Community News Archives for 2019-03

Health officials urge Hoosiers to protect against ticks

Indiana health officials are encouraging Hoosiers to protect themselves from tick bites while outdoors as warmer temperatures bring an increase in tick activity across the state. Recent field sampling by the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) has found adult and immature ticks (nymphs) carrying the bacterium that causes Lyme disease in a number of counties, particularly in the northern, west central, and south central parts of the state. Maps displaying the tick infection data are available at https://www.in.gov/isdh/28130.htm.

 

“Our field work shows that ticks are carrying Lyme disease in multiple regions within our state,” said State Public Health Veterinarian Jennifer Brown, D.V.M., M.P.H. “However, all Hoosiers should take precautions against tick bites when enjoying the outdoors, no matter where they are.”

 

Ticks can transmit several diseases in addition to Lyme disease, such as ehrlichiosis and spotted fever rickettsioses like Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Preventing tick bites can protect Hoosiers from all tick-borne illnesses, Brown said.

 

Hoosiers can reduce their risk of tick bites by:

  • Wearing a long-sleeved shirt and light-colored pants, with the shirt tucked in at the waist and the pants tucked into socks, if they will be in grassy or wooded areas
  • Treating clothing and outdoor gear with 0.5% permethrin, which is an insect repellent specifically designed for this purpose (permethrin should NOT be used on bare skin)
  • Using EPA-registered insect repellents with active ingredients such as DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE), para-menthane-diol (PMD) or 2-undecanone
  • Conducting frequent tick checks while outdoors

 

Once indoors, people should thoroughly check for ticks on clothing, gear, pets and skin. Tumbling clothes in the dryer on high heat for 30 minutes will kill ticks, and showering can help remove any unattached ticks.

 

“Quickly finding and removing a tick can help prevent you from becoming sick,” Brown said. “Use a mirror or the buddy system to check your entire body for ticks, bearing in mind that immature ticks can be no larger than a poppy seed.”

 

Ticks may be safely removed by using tweezers to grasp the tick close to the skin and then pulling outward with steady and even pressure. After the tick is removed, the area should be washed thoroughly with soap and water. The tick should be discarded by submerging it in alcohol, placing it in a sealed bag or container, wrapping it tightly in tape or flushing it down the toilet. Ticks should never be crushed with the fingernails.

 

Anyone who becomes ill after finding an attached tick should see a medical provider immediately and alert the provider to the exposure. Tick-borne diseases can be treated with antibiotics, and prompt diagnosis can help prevent complications.

 

For more information about ticks and how to prevent the diseases they carry, see the ISDH website at http://www.in.gov/isdh/20491.htm. You also can visit ISDH at www.Statehealth.in.gov for important health and safety information or follow us on Twitter at @StateHealthIN and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/isdh1

The Strand Theatre in Shelbyville seeks volunteers for Saturday work session

The Strand Theatre of Shelbyville will hold a Special Work Session Saturday March 30, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm.

 

The Strand has several projects that need work and is preparing for its busiest month yet.  Most

of the work will be on stage, but there is some work in the fly loft above the stage, too.

 

If you have questions, please call 317-395-3318.

PK U.S.A. President Mr. Masakazu Nakayama retiring on April 1

For a little over 14 years, Mr. Masakazu Nakayama has led PK U.S.A. North America. Under his leadership, PK U.S.A. has grown and prospered with expansions, crucial growth and technology updates that included axle related business for many U.S. automakers including G.M., Ford and FCA.

 

 

 

“I have enjoyed my time and tenure at the Shelbyville, Indiana facility for the past 14 years. Since I came to PK, our company has had its ups and downs, but our associates and local government have supported us tremendously. Shelby County has provided so many opportunities for our company to grow and prosper over the years, and the relationships we have fostered with the City of Shelbyville have strengthened our position in the U.S. market. I cannot thank everyone enough. Over half of our associate’s are Shelby County natives, and they are the most hard-working, and friendly people you’ll find anywhere. PK U.S.A. will be in good hands with Mr.Peter Sandström who will take over as President. In order to stay relevent in our business, we must strive to do be better and work harder every day. At PK U.S.A., we have associates in every department that do these very things with pride. I wish to thank everyone at PK U.S.A. for their hard work and dedication, you have made this company one of the best in the U.S.”

