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State of the ...
Communities Roann Clerk-Treasurer Bob Ferguson addresses the attendees of the annual State of the Communities breakfast Feb. 17. Photos by Phil Smith
Area leaders discuss triumphs, challenges of past 12 months during annual event By Joseph Slacian jslacian@thepaperofwabash.com Government officials from around Wabash County talked about their successes from the past year and their hopes for the coming year during the 5th annual State of the Communities breakfast Thursday, Feb. 17. About 200 people were on hand at the Honeywell Center’s Legacy Hall for the event, sponsored by Grow Wabash County. All in all, the various officials said, the communities struggled at times with problems caused by the global pandemic. But, they added, their communities continued trying to improve the quality of life for residents, in spite of those problems. Wabash County Commissioner president Barry Eppley, LaFontaine Town Board member John Krhin, Lagro Clerk-Treasurer Kristie Bone, North Manchester Town Board president Jim Smith, Roann Clerk-Treasurer Bob Ferguson and Wabash Mayor Scott Long addressed the audience during the nearly 2-hour long event. Grow Wabash County vice president Tennille
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From left are North Manchester Town Board President Jim Smith, Wabash County Commissioners President Barry Eppley and Wabash Mayor Scott Long. Zartman was the program emcee, and noted that the final Imagine One report should be issued in the near future. The program seeks to halt the declining population trend that has plagued the county in recent years. “While the pandemic slowed us down slightly, we were able to move forward, thanks to the passion and engagement of the people of Wabash County,” she said. “After several Focus on the Future workshops throughout 2020 and 2021, the Imagine One 85 steering committee was able to hold a growth summit on the Honeywell Plaza outside on a warm summer evening last July. There, residents from around the county heard inspiring stories from fellow residents and contributed dozens of catalytic mighty ideas, is what we called them.” Key issues that have emerged during the plan-
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ning process include: Economic growth and prosperity. Increasing quality of life. More growth in arts and cultural amenities Invest in and embrace diversity of all kinds Improving housing and infrastructure Excellent in education. Walking the talk, promoting the communities. “The comprehensive plan will include a series of technical documents that will illustrate the needs of the county, along with an action agenda to bring about change,” Zartman said. Wabash County “The year just passed was good,” Eppley said. “The kind of good like going through a meat grinder, standing up, shaking it off, ready and looking forward to moving ahead.” Continued on Page 4
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February 23, 2022
Ag technology is constantly changing By Phil Smith psmith@thepaperofwabash.com
Members of Heartland Career Center’s Precision Agriculture Program are, from left, Evyn Manriquez, senior, Peru High School; Kaylee Nugent, junior, Peru High School; Caitlyn Miller, junior, Peru High School; Malachi Higgins, junior, Northfield Jr/Sr High School; Jorden Krom, junior, North Miami High School; Traceson Gearhart, junior, Manchester High School; Lane Stetzel, junior, Manchester High School; Tyler Kling, junior, North Miami High School; Karson Pratt, junior Northfield Jr/Sr High School; Tristan Barlow, junior, Northfield Jr/Sr High School and Reece Rosen, junior, Northfield Jr/Sr High School. Seniors are currently serving as interns and were not available for the photo. Photo by Phil Smith
Heartland program teaches ag technology to students By Phil Smith psmith@thepaperofwabash.com
In helping high school students learn to use advancements in technology to improve farming efficiency in the 21st Century, the vocational school is teaching these proteges how to approach many of these issues from above. “This is a brand new program we started here at Heartland Career Center,” said Precision Agriculture Instructor Lori Dubois of her drone certification program. “So, it’s very relevant to what’s going on in agriculture, industry and business.” Students in the program undergo a training regimen that takes as many as eight weeks to complete before traveling to one of several testing sites where they hope to pass the test and become certified drone pilots. Dubois said stakeholders such as decision makers in agriculture and other businesses
and industries are excited about the program. “They are applauding our efforts to start a program like this so we can get the next generation involved with all the technology that’s now available on the farm.” The HCC program includes several drones of different sizes, includ-
ing one that costs more than $22,000 and is designed to deliver seed or fertilizers to fields. “It sounds like a helicopter when it takes off,” Dubois said. “Drones are a small portion of what we do here in this class,” she said. The drone certification is referred to as Part 107.
Dubois said drones can be used for everything from delivering nutrients or seed onto a field to actually counting how many individual plants a farmer has. This metric is known as a field’s stand count. “Farmers need to know their stand counts so they know whether they
In the past 100 years, the tractor was the technology advance that proved a massive game changer in farming. However, technology innovations in the past 20 to 30 years have proven no less significant. To this end, farmers are lauding agriculture technology and academia is trying to keep up to ensure the next generation of farmer knows how to use these advancements to keep livestock and crop productions continually optimized. For farmers, timely inventions in heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), as well as global positioning systems (GPS), have made planting crops and raising livestock more cost effective. “Agriculturalists are really excited about having this
next generation be involved with the technology,” said Lori Dubois, an instructor for Heartland Career Center’s Precision Agriculture Program. “ “Part of the curriculum we teach has to do with technology that’s involved with agriculture. Now, agriculture is all about technology.” Unlike just several decades ago, livestock systems such as combined animal feeding operations (CAFOs) and crop production were more hands on and farmers had to struggle to make sure livestock such as hogs, chickens and cattle were kept healthy all the way to market and the planting, cultivating and harvesting of crops was done correctly for maximum yield. Today, many CAFOs have computer-driven climate controlled systems that keep animals comfortable; farm imple-
ments such as tractors, planters and harvesters (combines) are also controlled using computer technology. Scott Haupert with Dale/Haupert Family Farms is part of the third generation to farm in Wabash County. The operation raises livestock such as swine and chickens as well as crops spread out over more than 2,000 acres. “When we built the first hog barn, my grandpa was still alive then and he thought we were nuts,” said Haupert. “We couldn’t believe how much things had changed on how you could regulate and monitor those pigs to make sure that they were getting the proper ventilation, the proper heat, the proper everything. There are misters in there to keep them cool. That was in ’01, and now there are things that are just Continued on Page 5
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February 23, 2022
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Council condemns cutting business tax By Joseph Slacian jslacian@thepaperofwabash.com
Officer sworn in: Griffen Miller was sworn in as the newest Wabash Police Department officer when the Wabash City Council met on Monday, Feb. 14. Probationary Officer Miller graduated from Cardinal Ritter High School in Indianapolis in 2016. He graduated from Marian University in 2021 with a major in Sports Performance and a minor in Criminal Justice. He currently resides in North Manchester, Indiana. Officer Miller has already completed the state required forty-hour pre-basic course and will begin patrol duties with another officer. As with all new officers, Officer Miller will be required to attend the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy within his first year. Photo provided
City transfers $1.4M to Local Trax Fund By Joseph Slacian jslacian@thepaperofwabash.com
The Wabash City Council approved transferring $1.467 million from two funds to the city’s Local Trax Fund. The money is expected to cover the city’s 20 percent contribution to building an overpass on East Street across the Norfolk Southern railroad tracks. The state will pay the remaining 80 percent of the $8.58 million project. “Within the last month and a half, things have kind of turned one way to another from the state on this project,” Mayor Scott Long said, explaining the need of the transfer. “Initially, the state was going to bond all the proceeds for all 12 Trax projects (around Indiana). Then they got an influx of federal money under the infrastructure bill, so they said they’re going to use that and not bond it, which makes it a (Local Public Agency) project, which means our street department will be the managing body on it, ver-
sus (the Indiana Department of Transportation), with the assistance of the engineering firm … A lot of assistance from the engineering firm.” When it was going to be bonded, the mayor continued, INDOT was going to purchase the rights of way from various homes on East Street, then invoice the city for its 20 percent of the purchase price. “When the funding changed, they notified me that we have to pay 100 percent of the right of way purchase, and then invoice INDOT to be reimbursed 80 percent, so it just flipped,” Long said. “Then they came back a week and a half ago with another email that says INDOT is not sure how they’re going to do it now.”’ The right of way acquisition is only a portion of the city’s cost. The 20 percent acquisition to be paid by the city is estimated at $319,680, Long told The Paper of Wabash County. In addition, the city’s portion of the Utility and Railroad coordination is estimated at
$320,000, and construction is estimated at $1,077,546, as of January 2022. “There are various times when the city will need to pay for these different items in the next two years,” Long said. Should the city be forced to pay for the acquisitions and then reimbursed by the state, Long estimates that the funds transferred should cover that expense. “We will get the
The Wabash City Council unanimously passed a resolution condemning the Indiana Legislature’s attempt to quash the state’s business personal property tax. The main concern, according to Mayor Scott Long, is that House Bill 1002 doesn’t provide for something to replace the loss of revenue stemming from the business personal property tax. Because of that, the City of Wabash stands to lose $1.5 million in tax revenue if the measure is signed into law. The city is already losing $720,000 annually because of property tax caps. If the measure is passed, the city will lose $2.2 million in taxes.
The resolution, passed by the council at its Feb. 14 meeting, was being pushed by the Association of Indiana Municipalities, a lobbying group for municipalities around the state. Similar resolutions are being sent to cities, towns and counties around Indiana, Long noted. Approval of the
House Bill would hurt not only the City of Wabash, but Wabash County and all of its smaller municipalities, the council contends. The business personal property tax raises more than $1 billion statewide, according to the city’s resolution. Of that, Wabash County receives $246.2 million, or about 16 percent of
the county’s total tax revenue. “The net assessed value would decrease by over 17 percent in Wabash County,” Long told the council, “causing an 11.92 tax rate increase in North Manchester, an 8.26 percent tax increase in Wabash, a 10.7 percent increase in Lagro, 13.3 percent in LaFontaine and Continued on Page 6
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One such event took place a few weeks ago, during the snowstorm that crippled Wabash County and much of the surrounding area. “The storm began as heavy rain and washed away the materials applied to abate the anticipated ice,” Eppley said. “Cold down conditions resulted in layers of rain and snow freezing to the road surface and additional snow accumulating to the top, and cold weather in the forecast.” Throughout the night, county trucks worked on the roads, he continued, noting that a debt of thanks is needed for all emergency crews who worked throughout the storm. A review of the county’s efforts is taking place. A project that the county has had the last few years is the Heartland Adult Learning Center. The county received a grant for the building of a 35,000 square foot building adjacent to the Heartland Career Center. Due to supply chain issues, labor shortages and inflation forced the plans for the building to be cut down to 22,000 square feet, he said. “Efforts are underway to fund and plan the building, as well as planning for operation once construction is complete,” Eppley said. Work also began on the new Wabash County Jail last October. The 76,000 square-foot facility will have 300 beds, but has space for up to 600 beds if needed, he continued. Work on the facility should be finished in the summer of 2023. The project was bid two ways – traditional construction and pre-fabricated construction. “Although the
traditional method would lessen cost, due to the recent labor shortage issue there will potentially be delays in the project due to hard bidding,” he said. While the new building is several times larger than the current facility, operational manpower will be similar. Utilities will be a fraction of the existing facility, Eppley said, and the building could be used to house inmates from other counties to help bring revenue to the county, as opposed to going out as it has the last 10 years or so. Town of LaFontaine The town is in the process of a sewer project, Krhin noted. “It’s a pretty extensive project,”
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Lagro Clerk-Treasurer Kristie Bone addresses the audience. Photo by Phil Smith
he said. “We’ve done smoke testing to eliminate the houses that were flowing into the sewage for wastewater for water runoff. We’re going to be lining our pipes next … and we’re also going to be upgrading two lift stations. We’re trying to eliminate the wastewater runoff into our sewage plant and make it easier for
our pumpers to run.” The town is also seeking to apply for a $4 million grant to build a new water plant. It also is seeking to upgrade a well that is not operating to full capacity. “The plan is to put in new meters to all houses and businesses,” Krhin continued. “That way they can be Continued on Page 11
February 23, 2022
The Paper of Wabash County
February 23, 2022
Heartland percent. “I was nervous when I got there because I didn’t want to drive all the way to Purdue to not pass,” he said. “Thankfully I didn’t (fail). I’m waiting on my certification in the mail.” Higgins said drones in the program can be controlled either by a controller that comes with the device, or by using a smart phone. Despite not having flown in a while, he said it becomes second nature. “It’s like riding a bike,” he said. “Once you do it, you won’t forget how to do it.” Dubois said seniors, or second-year Precision Agriculture students, finish out with internships. Of the juniors in her class, six are drone certified. She added that the FFA will soon feature a competition geared
Technology even more technical. There are push button screens and computers.” Haupert farms with a large team, including three of his brothers. Technology extends out from the animal feeding operations and into the fields, where computers can even tell a farmer which part of a field needs more nutrients addec. “Most of the time, our fertilizers and limes were spread or broadcast over every acre at the same exact (concentration), it didn’t matter what,” Haupert said. “Now, with soil samplings and with variable rates on these spreaders, they can put exactly what we want on those areas that need it, so we can be efficient with the fertilizers. We do the same thing with seed. Seed is planted by the soil type and that makes us more efficient.” For Dubois, preparing high school students for this profession is her program’s primary goal. One of the skills Dubois’ students learn is how to test soil and then to map a field, giving those who apply fertilizer a literal map on which part of the field are the most deficient in the nutrients needed for top yields. This is known as variable rates.
