PO Box 603, Wabash, IN 46992 (260) 563-8326
FREE
The Paper of Miami County
Published Weekly, Read Daily
10 days til Christmas
comes to Miami County Celebration of Lights contest nears finish line for participants If you haven’t had the chance to take a drive to see the “Celebration of Lights” participants, you only have four more days to do so. Voting ends at 11:59 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 20. This is the first year for this contest and will become an annual tradition in Miami County. The following addresses are the entries for the “Celebration of Lights” brought to you through the partnership of The Paper of Miami County and Light Up! Peru. There are four categories for the contest. They are: Best Large display (larger than ½ acre); Best small display (typical city block or less); Best virtual (for those who want to display their interior decorations) and Best business display. To vote, text the word 'lights' to 877-729-4471. You will be asked four questions. You must answer each question for your vote to count. You can only vote one time per phone number. Thank you to all of our contestants for helping make Miami County a Christmas destination. Good luck to all. Text voting is being sponsored by Black's Lawn Care.
December 16, 2020
A. 627 East Main Street, Peru B. 492 East Main Street, Peru C. 2796 South Wallick Road, Peru D. 126 West Second Street, Peru E. 61 North Broadway Street, Peru ** DeRozier'sBakery (entire block) F. 2449 West Lynn Lane, Peru G. 1476 West Ellis Road, Peru H. 30 West Second Street, Peru** Gigi's Design Works I. 324 East Fifth Street, Peru J. 13057 S CR 150 E, Wawpecong (tune to 103.1 FM) K. 3886 North Fillmore, Mexico L. 194 South Elm Street, Bunker Hill M. 1445 N CR 300 E, Peru N. 107 West Second Street, Peru O. 67 Adams Avenue, Peru P. 213 East Eighth Street, Peru (music played) Q. 1795 West Otter Creek Drive, Peru R. 561 South Broadway Street, Peru S. 2379 East Fairway Drive, Peru T. 568 East Third Street, Peru U. 6 North Benton Street, Peru V. 515 West 11th Street, Peru W. 2346 S 300 W, Peru X. 512 North Water Street, Peru (Virtual Only) Y. 823 West Third Street, Peru (Virtual Only) Z. 73 East Riverside Drive, Peru
Proudly Serving Miami County
Vol. 1, No. 45
2
THE PAPER
December 16, 2020
Maconaquah Middle School students lend a helping hand
Maconaquah Middle School students are painting trash barrels for Miami County Parks Department. The barrels will be placed along the Riverwalk in Peru.
Maconaquah Middle School FACS students peeled cocoa beans to make chocolate.
Food Pantry coming Dec. 16 606 State Road 13 North • P.O. Box 603 • Wabash, IN 46992 Office Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday - Friday Web Address: www.thepaperofwabash.com
Staff Publisher Commercial Printing Editor Business Manager Sales Prepress & Production
Don L. Hurd Sam Frieden Michelle Boswell Julie Loehmer Arlene Long Jeff Coleman
president@hoosiermediagroup.com sfrieden@thepaperofwabash.com mboswell@thepaperofmiami.com accounting@thepaperofwabash.com along@thepaperofwabash.com jcoleman@thepaperofwabash.com
Deadlines Display Advertising Display Advertising requiring proofs Classified Advertising/cancellations Display Advertising copy changes/cancellation
Friday @ 5:00 p.m. Thursday @ 5:00 p.m. Friday @ 5:00 p.m. Friday @ 4:00 p.m.
Production Ads and text may be emailed in PDF format to ads@thepaperofwabash.com or directly to your sales rep above. If you have any questions please call for detailed information. All submitted CDs, DVDs or photos need to be picked up 30 days after print, any left after 30 days will be discarded. The Paper reserves the right to refuse for publication any advertising that is considered offensive, misleading, or detrimental to the public, the newspaper or another advertiser and to edit advertising at its discretion.
The Mobile Food Pantry will be at Mexico Church of the Brethren, 4460 North Mexico Road, Mexico, Wednesday, Dec. 16 at 11 a.m. It is being sponsored by Anthem Blue Cross and Shield. This is a drive-thru distribution and no one should arrive before 10:30 a.m. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the organizers ask that all who will be recieving food remain in their vehicles.
GRILL SALE From November 20 - December 20
Gift Certificates Available!
