Those looking for some extra money to buy Christmas goodies for others or perhaps themselves may find some through our special local contest.
The Shopping Guide News of Fulton County is once again offering Christmas Bucks.
People may find entry forms in this week’s edition of The Shopping Guide News and in the Oct. 30 and Nov. 6 editions.
They may take them to the participating merchants listed on each form and drop them off in specially-marked boxes until the businesses’ closing times on Wednesday, Nov. 20.
Entry forms will also be available at the businesses.
Five winners will be drawn at 4 p.m. Monday, Nov. 25, with each receiving the following amounts to spend on merchandise at any of the Christmas Bucks businesses: $500, first place; $250, second place; $150, third place; and $50, fourth and fifth place.
Entrants must be 18 years or older to participate and purchase is not necessary. One entry per business visit is allowed, and people may not mail in forms. Ballot stuffing is also not allowed.
Participating businesses’ employees and their immediate relatives also aren’t allowed to enter at the participatingparticular place where they work.
There will also be one participating business, which will win $500, in a separate drawing.
Winners will be announced in the Wednesday, Dec. 4 edition of The Shopping Guide News. People may spend their Christmas Bucks through Tuesday, Dec. 31.
location at 724
St., is participating in The Shopping Guide News of Fulton County’s Christmas Bucks promotion this year. Pharmacist Addie Lawson is on the left, with pharmacist and owner Harry Webb also shown. The business is open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Friday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. There will be some Christmas specials starting in December.
Businesses participating this year include:
Ace Hardware of Winamac
Clay’s Flooring and Furniture Co. of Rochester
Craft Crossing of Rochester
Harvest Moon Foods of Rochester
Lilly Pad Boutique of Rochester
Odell Lumber and Supply of Rochester
Refined: A Resale Boutique of Winamac
RTC Communications of Rochester
The Smith Sawyer Smith Agency of Rochester
Webb’s Family Pharmacy of Rochester
Wilson Fertilizer and Grain of Rochester.
Text and Photos
Public health nurse helps community stay healthy
By LAURIE LECHLITNER Staff Writer
“Actually, I didn’t start out in nursing,” stated Denise Ostafin, Denver.
“I started my career in HR and payroll but had been downsized a few times. My dad convinced me to go into nursing. Now that I’m the public health nurse/administrator of the Fulton County Health Department I have the best of both worlds. I can help people as a nurse. As an administrator, I can take care of payroll and other details in the office world.”
She earned her RN license at Ivy Tech. Ostafin went on to get her BSN at Indiana Wesleyan University. She’s now working on her master’s in public health from Indiana University, Bloomington.
Ostafin started working as a nurse at Dukes Memorial Hospital, Peru. “When I started in Apil of 2019 it was during the start of the pandemic. Those were tough times. But I’m glad to say that
I never got COVID while I was working there.”
She came onboard at the Fulton County Health Department in December 2021. “I enjoy most the fact that everyday on the job is different. Every other Monday I do payroll. Of course, on Wednesdays I give immunizations to children. We also do TB tests and other services. Every day I look at my emails and go through my telephone calls. I have many meetings to attend some weeks and webinars to tune into.”
Ostafin enjoys looking at the big picture. “I see many different people and work to make the lives of the community healthy. Working in a hospital, I was concentrating on serving a few of my patients. I’m no longer in charge of giving meds at a certain time or seeing that they eat. But I still have the satisfaction of knowing I’m helping to make the community at large safe and healthy.”
Her administrative responsibilities are community wide, too. “I work on the budget of our Health First Indiana, spotting areas where we can spread out our resources to better serve the people.”
Her biggest challenge is logistics. “We operate on the second floor of the Annex Building, across from the courthouse. My dream is to have either a bigger immunization room or the use of two rooms in the building. Instead of servicing 20 people on a Wednesday, we could service 40.”
Ostafin has four full-time em-
ployees under her and one parttime employee. “We’re more like a family,” she remarked. “We all get along very well. And we’re able to share responsibilities if someone is out for any reason.”
When she hires someone to work in the medical area, Ostafin is looking for a person who is open to new ideas and willing to learn. “The state trains new people very well. But it’s also important that employees get along with their coworkers.”
She and her husband Steve are raising two German drahthaars. “They’re AKC hunting dogs. We belong to the Great Lakes Drahthaar Club, where the dogs gather in particular locations to show off their hunting prowess by tracking water birds and searching for prey in wooded areas. Steve has trained both of them well.”
Her hobbies include walking the two dogs: Belle and Sarge, reading and watching movies. “I’m an outdoors person who loves to camp, hike and kayak. I have three grown stepchildren living in Peru and seven grandchildren.”
Let’s Study The Bible
— The Bible, the world’s best-seller
(Read Proverbs 2:1-22)
“For the Lord gives wisdom; From His mouth come knowledge and understanding” (Proverbs 2:6).
The Bible has always been the world’s best-seller. No other book can touch its profound wisdom, its poetic beauty, or the accuracy of its history and prophecy. Its critics who claimed it to be filled with forgery, fiction, and unfulfilled promises are finding that the difficulties lie with themselves, and not the Bible. Here are five reasons why we can trust what the Bible says.
(1) The Bible contains four Gospels, or books about the good mews of Jesus Christ and salvation. Those Gospels are Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Matthew was a tax collector
who became one of Jesus’ disciples, or followers; Mark worked with those who started the first churches; Luke was a doctor who carefully investigated the life of Jesus and wrote in great detail; and John was also one of Jesus’ disciples.
The Gospels include eyewitness accounts of Jesus’ ministry, historically accurate details and were written shortly after his ministry. Non-Christian sources and archaeology also confirm historical facts that appear in the Gospels.
(2) Between 25,000 and 30,000 handwritten copies of the New Testament survive today. Ancient church fathers quoted from the New Testament so much that even if these copies were destroyed, nearly all the books could be put back together.
(3) All four Gospels tell about Jesus’ ministry, but include different details.
Matthew wrote to the Jews to prove that Jesus is the Messiah, the Savior.
Mark wrote to Roman Christians to emphasize Jesus’ teach-
ings and heart for serving others. Luke wrote to Gentiles (nonJews) to show that Jesus, by living a life without sin, paid the price for our own sins.
And John showed new believers Jesus is the aon of God and those who believe in him will have eternal life.
(4) Even without copies of the New Testament, people throughout the centuries have passed on stories of Jesus by word of mouth. Plus, there were so many eyewitnesses to his teachings — think feeding the 5,000 with five loaves of bread and two fish — that an inaccurate detail could easily be crushed.
(5) God used the Bible’s authors to convey his message, guiding them through visions, dreams and their own experiences. 2 Timothy 3:16 says, “All scripture is God-breathed.” God did not move the pen in the writer’s hand, but guided him through the process; He inspired the text. Just because humans make mistakes doesn’t mean they can’t write truthful documents.
Today many people reject the Bible without ever actually reading it. But since the Bible claims to answer life’s deepest questions, it makes sense to see what it has to say.
Even if you read a paragraph at a time, God can teach you the Bible’s truth and use it in your life. You will also discover that Jesus Christ was a real person who loves you and that life’s greatest joy comes from believing him.
Read Ron Purkey’s Bible study outlines free at rcpbibleoutlines.com. Purkey has been an ordained Baptist minister for 50 years.
DENISE OSTAFIN
By THE REV. RON PURKEY
Valley Board approves more than $29M budget for 2025
By LEAH SANDER Staff Writer
The Tippecanoe Valley School Board is planning for more than $29 million for the Tippecanoe Valley School Corp.’s 2025 budget.
At its regular meeting on Monday, Oct. 14, the board approved the budget totaling $29,121,579.
That breaks down to: $14,449,058 in the education fund; $4,333,000 in the debt service fund; and $10,339,521 in the operations fund.
In other business, the board: Heard a reminder from TVSC Superintendent Blaine Conley that the public open house for the Tippecanoe Valley High School renovation project is 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 27.
Approved a contract with Barton-Coe-Vilamaa Architects and Engineers in Fort Wayne to design a proposed new administra-
tion building and day care facility for the corporation.
Approved selling a small tract of land near TVHS to the Indiana Department of Transportation, as INDOT needs it for right-of-way to fix the bridge on SR 19 south of TVHS.
Approved hiring Akron Elementary School instructional assistant Yadira Garcia-Vera; Mentone Elementary School instructional assistant Rebecca Duncan and Valley Early Learning Academy instructional assistant Courtney Pulsipher; Tippecanoe Valley Middle School sixth grade boys’ basketball coach Cooper Walls, seventh grade boys’ basketball coach Cougan White and food service worker Joan Redding; and TVHS part-time custodians Kevin Mar, Shirley Miller and Hugo Lopez.
Accepted the resignation of TVSC maintenance worker Robert Shidler; Akron instructional
assistant Kelsey Engle; Mentone fifth grade girls’ basketball coach Amelia Serafino and fifth grade boys’ basketball coach Nick Treber; TVHS instructional assistants Edward Daggett, Joy Daggett and Sarah Daggett; and TVHS attendance secretary Mary Lu Owens.
Approved firing TVHS custodian Christian Grostefon.
Accepted $421 from the Kosciusko County Community Foundation’s Bright Star Early Learning Fund for the Mentone preschool special education class.
Accepted $500 from the Mentone High School Alumni Board for the TVHS Boomerang Backpacks program, which provides extra food to students in need.
Accepted $250 from Pike Lumber Co. of Akron for the TVHS girls’ basketball program.
The board’s next regular meeting is 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 18, at Mentone.
County Salvation Army needs financial help
By LEAH SANDER Staff Writer
The Salvation Army in Fulton County needs financial help, said the organization’s County Chair Steve Hartman.
He noted the organization ran out of funds last month from the $28,000 it raised last year, primarily from the local Red Kettle drive.
In Fulton County, the organization helps in two ways: paying for rent and utility bills that other organizations can’t assist with and needs after people have suffered from a disaster, like a fire.
“The three years I’ve been doing
Rochester Church of Christ will host the series “The Chosen” beginning with season four from 7-8:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 25. This event is one episode with lively discussion to follow and will continue for the next eight Friday evenings. It will be in the teen building of the Rochester Church of Christ, located at 419 Main St., Rochester. All are invite-free. For any questions call (574) 933-2421.
this, we’ve run out (of money) in August or September,” said Hartman. “We really do need to help the people who need the help. It’s so hard to turn people away.”
People may give to the organization now by sending funds to the Community Resource Center, 625 Pontiac St., Rochester, and indicating they are for The Salvation
Army of Fulton County.
The nonprofit starts its Red Kettle drive on Friday, Nov. 29, with it running until Tuesday, Dec. 24.
People may sign up for a bell ringing shift by going to registertoring.com.
“We just really appreciate the help,” said Hartman of any donations.
ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS
The Park Board of Rochester, Fulton County, Indiana will be accepting sealed bids for repairs to the Rochester City Pool located at 701 East 6th Street, Rochester, Fulton County, Indiana. The Park Board will receive said sealed bids in the office of the City Clerk-Treasurer, located at 320 Main Street, Rochester, IN 46975, until 4:00 p.m. the 8th day of November 2024.
