What Gripes Ya

It will never change,there are NO jobs the only way the city can make any money is off of the people,How do you get money from the people ARREST/PROBATION,it not to serve and protect anymore now it to harress and plunder.It was bad enought 5 or 6 years ago when i moved i cant imagine how bad it is now. I love when people in these post say(if your being harrassed go up town and FILE A COMPLAINT) thats funny!(HAVE A SEAT SIR! I'LL BE WITH YOU WHEN I THINK I START TO CARE:) ...... good luck!...awesome site!

its better than it was 5 or six years ago.
Instead of only being a couple good cops back then now there is only a couple of bad ones.
And for anyone who has a complaint any city council member can get you a complaint form and you can always turn it it to them also.
Bill Salvage and Merril will take the forms also. May not have time to talk to you personally but will read them and make sure that they are put on file

The city gets no money from arrest/probation. Where the money from fines and court costs go is set by state law and the city gets none of it. The only money the city could get is if you are arrested and convicted of a city ordiance violation. Those kinds of arrests are very few. Probation fees goes to the probation department and must be spent on probation expenses. Again the city gets to keep none of it.

I may be new to this town but I grew up in Indiana--in response to "the city gets none of it"---actually the city may not get much of it but the county does--not the state. Some of the money does find its way to the city---not alot of it but some.
I haven't had any experience with the Elwood police department but I come from a town where the police department is very bad---a couple years ago there was a big scandal at the jail----jail officers were letting male and female inmates go into each others cells at night. And the city police department killed a young man during a "chase"---they wrecked him and his girlfriend when they were on a motor cycle. Until I read about these kinds of things I will have faith in the Elwood police department.

Please tell me what portion of court money the county and city get. And please tell me into what line item account it goes in. I have been involved in many budget preparations and I don't remember any court money coming into city budgets.

Jail officers allowing female inmates to go into male cells at night or anytime is wrong. It should be dealt with. I'm sure that all officers at that jail were not gulity of this. If so, please don't condem them all. A few bad officers should not spoil the whole jail.

Did the police wreck and kill these people on the motor cycle on purpose? Did they hit and kill them while chasing the motor cycle or another vehicle. If it was on purpose then the police should be held accountable. If it was because the motor cycle was the one being chased then the deaths fall upon the motor cycle operator. If it was because another vehicle was being chased then the operator of that vehicle should be held accountable.

All vehicle chases would end if the operator being chased would stop when asked. Deaths from chases are terrible, but the fault is always with the fleeing vehicle not the chase vehicle. Just stop when asked.

As far as All vehicle chases would end if the operator being chased would stop when asked is bull. Its a proven fact that an officer can take your plate number and get you at your home later when the public is not around. Police chases are just nothing but a thrill ride for the police. Its stupid to let innocent individuals get hurt because of the tough tactics which seem to be the police departments only tactics these days. A civilian police force is designed to keep the peace and serve and protect, not Put people in danger, or harass them whenever is suits them nor should they be profiling individuals and targeting them until they finally get caught doing something wrong. These were Hitler's tactics and we thought he was pretty discusting but the german people thought he was doing things in their best interest at the time. I think its time to tell your law makers to give things a rest. Zero tolerance is a poor excuse for a free society. People need to start sticking up for their rights or their gonna lose them all before its over.

It's just way to easy to blame the police. The driver of the vehicle being chased is still the one at fault. Please tell me why it's always the fault of the police and no responsibility falls on the driver of the vehicle being chased. If people would obey rules there would be no need for police. As I say just stop when asked and chases would end. Again the fault is on the driver of the vehicle being chases.

The person putting innocent people in danger is the driver of the vehicle being chased. If the driver would have stopped when ask no one would have been put in danger.

What if the car was stolen or the plate was stolen. . . don't you think most criminals are smarter than that.

I can't wait for the liberal response to this question.