All In-Stock and Custom Furniture Now
10
% OFF
NORTHEND ORTHEND OR THEND REENHOUSE GREENHOUSE
13653 Co Rd 500 E, Roann • OPEN Mon-Sat, 9-5 765-470-2639 • (Same Location as Squirrel Creek Bulk Foods)
3
THE PAPER
December 16, 2020
105 W.Third St. | Peru 765.473.6674
FUNERAL HOMES Family Owned & Operated Since 1945 and Serving All Faiths Family Funeral Directors - Thomas Leedy | Julie Leedy-Walker | Mark Frischman
A Trusted Trusted Name in Funeral Funeral Service Service
136 S. Elm St. | Bunker Hill 765.689.9411 Fax 765.473.5996 info@flowersleedyallen.com
Obituaries Joan Ranucci, 87
On the afternoon of Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020, time froze for an instant when Joan Ranucci, proudly of Peru, Indiana, died peacefully at the generous age of 87, holding the hand of her only child, and soothed with thoughts and prayers of her many friends and family members. Joan was born to Marion (Vanderpool) Monahan and Gerald Monahan in the summer of 1933, in Binghamton, New York. She was a smart-as-a-whip student in her aunt’s oneroom schoolhouse, near the Monahan family dairy farm, the only girl and oldest of four siblings. She attended Montrose (Pennsylvania) High School for two years, graduating from Binghamton (New York) Central High School at the age of 16. Joan blazed through young adulthood with her brothers Jerry (Gerald Monahan, surviving), Jimmy (James Monahan, pre-deceased) and Michael (Michael Monahan , predeceased). She met a handsome war veteran nine years her senior, Richard (Ric) Rocco Ranucci, and they married in 1955, staying happily wed for 56 years until Ric passed in 2011. In 1957, outside Cambridge, England, she had her only child, Richard (Rick) Ranucci, and for life these two were “thick as thieves,” as Joan might describe them. Joan lived the far-flung life of a military retiree’s wife, including assignments in Wisconsin, Indiana, North Carolina and Alaska. In the Sixties, she ascended to general manager of three popular bar restaurants in Peru. After maintaining an office at the Westward Hotel in Anchorage, Alaska, she returned to Peru to manage the Tally Ho Steakhouse. Ultimately, she became the first woman (it is said) to manage a military golf course, the one at Grissom Air Force Base, which she subsequently leased and ran. Joan was good and successful in business.
Joan organized holiday parties for children with intellectual disabilities. She belonged to the Moose and Eagles. She was an active member of the VFW and an officer of the Ladies’ Auxiliary. She belonged to St. Charles Catholic Church in Peru. In over 20 years, she never missed a single school Grandparent Day in Indianapolis. Her kind actions were legend among her friends. In addition to aforementioned family, Joan was survived by: great-granddaughter Nell ChanRanucci; granddaughter Jessica Ranucci (and her partner Chris Chan); grandson Marc Ranucci; grandson Jack Ranucci, daughter-in-law Barbara Burcope (and her children Emily, Tyler and Justin); sister-in-law Joann Monahan; niece Lisa (Monahan) Zikuski (and husband Joseph, sons Matthew, Nick, Danny and John, and daughter Ashley); nephew Sean Monahan (and wife Nadine, and children Brett and Sydney); nephews Michael and Rocco Ranucci (and families); nieces Jennifer, Julie and Janie; cousin James “Joe” Monahan (and family); cousins Betty Ann, Michelle, Gigi, Patricia, Dennis, Cathy (and families) (all Monahans or formerly Monahans); cousin Marty Vanderpool (and family); former daughterin-law Kathy St. Louis (and her husband Dale St. Louis) – among other extended family members. Joan was pre-deceased by these additional family, among others: in-laws Armando and Anna Ranucci, aunt Gert (Mon-
ahan) Brewer (and Husband Morris and son Corky); uncle Bernard Manahan; Uncle Francis Monahan (and wife Maureen); Uncle Joseph Monahan (and wife Betty); Uncle Martin Vanderpool (and wife and daughter Margie); and brother-inlaw and sister-in-law Armando (Steve) and Laura Ranucci. She adopted golf as a mainstay – “that or lose a husband,” she quipped. She performed slapstick in a community theater tent and rode on a Circus Parade float in a bubble bath. Her sense of humor was indelible, evidenced by a frequent and crinkled laugh. Reader’s Digest selected her quips for publication. She liked playing at casinos but cautioned, “Don’t bet what you can’t lose.” She had a gift for gab and wise advice. In her earlier days, Joanie was no enemy of grasshoppers (the cocktail) or crooners. She saw Tony Bennett perform live near Atlantic City in 1952, then again live at the Palladium in Carmel, Indiana, 67 years later, in 2019. She sported purple hair at the second performance. She enjoyed life. Joan succumbed to Covid-19. She called it a “terrible disease” and warned us to “please take it seriously and be very careful.” In this spirit, there will be no service soon in Peru. However, friends and fellows can expect future notice of a safe party celebrating her life in July 2021, her birth month. She is laid to rest with her husband, mom, and dad in a Catholic cemetery near the family farm in New York State – just as she wanted. To her friends and family, and especially her son, Joan Ranucci was a force of nature. Her absence is as sad as the memory of her is joyous, which is very much. Arrangements have been entrusted to Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home. Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.FlowersLeedyAllen.com.
