Vol. 40, No. 13
PO Box 603, Wabash, IN 46992 (260) 563-8326
of Wabash County Inc. June 14, 2017
www.thepaperofwabash.com Proudly Serving Wabash County Since 1977
Goff named to Indiana Supreme Court By Joseph Slacian jslacian@thepaperofwabash.com
Volunteer Jackie Easthom (left) shows Bentley Hawkins, 7, how to cast and reel in a fishing rod. Easthom is one of multiple volunteers helping youth and adults learn the art of angling at the Bluegill Fishing Clinic. Photo by Emma Rausch
‘Reel experts’ educate all ages on the art of angling By Emma Rausch emma@thepaperofwabash.com Louise Friermood, an 89-years-young Wabash County resident, began her first fishing lesson Saturday, June 3, at the Bluegill Fishing Clinic with a smile on her face. “I need to know a little bit about fishing,” Friermood told The Paper of Wabash County. “I don’t go very often. It wasn’t my husband’s favorite thing to do, but we went a few times. I know a little bit (about fishing), but my fishing
was with a cane pole, the old-fashioned way.” More than two dozen children and adults joined Friermood at the first of four Saturday training sessions to learn from the “reel experts” Bob White and his group of volunteers. “I came here to support Bob,” Friermood said. “He asked me to be like a model, though he didn’t really use that word, to show that you’re never too old to start fishing.” While White and volunteers demonstrated (continued on page 4)
Wabash County Superior Court Judge Chris Goff is the new Associate Justice of the Indiana Supreme Court. Goff was named to the post Monday morning, June 12, by Gov. Eric Holcomb during a brief ceremony at the Indiana Statehouse. Goff, who becomes the 110th Indiana Supreme Court justice, replaces Justice Robert D. Rucker, who retired earlier this year. “There are few decisions that will be as impactful as the appointment of a Supreme Court justice,” Holcomb said in making the announcement. “His influence will be felt by so many for so many years to come. “To select a member of our state’s highest court is a great responsibility, and I duly note it is made of and with the people Indiana first in mind. I can say without reservation that all three of the finalists provided for my consideration … are overly qualified to serve on our
state’s highest court, and I have no doubt each would serve admirably.” That, the governor continued, is due to the state’s deep well of talent. “Judge Goff ’s superb personal and professional qualities are evident to every one who meets him,” H o l c o m b s a i d . “He has a proJUDGE CHRIS found GOFF respect for the Constitution and the rights and principles embodied within. A key aspect of his judicial philosophy is a firm belief in the concept of judicial restraint. “Judges should not only take great care to limit the use of their power to strike down laws (continued on page 5)
Dawg Park is dedicated By Joseph Slacian jslacian@thepaperofwabash.com
About 100 people gathered Friday evening, June 9, to watch a 30-year dream become a reality. The crowd, along with several dogs of all shapes and sizes, came together on South Carroll Street to watch the dedication of the Dawg Park, Wabash’s first facility dedicated to man’s fourlegged friend. Gary Henderson, whose 30-year dream sparked a committee to create the park, emceed the ceremony, which was threatened by darkening clouds and the threat of rain.
Henderson introduced the committee and thanked the members for their efforts. He also thanked several others who were fundamental in building the park, including Stan and Patsy Myers who furnished the land for $1 per year, Dave Vandermark, who did much of the work at the site, and Steve Kirtlan, who is allowing the park to tap into his business’ water and electrical service to help avoid several thousands of dollars’ worth of work just to prepare the site for those utilities. The highlight of the evening was the unveiling of two memorial structures at the park. The first, a memorial bench located under a (continued on page 6)
Gary Henderson speaks to the crowd while the family of Ashley Younce admires the memorial bench made in her honor. Photo by Joseph Slacian