IN|Whitley County March 1, 2018

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260-482-8503 NEWS IN BRIEF Chamber to host annual State of the City address Contributed COLUMBIA CITY — The Whitley County Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center will host the 2018 State of the City Address Friday, March 2, beginning with lunch at 11:30 a.m. and followed by the address at noon.

The luncheon will be held in the Robert Brittain Auditorium at Peabody Public Library in Columbia City.

Columbia City is rapidly becoming a focal point of northeast Indiana.

Topics presented by Mayor Ryan Daniel will include topics including the city’s increasing population and growth in the business sector, to the new Fahl Aquatics Center and park expansions. You will hear of the past year’s successes and future goals See CITY, Page 2

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March 1, 2018

Construction on track at site of new CCHS

By Bridgett Hernandez bhernandez@kpcmedia�com

Construction is on track at the site of the new Columbia City High School, according to officials for Whitley County Consolidated Schools. Winter weather has had little impact on the project’s timeline.

The school corporation broke ground on the project last June. The new 250,000-square-foot high school – the only

new high school in the state of Indiana – will replace the nearly 60-year-old school on North Whitley Street in Columbia City.

The site is located south of Columbia City on S.R. 9 in what was once an empty field.

The new high school is being constructed on the same 82-acres as the neighboring Little Turtle Elementary and Indian Springs Middle schools.

Fanning Howey is the

architecture firm on the project, and Skillman Corp. is doing construction.

Construction status According to Jacob Hoag, construction liaison for WCCS, Skillman Corp. has accomplished a substantial amount of masonry work around the gymnasium and athletics area. Masonry can only be done when temperatures are above freezing. Hoag said See CCHS, Page 4

The helpful place

BRIDGETT HERNANDEZ

Builders have completed a substantial amount of masonry work around the gymnasium and athletics area of the new Columbia City High School.

Ace Hardware a constant in Columbia City over 5 decades

By Nicole Minier nminier@kpcmedia�com

COLUMBIA CITY — As things continue to grow and change in Whitley County, most residents can count on one thing — if they go into Teighmeier Ace Hardware, they will receive the same quality of service they had five decades ago when Jim Teighmeier opened his store in downtown Columbia City.

Although Teighmeier has passed and the store is in a different location with different employees than when the store opened in 1966, Teighmeier lives on through employees’ friendly, helpful attitudes toward customers.

The store is ran by Teighmeier’s daughter, Alicia Johnson, with the support of her general manager Jonathan South.

Johnson and her sisters grew up in the business, and initially had no intention of carrying on her father’s store. When her first husband passed away unexpectedly, she returned

bhernandez@kpcmedia�com

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Jonathan South is Teghtmeyer Ace Hardware’s store manager, and reminds owner Alicia Teghtmeyer Johnson of her father, Jim Teghtmeyer.

home after 10 years away from Ace. “When I was in high school, I didn’t want to work at the hardware store, but when I grew up

and wanted to be here,” Johnson said.

Teighmeier passed away in 1999, and Johnson was managing the store mostly by herself until

about a year ago, when she promoted South to store manager.

South reminds Johnson of her father.

See ACE, Page 4

Leaders want town meeting in March

By Nicole Minier nminier@kpcmedia�com

CHURUBUSCO — “We’re all rowing our boats in the same direction, we’re just in different boats.”

Churubusco Chamber of Commerce President Kevin Rothgeb spoke at

Debate reignites over school location

By Bridgett Hernandez

the Town Council meeting last week, encouraging the council to get on board with the Chamber and other entities, such as the Whitley County Economic Development Corp. and Smith-Green Community School Board, to develop a plan of action for growing

the community, in light of the current referendum.

SGCS is facing funding woes, in part due to decreasing student enrollment and a low assessed value of properties within the district.

Rothgeb, among others, is calling on the commu-

nity to come together to ensure the future of the school district and town.

“We want to connect commerce and community and grow business,” Rothgeb said.

He noted a part of the Churubusco ComprehenSee LEADERS, Page 2

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More than two dozen individuals shared their views on the future of Whitko Community School Corp. at the board of trustees meeting Feb. 19.

A number of viewpoints were expressed, but South Whitley Town Council President Randy Cokl’s opening remarks reflected a common thread: “Here we are again, one month later, talking about the same issue,” he said.

On Jan. 15, the school board voted 3-2 to close Whitko Middle School in Larwill and consolidate grades 7-12 at the current site of Whitko High School in South Whitley due to declining enrollment and budgetary constraints.

Ten days later, the school board issued an open letter explaining that the vote only specified a location for the 2018-2019 school year and that the ultimate goal is a centralized campus in Larwill.

Those in support of locating the consolidated school in South Whitley, including Cokl, rejected the board’s explanation of the vote. “[The school board See WHITKO, Page 2

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Whitley County • March 1, 2018

Collaboration at work

By Bridgett Hernandez bhernandez@kpcmedia.com

A Whitley County manufacturer recently welcomed a special guest in an effort to strengthen business ties between northeast Indiana and Japan.

Kyocera SGS Precision Tools, a medical device manufacturer in Columbia City, welcomed Naoki Ito, Consul-General of Japan for the Chicago region, representing Indiana and nine other Midwestern states. The visit was in conjunction with the Japan-Northeast Indiana Summit in Fort Wayne Feb. 16.

The summit was hosted by the Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership in collaboration with the office of the Consulate-General, the Japan External Trade Organization and JTL America.

It served to highlight the Japan-northeast Indiana business relations and the country’s role in the region’s strong manufacturing sector.

More than 280 Japanese-owned businesses operate in Indiana, employing more than 58,000 workers, and Japanese companies have 24 locations in 10 counties in northeast Indiana alone.

Among all U.S. states, Indiana has the highest Japanese investment per capita, according to the Indiana Economic Development Corp.

The main purposes of the Consul-General’s office are to serve Japanese nationals, represent Japanese government and to provide travel services and information about Japan to non-Japanese residents.

The Consul-General also communicates with businesses in his 10-state jurisdiction and helps provide connections for companies looking to do business in Japan.

President of the Whitley County Economic Development Corp. Jon Myers said Ito wanted to meet some of the local people who are working for Japa-

nese-owned companies while he was in northeast Indiana for the summit.

Myers reached out to David Eizelman, president of Kyocera SGS Precision Tools, who was happy to oblige.

“We have a very proud crew here,” he said. “It means a lot to all of us.

We’re excited to show what we do and what we can do and let people know that we’re here.”

Japanese-owned Kyocera purchased the company in 2016. The company entered the orthopedic cutting tool market in 2015 and manufactures orthopedic and dental instruments for a global customer base.

Its capabilities include assisting with prototypes, providing first articles as well as complete production runs of bone drills, reamers, taps, files, rasps and other cutting devices.

Local and state officials joined the Consul-General on the visit, including Whitley County Council President Thor Hodges,

sion to temporarily house students at the South Whitley campus was a matter of securing funding for updating the Larwill campus. He doesn’t want the school corporation to get stuck shuffling students between the school in Larwill and the athletic facilities in South Whitley.

Tucker said the updates will likely cost millions of dollars. Funding options include the petition and

knownst to us,” Rothgeb said. “We did not know we were involved.”

Now that the Chamber is aware, Rothgeb encouraged the Town Council to hold a meeting.

“There’s a lot of conversations going on behind the scenes,” Rothgeb said.

BRIDGETT HERNANDEZ

Drew Johnson, controller for Kyocera SGS Precision Tools, leads a group, including Consul-General of Japan, Naoki Ito, on a tour of the facility.

Commissioner George Schrumpf, state Sen. Andy Zay, state Rep. Chris Judy and Fort Wayne City Councilman Russ Jehl.

The visit began with a brief presentation on the company followed by a tour of the facility.

After the tour, Ito said that he was impressed by the company’s advanced manufacturing capabili-

ties and its growth since entering the orthopedic cutting tool market.

He said the visit gave him the opportunity to see how Japanese-owned companies are contributing to regional economies. It also gave him insight into how regional initiatives are influencing northeast Indiana’s investment climate, quality of life and labor

force.

Trust between companies and local communities is key for continued strong relationships, Ito said.

He added that building a culture of cooperation and collaboration between Japan and northeast Indiana is key for continuing a strong relationship and identifying opportunities for investment.

remonstrance process or referendum.

In the meantime, the plan is to house middle school students in mobile classrooms at the South Whitley campus.

Those in support of locating the consolidated school in Larwill, including Whitko parent Natalie Kyler, argued that the Larwill campus doesn’t need a new gymnasium or auditorium right away.

“The bottom line is we

have to cut costs, so let’s cut out the luxuries and use what we have. Our focus needs to be on our students. Their education is number one. Not if they have a new gym, not if they have an auditorium,” she said.

Co-president of the Pierceton Elementary School Parent Teacher Organization Laura Cassidy and others raised concerns about the safety and accessibility of

the mobile classrooms.

Cassidy said the Feb. 14 school shooting in Parkland, Fla., made her question of the safety of the modular structures.

“As I’ve watched the footage and the interviews of the Parkland, Fla. shootings, I realized how unsafe our kids would be in those mobile classrooms … At least in a building, we have brick walls to protect us,” she said.

Several individuals

raised the issue of ADA compliance at Whitko High School. According to Tucker, the school is ADA compliant to the time of its most recent renovation in 2006, as state law dictates.

“We’re operating in those buildings every day without any incidents,” he said.

School board members will meet again for a work session Feb. 26 where they will discuss next steps for consolidation.

“If we are supposed to be working together, we are not getting the information we need.”

The council was open to hosting a meeting.

“That’s a great idea,” said Councilman Mark Pepple.

Rothgeb said the

Chamber would like information on which buildings are open and available for new businesses, and also wants to brainstorm how to get more housing into Churubusco.

“There are people willing to give up ground to facilitate housing,” Rothgeb said. “The town

needs to be aware of these conversations, and we need to figure out how to work on these things together.”

The meeting will be open to the public.

