Vol. 40, No. 23
PO Box 603, Wabash, IN 46992 (260) 563-8326
of Wabash County Inc. August 23, 2017
www.thepaperofwabash.com Proudly Serving Wabash County Since 1977
Crop yields to be similar to ‘16 By Emma Rausch emma@thepaperofwabash.com
Indiana crops, including Wabash County, are yielding similar corn and soybean productions as 2016, according to a United States Department of Agriculture crop production report. The report, which was released Monday, Aug. 14, stated that “cooler temperatures helped growing crops use less water,” but later added that some areas are starting to show signs of drought stress.
Curt Campbell, Purdue Extension – Wabash County extension educator, told The Paper of Wabash County that so far in the county, the crop yields are similar to last year’s. “So far, we haven’t seen a whole of change compared to this particular growing season,” Campbell said. “Beans as a whole have looked better than what corn has. At this point, we haven’t had any rain and we could use some.” In many areas of the state, farmers have been expecting lower yields than the USDA
forecasted as they battled extreme rains in April, which were then followed by unseasonably cold days through the first week of May, according to a report by the Indiana Farmers Bureau. On Aug. 8, Purdue Extension hosted a crops conference call and provided reports as the state reached the half-way point through the grain fill period. “Overall, much of the state is in a good position in regards to soil moisture,” Dr. Robert Nielsen, Purdue University professor of agronomy, said during
the call. “Most of the damage due to wetness occurred in the earlier part of the growing season compared to now. Corn crop conditions have improved slightly with the recent ratings showing that 52 percent of the corn crop is rated good to excellent in Indiana. This is certainly down compared to previous years, which leads to slightly below average yield estimates.” Dr. Shaun Casteel, Purdue associate professor of agronomy, added that soybean growth stages “are right on par with years past as soybeans were
able to close canopies rather quickly.” “Pod growth time has been shortened a bit given planting dates,” Casteel said. “Soil moisture conditions appear to be sufficient to pod filling, but would be nicer to have warmer temperatures. Due to cooler temperatures, photosynthate buildup has occurred, allowing for this to be stored as starch. This needs to be burned off and could cause delays in how pods fill.” (Continued on Page 5)
Crowds flock to weekend activities in downtown Wabash By Emma Rausch & Joseph Slacian news@thepaperofwabash.com
Duane Truss (center), receives his 55 year 4-H Volunteer Tenure Award from Dr. Jason Henderson (from left), Dr. Renee McKee, Caitlyn Tuholski, and Todd Uhl. Photo provided
County man honored for giving 55 years of service to 4-H By Joseph Slacian jslacian@thepaperofwabash.com
To say the 4-H program has been a constant in Duane Truss’ life would be an understatement. A 10-year 4-H member as a youth, Truss has spent the last 55 years as leader of the Lucky Horseshoe 4-H Club in the Somerset and Waltz Township area.. He was one of 401 individuals honored on Saturday, Aug. 12, at the Indiana State Fair for their tenure as a 4-H leader. “The hard work and dedication of 4-H volunteers significantly contribute to the success of the 4-H Youth Development Program in Indiana,” Dr. Renee McKee, State 4-H Program Leader, said during the award ceremony. “Although we feel cer-
tain that viewing the accomplishments of the young people with whom they have worked is rewarding to volunteers, we are also committed to recognizing them on this special day at the Indiana State Fair.” Angela Christopher, Wabash County Extension Educator for 4-H Youth Development, also praised Truss for his years of service. “We really appreciated his dedication and his length of time with the club,” she said. “People are really busy and its hard to get club leaders to stay long. He’s put a lot of work and time for youth and the 4-H program, serving on the 4-H Council and Fair Board, and in different capacities in 4-H in the county.” “When I came back from the (Continued on Page 5)
Sunshine and blue skies helped the 20th annual Wabash Garden Fest grow on Saturday, Aug. 19, at Paradise Spring Historical Park. Meanwhile, more than 400 vintage automobiles filled the Honeywell Center, its plaza and the parking lots of the Center and the Wabash Elks Lodge during the 18th annual Dave Kunkel Cruise-in. The festival, originally called the Herb Fest, attracted hundreds by hosting more than 45 stalls and informational booths that focused on gardening, recycling and educating. Diane Morris, festival cochair, told The Paper of Wabash County that the day was great. “The weather was perfect and a lot people (were) here and a lot of sales,” she said. “I think the festival has gone well this year. … It did rain last year and, even though it was a light rain, it can keep the people (away). But we have a great turn out this year so I’d say (attendance) is probably up.” More than 40 vendor booths provided attendees with opportunities to purchase herbs, flowers and other plants as well as recycled artworks, jewelry and garden décor. The festival is a “one-of-a-kind experience” that offers a unique opportunity, according to Morris. “Ninety-nine percent of our booths here, people make their stuff,” she explained. “It’s not like they’ve gone out and bought a bunch of items. It’s really recycled, handmade (artwork and décor). It’s very unusual
Susan Mattern, Wabash Garden Fest volunteer, helps finish an outside torch at the adult interactive program tent. The 20th annual Wabash Garden Fest provided educational and shopping opportunties at Paradise Spring Historical Park on Saturday, Aug. 19. Photo by Emma Rausch and most of it’s one of a kind.” Additionally, some stalls used the event as an opportunity to educate locals about a variety of topics. Gary Norman, a beekeeper for the Lagro-based honey producer Country Creek, returned this year to demonstrate how bees made honey by utilizing an
observation hive, a honeycomb set in a glass box. At the Paradise Spring Historical Park Committee booth, Board Member Peg Siders demonstrated and explained how to spin flax using an old-fashioned spinning wheel. (Continued on Page 5)