The Paper of Miami County -- Jan. 4, 2023

Nickel Plate Trail enjoyed by many, maintained by few Peru Public Library legend Carla Murtha retires

By Amanda Redman

The Nickel Plate Trail is a 40-mile scenic path traversing the Wabash and Eel rivers through Miami County’s diverse woodlands.

Birds and wildlife make their homes along the trail, nesting in the fauna that ranges from tall Sycamores to bushy pine to marshy grasses.

Many people exercise on the trail, walking or biking across Miami, Howard and Fulton counties.

Part of the Rails to Trails Conservancy (RTC), a national organization transforming unused railways into recreational areas, the Nickel Plate is the largest recreational space in the county.

Somewhat surprisingly, the trail’s upkeep is not provided by county or state government but rather by a dedicated group of volunteers, grants, and donations, according to Jeff Kassebaum, board member and volunteer.

“The state has been really generous about funding new trails,” Kassebaum said, adding that there is currently no state or local funding available for maintaining the trails. Currently operating on a $25,000 budget, the local group has only enough for basic maintenance costs and minor repairs, but not enough to fund major repairs or unexpected expenses, Kassebaum explained.

The state recently provided funds for a new trail that will expand east of Bunker Hill to

By Amanda Redman

“I’m going to read my last, last book,” Carla Murtha told the room full of children, parents, and friends gathered in the Peru Public Library.

Murtha, affectionately known as “Miss Carla,” retired Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2022, after 47 years in the library, most of which was spent on the children’s floor.

“It’s been overwhelming but I felt the love today,” Murtha said after the event.

Following retirement, Murtha plans to spend time with friends, take trips, and volunteer for the Scratching Post, where she recently adopted a cat named Kewpie.

“I’m not going to be a homebody,” she said.

“Although I do have my cat to dote on.”

Storytime will continue on Tuesdays with Michelle Spangler, assistant Library Directory leading until a replacement is found for Murtha.

Murtha’s shoes will be difficult to fill, Spangler said. Not only do they need a librarian with state qualifications, but also one who is good with children.

“We’ve got a book to make you laugh and a book to make cry,” Murtha began.

Murtha read, sang, danced, and even rapped, an assortment of books that she chose specially because they reminded her of parts of her life she liked including Disco Party Countdown by Eric Litwin.

Many of the parents, like Trisha Lennon of Peru, attended Story Time when they were children. “She has been great for the community,” said Lennon, who has been bringing her sons Rhett and Bryant to the children’s library activi-

Jeff Kassebaum, Nickel Plate Trail board member and volunteer, explains how the pavement on the trail is buckeling due to tree roots. Photo by Amanda Redman

Carla Murtha reads one of her last books to the audience at the Peru Public Library. Murtha has been a part of the library for 47 years.

Photo by Amanda Redman

Marion. However, those funds may only be used towards the new construction, and not on repairs for the existing trail.

Connecting with the Great American Rail-Trail, trail usage is expected to increase as cross country tourists travel across the country on a growing web of interconnected trails.

Increased usage will increase maintenance cost even more so securing funding for repairs is crucial for maintaining safety along the trail, Kassebaum explained.

Local Boy Scouts and cross country teams often use the trail for training. It is also popular for families looking for a place to stroll or teach their kids to ride bike, he said.

The trail attracts people from cities like Indianapolis, Chicago and Fort Wayne, who enjoy a less-crowded, rural trail or who are connecting to the trail through other RTC routes.

Kassebaum recently met two retired military men traveling the trail from Washington state from Washington DC. and a couple going from Iowa to Kokomo.

Invasive honeysuckle vines threaten native

To find out more about adopting a segment, volunteering, and/or donating, visit http://www. nickelplatetrail.org

species and are a source of frustration for the volunteers maintaining the trail, said Dan McCarthy, communications director of the Nickel Plate Trail.

Trimming, spraying and clearing off the pathways are constantly on the group’s ever-growing to-do list.

This labored volunteer group is made of up of many retirees and interested people who enjoy the trail, often providing their own equipment for repairs and devoting a great deal of time to trail maintenance.

Among them is a “chainsaw crew” of about 20 members who respond to reports of fallen trees or branches that need to be removed from the path.

“We have a 24 hour turnaround,” Mc-

Carthy said.

The group’s todo list grows ever longer as portions of the trail age.

Kassebaum and McCarthy are both especially concerned about the area from Bunker Hill to Cassville, and BirminghamMacy. In particular, repairing bridges, and deteriorating pavement caused by shifting soils, tree roots, and rotting bridge floors.

