News and Notes

Joby Kaufman was by her husband Gene’s side when he broached the idea with his father of building Etna Acres Golf Course.

She was by his side as the original course took shape and opened in July 1960. She was by his side when it expanded in 1967 and again in 1991.

Sadly, Joby passed away on April 16, 2020, at her Andrews home. She was 82.

Joby touched the lives of many people – golfers and non-golfers, alike. The impact she had on people could be seen through the fitting tributes to her on the McDonald Funeral Home webpage.

“What an absolutely delightful woman she was to be around,” Nancy Winter wrote. “Always full of joy and laughter.”

Julie Wall wrote, “I will always remember meeting Joby when I started driving her mail route. It was like I became a part of their family, which I loved. Always so nice, friendly and loving. Always made you feel like you belonged to something bigger.”

Tami Holley recalled that she only met Joby once while her grandson was taking golf lessons at Etna Acres.

“We talked a large portion of the time he was practicing,” Holley wrote. “She told me how Etna Acres was built. She was really one of a kind.”

Kent and Alice Williams called Joby “a sweet lady as well as a gracious host at Etna Acres,” while Jill Denman wrote, “she always treated our family warmly and made us feel welcomed and comfortable even though we aren’t the best golfers.”

Walt Harrell wrote, “I was always treated like a member of the family when I visited Etna Acres, especially

BY JOSEPH SLACIAN Remembering Joby

Joby Kaufman was well known for the cheeseburgers she served at the Etna Acres clubhouse. Joby passed away on April 16, 2020.

when I lived out of state. Joby was always kind and took time to talk to all who entered the door.”

Robert Deal said “the clubhouse wasn’t just the place where we went to sign-in for a round. It was more like going to Gene and Joby’s home. She always made me feel welcome. She made this world a better place.”

“Ms. Joby was a sweetheart and I consider a true friend,” Ben Corn wrote. “Always had a great remark for me and took time to talk to me. As I walk thru this life it was a great honor that I knew her.”

One of Joby’s favorite things to do was to sit outside at the golf course and watch the birds.

“I will always remember our conversations about watching the birds there,” Debbie Reahard wrote. “We would even go peek inside the bird houses to see the eggs or babies sometimes. Joby was always so welcoming to the golf course. She was a spunky lady and loved by so many.”

Joby could often be found in the Etna Acres clubhouse, much of the times cooking one of her famous cheeseburgers on the flat-top grill, something many remembered in their tributes.

“She made the best cheeseburgers around,” Eric Pike said.

“I was just talking about her famous cheeseburgers yesterday,” Teresa Mills said. “She was a one of a kind, beautiful and caring and freespirited lady and her smile, laughter and sense of humor will be missed terribly.”

Perhaps the type of person Joby was is best summed up by Dan Wingert.

“I always felt like Joby was a second mom due to the extensive amount of time my brother and I spent there and her loving concern to make sure we were okay to golf,” he wrote. “She was a very special person.”

Edward Jones Adds Financial Advisor

Edward Jones Financial Advisor Steve The branch office is located at 615 Weir announced today that a second finanManchester Ave., Wabash. Call them at cial advisor, Tyler Olson, has joined his 260-563-5951. office in Wabash on Feb. 18. Edward Jones, a Fortune 500 company

“I am really looking forward to working headquartered in St. Louis, provides with Steve,” said Tyler. “I’ll have all the financial services in the U.S. and, advantages of working with an experienced through its affiliate, in Canada. investment professional while getting Every aspect of the firm’s business, from to know local investors. This will be a the investments its financial advisors tremendous opportunity to increase my offer to the location of its branch offiinvestment knowledge and hone my ces, caters to individual investors. The customer service skills.” firm’s 18,000-plus financial advisors serve

Olson will work alongside Steve Weir for more than 7 million clients and care for several months then will continue serving $1 trillion in assets under management. investors throughout the area from his Visit edwardjones.com and recruiting branch office. website at careers.edwardjones.com.

