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September 15, 2021
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Marine Cpl. Sanchez
makes final journey home
Marine Cpl. Humberto Sanchez’s body was transported from Grissom Air Reserve Base to his hometown of Logansport, Indiana, Sept. 12. Cpl.
Sanchez, 22, was killed by a suicide bomber in Afghanistan Aug. 26. Photo by Michelle Boswell
By Michelle Boswell mboswell@thepaperofmiami.com
Sanchez, 22, was one of 13 military service members killed by a suicide bomber inside the Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan, Aug. 26. His body was going to be taken from GARB to Logansport, IN., his home-
My son and I, along with my oldest daughter and her husband attended the procession to honor U.S. Marine Cpl. Humberto Sanchez at Grissom Air Reserve Base Sunday, Sept. 12. Cpl.
Vol. 2, No. 29
See Sanchez, Page 2
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Cleanup Week runs through Sept. 18 The Miami County Recycling District began their Cleanup Week Sept. 11, and it will continue through Sept. 18 Executive Director Samantha St. John is pleased with the turnout so far and hopes Miami County residents will take advantage of this service. “The cleanup on Saturday the 11th was steady, but slower than usual. Considering everything else that was going on, I still thought the turnout was decent,” St. John said. The mission of the Miami County Recycling (Solid Waste) District is to: implement and provide source reduction and recycling programs that will reduce the amount of solid waste disposed of in landfills; encourage recycling efforts; provide guidance for waste stream reduction and increase awareness of proper hazardous waste disposal. The Recycling (Solid Waste) Districts were created in 1990 by Legislative Act 1240 which became Public Law 10-1990. The purpose of this law was to reduce the amount of material going to landfills by 50% by the year 2001 statewide. This law also set up the Board of Directors as being made up from seven local elected officials in the county. The funding of solid waste districts could be set up using these sources: disposal (tipping) fees from landfills within the county; a flat charge to all property owners in the county or a property tax levy. The founding board members chose to use the flat charge ("user fee" or "recycling assessment") billed yearly to all property owners within Miami County. The County has no active landfills, so this option was not able to be used. The monies collected from this once per year collection are used to cover all
See Cleanup, Page 2
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THE PAPER
September 15, 2021
Recycling
continued from Page 1
Eric Mathias, Mexico, took advantage of the Miami County Recycling District’s Cleanup Week, which runs through Sept. 18. Photo by Michelle Boswell
costs of recycling and disposal of the materials that are collected. The District is charged with management of the recycling programs and proper recycling and disposal of household chemicals, tires, and electronic waste as mandated by the State. Many people are confused about what is actually recyclable. St. John wanted to share information to help answer some of those
questions. “Plastics are very confusing-at first. Just because something is plastic doesn’t mean it’s recyclable. The numbers in the triangles on plastic items don’t mean they are recyclable. The numbers tell what kind of plastic resin the item is made from. The only kinds of plastic that should be put into the bins are containers-butter tubs, sour cream containersand jugs/bottles-milk
jugs, water or pop bottles, laundry detergent or softener bottles. There are signs on all of the bins in the county with pictures of exactly what kind of plastic items should go in the bins. Please don’t throw your children’s toys, storage totes, or store bags in the recycling bins,” she explained. She also explained what happens when the wrong items end up in the bins.
Sanchez town. I thought there would be a large number of people along the procession to honor this hero, but the turnout was more than I imagined. The day was a warm one with the sun shining as we made our way to Foreman Drive at GARB. Vehicles began to line the street, parking side by side. Ahead of us was large American Flag hanging between two cranes provided by Miami-Cass REMC. The wind was brisk, and the flag fluttered in the strong breeze. People were draping flags from their cars and trucks, and many had flags on poles that were attached to their vehicles. Across the street was a family with several children, all holding their own American Flag on a stick. The mood was somber and yet there was a pride that hung in the air just like the all the flags that surrounded us. We saw the plane carrying the body of Cpl. Sanchez make its decent off in the distance. Seeing that plane set my mind to thinking about Sanchez’s family. The unimaginable hell his family is going through is something I only let my mind open up to for a short while. It’s not because I don’t have empathy. Quite the reverse. As a parent, the piercing pain that shoots through my heart when I think of being in their shoes is too much to comprehend. The night before attending the procession, I was home watching shows covering 9/11. Here we are 20 years later and
“Walmart, Kroger, trash bags, etc. - They get tangled in machinery and cause it to break down. When you put non-recyclable items in the bin, you are simply prolonging the trip to the landfill, along with increasing costs for vendors. Other things that don’t belong in the bins like clothing, plastic barrels, trash cans, Christmas lights. Those things wreak havoc on the recycling and sorting ma-
chines,” St. John said. St. John encourages all Miami County residents to visit the Miami County Recycling District this week. “Take advantage of the cleanup week. There are still several days left. The District has extended hours this week to serve you better. Call the District if you have questions,” she said. They can be reached at 765-472-7224.
