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THE NEWS SUN

AREA • STATE •

kpcnews.com

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013

Colleagues mourn loss of Rep. Phyllis Pond FROM STAFF REPORTS

NEW HAVEN — Colleagues and Indiana leaders praised state Rep. Phyllis Pond, R-New Haven, Monday, in the wake of her death Sunday evening.

Pond had been diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis in early September and recently resigned her seat in the Indiana House of Representatives, effective Oct. 15, due to her health.

Calling and her funeral will be held at the Emmanuel Lutheran Church in New Haven and will be open to the public. Her family still is deciding on the time and date. Cards may be sent to Rep. Phyllis Pond’s family at 8530 Seiler Road, New Haven, IN 46774.

Pond was elected to the state Legislature in 1978 and was the longest-serving female state representative in Indiana history. For

several years, her district included southern portions of DeKalb County.

That ended with redrawing of district lines for the 2012 election.

“Today, the State of Indiana mourns the loss of a leader and a friend to all Hoosiers. Phyllis was a revered colleague, a strong voice for her district and a compassionate conservative who always stood by her principles,” said House Speaker Brian C. Bosma, R-Indianapolis. “Phyllis has been a steadfast leader in our caucus and has forged a new path for women legislators in Indiana. Her dedication and service will continue to be fondly remembered by all. She will undoubtedly be missed.”

“She will be fondly remembered as a strong leader for our state who always spoke her mind and would move mountains for her constituents.

She will be sorely missed,” said Rep.

Dave Ober, R-Albion.

District 51 State Rep. Dennis Zent, R-Angola, served only one year with Pond, but he lived several years in her district before moving to Lake James.

“While I didn’t get much time to work with her, I’ve known her for a long time,” Zent Rep. Pond said. “She was as genuine as they come. She could see all sides of an issue. Maybe it was her background as a school teacher. She just had this certain ability to listen and make well-reasoned decisions with her constituents in mind.”

Zent was one of many newcomers to the Legislature who Pond would take aside for a little mentoring.

She told new members to take their time, listen to as many viewpoints as possible and above all, represent the wishes of their constituents.

“She just brought a certain civility to the process. She was a lady. I just hope I can be as well thought of as she some day,” Zent said. “Phyllis had it down, and she’s going to be missed.”

“Phyllis Pond was an historic leader for Allen County and for the people of Indiana,” said Indiana Senate President Pro Tem David Long, R-Fort Wayne. “She was one of the first women to serve in the state Legislature from our area, and she served with great effectiveness, passion and distinction for 35 years.

She never lost her zeal for the job, nor her focus on improving the lives of the people of our state. It’s hard to imagine our delegation without Phyllis. We will miss her greatly.”

Three injured in head-on collision

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Indiana’s U.S. Sen. Dan Coats issued a statement on behalf of himself and his wife, Marsha.

“Phyllis was a true friend and someone who dedicated her life to public service,” Coats said. “She faithfully represented the interests of Hoosiers in her district. Marsha and I extend our deepest condolences to her family and also our gratitude for her example of living a life dedicated to serving others and the community.”

Pond also had a career as a kindergarten teacher. Drawing on her experience, in one of her most significant achievements she authored the state’s Primetime Education law that capped classroom sizes at 18 children for kindergarten through third grade.

A Republican caucus to choose her replacement in the Indiana House already had been scheduled for Oct. 8.

Harvest Fest fun Children take a ride on the Albion Harvest Fest “train” around the Noble County Saddle Club grounds in Albion. The festival concluded Sunday with events

that included a kite-flying demonstration, motorcycle show and “Milk Chug” contest, along with the annual “Old Tyme Base Ball” game.

Student with knife arrested at game

BY DENNIS NARTKER dnartker@kpcmedia.com

KENDALLVILLE — An East Noble student was arrested at Friday night’s high school football game on charges of intimidation and possession of a knife on school property, after he allegedly threatened a

younger student.

At about 8:20 p.m., East Noble resource officer Sgt. John Dixon was notified about the alleged incident by Kendallville police reserve Cpl. Christopher Streich, who was working security at the East Noble vs. Carroll football game. Streich

received a report from an 11-year-old boy that he was threatened by an older student who brandished a knife, according to a Kendallville Police Department news release.

Streich relayed the information to other police officers providing security at the game. Due to the quick response by the officers and East Noble officials, the 14-year-old male suspect was located and removed from the large crowd of spectators within minutes and without incident, according to Dixon.

The suspect, an East Noble student from Kendallville, reportedly gave Dixon the knife he used to threaten the victim. He also admitted to school officials that he threatened the younger boy with knife.

MERRIAM — Three people were injured Monday in a two-vehicle, head-on collision on U.S. 33 south of S.R. 9.

A 1998 Pontiac Bonneville, driven by Christina Hensley, 52, of Albion, was northbound on U.S. 33 when it went left of center for an unknown reason and struck a southbound 1997 Mercury Sable, driven

by David Johnson, 55, of Fort Wayne, according to a Noble County Sheriff’s Department news release.

Police and emergency responders were called to the scene at 2:37 p.m.

Hensley was pinned in

the Pontiac and had to be extricated. She sustained head and abdominal injuries and was airlifted to Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne.

Johnson, and a passenger in the Mercury, Rudy Lewis, 62, of Fort Wayne, escaped from their vehicle. Both suffered head injuries and were transported by EMS to Parkview Regional Medical Center.

Parkview Noble EMS, Churubusco police Noble Township Fire Department and Base 200 Fire Department assisted the Noble County Sheriff’s Department in the investigation.

Bands win awards at East Noble contest KENDALLVILLE — Adams Central, Whitko, DeKalb and Homestead topped their classes at Saturday’s East Noble High School Band Invitational.

The host East Noble Marching Knights performed in exhibition.

DeKalb won Class B, with NorthWood second and Columbia City third.

DeKalb won all the category awards for best music, best visual, best general effect, best color guard and best percussion.

Adams Central won Class D and the awards for

best visual, best music and best general effect.

Whitko topped Class C and won all the caption awards for best music, best visual, best general effect, best color guard and best percussion.

Homestead won Class A with Carroll placing second.

Homestead won awards for best music, best visual, best overall effect and best color guard. Carroll won an award for best percussion.

Thirteen bands competed in the annual event at the high school football stadium.

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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013

BALTIMORE ...............................5 TAMPA BAY.................................4 MILWAUKEE ..............................5 ATLANTA .......................................0 CINCINNATI ...............................3 N.Y. METS ....................................2 MIAMI .............................................4 PHILADELPHIA .......................0

Area Events •

VOLLEYBALL East Noble at Bellmont, 6 p.m.

Central Noble at Prairie Heights, 6 p.m.

Eastsid e at Lakeland, 6 p.m.

Fremon t at Angola, 6 p.m.

Homestead at DeKalb, 6 p.m.

Garrett at South Adams, 6 p.m.

Churubusco at Hamilton, 6 p.m.

BOYS SO C CE R Central Noble at Westview, 5 p.m.

Angola at Lakeland, 5 p.m.

Garrett at Eastside, 5 p.m.

Woodlan at Hamilt on, 5 p.m.

G I R LS SO C CE R F W North Side at Central Noble, 5 p.m.

Westview at Angola, 5 p.m.

DeKalb at Carroll, 5 p.m.

TE N N I S Central Noble at Westview, 4:3 0 p.m.

Angola at Lakeland, 4:3 0 p.m.

Carroll at DeKalb, 4:3 0 p.m.

Prairie Heights at West Noble, 5 p.m.

CROS S C OU NTRY Central Noble at Churubusco, 5 p.m.

THE NEWS SUN

The

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THE HERALD REPUBLICAN

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Knights shine on Senior Night

BY JAMES FISHER jfisher@kpcnews.net

KENDALLVILLE — East Noble set the tone early in Monday’s Northeast Hoosier Conference boys soccer match up with Columbia City.

The Knights struck three times with goals in the opening 10 minutes on the way to a dominating 10-1 victory over the Eagles on Senior Night.

“We came prepared, had the mentality to win,” said East Noble senior Oscar Pita. “The three goals put us in the mood and took a little of the pressure off.”

Pita put the Knights on the scoreboard on an assist from Matt Patton, with Zan Foltyniak then connecting at the nine-minute mark. A minute later Kyle Bloom connected for a 3-0 East Noble lead.

“It was good for the seniors to get a start like that,” said East Noble coach Rob Berkley. “We gained confidence, knew we’d be able to continue to carry it through the game.”

Pita struck again when the Columbia City keeper came out of the net, with the Knights finding Pita open on the opposite side of the net. Evan Strack soon made it

5-0 with a shot in front of the net.

The Eagles scored their lone goal just before the half, sending the Knights into the break with a 5-1 margin.

Senior Kaleb Williams, who spent the first half in goal, joined in the scoring to open the second half, connecting twice to put the Knights up 7-1. Before game’s end, the squad also got scores from Mason Diffendorfer, Jesse Maley and Sergio Castro.

“We have a group of guys, a blue collar group, that’s always working hard,” Pita said. Seniors on the East Noble squad are Pita, Williams, Strack, Bloom, Patton, Foltyniak, Maley, Aaron Berkey, Kam Wible, Victor Gonzalez and Andy Kretler.

“I’ve been here for four years, this is my first group from beginning to end,” Berkley said. “They mean a lot to me.”

The Knights beat Wawasee 2-0 on Saturday.

“That was one of our better wins,” Berkley explained.

“Wawasee has been playing very JAMES FISHER well. It was another shutout for East Noble senior Oscar Pita celebrates after scoring his second Kaleb Williams and crew.”

Patton and Mohsin Shemman goal during Monday’s 10-1 victory over Columbia City on Senior Night. scored for the Knights.

Colts are clicking Colts’ philosophy works perfectly at San Francisco

I challenged them in game two to step up and get some points, they responded and pulled it out,” DeKalb coach Andrea Spiess said.

“When this team makes that choice, they’re really mentally tough, and that’s something we talk about, playing as a team, being mentally tough behind the line and staying aggressive.”

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Chuck Pagano spent months trying to convince others that his old-school football philosophy would still work.

Those who didn’t believe it then sure do now.

Thanks to a powerful ground game, a productive passing game and a persistent defense, the short-handed Colts surprised everyone by easily overpowering defending NFC champion San Francisco — on the 49ers’ home turf.

