The Paper of Miami County - March 2, 2022

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

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March 2, 2022

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Steve Hagan retires from Hagan’s Bestmart in Denver

By Michelle Boswell mboswell@thepaperofmiami.com

After over 50 years of serving residents in and around Denver, Indiana, Steve Hagan of Hagan’s Bestmart has retired.

Saturday, Feb. 26 was Hagan’s last official day on the job. An open house organized by his family was held in his honor on that day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Walking into the store, the atmosphere feels as if you have stepped into a scene from The Andy Griffith Show. The store has many of today’s products available, but it’s the small-town feel that brushes one with a feeling of nostalgia. Hagan and that atmosphere has created a loyal following which brought many folks into the store on Saturday to give him a warm send-off.

A steady stream of Hagan’s fans stopped by to wish him well in his next chapter of life while enjoying refreshments. Many shared stories and had their photos taken with Hagan. Memorabilia about Hagan and the store was displayed on the front window for visitors to view. The counter where the refreshments were served had signs that read, “Steve. The Man. The Myth. The Legend.” There were also people in the store wearing blue T-shirts with the same wording printed on them. When asked if he realized he was an icon in Denver, there was a long pause. With a soft, humbled voice, he said, “Well, people say that, but I don’t think so.”

Hagan said he started working at the store when he was “10 or 12, sacking pota-

Steve Hagan weighs ground beef for a customer on Saturday, Feb. 26. His family held an Open House for him See Hagan, Page 2 Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to celebrate his retirement that took place that day. Photo by Michelle Boswell

Vol. 3, No. 9

Proudly Serving Miami County

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March 2, 2022

Hagan toes.” When he reached high school, he said he “worked all the time.” His father, Elmer, and Elmer’s brother, Earl, bought the store in 1950. Earl stayed for a couple of years and then Elmer took over the business. The small-town grocery store was originally located on the southwest corner of Harrison and Payson in Denver. In 1968, Hagan’s Bestmart moved to their present location, 70 N. Payson, Denver. The store was sold in 2016 but Hagan continued to work there until his retirement.

Hagan is one of four boys in his family. Three of the four worked at the store.

“My brother, Jeff, was there until 2016 and worked there 30 to 35 years until he got another job.”

The oldest brother, Mike, also worked at the store. Hagan said his youngest brother, Todd, did not work there. He began to laugh and said, “I don’t know how he got out of it.”

Married to Sharon since 1977, Hagan and his wife have three daughters; Wendy Keim, married to Ryan Keim, of Miami County, Stacie Deardorff, married to Joe Deardorff, of Fishers, Indiana, and Ashley Hagan, of Fishers, Indiana. Hagan has several grandchildren and looks forward to attending their activities; something he hasn’t been able to

continued from Page 1

A couple of posters hanging in Hagan’s Bestmart during Steve Hagan’s Open House.

“I’ll miss the people. Talking to them and seeing them. I got to know a lot of people through the years. Grandkids would come in and would say they were there to ‘pick up something for their grandmother’ and that’s how I got to know who went with what family.”

Steve Hagan do because of work. His schedule had him at the store six days a week for 11 to 12 hours a day.

Hagan, a member of St. Charles Catholic Church in Peru, has also been the Fire Chief at the Denver Volunteer Fire Department for 25 years. He plans to continue his duties with the fire department.

While he looks forward to spending more time with family, “doing odd jobs around the house, maybe do a little traveling, and not having ‘a steady routine,’” there is something he will miss about being at the store.

“I’ll miss the

people. Talking to them and seeing them. I got to know a lot of people through the years. Grandkids would come in and would say they were there to ‘pick up something for their grandmother’ and that’s how I got to know who went with what family,” he said.

If you ask customers what they love about Hagan’s Bestmart, two answers will surely be mentioned. The first would be Steve Hagan and the second would be ham salad.

“It (ham salad) was very popular Saturday. We made 60 plus pounds, and we

The exterior of Hagan’s Bestmart, located in downtown Denver, Indiana.

Photos by Michelle Boswell only had two pounds left over at the end of the day,” Hagan said.

