Vol. 38, No. 17
PO Box 603, Wabash, IN 46992 (260) 563-8326
of Wabash County Inc. June 17, 2015
www.thepaperofwabash.com Proudly Serving Wabash County Since 1977
2 die in rural crash By The Paper staff Two people were killed Sunday afternoon in a two-vehicle accident in rural Wabash County. At approximately 12:05 p.m., the Wabash County Sheriff ’s Department responded to an accident at the intersection of 800 North and 700 West. According to the official accident report, the investigation
showed that a vehicle driven by Ted J. Lambert, 79, North Manchester, was eastbound on 800 North when he failed to stop at a stop sign at the intersection of 700 West. A southbound vehicle driven by Melissa M. Martin, 29, Roann, collided with Lambert’s vehicle in the intersection, according to police. Lambert was airlifted to Lutheran Hospital, but died
while in transit due to his injuries. Lambert’s passenger Louellen L. Dewitt, 75, Birminham, Ala., also perished from injuries received in the crash. Both Lambert and Dewitt died from blunt force trauma, according to the report. Two other passengers in Lambert’s vehicle, Rebecca K. Lambert, 66, North Manchester, and Charles P. Dewitt, 78,
By Joseph Slacian jslacian@thepaperofwabash.com
By Emma Rausch emma@thepaperofwabash.com
(continued on page 6)
Coroner Carol Whitesel and Wabash County EMA. Sunday’s accident was the second fatal accident in northern Wabash County in the last 10 days. On Friday, June 5, Genny A. Gidley, 67, and Robert Gidley, 73, both of North Manchester, died after their vehicle left State Road 114, about a half mile east of County Road 500 E. The vehicle rolled and the couple was ejected.
Wenrich remembered for service to city, students
‘Come see the show!’ The Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) Theatre program students are in the final phases of their productions before taking to the Ford Theatre stage this week. With rehearsals, sets, and costumes nearly completed within three weeks, there is no room for nerves, said Marilyn Mason, co-director of the seventh through 12th grade performance “Fiddler on the Roof.” “It’s really just work mode right now,” said Mason’s codirector Emily France in an interview with The Paper of Wabash County. “I think the biggest thing right now is we know what’s coming up and what to expect and passing that to (the students) so that it does become their show next week and being able to do that as educators really.” “More than anything,” Mason added, “when all the details are set and they have every prop they need, every bit of costuming they need, the lighting is going well, the sound is sounding good, and all those other layers that go into production next week, then you just sit back and you’re excited for them.” France said that the VPA Theatre program is a great opportunity to bring together the children from the county’s various school districts. “I went through the program when I was in seventh grade and on and it was wonderful because we all come from fairly small schools where the theatre departments aren’t huge,” she said. “And so when you’re in your theatre department, there were only maybe 15 or 20 that have that same interest and
Birmingham, Ala., were both transported to Parkview Wabash Hospital with no life threatening injuries. Martin was treated at the scene with minor injuries. Safety restraints were being utilized in both vehicles, according to the report. Assisting at the scene were Roann Fire Department, Wabash City Fire and Rescue, LifeMed, Wabash County
Visual and Performing Arts students made the final touches to their art projects as their gallery shows approach. The junior and senior high school students crafted scenic 3D books and batiks to hang in their exhibits starting June 21. Photo by Emma Rausch
Youths to display summer art projects in gallery By Emma Rausch emma@thepaperofwabash.com Participants in the Honeywell Foundation’s Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) summer art program are washing off their paintbrushes and adding their final touches in preparation for their gallery shows starting June 20. The program began June 8 and will conclude on June 19. Prior to their upcoming gallery, students had the opportunity to work with different art mediums guided by local artists and instructors, including local artist Candie CooperMcCoart and Metro North Elementary art instructor Katy Gray. Gray, who teaches kindergarten through third grade art during the school year, instructed the seventh through 12th grade group during the summer art program and told The Paper of Wabash County that the summer program is different. “Obviously, the kids who are in this program are here
because they really want to do it,” Gray said. “They’ve paid the money to do it. They get up early to do it. They get themselves here to do it, and so the engagement level is really turned up because they’re here because they want to be. “But I also think,” she continued, “that they like the fact that they get to see other people during summer break, because summer break, for some people, can be a lonely time. So having somewhere to visit and then also to express themselves and to create, it really makes their time here really valuable. “And I think for the most part their projects are really authentic because, yes I’m giving them materials to and methods to use, but it’s different from being in school. … They have some freedom and it’s obviously satisfying something that they need.” Projects followed the program’s central theme, “Art Elements Around the World,” and included both two and three-dimensional studies. (continued on page 14)
An excellent teacher. A person who was always prepared. A person who had a quick, and unique, sense of humor. Those remarks and more sum up the life of former Northfield High School teacher and current Wabash City Council member Jim Wenrich. Wenrich, 61, died Thursday, June 11, “losing a battle against his own immune system,” according to his obituary. “What I enjoyed most about Jim was his sense of humor,” Mayor Robert Vanlandingham said. “We would work on one another pretty good. Jim was a good father, husband, teacher and public servant and a very good friend to all. He certainly will be missed. “We would talk about all kinds of stuff; anything that would come to mind. Jim had a different slant on things at times, but that’s good. It’s healthy.” His six fellow Council members were quick to sing the praises of Wenrich, who leaves behind a wife, Dr. Rose Wenrich,
and two c h i l dren. “In all m y ye a r s serving on the C i t y Council, I don’t remember a t i m e JIM WENRICH when I have had as much enjoyment as serving along-side Jim Wenrich,” longtime Council member Joan Haag said. “He was always looking into problems, asking questions, and debating different viewpoints. “From all I have found out about Jim over the years — he was that way with everything and anything he tackled. He was a great steward for Wabash and will be sorely missed.” Council member Bryan Dillon echoed Haag’s remarks. “Jim was an amazing person. I learned so much from him while serving on the City (continued on page 5)
Marketplace names new director By Joseph Slacian jslacian@thepaperofwabash.com Emily Gardner is the new director of Wabash Marketplace Inc. (WMI), the organization’s board of directors announced on Tuesday. She will begin July 6. Gardner brings six years of business and retail development experience with a specific focus in marketing and operational execution. For the last three years, Gardner has worked for the Wabash County Chamber of
Commerce. “The amount of impact WMI is committed to generating within this community, paired with the increased programs offered by the organization requires a director with relational and organizational skills,” WMI Board President Jason Callahan said. “Emily (Gardner) was an ideal candidate because she already has strong relationships in downtown Wabash and with her experience at the Chamber, she has a (continued on page 14)