No one takes blame for merger dropped from Nov. 2 ballot

By Mike Alexander

No one wants to take blame for the referendum on the proposed merger of the city of Greenwood and White River Township being dropped from the Nov. 2 general election ballot. Deadline for filing with the Johnson County Recorder’s office was noon, Aug. 1. The earliest a similar resolution can be on the ballot is two years from now. Although both the city council and township board passed ordinances to be on the ballot, the White River Township Board never filed its ordinance. That means voters in Greenwood and White River Township won’t get a chance to have their say by voting yes or no to the merger. The merger would have raised taxes in the township, but lowered them in Greenwood. Besides there being strong opposition from many residents in the township, many felt that because of the current bad economy, it was the wrong time to raise taxes through the merger. The sad part is that many officials on both sides, including the reorganization committee, spent countless hours, time and money in researching the pros and cons of such merger so that it could be presented fairly to voters in both the township and the city. As for the blame, who do you cite? Township Trustee Jay Marks was given the approved ordinance to be signed, but he didn’t give copies to the city or to the reorganization committee. Nor did he file the ordinance with the county. If the merger were to take place, it was expected that the trustee and the three township board positions would become part of a proposed 11-member city council. Marks, although currently in office, is a lame duck by virtue of being voted out during the May primary election. Pat Sherman, reorganization committee chairman, apparently never saw a red flag that the township had not filed. Mark Messick, township board president, apologized to the Greenwood council Monday evening to “not getting it done” on time. “I don’t know why the township ordinance wasn’t signed,” he said, adding that the ordinance was in the trustee’s hands. Greenwood Mayor Charles Henderson and Messick both agreed that a future meeting needs to be held to discuss referendum changes for 2012. “The issue is that White River Township voters get a chance to say yes or no,” the mayor said. Greenwood Clerk-Treasurer Jeanine Mayers said she notified the council via e-mail last week that the township’s ballot ordinance had not arrived. By law, she could not file the Greenwood ordinance without the township’s signed ordinance. “I did all that I could from this end,” she said

Cottrell named Non-commissioned Officer of the Year for Indiana

By Submission For The Southside Times

Sgt. Stephen Etoye Cottrell has earned the title of Non-commissioned Officer of the Year for the State of Indiana. Originally from Plymouth, Indiana, he has been at Camp Atterbury for three years. To earn this title, he underwent two days of assorted tests including a weapons qualification test, physical fitness tests, day and night navigations, a 12-mile hike, an essay and exam before the Army Board. Sgt. Cottrell will compete this month in regional competition in Wisconsin. Sgt. Cottrell resides in Greenwood. He is engaged to Sara Davis, daughter of Debbi and Brian Davis of Franklin Township.

Biggest Loser Challenge

By Brandon Gentry

Title: Biggest Loser Challenge
Location: Quench!, 6005 East Thompson Rd.
Description: This nine week program will have each participant participating in weigh-ins and various other activities to improve upon their overall health and well being.Info: Call 203-3344 for more information.
Date: 2010-01-05

Toddler Tales at Southport

By Brandon Gentry

Title: Toddler Tales at Southport
Location: The Southport Public Library, 2630 E. Stop 11 Rd.
Description: Toddlers ages 18 months to 3 years and an adult are invited to listen to stories, songs and interactive playtime activities. Cost: Free | Info: Call 275-4510 for more information.
Start Time: 11:00
Date: 2010-01-06

PBR Touring Pro Division

By Brandon Gentry

Title: PBR Touring Pro Division
Location: Conseco Fieldhouse
Description: The PBR, or Professional Bull Riders Inc., will be here to showcase some of the best bull riding from around the United States. Cost: $15-$50 | Info: Call 239-5151 for more information.
Start Date: 2010-01-08
Start Time: 19:30
End Date: 2010-01-09

IUPUI Jaguars vs. Ohio

By Brandon Gentry

Title: IUPUI Jaguars vs. Ohio
Location: Where: Conseco Fieldhouse
Description: The IUPUI Jags will compete against the Ohio University Bobcats in a game that no Jags fan will want to miss. Cost: $15 | Info: Call 239-1515 for more information.
Start Time: 18:00
Date: 2010-01-06

Indiana Pacers

By Brandon Gentry

Title: Indiana Pacers
Location: Conseco Fieldhouse
Description: The Indiana Pacers will face off against the Minnesota Timberwolves in what is sure to be a hard-fought battle. Cost: Ticket prices vary | Info: Call 239-5151 for more information.
Start Time: 19:00
Date: 2010-01-02

New Years Eve Dance

By Brandon Gentry

Title: New Years Eve Dance
Location: Where: 333 S. Washington St., Greenwood
Description: The Greenwood V.F.W. will host a New Year’s Eve dance featuring finger foods and a DJ. Cost: $10-$15 | Info: Call 888-2488 for more information.
Start Time: 20:00
Date: 2009-12-31

New Year’s Eve at the Children’s Museum

By Brandon Gentry

Title: New Year’s Eve at the Children’s Museum
Location: The Children’s Museum
Description: The Children’s Museum will host a Countdown to Noon part for families who want to celebrate together but not stay up all night. Cost: Included with regular admission | Info: Call 334-3322 for more information.
Start Time: 11:00
Date: 2009-12-31
End Time: 12:00

Family New Year’s Eve

By Brandon Gentry

Title: Family New Year’s Eve
Location: The Indiana State Museum
Description: Families can celebrate together at the Indiana State Museum. Performances will include that of Peewinkle’s Christmas Puppet Show, stilt walkers and clowns. Cost: $10 | Info: Call 232-1637 for more information.
Start Time: 18:30
Date: 2009-12-31