IN|Whitley County Dec. 21, 2017 by KPC Media Group

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December 21, 2017

Whitko commits to consolidation By Tyler Roebuck troebuck@kpcmedia�com

LARWILL — In a fiery school board meeting, the Whitko School Board decided that effective the 2018-2019 school year, Whitko Community Schools will have two kindergarten-6th grade elementary schools and one 7-12th grade high school location. What they did not decide, however, was where the high school will

Location to be decided; Community outraged

be located. Eric Trump motioned for the 7-12 building to be housed at the Larwill location, but withdrew the motion after the crowd erupted in protest. Residents in attendance were upset about the board making the decision while down a board member. After Joe Begley retired last month, the board accepted applica-

tions for a new member but has not yet selected or sworn in a new member. The vote on the schools came after a chaotic public hearing on the issue, during which one speaker was removed by police. Scott Darling began with a series of questions for the board, but the board refused to answer. “This is not a public

question session, this is a hearing,” board member Jorell Tucker said. Darling pressed on until Superintendent Steve Clason requested Pierceton Police Department officers in the room to remove Darling for being uncooperative. Other speakers highlighted their wishes for the board to think hard about the decision.

“I understand that you have a difficult decision to make, and I understand that with dwindling enrollment you need to make them soon,” South Whitley Town Council President Randy Cokl said. “I think we need to try consolidation for a few years and then reconsider. We need to be careful of increased taxes. I know in South Whitley we had to do some mandated projects that raised some taxes

By Tyler Roebuck

By Nicole Minier

troebuck@kpcmedia�com

COLUMBIA CITY — Some might say the Sery family does adoption a little differently. If you ask them, however, it was a blessing both ways. On July 21, 2016, Jennifer and Michael Sery adopted their daughter Jorah, now four years old, and welcomed her into their big family. What was unusual about her adoption was that previous to joining the Sery family, Jorah was their foster child. The Serys decided to try being foster parents in 2010 after they had considered having another child. “We decided to give back and become foster parents,” Jennifer said. A year later, they had their biological daughter Autumn, but decided they still wanted to try foster parenting. But, for the next several years, the phone remained silent and no foster child graced their home. “We were wondering if we did anything wrong,” Jennifer said. Then the phone rang. “We got a call from our [Department of Child Services] agent on Jul. 3, 2014, and she said, ‘We have a girl that needs an immediate placement,’” she said. That night, Jorah became a part of the Sery family as their foster

Vol. 1 No. 38

CONTRIBUTED

The Sery family is pictured from left, Andrew, Jorah, Jennifer, Michael, Autumn, Benjamin and Wes.

child. “When they brought her to us, there was no emotion. None,” Jennifer said. “She sat on our living room floor and everyone crowded around her and there was nothing. When we got Jorah, she literally came in a pair of pants and a blanket, and the Whitley County DCS were able to hook us up with clothing right away.” Being a foster parent for a young child is emotionally tough, as Jennifer describes. “I think that obviously the hardest part is to bring a child into your home with the thought of reunification and loving that

child as your own and then having to cut those ties,” she said. “The goal of foster care is first and foremost reunification.” The Serys tried to be a part of the foster program, following this goal by fulfilling every detail. “We started with visits with the biological parents, but it seemed at the beginning of 2016 that there was discussion of termination of parental rights,” she said. Jorah stole the family’s heart as a foster. “The first time she smiled at me was a few days [after becoming our foster child], and I can’t even say how that warmed my heart,” Jennifer said. “To see

her finally open up and become a lasting happy little girl was huge.” As the year progressed, the Serys pursued adoption. “Because it was a foster-toadoption case, we had visits from local and regional DCS, as well as [Court Appointed Special Advocates] representatives. We were able to obtain an attorney, and July 21, 2016, she became Jorah Ruth Sery,” she said. Today, Jorah is a happy part of the family, and blends right in with her siblings. “With our family, we just throw you in, and we didn’t treat her any differently than any of our other children,” Jennifer said.

CHURUBUSCO — The owner of Mom’s Lighthouse, Sue Arnold, approached the Churubusco Town Council at December’s first meeting, asking that the alley next her building on West Whitley Street be closed off to trucks. Arnold’s building has been hit twice, most recently breaking off the awning about a month ago. Police were unable to locate the driver, leaving Arnold to once again foot the bill for the damage. “The alley is too narrow for those big trucks,” Arnold said. “I can’t keep paying out of pocket to fix this.” Councilman Frank Kessler agreed that the alley is narrow. “It’s hard enough to get a car around in it,” Kessler said. The council members said they would consider her request and potentially draft an ordinance to close the alley to trucks. The council approved an alley closure in the same meeting for the See ’BUSCO, Page 3

Hands off my sister! Viral video filmed at ISMS By Nicole Minier nminier@kpcmedia�com

COLUMBIA CITY — A video taken in the wrestling room at Indian Springs

Middle School went viral last week, reaching millions of people and was broadcast by many popular television shows, such

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Property owner wants alley closed to trucks

Foster child becomes family

INFORMATION

and that irritated some people.” Jason Arnold asked the board to reconsider the time of its work sessions so that more members of the public can attend. “A lot of us have work, and while that time may work well with your jobs it does not with the community,” he said. He also thought the new school board member

as Fox News and Good Morning America. The video begins by showing two young wrestlers, Ryan Prendergast, age 5, and four-year-old Ruby taking shots on the mat. When Ryan appeared to be getting the upper-hand on Ruby Lewis, her 2-year-old little brother, Jash, ran to her rescue, tackling her opponent off of her. Columbia City’s elementary wrestling team hosted

14 teams from the area for its annual duals. The upstairs wrestling room had to be used to accommodate the number of wrestlers. At first glance, it may not appear that the video was filmed at a Columbia City school, because the wrestling mat is black and gold with a big letter “T” in the middle. The mat originated at Thorncreek School in Thorncreek Township,

north of Columbia City. After the construction of Indian Springs Middle School in the 1990s, the mat was moved from the then-closed Thorncreek school to ISMS. Coaches estimate the mat is about 35 years old. It’s typically used as a practice mat. “I wrestled on that mat,” said elementary club coach See VIRAL, Page 2

A2 • INwhitleycounty.com

Whitley County • December 21, 2017

Sheets, Bailey sentenced for meth charges By Tyler Roebuck troebuck@kpcmedia.com

NICOLE MINIER

Columbia City’s elementary wrestlers pose for a photo on the Thorncreek School mat, which was part of the scene of a video that went viral last week. Pictured in front, from left, are: Carson Craig, Liam Huntley, Ayden Beard, Ian Berry, Parker Kleeberg, Brayden Meinika, Reese Farris, Tyler Tun, R.J. Farris and Romeo Farris. In back are: Zach Berry, Porter Kleeberg, Tannor Ellis, Eli Patrick, Kash Uher, Jayden English, Evan Omelian, Arrow Mullinax, Devin Meinika, Jordan Parrett, Blake Perl, Cruz Chacon and Jarrett English.

VIRAL from Page 1 Jeremy Lopez, who graduated from Columbia City High School in 2008. When Lopez first saw the video, he immediately knew it was filmed at ISMS. “That T stuck out like a sore thumb and we all knew where it was,” Lopez said. “It’s cool that it was in our practice room.” Lopez said sibling and team camaraderie is typical for wrestling, whether wanting to run out on the mat and help their siblings, or giving them tough love in practice. “We have a brother and sister on our team right

now, the sister beats the tar out of her brother and makes him better,” Lopez said. “It’s a wrestling thing.” However, Lopez said it’s the first time he’s seen a sibling run out on the mat in the middle of a match. The elementary team will host another event in March, a folk-style tourney, Iron Eagle. The video has made its rounds, not only being picked up by national news companies, but other viral Facebook pages as well. Another Columbia City coach, Pat Krouse, said his

Columbia City’s elementary wrestlers practice in the Indian Springs Middle School wrestling room. The team placed second last weekend at the Delta Elementary Duals, winning 60-39 over Alexandria, 45-39 over Yorktown and 42-39 over Delta, losing only to Jay County, 66-24.

aunt, who lives in Florida, sent him the video because she knew his family is big into wrestling, and thought it was cute. “She didn’t know that

was our tournament,” Krouse said. “It made her local news.” The video can be viewed at www.youtube.com/ watch?v=0bSE-rh7jFg.