Avoid bogus bargains at Going Out of Business sales

When brightly colored signs with prominent letters shout “Going Out of Business Sale,” “Total Liquidation,” or “Everything Must Go!” you might think you are about to get the deal of a lifetime. But there are several reasons you should shop with caution – even when merchandise is deeply discounted.  The following tips will help you avoid common pitfalls and get the best deals. 

 

Make Sure the Deals are Real 

First things first; always check a company’s reputation on BBB.org before doing business with them. Look beyond the letter grade rating to read the customer reviews and details of complaints to get an idea of what past customers have experienced. You may decide the great prices they advertise may not be worth the potential problems that could arise.

 

Second, according to the BBB Code of Advertising, liquidation and going out of business sales are considered “emergency” or “distress” sales. Businesses may only advertise this kind of sale if they are actually going out of business. In addition, they have a limited time period to offer such deals. BBB’s code states, “If such sales exceed ninety (90) days, advertisers must be prepared to substantiate that the offering is indeed a valid emergency or distress sale.” If you notice a business in your area seems to be advertising a “going out of business” or “liquidation” sale for months on end, without ever closing, be wary. It could be a shady sales practice. Some businesses use these terms dishonestly to draw in customers and pressure them to buy, often by implying limited access to certain merchandise or a small window of time to purchase.

 

Even in legitimate going out of business sales, some businesses hire third party liquidators to help them get the most money possible from their remaining merchandise. After all, the business owner is still responsible for paying off any outstanding bills they owe, even after their business closes. Third party liquidators often mark merchandise up first and then offer a small discount in the first week or two of the sale. This offers a better return to the business owner, but consumers may unwittingly end up paying more than the original price of the product, even though the seller claims it is discounted. To avoid falling into this trap, shop around. Compare prices at other stores to make sure the “discounted” item you plan to purchase really is cheaper than normal price. 

 

Think About Returns and Warranties 

When a business closes, you may not be granted the same kind of after-sale customer service you’ve come to expect. Many retailers offer discounted prices on the condition that “all sales are final.” This means that you may not be able to return items for a refund or exchange items – even if you later discover they are defective. With this in mind, you’ll want to inquire about what kind of return policy the business offers and how long it will be in place. 

If there is no return policy, be sure to inspect items closely before making a purchase. If you are buying electronics, ask to test them. If you are buying clothes, try them on. If you buy a boxed set of something, ask to look inside the box to make sure all pieces of the set are included. 

If an item comes with a warranty, find out who will fulfill its terms. If a third-party business takes care of repairs on items with a warranty, you may not need to worry. However, if the business itself is the warranty provider, the terms may be null and void. Make sure you find out the details before you make a purchase. Get it in writing; don’t rely on verbal agreements.

 

Use Up Gift Cards and Pay with a Credit Card 

BBB has general tips for shopping at companies that are going out of business. Two main pieces of advice involve gift cards and credit cards. When a store goes out of business, gift cards do, too. Don’t let the money on your gift card go to waste. Use them up before the store closes for good. 

Also, paying with your credit card offers you the most protection on your purchase. If a business closes and doesn’t deliver the goods it promised you, you will be able to dispute the charges with your credit card company. On the other hand, if you paid with cash or even just left a partial cash deposit for an item and the business closes without delivering, you may simply be out of luck. You could sue the business, but they no longer have assets to pay the damages.   

 

Don’t Make Impulsive Decisions 

The goal of going out of business sales is to get merchandise out the door fast. Advertisers take advantage of a sense of urgency and scarcity to pressure consumers into buying things they may not need, simply because the price is too good to pass up. Use good judgement when shopping going out of business sales. Make sure you really are getting a good deal on a product that isn’t defective.

 

Going out of business sales can be a great way to save money on products you need, but always proceed with caution. By following these tips, you can take advantage of sales wisely and avoid making a purchase you might later regret. 

