812-259-4309 Fax: 1-888-380-2761 PO Box 148, Loogootee, IN 47553
Email courtney@martincountyjournal.com

QUOTE OF THE WEEK:
   “All our dreams can come true...if we have the courage to pursue them.” -Walt Disney





















Martin County Journal on Facebook
Copyright 2010 Martin County Journal. All rights reserved.

Martin County Property Mapping
The above link has been removed due to two complaints received. One person said the mapping was inaccurate and the other feels that it violates her privacy rights. If you would like to have the link sent to you please email us.

West Boggs Park

Martin Co. Sheriff's Dept.

Loogootee Online

Martin Co. Humane Society

Drug Education & Awareness

Community Connect

Visit Martin County

Results from last poll
Which budget areas in Shoals School need to be looked at harder for cuts?
 
Total Votes : 56
Administrators' salaries - 27 votes
Class sizes - 0 votes
Sports/Coaching - 7 votes
Teachers - 1 vote
Health insurance for staff - 3 votes
Bus routes - 3 votes
All the above - 8 votes
None of the above - 7 votes
 


The Martin County Journal is not affiliated with any other newspaper. Click here to learn more about the owners.
NEWS ARTICLES AND NOTICES
Click HERE for clips from the Shoals High School Talent Show 2010

Click HERE for clips from the Shoals High School Talent Show 2011
Click here to read entries from the secretary's book of the Union Chapel in Natchez in Martin County from 1896
Check back often for more entries dating all the way up to 1916. As I get time to type them I will upload. Also, I have tons more Martin County history that will be shared on this website soon!
SOAR Tutoring
The Martin County SOAR board meets on the second Tuesday of every month at 9 a.m. in the Martin County Learning Center at the fairgrounds. The meetings are open to the public, and anyone is invited to attend. SOAR provides free tutoring in reading, writing, English, math, GED prep, and life skills. Call 812.709.1618 or email martincountysoar@hotmail.com for more information.

Chamber meeting
The Martin County Chamber of Commerce will hold their next meeting Wednesday, May 9 at noon at China Wok. All members are invited to attend.

Jolly Juniors meeting schedule
The Jolly Juniors 4-H Club will meet on May 7 and 21, June 4 and 18, and July 9. All of the meetings are at 6:30 p.m. and will be in the Truelove Church. Interested parents and kids from the community are more than welcome to come and see what the club and 4-H is all about. The leader of the club is Kathy Lingenfelter. Feel free to contact Kathy or call the extension office at 295-2412 if you have any questions.

Solid waste board
The Martin County Solid Waste Board holds their monthly meetings on the third Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m. at the recycling center located at 500 Industrial Park Drive in Loogootee. The meetings are open to the public and anyone is invited to attend.

Humane society meetings
The Martin County Humane Society meets on the third Tuesday of the month at Loogootee Municipal Building, at 7 p.m. To become a member, contact Martin County Humane Society, P. O. Box 537, Shoals, Indiana 47581, call Don at 296-0952.

Youth football meetings
Martin County Youth Football League meets on the first Wednesday of the month at Pizza Junction at 7 p.m. Questions, call Audrey Robinson at 295-4773.

Tourism meetings
The MCCC Tourism Committee meets on the second Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. in the Martin County Community Learning Center on the fairgrounds.

Soil and Water meetings
The Martin County SWCD meets the third Monday of the month at the SWCD office located at Martin County Learning Center. Office hours for the district are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays except Thursdays when it is closed. Visit www.martinswcd. com or call at 295-3149.
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
JOURNAL POLL