The group has already patched many segments of deteriorating pavement and replaced wood on bridges to keep trail-goers safe but warped pavement can cause problems, especially for for bikers.

Those sections of pavement need to be replaced, McCarthy said.

Without more funding, the pavement may have to be replaced with gravel, also not ideal for biking as it can be hazardous to ride on with skinny road

bike tires, Kassebaum said.

Kassebaum is appealing to the local county council to consider adding trail maintenance to its annual budget. He estimates $200,000 will be needed to fix the issues and restore the trail.

Trail supporters can contribute to trail maintenance by volunteering, and expressing concern to state and local officials about trail maintenance funding.

“They can also adopt a segment,” McCarthy said. The trail is divided into 27 segments between one half and two miles in length.

Anyone who adopts a segment will monitor their area, using their own pruning equipment, weedeater, etc., to keep it free from sticks, rocks and other debris.

To find out more about adopting a segment, volunteering, and/or donating, visit http://www.nickelplatetrail.org

The Paper of Miami County

Dan McCarthy, center, and Jeff Kassebaum, right, work to clear a large branch from a section of the Nickel Plate Trail.

Dan is the communication directeor for the Nickel Plate Trail organization.

Photo by Amanda Redman

Obituaries

The Rev. Lowell Eugene Burrus, 87, of Peru, formerly of rural Roann, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ at 5:50 a.m., Sunday morning Dec. 25, 2022, at Blair Ridge Care Facility, in Peru.

Lowell was born July 15, 1935, in Charleston, Ill., to Clyde Burrus and Alice (Collins) Burrus-Brown.

Lowell was a graduate of Charleston High School, attended Eastern Illinois University, and received his bachelor’s degree from Fort Wayne Bible College. He was married to the love of his life June (Edwards) Burrus on July 21, 1957, at the Enon Baptist Church in Ashmore Township, Illinois. Lowell enjoyed farming and the newlyweds began their family while living and farming in Hutton Township, in Coles County, Ill.

The Lord later called them to Roann in 1970. Lowell and June answered the call, and he became the lead pastor at Olive Branch Church of God, where he served faithfully for 41 years. He enjoyed preaching every Sunday to a growing congregation. Lowell ministered to numer-

Sandra J. Surface “Sandy”, 79, ran to meet Jesus face to face at 6 a.m., Dec., 24, 2022, peacefully in her home, just three, short months after being diagnosed with cancer.

She was born in her home in Peoria, Indiana, to Marion “Frank” and Mildred (Bolinger) Hopkins Aug. 20, 1943.

She married James L. Surface June 21, 1974, at the home of her parents and he survives.

Sandra will be af-

87

Betty Mae Foltz, 95

ous people through counseling; officiating weddings; visiting and praying with people in their homes and hospitals; and having the honor to speak at many funerals. Lowell enjoyed leading teams from Olive Branch on several mission trips to Alaska, Brazil, Haiti, and Senegal Africa. It brought him so much joy to share the Gospel of Jesus. He loved his annual trip to vacation at New Smyrna Beach, Fla., with family. Lowell followed his son John’s coaching career closely and loved to attend his grandchildren’s sporting events.

Lowell was a dedicated St. Louis Cardinal fan and was known to give the Cub fans in the congregation a hard time from the pulpit.

He was a member of the Casey Softball Hall of Fame, where he was given his nickname “Sox”. Lowell also had a passion for trains. He is survived by his

two children Julie (Steve) Deniston of Roann; John (Tammy) of Denver; daughterin-law Carie Burrus of Auburn; five grandchildren Tiffany (Jonathan) Branam of Muncie; Charity Burrus of Auburn; Joel (Ashley) Burrus of Rochester; Alicia (Blake) Robinson and Lael (Brandon) Larrick, both of Pittsboro; 13 great-grandchildren Josiah, Judah, Samuel, Ezekiel, and Esther Branam; Adrian Fry; Jackson, Grayson, and Easton Burrus; Riggins and Paisley Robinson; Banner and Boden Larrick; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife June Burrus, his parents, his son, Paul Burrus, and his brothers, Clyde Burrus Jr. and Paul Burrus, and sister, Sophia Lou Shafer.

Visitation and funeral services were Friday, Dec. 30, 2022, at Olive Branch Church of God, 4581 E 1200 N, Roann. The Rev. Scott Sims will officiate. Burial will be in Enterprise Cemetery, Roann.

Arrangements by Grandstaff-Hentgen Funeral Service, Roann.

Betty Mae Foltz, 95, of Peru, Indiana, went to be with her Lord, Dec. 23, 2022.

