The Paper of Miami County - Jan. 18, 2023

Residents near Schneider Electric express fears to Peru City Council

By Amanda Redman

When Lyndi Cook bought her house on Water Street in Peru two years ago, she immediately began improving the property.

With a new copper roof, dark blue exterior paint, and landscaping complete, Cook started the garden she had long dreamed of planting for her family of four.

Last summer, Environmental Resources Management (ERM) started drilling and taking samples from her front yard.

“I didn’t know what they were doing,” Cook said. “They told us it was something about the water. They were here a lot. It seemed weekly.”

Cook is one of 9 property owners in her neighborhood who told were told last week their homes are part of a continuing environmental investigation. The investigation was spurred by the detection of chemicals around the former Square D property, which was acquired by Schneider Electric in 1991.

Cook and several others addressed the Peru City Council Monday night with their concerns.

“We’re scared,” Cook said. “We just want to move but how? Where? We have a mortgage. No one is going to buy my house.”

The factory, a block from Cook’s home, was shuttered in 2020 after more than 100 years of production. Schneider Electric entered into a Voluntary Remediation Program (VRP) with Indiana Department of Environmental Management in 2022 when Trichloroethylene or TCE was detected beneath the factory.

The ground sampling last summer at Cook’s and other homes found TCE in groundwater and vapor rising through the soil into one of the homes, council member Kathleen Plothow said reading aloud a letter from ERM.

According to an IDEM fact sheet, TCE is a chlorinated solvent used in metal cleaning, vapor degreasing and dry cleaning. It is “likely carcinogenic to humans. Breathing and/or drinking high levels of TCE can cause health effects other than cancer.”

Further testing is required to find out how much, if any, TCE has entered into Cook’s and other nearby homes as only one home has had indoor testing performed, according to Venacio Figueroa, Vice President of Communications at Schneider Electric.

“Based on some of the detections of chemicals in both soil gas and groundwater that were actually above IDEM’s published levels, we contacted the property owner who is adjacent to our site

back in June of 2022. Since then, there are some additional homes in that same area that have been identified for sampling at this time and so we are completing that process of contacting those homeowners,” Figueroa said. “So the next steps are to sample the homes, analyze the results and share them with both the homeowners’ residents and also IDEM. Schneider Electric is certainly committed to completing all actions in a timely and transparent manner and we will absolutely adhere to responsible environmental practices, which of course is a high priority for us.”

Cosette Wilson, who lives across the street from Cook, made an impassioned plea to the council.

“I don’t think anybody up here can honestly say they would be willing to move into our homes,” Wilson said. “We need to know if the city is going to stand with us or with Schneider Electric.”

Mayor Miles Hewitt rebuffed remarks by Plothow and others that the mayor’s office knew

about the VRP last year but did not alert homeowners or council members.

“The people have been informed of this since day 1,” Hewitt said. “We have put several notifications of this on the city’s webpage.”

A post titled Schneider Electric/IDEM Info can be found at www.cityofperu.org/department/index.php?struc tureid=12. The link leads to a statement:

There have been questions coming in about what is going on down around the old Schneider Electric building. They are currently doing ground soil samples and boring holes. If you would like more info, please reach out to the Mayor’s Office (765-472-2400) and we can get you in contact with Duane Wanty of Schneider Electric or IDEM to ask those questions.

All the documents that are posted on the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) can be found at this link: https://vfc.idem.in.gov/DocumentSearch.aspx?x AIID=40080

Documents on the linked website show Schneider Electric applied for the VRP December 2, 2021.

Feb. 15, IDEM sent a notification to the Mayor’s office stating the voluntary remediation project was accepted.

Several council members said they had not known about the issue and were caught off guard when contacted by homeowners last week.

“We’ve got to come up with a plan for this,” Plothow said. “They’re scared. They’ve been gardening in contaminated soil.”

Matthew Jelenek, secretary to the mayor said vegetables grown in the soil are safe according to information he got from Duane Wanty, Schneider Electric Director of Environmental Affairs, with whom he met last week.

“What do you want the city to do because it’s IDEM that’s in charge of it?” Jelenek asked.

Plothow said she was also in that meeting with Wanty but she disagreed with Jelenek on several issues, including the safety of the food grown in the area and the city’s obligation to communicate with homeowners.

According to a release by IDEM vegetables grown in the soil are safe for consumption.

“What is the city’s plan?” Plothow asked. “I think we have an obligation, maybe not legal obligation but a moral obligation.”

