Wabash Kiwanis Club to host

Cont. on Pg. 5

pancake breakfast March 25

The Wabash Kiwanis Club’s largest annual fundraiser, Pancake Day, will soon take place to help benefit children of Wabash, across the state and around the world.

Sharp Creek elementary schools, renovating local park playgrounds, continuing the Club’s fifth grade book program, and more.

plucky advice-giver-extraordinaire

Edwina Spoonapple as she directs the neighborhood in a series of buoyant production numbers for the latest edition of her weekly “Advice-a-Palooza.” Edwina and her friends share wisdom on everything from trying new foods to making new friends, through clever, catchy and poignant songs. Performance will take place on June 23 and 24 at 5:00 p.m. at the Honeywell Center. Auditions required for lead roles.

“The SpongeBob Musical” – Camp Weekdays: June 5-23 from 1-4 p.m. at the Honeywell Center Director – Jessica Keffaber; Music Director – Wil Woodruff Grades 9-12: The stakes are higher than ever in this dynamic stage musical, as SpongeBob and all of Bikini Bottom face the total annihilation of their undersea world.

Chaos erupts. Lives hang in the balance. And just when all hope seems lost, a most unexpected hero rises up and takes center stage. The power of optimism really can save the world! Performance will take place on June 23 and 24 at 7:30 p.m. at the Honeywell Center. Auditions required for lead roles. Financial assistance is available for both Summer Art and Theatre Camp. Please review all information before applying; the deadline for the financial assistance application is April 28. For more information, please visit honeywellarts.org.

The event is scheduled for 7 a.m. – 1 p.m. Saturday, March 25, at the Bruce Ingraham building at the Wabash County Fairgrounds, located just off of Gillen Avenue in Wabash. Pancakes (with or without blueberries) will be available, along with sausages and drinks.

Tickets are available for $10 for adults (13 years and older) and $5 for children (ages 6-12 years). Admission for the event will be free for children 5 years and younger. Tickets can be purchased in advance through a Kiwanis member or at the door.

“We can’t do a lot of the amazing things that we do every year without this fundraiser,” Club Board Vice President Tenille Zartman, who will oversee the event this year, said. “Yes, much of what we do is done through volunteering and sweat equity, but there are a lot of organizations locally that rely on our support.

“You need to eat that day, so why not join us for breakfast or lunch? We’ll have delicious food for you to enjoy and by stopping by, you’ll know that your dollars will go directly back into the community to benefit children.”

The event allows the Club to continue its many service projects in the area, including support of Key Clubs at Wabash and Northfield high schools, support of K-Kids clubs at O.J. Neighbours and

Wabash Kiwanis also supports youth- and communityfocused initiatives like Riley Hospital for Children, the Eagles Theatre renovation, FAME Festival, the Honeywell Summer Arts Camps and Arts in Education programs, the Wabash County Scholarship Pageant, Founder’s Day, Wabash Area Community Theater, the Wabash High School volleyball team’s Kills for a Cure fundraiser and more.

Sponsors for the fundraiser include Beacon Credit Union, Bulldog Battery Corp., City of Wabash, Crossroads Bank, Dawes & Pugh CPAs, LLC, Eads & Son Bulldozing, Inc., Edward Jones, Flagstar Bank, Ford Meter Box, Gaunt & Son Asphalt, Inc., Gebhart Holdings, Grandstaff-Hentgen Funeral Service, Inc., Grow Wabash County, Halderman Real Estate and Farm Management, Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance, Investment Center at Crossroads, J.M. Reynolds Oil Company, John Deere TTG Equipment, Josiah White’s, Larry C. Thrush, Lundquist Appraisals & Real Estate, Midwest Eye Consultants, MSD of Wabash County, Oswalt-Thomas Sales & Service, Robert J Mattern DDS, Schlemmer Brothers Metalworks, Inc., Terrell Realty Group, Tulip Tree Title, Wabash Carnegie Public Library, Wabash City Schools, Wabash MPI, Wabash Valley Chrysler LLC, and Zoomers RV of Indiana LLC.

