IN|Whitley County Jan. 18, 2018

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Board votes to close Larwill middle school Middle and high school will consolidate at South Whitley campus

By Bridgett Hernandez bhernandez@kpcmedia.com

LARWILL — “Whatever happens tonight, tomorrow we’re still going to be Whitko.”

That was the resounding sentiment at the Whitko school board meeting Monday where the trustees voted to close Whitko Middle School in Larwill and consolidate

students to Whitko High School in South Whitley, seven miles south.

The consolidation will go into effect for the 2018-2019 school year. The school corpo-

ration will then consist of three schools – Pierceton Elementary School, South Whitley Elementary School and a combined middle and high school, also in South Whitley.

In December, the community was outraged when the board announced that a consolidation was imminent due to declining enrollment and budgetary constraints.

Since then, public discourse

See LARWILL, Page 2

Many factors contribute to crowded jail

By Nicole Minier nminier@kpcmedia.com

Upcoming SGCS School Board meeting Jan. 22 at 7 p.m., CJSHS cafeteria

CHURUBUSCO — The Smith-Green Community Schools’ Board of Trustees will be considering the adopSee BRIEFS, Page 2

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

Telephone: (260) 693-3949

Vol. 2 No. 3

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

The Whitley County Jail has been a topic of discussion by many government officials as they weigh

staffing and inmate population.

money, expenses were shifted to county government instead.

“What used to be Class D felonies, we could send to prisons,” Jail Commander SeanMartin said. “Now, all Level 6 felons are in the county jail, excluding a few exceptions.”

Higher-level felonies, mostly Level 1-5, appear before Judge Matthew Rentschler in Whitley Circuit Court. Lower-level crimes

2015 and 733 in 2016, it had 1,031 in 2017.

Most of the increases were in Class C misdemeanors (increase of 222 cases) and Level 6 felonies (increase of 89 cases).

Whitley Circuit Court has also seen an increase in cases — nearly triple since 2015.

There were 57 cases in 2015, 90 in 2016 and 155 in 2017.

Officials aren’t certain what is contributing to the jump, but have speculated.

such as Level 6 felonies and misdemeanors, appear before Judge Doug Fahl in Whitley Superior Court.

Examples of Level 6 felonies include some firsttime drug possessions or an individual’s second operating while intoxicated charge.

Case explosion Whitley County’s Superior Court saw what Fahl calls an “explosion” of cases in 2017.

While the court only had a total of 764 criminal cases in

One thing that is likely is the prevalence of fresh, energetic law enforcement officers in the county.

Columbia City’s Police Department and the Whitley County Sheriff’s Department have seen turnover as older officers are retiring and new, young officers are replacing them.

About half of Columbia City’s 19-officer department has three years or less See JAIL, Page 4

County honors attorney with proclamation Shipman replaces Sigler as county attorney

By Bridgett Hernandez bhernandez@kpcmedia.com

COLUMBIA CITY — After 10 years of government service, Dan Sigler recently retired from his role as Whitley County attorney.

To commemorate his decade of service, the

Whitley County Commissioners surprised Sigler with a special presentation at their Dec. 18 meeting.

To show their appreciation for Sigler’s “meritorious service” and “great dedication” to Whitley County, the commissioners designated

INWhitley County

COLUMBIA CITY — The annual Whitley County EXPO, put on by the Whitley County Chamber of Commerce and Visitor’s Center, is planned for March 10 at Indian Springs Middle School.

The event provides an opportunity for businesses and community members to interact, and typically draws a crowd of thousands of people each year.

Those interested in being a vendor at the event can contact Carol Flowers at 248-8131 or office@whitleychamber.com.

123 North Main Street,Churubusco, IN 46723

Whitley EXPO planned for March 10

COLUMBIA CITY — Whitley County government officials are facing a dire situation as they consider their next course of action for the Whitley County Jail, which has been deemed as “non-compliant” by the state. If the county does not become compliant, the jail could be shut down and inmates sent to other facilities.

Local officials agree that many factors are contributing to the jail in its current state, some changes that were set in motion years ago, and others that are more recent.

Changes at the state level The state of Indiana made changes to its criminal code in July 2014 that greatly impacted county jails.

The state restructured its levels and classes of felonies and misdemeanors, with the intention of moving lowerlevel offenders out of jails.

“That’s all well and good, but it also shifted low-level offenders out of the Department of Corrections and into county jails,” Whitley County Prosecutor D.J.Sigler said.

“Now, we’re bearing the fruit of that.”

Though many believe the state had good intentions, much of the burden of the changes fell on county jails.

While legislatures were trying to save the state

the week of Dec. 18-23 “The Honorable Dan Sigler Week.”

Sigler said he was surprised and touched by the gesture.

“I don’t usually get caught off guard, but that one caught me off guard. It was very nice. I appreciated it very much,” he said.

Designating a week in someone’s name is not something the commissioners do often, said George Schrumpf, chairman of the commissioners. In his seven years as commissioner, he can’t recall a similar proclamation.

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Dan Sigler, pictured at right with longtime County Councilman Bill Overdeer, was the county’s attorney for 10 years.

“Dan’s done such a great job for us. He’s been a prosecutor in Adams County, an

attorney here in town and he’s worked with us and See ATTORNEY, Page 2

A2 • INwhitleycounty.com

Whitley County • January 18, 2018

Do you know this man?

Was born in Churubusco in 1948; has 12 siblings

By Nicole Minier

to provide a birth certificate.

CHURUBUSCO — A “It occurred to me that 70-year-old, ChurubusI never had one,” McGee co-born man is trying to said. “In 68 years, no find his family. one had ever asked me John for a birth McGee was “In 68 years, no one certificate.” born Jan. McGee had ever asked me for called 5, 1948, in Allen Churubusco, a birth certificate.” County to try the 13th to locate a child of a birth certifilocal couple cate, but had John McGee who could no such luck. not afford “They told anymore me either children. They arranged, something happened to with the help of a local the records, or I was doctor, to have him adopted,” McGee said. informally adopted “I told them that was

by Walter and Violet crazy.”

McGee of Round Lake But after he explained and Fort Wayne. the situation to his sister, McGee only recently who is 15 years older, found out that he was McGee learned the truth. adopted. He started “She promised not to doing genealogy work tell anyone about it,” on Ancestry.com about McGee said.

2-3 years ago. He put McGee’s adoptive together his family tree parents passed away and realized he was years ago, and despite eligible to join the Sons his efforts, he’s been of the American Revounable to find any doculution. When he applied, mentation or information he was told he needed about his birth family.

nminier@kpcmedia.com

•

“There were no lawyers, no paperwork,” McGee said. “It was just a hand off at the doctor’s office. They don’t do it like that anymore.”

McGee discovered that there were two doctors in Churubusco at the time of his birth, one who was at the Luckey Hospital in Wolf Lake, which is now closed.

He’s found out more information through his niece, his brother’s daughter, than anywhere else.

“The story was, my parents had to make two promises when they got me — they promised to get me through higher education and to provide me with music lessons,” McGee said.

McGee found out his biological family is “very musical,” and he too, enjoys music, and was in a rock-and-roll band when he was in high school. He considered a career in music, but decided it wasn’t an economically sound

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

McGee

idea, so pursued his education.

McGee has three degrees from Indiana University and retired from Texas State University after 35 years as a professor. He’s been married to his wife for 46 years and has two children.

Since his discovery, he’s done DNA tests for 23 and Me and Ancestry, but had hits on cousins.

“I keep hoping something will come up,” McGee said.

If you think you may be related to McGee, he asks that you email him at jm28@txstate.edu.

City passes first ordinance of 2018

By Nicole Minier nminier@kpcmedia.com

COLUMBIA CITY — Columbia City’s Common Council passed its first ordinance of the new year at last week’s regular meeting.

The council unanimously approved an ordinance for no parking on the north side of Van Buren Street, on the west side of the city, between Walnut and McDonald

streets.

The city police department held a trial run of the ordinance in October, in an effort to make the busy street safer.

The trial was deemed a “success” by the council, and Councilwoman Jennifer Romano, who serves that area, said it was “met with great public approval.”

Also at last week’s meeting, the council

LARWILL from Page 1 on the matter has been a tug of war between whether to locate the combined middle and high school in Larwill or South Whitley.

Monday, due to poor winter weather conditions, Whitko schools closed two hours early and canceled all after school activities – except for the board meeting. However, that didn’t stop more than 100 people from filling the seats of the lecture hall at Whitko Middle School.

The board took comments from a half dozen people on the issue, including South Whitley Town Council President Randy Cokl, who petitioned the board not to close the high school.

“Moving four grades to another school while busing students back and forth to practices seems foolish,” he said.

Cokl also encouraged the board to invest in reversing the trend of declining enrollment with innovative programming and partnering with universities and employers to create career pathways.

After a briefing on Whitko High School, Principal John Snyder addressed the audience on the issue of consolidation.

“Whatever decision is made tonight, I would ask as someone who is leading the team into the future of our school corporation that no matter where it’s at, that I ask for your prayers, your support and your trust,” he said.

Three law enforcement officers were present at the meeting. Mikel VanDevender,

re-elected Walt Crowder as council president.

Park Director Mark Green reported that Jacob Johnson was hired as the manager of the new aquatics facility, which is expected to be completed by this summer. Memberships are available for purchase at the park office, as are 10-visit punch cards, which provide discounts to the

new pool.

The Parks Department also is selling tickets to the father-daughter dance. In five days, 400 tickets were sold. The cost is $20.

The Columbia City Board of Works approved the hiring of three new public safety employees — a fireman, policeman and 911 dispatcher — as approved in the 2018 budget.

functioning of local government up close was also eye-opening, Sigler said.

Local governments are under a lot of pressure from the state in terms of less funding and more obligations, he said. Seeing the commissioners function under this pressure gave him a greater appreciation of the work they and other officials do.

Sigler said the most challenging part of his job was remaining detached from the decision making – he constantly reminded himself that he was there to advise, not tell people what to do.

“After I’d advised the counselors or commissioners on an issue and it was time to vote, I always felt my arm twitching like I wanted to raise my hand to vote,” he laughed.

Looking back at his decade as county attorney, one day in particular stands out in Sigler’s mind as especially meaningful.

“There was a day that came when [the commis-

sioners] looked at me in down from his role as a meeting and said, ‘Dan, county attorney, he still what’s your opinion on runs his mediation practice, this?’” he Sigler Law. said.

With his Reflecting office now on the located in sincerity of Fort Wayne, their question, he felt like it Sigler said he was time to realized that let someone he had earned in the their trust. It community felt good, but take over. he also felt “I just the weight of felt like [the responsibility county] that comes PHOTO CONTRIBUTED needed a with being the Matthew Shipman is lawyer who county’s legal replacing Dan Sigler as was there in rudder. the commucounty attorney.

