Vol. 40, No. 17
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PO Box 603, Wabash, IN 46992 (260) 563-8326
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of Wabash County Inc.
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July 12, 2017
Proudly Serving Wabash County Since 1977
Dozens pay tribute to fallen officer By Emma Rausch emma@thepaperofwabash.com
There are moments that define a generation. “The older generations remember where they were when President (John F.) Kennedy was assassinated. A group of folks remember exactly where they were when 9-11 hit. “For this crew here their JFK assassination, their 9-11 was the day David Rich was killed,” Bob Rich, Rich’s brother, told a crowd gathered at the corner of Manchester Avenue and Wabash Street Wednesday, July 5. Wednesday marked the 10th anniversary of the death of Indiana State Police Master Trooper Detective David Rich and the day did not pass unnoticed in Wabash. Dozens of Wabash County residents joined local and state
law enforcement officers Wednesday morning at the David Rich Memorial Park to remember Rich as a son, father, husband and officer. Rich lost his life on July 5, 2007, after stopping to assist a motorist that looked in need. He was the “epitome of what a police, father and husband should be,” Mayor Scott Long, a former Wabash Police officer, told the crowd. “He made each and everyone one of us on the Wabash Police Department do the job a little bit better,” he said. “He and I solved a few cases together over breakfast and Arby’s as did other officers of the department. It was always a pleasure to speak to him.” To this day, Long remembers Rich in every day occurrences. “A lot of times, (Rich’s death) seems like it was just yesterday,” he said. “There are many things in the community of
Bob Rich, a retired Indiana State Police officer, speaks about the life of his late brother, ISP Master Trooper David Rich during a memorial service on Wednesday, July 5. Photo by Joseph Slacian Wabash that reminds me of Dave. I still remember the mornings at Rock City Café. If I see somebody bring their kids in, that reminds me of Dave. If I see a shiny, immaculate, red fourwheel drive pick-up truck, that
ISP trooper saves man in flood water By The Paper staff An Indiana State Police trooper pulled a Roann man to safety after the county resident’s vehicle had submerged in rushing water on County Road 600 West Friday night, July 7. According to an ISP press release: At approximately 11:53 p.m., officers from the Indiana State Police, the Wabash County Sheriff ’s Department, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and firefighters from the Roann Volunteer Fire Department responded to the report of a submerged vehicle on C.R. 600 West near County Road 500 North. When emergency responders arrived at the scene, they found a Chevrolet Cobalt off the west side of C.R. 600 West. The vehicle was submerged in rushing water with only the passenger side of the vehicle visible to the officers. Responders advised they could see that the vehicle was
occupied by a male, who was later identified as Daniel Winters, 60, Roann. Trooper Dustin Rutledge entered the rushing water and was armed with a life jacket, provided by Conservation Officer William Dale, for himself and Winters. The first responders had secured a safety line to a Roann fire truck and to Rutledge. Dale, firefighters and Wabash County Sheriff ’s Deputy Eric Ryggs manned the safety line while Rutledge made his way through the water and to the Cobalt. When Rutledge arrived at the car, he saw water up to the steering wheel. While speaking with Winters, Rutledge quickly realized the man was cold and his manual dexterity was poor. Winters’ arms and legs were weak. Rutledge was able to put a life jacket on Winters and secured him to a safety line. While Rutledge was pulling Winters from the Cobalt, the safety line secured to Winters
reminds me of Dave.” Since 2007, the Wabash community has kept his memory alive, according to Doug Carter, Indiana State Police superintendent. Rich’s character was “a testa-
ment to the Rich family and a testament to Indiana trooper,” Carter told The Paper of Wabash County. “He’s going back home, he’s in plain clothes and in a plain car,” (continued on page 4)
4-H Fair activities to begin this week By Joseph Slacian jslacian@thepaperofwabash.com
TROOPER DUSTIN RUTLEDGE broke. Winters was unable to stand, so Rutledge had to drag him to dry land. Ryggs, Dale, and firefighters assisted in getting Winters to a fire truck. Winters was treated and released at the scene by Roann paramedics. This incident is still under investigation. There had been heavy downpours of rain in the area throughout the day on Friday. ISP officers said it is believed overflow from the nearby Paw Paw Creek contributed to the rushing water and flooding.
The Wabash County 4-H Fair will begin later this week, with a variety of activities planned through the weekend. The fair begins in earnest on July 17-22 at the Wabash County 4-H Fairgrounds. While the fair officially takes place next week, pre-fair activities began Tuesday, July 11, with the public fashion review at the Honeywell Center’s Legacy Hall. Activities begin at 7 p.m. Attention will return to the Honeywell Center on Wednesday, July 12, for the Wabash County 4-H Fair queen’s pageant. That will take place at 7 p.m. in the Ford Theater. Public recognition of the 4-H 10-year members also will take place on Wednesday. Action shifts to the fairgrounds on Friday, with the Horse & Pony Show at 8 a.m. in
the Horse and Pony Arena. Also planned Friday is the Mini 4-H Horse Show. All activities are scheduled to begin at 8 a.m. Saturday brings the annual Wabash County 4-H Dog Club’ obedience and agility dog show to the fairgrounds. Activities will begin at 11 a.m. and should continue much of the afternoon. Also, from 9-11 a.m. Saturday exhibit in the Wabash County Open Show will be entered at the Bob Elrod Building. The Wabash County 4-H Poultry Show will kick off fair week, beginning at 11 a.m. in the rabbit/poultry area. Also to be judged on Monday are the Dairy Show and 2:30 p.m. and the Beef Show at 6 p.m. Both of those shows are in the show arena. The Mini Beef Show also is planned Monday. Tuesday finds a full slate of activities, beginning with the Goat Show at 8 a.m. in the show (continued on page 5)