Hospitality makes mayor proud

Kokomo Mayor Greg Goodnight sends this Cheer for some local business people:

“On April 24-26, the Huntington’s disease Center of Excellence at Indiana University conducted a first-ever weekend retreat for a few young individuals and their family members affected by Huntington’s disease. If you do not know, Huntington’s disease is a progressive, degenerative disease that causes certain nerve cells in your brain to literally waste away, resulting in uncontrolled movements, emotional disturbances and mental deterioration. It is an inherited disease and, although medications are available to help manage the signs and symptoms, there is no cure.

“Attendees gathered in Kokomo and, as is often the case, many local businesses stepped up to ensure the success of this event. Without hesitation, Lisa King from Courtyard by Marriott provided rooms at a discounted rate, a meeting room and complimentary breakfasts; Brian Keppner at Family Video Movie Club donated free movie rentals; Tiffany Bray waived admission fees for a tour of the Automotive Heritage Museum; Bob Colburn and Linda Lucas of Don Lowery Lanes provided free games of bowling; and Mike Hinkle of Frozen Custard delivered refreshing treats to participants. Our visitors were completely overwhelmed by the outpouring of support and generosity they experienced here in Kokomo. I’d like to publicly thank each of these businesses for going out of their way to provide a fun-filled weekend and temporary escape from the daily struggles faced by those living with Huntington’s disease. This organization is very near and dear to my heart, and the hospitality extended to our guests makes me proud to be a part of this wonderful city. Thank you again for your kindness.”

‘All the work worthwhile’

Norma Noland of Kokomo sends this Cheer:

“I would like to send a big Cheer for those who helped to make our Lenten Luncheons so successful. Thanks to the sponsors:

“Howard County Ministerial Association, First Christian Church for the use of their church, Golden Corral for the delicious food, Rick Riddle and Dale Newbaum of the Golden Corral, Lloyd Swartzendruber who gave of his talent for the wonderful music, Coca-Cola Bottling Co.

“Thank you to the servers, Susie Armstrong, Norma Johnson, Paul Sapp, Betty Stevens, Gene and Ann Strange, and the speakers, Dr. Logan Sparling, the Rev. Will Jewsberry, Pastor Brent Cohick, the Rev. Joyce Harris, the Rev. Riley Case and the Rev. Jack Woodard, and the Rev. Charles Armstrong who organized the programs. And last but not least, those of you who attended the six Wednesdays of Lent made all the work worthwhile.”

Caldwell work ‘outstanding’

Jim Ault, VFW commander, sends this Cheer:

“A special Cheer and thank you goes to the Caldwell Monument Co. for the outstanding work on a beautiful stone to honor the veterans of our community and nation. The monument replaces a brass plate inscribed with this message from the chartered members of years ago when those veterans donated a flagpole and an American flag at St. Andrew’s Church, and now Post home to VFW 8035:

“‘Dedicated in memory of all who honorably served in the Armed Forces of the U.S.A.’

“The members and officers feel compelled to send this note to Troy Caldwell and the entire staff for a heartfelt thank-you from our Post, and to honor those veterans who have passed from our ranks and will be remembered forever.”

Tax volunteers serve 1,100

Dave Johnson sends this Cheer:

“The combined efforts of the following AARP Tax-Aide volunteer counselors provided free income-tax preparation assistance to more than 1,100 local taxpayers during the just-completed tax-filing season:

“Dick Abel, Elma Brantley, Joe Copeland, Larry Cracraft, Bill Dague, Ted DeGarmo, Doug Hamilton, Vivian Heronemus, Bob Janes, MaDonna Johnson, Judy Jones, Jerry Maden, Betty Madsen, Keith Mathews, Neil Munsey, Mae Padfield, Sarah Purcell, Bill Sahm, Don Silvey, Gene Sweeney, Don Tomaszewski and Bill Wanke.”

‘Tackled, held and bitten’

Dean Hill sends this Cheer:

“On behalf of myself, my family and Howard County, I would like to thank the Howard County Sheriff Department for its efforts on the night of March 21. With a special thanks to the following officers: M.J. Ogle, K-9 Rudy, Cpl. K. Myers, Deputy T. Prifogle and Ron Fisher of the Indiana State Police.

“While my family was going to bed around 10:30 p.m., they heard a car go by the house at a high rate of speed, miss the turn at the road, run a stop sign, jump a ditch, and become stuck in the muddy field. At this point, the person driving that car needed to find different transportation. Since we were the closest house, they felt that their best course of action would be to come and steal our son’s Jeep Grand Cherokee from the driveway.

“After stealing his Jeep, they ran over our mailbox, knocked out our front window, tore up our yard, then drove through our freshly plowed field. Got onto the Alto Road and proceeded without lights (as they had knocked them out in our yard) into Russiaville.

“We immediately called the Howard County Sheriff Department, which responded quickly and professionally to our home. Within the hour, they had caught the drunken thug that had stolen our son’s Jeep, after he led them (without any headlights) on a chase through Russiaville. Unfortunately, he hit other people’s cars running from the deputies, but luckily no one was injured or killed as a result.

“Special thanks to K-9 Rudy for the foot chase that led to the criminal being tackled, held and bitten.

“Thank you again for your efforts.”