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Precision Agriculture students with drone certifications are, from left, Caitlyn
...continued from Page 2 need to replant versus what their yields are going to be,” she said. “Then, we can start making those decisions economically in the field.” Dubois said the drones her students train on are not as efficient during cold weather. Recently, a student in her class, reluctant at first to seek certification, received a 94 percent on his test. “He was hired the next week by a construction company,” she said. “So, it’s a needed certification.” Students are required to score at least a 70 percent on the 60-question test. Malichi Higgins, 17, a junior at Northfield Jr.-Sr. High School, took his test at the Purdue Aviation Center in West Lafayette. His written test took him an hour to complete. He scored 87
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Miller, junior, Peru High School; Malachi Higgins, junior, Northfield Jr/Sr High School; Traceson Gearhart, junior, Manchester High School; Tyler Kling, junior, North Miami High School; Karson Pratt, junior Northfield Jr/Sr High School and Reece Rosen, junior, Northfield Jr/Sr High School. Photo by
Phil Smith
toward drone pilots. “We will be competing in that in about a month,” she said, adding that part of the competition will feature programming a drone. Dubois said the Precision Agriculture program compliments one of the area’s leading industries quite well and helps the farmers
...continued from Page 2 “It used to be — and it still is in some cases — we found that spraying the same amount of fertilizer on the field is not being very efficient in agriculture,” she said. “The soil is different, so that’s why we do our soil mapping. So, we start in this class learning soils. Then they create a map from that, and that’s how we get our variable rates. So, it all starts with the soil.” Students will also develop skills most closely related to accounting. “They’re currently doing a project where they’re working on costs and implementing,” she said. “They’re seeing it on paper. They’re calculating out the cost of doing composite, full field (fertilizer application) versus variable rate, and they’re learning very quickly that it’s much more cost-efficient to do a varied rate.” Using GPS, farmers can also get assistance in guiding machinery during planting and harvesting. “The GPS has obviously come a long way, and it takes a lot of the stress out of farming, honestly,” said Troy Haupert of Dale/Haupert Family Farms. “The long days and nights that you’re in a Continued on Page 6
of tomorrow use all the available tools to continue into the future. “My personal interest is helping them to get not just a job, but a career,” she said. “I remember being in their shoes when I was this age, not knowing what I was going to do in my life. I try to tag them into all kinds of business and industry. We’re in a
rich community, full of agriculture,” she said.
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Tax
The Paper of Wabash County ...continued from Page 3
12.91 in Roann. “So, it not only affects the City of Wabash; it will affect every community in this county.” Council member Doug Adams asked the rationale behind the state’s measure. “I think historically, there’s been efforts over the last several years to do away with the business personal property tax,” City Attorney Doug Lehman said. “I think the theory behind it is that it drives businesses away from Indiana and that we would be able to attract
more business if we didn’t have a personal property tax. “I think it’s somewhat easy for the State Legislature to do away with a tax that generates revenue for municipalities and counties in the state and not necessarily generate revenue for the state itself. That’s why we’re asking for them to identify another revenue source for us, to replace what we’re losing.” The mayor agreed with Lehman’s assessment. “The governor has said he thinks
it will improve Indiana’s business climate, but for the last several years we’ve been in the top five in the nation, as far as business climate and tax climate for businesses,” Long said. “I don’t necessarily think we need to be number one if we’re in the top five. I think that’s the driving force behind (the bill). They think, magically, all these businesses will come to Indiana.” Council member Wade Weaver asked “won’t the property owners have the burden of (the tax being removed). I
am one of the business owners … but on the other hand, I’m also a home owner.” Lehman noted, “What they give you with one hand they take away with another.” Losing the tax money poses another looming question for the city. “The question is, as a city council, if we lose that $1.5 million in revenue, where do we make cuts?” Long asked. “Is it personnel cuts? I don’t know where you start. That’s why mayors are vehemently opposed to it.”
Wabash County Farm Bureau offering scholarships The Wabash County Farm Bureau, Incorporated, is making available up to six $750 scholarships to Wabash County high school graduates. To be eligible: • Parents, guardian, or the applicant must hold a valid Wabash County Farm Bureau Incorporated, primary or select membership for at least 2 years prior to this application. • Students should have graduated or will be graduating from a Wabash County High School The scholarship is available for any college applicant who needs finan-
cial aid, that has applied and been accepted at a school of their choice. (Transcript of grades need not be sent unless requested) Any college applicant may use the money toward college fees in any college of his or her choice. If selected, the scholarship check will be sent directly to the recipients chosen college. *Scholarships must be used by December 31 of the current year. The student must attach a 3 inch by 4 inch picture of himself/herself in the area indicated on the application’s first page. The applicant is not eligible if he or
Trax ...continued from Page 3 reimbursement from INDOT, which will be deposited back into the Local Trax Fund,” Long said. “That will then be used for the construction funding 20 percent from the city. It isn’t anticipated that we would be invoiced by any construction expenses until summer 2023 at the earliest.” INDOT hasn’t given any indication when a decision on who will pay the upfront
costs will be finalized. “As I’ve said, they’ve changed their minds three times on how the payments will be done, so I cannot give you an idea on when a final decision will be made,” Long said. “My goal is just to ensure that we have the funds available to disburse from the Local Trax Fund, whenever it is needed.”
she is the child of: an Indiana Farm Bureau employee or Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance employee. The applicant is not eligible if they have already won this scholarship twice.
This application is to be turned in by March 1, 2022, to: Wabash County Farm Bureau Inc. 2022 Scholarship c/o Farm Bureau Insurance Office 594 S. Miami Street Wabash, IN 46992 attn: Becky Pratt
February 23, 2022
Technology tractor or combine, you don’t have to stare at the row, and you don’t end the day with a headache.” Jared Haupert, another sibling and team member of Dale/Haupert Family Farms, reiterated the importance of electronic and computerized innovations when it comes to the livestock side of the operation. “Technology has helped tremendously in making sure the animals are comfortable inside these barns,” he said. “They’re out of the environment, so they don’t have to worry about the heat and the cold. There’s a constant temperature inside that barn with good air flow, good water supply, good space and good feed all the time. The building is set up for production, but it’s
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also set up that if those (animals) aren’t comfortable, they’re not going to grow.” Another paradigm shift in livestock farming in recent decades is what ag professionals call bio-security. In the 21st century, it’s highly unlikely that a person can just walk in off the street and straight into an animal feeding operation. Anyone entering a livestock barn today will be asked to don special clothing designed to prevent outside contaminants into the facility. “Both chickens and pigs are very susceptible to disease, so we have to be very mindful of biosecurity,” said Nathan Haupert of the award-winning family farm. “That’s for the welfare of the pigs, so they’re not getting a disease from any-
thing outside. Their health and development is a key thing for them to be raised properly.” Muscle, sweat and long hours are still a part of the modern day farm. But Troy Haupert said without computers, automated systems and information-providing satellites, a farmer would struggle to keep pace. “That’s where farming is headed, to be more efficient with the ground that you have because there is no more ground being made,” he said.
The Paper of Wabash County
February 23, 2022
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WHS students fare well at ISMMA Thirty-nine students from Wabash High School participated in the annual Indiana State School Music Association Piano and Vocal District Contest held at Fairfield Jr.-Sr. High School in Goshen on Saturday, Feb.y 12. Fifteen of the eighteen entries earned “superior,” gold-medal ratings; the other three earned “excellent,” silver-medal scores. Vocal soloists who earned a gold medal in the Stateeligible category Group I included: seniors Brenden Rowan, Marcus Haynes, Quinn Haynes, Jordan Jones, and sophomore Mollie Friend. In Group II, soloists Logan
Walters and Paloma Shull, both sophomores, brought home Golds. Freshmen Eli Edmond and Kasen Oswalt, and sophomore Xander Rose delivered Gold-Medal performances as Group III soloists. One vocalist in Group III earned Silver, freshman Zaarik DeVore. The Symphonic Voices, entered as a Group I Women’s Small Ensemble performing “Poor Man Lazrus” by Jester Hairston, won a silver medal. These members were Morgan Butcher, Kiara Carmichael, Mollie Friend, Jordan Jones, Breanna Keefer, Karigan Long, Maegan Poe, Eva Sears, and Paloma Shull. The
Group I Men’s Small Ensemble, the Airmen, claimed five more Gold medals for their perfect score performance of “Lord, Listen to Your Children Prayin’” by Ken Medema. The Airmen are: Brendan Rowan, Xavier Hughes, Ethan Haynes, Marcus Haynes, and Quinn Haynes. The Debonairs men’s group scored 10 silver medals in Group III performing “Mighty Men of Song” by composer Joseph Martin. These men were Zaarik DeVore, Eli Edmond, Marcus Haynes, Gavin Nique, Kasen Oswalt, Gavin Palmer, Xander Rose, Jared Stevens, Logan Walters, and Alex
Zinn. In the Small Ensembles Group I division, two entries received Gold ratings. A men’s barbershop quartet performed “Down By the Riverside.” Members are Marcus Haynes, Quinn Haynes, Ethan Haynes and Brenden Rowen. The women’s sextet led by senior Jordan Jones performed “He’s Gone Away” from composer Ron Nelson – other members were Karigan Long, Eva Sears, Mollie Friend, Paloma Shull, and Breanna Keefer. A Large Ensemble, Girls’ Group III division, featured the voices of the Treblemakers – the Women’s Choir
The “Airmen” earned a perfect score and performed at Indianapolis, Feb. 19; L to R – Ethan Haynes, Xavier Hughes, Quinn Haynes, Marcus Haynes, Brenden Rowan
Members of the “Treblemakers” Women’s Choir are (front from left) Caroline Catt, Paige Arrowood, Ellen McKenzie, Hiley Ward, Mya Haney, Madi Gillespie; Olivia Mollett (second row, from left), Aleigha Woodward, Ameerah Ray, Lacie Jones, Jaide Clark and Hannah Perkins. Photos provided (photo attached). These ladies earned a Gold rating for their performance of Jim Papoulis’ “When I Close My Eyes.” This ensemble included Paige Arrowood, Caroline Catt, Jaide Clark, Madison Gillespie, Mya Haney, Lacy Jones, Ellen McKenzie, Olivia Mollett, Hannah Perkins, Ameerah Ray, Hiley Ward,
and Aleigha Woodward. A small ensemble men’s Group III led by Senior Gavin Nique brought home six Silver medallions for their rendition of “Jonah.” These men were Gavin Palmer, Marcus Haynes, Logan Walters, and Eli Edmond. All of the aforementioned gold medalists in the Group I category of
solos and ensembles have qualified for State competition and will represent Wabash in Indianapolis at Perry Meridian High School Saturday, Feb. 19. Only gold winners in the most difficult level of judging (Group I) are accepted for the State auditions. All performers are directed by Mark Nevil.
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The Paper of Wabash County
Virginia Reahard, 80
Parkview volunteer
Former Animal Shelter warden Aug. 4, 1941 – Feb. 16, 2022
Dec. 9, 1930 – Feb. 12, 2022
Virginia Ann Reahard, 80, of Wabash, formerly of rural North Manchester, Virginia went to be with the Lord at 7:45 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 16, 2022, at Wellbrooke of Wabash. She was born on Aug. 4, 1941, in Wabash, to Fred and Effie (Easterday) Ellis. Virginia married Donald E. Reahard in Wabash on Aug. 23, 1956. She was the warden at the Animal Shelter of Wabash County several years. Virginia attended the Oakdale Baptist Church in Peru. She enjoyed flower and vegetable gardening, reading, thrift store shopping, and loved all animals. Virginia also enjoyed spending time with her granddaughter, great grandson, and her special friends. She is survived by her husband, Donald E. Reahard of Wabash; three children, Diana Stephenson of Kokomo, Teresa Sears of Wabash, and Ryan Reahard of Kokomo; seven grandchildren; and 11 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, and two sisters. Per Virginia’s request there will be no services. Arrangements by Grandstaff-Hentgen Funeral Service. Preferred memorial is Animal Shelter of Wabash County. The memorial guest book for Virginia may be signed at www.grandstaff-hentgen.com.
Ruby Bakehorn, 85 Member of 2 Auxiliaries Feb. 12, 1937 – Feb. 19, 2022 Ruby Lee Bakehorn, 85, of Wabash, died at 8:15 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 19, 2022, at her home. She was born on Feb. 12, 1937, in Kentucky, to Bill and Lidia Mae (Breeding) Hall. Ruby married Ralph E. Bakehorn, Jr. in Lagro, on Sept. 24, 1966; he died Dec. 27, 2015. She was a member of the Lagro American Legion Auxiliary and the Wabash V.F.W. Auxiliary. She is survived by two children, Jeffrey A. Bakehorn and Karla Jo Bakehorn; two granddaughters, Brandy (Jeffrey) Hamm and Misty (Jeremy) Fry; and two great-grandsons, Rylen Hamm and Cayden Hamm, all of Wabash; her sister-in-law, Bonnie Hall of North Vernon, and her adopted son Greg (Susan) Hite of Wabash. She was also preceded in death by her parents, son, James Barton Bakehorn, daughter-in-law, Jane Bakehorn, brother, Lloyd Hall, and her sister, Jean McGinnis. Graveside services and burial will be 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, Feb. 23, 2022, at Mississinewa Cemetery, Somerset, with David Phillips officiating. Friends may call 4-7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2022, at Grandstaff-Hentgen Funeral Service, 1241 Manchester Ave., Wabash. Preferred memorial is Animal Shelter of Wabash County. The memorial guest book for Ruby may be signed at www.grandstaff-hentgen.com.
