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Ferris wheel operators take a break during the 2019 Circus Festival. Photo by Michelle Boswell
Circus still hopeful for shows in July despite COVID-19 Circus City Festival, Inc., has suspended circus practice for now but hasn’t given up hope for shows in July. CCFI President, Mandy Mavrick, has quite a bit of pressure to deal with concerning the circus and its unknown future performances in July. The Peru Circus brings in the most tourism dollars to Miami County than any other event. While this proves to be a huge responsibility to the community, the health and safety of the performers and staff outweigh any monetary gain. “The health department has advised we follow what the schools do,” Mavrick said. “If classes resume May 1, circus practice will begin,” she added. The circus was one week into practice before everything came to a halt because of the coronavirus. Even if all goes back to business as usual, the question of whether potential audiences will flock to the shows like normal comes into play. Will people feel comfortable being in close proximity with other audience members so soon after the all-clear with COVID-19? “We may have to be flexible. Maybe change the date (of the shows),” Mavrick said. Like other businesses and nonprofits, so many questions linger but so does hope.
Mark Hall, Producer of the Circus said, “Were going through the same thing everyone else is going through. We have not given up on having our festival in July and as of right now that is still our plan.” The circus is more than just shows in the arena but includes the downtown festival and parade. Festivities vice president, David Weeks is taking events with the virus outbreak as they come. “Vendor applications are still coming in. There haven’t been any ride (carnival) or vendor cancellations,” said Weeks. While hopeful things will pick up where they left off, Weeks feels there will be some new restrictions that could come on the heels of COVID-19. “I think the health department will be strict about how vendors conduct business. Some vendors like to have samples sitting out for carnival goers to try and they may not be allowed to do that anymore,” Weeks explained. He continued, “the vendors may have to wear masks, gloves or have hand sanitizer available.” Weeks expressed there might be some people who will be leery about what time of day to go out for meals or when they visit the carnival. But then he said, “people may be ready to get out by then. You just don’t know.”
We have not given up on having our festival in July and as of right now that is still our plan. - Mark Hall
April 1, 2020
Proudly Serving Miami County
Vol. 1, No. 8
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THE PAPER
www.thepaperofmiami.com
April 1. 2020
Police reports Miami County Sheriff ’s Department March 20 Bradley Conner, 26, Peru, was taken into custody. Kurland Morgan, 21, Noblesville, was arrested for violation of probation. Kristopher Williams, 35, Converse, was arrested for violation of probation. March 21 Dakota Foust, 25, Peru, was arrested for dealing methamphetamine and possession of methamphetamine. March 22 Jimmy MacIsaac, 56, Peru, was arrested for operating while intoxicated, being a
habitual traffic offender, and operating while intoxicated causing endangerment. March 24 Jarrett Juergensen, 36, Eau Claire, Michigan, was arrested for operating while intoxicated. Jessie Allen, 30, Peru, was arrested for violation of community corrections. Jacob Studabaker, 22, Center, Indiana, was arrested for operating while intoxicated causing endangerment, possession of marijuana, and possession of methamphetamine. March 25 A citation for speed was given to a motorist near W 550 N
and N U.S. Rt 31, Peru. A disabled vehicle was reported near 5851 S U.S. Rt 31 at Cedar Creek Mobile Home Park, Peru. The vehicle, an unoccupied silver Volkswagen with a flat tire off travel portion of roadway and not a traffic hazard. A traffic accident with damage was reported near W 850 S and S U.S. Rt 31, southbound lanes. Officer was advised to disregard prior to arrival. A welfare check was requested at 39022 Edwards Ct. The subject’s welfare appeared to be nonthreatening and had no intentions of self-
harm. He stated his water was turned off. Contact was made to an individual at homeowners’ association and she was contacting utilities to check the problem. Peru Utilities stated water was turned off due to lack of payment. The Miami County Health Department was notified of the water situation. A caller wanted to report stolen property but was out of the county at the time. He said he would go to the Sheriff ’s department to file a report after work. Domestic Disturbance was reported at 2051 W Matador St.
