State Farm to hold national football video contest
Press release
posted 9-03-10

BLOOMINGTON, Ill. – State Farm Insurance Companies kicks off Friday Night Feats, a national high school football video contest to find the biggest moments of the season, this Friday. Players, parents, and fans can win up to $17,500 for their high school. The contest begins Aug. 27 with first, second and third prize winners – as voted by the fans – being named Dec. 13.

“In 2009, we saw hundreds of great plays and community support that led to big money for more than 50 schools,” said former pro football quarterback Doug Flutie. “This year State Farm is back and searching for the biggest moments on the gridiron to give more schools the chance to win much needed funds.”

Each week high school football teams across the country are making bold plays – their own Friday night feats. State Farm is giving those football teams, and the communities that support them, an opportunity to share their spectacular plays and a chance to win a cash prize. Eligible fans, coaches, players and community members can submit videos to the State Farm Friday Night Feats contest page, www.FridayNightFeats.com, from Aug. 27 until Nov. 24 to be considered as the best Friday night feat of the 2010 high school football season.

Videos will be submitted and voted on by the public during two time periods or “halves”. The first half is Aug. 27 through Oct. 7 and the second is Oct. 8 through Nov. 24. Viewers will determine 26 finalist nominees from each half by voting on the Friday Night Feats page. The 52 finalist nominees will each receive a prize of $2,500 for their respective school.

“In college, I was able to play a role in one of the biggest moments in my school’s history,” said Flutie. “Friday Night Feats is an opportunity for high school football players, fans and coaches to showcase this year’s biggest moments.”

In 2009, State Farm gave away $160,000 to 52 schools, including grand prize winner Mount Mansfield Union High School in Jericho, Vt. Until this year, Mount Mansfield had never had a home football game. The school and community decided to use the award money to finish construction on their first-ever home football field by purchasing a scoreboard, track and turf protective mats, the foundation for a press box and enough sideline and field equipment to get them ready for the first home game in September.

A panel of qualified judges will narrow the field down to the top 10 videos based on the "wow" factor, athleticism, impact of the play, and creativity of the video, which will include a title and brief description of the play. The panel includes Brandon Huffman, Bill Greene and Allen Trieu from Scout.com and a Kid Reporter for SIKids.com. Viewers have the final word, choosing the first and second place and the grand prize winner by voting for their favorite Dec. 2 until Dec.10. The winners will be announced on Dec. 13. Cash prizes for the top videos are $15,000 for the grand prize, $10,000 for first place and $5,000 for second place.

To upload videos and for more information and contest rules, visit the State Farm Friday Night Feats contest on at www.fridaynightfeats.com

INDOT to chip-seal S.R. 13
Press release
posted 8-26-10

ANDERSON, Ind. – The Indiana Department of Transportation plans to chip-seal State Road 13 between S.R. 32 and S.R. 37, west of Anderson on Monday, Aug. 30.

Crews from the Tipton Subdistrict will begin applying liquid asphalt topped with aggregate along S.R. 13's northbound lane at Lapel at 8 a.m.-weather permitting. Around midday, preventative maintenance activities will have advanced a little over six miles to S.R. 37 south of Elwood. At this juncture, chip-seal operations reverse direction to apply chip-seal to the southbound lane.

Motorists will experience delays as S.R. 13 traffic narrows to a single-lane at the progressing worksite. Freshly chip-sealed roadways can be driven upon almost immediately. But drivers should proceed slowly-with caution-to avoid problems with "road tar" and loose aggregate chips.

Chip-sealed pavements provide an excellent revitalized surface that serves the motoring public-and the taxpayer-well. This pavement preservation method is very cost-effective. Studies show that every $1 spent on chip-seal maintenance saves $10 in road repair.

Chip-seals increase surface friction for improved safety. And they seal the roadbed from moisture which results in extended service life through freeze-thaw cycles. Applications are expected to last up to six years.

"If the weather cooperates, we should be able to chip-seal both lanes of State Road 13 in a single day," comments Tipton Subdistrict operations manager Ron Buell. "After ten days to two weeks, we'll come back to do a fog seal. Traffic can't drive on a fog sealed lane for at least an hour."

Ducky Day offers family fun
submitted
posted 8-23-10

TIPTON – Tipton County Foundation is hosting its eighth annual summer-ending celebration for young families “Ducky Day in Tipton Park,” beginning at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, August 29. The event concludes with a Duck Derby at 3:45 p.m., where lucky ducks will be drawn out of a pond and children will receive wonderful prizes.