 

ABOUT BBB SERVING CENTRAL INDIANA: For more than 100 years, Better Business Bureau has been helping people find businesses, brands and charities they can trust. In 2018, people turned to BBB more than 173 million times for BBB Business Profiles on more than 5.4 million businesses and Charity Reports on 11,000 charities, all available for free at bbb.org. There are local, independent BBBs across the United States, Canada and Mexico, including BBB serving Central Indiana, which was founded in 1916 and serves 46 counties. 

Health officials encourage blood glucose checks on Diabetes Alert Day

Approximately 10.5 percent of adults in Indiana are living with diabetes, a 37 percent increase since 2005. Diabetes Alert Day is March 26, and the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) is encouraging all Hoosiers to take steps to reduce their risk of diabetes, a group of diseases that develop when the body does not produce enough insulin, is unable to use insulin effectively or both.

 

Observed annually on the fourth Tuesday in March, Diabetes Alert Day is a one-day “wake-up call” that focuses on the seriousness of diabetes and the importance of understanding your risk. Nearly one in four adults living with diabetes, or 7.2 million Americans, are unaware that they have the disease, and nine out of 10 adults with prediabetes don’t know they have it.

 

“Visiting your healthcare provider to have your blood glucose checked regularly is extremely important,” said State Health Commissioner Kris Box, MD, FACOG. “Armed with that knowledge, you can work to prevent or delay the onset of the most common type of this serious and potentially life-threatening illness.”

 

Diabetes is the seventh-leading cause of death in Indiana, and there are two forms of the disease. Type 1, previously called juvenile-onset diabetes, develops when the body's immune system destroys the cells that make insulin. There is no known way to prevent type 1 diabetes. Type 2, or adult-onset diabetes, occurs when cells do not use insulin properly. As the need for insulin rises, the pancreas gradually loses its ability to produce it. Type 2 diabetes is associated with older age, obesity, family history of diabetes and physical inactivity. 

 

One-third of Indiana adults have prediabetes, a condition in which individuals have blood glucose levels that are higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. Prediabetes often has no symptoms, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that without changes in diet and lifestyle, such as exercising, maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding tobacco use, two to three times as many people could be diagnosed with type 2 diabetes within 40 years.

 

Hoosiers can find out if they are at risk for diabetes by taking the CDC’s online Prediabetes Screening Test at www.cdc.gov/prediabetes/takethetest/. Individuals whose screening shows they are at high risk can join a diabetes prevention program. A list is available at www.preventdiabetes.isdh.in.gov.

 

ISDH also urges anyone with diabetes to attend a Diabetes Self-Management Education (DSME) program. These helpful resources provide people with diabetes the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to better manage their condition and improve their quality of life. DSME programs are also valuable for anyone who is a caretaker or family member of someone with diabetes.

 

For more information about diabetes or prediabetes, visit http://www.in.gov/isdh/24966.htm.

 

Visit the Indiana State Department of Health at www.StateHealth.in.gov for important health and safety information, or follow us on Twitter at @StateHealthIN and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/isdh1

Lt. Gov Crouch, FSSA accepting 2019 Golden Hoosier Award nominations

Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch, in collaboration with the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration’s Division of Aging has announced that nominations are now being accepted for the 2019 Golden Hoosier award.

 

“Every year, it amazes me how many thoughtful and selfless Hoosiers we have in our state, and those characteristics are often not restricted by age,” Crouch said. “The best thing about Indiana are her people, men and women who often look to their neighbor and see how they can help them, and I am proud to honor the Golden Hoosiers every year.”

 

Crouch said that the award began in 2008 and annually honors Hoosier senior citizens for their lifetime of service and commitment to their communities.

 

To be eligible for the Golden Hoosier Award, the nominee must currently be an Indiana resident, aged 65 or older and have been a volunteer in the community for the past three years.

 

The deadline for submitting applications is April 29, 2019 and you can access the electronic nomination form at https://www.in.gov/lg/2532.htm. The ceremony honoring those selected will be held on Monday, June 24, 2019 at the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center.

Statewide smoke alarm program to address rise in fatal home fires

The Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) has launched a new free smoke alarm program for Hoosiers with a goal of installing 10,000 smoke alarms in homes in two years.