“It builds confidence throughout the locker room, throughout the organization and obviously on both sides of the ball and special teams,” Pagano said. “Like you said, they (the players) have bought in from Day 1, but it just lends credence to what you’re doing philosophically.

When you lay out a blueprint, it doesn’t matter what venue, if we’re home or away, it shows that if you stick to the process, it comes to fruition and you go win a game like we just won, you can build on that.”

Inside the Colts’ locker room, few doubted that the transformation from finesse, pass-first team to a physically-imposing balanced offense would work.

SEE VOLLEYBALL, PAGE B2

SEE COLTS, PAGE B2

Briefly •

Dream beat Mystics in Game 3 to advance ATLANTA (AP) — Erika de Souza scored 10 of her 18 points during a decisive fourth quarter and the Atlanta Dream beat the Washington Mystics 80-72 win in the decisive Game 3 of their WNBA first-round series Monday night. The Dream advanced to face the fourth-seeded Indiana Fever.

On The Air • SAI LI NG Americ a’s Cup, race 17 and race 1 8, at San Francisco, N BCS N, 4 p.m.

On This Day • Sept. 24, 1 9 5 0 — Philadelphia’s Russ Craft has four interceptions to lead the Eagles in a 4 5-7 rout of the Chic ago Cardinals. Chic ago quart erback Ji m Hardy sets an N F L record by throwing eight intercepti ons.

Sept. 24, 1 9 67 — Jim Bakken of St. Louis Cardinals kicks an N F L-record seven f ield goals to give t he Cardinals a 281 4 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Sept. 24, 1 971 — The World Hockey Association announces i ts formation with 12 teams to st art play in October 1 972.

Sept. 24, 1 974 — Detroit’s Al Kaline doubles down the right-field line off Dave McNally of Balt imore in the fourth inning for his 3,000th c areer hit. The Orioles beat the Tigers 5-4 at Memorial St adium.

B

JEFF JONES

DeKalb’s Shade Herbolsheimer (13) blocks a tip attempt by Eastside’s Autumn Graber during

Monday’s volleyball match at Waterloo.

DeKalb spikers sweep Blazers

BY JEFF JONES jjones@kpcmedia.com

WATERLOO — There comes a point when you put fatigue aside and decide it’s time to win the game.

After winning the first game 25-14 over Eastside Monday, the DeKalb Barons were faced with that scenario in game two, when the Blazers took a 23-21 lead.

The Barons came out of a timeout, quickly gained two kills, and a Maddy Fifer ace closed out the 25-23 rally and win.

In the third game, DeKalb (11-4) maintained a steady, if not comfortable margin throughout, pulling away for a 25-16 win.

“We looked tired, just coming off a tournament this weekend, but they rallied back, and when

Baron girls dominant in NHC soccer win

BY KEN FILLMORE kfillmore@kpcmedia.com

WATERLOO — DeKalb’s girls soccer team gradually took control of its Northeast Corner Conference match with Norwell as the first half went on Monday evening and went on to a 5-0 victory.

“We started slow. We were a little sluggish,” Barons coach Sam Weicht said. “But we were passing the ball and that helped get us going.

“John (Proegler, Knights coach) did a good job with her girls and had them ready,” Weicht added.

“That number 1 (midfielder Kaycee Strunk) is faster than all get out. We’d push a through ball and she would take it from us.”

The aggressiveness of Norwell sophomore goalkeeper Jessica Siela twice kept DeKalb (9-2, 5-1 NHC) from striking early in the first 13 minutes by intercepting crossing passes in front of the

Knights’ goal and not giving up rebounds.

The play was largely in the Knights’ defensive half of the field and the Barons broke through with two goals 1 minute, 17 seconds apart late in the first half.

Junior Taya Poynter scored off a long lead pass from senior Katie Hamlin with 4:33 left before halftime. Poynter’s shot slowly rolled past the goal line.

Not long after, Baron senior Alyssa Clark headed home Marisa Robinett’s corner kick to put her team up 2-0.

Senior Kacey Wells got ahead of the Knights’ defense and blasted a shot high and to the right of Siela 14:20 into the second half to make it 3-0.

Sophomore Andrea Oster scored on an assist from senior Madison VanWye with 19:06 left.

The Hamlin-to-Poynter connection worked again with just under eight minutes left as Poynter scored her

second goal of the match.

“We moved Katie from center midfield and she has been solid in how she passes that ball,” Weicht said. “She’s a hard worker.

Colleges will want to get that girl.”

DeKalb outshot Norwell 28-1.

The Barons had three corner kicks while the Knights did not have any.

“Our defense had a good night,” Weicht said. “They’ve kept us in games all year long.”

Norwell’s Siela made 12 saves in goal. Allie Gaff started in goal for the Barons and did not have to make a save.

DeKalb’s only losses have been to state-ranked teams: Homestead, who was ranked 13th in Class 2A last week, and Canterbury, who was ranked sixth in 1A last week.

The Barons defeated perennial area power Carroll earlier this season for the first time in 11 years.

KEN FILLMORE

DeKalb senior Coral Martin runs down the ball near midfield during the first half of a Northeast Hoosier Conference match with Norwell Monday.

TUESDAY September 24, 2013

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Seniors Shine

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EN gets soccer win on special night

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Weather Sunny with a high of 70. Low tonight 50. High in low 70s for Wednesday.

Page A6 Kendallville, Indiana

GOOD MORNING Streets to close for Light the Night KENDALLVILLE — City streets will be closed temporarily tonight for the annual Light the Night Walk supporting the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

The 1.49-mile walk is scheduled for a 7 p.m. start at East Noble High School, with the East Noble Marching Knights leading the walkers.

Participants will walk west on Lisle Street to South Main Street, then north to Diamond Street, east on Diamond Street to Sherman Street, and south on Sherman Street back to the school.

Police and volunteers will close streets and intersections during the event, which is expected to end about 9 p.m.

Purdue to help students with cost of studying abroad WEST LAFAYETTE, (AP) — Purdue University officials hope paying students up to $3,000 will lead to more of them to study abroad.

Fewer than 20 percent of Purdue students participate in international study programs before graduating, and one of university President Mitch Daniels’ new initiatives is to increase that to one-third of some 30,000 undergrads.

“Learning in another country is an educational necessity, and making study abroad a core component of a Purdue education will help students grow, learn and prepare themselves to make an impact in a global economy,” Daniels said.

The money will be available starting spring semester for qualified undergraduates who complete a credit-bearing study-abroad program for a semester or school year.

VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS Carroll vs. East Noble football kpcnews.com

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Index

•

Classifieds.................................B6-B8 Life..................................................... A5 Obituaries......................................... A4 Opinion .............................................B4 Sports.........................................B1-B3 Weather............................................ A6 TV/Comics .......................................B5 Vol. 104 No. 263

Serving Noble & LaGrange Counties

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Suspect in abduction arrested LAGRANGE — A man wanted as a suspect in an abduction was arrested early this afternoon, the LaGrange County Sheriff’s Department said.

Steven Gail Gose, 40, was taken into custody by the Rome City Police Department and the Noble County Sheriff’s Department. Officers took him to the LaGrange County Jail to be held on multiple outstanding warrants.

Friday, LaGrange County Superior Court Judge George Brown issued a warrant for Gose on charges of criminal confine-

ment, a Class C Felony, and two Class D felony offenses, domestic battery and strangulation. He also was wanted for parole violation.

Gose is suspected of abducting Jennifer Lee Bitzel, of Peru and formerly of Rome City, late Wednesday night. Rome City Police found her safe in Rome City early Friday morning, police said. She had bruising to her head, face and throat, police added.

Police previously said the incident began Wednesday at a residence in the 3000 block of

LaGrange C.R. 600E, where Bitzel was battered severely. She then was removed forcefully from the residence by a man who allegedly Gose made death threats to Bitzel before forcing her into a silver, 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix.

Bitzel’s two young children were left behind at the residence.

In a posting on its Facebook page Monday, the LaGrange

County Sheriff’s Department expressed gratitude for “the tremendous amount of assistance that we have received with this case.” It said help came from concerned citizens who provided many tips and leads, its Facebook followers, “area news media for their persistent coverage of this case” and all LaGrange County law enforcement agencies, the Noble County Sheriff’s Department, Rome City Police Department, Indiana State Police and the Kendallville Police Department.

Robber to serve 11 years Battle LAGRANGE — Aljamar Gregory, 27, an Elkhart man convicted of robbery by a LaGrange County jury — even though he skipped his own trial — was sentenced to serve 11 years in an Indiana prison Monday afternoon by LaGrange County Circuit Court Judge J. Scott VanDerbeck.

Gregory, who has a lengthy criminal record, maintained he is innocent of the bank robbery charge even at his sentencing hearing. He admitted to the court that while he makes a living selling drugs, “I didn’t rob no bank.”

Gregory then shrugged his shoulders and with a matter-of-fact attitude told the judge to do what ever the judge needed to do.

“I’ll just do the time and get out,” Gregory added.

Gregory was convicted in February by a LaGrange County jury of being one of three men who robbed Howe’s branch of Peoples Federal Savings Bank of an undisclosed amount of money in December 2010.

Gregory was linked to the Howe robbery after being arrested

by South Bend police in possession of cash police say was taken from the bank. Gregory was charged with armed robbery and possession of stolen property.

After attending all his pretrial hearings, Gregory disappeared the day of his trial and was tried in absentia. Gregory was found guilty of a lesser charge of robbery and the second charge, possession of stolen property.

Gregory resurfaced in Elkhart County in July and was arrested by Elkhart police on an outstanding warrant for possession of marijuana.

At Monday’s hearing, Wible asked the judge to sentence Gregory to the maximum eight years for the robbery and three years for possession of stolen property.

Using pictures found on Gregory’s cellphone at the time of his 2010

at mall goes on

PATRICK REDMOND

An officer escorts Aljamar Gregory, 27, of Elkhart from the LaGrange County Courthouse Monday afternoon, following a hearing that resulted in an 11-year prison sentence for robbery.

arrest, Wible painted a picture of Gregory as a career criminal. Wible showed pictures of Gregory holding a gun similar to the one used in the Howe robbery, large amounts of cash and small children holding money and a handgun.

