Stories from Sunday, August 3, 2008

American Aikido Institute student Scott Hamilton works with Fifth Degree Black Belt Haruo Matsuoka, Irvine, Calif., on technique at the Matsuoka Sensei Seminar Saturday at North Clay.

By CAREY FOX Times Sports Editor PUTNAMVILLE -- If there was any doubt about Dickie Gaines' claim to royalty before Saturday night, they were squashed after an emphatic win at Lincoln Park Speedway. Gaines' third consecutive win at the Putnamville oval came in the 21st annual Putnamville Clash and was his second straight win in the event meant a $2,000 payday...

By CHRIS JENKINS AP Sports Writer GREEN BAY, Wis. -- Brett Favre is back. It remains to be seen whether he'll still be the leader of the Pack. The Green Bay Packers reluctantly embraced Favre's forced return to the football field Sunday, after failing to come to a financial agreement that would manage to make Favre happy while staying retired...

By MIKE HARRIS AP Auto Racing Writer LONG POND, Pa. -- Carl Edwards won Sunday's NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Pocono Raceway, gambling with a pit strategy that he thought would cost him the victory. Edwards pitted from the lead just before a rain shower that caused a 41-minute red flag and had the driver arguing with crew chief Bob Osborne over the decision. ...

By ANDREW SELIGMAN AP Sports Writer CHICAGO -- Reed Johnson and Alfonso Soriano hit back-to-back homers in the eighth, and the Chicago Cubs escaped with an 8-5 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Sunday after blowing a three-run lead in the top half of the inning...

"Life isn't a matter of milestones, but of moments …" The next school year will be filled with monumental moments for my children, and myself. It's my daughter's last year of and my son's entrance into high school. As my daughter, 18, wonders if there will be enough time this next school year to say goodbye to all her friends while clinging to and trying to create precious memories, my son, 14, wonders if he will be able to find his way around the school to get to classes on time...

So I found myself on Interstate-70 Friday morning heading to work. It was no different than any other day. But it was quite foggy. The fog was thick enough to cut with a knife and I couldn't help but think, "Self, your brain feels just as thick." I've always wanted to walk away from the office after each day thinking everything was done right. All the I's were dotted and all the T's were crossed...

To the Editor: Clay County Girl Scouts would like to publicly thank Wal-Mart for the very generous donation of $1,000. We are pleased to receive this large gift and plan to use it to support Scouting in Clay County. Clay County is very fortunate to have an active Girl Scout presence, with more than 200 girls and adults. We are always looking for more leaders and girl members. So if you are interested in joining scouting, please call 1-800-232-0104 for more information...

To the Editor: Dear Taxpayer and voter, On or after Aug. 7, people will start asking you to sign a remonstrance or petition on a planned project to renovate our schools. It is your decision, yet are you in possession of all the facts? Even I cannot answer that question truthfully with a "yes!"...

To the Editor: Taxpayers should be wary of efforts to eliminate county elected government officials and replace elected positions with appointed people. If it comes down to democracy vs. appointed bureaucracy, the choice seems abundantly clear: democracy...

To the Editor: I want the word to get out about the YMCA Day Camp here in Clay County. My grandson excels each summer because of the top-notch conscientious efforts of Pam Fischer, director, and her staff of fine associates and counselors. My grandson is finishing up his second summer at the day camp...

Clay County Justice Center The following jail bookings occurred at the Clay County Justice Center during July 30-Aug. 3. Awaiting Arraignment Barrett, Ricky, 45 Jeffrey, Troy A., 40 Johnson, John, 20 Operating Vehicle While Intoxicated Barrett, Ricky, 45...

To the Editor: This morning (Friday), I found out I had a tire that was very low. I was getting very frustrated trying to get it taken care of. A gentleman (he knows who he is) suggested I go to Lorenze to get it fixed. He said he went there all the time and "they'll treat you right." I drove over there. The gentleman there said he could take care of it and he did...

Brazil Mayor Ann Bradshaw signed a proclamation Friday calling for all citizens of Brazil to join the Brazil Police Department in supporting the National Association of Town Watch's 25th Annual National Night Out. The event, which will take place Tuesday, from 7-10 p.m., at the Brazil YMCA, will be celebrated for the first time in the area. Joining Bradshaw for the signing are BCPD Captain Dave Archer (left) and Clay County Sheriff Mike Heaton. Jason Jacobs Photo...

Approximately 30 motorcycles, and more than 50 participants set out Saturday morning to make a 50-mile trip to West Union, Ill., to benefit the American Cancer Society's 2008 Clay County Relay For Life. All participants received an official "ACS ride bracelet," and all proceeds from the ride and sale of T-shirts and other items went to Relay for Life. Ivy Jackson Photos...

With gas prices still higher than people care to imagine, alternative vacations at home have become the new fad. Cagles Mill Lake in the Lieber State Recreation Area, a non-profit organization, has become one of those hot spots. People in the area and use the park have decided to form a group to help buff up the area...

The Clay County Cooperative Benevolence Ministry will participate in the Macy's Shop for a Cause fundraiser Sept. 20, at the Macy's Honey Creek Mall. The unique one-day-only shopping event was created by Macy's to support local non-profit organizations...

A semi accident on Interstate 70 early Saturday morning blocked one lane and slowed traffic in the other. Shortly before 3 a.m., Saturday, members of the Putnamville Indiana State Police Post, Jackson Township and Posey Township volunteer fire departments, TransCare Ambulance and Clay County Search and Rescue were dispatched to the scene of a jack-knifed semi-tractor trailer accident near the 27-mile marker in the eastbound lane of Interstate 70...

The American Legion Post 2 hosted a benefit in honor of Tina Bullock Sunday afternoon. Bullock (front) is battling cancer for the second time and is joined by (from left) event organizer Shirley Frakes, son Gerald "J.J." Bramer and husband Charlie Bullock. Rick Frakes and Joe Ornduff also helped oraganize the event. Those interested in making a monetary donation may do so in care of Holly Hills Activities Department, Attention: Tina Bullock, 501 S. Murphy Ave., Brazil, 47834. Ivy Jackson Photo...

A Brazil man learned Sunday that having marijuana in your shoe while in jail is not a good thing to do. Clay County Justice Center personnel confirmed to The Brazil Times late Sunday evening that John Johnson, 20, would remain incarcerated longer than he originally expected...