Following are specifications for the repairs:
• Approximately 15,000 square feet of new pool deck. Include demo and depth marker tiles
• Demo and repour concrete deck 5.5” - 6”
• Pool Liner/2 VGB compliant Main Drains. Main drain piping to balance tank using Scheduled 80 PVC
• Remove the existing pool liner. Furnish and install PVC Membrane and weld a termination skirt to the existing gutters
Said sealed bids will be opened at the Park Board meeting in the City Council Room located at 320 Main Street, Rochester, Fulton County, Indiana at 6:00 p.m. on the 12th day of November 2024.
The Park Board reserves the right to reject any and all bids or to waive any informality in the bid.
VALLEY BOARD At the Tippecanoe Valley School Board meeting on Monday, Oct. 14, from left are Board members Todd Hoffman, Tom Bauters, David Lash and Adam Heckaman. Photo by Leah Sander.
Edward A. Hoppenbrouwer
U.S. Army National Guard Veteran
Edward A. Hoppenbrouwer, 88, Rochester, peacefully transitioned from this world, surrounded by the warmth and love of his family, at 1:38 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024, at Life Care Center, Rochester.
David A. Smith
Corn and
soybean farmer
David Allen Smith, 88, Rochester, passed away Monday, Oct. 21, 2024, at Lutheran Hospital, Fort. Wayne.
On November 11, 1935, David Allen was born in Milford, to Donald Dean and Bertha Cox Smith.
Jimmie Boardman
Jimmie Boardman, 63, Mentone, died Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in his residence.
He was born on Nov. 16, 1960.
He was born on May 25, 1936, in Palm Beach, Fla. Edward Arnold was a gift to his parents, Petrus Jacobus and Mabel Pauline Myers Hoppenbrouwer. From a young age, Eddie had a passion for working with his hands, finding joy in the intricate work of restoring multiple black Model A Ford automobiles. His skills as a mechanic were not just a profession they were an expression of his deep connection to the world around him. Eddie served our country in the U.S. Army National Guard, embodying dedication and strength throughout his life. His service was a testament to his deep sense of duty and love for his country.
During Eddie’s years living in Florida, he was a member of the West Palm Beach Fire Department. There were many memorable trips to the west coast taken with his sons over the years. Eddie looked forward to getting together with his veteran buddies at the monthly breakfasts at Life Care. To keep his mind sharp he enjoyed the challenges of jigsaw puzzles and spirited games of bingo.
Those who continue to carry his light are his children, Gary and wife Stephanie Hoppenbrouwer, Lehigh Acres, Fla., Terry and wife Deb Hoppenbrouwer, Tallahassee, Fla.; daughter, Traci Hoppenbrouwer-Royster, Clyde, N.C.; bonus daughter, Bonnie and husband Wayne Bowyer, Rochester; as well as his sisters, Mary Lindsey, Troy, Ala., Hilda Carter, Monroe, Mich., Harriet Belter, Las Vegas, Nev. and Josephine Conner, Friendship, Tenn.; several grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren are a huge part of Eddie’s legacy. Each of them holds a part of his spirit and the love he shared.
He is now reunited with those who preceded him in death, including his beloved parents; his wife, Jackie Cecelia Hoppenbrouwer; his sister, Gertrude McCall; and brothers, Walter and Jimmy Hoppenbrouwer. Their spirits now embrace in a realm beyond this one, where love never fades.
In honor of Eddie’s life and the legacy of love he left behind, the family will gather for a private celebration of life at a later date. Those who wish to offer their heartfelt condolences can do so electronically at goodfamilyfh.com. May his memory be a guiding light for all who knew him, reminding us of the profound connection we share with one another and the eternal bond that transcends time and space. The Good Family Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.
Births
Kaislyn Mae Hudson
Kaley and Corbin Hudson, Akron, are the parents of a daughter, Kaislyn Mae, born at 10:22 a.m. in Woodlawn Health. She weighed 8 pounds, 1.5 ounces, and was 20.5 inches long. She joins siblings Kandace, 6, Griffin, 4, and Gatlin, 2. Maternal grandparents are Dwight and Penny Shewman, Mentone. Paternal grandparents are Rodney and Marlo Hudson, Rochester.
David met the love of his life, Marcia Ann Dawson, at the local roller rink where they both shared a passion for skating. Their love story blossomed, and they married on June 23, 1954, beginning 70 years of life’s adventures together.
David was a farmer by profession, cultivating soybeans and corn, while also raising livestock. He had a deep love for restoring tractors, successfully restoring numerous Allis Chalmers, Oliver, John Deere, and Minneapolis Moline tractors over the years. David and Marcia also enjoyed spending their winters at their house on Lake Okeechobee, Fla., where he could often be found fishing in his spare time. One of the highlights of their marriage was traveling the country together to attend tractor pull competitions, a passion they both shared. David’s work ethic, love of the land, and enjoyment of life’s simple pleasures will be remembered by all who knew him.
Left to cherish his memories are his beloved wife, Marcia Ann Smith, Richland Center; son, Edward and Debra Smith, Okeechobee, Fla.; daughter, Tonia Rensberger, Kewanna; son, Ken and wife Carla Smith, Argos; eight grandchildren: Jenny (Matt) Steininger, David (Tiffany) Smith, Rich (Stephanie) Rensberger, Jessicka (Van Lehenbauer) Rensberger, Bradley (Jordan) Szucs, Marci (Brian) Feldman,Kristi (Mike) Stackman, and Mitchell (Julia) Richard; nine great-grandchildren; and five sisters, Vivian Bush, Culver, Ellen Dewitt, Argos, Sandra Holcomb, Monterey, Victoria (George) Swizek, Granger, and Jo Listenberger, Culver.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Donna Ditmire and Vera Cook.
A celebration of the life of David Allen Smith will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 26. Friends may visit from 4-7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 25, at Good Family Funeral Home, 1200 W. 18th St., Rochester, IN 46975. Memorials may be made to Richland Center Odd Fellows Lodge No. 435 or Richland Center Tractor Pullers. Electronic expressions of sympathy may be made to the family goodfamilyfh.com.
Phillip ‘Phil’ Carr
U.S. Army Veteran
Phillip “Phil” Carr, 91, Rochester, passed away at 10:48 p.m. Monday, Oct. 14, 2024, at Miller’s Merry Manor, Logansport, surrounded by his family.
He was born on July 29, 1931, in Fulton County, to Madge Carr and raised by his grandparents, Fred and Nettie Carr. Phil was a 1951 graduate of Rochester High School, Rochester. On Oct. 5, 1958, he married Kelsa Mae Reffett, at the Fulton Baptist Church. They enjoyed 64 years of marriage until her passing.
Phil was a U.S. Army veteran serving from 1953-1955 during the Korean War.
He retired from Rochester Telephone Company after nearly 40 years with the company. He served on the Rochester Water Board for a number of years. He was a member of The American Legion. Phil was involved during his children’s early years with coaching softball and baseball. He served on the Rochester Little League board. He helped establish the girls’ softball diamonds at the Fansler Field, the site of the old RHS Fansler football field.
Phil is survived by son, Greg (Teri) Carr; daughter, Greta (Ron) Lynch, all of Rochester; grandchildren, Jared (Dasha) Lynch, Rochester, Ryleigh (Deanna) Carr, Culver, Chaneigh Carr and fiance, Wayne Speer, Rochester and Aaron (Kristen) Lynch, Valparaiso; great-grandsons, Aiden Lynch, Camden Vanata, Jaxon Carr and Jace Carr; and great-granddaughter, baby Lynch, who is expected to arrive by next week; brother, John (Linda) Milliser, Rochester; sister-in-law’s, Lottie Kotterman, North Carolina, Donna Reffett, Carmel and Ida Reffett, Arizona; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Kelsa Carr; and granddaughter, Sidneigh Jo Carr.
A graveside service will be at 11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 28, in the Fulton Cemetery, Fulton, with military honors. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to NIC Sidneigh Jo Carr Memorial Fund, 227 E. Ninth St., Rochester, IN 46975. Arrangements have been entrusted to Zimmerman Bros. Funeral Home, Rochester. Online condolences may be expressed at zimmermanbrosfh.com
He is survived by sons, Nick Boardman and Keegan Brown, both of Pierceton; four grandchildren; mother, Marge Boardman, Fort Wayne; siblings, Mollie (Vern) Hurd, Warsaw, Helen (Tony) Tribalski, Etna Green, Julie Boardman, Fort Wayne and Howard (Tammi) Boardman, Bourbon; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Jack.
No services will be held at this time.
Arrangements have been entrusted to King Memorial Home, 101 N. Tucker St., Mentone.
Steven D. Smith, 71, formerly of Rochester, died Oct. 14, 2024, died in Sedgwick, Kan. Arrangements are pending at Good Family
Circuit Court
The following petitions have been filed in Fulton Circuit Court, Judge Arthur Christopher Lee presiding: Complaints
RHP Partners III Capital, LLC v. Sandra Malitz, Rochester, $27,305.11
Aspen Dental-Genesis Credit v. Jane Wilson, Rochester, $2,563.70
Portfolio Recovery Associates, LLC v. Aaron Jones, Rochester, $2,260.19
Midland Credit Management v. Ashlee Harper, Rochester, $1,207.80
Discover Bank v. Joe Hamilton, Culver, $3,358.58; Ryan Hall, Rochester, $11,818.18; Lyndsey Ball, Kewanna, $12,705.94; Casey Robson, Rochester, $6,040.65
Jefferson Capital Systems, LLC v. Ashlee Harper, Rochester, $2,502.37 Superior Court
The following petitions have been filed in Fulton Superior Court, Judge Gregory L. Heller presiding: Complaint
Denali Capital, LLC v. Rodney Kemple, Rochester, $1,612.01; Jennifer Steinert, Rochester, $1,051.69
Capital One N.A., v. Cathy De Palma, Culver, $1,508.93
Midland Credit Management v. Rebecca Stacy, Rochester, $938.80
Credit Acceptance Corp. v. Chelsi Sparks, Plymouth and Dexter Sparks, Rochester, $16,022.23
Nationwide Cassel, LLC v. David James, Rochester and Theresa James, Rochester, $10,459.38
Security Credit Services, LLC v. Brandi Williams, Akron, $2,359.45
TD Bank USA, N.A. v. Stacie Collins, Culver, $1,748.59
Portfolio Recovery Associates, LLC v. Kendra Gast, Rochester, Continued on page 5
PHILLIP ‘PHIL’ CARR
DAVID SMITH
EDWARD A. HOPPENBROUWER
Steven D. Smith
Funeral Home, Rochester.
STEVEN D. SMITH
JIMMIE BOARDMAN
Smithsonian traveling exhibition highlighting democracy coming to state
The Smithsonian’s Museum on Main Street, in partnership with Indiana Humanities, is bringing its traveling exhibition “Voices and Votes: Democracy in America” to small towns across the Hoosier state in 2026.
Applications are now open for small towns interested in hosting the traveling exhibition.
Towns with populations under 10,000 are eligible to apply to host the exhibition, which gives an in-depth look on America’s democracy, and bring discussions about democracy to Indiana’s smaller communities.
The deadline to apply is Jan. 31, 2025.
Six communities will be selected to host the exhibit for six weeks each in 2026, and receive extensive training, funding and other resources from the Smithsonian and Indiana Humanities. Each of the six hosts will also curate a unique section of the exhibit that tells the story of their community as it relates to the exhibit’s themes.