OBITUARIES
Brian Benton
Brian Colton Rex Benton passed away at 2:12 p.m. Monday, April 23, 2012 at Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis. A resident of Bloomfield, he was 18. He was born October 18, 1993, in Bloomington; the son of David Brian Benton and Kelly Dawn (Chestnut) Carr. Brian was a senior at North Daviess High School. He was a loving father who loved to be with his brother, family and friends, all of whom loved him very much. Surviving relatives include his father, David Benton of Bloomfield; his mother, Kelly Carr (Wesley) of Owensburg; daughter, Bristol Mae Benton of Bloomfield; step-brother, Rene Carr of Terre Haute; paternal grandmother, Sherry Benton of Bloomfield; maternal grandmother Sheila and Herschel Byrer of Odon; step-grandparents, Carl "Bud" and Pam Carr of Owensburg and Ed and Rita Goebel of Tucson, Arizona; great-grandmother, Wanda Farren of Bloomfield; great-grandparents, Irvin and Loretta Byrer of Odon; aunts, Cindy Wininger of Loogootee and Jessica Harkness of Odon; uncle, Travis Karns of Odon; several cousins, great aunts, uncles and many friends. He was preceded in death by his uncle, Wayne Benton and grandfather, Michael L. Chestnut. Funeral services were conducted at Monday, April 30 at Harvest Community Church in Bloomfield, with Rev. Keith Thompson and Rev. Jeff Williams officiating. Jenkins and Sons Funeral Home in Bloomfield were in charge of arrangements. The family asks that all memorial contributions be made to the family of Brian Benton for Bristol's education fund. Online condolences to the family are available at www.jenkinsfuneralhomes.com.

Floyd Clifton
Floyd Wayne Clifton passed away at 10:17 p.m. Monday, April 23, 2012 at his home, following a lengthy illness. A resident of Shoals, he was 67. He was born October 30, 1944 in Shoals; the son of Lawrence and Helen (Shaw) Clifton. He married Linda Erwin on September 29, 1978 in Loogootee and she survives. He retired as a self-employed painter and was of the Christian faith. He is survived by his mother, Helen Moore of Washington; wife, Linda Clifton of Shoals; five sons, Brian (Toni) Clifton, Cory Lents, Mike Clifton, Shane Lents, and Jason (Mary) Lents, all of Shoals; thirteen grandchildren, Brandon, Zachary, Dakota, Nick, Chelsea, Bethany, Aaralyn, Attikka, Brazelea, Korbyn, Kandyn, Trever and Icely; two brothers, Stanley Clifton and Dallas Allbright, both of Washington; and two sisters, Dorothy Harder of Nineveh and Debbie Mardis of Greenwood. He is preceded in death by his father, three brothers, Donald, Frank and Fred Clifton. Services will be held on Friday, April 27 at 1 p.m. at the Queen-Lee Funeral Home in Shoals, and visitation will be from 4-8:00 p.m. on Thursday at the funeral home. Burial will follow the service in Spring Hill Cemetery in Shoals. Condolences may be made to the family online at www.queen-lee.com

Rowena Dages
Rowena N. Dages died at 6:42 p.m. Wednesday, April 18, 2012 at Columbia Nursing Home in Evansville. A resident of Shoals, she was 67. She was born March 24, 1945, in Harrisburg, Illinois; the daughter of Wayne "Trafton" and Mildred (Kwet) Dennis. She was a graduate of Harrisburg Illinois High School and a graduate of St. Mary's School of Nursing in Evansville. She married Joseph F. "Frank" Degas on October 22, 1966 and he died on February 1, 2006. She was a registered nurse and had worked at many different area hospitals and nursing homes. She is survived by one son, Franz T. Dages of Mitchell; two daughters, Shelly Marie and husband Paul Proctor of Ellettsville, Britta Jeanne and husband Scott Yale of Mesa, Arizona; one sister, Debra Dennis of Harrisburg, Illinois; one brother, Mike Dennis of Pine Bluff, Arkansas; one granddaughter, Paige Yale of Mesa, Arizona. Along with her husband, she is preceded in death by her parents and one brother, George Dennis. The funeral was held Tuesday, April 24 at Brocksmith-Blake Funeral Home in Loogootee. Burial followed in Clark's Hill Cemetery, east of Shoals.  Online condolences may be made at www.brocksmithblakefuneralhomes.com.

Charles Lannan
Charles E. "Charlie" Lannan died at 6 a.m. Wednesday, April 12, 2012 at his home. A resident of Loogootee, he was 56. He was born on January 22, 1956, in Washington; the son of Donald R. "Dutch" and Lois (Davis) Lannan. He married Denise K. (Dant) Lannan on August 18, 1984, and she survives. He was a lifelong farmer and enjoyed working on his farm and spending time with his family. Charlie was a 1974 graduate of Loogootee High School and a member of St. John Catholic Church in Loogootee. He is survived by his wife, Denise Lannan; one daughter, Audra A. Lannan of Loogootee; one son, Joseph C. Lannan of Loogootee; one brother, Gary Lannan of Loogootee; two sisters, Beth Milligan and Susan Harshaw, both of Loogootee. He is preceded in death by his father, Donald R. "Dutch" Lannan in 2006; and his mother, Lois (Davis) Steffe in 1988. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Saturday, April 14 at St. John Catholic Church in Loogootee. Burial followed in St. Martin Catholic Cemetery in Whitfield. Brocksmith-Blake Funeral Home in Loogootee was in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.brocksmithblakefuneralhomes.com.

