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July 28, 2021
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The show goes on Large crowds turn out for 2021 Circus The Circus has come and gone but the memories of a great comeback from the year 2020 will linger for years to come. When the Circus City Board of Directors began to plan for Circus 2021, there were a lot of questions as to how the show and festival would go concerning attendance. Because the circus depends on the income from ticket sales, attendance was going to be key as to how they would rebound from missing the 2020 festival due to the COVID-19 pandemic. There were also concerns about the downtown festival. Would many come out to enjoy the rides and fair food, or would caution still be the concern among potential festival goers? David Weeks, Festivities Vice President said, “downtown was always packed with long lines for the vendors. The number of vendors was down because they struggled to get help and a couple of people were out due to COVID. The rides made more than they have in 14 years. See Circus, Page 2
Vol. 2, No. 22
Proudly Serving Miami County
Mackenzie Nord and Alivia Zell (top left photo) carry a banner to lead the 2021 Circus City Festival Parade. A pair of Huey helicopters (above) fly over downtown Peru, signifying the start of the parade. A roller skating clown (far left) tosses candy to paradegoers. Photos by Joseph Slacian
The Paper of Miami County
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Circus City Festival People were ready to get out and make up for last year. This is probably the most we’ve made in over 14 years. I think it was a record-breaking year for the circus and the festival. God blessed us with a great week.” So how did attendance at the circus shows compare to 2019? Staci Makowski, Tickets Vice President said, “Sales have been through the roof. We have averaged around 1,200 seats sold almost every night. It’s been amazing. Sales have almost doubled from 2019 especially through the week. We have had a ton of people that have never been to a show before. Everyone has been very supportive and excited to come back to the circus. Buying tickets online has been extremely helpful but we also still have had a lot of calls coming in too. Overall, it’s been a fantastic week!” Another major concern for the circus was how the performers would be after having a year off from circus and sports because of the pandemic. Would they be in shape to do the type of routines needed to put on a show? Circus Producer, Mark Hall said, “we talked to the trainers about it and ways of easing the performers back in to getting in shape. They worked out a plan for that and it worked. These kids have put on one of the best shows we’ve ever seen technically and physically.” He added, “I couldn’t have asked for better turn out for the show. The riggers have worked so hard doing what I have asked them to do to keep this show running. We have zero downtime and that’s one of the best times for a show I’ve ever
had as a producer.” Many comments made by audience members had to do with how quickly the show moved along. When asked about it, Hall said, “I got lucky. I had a vision for it, and it worked out exactly like I envisioned it. That doesn’t happen very often,” Hall said. As producer, Hall enjoyed “putting the show together and watching how things work as far as rigging, the acts and all the things that go with it. When I can get a show like this one, that’s what I enjoy.” Hall gave credit to all those who help make the circus run smoothly. “I want to say how hard everybody has worked. I can put together a show, but I can’t do it without the kids, the trainers, the music, the lights, and riggers. If they don’t do what I ask them to do, it doesn’t work, and they do that and plus some.” Anyone who attended a show enjoyed a fast-paced line up that ended with a young lady, Courtlynn Crowe, who has made Peru Circus history by
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becoming the first female flying trapeze catcher. To top it off, she was able to catch the double somersault performed by Hannah Yoo which made Crowe’s achievement that much sweeter. The last day of the festival, Saturday, July 24, began with a 100 plus unit parade. While the temperature was in the 80s, the heat index reached into the 90s. That didn’t seem to bother the thousands of people who went to watch the parade. While rolling down the streets of the parade route it was obvious people were ready to celebrate the circus heritage that Peru enjoys. The pandemic of 2020