Specific groups that may be invited include the Town Council, Chamber of Commerce, Whitley

County Economic Development Corp., Churubusco Main Street, school leaders and members of the political action committee in favor of voting “yes” in the referendum.

An official meeting date has not been set.

Pepple agreed to work with Rothgeb in coordinating the meeting, which Rothgeb urged needs to take place this month.

“Every month we delay progress is another month we’re delaying progress,” Rothgeb said. “We’re spinning our wheels separately when we need to be spinning them together.”

WHITKO from Page 1 members] made the correct decision,” he said.

“The decision is made.

Let’s give the decision our board made a chance.”

Kayla Schipper, a junior at Whitko High School, presented about 200 signatures of students who want to keep the high school in South Whitley until the campus in Larwill is ready to accommodate afterschool programs.

School board president Jorell Tucker said the deci-

LEADERS from Page 1 sive Plan that states the Chamber will play a role in town growth, however, Rothgeb said neither he nor other Chamber board members were aware the Chamber was part of the comprehensive plan.

“We are part of the comprehensive plan, unbe-

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Whitley County • March 1, 2018

Business owner arrested Contributed COLUMBIA CITY — A 56-year-old man from Columbia City was arrested Feb. 22 on multiple battery charges following a three-month Qureshi investigation by the Indiana State Police CrimPHOTO CONTRIBUTED

To celebrate the 100th day of school, which was Jan. 30, the first- and second-grade classes at Mary Raber Elementary School set a goal to collect 100 items to donate to the Humane Society of Whitley County. For one week, they collected items such as canned dog and cat food, dog and cat treats, hand sanitizer, paper towels and toilet paper. They exceeded their goal and collected a total of 146 items. Pictured are, front row, from left: Courtney Kincaid, Cooper Affolder, Sophie Morris, Echo Gamble and Jadence Ingram Middle row: Chase Schmitt and Camden Waybright.

Back row: Eathan Krider, Weston Reed, Elliana Stewart and Kambria Porter.

By Grayson Bradberry, Julian Herron The LTES Student News Group

Editor’s note: The following is the first in a series of articles written by the Little Turtle Student News Group.

COLUMBIA CITY — You might have noticed the new building being built while you are driving down State Road 9. That is the new high school Columbia City is building. Columbia City High School and Eagle Tech Academy are coming together in one building in August of 2020.

When ETA was being built, they couldn’t add on to the old high school because there wasn’t enough room.

ETA requires bigger rooms than the high school. When the new school opens, CCHS will be torn down. ETA is a newer school so it won’t be destroyed like the high school. ETA will be used to teach adults.

CCHS and ETA are going to be combined in the new high school for lots of reasons. One reason is that ETA students have to take some of their classes at the high school, and to do this they have to take a bus, drive or walk. If we combine the two schools it will be easier for the ETA students to take classes at the high school.

Also by combining the two schools it will open up a lot more opportunities for all of the students.

Patricia O’Connor, the superintendent, said the ETA and CCHS will be in separate wings of the school,

Albion hires first part-time chief

By Matt Getts

mgetts@kpcmedia.com

ALBION — The Albion Town Council hired the town’s first ever part-time fire chief Jan. 9 — a Churubusco native.

The council Amber voted 4-0 to go with the unanimous recommendation of its special hiring committee to hire Fort Wayne Fire Department Capt. Bob Amber to fill the post.

Amber, is being paid $23.21 per hour, with a maximum of 29 hours worked per week. That pay level equates to approximately $35,000 per year.

As a part-time employee, Amber will not be eligible for the town’s health insurance or retirement benefits.

The part-time fire chief’s salary has been set aside by the council from the public safety tax, which it has been collecting for more than a year now.

Amber, 50, is a 1986 graduate of Churubusco High School. He lives in Smith Township.

He will retain his full-time employment with the Fort Wayne Fire Department,

All

where he currently leads an eight-man crew at Station 15. He has been with the Fort Wayne department for 31 years. Amber has held a variety of positions with the Fort Wayne department, including serving as public information officer.

“He is a valued member,” Fort Wayne Fire Department Deputy Chief Adam O’Connor said Wednesday.

“He has always been exemplary in his service.”

Amber works a 24-hours on/48-hours off schedule.

He is a certified instructor and has certifications in hazardous materials and trench rescue.

Amber was a volunteer with the Smith Township Fire Department, and he’s eager to get started with Albion’s volunteer department.

“They’ve got a great work force,” Amber said. “They’re go-getters. And they’re doing it for nothing.”

The hiring committee that recommended Amber consisted of Councilman Max Weber, Councilwoman Chris Magnuson, Town Manager Stefen Wynn, current Brad Rollins and Assistant Chief John Urso.

The committee interviewed five candidates, asking the same questions of each. All of the committee members then scored the

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answers. Amber was the top choice unanimously, Weber and Magnuson said.

Amber’s administrative skill was a huge factor in the decision, Wynn said. The volunteer department had requested a part-time chief to fill administrative duties, as well as cover daytime weekday shifts when it it hardest to get quick responses.

Amber said he knows bringing in an outsider can make for a difficult transition.

“I understand that,” Amber said. “I know there are guys who aren’t happy.

I want them to give me a chance. I just want a chance to work with them.”

Amber isn’t a stranger to the area. His brother-in-law and sister-in-law own Albion Village Foods. His daughter, Taylor Amber, is a fourthgrade teacher at Wolf Lake Elementary School.

Amber has served as a non-paid assistant softball coach at Central Noble.

Being around Albion made him appreciate what the town has to offer.

“I fell in love with the town,” Amber said.

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victim contacted the Fort Wayne Post to lodge her criminal compliant.

The investigation was conducted by ISP Detective Matt Teusch. His report was forwarded to the Whitley County Prosecutor’s Office for review. The prosecutor charged Qureshi with three counts of battery, Class B misdemeanors.

He was booked in the Whitley County Jail and was released on bond.

Combining CCHS and ETA

What one week can collect

‘Exemplary’ Fort Wayne Fire Department captain picked

inal Investigation Division from the Fort Wayne Post.

A 56-year-old woman allegedly scheduled a massage with the owner of Goin’ Postal, Anees Qureshi, who allegedly told her he was a certified massage therapist, according to a state police statement.

During the victim’s visit Oct. 27, Qureshi, age 56, allegedly touched her in a sexually explicit manner three times. On Nov. 1, the

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although they will remain in the same building.

Mr. Hoag, the construction liaison, says that the new high school will be able to hold up to 1,200 students.

Combining the two schools will have its ups and downs. For example, one ETA student said, “If we combine we could lose the magic of ETA.” ETA is such a different way of learning that the students worry that they will lose their way of learning when the two schools are combined. ETA students are also used to the small school atmosphere at ETA, so it might be hard for them to adjust. It is kind of like that feeling when you are moving to a different house.

The students have mixed emotions about leaving their school. Even though they are worried about the two schools combining, ETA students like that they won’t have to get on the bus to go to other classes. ETA students also say it might also help stop the rivalry between the two schools.

CCHS students think that

one of the hard things about moving to the new high school will be losing the memories of CCHS. Right now they are two separate schools, but in two years they will become one. CCHS is an old school. The school floods and the power goes out, but there still are a lot of memories like a wall where students sign their names on. The students at the high school are sad that it will get destroyed because all the physical memories will be lost. CCHS students also think the new high school will be good because the new school won’t have floods and lose power frequently.

Columbia City is building the new high school for many reasons. One of those reasons is that the high school right now floods a lot and loses power frequently.

They are also building the new high school so the ETA students can get to the classes that they need to take at the high school easier.

Columbia City is building a new high school and it will open up a lot more opportunities.

PASSAGES ART EXHIBIT & SILENT AUCTION Thursday, March 8, 2018 5PM - 7PM Eagle Glen Event Center Featuring new creative works from Columbia City, IN the artists of Passages, Inc.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR MARCH 8TH! Passages, Inc. will be hosting its annual Art Exhibit and Silent Auction at the Eagle Glen Event Center. A wide variety of works will be featured from our Creative Arts Program. This event is free to attend and hors d’oeuvres will be served. Proceeds from this event will support the art program and the artists.

Please RSVP by March 2nd DETAILS to Tammy Nickolson at Thursday, March 8th, 2018 tnickolson@passageinc.org 5-7PM Eagle Glen Event Center or 260-244-9317 125 S. Eagle Glen Trail, Columbia City

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Beautiful Me Friday, March 16, 2018 @ 7:00 PM Saturday, March 17, 2018 @ 2:00 PM at The Peabody Public Library Auditorium located at 1160 IN-205, Columbia City, IN 46725 Admission is free; however, free will donations are greatly appreciated. All proceeds raised will go to the Passages Performing Arts Program.

P.O. Box 1005 Columbia City, IN 46725 260-244-7688 www.passages.org

A4 • INwhitleycounty.com

Whitley County • March 1, 2018

Fort Wayne man faces drug-related charges

By Bridgett Hernandez bhernandez@kpcmedia.com

A Fort Wayne man appeared in Whitley Circuit Court Feb. 19 for an initial hearing on five charges, including drug-related charges.

Dalton Anspach, 21, of Fort Wayne, appeared in custody, facing alle-

gations of possession of a narcotic drug, a level five felony; possession of a handgun with altered identifying marks, a level five felony; operating while intoxicated, a class A misdemeanor; OWI with a controlled substance, a class C misdemeanor; and

possession of paraphernalia.

Judge Matthew Rentschler appointed public defense attorney Anthony Churchward to represent Anspach, who will appear in court again March 19.

Benjamin Sheppard, 37, of Albion, entered

a guilty plea pursuant to a plea agreement. He faces charges of strangulation, a level 6 felony and could face up to a 2.5-year sentence. Judge Rentschler ordered a pre-sentence investigation, and Sheppard will appear in court again March 19 for formal

sentencing.

Brooke Thompson, 36, of Indianapolis, also entered a guilty plea pursuant to a plea agreement. She faces charges of theft, a level six felony, which would be reduced to a class A misdemeanor in accordance to the plea

agreement. Thompson will also appear in court again March 19 for formal sentencing.