Betty Buchanan, 91
Betty C. Buchanan, 91, of Wabash, passed away at 10:25 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 12, 2022, at Miller’s Merry Manor in Wabash. She was born on Dec. 9, 1930, in Lexington, Ky., to Finley David & Mattie Mae (Hawkins) Cole. She graduated in 1948 from Lafayette High School in Lexington, and was married in May of 1950 in Lexington, to James Allan “Buck” Buchanan who preceded her in death. She was a homemaker and formerly worked as an office manager for Scallon Supply in Lexington for many years. She grew up in Lexington and has lived in West Virginia, Tampa, Jacksonville, and Lexington before moving to Wabash in 1996. She was a member of the Christ United Methodist Church in Wabash, Wabash Chamber of Commerce, Board of the Tobacco Free Coalition, and volunteered at the Parkview Hospital in Wabash. She is survived by: a daughter – Karen Buchanan (Skip) Daughtry of Wabash; three grandchildren – Christopher (Sarah) Daughtry of St. Louis, Mo., Matthew (Vanessa) Daughtry of Wabash, and Hyde Daughtry (Ian) Heckman of Noblesville; 10 great-grandchildren – Caroline, Chloe, Anna, Amelia, Trenton, Trevor, Treyce, Skylar, Delaney, and Brennan. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son, James Allan Buchanan, sister Kitty Lou Rector, and brother William Gaines Cole. Cremation will take place at Cremation Services of Kosciusko County, 4356 N. St. Rd. 15, Warsaw. A Celebration of Life service will be held in the spring at her church. Private family burial will take place in Kentucky at a later date. Preferred memorials may be given to the Wabash County Tobacco Free Coalition, 41 Canal St., Wabash, IN 46992. To send condolences to the family of Betty Buchannan, please visit www.cremationserviceskc.com
February 23, 2022
Timothy Sams, 50 Was construction worker Jan. 16, 1972 – Feb. 14, 2022 Timothy James Sams, 50, of Wabash, died at 8:28 p.m., Monday, Feb. 14, 2022, at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne. He was born on Jan. 16, 1972, in Tipton, to Dallas and Linda (Forrester) Sams. Tim married Cyndi Chambers in Wabash, on Nov. 14, 1997. He was a construction worker and a member of the NRA. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, being on his boat, and watching hunting and fishing shows on TV. Tim also loved animals, but his pride and joy was his granddaughter, Brynlee Ray. Let’s Go Brandon! He is survived by his wife, Cyndi Sams of Wabash; two children, Christian Michael (Beverly) Sams of Lafayette, and Kayla Larissa Sams of Wabash; granddaughter, Brynlee Ray Sams of Lafayette; brother, Dallas Michael (Brenda) Sams of Lagro; nieces and nephew; Ashli (Smitte) Walker, Andru (Kayla) Sams, Scott Pearson, Aaron (Shaina) Creech, and Bethanie Martin, great nieces and nephews; Qorlana Walker, Cyncere Walker, Bentley Martin, Lincoln Martin, Jareth Lancaster, and Paislee Shepherd; and special friends; Phil Smith, Aaron Hall, Morgan Ritter, and Rich (Shannon) Baele. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Ladonna Marie Sams, and nephew, Austin Sams. Visitation and funeral services were Sunday, Feb. 20, 2022, at Grandstaff-Hentgen Funeral Service, 1241 Manchester Ave., Wabash, with Pastor Jeff Porter officiating. Friends may call 12:30 - 2:00 pm Sunday, at the funeral home. Preferred memorial is to the family for funeral expenses c/o Grandstaff-Hentgen. The memorial guest book for Tim may be signed at www.grandstaff-hentgen.com.
Donald J. Weaver, 96 U.S. Army veteran Feb. 6, 1926 – Feb. 15, 2022 Donald J. Weaver 96, formerly of Fort Meyers Beach, Fla., currently of Wabash, passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2022, at Wellbrooke of Wabash. He was born in Grant County on Feb. 6, 1926, to Dean W. and Helen (Owings) Weaver. Donald was a 1944 graduate of Sweetser High School. He was a farmer and worked at Dana in Marion. He was in the United States Army. He was a member of the Fort Wayne Shriners and a former member of the LaFontaine Lion’s Club.
Donald is survived by 10 nieces and nephews; one brother, Forrest Weaver of Marion; brotherin-law, Ronald Brewer of Marion. He was proceeded in death by his parents, Dean and Helen Weaver; one brother, Wilfred Weaver; three sisters, Roberta Tinkle, Doris Blackburn, and Anna Belle Brewer. Private graveside services will be at Grant Memorial Park Cemetery in Marion. McDonald Funeral Homes, LaFontaine Chapel, 104 South Main Street, LaFontaine, have been trusted with Donald Weaver’s final arrangements. Preferred memorials are to LaFontaine Lion’s Club. Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.mcdonaldfunerals.com
February 23, 2022
The Paper of Wabash County
www.thepaperofwabash.com
John Petro, 75
Danielle Stamate, 39
Served as LaFontaine fire chief
Enjoyed cooking
Worked at Hardees
July 1, 1982 – Feb. 16, 2022
March 26, 1967 – Feb. 15, 2022
Oct. 24, 1946 – Feb. 16, 2022 John Michael Petro, 75, of LaFontaine, passed away at 6:31 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 16, 2022, at Homestead Hospice Home in Fort Wayne. He was born on Oct. 24, 1946, to Grant and Velma (Berry) Petro in Marion. John was a 1964 graduate of Southwood High School. He served in the United States Army from 1964 to 1967 in the Vietnam War Era and the Cold War Era. He married Sharon Powell on July 2, 1967. She survives. He worked at Stremell and Hill from 1967 to 1968, then at General Motors in Marion for 30 years from 1968 to 1998. He was a former licensed baseball umpire and licensed taxidermist. He was a metal detector enthusiast since 1970. He was a founding member of Metocinyah Long Rifles LaFontaine. Along with his father, he helped establish Mississinewa Battlefield Re-enactment. He was also an APA Pool member. He was a member of the Independent Order of Oddfellow Lodge 533 in LaFontaine and UAW member 977. Upon retirement he mowed lawns and along with his brother, he processed firewood in the LaFontaine area. He was a former member of the LaFontaine Fire Department and former Fire Chief. John and his wife owned the LaFontaine Café from 1984 to 1989. He was a part time local Historian. He enjoyed repairing lawn mowers as a hobby. John is survived by his wife, Sharon Petro of LaFontaine; one son, Josh Petro (Haley Duvall) of Marion; one daughter, Tracy (Jerry) Woodward of Greenwood, S.C.; one grandson, Brandon (Jessica) Woodward; one brother, Joseph (Cheryl) Petro of Wabash; one sister, Pam (Jerry) Whitener of LaFontaine; three great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. He is proceeded in death by his parents, stepfather Tom Pearce, and one granddaughter Tabatha Ann Woodward. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2022, at McDonald Funeral Homes, LaFontaine Chapel, 104 South Main Street, LaFontaine, with Pastor Brad Wright officiating. Burial will follow at LaFontaine IOOF Cemetery. Visitation will be from 3-7 p.m. Monday Feb. 21, 2022, at the funeral home McDonald Funeral Homes, LaFontaine Chapel, 104 S. Main St., LaFontaine, have been trusted with John Petro’s final arrangements. The family of John asks to come as you are and dress casual. Preferred memorials are to LaFontaine IOOF Lodge No.533 LaFontaine, IN 46940. Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.mcdonaldfunerals.com
On Feb. 16, 2022, Heaven welcomed a precious angel, Danielle Stamate, 39 with family by her side at Visiting Nurses Hospice in Fort Wayne. She was born July 1, 1982, to Stephen Stamate and Deborah (Stamate) Vanyo in Lakeland, Fla. Danielle came to Wabash, Indiana in 1995. She attended Wabash High School. After school, she worked at Miller’s Merry Manor. She fought a long and courageous battle at a very young age with renal failure. The last couple years were the toughest with multiple surgeries and the last 9 months were spent in the hospital or nursing care. She was the strongest woman so many nurses and doctors had ever seen and fought until the very end. She always had a smile and such a beautiful spirit and made the best of her situation, being goofy and making light of her situation, despite the seriousness of it. She never knew a stranger and was a friend to many. She always tried to help people, even with her disabilities, when she was able. She loved music and going to concerts with her brother, Travis, to see their favorites, Dave Matthews Band and The Why Store. She loved spending time with family and cooking with new recipes. She is survived by her son, Tyler Lee Stephen Cole; mother, Deborah (Stamate) Vanyo (Cam Vanyo); brother, Travis Airgood; sister, Brittany (Stamate) Hamm (Todd Hamm); and niece, Tessa Hamm; Chris Godwin and his two children she raised as her own, Seth and Courtney Godwin. She is proceeded in death by her father, Stephen Stamate; cousin, Chad Galbicka; grandparents Joe and Essie Dale and Gene and Helen Stamate. Visitation will be held at Congregational Christ Church, 301 N Walnut St, North Manchester, In from 1:00 - 3:30 with service following directly afterwards on Feb. 26, 2022, with J.P. Freeman officiating. Preferred donations to the National Kidney Foundation and to Visiting Nurse Hospice, Fort Wayne. Arrangements by Midwest Funeral Home.
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Gay Lynn Sorg, 54
Gay Lynn Marie Sorg, 54, North Manchester, passed away on Feb. 15, 2022 at Peabody Healthcare in North Manchester. The daughter of Wilbur J. and Pauline V. (Hulvey) Sorg, Gay was born March 26, 1967 in Columbia City. Gay Sorg did not know a stranger and considered everyone she knew a friend. Gay loved spending time with her many favorite nieces and nephews. Gay’s face would light up each time she saw a baby. Before her mother’s passing in 2015, Gay could always be found by her mother’s side. Gay enjoyed being a hostess at Hardees in North Manchester for over 10 years. She was a huge Indianapolis Colts and WWE wrestling fan. Gay enjoyed journaling every day and was a faithful member of Saint Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church. She would also attend Congregational Christian Church in North Manchester. The loving memory of Gay Lynn Marie Sorg will be forever cherished by her brothers, Wayne (Donna) Sorg, Fort Wayne, Karl (Dorothy) Sorg, Wabash, Peter Sorg, North Manchester, Kevin Sorg, North Manchester, Luke (Deb) Sorg, Huntington, Mark (Lorie) Sorg, North Manchester, Doug Sorg, North Manchester, and Keith (Rachelle) Sorg, North Manchester; sisters, Elaine Snyder, North Manchester, Bonnie (David) Reas, Fort Wayne, Marie (Tom) Hardy, North Manchester, Susan (Don) Lance, Warsaw, Pat (Chuck) Runyan, North Webster, Julie (Keith) Mobley, North Manchester; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Wilbur J. and Pauline V. (Hulvey) Sorg; brother, Stanley Sorg; sister-in-law, Joyce Sorg; nephew, Phillip Hardy; niece, Karla Easterday and great-nephew, Klayton Reas. Visitation was Feb. 18, 2022, from 2-7 p.m. at McKee Mortuary, 1401 State Road 114 West, North Manchester, with the reciting of the Rosary. Visitation and funeral mass were Saturday, Feb. 19, 2022, at Saint Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church, 1203 State Road 114 East, North Manchester, with viewing beginning at 9:30 a.m. and Father Dennis DiBenedetto officiating. Burial was at Saint Aloysius Cemetery, 14623 Bluffton Road, Yoder. For those who wish to honor the memory of Gay Sorg, memorials may be made to Daniel’s Place, 113 East Main Street, North Manchester, IN 46962 and/or Rising Kites, 4294 Oak Street, Bridgman, Mich., 49106. The family of Gay Sorg has entrusted McKee Mortuary with care and final arrangements. Condolences may be emailed to mckeemortuary.com
Reta Bahney, 84 U.S. Air Force veteran June 3, 1937 – Feb. 19, 2022 Reta Y. Bahney, 84, of rural Akron died Saturday, Feb. 19, 2022. She was born June 3, 1937 Burial and services were Saturday, March 19, 2022 Hartzler Funeral Home, Akron, handled arrangements.
