• WRSW 1073 @ 8:15 – 8:30 am Saturday mornings
• ESPN 1480 @ 8:45 – 9:00 am Sunday mornings

Practice Areas

• LEGALLY SPEAKING - FORUM OF THE WEEK, a Blog
• "LEGALLY SPEAKING"
• UPCOMING EVENTS & SEMINARS
• PERSONAL INJURY
• TRUCK ACCIDENTS
• WRONGFUL DEATH
• BANKRUPTCY & DEBT RELIEF
• CRIMINAL
• AGRICULTURE BUSINESS STRUCTURING AND WEALTH PLANNING
• BUSINESS PLANNING
• ELDER LAW
• ESTATE PLANNING AND SPECIAL NEEDS TRUSTS
• PROBATE/ESTATE AND TRUST ADMINISTRATION

News

PUBLIC SERVICE INFORMATION

• Meth 2010 "Killing a Community"
  Aug 23, 2010

  The Kosciusko County Sheriff's Department is hosting it's first Community Workshop on the Meth Crisis on Wednesday, September 15th at the Center Lake Pavillion in Warsaw.    The event will run from 10:00 a.m. through 7:00 p.m.   The Kosciusko County Drug Task Force officers, local attorney and doctors will be on hand to take your questions and discuss the topic of "Meth 2010 - Killing a Community". - 31 - 40

• SAFETY TIPS FOR NEW YEARS EVE
  Dec 22, 2009

  Every year New Year's bashes are becoming bigger and gibber.   Common sense tactics need to be applied.   The onus of a safe party lies with the host.
  
  Before the evening begins, select a designated driver.
  Don't drink and drive any vehicle, including a bicycle.
  Make sure your bartender has had server training to prevent overserving.
  Call a cab if you drink and do not have a designated driver.
  Turn your keys over to a sober friend if you have had too much to drink.
  Remember the blood alcohol concentration is .08% nationwide.
  Serve foods high in fact to help coat the stomach lining.
  Fruit mixers mask the tase of alcohol and may cause guests to drink more.
  Carbonated mixers cause alcohol to be absorbed into a person's system more quickly.
  Keep alcoholic drinks out of reach of your pets.  It could be deadly.
  Do not rely on a guests appearance as a gauge of his/her sobriety.

  - 32 - 40

• WARSAW SET TO CELEBRATE "AMERICA RECYCLES DAY"
  Nov 12, 2009

  The  Kosciusko County Solid Waste Management District is taking part in Saturday's America Recycles Day by hosting an event at the KC Recycling Depot.
  
  Activites begin at 9 a.m. at the Depot, located at 220 S. Union St. in  Warsaw, and will continue through 3 p.m. A few of the  activities for the day will be live radio remote by WIOE from 10 a.m. to noon, free doughnuts and hot cider, hourly door prizes and several hands-on activities.
  
   A workshop for kids will feature the making of birdhouses from recycled products and is scheduled for 12:00 noon.   Many other activities are planned throughout the day. - 33 - 40

• Warsaw Community chools H1N1 Flu Action Plan - A MUST READ!
  Oct 19, 2009

   WARSAW COMMUNITY SCHOOLS
  PANDEMIC INFLUENZA ACTION PLAN
  2009-2010
  
  Warsaw Community School Corporation has developed the following Pandemic Influenza
  Action Plan to prepare staff members and families of our students for the possibility of pandemic
  or seasonal influenza.
  
  In the event of pandemic flu, the Indiana State Department of Education will continue to require
  180 days for school attendance, and Warsaw Community School Corporation must meet that
  requirement. Therefore, school closure will NOT occur unless there is a magnitude of staff or
  students absenteeism that interferes with the school's ability to function. Indiana State
  Department of Education states that 20% absenteeism from flu and flu like symptoms must
  make up that number. This decision is in accordance with guidelines from the Centers for
  Disease Control (C.D.C.) and state and county health department recommendations.
  What is a pandemic disease?
  
