Charles J Baird, 76

February 6, 2016

0

Charles J Baird, age 76, passed away peacefully Saturday,

February 06, 2016, surrounded by his family.

He was born August 6, 1939 in LaFollette, Tennessee to the late Theodore and Mary (Hatfield).

Charles was a member of the Parkway Southern Baptist Church in New

Albany. He was a tree trimmer and retired from the New Albany City

Charlie enjoyed morning walks on the river, hunting and fishing, and

most importantly spending time with friends and family.

Pauline (Hodges) Sears, his wife of 23 years, survives. Besides his wife,

Charles is survived by Four sons: Charles David Baird, Jeffersonville;

Jerry Lee Kerns, Jr. Elizabeth; Stanley Wayne Kerns (Amanda); and Eric J

Baird of Elizabeth. Five daughters: Donna Kuntz (Michael),

Jeffersonville; Bobbi Rose Hershey (James), Sellersburg; Armintie Sue

Kemp (Richard); Mary Ellen Sears, both of New Albany; and Shelly Ann

Dunn (Tony), Jeffersonville. Sixteen grand children and several great

grand children also survive.

Preceding him in death was one daughter: Melanie Jean Baird, one

step-daughter Karen Lynn Miller, and one grandson, Drew Sears.

Funeral services will be held Monday, February 8, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at

Parkway Southern Baptist Church with burial to follow in Greenville

Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday, February 8, 2016 beginning at

10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at Parkway Southern Baptist

Church, 2508 Corydon Pike, New Albany.

All arrangements are being handled by Love Funeral Home, Palmyra.

Lonny Dale Thompson, 64

February 6, 2016

0

Lonny Dale Thompson, age 64 of Salem, passed away Friday, February 5, 2016 at 5:10 pm in his residence.

Born January 21, 1952 in Salem, Indiana, he was the son of the late Walter Rodman and Lorene Bearl (Smith) Thompson.

He worked for 25 years at the old Kimball Office Furniture Borden Division and he retired from GKN Sinter Metals in 2012 after 13 years. He served in the Armed Forces as a Spec 4 in the Indiana National Guard, had been a life resident of Washington County and was a 1970 graduate of Easter High School.

Lonny married January 21, 1989 to Judy Carol (Noland) Thompson, who survives.

Also surviving are: 2 Daughters: Teresa Lynn Thompson, Sellersburg and Nicole LaDale Thompson, New Albany; 3 Sons: Walter Rodman Thompson, Georgetown, Jeremy Dean Tichenor, Killeen, Texas and Cory Brandon Tichenor, Temecula, California; 1 Sister: Sue Sullivan, Salem; 1 Brother: Mark Edward Thompson, Pekin; His aunt: Jeanie Little and 11 grandchildren: Lydia, Benjamin, Brady, Levi, Ezekiel, Ava, Ella, Ivy, Oak, Nico, Alysa. He was preceded in death by 3 brothers, Larry, Rodney and Paul Thompson.

Funeral Service: 11:00 am Tuesday at Dawalt Funeral Home with David Nesmith officiating.

Visitation: 4 to 8 pm Monday and after 9 am Tuesday.

Memorial Contributions: Phi Beta Psi Cancer Research Program C/O Villa Humphrey 205 Jackson Street Salem, Indiana 47167.

Lady Musketeers Playing Providence Tonight for 2A Sectional 46 Final

February 6, 2016

0

The Lady Musketeers (17-6) will be playing against Providence tonight at 7:30p for the Class 2A Girls Sectional 46 title.

The Musketeers advanced after a 56-39 defeat of the Crawford County girls last night in semi-final action on WSLM 97.9 FM.

Providence (18-7) edged the Paoli Lady Rams in the second game of the evening, 56-40.

The winner of tonight’s game will face the winner of the Eastern Greene [14-11] and North Knox [20-5] matchup tonight to play in the Class 2A Regional at Paoli at Noon on Saturday, Feb. 13.

The winner will play the winners of the 10a game between Forest Park [18-8] or South Spencer [3-20] vs. Austin [15-8] or North Decatur [15-8].