continued from Page 1 the lives of Americans like Cpl. Sanchez and others all around the world are being thrown away over hate. Each year when I watch shows recounting the events of that day, my emotions are all over the place. Horror, fear, sadness, anger, and pride. The pride comes from watching New Yorkers and people all over the world coming together to help anyway they could. I saw newscasts showing people from other countries reacting to the news of what happened in New York, Washington D.C., and Pennsylvania. Their compassion was beyond moving. Now, I was standing on the hard top of my truck bed waiting for the procession to begin. Although I was there to cover the event for the newspaper, I was also
there because I wanted to show my respect for this young man and the sacrifice he made for our country. For our freedom. We all know too well, some more than others, that freedom isn’t free. A short blast of a siren sounded and lights from police cars began flashing, alerting us the procession was about to begin. Those who
were sitting in chairs, cars or on truck beds stood up to line the edges of the street. As I stood there filming the procession, tears were streaming down my face and there was a lump in my throat. I couldn’t help it. The tears conveyed the feelings that were in my heart. Sadness and pride. As the hearse carrying Cpl. Sanchez’s body and
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cars filled with his family members rolled by, I was overcome with sadness. But for the next 45 to 50 minutes, I recorded what seemed like an endless stream of motorcycle riders (estimated number of riders was around 9,500) who were there to be a part of the procession. As many passed by, I heard songs like “Amazing
Grace” and “Proud to be an American” coming from their stereos. Flags were attached to the back of many bikes and the expressions on their faces ranged from somber to determined to pride. That’s when I felt my heart swell with pride and the tears kept coming. Cpl. Sanchez was given the honor and respect he deserved, and it
started in Miami County. We have much to be proud of in this community. May God bless Cpl. Sanchez, his family and friends and give them comfort during this difficult time. And God bless America. It is the land of the free because of brave people like Cpl. Sanchez. May he rest in peace.
September 15, 2021
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Obituaries Penny Sue Frederick, 56
Bertha Jean Thorn, 66
Gus James Wagner, 82
Jerry Orville Richardson, 79
Penny Sue Frederick, 56, of Peru, Indiana, passed away Friday, Sept. 3, 2021, at Dukes Memorial Hospital in Peru. Born in Peru at Dukes Hospital June 30, 1965, she was the daughter of Ben and Mavis (Rose) Rasmussen. She and her family moved to Bunker Hill in 1973. She attended Maconaquah High School up until eleventh grade, finishing at and graduating from Zweibrucken High School in Germany. In 1983, she married Dale J. Frederick. He survives. Penny worked at numerous places as her husband was in the Air Force and moved to different AF bases before getting out in 1992. After that, they moved back to Peru, Indiana, where they stayed. Penny was a Life member of the VFW Auxiliary Post 2067. She also loved gardening, every year planting flowers in her pots around her deck. She also collected cow windchimes and memorabilia. She loved her dogs Maggiemae, Mandy, Olivia, and her bird Smokieboy, which were her kids. She is survived by a sister Cathie (Jay) Colaizzi of Satsuma, Florida, a brother George (Teresa) Rasmussen of Macy, Indiana. Also, brother-inlaw Bob Kreig of Bunker Hill, and sister-in-law Toni Rasmussen of Peru; and four nieces, five nephews, five great-nieces, and six greatnephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister Velba (Rasmussen) Kreig, and brother Mark Rasmussen. Friends called from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 9, 2021, at FlowersLeedy Funeral Home, 105 West Third Street, Peru, Indiana. The funeral service was held at 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 10, 2021, with Bishop Rich Tucker officiating. Burial was at Mount Hope Cemetery, Peru. Arrangements have been entrusted to Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home. Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.FlowersLeedyAllen.com.
