Randy Swopes, 52, took a plea deal that offered him two years of probation and 250 hours of public service.

Swopes’ son has Crohn’s disease, an inflammatory bowel disorder where the body’s immune system attacks the gastrointestinal tract.

At the time of the incident, Swopes’ son, who was 14 at the time, suffered a complication of the disease called fistula. Fistula, which affects an estimated 25 percent of people who have Crohn’s, is an abnormal connection of two organs. In the teenage boy’s case, there may have been an abnormal connection between the anal canal and anal skin.

Depending on the severity, proper treatment of a fistula may involve a combination of taking antibiotics and draining the abscess, according to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation.

Rather than take his son to the hospital, Swopes chose to sew the buttocks area shut himself, Assistant State Attorney Danielle Pascucci told the Lake-County News Sun. The teenager spent nearly a month in the hospital because the wound became infected, she said.

Swopes, who was charged with aggravated battery, could have spent at least two years in jail for the incident before agreeing to the plea deal.

 … A Yahoo-news story

Having a Goodwill second-hand store in Connersville doesn’t seem to have the “Urban Pizzazz” like a “Carbon Motors” or a Chinese or Turkish super-factory but let’s face it – Urban and the others are getting desperate for look-at-me moment.

After watching dozens of businesses along with hundreds of jobs leave town in the last few years –including Crown Motors, many residents would like to see those politicians follow them.

It’s time for Leonard Urban to do his magic in Michigan.

The car, located in Danville California, has less than 10,000 miles on it and is one of  only 184 original Cord Supercharged Beverly’s ever built in Connersville. It is one of fewer than 100 cars believed to still exist worldwide today.  Below is the actual auction information that ends in eight days.

1937 Cord Supercharged 812 Beverly

If you are a Cord enthusiast or ever considered purchasing one of these magnificent cars I would recommend that you read this listing in its entirety.  These automobiles in the last few years have gotten away price-wise from most collectors and this could be one of the last remaining unrestored Supercharged Cord Beverly’s available.

The Body

This 1937 Cord Beverly is in high quality satin primer over an acid etch primed bare metal base.  The carefully metal finished areas can be seen in the pictures that show the car in bare metal.  These areas were where there were door dings, small dents or repairs in many cases, no larger than the size of an American quarter coin.  The metal has been fastidiously cleaned and prepared for the next level of show quality paint preparation.  The cleaning process was multi-step and quite thorough.  After stripping completely to bare metal, all body components were then further cleaned with a soda or aluminum oxide blast.  The parts were then were treated in a phosphoric acid rich bath to convert any imperceptible iron oxidation into iron phosphate, an excellent auto primer base.  This level of cleaning is critical to protect the car from any unseen oxidation that would come back after the final paint process and reassembly.  It is far easier to invest the time to do this step right than to discover rust reemerging on your finished show car later.

There are no covered over holes, perforations or incorrect modifications in the body whatsoever. There are no poorly done or modern reproduction body panels anywhere on this automobile.  All repairs to the factory sheetmetal were expertly done in fully welded steel with the ultimate goal to make each repair as undetectable and correct as possible.  This was accomplished in many cases by not only using the same material as the factory but also by utilizing the same methods of manufacture and detail as the Auburn assembly plant in Connersville did in 1937.  The floors areas have been cleaned, repaired or replaced with the correct gauge steel, acid etch primed and painted in the factory type red-oxide color matched modern formulation primer.  After this was completed, the appropriate areas were then undercoated utilizing a modern version rubber based material to replicate the asphaltic based undercoating used at the factory.  This was done to insure adhesion as well as stop moisture from being trapped over time as occurred when the original tar-type delaminated from the metal.  Finally, a modern high quality sound deadening material is being supplied to apply to the prepared and red oxide primed roof underside and internal door surfaces exactly as the factory did.  This modern formulation sound deadening replaces the factory asphalt impregnated paper on these surfaces substantially enhancing the already quiet ride design of the Beverly. These areas are all covered with the interior upholstery and therefore no aesthetic visual change can be detected when completed.  The ultimate goal was to give the factory appearance with none of the drawbacks.  We have chosen to deliver the Beverly before this step was completed to afford the new owner the opportunity to closely inspect the quality and condition of the metalwork itself.