Born in Berrien Center, Michigan, she moved to Peru in 1950 with her husband Gene R. Foltz. They were married in Michigan City March 15, 1947.

Betty is survived by her son Tim Foltz, daughter Wendy Lutz and sister-in-law Bette Slater, grandchildren Chris (Eva) Lutz, Jane (Brad) Maurer, Seth (Jennifer) Foltz, Jessie (James) Vitulli, great grandchildren Alex Lutz, Erik Lutz, Otto Lutz, Madeline Maurer, Tommy Maurer, Katie Maurer, Bethany Maurer, Emma Foltz, Brenna Foltz, Jackson Wright, Josie Wright, Remo Vitulli, Max Vitulli, Franklyn Vitulli.

In her younger years, Betty lead a Cub Scout troop at First Baptist Church and enjoyed volunteering at Dukes Memorial Hospital while raising her two children in Peru. She

and Gene would vacation frequently in Florida and particularly enjoyed visiting family in Colorado.

She had a beautiful smile that would light up a room, and she would smile extra broadly when cooking for her family. If you were fortunate enough to be invited over for a Sunday meal, you could look forward to her famous fried chicken, goulash or her granddaughter’s favorite, Chop Suey.

Betty loved to eat out, and you could count on her ordering shrimp whenever she could!

Betty and Gene enjoyed their retirement with their friends and family and were active members of the Peru Grace Brethren

Church. To know Betty was to be loved well by her generous spirit and helpful nature. She came to know her Savior, Jesus, at an early age and shared that faith with her family.

Funeral services were held Monday, Jan. 2, 2023, at the Peru Grace Brethren Church located at 430 South Broadway in Peru. The family greeted friends from 11 a.m. to Noon followed by a celebration of Betty’s life at Noon with Pastor Dave Jodry officiating. There was a lunch immediately following at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Peru Grace Brethren Church in support of the Care Commission.

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

More obituaries can be found on Page 4

Sandra J. Surface “Sandy,” 79

fectionately remembered by the love of her life of 48 years, James L. Surface, Walton. They built a beautiful life together on their farm in Walton, Indiana.

Sandra is also survived by her four children, Lisa (Bill)

Stafford, Walton; Teresa (Brad) Wertz, Lafayette; Chris (Heather) Surface, Kokomo; Elizabeth (Craig) Jernagan, Walton; grandchildren Eliza (Jacob) Barkley; Ariel (Josh) Barcus; Kesha (Greg) Minns; Josh McBride; Chelsea (Ryan) Mey; Brant (Haley) Reef; Colin McBride; Erin and Wesley Surface; Ayden, Brionna, and Lucee Jernagan; Great-Grandchildren Evelyn and Christian Minns;

Beau and Matthew McBride, Alaira Reef; Cecilia Barcus; and one expected in July.

She was preceded in death by her parents Marion “Frank” and Mildred Delene (Bolinger) Hopkins, her brothers, Bob Hopkins and Ray Hopkins, and sisters Betty (Flora) Evans, Joyce (Moore) Cardwell, and Lucille Shepler.

Sandra abundantly adored her husband ‘Jimmy’ who was

‘such a jewel’ to her. She fiercely and joyfully loved her family and her friends and she shined Jesus. She was blessed to have attended Peru Church of the Brethren for many years and more recently, Zion Chapel in Peru. She retired from Delphi Electronics in 2002 after 26 years. She loved sitting in her gazebo, was a talented artist, thoroughly enjoyed reading her bible, attended numerous

bible studies, and shared the love of Jesus with others.

Anyone who knew Sandy heard endless stories about Heaven and her excitement for Jesus to return. She will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her. She was the embodiment of love.

Visitation was held at Zion Chapel 915 S. Broadway, Peru, Thursday, Dec. 29, 2022, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. with A Celebration of Life immediately following

visitation by Pastor Rod Correll.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to “Flawless,” a local Girl’s ministry that Sandy passionately supported (https://sites.google. com/view/equip4vic tory/ways-togive?authuser=0)

Arrangements have been entrusted to Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home.

Friends and family may sign the online guestbook at www.FlowersLeedyAllen.com.

Rev. Lowell Burrus,

Beloved mother, Deborah Ellen (Sparks) Bowman, 69, passed away Sunday, Dec. 25, 2022, in Kokomo.

She was born Feb. 2, 1953, in Peru, to Cannus and Dorothy M. Sparks. Her father preceded her in death. She had a sister, Diana (Gene) Winters, Peru, both preceded her in death.

