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MERRY CHRISTMAS! As I’m writing this you might be baking cookies, wrapping presents or finishing up your holiday shopping. Whatever you’re doing this holiday season, we certainly wish you and yours the happiest of holidays. We’re gearing up for 2015 and it’s hard for me to stop looking ahead. At this time last year, we had no idea that the first few months Michelle DIALS Editor/publisher of 2014 would be so busy. Just a few days into the new year, we were INFO is a free, monthly newspaper slammed by winter storm serving Cass County, Indiana and the surrounding areas. It is part of after cold winter storm. the Cass County Communication Network, published by Schools closed. Churches Existential Media LLC. Published by cancelled their services. Calendar Items Existential Media LLC Community events that are open P.O. Box 314 Businesses closed. Many to the public and have a specific Logansport, IN date, time and location can be counties around the state 46947 submitted FREE to finally went to red travel CassCountyCalendar.com. Editor/Publisher Use the submit link on the website Michelle Dials status, permitting emeror e-mail details to (574) 721-4636 contact@cassnetwork.com. (michelle@ gency travel only. My We reserve the right to select existentialmedia. com) specific events to feature on our phone started ringing early Facebook page, in e-mail Cover Illustration newsletters, in Cass County INFO on and I started posted By Melissa Laird or in other community updates. closings and delays. People The views expressed CAUGHT ON CAMERA by our Photos posted on our Facebook flocked to Cass County writers are not fan pages may be selected, at necessarily those of our discretion, to be published in Online to see what was Existential Media INFO. Photos can also be LLC. closed. People started texe-mailed to contact@cassnetwork. com. For advertising ting CASSINFO to 46786 information, Advertising information contact to sign up for our mobile The Cass County Communication Phill Dials Network offers print, web and (574) 721-4635 alerts. mobile advertising solutions. For (phill@ information about advertising, While I’m certainly not cassnetwork.com) e-mail contact@cassnetwork.com. hoping for another winEditorial Information ter like the one we had Views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect last year, we’ll be ready to the position of the Cass County Communication Network or its parent company, Existential Media LLC. Our publications provide information share information with about events and activities happening in or near Cass County, Indiana. The information is provided by Existential Media LLC for general inforyou. mation purposes only. We strive to keep the information up-to-date and correct, however we make no representations or warranties of any kind, In the past few months, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, I’ve also been particiservices, or related graphics contained in our publications for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at pating in community your own risk. In no event will Existential Media LLC be liable for any loss or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or conversations facilitated damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of our publications. by United Way of Cass County. I’ve been the noInterested in advertising with Cass County Communication tetaker for several sessions Network? Call (574) 721-4635 for more information! and it’s been fascinating 2 | Cass County INfo: | December 2014
to listen to the dreams and aspirations people have shared for our community. When we get to this point in the year, I start thinking about the things that will change when the calendar rolls over to January 1. They could change today, I suppose, but January 1 just seems like a fitting new beginning. I hope that as 2015 gets underway, we’ll see some of the things that residents have been mentioning in those community conversations start taking place. It’s interesting to me that some of the things I’ve heard repeated the most are things that we, as individuals, can help to change, namely by getting more involved in the community. We know 2015 will bring a city election. We know our local organizations will continue the good work they’re doing and that they’ll still need help from volunteers. We know that our elected officials will meet and make decisions that impact us. We know that teachers will teach and students will learn. Other things that will happen are out of our control and remain to be seen. But what we can control is how involved we want to be in bringing the change we hope to see to our community. We have a lot of work ahead of us, but I believe we can make some of those dreams and aspirations a reality. I’m looking forward to seeing what 2015 brings. Stay tuned ...
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First candidates announce plans for 2015 election Just a few steps from the confluence of the rivers where Logansport was named, four Cass County Democrats announced their candidacy for the city’s 2015 municipal election during a reception Friday, Dec. 19 at Boondocker’s: Mayor Dave Kitchell is a 1976 graduate of Logansport High School and holds a bachelors degree in communication form Purdue University and pursued a masters’ degree from the University of Missouri School of Journalism. After a 25-year career as a writer, editor and columnist for the Pharos-Tribune, he has been a full-time college and public school educator and currently teaches at Lewis-Cass Jr. Sr. High School. Dave and his wife, Julie, are the parents of three children, Max, 7, Goldie, and Minnie, 4. Clerk-Treasurer Stacy Cox is a 1998 graduate of Logansport High School and earned an associate’s degree in accounting from Ivy Tech Community College and a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Butler University. She earned a master’s degree in business administration (MBA) from Indiana University and plans to become a certified public accountant. She is the assistant controller for Bona Vista Programs, Inc. in Kokomo. She has a daughter, Ashlynn, 5. City Council Ward 1 Dave Morris, also a Logansport High School graduate, retired from the U.S. Postal Service this year after 35 years as a letter carrier. He has coordinated the National Association of Letter Carriers food drive for the past 20 years. He and his wife, Julie, have seven children and nine grandchildren.