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COLUMBIA CITY — A Hudson couple face sentences of 11 and five years for meth-related charges after Monday’s Circuit Court. Brenda Bailey, 57, and Charles Sheets, 56, of Hudson were charged with dealing and possession of methamphetamine, respectively. The couple was arrested after Bailey sold 5.5 grams of methamphetamine to a confidential informant in April. Sheets was the driver, and according to police reports, “Mr. Sheets was aware of the pending transaction and still chose to drive Ms. Bailey to the deal.” According to reports, the informant was given cash and recording equipment for the deal, which occurred April 19 in the McDonald’s parking lot in Churubusco. Sheets claimed that “he thought they were going to pick someone up who needed a ride and that he

did not know anything about the transaction,” reports said. Bailey, however, was allegedly “insistent that Mr. Sheets knew what they were going to do,” before they left for the deal. An investigation after the arrest revealed that Bailey had $4,806 on her person. For Bailey, defense attorney Scott Lennox argued that her role was minimal, having only delivered supplies to a known dealer “after months of him pestering her,” he said. “I don’t think she is dangerous to the community.” Prosecutor DJ Sigler disagreed. “While I’m certain Mr. Lennox dutifully recounted what his client told him, the confidential informant said in the affidavit that they purchased methamphetamine from Ms. Bailey more times than he could count,” he said. See COURT, Page 3

INwhitleycounty.com • A3

Whitley County • December 21, 2017

WHITKO from Page 1 should be neutral. “My feeling is that the new board member shouldn’t be involved with the school move,” he said. The board looked at immediate needs for a 7-12 building and at both the Larwill and South Whitley locations, trying to determine which is better suited and, financially, board members thought Larwill was the best option. Immediate needs included a welding machine room, locker rooms, parking, media center, offices, student lockers and various classrooms. To retrofit Whitko High School would cost a contractor-estimated $3.2-million, but to move to the middle school would only cost between $500,000 and $1 million. They also estimated that sewer and water costs at the middle school would be less than half the costs currently at Whitko High School. If they were to move to the middle school, high school athletic and performance venues would still be utilized. With the motion withdrawn, the issue of where to house the consolidated middle and high schools will reappear at the next board meeting on Jan. 15. In other Whitko School Board news • Matt Long was appointed and sworn in as Cleveland Township’s new representative to the board. The board considered several applicants, and ultimately selected Long.

COURT from Page 2 • Pierceton and South Whitley Elementary celebrated successful spelling bees, with South Whitley’s being the longest it has ever been according to principal Brian Emmert. • Whitko Middle School faculty and students spent the month talking about what respect means to students, faculty and families at home. “What we’ve done so far is we’ve asked students to identify what they think respect means,” Principal Gene Sweeny said. “As an educator, I’ve seen the power of respect in the community and how it’s essential in maintaining relationships.” • Officer Tim Sammons of the Pierceton Police Department gave a presentation on his work in Pierceton Elementary with the Drug Abuse Resistance Education program. “If you don’t know a lot about it, you think it’s a program to say ‘no’ to drugs,” Sammons said. “In the 80s that’s how it was, but after reworking the program it’s more about an officer coming in and telling kids how to say ‘no.’ We’re talking about how to be a good citizen, how to build on tough times at home and other things.” • Leah Glassburn, a resource teacher with Whitko High School, presented on her department, highlighting their areas of instruction including real world community interaction.

’BUSCO from Page 1 new alley park that was recently funded through donations and a grant by the Office of Community and Rural Affairs, Franklin Promenade. The alley is on the south side of Main Street, between State Road 205 and West Washington Street. Also at the council meeting: • The council also opened bids for a utility rate study. Bids ranged from about $14,500 to up to $32,000. • Park Director Rick Krider said the park was winterized and leaves are cleaned up. “We’re on

track for winter,” Krider said. • The council approved a memorandum of understanding with the Blue Lake Conservancy District concerning wastewater. • K&K Video requested

Lennox asked for the entirety of Bailey’s sentence to be suspended – Sigler pushed for the maximum 12 years available through the plea agreement. Judge Matthew Rentschler handed down a sentence of 11 years, with nine of those years executed and two suspended. “Probation alone is not enough to account for what you’ve done,” Rentschler said. “You are one of few people I’ve seen who has been convicted of dealing twice. To me that reads drug enterprise.” Bailey was convicted of a marijuana charge in 1985. Sheets’ story differs considerably from Bailey’s. With a significant criminal record, Sheets faced an uphill battle to a light sentence. This was contrasted, however, by his limited influence in the instance of his arrest. According to Lennox, Sheets had nothing to do with arranging the drug deal and was not aware what was going on until it was too late. “Mr. Sheets got himself into a position that was unfortunate,” Lennox said. “At this point in his life he had begun to turn it around.” Rentschler was concerned about Sheets’ record, having been convicted of 25 misdemeanors and nine felonies. “You’re on your 35th chance,” he said. “Benefit of the doubt no longer extends to people in your situation.” Ultimately, Sheets will serve a five-year sentence, with two years executed and three suspended. Both Sheets and Bailey will serve their sentences at the Department of Corrections. In other Whitley Circuit Court News

a facade grant for new signage. The Churubusco Main Street Association reviewed the request and designs, and sent it to the council with its approval. The council approved the grant for $468. Mon. - Fri. 10 AM - 3 PM

127 N. Main St., Columbia City

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• Connie Cox, 48, and Ashley Julian, 27, of Columbia City were sentenced to 1.5 years for welfare fraud in accordance with a plea agreement. The entirety of their sentences are to be on probation. • Danny Lakes, 32, of Riverdale, Ill., pleaded guilty to possession of cocaine, a level 4 felony. In accordance with his plea agreement, Lakes will face a six-year sentence, with up to all of it being executed. His sentencing hearing is Jan. 29. • Aaron Petelle, 42, of Columbia City, pleaded guilty to burglary, a level 4 felony. According to the plea agreement, he will serve a 10-year sentence with between four to eight years executed. • Whitney Tackett, 26, of Rome City, asked for a bond reduction on charges of possession of a controlled substance, OWI with a controlled substance, possession of marijuana and neglect of a dependent. Sigler thought she would be a risk, with a history of “deception crimes.” “This is a major felony, and given the transient nature of Ms. Tackett’s recort, the court should find bond in this case to be adequate,” Sigler said. Rentschler took the issue under advisement. • Jammie Pulley, 41, of Fort Wayne, appeared for a hearing on a child support issue. Pulley has a history of health problems, and recently applied for disability benefits, so defense attorney Anthony Churchward requested a continuance to wait for word on those benefits. Sigler disagreed. “The only way we’re going to see Mrs. Pulley’s children get help is by going through this process,”

he said. Her hearing was continued to Jan. 29. • Steven Waid, 41, of Larwill, appeared for a violation of probation after being charged with possession of methamphetamine and auto theft in August in Kosciusko County. A debate ensued over how much more time Waid had remaining on his sentence, so Judge Heuer ordered a dispositional hearing to take place on Jan. 29, and appointed Churchward to represent Waid. • Tyler Neal, 25, of Huntington, pleaded guilty to possession of a legend drug, possession of paraphernalia, false informing and possession of methamphetamine. With the highest of these being a level 6 felony, Neal faces a maximum sentence of 2.5 years. His sentencing hearing is Jan. 29. • Kristine Hart, 41, of North Webster, also pleaded guilty to charges of dealing methamphetamine, a level 4 felony. According to her plea agreement, Hart will serve an eight-year sentence with six years served on home detention and the remaining two suspended. • Kelsee Groce and Lisa McKinney received modifications in their sentences, moving to probation and work release, respectively. • Edward Chambers had his record expunged after leading a clean life since 2007. Chambers was originally charged in 2001 with dealing a schedule I controlled substance, and again with public intoxication in 2006. “It would appear Mr. Chambers is the person this statute was intended for,” Judge James Heuer said.

A4 • INwhitleycounty.com

Whitley County • December 21, 2017

Adoption costs don’t have to be intimidating KPC NEWS SERVICE

It can be intimidating to see the numbers add up when first looking at the cost of the adoption process. Home studies can be as much as $2,000. Placement can reach between $4,000$8,000 and beyond if it’s an international adoption. Necessary paperwork, background checks and documentation add up into the thousands. In addition to those, parents may have to factor in court and legal fees and expenses, parent preparation and training, social work services to match parent and child, medical expenses, foreign travel and much more. Any combination of these necessary tasks can start to feel like a burden on the process, rather than contribute to the happiness an adoption should bring. Though adoptions can total anywhere from a minimal expense through the foster care system to more than $50,000 for intercountry adoptions, there are resources and programs to offset costs associated with the process. “A lot of people, when they think of adoption, they’ll say it’s so costly. We say, think of other expenses you’ve bought lately,”

Assistance can be found through grants, government Albion’s Hand in Hand International Adoptions Administrative Director Vickie Truelove said. “What are your priorities?” Truelove said most of the families she works with have a middle-class income and rarely have the total amount of the process saved before starting with her agency, so she and her team work with them to receive grants, loans, tax credits and employee tax benefits to see their dream become a reality. While Truelove works specifically with international adoptions, there are different avenues to adoption that come with different costs. The costs

Adoption from foster care involves very little expense because of the assistance programs available to encourage placement of children, according to the Child Welfare Information Gateway. Title IV-E of the Social Security Act provides monetary assistance for eligible children either through a lump sum, which is set at a federal limit of $2,000 per placement, or

with recurring monthly payments, which can’t exceed what the state would pay if the child were still in foster care, until the child turns 18. The State of Indiana also has in place an adoption tax credit that provides $1,000 per placement. For those choosing to adopt through a private agency, the cost increases because the services rendered by the organization incur costs for labor and time, and there are legal fees that need to be covered. The total amount varies depending on the circumstances, but many lie in the range of $20,000-$45,000. For an independent adoption — one completed by an attorney between adoptive parents and expectant parents — the costs are approximately the same, about $15,000-$40,000. The highest costs are associated with international adoptions, as the magnitude of the work is much larger, moving the total to around $20,000$50,000. These adoptions come with translation fees, foreign attorney and agency fees, passport and visa

processing fees and counseling and support for the family after the adoption process is complete. Because of the amount of work that goes into such a process by a number of entities, Truelove said Hand in Hand outlines a fee agreement to list the expected costs before starting with any client. “There shouldn’t be extraneous costs beyond what are listed there. We want to be as fully disclosing as we can so families can understand what the total cost will be,” Truelove said. It also helps that families pay in installments as parts of the adoption process are completed, Truelove noted, with payments made at the time of application, home study and match with a child, and then when the dossier is sent overseas and the child is matched and accepted. Offsetting the costs

