Great turnout to honor Tim for his military service. Looking forward to more pictures of the procession. Keith, again, I didn't know your son, but I respect the fact that you were a loving father and cared deeply for your son. I don't know all of the details surrounding his death, but it's always tragic when a family loses a member.

The Herald Bulletin website said that Tim was the object of "harassment by the local police". Anyone know why they "targeted" him or what their response is to the harassment claims?

I pray for you and your dad stay strong they are going to come after you

don't let this heroes death be in vain. R.I.P. Tim

I just wanted to clear something disturbing up that I had read on here. Someone wrote a comment questioning Keith's ability as a Father. I've known Keith for a very long time, and he is one of the MOST outstanding parents to his boys. He has always lived FOR them, as long as I have been around him that is all he ever talked or cared about. My heart goes out to the family, there is nothing different Tim could have done to change this tragic outcome. People need to be reading up on the Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome that is happening to these soldiers when they return, it is horrible and we need to help figure out something to help them! My heart goes out to Tim and the family, you are in our prayers!

We saw the procession going thru town and it took my breath away. Alot of people including us put our Great American flag at half staff to honor him. I am so glad someone took the pictures to share with us. He sure was loved by all. I didnt know him but since I work in the public I saw him often. He was always very polite with a smile. I will miss that smile! R.I.P. Timmy!

John Cleary at the Herald Bulletin got some good shots.

I'll be posting mine (or sending them to Al to post) sometime today/tonight.

Sorry for any delay.

dont sound like you know him to well, he just said his son did not have Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome a couple days ago in the Anderson paper. Go figure

If you define harassment as (answering calls that they are called on or trying to keep peace for all of us law abiding citizens than i guess the FINE Elwood Police Department is guilty. But it all depends on what on some peoples definition of Harassment. Why is it usually the same names you always read in the daily report.Sounds to me its always the same people getting into trouble!

I just do not understand why "come on" & "wait a minute" can't just let the crap go and comment on the nice military service or something constructive. This is getting to be rediculous! This page is for remembering Tim and showing support for the family that has lost a loved one. This is not the place or time for this CRAP!!!! A family has lost a son, whether he was a war hero or a bum on the street he is still someones baby and we should all respect that!!

How many times do the epd stop & harrass the same people & find nothing. I would guess alot. I am up late & see cars pulled over, detained, then let go cause nothing was found.

THE MAN JUST BURIED HIS SON AND PEOPLE ARE STILL MAKING THEIR COLD HEARTED REMARKS ABOUT HIM...YEA...GO FIGURE...I FORGOT ITS ELWOOD PEOPLE WERE TALKING ABOUT!!!! WHY CANT YOU PEOPLE JUST LET THEM MORN AND HAVE SOME RESPECT...HE DID HAVE PTSS...IT IS OBVIOUS...JUST LET IT BE!!!! THIS IS ABSURD!!!!

don't quite understand all the slandering and defamation of character? I am so lost when it comes to our little town with such big talk of disrespect?why cant we let a family grieve over a lost family member al you honestly need to do away with this site all together no offense al it just burns my ass to hear of such immoral statements!why why why this is unreal regardless of the situation we need to open our eyes and stop the slandering!YES EVERYBODY!
PLEASE PEOPLE OF ELWOOD GROW UP THIS IS LIFE AND NOTHING CHANGES THE PAST!

I loved Tim he was an awesome person inside and out. All he ever talked about was how much he loved his father and how he was so excited to be going into the military. I only had the chance to meet his father once and every word that came from that man about his son was loving, there was no doubt in my mind that they had a special bond that only a father and son could have. In comment to the guest who doubts harassment, I beg your pardon but I was pulled over once for no other reason but having Tim in my car. I wasn’t speeding and I wasn’t being reckless. It was just late at night and the police was being nibby. I myself have been pulled over just to see what I was up to so late at night. I didn’t know working 3rd shift and being young was a crime.
Tim was one of those special people you my only have the privilege to meet just once in your life and I for one feel lucky to have known such a beautiful soul.

