In|Whitley County Nov. 22, 2017 by KPC Media Group

INSIDE

WhitleyCounty County Whitley wc

Business��12

inwhitleycounty.com

NEWS IN BRIEF Passages looks to make #GivingTuesday extraordinary Staff reports

COLUMBIA CITY — Clients of Passages Inc. is celebrating #GivingTuesday and seek help from the community. #GivingTuesday has become a global movement that connects individuals, communities and organizations around the world to celebrate and encourage giving. With the help of Anthony Wayne Services Foundation, all online donations made only on Tuesday, Nov. 28, to Passages Inc., will be matched dollar-for-dollar, up to $10,000. AWS Foundation is celebrating its 10th anniversary by supporting disability services in northeast Indiana on Giving Tuesday 2017. Passages has been chosen as a recipient of its support. Donations can be made online at passagesinc. org/#GivingTuesday. All donation gifts will be used for Passages services and programs.

Community Calendar�� 18-19

By Nicole Minier nminier@kpcmedia�com

COLUMBIA CITY — The Whitley County 4-H Clubs Inc. elected five new members to serve on its board at last week’s annual meeting. Those elected to serve on the board for the next three years include Lori Heuer, Carl Brown, Jeremiah Geiger, Gregg Palmer and April Gibson. The board discussed its many successes and plans for next year’s Whitley County 4-H Fair. The rodeo, which was new last year, was dubbed

a “big success” and will be back as an entertainment event in 2018, on the Friday night of the fair. Improvements to the 4-H grounds were also discussed, including new sidewalks, which were funded by a grant through the Community Foundation of Whitley County and the Whitley County Agriculture Museum. The show barn also received new steel siding on the north and south ends, improvements to the sound system and a new SEE 4-H, PAGE 3

Telephone: (260) 693-3949

Vol. 1 No. 34

November 22, 2017

CONTRIBUTED

The 2018 Whitley County 4-H Inc. board of directors pose for a photo. From left are Jeremiah Geiger, Stephanie Nix, Carl Brown, Candace Lemke, Jeff Geiger, Lori Heuer, Gregg Palmer, Donnie Haire, Shane Caudill, April Gibson, Joe Heck and Vanessa Davidsen. Not pictured is Sara Demske.

By Tyler Roebuck troebuck@kpcmedia�com

TYLER ROEBUCK

Fifty-nine people were nominated for Heart of Gold awards through the Community Foundation of Whitley County, and honored with a reception at the Foundation’s annual meeting last week at the Eagles Nest Event Center.

COLUMBIA CITY — Gratitude filled the room Thursday night as the Community Foundation of Whitley County recognized and awarded the 59 recipients of this year’s Heart of Gold award. Heart of Gold is an award program established by the foundation 20 years ago to bring attention and recognition to people throughout the community who do good for the sake of doing what’s right. As the foundation website says, recipients are, “those people who give themselves unselfishly to serve others, collectively or individually, with volunteer acts of service and/or kindness beyond the call of duty.” At the end of the cere-

mony, the foundation typically chooses three overall winners for the year, who donate $1,000 from the foundation to a charity of their choosing. “Some years this is really difficult,” said September McConnell, CEO of the Community Foundation. “Some years, it’s impossible. This was one of those years.” Instead of choosing winners, all 59 of this year’s nominees received $100 to donate to their choice charity. Nominees included 14-year-old Landon Reimer and retired Churubusco resident Joan Shanabarger-Keller, as well as the local Korean War Honor Guard, which travels to the burials of SEE GOLD, PAGE 2

Council to consider $1.1M in City Hall updates By Nicole Minier nminier@kpcmedia�com

COLUMBIA CITY — Columbia City’s Common Council is considering a project that would address City Hall issues, provide a long-term cost savings, and not cost the city an extra dime. It might sound too good to be true, but a program focused on energy savings may make it happen. The council heard a feasibility study from

Perfection Group, a company based in Ohio, at last week’s meeting. Perfection Group’s Rob Vollrath said the council could repair City Hall’s roof and ceiling, update lighting, install a new HVAC system and upgrade street lights — all energy-saving projects — with an initial cost of about $1.1 million. Perfection Group guarantees the city will save a certain amount of money

INWhitley County

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

BILL FRIES, OWNER 260-244-3453

For Service of System Call

Foundation honors ‘Hearts of Gold’

123 North Main Street,Churubusco, IN 46723

INFORMATION

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

4-H Inc. holds annual meeting

2017 Santa’s House hours Friday, November 24 - after the parade Saturday, Nov. 25 - 5-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1 - 5-8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2 - 5-8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3 - 12-3 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8 - 5-8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9 - 5-8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 10 - 12-3 p.m. Friday, Dec. 15 - 5-8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16 - 5-8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 17 - 12-3 p.m. Friday, Dec. 22 - 5-8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 23 - 5-8 p.m. Christmas Eve - 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

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

per month by doing those energy-saving updates. Rather than pocketing the saved money, it would go toward paying off the loan for the project. After interest, the total cost would be about $1.4 million. “We reduce the amount of money you’re spending today, then allocate those funds to pay for it without raising your budget one penny,” Vollrath said. Mayor Ryan Daniel and Clerk-Treasurer Rosie Coyle began exploring the city’s options this summer after there were issues with the ceiling/roof at City Hall. The building hasn’t been updated since the early 1990s. “Rosie and I have been trying to find the best path

forward,” Daniel said. “It’s been awhile since anything has been done at City Hall.” Several other communities have taken part in this program, including Hammond, Franklin, Morgan County, Tipton County, Boone County and Lake County. Vollrath said Perfection Group would utilize local contractors when possible. The council has not yet decided if it will move forward with the project, but decided to move forward with requests for proposals. “We need to take action (on the roof) and who knows what this winter could bring,” Councilwoman Jennifer Romano said.

Also at last week’s City Council meeting: • The Council approved a raise of $3,999 total for the mayor’s position, including the $1,000 raise all city employees will receive in 2018. Last year, the council agreed to raise the mayor’s salary by $3,000 per year each year until the position was earning as much or more than city department heads. Next year, department heads will make $2,300 per year more than the mayor — who is their boss. “I respect what you’re doing, but he’s our boss. I think you should take it further. I think it’s crazy that I have SEE CITY, PAGE 3

A2 • INwhitleycounty.com

Whitley County • November 22, 2017

GOLD from Page 1 veterans to honor them. Reimer, nominated by Bobbie Nix, stayed by his friend’s side when he broke his back in an ATV accident in October, telling him not to move and reassuring him that he would be okay. “Landon has gone to Fort Wayne almost every day to see his friend at the hospital,” Nix wrote in her nomination letter. “I don’t know many 14-year-olds who would think to calm their friend and make sure they kept still during a crisis situation.” South Whitley resident and commander of the AMVET post in town Jim Howard was proud of his nomination and the influence he hopes it will have on their charity. “As an AMVET post, our biggest goal is to donate money to anybody, whether it’s a veteran or a community member or anybody, that is in need,” Howard said. “For 2017, we are closing in on $30,000 in donations from our post. We’re excited about that because it’s the most we’ve ever done any time in our history. “This is a really good thing for us as far as being nominated and put out there to the community. The more we do, the more we want to do, so I’m very happy to be recognized but I’m more excited for the future.” Shelby Lamm has been a force or advocacy with TROY Center in recent years, and this year was nominated by Shelby VonHoldt, a student at the school. “I remember the school struggling to get us lunch,” VonHoldt wrote in her letter. “Shelby brings us food and she brings us clothes. That means a lot to the kids here whose parents don’t buy food and clothes for them.” Lamm was awestruck by her nomination, and gives much credit to TROY. “I think that what it means is that these students

Heart of Gold winners pose for a photo after receiving their medals. Recipients were Ciera Barker, Chuck Beery, Stu Bird, Ernie Brindley, Dave Byers, Rachael Clark, Dot Cochrane, Art Cummings, Mike DeFreeuw, Deloris Dennison, Stacey Edward, Nancy Ferguson, Carol Flowers, Doug and Linda Franks, Max Gilbert, Kelly Gross, Billy Hare, Dalton “Dal” Hartman, Bob Hearld, Joyce Hite, Les Hoffman, Tony Horn, Jim Howard, Katie Kauffman, Paula Kauffman, Joan Shanabarger-Keller, Pamela Keller, Michael and Natasha Krider, Tami Kuckuck, Ken Kurtz, Shelby Lamm, Jana Leitch, Sue Mantle, Carroll McNutt, Ed McWilliams, Stacey Morsches, Ty Murphy, Chuck Notter, Chris Paul, Diana Rainer, Tim Raymor, Landon Reimer, John Ross, Jim Schrader, Millard “Butch” Sloan, David Smith, Angie Smith, Natalie Spain, Jackie Striggle, Carrie Studebaker, Hal and Bobbie Trump, Miles and Tarah Wilson, Chris Wise, Jim Yeager and Jenny Zorger.

work so hard,” she said. “Look how grateful they are for the little things people do for them. Their lives aren’t easy, and yet they show so much gratitude for helping them out. That’s the biggest honor you can get.” At the meeting

The Heart of Gold awards also doubles as the foundation’s annual meeting, during which an update is provided on the year’s activities. “I’ve told my board that if there’s been a single mantra that has echoed through the halls of the foundation this past year, it is change is good,” McConnell said. “Throughout the community there has been wonderful change going on.” She pointed out the new Columbia City High School, Fahl Aquatics Center, and commended the good work being done in Churubusco despite missing Stellar designation. “Our downtowns are reawakening,” she said. The foundation received

TYLER ROEBUCK

Whitley County Commissioner George Schrumpf and Columbia City Mayor Ryan Daniel share a laugh during the Heart of Gold awards.

several large donations this year, one of which went to the new home for TROY Center, and successfully restructured after the retirement and passing of some of the board members and volunteers. Also at the annual meeting, the foundation highlights one of their partner organizations, this year spotlighting The Lighthouse and parent company Interfaith Mission. “Nearly one year ago, Interfaith Mission faced the heartbreaking reality that we had four months until we would close our doors, and the organization would no longer serve the homeless of Whitley County,” Executive Director of Interfaith Mission Shawn Ellis said. “After 17 years, it would no longer serve the littles

and the middles and single moms and men. “There were many days and weeks and months full of tears.” The nonprofit went through an austere restructuring and some soul searching, but turned itself around with the help of the foundation and other volunteers. “Throughout the past year, the CF took a journey with us through the darkest times of the organization’s history,” she said. “In November last year, we only had three parttime employees because we were in that time of crisis. Over the past year, we have increased our staff to six full-time employees, and have worked hard at developing a team of leaders who work daily to address the barriers of those we serve.”

Andrew Thompson reads off names of Heart of Gold winners, as Landon Reimer receives his award.

Jim Howard was a Heart of Gold recipient.

Mon. - Fri. 10 AM - 3 PM

127 N. Main St., Columbia City Dine-In • Take-Out • Delivery • Catering

SAVE $2

on your Delivery Mention this code when ordering to save! Code: FOOD4U

Digital Gifts Cards Available - Order Yours Now Go to: https://squareup.com/gift/AAJ3AY8XHFX5H/order SearsHometown_79996 3.25x2 INWC 11/9,23/17

23 Melissa sz 4c

We can print anything! Just ask. Satisfaction guaranteed. KPC Print & Design • marketing@kpcmedia.com • 260-347-0400 x 1170

INwhitleycounty.com • A3

Whitley County • November 22, 2017

ISMS spellers finish season with top score Staff reports

COLUMBIA CITY — Spelling words like “polypropylene, euphuistic, quintessence and ohmmeter,” the Indian Springs Middle School Spell Bowl team came out on top of the four Class 1 schools as the overall winner of all schools participating at the Indiana Academic Spell Bowl Junior Division area contest held at ISMS. A total of 10 schools competed in three different classes. This area contest was one of 19 held throughout the state Nov. 1. Eight rounds of nine words each are held for a total of 72 possible words in competition. Competing in Class 1 was Indian Springs Middle School in first place with 52 words spelled correctly. Woodside Middle School came in second with 32, Carroll Middle School was in third place with 27, and Maple Creek Middle School placed fourth with 23. No other Whitley County teams competed in this year’s competition. The Class 2 winner was Crestview Middle School with 33 words spelled correctly. Winning in Class 3 was Manchester Jr./Sr. High School with 23 words.

CONTRIBUTED

Indian Springs Middle School’s Spell Bowl team members pose for a photo with their first-place ribbons at the 2017 area spell bowl competition. Team members, front row, from left, are: Jordan Potter, Thomas Huntley, Christopher Honeycutt, Addy Engle and Coleman Clark. Back row: Coach Dennis Beckner, Hope Lang, Jon Parker, Madison Anderson, Josh Arntz, Xavier Alarie, Noble Hinen and Joel Yager.

A score of 52 placed Indian Springs in 11th place state-wide among 53 Class 1 schools. However, only a percentage of the schools competing in each enrollment classification from all area competitions throughout the state are invited to compete at the

Spell Bowl State Finals. Indian Springs missed going to state by three words. Spelling for Indian Springs were Noble Hinen, Jordan Potter, Josh Arntz, Coleman Clark, Madison Anderson, Joel Yager, Hope Lang and Xavier Alarie. Top

• Park Director Mark Green reported that the county agreed to give $10,000 annually for the next five years toward the Russel and Evelyn Fahl Aquatics Center. In light of the partnership, pool membership rates will now be the same for city and county residents. Green said he hopes to start selling memberships in December, in time for Christmas, through the park and utilities offices. • The Police Department’s new flashing speed limit sign has been delivered and will soon be on

the streets. The sign with radar detector will flash the driver’s speed. • Dave Sewell, former longtime city/county planning and building director, has been hired by the city for 16 hours per week to assist with community development. • Councilwoman Jennifer Romano is heading the city’s annual Christmas Lighting Contest. Romano asked that all decorations be up by Nov. 24 for judging. A winner from each district will be chosen and announced at a December Council meeting.

