Stories from Friday, March 4, 2016

Hunter Strain said he's been practicing daily for the 2016 Indiana National Geographic State Bee. Participating in a daily online practice round, the North Clay seventh-grader is focusing on the topics likely to be featured in the April 1 competition...

Hamilton Center is seeking individuals interested in Youth Mental Health First Aid training. The organization received grant monies from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to fund a program called Project AWARE. The program will increase mental health literacy in Hamilton Center is hosting a "train the trainer" course April 25th -- 29th to train 30 adults from community-based, youth-serving organizations in first aid for youth mental health. ...

VERSAILLES -- The National Farmers Union (NFU) 114th Anniversary Convention embodies true grassroots policy-making, and two farmers representing the Indiana Farmers Union (INFU) will have a seat at the table. Delegates are responsible for reviewing the organization's policies, which ultimately will set the stage for National Farmers Union decision-making and policy priorities throughout the year...

CRAWFORDSVILLE -- Since 1941 the Montgomery County courthouse has been without a tower. That year, the same year as the attack on Pearl Harbor, a painter informed the County Commissioners the clock tower was leaning. Upon investigation, it was decided it was in danger of falling and it was dismantled...

Madeline S. Cummins, 76, of Cory, went to be with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Thursday, March 3, 2016 surrounded by her family in her residence. The most important thing is her life was her with the Lord, it was very important to her to lead others to the Lord Jesus Christ. ...

Amy J. (Mager) Kessinger, 42, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, passed away March 3, 2016 at Visiting Nurse and Hospice Home, following a battle with cancer. Amy was born in Terre Haute, Indiana, August 30, 1973 the daughter of Robert and Mary Anna (Burk) Mager. ...

A family birthday gathering took place over the weekend. We do what we always do, which is me driving over an hour one-way to the Eastside of Indy where I grew up. My two brothers, their families, and my Dad still live over that way. Because I am the "odd man" out and live so far away I am the one to do the driving for such events. ...

Annunciation Catholic Church There will be confessions this morning from 9-11. Benediction will take place at 11 a.m. The St. Vincent de Paul food pantry is need of spaghetti and or pasta sauce. All donations can be dropped off at the parish center. Thank you for your support...

The Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods have announced services for Holy Week, scheduled to begin on March 20. All services are open to the public, and will take place in the Church of the Immaculate Conception, located at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods. People of all faith traditions are welcome to attend:...

The Board of Commissioners for the Brazil Housing Authority will meet at 8:30 a.m. Thursday, March 10, at the BHA office, 122 W. Jackson St., Brazil.

The Clay Community School Board of Trustees will meet in regular session on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. in the Board Room of the Central Administrative Office located at 1013 S. Forest Ave. Some of the topics on the agenda include: building project update; adult education, student laptop and energy savings presentations; proposals to change the dates of the April and May school board meetings; discussion of possible drone policy; and summer school fees...

The late Ron Batchelor, who dedicated 37 years to the Indiana Department of Correction, was inducted recently into the inaugural class of the state department of correction's Hall of Honor. The Clay County native was among the 11 honored on Feb. 26 at the Hall of Honor ceremony at the IDOC Correctional Training Institute in New Castle. The celebration was attended by many, such as members of IDOC executive staff, retirees, and family of inductees, including Ron's wife, Sharon...

Spring cleaning was on the agenda when the Center Point Town Council met this week. On Tuesday, the board was advised the lagoons were working much better after being recently updated. After a discussion, the board approved Brian Hoffiditz to mow the area this upcoming season for the same price he charged last year, while Ron Moon will be contacted about mowing the small patch of grass under the water tower...

Legislation authored by State Sen. Jon Ford (R-Terre Haute) to regulate paid fantasy sports games is headed to the governor for final consideration. Senate Enrolled Act 339, which designates paid fantasy sports as a game of skill, recently passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 82-12 and the Senate 34-10...

Knights, Mustangs square off Saturday night for title The Northview Knights and West Vigo Vikings needed an extra five minutes on the hard wood to settle their postseason fates on Friday night at the Brown County Sectional. In the end, the Knights hit 12-of-13 free throws in the fourth quarter and overtime and came out on top of a 64-63 thriller. With the victory, Northview will play Edgewood for the sectional championship Saturday evening at 7:30 p.m...