Sorry thought this page was for everybody to state their opinion on. You guys sure dont have a problem attacking some of the loved ones that everyone is pointing fingers at do you. Dont forget they have familys too.

I read in the paper that the plant was shutting down does anyone know how many people worked there. It seems this town is on a down spriral I hope the mayor is working on getting some more jobs back in this town before we turn into a ghost town. the way gas is nobody can aford to work out of town.

Values Served by the Protecting of Free Speech

1. The Discovery of Truth
This value was first suggested by Milton, who first suggested that when truth and falsehood are allowed to freely grapple, truth will win out.

2. Facilitating Participation by Citizens in Political Decision-Making
It has been suggested that citizens will not make wise and informed choices in elections if candidates and proponents of certain policies are restricted in their ability to communicate positions.

3.  Creating a More Adaptable and Stable Community (The "Safety Valve" Function)
It is suggested that a society in which angry and alienated citizens are allowed to speak their mind--"vent"--will be more stable, as people will be less likely to resort to violence.  It has also been pointed out that allowing the alienated and discontented to speak freely enables government to better monitor potentially dangerous groups who would otherwise act more clandestinely.

4.  Assuring Individual Self-Fulfillment
Free speech enables individuals to express themselves, create and identity--and, in the process perhaps, find kindred spirits.  Freedom of speech thus becomes an aspect of human dignity.

5.  Checking Abuse of Governmental Power
As Watergate, Irangate, Clintongate (and all the other "gates") demonstrate, freedom of the press enables citizens to learn about abuses of power--and then do something about the abuse at the ballot box, if they feel so moved.

6.  Promoting Tolerance
It has been argued that freedom of speech, especially through our  practice of extending protection to speech that we find hateful or personally upsetting, teaches us to become more tolerant in other aspects of life--and that a more tolerant society is a better society.

7.  Creating a More Robust and Interesting Community
A community in which free speech is valued and protected is likely to be a more energized, creative society as its citizens actively fulfill themselves in many diverse and interesting ways.

Dont wait jump in there and start helping get jobs here in town. Banks will loan you all kinds of money. Start your own business and hire a few more

You know there is just no winning in this town for any one with any authority. Lets say the police didnt pull over a car that had a person in it that was out to harm some of your loved ones.The next thing you know that person breaks into your home and harms someone.I would bet you that every one would then accuse them of sleeping on the job or being at home not doing their job. Does anyone see my point at all?

Help with the spiral dude. They say that banks would be more than glad to loan you some money to start your own business, that way you could hire some people and not have to sit around and watch the ghost come in and get ya!

Nice job to the Mayor and Street department workers for hanging the beautiful banners and flags downtown Keep up the good work guys City looking good!

you havn't got a clue! what bank have you talked to.No one in there right mind would invest a nickle

Some of you need to quit finger pointing and bashing most of the city employees. We got the message. The city has its problems. But if your not going to try to be part of the solution by going to the council meetings once in awhile and voicing your concerns there instead of here on this site then your just being part of the problem, not to mention the fact that your making the town look bad to the rest of the world. Tensions were high the last few days and I understand some of you needed to blow off steam but enough is enough. I did not spend the last 2 1/2 years putting all this time and effort in to this site so everyone could come on here and just be hateful to each other. If you have something constructive to say, criticism or not, or you want to try to get involved in the community and help be part of the solution then that's great. I can't control what you people say but I really would like this site to remain a nice place to visit for everyone. I am sure if you used this site to do things positive like organize events for kids to give them something to do and help keep them away from drugs or forming forum posts for an online neighborhood watch that people could list suspicious activity on a daily basis. There's all kinds of positive things this site could be used for you just have to think about it and start doing it. The right people taking a few minutes of their time to inform others about whats going on in town could make this site a very useful tool for everyone. It already is for some. It just keeps growing a little more each month. I would really like to see this trend continue as it would be beneficial to everyone but that will be up to each and every one of you. Like it or not, to the rest of the world, this is Elwood. Think about it.
Al Jordan