The most difficult part of any restoration is adhering to factory standards.  Many 75 year old cars have been restored multiple times over the years. Each time a little something is lost due to limitations in the restorer’s knowledge, abilities and or budget.  I have closely watched the recent offerings of these fine automobiles and am concerned with the level of corrosion, modifications, poor bodywork and the extensive rear wheel drive conversion damage that they have experienced.  A recent Beverly was sold with many major repairs done in fiberglass matting that was then obscured by autoparts store canned undercoating.  These type repairs along with filled wheellip openings, bondo sculpted lines and details, etc. are simply disasterous.  This damage is expensive to correct properly and ultimately can become one of the main reasons why one of these classics pass to a new owner.  An experienced restorer will never value cosmetically pretty paint, mechanical or interior work that they know will end up on the shop floor and or in the trash as part of a proper restoration.

Proper restoration techniques were utilized in every phase of the work performed on this car.  The front fenders on this Beverly have been metal finished with all proper factory leaded seams. Due to their complex design and construction, many Cord front and rear fenders are areas which have been the site of some fairly horrific bodywork over those same 75 years.  The valance below the trunk lid is another area on both open and closed cars that can be a disaster due to rust, collision damage or poor workmanship over the years.  These areas are excellent on this Beverly.  All four doors were undamaged after stripping to bare metal with the exception of some perforated areas at the door bottoms.  Door bottoms routinely had rust problems early on since the design from the factory did not incorporate a proper drain system for condensation or moisture.  All preparation, fabrication and repairs are done in 14. 16 or 18 gauge steel then cleaned, acid etched and professionally metal finished by an artisan with over 25 years experience on Ferraris, Lamborghinis and various other exotics.  Door, hood and trunk gaps are very good and confirm once again the suspected damage-free history.
I have spent a good deal of time describing the fact that it was so straight and simply because that is hardly ever the case with these cars.  I have included a few pictures of these stages of restoration and repair to give the buyer a better understanding of the condition of this car and the simplicity of their restoration going forward.

Serial # 32415S

Stub Frame # 415S
Engine # FC3182 now FB2765
Central Body Tag # C96 462

The new owner will have the option of restoring the car with the included fully machined and prepared non-SC engine or, acquiring the needed mechanical components and at some point in the future bringing it back to the full Supercharged version.  An important note is that I believe a strong argument can be made that the value of the car with the outside exhaust and non-SC engine would not vary dramatically with the full Supercharged alternative.  This car will always be 1 of 184 real SC cars regardless of the driveline configuration which will ultimately establish and preserve its value.  1 of 184 SC Beverly automobiles amongst a total of less than 3,000 cords ever produced gives new meaning to the word rare.

This car is believed to have fairly low miles on it since new.   It has been in storage for the last 30 or 40 years and will be the ultimate restoration for any Cord enthusiast.  Part of the fascinating history of this particular car is that it does appear in the official Cord lists but has been out of circulation in private hands for over a half of a century.

The Mechanics

The included non-supercharged engine has been machined and prepared with all new .030 pistons, bearings, reground cam, etc., and is very clean and fairly well detailed.  The transmission has been inspected and is in excellent shape needing only the addition of the vacuum canister, valve body and cast oil filter all which are also included in this sale.

The car has the NUMBERS MATCHING SUB FRAME and factory correct sheetmetal for the supercharged outside pipe configuration.  As you may know, this outside pipe option was available only on supercharged 1937 cars from the factory.  However, many cars, both 1936 and 1937, were returned directly to a Cord selling dealer or later to Dallas Winslow at the Cord Factory to add the pipe feature as a result of their immense popularity.  Many of the non-original cars were done hastily with improper “conversion” details and can be told from an original quite readily.  Trust me; these details are just one of the areas that are intensely scrutinized at concours shows of any consequence.  The steering and steering box and suspension appear to be complete and in good condition.

