I N D I A N A D A I LY S T U D E N T | M O N D AY, S E P T. 1 4 , 2 0 1 5 | I D S N E W S . C O M
Pastor accused of child abuse
IDS
By Taylor Telford ttelford@umail.iu.edu
SELLERSBURG, Ind. — Less than two weeks after he was arrested, Pastor Gerald “Jerry” Harris stood before his shrunken congregation and spoke of mercy. He did not talk about the charges against him — beating and neglecting children in the Well of Grace Boarding Academy, which he oversaw. Instead, he stood at the pulpit, shifting his weight and tugging his lapels. He alluded to his tarnished reputation and spoke of mankind’s need for grace. “Mercy is not getting what I deserve,” said Harris, 47. “I deserve a place in hell.” Two weeks ago, police officers and Child Protective Services visited the boarding school at Crossroads Baptist Church, 6109 Appleleaf Lane. After Harris welcomed them, they interviewed children ranging in age from 8 to 19. Several of the children showed the officers severe bruising on their buttocks and legs, which they attributed to punishments from Harris and Christopher Williams, 21, a student coordinator at the school. One child said Williams beat him with a wooden paddle after he wet the bed. Another said the boys were prohibited from using the bathroom after lights were turned out and ordered to relieve themselves before bedtime or after they woke up. One said Harris hit him with the paddle in front of other students during class, because Harris thought the boy was smirking while reading the Bible. SEE PASTOR, PAGE 5
FOOTBALL
ADAM KIEFER | IDS
Members of Nicholas Wolfe's family; Jackie Wolfe, left; Matthew Wolfe, middle; Samantha Wolfe, right, hold up the final paper lantern to be released Sunday at Showalter Fountain during a vigil for Nicholas Wolfe, an IU student who recently died.
A light for life Medical fraternity honors life of fallen brother By Ashleigh Sherman aesherma@indiana.edu | @aesherma
Around 25 paper lanterns drifted from the area surrounding Showalter Fountain. The gazes of onlookers followed their journey toward the dark sky, as the light coming from the paper lanterns seemed to compete with the light emanating from the fountain below. Family, friends and acquaintances came together Sunday night to mourn the death, and celebrate the life, of Nicholas Wolfe. The IU sophomore, 20, died Thursday, Sept. 3, from “injuries sustained in an accident,” his sister, Samantha Wolfe, said in an email. Hoping to one day become a physician for the Indianapolis
Colts, Nicholas was a member of the medical fraternity Phi Delta Epsilon, whose members came together to organize the vigil. “It was so communal,” said Matt Razavian, IU junior and vice president of recruitment for Phi Delta Epsilon. “It was something we felt like we had to do, because Phi Delta Epsilon is like a family. And when you lose a brother, it’s hard.” Nicholas’ visitation took place Tuesday, Sept. 8, at Flanner and Buchanan-Carmel, while his service took place Wednesday, Sept. 9, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Carmel, Indiana. Razavian said not everybody who wanted to go to the visitation or service was able to make it in the middle of the week. “We just wanted to do
Expanded coverage online Visit idsnews.com for additional photos and an audio slideshow from the vigil for Nicholas Wolfe. something where anybody who knew him remotely would have a chance to come and mourn his loss and celebrate the time that we had with him,” Razavian said. “He touched so many lives. This is a way for us to remember him and a way for us to make sure his memory is never forgotten.” The group, led by his family, walked from the Sample Gates to Showalter Fountain, cupping candles in their hands. Once at Showalter Fountain, attendees had the opportunity to say a few words
IU wins with less explosive Hot air balloons fly for third Kiwanis festival offense SEE VIGIL, PAGE 5
By Javonte Anderson
By Taylor Lehman
ja69@indiana.edu | @javontea
trlehman@indiana.edu | @trlehman_IU
After exploding for 595 yards in week one against Southern Illinois University, the Hoosier offense saw a slight decrease in production in week two versus Florida International University. Although IU won through four quarters, 36-22, the team put up just 439 yards with no touchdowns from the backfield, after scoring five last week. At halftime, IU was down by one point, trailing FIU 14-13, even though it had recorded 254 total yards, while FIU had 165. “We sputtered a little bit past the 50,” senior quarterback Nate Sudfeld said. Through the third quarter, Sudfeld and the offense had crossed midfield eight times and only scored on four drives, as they missed a field goal, punted, turned the ball over on downs and threw an interception — all in FIU territory. And two of the four scoring drives ended in field goals inside the 20-yard line. The Hoosiers made some poor calls on third down opportunities, IU Coach Kevin Wilson said, which caused a lot of the sputtering, but Wilson took responsibility for the SEE OFFENSE, PAGE 5 Related Content, page 10 Read about the Hoosiers’ defensive efforts in their week-two win against Florida International University.
There are two combustible propane tanks in the corner of a wicker basket. With the click of a button, the propane is ignited and the pilot fires a steady flame into the hot air balloon. Bystanders gaze, mouths agape as the hot air balloons elevate off the ground and ascend into the morning sky. “It’s an incredible thing to see,” Christin Tackett said. “Last year my daughter went up in a tethered balloon. I think that was the most memorable part for her.” Although the hot air balloons were the highlight for some patrons at Kiwanis Club third annual Indiana Balloon Fest, there were a host of other attractions including live music, a variety of food vendors, a corn hole tournament and robotics. The Kiwanis Club of South Central Indiana hosted the Balloon Fest at the Monroe County Fairgrounds from Friday through Sunday. The theme of this year’s festival was “honoring our heroes.” “Since the first day of the balloon fest fell on September 11, we wanted to make sure we did something to honor people affected by that tragedy,” said Vanessa McClary, charter president of the local chapter of Kiwanis Club. During the opening ceremony musicians played “Amazing Grace” on bagpipes before the singing of the national anthem. On Saturday, patrons
KATELYN ROWE | IDS
One of the Oliver Winery Balloons is blown up before its Sunday morning flight. Oliver Winery was the Up! Up! and Away Platinum sponsor for the festival.
gathered to watch and listen to Kiwanis Idol, Indiana Balloon Fest’s singing completion. Tara Asbury, the winner of the 18-and-under category, received roaring applause after singing a rendition of the James Brown song “It’s a Man’s Man’s Man’s World.” “Performing is terrifying,” Asbury said. “I just love music. I just go up there and sing.”
Laura Mnayarji, Miss IU and emcee for this year’s Kiwanis Idol, said she really enjoyed hearing all the contestants sing. “Oh my god, they were so talented,” Mnayarji said. “I’m grateful that I was able to be a part of it.” In addition to hosting Kiwanis SEE FESTIVAL, PAGE 5
WING IT MONDAY NIGHT
1428 E. Third St. | motherbearspizza.com | 812-332-4495
Expanded coverage online Visit idsnews.com for gifs and additional photos from the Indiana Balloon Fest.
Have our delicious wings and your choice of sauce for only 60¢ each Drink purchase required for every 20 wings.
What a deal!