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Bob Stambazze takes a test swing at Peru Municipal Golf Course on a mild winter day. Photo by Michelle Boswell
Stambazze named GM at Peru Municipal Golf Course Clubhouse By Michelle Boswell mboswell@thepaperofmiami.com Bob Stambazze isn’t trading in his radio headphones for the golf course, but he will be much more visible to the public than ever before. Stambazze has been named the general manager of the Peru Municipal Golf Course Clubhouse and he has great plans for all ages to enjoy. “We plan on getting a program started at the Muni for little kids once they’re out of school. Something extremely affordable,” he said. “It will be something to invite parents to take part in with their kids. This is a city park and parks are supposed to be fun. We have the best one around.” Stambazze, has been well-known around the area for his voice on 105.9 The Bash as well as 101.9 FM. He has served as the sports director for both radio stations and is the head softball coach for Fort Wayne Bishop Luers High School. He lives in Huntington and has been married for 47 years. He and his wife, Marla, have two grown boys, Jake and his wife, Kelsey, and Bobby and his wife Jacklyn. They have four grandchildren, Maggie, Brantley, Knox and Presley. Although Stambazze was born and raised in Huntington and continues to live there, he spends a lot of time in Peru. For three years, he used to mow six to eight hours a
day at the Muni leaving his home at 4 a.m. to get started. “I was mowing at the Muni when they told me there might be an opening at the clubhouse and asked if I would take it over.” Now his focus is on building up golf programs and clubhouse usage. With Stambazze’s long radio career, he is used to doing promotions. As he put it, “I love promoting things.” At the Muni, “we have our past, present, and now it’s time to focus on our future.” Currently, the clubhouse is under major renovation including the locker rooms. The locker rooms have been stripped and made into better restroom facilities. There is a 3,500 square foot putting green and the driving range will be expanded this year. The clubhouse will have two large screen TVs. One will be a 50 inch and the other a 70 inch. Stambazze said they will be great to have when people come in to socialize or if it’s raining. There will be a different chemical program to rid the course of weeds that is environmentally safe. The kitchen facility is being expanded to make it more user friendly if there is an event held at the clubhouse and because they offer food at the clubhouse. There are brand new golf carts for patrons to use and there are two putting greens. If you don’t have your own golf clubs, there will be clubs to rent. There will also be golf accessories available such as tees and golf balls. There is also a program available for those who own their own golf carts where you can store and use it at the Muni. Another program to be offered at the Muni will be geared toward veterans. “One day a week, veterans can come play and only pay for the use of the golf cart. We will also have family days, father/daughter, mother/son type days available. We want families to come out and play,” said Stambazze. New memberships are being accepted as well as bookings for golf outings. Brand new merchandise will also be available that, according to Stambazze, will be affordable and top quality. He said they will be using social media a lot more than they did before to help bring people to the muni. The golf course can be found on facebook at Peru Municipal Golf Course. He said he plans to put something on social media every day and encourages everyone to follow them. “By the time the year is done, they are going to know us. Everyone knows Peru as the Circus City and now when they hear about the Muni, they’ll think of Peru, too,” he said. (continued on page 2)
March 4, 2020
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Stambazze
While talking to Stambazze, it became obvious he has great confidence in the people he works with and the overall facilities the Muni offers to the public. He spoke of Garry Clark, the Peru Municipal Golf Course Superintendent and Cliff Helvie who serves as the Parks Superintendent and what a difference they have made. “What they have done here and for this size of a community, is second to none. It’s unbelievable how well they take care of the course. We have the best greens in the area,” he said. When asked what challenges he fore-