It’s a lot to take in, but there are options to help offset the costs associated with adoption. For Michael and Anna DiSanto of Kendallville, it was as simple as holding community fundraisers.

that country has the right to determine who can adopt that child,” Truelove said. Through Hand In Hand and other adoption agencies, prospective parents can learn a lot of the resources through a finance coach, who will help look at the costs and what they can do to finance their endeavor. For some parents, looking to their employers can be helpful as more than 50 percent offer some sort of adoption benefit, such as financial assistance, counseling or leave policies, according to the Child Welfare Information Gateway. Normally though, the process is paid through a combination of donations from family and friends, as well as grants. For those who think of the process as buying a child, Truelove said that couldn’t be more wrong. “They think they’re buying a child, and that’s the furthest thing from the truth. That’s illegal and also immoral,” Truelove said. “The costs of adoption are for the process for them to work through a licensed agency.” For more information on the costs of adoption or the financial resources available, visitchildwelfare.gov or resources4adoption.com.

The couple adopted 5-year-old Natalie from Bulgaria in March, after raising $34,900 of the $35,000 they would need to pay the costs associated with the process. “I remember being freaked out by the sales tag of $35,000 and thinking, ‘Where is this going to come from?’ Don’t let the finances hold you back from (adopting),” said Michael, who with his wife and his church sold pulled pork, chicken and laundry detergent to raise money for the adoption. “There are a lot of things out there between grants and fundraising that can help,” Anna said. Truelove has seen these kinds of stories, but warns those who are looking into public fundraising as a way to pay for the process to first research whether the country they’re adopting from, if it’s an international adoption, is comfortable with such practices. She pointed to the Phillipines as an example, as they can be sensitive to the idea of public fundraising and can choose to deny an application based on that alone. “It’s their citizen and

In search of a forever home

Northeast Indiana statistics suggest a local adoption need

KPC NEWS SERVICE

2017. Of those 139 individuals, which range between 5 and 17 years old, 12 currently reside in foster homes in Allen County, two are in Steuben County, and Noble and DeKalb counties are home to one each. Every year and every Christmas that goes by puts each of these children one year ahead of most adoptive parents’ preferred age ranges, making it increasingly less likely they will

Indiana residents adopted 1,509 children statewide in 2016, say statistics from the Indiana Department of Child Services. But while the Hoosier state boasts the nation’s fourth-highest rate of adoption per live births, another question remains: What about the children still waiting for their forever homes? In October 2017, a total of 17,292 Children in Need of Services — children under the age of 18 who are neglected or abused, and who are not getting the care or treatment they deserve — were placed in foster homes throughout Indiana. Of those placements, 1,383 (8 percent) were in Allen, Whitley and the four counties of DeKalb, LaGrange, Noble and Steuben. Ann Freeman, family development specialist at SAFY, Fort Wayne, said those numbers don’t tell the whole story. “It’s a fluid number because any day, children who are currently being fostered may have their parental rights terminated and then become available for adoption, so the number is always changing,” Freeman said. “And, of course, the opposite way it changes is children get adopted and that number drops, but there are always more kids to take their

place, unfortunately.” Freeman said the majority of children waiting to be adopted in northeast Indiana are either in foster homes that aren’t pre-adoptive, residential facilities or hospital settings if they have specific medical needs. “The majority of those kids will be in homes that aren’t looking to adopt and are still looking for their forever families,” she said. Of the total number of foster children in Hoosier homes as of Nov. 3, Allen County held the third highest number (1,041) behind only Marion (3,736) and Lake (1,335) counties. Placements in other northeast Indiana counties indicated by the Office of Data Management, Reports and Analysis include DeKalb (62), LaGrange (57), Noble (103), Steuben (74) and Whitley (46). While foster parents choose to take in children for a number of reasons, SAFY Foster Parent Recruiter Ebonee Hower said the majority of the individuals she meets with are looking to adopt. Nevertheless, age preference is still a roadblock for many. “The majority of people I would say are interested in adopting babies — 5 and under and 3 and under — because maybe they’re nervous of certain behav-

iors,” Hower said. “They haven’t been with the child since birth and maybe they’re worried about how they will connect with them, but teenagers don’t need any less love than a baby does.” Foster parents taking in SAFY-served youth may take on children from a variety of backgrounds, whether they have had their parental rights terminated and are up for adoption, are in the process of having their rights terminated by the court or are likely to return home to their birth parents. In 2016, SAFY Indiana — which has offices in Fort Wayne, South Bend, Merrillville and Indianapolis — served 734 families and youths. Hower said the Fort Wayne agency currently serves about 30 foster kids and four of their children were adopted this year. However, while adoptions are an essential component of the agency’s work, the main focus is any kind of permanency. “In foster care, permanency can mean reuniting with their birth parents or adoption,” Hower said. “The first goal of foster care always is reunification, but then when it comes to a point where a child is unable to go home, that’s when we look into the foster to adopt part.” Hower said many foster

parents grieve when children leave their homes, but while living situations aren’t guaranteed to be permanent — especially through legal risk placements — prospective parents should value the children’s well-being first and foremost. “Legal risk means that the courts may be leaning towards termination of parental rights but it hasn’t been finalized yet, so there’s that legal risk that it might not happen, the child may end up going back home or another relative may come into the picture that wants to adopt,” Hower said. “It’s kind of a heavy job because I have to tell people that they have to accept the fact that the child may go home. That fear might make people shy away from foster to adopt because, if you get really attached and the child goes home, it’s heartbreaking, but one of the things I always try to tell our parents is that our kids need healthy attachments.” On the other hand, even children with their rights terminated are waiting to be adopted. A visit to adoptuskids.org/states/in/ browse.aspx can offer a glimpse of that unfortunate reality. The website contains 123 results of individual children and siblings waiting to be adopted in Indiana as of November

make it out of the foster care system before the age of 18. “The kids that are ready to be adopted with their rights terminated through foster care are typically older,” Hower said. “These kids really need a forever family. Everyone deserves that.” For more information on adoptions in the state of Indiana, visit the Indiana Department of Child Services at in.gov/dcs.

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INwhitleycounty.com • A5

Whitley County • December 21, 2017

OBITUARIES Gerald Kramer

Patricia Thomson

COLUMBIA CITY — Gerald L. “Joe” Kramer, 78, of Columbia City at 10:04 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16, 2017, at Parkview Hospital, Fort Wayne. An Elk service will begin at 7 p.m. Friday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. Calling will be from 4-7 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Memorials are to Passages or Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana.

COLUMBIA CITY — Patricia J. Thomson, 83, a Whitley County native, died at 5:12 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2017, at Auburn Village. Services were Sunday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. Burial was in South Whitley Cemetery.

Obituary Policy

C. Joan Krider CONTRIBUTED

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was recently held for a the new gift shop in Columbia City.

Gift shop opens to benefit the Impact Center Food Pantry Staff reports

COLUMBIA CITY — The Whitley County Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center celebrated the grand opening of Columbia City’s the Cottage Gift Shop with a ribbon cutting last week. The gift shop, currently featuring a wide assortment of Christmas items, was created to raise funds

to support the ongoing work of the Impact Center Food Pantry. If you are looking for a great gift item that is easy on the budget and helps a good cause in our community, this is the place for you, Chamber Director Jennifer Romano said. Located at 500 W. Van Buren St. in Columbia City, the shop helps fund the mission

of the Impact Center Food Pantry. When a purchase is made, 100 percent of funds are used for the operational costs of the food pantry that helps those in need with groceries and food vouchers to help eliminate hunger in Whitley County. The shop features new and nearly new items that are perfect for gift

giving. The selection of merchandise changes with the season. Right now shoppers can find ornaments, candles, Santas, snowmen and more. Stop by the shop 1-5 p.m. Thursdays and pick up something special for under the Christmas tree. After the holidays, check back for Valentine’s Day merchandise.

COLUMBIA CITY — C. Joan Krider, 88, of Thorncreek Township, Whitley County, died at 11:40 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017 at Miller’s at Oak Pointe. Services will be today at 10:30 a.m. at Grace Lutheran Church, 204 N. Main St., Columbia City,with calling after 9:30 a.m. Burial will be in Oak Grove Cemetery. Memorials are to Grace Lutheran Church Food Pantry. Arrangements are by Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City.

INWhitley County does not charge for death notices that include notice of calling hours, date and time of funeral and burial. An extended obituary, which includes survivors, biographical information and a photo, is available for a charge. Deadline for funeral homes to place obituaries is 9 a.m. Tuesday. The email address is: obits@ kpcmedia.com. Submitted obituaries must contain the name and phone number of the funeral home. For information, contact Kathryn Bassett at 260-347-0400, ext. 2526.