“He’s a gangster,” Wible said of Gregory.

Citing more than 10 prior convictions, including two stints in prison, Wible said he didn’t believe Gregory was the type of person who would respond well to a short prison sentence.

“Every day he is in jail is a day of the week he’s not here to rob someone else,” Wible said.

Gregory’s court-appointed defense attorney, Eric Blackman of Kendallville, said Wible’s portrayal of Gregory might not be accurate.

“We’re being asked to connect a lot of dots here,” Blackman said.

“Maybe they do make a picture, maybe they don’t.”

The judge sided with the prosecutor, sentencing Gregory to the maximum prison time and not offering to suspend any of the sentence.

Gregory will be returned to the Elkhart County jail. He is expected to face additional charges from authorities in Elkhart and St. Joseph counties.

NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — Kenyan security forces battled al-Qaida-linked terrorists in an upscale mall for a third day Monday in what they said was a final push to rescue the last few hostages in a siege that has left at least 62 people dead.

While the government announced Sunday that “most” hostages had been released, a security expert with contacts inside the mall said at least 10 were still being held by a band of attackers described as “a multinational collection from all over the world.”

The expert, who insisted on anonymity to talk freely about the situation, said many hostages had been freed or escaped in the previous 24-36 hours, including some who were in hiding.

However, there were at least 30 hostages when the assault by al-Shabab militants began Saturday, he said, and “it’s clear” that Kenyan security officials “haven’t cleared the building fully.”

Flames and dark plumes of smoke rose Monday above the Westgate shopping complex for more than an hour after four large explosions rocked the surrounding neighborhood. The smoke was pouring through a large skylight inside the mall’s main department and grocery store, where mattresses and other flammable goods appeared to have been set on fire, a person with knowledge of the rescue operation told The Associated Press.

The explosions were followed by volleys of gunfire as police helicopters and a military jet circled overhead, giving the SEE BATTLE, PAGE A6

Mid-skill jobs account for much of state’s gap

BY SUE CARPENTER scarpenter@kpcmedia.com

GARRETT — The largest and fastest-growing segment of Indiana’s skills gap comes from middle-skill jobs, those that require at least a high school diploma but less than a four-year college degree, said a report released Monday by the Indiana Skills2Compete Coalition.

The findings were offered at a news conference by coalition co-chairs Sen. Dennis Kruse, R-Auburn, and Jessica Fraser from the Indiana Institute of Working Families at Group Dekko’s Garrett plant, one of several northeast Indiana manufacturers with firsthand knowledge of the skills gap.

The report concludes the skills gap is an adult problem that will require adult solutions.

Fraser noted Indiana’s

unemployment rate is stuck above 8 percent and more than 44 percent of Hoosiers between the ages of 18 and 65 have no post-secondary education at all, meaning that more than 1.8 million Hoosier adults currently lack the skills attainment to be competitive in the workforce.

Middle-skill jobs account for more than 550,000 job openings in Indiana — half of all openings through 2020. That number has increased by almost 63,000 jobs over the number of mid-skill jobs projected from 2006-2016, according to the report. While 54 percent of all jobs in Indiana are classified as middle-skill, only 47 percent of the state’s workers have the skills and credentials for the jobs.

Although Indiana policymakers have emphasized the skills gap in recent workforce development

SUE CARPENTER

Production-line workers at Group Dekko near Garrett assemble lighting fixtures.

and education efforts, the report shows the skills gap won’t be filled without adult solutions.

The coalition selected four policy priorities for 2014 that focus on SEE GAP, PAGE A6

SCOREBOARD •

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2013

NFL Standings AMERICAN CONFERENCE East W L Pct PF PA New England 3 0 1.000 59 34 Miami 3 0 1.000 74 53 N.Y. Jets 2 1 .667 55 50 Buffalo 1 2 .333 65 73 South Houston 2 1 .667 70 82 Indianapolis 2 1 .667 68 48 Tennessee 2 1 .667 60 56 Jacksonville 0 3 .000 28 92 North Cincinnati 2 1 .667 75 64 Baltimore 2 1 .667 71 64 Cleveland 1 2 .333 47 64 Pittsburgh 0 3 .000 42 76 West Kansas City 3 0 1.000 71 34 Denver 2 0 1.000 90 50 Oakland 1 1 .500 36 30 San Diego 1 2 .333 78 81 NATIONAL CONFERENCE East W L Pct PF PA Dallas 2 1 .667 83 55 Philadelphia 1 2 .333 79 86 N.Y. Giants 0 3 .000 54 115 Washington 0 3 .000 67 98 South New Orleans 3 0 1.000 70 38 Carolina 1 2 .333 68 36 Atlanta 1 2 .333 71 74 Tampa Bay 0 3 .000 34 57 North Chicago 3 0 1.000 95 74 Detroit 2 1 .667 82 69 Green Bay 1 2 .333 96 88 Minnesota 0 3 .000 81 96 West Seattle 3 0 1.000 86 27 St. Louis 1 2 .333 58 86 San Francisco 1 2 .333 44 84 Arizona 1 2 .333 56 79 Thursday’s Game Kansas City 26, Philadelphia 16 Sunday’s Games Tennessee 20, San Diego 17 New Orleans 31, Arizona 7 Dallas 31, St. Louis 7 Cleveland 31, Minnesota 27 Baltimore 30, Houston 9 Carolina 38, N.Y. Giants 0 Detroit 27, Washington 20 New England 23, Tampa Bay 3 Cincinnati 34, Green Bay 30 Miami 27, Atlanta 23 Indianapolis 27, San Francisco 7 Seattle 45, Jacksonville 17 N.Y. Jets 27, Buffalo 20 Chicago 40, Pittsburgh 23 Monday’s Game Oakland at Denver, late Thursday, Sep. 26 San Francisco at St. Louis, 8:25 p.m.

Sunday, Sep. 29 N.Y. Giants at Kansas City, 1 p.m.

Seattle at Houston, 1 p.m.

Baltimore at Buffalo, 1 p.m.

Arizona at Tampa Bay, 1 p.m.

Indianapolis at Jacksonville, 1 p.m.

Cincinnati at Cleveland, 1 p.m.

Chicago at Detroit, 1 p.m.

Pittsburgh vs. Minnesota at London, 1 p.m.

N.Y. Jets at Tennessee, 4:05 p.m.

Washington at Oakland, 4:25 p.m.

Dallas at San Diego, 4:25 p.m.

Philadelphia at Denver, 4:25 p.m.

New England at Atlanta, 8:30 p.m.

Open: Carolina, Green Bay Monday, Sep. 30 Miami at New Orleans, 8:40 p.m.

NHL Preseason Tuesday’s Games Ottawa at Toronto, 7 p.m.

New Jersey at Philadelphia, 7 p.m.

Tampa Bay at Nashville, 8 p.m.

Dallas at Colorado, 9 p.m.

N.Y. Rangers at Edmonton, 9:30 p.m.

Anaheim at Los Angeles, 10:30 p.m.

Vancouver at San Jose, 10:30 p.m.

Wednesday’s Games Columbus at Buffalo, 7 p.m.

Nashville at Washington, 7 p.m.

Montreal at Ottawa, 7:30 p.m.

Pittsburgh at Detroit, 7:30 p.m.

St. Louis at Minnesota, 8 p.m.

Phoenix at Calgary, 9 p.m.

National League Standings East Division W L Pct GB x-Atlanta 92 64 .590 — Washington 84 73 .535 8½ New York 71 85 .455 21 Philadelphia 71 85 .455 21 Miami 58 99 .369 34½ Central Division W L Pct GB z-St. Louis 92 65 .586 — Cincinnati 90 67 .573 2 Pittsburgh 90 67 .573 2 Milwaukee 70 86 .449 21½ Chicago 65 92 .414 27 West Division W L Pct GB x-Los Angeles 90 66 .577 — Arizona 79 76 .510 10½ San Diego 72 83 .465 17½ San Francisco 72 84 .462 18 Colorado 71 86 .452 19½ z-clinched playoff berth x-clinched division Sunday’s Games San Francisco 2, N.Y. Yankees 1 Cincinnati 11, Pittsburgh 3 Miami 4, Washington 2, 1st game N.Y. Mets 4, Philadelphia 3 Atlanta 5, Chicago Cubs 2 Arizona 13, Colorado 9 L.A. Dodgers 1, San Diego 0 Washington 5, Miami 4, 2nd game Milwaukee 6, St. Louis 4 Monday’s Games Milwaukee 5, Atlanta 0 Cincinnati 3, N.Y. Mets 2, 10 innings Miami 4, Philadelphia 0 Pittsburgh 2, Chicago Cubs 1 St. Louis 4, Washington 3 Arizona at San Diego, late TTuesday’s Games Milwaukee (Thornburg 3-1) at Atlanta (F.Garcia 1-2), 7:10 p.m.

N.Y. Mets (Niese 7-8) at Cincinnati (Leake 14-6), 7:10 p.m.

Philadelphia (Miner 0-1) at Miami (H.Alvarez 4-5), 7:10 p.m.

Pittsburgh (Cole 9-7) at Chicago Cubs (Rusin 2-5), 8:05 p.m.

Washington (G.Gonzalez 11-7) at St. Louis (Wacha 3-1), 8:15 p.m.

Boston (Lackey 10-12) at Colorado (Chatwood 7-5), 8:40 p.m.

Arizona (Miley 10-10) at San Diego (T.Ross 3-8), 10:10 p.m.

L.A. Dodgers (Ryu 13-7) at San Francisco (M.Cain 8-9), 10:15 p.m.

Wednesday’s Games N.Y. Mets at Cincinnati, 12:35 p.m.

Washington at St. Louis, 1:45 p.m.

Pittsburgh at Chicago Cubs, 2:20 p.m.

Milwaukee at Atlanta, 7:10 p.m.

Philadelphia at Miami, 7:10 p.m.

Boston at Colorado, 8:40 p.m.

Arizona at San Diego, 10:10 p.m.

L.A. Dodgers at San Francisco, 10:15 p.m.

