Football Team Bus Crashes

Members of the Warsaw Community High School football team escaped serious injury after their school bus crashed into a car yesterday afternoon. Kosciusko County Police say only one student complained of pain and he was treated and released by the Kosciusko Community Hospital Emergency Department. But the driver of the car was not as lucky. A helicopter flew the 73-year-old Fort Wayne woman from the scene to a Fort Wayne hospital, where she’s in serious condition this morning. Police say the woman drove her car into the path of the bus at the intersection of State Road 15 and Levi Lee Road yesterday afternoon.

More TB Cases Found in Kosciusko

Yet another case of infectious tuberculosis has turned up in northeastern Kosciusko County. Last week we reported that health officials knew of eight people who had the disease. Now the number’s up to nine. Plus, health officials say they now know of more than 20 non-infectious cases.

Local Doctor Briefs Hurricane Responders

A new wave of Indiana medical professionals is getting a briefing in Mississippi this morning from Warsaw physician Marilyn Whitney.

Hear Mike Nelson's report, including an excerpt of his exclusive interview with Whitney from Mississippi:

Warsaw MD Finds Need for Primary Care in Miss.

Warsaw family practice doctor Marilyn Whitney says the need for primary health care continues among victims of Hurricane Katrina who are in the Biloxi Mississippi area.

Hear Mike Nelson's report, including an excerpt from his exclusive interview with Whitney from the disaster area:

Warsaw Physician Arrives in Disaster Area

Warsaw physician Marilyn Whitney arrived safely late last night at Camp Indiana in Biloxi, Mississippi. She expects to receive a briefing today from the doctor she’s relieving as clinical leader of Indiana’s official response to Hurricane Katrina.

Warsaw Physician to Lead Katrina Relief

Warsaw physician Marilyn Whitney is on her way to Mississippi this morning, to lead medical professionals who will make up the third wave of Operation Hoosier Relief.

Hear Mike Nelson's report, including an excerpt of his exclusive interview with Dr. Marilyn Whitney:

Governor's Plan Would Raise Tolls, Improve Highways

A highway improvement plan that the governor’s office released yesterday would increase tolls on the Indiana Toll Road and upgrade sections of U-S 31 between South Bend and Indianapolis. The 10-year-plan would also complete the Heartland Corridor between Fort Wayne and Lafayette.

Officials Report Unusual Number of TB Cases

Health officials say they’ve found an unusually high number of cases tuberculosis in Kosciusko County. A state health department official says the eight county residents who have the disease all frequent the same bars and social clubs in northern Kosciusko County. Read more on the web site of our news partner, the Journal Gazette.

Huntington Shooting Suspect Enters Insanity Plea

A man who allegedly fired shots at a co-worker in downtown Huntington a couple weeks ago has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity. Read more on the web site of our news partner, the Journal Gazette.

Delta Postpones Fort Wayne-Orlando Service

The Fort Wayne-Allen County Airport Authority has announced that Delta Airlines has indefinitely postponed plans to provide non-stop flights from Fort Wayne to Orlando. The airline announced in August that such service would begin October 10th. Passengers who have already booked a seat on one of the planned flights should contact the airline at (800) 221-1212. In a news release, the Airport Authority says it believes Delta's uncertain financial future prompted the airline's decision not to begin the new service. Delta filed for bankruptcy last week.

Huntington Univ. Students to Provide Disaster Relief

Huntington University says 25 of its students will travel to Alabama and Mississippi next month to help with hurricane relief efforts. The students will spend four days working in the area in collaboration with Hope Crisis Response Network, which is coordinating its response with the Indiana and federal government.

Local EMS Workers Win Awards

Two Emergency Medical Technicians from Huntington won first place in a state EMS competition over the weekend. Jeff White and Brian Miller work for Parkview Huntington Hospital, which provides emergency medical services to Huntington County. In the paramedic category, Chris and Janelle Fancil of Syracuse EMS earned second place. The third place paramedic squad was Rodney Ousley and Corrie Hixson of Parkview Huntington Hospital.

North Manchester Police Investigate Rape, Robbery

The North Manchester Police Department revealed late this morning that a rape and a robbery were reported in the town yesterday.

According to a case summary from the NMPD, at about one o'clock yesterday afternoon a 25-year-old woman reported that a man raped her in her home. Police say the victim identified a suspect by name. Information from NMPD does not indicate whether police have arrested a suspect.

