Banner Graphic, Volume 13, Number 113, Greencastle, Putnam County, 19 January 1983 — Page 1

The old noisy empty bag trick thrilled youngsters Tuesday morning at the Putnam County Headstart Piogram, located at Sherwood Christian Church in Greencastle. "Blossom the Clown," otherwise known as Janet Trout of Brazil, performed juggling routines and various magic tricks for the group. But the one that brought the house down was the popping sound she made when the youngsters threw invisible items into the sack. (Banner-Graphic photo by Rick Combs).

Think July Independence Day planning already under way

By BARBARA CARHART Banner-Graphic Staff Writer It wasn’t the lion in winter but rather the fireworks in July which prompted 10 Greencastle Chamber of Commerce members and friends to converge for their fifth annual powwow. The topic, of course, was Fun Day 1983. Continuing to attract people to the celebration (approximately 8,000 viewed the fireworks display last year) and getting more people involved in the planning of the annual event were the unofficial goals of the Tuesday afternoon kickoff meeting held at the Greencastle Savings and Loan. THE OUTCOME yielded some ideas, including acceleration of the fund-raising effort to make this year’s celebration -- scheduled for Monday, July 4 with a rain date of Saturday, July 9 - better than the previous one. But first, some good old-fashioned pats on the back from chairman Mike Harmless were in order. “We have never been in such great position starting out,’’ Harmless said, explaining the SBOO in the bank and the accomplishments of last year’s committees.

Light night Increasing cloudiness and cold overnight. Low in the upper teens. Cloudy and a little warmer on Thursday with a 30 per cent chance of light snow. High Thursday in the low 30s. Indiana Extended Forecast A warming trend Friday through Sunday. A chance of rain or snow north Friday and rain south. Rain likely across the state over the weekend. High Friday in mid 30s to mid 40s. Warming into the 40s by Sunday. Low Friday mostly in the 20s. Moderating into the 30s Sunday morning. Abby A 5 Calendar A 5 Classifieds , 86,87 Comics A 7 Crossword B 6 Farm 84.85 Heloise A 4 Horoscope B 7 Obituaries A 8 People A 7 Sports 81.82.83 Supermarket Shopper B 6 TV A 6

Banner Graphic Putnam County, Wednesday, January 19, 1983, Vol. 13 No. 113 20 Cents

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“We’re in tremendous shape.’’ The newly appointed Greencastle Chamber of Commerce president. Robert Miller, agreed with the chairman's optimism. “I HAVE SEEN THIS town come together since I have been here," Miller offered. “We have to continue to realize that the whole purpose is what’s best for Greencastle. My goal is that everything will be better this year than last year.” To maintain that goal, the committee discussed the need to finance this year’s Fun Day. The finance and fund-raising committees will be charged this year to expedite the financial goals. Returning committee members Dan Doan, Barb Feld. Eddie Dean, new member Donna Mitchell and Chamber of Commerce executive director Ruth Ann Newnum will spearhead the financial and fund-raising committee efforts. Electrical consumption, the need to maintain space rental fees (sls for concessions and $lO for art) and the improvement of the sound system were initial concerns of the steering committee. REFERRING TO THE nominal rental fees charged, Page Cotton suggested returning the monies collected through

Putnam Patter Crowd in festive mood at local hanging

By DAVID BARR Banner-Graphic Civic Affairs Editor Putnam County was in a holiday mood and dress on the morning of Feb. 12, 1841, and although the weather was bitterly cold, few chose to stay indoors. A condemned murderer was to be hanged for his crime and the first official execution in Greencastle was an anticipated event. WILLIAM THOMPSON, a native of Henry County, was to be the principal figure at the execution scene, and his hanging was to be carried out according to the law. After all evidence was in, a local jury had returned a verdict of guilty after 20 minutes of deliberation. The story of the county’s first official hanging began in the summer of 1840 when the body of a stranger was found in Clinton Township close to a Baptist Church Cemetery about nine miles northeast of Greencastle. Identification off the body was a bit difficult until the man’s hat was found in a tree stump and inside the band were papers that identified the victim as

rentals to the city to help defray the cost of additional electrical consumption and trash pick-up. Fireworks, the highlight of the day’s events, were discussed and Miller suggested budgeting $5,500 initially for the Mark Hopkins-designed displays. With $2,500 collected last year from civic groups and $893.06 grossed from the blanket collection, the committee voiced optimism that this goal could be met or exceeded. AT HOPKINS’ REQUEST, the com mittee will also be investigating the possibility of renting a vacated barn to house the fireworks equipment and allow Hopkins more space to design the displays. More ground displays were suggested by committee members to attract additional people to the park. “Ground displays are a treat for the people who are there,” Harmless said. To finance the fireworks and other activities, Miller suggested selling buttons prior to July 4 and asking people to wear them that day. A give-away at the park using designated buttons was also suggested by Harmless. THE NEXT STEERING committee meeting will be at noon Feb. 15.