MU to Honor Ford with Honorary Degree

Manchester University will honor Steve Ford served eight years as a Manchester Ford, president and chief executive officer University trustee, and his wife, Lisa, is of Ford Meter Box Co. of Wabash during currently on the Board of Trustees. They commencement exercises. He will be live in Wabash with their sons, Rob, Dave, awarded an honorary doctorate at the and Grant. afternoon undergraduate ceremony. A lifelong resident of Wabash, Ford

In his professional position, Ford graduated from Wabash High School reflects the best of corporate and servant before earning a degree in electrical enleadership. gineering from Purdue University. After

“Steve Ford is an advocate for the Wabash graduate studies at the University of community – supporting education, arts Illinois, he returned to his hometown to and culture, youth development and ecowork in the family business, Ford Meter nomic development,” said Dave McFadden, Box Company Inc. Manchester University President. The company is a leading manufacturer

Ford is a past president of the Wabash of water meter setting and testing equiArea Chamber of Commerce, the pment, service line valves and fittings, Honeywell Foundation, Wabash County as well as pipeline repair and restraint United Fund, Wabash Community Service products for the waterworks indusand the Wabash Kiwanis Club. He is a try. Produced in Indiana and Alabama, past director of the Northeast Indiana these products help deliver the clean Regional Partnership, the Community water critical to public health and econoFoundation of Wabash County and ARC mic development across North America of Wabash County. He was named the and around the globe. Wabash Area Chamber of Commerce Distinguished Citizen in 2011. Member SIPC.

Two Agents Join Lundquist Appraisals and Real Estate

Lundquist Appraisals & Real Estate would Also joining the Lundquist & Appraisal like to welcome Joe Grizzle to their sales Real Estate sales team is Leah Blocher. team. She is a 2016 Manchester High School

Grizzle grew up on a small farm in graduate as well as Heartland Career CenWabash County. He attended the Beer ter graduate where she received her CNA School of Real Estate to attain his broker’s License through their Health Science license. He also has an engineering degree Program. from Purdue University and an MBA from Blocher is a North Manchester native Indiana University. where she was born and raised; her family

Grizzle has worked in various capacities in farms in the area. She is also involved in industries including mining, metals, auher church and has been on many missions tomotive, and is currently also a senior trips with them. engineer practicing risk management for a She studied real estate at Troyer School major medical device company in addition of Real Estate, Fort Wayne. She received to being a licensed Realtor. He said he looks her broker’s license in January 2020. forward to bringing a diverse background and sense of dedication to assist clients that are looking to buy & sell real estate.

MU to Launch Population Health Major

The rising demand for professionals “graduate persons of ability and conviction who can understand health issues who draw upon their education and faith affecting communities of people has led to to lead principled, productive, and comManchester University’s creation of a new passionate lives that improve the human major to help meet that need. condition.”

In population health, which begins The major explores how culture inin fall 2020, students will learn how to fluences health and how health relates to gather, interpret and use health informaeducation, poverty and equity. A hands-on tion to empower people and organizainternship or an immersive practicum in tions to prevent disease and advocate for a the health sciences is an important requibetter quality of life for all. They will learn rement of the new major. how to understand community, state, Population health majors can build national and global health issues in order skills that lead to such careers as chronic to bring about positive societal change disease health educator, clinical research through disease prevention and health coordinator, clinical researcher, crisis interventions. intake specialist, disaster relief support

Population health integrates interdistechnician, environmental health speciplinary concepts and skills from the cialist, health communication specialist, social and natural sciences to address health department administrator, health societal health in ways that are both finance manager, health professional, equitable and cost-effective. It combines health services manager, nutritionist, elements from several related majors: patient navigator, public policy analyst health communication, global health and and worksite wellness coordinator. health promotion. Faculty members Jeff Osborne and Jeff

The population health major directly Beerare leading this new major. aligns with Manchester’s mission to

SHS Senior Receives Local Law Firm’s Scholarship

Grant Whitham, a 2020 senior of of the scholarship and encouraged him to Southwood Jr. Sr. High School, has earned apply. a $500 scholarship from Hunter Estate & Following his receipt of the scholarship, Elder Law that will aid in his tuition this Whitham had a message for hopeful 2021 fall while attending Trine University as he scholarship applicants in Wabash County. studies mechanical engineering. “Answer the required questions honestly