Voices and Votes is based on a major exhibition at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History called American Democracy: A Great Leap of Faith. Content development was led by Harry Rubenstein, curator emeritus in the division of political history at the National Museum of American History.
The exhibit has many dynamic features: historical and contemporary photos; educational and archival video; engaging multimedia interactives with short games and additional footage, photos, and information; and historical objects like campaign souvenirs, voter memorabilia, and protest material.
Voices and Votes will prompt visitors to consider questions like “Who has the right to vote?,” “What are the freedoms and responsibilities of citizens?,” “Whose voices will be heard?,” “How do you participate as a citizen?,” and “How do we encourage more people to participate in our democracy?” It will also serve as a jumping
off point for discussing how those questions are reflected in local stories.
“Voices and Votes uses history and storytelling to connect and educate citizens about their roles in American democracy,” said Megan Telligman, director of programs at Indiana Humanities. “At a time when Indiana faces challenging measures of
civic health, the exhibit can remind us of why our engagement with democracy depends on the actions of diverse individuals that make up our great nation.” To apply for a town to host Voices and Votes, go to indianahumanities.org/2024/10/15/ smithsonian-traveling-exhibition-highlighting-democracy-coming-to-indiana.
Indiana courts face mental health crisis
By JOE ULERY Indiana News Service
Loretta Rush, Chief Justice of the Indiana Supreme Court, has released the 2023-24 annual report for the state’s courts.
The report shows Indiana’s judicial system is taking big steps to tackle the mental health crisis. The Supreme Court recently launched the Office of Behavioral Health and hired Brittany Kelly as its behavioral health specialist, making Indiana the tenth state in the country to embed a mental health professional within its judiciary.
“She’s off and running. She’s had hundreds of inquiries from around the state. She’s meeting with judges,” Rush outlined.
“She’s helping with things like competency evaluations, access to Medicaid, how do I get somebody
ANNUAL REPORT RELEASED
Loretta Rush, Chief Justice of the Indiana Supreme Court, said the state’s protective order registry had more than 1 million protective orders for workplace or domestic violence in 2023. Adobe Stock photo provided by INNS.
who’s going through dementia through the court system?”
Rush pointed out Kelly will help the courts manage the mental health and substance use issues flooding Indiana’s courtrooms daily. The latest report shows more than 1 million cases passed through the courts this past fiscal year, including almost 20,000 involuntary mental health hearings and a sharp rise in pro-
tective orders for domestic violence.
Rush highlighted the strain on local courts, noting about 70% of people in jail have behavioral health issues.
“How do we make sure we have diversion programs in place? How do we make sure that the services we’re ordering for people to do are the right services?” Rush asked.
“We’ve done a lot at the nation-
al level with regard to substance abuse and mental health, realizing programs that are working.”
The judiciary is working with state agencies to reform policies and address the impact of mental health issues on the system. Kelly has training in both social work and law, and helps judges connect with treatment resources to get people the support they need and keep them out of jail.
$1,199.97; Carleen Basham, Rochester, $1,771.70; Jeremy Kelly, Rochester, $2,264.93
Following too closely — Emily Peters, Indianapolis, $164.50
Hunting wild animals, fishing, or trapping without a license — Carter Walley, Rochester, $164.50 No valid driver’s license — Tamara Kirby, Kewanna, $164.50; Andrea Bradford, Indianapolis, $164.50
Operating a motor vehicle with a false plate, plate belongs to another vehicle — Maurice Morgan, Gary, $164.50
Operating with expired plates — Hope Jerrils, South Bend, $164; Kristin Crawford, Traverse City, Mich., $164; Carolanne Fernandez, Indianapolis, $164
$175; Mellena Francisco-Sandala, Wyoming, Mich., $154.50; George Pedersen, Westfield, $164.50; Carmen Norwood, Saint Petersburg, Fla., $154.50; Hind Salih, Carmel, $192.50; Noah Wadell, Cincinnati, Ohio, $164.50; Luke Addington, Lawrenceburg, $175
Marriage Licenses
The following couples have applied for marriage licenses in the office of Fulton County Clerk of the Court: Kruger-Perkins
Matthew Kruger, 31, Akron, and
Kieli Perkins, 31, Akron. Hogue-Ousley
Bruce Hogue, 74, Akron, and Rebecca Ousley, 60, Claypool. Pinto-Vera
Daniel Pinto, 20, Midway, Ky., and Aliksandra Vera, 19, Akron. Mason-Stilwell
Denvil Mason, 27, Rochester, and Kaya Stilwell, 23, Rochester. Puckett-Ariendra
Braxton Puckett, 26, Rochester, and Julia Ariendra, 28, Rochester. Gudas-Wheeler
Sean Gudas, 41, Rochester, and Jennifer Wheeler, 47, Rochester. Mark-Rentschler
Jacob Mark, 22, Rochester, and
Jazmine Rentschler, 24, Rochester. Schoff-Soto
Cody Schoff, 25, Rochester, and Kylee Soto, 23, Rochester. Dishon-Arnett
Zachary Dishon, 25, Rochester, and Katie Arnett, 22, Rochester.
In the Oct. 16 Court News, it was published Alan Templeton was listed as paying fines and costs for a speeding violation. The case against Templeton was dismissed and we regret the error.
Ports of Indiana, state to increase collaboration, ag trade and container shipping opportunities
Ports of Indiana and the Indiana State Department of Agriculture have signed a memorandum of understanding to increase collaboration, expand agricultural trade and create new container shipping opportunities for Indiana.
The primary purpose of the agreement is to establish a framework for enhanced collaboration, with the aim of promoting increased agricultural trade and fostering economic development for Indiana. The document outlines an agreement for the organizations to partner in the following ways:
Encourage and support the expansion of agricultural exports through the state’s port facilities.
Investigate opportunities to develop new container shipping
facilities that would serve critical needs in the agriculture and hardwood industries.
Connect key agricultural stakeholders with Indiana’s ports to explore new shipping opportunities and convene critical stakeholder forums.
Research container export opportunities related to ISDA’s key priorities.
“ISDA has helped position Indiana agriculture as a global leader in innovation and commercialization for food and fuel production, and our ports play a critical role in connecting our ag industry with world markets,” said Jody Peacock, chief executive officer for the Ports of Indiana. “Our organizations and our industries are inextricably
linked, and we have several shared objectives and opportunities for collaboration that can create future growth for our state and our agricultural communities.”
Earlier this year, the two organizations partnered with the Indiana Soybean Alliance and Indiana Corn Marketing Council to conduct a trade mission to Indonesia and to host the first-ever Indiana Container Shipping Conference. Gov. Eric Holcomb kicked off the conference as business, agriculture and transportation leaders discussed ways to develop new container ports, grow agriculture exports and expand global trade to support Indiana’s economic growth. In July, Ports of Indiana received federal approval to establish Indiana’s first international sea cargo container terminal on Lake Michigan and signed a memorandum of understanding with the Port of Antwerp-Bruges to explore new agriculture and container shipping opportunities.
Agriculture contributes more than $35 billion annually to the Hoosier economy, making Indiana the ninth largest agriculture state. Indiana ranks 13th in the nation for waterborne shipping, generating $29.9 billion in annual economic impact. Ports of Indiana handles more than 4 million tons of agriculture products at its
three ports on the Ohio River and Lake Michigan, and those cargoes make up more than a third of the
total shipments. To view the memorandum of understanding, visit isda.in.gov.
Croak
By RUSSELL DAVIDSON SR. Guest Writer
Near me was a small pond where several frogs stayed. One frog in particular was very large.
I saw him several times but never heard him croak. A strange thing happened.
I saw the large frog on my pier and heard him croak for the first time. “No mate, no mate.” Even frogs can’t find a mate.
Medtronic recalls MiniMed 600 and 700 series insulin pumps
Medtronic is notifying users of MiniMed 600 and 700 series insulin pumps of an increased risk for reduced battery life and less time until shutdown after a battery alert occurs.
Pumps that have been dropped, bumped or experienced another physical impact may have damaged electrical components causing this issue — even a single drop can impact battery life.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has identified this as a Class I recall, the most serious type of recall. This recall does not involve removing all products. Users should contact Medtronic if they experience significant reduced battery life to determine if a new pump is needed.
Customers in the U.S. can call Medtronic at 1 (800) 378-2292 for 24-hour technical support.
Purdue Extension is hosting two food preservation workshops in the area in November.
The first touches on Boiling Water Canning — Jams and Jellies. It’s 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, Nov. 18, at the Fulton County Fairgrounds, 1009 W. Third St., Rochester.
Registration must be done by Tuesday, Nov. 12, by going to https://cvent.me/mZnbD1.
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The second class is on Pressure Canning — Meat. It’s 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Nov. 22, at Argos United Methodist Church, 570 N. Michigan St., Argos.
Registration for that class must be done by Thursday, Nov. 14, by going to https://cvent.me/ B00m0N.
The registration cost for each workshop is $30 and includes take-home products.
North Judson native builds on Seabees 82-year legacy
Since 1942, sailors assigned to the U.S. Navy’s Construction Force have been building and fighting around the world. Constructionman Jonah Sievers, a North Judson native, is one of those sailors.
Eighty-two years ago, members of Navy Construction Battalions were fittingly nicknamed, “Seabees,” a play on the C and B initials. They are responsible for building military bases and airfields, supporting humanitarian efforts and conducting underwater construction projects. The Seabees’ motto is “We Build, We Fight.”
Sievers is a builder currently serving with Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 11 at the headquarters for naval construction forces in Gulfport, Miss., that serves as a home base for the Atlantic Fleet Seabees.
Sievers graduated from LaCrosse High School in 2022.
He joined the Navy 2 1/2 years ago.
“I felt like my purpose was greater than going to college,”
said Sievers. “I wanted to do something that would make a difference in my life and other people’s as well.”
The skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in North Judson.
“I learned that a hard work ethic will always pay off in ways that you won’t expect,” said Sievers.
With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.
Sievers serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“We will earn and reinforce the trust and confidence of the American people every day,”
said Adm. Lisa Franchetti, chief of naval operations. “Together
we will deliver the Navy the nation needs.”
Sievers has many opportunities to achieve accomplishments during military service.
“I’m most proud of being picked to go to Romania for my first deployment, said Sievers. “It showed me that I was doing something right at this command.”
Sievers can take pride in serving America through military service.
“Serving in the Navy means that I can help other people while helping myself,” said Sievers.
Sievers is grateful to others for helping make a Navy career possible.
“I’d like to thank Mr. Hepner, my Junior Varsity basketball coach and a former Seabee, who previously served in Afghanistan for all his help, insight and support that helped me in my decision to become a Seabee,” added Sievers.
Sievers’ father and mother, Brad and Ashley Sievers, both still reside in North Judson.
State correctional facilities show higher cancer rates
By TERRI DEE Indiana News Service
Two specific types of cancer are showing up in high numbers among people in jail and prison and Indiana is no exception.
A new study found a lack of resources for on-site treatment is one reason. The data showed diagnoses and mortality numbers for liver and lung cancer are more prevalent among county jails and state prisons.