Next stop: Indianapolis

After a Blazer basket, Lehner and Cole Winer each hit jumpers to give the Knights a 22-14 lead with 3:52 left in the half.

Marquette Catholic answered with five consecutive points, including a 3-pointer from Jason Kobe, who led the Blazers with 24 points.

Southwood answered back with a 9-3 run with baskets from Jaret Denney, Lehner, Jason Oprisek, and a 3pointer from Cole Winer, to take a 31-22 lead.

Kobe hit an inside basket in the final seconds to make it a 31-24 Southwood lead at halftime.

The teams battled back-and-forth in the third quarter with the Knights holding onto a 47-38 lead heading into the fourth quarter.

Marquette cut the lead to 47-42 after a 3pointer before Lehner hit two free throws and Oprisek went 1-2 from the line to push the lead to 50-42.

After Kobe went 1-2 from the line for the Blazers, the Marquette coach was called for a technical foul as

Oprisek was fouled on a play to the basket. Oprisek hit one of two shots while Cole Winer also went 1-2 as he shot the technical free throws.

Oprisek took another 1-2 trip to the line with 3:38 left in the game

...continued from Page to cut the lead to 54-50.

Will Winer hit two free throws with 1:32 left to make it a 56-50 score but the Blazers’ Gary Lewis hit a 3pointer with 1:08 remaining to make it a one-possession game.

1

Cole Winer was fouled and hit one of two free throws before Adam Tarnow hit a 3pointer with 43 seconds left to cut the Southwood lead to 5756.

Stout was immediately fouled and hit 1-2 free throws for a 58-56 Southwood lead.

The Knights stopped Marquette and Cole Winer was fouled. The senior hit both free throws to make it a two-possession game at 60-56 with 27.1 seconds remaining.

and the Knights led, 5343.

Marquette hit four consecutive free throws and a 3-pointer

Will Winer capped the game off with a steal and layup with 20 seconds left then dove for a steal, getting the ball to Lehner, who was fouled with 10.1 seconds remaining.

Lehner hit both free Cont. on Pg. 11.

Ruth Ann Summers, 95 Retired from MarkHon

May 21, 1927 – March 15, 2023

Ruth Anna Summers, 95, of Wabash, died at 7:35 pm, Wednesday, March 15, 2023, at Wellbrooke of Wabash.

She was born on May 21, 1927, in LaFontaine, to George Sr. and Agnes (Mattox) Rapp.

Ruth was a 1945 graduate of LaFontaine High School. She married Glen D. Summers at her parent’s home in rural Wabash County, on September 6, 1946, officiated by her uncle; Glen died April 22, 2019.

Ruth worked at Honeywell/Markhon in Wabash, retiring after 40 years. She was a member of the Urbana Yoke Parish and the Ladies Nite Out Home Ec Club. Ruth loved to travel in the motor home, and saw much of the United States. One of her first trips was to Niagara Falls in 1954, but her favorite place was Colorado. She also enjoyed working in the yard, gardening, fishing, knitting, and reading.

She is survived by her brother, Charles Rapp of LaFontaine, and 11 nieces and nephews, Beverly Howard, Kenneth Rapp, Gary Rapp, Daniel Rapp, Douglas Rapp, Mary Finicle, Barb Cullar, Dave Cullar, Robbie Rapp, John Rapp, and Marlene Minor, and several great-nieces and nephews.

She was also preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, George Rapp Jr. and Paul Rapp, and one sister, Joyce Cullar.

Visitation and funeral services were Monday, March 20, 2023, at GrandstaffHentgen Funeral Service, 1241 Manchester Ave., Wabash, with the Rev. Larry Wade officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Lawns Cemetery, Wabash. Friends may call 9:30 -11:00 am Monday, at the funeral home.

Preferred memorial is Urbana Yoke Parish.

The memorial guest book for Ruth may be signed at www.grandstaffhentgen.com.

Glenn ‘Gerb’ Gerber

Former Wabash Jr. High principal April 7, 1931 – March 17, 2023

Glenn L. “Gerb”, “Gerbie” Gerber of Marion, Ohio, passed away peacefully at home Friday, March 17.