DEMOCRAT CANDIDATES: Dave Kitchell for mayor, Stacy Cox for Clerk Treasurer, Scott Peattie for Council Ward 3. Not pictured, Dave Morris for Council Ward 1.
City Council Ward 3 Scott Peattie is a U.S. Air Force veteran and owned Peattie’s Bait and Tackle for several years. He is a 30-year employee of Logansport Municipal Utilities. In announcing his candidacy, Kitchell said he truly believes the 2015 city election in Logansport will be the most important one in his lifetime, and maybe his children’s lifetimes. He described a campaign stool whose three legs include accountability, integrity and community service. “Collectively, we are here because we want to be partners in making Logansport and Cass County a place you’re prouder to call home, and that will be our daily mission. We’re not going to be about grinding political axes, but we will grind out the kind of progress that has to happen in the months and years ahead for Logansport to be the best 21st century it can be.”
On Cass County Online, we’ve put together a “Winter Weather Guide” to help you find what you need in the event of inclement weather! • CLOSINGS AND CANCELLATIONS If your business or
organization is having an event that is affected by inclement weather, please notify us by calling (574) 721-4636 and we’ll get the word out. And, make sure you’re signed up for CASSINFO mobile alerts to get the latest local information delivered via text message.
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Cass Co. Visitors Bureau accepting grant applications In 2015, the Cass County Visitors Bureau will be awarding four$1250 major grants, four $750 major grants and eight $500 mini grants. To be eligible for one of the major grants, your grant application must be returned to the Cass County Visitors Bureau by Noon on February 4, 2015. The grant recipients will be announced on March 11, 2015. A copy of the rules and regulation for funding requests and marketing grant applications are available in the CCVB office between 8am and noon, Monday through Friday or electronically by contacting Toni Savini at info@visit-casscounty. com. Undistributed major grant funds, still available after the grant cycle, may be applied for by organizers with new projects or events for 2015. Each grant application will be considered by the Cass County Visitors Bureau’s Board of Directors. Any Not-for-Profit that has received $10,000 or more in grant funding from the CCVB in a five year period will be required to submit a Reviewed Statement of Accounts by an External Accountant with their next grant request. Mini grant applications will be accepted throughout 2015 but must be in the CCVB office by the 20th of the month for consideration at the following month’s regularly scheduled meeting. The Cass County Visitors Bureau is located at 311 South 5th St. in downtown Logansport. You can call 574-753-4856 or e-mail info@ visit-casscounty.com with any questions.
Logansport hopes to land $400 million biodiesel project by offering $550,000 incentive BY MICHELLE DIALS The Logansport City Council set the ball in motion Dec. 15 for a new $400 million investment they say could result in up to 200 new jobs for the City of Logansport. Following an executive session, the council unanimously approved a memorandum of understanding with S.G. Preston Company (SGP) during a special meeting. The MOU describes the company as “a Delaware corporation having an office at 1650 Market Street, 36th Floor, Philadelphia, PA.” According to the MOU, SGP is developing a portfolio of green bio-diesel and green bio-jet fuel production and processing facilities and is currently conducting a site selection process regarding the potential location of one or more of its facilities in Indiana. “It’s a diesel production facility that converts a by-product of ethanol into diesel fuel,” Mayor Ted Franklin said in an interview after tonight’s meeting. “I guess the most basic of terms would be described as vegetable oil to diesel fuel.” The MOU details an incentive package that would consist entirely of a forgivable loan in the amount of $550,000. The council voted 6-0 to approve the memorandum of understanding on first reading. Councilman Jeremy Ashcraft did not attend the meeting. Franklin said a second vote on the ordinance by the Logansport City Council is scheduled for Dec. 29. “That doesn’t mean its complete,” Franklin said. “That sets the process in motion for the distribution of the incentive. This incentive is $550,000 dispersed over a period of months that is dispersed in the form of a forgivable loan. If the project for some reason doesn’t take place in Logansport, the developer has to reimburse us the $550,000. If it does take place, that’s our incentive and that’s our total incentive.” Franklin said a representative from S.G. Preston did not attend Monday’s council meeting, but Gabriel Hall, president of U.S. Rail was in attendance, as was attorney John Molitor, legal counsel for the city of Logansport. “We’re excited about the possibilities,” Franklin said. “It’s another one that is, comparatively, extremely large. If you think about Logansport having a total assessed value of $350 million, it’s taken us 175 years to get to that plateau. This one project is $400 million. You put that into perspective, obviously it’s a respectable number of jobs - one to two hundred. At least a hundred, but reasonably could expect it to go to 160 in the facility itself and then 40 other jobs to supply the facility. The average wage is $46,000 a year, and there’s benefits on top of that, so it’s a respectable living wage and it’s a nice shot in the arm. We continue to work on projects like this one and hopefully there’s going to be some more in the pipeline.”