Abraham Rhinerson of Bloomington, lowa. Further investigation proved that Rhinerson and a man named Bill Thompson, a blacksmith, had left lowa together headed for this part of the country. LEARNING THAT a man named Thompson had left the Putnam area for Henry County, the Greencastle constable, whose name, appropriately, was John Lynch, went after him and brought him to the Putnam County jail. While waiting in the jail for his trial. Thompson spent the time writing a confession which told the story of his wrong. He hoped it would be put in book form and sold to benefit his family. In this book, according to the late Clay Bettis, a native of Clinton Township, Thompson related the crime in much detail. He told of his trip with Rhinerson as they traveled together on their way to Indiana. ALONG THE W'AY, Thompson ran out of money and had to borrow from Rhinerson. One night as they were sleeping along the road in Clinton Township, Thompson, according to his confession, was directed in a

County said responsible for back bills left at jail

By BECKY IGO Banner-Graphic Area News Editor The county will be responsible for paying approximately $9,000 in bills left over from the sheriff’s department 1982 budget year, according to Sheriff Gerry Hoffa, the Putnam County Council was told during its regular meeting Tuesday at the county courthouse. “I have a list of bills sent to the jail that were from last year,” Hoffa, who began his first term as sheriff on Jan. 1, told the board. Reviewing the paperwork, Hoffa said the current bills total $6,440 with another $2,500 anticipated to be sent to the county for payment. “I EXPECT WE LL HAVE a total of around $9,000 worth of bills to be taken care of,” Hoffa said. Reportedly, one of the bills listed was sent from 3-D and dated October 1981. At first, the Council suggested Hoffa figure the total cost of the back bills, bring that amount to the Council later and receive payment. But the board later decided to have the new sheriff pay last year’s bills out of his 1983 budget with the Council providing an additional appropriation to take care of the back payment at a future meeting. Hoffa then directed the board's attention to the lawsuit which had been filed by for-

Corporation answer for central dispatch?

By ERIC BERNSEE Banner-Graphic Managing Editor Formation of a not-for-profit corporation to run a city-county central dispatch communications system could be the answer to seeing months of talk turn into action, local officials agreed Tuesday night. A 90-minute City Hall public meeting reached a harmonious conclusion when City Attorney Jerald Calbert and County Attorney Robert Lowe were directed to pursue the legal aspects for the creation of that not-for-profit corporation. AN AD HOC COMMITTEE of city and county officials gave vocal support to the resolution by City Councilman John Stevens that authorized the attorneys to explore the feasibility of such a step. Calbert’s mission is to contact the Clark County attorney to get information about a similar central dispatch system in operation there. He is also to acquire a copy of the contract which Clark County is functioning under. Meanwhile, Lowe was directed to contact the Federal Communications Commission and the Criminal Justice Department to check on the legalities of the not-for-profit corporation acquiring a radio license and creating a board of directors. SUMMING UP THE course of action taken Tuesday night at City Hall, Calbert said, “We hope to have the general proposal for this approved before anyone takes the time and effort to set up the corporation and we sit down and start making contracts.” The not-for-profit corporation was Calbert’s brainchild Tuesday night, but it wasn’t the first time the idea had been considered as the panacea for central dispat-

dream to kill his traveling partner for bis money (a little over five dollars!). He struck Rhinerson with his walking stick but didn’t kill him. As they grappled, he completed the murder with his knife and apparently made his way to Greencastle. Soon after the jury brought in the verdict, Judge Elisha Huntington pronounced sentence of death by hanging and directed Sheriff Edwin L. Kercheval to carry out the execution on a spot near DePauw’s Florence Hall and in a grove at the corner of Berry and Locust streets in Greencastle. WITHIN THE MEMORY of some Greencastle residents, the Leuteke brothers, could point out the stump of what was once the hanging tree. The Leuteke home is now owned by the Frank Null family. Seated on his own coffin, Thompson was the center of attraction as he was hauled by wagon from the jail to the gallows. The weather was so cold that only by building fires could the spectators endure it. So great was the crowd, that the local militia was called out to keep spectators

mer sheriff Jim Baugh, after Hoffa advised Baugh he did not have a deputy’s position available for the former sheriff when Baugh’s term ended Jan. 1. “I JUST THOUGHT the Council should know it may have to make some decisions,” he said of the pending lawsuit. “If Baugh is reinstated, the county may have to pay for back wages, damages, attorney’s fees and the sheriff’s (Hoffa’s) attorney fees.” Councilman Bob Evans asked Hoffa if he believes there are a sufficient number of deputies now working at the department. The sheriff’s department now consists of three full-time deputies and one full-time chief deputy. Hoffa noted it may become necessary to add an additional deputy in the future, but the current workload does not warrant such a move now'. “I’m not here to ask for an additional deputy," he said, adding again his purpose was to just update the Council regarding the lawsuit. "YOU MAY HAVE TO make a decision at some point that you'd rather put him (Baugh) back on, rather than stand the consequences of a lawsuit,” Hoffa said. “As far as the force goes, things are always slow in the winter and we’re doing okay with the number of deputies we have