Hewitt released a statement Friday that reads, “I am deeply concerned for the citizens of Peru and the residents who live in this area. The prop-

Lyndi Cook hugs her daughter Kyndal in front of their Water Street home. Cook worries how TCE contamination in the neighborhood will affect her family. Photo by Amanda Redman

Description:

The Square D Site is a former electrical parts manufacturer located in Peru, Indiana. The facility began operating in in 1881. Schneider Electric USA, Inc. (Schneider) acquired Square D in 1991 and the Site continued the manufacture of panel boards at the facility until May 2020, when the facility shut down operations. The primary operation at the Site from 1958 to 2020 was the construction and painting (powder coating and electrostatic coating) of the metal panels. Site hazardous/nonhazardous material usage included aerosols, powder coating, propane tanks, various oils, paints, wastewater treatment chemicals, and various chemicals/additives used in painting. There was a release to the environment of trichloroethylene (TCE) from the Site at an unknown time. TCE was likely used on this Site as part of historic manufacturing processes, degreasing, and metalworking (VFC # 83253226). The use of TCE did not

Home, from Page 1

erty owners who are going through this do not deserve these intrusions, burdens, and fears; and deserve answers and information.

“My office and the City of Peru will demand answers from Schneider and IDEM. As this situation is fluid and constantly evolving and when we gain new information, we willprovide the same to the City’s web page and on our Facebook page.”

become regulated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) until the 1980s.

Background

In February 2022, the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) and Schneider signed a Voluntary Remediation Agreement to conduct investigation and cleanup of the facility’s released contamination (VFC # 83285967).

Part of the acceptance into the IDEM Voluntary Remediation Program (VRP) included mailing a notification to the Peru Mayor’s Office and Miami County Health Department (VFC # 83283079).

IDEM approved the submitted plan (VFC # 83353264) to investigate off-Site groundwater contamination in August 2022 (VFC # 83357588). The groundwater investigation is ongoing. Schneider and their environmental consultant, ERM, an independent international consulting firm, attempted to gain access to an adjacent residence in June 2022 to determine if indoor air is being impacted by vapors. After access

was denied, IDEM wrote a letter in September 2022 requesting access (VFC # 83367825), which was subsequently granted.

IDEM approved the submitted continuation and expansion of investigations (VFC # 83389324) in December 2022 (VFC # 83401715).

Part of this approved investigation included the expansion of indoor air investigations to nine additional residences. These residences were mailed access request letters from ERM in early January 2023 (VFC # 83412683).

Upcoming Planned Investigations (VFC # 83389324)

• All investigations will be conducted by the environmental consulting firm ERM hired by Schneider to complete the investigative and remedial work. Under IDEM’s oversight, ERM will continue to submit reports for IDEM review and approval. All environmental samples are sent to independent EPAapproved laboratories.

• Indoor air sampling. Homes identified for indoor air sampling will be in

vestigated as access is granted from homeowners. IDEM encourages homeowners that are contacted to grant access for indoor air sampling.

• Sewer sampling. Sewer investigation is ongoing and will be conducted based on IDEM’s R2 (RiskBased Closure Guide) guidance.

• Further off-Site investigations. Groundwater sampling, soil investigation, and bedrock investigation as approved by IDEM will proceed.

• Submittal of Site Investigation Report Addendum #2. This report will summarize the results of the investigation work completed. IDEM has required this submittal on or before April 7, 2023 (VFC # 83412683).

• To access the Square D Site’s reports and IDEM comment letters, type the following address into your browser: http://vfc.idem.in.g ov/. Then, under “Alternate Field” select “Land Site ID” and enter the Square D Site identification number “6211202”. Click the “I’m not a robot” box. Click the “Search” button. This Virtual File

Cabinet (VFC) will be updated with all submittals from ERM and all IDEM comment letters.

• To access the document numbers (VFC #) referenced in this fact sheet, under the VFC “Alternate Field” select “Document ID” and enter the referenced number. All referenced documents are discoverable by entering the site information as explained above.

• Investigation of TCE contamination must proceed until IDEM approves its completion. Once IDEM approves completion of all investigations, ERM will have 60 days to submit a Remediation Work Plan to IDEM. This document will explain how ERM will address the contamination. For approval of a Remediation Work Plan, IDEM requires a 30-day public comment period. Properties impacted by the contamination will be notified of this public comment period and can make comments to IDEM or request a public hearing, as required by Indiana state law (IC 13-25-511). Environmental and Health Impacts

• Based on inves-

tigation data collected to date, offSite contamination appears to be limited to groundwater impacts identified near the intersection of E. Ninth Street and N. Water Street, located southeast of the Site, in the southeast down gradient flow direction of groundwater. As investigations continue, the understanding of off-Site contamination locations will be expanded.

• The schools located to the west of the facility are unaffected.

• A person can be exposed to TCE by:

• Touching soil containing TCE,

• Drinking water containing TCE, and

• Breathing air containing TCE.

• Touching soil. TCE is detected at depths between 15

and 22 feet below the ground surface. Soil contamination only occurs on the Square D property. Soil in the surrounding residential communities is safe for all activities, including gardening.

• Drinking water. Water is supplied to the surrounding residential communities by the City of Peru, therefore no drinking water is impacted. For residences in the identified area with a potable well on their property, please contact ERM or IDEM for well water sampling.