Hearings for Blake Leazier, 30, of Columbia City; Travis Gram, 30, of Churubusco; and Justin Thompson, 32, of South Whitley, were moved to future dates.

WHITLEY COUNTY JAIL BOOKINGS KPC News Service The following people were booked into the Whitley County Jail: • Franklin Rivera, 19, of Pierceton, was arrested Feb. 16 by the Whitley County Sheriff’s Department, charged with possession of marijuana and possession of paraphernalia.

• James Solliday, 61, of Columbia City, was arrested Feb. 16 by the Whitley County Sheriff’s Department, charged with violation of suspended sentence and invasion of privacy.

• Ivan Gonzalez-Herrera, 20, of Warsaw, was arrested Feb. 17 by the Columbia City Police Department, charged with possession of mari-

juana.

• Andrew MezaMorris, 24, of Elkhart, was arrested Feb. 17 by the Indiana State Police, charged with OWI controlled substance, possession of marijuana and possession of paraphernalia.

• John Reed, 34, of Churubusco, was arrested Feb. 18 by the Churubusco Police Department, charged with possession of a controlled substance, driving while suspended prior and possession of paraphernalia.

• Scott Kreig, 43, of Columbia City, was arrested Feb. 19 by the Columbia City Police Department, charged with criminal recklessness, criminal mischief, leaving the scene of a

personal injury accident, OWI and OWI per se.

• Rhonda Wolfe, 50, of Columbia City, was arrested Feb. 19 by the Whitley County Sheriff’s Department, charged with possession of methamphetamine, manufacturing methamphetamine and maintaining a common nuisance.

• Devantae Bell, 23, of Detroit, was arrested Feb. 20 by the Columbia City Police Department, charged with false informing.

• Steven Slater, 64, of Columbia City, was arrested Feb. 20 by the Indiana State Police, charged with rape and sexual misconduct with a minor.

• Tristan Young, 35, of

Pierceton, was arrested Feb. 20 by the Whitley County Sheriff’s Department, charged with failure to appear.

• Darren Hargrett, 44, of Fort Wayne, was arrested Feb. 21 by the Whitley County Sheriff’s Department, charged with OWI controlled substance.

• Johnathon Ringler, 23, of Fremont, was arrested Feb. 21 by the Whitley County Sheriff’s Department, charged with failure to comply.

• Benjamin Jenkins, 34, of Fort Wayne, was arrested Feb. 21 by the Whitley County Sheriff’s Department, charged with resisting law enforcement.

• Steven Jenkins, 34, of Columbia City, was

arrested Feb. 21 by the Whitley County Sheriff’s Department, charged with false informing, resisting law enforcement, disorderly conduct, intimidation and assisting a criminal.

• Austin Reiff, 25, of South Whitley, was arrested Feb. 21 by the Whitley County Sheriff’s Department, charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of a narcotic drug, possession of hypodermic needles and possession of paraphernalia.

• Andre Filson, 26, of Jacksonville, Fla., was arrested Feb. 21 by the Whitley County Sheriff’s Department, charged with possession of marijuana and OWI controlled substance.

• Jason Paseka, 37, of Fort Wayne, was arrested Feb. 21 by the Whitley County Sheriff’s Department, charged with non-support.

• Jordan Andrews, 22, of Churubusco, was arrested Feb. 21 by the Whitley County Sheriff’s Department, charged with conversion.

• Kenneth Williams, 38, of Columbus, Ohio, was arrested Feb. 22 by the Columbia City Police Department, charged with possession of marijuana, OWI controlled substance and dealing cocaine or a narcotic.

• Anees Qureshi, 56, of Columbia City, was arrested Feb. 22 by the Whitley County Sheriff’s Department, charged with battery.

CCHS from Page 1 construction crews have been able to take advantage of milder winter days.

“As we’ve had some of those warmer days, we’ve been fortunate that the masons have been able to come back on site and continue some of that work,” he said.

In colder weather, the builders have shifted their attention to steel construction on the academic wing.

“Now that it’s cold, we’re focusing on the other end of the building, which is primarily steel construction. That can be done at any temperature, so we’ve shifted our focus to steel over the winter months,” Hoag said.

The high school’s exterior is anticipated to be complete by next winter so that work can begin on the building’s interior.

High school layout The new high school will have three sections.

The section furthest from S.R. 9 will house the gymnasium and athletics area.

The middle section will house the auditorium, cafeteria, administrative offices and fine arts classrooms. Superintendent Patricia O’Connor said the large commons will

BRIDGETT HERNANDEZ

Steel construction has begun to go up on the academic wing of the new Columbia City High School.

be a multipurpose area that will accommodate everything from student dining to overflow from the media center.

The building’s concept is to give each space more than one purpose so that every area is utilized.

“All of the spaces are very flexible and have multiple uses.

One of the things that we really wanted to do was provide as much flexibility everywhere because who knows what education will look like in 50 more years,” O’Connor said.

The section closest to S.R. 9 will house the two-story academic wing. O’Connor said the academic wing will be divided into an academy model that allows teachers to work closely with a group of

students.

“The idea is to provide more support for the kids and get to know the families better and set expectations together as a team to help the kids be more successful,” she said.

Eagle Tech Academy, which is currently housed in the former Marshal Middle School building, will be incorporated into the new building, but have a separate entrance and different learning spaces.

The program’s 400 students will be able to take elective classes in the other parts of the school. At this time, they take a shuttle between the academy and the high school.

“We wanted it to maintain its uniqueness and climate and culture

so it definitely is a separate school within a school,” O’Connor said.

She said that the building that currently houses the academy is in great shape so the plan is to repurpose it into an adult education center. Huntington University, Ivy Tech and the Whitley County Economic Development Corp. could use the center to provide job training, certification and associates degree programs.

Moving forward, the school corporation plans to seek annexation from the city for the school property and the new high school will remain “Columbia City High School,” O’Connor said.

Completion of the new high school is anticipated by the 20202021 school year.

Randy C. Mitchell, CEO/Publisher S. Rick Mitchell, CFO Terry G. Housholder, President

wc

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INwhitleycounty.com • A5

Whitley County • March 1, 2018

Become more aware of invasive species

ACE from Page 1 “He eats, sleeps and dreams this,” Johnson said. “He’s just that into it and really loves it. They have a similar personality.”

South is outgoing and always looking for new avenues to keep the business up with the times, such as utilizing social media. Though South doesn’t have the Teighmeier blood, he carries the same passion.

“It takes a creative, young mind,” Johnson said. “Dad was creative in his way, in his time period — Jonathan is being creative in ours.”

Ace Hardware has many other employees who have made the business what it is today — employees with decades of experience.

“Our employees are who have built this business,” Johnson said. “We are like family.”

Jim Teighmeier joined Ace corporate in 1966 and, by 1988, Ace outgrew its downtown location, prompting him to construct the building on Diplomat Drive.

That building was half the size it is now.

Ace once again outgrew its space, and in 2004 the north portion of the building was added.

“Now, there’s days we think we need more,” Johnson said.

Johnson is appreciative of the store’s loyal customers through the years.

“When dad passed, we were all scared,” Johnson said. “He was a big guy in this community. Between our loyal customers and awesome employees, it just kept going.”

Johnson’s sons are currently employed at General Motors but may someday return to the store to make the fourth generation of Teghtmeier relatives to lead an Ace Hardware.

Jim’s brother, Larry Teghtmeier, owns several Ace Hardware’s of his own, including those in Syracuse, Auburn and Culver.

Jim served many roles in the Whitley County community.

He was elected mayor of Columbia City in 1991 and began several programs, including the City Scene Newspaper, Columbia City Housing Authority, Columbia City Redevelopment Commission, Sidewalk Repair Project, Columbia City Tree Board, River Greenway and Downtown Street Scape.

He also served as a city councilman for 16 years and was president of the Mayor’s Round Table, and was a member and president of the Columbia City Chamber of Commerce.

Teghtmeyer had three daughters, Alicia, Lorelei and Nickey. He passed away in March 1999.

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Jim Teghtmeyer enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, including Austin, pictured, at his hardware store.

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Rita Hatfield is one of Teghtmeyer Ace Hardware’s longest-tenured employees at 39 years.

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Store manager Jonathan South and owner Alicia Johnson pose for a photo with Jean Helm, who Johnson calls her “right-hand woman” at the store.

They are standing next to a piece that was used to organize hardware pieces at the hardware store when it was located in downtown Columbia City.

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Jim Teghtmeyer was a well-known community figure in Whitley County, owning Teghtmeyer Ace Hardware and severing many roles including mayor of Columbia City.

Invasive Species Awareness Week is Feb. 26 – March 2. You may be thinking, “Okay, why should I care?”

Let me JOHN E. offer you WOODMANSEE a few things to think about.

Invasive insects, plants and other organisms are challenging our natural areas by out-competing or decimating native populations. This impacts native plants, insects, birds, fish and wildlife. The issue is very important to woodland owners, hikers, boaters, anglers, hunters, gardeners, conservationists and many others.

Invasive species can spoil native habitats and the enjoyment of natural areas in many ways.

Control efforts are very difficult and very expensive.

It’s important to note that not all non-native species are bad – some behave themselves just fine in our environment.

For species that don’t behave, local residents can report invasive species by calling the Invasive Species hotline at (866) NO-EXOTIC (663-9684) or using the free Great Lakes Early Detection Network smartphone app, which can be downloaded on iTunes or GooglePlay.

Purdue has put together a YouTube video to demonstrate how easily the app can be used to alert authorities youtube. com/watch?v=eFvaweR4cSw. Some invasive insects that have been recent nuisances include emerald ash borer, spotted wing drosophila and brown marmorated stink bug. Many homeowners are beginning to deal with these new stink bugs in homes, much like we did with Asian lady beetles a decade or more ago. Talk to a woodland owner about what their ash trees look like now, after emerald ash borer, and the timber value they have lost. An insect on our radar that hasn’t arrived yet is the spotted lanternfly. It is currently affecting areas in southeastern Pennsylvania, and we in Indiana hope their quarantine and control efforts are

successful.

