News

Master Trooper Paul Daugherty Recognized for Excellent Marksmanship

kpaul.mallasch — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 00:45:28 -0700

PERU, IN - Lieutenant Matt Bilkey, district commander of the Indiana State Police Peru Post, and Colonel Rick Weigand, assistant superintendent of the Indiana State Police, recently recognized Master Trooper Paul Daugherty of Miami County for excellent shooting while qualifying with his issued state police handgun. Daugherty was issued his Possible Club Award pin during a meeting of the Indiana State Police at the Peru Post. The pin will be attached to a whistle chain and worn near the right shoulder area of the state police uniform. Since it’s inception in 1946, there have been 280 troopers that have earned the Possible Club Award for outstanding marksmanships.

Daugherty earned the award by shooting four perfect scores, two in phase I and two in phase III of the Indiana State Police firearms program. Phase I requires a shooter to fire fifty rounds of ammunition at a target utilizing various shooting positions and distances ranging from 25 yards to seven yards. All stages of fire have a specific time limit which is strictly enforced. Phase III is also a fifty round course of fire, but the longest shooting distance is increased to fifty yards, and shooters have stages where they are required to shoot with their non-dominate hand. The shooters in both phases must complete the course of fire in the allotted time and receive perfect scores every time they attempt the course.

Including Daugherty, the Indiana State Police Peru Post has five active troopers who have earned the Possible Club Award. The other four members of the Possible Club are Lieutenant Matt Bilkey of Howard County, Master Trooper Earl McCullough of Cass County, Master Trooper Randy Shaver of Fulton County, and Trooper Jason Page of Howard County. In addition to the pin they received for their uniforms, all four have their names engraved on a plaque which is displayed in the lobby of the Indiana State Police Headquarters in Indianapolis.

Troopers qualify with their issued weapons four times a year. Annually, during Phase I of the firearms program, troopers earn shooting pins that are worn on their uniform. The pins display an officer’s shooting skill level from marksman to distinguish expert. Officers are also required to qualify annually with personal backup guns that they intend to use in the performance of their state police duties. The backup weapons must meet certain criteria set by the Indiana State Police training division.

Source: Indiana State Police

Downtown Muncie Newsletter

kpaul.mallasch — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 12:15:58 -0700

Are you ready for RibFest this weekend? Bring your appetites and come on downtown. Click here for the RibFest schedule of events and entertainment lineup.

AUGUST EVENTS

August 1 - The Muncie Children's Museum is throwing a party! Come to August's Friends and Family Fun Night for an End of Summer Party at the MCM from 3 - 7 p.m. Admission is free.

August 1 - Freaky Tiki Friday food, drink and live music from Walden Song. Starts at 5pm in the parking lot next to the Blue Bottle.

August 1 - Free Friday Night Movie - "Transformers" begins at dusk in the 400 block of South Walnut Street.

August 1 & 2 - Summer Stage Fest at Minnetrista, featuring Oklahoma!, presented by Muncie Civic Theatre (Free Admission).

August 2 & 3 - This year's Ribfest will be held August 2nd, noon-10:00p.m and August 3rd 11:00a.m.-4:00p.m. in the streets of downtown Muncie. Visit munciedowntown.com for vendor applications and more information.

August 7 - First Thursday in Downtown Muncie from 5 to 8pm. All the art galleries open their monthly exhibits with meet-the-artists receptions. Cornerstone Center for the Arts now has an art gallery that will also be included in First Thursday!

August 7 - Carol Cheney will be giving portrait demonstrations at the ArtWorks Art Gallery on First Thursday, August 7, from 5:00 to 7:30 pm. Carol is a painter and local artist/educator. Her watercolor and oil paintings will be on display at ArtWorks Gallery for the month of August.

August 8 - Freaky Tiki Friday food, drink and live music from the Easy Leis and Tim VanCleave Trio. Starts at 5pm in the parking lot next to the Blue Bottle.

August 8 - Free Friday Night Movie - "Spiderman 3" begins at dusk in the 400 block of South Walnut Street.

August 9th - Making Music (For 4 - 9 year-olds) at Minnetrista, 10 a.m. - Noon Muncie Music Center will demonstrate how to play instruments from each musical family, then you can create music in our Wild Music Jam Room and make a flute to take home! Registration required.

August 10th - Second Annual Cornerstone Carnival from 2 to 5 pm at Cornerstone Center for the Arts. Games for children of all ages, prizes, crafts, free classes, performances, refreshments, and much more!

August 11th - Artworks will host an artistic earrings class by Artist Heidi J Hale from 6-9:00pm. Learn how to make three different unique earrings with various techniques using sterling silver wire and semi-precious gemstones. Class limit 6.

August 15th - Cardinal Greenway 15th Anniversary celebration continues with an Old Fashioned Ice Cream Social - Cool off with ice cream after strolling along the Greenway!

August 15th - Freaky Tiki Friday food, drink and live music from The Joan Hamilton Band. Starts at 5pm in the parking lot next to the Blue Bottle.

August 15th - Free Friday Night Movie - "Underdog" begins at dusk in the 400 block of South Walnut Street.

August 20th - PBS Program Club at Minnetrista, 2:00 p.m. - 4 p.m. Watch and discuss this PBS production about the Aztec Massacre. Price: Free, registration requested.

August 22nd - Freaky Tiki Friday food, drink and live music from Losing September w/ Looking for Chairs. Starts at 5pm in the parking lot next to the Blue Bottle.

August 22nd - Free Friday Night Movie - "Shrek the Third" begins at dusk in the 400 block of South Walnut Street.

August 26th - Artworks will host a beginning photography class by Artist Jack Reynolds from 6:30-8:30pm at ArtWorks Gallery. Learn to take control of your camera, composition, lighting, action tips and more. Make better images with your point and shoot or other digital camera.

August 27th - Summer Stage Fest at Minnetrista, Pops Concert, featuring Muncie Symphony Orchestra (Free Admission)

August 28th - Wildlife Solutions at Minnetrista, 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. This seminar will teach you to diagnose and identify garden intruders and discuss prevention techniques. Registration deadline Aug. 25.

August 29th- Freaky Tiki Friday food, drink and live music from Ruined for Life. Starts at 5pm in the parking lot next to the Blue Bottle.

August 29th - Free Friday Night Movie - "The Game Plan" begins at dusk in the 400 block of South Walnut Street.

August 30th - Glass Bead Minne-trip, 8: 00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. (Lunch will be provided) Join us as we travel to Inspired Fire Glass Studio & Gallery in Lafayette, Indiana. Experience flame-working techniques firsthand, create glass beads to take home, and learn the basics of creating a small glass sculpture. Registration deadline Aug. 25.

August 30th - Farmers Market Cooking Demonstration Saturday, August 30, 9:00 a.m. at Minnetrista. Enjoy this FREE cooking demonstration featuring chefs from the local chapter of the American Culinary Federation. All demonstrations include locally grown ingredients found at Farmers Market.

AUGUST ONGOING

Every Monday - Jazz at the Fickle Peach features Ralph Johnson on drums, Paul Rhine on double-bass and flute, and Phil Cooley on Piano. They perform every Monday night from 9 to 11.

Daily at Minnetrista--Historical House Tours at 11, 1 and 3pm; The Minnetrista Story 2pm ; and Nature & Garden Fun at 4pm

Through August 16 - Young artists from Clay Camp will have their work on display at Gallery 308 the first two weeks of August. The exhibit will include work created by children in summer art camps at the Art Mart and the Artist Within. An opening reception to meet the young artists will be held Thursday August 7th from 5-8 pm.

Through August - "Resonating Bio-forms" by Thurman Grantham will be on exhibit at ArtWorks through August. The watercolor and oil paintings of Carol Cheney will also be on display. There will be an opening reception, as well as an art demonstration from Cheney, during First Thursday.

Through August - Gallery Sale at Gordy Fine Art & Framing. Included in the exhibit/sale will be many recognizable names - Alan Patrick, Jim Faulkner, Margie Prim, David and Sarojini Johnson, Bill Zack, Shonet Martin, Eric Ernstberger, Martha Gilliom, Jerry Henning, Sally Myers, Carol Burt, the Gordy's, and others. There will be an opening reception during First Thursday.

Through August - "Friends and Family" is an exhibition of some of the artwork the Artist Within owners Bob and Vicki Hartley have collected over the years. There will be an opening reception during First Thursday.