At about 10 o'clock last night, an employee of East End Lunch in North Manchester reported that a man wearing a mask and gloves robbed the businesses. The case summary indicates that the suspect displayed a weapon, but it does not indicate what type of weapon it was. Police say the robber got some cash, but they're not saying how much. The NMPD report does not indicate whether anyone was injured in the robbery.

Red Cross Reports on Local Katrina Response

The executive director of the Kosciusko County chapter of the American Red Cross provided an update today on local activities to assist the victims of Hurricane Katrina. Larry Peppel says local donors have given more than $50,000 to the Red Cross disaster relief fund. Peppel also says more than 70 people have volunteered to receive training in disaster response and 26 local Red Cross volunteers have deployed to the disaster area.

Huntington County Crash Kills One

A one-car crash in southeastern Huntington County killed the driver this morning. Huntington County police say the car was traveling on State Road Three when it crossed the centerline and rolled down a ditch until it hit a culvert. The car flipped end-over-end, throwing the driver out. Responders pronounced the driver dead at the scene of extensive head injuries.

Hoosier Medical Workers Treat Thousands

Volunteers who are part of Operation Hoosier Relief continue to help out in Mississippi this morning. The Indiana medical team there reports it has treated more than 28-hundred patients over the past 11 days. The state plans to send a second wave of workers tomorrow.

Pierceton Evacuees Visit Storm-Damaged La. Home

Members of a family that got stranded in Pierceton by Hurricane Katrina have had a chance to check out their home.

Hear Mike Nelson's report, including an excerpt of his exclusive interview with Lousiana evacuee Vicky Laborde:

Area Celebrity, Sportscaster Chris Schenkel Dies

Well-known sportscaster and Kosciusko County resident Chris Schenkel died yesterday at the age of 82. Schenkel had battled emphysema for the past couple years. He lived on Tippecanoe Lake near Syracuse and was born in the Huntington County town of Bippus.

Wabash County Plane Crash Kills Four

A small plane crash in Wabash County killed all four people on board. Three of the victims were members of a Lagro family and the fourth was a North Urbana woman. It happened Saturday night in Southern Wabash County. One of the victims was a teacher at Wabash High School, so classes there are cancelled today, and classes at Wabash Middle and Elementary schools are on a two-hour delay.

Local Linemen Face Unusual Hazard in Miss.

Kosciusko R-E-M-C lineman Garry Himes is prepared for some unusual hazards as he helps restore power in Mississippi.

Hear Himes talk about a hazard he doesn't worry about when he's working in Indiana:

Himes and fellow lineman Kelly Neace should arrive in Mississippi today and will spend a couple weeks helping restore power to members of an electric coop there.

Louisiana Children Adapt to Pierceton Life

All week, we’ve been telling you about a suburban New Orleans family who has taken refuge in Pierceton. It includes a six-year-old girl and a nine-year-old boy.

Hear Mike Nelson's latest report, including an excerpt from his interview with Vicky Laborde, who tells Q101 that her children are adapting well to their temporary life in Piercton:

U.S. 30 Crash Kills Warsaw Man

A 28-year-old Warsaw man is dead this morning after a semi truck crashed into his S-U-V at an intersection on U-S 30 last night. Doctors at Kosciusko Community Hospital pronounced Loran Ramer dead after rescue workers extricated him from the wreckage. The crash happened on Warsaw’s west side at about 9:40 last night. Ramer was the only person injured. According to a police department news release, witnesses say Ramer had a green light as he entered the intersection.

Operation Hoosier Relief Provides Status Report

Operation Hoosier Relief
Daily Update – Day 6
September 8, 2005

"Camp Indiana" moved to a new location today, the U.S. Naval Reserve Base in Gulfport, Mississippi, approximately 10-12 miles from the current site. All efforts continue to focus on the Biloxi area.

Mission Assignments:

• Six members of the National Guard participating in Operation Hoosier Relief provided assistance at medical centers.
• Forestry Officers from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) cleared 100+ trees near D’Iberville, including clearing trees from an elementary school being used as a shelter. Teams also cleared areas to provide access to utility restoration teams.
• DNR officers in boats performed patrols on waterways and in flooded areas.
Conservation officers on routine patrol apprehended two thieves and turned them over to local authorities. One is accused of trying to steal a boat. The other is accused of trying to steal a motor.
• Indiana State Police officers were assigned to road patrols in Mississippi and escorted fuel tankers into damaged areas.
• Indiana’s medical relief teams worked at a school treating 44 people. A medical team from South Bend will be taking over operation of clinic housed in a church. The team treated 24 people.
• DNR will deploy larger boats to Camp Indiana in the next 48 hours to extend operations into areas not accessible in small watercraft.

