Kids came back to a new playground at Caston Elementary School this fall.
The playground has new equipment and is located closer to the front of the school.
Caston School Corp. Superintendent Angie Miller noted the previous equipment was about 30 years old.
“We had the plan at the end of last year (to do the upgrade), and it actually started happening in July,” said Caston Elementary School Principal Jennifer Lukens.
The corporation paid for the playground using interest money it had.
Lukens said leaders asked students what type of equipment they would like.
The playground includes several elements not part of its predecessor, including balance beam steps and “some musical stuff, some drums and some chimes,” said Lukens.
With the update, the facility is better suited for kids with special needs.
PLAY TIME Kids enjoy playing on equipment at Caston Elementary School’s new playground.
“The merry-go-round is more inclusive,” said Lukens.
There is also a rubber surface instead of the previous typical mulch.
“The sidewalk ramp has been
set to go right to the rubber surface, so an individual (with special needs) can get there,” said Lukens.
Kids can play on the new playground more often than the previ-
ous one, explained Miller.
“The other playground had quite a few drainage issues, and kids spent a lot of time playing on sidewalks when it was rainier
on page 2
NEW PLAYGROUND — A look at the new playground, which is closer to the front of the school than its predecessor.
K now Y our n eighbor
County animal control officer Sorak doing her ‘dream job’
By LEAH SANDER Staff Writer
Fulton County Animal Control Officer Samantha Sorak is working her “dream job.”
“I had a childhood dream of being an animal control officer,” she said.
Sorak, of Rochester, has served in that role since April 1, replacing Calista Kelley.
She’s originally from Chicago, Ill., and graduated from Rich East High School in Park Forest, Ill. Sorak has lived in the Fulton County area for nine years.
She just finished her EMT certification through Ivy Tech Community College, having planned to enter the field before the animal control officer job opened up.
“I just enjoy helping in general, whether it be humans or animals,” she said.
As a child, Sorak thought she’d work for the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Previously to becoming animal control officer, she worked at a
veterinarian’s office and was a kennel worker “for a couple of years.” She also did pet grooming.
As animal control officer, Sorak responds to bite scenes and helps corral loose animals.
“If people are concerned, whether they think an animal has been neglected or abused, I’ll go and investigate that,” she added.
Sorak also enforces animal ordinances throughout the county, noting in Rochester people may only have a set amount of animals.
She ensures that there’s no animal “hoarding, no unnecessary breeding, kind of making sure everybody’s got their vaccinations up to date.”
She deals with any domesticated animals, with wild animals like raccoons, possums and the like falling under the jurisdiction of Indiana Department of Natural Resources’ officers.
Sorak has had instances like taking care of a baby squirrel for a time before turning it over to the DNR.
She said she likes “being the voice” for animals in need.
“It can be very rewarding, especially when the end result pays off when justice is served or just the animal in general is in an overall better condition,” said Sorak. “We’ve had some dogs that have come in very poorly or very aggressively, and just completely over time, over trust and feeding and just proper care, have made it full circle and have been adopted out or we see their stories where they’re just blossoming.”
She said her job is difficult when the animals she works with have to be put down.
Sorak noted people wanting to be animal control officers “have
to have thick skin and a thick stomach” for what they deal with sometimes.
“At the end of the day knowing that you made a difference is enough to go to sleep at night, and that is just beyond rewarding,” she said.
Caston Elementary
Sorak is married to Jon Sorak. They have a son, Landon, and three dogs: Butters, Bella and Peaches.
In her spare time, Sorak likes being at the Fulton County Animal Adoption and Education Center, “helping the girls there.”
and muddier,” she said.
Continued from page 1 with the park for transporting it over there.
Miller noted it was important to make playground improvements as the community uses the equipment as well.
The old equipment is now at Liberty Township Park in Fulton.
Miller thanked those involved
Several students commented that the new equipment is “fun.”
First grader Lavin Holloway enjoys the spinners kids can sit on, which fifth grader Ketni Gibson said she also enjoys.
Lukens said she believes students now have “some extra pride to have new equipment.”
“It looks nice, and obviously we did the color scheme of Caston,” she said.
Indiana Immunization Coalition to host health fair Oct. 3
The Indiana Immunization Coalition is hosting a health fair from 4-7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 3, at the Fulton County Fairgrounds Community Building, 1009 W. Third St., Rochester. All services are free. The first 50 people will receive a free hygiene kit (min. value $25), a winter item and a $10 gas card. Vaccines are available at no cost and no appointment necessary, regardless of if you have health insurance or not. The health fair is open to the public. Adults and children are eligible. This is a free service to get updated on your vaccines. For more information on what is available at the health fair and to register for vaccines, visit vacccinateindiana.org/health-fairs. To register for CDC-recommended immunizations, click the Fulton County registration link.
ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER Samantha Sorak started as Fulton County animal control officer on April 1. Photo by Leah Sander.
The word became flesh
(Read John 1:1-18)
“ But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name” (John 1:12).
First, Jesus Christ is the creative word (John 1:3).
There is certainly a parallel between John 1:1 and Genesis 1:1, the “new creation” and the “old creation.”
By THE REV. RON PURKEY
God created the worlds through his word: “And God said, ‘Let there be….” and it was done! “For he spoke, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast” (Psalm 33:9). God created all things through Jesus Christ (Colossians 1:16), which means that Jesus is not a created being; he is eternal God. He is part of the Trinity: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit!
The verb was made is perfect tense in the Greek, which means a “completed act.” Creation is
finished. It is not a process still going on, even though God is certainly at work in his creation (John 5:17). Creation is not a process; it is a finished product.
Second, Jesus Christ is the incarnate word (John 1:14). Jesus was not a phantom or a spirit when he ministered on earth, nor was his body a mere illusion.
John and the other disciples each had a personal experience that convinced them of the reality of the body of Jesus (1 John 1:12). Even though John’s emphasis is the deity of Christ, he makes it clear that the son of God came in the flesh and was subject to the sinless infirmities of human nature.
In his Gospel, John points out that Jesus was weary (John 4:6) and thirsty (John 4:7). He groaned within (John 11:33) and openly wept (John 11:35). On the cross, he thirsted (John 19:28), died (John 19:30), and bled (John 19:34). After his resurrection, he proved to Thomas and the other disciples that he still had a real body (John 20:24-29), but it was a “glorified” body.
Third, How was the “Word
made flesh”? By the miracle of the virgin birth (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 1:26-38), Jesus Christ took on himself sinless human nature and identified with us in every aspect of life from birth to death.
“The word” was not an abstract concept of philosophy, but a real person who could be seen, touched, and heard. Christianity is Christ, and Christ is God.
The revelation of God’s glory is an important theme in John’s Gospel. Jesus revealed God’s glory in his person, his works, and his words. John recorded seven wonderful signs (miracles) that openly declared the glory of God (John 2:11).
The glory of the old covenant of law was a fading glory, but the glory of the new covenant in Christ is an increasing glory (see 2 Corinthians 3). The law could reveal sin, but it could never remove sin. Jesus Christ came with fullness of grace and truth, and this fullness is available to all who will trust him (John 1:16).
Read Ron Purkey’s Bible study outlines free at rcpbibleoutlines. com. Purkey has been an ordained Baptist minister for 50 years.
AWARD WINNERS Rochester Police Department Cpl. Mike Atkins and his K9 partner La’Ron brought home several awards after competing in the Vohne Liche Kennels’ K9 Olympics. They won first in the Narcotic Building event and second in the Building Search event. Photo provided by the Rochester Police Department.
O bituaries
Change in our obituary policies effective Oct. 7
Effective Monday, Oct. 7, there will be a charge for obituary notices published in The Shopping Guide News of Fulton County.
The Shopping Guide will offer two options to have an obituary published of a loved one.
The first option is a standard one- column obituary, which will cost $20 for up to 250 words and $10 for each additional 100 words.
The second option is a two-column format, which will cost $45 for up to 250 words and $25 for each additional 100 words. This option will be highlighted with a decorative bar across the bottom of the obituary.
For both options, the obituary will include a photo printed in full color.
For the one-column option, the
Susan A. Hummel
Former Baton Twirler
Susan A. “Sue” Hummel, 75, Rochester, passed away unexpectedly at 3:47 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024, at her residence.
On Jan. 12, 1949, Susan “Sue” A Liggett was born to Carl and Gertrude Herndon Liggett. Growing up she shared her childhood with two sisters, Carol and Elaine. Proudly Sue graduated with the class of 1967 from Penn High School. She was a member of the Lady Kingsmen Marching Majorettes, baton twirlers. Sue ascended to the nationals and won the Baton Twirlers National Championship.
