School Bus Crash

Our hearts go out to the families of those involved in Friday's fatal bus crash in Cass County. This is a picture of the roadside memorial that was sent to us from a viewer. Four Twin Lakes School Corporation students died in the crash on US 24. They are: Kale Seabolt, 9, Tyler Geiger, 10, Lauren Melin, 5, and Trevor Ingram, 10.

There will be a special community memory service tonight (Monday) in the Twin Lakes High School main gymnasium. It will start at 7:00p.m. Local ministers and choir members will participate in the service. A free will donation will be collected and all donations will be evenly divided among the four families.

Red Cross Volunteers Needed

The American Red Cross is in need of volunteers, especially for disaster services. Here are some photos from the damage caused by Hurricane Ike. Several volunteers from this area were sent to New Orleans and Houston to help with disaster assistance.

Christine Brady from the local chapter of the American Red Cross told us they need volunteers who are able to deploy for up to 21 days and help with national disasters like this. Volunteer positions, such as driving our Emergency Response Vehicles, would be great for retired couples who like to travel and help people.

The Tippecanoe County Chapter is hosting free training sessions this fall for people interested in becoming volunteers. If you are interested, call Chris Brady at (765) 742-6975.

Big Fish Story

This is Ben North who landed a 65 pound catfish from the Wabash River on Sunday night.
He and his buddies were in a boat between the Harrison and State Road 26 bridges when they landed this huge fish. Ben told us it took about 20 minutes to reel in the fish.
Another interesting thing about this fish story is the amount of interest in this catch. Ben received calls from Indianapolis television stations and other media outlets. And, CNN called me today wanting the story too!

Now in case you are wondering why he didn't keep his trophy catch, the 25-year-old North says a catfish that size is probably older than he is, and since it was more than likely a female, he released it to make more memories for the next angler.

Remembering 9/11

It's hard not to go through today without thinking about what you were doing seven years ago. I will never forget the black smoke billowing from the twin towers. I remember how we were all glued to the television for the latest on what was happening in Washington D.C. and New York. September 11th is one of those days that reminds broadcasters how important our jobs are.

Today will will have coverage from different 9/11 events in Lafayette, Monticello and across the country.

Thank you to Glen Acres Elementary School for inviting me to be a part of the 'Read with a Hero' program. I read a book about being a TV reporter for Mrs. Agnew's class. The fifth graders were wonderful!
The program included all different types of heroes, nurses, police officers, firefighters, a soldier, mayor and our own meteorologist Mike Prangley.

Pictured above is a picture the students made for me. The headline is 'Lafayette Schools close for the rest of the school year.' The script on the news desk reads 'David Younker, a former Glen Acres student became a millionaire after he drew this picture.' Good job everyone. I was very honored to be a part of your celebration.

Special thoughts go out to the US military heroes serving our country and defending freedom all over the world.

Digging Downtown

Crews have started digging deep underneath downtown Lafayette. The tunnel, being constructed from the Social Security Office to Riehle Plaza, is part of a utility improvement project to reduce sewage overflows into the Wabash River.

Wastewater Superintendent Brad Talley says it is slow-going now, but the process should speed up in the coming weeks. Crews have cleared about 40 feet of dirt so far. This is a $19 million dollar project. Work on the tunnel should be completed in September 2009.

Gator Grabbed

Lafayette police officers proved they can handle about anything last week. Officer Jim Cheever and two other officers were called to a house on Poland Hill Drive. A man found an alligator on his front porch. "He said it was hissing at him!" Cheever told me. Cheever said he and another officer grabbed the gator by the tail, while another officer taped its snout shut.

Pictured above is officer Randy Hale from animal control. The alligator was 4'7" long. Apparently it's okay to own a reptile that size. But, when it gets to 5 feet, you need a DNR permit! This wayward gator was returned to his owner, who was ticketed for having 'an animal running at large.'

MDA Telethon

Thanks to the generosity of many people in the Lafayette area, the 2008 MDA telethon was a success! Volunteers raised more than $235,000. That's about $6,000 more than last year. I think that is very impressive, considering the economy.

Pictured above are some folks from Camden, who answered the phones during the telethon on Monday.

I appreciate everyone, from our production crew to people providing food to all the volunteers, for taking time out of the holiday weekend to help the MDA. It is very rewarding to get to know some of the families who benefit from the telethon. Michael Stevens, Glen Brant Junior, James and Georgana Nichols are so dear to us.

It was difficult to talk about George Kerner, a friend who passed away from ALS in July. But, I think this just goes to show neuromuscular diseases affect people in our community. These are our friends, neighbors and loved ones. Thank you to everyone who donated or took part in activities throughout the year that help raised funds for the MDA.