Through August 28 - Muncie Children's Museum - Summer Storytime. Included with admission. Join the MCM educators every Tuesday and Thursday, at 1:00 p.m., for Summer Storytime in the Book Nook! Pre-registration is not required.

Through August 31 - Recording History: The Grand Pianos and Diverse Sounds of Starr Gennett at Minnetrista. Visit www.minnetrista.net for info.

Through Sept. 7 - Wild Music: Sounds & Songs of Life at Minnetrista, May 31 - September 7. Visit www.minnetrista.net for info.

Through October - Minnetrista Farmers Market meets every Wednesday evening from 4pm until sold out, and every Saturday morning from 8am to noon. Featuring vegetables, fruits, flowers, eggs, honey, baked goods, meat, cheese and much more.

LOOKING AHEAD...

September 5 - Freaky Tiki Friday food, drink and live music from Mike Martin & Friends. Starts at 5pm in the parking lot next to the Blue Bottle.

Tag Sale for Tutus at Muncie Ribfest

kpaul.mallasch — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 09:22:12 -0700

MUNCIE, IN - Do you have too many tiaras, tutus or tea dresses in your closet? Muncie Ballet will host a fundraiser "Tag Sale for Tutus" during RibFest August 2nd & 3rd, downtown Muncie.

You can help by donating, gently used dance wear, costumes, dance shoes, dance themed items and pretty dresses.
Please bring your donation to Mr. Super Rent Equipment on the corner of Centennial and Wheeling, 1631 N. Wheeling Ave. Muncie, IN 47303 before Friday August 1.

Coalition, Iraqi Forces Kill Six, Detain 17

kpaul.mallasch — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 13:43:10 -0700

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, DC - Coalition and Iraqi forces killed six enemy fighters and detained 17 suspected terrorists during recent operations in Iraq, military officials said.

Today in Baghdad and Mosul, Coalition forces captured 10 suspected terrorists during separate operations..

U.S. troops in Mosul detained an alleged al-Qaida leader and two other suspects. The suspected leader is believed to be a senior advisor to a terrorist network there, and “is believed to conspire with other terrorist leaders to conduct attacks and impose extremist ideals” on the citizens there, officials said.

Coalition forces detained six suspected terrorists in Baghdad. The individuals allegedly worked with an extremist group in support of al-Qaida’s propaganda network, officials said.

In operations yesterday:

-- U.S. and Iraqi forces killed six Iranian-backed “special groups” members and detained two suspected members during operations in Baghdad. Iraqi forces captured the individuals in Sadr City before moving to a location suspected of housing weapons in the New Baghdad district. The Iraqi troops came under attack, but killed two enemy fighters immediately. They came under attack a second time, receiving gunfire from a nearby building. Coalition aircraft arrived and fired missiles, causing much damage to the building, but the insurgents maintained their attack. Iraqis forces eventually killed four more insurgents, officials said.

-- Coalition forces arrested one individual for his alleged association with the Hezbolla Brigade, which officials said “is an offshoot of Iranian-trained special groups.” The suspect is believed to be a propaganda expert responsible for uploading to the Internet videos and images from insurgent attacks on coalition forces, officials said.

-- Iraqi soldiers discovered a weapons cache in Sadr City during a security patrol. They found 15 rocket-propelled grenades with four chargers, a mortar tube with base, a semi-automatic machine gun and more than 300 machine-gun rounds, officials said. Throughout the past 60 days in Sadr City, Iraq forces have confiscated more than 230 weapons and munitions caches, including more than 1,000 various artillery rounds and rockets as well as 280 homemade bombs and bomb-making materials, officials said.

-- U.S. troops and Iraqi police found six explosive devices specifically designed to pierce armor-hulled vehicles, four rocket-propelled grenades, an artillery round and a homemade bomb in New Baghdad.

In operations July 19:

-- U.S. soldiers detained one known and two suspected terrorists during operations in Baghdad’s Rashid district.

-- Coalition forces captured two men in Baghdad suspected of associating with a bombing cell in northern Baghdad.

-- U.S. troops and Iraqi police discovered a rocket, a block of bulk explosives and numerous amounts of bomb-making materials during operations in Baghdad.

Source: US Department of Defense - Compiled from Multinational Force Iraq and Multinational Corps Iraq news releases.

Dance Season Starts Soon

kpaul.mallasch — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 13:28:13 -0700

By Lisa Love

Our dance season is almost ready to start!

I hope I will see some of you at Valery Lantrotov's master class on July 27th or the Ball State Dance Camp in early August. I know many families are getting the last of summer vacations taken care of.. I hope all are safe and relaxing. Come back ready to dance!

A pointe shoe trip will be made on August 9t to Indianapolis.. Please call or email if you would like to join me.

A local visit to Hot Toes on Wheeling will be made on August 23rd. If you need tights, soft ballet shoes or just want to join us for an afternoon. Please let me know if you would like to participate in this as well, so I can let Mary at Hot Toes know how many to expect.

Our rehearsal schedule and performance schedule will be available soon. Twice a week dance classes begin Tuesday, August 12th. Pre-Pointe 5:00-6:30 and Pointe 6:00-6:30. Twice a week students : - Please plan on keeping most Saturday afternoons from 12-2 available in October and November.

Once a week dance classes begin September 8th. If you would like to join the twice a week class please email or call me. I would love to see you join us. Class schedule Please email me with the class you plan on attending. Thank you.

PreK Monday 6:30-7:15 Tuesday 4:00-5:00 Saturday 11-11:45

K-1 Thursday 4:00-5:00 Saturday 10-11 Grade 1-3 Monday 4:30-6:30 Saturday 9:00-10:00

Grade 3-6 Monday 5:30-6:30 Saturday 9:00-10:00

Adults Thursday 7:30-8:30

Saturday rehearsals for once a week students will not begin until late October and will be for 6 weeks. We have some wonderful opportunities available this season - I can't wait to share them with you! Please call or email with any questions.

Lisa Love

765-282-1480 studio

Timeline for Iraq Drawdown Would Be Dangerous, Mullen Says

kpaul.mallasch — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 20:50:09 -0700

By Fred W. Baker III
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, DC - Setting a timeline for U.S. troop withdrawals from Iraq would be “dangerous,” and troop reductions there should continue to be made based on security conditions on the ground, the nation’s top military officer said today.

President Bush and Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki this week agreed to set a general “time horizon" for bringing more U.S. troops home from the war, Navy Adm. Mike Mullen said in an interview on “Fox News Sunday,” but he added that to his knowledge, the agreement does not include specific dates. “I think the consequences could be very dangerous in that regard,” he said.

The admiral stressed his view that troop-strength decisions must be conditions-based, but said he wants to see more U.S. forces come home. “I think the strategic goals of having timed horizons are ones that we all seek,” he said, “because eventually we would like to see U.S. forces draw down and eventually all come home,” he said.

Though he said he worries that a “rapid” movement of U.S. forces out of Iraq could create instability, Mullen said he found during a trip there two weeks ago that security conditions were better than he expected they would be, and that could mean more troops can come home if the trend continues.

“If conditions continue to improve, I would look to be able to make recommendations to President Bush in the fall to continue those reductions,” Mullen said.

With the return home this month of the last “surge” brigade, commanders will spend the next several weeks assessing post-surge conditions in Iraq, including political and economic progress, before making their recommendations concerning future troop levels.

“We’re engaged very much right now with the Iraqi people,” Mullen said. “The Iraqi leadership is starting to generate the kind of political progress that we need to make, [and] the economy is starting to move in the right direction.”

The admiral said he doesn’t know if that means more troops could be home by the end of this administration in January. Logistics and other security details would factor into that, he explained.

“There is a physical challenge with respect to moving troops around,” he said. “You just can’t do it overnight.”

Asked about recent struggles in Afghanistan, Mullen said safe havens across the border in Pakistan are allowing extremist groups free movement into the region.

“[It] is big challenge for all of us, and it’s having an impact on our ability to move forward in Afghanistan,” he said.

A “syndication” of various extremist and terrorist groups in the region is creating a more intense internal threat, the chairman said, and recent attacks have become more serious and sophisticated, such as the attack last week on an outpost in which nine U.S. soldiers were killed. However, he said, commanders on the ground say that forces are making progress and moving into villages and territories previously out of reach.

Mullen acknowledged that progress has been mixed, but he said he is “not concerned at all that we are losing at all in Afghanistan.”

Concerning Iran, Mullen said he is “encouraged” by talks between Iran and the European Union yesterday in Geneva, Switzerland, and that the international community needs to continue its pressure on Iran’s nuclear weapons development program.