He added “Wendy, took photos of people at the open house and she said half the people had ham salad in their hands.”

Hagan, a kind, soft-spoken, and cheerful man, has become more than someone who serves customers at the local grocery store. Hagan shared something Lilly Gentry, an employee at the store, once told Hagan.

“She said I was ‘more of a therapist than anything.’” Hagan said, “people would come to the store to talk. I would usually just listen. Lilly told me there were times customers would come in and she would offer to help them.

They would say they wanted to wait until I came

back.”

Working with the public can leave one with many stories to tell. When reflecting on interesting events that happened over the years, Hagan recalled one that has stayed with him for 44 years… it was the year of the blizzard. In 1978, Indiana was issued its first ever state-wide blizzard warning.

Indiana experienced anywhere

from one to three feet of snow in a three-day span.

Hoosiers were scrambling to get supplies and Denver, Indiana, was no different.

“There were people with carts out the door and wrapped around the side of the store. We had never seen anything like that before,” he said.

Thinking about his last day at work and the open house, Hagan

said, “I want to thank everyone who came to see me, sent cards and called me.”

Now that Hagan has retired and will become a customer standing on the other side of the counter, he was asked if he plans to buy ham salad from the store.

He burst out in laughter and said, “Not for a while.

I’ve had enough of that for now!”

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March 2, 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

A Trusted Trusted Name in Funeral Funeral Service Service

Obituaries Herman Eugene Case, 78 Herman Eugene Case, 78, of Perrysburg passed away Sunday, Feb. 20, 2022, in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

He was born Nov. 29, 1943, to Violet M. Brooks and David M. Case in Peru.

Herman was married to Joyce A. Cook Dec. 4, 1971, and they recently celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary.

During Herman’s time in the U.S. Army, he was stationed at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri and served in Thailand during the Viet Nam Conflict as a heavy equipment operator.

He was honorably discharged. Upon military discharge, he spent the remainder of his career as a heavy equipment operator.

Throughout his life, Herman had a love of music and played drums in nu-

merous local and regional bands. He was an excellent drummer despite becoming an amputee while in the service. His hobbies were varied and included camping with his family, riding motorcycles, and showing his ‘35 Chevy Coup at car shows with club friends and family.

He loved football and rarely missed a Notre Dame football game on the big screen.

Herman was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

In addition to his wife, Joyce, he is survived by his children: Romona Butzin-Wilcoxson

(Brian), Lorraine Binkerd (Michael), both of Fort Wayne.

Four grandchildren: Celeste Kirchgessner (Brandon) of Henderson, Kentucky, Victoria Dunno (Ian) of New Haven, Indiana, Lindsey Barnes and Gage Jones both of Peru and four greatgrandchildren, Aubree and Kyndle Barnes, Peru, Ellis and Hudson Dunno, New Haven, Indiana. Also surviving are siblings, Milton Case (Winnie), Lena Wheatsel (John), Sharon Mays (Gary). Preceding him in death are his parents, daughter Lisa Jones (Gene), sister Mary Shanabarger, and brother John Case.

Services were scheduled for Friday, Feb. 25, 2022, at Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home, 105 West Third Street, Peru, Indiana, with visitation from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The funeral service followed with Pastor Jim Rea officiating.

Burial took place at Mount Hope Cemetery, Peru, with military rites provided by the Miami County Military Rites Team.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to DAV at https://www.va.gov /northern-california-healthcare/work-with-us/ volunteer-or-donate/#giving.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home.

Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.FlowersLeedyAllen.com.

Pamela Carol Bellamy Rogers, 79 Pamela Carol Bellamy Rogers, 79, Peru, Indiana, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2022, at Dukes Memorial Hospital, Peru.

Born Oct. 2, 1942, in Mt. Sterling, Kentucky, she was the daughter of Jess, Sr. and Nora Lou (Gross) Bellamy.

She had been a resident of Blair Ridge for several years. She loved to play Bingo, reading books, and color-

ing.

