Published: April 23, 2009 11:06 am      

Area briefs April 23

Veteran LPD officer retires

Logansport Police Chief A.J. Rozzi confirmed the retirement of Lt. Rick Hopper from the department at Wednesday’s Board of Public Works and Safety meeting.

Hopper served in the department for a 23 years, 34 days. His last day of active duty was April 10, but with accrued vacation time, he will remain on the city’s payroll until June 5.

Hopper’s retirement reduces the city’s police force to 37, with three of those officers on light duty.

Rozzi described Hopper as a good friend and an outstanding police officer.

In his letter of retirement, the lieutenant described his time with LPD as an honor and a privilege.

“In closing just let me say that I have had a good tour of duty, and I would not trade the experience or the memories for all of the Coors Light in Canada,” Hopper said. “Stay safe and keep your powder dry.”

Library book sale set for this weekend

The Logansport-Cass County Public Library’s April Book Sale takes place Saturday and Sunday in the library meeting room. 

The sale is open to library card holders on Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon. The sale is open to the general public noon to 5:45 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 5:45 p.m. Sunday. 

Prices for most items will be 50 cents each or $5 a bagful. On Sunday, prices will be 25 cents each or $3 a bagful. Bags will be provided by the library.

For more information, call the library at(574) 753-6383.

Chicken buffet slated at local VFW

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3790 is hosting a broasted chicken buffet from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at the post home at 1023 Erie Ave.

The cost is $7 per person and salad bar is included. Non-members are welcome.

Troopers release March statistics

PERU — Indiana State Police at the Peru Post recently released statistics for March.

Troopers issued 1,446 traffic citations, wrote 1,596 traffic warnings and investigated 21 vehicle crashes. Troopers also arrested 55 alleged drunk drivers and made 68 criminal arrests.

Motor carrier inspectors from the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division inspected 161 commercial motor vehicles, including 16 carrying hazardous materials. Motor carrier inspectors issued 100 traffic citations and wrote 128 traffic warnings.

Lt. Matt Bilkey, district commander of the Peru Post, would like to remind motorists that as warm weather approaches, there will be an increase in children playing outside. Motorists are encouraged to remain alert, especially in neighborhoods with school zones and parks to prevent a child from being struck by a vehicle. Motorists should also have their vehicles inspected regularly to insure that their brakes are working properly.

Area residents are encouraged to report suspected meth activity by calling the Indiana State Police methamphetamine tip hotline at (800) 453-4756.

Join wildflower hike Sunday

Dr. Leo Cahalan and Tim Cahalan will lead their annual wildflower hike Sunday. It will begin at the France Park gatehouse at 2 p.m.

The entire length of the hike is about four miles. There will be three pick-up sites for those wanting to walk a lesser distance.

The gate entrance fee will be waived for those taking the hike.

The walk will focus on more than just wildflowers. Trees, wildlife and the history of France Park will also be discussed along the way.

For information, call France Park at (574) 753-2928.

Winamac garden fair set for Saturday

WINAMAC — The fifth annual Starke/Pulaski garden fair will be 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the Winamac Nazarene Church.

Donation admission is $3 per person or $5 per family.

There will be speakers on a variety of topics including preserving garden products, plant selection and gardening.

There also will be a plant exchange and photo contest and various vendors.

For information, call the Pulaski County Extension Office at (574) 946-3412.

Lucerne Lions host fish fry fundraiser

LUCERNE — The Lucerne Lions Club is having a fish fry from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on May 2.

The menu includes all-you-can-eat perch, french fries, cole slaw, bread and butter, and beverages of coffee or pop. Pie is extra.

The cost is $7.50 for adults and $4 for children ages 6 to 12 years. Children under age 6 will eat for free.

The Lions host a spring and fall fish fry that are the organizations main fundraisers.

The Lions furnish a meeting place for many activities in the community. In addition, they provide the park, furnish the street lights, and a scholarship for a student from Harrison Township. They also support the state and national Lions projects, which include cancer research, hearing projects and sight.

Walton Christian hosts euchre party

WALTON — Walton Christian Church is having a euchre party on Saturday. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with games being played from 7 to 9.

There will be door prizes and a silent auction. Food and beverage will be provided.

Tickets are $10 each and can be purchased at the church office before Saturday or at the door that evening.

For information, call (574) 626-2320.

Cass Y offering Biddy Track, Field

Register now for Biddy Track and Field at the Cass County YMCA.

This program is designed to teach the basic skills of track and field and is offered to any child ages 3 to 5.

The program begins May 5 and runs for five weeks (June 2), meeting every Tuesday in the CCFY gym.

Each child participating will receive “Biddy Sports” T-shirt.

For more information, contact Tony Hayden at (574) 753-5141.

Music boosters seek instruments

The Logansport Music Boosters is taking donations of musical instruments to help children who many not have the economic ability to purchase an instrument.

This fundraiser, which will benefit those in the musical programs at Logansport’s middle and high schools, is designed for individuals to donate instruments they, their children or grandchildren may own but have not or will not use in the future.

Anyone wishing to donate an instrument may do so from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday at LHS Door 11. Receipts will be offered for the donation if needed.

Those who would like to donate their instrument but can’t make this event should call Zach Crowder or Bob Shovlin at LHS at (574) 753-0441, or Kari Zuidema, from Columbia Middle School, at (574) 753-3797.

For information, call Dave Workman at (574) 722-4222 or e-mail him at david.workman@lpl.com.

Band meeting set for sixth-graders

Students who will be entering sixth grade next year are invited to an informational meeting at 6:30 p.m. Monday in the Logansport High School band room.

Kari Zuidema and Zachary Crowder, directors of the bands in Logansport, will be on hand to tell attendees everything they need to know about joining band.