Have a news tip? Email story ideas to nminier@kpcmedia.com

WHITLEY COUNTY JAIL BOOKINGS The following people were booked in the Whitley County Jail: • Michelle Gildner, 26, of Pierceton, was arrested Dec. 10 by the Whitley County Sheriff’s Department, charged with residential entry, criminal trespass, criminal mischief and possession of marijuana. • Rolando Castillo, 42, of Fort Wayne, was arrested Dec. 10 by the Whitley County Sheriff’s Department, for a body attachment (civil matter). • Cierra Wilson, 25, of South Whitley, was arrested Dec. 10 by the Whitley County Sheriff’s Department, charged with driving while suspended prior. • Frank Bailey, 42, of North Webster, was arrested Dec. 12 by the Whitley County Sheriff’s Department, charged with burglary and theft. • Gage Walker, 21, of Columbia City, was arrested Dec. 12 by the Whitley County Superior Court, charged with probation violation. • Devontay Reese, 24, of Fort Wayne, was arrested Dec. 12 by the Whitley County Sheriff’s Department, charged with failure to comply. • Kathy Hill, 61, of

Columbia City, was arrested Dec. 13 by the Whitley County Sheriff’s Department, charged with disorderly conduct. • Nicole Wines, 31, of Lawton, Mich., was arrested Dec. 13 by the Indiana State Police, charged with possession of paraphernalia, possession of methamphetamine, possession of a legend drug, OWI controlled substance and possession of marijuana. • Brendan Perala, 26, of Columbia City, was arrested Dec. 13 by the Whitley County Sheriff’s Department, charged with OWI and OWI per se. • Landon McCarthy, 23, of Fort Wayne, was arrested Dec. 13 by the Whitley County Sheriff’s Department, charged with violation of suspended sentence. • Arik Sparks, 24, of Columbia City, was arrested Dec. 14 by the Whitley County Sheriff’s Department, charged with domestic battery. • Jacob Slain, 33, of Columbia City, was arrested Dec. 14 by the Whitley County Sheriff’s Department, charged with failure to comply. • Steve Waid, 41, of Larwill, was arrested Dec. 14 by the Whitley

County Sheriff’s Department, charged with resisting law enforcement, auto theft and probation violation. • Thomas Neata, 32, of Warsaw, was arrested Dec. 14 by the Whitley County Sheriff’s Department, charged with OWI and OWI per se, controlled substance. • Christopher Lusso, 39, of Warsaw, was arrested Dec. 14 by the Whitley County Sheriff’s Department for a body attachment (civil matter). • Timothy Lawton III, 21, of Albion, was arrested Dec. 14 by the Columbia City Police Department, charged with possession of a schedule II controlled substance and possession of marijuana. • Adam Smith, 32, of North Webster, was arrested Dec. 15 by the Indiana State Police, charged with driving while suspended prior. • John Kramer, 44, of Columbia City, was arrested Dec. 16 by the Columbia City Police Department, charged with OWI and OWI per se. • Jason Woods, 30, of South Whitley, was arrested Dec. 16 by the Whitley County Sheriff’s Department, charged with

a violation of veteran’s court. • Cody Cover, 31, of Mentone, was arrested Dec. 17 by the Whitley County Sheriff’s Department, charged with possession of marijuana and possession of paraphernalia. • Thomas Tidwell, 25, of Fort Wayne, was arrested Dec. 17 by the Indiana State Police, charged with OWI controlled substance, possession of cocaine and

possession of a narcotic drug. • Andrew Pizzitola, 24, of Preston, Idaho, was arrested Dec. 17 by the Indiana State Police, charged with possession of cocaine and possession of a narcotic drug. • Scott Rudicill, 33, of Fort Wayne, was arrested Dec. 17 by the Indiana State Police, charged with possession of marijuana, possession of paraphernalia, OWI controlled substance and

violation of a restricted license. • Terry Nugent, 42, of Huntington, was arrested Dec. 17 by the South Whitley Police Department, charged with operating while never licensed. • Monique Bogart, 21, of Columbia City, was arrested Dec. 18 by the Whitley County Sheriff’s Department, charged with possession of marijuana and possession of paraphernalia.

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A6 • INwhitleycounty.com

OPINION

Foster family provided stability, care in my time of need Late at night, after one of the worst days of my life, I walked through the front door of a home I’d never seen before, full of people I’d never met, carrying only a duffel bag containing whatever I managed to stuff into it before the Whitley County Sheriff’s Department came to my rescue. In a short time, that new house full of strangers became something I hadn’t experienced in many years — family. Family was a word that lost its meaning for me until that point. My mother passed away unexpectedly when I was 7 years old and, shortly after my father remarried the following year, I was estranged from my biological grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins for the next six years. For those six years, my “family” didn’t feel like family at all and the courts agreed that the environment was not a good one for me. But things were different, much different, when I was placed in my foster home. The two years I spent with them taught me what it meant to be part of a family. We ate dinner together. We talked about our days. We went for walks and enjoyed each other’s company. When I went into foster care, life as I knew it was over — and it was one of the best things that’s ever happened to me. Not only was I fortunate to have a wonderful foster family, but I also had support from many other entities. The Whitley County Department of Child Services case worker was essential to finding a family that was a good fit for me; my Court Appointed Special Advocate was a voice in the courtroom for me; and I always felt Whitley County Circuit Court Judge James Heuer had my best interests at heart when he made his decisions. But it was the day in, day out support of my foster family that I feel has largely influenced my ability to be the parent that I am today. I learned

that not all parents have loud, aggressive arguments that keep their children awake on school nights. I learned NICOLE that good MINIER parents are proud of their child’s accomplishments — and they aren’t afraid to tell them that. Good parents are there for their children when they’re sad or upset. For all the times I didn’t have someone to stand beside me on my darkest days, my foster parents were right beside me through every triumph and tribulation in those two years — someone was always in the stands to cheer me on in my athletic events and someone was always there to stand beside me at every court hearing. This family that had no idea who I was, opened its door to me and took me in as its own. My foster parents sacrificed their time and my presence surely impacted everyone in the family. While I’ve often thought about how that experience was for me, it wasn’t until I got older that I considered what that experience must have been like for them. It takes a special kind of family to take on the burden of someone else’s mistakes. My life was a psychological and emotional roller coaster ride, and they hopped on to buckle the safety belt without giving it a second thought. Though I was eventually reunited with my biological family and placed with them, my foster family will always hold a special place in my heart for the sacrifice they made for me — someone they didn’t even know. NICOLE MINIER is editor

of the Churubusco News and IN|Whitley County Newspapers.

Whitley County • December 21, 2017

Keep Christmas traditions going in Whitley County

Every Christmas since 1984, community members have come together to put on an amazing display — a live nativity scene with a lot for children to learn and see. Since then, some traditions have come and gone, but this tradition could be at risk for extinction if people don’t volunteer. Craig and Ginger Crosson are chairman and secretary, respectively, for the Whitley County Community Christmas at the Courthouse, and were worried the display wouldn’t take place this year due to a lack of volunteers. In total, the event requires 65 volunteers.

Although enough people came together this year, we encourage the community to step up and be a part of one of the many things that make Christmas in Whitley County great. Other long traditions around Christmastime also take place in downtown Columbia City. One is an over 100-year-old tradition on Christmas Eve — treats from the Columbia City Fire Department inside the Courthouse on the night of Christmas Eve. Another is Santa’s House, which has been parked at the northwest corner of the Courthouse Square since the day after

Our view Thanksgiving and the Clugston Senior Apartments hosts the Walk of Trees every year. We want to see these great things continue, but we know that the same few people can’t keep doing all of the hard work to put on these events. It’s not just Christmas-

time — it’s all the time. Look at any one of Whitley County’s communities, and you’ll see the same few people at the head of most events. Our communities are fortunate to have people such as Madalyn Bartl in Churubusco, Jennifer Romano in Columbia City and Randy Cokl in South Whitley, but they can’t do it all. Not everyone is good at coming up with their own ideas or being leaders of major events, but maybe simply asking, “How can I help?” will help our communities be able to continue our traditions, and start new ones.

Rep. Jim Banks: Ditch the medical device tax by New Year’s Last November, the American people sent a message to Washington: Get things done. With Republican control of both chambers of Congress and the Oval Office, the time to enact pro-growth, pro-innovation policies that benefit American workers and businesses is now. This month, Congress and the Trump administration have the opportunity to significantly boost one of America’s most vibrant and growing industries by suspending the federal excise tax on medical devices. This misguided tax is set to go back into effect on Jan. 1, which is why Reps. Jackie Walorski, R-Ind., and Erik Paulsen, R-Minn., recently introduced legislation that would suspend the medical device tax for five years. The medical device tax was tucked into Obamacare to help pay for the law’s excessive costs. A range of medical instruments

such as pacemakers, heart valves and hip implants that benefit patients around the globe are subject to this tax. It should come as no surprise that this excise tax has cost thousands of American jobs, stifled innovation and slowed economic growth. Even before the tax was implemented in 2013, device manufacturers braced for its negative impact by laying off thousands of workers. When the tax did take effect, job losses plunged further. Since 2012, the medical device tax alone has cost more than 28,000 jobs. That’s not the only cost the medical device tax has imposed on hard-working Americans. As device manufacturers faced the tough decision of increasing costs to consumers, cutting future investments or a combination of the two, medical innovation has suffered. With resources tied up

under the burden of the medical device tax, funding for potential life-saving technology and research and development was put on hold or halted altogether. This tax is particularly unfair because it is assessed on the gross sales of companies, not their net profits. That means even if a company is not profitable it still gets hit with the tax. As a result, it hurts startups and companies struggling to launch a new innovation. By eliminating the medical device tax, more startups and small businesses who otherwise may not have been able to afford startup costs will enter the industry. These effects on medical device innovators and our economy are exactly why Congress voted with broad bipartisan support to suspend the medical device tax for two years in December 2015. Once the tax was suspended, the industry began to rebound. But the two years are

now nearly up. A recent Advanced Medical Technology Association survey found that since 2015, 73 percent of surveyed device manufacturers either increased or avoided reducing employment since the tax was suspended. Furthermore, 83 percent reported they increased funding for research and development or avoided reducing research and development funding. With the tax set to go back into effect on Jan. 1, Congress should pass legislation before the end of the month to suspend the medical device tax. We have already seen the damaging results of this misguided tax taking effect, and our economy cannot afford to make the same mistake again. REP. JIM BANKS, a