Survivors include four children, Rickey (Martha) Bellamy, Bunker Hill; Jack (Laverna) Williams, Winchester, Kentucky; Michael Bellamy, Mt. Sterling, Kentucky; and Pam (Scott) Sopher,

Peru; thirteen grandchildren, nineteen greatgrandchildren; and two daughters-inlaw, Lisa Reed, Peru, and Cassandra Walker, Wabash.

She was preceded in death by two children, Robert Reed and Roy Reed; two sisters, Lela Maggard and Ruby Rice; and two brothers, Jesse Bellamy, Jr. and Robert Bellamy.

Funeral services were held at 2:30

p.m. Friday, Feb. 25, 2022, at McClain Funeral Home, Denver, Indiana.

Burial was in Mt. Hope Cemetery, Peru.

Visitation was one hour prior to the service on Friday at the funeral home.

McClain Funeral Home, Denver, Indiana, has been entrusted with arrangements.

Condolences may be sent online at www.mcclainfh.co m.

You can find The Paper of Miami County on

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

Release dates, drop off locations announced for Fairy Godmother Project Press release from Fairy Godmother Project organizers Release dates and drop off locations for the Fairy Godmother Project.

Donate your gently used Prom dresses and formal wear to help a student in your community have their dream Prom.

Dresses will be collected now until March 5, 2022, at North Miami, Peru, and Maconaquah High Schools or at the St. Vincent DePaul Thrift Store located in Peru.

Boutique Day will be Saturday March 5, 2022, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Miami County Community Center lo-

F AIRY FA FAIRY I RY G ODMOTHER GO GODMOTHER DMOTHER PROJECT P R O J E CT cated at the fairgrounds in Peru.

We invite any high school student in need of a dress to come and receive a new dress for free.

Last year we had the pleasure of giving away over 150 dresses to students. We would like to give special thanks to all who donated their time, funds, and formal wear to our project. We are always hoping to continue to expand with the help of our community’s generosity.

Many dresses donated will be

posted on our Facebook page with sizing ranging from 0-22.

Dresses will be given away on a first come, first serve basis on Boutique Day. Citizens or businesses interested in donating or learning more about our project can contact Karen Baker at Kbaker@peru.k12. in.us , 765-4756320, or godmotherfairy2019@gmai l.com. You may also find information on our Facebook page “Fairy Godmother Project of Miami County.”

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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).

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 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

March 2. 2022

Puzzle answers on Page 12 Miami County remains in the “red” concerning COVID. The library is still open and ask those who use the facility to consider wearing masks)

Miami Nation of Indians Tribal Headquarters, 80 W. Sixth Street, Peru (use east entrance).

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.

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 Wednesday 7:30 p.m. – AA Recovery Meeting –

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

Every Thursday

See Calendar, Page 5

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

10-15 Cubic Yard Containers Puzzle answers on Page 12

THE PAPER

March 2, 2022

Calendar 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)

continued from Page 4 tion 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.

March 12

Every Friday 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).

Every Saturday 10 a.m. – AA Recovery Meeting – First Christian Church Library, 53 W. Main 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).

March 7 Circus practice begins today at the Peru Amateur Circus. Call 765-4723918 for more information or how you can sign up to be in the show.

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 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 educa-

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. We also have vendors selling Thomas the Tank Engine products, die cast cars, Hot Wheels, Matchbox, and scale model trucks. A snack bar will be available. All vendor tables are sold out. Call Paul Forman at 765-432-1052 or send an email to lightupperu@yaho o.com with any questions concerning the event. All proceeds benefit the Light Up! Peru Christmas fund.

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March 2, 2022

Peru High School Drama to present ‘Bye Bye Birdie’

By Michelle Boswell mboswell@thepaperofmiami.co m The Peru High School Drama Group will be presenting a Spring Musical, “Bye Bye Birdie” at the PHS Auditorium.

The dates for the event are Friday, March 4 at 7 p.m., Saturday, March 5 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, March 6 at 8 p.m.

Drama Director, Dr. Jason Gornto, said the cast faced some obstacles but have pulled together to get the musical ready on time.

“We did casting in December and got scripts out to everyone. Rehearsals started the first week back in January.

We’ve faced a lot of delays and challenges because of school closures due to the pandemic and winter weather.