The officer's should be able to use common sense when dealing with the public,and also concerning chase's . I tend to think some could be avoided. It is obvious that some that have previously posted have no idea or intention to ever use common sense. Maybe just maybe there lies part of the problem whithin the force, other than to ever admit they are in the wrong once in a while ever so slightly. If you read some of these post you can tell they are never in the wrong and anyone who disagree's is a criminal. Just as most everyone else in charge, SHORTSIGHTED.

signed
The Observer's
observer's
observer...

Most of our more thoughtfull cities have done away with chases except in extreme cases. It has been judged as not worth endangering the very public they are to protect. Something some officers have failed to think about.

A stolen car is not worth one innocent person getting hurt or killed. Thats what insurance is for! There has been several studies on police chases and most agree that it's better to catch them later. Much less room for accidents. I am not blaming the police but some of the policies they use. Its not the innocent citizen that should have to pay for a bad policy! Is that liberal enough for ya?

It's to bad the police have to follow policies. Don't you think it would be fair if the criminals also had policies to follow so they, the criminal, would not endanger the public. The deck is always stacked in favor of the criminal.

Yeah it's really to bad that you police have to follow the rules and policies of a free society isn't it? You all would rather be judge jury and executioners wouldn't you? It is obvious if it was up to you all freedoms would be lost. Maybe it is not fair but that's the job you have chose. Try to act profesional and use a little Common sense. Thats the problem in town you all think your God and know it all. What if the car wasn't stolen? what if it was a case of false informing? You really don't know for sure, do you?

The deck is always stacked in favor of the criminal. No matter how many laws you make or try to enforce, the criminal that is going to break them doesn't care. So obviously, the more laws we make and try to enforce only takes more rights away from the honest citizens.

Here's a sarcastic thought for you. Let's make so many laws that everyone is a criminal. Then we can just do away with the prisons, and build a huge wall around the U.S. and let all the officers stand on it with machine guns. Just a big massive prison.

Think again about who the liberal one is, I think you are the "Commi"

Signed, The Observer's Observer

why is the city of elwood broke? no pool, no fireworks? what happened to the money they collected last year? i need to find out who all is in office so the next time their turn comes arround i wont vote for them,,,, in all my years here i have never seen it this bad...someone needs to audit the city and find out where the money is going...... ever dime.....

Whos brite ideal was it to let kids ride on top of a firetruck? I know it was a big win for them(GREAT JOB GUYS) but what if there would of been an car accident,a dog running across the road,a street light being a little to low? Anything, Right in front of a police officer! One person said(They were moving a little fast) What,Does seatbelt laws not apply if you win a baseball game?

Gee it is to bad the police have to follow policies and the LAW.I was allways taught that the police are better than that.So it seems you would have the police act as a criminal, and do as they please. mmm ... maybe thats the problem,our police are so smart they don't have to go by acceptable standerds that the rest of America uses.We are so luckey to have these superkops, forget the judge,jury and what knots.Our police already know who is guilty and who is not.. do away with our silly rights as American citisens. it is scary these guys have guns! now i'm just ranting ,sorry

Well not only has Madison co. sold it's soul for the CASH COW of a gambling casino but one of our own voted for and approved another new tax.Now when you buy plate for your car or truck you will get hit with an extra $25. Thanks a lot I for one will remember he who runs as the common man, Bill. Wasn't horse racing and the casino and the lottery supposed to lower our tax burden for schools and licence plates? The politicions just made up new ways to take our money. another election day will come and let him try to find a real job here to make a living with all he has created for us.

signed,The Observer's
Observer's
Observer

You don't need to chase someone who doesen't run. It's still the fault of the driver of the fleeing vehicle. Granted police should use common sence, but it's still the fault of the fleeing driver. If the driver does not run the police do not chase. Again, please tell me how it's not the fault of the fleeing driver. 100% of laws and rules are made for 10% of the population. Making more laws is not the answer. Enforceing the ones we have is the answer. I just feel it's time to stop blaming everyone, else just blame the violator.

