the Paper - September 4, 2024

Vega plants the seed of conservation

By PHOEBE MUTHART Staff Writer

Ricardo Vega of Warsaw grew up in Milford his whole life. A 2014 Wawasee High School graduate, he enjoys educating people about conservation, especially about native plants, nature and butterflies.

After high school, he attended IUSB and the first semester he took business classes before switching to criminal justice.

“But it was not for me,” he said.

So he decided to go into biology with the idea of eventually going to med school.

“I like the idea of helping people,” Vega said. “I’ve always liked science and the outdoors.”

In 2019, he graduated from IUSB with a major in biology and a minor in chemistry. After graduation, he landed a job at Goshen Hospital in the pathology lab. He prepared slides as a histology lab technician. He spent five months at that job while also running a landscaping business on the side with his father, which is based in Milford.

“I was also being interviewed for med school,” he recalled, and, he added, “I was volunteering at places.”

He decided against med school and stuck with landscaping as

his main job.

At 21, he and his wife, Paula, married in 2017. They met when they were teenagers when they both attended Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Warsaw. They married at the church and still attend it to this day. They moved to Warsaw in 2021.

His interest in conservation and the outdoors came from taking entomology classes in college. Those classes peaked his interest in conservation.

Vega became passionate about the environment and saving wildlife, like butterflies, after going to a Warsaw pet store where he met like-minded people.

Today, Vega has butterfly habitats in his backyard. He stresses the importance of educating the public about preserving one of Mother Nature’s most beautiful species.

“The whole ecosystem benefits,” Vega said. “You see a change in the bio-diversity of the area. Everything benefits from it.”

Native plants are key, Vega said, whether on a large or small scale. Milkweed, for instance, attracts butterflies, he said.

Today, Vega raises caterpillars and butterflies. He enjoys creating a natural habitat for them to come and thrive. Now he also educates others on the process and “how beautiful it is.”

enjoys the outdoors and is passionate about conservation. A Milford native, he is especially interested in raising caterpillars and butterflies and educating the public about their importance.

“It’s bigger than myself,” he said.

He hopes the future generation will also preserve nature and all of its creatures so they don’t go extinct, such as monarch butterflies.

His other hobbies are working out, bike riding, fishing and

Exciting Possibilities

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hiking. He owns a landscaping business, Grand Designs Landscaping and Hardscaping, with

his father, Raul. He and his wife also own a car wash business in Wabash.

Nurse Practitioner

Tracy Ford joins Urgent Care Goshen Physicians

Tracy Ford, FNP-BC, CWCNAP, has joined Urgent Care Goshen Physicians, where she will focus on diagnosing and treating injuries and illnesses that require immediate medical attention.

Ford brings over 10 years of experience as a registered nurse. In addition to providing urgent care, she has training in advanced wound care and has managed wound care for residents of rehabilitation and long-term care facilities. She also has served as a wellness program educator for an employee program where she helped educate and coach participants to improve their health.

“Tracy brings extensive experience in caring for patients in an urgent care setting,” said Randy Christophel, Goshen Health president and chief executive officer. “Her expertise and compassion will give patients with immediate medical needs greater access to care.”

Ford earned a Master of Science in Nursing and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Indiana University, South Bend.

OUTDOOR ENTHUSIAST Ricardo Vega of Warsaw

Photo by Phoebe Muthart.

WOMEN OF TODAY The Syracuse-Wawasee Rotary Club recently presented Women of Today a check for $1,000 for its efforts in helping the Rotary Club with its largest fundraiser, the Tour Des Lakes bike ride. The Syracuse-Wawasee Rotary Club took this event over last year; all proceeds raised go back into the community.

Pictured in front from left are Tiffany Barker, Julie Rauch, Sharie Johnson, Julie DeLucenay, Brandi Niles, Taylor Meeks and Patricia O’Connell. In back are Tami Baumgartner, Elizabeth Hudson, Brooke Stahly, Susan Stump, Barbara Marese, Haley Brown, Angie Goralczyk and Jenna Koehl. Photo provided.

Communities Recover Together: An evening of hope for substance misuse

The public is invited to an evening of dinner, learning and community support at the Communities Recover Together event at the Warsaw Performing Arts Center

Thursday, Sept. 5. This collaborative effort, supported by several community partners in Kosciusko County, invites the public to engage in how to address the issue of substance misuse.

The event will feature a keynote presentation by Judge Linda Davis, a distinguished figure in the fight against substance misuse. Davis brings a unique perspective as both a legal authority and a mother who has personally faced the challenges of substance misuse within her own family. With

Judge Karen McGrath moderating and the panel of community members sharing local stories, this event will be both informative and deeply moving.

“I believe the more we talk about substance misuse in our community, the less stigmatized it becomes. It’s very empowering to the individual and loved ones who are seeking help,” said Eric Lane, executive director and founder of Fellowship Missions.

The evening will begin with a complimentary dinner, allowing attendees to interact with local vendors and community organizations. This is a chance for people to connect with the area’s resources and support systems. Following

dinner and networking, Davis will share her journey and expertise on substance misuse, offering a supportive and hopeful perspective that combines her professional experience with her personal story. After her presentation, attendees will have an opportunity to ask questions for additional support.

Davis was appointed to the bench in 2000 and has since been an influential advocate in the fight against the opioid crisis. Her accolades include numerous awards from prestigious organizations such as the FBI and the Michigan Association of Treatment Court Professionals. She has served on various task forces and

Ladies Night Out: Backing up a trailer

Purdue Extension is hosting a Ladies Night Out event from 6-8 p.m. Monday, Sept. 9, designed to empower and educate women in the art of backing up a livestock trailer. Whether you’re a seasoned rancher or just starting out, mastering this skill is essential. Both a gooseneck and bumper pull trailer will be on site. The event is called “Ladies Night Out” to hopefully encourage women in the

The evolution

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erage cost of a traditional, full-service burial is about $8,703, while the average cost of a direct cremation costs under $2,000.

Today, families are able to send their loved ones ashes to various different companies and have the ashes pressed into musical vinyl records, turned into memorial jewelry and art pieces, infused into tattoo ink or even mixed inside fireworks.

“Every family needs something different to find closure after losing a loved one, and we’re not here to judge, only help,” Heagy said.

To highlight the history that rests within the cemetery, numerous walking tours have been created for the public to walk and enjoy. To access the walking tours, visit warsaw.in.gov/789/Walking-Tour-1. Visitors will see a list of seven walking tours on the left hand side of the screen.

Heagy, in collaboration with the Kosciusko County Historical Society, is creating a walking tour to celebrate 150 years. Questions about the walking tours or nominations of future honorees for walking tours can be directed toward Hal Heagy by emailing hheagy@warsaw.in.gov or by calling (574) 372-9553.

agriculture industry to come but all individuals are welcome to join. This event will be held at the Elkhart County Fairgrounds, 17746 CR 34, Goshen. The cost for the evening is $20 to cover supplies, and dinner will be provided.

To register, sign up today at bit. ly/LadiesTrailer . Registration will end on Sept. 6. For additional information about this workshop reach out to Emily Evers, St. Joe County Extension educator at everse@purdue.edu or at (574) 235-9605.

commissions, including Governor Snyder’s Opiate Task Force and President Trump’s Opiate Task Force. Currently, she is the primary speaker for Families Against Narcotics and actively engages with communities nationwide.

This event is a testament to the power of community collaboration and the shared commitment to

support those affected by addiction. The organizing partners encourage everyone who loves someone struggling with addiction to attend and learn that they are not alone.

For more information, contact Jessica at jessica@livewellkosciusko.org or visit caresresources. com/recover-together/

Milford, IN 46542; fax 800-886-3796; or e-mail abias@the-papers.com. Please no phone calls.

Editor’s Note: The Good Neighbors column is for people looking for hard-to-find or old items or for people seeking advice, not for items you can find in a local store or sell through the help of a classified ad. This column will now run ev-

ery other week.

New questions

Laying pullets — I am looking for laying pullets around Akron. If you have any, please call

Heidi at (574) 544-9669.

Fredonia grapes — I am looking for Fredonia grapes. Does anyone have any extra or know where I might find some? Call (574) 862-1393.

JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT DONATION Pictured from left are Interra representatives, Mike Blosser, senior vice president, head of commercial; Randy Lehman, vice president, commercial lending manager; JA representative, Jessica Hilary, JA regional development director; Interra representatives, Jeremy Bender, vice president agri-business lending manager; and Adam Bujalski, vice president commercial lender. Photo provided.

Interra, business partners make donation

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Interra Credit Union recently hosted its second annual Back Forty Shooting Clay event in Bourbon. The event was a celebration of business relationships and a fundraising effort for Junior Achievement, a local organization focused on empowering young people through financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship programs.

“Not only did we have the opportunity to strengthen our business connections, but we also came together to support Junior Achievement’s important work,” said Randy Lehman, vice president commercial lending manager. “It’s gratifying to see our community unite for such a meaningful cause. We’re proud to contribute to JA’s mission of

preparing young people for a successful future.”

This year, a gun raffle was added to the fundraising, giving attendees the opportunity to purchase tickets for a chance to win one of three guns of their choice.

Thanks to the generous participation in the raffle and additional donations, Interra exceeded the fundraising goal, ultimately raising more than $10,000 for JA.

“We are absolutely overwhelmed by the generosity and support we’ve received,” said Jessica Hilary, JA regional development director. “Not only does this incredible amount help us advance our mission, but it also strengthens our volunteer network. We’re deeply appreciative of the commitment shown today

and excited about the future collaborations that will enable Junior Achievement to continue making a difference.”

Mike Blosser, senior vice president, head of commercial, said, “The success of today’s event in raising funds for Junior Achievement was truly outstanding. Thanks to the collective effort and generosity of everyone involved, it will make a significant difference in our community and leave a lasting impact on our local youth.”

The success of this event was made possible by the generous sponsor partnership with Synergy Insurance Group.

To learn more about volunteering and getting involved with JA, visit elkhartcounty.ja.org.

Letter to the editor

Our night to shine

Dear Editor:

When it comes to planning any kind of event of several months as we did, I enjoyed every minute of it, getting together exchanging ideas of what to do for our Wawasee class of 1974 50th reunion Aug. 3. I’m hoping that all of you enjoyed the afternoon and evening (I know I did). As for me, the whole event was over too soon. It was so good to see everyone. We all look great (in appearance-wise). Whether for some of us have changed or not, it’s part of life. Hope everyone enjoyed the decorations provided by me. I want to thank Yvonne, Kim and Jan for the wonderful decorations on all the tables. They were all so pretty. And Doug, Brent, Eric and Jeff for all that you did. I’m glad to be part of the class reunion committee, which includes myself (Vicki

Nyce), Doug Brown, Jerry Wright, Eric Coburn, Kim Zink, Jeff Miller, Brent Kaiser, Dave Troup, Larry Weaver and Matt Gray. I have praised each member, as for myself included, we the team (class reunion committee) made that night, Aug. 3, a successful 50th class reunion. It was our night to shine and that’s what we did. Vicki Nyce

We welcome readers’ letters. Our requirements are as follows: Letters must be written to the editor, not the public. They must be signed with full name in ink. Signatures will be printed on all letters. Letters must include an address and phone number, which will be used for verification, but will not be published. Letters may be emailed to dpatterson@the-papers.com. Again, letters must include an address and phone number. We ask that letters be limited to 400 words. Letters longer than 400 words may be edited for brevity. Writers may be limited to one published letter per month. Readers with lengthy comments should contact an editor about possible guest columns.

Send letters to: ‘the PAPER,’114 W. Market St., Warsaw, IN 46580.

Art in Action —

Art on the Road: art patrons

By DEEANNA MURASKI and DARLA MCCAMMON Guest Writers

Last week, we talked about a local patron of the arts, the Doug Grant family and their private recognition party at the Midwest Museum of Art, Elkhart. Having patrons support artistic culture is important.

