IN|Whitley County Feb. 1, 2018

wc

INSIDE

WhitleyCounty County Whitley wc

Business�������������12

inwhitleycounty.com

inwhitleycounty.com

Community Calendar������� 18-19

CityAutoMall.com 260-244-5111 DEALERSHIP 1-866-654-3424 TOLL FREE February 1, 2018

Whitley County to welcome 45 families from Puerto Rico

By Bridgett Hernandez bhernandez@kpcmedia�com

COLUMBIA CITY — Whitley County is laying out the welcome mat for 45 families from Puerto Rico, local officials said last week.

The workers are transferring from a medical device facility in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, that was damaged by Hurricane Maria, to a facility in Warsaw. Due to a housing shortage in Warsaw, the families will (and have already begun to) locate in Whitley

County, officials said.

Columbia City Mayor Ryan Daniel called the news “a huge win” for Whitley County.

“There are huge benefits for us,” he said. “Not only population growth but from an economic development perspective.”

Daniel said local officials learned about the incoming families last week. Some of the families have already started to arrive. The rest will arrive in the next few weeks.

For a community of 9,000, welcoming a potential influx of 100 to 200 individuals in a matter of weeks will present challenges, including language services.

“At the end of the day, we’re preparing for challenges, but with those challenges come tremendous opportunity,” Daniel said.

Resources for new residents Local officials said they don’t yet know the

newcomers’ level of English proficiency, but some of the individuals speak English fluently.

Puerto Rico is an unincorporated territory of the United States. Spanish and English are both official languages in Puerto Rico with Spanish being dominant. Fewer than 20 percent of Puerto Ricans speak English fluently, according to the 1990 U.S. Census.

Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens. They can travel,

live and work in the country without needing a visa or passport. It’s important that local residents understand this, said Jennifer Zartman Romano, executive director of the Whitley County Chamber of Commerce. She is coordinating efforts to welcome the families to the community.

“I think it’s important to let people know that they’re transferring employees – they’re existing, skilled See CHAMBER, Page 2

McKinney named top speller in county KPC News Service WHITLEY COUNTY — The driver of a tractor-trailer was killed last week in a crash with an SUV on U.S. 30 at the intersection of County Line Road.

First responders were called to the scene at about 7:30 p.m. Jan. 24.

Officials say the semi ran a red light while traveling east on U.S. 30, striking the SUV which was attempting to cross the intersection.

The semi came to a rest on its side on the eastbound side of U.S. 30.

Michael Gonsior, 29, of Fort Wayne, was pronounced dead at the scene. Those in the SUV, a Columbia City woman and her two children, had minor injuries.

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

Telephone: (260) 693-3949

Vol. 2 No. 5

Seven students battled it out for the title of best speller at the 2018 Whitley County Spelling Bee at Churubusco Jr./Sr. High School Jan. 24.

The contestants each hold the title of champion speller at their respective schools, advancing to the county competition with winning words like “taxidermy” and “oceanography.”

Smith-Green Community Schools superintendent Daniel Hile pronounced the words for the event.

Students were eliminated over four rounds of spelling.

Maxwell McKinney, a fifth grader from Coesse Elementary School, was the last one standing and was awarded a champion medal. His winning word was “thermal.”

After McKinney was named champion, Hile announced that, for the first time since the high school had been hosting the county spelling bee,

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Seven students competed in the 2018 Whitley County Spelling Bee at Churubusco Jr.-Sr. High School Jan. 24. Pictured from left are Madison Cripe, grade 5 at South Whitley Elementary; Ethan Hess, grade 5 at Churubusco Elementary; Breckden Lizak, grade 5 at Little Turtle Elementary; champion Maxwell McKinney, grade 5 at Coesse Elementary; runner up Jordan Potter, grade 6 at Indian Springs Middle School; Natalie Sheets, grade 5 at Northern Heights Elementary; and John Trey “JT”, grade 5 at Mary Raber Elementary.

Bridgett Hernandez

the three runners-up would compete for the title of first runner-up.

Breckden Lizak, grade 5 at Little Turtle Elementary School, Jordan Potter, grade

6 at Indian Springs Middle School, and Natalie Sheets, grade 5 at Northern Heights Elementary School battled it out for eight rounds of spelling. Potter came out

on top and was awarded a medal for first runner-up.

His winning word was “rupture.”

Potter said he felt nervous on stage too, but his mom

helped him prepare for the spelling bee.

“I looked at the words and then my mom said them to me and I spelled them. I also wrote them down,” he said.

All of the students were recognized for their participation with a certificate and round of applause.

Maxwell’s mom, Kara McKinney, said she was proud of all of the work the students put in to make it to the county-level competition.

“It’s exciting. When they put the work in, it’s nice to see the reward for them.

Each student put in so much, and I’m proud of each and every one of them up here and our community,” she said.

Also competing in the spelling bee were Madison Cripe, grade 5 at South Whitley Elementary School; Ethan Hess, grade 5 at Churubusco Elementary School; and John Trey “JT”, grade 5 at Mary Raber Elementary School.

A feeling to savor: CC woman wins Scholarship

By Bridgett Hernandez bhernandez@kpcmedia�com

A Columbia City woman recently won a scholarship to study the culinary arts in France this spring.

Joyce Chaney graduated from Ivy Tech Community College’s Fort Wayne

Campus with a degree in culinary arts and hospitality management in December.

She competed against 10 other students in the college’s 22nd annual European Competition Jan. 19.

The students had to prepare a meal including an

entrée with a starch, vegetable and dessert. They had 30 minutes to create a menu and three and a half hours to complete their dish.

Kitchen judges watched and rated students as they worked, paying attention to technique and ability. Floor

judges tasted the completed meals, not knowing which student made which plate.

Chaney said that while some of her fellow competitors were running around the kitchen in a frenzy, she felt like she could take her time and have fun. For her

Don’t forget SWEETS for your Sweetheart this Valentine’s Day!

meal, she prepared chicken roulade filled with spinach, roasted red peppers and feta cheese; country green beans, risotto; and a chocolate torte with raspberry sauce for dessert.

When she found out that See CULINARY, Page 2 Buy 1 lb. Fudge, Get 1/2 lb. FREE Expires 3/1/18

INWhitley County

1 killed in U.S. 30 crash

bhernandez@kpcmedia�com

123 North Main Street,Churubusco, IN 46723

NEWS IN BRIEF

By Bridgett Hernandez

120 N Main St. Columbia City, IN NOW IN BREW’HA!

(260) 609-1210

Fresh Fudge, Salt Water Taffy, World’s Best Gummies, Gourmet Chocolate. *Gluten & Sugar Free Options Available

Hours: Mon-Tues 8AM-12PM Wed-Fri 4-8PM | Sun 3-7PM

$2 OFF 1 lb. Salt Water Taffy Expires 3/1/18

A2 • INwhitleycounty.com

Whitley County • February 1, 2018

CULINARY from Page 1 she was one of eight students who would travel to France, she was emotional.

“I had to hold back happy tears. I’ve never done anything like this, I’ve never won anything like this,” she said.

The award is a milestone in what has been a long journey for Chaney. She worked in a factory for 22 years before going back to school to pursue her dream of starting her own business.

“My goal is to have my own catering business and/or food truck,” she said.

She’s always loved cooking, which she learned from her mom, who cooked for the military.

At Ivy Tech, Chaney was often the oldest student in the classroom, but it was a positive experience, she said.

“I made a lot of new friends and met a lot of new people and I learned a lot,” she said.

Chaney graduated from the program in December, the same year her daughter

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Eleven hospitality administration students competed Jan. 19 in Ivy Tech’s European Competition. Eight students, including Joyce Chaney of Columbia City, won the opportunity to travel to France to study

the culinary arts. The competing students were (from left) Reba Wilson, La’Ron Gillard, Chaney, DominiQue Whetstone, Lisa Rios, Sheila Mertens, Nora Trittipo, Samantha Williams and Patricia Jones.

graduated from college and her son graduated from high school.

Chaney’s son, Justin Meeks, 18, joined the U.S. Army after graduating from Central Noble High School and is stationed at Fort Lewis

in Washington where he serves as a military police officer. Meeks said he has always admired his mom’s work ethic.

“She would go to school and then go straight to work,” he said. “She was pretty busy,

but she still got good grades, so that was pretty cool.”

He’s always been a fan of her cooking, so he wasn’t surprised that she won the culinary competition. Living so far from home, he misses her cooking, especially her

homemade chicken and noodles with mashed potatoes.

Chaney’s daughter, Kyla Chaney, 22, recently graduated from Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne with a degree

Romano already has a lengthy project list that includes making materials available in Spanish, identifying fluent Spanish speakers in the community and planning a resource fair to connect families to services and businesses.

She wants to make sure

the transplants feel at home.

“We’re not just preparing for the [employee] who is coming here – we’re thinking about what the children will be interested in, so we’re preparing materials for the parks department so that they can get signed up for little league this summer,” she said.

Additionally, he is excited to hear that many of the individuals are bringing skills that are highly desired by local employers. The business community is cheering about this, he said.

Daniel said the influx will help Columbia City get closer to its population goal of 10,000. When a community crosses that threshold, it gets a lot more looks from businesses, he said.

At the press conference, the local officials said that they weren’t sure if they families would stay in Whitley County permanently.

At the very least, the move will be long-term because they know of an individual who has signed a 15-month lease. The hope is for them to stay, Daniel said.

“Very rarely do you have a small community, like ours, have this opportunity where multiple families – 45 families – end up coming to our community. We want to make sure that they can plant roots here,” he said.

in criminal justice. She just started a job as a St. Joseph County dispatcher in Michigan.

Growing up, Kyla said her mom taught her everything she knows about cooking.

She is proud of her mom for following her dream even though the journey hasn’t been easy.

“She worked really hard to get where she’s at. It’s not easy working a full-time job and going after your dream,” she said.

In May, Chaney and the other winners will travel to France for two weeks. She’s never traveled to France before, so she’s excited for the new experience.

“We’re going to go into restaurants and into kitchens and see how they do things,” she said.

Based on the students’ experience in France, they will create the menu for this year’s “A Reason to Taste,” the college’s largest annual fundraiser.

CHAMBER from Page 1 workers coming here.

They’re American citizens,” she said.

Daniel is confident Whitley County can accommodate the housing needs of the newcomers with apartments and other housing.

Three or four housing additions are in the process of

expanding, he added.

Representatives from the chamber, Whitley County Economic Development Corp., Parkview Whitley Hospital, schools and public safety met Wednesday morning to brainstorm ways to address issues that might arise from the intake process.

A win for economic development A job fair is also in the works for the employees’ spouses and other family members who might be looking for employment.

Jon Myers, president of the Whitley County EDC, said employers are excited about the news of potential employees moving to the community.

Myers is excited for the opportunity it will bring to Whitley County’s low, 2.5 percent unemployement rate. When unemployment gets down around 3 or 4 percent, it becomes a strain on the employer, Myers said.

Daniel, Romano and Myers said they weren’t at liberty to name the biomedical firm. However, Warsaw-based medical device manufacturer Zimmer Biomet has a manufacturing facility in Guaynabo, the city the families are transferring from.

In October, Zimmer Biomet issued a statement giving an update on its manufacturing facilities in Guaynabo and Ponce, Puerto Rico.

The facilities sustained “relatively minor damage from the storm.” At that time, manufacturing operations at both plants had been partially restored and were expected to gradually ramp up over the next weeks as central power was brought back online in both communities.

IN|Whitley County reached out to Zimmer Biomet to confirm that their workers are the ones transferring to Warsaw, but the company has not yet returned the phone call.

Moving you with Integrity!

Honoring the best and brightest under 40 in northeast Indiana.

NOMINATION DEADLINE FEBRUARY 4

Visit fwbusiness.com under the Events tab.