Rebecca Jo Eisaman, 71 Rebecca Jo Eisaman, 71, of Peru, Indiana, went to her eternal home Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020. Becky was born in Marion, Indiana, April 30, 1949, to Mary (Bailey) and Richard Hodson. She graduated from Peru High School in 1967. She married Joseph M. Eisaman April 14, 1968. Joe and Becky lived in many exciting places during Joe’s time in the Navy. Their daughter, Michelle, was born in Nov. of 1968 while they were living in San Francisco, California. From there they moved to Scotland and lived in a flat in Kinnard Castle for two years, then on to Ft. Mead, Maryland, before returning to Peru and having their son, Shawn, in Nov. of 1975. Surviving family include her husband Joe, daughter Michelle and Kevin Uptegraft, son Shawn and Shelly Eisaman. Her grandchildren; Caleb and wife Ashely Uptegraft, Erin
Uptegraft, Isabella Eisaman, Alexandra Eisaman, and Nicholas Eisaman. Her two greatgrandchildren, August and Juniper Uptegraft. As well as her sister Sue Phillips. All living in Peru, Indiana. As well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins residing locally and around the globe. Becky retired in 2006 from Five Star Foods where she worked for well over 20 years. She then went on to work part time for Peru Community Schools in the cafeterias at South Peru and Blair Pointe from 2008 to 2019. She loved spending time fishing, floating, and taking friends and family tubing at her lake house.
She loved to travel, visiting family by the ocean and spending time on the beach. Becky also loved the arts. She enjoyed painting, drawing and creating craft projects with her grandkids. She also enjoyed music, her flower gardens, and playing cards or games. She loved to laugh, play, dance, and the occasional good prank. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to the Peru High School Art department in care of Mike Applegate. Due to COVID restrictions Becky’s service was closed to all but her immediate family. The service was Thursday, Dec. 10, 2020, at 6 p.m. with pastor Rod Correll officiating. Visitation was one hour prior to the start of the service. Arrangements have been entrusted to Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home. Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.FlowersLeedyAllen.com.
Cynthia Ann Adkins, 72
Let us not be surrounded by the sorrow of the day, instead let us look back and rejoice in her memories and adventures. All of you that knew her, knew she never met anyone she didn't like until proven otherwise. Everyone was a friend, everyone was welcome to sit at her table. If you needed a shirt, she would give you hers. If you needed something to eat, she would give you her last piece of bread. If you needed a place to sleep, she would gladly give you her bed. Most of all she was Mom, Grandma and Great Grandma. She was very loving to all of us. Her grandkids brought her the most joy of all. She left this world peacefully, surrounded by her family. We love you.
Cynthia Ann Adkins, 72, of Peru passed away at 9:10 p.m. Monday, Dec. 7, 2020, at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne, Indiana. She was born in Kokomo June 21, 1948, to Justice and Dorothy Hunter. She was retired, and was a member of the Peru Eagles #258. She is survived by her
children, Jeff King (fiancee Hope) and Lee Ann Childers (husband Tony), both of Peru; as well as 3 grandchildren, 2 greatgrandchildren, and many other adopted grandkids and great-grandkids. Cynthia was preceded in death by her parents, Justice and Dorothy Hunter, and a brother Daniel Hunter. There will be no public services. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Peru Animal Shelter or the Scratching Post Cat Rescue. Arrangements have been entrusted to Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home. Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.FlowersLeedyAllen.com.
More obituaries can be found on Pages 4, 7 and 8.
4
December 16, 2020
THE PAPER
Obituaries Duane Alan Condo, 80
David J. Kobs, 70 David J. Kobs, 70, of Denver, Indiana. left this life Monday, Dec. 7, 2020, in his home, surrounded by his loved ones. He was born and raised in Burlington, Iowa, March 10, 1950, to Robert and Marcia Kobs. He is survived by his children, David J. (Michele) Kobs, Rebecca (Henry) Conger, Jessica (Edgar) Navarro, and Sarah McKay. Also surviving him are his grandchildren, Jade Gross, Krysta Conger, Kelci McKay, Kaytlin McKay, Hannah McKay, Caleb Kobs, and Grant Navarro, along with many siblings, cousins, nieces, nephews, and in-laws across the states. Those preceding him in death are his wife Barbara Jean Kobs, his parents Robert and Marcia Kobs, an Aunt Mary Beth Anderson, and his brother Kenneth Kobs. David went to Burlington High School where he graduated in 1969. After high school, David served in the Vietnam War in the Navy for several years and was stationed in Pearl Harbor. He retired from the Navy with an
honorable discharge, and coincidentally shares the date of his departure with the 79th anniversary of this historical event. After the Navy, he worked for Square D as a production worker in Peru, IN before retiring. David’s work ethic was inexhaustible. In 2015, he picked up a full-time janitor’s position for North Miami Community Schools and only recently retired this past year. He was also a dedicated member of the VFW organization and attended the Howard County Vietnam Veterans Reunion Organization annually. He enjoyed traveling, camping, and all that involved being outdoors. He enjoyed football, particularly the Indianapolis
Colts. He had many friends and spent his free time helping and caring for his loved ones to the best of his ability, and he loved every moment of it. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you and appreciation to the doctor’s and staff of the ICU at St. Vincent’s Hospitals of Kokomo and Indianapolis, as well as Guardian Angel’s Hospice Care – May God bless you all. Services will be posted later due to the current COVID-19 restrictions. We want everyone who loved and cared for David to have the opportunity to make their amends and as a family, we have mutually agreed to host a service at a later and hopefully, safer date. Memorial donations may be made to the VFW of Kokomo, Indiana, or to the Howard County Vietnam Veterans Reunion Organization of Greentown, Indiana. Arrangements have been entrusted to Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home. Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.FlowersLeedyAllen.com.