I agree, the bitchin' should be over, step up if you have problems. Look at my forum topic about helping build up Elwood. I took some initiative a while back and contacted several different chain businesses and have brought up lots of ideas for bringing in new businesses, but obviously no follow up from city leaders has been performed, or we MIGHT have some new places in town by now. I've tried, and when I get the urge I'll continue to try. I cannot attend all of the city meetings due to all of my jobs and supporting my family, but I KNOW that some city leaders are reading these posts. Hopefully they will act on a lot of the suggestions that different people post on here as well. Only time will tell. Respect Al, respect the City of Elwood, and cut the crap people!

Thank you, and HAVE A NICE DAY!

There was a touching picture yesterday in the Anderson paper of Mike Luse hugging Keith. There is also a picture of the color guard above. I am not sure if everyone knows that these men volunteer their time to conduct these services at funerals. Mike is a person that cares deeply for all veterans and their families. These men feel a duty to be there and honor all veterans and do so time and time again. They are called on sometime multiple times in a week and even have done 2 and 3 funerals in a day. I would just like to say THANK YOU to the men of the color guard and a special thank you to Mike.

While everyone is quick put Tim down, I can't help but wonder where were the parents of the 16 year old girl?? I know a 23 year old has no need to be hanging out with a 16 year old and vice versa, but where the parents when this all began? I know I never would have let my 16 year old date a 23 year old. But then again now days so many parents are not acting like parents. The kids are running the show. This girl does look older than 16, but little girls have been playing dress up forever. But again, where are the parents who should be setting some boundries? She is a beautiful young girl, but why was she allowed to dress and be made up to look so much older? A young girl trying play grown up with a young man has now impacted so many lives forever, including her own. Is she getting the help that she will need? Again where are the parents of the under age girl. There is also a lession for young men to, don't mess where you shouldn't be messing.

I also want to say thank you to Tim for serving his country. It is because of brave young people like him we can be openly having discussions like this. It is truely sad that these brave young people serve their country and see the things they see to then lose their lives once they come home safely. We need to help them once they come to be sure they are truely ok.

hey al can you post a list of dates for the city meetings? if you haven't already! i don't receive the paper or know when or where they are held but i would like to do my part!thanks

Great job Al that is what we need positive feed back to back. to bad the next guy took another shot at our city leaders. Come on citizens help our town out get involved and be positive!

WHAT A GREAT DAY TO BE AN ELWOODITE COME ON EVERYONE THINK POSITIVE, LOVE THY NEIGHBOR. GET INVOLVED. BE HAPPY FOR WHAT YOU HAVE THINGS COULD BE SO MUCH WORSE.

THANKS AL FOR GIVING US THIS CHANCE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

wanted everyone to be sure and read the article on House Bill 101 in tonites paper. This my friends is a big part of our cities financial problems. Maybe Al can explain it better in laymans terms.

I wanted to thank you for providing this forum and keeping the balance between respect and openness
I agree with your point that people need a place to vent, and with your point that action is also required.

I would hope that everyone would use this forum as a place to share truths, thank the unsung heroes, and discuss HOW we can fix problems.

I think its starting to work Dont you, people seem to be on positive notes

Check out the memorial display on Anderson around H street.

City council meets the first Monday of every month at the City Building, hope our council members dont waste our time discussing the dog catcher again. But really try to attend it can be both interesting and informative

I have grown up in Elwood my whole life, my mother , father ,grandparents , two sisters and wife and many friends are buried here.Now then about 4 years ago I moved away, and I am sorry to say have never been so happy as pertaining to where I live.Al you have done a very nice job with this site, amazing compared to the Call leader or other sites devoted to Elwood you should be proud, but the sad truth is the town is a wreck and doesn't seem to be getting any better,I dread coming back now and again to visit.Sorry but the proof is all around.It is so sad because when I grew up in town it was so different, everyone was friendly. I come thru town weekly as I travel for my job.I have waved atthe police in there cars, never has one of them waved back.Also I have never seen a smile..?