The victim state there was no domestic disturbance and the officer didn’t observe any signs of injury or complaint of pain. The victim refused to cooperate. A domestic disturbance was reported at 2934 S and 300 W, Woodland Hills Mobile Home Park, lot 234, Peru. Parties stated nothing criminal had taken place and agreed to remain separated for the evening. An officer spoke to a female over the phone who had questions regarding an eviction notice. Units responded to 9270 S and 450 E, Amboy, in reference to an intoxicated male. The male was transported to Dukes Memorial Hospital by medics for further evaluation. Theft from a vehicle was reported near 314 E Washington Ave., Prescotte Greene, Apt 3, Bunker Hill. The vehicle owner completed a lost plate form. Loose cows were reported near 1271 W and 750 N, Denver. The department contacted the owner and the owner went to look for the cows. An officer spoke to two males at 2970 W St Rd 18, McClure Oil. One male advised he accidentally handcuffed himself without a key. The male was then un handcuffed. An address verification was attempted at 1831 W Blake St, Miami. March 26 Theft was reported at 5280 E and 400 S, Peru. The investigation is ongoing. A suicidal subject was reported at 142 S Maple St., Peru. Agency assisted Peru City officers with call. Disorderly conduct was reported at 141 S Elm St., Bunker Hill. A disabled/abandoned vehicle was reported near W 400 S and U.S. Route 31, Peru. Officer assisted motorist with broken down vehicle. An address verification was conducted at 208 E Washington Ave., Peru.
Assisted Howard County with a vehicle pursuit near S 200 W and W St Rd 18, Kokomo. A caller from 422 W and 250 S, Peru, found a gate on her chain link fence down. The gate rests on the fence on two one-inch hinge posts. The aluminum gate needs moved up only an inch before it is off the posts. No footprints found in the area. Caller has two dogs for doesn’t believe they could have lifted the gate off the posts. The caller was unable to find anything disturbed on the property. A caller from 2096 W Willow Ln, Peru, reported vehicles improperly parked on the roadway. A construction crew that was setting a new home was nearby. They had several vehicles legally parked in the roadway and three vehicles parked on the roadway facing against traffic. The owner agreed to turn the vehicles with traffic and added they would be done at that location in less than an hour. No other violations were found. March 27 A complainant from 2051 W Matador St, Peru, reported a stolen vehicle. Caller wouldn’t come to the door because she was sick. She was told she could contact the sheriff ’s department later to make a report. A warning for speed was issued near S 500 W and W St Rd 218, Peru. A caller from 2933 Travis St, Peru, had questions about child custody orders. A complainant from 1036 W Canal St, Peru, wanted to speak to someone about possible bank fraud. This is an ongoing investigation. Department was contacted and dispatched to the area of U.S. 31 and 1350 S in reference to a firearm being pointed at an individual. This is an ongoing investigation. Theft was reported at 8672 S and 150 W, Bunker Hill. Disorderly conduct
was reported at 1012 N Lincoln St., Peru. Theft was reported at 404 N Jefferson St, Converse. A citizen needed assistance at 5686 E 375 S, Peru. Department was dispatched to the area of U.S. 31 and 250 N in reference to an unconscious male in a vehicle. Everything checked out fine. March 28 Bobby Olinger, no age given, Peru, was arrested for harassment. Daniel J. Buffington, 38, Peru, was arrested for burglary of a non-dwelling and possession of stolen property. James Bellar, 32, Peru, was arrested for burglary and theft. Kelli Runkle, 30, Peru, was arrested for burglary and theft. Disorderly conduct was reported at 40022 Fairchild Ct, Peru. A citizen needed assistance near S 950 E and E 900 S, Amboy. Officer gave the directions to get home. Theft was reported at W Hoosier Boulevard and Foreman Drive, Grissom Air Reserve Base. Disorderly conduct was reported at 2051 W Matador St, Peru. Someone was being harassed via phone calls at 2020 Shaw St, Peru. Debris in the roadway was reported near S Business 31 and W River Road. Officer removed the debris. A welfare check was requested for a male at W 1350 N and N Main St, Macy. Male advised he was going to walk to Denver. An assault was reported at 3257 W 500 S, Peru. The parties were separated prior to the officer’s arrival. A traffic accident with property damage was reported at 1094 N Lincoln St, Peru. Criminal mischief was reported in a field near 4987 E St Rd 124, Peru. A vehicle was stuck in the caller’s field. The property owner declined pressing tres