sees for the Muni, Stambazee mentioned two things: the weather and keeping it affordable for everyone. Both are issues all golf courses deal with he said. “Making the budget work is tough because everything we pay goes up,” he said. But what really seems to be Stambazze’s focus is getting young kids involved. He wants to get them involved and keep it affordable for families. He believes the golf course is for all levels of golfers. He said if you’re a serious golfer, this course will give you a challenge like no other and if you’re
School calendars
Maconaquah
March 4 5:30 p.m. - Girls Sixth Grade Basketball at Tipton March 5 6 p.m. - Girls Sixth Grade Basketball at Pioneer Jr-Sr High
School 6 p.m. - Girls Eighth Grade Basketball at Rochester Community Middle School 6 p.m. - Boys Middle School Wrestling Three-Way Contest at Home
Bob Stambazze stands among the renovations taking place at Peru Municipal Golf Course. Photo by Michelle Boswell new to the game, help is available. Young, old, experienced or new, Stambazze encour-
ages all to go to the muni, even if it’s to have a bite to eat and watch golf on the big screen TVs while
meeting friends. Ultimately, though, he believes anyone can take a swing at this game. “If you’re
breathing, you can play!” The Peru Municipal Golf Course will open any
6 p.m. - Girls Seventh Grade Basketball at Rochester Community Middle School 6 p.m. - Coed Middle School Swimming at Logansport High School March 7
9 a.m. - Boys Middle School Wrestling at Frankfort 10 a.m. - Boys and Girls Varsity Track at IWU Hoosier State Relays Qualifier at Marchion March 9 6 p.m. - Girls Seventh
Grade Basketball vs. Western Middle School 6 p.m. - Coed Middle School Swimming vs. Carroll Jr-Sr High School (Flora) 6 p.m. - Girls Eighth Grade Basketball vs. Western Middle
School 6 p.m. - Girls Sixth Grade Basketball vs. Southwood Jr-Sr High School 6 p.m. - Boys Middle School Wrestling Three-Way Contest at Lewis-Cass High School
day now and will be open through November, weather permitting.
North Miami March 4 ISTEP + Grade 10 First Time Administration Marchch 4 – 10 5:30 p.m. - Girls Fifth Grade Basketball at continued on page 7
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Circus round up gets participants into swing of things By Michelle Boswell mboswell@thepaperofmiami.com The Peru Amateur Circus had its annual Circus Round up on Sunday, March 1 at 1 p.m. Veteran performers as well as potential performers and their
Bruce Embrey, one of two ringmasters at the Peru Amateur Circus, opened the Circus round up. Embrey has been a ringmaster for 39 years. Photo by Michelle Boswell
parents went to meet circus trainers, producers and find out what acts would be in the 2020 show. With the traditional introduction by one of the ringmasters, Bruce Embrey opened the event with “Ladies and gentlemen, children of all ages!” After Embrey’s introduction, the microphone was handed over to Circus producer, Mark Hall. He reviewed some rules and expectations and then performers were allowed to sign up for acts. Parents were also encouraged to sign up at the Booster Club table to volunteer. Circus City Booster Club president Kim Hall said they are always looking for volunteers, monetary donations or food donations during circus week. “We feed the kids. We support the kids,” she said.
Aerial Worden, first-year circus trainer, discusses circus business with Zola See. See is entering her second year with the circus. Photo by Michelle Boswell Hall, who has been a circus volunteer for 22 years said the people who volunteer are “here for the kids. That’s why we do this.” The Booster Club raises money through several fundraisers such as selling sweatshirts, performer shirts, a chili cookoff, a concession stand during practices and a rummage sale. Kim Cox, another officer for the club, serves as the “new
parent liaison.” She helps parents of new performers navigate through their first season with the circus. Becky Ross, Vice President and Treasurer of the Booster Club was also there offering a helping hand at the volunteer table. Producer Mark Hall felt the turnout for round up was great. “There were lots of old faces and new ones,” he said.