COUNCIL from Page 1 a boss that makes less than me,” said Fire Chief Tom LaRue. Wastewater Superintendent Mike Cook concurred. Council members indicated they were comfortable with the pay increase schedule they discussed last year. “That says a lot about you as department heads, that you don’t care how much of a raise he gets,” said Councilwoman Nicole Penrod. The mayor’s salary will be $67,571 in 2018. • The Council approved the first reading of a rezoning request for a property outside the city limits. The property at 995 E. Old U.S. 30, owned by J&E Enterprises, is currently zoned as industrial, which has made it difficult for owner Jim Gingrich to find tenants. Gingrich is requesting the property be rezoned as general business to allow him more options. There is currently a print shop in the building, which is allowable under either industrial or general business. The Plan Commission unanimously approved the change in its last meeting, and the council unanimously passed the first reading last week.

spellers for Indian Springs were Madison Anderson and Hope Lang with perfect scores and Xavier Alarie with a near perfect score, missing only one of his words. Chris Honeycutt, Thomas Huntley and Jon Parker are also on the team but did not spell. Coach Dennis Beckner,

in his 12th year coaching the ISMS team, said, “This team did everything right this season. We came out and won both conference meets and then to be the top school at the area meet tells of this team’s potential. I see this team going to the state finals next year.”

COUNCIL from Page 1 U.S. Flag and enclosure. The 4-H Clubs Inc. has seen a large increase in interest for its winter storage program and building rentals in the past two years. “We are already taking bookings for the 2019 calendar year,” said Jeff Geiger, board member. Improvements to the well are being made during the off season. During the 2017 fair, the well stopped working, making it more difficult for 4-Hers to care for their animals. New committees are being formed, made of up non-board members to help in three areas: • volunteers: finding people in the community to help with all the events involved with the 4-H program, spanning from 4-H Fun Night in March to the Autumn Harvest Festival in September; • commercial building: visiting local businesses and securing vendors for the commercial building for the 2018 fair and Autumn Harvest Festival; and • sponsorship: make contact with local businesses to get sponsors for entertainment and livestock events, secure advertisements for the 4-H Fair Program Book and other events held. Those interested in volunteering should contact Geiger at whitleycounty4h@ gmail.com. The 2018 Whitley County 4-H Fair is July 13-19.

A4 • INwhitleycounty.com

Whitley County • November 22, 2017

Help 4-H — make a difference By Todd Geiger

Do you want to make a difference in our community? Are you someone who wants to grow your leadership skills? If this sounds like you, Whitley County 4-H Junior Leaders is a program you need to check out. Junior Leaders is a club and project that is part of the Whitley County 4-H Program. It is open to any youth in grades 7 through 12. The goal of Junior Leaders is to build leadership skills in youth by being involved in service learning projects, allowing them to help create and lead different events and activities, and have some fun along the way. This past year our Whitley County 4-H Junior Leaders rang the bell for the Salvation Army, collected toys for Toys for Tots, made monetary donations to

several local and state organizations, completed service learning projects around the fairgrounds, and helped start a new program that is making an impact in our community. The 4-H STEM Connection program has Junior Leaders developing, practicing, demonstrating, and teaching STEM, Science Technology Engineering and Math, to elementary and middle school youth in schools in Whitley County. The goal is to promote STEM education and give kids a fun, hands-on experience and be able to share about our 4-H youth program. “As a fifth-year member of Junior Leaders and 10th-year member of 4-H, I have gotten to see incredible change happen through Junior Leaders. I have seen shy seventh graders who were afraid

to speak in front of several peers now able to share and lead an activity in front of 30 elementary students. It amazes me at how much I have grown in my leadership skills through our 4-H program. The skills I have gained from being a part of Junior Leaders have come through and helped me immensely in my other organizations and at school. Parents, teachers, and peers have noted this and I always tell them that it’s thanks to Junior Leaders and the 4-H program,” said Justin Johnson, Whitley County 4-H Junior Leader. Junior Leaders and the 4-H program can have such a great impact in a young person’s life, you don’t want to miss out on this opportunity in our county. Enrollment is open NOW through Jan.

15. Have questions? Feel free to contact the Whitley County Purdue Extension Office at 244-7615. Giving back

“I thought it was the right thing to do, to give back to something that gave me so much.” a thankful J.T. Kilgore shared not long ago as he sat in the office at the Whitley County Extension Office with a gift. Kilgore made the decision this past summer in his 10th and final year of 4-H that he wanted to give back to a club that had been so meaningful to him over the past 10 years of his life. So, Kilgore walked into the office that day to hand over a check for $480 to give back to the 4-H Swine Club to show his appreciation for the opportunities and memories of being able to be a part a club that had

made such an impact on his life.

Fifty-six! How many of these 56 projects do you think are animal related? It’s only 11! This means that we offer 45 projects that don’t involve raising animals. Do you know a kid in Kindergarten-12th grade who would be interested in learning about how to build a rocket in our aerospace project or honoring memories with our scrapbooking project? Or maybe one of the other 43 projects that I haven’t mentioned? Get them enrolled in 4-H today, visit in.4honline.com. For more information or help with enrollment, contact Todd or Lisa at the Whitley County Extension Office 244-7615.

Say What???

Did you know that the 4-H Youth program is the largest youth serving organization in the country? Yep, the largest in the United States. Hard to imagine that there are that many youth out there today showing cows and pigs right? Well … believe it or not, that’s because they don’t all show cows and pigs. Here in Whitley County we have a large number of youth in our 4-H livestock projects, but did you know that of our 770 youth that participated in 4-H this past year only about half of them exhibited livestock? Wondering what youth can be a part of in 4-H if it’s not livestock? Question, how many 4-H projects do we offer here in Whitley County? Give up?

Submitted by Todd Geiger, 4-H youth extension educator, Whitley County

EXTENSION OFFICE BRIEFS ServSafe As of Jan. 1, 2005, food establishments must have at least one certified food handler in their employment. In order to meet the above requirement, a ServSafe recertification class will be offered on Dec. 6, 8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m., and the exam will be given at 1 p.m. Both will be held at the Whitley County Extension Office, 115 S. Line St., Columbia City. To register for the class and/ or exam, visit inrla.org. For more information, contact Cindy Barnett, extension educator, 244-7615, 625-3313 or cbarnett@ purdue.edu.

Extension Board

The Whitley County Extension Board recently met for its last meeting of the year. This board meets quarterly and is responsible for overseeing the Extension program in Whitley County. The 12-member board reviews all programming, makes recommendations for changes and helps the Extension Educators identify wants and needs in the county. Board members are: President Tony Reust; VP Rex Eiler; Secretary Jane Frazier; and Al Gaff, Doug Ferrell, Ed Clifford, Kurt Hinen, Jeff Geiger, Doug Sheetz, Sue McQueen, Greg Rupert and Angela Taulbee.

Holiday shopping on a budget

Preparing for holiday expenses can reduce stress and your after-holiday bills. Talk with your family members to determine their expectations for travel, food and gift giving. As you develop your budget, determine your needs and wants.

You need to think about how you will pay for your holiday shopping – cash, credit or layaway. You are less likely to overspend if you pay with cash rather than using credit. If you use a store layaway option, check their fees, return policy and keep track of all payments. Remember, holiday sales can be tempting, but stick to your budget! Plan your holiday meals ahead of time. Shop grocery deals and look for coupons. Cook with in-season produce, such as sweet potatoes, fall squash and cranberries. Instead of preparing the entire meal yourself, ask family and friends to bring a side dish or dessert. Talk to family and friends about setting new holiday traditions for gift giving. Reduce the number of gifts you purchase and/ or reduce the amount you spend. Handmade gifts are always special. In many families, people enjoy spending time together more than they do the actual gifts received. Play games, take a family walk or find an activity that would interest all family members.

2. Recognize signs and symptoms of burnout. Your stress level can reach an all-time high as you try to juggle caregiving and getting ready for the holidays. Before long, you become burned out and robbed of your energy and experience an emotional breakdown. Recognize these emotions or signs and symptoms of burnout and identify outlets when you begin to feel stressed. 3. Anticipate holiday triggers. The holidays may trigger stress or unhappy memories. Be mindful and acknowledge their emotions as well as yours. Stay focused on the positive and thankful your loved ones are with you this time of year. 4. Simplify holiday activities. It may be less stressful if you simplify your holiday festivities. Set limits. Attend fewer activities, bake less, prepare smaller meals and/or reduce your gift giving. 5. Start new holiday traditions. You may not be able to participate in as many or the same holiday activities as you once were. As a caregiver, you may establish a “new normal” and change is inevitable.

The holidays can often be a time filled with many emotions for caregivers, ranging from thankfulness and joy, to stress and frustration. The following tips are suggestions for caregivers during this holiday season. 1. Share your wish list of caregiving duties. The gift of asking for help can be even better than material objects. Ask family and friends to help with caregiving activities and accept their assistance.

½ whole-wheat mini bagel 2 t. low fat cream cheese Finely chopped red and green fruit, such as kiwi, green grapes, green and red apples, strawberries, raspberries, etc. 1. Spread a thin layer of cream cheese on the bagel 2. Spread fruit to resemble a holiday wreath.

Caregiving during the holidays

Holiday Bagel Bites for Kids

Thanksgiving leftover soup

Ingredients (6 servings) 2 lb. or 4-6 c. turkey or

beef, cooked 1 t. salt 1 onion, diced 3 large carrots, sliced 1 c. celery, sliced ¾ c whole-wheat egg noodles, uncooked or ¾ c. rice, uncooked 1. Add approximately 6 c. water and/or broth to a large saucepan. Add salt and bring to a boil. Add turkey or beef, onion, carrots, celery and noodles or rice. Cover, reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.

Giving and giving and giving wisely

If you are one of the millions of people who donate to charitable causes each year, make sure to do your research so you know that your contribution will be well spent. Contact Cindy Barnett, Extension Educator, 244-7615, 625-3313 or cbarnett@ purdue.edu, if your club or organization would like a 30-60 minute program on Giving and Giving and Giving Wisely. If you are one of the millions of people who donate to charitable causes each year, make sure to do your research so you know that your contribution will be well spent. Contact Cindy Barnett, extension educator, 244-7615, 625-3313 or cbarnett@ purdue.edu, if your club or organization would like a 30-60 minute program on Giving and Giving and Giving Wisely.

Would your kitchen pass a Food Safety Inspection? Restaurants must pass regular food safety inspections to stay open. Would your kitchen pass a food safety inspection? For consumers, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Center for Disease Control

Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration work together to provide food safety guidelines for use in the home. Consumer guidelines sometimes differ slightly from restaurant guidelines due to such factors as differences in home and professional equipment. Can you correctly answer these food safety questions? Q: How long can you safely leave perishable foods at room temperature? A: Two or less hours. Illness causing bacteria can grow in perishable foods within two hours unless refrigerated and within one hour if the temperature is 90 degrees or higher. Q: How should you thaw meat, poultry and seafood? A: Thawing meat, poultry and seafood in the refrigerator is the safest way as foods remain at a safe, constant temperature

of 40 degrees or lower. Foods can be thawed in the microwave, according to the directions in your owner’s manual; however, foods must be cooked immediately after thawing to prevent bacteria from growing. Q: How many days can you store perishable leftovers in the refrigerator? A: Three or four days. Use refrigerated, perishable leftovers within three or four days or freeze them in freezer-approved packaging. Q: What is the correct temperature for cooking meat, poultry and seafood? A:

i. Beef, pork, veal and lamb (steaks, chops, roasts): 145 degrees ii. Ground meats - 160 degrees iii. ALL poultry - 165 degrees iv. Fish and shellfish - 145 degrees

Contributed by Cindy Barnett, extension educator in Whitley County.

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

Whitley County inwhitleycounty.com

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

Nicole Minier, Editor

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

free paper for local businesses and residents, we do charge a mail subscription fee to those out of our area. This fee must be paid in advance and is as follows: InState $26 one year, Out-of-state $39 one year. You may also call our office during regular business hours to subscribe at (800) 717-4679.

INWhitley County is a FREE direct mailed newspaper delivered to over 13,000 homes and businesses in Whitley County. The paper is mailed to addresses in Columbia City, Larwill, and South Whitley. While we are a

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: INWhitley County, P.O. Box 39, Kendallville, IN 46755. Published on Thursday throughout the year.

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

INwhitleycounty.com • A5

Whitley County • November 22, 2017

CC man accused of raping a minor By Nicole Minier nminier@kpcmedia.com

COLUMBIA CITY — A 19-year-old Columbia City man is facing two Level 1 felonies and one Level 3 felony after allegedly violently raping a 14-year-old. James T. Smith was charged last week in an incident that allegedly occurred Nov. 8 in

Columbia City According to a police report, Smith held a razor blade to the victim’s Smith throat, forcing her to have sexual intercourse with him. He is facing charges of rape and sexual misconduct

with a minor, both Level 1 felonies, and criminal confinement, a Level 3 felony. Police first became involved in the incident after they were dispatched to a fight in the alley in the 300 block of North Line Street. During the investigation of the fight, officers encountered the victim, who said she was raped in a

OBITUARIES

nearby home. She also told police that he took away her cell phone and shoes, in 35-degree weather, in an attempt to keep her at his home, court documents state. Smith had an initial hearing Monday, where he was appointed Anthony Churchward as his public defender. His next hearing is Dec. 18 for a pretrial conference.