• Breathing air. To understand if TCE vapor is present in a structure, environmental professionals must be granted access for sampling by the

FUNERAL HOMES

Family Owned & Operated Since Since 1945 and Serving All Faiths

Funeral Directors - Thomas Leedy | Julie Leedy-Walker | Mark Frischman A TrustedTrustedA Name in FuneralNameFuneral Service

Obituaries

Simon Willner, 48

Simon Willner, aged 48, passed at his home in Peru, Indiana.Born to Adelheid (Heidi) Fischback Willner in Berlin, Germany. Simon was raised in Zweibruecken, Germany. After high school, he joined the military. Upon leaving the military, he drove trucks for a couple different companies before joining the crew at Terex Demag in Zweibruecken.

He met his wife, Cathy, in Germany in 2004. They married in Peru in 2008, after moving back to the United States.

Simon was an avid music fan and was a superb cook. He enjoyed family gatherings and caring for his 3 rottweilers, Muzzy, Jolie, and Boo, who preceded him in death.

Survivors include his mother, Heidi, from Germany,

It is with profound sadness that the family announces the passing of Ginger Raber on January 9th, 2023. She was a devoted Mother, Grandmother, Sister, Aunt and Friend. She held a special place to all whose lives she touched. She left us peacefully with family at her bedside while battling to recover from chronic illnesses. She was seventy years old.

She will be lovingly remembered by her children: Sabrina (Brad) Williamson, and Patsy Raber (Joe). Her grandchildren: Steven Raber, Dillan Burns, and Alex Williamson. 4 Great Grandchildren. Her Brothers and Sisters: Michael (Kathy) Raber, Angela (David) Harris, Nancy (Danny) Peppers, Ron (Cindy) Raber, Bill (Samantha) Raber, Rebecca (Grant) Meeks, and Jami (Mike) Dailey. She was predeceased by her loving parents William and Rosemary Raber.

Being the selfless person that she was she loved being a caregiver and found joy in providing care to anyone in need. She enjoyed shopping with her daughter Patsy and always

his wife, Cathy (Black) Willner, his daughter by marriage, Ashleigh Brown, son-in-law, Matthew Brown, his heart and soul granddaughter, Paytience Fouchey, grandson, Jaxon Fouchey, all of Peru. Also, Olivia Rowell, granddaughter from Lousianna. Brothers-in-law, Jason Iliff (Becca), Kevin Black (Nancy) and Chris Iliff, and one sisterin-law, Shannon Connor (Jim) from Oregon.

Simon had worked at Vintage Campers in Peru for 9+ of his last years. JoAnn and Dan Piper and other employees were a second family to him.

He was loved and will be deeply missed.

Ich liebe dich.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home. Friends and family may sign the online guestbook at www.FlowersLeedyAllen.com.

looked forward to those trips, she looked forward to Spring and going to yard sales with her sister Nancy. She loved all her family and welcomed any visit around the kitchen table. She enjoyed crocheting and making blankets for her family and working all kinds of puzzles. She especially enjoyed her retirement years with her “bonus” kids Tyllah Thoden, Olivia Thoden, Savana Meeks, and Noah Raber. These children brought light to her life, and she enjoyed every moment of time she spent taking care of them.

Visitation amd services were Friday, January 13, 2023 at Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home, 105 West Third Street, Peru, Indiana. Pastor Rod Correll officiated. Burial was at Mount Hope Cemetery Peru.

The family wishes to send a special thank you to the staff at the Waters of Peru for their care and compassion during her stay.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home. Friends and family may sign the online guestbook at www.FlowersLeedyAllen.com.

Richard Lindsey “Lindy” Moody, 79

Richard Lindsey “Lindy” Moody, 79, passed away at 12:15 am on Friday Jan 6, 2023, at Dukes Memorial Hospital in Peru, Indiana. Lindy was born in Savannah, Georgia, to the late Herman and Edith Moody, on Mar 12, 1943. He married JoAnn Bartels on Dec 4, 1965 at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois.

Lindy served in the Air Force for 21 years and was a Vietnam Veteran. He had many jobs while in the Air Force, but he is most proud of being a flight engineer on the C-5A while stationed at Dover AFB, Delaware.

He loved all animals, but his treasures were his 2 toy Poodles Missy and Brigett and his most beloved Pomeranian, Sheba.

Lindy is most remembered for strong personality, his love of corvettes and racing and music especially by the late Elvis. Spending time outdoors in the summer was another love whether boating or shark fishing in Delaware he was always ready to go. He would never sit still he always said there is something that needs to be cleaned, repaired, or improved- he was a self-taught mechanic with additional training from the Air Force so if there was something he couldn’t “fix” then it couldn’t be repaired.