In the first game of the Semi finals of sectional 46, the Lady Musketeers traveled to Henryville to face the Lady Wolfpack of Crawford County.

With an eight day lay off the Lady Musketeers came out with energy and a stifling defense, holding Crawford County to just three points in the first quarter, 12-3.

Heading into the second quarter, the Musketeers looked to keep the momentum on their side as Rachel Stewart scored eight of her thirteen points leading Eastern into halftime with the score 31-8.

The Lady Musketeers continued to roll in the second half as they were led by Taylor Drury with 18 points and 10 rebounds; along with Rachel Stewart and Bailey England pitching in 13 points a piece.

As the fourth quarter came to an end, the final score was Eastern 56, Crawford County 39. The Lady Musketeers will move onto the sectional championship tomorrow night at 730 and will look to carry on the momentum facing the Providence Poineers.

Eastern points
Kolbi Sponcel-2
Taylor Drury-18
Holly Purlee-5
Rachel Stewart-13
Bailey England-13
Morgan Martin-2
Destinee Mattix-3

3 Pointers
Bailey England-1
Holly Purlee-1
Destinee Mattix-1

Free Throws
Taylor Drury-6/6
Rachel Stewart-3/4
Holly Purlee-2/2

Crawford County points
Addy Simpson-11
Carley Allen-13
Jenny Jellison-8
Jada Smith-5
Shyanne Cook-2

3 Pointers
Carley Allen-2
Jenny Jellison-1
Jada Smith-1

Free Throws
Addy Simpson-3/4
Carley Allen-1/2
Jenny Jellison-1/2

1

2

3

4

Eastern High School (Pekin)

12

19

10

15

1

2

3

4

Crawford County High School

3

5

9

22

Property Tax Relief for Farmers

February 5, 2016

0

Agriculture is a vital part of Indiana’s economy, supporting more than 245,000 Hoosiers. Recently, the industry has dealt with severe financial difficulties due to a combination of problems including historic low crop prices, rising business costs and poor weather.

It’s important for lawmakers to do everything we can to support the agriculture industry. In recent years, the Indiana General Assembly passed a series of short-term bills to prevent major property-tax increases on farmland, which proved to be effective.

This session, the legislature is working to pass a long-term solution to protect farmers from drastic increases in property taxes. Last summer and fall, a legislative study committee took a comprehensive look at the issue and recommended a bill that would provide lasting reform.

Senate Bill 308, which I co-authored, would address these issues and provide property-tax relief for farmers by eliminating the use of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s new soil productivity factors, change the formula to limit annual increases in assessed value and using the most recent data available to determine the base rate for assessing property taxes on farmland.

Setting a floor for the capitalization rate and updating soil productivity factors will help Indiana’s agriculture industry bounce back. SB 308 is projected to decrease the property-tax burden on farmers by almost $50 million in 2018 alone.

The current assessment formula has resulted in a 47-percent increase in farmland property-tax rates in eight years, while other property taxes have decreased.

Passing this legislation would provide more permanent reform for our farmland property-tax system.

SB 308 unanimously passed the Senate this week and now heads to the House of Representatives for further consideration.

As always you can contact my office directly with your input, questions and concerns by email at Senator.Houchin@iga.in.gov or by phone at 317-232-9400. I look forward to hearing your feedback.

10 Arrested in US Attorney Drug Sweep of Scott County

February 5, 2016

0

UNITED STATES ATTORNEY ANNOUNCES SCOTT COUNTY INDIANA DRUG INDICTMENTS

Combined federal, state and local effort dismantles prescription drug and methamphetamine distribution cell

United States Attorney Josh Minkler announced today a collaborative effort between federal, state and local law enforcement in the fight to help reduce prescription and illegal drug abuse in Scott County.

Ten individuals were indicted this week and arrested today on drug charges including conspiracy to distribute and distribution of a controlled substance.

“Scott County was targeted by an organization with the goal of infesting that community with drugs, including the prescription painkiller Opana,” said Minkler. “This became an epidemic and local law enforcement asked for our help. Today, I am pleased to announce that the organization has been dismantled but this is only a start; one aspect of a bigger solution.”

