News Section at Muncie Free Press - Delaware County Indiana

Animal Shelter Superintendent Announced

kpaul.mallasch — Fri, 09 May 2008 18:07:06 +0000

MUNCIE, IN - Mayor Sharon McShurley recently appointed Ron White as the new Superintendent of the Muncie Animal Shelter. Mr.
White will manage all aspects of the Muncie Animal Shelter including the day-to-day operations of the shelter, public relations, and oversight of
animal care and control. Mr. White replaces Karen Gibson as the previous director.

Ron White brings a wide-range of experience to the position of superintendent. He has managerial experience and is active in the community. He currently is serving on several boards including the Unity Center, Weed and Seed, and Industrial Neighborhood Association.

Mr. White also owns and operates White's Martial Arts here in Muncie. White has expressed his dedication to the City of Muncie and the Muncie
Animal Shelter.

"I am excited the mayor has shown faith in me. I want to collect ideas and best practices from different shelters including the Humane Society to continue to move our shelter in a positive direction."

Source: City of Muncie Press Release

Todd Rokita Comments on Election Boards Filing to Keep Polls Open Past 6:00 p.m.

kpaul.mallasch — Tue, 06 May 2008 23:59:26 +0000

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - Statement from Indiana Secretary of State Todd Rokita regarding campaigns or county election boards filing to keep polls open past 6:00 p.m.:

"Our office has received reports that a Porter County Circuit Court Judge ordered polls in a few select Porter County precincts to remain open until 7:00 P.M. CST. We currently have a Special Deputy in Porter County and will keep updated on the situation."

"Indiana Code Section 36-1-3-8 states that county election boards have no home rule over the length of time the polls are open and cannot order that polls remain open past 6:00 p.m. Rather, the local county court makes the call."

"Counties should always follow court orders regarding polling place hours. But, any voter who was not within the "chute," which is the area or pathway that extends fifty feet from the entrance of the polls must vote by provisional ballot. Those provisional ballots go without challenge and are secured separately from those cast prior to 6:00 p.m."

"Voter turnout is high and polling place lines continue to be long as voters arrive at the end of the day. This is a great problem to have and I encourage voters to be patient as local election officials react as quickly as possible."

"Our office also heard of ballot shortages in Jackson County today. The County ran out of ballots in 5 precincts, but complied with procedural fail-safes and printed out additional ballots in time for voters to cast those ballots."

"We have worked closely with the counties, asked them to prepare plenty of ballots due to large increases in voter registrations, and continue to brief the county officials on the appropriate failsafe procedures to ensure that every Hoosier who has the right to vote may do so."

Source: Press Release

Muncie Mayor Sharon McShurley Interview - April 2008

kpaul.mallasch — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 00:19:18 +0000

State Police District 22 Releases March Activity Statistics

kpaul.mallasch — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 05:21:56 +0000

FORT WAYNE, IN - State Police Post Commander Lt. Gary Robbins released the following activity for the month of March. These numbers represent the criminal and traffic enforcement efforts of the sworn officers of the Fort Wayne District. This district covers Adams, Allen, Steuben, LaGrange, Noble, DeKalb, Whitley, Wells and Huntington counties.

Traffic arrests 1,761
Warnings 2,085
Speeding Trucks 74 (Over 10,000 lb)
DUI arrests 33
Total Criminal arrests 128
Felony arrests 51
Criminal cases drawn 113

Lt. Robbins would like to remind the public to report all impaired and/or dangerous drivers to law enforcement. To report such drivers call 1-800-552-0976 or simply call 9-1-1.

Hoosiers Asked to Snuff out their Matches this Spring

kpaul.mallasch — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 04:38:14 +0000

Residents to keep the air clear when cleaning up yards and gardens

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - Instead of burning yard waste left over from winter and spring storms, the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) encourages Indiana residents to chip and compost the debris.

“Indiana’s citizens can help keep our air clean by eliminating emissions from fires,” said Thomas W. Easterly, commissioner of IDEM. “Those fires produce a large volume of fine particles and ozone-forming chemicals right where people live. Chipping and composting yard waste has the added benefit of being good for trees and lawns, as well as the air.”

Chipping branches and composting plant material is the best way to manage yard wastes. Chipped wood can be spread around trees and plants instead of purchasing mulch from a store. Leaves and plant wastes can be composted to make humus, a nutrient-rich soil amendment, which can fertilize flower beds and gardens.

Burning wet wood and plant material on the ground outside releases more smoke and harmful emissions per pound than burning dry, seasoned wood in a fireplace or wood stove.

Many communities discourage and even prohibit burning of yard waste and have local ordinances that ban fires, such as burning leaves and wood for disposal. Check with the local fire department, city or county for the type of fires allowed in your area.

More information about the hazards of burning of yard waste is available on the IDEM Web site at http://www.in.gov/idem/your_environment/air_quality/openburning . For additional information about how to compost yard wastes, visit http://www.in.gov/recycle/2841.htm .

About IDEM

IDEM (http://www.idem.IN.gov) implements federal and state regulations regarding the environment. Through compliance assistance, incentive programs and educational outreach, the agency encourages and aids businesses and citizens in protecting Hoosiers and our environment.

Source: IDEM Press Release

Two Motorcyclists Apprehended for Reckless Driving

kpaul.mallasch — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 04:33:57 +0000

WELLS COUNTY, IN - When officers patrol the rural roads of the state they never know what they might encounter. Last night was no exception. While on patrol on 300 West at approximately 10:24 p.m., Trooper Matt Teusch tracked a pair of Cafe’ style bikes at 120 miles per hour as they were traveling southbound. The trooper turned around and attempted to close the distance before trying to stop them (by activating the emergency lights) due to the excessive speed. When they stopped at State Road 116, they realized the trooper was closing in, as he turned on his overhead lights.

The pair continued southbound until they came to the intersection of State Road 124, where they disregarded the stop sign and turned east heading in the direction of Bluffton. The bikes accelerated to what the trooper believed to be their maximum speed. He was able to track them on RADAR at 151 mph before losing the signal. During the time the riders were being pursued on State Road 124, they passed a semi tractor trailer and a passenger car.

When reaching the eastside of Bluffton, the riders turned north on 100 East and split up after reaching the next intersection. Trooper Teusch was able to see the bike that went east and continued after that one. He had a description of the motorcycle and notified Bluffton officers who responded to assist. The officers were able to continue the investigation through witness reports and eventually ended at a residence on Hillcrest in Bluffton where an arrest was made at 10:48 p.m. This arrest led to the other rider being apprehended.

ARRESTED:

Zachary L. Reinhard (19) of 315 W. Hillcrest, Bluffton, In.
Todd A. Steffen (19) of 2585 SW Church Road, Bluffton (Vera Cruz) In.

Both suspects have been charged with Disregarding a Stop Sign, Failure to Signal, Reckless Driving (Excessive High Speed) and Resisting Law Enforcement (Fleeing).

Trooper Teusch was assisted by Officers Gilbert, Baker, Morgan, Smith and Sgt. Mettler of the Bluffton Police Department.

Source: Indiana State Police

Indiana National Guard Explains Disturbances in Night Sky

kpaul.mallasch — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 08:50:09 +0000

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - Indiana National Guard takes responsibility for recent night time disturbances in the Logansport and Kokomo areas.