American League Standings East Division W L Pct GB x-Boston 95 62 .605 — Tampa Bay 87 69 .558 7½ New York 82 74 .526 12½ Baltimore 81 75 .519 13½ Toronto 71 85 .455 23½ Central Division W L Pct GB Detroit 91 65 .583 — Cleveland 86 70 .551 5 Kansas City 82 73 .529 8½ Minnesota 65 90 .419 25½ Chicago 62 94 .397 29 West Division W L Pct GB x-Oakland 93 63 .596 — Texas 85 71 .545 8 Los Angeles 76 79 .490 16½ Seattle 68 88 .436 25 Houston 51 106 .325 42½ x-clinched division Sunday’s Games Cleveland 9, Houston 2 San Francisco 2, N.Y. Yankees 1 Chicago White Sox 6, Detroit 3 Boston 5, Toronto 2 Tampa Bay 3, Baltimore 1 Kansas City 4, Texas 0, 10 innings Seattle 3, L.A. Angels 2 Oakland 11, Minnesota 7 Monday’s Games Tampa Bay 5, Baltimore 4 Texas 12, Houston 0 Chicago White Sox 3, Toronto 2 Detroit at Minnesota, 8:10 p.m.

Oakland at L.A. Angels, 10:05 p.m.

Kansas City at Seattle, 10:10 p.m.

Tuesday’s Games Chicago White Sox (H.Santiago 4-9)

at Cleveland (U.Jimenez 12-9), 7:05 p.m.

Tampa Bay (M.Moore 15-4) at N.Y. Yankees (Kuroda 11-12), 7:05 p.m.

Toronto (Redmond 4-2) at Baltimore (Tillman 16-7), 7:05 p.m.

Houston (Peacock 5-5) at Texas (Darvish 13-9), 8:05 p.m.

Detroit (Fister 13-9) at Minnesota (Diamond 6-11), 8:10 p.m.

Boston (Lackey 10-12) at Colorado (Chatwood 7-5), 8:40 p.m.

Oakland (Griffin 14-9) at L.A. Angels (Vargas 8-7), 10:05 p.m.

Kansas City (B.Chen 8-3) at Seattle (Paxton 2-0), 10:10 p.m.

Wednesday’s Games Oakland at L.A. Angels, 3:35 p.m.

Chicago White Sox at Cleveland, 7:05 p.m.

Tampa Bay at N.Y. Yankees, 7:05 p.m.

Toronto at Baltimore, 7:05 p.m.

Houston at Texas, 8:05 p.m.

Detroit at Minnesota, 8:10 p.m.

Boston at Colorado, 8:40 p.m.

Kansas City at Seattle, 10:10 p.m.

WNBA Playoffs CONFERENCE SEMIFINALS (Best-of-3) Eastern Conference Atlanta 2, Washington 1, Thursday, Sept. 19: Washington 71, Atlanta 56 Saturday, Sept. 21: Atlanta 63, Washington 45 Monday, Sept. 23: Atlanta 80, Washington 72 Indiana 2, Chicago 0 Friday Sept. 20: Indiana 85, Chicago 72 Sunday, Sept. 22: Indiana 79, Chicago 57 Western Conference Minnesota 2, Seattle 0 Friday, Sept. 20: Minnesota 80, Seattle 64 Sunday, Sept. 22: Minnesota 58, Seattle 55 Phoenix 1, Los Angeles 1 Thursday, Sept. 19: Phoenix 86, Los Angeles 75 Saturday, Sept. 21: Los Angeles 82, Phoenix 73 Monday, Sept. 23: Phoenix at Los Angeles, late

Big Ten Conference Legends Conf.

W L 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Michigan Minnesota Northwestern Iowa Michigan St. Nebraska Leaders Wisconsin 1 0 Ohio St. 0 0 Penn St. 0 0 Illinois 0 0 Indiana 0 0 Purdue 0 1 Saturday’s Games Northern Illinois at Purdue Iowa at Minnesota Wisconsin at Ohio State Miami (Ohio) at Illinois

All. W 4 4 4 3 3 3

L 0 0 0 1 1 1

3 4 3 2 2 1

1 0 1 1 2 3

Mid-American Conference East Conf.

W L 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1

All. W 3 3 1 1 0 0 1

L 1 1 2 3 3 4 3

Bowling Green Ohio Buffalo Akron Miami UMass Kent St. West Ball St. 1 0 3 1 Toledo 1 0 2 2 N. Illinois 0 0 3 0 W. Michigan 0 0 0 4 Cent. Michigan 0 1 1 3 E. Michigan 0 1 1 3 Saturday’s Games Akron at Bowling Green Central Michigan at North Carolina St. Miami (Ohio) at Illinois Northern Illinois at Purdue Toledo at Ball State Connecticut at Buffalo Kent State at Western Michigan

NASCAR Sprint Cup Schedule-Winners Feb. 16 — x-The Sprint Unlimited (Kevin Harvick) Feb. 21 — x-Budweiser Duel 1 (Kevin Harvick) Feb. 21 — x-Budweiser Duel 2 (Kyle Busch) Feb. 24 — Daytona 500 (Jimmie Johnson) March 3 — Subway Fresh Fit 500 (Carl Edwards) March 10 — Kobalt Tools 400 (Matt Kenseth) March 17 — Food City 500 (Kasey Kahne) March 24 — Auto Club 400 (Kyle Busch) April 7 — STP Gas Booster 500 (Jimmie Johnson) April 13 — NRA 500 (Kyle Busch) April 21 — STP 400 (Matt Kenseth) April 27 — Toyota Owners 400 (Kevin Harvick) May 5 — Aaron’s 499 (David Ragan) May 11 — Bojangles’ Southern 500 (Matt Kenseth) May 18 — x-Sprint Showdown (Jamie McMurray) May 18 — x-NASCAR Sprint All-Star Race (Jimmie Johnson) May 26 — Coca-Cola 600 (Kevin Harvick) June 2 — FedEx 400 benefiting Autism Speaks (Tony Stewart) June 9 — Party in the Poconos 400 presented by Walmart (Jimmie Johnson) June 16 — Quicken Loans 400 (Greg Biffle) June 23 — Toyota/Save Mart 350 (Martin Truex Jr.) June 30 — Quaker State 400 (Matt Kenseth) July 6 — Coke Zero 400 powered by Coca-Cola (Jimmie Johnson) July 14 — Camping World RV Sales 301 (Brian Vickers) July 28 — Crown Royal Presents The Samuel Deeds 400 at The Brickyard (Ryan Newman) Aug. 4 — GoBowling.com 400 (Kasey Kahne) Aug. 11 — Cheez-It 355 at The Glen (Kyle Busch) Aug. 18 — Pure Michigan 400 (Joey Logano) Aug. 24 — Irwin Tools Night Race (Matt Kenseth) Sept. 1 — AdvoCare 500 at Atlanta (Kyle Busch) Sept. 7 — Federated Auto Parts 400 (Carl Edwards) Sept. 15 — GEICO 400 (Matt Kenseth) Sept. 22 — Sylvania 300 (Matt Kenseth) Sept. 29 — AAA 400, Dover, Del. Oct. 6 — Hollywood Casino 400, Kansas City, Kan. Oct. 12 — Bank of America 500, Concord, N.C. Oct. 20 — Camping World RV Sales 500, Talladega, Ala. Oct. 27 — Goody’s Headache Relief Shot 500, Ridgeway, Va. Nov. 3 — AAA Texas 500, Fort Worth, Texas Nov. 10 — AdvoCare 500, Avondale, Ariz.

Nov. 17 — Ford EcoBoost 400, Homestead, Fla. x-non-points race Points Leaders 1. Matt Kenseth, 2,111.

2. Kyle Busch, 2,097.

3. Jimmie Johnson, 2,093.

4. Carl Edwards, 2,075.

5. Greg Biffle, 2,073.

6. Kevin Harvick, 2,072.

7. Kurt Busch, 2,071.

8. Jeff Gordon, 2,069.

9. Ryan Newman, 2,064.

10. Clint Bowyer, 2,063.

11. Dale Earnhardt Jr., 2,049.

12. Joey Logano, 2,042.

13. Kasey Kahne, 2,040.

14. Brad Keselowski, 792.

15. Jamie McMurray, 786.

16. Martin Truex Jr., 752.

17. Paul Menard, 742.

18. Aric Almirola, 719.

19. Ricky Stenhouse Jr., 700.

20. Jeff Burton, 694.

21. Juan Pablo Montoya, 693.

22. Marcos Ambrose, 693.

23. Tony Stewart, 594.

24. Casey Mears, 25. Denny Hamlin, 26. David Ragan, 27. Danica Patrick, 28. Mark Martin, 29. David Gilliland, 30. Dave Blaney, 31. Travis Kvapil, 32. David Reutimann, 33. J.J. Yeley, 34. David Stremme, 35. A J Allmendinger, 36. Bobby Labonte, 37. Timmy Hill, 38. Michael McDowell, 39. Michael Waltrip, 40. Scott Speed, 41. Ken Schrader, 42. Terry Labonte, 43. Boris Said, 44. Ron Fellows, 45. Alex Kennedy, 46. Justin Marks, 47. Scott Riggs, 48. Victor Gonzalez Jr., 49. Brian Keselowski, 50. Tomy Drissi, Rookie Standings 1. Ricky Stenhouse Jr., 2. Danica Patrick, 3. Timmy Hill, Money Leaders 1. Jimmie Johnson, 2. Kyle Busch, 3. Matt Kenseth, 4. Kevin Harvick, 5. Brad Keselowski, 6. Carl Edwards, 7. Jeff Gordon, 8. Ryan Newman, 9. Dale Earnhardt Jr., 10. Joey Logano, 11. Martin Truex Jr., 12. Clint Bowyer, 13. Ricky Stenhouse Jr., 14. Kasey Kahne, 15. Kurt Busch, 16. Aric Almirola, 17. Greg Biffle, 18. Jamie McMurray, 19. Juan Pablo Montoya, 20. Paul Menard, 21. Marcos Ambrose, 22. Tony Stewart, 23. David Ragan, 24. Casey Mears, 25. Denny Hamlin, 26. Mark Martin, 27. Jeff Burton, 28. Travis Kvapil, 29. David Gilliland, 30. Danica Patrick, 31. David Reutimann, 32. Dave Blaney, 33. J.J. Yeley, 34. Bobby Labonte, 35. Josh Wise, 36. David Stremme, 37. Joe Nemechek, 38. Landon Cassill, 39. Michael McDowell, 40. A J Allmendinger, 41. Brian Vickers, 42. Austin Dillon, 43. Timmy Hill, 44. Trevor Bayne, 45. Scott Speed, 46. Regan Smith, 47. Mike Bliss, 48. Ken Schrader, 49. Terry Labonte, 50. Michael Waltrip,

577.