Families should plan their arrival to allow enough time for all the fun, probably no later than 3:15 p.m. All the activities shut down at 3:45 to allow time for everyone to move to the duck pond, which will be located on the baseball field on the south side of the park this year.

Throughout the afternoon, there will be free live entertainment at the Gazebo. The Lions Club of Tipton will provide pop, popcorn, and hotdogs and Tipton County Mustard Seed will offer ice cream, all at bargain prices. The Boys and Girls Club of Tipton County has organized games, crafts, football toss, the FFA petting farm, an inflatable obstacle course, slide, bounce houses, and other fun.

Local girl scouts, Kiwanis, the Tipton County Library, Tipton Community Theatre, and other organizations will conduct activities that the youngsters can enjoy. Volunteers from the Tipton and Tri-Central student bodies will help staff each venue.

New this year, employees of Cargill and Monsanto in Tipton County who work with the local chapter of Farm Safety 4 Just Kids will conduct a bicycle safety rodeo at the park pavilion. Children ages 8 to 11 should ride their bikes in order to participate. They may be eligible for special prizes. The companies also provided bicycle prizes for the Duck Derby at 4 p.m.

Access to all of these activities is with the purchase of a $3 bracelet. Each of the wristbands comes with a gold doubloon good for a discount on the refreshments on sale at the park. The number on each bracelet matches a duck that will be floating in the Duck Derby pond. Winning ducks will be drawn at 4 p.m. and the bearer of the matching number will receive a prize, if present. No “chances” are for sale.

TDS Telecom, Tipton Hospital and Pioneer Hi-Bred International Tipton Production are the major financial sponsors with the Tipton County Foundation supporting Ducky Day this year. In addition to their direct sponsorship, Tipton Hospital has allowed the Foundation to include a $2 OFF Coupon on the flyers that will be sent home from the elementary schools in Tipton County. These will be good until September 30 for bike or multi-sport helmets at the Riley Safety Store, located at the north entrance of the hospital. Parents or grandparents whose children do not attend Tipton, Tri-Central, or St. John elementary schools may contact the Foundation for a flyer and coupon.

Besides the nonprofit groups that are providing activities, financial and in-kind resources have been donated by the following sponsors: Cargill Ag Horizons, Jean’s Flowers & Gifts, White’s Meat Market, A-1 Disposal, McCormack Printing Impressions, Ben B. Hobbs Law Office, Bill & Janie Horner, Dan Young GM Center, Ice Miller LLP, List Lawn Care, McNeal & Co., CPA, McQuinn Family Dentistry, DAYSRx Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy, Midwest Eye Consultants, Tipton Kiwanis Club, Tipton Pizza King & Subway, and the Tipton Rotary Club,

Also sponsoring are : Apple Group "The Shirt People", B.E.S. Inc. Beverage Equipment Services, Beck’s Superior Hybrids, Encompass Credit Union., Farmers Mutual Insurance, First Farmers Bank & Trust, Harris Bank, Package Right, STAR Financial Bank, and WWKI Radio 100.5 FM.

Everyone can be a philanthropist through the Tipton County Foundation. TCF is a volunteer-driven nonprofit public charity established in 1986 to serve donors, award grants, and provide leadership to improve the quality of life in Tipton County, forever. Contributions are tax-deductible under sections 501(c)(3), 509, and 170 of the Internal Revenue Code.

The Foundation has been confirmed to be in compliance with National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations. For updates and more information, visit www.tiptoncf.org/ducky.htm, or call the Foundation at 765-675-8480.

Silent auction to benefit Boys & Girls Club of Tipton
submitted
posted 8-20-10

TIPTON – Moser Jewelers is sponsoring a silent auction next weekend with proceeds benefiting the Boys & Girls Club of Tipton County. John and Beth Moser have selected a wide variety of pieces of fine jewelry for auction, including diamonds, gemstones, and 14-karat gold items.

Bidding numbers are $5 each and will be kept confidential so patrons may buy auction items as gifts. A minimum bid is set for each piece.

The silent auction will take place at Moser Jewelers’ Tipton location on Aug. 26, 27, and 28. Bidding will close on Saturday, Aug. 28, at noon.

Please come out and support the Boys & Girls Club of Tipton County as they continue to provide a safe place and educational activities for children in our community.