Sue and Dale M. Hummel were married in Osceola on Sept. 2, 1967. They shared nearly 56 years of life’s adventures. From their union came three handsome sons, Derek, Damon and Dustin. Two more generations have been added to the family tree with the blessings of six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
A woman of strong faith, Sue was a member of the New Life Church. More recently, she was a member of the Rochester Church of God. She was known for singing praises with her beautiful voice.
In the early years, the Hummel family settled near Culver where Dale taught and coached. Susan coached the Culver Cavalettes Dance Team and Pom-Pom Corps. In 1989, the Hummels made Rochester their home.
Gifted with her hands, Sue was creative and talented as a very accomplished seamstress. Grandma Sue made christening gowns for her grandchildren from her wedding dress. She created custom Halloween costumes for the kids and the grands. Sue also made flags displayed at her churches.
To relax with her lady friends, Sue hosted the most amazing and adventure-filled themed movie nights. Special food, decorations and sometimes costumes were a part of the special event. Sue made certain that her landscape was colorful with the addition of planting bright vibrant flowers.
Paramount in her life was her loving family. Sue loved her time spent with family and friends. There was nothing better than family cookouts at their home with all the kids, family holidays and special celebrations.
Left to cherish Sue’s memory are three sons, Derek Hummel and wife Rhonda, Rochester, Damon Hummel and wife Angela of Granger and Dustin Hummel and wife Abby of Mechanicsville, Md.; six grandchildren, Keith and wife Kaleigh, Brittany and companion Brendan, Addison, Jackson, Alexandria and Dawson; three great-grandchildren, Gannon, Winslow and Iris, and another blessing to arrive in February of 2025; two sisters, Carol Magaldi of South Bend and Elaine White and husband Joe of Mishawaka. Also surviving are her feline companions, Leia, the domestic calico, and Betty, the orange and white domestic short hair.
Preceding Sue in death are her parents and beloved husband Dale on July 1, 2023.
A celebration of the life of Susan A. “Sue” Hummel was at noon Tuesday, Sept. 3, at Good Family Funeral Home, 1200 W. 18th St., Rochester. Friends visited with the family from 10 a.m. to noon Tuesday, Sept. 3, at the funeral home. Pastor Larry Pyeatt officiated. Interment was in the Rochester IOOF Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Fulton County Animal Shelter, 1540 Wenzel St., Rochester, IN 46975 or Rochester Church of God, 3048 Southway 31, Rochester, IN 46975.
Online expressions of sympathy may be made to her family at goodfamilyfh.com.
obituary will include:
Full name, age, town of residence, time, day, date and place of death.
Date of birth, date of marriage, to whom and if the spouse survives or is deceased.
Survivors — list names of parents, sons, daughters, stepchildren, brothers and sisters, including names of spouses and town of
residence. It will list as numbers grandchildren, stepgrandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death by names.
Visitation — Time, date and location.
Funeral service — When, where, time and who is officiating.
Burial — Cemetery name, when and time.
Rodney Allen Kerr
Rochester Moose Lodge Member
Rodney Allen Kerr, Rochester, formerly Morris, Ill., passed away unexpectedly on Monday, Feb. 26, 2024.
He was born on Sept. 14, 1960, in Olathe, Kan., to the late Patrick and Maris Kerr.
Rod was a graduate of Morris Community High School, class of 1978. After high school, he joined the chemical operators union, retiring at the age of 61 after 44 years of dedicated service. He was a member of the Rochester Moose Lodge No. 1107.
As a young man, Rod was very active with Grundy County 4-H and he enjoyed showing horses. Once he became a father, he greatly enjoyed taking part in his kid’s activities, especially coaching sports. Rod enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and attending their events, traveling with Sharon, deer hunting and being on the lake in Rochester. He could also be found antiquing and attending auctions, but he was most fond of following his favorite Chicago sports teams, particularly the Cubs and Bears. Rod even completed the Chicago Marathon twice.
Rod is survived by his significant other of 23 years, Sharon Allport; his children, Justin (Lindsey) Kerr, Kyle Kerr and Sarah (Jake Offermann) Kerr; his brothers, Mark and Pat Kerr; and former wife and mother of his children, Paula Seigler. His greatest gift in life was becoming a Papa to his three grandchildren, Preston and Hadlee Kerr and Landen Kerr.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers, Mike and Scott Kerr.
All friends and relatives are invited to celebrate Rodney’s life from 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 15, at the Rochester Moose Lodge No. 1107.
Serina Dawn Hoffer
Serina Dawn Hoffer, 49, Plymouth, died at 8:33 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024, at Goshen Hospital, Goshen.
She was born on June 22, 1975.
She is survived by her son, Austin (Raven) Holloway, South Bend; three grandchildren; sister, Debbie and (John) Whitaker, Akron; one nephew; and fiance, Christopher Stoller, Plymouth.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Teddy Ray and Joyce E. (Smith) Vance.
Funeral services were Tuesday, Sept. 10, at Hartzler Funeral Home 305 W. Rochester St. Akron, with Pastor Frank Whitaker officiating.
Interment was in the I.O.O.F Cemetery, Rochester.
Arlene Miller
Arlene Miller, 88, Pierceton , and formerly of Warsaw, died Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2024, in her residence.
She was born on July 17, 1936. On Nov. 29, 1957, she married Melvin Joseph Miller; who preceded her in death Aug. 10, 2006.
She is survived by her daughter, Teresea (Pat) Engle; two sons, Tony L. (Tammi) Miller and Todd L. (Amy) Miller, all of Warsaw; eight grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; one sister, Marilyn (James) Collins, Rochester; and two brothers, David (Tammy) Swick, Warsaw and Mark (Valorie) Swick, St. Petersburg, Fla.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Claude Elsworth Swick and Fern Elizabeth Warren; four brothers; and two sisters.
A memorial service was held Friday, Sept. 6, at Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, 225 Argonne Road, Warsaw, with Pastor Glenn Hall officiating.
Memorial donations may be directed to Animal Welfare League of Kosciusko County, 1048 S. 325 W., Pierceton, IN 46562.
Memorial contributions and name of funeral home.
Online condolence information.
The two-column obituary will include the above noted information plus any additional information the family wishes to be included.
All obituaries provided by private individuals must be paid in advance of publication.
Caroll JoAnn Laney
Caroll
JoAnn Laney, 93, Warsaw, died Aug. 26, 2024.
She was born on Feb. 15, 1931. On July 1, 1950, she married Floyd Laney; who preceded her in death.
She is survived by her children, Mike (Pattie) Laney, Haines City, Fla., Rick (Susan) Laney, Flower Mound, Texas, Cheryl (Dan) Craze, Panama City, Fla., and Susan (Tom) Swick, Lee’s Summit, Mo.; one sister, Marita Cox, Akron; 24 grandchildren; and 56 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Cloice and Cleo (Parker) Clay; sister, Delores Ginther; two brothers, Marvin and Bill Clay; and granddaughter, Jessica Kocher. A celebration of life service was held Saturday, Sept. 7, at McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel, 2290 Provident Court, Warsaw, with Pastor Brian Benjamin officiating. Interment was in Graceland Cemetery, Claypool.
Memorial contributions may be made to Reins of Life, 55200 Quince Road, South Bend, IN 46619, or to the Caroll Laney fund through Reinsoflife.org.
Ruth Pauline Hayes
Ruth Pauline Hayes, 81, Winamac, formerly of North Judson, died Friday, Aug. 30, 2024, in her residence.
She was born on Jan. 9, 1943. On Oct. 11, 1965, she married Herman Rogers; who preceded her in death on Nov. 30, 2019.
She is survived by two sons, Roger Hayes, Royal Center and James Hayes, North Judson; daughter, Valerie (Craig) Jones, Winamac; 11 grandchildren; 22 great- grandchildren; and sister, Rose Myers, Mooresville; brother, Bill (Sanom) Potter, Auburn, N.Y.; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Bert Rufus and Norine Elizabeth (Hancock) Rowe; and brother, Truman Rowe.
Funeral services were Tuesday, Sept. 3, at Frain Mortuary, Winamac, with Pastor Mark Pilger, officiating. Private interment was in Oak Grove Cemetery, La Crosse.
Memorial contributions may be made to the funeral home.
Online condolences may be shared with the family at frainmortuary.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary, Winamac.
SUSAN A. HUMMEL
RODNEY ALLEN KERR
ARLENE MILLER
CAROLL JOANN LANEY
RUTH PAULINE HAYES
SERINA DAWN HOFFER
o bitua R ies
Linda Boldry
A Native Of Kokomo
Linda Boldry, 77, Rochester, passed away at 11:25 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024, at her residence. She was born on Jan. 25, 1947, to Robert Lee and Betty Jane (Rosier) Leicht in Kokomo. She lived in Kokomo until 1964 when she moved to Nyona Lake. That summer she met her future husband, Mike Boldry. They married on June 4, 1965, at the Fulton Baptist Temple, Fulton. After marriage, she was with Mike while he studied at Purdue University and Indiana University School of Dentistry. She and Mike moved to Rochester and they spent the rest of her life there.