Just a note to let everyone know that it is not easy to rent a business place in Elwood. At T-Way Plaza, the out of town landlord wants $2200.00 a month to rent the old My Favorite Place Bar business site. All other spots there are between $1200 and 2000 a month plus you have to remodel it at your own expense. When they put the new front on the building, they did nothing to the inside. The prices are similar out next to Marsh's except you have an interior to work with, unlike at T-Way Plaza. Who can afford these prices in Elwood with the economy the way it is. These out of town landlords are whats keeping Elwood from growing. And don't blame it on the city. They don't set the prices and don't have control on these out of town landlords. I say that maybe the tax abatements granted to the company that owns the T-Way Plaza should be retracted until the rents come down in that plaza. Maybe that might get their attention. Two businesses up town either closed or moved recently due to an impossible landlord from out of town and out of state. Al moved out to SR 37 and Emerito's closed because of an out of town and out of state landlord that did nothing but harrass the tenants. When people in Elwood owned business places, rents were fair and they didn't harass you. Times sure have changed.

I just read that ANOTHER factory is closing their doors in Elwood. What's going to happen to our little city? Is the Mayor doing anything to bring in new jobs??? I've asked that question many times. Why doesn't the Mayor post anything on this forum? Not everyone in town can make it to those meetings, why can't he communicate here as well???????????

Nice job letting everyone know The out of town landlords have no idea or prob dont care about our problems Sad isnt it

The people that run this site aren't here for YOU, the people of Elwood. They are here for themselves and the "other people" (not the mayor) that run this town. They set the tone the board has taken when they began the site. I personally was threatened by "the Dude" that "2 can play that game" when I was first offended by the comments they made about "ME" personally 2 years ago. Since I still have a baby to raise, my "dog ain't in that fight." Yes, I disagree with alot of things "they" do. I like the kids congregating on the non-existant benches downtown in the summer time. I like kids waving at me as I drove in from "Indy" from my "real job." I like the fact "they" put my kid's picture on the NET straddleing a basketball (while in school!) that anyone can printout for $13. I especially liked the touch of going into adult venues in our town and posting those paparazzi wannbe videos of our "ladies" for our youth to enjoy. However, they made one mistake. Just one. But a real BIG one. stay tuned......

I think I've been more than fair with everyone on this site and when you say the "other people" (not the mayor) that run this town, just who are you referring to? You know nothing about me and the Mayor. That man has never ever been anything but helpful to me anytime I have went over there. It saddens me to hear how some of you talk about him. Maybe if you took the time to go to some of the events we have in town you would see him there and get to talk with him. All you have to do is look at some of the galleries and see how involved he is with the community. As I remember, just a short time ago he was sure good enough to re-elect. First Mayor in thirty years you people re-elected. So why don't you give him the respect he deserves.

As far as the tone the board has taken when they began the site. Until lately, most comments have been pretty civil over the years. I have never tried to offend anyone on this site but if I did, it was probably because you deserved it :) Obliviously I didn't offend you to much or you wouldn't keep coming back to the site. I'm allowing you to speak your mind now (wherever that might be). Seems to me that if you really don't like so much of what I do then you would quit coming here.

And what do I have to do with the kids congregating on the non-existent benches downtown in the summer time? That has nothing to do with this site. The rest of your post is just nonsense as well. Why don't you just grow up or go outside and play.

Al Jordan

I have no idea who Al is, but what I can tell you is that he has built this EXCELLENT site for all of us to get information from! I get more information from this site than from any other source in Elwood! He has done one heck of a job with this. He takes quite a bit of his personal time to be sure that each and everyone of your postings make