He was born April 7, 1931, in Goshen, to Eli and Mary (Graff) Gerber.

Glenn was a 1949 graduate of Goshen High School and 1953 graduate of Ball State Teachers’ College (now known as Ball State University) where he served as president of Phi Sigma Epsilon fraternity.

Following graduation, he served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. After being discharged he returned to Ball State where he earned his teaching license. In 1954 he married Ida Eddingfield. They later divorced.

Glenn’s teaching career began at Noble Township High School in Wabash, where he taught business classes. He then taught at Wabash High School and later became assistant principal. After earning a master’s degree from Ball State, he was named principal at Wabash Junior High School. In 1968 he graduated at the top of his class from the Indiana School of Mortuary Science in Indianapolis, and became a partner at the EddingfieldGerber Mortuary in Wabash. During that time, he also served on the Wabash City Schools Board of Education.

In 1976, Glenn married Jan (Campbell) Smith, who preceded him in death, moved to Marion, Ohio and returned to education. He served Marion City Schools first as assistant principal at Edison and Baker Middle Schools, then as principal at Silver Street School and finally principal at Indian Mound Elementary School until his retirement. After retirement he enjoyed spending time with family, morning coffee with friends, riding his bicycle and playing a lot of golf as long as his health allowed. He also enjoyed several winters in Florida where he could play golf year-round. Glenn will be remembered as a funloving guy who always tried to be fair to others and was totally dedicated to serving his students throughout his career in education.

Glenn is survived by his children Jena (Dave) Huffman, Dirk Smith, Lance (Kathleen) Smith and Shana (Mark) Satterfield. He is also survived by four grandchildren, Cameron (Maggie) Huffman, Cheyenne (Isaac) Bratton, Foster and Campbell Smith as well as four great-grandchildren, his brother Dean (Phyllis) Gerber, numerous cousins and his companion and caregiver Lou Ann Anderson. In addition to his parents and wife Jan, Glenn was also preceded in death by two special aunts Edna Graff and Matilda “Tillie” Kasbaum.

In lieu of flowers donations in Glenn’s memory may be made to Tranquility Hospice, 1949 State Route 37 W., Suite C, Delaware, OH 43015 or to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to provide books for young children through the Marion Public Library at Marion Community Foundation, 504 S. State Street, Marion, OH 43302 and designate it for Marion Imagination Library.

The family is very thankful for the compassionate loving care he received in recent months from Tranquility Hospice and from his two special caregivers Paulette Christman and Viva Hollenbach.

A memorial service for Glenn will be held on Tuesday, March 21, at 3PM at Snyder Funeral Home, Denzer Chapel, 360 E. Center St., Marion, OH. The service will be preceded by a visitation from 1-3 PM.

Snyder Funeral Homes, Denzer Chapel is honored to serve Glenn’s family and online condolences may be expressed by visiting www.SndyerFuneralHomes.com

Lucius Wakefield, 77 U.S. Army veteran

Nov. 26, 1945 – March 13, 2023

Lucius Daniel Wakefield, 77, of rural Wabash, Indiana, died at 3:55 am, Monday, March 13, 2023, at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne.

He was born on Nov. 26, 1945, in Wabash, to Paul H. and Lola M. (Rice) Wakefield.

Danny married Sherry Marie Burton in Wabash on April 24, 1971. He was a U.S. Army veteran and worked 43 years at USG/Thermafiber, retiring in 2006. Danny was a member of the American Legion Post 15 in Wabash and the National Rifle Association.

He was a man loved by too many to mention. He worked all his life to support his family, and at the worst of times would always leave his door open. Danny enjoyed being outside “taking a sunburn”. He loved spending time with his family, and spending money on them rather than himself. He was a car and engine guy, who enjoyed working on engines with his children. He also enjoyed everything about cars and racing, and seeing the new era of cars and racing. Danny enjoyed flower hunting with Danika, water skiing, jet boats, riding his Harley, buying and crashing remote control airplanes, music, and going to dance with Sherry to visit with people.