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State Creates Free County Travel Status Mobile App The State of Indiana has created a free mobile app to provide Hoosiers with county travel status updates and alerts directly to their mobile devices. “This new app will be a great on-thego resource for citizens and visitors to Indiana,” said Governor Mike Pence. “The travel advisory map has been one of the most popular pages on the State of Indiana website, particularly during times of inclement weather. The app will be even more convenient, and we hope many people will use this as a resource to make informed travel decisions.” In addition to weather, the app will also include notifications with regard to flooding, hazardous materials spills and other events that could affect travel. Last winter, the Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) County Travel Status Map was the most visited page on IN.gov, generating nearly 5
million unique visitors between December 1, 2013, and March 31, 2014. The Indiana Office of Technology and IDHS collaborated on the project. The Indiana Travel Advisory app is available to download for iPhone (https://appsto.re/us/QHVw4.i) in the App Store, and Android (https://play. google.com/store/apps/details?id=gov. in.traveladvisory) in the Google Play Store. Features include: • Ability for users to set alerts for any county or counties they choose, up to every county in the state. When the travel status in a selected county is changed, the user will receive an alert notification.
• Weather conditions for each county. Tapping on a county will display the temperature and an icon with the current conditions. • Contact information for county emergency management agencies, which are responsible for the status updates. The app is meant to be used as part of a system to stay aware of changing travel conditions. Other sources include local news, travel, weather and social media sites and apps. Indiana Travel Advisory is part of the IN.gov family of apps. The state has developed 12 different mobile apps to help serve citizens, including the IN.gov app (Apple and Android), which is a hub to access all the apps from the State.
INDOT's new tow plows will serve our area The Indiana Department of Transportation today introduced new tow plows to its statewide winter arsenal for combating snow and ice on multi-lane interstates, U.S. highways and state roads. Already used in northeast Indiana and 22 other states, a tow plow allows one plow truck and driver to clear two lanes at once, providing more consistent driving conditions and optimizing usage of fuel, equipment and labor. The tow plow and material spreader are pulled behind and to the side of a standard yellow INDOT plow truck, and can be deployed or retracted using in-cab controls. Except when stocking up on salt or fuel, INDOT plans to use the six new tow plows on the four-lane state highways listed below. The equipment may be redeployed to other parts of the state as needed this winter. Interstate 74 between Indianapolis and Greensburg Interstate 469 and U.S. 24 northeast of Fort Wayne The new U.S. 31 freeway near Kokomo The State Road 67 Muncie Bypass U.S. 24 and State Road 25 Hoosier Heartland near Logansport
Motorists should be prepared to see tow plows during winter weather and practice safe driving habits near and around all snow plows. Drivers should not attempt to pass a tow plow if all lanes are blocked, but stay a safe distance and speed behind the plows. Road conditions are always better behind a plow at work than in front. INDOT wants you and your family to stay safe on the roads this winter. Please follow these tips, and find more winter driving safety advice at WinterDrivingSafety.in.gov. Stay back: Give snowplows room to work. The plows are wide and can cross lane markings, including the centerline and shoulder. Don’t tailgate and try not to pass. If you must pass, take extreme caution and beware of the snow cloud coming off the plow. Slow down: Snowplows travel below the speed limit. Be patient. They clearing roads of snow and ice and helping to keep you safe. Allow plenty of time. Remember, “Ice and snow, take it slow.” Make room: A snowplow operator’s field of vision is restricted. You may see them, but they don’t always see you. Keep your distance and watch for sudden stops or turns. December 2014 | Cass County INfo: | 5
Reinstatement relief from BMV New rules for mopeds take ends Dec. 31, 2014 Don Snemis, Commissioner of the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), is reminding Hoosiers to take advantage of the agency’s Reinstatement Relief Program before it expires at the end of the year. The Reinstatement Relief Program allows suspended drivers to pay temporarily reduced reinstatement fees and earn reinstatement, as long as all other legal requirements for reinstatement are met. “This program offers a 50% discount on reinstatement fees incurred before July 1, 2013, for operating a vehicle without insurance, as long as those fees are paid before the end of the year,” said Snemis. “The Reinstatement Relief Program has been a tremendous success and we want all eligible Hoosiers to benefit from it while it is still available. The BMV loses its authority to offer the discount at the end of the year.” “This program is important because it helps people get back on the road legally,” said Snemis. To pay reinstatement fees, customers may login or create a myBMV.com account and check their eligibility. Reinstatement fees cannot be paid at license branches. Customers who participate in the Reinstatement Relief Program may also be responsible for completing other tasks before earning back their driving privileges, including providing proof of insurance, completing a driver safety program, paying court fees, or successfully passing a driver’s license written knowledge exam, driving skills exam or vision screening. Reinstatement fees incurred on or after July 1, 2013, and fees imposed by courts, are not included in this program.