Survivors include her husband, Mike Boldry, Rochester; children, Brian Michael Boldry, Rochester, Teresa Kay Simpson (husband Dave), Rochester, and Staci Lynn Pfeiffer (husband Bill), Rochester; grandchildren, Tony Allen Pryor (wife Amy), Rochester, Troy Allen Pryor (wife Lindsay), Rochester, Michael Ray Pryor (fiance’ Lea), Oldsmar, Fla., Jack Mitchell Boldry, Rochester, Alan Michael Pfeiffer, Rochester, and adopted grandson, Christopher William Courtney (wife Mia), Indianapolis; great-grandchildren, Sophia Louise Pryor, Rochester, and Millie Rae Pfeiffer, Rochester.
Preceding Linda in death were her parents; brothers, Robert Joseph Leicht and William Robert Leicht; and sisters, Sondra Sedberry and Susan Jane Bohmer.
Friends visited from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, Sept. 9, at Zimmerman Bros. Funeral Home, Rochester. Private services were observed with burial in the Odd Fellows Cemetery, Rochester.
Memorials contributions may be made to First Baptist Church, Rochester. Online condolences may be expressed at zimmermanbrosfh. com.
b i R ths
Jordan Miller Smith
TJ and Jillian Smith, Rochester, are the parents of a son, Jordan Miller, born at 4:22 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 31, in Woodlawn Health. He weighed 7 pounds, 11.5 ounces, and was 19.5 inches long.
He joins sibling, Dayton, 2. Beckham Dean Rentschler
Madison Rundell, and Dylan Rentschler, are the parents of a son, Beckham Dean, born Saturday, Aug. 31, in Woodlawn Health. He weighed 7 pounds, 8 ounces, and was 20.5 inches long.
Maternal grandparents are Ken and Angie Rundell.
Paternal grandparents are Mark and Nanci Woodrock.
Maternal great-grandparents are Frank and Vivian Beran.
Zia Rae Carpenter-Rubies
Kayleen Vannostrand, and Devonne Carpenter, Rochester, are the parents of a daughter, Zia Rae, born at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 4,
in Woodlawn Health. She weighed 6 pounds, 10 ounces, and was 19 inches long.
She joins siblings Luna, 7; Esmae, 5; and Kaylani, 1.
Maternal grandparent is Michele Arnett, Rochester.
Paternal grandparents are Renee Rubies, Rochester, and Devonne Carpenter, Rochester.
Maternal great-grandparents are Victoria and Jim Bartlett, Rochester.
Paternal great-grandparents are Vincent and Mary Jane Rubies, deceased.
Axl Alan Mestre
Chelsey Piper, and Alejandro Mestre, Rochester, are the parents of a son, Axl Allen, born Thursday, Sept. 5, in Woodlawn Health.
He joins sibling Ryker Piper, 8.
Paternal grandparents are Craig and Jackie Dobis, Portage.
Paternal great-grandparents are Bob and Amy Dobis, Merrillville.
C ounty R epo R t
Court News Circuit Court
The following petitions have been filed in Fulton Circuit Court, Judge Arthur Christopher Lee presiding: Complaints
Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance v. Tobias Mullet, Nappanee, $11,785.32 Traffic Violations
The following fines and levies were paid in Fulton County courts: Disregard lighted signal, signals exhibiting colored lights — Aaron Zimmerman, Rochester, $164.50
Driving while suspended — Kyra Crace, Argos, $164.50
Driving while suspended, operating with expired plates — Melissa Lee, Rochester, $189.50
Failure of occupant to use a safety belt — Riley Humphrey, Lexington, S.C., $25
Hunting wild animals, fishing or trapping without a license — Christopher Slaven, Bloomington, $164.50
No valid driver’s license — Johnathan Burton, Lafayette, $164.50
Dean Bammerlin
Dean Bammerlin, 95, Roann, died Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024, in his residence.
He was born on Aug. 31, 1929. On Nov. 15, 1953, he married Janet G. Butt; who preceded him in death on Oct. 30, 2004.
He is survived by his children, Susan (Rob) Criswell, Akron, Karen (Doug) Draper, Roann, Jay Bammerlin and Mikael Badgett, Fort Wayne; three grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; eight great-great-grandchildren; and special friend, Joy Canada.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Verna (Shrout) Bammerlin; and brother, Dale.
Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 12, at Hartzler Funeral Home, 305 W. Rochester St., Akron.
Interment with military rites will follow at Akron Cemetery, Akron.
Friends may visit from 4-8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 11, in the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Roann Volunteer Fire Department.
Clayton Lee Burnett
Clayton Lee Burnett, 61, Culver, died at 11:58 p.m. Monday, Sept. 2, 2024, in his residence.
He was born on Jan. 24, 1963.
He is survived by his father, Larry Burnett; and sister, Heather Stutzman, both of Culver; brother, Brian Burnett, Kokomo; significant other, Shellie Ferrell, Culver; children, Chris (Mandie) McVica, Culver, Allen (Kayla) McVicar, Argos and Wesley McVicar, Fort Wayne; three grandchildren; several nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews.
He was proceeded in death by his mother, LaVonda E. Burnett.
A celebration of life service will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 22, at the Whipporwill Community Church, 4795 N. 200W. Rochester, IN 46975.
Memorial contributions may be made to Whipporwill Community Church.
Online condolences can be shared with the family at goodfamilyfh. com.
Leonard Earl
Leonard Earl McIntire, 91, Crawfordsville, Fla., died Saturday, Aug. 24, 2024, in Tallahassee Memorial Hospital.
He was born on Aug. 14, 1933. On Jan. 11, 1957, he married Jane Anne Willoughby; who preceded him in death.
McIntire
He is survived by two sons, Rick McIntire, Crawfordville, Fla., and Daniel (Genevieve) McIntire, Medford, N.J.; daughter, Jan (Darrin) Wilson, Nelson, Wis.; seven grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Oval and Mary Mildred (Craig) McIntire.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, at Rans Funeral Homes & Crematory, Metzer Chapel, 123 E. Main St., Kewanna.
Friends may visit one hour prior to services in the funeral home.
Interment with military rites will follow at Citizens I.O.O.F. Cemetery, Kewanna.
Online condolences can be shared with the family at ransfuneralhomes. com
Memorial contributions can be made to Big Bend Hospice First Commerce Center for Compassionate Care at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital.
David A. ‘Radar’ Pike
David A. “Radar” Pike 74, Rochester, died at 12:53 a.m. Monday, Sept. 2, 2024, at Community Heart and Vascular Hospital, Indianapolis.
Speeding — Howard Bergoll, Clarendon Hills, Ill., $154.50; Daniel Maslowski, Mishawaka, $192.50; Mercedes Shelton, Benton Harbor, Mich., $175; Patrick Yim, South Bend, $175; Lamario Valentine, Chicago, $200; Wannetta Probst, South Bend, $164.50; Thomas Kemp, Westfield, $192.50; Constance Dempsey, South Bend, $175; Disiah Rios, Indianapolis, $192.50; Bennett Hinnen, Louisville, Ky., $164.50; Blake Fritch, Culver, $175; Jacklyn Cross, Kalamazoo, Mich., $154.50; Ibahimu Yuda, Fort Wayne, $200; Sierra Makin, Indianapolis, $175; Jeffrey Davis, Warsaw, $200; Malorie Price, Peru, $164.50; Trent Price, Wabash, $164.50; John Oren, Fishers, $164.50; Fernando Mckee, Indianapolis, $192.50; Stephanie Lambert, Carmel, $192.50; Alexis Goltz, Mishawaka, $154.50; Audiel Ventur, Mishawaka, $164.50; Yusur Al-mosawi, Glendale, Ariz., $175; Michelle Shetler, Greenwood, $175; Kylie Witty, Goshen, $154.50; Catherine Donohue, Smithtown, N.Y., $192.50; Gregory Hopkins, Pentwater, Mich., $164; Rita Milandri, Indianapolis, $175; Eric Steiner, Zionsville, $154.50;
Maia Lockhart-Kraner, Sherborn, Mass., $175; Norman Lutfi Ghawi Yuja, Lombard, Ill., $175; Sara Brinkley, Indianapolis,$192.50; Tonjia Wingo, South Bend, $164.50; Peyton Hibner, Rochester, $175
Marriage Licenses
The following couple has applied for a marriage license in the office of Fulton County Clerk of the Court: Johnson-Malott Samuel Johnson, 35, Rochester, and Breanna Malott, 33, Rochester.
Marriage Dissolutions
The following couples have filed for marriage dissolutions in Fulton County courts: Harding-Stiles — Steven Harding, and Abby Stiles, Rochester. With minor children. Field — Gale Field, Kewanna, and Susan Field, Kewanna. No minor children.
