The Paper of Miami County - Feb. 23, 2022

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February 23, 2022

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Maconaquah student competes in Distinguished Young Woman program

Molly Nord brings home scholarships, experiences from competition

By Michaela Slisher Distinguished Young Woman of Miami County, Molly Nord, competed at Indiana University of Kokomo’s Havens Auditorium Feb. 17-18 at the DYW of Indiana competition.

Nord is a long-time performer in the Peru Amateur Circus. She learned a new skill for the state-level program called Silks. Her performance entailed working with two pieces of hanging silk fabric which she used to do acrobatics in mid-air.

Nord won a well-deserved preliminary award for her talent. She also took home a preliminary award for her high scholastic score. The Spirit award was voted on by the 24 participants throughout Indiana who convened in Kokomo Wednesday. She received the Spirit award in addition to an award for being a Top-ten finisher. Her scholarship total for the two-day event was $1800.

Distinguished Young Women is a program for high school senior girls.

Information can be found at www.distinguishedyw.org where a Miami County webpage is also located. Participants compete in Interview, Scholastic, Self-Expression, Talent, and Fitness.

Nord’s roommate, Elizabeth Taylor, Plainfield, Indiana, won the title of Distinguished Young Woman of Indiana and will now compete at the national level in Mobile, Alabama in June.

A break-down of scholarships earned by Nord: Top 10 - $500, Scholastic award - $400, Talent award - $400, Spirit award - $500.

Vol. 3, No. 8

Molly Nord performed a routine on Silks as her talent presenttation for the Distinguished Young Woman program, Feb.18-19. Photo provided by Ginger Slisher

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THE PAPER

February 23, 2022

Indiana Department of Health announces changes in COVID requirements The Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) announced today it was ending remaining requirements of contact tracing as well as quarantining close contacts for schools without mandates.

Indiana schools, K-12, will no longer need to re-

positivity rate was 33.6%.

port COVID-19 cases to the state.

Cases around Indiana have plummeted the last several weeks after the

Omicron surge took hold during the winter peak.

Currently, Indiana’s positivity rate is at 13.1%.

Last month the

Here are the changes the IDOH will roll out beginning Feb. 23: 1.

Schools no longer will need to quarantine students who are exposed to a positive COVID-19 case, regardless

of vaccination status or whether the school requires masks.

2.

Schools no longer will be required to conduct contact tracing or report positive cases to IDOH. 3.

According to guidance given by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,

Community Calendar Every Monday 10:30 a.m. – Movers and Shakers, a music and movement program at the Peru Public Library. Ages 0-5.

(In person programs have been suspended while Miami County remains in the “red” concerning COVID. The library is still open and ask those who use the facility to consider wearing masks) Noon – AA Recovery Meeting – First Christian Church Library, 53 W. Main Street, Peru (use elevator entrance).

7:30 p.m. – AA Recovery Meeting – Miami Nation of Indians Tribal Headquarters, 80 W. Sixth Street, Peru (use east entrance).

be reached through his personal Facebook page to place orders.

10:30 a.m. – Story time at the Peru Public Library. (In person programs have been suspended while Miami County remains in the “red” concerning COVID. The library is still open and ask those who use the facility to consider wearing masks) Noon - 3 p.m. – Wanted – Senior Pinochle players are invited to play every Tuesday at the Miami County Senior Center, 661 E. Main Street, Peru. The cost is fifty cents. For more information, contact Annie Speth at 765-4733209.

6 p.m. – AA Recovery Meeting – Miami Nation of Indians Tribal Headquarters, 80 W. Sixth Street, Peru (use east entrance).

Every Wednesday 7:30 p.m. – AA Recovery Meeting – Miami Nation of Indians Tribal Headquarters, 80 W. Sixth Street, Peru (use east entrance).

Every Thursday 4:30 p.m. – Lego Club at the Peru Public Library. (In person programs have been suspended while Miami County remains in the “red” concerning COVID. The library is still open and ask those who use the facility to consider wearing masks)

6 p.m. – AA Recovery Meeting – Miami Nation of Indians Tribal Headquarters, 80 W. Sixth Street, Peru (use east entrance).

