IN|Whitley County Nov. 16, 2017

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Veterans Day �������4

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NEWS IN BRIEF Special Olympics Indiana to host Whitley call-out meeting tonight Staff reports

COLUMBIA CITY — Special Olympics Indiana will host an exploratory meeting Thursday to discuss the development of a local program in Whitley County. All are invited to attend and participate in the discussion, which will be held at the Whitley County Family YMCA in Columbia City, 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 16. Special Olympics Indiana serves more than 13,000 people with intellectual disabilities each year, and is active in more than three quarters of the state’s 92 counties. With a goal of reaching at least 15,000 by 2019, the organization is working to identify previously unserved areas and to establish volunteer management teams tasked with organizing practices and competitions at the county level.

Wesley Chapel UMC to host Harvest Supper Staff reports

CHURUBUSCO — Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church will host a harvest supper 4-7 p.m. Nov. 18 at the church, 13733 Wesley Chapel Road, Churubusco. The meal includes chicken or ham, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, corn, salad and a dessert — for a free-will donation. Money raised from the meal will be give to missions that the church supports.

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By Nicole Minier nminier@kpcmedia�com

COLUMBIA CITY — For the first time since its inception eight years ago, a local runner won the Columbia City Veterans Marathon. Brenden Zoltek is a 2012 Columbia City High School graduate and won the 26.2mile race — his first ever marathon.

Zoltek began his running career in sixth grade at Indian Springs Middle School, with his mother, Krystal, and Gary Bird as coaches. Bird and his wife, Joann, were the ones who started the Veterans Marathon, and are owners of Running Around Screen Printing — a shop in downtown Columbia City.

BILL FRIES, OWNER 260-244-3453

For Service of System Call

November 16, 2017

Zoltek works for Running Around Screen Printing, which sponsored his entry fee for the race. “Joann is a huge supporter of me and knew I wanted to run the marathon,” Zoltek said. Zoltek’s main goal wasn’t to win the marathon, but to finish with a qualifying time to advance to the Boston Marathon. The

qualifying time for Boston is typically about 3:05, but Zoltek’s goal was 2:45. He finished in 2:47. Zoltek had been running 18-mile workouts for three weeks leading up to the marathon. “I got through 18 miles and kept saying, this is unknown territory — it could have been great or I could have done worse than

I expected,” Zoltek said. “I was happy with how I finished.” Zoltek tried to keep a steady, 6:30-mile pace. He thought if he could hold that pace for 18 miles, he could do it for 26.2. The cooler weather Saturday slowed him down in the last two miles, as his See MARATHON, Page 7

CC spellers are repeat state champs By Nicole Minier nminier@kpcmedia�com

COLUMBIA CITY — Columbia City High School’s Spell Bowl team’s performance Saturday spelled victory when it defended its state championship title at Purdue University. It’s the first time in CCHS history that the school won back-to-back titles. Last year was the first time CCHS won since 1988. The team is led by Dennis Beckner, who began as an Indian Springs Middle School coach 12 years ago. When the position at CCHS became available three years ago, Beckner stepped in to take it. The team made an appearance at the state final each of those three years, placing seventh three years ago and winning the last two. Three of the seniors on the CCHS team started See SPELLERS, Page 7

CONTRIBUTED

Columbia City High School’s Spell Bowl team won the state championship at Purdue University Saturday. Pictured from left are Lenah Beck, Karen Cheng, Coach Dennis Beckner, Kennedy Arntz, Eric Burkholder, Maizey Foreman, Eric Yager, Josh Mattes, Humzah Qureshi and Jaeden Roussey.

Businesses, school leaders consider work ethic certification By Nicole Minier nminier@kpcmedia�com

INWhitley County 123 N. Main Street, Churubusco, IN 46723

NICOLE MINIER

Whitley County Consolidated Schools’ Technology Director Jake Hoag takes notes on his computer.

123 North Main Street,Churubusco, IN 46723

INWhitley County

Vol. 1 No. 33

2215 E. Paige Rd., Columbia City, IN 46725

Zoltek wins Veterans Marathon

INFORMATION

Telephone: (260) 693-3949

G & K WELL DRILLING, INC. WATER SYSTEMS and WATER CONDITIONERS

COLUMBIA CITY — What makes a good employee? Business and academic leaders came together last week for a Whitley Works luncheon to discuss a potential partnership between schools and businesses — a certification that gives students the opportunity to prove their worth as an employee. While letter grades are important in proving intelligence, a work ethic certification would show the student’s character, which many argue is equally, if not more, important. Whitley Works’ Talent Development Director Lori Heuer, in partnership with local school districts and the Whitley County Chamber of Commerce,

hosted Andrew Melvin, superintendent of the Greater Clark Community School Corp. Clark County schools implemented a successful “PRIDE” program, a joined effort of businesses and schools to encourage character growth. PRIDE stands for persistence, respectfulness, initiative, dependability and efficiency. The program is becoming popular in many other school districts across the state, and a similar program could be formed in Whitley County. Melin argues that the focus should be all on academics. “If we don’t have a community full of pride and character, it doesn’t matter how smart we are,” Melin said. “I would

rather be part of an organization full of people with good character.” Students are assessed in each area of the PRIDE program: Persistence: student completes the task at hand regardless of the obstacles that occur. For example, students need minimal supervision, consistently completes assignments, willingness to re-work when necessary, maximizes available resources. Respectfulness: student demonstrates and promotes a spirit of cooperation within and outside the classroom. For example, a the student interacts effectively with others, offers assistance to peers, completes a minimum of six hours of community service See WORKS, Page 7


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IN|Whitley County Nov. 16, 2017 by KPC Media Group - Issuu