“I fundamentally believe that they are on a path to achieve nuclear weapons in the future,” he said. “I think that’s a very destabilizing possibility in that part of the world. We don’t need any more instability in that part of the world.”

Source: US Department of Defense

Coalition Air Strikes Kill Enemy Fighters in Afghanistan

kpaul.mallasch — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 20:48:40 -0700

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, DC - An undetermined number of enemy fighters were killed today in separate air strikes in Afghanistan, with one of the engagements prompting an investigation into reports that Afghan National Police officers were killed.

Combined Joint Task Force 101 officials said they’ve launched an investigation into an incident in which a combined U.S.-Afghan patrol came under attack by a “non-uniformed hostile force” early this morning in the Ana Dara district of western Afghanistan’s Farah province.

The combined patrol signaled their status as coalition forces, but continued to receive fire, officials said. Coalition forces then returned small-arms fire and engaged the attackers with precision close-air support. The Afghan government claims Afghan National Police officers -- one report says four and another report says nine -- were killed in the engagement, a CJTF 101 spokesman said.

In a separate Farah province incident early today, coalition forces called in air strikes to kill several enemy fighters. An exact number of enemy fighters killed was not available.

One of the militants targeted in the air strikes was an area weapons facilitator, and no civilians or coalition forces were injured in the engagement, officials said.

In other news from Afghanistan, security forces killed an undisclosed number of enemy fighters and detained more than a dozen during July 18 operations in Kandahar province, officials said. A large cache of artillery rounds, grenade fuses, and small-arms ammunition was recovered during the operation.

In operations last week, a team of Afghan National Army commandos and U.S. special operations forces freed a kidnapped man July 17 after finding him shackled near a Taliban jail in the village of Parmakan in western Afghanistan’s Herat province. The troops were searching a compound where a Taliban commander was known to have been when they discovered the jail. Local citizens said the Taliban routinely take hostages from the villages and demand a ransom for their release.

Source: US Department of Defense - Compiled from Combined Joint Task Force 101 news releases.

Coalition Forces in Iraq Kill Enemy Fighter, Detain Suspects

kpaul.mallasch — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 20:46:13 -0700

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, DC - Coalition forces in Iraq killed an enemy fighter, detained dozens of terrorism suspects and seized illegal weapons stockpiles in operations over the last few days, military officials reported.

In operations today:

-- In Beiji, south of Mosul, forces captured a suspected an al-Qaida in Iraq operative. During the operation, the target was injured, and another suspect was killed. Another suspect was detained.

-- Two other operations in Beiji targeted al-Qaida in Iraq leaders and netted four suspected terrorists.

-- In Baghdad, forces captured two alleged al-Qaida in Iraq leaders wanted for kidnappings and attacks against civilians and security forces. Two others were detained in the operations.

-- Also in Baghdad, forces detained two suspects in an extremist group that reportedly has been helping al-Qaida in Iraq's propaganda network.

--In Mosul, coalition forces detained three terrorism suspects.

In operations yesterday:

-- Soldiers in Baghdad detained a suspected criminal in the Saydiyah neighborhood and two suspected terrorists during an operation in the Zubaida neighborhood.

-- Operations in Anbar province netted two suspected terrorists.

-- Soldiers seized a handful of weapons caches in Baghdad. Soldiers recovered 56 AK-47s, two SKS rifles and two pistols in the West Rashid district of Baghdad. Soldiers also found a cache containing 10 AK-47s in an abandoned house in West Rashid. Soldiers found a cache northwest of Baghdad that held four 57 mm rockets, a rocket-propelled grenade launcher and two 155 mm mortar rounds. Soldiers recovered a cache in the Kadamiyah district of Baghdad that included three RPG launchers, five rocket boosters, two homemade improvised explosive device tubes and four RPG rounds.

In operations July 18:

-- Troops in Karmah, west of Baghdad, captured a man wanted for attacks against Iraqi civilians and security forces.

-- Coalition forces captured a wanted man in Sharqat, south of Mosul. The suspect is believed to be behind suicide bombings in the area, officials said.

-- Sixteen suspects were nabbed in a sweep of an area near Mosul. Forces also recovered an anti-aircraft weapon, ammunition and a cache of homemade explosives.

-- Soldiers detained a man whom officials called a highly sought-after suspect in Taji, northwest of Baghdad. The suspect is accused of supporting the insurgency by supplying intelligence reports.

-- Iraqi security forces detained two suspected al-Qaida in Iraq cell members and three suspected members of Iranian-backed groups in operations around central Iraq. The suspects are believed to be involved in murder, kidnapping, extortion, mortar attacks and bombings against Iraqi and coalition forces.

-- Soldiers north of Baghdad recovered a weapons cache that held a 122 mm artillery round, a 105 mm artillery round and three 57 mm projectile rounds.

-- In the Saydiyah community of southeastern Baghdad, soldiers recovered an anti-tank mine.

-- U.S. soldiers rescued five Iraqi National Police officers from the rooftop of a burning building at a joint security station in eastern Baghdad. A medical evacuation helicopter crew evacuated the trapped policemen and transported them to a combat support hospital for treatment.

Source: US Department of Defence - Compiled from Multinational Force Iraq and Multinational Corps Iraq news releases.

Bicycle tour grows with greenway.

kpaul.mallasch — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 20:34:00 -0700

MUNCIE, IN - Mark your calendar for July 26th and the 8th annual Great Greenway Tour bicycle ride. The ride was started as a way to promote the Cardinal Greenway. The greenway has expanded in the past few years and organizers have seen the tour grow as well. Each year more cyclists turn out to experience Indiana’s longest paved rail-trail. The 12 foot wide smooth paved surface travels through a mostly rural area in East Central Indiana.

Even the name has grown to recognize the sponsorship of the tour this year. It is now the Midwest Health Strategies Great Greenway Tour. The Delaware Cycling Club and Anderson’s Spoke and Wheel club have teamed up with the rehabilitation service as well as the Muncie Sanitary District to promote healthy, clean and fun activities such as bicycling.

“The tour is a good fit with the governor’s push to expand the state’s trails,” said Delaware Cycling Club President Mark Lohmar. He went on to say, “The GGT plays an important role in raising funds for maintenance of the trail.”

There will be distances for all ages and ability levels including seven routes from 20 miles to the 114 mile “see-it-all” tour. Kirk’s Bike Shop will be on hand to make sure your bike is ready and T-Shirts commemorating the ride are also available. Registered riders will be treated to lunch, and home-made cookies at rest stops along the way. The family-friendly ride is free to cyclists 17 years old and under when they ride with an adult.

All routes begin and end at the Wysor Street Depot in downtown Muncie. On-site registration starts at 7 am. Registration for the ride is $20 and forms can be found online at http://www.greatgreenwaytour.org/

Engineering Firm to Expand Its Headquarters, Development Center in Indianapolis

kpaul.mallasch — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 20:03:22 -0700

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - High-tech equipment designer Jarrett Engineering announced on Friday, July 28, it will expand its headquarters and engineering center here, creating nearly 40 new jobs by 2012.

The company, which designs advanced manufacturing equipment and processes for manufacturers in the automotive, aerospace and pharmaceuticals industries, will invest more than $1.3 million to expand its engineering services and headquarters into an adjacent 7,000 square-feet of existing space at its 1011 North Pennsylvania Avenue facility.

"Jarrett Engineering is creating the kinds of high-tech jobs that contribute to our economic comeback. We're glad to see the company continuing to grow and investing in Indiana," said Governor Mitch Daniels.

Founded in 1962, Jarrett Engineering currently employs 40 associates at its downtown offices and will begin hiring additional design and engineering associates this summer to accommodate an increase in demand.

"In partnering with the IEDC, and being made aware of the opportunities available through them, Jarrett Engineering can continue our support of manufacturing and advance the field of mechanical engineering and design in this area," said Gregory Day, owner of Jarrett Engineering.

The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered Jarrett Engineering up to $165,000 in performance-based tax credits and $60,000 in training grants based on the company's job creation plans. The City of Indianapolis will consider property tax abatement at the request of Indianapolis Economic Development Inc.

"This is another great announcement for the City of Indianapolis as we work to bring high-tech, high-paying jobs to Marion County," said Mayor Greg Ballard. "This is one more sign that Indianapolis is open for business and a great environment to create jobs."

Indiana's manufacturing industry was rated sixth in the nation and given an overall "A" grade, the highest ranking in the Midwest, according to Conexus Indiana's 2008 National Manufacturing and Logistics Report Card,. The report concluded that Indiana's manufacturing and logistics industries are "healthy vibrant and growing."