Every third Thursday each month 4:30 p.m. – American Girl Club at the Peru Public Library. (In person programs have been suspended while Miami County remains in the “red” concerning COVID. The library is still open and ask those who use the facility to consider wearing masks) Every Friday Noon – AA Recovery Meeting – First Christian Church Library, 53 W. Main

First Tuesday/every month 6 p.m. - The Miami County Republican Party holds its monthly meeting at party headquarters, 171 N. Miami St., Peru.

Every Tuesday 10 a.m. – Every Tuesday, one dozen regular (no specialty) doughnuts can be purchased for $12 directly from Joe DeRozier. $6 goes directly to the Policemen and Firemen Appreciation fund. Contact DeRozier on Mondays before 10 a.m. to place an order.

Doughnuts need to be picked up before 10 a.m. on Tuesdays. DeRozier can

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The Paper reserves the right to refuse for publication any advertising that is considered offensive, misleading, or detrimental to the public, the newspaper or another advertiser and to edit advertising at its discretion.

Street, Peru (use elevator entrance).

7:30 p.m. – AA Recovery Meeting – Miami Nation of Indians Tribal Headquarters, 80 W. Sixth Street, Peru (use east entrance).

individuals who test positive for COVID-19 should isolate for five days and can return on day six if they have been fever-free for 24 hours without the use of medication and symptoms are improving. Individuals should wear a mask

through day ten any time they are around others at home or in public.

The decline of COVID cases and the excessive class time students were missing has contributed to the decision for these changes.

HAUL-ALL 260-330-1802 • 260-571-2778 Basement, Garage Clean Out, New Construction, Roofing Same Day Service Serving Wabash & Surrounding Counties

Every Saturday 10 a.m. – AA Recovery Meeting – First See Calendar, Page 3

10-15 Cubic Yard Containers

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THE PAPER

February 23, 2022

105 W.Third St. | Peru 765.473.6674

FUNERAL HOMES Family Owned & Operated Since 1945 and Serving All Faiths Family Funeral Directors - Thomas Leedy | Julie Leedy-Walker | Mark Frischman

136 S. Elm St. | Bunker Hill 765.689.9411 Fax 765.473.5996 info@flowersleedyallen.com

A Trusted Trusted Name in Funeral Funeral Service Service

Obituaries Scott C. Alexander, 44

Jerry Leroy Kline, 76 Jerry Leroy Kline, 76, Peru, passed away at 6:30 a.m. on Friday, February 18, 2022, at his residence.

Born Nov. 24, 1945, in Peru, Indiana, he was the son of Richard and Betty L. (Sipe) Kline. On June 5, 1965, in Logansport, Indiana, he married Linda Lea Trexler, and she survives.

He was baptized at the Mexico Baptist Church and attended Olive Branch Church of God for several years. He graduated from Peru High School in 1964 and retired from Chrysler Corporation in Kokomo.

He enjoyed old cars and motorcycles and loved going to car shows, traveling, and spending winters in Panama City Beach, Florida. Family was important to Jerry, and his grandchildren were among his greatest joys in life.

Along with his wife, Linda Kline, Peru, he is survived by two children, Michelle L. (Brian) Burns, Macy; Jerry A. Kline, Peru; three grandchildren, Jared (Kayla)

Wilkinson, Vincennes; Allison Burns, Macy; and Keagan Kline, Peru; two great-granddaughters, Emily and Aubri Wilkinson, Vincennes; one brother, Jimmy (Marsha) Kline, Kokomo; one sister, Tana (Larry) Haynes, Twelve Mile; three sisters-in-law, Sandy Howard, Peru; Pam (Larry) Shrock, Peru; and Maribeth Wides, Bunker Hill; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers-in-law, Jim Trexler, Kim Trexler, and Larry Howard; and sister-in-law, Carole Trexler.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2022, at McClain Funeral Home, Denver, with Pastor Kyle Schnitz officiating. Burial will be in Mt. Hope Cemetery, Peru.

Visitation will be from Noon until 2 p.m. Wednesday, at the funeral home.

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

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

If a loved one has passed away, let your funeral home know you would like to have it published in The Paper of Miami County.

Scott C. Alexander, 44, of Shawnee, Kansas, went to the other side Jan. 19, 2022. He was with all three of his girls he loved so much. Scott said one of them, Audrey, is the son he never had. Addison was leading the charge with her sister bedside singing REO Speedwagon.