forced the festival to shut down for that year but people from Miami County and from all around the country seemed to have a renewed spirit for the circus and its importance in Miami County. The parade route was filled with parade-goers from the young to the youngat-heart. Little ones stood at the edge of the streets hoping to catch a glimpse of circus wagons and share a wave with parade participants as they went by. Of course, they were also hoping for a chance to pick up candy that is tossed toward them as a sweet token of their attendance on the big day of the festival. A crowd favorite was watchContinued on Page 5
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Junior Clowns perform for the audience during one of the circus performances. Photo by Michelle Boswell
July 21, 2021
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Obituaries Julia Banter, 92
Waynetta J. Douglass, 76
Richard H. Rogers, 91
Raymond Bowland, 95
Julia Marie Banter, 92, of Pierceton, passed away Thursday, July 15, 2021, at Peabody Retirement Community in North Manchester. She had been a resident of Peabody for the past two years. Born in Kokomo Aug. 5, 1928, she was the daughter of Paul Jehu and Ruth Ethel (Hutchcroft) Wickersham. She and her family moved to Bunker Hill in 1937. She was a 1947 graduate of Bunker Hill High School. In 1949 she married John W. Sonafrank Jr., who passed away unexpectedly in 1967. In 1969 she married Chester R. Banter in Gallatin, Tennessee. He passed away in 1997. Julia spent most of her working career as receptionist at the Kokomo-Center Township School Corporation administrative office, from which she retired in 1985 after over 30 years of service. After retirement, she and her second husband moved from Marion to their cottage on Kuhn Lake in Pierceton. She is survived by a sister, Marilyn (Charles) Linn of Fort Wayne; stepgrandsons Rich Banter of Peru and Gary Banter of Texas; step-great grandson Jennings Banter, ten nieces, ten nephews, and many great-nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husbands, she was preceded in death by her sister, Marjorie Sonafrank, brother Paul Thomas Wickersham, and stepson Russell Banter. Friends called from 5-8 pm Thursday, July 22 at Allen Funeral Home, 136 S. Elm St, Bunker Hill. The funeral was at 11 a.m. Friday, July 23, with calling one hour before the service at Allen Funeral Home. The Rev. Norm Snyder officiated. Burial took place in Mount Hope Cemetery, Peru. Julia’s family acknowledges the staff of Peabody Retirement Community for the excellent care she received while a resident there. Memorial contributions may be made in Julia’s memory to Bunker Hill United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 487, Bunker Hill, Ind., 46914 or Bennetts Switch Community Church, 2261 State Rd. 18, Kokomo, IN 46901. Arrangements have been entrusted to Allen Funeral Home. Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.FlowersLeedyAllen.com.
Waynetta (Wayne) J. (Holland) Douglass, 76, of Walton, Ind., went into the loving arms of our Lord at 5:45 a.m. Monday morning, July 19, at Signature by Parkwood Health Care, Lebanon. Waynetta was born Oct. 20,1944, to the late Albert and Pauline Vayette Holland, in Macy, Ind.. She married her husband, Melvin April 18, 1964. They celebrated their 50th anniversary prior to his passing in 2014. Wayne was a member of the North Miami HS class of 1962 – the first class for the school. Waynetta held several jobs in her amazing life as she balanced motherhood and volunteer activities. She was employed at Chrysler Corporation from 1988 to 2007, last working as a fork truck driver. She was a proud UAW retiree. Waynetta is survived by sons Allen (Tonya) of Zionsville, Ind., and Kevin (Prebbel) of Andrews, Ind.. In addition, she is survived by six grandchildren: Scott (Molly) of Lafayette, Heather (Alex) Heinzman of Sheridan, Kyle (Megan) of Logansport, Rebecca of Zionsville, Kacy (Dylan) Cessna of Noblesville, and Kaleb of Kokomo. She is also survived by four step-grandchildren: Jacob Sikora of Elwood, Ind., Beth (Todd) Kelley, and David Sikora of Andrews, Ind., and Stephanie (Steve) Dunphy of Springfield, Illinois. She is survived by six greatgrandchildren and five step-great-grandchildren. Waynetta is also survived by sister, Mary Meyers of Avon, Ind., and brother Paul (Linda) Holland of Denver, Ind.. Brother-in-law Larry Dean (Kim) of Peru, Ind.. Sisters-inlaws Gladys Sampson, Alberta Roberts, Colleen (Terry) Opp of Peru, Ind., and Dianna Householder of Mexico, Ind.. Additionally, she is survived by numerous nieces and nephews. Waynetta was preceded in death by her parents, and brothers James and Robert Holland. Services were held at the Allen Funeral Home in Bunker Hill, IN. Viewing was held Sunday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Funeral services were held following the visitation at the funeral home, with burial following in the Santa Fe Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to Flower’s Leedy Funeral Home. Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.FlowersLeedyAllen.com.