In addition to insect pests of the invasive nature, we also have plants and other organisms that are not behaving themselves.

As an example, our wonderful state parks are struggling with invasive plants that begin to dominate certain areas.

Some examples of these “bad actors” include callery pear, Asian bush honeysuckle, multiflora rose and autumn olive.

Take some time this spring to go into a local woods or a state park just before most trees have leafed out. You may notice that there are smaller trees, shrubs or vine species in the understory that are fully green already. Some of these may be invasive species. One competitive advantage of many of these species is that they leaf out before most native trees, and they stay green later in the fall after most trees have lost their leaves. Their dense growth inhibits natural regeneration of desirable native tree species.

An invasive herbaceous plant you might find growing in woodlands, yards or roadsides is garlic mustard. Each of these plants can produce up to 3,000 seeds, and the seeds can remain viable for at least 7 years, and up to about 10 years.

For lakes, problems have resulted from people dumping their aquarium tanks with fish and live plants into the lake, people transferring plant fragments from infested lakes to non-infested lakes on boats, or by other methods.

One recent example is the extensive effort and cost needed to control hydrilla, an introduced invasive plant species, in Lake Manitou, Rochester.

Additionally, more and more homeowners are reconsidering the plants in their own home landscape and favoring native plants (or at least better-behaved plants). Some common landscape

plants have moved via birds, animals or other means into natural environments and have become a problem.

Examples include burning bush, Euonymus alatus, English ivy, Hedera helix, and Privit, Ligustrum vulgare.

In Indiana, efforts among various cooperating agencies are underway to develop a Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area in each of Indiana’s 92 counties.

CISMAs undertake educational/awareness events with the public, organize workdays with groups to manage invasive plants, promote early detection and similar efforts.

To my knowledge, Northeast Indiana does not currently have a CISMA. Various groups have identified and listed invasive species that threaten local ecosystems. Among these groups are: • Indiana Department of Natural Resources: in.gov/dnr/3123.htm.

• Indiana Cooperative Agricultural Pest Survey Committee (Purdue and partner organizations): extension.entm.purdue. edu/CAPS/index.html.

• Indiana Native Plant and Wildflower Society: inpaws.org.

• Midwest Invasive Plant Network: mipn. org.

For more information on invasive plant species in forest habitats, access the Purdue publication FNR-230-W, Invasive Plant Species in Hardwood Tree Plantations, at Purdue’s Education Store, mdc.itap.purdue. edu. Additionally, learn more about national efforts during invasive species awareness week at nisaw.org.

I encourage you to become more aware of invasive species, and identify steps you can take to minimize their impact in our environment.

— John Woodmansee is an extension educator in Whitley and Noble counties.

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A6 • INwhitleycounty.com

OPINION

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR In response to Mr. Parker Dear editor, In response to Andrew Parker’s letter, some of his views need to be clarified.

The idea that no one who is on the SGCS payroll should be allowed to vote is illegal and undemocratic.

Also, the idea that the majority rules — even by one vote — is not “plundering” but that is the rule of a democracy. For the presidential election, remember, we are a republic, not a pure democracy.

The idea that our high school could be closed is a reality. Look at some of the actions of our state legislature recently.

The 50 percent increase in property tax wasn’t suggested by any of the school board’s proposals. The history of the United States has been that education is the backbone and responsibility of the state and local governments. Of course, parents may choose to home school or to send their children to private or religious schools.

The current debt was incurred for various purposes.

The larger debt was to provide an elementary lunch room and to replace the seating in the auditorium. A smaller debt was to renovate the restrooms that were over 50 years old. The other loan was to improve technology.

The interest of $1 million is for the 15-plus years.

The school board has cut costs over the last few years.

Parts of our building and the Columbia City High School building are almost the same age. Would you like to be building a new school?

The 174 students who attend our school and come from other districts do bring state funds for us, not their home districts. True, they do not give us building funds, but the increased number of students helps to give our students more possible offerings. Take time to examine how complex school funding

and educational regulations are.

Is our school perfect? No! I taught at CHS for 41 years and am proud of the accomplishments of the majority of our graduates. To lose our high school would be a major blow to our community.

The three schools I attended lost their schools and the towns have suffered. I am not convinced that “bigger is always better.”

When the election comes — vote! The future is in our hands.

Harold Norman Churubusco

Public interest vs. self interest Dear editor, Should the local taxpayers aid the Smith Green School Corp. financially? A referendum to do so will appear on the next election’s ballot. It is indisputable, if passed, it will have an adverse economic effect on large property owners.

Consequently, some will try to frame the issue as a division between the “haves and the have-nots.” Rather, I submit it is an age-old clash within democracies between advancing the public interest or individual interest.

At the Bicentennial Observance of the Battle of Yorktown in 1981, newly elected President Ronald Reagan reminded the people gathered that our founding fathers devised a federation of sovereign states with as much decision-making authority kept at a local level as possible.

If the public refuses to assist SGCS, the schools will, sooner or later, be absorbed by another school system and local control will be lost. A decade ago, the possible of a merger between Smith-Green and Central Noble was being discussed. In addition, during his second term, Gov. Mitch Daniels began promoting school consolidation. It was soon dropped.

Perhaps a funding change is a way of getting school consolidation through the back door when it could not make it through the front door.

It was reported in the Churubusco News Jan. 24 that SGCS had attracted over 100 students from other school districts, adding $970,000 to its revenue.

Likewise, the local school system, in the past, has won an award on numerous occasions from the Chamber of Commerce. Clearly, SGCS must be doing something right.

In closing, the ancient Greeks who created the first democratic political system, believed mankind was capable of self-governance.

This, of course, required on occasion advancing the public interest over narrow self-interest. A vote of “yes” on the aforementioned referendum would affirm the ancient Greeks’ belief in democracy.

Gary Smith Churubusco

Smith-Green Community School referendum Dear editor, All public schools in Indiana are funded from two sources. The first source is the local school property tax levy, which pays for debt service (bonds) for necessary building maintenance, transportation, bus replacement and other non-teaching related expenses. The second source of income is from the state in the form of a tuition paid to the schools per pupil. The fund is to pay for all salaries, benefits and other costs associated with teaching and managing the school.

There is strong opinion opposing the need for an increase in the local property tax as requested, suggesting a lot of debt has been incurred due to poor management decisions. Do not confuse

opinion with fact. It has been pointed out that the school has $8 million in bond debt and is paying over $1 million in interest. True, but the debt and interest, much like the debt and interest on a new home, care or other large purchase, is all payable over time and is a manageable obligation paid for by the local school levy. The final payment on the current debt is due in 2028.

By comparison, the debt for the 16 school districts of similar size in the six surrounding counties averages $18,891,428. This does not include Whitley County Consolidated Schools whose debt is over $127 million due to new construction. All Allen County schools are excluded because they are much larger and so is their debt.

The real reason SGCS needs to have the referendum approved is because the funding from the state that is supposed to pay all of the expenses the tax levy does not cover, has decreased.

This, coupled with a drop in enrollment is creating the shortfall the school is now experiencing.

In the 2009-10 school year, the state funding per pupil at SGCS was $6,853. The 2017-18 rate per pupil is $5,966.

This represents a loss of $1,048,434 per year at the current enrollment level.

This rate will not support the current staff and curriculum at SGCS. The only recourse the state allows is a referendum to raise the local property tax to make up for the shortfall. All small schools in Indiana are at a disadvantage and must adapt to survive. Growth is the answer. Approval of the referendum is necessary to allow SGCS and our community time to take the actions required to achieve that growth and resolve these issues. Working together, it can be done.

Pat McGuire Churubusco

Whitley County • March 1, 2018

Churubusco moving in the right direction Several Churubusco town leaders are taking great strides in moving the town forward following the Smith-Green School Board’s decision to put a referendum on the primary election ballot this year.

Churubusco Chamber of Commerce President Kevin Rothgeb approached the Town Council last week, requesting a town hall meeting for all entities to get on the same page in moving the town forward.

Simply approving the referendum is not going to solve all of the school district’s problems. The district, and the town as a whole, needs more development and more people.

Bringing more development to Churubusco will raise the town’s overall assessed value and provide more funds to the schools and government alike. Additionally, new development, especially housing, means more families and more

Our view

students at the schools — even more funding.

Churubusco is at a turning point, and town leaders can choose to either push forward for positive change, or continue down the current path.

Efforts of residents like Rothgeb are a great starting point. It’s efforts like this that will keep small towns alive. All entities should come together and brainstorm for growth.

Churubusco is in an excellent location, near the amenities of Fort Wayne but still maintaining the smalltown, close-knit atmosphere — surely it is appealing if town leaders figure how to market the community.

CHEERS, JEERS & WHATABOUTS To submit to this column email the editor at nminier@kpcmedia.com.

THANK YOU, it was an honor and a privilege to say “thank you” to the over 160 adult 4-H volunteers that lead a club, serve on a board or committee for our 4-H youth program here in Whitley County. Without all of these folks our 4-H program wouldn’t exist. This is why it was an honor to host our “4-H Volunteer Appreciation Dinner” on Jan. 28. We would like to say “thank you” to our main sponsors of the evening,

Schrader Real Estate and Auction and Whitley County 4-H Junior Leaders. We would also like to thank Scott Frazier for providing the music for the evening. 4-H is the largest youth-serving organization in the United States. We know that our 4-H program right here in Whitley County wouldn’t be possible without our great 4-H volunteers.

— Todd Geiger, Whitley County 4-H youth educator

The coming costs of unfettered rights and security After the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks that killed more than 3,000 Americans, the United States responded with an array of BRIAN security HOWEY upgrades that we all endure today.

We walk through metal detectors at airports and government buildings, have our

bags (and even shoes) scanned before flights.

There are stanchion barriers at gates to stop car bombers.

In 2011, the National Priorities Project estimated the costs of these security upgrades for defense and homeland security at $7.6 trillion.

