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BUSINESS & AGRICULTURE
A2 PROGRESS EDITION
MARCH, 2015
Fueling the Future IBEC turns local crops into ethanol fuel By CINDY WAKEFIELD Correspondent IBEC, or Iroquois Bio Energy Company, currently produces 50 million gallons of ethanol fuel a year. That is an increase from 40 million annually in 2007. Plans for the future include producing 60 million annually. The basic process of turning corn into gasoline involves turning a carbohydrate into sugar and then turning that sugar into alcohol, distilling and refining it. The plant converts 50 thousand bushels of mostly Jasper County corn every day into 140,000 gallons of fuel ethanol and into 375 tons of distillers grains. IBEC currently has approximately $6 million in construction slated for 2015. The facility is expanding and local construction companies are being utilized which boosts the local economy and creates support jobs. The plant currently employs 38 full time workers. Gunner Greene, IBEC’s Chef Operating Officer elaborates, “The grains are used for the retail fuel sight at the plant. We are expanding production and entering the retail fuel market.” The pump is unmanned and is available for anyone’s use. There are four ethanol blends, four grades of ethanol available to the public. There is E10, E15, E30, and E85. E85 contains 15% of gasoline and E stands for the percent of ethanol. The higher the ethanol, the less expensive the fuel. Additionally, Greene emphasizes, “We are using a renewable energy resource.” Unknown to many people, E10 and E15 can be used in all vehicles and the E85 is 90 cents cheaper than gasoline. Greene also states that there’s a tremendous amount of flex fuel vehicles that people currently drive and they may not realize that they can use ethanol gasoline, such as the Tahoe and Silverado. Greene adds, “Our retail sight is open. Come on out.” Greene also emphasizes that all of the product is sourced, processed, distributed and consumed locally. “The money stays here,” Greene adds. Ethanol use in fuel has another added benefit, that of providing our nation with energy so that we do not have to rely so much on fuel from volatile international sources. Gunner Greene is a member of the Jasper County Economic Development Committee, a Chamber of Commerce Member, and IBEC is a member of the Indiana Ethanol Producers. IBEC is also a member of the company, Growth Producers, which is part of the growing ethanol industry which currently utilizes $14.5 billion gallons of ethanol a year. Greene adds that “The 14.5 billion gallons
IBEC Chief Operating Officer Gunner Greene, was host of a tour of the facility which began inside the computer control room, where the entire operation of IBEC is run from. It is there that all the equipment is monitored and controlled. Samples of output are taken every few hours to see if any adjustments are needed. annually adds a vital component to the U.S. fuel stream.” Legislation surrounding the renewable fuels industry is under opposition and Greene spends much of his time combating the false beliefs about the ethanol industry, “Ethanol use in gasoline has been around since 1970, there is nothing new about it. It does not cause engine damage, doesn’t cause fuel to be more expensive, it is
high octane and it a good product to be blended into fuel,” says Greene. In 2005 and 2007 legislation was introduced about the industry and it is the current legislation that is under attack. The oil industry is vocal against ethanol use to allow it to keep market share. IBEC also receives corn from growers and information about this can be found on the facility’s web site, www.
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ibecethanol.com. Corn receiving hours are 7 am to 3 pm Central Standard Time, Monday through Friday. The direct line to the grain desk is (219) 866-3552. General information can be asked at (219) 866-5990. The current price for E85 is $1.45.9.
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BUSINESS & AGRICULTURE
MARCH, 2015
PROGRESS EDITION
A3
Prepared for Growth DeMotte Chamber of Commerce making moves By CHERI SHELHART editor@kvpost.net The DeMotte Chamber of Commerce recently moved their office from DeMotte’s historic Fairchild House to an office in the center of the town’s shopping district. The move gives the chamber more visibility to the public, and with new hours, a greater chance of meeting new people. The office moved in December to the new location between Tysen’s and Shear Design. Chamber President Valerie Fagen said, “It’s exciting having more visibility.” The new office has room for get-togethers and for meetings. The official ribbon cutting and open house was held Jan. 30, with the doors open to visitors during the afternoon. The DeMotte Chamber of Commerce organizes and sponsors the annual Touch of Dutch festival the second Saturday of August, which this year is Aug. 8. Last year, the festi-
val was able to receive funds through the Jasper County Tourism Commission for entertainment. This year, the Chamber hopes to do the same. With the theme, “The Touch of Dutch Goes Red, White and Blue,” a USO show is in the works for entertainment. The organizers hope to add a Friday night concert to the annual event, and a carnival for the children. This would be a first for the Touch of Dutch. Last year, the attendance was up and the Chamber is hoping for an even larger turn out for this year’s event. The South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority assisted last year with promoting and marketing the festival across the region. Chamber Executive Director Diva Rish said that helped bring people in. The parade that kicks off the festival will honor veterans, and with the community’s help, the Chamber organizers are hoping to have many vet-
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DeMotte Chamber of Commerce members celebrate the new office on Halleck Street with a ribbon cutting on Jan. 30 of this year. erans riding in the parade. The chamber has 160 members and adds an average of 10 new members each year, representing business, churches and non-profit civic organizations. An annual golf outing raises money for scholarships and for Christmas lights, that decorate the town along US Highway 231. The scholarship, $1,000, is awarded to a senior at either Kankakee Valley High School or Covenant Christian High School. The applicants have to be going into a business field to qualify. The deadline for applying is May 1, and then a committee will review the
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applicants and choose who will be this year’s recipient. It is awarded at the school’s senior awards night. Coming up next, the chamber will have a booth at the Jasper County Home Builder’s Association’s Home and Garden Expo, held each year in the gymnasium at DeMotte Elementary School. Rish expects to pass out literature about the chamber and talk to the attendees about the events and programs the chamber has to offer. The chamber has a board of directors led by the executive board of officers with President Val Fagen, of Financial Arts Inc., and Vice President Gerrit DeVries, recently retired optometrist with DeBoer Family Eyecare.
The secretary is Sue Ashley of the DeMotte Dairy Queen, and the treasurer is Jenny Jonkman of Donis CPA. The board of directors are Kent Bierma of DeMotte State Bank, Robin Bryan of Yesteryear’s, Stephanie Johnson of Jasper County REMC, Scott Leslie of Walgreen’s, Rosemary Weeks of Oak Grove Christian Retirement Village and three new board members, RJ Howard of Bub’s BBQ, Norman Hemphill of DeMotte NAPA and Roger DeGroot of the DeMotte Christian Schools. Rish said the chamber connects business with the community. She is using Facebook more and more to promote chamber businesses’ events and to promote shopping locally.
In July, the chamber is planning the annual Sidewalk Sale and Rish is looking forward to the chamber being a part of it at the new location. The chamber began in DeMotte in 1981, with a desk and a drawer. In 2006, it moved to the second floor of the Fairchild House. With the move to the strip mall on the north side of town, the office is open more hours, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information about the chamber or its members, contact the office at 219-987-5800 or email info@demottechamber.org. Find them on Facebook at DeMotte Chamber of Commerce or on the web at DemotteChamber.org.
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BUSINESS & AGRICULTURE
A4 PROGRESS EDITION
MARCH, 2015
Business Opportunities Rensselaer Chamber helps businesses spread the word By ROBERT BLANKENSHIP rblankenship@rensselaerrepublican.com The Greater Rensselaer Chamber of Commerce is always working to help local businesses and to promote the area to potential visitors. Chamber Executive Director Linda Comingore said the chamber allows businesses and other community organizations to work together. “The chamber is always looking for opportunities for our members to highlight their businesses,” Comingore said. “It allows everyone to be supportive of one another and as a community we all benefit.” Whether it is a ribbon cutting welcoming a new business or hosting a chamber after-hours event to encourage local networking, the chamber of commerce is always looking for ways to engage local businesses. The chamber also hosted events such as the farmers market to bring more people to the downtown area. The chamber currently has about 190 members
and each of those benefits from the opportunities made available through the chamber. An example is the upcoming “Start Strong” seminar for new and small businesses. The seminar helps those type businesses get organized with a goal of increasing their potential for longterm success. Comingore added that Rensselaer offers a unique small-town atmosphere unlike many neighboring towns. “We often hear about our local shops, but Rensselaer has much more to offer,” she said. “We have a lot of business services, the City of Rensselaer has its own utilities services ... we are very much self-sufficient. We have 360-degrees of services and businesses right here.” Among the ways the chamber offers opportunities for businesses to reach out to the community is through a hospitality tent at the Jasper County Fair, Kids Night at the Farmers Market, participating in Saint Joseph’s College’s Move-In Day for new students, and by providing “welcome
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bags” for new residents when the sign up for city utilities. “We have 65 members participating in the welcome bags and it offers a great opportunity for them to tell new residents about themselves and their services,” Comingore said. The chamber is also one of the first places people may call to learn more about Rensselaer or to find out who may offer a specific service in town. “We often send out information to potential future residents and for those planning a shorter trip we help find lodging and meeting space,” Comingore said. It’s not all business at the chamber though. Comingore, along with the chamber board of directors, also help find ways to encourage businesses to get involved. “The chamber is always open to new opportunities that allow our members to be more involved in the community,” she said. Each year, the chamber hosts a special golf outing fundraiser and organizes the annual Christmas parade.
“The chamber gives our businesses the opportunity to be part of something bigger than themselves. By participating in these activities they get more benefit from their membership,” Comingore added. In 2014, the chamber held 11 ribbon cuttings for new businesses. In 2015, Cindy Teeter of the Rensselaer Republican is serving as the chamber board president, Sheila White of the Jasper County Hospital is the vice-president, Michelle Warrens of Unique Finds is the secre-
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tary, and Kathy Wilcox of CenturyLink is the treasurer. So far in 2015, the chamber has already added six new members. An addition coming to the chamber in 2015 is a new website. While the project is still in the planning stages, Comingore said it would include a calendar of events, mem-
ber directory, highlights of new members, and a photo album. The new website is expected to be up sometime this spring. Currently, the chamber can be found on Facebook or emailed at info@rensselaerchamber. org. For more information about the chamber or to become a member, call 866-8223.
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BUSINESS & AGRICULTURE
MARCH, 2015
PROGRESS EDITION
A5
Sowing Seeds for Tomorrow Fair Oaks Farms connects tradition, modern ag By NICOLE KENNEY Correspondent Fair Oaks Farms opened its barn doors to the public 11 years ago with the goal of providing the public with a close up view of how farms operate. Fair Oaks Farms CEO Gary Corbett says that consumers have many questions about where their food comes from. Therefore, Fair Oaks wanted to create a venue that could combine education and entertainment. “Only 1 percent make a living in agriculutre today. We are losing the vision of how a farm works and consumers have questions about their food. When we started Fair Oaks Farms, we wanted to bring interaction between consumers and farmers,” said Corbett when asked about the goal Fair Oaks hopes to
accomplish. Fair Oaks hopes to promote the compatability of “agriculture and environment,” “animal welfare,” and “milk is good for you.” In the the Newton and Jasper county area, Fair Oaks Farms is the very word for “Progress.” They are finding new ways every day to modernize the way people view farming, whether its for the farm itself or adding a new experience for visitors. “We are going to continue to grow to tell ag’s message and to do that, we need technology. Technology is needed now to feed America’s people,” said Corbett. Recently, Fair Oaks has developed a way to put the 1.6 million gallons of manure per day to good use. They have obtained the use of digesters which can produce bio gas out of the manure. This bio gas is used in generators
which power the entire farm. Fair Oaks also has one of the largest tractor/trailor fleets in the country which runs on this compressed natural gas. “We are going to keep adding venues and experiences that tell our story,” said Corbett. The Farmhouse Restaurant and The Market opened in July of 2014 boasting its “Farm to Table” cuisine. The Pig Adventure started three years ago and will soon have the Pork Education Center opening its doors this spring. The Pork Education Center will feature a ropes course for adults and kids which will combine fun and education. Also featured in the Pork building is a “kid house” feature created and built by the Redwood Kings, a popular show on the TV Network Animal Planet. The episode will be shown on the channel late this spring. “Fair
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Fair Oaks Farms Dairy Education Center Oaks Farms is growing and we are excited to add these new things. It will be a whole new adventure for pork and crops,” said Julie Basich, COO of Fair Oaks Farms. Currently under construction is the Crop Education Center, dedicated to traditional farm crops, opening in the Fall of 2015. Also in 2015, Fair Oaks is hoping to start constructing a John Deere Museum paying
homage to classic farm equipment. Within the next few years, Fair Oaks is looking at opening a Poultry and Egg Education Center and Beef Education. On trial now, is building an Aquaponics building that would educate on growing fish and vegetables in the same area and how the two connect. “We were a group of farmers having no experience in the world and
the fact that the way the farm has taken off, we take pride in that. We are reaching the world,” said Corbett. Fair Oaks Farms hopes to keep the 5000 plus people who tour the farm every year entertained with something new to offer everytime they visit. “We currently have a Hotel in the plans for the future and we want people to keep coming back,” said Corbett.
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BUSINESS & AGRICULTURE
A6 PROGRESS EDITION
MARCH, 2015
Building A Better Place
Remington Main Street focuses on new opportunities By CINDY WAKEFIELD Correspondent The Remington Main Street Association has been working for several years to bring new experiences and opportunities to the people of Remington. The organization has a new president this year, Shanna Shepherd, effective January, 2015. Shepherd began as a committee member for the Remington/Wolcott Community Development Organization and served on that committee for one year. When former president Wendy Schwab’s term was coming to an end, Schwab asked Shepherd if she wanted to take over the presidency. Shepherd is originally from Milford, Ind. and is married to Christopher Shepherd, a Tri County High School graduate. Shepherd currently works as the Electronic Banking Officer at The Bank of Wolcott and has worked in a variety of roles for the bank for approximately five years. Serving as the president of the Remington Main Street Association is a volunteer role for Shepherd. “We all have the same focus of making Remington a better place for our families and additional families for years to come,” she said.