Republican, represents Indiana’s third congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Recycle your Christmas tree Since I’ve written this month about the selection and care of Christmas trees, let’s finish our discussion on this topic by discussing what you can do with a used tree. Other than burning your Christmas tree outdoors (if allowed where you live), here are some additional ideas recently offered from Dr. Rosie Lerner at Purdue University: First of all, you’ll want to remove all tinsel, plastic and other non-recyclable decora-

tions. You can then use the greenery to provide food and cover for wildlife or chip it into mulch for landscape protection. Winter birds will appreciate having recycled trees and garlands for cover, especially if you decorate them with birdfood ornaments. You’ll need to secure the tree trunk or garland stems to the ground to prevent them from rolling away in winter winds. Attach to a stable support, such as a fence, or stake with wire or twine.

Decorate with wildlife-friendly ornaments such as suet, molded seeds or disposable birdseed hangers, which are readily available from garden centers and bird supply shops. Homemade treats, including pine cones or stale bread smeared with peanut butter and rolled in birdseed, are also a hit. Be sure to keep these goodies out of reach of dogs and cats. Christmas trees can also be See TREE, Page 7

JOHN E. WOODMANSEE

INwhitleycounty.com • A7

Whitley County • December 21, 2017

’BUSCO SNOWCOMING 2017 PHOTOS

PHOTOS BY NICOLE MINIER

Maddie Richards cheers for the Eagles before the start of the varsity boys basketball game Saturday.

Bryce Geiger was one of Saturday’s senior king candidates. Geiger is the son of Dean and Julie Geiger. He is a member of FFA, 4-H, FCA, National Honor Society and is on the football team. Next year he plans to attend Purdue University. His date was Delaney Peters, the daughter of Daniel and Dawn Peters.

Kieran Wharton, son of Travis and Jennifer Wharton, was one of the king candidates. Wharton is a member of New Era Show Choir. After high school, he plans to attend Purdue Fort Wayne to become a physical therapist. His date was Grace Keener, daughter of Chad and Jodi Keener.

Churubusco Snowcoming King Mason Goniwicha is crowned by his date, Kaylee McCann.

Alex Springer was one of the senior king candidates. Springer is the son of Chris and Shantell Springer, and is a member of New Era Show Choir. His future plans include studying nursing at Purdue Fort Wayne. His date was Bree Barnhart, daughter of Mike and Mindy Barnhart.

TREE from Page 6 recycled for mulch around your landscape. Chop or grind smaller branches for wood chips to use in flower, tree and shrub beds. Larger branches can be cut into smaller bundles for winter protective mulch around newly planted perennials and small shrubs. Be sure to remove the branches next spring as the plants begin to grow again. Many communities have special pick-up service for discarded holiday trees. The trees are usually chipped for use as mulch in parks and other city properties. Check local newspapers or call your local street department for information. Some natural resources experts say that if you own a private pond, or know someone who does (and who gives you permission), discarded trees can be sunk to improve fish habitat. Small fish use branches as escape areas from larger fish that eat them. Simply tie a small nylon rope around the tree, secure to a cinder block, and

done on public lakes without a permit from Indiana Department of Natural Resources. Freshwater lakes are governed by the Lake Preservation Act and Indiana Administrative Code. If approved, the permit carries a $100 fee and requires the permit holder to remove any portion or portions of the fish attractor that

heave-ho! Alternatively, use a boat, or wait until a safe layer of ice has formed on the pond and place your tree where you would like it to sink after ice thaws. A good depth for the sunken tree is one with no more than four to six feet of water above the top of the tree. Note that in Indiana, this practice cannot be

LIVE PERSONAL PROPERTY CONSIGNMENT AUCTION

become unattached, along with other requirements. Bottom line – check all current laws and ordinances to make sure you are not in violation before you enact a plan. If you own woodlands or wildlands, Christmas trees make good material to construct brush piles for wildlife. Brush

piles create habitat for small mammals, birds, amphibians, and reptiles. The brush piles provide protective cover from predators, and safer areas to raise young. Other substantial base materials will be needed for good brush pile construction in addition to your Christmas tree, such as stumps, logs,

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Box lots start at 5:30PM with the main room starting at approximately 6:00PM with a second ring starting at 6:45PM (if needed).

or large rocks. One thing to avoid is burning your Christmas tree in a fireplace or wood stove while green. The resins in the green tree can lead to a flue fire.

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A8 • INwhitleycounty.com

Whitley County • December 21, 2017

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INwhitleycounty.com • A9

Whitley County • December 21, 2017

CHRISTMAS LIGHTS AROUND THE COURTHOUSE

PHOTOS BY TYLER ROEBUCK

The downtown square of Columbia City is decked out with Christmas lights and decorations to usher in the holiday season. Santa and his reindeer landed on the courthouse lawn in bright flashing style.

Columbia City’s City Hall also participated in the festivities, with a string of decorations on the lawn.

A lighted nutcracker keeps watch over the courthouse at night.

City light poles are also wrapped with festive lights of their own.

Most of the trees at Clugston’s festival had themes, including this Doctor Seuss tree. The lighting around the courthouse alongside the Christmas decor at night makes for a breathtaking view.

Clugston Senior Appartments held their annual Walk of Trees last week, and the lobby was full of trees decorated by groups throughout the community.

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A10 • INwhitleycounty.com

Whitley County • December 21, 2017

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INwhitleycounty.com • A11

Whitley County • December 21, 2017

IGA Cheddar, Colby, Colby Jack or Mozzarella

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SPORTS

A12 • INwhitleycounty.com

Whitley County • December 21, 2017

Eagles win back-to-back games By Nicole Minier nminier@kpcmedia.com

CHURUBUSCO — After losing the first six games of the season, Churubusco’s boys basketball team won back-to-back games Friday and Saturday night, first over Prairie Heights, then Bishop Luers. The Eagles’ strong performance may have come as a surprise to their opponents, but it was no surprise for the Eagles or head coach Chris Paul, who said the game would change after Dec. 15 — when the team would bring on two older, more experienced players in Brayton Bonar and Dalston Duff, a junior and senior, respectively. “It’s starting to happen,” said Paul. “We’re not where we’re going to be, but we’re a whole lot better than where we were a month ago.” With eight games under their belts, the starting freshmen and sophomore are more experienced and composed, in addition to the older, more physical players under the basket. “We have size and strength and a deeper bench now,” Paul said. After having two one-point losses earlier this season, the Eagles beat Prairie Heights by one point, 53-52, on Friday, then beat Bishop Luers the next day, 74-67. “It proves to the guys that their hard work pays off,” Paul said. Friday’s win gave the Eagles confidence that they could win again. Saturday, when they saw

their lead shrink, they pushed forward and held on for the win. Against Prairie Heights, Churubusco came back from a 23-13 deficit in the first quarter, outscoring the Panthers 14-6 in the second quarter to only trail 29-27 at halftime. The Eagles took the lead going into the fourth quarter, 41-35, and held on for the one-point win. Jackson Paul led the team with 18 points, followed by Zane Burke with 12 and Bonar with 10. Burke led the team in rebounds with six and assists with three and Bonar tallied two blocks. For the first time this season, the Eagles started a game with the lead, with Bonar scoring backto-back buckets in the opening plays, which led to as much as a 20-12 advantage in the first quarter, Gage Kelly fired up the team both offensively and defensively stealing the ball in the back court and scoring, going two-for-two from the free-throw line, then scoring again. Jackson Paul and Burke also scored 3-pointers in the quarter. The 20-14 lead was extended in the opening minutes of the second quarter, as the Eagles ran off seven unanswered points to lead by 13. Luers scored four points in the last 30 seconds of the half, making the score 40-32 when the teams went to the locker room. The third quarter started with give-andtake from both teams, but Luers eventually pulled

PHOTOS BY NICOLE MINIER

Churubusco’s boys basketball team celebrates after winning their second game in a row, and second win of the season, Saturday in Churubusco.

the momentum away from the Eagles, scoring six unanswered points. That’s when coach Paul called on senior Garrett Horn, who is still recovering from an leg injury. “He’s not playing a ton of minutes, he’s not himself yet — but I told him I needed a spark,” Paul said. Horn gave the Eagles the spark they needed, drawing a foul and knocking down both of his free throws with two seconds left in the quarter. “For him to go in, get fouled, and make two free throws to calm things down was huge,” Paul said. The Eagles led by as much as 13 in the fourth quarter, finishing the game with the 74-67

score. Three players scored in double digits for Churubusco: Bonar with 18 points, Burke with 15 and Paul with 12 points. Other scorers were Luke McClure (nine), Kelly (eight), Duff (seven), Tom Richards (three) and Horn (two). In total, the team recorded 18 assists, which Paul says is a good sign. “When we see eight different people score and 18 assists, that says we’re moving the ball, sharing it and playing as a team,” Paul said. “That’s what you want.” The Eagles dropped their Dec. 12 game at East Noble, 74-48. The Eagles had three players score 13 points — Burke, Paul and Bonar.