The homeland security cost an estimated $636 billion, footed, of course,

by U.S. taxpayers.

As I wrote last week, in 2018 we are enduring a spate of school atrocities. I cited a figure of 18 incidents from the Everytown organization,

that included any gun incident on or adjacent to a school campus. Out of that number we’ve had five resulting in injury or death. In the wake of the Douglas High School massacre in which 14 students and three teachers were murdered, we are witnessing an array of responses.

In Indiana, we’ve watched 20 students arrested in Griffith, Rushville, Kokomo, Columbus, Loogootee, Evansville, Bloomington, Muncie and Carmel for making

violent threats aimed a school, mostly through social media portals such as Facebook and Snapchat. The Indiana General Assembly is advancing bills on background check requirements, waiving lifetime handgun permit carry fees, and loosening restrictions for carrying guns into schools attached to churches.

We’ve watched a number of our churches conduct drills to confront shooters.

At the White House on Wednesday, President Trump and Vice

President Pence listened to victims and parents from Columbine and Douglas high schools, and Sandy Hook Elementary School as a jittery nation watched on live cable. Andrew Pollack’s 18-year-old daughter Meadow was murdered at Douglas.

“We protect airports.

We protect concerts, stadiums, embassies, the Department of Education that I walked in today that has a security guard in the elevator,” Pollack said. “How do you think that makes me feel? In the elevator, they got

a security guard. 9/11 happened once, and they fixed everything. How many schools, how many children have to get shot?”

President Trump is now considering banning bump stocks (used to efficiently kill 58 in Las Vegas and wound more than 200), arming teachers, and bringing in armed military veterans into schools. “Certainly it’s controversial, but we’ll study that, along with many other ideas,” Trump said. He’s also suggested investing in See HOWEY, Page 9

INwhitleycounty.com • A7

Whitley County • March 1, 2018

A winter performance Columbia City High School’s winter guard presented “The Sun Will Rise” at Carroll High School’s Winter Guard Show on Feb. 10. Columbia City competed in Divisional Regional A, earning a silver award.

PHOTOS BY GARTH SNOW

Students welcome to join writing contest, workshop KPC News Service COLUMBIA CITY — High school-aged students can participate in a workshop to prep their skills for college and beyond, thanks to a program by the Whitley County Writers Group.

The Whitley County Young Writer’s Workshop and Story Award will include six to eight students from local high schools or home schools.

Students will be selected to sit at the workshop table to discuss and critique each others’ work.

The workshop will be 2-4:30 p.m. May 26 at the Peabody Public Library.

Students interested in having their work read, critiqued and possibly awarded may submit completed stories with a minimum of 2,000 words and a maximum of 5,000 words to the Youth Services Desk at the library, March 1-31.

There is no fee to enter.

Only one submission is allowed per student.

Chapters that can stand on their own as short stories will be accepted.

Submissions should be typed on plain white paper using 12-point Times New Roman font.

Winners will be announced at the workshop. First place is $25; second place is $15 and third place is $10. All entries will be critiqued by members of the Whitley County Writers Group.

The Whitley County Writers Group has met

for 15 years to encourage and help each other improve their writing.

Members of the group have been published in Guideposts, Confluence Literacy Magazine and an anthology titled “Undeniable Indiana.” Members have also won awards for short stories and poetry.

The group is holding this workshop to share the love of writing and expertise with young writers by recognizing and rewarding students’ skills.

The workshop will introduce the writers to similar

peer review that students encounter in college writing classes.

Students chosen to participate in the workshop will be notified of

their acceptance by May. Students will receive a packet containing all stores and advice on considerations when commenting on the

writing. Each attendee will be expected to read all stories before the workshop in order to actively join in the discussion of each piece.

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A8 • INwhitleycounty.com

Whitley County • March 1, 2018

YESTERDAY 1 year ago Churubusco Jr./Sr. High School was host to 70 “Destination Imagination” teams for the northern region contest.

The town of Churubusco and Smith-Green Community Schools renewed a contract to continue the School Resource Officer program. Chad Fulkerson had been the SRO at Smith-Green off and on for several years.

Passages Inc. members went to the Statehouse, where they met State Rep. Chris Judy and Lieutenant Gov. Suzanne Crouch.

The Whitley County Chamber of Commerce planned to unveil a space dedicated to highlighting the

creative works of artists in the community.

5 years ago Kari Shively was hired as deputy clerk in the Churubusco Utilities department.

Three Whitley County high school seniors were honored at the DAR “Good Citizens Recognition Tea,” including Tiffany Schuman from Whitko, Chandler Brown from Churubusco and Haley Boner from Columbia City.

The intensive needs life skills class at Churubusco Jr./Sr. High School took on a fundraising and job skills project involving a pencil/ paper vending machine that was previously used, but had been setting empty for several

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years. Teacher Melissa Brenneke asked art teacher Shanna Fleetwood and the Art Club to jazz up the “boring” machine, so the Art Club sketched and doodled several popular logos and cartoon characters on the machine.

A benefit at the Churubusco American Legion was planned for Team Blake and Cole Van Houten, who would participate in the MDA Muscle Walk.

They both had Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

10 years ago Officials from the Indiana Department of Homeland Security and Federal Emergency Management Agency announced that disaster assistance was made available for Whitley County to help residents recover from the effects of severe flooding beginning Jan. 7.

Michelle Myers won the logo contest and her work would be featured in on T-shirts for the Churubusco Youth League.

A class on “internet and e-mail” was offered for $40 at the Whitley County Extension Office.

Franklin and Lenora Geiger celebrated 67 years of marriage. They were married Feb. 27, 1941. They are the parents of Joan Young, Janice Parquet and John Geiger.

15 years ago Department of Natural Resources nursery inspector Gary Moughler addressed a crowd of 25 people and gave information on the gypsy moth infestation in Churubusco at a

FILE PHOTO

The children of Churubusco Elementary School set up a valentine post office to handle their Valentine’s Day greetings 50 years ago. Above, Ken Zolman, left, and Deena Boggs are mailing their valentines. The “postal clerks” were Nina Kistler and Don LaRue. The children learned how to write addresses in the project, and the valentines were sorted and delivered to the correct parties just as in an actual postal experience.

public meeting. The infestation was most prevalent at the town park.

Monte and Peggy Diffendarfer celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary with a week-long vacation in Las Vegas.

Churubusco’s football team was placed in a new sectional which included Heritage, Manchester, Wabash, Cass, Harding, Rochester and Woodlan. Head coach Lee Etzler’s father, Leland Etzler, was the longtime coach of Woodlan.

25 years ago Regional winners of the Churubusco Elementary School Science Fair were Alayne Engle, Jonathon Engle, Ryan Baughman and Beca Brown.

Hugh Fowler, who lived in rural Columbia City, spent countless hours, using his own time and money, to help people find lost family members.

Some were siblings who were separated and adopted at a young age, some were birth mothers who gave up their children for adoption and some were adoption children, looking for their birth parents.

Fowler was a teacher for many years, but after having surgery in 1989, he was forced to quit work — which resulted in his hobby.

Senior members of the Churubusco boys and girls varsity basketball teams were honored. Seniors were Carter Jones, Zach Miller, Zach Hesting, Steve Heaston, Bert McLaughlin, Dough Shearer,

Andy Hoffman, Kelly Draper, Leah Heaston, Lisa Ott, Tracie Tinney and Michelle Zolman.

50 years ago South Whitley’s Bulldogs boys basketball team won a close game over Churubusco in sectional play, 69-65. Columbia City lost to Manchester in the same sectional, 50-44.

Amber Chevrolet’s basketball squad made it to the 30-win mark after beating Ligonier 135-88. Leading scorers were John Gres with 28 points, Rick Krider with 26 and Rod Owen with 19. The win put Amber at 30-4 with three games remaining on the schedule.

The Whitley County Horse Club planned a public skating party at Happy Valley Rink in Columbia City.

Sherry Fulk and Charlene Geiger were among district winners who modeled garments in the “Make-It-Yourself-With-Wool” fashion show, which was a special feature of the Farm Bureau Women’s Conference in Indianapolis.

Among area taverns suspended for illegal liquor sales were the Green Parrott Tavern in South Whitley, for 15 days, and two bartenders there, for sales to a minor. The Pioneer Inn in Arcola was also suspended for 15 days for sales to a minor.

Aumsbaugh Furniture advertised a sale, including a queen mattress for $49.45, Hoover sweepers for $36.95 and two-piece Mr. and Mrs. Chairs for $149.95.

Looking for a job?

Looking to hire?

Wednesday, March 28, 3 - 7 PM Peabody Public Library, Columbia City Recruiters: Reserve your booth today and find the local talent you’ve been searching for!

Great packages available including Job Fair booth, print/online advertising, and recruitment videos.

Reach a large audience and find the quality employees you need.

Call 260/426-2640 x 3324 or email events@kpcmedia.com.

INwhitleycounty.com • A9

Whitley County • March 1, 2018

Michiana fruit vegetable and flower growers meeting Contributed GOSHEN — Produce growers in northern Indiana and southern Michigan can learn to make their operations more profitable and productive March 8 at the third annual Michiana Vegetable and Fruit Growers Meeting.

The daylong event is hosted by the Purdue Extension and Michigan State Extension Services. It runs 8 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Elkhart County 4-H Fairgrounds, 17746 County Road 34, Goshen.

The meeting will feature several educational sessions in the morning followed by breakout sessions in the afternoon. There will also be a trade show for attendees to visit during registration and breaks.

Regional growers should try to attend because this is a unique opportunity to gain reliable information from university experts to

make the operation back home more productive and profitable.

Topics and presenters in the morning sessions are: • “Sign Up for DriftWatch ” – John Woodmansee, Purdue Extension-Whitley County educator.

• “Insect Management in Fruits and Vegetables” and “Controlling Insect Pests While Protecting Your Pollinators” – Rick Foster, Purdue professor of Entomology and Extension vegetable and fruit crop coordinator.