In June 2015, agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in Indianapolis began working with Scott County law enforcement officials to determine the source of the powerful prescription painkiller Opana (oxymorphone) and methamphetamine which were prevalent in Austin, Indiana, and other parts of Scott County.

Investigators quickly determined that Bennito L. Rodriguez and his wife Brooklynn G. Mack both of Scottsburg, orchestrated the supply of Opana and methamphetamine for redistribution into the Scott County community.

Through various investigative techniques law enforcement officials determined that Rodriguez and Mack would obtain their supply of methamphetamine and Opana from sources in Louisville, Kentucky, Indianapolis and Detroit, Michigan.

The two then organized a redistribution network using other members of the conspiracy to sell the drugs in Scott County. A total of ten individuals were indicted.

Bennito L Rodriguez, a/k/a Benny, 38, Scottsburg, IN.

Brooklynn G. Mack, 29, Scottsburg, IN.

Rashawn A. Vaughn, a/k/a Ray, 41, Louisville, KY.

Eric L. Gude, 36, Indianapolis

Rashaan S. Perkins, a/k/a Phil, a/k/a D, 21, Detroit, MI.

Anthony L. Hardy, 39, Indianapolis

James D. Haney, 56, Austin, IN.

Justin M. Roberts, a/k/a Booger, 38, Austin, IN.

Travis D. Brock, 34, Scottsburg, IN.

Michael A. Doyle, 38, Scottsburg, IN.

Recently, Scott County, Indiana, has experienced an outbreak of HIV cases, due in part to intravenous drug use.

The abuse of heroin and Opana is dramatically on the rise and has caused a public health crisis.

According to law enforcement sources, an Opana pill has a street value of up to $160 and can be dissolved and injected by up to four individuals to get high.

One of the primary reasons for the increase in HIV is the abuse of these drugs by injection with shared needles.

Typically Scott County would report less than ten cases of HIV annually but in the last 13 months has reported 188 cases. In April 2015, Scott County implemented a needle exchange as one means of slowing the spread of HIV.

Minkler further added, “A public health crisis will not be solved by simply arresting those who illegally sell drugs. It also requires a reduction in demand for illegal drugs. That can only be accomplished by all of us-federal, state and local authorities along with public and private partnerships working together for prevention and treatment.”

In addition to the criminal enforcement effort, federal authorities began looking at this case with a three-pronged approach which included enforcement, diversion control and community outreach.

Arresting individuals is a first step, but follow-up is equally important. DEA also took steps to identify those who might be responsible for excessive writing or filling opiate-based prescription medications.

Further, DEA provided community outreach to pharmacy employees by educating them on their pharmacy liability and what combinations of controlled substances may be used illegally on the street and raise suspicion to pharmacists.

“Scott County is one of the many great communities in our nation that is experiencing the pharmaceutical drug and methamphetamine epidemic that is turning Americans into drug addicts,” said DEA Associate Special Agent in Charge Karen I. Flowers.

“DEA will always stand with our local and state partners to fight this epidemic. Today’s work is the beginning of a safer, stronger and healthier Scott County.”

Scott County Sheriff Dan McClain said, “I am grateful for the participation of our state and federal partners in this operation. This should be an indication to drug dealers throughout the county that our law enforcement agencies are working together to get drugs off our streets.”

“The DEA and the US Attorney have tools in their toolbox that are not available in state prosecutions, which make these types of outcomes difficult for us to pursue with local resources alone,” said Scott County Prosecutor, Jason Mount.

“As one can see, these investigations can be long-term and intensive. We appreciate their joint efforts in this matter, and look forward to continuing to work together in both federal and state prosecutions.”

“For those that are addicted, we want to point them to the services they need to end their addiction,” said Indiana State Police Superintendent Doug Carter.

“But for those who are trafficking and profiting from those suffering the misery of addiction, we will work tirelessly with our local and federal partners to put them in prison for a long, long time.

This case was jointly investigated by Drug Enforcement Administration offices from Indianapolis, Louisville, Detroit & Atlanta, Scott and Clark County Prosecutor’s Office, Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, U. S. Postal Inspection Service, United States Marshal’s Service, Indiana State Police, Hendricks County Sheriff’s Department and the Scott County Sheriff’s Office.