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The Paper of Wabash County
www.thepaperofwabash.com
February 23, 2022
Gary Hoch, 67
Margaret Ann Birt, 77
Laura ‘Kate’ Mitting, 92
Retired from Zimmer-Biomet
Enjoyed singing
Co-owned Mittings Greenhouse
Dec. 8, 1954 – Feb. 16, 2022
June 4, 1944 – Feb. 14, 2022
Sept. 4, 1929 – Feb. 17, 2022
Gary Howard Hoch, 67, North Manchester, passed peacefully on Feb. 16, 2022 at home. The son of Beaver Edward and Eloise Pearl (Zook) Hoch, Gary was born Dec. 8, 1954 in Huntington. After graduating from Manchester High School in 1972, Gary went on to earn his CNC Operator license from Ivy Tech in Warsaw. On April 4, 1981, he married Mary Ann Mugford and the two would welcome two children, J.D. and Megan. He was a farming hobbyist who always worked hard and collector of many things that he called “his treasures.” Gary retired from Zimmer-Biomet in June 2021 after more than ten years with the company. Gary was an outdoor enthusiast who enjoyed taking his son, J.D., hunting and his grandchildren fishing. He cut wood daily and was a skilled storyteller. There was never a dull moment when Gary was involved; he was quite the comedian and strong-willed. Gary was a dedicated IU basketball and Chicago Bears fan and enjoyed watching Westerns on Grit T.V. Most of all, Gary loved his family and had a huge soft spot for his grandchildren and dogs. The loving memory of Gary Howard Hoch will be forever cherished by his wife, Mary Ann Hoch; son J.D. Hoch, Bippus; daughter, Megan (Nick) Krom, Urbana; sister, Kathy (Steve) Kamphues; grandchildren, Rya Hoch, Connor Krom and Caiden Krom. He was preceded in death by his parents, Beaver Edward and Eloise Pearl (Zook) Hoch; one brother, Jeffrey Hoch and one sister, Diane Hoch. Family and friends may call Sunday, Feb. 20, 2022 from 2-4 p.m. at McKee Mortuary, 1401 State Road 114 West, North Manchester. Funeral services will begin at the conclusion of calling on Feb. 20, 2022, with Pastor J.P. Freeman will officiating. For those who wish to honor the memory of Gary Hoch, memorials may be made to the Wabash County Animal Shelter, 810 Manchester Ave., Wabash, IN, 46992. The family of Gary Hoch has entrusted McKee Mortuary with care and final arrangements.
Peggy J. Watson, 60 Volunteered at Helping Hands Dec. 26, 1961 – Feb. 14, 2022 Peggy J. Watson 60, of Wabash, passed away on Monday, Feb. 14, 2022, at her residence. She was born in Marion on Dec. 26, 1961, to Noel and Mary (Jones) Williams. Peggy married Jerry Lee Watson on Nov. 28, 1987. He survives. Peggy was a volunteer at Helping Hands in Wabash, and enjoyed crocheting. Peggy is survived by her husband, Jerry Lee Watson of Wabash; one son, Shawn Watson of Converse, two daughters, Mrs. Robert (Jena) Sellers of Indianapolis, and Desy Watson of Bossier City, La.; one stepson, Joe (Denise) Watson of Lynn, Indiana, one brother, Larry (Eva) Williams of LaFontaine, Indiana, two sisters, Shirley (David) Sarll of Wabash, Indiana, and Patty (Tim) Adkins of Silver Lake, Indiana, and two step grandchildren. She is proceeded in death by her parents and one sister. Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, February 21, 2022, at McDonald Funeral Homes, LaFontaine Chapel, 104 South Main Street, LaFontaine, Indiana 46940, with Tonya Dieffenbach officiating. Burial will follow at LaFontaine IOOF Cemetery. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service starting at 10 a.m. Monday February 21, 2022, at the funeral home. McDonald Funeral Homes, LaFontaine Chapel, 104 South Main Street, LaFontaine, Indiana 46940, have been trusted with Peggy Watson’s final arrangements. Preferred memorials are to Helping Hands of Wabash, Indiana. Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.mcdonaldfunerals.com
Margaret Ann Birt, 77, died Monday, Feb. 14, 2022 after an eight-week battle with glioblastoma. She was born on June 4, 1944, in Wabash to Harley and Iona (Lantz) Rush. After graduating from Somerset High School in 1962, she married Harliss Birt in 1964. They lived together for 57 years in the same home in which they were married. Margaret is survived by her husband, Harliss Birt; four children, Arlene Birt of E p h r a t a , Pennsylvania; Annette (Mike) Clifton of North Manchester; Jeffrey (Angela) Birt of Hanover, Pennsylvania; and Karen Birt of New Paris. Also, surviving are her grandchildren Caroline Carroll, Jordan Birt, Rebecca Clifton, and Hannah Birt, along with one great-grandchild, Kimani Carroll. Her brother Dale Rush and sister Clarice (Robert) Carpenter also survive. Her family brought her great joy, especially her grandchildren and great-granddaughter; she was a good wife and mother. Margaret was known for her generosity: she sent cards to hundreds of people, shared her garden produce, made comforters to donate to Christian Aid Ministries and others in need, and gave away many cookies and loaves of bread. Margaret loved Jesus and was a member of the Plevna Dunkard Brethren Church. She is remembered for her singing and great knowledge of hymns. While her family mourns their loss, they rejoice that she is free from suffering. Visitation was Friday, Feb. 18, 2022 at the Laird-Eddy Funeral Home, 201 N. Main St., Amboy. The funeral was Saturday, February 19, at the Howard-Miami Mennonite Church at 3976 East 1400 South, Kokomo. Preferred memorials are Plevna Dunkard Brethren Church and Christian Aid Ministries. The memorial guest book for Margaret can be signed at www.eddyfuneralhomes.com or on Facebook at Eddy Funeral Homes, Inc.
Laura Katherine “Kate” Mitting, 92, of Wabash, died at 4:26 pm, Thursday, Feb. 17, 2022, at Miller’s Merry Manor East in Wabash. She was born on Sept. 4, 1929, in Terre Haute, to Peter and Mary Lavon (Risley) McGinn. Kate was a 1946 graduate of Garfield High School in Terre Haute, and attended Indiana University for four years. She first married Lynn Ford, the father of her three children. She then married Robert H. Mitting on July 3, 1957 and he died January 15, 1985. Kate co-owned, along with her husband Bob, Mittings Greenhouse in Wabash 30 years. She was a member of Wabash First United Methodist Church, and a former member of the Honeywell Golf Club and Wabash Country Club. Kate enjoyed reading, knitting, cross stitching, and was an avid golfer. She is survived by three children, Susan Ford Rohr of Roann, Indiana, Stephen Ford of Pendleton, Indiana, and Melissa Ford Showalter of Wabash; four step-sons, Robert S. (Sue) Mitting and William Mitting, both of Wabash, Gregory Mitting of Roann, and Michael Mitting of Syracuse; 13 grandchildren, many great grandchildren; and two nieces, Susie (Tom) Baker of Fort Wayne, and Mary Ann (Daniel) Bliss of Rockville, Md. She was also preceded in death by her parents, brother, Robert E. McGinn, and her grandson, David Mitting. There will be a Celebration of Life Service held at a later date at Grandstaff-Hentgen Funeral Service, 1241 Manchester Ave. Wabash. Preferred memorial is Animal Shelter of Wabash County. The memorial guest book for Kate may be signed at www.grandstaff-hentgen.com.
James ‘Big Jim’ Dials, 80 Played drums Dec. 17, 1941 – Feb. 16, 2022 James Albert “Big Jim” Dials, 80, of Wabash, died at 3:05 a.m., Wednesday, Feb. 16, 2022, at Parkview Health Randallia in Fort Wayne. He was born on Dec. 17, 1941, in Wayland, Ky., to John and Virgie (Phipps) Dials. Big Jim married Diane Grogg in
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Wabash on April 9, 1966. He retired from Container Corporation in Wabash after 43 1/2 years. Big Jim was a former member of the Hanna Masonic Lodge in Wabash. He enjoyed playing the drums in The Deceivers Band and woodworking. He is survived by his wife, Diane Dials of Wabash; three children, Jerilyn (Chris) Ammons of Roann, Rob Dials and Jamie (Jennifer) Dials, both of Wabash; five grandchildren, Scott Ammons of Warsaw,
Kalie (Gabe Hoagland) Ammons of North Manchester, Dustin (Bethaney Porter) Powers, Carter Dials, and Jessica Adams, all of Wabash; sisters and brother, Geneva
Jennings of Wabash, Sarah Hartley of Huntington, and Mark Dials of Warsaw. He was preceded in death by his parents, and eight brothers and sisters. There will be a service held at a later date. Arrangements by GrandstaffHentgen Funeral Service, Wabash. Preferred memorial is charity of the donor’s choice. The memorial guest book for Big Jim may be signed at www.grandstaffhentgen.com.
The Paper of Wabash County
February 23, 2022
Community
read remotely instead of having to have someone walk around and read all the meters every month.” The town also has worked on improving its streets through a grading system. Grants have helped get them repaved and repaired. “Now we’ve almost completed 100 percent of our streets in town being repaved,” he said. “We’ll keep trying to go back and repair those as needed.” Sidewalks and curbs were replaced last summer in the downtown area, and new lights were placed there. “We have new streetlights in town and it looks really nice, so hopefully we can draw a little bit of business to some of those empty buildings down there,” Krhin said. Town of Lagro The town is continuing to look to the future in an effort to make it more appealing to the people, Bone told those gathered. A coffee and tea shop is being constructed in the town’s former fire station, she noted, adding that an opening date has yet to be determined. “We coffee drinkers are really looking forward to this,” Bone said. “It’s been in the making now for quite a few years. We’re excited that they’ve finally started construction on that.” Another new business, Canal Creamery, will be opening in April or May near the American Legion building. In addition, 950 Speakeasy has had a successful opening. Also, five houses in town destined for demolition have been saved and are being remodeled and refurbished.
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...continued from Page 4 All but two have people in them, and one will be used for a small business. “It just brings a whole new feel to the community, having these houses,” Bone said. “We really appreciate the people who came in and did that.” The Lagro Community Kitchen, in the town’s community building, is taking on a new look, she continued. It has new flooring, and will soon be getting new sinks and other amenities. “When this is all done, we’re going to get with the health department and become a Community Certified Kitchen,” Bone said. Work on the buildings owned by the Lagro Canal Foundation is progressing, and one building is ready to be leased. The town has received an Indiana Alliance Water Apprentice Program grant, and hired a new staff member, and it also received a grant to purchase the street department a new tractor. New signs also have been placed along the Wabash River Trail. “There’s lots of stuff to do in Lagro,” Bone said. “You can go canoeing … You can go fishing. You can walk the trail.” Town of North Manchester “We strive to be a welcoming community and we celebrate diversity in our community, and we want to welcome anyone who wants to be a part of that,” Smith said. In 2021, $609,000 in new commercial investment took place in the town, he said. “We’ve also had new residential investment in 2021,” he continued,
noting that it is slightly more than $2 million last year and $7.7 million over the last five years. With that, 24 new homes have been built in the community. The town also spent $631,000 to improve streets around the community, with nearly $2.1 million spent in the last five years. The town has worked with two private developers in the recent past, and will work with a third in the near future. One of the developers has built and sold eight new homes since 2018. Another purchased eight acres near Timbercrest Retirement Community and will build 30 to 40 new villas. A third company is working on the Chester Heights subdivision. In 2020, two single family homes were sold there, while two more and two villas were sold in 2021. This year, two more single family homes and two more villas are being built. “All six homes that have been purchased are by outof-town residents, and at least two have been from out of state,” Smith said. The town is now battling the U.S. Census Bureau regarding some figures officials felt were in error, Smith said. This year, bids will be shortly received for a 1.6 mile trail around Chester Heights. Officials hope construction will take place yet this year. Manchester Main Street is moving to a second Friday event from June to December. The town is planning to build a pavilion on South Mill Street near the Eel River. It will be open for
Norman Benjamin, 75 Co-owned Bulldog Battery Dec. 26, 1946 – Feb. 18, 2022 Norman Lee Benjamin, 75, of Wabash, died at 11:44 p.m., Friday, Feb. 18, 2022, at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne. He was born on Dec. 26, 1946, in Kankakee, Ill., to LeRoy and Violet (Mook) Benjamin. Norm was a 1965 graduate of Kankakee High School. He married Elizabeth Nelda Ann “Betty” Boudreau in Bourbonnais, Illinois on April 26, 1969; she died Jan. 28, 2020. Norm was part owner and President of Bulldog Battery in Wabash from 1985 until his retirement in 2018. He was a member of the St. Bernard Catholic Church in Wabash, the American Wood Turners Association of America and the National Rifle Association. He enjoyed woodworking and building H.O. scale model railroads. He is survived by two sons, Dennis L. Benjamin and Walter C. Benjamin, both of Wabash. He was also preceded in death by his parents, and his brother, David Benjamin. Funeral services will be 2 p.m., Friday, Feb. 25, 2022, at GrandstaffHentgen Funeral Service, 1241 Manchester Ave. Wabash, with Father Levi Nkwocha officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Lawns Cemetery, Wabash. Friends may call 4-7:30 p.m. Thursday, at the funeral home, with a Rosary service at 7:30 p.m. The memorial guest book for Norm may be signed at www.grandstaff-hentgen.com.