Peru Airport to receive nearly $375,000 The U.S. Department of Transportation is awarding $2.26 million to seven Indiana airports, including the Peru Municipal Airport. The Peru airport will receive $374,738 to Peru Municipal Airport for runway lighting work. The grants will fund airport safety and infrastructure projects. The funding comes from a $520.5 million national investment in America’s airports. “America’s airports provide
a gateway to the world for our citizens while at the same time delivering first impressions of the United States to visitors from abroad,” said FAA Administrator Steve Dickson. “It’s in our national interest to make them the crown jewel in our transportation system. The Airport Improvement Program allows us to do just that.” The award recipients in Indiana include: • $64,447 to Putnam County Regional Airport in Greencastle for apron reconstruction.
• $300,000 to Logansport/Cass County Airport to update the Airport Master Plan. • $150,000 to Marion Municipal Airport to modify a snow removal equipment building. • $423,045 to Richmond Municipal Airport for taxiway rehabilitation. • $573,000 to Wabash Municipal Airport for taxiway rehabilitation. • $373,950 to Arens Field in Winamac for runway lighting work.
Hall is looking forward to the beginning of practice. “The first three weeks of circus practice are always my favorite. Everybody is here and getting back into the swing of things,” he said. Speaking of new faces, the circus has a new trainer, Ariel Worden. Although she may be new to training, she isn’t new to the circus. She was a performer for many years. “I’m
Kim and Mark Hall are long-tme volunteers for the Peru Amateur Circus. Currently, Kim serves as the Booster Club President and Mark is the Circus Producer. Photo by Michelle Boswell super excited especially about (training) unicycle. I was in it for 13 years and now I’m back,” Worden said. Circus practice begins March 9 and schedules can be picked up at Circus City Festival’s front office, 154 North Broadway, Peru. Parents and per-
formers are encouraged to check the Circus’ Facebook pages for practice cancellations or updates of any kind. The pages are Peru Circus City Festival and Peru Circus Booster Club Page. If anyone has any questions concerning the circus, they can call 765-472-3918.
We Fix It! 11 W 3rd St | Peru, IN
765-460-5149 3rd Street & Broadway, directly behind CVS
Miami County United Way awards scholarships United Way of Miami County awarded $500 scholarships to three high school seniors through United Way’s Community of Character program. Receiving the scholarships were Brianna Smitley, Maconaquah; Jessa Wilhelm, North Miami; and Courtlynn Crowe, Peru. United Way of Miami County officials would like to thank all the students who applied for the Community of Character Scholarship. The scholarship was open to any graduating senior from Maconaquah, North Miami, and Peru Schools who plan to attend a post-secondary program. A $500 scholarship was awarded to a
senior from each school. To apply for the Community of Character scholarship the student’s composed essays detailing how they demonstrated one of the following traits in their life: cooperation, citizenship, honesty, responsibility, forgiveness, perseverance, loyalty, trustworthy, courage, generosity, respect, or compassion. The committee members said they received several outstanding essays. The United Way officials would like to recognize the high school guidance departments for their continued support.
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March 4, 2020
Tigers come up short in TRC title contest By Eric Christiansen echristiansen@nmpaper.com What looked to be a barnburner turned into a bust for the Peru Tigers but a second straight outright Three Rivers Conference championship for the Wabash Apaches. Wabash traveled to Peru with an 8-0 conference record and 17-4 overall while Peru entered the game at 7-1 in the TRC and 16-5 overall. The Apaches never trailed and ran away with an 80-45 win. “This is a goal we set back in June,” Wabash head coach Paul Wright said. “They deserve it because I know how they worked since June and the fall. This is something the varsity players wanted to get done and it