According to Drug and Violent Crime Chief Bradley Blackington, these defendants face ten years to Life imprisonment if convicted.

An indictment is merely a charge and not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven otherwise in federal court.

Two Arrested as Suspects in Mitchell Girls’ Murder

February 5, 2016

0

Indiana State Police & Mitchell Detectives found probable cause through their investigation, interviews and recovered evidence to believe that Lincoln Ray Pickett, 34 of Mitchell shot and killed the victim believed to be Kamie Ratcliff, 29 also of Mitchell.

After interviewing witnesses, detectives believe Pickett shot and killed a victim believed to be Kamie Ratcliff while both were inside his vehicle.

Detectives also believe this shooting killed the victim and was followed by Pickett parking his vehicle inside his garage with the victim’s body inside it.

Lincoln Pickett’s wife, Jasmine Pickett, 30 of Mitchell also advised detectives of the same information.

user29383-1454621183-media1 — Lincoln Pickett

user29383-1454621185-media2 Lincoln Pickett admitted to investigators that on January 28^th, 2016 he placed the victim’s body in a fire that was burning behind his house.

Physical evidence will not be publicly released until discoveries are made at trial.

The remains of the victim’s body have been taken for further medical review and investigation. It could be months until DNA can positively identify the victim believed to be Kamie Ratcliff.

The investigation is still ongoing.

Brownfield Ag Programs on WSLM

February 4, 2016

0

WSLM is proud to bring the Southern Indiana and Kentuckiana ag audience programming they can use to make decisions in and out of the field.

Tune in during the day for these great ag features:

Commodity and Livestock Programs

Morning Livestock Report – A quick review of cash cattle and hog prices along with reasons behind the price moves, not just numbers, but the why’s too. Reports of boxed beef and pork carcass cutouts are included. An in depth look ahead as to what is expected in the market today.6:05 a.m., 3 1/2 min, Mon-Fri.
FarmBreak: Hog Market – An early look at what to expect in the day’s hog trade. Includes overnight trading prices from the Chicago Board of Trade. 8:45 a.m, 2 min, Mon-Fri.
Opening Livestock Report – More detailed report on terminal markets, including reports from private sources and interior sales; pre-open call on the Chicago Board of Trade; and early trading on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. 9:15 a.m., 3 min, Mon-Fri.
Midday Livestock Report – An in depth round-up of all the morning cash livestock news. Background on why the markets are doing what they are doing and news affecting the market. Feeder auction reports from the major livestock markets, not just numbers, but what demand was like and what are feeder buying and why. 12:05 p.m., 3 1/2 min, Mon-Fri.
Chicago Board of Trade Open – Initial prices on grain futures as trading begins, along with summary of factors affecting trade. 9:30 a.m., 3 min, Mon-Fri.
Commodity Update – Midday review of trading on futures markets. 12:15 p.m., 2 min, Mon-Fri.
Late Session Commodity Update – A look at late day activity on the Chicago Board of Trade and the Chicago Mercantile Exchange an update on factors affecting the day’s trading. 2:45 p.m., 3 min, Mon-Fri.
Commodity Settlement – Final prices on the futures exchanges; a review of factors affecting trading; first word on government production, livestock and supply/demand reports; and major farm news of the day. Includes reports from market analysts. 3:45 p.m., 4 min, Mon-Fri.
Weekend Market Wrap – A weekly review and analysis of cash hog and cattle market sin the eastern and western corn belt, and cash cattle market sin the major feedlot areas of Nebraska, Kansas, Texas and Oklahoma. Includes summary of week’s activities on the Chicago Board of Trade and the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, while reviewing factors that might influence next week’s trading… as well as a review of the week’s hay market. 5 min, Saturday
Closing Farm Break – A quick look at the day’s commodity futures and livestock trade, featuring the latest analysis and prices. 4:10 p.m., 3 min., Mon-Fri
Final Commodity and Livestock Report – Exclusive analysis of the commodity market, the closing numbers from the Chicago Board of Trade and Mercantile Exchange, and the latest in livestock prices and analysis. 4:15 p.m., 4 min., Mon-Fri