  A pandemic disease is an outbreak of an infectious disease that affects people over an extensive
  geographical area. The pandemic flu that has been in the news most recently is called H1N1 flu.
  Ordinarily, flu is not seen during summer months, but more Indiana counties were newly
  diagnosed with H1N1 disease this summer.
  The pattern of cases in Indiana, as well as in other states, points to a higher risk for the young.
  Although the elderly would typically comprise a majority of severe cases in a normal flu season,
  cases of H1N1 are relatively rare in people over 65 years of age.
  Know the symptoms of influenza, which MAY include:
  *Sudden onset of illness
  *Fever higher than 100.4 F
  (NOTE: At the discretion of the school nurse, children with a temperature lower
  than 100.4 may be sent home from school depending on the symptoms.)
  *Chills
  *Cough
  *Headache
  *Sore throat
  *Stuffy nose
  *Muscle aches
  *Feeling of weakness and / or exhaustion
  *Diarrhea, vomiting, and /or abdominal pain (occurs more commonly in children)
  Vaccinations for seasonal influenza and H1N1 flu
  Seasonal flu vaccines are currently available at various locations in the Warsaw area.
  At the present a 1 or 2 dose series of vaccinations targeted for the H1N1 flu is expected to be
  available from the C.D.C. in mid October.
  
  1. In all district facilities:
  *Be aware that germs are viable on surfaces for about 2 hours.
  *Practice good hand washing procedures and other sanitary measures to reduce the
  spread of influenza.
  *Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  *Establish an isolation area separate from other students and staff until the ill
  person can be sent home.
  In classrooms:
  *Teach students to use a tissue to cover their noses and mouths when coughing or
  sneezing, and sneeze into arms, near the elbow, not into hands - to reduce spread
  of germs from touching surfaces and each other.
  *Teach students proper hand washing procedures.
  *Post hand washing procedures in the classroom and near restrooms (school nurses
  have posters and other resources for you to use).
  *Hand sanitizer will be provided as needed to school classrooms and is to be used
  frequently.
  *Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth since germs are often spread when a person
  touches something that is contaminated and then touches eyes, nose or mouth.
  *Hand sanitizers/anti-bacterial soap shall be available in school district facilities.
  2. IF YOU ARE SICK - STAY HOME
  * And avoid going out into the community while you are ill except to seek
  medical care.
  3. Procedures for reporting illness
  * Your school corporation needs to know how many staff members have been
  affected by flu-like symptoms. Please follow these procedures to assist
  in our record keeping efforts:
  TEACHERS:
  *Call the substitute phone line to request a sub.
  *If you have flu-like symptoms, call your building principal to report your
  symptoms; it is not necessary to report other kinds of illness to the
  principal.
  *Building principals will call the nursing office and the superintendent's office
  to keep statistics and enable reports to be completed.
  NON-CERTIFIED STAFF:
  *Call your supervisor to report you illness, if you have flu-like symptoms, report
  that information to your building principal.
  *Building principals will notify the nursing office and superintendent daily to
  report the number of certified staff members that are ill with flu-like symptoms.
  
  4. Returning to work
  *You must be fever free for 24 hours without the aid of fever reducing medications
  before returning to the classroom.
  *Check with your school nurse or healthcare provider for specific guidance on
  when to return to school.
  *Watch for updates on the C.D.C. website.
  
  5. Recording student absences
  *When a student is reported absent, the attendance recorder designee shall ask
  why the child will be absent.
  *If the absence is due to illness, ask if the child has flu-like symptoms and record
  the response in Power School.
  *The attendance recorder shall report daily to the nurse and to the principal the
  number of student absences due to flu-like symptoms.
  *These absences will be excused.
  *A doctor's note will not be necessary for flu-like symptoms, nor do parents need
  to document that the child was diagnosed with H1N1.
  *A new "absence reason code" is in place that will allow schools to document
  that a student was absent from school because of the flu.
  
  6. Absentee and make-up work policy for flu-related illnesses
  *Teachers are encouraged to be flexible in assigning make-up work that is standardsbased,
  meaningful and achievable following extended illnesses.
  *At the discretion of the administrator, additional days beyond the policy for
  make up work may be allowed for students to complete make-up work
  assignments.
  *Teachers are encouraged to make every attempt to make daily work available on
  either the district or teacher-based website and when possible make assigned
  work printable from that website.
  *The school values the child's health above perfect attendance, and it is imperative
  that parents understand that children should be kept home for the duration of the
  illness.
  *To illustrate that value, teachers will be supportive and not punitive when
  students are absent for illness.
  *An absence for flu must be reported at the time of the absence, not later. It is
  a requirement that you call your school by 10:30 a.m. for any illness!
  *Absences not reported at that time and noted as flu-like symptoms will count in
  accordance with the district attendance policy.
  