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effect Jan. 1, 2015
The BMV has released an informational video, entitled “Motor Driven Cycles Rules of the Road” explaining the new Motor Driven Cycle (MDC) laws that begin on Jan. 1, 2015. “This video will inform Hoosiers how to register their MDCs and how to get a proper license to operate an MDC on Indiana’s roads,” BMV Commissioner Don Snemis said. “The video will help all drivers stay safe and legal, and I encourage everyone to watch it.” MDCs, commonly referred to as scooters, mopeds or motorized bicycles, are now divided into MDC-A or MDCB classes. “It is our goal to educate Hoosiers with motor driven cycles and help them be prepared for a quick and easy trip to their local BMV branch once this new law goes into effect on January 1, 2015,” said Snemis.
Solid Waste District wraps up 2014 As 2014 draws to a close, I’m finding myself being thankful for a lot of things. And while my faith and my family heads that list, I would ask for your indulgence as I highlight a handful of others that are directly work related. First would be the citizens of Logansport and Cass County that participate in the programs that we offer, and are doing the right thing by recycling and properly disposing of various items. Participation in our roll off program, for example just continues to grow. By this time next month we will have yearend totals to work with, but I would be willing to bet that the numbers will show an increase in the amount of recyclables collected. There has been a marked increase in the number of people using the recycling container at 350S/50E, and also in Walton. The pulls at both of these locations has gone up, compared with last year. The container at the fairgrounds continues to be changed three times a week, the ones in Royal Center and Galveston about ever four to five days, and the new bin in Twelve Mile is seeing considerable usage. I would like to pass along a few reminders about the roll off program. First is that it is for Cass County residents and not for businesses. Second, when you are putting cardboard boxes in, please make sure that they are broken down. This will save a considerable amount of room in the containers for other people to use. And also, if the bins are full, please do not leave any recyclables on the ground. This amounts to littering, and the people and businesses that allow us to use their properties for this program, deserve more respect than that. Simply come back in a day or so, when the bin has been emptied. I am also thankful for the group of vendors that we work with. While I don’t have enough time to highlight all of them, I would like to mention a couple. That includes RecycleForce. They handle the electronic waste we collect. In large part because of their willingness to expand our program, and add collection events throughout Cass County, our e-waste collection has gone from about 47,000 pounds last year to well over 111,000 pounds this year. NuGenesis takes care of the Tox-Away or Household Hazardous Waste Day. Jim Parker and his crew are not only professional, but genuinely good people too. We also have terrific people that handle the roll off program, tires, along with fluorescent tube and battery collections. Thanks to all of the students that participated in the fifth grade field day. They were a joy to work with. To the teachers that have welcomed the district into their classrooms, and to the community groups that have allowed presentations from
the district, a big thanks. I would also like to pass along thanks to my fellow directors, with a special emphasis on the ones in this area. They never seem tired of the new guy asking them all sorts of questions. And whenever help is needed with a program, they are always willing to lend a hand. Having that support system is extremely valuable. To our state lawmakers, who understand the value of districts, and are willing to listen not only to our success stories, but also to our concerns, thank you. I would like to offer a huge pat on the back to Dan Williams and the Logansport Department of Public Works, along with Jeff Smith and the Cass County Highway Department. Both have stepped up whenever I have asked for assistance, whether it’s preparing a roll off site, or helping to clean up an area. Not to mention that Dan and his crew do a fantastic job of operating the compost site. Special thanks also need to be passed along to Cathy Isaacs. She is the controller for the district, and handles the financial end of the operations. She is also a valuable resource to bounce ideas and potential new programs off as well. Finally I would like to thank my board and advisory board. They are extremely supportive, and honestly have the best interests of all of Cass County in mind. They are forwardthinking, and fiscally conscience with every decision they make. They are willing to try new programs or new ideas, but also understand that the resources need to be in place, and need to be spent wisely. The Solid Waste Board is made up, by statute, of the three county commissioners, a member of the county council, the Mayor of Logansport, a member of the City Council, and a representative from Galveston. And while he is not looking for any recognition, a big thank you does need to be extended to Commissioner and Solid Waste Board member, Dave Arnold. His tenure on the board and as a commissioner wraps up at the end of the month. In all of my dealings with Dave on the Solid Waste Board, he has always been professional, and had the best interest of the citizens in mind. One housekeeping note: the District office will be closed from December 22-January 1st. So from everyone at the Cass County Solid Waste Management District, have a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year.