The Get Alarmed program (GetAlarmed.in.gov)—managed by the Indiana Fire Marshal in partnership with the American Red Cross—offers up to three free smoke alarms for Indiana homeowners. The program works with local fire departments and service providers to properly install the alarms and educate residents about fire prevention and safety.

 

Get Alarmed is funded via a federal Fire Prevention and Safety Grant awarded to the Indiana Fire Marshal, who oversees the IDHS Division of Fire and Building Safety. The $521,000 grant will provide 10,000 smoke alarms (each containing a 10-year lithium battery), 1,000 alarms for the deaf and hard-of-hearing as well as educational support for residents, fire departments and service providers.

 

“This program comes at an important time for Hoosiers as we experienced an increase in fatal home fires in 2018, many in homes that had no working smoke alarms,” Fire Marshal Jim Greeson said. “Nothing can guarantee your safety in a fire, but a working smoke alarm gives you the best chance at escaping serious injury or death. Every second counts in a home fire.”

 

Last year, the Fire Marshal tracked 93 fatalities from home fires compared to 72 the previous year.

 

Nationally, two-thirds of all fatal house fires occur in homes without working smoke alarms.

 

The partnership with the American Red Cross will allow the Get Alarmed program to benefit from the network created by the Red Cross through a history of fire prevention and education at the national level. Both entities will share fire data to help the program target areas with an increase in home fires for both smoke alarms and educational outreach.

Area DNR officers promoted

DNR Law Enforcement Division director Col. Steve Hunter recently promoted three Indiana Conservation Officers to serve in Central Office headquarters in Indianapolis.

 

Maj. Jason Lee was promoted to lieutenant colonel/executive officer. Lee began his career in 1998 as a field officer assigned to Johnson County, later transferring to Brown County. He was promoted to District 6 lieutenant in 2009 before being promoted to South Region captain in 2011.

In 2016 Lee was promoted to operations major. He is a 2014 graduate of the FBI National Academy and a 2016 graduate of Police Executive Leadership Academy (PELA). The lieutenant colonel acts as the executive officer for the director of DNR Law Enforcement and provides oversite and supervision of the operations, budget and administration of the Law Enforcement Division.

 

Capt. Tim Beaver was promoted to operations major. Beaver began his career as a field officer assigned to Bartholomew County in 2003. He was promoted to District 6 lieutenant in 2011 and then to South Region captain in 2016 to supervise the southern District 5 lieutenants.

He is a 2011 graduate of the IMPD Leadership Academy. The operations major provides statewide supervision and oversight of operational needs of the 10 districts across the state.

 

Cpl. Jet Quillen was promoted to public relations captain. Quillen began his career as a field officer assigned to Marion County in 2009. He was promoted to the rank of corporal in District 6 in 2017, providing field supervision for officers in six counties. While fulfilling his duties as a field officer and corporal, Quillen also filled the role as public information officer (PIO) for District 6.

The public relations captain is responsible for statewide public relations programs and for overseeing the Law Enforcement Division public spokesperson team.

 

“These officers bring a vast amount of knowledge and experience to their new leadership roles,” Hunter said. “We are very excited for the future of the Law Enforcement Division.”

BBB warns employment scams on the rise

Employment scams were the riskiest scams in 2018, according to the latest report from the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Tech-Savvy Scammers Work to Con More Victims: 2018 BBB Scam Tracker Risk Report (BBB.org/RiskReport). Employment scams had more instances and higher losses than in previous years when it ranked the third riskiest.

 

The report is based on data supplied by consumers to BBB Scam Tracker (BBB.org/ScamTracker) and is based on the BBB Risk Index, a unique algorithm that calculates exposure, susceptibility, and monetary loss to offer a more accurate assessment of scam risk. 

 

“This was a surprise,” said Melissa Lanning Trumpower, executive director of the BBB Institute for Marketplace Trust, which produced the report. “It’s the first time since we began this report three years ago that one scam dominated across so many demographic subgroups. It was the riskiest scam in three of the six age groups, and for both men and women. It was also the riskiest scam for military families and veterans, and students.” 