  7. Staff members shall not make recommendations to student or parents
  regarding vaccinations for the flu.
  
  WARSAW COMMUNITY SCHOOLS
  PROCEDURES FOR PARENTS
  PLEASE MONITOR YOUR CHILD DAILY FOR SYMPTOMS OF FLU-LIKE
  SYMPTOMS
  
  Clinical symptoms may include:
  1. Fever over 100 degrees Fahrenheit (student must not return to school until fever free
  for at least 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medication)
  2. Vomiting or diarrhea.
  3. Severe sore throat or cough.
  4. Lethargy.
  5. Irritable, pale or has an unusual lack of appetite.
  6. Difficulty breathing.
  Have a plan ready for the care of your child if he/she becomes ill and must not attend
  school for several days (i.e., who will pick up your child, what are the alternate child care
  arrangements, etc.)
  EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION
  *Be sure your child's school has correct contact and emergency numbers so
  school officials can call for prompt pick-up if your child experiences influenzalike
  symptoms.
  *Be prepared to pick up your child from school immediately if he/she becomes ill.
  REPORT ALL ABSENCES FROM SCHOOL.
  *Call the school and report your child's absence and the reason for the absence.
  *Be sure to report if your child has flu-like symptoms to ensure your child's absence is
  appropriately excused and assists with recording the number of students with flu-like
  symptoms.
  WHEN SHOULD MY CHILD RETURN TO SCHOOL?
  • Children must not return to school until symptoms of illness have passed
  AND
  • Your child is fever free for 24 hours without the aid of fever reducing medications
  AND
  • Cough is improving (decrease in frequency and amount of secretions with no associated
  chest discomfort or shortness of breath)
  
  STAY HOME!
  If your child is ill with influenza-like symptoms, they should not attend alternative childcare or
  congregate in other neighborhood and community settings.
  CHECK YOUR CHILD'S BOOK BAG DAILY TO MONITOR
  FOR WRITTEN UPDATES FROM SCHOOL!
  
  WARSAW COMMUNITY SCHOOL
  PREPAREDNESS PLAN
  DISTRICT PROCEDURES
  
  1. Staff and students should stay home when they are sick. Principals and directors will
  make an announcement to that effect.
  2. Records will be maintained on a daily basis by the Nursing/CIMC office to record the
  numbers of students and staff members reporting absences due to flu-like symptoms.
  3. In the event schools must close due to the magnitude of staff and/or student
  absenteeism, all Warsaw Community Schools will close. School missed will be made
  up immediately after the final day of the published school calendar to meet the 180
  days required by the State of Indiana.
  4. In the event school must close due to absenteeism, which is a 20% or more of total
  student and staff absenteeism, staff members will be notified by the calling tree.
  5. Staff members shall provide current emergency contact information to their
  supervisors/nurses.
  6. If schools are closed due to absenteeism from the flu, all after school activities and
  events will be cancelled.
  7. Timely and accurate information regarding school closures and re-opening will come
  through the Central Office.
  8. Updates on school closures and re-opening will be posted on the school's web-site.
  9. Information will also be provided to local radio and television stations.
  10. Staff members SHALL NOT make recommendations to students or parents regarding
  vaccinations for the flu.
  11. The Nutrition Services Department will maintain a sufficient supply of 2 meals per
  student at each school, that can be served to the students and staff in the event an
  insufficient number of nutrition's services employees are available to prepare meals.
  12. Sanitizing wipes will be used in computer labs to wipe down keyboards and
  headphones after each use.
  13. School kitchens will use a restaurant grade sanitizer.
  14. School nurses will use a hospital grade germicidal product on health room surfaces.
  15. Principals will also emphasize the importance of proper hand washing and the use of
  hand sanitizers among students and staff.
  