215 E. Van Buren St., Suite 101 Columbia City, IN

(260) 244-7299 • www.movewithintegrity.com

INwhitleycounty.com • A3

Whitley County • February 1, 2018

Jump around!

Little Turtle, Churubusco jump ropers perform at ball games

Little Turtle Elementary School’s jump rope club performed at halftime of Columbia City’s girls basketball game against Northrop last week.

NICOLE MINIER

Tila Baker anxiously waits for the show to start.

Churubusco Elementary School’s Turtletown Turners performed at halftime of the varsity boys basketball game Friday night in Churubusco. Above, the group waives to the crowd at the conclusion of the show.

Brookly Sinclair leap-frogs over Addison Reed.

260-248-8315 735 W. Market St. Columbia City, IN

SALT SALE

MON. THRU FRI. 8 A.M.-5 P.M. SAT. 8 A.M.-NOON

Mon. - Fri. 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sat. 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Prices subject to change without notice.

Fri. & Sat., February 2 & 3 Next Salt Sale March 2 & 3

40# SOLAR SALT ...................... $5.35 40# PELLET SALT ...................... $5.99 40# RED-OUT ............................ $6.99 50# CUBE SALT ......................... $8.29 Sale price honored only on these dates ~ Not valid with any other offers or promotions

Jaycie Moore’s hair flies through the air while performing.

CULLIGAN WATER CONDITIONING

675 Business 30 East, Columbia City • 244-5850

Complete Custom Slaughtering & Processing Service • Smoking & Locker Service • • Award Winning Cured Products •

State Inspected

5 OFF

$

ANY PURCHASE OF $30 OR MORE Expires 3/31/18

735 W. Market St., Columbia City, IN

https://sites.google.com/site/kridersmeatproc

A4 • INwhitleycounty.com

Whitley County • February 1, 2018

Father-daughter dance continues to grow

By Travis Stahl for IN|Whitley County

COLUMBIA CITY — Nearly every little girl wants to be a princess.

Who better to take a little princess to a ball than her father? This year marks the 13th year the Columbia City Parks Department is conducting a fatherdaughter dance which gives girls in the community a chance to dress up and enjoy an evening with the king in their young lives for a night.

Columbia City Parks Director Mark Green said the department developed the idea after hearing about similar events from other communities. But Green could never predict what the event would turn in to over the years.

“We had no idea what it would provide to the community,” said Green.

“It took off rather quickly.”

The dance was originally held at the Eagles Nest Event Center. However, the parks department noticed that the event was selling out and the demand continued to grow. The

Eagles Nest was too small to accommodate so many people so the event was moved to the First Church of God. Green said there was plenty of space there, but setting up and taking down all the tables and chairs was a difficult task.

The parks department then decided to move the dance to the 4-H Center and, last year, even came up with a new idea. Instead of a one-night event, a second night was added to allow more people to attend. Green said between 700 and 750 tickets were sold last year.

Green pointed out that the dance has become like a prom for young girls.

Parents are taking their kids to the local hair salons and nail parlors as well as buying up corsages from the florists in town.

Other local businesses have seen the impact the dance has on girls who get to attend and have been generous in providing resources as well. Gary and Heather Parrett donate their time and the food for the dance. The Cake Lady

always has cookies and cupcakes for the girls, and several other local business contribute goodie bags and coupons.

“It’s nice to see so many dads have some nice family time with their daughters,” said Green.

“Dads get the chance to show their daughters how they are supposed to be treated on a date when they get older.”

Green said he gets to hear stories from girls who are now in high school about how much they enjoyed going when they were younger. He said there have also been several times where a father lives out of state and will come back to Columbia City for that weekend just so he can take his daughter to the dance.

This year’s FatherDaughter Dance will again be held at the Whitley County 4-H Center.

The dance is scheduled for Friday, Feb. 9 and Saturday, Feb. 10. The theme of the dance this year is Winter Wonderland.

WHITLEY COUNTY JAIL BOOKINGS KPC News Service

The following people were booked into the Whitley County Jail:

• Joshua Wright, 28, of Avilla, was arrested Jan. 20 by the Whitley County Sheriff’s Department, charged with failure to appear.

• Matthew Snyder, 32, of Larwill, was arrested Jan. 21 by the Whitley County Sheriff’s Department, charged with OWI, OWI per se and carrying a handgun without a permit.

• Jennifer Miller, 40, of West Bend, Wisc., was arrested Jan. 21 by the Whitley County Sheriff’s Department, charged with possession of marijuana and possession of paraphernalia.

• Jennifer Martin, 47, of Columbia City, was arrested Jan. 21 by the Whitley County Sheriff’s Department, charged with failure to comply.

• Kathy Hill, 61, of Columbia City, was arrested Jan. 21 by the Whitley County Sheriff’s Department, charged with disorderly conduct and intimidation.

• Clamencia Mendoza, 31, of Fort Wayne, was arrested Jan. 22 by the Whitley County Sheriff’s Department, charged with driving while suspended prior.

• Jacob Britt, 25, of South Whitley, was arrested Jan. 22 by the

Whitley County Sheriff’s Department, charged with leaving the scene of a property damage crash and criminal mischief.

• Eva Parker, 22, of North Manchester, was arrested Jan. 22 by the Whitley County Sheriff’s Department, charged with probation violation.

• Joshua Willard, 34, of Silver Lake, was arrested Jan. 23 by the Whitley County Sheriff’s Department, charged with probation violation.

• Dylan Miller, 23, of Fort Wayne, was arrested Jan. 23 by the Whitley County Sheriff’s Department, charged with OWI and OWI per se.

• Randall Jenkins, 31, of Fort Wayne, was arrested Jan. 23 by the Whitley County Sheriff’s Department, charged with theft.

• Benjamin Jenkins, 34, of Fort Wayne, was arrested Jan. 23 by the Whitley County Sheriff’s Department, charged with theft.

• Joshua Wheeler, 24, of Churubusco, was arrested Jan. 23 by the Whitley County Sheriff’s Department, charged with OWI. • William Neely, 31, of Columbia City, was arrested Jan. 24 by the Whitley County Sheriff’s Department, charged with probation violation.

• Benjamin Western,

22, of Columbia City, was arrested Jan. 24 by the Whitley County Sheriff’s Department, charged with dealing marijuana.

• Frances White, 53, of Churubusco, was arrested Jan. 24 by the Whitley County Sheriff’s Department, charged with possession of methamphetamine.

• David Ferguson, 25, of Celina, Ohio, was arrested Jan. 24 by the Whitley County Sheriff’s Department, charged with violation of suspended sentence.

• Kaylee Helvie, 24, of Fort Wayne, was arrested Jan. 26 by the Whitley County Sheriff’s Department, charged with probation violation.

• Devyn Nelson, 23, of Columbia City, was arrested Jan. 26 by the Whitley County Sheriff’s Department, charged with check deception.

• Amber Barr, 28, of Columbia City, was arrested Jan. 26 by the Whitley County Sheriff’s Department, charged with auto theft, conversion and driving while suspended.

• Nicole Coburn, 35, of Syracuse, was arrested Jan. 26 by the Indiana State Police, charged with driving while suspended prior and operating while never licensed.

CONTRIBUTED

NHES raises money for Hope House Northern Heights Elementary School raised $832.25 for the Mad Anthony Hope House. Pictured are, front row, from left: Lucy Lurue, JoHanna Carpenter, Sadie Ward, Holly Oschlaeger, Chloe Mullins, Carter Krouse, Mason Straub and Jayme Krouse. Back row: Maylan Wagner, Eli Ralston, Natalie Sheets, Monty Goss, Lyndon Barber, Kassidy Odem, Jacob English and Candy Smith. Not pictured are: Kash Uher, Olivia More and Elenor Schmidt.

New Verizon Wireless retail store coming to Columbia City

By Nicole Minier nminier@kpcmedia.com

COLUMBIA CITY – Columbia City will soon see a new retail building on Walker Way in Columbia City.

ADMC Enterprises LLC, a Verizon Wireless franchisee, plans to construct a retail store and office building next to CVS. The store will be the new headquarters for the local franchisee.

There is expected to be six new jobs at an average hourly wage of $24.

“We are not only happy to see an expansion by one of our local entrepreneurs, but the addition of a new building along Walker Way will add to the aesthetics of that commercial area,” said Whitley County Economic Development Corp. President Jon Myers.

BR Real Estate LLC will invest $650,000 in constructing the new building and ADMC Enterprises will invest an additional $250,000 in new equipment for the store. The store will also have 2,200 square feet of office space available for rent.

ADMC Enterprises is a locally owned and operated franchisee of Wireless Zone.

“ADMC Enterprises is excited to partner with BR Real Estate on the new plaza and bring the new Verizon Wireless smart store design to Columbia City,” said ADMC Enterprises Owner Brian McMeeking. “Customers will be pleased with the increased space offered in the new state-of-the-art

facility.”

The Columbia City Common Council approved a 10-year tax abatement at the request of the Whitley County EDC. “We are pleased to support the continued growth of ADMC Enterprises. This building will not only provide additional space for Verizon, but will also open up additional frontage for other tenants. The investment continues the momentum of growth in our community and follows our tagline of ‘Building a Future Together,’” said Mayor Ryan Daniel.

Community Development Director Jeff

Walker said the building is a perfect fit for Walker Way. “It fits that area to a ‘T,’” Walker said. “It’s the best use for that property.”

The building, if approved by the Columbia City Plan Commission, will likely be up and running by June or July.

The development plan will come before the plan commission in February.

The 10-year tax abatement is on a sliding scale, where the business pays the least taxes at the start of the 10 years, and increases as time goes on.

“This gives them time to build up their dollars while allowing us to welcome them in,” said Daniel. “It’s a win-win.”

Randy C. Mitchell, CEO/Publisher S. Rick Mitchell, CFO Terry G. Housholder, President

wc

Whitley County inwhitleycounty.com

PHONE (260) 693-3949 (USPS 009-385) Periodical Postage Paid at Churubusco, IN 46723 Nicole Minier, Editor

Articles appearing in the INWhitley County do not necessarily represent the views of this paper.

free paper for local businesses and residents, we do charge a mail subscription fee to those out of our area. This fee must be paid in advance and is as follows: InState $26 one year, Out-of-state $39 one year.

You may also call our office during regular business hours to subscribe at (800) 717-4679.

INWhitley County is a FREE direct mailed newspaper delivered to over 13,000 homes and businesses in Whitley County.

The paper is mailed to addresses in Columbia City, Larwill, and South Whitley. While we are a

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: INWhitley County, P.O. Box 39, Kendallville, IN 46755.

Published on Thursday throughout the year.

Located at 123 N. Main Street, Churubusco, Indiana 46723. www.inwhitleycounty.com

INwhitleycounty.com • A5

Whitley County • February 1, 2018

OBITUARIES DeMaris Beasley COLUMBIA CITY — DeMaris E. Beasley, 89, a native of Columbia City, died at 5:25 a.m.

Friday, Jan. 26, 2018 at Renaissance Village.

There will be no visitation. A graveside service and burial will take place at 12 noon on Saturday in Union Township Cemetery.

Arrangements are by Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City.

Clyde Crutchfield Jr. COLUMBIA CITY — Clyde E. Crutchfield Jr., 67, of Columbia City, died at 2:03 a.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2018,

at Miller’s at Oak Pointe.

Services were Saturday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City.

Burial was in South Park Annex Cemetery.

Memorials are to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

Ruth Stellhorn COLUMBIA CITY — Ruth A. Stellhorn, 87, of Tri Lakes, died at 5:37 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 27, 2018. at Visiting Nurse & Hospice Home, Fort Wayne.

There will be no visitation or funeral service.

Memorials are to Whitley County Literacy Council.

Arrangements are by Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City.

Obituary Policy 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.

Purdue Extension – a reliable information source Information. With the internet, there is plenty of it available these days.

So, with all this information available, how does JOHN E. a person WOODMANSEE sort out reliable information from misinformation?

