Published: September 11, 2009 08:35 am      

Thorns & Roses, Sept. 11

Roses

• To the Twelve Mile 500 and its organizing committee, which was part of the inaugural class of the U.S. Lawn Mower Racing Association Hall of Fame in Marion, Ohio. Begun in 1963, the Fourth of July race in Twelve Mile is the oldest organized riding lawn mower race in the United States. Hosted by the Twelve Mile Lions Club, the event features lawnmowers competing in two classes. It’s a local tradition that is beginning to draw national attention for a small Cass County community. Congratulations to the organizers and participants for keeping the tradition alive.



• To Fulton County dispatcher Brittney Markley, State Sen. Randy Head and State Reps. Doug Gutwein and Vern Tincher and the Indiana State Police for their work in dedicating a mile of U.S. 31 in Fulton County in memory of Trooper Daniel Barrett, who was killed on Jan. 27, 2008, while attempting to catch a speeding vehicle on U.S. 31 in northern Fulton County.



• To the city of Logansport for setting up a complete count committee in preparation for the 2010 U.S. Census. City officials are emphasizing the importance of getting as accurate of a count as possible when the Census Bureau begins tallying numbers. The count is to include everyone living in the United States, including people of all ages, races, ethnic groups, citizens and non-citizens. The census information determines such things as redistricting and how the federal government awards revenue to cities.



• To the Cass County Community Foundation, the Lilly Endowment Fund, the town of Galveston, other community groups and those who donated to the Galveston Community Pride Fund during the fourth annual Labor Day Festival. More than 1,000 tickets were handed out for the free hog roast. Other activities included live music, free blood pressure checks, face painting, line dancing lessons and an appearance by McGruff the Crime Dog. The Cass County Community Foundation matched any donations to the Community Pride Fund up to $5,000.



• To Culver Military Academy for recognizing the significance of teaching its historical relationship with Logansport to incoming cadets. Located on the academy grounds is Logansport Gate, which every cadet passes through on their matriculation. The city presented the gate in recognition of rescue efforts Culver cadets made during the March 1913 flood. Cadets rescued numerous residents of the city who were stranded in and on their homes by boat.



• To those responsible for cleaning up the sidewalk on the 18th Street bridge. It looks great.