He was born on Dec. 15, 1949. He is survived by two brothers, Richard “Fuzzy” (Penny) Pike, Rochester, and Mark (Cindy) Pike, Macy; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Forest H. and Mary (Young) Pike; and sister, Sally Pike Bell.
No services are scheduled at this time.
Interment will be in Citizens Cemetery, Rochester, at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to Zimmerman Bros. Funeral Home, Rochester.
Online condolences may be expressed at zimmermanbrosfh.com
LINDA BOLDRY
DEAN BAMMERLIN
LEONARD EARL MCINTIRE
DAVID A. ‘RADAR’ PIKE
Valley names homecoming court
Tippecanoe Valley High School announced the members of its 2024-25 homecoming court. Court representatives included: freshmen Lily Koch, Chaney
Miller, Colter Blackburn and Mason Miller; sophomores Hadley Wise, Izzy Woodruff, Owen Omondi and Owen Ryan; juniors Maci Parker, McKenna Lowe, Wes Parker and Chris Mar-
quez; and seniors Evy Ramirez, Mackaylie Costello, Avery Wagoner, Sarah Finney, Lydia Craig, Ethan Young, Colton Crabb, Brandon Stiles, Ian Cooksey and Brock Derf.
Rochester Youth Baseball awarded $12.5K for tractor
The Fulton County Community Foundation granted $12,500 to the Rochester Little League to be
NEW TRACTOR Rochester
Youth Baseball recently got a field maintenance tractor thanks to a Fulton County Community Foundation grant. Shown from left are Landon Smith, Marcus Halterman, Derrick Vance, FCCF Board Member Teresa Houser, FCCF Board Member Jillian Smith, Chris Brown and Kyle McLochlin. Photo provided by the FCCF.
used for a new field maintenance tractor.
The grant was used as a matching opportunity to raise the funds needed to replace the current tractor that has been in use since 1979. The match was met thanks to several local organizations like Ad-Vance Magnetics, Frounfelter Dental, the Moose Lodge, Rochester Glass Co., Rochester Homes, RTC and Shepherd’s Chevrolet GMC.
Grants like this one are made possible through Fulton County Community Funds, which currently have a $2 to $1 donation-matching initiative. These funds are endowed, ensuring their influence on Fulton County for generations to come.
Other examples of projects and organizations that have received community fund grants include the Rochester Splash Pad, Lucas devices for fire departments, lighting for The Times Theater, the Kewanna Food Pantry and many more.
Learn more at nicf.org.
VALLEY HOMECOMING COURT Students who are part of the 2024-25 Homecoming Court at Tippecanoe Valley High School are shown. Photo provided by Kiira Churchill.
Many enjoy the Nickel Plate Music and Arts Festival
Text and Photos
By DEB PATTERSON
Editor-In-Chief
It was a beautiful morning in Rochester Saturday, Aug. 31, as families lined the streets downtown for the parade to kick off a day filled with music and arts at the Nickel Plate Music and Arts Festival.
A medical helicopter from Parkview Hospital kicked off the start with several fly-overs of the parade route, delighting the young and the young at heart.
There were 75 entries in this
year’s parade, including the Rochester High School Marching band, area fire departments, and many local organizations.
Following the parade, things kicked off on the courthouse lawn with the Riddle Elementary Choir Club performing a rendition of popular songs and other school choir performances, followed by Pork N Beans and Indy Annies Duo. Additional performers included the Chicago Diamond Trio and Malachi Jaggers. The day closed out with The 1985 Band.
Throughout the day, festival go-
ers could browse numerous art, craft and community outreach booths, enjoy a variety of food and visit Sweetcakes Entertainment to have their face painted, get a Henna tattoo, get a balloon animal and have some caricature sketches made. But that was not all, there were numerous make-and-take art projects for all ages to create, all free; a dunk tank and bouncy houses. All events occurred on Eighth and Madison streets around the county courthouse, and on the courthouse lawn.
Updates and happenings in and around the area
Friday night live music in the park will be from 6-8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 13, in Akron’s downtown community park, Akron. “No Name Quartet” will be preforming with special guest Mackenzie Niccum, who will begin at 5:45 p.m. Sponsored in part by grants from NICF, Fulton County Tourism Commission and the Akron Los Donas Club. This will be the last concert of the summer.
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Beacon Credit Union will host Member Appreciation Day on Friday, Sept. 13, at Rouch Place Drive and the Main Street location in Rochester. Stop in for a chance to win your choice of a pellet grill, flat top griddle, or a smart TV. There will be activities and goodies to take home. Members and non-members welcome.
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Fulton County Commissioner’s meeting will be at 6 p.m. Monday, Sept. 16, in the commissioner’s room, 125 E. Ninth St., Rochester.
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The Times Theater, Rochester, will have a senior movie “The Bridges of Madison County” at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 17. A tour of the theater will begin at 12:15. Small popcorn and drink is included with the $5 admission.
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County Council meeting will be at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 17, in the commissioner’s room, 125 E. Ninth St., Rochester.
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Life Care Center of Rochester will host a free breakfast for veterans at 8 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 19. All veterans welcome.
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Board of Public Works & Safety meeting will be from 7:20-8:30 a.m. Friday, Sept. 20, in the Rochester City Building Complex, 320 Main
St., Rochester.
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There will be a charity car, truck and bike show, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21, at Pike Memorial Park, 325 N. Virgil St., Akron. Food, music, cash prizes, raffle prizes and 50/50 drawings will be held. All proceeds to benefit Akron Lions charities. Hosted by Akron Chamber of Commerce. For more information contact Faith Kamp (574) 835-1899 or Nancee Ward (574) 835-5280, or visit autumninakroncarshow.com.
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The annual Trail of Courage will be from 10 a.m to 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21; and 10 a.m to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 22. $10 for adults, $5 children 6-11 and free for kids 5 and under. Located at Fulton County Historical Society, four miles north of Rochester on U.S. 31 and the Tippecanoe River. For more information visit fultoncountyhistory.org or call (574) 223-4436
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Area Plan meeting will be at 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 23, in the commissioner’s room, 125 E. Ninth St., Rochester.
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City Council meeting will be at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 24, in the Rochester City Building Complex, 320 Main St., Rochester.
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Redevelopment Commission meeting will be from 9:43 a.m. to 10:43 p.m. and a city park board meeting will be from noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 25, in the Rochester City Building Complex, 320 Main St., Rochester.
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A canine and feline CPR and first aid certification class will be from 1-4 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 25, at the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office, 2006 Sweetgum Road, Rochester. The class
is open to the public. The cost is $74.95 per person and includes an official certificate, an eBook copy of the class textbook and a two-year subscription to an online animal resource center. Contact Samantha Sorak at ssorak@ co.fulton.in.us for any questions or to register for the class.
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The Kewanna Fall Festival will be Sept. 26-29. Free admission to the event. Located in downtown Kewanna. For a complete list of events visit the Indiana Kewanna Fall Festival Facebook page.
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A lip sync shindig will be held in Kewanna from 3-4 p.m. Friday, Sept. 28, at The Heartery, Kewanna. Individuals, groups, organizations, families and businesses are encouraged to participate. Call or text Jennifer at (574) 316-0278 or email heartery. kewanna@gmail.com by Sept. 6.
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The Outlet Youth Center will host a BINGO fundraiser from 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28, at the Times Theater, Rochester. Ages 18 and over. Register online at the outletyouthcenter.org.
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Last free fishing day of the year is Saturday, Sept. 28. Indiana residents do not need a fishing license or a trout/salmon stamp to fish the state’s public waters. All other rules such as seasons, bag and size limits apply.
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St. John’s Lutheran Church will host the fall fish and tenderloin fry from 4-7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 3, at the Fulton County Historical Society Museum, located off of US 31 at 37 E. 375N, Rochester. Dine in or drive thru. All dinners include: coleslaw, chips and a cookie. Tickets are $13. Call (574) 223-6898 for tickets or pay at the door. Cash or credit card. Fish prepared by Dan’s Fish Fry.
A POPULAR BOOTH There was a constant line at the Sweetcakes Entertainment tent during this year’s Nickel Plate Music and Arts Festival. The Sweetcakes crew offered face painting, caricature sketches, balloon art and more. Shown Michelle Bratzmueller, right, works on turning Alon McBurnett into Batman, while Kaylea Hanes, back left, turns Peyton McBurnett, back right, into a Pokemon.
ONE OF MANY FLOATS The Fulton County Pack-A-Back-Pack float was one of many floats and entries in the Nickel Plate Music and Arts Festival parade.
YOUNG ARTIST Ty and Shae Bradenburg show off the lion heads they created at the arts and crafts tent. There were numerous art creations available to be created and taken home during the Nickel Plate Music and Arts Festival.