Bertha Jean Thorn, 66, of Peru, passed away Monday, Sept. 6, 2021, at St. Vincent Heart Center in Carmel, Indiana. She was born Dec. 4, 1954, in Birmingham, Alabama, to William and Lou Ethel (Jackson) Thorn. Bertha was raised in the South and attended grade school in Alabama before moving to Indiana. She attended Peru High School all four years and graduated in 1975. Following graduation, Bertha began working at AGP in 1976. She then went on to work at Eck Adams until they closed. She also worked at United Technologies in North Manchester before settling into her last job at Classico Seating as an upholsterer. Bertha has been retired for the last 10 years. She is a member of the United Steel Workers Union and also a member of the Peru Grace Brethren Church. In her spare time, Bertha enjoyed watching tv and spending time with her boys. She also enjoyed attending concerts. Bertha is survived by Hollie “Joe” Walton, whom she has been with for almost 40 years. Also surviving are her two children, Trey Thorn and William Thorn, both of Peru. In addition to her uncle Jimmy (Diane) Thorn of South Holland, Illinois; aunt Margaret Thorn of Rochester, Indiana; and Aunt Bessie Williams of Birmingham, Alabama. Also surviving are numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. Visitation was held from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021, at Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home, 105 West Third Street, Peru, Indiana. The funeral service followed at 4 p.m. with pastor Dave Jodry officiating. Memorial contributions can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. Arrangements have been entrusted to Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home. Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.FlowersLeedyAllen.com.
Gus James Wagner, 82, of Peru, passed away at 12:19 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 7, 2021, at Dukes Memorial Hospital. He was born on Nov. 23, 1938, in Wyandotte, Michigan, to Gus and Anna (Szatan) Wagner. He married Dian Hoeppner on Feb. 14, 1964, and she survives. Gus retired from Conrail Railroad as a conductor. He was also a member of the Masonic Lodge F&AM #67 in Peru. He was an avid fisherman and deer hunter. He is survived by his wife, their children: Kris (Rob) Thiel of Rensselaer, Jim (Linda) Kaufman of Peru, Steve (Lisa) Wagner of Peru, Tom (Suzy) Wagner of Peru, and Bridget (Scott) Butler of Denver; as well as 11 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are a brother Thomas Wagner of Amboy, a daughter-in-law Carolyn Kaufman of Peru, and his best animal friend, Zeke. He was preceded in death by his parents, a son Dan Kaufman, and a brother Gus Wagner Jr. There will be no public service. Arrangements have been entrusted to Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home. Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.FlowersLeedyAllen.com.
Jerry Orville Richardson, 79, of Peru, Indiana, went home to the Lord Saturday, Sept. 4, 2021, at the Wesleyan Healthcare Center in Marion. He was born Sept. 22, 1941, in Miami County, to Fredrick and Zora (Marquis) Richardson. He was married to Maggie Ann (Martin) Christmas Eve 1963 in Collins, Georgia. Jerry was a proud U.S. Army veteran serving with the 101st Airborne. He later retired from General Tire in Wabash, Indiana. He was an avid fan of Indiana University basketball. He also enjoyed playing poker, coon hunting and spending time with family and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Maggie Ann Martin in 2019; by his parents and siblings Glenn, Herbert, Joe, Marjorie Hatten, Uva Lesley and Doris Griggs. Jerry is survived by one sister, Shirley Klepinger of Florida, and his two children, Jerry D. (Crystal) Richardson of North Carolina and Kimberly A. (James) Fromm of Peru. His surviving grandchildren include Kasha and husband Mike, Brandon, Zeke, Jasmine, Shelby, Tyanne and husband Tony, Tyler, and wife Beth, and Tyla and wife Shelly. Surviving greatgrandchildren include Carter, Cayden, Easton, Ryeland, Faith, Nova, Brianna, Skyler, Maddie, Grace, Lorelai, J.J. and Kaycee. Graveside services with Military Rites were performed at 2 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 9, 2021, at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Peru. Burial followed services at the cemetery. No public visitation was planned; however, friends and family were invited to attend the graveside service. Memorial contributions can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.org. Jerry’s online guestbook and condolences can be shared with the family at www.riverviewfhperu.com.