In conjunction with the Remington Lions, the Remington Main Street Association is currently working on updating the Christmas lights on Route 24 to LED lights. As soon as the budget allows, the lights in downtown Remington will also be updated to LED lights. The association has also recently worked with the Town of Remington to create new welcome signs on Highway 24. The signs are currently on hold for awhile but the design has been approved. The Remington Main Street Association has several committee members, including Wendy Schwab as the Vice President, Lori Overbeck as Secretary, and Julee Wilke as Treasurer. Others in attendance at the committee meetings are Terri Stalzman and Ann Taulman. The Main Street Association also organizes the Remington Ride and this year’s ride is scheduled for September 19 and the same routes are planned. For more information, consultremingtonride.com. The association is currently developing a fundraiser with the Remington/Wolcott Community Development Corporation to help downtown businesses in the area with some of their needs, such as
PHOTO BY ROBERT BLANKENSHIP
Remington Main Street worked with the Town of Remington to create new welcome signs into the community. Those signs have not been erected, but there is a sign located at the corner of Ohio Street and Hwy. 24 pointing the way to Remington’s downtown district.
advertising or other needs. “With the Region Bank closing its Remington Branch in March, the association will work to bring in another business to the downtown area so that the building doesn’t stay vacant too long”, adds Shepherd. Remington Main
2015 Chamber sponsored events! ✓ Reality Store - Thursday, May 7 ✓ Shredding Day - Saturday, April 18 ✓ Touch of Dutch Parade and FestivalSaturday, August 8, Food Vendors, Crafters, Live Entertainment, Parade ✓ 23rd Annual Golf Scramble September 24
Street was welcomed to the Indiana Main Street program in 2008. Also, Shanna’s husband, Chris, works at Remington Seeds and along with both of the couple’s full time jobs, they also operate their crop production farm, located just south of Remington.
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327A N. Halleck St. / PO Box 721 / DeMotte, IN 46310 Office/Fax: 219-987-5800 Website: DemotteChamber.org E-mail: info@demottechamber.org facebook.com/ demottechamber
For a full member’s directory with business links and contact info, visit www.demottechamber.org
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BUSINESS & AGRICULTURE
MARCH, 2015
PROGRESS EDITION
A7
ConAgra expansion leading to new jobs By HARLEY TOMLINSON harley@rensselaerrepublican.com RENSSELAER — ConAgra Foods in Rensselaer will move into the top tier of county employers once its $8.9 million renovation project is complete sometime in early 2015. The Rensselaer plant currently employs 180 people and the project, which involved remodeling its quality assurance laboratory, redesigning its corn, slurry and salt systems and adding four microwave popcorn packaging lines to its then 122,000 square foot facility, was projected to create 80 new jobs after the first of the new year. News of the project was announced last summer with the expansion to be completed sometime in late winter of 2015. “Popcorn production and packaging has continued to expand here in Indiana, made possible by a Hoosier business climate ripe for growth,” Governor Mike Pence said in a press release. “With more than 220 million pounds of popcorn produced each year in the Hoosier State, the second leading popcornproducing state in the nation, it is easy to see why ConAgra Foods is choosing to grow its popcorn operations right here in Indiana. As new investment continues across our state, Indiana is proving time and again that we are a state that works for business.” Jasper County Hospital is the county’s
largest employer with around 450 jobs. The Advance Auto Parts plant in Remington employs 400 people. Based in Omaha, Nebraska, ConAgra Foods employs about 36,000 employees around the world, including approximately 1,100 in Indiana. “Expanding our operations in Indiana will help us meet the needs of our customers and operate as effectively and efficiently as possible,” said Mike Tracy, senior vice president of supply chain. “We are pleased with the state and local partnerships we have developed and we look forward to working together in the future.” Founded in 1919 as Nebraska Consolidated Mills, ConAgra Foods produces branded and private brand foods. Its balanced portfolio includes consumer brands found in 99 percent of America’s households, the largest private brand packaged food business in North America and a strong commercial and foodservice business. The Fortune 500 company, which has net annual sales totaling approximately $18 billion, currently operates four production facilities across Indiana, including in Rensselaer, Brookston and two facilities in Indianapolis. At the time of ConAgra’s plans for expanding the Rensselaer plant, it also announced the creation of a new 1.6 million square-foot distribution center in Frankfort, creating 76 new jobs by 2015. The new facility
will allow the company to accommodate its existing distribution center in Lebanon, Indiana, and provide flexibility to accommodate future expansions. The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered ConAgra Foods Packaged Foods, LLC up to $810,000 in conditional tax credits based on the company’s job creation plans. These tax credits are performance-based, meaning until Hoosiers are hired, the company is not eligible to claim incentives. The city of Rensselaer will consider additional incentives at the request of the Jasper County Economic Development Organization. When expansion details were announced, Rensselaer Mayor Stephen A. Wood was thrilled with the news. “ConAgra Foods is a great company and this expansion project is exciting news for Rensselaer,” he said. “The company and the community have developed a wonderful partnership over many years and we look forward to supporting ConAgra Foods’ contin-
An expansion at ConAgra is expected to be completed late winter 2015, creating 80 new jobs. ued success in Rensselaer.” ConAgra Food is one of North America’s largest packaged food companies with branded and private branded food found in 99 percent of America’s households, as well as a strong commercial foods business serving restaurants and foodservice operations globally. Consumers can find recognized brands such as Banquet, Chef Boyardee, Egg Beaters, Healthy Choice, Hebrew National, Hunt’s, Marie Callender’s, Orville Redenbacher’s, PAM, Peter Pan, Reddi-wip,
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Slim Jim, Snack Pack and many other ConAgra Foods brands, along with food sold by ConAgra Foods under private brand labels, in grocery, convenience, mass merchandise, club and drug stores. Additionally, ConAgra Foods supplies frozen potato and sweet potato products as well
as other vegetable, spice, bakery and grain products to commercial and foodservice customers. ConAgra Foods operates ReadySetEat. com, an interactive recipe website that provides consumers with easy dinner recipes and more. For more information, visit conagrafoods.com.
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A8 PROGRESS EDITION
BUSINESS & AGRICULTURE
MARCH, 2015
Iroquois Bio-Energy Company is a dry grind, fuel ethanol producer that has been a proud member of the Rensselaer community since 2007. Providing 35 quality manufacturing jobs to the local economy. Annually, IBEC processes 18 million bushels of locally produced corn into 50 million gallon of fuel ethanol, 145,000 tons of high protein dried distillers grains, and 14 million pounds of corn oil. We appreciate working directly with producers and value relationships. Give Mark and Ed a call to discuss your marketing needs. Mark (219) 866-2931 direct Ed (219) 866-2930 direct
FACT: With ethanol representing 10% of the nation’s motor fuel supply, less petroleum must be refined to meet America’s fuel needs. With 13.9 billion gallons of domestic ethanol production, the U.S. required 485 million fewer barrels of imported oil in 2014. For perspective, that is a total greater than all the oil we import from Saudi Arabia. FACT: In 2014, the U.S. ethanol industry supported 90,200 direct jobs and 311,400 indirect jobs all across the country.
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Education & Health
A New Era Begins Pastoor begins tenure as SJC’s 18th president Submitted Article
The chapel at Saint Joseph’s College.
RENSSELAER — In 2014, Saint Joseph’s College celebrated 125 years. In 2015, SJC is welcoming its 18th president, Dr. Robert A. Pastoor. Pastoor, whose presidency began on March 16, has more than 30 years of experience in higher education and came to SJC from Marietta College of Marietta, Ohio, where he served as the vice president for student life for five years. “Pastoor is a strong leader who will bring stability and growth to SJC,” said Chairman of SJC’s Board of Trustees Ben Sponseller. “He brings a healthy combination of Catholic mission, fundraising, academic excellence, student appreciation, and financial pragmatism that will ensure our long range future.” Below are Dr. Pastoor’s responses to a few questions. What about SJC impresses you? SJC impressed me from the time I was reading the material about the college when I was nominated for the posi-
SJC is welcoming its 18th president, Dr. Robert A. Pastoor, in 2015.
tion. It also impressed me a great deal when I came to campus. The campus is beautiful. The situation is great — an hour and a half from Chicago, an hour and a half from Indianapolis. What more could you ask for? I was very impressed with the people I met here during the interview process, in particular the students who came out in droves to go for the questions and answers. I have been through this before and the numbers have only included around five to ten students. This time the room was packed and I was very pleased with that. It showed their interest in me. Academically, SJC has a good reputation, and I think there is a lot of passion for the institution. What are some goals you have set as president of SJC? I need to be able to learn things about the college. I need be able to begin to understand the history and the culture of the institution. I also know there are some challenges ahead of us and certainly the major challenge is the financial challenge — to balance the budget, to work on enrollment, and to work on advancement. Correcting those areas is a goal that I have in order to move things forward and to make the foundation of the institution a stronger one. I will also be reaching out to faculty, staff, and alumni for help in those areas. During my first few months at SJC, I plan to go and visit as many people as I can — donors, alumni, board members, and friends of the college. What is one thing you want the SJC community to know about you? The one thing I want them to know is that I am passionate about the work and I am passionate about Catholic higher education. It is what drives me. It is my vocation, and as part of that vocation and that drive, I am very collaborative. I will be asking and hoping to get responses when I ask things as far
as people helping me in this position. There is a passion that drives me and that passion truly is centered on Catholic higher education, but is also centered on the students. We cannot ever lose sight of the fact that what we are doing here is because of students and without them, the buildings are nice, but that would be all there would be. We have to remember that the students are what SJC is about. How does it feel to be the College’s 18th President? I am really excited to be here. I was humbled and honored when I received the call offering me the opportunity to become the 18th president of SJC. I am very excited and I hope this is going to be a long relationship between me and everybody here at the college. My family is excited about moving out. We know that we have a lot of work ahead of us, but I think that the foundation here and the people here seem to be ready to tackle some of the difficult issues that we need to address. As long as we do that with a sense of cooperation, I think Saint Joseph’s College will soon be in a better place and we will move things forward. I am very excited about the challenge. About SJC Named a “characterbuilding college” by the Templeton Foundation, a “Best Midwestern College” by the Princeton Review, and “Best Value” and “Best Midwestern College” by US News & World Report, Saint Joseph’s College is a four-year, Catholic college offering 27 majors, 4 group majors, 35 minors, and 9 pre-professional programs, complemented by the nationally acclaimed Core Program. Founded and sponsored by the Missionaries of the Precious Blood, SJC is located in Rensselaer, Indiana, approximately 90 minutes from both Chicago and Indianapolis, on a parklike campus of 180 acres and has an enrollment of nearly 1,200 students.
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Jasper County Hospital cornerstone of health By SHERRI MORRISON smorrison@rensselaerrepublican.com Jasper County Hospital, located in Rensselaer, has spent a great deal of time making improvements throughout the building, on not only a cosmetic level, but staff, equipment and services available also. JCH held and participated in several events in 2014, in an effort to reach out to the community, which included the Jasper County Fair health fair, Saint Joseph’s Health Fair, city wellness events at Jasper County REMC, City of Rensselaer Gas Department, and Omni Forge. Flu vaccination clinics and CPR/first aid training were provided for several area businesses; and, junior achievement instruction was provided at Rensselaer Central and Kankakee Valley schools. A Mobile Food Pantry was hosted in May by JCH, along with Food Finders, to help supplement the local food pantries. The 7th annual JCH
Home Health Care and Hospice Big Event was held on May 13, 2014, at Saint Joseph’s College Halleck Center. Approximately 290 people enjoyed an evening of food, fellowship, and an outstanding performance by country singer/songwriter John Berry, with the goal of raising money for a Hospice House in the community. The 25th annual Light Up a Life Event was also held in December, which proceeds from the campaign are used to help pay for the care of those who cannot afford it, have exhausted their insurance options, or do not qualify for any other assistance. Covenant Christian High School in DeMotte, was added to the athletic training outreach program. The hospital now provides athletic training services to Kankakee Valley, Rensselaer Central, North Newton, South Newton, and Covenant, as well as Saint Joseph’s College. Grants received for JCH included a grant from the Newton County
Community Foundation for S.A.F.E.R. (Sexual Assault Forensic Exam/ Education Resource), to assist with SANE (sexual assault nurse examiner) training. The purpose of this training program is to instruct nurses in the practice of being a sexual assault nurse examiner, including all of the medical, legal, and forensic aspects involved. The hospital also received a grant from ConAgra to assist with the Meals on Wheels program, which provides meals to those in the community who meet certain criteria. In June, JCH hosted the Indiana State Senator from District 5, Ed Charbonneau. District 5 includes Pulaski County and portions of Jasper, LaPorte, Porter and Starke. Senator Charbonneau was accompanied by Jasper County Commissioner President Kendell Culp. Both individuals met with the senior management staff of the hospital and discussed the proposed Healthy Indiana Plan expan-
FILE PHOTO
Jasper County Hospital Administrator Tim Schreeg meets with State Senator Ed Charbonneau (left) and County Commissioner Kendell Culp. sion, staffing for small and rural hospitals, physician shortages and the economic impact of health care providers in the senator’s district and beyond. JCH remains one of the top three largest employers in the county. In December, the Indiana Hospital Association recognized JCH in Indianapolis for their work to reduce patient harm by 40 percent and readmissions
by 20 percent over the past three years. The recognition is based on the results of a national campaign known as Partnership for Patients, created by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, to improve quality and patient safety at hospitals nationwide. Goals for the upcoming year at JCH include the continued recruitment of physicians to the area, to meets the
needs of the community and continue to increase the number of BSN degreed nurses. JCH hopes to conclude the Community Health Needs Assessment, which must be completed every three years and continue to provide quality health care and outreach services in the community. JCH is located at 1104 E. Grace Street, in Rensselaer and the phone number is 219866-5141.