Dr. Jingxuan Zhao, senior scientist for the American Cancer Society and lead author of the
study, said individuals may need to be transferred to outside facilities to receive cancer treatment, which is often denied or delayed, and people with cancer and those behind bars share some characteristics or risk factors.
“Some of the risk factors for developing liver cancer included hepatitis B and C, unhealthy alcohol use,” Zhao outlined. “As we know that for lung cancer, smoking is a huge risk factor, and those factors are also very common among people who are currently incarcerated or with incarceration history.”
She added studies have shown people who have been incarcerated are more likely to receive breast and colorectal cancer screenings, compared to their counterparts. The Prison Policy Initiative estimated 25,000 people are in Indiana state prisons, with another 19,000 in local jails.
This study examined the association of county jail and state prison incarceration rates and cancer mortality rates in the U.S. Researchers used data from nearly 3,100 counties and every state. Zhao acknowledged researching Continued on page 9
— Pictured is Jonah Sievers of North Judson.
SEABEE
Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jeffrey Yale.
Women’s Giving Circle grants $10K to local organizations
Members of the Fulton County Women’s Giving Circle granted $10,000 to local organizations at its annual event on Tuesday, Oct. 1, at The Times Theater in Rochester.
More than 35 women attended the event.
Receiving the most member votes, United Ministries of Fulton County was awarded a $3,500 grant to help fund its emergency relief program that assists residents facing eviction or utility disconnection.
A $2,500 grant was awarded to the Rochester Middle and High School Band for instrument repairs. Grace MomCo (formerly MOPS) was awarded a $2,000 grant for program support. Grants of $1,000 each were awarded to both the Nickel Plate Trail and
Fulton County Parks and Recreation Department.
“United Ministries of Fulton County is very grateful to the Women’s Giving Circle for giving to community people in need of food, housing, utilities and Christmas Baskets,” said United Ministries’ David Smook. “Thanks to NICF for their bringing together generous givers with community building groups in the county.”
Since 2010, the Women’s Giving Circle has granted nearly $100,000 to Fulton County charitable groups.
Members pay a $120 annual donation that goes towards that year’s grant dollars as well as the giving circle’s endowment fund.
Women can get a jumpstart on their 2025 memberships by visiting the Fulton County Women’s Giving Circle page at nicf.org.
FOR UNITED MINISTRIES
Unit-
ed Ministries of Fulton County received $3,500 during the Fulton County Women’s Giving Circle event on Tuesday, Oct. 1. From left are Jane Davidson, Judith Jennings and David Smook. Photo provided by the Fulton County Community Foundation.
FOR THE PARKS
The Fulton County Parks and Recreation Department received $1,000 during the Fulton County Women’s Giving Circle event on Tuesday, Oct. 1. Shown is Bill Walsh of the Fulton County Parks and Recreation Board. Photo provided by the Fulton County Community Foundation.
FOR MOMS AND KIDS — Grace MomCo got $2,000 during the Fulton County Women’s Giving Circle event on Tuesday, Oct. 1. From left are Katelyn Burton holding Berkley Burton, Vayla Lease, Denay Lease and Amanda Hazlett. Photo provided by the Fulton County Community Foundation.
FOR MUSICIANS Rochester High School and Middle School band members received $2,500 during the Fulton County Women’s Giving Circle event on Tuesday, Oct. 1. From left are Daniel Yochum, Oliver Miller, Director Linnea Bendes, Molly Leslie and Audrey Gard. Photo provided by the Fulton County Community Foundation.
FOR THE NICKEL PLATE TRAIL The Nickel Plate Trail received $1,000 during the Fulton County Women’s Giving Circle event on Tuesday, Oct. 1. Shown are Dan McCarthy, left, and Dennis Grossnickle. Photo provided by the Fulton County Community Foundation.
Judicial retention votes are attracting more attention than usual
By NIKI KELLY Indiana Capital Chronicle
Judicial retention is usually a foregone conclusion during election season, but an effort to remove three Indiana Supreme Court justices who upheld Indiana’s abortion ban is causing a stir this year.
Chief Justice Loretta Rush, Justice Mark Massa and Justice Derek Molter are up for retention, along with two appeals court judges. That means Hoosier voters can choose to keep them on the bench or end their judicial careers.
Rush pushed voters to examine more than the abortion ban case while making retention decisions.
“We appoint judges in Indiana based on merit selection,” Rush said. “My concern would be, if you take one issue and say, ‘We’re going to send a message on this one issue,’ and not looking at the body of work. I worry about our branch of government becoming political, and judges saying, ‘Which way are the political winds going on a case?’ to make a decision.”
No supreme court justice has lost a retention vote since the process was instituted in 1970, according to the Indiana Lawyer.
A new survey released by the Indiana State Bar Association shows about 84% of its members support retaining the justices.
“Allowing retention elections to become a referendum on one or two high-profile cases threatens to distort the judicial process and compromise the courts’ ability to function independently,” the group said in a written statement. “Our system of judicial selection for Indiana’s appellate courts, though not without imperfections, is designed to minimize the influence of partisan politics and special interests.”
Indiana has used a merit selection process to choose and retain its appellate judges for the past 50 years. Once appointed, a judge must stand for retention at the first statewide general election after the judge has served for two full years. If retained, the judge is on the retention ballot every 10 years. The retention system is designed to allow appellate judges
State correctional
Continued from page 7
incarceration and cancer care comes with some built-in challenges.
“There are several reasons, such as privacy and ethical concerns, also legal protection of incarceration data, and more importantly, the decentralization of the U.S. correctional system,” Zhao explained. “There are some ongoing efforts to link, like, state cancer registry data and the state correctional facility data, but that’s only among some single states.”
to decide cases fairly and impartially, free from campaign finance considerations, and without influence by partisan politics.
“There are cases that we may not like where the law takes us on a particular case, but we take an oath with regard to following the law … and we take that oath very
Zhao added there is no multistate linkage for data, which is important for their research. The study noted the U.S. has one of the highest incarceration rates in the world, in one recent year, with 350 people in prison and another 192 in jail per 100,000 people.
seriously,” Rush said. “I see what you see. I’m aware of it and I’m concerned long-term.”
Rush has been on the Indiana Supreme Court since 2012 after being appointed by then-Gov. Mitch Daniels. She was retained by voters in 2014 and just began her third term as chief justice. Before joining the high court, Rush was a juvenile court judge in Tippecanoe County. One of her most high-profile opinions backed Gov. Eric Holcomb in his dispute with legislative leaders over special session powers. It was a 5-0 decision, though Rush authored the opinion.
Massa was appointed to the Indiana Supreme Court by Daniels in 2012, and was retained in
FO P LOD GE 143
2014. Massa was a local journalist before becoming a press secretary and speechwriter for thenGov. Robert Orr. After getting his law degree he served as a deputy prosecutor and assistant U.S. attorney. He worked for Daniels’ administration in several roles. One of his most well-known opinions upheld a law limiting who can run under the banners of a Republican or Democrat in elections. The case involved egg farmer John Rust‘s bid for U.S. Senate as a Republican without having pulled GOP ballots in the two most recent primary elections.
Molter is the newest justice to the Indiana Supreme Court, having been appointed by Gov. Eric Continued on page 12
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FO P LOD GE 143 Tr OT wiTh a C OP 5k r un/w aLk
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aLk
Saturday November 23rd, 2024 / 09:30 am
TrOT wiTh a C OP 5k run/w aLk
Saturday November 23rd, 2024
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Saturday November 23rd, 2024 / 09:30 am
TrOT wiTh a C OP 5k run/w aLk Saturday November 23rd, 2024 / 09:30 am
Registration Starts @ 8:30 am, St. Joseph Catholic Church Course: will start at the Saint Joseph Catholic Church 1310 Main St, Rochester, Indiana. A map is available and will be marked on the day of the Run/Walk Finish with a FREE Hot Bowl of Soup Run/Walk Divisions: Men and Women age groups 12 and under, 13-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70 and up
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Saturday November 23rd, 2024 / 09:30 am
Registration Starts @ 8:30 am, St. Joseph Catholic Church
TrOT wiTh a C OP 5k run/w aLk Saturday November 23rd, 2024 / 09:30 am
Registration Starts @ 8:30 am, St. Joseph Catholic
TrOT wiTh a C OP 5k run/w aLk
23rd, 2024 / 09:30 am
Registration Starts @ 8:30 am, St. Joseph Catholic Church Course: will start at the Saint Joseph Catholic Church 1310 Main St, Rochester, Indiana. A map is available and will be marked on the day of the Run/Walk Finish with a FREE Hot Bowl of Soup
Registration Starts @ 8:30 am, St. Joseph Catholic Church
Registration Starts @ 8:30 am, St. Joseph Catholic Church Course: will start at the Saint Joseph Catholic Church 1310 Main St, Rochester, Indiana. A map is available and will be marked on the day of the Run/Walk Finish with a FREE Hot Bowl of Soup Run/Walk Divisions: Men and Women age groups 12 and under, 13-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70 and up
Registration Starts @ 8:30 am, St. Joseph Catholic Church
Saturday November 23rd, 2024 / 09:30 am
Registration Starts @ 8:30 am, St. Joseph Catholic Church
Course: will start at the Saint Joseph Catholic Church 1310 Main St, Rochester, Indiana. A map is available and will be marked on the day of the Run/Walk
Course: will start at the Saint Joseph Catholic Church 1310 Main St, is available and will be marked on the day of the Run/Walk Finish with a FREE Hot Bowl of Soup Run/Walk Divisions: Men and Women age groups 12 and under, 13-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69,
Course: will start at the Saint Joseph Catholic Church 1310 Main St, Rochester, Indiana. A map is available and will be marked on the day of the Run/Walk Finish with a FREE Hot Bowl of Soup Run/Walk Divisions: Men and Women age groups 12 and under, 13-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70 and up
Course: will start at the Saint Joseph Catholic Church 1310 Main St, Rochester, Indiana. A map is available and will be marked on the day of the Run/Walk Finish with a FREE Hot Bowl of Soup Run/Walk Divisions: Men and Women age groups 12 and under, 13-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70 and up
Run/Walk Divisions: Men and Women age groups 12 and under, 13-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70 and up
Finish with a FREE Hot Bowl of Soup Run/Walk Divisions: Men and Women age groups 12 and under, 13-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70 and up
Registration: $20 per participant (all participants get medals) / $30 with Shirt Please have T-Shirt Size/Order by November 9th, 2023
Course: will start at the Saint Joseph Catholic Church 1310 Main St, Rochester, Indiana. A map is available and will be marked on the day of the Run/Walk Finish with a FREE Hot Bowl of Soup Run/Walk Divisions: Men and Women age groups 12 and under, 13-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70 and up
Registration: $20 per participant (all participants get medals) / $30 with Shirt Please have T-Shirt Size/Order by November 9th, 2023
I know that running/walking a road race is a potentially hazardous activity. I should not enter and run/walk unless I am medically able and properly trained. I agree to abide by any decision of a race official relative to my ability to safely complete the run/walk. I assume all risks associated with running this event including but not limited to: falls, contact with other participants, the effects of the weather, including high heat and or humidity, traffic and the condition of the roads, all such risks being known and appreciated by me. Having read this waiver and knowing these facts and in consideration you’re accepting my entry, I, for myself and anyone entitled to act on my behalf, waive and release the FOP Lodge 143 of my participation in this event, even though that liability may arise out of the negligence or carelessness on the part of the person named in the waiver. I understand no bicycles, skateboards, baby jogger, roller skates or blades, animals, or radio headsets are allowed in the race. I grant permission to all the foregoing to use photographs, motion pictures, or any other record of this event for legitimate use.