ch. Operation Life Director Gary Boswell said after the meeting that a corporation was one of the first ideas discussed between he. Putnam County Sheriff Gerry Hoffa and City Police Chief Charles (“Sonny”) Wood. The corporation idea seems to salve the wounds that would otherwise be created bv a central dispatch system paid for jointly by the city and county, but housed on city property and run by what would be considered city employees. “THE COUNTY IS concerned about the fact that they (the dispatchers) would all be city employees and they have a problem with totally surrendering control to the city,” Calbert said in opening discussion on the matter. “I don’t blame them (county officials). I’m concerned for the city that the advisory board (as proposed) will be made up of five members. only one of whom will be from the city, while the county has three on it.” But after proposing that the corporation be created and that the city and county contract with the corporation for dispatching services. Calbert and Lowe seemed in agreement. “What I’m suggesting would solve the concerns I’ve heard from both city and county,” Calbert said, adding that the respective city, county and Operation Life equipment could be leased to the corporation for a token sum. “It solves all the problems I see,” he added. “SPEAKING FOR the County Council, I don’t see any problem,” County Councilman Gene Beck commented. “There’s no problem for the commissioners,” Jim Malayer concurred. Col. 3, back page, this section

far enough back so the law could carry out the official duties. BEFORE THE 24-STRAND rope was fitted around the neck of the condemned, a brief service was held and hymns were sung. The song service was led by Aaron Stewart, who was reported to be a famous song leader. His fame didn’t suffer this time, according to historians, who have recorded that even Thompson joined in the singing “without a tremor in his voice.” When an opportunity was given for the condemned to say a few last words, Thompson talked to the crowds and sang a song he had composed while in jail here. Entitled “The Lovely Appearance of Death,” the ballad told in part the story of two travelers from lowa. With the rope securely fastened to a limb of an elm tree, the noose was placed around Thompson’s neck. Sheriff Kercheval then sprang the trap. THIS WAS REPORTED TO be the first official execution in Putnam County. A second was recorded by historians and is said to have taken place on the east side of the jail.

now. We don’t need an extra person at this time.” “If you asked for a deputy, and a position was created, would Jim (Baugh) get it?” Councilman Evans questioned. Hoffa remarked that would occur. “I have been told,” Hoffa began, “that the law, by implication, has a one-year attachment to it. If we have an opening within one year, by implication, he would be entitled to the job.” “But if an opening occurred after one year, in 1984, that wouldn’t necessarily be Baugh's job?” Evans asked. HOFFA AGAIN SAID HE had been told, if a job vacancy occurs in the sheriff’s department in 1984, Baugh would not necessarily be entitled to the deputy’s position. He added that was only an opinion expressed and not a fact of law. “I’m just telling you what Rex Boyd (a member of the Sheriff’s Merit Board) told me,” he clarified. Interjecting, county attorney Bob Lowe pointed out, “The problem is that you have two conflicting statutes. You have one statute that says a former sheriff has the absolute right to become a member of the department, once his term expires. Another statute says the new sheriff has Col. 3, back page, this section

PS I requests wholesale rate hike Public Service Indiana has asked the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for approval to increase its wholesale rates by an average of 13.3 per cent. The $15.4 million per year increase has already been approved by the municipal utilities and REMCs who are PSl’s wholesale customers, including some members of the Wabash Valley Power Association and the Indiana Municipal Power Agency. HUGH A. BARKER, chairman of Public Service Indiana, said the increase is necessary for PSI to begin recovering the cost of a recently completed generating unit. The increase is also needed, he said, to offset the effects of inflation and higher borrowing costs. “Despite the fact that inflation has slowed, the prices we must pay to produce and deliver electricity are still going up,” Barker said. “And though interest rates have moderated, they are still higher than our average cost of borrowing money.” In an effort to hold down future cost increases, Public Service Indiana has laid off 173 employees, put a ceiling on wage and salary spending and cut its 1983 construction budget. PSI HAS ASKED that the new rates be placed in effect Feb. 1. Current wholesale rates were instituted in January 1982. Utilities which purchase electricity wholesale from Public Service Indiana are: Members of the Indiana Municipal Power Agency: Bargersville, Centerville, Crawfordsville. Darlington, Flora, Frankfort, Greendale, Greenfield, Jamestown, Lebanon, Linton, Middletown, Paoli. Pendleton, Peru, Rising Sun. Scottsburg. Tipton, Washington. OTHER MUNICIPAL utilities: Advance, Bainbridge, Brooklyn, Coatesville, Covington, Dublin. Dunreith, Edinburgh, Hagerstown, Knightstown, Ladoga, Lewisville, Logansport, Montezuma. New Ross, Pittsboro, Rockville, South Whitley, Spiceland, Straughn, Thorntown. Veedersburg, Wavnetown. Williamsport. Members of the Wabash Valley Power Association: Boone County REMC. Carroll County REMC, Fulton County REMC, Hancock County REMC, Hendricks County REMC, Kosciusko County REMC. Miami-Cass County REMC, Parke County REMC, Tipmont REMC, United REMC, Wabash County REMC, Warren County REMC. Other rural electric membership cooperatives: Henry County REMC, Jackson County REMC, Clark County REMC.