When I said they were moving a little fast I didn't mean they were flying down the road. My camera is one of those cheap ones that take forever to turn on and forever to snap the picture. From what I saw, I don't think any of them were in any danger. They were just having a little much deserved fun. I didn't notice any light poles falling down knocking any of them off nor did I see any dogs wanting to run through all the loud sirens. If there had been an accident, it would not have been more than a fender bender because they were not going fast enough to cause any real damage and all the vehicles had plenty of space between them. Why can't you just join in the celebration of their accomplishments and quit finding something to complain about. Way to go Elwood!!!
Al Jordan

I'm not saying the police should not follow the law. I just asking why are the police always the ones that are wrong? It seems to me that people in this blog are putting all their trust in the criminal and none in the police. Some of time the police are wrong. All the time criminals are wrong. I would reather trust the police some of the time than the criminal all the time. I just don't understand why so many of you trust the criminal over the police.

Maybe Because the criminals are less threatening here than the cops but that's just a sad fact of life here in Elwood! When a criminal as you call it intimidates someone, then its against the law and he goes to jail but when our cops do it then they are just doing there job. You can trust them all you want but I sure don't want them anywhere around me. I'll just call the county boys. They don't like Elwood cops either. Jeez, does that make them criminals too? You know, with as many complaints that have been posted about this subject you would think some people would wise up but no, ignorance is bliss. You obviously don't go outside much do you?

Let's see how less threatening the criminal is. Criminals steal, rob, kill, rape, break into your home, drive drunk, run traffic lights, molest your wives, girlfriends, and children, and I'm sure other things. Yes I think you are right the criminal not a threat.
Let's see how the police intimidate. They arrest and help prosecute people who steal, rob, kill, rape, break into your home, drive drunk, run traffic lights, molest your wives, girlfriends, and children, and I i'm sure other things. Yes the police do intimidate. They intimidate criminals, They may be intimidating to you, even though you are not a criminal, but thats a problem you need to deal with.
Again the police are not the problem, criminals are.
I ask again, why do you put all your trust in criminals and none in the police?

Why can't you just join in the celebration of their accomplishments and quit finding something to complain about. Way to go Elwood!!!

I'll just call the county boys. They don't like Elwood cops either.
We know that is not a true statement. They like Elwood Cops well enough to hire no less than two to work at the county. Elwood hires and trains them and other agencies hire them away from us. Yes many other agencies dislike Elwood cops too. I guess those other agencies just like to hire cops that harass people.

lets see, we have jobs leaving right and left, the pool that so much money last year was put into fixing isnt going to open, no fireworks this year ( where is the money i donated for this years at?) what has the city of elwood accomplished lately but not doing anything except claiming to be broke? id like to know what is happening to my property tax dollars that is one thing for sure.... im also going to check out who all is in office so i know who NOT to vote for when the time comes.... someone or ones have dropped the ball big time....

Regarding the complaints about the current administration/elected officials, and the comments regarding the next election day ... Where was everyone on election day this past November and the time leading up to it?

Now let me clarify, I am in no way insuating that the people on here did not vote. I am making no assumptions. However, it is obvious MANY in Elwood did not considering the extremely low voter turnout we had for the general election this past November.

We now have another FOUR YEARS until the next election. I live here too, and yes things were THIS BAD prior to this last election - either people didn't realize it or they just didn't think their voting would make a difference. Well guess what ... it does! I sooooo wish more people would have exercised their right to vote this last time around. That is why we have it... it's an opportunity to make our voices heard! But hindsight is 20/20, and it is now time to look ahead, to think ahead. The best thing to do at this point is to stress how extremely important it is to vote, NEVER EVER think your vote doesn't matter, because it does. Very much so! I am glad to see so many are concerened for our town, and I encourage each and every one of you to stay as concerned as you are right now, to stay on top of the issues at hand (because they will not be going away anytime soon), and commit to making a change and a difference in our community the next time around!