I have included several pictures of the engine inspection for your review.  I would leave the final assessment to your own independent inspection which I always encourage.

One particular area of interest when it comes to condition can be found at the firewall.  Almost as a rule, all Cord automobiles have had large holes cut or even hacked into their firewalls to repair the engine’s timing chain assembly.  These “windows” were cut in to avoid disassembling the entire front end and entirely removing the engine to service this part.  This Beverly’s firewall has never been cut or altered in any way.   Of course this is another area I would ask for you to rely on your own inspection.

All glass is new unmarked safety PPG laminate cut from perfect factory glass templates.  New or NOS windshield frames as well as a complete set of interior window garnish moldings are present.

Mechanically; many of the hard to find parts to restore this automobile are included in this sale.  Cord factory wheels, generator, starter, left and right wiper motors, Steering wheel, Startix, brakes and master cylinder, drums, clutch disc, flywheel and factory pressure plate, distributor and new cap, coil and water pump.   Correct trunk and hood hinges, latches, props, window regulators and cowl vent door regulators and handles are included as well as the diecast license plate light and bronze angle plate.

There are many, many talented trustworthy folks who belong to the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Club who deal in parts for these fine automobiles as well as offer professional rebuilding services for many of the car’s mechanical components.  At the appropriate time, I would be pleased to make those introductions.  I recommend that the very first thing you do if you are the successful bidder is join this great organization as well as the Museum.  As an added bonus, I will include a one-year paid membership to the club if you are not already a member.  Additionally, I will include a new copy in the publisher’s wrapper of the original definitive book on this marque titled Cord 810/812 The Timeless Classic written by noted author Josh B. Malks.  You cannot successfully restore a Cord of any kind without this piece of incredible research.  The book is also available new on Amazon.com from Hickman Books for $250.00.

The Interior

Both front and rear seats are included which have been superbly reupholstered in the factory type cloth to replicate the rich maroon correct factory color with accenting black welting.  Seat components are furnished along with several yards of matching fabric included for the headliner and door panels.  The work on the upholstery has never been installed into the car after it’s completeion.  Complete door moldings are included together with most of the attaching hardware as far as I can judge.  Interior trim components also include both visors as well as rear courtesy light housings and lenses, new engine turned dash panel, all correct dash instruments and an ultra rare Philco factory radio, overhead speaker trim and ultra rare original radio control head.

I have done my best to describe how complete this amazing car is at this point.  There are still a few parts that will have to be located and of course this is all part of the hobby.  On the other hand, the car is pretty darn complete with most of the hard parts included and therefore most if not all of the dreadful parts hunting is behind you.  As I have said, it’s all part of the fun of putting back together a seventy-five year piece of history.  The ACD Club has many sources for the things that you will need to do your restoration and I will be happy to share these contacts at the appropriate time.

Auburn, Cord and Duesenberg (ACD) automobiles are by far are some of the most collectable automobiles in the world and are supported by the great work of the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Museum and the members of the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Club.  I find it fascinating that the Cord cars specifically were often referred to as highly collectible, rare, important, treasured, classics, etc. only months after their first introduction at the new York Auto Show in 1935.

Cord 810 and 812 cars were prized belongings of famous people who could have afforded any car they wished including Amelia Earhart, Tom Mix, Al Jolson, Prince Bernhardt of Belgium, Sonja Henie, The Armenian Royalty Family of Միչիգան , etc.

Cords enjoy Full Classic ™ status with the Classic Car Club of America.  With prices of these classics now far surpassing the six-figure dollar mark for a sedan, only a car of this rarity has a chance of measuring up to those heights when completed.  The best advice that I ever received in this hobby was to acquire the most important car that you can afford, in the best possible condition, and then grow with it.  This 1937 SC Cord Beverly is just that car. Remember while considering this Cord for your collection that you cannot ever hope to have an appreciating asset if you start out with the wrong marque or the wrong car.  Unfortunately history has proven time and time again that if you undertake a restoration starting with an example of dubious provenance that you will most likely end up with a very expensive restoration of the example with the same dubious provenance.