KV Schools prepares for full-day kindergarten By CHERI SHELHART editor@kvpost.net
The Kankakee Valley School Corporation is preparing the two elementary schools in its district for full day kindergarten next fall with new classrooms that will include a bathroom for each one. At DeMotte Elementary, seven new classrooms will be renovated out of existing space, and if the budget allows, new rooms on the west end of the building as well. Wheatfield Elementary has been under ongoing renovations, begun the summer of 2014 with an expected end date before the 20152016 school year begins. Part of the renovations include additional classrooms for kindergarten. The school will have a new HVAC system installed, new rooms added and other renovations. The school was built in 1956 with renovations in the 1980s. In 1994, an addition was added onto the building on the east side. The schools will also have new entry configurations for the next school year. DeMotte will have a new front driveway off of Halleck Street. This school year, a new driveway was added on the west side from Birch St. where buses can enter to drop children off on that side and exit from 10 St. This way, there is no cross traffic between buses and vehicles dropping children off at the school. The entrance to the school parking lot on the north is blocked off every morning, and people dropping off children have to enter from 9th St., and exit the same direction. Both of these changes were made with student safety in mind. In Wheatfield, parking will change as well
as the drop off points for buses and private vehicles. Parking will be across the street behind the Wheatfield Municipal Building. The main entrance will have a canopy and parking will be allowed on the south side between the school entrance and the play ground. There will be clearly marked paths for the children to follow to and from the playground without crossing the parking lot. For the second semester, the school corporation eliminated a transfer bus from the high school to the middle school. Interim Superintendent Iran Floyd said this too is for safety. There are big changes coming in the way of personnel. Assistant Superintendent Aaron Case will take over as the superintendent and a new assistant will take his place. A new principal will begin next school year at the high school after Kim Lobsiger retires at the end of this school year. This year, the corporation hired a transportation director who will be putting into effect a new routing system for next year’s buses. The head mechanic, John VanKley is retiring and will be replaced as well. Floyd said, “The corporation has never failed a bus inspection. John never missed a day when buses were on the road.” VanKley has been employed by the school corporation for 23 years, and has worked on the school buses for 33 years. In academics, the schools have implemented late starts on Wednesday for teachers to work on curriculum and to improve student achievement. The schools begin a half hour later than usual each Wednesday.
FILE PHOTO
KV elementary students celebrate Dr. Suess Day. At the high school, students were issued a Chromebook, and the curriculum includes work on the computers. The Chromebooks are expected to follow the students through each grade until graduation. At that time, after four years, the computers will be updated. Eighth graders at the middle school will be next in receiving the Chromebooks, and eventually the goal is to issue the computers to all of the middle school students. Before bringing the laptop computers to the high school, an instructional technology coach, Tim Adams, was hired to integrate the 1-1 initiative into the school’s curriculum. He will be moving to the middle school to do the same for the eighth graders.
Next year, it’s expected there will be a whole new ISTEP test. Case said this year’s tests are different and there’s so much uncertainty. “We don’t know the validity of the questions, but the teachers are still responsible and accountable,” Case said. he would like to see a growth model showing students’ progress as they move from one grade to another. Currently, he said, results of the tests aren’t out until the children are out of school for the year. This year, the corporation opted for pencil and paper for the standardized testing, for the fist session. The second session will all be done online. There will be technology enhanced questions for high school students with multiple
choice answers, with more than one answer correct. The students will have to choose the best choice out of the multiple choices. Case said they are looking at e-learning for snow days, but haven’t made any decisions on it. Floyd said they want
the program to benefit students and not be something “to babysit them with.” There has to be “rigor and relevance” and the teachers have to be able to monitor the children if there are questions. The program would also have to include modifications for special needs students. The high school will be adding to its CTE courses, career courses that include family and consumer science, IT classes, welding and vocational classes and business classes. There will be more dual credit courses added as well. The dual credit courses allow high school students to receive college credits while still in high school, saving money for tuition when they head off to college. This year, the school corporation earned an “A” from the Department of Education, and they want to stay at that level.
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EDUCATION & HEALTH
MARCH, 2015
PROGRESS EDITION
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Modernizing with Times From technology to instruction, times are changing at RCSC By ROBERT BLANKENSHIP rblankenship@rensselaerrepublican.com
Technology devices have become an important tool in education. The devices are making it increasingly possible for teachers to implement individualized lesson plans to help students improve on their weakest areas of study.
Schools within the Rensselaer Central School Corporation have been undergoing a lot of changes in recent years. From a new primary school for the youngest students to updates and renovations at all the other schools, construction projects have been a steady process. The school board is continuing that process this summer with updates at the middle school designed to improve energy efficiency. “We have done this at our other schools and have saved a lot of money ... in just over 5 years we have saved over $1 million,” said RCSC Superintendent Ned Speicher. Projects recently completed include renovations at Van Rensselaer Elementary, including turning the west wing of the building into the administration offices. At the high school, the gymnasium has a new floor and roof and the pool has received all new energy efficient components. The school district has been eyeing other changes as well, especially in the area of technology. “We have come a long way (in technology updates), but
there is always something to do in that area because technology is always changing,” Speicher said. The school system is also nearing the end of its second year of implementing its iPad curriculum. The schools are in a four-year lease for iPads and Speicher said while the structure may change, technology will always be a part of the classroom. “We will be looking to the future to decide if we want to keep what we have or go with other tablets. But, it’s not going away, it’s just a matter of what fits best with instruction,” he said. The schools implementation of technology in the classroom led the system’s tech staff to be presenters at the Florida Education Technology Conference, the first time anyone from RCSC has presented at a national conference. The group taught a session on implementing iPads for instruction. RCSC is using technology — and many other strategies — to improve the performance of students and the improvement was evident when the state released school scores this past fall. Both of Rensselaer’s elementary schools earned grades of A, the middle school picked its grade up from a D to a B and the
high school earned a high B, missing an A by 1 percentage point. The system’s graduation rate, which is also part of state scoring, has seen big improvement in recent years. Eight years ago, the graduation rate was 66 percent. Now, the system is at over 90 percent. To help each student reach their maximum potential, Speicher said the school is working hard at a more individualized learning experience, which is increasingly possible due to technology. “We are working toward a more targeted instruction and tutoring. Through testing, we can identify each student’s weak areas and develop a plan for each student to fill the gaps,” Speicher said. “We want to provide the extra help and tutoring to help each student grow and develop.” Speicher said the idea of individualized instruction is a big change compared to what has been happening in classrooms for many years. “Our goal is to meet the need of each individual child. Through technology we can target students’ needs on an individualized basis. It is a mindset change for teachers, students and the community. Every child is different,” he said.
Progressing With Community Many bright spots for Lincoln Elementary By NICOLE KENNEY Correspondent NEWTON COUNTY — Lincoln Elementary is made up of a mixture of varied students, all with varied needs. “We have pretty good kids with no major misbehavior. We have caring parents, the kids are cooperative and the staff always pitches in,” said Denise Thrasher, principal of six years at Lincoln Elementary. Thrasher said she is proud of the way the school as a whole tries to embrace every parent and child, but she also realizes there are areas for improvement. Lincoln School is trying hard to progress in the areas where students need help. Lincoln Elementary has been awarded an A on an academic scale. Though, the school has become more concerned about the special education students. There is a growing number of low
income families in the area, which seems to affect the number of students considered special education. However, the school is looking to change that by introducing more programs and ways to allow students to progress. Students who are special education are now allowed to leave the classroom with a special education teacher, where they can learn without the distractions of other surroundings. The school also offers programs for students who are non English speakers. “Progress is growing in academics and helping kids fit in socially,” said Thrasher when asked what the word “progress” means to her. Right now, the school is looking to go “one to one” which means every student would be responsible for their own iPad or computer. The school hopes to eventually create a more digital curriculum. “It’s amazing what kids can do now,” said
Thrasher. Thrasher says that the students seem to respond well to technology and seem to know more about technology than the adults do. Most testing is being done online now also. Lincoln Elementary has also been working on changing the way they teach reading and math. The school dedicates 90 minutes a day to reading and 60 minutes to math. With this, the school has begun to periodically give math tests in order to monitor students’ math progress. Lincoln introduced a new intervention program designed for the kids who struggle with math or reading. Reading tests are also given to monitor a student’s Lexile score. Thrasher is also proud of the way the community reaches out to the kids of Lincoln Elementary. The Community Church in Roselawn helps the school by providing the
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Lunch Bag program, which gives students food to take home over the weekend. Junior Achievement is also a regular program at the school, which is put on by all volunteers. In the future, the corporation is working on keeping the three elementary schools in the district more consistent with each other. “We have many students who will transfer elementary schools in the district and, eventually, all the students will meet up in junior high. We are working on making sure the schools remain somewhat the same, but also maintain individuality,” Thrasher said. Thrasher also said he hopes the elementary will be able to start up a band to go along with the choir. “Academics and kids are an all-encompassing thing. We want to create an atmosphere where kids know how to act,” she said.
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Lincoln Elementary was awarded an “A” grade from recent statewide testing.
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Kicking to Better Health Youth programs get kids out of house, into the sun By HARLEY TOMLSINSON harley@rensselaerrepublican.com The recent success of local high school sports such as soccer, softball and baseball can be traced back to how young athletes have been introduced to these activities. Organizations such as RBI baseball/softball in Rensselaer and the KV soccer league in DeMotte give youngsters ages 2-13 the chance to hone their skills either against other kids by age division or through traveling leagues. The recent trend in Rensselaer is the creation of traveling soccer teams that incorporate the best players from the Saint Joseph’s Youth Soccer League. Tom Witt of Rensselaer Advanced Youth Soccer began taking teams to indoor and outdoor leagues years ago and the soccer teams at RCHS are reaping the benefits. Anjel Clemente, who helped the Bombers claim their first boys’ soccer league title in the fall, is a product of those teams. So, too, are sisters Monica and Alex Clemente, who jump-started Rensselaer’s high school girls’ program,
and Pierce Van Houten, who will be in the final year of high school soccer next fall. Van Houten is one of the last players from those traveling youth teams that started it all. Today, parents and coaches have formed travel indoor soccer teams as another way to keep the juices flowing for kids who can’t wait until the spring and summer months to go outside and kick a ball around. But the Saint Joe league continues to reign supreme in numbers overall. Open to all kids ages 3-13, Rensselaer’s league, which calls open areas behind Saint Joseph’s College home to its many divisions, began in the early 1990s with just over a couple hundred kids to well over 300 with peak numbers at 450 or more. KV’s soccer programs, meanwhile, have benefitted from traveling teams as well, particularly the girls’ program, which is considered one of the best in Northwest Indiana. Kids begin play in the KV soccer league or River Valley Soccer League at Field of Dreams Park and some of the better ones are shuttled to
travel teams for competition against northern squads that feed into Crown Point, Valparaiso and Lake Central. DeMotte’s league, which is open to kids ages 3-13, holds not one session but two per year. Teams play on Saturdays in the fall and again in the spring, with tournaments trumpeting the end of each session. The spring session is the most popular of the two sessions. The fall brings roughly 520 kids to the Field of Dreams park in DeMotte, while the spring entices 625 kids to play. The league also sponsors four traveling teams (Under-12 boys, Under-12 girls, Under-10 girls and Under-10 boys), as well as a week-long camp in the summer.
Tom Witt, who serves as an official with the Saint Joseph’s Youth Soccer League, coached one of the first travel soccer teams in Rensselaer and remains active with the Rensselaer Advanced Soccer teams.
St. Augustine School moves forward with technology By SHERRI MORRISON smorrison@rensselaerrepublican.com With technology on the minds of school administrators across the globe, Saint Augustine Catholic School, which is a private school for ages preschool through fifth grade in Rensselaer, improving technology is at the top of the list of biggest, ongoing projects, according to Anne Dumas, principal at the school. “Improving technology and fully integrating it into the curriculum has been our biggest ongoing project for some time now. We have installed Smart Board in all the classrooms now. Kindergarten received Smart Boards this year, which goes along with our technology improvements. There are also Ipads in all classrooms this year. This is something we started two years ago and continued. Fifth grade students are allowed to take their Ipads home, while the lower grades keep theirs at
Officials at St. Augustine School have been working to integrate technology into curriculum. school. We have one Ipad for every student in the school,” Dumas said. Ipads are not used constantly at the school, but integrated into the curriculum when appropriate, according to Dumas. “It is a great learning tool and motivates the students. It is just one more teaching tool for teachers. We don’t use them all the time, but when appropriate. The older students use them more than our younger students. We received the Ipads through grants and donations,
along with state funding that we were eligible for,” Dumas said. Saint Augustine also began E-learning this year which is work done during inclement weather days when school is called off. Students are now able to do prepared lessons at home and receive credit for the school day. The school is allowed three e-learning days and Dumas thought it was a good experience for students and teachers alike, and hopes to fine tune e-learning days for the next school year.
Being named an A school by the State of Indiana has also been a great accomplishment the school can be proud of, along with numerous awards students have won on essay contests held throughout the county. “Margot Hawthorne was the fifth grade student winner for the county for her DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution) essay, along with Zachary Geleott (fourth grade) and Amzie Maienbrook (fifth grade), who were chosen as winners in the county for their Martin Luther King essays at Saint Joseph’s College,” Dumas said. Always looking for opportunities to do service projects with the students at Saint Augustine, this year they held a baby shower for Birthright, held food drives for the local food pantry, and hope to reach out to the homebound or elderly, by making visits and sending cards with the students. Both interior improvement
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projects such as sprucing up the school by improving the gymnasium windows with shades and restroom improvements, to working with a group of volunteer parents who work on the flowers beds around the school, Dumas hopes to continue beautification projects both in and outside of the school. As she sits, smiling, thinking about what she enjoys most about being a principal at Saint Augustine, young students come into her office to show her their great improvements in printing letters and a special trick one student came up with to make sure his letters face the right way. “Moments like that are what I enjoy the most. There are many highlights in a principal’s day, but when you see students enjoying learning and improving, it is very rewarding, as well as seeing them grow socially and in their faith,” Dumas said.