worked out great for us.” With Peru missing two key players in Mathew Ross and Treyden Curtis, Wabash took advantage early and often. “Half of our points and rebounds were gone tonight,” Peru head coach Eric Thompson said. “Mathew and Treyden average 20 to 30 [points] together. But the way Wabash was playing it may not have mattered. They played really well.” Jasper Walters got the Apaches started with a threepointer 15 seconds into the game. Peru’s Pete Polk answered seconds later but Wabash’s Trenton Daughtry hit from long range for a 6-2 Wabash lead that started an 11-1 run. Trailing 14-3 Peru’s Daunte Majors scored inside with 2:33
left in the first quarter but the Apaches got baskets from Elijah Vander Velden, two from Jared Holley and a three-pointer from Joe Leland in a 1:25 for a 23-5 lead. Things didn’t change a lot in the second quarter with the Apaches racing out to a 34-11 lead midway with 3:45 left in the half. With Wabash leading 36-14 with 1:20 remaining in the first half Joe Leland made sure the Apaches stayed in control with three threepointers to take a 45-16 lead into the locker room. Wabash continued the rout leading 68-27 after three quarters. “Our conference is definitely not easy,” Wright said. “We were fortunate to come out on Continued on Page 5
PERU SCHOOLS
Peru’s Daunte Majors works to get a shot off against three Wabash defenders. Photo by Don Hurd
Proudly Sponsored by
Athletes of the Week
Graycee Ansari Grade 11 Parents: Robert & Jessica Ansari Sports: Softball Position: Pitcher/Shortstop
Michael Chandler Grade 12 Parents: Kip & Jennifer Chandler Sports: Football, Basketball, & Baseball College: Trine University Major: Civil Engineering, Trine University Football
maconaquah Athletes of the Week
VINNY ROOKER Grade: 11 Parents: Chris and Ann Rooker Sport: Diving Future: Attend Ohio State to study business and continue diving
AVERI MILLER Grade: 10 Parents: Rick and Jennifer Miller Sport: Volleyball, Basketball, and Tennis Future: Attend IUK to study nursing, until then continue to play sports for Maconaquah the next 2 years.
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Maconaquah girls capture back-to-back RRC titles The Maconaquah 8th grade Lady Braves claimed backto-back RRC championships by beating Northfield 27-23. Scoring for the Braves were Miranda Stoll – 8, Bailey Carson – 6, Delaney Truax – 5, Hallie Maiben – 4, Sydney Barnes – 2, and Shaelyn Powell – 2. “I am incredibly proud of the girls for not giving up and continuing to fight for the win,” coach Rusty Merritt said on the school’s web page. “ The girls were conference champions in their 7th grade season and are excited to repeat as conference
Maconaquah’s eighth grade girls basketball team shows off the trophy they won for capturing the Running Rivers Conference championship for the second straight year. Photo provided champions in 8th grade! “All 10 of these
girls are incredible young ladies.”
Peru’s Kade Townsend prepares to launch a shot over a Wabash defender. Photo by Don Hurd
Basketball top. “Bluffton is a very good team and we are looking forward to the sectional.” Peru is also looking ahead. “Our focus is on sectional Tuesday night against a good Twin Lakes team,” Thompson added. Holley led the Apaches with 19 points, six rebounds
and four blocks while Leland had 15 points. Daughtry had 12 points, five rebounds and five assists, and Vogel had five points, six rebounds and seven assists. Peru was led by Majors with 13 points, Kade Townsend with eight, Braxten Robbins with five, Pete Polk, Kash Bellar and Eli
...continued from Page 5 Walters with four points each and Michael Chandler with three points. Wabash’s JV team also handled Peru in a 64-23 win. The Apaches shut out Peru 21-0 on its way to the win. Andrew Dinkins led all scorers with 17 points. In other basketball action last week:
Caston defeated North Miami, 62-42. Maconaquah picked up a pair of wins. The Braves defeated Taylor, 77-69, and Rochester, 75-48. Oak Hill split a pair of games, falling to Northwestern, 49-45, before defeating Northfield, 65-46.
County youngsters square off: The Lady Cardinals and Lady Warriors battled it out on the court Tuesday evening in Peru. It was a close game till the final buzzer. Blair Pointe took the victory over North Miami 13-12. Photo by Don Hurd
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March 4, 2020
10,000th jacket awarded for Give the Gift of the Blue By Michelle Boswell mboswell@thepaperofmiami.com
Allison Burns waits in the bleachers with her parents before the 10,000th FFA jacket was presented to her Feb 26 at North Miami High School. Her parents are Shelley and Brian Burns. Allison is a sophomore. Photos by Michelle Boswell
The jacket presented to Allison Burns on Feb 26th.