Please ask all of your questions prior to bidding.  While this is an incredible car that will be worth every moment spent on it, it is nevertheless a seventy-five year old car being sold as-is, where-is without any express or implied warranty whatsoever.  The car will be transferred to the new buyer with a clear title by Bill of Sale without any liens and or encumbrances whatsoever.

In closing, I have been a car enthusiast and private collector for over 35 years.  I originally purchased this car to reconfigure and restore it as a non-SC car and to utilize some of the extra parts acquired at the same time for another Cord project I am working on.  These extremely rare sedans are also great family cars and are the personal choice of some of the most knowledgeable Cord experts and enthusiasts including Mr. Malks himself.  Unfortunately, with just too many commitments on my current automobile project list, including several Cords; I have decided to let someone else bring this car to its well deserved completion.  I will be pleased to go over any of the details of the car with you and will help any prospective buyer with their arrangements for shipping this car anywhere in the world.

Offers / trades prior to auction end will be considered.  I will answer all questions in a timely manner.  This automobile is subject to prior sale as it is also for sale locally.

]]> http://towncow.connersvillepages.com/2012/05/12/ebay-1937-cord-supercharged-812-beverly-42500/feed/ 0 http://towncow.connersvillepages.com/2012/05/12/5-mcfarlan-screw-on-hubcap-sells-for-421-on-ebay/ http://towncow.connersvillepages.com/2012/05/12/5-mcfarlan-screw-on-hubcap-sells-for-421-on-ebay/#comments Sat, 12 May 2012 02:28:00 +0000 towncow http://towncow.connersvillepages.com/?p=3701 A very small part made in Connersville for the legendary McFarlan automobile sold for a hefty $421.87 this week on Ebay.
We thought you would be interested in seeing this Ebay item and will show you other unique Connersville items in the future.

McFarlan Antique Automobile Threaded Screw On Hubcap Connersville, Indiana

You are bidding on McFarlan antique threaded screw on hubcap.

Manufactured in Connersville, Indiana between 1910-1928.

It is nickel plated brass

It has some light nicks and scratches and 4 gouges on the rim.

It measures: 5-1/4″ OD and 2″ high.

Bailey said that numerous businesses will be painted in preparation of a new movie being filmed downtown and the Bicentennial and then said - “the railroad trestle over the 1000 block of Central Avenue will be painted red.”  

Andy Griffith Show Flashback

Episode 13:  Mayberry Goes Hollywood -Originally aired on Jan. 2, 1961

This brought back memories of a classic Andy Griffith Show where a Hollywood movie producer visits Mayberry and, taken with the town’s charm, decides to use it as the setting of a new film. The town members become screen-struck and busily go about giving Mayberry a face-lift, changing everything the producer liked. Just before the citizens are about to cut down a landmark oak tree while Mayor Pike’s daughter poorly sings Flow Gently Sweet Afton, the producer stops them and tells them what Mayberry’s appeal was to him: the townspeople’s simple, honest, down-to-earth ways.

Just Picture It

Mayor Urban”s wife singing Flow Gently while he and all his handpicked cronies -all dressed in their funeral attire- greet their movie producer guests at Roberts Park.
Then the honorable ”Kentucky Colonel”  hands out a few more “Keys to the City” while Police Chief Counselor’s army of city owned Humvee’s mow down every tree the Park has to offer.  ~~~~~~ Now THAT’S a movie.

RIP Goober Pyle

This week George Lindsey, who spent nearly 30 years as the grinning Goober on “The Andy Griffith Show” and “Hee Haw,” has died. He was 83.

In a statement released through the funeral home, Griffith said, “George Lindsey was my friend. I had great respect for his talent and his human spirit. In recent years, we spoke often by telephone. Our last conversation was a few days ago … I am happy to say that as we found ourselves in our eighties, we were not afraid to say, ‘I love you.’ That was the last thing George and I had to say to each other. ‘I love you.’”