See page 7
THE PAPER April 1. 2020
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FUNERAL HOMES Family Owned & Operated Since 1945 and Serving All Faiths Funeral Directors - Thomas Leedy | Julie Leedy-Walker Mark Frischman
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info@flowersleedyallen.com
Quiet Observations
My 20/20 view of the world
Written by Don L. Hurd, President of Hometown Media, Inc. My father peacefully left this Earth in February. I know he’s in such a much better place. So now we’ve begun the bittersweet process of preparing my father’s house for sale since he passed away. As you separate the “stuff ” you have piles of items. The piles consist of what’s valuable or what’s to be thrown away. But, then there is another pile. The pile of irreplaceable memories. The most valuable items don’t always have monetary value attached to them. The items that immediately bring forth a treasure trove of memories are the “things” that are most valuable mementoes to me. There was a blue platter that my parents would use for putting the Thanksgiving turkey and the Christmas ham on for our family dinner. However, Dad would always use the platter for pouring his homemade fudge in each Saturday night. Dad loved making his chocolate or peanut butter fudge before we would all settle in the living room to watch Creature Feature on our black and white Montgomery Ward’s
Treasures
TV. As we watched Boris Karloff ’s Frankenstein or Bela Lugosi’s Dracula in the dark, my sisters and I emptied the platter each Saturday night bite by delicious bite. My father was an industrial spray painter by trade. Mom would always pack his lunch in his metal lunch box. Each day I would eagerly await his arrival home. Why? I wanted to rummage through his lunchbox to see what was left. Dad always made sure the left something for little Donnie. As I would open the lunch pail searched inside to find what he left and I would devour it with shear delight. As I mentioned Dad was a painter. He was
I’m so pleased to have these treasured heirlooms in my possession. I just smile each time I see them because I’m immediately transported to sweet memories of my childhood. Don L. Hurd continually changing the colors he would use for painting. These paints would always drip in a certain area below his spray gun. Over a course of time the dripping paint would build up and harden. The paint was turned into a multi-colored mound. It looked like an amazing colorful volcano. Instead of throwing away the colorful mound he decided to turn it into something useful.
Dad was pretty handy in repurposing items. Voila, colorful bookends. I’m so pleased to have these treasured heirlooms in my possession. I just smile each time I see them because I’m immediately transported to sweet memories of my childhood. Yes, these items are things that some would call trash but they will forever be a treasure to me. Who’s the rich one now?
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beyond
measure
Support Miami County restaurants. See page 5 for your local listings.
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THE PAPER
www.thepaperofmiami.com
April 1. 2020
Letter to the editor
Wind damage
Wind toppled a tree on Logan Street in Peru on Sunday, March 29. The Peru City Street Department brought equipment to remove the downed tree in short time. photo provided by Stanley Hall
Indiana primaries moved to June The Indiana Election Committee held a historic meeting, virtually, and unanimously voted to move Indiana’s primary from May 5 to June 2, 2020. With the unanimous vote, there are a few election updates to be aware of, including a change that allows any registered voter to vote via an absentee mail-in ballot. Important deadlines and dates for Hoosier voters are: Monday, May 4 - voter registration deadline; Tuesday, May 5 early voting begins in person;
Friday, May 8 - end of pre-primary election campaign finance reporting period; Thursday, May 14 - traveling boards begin; Thursday, May 21 - deadline for a request for an absentee by-mail ballot to be received by the clerk or board of elections and registration; Sunday, May 31 - End of pre-primary supplemental campaign finance large contribution reporting period; Monday, June 1 - deadline for traveling boards and noon deadline for early voting; Tuesday, June 5 - primary day.