According to Buckminster Fuller’s “Knowledge Doubling Curve,” until 1900 the total amount of human knowledge had doubled roughly every century.

Around 2013, that figure was estimated to be somewhere in the neighborhood of every 12-13 months, and it was estimated by IBM to eventually be about every 12 hours. I don’t know what the facts are at this moment – after all, I found this information on the internet.

I’m reminded of the television commercial that shows a girl speaking to a friend and she said she found her new boyfriend on the internet. “He’s a French model,” she said. Just then, the guy comes walking up and says in the most obvious middle-American

dialect, “Bonjour.”

Where can we find reliable information?

There are probably a number of answers to that question, but if a question involves science, family or youth, my suggestion is to start with Purdue Extension.

What is Purdue Extension, anyway?

Well, I plan to answer that question more fully in coming weeks.

For now, just think of us as your local connection to Purdue University research. I would suggest that it is reliable information.

In short, research is conducted at Purdue University, and Purdue Extension helps local residents access and understand that research as it relates to their lives and livelihoods.

On a practical level, let’s say you want to know the going rate for custom farm operations, you have cockroaches in the house, or you want to know proper canning methods. Purdue Extension has research-based information and publications that can help you make a more informed decision as you move forward or deal with the situation. If it’s a question we don’t immediately have access to through our extensive library of information, we can consult a specialist at Purdue to shed more light on the

issue. If Purdue doesn’t have the breadth of information we need, sometimes we can gain additional reliable information from neighboring land-grant institutions within U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Cooperative Extension System.

In short, Purdue Extension “extends” the research-based knowledge of the university to local people.

Many times local residents have called the Purdue Extension office because they just needed a place to start. That’s OK, too. Sometimes, rather than answering the full extent of your question, it is appropriate for us to refer your question to another institution or professional, such as it may be with legal or specific health-related issues.

If you want a quick suggestion for doing internet searches that have a greater likelihood of producing researchbased answers to these types of questions, add “edu” or “Purdue” in the search bar after your key words.

So, you have questions, we have answers.

Give your local Purdue Extension office a call.

In Whitley County, the number is 244-7615.

John Woodmansee is an extension educator in Whitley and Noble counties.

CORRECTION Whitko Community School Corp. has no contractual agreement with any manufacturer of modular buildings to bring portable classrooms to the South Whitley campus.

According to school board president Jorell Tucker, the school corporation would be interested in partnering with local businesses to aid in the consolidation of the middle school and

high school.

Tucker was misquoted in the story “Next steps for Whitko consolidated school unclear,” which appeared in the Jan. 25 edition of IN|Whitley County.

BRIDGETT HERNANDEZ

Samantha Fulk, 19, painted a mural based on a historical photo taken of a filling station in downtown Churubusco. The mural will be mounted on the north-facing side of the Churubusco News building, where the filling station once stood.

A brush with the past New mural depicts old Churubusco landmark

By Bridgett Hernandez bhernandez@kpcmedia.com

A new mural will soon offer a glimpse into Churubusco’s history.

The artist, Churubusco High School graduate Samantha Fulk, 19, recently completed the mural, a replication of a 1938 black and white photograph that depicts a filling station that once stood on the corner of North Main and West Washington streets.

The mural is the third in a series of downtown murals based on historical photographs of Churubusco. The first two – depicting the popcorn stand and railroad – are mounted across from the CITGO gas station.

The downtown mural series started as a way to promote the Churubusco History Center, said local historian (and Samantha Fulk’s grandfather) Chuck Jones. For this mural, he reached out to his granddaughter who is studying art education at Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne.

Fulk’s mural will be mounted on the north-facing side of the Churubusco News building, where the filling station once stood. 46 Graphics is creating a plaque that tells the history of the filling station.

In 1938, the DX station was owned by Dale Sprouls. It was later owned by Bob Overholser.

Then, sometime around the mid 1940s, Harry Kugler converted it into a Shell station and continued to operate the station until the late 1960s.

In the early 1970s, Dick and Bob Miracle took over the station and converted it to Conoco. Since then, it

has been torn down and used as a parking lot.

Jones was pleased to see how his granddaughter’s artwork came out.

“It’s wonderful. She really did a nice job. We have the original photograph at the History Center, and it looks just like it,” he said.

Fulk said she has always had a passion for drawing and painting. After she graduates, she wants to be a high school art teacher.

She took on the project because she wanted to challenge herself. She had never painted on such a large canvas.

“I wanted to push myself more to see if I could do it and then if I pulled it off, it would look really good in my portfolio,” she said.

Fulk lives in Fort Wayne now, but she drove back to Churubusco nearly every weekend to work on the mural. Between August and December, she spent four or five hours

every Sunday working on it at the old fire station.

The “canvas” is actually three plywood panels glued together.

She used a projector to project the photograph of the filling station onto the canvas to trace it.

She used black and white Weatherall paint, mixing the colors for the shades of gray. It will also get a clear coat to protect it from the elements.

Fulk said she is really pleased with how the mural turned out.

“I love the detail in the man and the cars,” she said.

The mural looks exactly like the photograph with one little signature detail that’s hidden in plain sight – the license plate says “SAM ’17.”

It’s exciting to know that the public will be able to enjoy the mural for years to come, Fulk said. A mounting and official unveiling is expected in the coming months.

B.E. Computer Sales • Repair • Upgrades • Service Hardware • Software • Data Backup

Bring in this coupon for

COMPUTER DIAGNOSTICS $20.00 Value - Regularly $40.00

50% OFF

126 W. Van Buren St., Columbia City, IN 46725 260.248.8020 WE

RECYCLE

SearsHometown_82997 3.25x2

23 Melissa mj

A6 • INwhitleycounty.com

OPINION

LETTER TO THE EDITOR Dear Editor, Most Whitley County residents have no doubt noted the often heated discussions regarding what if any new ordinances Whitley County should adopt related to concentrated animal feeding operations, or CAFOs. The organization that has been most vocal about the need for some county regulation of these facilities is Whitley Water Matters.

Because of this, many might think this is an issue that only affects lake residents. Nothing could be further from reality.

Unless you live inside an incorporated area (Columbia City, Churubusco, South Whitley, Larwill) or its extra-territorial jurisdiction (not more than two miles outside city limits) you are at risk of being negatively impacted by one or more CAFOs. For example, if you own a home virtually anywhere else in Whitley County (might be new or might be a farmstead in your family for five generations) it is totally legal for a neighbor to build a 3,000 hog feeding operation 400 feet from your residence as a “permitted use,” which means no county approvals are required. Although the operator is required to make a “best effort” to notify land owners within one-half mile, you and your neighbors have no legal recourse to stop the CAFO. And through an incredibly weak special exception

process, the facility could be allowed to house 7,500 hogs.

This is an industrial operation with feed trucks, livestock trucks and manure trucks making regular trips in front of your house. And don’t forget about the incredible amount of manure produced by all of these hogs (millions of gallons per year). It can legally sprayed on fields within 10 feet of your property line.

Your idyllic country environment becomes an industrial livestock production zone almost overnight.

Those who favor no county regulation for CAFOs claim that the Indiana Department of Environmental Management provides sufficient regulation of these facilities to protect Whitley County residents from their negative effects. However, a page on the IDEM website, in.gov/ idem/cfo/2342.htm notes prominently that they do not regulate the following: effect on property values, public road conditions and traffic, where CAFOs are located, disposal of dead animals, ground water use, odors or vectors (flies, mosquitoes or other nuisance insects).

While a wild west mentality with regard to CAFO placement currently exists in Whitley County, it does not have to be this way. The fact is that IDEM allows counties great latitude in enhancing protections for county residents including at least: setbacks (from

right of ways and property lines), buffers (between zoning districts, municipal boundaries, residences, religious institutions, schools, recreational areas and businesses), odor control, manure management, disposal of dead animals, transportation/ driveway and parking standards, well/water standards, screening/shelterbelt standards and minimum lot size.

Unlike the majority of Indiana counties, Whitley County currently does not take advantage of any of these available protections. Not a single one. You as a citizen of the county deserve better.

The county is currently debating what changes should be made to its ordinances to better balance the rights of all citizens. If you have an opinion now is the time to express it. If we don’t get something done as part of the current code development process it is unlikely that any changes will be made for years and the rate of growth of CAFOs in the county will increase. The Whitley County Plan Commission is charged with developing new ordinances for consideration and approval by the County Commissioners. You can contact or leave messages for both groups at 248-3112 or wcplanning2@whitleygov. com.

Tim Dygert Columbia City Steering CommitteeMember Whitley Water Matters

Whitley County • February 1, 2018

New residents a plus for Whitley County, NE Indiana Every county in northeast Indiana should be jealous of Whitley County — it will be receiving a population boost of 45 families.

The latest unemployment report released this week shows that nearly all of northeast Indiana’s counties remain below a 3 percent unemployment rate.

LaGrange has the lowest rate in the state at only 2 percent.

Economists consider “full employment” to be around 6 percent. Our area sits in a dangerous position because, without more people, our local companies will not be able top grow. Growth is the backbone to a healthy economy.

City and county officials recognize this and have championed all sorts of programs to attract and retain talent to the region. Most notably, last fall, the Whitley County Economic Development Corp. and Columbia City teamed up to launch a talent attraction campaign.

Now, in the coming weeks, Whitley County will be welcoming 45 new families to the area. The families are moving to the area because workers are transferring from a medical device facility in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, which was damaged by

Our view Hurricane Maria, to a facility in Warsaw.

Granted, moving to Indiana may not have been the families’ choice. But they are moving here and Whitley County is benefiting.

While Whitley County, like so many rural counties in northeast Indiana, has limited market-rate housing, it turns out the county has more to offer than Kosciusko.

Columbia City Mayor Ryan Daniel called the news “a huge win” for Whitley County, which has an unemployment rate of 2.5 percent, according to the most recent state data.

“There are huge benefits for us,” Daniel said. “Not only population growth but from an economic development perspective.”

While at least one member in each family will have a job lined up when they arrive, other family members may need to work as well, and children will help populate

the schools. This means potential growth for local companies, more tax dollars and more school funding from the state.

Yet, despite the positive economic impact these families will have for the entire county, especially given the low unemployment rate, some residents would prefer the families “find work” on the hurricane-ravaged, financially strained island that is Puerto Rico right now.

Puerto Rico is an unincorporated territory of the United States and Puerto Ricans are U.S. citizens. They can travel, live and work in the country without needing a visa or passport. In some sense, welcoming Puerto Rican families into you town is like welcoming folks from Texas after Hurricane Harvey ransacked their homes and places of employment.

As a region, we should be glad to have strong businesses that are bringing employees here to keep our communities thriving. We are happy to see the majority of the Whitley community welcoming these families with open arms.

We encourage people with skills looking for a job and a Hoosier lifestyle to consider northeast Indiana. We need you!

Donnelly navigates shutdown and Dreamers There is little doubt that U.S. Sen. Joe Donnelly is one of the more endangered incumbent Democrats in 2018, representing a state that gave President Trump a 19 percent plurality in 2016.

So it was intriguing to BRIAN watch him HOWEY navigate the government shutdown demolition derby last week.

In a conference call with Indiana reporters last Tuesday, Donnelly affirmed his membership in the “Common Sense Caucus” or the “Mod Squad” of moderate bipartisan senators that emerged during the three-day government shutdown.

He succinctly summed up what he believes to be his marching orders from Indiana voters: “I was elected for work every day on the behalf of Hoosiers to do my job as

a U.S. senator. Keeping the government running is our job. Over the past month I have voted consistently to keep the government open.

I approached this job with the common sense we have as Hoosiers and I pledged to bring that to the Senate. That means working with Republicans and with Democrats to get things done and to solve problems.”

So there in a nutshell is Donnelly’s modus operandi, both in office and in the upcoming campaign. He found himself in the national spotlight twice over the past week. Late Friday afternoon, he signaled his willingness to break from Democrats to vote to keep the government open, saying, “Today we face a deadline to fund the government. It’s the most basic duty of Congress to keep our government running.”