“That day nity, that they when they looked at me, I could walk across the street knew that they trusted me. and knock on their door and That made me feel very talk to them. Someone who good, but also made me a was younger and had more lot more cautious. I realenergy,” he said. ized that they were really Replacing Sigler is listening to me and that Matthew R. Shipman, an what I said really mattered, attorney for Bloom Gates so I had to be really careful Shipman & Whiteleather, a to give them the best advice law office located in downI could,” he said. town Columbia City, across While Sigler has stepped the street from the Whitley

marshal of the South Whitley Police Department, said the increased presence was a precautionary measure due to the tension surrounding the consolidation. In December, a man was removed from the meeting during a chaotic public hearing on the issue.

Ultimately, the board’s 3-2 vote to close Whitko Middle School was met only with silent resignation. The decision was clearly a hard one for the trustees, several of whom looked visibly uncomfortable. Carrie Hoffman, who represents District 2 and voted in favor of the plan, covered her face with her hands moments before the vote.

“I’m clearly a mess right now,” she said.

Superintendent Steve Clason said there are funds to complete phase one or “getting the doors open” before the start of the 20182019 school year. Funding any capital projects beyond that would require further discussion, he said.

School board president Jorell Tucker said that minimum construction was needed at the high school in order to accommodate the middle school students.

All modifications will be complete before the start of the 2018-2019 school year, he added.

The school board also voted to not renew the contracts for Whitko Middle School principal, Eugene Sweeney, and vice principal, Monica Stoppenhagen, as part of the school corporation’s cost savings plan, Clason said.

BRIEFS from Page 1 tion of a resolution to place a referendum question on the primary ballot on May 8. This proposed referendum was discussed during the public forums that were held in December. The Churubusco Chimers will also be featured

as the Spotlight on Success, and will perform during the meeting.

For more information on the proposed referendum, or to view the full agenda for the meeting, visit the SGCS website at sgcs.k12.in.us.

ATTORNEY from Page 1 saved the county a lot of money. He’s just been a great benefit to the community, so we wanted to do something for him,” Schrumpf said.

In addition to being a five-term prosecutor in Adams County, Sigler has represented a variety of governmental entities throughout his career. While not the most lucrative work, the job has been rewarding in other ways, he said.

“I’ve always liked the government service side of things because even though you may not make a big pile of money doing it, you’re working with people for the

SearsHometown_82997 3.25x2

betterment of the community, theoretically,” he said.

“When you look at your career as a lawyer, many people feel it’s more than just making money – you want to make a mark and you want to help and you want to do something that’s beneficial and government service is one way to do that.”

Working as county attorney has also been an educational experience. The role covers a wide spectrum of different areas of the law from employment law to tax law to government finance.

Seeing the day-to-day

23 Melissa mj

County Courthouse.

Shipman has concentrated his practice in real estate, litigation and corporate law.

He has represented multiple governmental entities and sewer districts throughout northeast Indiana.

“We’re fortunate to have Matt coming on board,” Commissioner Schrumpf said. “He’s already worked with the county for quite a while, and he understands the structure of the county.”

Shipman is a 1990 graduate of Columbia City High School. He received his bachelor’s degree from Indiana University in 1994 and graduated from the Indiana University School of Law. Prior to joining Bloom Gates & Whiteleather, he practiced in Indianapolis and Fort Wayne, as well as in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Shipman said he and his wife, Lori, returned to Whitley County because it’s a great place to raise a family. The couple has three children ages 6, 9 and 11.

INwhitleycounty.com • A3

Whitley County • January 18, 2018

Sheriff Gatton to run for re-election Staff reports WHITLEY COUNTY — Sheriff Marc Gatton is ready to kick up the campaign trail for his second term as Whitley County Sheriff.

Gatton will officially file for candidacy this month, he said in a statement. Gatton has served with the Whitley County Sheriff’s Department since December 1994, at which time he started as a reserve deputy volunteering his time. He started working full-time in June 1995, then was elected sheriff in 2014.

“Working for Whitley County citizens as sheriff has been an honor,” Gatton said. “I hope to continue for another four years. There’s plenty more work to be done.”

Gatton is proud of the employees at the Whitley County Sherriff’s Department.

“The staff that surrounds me makes me look good for

things they do,” he said.

Gatton said the department is facing many challenges now and in the future. Some of these are the opiod crisis, jail issues, staffing and money restraints throughout county government.

Gatton is the first sheriff in Whitley County’s history to purchase two vehicles for department use at no cost to the taxpayers. Both vehicles were purchased with commissary money, not taxpayers dollars.

“I’m very proud of that accomplishment and hope to continue being able to save the county taxpayers money,” Gatton said. “We must be proactive and keep looking for ways to improve and solve issues that are best for Whitley County.”

Gatton is a lifelong Whitley County resident. He resides in the Collins area with his wife of almost 22 years, Kay. They have two

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Gatton

children — Carson, 18, who attends Trine University studying criminal justice, and Max, 15, who is a sophomore at Churubusco High School.

Gatton thanks his family and friends for their support.

“These are the people who made me who I am today. I would especially like to thank my wife Kay for always supporting and pushing me to do better,” he said.

Hohenstein launches campaign for County Commissioner Staff reports COLUMBIA CITY — Barbara “B.J.” Hohenstein announced last week that she will be seeking the Whitley County Commissioner position for District 2 in the Whitley County May 8 Republican primary election.

Hohenstein is a 15-year resident of Whitley County.

She is the successful business owner and founder of Medical Management Resources, a medical practice management consulting firm located in Columbia City that was founded 30 years ago.

“I will protect the resources our community depends on for a healthy and strong future,” she said in a statement.

The last 30 years of owning my own business and being actively involved in leading healthy living groups and organizations has prepared me for this opportunity of giving back to my community as a

County Commissioner.

“The primary role for the County Commissioner should be to support, advocate and ensure Hohenstein the health and safety of the people of Whitley County,” she said. “There are many threatening issues among us today and many more that will arise and I am committed to ensuring these issues do not compromise the health and safety of our residents.”

Hohenstein believes a County Commissioner should be accessible and an active communications link between the residents and the county government operations.

“As a 30-year business owner and over 44 years in the healthcare field along with participating as an

active citizen of Whitley County, I’m constantly in touch with both citizens and business owners. I understand their concerns, needs and desires of the citizens of Whitley County,” she said.

“I believe that the foundation of any healthy and strong community should include education, communication, coordinated support operations and always doing what is best for the common good of all residents.”

Hohenstein also has a passion for being proactive in diversifying Whitley County economic development.

“To achieve a sustainable and healthy county, we must work together to ensure the changes we make and the business growth we build be supported by strong infrastructure and is coordinated in a manner that is not counter to our county comprehensive plan,” she said.

Hagerman pinned as U.S. Navy chief Staff reports CHURUBUSCO — Bradley Hagerman has sacrificed birthdays, anniversaries, holidays — even the birth of his son — to serve with the U.S. Navy.

Hagerman, from Churubusco, was recently pinned as a sonar technician chief petty officer in surface warfare.

The 2000 Churubusco High School graduate toured with Fighter Squadron 101 and Fighter Squadron 11, where he deployed on-board the USS George Washington in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, in 2004. He also served aboard the USS Farragut, USS Nitze and completed a shore tour as

an instruct at Center for Surface Combat Systems Detachment in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

He is currently serving on-board the USS Bainbridge as the CA division’s leading petty officer.

Hagerman is committed to his work with the U.S. Navy, just as he was committed to his time in Churubusco, where he was in the band for four years, New Era show choir for four years and Whitley County 4-H for 10 years, where he served as a Junior Leader.

He enlisted with the U.S. Navy just one month after his high school graduation, and went to basic training at Recruit Training Command in Great

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Lakes, Ill. Then, he reported to the Naval Education Technical Training Center in Pensacola, Fla., where he completed aviation machinist mate training.

He later completed sonar technician training in San Diego, Calif., in 2007.

Hagerman has received four Navy Marine Corps Achievement medals, an Armed Forces medal, Humanitarian Service medal, and various unit and campaign awards, along with being designated as a Master Training Specialist.

He now lives in Norfolk, Va., with his wife Lisa and their two sons, Grant and Nathan. He is attending Liberty University

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Bradley Hagerman is pictured after he was pinned as a chief petty officer with the U.S. Navy.

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Hagarman also enjoys volunteering with Cub Scout Pack 180.

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Whitley County • January 18, 2018

Mental health needs at jail not being met

By Nicole Minier nminier@kpcmedia.com

COLUMBIA CITY — “A lot of the folks in county jails in Indiana have no business being in a jail cell.”

Prosecutor D.J. Sigler didn’t make that statement in regards to jail inmates being

innocent, rather, in need of mental health treatment that county jails cannot provide.

When the state closed most of its mental health facilities in an effort to save money, it left county jails attempting to manage inmates, who may be better

served as mental health patients.

“Technically, they committed the crimes, but they have issues that should put them somewhere other than a jail cell,” Sigler says.

Mental health issues in the jail have “skyrocketed”

according to Sheriff Marc Gatton, putting further strain on confinement officers.

“Easily, 50 percent of our inmates are being seen or treated for a mental issue,” Jail Commander Sean Martin said. “With the lack of mental health hospitals, we

can’t do anything.”

The Sheriff’s Department wants the ability to take inmates to a facility where they can receive the help they need and potentially thwart re-offending, but options are limited.

“If they don’t have insur-

ance, many places won’t take them. Where do they end up?

In our jail,” Gatton said.

“I know they would benefit from it and I can’t get if for them,” Martin said.

The jail has a full-time nurse, who also tends to See HEALTH, Page 5

Fahl’s staff to keep up, and for cases to be concluded in a timely manner.

“Our staff has trouble getting all the paperwork done,” Fahl said. “So far, they’ve been fantastic — they just get tired.”

The state can add an additional Superior Court in Whitley County to lighten the caseload of the other judges, however, it is unclear if the spike in cases will be ongoing, or if 2017 was unique. Regardless, Whitley County’s Courthouse doesn’t have room to add another courtroom at this time.

Tough on crime Whitley County has a reputation for being hard on crime.

While longer sentences and more arrests may add to the inmate population, many local officials believe taking a firm stance on “smaller” crimes helps to thwart “bigger crimes,” such as high-level felonies.

“If you treat the smaller crimes tough, you chase off the bigger criminals,” Fahl said. “That’s how we maintain a safe community.”

Law enforcement officers in the field have notices that

criminals are disappointed when they realize they were caught in Whitley County, rather than another nearby county.

“People were upset their crime occurred in Whitley County because they know their punishment will be worse,” Sheriff Marc Gatton said.

Some criminals have gotten smart to Whitley County’s firm stance against crime.

“There are dealers out of Allen County who won’t even set foot in this county,” Sigler said. “We’ve had good success with drug prosecutions for so long, it’s something I am proud of.”

Fahl relates sentencing low-level crimes to parenting children.