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Tri-County modernizing building, classrooms By DANIEL THOMPSON editor@thehj.com Tri-County Intermediate School began the process of getting a much needed facelift February 18, 2015, with construction on the first of two projects at the school started in order to prepare a new office wing, along with a media center and a science lab/ project room. The first phase of construction came from issues that were identified through one of the school board members’ tours through the building, according to Tri-County School Corporation Superintendent Dr. Kathy Goad. “Our school board regularly tours each of our facilities just to make sure that we’re keeping them in good order. In our walk through in September of 2013, we began to notice that we needed several changes. One of the biggest changes was to do with the safety of that building. After we really delved deep into what we saw, we decided that it was definitely time for that building to have a facelift. So our school board really initiated this,” Goad said. The project, slated to be completed by August 8, entails the addition of an office wing in the building, which will consist of a reception area, a principal’s office, a conference room, an infirmary, a records room, a teacher’s workroom and staff restrooms to be housed in the southeast corner of the building between the old gym and the education wing. The interior of the building will also be receiving a complete facelift with new paint, carpet, doors, ceiling, lights, student restrooms and lockers, as well as space to be enlarged for an interactive media center and a
science lab/project room. Goad states that the addition of the office wing was due to a desire to move all of the grade levels into the same part of the building to make access to key facilities easier on students. “We wanted to make sure that we have all of our grade levels in the same end of the building. The office sat right in the center of the two ends of the building and took up quite a bit of space. So we had one entire grade level in the old wing of the building, and we wanted to make sure we could get all of the classrooms in the new wing of the building, and that students had equal access to the media center and to the science classroom. So when we started looking at that, it just made perfect sense that we move the office out of that central location so that we could have a better use for our students in that location,” Goad said. A second project slated to begin later this year will update the school’s old gym, as well as enlarge student restrooms and configure two large classrooms within the existing framework of the school. The walls, ceiling, carpet and doors will also be refinished to match the work done in the learning environment. However, though the work will be done in hopes of modernizing the building, Goad states that they will be working to also preserve the nostalgic elements of the school grounds, including the 1915 bench, the original school bell and memorial trees. “That gym has been a part of Wolcott and the community for over 100 years, and so when you start to modernize and you start to change with the times, that nostalgia just becomes the glue that holds that community together. Rather than take
that away, we wanted to build on that. As we’re taking down the lettering from the outside of the building that says, ‘Wolcott School,’ we’ll save that lettering and use it on the gym end,” Goad said. “I was just yesterday perusing some old yearbooks from 1964 looking for some pictures that we could put in the gym to make that a central point, because it was such a big part of the community. And we want to bring that back. We also want to utilize that facility for our community members so that they can use it where people can rent the facility and host reunions and wedding receptions and a variety of different activities, but we just want that nostalgia to be part of it.” The two projects will cost the corporation approximately $3.6 million, with funding coming from General Obligation bonds. “The first project is a $1.7 million project. We decided to get a GO (General Obligation) bond for that $1.7 million. We had debt that was going off our books, so because of that we were able to establish the opportunity and had the capacity to get a GO bond so we will do that for our first phase of construction, as well as our second project,” Goad said. In moving forward, the corporation will not only be updating school buildings, but will also be working through a threeyear strategic plan in order to better the overall corporation and learning environments contained in each school. The first goal of the strategic plan is curriculum alignment, making sure that each grade level has a smooth transition from year to year and progress can be monitored and checked more effectively. “We are really working hard to establish continu-
PHOTO BY DANIEL THOMPSON
Students at Tri-County Intermediate gather for a special groundbreaking at their school on March 18. ity from kindergarten through 12th grade,” Goad said. “So we are going to be using a consultant to come in and help us develop curriculum maps so that we make sure, especially with the new Indiana standards, that we are teaching what we’re supposed to be teaching at the right grade level, developing pacing guides for that so no matter who the teacher is, what the grade level is they can come in and look at the curriculum and the pacing guides and know that we’re on course with our students where we’re supposed to be.” Perhaps the most intriguing goal set forth by the corporation is integrating technology into Tri-County schools, which will aid in Tri-County’s efforts to eliminate student textbooks. “Textbooks are really just a resource. Students become heavily dependent on them. Teachers become dependent on them. Parents become dependent on them. And we looked at those for our curriculum. We’re developing our curriculum separate from those textbooks. In the old system, we had a six-year rotation where you adopt new textbooks every six years; you
purchase new textbooks; you send that cost on to the families; and most likely, in almost every textbook, the minute it comes off the press the information is obsolete. Because we are now a one-to-one school, we have technology in the hands of all of our students. That information found in textbooks can be found online, and it can be more up to date. So we have informed our teachers that we will be eliminating the use of textbooks in most of our classes over the next couple of years,” Goad said. However, Goad clarified that they will not be eliminating all of the textbooks from the schools. “Eliminating student
textbooks does not mean we will eliminate textbooks all together. We will have those copies of textbooks as resources for our new teachers to use as they’re developing their lessons,” Goad said. “We want to make sure that our students are given the most relevant information possible, and through our digital program, one of the things that we are teaching them how to do is to find the most accurate information.” Goad and the TriCounty school board are excited about the initiatives moving forward, confident that they will serve to the betterment of the district and the overall learning environment offered at the schools.
Why go anywhere else? Jasper County Hospital has served this community for nearly 100 years. More than 40 physicians provide primary care and specialty services such as cardiology, orthopedics, urology, oncology, and more through hospital based outpatient clinics. The following services are provided at Jasper County Hospital: Outreach Locations
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EDUCATION & HEALTH
B6 PROGRESS EDITION
MARCH, 2015
Mission Statement Saint Joseph’s College (Indiana), a primarily undergraduate Catholic college, founded and sponsored by the Missionaries of the Precious Blood, pledges itself to a tradition of excellence and to a liberal education that is a united endeavor of intelligence and faith. The College places exceptional emphasis on the education of the whole person. Its nationally known Core Curriculum complements up-to-date career preparation in the major. These academic programs enrich and are enriched by programs of spiritual development, residence education, and athletics. The College serves a diverse student body composed of men and women of all races, creeds, and socio-economic backgrounds who can thrive academically, spiritually, and socially in this inclusive community.
Student Life Dr. Robert A. Pastoor, 18th President of Saint Joseph’s College On Wednesday, January 28, the Saint Joseph’s College Board of Trustees named Dr. Robert A. Pastoor the College’s 18th president. Pastoor’s presidency began on March 16, 2015. Pastoor has more than 30 years of experience in higher education administration and comes to SJC from Marietta College of Marietta, Ohio, where he has been the vice president for student life since 2010. His time at Marietta College, the University of San Diego, Carroll College, and Mount St. Mary’s gives Pastoor 20 years of vice presidential experience.
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The nationally acclaimed Core Program spans all four years and replaces general education distribution requirements like English composition and history with courses such as Humanity in the Universe and The Modern World.
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97% of Saint Joseph’s College’s Class of 2013 are employed or in full-time graduate/professional school (based on survey respondents).
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ATHLETICS 18 VARSITY SPORTS (9 WOMEN’S/9 MEN’S)
At Saint Joseph’s College, we have a proud history and winning tradition at the NCAA’s highly competitive Division II level of intercollegiate athletics. As a member of the Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC)— one of the most respected and competitive conferences in the country—our programs have won numerous conference championships, and hundreds of our student athletes have been recognized with All-Conference, All-American, and Academic All-American honors. Whether you’re on the field or in the stands, the SJC community comes together in spirit, camaraderie, and fun whenever the Pumas pounce into action.
The Event Services Office offers access to the College campus and its resources to students, community members, and organizations. Event Services personnel are dedicated to providing services and a safe and well-maintained environment that meets the needs of our guests. Our attractive facilities, flexible scheduling, and affordable prices are available for, but not limited to, the following types of programs: • Conferences • Picnics • Reunions and Gatherings • Summer camps and clinics • Wedding receptions • Workshops and seminars
PO Box 870 | 1498 S. College Avenue Rensselaer, IN 47978 Phone: 219.866.6000 Facebook: Saint Joseph’s College Twitter: SJC_Pumas Instagram: SJC_Pumas
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Government & Communities
Tradition of Progress From humble beginnings, JCPL continues to grow By NICOLE KENNEY Correspondent In the past, Jasper County worked hard to provide libraries to the citizens of Rensselaer, DeMotte, Wheatfield, and Remington. Every one of these libraries had humble beginnings and it took hard work to make the libraries what they are today. On August 11, 1966 the Kankakee Valley Post News headlined an article, “DeMotte Branch Library Opens.” The library was brought about through the efforts of the DeMotte Business and Professional Women’s Club and was originally situated in one of the rooms of the Kankakee Valley Post office building. “Subscriptions to the American Lending Library will keep the current best sellers as listed in the Chicago Tribune in stock at DeMotte as well as a free bookstand,” says the 1966 article by Gerald Kenning. During the 1960’s, a bookmobile would travel through the DeMotte and Wheatfield areas where books could be obtained from as well. In 1992, the present DeMotte branch library building was built. The Wheatfield library was originally housed in a one-room schoolhouse, which opened in January of 1973. In 1986, a new library building was built on the property, but eventually in 2005, the 1986 building became too small and the present day Wheatfield branch building was built. In 1855, the town of Rensselaer had two libraries, the Township Library and the Laboring Men’s Library, which later combined into one library. Until 1904, the combined library was held in various rooms of the courthouse, when a Carnegie grant allowed for construction of a library building. This original building served as the Rensselaer library until 1992, when the present building was built. The Rensselaer Library is considered the headquarters of the Jasper County Public Library system, excluding
Remington. The library administrators and the processing center for all three libraries are all housed at the Rensselaer branch. Now, in present day 2015, the Jasper County Public Libraries are still striving to service the communities around them. Their biggest goal is to be able to progress, but still maintain a traditional library atmosphere. The mission statement of the Jasper County Public Libraries is to “Inform, enrich, and empower our diverse community.” Patty Stringfellow, director of the JCPL, believes that progress is being community centered and the community is what allows the libraries to be progressive. “We are a very dynamic organization, very community oriented and we will always be moving forward,” says Stringfellow of the effect progress has on the JCPL. The JCPL has progressed beautifully over the years and it is proven that the libraries are well used by the communities. Stringfellow says she is the most proud of the service oriented staff at the libraries and the way the libraries continue to serve the community. “We currently have a strong collection going promoting our local history. We offer different ways of digital access while still maintaining a traditional library atmosphere,” says Stringfellow of the progress they are currently working on bringing into the libraries. Libraries across the area have been joining a program called Overdrive. Overdrive is an app you can download onto your tablet, Kindle, or smartphone device. You just select your library and then you can borrow eBooks, magazines and even movies from your local library. JCPL recently started offering this service to the people of the community and you can now download your books and a limited selection of movies onto your electronic device, courtesy of JCPL. Going back to local history, Stringfellow says the libraries are also cur-
A fall festival event held last year at the Rensselaer Library. rently working on digitalizing the local yearbooks and obituaries. It is evident that the JCPL wants to modernize, but still pay homage to the history that brought them where they are today. Also, according to Stringfellow, the JCPL has just launched a long range five year plan of goals they hope to accomplish. “We strive to be a welcome hub, a collaborative community partner, to engage the community in lifelong learning, and to raise awareness for our services and collections,” says Stringfellow of the guiding of access and resources for the next five years. “Our numbers continue to grow. We continue to make a difference and have for 100 years,” says Stringfellow. In Remington, library director Sue Waibel believes that progress is a change for the better and it affects the library. “The Remington library wants to be a part of the community and we want to provide for the now and the future,” said Waibel. Remington is also introducing Overdrive to its patrons as well as some good, old fashioned programs for kids. For children, ages one to three, the library offers a story
An education program at the Remington Carpenter Public Library. telling group which gives kids a chance to interact and mothers a chance to get out of the house. A cooking class for elementary school aged children, K-5, is also going to be offered. Looking ahead to the future, Waibel says that starting this year they are hoping to start construction with the intent of adding sitting/ meeting rooms. The rooms will offer computer screens, Wi-Fi,
and hopefully meet new technology standards. These rooms will allow for meetings to take place and students to gather and work on projects. “I am looking forward to the future and we hope we can meet everybody’s needs,” said Waibel. In a 1993 article of the Kankakee Valley Post News, then JCPL director Lynn Daugherty said, “We dedicate this library to
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the people of Jasper County with the expectation it will serve them well for many years to come,” of the dedication of the new DeMotte library building. Pastor Charles Gast concluded the ceremony asking God “to help us guard this treasure.” After all these years both statements have rung true. *Historical accounts used courtesy of the JCPL
EVENTS
Little Cousin Jasper Festival SEPT. 11-13
Sandhill Crane
Festival SEPT. 19
COMMUNITY & GOVERNMENT
C2 PROGRESS EDITION
MARCH, 2015
Recording Memories Historical Society seeks to share stories from yesterday, today By NICOLE KENNEY Correspondent The Jasper County Historical Society first formed in 1966. For the past five years County Historian, Judy Kanne, has taken pride in the work that the society does in order to preserve the history of the county and the state. The Jasper County Historical Society is housed in a museum in Rennselaer. The building was originally built as a church in 1884. The society also sponsers old, historical buildings at the Jasper County Fairgrounds, such as the old cabin and schoolhouse. “We need to be documenting today’s history as well,” said Kanne, who also says that in the last few years the society has expanded.
“Many of our member are seniors, but we would like to see more younger people get involved as well.” Currently, the society is preparing to celebrate the Bicentennial of the state of Indiana. To celebrate, the society will be offering a variety of vintage postcards reminiscent of the area. The event is hoped to take place in the fall of 2016. “The Indiana Bicentennial will be an important event which will bring a wide mix to our gate,” said Kanne. The counties and communities of Indiana will be given small projects, such as planting flowers, to celebrate the Bicentennial. Kanne hopes the society can appeal to give knowledge to people and to show them what is important about
Jasper County. Right now, to progress, the society is working on putting historical documents, photos, and geneologies online. The biggest goal,right now, is working on creating a webpage. The society is also working on obatining new computers and a new cataloging system in order to make the historical exhibits more visible. The historical society museum shows two different displays a year. Right now, a collection of artifacts from Charles Halleck are on FILE PHOTO display. One of the new activ- The Jasper County Historical Museum is located on Van Rensselaer ities being brought to Street in Rensselaer. the society is a storytellty. We would love to The society is ation of a new webpage. ing program called invite more people to already reaching out by “We want to obtain “Vintage Views.” share in the society. We including the communi- ideas and memories “We would like to want to expand our base ty in their Facebook from many people. It’s expand our base to page. They are hoping the richness and fiber ... other towns and acquire and reach out to a to reach out even more storytelling,” said stories about interesting broader community,” though, with the creKanne. things around the coun- said Kanne.