I know that running/walking a road race is a potentially hazardous activity. I should not enter and run/walk unless I am medically able and properly
I know that running/walking a road race is a potentially hazardous activity. I should not enter and run/walk unless I am medically able and properly trained. I agree to abide by any decision of a race official relative to my ability to safely complete the run/walk. I assume all risks associated with running this event including but not limited to: falls, contact with other participants, the effects of the weather, including high heat and or humidity, traffic and the condition of the roads, all such risks being known and appreciated by me. Having read this waiver and knowing these facts and in consideration you’re accepting my entry, I, for myself and anyone entitled to act on my behalf, waive and release the FOP Lodge 143 of my participation in this event,
the condition of the roads, all such risks being known and appreciated by me. Having read this waiver and knowing these facts and in consideration you’re accepting my entry, I, for myself and anyone entitled to act on my behalf, waive and release the FOP Lodge 143 of my participation in this event,
I know that running/walking a road race is a potentially hazardous activity. I should not enter and run/walk unless I am medically able and properly trained. I agree to abide by any decision of a race official relative to my ability to safely complete the run/walk. I assume all risks associated with running this event including but not limited to: falls, contact with other participants, the effects of the weather, including high heat and or humidity, traffic and the condition of the roads, all such risks being known and appreciated by me. Having read this waiver and knowing these facts and in consideration you’re accepting my entry, I, for myself and anyone entitled to act on my behalf, waive and release the FOP Lodge 143 of my participation in this event, even though that liability may arise out of the negligence or carelessness on the part of the person named in the waiver. I understand no bicycles, skateboards, baby jogger, roller skates or blades, animals, or radio headsets are allowed in the race. I grant permission to all the foregoing to use photographs, motion pictures, or any other record of this event for legitimate use.
Parent or Guardian if under 18:_______________________________________
I know that running/walking a road race is a potentially hazardous activity. I should not enter and run/walk unless I am medically able and properly trained. I agree to abide by any decision of a race official relative to my ability to safely complete the run/walk. I assume all risks associated with running this event including but not limited to: falls, contact with other participants, the effects of the weather, including high heat and or humidity, traffic and the condition of the roads, all such risks being known and appreciated by me. Having read this waiver and knowing these facts and in consideration you’re accepting my entry, I, for myself and anyone entitled to act on my behalf, waive and release the FOP Lodge 143 of my participation in this event, even though that liability may arise out of the negligence or carelessness on the part of the person named in the waiver. I understand no bicycles, skateboards, baby jogger, roller skates or blades, animals, or radio headsets are allowed in the race. I grant permission to all the foregoing to use photographs, motion pictures, or any other record of this event for legitimate use.
I know that running/walking a road race is a potentially hazardous activity. I should not enter and run/walk unless I am medically able and properly trained. I agree to abide by any decision of a race official relative to my ability to safely complete the run/walk. I assume all risks associated with running this event including but not limited to: falls, contact with other participants, the effects of the weather, including high heat and or humidity, traffic and the condition of the roads, all such risks being known and appreciated by me. Having read this waiver and knowing these facts and in consideration you’re accepting my entry, I, for myself and anyone entitled to act on my behalf, waive and release the FOP Lodge 143 of my participation in this event, even though that liability may arise out of the negligence or carelessness on the part of the person named in the waiver. I understand no bicycles, skateboards, baby jogger, roller skates or blades, animals, or radio headsets are allowed in the race. I grant permission to all the foregoing to use photographs, motion pictures, or any other record of this event for legitimate use.
Parent or Guardian if under 18:_______________________________________ Entry Amount: ___________________ All proceeds go to Shop with a COP with helping
I know that running/walking a road race is a potentially hazardous activity. I should not enter and run/walk unless I am medically able and properly trained. I agree to abide by any decision of a race official relative to my ability to safely complete the run/walk. I assume all risks associated with running this event including but not limited to: falls, contact with other participants, the effects of the weather, including high heat and or humidity, traffic and the condition of the roads, all such risks being known and appreciated by me. Having read this waiver and knowing these facts and in consideration you’re accepting my entry, I, for myself and anyone entitled to act on my behalf, waive and release the FOP Lodge 143 of my participation in this event, even though that liability may arise out of the negligence or carelessness on the part of the person named in the waiver. I understand no bicycles, skateboards, baby jogger, roller skates or blades, animals, or radio headsets are allowed in the race. I grant
All proceeds go to Shop with a COP with helping children of our community. Please make checks payable to: FOP Lodge 143, P.O Box 284, Rochester, IN 46975
Parent or Guardian if under 18:_______________________________________ Entry Amount: ___________________ All proceeds go to Shop with a COP with helping children of our community. Please make checks payable to: FOP Lodge 143, P.O Box 284, Rochester, IN 46975 Mail or drop off your form to the Fulton Co Sheriff Department, Rochester City Police Department Call Charlee Swank 574-835-4890 or Gail Karas 574-835-2992
Mail or drop off your form to the Fulton Co Sheriff Department, Rochester City Police Department Call Charlee Swank 574-835-4890 or Gail Karas 574-835-2992
I know that running/walking a road race is a potentially hazardous activity. I should I am medically able and properly trained. I agree to abide by any decision of a race safely complete the run/walk. I assume all risks associated with running this event falls, contact with other participants, the effects of the weather, including high heat the condition of the roads, all such risks being known and appreciated by me. Having knowing these facts and in consideration you’re accepting my entry, I, for myself behalf, waive and release the FOP Lodge 143 of my participation in this event, even out of the negligence or carelessness on the part of the person named in the waiver. skateboards, baby jogger, roller skates or blades, animals, or radio headsets are allowed permission to all the foregoing to use photographs, motion pictures, or any other record use.
Entry Amount: ___________________ All proceeds go to Shop with a COP with helping children of our community. Please make checks payable to: FOP Lodge 143, P.O Box 284, Rochester, IN 46975 Mail or drop off your form to the Fulton Co Sheriff Department, Rochester City Police Department Call Charlee Swank 574-835-4890 or
All proceeds go to Shop with a COP with helping children of our community. Please make checks payable to: FOP Lodge 143, P.O Box 284, Rochester, IN 46975 Mail or drop off your form to the Fulton Co Sheriff Department, Rochester City Police Department Call Charlee Swank 574-835-4890 or Gail Karas 574-835-2992
THREE SEATS UP FOR ELECTION
Three members of the Indiana Supreme Court, middle, are up for retention on this year’s ballot. Photo is from Flickr.
Updates and happenings around the area
Antiques and collectibles show will be from 4-6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 24, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 25 and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26, at the Fulton County Historical Society US 31 and CR 375 N., Rochester. Admission is $4 (12 and up), a three day pass is available for $10. Dealers wanted, tables provided and food will be available. For more information contact Melinda Clinger (574) 223-4436 or Dave Turner (765) 419-1943.
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Fulton County Pack a Backpack winter coat drive is underway.
Used kids coats can be dropped off at Tidewater, 806 Main St., Rochester, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Fri-
day. Drop off by Friday, Oct. 25.
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The Rochester Downtown Partnership’s Boofest is 4-6:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 25. Kids may trickor-treat at downtown businesses then. —o—
Area plan meeting will be at 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 28, at the County Annex Building, 125 E. Ninth St., Rochester.
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A community scarecrow contest and display will be held through the Akron Carnegie Public Library. Voting will run through Monday, Oct. 28. For more information and to pick up a complete
list of rules, stop by the library during normal working hours.
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Akron Carnegie Public Library, 205 E. Rochester St., Akron, will host “Meet the Dinosaurs” at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 29, in the library.
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Redevelopment commission meeting will be 8:30-9:30 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 30, in the Rochester City Building Complex, 320 Main St., Rochester.
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Trick-or-treating hours in Rochester will be 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 31.
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Trick-or-treat at the Kewanna Library, 210 E. Main St., Kewanna, will be 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 31.
Kewanna’s trick-or-treat times are 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 31.
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Costume judging for the Henry Township Fire Department’s costume contest is 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 31, at the fire station in Akron.
Akron’s trick-or-treat times are 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 31.
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Hartzler’s Halloween Bash is 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 31, in Hartzler Funeral Home’s parking lot, 305 W. Rochester St., Akron. There will be a trunk-or-treat, food, games and more. It’s free, and everyone is welcome.
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The Fulton-Liberty Lions Club’s costume contest is at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 31, at the
Fulton Community Center.
Trick-or-treating in Fulton is 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 31.
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Board of public works and safety meeting will be from 7:308:30 a.m. Friday, Nov. 1, in the Rochester City Building Complex, 320 Main St., Rochester.
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A water board meeting will be at 5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 4, in the Rochester City Building Complex, 320 Main St., Rochester.
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A commissioner’s meeting will be at 9 a.m. Monday, Nov. 4, in the commissioner’s room, 125 E. Ninth St., Rochester.
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4-H enrollment is now open and encouraged through Jan. 15. There is a $15 state fee to join 4-H. Enroll online at http:// v2.4online.com.
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Psi Iota Xi is now taking orders for the annual cheeseball sale, they are $8 each. Contact a member for your annual order at (574)
835-6186. Cheese balls available include:
• Yellow plain
• Yellow with nuts
• Yellow with bacon
• White with bacon
• Chocolate chip dessert
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Columbia Elementary is looking for dedicated volunteers to help give back to students through positive relationships in an effort to improve success in their lives and in the classroom.
Commit to spending one hour each week with your matched child. Play board games, go outside, read books, have access to art supplies and crafts and more. For more information email Mrs. Schuck at ashley.schuck@zebras. net.
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Help feed hungry Hoosiers by donating your harvested deer. After harvesting and field dressing a deer, drop it off to a participating processor. To find a participating processor near you visit sbf. IN.gov.
New books are at Akron Public Library
Akron Public Library announces new books it has received.
the end of life as we know it.
“Never Enough: From Barista to Billionaire” by Andrew Wilkinson. By the age of 35, Andrew Wilkinson had built a business worth over a billion dollars, but his path to success was anything but a straight line. Wilkinson shares the lessons he has learned as well as the many mistakes made on the road to wealth, some of which cost him money, happiness and important relationships.
“Livingood Daily” by Dr. Blake Livingood. America takes 75% of the world’s medications and seven out of ten people die of chronic and preventable diseases. Once disease hits we manage the sickness with drugs and surgeries. That’s not health care, that’s sick care. This book is a guide to experience real health. If you manage sickness and disease you get sickness and disease, if you build health you get health.
“Eruption” by Michael Crichton and James Patterson. A history-making eruption is about to destroy the big island of Hawaii and the U.S. military has made a terrible mistake that could mean
“Until the Streetlights Come On” by Ginny Yurich. In a tech saturated world, a return to outdoor play is exactly what our children need. Founder of “1000 Hours Outside,” Yurich shows parents how to help their kids discover the fun — not to mention the physical, intellectual, emotional and spiritual benefits — that awaits them beyond the four walls of their home.