‘Thousands of files’ in Hanus case By Tyler Roebuck troebuck@kpcmedia.com

COLUMBIA CITY — After a period of being away from court, Dr. James Hanus, 68, of South Whitley reappeared before Judge Douglas Fahl for a hearing. Fahl called the case “significantly more involved,” than most cases, and asked for a status update. Prosecuting Attorney D.J. Sigler concurred with the complex nature of the case. “The amount of discovery is enormous,” he said. Some of the holdup in the case is from files currently being processed by the Drug Enforcement Agency in its Merrillville facility. “There are thousands of files we need to review,” defense attorney Travis Friend said. Hanus’ next hearing is March 12, 2018, giving attorneys on both sides the opportunity to process through the immense load of files.

Police impersonator in Superior Court

Shilo Wilkerson, 38, of Columbia City, was arrested Nov. 14 after officers received a call about a man that, according to court documents, “identified himself as being with the police department.” According to the report, Wilkerson told police “that he did talk to a woman near the Linvill building but that he didn’t remember telling her that he was a cop.” Wilkerson is charged with impersonation of a public servant, a class A misdemeanor. In other Whitley Circuit Court news

• Austin Murphy, 19, of Columbia City, received a two-year sentence in accordance with a plea agreement. Murphy is charged with possession of methamphetamine, a level 6 felony. Sigler was concerned with Murphy’s considerable substance abuse history,

and Heuer echoed those concerns. Murphy will serve one year at the Whitley County Work Release facility and have one year on probation. • Nathan Strange, 25, of Fort Wayne, asked for a bond reduction on charges of battery, pubic intoxication and disorderly conduct. “It’s a matter that rose out of a bar fight, so it’s a matter where he could avoid reoffending,” defense attorney Anthony Churchward said. Judge Rentschler took the issue under advisement and set his next hearing for Dec. 18. • Ashley Julian, 29, and Connie Cox, 48, of Columbia City, pleaded guilty to one count of level 6 welfare fraud. In accordance with their plea agreement, the two will serve a 1.5-year sentence on probation. • Jeremy Yost, 27, of Columbia City, goes to trial March 14, 2018, on a charge of level 5 battery

in the presence of a minor. Darin Faroute, 29, of Fort Wayne also set his charges of dealing and possession of cocaine and narcotics to trial on April 17, 2018. • Natasha Brunner, 28, of Columbia City, pleaded guilty to violating probation after testing positive for cocaine and alcohol Oct. 20 and being arrested for OWI Nov. 3. The remaining two years of her sentence were revoked, to be served at the county jail. Brunner will be screened for work release, and Heuer will consider the option after screening. • Riley Benson, 24, of Columbia City, requested and received a sentence modification to work at the county work release facility for the remainder of his sentence. He is released in June 2020. • Aaron Petelle, Jordan Langston, and Jordan Grubbs had their pre-trial conferences continued to later dates.

Diane Albaugh

Donna Jackson

FORT WAYNE — Diane S. Albaugh, 61, of New Haven, died at 1:02 p.m. Friday, Nov. 17, 2017, at Parkview Regional Medical Center. Services were Tuesday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home in Columbia City. Burial was in South Park Cemetery. Memorials are to Alzheimer’s Association or Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

COLUMBIA CITY — Donna L. Jackson, 81, of Columbia Township, Whitley County, died at 10:19 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 18, 2017. The funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. Friday at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City, with calling from 1-3 p.m. Burial will be in Eberhard Cemetery. Memorials are to Shriner Hospitals for Children.

Richard Krider

Obituary Policy

COLUMBIA CITY — Richard A. Krider, 87, of Thorncreek Township, Whitley County, died Sunday evening, Nov. 19, 2017, at Parkview Hospital Randallia, Fort Wayne. Services were Wednesday at Grace Lutheran Church, 204 N. Main St., Columbia City. Burial was in Oak Grove Cemetery. Memorials are to Grace Lutheran Church Food Pantry. Arrangements were by Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City.

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

Have a story to share? Contact us at nminier@kpcmedia.com

WHITLEY COUNTY JAIL BOOKINGS The following people were booked in the Whitley County Jail: • Israel Orellana, 22, of Illinois, was arrested Nov. 9 by the Whitley County Sheriff’s Department, charged with operating while never licensed, leaving the scene of a property damage crash and criminal mischief. • Shannon Bernardon, 28, of Avilla, was arrested Nov. 9 by the Churubusco Police Department, charged with battery in the presence of a minor. • David Roe, 26, of Columbia City, was arrested Nov. 9 by the Columbia City Police Department, charged with domestic battery. • Alexis Klaff, 18, of Fort Wayne, was arrested Nov. 10 by the Whitley County Sheriff’s Department, charged with possession of marijuana and possession of paraphernalia. • Jesse Foust, 29, of Columbia City, was arrested Nov. 13 by the Whitley County Sheriff’s Department, charged with possession of paraphernalia and violation of suspended sentence. • Tiffiney Martin, 34, of South Whitley, was arrested Nov. 13 by the Whitley County Superior Court, charged with

driving while suspended. • Wonica Johns-Bates, 43, of Chicago, was arrested Nov. 13 by the Indiana State Police, charged with dealing cocaine or a narcotic, possession of a narcotic drug, possession of paraphernalia, promoting prostitution, possessio of a firearm by serious violent felon, receiving stolen property and maintaining a common nuisance. • Christopher Nelson, 42, of Ligonier, was arrested Nov. 14 by the Whitley County Sheriff’s Department, charged with theft and possession of marijuana. • Joshua Holt, 38, of Columbia City, was arrested Nov. 14 by the Whitley County Sheriff’s Department, charged with invasion of privacy. • Shilo Wilkerson, 38, of Columbia City, was arrested Nov. 14 by the Columbia City Police Department, charged with impersonation of a public servant. • Robert Strock, 26, of Auburn, was arrested Nov. 15 by the Whitley County Sheriff’s Department, charged with violation of suspended sentence. • Syrteea Smith, 28, of Chicago, was arrested

Nov. 15 by the Whitley County Sheriff’s Department, charged with possession of marijuana. • Kyle Kinkade, 35, of Seattle, Wash., was arrested Nov. 16 by the Whitley County Sheriff’s Department, charged with possession of marijuana. • Natasha Brunner, 28, of Columbia City, was arrested Nov. 16 by the Columbia City Police Department, charged with probation violation. • Dawn Straka, 44, of North Manchester, was arrested Nov. 16 by the Indiana State Police, charged with OWI and OWI per se. • Cynthia Kempton, 57, of South Whitley, was arrested Nov. 16 by the Whitley County Sheriff’s Department, charged with OWI controlled substance, possession of marijuana, possession of paraphernalia and OWI per se. • Ronald Bowers, 29, of Fort Wayne, was arrested Nov. 17 by the Indiana State Police, charged with theft. • Patti McKinley-Taylor, 30, of Churubusco, was arrested Nov. 17 by the Indiana State Police, charged with possession of cocaine and possession

of paraphernalia. • Gregory Scott, 45, of Churubusco, was arrested Nov. 17 by the Whitley County Sheriff’s Department, charged with possession of hypodermic needles, possession of methamphetamine, maintaining a common nuisance, possession of marijuana and possession of paraphernalia. • Erika Eby, 39, of Churubusco, was arrested Nov. 17 by the Whitley County Sheriff’s Depart-

ment, charged with possession of marijuana, possession of paraphernalia and maintaining a common nuisance. • Austin Eby, 18, of Kendallville, was arrested Nov. 17 by the Whitley County Sheriff’s Department, charged with possession of marijuana, possession of paraphernalia and visiting a common nuisance. • Kayla Weber, 31, of Columbia City, was arrested Nov. 18

by the Columbia City Police Department, charged with OWI, OWI controlled substance, possession of a narcotic drug, possession of paraphernalia, resisting law enforcement and maintaining a common nuisance. • Justin Baker, 19, of Leo, was arrested Nov. 19 by the Indiana State Police, charged with possession of paraphernalia and possession of a controlled substance.

APARTMENT HOMES NOW AVAILABLE! Hurry in now for a special you will be THANKFUL for!

HISTORIC BLUE BELL LOFTS SENIOR LIVING APARTMENTS

YOU MAY QUALIFY IF YOUR HOUSEHOLD INCOME IS AT OR BELOW* 50% MEDIAN INCOME 60% MEDIAN INCOME

SPACIOUS 2 BEDROOM APARTMENTS FOR AGES 55+

1 person $22,050 2 people $25,200 3 people $28,350 4 people $31,450 2 BDRM: Rent starts at $560

1 person $26,460 2 people $30,240 3 people $34,020 4 people $37,740 2 BDRM: Rent starts at $600

*Restrictions apply. Leasing rates and Apartment Homes subject to availability

WHAT YOU NEED TO QUALIFY

• Monthly income of at least 2.5 times rent • Favorable criminal background check • Favorable or positive prior landlord reference • Meet income qualifications • Favorable credit score

$20 application fee per adult. $100 to hold home off the market. $300 minimum security deposit

Call Today

(260) 224-2867

OFFICE: 307 S. WHITLEY ST., COLUMBIA CITY, IN 46725 HOURS: MON. - THURS. 10-4, FRI. 9-1, SAT. BY APPT. ONLY

Opening Doors to Opportunity

A6 • INwhitleycounty.com

OPINION

Room to grow: Indiana is ideal for ag diversity Indiana lawmakers met to study livestock barns before the General Assembly convenes in January. The Interim Study Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources met three times to discuss the management, construction and current regulations associated with animal agriculture farms. As the director of state government relations at Indiana Farm Bureau, I was heavily involved in these meetings, and I testified during the session held on Sept. 19. INFB appreciates that many legislators expressed an interest to learn about livestock, and we thank those who experienced a farm firsthand with a visit. As the largest farm organization in Indiana, INFB supports all forms of modern agriculture. That includes everything from the local food movement to large farms and all farms in between. Some of our members are small acreage producers who sell directly to consumers. Some members manage farms with an agritourism destination. We also have members who run large farms. In some cases, farmers with large livestock farms also operate in the local food and agritourism landscape. Indiana is big enough for all types of agriculture to thrive. Indiana is blessed with quality farmland and an abundance of natural resources. When considering the placement of livestock barns, rural Indiana is ideally suited for agricultural production. The livestock barns discussed in the Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee offer opportunities for younger members of a farming family to come home and build their own life on the farm. The added income opportunity that livestock farms provide is critical to bringing farm kids back to rural communities that are struggling to maintain population, tax base and jobs. This issue isn’t just about dollars and cents. Communities are concerned about the health of their residents and quality of life where animal agriculture is concerned. INFB agrees that public health and wellbeing are of the highest importance. Farmers work hard to minimize impacts to their community. Farmers also understand that it’s important for farms,

residences, tourism and agritourism to co-exist. Farmers use a variety of techniques to increase their ability to operate safely and to act as good stewards of the environment. Some of these practices included increased conservation efforts to improve soil health, basing manure application on agronomic needs and using new odor mitigation techniques. New technology also allows farmers to house animals in barns that are safe and clean, resulting in healthier animals. There are state agencies that work hard to ensure compliance with existing regulations. INFB supports the efforts of these agencies to keep the citizens of Indiana and our natural resources safe. The Indiana Department of Environmental Management is one of those agencies with oversight on livestock barns. IDEM has been regulating these livestock barns in Indiana, which operate at a smaller number of animals than most other states, since 1971. There have been updates to the regulations they enforce over the years. IDEM is responsible for stringent, upfront oversight on the design and construction of livestock barns and manure storage. Once a barn is built, they also regulate nutrient management, storm water from manure-applied fields, compliance and manure handling and storage. It is also important to note that IDEM isn’t the sole authority on the approval of livestock barns. Local zoning laws provide an opportunity for each community to have a say in the location of these operations. INFB supports wise, locally-controlled planning and zoning that reduces the opportunity for conflict between uses, and encourages community members to be involved in the process. Livestock production, regardless of size, is farming and farming must take place in areas zoned for agriculture. Considering all of the oversight by state and local government authorities, Indiana’s ample farmland, and technological advances in agriculture, livestock production should have a bright future in Indiana. Justin Schneider is Indiana Farm Bureau’s director of state government relations.

Whitley County • November 22, 2017

Heart of Gold a perfect Thanksgiving reminder

Appropriately, a week prior to the Thanksgiving feast, the Community Foundation of Whitley County thanked a number of amazing residents and organizations. This was the 20th year the foundation hosted its Heart of Gold program and, once again, reminded the community what wonderful residents it has. Living in a community that cares is a quality that is difficult to market but one that is incredibly important to the makeup of Whitley County. This community recognizes the small things. Take Landon Reimer for example. This teenager did what came naturally to

him – visiting his injured friend almost daily at the hospital. But his act of kindness did not go unnoticed and he was one of the nominees recognized by the Community Foundation. Also among the nominees were folks who make it their mission to champion the good work others are doing. This is the example Shelby Lamm has set. She made advocating for the TROY Center her job because she believes in the opportunities the educators there are providing students. The individuals who were recognized may argue that they didn’t do anything to deserve the

Our view nominations they received because they were just going about their lives, doing what they believe is right or just or needed. But it’s for this very reason we are so glad that the Community Foundation takes time to host the Heart of Gold program. In the same light, over this Thanksgiving

weekend holiday, we would encourage all residents to make a list of the local residents for which they are thankful. These individuals may be a friendly neighbor, a trustworthy caregiver or the reliable mail carrier. The individuals could be within our own households, places of work and places of worship. Be sure to thank these individuals who make your life better by being who they are and doing what they do. We find ourselves lucky to be able to live and work in a community that has so many people who enrich the quality of life for us all.

Todd Young enters Senate facing Trumpian tumult By Brian Howey

Indiana’s freshman Indiana senator, Todd Young, has had his share of initial tumult after joining the world’s most exclusive club, the 100-member U.S. Senate. Young’s not facing an impeachment trial of a sitting U.S. president, but U.S. Sen. Evan Bayh did when he arrived to his seat in 1999 with President Bill Clinton facing judgment. U.S. Sen. Birch Bayh came off an election during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962 to his first year in the Senate with the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, setting him on a path to draft the 25th Amendment a year later. Three months after Sen. Dan Quayle took the oath in 1981, President Ronald Reagan was nearly assassinated, with the future vice president helping to pass his historic tax cuts several months later. Young is not facing as vivid a prospect of a government shutdown as U.S. Sen. Joe Donnelly did when he switched chambers in 2013. But Young faces turmoil in the era of President Trump, with scandal, a potential nuclear war for the first time since 1973, the president’s bromance with Russian President Putin and stinging criticism of U.S. intelligence agencies. A day before I conducted a phone interview with Young, he called for Republican Alabama U.S. Senate nominee Roy Moore to step aside, citing “the appearance of grossly reprehensible behavior.” Just minutes before we talked, Young found himself questioning former U.S. Strategic Command and Department of Defense officials about Trump’s potential for launching a preemptive nuclear strike after he once promised “fire and fury” for North Korean despot Kim Jong Un. Young questioned Robert Kehler, former commander of the United States Strategic Command, about restrictions on a potential Trump use of nuclear weapons, with Kehler telling him, “Conflicting signals can result in loss of confidence, confu-

sion or paralysis in the operating forces at a critical moment.” “Is the standard … to conclude that no reasonable order be proportional, or is there some other legal standard left?” Young asked at one point. Former Defense analyst Brian McKeon told him, “It would be a judgment of senior military officers” who have “30 to 40 years of BRIAN military experiHOWEY ence to make these assessments.” What were Young’s takeaways from the nuclear authority hearing? “Congress is duly exercising our oversight responsibility regarding this incredibly dangerous time for our country,” he said. “The second thing is the operational ability. There are legal principles that govern their involvement in the decision to use this force. Those principles aren’t maybe as clear as black-letter law. If any member of the military feels an order received is inconsistent with existing legal norms, it’s their responsibility to make that known through their seniors and, if necessary, to resign their position.” Young added that the U.S. needs to “maintain a measure of calculated ambiguity as a country as it relates to the use our most devastating weapons. We don’t want to telegraph to our adversaries or to our allies that any military options are off the table.” Asked about comments Senate Foreign Relations Chairman Bob Corker, along with Sens. Jeff Flake and John McCain, who questioned President Trump’s fitness for office, with Corker fearing a potential “World War III,” Young responded, “My perspective about our duly elected president of the United States is I remain determined to work with him and with everyone to ensure that we remain safe and secure as a country and we grow

our economy. I don’t want to undermine my ability to serve Hoosiers by commenting on these things on a regular basis.” Twice this year President Trump has said there is a U.S. nuclear sub off the Korean peninsula, something that Sen. Joe Donnelly has called a “serious breach” of security. Is he concerned? “I take the protection of our intelligence very seriously and I think everyone in the government should. I’ll leave it at that.” In June, Young said a potential war on the Korean peninsula was a real possibility. Does it remain that way? “I think Hoosiers still need to be of that mindset,” Young said. “If I were to communicate anything else, I think it would be intimating we’re taking military options off the table as a country, undermining our ability to arrive at a peaceful diplomatic solution. With that said, I commend the administration for their fulsome diplomatic efforts thus far, diplomacy backed by the credible threat of military force.” Last weekend, President Trump said he believed Russian President Putin didn’t “meddle” in the U.S. election. Does Young believe Putin? “No. 1, there’s something known as a diplomatic lie that is often deployed by sophisticated diplomats and leaders in furtherance of our national interest. Let’s keep that in mind,” he explained. “No. 2, our intelligence community, which I trust, has indicated that Russia has hacked our elections. It never indicated that Russia has influenced our elections.” As for Trump calling U.S. intelligence officials “political hacks,” Young said, “I think we should trust our nation’s intelligence. I respect those who serve with distinction from the ranks of our inner intelligence community, from the rank and file who serve in that capacity, to the leaders of our intelligence community.” Brian Howey is publisher of the Howey Political Report, a weekly briefing on Indiana politics. Contact him at 317-506-0883 or at howeypolitics.com.

INwhitleycounty.com • A7

Whitley County • November 22, 2017

Sierra’s Fund will help families looking to adopt Staff reports

COLUMBIA CITY — Matt and Hallie Grant are recognized as respected business leaders through their successful, international company, Sailrite; but first and foremost, they are parents. Like many families today, the Grants’ story is anything but traditional. The details as to how their family circle was made complete has led the couple to establish Sierra’s

Fund through the Community Foundation of Whitley County. The fund, named for the Grant’s daughter, is an endowment to assist Whitley County residents navigating the adoption process to build their own families, now and for generations to come. With raising Zach and Tanner, two energetic young sons and a thriving business to oversee, the Grants were anything but

bored in the mid-90s. But after four years of unsuccessful attempts to have a third child, they decided to explore adoption. Amid questionnaires and home studies, they soon realized that the process was not only emotionally daunting but also financially challenging. Then, a call from Texas changed their lives forever. Their baby daughter was waiting for them to bring her home to Columbia

City. The whirlwind trip put Sierra in their arms and so began a celebration of love. “The moment Sierra was placed in my arms can’t be explained,” Grant said. “The tears came streaming down my face, I couldn’t believe she was our daughter. The adoption process is full of highs and lows but I am here to tell you it is so worth it. I can’t imagine our family without her, she is exactly

where she was meant to be.” Now, 15 years later, the final piece of Sierra’s adoption story recently came via a generous gift from the Grants, who hope to help other local families share the joy of adoption. Open to Whitley County residents exploring both domestic and international adoption, distributions from the endowment can be used to offset costs including but not limited

to home study costs, placement fees, post-placement supervision fees and travel related expenses. An application process is currently being established and funds will be available annually on a first-come basis for those meeting established criteria for assistance. For additional information, any families pursuing adoption should contact the Community Foundation at 244-5224.

Whitko ranked among top Foundation 50 high schools in state calls for grant requests Staff reports INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Department of Education named Whitko High School among the top 50 students in the state on Nov. 6, with 44 percent of students receiving dual credit. To qualify for this award, Whitko was in the top 50 of 138 Indiana high schools with more than 30 percent of students in dual credit courses. “Our percentage is the result of a desire to make our curriculum rigorous, but also provide our students (and their families) a low-cost opportunity to earn college credit before they leave high school,” Whitko Principal John Snyder said. “For several years now, Whitko has partnered with Ivy Tech to provide college level classes in, primarily, English, STEM and CTE classes. Our vision is to challenge our students academically so that they are prepared for 21st century jobs.” STEM stands for science, technology, engineering and mathematics and CTE classes are career/technical education classes. “We know our students are capable of success in these higher level courses, so why not provide them with the opportunities? Its good for them, it’s good for their families and it is good for our community,” he said.

Staff reports

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Indiana State School Superintendent Jennifer McCormick presents the dual credit award to Whitko High Principal John Snyder.

Parkview Whitley receives national honor Staff reports

COLUMBIA CITY – On National Rural Health Day last week, Parkview Whitley Hospital announced it was recognized by the Chartis Center for Rural Health/ iVantage Health Analytics and the National Organization of State Office of Rural Health for overall excellence in quality and outcomes, reflecting top quartile performance among all rural hospitals in the nation. “It’s gratifying to see Parkview Whitley Hospital recognized in this way because it reflects the level of service and compassion our staff provides to patients every day,” said Scott Gabriel, Parkview Whitley Hospital president. “Creating an atmosphere of excellence requires a full team effort,

and every member of our team helped us achieve this recognition.” The rankings are determined each year using iVantage Health Analytics’ Hospital Strength INDEX the industry’s most comprehensive and objective assessment of rural hospital performance. In partnership with NOSORH, iVantage Health Analytics developed a data-driven program designed to identify excellence across a broad spectrum of indicators relevant to hospital performance and patient care. The Hospital Strength INDEX captures performance metrics for all rural and Critical Access Hospitals. Leveraging data from public data sources, INDEX aggregates data from more than 50 individual metrics

into three major categories and eight pillars to derive a single strength overall rating for each facility. “On this important day, as we celebrate the power of rural, it’s great to recognize these top performers who are excelling in managing risk, achieving higher quality, securing better outcomes, increasing patient satisfaction, or operating at a lower cost than their peers,” said Michael Topchik, national leader of the Chartis Center for Rural Health. “These leaders serve as a benchmark for other rural facilities as they strive to achieve similar results and provide a blueprint for how to successfully run a hospital and serve their communities amidst today’s uncertainty and mounting pressures.”

COLUMBIA CITY — The deadline for submitting fall grant applications to the Community Foundation of Whitley County is Dec. 1. The grant application process is online at cfwhitley.org/grantseekers. The Community Foundation of Whitley County funds charitable projects that will make a positive impact on Whitley County and its people. The organization is particularly interested in ideas that shed new light on local needs and provide innovative, long-term solutions. Categories include: arts and culture, education health and human services, civic affairs, recreation and community

development. Requests for funding are reviewed by the foundation’s grants committee which is composed of volunteers from communities throughout the county. The committee’s recommendations are forwarded to the foundation’s board of directors, with whom all grant-making authority resides. Grant seekers are encouraged to contact Vanessa Bills at vanessa@ cfwhitley.org or 244-5224 to discuss a grant proposal before submitting a formal application. In addition to a completed application, the request must also include a cover letter, a copy of IRS tax exempt letter, annual operating budget and a project budget.

New Orleans Experience the charm, food and music March 7-17, 2018 Your travel experience will include:

Tour Highlights:

• Luxury motorcoach transportation • Lodging as listed on itinerary • Luggage handling for one suitcase per person • Tickets/admissions to listed attractions • Gratuities for local guides • Meals as listed on itinerary • Guidance of a professional tour manager • Travel Protection Plan Single — $4,189 Double — $3,429 Triple — $3,199 Quad —$3,089 $700 deposit per person due at booking. Final payment due January 19, 2018.

• Tour Sun Studio in Memphis • Visit Elvis’s Graceland • Tour antebellum homes in Natchez, MS • See where Tabasco is made on Avery Island • Four nights in the French Quarter of New Orleans • Visit Oak Alley Plantation • Take a tour through the Louisiana swamps • Evening at the New Orleans School of Cooking • Visit the WWII Museum • Cruise the Mississippi aboard the Steamboat Natchez • Take a shrimping trip in Biloxi, MS • Visit Bellingrath Gardens near Mobile, AL • Have breakfast aboard the USS Alabama

Edgerton Travel - Ft. Wayne 9111 Lima Rd., Ft. Wayne, IN (800)873-3437 • (260)497-8747

Websites * Online Marketing * Social Media Advertising * Video Production & Photography KPC Digital Services | marketing@kpcmedia.com | 260-426-2640 x 3324

A8 • INwhitleycounty.com

Whitley County • November 22, 2017

SALE DATES: NOVEMBER 24-NOVEMBER 29

Coffee Shop

DRIVE THRU OPEN!

The

in Sav-U-Mor

“Small town feel, corporate quality”

Open: Monday-Friday 6-4 • Saturdays 6-12 Offering grab-n-go lunches, coffee and tea beverage, baked good and bulk coffee bean sales.

NEW STORE HOURS: 6 A.M. - 10 P.M. SUNDAY: 7 A.M. - 10 P.M. Dairymen’s Cottage Cheese

269

299

Tostitos

OZ.

Pepsi

Yoder’s Onion Dip

4/$

16.9

OZ.

PKS.

Dairy Fresh Butter

99¢ 16

OZ.

248

GAL.

VARIETIES

299

2 1

LB.

Libby’s Green Beans, Corn or Peas

69¢

14.5-15.25

Red Gold Tomatoes

2/$

OZ.

PK.

10 $ 99 5

2/$

Family Pack

259

EA.

Dole Garden Salad

Red or Green Seedless Grapes

LB.

Beefsteak Tomatoes

$ 39 LB .

4/$ 12

LB.

69¢ Miller’s Amish Country Whole Chicken Fryers

$ 49

2/$

Armour Pepperoni

Troyer’s Braunschweiger

OZ.

Troyer’s Corn Dogs

Eckrich Smok-Y-Links

LB .

LB.

El Montery Burritos

349

PK.

4/$

OZ.

Manwich

PK.

99¢

15-15.5

Dairymen’s Orange Juice

349

GAL.

LB.

2/$

269

GAL.

379

OZ.