Wheatfield working to improve infrastructure By CHERI SHELHART editor@kvpost.net WHEATFIELD — The Wheatfield Town Council has been working on improving the town’s infrastructure with major plans for this year. In the last year, some streets have been paved, sidewalks were replaced and handicap access was added to the sidewalks. New sidewalks were put in from the elementary school to the library giving children easier access to walk across town to the library and vice versa. The municipal building, which houses town offices and police department as well as serving as a community center, has had the HVAC unit replaced. Soon, the building will have roofing problems fixed, once quotes are received. Also in 2015, the town council plans to double the amount of money from last year to improve sidewalks and pave roads. “It’ll be our biggest year for paving,” Town Council President Dean Stalbaum said. They are working with the Kankakee Valley
School Corporation during the remodel and renovation of Wheatfield Elementary. When that project is completed, the town will look at fixing drainage issues on Center St., and repaving it as well. Storm water projects are on the agenda for this year. This year, the town received a federal grant to upgrade and repair the town’s sewer system. Work will begin on the project this summer. A formal request for bids on the project will be out in a few weeks. The town has been working on making
improvements to the town’s park, Centennial Park including new sidewalks and curbs, new bathrooms and handicap access. New entry/exit gates have been installed also. Every September, on the third Saturday, the town’s Sandhill Crane Festival fills the streets with antique and show cars, booths and music. Centennial Park is the sight for the annual car show awards to be handed out. Booths line the inside of the park all day, and people can enjoy a leisurely stroll around town viewing the cars, eating
good food and enjoying good music. This year’s festival will be held on Sept. 19. It’s been a busy time for the town council as these projects get underway or are completed. With spring, many of the projects will begin. They are looking forward to a good year in Wheatfield. Wheatfield Police Department The Wheatfield Police Department has one full time marshal, Adam Hoekstra. There are also
Wheatfield’s Sandhill Crane Festival will be held Sept. 19 this year. some part time officers working for the department. Hoekstra and
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COMMUNITY & GOVERNMENT
MARCH, 2015
PROGRESS EDITION
C3
Two is Better Than One DeMotte Christian schools merge for better future By CHERI SHELHART editor@kvpost.net DEMOTTE — Two private Christian schools merged into one corporation in July 2014, DeMotte Christian School and Covenant Christian High School. Christian school Principal Devon Brinks is also the superintendent for the new corporation. He said people assumed the two schools were already together, but that wasn’t the case. “The merge helps with tuition scales. We’re able to share staff and share our teachers’ strengths to help further education,” Brinks said. For example a middle school teacher with a secondary license in high school math can be useful for both schools. DeMotte Christian teaches children from preschool through eighth grade. Brinks said the two school boards started strategic planning for a merger in January 2014. “It’s been a great thing,” he said. There were ad hoc committees formed to look at site development, technology, spiritual climate and culture and the future of the schools. “These are the major things that will really repel us into the future, where we’re heading in the future,” Brinks said. The merger won 80 percent of the stakeholders’ votes. “It’s been a good merging so far,’
Brinks said. “There’s been good support of it.” “The parents and the students don’t notice a difference,” he said. They are working now on a combined curriculum from kindergarten through 12th grade. “We’re all in this together. We’re working together for a common purpose.” Brinks has been with the DeMotte Christian School since 2008, beginning as a jr. high teacher. He later became the assistant principal, and in July was promoted to principal. The elementary and junior high are growing, more teachers are being added, and two portable classrooms are being added to overcome room issues. There are 300 students enrolled in K-8 this year, up from 284 last year. “The numbers have been increasing,” Brinks said. Some of this growth he attributes to Indiana’s voucher program giving families school choices. “We support it because it doesn’t compromise the vision of our school,” he said of the controversial voucher program. He also attributed the growth to an improving economy. The school was designated a 4-Star school last year for the d20122013 school year. “We were the only Jasper County school to
Students from DeMotte Christian and DeMotte Covenant School work together on a project. achieve that status,” Brinks said. He said the schools are sharing high academic standards and good quality Christian education. He said the schools have great parental
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involvement. “It’s unique to have so many parents involved every day,” he said. There’s plenty of grandparents
who volunteer as well, and have great participation on Grandparents Day. “Having volunteers
is crucial for the success of the schools as well. It’s a unique and awesome part of the culture here,” he said.
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Fulton County Historical Power Show - third weekend in June Trail of Courage Living History Festival - 3rd week in September Haunted Woods Trail - 3rd, 4th & 5th Fri. & Sat. in October Redbud Trail Rendezvous - last weekend in April Museum & Round Barn Open: Monday-Saturday from 9-5 Living History Village Tours: May thru August, by appointment ROCHESTER, INDIANA 574-223-4436 www.fultoncountyhistory.org
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C4 PROGRESS EDITION
COMMUNITY & GOVERNMENT
MARCH, 2015
PAC: ‘Rocking the Arts’ in Jasper County By SHERRI MORRISON smorrison@rensselaerrepublican.com The Prairie Arts Council (PAC) of Jasper County, has seen an evolution of new thoughts and ideas, with respect to the history of the 20 year organization, according to Ryan Musch, president of the Prairie Arts League. “We introduced the dynamic Rock The Arts Festival in Potowatomi Park, near downtown Rensselaer and look forward to a larger scale edition July 25, in the same park. Art Camp continues to grow in both teacher and student bases, with new types of classes coming through this year. Art Camp will begin on June 15, this summer,” Musch said. Last year was a tough year for those involved in PAC, after the loss of their founding father, Robert
Lewis, who played an integral part in the dynamics of PAC. Lewis, who passed away Nov. 5, 2014, was involved in establishing both the PAC and the Jasper Foundation, and served on their board of directors. PAC was formed in 1992, when the newly named Carnegie Center became available as their home location. The building was opened in 1905, as the Rensselaer Public Library and was funded with $10,000 from Andrew Carnegie. In 1992, the building was deeded to Indiana Landmarks and was to be managed by the Jasper Foundation (a community foundation) and occupied by the Jasper Foundation, Rensselaer Chamber of Commerce, and the PAC. The building was later deeded to the Jasper Foundation that continues to own and operate it.
The Prairie Arts Council occupies the main floor where they established the Lillian Fendig Gallery and their main office space. Those that have an interest in being a member of PAC, does not mean you have to be an artist. Being a member means you have an appreciation of art. It means you may enjoy creativity in even the most trivial of life’s tasks. Art can simply be thinking differently. Most importantly, art can be the change in the quality of life for a community to share a more happy and active lifestyle. Those who donate to PAC to become a member, enjoy special access to displaying personal art, discounts on gallery store items, VIP access to special events and exhibitions, and discounts on Art Camp workshops, exclusive social network-
ing opportunities and allows others to gain opportunities within the arts. The Prairie Arts Council is a not-for-profit corporation and membership organization of over 200 members. The organization relies heavily on membership, corporate sponsorship, fund-raising events, contributions, endowments, and grants (especially from the Indiana Arts Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts through a regional partnership with the Tippecanoe Arts Federation of Lafayette). “We will be exploring the logistics of new social events this year that will focus on different age groups and interests. These will be announced soon, and we have plans to continue Bob Lewis’ legacy to the local arts, by dedicating a permanent public art piece in his
FILE PHOTO
Children enjoy an art project at last year’s Rock the Arts event in Rensselaer. name this year,” Musch said. For more information about PAC, call 866-5278.
PAC is located inside the Carnegie Center in Rensselaer, at 301 N. VanRensselaer Street.
RVFD ready to expand with new facility By HARLEY TOMLINSON harley@rensselaerrepublican.com A new fire station project in Rensselaer continues to gain speed and enters the final stretch with the announcement of construction bids in late-March. The Rensselaer City Council was to review those bids at the March 23 meeting with the winner of a project to build a 24,000 square foot station alongside the Indiana 114 corridor near Kirby Risk to be announced sometime over the next couple
of weeks. Once the bids are circulated, Rensselaer Fire Chief Kenny Haun hopes to have a motion from the council to sell bonds by the first week of April with a notice to proceed sometime in early May. “Hopefully by the end of May we’ll be able to break ground,” he said. It’s the biggest project the fire department has undertaken since the current station was built in 1975. The department took possession of the building in 1976 and it has been a good home for the past four decades. That is, until Haun
and his crew noticed a crack beginning to develop in the floor of the station about three years ago. “We started to have structural issues with the weight of the trucks,” he said. Engineers were brought in to provide an estimate as to how the floor could be fixed, but
116-B N. Front St. / PO Box 73 Rensselaer, IN 47978 219.866.8223 Email: info@rensselaerchamber.com rensselaerchamber.com
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Mission Statement The Greater Rensselaer Chamber of Commerce exists to cultivate a prosperous business and community environment, to support our local government, and to enhance the quality of life for the Rensselaer Area. We strive to promote and strengthen the principles of free enterprise, and community self-reliance.
the numbers came in much higher than first thought. “It would be just as much to build a new building than to make repairs to the current one,” Haun said. Haun then began a search for available ground and eventually found land along Indiana 114 that could comfortably hold a new station with the size to handle current equipment with a little
space left over. “The space gives us a little flexibility for things such as physical fitness room, a training room, showers …,” Haun said. “We didn’t go all out. We put in what we had to have.” Haun said a tract of land on 114 was selected because many of the department’s runs are on the west side of town to I-65. “The bulk of our
response is that way,” he said. “Seventy-six percent or our calls go west so that’s the area that works best for us.” The fire department could vacate its old building less than a year after construction begins. Once the trucks are moved out of the current station, the building is solid enough to be used by other departments if needed. “It’s great for office space,” Haun said.
Planned Giving and its Impact Planned giving is a method of supporting nonprofits, like the Jasper Foundation, Inc. and Newton County Community Foundation, to enable philanthropic individuals or donors, like yourself, to make larger gifts than what your income will actually allow. A planned gift is a major gift, made in lifetime or at death as part of a donor’s overall financial and/or estate planning. The ways to give are endless: cash, appreciated securities/stock, real estate, artwork, partnership interests, personal property, life insurance, a retirement plan, etc.; the benefits of funding a planned gift can make this type of charitable giving very attractive to both donor and charity. Planned giving can do wonderful things: • Allows for your name to resonate in your community and also become your legacy. • Allows your community foundation to use your gifts to impact your community. Endowment funds in a community foundation... enrich the lives of each and every citizen. Supporting causes and organizations near to our hearts, endowment funds insure the ability to give forever. With an individualized and detailed plan, we will help you establish a permanence in this community. Your charitable intent could forever be carried out through the efforts of the foundation staff and board members, please contact us today.
For Good. For Ever. For Jasper & Newton Counties P.O. Box 295 Rensselaer, IN (219) 866-5899 www.jasperfdn.org
COMMUNITY & GOVERNMENT
MARCH, 2015
PROGRESS EDITION
C5
Splishing & Splashing Remington creating fun space for families By HARLEY TOMLINSON harley@rensselaerrepublican.com REMINGTON — If a heat wave hits the area this summer, kids in Remington will have a place to cool off. The Remington Parks Department and the Town of Remington have begun preparations to build a splash pad at the Remington Community Park on the west side of town this summer. Estimated to cost $500,000 with a portion of that money donated, the splash pad project is expected to be completed by mid-August. Parks department director Mike Babcock said a splash pad was
among the list of activities that town residents voted on as part of the town’s five-year master plan. “It was the one thing on there that got a lot of votes,” he said. The splash pad will include overhead sprinkler systems that will shoot water in the air and a large bucket of water suspended in the air that will fill with water until it tips over and douses anyone standing underneath. The pad is just another activity the town park provides. A large playground, two ball fields and a large sledding hill are available for kids at the park. Plans are also in the works, though still a year
or two away, to map out trails in a wooded area on the east side of the American Legion baseball field. The town purchased 20 acres of ground that ends at U.S. 231 to complete this vision. Both the old and new properties at the park are separated by a creek and the town might look into the possibility of moving a bridge to that area to “tie the properties together,” Babcock said. A plan to provide a mile trail that loops the property outside the baseball field’s fence does look favorable at this time, Babcock said. It is unclear when a project to build the trail will be approved, but the idea is out there, he said.
PHOTO BY DANIEL THOMPSON
The Town of Remington is planning to construct a splash pad play area this summer.
Hebron: ‘Community Working Together’ By NICOLE KENNEY Correspondent
PHOTO BY NICOLE KENNEY
The Town of Hebron is celebrating 125 years in 2015.
“A Community Working Together,” that’s the motto for the town of Hebron which was incorporated on March 5, 1890. Hebron Town Council President, Don Ensen, has been on the council for 12 years. The town council is an elected government in conjunction with the clerk treasurer and is involved in just about any decision needing to be made concerning the town. “Our role, as a town council, is to create a town vision and long term planning for the future,” said Ensen. The word “progress” means having a vision for the future, according to Ensen. “Progress is growth and when it occurs, you will attract more businesses, demand will be higher, and improvements will come full circle,” said Ensen. As for progress in the town of Hebron, the major project now is adding an addition to the local fire
station which is need of more space. With the addition to the firehouse, comes an extra ambulance that would allow the Hebron firehouse to work with Porter Hospital, which will quicken response time in the south county area. Right now, Hebron only has one local ambulance available and with the addition of one more ambulance, that is one more vehicle locally available for emergency calls. The town council is proud to have paid off their sewer bonds a year early, which has helped them build a “rainy day fund.” This fund will help the town be able to plan a new sewer plant to replace the one they have, which Ensen predicts is 50 plus years old. “We are very proud of being conservative planners,” said Ensen. Also in the future of progress, the town is working on resolving drainage issues in order to prevent flooding in the future. The progress plan for the next few years is to resolve the
drainage plan, examine ways to replace town infrastructure, and a long term upgrade plan for the sewer system. The town is also welcoming a new additon come spring, a Casey’s Gas Station and General Store. “I’ve always enjoyed serving. I’ve been on the the township advisory board, was the first elected member of the school board, and was the president of the park board,” said Ensen. Ensen was proud to announce that on March 5, 2015, Hebron turned 125 years old. The Centurial Committee purchased banners to hang across Main St. and they are looking for some fun activities for the town to be able to participate in all year long, to celebrate the 125 years. Ensen asks that if anybody in town has any suggestions on how to celebrate the 125 years, to contact him or the clerk treasury office at visithebron. org. “I want our town to be ready for the future,” said Ensen.