“If you’re raising your kids and you let them get away with stuff, and don’t enforce the small rules, they will get into more trouble later,” Fahl said. “It’s the same with criminal activity. People either stop, or they move to another county where they can get away with more.

We’re not on a small-town power trip, we’re just trying to keep our community safe.

“I grew up not having to lock my doors in Columbia City. I want it to be a place where you can go home and not have to worry about locking the door three times behind you.”

Fahl said Whitley County is fortunate to have quality police officers with good training, and a prosecutor who knows how to take that police work to court.

“We have tough prosecutors who are good trial lawyers,” Fahl said. “Often, defense attorneys will plead their people out. If you look

at our plea agreement, crimthrough the criminal justice inals will get system are a lot stiffer much different Jump in penalty here than they used — and that’s criminal cases to be. what our resi“When I first Superior Court dents expect. got here, the That’s how we 2015: 764 local jail popumaintain a safe lation was a community. If 2016: 733 bunch of good you’re going to 2017: 1,031 people who be a hardcore made some criminal, you’ll Circuit Court poor decigo somewhere sions,” Sigler 2015: 57 else.” said.

2016: 90 Though Sigler used Martin and “Otis” from 2017: 155 his staff are “The Andy overbooked Griffith Show” By the numbers and underas an analogy. staffed, they “There were don’t discredit Recidivism rate in 2016: a lot of people 70 percent the longer like that (Otis), sentences who just had Jail bookings in 2017: 1,484 handed down substance by judges. abuse issues, Jail incident reports: over “The but were good, 1,200 sentences are decent people,” lengthier, but Sigler said. it’s good for the community “There’s a different edge to know the judges give added to criminal defendants people time for the crimes these days.” they commit,” Martin said.

The types and potency Continuous cycle of drugs on the street are “You can lead a horse to changing, and that’s evident water, but you can’t make it in the behavior of abusers in drink.” and out of the jail.

Whitley County criminal In the past, the person justice officials are finding high on marijuana would be that phrase to be true, as driving extraordinarily slow, some criminals are seemingly and that’s how officers knew unwilling to help themselves. they were impaired.

The recidivism rate in “Now, our officers say Whitley County was 70 the THC level is so high in percent in 2016, and Gatton marijuana that people are expects when statistics are getting pulled over going 85 compiled, that number will miles per hour on U.S. 30,” be even higher in 2017.

Fahl said.

Sigler says the highest Changes in behavior aren’t recidivism rate is in drug and only evident when the crimes addition related cases, and are committed, but inside the lower with violent criminals. jail walls as well.

Judge Fahl, Prosecutor “This is a different class Sigler, Sheriff Gatton and of inmate we have now,” Martin all agree that the Martin said. “There used to attitudes of people going be at least a bit of respect.

Now, they’re damaging jail property, getting in fights and getting more charges put on them.”

When that happens, inmates often lose their opportunity to participate in programs such as work release and home detention, further clogging up the jail with more people.

Even when inmates do finish serving their time, drug and alcohol abusers often end up back in jail shortly after being released.

“People get out and do it again,” Gatton said.

In 2017, Whitley County had 1,484 jail bookings, primarily for probation violation.

The male-to-female ratio has seen changes as well, with many more women serving time than in years past.

“When I started here in 1996, we had one female,” Martin said. “And for the longest time, we only had that one female. Now, there’s times we’ve had so many that I’ve had to put them in two blocks.”

Twenty-seven inmates can fit in one block. At one point, there were 35 females incarcerated.

“Their (female) crimes used to be really minor. Now, they’re just the same as the men,” Martin said.

Confinement officers face more challenges now than ever. Since September, three jailers have been injured, resulting in them being unable to do their jobs for a period of time. Inmates have been getting in physical altercations with each other and with jailers.

Every time an incident happens, confinement officers have to document it with an incident report. In 2017, there were about 1,200 incident reports.

“It’s a dangerous environment,” Martin said. “It’s a struggle every day just to keep up.”

The jail has 18 confinement officers and the state indicated the county needs an additional 12 officers to be compliant with its standards.

However, as reported in last week’s newspaper, the cost of a jailer is about $57,000 each. Twelve additional confinement officers would cost the county $684,000 per year — an expense the county isn’t prepared to mitigate.

“It’s a stressful and draining environment to work in,” Martin said. “We’ve lost people — they get burnt out and move on. It’s hard to keep morale up.”

JAIL from Page 1 of experience. Chief Tony Hively says the mixture of seasoned officers and young officers has been a benefit to his department.

“It’s a good mix, we’re well-balanced,” Hively said.

“Our very knowledgeable and experienced officers can mentor the younger officers.”

The younger officers have a fresh perspective and can “cover more ground,” as Hively said. “It’s a good mix.”

Sigler applauds the energy of both the experienced and new officers.

“The increase in cases is a reflection of good and aggressive policing,” Sigler said. “They have strong leadership and good training.”

Sigler took the reins as prosecutor in 2017 after Rentschler was elected as Circuit Court judge, and is similarly showing energy in his work as a prosecutor.

Sigler gave the go-ahead, with the work of local law enforcement, to conduct a drug and warrant sweep, which netted 25-30 cases at once.

More cases bring more criminals off the streets, but makes it difficult for Judge

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

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INwhitleycounty.com • A5

Whitley County • January 18, 2018

OBITS Jewel Crume SOUTH WHITLEY — Jewel E. Crume, 94, formerly of South Whitley, died at 11:41 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, at Peabody Home in North Manchester.

Services will be Saturday at 2 p.m. at Smith & Sons Miller Chapel, South Whitley. Burial will be in South Whitley Cemetery.

Calling will be from 4-7 p.m.

Friday at the funeral home.

Memorials are to South Whitley-Cleveland Township Fire Department.

Edward Snyder HUNTINGTON — Edward C. Snyder, 88, of formerly of Bippus, died Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018 at Oakbrook Village, Huntington.

Services will be Friday at 10:30 a.m. at Calvary United Methodist Church, Bippus.

Burial will be in the Bippus Cemetery. Calling will be today from 3-8 p.m. at Smith & Sons Miller Chapel, South Whitley, and one hour prior to the service at the church.

Memorials are to Huntington YMCA Champion League or Camp Riley, c/o Riley Hospital for Children.

Lara Lee Harvey SOUTH WHITLEY — Lara Lee Harvey, 87, formerly of South Whitley died at 11:40 a.m. Thursday, January 11 at IU Health Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis.

Services were Wednesday at the First Baptist Church, South Whitley. Burial was in the South Whitley Cemetery.

Memorials are to the First Baptist Church, South Whitley.

Arrangements are by Smith and Sons Miller Chapel, South Whitley.

Thomas Wolfe COLUMBIA CITY — Thomas H. “Tom” Wolfe, 73, of Huntington, died Sunday, Jan. 7, 2018, at the Visiting Nurse and Hospice Home in Fort Wayne.

Services were Friday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. The burial was in Thorn Cemetery, Ormas.

Memorials are to Makea-Wish Foundation or Riley Hospital for Children.

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 260-3470400, ext. 2526.

ISMS names top spellers Staff reports COLUMBIA CITY — Indian Springs Middle School held its annual spelling bee Jan. 10 in the projects area of the school.

Seven sixth-, seventh- and eighth-grade students participated, spelling in 19 rounds.

The winner was sixth grader Jordan Potter and the runner-up was sixth grader Lilliane Patterson. The two beat out last year’s ISMS champion, seventh grader Xavier Alarie.

Potter is the son of Michael and Jennifer Potter. His winning word was “repast.” Potter won his school spelling bee last year at Coesse Elementary School and is a member of

the ISMS Spell Bowl team.

Patterson is the daughter of Ryan and Karen Patterson. She missed the word “rescind.” Patterson won her school spelling bee last year at Northern Heights Elementary School.

ISMS Spell Bowl Coach Dennis Beckner pronounced the words. Myra Hartman, seventh grade secretary; and Beth. Beckner, Family and Consumer Sciences teacher, served as judges. Mark Zeigler oversaw the event.

Potter represented Indian Springs at this year’s Whitley County Spelling Bee which was Wednesday, Jan. 17, at Churubusco Jr/ Sr High School, beginning at 5 p.m.

Winter Reading Program kicks off at library

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Lilliane Patterson, left, was runner-up and Jordan Potter, right, was the winner of the 2018 Indian Springs Middle School spelling bee.

Peabody library logo gets a fresh new look Staff reports COLUMBAI CITY — Peabody Public Library recently revealed its new brand and logo.

“Although the current pathway logo has served the library well, it was time to update our brand to reflect what the library provides the community right now,” said Peabody Public Library Executive Director Mary Hartman.

Peabody Public Library was established in Columbia City in 1901.

The library was first located on the second floor of the Raupfer Building at the corner of West Van Buren and Main streets in downtown Columbia City.

Then, later in 1917, Simon Peabody donated land and funds to erect a new building on North Main Street.

As the library and its members continued to

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Peabody Public Library’s new logo is pictured.

grow, there was an evident need for a new facility to accommodate the growth.

In 1999, the new present-day 29,688-square-foot facility was built just off State Road 205.

Since then, the library continued to develop and expand its services and offerings to patrons.

“The library is more than books in a building – it is the experience you gain from the interactions you have with the people you encounter,” Hartman said. “Whether it is taking

a yoga class, trying out a different food at a cooking class, attending one of our book clubs, socializing with other families at play dates, developing literacy and sensory skills by attending story time or toddler time activities, visiting us at our mobile tech labs or using our meeting rooms.

All of these shared experiences connect us to one another and help us grow as individuals and as a community.”

The new logo represents more of that sense of

connection and community.

The library is a destination for community members of all ages with diverse interests.

The library offers educational classes, programming and entertainment. And with additional community spaces open to the public, it’s a place for the entire community to use and enjoy. It’s truly a place where you can create your own experience, connect with others and get connected to community resources, and grow your mind, your creative abilities, skills and aspirations.

Want to stay up-to-date on events, classes and programming at the library?

Follow the library on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for event and class updates, and visit ppl.lib.in.us and click the “calendar” icon on the homepage to check out the library’s online calendar.

Plan Commission gives OK to apartment design

By Nicole Minier nminier@kpcmedia.com

CHURUBUSCO — Next year, more housing options should be available for seniors in Churubusco.

The Churubusco Plan Commission unanimously approved design plans

by Keller Development, a company that plans to build a 35-unit apartment complex near the inter-

section of Pleasant and Mulberry streets in Churubusco.

The property is 2.17 acres, located near downtown amenities and will feature many unique options inside and out, such as a dog park, gazebo, fitness room, raised gardens and kitchen area.

Most of the units are two-bedroom homes.

Representatives from Keller Development said many seniors like having one traditional bedroom and another bedroom for other activities, such as a media room, sewing or a guest room for visitors.