The kids have done a fantastic job working

through this,” Gornto said. He added, “There have been many absences while students were quarantined.”

Working alongside Gornto is Assistant Drama Director, Tim Conner.

“He took lead on the set. Our administration both in the building and at the district level have done a great job of supporting us with everything we need,” said Gornto.

Gornto and Conner are encouraging the public to come to the musical and support the cast and crew because this production is special.

“It’s been nearly 20 years since we’ve done a full-scale Broadway musical with an orchestra,” Gornto shared.

“We’ve got about 30 kids who have put their heart and soul into this show. It is two Acts with an intermission be-

Marie Klimova, on left, an Exchange Student from Czech Republic and Elizabeth Pavey, on the right, discuss designs for props to be used in the PHS musical, ‘Bye Bye Birdie.’ Photo by Michelle Boswell

tween. The orchestra is primarily professional musicians with a few high school students joining in to learn the ropes,” he said.

Gornto said there were a couple of reasons as to why they chose to present a musical this Spring.

“We have a tremendous amount of talent

at PHS and for various reasons we haven’t had the resources to put on a show of this size in quite a while. Our administration at Peru Community Schools committed to supporting us this year to make this show a reality. They have done an outstanding job of supSee Musical Page 10

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The Paper of Miami County pick-up locations Peru Save-A-Lot Beacon Credit Union Down on the Farm Paul Richard GM Kroger Gallahan Travel Plaza Family Farm & Home Casey’s West Casey’s East Conny’s Little German Breadshop Main Street Market and My Pizza My Way Peru High School Peru Junior High CVS Walgreen’s Ladd Dental Group of Peru Miami County Recycling District Office JJ’s Pit Stop Village Pantry- Eagle’s Point Peru Mart Knight’s Inn Best Western 58 East Anita’s Boutique 6th Street Coffee Kehrer Fish Company YMCA Fashion Dry Cleaners Midwest Eye Consultants Olson Paint & Body Conoco Peru Pantry Marathon Gas Stations McClure’s Oil- W. Main McClure’s Oil- S. Broadway Miami County Soil & Water Dr. Gregory Quinn St. Charles Borromeo Community Resource Center Miami County Courthouse Friermood Tire Peru Glass & Screen Blair Ridge

USDA Miami County Artisan Gallery Gallery 15 Edward Jones A Cut Above Knapp Kustom Vinyl Decals First Farmer’s Bank &Trust Phil’s Barber Shop VFW Bill’s Meat Market Gilead Gilead Gift Shop Squirrel Creek Raber’s Kountry Store Gilead General Store Denver Body by Moose A Lil Off the Top Hoosier Hot Spot North Miami High School Roann Todd’s Corner Mexico Marathon Gas Station Macy Post Office

Bunker Hill Marathon Gas Station Maconaquah High School Bunker Hill Mini Mart Grissom Air Base Marathon Gas Station C-Store on Base Grissom Museum

THE PAPER

March 2, 2022

Let s Crunch!

By Laura Kurella One thing we tend to miss when watching our weight is indulging in all those foods that offer an unmistakable “CRUNCH,” which makes them even more pleasing.

There is just something about a good crunch, and we Americans appear to like anything that delivers it, including pork rinds!

However, I seem to recall my high school Home Economics teacher once teaching us that there is an importance to eating foods that crunch, which she segued into the subject of cruciferous vegetables.

A group of plants from the Brassica genus, which include broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale and many more, cruciferous vegetables come packed with nutrients that help support our health and help protect us from potential cancers, all rolled up into a nice and healthy crunch!

In addition to sporting these great health benefits, cruciferous vegetables are also a good source of fiber, which not only helps with digestion and keeping us regular, but their fiber is the main source of nutrition for good gut bacteria, so consuming it will also keep your inner immune army well fed!

One cruciferous veggie that’s been getting lots of attention lately has been cauliflower, which has seen an uptick in use with new recipes that offer it as a great way to go both gluten-free and low-carb. Cauliflower has been appearing in all kinds of new ways, from being mashed

or riced to being powdered to make a pizza crust!