Joyce P. Gardner, 91 Joyce P. Gardner, 91, of Peru, passed away at 5 a.m. Monday, Dec. 7, 2020, at Miller’s Merry Manor. She was born in Fredricksburg, Iowa, Sept. 30, 1929, to Earl Brown and Thelma (March) Farnsworth. She married George Gardner Feb. 7, 1949, and he preceded her in death May 4, 1987. She retired as an RN from Dukes Memorial Hospital and was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church. She enjoyed volunteer work, gardening, crossword puzzles, and
spending time with family. She is survived by her children: Clifford (Juliet) Gardner, Tony (Linda)
Gardner, Brian (Marcy) Gardner, and Georgia (Keith) McQuinn; as well as several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandson. A private graveside service was held at 1 p.m. Monday, Dec. 14, 2020, at St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery, with pastor Wayne Balmer officiating. Arrangements have been entrusted to Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home. Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.FlowersLeedyAllen.com.
Michael Leon Elliott, 55 Michael Leon Elliott, 55, Ober, Indiana, passed away at 3:21 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2020, at Kindred Hospital North, Indianapolis. Born May 4, 1965, in Peru, Indiana, he was the son of Leon and Tanya Kay (Lewis) Elliott. On Oct. 6, 2020, in Orange Beach, Alabama, he was married to Linda Jo (Smith) Gochenour, and she survives. Mike graduated from North Miami High School in 1983. He was a truck driver for Ryder Logistics. He proudly served as a Sergeant in the United States Army Airborne Division. He enjoyed fishing and kayaking. Survivors include his wife Linda Jo Elliott, Ober; mother, Tanya Elliott, Macy; three daughters, Clarissa
Gentry, Ft. Wayne; Whitley (Christopher) Williams, Rochester; Emily Elliott, Rochester; one sister, Valerie Elliott, Peru; one brother, Kevin Elliott, Carmel; two stepdaughters, Brittany (Pat) Brandenburg, Rochester; and Kylie (Cody) Mathewson, Mishawaka; six grandchildren, Brylee Elliott, Bahyla Vanderwall, Breidon Vanderwall, Zander Williams,
Aubriella Williams, and Ty Brandenburg; one nephew, Zane Lemon, Peru; and one niece, Rachel Lemon, Mexico. He was preceded in death by his father, Leon Elliott. Military Rites were observed at a graveside service at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, 2020, at Westlawn Cemetery, Denver. Visitation was from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 11, 2020, at McClain Funeral Home, Denver, Indiana. Visitors are asked to follow State COVID guidelines, including wearing mask, social distancing, and a minimum of allowed visitors in the facility. McClain Funeral Home, Denver, Indiana, has been entrusted with arrangements. Condolences may be sent online at
Duane Alan Condo was born July 3, 1940, in Howard County, but enjoyed most of his life in Miami County. He went to be with Our Lord Jesus Christ Monday, Dec. 7, 2020. He was the son of Emmitt and Grace (Pearson) Condo who preceded him in death. Duane retired from Chrysler Corp and was still actively farming, which he enjoyed all of his life. He was a member or the Pioneer Power and IH Chapter 33 tractor clubs. He was a collector of vintage International Harvester tractors. He was a member of the
Bennett Switch Community Church. Duane is survived by his wife of 59 years, Elsie; his children Cynthia Rosenbaum and Jeffery (Kathleen) Condo; 5
grandchildren, Douglas Rosenbaum, Blake, Carter, Emily and Nathan Condo; and 3 great grandchildren. A private family service was held at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, 2020, at the church, with pastor Norm Snyder officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for donations to be made to the Bennett Switch Community Church. Arrangements have been entrusted to Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home. Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.FlowersLeedyAllen.com
John William Studebaker, 83 John William Studebaker, 83, of Peru, passed away at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2020, at Golden Living Center in Kokomo. He was born at Dukes Memorial Hospital in Peru June 8, 1937, to Ben and Edith M. (White) Studebaker. He married Dorothy Richards, and she preceded him in death. John worked as a custodian in the Miami County Courthouse. He enjoyed going to rummage sales, doing crafts, and Cubs baseball. He is survived by his son, Mike (Tammy) Studebaker, of Bunker
Hill; and grandchildren Scott (Janae) Studebaker, Chris Studebaker, and Cindy Studebaker, all of Bunker Hill; and greatgrandchildren Billy Studebaker, Joey Stude-
baker, and Leo Studebaker, and one on the way. Also surviving are brothers Jim Studebaker and Richard Studebaker, and sister Mary Crocket. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, brothers Paul Studebaker and Jr Studebaker, and sister Alice McKenny. There will be no public services. Arrangements have been entrusted to Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home. Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.FlowersLeedyAllen.com.