Potential Senate challenger Todd Rokita took aim at Donnelly, saying Friday, “Typical Joe Donnelly. Joe only votes with Hoosiers when it doesn’t matter. He knows the votes aren’t there to pass this, so Schumer gave

him permission to take a walk.”

When that deal imploded, Donnelly spent much of the weekend with the “mod squad” in Republican Sen. Susan Collins’ office, sometimes jammed with up to 22 senators that included everyone from West Virginia Democrat Joe Manchin to South Carolina Republican Lindsey Graham.

“I met nonstop over the past several days with a bipartisan group of senators to craft a deal to end the government shutdown,” Donnelly explained. “This deal is the result of our work together. There was a group of bipartisan members before. What makes this work is that we trust each other. When you’re in a room and exchange ideas, you can solve problems.”

On Monday morning, when the log jam cleared after a weekend of coffee, doughnuts, potato chips and oranges, Donnelly said, “Like in 2013, I’m going to work with my colleagues in a bipartisan manner to reopen the government.”

Not only did Donnelly

take Rokita’s needles, he took heat from the progressive left who portrayed Monday’s deal as a betrayal. “Today’s cave by Senate Democrats, led by weak-kneed, rightof-center Democrats, is why people don’t believe the Democratic Party stands for anything,” said Stephanie Taylor, co-founder of Progressive Change Campaign Committee.

U.S. Rep. Luis Gutierrez of Chicago called the Dreamers Republican “hostages” and the GOP “kidnappers.” He said of Senate Democrats, “They caved. They blinked.

That’s what they do.” But what they neglected to note that blame for the shutdown was somewhat evenly dispersed with a Politico/ Morning Consult Poll putting it at 41 percent for Republicans and 36 percent for Democrats.

Donnelly responded to the criticism, saying that Monday’s deal secured six years of funding for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), which assists 115,000 Hoosier kids and their mothers. It was funding Gov. Eric Holcomb

had pushed for.

In striking the deal, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said in a carefully worded speech that it was his “intention” to address DACA and the Dreamers in February. Donnelly was willing to take him at his word. The Indiana Democrat noted that in a 2013 shutdown deal he helped broker, “I voted and the Senate passed with significant Republican support an immigration reform bill. We had 68 votes. The House never took it up. At some point Sen. McConnell and Speaker Ryan and President Trump have to decide they want to take care of this critical issue or not. These are real lives of real kids on the line.”

Donnelly added, “I can’t tell you what Speaker Ryan is going to do. If Speaker Ryan decides not to call this legislation up, he can explain that to the American people.”

On Wednesday, President Trump sent more mixed signals, saying, “I think it’s a nice thing to have the incentive of, after a period of years, being able to become a citizen.”

In pushing a Dreamer deal, Donnelly said, pointed to one Hoosier: “One of them has a master’s degree in engineering from Purdue, and she works at Eli Lilly. Who wouldn’t want that young lady to stay in our country?”

The risk for Donnelly is if a Dreamer deal caves in February, a portion of his base is going to perceive him as gullible.

The danger for Republicans is that if a deal doesn’t get done, if President Trump continues to follow aide Stephen Miller and ignore overwhelming public support for a Dreamer deal (Politico puts it at 73 percent, a Washington Post/ABC Poll last fall put it at 86 percent), the optics of forcing tens of thousands of these folks — or “Hoosiers” as Donnelly calls some of them — out of America is going to be a wrenching and profound stain on the nation.

— Brian Howey is publisher of Howey Politics Indiana at www.howeypolitics.com. Find him on Facebook and Twitter @ hwypol.

INwhitleycounty.com • A7

Whitley County • February 1, 2018

New director for Whitley Community Children’s Choir KPC News Service WHITLEY COUNTY — During Becky Walter’s tenure as director of the Whitley Community Children’s Choir, the group has not only grown in participation numbers, but in also in community impact, being named the Chamber of Commerce’s Jewel of the Community in 2016.

Walter has been part of the choir since its inception in 2011 and took over as director in 2013. Recently, Walter announced her retirement.

“The Whitley Community Children’s Choir and FWCC have been like a family to me,” said Walter. “I am retiring to spend more time with my own family — my adult children and 10 grandchildren.”

The Fort Wayne Children’s Choir supports the Whitley

County program.

“Becky Walter has been, and will continue to be, an incredible resource for the Whitley Community Children’s Choir,” said Jonathan Busarow, executive artistic director of the Fort Wayne Children’s Choir. “Her caring and musical guidance has helped bring the WCCC to where it is today and I am very thankful for her hard work for the organization.

One year ago, Becky received the Heart of Gold from the Whitley County Chamber of Commerce, and there could be no one more fitting than her.

Our students have been fortunate to work with such a fine person.”

The FWCC announced last week that Denise Gilliland will take over as the new Whitley Community Children’s Choir

director. Gilliland is the artistic director of the Children’s Choir of Huntington County and was previously the artistic director of the Lafayette Children’s Choir.

In addition to her work in Huntington, she has been substitute teaching for area music teachers.

Gilliland began her teaching career in the Houston area in 1982, marking this, her 35th year teaching children and youth. Her earliest experiences were rich with multiethnic students who helped to shape her appreciation for the uniqueness of every child and culture.

She is a frequent clinician for Circle the State with Song festivals and has presented at the Indiana Music Educator’s convention. She was recognized as “Most Outstanding

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Becky Walter is stepping down as director of the Fort Wayne Children’s Choir, a position she has held since 2013.

Elementary Music Educator”

by IMEA in 2011. Her arrangement of “And the Angels Sang” was published

by Hal Leonard Corporation

and premiered by the Indianapolis Children’s Choir.

Gilliland earned a master’s degree in choral conducting from Butler University. As a certified Kodaly music educator, she studied privately with renowned conductors Henry Leck and Eric Stark.

She resides on her grandfather’s farm in Whitley County with her husband Mark, son Weaver, and grandson Matthias.

“We are excited to bring Denise on to help us continue to grow our presence in Whitley County,” says Busarow. “She brings a lot of experience to the table and we are looking forward to working with her. Denise’s love of children and music is evident in everything she does.

The students in the entire Fort Wayne Children’s Choir orga-

nization will benefit from her addition to our staff.”

The Whitley Community Children’s Choir also has a new accompanist. Matt Johnston, a FWCC alumnus, has been active in choral music for over 20 years.

After graduating from IPFW with a degree in choral music education and majoring in organ, he has taught music in public, charter, and private schools in Fort Wayne and Kendallville.

In addition, he has led church music ministries for 16 years and currently serves as the minister of music and organist at Suburban Bethlehem Lutheran Church and School where he plays the organ, and directs three adult choirs, two handbell choirs and four children’s and youth choirs.

Blake Schroeder wins Striking a pose $100 J.A. contest Staff reports area coordinator and LARWILL — regional operations Being a conservation trainer for JA. “The officer is something community examthat Blake Schroples are incredibly eder, a seventh-grade important for students student at Whitko because the next time Middle School, has they [students] go out dreamt of for as into their community, long as he could they can make that remember. real world connecThat dream helped tion to what they are PHOTO CONTRIBUTED Schroeder become learning in the classthe $100 grand-prize From left to right: Sheila Gillett, Blake room.”

Schroeder and Stacey Dumbacher winner of the Junior The JA programs during the $100 check presentation at Achievement Schwab Whitko Middle School. are free to the schools Essay Contest because the board of well into high school, for seventh grade directors work diliwhere they visit Finance students. gently to insure fundraising Park, the personal finance This year, students efforts are met to provide component of the JA curricwere asked to submit an schools with this programulum which culminates in essay addressing the topic: ming free of cost. a simulation supporting My Dream Career. In his Business leaders help concepts students have essay, Schroeder recalls students understand the learned in the classroom. spending quality time at his real life application of the The Schwab Essay grandfather’s property and curriculum as they tranContest is part of the Junior enjoying the wilderness, all sition from education to Achievement curriculum while identifying that he career. For seventh grade at Whitko Middle School wants to make the world a student Blake Schroeder, and is hosted in 30 counties better place by becoming who is in the middle school across Indiana. One winner a conservation officer and years of his education in each county is rewarded “stopping people from at Whitko, this means with a $100 check by doing things they’re not becoming a conservation Schwab. supposed to be doing…” officer some day is possible “They are very supportive Schroeder goes on to say thanks in part to programs of Junior Achievement,” that, “If I can take the like Junior Achievement. said Stacey Dumbacher, step of stopping illegal or dangerous action, then I have accomplished that goal.”

Junior Achievement and Whitko Community Schools coordinate activities together as early as elementary school in grades first through fourth. Volunteers from the community come into the classroom and teach students curriculum that is directly connected to state standards.

Students in fifth-grade classrooms visit the JA Fort Wayne location to discover the foundational concepts and principles behind economics in a small town whose citizens are comprised of their classmates. Students continue through their JA programs

KPC News Service BLUFFTON — The Columbia City High School bowlers had a stellar season, with both the boys and girls teams advancing to regionals and three girls competing at semi-state.

After missing the mark last season, both the Columbia City boys and girls varsity bowling teams advanced out of sectionals and into the regional competition, which was held Jan. 27 in Bluffton.

Although neither team advanced to semistate, three varsity girls — Amanda Bufkin, Aubree Bufkin and Samantha Cox Aubree Bufkin, who is a sophomore at CCHS, bowled her way to the individual regional title.

“We’re really proud of how the kids came together in the end,” said coach Randall Bufkin.

See BOWLING, Page 13

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Aubree Bufkin is pictured as the individual regional champion alongside the boys individual regional champion from Northrop High School.

A8 • INwhitleycounty.com

Whitley County • February 1, 2018

Columbia City FFA boosters receive donation from local farmer Staff reports COLUMBIA CITY — The Columbia City FFA program recently received a generous gift through its booster program from EtnaTroy farmer Tom Western.

Western, owner of Western Farms, was one of 10 recipients in the region of the 19th annual Ernestine M. Raclin Community Leadership Award. Volunteers were selected for embodying the spirit, values, passion and leadership of Raclin, past Chairman of 1st Source Bank and 1st Source Corp.

Western was a volunteer fireman for over 40 years

and served on the Northeastern REMC Board for 30 years. He currently serves as a Whitley County Commissioner.

Recipients of the award are allocated $1,000 to direct to a local nonprofit organization. Western has grandchildren involved in the Columbia City FFA, and following the successful Blue Jacket Bash event last September, Western approached the FFA Boosters about directing his award funds towards the FFA program.

FFA is a dynamic youth organization that changes lives and prepares members

for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. FFA develops members’ potential and helps them discover their talent through hands-on experiences, which give members the tools to achieve real-world success.

The Columbia City FFA is well-known throughout the state for its success in career development events and nationally recognized for its livestock judging program.

“It is with great pleasure that I am able to direct the proceeds of this award to such a worthwhile program

that supports youth from both the agriculture and non-ag sector in our community,” said Western.

The Columbia City FFA is the oldest continuous running FFA Chapter in Indiana. Funds from donations to the boosters, as well as fruit & meat stick sales and the upcoming fish fry, support career development events including dairy, entomology, livestock, horse and soils judging, in addition to other events and leadership programs the chapter participates in annually.

“The boosters greatly appreciate that Tom allocated these funds in

our efforts to support an amazing group of kids. We would also like to congratulate Tom as a recipient of such a prestigious award,” said Kelley Sheiss, FFA booster board member.

“The addition of the award proceeds to the funds we raised at the very successful Blue Jacket Bash event will allow us to help continue the successful legacy of the Columbia City FFA program.”

FFA is the largest youth organization in the country.

For more than 150 years, 1st Source has been committed to its mission of helping their clients achieve security,

build wealth and realize their dreams.