Richard is survived by his wife, JoAnn, his daughters; Teresa (Richard “Garry”) Quirk of Kokomo, Indiana, Christine

Jennewein of Melbourne, Florida, five grandchildren; Ryan Jones, Brianna Davis, Erika

Rose, Matthew Jennewein, Victoria Jennewein, two great grandchildren; Jolene Chumbley, Bennett Davis, a brother, Dale Moody of Yorktown, Virginia and two sisters, also of Virginia, Sherry Duncan and Sheila Hooks.

Visitation will be held from 11am to 1pm on Wednesday, January 11, 2023 at Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home, 105 West Third Street, Peru, Indiana. Burial will take place at Marion National Cemetery in Marion, Indiana on Thursday, January 12, 2023 at 11am. Military honors will be provided by Wright Patterson Air Force Base Honor Guard.

Lindy will truly be missed, he kept his circle small but whole heartedly loved and cared for everyone within that circle.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home. Friends and family may sign the online guestbook at www.FlowersLeedyAllen.com.

April Marlene Slisher, 83

April Marlene Slisher, 83, Kewanna, Indiana, passed on Tuesday, January 10, 2023, at her residence.

Born on October 30, 1939, in Logansport, Indiana, she was the daughter of Roy E. and Cora M. (Shaver) Case. In July 16, 1977, she was married to Terry Devoe Slisher, and he survives. She had been a homemaker most of her adult life.

Survivors include her husband, Terry Slisher, Kewanna; children, Patricia (Carter) Sparks, Stanton, KY; Pamela (Vincent) Carpenter, Kewanna; Susan (David) Stair, Peru; Tim See, Indiana; Janet (Jerry) Small, Muncie; Billy (Louie) Wood, Mexico; Angela Quinn, Peru; Denise (Chris) Walter, Peru; Kevin (Kristina) Slisher, Logansport; Linda

(Thomas) Wright, Galveston; Timmy “T.J.” Slisher, Kewanna; many grandchildren and greatgrandchildren; two sisters, Catherine Hiles, Peru; and Vicky Case, Kokomo; one brother, Rick Case, Kokomo; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family.

She was preceded in death by her parents and one son, Henry L. Wood; two brothers, Roy Junior Case and Dan Case; and one sister, Shirley Gray.

Visitation was Friday, January 13, 2023, at McClain Funeral Home, Denver, Indiana, with a service immediately following.

McClain Funeral Home, Denver, Indiana, has been entrusted with arrangements. Condolences may be sent online at www.mcclainfh.com.

Another obituary can be found on

Ginger Raber, 70

When a forager is your friend

By Lori Matthews

Nurture the Soul with Nature is an education column that encourages reconnecting with nature to nurture the soul with:

•Natural plant and mushroom medicines

•The observation of the natural processes of the earth, moon, and sun

•The observation of our local flora and fauna (plants and animals) honor and concern for our local water supply

•Following the honorable harvest in our food and medicine foraging

As a wild food and medicine forager, peace and comfort for my soul comes from spending time in nature with little to no human contact. I often just walk and observe. When I see a plant or mushroom that I don’t recognize, I like to sit with it, take some photos, and then learn about it. I will mark the spot in my mind so that I can return to it.

I spend as much time as I can in the woods, walking in fields, swampy areas, and near the water. I have been fortunate enough to document and learn hundreds of plants, mushrooms, and trees over my lifetime. I have some favorites for sure and one of those are Turkey Tail Mushrooms (trametes veriscolor). These small but beautiful mushrooms have some proven medicinal qualities. With over 35 different phenols, including quercetin and baicalein and flavonoids, these

mushrooms are full of antioxidants. These mushrooms help boost your immune system and may help in fighting cancer. Especially when used with traditional medical treatment. Turkey tail mushrooms contain prebiotics for improving your gut health. They may suppress bad gut bacteria and help feed good gut bacteria.

Yesterday, a fellow forager came to my shop with a bag full of fresh Turkey

Tail mushrooms. I had been talking to him about my current health condition and he had asked me if I was using Turkey Tails. I had related to him that in my recent move, I had to eliminate some things and didn’t have any Turkey Tails or their extract in my stock. He very graciously went to his family woods and harvested these beautiful living organisms for my use and benefit. What a friend.

I would take this gift over money or commercials products in every situation. This was a gift from his heart to mine and each time I consume the extract that I am making, I will think of him and offer my gratitude.

Answers for puzzles, Page

Small but beautiful, Turkey Tail Mushrooms grow in local woods. The fungi have many medicinal properties. Photo provided by Lori Matthews

Sports shorts

Maconaquah Mac Wrestling Team Wins “Wild Bill Invite”

By Bob Freije

Team Score: Maconaquah 264.0

Ft. Wayne Carroll 250.5

Ft. Wayne Snider 225.5

Ft. Wayne Concordia Lutheran 124.5

Triton 115.5 Churubusco 114.5 Wabash 75.5

Westview 63.0

Individual Champions: Brayden Raber, Evan Oglesby, Wyatt Price, Logan Farnell, Individual Runner-up: Connor Eldridge, Nate Hanes, Ty Galvan, Ethan Farnell, Austin Ringeisen, Aaron Ringeisen, and Camron Montgomery

Varsity Wrestler, Wyatt Price earns 100th win, Wild Bill Champ, and team Champion

By Bob Freije

Wyatt Price earned his 100th win at the Wild Bill Invitation in Fort Wayne. His overall varsity wrestling record of wins is 102 at this time. Also, he was individual champion at 145 and helped lead the team to beat Fort Wayne Carroll.