Noon is the deadline to return absentee ballots. As Hoosiers come together to fight the coronavirus and flatten the curve, it’s important to remember that everyone is making sacrifices to keep Hoosiers across the state as healthy and safe as possible. However, COVID-19 should not stop anyone from exercising their right to vote. Information on the coronavirus is changing rapidly. For the latest updates, visit in.gov/coronavirus.
We iix Fix x It! I t!
11 W 3rd St | Peru, IN
765-460-5149
3rd Street & Broadway, directly behind CVS
Support local businesses as much as possible. Be sure to look over the restaurant listings on Page 5 to find your favorite place for breakfast, lunch and/or dinner!
Eat local!
Dear Editor, I’m writing with an update on Dukes Memorial Hospital’s preparation for the presence of COVID-19 in Miami County. I want to reassure the community that Dukes Memorial Hospital leaders are monitoring updates to local, state and federal guidance in response to the ever-evolving situation. We are prepared to protect the safety and well-being of our health care team and all patients, should community members develop symptoms of COVID-19 requiring hospital care. Admissions staff are carefully screening all patients for COVID-19 symptoms and risk factors including fever with a cough or difficulty breathing, exposure to someone known to be infected with COVID-19, or travel from an area with a concentration of COVID-19 cases. To date, two patients in our hospital have demonstrated symptoms or risk factors of a COVID-19 infection. No test results have been positive to this point. As of March 25, 2020, one positive case has been identified in Miami County. As any patient suspected of having COVID-19 is identified, the individual is placed in an isolated room or area away from other patients and given a medical mask to wear. Only a small care team interacts with the patient.
If the Emergency Department or attending physician determines a patient with symptoms meets the risk criteria, they will coordinate testing and the patient’s ultimate disposition, consulting with the Miami County Department of Health, as necessary. Infection control is our top priority. Our staff members are trained in the appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE), including medical masks, N-95 respirators, goggles and gowns. We actively maintain our PPE inventory based on the number of patients in our care and we have sufficient inventory to tend to our patients. Our resources are being increased so we are prepared for the event of a surge in patients. We are preserving and conserving our PPE inventory in accordance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance. We extend gratitude for the skills and compassion of the nurses, physicians, advanced practice providers, respiratory therapists, technicians and all members of our team. We understand our responsibility to protect our caregivers with the resources and practices to minimize unnecessary exposure to infection and we are restricting visitor access to the hospital at this time as part of
this response. Dukes Memorial Hospital and all health care organizations and caregivers in the community are focused on responding appropriately to this monumental health emergency. We applaud Mayor Hewitt for his actions to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our community and we are grateful to the Miami County Health Department and Dr. Christi Redmon, as well as the Indiana State Department of Health, for their leadership. The public’s participation in social distancing and sheltering in place is critical to reduce the number of people who are infected. Our hospital is just one piece of the needed action to fight COVID-19. For the most up-todate information regarding our hospital’s preparedness, please visit LutheranHealth.net/coronavirus. You are also welcome to call our free, 24-hour information line at (260) 435-5050. To learn more about the Indiana Department of Health COVID-19 response, visit www.in.gov/coronavirus. For in-depth information about COVID-19, visit the CDC, cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV. —
Deb Close, CEO, Dukes Memorial Hospital
THE PAPER April 1. 2020
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THE PAPER
www.thepaperofmiami.com
April 1, 2020
Dollar General opens new location in Peru Dollar General’s store at 121 N. Broadway St. in Peru is now open. Normal hours of operation may be found online or through the Dollar General app. Dollar General stores are proud to provide area residents with a convenient store to purchase household essentials including food, cleaning supplies, paper products, over-thecounter medicines, hygiene products, baby items and more through its mission of serving others. With approximately 75 percent of the American population within five miles of a Dollar General, the Company is committed to remaining open and in-stock to provide customers and communities with an affordable and convenient retail option during these unprecedented times. A grand opening community celebration is expected to be announced later. The store is expected to employ approximately six to 10 people, depending on the need. Dollar Gen-