Source: IEDC Press Release

Muncie Mayor Appoints Members to Committee

kpaul.mallasch — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 15:08:43 -0700

MUNCIE, IN - Mayor Sharon McShurley has appointed members to the reorganization committee established when resolutions
were passed by Muncie Common Council and Delaware County Council this year. Per Indiana Code 36-1.5-4-16 ".three members shall be appointed
by the executive of each political subdivision participating in the reorganization. Not more than two of the members appointed by an executive of a political subdivision may be members of the same political party."

Gary Addison, a retired Muncie Community School teacher; James (Jim) Gooden, a long-time citizen activist who has served the Muncie community
on various boards and commissions; and Dr. D. Eric Kelly, Professor, Department of Urban Planning, Ball State University have agreed to serve
as the city's representatives. "I am delighted at the enthusiasm these individuals have expressed to me about the chance to serve the City of Muncie in this capacity. The City of Muncie and Delaware County have an opportunity to shine, not only in the state, but nationally, as we advance toward modernizing our governmental bodies. I have asked Gary, Jim, and Eric to become familiar with the Kernan-Shepard Report and Indiana Code 36-1.5-4 and encouraged them consider this as an opportunity to create a model for the rest of the state to follow," stated Mayor McShurley.

"The Muncie Common Council and the Delaware County Council should also be recognized and thanked by the citizens they represent as this move was not only progressive for all of us but the for the State of Indiana," added Mayor McShurley.

Source: Mayor's Office

Muncie RibFest 2008 Schedule and Entertainment Lineup Announced

kpaul.mallasch — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 20:28:22 -0700

RibFest returns to Walnut Street in Historic Downtown Muncie Indiana on Saturday, August 2nd from noon to 10:00pm and Sunday, August 3rd, from 11:00am to 4pm.

This summer celebration continues to be one of Muncie's favorite Downtown events. 5,000 people who love to eat, two days, fabulous entertainment and great partners promise to make RibFest 2008 something you won't want to miss!

Admission $5.00, kids 10- and under free.

* For more info or to be a vendor CLICK HERE or please call: Cheryl Crowder @ 282-7897
* Sponsored by: Downtown Development Partnership, Muncie Sanitary District, Sam Pierce Chevrolet, WLBC, MAX and WERK

RIBFEST 2008 FEATURES:
* Kids activities, rock wall, inflatable games, games with prizes, and The Pumpkin Vine Express Train, sponsored by The Fickle Peach!
* 20 of Indiana's finest food Vendors...mmmmm... Finger Licking Good RIBS!
* Beer Gardens
* Arts and Craft Vendors
* Not-for Profit and Information Booths

22 fabulous bands on three stages!
Saturday evening Headliner: Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band

Classic, Hot Rod and Custom Cruise-In
Sponsored by Toys Forever Models and Hobbies
August 2- 6pm-10pm
August 3- 1pm-5pm

Entertainment Lineup for Saturday August 2nd Noon-10pm:

FM Music Stage
12-12:45- Nathan Fox Trio
1-1:45- Muncie Central Jazz Ensemble
2-2:45- 67 South Band
3-3:45- Nyx Redemption
4-4:45- Ruined for Life
5-5:45- Mike Martin Band
6-6:45-Mike Feeney
7-7:45-The Buzz
8-8:45-Chet O'Keefe and the Farmers Co-op
9-10:00- James Brown Car Alarm

Sam Piece Chevrolet Stage
12:30-1:15- Smoking Guns
1:30-2:15- Ryan Caudill and the Country Krossroads
3:00-3:45- Mud Eye Joe
4:00-4:45- The Spitshine
5:00-5:45- Joan Hamilton Band
6:00-6:45- Pray for Mojo
7:00-7:45- Dave Helms Band
8:15-10:00- Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band

Muncie Music Center Stage
12:15-1:15- Gordon Brook
1:30- 2:30- John Allen
2:45-4:00- Doc Peterson, Simmons and Dunn
4-4:45- Ancient Arts Dance Studio Belly Dancers
5:00-10:00- Dr. Feel Good Karaoke Contest- Elimination Round
Sponsored by Pete's Duck Inn, Texas Roadhouse, Oasis and Hinee's

Entertainment Lineup for Sunday August 3rd- 11am-4pm:

Sam Pierce Stage
11:15-12:15- Blues Funk Project
12:30-1:30- Morgan and Jason Duet
1:45-2:45- Jarheads
3:00-4:00- We're History Now

FM Music Stage
Final Rounds of Dr. Feel Good Karaoke Contest- Sponsored by Pete's Duck Inn, Texas Roadhouse, Oasis and Hinee's
$300 first prize
11-12 open karaoke 12- 4 Finals

Motorcycle Show
Sponsored by Delaware County ABATE
11-4pm

Source: MuncieDowntown.com

Early Morning Fire at Plastech in Elwood, Indiana

kpaul.mallasch — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 12:47:30 -0700

By Al Jordan

ELWOOD, IN - It was reported on the scanner that Plastech caught on fire early this morning (July 14,2008) a little after 7 a.m. At the writing of this article, the plant is still burning so please stay away from the area and give the departments the room they need to fight it. Thanks.

UPDATE: 9:12 am - It was just called in on the scanner from Chief of Police Jack Miller that it is going to be an all day event. He has also asked the Mayor to declare a State of Emergency. The Mayor is headed to the scene. Again, Please stay away from the area!

UPDATE: 10:05 am - Several Firetrucks from different cities are lining up down State road 37 to keep the flow of water going. I added more Pics below.

More information and photos at Elwoodindiana.org

Coalition Forces in Iraq Detain Five Suspected al-Qaida Terrorists

kpaul.mallasch — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 09:42:19 -0700

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, DC – Coalition forces in Iraq detained five suspected al-Qaida terrorists during operations in Mosul and the Tigris River Valley today, military officials said.

In Mosul, coalition forces detained three suspects while pursuing al-Qaida operatives responsible for attacks on security forces. Coalition forces found weapons and grenades, which they safely disabled.

North of Baghdad, coalition forces in Samarra detained two suspects while targeting al-Qaida in Iraq members who facilitate the movement of foreign terrorists into the country.

Yesterday, Iraqi and U.S. soldiers seized weapons during operations throughout Baghdad. U.S. soldiers confiscated two roadside bombs designed to pierce armor-hulled vehicles in the New Baghdad district. Iraq soldiers seized two 81 mm mortar rounds and four propane storage tanks in the city’s West Rashid district.

Military officials in Baghdad also provided details of several July 12 operations:

Iraqi special weapons and tactics teams detained two suspected members of Iranian-backed “special groups” in separate operations in central Iraq.

In Hillah, Iraqi SWAT personnel captured a suspected special groups member linked to weapons smuggling and attacks against Iraqi and coalition forces. The detainee also is linked to a June attack on the Hillah U.S. Regional Embassy Office.

In Kut, Iraqi SWAT officers detained a suspected special groups leader on charges of terrorism. The suspect is said to be a member of a weapons-smuggling cell known for storing and distributing armor-piercing bombs, and he also is linked to attacks on U.S. and Iraqi security forces.

Iraqi police and U.S. soldiers found two vehicle bombs and detained six suspects during an operation east of Balad.

U.S. soldiers detained three terrorist suspects in eastern Baghdad. One of the detainees is a suspected special groups member linked to kidnappings, murder and extortion of local Iraqis, as well as roadside-bomb attacks against U.S. soldiers.

U.S. soldiers seized two weapons caches in Baghdad. After being tipped off by members of the local “Sons of Iraq” citizen security group, U.S. soldiers confiscated a rocket-propelled-grenade launcher, homemade explosives, bomb-making materials, and a cell phone in Baghdad’s East Rashid sector. Later, U.S. soldiers found an armor-piercing bomb in an abandoned house in West Rashid.

Source: US Department of Defense - compiled from Multinational Force Iraq and Multinational Corps Iraq news releases.

Dozens of Militants Killed, Four Detained During Operations in Afghanistan

kpaul.mallasch — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 09:39:22 -0700

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, DC - At least 40 insurgents during an ongoing operation in Afghanistan’s Helmand province Saturday, military officials said.

The fight began when insurgent forces attacked an Afghan and coalition security patrol yesterday in Sangin district. From multiple concealed and fortified positions, the insurgents used small-arms fire and rocket-propelled grenades. The ensuing fight led the combined forces to return fire and call for precision air strikes.