“When asked to gather nominations of a community leader and someone who always thinks of others first, I didn’t have to think long. Tom exemplifies a true steward of the community he lives in, not only through his many years of farming but also through his time given to improve his community for many generations to come. Myself and 1st Source Bank are proud to work directly with Tom and to call him a friend,” said Jordan Messmann, 1st Source Bank agriculture lender.

Forrester: Snow, not plows, Educators visit Steel Dynamics usually take out mailboxes

By Bridgett Hernandez bhernandez@kpcmedia.com

WHITLEY COUNTY — Winter weather means snowplows and salt trucks hitting the streets, but it could also mean snow, ice and other debris hitting

your roadside mailbox.

At the Whitley County Commissioners meeting Jan. 16, highway engineer Brandon Forrester reported that the department had received some complaints about downed mailboxes.

He wanted to take the opportunity to remind the public that the county’s policy is that it is not responsible for damages to mailboxes unless the trucks physically hit the mailbox.

This is usually not the case, Forrester said. Typically, wet, heavy snow is to blame for downed mailboxes, he said.

“We don’t intentionally hit or damage mailboxes.

Sometimes — and it’s almost always when it’s a wet, heavy snow — mailboxes that are on rotten wood posts or rusted metal supports or just generally lower quality mailbox… sometimes the snow takes them out. It’s our policy that we don’t replace unless we physically hit them with a plow,” he said.

Forrester also called attention to a 2005 ordinance that dictates that the placement of mailboxes should be no closer than 10 feet to the road on LincolSee FORRESTER Page 13

LOVE

YOUR

KPC News Service COLUMBIA CITY — As part of the Whitley Works! Initiative, educators from Smith-Green Community Schools, Whitko Community Schools and Whitley County Consolidated schools were invited to visit and tour Steel Dynamics Structural and Rail Division on Jan. 19.

During this visit, school representatives learned about the history of Steel Dynamics, different roles within the organization, and the necessary preparation for careers at SDI. By partnering with area businesses, educators are working to learn more about career opportunities in our community to help guide students as they prepare for their lives after high school.

Schools in Whitley County are working together to provide the best possible opportuni-

JOB

JOIN OUR TEAM

Land a CAREER in media sales.

Learn and work with professionals.

Send resume and cover letter to: HR@kpcmedia.com EOE/Drug-Free Workplace

wc

Whitley County inwhitleycounty.com

A division of

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Teachers who attended the Whitley Works! Intiative’s tour of Steel Dynamics Inc. were: Sondra Cook, Kermit Hogeston, Todd Lortie, Derick Rice and Larry Ruiz from Smith-Green Community Schools; Steve Clason, Jay Ocken and Bryan Sprunger from Whitko Community Schools; and Angela Ayers, Chris Bechtold, Rob Bell, Jan Boylen, Jenn Brower, Karen Davies, Jessica Herb, Lori Heuer, Jake Hoag, James Hornaday, Devin Keener, Stacy Keener, Karen Koday, Khelli Leitch, Melanie Mason, Laura McDermott, Brady Mullett, Wes Mullett, Kyle Nelson, Jennifer Reiff, Cristina Rider, Doug Stoffel, Julie Turpin, Michelle Urban, Andy Weaver, Melissa Wilhelm and Derek Yoder from Whitley County Consolidated Schools.

ties for students in our community, said Lori Heuer, talent development director.

Businesses interested in partnering with local

schools through the Whitley Works! Initiative are asked to contact Heuer at 244-5771 or heuerla@wccsonline. com.

INwhitleycounty.com • A9

Whitley County • February 1, 2018

YESTERDAY 1 year ago Churubusco would once again host the northern region Destination Imagination event, which was expected to bring thousands of people into the town. More than 70 teams, their coaches and supporters would be at Smith-Green Community Schools to compete for the chance to go on to the state competition.

Vanessa Bills and Sean Martin were recipients of the Dekko Foundation’s 35th birthday celebration grants. Thirty-five pairs of shoes and 35 grants for $3,500 went to recipients.

Bills was the program officer for the Community Foundation of Whitley County. Her grant was given to the Whitley County Dazzlers. Martin was the commander of the Whitley County Jail. His grant went to Boomerang Backpacks.

Whitley County’s unemployment rate dropped to 3.4 percent in December 2016 from 3.5 percent in November 2016.

The Whitley County Chamber of Commerce hosted the third event in its Legislative Forum series, giving community members the chance to meet with State Rep. Christopher Judy and State Sen. Andy Zay. Reelcraft was named the Whitley County Chamber of Commerce’s business of the month.

10 years ago The Churubusco Rotary Club planned for its 15th annual Community and Scholarship Auction in March.

The Winter Ice Carving Festival was on the Whitley County Courthouse Square in Columbia City.

State Representatives Matt Bell, R-Avilla, and Marlin Stutzman, R-Howe, received Small Business Champion awards.

Churubusco’s Corey Richards won the 125-pound championship at the Carroll wrestling sectional. He and five other wrestlers would advance to the regional.

15 years ago Dana Federal Credit Union changed its name to Fort Financial.

Churubusco was fined by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management for several violations, ranging from failure to report overflows to failure to file reports.

The proposed fine was $14,550.

Emylee Fulk received the Girl Scout Silver Award. Fulk is the daughter of Tina and Vaughn Fulk and her advisor was Brenda Hughes.

Edward and Irvanna Ramsey, and Richard and Charlotte Kyler celebrated their 50th anniversaries.

Leadership Whitley County hosted a round table discussion with Chamber of Commerce representatives from the three communities: Pat Hatcher, Columbia City; Lenny Shaw, Churubusco; Deb Jackson, South Whitley.

20 years ago C&A Tool announced an $11 million expansion.

Dana Corporation announced an all-time high sales and earnings for the fourth quarter in 1997. Fourth quarter sales of $2.1 billion were up 10 percent compared to 1996.

Joe and Amy Leeuw announced the birth of their daughter, Kaylie Renea.

The Churubusco Community Child Care

Did you know?

You can listen to news updates, watch videos, order photos, view community calendar events and add your own, play games and much more anytime at

kpcnews.com

Center, a non-profit day care, held a mortgage burning celebration.

The Churubusco Lions Club donated $400 to the travel fund of Jill Resler.

She would spend 16 days touring England, France, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Austria, Italy and Germany.

Resler was selected to be an Indiana Ambassador for Music and tour with a group of high school music students from all over the state.

25 years ago C&A Tool planed a $1.5 million expansion project. Owner Richard Conrow purchased several buildings and lots for the expansion.

Smith-Green Community Schools planned to pilot a breakfast program. The cost of the breakfast was $0.95 for high school students, and $0.75 for elementary school students.

A survey conducted

by Manchester College found that housing for low income residents was difficult to find in Whitley County.

Upper and middle incomes had no trouble finding the right kind of housing, the study showed.

Kathy Shively and Peggy Figgins teamed up to provide training sessions for life-saving training sessions, including training for CPR, rescue breathing and the Heimlich Maneuver.

Churubusco Elemen-

tary School was taking orders for the 19921993 yearbook. The cost was $6.

Churubusco High School’s wrestling team was a sectional champion for the first time in school history.

The team beat Carroll and Eastside to win, advancing to regionals.

Thirty members of the Whitley County Travelers enjoyed a trip from Columbia City to the Bahamas.

The group spent a day at Walt Disney World, took a tour of the Kennedy Space Center, then set sail on a Carnival cruise to the Bahamas.

50 years ago The Churubusco tax rate was cut by 24 cents, but was still the highest in the county.

However, all other tax rates in the county went up. Churubusco’s total tax rate was $9.07. Columbia City’s total tax rate was $8.94.

Following a lapse of one year due to the lack of a rides vendor, Turtle Days organizers assured residents that the festival would resume in 1968. Bob Boyer was chairman of the Turtle Days Organization.

The Helping Hands Extension Homemakers Club met in the home of Mrs. Thomas Cormany, with Anita Bair in charge. Rosemary Berry led the group in singing.

Whitley County would receive $64,801 for aid to dependent

WANTED

WEB DEVELOPER KPC Media Group, Inc. is seeking a full-time WEB DEVELOPER. This position is responsible for creating, maintaining, updating, and making changes to multiple websites based on WordPress and BLOX cms.

Ideal candidates must possess a minimum of a four year degree in web development or five years proven work related experience.

KPC is a family-owned company offering competitive pay and benefits.

Send resume to:

HR Manager hr@kpcmedia.com

(EOE/drug-free workplace)

children in a countyby-county distribution of health, education and welfare funds.

Indiana as a whole would receive $14.58 million.

The administrator and board of trustees of the Whitley County Hospital advertised bids for air conditioning of the hospital building. Air conditioning would be provided to patient rooms on the first floor and out-patient service

areas.

The Whitley County Board of Health adopted a resolution recommending sanitary sewer systems in new subdivision developments.

Howard Smith, of Columbia Township, was the Whitley County winner of the 1967 Ten-Acre Corn Club. His yield of 167.5 bushels topped both the junior and senior divisions in the contest.

Smart Employers trust the largest recruitment marketing company in northeast Indiana. > Delivering your recruitment needs to more homes than any other media. > Get your recruitment needs on the top recruitment job boards. > Digital Recruitment plans that directly target your recruitment needs to those with the skills you need. > Social media recruitment. > Direct mail business to consumer opportunity. > Biannual Job Fairs held throughout the region.

Let our employment experts customize a plan for you to reach the largest single audience in northeast Indiana and beyond.

CONTACT US TODAY! 260-347-0400 classifieds@kpcmedia.com

MARKETING

SOLUTIONS

SPORTS

A10 • INwhitleycounty.com

Whitley County • February 1, 2018

CN tops ’Busco in intense DH

By Nicole Minier nminier@kpcmedia.com

CHURUBUSCO — A first quarter dominated by Central Noble’s Ridley Zolman led the Cougars to victory in front of a packed gym Friday night in Churubusco, 56-49.

Zolman scored 13 points in the first five minutes of the game, leading Central Noble to a 17-9 advantage at the end of the first quarter.

The Eagles started three freshmen and a sophomore and they were shaken by the packed stands.

“They were a little rattled,” Churubusco head coach Chris Paul said. “We were so excited, it paralyzed us a little in the beginning. It was the first time these young kids have ever played in that size of crowd.”

Both teams have a large following — the student sections were packed, as were the stands.

“That is what basketball is supposed to be like in Indiana,” said Central Noble head coach John Bodey. “It’s what Indiana high school basketball was like in the ’80s when I played.”

Churubusco’s defense put a tracker on Zolman in the second quarter, holding him to just one 3-pointer, while the Eagles began to close in on Central Noble, trailing by six at halftime.

A Churubusco offensive surge led by Zane Burke quickly changed the momentum of the game in the third quarter.

The Eagles trailed 26-21 when Burke scored eight unanswered points to give the Eagles their first lead of the game. By the end of the third quarter, the game was tied at 37.

The score went back-and-

forth for the rest of the second half, but the game was ultimately won at the free-throw line, as the Cougars scored 10 free throws to Churubusco’s six. Lucas Deck shot 5 for 7 from the charity Central Noble’s Sam stripe in the fourth Garrett Horn has a Brumbaugh, left, conversation with quarter. He finished the and Churubusco’s referees in the fourth game with nine points.

Churubusco’s Dalston Brein Gross battle quarter against Central Duff sets a screen on Churubusco’s Burke for a loose ball while Noble.

Central Noble’s Zach led the game in scoring ’Busco’s Kaitlynn with 23 points, followed Brazel while Eagle Zane Johnson and Central Burke makes a move.

Noble’s Calista Rice

by Central Noble’s Burke led the game in look to get in on the Zolman with 22. scoring with 24 points. action.

Emotions ran high as the Central Noble/ Churubusco rivalry continues to churn.

After the game, two players exchanged words, which quickly snowballed into several players and coaches getting into a scuffle after the game, which involved verbal arguments and mild shoving.