a variety of experiences, Smith said, including the current farmers market. Town of Roann Like other communities around the county, the Town of Roann is working on retention and growth of its residents. It also is working on attracting visitors to the area, with such things as a mural painted on the side of the Roann Community Building. The town’s Main Street Program is working hard LaFontaine Town Board member to get many of these proj- John Krhin addresses the audience. Photo by Phil Smith ects completed, Ferguson said. projects — the Parkview “They are working on Legacy Site, East Market lamp posts,” he said of the Street and the former GDX organization. “Right now, site — have progressed, the they are temporary. They mayor noted. put one over by the “In order to increase popuCarnegie Library and the lation, you have to have a other by Log Cabin place for that increased popAntiques. ulation to live,” Long said. “As you know, lamp posts “That’s been a strong goal of are expensive. Then when mine and my housing comyou put in lamp posts, it’s mittee.” like redecorating the house. As far as businesses go, You paint the walls, then the some new developments next thing you know your have opened, while conwife is buying new furnistruction started on others. ture. That’s the same way “We had investment in the with lamp posts.” City of Wabash from people Main Street officials from California, New York decided to sell the lamp and other parts of the counposts, he said, and within try,” he said. “Throughout one month 17 individuals the pandemic, it’s become had purchased lamp posts. apparent that you don’t have “That was all done by to live where you conduct Main Street,” Ferguson business. You can live in noted. “The town had nothWabash and conduct busiing to do with that.” ness anywhere in the world. In the spring, it now has “I believe the time is now funds to redo the sidewalks to market Wabash as a place and put the lamp posts in. to live and work from.” In 2021, the town received In spite of the pandemic, a USDA grant to purchase a more than $5 million in new truck, which is coming commercial development in slowly. took place in the city, Long The town has annexed noted, adding that that figsome land, and three new ure includes the Wabash houses have been built. County Jail foundation City of Wabash work. In 2021, three housing
Kay Cooper, 83 Enjoyed reading Aug. 2, 1938 – Feb. 15, 2022 Kay Marie Cooper, 83, of Wabash, died at 3:50 pm, Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2022, at Wellbrooke of Wabash. She was born on Aug. 2, 1938, in Wabash, to Lee G. and Wilma (Hawley) McNeeley. Kay attended Wabash High School for 10 years before attending and graduating from Noble High School in 1956. She was a homemaker. Kay married Terry E. Cooper in Wabash on Nov. 9, 1958; he died March 6, 1999. She was a former longtime member of Wabash Christian Missionary Alliance Church, and also attended Wabash North Wesleyan Church. Kay worked part time for 13 years for Joy Christian Bookstore in Wabash. She enjoyed needlework, reading, and especially loved her family. She is survived by four children, Mark Cooper of Peru, Jeffery Cooper of Wabash, Robert “Scott” (Rhonda) Cooper of Claypool, and April Dawn (Dave) O’Neal of Liberty Center; 13 Grandchildren, and several great-grandchildren. She was also preceded in death by her parents, granddaughter, Erin Wrisk, daughter-in-law, Valerie Cooper, sister, Elizabeth McNeeley, and brother, Bill McNeeley. Funeral services will be 11 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 19, 2022, at Grandstaff-Hentgen Funeral Service, 1241 Manchester Ave., Wabash, with Kevin VanDuyne officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Lawns Cemetery, Wabash. Friends may call 9-11 a.m. Saturday, at the funeral home. Preferred memorial is Riley Children’s Hospital. The memorial guest book for Kay may be signed at www.grandstaff-hentgen.com.
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The Paper of Wabash County
February 23, 2022
Couple looks back on days at St. Bernard School He graduated from the school in 1942, she in 1943. It would be years later that they would begin dating, then marry and go on to have four sons, seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Ellie and Bob Martin, alumni of Saint Bernard Elementary School and long-time residents of Wabash recently shared the story of how they met and the fond memories of their time at the onehundred year old school. Ellie began going to St. Bernard in the fourth grade where she met Bob who was a year older and already a student there for a
few years. At the time they attended St. Bernard, there were four nuns (three as teachers) and one housekeeper, they recall. The school and church were all in the same building, with the classrooms on the first floor and the church on the second. The first through third grades were combined, fourth through sixth and then seventh and eighth. When asked about some of their favorite memories of their time there, Bob’s eyes sparkled and both he and Ellie were quickly transformed to those days of their childhood as they reminisced about
the “stage” that was located next to the fourth through sixth grade room. “There was a stage on the same floor as the classrooms, and on days when the weather wasn’t good enough to go outside, we would have Major Bowes Talent Shows” (based on the popular radio show “Major Bowes Amateur Hour”). He and Ellie laughed as they recalled their classmates singing: “Remember Phyllis Hipskind and oh, Mary Jo Alexander would always sing ‘Red Sails In the Sunset’ because it was the only song she knew,” followed by more laughter. Bob also recalled
the big playground that was located where the current school building stands. “We played softball and football and a game called shinny. Shinny didn’t cost any money to play because we used a tin can and sticks,” Bob laughed as he recalled. “It was called ‘shinny’ because it was like hockey and you got hit on the shins a lot.” Bob and Ellie also shared fond memories of field trips to “Father Scholl’s Frog Farm up in Disko.” Father Charles Scholl was the priest at St. Bernard Church at the time Bob and Ellie attended the
school. The last week of the school year, all the students and their families were invited to the farm for a day of fun. When asked how their experience at Saint Bernard Elementary helped to shape their lives, they shared that there was a strong influence in faith, they were taught to be honest and truthful and to work hard. “It was good, solid teaching – we were taught if you make a decision, own the responsibility of that decision.” Bob and Ellie will be celebrating 71 years of marriage this March while also celebrating the centennial of their
Ivy Tech to continue textbook program Sue Ellspermann, president of Ivy Tech Community College, announced at today’s State Board of Trustees meeting an extension of the Ivy+ textbooks program. Ivy+ will continue to cover the cost of required textbooks for all eligible students in the 2022–23 academic year, including students from the Fort Wayne and Warsaw locations. This is the second year textbooks will be provided at no cost to students.
“Continuing to find innovative ways to lower costs for our students is an important part of the overall value we are providing to students and to our community,” Ellspermann said. “We know that the cost of textbooks are often a limiting factor for our students, and we are pleased to be able to provide free textbooks for another year.” In fall 2021, more than 55,000 students received free textbooks for a sav-
ings to students of over $14 million. In spring 2022, more than 47,000 students have already enrolled and will receive similar savings. Ivy Tech’s Ivy+ tuition program also continues in 2022–23. When students take at least 12 credit hours a semester, they pay a flat rate and can add additional credit hours for no additional cost. The flat rate encourages full-time students to take additional courses each term,
helping them graduate faster and save money. As part of the Ivy+ tuition program, part-time students will see their tuition frozen
in 2022–23 at the same rate as the previous academic year and will pay the lowest per-credit-hour fee in the state.
GOOD WORDS . . . “How would you like your eggs?”. I had a choice to make; scrambled, over-easy, or sunny-side up. This reminds me that every morning we all have to make a choice for how our day starts. The Bible says we have choice too! While attitude isn’t everything, yet, where we choose to put our faith is. That decision determines life’s outcomes. Will we live a life scrambled or sunny-side up? (Psalm 3) Where do you put your faith in uncertainty? How can knowing Jesus help? Rev. Rick E. Carder - (RickeCarder.com)
elementary alma mater in August where it all began. The school will be hosting a Centennial Celebration for all alumni and friends to be held on Saturday, Aug. 20 at 6 p.m. in the St. Bernard church parking lot. There will be various events held throughout the weekend including tours of the school given by current students and a Mass that will honor alumni of the school. Tours
will be given on Friday, Aug. 19. Saturday’s events will begin with Mass at 5 p.m. with Bishop Rhoades followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m. and then live music and celebration until 10 p.m. There are rooms being held for out of town guests for both Friday and Saturday nights at Charley Creek Inn, Holiday Inn and Hampton Inn. Guests can mention the Centennial Celebration for a reduced rate.
February 23, 2022
The Paper of Wabash County
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NATIONAL
FFA WEEK
Celebrate National FFA Week Feb. 19-26, 2022 Why should we celebrate National FFA Week? Each year, FFA chapters around the country celebrate National FFA Week. It’s a time to share the story of what FFA is and how FFA is preparing future leaders through agricultural education. Currently, FFA has more than 700,000 student members as part of 8,600 local FFA chapters in all 50 states and Puerto Rico, and the organization is supported by 8 million+ alumni members. What better way to show your support of FFA than to get involved in FFA Week? Whether it’s in person, on the phone or via social media, be sure to share your FFA stories. #FFAWeek#FFAalumni
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The Paper of Wabash County
February 23, 2022
NORTHFIELD
FFA
Northfield FFA officers are, from left, Sophie Rosen, secretary; Meredith Haupert, vice president; Annie Schuler, president and Addy Rosen, treasurer. Photo provided
Northfield FFA roster includes: Tristan Barlow, Burton Black, Kale Clupper, Ainsley Dale, Layne Denton, Lucas Haupert, Meredith Haupert, Malachi Higgins, Tristan Hoffman, Fisher Howard, Jaxton Klutz, Kaleb Krom, Lucas Krom, Jaxsen Martin, Riley McKillip, Mason Meyer, Parker Oswalt, Allie Pinkerton, Kameron Pratt, Karson Pratt, Evan Rice, Addy Rosen, Kendal Rosen, Reece Rosen, Sophie Rosen, Dylan Ross, Hayden Schroll, Annie Schuler, Jacob Snyder, Eric Tracy, Jonathon Treska, Jamia Vigar, Quintenn Vigar, Emma Wilson, and Hannah Wilson
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February 23, 2022
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SOUTHWOOD
FFA
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Susan L. Baker • Jon R. Baker Matthew R. Baker
Southwood officers are, from left, Caleb Daugherty, Brylee Welch, Isabella Knote, Kendall Sarll and Kaylee Nelson. Photo provided
Southwood’s FFA program includes: Jacob Corn, Caleb Daugherty, Avery Henderson, Braxton Hubbard, Isabella Knote, Adreonna Lovell, Annika Lovell, Benjamin Neal, Kaylee Nelson, Payton Noland, Kaleb Parker, Kaden Rody, Kendall Sarll, Logan Shellhamer, Mason Shenefield, Olivia Simpson and Brylee Welch.
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The Paper of Wabash County
February 23, 2022 Wabash • Peru North Manchester South Whitley Columbia City Syracuse • Warsaw
Proudly Supporting the Wabash County FFA!
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MANCHESTER
FFA
The Manchester FFA officers are, front row from left, secretary Olivia Dale, president Harry Sturtsman, Sentinel Nicole Haupert; back row from left, vice-president Madison Parson, reporter Chaynee Tennant, student advisor Kaitlynn Gish. Not pictured is treasurer Logan Dolby. Photo provided
Manchester’s FFA program includes: Tyler Acosta, Avery Akins, Isabelle Anguilm, Madison Baker, Isaiah Burlingame, Campbell Bolinger, Elizabeth Brown, Samantha Carroll, Trey Castle, Nick Cave, Nicole Cave, Evie Collett, Olivia Dale, Lacey Dawson, Laynen DeLaughter, Logan Dolbee, Preston Duffy, Caden Egner, Madison Gano-Eldridge, Jackson Felgar, Kaylee Fetters, Evyn Fox, Kadence Fox, Landon Gish, Kaitlyn Gish, Macy Greer, Grace Hall, Wynter Harris, Owen Harshman, Gavin Harting, Taylor Haupert, Nicole Haupert, Delani Henderson, Alexia Hensley, Kaidyn Howard, Jacob Hesting, Kaitlin Hudson, Samuel Jackson, Kennedy James, Karen Jimenez, Jocelyn Jones, Karsyn Kamphues, Kaleb Kline, Kendra Kline, Hailey Krom, Conner Lauer, Peyton Lauer, Makayla Marcum, Caden Marcum, Eliza Metzger, Justus Metzger, Kayla Metzger, Maegan Metzger, Lana Metzger, Thane Metzger, Skyler Michel, Zach Michel, Erica Oritz, Zach Ozenbaugh, Cale Parson, Madison Parson, Bethany Penrod, Logan Penrod, Luke Ramer, Colten Reffitt, Elizabeth Renz, Trevor Renz, Braydon Sanson, Molly Schannep, Kaitlyn Schroll, Kimberly Schroll, Levi Schroll, Maddox Schuler, Lainey Shock, Riley Shock, Samantha Shock, Clark Showalter, Beau Shultz, Finn Sincroft, London Spangle, Emily Stambaugh, Guy Stephan, Levi Stephan, Harry Stursman, Chaynee Tennant, Myra Walker, Carter Wilcox, Sheila Winger.
The Paper of Wabash County
February 23, 2022
Play ball!
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Tryouts take place for 2022 Wabash Little League season
Area youngsters gathered at the Wabash High School Coolman Gym on Feb. 13 and again Feb. 20 to try out for Wabash Little League coaches. The youngsters tried their hands at fielding ground balls, catching pop ups and throwing. They also took five swings, attempting to hit the ball off a tee as coaches looked on. The Little League season is scheduled to begin on Saturday, April 23.
Photos by Joseph Slacian
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The Paper of Wabash County
February 23, 2022
Lions plan projects
ROANN AND NORTHERN MIAMI
The Roann Lions Club the club to cook. We welmet on Feb. 10 in the come you to attend their Roann Community Open House. Raber’s only Building. The meeting was take cash or checks, no called to order by club credit cards. president Rick Morris. He All these work projects also led the members in help the Lions Club with the pledge to the American the expenses of the upcomflag. ing events such as the fireThe minutes from the works, the horse pulls, and January meeting were service to the community. read by Donna Harman, as We don’t always have submitted by acting secreenough help for the events tary, Phil Dale. so if you would The minutes were like to help out approved as read. the Lions club, In the absence contact a Lions of the club treasClub member. urer, the treasurThere will Ann Me Ann Meyer yer er’s report was be two horse pulls 765-833-2614 again this year. given by Morris meyerann@ and was approved One on July 2 for centurylink.net the July 4 weekas read. In old business, end celebration, Bill Palmer has and one at the built a new winRoann Covered dow for the log Bridge Festival on cabin. A work day Saturday mornwill be scheduled ing, Sept. 10.
when the weather gets warmer to put the new window in, and do some other needed repairs on the log cabin. The plans were finalized for the upcoming Valentine banquet (which was held Feb. 12th). In new business, Morris said that the Lions Club had received a thank you card from Hope 85 of Wabash for the donation to help pay for a pair of glasses. He reported that the Roann Lions Club has increased in members, and it is important to get new members involved in club activities. Some of the upcoming activities are concessions at the RC races. The next races we will be serving are Feb. 26 and March 12. The Lions Club will also be serving food on Saturday, May 7 at Raber’s Kountry Store for its open house. Raber’s will furnish pork chops for
The next meeting will be on Thursday, March 3, 2022. VALENTINE BANQUET: The annual Valentine’s Banquet sponsored by the Lions Club was held at the Roann Community Building on Saturday, Feb. 12. The attendance was down a little this year but we hope everyone enjoyed the evening. The entertainment was Mrs. Kate, from Marion. She sang several songs and got the audience to sing along, even making a few animal sounds. Names were drawn for door prizes. The Lions Club delivered 25 meals to the Roann area residents who are shut-ins or just needed a little TLC. Thank you for attending the banquet! ROANN VOLUNTEER Fire Department is having their annual Grilled Tenderloin Dinner on Feb.