Nancy June Orpurt Bales, 82
Nancy June (Orpurt) Bales, 82, of Peru, passed away Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2020, at Dukes Memorial Hospital. She was born in Peru Aug. 1, 1938, to the late Sherman Lee and Alma (Newman) Orpurt. She married Frank D. Bales Feb. 17, 1961, and he also preceded her in death. She enjoyed fishing, camping, and hunting for mushrooms, as well as ginseng with her family. She had worked at a few factories in Peru, including Kuepper Favor, as well as Dukes Memorial Hospital, and was the as-
sistant manager at Kentucky Fried Chicken in Peru. Nancy is survived by her five children: Dennis (Debra) Bales of Lagro, Jody Logsdon of Kokomo, Teri (Howard) Twining of
Bunker Hill, Henrietta (Charles) Robinson of Peru, and Nancy L. Bales of Peru; as well as several grandchildren and several great- and greatgreat-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, daughter Carmen Bales, and sister Louise Wildrick. Services will be held at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home. Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.FlowersLeedyAllen.com.
Thelma L. Bowland, 91 Thelma L. Bowland, 91, formerly of Greentown, passed away at 4:45 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 6, 2020, in Kokomo. Thelma was born in Grant County Feb. 5, 1929. Her parents were Charles David Douglass and Wilma “Theora” Ancil Douglass Robbins. She married Raymond “Ray” Bowland in Peru March 9, 1948, and he survives. Thelma was a 1947 graduate of Swayzee High School and a member of the Converse Church of Christ. She was a homemaker and farm wife. Thelma loved her family unconditionally and was a devoted wife, mother,
grandmother, and greatgrandmother. She enjoyed reading and working puzzles. Surviving in addition to her husband, Ray, are her daughters Connie (Craig) McKillip of Wabash, Karen (Mike) Fauber of Greentown and Kathy (Bill) Shrock of
Leesburg; grandchildren Brent McKillip, Brooke McKillip, Chad Fauber, Angela Ford, Kyle Shrock and Kent Shrock and 17 greatgrandchildren. Thelma was preceded by both parents, her stepfather, sister, brothers and granddaughter, Jennifer McKillip. A Private Family Service was held Dec. 9, 2020, at the Laird-Eddy Funeral Home, Amboy, Indiana, with Dave Stokes officiating. Burial was in Park Lawn Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made through the Laird-Eddy Funeral Home to the American Cancer Society or American Diabetes Association.
5
THE PAPER
December 16, 2020
Sports Maconaquah wins wrestling meet 61-18 over Northfield
Winners for the Maconaquah Braves are: Nathan Hollars, Ty Galvan, Cory Bockover, Haydon Chance, Zane Lahrman, Logan Farnell, Mason Taylor, Gavin Nethercutt, Macie Greene, Drake Guyer and Brayden Raber.
Local sports schedule All school sports schedules can change at any time. Be sure to check with the schools to see what the protocol is for the events that are taking place such as limited seating, masks, social distancing. Maconaquah Dec. 16 5:30 p.m. – Boys Sixth, Seventh and Eighth Grade Basketball vs. Logansport Junior High School (Away) 6:15 p.m. – Girls Junior Varsity Basketball vs. Peru High School (Away) 7:45 p.m. – Girls Varsity Basketball vs. Peru High School (Away) Dec. 17 6 p.m. – Boys Sixth, Seventh and Eighth Grade Basketball vs. Rochester Community Middle School (Home) Dec. 18 6 p.m. – Boys Junior Varsity Basketball vs. Eastern Jr/Sr High School (Home) 7:30 p.m. – Boys Varsity Basketball vs. Eastern Jr/Sr High School (Home) Dec. 19 9 a.m. – Boys Junior Varsity, Varsity and Co-ed Varsity Wrestling – Yorktown Duals (Away) 10 a.m. – Boys and Girls Varsity Swimming vs. Manchester Jr/Sr High School (Home) 10 a.m. – Boys Sixth Grade Basketball vs.