Jackson Paul scored a combined 30 points in the Eagles’ games against Prairie Heights and Bishop Luers.

FOLLOW WHITLEY COUNTY SPORTS Thursday, December 21 Whitko girls basketball at Bethany Christian, 7:30 p.m.

Friday, December 22 Whitko girls basketball hosts Oregon Davis, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, December 23 Churubusco girls basketball hosts Bluffton, 1:30 p.m. Churubusco wrestling at Jay County, 9 a.m.

Monday, December 25 No events scheduled

WhitleyCounty County Whitley wc wc

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Tuesday, December 26 No events scheduled

Wednesday, December 27 No events scheduled

Submit your sports stories or photos to Nicole Minier at nminier@kpcmedia.com

SPORTS

Whitley County • December 21, 2017

INwhitleycounty.com • A13

Egolf looks to build up wrestling program By Travis Stahl tstahl@kpcmedia.com

SOUTH WHITLEY — It wasn’t that long ago that the Whitko Wildcats wrestling program was the gold standard in Three Rivers Conference wrestling. The team was hoisting conference banners pretty consistently. But the last few years have been different. Whitko has struggled just to find wrestlers to put on the mat. First-year head coach Austin Egolf is hoping to change all that with some unique new approaches. Whitko only has seven wrestlers on the roster this year, three of whom are freshmen. Kyle Reed is wrestling at 113 pounds, Logan Busz in the 120-pound class, Jordan Courter is at 126 pounds, Kaleb Busz wrestles at 132, Michael Conner is the team’s 152-pounder, Sam Lozier is in the 160-pound class and Colten Lehman checks in at 182 pounds. With few members, Egolf is

focusing on the things that get lost on teams at times. “We’re keeping it fun and training smart,” said Egolf. “We want to keep it fresh and up to date.” Egolf was the team’s assistant coach last year so he knows the wrestlers on the team. With young guys coming in who haven’t learned some of the fundamental skills of the sport, the new coach wants to start laying the foundation for the future while also getting kids ready to wrestle now. Even though the team has to forfeit several weight classes each time on the mat, Egolf is thinking long-term. “I talk long-term with these guys,” said Egolf. “I don’t want them to think this is just for the season, we are going to continue to preach this is a lifestyle.” Part of that process is getting other programs up and running successfully also. Egolf stressed the need to get a club program and a solid middle school

program. There, kids can learn the basics of wrestling before they get to high school where they can refine their technique. Egolf is also hoping to establish more extensive weight training to help improve strength and speed on the mat. “Building a foundation is huge,” said Egolf. “It’s not rocket science. Wrestling is 10 basic moves you practice until you perfect them.” Despite not having the time to perfect some of those basic moves, it hasn’t stopped the Whitko coaches from being impressed with the team’s freshmen. Reed has only lost one match so far this year in the 113-pound class. And Egolf noted that Lozier and Lehman have had to go out on the mat and face some experienced, older opponents. Winning matches along the way is nice, but Egolf noted that every match the ‘Cats wrestle adds valuable experience. The team

FILE PHOTO

Whitko’s wrestling team walks out onto the mat in a meet last month.

hosts its own invitational on Dec. 30 and then the team will participate in the Goshen Invitational as well. Those tournaments give the ‘Cats some quality mat time prior to conference and sectional matches. After wrestling the full season, the hope is

that the team has gained enough experience to win their way out of sectional matches. Success often leads to more success. And, once the ball starts rolling, it gathers momentum and potentially more wrestlers will be on the team in coming seasons.

“We’re staying positive,” said Egolf. “It’s getting better.” The Whitko Invitational scheduled for Dec. 30 will feature several teams from around the northern part of the state. Wrestling will begin on the mats at 9 a.m. at Whitko High School.

PREP SPORTS BRIEFS GIRLS BASKETBALL West Noble 68, Whitko 32

SOUTH WHITLEY — Whitko’s girls basketball team lost to a talented West Noble team, 68-32, on Dec. 12. The Lady Wildcats played a close first quarter with West Noble, only trailing 8-7 late in the quarter, until the Lady Chargers went on a 12-3 run that put Whitko down 20-10 to end the quarter. West Noble tripled Whitko’s scoring in the second and third quarters. Ellie Snep led Whitko with 14 points and 14 rebounds. Anna Ousley finished the game with eight points. Kayla Schipper and Sarah Hewitt contributed four points apiece, and Lisa Foutz closed out the scoring with a field goal. “West Noble’s press and pressure defense overwhelmed us,” said head coach Rick Brag. “We are still struggling with making decisions against good defensive pressure. We will continue to work to become better with this process.” Warsaw 32, Columbia City 22

COLUMBIA CITY — Warsaw won a battle of strong defenses last Tuesday against Columbia City’s girls basketball team. The back-and-forth, low scoring affair ended in a difficult way for the Lady Eagles, who only scored one point in the fourth quarter. Warsaw took an 11-7

lead at the end of the first quarter, but the Lady Eagles outscored the Tigers in the second, 12-7, to take a one-point, 19-18 lead at halftime. Several minutes passed in the third quarter before either team managed to score, with only six points scored in the whole quarter by both teams combined. Going into the fourth quarter, Warsaw had a 22-21 advantage. Warsaw went on a 10-1 run in the fourth to win by 10, 32-22. The Lady Tigers scored seven points from the free-throw line compared to Columbia City’s two, despite the Lady Eagles’ higher free throw percentage. Gabby Fry led Columbia City in scoring with seven points. Grace

Schrader and Olivia Shearer scored five points apiece. Fry also led the team in rebounds with seven. Shearer had two steals. Carly Mabie and Grace Cotter led the team in assists with two. Tippecanoe Valley 87, Whitko 25

AKRON — Whitko’s girls team suffered a difficult loss to Tippecanoe Valley, 87-25. The No. 3 state-ranked Lady Vikings ran out to a 20-3 lead in the first quarter, then outscored Whitko 27-6 in the second quarter to make the score 47-9 at halftime. “We were overwhelmed but will use this experience as a benchmark in terms of where we would like to go,” said head coach Rick Bragg. “As always, we played as hard

as we could until the very end, and this is all I can ask of the kids.” The Lady Vikings continued to outscore Whitko by double digits in both the third and fourth quarters, 23-9 and 17-7, respectively. “We are still turning the ball over way too many times and not making good decisions,” Bragg said. “We will continue to work on this every day until we get it right.” Ellie Snep led the team with 14 points and 15 rebounds. Kayla Schipper added seven points. Garrett 57, Churubusco 27 GARRETT — Churubusco’s girls basketball team lost at Garrett last week, 57-27. The Lady Railroaders took a stinging, 14-3 lead

at the end of the first quarter, and extended it to 27-10 at halftime. Churubusco scored in double digits in the third quarter, but was still outscored 15-10 by Garrett to make the score 42-20 going into the fourth quarter. The Lady Eagles were led in points by Isasbelle Hille with eight, followed by Brein Gross and Brooke Nondorf with five points apiece. Mariah Hosted and Myah Bear each had eight rebounds. Hille and Nondorf had four apiece. Bear also recorded a

block. SCORES Prairie Heights 51, Churubusco 32 (Dec. 15) Columbia City 50, East Noble 42 (Dec. 16)

BOYS BASKETBALL Whitko 65, Tippecanoe Valley 46

SOUTH WHITLEY — River West scored 31 points, leading the Whitko Wildcats to a 65-46 win over Tippecanoe Valley last Friday. The boys outscored Tippecanoe Valley in every quarter, taking a See BRIEFS, Page 14

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Columbia City boys swimmer Matt Webber has been a leader for Columbia City’s swim team all season, picking up many wins individually and helping his teammates to victories in relay events.

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SPORTS

A14 • INwhitleycounty.com

Whitley County • December 21, 2017

COLUMBIA CITY GIRLS BASKETBALL

Grace Cotter looks for an open teammate. Olivia Shearer defends a Warsaw player in the Lady Eagles’ game last week.

Head coach Amy Shearer looks on intently.

Carly Mabie defends a Warsaw player.

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Gabby Fry drives to the basket.

Columbia City’s cheerleaders line up prior to the playing of the national anthem.

BRIEFS from Page 13 12-6 lead at the end of the first quarter, 31-18 lead at halftime and a 49-35 advantage going into the fourth. Along with this 31 points, West had eight rebounds and two steals. Brett Sickafoose scored 17 points and had four rebounds, an assist and a steal.

