News for January 11, 2008

Cummins President Receives Award
WCSI News
Joe Loughrey has been named Global Business Person of the Year by the World Trade Club of Indiana. The award recognizes outstanding contribution to furthering Indiana’s international commerce. Loughrey was honored because of Cummins’ global success and because of his work in a statewide initiative to advance manufacturing and logistics. Loughrey will accept the award Jan. 29 at the Omni hotel in Indianapolis.

Another Meeting Scheduled
WCSI News
Due to a big turnout at Thursday’s informational meeting for Signature Academy students and their parents, BCSC school officials will conduct two more sessions at 6:30 p.m. Monday at the Columbus Learning Center lecture hall and Lincoln Elementary School. School staff will be split between both locations. The upcoming deadline to enroll is Tuesday.

Phone Scam Reported in Seymour
WCSI News
Seymour Police Department is asking people not to respond to a telephone scam that hit the area Thursday. Seymour Police Chief Bill Abbot said they had three calls on Thursday. Initial investigations show that a person is calling local residents and saying that if they will meet the caller with $1,800 in cash they will receive a check for $25,000 or $30,000. None of those people reporting calls met with the caller or callers, Abbott said, but he said the public needs to know not to give any personal information to anyone over the telephone.

Arts Council Seeks Help with Tree Sweaters
WCSI News
The Columbus Area Arts Council is still seeking people who knit and crochet to help out with a public art project. Warren Baumgart, Executive Director for the arts council, says the project is knitting tree cozies for downtown. To get yourself or your group involved contact the arts council at 376-2539. Monday is the deadline to sign-up.

Worton Sworn in as Columbus Police Chief
WCSI News
James Worton was sworn in by Columbus Mayor Fred Armstrong as Chief of the Columbus Police Department Thursday. Worton said he was grateful for attendance of his friends and family and that he was looking forward to the challenge of his new position.

Floyd Police Seek Suspect in Marijuana Operation
WCSI News
Floyd County police have charged a 38-year-old man with cultivating marijuana after investigators discovered nearly 600 fully grown pot plants and a pot-growing operation at the man’s residence. Police have asked Florida authorities for help in locating Thomas Hoffman, the owner of the home. He’s wanted on a felony warrant and was last believed to be in Florida. The plants were discovered after a neighbor of Hoffman contacted police about a suspected burglary in progress.