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Governor outlines vision for education Indiana is on a roll. Unemployment in our state has declined from more than 8 percent when I was elected Governor to 5.7 percent today. Since 2009, the drop in our unemployment rate is the fourth largest in the nation. We have added more than 83,000 private sector jobs in the past two years, and our real GDP growth led the Midwest last year. Our economic performance as a state is complemented by a strong fiscal position. Our budgets are balanced with no gimmicks and no new debt. We have held the line on spending and maintained strong reserves. Even as we have made significant investments in infrastructure and education, we have maintained adequate reserves. Reserves are the last line of defense in a recession, and we guard them fiercely. To keep Indiana competitive, we have cut taxes. Last year’s reduction in our income tax rate was the largest state tax cut in Indiana history. We’ve provided $185 million in tax relief for job creators, eliminated the inheritance tax and reformed taxes on business equipment. To keep Indiana on a roll, we need to keep innovating and investing in our future. And without question, investing in high quality education for our children is our top priority. We’ve made great progress as a state in recent years. High school graduation rates are up, ISTEP scores have increased, and Indiana ranked second in the nation in total growth on NAEP— the nation’s report card. Four years after its launch, Indiana’s school voucher program is the largest in America. Four out of five voucher
students are enrolled in A or B schools, and the percentage of A and B public charter schools is increasing. Despite our progress, we still have more than 100,000 students in D and F schools, and 170,000 in C schools. Only three percent of students in career and technical education earn an industryrecognized credential, and we still have too many kids dropping out of high school. We must do better. The future prosperity and happiness of Hoosier children demands that we do. That is why I propose that we set goals to have 100,000 more students in A and B schools and five times the number of high school students receiving industry-recognized credential by 2020. To accomplish these goals, we need to do three things: fund excellence, promote choices for families, and fix what is broken. I have proposed a plan of action based on this vision. First, traditional public schools need more freedom to innovate and pay good teachers more. That’s why I have proposed Freedom to Teach schools. Under my plan, schools can submit plans to the State Board of Education requesting waivers from a wide range of requirements in order to gain the freedom they need. Second, because public charter schools have improved choices for families and helped raise the quality of traditional public schools through competition, I have proposed that we establish “fairness in funding” in our public school system. Charter schools currently operate at a significant per-pupil funding deficit. We
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need to fix this in order to see more high-quality charters open Governor Mike Pence their doors in Indiana. Third, we need to lift the dollar cap on vouchers and increase the amount of the tax credit available to people who provide private scholarships to disadvantaged kids. This will create more choices for more families and raise outcomes for kids. Fourth, we need to change how we fund career and technical education courses so that more high school students choose to specialize in a course of study leading to high-wage career options, whether they want to get a job or go to college after graduation. Fifth, in order for us to fund excellence and increase choices for families, we need to fix what is broken. I have proposed that we get politics out of education in Indiana and begin fixing the overly complicated way that we oversee education policy in Indiana. I have chosen to dissolve the Center for Education and Career Innovation as a first step. I have also called on the General Assembly to allow the State Board of Education to elect its own chair, a common practice among state boards in Indiana. We have the opportunity to take Indiana to an entirely new level. Our state is strong and growing stronger. Now is the time to promote excellence in education that matches the excellence of the people in our state.
Nominate a Logansport teacher for new award Logansport Community School Corporation is home to many outstanding educators who work countless hours to ensure their students’ success. There are so many LCSC teachers going above and beyond for our students, and these people are often unsung heroes who are working to shape our future. LCSC is proud to announce the Crystal Berry Award to acknowledge one worthy honoree each year. The nomination form can be found on the LCSC website and they are also available in the superintendent’s
office. Please submit the completed nomination form to the superintendent’s office by January 30, 2015. One Crystal Berry Award winner will be chosen to reward excellence in our corporation on April 6. This award will recognize and celebrate those amazing teachers who best represent the profession and symbolize our corporation’s dedication to quality education. For further information contact the superintendent’s office at 722-2911.