In 1972, she graduated from Maconaquah High School. That same year, on June 25, she married the love of her life, Samuel L. Bow-

Phyllis C. Green, passed away at 1:41 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2022, at Ascension St. Vincent Hospital, Kokomo, Indiana. She was born in Kokomo, Indiana, May 28, 1934, the daughter of Clarence and Elsie (Shrock) Morgan.

Phyllis married Richard M. Green at the Cassville United Methodist Church June 1, 1952. Dick passed away Aug. 24, 2011.

Phyllis was a graduate of Northwestern High School and was employed by Maconaquah Schools until her retirement. She was a member of the Bennetts Switch Community Church. Phyllis and Dick enjoyed many years together and enjoyed their retirement by travelling and loving on their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She enjoyed cooking and taking care of her family and making sure they had plenty to eat! Surviving Phyllis are her children David Green of Kokomo, Indiana, Michael (Debbie) Green of Atlanta, Indiana, Anne (Jack) Gable of Peru, Indiana; grandchildren

Deborah Ellen (Sparks) Bowman, 69

man. He preceded her in death. They had three sons, Jason (Kaylynn Cataldo), Peru, Ryan (Joann), Louisville, Kentucky, and Jacob (Jenny), Peru.

Debbie spent many years driving a school bus for Maconaquah School Corporation. She also

worked at Chrysler. She was one of the hardest working women you would ever meet. She was also one of the most selfless. She cared very much for her family and those around her and would do anything for them.

Besides her boys, her grandchildren were her pride and joy. They include Ethan Bowman, Gavin Bowman, Rylee Bowman, Jacob Bowman, Jacoby Bowman and Ryker Bowman, along with two step-granddaughters, Shaylynn and

Phyllis C. Green, 88

Cali Cataldo. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Visitation was held Saturday, Dec. 31, 2022, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home, 105 West Third Street, Peru. Funeral services immediately followed with burial at Chili Cemetery, Chili, Indiana.

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

Dustin (Emily) Green, Nicholas (Gina) Green, Michael Green, Matthew Green, Mark (Marie) Green, Lyndi (Adam) McDowell and Megan (Dustin) Allen; great-grandchil-

dren Ronin Green, Elijah Bender, Israel Green, Miles Green, Ogden Green, Elena McDowell and Sienna Allen. She is also survived by sisterin-law Joyce Freed and nephew Jim (Judy) Milner as well as many special friends who have been a blessing in her life.

In addition to her parents and husband, Dick, she was predeceased by her sister, Millie, and husband Jack Milne, and their

children John and Janice, and brother-in-law Stan Freed.

The family will have a private family service at the Laird-Eddy Funeral Home, Amboy, Indiana, with Pastor Norm Snyder officiating. Burial will be in Park Lawn Cemetery, Amboy. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made through the LairdEddy Funeral home to the Bennetts Switch Community Church.

Sports Sports Shorts

Maconaquah

Wrestlers wins Wiley Holiday Classic Dual Tourney

By Bob Freije

Team results 5-0.

Mac over Clinton Central 43-34

Mac over Central Catholic 76-6 Mac over Kokomo 57-21

Mac over North Newton 71-3

Mac over Calumet 68-12

Undefeated Wrestlers: Austin Ringeisen, Logan Farnell, Connor Eldridge, Wyatt Price, Ty Galvin, Brayden Raber & Cameron Montgomery.

4-1 Wrestlers: Ethan Farnell, Aaron Ringiesen, Alex Ousley. Bryson Bledsoe.

Overall Team Record 19-4 on the season.

The Braves finished play for 2022 with a good win over North Miami. This was the consolation game of the Miami County Holiday Tournament.

Varsity Basketball beats Holiday Tournament 92 – 51

Boys

By John Burrus

Coach Burrus Quote: ”Our first quarter score, 40-5 was the game. We had 20 steals in the whole game. I thought we played very good defense in the first quar-

Sports Calendar

Maconaquah

Jan. 4

6 p.m. – Boys Freshman Basketball –Delphi Community High School –Home

Jan. 5

5:30 p.m. – Boys

Varsity Swimming

@ Rochester High School

5:30 p.m. – Girls

Varsity Swimming

@ Rochester High School

Jan. 7

9 a.m. – Boys Varsity Wrestling –Alexandria High School –Home

9 a.m. – Boys Junior Varsity Wrestling – Alexandria High School –Home

9 a.m. Coed Varsity Wrestling – Alexandria High School –

Home

6:15 p.m. – Girls

Junior Varsity Basketball @ Wabash High School

7:45 p.m. – Girls

Varsity Basketball @ Coolman Gymnasium

Jan. 9

6 p.m. – Girls 8th Grade Basketball –Western Middle School – Home

6 p.m. – Girls 7th Grade Basketball –Western Middle School – Home

6:15 p.m. – Boys 8th

Grade Basketball @ Southwood Jr-Sr High School

6:15 p.m. – Boys 7th

Grade Basketball @ Southwood Jr-Sr High School

6:15 p.m. – Boys 6th

Grade Basketball @ Southwood Jr-Sr

ter. After 10 games we are 6-4. We are now looking at our rematch with Peru, January 13th, at Peru. We will play 12 games in a little over 6 weeks. The rest of the season will be very busy. We have lots of room to get better as a team. For all the young varsity players we have I feel the team has done a good job to this point. Hopefully, we will con-