Richard Harold “Dick” Rogers, 91, of Wabash, Ind., passed away at 6:32 P.M., Saturday, July 17, 2021, at his residence, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in his parents’ home, located in Miami County, Ind. July 9, 1930, to Cecil Harold and Grace Allen Rogers. Dick was a 1949 graduate of Converse High School. He served in the United States Army from 1953 to 1955 during the Korean conflict. His military decorations include the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. Dick married Joyce Ann Stanley at Richland Methodist Church in Converse, Ind., June 27, 1954. They celebrated 67 years of marriage. Dick attended both, the Richland Methodist Church and the Orange Grove Free Methodist Church, Bradenton, FL. Dick held an extreme love for his family and was a grain and livestock farmer for most of his life. After retiring from farming, he owned his own semi and along with his wife Joyce Ann, traveled the country. Dick was a licensed pilot and enjoyed many years of flying his own plane. He loved riding his motorcycle as well as camping with family and friends. Dick and Joyce Ann spent 22 years wintering in Florida, at locations in both Fort Meyers and at Sugar Creek Estates, Bradenton. Dick is survived by his wife, Joyce Ann Rogers of Wabash, a daughter, Lou Ann (Michael) Shoemaker, Wabash, Ind., and a son, Larry Dean (Robin) Rogers, Swayzee, IN; four grandchildren, Ryan(Georganne) Shoemaker of Mentone, Ind., Courtney (Tyler ) Tobias of Columbia City, Ind., Richard H. “Rick” Shoemaker of Urbana, Ind., and Logan (Janel) Rogers of Portage, Ind.; six great-grandchildren, Eli Shoemaker, Elliana Shoemaker, Knox Tobias, Hannah Tobias, Gabrielle Castro and Lucy Castro. Dick was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Gwendolyn Highley. A service celebrating the life of Richard H. Rogers was held at 4 p.m., Thursday, July 22, 2021, at the Laird-Eddy Funeral Home, 201 N. Main St., Amboy, Ind., with Melody Whiddon officiating. Burial was in Park Lawn Cemetery. Family and friends called from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., Thursday, at the Laird-Eddy Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Richland Chapel United Methodist Church, Converse, Ind..
Raymond “Ray” Bowland, 95, of Greentown passed away at 6:16 a.m., July 23, 2021, at St. Vincent, Kokomo Hospital. He was born in Amboy Feb. 2, 1926, the son of Jesse E. and Emma Myers Bowland. Ray married Thelma Lucille Douglass in Peru on March 9, 1948, and she preceded him in death on Dec. 6, 2020. Ray was a 1944 graduate of Amboy High School, a member of the Converse Church of Christ, and a U.S. Army World War II veteran. His military decorations include the World War II Victory Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the Army Occupation of Germany Medal, and the EAME Theater Ribbon with 3 bronze stars. Ray was employed at Chrysler Corporation for 30 years, Plevna Implement for 25 years and a retired farmer. He is survived by daughters Connie (Craig) McKillip of Wabash, Karen (Mike) Fauber of Greentown, and Kathy (Bill) Shrock of Leesburg; grandchildren Brent McKillip, Brooke McKillip, Chad Fauber, Angela Ford, Kyle Shrock and Kent Shrock; 17 great grandchildren; sisters Virginia Rohrer, Alice Hudson, Betty Hodson, and Waneta Levensky; and brothers Eugene and Jim Bowland. Ray was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Thelma; granddaughter Jennifer R. McKillip; sisters Violet Lowe, Dorothy Rose, Mary Fisher, Ann (Bunch) Roseberry, Patsy Bennette, and Carol Bowland and brothers Woodrow, Wayne, and Russell Bowland. A service celebrating the life of Raymond “Ray” Bowland will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, July 31, 2021, at the Laird-Eddy Funeral home, 201 N. Main St., Amboy with David Stokes officiating. Burial will be in Park Lawn Cemetery with Military Honors being provided by the Miami County Military Rites Unit. Friends and family will gather from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. July 31, 2021, prior to the service. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.