One of the biggest reasons for this rise in popularity is because cauliflower is loaded with nutrients, is anti-inflammatory, and has anti-aging properties, as well as other benefits.

I love that it offers bioactive compounds that are known to reduce inflammation, especially since I’ll be hitting sixty this year, God willing!

Rich in antioxidants, including types known to counter oxidative stress, cauliflower can help us combat premature aging and disease risk, including helping us reduce the risk of both heart disease and cancer. In fact, natural substances in cauliflower and other cruciferous vegetables help disable cancer-causing substances, which stop cancer from growing and spreading.

Containing natural substances that protect the bends and branches of blood vessels, cauliflower can also protect our hearts, which may explain why women who have a higher intake of cruciferous vegetables also have a lower risk of hardening of the arteries, and slowed age-related cognitive decline.

Here now are some ways to get a health-packed cauliflower “CRUNCH” on.

Enjoy!

Laura Kurella is an award-winning recipe developer, journalist, and selfsyndicated newspaper food columnist who enjoys living in the Midwest. She welcomes comments at laurakurella@yahoo.c om.

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ingredients to the bag and shake until well-coated, pressing slightly to help the breading stick. Pour bag out onto the prepared baking sheet then spray the tops of the cauliflower with cooking spray. Bake in a preheated oven for 20 minutes then flip cauliflower and bake for 10 minutes more.

Serve hot.

Find a healthier “CRUNCH” in cruciferous vegetables!

Stylist/Photographer: Laura Kurella naise In a separate serve with fried 1 teaspoon lemon Crispy beer batlarge bowl, whisk cauliflower, if dejuice tered cauliflower together the 3/4 sired.

1 small dill cup of flour with Prep Time: 15 mingherkin, chopped the baking powder, Roasted Parm utes; Cook Time: 20 1 tablespoon parssalt and paprika.

Cauliflower Bites minutes; Total Add beer and mix ley, chopped Time: 35 minutes; just until comunrefined mineral 1 head of cauliYield: 6 servings bined then set sea salt and pepper, flower, cut to bite 1 cup all-purpose bowl next to bowl to taste sized pieces flour with cauliflower.

In a large bowl, 4 tablespoons olive 1 teaspoon unreHeat a large deep combine the 1 cup oil fined mineral sea pot of oil over of flour with the 1 cup Italian bread salt medium heat until teaspoon of salt crumbs 1/2 teaspoon black it reaches 345 de. and peppers, 1/2 teaspoon garlic pepper grees. blending well, then powder 1/4 teaspoon With a slotted set aside.

1/2 teaspoon unrecayenne powder spoon, move Wash and rinse fined mineral sea (optional) floured cauliflower cauliflower heads, salt 1 large head cauliinto the beer batshaking off excess 1/3 cup parmesan flower ter, coating well, water, then cut cheese 3/4 cup all-purpose then immediately into bite-sized floPreheat the oven flour place in the hot oil ret pieces and set to 425 degrees.

1 teaspoon baking and fry until inside a bowl with Line a large, powder golden brown and flour mixture. rimmed baking 1 teaspoon unrecrisp, about 3-4 Once all the caulisheet with foil and fined mineral sea minutes. Using anflower is cut up spray liberally salt other slotted and, in the bowl, with non-stick 1 teaspoon smoked using a spatula or spoon, remove cooking spray. Set paprika spoon, stir and from oil and drain. aside. In a large 6 ounces beer, any toss to coat all cauIn a small bowl, plastic bag, toss kind liflower in flour combine all the incauliflower and Dipping Sauce mixture then set gredients for the olive oil to coat.

1/2 cup mayonaside. dipping sauce and Add remaining

Cauliflower Buffalo Bites Yield: 4 servings 1 head cauliflower 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon unrefined mineral sea salt 1/2 cup milk, or sub Cooking spray 1 teaspoon (or more) hot sauce, favorite kind Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Wash and rinse cauliflower head then cut into bite-sized florets.

In a medium bowl, combine flour, garlic powder, salt, milk, or sub, and hot sauce, if using. Add cut up cauliflower to the batter bowl, stirring to coat each floret well.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper then, using a slotted spoon, move coated cauliflower florets to the baking sheet. Spray cauliflower bites with cooking spray, place in a preheated oven, and bake for 20 minutes.