Billy Nakis, 39, an owner of Carver’s Restaurant, was found dead of a gunshot wound inside his home at 1531 Chester Blvd.

“There was a note found inside the home,” said Richmond Police Department Capt. Jim Branum. “There are also some family members at the city building being interviewed by investigators.”

Family members discovered Nakis’ body and placed an emergency call at 1:16 p.m.

When emergency personnel arrived, they found Nakis with a gunshot wound to the head. He was transported to Reid Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, police said.

Police told reporters gathered on the city’s north side that the note investigators found simply said, “I’m sorry.”

Branum said police had interviewed Nakis once as part of their investigation into the death of Richmond’s Tonawanda Thompson.

“He came voluntarily to the department and spoke with detectives for some time about the incident,” RPD Patrolman Ron Pennington said.

Authorities had not identified Nakis as a suspect or person of interest in the woman’s murder, Branum said.

“I wouldn’t say we had gotten to that point yet,” Branum added.

Pennington told media Tuesday afternoon that Nakis was not considered a suspect or a person of interest, but he had not been eliminated as a suspect either.

“At one time, they were romantically linked,” Pennington said, adding that Tuesday’s suicide would not change the course of the police investigation into Thompson’s murder.

“Today’s incident will not bring closure to that investigation.”

Thompson, 32, was shot three times in the upper torso early the morning of April 30 as she sat inside her car just a couple hundred feet from her home near the intersection of South 20th and G streets. Both Thompson and her unborn child died as a result of the gunshot wounds.

Thompson, who taught sixth grade at Fayette Central Elementary School, was the mother of a 13-year-old daughter and was within a couple weeks of her due date at the time of her slaying, authorities have said.

Say it ain’t so.

If any of these people were subpoenaed to court for their actions, do you think they would show up?
Click below ~ you probably won’t believe it.

The U.S. Department of Energy rejected the $310 million loan application, saying it was not able to negotiate a deal with Carbon Motors that supported the business “while protecting taxpaers.” The company had been waiting for more than three years for an answer on the application.

Carbon Motors says the loan would have enabled it to create more than 1,550 jobs in Connersville, and would have resulted in appximately 10,000 total direct and indirect jobs throughout the countyr.

Carbon Motors will take the car to Miami Beach next week.

The moon will be at its closest point in its orbit to the Earth this year.  To be precise, Earth and moon will be just 221,801 miles apart — more than 17,000 miles closer than average.

NASA’s Science News calculates the moon’s appearance Saturday will be “as much as 14% bigger and 30% brighter than other full moons of 2012.”

Some call what’s known as a perigee full moon a “supermoon,” which may or may not be accurate. EarthSky gives a lengthy explanation of the term and concludes with this: “Bottom line: The full moon of May 5 (or 6), 2012, is the closest and largest full moon of this year. Some will call it a supermoon.”

In addition to Wayne County, the cities of Muncie and Connersville and Fayette and Henry counties are among the communities named as defendants.

All of the defendants have drug-detection dogs trained by Vohne Liche Kennels Inc. of Denver, Ind., which also was sued. Paul Whitesell, chairman of the Indiana Law Enforcement Training Board, which controls state training standards, and American Working Dogs United Inc. also are defendants in the suit.

The suit was filed by Kevin D. Miller of Schererville, who appears to be representing himself in U.S. District Court in Indianapolis.

Wayne County Sheriff Jeff Cappa said his department has three drug-detection dogs. He referred all other questions, including whether the department has made changes in the use of its drug dogs since the lawsuit was filed, to his legal deputy, Howard Williams. Williams did not return a request for comment.

Wayne and Henry counties, along with eight other sheriff’s departments, have filed motions to dismiss all claims against them for lack of jurisdiction over the subject of the suit.

Miller is seeking an injunction against all the defendants, asking they immediately stop conducting K-9 sniffs of