More obituaries, Page 4
The Paper of Miami County
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July 28, 2021
Peru father, son charged after domestic dispute Recently, a father and son were arrested after resisting and fighting with police officers during a domestic situation in Miami County. James Gilland, 41, and his son Kyle Gilland, 21, both from Peru,were incarcerated in the Miami County Jail. Kyle faces criminal charges for three counts of battery with bodily injury, two counts for battery on a law enforcement officer causing bodily in-
jury, resisting law enforcement, intimidation, and disorderly conduct. James was arrested for obstruction of justice and resisting law enforcement officers. According to the Indiana State Police, on Sunday at approximately 10:35 p.m., officers from the Indiana State Police and the Miami County Sheriff ’s Office responded to custody issue at 1249 N. Paw Paw Pike, Peru.
It was reported there was an intoxicated male making threats to shoot the occupants of the home. Sheriff ’s officers arrived on the scene first. Trooper Andrew Baldwin arrived approximately a minute later. Baldwin observed two sheriff ’s officers on the ground attempting to handcuff James Gilland. As Baldwin exited his police car, he purportedly observed Kyle Gilland allegedly
Obituaries Dean Alan Cowles, 69 Dean Alan Cowles, 69, Denver, passed away at 12:15 a.m. on Friday, July 16, 2021, at his residence. Born Nov. 21, 1951, in Elkhart County, Ind., he was the son of Albert Carlos and Thelda Lorraine (Parr) Cowles. On May 5, 1985, in Elkhart, Ind., he married Leslie Jo Wiggins, and she survives. He graduated from Concord High School and was a veteran of the United States Marine Corps. He was an independent insurance agent owning and operating his own business, Cowles and Associates. Survivors include his wife Leslie Cowles, Denver; son, Jesse Roy Cowles, Denver; five
siblings, Lorraine Fragale, Elkhart; Philip Cowles, Goshen; Jerry (Peggy) Cowles, Nappanee; Joy (Jonas) Kramer, Granger; and Bryon (Carmen) Cowles, Goshen; also surviving are a special cousin, Annette Cowles and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Michael Cowles. Graveside services were held at 10 a.m. Friday, July 23, 2021, at Violett Cemetery, Goshen. Military honors will be presented by the local honor guard and the United States Marines. Visitation was from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, July 22, 2021, at McClain Funeral Home, Denver, Ind.. McClain Funeral Home, Denver, Ind., has been entrusted with arrangements. Condolences can be sent online at www.mcclainfh.com.
punch the sheriff ’s officers in the face. One of the sheriff ’s officers attempted to utilize his taser on Kyle but the probes missed. Baldwin utilized his taser hitting Kyle who fell to the ground. Kyle purportedly continued to resist, as the taser probes allegedly became disengaged. James and Kyle attempted to get in a vehicle and flee the scene. They were eventually taken into custody at
gunpoint. It is alleged that a male occupant of the home was also battered by Kyle Gilland during the incident. The sheriff ’s officers and occupant of the home, who were purportedly battered, drove themselves to Dukes Memorial Hospital. They were treated for minor injuries. Kyle and James were checked and medically cleared by ambulance personnel at the scene.
Miami County correctional officers brought caged transport vehicles to the scene. Kyle refused to willingly get into the vehicle claiming to be a three-time black belt and that his hands are registered weapons. Officers carried him and placed him in the vehicle. James complied and walked to the transport vehicle willingly. No guns were located at the scene.
July 28, 2021
The Paper of Miami County
Scenes from the circus
Photos by Michelle Boswell
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The Paper of Miami County
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July 28, 2021
Scenes from the 2021 Circus City Festival parade
Have a story idea? Send it to mboswell@thepaperofmiami.com
Photos by Joseph Slacian
July 28, 2021
The Paper of Miami County
7 Scenes from the 2021 Circus City Festival Parade
Photos by Joseph Slacian
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July 28, 2021
Police reports July 19 A caller at 1623 E St. Rd. 218, Peru believed someone turned his power off and then back on again. He did not see anyone who could be responsible. No one was located who could have caused this. Officers at 1034 W St. Rd. 218, Bunker Hill responded to a welfare check where a male subject was having a medical episode. Officers at 1104 W 200 N, Miami County Sheriff ’s Department, Peru, spoke to a subject over the phone regarding a civil issue. A caller at 1249 N Paw Paw Pike, Peru wanted a standby to retrieve some belongings. The caller had just bonded from jail and has a no contact order involving a resident at the address in question. The caller was informed to seek a court order for assistance in removing property. Fireworks were reported at Forbes Ave and Donaldson Ave, Peru. A traffic accident with injuries was reported at S Bus. 31 and W Farview Dr, Peru. Minor injuries were reported. A crash report was submitted. A suspicious package or item was reported at W Macy Gilead Rd. and N 200 W, Macy. Officers at 467 E 800 S, Bunker Hill arrested Amie Hall for a Howard County warrant. A civil issue was reported at 1157 Barksdale Ave, Peru. A parking lot backing up crash was reported at 3311 S St. Rd. 19, Smithfield, Parking Lot, Peru. July 20 Officers at 825 S Broadway, Peru, assisted Peru Officers with a domestic issue.