The friendly forces destroyed four insurgent fortified fighting positions, two bunkers, two trench lines, one improvised-explosive-device site, and more than 30 enemy boats, officials said.

Elsewhere, Afghan and coalition forces killed several insurgents while conducting a security patrol in the Shaheed Hasas district in Oruzgan province.

The combined forces noticed several armed militants moving into a fighting position. The militants attacked the patrol with small-arms fire, officials said. The combined forces responded with small-arms fire, killing several insurgents.

No Afghan, coalition or civilian casualties were reported, officials said.

In July 10 operations, four militants were detained during a coalition operation in Ghazni province.

Also July 10, coalition forces searched several compounds in the Andar district targeting a militant involved in transporting foreign fighters in the area. During their search, forces discovered a trap door under which three militants and a child were hiding. The three militants were detained, while the child was returned unharmed to the care of his mother, officials said. A fourth militant was detained during the course of the operation.

(Compiled from Combined Joint Task Force 101 news releases.)

Ball State University students and Industry Professionals Collaborate on feature film

kpaul.mallasch — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 21:45:55 -0700

MUNCIE, IN - Indiana will be home to industry professionals from across the nation as they begin filming “My Name Is Jerry” on July 15, 2008.

Unprecedented in scope, the production breaks new ground in movie-making by utilizing university funding for a professionally-produced commercial film written of the course of three years by industry professionals.

Directed by Ball State graduate Morgan Mead, the film is produced by Clothespin Films in partnership with The Institute for Digital Entertainment and Education, The College of Fine Arts, and Ball State University.

The story follows Jerry (Pan's Labyrinth's Doug Jones), a forty-something door-to-door book salesman, who is used to having doors shut in his face. However, a chance meeting with Trisha, engaging young punk rocker, opens the door into a new world.

Members of the distinguished cast include Catherine Hicks (Annie Camden on “7th Heaven”) as Dana, Don Stark (Bob Pinciotti on “That 70’s Show) as David, and Allison Scagliotti (Mindy Crenshaw on “Drake &Josh”).

The movie is set to be released in 2009.

“My Name Is Jerry” is a student and industry professional collaborate effort in partnership with The Institute for Digital Entertainment and Education, The College of Fine Arts, and Ball State University.

For more information about the movie, visit any of these sites:

http://www.mynameisjerry.com
The official blog: http://www.mynameisjerry.com/blog/
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/mynameisjerrymovie
IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0889146/maindetails
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/My-Name-is-Jerry/14595826033
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/mynameisjerrymovie

July 4th Holiday Traffic Statistics

kpaul.mallasch — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 07:27:57 -0700

PENDLETON, IN - The Indiana State Police Automated Reported Information and Exchange System (ARIES) has compiled the below statistics from the recent July 4th holiday travel period. Due to the short time frame after the holiday period ended this collision data may be subject to change.

July 4th Holiday Statistics

2008

July 3-July 7 84 Hours 928 Crashes 317 Injured 2 Fatalities

2007

June 29-July 5 132 Hours 2,503 Crashes 808 Injured 13 Fatalities

Media Note- When comparing holiday periods from 2007 and 2008 please consider the difference in the number of hours included in the holiday period for each year. As noted above 2007 had a much longer counting period in terms of hours than in 2008.

There were no fatalities reported in the Pendleton District which includes Hamilton, Hancock, and Madison counties during the counting period.

Downtown Muncie Newsletter

kpaul.mallasch — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 14:39:23 -0700

Unknown Hinson, the King of Country & Western Troubadours, is playing a showdate at Doc's Music Hall in Downtown Muncie on Friday July 11th. This is a can't-miss show for all guitar aficionados and fans of good schlocky psychobilly fun. I saw him at a New Year's Eve gig in Kentucky, and again last Thursday at Radio Radio in Indianapolis. While his "rackerds" are pure sappy countrypolitan circa 1972, and though he insists that "rowk & roll is straight from hay-ell," that's exactly what you'll get at his showdate concerts. Hay-ell raising rowk. Wooow! [BANG] Check out the story of Unknown Hinson here, then git down to Doc's and buy your tickets to tomorrow's show! -- carey @ munciedowntown.com

It's Faerie time of year again at Minnetrista and Oakhurst Gardens! Faeries, Sprites and Lights return on Friday and Saturday. Read more...

Today is the last day for the BSU orientation parent tours of Downtown Muncie. Many thanks to everyone involved at Ball State, Downtown Development and Muncie Visitor's Bureau, and extra thanks to all the downtown businesses, volunteers and tour guides who helped contribute to the success of this year's tours. In its third year, the tour program continues to be well received by the parents. Good job, everyone!

JULY EVENTS

July 11th - Muncie Civic Theatre is presenting The Servant of Two Masters at Main Street Studio, 222 E. Main St., on Friday, July 11 at 8pm. Call 288-PLAY.

11th - Muncie Children's Museum - Friends and Family Fun Night. Admission is free. The theme for July's Friends and Family Fun Night will be celebrating All American Pet Photo Day. Bring a picture of your pet to the Museum to be entered into the Cutest Pet and Most Unique Pet Contests. Decorate a frame for your pet's picture, play animal bingo and meet the pets of the Museum. Underwriting for this event is provided by the Edmund F. & Virginia B. Ball Foundation.

July 11th - Freaky Tiki Friday food, drink and live music from The Last Domino. Starts at 5pm in the parking lot next to the Blue Bottle.

July 11th - Free Friday Night Movie - "Hairspray" begins at dusk in the 400 block of South WWalnut Street.

July 11th - Unknown Hinson, "King of Country & Western Troubadours," at Doc's Music Hall. www.unknownhinson.com.

July 11 - Faeries, Sprites & Lights: "Faerie Jam" at Minnetrista's Oakhurst Gardens from 6 to 9pm. Join us for the magic and excitement as we learn how faeries sing, dance, party, and play!

July 12 - Faeries, Sprites & Lights: "Faerie Jam" at Minnetrista's Oakhurst Gardens from 6 to 9pm. Join us for the magic and excitement as we learn how faeries sing, dance, party, and play!

July 14-18th - Summer Art Camps for 9-12 year olds Clay Camp, 9am-noon at the Artist Within. Contact the Art Mart at 284-2919 or the Artist Within at 289-7895 for more information or to enroll in camp.

July 14-18 - Camp Minnetrista 2008. Your child will engage in days of fun, learning and discovery this summer at Camp Minnetrista! Choose from two week-long sessions in July, or attend both. Visit www.minnetrista.net/camp or contact us at (765) 282-4848.

July 15th - Anny Delk, fiber artist and member of ArtWorks Gallery will be giving a class on making a COPTIC STITCH HANDMADE JOURNAL on July 15th, from 6 to 8pm at Artworks, 301 S. Walnut St.

July 15th - Stan Hodge, a Master Gardener and Greenway Volunteer, will give a presentation on the more than 100 different types of wildflowers that can be found along the Cardinal Greenway at the Historic Wysor Street Depot, 7pm.

July 16th - PBS Program Club at Minnetrista,2 p.m. - 4 p.m. Watch and discuss this informative PBS production about Winston Churchill. Price: Free, registration requested.

July 18th - Freaky Tiki Friday food, drink and live music from The Easy Leis. Starts at 5pm in the parking lot next to the Blue Bottle.

July 18 - Free Friday Night Movie - "Surf's Up" begins at dusk in the 400 block of South Walnut Street.

July 19th - Show & Tell: Interpreting Music at Minnetrista, 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. Music is more than notes on paper or the sounds we hear. See how music can be interpreted visually. Don't forget to explore the Wild Music exhibit to learn more about music! Price: Included with paid admission

July 21-25th - Blast Off: A Trip to the Sky Summer Camp at Muncie Childrens Museum. Call the museum for details 286-1660.

July 21-25th - Camp Minnetrista 2008. Your child will engage in days of fun, learning and discovery this summer at Camp Minnetrista! Choose from two week-long sessions in July, or attend both. Visit www.minnetrista.net/camp or contact us at (765) 282-4848.

July 25th - Freaky Tiki Friday food, drink and live music from Doc's Americana. Starts at 5pm in the parking lot next to the Blue Bottle.

July 25 - Free Friday Night Movie - "Daddy Day Camp" begins at dusk in the 400 block of South Walnut Street.

July 25 - David Allan Coe returns to Doc's Music Hall. 21+ Visit www.docsmusichall.com for info.