This week, we meet another patron family. George Washington Vanderbilt II and his wife, Edith, didn’t appreciate only art, they also enjoyed architecture, gardening, horses and culinary adventures, which explains why their summer house was over 178,000 square feet to contain all their interests.

Their “summer house” was the illustrious Biltmore Estate located in Asheville, N.C. The massive estate took six years to build from 1889 to 1895 with an astounding crew of 1,600 full-time workers.

Unfortunately, Vanderbilt would only be able to enjoy his house and extensive grounds for a short time as he died suddenly in 1914, a mere 19 years after first opening the house to family and friends.

However, during the six-year building time-frame and his 19 years of residence, Vanderbilt and his wife were able to procure a collection of coveted artwork to flank the walls of his gallery. Vanderbilt hand-selected tapestries, which he personally curated from abroad and transported to his humble American chateau.

Taking a tour and being inside the house is fascinating as you get absorbed with the grandiose surroundings and feel yourself go back in time to the age of extreme opulence and excruciating detail of the most minor objects. The artwork is magnificent and grand in scale.

The Vanderbilts supported many American artists, like John Singer Sargent, but had a variety from all over the world, like original Renoir and Monet.

After seeing their collection, it’s hard to realize Vanderbilt wasn’t as learned and interested in art as his father, who was much more

Edith Vanderbilt is stunning and arresting due to the size, luminosity and movement.

On the ceiling of the library is a soft, flowing mural painted by Giovanni Pellegrini, another Italian artist. The mural is actually a gigantic canvas Vanderbilt purchased and had shipped to the home. Their library and book collection are equally impressive as the Vanderbilts were both well read, campaigned for adult literacy and encouraged their only child, daughter Cornelia, to read also.

The last painting Vanderbilt purchased was by Spanish artist, Ignacio Zuloaga. It was called “Rosita.” Due to Vanderbilt’s sudden death from appendicitis complications, he never got to see the painting as it was not delivered until he had already passed away.

Another item Vanderbilt never got to witness was a very covert operation in 1942. During World War II, the director of the National Gallery of the Art in Washington, D.C., was tasked with protecting their most-prized artwork from potential destruction. Director David Finley called on his long-time friend, Edith Vanderbilt, to secretly house these national treasures, which she readily agreed to do. Thankfully, the artwork remained intact behind steel doors, fire protection and around-the-clock security until they could be returned to D.C. in 1944 after the threat evaporated.

Even though the Vanderbilt’s only had one child, she had two boys, George and William Cecil, who carried on the house and estate management into the 1970s and then their children and grandchildren, who still help to manage the estate, serving on the board

BILTMORE ESTATE The summer home of George Washington Vanderbilt II and his wife, Edith, was over 178,000 square feet and houses all their interests, which includes a vast and varied art collection. Photo provided by DeeAnna Muraski.

and as CEO.

Biltmore Estate is located at One Lodge Street, Asheville, N.C, approximately a nine-hour drive from Warsaw directly south and slightly east.

“Chihuly at Biltmore” is open now and runs through Jan. 5, 2025. It showcases the work of American glassblower, Dale Chihuly. There are many other things to do close by this enchanting area. You will not be disappointed.

BILTMORE SERIES OF PRINTS A gallery of prints is on display at the Biltmore Estate in Ashville, N.C. Photo provided by DeeAnna Muraski.

Miss Apple Blossom Scholarship Pageant

The Nappanee Apple Festival Committee has announced the names of the 13 entrants vying for the title of Miss Apple Blossom. They will be competing in a scholarship pageant, which will culminate beginning at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 19, at the Kountry Cabinets Entertainment Tent in Depot Plaza.

Listed in alphabetical order, the contestants are:

• Kayli Anglemyer, Miss G&L Milford Self Storage, is a sophomore at Bethel University. She is the daughter of Aaron Anglemyer and Sam and Cherie Ran.

• Isabelle Bailey, Miss Dairyland Seed, is junior at Northridge High School. She is the daughter of Greg and Lauren Bailey.

• Jaylin Binkley, Miss K&K Earthmoving, Inc., is a freshman at Indiana University of South Bend. She is the daughter of Roger and Melissa Binkley.

• Maryjane Bowers, Miss Countryside Estates MHP, LLC, is a junior at K12-Indiana Learn-

ing Digital School. She is the daughter of Dawn Martz.

• Trysta Helvey, Miss Refresh Hair Design Studio, is a junior at Indiana University of South Bend. She is the daughter of Misti and Brandon Denning of Middlebury.

• Dakota Krieg, Miss KMC Controls, is a senior at Elkhart High School. She is the daughter of Karen and James Krieg.

• Brianna Lechlitner, Miss Joe’s Gyros, is a senior at NorthWood High School. She is the daughter of Aden and Sara Lechlitner of Wakarusa.

• Nellie Mendez Hernandez, Miss Coppes Commons, is a senior at NorthWood High School. She is the daughter of Agustina Hernandez.

• Elise Mestach, Miss iFlock Security Consulting, is a junior at NorthWood High School. She is the daughter of Lance and Jane Mestach of Wakarusa.

• Kloe Mills, Miss Fairmont Homes, LLC is a senior at North-

Wood High School. Kloe is the daughter of Mike and Brittany Mills.

• Bridgette Stutsman, Miss Triple J Farm, plans to attend The Animal Behavior Institute.

She is the daughter of Tim and Jill Stutsman.

• Georgia Wiggins, Miss Plymouth Glass Co., is a junior at Indiana University of South Bend. She is the daughter of Na-

than and Nicki Wiggins.

• Mallory Wood, Miss Wellington & Weddell Eye Care, a senior at Trine University. She is the daughter of Ralph and Crystal Wood.

Pickleball courts dedication this Saturday

Join the Nappanee Parks and Recreation Department for the official dedication of the new pickleball courts at Stauffer Park. The ceremony will be held at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 7, at

852 Stauffer Drive, Nappanee.

The event will include a ribbon cutting, donation rewards and light refreshments.

These courts were made possible through a grant from the

Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority and AARP Indiana as part of the CreatINg Places Initiative.

For questions, call Tiffany Salyer at (574) 773-2112.

WIGGINS

ISABELLE BAILEY

JAYLIN BINKLEY

KAYLI ANGLEMYER

KLOE MILLS

MALLORY WOOD

MARYJANE BOWERS

NELLIE MENDEZ HERNANDEZ

TRYSTA HELVEY

Stone’s Trace Pioneer Festival ‘Gives

There isn’t many pioneer festivals which have lasted over 50 years. The Stone’s Trace Pioneer Festival is one of the lucky ones as it celebrates its 51st anniversary. The festival will be held Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 7-8.

Established in 1827, the historic tavern, built by Richard Stone in 1839, is one of the oldest restored buildings in Noble County. It was listed on the National Historic Register in 1984.

The Pioneer Festival and Regulators Rendezvous will be held 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 8.

Stone’s Trace is located 1 and 1/2 miles south of Ligioner at the junction of U.S. 33 and SR 5. Parking is available at West Noble High School with shuttle buses ready to transport visitors across the highway to the festival.

The 51st fall festival will feature The Stone’s Trace Regulators demonstrating black powder shooting, primitive archery and hawk and knife throwing, Native American re-enactors, craft demonstrators and vendors, and a Civil War encampment.

There will be a variety of entertainment, from Johnny Appleseed roaming the grounds telling stories to performances from Hand Hewn, Fiddlesix, Browns, The Applejack Cloggers, Lisa and Mark, Time Travelers and Inclognito Cloggers. Be sure to bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit on and enjoy the music.

Mousetrap Puppet Theater will be on the grounds with shows at

FESTIVAL GROUNDS — Shown are the Stone’s Trace Festival grounds during last year’s event. This year is the 51st annual festival featuring two days of reeactments, craft demonstrations and entertainment.

provided by Stone’s Trace Historical Society.

10:30 a.m., noon and 2:30 p.m. Saturday and 11:15 a.m. 1:30 p.m. and 3:15 p.m. Sunday.

For children, there will be a scavenger hunt, face painting and other games and activities.

There will be food vendors available on-site.

Many demonstrations will also be taking place, including weaving, felting, wheat weaving, chair caning, broom making, wool dying, basket weaving, spinning, black smithing and more.

The festival will start with an opening ceremony featuring the

national anthem and a flag raising and end with the lowering of the flag at the end of each day. Mark Gropp will play the bagpipes and march through the festival grounds for the flag raising and lowering.

Pets are not allowed on the festival grounds. Service animals are welcome.

Admission is $8 for those 12 and up. Those age 11 and under are free.

For more information visit stonestrace.com.

a

Photo

FESTIVAL VENDOR One of the vendors at last year’s Stone’s Trace Festival has wares on display outside their tent while inside they assist

customer. There will be a number of craft demonstrators and vendors at this year’s festival, which will be held Sept. 7-8. Photo provided by Stone’s Trace Historical Society.

O bituaries

Shirley Ann Batty

Shirley Ann Batty, 82, Bourbon, died Aug. 26, 2024.

She was born July 22, 1942. In 1959, she married Tony King, who preceded her in death in 1992. In 1998, she married Ron Batty; he survives.

Also surviving are her children, Gerri King, Jeff King, Beth King, Sandra King and Jay King; nine grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; stepdaughter, Jessica Thomson; and three stepgrandchildren.

Services were held Aug. 30 at Deaton-Clemens Funeral Home, Bourbon. Interment was at Parks Memorial Cemetery, Bourbon.

Max L. Blocher

Max L. Blocher, 80, North Manchester, died Aug. 22, 2024.

He was born May 31, 1944. On Nov. 20, 1971, he married Sandra R. Weber; she survives.

Also surviving are his children, Ken, Mesa, Wash., Doug, Warsaw, and Ryan, Nashville, Tenn.; 10 grandchildren; a great-grandchild; and sister, Ruthie Brubaker.

Services were held Aug. 31 at McKee Mortuary, North Manchester. Burial was in IOOF Cemetery in Rochester.

Felty Borntrager

Felty “JR” Borntrager, 38, Nappanee, died Aug. 23, 2024.

He was born July 5, 1986.

He is survived by his fiance, Lisa Cook, Nappanee; his children, Jayden Borntrager, Warsaw, RaeLynn Borntrager, LaPorte, Mya Morawski, Carson Cook and Abigail Dausman, all of Nappanee; mother, Barbara Ann Borntrager, Milford; siblings, LaVern Borntrager, Sarah Borntrager, Daryl Borntrager and Larry Borntrager, all of Milford, Melvin Borntrager, Leesburg, David Borntrager, Warsaw, Fannie Mae Ramer and Amanda Borntrager, both of Goshen, and Mary Ann Burkholder, Wakarusa; and father-inlaw, Tim Cook, Nappanee.

Services were held Aug. 27 at

Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee. Burial was in Bremen Cemetery.

Jack James Brunetto

Jack James Brunetto, 72, Warsaw, died Aug. 22, 2024.

He was born March 5, 1952.

He is survived by his wife, Jayne Brunetto, Warsaw; son, Damien Brunetto, Lincoln, Neb.; three grandchildren; sister, Linda Brunetto, Bangor, Mich.; and brother, David Brunetto, Amherst, Ohio.

A memorial service was held Aug. 28 at Titus Funeral Home of Warsaw.

Alvin W. Cripe

Alvin W. Cripe, 93, New Paris, died Aug. 26, 2024.

He was born Dec. 12, 1930. On July 8, 1956, he married Mary E. Hartsough; she survives.

Also surviving are his children, Jeffrey Cripe, New Paris, Brian Cripe, Syracuse, and Carol Pfefferle, Milford; five grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and a sister, Grace Cripe, Tennessee.