A burglary was reported at 314 E Washington Ave, Prescott Greene, Apt. 11, Bunker Hill. This was not a burglary. A vehicle car alarm had been activated. No damage was reported, and nothing was taken. An unwanted guest was reported at 1134 E St. Rd. 124, Peru. Officers removed the unwanted guest from the property. A suspicious person was reported at 2934 S 300 W, Woodland Hills Mobile Home Park, Lot 220, Peru. When deputies arrived, they did not locate anyone suspicious. A two-vehicle crash was reported at W 1000 N & N 350 W, Macy. Minor injuries were reported, and medical service was refused. A crash report was taken. Officers gathered information and summons issues for possession of marijuana at 41052 Gunter CT, Peru. An ongoing death investigation is going on at 12948 S U.S. 31, Lot 203, Maple Lawn Village, Kokomo. A wanted person was reported at 25 N Broadway, Miami County Courthouse, Peru. An allergy, sting, or medical reaction was reported at 12267 S 100 W,
Kokomo. A civil issue was reported at 1104 W 200 N, Miami County Sheriff ’s Department, Peru. A mental case was reported at 424 Apache Dr, Peru. This was handled by Peru city units. A complainant at 6273 N Eel River Rd, Denver advised someone attempted to break into his shed. The complainant requested extra patrol in the area of the shed. Theft was reported at 336 E Washington St, Bunker Hill. A suspicious package or item was reported at 4987 E St. Rd. 124, Peru. A suspicious package or item was reported at 5613 E Mississinewa Dam Rd, Army Corp of Engineers, Peru. July 21 A caller at 141 S Water St, Bunker Hill, reported her neighbor at 167 S Water St. plugging an extension cord into her garage outlet without permission around 12:30 a.m. The caller said she had the neighbor unplug the cord soon after. She wanted the neighbor to be issued a trespass warning for her property. Officers were unable to get anyone to answer at the neighbor’s property.
A caller at 1719 S Lincoln St, Peru reported home improvement fraud at her location. A case report was completed. A one-vehicle crash was reported at 3455 E Wabash Rd, Peru Sand and Gravel, Peru. Minor damage was observed at the front of the 2000 Honda Accord. Car was found on concrete Culvert. Undercarriage damage was possible, but not visible. Local report number was issued. A car vs. deer accident was reported at 10402 S 400 W, Bunker Hill. No injuries were reported. A crash report was completed. A report of doors being opened overnight was taken at 1068 N Lincoln St, Peru. An unconscious person was reported at 2411 Lowry Ave, Peru. The medical issue was handled by paramedics. Disorderly conduct was reported at 211 W Harrison St, Converse. The parties were separated prior to officer arrival. The complainant did not want any further police assistance. A report of a male subject being disorderly in the area of 336 E Washington St, Bunker
Hill was taken. An unwanted guest was reported at 6607 E 200 N, Peru. A second call to 336 E Washington St, Bunker Hill, was taken. The male subject was arrested for disorderly conduct. A report of a semi driving all over the
road was taken at E U.S. 24 and N 175 E, Peru. Officers were unable to locate vehicle before leaving the county. July 23 A suspicious person was reported at 1937 W Birmingham Rd, Macy. Officers were unable to locate anyone at the residence.
Officers spoke to an individual at 2705 Capehart St, Peru, about a phone scam. Record only. Officers spoke to homeowners at 41024 Gunter CT, Peru, who were in the process of getting rid of the smell of marijuana from their home.