Remove cauliflower from the oven and flip pieces, then sprinkle with hot/buffalo sauce and return the pan to the oven to bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until browned to your liking.

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THE PAPER

March 2, 2022

Sports Matt Ross joins 1,000 pt. club

Braves hand a loss to Tigers Feb. 22

Tigers beat Apaches in overtime

Matt Ross, a Senior at Peru High School, brought the crowd to their feet when he went over the top of the 1,000 pt. mark in his high school basketball career.

Ross met his goal during the basketball game against the Wabash Apaches, Friday, Feb. 25. The Tigers were able to squeak by the Apaches after going into overtime with an ending score of Peru 75, Wabash 72. It was also Senior Night at PHS. Points scored during the game are as follows: Gavin Eldridge - 13 pts, Braxten Robbins - 8 pts, Matt Ross - 27 pts, Matt Roettger - 19 pts, Eli Walters - 2 pts, Alex Ross - 6 pts Photo by Michelle Boswell

The Peru Tigers were unable to keep ahead of the Maconaquah Braves, Tuesday, Feb. 22. The game ended with a score of 71-54. Be sure to visit the Facebook Page, Miami County Sports, to see action shots from this game.

Photo by Michelle Boswell

You can find us on...

Athletes, coaches recognized, awarded at PCS board meeting

By Peru Schools At the Board Meeting Monday, Feb. 21st, 2022, These PCS Athletes and Coaches were recognized and awarded for their accomplishments.

In the photo from Left to right: Coach Daric Fuller, 106 pounder Jalen May 2022 Conference, Sectional, Regional, Semi-State

Champion. 4th Place in the IHSAA State Wrestling Tournament on Feb. 19th at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. 138 pounder Cooper Baldwin 2022 Conference & Sectional Champion. Regional Runner-Up. Semi-State Qualifier. 285 pounder Trevi Hillman-Conley 2022 Conference, Sectional & Regional RunnerUp (lost to eventual state

champion in each) Semi-State Qualifier. 145 pounder Cameron Baber 2022 Conference & Sectional Champion, Regional RunnerUp, Semi-State qualifier. Coach Andy Hobbs, 113 pounder Conner Shaffer 2022 3rd at Conference, 3rd at Sectional, 3rd at Regional, Semi-State qualifier.

Coach Andy Hobbs and Staff were presented

Feb. 19 A suspicious man was reportedly waving down cars at W St. Rd. 18 and S U.S. 31, Kokomo.

This was unable to be located.

A traffic stop was conducted at S Broadway and E Second St, Peru.

Indiana State Police took over traffic stop for no lights on. Officers transported a female passenger to the Miami County

Jail for ISP. Driver was incarcerated for Operating a vehicle while intoxicated.

A traffic accident with damage was reported at 228 N Meridian Road, Peru.

A third-party call for a slide off was taken at 2934 S 300 W, Woodland Hills Mobile Home Park, Peru. Vehicle off the roadway, no damage. Owner was making arrangements for removal.

A slide off occurred at 700 W

Tenth St, Izaak Walton League, Peru.

A traffic accident with damage was reported at E 400 N & N 300 E, Peru.

A slide off was reported at E 1000 N and N Meridian Rd, Macy. This was unable to be located.

A report of a cow in the roadway was taken at W 100 N & N 400 W, Peru. The cow was captured prior to officer arrival.

A vehicle caught fire at 381 W St. Rd. 18, Kokomo. There

Fire under foot

the Best Wrestling Coaches Staff in the state of Indiana by the National Wrestling Coaches Association for 2021.

Coach Daric Fuller was named the best Assistant Coach of the Year for the state of Indiana by a panel of his peers for 2021, by the Indiana High School Wrestling Coaches Association.

Police reports Miami County Sheriff ’s Department

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March 2, 2022

was no known reason as to why the vehicle combusted.

No one was injured.

A car mirror vs. car mirror accident occurred at N Meridian Road and E 400 N, Peru.

A noise complaint was reported at 1128 W 300 S, Peru. Officers observed in the area and was unable to observe any disturbance.