Habitat for Humanity breaks ground on 19th home
Text and Photos
By LEAH SANDER Staff Writer
Amanda Gudas said getting a new home from Fulton County Habitat for Humanity is “an overwhelming blessing.”
Gudas and her four children, Seanna, Savannah, Searra and SJ Gudas, are the recipients of the organization’s 19th home in the county. A groundbreaking ceremony for it was held on Tuesday, Sept. 3.
The four-bedroom, two-bathroom house with a full basement will be located at 529 W. Sixth St., Rochester. Work on it should start next spring.
To receive the home, the Gudas family is required to do 250 hours of community service, with them already doing 216 of those.
Gudas said after the ceremony that receiving the home “seems surreal.”
“Little by little, it all feels real,” she said. “This makes it feel real. Mowing every couple of weeks on the property, you get to kind of think about what the future’s going to be like and stuff.”
She spoke to family, friends, community members and Habitat for Humanity board members at the end of the ceremony.
“I’d like to thank everybody who’s prayed for us, believed with us that God would make a way when there was no way,” said
FOR HUMANITY’S 19TH HOME Amanda Gudas and her four children are the recipients of Fulton County Habitat for Humanity’s 19th home, which will be located at 529 W. Sixth St., Rochester. Habitat had a groundbreaking ceremony for it on Tuesday, Sept. 3. In the first row from left are Savannah Gudas, Amanda Gudas, SJ Gudas, Seanna Gudas, Searra Gudas, Habitat Board Assistant Treasurer Andrea Stineback and Habitat Board Member Marci Murphy. In the back row are Habitat Board Treasurer Sharon Van Sickel, Habitat Board President Andrew Horstman, Habitat Board Member Karmin Reeves, Habitat Board Member Daniel Butler and Habitat Board Vice President Ryan Utter.
Amanda. “He made a way. I want to thank my church family who helped us with our property cleanup. I want to thank Fulton County Habitat for Humanity for giving us
this opportunity and making it all happen.”
She read the Bible passage Numbers 6:24-26, which states: “May the Lord bless you and pro-
with family support for
FROM ONE HOME RECIPIENT TO ANOTHER Aimee Stewart, right, who received Habitat for Humanity’s third home in the county, presented Amanda Gudas with a wood plaque at the ceremony.
tect you, and may the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you His favor and give you His peace.”
“I believe that God really has been with us even in times that we haven’t seen Him working or didn’t feel Him working. He was still there with us,” said Gudas. “I truly believe He has and will continue to bless us and make His face shine upon us, on my children and their children, and I want to
dedicate this property and the future home that will be here back to Him. It’s His, for His glory.”
During the ceremony, Aimee Stewart gave the Gudas family a wood plaque with the words “Gudas Est. 2024/2025” and a cross on it.
Stewart herself received the third home Fulton County Habitat for Humanity did.
Gudas’ grandfather Lloyd Ezra and her pastor at Heartland Church of Rochester, Jim Howard, also spoke and prayed during the ceremony.
Habitat Family Support Chair Marci Murphy read the Bible verse Jeremiah 29:11: “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘Plans to prosper you and not to harm you and to give you hope and a future.’”
Karmin Reeves, who also works on family support with Habitat, gave the family a golden hammer.
“This symbolizes that Amanda and her family have already had over 75 hours of volunteer service in order for this to occur,” she said.
By RUSSELL DAVIDSON SR. Guest Writer
GOLDEN HAMMER Karmin Reeves, right, who helps
Habitat, gives Amanda Gudas, center, a golden hammer during the ceremony for community service work the Gudas family has done so far to receive their home.
HABITAT
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Camp, Goodin promote values on democracy, immigration, education at annual JFK Dinner
Text and Photos
By LEAH SANDER Staff Writer
It’s important to vote for the Democratic ticket in the general election this November due to the party’s stances on democracy, immigration and education, said several candidates on Saturday, Sept. 7.
Lori Camp, who’s running for the U.S. House of Representatives’ Second Congressional District seat, and Terry Goodin, who’s running for lieutenant governor with gubernatorial candidate Jennifer McCormick, spoke on the above topics at the Fulton County Democratic Party’s annual JFK dinner at the Geneva Center outside Rochester.
Camp, of South Bend, who works for software firm Donnell Systems, talked on several of the policies that matter to her.
“I never had any political aspirations,” she said at the beginning of her speech. “I’m not doing this as a quest for power. I am doing this so that regular people are represented by a government official.”
“I believe first of all that the most important thing that we have in the U.S. is our democracy,” said Camp. “Even though sometimes we don’t live up to that ideal, we are the shining beacon. The reason that people want to come here is because we are that shining beacon, and we need to protect and defend that with all we have, and that means getting to the polls and voting.”
Camp said a Republican donated to her campaign because he disagreed with his party’s positions.
“He, like many of the other Republicans I have talked to, want to keep our democracy and do not believe that if they vote for the other party that will happen,” she said. “If you vote for me, I promise I will protect our democracy at all costs, and if you don’t like what I have done policy-wise, in two years you can vote me out.”
She also said she wanted to prevent “gerrymandering and help stop all of this nonsense
Continued on page 11
ATTENDEES Some of the attendees are shown.
AT THE DINNER At the event are from left Terry Gearhart, Debi Stiles, Venetia Zinsmaster and Angie Smith.
JFK DINNER The Fulton County Democratic Party had its annual JFK Dinner on Saturday, Sept. 7, at the Geneva Center outside Rochester. Speakers included Lori Camp, who’s running for the U.S. House of Representatives’ Second Congressional District seat and Terry Goodin,
running for lieutenant governor alongside gubernatorial candidate Jennifer McCormick. From left are Fulton County Democratic Party Secretary Timothy Kieninger, Vice Chair Phyllis Biddinger, Camp, Goodin, Chair Josh Zehner and Treasurer Pam Fish.
PUMPKINS GALORE — Optimist Club member, Vicki Onstott, took time out to pose in the photo op area at the Optimist Club pumpkin stand. Opening day at the annual pumpkin stand was Friday, Sept. 6. The stand carries a large variety of mums, pumpkins, gourds and other fall decorating items. Photo by Lori Carr.
Rochester library to host sijo poetry workshop
Fulton County Public Library in Rochester, 320 W. Seventh St., will host a free sijo poetry workshop from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28, in Meeting Room B.
The workshop will be led by Duane Johansen, a teacher at Peru Community High School and lifelong poet.
Sijo is a traditional Korean poetry style dating back to the
14th century. Often compared to Japanese haiku and tanka, sijo is “a bit longer and has more structural flexibility than those forms,” said Johansen.
A sijo poem consists of three lines of around 15 syllables each. The form’s signature characteristic is a “twist” or “turn” at the beginning of the third line, which asks the reader to look at
the previous lines with a different perspective.
“Sijo has become more popular in the United States over the last 20 years,” said Johansen. “Many see it as an ideal form for both beginning and experienced poets, as it has enough structure to provide a framework to work in while allowing for enough freedom for personal creativity … It is, I believe, the perfect poetry style for the TikTok generation.”
Johansen, who has been an educator for more than 30 years, has given presentations on sijo at several conferences and events, done several readings of his own poetry and led workshops on writing sijo throughout Illinois and Indiana. He has a bachelor’s degree in English from Valparaiso University and a master’s degree in international education from Indiana University.
He is a former outreach coordinator at the Center for East Asian and Pacific Studies at the University of Illinois, on the editorial board of the publication “Education About Asia” and on the committee that awards the Buchanan Prize for educational material about Asia.
To register for this workshop (or for more information), contact FCPL Literacy Director David Hazledine at (574) 223-1008 or dhazledine@fulco.lib.in.us. Registrants should be at least 12 years old.
Primary care versus emergency department
By ELIZABETH RODRIGUEZ, FNP-C Woodlawn Health
What is the purpose of a primary care provider? The advantages of having a primary care provider are that they are your guide to preventive health, chronic disease management, and overall well-being. Primary care focuses on continuously monitoring your health, allowing for early detection of issues and proactive
Fraud prevention training to be
held Sunday, Sept. 22
The public is invited to a fraud protection class sponsored by Community Presbyterian Church, Rochester.
The training will be led by Flagstar Bank manager, Leslie
Meredith, and will be held at 6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 22, at Flagstar Bank, 202 E. Ninth St., Rochester.
For more information call Pastor John at (217) 781-1630.
intervention, which can lower medical costs for the general population, including yourself. These can consist of vaccines and screening tests like mammograms. Everyday aspects of your history and lifestyle contribute to your overall health. Your primary care provider becomes intimately familiar with your medical history, lifestyle, and preferences, ensuring a personalized approach to your care. Primary care providers manage day-to-day health needs, such as teaching you how to make better health decisions to prevent Continued on page 11
HEY EWE — A sheep constructed from a bale of hay is currently on display at the Optimist Club pumpkin stand in Rochester. The annual pumpkin stand opened Friday, Sept 6. Photo by Lori Carr.