News and Feature Programs

Agri-Business News – Brownfield offers two state-specific agribusiness news programs daily. The Morning Agri-Business program contains news and features pertaining to farmers and agri-business in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Missouri, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin. In addition to news and features relevant to farmers and agribusiness in these states, our Mid-day Agri-Business program contains a state agricultural weather forecast and a review of cash livestock markets in the state. 4 min, Mon-Fri.
Ag Headline News – A concise review of the day’s top ag news from across the country and around the world. 2 min, Mon-Fri.
State Ag Headline News – Brownfield offers state agriculture headlines for Illinois, Indiana, Iowa,Michigan, Missouri, Minnesota, Nebraska, Ohio and Wisconsin. 5:45 a.m., refeed 6:45 a.m., 2 min., Mon-Fri
Ag Weather Today – A look at the day’s agricultural weather picture. Soil Moisture, crop weather – weather impacting agricultural operations. 6:10am, 4 min, Mon – Fri
Healthy Living -Healthy Living is a radio program that answers consumer questions about agriculture; helping to address the growing divide between consumers and those who grow their food, fiber and fuel. For many years Brownfield’s product offering has included programs designed to bridge the gap between farmers and those who consume farm products. The goal of Healthy Living is to educate, not advocate. Instead of pushing the story Agriculture wants to tell, Healthy Living is produced with consumers interests and needs in mind. Healthy Living program topics range from food safety to heritage, heirloom and organic foods; from eating healthy on a budget to government food programs and obesity in America. This program also covers current legislation and issues as they affect the consumers’ choice and pocketbook. 6:25am, 1 1/2 min, Mon – Fri
Dairy Update – A daily program focusing on the dairy industry. The program features dairy economists, new technology, markets and legislative activity that impact the nation’s dairy farmers. 5:40 a.m., 3 min, Mon-Fri.
Farmbreak – A snapshot of prices and factors driving the market, from weather to government reports to cash movement and international news. Scheduled every half hour. 1 min, Mon-Fri.
Hoofbeat – Topics of interest to the horse owner. Basic care, disease prevention and other issues pertaining to the equine industry in the US for the owners of 1 or 2 horses to larger operations.6:20 a.m.4 min, Saturday.
Managing for Profit – Expert perspectives on running a profitable farm and using crop insurance, government programs and tools to help farmers market their crops; regular examination of the political environment; tax and legal information that will help farmers of any size find success in a changing marketplace. 6:35 a.m., 4 min, Mon-Fri.
Cyndi Young’s Two Cents – Farm Director Cyndi Young’s personal perspective on agriculture and rural life. Cyndi swaps her “news” hat for her “commentary” helmet and pulls no punches [Archive].5:50 a.m., 3 min, Mon-Fri.

Purdue Announces a Football Class of 23

February 4, 2016

0

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Purdue head football coach Darrell Hazell announced a class of 23 student-athletes Wednesday to play for the Boilermakers.

The class is comprised of five defensive linemen, three offensive linemen, three wide receivers, three cornerbacks, three safeties, two athletes, a running back, a quarterback, a kicker and a linebacker.

The group hails from 16 different states, with four from Florida; two each from Arizona, California, Georgia, Indiana and Texas; and one each from Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania and South Dakota.

The class features three early enrollees.