More obituaries can be found on Page 4
Linda G. Duty, 70 Linda G. Duty, 70, of Peru, passed away Monday, Sept. 6, 2021, at Dukes Memorial Hospital. She was born in Blytheville, Arkansas, Feb. 9, 1951, to Silas and Freddie (Rose) Ray. She worked at the Grissom Air Force Base Inn in housekeeping. She enjoyed country music and camping, and she loved animals. She is survived by her children, Candy, Jesse, and Joni, as well as nine grandchildren and several greatgrandchildren. Also surviving are a brother Norman Ray of Kewanna, and a sister Patsy Garling of Peru. She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings. Visitation was held from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Monday, Sept. 13, 2021, at FlowersLeedy Funeral Home, 105 West Third Street, Peru, Indiana. The funeral service followed at Noon, with pastor Rick Tolley officiating. Burial took place at Greenlawn Cemetery in Mexico, Indiana. Arrangements have been entrusted to Flowers-Leedy Funeral Home. Family and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.FlowersLeedyAllen.com.
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September 15, 2021
THE PAPER
Obituaries
Anniversary
Angel Cornelio Mercado, 44
Anthony J. Kunczt, Jr. 80
Angel Cornelio Mercado, 44, of Peru passed away at 11:23 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 2, 2021, at Parkview Hospital in Wabash. He was born in Detroit, Michigan, Aug. 31, 1977, the son of Jesus Mercado and Carolyn Wilson. Angel married Kelly Pletka July 21, 2000, and she survives. Angel was a 1997 graduate of Lakeshore High School and a member of the Church of Christ at Grissom Air Force Base. Surviving in addition to his wife Kelly are his mother Carolyn Sue Vella and her husband Paul of Michigan; brothers Jesse Mercado and Curtis Wilson; sister Angela Cronkright; mother-in-law Lori Pletka of Peru, sisters-in-law Jamie Pletka and Matt of Peru, Jessica Funfsinn and her husband T.J. of Wabash, and Carrie Pletka of Kokomo; brother-in-law Aidan Patrosso of Peru; father-in-law John Pletka and his wife Fanny; many nieces and nephews who loved him dearly and his fur babies Daisy, Biscuit, Lily and Punk. Angel was preceded in death by his father Jesus Mercado and his father-in-law Rick Leader. A private viewing was held at the Eikenberry-Eddy Funeral Home, 84 W. Main St., Peru, IN.
Anthony J. Kunczt, Jr. (better known as “Butch”), 80, of Peru passed away Tuesday, Sept. 7, 2021, at Dukes Memorial Hospital Born April 20, 1941, in Martins Ferry, Ohio, he was the son of the late Anthony and Mathilda (Pogan) Kunczt, Sr. He was a graduate of Wheeling Central Catholic High School. Butch was a Master Sergeant of the U.S. Air Force, retiring after 24 years and having served in the Vietnam war. On January 6, 1962, he married his high school sweetheart, Evelyn B. Baudaillier. They were so looking forward to their upcoming 60th wedding anniversary. Butch was a big man with an even bigger heart. He was a friend to everyone he met and never forgot a name or face. He enjoyed motorcycle riding, fishing, hunting, woodworking, golfing, and most of all spending time with family and friends. He had a great sense of humor and an infectious laugh. In addition to his parents, Butch was preceded in death by daughter, Deborah Helder and sister, Maryanna Kunczt. Survivors include his wife, Evelyn Kunczt of Peru, children, Michael Kunczt (Cheryl) of Greenwood, Christine Kunczt of Peru, Belinda Kunczt of Indianapolis, son in law, Randall Helder of Kokomo, grandchildren, Laura, Amy, Kenny, Jeffrey, Jessica, Andrea, Alissa and Rachel and great grandchildren, Jaxson and Gwendolyn. Visitation was from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., Monday, Sept. 13, 2021, at Riverview Funeral Home in Peru. Services were at 1 a.m., Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2021, at Riverview Funeral Home, 421 W. Canal St., Peru. Burial with Military Rites were performed at 1 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2021, at the Marion National Cemetery, 1700 E. 38th St., Marion. Memorial contributions can be made to Brookside Free Methodist Church at http://www.brooksidefmc.org Butch’s online guestbook is available, and condolences can be shared with the family at www.riverviewfhperu.com.