eral also continues to hire new full and parttime employees across its store, distribution and private fleet networks. Dollar General p r o v i d e s employees with competitive wages and benefits that including day-one telemedicine, health insurance coverage options, 401(k) savings and retirement plans, tui t i o n reimbursement, world -class and award-winning training and development programs, Dollar General’s Employee Assistance Foundation, paid parental leave, adoption assistance and much more. Interested candidates can review and apply for available positions online. Dollar General gives its customers more than everyday low prices on basic merchandise. Dollar General is deeply involved in the communities it serves and is an ardent supporter of literacy and education. At the cash register of every Dollar General store, customers interested in learning how
Dollar General opemed a new location in Peru recently. It is located on North Broadway, occupying the former Boardwalk Cafe and Family Video building. Photo by MIchelle Boswell to read, speak English or prepare for their high school equivalency test can pick up a brochure with a postage-paid reply card that can be
Send news and story ideas to mboswell@thepaperofmiami.com
mailed in for a referral to a local organization that offers free literacy services. Since its inception in 1993, the Dollar General Literacy Founda-
tion has awarded more than $172 million in grants to nonprofit organizations, helping more than 11 million individuals take their first steps
toward literacy or continued education. For more information about the Dollar General Literacy Foundation and its grant p r o g r a m s ,
visit www.dgliteracy.c om. Stores are closing one hour earlier to allow employees to clean and restock shelves.
Miami County YMCA closed; essential services continue Membership and General Information - Jenny Rhodes at jrhodes@mcymca.org Sports, Gymnastics, Aquatics - Caleb Bragg at cbragg@mcymca.org Child Care and Meal Delivery - Barb Althouse at balthouse@mcymca.org Substance Abuse Prevention - Jen Yates at jyates@mcymca.org Business and Billing - Brenda Constable at bconstable@mcymca.org Transit - Kathy Brehmer at kbrehmer@mcymca.org or call 765-472-1979 Administration and Executive Director - Mark Demchak at mdemchak@mcymca.org
This sign hangs on the side of the small barn outside of Peru High School. Drew Olson of Olson Paint and Body, Peru, donated the sign to help alert families about the Summer Feeding Program for students and adults. Photo by Michelle Boswell
THE PAPER April 1. 2020
Police
trespass charges. March 29 A traffic accident with damage was reported near 1304 W and 800 S, Bunker Hill. The driver was westbound on CR 800 S approaching 200 W and struck a deer that had entered the roadway. An alarm sounded at 7518 S Innovation Way, Bunker Hill. Indiana State Police response and everything checked out fine. Lucy, the Black Angus cow that resides at the corner of SR 19 and CR 550 N, made another dashing attempt at freedom. Lucy was surrounded and placed back in her fencing. Subjects were reported as trespassing near E 500 N and N 700 E, Peru. The subjects were on the property looking for arrowheads. A runaway juvenile as reported from 671 S Clinton Blvd, Bunker Hill. A subject from 10587 S Poplar St, Miami, wanted a female to move out of the residence. The subject was advised he would need to get a court order eviction. An overdose was reported at 3084 W and 1000 N, Macy. A citation for speed was issued near W Division Rd and N U.S. Rt 31, Peru. A traffic stop was made near W 400 S and S U.S. Rt 31, Peru. A verbal warning was given for erratic lane movement. Department assisted the Peru Police Department with a suspicious person in a residence. Peru Police Department
March 24 Disorderly conduct was reported at 414 E Third St. Music was turned down before officers arrived. An alarm sounded at 2 Sherwood Square. Officer spoke to delivery truck driver and everything checked out fine. A theft was reported at 110 N Benton St., Roann. Central dispatch advised to disregard call due to female being in Roann and not Peru address. Female was referred to Wabash County. A gas leak was reported near 206 Blvd. Officer stood by for traffic control while Peru Fire investigated. Once NIPSCO arrived, officer went back into service. An animal problem was reported near 83 E Franklin St. The issue was addressed.