Eleanor Farrell
Eleanor Therese (Arvin) Farrell died at 2:05 p.m. Saturday, April 14, 2012 at Martin County Health Care and Rehab Center in Loogootee. A resident of Loogootee, she was 80. She was born November 21, 1931, in Loogootee; the daughter of Clarence L. and Mary G. (Clements) Arvin. She was a 1949 graduate of St. John Catholic High School and a member of St. John Catholic Church in Loogootee. She enjoyed being with family and friends and loved playing cards, especially Euchre. She is survived by her second husband, William C. Farrell, whom she married November 24, 2001; three daughters and son-in-law, Karen and David Donley of Bowling Green, Ohio, Joan and Jeff Fisk of Deerfield Beach, Florida, Donna Sue and Tom Leland of Chicago, Illinois; three sons, Dennis Disser and his fiancé Mary of Lancaster, Ohio, David Disser of Portage, Michigan, and Michael and his wife Lora Disser of Spring Hill, Tennessee; five brothers, Leo Arvin of Loogootee, Gerald Arvin of Daytona Beach, Florida, Raymond Arvin of Lafayette, David Arvin of Vincennes, and James Arvin of Bedford; two sisters, Frances Lay of Camby, and Carolyn Dillon of Sweetwater, Texas; seven grandchildren, Hannah, Rebecca, Lyle and April Leland, Blake Mortellaro, Lia and Benjamin Disser; and her first husband, Joseph Disser of Delray Beach, Florida. She is preceded in death by her parents. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Tuesday, April 17 at St. John Catholic Church in Loogootee. Burial followed in St. John Catholic Cemetery in Loogootee. Brocksmith-Blake Funeral Home in Loogootee was in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.brocksmithblakefuneralhomes.com.

Jack Hellums
Jack B. Hellums, formerly of Loogootee, died at 2:41 Saturday, April 14, 2012 at Select Specialty Hospital in Evansville. A resident of Bridgeport, Illinois, he was 82. He was born August 18, 1929, in Loogootee; the son of James and Rose (Norris) Hellums. He married Virginia Sue (Taylor) Hellums on June 2, 1960 and she preceded him in death in 2000. He was an avid fisherman and a retired bricklayer and attended St. John Catholic Church in Loogootee. He is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Daniel and Lee Ann Hellums of Bridgeport. Along with his wife, he is preceded in death by his parents and several brothers and sisters. The funeral was held Tuesday, April 17 at Brocksmith-Blake Funeral Home in Loogootee. Burial followed in St. John Catholic Church Cemetery in Loogootee. Online condolences may be made at www.brocksmithblakefuneralhomes.com.

Ray Lindsey
Arthur R. "Ray" Lindsey died Tuesday, April 10, 2012, in Elk Grove, Illinois. A resident of Loogootee, he was 68. He was born November 4, 1943, in Horse Branch, Kentucky; the son of Arthur and Morbrey (Payton) Lindsey. A 1961 graduate of Leyden High School in Franklin Park, Illinois, he was a mechanical engineering contractor with Lindsey/Lindsey Engineering. He married Dinah J. (Mashburne) Lindsey on July 20, 1963 and she survives. He was a past member of Forest Park Masonic Lodge. He enjoyed building things and built his own home. He loved boating and being around water. He was a devoted Chicago Bears fan. He was devoted to his wife, daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was from a large family of nine children. He is also survived by daughters and sons-in-law, Cheryl and Jim Kouris of McHenery, Illinois, Debbie and Jamie Goodale of Crystal Lake, Illinois, and Kim and Mike Gaines of Washington; nine grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. He is preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Jay Lindsey; and three sisters, Ann Brockman, Wilma Stinchfield and Lou Delucco. The funeral was held Saturday, April 14 at Gill Chapel, with Rev. Lennie Lawrence officiating. Burial followed in Sugarland Memory Gardens. Condolences may be made to the family online at www.gillsince1872.com.