Oak Hill (Away) 6 p.m. – Boys Junior Varsity Basketball vs Logansport High School (Home) 7:30 p.m. – Boys Varsity Basketball vs. Logansport High School (Home) Dec. 22 6 p.m. – Girls Junior Varsity Basketball vs. Rochester Community Middle School (Away) 7:30 p.m. – Boys Varsity Basketball vs. Rochester High School (Away) North Miami Miami County is now level Red (December 9). Please be aware of the following protocols in place at North Miami athletic events as mandated by the Miami
County Health Department and State of Indiana. These protocols will remain in place until directed otherwise. Level Yellow restrictions– Crowds will be limited to what the capacity of the gym is that allows for proper social distancing and all protocols followed. Masks are to be worn when entering/leaving, moving around, or when social distancing is not possible. Members of the crowd should not be near any players or students. Level Orange restrictions– Tickets sold to 2 parents or guardians only. No bands, no away cheerleaders, social dis-
tancing, and masks required. Level Red-Tickets sold to 2 parents or guardians only. No extended family. No bands, no away cheerleaders. Social Distancing and masks required. No fans will be allowed for multiteam tournaments. Livestreaming ($6.50) will be available for most MS/HS events at https://nmathletics.mylivegame.com/ Spectator Protocols Fans must wear mask Social Distancing is a must in bleachers Parents/Guardians only - 2 per rostered participant Parents/Guardians will purchase tickets at the game
Main Gym – Lower bleachers will be for the teams only – Fans must sit in the upper section Main Gym – Bleachers will be split – All home fans must sit on south side & all visiting fans must sit on north side Aux Gym & Warrior Arena (Elementary) – Bleachers will be split home & away must sit in designated area. Concessions – will be open but limited No visiting team cheerleaders No Pep Band
Dec. 17 6 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. – Boys Seventh and Eighth Grade Basketball vs. Wabash High School (Home) 6:15 p.m. – Girls Junior Varsity Basketball vs. Rochester High School (Home) 6:15 p.m. – Boys Sixth Grade Basketball vs. Southwood Elementary (Away) 7:45 p.m. – Girls Varsity Basketball vs. Rochester High School (Home) Dec. 19 8:45 a.m. – Varsity Wrestling vs. Rochester High
School McKee Invitational (Away) Dec. 21 6 p.m. – Girls Junior Varsity Basketball vs. Taylor High School (Home) 7:15 p.m. – Girls Varsity Basketball vs. Taylor High School (Home) Dec. 23 6:15 p.m. – Boys Junior Varsity Basketball vs. Rochester High School (Away) 7:45 p.m. – Boys Varsity Basketball vs. Rochester High School (Away) See Schedule, Page 6
6
THE PAPER PHS Wrestling team, coaches and managers
December 16, 2020
Local football players named to All State Teams North Miami Warrior Football player Darian Hanley was named to the IFCA 1A All State Team two years in a row.
The PHS Wrestling Team: Jalen May, Conner Shaffer, Cole Sailors, Xavier Brown, Cooper Baldwin, Cameron Baber, Cody Legg, Alex Legg, Brayden Gibson, Kayden Gee, Ashton Stevens, David Schulte, Arthur Dominique, Marcus Schneider, Mason Sommers, Brandt Gamble, Stephan Taylor, Chase Seifert, Sam Makowski, Braxton Strong, Levi Strong, Kenton Ousley, Caiden Curtis, Brayden Timms, Mel Smith, Sydnee Wheeler, Kya Fritzman, Gabby Comer, Logan White, Chris McKi nney, Jordan Rader, Andy Hobbs, Daric Fuller, Zak Leffel and Yeti Hobbs. Not pictured are: Cian Hazlett, Colin Quin, Dustin Kern, Kadyn Lancaster, Kat Gross, and Nathan Jones.
Coaches: Chris McKinney, Jordan Rader, Andy Hobbs, Daric Fuller, Zak Leffel. Not pictured are: Colin Quin & Dustin Kern. Coaching Support: Yeti Hobbs
Managers: Clockwise- Mel Smith, Sydnee Wheeler, Kya Fritzman, Gabby Comer, Logan White. Not pictured is Kat Gross.
Schedule
continued from Page 5
Peru Dec. 16 6:15 p.m. – Girls Junior Varsity Basketball vs. Maconaquah High School (Home) 7:45 p.m. – Girls Varsity Basketball vs. Maconaquah High School (Home) Dec. 17 6:15 p.m. – Boys Freshman Basketball vs. North Miami (Home) 6:30 p.m. – Boys Junior Varsity and Varsity Wrestling vs. Wabash High School (Away) Dec. 19 9 a.m. – Boys Junior Varsity Wrestling vs. North Miami High School/Invitational (Away)
Noon – Girls Junior Varsity Basketball vs. Southwood Jr/Sr High School (Away) 1:30 p.m. – Girls Varsity Basketball vs. Southwood High School (Away) 6:15 p.m. – Boys Junior Varsity Basketball vs. Southwood High School (Away) 7:45 p.m. – Boys Varsity Basketball vs. Southwood Jr/Sr High School (Away) Dec. 22 6 p.m. – Girls Junior Varsity Basketball vs. Logansport High School (Away) 7:30 p.m. – Girls Varsity Basketball vs. Logansport High School (Away)
Peru High School Tiger Football player, Zachary Johnson has been named to the 2020 3A All State Team.
Have a sports story? Want to publish sports scores or highlight an athlete? Contact Michelle Boswell at mboswell@thepaperofmiami.com today!