www.thepaperofmiami.com
Continued from page 2 A female acting suspicious was reported near 118 E Nineth St. near an employee’s vehicle. Female was located at advised to leave the area. A domestic disturbance was reported near 207 W Eighth St. An unwanted guest was reported at 1149 Rosewood Dr. After further investigation, it was found to be a civil issue. An unwanted guest was reported at 497 E Main St., Apt. 3. The issue was addressed. A report of loud bangs was reported north of St Rd 19 near Parkview Heights. Officer patrolled the area but did not hear any of the noises reported. A welfare check was requested at 217 E Nineth St. The issue was addressed. March 25 Several juveniles were reportedly sitting by each other and vaping in Maconaquah Park. They were located and asked to keep separated. A vehicle has been left on a lot at 2964 W and 100 N, Peru. The owner was contacted and plans to pick it up soon. A caller from 215 Apache Drive, reported a suspicious subject pacing amongst the housing units. Subject found to be upset over a relationship with possible impairment. Subject agreed to stop causing disturbance and return inside home. A civil call was made from 416 E Third St., about a property sale agreement. The issue was addressed. A welfare check was requested for a juvenile who ran away from home near S Lincoln and E Canal Streets. The juvenile was brought back home and DCS was contacted. A suspicious male was reported near 323 E Main St. The male, upon arrival was informed to move along and go home. March 26 A delivery driver set off an alarm at 812 W Main St. Everything checked out fine. A false alarm sounded at 1025 Industrial Parkway. A juvenile went into the police department to speak to someone about some personal issues. Disorderly conduct was reported at 211 W Eighth St. There was a report of a juvenile problem. Charges were sent to probation for domestic battery,
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Social distancing and fog
A vehicle unlock request was made at 990 Cherry Ln. A complainant had questions regarding civil custody issues. The complainant is out of state and will call for a standby and documentation if he comes to Peru to pick up the child. An officer was asked to check a residence for a runaway from Carroll County. The officer was unable to locate the runaway. The officer contacted the complainant and advised her of the same. A welfare check was requested at 23 S Park Av, lot 2. Subject stated she was fine and was just concerned for her son who had cut his arm moving a bike. The subject had a ride to Dukes Memorial Hospital. Everything checked out fine. A woman from 207 W Seventh St called and wanted to speak with an officer regarding her daughter leaving without permission. A report was taken. A report of a female passing counterfeit bills at 2 S Broadway was taken. A caller from 35 S Broadway reported illicit sales in Peru. Information was forwarded to the detective division. A subject who commonly causes problems at 285 E Main St., McClures, was located and issued a no trespass warning at the request of the business. The subject signed and stated that he understood if he returns to the business again, he will be charged with criminal trespass. A report of a syringe was dispatched at Seventh and Broadway. The officer met with the complainant. He directed the officer to the syringe lying on the sidewalk in the area. The officer placed the item in a sharps container. A report of reckless driving was reported near E Spring St and Wallace Avenue, southbound, Peru. The officer was unable to locate the driver. Suspicious subjects were reportedly walking by and approaching porches near 519 W Main St. An officer spoke to the subjects matching the description who denied being on any porches. No one else was in the area.
Looking west from East Main Street, the fog made the eerily quite morning seem even more still than usual. Photo by Michelle Boswell
Gov. Holcomb outlines additional efforts to help Hoosiers during COVID-19 pandemic Gov. Holcomb outlines additional efforts during pandemic from INDOT and National Guard Traffic on state roads, highways and interstates is down significantly as a result of many Hoosiers honoring the Stay-At-Home Order. To speed up deliveries to retailers, commercial trucks hauling products essential to COVID-19 response are eligible for an emergency overweight vehicle permit. This permit will allow trucks to operate in the state at 90,000 lbs. gross vehicle weight rather than 80,000 lbs. through at least April 13. Trucking companies and drivers needing this permit should call 317615-7320. Highway maintenance is ongoing, and construction season will begin on time.