Visitation will be Friday, Sept. 6, at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home, Goshen, beginning at 10 a.m. prior to the 11 a.m. memorial service. Burial will follow at West Goshen Cemetery.

Mike Dewitt

Mike Dewitt, 57, Fort Myers Beach, Fla., died Aug. 24, 2024.

Arrangements are currently pending at McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapels, Warsaw.

Douglas Dwyer

Douglas Dwyer, 57, Chicago, Ill., formerly of Warsaw, died Aug. 21, 2024.

He was born Nov. 20, 1966.

He is survived by his mother, Sonnie Dwyer, Chapman Lake; siblings, Jeff Dwyer, Silver Lake, Greg Dwyer, Lake, Mich., and Lori Horney-Marple, Chapman Lake; and several nieces and nephews.

A Life Celebration was held Aug. 30 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Warsaw. Burial will take place at a later date. Titus Funeral Home of Warsaw was in charge of arrangements.

Iris Beatrice Fick

Iris Beatrice (Lowe) Fick, 87, Warsaw, died Aug. 20, 2024.

She was born Feb. 22, 1937. In 1968, she married Bernard Marion Fick.

They had three children, Mark Fick, Joy Goble Kiser and Sonya Fick; seven grandchildren; two stepgrandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.

Her wish was to be cremated and reunited with her parents at their graveside in England. A private celebration of life will be held.

Jean A. Fugate

Jean A. Fugate, 75, Pierceton, died Aug. 22, 2024.

She was born March 28, 1949. On July 17, 1971, she married Keenis Fugate; he survives.

Also surviving are sons, Lawrence Fugate and Robert Fugate; four grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; brother, Jack Phillips; and her longtime friend, Claudia Barton.

The family is grieving privately and no services are planned. Titus Funeral Home of Warsaw was in charge of arrangements.

Laura J. Gillis

Laura J. Gillis, 64, Warsaw, died Aug. 27, 2024.

She was born July 10, 1960. She

married Matthew Gillis, who survives.

Also surviving are her children, Luke Gillis, Cromwell, and Sam Gillis, Warsaw; brothers, Michael Ludwig, Indianapolis, John Ludwig, Warsaw, and Robert Ludwig, St. John; and two grandchildren.

A mass will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Sept. 9, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Visitation will be held one hour prior from 10 a.m. until the start of mass at the church. McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapels, Warsaw, was in charge of arrangements.

William Glover

William Glover, 73, Syracuse, died Aug. 27, 2024.

Arrangements are currently pending at Titus Funeral Home of Syracuse.

Bobby Gluck

Bobby Gluck, 74, New Paris, died Aug. 24, 2024.

He was born May 24, 1950. On Feb. 13, 1998, he married Jeri Lynn Yoder; she survives.

Also surviving are sons, Jamey Dodge and Ben Dodge, Connecticut; daughters, Anitra Zartman, April Brown and Addi Kaminskis, all of Indiana; 16 grandchildren; brothers, Bill Gluck and Ron Gluck, Connecticut; sisters-in-law, Joan Eshelman and Marie Yoder; and brother-in-law, Walt Miller.

Services were held Aug. 29 at New Paris Missionary Church. Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee, was in charge of arrangements.

Michael Green

Michael Green, 67, South Whitley, died Aug. 15, 2024.

He was born Dec. 14, 1956. On March 16, 1980, he married Judy Tangman; she survives.

Also surviving are sons, Chris Green, Pierceton, and Clint Green, Warsaw; daughter, Echo Green, Pierceton; brother, Gary Green; 12 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, Sept. 14, at Pierceton American Legion Post 258. Doors open at 2 p.m. with military honors at 3 p.m., followed by a gathering of friends and family. McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapels, Warsaw, was in charge of arrangements.

Fern M. Hartman

Fern M. Hartman, 102, Winona Lake, died at 7:40 a.m. Aug. 28, 2024.

Arrangements are currently pending at McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapels, Warsaw.

Kathy Jo Heinfeld

Kathy Jo Heinfeld, 65, South Whitley, died Aug. 26, 2024.

She was born Dec. 20, 1958.

Surviving are daughters, Amber Heinfeld, Columbia City, and Mickila Heinfeld, Warsaw; a granddaughter; brothers, Greg Treece and Alex Alejandro; and a sister, Evette Mosquera, Fort Meyers, Fla.

A graveside service is pending. Smith & Sons Miller Chapel, South Whitley, is in charge of arrangements.

Jeffrey Allan Hile

Jeffrey Allan Hile, 54, Millersburg, died Aug. 23, 2024.

He was born May 10, 1970.

He is survived by his mother, Priscilla Hile, Millersburg; sons, Jeffrey-Michael Hile, Kalamazoo, Mich., Brian Hile and Benjamin Hile, both of Elkhart; former wife, Shawn Hendricks Hile, Elkhart; and two nieces.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Mary Margaret Hochstetler

Mary Margaret (Nissley) Hochstetler, 79, died at 11:49 a.m. Aug. 23, 2024.

She was born Aug. 11, 1945. On Sept. 15, 1966, she married Amos A. Hochstetler.

Surviving are her children, Mary Lou Kuhns, Nappanee, Albert Leroy Hochstetler, Milford, and Linda Sue Miller, Etna Green; one granddaughter; brother, William Nissley, Georgia; and sisters, Katie Viola Hochstedler, Middlebury, and Ruby Ellen Hochstedler, Kokomo.

Services were held Aug. 27 at the Kevin Hershberger residence in Milford. Burial was in Graber Cemetery. Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee, was in charge of arrangements.

Virginia

Hunsberger

Virginia “Ginny” Hunsberger, 98, Wakarusa, died at 1:20 p.m. Aug. 22, 2024.

She was born July 6, 1926. On Dec. 9, 1944, she married Winfred “Windy” Hunsberger, who preceded her in death.

Surviving are her children, Steve Hunsberger and Trudy Holdeman, both of Wakarusa, and Doug Hunsberger, Apopka, Fla.; six grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; sister, Shirley Shoup, Middlebury; and sister-in-law, Starley Morrison, Maryland.

Services were held Aug. 31 at Wakarusa United Methodist Church. Burial was in Olive West Cemetery. Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home, Wakarusa, was in charge of arrangements.

Caroll Laney

Caroll Laney, 93, Winona Lake, died Aug. 26, 2024.

Arrangements are currently pending at McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapels, Warsaw.

Mark Scott Losher

Mark Scott Losher, 64, Mentone, died at 1:45 p.m. Aug. 25, 2024. He was born Feb. 9, 1960. On June 16, 2012, he married Vicki Cartwright Utter; she survives.

Also surviving are his children, Amber Welk, Warsaw, Seth Losher, Rich Valley, and Emily Losher, Wabash; six grandchildren; sister, Michelle Treckman, Wabash; brother, Jeffrey Losher, Roann; and special cousin, Becky Burkhardt, Denver.

Following his wishes, a celebration of life is being planned for a later date.

Ronald E. Miller

Ronald E. Miller, 92, Claypool, died Aug. 26, 2024. He was born Jan. 12, 1932. On June 8, 1973, he married Kathryn; she survives.

Also surviving are his children, Robin Ashburn, Kent Miller, Karl Ruetz, Henry Ruetz, Kurt Miller and Amy Dean; 19 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; a great-great-granddaughter; his first wife, Sherry Amundson; a niece; and two nephews.

A memorial service was held Sept. 3 at Titus Funeral Home of Warsaw.

Lana Mynhier

Lana Mynhier, 60, North Manchester, formerly of Warsaw, died Aug. 28, 2024.

Arrangements are currently pending at Titus Funeral Home of Warsaw.

Roger Perkins

Roger Perkins, 76, Leesburg, died Aug. 21, 2024.

He was born July 23, 1948.

Surviving are his children, Kyle Perkins and Tracy Irvine; seven grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and siblings, Emogene Kidwell, Jo Wilson, Ron Perkins, Chris Holmes and Terry Coldiron.

He will be buried privately with military honors at Oakwood Cemetery, Warsaw. Titus Funeral Home of Warsaw was in charge of arrangements.

David Allen Van Scoik

David Allen Van Scoik, 56, Leesburg, died at 5:27 a.m. Aug. 23, 2024.

He was born Oct. 13, 1967.

He is survived by a brother, Bud Van Scoik, Akron; and his companion, Cathy Jefferies, Leesburg.

Cremation will take place with no services planned at this time. EarlLove Funeral Home, Akron, was in charge of arrangements.

Steven Weidner

Steven Weidner, 56, Bourbon, died Aug. 18, 2024.

He was born Dec. 31, 1967.

Surviving are sisters, Tonya Shuster, Plymouth, and Brenda Haag, Walkerton; and brother, Michael Weidner, Plymouth.

Cremation has been chosen and no services are scheduled. Deaton-Clemens Funeral Home, Bourbon, was in charge of arrangements.

Ermon W. Whitehead

Ermon W. Whitehead, 76, Kimmell, died Aug. 27, 2024.

He was born July 4, 1948. On Sept. 5, 1970, he married Brenda Whitehead; she survives. Also surviving are siblings, Mary Burnette, Connie Z. Burkett and Johnny Whitehead, all of Monticello, Ky., and Irene Dotson, Gainesville, Fla.; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

In keeping with Ermon’s wishes, no public visitation or services are planned. Burial will take place in Kentucky at a later date. Yeager Funeral Home, Ligonier, was in charge of arrangements.

Jo Ellen Wiley

Jo Ellen “Jody” Biltz Wiley, 90, Warsaw, died Aug. 24, 2024. She was born April 30, 1934. In February 2007, she married Richard T. Wiley, who preceded her in death in 2017.

Surviving are her children, Linda Davis, Winona Lake, Steven Biltz, Fort Wayne, and Bruce Biltz, Pierceton; seven grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren with one on the way.

Visitation was held Aug. 29 at McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapels, Warsaw. Private family burial will be held in Oakwood Cemetery, Warsaw, at a later date.

Connie Wilson

Connie Wilson, 74, Ligonier, formerly of Albion, died Aug. 26, 2024. She was born Dec. 16, 1949. On Oct. 16, 1976, she married Richard Lee Wilson, who preceded her in death in December 2023.

Surviving are her children, Patricia Lynn Colvin, Ligonier, Randall Wilson, Indiana, and Fred Wilson, Darien, Ga.; daughter-in-law, Jennifer Wilson, Gas City; 11 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and a brother, Randall Lawrence, West Virginia.

Services were held Aug. 31 at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home, Goshen. Burial was in Elkhart Prairie Cemetery, Goshen.

Keith Wilson

Keith Wilson, 76, New Haven, formerly of North Webster, died Aug. 26, 2024.

He was born Feb. 23, 1948.

Surviving are daughters, Julie Molina and Lisa Wolfe; son, Brian; seven grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and siblings, Jim Wilson, Carl Wilson and John Wilson.

Services were held Aug. 31 at Titus Funeral Home of North Webster. Military honors were conducted by members of the American Legion.