Land transfers/deeds
Obituaries David Soldi, 43 David Soldi, 43, passed away Sunday, Dec. 6, 2020, surrounded by family at the home of his brother and best friend, Jay Soldi in Peru, Indiana. David was a lover of great food, music, literature, his family, and girls that resembled Christina Ricci. Although Dave never had children of his own, he was a devoted uncle to his niece and nephews, teaching them important life lessons, Algebraic expression, and words they shouldn’t use in public. David never left a room without also
leaving an impression. He was small in stature but giant in heart, intellect, and wit. David was a realist who surrounded himself with people whose opinion he valued, yet compliments given to him were truths he struggled with. Of the many
brilliant songs Dave wrote in his life, he is somewhere looking on, now thrilled with himself for living out the world’s greatest sad country song. David will be missed by friends from around the world and his beloved family including his Mom, Barbara (Dragoo) Jernigan, Dad, Jim Soldi and his wife, Sharon Whyte, Brothers, Jay Soldi and his wife, Tish, Kyle Jernigan and Trey Jernigan, Sisters, Ann James and her husband, Clint, Holly Jernigan and Amy Green and her husband, Gage. Dave’s niece, Phoebe
Soldi and nephews Spencer and his wife, Ashley and Sebastian Soldi and Tynan and Jaden James and great niece, Hayden Soldi, have lost the most because they were his greatest loves yet the ones that got the least amount of time with him. There will be no formal memorial for Dave because that kind of thing just wasn’t his style. But we have it on good authority that Dave would love for everyone to raise a pint in his honor and to not forget to tip the band and bartender.
Corey Norman Pyeritz, 50 Corey Norman Pyeritz, 50, Peru, passed away Sunday, Dec. 6, 2020, at his residence. Born May 18, 1970, in Peru, Indiana, he was the son of Frank Raymond and Connie Sue Pyeritz. Survivors include his son, Andrew Pyeritz, Marion; daughter, Victoria Williams, Marion; one granddaughter, Roslinn Joann
7
THE PAPER
December 16, 2020
Pyeritz, Texas; two sisters, Dera Shuler, Peru; Shawnna Sutero, Peru; Uncle Mark (Barbara) Pyeritz, Peru; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his mother, Connie Sue Pyeritz Mills. Funeral services were held at Noon Thursday, Dec. 10, 2020, at McClain Fu-
neral Home, Denver, Indiana, with pastor Jim Loft officiating. Burial followed in St. John Lutheran Cemetery, Peru. Please visit Corey’s obituary page at www.mcclainfh.com and follow the link for the live-streamed service. Visitation was one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. McClain Funeral Home, Denver, Indi-
Classifieds
ana, has been entrusted with arrangements. Condolences may be sent online at www.mcclainfh.com.
A warranty deed was made for 1167 Barksdale Ave., Peru; 1225 Chanute Ave., Peru; 1250 Chanute Ave., and 1172 Barksdale Ave., Peru. The grantors are Vernon Henry Robinson, Vernon Robinson andVernon H. Robinsson. The grantee is
Nathan Robinson. A quit claim deed was made for 4807 S. 250 E., Peru. The grantors are Kenneth G. Thompson III, Wyndi M. Thompson, Kenneth G. Thompson and Wyndi M. Williams-Thompson. The grantees are Wyndi M. Thompson
and Kenneth G. Thompson.A A warranty deed was made for 1755 W. Farview Drive, Peru. The grantors are Ursula R. Dietzel and Kathleen D. Burchfield. The grantees are Mark R. Bartoli and Sandra S. Bartoli.
Classifieds/Auctions
8
THE PAPER
December 16, 2020
Obituary Dr. Reja-e Busailah, 91 Dr. Reja-e Busailah, 91, was born in Jerusalem, Palestine, and died in Indianapolis Dec. 6. He was preceded in death by his parents, Yasin and Lulu (Haj Ali) and by his first wife Hannah Selwyn Busailah in 1999. He is survived by their daughter Nawal and son-in-law Heath Knuckles of Crawfordsville, Indiana, and grandchildren Cody, Dante, and Alex. Cody and his wife Gabriella gave Grandpa three greatgrand sons. Also surviving are siblings Mohammad Busailah and wife Edna of Glendale, California; Najeebah Zhalan of Damascus, Syria; Laila Souibri of Rabat, Morocco; and Salwa and husband Muhammad Abu Ebeid of Amman, Jordan. Also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews. His wife, Tanya, affectionately called Tanyusha survives as do her parents, Lloyd and Carolyn Roberts of Denver, Indiana, and his sis-
On Thursday, Dec. 3, 2020, Randall Lancaster, loving husband, father, and servant of Christ Jesus passed away at the age of 62. Randall was born Feb. 4, 1958, in Connersville, Indiana, to James and Hollie Lancaster. He was a 1976 graduate of Union County High School and received degrees in teaching and administration from Purdue University. He was a high school administrator, science teacher, and football coach over the course of his 38year career. On June 4, 1988, he married Teresa Lynne Bowers. They raised three children together: Ansen, Abigale, and Isaiah. Randall had a tremendous passion for students and dedicated his professional life to bettering their lives through his teaching, coaching, and mentoring. He was an active member of EastPointe Bible Church, where he taught youth Sunday School classes, served in the children’s Awana program, and asked hard
ter-in-law Sabrina Sigmon, her husband David, and their children. His many “readers” also survive: all the kind people who have read to him over the years and helped him type his writings. They are family to us. Also surviving is the whole town of Kokomo, whose adopted son he was. Indeed, he is being mourned here, across the country, and around the world as tributes pour in from friends, artists, poets, and writers. Blind since infancy, Reja-e broke all the molds. He never let anyone tell him no. His determination and feistiness were unparalleled. He was an intellectual man of letters, a