  THE PHASES OF A PANDEMIC
  The phases described have been summarized from the World Health Organization (WHO) global
  influenza preparedness plan published in 2005. It is important to understand that the actual
  spread of the virus may or may not be described by these phases.
  INTERPANDEMIC PERIOD
  PHASE 1: No new influenza virus subtypes have been detected in humans. An influenza virus
  subtype that has caused human infection may be present in animals. If present in animals, the
  risk of human infection or disease is considered low.
  PHASE 2: No new influenza virus subtypes have been detected in humans. However, a
  circulating animal influenza virus subtype poses a substantial risk of human disease.
  PANDEMIC ALERT PERIOD
  PHASE 3: Human infection(s) with a new subtype, but no human-to-human spread, or at most,
  rare instance of spread to a close contact.
  PHASE 4: Small cluster(s) with limited human-to-human transmission but spread is highly
  localized, suggesting that the virus is not well adapted to humans.
  PHASE 5: Large cluster(s) but human-to-human spread still localized, suggesting that the virus
  is becoming increasingly better adapted to humans, but may not yet be fully transmissible
  (substantial pandemic risk).
  PANDEMIC PERIOD
  PHASE 6: Pandemic increased and sustained transmission in general population.

  - 34 - 40

• BEWARE OF SLOW MOVING FARM VEHICLES ON THE ROADS
  Oct 05, 2009

  Fall Farm season is underway.  Fall harvest brings slow moving farm equipment onto Indiana highways and county roads.  The Indiana State Police have issued an advisory warning drivers to be careful and on the lookout for slow moving farm implements.    Caution and awareness is key when driving through or near many of our Indiana farm areas.    Stay alert and aware that slow moving vehicles are on our roadways and that we must yield right of way to our farmers. - 35 - 40

• LOCAL ORTHOPEDIC INDUSTRY AWARDED $7 MILLION DOLLAR LILLY ENDOWMENT
  Sep 24, 2009

  Orthoworx, a newly organized Warsaw company, has been awarded the largest Lilly Endowment in the region to expand and support the orthopedic capital of the world.  The Kosciusko Community Foundation and BioCrossroads (an Indianapolis based company) will work closely with local orthopedic leaders and Orthoworx to to secure and enhance the region's competitive appeal to the orthopedic industry now and in the future.
  - 36 - 40

• Schools and Swine Flu - Recommendations by the CDC
  Aug 17, 2009

  TIPS FOR SCHOOLS AND PARENTS

  ON SWINE FLU PREVENTION AND OUTBREAKS

   

  Stay home when sick:
  Those with flu-like illness should stay home for at least 24 hours after they no longer have a fever, or signs of a fever, without the use of fever-reducing medicines. They should stay home even if they are using antiviral drugs. (For more information

  Separate ill students and staff:
  Students and staff who appear to have flu-like illness should be sent to a room separate from others until they can be sent home. CDC recommends that they wear a surgical mask, if possible, and that those who care for ill students and staff wear protective gear such as a mask.
  Hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette:
  The new recommendations emphasize the importance of the basic foundations of influenza prevention: stay home when sick, wash hands frequently with soap and water when possible, and cover noses and mouths with a tissue when coughing or sneezing (or a shirt sleeve or elbow if no tissue is available).
  Early treatment of high-risk students and staff:
  People at high risk for influenza complications who become ill with influenza-like illness should speak with their health care provider as soon as possible.  Early treatment with antiviral medications is very important for people at high risk because it can prevent hospitalizations and deaths. People at high risk include those who are pregnant, have asthma or diabetes, have compromised immune systems, or have neuromuscular diseases.
  High-risk students and staff members stay home:
  People at high-risk of flu complications should talk to their doctor about staying home from school when a lot of flu is circulating in the community. Schools should plan now for ways to continue educating students who stay home through instructional phone calls, homework packets, internet lessons, and other approaches.
  Students with ill household members stay home:
  Students who have an ill household member should stay home for five days from the day the first household member got sick. This is the time period they are most likely to get sick themselves.
  Increase distance between people at schools:
  CDC encourages schools to try innovative ways of separating students. These can be as simple as moving desks farther apart or canceling classes that bring together children from different classrooms.
  Extend the period for ill persons to stay home:
  If influenza severity increases, people with flu-like illness should stay home for at least 7 days, even if they have no more symptoms. If people are still sick, they should stay home until 24 hours after they have no symptoms.
  http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/schools/schoolguidance.htm

  - 37 - 40

Quick Contact