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Brian Collins had eight points and nine rebounds, and Spencer Sroufe recorded four blocks, along with eight rebounds and four points. SCORES Carroll 69, Columbia City 32 (Dec. 9) East Noble 66, Columbia City 33 (Dec. 15)

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MIDDLE SCHOOL Whitko 50, Northfield 24

WABASH — Whitko’s eighth-grade boys basketball team beat Northfield Dec. 11, 50-24. The Wildcats were led by William Rickerd with 23 points, followed by Colton Craig with 14.

Whitko 38, ISMS 34 COLUMBIA CITY — Whitko’s eighth grade boys beat Indian Springs Middle School 38-34 last Thursday after having a 15-point fourth quarter. The Wildcats were led by William Rickerd with 23 points and Colton Craig with seven.

SPORTS

Whitley County • December 21, 2017

INwhitleycounty.com • A15

CC swim team in action Updated CC logo needs an update By Travis Stahl

Ryan Devito warms up in the pool before his races at a home meet last week.

Caroline Klimek focuses before her race.

Coach Pat Williams has an animated discussion with swimmer Shauna Young.

PHOTOS BY NICOLE MINIER

Telly Varga swims to the finish.

Charlie Varga gets in the zone before his race.

Shay Trump leaps into the pool.

The world changes. That’s what it does whether we like it or not. We either adjust and change with it or get left behind whether we like it or not. Is the new Columbia City Eagles logo perfect? No. But despite some flaws it’s still a decent design. If you haven’t seen the new CC logo, it features maroon and gold swirls that flow into place in the shape of the Eagle. It is a very crisp and clean logo, one that we haven’t seen before from the school. I even bought a new hat with the logo on it as a Christmas gift. And, until it was pointed out to me, I didn’t see the issue with the new Eagles artwork. The problem is the CC. As you can see in the picture, the CC is located directly below the Eagles’ bill. The location of the CC resembles more of the wattle underneath a turkey’s chin. Opponents of Columbia City’s teams who have seen the logo are quick to point out the CC under the Eagle chin are something to poke fun at with some dirty jokes. Obviously that isn’t the best sportsmanship but it’s not a stretch to expect some measure of ribbing is coming from the logo. Again, the logo looks really good. I’m reminded of when the Denver Broncos unveiled their current color scheme. Critics stated the new Denver uniforms looked like garbage bags with orange stripes on them. Eventually, we all forgot that and accepted that is what the Broncos uniforms are going to be for the foreseeable

CONTRIBUTED

Columbia City High School’s new logo

future. The wise cracks from Columbia City opponents will subside with time. It always does. But allow me to play devil’s advocate for a moment. A lot of thought went in to that design from somebody. Maybe even a design company that was paid to come up with such a logo. While the new Eagle is pretty cool, is it what we want on the floor of the new gym or at the 50-yard line of the new football field? Maybe the CC can be adjusted and moved from under the Eagles chin? It would seem the time to make such a minor adjustment would be now and not later. Changing the logo would make all the shirts, hats and sweatshirts bearing the current logo collectors items. It would be like owning memorabilia from when the NFL teams wore the throwback uniforms. Some of those uniforms were just hideous. But you could still say you owned something that is pretty unique and you can’t find anymore. The new CC logo isn’t worst thing that’s ever been put on a high school sports uniform. A minor change to the logo would just make a world of difference. TRAVIS STAHL is a correspondent for IN|Whitley County and the Churubusco News

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SPORTS

A16 • INwhitleycounty.com

Whitley County • December 21, 2017

’Busco grapplers go 2-3 at Carroll Inv. By Nicole Minier nminier@kpcmedia.com

HUNTERTOWN — Churubusco’s wrestling team finished 2-3 in the Carroll Super Duals last weekend, including a one-point loss to rival Eastside. After finishing the Eastside match tied, the Blazers came away with the win on the eighth criteria — most first points scored. Picking up wins in the Eastside match were Korbyn Reister, Mason Gray, Joe Leazier, Caleb Blake, Nathaniel Keener, Marcus Debolt and Reese Wicker. Leazier, at 145 pounds, was the stand-out grappler

for Churubusco, going 5-0 on Saturday to improve to 15-0 on the year and earn his 100th win. “We are really proud of what he has accomplished in his career and look forward to seeing where he can get to during the tournament,” said head coach Sam Riesen. Grey went 4-1. “He has been working really hard and you can really see his improvement paying off each week,” Riesen said. “He is putting together a nice season so far.” The Eagles also lost to Carroll, 72-9, and Elkhart Central, 53-22. “Saturday was a day we

knew would be tough,” said Riesen. “When we wrestled Carroll and Elkhart, we really saw where we need to be when the sectional comes around. We knew those would be tough matches and, while our kids wrestled hard, they made costly mistakes too often.” Leazier picked up the Eagles’ lone pinfall over Carroll. Also scoring was Cody Graft by a 13-7 decision. Against Elkhart Central, Churubusco’s Reister, Gray, Leazier, Dylan Brady and Keener scored points. Churubusco recorded wins over Northrop, 57-21, and DeKalb, 54-24. “We wrestled really well in our wins over solid DeKalb and Northrop teams. Our kids really put together a solid middle of the day,” Riesen said. “Even though we lost

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Joe Leazier wrestles at the Carroll Super Duals Saturday.

to Eastside, we wrestled pretty well during that dual.” Picking up wins against DeKalb were Alan Resler,

Reister, Gray, Brandt Parsons, Leazier, Blake, Debolt, Wicker and Joe Rennaker. Earning wins over

Northrop were Reister, Cody Graft, Gray, Leazier, Blake, Max Sajdik, Keener, Debolt, Wicker and Rennaker.

CONTRIBUTED

Joe Leazier earned his 100th win Saturday at Carroll High School. He is pictured at center with head coach Sam Riesen, left, and assistant coach Josh Kimmel, right.

Churubusco elementary team competes at ISMS

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INwhitleycounty.com • A17

Whitley County • December 21, 2017

WMS students receive awards at Lego robotics competition Staff reports

LARWILL — The Lego Robotics Qualifying Tournament for the 2017 Hydro Dynamics Challenge was hosted in November, and Whitko Middle School’s teams took home two first place trophies as well as a second place. Whitko students earned three overall awards for the following teams: • Hydro Dynamics first place Project Award - Shoshana Keim, AJ Fortman, Jason Seifert, Kylie Fugett • Hydro Dynamics first place Core Values Award - Katrina Streby, Blake Schroeder, Airamia Holland, and Kaycee Knutson

PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

First place Core Values Award recipients Katrina Streby, Blake Schroeder and Airamia Holland pose for a photo.

• Hydro Dynamics - second place Core Values Award - Danielle Schuman, Austin Kreps, Braiden Wolfe, and

Hydro Dynamics first place Project Award recipients Jason Seifert, AJ Fortman, Shoshana Keim and Kylie Fugett.

Anastacia Schmidt Teams consist of three to five students led by Whitko Instructor Teresa Knepple. Students must

design, build and program Lego NXT or EV3 robots. Because the robots are autonomous, meaning they do not utilize a remote control, students also program them ahead of time to for the robot to successfully complete a task during the tournament. Throughout the competition, students programmed their robots to complete multiple missions on a four foot by 8-foot game board, accumulating points during a 2.5-minute time limit. Missions included dropping barrels onto platforms to initiate a reaction from the platform, repositioning Legos, pulling or picking up

2nd place Core Values Award recipients Braiden Wolfe, Anastacia Schmidt, Danielle Schuman and Austin Kreps.

Bennett wins 2017 Pierceton Elementary Spelling Bee Staff reports

PIERCETON — After six rounds of spelling, the annual Pierceton Elementary Spelling Bee eliminated all but four students. From that point on, the students competed for another eight heartpounding rounds until Cale Bennett emerged victorious in round 15.

Cale Bennett Immediately following his victory on Tuesday afternoon.

His final word was “atoll.” Runner-up Addison Baxter showed tremendous sportsmanship and Pierceton Cub Pride when she quickly congratulated her classmate with a high five. Classmates also joined in on Bennett’s victory with loud cheers, applause, and hugs. Bennett practiced his spelling words for weeks, including words like ichthyosaurs, Chesapeake, Kilimanjaro and administration. Many of the words students spelled are known as homonyms, which have a double meaning. As a result, Principal Mike McClain, who moderated the competition, encouraged each student competing to take every opportunity to hear the words correctly, ask for them to be repeated if necessary, request a definition of the word or even have it read in a sentence.

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Cale Bennett (left) and Addison Baxter (right) present their medals after winning first place and runner-up at the 2017 PES Spelling Bee.

According to Bennett’s mother, Megan, he had placed 1st for his classroom’s practice competition earlier in the month and was eager to see how well he would do against his entire grade. “He swims, and he does basketball, and he does different things,” she said. “He would come home very tired at night, but he

would still grab his list of words and say, ‘Hey mom, can we go through these real quick?’” Should Bennett not be able to uphold his responsibility (usually due to an unforeseen illness) to spell on behalf of PES students, Baxter would assume those responsibilities to compete at the county level of in Bennett’s stead.

objects and returning them to the home position on the game board, replacing objects, and triggering chain reactions. Those competing also have to present a realworld problem and share a possible solution to a panel of judges. This year’s topic was hydrodynamics. As a result, students focused on how

water is transported, located, and distributed for human consumption and use. Teams were required to focus on problems in the community, and create a solution to for the identified problem. Whitko Middle School proudly hosts seven Lego robotics teams, four of which competed at the tournament in November.