Wyatt Price is ranked fourth in the semi-state and top 20 in the whole state this year. Congratulations on your season and state run this season! Brave Pride!

Lady Braves defeat Peru

By Rex Betzner

Lady Braves

improved to 2-0 on the season and 1-0 in the TRC by defeating their county rivals the Peru Tigers 46-32.

The Braves had several offensive contributors led by Aubrey Stoll with 16, Kasey Murry with 9, Delaney Betzner added 8, Ireland Kile chipped in 7, Aubrey Kaiser 4 and Ani Osornio rounded out the scoring with 2. Addie Yocum played some quality minutes as we battled foul trouble most of the game.

Travel Club Volleyball

By Jessica Metcalf

Any girl in grades 4 through 8 can join this volleyball league. All practices will be held in the upper gym at Maconaquah High School once, maybe twice, a week beginning Jan. 31 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Fees are due by Feb. 8, 2023.

Girls Varsity Basketball beats Taylor

By Ray Davis

The Lady Braves went on the road

gether four good quarters. We got a lot of pressure on them. We had 14 steals which led to some easy baskets. We only had 7 turnovers for the game. I really liked how we played offense and defense throughout the game. AJ Kelly has really picked up his scoring. He was 7-7 and had 15 points.

Pep Band playing, cheering, and just bringing a ton of extra energy to our gym. That was a great experience. I am glad they were on our side!”

Miller 3pts Reeser 3pts 1ast Birner 1ast

Girls Swimming beats Logansport

131-50

and got the win against Taylor, 4910. The Lady Braves were led in scoring by Miranda Stoll with 16 pints, Bailey Carson had 11 points, Shaelyn Powell had 8 points and Courtney Stoll had 7 points.

The Lady Braves played Southwood Jan. 17, and wore their pink uniforms in honor of Cancer Awareness and Coaches Against Cancer. The ladies requested everyone wear pink in honor of someone they know who battled or is currently fighting cancer.

Boys Varsity Basketball beats Eastern 92-55

By John Burrus

The Braves played a home game, Saturday, Jan. 14, against Eastern. The Braves played well and got a big win against the 8-3 Comets. It was a good win to end the weekend.

Coach Burrus said, “the Eastern game showed what this Brave team is capable of. Every player on the roster got in the game. I really liked our defense. We put to-

Josiah Ball had 27 points, 11 rebounds, and 5 steals. Bauer Maple had 31 points, 6 assists, and 5 steals. Bauer continues to lead the State of Indiana in scoring at over 28 points per game. This is according to Max Preps. Also, our team is averaging 75 points per game. We are leading the State in points per game. I thought that is a big accomplishment for the players, and coaches. We also really enjoyed the Purdue

We have a big game at Western, Friday. Western has won seven in a row. They are one of those teams that like to play slow. This will be a clash of two styles. I hope we can get a good crowd down there to support these guys. Western just beat Taylor who was 12-0. It will be a big challenge to beat Western.”

Maple 31pts 3reb 6ast 5st Ball 27pts 11reb 4ast 5st Kelly 15pts 1reb 3ast 1st Zeiser 4pts 4reb 2ast 3st Ellis 3pts 6reb 1ast 2bl

Kile 2pts 3reb Armstrong 2pts 2ast Collins 2pts

By Janet McManus

The girls swam against Logansport and came away with another win.

Loshnowsky, Jones, Collins and Rodkey placed 1st in the 200-medley relay with Abby Jordan, Winegardner, Schoettmer, and Brennan placing 3rd. Chloe Jordan, Thea Tyra, and Marissa Burnett (PR) placed 1,2,3 in the 200 free.

Sam Jones placed 1st, Kendal Collins placed 2nd, and Shay Schoettmer placed 4th in the 200 IM. Laci Winegardner placed 1st in the 50 free with Maddie Brennan coming in 3rd.

In diving, Kathryn Rodkey placed 1st. Sam Jones (PR) came in 1st in the 100-fly with Abby Jordan (PR) and Marissa Burnett placing 3rd and 4th. In the 100 free, Abby Heath (PR), Lucy Loshnowsky, and Riley Waun placed 1,2,4. Chloe Jordan, Thea Tyra, and Maddie Brennan all earned PR’s in the 500 free and placed 1,2,4. In the sprint relay, A. Jordan, Winegardner, Tyra, and C. Jordan placed 1st followed by Collins, Schoettmer, Rodkey, and Heath placing 2nd. Loshnowsky placed 1st in the 100-backstroke with A. Jordan and Kyndal Collins placing 3rd and 4th. In the 100 breaststroke Abby Heath and Laci Winegardner placed 1st and 2nd with Shay Schoettmer placing

Wyatt Price, senior wrestler at Maconaquah High School, earned his 100th win. Photo provided

Shorts continued from Page 5

4th. In the 400freestyle relay, Tyra, Jones, Loshnowsky, and C. Jordan placed 1st followed by Brennan, Burnett, Vierra Da Silva, and Heath placing 3rd.