Feb. 20 A male at 269 S Meadowview Dr, Blair Ridge Senior

Peru Tiger, Braxton Robbins, appears to have fire under his feet during a recent basketball game. In reality the “flames” are a reflection of the scoreboard on the opposite wall at Maconaquah High School.

Photo by Michelle Boswell

Community, Peru was reported to be confused. He thought someone broke into his home. He was transported to the hospital for evaluation.

Travis Morris was released from the hospital and taken into custody at 536 W Ninth St, Peru for two Miami County Warrants and an additional charge of theft. He was then incarcerated at the Miami County Jail.

A wrong way

driver was stopped at S U.S. 31 and W Broadway St, Bunker Hill. Subject was arrested for Operating a vehicle while intoxicated felony.

A car vs. deer crash was reported at N Meridian and E 550 N, Peru. No injuries were reported. A state crash report was completed.

A single vehicle crash was reported at E Tam ‘O Shanter Road and N Country Club Road, Peru. A state crash report was

completed. Bowman’s towed the vehicle.

A single vehicle crash was reported at 1287 W 300 S, Peru. No injuries were reported.

Officers spoke to a female at 2214 Patrick St, Peru who wanted to report an ongoing issue with her neighbors.

A car vs. deer crash was reported at E 500 S & S 150 E, Peru. No injuries were reported.

See Police, page 10

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March 2, 2022

Police

continued from Page 9

Feb. 21 The Miami County Sheriff Department responded to the area of 125 E First St, Converse, Mobile Home Park, Lot 3, Converse, regarding a complaint of "silly string" being sprayed in the back yard. The homeowner did not know who could have done this. This complaint was requested to be put as a for record only call. No further action was taken at this time.

A wrong way driver was reported at E U.S. 24 and N 550 E, Peru. Side swiped another vehicle before correcting themselves and stopping. No injuries. Both vehicles were driven from scene. State crash report was completed.

A warning was given for speeding at W 900 S and S U.S. 31, Bunker Hill.

A report of cows in the roadway was taken at W 100 N & N 400 W, Peru. All animals were contained upon officer arrival.

Musical

Reports of threats made over dogs chasing the complainant were taken at 4817 W 1300 S, Gavelston.

Officers responded to the area of W St. Rd. 218 and N Lincoln St, Peru, to a single vehicle property damage crash in which the driver was arrested for Operating a vehicle while intoxicated and illegal possession. Vehicle was towed by Bowman's.

A traffic stop was conducted at 2538 S Bus. 31, Skyview Motel, Peru. This resulted in passenger being arrested for possession of a syringe.

Feb. 22 A slide off was reported at 8081 S Strawtown Pike, Bunker Hill. No observable damage to vehicle. Vehicle

continued from Page 6

porting fine arts for Peru,” said Gornto.

Rewards come to those who work hard and Gornto had this to say about the cast and crew.

“The students are having so much fun and getting so much better. It’s very rewarding,” he said.

The following students make up the cast for the production. The leads are Brady Ream, Libby Rogers, Jordan Hoagland, Eve Uttinger. Major Supporting Roles: Alex Jobe, Amanda Eaglin, Favour Odubena, Kymberleigh Dyson, Elliot Taylor, and Miguel Sebastian.

Those who plan to attend the production can expect

to pay $8 for adults and 18 and under is $5. Tickets are available at the door or from any cast member.

was tagged for 72hour removal.

A caller at 100 N Peru Pl. Peru reported a theft of tools from a construction trailer. A case report was completed.

A single vehicle slide-off occurred at E 900 N and N Meridian Rd, Denver. No damage was reported.

Officers performed a welfare check at 2259 N 300 E, Peru on a juvenile after he contacted a teacher telling her to call law enforcement. It was determined the

juvenile called because he did not want to move his bed back onto its frame.

Feb. 23 A felled tree was removed from a roadway at S 400 W & W 500 S, Peru.

A single vehicle crash was reported at N 100 E & E 900 N, Denver. Driver reported a minor injury but refused medical treatment.

A state crash report was completed.