July 26 - Muncie Children's Museum - Free Family Saturday. Free admission from 10 am to 5 pm. July Ongoing - Muncie Children's Museum - Make 'n Take. Included with admission. Come to the MCM every Wednesday and Friday, at 1:00 p.m., to take part in innovative and fun crafts in the Museum's Make 'n Take! Pre-registration is not required.

July 26 - Wild Songs of Summer at Minnetrista, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Special guest Brian Cunningham, Education Manager of Wild Birds Unlimited, will help us explore the wild sounds of our feathered friends and other sounds in nature. Registration deadline: Mon., July 21.

July 30th - Muncie Downtown Business Council meets at 3:00pm in the Star Press building conference room. Mayor Sharon McShurley is expected to address the group about downtown Muncie.

JULY ONGOING

Through July 10th - Guided tours of Downtown Muncie for the parents of BSU orientation students, Tuesdays through Thursdays, from 10:30 to 11:50am.

Through July 15th - Art gallery at Cornerstone features "Artwork of a Muncie Youth" by David Freeman, winner of the 2nd Annual Cornerstone Art Show.

Through July - Artwork by Eric Ernstberger will be on exhibit at Blue Bottle Coffee Shop in July. If you have artwork you'd like to be displayed at Blue Bottle, please contact Lelly at 284-3630.

Through July - Artist Within will feature the photography of Brad Ayers in an encore exhibit, "Pushing Reality" with an artists' reception Thursday July 3rd from 5-8pm.

Through July - "Woman As Vessel," a new exhibition by artist Kimberly Anderson, will be on display at Artworks through July 31st. An opening reception will be from 5 to 8pm during First Thursday July 3rd.

Through July - Gallery 308 will have its annual Members' Show in July, with an opening reception during First Thursday downtown, July 3rd. The opening reception is from 5 to 7 p.m. Admission is free and refreshments are provided. The 2008 Members' Show will be on view through the end of July.

Through July - Gordy Fine Art and Framing exhibit: twelve members of the Indiana Plein Air Painters Association will be on exhibit. Opening reception on June 5th 5-8pm

Through July - Muncie Children's Museum - Make 'n Take. Included with admission. Come to the MCM every Wednesday and Friday, at 1:00 p.m., to take part in innovative and fun crafts in the Museum's Make 'n Take! Pre-registration is not required.

Through-Aug. 7th - Cornerstone Center for the Arts classes for youth and adults run June 16th-August 7th. This summer, more than 50 classes are offered in a variety of categories, such as dance, language, visual arts, music, Kindermusik, theater, and writing. Visit www.cornerstonearts.org.

Through August 31 - Recording History: The Grand Pianos and Diverse Sounds of Starr Gennett at Minnetrista. Visit www.minnetrista.net for info.

Through Sept. 7 - Wild Music: Sounds & Songs of Life at Minnetrista, May 31 - September 7. Visit www.minnetrista.net for info.

Every Monday - Jazz at the Fickle Peach features Ralph Johnson on drums, Paul Rhine on double-bass and flute, and Phil Cooley on Piano. They perform every Monday night from 9 to 11.

Daily at Minnetrista--Historical House Tours at 11, 1 and 3pm

Daily at Minnetrista--The Minnetrista Story 2pm

Daily at Minnetrista--Nature & Garden Fun at 4pm

LOOKING AHEAD...

August 1 - Summer Stage Fest at Minnetrista, featuring Oklahoma!, presented by Muncie Civic Theatre (Free Admission).

August 1 - Freaky Tiki Friday food, drink and live music from Walden Song. Starts at 5pm in the parking lot next to the Blue Bottle.

August 1 - Free Friday Night Movie - "Transformers" begins at dusk in the 400 block of South Walnut Street.

August 8 - Freaky Tiki Friday food, drink and live music from the Easy Leis and Tim VanCleave Trio. Starts at 5pm in the parking lot next to the Blue Bottle.

August 8 - Free Friday Night Movie - "Spiderman 3" begins at dusk in the 400 block of South Walnut Street.

August 15th - Freaky Tiki Friday food, drink and live music from The Joan Hamilton Band. Starts at 5pm in the parking lot next to the Blue Bottle.

August 15 - Free Friday Night Movie - "Underdog" begins at dusk in the 400 block of South Walnut Street.

August 22nd - Freaky Tiki Friday food, drink and live music from Losing September w/ Looking for Chairs. Starts at 5pm in the parking lot next to the Blue Bottle.

August 22 - Free Friday Night Movie - "Shrek the Third" begins at dusk in the 400 block of South Walnut Street.

August 27 - Summer Stage Fest at Minnetrista, Pops Concert, featuring Muncie Symphony Orchestra (Free Admission)

August 29th- Freaky Tiki Friday food, drink and live music from Ruined for Life. Starts at 5pm in the parking lot next to the Blue Bottle.

August 29th - Free Friday Night Movie - "The Game Plan" begins at dusk in the 400 block of South Walnut Street. ]

September 5 - Freaky Tiki Friday food, drink and live music from Mike Martin & Friends. Starts at 5pm in the parking lot next to the Blue Bottle.

Designed by C Hays for MuncieDowntown.com

State Police Investigate Shooting on Interstate 69

kpaul.mallasch — Sun, 6 Jul 2008 09:58:58 -0700

Pendleton (Madison County) - Early Sunday morning, at approximately 2:10 a.m., Indiana State Police Trooper Kendrick Donald responded to Interstate 69 south bound just south of the Pendleton exit after receiving reports of shots fired. Preliminary investigation has revealed D’Angelo Brown, 18, Indianapolis was southbound on Interstate 69 in a Dodge Avenger passenger car when a vehicle pulled beside his vehicle. Several rounds were fired from the suspect vehicle into the victim’s vehicle striking the front seat passenger and rear seat passenger. It was reported that a black vehicle then left the scene at a high rate of speed.

The two passengers in the Dodge Avenger that were shot were lifelined to Methodist hospital. The driver was not injured. Indiana State Trooper Jason Girt later stopped a black vehicle near the Fishers exit containing four black males. They have been transported to the Pendleton Post where they are being interviewed at this time.

Injured

Kinnie McGraw, 22, Indianapolis, Indiana (Back Seat Passenger)
Chris Middlebrook, 20, Indianapolis, Indiana (Front Seat Passenger)

This is ongoing investigation.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call the Indiana State Police Post at Pendleton at (800) 527-4752.

Investigating Officer: Detective Mike Minnicus

Assisting Officers/Assisting Departments: State Police F/Sgt. John Richards, State Police Detective Bob May, Trooper Kendrick Donald, Trooper Jason Girt, F/Sgt. Steve Knapp, Sgt. Len Langland, Madison County Sheriff’s Department, Pendleton Police Department, Fishers Police Department, and Hamilton County Sheriff’s Department.

Update:

Detectives have released four persons of interest after they were stopped on Interstate 69 near the Fisher’s exit by Trooper Jason Girt. Indiana State Police Detectives questioned the four at the Pendleton Post. The investigation is continuing. Troopers are looking along the Interstate for any weapons that may have been thrown from the suspect’s vehicle.

In an update to the victims who were shot, Kinnie McGraw, 22 Indianapolis, and Chris Middlebrook, 20, Indianapolis, it is believed their injuries are not life threatening. McGraw was life lined to Methodist Hospital and Middlebrook was taken to St. John’s Hospital in Anderson.

If new information develops in this case or arrests are made there will be a forthcoming update. There is no new information at this time. If anyone witnessed this shooting or has any information about it they are urged to call the Indiana State Police Post at Pendleton at (800) 527-4752.

Iraqi-Based Industrial Zone service center opens at Balad

kpaul.mallasch — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 11:37:34 -0700

By Staff Sgt. Les Newport

BALAD, Iraq - Joint Base Balad marked the beginning of a new program to spur progress in Iraq in the provinces surrounding the installation.

A ribbon cutting ceremony attended by Maj. Gen. R. Martin Umbarger, Adjutant General of the Indiana National Guard, Brig. Gen. Gregory E. Couch, commander of the 316th Expeditionary Sustainment Command and Sheik Shihab Ahmed Saleh Al-Tamimi commemorated the opening of the Iraqi-Based Industrial Zone (I-BIZ) Service Center, Basateen Al-Dejayl General Training and Contracting Company, ltd., at Joint Based Balad. The initiative is being spearheaded by the 76th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Indiana Army National Guard.

“We are proud to call Iraqis our wonderful allies and we wish you the very, very best in your new venture,” said Maj. Gen. Umbarger.

“Here is a local sheik very well respected in his community; able to create a business and work in conjunction with us as his allies,” he continued. “I think it’s a special step forward and it’s a real honor to be here today. I had an opportunity to speak to the sheik one-on-one. You can see that he is a person with a big heart; it’s a special day for him and likewise for me.”

The center was selected as the first of several initiatives to provide local Iraqi business leaders with opportunities to tap into valuable military contracts, and provide a secure environment to grow their business.

“To fulfill what Gen. Petraeus’ dream was when he came here, and that is to get the Iraqi people the opportunity to work in their country and to take back the opportunity so they can support their own families,” said Couch. “So this is the beginning of a great partnership and I too, as I’m getting ready to leave here, wish all great success to the Sheik and the rest of the Iraqi partners that join in on the IBIZ function,” he said.

Col. Courtney Carr, 76th Infantry Brigade Combat Team commander said the initiative is tied to a theater-wide initiative to drive business and economic prosperity to the local economy. Significant improvements in the security of the local area, led by local Iraqi leaders, are the key that allows us to pursue these economic opportunities.

“We want to support Iraqi business so they can flourish throughout the regions,” said Carr. “The types of businesses we have selected to support are the types of businesses that can provide products and services that are needed at the base and that can also prosper outside the base.”

Coalition forces expect, and in some cases have already received, dividends in return for investments made in the IBIZ initiative.

Col. Kenneth Newlin, Deputy Brigade commander and I-BIZ Program Director, sees the program as a natural progression of security and stability operations.

“The leaders and centers of influence that we are partnering with in establishing these businesses have the ability to influence economic progress and prosperity in Iraq. This program allows us to consolidate recent security gains made in the region by the local and national government that a year ago would not have been possible,” said Newlin.

In addition to the service center, which will provide maintenance for non-tactical vehicles owned by coalition forces, JBB has plans for a host nation business center, shipping container remanufacturing facility, an industrial, wholesale, and retail facilities, and a vocational training program.

Sheik Shihab Ahmed Saleh Al-Tamimi, owner of Basateen Al-Dejayl, General Training and Contracting Company, ltd., signed an agreement to operate the service center and is encourage by the outreach efforts by coalition forces.

“This is a very important business opportunity for the people of the area. It provides employment opportunities for the people of the area around here to stop them from joining terrorist organizations,” said Sheik Shihab.

“Our vision for the future for this business opportunity is to expand from vehicle maintenance to engine repair, military and civilian vehicles,” said Sheik Shihab. “We hope that we meet all the standards and we add more job opportunities out there for the people around LSA Anaconda. This business also sends a message to the terrorist organizations out there that we’re willing to work with the coalition forces and help our country become a free country,” he said.

Coalition forces intend to move forward as quickly as possible with the related initiatives in order to take advantage of the significant security gains made in the region by local and national governments.

Source: Indiana National Guard Press Release

Attacks in Iraq Down 80 Percent Since June 2007, General Says

kpaul.mallasch — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 19:01:05 -0700

By John J. Kruzel
American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, June 23, 2008 – The number of weekly attacks in Iraq has dropped from about 1,200 a week in June 2007 to about 200 a week now, the commander of the tactical unit responsible for command and control of operations in Iraq said today.

Mirroring this reduction in violence has been a 70 percent decrease in roadside-bomb attacks and an 85 percent spike in the number of weapons caches coalition forces have found over the past year, Army Lt. Gen. Lloyd J. Austin III, commander of Multinational Corps Iraq, told reporters via satellite from Baghdad at a Pentagon news conference.

“I attribute most of these hard-fought gains in security to a few key factors: our coalition forces aggressively pursuing the enemy, the improving capability of the Iraqi security forces, and the Iraqi people participating in the rebuilding process of Iraq,” he said.

But the general tempered his optimism, characterizing security improvements as fragile gains that coalition troops are attempting to solidify as they build the capabilities of their Iraqi counterparts.

“While the improved security is a great achievement, we clearly understand that our progress is fragile, and we continue to work to make this progress irreversible,” he said.

The general praised coalition troops for having al-Qaida “on its heels,” yet he identified the organization as the “primary threat” remaining in Iraq. The terrorist group yesterday launched an attack in Baqouba that killed at least 15 people, including several police officers, and wounded dozens of others.

“Even though we assess that they are on the run, they are still capable of launching spectacular attacks,” Austin said, noting yesterday’s bombing in the Diyala province city. “As a result, our operations in the north are focused on defeating their capability to perform these attacks.”

Austin cited recent operations in Mosul, Iraq’s second-largest city, as examples of the increasing capabilities and effectiveness of Iraq’s security forces. Combined forces in the Ninevah province city over the past four days detained 16 suspects, including four high-ranking al-Qaida operatives.

“We continue to aggressively pursue al-Qaida and to take away their safe havens and to close off all their escape routes when they try to flee,” he said.

Austin, who assumed command of Multinational Corps Iraq in February, said coalition forces will continue helping to develop Iraq’s national security operators under his leadership.

“I'm absolutely confident, based on the indicators from the last few months, that they'll continue to make significant improvements, and we will be with them, side by side, as they progress,” he said.

Though they have made significant progress, Iraqi security forces in many instances are not yet prepared to take over day-to-day operations, thereby allowing coalition troops to assume an overwatch role, the general said.

Before Iraqi forces become autonomous, he said, they need to develop “combat enablers” with the capability of calling in and integrating fire support into formation. They also be capable of supporting themselves logistically, and begin using their own surveillance and reconnaissance to cull intelligence, then plan their own operations, the general said.

“We are working hand in hand with our coalition partners in all parts of the country,” he said. “They have improved significantly, but we've been clear about saying that they're not there yet.”

As Iraqi security forces mature in the midst of combating al-Qaida and Iranian-backed “special groups,” they meanwhile are gaining the support and confidence of Iraqi citizens, the general said. The majority of Iraqis have rescinded allegiance to extremism, he added, praising the efforts of civilian security groups like the “Sons of Iraq.”

“Now the overwhelming majority of the population has turned against the insurgents and the criminals,” Austin said. “Iraqis understand that al-Qaida and outside influences are not in the best interest of their country.”

Dovetailing with Iraqi security forces’ rise in public status has been a reduction in the number of people being held in detention. A coalition-led detainee release program has freed roughly 4,000 people who combined forces have deemed nonthreatening.

“[It] demonstrates that the coalition is committed to the welfare of the Iraqi population and to reconciliation,” he said.

Source: US Department of Defense

"Jingle Air" Supplies Isolated Soldiers

kpaul.mallasch — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 18:58:29 -0700

By Army Sgt. Charles Brice
Special to American Forces Press Service

FORWARD OPERATING BASE SALERNO, Afghanistan, June 23, 2008 – Imagine being a soldier out on the border of eastern Afghanistan and your only connection to the rest of the world is a pallet of supplies on the back of a foreign helicopter. That is what it is like for coalition forces cut off and isolated throughout parts of Afghanistan.

With the troops focused on combat missions, the Mesopotamia Group created “Jingle Air” to move cargo in and out of hard-to-reach locations.

Jingle Air offers helicopter services throughout Afghanistan.

The name comes from Afghanistan’s popular culture. People often decorate with colors, ornaments, bells and paintings just about anything they posses, including their transportation. The trucks of Afghanistan are the most ornamented of all.

“Jingle Air is a key logistic enabler, which allows 4th Brigade, Currahee Combat Team to conduct counterinsurgency operations in an area roughly the size of West Virginia,” said Army Maj. Jon Beale of 801st Brigade Support Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team, and Combined Task Force Currahee.

A “Jingle Air” Mi-8 HIP heavy-duty helicopter prepares for a cargo airlift operation to a forward operating base in Afghanistan, June 7, 2008. In May, Jingle Air moved 1.53 million pounds of cargo to servicemembers in the field and to forward operating bases throughout Afghanistan. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Charles Brice, 382nd Public Affairs Detachment
high-resolution image available.

With a fleet of Mi-8 HIP heavy-duty helicopters and five flight teams, Jingle Air can move up to 3.2 million pounds of cargo throughout Afghanistan, said Army Capt. James E. Fager, officer in charge of transportation and logistical operations for 801st BSB in Forward Operating Base Sharana, Afghanistan.

“Jingle Air’s track record speaks for itself,” said Fager, who explained the crew has conducted 20 emergency resupply missions in conjunction with supporting many areas of operations. Last month alone, Jingle Air moved 1.53 million pounds of cargo to troops out in the field and to forward operating bases throughout Afghanistan.