The developers said they will be adding landscaping around the property to shield nearby homes from the potential of more head-

lights shining toward their homes, caused by the development.

After approval from the state, Keller Development hopes to begin construction March 1. The building is expected to begin taking residents 10-12 months later.

Also at the Plan Commission meeting, Jeremy Hart was selected as president.

“We can help control their mental state while they’re in here, but we see this over and over — they get out, quit their medication, self-medicate with drugs and end up back in here,” Gatton said.

Community Corrections offers drug and alcohol programs, which have been effective for many who

utilize them. Others need more in-depth assistance that is beyond the county’s abilities.

Superior Court Judge Doug Fahl suggests the state offer regional mental health facilities that could be shared by several counties. A mental health facility could allow inmates to get the help they

need, rather than being mixed in with other inmates at the county jails.

“Then we could get them out of the local jail where they’re just sitting, getting worse,” Fahl said. “Our jail doesn’t have a mental health wing or a psychiatrist on staff. Substance abuse coincides with other mental health

Staff reports COLUMBIA CITY – Peabody Public Library’s Winter Reading Program for adults began Jan. 15 The library is hosting a 10-week reading program for adults, and the theme for the reading program is “Dewey Decathlon.”

“We wanted to try something different this year to promote more diverse reading,” said Deb Lowrance, Peabody Adult Services librarian. “Not everyone is familiar with the system so hopefully this will help our patrons find and explore more throughout the library.

We’ve also included more ‘hands-on’ goals for patrons to choose from like classes and videos. We hope everyone enjoys this winter reading experience.”

The goal is for each participant to read two hours a week, and complete activities in the Dewey Decathlon packet. Participants can record their progress at the library and collect small prizes throughout the program. At the end of the program on March 25, participants who completed the program will be eligible for a grand-prize drawing.

Packets can be picked up at the library. If you have additional questions about the program contact the adult department at the library at 244-5541 or Deb Lowrance at dlowrance@ppl.lib.in.us.

Want to stay up-todate on events, classes and programming at the library? Follow the library on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for event and class updates, and visit ppl. lib.in.us and click the “calendar” icon on the homepage to check out the library’s online calendar.

HEALTH from Page 4 medical needs of all inmates.

It also has a mental health worker who comes twice a week, for up to six hours at a time, to do evaluations on inmates — but not long enough to assist in the day-to-day mental health needs of inmates.

Regardless, long-term needs are not being met.

issues. It’s difficult as a judge to determine the best route.”

Overall, Fahl puts a focus on the safety of the community.

“If we don’t house them in the jail, the general public could be at risk,” Fahl said.

“If they’re confined, they can’t be out hurting the general public.”

A6 • INwhitleycounty.com

OPINION

YOUR VIEW IN|Whitley County posted the following question on its Facebook page.

Last week was Whitley County Consolidated School’s first time using e-learning days. How did it go in your home?

What did your children think of it?

Here are your responses: Kristen Swangin: I have a high schooler, middle schooler and third grader. All three were able to complete their assignments easily on the second e-learning.

The first was horrible and took my high schooler over two hours per class. Hopefully it gets easier each time. I teach in another district that has e-learning, so I think it is just growing pains and the staff will get better at it.

Emily Nofzinger: Let’s just say I know for sure now that I’m not cut out to be a teacher and our teachers don’t get paid enough. It was stressful.

Julie McElroy Vogely: I thought it was fine.

Jamie Newkirk: My

third and fifth graders loved it.

Rebecca Kinsey Wamsley: It went great for our family! We were able to log in with no issues, found and understood the assignments easily, and had everything completed in a reasonable amount of time for my first grader.

KristaAnn Freel: We had no issues with logging in or completing assignments. Just a little crazy with having younger siblings, a dog and daily things around the house that need done before I work.

Couldn’t do it everyday and I worry about the “quality” of the learning since he wasn’t in class, as being home causes a ton of distractions. It’s exactly why we have chosen not to try to home school.

Holly Andreas: It went great! First day was a little rough but second was so much better. Took my kids much longer than the 20 minutes they claimed per assignment but it was good overall.

Daniell Pettigrew Schuchman: First time

little crazy and hard to find things. Second time, easy, kids like it. I love it. Lol. Jade Pfeiffer Wigent: I am in favor of e-learning. I love not having an extra day tagged on somewhere later in the school year.

My first grader’s assignments were easy to access and complete. I like being a part of his education, so helping him is fun for me.

Because the work is due a few days after it is assigned, I hope if we ever have questions or technology issues, it will be easy to resolve before being counted late. My first grader may not have loved doing his work, but he did love playing most of the day, so I think although he might not say he’s for e-learning, it was a good experience.

Jenny Adkins-Reffitt: We enjoyed it! I hope it continues to help keep our summers as long as possible!

Dena Ellenwood Joseph: It went well and I’m so thankful that we do not have to make these days up.

Whitley County • January 18, 2018

Regional mental health facility is needed

In this week’s article about the Whitley County Jail, some staggering statistics were brought forward.

The county had a 70-percent recidivism rate in 2016. Jail Commander Sean Martin estimates half of the jail’s inmates have mental health issues that need addressed.

Our jail is reaching its capacity and offenders keep getting arrested shortly after they’re released.

Mental health issues in this community are real, and officials say Whitley County is not the only community with these struggles.

People aren’t being jailed simply for having mental health problems — they are committing crimes that land them in jail. But what if someone could reach those individuals and help them get to the root of their problems — the real reason they have a drug addiction or anger issue — and break the cycle of crime?

The Whitley County Jail employees are doing

Our view what they can to help, but the abilities of the jail staff is limited given it is short by 12 employees and not trained in attending to longterm mental health.

What other option to our criminal justice leaders have, but to keep these individuals incarcerated to protect the public?

There’s no good answer to this situation but we can see where the issue may stem. The state closed down most of its mental health facilities several years ago, leaving judges and law enforcement officials with no other choice than to house them in county jails.

County jails aren’t capable of meeting the needs of psych patients.

County jails maintain order and safety while individuals are incarcerated and, oftentimes, as soon as they’re back on the streets, they re-offend.

Whitley County has what Judge Doug Fahl called “one of the best Community Corrections programs in the state,” but it still can’t meet the in-depth needs of many of the people who are incarcerated.

Our jail isn’t large enough to have its own psych ward, and Whitley County isn’t large enough to build its own mental health hospital — something needs to be done at a state or regional level.

If people are able to get the help they need, we possibly could see fewer victims of crime in our community.

We recognize that healing takes effort by the individual — simply building a facility will not solve all problems. But right now, it seems we aren’t even giving them a chance.

Maybe Hoosiers’ civility can calm the nation

By BRIAN A. HOWEY In the era of brash intolerance, when a presidential candidate says he could shoot someone on Fifth Avenue and not lose a vote, could Indiana be poised BRIAN as an HOWEY island of civility?

Our history has sunk and risen on both sides of the political mayhem equation.

When President Andrew Johnson’s “Swing Around the Circle” tour came to Indianapolis on Sept. 10, 1866, to push his mid-term election Reconstruction policies, it came after he compared himself to Jesus Christ, accused the Republicans as his betrayers; and defended himself against unmade accusations of tyranny. Britannica noted the Indianapolis “crowd was so hostile and loud that Johnson was unable to speak at all; even after he retreated, violence and

gunfire broke out in the streets between Johnson supporters and opponents, resulting in one man’s death.”

In U.S. Sen. Robert F. Kennedy’s April 4, 1968, extemporaneous speech in Indianapolis where he informed a campaign crowd of the assassination of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., he quoted the ancient playwright Aeschylus: “Even in our sleep, pain which cannot forget falls drop by drop upon the heart until, in our own despair, against our will, comes wisdom through the awful grace of God.” Dozens of other cities erupted in violence, but Indianapolis remained calm.

This past year we’ve seen Latino Hoosier students taunted at Hammond and Columbus, and an anti-Trumper vandalize his own church in Beanblossom.

Amidst the age of Donald Trump, even here in Mike Pence’s Indiana, there are calls for renewed civility. In his State of the State address, Gov. Eric Holcomb explained, “Going forward, I’m going to view civility

as the very foundation that all five pillars I just described rise up from.

I’m convinced that our ultimate goals — this ambitious to-do list — will remain elusive unless we stay open to different points of views, treat each other with respect and focus not on what divides us, but on what we have in common.”

During his Organization Day speech, House Speaker Brian Bosma noted that political attacks were posted on his mother’s funeral remembrance page.

“That’s exactly how low we’ve gotten,” he said.

“I refuse to participate in the long spiral to uncivil conduct in political life.”

Last October, Purdue President Mitch Daniels gave the Ian Rolland Lecture in Fort Wayne, honoring the legendary businessman, community leader and philanthropist. As he did at his February 2011 CPAC “Red Menace” speech, the former Indiana governor sounded prudent alarms and offered aspiration.

“Democracy, as we’ve known it, government by the people — of, by, and

for the people someone said — is not the natural state of affairs in world history,” Daniels said.

“The founders were painfully aware of this.

Even as they took these risks they were dubious that this experiment could last for long. John Adams said maybe two generations.”

Connecticut’s Oliver Ellsworth warned that if Americans become “ignorant, idle and vicious,” then we would be “easy business to reduce us to obey tyrants.”

New York Magazine’s Andrew Sullivan observes that the emerging “tribalism” is in reality the “default human experience.”

“How did we get here?” Daniels asked. “I think there were some natural causes, some society changes that have simply led to Americans being more divided, more suspicious, even hostile to each other.” We marry alike, gather economically and racially.

He points that in 2012 only 5 percent of America’s 3,000 counties had outcomes in the presidential vote within

5 percent plus or minus.

Only 10 percent were within 10 percent or more.

“In the vast majority of American geographies, it was not close.”

Slathered on top in 280 tweeted characters is social media, or what Daniels calls “anti-social media” that “encourages the worst tendencies.

People will say things that they would never say face to face with someone.

Lincoln might have been worried about the worst angels of our nature if he had seen today’s social media.”

“I told a number of friends, who were deeply disappointed by the outcome of the last election, ‘You know, if you look down your nose at people long enough, one day they will punch you in it.’

“We awaken to find ourselves in this place where mere disagreements have been elevated to fatal character flaws,” Daniels continued.

He believes Hoosiers can calm the national affliction.

“Is there a chance that Indiana could be different?” Daniels asks.

“That we could strike a different direction, a different tone, perhaps with different results that at least separate us from what I believe is a dangerous new direction in the country?”

This comes in a state where the last four winning gubernatorial campaigns by Daniels, Vice President Pence and Holcomb resisted the urge to go negative.

Daniels said of his three campaigns that he “never ran a television ad that attacked anyone’s character, motives or background.”

“So maybe our contribution here in Indiana, our way of ‘resisting’ is to avoid the vilification, tribalism, that for now at least seems to be strengthening in the country is to keep on keeping on in the way we have. Maybe we can be a sanctuary for civility in a nation that seems to have very few,” Daniels said.