DENVER — Allison Burns had just begun her FFA career. On Wednesday, Feb. 26, the North Miami High School sophomore became part of history when she received her official FFA blue jacket. More than 50 percent of FFA members do not have FFA blue jackets for official functions. It is traditionally worn as part of FFA official dress at the local level and for state and national conventions, competitions and special events. As a result, many often borrow jackets from fellow or past members. In 2014, the National FFA Organization began a program, Give the Gift of Blue, providing the funding for FFA members that might not otherwise have been able to own a blue jacket. Funded by individual donors and corporate sponsors, Give the Gift of Blue makes it possible to gift jackets to FFA members. “The blue corduroy represents so much for our members – a sense of belonging, a sense of pride, a sense of commitment,” said Molly Ball, president of the National FFA Foundation. “Through this program, we are able to provide that feeling to more of our members. Not only is it an honor to provide the jackets to our members – but many of our supporters feel that same pride when they give back to the program. By donating to Give the Gift of Blue, they continue the legacy of the blue jacket.” Burns said she was “surprised to be given such an awesome opportunity.” She said what she enjoys most about FFA is “the life skills you gain from this program and the memories that will last a lifetime!” Burns was gifted her FFA jacket a week ago, and it was the 10,000th
jacket presented through this program. Jim Wildermuth, advisor of the North Miami FFA Chapter, nominated Allison for the jacket. He mentions that Burns is a newly active chapter member, and has decided that FFA is an organization that will allow her to expand her horizons and experience growth. Burns currently participates in FFA contests, helps with community events and is active in the classroom. Currently, Allison borrows other jackets of older FFA members to wear to her contests. “Allison is eager to learn and use her knowledge to help others,” Wildermuth said. “Being able to wear a jacket with her own name on it and represent her chapter will give Allison a great sense of pride.” “I am very thankful for the generous donation from the sponsors and Give the Gift of Blue program that sponsored my jacket,” she said. “Having this jacket helps me further my journey into FFA, and gives me more opportunities.” Allison’s parents, Brian and Shelley Burns, were at the presentation held at North Miami High School. Burns attended North Miami and Mrs. Burns attended Peru High School. “We’ve always been involved with 4-H but not FFA,” said Mrs. Burns. “We encouraged Allison to join so she could try new things and get out of her comfort zone.” They said they were shocked, grateful and surprised when they
found out their daughter was going to receive the 10,000th jacket. “We are really grateful and blessed,” said Mrs. Burns. Currently, only four out of 10 FFA members own a jacket. FFA is striving to increase that to five out of 10. Through 2019, the top states who have received jackets include California, Missouri, Georgia, Florida, Oregon and North Carolina. There have been 148 jackets awarded in the state of Indiana. If FFA members want to apply for the jacket, they can visit FFA.org and write a short essay on what owning an FFA jacket would mean to them. In addition, members can also be nominated for the jacket, as was the case for Burns. Superintendent of North Miami Schools, Kenneth Hanson, echoed what others said about Burns’ opportunity with FFA. “FFA always amazes me. It was great to see Allison receive the 10,000th jacket.” Hanson also said he believes this is the first time there has ever been an FFA national representative at North Miami, adding that the North Miami FFA program is run wonderfully by Mr. Wildermuth.