VALLEY HOMECOMING KING AND QUEEN — Brock Derf, right, and Evy Ramirez were crowned the Tippecanoe Valley High School Homecoming king and queen on Friday, Sept. 6. Photo provided by the Tippecanoe Valley School Corp.
ELIZABETH RODRIGUEZ FNP-C
Camp, Goodin promote
about people who shouldn’t vote voting.”
Camp also said if elected she would work “to get this immigration bill passed so that we can start working on reform that is both compassionate and helpful.”
“It is dismaying to me to think that we have people who are ready to just round up everybody and deport them,” she said.
Camp said she was enlightened more on immigration by a Central American native who now lives in Starke County and works with immigrants.
She shared the woman told her about people outside the U.S. taking children and castrating them and telling their parents “that if you don’t do what they say, they will do that to all your children or worse.”
“So when I approach immigration, I want to approach it with compassion,” said Camp. “These aren’t our enemies. These aren’t criminals. They’re not the worst. They’re literally frightened people looking for a better life, probably like many of our ancestors were.”
Goodin, a former teacher, school superintendent and Indiana House of Representatives’ minority leader, worked for President Joe Biden’s administration as the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s rural development director for Indiana before McCormick picked him to run with her. Continued from page 9
He emphasized his and McCormick’s stance on education, stating “we have got to continue to move our educational system forward.”
Goodin said his father told him “a free public education is the greatest American invention of all time.”
“We need to stop the attack on our public school corporations across the state of Indiana,” he said. “We need to make sure as we
Primary care
Continued from page 10 healthcare professionals trained to handle critical situations.
disease. For example, your medical provider can guide you in quitting smoking, eating more nutritious foods, or managing stress.
Treat health problems that pop up, such as a rash or an infection. They can help you manage long-term health problems — for instance, diabetes, high blood pressure, or depression. Not to mention other services such as finding a medical specialist if you need one, like a knee surgeon or a heart doctor.
One of the most obvious disadvantages is calling ahead for an appointment. How often you routinely see your doctor depends on your health. Many providers recommend you come in once a year for a check-up. But if you have problems or a chronic condition, such as heart disease or diabetes, you will be seen more often.
What role does the emergency department play in your care?
Emergency rooms are equipped to handle critical and life-threatening emergencies, such as heart attacks, strokes, severe burns, major traumas, and respiratory distress. ERs also have a team of
Emergency departments are valuable for treating critical and life-threatening conditions, but they also have some drawbacks. ERs are often associated with longer wait times due to prioritizing critical cases. For example, if you bring your child to the ER for an earache while an ambulance arrives with a car crash victim, the crash victim will likely be treated first. The higher costs associated with emergency room visits can also be a burden, especially for individuals without comprehensive health insurance
move forward in education every student has the opportunity to achieve and succeed to their fullest potential. That’s going to be different for every single student in our great state.”
Goodin also said he and McCormick wished to help students attain education past high school, whether it be college or a trade school, without having a lot of debt afterward and cut out state-required testing for kids.
coverage. It’s crucial to reserve emergency room visits for true emergencies to ensure resources are available for those who need them most.
Finally, there is no consistency in which provider will treat you; you will see whichever doctor works that day. The provider you see at the emergency room may not have full access to your medical records, and they might not know your chronic conditions. You will also only be treated for the acute conditions that brought you into the emergency room. You will still need to follow up with your primary care provider.
ARTWORK Artwork by Erica Coffing and Christine Walsh was raffled off during the event.
CAMP SPEAKS Camp speaks during the event.
GOODIN TALKS Goodin talks during the dinner.
ZEHNER SPEAKS Zehner speaks at the dinner.
TRACTOR WINNER — The Nickel Plate Music & Arts Festival parade was held on Saturday, Aug. 31, in downtown Rochester. A restored 1952 John Deere Model MT was the winning tractor during the parade. The tractor is owned by Richard Piper. It was bought new for Piper by his parents when he was 14 years old. It was purchased at the former Travis Implement dealership, Rochester, currently the site of Enyarts Hardware. Piper’s grandson, Luke Green, is shown driving the tractor during the parade. Photo provided by Luke Green.
PARADE WINNER — Richard Piper, center, is shown with the plaque he was presented with from the Nickel Plate Music & Arts Festival parade held on Saturday, Aug. 31. He was awarded first place for his 1952 John Deere tractor. Shown with Piper are his grandchildren,
and Luke
Tippecanoe Valley School Corporation announces Students of the Month for August
Tippecanoe Valley School Corporation has announced the Students of the Month for August from across the district.
This month, the corporation recognizes students from Tippecanoe Valley High School, Tippe-
Tippecanoe Valley High School
The following are students of the month from Tippecanoe Valley High School:
canoe Valley Middle School, Mentone and Akron elementary schools, and Burket Education Center. These students have shown exceptional character, leadership, and academic excellence, representing the values and spirit of the Viking community.
Exciting Possibilities
With Freestyle Living pricing, health and wellness programming, and a full calendar of activities and events, the door to new adventures is wide open!
• Join us on Thursday, September 12th from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM
• Enjoy a delicious chef-prepared lunch
• Learn the advantages of a Life Plan community with multiple levels of care
• Understand the research-based benefits of living at Timbercrest and all we have to offer
• Tours available of Neighborhood Homes, apartments, and assisted living
Seniors — Brennon Mote and Jetta Hughes. Juniors — Anna Sterk and Alex Guzman Castillo. Sophomores — Channon Frentzel and Aaden Bowers. Freshmen — Brixen Blackburn and Jayden Yarian. Tippecanoe Valley Middle School
The following are students of the month from Tippecanoe Valley Middle School: Eighth Grade — Drew Evans and Kyndall Davis.
Seventh Grade — Matthew Engle and Demira Wilson.
Sixth Grade — Ethan Baker and Sophia Sponseller. Mentone Elementary School
The following are students of the month from Mentone Elementary School: Fifth Grade — Lillian Roberts, Macie Kindig and Austin Koser.
Fourth Grade — Lincoln Davis, Kinzie Ritchey and Sara Taelman.
Third Grade — Jane Crawford, Harlow Banning and Gia Zolman.
Second Grade — Everly Guthrie, Kaia Rager and Avanelle Parker.
First Grade — Corbitt Simpson, Cannon Norman and Leegan Rosas.
Kindergarten — Kandace Hudson, Adley Yoars and Lila Brauer.
Akron Elementary School
The following are students of the month from Akron Elementary School:
Fifth Grade — Caydence Rob-
ertson, Yareli Fernandez and Bailey Baumann.
Fourth Grade — Lily Calcutt, Aiden Johnson and Chloe Nunez.
Third Grade — Madison Ramirez, Paige Meinert and Callan Alber.
Second Grade — Riot Williams, Timothy Liam Nance and Jonas Lukens.
First Grade — Stella French, Taylor Ramsey, and Cash Kindig. Kindergarten — Rynn Ramsey, Cayden Melton and Marlee Erwin.
Burket Education Center
The following is the student of the month from Burket Education Center:
Brianna Evans Honoring Educators and Staff
The following are certified staff members of the month are:
Tippecanoe Valley High School — Cami Shriver.
Tippecanoe Valley Middle School — Hannah Mills.
Akron — Deb Miller. Mentone — Sara Dye.
The following are staff members of the month:
Tippecanoe Valley High School — Precious Francis. Tippecanoe Valley Middle School — Cheryl Simons.
Akron — Victoria McCarty. Mentone — Amy Hughes.
These educators and staff members have made a significant impact by fostering a positive learning environment for all students.
Tippecanoe Valley School Corporation extends its congratulations to all the students, teachers, and staff members recognized this month.
10 a.m. Thursday, Sep. 12. Pick up located at 505 Strauss Provimi Road, 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 Only Personal Property Auction
Bidding open until 5 p.m. Wednesday, Sep. 15. Bid online at olsonauctions.com.
Raymond Adams Estate Online Auction
Bidding open until 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sep. 17. Pickup located in Akron, exacting details in winning invoice. Tractor, skid loader, equip-
ment, 200-plus toy tractors, vintage dolls, games, sports cards, antiques, primitives, glassware, porcelain, furniture, hen on nests, vintage electronics, household, outdoor. Bid online at metzgerauction.com.
Metzger Property Services.
Prater Public Auction
10 a.m. Saturday, Sep. 21. Located at 10801 Nutmeg Meadows Drive, Plymouth.
Co-owner: The Hoosier Vintage meant to be ‘a hub for community’ in Mentone
Text
and
Photos By LEAH SANDER Staff Writer
One of the owners of new store
The Hoosier Vintage says she wants to make it “a hub for the community” in Mentone.