He is survived by his wife, Sherry Marie Wakefield of Wabash; three children, Adam (Michelle Teal) Wakefield and Troy Wakefield, both of North Manchester, and Brandi “Pumpkin” (Jason Pence) Wakefield of Wabash; four grandchildren, Brittany (Tom Young) Wakefield of Huntington, Breanne (Bryce Henry) Wakefield of Leesburg, Danika “Boo Boo” Holbrook and Braden “Superduper” Pence, both of Wabash; and two great-grandchildren, Braxton Wakefield of Huntington, and Niah Henry of Leesburg.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Per Danny’s wishes, there will be no services at this time. There will be a Celebration of Danny’s life at a later date. Arrangements by Grandstaff-Hentgen Funeral Service, Wabash.

The memorial guest book for Danny may be signed at www.grandstaff-hentgen.com.

Betty May Davis, 88

Raced sulky ponies

Sept. 14, 1934 – March 13, 2023

Betty May (Ihnen) Davis, 88, of Wabash, passed away at 6:30 a.m. on Monday, March 13, 2023, at Waters of Wabash West.

She was born near Laketon on Sept. 14, 1934, to Herman and Velma (Bishop) Ihnen.

Betty married Robert “Punk” Davis on March 26, 1960. They had one daughter, Wendy Melton who survives. She worked at Torin Corp./Lau Industries for almost 40 years. She worked side by side with many of her closest friends, including Opal Pontius, Barb Tullis, and Donna Shelton. Betty and Donna shared a close bond and kept in touch throughout the years. Donna became more of a sister when Betty’s own sister, Marjorie passed several years ago. Punk and Betty spent many summers at Nappanee Raceway where they raced sulky ponies. As members of the ITPPA, they traveled all over northern Indiana, Pennsylvania, and Ohio racing with many of their friends.

Betty is survived by her daughter, Wendy Melton of Wabash; grandsons, Jeremy (Maranda) Melton, and Steven (Becca) Melton; She also had three bonus grandchildren, Michelle (Tania) Grove, Elizabeth (Michael) Drudge, and Ronald Ihnen. She also had several great-grandchildren: Savannah Melton, Emily Melton, Electra Merrell, Jaxson Melton, Haiden Melton, Kaysen Melton, Camdyn Melton, Ainsley Dahlstrom, Lennox Wright, Barrett Melton, Brigham Melton, Tannis Melton, Ryleigh Drudge, Conner Drudge, Elijah Grove, and Aadyson Grove. She is also survived by her sisterin-law Katherine Ihnen. She is preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, Bob and Virgil Ihnen, and one sister, Marjorie.

Visitation was Thursday, March 16, 2023, at McDonald Funeral Home, 231 Falls Avenue, Wabash.

Preferred Memorials can be directed to the American Cancer Society or a Hospice program of your choice in care of McDonald Funeral Home.

McDonald Funeral Homes, Wabash Chapel, 231 Falls Ave., Wabash, have been trusted with Betty Davis’ final arrangements.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.mcdonaldfunerals.com

Wabash Police to increase patrols through April 4

Wabash Police are increasing patrols through April 4, 2023.

Wabash Police are focusing on removing drug and alcohol impaired drivers from our roadways. Officers will be working overtime on these increased patrols. Keeping our roadways safe from impaired drivers is a priority to our department, says Patrolman Gareth Monroe.

Wabash Police remind drivers to have a plan if you chose to drink, designate a driver or call for a ride.

Max Bidwell, 78

Retired from Ford Meter Box

June 8, 1944 – March 13, 2023

Max Duane Bidwell, 78, of Lagro, died at 9:28 a.m., Monday, March 13, 2023, at AMG Specialty Hospital in Muncie.

He was born on June 8, 1944, in Lagro, to Ira and Mary (Kessler) Bidwell.