Move over, slow down, and pay attention if you must be on the roads for essential travel to help keep our employees and contractors safe. The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA), in partnership with the state’s food banks, the Indy Hunger Network and Feeding Indiana’s Hungry, has developed a statewide, interactive map that will help Hoosiers seeking food assistance find what they need. To see the map, go to: https://www.in.gov/fssa/dfr /5768.htm There are two types of organizations shown on the map: food pantries and meal sites. Food pantries are locations where Hoosiers can pick up groceries to prepare and use at their homes.
Meal sites serve packed meals, ready to take home and eat. The Indiana National Guard is being deployed to six food banks across the state to help sort and pack food for distribution to food pantries. The food banks are in Marion County (2), Bloomington, Lafayette, Fort Wayne and Merrillville. The Indiana National Guard will also work at mobile food distribution sites across the state. More information may be found at the Indiana State Department of Health website at coronavirus.in.gov and the Centers for Disease Control website at: https: //www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019ncov/index.html.
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THE PAPER
www.thepaperofmiami.com
April 1. 2020
Miami County VA Clinic suspends direct-patient services during pandemic The Veteran Affairs
(VA) clinic in Peru
has stopped direct-pa-
tient services and is
routing resources in
preparation for an an-
ticipated surge of
COVID-19 patients. The move is part of a three-state operation in Indiana, Ohio and Michigan. According to the VA, the decision is meant to focus resources to help treat the most vulnerable veterans. Veterans who use the Peru Community Based Outpatient
Clinic who need acute medical care are encouraged to seek medical attention at VA facilities in Fort Wayne, the Marion Campus and St. Joseph Community facilities. Veterans can also utilize urgent care facilities within the VA network. Veterans can visit https://www.va.gov/f ind-locations/to find nearby urgent care facilities in the VA network. The closure of the Peru clinic came the same day that the In-
diana Department of VA relaxed the guidelines for veterans to receive money from the Military Family Relief Fund. The department released a coronavirus emergency application, which provides uninterrupted assistance to veterans and their families during the National Emergency COVID-19 crisis. Veterans in these affected areas who have questions about routine medical care, are asked to contact 1800-360-8387 ext. 75113.
Miami County VA Clinic in Peru. Photo by Michelle Boswell Those needing pharmacy refills, call 1800-360-8387 and follow the directions.
The VA Northern Indiana Healthcare System said it greatly values veterans’ un-
derstanding and flexibility as it continues to adapt to new information and combat
the global pandemic.