“We really want to provide customers with just a place that can be a hub for the community that they can come in and grab an iced tea sample and just relax or if they wanted to borrow the space before shop opening hours for a Bible study group or knitting or something and they can come in and hang out,” said Lindsay Witwer, who owns the shop with her husband Nick Witwer. “In the back we have a craft area that we’re hoping to have make-and-take crafts and classes, so it’s not just a place to come shop, but (with) different events going on and places you can come and be with friends and feel at home.”
The Mentone Chamber of Commerce had a ribbon-cutting for The Hoosier Vintage on Saturday, Sept. 7, the date of the store’s grand opening. It’s located at 108 E. Main St., at the former site of TJ’s Crafts and Home Decor.
As its name suggests, the store sells antiques and artisan products from Indiana.
Lindsay said the items for sale include “vintage stuff from Hoosiers that we like to source locally and then just things that really bring back memories that you see something, and you’re like, ‘Oh, my grandma had that.’”
“Also we wanted to support artisans that have that Hoosier vintage work ethic spirit, that it’s just like sunup to sundown, you’re working hard and you’re involving your community and just really putting forth just 110% effort, like we all learned from the generations before us,” she added.
The shop has room for 14 vendors to sell items, with six of them filled currently. If people want to sell products, they may stop in or call the shop at (574) 210-5785.
ITEMS FOR SALE Some more products for sale.
Store hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and 1-5 p.m. Sundays.
Nick and Lindsay also own a booth in Dutch Lady Antiques in Coppes Commons in Nappanee. They’re from Bremen, but have a lake house at Yellow Creek Lake.
Lindsay grew up coming to the Mentone area and frequenting its businesses as her great-grandmother came from Akron and she camped at Yellow Creek Lake Campground.
“Mentone’s just been super supportive, and the other business owners have been just very good at collaboration and helping get started and things like that, so that’s been great,” said Lindsay.
The Hoosier Vintage is the third business in Mentone to open or reopen and join the town’s Chamber of Commerce in 2024.
Chamber of Commerce President Rita Price Simpson said the town’s storefronts are pretty much all filled.
“I think that the business atmosphere is positive here,” she said. “We’re encouraging … people to make a good business here, and I think that’s the key to it. We have a great location centrally located between Rochester and Warsaw.”
Price Simpson said the businesses all working together has strengthened commerce in Mentone.
“The key to a small business surviving is having help and having other support, and they’ll do it for each other, which is great. I’m just happy to have them here,” she said.
Chamber of Commerce Vice President Tim Croy, who co-owned TJ’s Crafts and Home Decor and is leasing the storefront to the Witwers, said he picked them to have the business over other people who wanted to turn the building into apartments.
“I would rather have the little shops bringing people into town than an apartment,” he said. “It’s a good thing to keep bringing more people into town.”
Hoeppner Estate Auction
10 a.m. Saturday, Sep. 21. Located at 3912 N. Filmore St., Mexico. Collector cars and trucks, minibike,
TABLES FULL OF GLASSWARE & SMALLS . . . HUGE SAIL SHIP PRINT, MIRRORS, OTHER PRINTS, TABLE TOP APPLIANCES, OWL COOKIE JAR, OLD COFFEE GRINDER, LOTS OF GLASSWARE, FIRE KING LUSTER C&S, S&P’S, OLD #2C KODAK JR. CAMERA W/ ORIG. BOX, FLO BLUE PLATES, BAR STYLE MINI FRIDGE, KIRBY DIAMOND G SERIES VAC, OLD GLAZED 4 GAL. CROCK W/APPLIED HANDLES, SMALL CROCK JUG, 6-MARKED STERLING SPOONS, SEWING BASKET, 2-GREEN GLOW SHERBET CUPS, SAMSUNG 40” FLATSCREEN W/REMOTE, MORE. ANTIQUE & MODERN FURNITURE 2-WALNUT DRESSERS-1 W/LARGE MIRROR, SET OF 4 OAK DINING CHAIRS, OAK? 4’ BUFFET, FULL SIZE BRASS BED FRAME, JENNY LIND STYLE FULL BED FRAME, NEAT OLD WOOD WAGON WHEEL TABLE, WHITE FR. PROVENCIAL DINING TABLE-6 CHAIRS-2 LEAVES, MATCHING 2 PC. CHINA CABINET (SOLD CHOICE), COMPLETE FULL SIZE BED W/ MAPLE HEAD/FOOT BOARDS, GREY RECLINER, ORANGE SWIVEL ROCKER, 3-STEREO CABINETS, WALKER W/SEAT, WHEELCHAIR, SET OF 4 UPHOLSTERED DINING CHAIRS, ELEC. TRASH COMPACTOR, SMALL ASIAN STYLE CHEST ON STAND, CUSTOM MADE WOOD AQUARIUM/TV STAND, MORE.
OUTSIDE AT 5:15 PM EASTERN TIME WHEEL HORSE 417-A AUTOMATIC-KOHLER 2 CYL. 17H.P.-NEW BATTERY-42” DECK-STARTS & MOWS-SHOWS 612 HRS., YARD TOOLS, BIRD BATHS-FEEDERSMARTIN HOUSE ON POLE, YARD & GARDEN DECOR, POLY VINYL UTILITY CART, 6’ PORTABLE STAIRS/LADDER, ELEC. EDGER, SHEPHERDS HOOKS, POULAN PRO 42CC GAS CHAIN SAW W/ CASE-RUNS, RYOBI 16” GAS CHAIN SAW-W/CASE-RUNS, RYOBI GAS BACK PAK BLOWER-RUNS, DEMO MODEL HONDA GCV 120 GAS SELF PROP. MOWER W/BAGGER-RUNS, MAN CAVE/PORCH, ROUND METAL FIREPLACE, MORE.
SELLING AT 6:00 PM EASTERN TIME NO RESERVE ESTATE VEHICLE, 1 OWNER 2016 JEEP CHEROKEE LATITUDE-V6-4WD-DEEP RED-71K MILES-ALL POWER-ROOF RACK-GOOD TIRES-HITCH, 2015 RED DISCOVERY 14’V NOSE ENCLOSED CARGO TRAILERREAR RAMP DOOR-SIDE DOOR-DBL. AXEL-2 5/16 BALL HITCH-NO RESERVE!! NOTE . . . CASH OR GOOD INDIANA CHECK- NO CREDIT OR DEBIT CARD-ON VEHICLE OR TRAILER. CHECK MADE DIRECTLY TO THE ESTATE. PAY CASH . . . TAKE HOME-CHECK . . . UNITS STAY HERE UNTIL CHECK CLEARS-TITLE IN HAND. GUY STUFF DEWALT 740 10” RADIAL ARM SAW ON STAND, MIG 170 220V WIRE WELDER W/2-SMALL BOTTLES OF ARGON, 10” TABLE TOP WOOD BAND SAW, TABLE TOP DRILL PRESS, CRAFTSMAN 16” SCROLL SAW, TABLE TOP 8”X12” MINI WOOD LATHE W/8 KNIVES, SEVERAL POWER HAND TOOLS-ROUTERS-SAWS-BOSCH 3” PLANER-SANDERS, RIDGID AIR ANGLE FINISH NAILER, AIR PRO AIR BRUSH COMPRESSOR-WORKS, AIR BRUSHES, NEW IN BOXES 1500-2500-3500 LB. ATV-UTV 12 VOLT WINCHES, NEW IN BOX 2000 WATT PORTABLE GAS INVERTER/GENERATOR, 4-JIM BEAM CAR DECANTORS, 2-BAR MIRRORS, SEVERAL BEER STEINS-BUD-COORS-MILLERS-GERMAN, BUD GLASSES, FISHING POLES, MISC. TACKLE BOXES, OLD BRASS BOAT PROP, 3-OLDER REELS IN ORIG. BOXES, BELT BUCKLE W/3 MORGAN DOLLARS, POLARIS DIGITAL ELECTRONIC TELESCOPE, RED WAGON, LARGE OLDER REMOTE CONTROL TRAINER AIRPLANE, OTHER REMOTE CONTROL ITEMS . . . BOATS-HELICOPTERS, MAMOD STEAM TRAIN, SEVERAL MODELS, 1988 LIONEL HIAWATHA PASSENGER TRAIN SET-350-E-ALL METAL IN STYRO BOX-NO TRACK, LOTS MORE. BOX LOTS . . . LOTS OF MODEL TRAIN ITEMS-TRACK-ENGINESTRANSFORMERS-ACESSORIES, MISC. TOY CARS, OVER 1000 DVD’S, GLASSWARE, DISHES, NAUTICAL DECOR ITEMS, LOTS OF MISC. VERY CONDENSED LISTING . . . VIEW PICTURES & UPDATES AT WWW.GOTOAUCTION.COM I.D. #6381 OR TEDS AUCTION CENTER ON FACEBOOK
TERMS: CASH - GOOD CHECK W/I.D. - VISA/MASTER/DEBIT W/3% CONVENIENCE FEE ***WE ARE A NO RESERVE—NO BUYERS PREMIUM AUCTION*** ALL SALES FINAL .. NO GUARANTEES OF ANY KIND! NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY ACCIDENTS OR MERCHANDISE AFTER SOLD!