 

Digging into the Risk Report shows one possible answer: Amazon was in the news a lot in 2018 with its high profile search for a second headquarters. It was also the 6th most impersonated organization mentioned in BBB Scam Tracker reports, after not even making the top 15 in previous years. In 2017, only 24 BBB Scam Tracker reports were employment scams that mentioned Amazon. In 2018, that jumped to 564. 

 

“Scammers are opportunists,” says Trumpower. “Whatever is in the news or being talked about on social media, they see as an opening to imposter a recognizable and respected organization or brand.” The Internal Revenue Service is the leading impersonated organization, and other government agencies together rank second. Other leading brands that scammers impersonate include Publishers Clearing House, Microsoft, Apple… and the Better Business Bureau. 

 

Amazon, a BBB Accredited Business, has only one authorized job application site: amazon.jobs. Any other link is a scam, said Trumpower.  

 

“Employment scams are particularly egregious because they prey on people who are already feeling pinched and may be desperate for work,” said Tim Mansicalo, BBB Central Indiana President and CEO. “If the scam gets far enough, scammers collect the same information that real employers do – address, birth date, Social Security number, bank account – everything needed for identity theft.” 

The ten riskiest scams of 2018 were: employment, online purchase, fake checks/money orders, home improvement, advance fee loans, romance, tech support, investment, travel/vacation, and government grant. 

 

RESOURCES: 

For more highlights from Tech-Savvy Scammers Work to Con More Victims: 2018 BBB Scam Tracker Risk Report, download the infographic at BBB.org/RiskReport.  

 

For the full report, go to BBB.org/RiskReport.  

 

To report a scam, go to BBB.org/ScamTracker.  

 

To learn more about different scam types, go to BBB.org/ScamTips

Severe Weather Preparedness Week begins March 17

The Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) encourages Hoosiers to plan ahead for extreme weather as part of Severe Weather Preparedness Week, March 17-23. 

“Severe Weather Preparedness Week serves as a great reminder of the increased potential for thunderstorms, tornadoes and flooding in Indiana during the spring and early summer,” said David Hosick, director of public affairs at IDHS. “We are hopeful Indiana is not heavily impacted by severe weather this spring, but taking the time in advance to plan, prepare and practice can help minimize weather-related deaths, injuries and property damage.”

IDHS encourages Hoosiers to build a disaster preparedness kit, identify shelter and practice emergency plans during this year’s preparedness week. 

Ten important items to include in a household disaster preparedness kit include: 

1. Food and water for three days (include one gallon of water per person, per day)
2. Battery operated all hazard radio (receives more than 60 types of emergency alerts)
3. Flashlight
4. Extra batteries for radio and flashlight, if needed
5. First aid kit
6. Extra clothing, sturdy shoes, rain gear, blankets and personal hygiene items
7. List of emergency phone numbers
8. Important documents (copies of photo ID, social security card, insurance and banking information)
9. Cash (small bills. Power outages can limit ability to use ATMs and credit cards)
10. Special items (baby formula, insulin, life sustaining medication, pet supplies)

As part of Severe Weather Preparedness Week, a statewide tornado drill is planned for 10:15 a.m. on Tuesday, March 19. This drill provides a valuable opportunity for families, schools and businesses to practice severe weather emergency plans. Some ways families can practice during the statewide tornado drill are:

  • Take household members – quickly but calmly – to the location they would move to in severe weather, ideally a basement. If a basement is not available, go to an interior room on the lowest level with no windows. Storm cellars also offer excellent protection.
  • Practice moving under a sturdy table or desk, or covering up with pillows, blankets, coats or a mattress to protect the head and body from flying debris.
  • Walk through potential evacuation routes, both from the home and the neighborhood.
  • Conduct a family drill in which children pretend to call 911 and calmly talk with an emergency dispatcher (a family member or friend can be on the other end of the line, requesting appropriate information).

Finding suitable shelter is another important aspect to prepare for severe weather. If living in a mobile home or similar manufactured structure, it is important to locate a safe shelter in advance. For those living in homes or apartment buildings, residents should take shelter in the lowest level of the building, away from windows and doors.