• “Phytophthora Treatment and Prevention” – Dan Egel, Purdue Regional IPM Specialist in Plant Pathology • “Challenges in 2017, Looking Forward to 2018 Small Fruit Production” – Bruce Bordelon, Purdue Small Fruit Specialist Attendees can choose one of three breakout sessions to

attend in the afternoon.

A greenhouse plant production session will feature speakers on insect control, plug and transplant basics, using LED lighting indoors and growing leafy greens.

A second session will visit a local blackberry and grape farm, where Bruce Bordelon will lead a hands on pruning workshop.

Be sure to dress for the weather.

The third track in the afternoon will focus on sweet corn and will be led

by Ron Goldy, Michigan State Extension vegetable educator in southwest Michigan.

The registration fee is $30 includes lunch. Additional participants from the same organization pay $15 per person. Registration deadline is March 3. Visit goo.gl/KTWfgB for the full agenda and registration forms.

Purdue Extension educational series explores land stewardship Contributed WEST LAFAYETTE — Purdue Extension is offering a nine-week series of educational programs focusing on land stewardship for small-acre farms.

“Living on the Land: Stewardship for Small Acreages” will run 6:30-9 p.m. Mondays, March 19-May 14, at Bridgeway Church, 210 Brian’s Place, Kendallville.

The series is designed for new farmers or anyone considering small-acreage farming. Presenters include Purdue Extension educators and specialists, as well as agricultural industry professionals. Topics are: • Assessing you physical and personal resources and developing farm goals; • Understanding the importance of soil types

and how to care for them; • Exploring the differences between conventional, organic and sustainable farming systems; • Understanding the basics of selecting, operating, and maintaining farm equipment; • Learning how crops grow and how to control crop pests; • Knowing what it takes to choose the right crop enterprises to fit your small farm; • Exploring ways livestock can work for your farm; and • Discovering the basics of livestock care and health.

The series concludes with a tour of a local small farm.

Cost is $75 per person, or $100 per couple for the same farm. The regis-

tration deadline is March 12. Access a flyer and registration form at extension.purdue.edu/whitley/ pages/article.aspx?intItemID=28106.

For more information, contact Steve Engleking, Purdue-Extension LaGrange County educator at 499-6334 or sengleking@ purdue.edu; Elysia Rodgers, Purdue-Extension-DeKalb County educator, 925-2562 or eberry@purdue. edu; John Woodmansee, Purdue-Extension-Whitley County educator, 244-7615 or jwoodman@purdue. edu; Doug Keenan, Purdue Extension-Noble County educator, 636-2111 or keenand@purdue.edu; or Crystal Van Pelt, Purdue Extension-Steuben County educator, 668-1000 or cvanpelt@purdue.edu.

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HOWEY from Page 6 mental health screening and services with a price tag measured in the billions. And he wants to “harden” school security systems.

U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio appeared at a CNN town hall that night and suggested Americans need to rethink their positions on gun reform, just as Florida Gov. Rick Scott has said that “everything is on the table.”

Both Scott and Rubio are longtime NRA supporters. Rubio is now open to restricting the size of ammunition magazines, raising the age limit to buy rifles, and create gun violence restraining orders.

Rubio, like many of the teachers I know, is against arming educators in schools.

America has evolved significantly in other areas of safety to reduce mayhem and costs. Since I was a kid the U.S. government has placed restrictions on the sale and use of tobacco, mandated the installation and use of seat belts, lowered blood alcohol levels on drivers, toughened DUI penalties, placed protective guards on lawn mowers, and health warning labels on our beer cans.

But when it comes to the Second Amendment,

the prevailing governing notion is that it should not be restricted. And when we did restrict the 2nd Amendment with the assault weapons ban of 1993 (the Brady Bill) with former President Reagan playing a key role in its passage, that was later rescinded.

As Sept. 11 changed the America we knew, this wave of school atrocities will change us even further. And it is going to create a clash of priorities. Unfettered Second Amendment rights are going to collide with another mantra of our predominant governing mode, which is low taxes.

We now watch frightened parents call for “hardened entries” for schools. This includes steel reinforced entries, vestibules and sally ports, the use of acrylic and polycarbonate bulletproof glass systems for ground level floors, entryway metal detectors that range from $3,000 to $40,000 each.

Many of these changes will come to voters via Indiana’s referendum process.

The Michigan firm Total Security Solutions notes on its website, “The reality of the education system is one where funding and budgets are getting cut.

A lot of times, when we speak with a school administrator or an architect working on school building renovations, we discover the original scope of the project is unrealistic.

Of course, this is driven by the fierce desire to protect children and give them a safe place to learn, but to do a job as scoped initially, schools would have to pay about $1 million.” It recommends fortified entry points.

My solution is classic asset management of a given community. Have schools create office space for local police and sheriff deputies to do end-of-shift paperwork. Stagger police shifts to create less predictable arrivals.

Have patrol officers “adopt” a school and make a point of making a presence at different times of the day.

Freedom isn’t cheap.

It comes with costs.

Taxpayers are ultimately going to have to decide how much they want to foot and how safe they want to keep their children.

— Brian Howey is publisher of Howey Politics Indiana at www. howeypolitics.com. Find him on Facebook and Twitter @hwypol.

Class of 2018

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SPORTS

A10 • INwhitleycounty.com

Whitley County • March 1, 2018

Columbia City downs Concordia

By Nicole Minier nminier@kpcmedia.com

COLUMBIA CITY — Columbia City’s boys basketball team took flight after a slow start to beat a strong Concordia team last Tuesday, 51-48.

The Eagles didn’t score any field goals until the final 42 seconds of the first quarter; however, the team went 6 for 6 from the freethrow line to only trail 9-8 at the end of the quarter.

Columbia City sophomore Mitchell Wilson got hot in the second quarter, opening the Eagles’ first possession with a 3-pointer and going on to score nine points in the stanza.

He wasn’t alone in his effort, as the team scored 17 points overall in the second quarter, but still trailed 29-25 going into halftime.

Columbia City made up it’s four-point deficit in the third quarter, outscoring Concordia 13-9 to tie the game at 38 going into the final frame.

Wilson opened the fourth quarter on fire once again, scoring back-toback traditional 3-point plays. Each time, Wilson was answered by baskets from Concordia’s Adam Gottschalk, and with five minutes to play, the game was tied at 46.

Despite back-to-back turnovers by the Eagles on the offensive end, the defense held Concordia scoreless for nearly four minutes.

Senior Trent Simmons gave the Eagles the lead after drawing a foul on an offensive rebound and making the first of his two free throws.

Two Concordia players fouled out, and the Eagles drew two more fouls on the Cadets, with Max Bedwell and Ethan

PHOTOS BY NICOLE MINIER

Melanie Bechtold was animated as she joined the Columbia City pep band by playing the cowbells.

Brian Anspach, Whitley County Consolidated Schools school resource officer, takes a shot during the halftime shooting contest of the Eagles’ last home game.

Michael Sievers and Ethan Christen defend a Concordia player last week in the Eagles’ last regular-season game.

Columbia City head coach Brett Eberly looks during the first half.

Students in the Eagles Nest student section have fun during a break in the game.

Young Eagles fans get high-fives from their favorite players after Columbia City beat Concordia.

Dillon Sheiss gets some words of advice from assistant coach Ethan Marsh.

Christen knocking down all four free throws to seal the win, 51-48.

The Eagles scored 17 of 20 shots from the charity stripe, led by Wilson who was 10 for 11. Wilson finished the game with 25 points, followed by Simmons with seven, Roehling with six and Christen with five.

Columbia City 52, Northridge 47 The Eagles downed Northridge Feb. 17, led by another high-scoring performance by Wilson.

Wilson scored 24 points.

The Eagles trailed 10-9 at the end of the first quarter, but pulled ahead by halftime, 25-22, after six Columbia City players put points on the board in the second quarter.

Wilson was the Eagles’ lone scorer in the third

Columbia City seniors Ethan Christen and Garrett Roehling, right, embrace head coach Brett Eberly on senior night.

quarter with eight, while Northridge only scored seven points, making the score 33-29 going into the fourth quarter.

Wilson scored another nine points in the fourth, along with a 3-pointer

by Roehling, a bucket

by Cam Scott and free throws from Michael Sievers and Max Bedwell.

Columbia City 57, Manchester 52 COLUMBIA CITY — The Eagles jumped out to a strong start against Manchester, leading 19-5 at the end of the first quarter.

The Squires’ offense

Max Bedwell, left, and Mitchell Wilson celebrate in the final seconds of the game against Concordia.

caught fire in the second quarter, scoring 21 points to Columbia City’s 17 to cut the Eagles’ lead to 36-26 at halftime.

The teams played an evenly matched third

Columbia City varsity cheerleaders cheer for the Eagles in their last home game of the season.

quarter, scoring seven points apiece.

Manchester outscored Columbia City in the fourth quarter, but the Eagles held on for the

57-52 win.

Wilson led the team with 28 points, followed

by Sievers with eight and Roehling with seven points.

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Submit your sports stories or photos to Nicole Minier at nminier@kpcmedia.com

SPORTS

Whitley County • March 1, 2018

’Busco boys dominate over Railroaders

By Nicole Minier nminier@kpcmedia.com

CHURUBUSCO — Churubusco’s boys basketball ran away with the game against Garrett Feb. 20, scoring 44 points in the second half to win 65-43.

Garrett opened the game scoring seven points in the opening minutes and hitting six of their first nine shots, leaving Churubusco with a 13-11 deficit at the end of the first quarter.

The Railroaders’ lead was short-lived, however, as Churubusco’s defense shutdown Garrett in the second quarter, only allowing three points, while the offense scored 11 to take a 21-16 halftime lead.

The Eagles continued to dominate in the third quarter, with Brayton Bonar scoring nine of his game-high 25 points and Jackson Paul adding 10 of his 16 points.

Going into the fourth quarter, the Eagles held a 44-32 advantage.

Bonar and Paul scored 15 of the Eagles’ 21 fourth-quarter points, and Churubusco led by as many as 26 points en route to the 65-43 victory.