Catherine Jahn
Catherine Eileen (Cissell) Jahn passed away at 6:15 p.m. Saturday, March 24, 2012 at Memorial Hospital & Health Care Center. A resident of Jasper, she was 93. She was born December 12, 1918 in St. John, Kentucky; the daughter of William Walter and Frances (English) Cissell. She married Harold Jahn on March 26, 1940 at St. John Catholic Church in Loogootee. He preceded her in death on December 5, 1975. She and her husband owned and operated Jahn's Family Market until Harold's death. She was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church - Blessed Virgin Sodality and the Daughters of Isabella. She is survived by three daughters, Mrs. Willard (Sharon) Cavanaugh of Palm Coast, Florida, Diane Jahn of Jasper, and Mrs. Steve (Mary Anne) Miller of Bloomington; two sons, Gary Jahn of Jasper and William Jahn and spouse Juanita of Chesterfield, Missouri; 12 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren, one step-great grandchild and two step-great-great grandchildren. Preceding her in death besides her husband are two brothers, Thomas Felix and Marion Leo Cissell; one sister, Mary Genrose Bennett; daughter-in-law, Shirley (Dupps) Jahn; one grandson, Barry Cavanaugh; and one great granddaughter, Jayden Richter. Funeral services for Eileen Jahn were held this morning Wednesday, March 28 in Holy Family Catholic Church with burial following in Fairview Cemetery in Jasper. Becher - Kluesner Funeral Home in Jasper was in charge of arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to Holy Family Catholic Church or to the American Diabetes Association.

Cheryl Jones
Cheryl Lee Jones, formerly of Loogootee, passed away at 2:07 a.m. Tuesday, March 20, 2012 at Good Samaritan Hospital. A resident of Vincennes, she was 59. She was born October 13, 1953, in Washington; the daughter of Leo R. and Mary E. (Lynch) Jones. A graduate of Shoals High School, she was formerly an employee of National Gypsum in Shoals. She was a member of Shoals Christian Church. She is survived by one brother and sister-in-law, Michael D. and Laudonna Jones of Franklin; one sister, Anita Tuttle of Virginia; two nephews, Christopher R. (Jennifer) Jones of Chesterton and Tyler Tuttle of Shoals; one niece, Sarah M. Jones of Franklin; and two great-nieces, Rebecca Mary Elizabeth Jones and Olivia Grace Jones, both of Chesterton. She is preceded in death by her parents, a brother, Roger, and a sister, Rebecca Jones. The funeral was held Saturday, March 24 at Queen-Lee Funeral Home in Shoals. Burial followed in Spring Hill Cemetery, Shoals. Condolences may be made to the family at www.queenlee.com.

Imogene Harder
Imogene Harder died at 10:14 a.m. Monday, March 19, 2012 at the Timber's of Jasper. A resident of Loogootee, she was 85. She was born June 12, 1926, in Washington; the daughter of James and Marie (Swayze) Garrett. She was a homemaker and a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Jasper. She enjoyed playing bingo, poker and euchre. She is survived by one son, Jerry Braun of Washington; four stepdaughters, Beverly Carney of San Diego, California, Juanita Brumett of Clearwater, Florida, Joann Decker of Logansport, and Collene Copple of Plano, Texas; one stepson, Don Miller of Mississippi; six grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her first husband, Cleo Braun; her second husband, Frank Miller; and her third husband, Clarence Harder; two brothers, Don and Jim Garrett; and two stepsons, Todd and Bill Miller. Her body was cremated and there will be a memorial service conducted at a later date. Arrangements are being made through Brocksmith-Blake Funeral Home.