Loud noises reported by citizens in northern Indiana accompanied by flashes of light and what appeared to be falling debris early this week were a result of training conducted by Indiana National Guard F-16 Aircraft, headquartered at Ft. Wayne’s 122nd Fighter Wing.

The Indiana Air National Guard conducts training missions on a daily basis. All of our military members including our pilots and crewmembers require the most realistic training possible for their own safety and those they work to protect.

F-16 aircraft routinely train with the countermeasure Chaffe-flare system which draws heat-seeking missiles away from the aircraft exhaust. It was the night time engagement of this system that resulted in the “strings of lights” reported by citizens.

The flares were released above 10,000 feet in accordance with the long-standing guidance for the Hilltop Military Operations Area (MOA) that extends from Grissom Air Reserve Base to West Lafayette and includes Logansport, 30 miles north of Indianapolis bordering Kokomo. The area is not designated for “super-sonic” flight.

“I have ordered a thorough investigation to be conducted into why the incident took place. I have also ordered that our Flying Squadron conduct a complete review of the tactics that were in practice at the time. We will insure that our pilots review airspeed restrictions in all of our practice flight training areas, and that these restrictions are briefed prior to each flight,” said Colonel Jeffery Soldner, Commander of the 122nd Fighter Wing.

Source: Indiana National Guard

Questions for Muncie Mayor Sharon McShurley?

kpaul.mallasch — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 17:51:48 +0000

Last month, at MFP's sister site - Anderson Free Press - I started a monthly feature where I gather questions from the audience and take those to the Mayor to be answered on video in an interview. I just heard today that Muncie Mayor Sharon McShurley is interested in doing this here at Muncie Free Press.

So, if you have a question for the Muncie Mayor, leave it here. I can't guarantee all questions will be asked, but I'll see what I can do.

Here's the video for the first one at Anderson Free Press.

Civic Duty: a Rock Show to Benefit Muncie Civic Theatre

kpaul.mallasch — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 02:44:32 +0000

Help support the Muncie Civic and rock out at the same time.

Indiana State Police Introduces Telecommunications Operators

kpaul.mallasch — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 17:48:40 +0000

PERU, IN - For the past several years, the Indiana State Police has recognized the pivotal role played by its telecommunications operators who are commonly referred to as emergency dispatchers. They use telephones, radios, computers, and technical skills to answer calls for emergency assistance and dispatch troopers to the site of an emergency. They also provide support to field personnel, general public, local police agencies, emergency medical services, national weather service, and other governmental agencies.

Each year the second full week of April is dedicated to the men and women who serve as public safety telecommunications operators. In 1991, Congress proclaimed it as a national week of recognition. This year it is April 13 through April 19.

Telecommunications operators, working from the Indiana State Police Post in Peru, are responsible for dispatching troopers and motor carrier inspectors to calls for service in Wabash, Tipton, Miami, Howard, Cass, and Fulton Counties. They must pass a written and typing test before they are interviewed to be hired. They are required to remain composed in many different emergency situations and have the ability to speak calmly and clearly. They must be proficient in the many tools of their trade which range from computers, multi-line telephones, dispatching equipment, to a fax machine. Indiana State Police telecommunications operators are required to become certified in entering information in the Indiana Data and Communications System (IDACS) and National Crime Information Center (NCIC). They are also required to be certified in emergency medical dispatch.

Captain Ed Schroder, Commander of Indiana State Police Area One, would like to introduce the six telecommunications operators who work around the clock, all year long, to support troopers in the field and help keep the public safe. Together they have over 74 years of experience serving the state of Indiana and its citizens.

Telecommunications Operators assigned to the Indiana State Police Post in Peru:

Telecommunications Supervisor Ginny Kelley, 29 years of service, resides in Howard County.
Telecommunications Operator Bill Shortz, 21 years of service, resides in Pulaski County
Telecommunications Operator Brad Deane, 10 years of service, resides in Cass County
Telecommunications Operator Mike Hale, 10 years of service, resides in Miami County
Telecommunications Operator Stephanie Bach, two years of service, resides in Miami County
Telecommunications Operator Regina Eikenberry, two years of service, resides in Miami County

Stephanie Bach

Bill Shortz

Ginny Kelley

Brad Deane

Regina Eikenberry

Mike Hale

Anyone interested in a career as a telecommunications operator with the Indiana State Police are encouraged to contact their nearest Indiana State Police Post or check the State of Indiana Job Bank.

Source: Indiana State Police

Vehicle Leaves the Scene After Striking Child

kpaul.mallasch — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 17:06:26 +0000

SULLIVAN COUNTY, IN - The Indiana State Police Department is requesting the public’s assistance with a crash in rural Sullivan County that has left a small child in critical condition and troopers looking for the suspect vehicle.

On Tuesday, April 8th between 6:30 and 7:00p.m., a group of children were playing near the road on CR 1125S just west of CR 350W in southern Sullivan County. A vehicle traveling westbound on CR 1125S struck a small child with a tricycle near a residential mailbox on the south side of the road. The suspect vehicle then continued westbound from the scene. The child’s grandmother rushed the victim to Sullivan County Community Hospital where he was stabilized and later airlifted to Methodist Hospital.

VICTIM: Codie E. Pusey, age 5, of rural Carlisle, Indiana - Head, chest and internal injuries, currently in a coma

SUSPECT: Possibly three teenagers and possibly a male driver

SUSPECT VEHICLE: Red, possibly 4d Passenger Car, Possibly some customization to lower body, a rear spoiler on trunk, Fuzzy Dice hanging from mirror and fairly loud exhaust. Should have front end damage and possibly windshield damage.

Anyone with information concerning this crash or the suspect vehicle is urged to immediately call Trooper David Petrowski or Detective Tom Hanks at the Indiana State Police Post in Terre Haute, 812-299-1152.

Source: Indiana State Police

Benefactors Donate Building to Teachers’ Store

kpaul.mallasch — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 21:15:23 +0000

Three Former Muncie Siblings Want to Help Teachers

MUNCIE, IN - The three children of Rolland E. Stephens, developer of the former Muncie Meadows shopping center in the 1950’s, have donated a building to the Back to School Teachers’ Store. The 9000 square feet building, most recently housing Bio Life, at 1318 South Madison Street, will soon be filled with classroom supplies, reading books, and teacher aids to be given free to county teachers.

Dream Come True

The teachers’ store, now located at 1803 W. Purdue off North Wheeling in the former Ross Pharmacy building, owned by Marsh Supermarkets, will move this summer to its newly donated building. Volunteer director Jackie Johnston said, “It’s a dream come true. We always knew we were in a temporary location, but we appreciated Marsh lending it to us rent and utility free. But owning our own building will allow us to set roots and grow as an important charity in Muncie. The South Madison location puts us closer to the center of town, nearest the teachers who need us the most.”

Like Father, Like Children

The donors are Beverly J. Stephens-Hubbell, Rolland R. Stephens, and Mark B. Stephens, all of California, but children of the late Rolland E. Stephens, a local grocer and shopping center developer. “Our father always made an effort to help hard-working families with small children by donating food from his grocery store. This is why we know he would be happy with the donation of this building to Back to School Teachers’ Store,” said Rolland Stephens, speaking for his sister and brother. All three siblings were born in Muncie, attended Royerton schools, and graduated from Indiana University. “Even though tough economic times caused our father to leave high school during the ninth grade, he encouraged each of his children to go through college,” said Stephens. Both Rolland and Mark are commercial real estate appraisers in the Los Angeles area. Beverly is active in music, dance, and theater. They live within a few miles of each other.