Name	Position	Height	Weight	Hometown	Previous School
Jackson Anthrop	WR	5’11	180	West Lafayette, Ind.	Central Catholic High School
Alex Criddle	NT	6’4	311	Broken Arrow, Okla.	Thomas Edison Prepatory Academy
JD Dellinger	K	6’2	175	Charlotte, N.C.	Charlotte Country Day School
Semisi Fakasiieki	LB	6’3	230	Compton, Calif.	Dominguez High School
Javonte Ferguson	ATH	5’7	160	Jacksonville, Fla.	Oakleaf High School
Benaiah Franklin	WR	6’1	206	Marietta, Ga.	Wheeler High School
Tanner Hawthorne	OT	6’6	275	Glendale, Ariz.	Centennial High School
Josh Hayes	CB	6’0	184	Indianapolis, Ind.	Pike High School
Grant Hermanns	OT	6’7	260	Albuquerque, N.M.	Rio Rancho High School
Terrance Landers	WR	6’4	170	Dayton, Ohio	Paul L. Dunbar High School
Brian Lankford-Johnson	RB	6’0	195	St. Paul, Minn.	St. Paul North HS (MN) or Palm Bay HS (FL)
Navon Mosley	SAF	6’0	180	West Bloomfield, Mich.	West Bloomfield High School
Jalen Neal	OT	6’8	315	Tempe, Ariz.	Scottsdale Community College
Lorenzo Neal	NT	6’2	305	Houston, Texas	Saint Thomas High School
CJ Parker	SAF	6’2	205	Menifee, Calif.	Mt. San Jacinto College
Brandon Shuman	CB	5’11	185	Miami, Fla.	Gulliver Prep School
Rob Simmons	DE	6’6	215	Philadelphia, Pa.	Valley Forge Military Academy
Simeon Smiley	SAF	6’0	195	Pensacola, Fla.	Catholic High School
Jared Sparks	QB	6’1	200	Geismar, La.	Dutchtown High School
Anthony Watts	NT	6’4	290	Houston, Texas	Jack Yates High School

Signed in December
Kamal Hardy	CB	6’1	180	Pembroke Pines, Fla.	Monroe CC
Austin Larkin	DE	6’3	250	University City, Md.	City College of San Francisco
Jack Wegher	ATH	5’11	200	Dakota Dunes, S.D.	IMG Academy

INDIANA ADDS 21 ON NATIONAL SIGNING DAY

February 4, 2016

0

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Indiana head football coach Kevin Wilson announced on Wednesday the signing of 21 student-athletes to National Letters of Intent to play for the Hoosiers in 2016.

IU signed 12 offensive players, seven defensive players and two athletes. The Hoosiers added four offensive linemen, two quarterbacks, two running backs, two tight ends and two wide receivers on offense, and five defensive backs and two defensive linemen on defense.

The class features players from nine different states, including six from Ohio, four from Florida, three from Texas, two from Indiana, two from Georgia, one from Illinois, one from Maryland, one from Mississippi and one from New York.

Quarterback Richard Lagow (Plano, Texas/Plano H.S./Cisco (Texas) C.C.) and defensive back Jayme Thompson (Toledo, Ohio/Central Catholic H.S./Iowa Western C.C.) enrolled in classes this semester and will participate in spring practice.

“We are very pleased with this class,” Wilson said. “The coaches did a great job building relationships. There is a lot of trust and communication that goes into recruiting, and we did some good work. Over the last couple of years, the majority of our classes featured players on the defensive side of the ball. We are counting on those players – Jonathan Crawford, Leon Thornton III, Andre Brown, Jr., Tegray Scales, Jacob Robinson and Robert McCray III – to contribute big time next year. You are always recruiting a year or two ahead, and this year was a little more offensive oriented. There are some great defensive players in this class, very good defensive backs, an active defensive end in Allen Stallings IV, and an active guy up front in Jerome Johnson. But the bulk of this class was offensive line and skill guys. As we move on down the line, we expect them to be ready to step up and play for us.”