And I am looking forward the "meeting of the minds" that has been discussed on here... great things happen when people pull together! :)

Your VOTE absolutely counts; until the November Presidential Election @ which time it is between the Candidates and the Electoral College.

Just to prove the presidential primary was also extreamly important; and look at the turn out.

I have read a lot of comments and questions on here regarding the pool and just wanted to point out a couple of things. First of all, in case some of you weren't aware, the pool is actually part of the Parks Dept and operated out of that budget. The pool was shut down prior to its re-opening last year in order to save up money for the necessary repairs. The money simply didn't exist to have them done so they had to come up with a creative way to make it happen, which they did. I am told that with the combination of the pool actually losing money last year and the park's budget being cut (twice since the beginning of the year), they were informed the pool would not be opening this year.

i do vote, every time there is an election. as far as things being as bad, i disagree. we did have a pool we did have fireworks, like i said, where did the money go that was donated after the fireworks last year? who is accountable for that? and the size of elwoods pool isnt that much bigger now then alot of people who have their own. i am looking ahead, you can bet on that, but instead of coming out and saying hey, we dont have the funds for opening the pool this year, i bet as a community we could have gotten the funds together to get it started. i know if the schools can raise alot of money on fund raisers, im sure that we could have raised enough just by asking door to door for 1.00 for the pool. i mean they spent all that money to fix it and now they are not going to use it? to me that is just plan stupid.

It is amazing how so many "guests" on here are constantly finding the negative in everything...I pitty you, how sad of a life you must live when all you do is constantly find the negative in each and every forum, event, anything. You can tell these negative comments come from the same guests, same mispellings, same way of speaking! Start trying to think positive for a change, you might actually like it.

And for the one who had the nerve to complain about the boys team last night! My god, give it a rest! How many years have they used the snorkel truck to ride in parades and let the seniors enjoy their last year for homecoming and other things! I guarantee majority of you back in the day did this, I have seen several pictures of it in yearbooks that go WAY back. These boys made and excellent accomplishment last night and deserved that ride! They had a police escort and they were not traveling at a fast enough speed to do any damage! I was at the girls softball field when they turned off of J street and were heading back to 19th towards the school, it seemed like it took almost 15 mins for them to make to the field! GIVE IT A REST and quit being so damn negative! Negativity breeds...start thinking positive! This site used to be fun for us members to come to, but here lately you all have taken what Al has done and turned it into BASH FEST 2008!

And yes, you all can complain about the current administration, but until people show up to vote, this is what you get! For those that did show, GOOD JOB! This past election was a JOKE! The turnout was HORRIBLE! And one last thing, there may be 1 or 2 bad seeds on the police department, but that does not mean the whole deparment is bad, they are doing their jobs people, just as some of you that actually have jobs do yours!

Sunshine,butterflies,bubblegum,lollipops,warm days,happy, happy, happy thoughts, This is great, lost my job, nothing in town, horray unemployment,walls closing in,no pool,can't go for a walk because I don't feel like answering a kops question like WHERE YOU GOING...WHERE YOU BEEN... WHY ARE YOU WALKING ON THE SIDEWALK etc? Can't afford the gas to go out of town... can't breath can't go uptown might stop drink a beer, then I'd be one of those criminals walking home, I don't want that,think happy POSITIVE thoughts... now I'm not welcome on this site anymore... sorry can't do it ...bye..... You are stuck with my negativity , it must be what you want. thats what we've created here in this paradise ....BLAHH! to you

TO....STARGAZER0128! Very well-spoken, you took the words right out of my mouth :)

To answer your questions about the fireworks, The monies collected last year after the fireworks went to pay for last years. After the monies are collected and counted, the city paid the balance. This year the city won't have ANY monies to pay the balance so it has to be. I'm sure if someone or groups steped up and donated the monies for the fireworks show (about $20,000) they might be able to be ordered at this late date. But the ONLY way they will be ordered is if the Fire Dept has the donations in hand. Then the people that donate the night of the Fireworks show can donate for next year. All anyone has to do is call the Fire Dept and ask, its that simple.