Gayle Ann Saylors, 62 Gayle Ann Saylors, 62, of Greentown, Indiana, passed away at 12:24 a.m., Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2021, at Community Howard Regional Health. She was born Sept. 12, 1958, in Peru, Indiana, the daughter of John and Joyce Ann Gear Fenstermaker. Gayle is survived by her sons Troy and his wife Kristi Bakehorn of Converse, Indiana, and Rodney Bakehorn of Swayzee, Indiana; grandchildren Blake, Sierra, Austin, Rodney Jr, Alyssa and Rayden Bakehorn; a brother David Fenstermaker of Amboy; and sisters Joan and her husband Jerry Passmore of Texas and Debra and her husband Steve Bowland of Amboy. Family and friends gathered Thursday, Sept. 9, 2021, at the Laird-Eddy Funeral Home, 201 N. Main St., Amboy, Indiana, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Laird-Eddy Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.
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ISP investigating death at Miami Correctional Facility An autopsy was performed on Matthew Koch, 42, who had been found deceased, in his prison cell, at the Miami Correctional Facility. The autopsy conducted by Dr. Thomas Sozio, forensic pathologist, determined that Koch’s death was a homicide caused by blood loss from multiple sharp force trauma wounds. Investigators are conducting an active homicide investigation. On Sunday, Sept. 5, Indiana State Police Detective Wendell Beachy initiated an
investigation, at the request of the Miami Correctional Facility, into the death of inmate Koch. Correction officers found Koch unresponsive in his P Housing Unit cell. Despite lifesaving measures performed by prison staff members, Koch succumbed to his injuries. Investigators suspected foul play and treated the death as a homicide. Beachy was assisted by ISP Sergeant Jason Page, Miami Correctional Facility Investigator Neil Johnson, and Miami County Coroner John Boyer.
Mr. & Mrs. Wayne Hostetler, Bunker Hill, will celebrate their 61st wedding anniversary with an open house from 2-5 p.m. Sept. 25 at the Amboy Friends Fellowship Hall, Amboy. Hostetler and the former Nancy Stuber were married on Aug. 20, 1960, at the Emmanuel Fellowship Church Bunker Hill, by the Rev. Vern Stuber, the bride’s father.
Mr. & Mrs. Wayne Hostetler The couple has two children, Pamela Hostetler, Bunker Hill, and Polly (Mark) Dexter, Peru. They also
have two grandchildren, Brennan and Collin Dexter, and a great-grandchild, Archer Wayne Dexter.
Send your anniversary, milestone birthdays and retirement announcements to: mboswell@thepaperofmiami.com
September 15, 2021
THE PAPER
Peru High School Homecoming 2021
Photos by Michelle Boswell
5 Peru - 40, North Miami - 0
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September 15, 2021
A Hero comes home By Jeff and Anginette Coleman What does patriotism look like in America? Is it only during the 4th of July celebrations? Is that patriotism only there when we remember the 20th anniversary of 9/11? No, today a true glimpse of what that true good old fashion American patriotism looks like was displayed. It was a reminder that patriotism truly never left our country as many would lead us to believe. For example, the news media stories, and social media stories want you sucked into the idea that our country is so divided that we cannot stand united for anything. Yes, we have difference of opinions however today in a few small rural towns it was proved we as Americans still stand united. Today was one day after America remembered the 20th anniversary of all the lives lost during the worst terrorist attack on U.S. soil. Today was also the day an Indiana Hero returned home for the last time. That hero was Cpl. Humberto Sanchez a mere 22 years old. He served our country unwavering until his last breath. So many people knew him or his family personally and yet thousands more only knew what he and
his family sacrificed for each of us and this country we call United States of America to have freedom. Today people began lining the procession route hours before Cpl. Sanchez even landed at Grissom ARB. Driving the route he would travel, you see could thousands of people along the country roads and in the small towns leading to his home of Logansport. On the drive you saw people of all ages and race, but you do not notice them as much as you notice the flags and signs they have posted. Handheld flags. Big flags on poles fastened to pickup trucks. Farm tractors and fire trucks with huge flags fastened between them. Or the lone bucket truck with its flag flying high above the corn field it was tucked into. Flags blowing in the wind as the sun shined thru them. The signs on the route were of different sizes and makes also, but the words were the same, “Thank you for your service” “God Bless” “Our Hero”. Today as Cpl. Sanchez was brought from Grissom ARB to his home of Logansport there was no division only great unity. This was shown as the A-10’s flew overhead before the procession in the
missing man formation. Then came the six Indiana State Police motorcycles followed by several state and county officers and the Logansport Police department. Another fly over by the A-10’s as Cpl. Humberto Sanchez, laid in a white hearse, passed by followed by his family members. As Cpl. Sanchez passed by flags were raised, hats were removed, hands placed over hearts and in the silence many prayers were lifted for the family. The A-10’s did a circle fly pattern over the front of the procession until Cpl. Sanchez had arrived at the funeral home at which point they did one last fly over, in single file, over the rest of the procession that was filled with 9500 motorcycles. These motorcycle riders came from different parts of the US just to help escort CPL Sanchez home. This is what patriotism looks like in the United States of America. We do set aside our opinions and races to stand together. Let us stand together to continue to remember those who have fought for our freedoms. May we always be grateful for what we have. May we never forget Cpl. Humberto Sanchez and all the other brave soldiers and what they gave for this country.