Maggie Graber
Maggie Graber died Friday, March 23, 2012 at Daviess Community Hospital. A resident of Loogootee, she was 84. She was born January 2, 1928, in Daviess County; the daughter of William and Leah (Knepp) Graber. She married Enos Graber on June 19, 1949 and he preceded her in death. She was a homemaker and a member of the Old Order Amish Church. She is survived by seven sons and daughters-in-law, Laverne and Rosie Graber of Washington, Delbert and Margaret Graber, Ronald Graber, all of Loogootee, Francis and Barbara Graber, Harold and Marjorie Graber, Jason and Christina Graber, Matthew Graber, all of Montgomery; six daughters and sons-in-law, Leah Rose and Dale Wagler, Lois and Ezra Wagler, all of Montgomery, Josephine and Cletus Yoder of Loogootee, Annetta and Willard Jr. Wagler of Odon, Orpha and Eldon Swartzentruber, Mary Ellen and Wilmer Miller, all of Sarasota, Florida; one sister and brother-in-law, Susanna and Amos Wagler of Loogootee; four brothers and sisters-in-law, Abraham and Delilah Graber, John and Alta Graber, Fred Graber, all of Montgomery, and Louis and Verda Graber of Loogootee; three sisters-in-law, Rosie Graber and Viola Graber, both of Odon, and Mary Knepp of Washington; one brother-in-law, Noah E. Wagler of Loogootee; 49 grandchildren; and 40 great-grandchildren. She is also preceded in death by her parents; one daughter, Elizabeth Graber; four sisters, Edith Wittmer, Pauline Graber, Mildred Graber and Lillian Knepp; two brothers, Francis Graber and Paul Graber; and a daughter-in-law, Jodi Graber. The funeral was held Sunday, March 25 at the Produce Building (5667N 900E) across from Dinky's Auction Center. Burial followed in Fairhaven Cemetery. Arrangements are being made through Brocksmith-Blake and Wagler Funeral Home in Montgomery.
Getting to Know Series, Story #1
Laura Albertson, Martin County Solid Waste Director
Getting to Know Series, Story #2
Nancy Steiner, Martin County Auditor
Humane Society
PET OF THE WEEK
Getting to Know Series, Story #3
Dan Gregory, Commissioner
Getting to Know Series, Story #4
Ashley Graber - your Williams Bros. pharmacist
Open publication - Free publishing - More indiana
Take a peek above of a past issue of the Martin County Journal. If you like it, you can sign up to receive your own every Wednesday right to your email. Just click here.
Getting married? Just have a baby? Click the links below to download templates to place your happy news in the Martin County Journal.
Send completed forms to PO Box 148 Loogootee, IN 47553, fax to 1-877-471-2907, or email to info@martincountyjournal.com
Wedding/Engagement Announcement

Birth Announcement
Getting to Know Series, Story #5
Jarrod Lents - your local state trooper
The Martin County Humane Society has this lab mix dog, Zoey, up for adoption. She is around 9 months old, very sweet, and very, very playful. She needs a home where she has plenty of room to run. Call Don at 296-0952 or Courtney at  812-259-4309.
Adobe Acrobat X Standard
Start Looking
Click here for the Best Buy Homepage
Free Grocery Coupons
Same Day Delivery on Sympathy Flowers 120 x 90
Unlimited Video Game Rentals - Start Now!
H&R Block At Home Online Free Edition
TurboTax - Choose Easy
Upromise - Join Now 125x125
Microsoft Store
ShareBuilder - Welcome page
Wal-Mart.com USA, LLC
Office Depot, Inc
Winter 2011 Hotel Sale - Save 50% (125x125)
Hotwire
Apple iTunes
Sirius Satellite Radio Inc.
Spring Clean-Up is May 5 at recycling center
The Martin County Solid Waste Management District will host the Spring Clean-Up on Saturday, May 5 from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Loogootee Recycling Center. This is an opportunity for all citizens in Martin County to clean out the house, garages, attics, and yards of rubbish. The recycling center accepts all items that cannot be picked up on the curb, such as mattresses, furniture, appliances, carpeting and other bulky items.
The center will not accept yard waste and construction materials, such as drywall, bricks, blocks, trees and branches.
It is requested that items that are accepted for recycling be separated instead of disposing in the trash boxes. Items to separate for recycling are cardboard, newspaper, magazines and catalogues, all paper, tin and steel cans, metal clothes hangers, aluminum cans, all plastic bottles, plastic grocery bags, hard back, paper back books and clean clothing and household textiles. The recycling center also accepts scrap metals such as fencing, satellite dishes, lawn mowers, and bicycles. All scrap metals will be recycled.
If you are not recycling at your house or business this is a perfect time to get acquainted with the program. The recycling center is located just off of Highway 50 East in Loogootee. For more information, you may call 295-4142.
The cost is $10 per pick-up truck load. Extra charges are for: Freon containing appliances $10 each, tires: auto and small truck are $2 each, paint and paint products are $1 per can, up to a gallon size, over a gallon is $1 per gallon (A 5 gallon can is $5).
Electronics - anything that plugs into a wall for power will be collected and sent out to be recycled. So please sort these items out from your trash. Monitors and televisions have an extra charge also $5 each, big screens $20.
Please bring your own help to unload your truck. Save the date flyers are available at the recycling center and various spots around town.