High School

6:30 p.m. – Boys

Freshman Basketball @ Northfield Jr -Sr High School Jan. 10

5:30 p.m. – Boys

Varsity Swimming @ Logansport High School

5:30 p.m. – Girls

Varsity Swimming @ Logansport High School

6 p.m. – Girls Junior Varsity Basketball – Pioneer Jr-Sr. High School –Home

6:30 p.m. – Boys

Varsity Wrestling @ Peru High School

6:30 p.m. – Boys

Junior Varsity Wrestling @ Peru High School

6:30 p.m. – Coed

Varsity Wrestling @ Peru High School

tinue to improve.”

Maple 32pts 4reb 4ast 7st

Ball 28pts 7reb 3st Kelly 9pts 2reb 1st Zeiser 5pts 4reb 3ast 2bl 4st

Ellis 4pts 7reb 1ast 1bl

Reeser 5pts 1reb Birner 3pts 4reb 1st

Collins 2pts 2reb 1st

Miller 2pts 1reb 1bl Adams 2pts 1st

7:30 p.m. – Girls

Varsity Basketball – Pioneer Jr-Sr. High School –Home

North Miami Jan. 4

6:30 p.m. Varsity Wrestling – Columbia City High School – Home Jan. 5

6 p.m. – Boys 7th Grade Basketball @ Pioneer High School

6 p.m. – Girls 7th Grade Basketball –Northfield High School – Home

6:30 p.m. – Varsity Wrestling @ Taylor/Caston

7:15 p.m. – Boys 8th Grade Basketball @ Pioneer High School

7:30 p.m. – Girls 8th

Armstrong 1reb 1ast 1st Kile 5reb 2ast 2bl 1st

Girls

Wrestling at Penn H.S.

By Bob Freije

Leghna Wagner got 2nd place and prepares to compete next Friday in the girls Regional! She is ranked #7th in the state!

Maya Wagner got 8th place and pre-

pares to compete next Friday in the girls Regional!

Peru Girls Varsity Basketball beats Maconaquah 34 – 31 in first game of Holiday Tournament.

By Jenna Hayes

The Tigers traveled to Maconaquah for the opening game of the Miami County Holiday Tourna-

ment to play the host Maconaquah Braves. The Tigers struggled offensively coming out of the gate but picked it up in the second quarter to take a 6 point lead into halftime. The Tigers continued this trend in the 3rd quarter pushing the lead to 10 going into the 4th quarter. The Braves responded and chipped away cutting the lead to 1 point but two big free throws by Addison Robbins and a steal by Kaylene Kirk sealed the win for the Tigers. The Tigers were lead offensively by Cameryn Raber with 12 points. Emma Eldridge had 6 points. Addison Robbins had 6 points. Brianna Bennett had 4 points. Brooklyn Garner had 4 points. Maddie Nordman had 2 points. The Tigers are now 4-8 on the year. The Tigers will play in the Championship game tomorrow night at Ma-

