The Paper of Wabash - Oct. 28, 2015, Issue

Page 1

Vol. 38, No. 36

PO Box 603, Wabash, IN 46992 (260) 563-8326

of Wabash County Inc. October 28, 2015

www.thepaperofwabash.com Proudly Serving Wabash County Since 1977

2 critically injured in crash Third person sustained injuries, but in fair condition By The Paper staff

Judge Robert McCallen III (right) addresses the crowd on Thursday, Oct. 22, during the Wabash County Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner. His brother, Bryan, joined him in accepting the 2015 Distinguished Citizen award on behalf of their late father, Robert McCallen Jr. Photo by Joseph Slacian

Three people were injured – two critically – in a two-vehicle accident on Saturday, Oct. 24, at the intersection of State Road 124 and County Road 100 West. According to the Wabash County Sheriff Department, the preliminary investigation showed that a vehicle driven by Emilie M. Harnish, 17, Wabash, was southbound on CR 100 West when she failed to yield to other vehicles at the intersection of SR 124 and was struck by a vehicle driven by Maureen C. Hall, 57, McComb, Ohio, which was eastbound on SR 124. Hall was ejected from the vehicle. Harnish and Hall were flown by Lutheran Air and Samaritan helicopters

to Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne. Their injuries include severe head trauma and internal injuries, according to the report. Vivian Schmidt, 21, Findlay, Ohio, was a passenger in Hall’s vehicle and also sustained injuries. Schmidt is seven months pregnant and was transported by ambulance to Lutheran Hospital with multiple fractures and internal injuries. At the time of the news release issued Monday afternoon by Sheriff Bob Land, Harnish and Hall were listed in critical condition while Schmidt was in fair condition. Harnish is a Southwood High School senior and volleyball player. Because of the accident, Saturday’s volleyball sectional final game which was to be played between Southwood and Rochester was postponed until Monday night. (continued on page 22)

Karsyn remembered Late mayor named for her love of life Distinguished Citizen By Joseph Slacian jslacian@thepaperofwabash.com

By Joseph Slacian jslacian@thepaperofwabash.com Late Mayor Robert McCallen Jr. was posthumously named the 2015 Distinguished Citizen at the Wabash County Chamber of Commerce annual dinner on Thursday, Oct. 22. McCallen, who passed away Sept. 8, was selected to receive the award over the summer, Chamber President Kim Pinkerton told the nearly 250 people gathered at the Honeywell Center’s Legacy Hall for the event. Mayor McCallen’s sons, Bryan McCallen and Judge Robert McCallen III, accepted the award on behalf of the family. (continued on page 8)

Peggy McCallen, widow of Robert McCallen Jr., gazes upon the award posthumously given to her late husband. Photo by Joseph Slacian

Karsyn Bratch, a 12-year-old cancer patient who inspired much of Wabash County with her braveness and tenacity in face of her eight-year battle with the disease, has passed away. Karsyn lost her battle Sunday night at her home. She was the inspiration behind the Karing for Karsyn Kampaign and the Kick-it with Karsyn kickball tourneys, battling the disease since she was 4. It caused her to lose her vision, and she has been in and out of Riley Hospital for Children numerous times over the years. Yet, she never let that discourage her from living her life the fullest was possible. (continued on page 12)

Karsyn Bratch chats with Larry Graff during the Kick-it with Karsyn kickball tourney in September.


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The Paper of Wabash - Oct. 28, 2015, Issue by The Paper of Wabash County - Issuu