Miami County awarded $333,070 through federal grant Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch and the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs announced 25 rural Indiana communities will receive more than $12.8 million in federal grant funding to improve water infrastructure and to address blighted properties. “These grants are important for our rural communities to continue their economic and community development,” Crouch said. “Not only does this funding help address blight and water in-
frastructure issues, but also is an important investment to improving the quality of life and quality of place for Hoosiers.” The State of Indiana distributes Community Development Block Grant funds to rural communities, which assist units of local government with various community projects such as infrastructure improvement, downtown revitalization, public facilities, and economic development. “We need to ensure
our Hoosier communities have safe, reliable structures and water infrastructure,” said OCRA Executive Director Denny Spinner. “These grants will help towns and cities to make necessary, and sometimes critical, improvements to their water systems or remove blight property to help provide a safe and healthy community for its residents.” Funding for OCRA’s CDBG programs originates from the
See Grant, Page 8
Flags were displayed all along the procession route honoring Marine Cpl. Humberto Sanchez. Cpl. Sanchez was killed in
Afghanistan Aug. 26. Photo by Anginette Coleman
September 15, 2021
Moments at St. Charles Bazaar, 2021
Photos by Michelle Boswell
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September 15, 2021
Community Calendar Sept. 17 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. - Grissom Air Museum will have their annual Warbird Golf Outing at the Logansport Golf Club. Logansport Golf Club is an 18-hole golf course located just outside of Logansport Indiana. It features unique and challenging holes that include water hazards and more. Lunch and ranges start at Noon with tee off at 1 p.m. and closing ceremonies at 5 p.m. Teams of four are needed to take on the course and try to win contests such as hole-in-one, longest drive, closest to the pin, and more. Entry fee is $300 for a team of four and includes lunch, snacks, prizes, range balls, cart rental, and green fees. Tournament proceeds will assist in the funding the B-58 Hustler project. Visit the hustler exhibit project on our website to learn more about the project. 9 p.m. – Beetlejuice at the shop at The Cat’s Pyjamas Vintage and Curiosities, 334 E. Sixth Street, Peru. The event is kid friendly and won’t start until dark. The event will be outdoor. Bring whatever is needed to be comfortable. Sept. 18 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. - The Substance Abuse Prevention Council (SAPC) is hosting the annual Recovery Month Celebration at the Riverview Event Center on Saturday, September 18, 2021, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. There will be vendors, guest speakers, a community update, a car show, awards, door prizes, kids’ games, and free lunch. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Farmer’s Market – downtown Peru, next to the Miami County Museum. Fresh produce, homemade pies, cookies, breads, shaved ice and lemon shakeups, handmade items and much more.
