in Fort Wayne. His condition is unknown at this time.

Thursday, June 8, 2017

Officials Say No Voter Information Compromised in Russian Voter Software Hack

Election officials say they are confident that no Indiana voter information was compromised after the company that provides VR Systems election vendor software was hacked. Six Indiana counties including Cass County utilize VR Systems. Leaked documents from the National Security Agency indicate VR Systems was the target of an attack by Russian hackers in August. 25 year-old Reality Winner, a federal contractor, was charged Monday with leaking the classified information regarding the hacking to the website The Intercept.

More Indiana Families Eligible for WIC Program

More Indiana families may be eligible for nutrition benefits through the Indiana Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program under revised federal poverty guidelines that recently took effect.

Indiana WIC is a supplemental nutrition program funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and managed by the Indiana State Department of Health. It provides healthy foods, breastfeeding support and nutrition education to pregnant women, postpartum women, breastfeeding mothers and children up to the age of 5 who are at health or nutritional risk and meet income guidelines. Indiana WIC helps provide healthy food to more than 143,000 eligible Hoosiers each month.

“WIC provides expectant mothers, infants and young children education and resources to develop healthy eating habits early in life,” said Indiana WIC Director Eldon Whetstone.  “We have implemented changes to our food package allowing clients more choices in the foods they purchase. We also are pursuing greater use of technology to improve the WIC experience.”

Income guidelines are based on gross pay and household size. A pregnant woman counts as two household members. Under the revised guidelines, a family of two making $30,044 a year can qualify for WIC benefits, while a family of four making $45,510 a year is eligible.

Individuals with incomes up to 185 percent of the federal poverty level are eligible for WIC. Families who receive Medicaid or Special Supplemental Nutrition Program (SNAP) benefits already meet the income requirements. Families who do not qualify for these programs may be eligible for WIC because of its higher income limits. For a full list of guidelines by family size, visit http://www.in.gov/isdh/19695.htm.

Using WIC benefits is easy and convenient. All Indiana WIC participants now use an EBT card that allows them to purchase authorized foods anytime during their 30-day benefit cycle. For more information about Indiana WIC or to find a clinic, visit www.wic.in.gov or call (800) 522-0874.

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.