Location History

The store location on Madison Street originally housed a high-producing Haag Drug Store in the early 1950s. The property was then occupied as a blood plasma collection center run by Cutter Laboratories, then Bayer Inc. and finally Bio Life, which has since opened a new location in northwest Muncie. Local commercial realtor Monte Brown and attorney Mark Ervin of Beasley & Gilkinson LLP introduced the idea of the teachers store to the Stephens family and made possible the donation.

Current Store Still Open

Soon teachers from Muncie and Delaware County’s south side will have a shorter distance to travel to find free reading, writing, art supplies, science equipment, and classroom decorations. The Back To School Teachers’ Store takes donations from businesses and the public of items useful to teachers for their classrooms. The store is open for donations from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm Tuesday through Thursday at the current location at 1803 W. Purdue Avenue. Cash donations and volunteers are needed for the upcoming move and on a regular basis during store shopping hours. Call 765-381-3625 for more information.

Give Emergency Workers Room to Work

kpaul.mallasch — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 17:26:56 +0000

EAST CENTRAL INDIANA - The Indiana State Police would like to remind drivers that Indiana law requires motorists to exercise caution when approaching an emergency vehicle that is stopped on the roadside with emergency lights activated.

Motorists are required to change lanes away from the emergency vehicle if they can do so safely. If unable, they must slow down and proceed with caution. Troopers ask motorists to do what they expect of others if they were on the roadside changing a flat tire. Give our emergency workers room to work.

Motorists found in violation of this law can face up to a $10,000 fine. Violations culminating in property damage or injuries can result in the suspension of their driver’s license for two years. This is in addition to any other penalties imposed by the courts.

To ensure motorist are following the ”Move Over” law, Troopers working from the Indiana State Police Peru Post will be participating in a statewide enforcement initiative for the month of April. Officers will conduct concentrated patrols on multi-lane highways throughout the district which covers Fulton, Cass, Miami, Howard, Tipton, and Wabash Counties. Officers will aggressively target those drivers who fail to yield to a stopped emergency vehicle. Motorists can expect to receive a citation if they are stopped for a violation involving the “Move Over” law.

Indiana emergency vehicles include:

Police vehicles
Motor carrier inspectors
Ambulances
Fire trucks and rescue equipment
Highway incident-response vehicles
Highway work vehicles
Vehicle recovery equipment (tow trucks)

The intent of this law is to protect the emergency and highway personnel who serve the public. Please be alert when you see emergency lights and give them room to do their job.

Below are some of the reasons why to heed this warning.

Bill and Gloria Gaither to receive 2008 Sachem Award

kpaul.mallasch — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 20:17:09 +0000

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - Governor Mitch Daniels will honor gospel music singing and songwriting pioneers Bill and Gloria Gaither with the 2008 Sachem, the state's highest honor, at a ceremony this week.

"With all the success they have achieved, the Gaithers still live with us: in the house in which they raised their children, in the way in which they raised those children, in the way in which they and their music have spoken to us and to the better angels of our nature now for fifty plus years," said Daniels.

The Sachem is given annually to recognize a lifetime of excellence and moral virtue that has brought credit and honor to Indiana. Previous recipients include college basketball coaching legend John Wooden, the Reverend Theodore M. Hesburgh, C.S.C., president emeritus of the University of Notre Dame and world statesman, and philanthropist Jane Blaffer Owen. Daniels added, "A joint selection may not happen again, but it's just impossible to think of one Gaither without the other."

"I am proud of my Indiana roots," said Bill Gaither. "Gloria and I have been quite intentional in our choice to reside in this community that loved and supported us before anyone else knew our names. We certainly never imagined that decision would ever result in this incredible honor. Making a living doing what we love is a reward in itself. So we are grateful and extremely overwhelmed to be considered for the 2008 Sachem Award."

Born and raised near Alexandria, Bill Gaither began his music career while pursuing a degree in teaching at Anderson University. He was still a teenager when he formed the Bill Gaither Trio with his brother, Danny, and his sister, Mary Ann. After graduating from college in 1959, Bill worked as an English teacher at the local high school in Alexandria and married fellow Anderson alumna Gloria Sickal three years later. The Gaithers began writing songs together in the evening while Bill continued teaching as his primary job. Gloria later replaced Mary Ann in the Bill Gaither Trio, and in 1967, Bill left his teaching position so that they could pursue full time careers in the Christian music industry.

The Bill Gaither Trio went on to begin a new era in the gospel music industry, selling out arenas and earning the respect of audiences and industry peers for decades. Their timeless songs would win worldwide recognition, many of which are now considered classics, which have been recorded by countless artists over the years from Elvis Presley to Sandi Patty. In the 1980s, the Gaither Trio evolved into a four-part male group known as the Gaither Vocal Band, which forever raised the bar for gospel groups everywhere and remains the premiere four-part group in gospel music today.

At this date the Gaithers have collaborated on more than 700 popular gospel songs, winning eight Grammy Awards and more than two dozen Dove Awards from The Gospel Music Association (GMA). They have earned the title of the GMA's "Songwriter of the Year" eight times. In the year 2000, Bill and Gloria were named "Songwriters of the Century" by ASCAP (American Society of Composers Authors, Publishers).

In 1996, Bill and Gloria Gaither were the first musical artists to be inducted into the Christian Booksellers Association's Hall of Honor, joining only three others who have previously been honored with this distinction: Reverend Billy Graham, Dr. Kenneth Taylor (author of The Living Bible) and Dr. Richard Halverson (former U.S. Senate Chaplain). The Indianapolis Star named "He Touched Me" among the top 10 songs of the 20th century written by a Hoosier.

Despite careers that have taken them throughout the world with their ministry, the Gaithers have continued to call Indiana home, living and raising three children just miles from the farm where Bill grew up.

Over the past four decades, they have moved beyond performing and composing music and have grown the Gaither Music Company into the most far-reaching music business in the gospel music industry. The company comprises a record company, production studio, retail store and a variety of related entities.

Bill and Gloria have never lost touch with their alma mater. Bill has served on Anderson University's board of trustees for 28 years. Gloria has taught songwriting classes at the university and served on the National Board of Directors for the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities. They both received honorary doctorates— Bill an honorary doctor of music and Gloria an honorary doctor of humane letters.

Sachem (Say-chum) background:

In 1970, Governor Edgar D. Whitcomb introduced the "Confederacy of the Sachem," a group of business, industry, publishing, banking and legal leaders, who served as state hosts, welcoming visitors to Indiana and promoting the state's culture and economy. The organization's name came from the Algonquin term applied to village leaders, implying wisdom, judgment and grace.

At the time, Sachems constituted an honor greater than being named a Sagamore of the Wabash. Bylaws outlined that Sachems were to nominate and recommend Sagamore appointments to the governor. The Sagamore of the Wabash dates to the term of Indiana Governor Ralph Gates in 1945 and has been the state's highest honor bestowed by the governor.

Following Whitcomb's term, the Sachem project was not pursued, and the organization dissolved in 1989. Whitcomb visited Daniels in 2005 to acquaint him with the concept and to give him custody of remaining Sachem funds. Governor Daniels recreated the Sachem to underscore the importance of moral example; achievement alone without exemplary virtue does not qualify a person for this recognition.