The Golden Goggle went to Abby Heath. Abby is a senior this year and has really stepped up in her leadership role this year. She has been struggling with her times this year and getting a PR, tonight was an exceptional night as she had two best times. I’m proud of her for not giving up and continuing to work hard!

Boys Swimming beats Pioneer 112-67

By Brad McManus

Another great night for the guys. They are looking so good and ready for our conference meet next weekend. Isaac Lorenz was 3/4 bests. He dropped .4 in 50 Free and .1 in relay 50 Free and .7 in relay 100 Free. PJ Higgins was 3/4 bests. He dropped 2.3 sec in the 100 Free to get under a minute. Garrett McManus dropped 1.3 in 200 free and was just off his PR in 500 Free. Victor Riker dropped 2.8 in 50 Back and 4 in 100 Free. The Golden Goggle Award goes to Luke Abbott. Luke is a completely different swimmer than he was 2 months ago. He dropped 2 sec in 50 Breast, 5 sec in 50 Free, and 5 sec in 100 Breast. He has also improved his starts and turns dramatically.

Peru

Girls Varsity Basketball falls to Southwood

By Jenna Hayes

The Tigers traveled to Southwood

Obituary

Shirley Anne Patricia Bullard Ramos, 85, of Pensacola, Florida passed away peacefully Thursday, Dec. 29, 2022.

Shirley was born April 24, 1937, in Ipswich, England, to parents Phyllis and James Edward Bullard. She married U.S. Airman Abel “Ray” Ramos of Pflugerville, Texas, June 11, 1955. Shirley was a loving and devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She worked as a beautician for over 30 years in both Peru, Indiana, and Pensacola, Florida.

Thursday night for another TRC battle. The Tigers battled hard but ended up losing 55-44. In an up-tempo game, the Tigers struggled to get some key stops and did not shoot it well from deep. The Tigers were 1 for 15 from three-point range whereas the Knights were 6 of 15 from three-point range which ultimately made the difference in the game. The Tigers were lead offensively by Brianna Bennett with 12 points, 5 rebounds, 7 assists, and 4 steals. Emma Eldridge had 6 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, and 7 steals. Brooklyn Garner had 6 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal. Kaylene Kirk had 6 points and 3 rebounds. Maddie Nordman had 6 points and 2 rebounds. Cameryn Raber had 6 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist, 1 blocked shot, and 1 steal. Addison Robbins had 2 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 steal. The Tigers are now 8-10 on the season and 4-3 in TRC play. The Tigers continue TRC play this week as they visit Tippy Valley Tuesday for a JV and Varsity contest. The JV tip-off is

set for 6:15 with Varsity to follow.

Junior Varsity Lady’s Basketball falls to Southwood 22-16

By Stephanie Bennett

The Peru JV Lady Tigers were on the road at Southwood. The Lady Tigers fought from start to finish. We hung in there with the Knights but it was a tough shooting night for the Tigers. The JV Lady Tigers lost 2216. Leading scorer for the Tigers was Molly Man with 6 points. Sydney Azbell and Peyton Wideman had 4 points each.

Maliyah Dunn had 2 points. The Lady Tigers will be back in action at Tippy Valley.