Indiana State Government continues to prepare for possible arrival of evacuees in Indiana.

• Indiana has been notified to expect the possible arrival of evacuees in the next 5 days. No timetable or number of evacuees has been established.
• Indiana is currently home to an estimated 1,100 evacuees and has offered to house up to 3,000.

Volunteer Efforts:

• Hoosiers hearts are on full display as efforts continue to help the victims of Hurricane Katrina. Indiana Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (INVOAD) has received 8,000 offers of help since the storm struck, 4,000 in the last 24 hours.
• Hoosiers interested in volunteering to help Katrina victims should not self deploy. All volunteers should be coordinated through Indiana’s Emergency Operations Center.

Anyone interested in volunteering should contact INVOAD online at www.invoad.org or at (866) 909-4673.

Gunman Arrested near Huntington Police Dept.

Huntington police say someone fired shots at two locations in the downtown area today. A gun was discharged near a convenience store and near the police department. Police arrested a 36-year-old Huntington man in front of the police department. No one was injured. The case remains under investigation.

State Refutes Statements by Local Volunteers

A state agency is refuting claims by a local medical group that the volunteers must provide their own supplies if they travel to the disaster area. Yesterday, Q101 told you about a local group’s plans to head south. Our story was based on a news release from the group, which says it’s soliciting donations for supplies, because the government won’t be able to provide them. But a spokesperson for the Indiana Department of Homeland Security tells Q101 the State of Indiana is providing supplies for volunteers it sends to Mississippi. Homeland Security spokesperson Pam Bright also says that the state has not yet chosen volunteers for the next Operation Hoosier Relief Team, so it’s not certain that anyone from the Q101 area will be deployed.

Whitko Welcomes Evacuees

A Louisiana woman whose family is stranded in Pierceton says she was impressed with the way Whitko schools took in her children last week.

Hear Mike Nelson's report, including an excerpt from his exclusive interview with suburban New Orleans resident Vicky Laborde:

Local Linemen to make Repairs in Miss.

Two utility linemen from the Warsaw area are on their way to Mississippi. The workers are employees of Kosciusko REMC.

Kosciusko Crash Critically Injures North Manchester Man

State Police say a 32-year-old North Manchester man suffered extensive head injuries in a two-vehicle crash in northwestern Kosciusko County last night. He’s in critical condition in a Fort Wayne hospital. It happened at about 8:20 last night at the intersection of county roads 800-west and 640-north. Police say a 16-year-old Etna Green girl drove the other vehicle. She suffered a minor head injury.

Red Cross Accepting Blood Donations in Syracuse

In addition to cash for disaster victims, the Red Cross still needs blood. You can give blood from two to seven p.m. today at Calvary United Methodist Church on State Road 13 in Syracuse.

Operation Hoosier Relief Provides Status Report

Indiana State Police distribute ice to hurricane victims in Mississippi.

Governor Daniels' office has issued the following update on the status of Operation Hoosier Relief in Mississippi as of today:

"Camp Indiana" has been established outside Biloxi, Mississippi.

• 60+ Indiana State Police personnel (including 10-water rescue specialists)
• 35 experts from the Department of Natural Resources to handle water rescue and forestry removal.
• 35+ medical professionals from the Department of Health and the Family and Social Services Administration including doctors, nurses, and mental health professionals.
• Indiana’s Mobile Emergency Operations Command Vehicle to coordinate command and control of relief efforts.
• Natural disaster recovery experts from the Indiana Department of Homeland Security.

Mission Assignments:

• Forestry Officers from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) cleared 75+ trees in the parking lots of local schools to reopen for class/shelters.
• 24 Officers from DNR and Indiana State Police (ISP) patrolled in boats for looters, stray boats, and victims in need of assistance.
• 30 Indiana State Police officers were assigned to road patrols in Mississippi. Working 12-hour shifts, the officers patrolled nine counties, provided security for food relief missions, and assisted the Biloxi Police Department with the evacuation of 8 sectors of the city.
• Indiana’s medical relief teams treated 24 people at a Red Cross Shelter.
• The mental health team saw 55 people working with a 1^st responder group.

Lake City Bank Accepts Disaster Donations

The Warsaw branch of The Salvation Army has announced that Lake City Bank will accept donations at any of its branches for the Salvation Army Disaster Relief Fund.