Fair looking for Miss Martin County candidates
The Martin County 4-H Fair will be held June 20-24 this year and candidates are being sought to compete for Miss Martin County. The pageant will be held Friday, June 20. The candidate selected as the 2012 Miss Martin County will receive a college scholarship along with various prizes. There is no entry fee to run for Miss Martin County and there will be no sponsorships this year.
The first meeting with candidates and parents or guardians will be Sunday, June 17 at 7 p.m. in the Martin County Learning Center. There will be practice immediately following the meeting. Contestants must bring a pair of heels for this practice.
Practices will be June 17 and 24, and July 8, 15, and 19 at the fairgrounds. The practice on July 19 is MANDATORY. Practices will start at 6:30 p.m. at the fairgrounds.
Miss Martin County and the runners-up are expected to be in attendance during fair activities.
The fair organizers ask that if you are even remotely interested in running for Miss Martin County, please fill out the form and turn it in before the deadline. Then, attend the first meeting to see what it is all about and decide from there.
Click HERE for the form and return it to the Martin County Extension Office by June 11.
Queen application rules:
1. Each contestant must be at least 16 years of age and cannot have had her 21st birthday as of August 17th, the first day of the 2012 Indiana State Fair queen pageant.
2. Each contestant must be an Indiana resident, a U.S. citizen, and represent her home county. One of the contestant's parents or legal guardians must also be an Indiana resident. The only exception: the contestant may reside in an adjoining Indiana county if the majority of their activities are in the county in which they enter the contest. Should a fair represent more than one county, the winning contestant must reside in one of the participating counties.
3. Each contestant must be an active member of at least one worthwhile organization in her community, such as church groups, Girl Scouts, 4-H, etc. Eligibility is not limited to 4-H membership.
4. No professional model is eligible for the Martin County or State Fair Pageant. (A professional model is one who earns her livelihood by modeling.) A contestant who has had training or schooling in the modeling field, has been paid on occasion for modeling or works for a fashion board is not considered a professional model.
5. Any contestant who has competed in the Indiana State Fair Queen Pageant cannot compete again.
6. Any county representative selected after the 2012 Indiana State Fair and meeting the above qualifications is eligible for the 2012 Queen Pageant.
7. Transportation for contestants and chaperones to and from the Indiana State Fair Queen Pageant will be the responsibility of each contestant.
8. Each contestant and chaperone M UST stay in their assigned hotel room throughout the pageant.
9. If any of the previous eight (8) terms and conditions listed are not followed by the contestant and/or county, the Indiana State Fair Queen Pageant Director has the right to disqualify that contestant from competition.
10. There will be NO entry fee and no sponsors this year.


Place your congrats ad today! Click above for more info!
Annual Indiana Fallen Officers Blood Drive
On July 10, 2001, Sgt. Dan R. Starnes of the Morgan County, Indiana Sheriff's Department, lost his life as a result of gunshot wounds sustained during a line of duty gun battle with a burglary suspect four weeks earlier. To keep his memory alive his surviving spouse, Janice organized the Sgt. Dan R. Starnes Memorial Blood Drive in Morgan County later that year, and has organized a blood drive each year since in Dan's memory. In 2007 she decided to take the blood drive statewide and renamed it the Indiana Fallen Officers Blood Drive.
"I ask that everyone please understand the importance of this worthwhile cause and help promote Indiana's statewide blood drive," said Janice Starnes. "In honoring our fallen officers the surviving family members are comforted knowing the sacrifice their officer made will never be forgotten."
On Sunday May 6 from noon to 5 p.m. EDT the American Red Cross will be at the Jasper Post located at 2209 Newton Street, Jasper collecting blood. Please stop in and donate the gift of life, as you never know when you or a loved one may need it. 