Martha Shepler recently celebrated her 100th birthday. Photo provided
26 from 11am-6pm at the Community Building. The cost is $10 for either a meal (meat, applesauce and green beans) or meat only. Also, a reminder, the Department is accepting applications for new members. Contact any current member or send an email to vfd811@gmail.com for an application. PASTOR BALMER of The Roann United Methodist Church sermon for Feb. 27th will be from Psalm 139:7-12 titled “God is Always with Me”. Feb. birthdays will be celebrated. You are invited to worship in person or on Facebook at 9am. ROANN HERITAGE Group has moved their Spaghetti Dinner from March 26 to April 23. I will have more information closer to that date. Be sure to change your calendars! UPCOMING DATES: Feb. 24 – Happy Homemakers, 9am; Feb. 26 – RFD Tenderloin Dinner, 11am-6pm; March 19 – Benefit Fish Meal, Tractor Group; April 23 – Spaghetti Dinner, The Heritage Group. PLEASE CONTINUE Praying for: Kaylean Zintsmaster, Coy Eads, Rhonda Van Buskirk, Ken Musselman, Rob Mace, Tim Kersey, Norma Trump, Ross Trump, Jim Huffman, Bill Palmer, Larry Meyer and our country. Stay safe and stay healthy. God bless you all! OUR THOUGHTS and Prayers go out to: the family and friends of Betty Boyer, who went home to her heavenly Father. We also send our condolences to the Chenault Family as Renee’s mother, Norma Kitt, passed away. Our thoughts and prayers go out to both families. CELEBRATING ANNIVERSARIES: Feb. 23 – Mr. & Mrs. James Pell. CELEBRATING BIRTHDAYS: Feb. 23 – Mary Jane Pell; Feb. 24 – Braylon Frieden and Jessika Krom; Feb. 25 – Anita Krom; Feb. 26 – Bruce Galbraith, Stella Stephens, and Coiry Brault; Feb. 27 – Phil Dale; Feb. 28 – Jahn Vigar; Feb. 29 – Natalie Schuler. A SPECIAL birthday greeting goes out to Martha Shepler of Wabash. She celebrated her 100 birthday with family and friends. What a huge milestone! Hope she had a great day. PASTOR MACE
Mr. & Mrs. Malvern Winters as they appeared in 1972 (left photo) and as they are today (above).
Mr. & Mrs. Malvern Winters Mr. & Mrs. Malvern Winters celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Feb. 19, 2022. Winters and the former Connie McColley were married Feb. 19, 1972. They have two daughters: Christine (Monte)
Chamberlain and Kimberly (Tyler) Baer. They also have seven grandchildren: Cody, Clayton, Courtney and Carston Chamberlain and Toby, Tyson and Karmyn Baer.
The Paper of Wabash County
February 23, 2022
19
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
Seats available for 3 upcoming shows at Honeywell Center
7:30 p.m. at the Honeywell Center Big Bad Voodoo Daddy presents swing music of the ‘40s and ‘50s in a live performance like you’ve never seen before! This
Tickets available for St. Trolley tour Tickets are now available for Visit Wabash County’s St. Trolley’s Day Trolley Tour. Ticket buyers will have the option of choosing between a 6 or 7 p.m. tour on March 11 or March 12. The St. Trolley’s Day Trolley Tour will kick off the evening with an Irish toast before leaving the Welcome Center in downtown Wabash. Guests will head to The Waldo for dinner, drinks, and mini golf. Next is a mystery stop to keep the party going. End the night with a hysterical game of “Toss the Leprechaun” while having
libations and Irish snacks from Moon Dog Catering. “This year’s tour is packed full of St. Patrick’s Day themed food, drinks, and activities,” said Stephanie Rogers, visitor experiences manager for Visit Wabash County. “Each of the trolley stop partners have been incredible to work with while planning this tour.” The tour is sponsored by the Terrell Realty Group. “Supporting the programs of Visit Wabash County is something I believe in,” said Jennie Terrell, president of Terrell Realty Group. “The
organization works hard to attract visitors to Wabash County which in turn could lead to future relocation opportunities. It is part of our mission at Terrell Realty to give back to the community that we serve. Visit Wabash County makes it easy to do just that.” Trolley Tour programs are supported by the City of Wabash, J.M. Reynolds Oil Company, and our local partners. For more information about the St. Trolley’s Day Tour or for the full 2022 Trolley Tour lineup, go to
SQUIRREL CREEK DivorceCare, a 13-week DVD series sponsored by Wabash Friends Counseling Center, features some of the nation’s foremost Christian experts on topics concerning divorce and recovery. The support group meets at 6:30 p.m. every Tuesday in the Conference Room in the Wabash Friends Counseling Center, 3563 South State Road 13, Wabash. Wearing a mask is required when entering. Group leader and members of the group meet for dinner at 5:30 p.m. at Subway, 1812 S. Wabash Street on State Road 15, Wabash. More info: Call 260-563-8453 or 877-350-1658, or e-mail office@wabashfriends.org; or call group leader Janet at 260-571-5235. The website for DivorceCare is www.divorcecare.org
SQUIRREL CREEK
JOSH TURNER
sizzling, high-energy group is known as much for their music as they are for living the swing-era lifestyle with classic suits and fedoras. Most seats $29, $39. Limited premium seating $100. Welcomed by 105.9 The Bash. Sponsored by Kirtlan Automotive. Tickets for all the shows may be purchased by calling 260-563-1102 or online at Honeywellarts.or g
Riders prepare for a past St. Trolley’s Day Trolley Tour. Photo provided
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Seats available for three upcoming performances in Wabash. Josh Turner with special guest Avery Anna will perform at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 24 at the Honeywell Center Turner is one of country’s most recognizable hitmakers. With a rich, deep voice and distinctive style, Turner has sold more than 12 million units and garnered hits including “Your Man,” “Why Don’t We Just Dance,” “Firecracker,” “Hometown Girl,” and “Time Is Love.” Most seats $38, $54. Limited premium seating $100. Sponsored by Arnold’s Fine Jewelry & Gifts. Rock N Roll Dream Tour: Roy Orbison & Buddy Holly will be presented Friday, Feb. 25, 7:30 p.m. at the Honeywell Center Accompanied by a live band and back-up singers, this cutting edge holographic performance and remastered audio will take you back in time for an unforgettable evening of Roy Orbison and Buddy Holly’s greatest hits onstage. Tickets $49, $59. Part of the Wabash Valley Music Association Series. Big Bad Voodoo Daddy will perform Saturday, Feb. 26, at
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The Paper of Wabash County
February 23, 2022
Horn tops Wabash’s coaching list
Sports Legends – Dennis Horn He was a head coach for more seasons at Wabash High School than any other, including the likes of Glenn Coolman, John Tatum, Dutch Struck and Chris Rood. Coolman coached boys basketball and boys tennis for 21 years, also served as athletic director for several years. Rood, who guided the Wabash baseball team to a state championship in 1986 when it was still a one-class sport, also was a head coach for 21 years. Tatum coached football and boys golf for 36 years and Struck coached football, boys basketball and boys track for 30 years. But, at the top of the list is Dennis Horn with 30 years as boys and girls cross country coach and seven years as boys track coach for a total of 37 years. He’s also second on the list of most years as a head coach with his 30 years as cross country coach. Ahead of him, and still coaching, is the girls track coach, Mike Denney. He’s at 33 and counting. And just for your information, thanks to Matt Stone, girls basket-
County Sports Legends Where are they today? By Roy Church ball coach , former athletic director and also chief financial officer for Wabash City Schools, Rood easily tops the list of head coaches with the most wins. His 411 victories on the baseball diamond is way ahead of Katie Cromer’s 249. Cromer is the volleyball coach. Stone is in third place with 207 wins. He also coached volleyball, boys basketball, baseball and softball. But, back to Coach Horn. And, I want to be honest. This man has a special place in my heart because he coached my son, Rich, for four years. So, we spent a lot of time together out on the course, under the big pavilion at City Park and in the basement of his home out on Bailey Road. A product of Warsaw High School, Dennis graduated in 1959.
He ran cross country and track and played basketball for the Tigers. From there he went to Manchester College, played basketball and ran track and graduated in 1963 with a degree in secondary education. And, he met his wife, Carol, at the college. He then joined the staff at Wabash High School as a teacher of U.S. history, world geography and sociology. He took over the cross country program in the fall of 1964. He retired in 1995. “I went from one Orange and Black school (Warsaw) to another (Wabash),” Dennis recalled. He coached track from 1965 to 1970, took a year off to do a fellowship at Indiana University in 1971 and then coached in 1972. He got his Masters in secondary education at IU in 1966 and a Masters of Arts for Teachers in 1971. His fondest track memories centered around Randy Showalter, who qualified for state in the long jump in 1967; Dave Magner, who finished eighth or ninth at state in the mile run that same year, and Randy Laird, who qualified for state in the low hurdles in 1972.
His biggest footprint at Wabash, however, was in cross country: Three sectional titles (1982, 1985, 1987), 17 regionalqualifying teams and four semi-statequalifying teams when that round was added; two state qualifying teams (1976-77); one individual state qualifier (Jim Cosby, 1981); two all-state honorees (Tim Mylin and Phil Treckman in 1977); 12 boys Central Indiana Conference championships and 10 runner-up spots for 22 first- or secondplaces in 31 years; five individual boys CIC champions (Ted Eilts in 1972, Phil Treckman in 1976-77, Jim Cosby in 1980 and Jim Crager in 1985). two girls CIC championships (1994-95) and one individual champion (Mary Cosby in 1989; three girls teams that qualified for regional – his last three years. For his accomplishments, Dennis was voted into the Wabash High School Athletic Hall of Fame in the inaugural class (2010). He and Carol received the Alumni Service Award from Manchester College in 1987 and Dennis received the Claude Wolfe Alumni Coach of the Year
Award in 1990. Horn’s boys were extremely successful between 1976 and 1985, winning eight of the 10 CIC titles on the line. Beginning in 1980, his teams won six crowns in a row. One of his fondest memories came after the conclusion of the 1977 state finals. Mylin, who went on to coach the Carmel girls track team to two state championships, wanted to head back to the bus after he and Phil Treckman got their ribbons for finishing 14th and 19th, respectively. Horn, however, had been given a heads up that Mylin was going to get the IHSAA Mental Attitude Award, given to a deserving senior in the field. So, he suggested the team stick around until the awards ceremony was over. And, Mylin did win the award. Dennis (I have a hard time not calling him Coach Horn) also noted that when he started coaching track at Wabash it was on cinders, a far cry from today’s showcase facility at Alumni Field. “Throughout my years, I was always fortunate to have the help of excellent assistant coaches and middle coach coaches,”
Dennis Horn stands in front of the Matterhorn in Switzerland. Photo provided Dennis said. “And for the years I only coached cross country, my runners always received excellent training from the track coaches. “I knew that, because of the track program, returning runners would come to me stronger than before.” As do most coaches, Dennis always ran during practice with the team and, of course, was all over the course on meet days encouraging his runners. And, as is the case with most coaches, his son, Bryon, ran, too — for Southwood. Bryon now lives in Columbus, with his wife, the former Cori Haney of Wabash, and works in ergonomics/safety for Cummins Engine. They have one daughter. The Horns’ daughter, Angela, is a biology professor at Bluffton University in Bluffton, Ohio, and is married to Barth
Montel. They have a son and daughter. In retirement, Dennis and Carol have been able to travel a bit, including Switzerland and the Matterhorn. After her husband retired, Carol helped establish the Dennis Horn Cross Country Scholarship at the Community Foundation, awarded most years to a graduating runner from the Wabash cross country team. “The support and camaraderie from the parents of athletes over the years was a blessing and joy,” Dennis said. “It was fun to gather entire families at the end of the season at our house and highlight each athlete’s accomplishments.” Coach Horn, I will never be able to thank you enough for the positive influence you and your family had on my son. I sincerely hope that has come through in this column.