2016 Indiana Football Signees
Signee	Highlights	Pos	Ht	Wt	Hometown (School)
Marcelino Ball	Watch	DB	6-0	200	Roswell, Ga. (Roswell H.S.)
Phil Benker	Watch	WR	6-2	195	Jacksonville, Fla. (Sandalwood H.S.)
Shaun Bonner	Watch	TE	6-3	250	Moultrie, Ga. (Colquitt County H.S.)
Khalil Bryant	Watch	DB	5-10	200	Jacksonville, Fla. (First Coast H.S.)
Coy Cronk	Watch	OL	6-5	278	Lafayette, Ind. (Lafayette Central Catholic H.S.)
Brandon Drayton	Watch	DB	6-2	170	Largo, Fla. (Largo H.S.)
Kiante Enis	Watch	RB	6-2	205	Saratoga, Ind. (Winchester Community H.S.)
Cole Gest	Watch	RB	5-8	197	Lyndhurst, Ohio (St. Edward H.S.)
Jerome Johnson	Watch	DL	6-3	295	Bassfield, Miss. (Bassfield H.S.)
Richard Lagow	Watch	QB	6-6	240	Plano, Texas (Plano H.S./Cisco (Texas) C.C.)
Taysir Mack	Watch	WR	6-2	190	Brooklyn, N.Y. (Grand Street Campus H.S.)
Jonah Morris	Watch	ATH	6-4	200	Akron, Ohio (Archbishop Hoban H.S.)
Tyler Natee	Watch	ATH	6-0	260	Euless, Texas (Trinity H.S.)
Mackenzie Nworah	Watch	OL	6-4	305	Houston, Texas (Manvel H.S.)
Peyton Ramsey	Watch	QB	6-2	190	Cincinnati, Ohio (Elder H.S.)
A’Shon Riggins	Watch	DB	6-0	162	Hamilton, Ohio (Hamilton H.S.)
Ryan Smith	Watch	OL	6-5	280	Loveland, Ohio (Moeller H.S.)
Allen Stallings IV	Watch	DL	6-2	230	Maywood, Ill. (Oak Park and River Forest H.S.)
Grayson Stover	Watch	OL	6-6	295	Spring Hill, Fla. (Hudson H.S.)
Ian Thomas	Watch	TE	6-5	225	Baltimore, Md. (Digital Harbor H.S./Nassau (N.Y.) C.C.)
Jayme Thompson	Watch	DB	6-2	195	Toledo, Ohio (Central Catholic H.S./Iowa Western C.C.)

IFB recognizes Young Farmer programs

February 4, 2016

0

More than 500 young farmers and ranchers traveled to Indianapolis this past weekend for the annual Indiana Farm Bureau Young Farmer Leadership Conference.

Jasper County Farm Bureau’s Young Farmer program was recognized with the Outstanding County Award for the top program in the state. The Young Farmer committee chairman and a guest will receive an expenses-paid trip to the American Farm Bureau Young Farmer & Rancher Leadership Conference in Kansas City, Mo., in mid-February. Spencer and Tipton counties were runners-up.

Morgan County was recognized as the most improved Young Farmer Program. This is based on a comparison of activities of the past three years and how the activities and programs have improved in that county young farmer program.

Dubois, Warrick and Wayne counties received the Awakening Award. The Awakening Award was started in 1998 as a part of the outstanding county program to recognize county Young Farmer programs that are new or have not applied for the contest in the last three years.

Three counties were recognized for their contributions to the Feeding America program. Henry County donated the most money, collecting $12,003. Morgan County was the top county in pounds of food donated. The county donated 150 pounds of food during the program year. Most hours donated went to Tipton County. Young farmers there offered 500 hours of their time.

Conference attendees also raised money for charities. Through Canstruction, a contest where young farmers built structures from canned goods, 5,000 cans of food and $1,500 were donated to Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana. A live auction on Saturday evening brought in $1,560 for Gleaners and $910 for Bread of Life Ministry in Lynnville. The silent auction held during the event raised $2,363 for Gleaners.

Winners of the state’s two collegiate Farm Bureau chapters’ Discussion Meets were also recognized. Vincennes University Discussion Meet winner Ashia George, Knox County, and Purdue University Discussion Meet winner Sarah Correll, Miami County, will compete at the American Farm Bureau Young Farmer & Rancher Leadership Conference against other collegiate winners from around the country.

Young farmers who recently competed at the American Farm Bureau Federation’s annual meeting in Orlando received recognition as well.

Jake Smoker, LaPorte County, competed in the AFBF Discussion Meet.
Jacob and Jennifer Walker, DeKalb County, competed in the Achievement Award, which recognizes young farmers whose farm management techniques and commitment to their communities set a positive example for everyone involved in production agriculture.
Mike and Sarah Hertsel, Elkhart County, competed in the Excellence in Agriculture Award, which recognizes young farmers who do not receive the majority of their income from an agricultural operation that they own.