“I don’t like what happened NICOLE MINIER at the end, but it does happen Sydney Freeman scored in sports sometimes,” Paul three 3-pointers in the Kaitlyn Johnson catches a pass from a first quarter for Central said. “Nobody really did teammate.

Noble. anything, it was just some Churubusco words exchanged and 20 everyone moved off the court.”

Central Two Churubusco police Noble’s girls officers funneled players to basketball their locker rooms and brought team also got order back to the gymnasium. off to a strong After the game, fans mingled start Friday on the court without incident. night, leading “Sometimes in competitive 23-2 at the sports when you have these end of the types of rivalries, this will Churubusco head coach first quarter, happen,” Paul said. “We don’t and athletic director A scuffle took place after en route to a condone it, but we have to Friday night’s Churubusco/ 65-20 win over Chris Paul and Central move on.”

Noble’s athletic director Central Noble basketball Churubusco in “I think it was two teams made up following the game. The situation was the early game. altercation. that are both getting better broken up without incident.

Meleah and they just wanted to keep fourth.

Leatherman scored 11 of her Central Noble took a fighting,” said Bodey. “Neither staggering 41-10 lead at Churubusco 25 points in the first quarter, team wanted to lose. I love the halftime that Churubusco was led in scoring and Sydney Freeman knocked intensity by both teams, but could not recover from.

by Isabelle Hille down three 3-pointers in the sometimes you just have to The Lady Cougars shut and Mariah quarter. walk away.”

GIRLS BASKETBALL out ’Busco in the third quarter Hosted with five Freeman finished the game with 15 points. leading 56-10 heading into the points apiece.

Central Noble 65,

Lady Cougars win girls game

NICOLE MINIER

Coaches, players and fans alike were shocked at a call by referees in the final minutes of the Eagles’ game against Central Noble.

Central Noble’s Ridley Zolman started the game on fire, scoring 13 points in the first five minutes of play. He finished the game with 22 points.

Mariah Hosted, left, and Brooke Nondorf defend Central Noble.

Churubusco’s girls basketball team played its last game in the Lady Eagles’ gymnasium Friday against Central Noble.

FOLLOW WHITLEY COUNTY SPORTS Thursday, February 1

Friday, February 2

Saturday, February 3

Monday, February 5

Tuesday, February 6

Wednesday, February 7

Columbia City boys basketball at Norwell, 6:15 p.m.

Girls swimming sectional prelims Churubusco boys basketball hosts Lakeland, 7:30 p.m.

Whitko boys basketball hosts North Miami, 7:45 p.m.

Girls basketball sectional semifinals

Girls basketball sectional finals Girls swimming sectional finals Wrestling regionals at Carroll

No events scheduled

Whitko boys basketball hosts Southern Wells, 7:30 p.m.

No events scheduled

WhitleyCounty County Whitley wc wc

inwhitleycounty.com

inwhitleycounty.com

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

SPORTS

Whitley County • February 1, 2018

INwhitleycounty.com • A11

Comparing CC basketball’s all-time scorers

By Travis Stahl

Most people don’t know the players on the list after Schwarz, though.

Schwarz graduated from Columbia City in 1960, so his scoring record has held strong for nearly 60 years.

Some great scorers are part of the history of Eagles basketball but nobody has come close to Schwarz’s record. It took 50 years for a player to even climb up to second place — when Drew Benedict ended his CC career with 1,272 points.

The third all-time scorer in CC history is Parker

for IN|Whitley County

COLUMBIA CITY — Most sports fans love to examine sports records.

Comparing statistics of the all-time great players gives fans a source of debate. Most sports fans have an opinion and those statistics give them the facts to support their point of view.

But numbers don’t lie. In the world of Columbia City basketball’s all-time greats, Bill Schwarz is still the king as the school’s top scorer ever with 1,646 career points.

Hazen. Hazen, who currently plays forward for Valparaiso University, scored 1,123 points in his career for the Eagles. Parker’s brother Brachen is not far behind him on the list. Brachen is at Ball State now and ranks seventh all-time for the Eagles after scoring 1,019 points. Both brothers were able to play four years of varsity basketball for the Eagles.

Current University of Saint Francis guard Derek Hinen is fourth on the Eagles’ all-time scoring list. Hinen graduated from CC with a total of

1,097 points for his career.

Hinen was recently featured on ESPN’s SportsCenter for hitting the game winning shot for USF against Marian.

Hinen climbed up to fourth on the list by just a few points. Fifth on the school’s all-time scoring list is Brent Johnson. Johnson had 1,074 points during his career.

Johnson’s total is just ahead of the sixth all-time scorer Tom Wood who had a total of 1,045 points. Wood played for the Eagles in the mid-60s and is the last Eagle on the list who was over 1,000 points.

Gary Hively is eighth on the Columbia City all-time scoring list. Hively was just four points shy of hitting the century mark with 996 points.

Right behind Hively on the list was one of the key players on the Eagles run to the state championship game in 2004.

Doug Sheckler is the ninth all-time scorer in Columbia City history with 967 points.

Trevor Shively was a fouryear letter winner for the Eagles. Shively was also close to 1,000 points as he ended his time at Columbia City with 938 points which puts

him 10th.

While Schwarz is still the king of Columbia City basketball some other greats have also put up big points.

Hinen and Benedict, along with the Hazen brothers, having achieved their milestones recently has brought new attention to the school’s all-time scoring list. It also raises the age-old question of whether or not anybody will ever beat Schwarz’s mark.

For 60 years the answer to that question has been, “no.”

But records are made to be broken.

SPORTS BRIEFS BOYS BASKETBALL Columbia City 55, New Haven 53

COLUMBIA CITY — Columbia City’s boys basketball team played an excellent third quarter to come from behind and beat New Haven Saturday, 55-53.

Mitchell Wilson scored 31 points, 12 of which came from the free-throw line, where he shot 80 percent.

The Eagles trailed 13-11 at the end of the first quarter and fell behind further in the second quarter, trailing 32-26.

Wilson scored 10 of Columbia City’s 18 thirdquarter points, which propelled the Eagles into the lead. At the end of the third, Columbia City had a 44-42 advantage.

The teams played an even fourth quarter, both scoring 11 points, making the final score 55-53.

Other Columbia City scorers included Garrett Roehling with seven, Michael Sievers with six points and Ethan Christen with five.

NICOLE MINIER

Head coach Amy Shearer gives instructions to Grace Schrader for the next play.

at halftime.

Peru outscored Whitko by two in the third quarter, then went on a 17-5 run in the fourth quarter, but it wasn’t enough to come back.

River West led the team with 24 points. Brett Sickafoose scored 12 points and took two charges.

Brian Collins had 11 points, five assists and five steals. Spencer Sroufe led the team with 14 rebounds, six blocks and six points.

Whitko 56, Peru 49

Maconaquah 45, Whitko 42

PERU — Whitko’s boys basketball team beat Peru High School 56-49 Jan. 26.

The Wildcats held on after a second-half Peru rally.

Whitko led 18-10 at the end of the first quarter and 38-17

SOUTH WHITLEY — Whitko lost a first-half lead to fall to Maconaquah 45-42 Jan. 27.

The Wildcats led 13-5 after the first quarter and 23-20 at

halftime.

Maconaquah came out in the second half to rattle off 17 points, holding Whitko to only seven.

The visitors led 37-30 going into the fourth quarter.

Despite Whitko outscoring Maconaquah 12-8, the ’Cats fell 45-42.

River West led the team with 18 points along with 11 rebounds and three steals.

Spencer Sroufe also collected 11 rebounds, had five blocks, eight points, and assist and steal.

Brian Collins scored seven points and had three steals.

Southwood 81, Whitko 60

WABASH — Whitko’s basketball team struggled against a high-scoring South-

Spread JOY and GRATITUDE with a Happy Ad in the newspaper Thank You

to our dear friends & family for showering us with love on our wedding day. We are so blessed to have you all in our lives .We love you and God Bless.

on ulations Congrat irement, your Ret son! ck John Ja s ur friend - From yo dustries at ABC In

David & Ruth M iller

s

ppy Ad a H

Thank expressionyou for your & your at s of love, cards tendance at our RSARY 50th annivers ANNIVE You mad ary party. e our day!

Earl & Armstro Evelyn ng & Fa mily

Happy Birthday James!

Here’s to 100 more!

Gabby Fry makes a move against Northrop last week.

wood squad Jan. 23, losing 81-60.

The Wildcats had a 15-14 advantage at the end of the first quarter, but struggled offensively in the second quarter, giving up their lead, 31-27.

Southwood’s offense exploded in the third quarter, scoring 27 points to Whitko’s 11.

The ’Cats’ offense battled back in the fourth quarter, putting up 22 points, but Southwood scored 23 of its

own to make the final score 81-60.

Brett Sicakfoose led the ’Cats in scoring with 23 points. River West added 15 points and 10 rebounds.

Spencer Sroufe pulled down 12 rebounds and scored 11 points.

Brian Collins scored five points, had four rebounds and four assists.

GIRLS BASKETBALL

Whitko 39, Maconaquah 32

SOUTH WHITLEY —

Whitko’s girls basketball team concluded regular season play with a 39-32 win over Maconaquah Saturday.

The Lady Wildcats led 17-14 after a physical first half. The squad stepped up its defensive effort in the second half to steadily increase its lead in the second half.

“I appreciate and applaud the effort and enthusiasm from the team tonight,” said head coach Rick Bragg.

“Those two components had been lacking the last couple

Part-time researcher, data manager, administrative support assistant needed This position, based in Fort Wayne, will work 12-15 hours per week gathering and managing data and supporting administrative staff as needed.

With love, Mom, Dad, Janie, Louis, and Ralph

Call 260-347-0400 or email Classifieds@kpcmedia.com today!

The qualified candidate must have excellent detail orientation, be selfdirected and have top-notch customer service skills. This job requires excellent computer skills with a proficiency in Office and Excel documentation. Must be able to quickly learn how to use various databases to gather information. Other duties may include mail sorting and distribution, supply inventory, customer service and more.

Submit resume and cover letter to HR@kpcmedia.com with “Administrative Support” in the subject line.

EOE/Drug-free workplace Greater Fort Wayne Business Weekly is a publication of

SPORTS

A12 • INwhitleycounty.com

games.”

The Lady Wildcats struggled from the free-throw line, hitting only 13 of 33 from the charity stripe.

“The good news is, we were more aggressive on offense going to the basket.

The flip side to that is, we missed 20 free throws,” Brag said.

Once again, Ellie Snep was the leader for Whitko with 17 points and 16 rebounds.

“Ellie’s offensive rebound and three-point play at the end of the third quarter was big,” Bragg said. “It gave us a six-point lead going into the fourth quarter.”

Emi Duggins chipped in with 10 points.

“Emi gave us a gusty effort. She played hurt tonight and put the team on her shoulders for awhile to keep us together offensively and defensively,” Bragg said.

Kayla Schipper scored five points, Anna Ousley had a three-point basket and Taylor Reiff added two points.

“Taylor played really well in the second half doing some great things for us that will not show up in the score book. I’m proud of her effort,” Bragg said.

Columbia City 56, New Haven 29

NEW HAVEN — Eight players put points on the scoreboard for Columbia City in the Lady Eagles’ 56-29 win over New Haven Friday.

The squad was led by Carly Mabie with 13 points and Olivia Shearer with 12.

Also scoring were Grace Schrader (8), Gabby Fry (6), Hunter Alles (5), Skye Roberts (5), Madison Woodward (5) and Ally Wilson (2).

The Lady Eagles ran out to an 18-7 advantage at the end of the first quarter and allowed New Haven to score just two points in the second quarter to take a 31-9 lead at halftime.

Alles led the team in rebounding with five, and

Whitley County • February 1, 2018

Mabie had four assists.

Wabash 62, Whitko 23

WABASH — Whitko’s girls basketball team lost a lopsided game against Wabash Jan. 26, 62-23.