As your Mayor and a resident of Rensselaer, I am proud of this city. Over the years, we have grown and gained resources that add to Rensselaer’s quality of life. New businesses, expansion of our industries, beautification projects for our historic downtown area and parks, and a new building for our volunteer fire department scheduled to be completed next year. As we move into developing the future of our city, our constant mission is to plan ways to promote growth, promote the economic stability of the downtown and the entire city, while looking at being environmentally friendly and protecting our natural resources such as the Iroquois River.
Mayor Stephen A. Wood
I am proud of the city’s dedicated and professional staff plus many volunteers that work very hard towards a vision of a great city we call home. Rensselaer is a thriving, growing and caring community. By working together as a team, as one voice, one city, one future - we can steer the destiny of Rensselaer to continue to be a great city for our children and grandchildren. 124 S. Van Rensselaer St. / Rensselaer, IN / 219-866-5212 www.cityofrensselaerin.com
COMMUNITY & GOVERNMENT
C6 PROGRESS EDITION
MARCH, 2015
Adding to the Mix JCCS always looking for new community programs By SHERRI MORRISON smorrison@rensselaerrepublican.com Jasper County Community Services Executive Director Sharon Colee loves her job and it shows. From the friendly employees who all go above and beyond their job descriptions to help any who walk through their doors, to the endless programs Colee and her employees plan to help seniors in the county enjoy life, there is always something new being added to the everyday activities at JCCS. With centers in DeMotte (Fase Senior Center), Rensselaer and Remington, which are all a part of JCCS, seniors can find activities to keep them busy from morning until early afternoon. There are exercise classes offered, card clubs, nutrition programs, movies, cornhole, special entertainment, line dancing, lunch, and a variety of other activities, dependent on each location. In the spring of 2014, the Remington center joined the senior centers within Jasper County. The new Remington Center building opened opportunities to serve more individuals in the Remington area, as well as expanding on programs and services, according to Colee. Lunch meals, transportation, in-home home-
maker services, and handy chore services are offered through all of the sites, along with energy assistance and education, weatherization and housing choice voucher programs, preventative health and education programs, workshops, and various special events and activities at each location. Legal Aid and assistance, a senior monthly mobile Food Finders distribution and programming centered on senior issues offered by the Attorney General’s office has been added to the list to support the needs of the senior community. “Lunch is served at 11:30 a.m., Monday through Friday for those 60 and over, for $2 per person. Catering by Devon’s Restaurant offers a hot, nutritional balanced meal. Participants receive the health benefits of the meal and an environment supporting socialization and education events and activities. JCCS centers are filled with individuals congregating for the meal, programs and activities, and the companionship of friends,” Colee said. The mission of JCCS is to enable the independence for seniors, in order to remain at home and live an active and healthy life through choices available at JCCS centers. For more information about programs offered at JCCS, call 866-8071.
PHOTO BY SHERRI MORRISON
A group at the newly constructed JCCS center in Remington.
FILE PHOTO
A line dancing program popular at DeMotte’s Fase Center has been expanded to the Rensselaer center.
MSRP $5699 Promo $5399 AFTER $300 Rebate Total Cost is $
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SUPERIOR SALES & SERVICE 310 E. VINE STREET RENSSELAER, IN 47978 219-866-5841
COMMUNITY & GOVERNMENT
MARCH, 2015
PROGRESS EDITION
C7
Rensselaer eyes growth on all fronts By ROBERT BLANKENSHIP rblankenship@rensselaerrepublican.com The City of Rensselaer has been working on a number of diverse projects designed to prepare for future growth and improve the quality of life for residents. One area where Rensselaer officials sees potential for growth is along the recently annexed corridor stretching the city limits west to I-65. Since that annexation, several projects have been undertaken to expand city services to the area. Currently, the city is in the final design phase of extending water to that area. Construction could begin later this summer. The city has already extended sewer services. The city has seen growth along Hwy. 114, leading toward the interstate. Last year, a Dollar General and Taco Bell opened and MacAllister Agriculture Division is also moving its facility is ready to open. Once water is available to the area, a group has already announced it plans to build a four story, 72- to 74-room hotel at the interchange. This corridor will also be home to a new fire station, likely as early as 2016. The city council opened bids for the project just this week and could approve a bid in the coming weeks. The city is also in the earliest stages of looking for a new water well. While this is not a project that would be done soon, Mayor Steve Wood said it is important to move forward so the city is better prepared to apply for grants. “We have two very good wells and we would like to have a third to ensure we keep our capacity up with our usage,” Wood said. Upgrades are nearing completion at the electric plant where a new
line has been established to take power directly to the recently upgraded Eger Substation. This project will allow power generated to be sent to Eger where it will be distributed directly to consumers. The benefit is to allow the plant to restore power more quickly during outages. The gas utility is also expanding services to new customers in the area of Eger and Wood roads. A long standing project that began with a mandate from the Indiana Department of Environmental Management is a new wet weather treatment plant. IDEM mandated that the city formulate a plan to eliminate combined sewer overflows, which occurs during heavy rain events. This treatment plant is designed to take a big step toward eliminating CSOs and in maintaining a healthier Iroquois River. At one point the city had 22 CSOs, but have narrowed that number down to nine. The final design phase for the project is
almost completed. The project will cost about $7 million. But, city officials were successful in obtaining a $5.2 million USDA grant. The remaining $1.8 million is coming from a low-interest low. “There will be more to do down the road (regarding the CSOs), but this is the big one IDEM wanted us to take care of,” Wood said. Along with the growth toward I-65 on Hwy. 114, the city has also seen success on the other side of town within the Drexel Industrial Park. ConAgra has announced a $16 million expansion that could lead to about 50 new employees. Donaldson’s has also had success in Rensselaer. Together the two plants have brought about 500 jobs to the city. “These are two very good, clean industries,” Mayor Wood said. In an effort to build on that success, the city is also looking at possibly extending St. Gaspar Drive within the industrial park area. And to improve fire safety to those industries
City officials celebrated Earth Day in 2014 by announcing the city would receive a $5.2 million grant to help fund a “mini” water treatment plant designed to eliminate some combined sewer overflows. and every resident, the new fire station could be completed by 2016. An engineer’s estimate has the cost to build the station at $3.3 million. The city also is keeping an eye on its parks. Recently, the new Potawatomi Park. Last year, the park was the location for the first Rock the Arts event hosted by the Prairie Arts Council. Currently, the city’s park department is eyeing an expansion at Brookside Park for the
construction of two new baseball fields. The city is also hoping to make some updates at Staddon Field in the future. The old school administration building was left vacant last year when the school corporation moved its offices to Van Rensselaer Elementary. After researching possible uses for the building, it was determined by officials to try and sell it. A public auction will be held April 8, at 1 p.m., in the
council chambers. The council can refuse the highest bid if necessary. The park board also continues to seek out ways of expanding walking trails and possibly adding bike trails in the future. “These trails would go a long way in improving the quality of life for our citizens,” Wood said. “It’s not something we’ll be able to do tomorrow, but it is a part of our plan. We want to steadily try See CITY, Pg. C13
JASPER COUNTY COMMUNITY SERVICES, INC. Serving the Community for over 39 Years Rensselaer Senior Center - Rensselaer (866-8071 or 888-826-0305) Robert A. Fase Education & Senior Center - DeMotte (987-7909) Remington Senior Center - Remington - (261-2228) Lunch Served Mon.-Fri at 11:30 a.m. at each Site Call by 9:00 a.m. the day before for reservations Social Events Nutrition Program Lunch Meals Section 8 Housing Public Transportation Information & Referral
Daily Activities Homemaker & Handy Chore Services Energy Assistance & Education Preventative Health Programs Out of Town Trans / Medicaid Trans Exercise Programs / Dance Classes
Legal Aid and Assistance / AARP Driver Safety Classes Income Tax Filing / Financial & Retirement Programs Health & Educational Programs Card Groups / Games / Musical Jam Sessions and Entertainment Workshops / Social Opportunities Something New Every Month!
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Town of DeMotte
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CENTURY INSURANCE AGENCY 921 S. Halleck St., DeMotte, IN
219-987-3107
Parks & Recreation
219-987-3831 DeMotte/Kankakee Valley Rotary Club District 6540 Serving the community since 1979
“Service Above Self”
OBJECT
OF ROTARY
Local Projects
Second: High ethical standards in
RYLA-Rotary Youth Leadership Award --Two KVHS students will attend a seminar to recognize and encourage leadership abilities.
Fourth: The advancement of international understanding, good will, and peace through a world fellowship of business and professinal persons united in the ideal of service.
Each Year DeMotte KV Rotary Club 6540 donates to Area Food Pantries.
May
PARK CENTRE MARKET Every Wed. 11am - 5pm MOVIE NIGHT WEDNESDAYS June 10, 17, 24 at Dusk Spencer Park SENIOR DAY Wednesday, June 17 10:30 am (reservations requested) FATHER S DAY Sunday, June 21 Spencer Park Pool Free Admission for Dads
PARK CENTRE MARKET Every Wed. 11am - 5pm MOVIE NIGHT WEDNESDAYS July 8, 15, 22 at Dusk Spencer Park RADIO DAYS Wednesday, July 29 3 PM The “Students of the Month” Rotary sponsored program began about 17 years ago. To date 1,695 students have been recognized.
MEMBERS David Hellman Craig W. Jackson Bob Jonkman Richard Kallenbach Chris Kelleher Martha ‘Marti’ Klauer Ronald Klauer Michael Kooistra Gloria Moolenaar Phil Moolenaar Peg Nick Cami Pribyl
SIGN UP for Swim Lessons PURCHASE your pool passes RESERVE the park pavilion or Spencer Park Pool EASTER EGG HUNT Saturday, March 28, Field of Dreams
July
THE FOUR AVENUES OF SERVICE 1. Club Service 2. Community Service 3. International Service 4. Vocational Service
Jan. - April 1
June
business and professions; the recognition of the worthiness of all useful occupations; and the dignifying of each Rotarian s occupation as an opportunity to serve society.
Third: The application of the ideal of service in each Rotarian s personal, business, and community life.
www.townofdemotte.com
PARK CENTRE MARKET Every Wed. 11am - 5pm SPENCER PARK POOL OPENS Saturday, May 23 (weather permitting)
First: The development of acquaintancee as an opportunity for service.
James Ahler Phil Apple Timothy Belstra John Bennett Aaron Case Dan Fagen John Fagen Greg Fieldhouse Craig Fox Brenda Goeken Charlene Groet Tresa Groet
FILE PHOTO
Brent Przybylski Bruce Przybylski Daniel J. Ryan Charles L. Schoon Gilbert Schultz Timothy Schultz Martha Sekema Sally Snow Mary Swanson Howard Swart Jim Terborg Brandon Thompson
James Tiemens Heather Tokarz Cyndi Urbano Rodney Urbano Gina Van Baren Duane Van Prooyen Kathleen VanDerMolen Don Vanderwall Dave VanKeppel Eric VanKley Rosemary Weeks
DeMotte/Kankakee Valley Rotary Club • PO Box 453 • DeMotte, IN 46310
August PARK CENTRE MARKET Every Wed. 11am - 5pm MOVIE NIGHT WEDNESDAYS August 5 at Dusk Spencer Park ROTARY RAMBLE 5k Race Saturday, August 8 TOUCH OF DUTCH FESTIVAL & PARADE Saturday, August 8 POOL CLOSES Sunday, August 16 Final day for 2015 Season
Town of DeMotte Community News and Special Events (Official)
C8 PROGRESS EDITION
COMMUNITY & GOVERNMENT
NIPSCO goes green
MARCH, 2015
R.M. Schahfer Generating Station in Wheatfield In addition to upgrading the environmental controls at its electic generating
NIPSCO recently wrapped up its
facilites. NIPSCO has added natural gas fired utilities, retired a coal plant in
environmental upgrades to the R.M.
Gary, and now includes wind power in its production of electricity. There are
Schahfer Generating Station in Wheatfield.
also two hydro-elec-
The company spent $800 million in
tric
environmental upgrades to its facilities with $500 million of that going to the coal powered station, NIPSCO’s largest electricity producing station. The upgrades
plants
at
Monticello. NIPSCO also offers a variety of options for its customers to “go green” as well
bring better air quality, with the company
and is the only utility
looking at environmental regulations into
that offers a buy
the future.
back option to con-
NIPSCO spokesperson Nick Meyer,
sumers who have
director of external communications, said
their
the upgrades benefit the community. With good air quality, he said, economic development improves, allowing for further
own
source,
NIPSCO customer participatin in the power Feed-In Tariff Program
including
solar panels or wind generators. That option - called the Feed-In Tariff Program - contracts with customers for purchasing electricity from the solar and wind power they generate. The company just recently approved to expe-
growth and expansion of the communities.
dite the program into the next phase, and an announcement for submitting
The last phase of a two phase project has
applications will soon be made. Through the Net Metering program, consum-
been completed. The project included the
ers can earn credits on their electric bills. When their personal power source
installation of flue gas desulferization
may not generate enough electricity at times, the credits built up when the
controls. Sulfer dioxide is “scrubbed” from
power source is generating more than they use are applied.
the emissions before entering into the atmosphere.
