(1) A group of volunteers spent time making packages filled with Christmas goodies to be sent to county soldiers who will be serving in Iraq and Afghanistan during the Christmas season. The items in the packages were donated by various groups and individuals, and the packages were mailed in time for arrival before the Christmas holidays.
(2) Now that the new addition to the Switzerland County Courthouse is complete, workers have begun refurbishing the offices in the original part of the courthouse. The offices that have remained in the original part of the courthouse have moved around to take advantage of the vacated space, and offices are being painted and equipped with new features.
(3) Switzerland County Lady Pacer coach Wayne Ellegood was honored for achieving his 200th coaching victory. He was presented with a plaque in recognition of the milestone by athletic director Kent Dunning prior a game against Milan.
(4) Switzerland County residents were warned to get ready for the upcoming flu season by getting a flu shot and observing other measures to prevent the spread of the flu.
(5) Switzerland County farmer Calvin Snow and his attempts to convert his dairy operation to an “all natural” operation were featured. He is taking advantage of the EQIP program to get assistance with the conversion, and has more than three years left in the program.
(6) The Brown family was honored by the State of Indiana with a Century Business Award for operating a family business on the same site for more than 100 years. Over the years the Brown family has used its land in Moorefield for many uses: a farm, an orchard, a mill, and a farm implement business — a company that is still in operation under the direction of Doug Brown.
(7) Butch Tinker was honored for his 18 years of service to the Switzerland County Farm Service Agency. He has served on the Community Committee; and the County Committee, on which he served as chairman for 10 years.
(8) Switzerland County Library Board members Rodney Nay, Dorothy Burley, and Debbie Meyer were honored on the occasion of their retirement from the Switzerland County Library Board. The trio were honored at a reception held at the library.
(9) Jeffrey Lamson was awarded the Bronze Star for heroism for his efforts to save members of his company while serving with the U.S. Marines in Iraq. He was awarded the Bronze Star in a ceremony held at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, after he completed his tour of duty in Iraq.
(10) A new program will allow county entities to purchase locally raised meat and locally grown vegetables for use here. The first participant in the program is the new Switzerland County jail, which purchased a hog from Mike Thieman for use in the kitchen of the jail. The meat will be fed to the inmates; and as the program expands, other meats and fruits and vegetables will be used here.