WCHS to Release Upperclassmen on Three Mornings

Warsaw Community High School (WCHS) has announced plans to release Juniors and Seniors on the mornings of September 20, 21 & 22, 2005 to participate in a job shadowing experience, to perform a community service project in the Warsaw area or to visit a college or technical school of their choice. Other students will be taking the ISTEP+ Graduation Qualifying Exam during those mornings.

Stranded Residents to Visit Damaged La. Home

A Louisiana woman is on her way from Pierceton back to her home in a Jefferson Parish suburb of New Orleans this morning. It'll be her and her husband's first chance to see how badly their home was damaged and to retrieve belongings.

Hear Mike Nelson's report, including an excerpt from his interview with Jefferson Parish resident Vicky Laborde, whose family was stranded in Pierceton while there for a funeral:

Local Medical Team Plans Trip South

Note: See an update to this story posted September 8.

A new medical team from the Q101 area plans to set up a field hospital in the Hurricane Katrina disaster area. The team includes Warsaw physician Michael Trobec, two physicians from Fort Wayne and other area residents. According to a news release, the team has coordinated its deployment with the Indiana Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The release says FEMA has asked the local group to bring its own supplies and equipment. So the group is seeking cash donations with donation boxes it will place around Warsaw. Donors may send tax-deductible donations to:

Fitzsimmons & Associates, Attorneys at Law
Six Yarnelle Point
Warsaw, Indiana 46580

Donors should make checks payable to either "FWMEP Hurricane Medical Relief Team" or "Hands of Hope." For more information, contact Laura Fitzgerald at (574) 268-9100.

Kosciusko Red Cross Chapter Seeks More Volunteers

In the past week, the Kosciusko County chapter of the American Red Cross has trained more than 30 new disaster response volunteers. Chapter Executive Director Larry Peppel says 13 volunteers from his chapter have already deployed to the Hurricane Katrina disaster area… six more leave today… and two more depart tomorrow. Peppel says the vast majority of the volunteers heading south are brand new. He’s still looking for more people who’d like to take a four-hour course in disaster response. If you'd like to learn how you can help, call the Kosciusko County chapter at (574) 267-5244 or visit the chapter's web site.

Warsaw Chamber Launches Membership Drive

The Warsaw/Kosciusko County Chamber of Commerce is about to launch its 2005 membership drive. Over the next few days, businesses will receive a mailing. A representative of the chamber will then call or visit. For more information, visit the chamber's web site.

State Agency Advises Against Disaster Self-Deployment

The Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) is asking Hoosier public safety agencies not to self-deploy people or assets to the Hurricane Katrina disaster area. The state agency says it's relaying that request from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The federal agency is requesting all police, fire, EMS and other emregency response agencies in Indiana to offer their support through IDHS and not to depart without the state agency's coordination. In addition, the IDHS warns individuals not to travel to the disaster area unless they are sent by a disaster relief organization such as the Red Cross. Fore more information, visit the IDHS web site.

Wabash Company Announces Expansion

The GDX North America plant in Wabash has announced that it will expand, recall laid off employees and hire additional workers. GDX will employ approximately 700 people in 2007, an increase of more than 35 percent in the plant’s current workforce. The company makes vehicle sealing products for the auto industry.

Flags Lowered for Rehnquist, Katrina Victims

Governor Daniels' office has ordered all state facilities to fly flags at half-staff until September 13, in honor of United States Supreme Court Chief Justice William Rehnquist. Flags will then remain at half-staff until September 20, to honor the victims of Hurricane Katrina.

Kosciusko Foundation Announces Grant Deadline

The Kosciusko County Community Foundation has announced the deadline for nonprofit organizations to apply for its next grant cycle. Applications must eighter arrive or be postmarked by September 15th. The foundation awards grants in the areas of human services, health, education, arts and culture, recreation, civic projects and the environment. See the foundation's web site for more information.

Local Tax Revenue Increases

Governor Daniels announced today that the 89 counties with one of three allowed county income taxes will receive an average 18.8 percent more money in 2006 than in 2005. State officials say Hoosiers on average reported increases in income as compared to 2004. Kosciusko County's tax revenue increased by 28 percent, Whitley County's went up by 22 percent, Huntington County's revenue increase by 12 percent and Wabash County saw a 12 percent increase.

Louisiana Family Stranded in Pierceton

A family who lives in a New Orleans suburb found itself stranded in the Q101 area, when Hurricane Katrina struck while they were here for a funeral.