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202 188 130 $7,300,667 $5,730,671 $5,598,408 $5,100,470 $5,070,877 $4,820,469 $4,621,051 $4,587,372 $4,521,373 $4,500,493 $4,444,379 $4,421,302 $4,302,181 $4,292,529 $4,146,393 $4,048,588 $4,011,939 $3,931,813 $3,923,756 $3,820,356 $3,787,015 $3,710,624 $3,527,275 $3,322,900 $3,265,029 $3,202,859 $3,165,858 $3,049,504 $3,041,166 $2,882,245 $2,768,396 $2,767,619 $2,585,743 $2,553,617 $2,420,536 $2,306,964 $2,220,133 $2,186,300 $2,064,493 $1,717,606 $1,587,280 $1,284,455 $1,235,578 $1,128,244 $1,113,344 $1,019,772 $814,433 $657,679 $639,840 $606,549

NASCAR Nationwide Schedule-Winners

May 31 — Lucas Oil 200 (Kyle Busch) June 7 — WinStar World Casino 400 (Jeb Burton) June 27 — UNOH 225 (Ty Dillon) July 13 — American Ethanol 200 (Timothy Peters) July 24 — CarCash Mudsummer Classic (Austin Dillon) Aug. 3 — Pocono Mountains 125 (Ryan Blaney) Aug. 17 — Michigan National Guard 200 (James Buescher) Aug. 21 — UNOH 200 (Kyle Busch) Sept. 1 — Chevrolet Silverado 250 (Chase Elliott) Sept. 8 — Fan Appreciation 200 presented by New Holland (James Buescher) Sept. 13 — EnjoyIllinois.com 225 (Kyle Busch) Sept. 28 — Smith’s 350, Las Vegas Oct. 19 — Fred’s 250 powered by Coca-Cola, Talladega, Ala. Oct. 26 — Kroger 200, Ridgeway, Va. Nov. 1 — WinStar World Casino 350, Fort Worth, Texas Nov. 8 — Lucas Oil 150, Avondale, Ariz.

Nov. 15 — Ford EcoBoost 200, Homestead, Fla.

NASCAR Camping World Truck Points Leaders 1. Matt Crafton, 2. James Buescher, 3. Ty Dillon, 4. Jeb Burton, 5. Ryan Blaney, 6. Miguel Paludo, 7. Timothy Peters, 8. Johnny Sauter, 9. Darrell Wallace Jr., 10. Brendan Gaughan, 11. Ron Hornaday Jr., 12. Dakoda Armstrong, 13. Joey Coulter, 14. German Quiroga, 15. John Wes Townley, 16. Max Gresham, 17. Ryan Sieg, 18. Brennan Newberry, 19. Ross Chastain, 20. Bryan Silas, 21. Chase Elliott, 22. Norm Benning, 23. Tim George Jr., 24. Jeff Agnew, 25. Todd Bodine, 26. Jennifer Jo Cobb, 27. David Starr, 28. Justin Lofton, 29. Erik Jones, 30. Justin Jennings, 31. Chris Jones, 32. Tyler Young, 33. Caleb Holman, 34. Chris Lafferty, 35. Chad Hackenbracht, 36. Ben Kennedy, 37. Chris Cockrum, 38. Brett Moffitt, 39. Clay Greenfield, 40. Jake Crum, 41. Jimmy Weller III, 42. Brandon Jones, 43. Kyle Martel, 44. C.J. Faison, 45. Jared Landers, 46. Todd Peck, 47. Cale Gale, 48. Tracy Hines, 49. Mike Skeen, 50. John King,

609.

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67.

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39.

32.

32.

31.

31.

31.

26.

IndyCar Schedule-Winners

Feb. 23 — DRIVE4COPD 300 (Tony Stewart) March 2 — Dollar General 200 fueled

by AmeriGas (Kyle Busch) March 9 — Sam’s Town 300 (Sam Hornish Jr.) March 16 — Jeff Foxworthy’s Grit Chips 300 (Kyle Busch) March 23 — Royal Purple 300 (Kyle Busch) April 12 — O’Reilly Auto Parts 300 (Kyle Busch) April 26 — ToyotaCare 250 (Brad Keselowski) May 4 — Aaron’s 312 (Regan Smith) May 10 — VFW Sport Clips Help a Hero 200 (Kyle Busch) May 25 — History 300 (Kyle Busch) June 1 — 5-hour ENERGY 200 (Joey Logano) June 9 — DuPont Pioneer 250 (Trevor Bayne) June 15 — Alliance Truck Parts 250 (Regan Smith) June 22 — Johnsonville Sausage 200 (A J Allmendinger) June 28 — Feed The Children 300 (Brad Keselowski) July 5 — Subway Firecracker 250 powered by Coca-Cola (Matt Kenseth) July 13 — CNBC Prime’s The Profit 200 (Kyle Busch) July 21 — STP 300 (Joey Logano) July 27 — Indiana 250 (Kyle Busch) Aug. 3 — U.S. Cellular 250 (Brad Keselowski) Aug. 10 — Zippo 200 (Brad Keselowski) Aug. 17 — Nationwide Children’s Hospital 200 (A J Allmendinger) Aug. 23 — Food City 250 (Kyle Busch) Aug. 31 — Great Clips/Grit Chips 300 (Kevin Harvick) Sept. 6 — Virginia 529 College Savings 250 (Brad Keselowski) Sept. 14 — Dollar General 300 powered by Coca-Cola (Kyle Busch) Sept. 21 — Kentucky 300 (Ryan Blaney) Sept. 28 — 5-hour ENERGY 200 benefiting Living Beyond Breast Cancer, Dover, Del. Oct. 5 — Kansas Lottery 300, Kansas City, Kan. Oct. 11 — Dollar General 300, Concord, N.C. Nov. 2 — O’Reilly Auto Parts Challenge, Fort Worth, Texas Nov. 9 — ServiceMaster 200, Avondale, Ariz.

Nov. 16 — Ford EcoBoost 300, Homestead, Fla.

NASCAR Nationwide Points Leaders 1. Sam Hornish Jr., 2. Austin Dillon, 3. Regan Smith, 4. Elliott Sadler, 5. Brian Vickers, 6. Justin Allgaier, 7. Brian Scott, 8. Trevor Bayne, 9. Kyle Larson, 10. Parker Kligerman, 11. Alex Bowman, 12. Nelson Piquet Jr., 13. Mike Bliss, 14. Travis Pastrana, 15. Jeremy Clements, 16. Reed Sorenson, 17. Michael Annett, 18. Mike Wallace, 19. Eric McClure, 20. Joe Nemechek, 21. Cole Whitt, 22. Johanna Long, 23. Jeffrey Earnhardt, 24. Blake Koch, 25. Brad Sweet, 26. Landon Cassill, 27. Kevin Swindell, 28. Dexter Stacey, 29. Jamie Dick, 30. Jeff Green, 31. Joey Gase, 32. Josh Wise, 33. Robert Richardson Jr., 34. Hal Martin, 35. Chris Buescher, 36. Kenny Wallace, 37. Juan Carlos Blum, 38. Jason White, 39. Kevin Lepage, 40. Kyle Fowler, 41. Drew Herring, 42. Mike Harmon, 43. Ken Butler, 44. Carl Long, 45. Max Papis, 46. Ryan Reed, 47. Harrison Rhodes, 48. Daryl Harr, 49. Tony Raines, 50. Danny Efland,

kpcnews.com

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266.

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138.

138.

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118.

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82.

82.

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78.

76.

73.

NASCAR Camping World Truck Schedule-Winners Feb. 22 — NextEra Energy Resources 250 (Johnny Sauter) April 6 — Kroger 250 (Johnny Sauter) April 14 — North Carolina Education Lottery 200 at The Rock (Kyle Larson) April 20 — SFP 250 (Matt Crafton) May 17 — North Carolina Education Lottery 200 (Kyle Busch)

March 24 — Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg (James Hinchcliffe) April 7 — Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama (Ryan Hunter-Reay) April 21 — Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach (Takuma Sato) May 5 — Itaipava Sao Paulo Indy 300 (James Hinchcliffe) May 26 — Indianapolis 500 (Tony Kanaan) June 1 — Chevrolet Indy Dual in Detroit Race 1 (Mike Conway) June 2 — Chevrolet Indy Dual in Detroit Race 2 (Simon Pagenaud) June 8 — Firestone 550 (Helio Castroneves) June 15 — Milwaukee IndyFest (Ryan Hunter-Reay) June 23 — Iowa Corn Indy 250 (James Hinchcliffe) July 7 — Pocono IndyCar 400 (Scott Dixon) July 13 — Honda Indy Toronto Race 1 (Scott Dixon) July 14 — Honda Indy Toronto Race 2 (Scott Dixon) Aug. 4 — Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio (Charlie Kimball) Aug. 25 — GoPro Grand Prix of Sonoma (Will Power) Sept. 1 — Grand Prix of Baltimore (Simon Pagenaud) Oct. 5 — Shell-Pennzoil Grand Prix of Houston 1, Houston Oct. 6 — Shell-Pennzoil Grand Prix of Houston 2, Houston Oct. 19 — MAVTV 500, Fontana, Calif.

IndyCar Points Leaders 1. Helio Castroneves, 2. Scott Dixon, 3. Simon Pagenaud, 4. Marco Andretti, 5. Ryan Hunter-Reay, 6. Justin Wilson, 7. Dario Franchitti, 8. James Hinchcliffe, 9. Will Power, 10. Charlie Kimball, 11. Tony Kanaan, 12. E.J. Viso, 13. Sebastien Bourdais, 14. Josef Newgarden, 15. Takuma Sato, 16. Simona de Silvestro, 17. Ed Carpenter, 18. Graham Rahal, 19. James Jakes, 20. Tristan Vautier, 21. Sebastian Saavedra, 22. Oriol Servia, 23. Alex Tagliani, 24. Mike Conway, 25. Ryan Briscoe, 26. J.R. Hildebrand, 27. Ana Beatriz, 28. Carlos Munoz, 29. A J Allmendinger, 30. Pippa Mann, 31. James Davison, 32. Luca Filippi, 33. Stefan Wilson, 34. Conor Daly, 35. Townsend Bell, 36. Lucas Luhr, 37. Katherine Legge, 38. Buddy Lazier,

501.