Scott was born Dec. 24, 1977, in Kokomo, Indiana, coming into the world giving his parents Janet and Roy Alexander the best Christmas gift ever.

Scott spent so much time listening to and appreciating music. His anthem was "Simple Man." When that song came, no matter where he was, it would stop him in his tracks. Listen to it and think of him.

Scott is a Marine Corp Veteran and was so proud of his service, yet humble about it. He never missed a Veteran’s Day celebration with his family.

Scott was a proud Purdue Boilermaker and lived for the basketball team. He said, the shame of it is they are a top five team this year and they will probably make it to the final four, so, Boilermakers, do it for Scott!

He loved his Kansas City Chiefs.

Scott and his wife, Kari, had season tickets to the most important year: the year of the Superbowl win. They were at every home game that year and both play-off games. He fell in love with the Chiefs the first time he

Calendar Street, Peru (use elevator entrance).

Every Sunday 2 p.m. – AA Recovery Women’s-only meeting, First Christian Church Library, 53 W. Main Street, Peru (use elevator entrance).

Now through March 19 The Peru Rotary Club is now accepting applications for the 2022 Opal and Clifford Arnholt Scholarship. The scholarship will be awarded to two winners with each

heard that 142.2 in the stadium.

Scott was a Superintendent for JE Dunn Construction and was just about as proud as anyone to have been able to contribute to the Kansas City Skyline he loved so much.

Scott's most trying and heartfelt job was being a husband. Kari never made it easy for him, but in his exact words he would always say, "I should have listened to my wife.”

But foremost he was an amazing father to his girls and never really knew what love was until he met them. He would do just about anything for them.

Scott was preceded in death by his father, Roy Alexander, his grandparents, Charles and Elnora (Shultz) Gustafson, and Ernest and Evelyn Alexander.

He is survived by his wife, Kari Hay-Alexander, daughters Addison and Audrey Alexander, his mother, Janet (Gustafson) Alexander, a sister, Alicia Alexander and brother, Brett (Tiffany) Alexander, several nieces and nephews, many friends, family members and neighbors.

A Celebration of Life was held Feb. 19.

If you would like to make a memorial contribution in Scott’s name, please make it to any veteran organization such as K9’s for Warriors, Wounded Warriors, or the Veterans Community Project in Kansas City.

continued from Page 2 receiving a onetime award of $2,000. To be eligible, an applicant must be a graduating senior from North Miami, Maconaquah or Peru High Schools pursuing higher education during the 2022-23 school year.

Applicants may not be related by blood or marriage to a current Rotarian.

Applications may be obtained from the guidance offices at the high schools and must be emailed to the Arnholt Scholarship Committee at: perurotaryclub@ya

hoo.com on or before March 19, 2022.

Feb. 25 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Bengal Backers are hosting a Spaghetti Dinner before the Peru Boys Basketball game against Wabash. They will begin dinner at 4:30pm until 7:00pm. Dine in, carry out, and curbside drive up (weather permitting) will be available. Dinner will include Spaghetti with sauce (red meat or alfredo for vegetarians), bread stick, salad (dine

in) or green beans (to go and curbside), and dessert for just $8. Kids five and under eat free. This is Senior Night, as well as Winter Homecoming. Student athletes will serve dine-in guests.

Feb. 26 7 a.m. – 3 p.m. – The annual Whole Hog Sausage and Pancake Day will take place at the Miami County 4-H Fairgrounds. This is drive-thru only.

Tickets are $7.

Bulk meat sales will be available.

March 12 10 a.m. to Noon Check out this free public workshop on making your own hypertufa troughs at the 4-H Project Building, Miami Co. Fairgrounds. This workshop is limited to 15 participants and pre-registration is required. Please register by March 5, by calling the Purdue Extension office at 765-4721921.

4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. – The Peru Circus

Festival Band will host a Spaghetti Dinner at the Peru Maennerchor.

There will be a drive-thru available or you may dine-in (unless COVID restrictions are put into place).

The meal will include spaghetti, meat sauce, garlic bread and a garden salad. The cost is $8 for adults and children under six are free. Choral Reef will provide live entertainment inside the Maennerchor close to 6:30 p.m. All proceeds will help support the Peru

Circus Festival Band.

April 16 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Miami County Train Show and Swap Meet at Miami County 4-H Fairgrounds – This event will have an all-scales model train show and swap meet. Show admission is $3.

There are over 140 tables of vendors and operating layouts. There will be brass models, books, railroad memorabilia, and all scales of trains for sale.

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THE PAPER

SWCD holds 67th annual meeting

By Mary Lou Watson Miami Co. SWCD Program Director

A delightful evening was hosted by the Miami County Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD) at their 67th Annual Meeting held Wednesday, Feb. 9, at Blair Pointe Elementary School, Peru.

Tom Turpin, emeritus Professor of Entomology at Purdue University, presented his program, “A Bug in your Soup.”

There was nothing “soupy” about his presentation, but he did serve up fried mill worms to those who were brave enough to try them. The kids seemed braver than the adults. With 185 in attendance, everyone was entertained by learning about bugs and the humorous cooking demonstration.

Miami County Commissioner

Alan Hunt conducted the oath of office to sixthterm Board Supervisor, Brad Clemons, and newly appointed Board Supervisor, Adam Overman.

Awards presented in the evening were: The River Friendly Farmer award, given to Eldon and Adam Overman; Friend of Conservation Award to Clemons Farms.

The County Soil Judging contest winning team members were recognized.

Those present were Connor Ammerman, Calvin Wildermuth and Jordan Weaver.

Troy Hattery, Supervisor Chairman, and Rick Duff, NRCS District Conservationist, shared the highlights of the year as well as information about cost share programs and up-

coming events.

The Annual meeting ended with door prizes that varied from $50 gift cards to one pound of Morel Mushrooms to be delivered in the spring.

The Miami County SWCD would like to thank all the meal and door prize sponsors as well as the Blair Pointe Elementary cooks for the wonderful meal.

February 23. 2022

Puzzle answers on Page 9

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THE PAPER

February 23, 2022

Letter to Editor United Way of Miami County announces scholarship winners

By: Billie Hull-Cochran United Way Vice President Special Events Chair

The United Way of Miami County would like to thank all the students who applied for the Community of Character Scholarship. The scholarship is sponsored by the United Way and is open to any graduating senior from Maconaquah High School, North Miami High School, and Peru High School who plan to attend a post-secondary program.

There were many exceptional entries to choose from, making the selection difficult.

Unfortunately, we

which is an increase of nine essays from 2021.

The committee received several outstanding essays.

The essays were transparent, showing the committee tremendous character

could only choose one essay from each school. We appreciate the opportunity for us to read their Community of Character essays.

A $500 scholarship will be awarded to a senior from each school. To apply for the Community of Character scholarship, the

student's compose essays detailing how they demonstrated one of the following traits in their life: cooperation, citizenship, honesty, responsibility, forgiveness, perseverance, loyalty, trustworthy, courage, generosity, respect, or compassion.

The United Way would like to rec-

ognize the high school guidance department for their continued support for promoting this prestigious scholarship.

The outpour of submissions for the Community of Character Scholarship led the Special Events Committee reading 29 essays,

assets in all who applied.

The United Way of Miami County would like to congratulate Alexandra Merritt of Maconaquah High School; Audrey Piel of North Miami High

School and Elizabeth Rogers of Peru High School; on their application and essay for being chosen as the winner of the Community of Character Scholarship contest.

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THE PAPER

February 23, 2022

Workers discover damage at Circus Hall of Fame

By Indiana Landmarks Water infiltration in a barn at Peru’s International Circus Hall of Fame has rotted a major support beam, endangering the structure and its valuable collection of artifacts.

Sometimes preservation can feel like walking a tight rope, and just when you think you’ve made it safely across, the rope suddenly gets longer. Take restoration efforts at the International Circus Hall of Fame, a National Historic Landmark in Peru. In 2019, the site landed on Indiana Landmarks’ 10 Most Endangered list, spotlighting urgent repairs needed at two barns built by the American Circus Corporation in 1922. A successful fundraising campaign raised money for a new roof on the north barn, which houses the nonprofit organization’s extensive collection of circus memorabilia.

Everyone breathed a sigh of relief when the last shingle was nailed into place in early 2021.

But when contractors inspected the barn’s secondfloor windows in December, they uncovered a new problem: water infiltration at the old sashes had undermined a horizontal support beam, threatening a devasting collapse that could endanger the barn and its valuable contents. Workers made emergency repairs to shore up the wall, and the group has launched another fundraising effort to raise $4,200 for a more permanent fix.

Two century-old barns and a hand-

In the top photo is the barn at the International Circus Hall of Fame that has damage. In the bottome photo is a close-up view of the damage to the barn that needs repaired. Photos provided ful of outbuildings are all that remain of a oncesprawling complex developed by Ben Wallace as the home base for his Hagenbeck-Wal-

lace Circus, a rival of the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey circuses. The site is now a museum devoted to honoring important figures

in circus history and preserving an invaluable collection of circus artifacts, including vintage circus posters, photos, costumes, circus

wagons, and a miniature replica of the 1934 Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus.

The Circus Hall of Fame continues to raise funds for

both emergency repairs and longterm restoration to make the landmark barns watertight and climate-controlled. Donations

to support the group’s preservation efforts can be made via Paypal.

Learn more about the site at circushalloffame.com .

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THE PAPER

February 23, 2022

Butter me up!

Laura Kurella With the new, heightened awareness we have on plant fiber being such a crucial component for our body’s micro biome - the seat of our immune system’s soul I’ve been finding myself thinking of ways to work more varieties of winter squash into the foods we like to eat.

However, with so many fussy eaters out there, I figured that it's best to focus on the one that is the easiest to eat, and sneak into recipes: Butternut squash!

Native to North America, butternut squash is richly concentrated with not only fiber, but also many nutrients like vitamin A and C, zinc, protein, folate, potassium, and other health-promoting compounds.

With its flesh dressed in a glowing shade of orange, its attractive color is eye-appealing literally and figuratively because the compounds that cause this highlighting hue, lutein and zeaxanthin, work directly in the retina of our eyes to prevent oxidative stress, and macular degeneration; and the betacarotene and alpha-carotene it possesses, which convert to retinol, help many body sys-

tems including eyes, hair, skin and lungs.

Beta-carotene also harnesses the potential to block the harmful effects of UV radiation as well, making it very beneficial for anyone who has long exposure to the sun, and wants protection from sunrelated aging, such as wrinkles and blemishes.

Offering us a nutty, buttery, oh-so-soft textured flavor, butternut squash has seeds that are edible, just like a pumpkin, as well!

When selecting, be sure to look for a squash that has a matte not glossy - skin because shiny means it was picked too early.

Also look for one that is heavy, and has a hard, smooth rind that’s free from blemishes.

Able to be stored for long periods without refrigeration, the longer a butternut is allowed to ripen, the more intense its orange color and sweetness will be!

Pairing well with many flavors - cinnamon, maple syrup, walnuts, pecans, balsamic vinegar and smoked paprika – a butternut squash can also make for a great ingredient that you can add to things you wouldn’t normally do, like biscuits! In fact, I recommend trying pureed

squash is golden, and easily pierced with a fork. Returning to the mixing bowl, combine cooked squash with milk, cheese, salt, pepper, garlic, and rosemary and, using a potato masher or immersion blender, blend to a desired consistency, chunky to smooth. For an extra pop of flavor, add a soft herbed goat cheese.

Approximate servings per recipe: 4.

Flavorful Butternut Fries

You won't believe all the nutritional benefits tucked into these oh-so-warm, soft, and buttery, melt-in-your-mouth biscuits!

Food Stylist and Photographer: Laura Kurella

butternut squash in place of pureed pumpkin in one of your own favorite recipes, especially if you like buttery surprises!

Here now are some bright and beneficial ways to get yourself all buttered up ENJOY! Sweet Butternut Squash Biscuits 1 cup all-purpose flour 1 tablespoon baking powder 1 tablespoon cane sugar 1 Pinch natural sea salt 2 tablespoons

butter, cold 1/2 cup butternut squash puree (roasted and pureed) 1/2 cup milk Preheat oven to 450 degrees. In a large bowl, combine all dry ingredients. Using a wire cheese slicer or similar, cut butter into slivers and sprinkle over flour mixture then, using a fork or pastry blender, blend butter into mixture until it is well distributed and creates a coarse meal.

Add squash puree and blend in just as you

blended in butter. Mixture will be a bit lumpy.

Sprinkle with milk and then, using a rubber spatula, fold wet into dry gently to create a wet, loose dough.

Divide dough into greased muffin tins, filling each well 3/4 full. Bake in a preheated oven for 12-14 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.

Approximate servings per recipe: 6.

Melt-in-yourmouth Butternut Mash 1 1/2 pounds but-

ternut squash 1 tablespoon avocado oil 3 ounces goat cheese 2 cloves garlic 2 tablespoons milk 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary Salt and pepper Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Wash, seed, and peel squash then cut into small cubes.

In a medium mixing bowl, combine squash with oil, salt, and pepper, tossing to coat, and then spread out onto a baking sheet.

Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until

1 medium butternut squash, cut into 1-inch sticks 1 tablespoon avocado oil 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme 1 tablespoon chopped rosemary 1 teaspoon natural fine grind sea salt Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Prepare squash by peeling, seeding and then slicing into one-inch sticks.

In a bowl, toss all ingredients together then spread out on a lined baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes.

Shake pan to loosen fries and toss slightly then return to oven to bake for an additional 7-10 minutes or until crispy. Remove and serve immediately. Approximate servings per recipe: 4.

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THE PAPER

February 23, 2022

Sports May finishes fourth at State Wrestling

By Eric Christiansen Peru sophomore wrestler Jalen May finished in fourth-place at the IHSAA Wrestling State Finals. He qualified for the semifinals with wins over Hobart and Avon wrestlers.

First round May started the tournament Friday night by pinning Hobart’s Seth Aubin with 56 seconds left in the third and final period.

The Peru sophomore recorded an early takedown just 12 seconds into the match to take a 2-0 lead.

Aubin scored a reversal 20 seconds later to tie the match at 2-2 and the duo grappled with neither scoring a point for the rest of the first period.

May started the second period on top and rode Aubin for just over a minute until the Hobart senior got to his feet. But May never gave up his position and took the match back to the mat and rode out the rest of the quarter with the match still tied 2-2.

May began the third and final 2-minute period in the down position but quickly reversed it four seconds in to take a 4-2 lead.

Aubin escaped from May with 1:30 remaining but May took Aubin down and quickly pinned his opponent at

the 5:04 mark to advance to the quarter finals.

Quarterfinal May looked to be in trouble in the third period of his quarterfinal match on Saturday, Feb. 19, trailing 5-2, but the sophomore recorded a takedown then a pin over Luke Rioux from Avon with 58 seconds remaining to advance to the semifinals.

May started the match with a takedown 25 seconds in for a 2-0 lead but Rioux reversed it with 55 seconds left in the first to tie it up at 2-2.

The wrestlers started in the neutral position but Rioux quickly took May down to take a 4-2 lead 15 seconds into the second quarter.

Rioux took a 4-2 lead into the third quarter with May starting on top. May let Rioux escape with another point, making it 5-2, in order to score more offensive points.

Instead, May not only scored the takedown to cut the lead to 5-4, he surprised Rioux by pinning him with 58 seconds left to advance to semifinals.

Semifinals The Peru sophomore lost a tough 4-1 semifinal match to Gavin Jendreas from Crown Point, ending his hope of a state championship.

After a scoreless first period, Jendreas took a 2-0 lead with 34 seconds left in the second with a takedown.

May started the third and final period on the bottom and quickly made it a 2-1 score with an escape.

May and the freshman Jendreas battled for position but neither would give, leading to a dramatic finish.

The wrestlers grappled out of bounds with 15 seconds left in the match and both in the neutral position. Jendreas took May to the mat in the final second, and was awarded a takedown as time ran out to advance to the championship match, and sending May to the third-place match.

Third-place match May’s magical season came to an end in the third-place match with an 8-2 loss to Jeffrey Bailey from River Forest Saturday night.

May finished the season with a 37-5 record with semi-state, regional, and sectional championships.

May was a sectional champion in the 106 pound weight class in 2021.

Peru’s Jalen May wrestling at State in Indianapolis.

Photo by Bill Ray

Farnell finishes sixth at State Wrestling

By Eric Christiansen Maconaquah senior wrestler Logan Farnell finished sixth in the 160-poound weight class at the IHSAA Wrestling State Finals, Friday and Saturday, Feb. 18-19.

First round Farnell controlled his first-round match against Zach Huckaby from Perry Meridian Friday night, Feb. 18, and cruised to a 10-3 decision to advance to the second day of wrestling.

The Maconaquah senior controlled the first period, first by getting a takedown 34 seconds into the match, then by dictating the final 1:26 to score a 2-point nearfall for a 4-0 lead.

Huckaby started the second period on top but Farnell quickly reversed it with 1:41 left to take a 6-0 lead.

The Perry Meridian sophomore nearly escaped later in the period but Farnell held on.

With both wrestlers starting in the neutral position, Farnell made it an 8-0 score with a takedown with 1:42 remaining.

Huckaby escaped with 55 seconds left to cut it to 8-1 but Farnell quickly took him

back down 11 seconds later for a 10-1 lead and the eventual win.

Quarterfinals Farnell lost his chance at a state championship with a 3-1 loss to Kade Law from Columbus East Saturday morning, Feb. 19.

In a slow-moving, methodic match, Law scored a takedown with 25 seconds left in the first period to take a 2-0 lead.

Farnell started the second period on top and Law recorded an escape to take a 3-0 lead with 1:43 left.

The score remained 3-0 and Farnell’s only point came on a stalling penalty against Law. Third round Farnell bounced back in his third round match, his second match on Saturday, to guarantee at least a fifth-place finish after defeating Kaden Lone from Northwood with a major decision 9-1 win.

The match was

scoreless until Farnell shot and got a takedown with four seconds remaining in the first period.

Farnell started the second period on top and Lone got a quick escape to cut the lead to 2-1 seven seconds in. With 1:25 left in the second, Farnell made it 4-1 with a takedown.

He took control of the third period with a reversal and a 3point nearfall to secure the win, moving him into the fifthplace match.

5th place match Farnell’s day didn’t end has he had hoped with a 3-2 loss to Duke Myers of Bellmont to finish sixth.

Myers took a 2-0 lead with a takedown with 26 seconds remaining in the first period but Farnell reversed it for two points to tie the match.

Neither wrestler scored a point in the second period and the only point, the clinching point, came from Lone on an early escape with 1:39 left in the match.

Farnell ends his season with a 46-3 record, with championships at semi-state, regional, sectional, and the Three Rivers Conference tournament.

Maconaquah’s Logan Farnell wrestling at State in Indianapolis.

Photo by Bill Ray

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THE PAPER

February 23, 2022

Basketball action

Police Reports Jan. 23 Officers responded to the area of 8304 S Strawtown Pike, Bunker Hill for a single vehicle accident. Utility lines were damaged. No injuries were reported. A state crash report was submitted.

Jan. 24 A slide-off was reported at W 500 S and S U.S. 31, Peru.

A single vehicle slide-off into a ditch was reported at N 550 E and E Wabash Rd, Peru.

Minor damage was observed. No crash report was finished. Vehicle towed by All Action Towing for a flat tire.

A mental case was reported at 3022 March St, Peru. This was unfounded.

Jan. 25

A Maconaquah player dribbles the ball while trying to keep a Culver player from stealing it. Maconaquah played Culver on the Braves’ court but lost to Culver: 75-50. Points earned by players for Maconaquah are: Bauer Maple- 13 pts, Hayden Maiben- 12 pts, Josiah Ball- 10 pts, Haiden Thompson- 5 pts, Brayden Betzner- 4 pts, Brennan Bailey3 pts, and Mason Barnes- 3 pts. Photo by Don Hurd

Peru’s Eli Walters goes for a shot during the game against the Rochester Zebras, Friday, Feb. 18 at Tig-Arena. The Tigers trampled the Zebras with a score of 64-36. Points scored during the game were: Gavin Eldridge - 6 pts Braxten Robbins - 3 pts, Matt Ross - 26 pts, Matt Roettger - 14 pts, Ian Potts - 5 pts, Alex Ross - 6 pts, Xavier Turner - 4 pts. Photo by Michelle Boswell

Puzzle answers

A complainant at 10466 E 980 S, Amboy advised her 17-year-old son, was suicidal and locked himself in the bathroom with a knife.

He had cut his arms. Officers transported him to Dukes for evaluation.

Christopher Holland, Converse, was arrested at 909 E Wabash, Grant Co, Converse on a warrant for Failure to Register as a sex offender.

A male at 4469 E St. Rd. 218, Peru advised he got into a verbal argument with a friend on the phone. He had additional questions about the sell and trade of vehicles between his mother and his friend.

Jan. 26 Domestic disturbance was reported at 39034 Edwards CT, Peru. The caller has mental issues.

This call was unfounded.

A complainant at 39034 Edwards CT, Peru stated he was having a psychotic/delusional See Police, page 10

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THE PAPER

February 23, 2022

Police

episode. Signed a refusal from medics. He drove himself to the ER. Reports of a burglary was reported at 2119 E 400 S, Peru. This is an ongoing investigation.

Jan. 27

A report of a wanted person was taken at 3119 N Mexico Rd. Lot 17, Circle Inn Mobile Home Park, Peru.

This was unable to be located. Suspected drugs and paraphernalia were located.

A single vehicle car vs. deer crash was reported at S 250 E & E 400 S, Peru. No injuries were reported.

A traffic accident with damage was reported at S U.S. 31 and W St. Rd. 218, Peru.

A slide off was reported at N U.S. 31 and W U.S. 24, Peru.

This was handled

continued from Page 9

by Indiana State Police.

A single vehicle slide off was reported at 5851 S U.S. 31, Cedar Creek Mobile Home Park, Peru. No injuries were reported.

An accidental life alert push occurred at 1063 E 1500 N, Akron. Everything checked ok.

A brush fire was reported at N Stoneridge CT and E Shadowbrook Dr, Peru. All checked okay.

Jan. 28 A car vs. deer accident was reported at W U.S. 24 and N Broadway, Peru. No injuries were reported. State crash report was completed.

A plow truck vs. semi crash was reported at S U.S. 31 and W 500 S, Peru.

Minor damage was observed.

A slide off was re-

ported at S U.S. 31 and S Bus. 31, Peru.

A traffic accident with damage was reported at S Strawtown Pike and E 250 S, Peru.

A single vehicle property damage crash was reported at W Hoosier Blvd and Hamel SQ, Peru. No injuries reported.

An unwanted guest was reported at 2661 S Bus. 31, Knight’s Inn Front Office, Peru.

A mental case was reported at 26 E 3rd St, Health Dept, Peru.

Jan. 29 Officers responded to the area of 1834 Norton Ave, Peru in reference to a physical altercation between a husband and wife.

Female was uncooperative with charges and would not provide a statement about the incident. No signs of

physical injury were observed. Neither individual was willing to leave the residence.

Feb. 14 A subject at 2880 W 560 S, Peaceful Acres Mobile Home Park, Lot 1, Peru was having a panic attack, but was feeling better by the time officer arrival commenced. He requested no medical attention at the scene. No further action was taken at this time.

A vehicle slid off a roadway at S Strawtown Pike and E 1000 S, Bunker Hill.

Help arrived on the scene soon after. No damage was found when investigating the vehicle.

Theft was reported at 1104 W 200 N, Miami County Jail, Peru.

This was unfounded.

A subject at E 700 N & N 500 E, Denver reported a lost

firearm that he believes fell from his vehicle.

Stolen property was returned to its owner at 7443 N 100 W, Denver.

A report of multiple shots fired was taken at 1740 S Lincoln St, Peru.

County units responded and were unable to locate any evidence or secondary gun shots.

A suspicious person was reported at 100 S Park Ave, Peru. All checked

okay.

A possibly suicidal subject was assisted at 1096 N Lincoln St, Peru.

Feb. 15 A two-vehicle collision was reported at E 650 N and S Yorick St, Denver.

Complaint of pain observed by one of the drivers.

A complainant at N U.S. 31 and W 1350 N, Macy reported a large rock in the roadway. Officers checked the area but did not lo-

cate a rock. Instead, a grey plastic sack was tracked down.

A driver at N U.S. 31 and W 900 N, Macy was cited for speed and distracted driving.

(Texting was involved.)

A child at 1164 Barksdale Ave, Peru reportedly left home without permission. Child was located and returned home. Report to be completed and forwarded to DCS.

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$

THE PAPER

February 23, 2022

11

Classifieds

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Strong writing skills for both hard news and feature stories a must. An applicant should be curious and have an ability to develop stories that impact the community. Must also be able to use a camera. Ability to work some weekends and nights is required. Must also have some knowledge of the internet and social media.

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12

THE PAPER

February 23, 2022

Native Tree Sale

Order deadline: March 15, 2022.

Order early for best selection.

The Upper Wabash Invasives Network in partnership with The Paper of Wabash County and The Paper of Miami County