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Whitley County • December 21, 2017

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INwhitleycounty.com • A19

Whitley County • December 21, 2017

Community Calendar Include news of your group, too

Send news of your group to nminier@kpcmedia.com. Items will be selected and edited as space permits.

Dec.

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Dec. 21

• The Ambassadors and Members Chamber Christmas Party is 2-4 p.m. in the lobby at the Super 8, 235 Frontage Road, Columbia City. Hors d’oeuvres will be provided by Jill Daniel. RSVP by calling 248-8131. • The Whitley County Council on Aging will host a Christmas party featuring bingo, ugly sweater and cookie contests, and will be followed by tea and cookies. The party starts at noon at 710 Opportunity Drive in Columbia City.

city. 2, 2018 Jan. Jan.• Whitley County Commissioners will hold

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Dec. 24

• Green Center United Methodist Church will host its Christmas service at 10 a.m. and Christmas Eve service at 7 p.m. The church is located at 2861 S. County Road 300 E. in Albion (Noble County).

Dec. 25

• Merry Christmas to all from the IN|Whitley County Staff! Dec. 28

• Explore 4-H Night, hosted by the Whitley County Extension Office, will give children the opportunity to meet club and project leaders, ask questions, pick up information, talk to current 4-H members, have a snack and even enroll in 4-H. “This is an opportunity to check out the many projects, clubs and events that we offer,” said Todd Geiger, extension educator of 4-H youth development. • South Whitley Town Council will host its regular meeting at 6:30 p.m. in Town Hall. • Columbia City Municipal Board of Works and Common Council will hold their regular meetings at 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. in the Council Chambers in Town Hall.

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their regularly scheduled meeting at 1 p.m. in the Whitley County Government Center. The commissioners meet the first and third Monday of each month, but will meet Tuesday due to the New Year. Jan. 3

• Whitley County Council will hold their regularly scheduled meeting at 8 a.m. in the Whitley County Government Center. Council meets on Tuesday on the first full week of the month, but will meet Wednesday due to the New Year. • Churubusco Town Council holds their regular meeting at 6:30 p.m. in Churubusco Town Hall. The council meets on the first and third Wendesday of each month.

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Jan. 6

• The Leatherneck Coffee Club meets at 8 a.m. in the basement of St. Paul of the Cross Church in Columbia City on the first Saturday of each month. All Marine Corps veterans are welcome to attend. Jan. 8

• Mothers of Preschoolers, MOPS, is at 9:30 a.m. at the Whitley County Family YMCA and put on by Big Lake Church of God. Other dates include Jan. 22, Feb. 12, Feb. 26, March 12, March 26, April 9 and April 23. The meetings include snacks, messages of hope, small groups and childcare. The cost to become a MOPS member is $31.95 for the year. For more information, email mopsofwhitleyco@gmail.com or visit Facebook or Instagram @mopsofwhitleyco. • Churubusco Library Board meets at 6 p.m. on the second Monday of each month. Jan. 9

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the Council Chambers in City Hall. The board meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month. • Columbia City Common Council will hold their regular meeting at 6 p.m. in the Council Chambers in City Hall. The council meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month. Jan. 11

• The Churubusco Chamber of Commerce holds its monthly meeting at noon in the Masonic Lodge. Jan. 16

• Whitley County Drainage Board meets at 9 a.m. in the Whitley County Government Center. The board meets on the third monday of the month, but will meet on Tuesday due to Martin Luther King Jr. Day. • Whitley County Commissioners will hold their regularly scheduled meeting at 1 p.m. in the Whitley County Government Center. The commissioners meet the first and third Monday of each month, but will meet Tuesday due to Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Jan. 17

• The Colonel Augustin de la Balme Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution holds monthly meetings on the third Wednesday of each month from 9 a.m. — 12 p.m. at the Peabody Public Library. • Churubusco Town Council holds their regular meeting at 6:30 p.m. in Churubusco Town Hall. The council meets on the first and third Wendesday of each month. Jan. 23

• South Whitley Town Council hosts their regular meeting at 6:30 p.m. in South Whitley Town Hall. The council meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month. • Columbia City Municipal Board of Works will hold their regular meeting at 5 p.m. in the Council Chambers in City Hall. The board meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month. • Columbia City Common Council will hold their regular meeting at 6 p.m. in the Council Chambers in City Hall. The council meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month.

31 Holiday services throughout Whitley County Dec. 31

• The brick sale for the Russel and Evelyn Fahl Aquatics Center in Columbia City will continue through Dec. 31. Engraved bricks can be purchased at fundraisingbrick.com/columbia

The following are Christmas and New Year’s church services in and near Whitley County: Beacon Light Chapel 8901 McComb Road, Churubusco Christmas Eve Day 10 a.m. New Year’s Eve Day 10 a.m. Blue River Church of the Brethren 3040 E. C.R. 700 N., Columbia City Christmas Eve Day 10 a.m. No 7 p.m. service. New Year’s Eve Day 10 a.m. No 7 p.m. service. Columbia City Christian Church/Church of Christ 270 Frontage Road, Columbia City Christmas Eve 8 p.m. Columbia City Church of the Brethren 112 N. Washington St., Columbia City Christmas Eve Day 10 a.m. Christmas Eve Service 7 p.m. Columbia City United Methodist Church 605 Forest Pkwy.,

Columbia City Christmas Eve Day Traditional Service 8:30 a.m. Christmas Eve Day Modern Worship Service 11 a.m. Christmas Eve Candlelight Service 7 p.m. New Year’s Eve Day ONE Worship Service 10 a.m. Community Bible Church 325 N. Elm St., Columbia City Christmas Eve Day 10 a.m. Etna United Methodist Church 4255 W. C.R. 750 N., Columbia City Christmas Eve Day 10:30 a.m. Early Christmas Eve service 7 p.m. Late Christmas Eve service 11 p.m. Faith Lutheran Church (LCMS) 9251 E. State Road 205, Churubusco Christmas Eve Candlelight 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. Christmas Day 9 a.m. New Year’s Eve 7:30 p.m. Grace Lutheran

Church - ELCA 204 N. Main St., Columbia City 46725 Christmas Eve Day 9 a.m. Sunday morning service and Christmas Pageant joint service with Hope Lutheran Church at Grace Lutheran Christmas Eve Family Service 6 p.m. Christmas Eve Candlelight Service 11 p.m. New Year’s Eve Day 9 a.m. Carols and Lessons joint service with Hope Lutheran Church at Hope Lutheran Church Hope Lutheran Church (Coesse) ELCA Christmas Eve Day Christmas Pageant joint service with Grace Lutheran Church at Grace Lutheran (see above) 9 a.m. Christmas Eve Candlelight Service 11 p.m. New Year’s Eve Day 9 a.m. Carols and Lessons joint service with Grace Lutheran Church at Hope Lutheran Church Kimmell United Methodist Church Clark Street & U.S. 33,

Kimmell Christmas Eve Day 9 a.m. Christmas Eve 6 p.m. Laud Christian Church 2085 E. Taylor St. (Laud), Columbia City Christmas Eve Day 9:30 a.m. New Year’s Eve Day 9:30 a.m. New Hope Wesleyan Church 971 N. C.R. 400 W., Columbia City Christmas Eve 10:30 a.m. Communion Service 5 p.m. Oak Grove Church of God (General Conference) 2426 S. Raber Road, Columbia City Christmas Eve Day 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m. Christmas Eve Carols, Candles and Communion 6 p.m. New Years Eve Day 9 a.m. & 10:30 a.m. St. Matthew’s United Methodist Church 1460 E. C.R. 500 N., Columbia City Christmas Eve Day 10:30 a.m.

Christmas Eve 9 p.m. St. Paul of the Cross Roman Catholic Church 315 S. Line St., Columbia City Christmas Eve Day Mass 8 a.m & 10:30 a.m. Christmas Eve Family Mass, 5 p.m. Christmas Eve Mass 10 p.m. Christmas Day Mass 9 a.m. Saturn Christian Church 6731 E. C.R. 800 S., Columbia City Christmas Eve Service 7 p.m. Solid Rock Grace Brethren Church 4975 W. C.R. 1000 South, South Whitley Christmas Eve Candlelight 6 p.m. New Years Eve Fellowship 5 p.m.-midnight South Whitley United Methodist 6685 W. S.R. 14, South Whitley Christmas Eve Day 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. New Year’s Eve Day 9 a.m.. Sugar Creek Fellowship Church in Tunker

3531 W. C.R. 800 S., South Whitley Christmas Eve 6 p.m. Tri-Lakes Baptist Church 5679 N. Center St. (Tri-Lakes), Columbia City Christmas Eve Candlelight Service 6 p.m. Troy Presbyterian Church 6465 W. Lincolnway, Columbia City Christmas Eve Service 8 p.m. Victory Christian Fellowship 1330 W. Business 30, Columbia City Christmas Eve Day 11 a.m. West Point Trinity United Methodist Church 4980 N. Etna Road, Columbia City Christmas Eve Day 9 a.m. Zion Lutheran Church (LCMS) 101 E. North St., Columbia City Christmas Eve Day 10:15 a.m. Christmas Eve Candlelight Service 7 p.m. Christmas Day 9 a.m.

A20 • INwhitleycounty.com

Whitley County • December 21, 2017

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