“The Song of the Sourwood Mountain” by Ann H. Gabhart. After her fiance dies of tuberculosis, Mira Dean is reconciled to her life as a spinster schoolteacher, until preacher Gordon Covington shows up in town with an audacious marriage proposal. Following him to the mountains takes courage, but Mira will see that doors she thought closed forever may be opening after all.
“Meeting Her Match” by Jen Turano. When Miss Camilla Pierpont is thrust into the company of the irritating Mr. Owen Chesterfield, her prim and proper life in Gilded Age New York takes an unexpected turn. After reluctantContinued on page 11
ADVANCING The Tippecanoe Valley soils team will head to the state contest in El Reno, Okla., in May 2025 after their third place finish in the 4-H division and four individuals placing in the top 10 in the state contest on Saturday, Oct. 12, in Vevay. Luke Tucker was the 10th high individual, Hayden Stookey the ninth high individual, Lindsay Petersen the fifth high individual and Lillian Dunbar the fourth high individual. To make it to state, the team won the Tri-County Invitational, finished second at the Blue River Valley FFA Invite and won the Area 10 contest. The team is coached by Tippecanoe Valley FFA Advisor and 4-H volunteer Michael Jones. From left are Aaron Backus (alternate), Petersen, Stookey, Tucker, Dunbar, Michael Jones and Kade Jones. Photo provided by Michael Jones.
New books are
Continued from page 10
ly agreeing to help his debutante sister, she finds herself relying on Owen’s help in a way that makes her reconsider her vow never to marry.
“Cold Pursuit” by Nancy Mehl.
Fulton County
Republican Women to meet Oct. 28
The Fulton County Republican Women will meet at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 28, at the Fulton County Historical Society, 37 E. 375N, Rochester.
Former FBI profiler River Ryland suffers from PTSD after a serial killer case gone horribly wrong and has opened up a private investigation firm with Tony, her former colleague. Their first job is a cold case, but when the past comes back to haunt them, there’s a killer on the loose with River in their sights, set on finishing the job they started.
“Vince Flynn Capture or Kill” by Don Bentley. Azad Ashani tries to thwart an Iranian plot that could trigger a catastrophic conflict in the Middle East while CIA Director Irene Kennedy races to confirm Osama bin Laden’s location. Alone, Ashani stands no chance of preventing this rush to madness. But with the help of one man, Mitch Rapp, he just might.
“Passions in Death” by J. D. Robb. On a hot August night, Lt. Eve Dallas and her husband, Roarke, speed through the streets of Manhattan to the Down and Dirty club, where a joyful, boisterous pre-wedding girls’ night out has turned into a murder scene. Despite the dozens of people present, useful witnesses are hard to come by. Eve will not stop until she finds the killer who destroyed this couple’s dreams before the honeymoon even began.
INDOT hosts state legislators for Safe Zones site visit
A group of state legislators visited the current Interstate 70 construction zone in Hancock County on Friday where Indiana’s worksite speed control pilot program, known as Safe Zones, is helping to keep both motorists and road crews safe.
The five-year pilot program, authorized by House Enrolled Act 1015 during the 2023 legislative session, uses speed detection technology to monitor the speeds of passing vehicles.
Rep. Jim Pressel was joined on the visit by Representatives Alan Morrison, Peggy Mayfield, Tonya Pfaff and Ed Clere, as well as Sen. Michael Crider and INDOT Commissioner Mike Smith. Rep. Morrison was a co-author of the legislation.
Over the past decade, 269
people have been killed in crashes in highway worksites or in worksite backups in Indiana.
In 2023 alone, 33 people were killed and more than 1,750 were injured in INDOT work zones.
Four out of five people killed in work zones are either drivers or their passengers.
Indiana Safe Zones aims to curb those numbers. The Hancock County site along I-70 is the first deployment of the program. By statute, INDOT may deploy the technology in up to four sites at any given time.
Additional locations will be announced as the program expands.
Here’s how Indiana Safe Zones works:
Signs are posted as motorists enter and exit worksites notify-
Judicial retention
Holcomb in 2022. He’s up for his first retention vote. Molter previously had a short stint on the Court of Appeals and before that worked in the private sector handling appeals in the state and federal courts. He authored the recent opinion upholding the state’s near-total abortion ban. The decision found women have the right to an abortion to save their lives or avoid serious health risks, but that the General Assembly was within its rights to set narrow regulations. Massa and Rush concurred.
If removed, the next governor would get to appoint replacements. Much like the president and the U.S. Supreme Court, the governor’s political party can influence how they make their judicial picks, such as pushing them further right or left.
A social media campaign has latched onto the abortion ruling in a quest to remove the three members. A citizen named Jeanne Tuka Schutz recently ran an ad in the Warsaw Times Union urging a “no” vote on the three justices.
“All three voted to strip away Hoosier Women’s Rights To Abor-
ing them that speed limits are being monitored by an automated system.
The system monitors the speed of vehicles using speed timing devices as they pass through the work zone. When a vehicle is determined to be traveling 11 mph or more than the posted speed limit, the system captures an image of the vehicle’s rear license plate. After the data is validated, violations are certified and issued to the owner of the vehicle by mail.
After the pre-enforcement period ends, the first violation will result in a zero-fine warning, the second in a $75 civil penalty, and every violation thereafter a civil penalty of $150.
Workers must be present at the site at the time of the event
tion and Reproductive Health Care,” the ad said. “Indiana Supreme Court Justices seem to be in lock step with extreme rightwing leaning decisions of the U.S. Supreme Court. Hoosiers can fire these three when voting.”
The Indiana Lawyer recently reported that a bipartisan political action committee of prominent attorneys and former state justices has formed to help keep the three Republican-appointed justices on the court.
PAC chairwoman Deborah Daniels — former governor Daniels’ sister — said the Committee to
ZONE AREAS A sign like this will inform drivers of entering and exciting a Safe Zone area.
for violations to be valid.
Similar programs in other states have significantly improved work zone safety. INDOT will share annual re-
Preserve the Indiana Supreme Court has formed to educate voters about the justices and fend off potentially catastrophic consequences.
In the unlikely event that all three justices on the ballot this year were voted off, the state supreme court would essentially cease to operate — at least temporarily — until the Indiana Judicial Commission selected finalists for the posts and the governor selected appointees from among them, legal experts say.
by
ports throughout the pilot program with members of the Indiana General Assembly and the traveling public. To learn more about Indiana Safe Zones.
Two members of the Indiana Court of Appeals are also up for retention.
Judge Rudolph “Rudy” Pyle III was appointed to serve the Fourth District in 2012, also by Mitch Daniels. He spent four years as a state police trooper before deciding to become a lawyer. He previously was a deputy prosecutor and judge in Madison County.
Judge Peter Foley was appointed to serve the First District in 2022 by Holcomb. His legal career started in his family’s firm, representing individuals and small businesses in civil matters. He became a judge in Morgan County in 2014.
SAFE
Photo provided
INDOT.
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United Ministries of Fulton County announces Christmas Basket Project application dates
The Christmas Basket Project is an attempt to demonstrate the compassion of Jesus Christ to the hungry in Fulton County. By providing extra food at Christmastime, poverty is disrupted for a short time. With generous giving, this challenging and hopeful ministry can carry on and prayers are always needed for this ministry and the people it serves.
United Ministries of Fulton County is a volunteer organization made up of pastors and volunteers from Fulton County churches and many other volunteers from a wide range of civic and social organizations. Fundraisers are not held, it is dependent on donations and grant money to operate.
Food and milk are delivered to Fulton County families, including the areas of Akron, Athens, Delong, Fulton, Kewanna, Kings Lake, Nyona Lake, Leiters Ford and Rochester.
During the application process, applicants must come in and sign up for baskets, showing proof of Fulton County residen-
cy, photo ID and a working phone number. This year, applications will be taken from 9:30 a.m. to noon, Saturdays, Nov. 9, 16, and 23, at the Community Resource Center, 625 Pontiac St., Rochester; and from 5-6 p.m. Wednesdays, Nov. 9, 16 and 23, at Grace United Methodist Church Free Meals, 201 W. Seventh St., Rochester.
Food donations can be dropped off from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 9-10, at the Fulton County Fairgrounds, 1009 W. Third St., Rochester.
Money donations are always needed to purchase non-perishable foods. Any remaining funds will help support United Ministries throughout the year. Donations should be sent to United Ministries, P.O. Box 531, Rochester, IN 46975.
Volunteers are always needed to help deliver the baskets (boxes). Bring your truck, helpers and come to the Fulton County Fairgrounds to load up and deliver.
Delivery this year will start at 8 a.m. until finished, Saturday, Dec. 14.
MEMBER OF THE MONTH TOPP Industries Inc. is the Fulton County Chamber of Commerce October Member of the Month. Shown at the company’s
Chamber Ambassadors Julie Shriver and Cassie
Chamber Board
Development Manager Chris Beam; Chamber Ambassador Randy Wynn; TOPP Vice President David Birchmeier; TOPP Director of Operations Todd Harman; TOPP Production Manager Rob Martin; TOPP Human Resources’ Emily Zelaya; TOPP Engineering Manager Josh Keller; TOPP Marketing Manager Elizabeth Hausmann; and TOPP Project Manager Jared Schnitz.
by Leah Sander.
Fulton County Chamber names TOPP Industries October Member of the Month
By LEAH SANDER Staff Writer
TOPP Industries Inc. is the Fulton County Chamber of Commerce October Member of the Month.
Started in 1988, the company now has two locations in Rochester and Argos. It’s owned by Kevin Birchmeier.
Most of TOPP’s around 130
employees work out of the main location at 420 SR 25, Rochester.
The company makes “fiberglass basins and lift stations for the wastewater industry,” said TOPP Marketing Manager Elizabeth Hausmann.
“We are well-known for the quality of products that we have, as well as the relationships that we maintain with our customer
McDonald’s restaurants
base in Canada and (elsewhere) internationally,” she said. “We had a job down in Jamaica earlier this year.”
Hausmann said the company hopes to continue growing “within the community.”
People are welcome to check out the company’s Facebook page and other social media to learn more about the business.
raise more than $80,000 for high school athletes
McDonald’s fans throughout Indiana, southwest Michigan and southeast Illinois rallied in support of local high school athletic programs, raising more than $81,000 during the inaugural High School Sports Digital Fundraiser Day. McDonald’s owner/ operators contributed 10% of all sales made through the McDonald’s app on Oct. 2 to designated high schools, benefiting 177 athletic programs statewide.
Rochester Community High School and Winamac Community High School were among area schools that benefited.
This year marks the first time Indiana operators hosted a High School Sports Digital Fundraiser. McDonald’s owner/operators in Ohio were the first to launch this type of fundraiser last year as a way to support high school athletics in the communities they serve.
“This is the first time all greater Indiana area owner/operators have come together on one day to show our support for athletics in the communities we serve,” said McDonald’s owner/operator Jay Okayama. “It was inspiring to see how our communities came out to support their high schools and help us make the High School Sports Digital Fundraiser Day a success throughout the state.”
OCTOBER
location at 240 SR 25, Rochester, are from left
Peyton;
Member T.J. Garner; TOPP Business
Photo
Early voting continues in county
By LEAH SANDER Staff Writer
People may still vote early for the 2024 general election in Fulton County.
Early voting sites include the Fulton County Courthouse, 815 E. Main St., Rochester, with times from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday through Friday, Nov. 1.
People may also vote early at the courthouse from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26, and Saturday, Nov. 2; and 8 a.m. to noon Monday, Nov. 4.
Other early voting sites include the Kewanna Fire Station Community Building, 404 N. Toner St.,
and Newcastle Community Building, 6863 N. SR 25, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26; and the Grass Creek Fire Station, 7315 S. SR 17, and Aubbeenaubbee Community Building, 7410 Main St., from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2.
Voting on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 5, is from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. As the county now has vote centers, people may cast a ballot at any of the following places on Election Day regardless of what precinct they live in: Akron Community Center, 815 E. Rural St.; Fulton County Historical Museum, 37 E. 375N, Rochester; Fulton Community Center, 204 E. Dunn St.; Kewanna Fire Station Community
Building, 404 N. Toner St.; Community Resource Center, 625 Pontiac St., Rochester; and Fulton County Fairgrounds Community Building, 1009 W. Third St., Rochester.
There are no contested partisan local races this year in the county.
Running this year as Republicans are: Gregory Lee Heller for Superior Court judge; Katherine (Easterday) Adamson for County Auditor; Jennifer L. Utter for County Treasurer; Jon D. Good for County Coroner; David Sommers for County Commissioner District 1; Richard A. Ranstead for County Commissioner District 3; and Barry S. Baldwin, Steven L. (Fish) Fishburn and Patty Geier for County Council At Large (up to
Caston FFA members compete on national stage
More than 100 Indiana FFA members from across the state were set to compete at the 97th National FFA Convention and Expo Oct. 23-26 in a variety of career and leadership development events, the agri-science fair and agricultural proficiency awards.
“I am always impressed with the talent, leadership and work ethic of Indiana FFA members,” said Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, Indiana’s secretary of agriculture and rural development. “Best of luck to each Indiana FFA member competing on the national stage at the 97th National FFA Convention and Expo right here in Indianapolis.”
Students were to compete in career development events, such as environment and natural resources, forestry, agronomy, livestock evaluation and parliamentary procedure. Others will be competing in leadership development events, such as extemporaneous public speaking, agricultural issues forum and creed speaking.
The National FFA Agri-Science Fair is an additional key competition that is part of the annual Na-
tional FFA Convention and Expo.
Individuals or teams conduct scientific research projects pertaining to the agriculture industry in their state in one of six categories: animal systems, environmental services/natural resource systems, food products and processing systems, plant systems, power, structural and technical systems or social science.
“Hats off to all of the Indiana FFA members who have qualified to compete at the National FFA Convention and Expo. The level of dedication and commitment to make it to such a high level is no doubt also thanks to the FFA advisers, parents and community supporting these young leaders and ag professionals,” said Don Lamb, Indiana State Department of Agriculture director. “Each student has certainly already made their home state proud, and we look forward to celebrating them next week.”
Indiana FFA members also were to compete nationally with their agricultural proficiencies, which honor FFA members who, through supervised agricultural experiences, have developed spe-
cialized skills that they can apply toward their future careers.
The following area students were set to compete at the 97th National FFA Convention: Caston High School FFA
• Braden Rush, parliamentary procedure.
• Mason Prenatt, parliamentary procedure.
• Madisyn Douglass, parliamentary procedure.
• Ashley Fred, parliamentary procedure
• Alexander Ault, parliamentary procedure.
• Myli Rude, parliamentary procedure.
• Josiah Helt, parliamentary procedure.
three candidates may be selected for this race).
There is one local contested school board race.
Those eligible to cast a ballot for those on the Eastern Pulaski Community School Board may select three people from among six running to represent Monroe Township in Pulaski County. They include: Waylon Burke, Scott Hanson, Greg Kiser, Monica Potthoff, Stephen E. (Steve) Rausch and Jimmy Terry.
Others running locally for uncontested school board races include: Chad Boldry for Caston School Board District 2 in Liberty Township; Scott M. Rudicel for Caston School Board District 3 in Adams Township in Cass County; Cristie E. Rans for Caston School Board District 4 in Bethlehem
Township in Cass County; Anthony Zehner for Culver Community School Board District 1 in Aubbeenaubbee Township; Mark Maes for Culver Community School Board District 2 in Union Township in Marshall County; J.D. Uebler for Culver Community School Board District 5 in the town of Culver; Casi Cowles, Katie Miller and Kyle Richard Rensberger for Rochester Community School Board District 2, Rochester 1 (up to three candidates may be selected for this race); Aaron Zolman for Tippecanoe Valley School Board District 1; Adam Heckaman for Tippecanoe Valley School Board District 2; and Taylor White for Eastern Pulaski Community School Board in Van Buren Township in Pulaski County.
MIGHTY MUTTS TOP HANDLERS — The Fulton County Mighty Mutts 4-H Dog Club Top Handlers attended an awards party on Sunday, Oct. 13. There are four divisions with up to four in each: novice, junior, intermediate and senior. Points are earned throughout the year in many categories such as: attendance, helping with fairgrounds cleanups, score on dog knowledge test, assisting with equipment set-up and tear-down at weekly practices, and acquiring trophy and equipment fund sponsors. This year’s award was a windbreaker jacket with Top Handler 2024 on the sleeve, the handler’s first name and the logo on the front.
In front from left are Emmalie Grossman, second; Laynie Helt, second; Kent Hinderlider, third; Kiaree Clauson, novice second. In the middle row are Caleb Vigar, junior first; Bailey Bussard, senior third; Katelyn Conliff, intermediate second and Abbigail Artist, novice fourth. In the back row are Warner Dubois, intermediate third; Ellie Straeter, intermediate first; and Sydney Bauman, senior first. Not pictured are Wilsyn DuBois, novice first; Piper Overmyer, novice third; Shelby Haselby, intermediate fourth and Kylie Haselby, senior fourth. Picture provided by LeeAnn Pollock.
Do I have dementia?
By CHRISTINA SODERLUND MS, CCC-SLP Woodlawn Health
Editor’s Note: Christina is a Speech Therapist at Woodlawn Health.
Dementia is the umbrella term to describe Alzheimer’s disease, Pick’s disease, Vascular dementia, Lewy Bodies disease, Parkinson’s disease, etc. Dementia is the shrinking of brain cells over time, ranging from slow to rapid deterioration of bodily functions. These functions may include activities of daily living involving the ability to walk, communicate, swallow, etc. Risk factors of dementia may include genetic markers, environment, nutrition, and lifestyle choices. Individuals with a family history of dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease,
Fulton County Retired Teachers to meet Oct. 24
The Fulton County Retired Teachers will meet Thursday, Oct. 24, at the Youth Outlet Center, located at 491 Apache Drive, Rochester. Meet and Greet will be from 11-11:30 a.m. with the meeting beginning at 11:30 a.m.
Lunch will be served at the cost of $12. Members are asked to bring paper products, plastic cups, etc. as a donation to the youth center. RSVP to Joellen Wynn (574) 223-2502 or email jjjjwynn@rtcol.com.
Rochester Middle School announces honor roll
Rochester Middle School has announced its honor rolls for the first grading period of the 20242025 school year. All-A Honor Roll
The following students have received all As.
Seventh Grade Kylie M. Aguilar, Lindy I. Armstrong, Aubrey Lynn Bauman, Baylee Elzabeth Brown, Kenna Lee Calvert, Cash Paul Casper, Katelyn Cheyenne Conliff, Korbyn Ian Crossland, Warner Thomas Joseph Michael DuBois, Lucas Wayne Enyart, Isaac Wayne Field, Alaina Garrison, Hailey Mae Howell, Ayden Joseph Jaeger, Ella Rayne Jenkins, Elijah Thomas Kreighbaum, Rilee Jean Lucker, Kinlee Monroe McKee, Piper Nicole Snyder, Gavin Levi Sutton, Makayla Rose Walley, Macie Grayce Widman.
Bailey Fowler, Jordan Edgar Gonzalez, Aryanna Rose Grimm, Zandra Laine Handy, Riley Kay Harding, Allaynna Marie Hart, Jackson Carl Howard, Addie Mae Keller, Trae Micheal Keller, Sarai Lopez, Lillian April Merideth, Asher Allen James Merrill, Blade Cooper Miller-Reffitt.
Kaylynn Baylee Miller, Griffin Paul Newton, Addisyn Grace Osburn, Ella Sophia Papandria, Aiven James Pawski, Sera Marie Roe, Chesney Faye Samuels, Alexander Jay Schwarte, Abraham James Seward, Morgan Jade Simpson, Parker Gabriel Smith, Alexis Eliza Springer, Elijah Eric Straeter, Mason Christopher Woodcox, Logan Robert Zartman.
pose a higher risk of inheriting the genetic marker. Research studies have shown certain dementia types are likely to pass through generations. Other risk factors involve the environment, nutrition, and lifestyle choices that may jumpstart the shrinking or dying of brain cells. Situations may include physical inactivity, decreased socialization, lack of learning new skills, and inadequate diet.
Dementia can affect young and old, however, it more often affects the aging population. Ev-
eryday forgetfulness may include leaving the door unlocked or not calling a friend back, which are not alarming signs. However, red flags occur when the stove is left on all day, when wearing a swimsuit during winter, when driving to the gas station and then ending up at the library. If you are concerned, it’s time to set up a doctor’s appointment and discuss any concerns with possible brain changes. The doctor may discuss options depending on the severity level. Options may involve medications, referrals to other medical professionals, and rehabilitation services such as the speech-language pathologist (SLP). The SLP is trained to work with communication skills, cognitive processes (i.e., memory, attention), swallowing difficulties, etc.
Why not give your
“Behold, I stand at the door . . .
Jesus (Prayer) I wish to become a Born-Again Christian through the working of the Holy Spirit.
You are invited into my heart (temple) to be my personal Savior forever.
Please forgive and toss my past into your sea of forgetfulness for a fresh start in 2024 and eternity.
This issue has now been resolved between you and myself.
Sixth Grade Willow Grace Black, Reed Hunter Casper, Deacon Kane Cheesman, Ava Lorraine Forry, Minna Lynn Fulton, Hank Matthew Hardesty, Bailey Jean Koebcke, Mason Kyle McLochlin, Jacob Michael Miller, Allison Ava Mulligan, Melissa Louise Rose Riseling, Mason Lee Straeter, Easton Ray Warren, McCrea Meredith Wilson, Whitley Jeanette Winans.
Fifth Grade Jolene Lyn Armstrong, Carson Tyler Banks, Wyatt Damic Beck, Corinna Rae Chevalier, Tyson Ray Eatmon, Ryker Jace Fishburn, Jordan Marcus Halterman, Everett Louis Horvath, Logan J. Howard, Harper Lee Howell, Morgan R. Jacobson.
Luke Bradley Dean Johnson, Otto Leroy Koebcke, Andrew Joseph Love, Griffin Max McKee, Graham Joseph Miller, Carter Owen Overmyer, Liam Jeffery Robertson, Madison Leah Rupley, Maddox Ares Xander Shaffer, Nora Rose Straeter, Luke Michael Thomas, Kaylee Ann Layne Weakman, Lanah Harper Young. A/B Honor Roll
The following students have received A/Bs.
Seventh Grade Delilah Olivia Ashby, Charlotte Louise Backus, Piper Willow Beebe, Dawson O Beehler, Vada Mae Biernacki, Zoey Josleyn Binion, Zoey E Blakesley, Grayson Lane Bowyer, Ashlyn Rae Bradley, Hayley Michelle Bright, Rosalynne Marie Casey, Aydan Alexander Cortes-Gustafson.
Jaslyn Macie Dell, Kinley Sue Flory, Bralynn Marie Floyd, Richelle Lei Fogelsanger, Morgan
Sixth Grade Khloe Anahi Destiny, Andrea Aguilar, Nyah Lane Archambeault, Zuri Marie Blackburn, Mason Lee Bowyer, Owen Patrick Brady, Wylee Dean Buckner, Alivia Jane Carpenter, Natalie Darling, Kymberlee Jezette Gonzalez, Landon Glen Hisey, Briggs Matthew Hunter, Anastasia Sophia Jackson, Tyler Alan Lawrence Kanouse, Irene Isabella Kouskousakis.
Lincoln Douglas Merideth, Olliveia Lou Messersmith, Kaylee Michelle Baugh Owens, Kapri Nicole Dawn Pesak, Daisy Anne Salvatierra, Nico James Scorsone, Heidi Grace Shuck, Sophie Anne Shuck, Emma Rose Kay Smith, Valerie Louise Trainer, Eden Kara Lynn Tucker, Caleb William Vigar, Arianna Elizabeth Wieringa, Linley Marie Wilburn, Jack Richard Williams, Porsha Leigh Wright, Hadley Joanne Zehner.
Fifth Grade — Alice Makenzie Atkinson, Daphne Dell Blakesley, Molly Ann Brouyette, Landyn David-Mack Brower, Brantlyn Andrew Brubaker, Weslee Mavrick Buckner, Braden James Coggins, Masyn David Cox, Alexis Marie Davis, Lucy James Downs, Lennox Blas Ferro, Gage Robert Fishburn, Madison Kay Hunter, Wyatt Lee Jackson, Kaitlin L. Jaeger. Paisyn Marie Johnson, Keaghan Marie Kauffman, Crew William Kiser, Benjamin Cole Love, Vanessa Noel Miller, LouAnnie Mae Million, Gil Orville Newton, Avery Lynn Perkins, Donovan Josue Poe, Harper Lee Rensberger, Kinley Grace Reynolds, Sophie RayLynn Ritter, Cross Michael Sliss, Abby Leann Small, Layla Lenay Swartzel, Mackenzie D. Utter, Nevaeh Faye White, Evan James Wilson.
CHRISTINA SODERLUND
VAL TSOUTSOURIS
CrossCountry Allyson Calloway and Leandro Javier both finished in the top 15 among individuals on non-advancing teams at the Manchester cross-country sectional Saturday, Oct. 19 to advance to the regional.
Calloway ran a personal-best 20:26 and finished 14th overall in the field of 70 runners in the girls race. She also finished second among individuals on non-advancing teams.
Calloway, a junior, advanced to the regional for the second straight year.
Other Rochester runners included Adison Hayes, who ran a 24:23 and finished 53rd; and Emah Bradley, who ran a 32:42 and finished 70th.
Columbia City won the team title with 35 points. Warsaw (50), Huntington North (86), Plymouth (91) and Manchester (112) also finished in the top five and advanced to the regional.
Javier, a sophomore who has been running competitively for only two years, finished 44th in the field of 77 runners in 19:03. He also was 13th among individuals on non-advancing teams.
Senior Reece Johnson, the other Rochester runner, was 48th in 19:25.
Warsaw won the team crown with 36 points. Wabash (47), Columbia City (64), Manchester (97) and Culver Academy (126) also advanced to the regional.
Advancing as individuals was the only means by which Rochester runners could advance as they had incomplete girls and boys teams.
Huntington University will host the regional. The girls race starts at 10:30 a.m., and the boys race will follow at 11:15 a.m.
Kosciusko County GOP to hold ‘Bingo for Guns’ Nov. 12
The Kosciusko County GOP will be hosting “Bingo for Guns” Tuesday, Nov. 12, at the Owl’s Nest, 7369 CR 800N, North Webster.
There will be 10 games for 10 guns provided by Two Bear Arms. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and the first game will start at 6:30 p.m.
There also will be a 50/50 cash draw, door prizes and a raffle. A cash bar and food will be available.
Participants must be age 21 or older.
Cost for admission is $100. For ticket information, contact Steve Foster at (574) 527-5782.
November programs at Kewanna Union Township Public Library
The Kewanna Union Township Public Library is offering the following programs in October. The library is located at 210 E. Main St., Kewanna. For more information and updates, check out its Facebook page, call (574) 6532011, or visit kewanna.lib.in.us.
Buying Laptops and Tablets 101 by Zak Stop in and find out how to buy the correct laptop or tablet that is perfect for your needs at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 6. Zak, Library Tech Expert, will be sharing this important information.
Special Game Days
Special game days will be from 4-5 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 7, for Family Bingo Night; 4-5 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 14, for Game On; 4-5 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 28, during Teens N Tweens; and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. any Saturday, for Magic the Gathering. You can also play board games, computer games and other types of games any time.
Thanking our Veterans Reception “Thanking Our Veterans Reception” will be at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 14. All veterans, family members of veterans, those currently serving in the military and anyone else that would like to honor the heroes are invited to attend. Light refreshments will be served.
Football
The Rochester football team scored touchdowns on its first two possessions, but it was host Maconaquah who finished fast to claim the Three Rivers Conference title and an undefeated regular season Friday, Oct 18.
Aiden Robinson threw three touchdowns – two to Fuddy Kile and one to A.J. Kelly – and Marcell Sims returned a punt 92 yards for a touchdown as the Braves pulled away to win 30-14.
Max Sasche added the go-ahead 29-yard field goal with 1:08 left in the half.
Rochester led 14-7 with 4:13 to go in the first quarter before Maconaquah finished with 23 unanswered points.
Maconaquah improved to 9-0 overall and 8-0 in the TRC. Rochester fell to 7-2, 7-1.
Brant Beck had 80 yards rushing, including a 13-yard touchdown run on the fifth offensive snap, to lead Rochester. Trenton Meadows had 70 yards, including a 52-yard run on the second play from scrimmage that set up Beck’s score.
Drew Bowers had a juggling, highlight-film worthy 72-yard touchdown reception in the first quarter and finished with two receptions for 92 yards.
But Rochester had a 12-play drive in the second quarter in
which they did not score, an eightplay drive in the third quarter that preceded Sims’ punt return and an 18-play drive covering the third and fourth quarters that ended with Beck being stopped for no gain on fourth-and-1 at the Maconaquah 4.
“Just at the point of attack, we were getting beat quite a bit,” Rochester coach Ron Shaffer said. “They were more physical than us in certain spots. It makes it hard to do what we’re trying to do offensively if we can’t be better at the point of attack. I don’t know if we’re not seeing it right, but we’re just not hitting seams as well as I thought we should. That goes back to coaching. We’ll get better this week.”
Rochester will host Elwood at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 1 in a Class 2A, Sectional 36 quarterfinal.
Volleyball
The painful process of building the Rochester volleyball program back to its former glory will move on to next year.
The Lady Zs had a 22-21 lead in Game 3 and an 11-6 lead in Game 4 against Wabash in a Class 2A, Sectional 38 quarterfinal Tuesday, but the Lady Apaches responded both times to win 25-21, 19-25, 25-22, 2516 at Southwood High School.
Rochester finished 9-22. They also lost in four to Wabash in their regular season meeting on Oct. 1.
This match was the final one in
the careers of Bolinger, Clevenger, Howdeshell and Darah Strasser.
“I feel like these girls this year, they really fought hard,” Rochester coach Laneia Strasser said. “I feel like the mentality of the program that they’re starting to get it, that I want them to be able to go after every ball. We always say there’s two things you can control — your attitude and your effort. And I do feel like this team has come a long way.”
Rochester tied Game 3 at 21all on a solo Darah Strasser stuff block, and Wabash called timeout.
Wabash’s Elli Hall missed long on an attack on the first point after the timeout, but Wabash won the next four points. Jillian Sailors dropped in a roll shot, Hall had a kill, Bryleigh Boggs put down a kill that the Rochester block slowed down but the Rochester back row could not keep up.
Amaya Sellers then landed an ace between two Lady Z defenders. In a span of four points, Wabash had closed Rochester’s window of opportunity.
“That was a big loss to lose that one,” coach Strasser said. “I don’t know. It’s disappointing to lose that one because I do feel like then you have the momentum, and you keep building in Set 4.”
Southwood defeated Wabash and Oak Hill Saturday, Oct. 19 to win the sectional.
The Blue Zones Solution
“The Blue Zones Solution Part 2” will be presented by Jessica Riffle, Purdue-Fulton County Extension Educator, at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 20. Riffle will continue her discussion about the five regions in the world where people live longer than average and are generally healthier. Join for an educational program.
Homeschoolers At The Library “Electricity”
Homeschoolers at the Library program is back and it’s all about science.
Learn about electricity at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 20. A fun-filled program. All homeschoolers are welcome to attend.
Back to the Past
Local historian, Bob Clyde, will continue his discussion of the history of Kewanna. “Our Kewanna” will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 27. “Back to the Past” is the last Wednesday of the month. Coffee and Tea Time
Coffee and tea time is at 10:30 a.m. every Wednesday morning. Plan to attend, enjoying time with your neighbors and friends and then stay for “Back to the Past.” International Games Month
During the month of November, celebrate International Games Month. Join as thousands of libraries around the world celebrate this special event.
Online Real Estate Auction Bidding open until 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 24. Property located at 6950 E. 700N, Rochester. Cropland, ranch home, pole barn, woods and pond in four tracts. Metzger Property Services, metzgerauction.com.
Online Sports Card Auction Bidding open until 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 24. Pickup lo-
bon. Country home and pole barn on 1.73 acres. Trailbike, mower and lawn equipment, shop tools, cast iron bell, furniture, home healthcare items. Metzger Property Services, metzgerauction. com.
Online Coin and Currency Auction
Bidding open until 7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 27. Pickup located at 1582 W. SR 114, North Manchester. Graded coins, silver dollars, coin books, seal notes, proof and mints sets, foreign curren-
6:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 28. Located at 10401 S. 950W, North Manchester. Three-bed, 2-bath ranch home on 7.5 acres with barn, pond and woods. Metzger Property Services, metzgerauction.com.
Online Coca-Cola Collection Auction Bidding open until 5 p.m. Monday, Oct. 28. Pickup located at 1582 W. SR 114, North Manches-
ter. Bottles, advertising, neons, vending machines, coolers and more. Metzger Property Services, metzgerauction.com.
Online Recreational Land Auction Bidding open until 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct, 29. Property located at 14500 E. 400S, Macy. Recreational land, 26.5 acres. Metzger Property Services, metzgerauction.com. City of Plymouth Auction Noon Wednesday, Oct. 30. Located at 222 W. LaPorte St., Plymouth, behind fire station.