Loogootee High School is site for Appeals Court argument about compelled testimony
The Court of Appeals of Indiana will conduct oral argument at Loogootee High School on Monday, May 7 in a case that challenges a trial court's decision to compel the testimony of people who had not been charged with any crime.
Each side will have 20 minutes to argue before a panel of Judges John G. Baker, Melissa S. May and Elaine B. Brown. All three judges were appointed to the Court of Appeals from southern Indiana counties: Monroe, Vanderburgh and Dubois, respectively.
The argument will begin at 10 a.m. in the school auditorium before students from Loogootee and Shoals high schools. The public also may attend. The court is conducting the argument by invitation from Martin Circuit Court Judge Lynne E. Ellis.
The case, on appeal from Shelby Superior Court, is titled In Re: Prosecutor's Subpoenas Regarding S.H. and S.C. In this case, S.C. gave birth at her home. Shortly after birth, the baby showed signs of injury. The State asked the court to grant "use immunity" so the parents could be compelled to submit to interrogation about the incident. The trial court granted the State's petition, and the parents appeal on the ground a prosecutor should not be able to circumvent their constitutional right to remain silent during a pre-charge investigation by granting use immunity. (A witness granted use immunity may be compelled to testify, but cannot be prosecuted on the basis of that testimony. In other words, prosecution can only proceed based on independently developed evidence.)
The Court of Appeals hears oral arguments across Indiana to enable Hoosiers to observe the Court in action and learn more about its indispensable role in Indiana government. The Court has held more than 325 "Appeals on Wheels" at law schools, colleges, high schools and other venues since its centennial in 2000-01.
The Court of Appeals is Indiana's second highest court and reviews both civil and criminal appeals from trial court decisions. An Appeals Court decision is final unless the Indiana Supreme Court grants further review.
For more information about traveling oral arguments, please visit www.in.gov/judiciary/appeals/2332.htm.


Play ball . . .
Shoals Summer Baseball League held their opening day last Saturday. Shown above, from left to right, are Josh Bauer SSL Board President, Samuel Staggs, son of Dustin and Sarah Staggs; and Wanda Harding who threw out to first pitch. -Photo provided
Primary Election is Tuesday
The Primary Election will be held next Tuesday, May 8. All polling sites will be open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. All voters must present a photo ID prior to casting a ballot. In the Primary, voters declare which ballot, democrat or republican, they wish to fill out. All winning candidates from both parties will then be placed on a single ballot in the General Election.
The only contested race in Martin County is for democrat county recorder - between Mitch Green and Carrie Gabhart. The winner will go up against republican incumbent Gerald Montgomery in the fall.
Uncontested races on the Primary ticket include January Roush (D) for auditor, Kevin Boyd (R) and Eric Cooper (D) for commissioner district 1, Dan Gregory (R) for commissioner district 3, Mark Franklin (D) for coroner, Paul Sanders (D) for surveyor, and Vicki Boyd (D) for treasurer. Also, in the county council seats, three are up for grabs. Two democrats and two republicans are currently running and will automatically move to the General Election ballot with three ultimately chosen. Those running for county council at-large seats include Richard Summers (D), Floyd "Lonnie" Hawkins (D), Warren Albright (R), and Joshua Hughett (R).
There are several uncontested races for republican precinct committeemen and a few without candidates. Those that are not filled will be appointed by the republican chairman.
Elections for Loogootee and Shoals School Boards will take place in the General Election this year for the first time.
According to the clerk's office, to date, 155 absentee ballots have been turned in with 10 still out. Monday at noon is the deadline to vote absentee. For more information, contact the clerk's office at 812-247-3651.
In the national race for president, on the republican ticket are Newt Gingerich, Ron Paul, Mitt Romney, and Rick Santorum. Barack Obama is running unopposed on the democratic ballot.
For US Senator for Indiana, Richard Lugar and Richard Mourdock are vying for the republican spot in the general election while Joe Donnelly is running uncontested on the democrat ticket.
Mike Pence (R) and John Gregg (D) are on the ballot for governor and will move on to the General Election.
For district 8 US representative, incumbent Larry Bucshon (R) will go up against Kristi Risk (R). On the democrat ticket, voters will chose between Thomas Barnett, William Bryk, and Dave Crooks.
Mark Messmer (R) is running unopposed in the race for district 63 state representative. In the district 62 race, incumbent Matt Ubelhor (R) will face Jeff Sparks (D) in the General Election.
This year, polling sites have been combined. Registered voters in Perry 1, 2, 3, and 4 will all now vote at St. John Center at 408 Church Street in Loogootee.
Voters in Perry 5 and Rutherford will now vote in St. Martin's Church Hall at 524 Whitfield Road.
Voters in Perry 6 will vote at the Martin County Community Building at the fairgrounds.
Perry 7 and Crane voters will cast ballots at the Bramble Conservation Center at 1024 Bramble Road, Loogootee.
Registered voters in North Center and Mitcheltree will vote at the Dover Hill Christian Union Church at 15581 N. State Road 450, Shoals.
Voters in East Memphis and South Halbert will cast ballots at the Shoals American Legion on High Street in Shoals.
West Memphis and South Center voters will cast ballots at the West Shoals Church of Christ at 510 Lynwood Street in Shoals.
And finally, voters in North Halbert, Southeast Halbert, and Lost River will vote at St. Mary's Church Hall located at 128 High Street in Shoals.
Want to preview your ballot or find out your voting location? Visit www.indianavoters.com.