Flooding also threatens Hoosiers during the spring months. Driving on flooded roadways can often place Hoosiers and emergency response personnel in unnecessary danger. Never drive through flooded roadways, even if the water appears shallow. The road may have washed out under the surface of the water.

To learn more about preparing for severe weather, visit GetPrepared.in.gov or follow IDHS on Facebook and Twitter.

Sheriffs Youth Ranch supporters announce new K-9, search and rescue and cyber security partnerships

Sheriffs and deputies on Thursday announced two new partnerships that will allow them to purchase their Indiana Sheriffs’ Youth Ranch property and add specialized search and rescue, K-9 and cyber security training to teens’ curriculum when the training retreat opens full-time in 2020.

 

ISYR, a 62-acre property in West Central Indiana, is being developed as a permanent home for week-long leadership academies, weekend retreats and day visits for future law enforcement officers, at-risk kids, young witnesses and victims of crime. Until now, the new not-for-profit had been leasing the property for $1 per year while plans were finalized and fundraising gained traction.

 

Dozens of sheriffs, deputies and other supporters were on hand for ISYR’s 2nd Annual Founders’ Day at the property’s five-bedroom home, which will be remodeled as a Lodge and Conference Center for teens and law enforcement.

 

Indiana Department of Homeland Security Announces 10-Year Partnership with Sheriffs’ Youth Ranch

Already, a former veterinarian clinic on-site has been refurbished into a K-9 academy, which the Indiana Department of Homeland Security will lease for 10 years, serving as a training opportunity for Youth Ranchers, a state-of-the-art facility for safety leaders and a revenue stream to help with mortgage and utility costs.  

 

IDHS will from time-to-time share the K-9 Academy with local departments while using the facility full-time to headquarter their Search and Rescue Training Center. IDHS will also offer disaster training to Youth Ranchers as part of the long-term relationship.

 

Ideanomics’ Cyber Security Experts Provide $175,000 to Ranch, Tailor Exclusive Training for Future Law Enforcement 

In addition to traditional camp team-building activities like hiking, fishing, canoeing and swimming, high-tech training will be part of the Youth Ranch experience as well.

 

Ideanomics, national experts in cyber security, has gifted sheriffs with $175,000 toward the purchase and development of their Youth Ranch. In addition, Ideanomics will tailor their specialized training for middle- and high-school students and will offer it exclusively at ISYR to Indiana teens and cadets of the National Sheriffs’ Association Youth Leadership Academy.

 

NSA announced late last year they had selected the Indiana Sheriffs’ Youth Ranch as the host site for their new Youth Leadership Academies for selected students across the nation.

 

To donate or for more information, contact the Youth Ranch toll-free at 833-IN-RANCH.

On National Ag Day and every day, we celebrate our farmers

Farmers are the backbone of America. They grow food to feed us, fiber to clothe us, and fuel to run our homes and cars. Their hard work and dedication provide economic stability across the nation – stability that supports rural economies and creates much-needed jobs in local communities. No matter who we are, where we live, or what we do, we all have a reason every day to celebrate and thank our farmers.

 

March 14 is designated as National Ag Day. Today and every day, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) and Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Indiana join fellow agencies, non-profits, private industries, and consumers in thanking our agricultural producers for their contributions to our nation and beyond.

 

This year’s National Ag Day theme, Agriculture: Food for Life, spotlights the hard work of American farmers who diligently work to provide food and fiber for the United States and countries around the world. At USDA, our driving commitment is to support them as they put food on America’s tables.

 

USDA works with millions of rural producers through a network of local service centers that serve every county. Our farmers face challenges each day, and we’re proud to offer a variety of programs to help them fund their operations, manage risk, conserve natural resources, and recover from natural disasters.

 

On behalf of USDA, we would like to thank our farmers for feeding our nation and the world. To our farmers: We are here to support you every step of the way. Visit your local service center for one-on-one support with USDA programs and services, or learn more at farmers.gov. On National Ag Day, and every other day of the year, we celebrate you.

BBB says be wary of tech service scams

There is a new trend among tech support scams reported to BBB Scam Tracker this year. Con artists are incentivising?this classic scam?by offering refunds for tech services. 