Nearly time for Spring soil sampling By Corey Roser
It is finally that time of year when winter’s cold grip on the Earth has started to lessen and the anticipation for springtime and warmer weather is thick in the air. Many of you may be itching to get out, no doubt due to being stuck inside the last several months, to start planting your flower beds and vegetable gardens. But do not get in too big of a hurry that you skip a crucial, and often overlooked step that will help ensure you have a bountiful garden harvest and fabulous flower blooms. One of the easiest and relatively inexpensive planning tools at your disposal when it comes to the health of your landscape and garden is having your soil tested. Yet, it is all too common for land-
scapers and gardeners to apply fertilizers, lime, sulfur, and other additives to their soils without knowing the current status of their soils. It is sad to say, but sometimes these applications may do more harm than good. Applying too much fertilizer, lime, sulfur, and even organic matter, manures and the like, can lead to problems. A soil test will reveal the current nutrient status of your soils and whether you need to add any nutrients. When it comes to soil testing, I highly recommend ditching the “at-home” kits and investigate using a soil laboratory. The “athome” kits are often very basic in nature, are easy to mess up, and may not give accurate results. Please do not be intimidated by this process of soil sam-
Corey Roser pling, many private laboratories in and around Indiana offer a wide range of soil and tissue testing services. Check around and contact the lab of your choice for pricing and other information before submitting samples. Likewise, you can also check with the Purdue Ex-
tension office in your county to see what local services are available and often times they will submit samples to a lab on your behalf; then the Extension educator will work with you to submit the sample and help interpret the lab result, thus taking away much of the uncertainty and work for you. The first thing you should consider is how often you should sample. A homeowner should have their soil tested every three to five years. More frequent soil testing may be required if you have specific plants with fertility and soil pH requirements. It is important that you collect a soil sample and have it tested well before you plant, so that there is time to amend the soil. Generally, you can sample soil any time the soil is suitable for spading or rototilling. For you eager beavers, late summer or early fall gives you plenty of
lead time to plan. However, for the rest of us, early springtime is perfectly fine to conduct a test and is generally when most people think about this practice. No matter what time of year you choose to sample, there are some basic steps that you want to follow to ensure an accurate test and reading. I recommend starting with drawing a simple diagram of your property. You can then mark where those soil samples will be taken. This will prove beneficial when you take samples from different parts of your property that have different characteristics. For example, you will likely want different soil tests for a front yard, vegetable garden, patch of fruit trees, shrub area, etc. By sampling these areas separately, you will be able to start tailoring specific fertilizer and lime/sulfur applications to each area individually. Keep those diagrams in a safe place for future reference later down the road. Make sure you have the right tools on hand to assist with the job. A soil probe or auger is ideal for taking soil samples. If you do not have a probe, you can use a sharp spade, long knife or trowel – just be sure you remove the same amount of soil from each sampling area. And of course, make sure your instrument is clean before starting. Since the final sam-
ple will only use a small portion of the soil, it is extremely important to take several core samples (with a soil probe) or slices from different spots, evenly distributed, in the area. It is best to evenly space out where you take the samples so that it gives a better representation of the whole area. I like to tell clients to take samples from the four cardinal-direction areas of the yard or garden: North, South, East, West and dead center. Keep the soil samples separate; I tell people to put them in labeled plastic bags or individual, clean, buckets until they finish other samples. All these smaller “sub-samples” will get mixed together and sent as one single soil sample. So, how many soil samples should you collect from each area? For a large area, like a yard, it is best to collect 1015 cores. For smaller areas, like gardens or flower beds, collect 4-6 cores. Now is the time to get your hands dirty! Using a soil probe, spade or trowel, take several core samples (soil probe) or slices (spade or trowel) from each area you want to test. When testing, it is imperative that samples are taken 6-8” deep for gardens, shrubs, trees and flower beds. If sampling for turf, you only need to a dig 3-4” indepth. You will want to remove any surface debris, like thatch, sticks, stones and any other material that is
not soil. Allow the samples to dry at room temperature (do not use artificial heat like an oven). Once dry, mix all the core samples well and crush them so that all the soil is about the size of wheat grains or so, but do not pulverize. Mix these samples together in a bucket until you have a homogenous sample that will provide an “average” for the area. After the sample has been mixed, remove roughly 1 pint of soil. This can then be placed in a clean, labeled container or bag to be submitted to the soil testing lab. Make sure to follow the lab’s sample submission instructions. Some may require a special testing bag or accompanying paperwork. The beauty of working with a soil lab is that they will give fertilizer recommendation options when a sample is submitted. From there, you will be able to apply the correct fertilizers, limes, and sulfurs to meet the needs of your soil. In my mind, having your soil tested regularly it is a no-brainer. With a few dollars, the willingness to get your hands a little dirty, and a simple soil test, you increase your odds of having a successful and healthy garden and flowerbed tenfold. Soil sample today to produce a bountiful garden and stunning bouquet of flowers tomorrow. Happy Spring y’all! Corey Roser, Extension Educator-4-H Youth Development, Purdue ExtensionMiami County Extension Office