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Enrollment Is Open On and Off the Federal Marketplace: What Hoosiers Need to Know Open enrollment for Individual Major Medical Health Insurance both on and off of the federal Marketplace began November 15, 2014, and will end on February 15, 2015. To have coverage begin on January 1, 2015, you must have chosen a plan by December 15. The Indiana Department of Insurance provides answers to some frequently asked questions to keep Hoosiers seeking individual health insurance coverage for 2015 in the know. What Should You Know If This Is Your First Time to Enroll? There are four ways you can apply for coverage: 1. Online – www.healthcare.gov/getcoverage/ 2. Phone – 1-800-318-2596, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week 3. Paper Application – Available to download at marketplace.cms.gov/ applications-and-forms/marketplaceapplication-for-family.pdf 4. Contact an Indiana Navigator to assist you - in.gov/idoi/2823.htm No matter which way you choose to enroll, you will need to fill out a single Marketplace application to find out if you qualify for a health plan with premium tax credits and other savings based on your income, or free or lowcost coverage through Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). What Should You Know About Automatic Renewals? By now, providers have mailed out renewal notices to those who had plans in 2014. If you had a plan and you do nothing, you will automatically be renewed for 2015 if your plan is still available. However, even if you had a plan
on the Marketplace last year, you should shop around this year as there are many more plans being offered for 2015. By shopping around on the Marketplace, you may actually save money by not letting your plan be automatically renewed. If you received tax subsidies in 2014 for your Marketplace plan, the tax subsidies were based on what is known as the benchmark plan. In 2014, there were only four providers offering 278 individual On Exchange Marketplace plans in Indiana. For 2015, there are eight providers offering 975 plans. This means that the second lowest silver plan (or the benchmark plan) from 2014 that was offered in your county may NOT be the second lowest silver plan available in your area in 2015, and the subsidy amount could be lowered. To learn more, visit http:// www.in.gov/healthcarereform/2596. htm. Then, click on the map to see the affects of auto-renewal in Indiana counties. What Should You Know If Your Policy Was Discontinued? Hoosiers who were notified by their insurance company that their “transitional” or “grandfathered” policy is being terminated should shop around and review all plan offerings in their area. In March 2014, the Department of Insurance released Bulletin 205 informing insurance companies on their options to renew transitional policies. Some companies chose to non-renew their transitional plans and those individuals should have received a notice letter already. Additional information may be found at http://www.in.gov/idoi/files/ Bulletin_205.pdf .
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Will You Be Eligible for Premium Tax Credits When You (Re)Enroll? If your household income falls between 100 percent and 400 percent of the federal poverty level, you may be eligible for premium tax credits through the federal Marketplace. However, if your household income is higher, you still enroll in the federal Marketplace. You also can contact an insurance agent who sells individual policies outside of the federal Marketplace. Individuals who fall below 100 percent of the federal poverty level who do not qualify for Medicaid can purchase through the Marketplace with no tax credit. Will Premium Tax Credits Reduce the Cost of Your Healthcare? No, premium tax credits do not reduce the overall cost of health insurance. However, premium tax credits reduce the amount of money that you have to pay towards your premium – the remainder of the premium is paid to the insurancecompany by the federal government. Premium tax credits are determined based on your household income and the number of members in your household. How Will You Get Your Premium Tax Credit? To obtain a premium tax credit, you must file a tax return with the IRS for 2014. You also will need to fill out an application on www.healthcare.gov and provide information about your household members and your estimated income for 2015. The federal Marketplace will then estimate the amount of premium tax credit that you can claim on your tax return.
Restricted visitation in effect at Logansport Memorial Hospital Visitors are now restricted at Logansport Memorial Hospital because of the flu. In an effort to protect patients, visitors and employees, Logansport Memorial Hospital is implementing the following visitor restrictions effective December 18, 2014. • There is a limit of two adult visitors per patient at a time. • No children or siblings under the age of 18 will be allowed to visit at this time. • Visitors are urged to perform hand washing frequently, including when entering and leaving the building. Foam dispensers are available throughout the buildings, and are effective against influenza virus. • Visitors who are ill with a fever or other cold or flulike symptoms including cough, sneezing, running nose,
sore throat, vomiting or diarrhea are asked not to visit patients. We understand that these visitation restrictions can be an inconvenience for your family. Please know that we only restrict visitation during the height of flu season in an effort to protect hospitalized patients who are particularly vulnerable to illness. A virus like the flu or a severe cold can significantly complicate recovery and delay discharge from the hospital. Jeanette Huntoon, Chief Executive Officer, says she is hoping these rules will help protect patients and prevent the flu from spreading. The restrictions will be reviewed the flu outbreak slows down. Thank you for your continued understanding and cooperation as we respond to this year’s flu season.
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Peak Community Services presents awards Fifty-seven employees registered for the Peak Community Services Annual Training Summit recently. Sessions were: “Peak History” presented by Linda Klinck; “Why Are You So Important” by Derrick Feldman’ “Open Hearts, Open Minds” by Patty Pavey; and Incident Reporting” organized by Connie English with employees presenting (Adam Kennell, Maggie Linville, Jeni Moore, and Bonnie Bell). Years of service awards were presented to: 5 Years - Bridget Neal, Dawn Boehme, Pam Dempsey, Angela Perez and Loretta Henry 10 Years - Jan Adair, Ray Aldridge, Katherine Chumbley, Lindy Miller, and Wendy Stanley 15 Years - Carol Shidler 30 Years - Donna Barr Other Awards (pictured left to right, above) PEAK PERFORMER, a staff member who exemplifies the mission and vision of the agency and goes above and beyond their responsibilities, Amanda Baldwin. SHOOTING STAR has with great personal effort made the agency better for clients and staff, Ray Aldridge. CAPTAIN CRUNCH VOLUNTEER AWARD volunteer(s) that make a difference in the lives of the clients of Peak. Phi Theta Kappa advocated by conducting Accessibility Surveys for Disability Awareness Month and also hosted a Halloween Dance in conjunction with Ivy Tech’s Fall Festival in October : Angela Bennett receiving on behalf of Phi Theta Kappa of Ivy Tech. Peak Community Services has been serving the developmentally disabled in Cass, Pulaski, and surrounding counties for over 60 years. For more information on services, contact Linda Klinck at 574-753-4104.