Court News

Small Claims

The following small claims have been awarded in Kosciusko Superior Court III, Judge Chad Miner presiding:

CL Benz Co. LLC v. George Baker, $3,503.40; v. Judy Beverly, $1,221.69; v. Leif Cox, $3,564.91; v. Chad Harter, $6,958.21; v. Daniel Islas, $5,262.95

Sherri Makinson v. Laura Baker, $1,564; v. Tyler Riley, $1,835

Aegis Trusted Dentistry PC v. Marc E. Byall, $809; v. Michelle Daub, $1,949.06

Warsaw Health System LLC, d/b/a Kosciusko Community Hospital v. Ernst Cotton, $2,916.80

Taylor Law Office PC v. Amberly deSomer, $4,488.14

Armando Jimenez v. Megan Gonzales Elaine, $4,300; v. Kimberley Hernandez, $6,000

Hollar Dental Group v. Deanna Roe, $1,235.89; v. Betty Taylor, $1,016.16 Civil Collections

The following civil collections have been awarded in Kosciusko Superior Court IV, Judge Christopher D. Kehler presiding:

DNF Associates LLC, assignee of Republic Bank (Build Card) v. Valerie Anderson, $1,372.35

Jefferson Capital Systems LLC v. Ethel Baker, $3,724.88; v. Byron D. Dooley, Tonya Dooley, $15,188.20; v. Catherine E. Love, $10,989.63; v. Ashley Schneider, $14,407.93

Portfolio Recovery Associates LLC v. Brittany R. Boggs, $1,153.03; v. Ana Phelps, $1,468.64; v. Gary Yoder, $8,312.93

Midland Credit Management Inc. v. John Burnau, $861.89; v. Erica Hinkins, $832.25

Jack Huber, $1,331.07; v. Flor Ibarra Villarreal, $1,600; v. Daniel Romero, $2,262.46; v. Sarah Smith, $1,718.23; v. Corry M. Spooner, $1,981.10; v. Brenda Villafuerte, $2,617.52

Three Rivers Federal Credit Union v. Elyssabeth N. Fuller, $5,102.52 and $1,950.06

Warsaw Health System LLC, d/b/a Komyatte & Casbon PC v. Jeremy Garner, $17,944.52

OneMain Financial Group LLC v. Nanci A. Hanna, $6,276.60

JP Morgan Chase Bank NA v. Stacy L. Hanthorn, $4,880.20; v. Cole Wagoner, $10,907.87

Prestige Financial Services Inc. v. Aniyah N. Harrison, $22,777.92

LVNV Funding LLC v. Jason Isbell, $1,256.14; v. Kenneth Miller, $698.68

Crown Asset Management LLC v. Johnnie Knisely, $889.77

Mariner Finance LLC v. Jose A. Malagon, $3,404.94

Interra Credit Union v. Olivia M. Mattson, Jeremy L. Miller, $9,103.14

Capital One NA v. Jason Meyer, $12,717.23

Glenbrook Credit Acceptance Corp. v. Lydian N. Mitchell, $11,926.71

United Federal Credit Union v. Damon Prater, Trisha Prater, $7,079.69 Regional Acceptance Corp. v. Ryan Smith, $14,251.36

Evictions

The following evictions have been awarded in Kosciusko Superior Court III, Judge Chad Miner presiding: Cavender Realty v. Elycia Clemans, Justin Clemans, $3,090

Canterbury House Apartments v. Katana Fudge, Dylan Varney, $3,118.27

Mortgage Foreclosures

The following mortgage foreclosures have been awarded in Kosciusko Superior Court III, Judge Chad Miner presiding:

PennyMac Loan Services LLC v. Justin D. King, $167,842.73

Lakeview Loan Servicing LLC v. Derek A. Tolson, $208,407.37 Superior Court III

The following fines for infractions have been assessed in Kosciusko Superior Court III, Judge Chad Miner presiding:

Speeding — Brayden W. Miller, Milford, $164.50; Trevor A. Mast, Nappanee, $164.50; Matthew R. Guilford,

Mentone, $164.50; Luke J. Snyder, Tippecanoe, $164.50; Eli C. Gingerich, Milford, $164.50; Barry S. Frazier, North Manchester, $164.50; Sheana L. Pearson, Warsaw, $164.50; Aubrey M. Tenney, Warsaw, $164.50; Mason R. Yoder, Nappanee, $164.50; Came Roman, Leesburg, $164.50; Naomi M. Morrison, Leesburg, $164.50; Casey A. Sprunger, Warsaw, $164.50; Amanda J. Scroggs, Warsaw, $164.50; Matthew C. Huff, Bremen, $164.50; Kathy A. Tracy, Warsaw, $164.50; Candice M. Cady, Leesburg, $164.50; Stephen R. Miller, Warsaw, $164.50; Atul Sundar, Warsaw, $164.50

Failure of occupant to use safety belt — Gage A. Howard, Warsaw, $25; Jorge V. Velazquez Moyotl, Warsaw, $25; Brent M. Judy, North Manchester, $25; David T. Gunter, Warsaw, $25; Jeffery A. Fuller, Silver Lake, $25; Austin W. Donovan, Etna Green, $25; Jessica J. Stafford, Warsaw, $25

Violation float device per person requirement in boat — Silas D. Chapman, Winona Lake, $164; Jordan R. Shupp, Etna Green, $164

Hunting wild animals, fishing or trapping without a license —

Kadance M. Kerst, Pierceton, $164

Operating personal watercraft without self-circling capacity/no lanyard attached to operator — Mary Tiffany N. Prescott, Syracuse, $164

Disregarding an official traffic control device — Julian J. Querales Liscano, Warsaw, $164.50

Child restraint system violation

Anna E. Sechrist, Warsaw, $25

Operating with expired plates — Jeffrey D. Bredemeyer, Pierceton, $164

Operating a motor vehicle without financial responsibility — Anita K. Hogan, North Webster, $189.50

Owner allows dog to stray beyond owner’s premises — Caleb I. Bontrager, Warsaw, $25

Marriage Licenses

The following couples have applied for marriage licenses in the office of Kosciusko County Clerk of the Court

Anne Torpy: Standley-Sumney

Treyton Standley, 26, Pierceton, and Kaitlyn Sumney, 22, Pierceton Bryant-Medford

Shanda Jo Bryant, 47, Warsaw, and Joshua David Medford, 43, Elkhart Jones-Wallenbeck

Lauren Ashley Jones, 18, LaGrange, and Carter Luke Wallenbeck, 20, Syracuse Teusch-Arnett

Austin Edward Teusch, 25, Warsaw, and Mariah Paige Arnett, 24, Warsaw Fancil-Bezsonna

Troy Douglas Fancil, 59, Warsaw, and Svitlana Bezsonna, 48, Warsaw Slabaugh, Johnson-Zhou

Steven Slabaugh, 60, New Paris, and Kimberly V. Johnson-Zhou, 58, Syracuse Howland-Hall

Lucas Anthony Howland, 31, Warsaw, and Dreanna Kiley Hall, 28, Warsaw Harness-Little

Mark Allen Harness Jr., 39, Silver Lake, and Lydia Elaine Little, 25, Silver Lake Everage-Hoxie

Donna Everage, 31, Warsaw, and Christopher Hoxie, 38, Warsaw Williams-Cochran

Naquan R. Williams, 22, Warsaw, and Chelsey R. Cochran, 20, Warsaw

Holderman-Egolf

Katelyn Hope Holderman, 27, Warsaw, and Lillian Teah Egolf, 27, Warsaw Cardenas-Moody

Erica Cardenas, 36, Goshen, and Barth Moody, 43, Warsaw Barker-Dove

Tristen Jacob Barker, 21, Warsaw, and Kyleigh Rita Jaydann Dove, 21, Warsaw Metzger-Dyson

Lauren Elizabeth Metzger, 24, Claypool, and Gavin Andrew Dyson, 22, Macy Deane-Lawless

Samantha Deane, 39, Leesburg, and Keegan Lawless, 41, Leesburg Blaze-Bailey

Mark Blaze, 53, Milford, and Glenda Raye Bailey, 63, Milford

Borkholder-Bontrager

Justin Floyd Borkholder, 20, Wakarusa, and Genevieve Renae Bontrager, 20, Nappanee Hochstetler-Miller

Joshua W. Hochstetler, 21, Milford, and Hannah F. Miller, 20, Nappanee Dickerson-Melton

Logan Michelle Dickerson, 26, North Webster, and Adam Joseph Melton, 25, Milford Bowles-Peterson

Joe Christopher Conor Bowles, 26, Winona Lake, and Emily A. Peterson, 23, Winona Lake Farber-Duran

Adelaida Farber, 35, Warsaw, and Jose Duran, 44, Nezahualcoyotl, Mexico State, Mexico Sizemore-Fair

Jerika L. Sizemore, 36, Warsaw, and Christopher M. Fair, 50, Warsaw

Marriage

Dissolutions

The following couples have filed for marriage dissolutions in Kosciusko Superior Courts I and IV: Everhart — Nichole Everhart, Warsaw, and Deshaun Everhart, Atlanta, Ga. Minor child(ren).

Meads — Andrew Meads, Warsaw, and Danielle Meads, Warsaw. No minor children.

Bi R ths

Brayden Cole Borkholder

Bryan and Diane Borkholder, Mishawaka, are the parents of a son, Brayden Cole, born at 11:30 p.m. Aug. 16, 2024, at Bremen Community Hospital. He weighed 7 pounds, 13 ounces, and was 22 inches long.

John Beer

Nick and Brittany Beer, Milford, are the parents of a son, John, born Aug. 21, 2024, at Lutheran Kosciusko Hospital, Warsaw. He weighed 7 pounds, 5 ounces, and was 20 inches long.

Violet Anne Hochstetler

Michael and Julie (Miller) Hochstetler, Bremen, are the parents of a daughter, Violet Anne, born at 1:29 p.m. Aug. 22, 2024. She weighed 8 pounds.

Caleb Lynn Yoder

Dale and Alice (Weaver) Yoder, Millersburg, are the parents of a son, Caleb Lynn, born at 10:05 a.m. Aug. 27, 2024, at Blessed Beginnings Care Center, Nappanee. He weighed 7 pounds, 4 ounces, and was 20 1/4 inches long.

Pathway to change: Pathway Church offers 10-week program

Do you want to make changes in your life that will stick?

Pathway Church in Warsaw is offering a 10-week program starting Sunday, Sept. 8, titled “This is Your Moment.” It aims to teach people how to use faith and action to create the lasting changes they seek.

A trailer about “This is Your Moment” can be viewed on the church’s website at pathway.community.

You can also register for the in-person or online program on the church’s website.

Pathway Church is located at 2402 W. Old Road 30, Warsaw.

Grace College and Manchester University among Lilly Endowment grant recipients

Lilly Endowment Inc. has recently approved grants to 13 colleges and universities in Indiana totaling more than $300 million to support community development projects jointly envisioned by the institutions and local stakeholders to improve quality of life and place in its communities.

Grace Collage and Manchester University are among the recipients.

Grace College in Winona Lake will use a $27 million grant to partially support its multi-faceted initiative to advance innovation and create a more vibrant community through enhanced placemaking. Various projects include the creation of orthopedic and business innovation centers; the development and renovation of wellness facilities; and renovation of a performing arts and event space and a building, which will house a child care training center.

Manchester University will use a grant totaling more than $12.1 million to support an initiative to improve community assets and amenities. The grant will partially support efforts to develop Eel River Commons Park along Eel River in the downtown area; construct a multi-modal path to connect Eel River Commons with the campus; and renovate two campus facilities to enhance arts and culture programs.

Other colleges and universities receiving grants were Indiana Institute of Technology, Fort Wayne, $21 million; Trine University Angola, $17.2 million; and University of Notre Dame, $30 million.

The endowment awarded the five-year implementation grants, which range from more than $12 million to $32 million each, through its initiative, College and Community Collaboration.

The competitive initiative is designed to encourage Indiana’s colleges and universities to work closely with community stakeholders to envision and jointly undertake significant community development efforts — beneficial to both the institution and community —

to create more vibrant places in which to live, learn, work and play.

As expressed by many college and university leaders, a vibrant local community is increasingly important to the institutions’ efforts to attract and retain faculty, staff and students.

These new grants were approved in the competitive second, final round of CCC implementation proposals, which were received by the endowment earlier this year. The endowment launched the CCC initiative in early 2023.

