Elwood Call Leader

01/01/2026

From all of us at your local paper to all of you readers, ad customers and subscribers, thanks for your continued support! Have a safe and happy new year!

12/26/2025

A mother and her 19-year-old son were airlifted following a Christmas evening dispute that resulted in violence.

Police say that the son struck his mother with his vehicle during an argument, before suffering an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. The incident remains under investigation by EPD.

https://www.elwoodcall-leader.com/news/2025/12/26/epd-investigating-christmas-night-incident-involving-mother-son/

12/25/2025

Thanks so much for your continued support of your local newspaper! From all of us at CherryRoad Media to all of you, have a safe and merry Christmas!

12/16/2025

On Tuesday, Mayor Todd Jones issued a statement following yesterday's ruling that Carl Roy Webb Boards II, the man charged in the murder of Officer Noah Shahnavaz, is incompetent to stand trial at this time.

“Our commitment to honoring Officer Shahnavaz’s life, service, and sacrifice is unwavering,” said Jones. “We will stand with the Elwood Police Department and support Officer Shahnavaz’s family every step of the way.”

https://www.elwoodcall-leader.com/news/2025/12/16/jones-issues-statement-on-boards-incompetency-ruling/

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12/15/2025

Judge Andrew Hopper has determined that Carl Roy Webb Boards II, the man charged with the 2022 murder of Elwood officer Noah Shahnavaz, is incompetent to stand trial at this time.

12/09/2025

From the City of Elwood page:

Due to a mechanical issue, trash collection will be ONE day behind this week. We appreciate your patience as we work to resolve the situation.

12/09/2025

A 42-year-old Alexandria man was arrested Friday after a traffic stop led to the discovery of 23 grams of methamphetamine.

12/04/2025

This week in 1975:

Windows in the Arcadia Town Building were destroyed by shotgun blasts. The building houses the town’s police and fire departments. Town Marshal Russell Whisler is seeking leads in the shooting, which is the latest in a series of acts of vandalism to public buildings in Arcadia.

Check out the top stories from 50, 40, 30, and 20 years ago with Looking Back:
https://www.elwoodcall-leader.com/news/2025/12/04/looking-back-80/

11/29/2025

The Elwood Christmas Committee and Mayor Todd Jones, consulting with INDOT, have made the decision to cancel the planned Christmas festivities scheduled for this evening as a result of the expected weather.

The Elwood Christmas Committee and the Mayor's office have been in contact with INDOT, Madison County Emergency Management, and Burgerhaus Produtions to discuss this evening's festivities. We have been closely monitoring the latest weather forecast and considering the potential risks posed by the expected conditions, we have made the difficult decision to cancel our planned Christmas activities scheduled for this evening.

This decision was not made lightly. The safety of our participants, volunteers, visitors, and community is our top priority, and the projected weather creates hazards that we cannot responsibly overlook.

We understand that this news is disappointing, especially during a season meant for gathering and celebration. We truly appreciate your understanding and flexibility.

In the meantime, please take care of yourselves and one another.

Thank you for your understanding.

11/26/2025

Heavenly Daniels, pictured at far right, was crowned the 2025 Miss Snowflake Monday night at the Elwood Elks Lodge. She will join the Elwood Christmas Royalty on Saturday from the balcony at the Elwood Opera House to turn on the Christmas lights.

Sophia Clark, center, was crowned first runner-up, and Zenity Andrews, far left, was named second runner-up.

Additional photos of the annual Kappa Delta Phi contest will be published in this week's Call Leader.

11/24/2025

Around 75 people attended the second Annual EHS Alumni Hall of Fame Banquet last Saturday evening at the Elwood Jr/Sr High School cafeteria.

The Class of 2025 inductees included:

Tom Austin (former Superintendent), inducted by his stepson Trent Hicks

George Dudley (former Principal), inducted by retired teacher Vicki Savage

Dr. Robert Helm, inducted by John Moser

Richard Merritt (former Superintendent), inducted by Tom Austin

Terri Austin (former State Representative), inducted by former State Senator Tim Lanane

Dinner was served by members of the National Honor Society. Superintendent Dr. Troy Friedersdorf gave the introduction, Director of Student Services Heather Anderson presented the History of the Hall of Fame, and Madison County Chamber Director Clayton Whitson spoke about the Elwood Education Foundation.

The event benefited the Elwood Educational Foundation. For complete coverage, check out this week's edition of the Elwood Call Leader.

11/24/2025

Police are investigating the shooting death of a 40-year-old Elwood man. Madison County Sheriffs say police responded to a call just before 2 a.m. Sunday, in which the caller told dispatch he had shot another man inside the residence, located in the 8000 block of West County Road 1800 North.