Max married Marlene Kay Beeks at the Dora Christian Church in Wabash on June 29, 1968; she died Feb. 6, 2008. He worked at Ford Meter Box in Wabash, retiring after 40 years. Max enjoyed antique tractors, going shopping, going out to eat, and spending time with his family.

He is survived by two children, Brenda (Dallas) Sams of Lagro, and Brad (Lynne Lockwood) Bidwell of Huntington; six grandchildren, Aaron (Shaina) Creech of Peru, Bethanie (Damien Shepherd) Martin of Wabash, Ashli (Smitte) Walker and Andru (Kayla) Sams, both of Peru, Bryonna Tanner of Wabash, and Brooklyn Lockwood of Huntington; 10 great-grandchildren; special friend, Evelyn Turner of Wabash; and his brother, Karl (Juanita) Bidwell of Wabash.

He was also preceded in death by his parents, daughter Lisa R. Bidwell, grandson Austin Sams, great grandson Liam Martin, five brothers and one sister.

Funeral services were Saturday, March 18, 2023, at GrandstaffHentgen Funeral Service, 1241 Manchester Ave., Wabash, with Steve McCarty officiating. Burial will be in Lagro Cemetery, Lagro. Friends may call 4-7 pm Friday, at the funeral home. Preferred memorial is Wabash County Cancer Society.

The memorial guest book for Max may be signed at www.grandstaff-hentgen.com.

Weekly reports

Wabash County Sheriff’s Department Accidents

A vehicle driven by Michele L. Slone, 51, North Manchester, struck a deer at 10:45 a.m. March 16 on County Road 1000 N, near County Road 400 W. Damage was estimated at between $2,501 and $5,000.

Vehicles driven by Victor W. Fink, 23, Wabash, and Alexander T. Sanders, 24, Peru, collided on U.S. 24, east of CR 300 E at 6:31 a.m. March 14. Damage was estimated at between $5,001 and $10,000.

Vehicles driven by Lisa D. Krom, 58, Wabash, and Crystal G. Galo, 44, Huntington, collided at 5:24 a.m. March 14 on U.S. 24, west of CR 400 E. Damage was estimated at 5,001 to

$10,000.

Vehicles driven by Melanie A. Sproat, 65, Marion, and Julia A. Bischoff, 58, Bluffton, collided on State Road 124 near CR 50E. Damage was estimated at between $10,001 and $25,000.

A vehicle driven by McKenzie J. Haeft, 16, Wabash, left the roadway and rolled several times after she lost control while she was reaching for her coffee at 9:02 a.m. March 13 on State Road 124, west of CR 525 E. Damage was estimated at between $2,501 and $5,000.

Vehicles driven by Vickie S. Kennedy, 76, Huntington, and Kevin N. Brainard, 44, Wabash, collided as Kennedy was attempting to Cont. on Pg. 10.

Iris Smith, 94 Enjoyed reading

Sept. 22, 1928 – March 15, 2023

Iris M. Smith, 94, of Macy, passed away at 11:23 a.m., Wednesday, March 15, 2023, at her home.

She was born in Peru on Sept. 22, 1928, the daughter of Frederick “Fritz” and Ruby (Anderson) Schmidt. Iris married Charles L. “Roy” Smith on Oct. 27, 1950, and he preceded her on Jan. 22, 2009.

Iris was a 1946 graduate of Peru High School and a member of the St. John’s Lutheran Church. After marrying her sweetheart, Roy, she participated as a farm wife helping with the many tasks around the family farm. When she wasn’t working hard at farm life, she enjoyed relaxing with a good book and watching basketball.

A service celebrating the life of Iris M. Smith was held Monday, March 20, 2023, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 181 W. Main St., Peru, with Pastor Kenneth Greenwald officiating. Burial will follow in St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery. A gathering of family and friends was on Sunday, March 19, 2023, at the Eikenberry-Eddy Funeral Home, 84 W. Main St., Peru, as well as one hour prior to the service on Monday at the church.

Iris is survived by her son Charles Craig Smith and his wife, Donna, of Macy; daughter Cathy Jo Hileman and family of Mexico; grandsons Matthew Minthorn and his wife, Annette, of Columbia City, and Aaron Charles Smith of Warsaw; and great-granddaughters Greta Minthorn and Reese Minthorn. Iris also had may nieces and nephews that were special to her.