Grade Basketball –Northfield High School – Home Jan. 6

6:15 p.m. – Boys

Junior Varsity Basketball –Manchester High School –Home

6:15 p.m. – Girls

Junior Varsity Basketball @ Peru High School

7:45 p.m. – Boys

Varsity Basketball –Manchester High School –Home

7:45 p.m. – Girls

Varsity Basketball @ Peru High School

Jan. 7

9 a.m. – Varsity Wrestling – Norse Invitational @ Northfield High School

9 a.m. – Boys 7th Grade Basketball –Culver 4-Way Tour-

nament

9 a.m. – Boys 8th Grade Basketball –Culver 4-Way Tournament

1 p.m. – Girls Junior Varsity Basketball @ Manchester JH/High School

2:30 p.m. – Girls

Varsity Basketball @ Manchester High School

Jan. 10

6 p.m. – Boys Junior Varsity Basketball @ Argos Comm. Jr-Sr High School

6 p.m. – Boys 7th

Grade Basketball @Whitko Middle School

7:15 p.m. – Boys 8th Grade Basketball @Whitko Middle School

7:30 p.m. – Boys Varsity Basketball

@ Argos Comm. JrSr High School

Peru Jan. 4

6 p.m. – Varsity Wrestling @ Northfield High School

6:15 p.m. – Girls

Junior Varsity Basketball – Tri-Central JR-SR High School – Home

6:30 p.m. – Junior Varsity Wrestling @ Northfield Jr-Sr High School

7:45 p.m. – Girls

Varsity Basketball – Tri-Central JR-SR High School –Home Jan. 6

6 p.m. – Boys Junior Varsity Basketball @Oak Hill High School 6:15 p.m. – Girls

Maconaquah Wrestling Team. Photo provided

Insta Health!

By Laura Kurella

With a fresh, new year stretching out in front of us, many of us resolve to forge a more concerted effort toward improving our health, which can help us look and feel better, too.

With chronic inflammation being a major health risk, these days (it wreaks havoc on the body, and contributes to many diseases), many diet experts agree that diet, particularly one high in processed, fatty, and sugary foods, is one of the main sources that trigger chronic inflammation.

By cooking at home, creating meals with anti-inflammatory ingredients, you can not only reduce inflammation and enjoy a healthier lifestyle, but also start to look and feel much better while dining on some pretty-amazing food!

Most of us start out the year trying to make changes to improve our health, but it can become difficult to stick with, because we all have our favorites and anything that feels like self-deprivation will eventually make us all jump off the wagon.

With so many diets and kitchen gadgets out there promising to make life easier for us, it is hard to find something that is not merely a fad or gimmick.

Wading through the diet/gadget quagmire, I found it both ironic and refreshing that these two worlds would finally come together to craft an honest-to-goodness way for all cooking levels to master marvelous mealmaking in, dare I say, an instant! Retooling the old-

fashioned, stovetop pressure cooker, which comes with the possibility of exploding when misused, the new “Instant” pots take such scary mishaps out of the cooking equation.

Doing the work of several appliances in one, “insta” pots, as they are also called, tout many abilities, including baking, roasting, pressure cooking, and even sterilizing!

Partnering with the makers of the Instant Pot, The “I Love My Instant Pot®” Anti-Inflammatory Diet Recipe Book by Maryea Flaherty (2019) Simon & Schuster, Inc., is the first book of anti-inflammatory recipes for the Instant Pot from a major publisher.

Featuring 175 inflammation-busting, whole food recipes that are quick, easy, and most importantly delicious, and cover everything from breakfast to dinner, and from snacks to dessert, this cookbook can be used by anyone who wants to enjoy better health and better weight!

Designed to make cooking "insta" better, here now is a sampling from the “I Love My Instant Pot®” Anti-Inflammatory Diet Recipe Book* by Maryea Flaherty. (Copyright © 2019). Look for a chance to win a copy of this cookbook in the giveaway box on this page.

Here now are some delights designed to inspire you to add flavor to the new year with delicious foodEnjoy!

These recipes can be made traditionally, substituting regular kitchen cookware, as needed.

Laura Kurella is

an award-winning recipe developer and food columnist who enjoys sharing recipes from her Great Lakes Midwest kitchen. She welcomes your comments at laurakurella@yahoo.c om<mailto:laurakurella@yahoo.c om>

Halibut with Pineapple Avocado Salsa

Simple halibut is treated with a creamy, sweet and spicy Pineapple Avocado Salsa for a flavorful and beautiful contrast to its mild taste.

Bromelain, the mixture of enzymes present in pineapple, make it a strong anti-inflammatory food so don’t skip the pineapple salsa in this dish! Serve this dinner with a vegetable side of your choice and either rice or quinoa for a well-rounded, satisfying meal.

Hands-On Time: 15 minutes. Cook Time: 3 minutes. Serves 4

2 medium avocados, peeled, pitted, and diced

1 cup diced pineapple

2 medium tomatoes, seeded and diced

1 medium jalapeño pepper, seeded and diced

1/2 cup chopped cilantro

1 medium lime, juiced

1 teaspoon salt, divided

1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

4 (4-ounce) halibut filets

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1 In a medium bowl, combine the avocado, pineapple, tomatoes, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and cayenne pepper. Place in the refrigerator while the halibut cooks.

2 Season the halibut with remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and black pepper.

3 Place 1 cup of water in the inner pot of the Instant Pot® and place the steam rack inside. Place the halibut on top of the steam rack. Secure the lid.