Police and fire reports North Manchester Public Safety Reports Incidents Feb. 13 2:47 p.m. — A theft report was taken in the 1200 block of SR 114W. Feb. 16 3:28 p.m. — A fraud report was taken in the 400 block of SR 13W Fire Runs North Manchester Fire
Department responded: Feb. 11 4:43 p.m. — to the 400 block of Kech Street for a medical assist. Feb. 12 Units from North Manchester, Chester Township and Pleasant Township fire departments responded: 12:20 a.m. — to the 600 block of East College Avenue for an
alarm. North Manchester Fire Department responded: 8:02 a.m. — to Peabody drive for a medical assist. 9:59 a.m. — to the 400 block of East 7th Street for a medical assist. 11:13 a.m. — to the 900 block of North Market Street for a medical assist. Feb. 13 12:04 a.m. — to
the 500 block of Kech Street for a medical assist. 5:56 p.m. — to the 200 block of North Market Street for a medical assist. 7:02 p.m. — to the 100 block of West Main Street for a medical assist. Units from North Manchester, Chester Township and Pleasant Township fire departments
responded: 11:39 p.m. — to the 600 block of East College Avenue for an alarm. Feb. 14 North Manchester Fire Department responded: 7:36 p.m. — to the 1300 block of SR 114W for a medical assist. Feb. 16 8:23 p.m. — to the 200 block of Wild Cherry Lane for a
medical assist. Wabash Sheriff ’s Department Accidents Feb. 10 4:57 p.m. — Vehicles driven by Kolten R. Janner, 16, Roann and Randy J. Enyeart, 56, Macy, collided at the intersection of SR 16 and Benton Street, Roann. Damage up to $5,000. 7:15 p.m. — A
vehicle driven by Amy M. Reahard, 42, Wabash struck a deer at the intersection of SR 15 and CR 400 S, Wabash. Damage up to $2,500. Feb. 12 12:56 a.m. — A vehicle driven by Bradley D. Kreps, 27, Kokomo, left the roadway near the intersection of Meridian Road and CR 1500 N, North Manchester, comContinued on Page 25
The Paper of Wabash County
February 23, 2022
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21
LaFontaine Lions to offer scholarships
Scholarships for LaFontaine/Libert y Township senior students. The student must be a resident of LaFontaine/Libert y Township to apply for a LaFontaine Lions scholarships. You may get an application off of the lafontainelions.com web page or from your guidance counselor. They need to be turned into your counselor by March 25. LaFontaine Lions has offer this for many years and looking forward to doing it again this year. WABASH CHAPTER IZAAK WALTON NEWS: We will be starting our spring Cross Shoots in March. We shoot shotguns and open sight 22’s. Shoots start at 10:00 a.m. Shoot dates are; Mar. 6, 13 & 27, April 3, 10, 24 and May 1. There is refreshment available. We are in the process of raffling off a Henry Golden Boy 44 mag, tickets are $5 each or 5 for $20, tickets will be available at the shoots. Everyone is welcome to come out and visit our facility, get a free cup of coffee even if you don’t want to shoot. Membership will be available if you are interested in joining. Follow us on Facebook; Wabash Co. Izaak Walton League THIS PHOTO (above right) is a throwback from the late 1950s through the early 1960s This is the Kitchen Maids from Treaty. I loved to hear them preform. They each had so much personality to add to their program. . L-R. Wildus Howard, Rosemary Heck, Wilma Cox, Marieta Stout, Hazel Cecil, Sherry
Stout, Ruthie Weekly, Louise Friermood, Ada Heck. WINNERS ANNOUNCED Drum roll please......and the winners of the Bite in the 85 gift cards are: (tag them if you know them) Keaton Boyer - 950 Speakeasy Bistro, Julie Lengel Twenty Restaurant, Robert Mettler Wabash Pizza King, Sally Parson - 50 East Garden Center & Café, Molly Dazey Harry’s Old Kettle Pub & Grill, Kim Bear - Market Street Grill, Chelsea Boulrisse Eugenia’s Restaurant, Madeline Dazey Eugenia’s Restaurant, Michael Scorsone Modoc’s Market, Congrats Winners! You can pick up your gift cards at the Welcome Center Monday Friday 9am-5pm or Saturday 10am2pm. Thank you for all of the 379 entries to win! Special love goes to the 8 participating restaurants that made BITE in the 85 a huge success! We will announce the 5 lucky winners of the $100 gift cards to the participating restaurant of their choice next week. THE 2021-22 WABASH COUNTY Robotics League has come to an end. Southwood Elementary School 6th-grade team
came in first place (along with their SCE alliance). This qualified them for State!! The 6thgrade team also earned the Excellence Award which is the highest award that any team can earn at an event. This award is given to the team that has an exemplary Engineering Notebook, could best explain the engineering process to group of judges, a well-built robot, and has to be at the top 5 percent of the driving rankings. The 5th grade team came in second place (along with their alliance from Justice Intermediate School). They also earned the Design Award which is the second highest award that you can earn at an event. This award is given to the team that their Engineering Notebook shows detailed documentation of their design process and had a well-built robot. The 4thgrade team finished third (along with their alliance from Metro-North). The 3rd- grade team did not drive in finals tonight but we could not be prouder of them. These students came into robotics as first-year students with no robotics knowledge. They did do the skills challenge tonight and earned eight points in programming and 28 in driving. LAFONTAINE CHRISTIAN CHURCH If you have children newborn to 5 years old, bring them out to Wiggles and Giggles!! This a weekly event for you to come and enjoy time with your little one
The Kitchen Maids from Treaty performed around the area in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Photo provided while we have a small bible lesson song, dancing, games, crafts, snacks and more! This is a free event! All you have to do is come to have some fun! Any questions, contact Lizzy Makin at 765716-4896
CHRIS TOMSON
JOSIAH WHITE’S Each month staff are nominated based upon how they demonstrated its core values and how they behave by being humble, effective, missiondriven, Christian, professional, and resilient to the highest level! January’s Employee of the Month is Chris Tomson! THE NEWS AT THE TROYER LIBRARY. There are many new arrivals in for everyone to check out. The mug sale is still going on, $13 for one, $25 for two. A Leprechaun Craft is planned in March. It still has DIY Valentine’s for the rest of February.
Donating books is a great way to support us, as long as they are in good condition. The library also accepts cash donations as well, if anyone is interested in supporting it in that way. Troyer Memorial Library hours are Monday 3-7 p.m., Tuesday 3-7 p.m., Thursday 2-5 p.m., Friday 9 a.m-1 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-2 p.m. It is located at 1 E Kendall St. SOUTHWOOD JR/SR HIGH SCHOOL officials congratulate the Choir Department and students who participated in the Vocal Solo and Ensemble District contest. The students ended up with 14 golds and three silvers. Three of those gold ratings are going to State contest next week. Congratulations to the following students for earning gold: Emma Adams, Sylvia Bakehorn, Brynnlie Gouvan, Jordn Hartling, Emily Lochard, McKenzie Moorman, Katelyn Ranck, Lyndzy Silvers, Sarah Smith, Natalie Sutphin, Azora Watkins (Female Vocal Solo), Fritz Kirk (Male Vocal Solo) Adams Ensemble (Large Ensemble): Elise Adams, Emma
Adams, Baleigh Black, Isaac Bragg Savannah Engle, Madison Grace, Jordan Hartline, McKenzie Moorman, Kaylee Nelson, Meryn Norman, Libee Price, Zaria Pries, Katelyn Ranck, Kendall Sarll, Lyndzy Silvers, Sarah Smith, Kasey Solomon, Duke Sparks, Ian Vanderpool, and Azora Watkins. Engle Ensemble (Small Ensemble): Elise Adams, Emma Adams, Savannah Engle, Kaylee Nelson, Katelyn Ranck, and Kendall Sarll Congratulations to the following students for earning silver: Isaac Bragg (Male Vocal Solo) Elzy Ensemble (Small Ensemble): Maddox Elzy, Fritz Kirk, and James Unger Ranck Ensemble (Small Ensemble): Emma Adams, Kaylee Nelson, and Katelyn Ranck. Congratulations to Azora Watkins for getting a perfect score on her vocal solo! Congratulations to Katelyn Ranck, Lynszy Silvers, and Sarah Smith on earning a gold in Group 1 which will take them to State next week at Perry Meridian. MSD TEAHER TUESDAY goes to Cynthia Bell. “I teach because
it is so exciting to see a student grasp a difficult concept,” she said. “I know that by helping
CYNTHIA BELL
them reach that goal, they can apply those same skills to other endeavors in life. It isn’t just math, science, and reading that teacher teach, we teach students to handle life and things they will face in the future” HAPPY BIRTHDAY Evelyn Compton, Tracie Hensly, Feb. 26, Jordon Enyeart , Patricia Walters Feb. 28, Troy Friedersdorf March 1, Teven Farmer, Zach Devore March 2, JoAnn Barrows, Missy Wright March 3 HAPPY ANNIVERSARY Issac and Bridget Willits, Merlin and Jane Ridgeway Feb. 27 SEND YOUR NEWS and pictures to me by Thursday to etheleib@gmail.co m or 2258E 1050 S LaFontaine.
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The Paper of Wabash County
February 23, 2022
This week has a special day: 2/22/22
Hello, Readers. Here is something I forgot to mention for last week’s column. Yesterday, February 22, 2022 is a “ubiquitous palindrome date,” explained Dr. Aziz Inan, a University of Portland professor who has been studying palindrome dates for the last decade. Palindromes are words or number sequences that can be read the same backward as well as forward. And to make it even more perfect, February 22 was on Tuesday (“Twos-day”). What were you doing at 2:22 on 2/22/22? Thanks to our grandson Dylan for pointing this out to me! Dora Christian Church, 2325 S. Salamonie Dam Road, welcomes you to worship service Sunday at 8:15 a.m. or 10:30 a.m. Sunday School is at 9:30 a.m. Pastor Mark Wisniewski’s sermons for February will answer the question “What’s L.O.V.E. got to do with it?” The sermon for February 27 is “Six Reasons to Celebrate God’s Love” based on Psalm 136. Prayer time, Bible study, and discussion on “Jesus Among Secular Gods” is every Wednesday evening at 6:30 p.m. Join the Bowling and Pizza Party on Sunday, February 27, from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. at the Wabash Cannonball Lanes. A Grief Support group meets at the Church of Christ at Wabash, 1904 N. Wabash St, Wabash, every Monday at 3:30 p.m. You are welcome to join them. If you have questions, contact Donna Wendt, 260-782-2160. The Lagro Community
Church also invites you to Sunday School from 9 to 10 a.m. and worship service at 10 a.m. every Sunday. The speaker for Feb. 27 will be Dan Snyder. Kids’ Klub at Lagro United Methodist Church is a group for Kindergarten through 6th grade. It meets every Wednesday that Metro Schools is in session, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. Bible stories, games, praise and worship songs, and supper are included. Parents who have questions can contact the church at lagroumchurch@g
mail.com. Lagro United Methodist Church invites you to its Sunday morning services at 9:00 a.m. and Sunday school for all ages at 10:00 a.m. Youth group activities for students in the 4th through 12th grades are also offered. Those activities and times vary each month depending on the service project. For more information on youth programs, parents can email the church at LagroUMC@gmail. com. The Food Pantry at Lagro Community Church is open the third Saturday of every month from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. in the basement. Please enter through the back door of the church. The Food Pantry is for Wabash County residents. For further information on donating food or for assistance please call 260-5714639.
Heath Tackett and Jaidon Truman show off one of the vehicles they worked on through the Heartland Career Center’s entrepreneurial class. Northfield Choir students participated in the ISSMA District solo and vocal ensemble contest Saturday, Feb. 12, at Carroll High School in Fort Wayne and earned 3 gold ratings and 4 silver ratings. Seventh graders Landon Mast, Trinity Thorn, and Emma Wilson all participated; Landon receiving a perfect score! A Capella Choir members Kayden Cruz, Addie France, and Anna
Hodson sang an ensemble; Addie France sang a solo earning a gold rating to advance to the State Contest on Saturday, February 19, in Indianapolis. Congratulations! Heath Tackett, owner/operator of Tackett Auto Detailing, and Jaidon Truman, his classmate and employee, show off some of the great work they turn out every day. These two young men are Northfield seniors who attend
Northfield School Resource Officer Eric Kirtlan was honored by school officials on National School Resource Officer Appreciation Day.
Heartland; they fully detail at least two vehicles a day as part of their work-based learning associated with the Heartland Entrepreneurial class. Northfield High School honored SRO Eric Kirtlan on National School Resource Officer Appreciation Day on Feb. 15. Northfield faculty, staff, and students appreciate SRO Eric Kirtlan and his dedication to keeping their schools and students safe. SRO Kirtlan also helps coach cross country and wrestling at Northfield. Thank you, SRO Kirtlan, for your dedication to NHS staff and students! 2022 Northfield yearbooks are now on sale! Order online at yearbookforever.com, or pay with cash/check at Northfield’s front office. Prices increase later this spring, so order early to save! Congratulations to these Northfield Students for making the Wabash County Honors Band and Choir for 2022! Honors Band Students are: Hailey Barton, Isaiah Beall, Madison Griffin, Natalee Keller, Alexis Leffel, John Nesler, Landon
Shoue, Turner Stephens, Claire Thompson, and Kyle Wynn. Honors Choir Students are: Kayden Cruz, Addie France, Anna Hodson, and Jazmyn Kelly. The Wabash County Honors Band and Choir Concert is Friday, March 11, 7:30 p.m. Norse Honor students for last week were Kalel Dunn and Eli Kroh. Kalel was caught for helping a classmate with his Ipad and Eli for helping out with the paper recycling. Thanks, Eli and Kalel. There are people in our community who are in need of our prayers at this time. Their names remain on our lips and their concerns linger in our hearts. Let us not forget to personally be a presence in their lives, to offer hope and help. Their names need not be mentioned; God knows them by name. Do you have a birthday or anniversary to celebrate? Do you have a special event to share? If so, just send me an email at the address listed above, or text me at 260-571-2577. I’d love to share your special day or your community event.