Burns in her new FFA jacket. “He does an amazing job with FFA. It’s a core program at our school that builds leadership,” Hanson said. The National FFA Organization provides leadership, personal growth and career success training through agricultural education to more than 700,000 student members who belong to one of the more than 8,600 local FFA chapters throughout the U.S., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The organization is also supported by more than 8 million alumni and supporters throughout the U.S. Dine In Dine In Hours: Hours: Mon-Sat 11-9:30 • Sun Mon-Sat Sun 11-2 For Delivery For Delivery go to to Grubhub.com Grubhub.com Mon-Sat 11-9:30 Mon-Sat No Sunday Sunday Delivery Delivery For Online For Online Carryout Carryout Ordering Ordering Go To To Slicelife.com Slicelife.com Mon-Sat 11-9:30 • Sun Mon-Sat Sun 11-2 Prices/Hours are Prices/Hours are subject su subject bject to to change change
Carry O Carry Out ut 765-473-3142 647 EEast 647 ast M Main ain • Peru Peru
Open O pen House SATURDAY, MARCH 14 5-8 p.m. COME MEET OUR NEW FUNERAL DIRECTORS KYLE RANS AND CHRIS WEAVER
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Police reports Peru Police Department Feb 24 An unwanted guest was reported at 561 E. Fifth St., Peru. A participant from the previous call wanted to speak to an officer. An officer called and the participant did not like what the officer told her. She hung up on the officer. A welfare check was requested at 35 George St. Officer spoke with occupant about something suspicious in the occupant’s duct work. Criminal mischief was reported at 256 W. Seventh St. A disabled vehicle was reported near West Fifth and North Broadway streets. Assistance was given. A suspicious vehicle occupied by two males was reported near Benton and Main streets. Caller said there may have been a firearm shown but because of the delay of the report made, the vehicle could not be found. A two-vehicle collision with property damage was reported in the Kroger parking lot entrance in Peru. A traffic hazard was reported at 770 W. Main St., Peru. Safety cones in front of the old Swifty gas station needed readjusted. A suspicious vehicle was reported near 32 W. Warren St. Caller reported a gray minivan creeping along in the vicinity.
A Miami County Moment An altercation between a father and daughter occurred at 1105 Rosewood Drive. Both parties were calmed down and advised to remain apart for the remainder of the evening. A report of loud subjects was made at 311 Blackhawk Court. Officers were unable to contact the residents. Feb 25 Assisted Wabash County detective with locating and arresting a wanted subject at 103 E Second St., Apt. C. Traffic accident with property damage was reported at Peru High School. A male went to the Peru Police Department to report possible fraud. A report was made of a possible burglary at 10 W. Franklin St. An investigation is still in progress. A rabid racoon was trapped inside a residence at 115 N Jefferson St. The animal was taken into custody and removed from the residence. A report of ongoing harassment by an exboyfriend was reported from 203 E Second St. A written warning for speeding was given near West Blair Pike and North Duke streets. A report of a domestic altercation between a male and female at 219 Apache Drive, resulted in the arrest of one male for domestic battery. A delivery truck causing possible property damage was reported at 205 Coles Lane.
A traffic stop near 276 S. Broadway was made for disregarding a stop sign. A verbal warning was given for not signaling prior to 200ft of the intersection. Possession of methamphetamine was discovered during the traffic stop. A fight of a non-domestic nature was reported at 79 W. Third St. was reported. The subject in question was intoxicated and left the area. Other officers located the subject and was arrested for public intoxication and resisting laW. enforcement. A report of a drive-off from fuel pumps without payment was made from 930 W. Main St. Feb 27 A traffic stop was made at South Lafayette and West Third streets. Miami County Sheriff ’s Department Feb 26 Nicholas Stone, 38, Carlisle, was arrested via court order. Amanda Bouge, 32, Kokomo, was housed at Miami County Jail for Howard County. Feb 27 Brian Ligue, 33, Knox, was arrested for fraud. Nicholas Matthews, 27, homeless, was arrested under a Cass County warrant. Felicia Rivera, 25, Chicago, Ill., was arrested for operating while intoxicated and reckless driving.