thrill seeker, a world traveler, a great host, and a lover of people, great food, strong coffee, music, art, animals especially cats, and walks in Highland Park. He was a dominate physical presence with his bone-crunching handshake, baritone voice, and backcracking hugs. “Good to see you!” he bellowed everywhere. His accomplishments are too numerous to mention here as right now people everywhere are sharing personal stories of how this man impacted their lives. Helping others gave Reja-e his greatest joy. Just to chronicle his achievements let us note the following: he earned a B.A. in English literature from Cairo University, Egypt; next a Special Education degree from Hunter College in NYC where he met his first love, Hannah Selwyn; from there he founded a school for the blind in Kuwait and taught
there; finally, restless, he returned to New York to begin a Ph.D. program for English from New York University where he simultaneously taught for the Institute for the Blind. Next Reja-e and Hannah, now married, made their home in Kokomo where he taught English at IUK for the next 30 years. Together this couple founded Project Loving Care, a charity for orphaned Palestinian children which they ran out of their home for decades before it became The United Holy Land Fund. Dr. Busailah and his seeing eye dogs were an icon on and off campus. He loved his colleagues and students and had many loudish parties at his residence for his students where he said, “the floor shook.” Nearing the end of his career, he turned to travel again winning a Fulbright Scholarship to teach at a university
in Morocco. Later, in his seventies, he went to teach at Birzeit University in the West Bank, Palestine. Reja-e mourned and raged about the destruction of his hometown of Lydda, Palestine, all detailed in his memoir. Yet, he created his own village here: the fruit stand people, the shoe store, the grocery check-out people, the pharmacist, his favorite waitresses he asked for by name and who doted on him, and all his doctors and nurses, his dentist, veterinarian, and anyone Reja-e ran into. He made us slow down and remember that we are people first and businesses second. Reja-e took another blind leap of faith when he found love again and married Tanya Roberts in 2002. She was his match in all things adventure, travel, writing, and art. Together they formed an ironclad bond with ropes of steel.
Everything they did was for each other. She was his Ariel, and he was her Prospero. There was no “I” in their marriage, only “we” and “us.” With her insistence and dedication, he wrote his award-winning memoir: In the Land of my Birth: A Palestinian Boyhood (Palestine Book Award 2018) and the following year the poetry companion piece: Poems of a Palestinian Boyhood. Dr. Busailah is published in many scholarly journals at home and abroad and has published many poems and articles in magazines and online formats throughout his long writing career. Every day found him reading, writing, Facebooking, e-mailing, and thinking about his YouTube poetry channel. He wanted a Twitter page and argued that the Pope had Twitter. He barked questions to Alexa, his favorite electronic, asking it bizarre questions making it say,
“Hmm…I don’t know that one.” He talked in Arabic to his brother every single day. He loved his family. He loved everyone. He was tireless. He could do anything but see. We thought he was immortal… A socially distanced Celebration of Life was held at Rodgers Pavilion in Highland Park on W. Deffenbaugh from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Dec.12. In lieu of flowers, please donate to either of Reja-e’s favorite charities: The Seeing Eye Dogs (https://www.seeingeye.org) in Morristown, New Jersey, or The United Holy Land Fund (https://www.uhlf.gl obal) in Burbank, Illinois, by following links on their website or calling for the address. McClain Funeral Home, Denver, Indiana, has been entrusted with arrangements. Expressions of sympathy can be shared online at www.mcclainfh.com.
Randall Lancaster, 62 Terrall Lancaster of Indianapolis, Indiana, Jeff Lancaster of Connersville, Indiana, his sisters, Linda Towns of Richmond, Indiana, Sharon Burns of Rancho Cucamonga, California,
questions that often gave the pastors and class teachers headaches. Randall walked with Jesus for over 30 years and lived to see each of his children choose to do the same, of which he was the most proud. He will always be remembered as a wonderful teacher of children, and a dedicated student of the Lord. Randall was preceded in death by his father, James, his mother, Hollie, his brothers, Charles, Harold, Richard, Michael, and his sister, Betty Ramey. He is survived by his wife, Teresa, his three children, Ansen [Petro] of Dayton, Ohio, Abigale, Isaiah, his brothers, Gary (Donna) Lancaster of Hot Springs, Arkansas, Greg (Vicky) Lancaster of Brooklyn, Wisconsin,
Ronda (Dave) Lancaster-Velazco of Oxford, Ohio, Pamela (Ben) Caskey of Liberty, Indiana, Jerilyn Lancaster of Upland, California, and several nieces, and nephews.
A visitation was held Wednesday, Dec. 9, 2020, at EastPointe Bible Church, 1540 East Paw Paw Pike, Peru, Indiana, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. The funeral service was held at the same loca-
tion Thursday, Dec. 10, 2020, at 10:30 a.m. with an hour visitation time before from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Memorial contributions can be made to the Peru Rolling Chapel, P.O. Box 656,
Peru, IN 46970. Arrangements have been entrusted to Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home. Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.FlowersLeedyAllen.com.