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196.

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149.

100.

93.

72.

67.

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Formula One Schedule-Winners March 17 — Australian Grand Prix (Kimi Raikkonen) March 24 — Malaysia Grand Prix (Sebastian Vettel) April 14 — Chinese Grand Prix (Fernando Alonso) April 21 — Bahrain Grand Prix (Sebastian Vettel) May 12 — Spanish Grand Prix (Fernando Alonso) May 26 — Monaco Grand Prix (Nico Rosberg) June 9 — Canadian Grand Prix (Sebastian Vettel) June 30 — British Grand Prix (Nico Rosberg) July 7 — German Grand Prix (Sebastian Vettel) July 28 — Hungarian Grand Prix (Lewis Hamilton) Aug. 25 — Belgian Grand Prix (Sebastian Vettel) Sept. 8 — Italian Grand Prix (Sebastian Vettel) Sept. 22 — Singapore Grand Prix (Sebastian Vettel) Oct. 6 — Korean Grand Prix, Yeongam Oct. 13 — Japanese Grand Prix, Suzuka Oct. 27 — Indian Grand Prix, New Delhi Nov. 3 — Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Abu Dhabi Nov. 17 — United States Grand Prix, Austin, Texas Nov. 24 — Brazilian Grand Prix, Sao Paulo

Formula One Points Leaders 1. Sebastian Vettel, 2. Fernando Alonso, 3. Lewis Hamilton, 4. Kimi Raikkonen, 5. Mark Webber, 6. Nico Rosberg, 7. Felipe Massa, 8. Romain Grosjean, 9. Jenson Button,

247.

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116.

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10. Paul di Resta, 11. Adrian Sutil, 12. Sergio Perez, 13. Nico Hulkenberg, 14. Daniel Ricciardo, 15. Jean-Eric Vergne, 16. Pastor Maldonado,

36.

26.

22.

19.

18.

13.

1.

B3

SPORTS BRIEFS •

ATP World Tour Rankings q-qualified for Barclays ATP World Tour Finals, Nov. 4-11; x-clinched year-end No. 1 Singles 1. q-Novak Djokovic, 11120 2. q-Rafael Nadal, 10860 3. q-Andy Murray, 7075 4. David Ferrer, 6710 5. Roger Federer, 4515 6. Tomas Berdych, 4460 7. Juan Martin del Potro, 4425 8. Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, 3325 9. Richard Gasquet, 3165 10. Stanislas Wawrinka, 3150 Doubles 1. Bob Bryan, 13000 1. Mike Bryan, 13000 3. Alexander Peya, 6810 4. Bruno Soares, 6810 5. Radek Stepanek, 5770 6. Leander Paes, 5545 7. Rohan Bopanna, 5320 8. Marc Lopez, 4750 9. Marcel Granollers, 4740 10. Mahesh Bhupathi, 4580 Teams 1. qx-Bob and Mike Bryan, 12705 2. Alexander Peya and Bruno Soares, Brazil, 6185 3. Marcel Granollers and Marc Lopez, Spain, 3350 4. Leander Paes and Radek Stepanek, 2990 5. Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi and Jean-Julien Rojer, 2695 6. Ivan Dodig, and Marcelo Melo, 2685 7. Mariusz Fyrstenberg and Marcin Matkowski, Poland, 2550 8. David Marrero and Fernando Verdasco, 2500 9. Julien Benneteau and Nenad Zimonjic 2220 10. Santiago Gonzalez and Scott Lipsky 2030 x-clinched year-end No. 1

WTA Rankings Singles 1. Serena Williams, 2. Victoria Azarenka, 3. Maria Sharapova, 4. Agnieszka Radwanska, 5. Li Na, 6. Sara Errani, 7. Marion Bartoli, 8. Caroline Wozniacki, 9. Angelique Kerber, 10. Jelena Jankovic, Doubles 1. Sara Errani, 1. Roberta Vinci, 3. Nadia Petrova, 4. Elena Vesnina, 5. Ekaterina Makarova, 6. Katarina Srebotnik, 7. Andrea Hlavackova, 8. Hsieh Su-wei, 9. Lucie Hradecka, 10. Peng Shuai,

12260 9505 7866 6390 5565 4325 3746 3565 3420 3245 7855 7855 7505 7440 7440 6905 6300 5975 5830 5755

PGA Tour FedExCup Leaders Final Rank Player 1. Henrik Stenson 2. Tiger Woods 3. Steve Stricker 4. Adam Scott 5. Zach Johnson 6. Matt Kuchar 7. Jordan Spieth 8. Graham DeLaet 9. Phil Mickelson 10. Justin Rose 11. Webb Simpson 12. Brandt Snedeker 13. Dustin Johnson 14. Jim Furyk 15. Nick Watney 16. Billy Horschel 17. Jason Day 18. Keegan Bradley 19. Jason Dufner 20. Hunter Mahan 21. Roberto Castro 22. Sergio Garcia 23. Gary Woodland 24. Bill Haas 25. Kevin Streelman 26. Brendon de Jonge 27. Charl Schwartzel 28. Luke Donald 29. Boo Weekley 30. D.A. Points 31. Harris English 32. Matt Jones 33. Kevin Stadler 34. Chris Kirk 35. Charles Howell III 36. Jimmy Walker 37. Bubba Watson 38. Rickie Fowler 39. John Merrick 40. Daniel Summerhays 41. Lee Westwood 42. John Huh 43. Chris Stroud 44. Russell Henley 45. Kevin Chappell 46. Rory Sabbatini 47. Brian Davis 48. David Lynn 49. Scott Piercy 50. Rory McIlroy

Points 4,750 2,743 2,650 2,278 2,238 1,823 1,690 1,415 1,313 1,300 1,050 853 760 758 738 728 698 693 685 653 645 635 603 573 553 503 490 483 455 453 1,442 1,419 1,412 1,399 1,398 1,388 1,365 1,334 1,331 1,307 1,291 1,279 1,245 1,238 1,237 1,230 1,224 1,204 1,193 1,190

LPGA Player of the Year Standings 1. Inbee Park, 2. Suzann Pettersen, 3. Stacy Lewis, 4. So Yeon Ryu, 5. Beatriz Recari, 6. Hee Young Park, 7. I.K. Kim, 8. Na Yeon Choi, 9. Jiyai Shin, 9. Angela Stanford, 9. Karrie Webb, 12. Cristie Kerr, 13. Paula Creamer, 14. Lizette Salas, 15. Catriona Matthew, 16. Jessica Korda, 16. Ilhee Lee, 18. Jennifer Johnson, 19. Morgan Pressel, 19. Lexi Thompson, 21. Chella Choi, 21. Jodi Ewart Shadoff, 32 23. Caroline Hedwall, 24. Shanshan Feng, 24. Karine Icher, 26. Anna Nordqvist, 27. Pornanong Phatlum, 27. Gerina Piller, 29. Yani Tseng, 30. Haeji Kang, 30. Giulia Sergas, 32. Carlota Ciganda, 32. Ai Miyazato, 32. Amy Yang, 35. Mika Miyazato, 36. Chie Arimura, 36. Se Ri Pak, 38. Brittany Lincicome, 39. Irene Cho, 39. Sun Young Yoo, 41. Meena Lee, 42. Caroline Masson, 43. Candie Kung, 43. Mo Martin, 45. Brittany Lang, 46. Nicole Castrale, 46. Austin Ernst, 46. Sandra Gal, 46. Moriya Jutanugarn, 46. Mindy Kim, 46. Jee Young Lee, 46. Jenny Shin,

281 204 183 87 84 78 68 58 57 57 57 53 47 46 45 39 39 38 33 33 32 31 29 29 26 24 24 23 19 19 17 17 17 16 14 14 13 12 12 11 10 9 9 8 7 7 7 7 7 7 7

Transactions BASEBALL American League TAMPA BAY RAYS — Designated RHP J.D. Martin for assignment. Reinstated RHP Jesse Crain from the 60-day DL. National League PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES — Placed RHP Kyle Kendrick on the 15-day DL, retroactive to Sept. 14.

BASKETBALL National Basketball Association MIAMI HEAT — Signed G Larry Drew II. FOOTBALL National Football League ARIZONA CARDINALS — Placed LBs Sam Acho and Lorenzo Alexander on injured reserve. Signed LB Dontay Moch from the practice squad.

BUFFALO BILLS — Placed DE Alex Carrington on injured reserve.

GREEN BAY PACKERS — Released WR Jeremy Ross.

AP

Novak Djokovic of Serbia celebrates a point during the 2013 Davis Cup. Djokovic is No. 1 in the ATP rankings for the 100th week and is the ninth player to reach the milestone.

Djokovic reaches 100th week at No. 1 in rankings LONDON (AP) — Novak Djokovic is No. 1 in the ATP rankings for the 100th week.

The 26-year-old Serb is the ninth player to reach the milestone, joining Andre Agassi (101 weeks), Rafael Nadal (102), Bjorn Borg (109), John McEnroe (170), Jimmy Connors (268), Ivan Lendl (270), Pete Sampras (286) and Roger Federer (302).

Djokovic reached No. 1 in July 2011.

He lost the top spot to Federer for three months in 2012 but regained it in November of that year.

Djokovic’s bid to finish the year at No. 1 for a third straight time is under serious threat from Nadal. Djokovic has 11,120 points, while Nadal has 10,860.

Both are entered in next week’s China Open, where Djokovic will be defending his title and Nadal has no points to defend. Nadal can get to No. 1 for the first time since July 3, 2011, by reaching the final.

Pacers hope to sign George contract before season INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Paul George has no intention of leaving the Pacers.

Larry Bird is spending most of his time these days trying to sure Indiana’s budding star sticks around for the next few years.

The team president left Monday’s annual Pacers Foundation golf outing before the others teed off so he could continue negotiating a long-term deal to keep George in town.

“We’re talking, but we’ve got a ways to go. That’s where I’m going now, back to work,” Bird said.