The Paper of Wabash County
February 23, 2022
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ESSENTIAL S SENTIAL SS E NTIAL B USINESSES U SINESSES USIN E SS E S
DISPLAY YOUR SERVICES DISPLAY
D IRECTORY DIR DIRECTORY E CTORY
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GET RESULTS FAST! GET
Essential Businesses Directory Continued on page 24
MWS Construction, LLC Amish Builders
Mike Olinger Sales Representative
• New Homes • Framing • Roofing • Remodeling • Pole Barns Concrete • Decks • Drywall
Cell 574-930-0534
Free Estimates • Insured • Licensed Willie: (260) 229-6349
Custom Design and Build
New Roofs, Rubber Roofs, Facia and Soffit, Specializing in Roof Ventilation
Free Estimates & Insured Paul Little-Owner
765-981-4812 Cell: 260-571-4812
Your perfect wedding starts with invitations. Come in and let us show you invitations, announcements napkins, bridal books & accessories
563-8326 ‘the paper’
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The Paper of Wabash County
County renews Northeast Indiana Works partnership By Phil Smith psmith@thepaperofwabash.com
ECHO Racing winners were (front, from left) Reece, Tucker; Track Official Matt Snell (back row, from left), Brooklyn, Kaedence, Evan and James.
URBANA
ECHO racing fun continues in Urbana
ECHO Racing for the youth continued on February 12, 2022 at the Urbana Community Building located on 44 Half St. in Urbana. The group of youth was the biggest yet this year. We had 18 youth to set up for the races. Races started just shortly after 2 p.m. ECHO Track Official Michael Snell explained the rules and what the drivers need to know about how the races will run. There were several new ECHO Drivers which is always nice to have. The track officials let the new drivers drive a few laps so they could become accustomed to the track and to check out the differences in each controller. Several parents who attended had no idea that this activity was here for the youth during the winter months. This is ECHO Racing’s 12th year and is a fun sport for the youth. The Track Officials are in hopes that the parents think so as well. When the youth had finished signing in with their names, ages and addresses, Track Official Matt Snell took down their names and ages and proceeded to set the races as to who would be in Class-A and ClassB. The races would be alternated between A and B Classes just to keep
February 23, 2022
Michael Mich Michael ael Sn Snell ell 260-774-3665 pinkynova71@ hotmail.com
the youth’s attention. The races are set this way because track officials found that if they ran all one class, the other class of youth would get bored very quickly. Alternating turned out to be the solution. As the races began with Class-B, Semifinals 1, Heat 1 was a real trip. Some of the new drivers just tried too hard, drove too fast and crashed out. As the racing continued the new drivers started to understand how to control their car a whole lot better. Some of the races had first time winners. This is always special for the new drivers as well as the parents. During the Semifinal Heat Races, the winners
are compiled and moved onto what is called Sudden Death Heat Races. The Sudden Death Races determine who will be competing for Class-A or Class-B Champion, 2nd Place Class-A or Class-B and 3rd Place Class-A or Class-B. Every ECHO Driver receives points such as 10 points for Champion, 8 for 2nd , 6 for 3rd , 4 for 4th , 2 for 5th and 1 for 6th place and all below 6th place receives 1 point. Only the top three in each class receive an award plaque after each race session. All the points will be compiled at the end of the race season. ECHO Officials will hold an Awards Reception that will take place on March 19, 2022 after the last ECHO Drag Race. The Champions, 2nd place and 3rd place in both classes will receive a trophy commemorating their ECHO Racing accomplishments. Come and join in on the fun. This is Continued on Page 25
would be extended to five years from three for expediency. “It’s a federal requirement by the federal department of labor,” he said. “Historically, it was required every three years for signature. The federal government extended that to five years. I have brought some information with me to share with you all just to kind of review what the WorkOne center in Wabash County has done.” O’Neal said the Wabash location on Thorne Street had serviced 268 people in the past year. “Of that 268, we’ve had 125 direct job referrals to support the 883 job orders that
The Wabash County Board of Commissioners on Monday, Feb. 21, agreed to renew a partnership with Northeast Indiana Works. Edmond O’Neal, III, president and chief executive officer for the organization, told the commissioners that the previous contract had been for three years. “I am here to formally request signature on the regional chief elected officials agreement,” he said, adding that the new pact would extend until March 31, 2027. He said it was decided that the agreement
STATE OF INDIANA COUNTY OF WABASH
) IN THE WABASH CIRCUIT COURT ) SS: ) 2022 TERM CAUSE NO. 85C01-2202-TP-93
IN RE SALE OF TAX CERTIFICATES BY WABASH COUNTY: ROBERT HOLLAND, Petitioner vs. MADISON CRUMRINE, Respondent NOTICE OF FILING PETITION FOR ISSUANCE OF TAX DEED TO: MADISON CRUMRINE 1 West Hill Street Wabash, IN 46992 You are hereby notified that on the 1st day of February, 2022, Robert Holland filed his Petition in the above captioned proceeding for the issuance of a Tax Deed pursuant to Indiana Code 6-1.1-254.6 pursuant to Tax Certificate Number 852100040, sold to Robert Holland by the Wabash County Commissioners on September 30, 2021, for the following described real estate situated in Wabash County, Indiana, to-wit: Address: Fulton Street, Wabash, Indiana 46992 Key Number/Parcel ID#: 85-14-14-101-047.000-009 Brief Legal Description: Factory Addition, South ½. Lot 18 Pursuant to Indiana Code 6-1.1-25-4.6(f), an Order will be requested by Richard Holland from the Wabash Circuit Court directing the Wabash County Auditor to issue a tax deed to the above described real estate Thirty (30) days from the date of publication of this Notice. If you have objection to the relief sought by Robert Holland as set forth in his petition, you must file the same, in writing, with the Clerk of the Wabash Circuit Court, 1 West Hill Street, Suite 103, Wabash, Indiana 46992, within Thirty (30) days from the date of publication of this notice, or the relief and order sought by Robert Holland may be granted. Dated February 18, 2022.
2/23/22
JOSEPH W. EDDINGFIELD, #8421-85 Attorney For Robert Holland 84 West Market Street, PO Box 294 Wabash, Indiana 46992 (260) 563-1154
have been placed in Wabash County,” he said. “On the employer side, we’ve worked with 71 companies, in some form or fashion, either for job pooling, (human resources) support, job placement or worker training. Through the NextLevel Jobs program, we facilitated seven individual agreements with employers for a total of $548,380 to support incoming worker training in the past year. O’Neal said $18,452 was spent in the past year for individual training. He also said his
organization has worked on retention projects and has partnered with education, such as Wabash City Schools and the Heartland Career Center. He reported to the panel that Wabash County’s current unemployment rate is 1.1 percent. “It feels kind of awkward to say that that’s one of the higher rates in the region,” he said, adding that the lowest rate is LaGrange County at .7 percent with Allen County topping the list at 1.2 percent.
The Paper of Wabash County
February 23, 2022
Urbana news
an open invitation from the Urbana Lions and the ECHO Track Officials to all youth ages 7-16. We are ECHO Racing. Urbana Blood Drive: Urbana Yoke Parish and the Outreach Committee held a blood drive on February 16, 2022. This was held at the Urbana Community Building at 44 Half St. The Red Cross sent an outstanding crew to work the drive. There were several church members who helped also. The Urbana Yoke Parish thanks everyone. The goal was set for 26 units at this time and we achieved 29 productive units of blood. Thanks to all who gave this much needed blood. Blood is in very short supply right now. There is a high demand for life saving blood. You can go on line at the American Red Cross site and Google blood drive locations to make an appointment. If you can give, give often and remember, the blood you give today may save a life tomorrow. The next blood drive will take place on May 4, 2022. Please keep this date in mine and we hope to see you then.
...continued from Page 24 Prayer concerns: Julie Miller, John Eltzroth, Alma DeVore, Phyllis Baker, Ron Baer, Nancy Christie, Ruth Summers, Paxton Wright, Jim and Pat Hartley, Coy Eads and his parents and sisters, Joni Fox, our Nation and the leaders, our military personnel, our frontline responders and health providers. If anyone would like to have their name added or removed from prayer concerns, please contact me. The Breakfast Bunch met at the Fried Egg on Feb. 16, 2022 around 7:30. They try to meet every Wednesday and have breakfast together and talk about what is happening. Those attending were Tom and Joyce Willcox, Larry and Nancy Meyers, Steve Gilbert and Pat McNabney. Come on down and join in on the fun or at least have breakfast with them. Birthday wishes: Feb. 24 Ridge McKillip, Feb. 27 Melissa Griffey and Feb. 28 Dan Eads. Anniversaries: Feb. 14 Paul and Melba Townsend, Feb. 19 Bud and Connie Winters and Feb. 29 Jerry and Lana Long.
Police ing to rest in a field. Damage up to $5,000. 2:41 a.m. — A vehicle driven by Mark T. Helm, 40, North Manchester left the roadway and struck a utility pole on CR 800 W, Roann. Damage up to $10,000. 7:13 a.m. — Vehicles driven by Ashly N. Blackburn, 39, Wabash and Toysonya J. Preasha, 46, Fort Wayne, collided on US24, west of CR 500 E, Lagro. Damage up to $10,000. Feb. 14 9 a.m. — Vehicles driven by Tim J. Harris, 60, Warsaw and Keith E. Zietz,
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...continued from Page 20 Rice Lake, Wisc. Collided at the intersection of US 24 and CR 400 W. Both drivers required medical attention. Damage more than $100,000. 4:46 p.m. — A vehicle driven by Rachel L. Brane, 28, LaFontaine, left the roadway and struck a tree on CR 1200 S, Somerset. Damage up to $25,000. Feb. 15 12:55 a.m. — A vehicle driven by Terry L. Burkett, 42, Butler, left the roadway at the intersection of CRs 800 N and 300 E, North Manchester, striking a utility
pole. Burkett had been fleeing from Indiana State Police and was taken into custody. Damage up to $5,000. 7:40 a.m. — Vehicles driven by Daniel R. Jones, 31, Indianapolis, and Emily S. Boardman, 43, Somerset, collided at the intersection of CRs 700 S and 100 W, Wabash. Damage up to $25,000. 8:25 a.m. — Vehicles driven by Joseph L. Gouvan, 41, Wabash and Timothy G. White, 59, Wabash collided at the intersection of SR 13 and Palmer Road.
Damage up to $25,000. Feb. 16 6:58 a.m. — A vehicle driven by Michael L. Keaffaber, 59, Wabash, struck a deer on CR 400 S, west of CR 200 E, Lagro. Damage up to $10,000. Wabash Police Department Accident Feb. 20 10:45 a.m. — Vehicles driven by Natalie S. House, 21, Wabash and Brandin M. Frazier, 24, Wabash, collided at the intersection of Cass and Walter streets, Wabash. Damage up to $25,000.
The Paper of Wabash County, P.O. Box 603, Wabash, IN 46992. Classified Ads: $9.50 for first 20 words in advance: 15¢ each word thereafter. Deadline 5:00 on Fridays
Wabash-Kokomo Vault & Monument Sales are looking for
NEW HIRES Looking for someone with a valid driver’s license and those who are able to lift up to 100 pounds. If interested, office hours are from 8-4 M-F at 732 Falls Avenue, Wabash, IN 46992.
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The Paper of Wabash County
February 23, 2022
The Paper of Wabash County, P.O. Box 603, Wabash, IN 46992. Classified Ads: $9.50 for first 20 words in advance: 15¢ each word thereafter. Deadline 5:00 on Fridays
Employment
ARE YOU LOOKING to work independently? OTR Class A CDL driver needed, part-time or full-time you choose. Very flexible schedule working for an independent business with company-owned late model Peterbilts. Long haul, no touch. 5 years of Class A OTR experience required. Call Steve at 260-568-1585.
Wanted
Wanted Coins! Always Buying Coins, Gold & Silver Jewelry.
50+ Years Experience. Please call me before you sell!
Tom’ s Coins 260-571-3553
WANTED TO Buy Collectibles: Sports Cards, Farm Toys, Red Line Hot Wheels & Lesney Matchbox and U.S. Silver coins. Call/Text 260-4507373.
The Paper of Wabash County
February 23, 2022
www.thepaperofwabash.com
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The Paper of Wabash County, P.O. Box 603, Wabash, IN 46992. Classified Ads: $9.50 for first 20 words in advance: 15¢ each word thereafter. Deadline 5:00 on Fridays
Services
Pets
Auto
PUPPIES FOR Sale: 2 registered female Yorkies. 765-919-9944.
Mobile Homes WANTED: DO you have a MOBILE HOME you want to sell? Call or text 574218-3300. We need single wides, double wides & modulars. Look forward to hearing from you!
For Rent FOR RENT: 2 bedroom country home. $750/month plus deposit. No smoking, no pets. Background check and references. Call 765243-6987, no text.
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
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The Paper of Wabash County
February 23, 2022