The Lady Apaches took a 16-6 lead in the first quarter, 31-11 advantage at halftime and a 46-16 lead at the end of the third.

Emi Duggins led the team in scoring with eight points.

Ellie Snep scored seven points, Kayla Schipper five and Sarah Hewitt three.

Northrop 75, Columbia City 52

COLUMBIA CITY — After a competitive first half, Columbia City’s girls basketball team was unable to hold off a strong Northrop squad Jan. 23, falling 75-52 in a high-scoring game.

The Lady Eagles held a 15-13 lead at the end of the first quarter, and led 31-30 at halftime.

Northrop took back the lead in the third quarter, outscoring Columbia City by three to make the score 42-40. Northrop’s offense rallied in the fourth quarter to score 33 points to Columbia City’s 12, coming away with the 75-52 win.

Carly Mabie led the team in scoring with 15 points, followed by Olivia Shearer with 10 and Grace Schrader with nine. Skye Roberts and Emilee Smith led the team in rebounds with five apiece and Roberts and Shearer each had four assists.

Columbia City 59, DeKalb 51

COLUMBIA CITY — Columbia City’s girls basketball team stunned DeKalb with a 59-51 win Jan. 20 .

The Lady Eagles trailed for much of the game until a fourth-quarter run gave them the lead in the final minutes.

Columbia City trailed 15-14 at the end of the first quarter and 29-19 at halftime.

The Lady Eagles began their run in the third quarter, outscoring DeKalb 11-6, but still trailed 35-30 going

NICOLE MINIER

Columbia City’s Emilee Smith plays defense against Northrop in the Lady Eagles’ home game last week.

into the fourth quarter.

Columbia City scored 29 points to DeKalb’s 16 in the fourth stanza for the win.

Skye Roberts led the team with 14 points, followed by Grace Schrader with 11 and Brayden Lickey with Columbia City’s Carly Mabie drives to nine. the basket.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Whitko 43, Wawasee 37

SYRACUSE — Whitko’s 8th grade boys basketball team beat Wawasee Middle School 43-37 Jan. 22.

The Wildcats held Wawasee to just one point in the first quarter, but Wawasee picked up its offense in the second and third quarters to make the game competitive.

At halftime, Whitko led 16-12, and the Warriors took the lead in the third quarter, 29-26.

The ’Cats came back in the fourth quarter to outscore Wawasee 17-8 to

Columbia City’s Olivia Shearer keeps the ball away from a Northrop defender.

Churubusco’s Joe Leazier (left) and Columbia City’s Hunter Reed were champions at the Carroll wrestling sectional last weekend. The pair advance to regionals this weekend.

Mallory Engle won the girls state wrestling title for the second time.

take the 43-37 win.

Whitko was led in scoring

by William Rickert with 24 points.

Compiled by Nicole Minier

Columbia City’s Andrew Cochran placed fourth in sectional action last weekend.

LOVE WHAT YOU DO

JOIN OUR TEAM

Land a CAREER in media sales.

Learn and work with professionals.

Send resume and cover letter to: HR@kpcmedia.com EOE/Drug-Free Workplace

wc

Whitley County inwhitleycounty.com

A division of

INwhitleycounty.com • A13

Whitley County • February 1, 2018

BOWLING from Page 7 The girls team had some experienced bowlers, but the boys squad consisted of many first-year bowlers.

“To make it to regionals and then have three girls make it to semi-state really speaks of the kids’ dedication to the sport, good practice and teammate support,” Bufkin said.

The bowling program has a bright future with only three seniors, and several experienced upcoming freshmen.

The CCHS bowling team is coaches by Josh Smith, and Randall and Amy Bufkin.

REPORTER NEEDED KPC Media Group is seeking a daily reporter to join a team of journalists working on the cutting edge of news coverage in northeast Indiana.

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

The CCHS boys varsity team (from left to right), front row: Jack Behm, Cameron Smith, Skylar Ogden, Tim Grable, Coach Randall Bufkin; Back row: Coach Josh Smith, Christian Watkins, Logan Smith and Kristian Stultz.

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

The CCHS girls varsity team and their team sectional championship trophy (from left to right): Samantha Cox, Brianna Eiler, Caitlyn Harter, Amanda Bufkin, Aubree Bufkin and Natalie Williams.

FORRESTER from Page 8 nway East and Lincolnway West. On all other county roads, no part of any mailbox should be closer than 30 inches to the edge of the road.

In other Commissioners news: • The commissioners approved the expenditure of County Economic Development Income Tax funds for J&K Communications to upgrades radios for the Whitley County Sheriff’s Department. Sheriff Marc Gatton first approached the commissioners with the $27,000-project in December . The upgrades will provide clearer, quicker communication

and address some “dead spots” in the county. J&K Communications sell and service two-way radio and telemetry equipment with facilities in Columbia City, Fort Wayne and Indianapolis.

• Whitley County Highway Engineer Brandon Forrester made recommendations for bidders for the annual major supplies for 2018. The commissioners approved the bids for Pierceton Trucking, Asphalt Materials, API, Pulver Asphalt Paving, Niblock, Great Lakes Chloride, IMI and Columbia City Mill Services.

• The commissioners

approved a grant application that requested continued funding for coordinator for the Whitley County Veteran’s Treatment Court in addition to a full-time supervision officer and a part-time pre-trial services assistant. The program works with veterans to reduce re-arrests, promote self-sufficiency through employment and education and remain in the community as a productive and responsible member of society.

• The commissioners voted to re-appoint Elizabeth Deckard and Brad Wolfe to the county plan

commission and to accept the resignation of Kenny Kerch from the commissioner. They also voted to re-appoint members to the Redevelopment Commission, including Commissioner George Schrumpf, Michael Schrader and Frank Kessler.

• During the Board of Finance portion of the meeting, the commissioners received reports that the county’s CD accounts had earned $59,482.19 in 2017.

In addition, the property tax collection rate stands at 99 percent for spring 2017 and 97 percent for fall 2017.

The editorial team is focused on issue-based, investigative journalism that covers topics important to our readers, both online and in print. We pride ourselves in being a local news source providing enterprise reporting for northeast Indiana. Our offices are located in Kendallville, Indiana.

The reporter will focus on feature stories, government and school district coverage. Candidates must be flexible to cover breaking news and local events and must be deadline-driven and detail-oriented.

A degree in the field of journalism, communications, writing or English is preferred.

Candidates should have a technological aptitude and knowledge of social media. Photography and videography experience are beneficial.

Benefits package includes health, dental, vision, retirement, and vacation.

Submit resume, cover letter and at least two writing samples via email to HR@kpcmedia. com with NS Reporter in the Subject line.

EOE/Drug-free workplace.

Jim Marcuccilli Chairman & CEO, STAR Financial Bank

You are cordially invited to help us pay tribute to this extraordinary leader.

Legend of Leadership Awards Breakfast Friday, March 9, 2018 7:30 - 9 AM Memorial Coliseum Conference Center (Official venue for all 2018 Business Weekly events)

For tickets visit fwbusiness.com under the Events tab.

Outstanding sponsorship opportunities are still available.

For more information call 260-426-2640 x3324 or email events@kpcmedia.com.

A publication of

A14 • INwhitleycounty.com

Whitley County • February 1, 2018

Toll Free 1-877-791-7877

E-mail classifieds@kpcmedia.com

KPC Classifieds wc

Open Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Place your ad 24/7 online or by e-mail

AGE GAR LE

Whitley County

SA

inwhitleycounty.com

DEADLINE: 12:00 noon Monday

Serving Whitley County To ensure the best response to your ad, take the time to make sure your ad is correct the first time it runs. Call us promptly to report any errors. We reserve the right to edit, cancel or deny any ad deemed objectionable or against KPC ad policies. Liability for error limited to actual ad charge for day of publication and one additional incorrect day. See complete limitations of liability statement at the end of classifieds.

■ KPC LIMITATIONS LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY:

Classified Line Ads All New Ads, cancellations, and corrections require payment in advance.

No Refunds.

■ HOMES FOR SALE

All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise "any preference limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination." Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians; pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis.

Check Your Ad Advertisers should check their classified ads in the 1st issue and report errors immediately.

No allowance can be made when error(s) do not materially affect the value of the ad.

KPC Media is not responsible for damages resulting from error(s). We reserve the right to edit, cancel, or deny any ad deemed objectable or against KPC ad policies. KPC assumes no liability or financial responsibility for typographical errors or for omission of copy, failure to publish or failure to deliver advertising.

KPC is not responsible for and you agree to make no claim for specific or consequential damages resulting from or related in any manner to any error, omission, or failure to publish or deliver.

Need ideas on how to SELL your stuff?

Don’t go back to the drawing board,

go to

/4' 'PEWWM¿ IHW

Call today... 877-791-7877 or go to kpcmedia.com

Great for Garage Sale Ads!

KPC Media Group is a multi-media local news organization and a leader in delivering award winning content to our market and marketing solutions to businesses. Our company is looking for true sales executives to continue to evolve, grow and deliver custom solutions to our business clients.

We have a broad suite of products and services designed to meet the needs of our clients in a rapidly evolving and demanding media environment. With the efforts of our sales professionals, we’ll continue to successfully grow our partnerships.

This key role will be responsible for growing advertising revenues through the consultative sale of both print and digital solutions including newspaper, specialty publications, digital display, SEO, social media and website development.

Candidates must have a proven record of maximizing revenue potential to meet company/business objectives; demonstrate consultative sales skills, have strong analytical and research capabilities to develop multi-media proposals and presentations to potential clients; must possess strong written and verbal communication skills, be capable of executing dynamic presentations, and have exceptional problem solving abilities.

Essential Skills: The ideal candidate must be an aggressive sales professional with proven sales success; have the ability to develop new business; work independently to identify, propose and present multi-media solutions to existing and prospective clients, and engage and strategize with advertising clients to demonstrate our value proposition and how we can assist them in meeting their marketing objectives through a variety of print and digital products and services.

1-877-791-7877 classifieds@kpcmedia.com

AIRLINE CAREERS start here - Get FAA approved Aviation Tech training. Job placement assistance - Delta, Southwest, Boeing and many others hire AIM grads. CALL AIM. 888242-3197 FISHING & HUNTING VACATION CABINS FOR RENT IN CANADA. Fish for walleyes, perch, northerns.

Boats, motors, gasoline included. Call Hugh 1-800-426-2550 for free brochure.

Website www.bestfishing.com FOR SALE MERCHANDISE, SERVICES & MISCELLANEOUS DIRECTV. NFL Sunday Ticket (FREE!) w/ Choice All-Included Package. $60/mo for 24 months. No upfront costs or equipment to buy. Ask about next day installation! 1-800-3191528

DISH Network. 190+ Channels. FREE Install.

FREE Hopper HDDVR. $49.99/month (24 mos) Add High Speed Internet - $14.95 (where available) CALL today & SAVE 25%! 1-855551-9764 SAVE on internet and TV bundles! Order the best exclusive cable and Satellite deals in your area! If eligible, get up to $300 in Visa Gift Cards. CALL NOW! 1-800-609-2743 Spectrum Triple Play! TV, Internet & Voice for $29.99 ea.

60 MB per second speed. No contract or commitment. More Channels.

Faster Internet.

Unlimited Voice. Call 1-855-6637513 HughesNet: Gen4 satellite internet is ultra fast and secure.

Plans as low as $39.99 in select areas. Call 1-800-970-2068 now to get a $50 Gift Card!

HEALTH IF YOU HAD HIP OR KNEE REPLACEMENT SURGERY AND SUFFERED AN INFECTION between 2010 and the present time, you

Call 877-791-7877 to advertise.

Multi-Media Sales Executive

Don’t get left in the dark, advertise with us today!