“We don’t yet need another Lincoln.

Although it’s quite possible that if things don’t change, we will have to pray for one.”

INwhitleycounty.com • A7

Whitley County • January 18, 2018

Man pleads guilty to child molestation

By Bridgett Hernandez bhernandez@kpcmedia.com

A Merriville man pleaded guilty to child molestation and sexual misconduct with a minor Jan. 8 in Whitley County Circuit Court.

Charles A. Berry Jr., 23, of Merriville, faces charges of child molestation, a level 1 felony; sexual misconduct with a minor, a level 4 felony; dealing in marijuana, a class A

misdemeanor; and contributing to the delinquency of a minor, a class A misdemeanor.

Berry pleaded guilty to the felony charges which involved two minors, one younger than 14 and the other between the ages of 14 and 16. In accordance with the plea agreement, Berry would serve a 36-year sentence with 24 years executed and the court would dismiss the

misdemeanor charges.

Berry will appear in court again for sentencing Feb. 12.

Davey Prater, 38, of Claypool, appeared in court to plead guilty to possession of a narcotic drug, a level 5 felony.

Prater is also charged with dealing in a narcotic drug, but the court would dismiss the charge in accordance with the plea agreement. Prater would

serve a six-year sentence with five years executed.

He also will appear for sentencing Feb. 12.

Israel Orellana, 22, of South Whitley, appeared for an initial hearing on three counts of sexual misconduct with a minor, a level 4 felony, punishable by 2-12 years of incarceration. Circuit Court Judge Matthew Rentschler appointed Orellana a public defender, attorney

Anthony Churchward, and bond was set at $50,000.

Orellana is scheduled to appear in court again Feb. 12 for a pre-trial conference.

Niki Robinson, 34, of Fort Wayne, also appeared for an initial hearing.

Robinson is charged with possession of cocaine, a level 5 felony; maintaining a common nuisance, a level 6 felony; and possession of paraphernalia, a

class C misdemeanor.

A level 5 felony is punishable by one to six years. Rentschler noted that the charge was elevated because Robinson was previously convicted of dealing in cocaine in August 2010.

Rentschler appointed Robinson a public defender, Churchward, and bond was set at $30,000.

Robinson is scheduled to See COURT, Page 8

Sorority learns about popular Christmas songs Staff reports COLUMBIA CITY — The Epsilon Chapter of Sigma Eta Fine Arts Sorority met at Grace Lutheran Church in January. Joyce Easterday presented her program “Celebrate Winter in Song,” featuring six songs: • James Lord Pierpont wrote “Jingle Bells” in 1857 and intended it as a Thanksgiving song.

In 1965, it became the first song broadcast from space.

• “Winter Wonderland” first appeared in 1934.

Richard Smith composed the words while recovering from tuberculosis in a sanatorium in Pennsylvania. Felix Bernard composed the music. The song has been recorded by over 200 different artists including the combo of Tony Bennett, Lady Gaga and Earth, Wind and Fire in 2014.

• Frank Loesser wrote “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” in 1944. He and his wife, Lynn Garland, first performed it as a private performance for friends

at a housewarming party in New York City. They found themselves subsequently invited to many showbiz parties to sing the song as the final number of the evening. Loesser sold the rights to MGM in 1948 for Neptune’s Daughter, where it was performed by Ricardo Montalban and Esther Williams. Red Skelton and Betty Garrett later performed it, with the “mouse and wolf” roles in that order. The song won an Academy Award for Best Original Song. Four different 1949 recordings made the Billboard Top Sellers Chart that year, several at the same time during the summer. The song reappeared more recently in the movie “Elf” and in a Saturday Night Live skit with Jimmy Fallon and Cecily Strong.

• “Let It Snow” was written by Sammy Cahn and Jule Styne during a Hollywood heat wave in 1945. Vaughn Monroe’s recording was No. 1 on Billboard in January and February in 1946. Rod

Stewart’s version returned to No. 1 on Billboard Adult Contemporary for five weeks in December and January 2012.

• Leroy Anderson wrote “Sleigh Ride” during another heat wave in July 1946. In 1949 Arthur Fiedler and the Boston Pops recorded the song, which sold on 45 rpm red vinyl records and became one of its signature numbers. Mitchell Parish added lyrics in 1950. The Boston Pops made later recordings in 1997, 2005 and 2013.

• In 1950, one year after the appearance of the wildly popular “Rudolph, the Red-nosed Reindeer”

by Johnny Marks, Walter “Jack” Rollins and Steve Nelson wrote “Frosty the Snowman” hoping to cash in on the kid-friendly craze. Both songs were first recorded by Gene Autry and the Cass County Boys. “Frosty the Snowman” was expanded into a TV show in 1969.

Throughout her program, Easterday played recordings of the songs for

enjoyment, illustration and sing-along.

President Janelle Smith conducted a short business meeting. Plans were discussed for an April performance. Feedback was very positive for the Christmas party held at Moose Lake Christian Craft Village.

Choral Director Sandy Whiteleather led chorus practice, which included the new number “We Stand United.” Myra Schmidt accompanied.

Hostess Susan McClish served cakes — chocolate with peanut butter and lemon. She also served apples and grapes with caramel, mixed nuts, coffee and iced tea.

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Joyce Easterday presents her program “Celebrate Winter in Song” at the meeting of the Epsilon Chapter of Sigma Eta Fine Arts Sorority earlier this month.

WHITLEY COUNTY JAIL BOOKINGS The following people were booked in the Whitley County Jail: • Logan Skinner, 19, of Kimmell, was arrested Jan. 6 by the Indiana State Police, charged with possession of paraphernalia, possession of marijuana and OWI-controlled substance.

• Kyle Boggs, 30, of South Whitley, was arrested Jan. 7 by the South Whitley Police Department, charged with operating while intoxicated.

• Kassie Nickolson, 28, of Columbia City, was arrested Jan. 7 by the Columbia City Police Department, charged with battery causing bodily injury.

• Christopher McIntosh, 46, of Columbia City, was arrested Jan. 7 by the Columbia City Police Department, charged with operating while intoxicated, OWI per se and possession of hypodermic needles.

• Mary Finney, 27, of Fort Wayne, was arrested Jan. 7 by the Whitley

County Sheriff’s Department, charged with violation of suspended sentence.

• Brandon Speith, 24, of Fort Wayne, was arrested Jan. 8 by the Superior Court, charged with OWI and OWI per se.

• Ryan McDonald, 32, of Elkhart, was arrested Jan. 8 by the Whitley County Sheriff’s Department, charged with failure to return to lawful detention and violation of suspended sentence.

• Brian Robertson, 37, of Pierceton, was arrested Jan. 8 by the Whitley County Sheriff’s Department, charged with invasion of privacy.

• Steven Parsons, 18, of Albion, was arrested Jan. 8 by the Columbia City Police Department, charged with possession of paraphernalia.

• Rachael Adams, 39, of Warsaw, was arrested Jan. 9 by the Whitley County Sheriff’s Department, charged with theft.

• Erika Bruner, 28 of Cromwell, was arrested Jan. 9 by the Whitley County Sheriff’s Department, charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of paraphernalia and visiting a common nuisance.

• Caleb Weimer 20, of Columbia City, was arrested Jan. 10 by the Columbia City Police Department, charged with aiding, inducing, causing offense and false informing.

• Jerome Clowney, 52, of North Webster, was arrested Jan. 10 by the Whitley County Sheriff’s Department, charged with probation violation.

• Kelly Grindle, 44, of North Manchester, was arrested Jan. 10 by the Indiana State Police, charged with check deception.

• Collin Smith, 18, of South Whitley, was arrested Jan. 12 by the South Whitley Police Department, charged with conversion and criminal mischief.

Honoring the best and brightest under 40 in northeast Indiana.

NOMINATION DEADLINE FEBRUARY 4

Visit fwbusiness.com under the Events tab.

A8 • INwhitleycounty.com

Whitley County • January 18, 2018

YESTERDAY 1 year ago Senior Churubusco High School basketball player Jalen Paul broke the school record for assists in a single game with 19. The previous record was 16 assists, set by Tom Geiger in 1988.

Senior members of the Churubusco High School Snowcoming Court were Dakota Barkley, Isaac Geiger, Gil Hesselschwardt, Trevor Kelley, Cole Lybarger and Jalen Paul.

Graduation rates were released, with Churubusco leading at 96 percent, Whitley County Consolidated Schools at 95.1 percent and Whitko schools at 92.4 percent.

Officials expected traffic could double if plans for U.S. 30 to become a freeway were completed.

A U.S. 30 Coalition was formed to discuss plans and ideas for the largest highway passing through Whitley County.

The Whitley County Chamber of Commerce expanded its GROW Network to include meetings in Churubusco, South Whitley and Columbia City.

Columbia City’s Police Department purchased a new K9 officer, Cas, as Patrolman Gary Archbold’s new partner. The K9 was the only dog between the Whitley County Sheriff’s Department, Churubusco

Police Department, South Whitley Police Department and CCPD. Matthew and Anna Marr announced their wedding, which took place in September 2016.

10 years ago The third annual Ice Carving Festival was planned for the end of January, hosted by the Columbia City Area Chamber of Commerce.

Blocks of ice were purchased by local businesses and carved to put on display downtown.

The Kiwanis Club sponsored a “Jeopardy!” tournament at Peabody Public Library. Greg Hockemeyer took on the role of “Alex,” the show’s host.

Small business owner Jim Banks announced his candidacy for Whitley County Council.

Mike and Jenna Ott announced the birth of their son, Weston James.

15 years ago Joan Lillmars was named Smith-Green Community Schools’ board president.

Churubusco Elementary School fourth-grade teacher Cindy Zollinger was honored at a Komet Hockey game after she was recognized by the People Helping People program as an invididual who plays an important role in the community and school.

Jennifer Shively, of Columbia City, was engaged to Benjamin Ladig, of Wolf Lake.

DVD’s became available for checkout at the Churubusco Public Library.

Fremont came to Churubusco for its boys basketball game with its white uniforms, instead of away jerseys. Fremont borrowed Churubusco’s away jerseys for the game The Columbia City Kiwanis, Columbia City Optimist Club, Whitley County Safe Kids, Whitley County 4-H leaders and Whitley County 4-H Bicycle Club planned a Kiddie Safety Day at the 4-H Center, where a safety village was constructed.

25 years ago Fifth-grade student Madalyn Sade was the winner of the Geography Bee and Mark Haire was runner up. Sade had the opportunity to go on to compete for a $25,000 college scholarship.

Precision Sharpening, owned by Dan Millikan, moved from Coal Street to 8435 E. U.S. 33, next to Bishop Video.

Kindergarten students Clayton Rollins and Lance Gordon were each honored on the Rainbow Hall of Recognition for being a “Math Whiz.”