4 Press the Manual or Pressure Cook button and adjust the time to 3 minutes.

5 When the timer beeps, let pressure release naturally until the float valve drops and then unlock the lid.

6 Transfer the halibut filets to plates and top each filet with a portion of the Pineapple Avocado Salsa.

CALORIES: 250 | FAT: 11g | PROTEIN: 23g | SODIUM: 667mg | FIBER: 6g | CARBOHYDRATES: 14g | SUGAR: 6g.

Orange Walnut Coffee Cake

(Gluten Free!)

Creating glutenfree cakes with different flours can be frustrating because the result is often a dry, crumbly cake. Cakes cooked in the Instant Pot®, however, stay unbelievably moist, even when they’re made without wheat flour. This coffee cake, with its orange flavor and crunchy walnut topping, is one you’ll want to make over and over!

Hands-On Time: 15 minutes. Cook Time: 40 minutes. Serves 4 3 large eggs 4 1/2 tablespoons pure maple syrup, divided Zest from 1

medium orange 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 1/3 cups almond flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, divided 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup walnut pieces

1 In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, 4 tablespoons maple syrup, orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla. Add in the flour, baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and salt.

2 Transfer the mixture to a 6" cake pan.

3 In a small bowl, mix the walnuts, 1?4 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/2 tablespoon maple

syrup. Sprinkle on the top of the cake and cover it with aluminum foil.

4 Pour 1 cup water into the inner pot and place a steam rack inside. Place the cake pan on top of the steam rack. Secure the lid.

5 Press the Manual or Pressure Cook button and adjust the time to 40 minutes.

6 When the timer beeps, quick-release pressure until the float valve drops and then unlock the lid. Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing.

CALORIES: 430 |

FAT: 31g | PROTEIN: 15g |

SODIUM: 468mg | FIBER: 6g | CARBOHYDRATES: 27g | SUGAR: 16g.

Blending old-fashioned, from-scratch cooking, with new-fangled, kitchen gadgets can make it easier for all cooking levels to achieve insta-health!

Calandar

Junior Varsity Basketball – North Miami

Middle/High School – Home

7:30 p.m. – Boys Varsity Basketball @ Oak Hill High School

7:45 p.m. – Girls

Varsity Basketball –North Miami Middle/High School –Home Jan. 7

9 a.m. –Varsity Wrestling – Peru

Super 6 – Home

9 a.m. – Junior Varsity Wrestling –Northfield JV Invite – unknown location

12 p.m. – Girls Junior Varsity Basketball – Delphi Community High School – Home 1:30 p.m. – Girls

Varsity Basketball –Delphi Community High School – Home 7:30 p.m. – Boys Varsity Basketball @

Classifieds/legals

STATE OF INDIANA) IN THE SUPERIOR COURT I

) SS: COUNTY OF MIAMI) Case Number: 52D01-2102-EU-000009

IN THE MATTER OF)

) THE UNSUPERVISED)

ESTATE OF ) JOYCE PEARCY,) DECEASED)

)

NOTICE OF PETITION

To: James Joseph Pearcy; Son of decedent by publication: Notice is hereby given that in the above entitled estate proceedings:

1. On October 24, 2020, the decedent, JOYCE PEARCY, died believed to be testate while a resident of Miami County.

2. On February 9, 2021, ANDREW PEARCY filed with the Miami County Superior Court I a Petition for appointment of personal representative.

3. On November 3, 2022, the Superior Court I of Miami County entered an order fixing January 23, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. as the date and time for a status hearing on this petition to be held in the Superior Court I of Miami County, Indiana located at 25 N Broadway, Room 300; Peru, IN 46970 and its telephone number is 765-472-3901.

This notice is given pursuant to the order of the Superior Court I of Miami County and is dated 11/15/2022.

Sherry Raber

Clerk of the Superior Court I of Miami County 12/21, 12/28/22, 01/04/23

Lewis Cass High School

Jan. 9

6

5:30 p.m. – Boys 8th Grade Basketball @ Northfield Jr -Sr High School

5:30 p.m. – Girls 7th Grade Basketball –Oak Hill Junior High School – Home Jan. 10

5:30 p.m. – Girls 8th Grade Basketball @Manchester Junior High School

5:30 p.m. – Girls 7th Grade Basketball @Manchester Junior High School

6 p.m. – Boys Junior Varsity Basketball @Lewis Cass High School

6:15 p.m. – Girls

Junior Varsity Basketball – Manchester High School –Home

6:30 p.m. – Varsity Wrestling – Maconaquah High School – Home 6:30 p.m. – Junior Varsity Wrestling –Maconaquah High School – Home 7:45 p.m. – Girls

Varsity Basketball –Manchester High School – Home

conaquah at 6:00pm. The Tigers will face the undefeated Caston Comets. We hope to see some Tiger fans in the stands tomorrow night!