George, Bird’s first-round pick in 2010, has made significant strides each of the past two seasons. He went from bench contributor as a rookie to full-time starter in 2011-12 to his first All-Star game appearance last season, when the Pacers fell one win short of reaching the NBA Finals. Last season, George averaged 17.4 points, 7.6 rebounds and 4.1 assists during the regular season, and was even better in the playoffs while also emerging as one of the league’s top defenders.

His reward was being named the most improved player in the league last season.

A year ago, Indiana locked up All-Star center Roy Hibbert and point guard George Hill with long-term deals.

This summer, they re-signed power forward David West, traded for Luis Scola and revamped the bench with the signing of free agents Chris Copeland, Donald Sloan and C.J. Watson.

The next two priorities are re-signing George and guard Lance Stephenson, who thrived in a starting role last season. Stephenson also could become a restricted free agent after the season.

Grizzlies announce hirings of three assistants MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — The Memphis Grizzlies have hired Elston Turner, Duane Ticknor and Shawn Respert to join the returning Bob Thornton as assistants on new head coach Dave Joerger’s staff.

Turner previously worked as an assistant for Portland (1996-2000), Sacramento (2000-06), Houston (2007-11) and Phoenix (2011-13).

Ticknor spent last season as head coach of the NBA Development League’s Fort Wayne Mad Ants. Joerger worked as an assistant for Ticknor in 1999-2000 with the International Basketball Association’s Dakota Wizards. Respert was director of player development for Houston from 2008-11 and spent the last two years as an assistant with Minnesota.

The Grizzlies also have hired Chattin Hill as athletic performance coach and Mark Sanford as assistant video coordinator/player development.

Iowa awarded 2017 Solheim Cup WEST DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The LPGA announced Monday that the 2017 Solheim Cup will be held at the Des Moines Golf and Country Club.

The biennial contest between teams of European and American golfers was held in Colorado last month with Europe winning 18-10.

TUESDAY September 24, 2013

As Advertised

No Replacing Her

Seniors Shine

Tougher football working for Colts

Colleagues remember Rep. Phyllis Pond

EN gets soccer win on special night

Page B1

Page A2

Page B1

Weather Sunny with a high of 70. Low tonight 50. High in low 70s for Wednesday.

Page A6 Serving Noble & LaGrange Counties

Kendallville, Indiana

GOOD MORNING Streets to close for Light the Night KENDALLVILLE — City streets will be closed temporarily tonight for the annual Light the Night Walk supporting the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

The 1.49-mile walk is scheduled for a 7 p.m. start at East Noble High School, with the East Noble Marching Knights leading the walkers.

Participants will walk west on Lisle Street to South Main Street, then north to Diamond Street, east on Diamond Street to Sherman Street, and south on Sherman Street back to the school.

Police and volunteers will close streets and intersections during the event, which is expected to end about 9 p.m.

Purdue to help students with cost of studying abroad WEST LAFAYETTE, (AP) — Purdue University officials hope paying students up to $3,000 will lead to more of them to study abroad.

Fewer than 20 percent of Purdue students participate in international study programs before graduating, and one of university President Mitch Daniels’ new initiatives is to increase that to one-third of some 30,000 undergrads.

“Learning in another country is an educational necessity, and making study abroad a core component of a Purdue education will help students grow, learn and prepare themselves to make an impact in a global economy,” Daniels said.

The money will be available starting spring semester for qualified undergraduates who complete a credit-bearing study-abroad program for a semester or school year.

VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS Carroll vs. East Noble football kpcnews.com

Info • The News Sun P.O. Box 39, 102 N. Main St. Kendallville, IN 46755 Telephone: (260) 347-0400 Fax: (260) 347-2693 Classifieds: (toll free) (877) 791-7877 Circulation: (260) 347-0400 or (800) 717-4679

Index

•

Classifieds.................................B6-B8 Life..................................................... A5 Obituaries......................................... A4 Opinion .............................................B4 Sports.........................................B1-B3 Weather............................................ A6 TV/Comics .......................................B5 Vol. 104 No. 263

kpcnews.com

75 cents

Suspect in abduction arrested LAGRANGE — A man wanted as a suspect in an abduction was arrested early this afternoon, the LaGrange County Sheriff’s Department said.

Steven Gail Gose, 40, was taken into custody by the Rome City Police Department and the Noble County Sheriff’s Department. Officers took him to the LaGrange County Jail to be held on multiple outstanding warrants.

Friday, LaGrange County Superior Court Judge George Brown issued a warrant for Gose on charges of criminal confine-

ment, a Class C Felony, and two Class D felony offenses, domestic battery and strangulation. He also was wanted for parole violation.

Gose is suspected of abducting Jennifer Lee Bitzel, of Peru and formerly of Rome City, late Wednesday night. Rome City Police found her safe in Rome City early Friday morning, police said. She had bruising to her head, face and throat, police added.

Police previously said the incident began Wednesday at a residence in the 3000 block of

LaGrange C.R. 600E, where Bitzel was battered severely. She then was removed forcefully from the residence by a man who allegedly Gose made death threats to Bitzel before forcing her into a silver, 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix.

Bitzel’s two young children were left behind at the residence.

In a posting on its Facebook page Monday, the LaGrange

County Sheriff’s Department expressed gratitude for “the tremendous amount of assistance that we have received with this case.” It said help came from concerned citizens who provided many tips and leads, its Facebook followers, “area news media for their persistent coverage of this case” and all LaGrange County law enforcement agencies, the Noble County Sheriff’s Department, Rome City Police Department, Indiana State Police and the Kendallville Police Department.

Robber to serve 11 years Battle LAGRANGE — Aljamar Gregory, 27, an Elkhart man convicted of robbery by a LaGrange County jury — even though he skipped his own trial — was sentenced to serve 11 years in an Indiana prison Monday afternoon by LaGrange County Circuit Court Judge J. Scott VanDerbeck.

Gregory, who has a lengthy criminal record, maintained he is innocent of the bank robbery charge even at his sentencing hearing. He admitted to the court that while he makes a living selling drugs, “I didn’t rob no bank.”

Gregory then shrugged his shoulders and with a matter-of-fact attitude told the judge to do what ever the judge needed to do.

“I’ll just do the time and get out,” Gregory added.

Gregory was convicted in February by a LaGrange County jury of being one of three men who robbed Howe’s branch of Peoples Federal Savings Bank of an undisclosed amount of money in December 2010.

Gregory was linked to the Howe robbery after being arrested

by South Bend police in possession of cash police say was taken from the bank. Gregory was charged with armed robbery and possession of stolen property.

After attending all his pretrial hearings, Gregory disappeared the day of his trial and was tried in absentia. Gregory was found guilty of a lesser charge of robbery and the second charge, possession of stolen property.

Gregory resurfaced in Elkhart County in July and was arrested by Elkhart police on an outstanding warrant for possession of marijuana.

At Monday’s hearing, Wible asked the judge to sentence Gregory to the maximum eight years for the robbery and three years for possession of stolen property.

Using pictures found on Gregory’s cellphone at the time of his 2010

at mall goes on

PATRICK REDMOND

An officer escorts Aljamar Gregory, 27, of Elkhart from the LaGrange County Courthouse Monday afternoon, following a hearing that resulted in an 11-year prison sentence for robbery.

arrest, Wible painted a picture of Gregory as a career criminal. Wible showed pictures of Gregory holding a gun similar to the one used in the Howe robbery, large amounts of cash and small children holding money and a handgun.

“He’s a gangster,” Wible said of Gregory.

Citing more than 10 prior convictions, including two stints in prison, Wible said he didn’t believe Gregory was the type of person who would respond well to a short prison sentence.

“Every day he is in jail is a day of the week he’s not here to rob someone else,” Wible said.

Gregory’s court-appointed defense attorney, Eric Blackman of Kendallville, said Wible’s portrayal of Gregory might not be accurate.

“We’re being asked to connect a lot of dots here,” Blackman said.

“Maybe they do make a picture, maybe they don’t.”

The judge sided with the prosecutor, sentencing Gregory to the maximum prison time and not offering to suspend any of the sentence.

Gregory will be returned to the Elkhart County jail. He is expected to face additional charges from authorities in Elkhart and St. Joseph counties.

NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — Kenyan security forces battled al-Qaida-linked terrorists in an upscale mall for a third day Monday in what they said was a final push to rescue the last few hostages in a siege that has left at least 62 people dead.

While the government announced Sunday that “most” hostages had been released, a security expert with contacts inside the mall said at least 10 were still being held by a band of attackers described as “a multinational collection from all over the world.”

The expert, who insisted on anonymity to talk freely about the situation, said many hostages had been freed or escaped in the previous 24-36 hours, including some who were in hiding.

However, there were at least 30 hostages when the assault by al-Shabab militants began Saturday, he said, and “it’s clear” that Kenyan security officials “haven’t cleared the building fully.”

Flames and dark plumes of smoke rose Monday above the Westgate shopping complex for more than an hour after four large explosions rocked the surrounding neighborhood. The smoke was pouring through a large skylight inside the mall’s main department and grocery store, where mattresses and other flammable goods appeared to have been set on fire, a person with knowledge of the rescue operation told The Associated Press.

The explosions were followed by volleys of gunfire as police helicopters and a military jet circled overhead, giving the SEE BATTLE, PAGE A6

Mid-skill jobs account for much of state’s gap

BY SUE CARPENTER scarpenter@kpcmedia.com

GARRETT — The largest and fastest-growing segment of Indiana’s skills gap comes from middle-skill jobs, those that require at least a high school diploma but less than a four-year college degree, said a report released Monday by the Indiana Skills2Compete Coalition.

The findings were offered at a news conference by coalition co-chairs Sen. Dennis Kruse, R-Auburn, and Jessica Fraser from the Indiana Institute of Working Families at Group Dekko’s Garrett plant, one of several northeast Indiana manufacturers with firsthand knowledge of the skills gap.

The report concludes the skills gap is an adult problem that will require adult solutions.

Fraser noted Indiana’s

unemployment rate is stuck above 8 percent and more than 44 percent of Hoosiers between the ages of 18 and 65 have no post-secondary education at all, meaning that more than 1.8 million Hoosier adults currently lack the skills attainment to be competitive in the workforce.