Varsity Wrestling beats Lewis Cass 60-24

By Zachary Leffel

106 McGuire, Regan (Peru) over Bell, Levi (Cass)

Peru Tiger,

Fall 3:42 6-0

113 Boggs, Kwynn (Peru) over Miller, Jack (Cass) Fall 2:50 12-0

120 Gibson, Brayden (Peru) over Grist, Max (Cass) Fall 1:45 18-0

126 Grist, Lucas (Cass) over Smithers, Zach (Peru) Fall 1:22 18-6

132 Nanez, Isaiah (Cass) over Perang, Justine (Peru) Fall 1:46 18-12

138 Lancaster, Kadyn (Peru) over Keles, Aeneas (Cass) Fall 4:45 2412

145 Legg, Cody (Peru) over Hall, Kamaron (Cass) Fall 1:35 30-12

152 Baldwin, Cooper (Peru) over Burns, Jensen (Cass) Fall 0:44 3612

160 Black, Ian (Peru) over Park, Nick (Cass) Fall 2:42 42-12

170 Martin, Eli (Cass) over Graham, Caden (Peru) Fall 1:18 42-18

182 Smithers, Alex (Peru) over Reckemmer, Jacob (Cass) Fall 0:52 48-

18

195 Banner, Micheal (Cass) over Gatliff, Melachi (Peru) Fall 0:19 48-24

220 Ousley, Keyton (Peru) over Collins, Lane (Cass) Fall 0:36 54-24

285 Scott, Joe (Peru) over Forfeit (Cass) Forfeit 60-24

Final Score: 60 – 24

Shirley enjoyed sewing, gardening, playing the piano, bowling, and traveling. She loved to bake and will forever be remembered for her decadent apple squares and hot tea served the English way. Shirley spent over 20 years in Peru, Indiana, after Ray was stationed at Grissom Air Force Base, and has resided in Pensacola since 1980. Shirley volunteered with Autism Pensacola, was a member of IMPACT 100 Pensacola Bay Area, and was active in the Christian church wherever she lived, including East Brent Baptist of Pensacola, Florida.

Shirley is preceded in death by her parents, brothers Jim, Bob, and Derick, sisters Haley, Bette and June, husband Ray, sons Randy and Michael, and greatgrandson Austin Jay.

The memories of

her life will be forever cherished by her son David Ramos (Sue) of Peru, Indiana, brother Jack Bullard (Maureen) of Ipswich, England, daughter-inlaw Terri Ramos of Pensacola, Florida, grandchildren April Kennedy, Jamie Ramos, Jerid Ramos, Jonathan Ramos, Erin Luttrell, and her 14 great-grandchildren.

Visitation was held at Faith Chapel Funeral Home South, 100 Beverly Parkway, Pensacola, Florida, Monday, Jan. 9 from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Funeral services followed the visitation. David Ramos officiated and Sue Ramos sang two of Shirley’s favorite hymns; “Amazing Grace” and “The Old Rugged Cross.”Pallbearers were David Ramos, Jamie Ramos, Jerid Ramos, and Justin Luttrell. Interment is at Barrancas National Cemetery where Shirley is laid to rest alongside her husband Ray.

The family extends a special thanks to the caregivers and staff at The Blake of Pensacola Memory Care and Emerald Coast Hospice for their love, compassion, and professionalism.

Peru Homecoming King and Queen are seniors, Logan Gatliff and Emma Eldridge. The announcement was made at halftime at the Peru/Maconaquah game held at Tig-arena, Friday, Jan. 13.

Photo by Michelle Boswell

Alex Ross, goes up against the Maconaquah defense to make a shot during the game, Friday, Jan. 13. The Tigers beat the Braves 74-72.

Photo by Michelle Boswell

Police Reports

Miami County

Sheriff’s Department Jan. 8

A traffic hazard was reported at W 450 N and N U.S. 31, Peru. A male was taken into custody for operating while intoxicated and possession of Marijuana.

Unwanted guests were reported at 12042 S Strawtown Pike, Kokomo. Ross and Amanda Bates were given a no trespass warning for the property at the request of their father. They were advised they could make later arrangements with the property owner to retrieve any property stored there.

Driving under the influence was reported at 2938 Travis St, Peru. The vehicle was stopped by a state officer. No one was intoxicated.

A complainant at 3041 March St, Peru advised their dog turned aggressive when the subject put it in their car. The complainant was having issues removing the dog. Truck 52 was

called to remove the animal.

A 911 hang up was detected at 1066 N Lincoln St, Peru. Sounds of distress, possibly from an adult black male, were in the background. The call was detected in the reported location, and officers arrived to check the area. The source of the distress was unable to be located. Officers spoke with a resident in the reported addressed. He advised he did not hear anything out of the ordinary. He was in the home with his two small children and he stated the distress could have been the children playing on the phone. Officers advised him it was an adult male voice on the recording, but no signs of distress in the adult or the children were noticed. No one else was in the home at the moment. This case has not been fully resolved.

A caller at 4814 E 800 N, Denver, had a stop sign and post left in his yard overnight. Highway department was notified to pick

up the sign.

Officers responded to the area of 4724 W 1350 S, Galveston, in reference to a vehicle that had been removed from a property. This was deemed a civil issue over property.

A daughter and sonin-law at 2416 Lowry Ave, Peru, located subject breathing but unconscious and unresponsive. Subject was transported by medics to Dukes Memorial Hospital.

A traffic accident with damage was reported at W 500 S & S 200 W, Peru. This call was handled by Indiana State Police.

A traffic accident with damage was reported at S U.S. 31 and W 300 S, Peru.

Jan. 9

A report of a child not wanting to go to school was taken at 45012 Little Rock CT, Peru.

A complainant at 4415 N Mexico Rd, Mexico, stated that she didn’t want her daughter’s friend to come onto the prop-

erty any longer. He is a welcome guest to the daughter’s house which is separate but on the same property. Officers advised her that they could not issue a trespass warning if he is welcome by the daughter who lives there. He has not made any threats toward life or property.