Miami County Sheriff Department responded to a single vehicle property damage only crash at S U.S. 31 and Pipe Creek Mill Rd, Peru. The vehicle was removed by Bowmans Towing from Peru.

A State Crash Report was completed for this crash.

A traffic accident with damage was reported at S U.S. 31 and S Pipe Creek Mill Rd, Peru.

A slide off was reported at S U.S. 31 and W 300 S, Peru.

No observable dam-

age.

A verbal argument between boyfriend and girlfriend was reported at 151 W Third St, Green Valley Apts, Apt. 4, Peru. Parties agreed to separate for the afternoon.

Theft was reported at 632 E 900 N, North Miami School Corporation, Denver.

A two-vehicle rear end accident was reported at S U.S. 31 and W St. Rd. 18, Kokomo. No injuries were reported.

A traffic accident with damage was reported at N Peru Pl and W Hoosier Blvd, Peru.

Officers spoke to a female over the phone at 2628 Capehart St, Peru in reference to a package being taken off her porch. No witnesses or video evidence were found.

Record only at this time.

A traffic accident with damage was reported at N U.S. 31 and W St. Rd. 16, Denver.

Feb. 24

NOTICE OF ADOPTION To the taxpayers of the Harrison Township, Miami County, Indiana: You are hereby notified that on February 16th, 2022, the Harrison Township Advisory Board, Miami County, Indiana, pursuant to notice heretofore given, and under and by virtue of IC 36-8-14-2_duly adopted a plan whereby a Cumulative Fire Fund was established to provide for the following: For all uses as set out in IC 36-8-14-2 The fund will be provided for by a property tax rate of .0333 per one hundred dollars ($100.00) of taxable real and personal property within the taxing unit beginning in 2022 payable in 2023 and thereafter, continuing until reduced or rescinded.

10 (ten) or more taxpayers in the taxing unit who will be affected by the tax rate and corresponding levy may file a petition with the Miami County Auditor not later than noon 30 days after the publication of this Notice setting forth their objections to the proposed cumulative fire fund. Upon the filing of the petition, the County Auditor shall immediately certify the same to the Department of Local Government Finance, at which point the Department will fix a date for and conduct a public hearing on the proposed cumulative fire fund before issuing its approval, disapproval, or modification thereof.

Dated this 16th day of February, 2022.

Harrison Township Advisory Board 3/2/22

Accepting Applications through WorkOne of Wabash, Huntington and Marion or Online at onepaperworks.com

for Laborer Position.

This position is full-time with benefits in 90 days working swing-shift.

STARTING HOURLY WAGE IS $20.62 AND AFTER 90 DAYS COULD EARN UP TO $27.58.

Requirements to submit application: • High school diploma or GED • Pass 1 test at WorkOne

March 2, 2022

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Call 260.563.8326 to place an ad today!

G RAPHIC DESIGNER POSITION AVAILABLE We are looking for an individual to work in our pre-press department producing weekly newspapers and other marketing materials.

APPLICANTS WILL BE EXPECTED TO: • Design advertisements and marketing • Possess creative design, typing, spelling, materials, from newspaper ads to and problem solving skills. complete books.

• Follow and retain instructions.

• Multi-task, prioritize, and work in a fast• Possess good organizational skills. paced environment.

• Meet short deadlines, while paying attention to detail.

Send resume or email: The Paper of Wabash Attn: Ann Tysinger PO Box 603 • Wabash, Indiana 46992

ann@thepaperofwabash.com

The Paper of Miami County is your new Hometown Newspaper!

We are all about Miami County because you are, too!

Be sure to pick up your free copy every Wednesday. We can also be found on Facebook!

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THE PAPER Puzzle answers

March 2, 2022

New Miami County YMCA hosts ribbon cutting ceremony

Mark Demchak addressing the crowd outside of the new Miami County YMCA on Saturday, Feb. 26.

A silhouette of two visitors walking on the elevated track at the new YMCA.

Visitors enjoyed walking around the new pool at the newly opened Miami County YMCA.

The first volleyball game was played at 11 a.m. on Jan. 26 at the new YMCA. Photos by Michelle Boswell