Plainfield Police Updates Now On Facebook and Twitter

In today's fast-paced barrage of information, it can be easy to overlook important public safety announcements. But now, the Plainfield Police Department is utilizing two real-time social media tools to keep residents up to date. “As we researched this vital communication initiative, we found that we are the first Department in the state to use Twitter and Facebook together,” said Chief Jeff Mitny. “By combining these two tools we are able to get information to our citizens more quickly.”

The timeliness and reach of the notifications are enhanced by linking the two platforms. “When we send a message via Facebook, it automatically sends a short message to Twitter,” said Mitny, “and if a Twitter message, or ‘Tweet', is too long, we can direct followers to Facebook for more information.” Working together, this process enables the Department's Facebook “fans” or Twitter “followers” to learn important information on each site, or via email or mobile phone, depending on their notification settings.

According to Captain Carri Weber, information being released may include road/traffic conditions, breaking news, and crime prevention information, as well as upcoming police department events. “In cases such as burglary or theft where a video exists,” she said, “we can even post that video to our Facebook page.”

To follow the Department on Twitter, search for PlainfieldPD; on Facebook, search for Plainfield Police Department. To learn more about this initiative, contact Lt. Jill Lees at (317) 838-3565.

White Lick Creek Bank Restored

Area flooding during June 2008 left about 1,300 feet of the White Lick Creek bank severely damaged and unstable. Now, thanks to a unique and environmentally friendly process, that creek bank between Friendship Gardens and Buchanan Street has been substantially restored.

According to Town Engineer Tim Belcher, the restoration method combined building a base level of large rocks along with reinforced earth lifts and plantings. “This method is intended to protect the bank while also allowing for natural growth along the creek within the earth lifts. It is more environmentally sensitive than using all rock,” Belcher said, “and we look forward to the plant growth in spring.” He added that the restoration will also help protect public sewers, private land and trails that parallel the creek.

Approximately 75% of the total construction cost of $254,000 was covered by a Natural Resources Conservation Service grant under the Emergency Watershed Protection program. Banning Engineering and J. F. New provided the engineering, with John Hall Construction performing the work. To learn more about this project, contact Belcher at 839-2561, extension 218.

Spring Fling Run/Walk Moved to Middle School

The 20th annual Spring Fling 15K run and 5K walk will kick off Saturday March 6, but will begin at the Plainfield Middle School West Gymnasium this year due to US 40 road construction limiting access to the Plainfield Recreation Center. The 15K run begins at 8:15 a.m.; the 5K walk at 8:25 a.m. The 15K route will take participants through Anderson Park, Hummel Park, Friendship Gardens and other locations along the Plainfield Greenway Trail System.

According to Race Director Steven Huckstep, the event continues to grow in popularity. “The 2009 event drew a record 430 participants. They really enjoy the race and the Plainfield Greenways.” Huckstep noted that top finishers will win awards and receive gasoline cards from Speedway. Door prizes will also be awarded, and each participant will receive coupons for free Papa Murphy's Cheesy Bread and a free Chick-fil-A sandwich.

Pre-race registration forms will be available at the Recreation Center and online at www.runnersforum.com (search for Spring Fling event information) or www. getmeregistered.com. Participants can also register at the event between 6:45 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. Race day registration is $25 per participant, with proceeds benefitting the Plainfield High School Fellowship of Christian Athletes. For more information, contact Steven Huckstep at 839-5831 or by email at hucksl@comcast.net.