Eligible Indiana colleges and universities could apply for and receive planning grants to help them identify and assess compelling needs and promising opportunities in its communities; develop plans to address the needs and opportunities; and prepare proposals to seek funding in support of those plans.

The first round of implementation grants, which totaled $145.8 million, were announced last December.

The latest implementation grants in the CCC initiative, like those in the first round, will provide partial support for a variety of projects the colleges and universities and its community stakeholders expect will enhance the quality of life and place on campuses and surrounding communities.

“While varied in scope and reach, the proposed initiatives and projects reflect a commitment by stakeholders, inclusive of faculty, staff and students from these institutions, business leaders, government officials, and community leaders, to create vibrant communities where all residents can thrive,” said Jennett M. Hill, president of the endowment.

“The endowment looks forward to seeing all the projects in the CCC initiative evolve. We are enthusiastic about the prospects for both the institutions and communities and are eager to see these institutions and their community stakeholders collaborate to breathe life into their promising projects.”

Gospel trio Souls Harbor to perform at Dutchtown Brethren Church Sept. 8

Dutchtown Brethren Church is inviting the public to a concert featuring Souls Harbor from Milan, Mich.

Souls Harbor is a singing trio that has been involved in Southern gospel music for more than

30 years. The group has shared its ministry in many Midwestern churches and other venues, including the God and Country Theater in Branson, Mo., the Biblical Times Theater in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., Dollywood’s Theme Park,

and the National Quartet Convention.

The local concert will take place at 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 8, at Dutchtown Brethren Church, 4057 E. CR 300N, Warsaw, between Chapman and Barbee lakes.

Become a citizen scientist with The Watershed Foundation

By SARAH MARTY-SCHLIPF The Watershed Foundation

Community members are invited to roll up their sleeves and join The Watershed Foundation for its eighth annual Snapshot Water Monitoring Day from 2-6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 19.

Working in teams, Snapshot volunteers spend the afternoon as citizen scientists, collecting, testing and analyzing water samples at sites across Whitley, Noble and Kosciusko counties. They measure dissolved oxygen, pH, temperature, E. coli levels and other key indicators of water quality. That data provides an accurate, up-to-date “snapshot” of water health across our region, which helps TWF make informed, strategic decisions about its water quality improvement projects.

“Snapshot Day is an opportunity to come together as a community to check in on the health of our local waterways,” said Caitlin Yoder, the event coordinator. “TWF could not assess water quality at this scale without volunteers.”

While the purpose of Snapshot Day is to gather valuable data, Yoder added that the event is also about community action. Snapshot Day is designed to be accessible and fun for people of all ages, physical abilities and experience. Water sampling takes place at a wide range of sites, from wetlands to large streams to small ditches on county roads. Sites have been assessed for safety and difficulty to access and volunteers can request options to fit their comfort and ability levels.

“You also do not need to be knowledgeable in the area of environmental science or any science, really,” Yoder emphasized. “You just need to be interested and motivated.”

TWF will provide participants with the necessary training, sampling materials and comprehensive information about their testing sites. Volunteers typically spend just 2 to 2.5 hours completing their assignments.

Lyn Crighton, executive director of The Watershed Foundation, encourages those interested in volunteering to sign up today. “Everyone’s actions impact water quality and Snapshot Water Monitoring Day is a fun way to get involved as an active steward of our environment.”

To volunteer, register at tinyurl. com/TWFsnapshotday2024, contact Yoder at caitlin@watershedfoundation.org or call (574) 834-3242. Registration closes Sept. 9.

To learn more about Snapshot Water Monitoring Day and see water quality data from past years, visit watershedfoundation.org/ events/snapshot-day/ Snapshot Water Monitoring day is supported by ProWake Surf Shop and Watersports, Lake Tippecanoe Property Owners Association, Barbee Lakes Property Owners Association, Lake City Bank of Warsaw and Wawasee Boat Company. Event partners include the City of Warsaw, Kosciusko County Soil and Water Conservation District, the Lilly Center for Lakes & Streams and Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center.

SUNDAY CONCERT Souls Harbor, a Southern gospel trio from Milan, Mich., will be performing Sept. 8, at Dutchtown Brethren Church, Warsaw. Photo provided.

Hickerson named new agency manager for Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance

Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance has announced that Joey Hickerson has been promoted to agency manager for the Kosciusko-Marshall-Whitley agency.

Hickerson began his career at Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance in 2015 as an agent and has earned several company-sponsored awards. He has also served the company as a life insurance specialist and a district sales adviser.

A Warsaw resident since he was 11 years old, Hickerson and his wife, Sophie, still reside there. They have one daughter, who just turned 1 and loves play-

ing hide and seek. The family attends a small church in Syracuse. The Hickersons enjoy being outdoors walking, hiking, playing pickleball and more. They also enjoy traveling to Traverse City, Mich., and Hood River, Ore.

An avid outdoorsman, Hickerson has completed seven backpacking trips in Colorado with his dad, totaling more than 250 miles hiked, as well as 47 nights in a tent, 3,700 ounces of handpumped mountain water, and carrying 280 pounds of gear and food.

A Warsaw Community High School graduate, Hickerson

earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing and business administration from Grace College. While in college, he also earned all-conference honors in baseball.

Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance has served Hoosiers for nearly 90 years. Organized in 1934 by Indiana Farm Bureau, Inc., the company has grown to include insurance products for auto, life, home, business and farm. Health plan benefits, banking and other financial services and products are also available through its local offices and online at infarmbureau.com.

Indiana Food Banks will receive $2 million through state’s Department Of Agriculture

Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch and the Indiana State Department of Agriculture have announced Indiana food banks will receive a combined total of $2 million to support the efforts in feeding Hoosiers in need.

“Food-insecure Hoosiers are some of our most vulnerable. I appreciate the general assembly’s support of these individuals and families,” said Crouch, Indiana’s Secretary of Agriculture and Rural Development. “This funding will go a long way in supporting 11 food banks that provide the necessary nutrition to food pantries and soup kitchens across our state.”

According to Feeding Indiana’s Hungry, more than 950,000 Hoosiers, including one in five children, experienced food insecurity in 2022, the most recent data available. This new data represents a 30% increase in food insecurity over 2021.

“As we have said for nearly four years, our member food banks continue to serve record numbers of Hoosier families. Too many of our neighbors continue to face difficult choices between paying bills and buying groceries. For any Hoosier to be unsure from where their next meal will

come is unacceptable,” said Emily Bryant, executive director of Feeding Indiana’s Hungry. “We’re grateful for the support of the Indiana General Assembly, Lt. Gov. Crouch and the Indiana State Department of Agriculture for providing additional and much-needed support to our members to help them serve our Hoosier neighbors and our communities.”

Indiana food pantries and soup kitchens are a subsect of food banks. There are 11 food banks, which supply pantries and soup kitchens across the state. Each food bank received part of the $2 million in funding, which supplies community food pantries, kitchens, churches and more. This funding will allow food pantries, soup kitchens and other food distribution centers to receive additional food products from the food bank serving their location.

ISDA Director Don Lamb is proud to help assist food banks and pantries feeding Hoosiers.

“Indiana farmers are skilled at growing an abundance of safe, reliable food and food banks and pantries have the necessary resources and skills to distribute large amounts of food to help community members in need,” said Lamb. “We are so thankful

Area schools receive DNR grants

Students at 57 Indiana schools — including schools in Warsaw and Ligonier — will experience the outdoors during the 2024-25 school year thanks in part to a grant program that supports field trips to Indiana State Parks and other state park-managed properties.

The Discover the Outdoors Field Trip Grant Program is for all K-12 schools and is administered through the Indiana Natural Resources Foundation, the supporting nonprofit of the DNR.

Thanks to the support of donors, the individual grant limit for this school year was doubled from the previous school year. Grants of up to $500 are now awarded to fund transportation costs, program fees and classroom supplies related to the field trips. These donations have also allowed the program to more than double the total dollars distributed.

Area schools receiving money and where they’re going are:

• Warsaw Community High School, Warsaw — Chain O’Lakes

• West Noble Middle School, Ligonier — Chain O’Lakes

Since the program’s start in 2013, a total of 287 field trip grants have been awarded, giving 25,200 students the opportunity to visit state parks

at a reduced cost to schools and students. With this year’s awards, more than $75,000 in overall funding has been distributed to allow students to visit an Indiana state park for a guided hike or talk with an interpretive naturalist.

The fund was established in memory of Tom Huck, a longtime DNR employee who was an ardent supporter of outdoor experiences for children in parks. In addition to individuals, periodic support for the program is provided by the Indiana Master Naturalist Advisory Council, the Indiana Parks Alliance and the Indiana Natural Resources Foundation.

“We appreciate the generosity of those who contribute to Indiana’s youth,” INRF director Jody Kress said. “We hope to see this program grow so we can educate more students across the state about our natural and cultural legacy.”

To donate to the field trip program, visit IndianaNRF.org. Indiana has 24 state parks, eight reservoirs, two state forest recreation areas and two off-road state recreation areas eligible for field trip funding. Field trips to state park properties engage students in learning about Indiana’s fish, forest, wildlife, natural habitats and conservation.

for the work food banks, pantries, soup kitchens and others do for their communities in helping food-insecure Hoosiers.”

The funding was provided by the Indiana General Assembly, as part of its biennial budget. The distribution amounts were determined using The Emergency Food Assistance Program fair share percentages for Indiana, which captures poverty and unemployment levels in each county.

Carmen Cumberland, executive director and CEO of Community Harvest Food Bank, Fort Wayne, is excited to be able to support more families.

“Community Harvest Food Bank is humbled and thrilled to receive this bountiful grant of $197,800 from the General Assembly and Indiana State Department of Agriculture. This funding comes when our friends and neighbors struggle to afford rent, car payments and basic needs. Inflation’s impact on daily living has left some families choosing between keeping their cars or their houses, let alone, figuring out how to get food on their tables. These are people with jobs, families, support networks, and resources who the cost of living has simply outpaced,” said Cum-

berland. “Last week, our Saturday Helping Hands distribution reached a record high of 1,622 families seeking food assistance. Food insecurity is not going anywhere soon, and that’s why these funds are greatly significant in lifting those we love and care about in our community.”

The following list includes the food banks receiving funding for fiscal year 2025:

Community Harvest Food Bank, $197,800

Dare to Care Food Bank, $75,200

Food Bank of Northern Indiana, $233,600

Food Bank of Northwest Indiana, $198,800

Food Finders Food Bank, Inc., $195,800

FreeStore Foodbank, $16,000

Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana, Inc., $693,200

Hoosier Hills Food Bank, Inc., $80,000

Second Harvest Food Bank of East Central Indiana, Inc., $155,200

Terre Haute Catholic Charities Foodbank, Inc., $89,200

Tri-State Food Bank, Inc., $119,200

Due to last year’s overwhelming response, Chautauqua Wawasee is offering a second program to learn more about the Myaamia people and culture, from 10 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Sept. 7.

The Myaamia community is much more than just street names and artifacts. They are a vibrant contemporary people whose history has shaped many of our lives here in Indiana.

Historian Cam Shriver will talk about the fight against the Myaamia nation’s removal from their Indiana homelands, and what it was like for the many families who remained in the state.

Shriver, senior research associate in the Myaamia Center, works on Indigenous history, with a particular emphasis on the Myaamia experience of the last four centuries. Most recently, his research has investigated histories of colonial and Native American education, and the legal and social history of Myaamia allotments.

Shriver’s scholarly research emerged from ongoing conversations with the community and the Miami Tribe’s Cultural Resources Office. In addition to various courses in early American history, Shriver frequently teaches “Introduction to the Miami Tribe” at Miami University.

This Saturday program runs from 10 a.m. until noon outdoors at Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation’s Ruddell Pavilion south of Syracuse at 11586 N. SR 13. This is a free event.