Daunte Majors, left, and Michael Chandler, right, stand near tables set up for them in honor of Senior Night. Both athletes were recognized along with many other students at Peru High School Friday, Feburary 28, at Tig-Arena. Photo by Michelle Boswell
School calendars abash Middle School 5:30 p.m. - Girls Sixth Grade Basketball at Wabash Middle School March 5 6 p.m. - Boys Middle School Wrestling Three-Way Contest at Home First Grade Goes to the Honeywell Center for a Play March 7 10 a.m. - Coed Varsity Track and Field IWU Indoor NSR at IWU Marchion Purdue Dairy Invitational at Purdue University 9 a.m. - Boys Middle School Wrestling at Rochester High School March 10 5 p.m. - Boys Middle School Wrestling Four-Way Contest at Home Oak Hill March 4 8:10 a.m. to 8:40 a.m. JH NWEA Testing 1:30 to 2 p.m. - First Grade Team Meeting 3:15 p.m. - Art Club B 6 p.m. - JH Swim at
7
Northwestern March 5 12:32 p.m. to 1:02 p.m. Naviance 6 p.m. - JH Wrestling vs. RJ Basket 6 p.m. - JH Swim Vs. Lewis-Cass March 6 End of Quarter Three 12:45 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. - Eagle Review 1 - 1:30 p.m. - JH Track Call Out Meeting – Mr. Brunner March 7 JH Wrestling at Frankfort March 9 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. JH Swim vs. Elwood 6 p.m. - JH Wrestling Three-Way Contest at LewisCass 6:30 p.m. - School Board Meeting March 10 Seventh Grade Hearing Screening – First through Fifth Period Peru March 4 Abby Candles Fundra iser
... continued from page 2 3:15 p.m. to 4 p.m. Cardinal Choir 3:15 p.m. to 4 p.m. Art Club 3:15 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. BP Good News Club 6 p.m. Boys Seventh and Eighth Grade Wrestling at Wabash Middle School March 5 6 p.m. Boys Seventh and Eighth Grade Wrestling at Taylor Middle School
6:30 Girls Fifth and Sixth Grade Basketball Vs. Oak Hill Junior High School March 6 End of Third Grading Period 6 p.m. Boys Varsity Basketball Sectional at Twin Lakes March 7 YMCA Basketball Tournament 7 p.m. - Boys Varsity Basketball Sectional at Twin Lakes 10 a.m. - Boys and
Girls Varsity Track and Field at Trine Thunder March 8 12 - 6 p.m. - Cal Ripken Tryouts in Tig-Arena March 9 2:45 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. Good News Club Elmwood 3:15 p.m. - Cardinal
Choir 3:15 p.m. - Art Club Last One for Monday Group 5 p.m. - Girls Fifth and Sixth Grade Basketball vs. Northfield Jr-Sr High School March 10 3:15 p.m. to 4 p.m. Cardinal Choir
3:15 to 4 p.m. - Art Club Last One for Tuesday Group 7 - 9 p.m. - PCS Choral Festival in the PHS Auditorium 6 p.m. - Boys Seventh and Eighth Grade Wrestli ng vs. Northfield JrSr High School
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March 4, 2020
House moves quickly through the second half By State Rep. Ethan Manning We got off to a running start this week as the second half of session really got going. Right now, I am sponsoring eight Senate bills, and keeping a close watch on my two bills over in the Senate. Six of the Senate bills I am sponsoring have already been heard in committee. Those will now move to the House and Senate floors for further consideration. A bill I told you about earlier this session is House Bill 1099 on low head dam safety, which passed the Senate Natural Resources Committee unanimously. I’ve received some questions, so I wanted to clarify that nothing in this legislation mandates or requires the removal of any dams. The low head dams across the state are owned by cities, utilities, private individuals, so any removal decisions are made by the local officials. House Bill 1099 is focused on low head dam safe-
ty because we know the currents created by these structures are very hazardous and a number of people have been hurt and killed. Another matter I am involved with and watching closely is the Indiana Department of Transportation’s plans to install J-Turns, or “Reduced Conflict Intersections,” on US 31. Myself and many others have been in contact with INDOT over the last few months regarding this plan for our community. I have received many messages in opposition to the J-Turns and I have shared these with INDOT. I share many of these concerns and have asked INDOT for public meetings to inform the public of the detailed plans and receive input from all of us affected. I am also in contact with Gov. Eric Holcomb’s office, State Sen. Stacey Donato (RLogansport), and local officials as we work to communicate our concerns with INDOT. Rest assured we’ll get
Spring must be near
the word out about any updates, hopefully in the near future. I really enjoyed seeing folks from home here at the Statehouse this week, including an inspiring group from the Fulton County Leadership Academy. These young professionals team up to complete a community project. One group is working on a dog park and another to replace the light poles at the Rochester High School football field. These dedicated Hoosiers and programs help make a big difference and have a positive impact in our community. Thanks for sharing some time with me at the Statehouse. Thanks to all of you who have called, emailed, or sent letters about bills we are considering so far this session. Remember, it’s your state government, so participate in it! State Rep. Ethan Manning (R-Denver) represents House District 23, which includes portions of Cass, Fulton and Miami counties.