Eckrich Honey Ham

429

LB.

IN.

Colby Jack Cheese

389

LB.

Amish Classic All Meat Bologna

299

Eckrich Franks

Baked Apple Crumb Pie

FULL SERVICE DELI

LB.

Big Eye Swiss Cheese

Reg., Bunsize, Cheese or Jumbo

4/$

OZ.

Dairymen’s 1% or Skim Milk

Shurfine Tomato Juice

Land O’ Frost Canadian Bacon

2/$

Progresso Soup

LB.

OZ.

$ 99

299

LB.

2/$

Bulk Honey Crisp Apples

LB.

18.5-19

CT.

PK.

Chicken Drumsticks

2/$

Bulk Sweet Onions

99¢

2/$

PRODUCE $ 49

LB.

Eckrich Smoked Sausage

All Varieties

LB.

Ground Beef

Cheez-It Crackers

Pepsi

$ 99

2/$

Niagara Water

Family Pack

$ 99

LB.

Boneless Center Cut Pork Chops

Family Size

Shurfine Powdered or Brown Sugar

Kellogg’s Pop Tarts

Boneless Arm Roast

OVER

Frito Lay Potato Chips

card, get the 6th drink FREE after the purchase of 5. Gift certificates also available during shop hours.

Dairymen’s 2% Milk

MEAT SALE! Sav U Mor Homemade Bratwurst Made in House

Take coffee with you! Promotional: With your punch

389

LB.

Seafood Pasta Salad

279

LB.

White or Yellow American Cheese

299

LB.

OUR NAME SAYS IT ALL! QUALITY YOU EXPECT AT PRICES YOU CAN AFFORD.

SAVE UP TO 40% EVERYDAY CHECK US OUT ON FACEBOOK

308 South Main Street, Churubusco, Indiana • 693-2708 STORE HOURS: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. • Cash, Checks, Credit Cards, Money Orders & Food Stamps Now Accepting WIC and Manufacturer Coupons • We reserve the right to correct printed errors.

INwhitleycounty.com • A9

Whitley County • November 22, 2017

Savings from tax cuts comes with caveats KPC News Service

A claim made by U.S. Rep. Jim Banks that families could save $4,000 per year from a tax reform proposal comes with a few important caveats, and state economists said the figure might be a bit optimistic for the average Hoosier household. During an interview with KPC Media Group in Shipshewana on Oct. 18, Banks, R-3rd District, said he’s seen estimates that the average middle-class family could save $4,000 under the GOP’s tax reform plan. It’s a number that’s also recently been cited by White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders, who tweeted Oct. 22, “The average American family would get a $4,000 raise under the President’s tax cut plan. So how could any member of Congress be against it?” The $4,000 figure was significantly higher than calculations done by KPC Media Group in a story published Oct. 15, which showed tax reform could save a married couple with no dependents about $780 per year or a single person about $228 per year, based on median incomes in the region. So where’s the difference? We reached out to Banks’ office and Indiana

economists for some clarification on the number. Where $4,000 comes from When asked about the estimates Banks was referring to when he cited the number, his office staff pointed to a study from the Council of Economic Advisers, an office of the White House. The 14-page report, titled “Corporate Tax Reform and Wages: Theories and Evidence,” makes the case that cutting the U.S. corporate tax rate from 35 percent to 20 percent would create additional wage growth for American families. “Reducing the statutory federal corporate tax rate from 35 to 20 percent would, the analysis below suggests, increase average household income in the United States by, very conservatively, $4,000 annually,” the introduction of the report states. The report focuses on a gap in wage growth between nations with high corporate tax rates against those with lower statutory tax rates. The council states that wages for workers in U.S. corporate jobs fall by 0.3 percent for every 1 percent gain in the corporate tax rate. Based on that information, income for the average family would rise somewhere between $4,000

and $9,000, if the corporate income tax rate were slashed. The conclusion is based on the premise that businesses would increase wage growth by an additional 2 percent above and beyond current levels, due to the savings received from the tax cut as well as changes that would incentivize businesses to bring profits back to the United States instead of banking them overseas. The report does not detail the effects on “passthrough entities,” a tax status that many small businesses file under, but the Trump administration has proposed cutting those rates, too. Pass-throughs can pay a tax rate as high as 39.6 percent, which could be cut to 25 percent. One of the most immediate issues that arises with the analysis is that the estimated increase in income is based on an average that is much higher than what workers in northeast Indiana typically earn. “Using 2016 household income as the baseline, these effects translate into an increase in average household income from $83,143 in 2016 to between $87,520 and $92,222, an increase of $4,000 to $9,000 in wage and salary income alone,” the Council of Economic Advisers report states. According to U.S.

Census data, median incomes in the four-county area are significantly lower: about $27,000 for singles, about $49,000 for households with no dependents and about $64,000 for Banks married couples with dependents. Based on the report, the low-end estimate constituted an increase of 5.26 percent. Applying that to incomes in the fourcounty area suggests a single person would get an increase of $1,415, a household with no dependents would see an increase of $2,579 and a married couple with children would get $3,375 more. No guarantee on wage increases The additional income families would see is based on the assumption that the tax cuts would lead to an additional 2 percent increase in wage growth, but there’s no mechanism to guarantee that firms would hit that targets. Potentially, a company could take the money saved through tax reform and use it for a variety of other purposes, such as business expansion, increased dividends to shareholders, supporting political action committees or, simply, banking the money for

future use. “(A tax rate cut) does not reward the behavior that you want. It makes possible the behavior that you want, but it also makes possible lots of other behaviors,” said Morton Marcus, an Indiana economist and columnist formerly with the Indiana University Kelley School of Business. “Cutting the rates does not lead firms to raise wages necessarily or do anything else necessarily. They can do what they want with the money.” Of the firms surveyed, 52.2 percent said they would likely “increase employee wages and benefits.” The White House report also only cites wage changes on corporate tax rates, so effects on smaller businesses with smaller profit lines are not detailed. According to the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Council, 89.7 percent of U.S. businesses have fewer than 20 workers. The proposal also would have little effect on employers that don’t pay taxes — governments, schools or a not-for-profit hospital, for example. They would not see any direct

savings from cuts in the business tax rate, Marcus said. A targeted tax incentive, like a tax break for companies that can prove they’ve increased wages or added jobs, might be more effective, since it only would reward firms that accomplish the intended behavior, Marcus said. Part of the discrepancy between the figures cited by KPC Media Group and by Banks is that they involve two different things. The KPC analysis was based on differences in tax burdens under the current code versus what they would be under the new plan. It would be nearly impossible to achieve $4,000 in savings just by using personal income tax reform alone. The income tax burden for singles or married couples without kids doesn’t even hit $4,000 per year. Middle-class taxpayers could see a few hundred dollars in savings if the standard deduction is doubled and the tax rate lowered from 15 percent to 12 percent. The $4,000 cited by Banks is based on potential income growth that could occur as a side effect of cutting taxes. That’s a different source of money, one that could be an indirect benefit of tax cuts.

7207 Engle Road Fort Wayne, IN 46804 9830 Auburn Road, Suite 102 Fort Wayne, IN 46825 1301 State Road 13 W North Manchester, IN 46962

(260) 436-2255 Dr. Bussick has been creating dazzling, healthy smiles since 1997 in the Fort Wayne area. Dr. Bussick & the American Association of Orthodontists recommend all children be seen by the age of 7; however, it’s never too late to have straight teeth and a healthy smile. • Clear Braces • Invisalign • Accelerated Treatment • “0” to Low Down Payments • All Insurances Accepted • No Referral Needed • 260.436.2255

Dr. Timothy J. Bussick, D.D.S., M.S. Specialist in Orthodontics for Adults, Adolescents & Children

www.bussickortho.com

Now accepting new patients at both Fort Wayne locations! Call Today for your Free Orthodontic Exam!

Present this coupon for

$500 OFF

New Orthodontic Treatment

A10 • INwhitleycounty.com

Whitley County • November 22, 2017

Old-Fashioned Meat Counter To Serve You Better!

Open Thanksgiving Day 7 a.m.-1 p.m.

Fresh Turkeys

IGA

Taking Orders for Your Holiday Needs!

By Orders Please

Fresh Oysters

Frozen Turkeys Ossian Whole

Bone-In Hams

Bone-In

Standing Rib Roast $ 99

Boneless

Rib Roast $ 99

lb.

Troyer’s Whole

Boneless Hams

lb.

Self-Serve Case

Only Deli in Town

Armour

Eckrich

Roast Beef

99 lb.

Yoder’s

Cranberry Salad

219

lb.

Eckrich Reg. or Garlic

Eckrich

269

699

lb.

Cocktail Sausage

Macaroni Salad

Meatballs

299

189 lb.

14 oz.

Colby Jack Cheese

Reg. or Italian Armour

Eckrich

Yoder’s

519

Summer Sausage

Bologna

Summer Sausage

79 lb.

Wholey 31/40 ct.

Shrimp

819

1 lb.

Wholey Premium

Stir Fry Meal

399

24 oz.

609 S. MAIN ST., CHURUBUSCO • OPEN 7 A.M. TO 10 P.M. EVERY DAY • 260.693.2909

INwhitleycounty.com • A11

Whitley County • November 22, 2017

2/$

Turkey, Chicken or Beef

Heinz Gravy

Libby

Pumpkin

299

Open Thanksgiving Day 7 a.m.-1 p.m.

29 oz.

Whole or Jellied Ocean Spray

Reddi Wip

Whipped Topping

Cranberry Sauce

12 oz.

Carnation

Evaporated Milk

89¢

Stuffing

2/$

12 oz. can

14 oz.

Prairie Farms

Broth

Stove Top

4/$

2/$

6.5 oz.

Swanson Beef, Chicken or Vegetable

14.5 oz.

Frito Lay

Real Butter

Potato Chips

299

219

16 oz.

IGA

Cream Cheese

139

French’s

French Fried Onions

8 oz.

6 oz. can

Fresh Produce 129

Cool Whip Topping

Fresh

Cranberries

stalk

Nestle Chips

2/$

11 oz.

Celery

Chocolate Bits, Butterscotch, Milk Chocolate, Mini or White Chocolate

150

Betty Crocker Scalloped, Julienne or

AuGratin Potatoes

5/$

8 oz.

12 oz. bag

Simply

Hash Browns

189

20 oz.

4.7 oz.

U.S. #1

Sweet Potatoes

Fresh

Broccoli Crowns

69¢

IGA

Prairie Farms

2% Milk

Cottage Cheese

249

lb.

259

gal.

lb.

2/$

squares

24 oz.

Yellow

Cooking Onions

169

3 lb. bag

Green Giant

Pumpkin Pies

449

New Crop Seedless

Idaho Russet Potatoes

Navel Oranges

399

4 lb. bag

10 lbs.

Bakery

Prairie Farms

Sherbet

Sour Cream

quarts

16 oz.

169

Dinner Rolls

12/$

219

189

Diet Pepsi, Mt. Dew, Dr. Pepper or

7-UP

4/$

Pepsi

699

24 pk.

Yoder’s

Dips

139

16 oz.

Diet Pepsi, Mt. Dew, Dr. Pepper or

Pepsi

4/$

6 pk.

2 liters

IGA

Glazed Yeast Donuts

Yoder’s

BAKERY WINDOW OPENS AT 6:00 AM DONUTS & COFFEE TO GO

6/$

Prairie Farms

Ice Cream

All Regular Cookies

Water

200

24 pk.

Pepperidge Farm

Goldfish Crackers

399

13/$

★ We bag & carry your groceries to your car ★ Name brands you know & trust

PRICES EFFECTIVE 11/13/17 TO 11/26/17

Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom or Cream of Chicken

Soup

5/$

We reserve the right to correct printed errors

SPORTS

A12 • INwhitleycounty.com

Whitley County • November 22, 2017

Eagles hungry for success in new class By Justin Hunter jhunter@kpcmedia.com

COLUMBIA CITY – Columbia City’s boys basketball team will face tougher challenges in the postseason this year, since the Eagles have moved up a class to 4A. But head coach Brett Eberly says it doesn’t change anything from a coaching perspective. “We need to continue taking steps forward and developing our younger players. We’re in 4A now and that makes the challenge greater, but not so much that it can’t be achieved. We just need to stay who we are.” The sectional will be hosted by Huntington North and features three Summit Athletic foes in Homestead, Wayne and South Side. Eberly believes his team will rise to the occasion when it’s time. “Our regular season schedule is made in a way to prepare us for the sectional. Our goal has always been to improve every game. We worry more about the process than the results,” Eberly said. Eberly took over the program last season, after spending 16 years as an assistant coach for Columbia City. In his

debut year, the team went 13-14 and advanced to the sectional championship. The Eagles will have to move on without one of their high scoring players who graduated last year. Parker Hazen averaged 16 points, and nearly seven rebounds per game last season. Columbia City will need a collective effort in order to make up for Hazen’s absence. “We not going to replace him (Hazen) with just a player or two. It will be a collective effort. We’ll need to have many players coming out aggressive, and have more guys looking for their shots. We need to take the shots we can make,” said Eberly. The Eagles roster is young, and Columbia City fans can expect to see underclassmen on the floor as a result. There are 12 sophomores out of 17 varsity and junior varsity players. The Eagles only have five upperclassmen. Mitchell Wilson and Michael Sievers are a pair of sophomores that Eberly expects to start on the varsity team. The sophomore starters aren’t completely inexperienced at the varsity level. “Mitchell is just a sopho-

Trent Simmons drives into the paint in last week’s scrimmage.