More information may be found at chqw.org or on the ChautauquaWawasee Facebook site. Or call Debbie at (574) 377-7543 for information.

CAM SHRIVER Survival of the Myaamia People

JOEY HICKERSON

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Maintenance Position

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We have an opening for an individual with strong mechanical and electrical skills to maintain, troubleshoot and repair electrical, pneumatic and mechanical issues in our plant and on various pieces of printing, bindery and mailing equipment.

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3:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 5, at 72931 CR 9, Nappanee. Shop tools, misc, garden tractors, lawn and garden, antiques and toys, household. Premier Auctions and Real Estate.

Online Lakefront Home Auction

Elvie and Clara Frey

Personal Property

9:30 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 7, at 1095 N. CR 925W, Shipshewana. Lewis and Lambright Auctioneering and Real Estate, www.lewisandlambright.com.

Online Only Coin Auction

Rohm Estate Auction

6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 11. Located at 518 N. Franklin St., Mentone. Three-bedrooms, 1-bath, fenced yard with 16’ × 24’ shed. Hahn Auctioneers, hahnrealtyandauction.com.

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Industrial Supply Auction

HARDWOOD PRODUCTS, INC. North Manchester, IN 46962 260-839-3205 or 260-578-6255

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Bidding open until 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 5. Property located at 39 EMS T38 Lane, Leesburg. Open house 5:30-6:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 29. Three-story lakefront home with 3-car garage on Lake Tippecanoe. Bid online at metzgerauction.com. Metzger Property Services.

Online Only Fine

Jewelry Auction

Bidding open until 6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 8. Pickup located at 1582 W. SR 114, North Manchester. Silver dollars and rounds, gold and silver certificates, musical instruments including over 25 violins, coins and currency, knife collection, proof and mint sets, red seal currency, coin books. Bid online at metzgerauction.com. Metzger Property Services.

Public Auction

10 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 12. Pickup located at 505 Strauss Provimi Rd., North Manchester. Electric motor, pumps, gearboxes, robot arms and controllers, valves, MRO supplies, forklift, order pickers, pallet racking, pallet wrapper. Bid online at metzgerauction.com. Metzger Property Services.

Online Equipment and Forklift Auction

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Public Auction

3:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 10. Located 4 miles west of Millersburg, on CR 42 to CR 31, north 2/3 mile to 66339 CR 31, Goshen. Chupp Auctions and Real Estate.

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Bidding open until 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 5. Pickup located at 1582 W. SR 114, North Manchester. Fine jewelry collection including gold, silver, turquoise, gemstones, cameos, pocket watches, watches, Native American, US Navy, Rings, necklaces, bolos, bracelets, earrings. Bid online at metzgerauction.com. Metzger Property Services.

Sidney Trade Center

Online Auction

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6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 12, Genie Articulating boom lift, fork lifts, office trailer, tools, AT, shelving, equipment, scrap, road signs. BidMezger.com.

Phone Bid Real Estate Auction

Bidding open until 4 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 12. Property located 5 miles north of Millersburg on SR 13 to CR 32, east 2 miles to 10399 CR 32, Goshen. Public inspection 4-6 p.m. Mondays or by appointment. For bidding and bidding updates, call (260) 499-0216 or (260) 4990093.

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Bidding open until 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 6. Pickup located at 307 S. Main St., Sidney. Swimming pools and supplies, fire pits, tents, canopies, outdoor furniture, shelving, tools and toolboxes, home décor, outdoor, household. Bid online at metzgerauction.com. Metzger Property Services.

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Bidding open until 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 10. Pickup located at 1582 W. SR 114, North Manchester. Vehicles, motorcycles, ATVs, boats, trailers, construction, fleet trucks, classic cars, farm equipment. Bid online at metzgerauction.com.

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Bidding open until 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 12. Property located at 939 Country Club Lane, Warsaw. Lakefront home with 80-plus feet of frontage on Winona Lake. Bid online at metzgerauction.com. Metzger Property Services.

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Bidding open until 6:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 6. Pickup located at 105 S. Main St., Sidney. Jeep, drill, livestock feeder, quilts, antiques, glass eggs, paperweights, figurines, cast iron, toys, Pyrex, tools, household. Bid online at metzgerauction.com. Metzger Property Services.

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3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 11. Located 2 miles east of Middlebury, on CR 16 to CR 43, north 1½ miles OR ½ mile east of the SR 13 and SR 120 junction on SR 120 to CR 43, south 2 miles to 54894 CR 43, Middlebury.

Tim Rohm Estate

6 p.m. Sept. 11, 518 N. Franklin St., Mentone. Three-bedroom, one-bath home. Hahn Auctioneers, hahnrealtyandauction.com.

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Bidding open until 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 12. Property located at 707 E. Fort Wayne St., Warsaw. Open house 5:30-6 p.m. Monday, Sept. 9. Three-bed house with wraparound porch. Bid online at metzgerauction.com. Metzger Property Services.

Online Only Industrial Auction

Bidding open until 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 12. Pickup located in Warsaw, exact details in winning invoice. Boom lift, fork lifts, mobile office trailer, tools, ATV, air cases, road signs, industrial shelving, heaters, equipment, scrap steel, tractor weights, office furniture, electronics. Bid online at metzgerauction.com. Metzger Property Services.

Dewart Lake & Channel Front Property Auction

10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 14. Located at 104 EMS D 18C Lane, Syracuse. Tract 1: 8.82 acres, channel access, potential building site. Inspection any time. Tract 2: 0.18 acre with 736 sq. ft. cabin. Preview two hours prior to auction or by appointment. Hahn Auctioneers, hahnrealtyandauction.com.

Online Real Estate Auction

Bidding open until 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 17. Property located at 322 S. McKinley Street, Warsaw. Open house 5:30-6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 10. Ranch home with 1-car attached garage. Bid online at metzgerauction.com. Metzger Property Services.

Wise Real Estate & Personal Property Auction Thursday, Sept. 19. Located at 72493 SR 15, Milford. Personal property sells 1 p.m. Motor home, autos, tractors, shop items, household items and more. Real estate sells 6 p.m. 1,970 sq. ft. ranch, 2-bed, 2 1/2-bath, 48’x 64’ x 16′ pole barn on three acres. Open house 4-6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 3. Hahn Auctioneers, hahnrealtyandauction.com.

Altrusa Club announces Bingo for Beaman, other service projects

The Altrusa Club of Warsaw is back in action helping other service organizations in the community.

On July 31, seven members helped distribute school supplies

at the annual “Tools for School” at Lakeview Middle School.

Altrusa members delivered Mobile Meals on Tuesday, Aug. 20.

On Wednesday, Aug. 21, six members labeled, sorted, and dis-

tributed books for Operation Read. Altrusa members provided and served meals to 82 children at the Baker Youth Club on Tuesday, Aug. 27. The first Little Free Library

PROMOTING LITERACY — The Altrusa Club of Warsaw recently installed a Little Free Library at Fairlane Mobile Home Park to promote literacy. Other service projects include the upcoming Bingo for Beaman Home Thursday, Oct. 17.

was installed at the Fairlane Mobile Home Park, located at 1202 Wooster Road, Winona Lake. Patrons and children of the mobile home park are encouraged to take a book, read a book, and share a book.

The objectives of this project include promoting literacy, fostering community engagement, and addressing the lack of access to books.

Altrusa hopes to bridge literacy gaps and promote a love for reading.

Members of Altrusa Warsaw will monitor the Little Free Library and restock as needed. The club will evaluate the success of the library in hopes of adding additional Little Free Libraries to other mobile home parks.

Altrusa’s major service project of the year is Bingo for Beaman Home. The first Bingo for Beaman was held in 2011 at Center Lake

Pavilion. In the past 13 years, the event has changed locations four times to accommodate the growing community support.

This year’s bingo event is Thursday, Oct. 17, at the Manahan Orthopedic Capital Center on Grace College’s Campus. Tickets are available for purchase at The Beaman Home, located at 603 Parker St., Warsaw. Ticket price remains the same: $30 if purchased prior to event, $40 at the door, or a reserved table for eight at $250. This event has sold out way in advance the past seven years, thus no tickets were available at the door.

Altrusa will meet on at noon Thursday, Sept. 5, in the KREMC building at 370 S. CR 250E, Warsaw. Join the  next meeting to learn more about Altrusa’s service to the community and how to become a member.

Local students named to dean’s list

The following local students were recently named to the dean’s list of their respective colleges/universities: Ivy Tech Fort Wayne Claypool — Reid Deneve, Trey McNall

Ligonier — McKayla Adkins, Shayne Conkle

Mentone — Shannon Samuels

Nappanee — Sarah Bollinger

North Manchester — Caden Egner, Abby Love

North Webster — Jocelyn Snyder Silver Lake — Alyssa Bell

Syracuse — Brooklyn Mckenzie

Warsaw — Andrew Gottschalk,

Sherry Miner, Kevin Navarro Robles, Jackson Poe, Autumn Yoder Ivy Tech Warsaw Claypool — Halie Lyke

Etna Green — Cynthia Leon, Christy Roatcap, Hannah Shafer Leesburg — Chloe Thompson Mentone — Katelyn Lowman, Thomas Skeens, Christian Vazquez-Juarez

Milford — Justin Bailey, Allissa Nicolai

Warsaw — Robert Breske, Lindsey Brouyette, Melissa Collins, Kara Cowles, Jackson Dirck, Andreana Heiman, Jennifer Jimenez, Jordan Lavassaur, Trinity Marsillett, Michelle Picon, Dayen Voratovic

Pictured from left are Susan Woodward, Julie Hall, Mary Garrett, Vicki Martin and Jan Sloan. Photo provided by Altrusa Club of Warsaw.

Take a helicopter ride at Rotors Over Mentone

By MADISON HART Staff Writer

Take a helicopter ride at Rotors Over Mentone.

The Lawrence D. Bell Aircraft Museum is hosting the annual Rotors Over Mentone event from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14, at the museum, located at 210 S. Oak St., Mentone. Six people can ride in the helicopter at once, with professionals sitting between them for safety.

The cost of a helicopter ride is $60 cash/$65 card. Children under two years old ride free. There are no pre-buy ticket sales, so it will be first-come, first-served.

At 11 a.m., Brad Stockwell of Arizona, who flew Bell UH-1 helicopters in Vietnam, will be the guest speaker.

Food, beverages, and Igloo ice cream will be available.

The aircraft museum is a free attraction that celebrates Mentone-born-and-raised Lawrence Bell, who invented the ‘Huey’ helicopter. The museum features helicopters that visitors are allowed to climb inside, as well as artifacts from Bell and the Vietnam War.

Museum representative Alice Keirn was proud to share the

Bell 47 ‘Whirlybird’ helicopter features a new set of stretchers. Frank’s Manufacturing in Mentone manufactured stretchers used on Bell 47 helicopters in the Korean War. When Frank’s Manufacturing closed, stretchers were donated to the museum.

Connected to the Bell Aircraft Museum is the Mentone Historical Museum, which tells the story of Mentone’s rise as the ‘Egg Basket of the Midwest’ and displays artifacts from Mentone pharmacies, high school athletics, antique kitchens and early portraits of settlers. The museum recently acquired a Girl Scout uniform from the 1930s belonging to Iola Tucker Goshert. Goshert also has a band uniform in the museum from 1942 along with her daughter, Faith Goshert’s, band uniform from 1972.

The Lawrence D. Bell Aircraft Museum and Mentone Historical Museum are open 1-5 p.m. on Sundays from June to September, or contact (574) 328-2034 to schedule a tour.

Participating in museum-hosted events such as Rotors Over Mentone help these museums stay free and open to the public, keeping Mentone history alive.