Hear Mike Nelson's report, including an excerpt of his interview with Vicky Laborde of River Ridge, Louisiana:

Barbee Lake Tavern Robbed

Kosciusko County police are looking for an armed robber this morning. According to a news release, a man with a handgun held up the Barbee Landing at Barbee Lake, south of North Webster, at about 11:20 last night. The bartender described the robber as about five feet, eight inches tall, with a medium build and wearing dark clothing. Police aren’t saying how much money he got. They’d like you to give them a call if you know anything that might help them catch the robber.

Warsaw Ministers Collect Relief Items

The Greater Warsaw Ministerial Association collected goods for disaster victims yesterday and Sunday. The group collected enough items to fill two semi trailers. Metzger Trucking Company of Silver Lake will deliver the trailers, without charge, to a church in Louisiana. The church will distribute the donations to various relief agencies. The association has left a large container in front of the Marsh Supermarket on South Buffalo Street in Warsaw to collect additional donations. Officials are asking you to put only new items in the container and only items that have a long shelf life and aren’t packaged in glass.

Operation Hoosier Relief Reaches Gulfport

Volunteers with Operation Hoosier Relief arrived in Gulfport, Mississippi last night. The group includes state troopers, Indiana National Guard members, various state employees and medical personnel. They plan to provide assistance to storm victims and to other responders.

Salvation Army Parks Truck Fleet

High fuel prices have led the Salvation Army Family Store in Warsaw to stop picking up donations in Kosciusko County. If you have something to donate to the thrift store, the Salvation Army hopes you’ll take it in yourself, or use one of its collection boxes. One is at the Owens Supermarket on West Market Street in Warsaw and the other is at the American Legion in North Webster.

Red Cross Accepting Blood Donations in Mentone

The American Red Cross will accept blood donations today at the Mentone United Methodist Church. The blood drive runs from two to six p.m. Thursday, the Red Cross will be at Calvary United Methodist Church in Syracuse.

Indiana Launches Record Relief Effort

Indiana is launching the largest relief effort in state history to help victims of Hurricane Katrina. The state’s homeland security director says about 200 state employees will head to Mississippi tomorrow. The group includes National Guardsmen, Indiana State Police officers and workers from the Family and Social Services Administration and the departments of Health, Homeland Security and Natural Resources. DNR Director Kyle Hupfer says his department will take boats and all-terrain vehicles to help with rescue operations. The Indiana group includes nurses and mental health professionals. And FSSA workers will prepare waivers to allow disabled Mississippi residents to come to Indiana for treatment.

Hoosier Colleges Welcome Gulf Coast Students

Several Indiana universities are opening their doors to students from the areas affected by the hurricane. Manchester College, Indiana University, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis and Indiana State University are among those allowing displaced students to enroll.

Bishop Requests Katrina Collection

Bishop John D’Arcy of the South Bend-Fort Wayne diocese of the Roman Catholic Church has asked every parish in the diocese to take up a collection for the victims of Hurricane Katrina in Louisiana and neighboring states. The church will send the donations to Catholic Charities USA.

Hoosiers Complain about Fuel Price Gouging

Angry Indiana gasoline consumers have sent about 1,500 price-gouging complaints to the state attorney general's office over two days. But Indiana’s fuel price gouging law does not the attorney general to investigate the complaints unless Governor Daniels declares an emergency. The Governor’s press secretary says his staff has not yet discussed declaring such an emergency.

Police Arrest Milford Couple on Drug Dealing Charges

Police have arrested a Milford couple who they suspect of being major drug dealers in Kosciusko and Elkhart Counties. Police say they raided the couple’s home yesterday and recovered three kilograms of cocaine, 127 pounds of marijuana and more than 150-thousand dollars cash. The male suspect is 53 years old and his wife is 46. They’re held without bail on a number of drug-related charges.

Katrina Reduces Fuel Supply

Hurricane Katrina has limited the amount of gasoline that’s getting to northern Indiana stations. But a local retailer is advising against panic buying.

Hear Mike Nelson's Report, including an excerpt of his interview with Steve Myers, vice president of the company that owns Pak-a-Sak stores in the Q101 area.:

ISP Preparing to Send Troopers to Disaster Area

The Indiana State Police Department has begun gathering names of troopers to go to disaster area for up to 60 days. Troopers could leave as early tomorrow.

Nappanee RV Maker to Add Workers

Gulf Stream Coach in Nappanee has begun hiring extra workers to prepare for a big order from the federal government. The R-V company expects the Federal Emergency Management Agency to order temporary housing for Hurricane victims.