 

These con artists contact you by phone, email, or computer pop-up, they don’t intend to refund you any money. Instead, they claim you’re owed money to lure you into the scheme. In order to receive your bogus refund, you’ll be asked to either provide your banking information or to follow a few commands on your computer, which will allow the con artist to remotely access your computer and associated data. 

 

Once the supposed tech support company has access to your computer, it will appear as if the tech support agent is placing money into your online bank account. Scam reports indicate the company will appear to overpay the refund amount and then scare you into believing you are now responsible for paying back the difference. 

 

You should ignore subsequent requests to pay back the difference by purchasing gifts cards, sending a wire transfer or using Walmart2Walmart transfers, as these types of anonymous payments are favorite deceptive methods of scammers. 

 

Excerpts from?BBB Scam Tracker?reports: 

...Now they are calling again saying they are going out of business. They will refund my money but need me to go to my computer and do something in order for them to give me the refund. 

 

This business received a phone call from someone who said the business had paid for computer technical support last year and that the company was ordered to close; therefore, the business was due a refund. 

 

This company is calling my home about 10 times a day. They say they owe me money for computer repair services they couldn't provide. 

 

I got a message on my screen saying my refund of $2,100 was being processed. The caller told me the only way to get the real $210 refund was to pay them back $1,800. He threatened to come to my house and take my appliances and computers. He said I owed him $1,800 and it has to be done now because my computer was locked. So I went to the store and purchased four Google Play cards. He said he would give me $90 for the inconvenience of getting cards. Then I gave him the security numbers off the cards. 

 

If you need to seek computer repair help, check?bbb.org?for a trusted, local tech support company near you. A company that calls or emails you out of the blue offering tech assistance or a refund should not be trusted until you can verify the legitimacy of business. Click here for tips on avoiding this scam. 

Shelbyville Central Schools to host Aspire Awards Program

The SCS Aspire Awards program recognizes students with disabilities, support staff and teachers who support students with disabilities.   The program will celebrate these individuals from all across the Shelbyville Central Schools district on Wednesday, March 13, 2019 at 6:30PM in the Breck Auditorium at Shelbyville High School. 

 

The event is free and open to the public. 

 

The Aspire Awards program will be recognizing SCS students and staff in the following categories:

The Bear Strong Award recognizes students with disabilities who show courage in taking on new challenges. 

 

The Dream Chaser Award recognizes students with disabilities who set long-term goals for themselves and aretrue go-getters. 

 

The Unified Leadership Award recognizes a pair of students (one disabled and one non-disabled peer) who have created a strong friendship with each other and value each other’s contributions. 

 

The Super Support Staff Award recognizes SCS support staff who go above and beyond to support students with disabilities. 

 

The Educator Award recognizes SCS teachers who create meaningful opportunities for students with disabilities in their classrooms.

 

The Hal Gambrel Award recognizes an SCS employee who advocates for the participation of students with disabilities in extra-curricular activities. 

 

The Don Collins Award recognizes a community member or organization that supports inclusive practices in our schools.  

SHS Singing Sensational Saturday

The Shelbyville High School Choral Department and the Shelbyville High School Choral Boosters will host the annual Shelbyville High School Singing Sensational show choir competition at SHS on Saturday,March 9, 2019 in Breck Auditorium. 

 

Twelve show choirs from Indiana and Ohio will compete to be named Grand Champion at this prestigious contest from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM.  Shelbyville’s host show choir, Synergy, will perform in exhibition at the end of the competition at 8:30 PM.

 

Soloists from the competing choirs will also compete to be named the Grand Champion of the 2019 Singing Sensational solo competition.  Soloists from visiting choirs will perform in the SHS Library-Media Center from 3:15 to 5:30 PM.

 

The public is encouraged to attend the 2019 Singing Sensational at Shelbyville High School.  Many entertaining shows will be performed by some of the best show choirs in the Midwest. 

 

Admittance to the competition is only $14.00, and all tickets will be sold at the door.  Breakfast, lunch and dinner will be served in the SHS cafeteria for this event.

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