Warsaw sorority members attend national convention

The 116th National Convention of Delta Theta Tau Sorority Inc. was held July 10-14 at Florida Hotel and Conference Center, Orlando, Fla. Attending from Beta Zeta Chapter of Warsaw were Marcia Randolph, Brenda Arnold and Jean Whitenack.

The national president, Jenny Wade, Mu Lambda, Stockton, Calif., presided at the business meetings during the convention with delegates from 68 chapters represented. Wade chose as her focus for her year “Live a Lasting Legacy.” Social activities at the “Delta Rose Cruise” themed convention included the “Delta Rose Mixer,” “Poolside Fun Informal” and “Captain’s Ball Banquet.” Karen Allen, past national president, Alpha Omicron Chapter, Terre Haute, served as convention coordinator.

A combined total from all chapters donated to philanthropic projects during the past year amounted to $745,803.85. The members supported their communities with a total of 97,907 volunteer hours during the past year. Awards were given to chapters with the highest total amount of money spent on philanthropy and for the chapters with the most volunteer hours.

Of philanthropic interest to

members is the National Foundation for Ectodermal Dysplasia and encouraging professionals in the area of counseling.

Delta Theta Tau’s educational grant program enables students to continue their studies in the graduate field of counseling.

The Philanthropy Committee granted $5,000 to the National Foundation for Ectodermal Dysplasia. The 2024 delegation allotted $7,000 for educational grants to be used in the year 2024-2025. Delegates voted to give $3,000 each to the annual philanthropic projects, Head for the Cure and Sleep in Heavenly Peace.

Delegates elected Karen Mace of Zi Gamma Chapter, Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, to serve as 2024-25 national president.

Delta Theta Tau, a National Philanthropic Sorority, was founded in 1903 in Muncie, by five high school girls. The first national convention was held in 1908 at Elwood. The 117th national convention will be held July 9-13, 2025, at Loews Ventana Canyon Resort, Tucson, Ariz. Bonnie Wells, past national president, Lambda Sigma Chapter, Phoenix, is the 2025 convention coordinator. For more information about Delta Theta Tau Sorority, visit deltathetatau.org.

Outdoor Indiana features wildlife viewing

Outdoor Indiana magazine’s September/October issue features a cover story on the hobby of wildlife viewing. The issue also includes an article on the Knobstone Trail, the longest hiking trail in the state, and a story on identifying and collecting tree seeds.

Outdoor Indiana is available now at Indiana State Park Inns across the state for $4. You can subscribe online or by phone for $15 for one year or $28 for two years. Subscribe at ShopINStateParks.com or by calling (317) 2333046. To read article excerpts, go to OutdoorIndiana.org.

LOCALLY MADE STRETCHERS The Bell 47 ‘Whirlybird’ helicopter features a new set of stretchers. Frank’s Manufacturing in Mentone manufactured stretchers used on Bell 47 helicopters in the Korean War. When Frank’s Manufacturing closed, stretchers were donated to the museum. Photo by Madison Hart.

CANCER CARE

Bell completed radiation therapy for prostate cancer July 30 and made sure to ring the bell as he left. He now awaits a blood draw to see what his PSA numbers are and what the next steps will be.

Bell faces cancer with faith, positive attitude

By LAUREN ZEUGNER Staff Writer

After 44 days of radiation therapy, Jay Bell of Warsaw is now in the middle of a 1 and 1/2 month wait for a blood draw to measure his prostate-specific antigen. The results will determine where Bell is in his cancer journey.

While Bell has been dealing with prostate cancer for the last year, he believes his cancer journey actually began in the late 1960s, when he served as part of the “brown water Navy” on various Navy gun boats in the Mekong River in Vietnam.

Bell believes his cancer may be linked to his exposure to Agent Orange, a defoliant used during the war. Prostate cancer is a presumptive disease to Agent Orange. Bell was getting his annual physical last fall when his PSA level was found to be over 7. By December, it was over 8. His doc-

Battling cancer is tough. It’s not for the faint of heart. While a person is battling cancer, they are dealing with expensive and exhausting medical treatments, doctors appointments, various scans and tests. Often, cancer patients are so ill they are unable to work, meaning their income disappears. This is where the Kosciusko County Cancer Care Fund comes in.

tor advised he could wait or do a biopsy and see what was going on.

Bell chose to have the biopsy, which was done in late February. Bell, who is 79, works as a parttime high school teacher at Lakeland Christian Academy, Warsaw. The day after his biopsy, he left school shaking uncontrollably. He went home and called his daughter who came over. She called the emergency Veterans Adminstration number where she was advised to take Bell to the emergency room.

Bell had sepsis. He was in the hospital recovering for five days.

In early April, his doctor told him he “had bad news to tell him.’ I had prostate cancer,” Bell said.

“I said ‘doctor, that’s not bad news. That’s good news.’ I said ‘I don’t want to live life in the dark. You can’t see. I want to live in the light.’”

He started radiation on May 29 and had treatment Monday

The fund, administered by the K21 Health Foundation, provides assistance to cancer patients and their families. By the K21 Heath Foundation administrating KCCCF, it allows every penny of donations to stay in the community, helping your neighbors instead of it going toward administration fees.

Last year the fund spent $118,414 to help 72 clients out of their tough

through Friday, except Saturday and Sunday, for 44 days. His last radiation treatment was July 30 and yes he “rung the bell” when he was done.

Prep for his treatment took longer than the actual radiation therapy. To better target the radiation to the prostate, he needed to have a full bladder, so he would drink water from 6:45-7:15 a.m. for an 8:20 a.m. appointment.

At his appointment, he would lay down on the linear accelerator where lasers were used to target the machine. Bell had to lay motionless and relaxed for 10 minutes.

The accelerator used photon beams to kill the cancer cells in Bell’s prostate. The laser targeting helped keep damage to healthy tissue to a minimum.

“After it was through it was light speed to the bathroom,” Bell said.

“We chose how we are going

time. Assistance included helping fund rent, utilities, car payments and rentals, food certificates, gas certificates, car insurance and repairs, home insurance and repairs, health and life insurance, prescription medications and patient programs.

Funds are raised in a variety of ways. The Cancer Care Fund committee hosts a variety of fundrais-

to respond or react. So I chose,” he said.

Before he started radiation therapy, Bell was chatting with a lady from his church who beat him to the punch by joking he’d have “one hot a...”

He surprised the hospital staff when he walked into his first radiation therapy session pumped up saying “Let’s get this started.” Bell said he chose to walk in upbeat.

He recently met with Dr. Mark Ranck for a debriefing on his radiation treatment. Bell said he didn’t have any side affects from the radiation during his treatment, but now does, “which is on schedule,” he said.

“This place is awesome. There are two ladies who work the front desk, Kim, she gives wonderful hugs, and Alex,” Bell said.

He also praised the oncology techs who worked with him during his treatment.

“This is a good place. It’s a real

ing events throughout the year such as Glow Golf, which was held in June. From just that one event, KCCCF was able to raise $5,000 to go toward helping community members fighting one of the toughest battles one can. Power of Pink, an annual brunch and designer purse bingo event, will be held Sunday, Oct. 13, at the Tippecanoe Lake Country Club. Every penny raised

blessing to the community,” he said about the Cancer Care Center.

As a veteran, Bell qualified for community care, meaning he could be treated at the Cancer Care Center in Warsaw rather than travel to Fort Wayne for a 10-minute procedure every day.

Since his diagnosis, Bell has been surveying men his age with two questions: Do they know the geographical location of the prostate gland and do they know its function.

Most can’t answer either question. So Bell spoke to his pastor about speaking to the men in his church, Community Grace Church of Warsaw, about bringing in a urologist and hosting a prostate preservation and cancer conversation.

Bell has been thinking of opening it up to the greater community and discussing the idea with other churches.

at every KCCCF fundraising event stays local.

Individuals, families or local businesses can also donate directly to the fund by sending a donation to: Kosciusko County Cancer Care Fund, c/o K21 Health Foundation, 1101 Park Avenue, Winona Lake. Donations can also be made directly on the Cancer Care Fund website, cancercarefundkc.org/donate.html.

RINGING THE BELL — Jay Bell, who is dealing with prostate cancer, gives a thumbs up as he rings the bell. Ringing the bell at the end of a final cancer treatment is a long-held tradition.

Photo by Lauren Zeugner.

VISITING — Jay Bell, right, chats with Kim Lewark, R.N, a nurse at the Cancer Care Center, Warsaw. Bell, who underwent 44 days of radiation therapy, has nothing but compliments regarding the staff at the Cancer Care Center. He said staff were warm, kind and quick to give hugs. Photo by Lauren Zeugner.

HOW IT ALL BREAKS DOWN

Shown is the KCCCF’s breakdown of fund usage for the year 2023. It’s organized by these types: rent and mortgage payments, $57,909; utilities, $24,292; car payments and rentals, $23,058; patient programs, $21,900; food certificates and supplements, $13,300; gas certificates and transportation, $5,675; car insurance, $1,257; home insurance and repairs, $1,053. A total of 77 clients were helped by the fund in 2023. Fund breakdowns for 2024 can also be found online at cancercarefundkc. org. Photo provided by Kosciusko County Cancer Care Fund.

KCCCF eases financial burdens for cancer patients

In 1999, the Kosciusko County Cancer Care Fund was founded for Kosciusko County residents diagnosed with cancer and in financial need. The goal in founding the fund was to ease the financial burden of cancer patients and their families by assisting them with day- to-day needs during their treatment.

Things like job loss, inability to pay bills and difficulty supporting the family are very real concerns on top of the physical challenges of treatment. A strong support system goes a long way in making the process easier to handle.

“Essentially, the fund is trying to offset the burden of treatment through supporting areas of their living expenses. Probably the most critical would be their home, that they have the ability to stay current, whether it’s a rent or a

mortgage situation. ... That’s usually the most significant expense,” explained K21 Health Foundation CEO Rich Haddad.

The cancer care fund committee organizes a variety of events throughout the year to grow its mission, including a golf tournament, a champagne brunch and glow golf.

In addition to these, people make private personal donations and many service clubs, students, individuals and businesses donate money from their own independently-organized fundraisers.

The K21 Health Foundation covers administrative costs, so all funds raised by the KCCF are able to go toward patients. In the years since its founding, over $2 million have been raised to help Kosciusko County residents in their battles

Cancer survivor says attitude, being comfortable with your doctor a must

By LAUREN ZEUGNER Staff Writer

Sherrie Mullet of Nappanee thought she had mastitis when she made an appointment with her doctor in August 2021. At the time, she was having breast pain and feeling feverish.

Her physician thought otherwise and sent her for a diagnostic mammogram. A few days later, she was told the mammogram showed she may have cancer. In early October, she had a biopsy which confirmed she had malignant medullary carcinoma. While she had to wait several weeks for her biopsy, Mullett said she wasn’t worried as she knew her tumor wasn’t very big.

“I felt like it went pretty fast for me,” she said.

A few days after the biopsy confirmed her cancer diagnosis, she had a lumpectomy to remove the tumor. It was rated at stage 2A with no cancer cells showing up in her lymph nodes.

“It was not a hormonal cancer,” she said.

After recovering from surgery, she did six weeks of chemotherapy, one treatment every other week. Mullet’s job is working payroll and she was able to schedule her chemotherapy so it didn’t affect her job.

against cancer.

In 2023, the committee raised $148,606 to support 77 patients with rent and mortgage payments, utilities, car payments, patient programs, gas and food certificates, insurance and repairs.

From Jan. 1 to July 31, $118,414 has gone to helping 72 patients so far.

The patient programs category include things like the YMCA’s LiveStrong program, where patients “get camaraderie and support, they work on their physical strength and health, and the Y provides a membership for an entire year so they can continue their exercise and health,” said Haddad.

To learn more about available community resources, volunteer or make a donation, visit cancercarefundkc.org.