The Paul/Bonar duo proved effective for the Eagles, as many of Bonar’s points came off assists from Paul. Paul didn’t have any points in the first two quarters and after a pep talk, he changed his focus.

“He was disappointed that he couldn’t get any of his shots to fall — we told him to do something else,” Coach Paul said.

And that he did, as Paul led the team with 12 assists after relentlessly driving into the paint. For the second game in

NICOLE MINIER

Churubusco’s Brayton Bonar smacks the ball away from Garrett’s Kobe Lucarelli in the second half.

a row, Bonar pulled down 10 rebounds.

“When Bonar gets on the glass and Jackson is aggressive in the paint — it changes the game,” Paul said.

Another key contributor for the Eagles was Garrett Horn, who wasn’t a statistical leader, but a team leader.

“The energy Garrett Horn brings is contagious — it doesn’t always show on the box score,” Paul said.

After starting the season 0-6, the young Eagle team finished the season with an even, 11-11 record.

“I’m not sure there’s another team in the state that could be as inexperienced as this group, start 0-6, and put themselves in a position to go to 0.500. A lot of teams could have folded, and they just kept grinding,” Paul said.

Garrett was led in scoring

by Dillon McCann with 15 points, followed by Korbyn Yarian with 54.

Along with Bonar’s 25 and Paul’s 16 points, Zane Burke scored 15 for the Eagles.

INwhitleycounty.com • A11

’Busco tops Blazers in sectional preview

By Jeff Jones

jjones@kpcmedia.com

BUTLER — Consider last Friday’s Eastside-Churubusco game a dress rehearsal.

The two teams met again in the Class 2A South Adams Sectional, after the Eagles won last week’s sectional preview by a 55-45 score.

Churubusco finished the regular-season at 11-11.

Eastside heads into the sectional at 10-12.

Churubusco got 17 points from freshman Zane Burke, 15 from freshman Jackson Paul and 12 from junior Brayton Bonar.

Seniors led the way for Eastside. Caleb Ballentine led all scorers with 18 points.

Aaron Dean added 12 and Andrew Steffen finished with 10.

“It’s very difficult when you have to play a team a second time within three days,” Churubusco coach Chris Paul said. “Eastside’s very solid. They had a great fourth quarter and they were able to do some really good things.

“We were just able to get them out of rhythm for a while,” he said. “To be honest with you, that’s the sixth time we’ve won on the road this year, and with a young group, I’m very proud of them for that.

“What we can take away from it that is we know how to win on the road,” Paul stated. “That being said, Tuesday, we can throw everything out the window.

Coach Abbott is a really good coach, and he’s probably going to have a different game plan, and I’m probably going to change some things.”

“To be honest, it wasn’t that we were really saving anything,” said Eastside coach Ryan Abbott. “It’s just unfortunate that our mentality was too passive early in the first quarter and early in the third quarter. We

kind of lost confidence in ourselves and lost confidence in each other.

“Going into the fourth quarter, we had 19 points and we finished the game with 45, and we missed 13 free throws. The points are there when we’re aggressive and confident,” he said.

What was a competitive game — Churubusco led 14-10 after a quarter and 23-17 at halftime — turned into anything but when Eastside scored just two points in the third.

Following Steffen’s rebound score with 5:41 left, the Eagles finished the third on a 9-0 run to lead 37-19 with a quarter to play.

The visitors built the lead to 21 points early in the fourth, but four turnovers and missed free throws later in the period when Eastside tried to make a run means Churubusco can’t be overconfident heading into the rematch.

Ballentine ran off five straight points. After a Riley Thompson three, Ballentine hit one of his own, and then stole the ball on the Eagles’ next two possessions, resulting in a free throw and a rebound score to make it 46-33 with 3:16 to go.

Churubusco then missed the front end of a bonus, but Eastside couldn’t score on an inside look.

Burke showed poise, hitting both ends of a bonus with 2:58 to play and added another free throw 30 seconds later. The Blazers missed four straight free throws. Two Paul freebies made it 51-33 with 2:08 left.

Ballentine hit a pair, Chase Franz had a rebound score, and Ballentine scored inside to make it 52-39 with a minute left. Dean added two threeballs in the closing seconds for the final 10-point margin.

Free throw shooting

was a sore spot for both teams. Eastside missed enough — making 11-of-24 for the night — to win the game and Churubusco — making 17-of-31 — missed enough that it wouldn’t have mattered.

The little things will matter when the teams meet again Tuesday.

Eastside JV 40, Churubusco 38

Colton Birch’s layup in the final seconds provided the winning margin for Eastside.

Mason Garland led Churubusco with 18 points.

Visit the Churubusco News Facebook page for updates on this week’s sectional action.

JEFF JONES

Eastside’s Caleb Ballentine is harassed

by Churubusco’s Luke McClure, left, while teammate Jackson Paul defends during Friday’s basketball game at Butler. The teams meet again Tuesday in the Class 2A South Adams Sectional.

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SPORTS SPORTS BRIEFS

A12 • INwhitleycounty.com

SEVENTH GRADE BASKETBALL Whitko 23, Argos 18 SOUTH WHITLEY — Whitko’s seventh grade girls basketball team beat Argos Feb. 17, 23-18. The Lady Wildcats led 5-3 at the end of the first quarter and 8-5 at halftime. Argos narrowed Whitko’s lead by the end of the third quarter, as Whitko only led 13-12, but the Lady Wildcats outscored Argos 10-7 in the fourth to come away with the win.

Whitko 24, Wawasee 11 SOUTH WHITLEY — Whitko’s seventh grade girls basketball team beat Wawasee in the Fairfield tournament Feb. 17, 24-11.

Whitko led 5-4 at the end of the first quarter then 10-7 at halftime. The Lady Wildcats pulled ahead in the second half, leading 18-11 going into the fourth quarter and shutting out Wawasee 6-0 in the fourth.

Whitko 41, North Miami 20 DENVER — Whitko’s seventh-grade girls scored 15 points in the second quarter en route to to a 41-20 win over North Miami Feb. 20.

The Lady Wildcats led 8-2 at the end of the first quarter, then more than doubled their lead in the second quarter, tacking on 15 points to North Miami’s four, making the halftime score 23-6.

North Miami scored 10 points in the third quarter, but

Whitko went on to outscore the Wildcats 9-4 to come away with the win.

Whitko 30, Manchester 15 LARWILL — Whitko’s seventh grade girls basketball team came back from a 6-5 deficit to beat Manchester Jr. High Feb. 19, 30-15.

Whitko trailed 6-5 at the end of the first quarter, but played a strong second quarter to lead 13-10 at halftime. The Lady Wildcats continued to play strong in the second half, outscoring Manchester 9-2 in the third quarter and 8-3 in the fourth to take the 30-15 win.

Whitley County • March 1, 2018

NICOLE MINIER NICOLE MINIER

Railroader Jayden Broadnax makes a pass around Churubusco’s Dalston Duff.

NICOLE MINIER

Jake Fulk drives to the basket against Garrett.

JEFF JONES

Brayton Bonar pulls the ball away from two Eastside players.

EIGHTH GRADE BASKETBALL Agros 28, Whitko 25 SOUTH WHITLEY — Whitko’s eighth grade girls basketball team fell to Argos by three points in the Fairfield tournament Feb. 17.

The Lady Wildcats trailed 5-2 in the first quarter, and Argos pulled ahead further by halftime, 17-10. Whitko scored 11 points to Argos’ six in the fourth quarter, making the final score 28-25.

Wawasee 43, Whitko 16 SOUTH WHITLEY — Whitko’s eighth grade girls basketball team lost to Wawasee 43-16 at the Fairfield tournament Feb. 17.

Whitko kept the game close in the first quarter, only trailing 8-4, but Wawasee exploded in the second and third quarters, outscoring

NICOLE MINIER

Junior Levi McClure defends a Railroader in the fourth quarter.

NICOLE MINIER

NICOLE MINIER

Dalston Duff dribbles the ball out from under the basket.

Whitko 16-4 to lead the opponents to their 43-16 win.

Manchester 26, Whitko 23 LARWILL — Whitko’s eighth grade girls basketball team ended their season with a competitive loss to Manchester Jr. High Feb. 19.

The Lady Wildcats had an 8-5 lead at the end of the first quarter, and carried their lead into the locker room at halftime, 12-10.

Manchester came out on top of a competitive second

Assistant coaches Jalen Paul and his grandfather Bruce Patterson enjoy a laugh during a break in the game.

half, outscoring Whitko 8-5 in the third quarter and 8-6 in the fourth to take the win.

HIGH SCHOOL BOYS Heritage 53, Whitko 40 SOUTH WHITLEY — Whitko’s boys basketball team ended the regular season with a loss to Heritage Feb. 22, 53-40.

The Wildcats only trailed 13-9 at the end of the first quarter, but Heritage outscored Whitko 17 to 13 in

JEFF JONES

Jackson Paul makes a move to the basket against the Blazers.

the second quarter to make the halftime score 30-22.

Whitko played an even game with Heritage in the third quarter, with both teams scoring 11 points, but Heritage’s defense held the ’Cats to just seven points in the last quarter to come away with the win.

Whitko was led by River West with 23 points. Brett Sickafoose scored five points, Clayton Ebbinghouse tallied

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Tributes provided by:

Churubusco head coach Chris Paul offers advice to freshman player Luke McClure.

Mike Packnett, Parkview Health Keith Busse, Steel Dynamics Lena Yarian, Junior Achievement Tom Marcuccilli, STAR Financial Group Indiana State Senator Travis Holdman Kristin Marcuccilli, STAR Financial

Sponsored by:

JEFF JONES

Dalston Duff takes a shot against Eastside.

five points, Shad Ebbinghouse had four points and Brian Collins recorded three points. Collins and West led the team in rebounding with three apiece.