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Vendor Fair at Parkview United Methodist Church, 1785 S. State Road 19, Peru (across from Moseley Road, Parkview Heights). This event will include crafters, baked goods, paparazzi, home-made soaps, Damsel, Scentsy, Color Street Nails, Rada and more. Lunch will be available. For more information and vendor inquires call Donna at 765-469-3639. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Build a Scarecrow at Garden Gate Greenhouse, 3415 E 500 S, Peru. Harvesting Capabilities and Garden Gate Greenhouse are partnering for the Fourth Annual Build a Scarecrow fundraiser for Harvesting Capabilities. $25 to build a scarecrow. Choose from an Adult, Child or sitting scarecrow. All supplies will be provided. Sept. 18-19 Block Party 2021 - Downtown Peru. Saturday, Noon to 11 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Live music and vendors. Benefitting a veteran endowment and Rachel and Madalynn Staller. Sept. 22-26 International Circus Hall of Fame will have a work week with the intent of painting the barns. Those interested are invited to volunteer their time to help. Sept. 25 9 a.m. - Grissom Air Museum will host its first ever Jeeps, Jets, and Jams event Saturday, Sept. 25. The event kicks off at 9 a.m. with Jeep registration. Jeeps are $25 each and $5 for additional passengers. Make sure to arrive early to secure your spot next to the plane of your choice. At 10 a.m., the gates open to the general public with general admission of $20 per person with children under five being free. At 11 a.m., the Grace Scott band takes the stage followed by Money Shot
Grant continued from Page 6
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Community Development Block Grant program and is administered for the State of Indiana by OCRA. For more information, visit in.gov/ocra/cdbg. The Blight Clearance Program encourages communities with blighted properties to focus on longterm community development and revitalization through improving quality of place, generating jobs, and spurring economic revitalization. Eligible projects include the removal of deteriorated or abandoned downtown
buildings or vacant/unusable industrial sites. Miami County is awarded $333,070 to eliminate a blighted, unsafe structure that is known to have environmental issues with asbestos, a history of vandalism and a loss of structural integrity. Activities include demolition of the building, removal and proper disposal of materials, and remediation of any hazardous materials, which includes most notably asbestos and possibly lead base paint. Upon completion, the site will become local public greenspace.
Tucker at 3 p.m. and will close with Brandt Carmichael at 7 p.m. Sept. 25 & 26 Sept. 25 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. – National Alpaca Farm Days – Door prizes, photos, crafts, new yarn, lead an alpaca, see the newest Cria (babies), chili and meat stick tasting, store open for shopping, fiber demonstrations, fiber spinner (Saturday only).2642 W 200 N., Peru. 765-863-3701. Free event. Sept. 26 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. – National Alpaca Farm Days Oct. 2 9 a.m. - Peru Rotary Club’s Cole Porter Clas-
sic 5K & 10K Road Race 10K Run, 5K Run, 5K Competitive Walk. All events start at 9 a.m. Entrants must be able to complete the 10K run in 1 hour and 30 minutes Due to the COVID 19, we are making the following recommendations: Participants are encouraged to observe social distancing when possible. Face masks are encouraged when indoors. Packet Pick-up and registration at the Peru Fire Station, 85 W. Canal St., Peru. Race day packet pick will open at 7:30 a.m. Pre-registration closes at 11:59 p.m. Sept. 27, 2021, (required to be guaran-
teed a long-sleeved shirt) There will be no on-site race day registration. Late registration will be available online until 11:59 p.m. Oct. 1, 2021. (Shirt size and availability limited) The course is relatively flat and continues along the new Riverwalk Park trail, city streets and on the NPT. All events begin and end at the Peru Fire Station. Awards will be presented to the male & female winners in various age brackets for the following events: 5K Run, 10K Run, 5K Competitive Race Walk. There will also be a 1st place overall award
presented for the 5K & 10K runs and for the 5K Competitive Race Walk. Division Awards *Restrooms *Frequent Water Stations The first 150 entrants will receive a participation award Oct. 16 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. – Octoberfest at the Miami County Project Building located on the Miami County 4-H Fairgrounds. To apply to be a vendor, contact Michelle King at kingsheavenlygifts@gmail.co m or 870-926-2164. Nov. 26-28 German Christmas Market with live entertain-
ment in historic Peru on the Courthouse Square. Friday, Nov. 26 – 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 27 – 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 28 – 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Event will have a skating rink, German Band, German-made Christmas Ornaments, Christkindlmarkt mugs, German Christmas baked goods and more. Vendors – booth products must be German and/or Christmas related. There are still spaces for paid German entertainment. For more information, call 765-472-7655 or email vsdraper@comcast.net.