Each Sachem honoree receives a specially-designed sculpture that captures the Native American heritage of the Sachem. All Sachem recipients will be selected by Indiana's governor.

Source: Governor's Office Press Release

America Supports You: Sports Clinic Opens for Disabled Veterans

kpaul.mallasch — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 17:18:34 +0000

By Donna Miles
American Forces Press Service

SNOWMASS VILLAGE, CO - Sixty-seven veterans wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan are among 400 disabled veterans who converged here yesterday to kick off the world's largest disabled ski clinic.

Deputy Veterans Affairs Secretary Gordon H. Mansfield and Robert T. Reynolds, national commander of Disabled American Veterans, opened the 22nd National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic last night.

The annual six-day program, jointly sponsored by the Department of Veterans Affairs and Disabled American Veterans, helps disabled veterans discover abilities many never knew they had or thought they'd lost.

Mansfield and Reynolds, both disabled veterans themselves, applauded participants for their willingness to push beyond their comfort zones to discover the challenges they can overcome.

Deputy Veterans Affairs Secretary Gordon H. Mansfield praises participants at the National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic for applying the same qualities of dedication, pride and self-worth they demonstrated during their military service to their rehabilitation. Photo by Sgt. KaRonda Fleming, USA
(Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available.

"I encourage you to make the most of this," Reynolds told first-timers at the event, encouraging them to follow the lead of veterans of past winter sports clinics. "Look for inspiration in your fellow veterans, and you will find it quickly," he said.

Reynolds recalled his own first experience at the clinic after a disabling skydiving accident left him withdrawn and doubtful about his capabilities. He said he remembers "leaving this mountain a changed man," with a new sense of freedom and self-worth. "I hope the same sense of hope and confidence I gained through this event will reach you as well," he told the veterans.

Mansfield saluted the participants for applying the same qualities of dedication, pride and self-worth they demonstrated during their military service to their rehabilitation.

"You met and adapted to life-changing circumstances," he said. "You are a source of pride to all Americans. … You have already demonstrated that you are men and women of great courage."

The winter sports clinic is open to U.S. military veterans with disabilities ranging from spinal cord injuries and orthopedic amputations to visual impairment and neurological conditions. Veterans who receive health care at a VA medical facility get first priority to attend.

Participants learn adaptive skiing with mono-skis and bi-skis, as well as Alpine and Nordic skiing techniques. More advanced skiers get innovative race training designed to identify world-class disabled skiers with potential to become Paralympic athletes.

But the clinic isn't limited to skiing. Participants are introduced to a variety of other activities and sports, including rock climbing, snowshoeing, golf, scuba diving, trapshooting, snowmobiling, sled hockey and fencing. Between their scheduled sports activities, the veterans will enjoy concerts, dances, gondola rides, a trip to a local hot springs, and educational and instructional workshops.

From start to finish, the clinic gives disabled veterans the red-carpet treatment. Yesterday afternoon, local restaurants hosted a "Taste of Snowmass" event in the town center, treating participants to their specialties. Douglas Mercatoris, Snowmass Village mayor, proclaimed the veterans honorary citizens and called them "the guardian angels of Snowmass Village, Colorado and the United States."

Sandy Trombetta, the VA's national director for the clinic, said that even with their biggest turnout ever, the clinic staffers will continue strive to reach every participant in an individual way.

"We want each and every one person to have the best experience they could hope for," he said.

Trombetta said he had no idea that his concept of a winter sports clinic would blossom into such a resounding success. "It's the greatest show on earth," he said, not just for the transformation it evokes in participants, but also in the way it brings together people who want to support them.

"None of this is possible without the power of all the people who make it happen," Trombetta said. He pointed to the sponsors who help finance the activities and volunteers who return year after year, giving up vacation time and paying their own way to get here to work with the veterans. Among them are more than 200 certified adaptive ski instructors, including current and former members of the U.S. Disabled Ski Team.

"They all want to be part of something bigger than themselves," he said. "What you see here is people really giving back to others. It still leaves me awestruck."

Veterans Affairs Secretary James B. Peake shared Trombetta's enthusiasm about the benefits the clinic brings veterans and the forum it creates for them to support and inspire each other. He is slated to attend the closing ceremonies and award presentations April 4.

"Each year this clinic enhances the physical, social and emotional well-being of the veterans who participate in this life-changing event," Peake said. "Not only does the clinic motivate veterans, young and old, to reach for their full potential and enjoy a higher quality of life, but it also gives them a strong sense of purpose and camaraderie with their fellow veterans."

Among this year's participants is Alan "Doc" Babin, a 27-year-old Army veteran who was among the first soldiers injured in Iraq, in March 2003. The former 82nd Airborne Division medic was rushing to the aid of a fellow soldier when he was hit several times by small-arms fire. The bullets tore through his abdomen, damaging about 90 percent of his stomach, threatening his survival.

But after more than 70 surgeries and numerous hospital stays, Babin is back at the winter sports clinic and ready to challenge himself again.

"I want to reunite with friends from last year and continue receiving the good therapy the mountain provides," he said. "The clinic gives me a sense of peacefulness."

Source: US Department of Defense

Gates Stops in Belgium En Route to NATO Summit

kpaul.mallasch — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 17:16:17 +0000

By Fred W. Baker III
American Forces Press Service

MONS, BELGIUM – Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates stopped here briefly today for a fact-finding visit on his way to the NATO Summit in Bucharest, Romania.

Gates will spend only a few hours at Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe, receiving operational updates on NATO efforts in Afghanistan and Kosovo from Army Gen. Bantz J. Craddock, the alliance's top commander.

"The secretary's looking to get a feel for the situation on the ground … and how it's looked at from the headquarters perspective," a senior defense official, speaking on background, told reporters traveling with Gates during the flight from Andrews Air Force Base, Md., to Brussels, where the secretary's aircraft landed before his party boarded helicopters for the trip to SHAPE.

"He thought it would make sense to go to SHAPE before going to Bucharest to get a better sense how SHAPE plays in the whole decision-making process, … and in particular, he wants to get some operational briefs on Afghanistan and on Kosovo," the official said.

This is Gates' 11th trip to Europe, but his first visit to SHAPE as defense secretary. Gates also will stop in Copenhagen, Denmark, for meetings with his Danish counterpart before going on to the summit.

Source: US Department of Defense

Command Aims to Partner With African Nations

kpaul.mallasch — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 17:11:08 +0000

By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service

WARRENTON, VA – U.S. Africa Command wants to work in partnership with African nations, and its establishment does not signal the militarization of U.S. foreign policy, said the organization's commander, Army Gen. William E. "Kip" Ward yesterday.

Ward spoke to representatives from 43 African nations during the U.S.-Africa Defense Policy Dialogue at the Airlie House here March 27.

"I don't want to take over U.S. foreign policy," Ward told the gathered African defense experts. "(It's) not my job and quite frankly not the value system I possess." The general stressed that U.S. civilian leaders make policy, not the military.

Ward called the command an "innovation" in ways to deliver security assistance to African partners. He said the command will only act after listening to what African nations want. The command will maintain a light footprint on the continent, and American officials are not looking to establish bases on the continent.