Prom . . .
Loogootee Jr./Sr. High School held their prom last Saturday, April 28 with the theme “Moonlight on the Bayou”. Winning prom king was Austin Bradley, son of Tim Bradley, and queen was Brooke Nonte, daughter of George and Bobbi Sue Nonte. Prince was Jesse Horney, son of Jeff and Janice Horney and princess was Gabrielle Ritchey, daugther of Wayne and Tammy Ritchey.
Loogootee Martial Arts student dominates competition at Dragon Challenge Classic Tournament
On April 15, the Crown Plaza Hotel Ballroom in Indianapolis was the setting for the Dragon Challenge Classic. Competition was open to all styles of martial arts. In attendance was 18-year-old Jidokwan red belt Amanda Ferguson of Montgomery, representing Loogootee Martial Arts. Amanda participated and dominated the competition in the 18- to 35-year-old women's division in forms and free fighting competition. Amanda, although a red belt, demonstrated a black belt form for the judges and was awarded a beautiful first place trophy. Following the forms competition was the free fighting competition. A few seconds in the first match, Amanda was punched hard in the face however she quickly shook it off and came back with a right cross to the side of her opponent's head to answer the foul. After several bouts, Amanda had beaten the women fighters in her division and was awarded her second first place trophy for the day.
Bill Wallace, legendary martial arts champion; Anthony De Longis, and several MMA fighters were also in attendance. Members of Loogootee Martial Arts were fortunate enough to spend some quality time with movie actor, martial artist, weapons expert, and action trainer to the stars, Anthony De Longis. Mr. De Longis taught Harrison Ford, Michele Pfeiffer, and many other movie stars and actors how to use weapons in movie production and has co-starred in General Hospital, Fearless, Star Trek Voyager, Three Days as Jesus Christ, the card cheat in Wild Bill, and a number of westerns and other shows. After a photo shoot with Mr. De Longis, he invited the group to his ranch in California for a training vacation and the possibility of being in a future martial arts movie. According to Loogootee Martial Arts owner Dennis Overall, "Overall, we had an awesome time, especially Amanda."

Summer Girl Scout Day Camp deadline extended
The deadline to register for the Daviess/Martin Girl Scout Summer Day Camp to be held at West Boggs Park has been extended to Monday, May 7.
All girls entering grades K-12 in fall, 2012 are invited to attend. The camp will be held from June 20-22 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day.
The registration form is available online on the homepage, at www.girlscouts-gssi.org. Click on Camps in the blue menu at left, then on Day Camps, and choose Daviess/Martin County Day. For questions, call Melissa Fields at 812-277-6119.
At this "Survivor"-themed camp, day campers will enjoy: wholesome activities in a beautiful outdoor setting, a "beginning" camping experience, special camaraderie with friends and meeting new friends, group activities that develop teamwork skills. Girls entering grades K-3 will practice basic camp skills, swimming, camp songs, hiking, and fun environmental crafts and activities. Girls entering grades 4-12 will learn about natural surroundings, camping skills and canoeing, swim, hike, sleep in tents on overnights, develop leadership skills, and perform in a campfire talent show.
Adult volunteers are welcome and needed.

A crew from Melton’s Tree Service removed the old tree, on Tuesday morning, that stood in front of JFK Gym in Loogootee. According to Mayor Noel Harty, the tree had become a hazard.