INSIDE SEATED AUCTION - PLENTY OF PARKING RESTROOMS - CONCESSIONS
NO PETS ALLOWED ... UNLESS CERTIFIED SERVICE ANIMALS W/CERT. AS PROVIDED BY THE AMERICAN DISABILITY ACT TEDS AUCTION CENTER AC31400065 PHONE... 574-936-SALE (7253) COL. DARRELL PITTS AU10300102 TED ANNIS AU08900148 COL. PAUL BEAVER AU01036412 NEXT AUCTION
THE HOOSIER VINTAGE The Mentone Chamber of Commerce had a ribbon-cutting for The Hoosier Vintage on Saturday, Sept. 7. The business, which sells antiques and handmade items from Indiana, is located at 108 E. Main St. From left are Chamber Members Jeremy Lybarger and Krystal Lybarger; Chamber Treasurer Karen Francis; Chamber President Rita Price Simpson; The Hoosier Vintage owners Lindsay and Nick Witwer; Chamber Vice President Tim Croy; and Chamber Member Anna Boggs.
Rochester fall sports update: Football drubs Whitko, improves to 2-0 in TRC
Football
Brant
By VAL TSOUTSOURIS Sports Editor, RTC
Beck ran for 112 yards and a touchdown, Carson Paulik threw for a touchdown and ran for a touchdown, and the Rochester football team scored touchdowns on each of its first five drives in a 49-12 win over Whitko Friday.
Drew Bowers had a 42-yard touchdown reception on offense and an interception on defense, and Kye Murphy, Trenton Meadows, Kale Shotts and Alejandro Chapman also had touchdown runs for the Zebras, who improved to 2-1 overall and 2-0 in the Three Rivers Conference.
Rochester has beaten Whitko four straight years by a combined score of 196-18. They have also beaten Whitko seven times in the last eight years.
Last week Tippecanoe Valley defeated the Zebras 22-12 to win the sixth straight Bell game.
Girls golf
Rochester girls golf coach Chad Thomas said the team lacked focus in a win over Maconaquah on Sept. 3. He said he challenged them to be better and “right the ship” against Lewis Cass on Sept. 4.
Led by junior Olivia Bailey, they appeared to take his words to heart.
Bailey tied the individual school record for nine holes with a 33, and she led the team to a school record-tying score for nine holes in a 153-223 home win over
Lewis Cass over the back nine at Round Barn Golf Club at Mill Creek.
Other Rochester scores included Ava Thomas’ 37, Molly Moore’s 41, Lexi Haughs’ 42, and Laynie Migonis’ 51.
The teams will meet again at the TRC tournament at Rock Hollow Golf Club in Peru on Sept. 14.
On Saturday, Aug. 31, the Rochester girls golf team shot a 317 to break the school record and win the Rochester Invitational at Round Barn Golf Club at Mill Creek.
Boys soccer
Carlos Plascencia and Wyatt Davis scored twice each, and Rabuor Tindi and Spencer Backus also had goals as the Rochester boys soccer team improved to 5-1-1 overall and 1-0 in the Three Rivers Conference with a 6-0 road win over Wabash on Sept. 3.
Aiden Harrington stopped the only shot he faced for a shutout.
Wabash, a conference and sectional rival of the Zebras, dropped to 0-5, 0-4. They have been outscored 27-0 this season.
Girls soccer
Audrey Wagner and Taylor Navara each had a goal for Rochester in a 2-2 tie with visiting Logansport at the Brent Blacketor Memorial Sports Complex Tuesday.
Rochester snapped a two-game losing streak and is 0-2-3 on the season. Logansport is 1-6-2.
Rochester’s game with Culver scheduled for Thursday was pushed back to Tuesday due to Rochester’s low numbers.
Boys tennis
Tanner Reinartz pulled out a three-set win over Jacob Boswell
at No. 1 singles to stay undefeated, but the Rochester boys tennis team lost to conference and sectional rival Peru 4-1 Thursday.
Reinartz won 1-6, 7-5, 6-2. He won the final three games of the match to pull away in the third set. While he remained undefeated with the win, he did lose his first set of the season.
Wade Bowers lost at No. 2 singles, and Jack Reffett lost at No. 3 singles, both in straight sets. Harrison Dunwoody and Brady Morgan lost at No. 1 doubles, and Carter Merideth and Ashton Musselman lost at No. 2 doubles by identical 6-0, 6-0 scores.
Reinartz stayed undefeated at No. 1 singles, and Rochester also swept the doubles matches in a 3-2 road win over North Judson on Sept. 3.
Dunwoody and Morgan knocked off Owen Radtke and Owen Timm 6-0, 2-6, (10-8) in a match decided by a third-set super tiebreak at No. 1 doubles. Merideth and Musselman drubbed Payton Harris and Julian White 6-1, 6-0 at No. 2 doubles.
Reinartz improved to 7-0 on
the season with a 7-5, 6-2 win over Caleb Ginder.
Wade Bowers lost at No. 2 singles, and Jack Reffett lost in a super tiebreak at No. 3 singles.
Rochester also won the JV match 4-0.
On Aug. 26, the Zebras edged Twin Lakes 3-2.
Cross-country
Rochester junior Allyson Calloway finished fourth out of 78 runners at the Caston Invitational Saturday, breaking her personal record in 20:57. Her previous personal record was a 21:01 at the Jacob Graf Invitational at Logansport on Aug. 24.
Other Rochester runners in the girls race included Brooklyn Chandler, who was 27th in 23:57; Adison Hayes, who was 45th in 25:56; and Emah Bradley, who was 74th in 35:10.
In the boys race, Rochester’s Reece Johnson ran an 18:25 and finished 13th in a field of 79 runners.
The other Rochester runner was Leandro Javier, who took 25th in a personal-best 19:32.
Rochester had incomplete girls and boys teams.
Lewis Cass won the girls team
title with 44 points. Winamac won the boys team title with 64 points.
Volleyball
Audrey Bolinger had a teamhigh 13 kills and five blocks, but host Peru rallied to beat the Rochester volleyball team 2522, 16-25, 23-25, 25-21, 15-9 at Tig-Arena Thursday.
Rochester had a 14-7 lead in Game 4 and an 8-3 lead in Game 5 before Peru rallied to win both games and the match. Lett left with a right leg injury with Rochester holding a 5-2 lead in Game 5.
This marked Peru’s first win over Rochester since the schools became TRC rivals in 2015.
The Lewis Cass volleyball team appeared as if they might force a fourth set against host Rochester Sept. 3 before Bolinger took over.
Bolinger had 16 kills, and Wilson had 12 points, two aces, 21 assists and 12 digs to lead Rochester to a 25-15, 25-16, 25-23 win over conference and sectional rival Lewis Cass at the RHS gym Tuesday.
Rochester lost to Culver Academy on Aug. 29.
Yakym announces district staff
mobile office hours for September
Congressman Rudy Yakym (R-IN) recently announced the following dates, times, and locations that his office will be holding mobile staff office hours in September throughout Indiana’s Second District. Mobile office hours will allow for Con-
gressman Yakym’s staff to assist constituents with casework questions.
Fulton County • Tuesdays, 8 a.m. to noon; Thursdays, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Rochester District Office, 709 Main St.
• Thursday, Sept. 12, 10–11 a.m.
Akron Clerk’s Office, 206 W Rochester St. Marshall County Thursday, Sept. 12, 1–2 p.m. Argos Town Hall, 201 W Walnut St.
Construction: 11467 N. Ogden Point Road, Syracuse;
5. Timber Rock Construction: 217-1 Union Drive, Winona Lake;
6. T.L. Jackson Construction: 8102 E. Highland View Drive, Syracuse.
Admission for the 2024 Homes on Parade is $5, which provides entry into all six homes. Veterans,
active-duty military and children younger than 12 can attend for free. Tickets can be purchased at the service counter at Martin’s Super Market in Warsaw and online at buildnci.com.
The premier sponsor for the 2024 Homes on Parade is First Federal Savings Bank and the gold sponsors are Kosciusko Connect and Superior Garage Door Service. Visitors are invited to tour all the homes and vote for their favorite, plus be eligible to win a Blackstone 22-inch Culinary Omnivore Portable X-frame Grill 2 Burner Liquid Propane Flat Top Grill, courtesy of Lowe’s of Warsaw, valued at $299.