Wayne Krider was

selected as chief of the Smith Township Volunteer Fire Department. Todd Shively was assistant chief.

The Indiana State Police released a report on a crime and traffic summary for Whitley County in December. There were 22 criminal arrests, 127 traffic citations issued and 37 seat belt/child restraint tickets issued.

The Whitley County Senior Center planned to take a bus to the Mizpah Shrine Circus, leaving early to have lunch at the Country Buffet. The bus made stops in South Whitley, Columbia

City and Churubusco, to pick up senior citizens.

50 years ago People who allowed their dogs to run loose were targets of reminders by the Churubusco Town Board.

The ordinance allowed for picking up and disposing of stray dogs, and the ordinances would be enforced to clear the town of dog packs that were running loose across properties.

The first fire call for the Churubusco Fire Department was to a house fire on State Road 105 East, on a property owned by Archie Wright. About $50 damage

resulted.

The Mental Health Association of Whitley County gave Christmas cards to 18,000 patients at the Indiana state mental hospital. The association began seeking cards for the next Christmas starting in January.

William Shew, who had served as director of the Churubusco State Bank since the bank was chartered in 1928, retired as president of the bank.

Everett Jones was named to the presidency of the bank, moving up from his position as executive vice-president.

Mr. and Mrs. Michael Cramer announced the birth of a daughter, Melissa Pauline.

The number of prisoners in Whitley County’s jail totaled 304 during 1967, up over one-third from the 1966 figure of 216.

Mrs. Graham Kleespie, executive secretary of the Whitley County Tuberculosis Association, reported that 1,765 school students were given the intradermal TB test in 1967. Of that number, 51 showed a positive reaction. The tests were given in conjunction with the county health office.

William Thomson Jr., of Columbia City, was named as Republican member of the Whitley County election board for 1968 and 1969.

years. The Whitley County Circuit Court can add or subtract up to 10 years at its discretion, leading to a maximum possible sentence of 40 years.

The three-day trial is scheduled to begin May 15. Smith will appear in court again May 7 for a pre-trial conference.

• Frank Bailey III, 42, of North Webster, faces charges of burglary and theft. He appeared with defense attorney Zach

Baber to schedule a jury trial. The two-day trial is scheduled to begin March 7. Bailey will appear for a pre-trial conference Feb. 26.

• Destiny Wilson, 19, of South Whitley, and Gavin Ulshafer, 19, of Liberty Mills, appeared in court facing charges of burglary and theft. Wilson and Ulshafer allegedly broke into a property Dec. 4 and stole $250, a handgun and several other objects.

Wilson’s defense attorney, Zach Baber, asked Rentschler for more time to review a plea agreement received from Prosecuting attorney D.J. Sigler’s office. Wilson will appear in court again Feb. 5 for a pre-trial conference.

Ulshafer’s pre-trial conference was continued to Jan. 29.

• Susan Hearn, 37, of Dayton, Ohio, appeared in court facing charges of battery, a level 6 felony,

and operating a motorboat while intoxicated, a class C misdemeanor.

A level 6 felony is punishable by six months to 2.5 years incarceration and a class C misdemeanor is punishable by up to 60 days incarceration. Hearn will appear in court again Feb. 12 for a pre-trial conference.

• Richard Pittman, of Decatur, pleaded guilty to check deception, a class A misdemeanor. Pittman

admitted to writing checks to make purchases knowing that there were not sufficient funds. In accordance with a plea agreement, Pittman was ordered to pay restitution of $250.32 in addition to court costs.

• Nathan Strange, 25, of Fort Wayne, appeared in court on charges of battery, disorderly conduct and public intoxication. His pre-trial conference was continued to May 7.

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Judy Geiger of the Whitley County Rural Youth Club received a silver award from Carle Eiche of Prairie Farmer Magazine, presented during the annual Rural Youth State Day program at Purdue University.

The award was for organization, education, recreation and community service activities by the club during 1967.

COURT from Page 7 appear in court again Feb. 12 for a pre-trial conference.

In other Whitley County Circuit Court news: • James Smith, 19, of Columbia City, appeared with defense attorney Anthony Churchward to schedule a jury trial.

Smith is charged with rape, a level 1 felony. A level 1 felony, if convicted, carries a sentence of 30

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SPORTS

Whitley County • January 18, 2018

INwhitleycounty.com • A9

Excitement builds around athletics at new CCHS

By Travis Stahl for IN|Whitley County

COLUMBIA CITY — If you drive on State Road 9 south of Columbia City, you have seen the massive construction of the new Columbia City High School underway.

Much has been written about the academic advantages the new school will add to students, staff and the entire community. But a new school also means new athletic facilities.

With new athletic facilities on the campus comes new opportunities for almost all of the sports teams at CCHS. The new football field at CCHS will be the most visible change outside at the campus. The football field will be covered with artificial field turf. The freshman, junior varsity and varsity football teams will all play on the field as well as the boys and girls soccer teams — the same as the current set-up at the high school, which has a grass field.

Typically, with so many teams playing on one field, by the end of the season, a grass field can start to show signs of wear and tear especially if the weather is bad in the fall. That won’t be the case with field turf.

“When you have a synthetic turf you don’t have to worry about any of that,” said Columbia City High School Athletic Director Khelli Leitch.

Circling the football and soccer field will be a new eight-lane track.

Leitch said it hasn’t been determined yet what the service of the track will be, but the new track will come with a timing system.

Separate practice fields for the football and soccer teams are also being built. Indian

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Construction of the new Columbia City High School is expected to be completed before the 2020-2021 school year.

Springs athletes will still maintain their current football field and track.

New tennis courts also will be built at the new school. Right now, both boys’ and girls’ tennis teams play at DeVol Field.

New baseball and softball fields will adorn the new campus. Leitch said both fields will have lights. The new lighting and the ability to sell tickets to games would put Columbia City in line to host baseball and softball sectionals. Currently, the CCHS baseball field has no lights and it is difficult to charge admission at softball games as the team plays at Morshces Park, a hub for youth baseball and softball games all spring and summer.

Indian Springs has had one of the more elaborate and challenging middle school cross country courses for years. The plan now is to also have a high school course somewhere on the campus.

“We will design it once everything is constructed,” said Leitch.

Inside the school will be a new gym to go along with an auxiliary gym. This will give the school the ability

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Football, soccer and track all compete at the same complex at Indian Springs Middle School

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

The Indian Springs Middle School athletic field will remain the same, but with different scenery after the

to start freshman and junior varsity basketball games at the same time.

The main gym will have roughly the same seating capacity as the current gym at the high school, but without the balcony area.

“Having one level area, there isn’t going to be a bad seat in the house,” said Leitch of the new design of the gym.

A new wrestling room also is being constructed at the school. That gives the CCHS wrestling team it’s own practice facility on campus. It will also allow the grapplers to hold all of their matches in the gym at the high school.

The ability to host sectionals or other large tournaments at the new campus is a financial

new Columbia City High School is completed.

plus for the businesses of Columbia City as well.

Sectionals have eight teams that would play games at the school over the course of the week.

And some cross country tournaments feature 20 or 30 schools which participate in meets.

While the new school is still two years away from opening, the prospect of new athletic

facilities is already exciting. Columbia City teams will now have opportunities that not only benefit the school and the local athletes, but the entire community.

The state-of-the-art fields, track and gyms also present CCHS fans with a new viewing experience, while giving the players the best arena to show their talents.

FOLLOW WHITLEY COUNTY SPORTS Thursday, January 18

Friday, January 19

Saturday, January 20

Monday, January 22

Tuesday, January 23

Wednesday, January 24

Columbia City swimming at DeKalb, 5:30 p.m.

Columbia City wrestling hosts DeKalb, 6:30 p.m.

Columbia City girls basketball hosts DeKalb, 6:15 p.m.

Churubusco boys basketball at Angola, 7:30 p.m.

Churubusco girls basketball at Angola, 6 p.m.

Whitko boys basketball at Northfield, 7:45 p.m.

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

Columbia City wrestling at East Noble for NE8 meet, 9 a.m.

Churubusco wrestling at Westview, 9 a.m.

Whitko girls basketball hosts Northfield, 7:45 p.m.

Whitko wrestling at Northfield, 9 a.m.

No events scheduled

Columbia City girls basketball hosts Northrop, 6:15 p.m.

Churubusco girls basketball hosts South Adams, 7:30 p.m.

Columbia City boys basketball hosts Huntington North, 7:45 p.m.

WhitleyCounty County Whitley wc wc

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

A10 • INwhitleycounty.com

SPORTS

Whitley County • January 18, 2018

First-time conference win for CCHS swimmers Boys celebrate a landslide win

By Bridgett Hernandez

Crowell, sophomore Shauna Young and freshman Caroline BLUFFTON — Columbia Klimek placed first in the City boys and girls swim 200-yard freestyle relay. teams both came out on top Also placing in the Northeast first for the 8 Swim & Dive NE8 Boys Swim girls was Conference.

Conference Team freshman Evin This is the Devito, who Results first time in placed first in both the teams’ 1st Place - Columbia the 200-yard City - 345 histories that freestyle. they have won Despite 2nd - Bellmont - 233 the conference. some illness 3rd - Norwell - 232 The boys won and injury by 112 points earlier in the 4th - East Noble - 210 and the girls season, the 5th - Huntington North won by 3. boys and girls - 111 “It was are ready to amazing. Those 6th - DeKalb - 110 finish the kids really season strong, swam their she said. hearts out,” “The kids NE8 Girls Swim said head coach are really Conference Team Debi Bossfocused on Results elman. what they need The confer1st Place - Columbia City to do,” she said. ence, which So far, the - 278 pitted them boys team has 2nd - East Noble - 275 against seven won every other teams, meet except for 3rd - Norwell - 252 was their first the one against 4th - Huntington North competition Warsaw. The - 142 after winter girls team has break.

5th - Bellmont - 123 lost three meets While most this season, 6th - DeKalb - 116 students were but they have taking it easy, all been very the swim and dive teams close, Bosselman said. didn’t take a day off. At this There are 13 members point in the season, they can’t on the girls team and 14 afford to take it easy, Bossmembers on the boys team elman said. with 11 freshmen among The boys team domitheir ranks. This year is the nated all three relay events. first time in six years the Freshmen Charlie Varga, Eagles will have a dive team.

Maxwell Joseph, Noah Johns The Eagles have two more and junior Telly Varga placed meets against Wabash and first in the boys 200-yard DeKalb, and then they have medley relay. a couple weeks to prepare Juniors Aaron Fix, Ryan for sectionals, which kick off Devito, senior Matt Webber Feb. 1. and Joseph placed first in the The teams are setting 200-yard freestyle relay. their sights on state. Last Charlie Varga, Fix, Ryan year, three boys qualified for Devito and Webber also state – Webber (100-yard and placed first in the 400-yard 200-yard freestyle), Fix (100freestyle relay. yard backstroke) and Ryan For the girls, juniors DeVito (100-yard butterfly Lindsey Hoskins, Mykaela and 500-yard freestyle). bhernandez@kpcmedia.com

BRIDGETT HERNANDEZ

Senior Matt Webber leaps from the block in the 100-yard freestyle event.