CAREER TRAINING

BUSINESS SERVICES DIRECTORY

To complain of discrimination call HUD Toll-free at 1-800-669-9777. The toll-free telephone number for the hearing impaired is 1-800-927-9275.media. com

(Your Ad Here)

Indiana Classified Advertising Network

This is a full-time position that offers a base salary, commission, a competitive incentive program, excellent benefits including medical, dental, vision, paid vacation, 401(k), and more.

Qualified candidates should provide a cover letter and resume to hr@kpcmedia.com.

KPC Media Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values the benefits of diversity in our workplace.

wc

Whitley County inwhitleycounty.com

may be entitled to compensation.

Call Attorney Charles H. Johnson 1-800-5355727

the bank threatening foreclosure?

CALL Homeowner’s Relief Line now for Help 866587-1571

HELP WANTED

Struggling with DRUGS or ALCOHOL? Addicted to PILLS? Talk to someone who cares.

Call The Addiction Hope & Help Line for a free assessment 888331-1847

EARN $500 A DAY: Lincoln Heritage Life Insurance Wants Insurance Agents * Leads, No Cold Calls * Commissions Paid Daily * Agency Training * Life License Required.

Call 1-888-713-6020 HELP WANTED DRIVERS New Starting Base Pay - .50 cpm w/ option to make .60 cpm for Class A CDL Flatbed Drivers, Excellent Benefits, Home Weekends, Call 800-648-9915 or www. boydandsons.com $5000 SIGN ON! Dedicated Customer, Home Every Week, Avg. $75K+ Annually and Excellent Benefits Plan! CALL 888-4096033 www.Drive4Red. com (6 months experience and CDL A required).

SERVICES SAVE YOUR HOME! Are you behind paying your MORTGAGE? Denied a Loan Modification? Is

SERIOUSLY INJURED in an AUTO ACCIDENT? Let us fight for you!

We have recovered millions for clients!

Call today for a FREE consultation! 844-5176414 SPORTING GOODS / GUNS & HUNTING / MISCELLANEOUS GUN SHOW!! Kokomo, IN - February 3rd & 4th, Kokomo Event Center, 1500 N. Reed Rd., Sat. 9-5, Sun. 9-3 For information call 765-993-8942 Buy! Sell!

Trade!

WANTED TO BUY GUITAR WANTED! Local musician will pay up to $12,500 for pre-1975 Gibson, Fender, Martin and Gretsch guitars. Fender amplifiers also. Call toll free! 1-800-995-1217.

Jerry’s Tire Service, Inc. Mastercraft, Firestone & Most Other Brands Family Owned & Operated Since 1977 1045 Business 30 East Columbia City, IN 46725 (260) 244-5927

Margie’s Place

The Decorating and Gift Shop in the country

Some of the Product Lines at Margie’s: Rowe Pottery, Amish-made Furniture, Luminara, Crossroads, and Warm Glow Candles, Moda Fabrics and Wools and much more. Daisy Mae’s – Vintage Home, Hand-made Jewelry.

Located at 4380 S 500 E, Columbia City, IN

260-248-8660 Hours: Thurs., Fri., Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Please Visit Margie’s on Facebook

337 W. Factory Ave. Columbia City, IN 46725

260-244-5837 Open Saturdays • M-F 8:00 am Express Bath All Breed Grooming Over 45 years of Service

INwhitleycounty.com • A15

Whitley County • February 1, 2018

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.

Jan.

31

Feb.

1

3

Jan. 31

• The Great Chili Competition will take place in Community Rooms A and B at the Peabody Public Library 6-7:45 p.m. Participants are invited to bring their favorite pot of chili (already prepared) for judges to try.

Categories will include hot, mild, sweet and no beans. Prizes will be awarded. Register on the library’s website or call (260) 244-5541 and ask for the Adult Department.

Registration ends 8 p.m. Jan. 24.

• The Columbia City Rotary Club meets at noon each Tuesday in the basement of Parkview Whitley Hospital in Columbia City.

Each meeting features lunch and a program.

• The Mobile Technology Lab will be at BrewHa, 120 N. Main St. in Columbia City, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. People are invited to bring their devices and questions to the coffee shop for technology help.

5 6 7 8

Feb. 1

• The Whitley County Master Gardeners will sponsor an educational session on choosing the correct fruit tree for your property. Rick Meyer, proprietor of Orchard Hill Farms, will give a presentation on apple trees at 7 p.m. in Classroom B of Whitley Parkview Hospital. The event is open to the public.

• The Churubusco Town Council will meet at 6:30 p.m. in Churubusco Town Hall on Home Avenue. The council meets on the first and third Wednesday of each month.

• A member of U.S. Congressman Jim Banks’ staff will meet with local residents at Peabody Public Library 1:30-4 p.m. as part of the congressman’s mobile office hours.

Feb. 3

• The Churubusco Masonic Lodge will host its annual Groundhog Day pancake and sausage breakfast 7-10:30 a.m. A free-will offering will be accepted.

• A ham and beans supper will be 4-7 p.m. at West Point Trinity United Methodist Church, 4980 N. Etna Road. A free-will donation will be accepted. Proceeds benefit B.A.B.E.

10 17

Feb. 5

• The annual Whitley County Soil and Water meeting is 6:30 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church, 204 N. Main St., Columbia City. The evening will begin with a catered meal followed by an election, report of the District’s activities, and this year’s speaker is Mike Werling from Decatur. Werling is a 20-year veteran no-tiller who farms 350 acres of corn, soybeans, wheat and oats. He was recently recognized at the 2017 No-Till Conference for his Nutrient Management practice. The cost of the meal is $5 per person. Reservations need to be made by Tuesday, Feb. 13 by visiting or calling the SWCD office at 244-6266 ext. 101 or email nadean.lamle@in.nacdnet.net.

• Churubusco High School Alumni Association will hold a meeting at 7 p.m. in the high school library. For more information, contact Margaret Mitchell at (317) 490-7429.

Feb. 6

• Whitley County Commissioners meet at 1 p.m. on the first and third Mondays of the month in the Whitley County Government Center in Columbia City, 220 W. Van Buren St. • Whitko Community School Corp. Board of Trustees will meet for a work session 4-5:30 p.m. at Whitko Middle School.

Feb. 7

• The Whitley County Council meets on the first Tuesday of the month at 8 a.m.

Feb. 8

• The Whitley County Amateur Radio Club’s general meeting is 6-8 p.m. in Community Rooms A and B of the Peabody Public Library in Columbia City. The program for the evening is about the pros and cons of the various HF, VHF and UHF amateur radio antennas, presented by Ted Tahmisian - W9WT. All WCARC general meetings are open to the public. For additional information, visit the Whitley County Amateur Radio Club Group Facebook page or contact Roger McEntarfer at n9qcl@arrl. net.

Feb. 10

• Columbia City FFA will host its second annual fish and tenderloin fry 4-7:30 p.m. in the Columbia City High School cafeteria, 600 N. Whitley St., Door 3. Adults age 18 and older pay $10 for pre-sale tickets or $12 at the door. Children age 6-12 pay $6 for pre-sale tickets or $8 at the door. Children age 5 and younger eat free. The fish and tenderloin fry is all you can eat.

Feb. 17

• Tri-Lakes Lions Club is holding a fish and tenderloin fry as a fundraising activity 4-7 p.m. at the Tri-Lakes Lions Hall on Colony Avenue.

Adults eat for $10, children age 6-12 eat for $5, and children younger than 5 eat for free. The cost includes an all-you-can-eat dinner, beverage and dessert. Carryout dinners are also available.

Proceeds benefit the Lions District projects and other local Lions’ projects.

Mar.

6

March 6

• The Columbia City High School Alumni Association will host its 2018 social luncheon in Sebring, Fla., at 11 a.m. at Homer’s Original Smorgasbord, 1000 Sebring Square, on the southeast corner of U.S. 27 and Sebring Parkway. Reservations are not required. The cost is $10 at the door. Jerry and Pam Begue, class of 1961, will host this year’s event. For more information, email jerrybegue@yahoo.com or call (941) 697-8776.

Ongoing

• Tickets are limited for the Father Daughter Winter Wonderland Dance.

There are two dances on Feb. 9 or Feb. 10 from 6-10 p.m. at the Whitley County 4-H Center. The cost is $20 per person. For a specific date, tickets must be purchased at the parks office (open 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Monday-Friday). For more information, contact the Columbia City Parks Department at 248-5180.

• The Churubusco Lions Club meets every second and fourth Tuesday of each month at Papa’s Place at 6:30 p.m.

• Churubusco historical calendars are for sale at the Churubusco History Center, the Churubusco News, the Magic Wand Restaurant, Egolf’s IGA and Shroyers True Value. Calendars are $5 each and proceeds benefit the Churubusco Public Library and the History Center.

• AA and Al-Anon meetings Tuesdays, 7:30 p.m. at the Churubusco United Methodist Church.

Learn forest Sheep, goat webinar is Feb. 15 management, how to market timber at workshop Contributed COLUMBIA CITY — Purdue Extension in Whitley County is offering a forest management and timber marketing workshop 6:30-8:30 p.m. Feb. 20 at the Whitley County 4-H Center, 680 W. Squawbuck Road, Columbia City.

Lenny Farlee, Purdue Extension forester, will be the featured speaker for the evening. Farlee will cover the following topics: • Introduction to forests and forest management in Indiana, • Forest conditions in

Indiana, • Benefits of woodland management, • Assistance available for woodland management, • Best practices for marketing timber, and • Tax considerations related to selling timber (time permitting).

Registration is requested by Feb. 13. Call 244-7615 to register.

If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this program, contact John Woodmansee at 244-7615 or jwoodman@ purdue.edu by Feb. 5.

Contributed COLUMBIA CITY — Purdue University and Kentucky State University will hold a free webinar for sheep and goat producers 7-9 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 15. The theme of the program is animal health and the three bad “C’s” – Coccidia, Caseous Lymphadenitis and Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis.

Dr. Jessie Lay, DVM and assistant professor

at KSU, will discuss Coccidia symptoms and treatments. Dr. Beth Johnson, DVM with Kentucky Department of Agriculture, will discuss Caseous Lymphadenitis – an economically important disease, and how to prevent and control it. Johnson will also discuss Caprine Arthritis Encephalitis and how to diagnose, prevent and control within your herd.

The webinar is avail-

able via two options: Viewing stations located at County Extension Offices in Indiana and Kentucky or direct access to the program at ansc.tv. A list of viewing station sites are located on the program flier at extension.purdue.edu/ whitley. There is no charge to access the webinar in-person or online.

Local residents may view the program at

the Purdue Extension– Whitley County office at 115 S. Line St., Columbia City. So that the extension office can prepare materials and reserve your seat, call 244-7615 by Feb. 14.

For more program information, see the flier referenced or contact Mike Neary, mneary@purdue.edu, (765) 494-4849; or Mark Kepler, mkepler@ purdue.edu, (574) 223-3397.

Need Some Spare Advertise your old collectibles in the Classifieds and get more money in your pocket!

CALL CLASSIFIEDS AT

?

1-877-791-7877 TO PLACE YOUR AD

A16 • INwhitleycounty.com

Whitley County • February 1, 2018

Fine Dining • Lunch & Dinner Steaks • Ribs • Pasta • Seafood

Full Bar with Daily Drink & Lunch Specials

111 South Main Street Downtown Columbia City

260-244-4011

Hours: Sun. 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Mon.-Wed. 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Thurs.-Sat. 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

VOTED WHITLEY COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE’S EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR! Thank you to all of our employees and patrons!

WHERE FOOD AND FRIENDS BECOME FAMILY THURSDAY NIGHT All-You-Can Eat Spaghetti FRIDAY NIGHT All-You-Can Eat Fish SATURDAY NIGHT Dinner Specials Breakfast Served ALL DAY EVERYDAY 602 S. Main Street, Columbia City

(260) 244-6388 Serving Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Mon.-Wed. 5:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

Thurs.-Sat. 5:30 a.m.-9:00 p.m.

Sun. 5:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m.