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Logansport Juvenile Correction receives highest level of certification
Pictured from Left to Right. Logansport Juvenile Correctional Facility PBS Team: Troy Smith, Mark Harmon, Judith Thomas, Akin Fadeyi, Lori Harshbarger, Natalie Cogswell, Amy Meagher, Charles Blackburn, Dick Richardson PHOTO PROVIDED The Logansport Juvenile Correctional Facility received Level 4 through Performance Based Standards (Pbs) at both the Treatment and Intake Units. Performancebased Standards (PbS) is a data-driven improvement model grounded in research that holds juvenile justice agencies, facilities and residential care providers to the highest standards for operations, programs and services. PbS believes youth-serving agencies should be challenged to deliver effective and safe rehabilitation and reentry services and PbS provides a uniform data collection and reporting tool that shows the impact of the services on youths, staff and families. PbS was launched in 1995 by the US Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) to improve the deplorable conditions reported by the 1994 Conditions of Confinement Study. The PbS Learning Institute
incorporated in 2004 to continue PbS and its commitment to treating all youths in custody as one of our own when federal funding ended. PbS is a fieldsupported and self-sustaining continuous learning and improvement program available to all residential programs serving youths across the country. Logansport Juvenile Correctional Facility has been partnered with PbS since October 2008. Since that time the facility has implemented and created policy and practice that would meet the rigid outcome measures created and driven by PbS. There are 4 levels of PbS certification that can be achieved by juvenile Justice Agencies ranging from Level 1 through 4. The Facility PbS coach, Akin Fadeyi called achieving the certification at both sites “highly remarkable and unprecedented.”
Calendar Monday, Dec. 22 Girl scouts information session
Learn all about Girl Scouts at an information session! 6 p.m. at the Logansport Public Library. For more information, contact Kirstin Shafer at 800-283-4812 ext. 501 or email kirstin.shafer@gsnim.org. Please call or email if you are unable to attend but still would like to learn more!
Planning an event? Share the details at www.casscountycalendar.com!
January 10-12 Civic players auditions
The boys games were postponed due to the Pioneer Football Team’s football success and they’re happening now. Monday’s schedule: VARSITY: Lewis Cass takes on Peru at 6 p.m. and Logansport plays Pioneer at 7:30 in the Berry Bowl. JV: Logansport vs. Pioneer at 6 p.m. and Lewis Cass vs. Peru at 7:30 in the auxiliary gym at Logansport High School. Consolation games at 6 p.m. Tuesday and Championship games at 7:30
Auditions have been set for Civic Players of Logansport’s production of The Lottie & Bernice Show. This comedy tells the story of two grumpy old Polish ladies who become trapped in a television studio by a blizzard and end up taking over Western New York’s favorite morning show, “Buffalo Yak.” Auditions will be conducted at the Civic Players building at 1115 Erie Avenue in Logansport on the following dates: Saturday, January 10, 2015 2-4 pm Sunday, January 11, 2015 2-4 pm Monday, January 12, 2015 6-8 pm Roles being cast: 5-7 females and 5-6 males, ages high school to senior citizen. Show dates are March 6, 7 & 8, 2015 at McHale Performing Arts Center in Logansport. For more information, contact Ben Colsten at bcolsten@gmail.com or Ralph Anderson at 574-7223000.
Friday, Dec. 26 Saturday, Dec. 27 Cass County carousel open
saturday, january 17 acoustic round robin at the logansport library
Monday, Dec. 22 Tuesday, Dec. 23 Logansport savings bank basketball tournament
Cass County Carousel will be open to the Public on Fri/Sat December 26 & 27 1-5 p.m. Rides are sponsored by Alpha Phi Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority. WEdnesdays January 7, 14 & 21 playschool story time at the logansport library
Stories, songs and activities for parents and children, ages 18 months to 3 years, begins at 10 a.m. at the Logansport Library.