Girls Varsity Basketball falls to Logansport 56

– 42

By Jenna Hayes

Peru traveled to the Berry Bowl for

non-conference match up to begin Christmas break and lost 56-42. The Tigers struggled offensively through the first 3 quarters but ended the game scoring 21 points

Police Reports

Miami County Sheriff’s Department

Dec. 22

Theft of a coin machine was reported at 1486 Matador St, Vohne Licke Kennels Dorms, Bld. 329, Peru. A case report was completed.

A caller at 608 E Delphi St, Converse reported issues with a dementia patient. The subject

had calmed down by the time officers arrived and no additional assistance was needed.

A medical issue was reported at S 200 W & W 800 S, Bunker Hill. The situation was assessed and released by medics.

A complainant at 189 W 1075 S, Bunker Hill requested that her juvenile daughter ran away, but had re-

in the 4th, matching the output of their previous 3 quarters to end the game on a more positive note. The Tigers were lead offensively by Addison Robbins scoring 12

points. Emma Eldridge had 9 points. Brianna Bennett had 6 points. Cameryn Raber had 6 points. Maddie Nordman had 5 points. Kaylene Kirk had 4 points.

turned home.

A slide off was reported at S St. Rd. 19 and E 400 S, Peru.

A property damage crash was reported at 1759 E 400 S, Peru. A driver returned home to call in the accident. A state crash report to be completed.

A slide off was reported at S 100 E and Bobtail Dr, Peru.

A slide off was re-

ported at S St. Rd. 19 and E 250 S, Peru. Officers responded to the area of Donaldson Ave. and Chanute Ave, Peru for a verbal

ties including story time, and Movers & Shakers since they were born.

Rhett said his favorite part of coming to see Miss Carla was “reading stories.”

Murtha led with a rap song about the library she wrote herself 20 years ago, and ended with one of her favorite “sad” books, I’ll Love you Forever, I’ll Like You For Always, by Robert Munsch.

“This one is going to be sad but that’s ok. Sometimes we have things that are sad, and then we have things that are happy. And that’s ok,” Murtha told the enthralled children after a series of silly books and interactive singing.

“It’s bittersweet, you know?,” Murtha said adding that she has been overwhelmed by the outpouring of love she has received from the community.”

Murtha lives in the same city block she grew up in. She started

Police

continued from Page 7

fight. Upon officer arrival, Tyrone Rucker was trespassed and attempted to leave while intoxicated in his vehicle. Tyrone was arrested for operating while intoxicated and disorderly conduct. Vehicle is still in the driveway of the residence.

A traffic accident with damage was reported at N Mexico Rd. and W 300 N, Peru. A suspicious person or vehicle was reported at N Pony Farm Rd. and E St. Rd. 16, Denver. A slide off was reported at S St. Rd. 19 and E 250 S, Peru.

working at the library on September 3, 1975.

“I didn’t have a job and they gave me one,” she said. “I didn’t know how long it would last.”

The children’s library was then a room in the basement, Murtha

said. Later the room expanded to the entire top floor of the library and now encompasses the main floor.

“I’m still amazed at what happened today,” Murtha said. “There were a lot of people here.”

Obituary

James Ivan Hahn was called to his heavenly home Dec. 23, 2022. He was born Feb. 19, 1952, to Ivan Hahn and Martha Grace (Powell) Hahn of Miami County.

James, known as “Jim,” was a 1970 graduate of Maconaquah High School. He went on to be a lifelong

The Paper of Miami County

FIND US ON

James Ivan Hahn, 70

farmer, working with his grandfather, Ben Hahn, and father, Ivan Hahn. Jim was involved in 4-H and took pride in working the land and raising beef cattle. Jim loved to visit with friends at his favorite restaurants and coffee shops. Jim also enjoyed country life.

Jim was a member of the Amboy Friends Church for many years and was recently baptized at the Somerset Church of Christ.

Survivors are children Chad (Tosha) Hahn, Kim Hahn, grandchildren Henry, Macy and Wyatt Hahn. Also surviving are

his sisters, Janellyn (Glen) Borden, and Phyllis (J.D.) Downey.

The family held a private memorial service. Burial was in Park Lawn Cemetery.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Laird-Eddy Funeral Home, Amboy, Indiana.

Kristen Johnson of Fulton hugs retiring children’s librarian Carla Murtha after her final Storytime. Johnson, who attended Storytime when she was a child, brought her teen-age daughters Lorrie and Maylee to the event.

Photo by Amanda Redman