In addition to her husband Charles “Roy” Smith, she was preceded in death by her parents, sisters Mary Whitaker, Dorothy Eldridge, and Donnabell Parrett.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made through the EikenberryEddy Funeral Home to St. John’s Lutheran Church.

The family would like to express their gratitude for the assistance of Dr. Michael Mull and the entire care team with Adoration Hospice, Kokomo.

Family and friends may leave a memory or message of condolence by visiting the online obituary at www.eddyfuneralhomes.com or on Facebook at Eddy Funeral Homes, Inc.

James Payne, 84

Enjoyed attending concerts

April 1, 1938 – March 19, 2023 switch lanes on U.S. 24 at the intersection with Alber Street at 3:17 p.m. March 10. Damage was estimated at between $2,501 ad $5,000.

James Loren Payne, 84, of rural Urbana, died at 3:50 a.m., Sunday, March 19, 2023, at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne.

He was born on April 1, 1938, in Peru, to Frank Payne and Mildred (Wilson) Payne Carey.

Jim was a 1956 graduate of Lagro High School. He served in the Indiana National Guard. Jim married Priscilla Ann Bumgardner in Kendallville, on Sept. 26, 1959; she died Sept. 8, 2015. He was a retired farmer and a member of the Lagro United Methodist Church. He enjoyed farming, riding 4-wheelers, going to concerts, and spending quality time with his family and friends.

He is survived by his son, Steven (Debby) Payne of Huntington; three grandchildren, Katie (Grant Eads) Payne of Fort Wayne, Nathan Pullum of Fortville, and Jennifer Pullum of Fort Wayne; 10 great-grandchildren, Wyatt Eads, Brooklyn Eads, D’nycia Johnson, Xavria Johnson, Chloe Pullum, Jeremiah Pullum, Tavion Keys, Layla Pullum, Kaeden Pullum, and Isys Pullum; and his special friend, Helen Adkins of Somerset.

He was also preceded in death by his parents, son, Jeffrey Payne, and three sisters, Betty Reed, Donna Vettle, and Dorothy Hall.

Funeral services will be 2 p.m., Friday, March 24, 2023, at Grandstaff-Hentgen Funeral Service, 1241 Manchester Ave., Wabash, with Brian Chamberlain officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Lawns Cemetery, Wabash. Friends may call 4-8 pm Thursday, at the funeral home.

Preferred memorial is Urbana Volunteer Fire Department.

The memorial guest book for James may be signed at www.grandstaff-hentgen.com.

Cont. from Pg. 9.

A vehicle driven by Brian T. Daniels, 64, Roann, struck a deer at 6:50 p.m. on State Road 16, east of CR 200W at 6:50 p.m. March 9.

Arrests

Dontex Lamar Bass, 25, Marion, was charged with battery against a disabled person and battery resulting in bodily injury on March 10.

Kelli Joe Day, 39, North Manchester, was charged with possession of methamphetamine on March 10.

Clint A. Knecht, 31, North Manchester, was charged with operating a vehicle with an ACE of 0.15 or more on March 13.

Andrew William McAllister, 32, Wabash, was charged with possession of methamphetamine on March 13.

Carmen Alexis Higdon, 21, Wabash, was charged with battery resulting in bodily injury on March 14.

Wabash Police officials thank Wal-Mart loss prevention officer

Most citizens of Wabash may recognize Jeff Walker as Wabash Wal-Mart’s loss prevention officer.

Walker has witnessed many thefts occurring from Wal-Mart. However, he has helped the citizens of Wabash and the Wabash Police Department in many ways.

When Wabash City Police are notified of someone’s car being hit in the parking lot, a purse left in a shopping cart, a phone left in the store, children lost in the store, and many other calls for service Walker is the department’s first call.

Walker has watched and reviewed hours and hours of security surveillance for the citizens of Wabash and Wabash City Police.