The Acoustic Round Robin will take place in the library’s meeting room. This is a gathering of local musicians who enjoy music and also getting together to share their talent. Each musician has an opportunity to share their choice of song while the others join-in. Come and listen to the area’s talent starting at 1:00 p.m.
holiday closures
Logansport City and Municipal Utilities Offices will be closed the following dates for the holiday season: · Wednesday, Dec. 24 · Thursday, Dec. 25 · Thursday, Jan. 1 Municipal Utilities Office will close at noon on Wednesday, Dec. 31. There will be no trash service on Christmas Day and New Year Day. Trash pickup schedule will be one day behind for the remainder of the week with a Saturday pickup.
Looking for holiday events? Find Santa’s hours, Christmas Eve services and more at casscountycalendar.com. There’s also plenty of room for New Year’s Eve parties and other events so if you know someone who’s planning an event, make sure to invite them to submit the details! MERRY CHRISTMAS!
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We’re a locally-owned business and we want to help share your news. Let us know what’s going on and we’ll pass it on to our audience. Planning an event? Go to CassCountyCalendar.com and click submit to share the details. Sending a press release? E-mail it to contact@cassnetwork. Want more info about CASSINFO mobile alerts? Visit casscountyonline.com and click on mobile alerts, or call 574-721-4635. Want to advertise with us? Call Phill Dials at (574) 721-4635 for information about advertising options to fit any budget. Published by Existential Media LLC PO Box 314 • Logansport, IN 46947 (574) 721-4636
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Ivy Tech hosts info sessions on Healthcare Marketplace Individuals who are seeking healthcare insurance through the Healthcare Marketplace are invited to attend free informational events scheduled at Ivy Tech Community College facilities in Kokomo, Logansport and Wabash. Healthcare navigators from Affiliated Service Providers of Indiana (ASPIN) who are experts in the field will be on hand to help guide people in assessing the new health insurance options made available under the Affordable Care Act. The current open enrollment period closes Feb. 15. The navigators will review programs and plans available and help individuals identify options that meet their needs and budget. Appointments are on a first-come, first-served basis and no advance registration is needed.
Sessions are scheduled as follows: Logansport Campus: Jan. 28 – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Student Entrance Kokomo Campus: Feb. 3 – 2 to 6 p.m., TBD Wabash Campus: Jan. 29 – 2 to 6 p.m., Hallway near Main Office This opportunity is supported by funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, which provides Hoosiers access to navigators who can help them understand their options in the marketplace. Ivy Tech Community College is among the partners supporting these outreach events. The navigators are unbiased and are not compensated by insurance companies.
Tickets on sale for LeVar Burton event in Kokomo Tickets are on sale for the “Doing the Dream 2015” community banquet featuring LeVar Burton, noted actor and host of the original “Reading Rainbow” PBS series. The banquet, set for Thursday, Feb. 5, is part of Ivy Tech Community College Kokomo Region’s annual celebration of the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Burton, cofounder of the award-winning “Reading Rainbow” digital library and an actor known for his distinguished television roles, will share his passion for children’s literacy and living to one’s full potential as the banquet’s keynote speaker. Through his personal stories, he will share the incredible impact mentors, technology and storytelling have had on his life and how the community – adults, parents and mentors – help facilitate education through many different paths, opportunities and experiences. “Reading has the power to fuel all aspects of our children’s development and learning potential,” Burton says of his 30year commitment to encouraging the love of reading. “Its importance cannot be overstated.” Community members, especially teachers, counselors, mentors, church leaders, government leaders and anyone interested in the future of young people, are invited to attend the “Doing the Dream Celebration with LeVar Burton.” Tickets for the 6:30 p.m. dinner and keynote speech are $50 each ($25 tax deductible). Sponsorship opportunities that include a reserved table for eight for the 6:30 p.m. dinner and eight tickets for the 5:30 p.m. VIP speaker’s reception are also available. Reservations for the evening event can be made online at ivytech.edu/kokomo/levarburton2015.html.
Burton, who at the age of 19 in 1977 burst into popular culture as Kunta Kinte on the TV series “ROOTS,” is best-known as the host and producer of the PBS children’s series “Reading Rainbow,” which was on the air from 1982 to 2009, and as Chief Engineer Geordi LaForge in “Star Trek: The Next Generation” TV series and feature films. Currently, he plays Paul Haley in the TNT series “Perception.” He has been the honored recipient of the Eliot-Pearson Award for Excellence in Children’s Media from Tufts University, 12 Emmy Awards, a Grammy and five NAACP awards, demonstrating in his career he can do it all, whether acting, directing, producing or educating. Burton will have an opportunity to share his message with members of the Kokomo Region’s “next generation” on Feb. 6 as Ivy Tech continues its “Doing the Dream” celebration with a free convocation for area students. A capacity audience of 1,000 is expected at the Kokomo Event & Conference Center that morning.
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www.casscountyonline.com/site/mobilealerts Published by Existential Media LLC • PO Box 314 • Logansport, IN 46947