In his Rockstar Scholarship application, while putting forth one’s accomplishments Whitham stated that he would have liked to in the most favorable light,” he said. “Don’t meet and converse with the 16th President be turned away just because you would of the United States. have to write an essay. This is because the

“I would like to ask him [Abraham 600-word requirement might sound daunLincoln] how he found the motivation to ting, but it only adds up to about a page and not only read, write, and perform arithmea half with double spacing and can easily tic, but also how he was able to continually be accomplished by putting forth reasonapush himself to learn more and more as he ble effort.” continued throughout his life,” Whitham Applications for the 2021 Hunter Estate wrote. and Elder Law scholarship can be found

The guidance counselor at Southwood at hunterlawoffice.net/scholarship/. The Jr. Sr. High School made Whitham aware deadline is March 31, 2021.

Bailey Receives Designation

Trisha Bailey has earned her Seller Representative Specialist Designation.

This designation is the premier credential in seller representation. It is designed to elevate professional standards and enhance personal performance. The designation is awarded to real estate practitioners by the Real Estate Business Institute (REBI) who meet specific educational and practical experience criteria.

She is employed by Lundquist Appraisals & Real Estate.

Wabash Airport Receives $30,000 Grant

Indiana will receive $96,523,889 in funding to assist 65 Hoosier airports, including Wabash Municipal Airport. This funding was made available by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The Wabash airport is slated to receive $30,000. Under the CARES Act, $10 billion was awarded as economic relief to eligible airports across the U.S. affected by the prevention of, preparation for, and response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This $10 billion in emergency resources will help fund the continued operations of our nation’s airports during this crisis and save workers’ jobs,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao said in a news release.

This funding will support continuing operations and replace lost revenue resulting from the sharp decline in passenger traffic and other airport business due to the COVID-19 public health emergency. The funds are available for airport capital expenditures, airport operating expenses including payroll and utilities, and airport debt payments, according to the release.

White’s Receives $50,000 Grant

White’s Residential & Family Services has been awarded a $50,000 grant from the NBA AllStar 2021 Legacy Project to help advance its workforce development program, Growing Teens for Life. White’s will utilize the grant money to purchase 70 aeroponic towers to help it establish a system to grow fresh produce year-round.

This grant also will enable White’s to provide additional student work internships and STEM educational learning opportunities.

The NBA All-Star 2021 Host Committee awarded 21 organizations with an All-Star Legacy Grant. This $1 million initiative focuses on youth-serving nonprofit organizations across Indiana.

In connection with NBA All-Star 2021 in Indianapolis next February, the initiative provides grants up to $50,000 for each of the selected 21 brick-and-mortar projects focused on health and wellness or education. The 21 projects will impact an estimated 90,000 youth statewide.

The NBA All-Star 2021 Legacy Committee was tasked to create a meaningful grant opportunity to leave a legacy long after the game is played. The Committee, led by NBA All-Star 2021 Host Committee Board Co-Chairs Tamika Catchings and Rafael Sanchez, launched the initiative in October 2019.

The 21 grantees, representing 18 counties, were chosen from 182 applicants from across Indiana.

“We had an overwhelmingly positive response statewide to the grant applications,” said Rick Fuson, Founding Chairman, All-Star Board of Directors and President and Chief Operating Officer, Pacers Sports & Entertainment. “Narrowing the list to 21 grant recipients involved considerable review and discussion by our Legacy Committee. They had to make tough choices amongst a pool of incredibly strong and impactful grant requests.”

The 70th NBA All-Star Game will take place at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on February 14, 2021. For general information about NBA All-Star 2021, visit pacers.com/allstar2021.

Gebhart Holdings Makes Donation to YMCA

Gebhart Holdings Inc., recently made a donation to the Wabash County YMCA (pictured below) to go towards future capital improvements to the wellness center as well as the enhancement of youth sports played both at the Field of Dreams and the Cass Street location.