Security and economic development are two sides of the same coin, Ward said, and African nations understand that. Africa Command is a unique mix of uniformed personnel and interagency civilians that will help Africans provide their own security.

"This construct is designed to address the complexity of trying to bring stability, and we know it's not a strictly military task," Ward said.

U.S. Africa Command stood up on Oct. 1, 2007 and is scheduled to reach full operating capability on Oct. 1, 2008. It is integrating missions that were the responsibility of three other geographic commands: U.S. European Command, U.S. Central Command and U.S. Pacific Command.

The command, which currently has about 400 military and civilian personnel, is picking up the missions of those three geographic commands while growing to about 1,300 people, said Ambassador Mary Carlin Yates, a career State Department employee who serves as the command's deputy for civil-military activities.

"The military is from Mars and we are from Venus, we are from different worlds," she said. "But when we work together it is clear that the military is not making the foreign policy … we all are following the U.S. policy. By being integrated in the command, we think we can more effectively support the policies the State Department articulates."

The command will deliver military assistance and facilitate and support other U.S. and African agencies. The key is "sustained security engagement with our partners," Yates said. "If you want us to partner with you, we'll be there with you. We want to stay in the military lane, because what we've heard from you is better security and stability in your nations is what is going to bring economic prosperity."

Yates is the second-highest ranking person in the command, and she is not the only member of the command from outside Defense Department. The Treasury Department, the U.S. Agency for International Development, the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Commerce and the Department of Justice all have employees in the command.

The command is bilaterally working with many nations and with pan-African organizations – such as the African Union – to help professionalize their militaries, to help them become more responsive to civilian control and to help them build security. At the core of this is what the command calls active security. This is a concept Ward devised after listening to African leaders.

"When we do something with you that you have asked us to do, you are assured that we're going to be there to help see it through. That's the notion of active security," he said.

Sustaining security is the long-term goal of the nations and the command. "(Sustained security) fosters growth … that doesn't fade in time and can mature in ways that make a difference to you," Ward said.

"This is not a sprint, it's a marathon," the general said. "And we want to establish a relationship so you know we are in it for the long term. It will be sustained, but in ways that make sense to you."

The command will continue the training and military exercises that the other three geographic commands have in place. It will also work with African nations on plans in case a natural or man-made disaster strikes. AFRICOM will help continental organizations with logistics and with communications – things already being done, Ward said.

U.S. Africa Command is designed to be able to provide that support in a more effective way, the general explained.

"We don't want to control anyone," Ward said. "We want you to be better able to provide the security that you have said you want to do. We want to help you build your security capacity – we don't want to provide it."

Ward pointed out that the command wants to support humanitarian assistance efforts, and do it in a way that fosters dialogue and development.

Africa has many problems, the general said, but he believes it can overcome them. The continent will probably "not get to the perfect condition where there are no conflicts, but does that mean we ought not be working toward that?" Ward said.

Source: US Department of Defense

Soldiers, Airmen Save Iraqi Teen Injured by Bomb

kpaul.mallasch — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 17:08:52 +0000

By Staff Sgt. Margaret C. Nelson, USA
Special to American Forces Press Service

KIRKUK, IRAQ - On his way home from working in his family's field near this Iraqi city, Rahmey didn't see the hidden improvised explosive device until it was too late.

Staggering for home after the blast, the 13-year-old Iraqi boy had no way to know that his life would be saved by the quick, selfless actions of U.S. Army soldiers and U.S. Air Force airmen March 27.

"I heard and saw the explosion from my window," said Arif Muter Jarew, Rahmey's father.

Soldiers and U.S. soldiers load an Iraqi teenager injured by an improvised explosive device onto a medical evacuation helicopter near Kirkuk, Iraq, March 27, 2008. The soldiers are assigned to the 10th Mountain Division's Company C, 2nd Battalion, 1st Aviation Brigade.
(Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available.

It wasn't long before his son stumbled in with shrapnel wounds riddling his knee, leg and chest.

"I was panicked, there was blood coming from his mouth," Jarew said. "My son was dying. He had blood everywhere."

The hospital was miles away and the desperate father didn't think his vehicle would make it. With his son in his arms, he ran out to the street to flag down passing motorists for help.

"Then I saw a convoy of American soldiers," he said. Jarew was a little wary of asking for help from coalition forces. With his dying son in his arms, he only hesitated a moment – his son's life was at stake.

"We saw some Iraqis waving us to stop and one was cradling a kid," said Pfc. Jeffrey Parson of the 10th Mountain Division's 1st Brigade.

Parson and Pvt. Justin Avila, the patrol's medic, began treating what they initially thought were gunshot wounds.

"There was blood coming from the kid's mouth and his wounds, so we treated the
bleeding first," Parson said.

The patrol radioed Forward Operating Base McHenry in the Hawijah district of Tamim province. A medical evacuation helicopter arrived a few precious minutes after receiving the call to transport Rahmey and his father to the FOB. After medics stabilized Rahmey's condition, he was transported along with his father to the medical facility in Kirkuk, Iraq.

U.S. Army and Air Force medics treated Rahmey for shrapnel wounds at the Freedom Hospital.

"He's a very lucky boy," said Air Force Capt. Gabriel Rulewicz, a military surgeon. "He'll need some surgery to remove the shrapnel, but we've stabilized him for transport to a hospital in Kirkuk."

The Air Force surgeon credits Rahmey's survival to the quick reaction by everyone involved. "It is a perfect ending to what could have quickly resulted in the opposite," he said.

But to one Iraqi father, this ending was more than perfect.

"I did not know how caring U.S. soldiers are. I could not believe how well they treated my son and me," Jarew said. "I am so thankful to everyone who saved my son's life."

Source: US Department of Defense (Army Staff Sgt. Margaret C. Nelson is assigned to the 115th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment.)

Meet the Artists at First Thursday in Downtown Muncie

kpaul.mallasch — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 17:04:06 +0000

MUNCIE, IN - Celebrate the arts in Downtown Muncie this First Thursday, April 3rd, from 5 to 8pm. Our many art galleries spotlight their exhibit openings on the first Thursday evenings of every month, with meet-the-artist receptions.

Some of the gallery events (in alphabetical order by gallery) at the next First Thursday:

The Artist Within ~ 313 S Walnut Street ~ 765-289-7895

"Wax and Water" will showcase the talents of several local artists during April at The Artist Within. This exhibit of experimental water colors and encaustics will occupy both the upstairs and main gallery space and is the collaborative effort of 21 artists, Marilyn Derwenskus and the Artist Within. The show runs April 1 through April 30 with an opening reception Thursday, April 3 from 5-8pm. Traditional water color techniques may be seen in the work of these advanced students, but it is the way that they push the boundaries that stands out and makes this such an exciting collection of work. The ages old medium of encaustic can trace its roots back to ancient Greece where it was used in decorative painting on mummy cases. Old techniques are approached in creative and innovative ways as these artists explore painting with wax. A demonstration of the process is planned for the opening night of the exhibit.

Artworks ~ 301 South Walnut Street ~ 765-288-2221

Artworks will exhibit "Totemic Spirit in Clay," a new exhibition by Judy Wojcik. An opening reception will be held during First Thursday, April 3, 5:30pm to 8:30pm.

Judy Wojcik received her MFA in Ceramics from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania and her BS in Art Education from Ball State University. She is completing a one-year position as Visiting Assistant Professor in Ceramics at Earlham College in Richmond, Indiana. He recent work continues to explore altered stoneware vessels, surfaces and high fire glazing techniques.

Ongoing Exhibits: Jeanette Gilbert, watercolors, Heidi Hale, jewelry, Judy Krieger Wand – jewelry/metalsmith

ArtWorks Gallery Mission : we are a non-profit cooperative artist gallery. Our mission is to serve the Muncie community and provide local artists a facility to exhibit their art and to provide educational opportunities and affordable art for our community.

Artworks is an artist owned and operated sales gallery, featuring original works for sale by outstanding Indiana artists. Regular gallery hours are from 11:30 am to 5:30 pm.

Gallery 308 ~ 308 E. Main Street ~ 765-289-8575

Gallery 308 welcomes Dan Burkholder's Photo Exhibit "The Color of Loss; An Intimate Portrait of New Orleans after Katrina" in April. Join us Thursday April 3 from 5-9 p.m. for his new exhibit and book signing. The show will run thru April 26th.

At 5pm at the Muncie Civic Theatre for a talk from Bill Gosnell, of the Delaware County Emergency Management Agency on disaster preparedness. We will also recognize volunteers who went to the Gulf Coast in the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

Dan will discuss his images at 6 p.m., then return to Gallery 308 until 9 to answer questions. His book will be available for purchase and signing at this time.

The American Red Cross and other agencies with disaster preparedness information will have tables set up in the Founder's Gallery at G308. Admission is free.

Dan will also be hanging out at Jack's Camera on Friday April 4 and teaching workshops in the Founder's Gallery on April 5 &6. Contact Sherry Powell or Tom Nahre at Jack's Camera 765-282-0204 or Gallery 308 at 765-289-8575 for more information.

Gordy Fine Art & Framing ~ 224 E Main Street ~ 765-284-8422

Gordy Fine Art & Framing will present "The Frame Show: Framus Fantasticus" on display through April. The Frame Show opens during the monthly First Thursday art event on April 3rd from 5 to 8 PM. Peter Blume will offer remarks about the framing at 6:30 PM. Light refreshments will be served and the public is invited to attend.

The exhibit includes works by local artists to show historically-matched frames for each entry. Jim Faulkner's scene of a Federal style house will be displayed in a Federal-style frame. Alan Patrick's landscape will be shown in an American Impressionist-style frame. The other featured artists will include Shonet Lambert Martin, Robert Farlow, Charlene George, Margie Prim, David Slonim, Carol Strock Wasson and the framer, Brian Gordy.

The exhibit may be viewed until April 26th during normal business hours: Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5:30 PM, Saturday, 9 to 3, or by appointment. Gordy Fine Art and Framing is located at 224 East Main Street, next door to Civic Theatre. For more information call 284-8422 or visit www.gordyframing.com.

Mitchell Place Studio ~ 301 S Walnut

Institute for Digital Intermedia Arts & Animation Student Art & Research Showcase
Thursday April 3rd, 5 p.m.

See monthly showcase of recent, supported student art and research projects in association with First Thursdays downtown. For more information on this and other IDIAA programs visit www.bsu.edu/cmd/mps.

Other downtown Muncie businesses may have art exhibits or special events during First Thursdays include:

~ Cortex Hair Center, 112 W Jackson Street - 765-288-6685
~ David Dale Designs, Interior Designs & Fine Art Gallery, 421 S Walnut Street - 765-284-4987
~ FB Fogg, 418 E Main Street - 765-289-7464
~ Glitterati in the Rose Court on Charles Street
~ Minnetrista, 1200 N. Minnetrista Parkway - 765-282-4848

Additionally, all of Downtown's independently owned bars and restaurants will be open and ready to serve you. For more information, visit www.munciedowntown.com.

Click Here for More Downtown Muncie Events.

Please help keep us informed of any upcoming events or exhibits in Downtown Muncie. Email details to info [at] munciedowntown.com.

Ball State hosts fifth annual copyright conference

kpaul.mallasch — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 13:33:26 +0000

MUNCIE, Ind. – Ball State University presents its fifth annual copyright conference, "Copyright in Oz: Over the Rainbow or I'll Get Your Little Dog, Too?" from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 a.m. April 23 at the Alumni Center.

The goal of the conference is to help attendees understand how to properly use copyrighted materials in an educational setting.

"This year's theme relates to using someone else's copyrighted intellectual property," said Fritz Dolak, conference chair and manager of Ball State's copyright and intellectual property office. "It pertains to some people's ideas of copyright being rather naïve, which can lead to consequences that can be threatening or detrimental."

Special guest speaker David Carson will present. Carson, associate register for policy and international affairs at the U.S. Copyright Office, assists the register of copyrights in advising Congress and executive branch agencies on domestic and international copyright policy matters.

Other guest speakers include:

· Dwayne Buttler, professor and first Evelyn J. Schneider Endowed Chair for Scholarly Communication at the University of Louisville, University Libraries

· Michelle Cooper, attorney in the Education Law Group at Bose McKinney & Evans LLP

· Kenneth Crews, director of the Copyright Advisory Office, Columbia University

· James Williams, attorney at DeFur Voran LLP.

Ball State has the only annual copyright conference in the Midwest.

The conference's sponsors include Bose McKinney & Evans LLP, DeFur Voran LLP, Paws Inc. and the Muncie Visitors Bureau, as well as Ball State's Digital Policy Institute, Office of University Advancement and J-Ideas.

For more information or to register, visit www.bsu.edu/library/conference/copyright. The cost for Ball State faculty and staff is $45. Others can register by April 8 for $95. Registration after this date or at the door is $125. Contact Dolak at 765-285-5330 for additional information.

Source: BSU News Center

April 7th Voter Registration Deadline Quickly Approaching

kpaul.mallasch — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 13:26:01 +0000

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - With one week remaining before the April 7th Voter Registration deadline in Indiana, Indiana Secretary of State Todd Rokita is reminding Hoosier voters to make sure they are registered to vote so that they can participate in the May 6th Primary Election.

"I want every eligible Hoosier to exercise his or her right to vote in the primary election," said Rokita, Indiana's Chief Election Officer. "In order to do that, Hoosier voters must make sure they are registered."

Voters who need to register for the first time must do so on or before April 7th, 2008 for the May 6th, 2008 Primary Election. Additionally, voters who have moved or changed their name must update their information by the same deadline.

Anyone not registered to vote may register in person at the county voter registration office, county clerk's office, or any Bureau of Motor Vehicles license branch. Voters may also mail in their registration form, available on Secretary Rokita's website at www.sos.IN.gov. Mailed in registration forms must be post-marked by the same April 7th deadline.

You must meet the following requirements to be eligible to vote in Indiana: you are both a U.S. citizen and a resident of Indiana, at least 18 years of age at the next General Election, November 4, 2008; you are not currently be in prison after being convicted of a crime, you have lived in the precinct where you vote for at least 30 days prior to the election, and you are registered to vote.
As part of a statewide voter education effort, Rokita is urging voters to seek answers to their election-related questions before

Election Day by using the following Official State of Indiana resources:

About IndianaVoters.com
Hoosiers can check their registration status, locate polling places, and look up county-specific contact information by visiting IndianaVoters.com <http://www.indianavoters.com/>- a service made possible with the implementation of Indiana's statewide voter registration system (SVRS) linking together all 92 Indiana counties with several key state agencies.

About Hoosier Voter Hotline Line

The Hoosier Voter Hotline, 1-866-IN-1-VOTE (1-866-461-8683), is a comprehensive resource designed to answer any election questions. Voters are also encouraged to use the hotline to report suspected fraud or a polling place's accessibility limitations.
About PhotoID.IN.gov <http://www.PhotoID.IN.gov> explains the basics of Indiana's photo ID law, including how to get an ID, what kinds of IDs are acceptable, and exemptions to the law. The site walks voters through steps to get a free state-issued ID from the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) as provided by law, and provides details on the necessary documentation to obtain a free ID.

Please use caution when using any other website providing voter registration information. In the State of Indiana, there is no fee associated with registering to vote.

Source: Indiana Secretary of State Press Release

Taking Government to the People is Catching On

kpaul.mallasch — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 23:28:17 +0000

By C.A. Bouslog

Brad Polk, newly elected to the Muncie City Council representing District 4, has joined forces to bring government to the people. His first District 4 Quarterly Meeting with Polk will be held Monday, March 31, 2008, from 6:30 to 8 p.m., at Kennedy Library on McGalliard Road, Muncie.

For the first meeting, he has invited the Mayor, all Department Supervisors, and Council persons Jerry Dishman, Allison Quirk, and Linda Gregory.

Linda Gregory

Said Polk, “The meetings are informational and a great way for residents to find out what I (as their elected representative to the City Council for District 4) have been doing for them, and what I am going to do for them in the future.”

There will also be a question-and-answer period for citizen concerns.

Meetings will be held at the same time on a quarterly basis on the last Monday in March, June, September, and December.

The next Breakfast with Gregory will be held from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on April 5, 2008, at Mac’s Restaurant (2323 South Madison Street, Muncie, Indiana). Breakfast with Gregory sessions are held the last Saturday of each month before the City Council meeting (for the month of April, April 7, 2008).

Upcoming City Council meeting agenda will be discussed, and attendees are encouraged to participate in a question and answer session regarding citizen concerns.

Brad Polk and Young Friends

Frontline Presents Bush's War March 24, 25 on PBS

kpaul.mallasch — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 21:53:35 +0000

USA - From the horror of 9/11 to the invasion of Iraq; the truth about WMD to the rise of an insurgency; the scandal of Abu Ghraib to the strategy of the surge -- for six years, FRONTLINE has revealed the defining stories of the war on terror in meticulous detail, and the political dramas that played out at the highest levels of power and influence.

Now, on the fifth anniversary of the Iraq invasion, the full saga unfolds in the two-part FRONTLINE special Bush's War, airing Monday, March 24, 2008, from 9 to 11:30 P.M. and Tuesday, March 25, from 9 to 11 P.M. ET on PBS (check local listings). Veteran FRONTLINE producer Michael Kirk (The Lost Year in Iraq, The Dark Side) draws on one of the richest archives in broadcast journalism -- more than 40 FRONTLINE reports on the war on terror. Combined with fresh reporting and new interviews, Bush's War will be the definitive documentary analysis of one of the most challenging periods in the nation's history.

"Parts of this history have been told before," Kirk says. "But no one has laid out the entire narrative to reveal in one epic story the scope and detail of how this war began and how it has been fought, both on the ground and deep inside the government."

Since the war on terror began, FRONTLINE's award-winning reporting has gone behind the headlines to connect the dots and reveal the true story of an administration at war with itself over how to respond to the devastating 9/11 attacks.

In the fall of 2001, even as America was waging a war in Afghanistan, another hidden war was being waged inside the administration. Part 1 of Bush's War, airing Monday, March 24, from 9 to 11:30 P.M. ET, tells the story of this behind-the-scenes battle over whether Iraq would be the next target in the war on terror.

On one side, Secretary of State Colin Powell and Director of Central Intelligence George Tenet squared off against Vice President Dick Cheney and his longtime ally, Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld. The battles were over policy -- whether to attack Iraq; the role of Iraqi exile Ahmad Chalabi; how to treat detainees; whether to seek United Nations resolutions; and the value of intelligence suggesting a connection between Saddam Hussein and the 9/11 attacks -- but the conflict was deeply personal.

"Friendships were dashed," Powell's deputy Richard Armitage tells FRONTLINE. As the war within the administration heated up, Armitage and Powell concluded that they were being shut out of key decisions by Cheney and Rumsfeld. "The battle of ideas, you generally come up with the best solution. When somebody hijacks the system, then, just like a hijacked airplane, very often no good comes of it," Armitage adds.

Others inside the administration believe they understand the motivation behind some of the vice president's actions. "I think the vice president felt he kind of looked death in the eye on 9/11," former White House counterterrorism coordinator Richard Clarke says. "Three thousand Americans died. The building that the vice president used to work in blew up, and people died there. This was a cold slap in the face. This is a different world you're living in now. And the enemy's still out there, and the enemy could come after you. That does cause you to think [about] things differently."

More than anything else, the Iraq war will be the lasting legacy of the Bush presidency. Part 2 of Bush's War, airing Tuesday, March 25, from 9 to 11p.m. ET, examines that war -- beginning with the quick American victory in Iraq, the early mistakes that were made, and then recounting the story of how chaos, looting and violence quickly engulfed the country.

As American forces realized they were unprepared for the looting that followed the invasion, plans for a swift withdrawal of troops were put on hold. With only a few weeks' preparation, American administrator L. Paul Bremer was sent to find a political solution to a rapidly deteriorating situation. Bremer's first moves were to disband the Iraqi military and remove members of Saddam Hussein's party from the government. They were decisions that the original head of reconstruction, Gen. Jay Garner (Ret.), begged Bremer to reconsider at the time. Now they are seen by others as one of the first in a series of missteps that would lead Iraq into a full-blown insurgency.

But Bremer has his defenders: "We believed, Bremer believed, and I think the leadership in Washington believed that it was very important to demonstrate to the Iraqi people that whatever else was going to happen, Saddam and his cronies were not coming back," Walter Slocombe, the national security adviser to Bremer, tells FRONTLINE.

Garner was not the only one on the outside. As senior officials complained about inattention at the top, Gen. Tommy Franks and his deputy, Gen. Michael DeLong -- the generals who had planned the war -- found that decisions were being made without them as well.

"All the recommendations that we were making now in the Phase IV part weren't being taken -- weren't being taken by Bremer or Rumsfeld," DeLong tells FRONTLINE. "That's when Franks said, 'I'm done.' They said, 'Well, you'll be chief of staff of the Army.' He said, 'No, I'm done.'"

What followed is well documented: insurgency, sectarian strife, prisoner abuse and growing casualties. But within the administration, a new battle over strategy was being fought -- this one between a new secretary of state, Condoleezza Rice, and Secretary of Defense Rumsfeld. The clash between America's top diplomat and its chief defense official would go on for more than two years and be settled only after the Republican loss in the 2006 congressional elections. It was then that the president forced Rumsfeld out, ended his strategy of slow withdrawal and ordered a surge of troops. FRONTLINE goes behind closed doors to tell the most recent chapter in this ongoing story, and asks what Bush will leave for a new U.S. president both in Iraq and in the larger war on terror.

Bush's War is a FRONTLINE co-production with Kirk Documentary Group, Ltd. The writer, producer and director is Michael Kirk. The producer and reporter is Jim Gilmore. FRONTLINE is produced by WGBH Boston and is broadcast nationwide on PBS. Funding for FRONTLINE is provided through the support of PBS viewers. Major funding for FRONTLINE is provided by The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation. Additional funding is provided by the Park Foundation. FRONTLINE is closed-captioned for deaf and hard-of-hearing viewers and described for people who are blind or visually impaired by the Media Access Group at WGBH. FRONTLINE is a registered trademark of WGBH Educational Foundation. The executive producer of FRONTLINE is David Fanning.

Source: Press Release

Delaware County United Vets Council Meeting

kpaul.mallasch — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 20:16:51 +0000

GASTON, IN - The Delaware County United Vets Council March 25 Meeting will be held at the American Legion Post 387 in Gaston.

A final decissiion will be made regarding the Armed Forces Day/Memorial Day Parade.

Also, Mary Ann Estep will tell us about her Homeless Vets Program.

Chow will be served at 1700Hrs with the meeting at 1800Hrs.

Any questions call Joe Mansfield UVC CMDR 765-744-6393.

Candlelight Vigil Downtown, Muncie

kpaul.mallasch — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 18:42:33 +0000

MUNCIE, IN - Tolu Olorunda is co-hosting a local Moveon.org Vigil this Wednesday in Downtown Muncie.

Property tax auto payment proposal sent to governor

kpaul.mallasch — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 19:54:58 +0000

Legislation would allow counties to offer automatic bank deductions for property tax payments

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – The Senate gave final legislative approval today to a measure that could allow homeowners to pay their property taxes through an automatic deduction from a checking account or any other method of installment payment. State Senator Tim Lanane (D-Anderson), a co-author of the legislation, said the program would be voluntary for taxpayers and available based on county-by-county approval. The Senate voted 43-0 to send Senate Enrolled Act 208 to the governor.

“The constant flow of revenue will help counties avoid the necessity of year-end borrowing, saving taxpayer money that would be paid out in interest for those loans,” Lanane said. “For those taxpayers who do not have escrow accounts to manage their property tax payments, this program will help simplify the process.”

If approved by a county, the voluntary program would allow homeowners to pay property taxes by automatic deduction from a checking account, a system increasingly used by many individuals to pay other monthly bills. It would also allow the taxpayer to pay in regular installments by check.

Any delay in anticipated revenue, including property taxes, can force local government units to cover operating expenses through short-term loans, typically through the Indiana Bond Bank.

For more information on Senator Lanane, his legislative agenda or other State Senate business call 1-800-382-9467 or visit www.senatedemocrats.IN.gov.

Source: Senate Democrats Press Release

Brian Howey: What the first elections of 2008 tell us

kpaul.mallasch — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 19:52:12 +0000

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – There were two elections in the past week, one in Illinois and one in Indiana. What should we have learned from these early 2008 ballot tests?

In Illinois’ 14th Congressional District – held for more than two decades by former Republican House Speaker Dennis Hastert – a Democrat named Bill Foster won. What is intriguing about this is that it is a reliably Republican district where the Republican underperformed the party’s base by 7 percent. President George W. Bush carried it by double digit margins in 2000 and 2004. For it to fall into the hands of the Democrats is one sign that 2008 could be a Democratic year. An analysis by Chris Cillizza of the Washington Post found that if this trend continues, an additional 51 Republican House seats thought to be safe could come into play.

In Indiana’s 7th CD, U.S. Rep. Julia Carson passed away last December. That set the stage for the continuation of what has become another Democratic family dynasty. There are, of course, the Bayhs and the O’Bannons. Now there is U.S. Rep. Andre Carson, the grandson, who won the special election by a 54-43 percent margin over State Rep. Jon Elrod.

The old Carson machine began falling in behind Andre last fall when his grandmother took sick leave from Congress. With former congressman Andy Jacobs Jr. denying that she faced a life-threatening illness, the "I Love Julia" signs began springing up on Center Township thoroughfares. After Rep. Carson's terminal lung cancer was publicly acknowledged last Thanksgiving, it was Jacobs who floated the notion of the family dynasty. Even before Julia Carson's 2008 re-election was officially scrapped, it was Jacobs who said if his "sister" couldn't run, then he would be for the grandson.

Carson was the beneficiary of a successful coordinated campaign with massive help from the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. He had a 5-to-1 money advantage over Elrod. The campaign began airing ads two weeks before a Howey-Gauge Poll on Feb. 17-18 revealed he had a 54-36 percent lead. Elrod was able to shave 7 percent off that margin by a last minute direct mail and a TV ad campaign. The political organization of U.S. Sen. Richard Lugar tried to stoke GOP absentees and ran an extensive phone bank.

Going into Tuesday's special, there was speculation as to whether Carson would reactivate his grandmother's machine. He won with 45,598 to 36,322 for Elrod. A couple of weeks ago, the idea of Elrod getting over 35,000 votes would have had the Republicans predicting victory.

But this result offered up different signals as to a national dynamic. Carson won with 54 percent, which was actually 4 percent lower than the 58 percent that Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry carried the district in 2004. The Kerry campaign didn’t spend a dime in the 7th CD; Carson spent over a quarter million dollars. State Rep. David Orentlicher, one of several Democrats who will now challenge Rep. Andre Carson in the May 6 primary, says that he “underperformed.”

One thing Carson talked about a great deal, though not in much detail, is the need for the U.S. to pull out of the Iraq War. But The Politico reported that late February polling conducted by the Pew Research Center for the People and the Press, 53 percent of Americans — a slim majority — now believe “the U.S. will ultimately succeed in achieving its goals” in Iraq, up from 42 percent last September. So perceptions of the war are in flux.

Carson becomes the second Muslim to be elected to Congress in U.S. history. Elrod and the Republicans never touched the issue, but there were several news stories and a YouTube video showing National of Islam Rev. Louis Farrakhan endorsing Carson along with several clips of Farrakhan talking about race in a controversial fashion.

The Carson election brings into the mainstream more minority officeholders, which has been relatively rare in modern Hoosier history. We’ve now had three African-American members of Congress (the Carsons and Katie Hall), four mayors (Gary’s Richard Hatcher, Thomas Barnes and now Rudy Clay and LaPorte’s Elmo Gonzalez), and three sheriffs (Marion County’s Frank Anderson, former Grant County Sheriff Oatess Archey – both African-Americans – and Lake County Sheriff Roy Dominguez).

When Rep. Orentlicher kicked off his challenge to Carson on Wednesday at the memorial site where Sen. Robert F. Kennedy broke the news of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination 40 years ago, race – or lack thereof – was present. The three-term legislator noted how Dr. King had a legacy of "building bridges across racial and socio-economic lines" and promised to do the same. "Our national leaders talk instead of act and exploit divisions for political gain instead of solving the problems that confront us," Orentlicher said as Dr. King's nephew, Dr. Derek King of Martin University, looked on.

It will be fascinating to watch this dynamic in the coming weeks as the Democratic presidential campaign arrives in Indiana featuring Sens. Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton.

Machine-style politics and family dynasties aside, perhaps we’ve reached a point in Indiana where the content of character means more than skin color.

Howey is publisher of Howey Politics Indiana at www.howeypolitics.com