Damage to a wheat field was reported at W 1300 N & N 300 W, Macy. A case report was completed.

The County Highway Department at E 935 N & N 500 E, Denver, reported a stop sign having been removed and located at a private property nearby. A case report was completed.

Officers in the area of 35052 Altus CT, Peru took report of a possible battery that occurred against a juvenile while she was with her mother over the weekend. Juvenile lives with her father in Michigan.

property owner. IDEM always requests samples of gas beneath the building and inside of it. Without access to sample, it cannot be verified if vapors are present inside of a home.

• Further vapor explanation. Over 100 vapor samples have been collected as part of the preliminary soil gas investigation. TCE has been detected from 5.5 feet to 11 feet below ground surface, which warranted the expansion of investigations to the air inside homes. When chemicals evaporate from soil and groundwater, the gas (vapor) moves through soil and can accumulate beneath buildings and sewer lines. Vapors can enter buildings and sewer lines through cracks and unsealed seams.

• Vapor mitigation. If a building has elevated levels of TCE verified by sampling, IDEM will require the installation of a vapor mitigation system, which is similar to a radon remediation system. The installation and testing are

paid for by Schneider Electric and occurs at no cost to the homeowner. Additional measures may be taken to reduce or eliminate the source to reduce the risk of exposure.

• Vapor sampling and vapor mitigation fact sheets are attached to this document.

• Health impacts and published levels.

• IDEM’s published levels provide target numbers for contaminant exposure, including TCE levels.

• Published levels are conservatively developed by the EPA to protect the most vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals.

• Exceedance of an IDEM published level does not necessarily mean a health risk has been incurred since the formula uses very conservative exposure scenarios. The assessment of a health impact due to TCE exposure must be conducted by a physician or toxicologist.

• Potential health impacts from TCE exposure depend on how much, how long, how often,

and in what way(s) a person is exposed. Discussions regarding personal health should occur with a physician.

IDEM’s Role:

• IDEM is responsible for protecting human health and the environment and has the jurisdiction to require and/or complete investigation and cleanup of contaminated soils, indoor air vapors, and groundwater.

• IDEM will enforce its stringent standards for the investigation and remediation of all known contamination.

• IDEM will review, provide comments, approve, and ensure the implementation of investigations. IDEM will provide feedback and oversight on the remediation of all contamination impacting the surrounding properties. IDEM will not grant closure to a Site until verification sampling has reached the approved objectives and all IDEM requirements have been met.

Additional Information:

• All reports and correspondence are publicly available in IDEM’s Virtual File Cabinet. Access instruc-

tions have been provided in the “Upcoming Planned Investigations” section.

• For more information, questions, or concerns related to the Square D Site, please contact IDEM’s VRP Project Manager for this Site, Chelsea Day, at (317) 2328517 or by email at CNDay@idem.in.go v or Bill Holland, Section Chief of VRP, at (317) 2340967 or by email at BHolland@idem.in .gov.

• TCE fact sheet: https://www.in.gov /idem/files/factsheet_olq_remediation_trichloroethyl ene.pdf

• CDC public health statement regarding TCE: https://wwwn.cd c.gov/TSP/PHS/P HS.aspx?phsid=171 &toxid=30

• Vapor intrusion fact sheet: https://www.in.gov

/idem/cleanups/in vestigation-andcleanup programs/vaporintrusion/

• Vapor intrusion sampling fact sheet: https://www.in.gov /idem/files/factsheet_olq_remediation_vapor_intrust ion_sampling.pdf

• Vapor mitigation fact sheet: can be found at the following link: https://www.in.gov /idem/fact-sheets/. Scroll down to “Remediation and Response” and select “Vapor Mitigation.”

• IDEM R2 (RiskBased Closure Guide): https://www.in.gov /idem/files/nrpd_ waste-0046-r2.pdf

• Voluntary Remediation Program (VRP) Program Guide: https://www.in.gov /idem/files/nrpd_ waste- 0077_attach.pd

Community events coming up for hungry, homeless

•Food Finders Food Bank Inc. will hold a Mobile Pantry at 11 a.m. Wednesday Jan. 18 at Mexico Baptist Church 4088 Carrol St., Mexico. This will be a drive-through distribution. All clients should remain in their vehicles and not arrive before 10:30 a.m. This Mobile Pantry is sponsored by Indiana Department of Health.

•Food Finders Food Bank Inc. will hold a Mobile Pantry at 11 a.m. Wednesday Jan. 25 at Loree First Brethren Church 8433 S. Strawtown Pike, Bunker Hill. This will be a drive-through distribution. All clients should remain in their vehicles and not arrive before 10:30 a.m. This Mobile Pantry is sponsored by NIPSCO.

•Point in Time will give away care packages for the homeless from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 26 at Community Resource Center 13 E. Main St. Peru. Packages will include supplies such as a blanket, toiletry items, hats, gloves and more.

Answers to puzzles from Page 4