BRIDGETT HERNANDEZ

Freshman Evin Devito and sophomore Lauren Liston share a hug before they swim in the 500-yard freestyle event.

See more photos, Page 12

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SPORTS

Whitley County • January 18, 2018

INwhitleycounty.com • A11

Bowling provides affordable family fun

By Travis Stahl for IN|Whitley County

COLUMBIA CITY — Despite participation in bowling leagues dwindling, people continue to fill the alleys across Indiana.

“League participation is down,” said Main Bowl manager Jeremy Bentz.

“But open bowl is still really decent.”

Bowling remains a vital life sport for people of all ages for many reasons.

Bowling doesn’t require a person to own specialized equipment, as alleys provide bowling balls and shoes. No experience is required to bowl, as anybody from the age of 3 or 4 and older can step on to the lane at any time.

And perhaps the biggest factor that has kept bowling a key past time for many people is that it

is affordable - although it’s not like that everywhere in the U.S. “I lived in Florida and bowled with some of my friends for about three hours and it was $300,” said Bentz. “Here that would have been $30.”

Most bowling alleys like Main Bowl still host several leagues that play every week throughout the winter. And, while bowling isn’t a sanctioned sport by the Indiana High School Athletic Association, several schools now have bowling teams.

So many, in fact, that the Indiana High School Bowling group puts on a state tournament every year.

Getting younger bowlers involved in the sport at the school level has carried over to something bowlers continue to

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Columbia City’s bowling alley, Main Bowl, was recently renovated.

do even after graduation.

Mary Utley is currently

the president for the Woman’s Bowling Asso-

ciation and the Bowling Association in Indiana.

Utley said alleys across the state are seeing the same trend as Main Bowl.

Utley said the number of sanctioned bowlers has decreased but open bowl at most places is way up.

“There’s no age limit,” said Utley of the appeal of bowling. “As people get older, they realize they can continue to bowl.”

While other activities are keeping people from joining bowling leagues they are not stopping people from participating in the sport. Bowling is still thriving at lanes across Indiana. People can’t play football or baseball by themselves or with their families and tennis and golf often take years to become good at.

But bowling has remained an activity the whole family can take part in at a minimal cost.

PREP SPORTS ROUNDUP GIRLS BASKETBALL Columbia City 39, Wawasee 36

COLUMBIA CITY — Columbia City’s girls basketball team took an exciting win over Wawasee Jan. 9, 39-36 after the Lady Eagles had a fourth-quarter surge.

Columbia City trailed 9-8 after the first quarter, 19-14 at halftime and 28-25 at the end of the fourth quarter.

The Lady Eagles’ offense caught fire in the fourth, scoring 14 points to Wawasee’s seven for the three-point win.

Columbia City was led in scoring by Grace Schrader with 15 points and Carly Mabie with 12.

Hunter Alles led the team in steals with three, and Gabby Fry pulled down eight rebounds.

The Lady Eagles out-rebounded Wawasee 27-24 total and 10-4 in offensive rebounds, giving Columbia City many second-chance looks at the basket.

Columbia City’s non-starters pulled through for the Lady Eagles, scoring 10 points while Wawasee’s bench points were zero.

Norwell 78, Whitko 50

OSSIAN — Whitko’s girls basketball team fell to Norwell Jan. 10, 78-50, against a Class 3A stateranked team.

The Lady Wildcats fell behind early, but scored a season-high 21 points in the second quarter to claw their way back into a competitive game.

“We played extremely well against a very talented Norwell squad, despite what the final score my indicate,” said Whitko head coach Rick Bragg.

The Lady Wildcats actually stepped within eight points with a couple

NICOLE MINIER

From left, Lady Eagles Gabby Fry, Carly Mabie and Grace Schrader play defense.

minutes left in the third we have the opportunity to quarter, then unfortunately play.”

Whitko 60, Southwood committed four straight 55 turnovers that resulted in SOUTH WHITLEY — an 8-0 run for Norwell, Whitko’s girls basketball stretching the Lady team earned a hard-fought, Knights’ lead to 16. come-from-behind, overThe team was led by time win Emi over Three Duggins Rivers with 14 Conference points, four foe Southsteals and wood Jan. five assists.

13, 60-55.

Kayla The Schipper Lady Wildcontributed cats faced 13 points. a two-point Sarah deficit Hewitt with seven scored seconds eight, Anna left to play Ousley six, in regulaEllie Snep five and NICOLE MINIER tion. Ellie Snep went Lizz Foutz Emma Sowders cheers for coast-toscored four the Lady Eagles prior to a coast to points.

Columbia City girls basketscore the “Without ball game. game-tying question, shot, making the score this was the first time we 52-52. played a solid four quarters Taylor Reiff took control of basketball, regardless of in overtime, scoring 5 of 6 the final score,” Bragg said. free throws to seal the win.

“The key is to continue to “I can’t say enough build on this progress and about the effort and toughcontinue to improve. ness of the kids,” said head “We are going to coach Rick Bragg. “We got continue to battle and fight behind early, kept battling until the end in each game

and refused to lose. This is the culture and expectation we are trying to establish — beat the odds and find a way to win, and that is what the kids did tonight.”

The Lady Wildcats trailed 18-12 at the end of the first quarter and were down by four points at halftime.

They knocked one more point of Southwood’s lead going into the fourth quarter, but still trailed 40-37. Whitko outscored Southwood 15-12 in the last quarter to tie the game, then counted on the work of Reiff in overtime to come away with the 60-55 win.

Snep led the team with 17 points and 20 rebounds.

Emi Duggins scored 14 points, Sarah Hewitt added nine points, Reiff and Kayla Schipper chipped in eight points apiece, and Lizz Fouts tallied four points.

“Once again we had great balance,” Bragg said.

“Our 60 points was the best offensive effort of the year for us. I’m so very proud of this group. They work hard day after day and the progress doesn’t always show up on the scoreboard.

NICOLE MINIER

Grace Schrader pushes past a Wawasee ball handler to fight for the ball. Schrader led Columbia City with 15 points against Wawasee.

Tonight, that progress and mental toughness paid off with a big win.”

Angola 47, Churubusco 17

ANGOLA — Angola put together one of its most dominant defensive efforts of the season against the struggling Eagles in the opening round of the Northeast Corner Conference tournament, allowing the fewest points to an opposing team so far this year.

“We were aggressive and we played hard,” said Angola head coach Brandon Appleton.

The Hornets recorded eight steals in the game, with Sarah Duvendack and Ally Lorntz both snagging three apiece.

Angola’s Brea Worman led all scorers in the game with nine points. Lorntz added seven while Ali Cranston netted six and Hanna Knoll and Reace Peppler each scored five for the Hornets.

Brein Gross led Churubusco with seven points,

followed by Callie Lemper (4), Maria Hosted (3), Myah Bear (2) and Alayna Fulkerson (1).

The Eagles started fast, gaining an early 5-2 edge, all five points coming courtesy of Gross, but ’Busco’s lead lasted just a short while, giving way to an 18-0 Angola run which led to a 20-5 lead.

Angola led 30-7 at the half — the Eagle’s lone basket in the second quarter coming from Bear — and 36-7 after three en-route to the win.

BOYS BASKETBALL Angola 67, Churubusco 39

ANGOLA — The Hornets came into the Northeast Corner Conference tournament boasting the No. 2-ranked defense in the state of Indiana, and the team did not disappoint against the Churubusco Eagles.

Churubusco was held to just 14 points in the first See ROUNDUP, Page 13

SPORTS

A12 • INwhitleycounty.com

Whitley County • January 18, 2018

Lady Eagles soar to late game victory

NICOLE MINIER

Columbia City’s Grace Schrader fights on the floor for a loose ball in the Lady Eagles’ game against Wawasee.

NICOLE MINIER

NICOLE MINIER

Gabby Fry reaches in to knock the ball away from Wawasee.

Lady Eagle Olivia Shearer looks for an open teammate.

NICOLE MINIER NICOLE MINIER

Columbia City’s Olivia Shearer, left, and Brayden Lickey defend a Wawasee pass.

Carly Mabie powers through the paint for a layup in the first half of the Lady Eagles’ game against Wawasee.

NICOLE MINIER

Maddy Hull gets the crowd fired up during the playing of the school song at Columbia City High School last week.

CCHS swim teams hit the water

BRIDGETT HERNANDEZ

BRIDGETT HERNANDEZ

Sophomore Shauna Young competes in the 200-yard medley relay.

Sophomore Ayn Schaekel swims in the 200-yard freestyle event.

BRIDGETT HERNANDEZ

Freshman Noah Johns does the breast stroke in the 200-yard individual medley.

BRIDGETT HERNANDEZ

Sophomore Sophia Hatcher and freshman Caroline Klimek look at the scoreboard after completing the 100-yard freestyle.

BRIDGETT HERNANDEZ

Freshman Noah Johns competes in the 100-yard butterfly.

BRIDGETT HERNANDEZ

Senior Josh Shawver competes in the 200-yard individual medley.

BRIDGETT HERNANDEZ

Sophomore Lauren Liston looks at the scoreboard after swimming the 500-yard freestyle.

BRIDGETT HERNANDEZ

Junior Mykaela Crowell competes in the 200-yard medley relay.

SPORTS

Whitley County • January 18, 2018

INwhitleycounty.com • A13

Churubusco varsity wrestling takes to the mat

NICOLE MINIER

Churubusco junior varsity wrestler Cole Hart battles with an opponent at a home meet last week.

NICOLE MINIER

Mason Grey cheers on his teammate while waiting for his turn on the mat.

NICOLE MINIER

Churubusco wrestling coach Mike Keefe offers words of advice to grappler Alan Resler.

NICOLE MINIER

Churubusco coach Sam Riesen talks to his wrestlers during a meet.

NICOLE MINIER

Churubusco wrestler Dominic Heath gets ready to go on the mat while coach Josh Kimmel looks on.

ROUNDUP from Page 11 two quarters of play, as the Hornets’ aggressive, pressing defense confused a young bunch of Eagles early on.

The feat becomes more impressive when you realize that Churubusco had been scoring 70 or more points in three of its last four wins.

“We played very well,” Hornets head coach Ed Bentley said. “They had been playing very well, so to hold a team that had been scoring 70 to just 39, that’s pretty darn good.”

Angola opened the game on an 8-0 run, leading 15-6 after the first stanza and 29-14 at the half. ’Busco’s offense came alive in the second half.

Jackson Paul scored nine of his team-high 11 points in the half, as the Eagles netted 22 points in the final two quarters.