“If putting solar panels on the roof isn’t for you,’ Meyer said, “you can opt for our Green Power Rate Program which allows you to elect 25 to 100 percent of your electricity to come from green energy.” NIPSCO consumers who choose this
Another environmental upgrade project
option will pay a little more on their bills up
will be completed soon at the company’s
to $1.36 per month, a small fee that is a
Michigan City plant as well. When that
pass through cost. The program is fully
project wraps up at the end of 2015, all the
funded by the participants. “It’s a nice pro-
company’s coal units will be 100 percent
gram for customers,” Meyer said.
fully scrubbed. “Through other methods, we’ve also successfully cut greenhouse gases by 18
He said they have a range of energy efficiency programs, including a new program for electric vehicles. NIPSCO offers an incentive program to offset the cost for the meter for home charging. They offer free
percent in the last five years,” Meyer said.
overnight charging and public charging sta-
“That outpaces the national average for
tions for businesses, towns and cities who
utility companies.’
partner with NIPSCO in the installation. Universities and hospitals are also included.
The Schahfer project was completed at the end of 2014 on budget and slightly ahead of schedule. There were 800 skilled union laborers working on the project at its
“We’re keeping an eye on toward future regulations,” Meyer said. “We want to protect the environment while balancing the impact on customers’ bills. It’s important to stay competitive with other states, to retain and attract businesses and people.”
peak, and it was mostly Indiana labor Meyer said. “We try to keep jobs within Indiana, using local resources as much as we’re able,” he said. The upgrade took 23,000 man hours, with safety a priority throughout the project. “It was quite an undertaking in a short amount of time,” Meyer said.
1-800-4NIPSCO www.nipsco.com
MARCH, 2015
COMMUNITY & GOVERNMENT
PROGRESS EDITION
C9
Sustained Growth
DeMotte working to avoiding growing pains
PHOTO BY CHERI SHELHART
The Town of DeMotte is nearing completion of a long-spanning water project that is part of plans to better accommodate growth. town’s parks, even during the recession, and made improvements to the town’s sewer system with a DEMOTTE — The larger line on the south Town of DeMotte’s long side of town. time water project is com- Last year, Division ing to an end this spring Street was widened, makwith restoration work to ing it possible to qualify be done. The project, talk- for future grants to make ed about by town officials even more improvements since the 1980s, and final- to the town’s infrastrucly begun in 2013, will finture. Eventually, the widish up in the spring. ening of the major town During the many phases road will go all the way to of the project, the town, its eastern border on looking to future growth, Orchid Street. Boer said managed to install a water they expect to have more tower larger than the plans growth in that area of approved by Rural town when things start Development, which moving again.’ assisted with funding. Boer said when people The water tower stands look at a community to on a pedestal near the live and work, they look at town’s Spencer Park, and the schools, parks and procan accommodate more grams. He said the users as time goes by. The DeMotte Chamber of town had to pay for the Commerce took the Touch larger tower, but decided it of Dutch festival, making would be worth it to plan it bigger and better every for the future. year. “The businesses Town Council showcase themselves,” he President Mark Boer has said, “showing people been on the town council what living here can do.” since 1984. He said in the The town council last few years, the town is doesn’t decide what busipositioned for growth. The nesses will come to town, council has approved but they can make sure improvements for the the traffic and parking aren’t a problem. “We’re fortunate to have the business community that we do. It’s a group effort,” he said. The citizens of the town take pride in the appearance of the community as well. He’s very proud of Park Center, where a driveway off of Halleck Street, US Highway 231 that runs through the heart of the town, leads to a fountain and Spencer Park. The park once held baseball diamonds, and the pool. Now it contains a band shell, pavilion, a museum and a large area for events, and the pool is still there Senator Hershman Serves in District 7 which includes: White County and as well. portions of Boone, Carroll, Clinton, Jasper and Tippecanoe counties Boer said he’s seen people taking wedding pictures by the fountain. The Hamstra Group deeded the Elected Awards and Recognitions center portion of its propIndiana State Senate, 2000 - present 2014, Senator of the Year, Indiana Farm Bureau erty to the town to build 2014, Legislator of the Year, Indiana Health Industry Forum Leadership the fountain and the drive 2013, Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, Presidential Citation Indiana Senate Majority Floor Leader that circles around it. It is 2012 Indiana Association of Cities & Towns ‘Legislator of the Year’ Tax & Fiscal Policy, Chair 2012 National Federation of Independent Business Guardian Award used for a parking area 2012 Dean’s Advisory Council, Purdue University School of Political Affiliation during the festival. He Agriculture Republican said, “It starts small and 2011 Indiana University School of Medicine, Lafayettte, Advisory then it grows. We’ll have Standing Committees Council 2010 Access Technology Across Indiana (ATAIN) Senator David Appropriations more and more events as Ford Memorial Award Tax & Fiscal Policy, Chair time goes on.” 2010 Senator David Ford Legislature Award Rules & Legislative Procedures The Field of Dreams 2008 Association of Indiana Architects Presidentís Award Joint Rules, Chair was built in the early 2006 Indiana Telecommunications Association Legislative Local Government Champion Award 1990s as the main ball 2006 Indiana Rural Water Alliance John Reeves Award Education park in town, and is used 2006 Council of State Governments Henry Toll Fellow Purdue University, Political Science for soccer. It has a walking 2006 Indiana Chamber of Commerce Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, - 2006 Small Business Champion Award track that circles the propCertificate in Tax Administration and Policy 2010 2004 Indiana Soybean Growers Association President’s Award erty. Before the ball park, AIA Award Robert H. McKinney School of Law, J.D., 2013 games were played at the fields at Spencer Park, Contact Information Freedom Park and on the Statehouse Mailing Address: 200 W. Washington St., Indianapolis, IN 46204 elementary school Statehouse Phone: 800-382-9467 or 317-232-9400 Email: Senator.Hershman@iga.in.gov grounds. “Parks are impor-
By CHERI SHELHART editor@kvpost.net
Get To Know Your Senator! Senator Brandt Hershman is always willing to listen to your concerns! Call him at 1-800-382-9467 or 317-232-9400 or email him at senator.hershman@iga.in.gov
A Few Facts About Senator Brandt Hershman
tant to the growth of a town,” Boer said. The NORWEJ water project was “huge,” he said. “We’ve got clean water now.” Now the town council is learning the system, about maintenance and all that goes with running a municipal water system. The board can handle policy, he said, and the departments handle the day to day business, not just the water department but all of the town’s departments. Boer said with department heads have the authority to run their own departments, with little input from the board unless needed. “We have the best people at the town hall,” he said. “The police department is amazing. Bob and Dave (water/ sewer department) and the guys out there, they know what they’re doing. At the street department, Jeff Powers has a lot of experience at that department. It works really well.” The town is run like a business, Boer said. “The citizens are our customers.” For the future, the town is looking at repairs to two culverts on the east side of town where FEMA has put portions of the town in a flood plain. One culvert has been replaced already in 2014, after a portion of it collapsed. The ditch, through which the culverts were built, has been cleaned out by the county. Boer said the town partnered with the county to replace the broken culvert on 8th St. “That was expensive,” he said. The council had to dip into its rainy day fund. This year, the board is ready to replace the last two on the list, and are hoping to change FEMA’s flood plain map. “Keeping water down in the town is very important,” Boer said. He said its part of the history of the town because of its proximity to the Kankakee River. Roads are another future project. He said the council hopes to finish the second phase of the road widening project on Division Street this year as well. When he came on the council 32 years ago, the long term goal was to bring water to the town and that has been accomplished. “The sewer plant is in great shape,” he said. “We are well positioned to sustain growth without any major growing pains,” Boer said.
COMMUNITY & GOVERNMENT
C10 PROGRESS EDITION
MARCH, 2015
Area Church Directory Town of DeMotte DeMotte United Methodist Church 227 N. Halleck St., DeMotte, IN 46310 (219) 987-3671
Reverend Mark Fernihough Sunday Worship at 9 a.m. Youth Group (all ages) Every Other Wed. 6-7 p.m. Adult Bible Study Sundays after Worship Sunday School for children Pre-K thru 8th grade
Community Bible Church 814 N. Halleck St., DeMotte, IN 46310 (219) 987-2771 www.communitybiblechurchdemotte.com
Pastor Rodney Tolleson Adult Bible Fellowship and Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship Service 10:45 a.m. AWANA Children’s Club Wednesday Nights 6:30 p.m.
Bethel Christian Reformed 521 S. Halleck St. DeMotte, IN 46310 (219) 987-2005 bethelcrc@netnitco.net www.bethelcrcdemotte.org Services each Sunday at 9:30 a.m. & 6 p.m. COMING JULY 20-24, 2015 “Mount Kilimanjaro VBS “ WATCH FOR SIGN-UPS WATCH WEBSITE FOR UPCOMING EVENTS
First Christian Reformed 1633 S. Halleck St., DeMotte, IN 46310 (219) 987-2586 www.1stcrcdemotte.org
Calvary Assembly of God Rt. 10 & 700 W • DeMotte
(219) 987-4280
Pastor James D. Clark Sunday School 9:00 am • Sunday Worship 10:00 am Wed Family Night 7:00 pm Adult Bible Study, Missionettes, Royal Rangers and Youth Group
Pastor Laryn Zoerhof • Pastor Kyle Sanford Morning Worship at 9:30 a.m. Sunday School at 11 a.m. Evening Worship at 6 p.m.
9991 W 1200 N, DeMotte, IN 46310 219.987.5156 frcweb.org Worship Service at 10:00 am Two Worship Services April 5- May 3 9:00 am and 10:30 am Visit website for coming events
Lake Village
Rensselaer St. Augustine Catholic Church
St. Augusta Catholic Church
Father Donald Davison CPPS
Mass Saturday 5pm Sunday 7:30am, 10am
St. John’s Lutheran Church
SR 10 & US 41, Lake Village, IN 46349 (219) 992-3220 Rectory Phone: (219) 992-3333
318 N. McKinley Ave. Rensselaer, IN 866-5351
2723 N. 700 W • Rensselaer 1.5 Miles North of Hwy. 14 on 700 W 297-3556
www.saugustine.org
Rev. David Mueller Sunday Worship 10:45 am COME VISIT US
Father David Hellmann Masses: Saturday 4:00 p.m., Sunday 8:00 a.m. & 10:30 a.m. EASTER SERVICES: Holy Thursday - 7pm; Good Friday - 1pm Easter Vigil Saturday - 8pm Easter Sunday - 8am & 10:30am
Full Gospel Tabernacle
Wheatfield Church of Christ
Wheatfield Sorrowful Mother Catholic Church
Route 49, Wheatfield, IN 46392 (219) 956-4206
165 S. Grace St., Wheatfield, IN 46392 (219) 956-3343
Father Paul Cochran Masses: Saturday 5 p.m., Sunday 8 a.m. & 10:30 a.m. Confessions heard Saturdays at 4:00 p.m.
“...the Churches of Christ greet you.” - Romans 16:16 126 S. Center Wheatfield, IN 46392 (219) 956-4775 Located on the corner of High & Center St. We are the oldest church in the county. Minister, Gerald Frump
Pastor Kenneth Patrick Sunday School at 9:45 a.m. Worship Service at 11 a.m.
Bible Study Sunday 9 a.m., Sunday Worship 10 a.m. Sunday Evening Worship at 6 p.m. Tuesday Ladies Bible Study at 9 a.m. Wednesday Evening Bible Study at 7 p.m.
These area churches invite you to worship with them
COMMUNITY & GOVERNMENT
MARCH, 2015
PROGRESS EDITION
C11
JCSO continues battle against crime By SHERRI MORRISON smorrison@rensselaerrepublican.com
Over the past year, the Jasper County Sheriff’s Department has continued their effort to fight the war on drugs throughout the county, and plans to not back down in the coming year. “We continued our effort and dedication to slowing the narcotics usage and sales with Jasper County, along with adding a second narcotics/interdiction officer in 2014. We closed or seized 11 meth labs, conducted 30 undercover drug buys, and had no overdose deaths in the county, in 2014. For 2015, we have already had two overdose narcotic deaths. One thing Risner is very grateful for during 2014, is the face that all of his personnel went home to their families. “That is something we are very thankful to be able to say at the end of the year,” Risner said. The Jasper County
Sheriff’s employs 21 merit officers, which includes Chief Deputy Pat Williamson, along with two full-time detectives, a school resource officer at Kankakee Valley High School, two narcotics/interdiction officers, and in the early fall, a DARE officer. Risner is proud of the effort put forth by his road officers and detectives in solving several burglaries and making arrests on those crimes throughout the year. During 2014, as far as jail incidents are concerned, the sheriff’s department did not have any in-custody deaths, escapes, or attempted escapes. The jail did book in two people for attempted murder. Some other projects the sheriff’s department is working on is an upgrade to the emergency communication systems, which will include 911 texting. They are currently working with a local vendor, Midway Electronics, to do some type of lease on an upgraded tower site, due to the
fact that they have seen a digression of communications ability. The department is also working with the Indiana Public Safety Commission in partnership with the 800 megahertz system, to bring them on board with the tower site. Sheriff Risner has been with the JCSO for 31 years. “It’s always a humbling honor to be given the responsibility of the sheriff’s department for the citizens of the county. It is not possible for the office to work without a dedicated group, that serves 24 hours a day, seven days a week, such as our employees, and also without the support of the citizens of Jasper County.” As far as goals for 2015 go, Risner’s are simple. “Our goal is to continue to serve the citizens of Jasper County to the best of our abilities, and God willing, bring all of our people home again at the end of 2015,” Risner said.
PHOTO BY SHERRI MORRISON
Jasper County Sheriff Terry Risner with Chief Deputy Pat Williamson.