Middle-skill jobs account for more than 550,000 job openings in Indiana — half of all openings through 2020. That number has increased by almost 63,000 jobs over the number of mid-skill jobs projected from 2006-2016, according to the report. While 54 percent of all jobs in Indiana are classified as middle-skill, only 47 percent of the state’s workers have the skills and credentials for the jobs.

Although Indiana policymakers have emphasized the skills gap in recent workforce development

SUE CARPENTER

Production-line workers at Group Dekko near Garrett assemble lighting fixtures.

and education efforts, the report shows the skills gap won’t be filled without adult solutions.

The coalition selected four policy priorities for 2014 that focus on SEE GAP, PAGE A6

Celebrating 150 Years.

Sensible Banking for Sensible Lives

TM

Community & Customer Appreciation Day

Sept. 27

304 S. Orange St. Albion, IN

Free Porkburgers and Hotdogs 10:30 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.

NMLS # 416300 ©2013 Campbell & Fetter Bank.

TUESDAY September 24, 2013

As Advertised

No Replacing Her

Seniors Shine

Tougher football working for Colts

Colleagues remember Rep. Phyllis Pond

EN gets soccer win on special night

Page B1

Page A2

Page B1

Weather Sunny with a high of 70. Low tonight 50. High in low 70s for Wednesday.

Page A6 Serving Noble & LaGrange Counties

Kendallville, Indiana

GOOD MORNING Streets to close for Light the Night KENDALLVILLE — City streets will be closed temporarily tonight for the annual Light the Night Walk supporting the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

The 1.49-mile walk is scheduled for a 7 p.m. start at East Noble High School, with the East Noble Marching Knights leading the walkers.

Participants will walk west on Lisle Street to South Main Street, then north to Diamond Street, east on Diamond Street to Sherman Street, and south on Sherman Street back to the school.

Police and volunteers will close streets and intersections during the event, which is expected to end about 9 p.m.

Purdue to help students with cost of studying abroad WEST LAFAYETTE, (AP) — Purdue University officials hope paying students up to $3,000 will lead to more of them to study abroad.

Fewer than 20 percent of Purdue students participate in international study programs before graduating, and one of university President Mitch Daniels’ new initiatives is to increase that to one-third of some 30,000 undergrads.

“Learning in another country is an educational necessity, and making study abroad a core component of a Purdue education will help students grow, learn and prepare themselves to make an impact in a global economy,” Daniels said.

The money will be available starting spring semester for qualified undergraduates who complete a credit-bearing study-abroad program for a semester or school year.

VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS Carroll vs. East Noble football kpcnews.com

Info • The News Sun P.O. Box 39, 102 N. Main St. Kendallville, IN 46755 Telephone: (260) 347-0400 Fax: (260) 347-2693 Classifieds: (toll free) (877) 791-7877 Circulation: (260) 347-0400 or (800) 717-4679

Index

•

Classifieds.................................B6-B8 Life..................................................... A5 Obituaries......................................... A4 Opinion .............................................B4 Sports.........................................B1-B3 Weather............................................ A6 TV/Comics .......................................B5 Vol. 104 No. 263

kpcnews.com

75 cents

Suspect in abduction arrested LAGRANGE — A man wanted as a suspect in an abduction was arrested early this afternoon, the LaGrange County Sheriff’s Department said.

Steven Gail Gose, 40, was taken into custody by the Rome City Police Department and the Noble County Sheriff’s Department. Officers took him to the LaGrange County Jail to be held on multiple outstanding warrants.

Friday, LaGrange County Superior Court Judge George Brown issued a warrant for Gose on charges of criminal confine-

ment, a Class C Felony, and two Class D felony offenses, domestic battery and strangulation. He also was wanted for parole violation.

Gose is suspected of abducting Jennifer Lee Bitzel, of Peru and formerly of Rome City, late Wednesday night. Rome City Police found her safe in Rome City early Friday morning, police said. She had bruising to her head, face and throat, police added.

Police previously said the incident began Wednesday at a residence in the 3000 block of

LaGrange C.R. 600E, where Bitzel was battered severely. She then was removed forcefully from the residence by a man who allegedly Gose made death threats to Bitzel before forcing her into a silver, 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix.

Bitzel’s two young children were left behind at the residence.

In a posting on its Facebook page Monday, the LaGrange

County Sheriff’s Department expressed gratitude for “the tremendous amount of assistance that we have received with this case.” It said help came from concerned citizens who provided many tips and leads, its Facebook followers, “area news media for their persistent coverage of this case” and all LaGrange County law enforcement agencies, the Noble County Sheriff’s Department, Rome City Police Department, Indiana State Police and the Kendallville Police Department.

Robber to serve 11 years Battle LAGRANGE — Aljamar Gregory, 27, an Elkhart man convicted of robbery by a LaGrange County jury — even though he skipped his own trial — was sentenced to serve 11 years in an Indiana prison Monday afternoon by LaGrange County Circuit Court Judge J. Scott VanDerbeck.

Gregory, who has a lengthy criminal record, maintained he is innocent of the bank robbery charge even at his sentencing hearing. He admitted to the court that while he makes a living selling drugs, “I didn’t rob no bank.”

Gregory then shrugged his shoulders and with a matter-of-fact attitude told the judge to do what ever the judge needed to do.

“I’ll just do the time and get out,” Gregory added.

Gregory was convicted in February by a LaGrange County jury of being one of three men who robbed Howe’s branch of Peoples Federal Savings Bank of an undisclosed amount of money in December 2010.

Gregory was linked to the Howe robbery after being arrested

by South Bend police in possession of cash police say was taken from the bank. Gregory was charged with armed robbery and possession of stolen property.

After attending all his pretrial hearings, Gregory disappeared the day of his trial and was tried in absentia. Gregory was found guilty of a lesser charge of robbery and the second charge, possession of stolen property.

Gregory resurfaced in Elkhart County in July and was arrested by Elkhart police on an outstanding warrant for possession of marijuana.

At Monday’s hearing, Wible asked the judge to sentence Gregory to the maximum eight years for the robbery and three years for possession of stolen property.

Using pictures found on Gregory’s cellphone at the time of his 2010

at mall goes on

PATRICK REDMOND

An officer escorts Aljamar Gregory, 27, of Elkhart from the LaGrange County Courthouse Monday afternoon, following a hearing that resulted in an 11-year prison sentence for robbery.

arrest, Wible painted a picture of Gregory as a career criminal. Wible showed pictures of Gregory holding a gun similar to the one used in the Howe robbery, large amounts of cash and small children holding money and a handgun.

“He’s a gangster,” Wible said of Gregory.

Citing more than 10 prior convictions, including two stints in prison, Wible said he didn’t believe Gregory was the type of person who would respond well to a short prison sentence.

“Every day he is in jail is a day of the week he’s not here to rob someone else,” Wible said.

Gregory’s court-appointed defense attorney, Eric Blackman of Kendallville, said Wible’s portrayal of Gregory might not be accurate.

“We’re being asked to connect a lot of dots here,” Blackman said.

“Maybe they do make a picture, maybe they don’t.”

The judge sided with the prosecutor, sentencing Gregory to the maximum prison time and not offering to suspend any of the sentence.

Gregory will be returned to the Elkhart County jail. He is expected to face additional charges from authorities in Elkhart and St. Joseph counties.

NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — Kenyan security forces battled al-Qaida-linked terrorists in an upscale mall for a third day Monday in what they said was a final push to rescue the last few hostages in a siege that has left at least 62 people dead.

While the government announced Sunday that “most” hostages had been released, a security expert with contacts inside the mall said at least 10 were still being held by a band of attackers described as “a multinational collection from all over the world.”

The expert, who insisted on anonymity to talk freely about the situation, said many hostages had been freed or escaped in the previous 24-36 hours, including some who were in hiding.

However, there were at least 30 hostages when the assault by al-Shabab militants began Saturday, he said, and “it’s clear” that Kenyan security officials “haven’t cleared the building fully.”

Flames and dark plumes of smoke rose Monday above the Westgate shopping complex for more than an hour after four large explosions rocked the surrounding neighborhood. The smoke was pouring through a large skylight inside the mall’s main department and grocery store, where mattresses and other flammable goods appeared to have been set on fire, a person with knowledge of the rescue operation told The Associated Press.

The explosions were followed by volleys of gunfire as police helicopters and a military jet circled overhead, giving the SEE BATTLE, PAGE A6

Mid-skill jobs account for much of state’s gap

BY SUE CARPENTER scarpenter@kpcmedia.com

GARRETT — The largest and fastest-growing segment of Indiana’s skills gap comes from middle-skill jobs, those that require at least a high school diploma but less than a four-year college degree, said a report released Monday by the Indiana Skills2Compete Coalition.

The findings were offered at a news conference by coalition co-chairs Sen. Dennis Kruse, R-Auburn, and Jessica Fraser from the Indiana Institute of Working Families at Group Dekko’s Garrett plant, one of several northeast Indiana manufacturers with firsthand knowledge of the skills gap.

The report concludes the skills gap is an adult problem that will require adult solutions.

Fraser noted Indiana’s

unemployment rate is stuck above 8 percent and more than 44 percent of Hoosiers between the ages of 18 and 65 have no post-secondary education at all, meaning that more than 1.8 million Hoosier adults currently lack the skills attainment to be competitive in the workforce.

Middle-skill jobs account for more than 550,000 job openings in Indiana — half of all openings through 2020. That number has increased by almost 63,000 jobs over the number of mid-skill jobs projected from 2006-2016, according to the report. While 54 percent of all jobs in Indiana are classified as middle-skill, only 47 percent of the state’s workers have the skills and credentials for the jobs.

Although Indiana policymakers have emphasized the skills gap in recent workforce development

SUE CARPENTER

Production-line workers at Group Dekko near Garrett assemble lighting fixtures.

and education efforts, the report shows the skills gap won’t be filled without adult solutions.

The coalition selected four policy priorities for 2014 that focus on SEE GAP, PAGE A6

Celebrating 150 Years.

Sensible Banking for Sensible Lives

TM

Community & Customer Appreciation Day

Sept. 27

304 S. Orange St. Albion, IN

Free Porkburgers and Hotdogs 10:30 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.

NMLS # 416300 ©2013 Campbell & Fetter Bank.