This town doesnt have anything more for the children.Skating ring gonna along time now,pool close,no fireworks.Next will be the skate park and the park to go.I wounder why kids are turning to drugs and gangs and running the roads causing trouble.There isnt anything in this town now,people cant afford to run out of town to do something cause of gas prices.I do think we can raise money.Oakland rasied alot of money for diffent familys last year around 400.00 each time.I think something could change for the kids of this town if not it isnt going to get better for them.

Someone that has been harassed would hurry up and contact the Justice Department and ask them to launch an investigation into the Elwood Police Department. Especially the ONE officer that is getting NUMEROUS complaints. If someone doesn't do something it's going to be a LONG summer for our kids!

decided to delete my comment!

The reason people are asking where is the money from last year
is because it's been said that the money collected during
the "present" year was for the NEXT year's fireworks fund!!!
I have had that said to me!! That's why people are syaing
"where is the money we raised from last year"?
I think I have read on here someones post that said it all goes into ONE
account.
So.... it has been spent! That is my guess!!!!

I know this is going to be bad news for the ones that like to complain, but good news to most. We ARE having the Fireworks show this year. Some good hearted businessmen stepped up and said they would help. We will still need donations to make it through. If every family would donate $5.00 that would help. Lets not put ALL the burden on these gracious businessmen, lets help them out with donating PLEASE.......lets use this as an opportunity to show that we will not stand idle and let things fall by the wayside.

$25.00 to the fireworks fund. Would any one like to match me??? I can't think of any better cause than celebrating our independence. It would be nice to show the rest of the world that we can come together and get things done. I took that first step to help out. Will the rest of you???

Al Jordan

WooHoo!!! That is wonderful news.
Let's all help out!!
My girlfriends and I are already planning a way to help raise money and I will ask the organizations that I am involved with to jump on board!!!
Kappa Delta Phi sorority is having Elwood's Little Firecracker & Sparkler Contest to help raise money.
We are also planning a Kids/Family Bike & Pet Parade through the park on July 4th. (more details on that later)

Some of you have really been complaining about our community lately so.... let's get out there and
show our Elwood Pride!!

Thanks Al, the more people that stand up like that the better off everyone will be.

will spread the word around... also will stop by the firestation and donate... also dont forget the festival that is coming up next week at the park.and its free free free... it sounds like great fun for the kids, and wont suck the life out of you in gas prices!!!! also think it would be cool if we could have a night for local talent to come out and have a park concert..... but i guess this comment should go on the other forum,sense this one is for griping and complaining,,,,lol.... tonya

Thanks Angela. Sounds like some great fun for the kids at the park before the show. I hope there can be more things for kids to do out there before the show.

Yes, it was a businessman who said "How can we get this done?" However, the majority of the funds donated ($12,500.00) came from individuals. Kudos to those who believe in Elwood and to the two guys who had the leadership skills to get this accomplished.

Everyone wants to know what's wrong with Elwood? It's a lack of intelligent leadership! In reply to an earlier post, I have never missed an election. I think that the turn out for the last local election was less than 25%. However, that's not the only problem. The biggest problem is that the candidates who run are not qualified. They may be nice people but they are not intelligent nor do they have the leadership skills required. Say what you like, but the only qualified individual who actually accomplished positive changes in this community was Phil Metzger. No one in our current administration has the foresight or the skill to effect change. I am tired of hearing about budget cuts and using that as an excuse to allow slum lords to take advantage of our community and to not put our children first by opening the pool (funny, but Alexandria and Tipton, two small towns managed to open their pools!).