Library director honored
by Aaron Pennock
posted 8-19-10

TIPTON – Tipton County Public Library Director Linda Joines has received the 2010 Outstanding Librarian Award, given by the Indiana Library Federation. Joines will be honored at the Indiana Library Federation awards banquet in Indianapolis on November 16.

The board and staff of the Tipton County Public Library nominated Joines for the award in June. The nomination was a three-page document describing her exemplary leadership, and contained a long list of her achievements at the library. “I couldn’t think of anyone more deserving than Linda,” said Assistant Director Renda Hurst.

Joines has served as library director for 11 years. According to library records circulation and visitation to the library have increased 20 percent in that time. Prior to that she worked as a circulation clerk, department manager and assistant director at the library.

As director, Joines oversaw all aspects of the renovations at the Tipton and Windfall libraries. “It takes someone who’s willing to give up a lot of sleep to do that,” said Hurst. “She’s done a lot for us. We’re really proud of her,” said Kendra Hummel, marketing coordinator and information specialist at the library.

Club to hold Dinner Dance Gala
submitted
posted 8-19-10

TIPTON – The Boys & Girls Club of Tipton County is holding a Dinner Dance Gala on Saturday, Aug. 28, at the Tipton Elks Club.

Live and silent auction items valued at over $10,000 will be available to bid on. Cocktails will be served at 6 p.m. and dinner at 7 p.m. with a choice of prime rib, teriyaki glazed salmon, or Cornish hen.

Linda Lee & the Noble Creek Band will be performing during the evening.

The deadline to purchase tickets is 5 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 23. For more information call the Boys & Girls Club at 675-9362.

Theatre to hold open auditions
submitted
posted 8-18-10

TIPTON – Tipton Community Theatre will hold open auditions for Mother Goose is Eaten by Werewolves, our bonus show for the 2010-2011 Season. Auditions will be held Sunday, August 22 beginning at 2 p.m. and Monday, August 23 at 7 p.m. at the West Street Christian Church, 132 N. West St, Tipton.

There are two female roles, two males roles and two roles that can be either male or female available.

The show is a short interactive comedy, perfect for the whole family. Performance dates are Saturday, Oct. 30, and Sunday, Oct 31.

For further information contact Director Shannon Burke at 765-675-3524 or e-mail pint_sized_01@yahoo.com or visit tiptontheatre.com

Art Show accepting entries
by Aaron Pennock
posted 8-16-10

TIPTON – Entry forms for the 2010 Tipton Pork Festival Art Show are now available at the Tipton County Public Library or online at the Pork Festival Website at: www.tiptoncountyporkfestival.com.

Entry forms must be received by Monday, Aug. 30. Entry fees are $5 per entry for professionals and amateurs, and $3 per entry for students.

The Pork Festival takes place Sept. 9, 10 and 11. For more information about the Art Show, send your e-mails to porkfestivalart@yahoo.com.

Click here for entry form.

INDOT approves $1.5 million project
by Aaron Pennock
posted 7-29-10

TIPTON – The Indiana Department of Transportation approved Thursday a request for $1.5 million to be used for a major road construction project in Tipton County.

The INDOT Local Public Agency Project Selection Committee made the announcement to County Commissioner Jane Harper via conference call in the commissioners’ office Thursday afternoon.

The awarded $1,560,000 will be used for the construction of a section of road connecting County Roads 550 W. and 560 W., just east of the former Getrag facility. When completed, the two roads will be one, connecting Indiana State Road 28 and Division Road. Commissioner Harper and County Engineer Phil Beer presented the project to INDOT on June 23.

“I am thrilled,” said Harper after learning Tipton County would receive the entire amount requested. Eight counties within the INDOT Greenfield District submitted applications for projects totaling $12 million, however only $3.6 million in federal funds had been allocated for that district. Of the eight counties, Tipton was one of three selected to receive project funding. Tipton County is responsible for a 20 percent match of the $1.5 million to be released in 2014.

In her community presentation to INDOT, Harper listed safety, potential growth, and traffic flow as reasons for connecting the roads. “It will really help alleviate a lot of traffic congestion at 28 and 31 and will provide an additional access and evacuation route,” she said.

Additionally, she commented that the road creates a “backage” road for any potential development opportunities east of 31. The completed road will also provide an alternate route for trucks leaving the city’s industrial park, and allow them to avoid driving through town.