May 20, 2013         

Kentucky Derby Festival Information

LOCAL

Fuel Theft Leads to Multi-County Chase

SCOTTSBURG- A fuel theft led to a multi-county police chase.

On Thursday, police received a call from the Marathon Station at the intersection of US 31 and Owen Street in Scottsburg, saying a black GMC pickup truck pumped $75 of fuel and then left.

Sheriff deputies found the truck heading toward Austin. The truck took off through Jackson County with multiple police agencies following. He finally surrendered in a corn field in Bartholomew County.

The driver was Christopher Couch and the passenger was Korrie Shockey, both of Perry County, Kentucky.

Henryville Playground Dedicated

HENRYVILLE- A Henryville playground was dedicated Saturday.

Several groups raised money for the structure after a tornado devastated the area on March 2^nd, 2012. The playground is on the grounds of the Henryville Youth Sports Complex.

WLKY

Jefferson County Receives $1 Million Substance Abuse Program Grant

JEFFERSON Co- Jefferson County was granted a million dollar substance abuse program.

The county will received $500,000 a year over two years to fund the Treatment Train. It’s a project from Continuity of Care of Adults to lower substance abuse-related arrests. The grant is from the Indiana Department of Mental Health.

The program will provide substance abuse counselors at schools, substance abuse therapy programs for high schools, jails and treatment facilities and a skills development and employment program.

Information from: Madison Courier

ISP Program would Increase SCSD2 Security

SCOTTSBURG- Parents and students in Scott County School District 2 could see an increased police presence in schools.

Indiana State Police want to implement a pilot program endorsed by Gov. Mike Pence’s office. It allows state troopers to drop by schools at random to be present in hallways and eat lunch with the students. Troopers would also be available for the classroom to conduct special programs upon request.

The program is meant to add a layer of security.

Information from: The Scott County Journal

KDH Uses iPhones to Communicate

MADISON- King’s Daughters’ Hospital in Madison is implementing new mobile technology to increase communication while keeping the hospital quiet.

Staff can be seen on their phones texting, but they’re actually working. The secure iPhone application called Mobile Heartbeat allows those within the network to call, text or share information. This means a nurse could alert an entire team into action with an iPhone.

North Harrison School on Lockdown after Nearby Shooting

RAMSEY- A southern Indiana school was on lockdown Monday morning after a nearby shooting.

Indiana State Police say a shooting occurred just before 10am at 1354 State Highway 64, just down the road from North Harrison High School.

Police and school officials say they’re unable to release more information at this time or say whether the school was still on lockdown.

WLKY

REGIONAL

Tuesday Indiana Do Not Call List Deadline

If you’re annoyed by calls from telemarketers, the next deadline for the Indiana Do Not Call registry is Tuesday.

Consumers who are already on the do not call list don’t need to sign up again. To sign up or confirm that your number is on the light, go to indianaconsumer.com or call 888-834-9969.

Indiana Fertilizer Plant Incentives Withdrawn

INDIANAPOLIS- Officials withdrew economic incentives for an Indiana fertilizer plant.

It stems from concerns that the Pakistan-based owners aren’t ensuring that the overseas operations are keeping explosive material from being used against U.S. troops.

Gov. Mike Pence announced the decision concerning Midwest Fertilizer Corp. Friday. The project was put on hold in January when the Indiana Finance Authority learned that the Fatima Group may not be cooperating with U.S. officials who were worried about the fertilizer being used in improvised explosives.

Midwest Fertilizer released a statement saying they’re disappointed with Pence’s decision but remain optimistic.

The opening of the plant would bring 2,500 jobs to Posey County during the three-year construction period and 300 permanent jobs at the plant.

Information from: Journal Gazette

Lawsuit Seeks to Eliminate Arsenic in Animal Feed

Leigh DeNoon
INNS

INDIANAPOLIS - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is facing a lawsuit because it continues to allow a form of arsenic to be used in animal feed given to chickens, turkeys and hogs. The suit was filed on behalf of a handful of advocacy groups, including the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy. 

According to the Institute's senior advisor in science, food and health, David Wallinga, the suit stems from a petition that was filed against the FDA three years ago.

"Basically saying, 'This is arsenic. We don't need it to raise these animals for meat and, in fact, it's a public health hazard. So, let's do something about it.' And we think that FDA did not respond to the petition, so we're filing suit to force their hand and protect public health," Wallinga said.

The arsenic that's used in animal feed is known as organic. It had been considered somewhat benign, but Wallinga declared that in reality, arsenic is arsenic.

"Whether you're talking about a chicken that's eating this arsenic in their feed, or whether it's a human being who's taking it in somehow in the meat they eat, the body can convert that organic form of arsenic into the other forms that are actually closely tied with risk of cancer," he warned.

The arsenic in the feed is supposed to help with animal growth and meat coloring, but Wallinga said that when it's mixed in with all the other drugs and ingredients, it isn't clear that arsenic helps at all.

"Long before we fed arsenic to animals, we were raising them just fine without arsenic," he recalled. "And in fact, countries around the world, including the European Union, never approved these arsenic chemicals as being safe to put into animal feed."

Agriculture is Indiana's largest industry. The suit seeks to cancel FDA approval of the four different animal-feed products including arsenic that are currently on the market.

More on the suit is at bit.ly/13dwusD. 

NATIONAL

Supreme Court to Take up Public Prayer Case

The Supreme Court announced today that they will take up a dispute over public prayers at town board meetings.

The justices will decide whether a New York town’s board meetings can continue its “inclusive” prayers. The community altered its policy to include Wiccans and atheists, but some citizens sued.

A federal appeals court found the policy to be unconstitutional as it is a government endorsement of religion. The justices will hear arguments in the coming months with a ruling by spring 2014.

WLKY

Blue Jeans Turn 140

Look down, are you wearing blue jeans? Then you’re one step closer to celebrating an American staple that turns 140 today.

Blue jeans were invented by Jacob Davis, a tailor in Reno, Nevada, who wanted more durable pockets that wouldn’t rip so easily. He partnered with Levi Strauss and got the patent on May 20, 1873.

Denim started out as work-wear but by the 1980’s we saw designer jeans with a fitted, slim look. Consumers in the U.S. purchase about 450 million pairs of jeans a year.

WLKY

MAY EVENTS

Upcoming Rabies Prevention Vaccination Dates, Locations

Monday, May 20th at Scottsburg Animal Shelter from 6:30-7:30pm

Tuesday, May 21st at Austin Schools covered sidewalk behind boys gym from 6:30-7:30pm

Thursday, May 23 at Vienna Fire Station in Vienna from 6:30-7:30pm

The month of May is devoted to rabies prevention is Scott County. It’s a time for all dog and cat owners to have their pets immunized. All dogs three months and older will be given a tag and certification of vaccination. The charge is $10 per animal.

Clark's Grant Historical Society Meeting

Clark’s Grant Historical Society will meet for a presentation from author Eddie Price. Price has been named the “Kentucky Writer” by the Kentucky Arts Council. His latest book, “Widder’s Landings” shows how the War of 1812 impacted Kentuckiana. The presentation is at the Charlestown Public Library on Monday, May 20^th at 7:30pm.

Outdoor Women's Program Teaches Valuable Wilderness Skills

Outdoor women, unite! The 9^th Annual Outdoor Women at Big Oaks National Wildlife Refuge is a one-day program to give women ages 14 and up the opportunity to gain valuable outdoor skills. Courses include fishing, archery, shooting sports, wilderness survival, outdoor photography, canoeing/kayaking, bird watching and more. The last day to register for $60 is May 25^th. Registration for teens ages 14-18 is $35 when accompanied by an adult. The program is June 8^th in Madison. Call 273-0783 to request a mailed registration form or go online to bigoaks.org.

JUNE EVENTS

Salvation Rocks Christian Concert

Addiction Class at City on a Hill

A class on addiction will be offered this summer by City on a Hill. It’s an eight-week study called “Addictions, Banquet in the Grave.” The class runs from June 4^th to July 23^rd on Tuesday evenings from 7-8:30pm. Participants are asked to purchase the workbook “Crossroads: a step-by-step guide away from addiction.” The location is at City on a Hill on North Gardner Street in Scottsburg.

Parenting Class at City on a Hill

Parents of teens, tweens and toddlers can join in on a summer class that helps deal with troubled and defiant youth. It runs from June 2^nd to July 28^th on Sunday nights from 6-7pm. It’s called “The Total Transformation” at City on a Hill on North Gardner Street in Scottsburg.

Englishton Park 5k Run or Walk

Join the Englishton Park Presbyterian Ministries in Lexington for their seventh 5K Run or Walk event. It’s Saturday, June 15^th on the grounds of Englishton Park. All profits will benefit Englishton Park’s Summer Children’s Program for children with learning and emotional challenges. Early registration is $17 by May 21^st, which includes a t-shirt. Registration after that date will be $20 with t-shirts in limited supply for $8. Go to englishtonpark.com to register.

ISP "Respect for Law" Camp Held in June

Indiana State Police will hold a three-day Respect for Law Camp for students interested in learning about law enforcement. Troopers and other police officers will host the program for 5^th and 6^th graders, including demonstrations by Emergency Response Teams, Bomb Squads, Underwater Search and Rescue Teams and police dogs. The camp is $125 with scholarships available. The closest camps will be a University of Southern Indiana, Hanover College and Vincennes University throughout the month of June. Go to in.gov/isp for more information.

PUBLIC SERVICE

Scholarships Available for Nursing, Medical Students

Schneck Medical Center is now accepting applications for the Dr. Bud Scholarship for registered nursing school students and the George H. James Scholarship for medical school students. Applications are available at schneckmed.org. They are due to the Schneck Medical Center by May 15^th.

Scott County Veterans Can Apply for Business Startup Program

Scott County military veterans who are interested in starting or growing a new business, are invited to apply for a V2B at the Mid-America Science Park. It’s an entrepreneur training program for startup and early stage companies. V2B offers various coaching, mentoring and training as well as seed money for eligible startup expenses. It’s no cost for veterans. Applications are available at maspark.org and will be accepted until June 15^th.

Local Libraries Holding Events for Kids, Teens and Families

The Austin and Lexington Libraries hold a pre-school story time every Tuesday from 3:30-4:30pm. There is also a children’s craft time at each location on Tuesdays from 4:00-4:30pm. The Scottsburg Library will hold a beginnings for babies every Wednesday from 9:20-11:00am. The location will also have a pre-school story time every Wednesday from 10:00-10:30am and a children’s craft time on Wednesdays from 3:30-4:30pm. Tuesdays will feature a teen activity program from 4:00-5:00pm. Family movie night is at the Scottsburg Library each Thursday from 4:00-6:00pm.

Get a Glimpse of an 1860s Train Robbery

A gang of brothers from Seymour committed a train robbery…in 1868. The Reno Gang conducted the first train robbery ever in Indiana and members of Preservation Alliance Inc. are planning a weekend of reliving the frightful event. The reenactment is scheduled for September. Anyone who has material related to the Reno Gang and their illicit activities is asked to contact the Scott County Heritage Center and Museum at 752-1050.

Muscatatuck "Nature Time" Program for Preschoolers

Parents with preschoolers are invited to “Nature Time” at the Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center in Seymour. The program is held on the second Wednesday morning of each month at 9:30. Kids can partake in stories, songs, crafts and activities all related to nature. Adults must stay on site during the class. It’s free and open to the public. Call 812-522-4352 or email Muscatatuck@fws.gov for more information. 

Community Safety Phone Numbers

If you see news happening give us a call at 752.3688 or 1.800.441.1053 or e-mail at sparks@i1053.com

Scottsburg Police Tip Line: 812.752.2333
Madison Police Tip Line: 812.265.2121
Charlestown Police Tip Line: 812.256.2473
Crothersville Police Tip Line: 812.793.2196
Scott County Sheriff's Tip Line: 812.752.7898
Clark County Sheriff's Tip Line: 812.820.2276 
Indiana State Police: 800.872.6743
Marijuana Hotline: 888.873.1694
Meth Hotline: 800.453.4756 
Auto Theft Hotline: 800.435.4756
Domestic Violence Hotline: 1.888.883.1959
Indiana Child Abuse & Neglect Hotline: 800.800.555
Poacher Hotline: 1.800.847.4367
Poison Control Center: 800.222.1222
National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1.800.273.8255

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