After chemotherapy, she did 15 radiation treatments. Radiation treatments were Monday through Friday for 15 days. The radiation treatment was concentrated only on her affected breast and took about 15 minutes.

Mullet said it took longer to set her up for treatment than the actual treatment. She had to get three little tattoos that acted as guides in targeting the radiation to the affected area.

“The hospital knows how to treat you so you don’t get sick

(from the chemo),” Mullet said. She would feel tired.

“It kind of affects your brain a little bit,” she said regarding brain fog.

She said her cancer experience has changed her view on chemotherapy. She, like most people, were terrified of it.

“If you think about being sick for three months versus losing your life, it’s not that bad,” she said about chemo.

Mullet received care at the Goshen Center for Cancer Care. She also received care from a nutritionist outside the hospital who prescribed a number of vitamins for her; however, she ran everything her nutritionist wanted her to do by her oncologist first.

After treatment, she saw her oncologist and radiologist every six months. Now, three years later, she sees them annually along with getting regular mammograms every year.

Mullet also recommends having a doctor you are comfortable with. She started treatment in Elkhart and while she loved her surgeon, she didn’t like her oncologist, so she switched to Goshen.

While she was undergoing treatment, Mullet had one child who had just graduated from college and another who had started.

She said the emotional side was the hard part of dealing with cancer.

“It was important to me to not lay around, to put on makeup, to wear my wig,” she said.

It made things easier for her.

“It’s a very emotional disease. It’s all in how you look at it. I just had to tell my self I had a disease that was curable,” she said.

And she would highly recommend Goshen’s Center for Cancer Care to anyone.

“Love them; every department. They were all amazing,” she said.

Members of the Kosciusko County Cancer Care Fund include, in front from left, Eric Rosales, Brittney Niles, Lisa Rosales, Julee Rauch, Amy Knox, Barbara Klotz, Janet Hansen, Janet McCully and Liz Surface. Back: Matt Grieser, Duane Rauch, John Warren and Chris Polk. Not pictured are Jacinda and Jason Metz. Photo by Marissa Sweatland.

KCCCF raises $20K through golf fundraiser

During its annual golf fundraiser, the Kosciusko County Cancer Care Fund committee raised over $20,000 in 2023.

Because the fund is administered by the K21 Health Foundation, it covers the administrative costs; every penny of the funds raised went back to Kosciusko County cancer patients.

Last year, 28 teams played golf with several making donations to the fund. At press time, about the same number of teams have

signed up for 2024. Lisa Rosales, chair of the Kosciusko County Cancer Care Fund Committee, explained the golf outing has been at different courses over the years.

Rosales explained the committee determines where the golf outing will be held based on which course is available for the date of the event.

This year’s fundraiser was held Aug. 29 at Maxwelton Golf Course, Syracuse. The event was

COMMITTEE VOLUNTEERS Cancer Care volenteers, Tami Baumgartner and Julee Rauch, tried to stay warm and dry during a past Cancer Care Golf Outing.

Players and volunteers had to contend with a heat wave during this year’s golf outing Aug. 29. File photo.

a scramble with a shotgun start. Contests included: a 50/50 putting contest, one ball for $5 and three balls for $10; golf grenades, $5 each, a par-3 contest, $10 and team skins, $20 each. Participants had the chance to promote a business or loved one by sponsoring a hole for $150. A sign was placed at the tee box during the event.

The fundraiser hosted a raffle prize of a four-day, three-night Sandals Resort vacation.

WATCHING THE PUTT

Dan Clark of Goshen watches his putt during a previous Kosciuskom County Cancer Care Fund golf outing. A 50/50 putting contest has been part of the event for several years. File photo.

approximately

TEEING OFF Joel Harstine of Warsaw starts his swing during a previous Cancer Care Golf Outing. This year,

28 teams participated at the event which was held at Maxwelton Golf Course. File photo.

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McCully enjoys giving back through KCCCF

By LAUREN ZEUGNER Staff Writer

Before she retired a few years ago, Janet McCully and her husband, Bill, had friends on the Kosciusko County Cancer Care Fund committee, and they would attend many of the cancer care fund events. She would even help out at those events.

Today, she has been an active member of the committee for three years.

“Unfortunately, I don’t think anyone hasn’t been touched by cancer, either through family or friends,” she said. “People should be able to focus their energy on healing. I love this fund because that’s what it’s there for.”

While the cancer care fund can’t pay all of a cancer patient’s bills, it can offer some relief by helping out with a mortgage payment, paying for groceries or gas cards.

When she retired three years ago, McCully joined the committee and now handles corporate sponsors using the skills she has acquired as a corporate fundraiser for 25 years.

McCully started her career doing corporate fundraising for the

Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. While working at the museum, the son of a friend became ill. While supporting her friend, she felt the need to do more, so when a job opened up at the IU School of Medicine for a corporate fundraiser, she applied.

Later, she was promoted to director of development for the IU School of Nursing.

“I did fundraising with the best of the best,” she said of the teams she worked with both at the museum and at IU.

“I’ve just been doubly blessed to be able to contribute in a way I enjoy,” she said.

One concern McCully has had is that people in the community may not be aware the fund is there to offer assistance; however, the increased number of requests for help shows word about the fund is getting out there.

McCully enjoys working on the committee, which she described as dedicated to their cause while having fun at the same time. She said she especially enjoys working with Julee Rauch.

“All the events are fundraisers,” she said.

DEDICATED TO THE CAUSE Janet McCully has been a member of the Kosciusko County Cancer Care Fund committee for three years. She uses her expertise in corporate fundraising by finding corporate sponsors. She joined the committee three years ago after supporting and helping her friends who currently serve on the committee. Photo by Lauren Zeugner.

Brunton ‘couldn’t have done it’ without Cancer Care Fund

By LILLI DWYER Staff Writer

Robert Brunton received shocking news in February of 2023.

“It was something I never expected,” Brunton recalled. “It’s a good thing I do my six-month checkup, because that’s how I found out, through blood work.”

The results of that blood work showed Brunton’s white blood cell count was off, indicating blood loss somewhere in his body. He was eventually diagnosed with rectal cancer.

Brunton and his wife, Leslee, live with their three granddaughters, Kylie, Kendall and Maddie. In the wake of his diagnosis, the family needed some assistance covering day- to-day expenses.

“When I started chemo ... they gave me a bunch of paperwork, you know, places that can help you. So I reached out,” Brunton said.

He continued working through his chemotherapy and engaged the Kosciusko Cancer Care Fund when he started radiation. The side effects of radiation treatment made him unable to work at his

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On Feb. 20, 2024, Brunton had a colostomy, “which was harder for me because I’ve never dealt with anything like that,” he said. “I just had another surgery two weeks ago to have it reversed, because I was having a lot of problems. It was draining me out. I couldn’t produce enough to take back in, so it dehydrated me. I went back in the hospital.”

Ever since his first surgery, he’s continued receiving assistance from the Cancer Care Fund. He credits Laura Deal-Decker of Warsaw’s Health Services Pavilion, where patients go to access the fund’s services, with helping him.

“Every month, I would go to Laura. Sometimes I was really sick, and I’d just call her because I couldn’t get in there. ... She helped me out with hospital bills, electric, food. She helped me out with my internet,” he explained.

When Brunton needed to go Fort Wayne to see his doctors, the fund also provided gas cards to help with the costs of travel.

“All that’s helped out. I couldn’t have done it without that pro-

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Along with financial assistance, Brunton was able to access other amenities, like free energy drinks, which were vital for getting enough calories into his system.

“At Walmart they were expensive, but you could get two cases that came every other week,” he said. “If it wasn’t for that, I would be really struggling.”

Brunton also expressed gratitude that his cancer had been caught in an early stage and hadn’t hadn’t a chance to spread.

“They didn’t know if I’d be able to have that ostomy reversed. I was glad I was healed good enough to where I didn’t have to wear the bag the rest of my life. That would be hard for me, the kind of work I do,” he added.

Being there for his family, Brunton said, is what keeps him going.

“I don’t know what they’d do without me; they depend on me a lot,” he explained.

Brunton was declared cancer free in February, though he still has regular blood work done to keep an eye on things. After the

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RINGING IN THE NEW — Robert Brunton rings the bell at the Warsaw’s Cancer Care Center after being declared cancer free in February. He has spent the past several months recovering from a difficult surgery with support from the Kosciusko County Cancer Care Fund and hopes to return to work soon. Photo provided by Robert Brunton.

DECORATED GOLF CARTS Nearly 70 participated in the Glow Golf fundraiser held Friday, June 21 at Wawasee Golf Course. Golfers decked their golf carts with neon fluorescent

Cancer Care Fund hosts sixth annual Glow Golf event

The sixth annual Glow Golf fundraiser, hosted by the Kosciusko County Cancer Care Fund, was Friday, June 21, at Wawasee Golf Course, in Syracuse.

The Tempos, a live band from Indianapolis, provided the tunes for the fun-filled event. Golfers’ taste

buds were treated to delicious barbecue from Big Mouth BBQ. The menu consisted fan favorites of ribs, brisket, pulled pork, loaded baked beans and southern-style potato salad.

There were 68 participants in the golf game. Participants decked their golf carts out with neon fluorescent decorations before the 9:30 p.m. shotgun tee off. Within the Glow Golf event, there was a Putting With A Twist competition — which was a huge hit among the golfers.

This year’s Glow Golf event raised $5,000 directly for the Kosciusko

Cancer Care Fund. All proceeds from the event will go to residents of Kosciusko County currently undergoing cancer treatment. The KCCCF assists with things like transportation costs, mortgage or rent payments and bills in order to ease the financial and emotional strain of battling cancer.

Upcoming KCCCF fundraising events include the Power of Pink brunch and designer purse bingo 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 13, at Tippecanoe Country Club. For more information, visit cancercarefundkc.org/events/power-of-pink.

Power of Pink brunch raises money for cancer patients

By LILLI DWYER Staff Writer

The fourth annual Power of Pink champagne brunch will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 13, at the Tippecanoe Lake Country Club, 7245 N. Kalorama Road, Leesburg.

This event features food, champagne and a designer purse auction, the proceeds from which will benefit the Kosciusko County Cancer Care Fund.

This year’s emcee will be auctioneer James Fidler, with Teena Nichols on piano and Todd Biller on guitar as entertainment.

Once again, there will be a variety of designer purses available to bid on, with athletes from Warsaw and Wawasee high schools serving as models during the auction.

“The auction will have about

16 purses, ranging from small to large, totes to cross bodies. All the designers we love, Michael Kors, Kate Spade, Coach and Tory Burch, to name a few,” explained Julee Rauch, chair of the event committee.

Table sponsorships are available at $520 for a table of eight. The event will also be selling raffle tickets to each table to purchase the centerpiece at that table.

“They are very unique this year,” Rauch remarked.

Guests will also have the opportunity to purchase raffle tickets for a pink Michael Kors purse.

Brew City of Syracuse will be partnering with the event again this year, serving their coffee and creating a “special take home favor,” Rauch said.

Last year’s champagne brunch

BAGS ON BAGS Shown is a sample of the purses at the 2023 Power of Pink champagne brunch. There will be about 16 purses this year, with an opportunity to purchase raffle tickets for a pink Michael Kors purse. Photo provided by Julee Rauch.

raised about $14,000 for the KCCF.

“Our goal this year is to raise the most money for cancer patients, to raise awareness and have an enjoyable afternoon for

a great cause. We all wear pink, but we support all cancers,” said Rauch.

The deadline to purchase tickets for the Power of Pink cham-

pagne brunch is Sunday, Sept. 29. Tickets are $65 and can be purchased through Eventbrite or by contacting Rauch at juleerauch@ gmail.com or call (815) 263-8819.

decorations that shined during the night’s event. Photo provided by Lisa Rosales.