“The pilots of Jingle Air are very motivated to fly, and they take a personal interest in making sure the operations go well,” Fager said.

Jingle Air pilots hail from different countries and nationalities. Still, they all work together toward a common goal: to ensure the cargo gets to its destination.

“Jingle Air is a force multiplier, and it allows us to move much-needed supplies and equipment,” Fager said.

Source: US Department of Defense - Army Sgt. Charles Brice serves with the 382nd Public Affairs Detachment.

Coalition, Afghan Forces Kill Scores of Militants, Capture Several Others

kpaul.mallasch — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 18:56:30 -0700

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, June 23, 2008 – Coalition troops and Afghan security forces killed scores of militants and captured more than a dozen others during operations across Afghanistan over the past several days, military officials said.

Several militants were killed, and 11 were detained during three separate coalition operations conducted in Helmand and Ghazni provinces yesterday.

-- Coalition forces searched compounds in the Reeq district of Helmand province, targeting a militant leader known to facilitate foreign-fighter operations and weapons smuggling. Coalition forces identified a group of armed militants maneuvering against the force and responded with small-arms fire. In another area, a militant fired at coalition forces from a building. Several militants were killed and detained in the engagements. Coalition forces discovered AK-47 rifles, ammunition and ammunition vests. The weapons and ammunition were destroyed.

-- Coalition forces detained two suspected militants during a separate operation in the Andar district of Ghazni province.

-- Afghan and coalition forces killed several militants during operations in the Sangain district of Helmand province. Afghan troops on security patrol spotted a three-man mortar team near a village. The enemy attacked the Afghan patrol with small-arms fire and rocket-propelled grenades. After a firefight, the militants fled to a nearby residence and used it as a fighting position. Afghan and coalition forces waited until all women and children had left the area before calling in an air strike that killed the militants. Two fortified enemy positions were destroyed.

In other news, coalition troops patrolling the Zerok district of Paktika province pounded a group of anti-Afghan government militants June 20. About 55 militants were killed, 25 were wounded, and three were detained as the result of coalition ground and aerial attacks, officials said. The battle occurred along the main road between Zerok and Orgun districts. The coalition attack was in response to a recent ambush by the enemy in the area. Coalition patrols continue to report additional enemy casualties, including the deaths of three key militant leaders.

Source: US Department of Defense - Compiled from Combined Joint Task Force 101 news releases.

Iraqi, Coalition Soldiers Light Up Baghdad Neighborhood

kpaul.mallasch — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 18:54:49 -0700

By Army Sgt. Jerry Saslav
Special to American Forces Press Service

BAGHDAD, June 23, 2008 – At first glance, it doesn’t look like much: a construction site with a large wooden box strapped to a forklift, a crane, about 15 Iraqi and Multinational Division Baghdad soldiers, and a small pile of equipment.

Darryl Steadman, right, a civilian contractor, helps members of the engineer battalion of 6th Iraqi Army Division in checking to see if a street light post is level. The post will hold a solar-powered street light. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Jerry Saslav, Multinational Division Baghdad
(Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available.

Such was the humble beginning of a project designed to deter militant and extremist activity, improve public safety and security, and ease the burdens on the growing Iraqi infrastructure.

Street lights are being installed -- solar-powered street lights, to be precise.

“The 4th Infantry Division has been the driving force through this project. [They] came in and said, ‘We want to do something to help the people, the Iraqi security forces,’” said Army Capt. Adam Levitt, a native of El Paso, Texas, who serves on a military transition team from 4th Infantry Division, Multinational Division Baghdad, as the engineer advisor for 6th Iraqi Army Division.

Levitt, along with civilian advisor and translator Darryl Steadman and about 10 Iraqi soldiers, began to install the first four of 100 solar-powered street lights June 19.

Since the lights are solar-powered, they do not place any burden on the Iraqi electrical grid.

“Right now, the infrastructure won’t support [this many new lights], said Steadman, a Denver native who is part of the military assistance team and Iraqi assistance group for 6th Iraqi Army Division. Steadman is currently working with the 6th IA Div.’s engineer battalion. “Although Iraq is working on the electrical grid and the infrastructure, … it’s not quick enough. We need something now, and this seems to be a pretty good solution.

The lights also have other benefits.

“We know this is going to make a direct impact on the populace,” Levitt said. “It’s removing the darkness, the safe haven for the terrorists for criminal activity.”

Areas of little or no visibility around the road lend themselves to bomb emplacement, Steadman said. The lights also will benefit Iraqi soldiers who work at nearby tactical check points and entry control points.

“We’re already getting feedback from some of the guys out at the TCPs. [They] are getting pretty excited that they’re going to have some light,” Steadman said.

According to Iraqi army Col. Ahmed Khalifa, a native of Baghdad, who serves as commander of the engineer battalion, the lights will provide the only light at night for some areas.

The installation of the first lights went smoothly. A group of Iraqi soldiers set the light pole into place and, with Steadman’s assistance, made sure it was level and secured into place. Two other Iraqi soldiers, in a wooden box attached to the forklift, bolted the light fixture, solar panel and its support equipment into place.

“They want to be involved in this on a level that will show at least us, as advisors, … that they can handle this on their own and that they’re ready to take on their mission with very little help or assistance from U.S. or coalition forces,” Steadman said.

“This project has been extremely rewarding. There is something very special about seeing something evolve right in front of your eyes,” Levitt said. “Everybody’s picking up a wrench; everybody’s carrying heavy equipment. You don’t need a translator for that.”

Steadman, who served in Iraq in 2003 and 2004 as a member of the U.S. military, said that although he feels Iraq still has work to do, the country has come a long way.

“I think this gives confidence to the people. People are driving up and down and seeing lights going in. What kind of message does this give to the people? We’re here to help, and we’re going forward; we’re not stagnant,” he said.

The lights, which cost about $4,000 each, eventually will be placed in the Muthana, Doura, Ghazaliya and Abu Ghraib sections of Baghdad and in the city of Taji.

Source: US Department of Defense - Army Sgt. Jerry Saslav serves in the Multinational Division Baghdad Public Affairs Office.

Free Community Preparedness Fair set for July 26 in Muncie

kpaul.mallasch — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 17:27:39 -0700

MUNCIE - The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will present the 4th Annual FREE Community Preparedness Fair, Saturday, July 26, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Memorial Building at the Delaware County Fairgrounds in Muncie.

This year’s fair will showcase more than 25 displays, demonstrations and activities on a variety of preparedness topics. The fair is geared to provide awareness and education on preparedness issues and encourage individuals and families to become self-reliant. Muncie and Delaware County residents as well as those in surrounding counties are welcome to attend.

Speaking of the recent earthquakes, tornadoes and floods in Central Indiana, Director of Delaware County Emergency Management, Bill Gosnell said, “People must educate and prepare themselves and their families for disasters that continue to occur in Indiana. It is an individual’s responsibility to become educated and aware about disaster planning and preparedness, if anyone expects to be on the winning side of a disaster. They are called disasters and you can choose to be a victim or a survivor it is up to you. Become disaster smart and learn what you can to do to be prepared.”

Displays and information will include meal planning, identity theft, 72-hour emergency kits, water storage and purification, food storage, financial planning, sanitation, emotional health, physical exercise, nutrition, infection control, employment resources, pet care, education and financial assistance, humanitarian aid, weather awareness, spiritual preparedness, garden planning, and emergency medical care.

The Indiana Blood Center will be on hand conducting a community blood drive. Center Township Fire Department will provide information on fire safety and smoke detectors. The Delaware County Emergency Management Agency will share multi-media presentations and literature on planning and preparation for natural disasters as well as pandemic situations. The American Red Cross Muncie Chapter will have several items on display including Disaster Supply Starter Kits as well as information on a variety of emergency-related issues. The Muncie Area Amateur Radio Club’s local Ham Radio operators will conduct emergency communications demonstrations.

Other area organizations in attendance will include F.E.M.A.., C.E.R.T., LifeStream Services, Salvation Army, Vectren, Delaware County Sheriff’s Office, Meridian Services, Boy Scouts, and more.

For more information contact event organizer Mildred Ridge at 765-747-0357 or Eva Lantz at 765-759-8978. Those planning to donate blood should come well-hydrated and having eaten a meal. No appointment is necessary to donate blood. The Memorial Building is located at 1210 N. Wheeling Avenue.

Source: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Press Release