PHOTOS BY JUSTIN HUNTER

The 2017-18 Columbia City basketball team poses for a photograph. Pictured in the front row from left is Max Bedwell, Garrett Roehling, Michael Sievers, Ethan Christen and Mitchell Wilson. In the back from left is Ethan Marsh, Tyler Delauder, Dillon Sheiss, Trent Simmons, Camerson Scott, Brett Emberly and Tyler Wolfe.

more, but he’s started every game after the fifth game last season. He has experience at this level, and it’s going to help,” said Eberly. “The hope is that many players will experience valuable minutes and grow into their new roles.” The Eagles will also rely on three senior starters in Garrett Roehling, Ethan Christen and Trent Simmons.

Columbia City’s Cameron Scott boxes out a Goshen player.

Eberly says that he’s liked what he’s seen from his team this season, and says they’re an easy team to coach. “I like their willingness to get better. They’re very coachable players. They learn fairly quickly, and they like each other. They enjoy playing basketball with each other and hanging out together,” said Eberly.

Columbia City’s Max Bedwell shoots the ball for a jumper at Goshen last week.

Eberly says the list of things he would like to improve are nearly endless, since the season is young. “We will be working more on general executions. Can we execute and stay organized when things get quicker? That’s the big question. We need to make sure our minds stay sharp and under control and stay composed as we play games,” said Eberly.

Columbia City’s Mitchell Wilson looks to teammates to pass the ball to in last week’s scrimmage.

The Eagles believe that their fans will enjoy watching and take pride in their style of play. “We’ll be a fun team to watch,” said Eberly. “I think people will appreciate the effort they’ll put forward. They’re going to be a team that plays extremely hard and play together. We’re going to give ourselves a chance to battle and win games.”

Ethan Christen has his eyes on the basket while shooting a three pointer against Goshen.

FOLLOW WHITLEY COUNTY SPORTS Thursday, November 23 No events scheduled

Friday, November 24 Columbia City girls basketball at Bishop Luers, 6 p.m.

Saturday, November 25 Columbia City boys basketball hosts Warsaw, 6:15 p.m.

Monday, November 27 No events scheduled

WhitleyCounty County Whitley wc wc

inwhitleycounty.com

Tuesday, November 28 Columbia City swimming at Bellmont, 5:30 p.m. Columbia City girls basketball hosts Bishop Dwenger, 6:15 p.m. Churubusco girls basketball hosts Adams Central, 7:15 p.m. Whitko wrestling hosts North Miami, 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, November 29 Columbia City wrestling hosts Churubusco, 6:30 p.m. Churubusco boys basketball hosts Leo, 7:30 p.m.

Submit your sports stories or photos to Justin Hunter at jhunter@kpcmedia.com

SPORTS

Whitley County • November 22, 2017

INwhitleycounty.com • A13

CC BOYS BASKETBALL

’Busco cheer active after three-year competition hiatus By Justin Hunter jhunter@kpcmedia.com

Michael Sievers lays the ball up for a layup, despite heavy defense from Goshen.

PHOTOS BY JUSTIN HUNTER

Columbia City’s basketball team gathers during a timeout in last week’s scrimmage against Goshen.

Garrett Roehling takes a deep jumper in the scrimmage at Goshen.

Dillon Sheiss concentrates on the basket before he takes a free throw shot at Goshen.

GIRLS HOOPS ACTION Huntington North 44, Whitko 27

SOUTH WHITLEY – The Whitko girls basketball teams were flustered in the first quarter and could not recover. The Lady Wildcats fell to Huntington North 44-27 last week. The Lady Vikings overwhelmed Whitko early in the game. Huntington North outscored the Lady Wildcats 18-4 in the first quarter. Whitko was outscored in the first three quarters. The Lady Wildcats did end on a good note, out shooting Huntington North 12-6 in the fourth quarter. Ellie Snep led the Lady Wildcats with 17 points and 17 rebounds, while Kayla Schipper followed with six points and six rebounds. “We had some offensive struggles in the first half but defensively we played really well,” said coach Rick Bragg. “As we have all year, we refuse to back down or quit and that incredible effort and mental toughness really came through in the second half.” Marion 47, Columbia City 28

MARION – Columbia City’s girls basketball team fell to Marion 47-28 last Friday. The Lady Eagles were competitive, but Marion was always in control. The Lady Eagles were outshot 10-6 in the first quarter. Marion built a stable 29-17 lead at half.

Columbia City outshot Marion in the second half, but could not generate a comeback. Madison-Grant 64, Whitko 56

FAIRMONT – Whitko’s girls basketball team could not overcome their first quarter let down and lost to Madison-Grant 64-56 last week. The 56 points scored by Whitko was a season high for the team. The Lady Wildcats were outscored 13-5 in the first quarter. Whitko drew even with the Lady Argylls for the rest of the game. Whitko’s Ellie Snep took control and scored 26 points and 21 rebounds. “Ellie was simply unbelievable,” said head coach Rick Bragg. “She took her team on her shoulders and until the very end kept us in a position to win the game.” Anna Ousley followed with nine points, all of which came from threepointers. “We now have a week to let some injuries continue to heal, work on some of the little things, and push the team to continued growth and improvement,” said Bragg. “We are so very close to seeing the growth turn into some wins.” Snider 56, Columbia City 45

COLUMBIA CITY – Columbia City’s girls basketball team dropped last week’s home game to Snider, 56-45.

The Lady Eagles got off to slow start early in the game. Snider outscored Columbia City 17-5 in the first quarter. Columbia City played much more competitively for the last three quarters. The Lady Eagles outscored Snider 40-39 after the first quarter.

Despite our lack of size, we outrebounded Peru. With each passing day, we become better and the kids we need on the floor who are nursing injuries then are a day closer to becoming healthy and cleared to play.”

Peru 55, Whitko 40

WINONA LAKE – Churubusco’s girls basketball team was outmatched and lost 47-34 last week. The Lady Eagles were out hustled in the first quarter, being outscored 15-8. Lakeland Christian had a steady 26-15 lead at the half. Churubusco was unable to muster a comeback against the Lady Cougars.

PERU – Whitko’s girls basketball team fell to Peru last week, 55-40. The Lady Wildcats kept the game close, as the teams were tied 21-21 at half. The Lady Tigers scored 17 points in both the third and fourth quarter to put the game away. Kayla Schipper led the Lady Wildcats with 15 points and five assists, while Ellie Snep followed with 10 and led with 15 rebounds. “There are several positive components of the Peru game that do not show up in the score book,” said Whitko head coach Rick Bragg. “One, we handled a full court press with no turnovers. We ran our offense much better and the kids are seeing the many options that are available to them. I think Snep and Schipper in particular are feeling much more comfortable in their new role of being scorers. Anna Ousley shot the ball well. We are beginning to transition from offense to defense and change up defenses without mental mistakes or missed assignments.

Lakeland Christian 47, Churubusco 34

Fairfield 74, Churubusco 16

GOSHEN – Churubusco’s girls basketball fell a talented Fairfield team 74-16 last week. Fairfield gave everything the Lady Eagles could handles early in the game. The Lady Falcons outscored Churubusco 15-3 in the first quarter. Fairfield did not keep their foot off the pedal, as the Lady Falcons went into half with a 36-7 lead. Fairfield was not done. The Lady Falcons outshot Churubusco 38-9 in the second half. All of Churubusco’s nine points came in the third quarter. Compiled by Justin Hunter

CHURUBUSCO – Overcoming some obstacles, the Churubusco cheer team competed in its first competition in three years on Nov. 4., placing 18th among the participants. The competition took place at New Castle High School, which has the largest high school in the nation (capacity 9,325). The Lady Eagles competed in the timeout division, which consists of cheerleaders pumping up the crowd like they do during breaks at basketball games. “To be competitive in the other division, you need half your team to tumble and do very difficult types of dance. We don’t have that kind of skill being a small school, so we competed in the timeout division,” said nine-year coach Melissa Shearer said. The Eagles cheer team placed 18th out of 23 teams. Shearer believes they could have performed better if the Eagles didn’t run into a series of unfortunate events leading up to the championship. “We had some havoc leading up to the event. We had a girl out with a concussion and two others could not make it,” said Shearer. “We only had 14 compete, and the result was 18th place. I thought the result was good considering what we went through.”

They Eagles were to have some competition experience before the state finals, but those plans fell apart. “We were wanting to compete at (the University of) Saint Francis a few weeks before the state competition, but the flu went around on our team, so we could not participate,” said Shearer. Shearer hoped that the Eagles would perform better, but she’s proud of the girls for fighting on through the battle. “It’s not as great as we hoped for. But we did well for it being our first time in a long time. Most of them have never competed before, so we’ll take what we got. It was a rebuilding type experience and we’ll move on,” said Shearer. Cheerleading is a year-round sport with only one week off in the summer. “There is a stigma that cheerleading isn’t as difficult as the sport really is, and both Shearer and the cheer team is aware of the perception. “People perceive cheerleading that it’s about putting on a skirt and looking cute and jumping around,” said Shearer. “That’s the worst misconception ever. It takes a lot of strength and ability to lift each other. You have to deal with so much mental challenges, and they deal with many thinking that cheerleading is easy. It is not.”

★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★ ★ ATHLETE OF THE WEEK ★ SPONSORED BY ★ ★ ★ ★ 7207 Engle Road ★ Fort Wayne, IN 46804 ★ ★ (260) 436-2255 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Anna Ousley Whitko’s Anna Ousley hit three shots from ★ behind the arc against Madison-Grant last ★ ★ week. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

A14 â&#x20AC;˘ INwhitleycounty.com

CCHS Semi-Formal

Whitley County â&#x20AC;˘ November 22, 2017

Braden Lickey, Grace Martinez, Hayley Urban and Macey Hill

Adrianna Foster and Kaitlyn Foster

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

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

Cole Meyers, Zach Harker, Cameron Harris, Jake Wigent and Charlie Collins

Sidney Basham, Vanessa Darley and Shianne Brooke

Elaina Halferty

Grace Mills, Ellie Mohler, Evin Parker, Ryleigh Lemmon and Maddie Schroeder

For the best sports coverage on the field, on the court, on the track, on the course, on the mat, and on the ice.

MARKETING

SOLUTIONS

Online

Mobile

Ellie Mohler and Ryleigh Lemmon

INwhitleycounty.com • A15

Whitley County • November 22, 2017

Photos submitted via IN|Whitley County Facebook page

Blake Deno, Jake Kilgore and Klayton Parker

Shauna Young, Olivia Koontz, Taylor Tinsley and Emma Sowders Sydney Korte and Lawson Hahn

Alexis Asfour and Jayma Acres

Elizabeth Wagner and Mattie Dahms

Brenden Schaper, Tanner Clark and Brendan Roberts

Kendall Longenbeugh, Sarah Minier and Kendall Scott

Business Editor Wanted Riley Bunyan, Katie Hoag, Brianna Laux, Kari Zent and Hailey Hinen

KPC Media Group Inc. is seeking an editor to oversee the production of a newspaper in northeast Indiana in print and online. Based in Fort Wayne, IN the role is one that requires an organized multitasker who is sociable, deadline driven and has a general interest in data-driven news, community-based journalism and local industries and topics. The editor will be expected to get involved in the community outside the office and represent the publication and company at various events and engagements. The editor will serve as a mentor and resource to a team of reporters. The editor will be a working editor, writing stories weekly as well as editing reporters’ material and coordinating coverage. The editor will be responsible for overseeing the publication’s website in terms of news content, ensure and maintain an active social media presence and coordinate the production of a daily newsletter. The editor will work closely with other KPC Media Group Inc. editors to support, promote and build news coverage across the company. The ideal candidate has a bachelor’s degree in Journalism or equivalent experience, at least seven years of industry experience, excellent problem solving skills and at least two years of management experience. The candidate should have a solid understanding of AP style, Excel and social media. Skills in photography, videography, InDesign and Photoshop are a plus. To apply, please submit resume and cover letter to: hr@kpcmedia.com and list “Editor” in the subject line. KPC Media is a family-owned company offering competitive pay and benefits. EOE/Drug free workplace

Logan Price

A16 • INwhitleycounty.com

Whitley County • November 22, 2017

Majority of properties in flood zones not covered by insurance By Steve Garbacz sgarbacz@kpcmedia.com

Only about 15 percent of homes located in hazardous flood zones are covered by a flood insurance policy across the four-county area, according to a data analysis provided by The Associated Press. In total, less than 2 percent of all homes in northeast Indiana are protected by flood insurance. The AP analyzed data from the National Flood Insurance Program in the wake of extreme flooding that struck Texas due to Hurricane Harvey. The AP’s analysis showed that the number of active flood insurance policies nation-

Only 15 percent of homes in flood hazard zones protected wide has dropped about 14 percent since peaking in 2009, even in flood-prone areas that were already significantly underinsured. In Noble, DeKalb, LaGrange and Steuben counties, a total of 3,871 homes are located in hazardous flood zones — areas that are at a 1 percent risk of flooding every year. Of those, just above 15 percent — 585 homes — carry an active flood insurance policy. Of all homes in the region, very few properties carry flood insurance policies. DeKalb County has the fewest active policies at just 0.4 percent of all

homes, while LaGrange County is the highest at 1.7 percent. Property owners who have borrowed to buy property are required by their lender to carry flood insurance if they live within a flood zone. But once a mortgage is paid off, the homeowner can choose whether to continue that coverage. Many property owners apparently don’t keep the coverage. Why people who live in flood zones don’t maintain coverage is a huge unanswered question, one that vexes officials who work in flood mitigation

JOIN OUR GROWING TEAM OF MULTIMEDIA ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Are you a motivated self-starter with strong communication and presentation skills? Do you crave a fast-paced and exciting work environment?

Come join our Columbia City team!

Qualified candidates should send a cover letter and resume to dtollefson@kpcmedia.com

Whitley County inwhitleycounty.com

Serving Whitley County

Online

Mobile

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

like Maumee River Basin Commission Executive Director Rodney Renkenberger, who is also a former elected Noble County surveyor. The Fort Waynebased river group works primarily in flood control, and the Maumee basin contains almost all of DeKalb County, the eastern third of Steuben County and a portion of southeast Noble County. “That’s the milliondollar question all of us in floodplain management would like to answer,” Renkenberger said. “Statistically, if you’re in a mapped flood zone, the chances of your house being damaged by flood is much greater than being damaged by fire, but yet people still refuse. It’s like if there’s one thing they’re going to do without its the flood insurance.” Cost is likely an issue, as flood insurance policies can be expensive. In the four-county area, average policy costs range from $769 per year in Noble County to $1,353 in DeKalb County. All four counties have seen the average price of flood insurance premiums increase since 2012, when prices ranged from $622$934. Another issue is that many homes that were built in flood zones likely were built before national flood maps were created. They were built at a time prior to flood regulations, so they’re at risk but have been around so long they don’t fall under the mandatory coverage requirement with lenders, Renkenberger said. “You look at the demographics of the typical home in a flood zone, it’s probably built between the ’20s and the late ’50s, early ’60s. It was what we call pre-flood insurance rate map,” he said. “A lot of those homes have been kept in the family for three, four generations, and they’re bought and paid for and they have no reason or no desire to carry the flood insurance.” The low flood insurance coverage rates are likely also a symptom of complacency, that if homeowners don’t see a flood as an imminent threat, they’ll drop insurance. That’s exemplified by something the West Lakes community west of Rome City experienced during a greater than 100-year flood this summer. West Lakes Association President Diann Scott said she heard a version of that multiple times this

summer, when several inches of water washed out hundreds of homes and caused a full sewer system shutdown. “There were homes that had water in them that haven’t had water in them since the 1940s. Had they been covered by flood insurance since the ’40s, they would say it hasn’t been worth it,” she said. “Insurance is one of those things you pay it and hope you never have to use it, but, man, when you need it, you really wished you had it.” Scott doesn’t know how many of the approximately 500 homes on the flood-prone lakes chain have flood insurance. It’s definitely not 100 percent. Noble County Emergency Management Agency Director Mick Newton told county commissioners this week that he’s confident it’s less than 50 percent and maybe about one-third. That would be better than the national and county average, but considering West Lakes has suffered two major floods in the past three summers, $800 a year is a small price to pay when it could protect an owner from suffering several thousands of dollars in damages. While photos from Hurricane Harvey showed floodwater up to the roofs on some homes, Renkenberger said it doesn’t take

nearly that much water for a house to be a total loss. Once water soaks into the walls, it will naturally wick upward, usually requiring drywall to be torn out and replaced. With 2 feet of water, a house is going to suffer substantial damage, Renkenberger said. If the water hits 3 feet, it’s almost guaranteed water is going to wick up and require a total tear-out of the walls. “At that point, you’re ripping everything out, and the mold and mildew you have to fight,” he said. On top of protecting against damages, the flood insurance program can provide up to $30,000 toward elevating a home out of the floodplain, which can cover a good chunk of the cost to prevent future flood damage. If a home is substantially damaged and a property owners wants to take advantage of a federal buyout program, a person will flood insurance also will have a much easier time with that process. “From a standpoint of someone who has helped to bail out those where their homes were substantially damaged and beyond habitation, it’s a huge difference between someone who has flood insurance and someone who does not,” Renkenberger said. “The folks who have flood insurance, we can get them into a new home much quicker than someone who doesn’t.”

PHOTOS BY STEVE GARBACZ

Water surrounds two house on Steinbarger Lake Road at West Lakes in Noble County in this file photo from June. Throughout the four-county region, only about 15 percent of homes located in hazardous flood zones have flood insurance.

A high-water sign stands just before floodwater on Steinbarger Lake Road in this file from West Lakes in Noble County in June. The area was hit with a second flood in the past three summers. Many residents on the flood-prone lake system don’t carry flood insurance.

Your advertising can reach a larger audience for less! KPC Marketing Solutions marketing@kpcmedia.com • 260-426-2640 x 3324

INwhitleycounty.com • A17

Whitley County • November 22, 2017

S M A L L B U S I N E S S S AT U R D AY N O V 2 5 #SH

MA S P O

AUMSBAUGH FLOORING Quality Imported & Domestic Products

Mention this Ad for

10% OFF STOREWIDE Now Thru 11/30/17

• Electronics • TVs • Home Surveillance • Gadgets • Toys • Audio • Sound Bars • Bluetooth Speakers • Headphones • Novelties • One of a Kind Items & MUCH MORE!! 225 W Van Buren St. Columbia City, IN 46725

(574) 529-4994

www.facebook.com/ACNewTechDeals/

SHOP SMALL • SHOP HERE TAX AMNESTY SATURDAY!

Sales • Repair • Upgrades • Service Hardware • Software • Data Backup

Christmas Festival & Market Saturday, December 2nd • 3-8 p.m. Grace Lutheran Church Saturday, December 9th • 3-8 p.m. Community of Hope Church Sponsored by:

Bring in this coupon for

COMPUTER DIAGNOSTICS $20.00 Value - Regularly $40.00

50% OFF

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

Destination Hardwood

Benchmark ....................... WAS $7.89 sf ............ NOW $6.79 sf White House Oak ................ WAS $7.79 sf ............ NOW $6.69 sf Brushstroked Oak ............... WAS $7.79 sf ............ NOW $6.69 sf

Happy Pets Luxury Vinyl Plank

Headquarters ..................... WAS $3.59 sf ............ NOW $3.09 sf Bulwark............................ WAS $4.19 sf ............ NOW $3.69 sf Fortified Blend ................... WAS $4.19 sf ............ NOW $3.69 sf Now with the only flooring protection and warranty that covers all pets, all accidents, all the time.

Lifetime Pet Stain Protection Resists Dents, Scrapes & Pet Claws Easy to Clean Pet Accidents Reduces Pet Odors

Join us for Small Business Saturday for 15% OFF the Entire Store! 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Gift Certificates Available!

114 West Van Buren Street Columbia City, Indiana 46725

(260) 213-7639

For ALL of Your Saltwater & Freshwater Fish & Aquarium Supplies

(260) 244-4882

Free Gift Wrapping

30% OFF in Stock or Custom Orders

Includes Gold On Sterling (In stock items only)

Mon.-Thurs. 9-5; Fri. 9-6; Sat. 9-3 103 S. Main St., Columbia City (260) 244-6411

WE BUY GOLD

Valid Fri 11/24 & Sat 11/25 Only

FREE

Pair of Red Wing Socks w/ Purchase of Red Wing Boots at Regular Price

Small Business Saturday *DEAL*

20% OFF Livestock -

Freshwater & Saltwater *See Store for Details

Valid Fri 11/24 & Sat 11/25 Only

SHOP SMALL to Save Big & Moore!

ShoesMore_80947

YOUR LOCAL STOP

215 W Van Buren St, Columbia City, IN 46725

“Whitley County’s Jeweler Since 1950”

Black Hills Gold Sale

Destination Carpet | Destination Hardwood Pet-Friendly Destination | Destination Luxury Plank Save NOW on Destination Hardwood & ALL Carpet 15% OFF! Happy Pets Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring!

Downtown Columbia City

@BeckEnterprises

RECYCLE

1032 W Depoy Dr., Columbia City, IN 46725 Mon - Fri 8AM - 6PM | Sat 9AM - 1PM | Closed Sundays (260) 248-8206 | www.aumsbuaghflooring.com

Small Business Saturday Marketplace at: Community of Hope Church 208 W Jackson St., Downtown Columbia City

B.E. Computer

Why Pay More? Smart Phone & Tablet Screen Repair Ink Cartridges - About 50% OFF Manufacturer Price Most Laptop Chargers & Batteries ONLY $45.00

OPEN Sat. Nov. 25th 9AM - 2PM

122 W. Van Buren St. Columbia City, Indiana 46725

(260) 918-2221 www.twistedtailfins.com

A18 • INwhitleycounty.com

Whitley County • November 22, 2017

Toll Free 1-877-791-7877

KPC Classiﬁeds wc

Open Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Place your ad 24/7 online or by e-mail

Indiana Classified Advertising Network

E-mail classiﬁeds@kpcmedia.com AGE GAR LE

Whitley County

inwhitleycounty.com

BUILDING MATERIALS DISCOUNT ROOFING Dimensional shingles: Only $36 per square ($12 per bundle), Delivery Available. www. CardwellHomeCenter. com, 3205 Madison Avenue, Indianapolis (317) 788-0008.

DEADLINE: 12:00 noon Monday

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

■ KPC LIMITATIONS

Photo REPRINTS

LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY:

Hundreds of published and non-published photos are now online for purchase. Check them out today!

Classified Line Ads All New Ads, cancellations, and corrections require payment in advance. No Refunds.

■ HOMES FOR SALE

All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act which makes it illegal to advertise "any preference limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination." Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians; pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination call HUD Toll-free at 1-800-669-9777. The toll-free telephone number for the hearing impaired is 1-800-927-9275.media. com

Check Your Ad Advertisers should check their classified ads in the 1st issue and report errors immediately. No allowance can be made when error(s) do not materially affect the value of the ad. KPC Media is not responsible for damages resulting from error(s). We reserve the right to edit, cancel, or deny any ad deemed objectable or against KPC ad policies. KPC assumes no liability or financial responsibility for typographical errors or for omission of copy, failure to publish or failure to deliver advertising. KPC is not responsible for and you agree to make no claim for specific or consequential damages resulting from or related in any manner to any error, omission, or failure to publish or deliver.

AVAILABLE ONLY AT

.COM Paying up scrap cars 4 sale als

that r o f g n Looki loyee? p m e CT PERFE

IVAN'S Junk A up to 260-2

FOR SALE MERCHANDISE, SERVICES & MISCELLANEOUS DISH Network. 190+ Channels. FREE Install. FREE Hopper HDDVR. $49.99/month (24 mos) Add High Speed Internet - $14.95 (where available) CALL today & SAVE 25%! 1-855-551-9764 DIRECTV. NFL Sunday Ticket (FREE!) w/ Choice All-Included Package. $60/mo for 24 months. No upfront costs or equipment to buy. Ask about next day installation! 1-800319-1528

SAVE on internet and TV bundles! Order the best exclusive cable and Satellite deals in your area! If eligible, get up to $300 in Visa Gift Cards. CALL NOW! 1-800-609-2743 Spectrum Triple Play! TV, Internet & Voice for $29.99 ea. 60 MB per second speed. No contract or commitment. More Channels. Faster Internet. Unlimited Voice. Call 1-855-6637513 HughesNet: Gen4 satellite internet is ultra fast and secure. Plans as low as $39.99 in select areas. Call 1-800-970-2068 now to get a $50 Gift Card! HEALTH Got Knee Pain? Back Pain? Shoulder Pain. Get a pain-relieving brace at little or NO cost to you. Medicare Patients Call Health Hotline Now! 1-800478-7594. Smart Health Dental Insurance. Most dental procedures covered. No waiting periods! Most plans start at about $1 a day! FREE no obligation quote. Call now! 1-866-9712603

■ CON DUPL Avilla Duplex. $6 1BA. and 260-8

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

1-877-791-7877

DRIVER - CDL A TRAINING. $250 - $500 Incentive Bonus. No Out of Pocket Tuition Cost! Get Your CDL in 22 Days. Paid Training after Graduation. 6 Day Refresher Courses Available. Minimum 21 Years of Age. (877) 899-8741. EOE. Www. kllmdrivingacademy. com New Starting Base Pay - .50 cpm w/ option to make .60 cpm for Class A CDL Flatbed Drivers, Excellent Benefits, Home Weekends, Call 800-648-9915 or www. boydandsons.com HOME EVERY WEEK! $5,000 Sign On Bonus, Dedicated Customer, $65K+ Annually and Excellent Benefits Plan! CALL 888-4096033 www.Drive4Red. com (6 months experience and CDL A required). SERVICES SAVE YOUR HOME! Are you behind paying your MORTGAGE? Denied a Loan Modification? Is the bank threatening foreclosure? CALL Homeowner’s Relief Line now for Help 866587-1571

Struggling with DRUGS or ALCOHOL? Addicted to PILLS? Talk to someone who cares. Call The Addiction Hope & Help Line for a free assessment 888331-1847 SERIOUSLY INJURED in an AUTO ACCIDENT? Let us fight for you! We have recovered millions for clients! Call today for a FREE consultation! 844-5176414 SPORTING GOODS / GUNS & HUNTING / MISCELLANEOUS GUN SHOW! Muncie, IN - Nov. 25th & 26th, Delaware County Fairgrounds, 1210 N. Wheeling Ave., Sat. 9-5, Sun. 9-3 For information call 765993-8942 Buy! Sell! Trade! STEEL BUILDINGS PIONEER POLE BUILDINGS - Free Estimates - Licensed and insured - 2x6 Trusses - 45 Year Warranty Galvalume Steel - 19 Colors Since 1976 - #1 in Michigan-Call Today 1-800-292-0679

Group -800-7

AS &KHFN 2XW WKH &ODVVLÀ HGV SATURDAY, DECEM ERY 326

General Help Wanted Northeast bottling. 260-343-0208 Call for appointment.

To place a listing or an ad contact

260.347.0400 VIDEO VID DEOO FEATURES FEA EAATURRE RES ES on on

kpcnews.com

Leona Chrysler Ext. 1115

APARTMENTS

FOR RENT

■ BUILDINGS

WE BUILD POLE BARNS AND— Garages. We also re-roof and re-side old barns, garages and houses. Call 260-632-5983 or 260-255-7463. (A)

■ MERCHANDISE

SHOP OVER 90 UN FIND THAT SPECIA STOREWID

Come See Sa

ANTIQUE & C HOLIDAY

BUSINESS SERVICES DIRECTORY

SELL YOUR STUFF FAST! Only $12 a week REACH OVER 30,000+ READERS IN WHITLEY COUNTY EACH WEEK BY PLACING YOUR MERCHANDISE FOR SALE AD IN IN WHITLEY COUNTY & THE CHURUBUSCO NEWS. All merchandise for sale ads must be pre-paid. One item per ad, merchandise only. Up to 4 lines for only $12.00 per week. No refunds. Private party only.

Whitley County inwhitleycounty.com

Call 877-791-7877 to advertise. Wish that Special Someone a

HELP WANTED DRIVERS

ATTRACT ATTENTION! Customized Apparel • Bags • Cups Novelties • Pens • Calendars Magnets • etc. PROMOTIONS

PROMOTIONS

PROMOTIONS marketing@kpcmedia.com 260-426-2640 x 3313

Your advertising can reach a larger audience for less! KPC Marketing Solutions marketing@kpcmedia.com 260-426-2640 x 3324

MARKETING

SOLUTIONS

Margie’s Place

The Gift and Decorating Shop in the Country Christmas Merchandise will be out by Nov. 2nd at Margie’s Some Product Lines carried at Margie’s: Rowe Pottery, Candles: Cross Roads, Warm Glow & Luminara, Moda Fabrics, Amish Made Painted Pine and Hardwood stained and ﬁnished furniture, and much more.

Located at 4380 S 500 E, Columbia City, IN

YOUR DIRECT MAIL EXPERTS. Address, pre-sort, delivery, targeted mailing lists. Save time & money.

marketing@kpcmedia.com 260-347-0400 x 1170

260-248-8660

INVITATIONS - BUSINESS CARDS & FORMS BROCHURES - POSTERS - BANNERS - MENUS SIGNS - CANVAS PRINTS - AND MORE!

KPC Print & Design marketing@kpcmedia.com 260-347-0400 x 1170

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 WELL DRILLING 4”-5”-6”-8”-10”-12”

• Plumbing • Well Repair & Service

In State Plumb. Lic. No. CP81026273

Kim Wheeler Well Service 2”up to12”

Water Well Contractors 7055 N 350 W • Columbia City, IN 46725

(260) 799-5511 800-552-3660

Hours: Thurs., Fri., Sat. 10am-5pm

WE CAN PRINT ANYTHING!

Ad deadline: Every Monday at 11 a.m. CALL: 260-347-0400 Today!

McMillen Painting & Wallpapering

Websites • Online Marketing Social Media Advertising Video Production & Photography

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!

260-426-2640 x 3324 marketing@kpcmedia.com

INwhitleycounty.com • A19

Whitley County • November 22, 2017

Community Calendar Include news of your group, too

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

Nov.

23 24

26 28

Nov. 22

• The Whitley County Chamber of Commerce will host Chip Stephenson, of the Columbia City Police Department, for its Women’s Lunch Series. Stephenson will share tips on how to keep yourself safe, avoid identity theft and still enjoy the holiday season. The cost is $15 per person, including lunch. RSVP to the Chamber by calling 248-8131 or email office@ whitleychamber.com. • Chapman’s Brewing Company will host a release party for a new beer and are partnering with The Impact Center in Columbia City for a food drive. Items needed for the center include canned fruits and vegetables, boxed meals and pasta. For every $10 donated, the center can buy 50 pounds of food for a family.

Dec.

Nov. 23

• The annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner, hosted by the Columbia City Rotary Club, is 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Whitley County 4-H Center. The event is for those who would otherwise not have a traditional Thanksgiving meal, regardless of need. Free-will donations will be accepted and delivery is available for those who cannot make it to the 4-H Center. To reserve a meal delivery, call J&J Insurance at 244-6174 or Smith & Sons Funeral Home at 244-7601. To make a monetary donation or assist with a limited number of volunteer positions, call one of the numbers above. Nov. 24

• The annual Lighted Christmas Parade in downtown Columbia City begins at 6 p.m. The celebration will welcome Santa to his house on the northwest corner of the Courthouse square, among various other activities. • Small Business Friday and Saturday in the Churubusco occurs on Nov. 24-25. • The Walk of Trees is 5-8 p.m. at the Clugston Senior Apartments in downtown Columbia City. Raffle tickets may also be purchased for a chance to win one of the decorated trees. Tickets are $1 or six for $5, and will be available at the door. Proceeds from the event benefit low-to-moderate income residents. The raffle drawing is Dec. 9. Need not be present to win.

Nov. 25

• A tree lighting ceremony starts at 6 p.m. in downtown Churubusco. • Shop Small Saturday in Whitley County is 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Shop Small Saturday has become a holiday shopping tradition for many, and many local businesses will offer specials, gift ideas, samples and small-town friendly service. The Whitley County Chamber of Commerce may have limited booth space available. For details, contact jennifer@whitleychamber.com. • The Walk of Trees is 5-8 p.m. at the Clugston Senior Apartments in downtown Columbia City. Raffle tickets may also be purchased for a chance to win one of the decorated trees. Tickets are $1 or six for $5, and will be available at the door. Proceeds from the event benefit low-to-moderate income residents. The raffle drawing is Dec. 9. Need not be present to win. Nov. 26

• The Whitley County Community Christmas Celebration will host a meeting at 4 p.m. at Columbia City United Methodist Church. The meetings are open to the public to receive ideas, or anyone wanting to volunteer in any capacity. There are still openings for refreshments, publicity, costumes and cast organization. Contact Craig or Ginger Crosson at 327-3708.

Nov. 28

• Passages Inc. will receive a matching grant for #GivingTuesday from Anthony Wayne Services, up to $10,000. Donations must be made online on #GivingTuesday at passagesinc.org/#givingtuesday.

Nov. 30

• The Whitley County Council on Aging monthly birthday party is at noon at the Senior Center. The party will feature singer Kirk Hughes. • INSOURCE will host a parent training workshop on “The Special Education Process,” 6-7:30 p.m. at Peabody Public Library in Columbia City. The workshop will cover basic information about special education law and is designed to help parents undersatnd the special education process. This event is free to the public. INSOURCE receives financial support from the Indiana and U.S. departments of education. Dec. 1

• The deadline for submitting fall grant applications to the Community Foundation of Whitley County is Dec. 1. The foundation’s grant application process is online at cfwhitley.org/ grant-seekers. The foundation funds charitable projects that will make a positive impact on Whitley County and its people. • Christmas at the Courthouse begins its two night event featuring a live nativity, live local music, refreshments and storytelling. The event is from 6-8 p.m. • A Shrimp, Tenderloin and Bake Sale fundraiser will be held at American Legion Post 157 in Churubusco beginning from 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. to help pay for the medical bills of Todd Parks. Parks had a brain tumor removed on Oct. 18, and is unable to work. Delivery is available to local residents and businesses by calling 693-6263. • The Walk of Trees is 5-8 p.m. at the Clugston Senior Apartments in downtown Columbia City. Raffle tickets may also be purchased for a chance to win one of the decorated trees. Tickets are $1 or six for $5, and will be available at the door. Proceeds from the event benefit low-to-moderate income residents. The raffle drawing is Dec. 9. Need not be present to win.

8 9

Dec. 2

A benefit for Randy and Katy (Strange) Hippensteel is 4-7 p.m. at the Central Noble Elementary Cafeteria. The Hippensteels were married last summer and are expecting their first child. Randy was in a coma for 13 days and in the hospital for 40 days. The meal includes pulled pork sandwiches, hot dogs, chips, cole slaw, applesauce, baked beans, assorted desserts and drinks — for a free-will offering. There will also be an auction and silent auction. The event is sponsored by Asbury United Methodist Church. To donate or help, call Carolyn Stringfellow at 636-2278 or the church at 636-7393. Items for the silent auction or auction may be taken to the church at 605 E. Main St. in Albion. • A Christmas Festival and Market is 3-8 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church in downtown Columbia City. • An interdenominational men’s breakfast will take place at the Columbia City Church of the Brethren at 8 a.m. Men of all ages and all faiths are welcome to enjoy fellowship and an egg, hashbrown and sausage casserole. • The Walk of Trees is 5-8 p.m. at the Clugston Senior Apartments in downtown Columbia City. Raffle tickets may also be purchased for a chance to win one of the decorated trees. Tickets are $1 or six for $5, and will be available at the door. Proceeds from the event benefit low-to-moderate income residents. The raffle drawing is Dec. 9. Need not be present to win. Dec. 5

• “Shop for Paws” is a benefit for the Humane Society of Whitley County, 4:306:30 p.m. The shelter, located at 951 S. Line St., Columbia City, will host products from LuLaRoe, thirty-one, Mary Kay, Park Lane Jewelry, Young Living Essential Oils, Perfectly Posh, Old World Fudge, Traveling Vineyard, Tastefully Simple, JJ Boutique/Just Jewelry and the Pampered Chef. Guests may either purchase items at the event or place orders, and a portion of the proceeds will benefit the shelter. For more information, contact the shelter at 244-6664. Dec. 7

• The Churubusco Lions Club will host its annual Christmas dinner for the senior citizens of the Churubusco area. The annual dinner will be served at noon in the Fellowship Hall at

14 15 16 17

the Churubusco United Methodist Church, 750 N. Main St. The holiday meal menu is turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, gravy, vegetable, rolls and butter, ice cream and a beverage. Entertainment will follow the meal, including a visit from Santa Claus. To make a reservation, call Herb Gaff at 498-2285 or 341-2205 by Dec. 4. • A Christmas Open House, 3-6 p.m., hosted by the Whitley County Chamber of Commerce, will feature Hors d’ oeuvres and holiday cheer as the Chamber celebrates the beginning of its 99th year. RSVP by Dec. 1 at office@whitleychamber. com or call 248-8131. Dec. 8

• Santa will be at the South Whitley Town Hall from 5-8 p.m. • The Walk of Trees is 5-8 p.m. at the Clugston Senior Apartments in downtown Columbia City. Raffle tickets may also be purchased for a chance to win one of the decorated trees. Tickets are $1 or six for $5, and will be available at the door. Proceeds from the event benefit low-to-moderate income residents. The raffle drawing is Dec. 9. Need not be present to win. Dec. 9

• The Whitley County Historical Society’s Victorian Christmas Dinner is 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Whitley County Historical Museum on North Main Street in Columbia City. The cost is $25 per person, and period clothing is preferred but not required. Call the museum at 244-6372 to register. The meal will be catered and served by Jill Daniel Catering. All guests must register by Dec. 1. • A Christmas Festival and Market is 3-8 p.m. at Community of Hope Church in downtown Columbia City. • Breakfast with Santa, hosted by the Columbia City Main Street Association, takes place at the Van Buren center at 8 a.m. Tickets are required for attendance, and are available for purchase at www.eventbrite.com/e/breakfastwith-santa-tickets-37398043555. • The Walk of Trees is 5-8 p.m. at the Clugston Senior Apartments in downtown Columbia City. Raffle tickets may also be purchased for a chance to win one of the decorated trees. Tickets are $1 or six for $5, and will be available at the door. Proceeds from the event benefit low-to-moderate income residents. The raffle drawing is Dec. 9. Need not be present to win. • The Festival of the Hanging of the Greens takes place at the Churubusco United Methodist Church Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. The festival will ffeature readings of Christmas traditions, music by local talent and a live nativity scene. Dec. 14

• A blood drive will be hosted at Faith Lutheran Church in Churubusco, 9251 E. State Road 205, 1:30-6:30 p.m. Schedule your donation at redcross.org or call 800-RED-CROSS. • Books and Booze meets at Downtown on the Square to discuss the book “Seven Brief Lessons on Physics” by Carlo Rovelli at 7 p.m. The club is for persons 21 and over, and no library card is required. Dec. 15

• “Death by Dessert,” Churubusco High School’s winter play, will be shown at 7 p.m. Tickets are $7 Dec. 16

• Santa will be at the South Whitley Town Hall from 5-8 p.m. • “Death by Dessert,” Churubusco High School’s winter play, will be shown at 2 p.m. Tickets are $7. Dec. 17

• Holiday Pops, performed by the Fort Wayne Philharmonic and hosted by First Church of God in Columbia City, begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children under 12, and are available for purchase online at fwphil. org, by calling the Philharmonic Box Office at 481-0777, or at First Church of God, STAR Bank, DeMoney & Grimes Funeral Home or at the door prior to the concert.

A20 • INwhitleycounty.com

Whitley County • November 22, 2017

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.