The Eagles had several players contribute to scoring: Zane Burke (7), Gage Kelly (6), Brayton Bonar (6), Luke McClure (3) and Garrett Horn (2).

Jake Fulk and Jackson Paul led the team in rebounding with three

apiece.

Tom Richards led in steals with four and Dalston Duff tallied three assists.

After the loss, Churubusco turned around to beat the Garrett Railroaders two days later, 63-37.

WRESTLING

CC competes in Goshen Invite

GOSHEN — Columbia City’s wrestling team competed at the Goshen Invitational last Saturday.

Hunter Reed led the team, placing first in the 160-pound weight class.

Reed won all three of his matches, beating Bronson, Fairfield and Eastern wrestlers.

Also leading the team was Josef Wilson, who placed first at 182 pounds.

Wilson beat Whitko’s Colten Lehman, as well as grapplers from Tippecanoe Valley and Lakeland.

Ryan Sheets came in second in the 113-pound weight class. Sheets won the quarterfinal and semifinal matches over Eastern and Whitko’s Kyle Reed, then fell by 9-3 decision to his Goshen opponent in the

championship match.

Hunter Maggard came in third in the 138-pound weight class, scoring 18 team points for the Eagles.

Maggard pinned his Bronson opponent, then fell in his semi-final match.

He won the next two matches over Tippecanoe Valley and Fairfield to seal his third-place position.

Jackson Pettigrew came in third in the 170-pound weight class. Pettigrew beat Fairfield in round one, fell to Eastern in round two and won his next two matches over Tippecanoe Valley and Goshen.

Drew Rethlake placed third at 152 pounds. Rethlake won his first match over a Goshen grappler, dropped the semifinal match to Bronson, then won his next two matches over Whitko’s Mike Conner and the same Goshen grappler to place third.

Austin Dunnuck placed fifth and scored 10 team points. Dunnick lost in the quarterfinal match, but one his consolation match to help him to his fifth-place position at 106 pounds.

Spencer Emenhiser came in fifth at 195 pounds. He lost his first match to Lakeland, picked up a forfeit win in the next round, then lost to Bronson in his third match. Emenhiser won the fifth-place match by pinning his Eastern opponent.

Landin Markins came in fifth at 220 pounds. He lost the first match, won by forfeit over Whitko in the second match, fell to Lakeland in round three and won the fifth-place match by pinning his Tippecanoe Valley opponent.

Ivan Smith placed seventh at 126 pounds.

He fell in his first two matches, but scored the team four points in his third match by forfeit over Lakeland.

Alton Mullinax placed seventh in the 132-pound weight class. After dropping his first two matches, he won by 5-1 decision over his Bronson opponent.

Andrew Cochran came in seventh at 145 pounds.

Cochran dropped his first two matches and picked up a forfeit win over Whitko in the final match.

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Excellent Benefits, Home Weekends, Call 800-648-9915 or www. boydandsons.com SERVICES Struggling with DRUGS or ALCOHOL? Addicted to PILLS? Talk to someone who cares.

Call The Addiction Hope & Help Line for a free assessment 888-331-1847 SAVE YOUR HOME! Are you behind paying your MORTGAGE? Denied a Loan Modification?

Is the bank threatening foreclosure?

CALL Homeowner’s Relief Line now for Help 866-5871571 SPORTING GOODS / GUNS & HUNTING / MISCELLANEOUS GUN SHOW!! Crown Point, IN - January 20th & 21st, Lake County Fairgrounds, 889 S. Court St., Sat. 9-5, Sun. 9-3 For information call 765-9938942 Buy! Sell! Trade.

Wish that Special Someone a

BUSINESS SERVICES wc Whitley County DIRECTORY Call 877-791-7877 to advertise. inwhitleycounty.com

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

McMillen Painting & Wallpapering 260-760-6452 • Columbia City, IN FREE ESTIMATES Licensed and Fully Insured 20 Years Experience • Interior Painting • Exterior Painting • Wallpapering • Wallpaper Removal • Faux Finish From residential to commercial, we get the job done right – the first time!

Margie’s Place

The Gift and Decorating Shop in the Country

Rowe Pottery • Moda Fabrics Amish Made Furniture Candles & Luminara Crossroads • Warm Glow BOC Candles • Textiles • Farm House and much More 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

Snap Up a Deal in the

&ODVVLÀ HGV Call or go online to browse, buy or sell!

Happy Birthday! 260.347.0400 Make your loved one’s day by placing a birthday ad in this newspaper.

1-877-791-7877

Leona Chrysler Ext. 1115

KPC Media Group Customer Service

260-347-0400

INwhitleycounty.com • A15

Whitley County • January 18, 2018

Community Calendar organizations are at risk, from small churches to large corporations. Please RSVP to the Whitley County Chamber by calling (260) 248-8131 or emailing office@whitleychamber.com.

• Teen Passport to Taste takes teens on a tropical getaway to the Bahamas to learn about the culture and food at the South Whitley Community Public Library at 4 p.m.

• Columbia City Municipal Board of Works will hold its regular meeting at 5 p.m. in the Council Chambers in City Hall. The board meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month.

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

• South Whitley Town Council hosts its regular meeting at 6:30 p.m. in South Whitley Town Hall. The council meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month.

• Local historian Joyce Hart will revisit some of South Whitley’s biggest disasters, including major fires, train wrecks and floods at the South Whitley Community Public Library at 6:30 p.m.

Include news of your group, too

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

19 Jan. Jan.• The Whitley County Chamber of

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20 21 23

Commerce will hold Chamber Business Buzz at 8:15 a.m. at Brew’Ha. The casual, conversational meetings offer an opportunity to learn more about what’s happening in local business and nonprofit organizations. The meeting is open to members and potential new members on the first and third Friday of each month.

Jan. 20

• Cabin Fever Sale & Marketplace will take place in downtown Columbia City 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Presented by the Columbia City Downtown Business Alliance and Visit Whitley County, the event offers shoppers an opportunity to explore downtown shops and sales, pop-up markets, entertainment and other activities taking place downtown. To identify participating shops, look for the Cabin Fever sign in the storefront window.

Jan.21

• CC Buggies Golf Cart Club of Columbia City meets at 9 a.m. on the third Saturday of each month at Big G’s Restaurant. Anyone who has a golf cart or is a rider is welcome to attend.

For more information, contact John St. George at (260) 609-4775.

Jan. 23

• Confessions of an Embezzler: Avoid being victimized by employee theft and/or embezzlement, an educational seminar, will take place at 9 a.m. at the Whitley County Purdue Extension office, 115 S. Line St. Barry Webne, who was convicted twice of embezzlement, will train professionals to prevent and detect occupational fraud and employee theft. Webne believes all

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Jan. 25

• Chess Club meets at the South Whitley Community Public Library at 4:30 p.m. Players of all abilities and ages are welcome.

• Kid’s Passport to Taste takes teens on a tropical getaway to the Bahamas to learn about culture and food at the South Whitley Community Public Library at 4 p.m.

Jan. 26

• Bill Blessing Shrimp/Tenderloin dinner, bake sale and silent auction, is set for 11 a.m.-7 p.m. at American Legion Post 157 in Churubusco. The meal is $7.50 and includes french fries and applesauce. Carry-out is also available. All proceeds go to Blessing, who is fighting throat cancer, and his family, to help cover medical expenses. Those who have items to donate to the

silent auction can contact Sue Frazier at (260) 609-3465.

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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.

3 Feb. Feb. • The Churubusco Masonic Lodge will host

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its annual Groundhog Day pancake and sausage breakfast 7-10:30 a.m. A free-will offering will be accepted.

6 Mar. March • The Columbia City High School Alumni

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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

• 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 farm ownership succession planning in workshop Staff reports COLUMBIA CITY — Farm families can learn how to ensure a successful ownership transition from one generation to the next in a workshop sponsored by the Purdue Extension Succession Planning Team.

The workshop, “Next Steps to Successfully Growing Future Farm

Generations,” will be presented by attorneys and estate planning experts Michelle Adler, of Bluffton; Tom Appel, of Valparaiso; Dan Gordon, of Bluffton; and Jeff Washburn, of Columbus.

Topics include: • Long-term care, • Retirement planning, • Caring for the care-

giver, • Buy/sell agreements, and • Is an LLC right for you?

“Transferring the family farm business can be overwhelming and daunting,” said Amanda Dickson, member of the Purdue Extension Succession Planning Team.

“This workshop takes

an in-depth look at very specific aspects of the transfer. We address issues for you as the owner, the next generation, and the business. This is why we encourage the whole family to attend.”

Sessions will be offered throughout the state, including Columbia City.

Columbia City’s

session is 9 a.m.-noon Feb. 13 at the Whitley County 4-H Center, 680 W. Squawbuck Road.

The cost is $40 for the first four family members and $10 for each additional member.

Registration forms are available at bit. ly/2kdqeAc and should be mailed to Kelly Heckaman, Kosciusko

County Extension, 202 W. Main St., Warsaw, IN 46580. Registration is due two weeks before each session.

For more information, or if you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this program, contact Jenna Nees at (765) 653-8411 or smith535@purdue. edu prior to the program.

Register for the 2018 Indiana Small Farm Conference Staff reports DANVILLE — The 2018 Indiana Small Farm Conference in Danville begins with a series of daylong workshops on March 1.

Topics include on-farm fresh produce food safety, regenerative farming with livestock and agroforestry, farm viability and financial management and a fourseason farm tour.

Breakout sessions March 2-3 will cover topics ranging from vegetable and livestock production to farm management and marketing. Participants will have an opportunity to network with Purdue

Extension educators, expert speakers, other farmers and vendors.

The complete list of speakers will continue to be updated as presenters become finalized.

The Small Farm Trade Show takes place March 2-3 where more than 50 vendors will showcase their products and services. The Small Farm Poster Session on March 3 will feature research and programs on local foods, diversified agriculture, and small farm production and education.

Attendee registration options include one, two or three days of

the conference. The daily rate is reduced with two and three-day registration. Take advantage of early rates by registering by Feb. 5. Rates will increase by 20 percent after Feb 5. Please note — if you register for the Fresh Produce Food Safety workshop on Thursday, an additional $25 fee will be added to your registration.

Registration rates • One-day $75 (Adult); $20 (Age 12 and under) • Two-Day $135 (Adult); $35 (Age 12 and under) • Three-Day $190 (Adult); $45 (Age 12

and under) Looking for a place to stay? A few local hotels are providing rooms

at discounted rates for the Indiana Small Farm Conference.

For information,

visit purdue.edu/dffs/ smallfarms/home/ small-farm-conference-2018/.

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Want to clear away some clutter and make some money?

No need to drive to one of our offices.

Place your ad by calling with your charge information.

1-877-791-7877 • kpcnews.com

A16 • INwhitleycounty.com

Whitley County • January 18, 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.