“Our goal is to strengthen our community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility,” said Dean Gogolewski, Wabash County YMCA CEO. “The support that Gebhart Holdings, Inc. has provided will further this cause. We are thankful for their generosity to not only the YMCA, but the youth of Wabash County.”

The Wabash County YMCA relies on community advocates for continued program enhancements.

“Gebhart Holdings is committed to enriching the community around us and the YMCA is the perfect avenue to do just that. We are honored to be able to give in order to help support their mission,” said Ben Gebhart, CEO, Gebhart Holdings, Inc.

Indiana American Acquires Riley Wastewater System

Indiana American Water has acquired the Town of Riley’s wastewater system in western Indiana. The purchase of the system adds approximately 460 wastewater customers to the company’s customer base, which represents a population of more than 1,240 residents.

Indiana American Water also serves the City of Wabash, as well as the community of Somerset.

“The acquisition of this system will help hold rates down for Riley customers over the long term as needed investments are made and also provide access to operations and capital management water professionals and a number of customer service options and payment methods,” President Matt Prine said. “Indiana American Water already provides water service to Riley and several nearby communities, so this allows us to bring greater efficiencies to customers in Riley and across Indiana.”

“In a time when communities are looking for new and innovative ways to deal with challenges they’re facing and hold the bottom-line on expenses, this acquisition is a great solution for the town and its customers,” Prine continued.

The acquisition of the Riley wastewater systems for $1,545,000 was approved by the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission in March and closed by Indiana American Water and the Town of Riley on Wednesday, April 29. The Riley system will be incorporated into the company’s Terre Haute district, which currently serves approximately 72,000 residents.

Indiana American serves the City of Wabash and the community of Somerset.

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Rolling Meadows Receives Five-Star Rating

Rolling Meadows Health and Rehabilitation Center has earned an overall five-star rating from the Centers for Medicare Services (CMS). The designation gives Rolling Meadows Health and Rehab the highest star rating that is possible for it to achieve.

CMS created the Five-Star Quality Rating System to help consumers, their families and caregivers compare nursing homes more easily. Nursing homes with five stars are considered to be above average quality when compared to other nursing homes in the state.

“We are very proud that we’ve achieved five-star status,” said Brad Needler, HFA, administrator for Rolling Meadows. “Our staff truly care about our residents and they’ve earned this recognition. This achievement is a direct reflection of their efforts.”

Rolling Meadows is a skilled nursing facility located in LaFontaine. The facility has 115 licensed beds and serves the community through rehabilitation services, memory care, out-patient physical therapy and long-term skilled nursing care.

To learn more, go to rollingmeadowshealthandrehab.com or call 765-981-2081.

Heartland REMC Cancels Annual Meeting

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Heartland REMC 2020 Annual Member Meeting has been canceled. The meeting, originally scheduled for June 27, 2020, draws an average of 4,000 people. To keep the members and employees safe and to comply with social distancing guidelines during the on-going COVID-19 pandemic, the Heartland REMC board of directors decided to cancel the in-person meeting.

In accordance with the Heartland REMC by-laws, an election for directors will still take place. To meet this requirement, Heartland REMC has set up voting in the offices. Members can come in, register, and cast their ballot in the election. Each member that registers will receive a $15 bill credit on their July billing. Voting will be available, in the lobbies, during business hours from May 4 to June 25. The results of the election will be available at heartlandremc.com on June 29.

Heartland REMC wants to continue to support our local students through our yearly scholarship program. Each year at the annual meeting 20 full-time college students are awarded $500 scholarships. This is a highly anticipated part of our annual meeting and we are proud to support our local student community. This year, we will be doing a Facebook Live event (date and time to be determined) to draw the 20 winners. Make sure to “Like” Heartland REMC on Facebook to watch the drawing! Entry into the scholarship drawing can be done at heartlandremc.com/youth-programs. The deadline is June 1.

As we continue to work through this unprecedented situation, Heartland REMC is doing everything we can to keep our members and employees safe while still providing reliable electricity.

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