Morroco: A small town with a big heart By SHERRI
MORRISON smorrison@rensselaerrepublican.com Morroco may be a small town, just west of Rensselaer, but to the people that live there, it is a close-knit community. If there is a need, the community comes together to meet the need and help neighbors all around them. Morroco is a town in Newton County, filled with quaint homes and peaceful scenery. The population, according to the 2010 census was 1,129. There were 463 households and 299 families residing in the town. The racial makeup of the town is approximately 99.1 percent white, .1 percent African American, .1 percent Native American, .2 percent Asian, .2 percent from other races, .4 per-
cent from two or races, and the Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.2 percent of the population. While Morroco is a very quiet town, many of the town’s buildings have been boarded up and not used in some time, though residents hope they will eventually fill back up. A lovely library, along with park pool, a few restaurants and a lounge where friends gather are some of the entertainment residents take advantage of. Marlene Taden, who has been a Morroco resident for 20 years, loves the small town she calls home. “I like living in Morroco. The people come together in the town if something is needed. We all work together. I have lived on the outskirts of town and in town. I have great neighbors and we all
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help each other in times of need. Our food pantry, churches and the American Legion are amazing. This is my town and there is no place I’d rather be. I love going to our Memorial Services. It is one of the most touching services I’ve ever been to. Our seniors are the culture of our town. When it comes to projects, they are incredible.” Taden said. Projects Unlimited in Morroco, is a group which is a non-profit organization that promotes the education and civic advancement of Morroco. Projects offers a scholarship to a graduating senior, donates monies from their pancake breakfasts, bingo,
FILE PHOTO
Christmas in Morocco. chili suppers, and more, to multiple food pantries and the crisis center. Though a small town,
the group of people who live there continue to work to improve the surroundings of their town
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COMMUNITY & GOVERNMENT
MARCH, 2015
4-H in Jasper County
Clubs kick off another season of projects By CHERI SHELHART editor@kvpost.net The Jasper County 4-H, which has 23 clubs throughout the county, is gearing up for the season, holding club meetings, workshops for fair projects and becoming part of their communities through service work. Indiana 4-H offers programs for students in grades 3-12. Jasper County 4-H offers mini programs for first and second graders through the Mini 4-H program. 4-H is a youth development program of the Land Grant University in each state. In Indiana Extension is based at Purdue University. Anna Williams, 4-H educator at the extension office in Rensselaer explained, “4-H is unique because it is the only youth organization tied to the research base of our nation’s land-grant university system and because it is the only federally authorized youth serving program in the nation. 4-H has something for everyone!” Williams said there are between 750 to 800 kids enrolled in the program each year. This year there are exactly 800 participating. Enrollment opened in November and closed in January. She said if anyone is still interested, call her and she will help them join. This year the Mini 4-Hers are going to join their local clubs, attending the club meetings along with the older children. Williams said this will get the younger children accustomed to attending the meetings, usually held monthly from January through September. Among the 23 clubs in the county, there are two specialty clubs. Trail Blazers 4-H Club and Bits-N-Pieces 4-H Club are both horse and pony clubs, although a member doesn’t have to have horse and pony projects
FILE PHOTO
A group involved in 4-H’s Junior Leaders program decorate the hallways at Jasper County Alternacare for Christmas. to be a part of the clubs. For the older students, there’s Junior Leaders. The 4-H members can join Junior Leaders when they are in seventh through 12th grades. The club is separate from the other clubs and members have their own regular clubs as well. They meet from September to June on a monthly basis, and this year, the kids have been very active in their communities. The Junior Leaders volunteered ringing the bell for donations during the holiday season for the Salvation Army fund drive. They decorated the doors of residents staying at the Jasper County Alternacare wing for the Christmas season. They are also volunteering at the Alternacare in March. They are always looking for volunteer projects to participate in to help out in their communities. First year members met on March 18 to get acquainted with other new 4-H members. They could learn about where to find help for particu-
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lar projects, deadlines, project completion requirements and have any questions answered. The most popular project, Williams said, is photography. All animal projects are popular too, and even if a member doesn’t have an animal, there are plenty of projects to do. A new club has started in the town of Virgie called The Explorer’s club. They meet at the Virgie Church every month. The extension puts out a newsletter every month, delivered electronically or by mail to its members. Meeting dates, workshops and programs are listed. There’s always plenty going on with 4-H.
4-H has been focusing on STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) projects. The Purdue Extension has been looking at existing 4-H projects for ways to improve the STEM qualities and new projects. Existing projects, like weather and climate, will have new guidelines coming from the state. There are science projects like Rockets to the Rescue, that are taught in schools. The goal of Rockets to the Rescue it to launch a rocket that will take food to an isolated island. Students have to figure out how to get the rocket to the island and how much food it can send on it to help the people living there. There are other school enrichment
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activities 4-H educators do. This year, a Fun with Food Science workshop is being offered to adult 4-H leaders, who will pass along their knowledge to the members. “We want to
bring projects more up to date in that effort,” Williams said. To learn more about 4-H, contact Williams at williaak@purdue.edu or call 219-866-5741.
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COMMUNITY & GOVERNMENT
MARCH, 2015
PROGRESS EDITION
C13
DeMotte Fire Dept.: Brotherhood protecting neighbors By NICOLE KENNEY Correspondent “I’m proud to be a fireman, I’ve been one for 22 years. I’m proud of the community and support. I’m proud of the job we do.” That’s the response Fire Chief Joseph R. Woods ,also known around town as Randy, gave when asked what he is most proud of at the fire department. Woods has been the fire chief at the DeMotte Fire Department, founded in 1955, for the past two years. There are three different tiers for the type of fire department communities can have. There is the career full time paid, paid per call volunteer, and volunteer. The DeMotte Fire Department is a “Paid Per Call Volunteer Dept,” and the firefighters get paid per hour once the tones drop. Whether you are a career firefighter or a volunteer firefighter, all firemen must be trained and meet certain certifications in order to be allowed on the scene of a fire. “It’s hard to get people to volunteer to be firefighters,” says Woods. Woods explained how it takes a minimum of six months of schooling in order to pass the certification test.
City
The DeMotte Fire Department enjoys the role they play in the community, even if it is all volunteer. Firefighters take time out of their day in order to go to the local elementary schools to educate students on fire safety and prevention. The firemen who particicipate in these activities are not paid for the time they spend doing this. “I’m proud of the dedication of the firemen. We have a very eclectic group volunteering for us. The men make the department what it is,” said Woods. Woods elabortated how if the men are called out on an emergency, these men will call off work at their paid jobs in order to pitch in. To Woods, the word “progress” means growth. He acknowledges that the town is growing, and the Fire and EMS Departments try to grow along with the town. Recently, the fire department obtained fire hydrants for the town, when they used to have to use tankers. The hydrants came in last year and the department progressed by learning how to use the hydrants along with the new hoses that come with them. They are also in the process of rebuilding two of their brush trucks. Brush trucks are the off
road vehicles the department uses to fight brush and land fires. These trucks need to be kept updated in order to keep up with the community’s needs. Woods is also involved in a program that allows the department to obtain new firefighting gear very year. The program allows them to get six new sets each year and this allows every man to have new gear every five years. Woods explained how every five to seven years, firefighting gear is no longer good and that he set this program up annually so that the guys get new, fully outfitted gear in five years or less. This way, it cuts down on injuries to the firefighters who respond to emergencies. In the future Woods hopes to be able to have an aerial ladder truck, which would help the force respond more efficiently to large, structure fires. He also hopes to replace one of the tankers and replace a brush truck. The DeMotte Fire Department covers all of Keener Twp. and the northern half of Union Twp. which means the area they cover is six miles wide and 13 miles to the north and south. Woods would like the community to know what a good relationship the
Members of the DeMotte Fire Department fire deparment has with surrounding departments. “If anyone needs anything we will provide, no questions asked. If there is a disaster in any of the surrounding areas, everybody pitches in. We are a brotherhood to all firefighters. We are all in this together,” said Woods. Woods elabortates on how everything the firefighters do, they do together. Everything is a department decision and every decision is to better the community. As of right now, the department is getting ready for ISO which stands for Insurance Services Office. They rate the department on how it is doing and depending how low the
From C- 7
to do something each year and we want people who live here to enjoy the facilities we have.” Something that will be coming soon is an INDOT project to make the intersection of Hwy. 231 and Mt. Calvary Road safer. One plan is to shift the road about 15 feet in order to add a turn lane. That project is scheduled for 2016. INDOT will also be working soon on the rehabilitation of the Washington Street Bridge. In 2014, the city paved about 2.2 miles of
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roads following a very harsh winter. The city spent about $400,000 on the paving projects, almost double what is typically spent each year. A project underway currently is the renova-
tion of the utilities office in city hall. The project includes an effort to balance the heating and cooling system, improving work areas to meet OSHA standards, and fulfilling obligations to meet the American
Jasper County Veterans Council Thanking those who have done so much for so many
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Disabilities Act (ADA). The project will cost about $26,000.
DeMotte Fire Department’s rating is, it could lower the community’s insurance rates. “I’m proud of the progress we make and I’m hopeful for the future. I feel safe in
this community knowing that when I retire, this department will still be here. I hope whoever takes my place as chief will continue to build this department,” said Woods.
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C14 PROGRESS EDITION
MARCH, 2015
Reaching New Heights
Wheatfield Fire grows with new ladder truck By CHERI SHELHART editor@kvpost.net WHEATFIELD — The Wheatfield Volunteer Fire Department purchased a ladder truck and an engine truck last year. The ladder truck had a longer ladder then their older 1970s truck. The new ladder truck is a late 1980s model purchased from Pennsylvania. The engine also came from the Pennsylvania area. The ladder truck, after arriving at Wheatfield, was refurbished with new tires and maintenance to make sure everything worked as it should. It is an improvement over the old truck and is a heavier piece of equipment. Currently the fire department is working with Wheatfield Township Trustee Rachel Myers, and the township advisory board, to build an additional station to house their equipment and vehicles. Having one of the largest coverage areas in the county, the department has three stations, one in the town of Wheatfield, one in Kersey and the other in Walker Township at SR 49 and 900 North. The new department will be built on five acres purchased years ago for the purpose. “It’s been in the works for years,” Assistant Chief Bill Davis said. “Now we’re actually seeing some progress.” Currently, the
department, trustee and township board are in the planning and financial stages of the project. Davis said they would like the building to be large enough to house at least four fire trucks. “We have more trucks than space right now,” he said. The fire department has established a temporary station in Kersey, behind DeYoung Dirt Works where three trucks are located. Because of the large coverage area, all of Wheatfield and Walker Townships and half of Kankakee Township, the fire department has the three stations to respond from depending on the location of the fire. The Wheatfield Fire Department is looking for people who would be available to respond during the day. Because all the firefighters are volunteers, many are at work during the day and the number of responders is small. This is the case with many volunteer fire departments across the country. To be a firefighter, one has
to be 18 years and older. Before a new firefighter can respond with the trucks, he has to complete 51 hours of training per state regulations. Those hours of training include Haz-Mat, CPR, truck driving, safety and blood borne pathogens. Then a practical test has to be passed in order to be certified a firefighter. The training and tests are paid for by the department, one just needs the time. During the year, the firefighters train two nights a month and have to keep up with Haz-Mat training hours, four a year, and CPR, every two years. Wheatfield Fire has 35 members on their roster. The number of personnel available differs with the time of day or night an emergency call comes in, but they are ready to leave their homes and families at a moment’s notice to save the lives and property of the people in their community and neighboring communities.
PHOTOS BY CHERI SHELHART
The Wheatfield Fire Department recently added a ladder truck as well as an engine in 2014.
Adult education opportunities available locally By SHERRI MORRISON smorrison@rensselaerrepublican.com In 2013, Indiana selected to use the CTB/ McGraw-Hill’s TASC to replace the GED Text as the State’s official high school equivalency exam. In Jasper County, there are multiple sites where those interested in receiving their TASC certificate can study and prepare before taking the test. Indiana was one of many states to make the switch in order to identify high-quality alternatives to the GED, that were more affordable and accessible. TASC became available in January of 2014. The TASC measures readiness for college or workforce as outlined by the Common Core State Standards and relative to that of graduating high school seniors. According to statistics, nearly 500,000 adults in the workforce, in Indiana, do not have a high school diploma, which is approximately one in six adults in the workforce, in Indiana, who do not have a high school diploma. Three TASC forms are available each year in English and Spanish. Forms A, B, and C. Test formats include large print, Braille, audio, along with paper and pencil. In Jasper County, the paper and pencil method is used at present time. Bob Souza, is the administrator of the test and all testing is done at Rensselaer Central High School. The maximum length of time for one test session is approximately seven hours and Souza offers those taking the test the option of taking it from 8 a.m. until noon two days, or 5 p.m. until 9 p.m., two days. “The last couple of test I have administered, most of the people pass all of it. Some miss just a certain subject and they get two more chances within a
year, to pass it. I am the test coordinator and administrator, and all the testing is done at Rensselaer Central High School. We have people from all over come take the test. Anyone can come take it in Rensselaer or go to any other place offering the test in the State of Indiana,” Souza
said. The 2014 test includes multiple-choice items, a writing prompt (evidencebased writing), griddedresponse items (mathematics), and stimulusbased science and social studies item sets. In 2015, there will be an increased coverage of Common Core State Standards through
inclusion of additional item types and increased rigor according to Souza. For more information
about taking the TASC test, in Rensselaer, call 863-8591. The Adult Learning Center in
Rensselaer, is located across from Saint Joseph’s College at 1027 South College Avenue.
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GET INVOLVED. GET RESULTS. The North Newton Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to promoting growth and economic development, advocating for sound public policy, and serving our members with outstanding programs and benefits. NNCC is the premier advocate of the region’s business community. NNCC is dedicated to representing private enterprise, promoting business, and enhancing the quality of life in the Greater North Newton area. Our single-minded goal is to help your business grow and prosper. By promoting a strong local economy, advancing the interests of the business community, and serving our members, we can make our community an even better place to live, work, and play. If your organization isn’t currently a Chamber member we invite you to join now.
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• Established Vocational Scholarship for North Newton graduate through our annual golf outing event.
2015 North Newton Chamber of Commerce Executive Board President: Mike Ruble Vice President: Sharyn Harvey Secretary: Deb Rossiter Treasurer: Bonnie Funk Sergeant at Arms: Scarlett Schmitt
Watch your local paper for this year’s date
• Sponsored Meet the Candidate Night • Sponsors Angel Tree in Lincoln & Lake Townships Check out the website
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or for a Northern Newton County Brochure, contact the Chamber Office at (219) 345-2525, PO Box 266 - Roselawn, IN 46372
MARCH, 2015
COMMUNITY & GOVERNMENT
PROGRESS EDITION
C15
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