Investigation findings uncover a mentally-challanged man with bugs on his person Recently, criminal investigations by Indiana State Police Troopers Jessie Reason and Caleb Clark led to the arrests of two Fulton County residents on numerous drug related charges. Trooper Reason launched an approximately three month long criminal investigation after receiving information that possible illegal drug activity was occurring at a home on 789 Cherry Tree Lane, Rochester. During the investigation, enough probable cause was developed for a Fulton Superior Court arrest warrant to be issued for Adina Jezreel Keckler, 35, Rochester, IN. The warrant alleged a single charge for possession of methamphetamine. A search warrant was also issued for Keckler’s resi-
dence at 789 Cherry Tree Lane, Rochester. Wednesday officers executed the warrants, taking Keckler into custody. During a subsequent search of Keckler’ s residence, officers allegedly found approximately eight ounces of methamphetamine, 11 firearms, and approximately $951 in United States currency. One the recovered firearms was an AR15 rifle that was reported stolen from Cass County. Also, at the residence was Keckler’s younger adult brother. He is mentally challenged and purportedly relies on his sister for care. He was found to be in an unclean state and allegedly had bugs crawling on his person. Officers transported him to a local hospital to be checked. He was eventually released
into the care of a family member. Keckler was incarcerated in the Fulton County Jail to face criminal charges for dealing methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine, possession of stolen property, neglect of a dependent, and possession of drug paraphernalia. As Trooper Reason’s investigation progressed, Trooper Caleb Clark developed evidence that led to probable cause for a Fulton Superior Court search warrant for a residence at 2830 E Main Street, Macy, (this is the Nyona Lake area of Fulton County near Miami County). That warrant was also executed Wednesday. During a search of the home, officers allegedly found two handguns with obliterated serial numbers, metham-
phetamine, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia. Officers also purportedly recovered the frame to a motorcycle that had been reported stolen from Howard County. A resident of the home, Scotty Evers, 35, was taken into custody and incarcerated in the Fulton County Jail. He faces criminal charges for possession of stolen property, neglect of a dependent, possession of marijuana, possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, and two counts for possession of a handgun with an obliterated serial number. Anyone who has information about illegal drug activity is encouraged to call the Indiana State Police Marijuana Tip Line at 1-888-873-1694.
Ice cream time: Ryder Washburn, 8, digs into his ice cream at East End Double Dip and Pizza, 451 East Main Street, Peru. Opening day for East End landed on a day that the temperature rose above 50 degrees. Photo by Michelle Boswell
Peru woman earns Trine degree Glenda Covey of Peru earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice at the end of the Fall semester,
2019. Covey took classes through Trine University’s TrineOnline program which allows students to complete
their associate’s, bachelor’s and master’s degrees at their own pace online.
Local resident achieves honor A Peru woman, Ashley Dean’s List for the Fall 2019 term.
Lackman is a freshman majoring in Nursing.
DePauw University names Dean’s List Diana Borse, Denver, was named to the 2019 Fall term Dean’s list. Borse met the require-
ment of achieving a grade point average of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale.