March 2014

FREE www.cassnetwork.com

March 15 — April 18, 2014

There is an elephant, are a lot of churches — but I can go to church not just in the room, anywhere.” but in our community.

I had to shift gears pretty quickly. It I suspect that there became a personal challenge. I was going to is a whole family of find something for this guy and his daughter to elephants, but I’m just do while they were in town going to talk about one . “We want people to share the great things today. that are happening in our community with On March 8, others,” the introductory video for Cass County Logansport High Communication Network says. I wrote that, for Michelle DIALS School hosted the crying out loud.

Editor/publisher District Speech SEE “DIALS,” PAGE 11 Tournament, where students qualify to attend the National Speech and Debate Tournament.

INFO is a free, monthly newspaper As one of Logansport’s coaches, that meant I serving Cass County, Indiana and was a hostess, and most of my day was spent the surrounding areas. It is part of the Cass County Communication in the judges’ lounge, a hospitality room. I’d Network, published by say about 90 adults -- parents, coaches, bus Existential Media LLC. drivers and other speech fans - were in town Published by Calendar Items Existential Media LLC Community events that are open with the 28 schools competing.

P.O. Box 314 to the public and have a specific Logansport, IN 46947 After lunch, a gentleman approached us and date, time and location can be Editor/Publisher submitted FREE to asked about the schedule of Michelle Dials CassCountyCalendar.com.

(574) 721-4636 competition. Speech meets start around 9 a.m.

Use the submit link on the website (michelle@ or e-mail details to existentialmedia.com) and at districts the kids each present their contact@cassnetwork.com. pieces between three and six times — so, it’s Cover Photo We reserve the right to select Rick Woodall specific events to feature on our not exactly an “all-day” spectator event. It Facebook page, in e-mail One copy of INfo: is free. newsletters, in Cass County INFO quickly became apparent that what he was Additional copies are or in other community updates. $.50 each. really asking was what could he and his 14 year The views expressed CAUGHT ON CAMERA old daughter do in Logansport while his wife by our Photos posted on our Facebook writers are not and his other daughter were judging and comfan pages may be selected, at necessarily those of our discretion, to be published in Existential Media LLC. peting. He’d been to the Grissom Air Museum INFO. Photos can also be For advertising and he wanted to know how far away Lafayette e-mailed to contact@cassnetwork. information, com. contact was.

Phill Dials (574) 721-4635 “Much closer than it used to be!” we crowed, Advertising information (phill@ The Cass County Communication proud of our new Hoosier Heartland Highway. cassnetwork.com) Network offers print, web and mobile advertising solutions. For “Or you could go to Kokomo ... they have this information about advertising, store and this store and this store. Or, there’s a e-mail contact@cassnetwork.com. big going out of business sale at our Sears.”

Pause.

Editorial Information Views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect “Yeah, what’s that about,” he asked? the position of the Cass County Communication Network or its parent We learned that he’s from Evansville and company, Existential Media LLC. Our publications provide information about events and activities happening in or near Cass County, Indiana. they also have a mall that was built in the The information is provided by Existential Media LLC for general infor1960s -- the first one in the state, he said -- and mation purposes only. We strive to keep the information up-to-date and correct, however we make no representations or warranties of any kind, it’s in pretty sad shape. So we didn’t impress express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitabilhim much with our store closing sale. We ity or availability with respect to the website or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained in our publications for any purtalked about “The Canal” — it’s history in both pose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk. In no event will Existential Media LLC be liable for any loss Logansport and Evansville. or damage including without limitation, indirect or consequential loss or “What else is there to do,” he asked? damage, or any loss or damage whatsoever arising from loss of data or profits arising out of, or in connection with, the use of our publications.

“We drove by your carousel,” he said. “That sounded neat but it didn’t look like it was open.

Interested in advertising with Cass County Communication I looked at your list of attractions and there Network? Call (574) 721-4635 for more information!

Federal aid requested for storm Governor Mike Pence has requested federal grants for government and certain non-profit organizations in 49 counties for the severe winter storm January 5-9.

“This was a severe, prolonged winter storm that started the 2014 calendar year with a budgetstressing situation,” said Governor Pence. “Local and state governments’ financial responsibility during this type of response and recovery can be enormous. The grants we’re applying for would go a long way toward replenishing local government funds, and directly alleviate further burden on local taxpayers.”

Specifically requested are the counties of Allen, Benton, Blackford, Boone, Carroll, Cass, Clay, Clinton, DeKalb, Delaware, Elkhart, Fountain, Fulton, Grant, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Henry, Howard, Huntington, Jasper, Jay, Johnson, Kosciusko, LaGrange, Lake, LaPorte, Madison, Marion, Miami, Montgomery, Morgan, Newton, Noble, Owen, Parke, Putnam, Rush, Shelby, Sullivan, Tipton, Vanderburgh, Vermillion, Vigo, Wabash, Warren, Wells, White and Whitley for Public Assistance.

Federal grants for the severe winter storm for governments and certain non-profit organizations are under the FEMA designation of public assistance. If approved, the grants would pay 75 percent of eligible expenses including debris and snow removal, emergency protective measures such as search and rescue, and damage to buildings and equipment.

Good news!

United Way of Cass County celebrated not only meeting but exceeding its campaign goal the annual meeting and luncheon on February 26. This year’s campaign contributions totaled $664,534.21. Josh Hopper will chair the next

campaign — a goal will be announced at the Campaign Rally this summer. Funds raised benefit area agencies and programs working to improve lives in Cass County.

PHOTO BY MICHELLE DIALS

Bostic named Ivy Tech campus president Ivy Tech Community College has named Kevin Bostic as Campus President of the College’s Logansport Campus. Bostic, who has served as Vice Chancellor/ Dean of the campus since 2009, takes on the new title as part of the College’s recent restructuring of its statewide system that includes consolidation of administrative functions and regional operations.

“I am honored to serve the College in this capacity,” Bostic said. “The renewed emphasis on the position’s responsibility for community involvement is something I embrace. I think it will be great for the Logansport Campus and the Kokomo Region as we move forward.”

Bostic is one of 11 people named as Campus Presidents at sites around Indiana. The Campus Presidents will report to the Chancellors within the regions they serve with a focus on outreach to the local community. In addition, Campus Presidents will manage day-to-day operations while fostering a campus climate that is consistent with the College’s core values. The Campus President will consult with regional administrators to achieve policy objectives and goals for building new and varied community outreach and partnerships, as well as expanding the availability of the College’s instructional and student support services to the community.

Bostic has worked in higher education for more than 20 years, the last 15 at Ivy Tech Community College. He joined the College as Registrar at Ivy Tech’s East Central Region in Muncie and moved to the Kokomo Region as Executive Director of Finance.

See “Bostic,” on page 5

Bank announces dividend First Farmers Financial Corp. (OTCQB:FFMR), the parent company of First Farmers Bank & Trust Co., announced that on March 11, 2014 the Board of Directors approved a quarterly cash dividend for the first quarter of 2014 of $0.23 per share, payable on April 15, 2014 to shareholders of record as of March 31, 2014. This quarterly dividend represents a 24.3% increase over the quarterly dividend declared in March 2013.

First Farmers Financial Corp is a $1.2 billion financial holding company headquartered in Converse, Indiana. First Farmers Bank & Trust has 25 offices throughout Cass, Grant, Hamilton, Howard, Huntington, Madison, Marshall, Miami, Johnson, Starke, Tipton, Vermillion, Vigo and Wabash counties in Indiana and 3 offices in Coles and Edgar counties in Illinois.

March 2014 | Cass County INfo: | 3

LMH partners for cardiology Logansport Memorial Hospital has signed a partnership agreement with Franciscan St. Elizabeth Health and Franciscan Physician Network to provide Cardiology services effective June 2, 2014 at Logansport Memorial. The Cardiovascular Clinic will be located in Suite 50 at Logansport Memorial Hospital.

Logansport Memorial Hospital clarifies questions about patient letter If you received a letter in the mail from Logansport Memorial Hospital that had a California address listed, please do not be alarmed. Patients should know that this is not a scam.

The letter that was sent did have a California address listed, but that does not mean that we are now owned by a place in California. Please disregard that California address. We are still your local, independent, countyowned hospital, located at 1101 Michigan Avenue in Logansport.

As you know, Logansport Memorial Hospital is now part of an accountable care organization. We have joined with nine other hospitals around the country to form the National Rural Accountable Care Organization. To facilitate streamlined communications for all hospitals and states involved, the headquarters for our group is located in California – that’s why the

address was listed that way.

Being part of the National Rural Accountable Care Organization just makes us part of a larger group that will look at where our healthcare needs are for the Medicare population that we serve. The more Medicare patients that we have participating in this with us, the better that we are able to serve them by accessing useful data they provide.

Your information does remain secure and protected, but using it helps us focus on addressing and improving identified health needs for our community.

You don’t have to change your doctor, or change anything about how you receive care from us. Being an accountable care organization only changes how the care we give you is packaged and delivered – it’s a more coordinated approach to address all of

your ongoing health needs as a person, throughout your life.

Our overall goal in becoming an accountable care organization is the same as it is with everything else that we do – to improve the health of our community. To achieve this, we need to address the health issues that can potentially decrease your quality of life. If we can partner with you to identify and improve those health needs, you’ll get what you need to live your life in a healthy and fulfilling way. That’s what we want for you, and we’re willing to work with you to get there.

Don’t let your confusion be a concern – contact us directly with any questions that you may have. You can reach Crystal Zinsmeister, Director of Care Coordination at (574) 753-1317.

OUR NEW DOCTOR WILL SEE YOU NOW.

Logansport Memorial Hospital is pleased to welcome Dr. Christopher Hogg to the Logansport Memorial Physician Network. He is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who will join Dr. Jim Davis and Dr. Jeryl Fullen as part of LMPN Orthopedics.

Dr. Hogg is now accepting new patients. His practice is located inside the orthopedics suite at Logansport Memorial Hospital, located near the main elevators. To make an appointment, please call 574.722.2663.

Christopher Hogg, DO Orthopedics

1101 Michigan Avenue Logansport, IN 46947 | 574.722.2663 www.logansportmemorial.org

“BOSTIC,” FROM PAGE 3 After serving in Student Affairs at Ivy Tech’s original Logansport site, a renovated grocery store, he became the site’s Vice Chancellor/Dean in 2009 in time to shepherd the completion of Ivy Tech’s impressive new campus on the south side of Logansport.

“At the statewide level at Ivy Tech, we talk about what makes a ‘perfect partnership’ with a community,” Bostic says. “The new Logansport Campus is just that – the results of private interests, city/county interests and College interests all coming together for the benefit of the citizens of Cass County.”

Bostic noted that enrollment at the opening of the new site had been projected at 900; the first semester saw an enrollment of 1400. Enrollment at the campus has increased 45 percent since the spring of 2009.

“We’ve been able to add programs, including the Ivy Institute of Technology in Welding, the healthcare support degree and courses in the School of Education, and full-time instructors in mathematics, English, psychology and communications,” Bostic said. “I’m excited about where we are and where we’re going.”

One area of expansion involves the College’s partnership with Logansport High School and its English Language Learner program that has focused on helping Hispanic students become more comfortable with entering higher education programs. Hispanic enrollment at the campus has grown in the past five years from a handful to more than 100 this semester and the campus sponsors a Hispanic Heritage event each fall that features authentic Hispanic food and beverages, information and displays about Hispanic culture and fun activities for children.

Community support also has been exemplary in the area of fundraising, Bostic said. The Logansport Campus’ annual “For the Love of Education” fundraiser has brought in more than $90,000 over the last five years to support the scholarship program that offers much-needed financial assistance to deserving students.

Community service is a hallmark of Kokomo Region Chancellor Stephen Daily’s leadership style and has been an expectation since Bostic joined the staff. Bostic is a board member of the Logansport / Cass County Chamber of Commerce and the Cass County United Way and previously served on the Logansport Economic Development Board of Directors.

The campus and its students are regularly involved in community activities, including the annual Tour de Trike to raise money for the United Way and an upcoming fundraiser to help support the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial being planned in Kokomo.

“Kevin has provided great leadership to the Logansport Campus and we look forward to his continued service in the Campus President role,” Daily said. “Ivy Tech exists to support the communities it serves, to foster educational opportunities that develop students well-prepared to contribute to the betterment of Indiana. Kevin lives this commitment.”

Bostic also serves on a variety of college and civic committees and is a member of Ivy Tech’s first Executive Leadership Cohort, a training program that has allowed him to develop a broader perspective of higher education issues in the state and to hone skills in areas of fundraising, finance and budgeting to better support the Logansport campus.

Bostic earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Manchester University and a master’s degree in student personnel administration from Ball State University. He and his wife Angie, who serves as an adjunct instructor for Ivy Tech and Trine University, are the parents of daughter Kendall, 12, and son Connor, 9, and are active supporters of their school educational and sports endeavors.

with

5

$363.4

seuartion clo grad to

Hey university students — be a guest at Ivy Tech this summer!

Last summer nearly 300 university ‘guest students’ enrolled in summer classes at Ivy Tech to stay on track with their four-year degree and transferred the credit back to their home institution. Courses taken by guest students included: • • • • •

Accounting Anatomy Biology Business Communication

• • • • •

Economics English Comp.

History Math/Finite Math College Algebra

• • • • •

Psychology Sociology Earth Science Spanish And more!

Tuition is $121.15 per credit hour; a three credit hour class will cost only $363.45 plus fees and parking is FREE! To apply, go to ivytech.edu/guest and then call 459-0561, ext. 214 or email twalsh7@ivytech.edu to learn next steps. Classes begin June 9.

IvyTech.edu March 2014 | Cass County INfo: | 5

Calendar March 15 Shamrock Shuffle

Cass County Family YMCA presents the 5th Annual Shamrock Shuffle 5k run/walk and 1 mile fun run/walk. Route takes you along the beautiful Little Turtle Waterway. Register at the Y or on active.com. Event starts at 9 a.m.

March 17 Open House All Saints Catholic School in Logansport is hosting an Open House at 7 p.m., for the public, to present its school and programs. For more information, please contact the school office at 753-3410.

March 19 Ask-An-Expert Do you have diabetes? Do you know someone who has diabetes? Would you like to learn more about diabetes? You probably answered yes to one of these questions since an estimated 25.8 million Americans have diabetes and 79 million have pre-diabetes!

Logansport Memorial Hospital is offering a free an Ask-an-Expert Diabetes Program on from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in Conference Room D/E, on the lower level of Medical Office Building West. No reservations needed.

March 19 Civic Players Fundraiser Civic Players of Logansport will hold a Dining to Donate fundraiser at the Logansport Applebee’sFor every flyer turned in that day, 15% of the check will be donated to Civic Players! Flyers are available by calling Becki Harris at 574-722-9345, or from any member of Civic Players.

March 29 Huge Indoor Sale One day only! This is a must see sale. INSIDE the Cass County 4-H Fairgrounds Community Center. Multiple families’ clothes and other items. Kids toys, kitchen items, clothes for all seasons. This is one “final” garage sale in

Hunting for Easter events?

Spring events are popping up on CassCountyCalendar.com. We’re making it easy to find them! Just click on the eggs on the right side of the page to see holiday events happening in the next seven days.

honor of Karen Snyder who passed away on August 26, 2012. She always had at least one garage sale a year at Hardee’s parking lot in Logansport and had several people that watched for her sales. She was trying to get in one last sale before she passed so her daughter is holding this sale to finish what she started. 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

March 30 Gospel Concert Blackwood Brothers Quartet, Sponsored by Walton Christian Church, Walton United Methodist Church and Shiloh Evangelical Lutheran Church. 3 p.m. at Walton Christian Church. Free will donation, no ticket required.

April 4 & 5 Ivy Tech Rummage Sale This event is a fundraising effort sponsored by Ivy Tech Logansport Campus student groups.

8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m to noon Saturday From now until April 4, Ivy Tech will be accepting gently used items for its April 4/5 rummage sale. Items can be dropped off at the Logansport campus Monday-Thursday 8-7 p.m., and Saturday, 9-11 a.m.

April 9 HYPE Learning Opportunity Topics to be discussed: Looking at individuals & ourselves and how we react to conflict.

What actions trigger our own conflict. Conflict handling styles. Tips for handling conflicts.

Facilitator: Bev Davis, Ivy Tech Trainer & Associate Professor at Purdue University FREE! 8:30-10 a.m. RSVP to 574-753-3533

April 12 Third House Session Senator Randy Head and our county Representatives will be in attendance giving updates on this year’s legislative session. There will be Q&A after their updates. FREE event, no RSVP

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Easter’s on its way!

Why does the date of Easter change every year? Because it falls on the first Sunday after the Paschal Full moon, which, according to the Farmer’s Almanac, is the first full moon after the spring equinox.

Paschal means “Passover” in Greek. The explanations beyond that are a little more complicated, but thanks to Google, finding the answer to “When is Easter this year” is always just a few clicks away. It falls on April 20 this year, which is pretty late – according to the info we found, the latest possible date for Easter is April 25.

Here are the 2014 dates you need to know: April 13 Palm Sunday April 17 Maundy (Holy) Thursday April 18 Good Friday April 20 Easter Sunday As always, we invite area churches and organizations to post their Easter events on CassCountyCalendar.com. We love it when Easter Egg Hunts, breakfasts with the Bunny, cantatas and worship service times spring up on our website. Just go to www.casscountycalendar.com and click submit to enter the details.

required. 8 a.m. at West Side Diner. Please call the Chamber of Commerce with any Questions.

574.753.6388 Post your event at www.casscountycalendar.com! It’s FREE!

Men’s Lenten Breakfasts 6:29 a.m.

March 15 All Saints Catholic Church speaker George Plasterer March 22 Shiloh Christian Church speaker Adam Speicher March 29 Clymers UMC speaker Brandon Busch April 5 Calvary Presbyterian;

speaker Dirk Raderstorf April 12 Walton Christian Church speaker Dominic Petan April 19 The Salvation Army speaker Jeff Strite Women’s Lenten Breakfasts 8:29 a.m.

March 15 Main St UMC; speaker Eva Huggins, owner of Canaan Bible Book Store, Logansport March 22 at All Saints’ Catholic Church; speaker Elise Beebout, director of Little Children’s Ministry and Youth Pastor March 29 at Trinity Lutheran Church, speaker Connie Hedges, Chaplain, Logansport Juvenile Correctional Facility April 5 at Shiloh Christian Church; speaker Gina Riendeau, Mission Consultant with UM Global Ministries, NYC April 12 at Young America Center UMC; speaker Linda Klinck, Director of Development and Communications at Peak Community Services April 19 at Lucerne Christian Church, speaker Dawn Fisher, Director, Fisher Funeral Home

April 23 Public Power Citizens Alliance for Responsible Energy (CARE) will host a free forum at 7 p.m. at McHale Performing Arts Center. Visit Logansport Power on Facebook for more information

LMH offering Diabetes Program, vein screening

Logansport Memorial Hospital is offering an Ask-an-Expert Diabetes Program on Wednesday, March 19, 2014 from 6:30-8:30pm in Conference Room D/E, on the lower level of Medical Office Building West. This free program includes diabetes experts who will provide information and answer your questions about diabetes.

The new Vein Program at Logansport Memorial Hospital can help provide relief for patients and long-term solutions for venous diseases. To help patients learn more, Logansport Memorial Hospital is hosting a free vein screening for interested patients on Tuesday, March 25 from 4 – 7 pm in Conference Room DE. Registration is required by calling (574) 722-3636 to confirm attendance.

Public Info Meeting on CR 400S

The Cass County Highway Department will hold a public information meeting regarding the planned reconstruction of County Road 400 South, phase 1. Phase one is the portion of the road from State Road 25 to just east of CR 400W, which includes the town of Clymers. Representatives from the highway department and the design firm for the project, CHA, will be on hand to present information and answer questions.

The meeting will begin at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, March 19, and will include a short presentation followed by time for questions and answers on an individual basis.

This meeting will be held at the Clymers/Clinton Township Fire Department, located at the corner of 400W and 400S in Clymers.

Health insurance deadline is March 31

More than 48,000 Indiana residents are estimated to have enrolled for coverage so far through the Health Insurance Marketplace.

Open enrollment for 2014 ends March 31, and those who fail to get coverage by then may face fines and will have to wait until November to enroll for coverage for next year. More information is available online at HealthCare.gov.

Taxes due April 15

The Indiana Department of Revenue is reminding taxpayers that tax returns are due Tuesday, April 15. They recommend that if you think you’re going to owe but aren’t going to be able to pay the full amount due by April 15, pay as much as you can and then, you can set up a payment plan to pay the rest. They say it’s better to send something than nothing at all. For more information visit in.gov/dor or call 317-232-2240.

Scholarship available

Civic Players of Logansport will award a scholarship of up to $300 to a high school student graduating from Caston, Lewis Cass, Logansport, or Pioneer High School this spring. Applicant must have participated in theater with Civic Players and/or at their school.

Applications are available in the school guidance offices, or by calling 574-722-3000.

Cass County INFO is part of Cass County Communication Network, published by Existential Media LLC. Keep up with what’s going on in the community by visiting our news and information website, casscountyonline.com.

CELEBRATE WITH US The Y is Free to the Community Plus we are waiving the Joiner Fees March 17th-30th Grand Re-Opening Two Week Celebration FREE TO COMMUNITY March 19th, 24th and 26th 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Wellness Goals, Nutrition and Programs Meet our Wellness Director and staff and talk to them about setting up a Wellness and Nutrition Program March 20th 4:30-6:30 p.m.

Getting Started We are here to help those of all ages start getting active or help change up your routine.

Our personal trainer and wellness staff will be here to help you set up a route and teach you that exercise can be fun!

March 24th 3-7 p.m.

Red Cross Blood Drive Help the Community reduce the shortage 6 p.m.

Guitar 101 Is learning to play the guitar on your bucket list? Here is a chance to realize your dream!

Instructor Logansport’s own Al Rodriguez March 25th 1:00-3:00 p.m.

Basketball Clinic All Ages Welcome, clinic led by high school basketball coaching staff 6:30-7:15 p.m.

Diabetes Alert Learn about risk factors and prevention from a Certified Diabetes Educator

March 26th 1:00 p.m.

March Madness at the Y Great fun for all ages Skills challenge, free throw contest and spot shot competition 1:00-2:00 p.m.

Arts and Crafts K-5th graders will create a wonderful and fun take home project March 27th 1:00-3:00 p.m.

Baseball Clinic All ages welcome, work on your hitting, fielding and pitching.

Guest spaker Hall of Fame coach Jim Turner, Sr. 5:00-6:00 p.m.

Water Safety Class Be a water hero. Important for every family. Make sure your children know how to be safe around any body of water-

Drop by anytime for a tour or attend a facility tour Monday-Friday Noon, 2 p and 6:30 p

March 28th 8-11 p.m.

Teen Night Kids 13-18 Swim, shoot hoops, dance, pizza and more!

::: Cass County Family YMCA ::: 905 E Broadway, Logansport ::: www.casscountyymca.org ::: 574-753-5141

March 2014 | Cass County INfo: | 7

Kindergarten Raising a kid is hard. You have to keep them fed, bathed, safe, and watered. More importantly, you have to make sure they don’t grow up to be mouth-breathing heathens. I’m gonna go out on a limb and guess that most of us don’t possess a Masters Degree in Early Childhood Education. Luckily though, there are people out there who can provide ways to help get them ready for that “first” first day of school and the big step into the world of elementary education. Rena Sterrett is the Program Director for Cass County Reading Railroad, and she is this month’s guest for No, But Seriously. She tells us all about Kindergarten Round-Up and Begindergarten...

Matthew Paul MATT: My son Cooper will be attending Mix 102 Morning Guy, Director of Operations kindergarten next school year...How does WLHM/WSAL/WHZR kindergarten round up work? Will I be quizzed on anything?

RENA: Kids love lots of difRENA: There’s no need to worry, ferent reading material. or study for that matter. KinderAlthough it isn’t common to garten Round Up is for children read instruction manuals to a who will be going to kindergarten! young child, it may give them The students are screened on an advantage when thinking basic skills such as colors, letters, about a possible career in ennumbers, etc., while the parents gineering. You can take the get to fill out very important credit for that one, if it happaperwork. It’s a fun day for the pens! Keep reading … as long kids! as your child is interested MATT: Have you ever screened RENA STERRETT in what you’re reading, any a child and realized “THIS Reading Railroad reading is good reading!

MAY BE THE SHARPEST, BRIGHTprogram director MATT: Should I be working EST, SMARTEST CHILD I’VE EVER on calculus with my son? Is it too early to SEEN”? teach him about advanced mathematics?

RENA: Absolutely! There are some bright RENA: Although it’s never too early to learn cookies out there! Some kids even make me some basic math concepts, calculus and question my own intelligence! advanced mathematics may not be developMATT: May I blame my own scholastic mentally appropriate! I would focus more on shortcomings on not attending a kindercounting and numbers at this age. If, on the garten round up when I was 5? other hand, he IS interested in those topics, RENA: Although not attending may put you please refer to the question pertaining to the at a disadvantage, your shortcomings cannot SMARTEST CHILD I’VE EVER SEEN! be blamed on not attending. Not attending MATT: Do you have a “kindergarten only made it more difficult for your school and teacher to prepare for your arrival! They teacher voice”? And if so, does your family point it out when you use it? can’t be ready for you, if they don’t know RENA: Yes, I do have a “kindergarten teacher about you! voice”. On occasion I may ask my own MATT: I’ve always heard that parents are teenage children to do something while supposed to read to their kids everyday, singing it, and then realize they are a little however, no one ever said WHAT we’re older than 5. Once a teacher, always a supposed to read. I’ve read every teacher! instruction manual and user guide we have to our kids. Is that okay let alone normal?

8 | Cass County INfo: | March 2014

Kindergarten Roundup is very important if your child is headed to Kindergarten in the fall! A screening will be conducted and if your child qualifies, they’ll be invited to participate in Begindergarten, an enrichment program offered through the Cass County Reading Railroad. Here are the details for local school corporation Kindergarten Roundups:

Pioneer

Wednesday, April 2, 2014.

All kindergarten parents are asked to call the school at 574-643-2255 to pre-register their child as soon as possible. Parents may enroll their chid if the child is five years old on or before August.

Morning session at 8:30 for children whose last name begins with the letters A-M. Afternoon session at 12:30 p.m. for any child whose last name begins with the letters N-Z. Parents are asked to bring a LEGAL birth certificate, social security card and immunization records of their child to the elementary.

Parents should know their road coordinates for transportation arrangements.

If you child will be taken to a sitter after school, know the sitter’s road coordinates.

Southeastern

Thursday, April 10 at Thompson 8:30 to noon and 1-3 p.m. Bring birth certificate, immunization records and your child. Allow 1/2 hour for Roundup.

Child must be 5 years old by August 1 for kindergarten. Your child can be enrolled but may not attend school until they have all of the required vaccines. For more information, call 574-626-2504.

See next page for details on Logansport’s Kindergarten Roundup.

Annual Events

Lilly Finalists announced

Tryouts & Auditions Garage Sales

Cass County Community Foundation President Deanna Crispen is pleased to announce Cass County’s 2014 Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship Program finalists:

Open Houses Volunteer Opportunities

Derek Berkshire, of Caston HS (bottom left) Alexander Calisto, of Logansport HS (top left) Emma Groff, of Pioneer HS (middle left) Cooper Kinnaman, of Logansport HS (top right) Brock Reish, Lewis Cass HS (bottom right) Lari Rutschmann, Logansport HS (middle right)

Applications were received from students attending the high schools serving Cass County. All identifying information, such as student’s name, school name, gender, etc, was removed from the applications for the finalist selection process.

“We had an outstanding pool of applications this year and the selection process is always very competitive,” Crispen said. “These six remarkable young men and women truly represent those most-qualified, college-bound seniors residing in Cass County. The finalists were selected based solely on the criteria, which include academic ability, achievements, activities and citizenship; however, financial need is not a consideration in Cass County.”

From the six finalists, one Cass County resident will be awarded the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship which will pay their full four-year tuition at any Indiana college or university, plus required fees. The Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship recipients will also receive $900 per year for books and required equipment.

“While we are disappointed that we only received funding for one scholarship again this year, Lilly Endowment Inc. continues to be a generous benefactor to our outstanding local students and their educational goals,” Crispen said. “We are grateful for this incredible program that has motivated and provided funding for thirty-two previous Lilly Endowment Community Scholars in Cass County since 1998.”

Logansport Tuesday, April 8 Information night for parents and kindergarteners from 6-7 p.m. at the school they will attend in the fall.

Parents will then make an appointment for their child to attend a screening on the following days:

Kindergarten Roundup Screenings Columbia Elementary Tuesday, April 15 from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Fairview Tuesday, April 15 from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Landis Wednesday, April 16 from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m Franklin Thursday, April 17 from 8:15 a.m. - 3:30 p.m..

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March 2014 | Cass County INfo: | 9

Caught on

ABOVE AND TOP RIGHT: Logansport High School held a send-off celebration for the Lady Berries Basketball team as they headed to Semi-State competition earlier this month. On March 13, Whiney Jennings was named the 2013-14 Gatorade Indiana Girls Basketball Player of the Year. Jennings is the first Gatorade Indiana Girls Basketball Player of the Year to be chosen from Logansport High School. She has signed a National Letter of Intent to play basketball at the University of Iowa. PHOTOS BY MICHELLE DIALS

MIDDLE: Senator Randy Head offered a resolution February 24 honoring Indiana’s community foundations. Today there are 94 community foundations and county affiliate funds serving every county in the state. The Cass County Community Foundation recently celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2013.

PHOTO SHARED BY DEANNA CRISPEN BOTTOM: Logansport Firefighters try out the new ladder truck outside the Central Fire Station. PHOTO SHARED BY RODNEY ERVIN

March 2014 | Cass County INfo: | 10

“DIALS” FROM PAGE 2 “We have a brand new movie theater,” I offered. “And our Historical Museum is pretty interesting.”

We asked if they were staying in town that night or going back to Evansville after the competition. He wasn’t sure — they might stay in Kokomo or Indy — but he wondered if we had any great restaurants and he preferred local ones.

Pause.

I wasn’t letting this one go. The list started flowing as my lunch companions and I, all Logansport natives, started working our way through a list of local restaurant recommendations.

But, the elephant in the room — why did we have to think so hard? A few weeks earlier, we’d been offended when someone asked us -- patronizingly, we thought -- whether we had any hotels in Logansport. Of course we have hotels in Logansport, we scoffed.

But faced with a person who genuinely wanted to spend some time in our community, we were ready to send him on down the road, because they’ve

got a mall with big name chain stores and that was the easy answer.

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard someone say “We don’t really need to advertise because everyone already knows we’re here.”

And yet, I’ll bet you’ve been faced with the same conversation. I could think of lots of great local stores, but it was 1:30 on a Saturday afternoon and I didn’t want to send him somewhere that had already closed for the day.

One of my fellow hostesses chimed in that there was a retail store aimed at teenagers right near the theater, that our visitor’s daughter might enjoy.

We wrapped up our conversation and asked what he thought his plan would be.

“I think we’re going to see a movie and do some shopping,” he said.

Later that night, I saw someone from another school who’d asked us for directions to a pharmacy for some allergy medicine return to the judges’ lounge with a giant shopping bag.

It’s not exactly a secret but I’ll let you in on a little Speech team trivia.

11 | Cass County INfo: | March 2014

On Fridays, our head coach sets out at least a dozen suits from our speech closet for our competitors to wear at Saturday’s competition — and most of them were Goodwill finds, with the tags still on them.

Guess where our speech shopper with the giant shopping bag had been?

When our Evansville parent told us his plans, I thanked him for keeping his dollars in our community instead of taking them on down the road.

“I just needed to know what there was to do here,” he said.

Challenge accepted. Stay tuned.

Wondering whether your business should be part of Cass County Communication Network? The answer is probably yes! Phill Dials is our advertising director and you can call or text him at 574-721-4635 or email him at phill@ cassnetwork.com for more info on our affordable ad rates.

Not heading somewhere warm for Spring Beak? Make sure you check CassCountyCalendar.com often when you’re looking for fun things to do! New events are added daily. And who knows — maybe it’ll be warm here! This is, Indiana, after all.

Let’s talk.

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Be a part of the media source everyone is talking about and show your support for Cass County. Let’s talk about how our unique print, web and mobile advertising options can help your business while helping us continue to make Cass County a more informed and prosperous community.

If you want to advertise an upcoming event, promote a special sale or get more customers in the door, let’s talk about ways Cass County Communication Network can help.

Contact Phill Dials, director of advertising at (574) 721-4635 or email phill@cassnetwork.com.

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