SPORTS

Whitley County • March 1, 2018

INwhitleycounty.com • A13

CCHS honors boys basketball, cheerleading seniors KPC News Service COLUMBIA CITY — Columbia City High School hosted its boys basketball and cheerleading Senior Night during the Eagles’ last home game last week, when the Eagles hosted Concordia. The following seniors were honored: • Amber Deno was escorted by Ray and Pam Deno. She has been in cheerleading for 14 years, starting with cheer camps at age four.

Deno cheered for Junior Football League and has been a cheerleader for both football and basketball since seventh grade at Indian Springs Middle School. Deno is also part of National Honor Society, Student Council and Circle of Friends.

Her proudest accomplishment at CCHS is being in the top 10 in her class throughout all of high school.

Her favorite memory is doing her “Grinch walk” and telling funny

stories to the squad.

Deno admires her family most, and plans to attend the University of Saint Francis to become a certified registered nurse anesthetist.

• Jaelyn Himes was escorted by Mandy and T.J. She has been in cheerleading for six years, and has also participated in football cheer, National Honor Society, Student Council and Circle of Friends.

Her proudest accomplishment at CCHS was being chosen as the most valuable cheerleader her freshman year. Her favorite memory is when she “got lost on her way to the team meal at Courtney’s, and Taylor kept yelling “panic” at me at the top of her lungs,” she said. The person she admires most is her pastor’s wife, Tonya Wike. She plans to attend Grace College to study elementary education. The highlight of her senior year has been

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Columbia City High School’s senior boys basketball players and cheerleaders were honored at last week’s game against Concordia. Seated, from left, are Garrett Roehling, Trent Simmons and Ethan Christen. In back are Amber Deno, left, and Jaelyn Himes.

becoming closer with the younger girls on her cheer squad.

• Ethan Christen was escorted by Denise Simmons and Brent

Christen. He has played basketball for six years, and has also played football for three years.

His proudest accomplishment at CCHS was making the IFLA Academic All-State in football his senior year.

His favorite memory was beating New Haven his senior year. The person he admires the most is his mom. After graduate he plans to attend Ivy Tech and becoming a certified diesel mechanic. One thing many don’t know about Christen? “I work at a truck shop,” he said.

The highlight of his senior year was winning homecoming against DeKalb.

• Garrett Roehling was escorted by Richard and Heather Roehling.

He has been involved in basketball for 10 years and also participated in basketball. Roehling’s proudest accomplishment at CCHS was “being a good teammate.” His favorite

memories are spending time with “my guys” at Super Hoops. He admires his family most, and plans to attend Purdue Fort Wayne after high school. What is one thing many people don’t know about Roehling? “I am a beast at Fortnite,” he said. The highlight of his senior year has was when the team came together to beat New Haven.

• Trenton Simmons was escorted by Darren Simmons and Michelle Krauskopf. He has been involved in basketball for 12 years, and also participated in football.

His proudest accomplishment at CCHS was making it to the sectional championship.

He admires his parents most, and plant to attend a four-year university after high school. One thing many don’t know about Simmons is that he was born blind. The highlight of his senior year was beating New Haven.

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A14 • INwhitleycounty.com

Whitley County • March 1, 2018

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INwhitleycounty.com • A15

Whitley County • March 1, 2018

Community Calendar to take home. Participants are asked to bring a photo ID, insurance cards, list of medications and allergies, and hospital preference. The workshop is provided by Peabody Retirement Community.

• Grace Lutheran Church Preschool will hold its 2018-2019 school year registration night 6:30-8 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church, 204 N. Main St., Columbia City. Families can tour the facility and meet the teachers. Enrollment will be for classes beginning in September. Two-day classes will be offered for 3- to 4-year-olds. Three-day classes will be offered for 4- to 5-year-olds who will enter kindergarten in 2019. Students must be 3 years old by June 1 and potty trained.

• Whitley County Commissioners will meet at 1 p.m. in the Whitley County Government Center, 220 W. Van Buren St. in Columbia City. The county commissioners meet on the first and third Mondays of the month.

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Mar.

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March 1

• A Red Cross Blood Drive is 1-6 p.m. at Churubusco United Methodist Church, 750 N. Main St., Churubusco. Visit redcross.org or call (800) REDCROSS to schedule your donation.

• The Whitley County Master Gardeners club will have its monthly educational meeting at 7 p.m. Jason Becker or Countryscapes & Gardens, a full service nursery in Ligonier, will give a presentation focusing on new 2018 plants. This free educational session, which is open to the public, will be held at Parkview Whitley Hospital, classroom B.

March 2

• The 2018 State of the City Address, hosted by the Whitley County Chamber of Commerce and Visitor’s Center, begins at noon, with lunch served at 11:30 a.m. The luncheon will be held in the Robert Brittain Auditorium at Peabody Public Library in Columbia City. Topics presented by Mayor Ryan Daniel will include the city’s increasing population and growth in the business sector, the new Fahl Aquatics Center and park expansions. Attendees will hear of the past year’s successes and future goals of Columbia City.

The cost is $15 per person. RSVP before noon Feb. 27 by calling 248-8131 or email office@whitleychamber. com.

• The Peabody Public Library will hold a mobile technology lab at the Senior Center, 710 Opportunity Drive in Churubusco. Bring your mobile devices and questions for computer help.

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March 3

• Faith Christian Academy will host an all-youcan-eat fish fry and tenderloin dinner 4-7 p.m. at the Whitley County 4-H Center. Carry-out meals will be available. A free-will donation will be accepted.

Proceeds benefit the operation of the academy. For more information, call 248-4872.

• Big Lake Church of God will host an all-youcan-eat fish and tenderloin fry catered by J’s Frying (Jerry Hinen) 4-7 p.m. The church is located at 6955 N. State Road 109. Tickets are $9 for adults, $5 for ages 6-12 and free for children 5 and under. The meal includes green beans, coleslaw, bread and dessert.

Drive thru carry out meals will be available. Proceeds will benefit a missions trip planned for the end of March to serve the Lakota Indians in Allen, South Dakota.

• The Green Center United Methodist Church will host a chicken and noodles dinner 4-7 p.m. at 2861 S. 300 East in Noble County. Carry out meals will also be available. A free-will donation will be accepted.

Donations will benefit well drilling projects in Zambia.

• VFW Auxiliary Post 3846 will host a smoke roasted pork chop dinner from noon until food sells out at 109 N. Main St., Churubusco. The meal will include two sides of cheesy mashed potatoes and corn. The cost is $7.50 and dine in and take out are available. All proceeds will benefit local veterans and their families.

March 5

• Purdue Extension will offer a training for childcare and preschool providers, 6:30-8:30 p.m. on topics that will enlighten and entertain the staff and children at your facilities. Extension educators will present a workshop from the “I am Moving I am Learning” curriculum. The research-based program will allow participants to earn two hours of education toward their Paths to Quality certification. Programs focus on school readiness, increasing activity and movement, child development and healthy eating. Participants will gain understanding of how to vary, modify or adapt physical activity and motor skill development to different ability levels in young children. The session helps participants learn strategies that increase skills, development and physical activity participation for all young children.

• An ICE binder workshop will be hosted by the Whitley County Council on Aging, 10 a.m. Having an ICE binder, which stands for “In Case of Emergency,” allows emergency personnel or first responders to quickly access important medical and personal information in the event of an emergency. The ICE binder also provides a single location to keep hospital or rehab discharge paperwork, and physician notes for convenient reference. The workshop is limited to 15 people.

Call 248-8944 to make a reservation. The binder is free

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March 6

• The Columbia City High School Alumni Association will host its 2018 social luncheon in Sebring, Fla., at 11 a.m. at Homer’s Original Smorgasbord, 1000 Sebring Square, on the southeast corner of U.S. 27 and Sebring Parkway. Reservations are not required. The cost is $10 at the door. Jerry and Pam Begue, class of 1961, will host this year’s event. For more information, email jerrybegue@yahoo.com or call (941) 697-8776.

• The Peabody Public Library will host a “New Neighbor Meet and Greet” 4-6 p.m. in Community Room B. The event is an opportunity for members of the community to meet new residents from Puerto Rico. There will be refreshments and the library will be giving away books in English and Spanish.

• Whitley County Council will meet at 8 a.m. in the Whitley County Government Center. The county council meets on the first Tuesday of the month.

• Whitley County Patriots will meet 7 p.m. at the Church of the Nazarene, 506 N. Main St. in Columbia City. The discussion will revolve around world matters, policies and the ramifications of decisions affecting all Americans from the Whitehouse.

loin, grilled tenderloin, baked beans, potato salad, applesauce and drinks. The dinner will be held in conjunction with the 4-H Council’s silent auction and the 4-H leaders’ Fun Night. The auction traditionally has more than 100 items for sale, with proceeds going to fund trips for kids and other activities throughout the year. Fun Night activities will feature games put on by several 4-H clubs. The 4-H Center is located at 680 W. Squawbuck Road, Columbia City.

• Smith Township Fire Department’s fish fry is 11 a.m.-7 p.m. at American Legion Post 157 in Churubusco. The cost is $9 for a dinner of $6 for a basket, served with french fries and applesauce. A sandwich only is $3.50. There will also be baked goods available for purchase, and orders of five or more can be delivered. Carry-outs also available.

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March 7

• Churubusco Town Council will meet at 6:30 p.m. in Churubusco Town Hall. The town council meets on the first and third Wednesdays of each month.

March 8

• Passages Inc. will host its annual art exhibit and silent auction 5-7 p.m. at Eagle Glen Event Center, 125 S. Eagle Glen Trail, Columbia City. A wide variety of works will be featured from Passages’ creative arts program. This event is free to attend and hors d’oeuvres will be served. Proceeds benefit the art program and the artists. Please RSVP by March 2 to Tammy Nickolson at tnickolson@passagesinc.org or (260) 244-9317.

• The Whitley County Amateur Radio Club will hold a general meeting 6-8 p.m. in Community Room A and B of the Peabody Public Library, 1160 E. State Road 205, Columbia City. The program will be about digital mobile radio and presented by Brad Peterson.

All general meetings are open to the public. For more information, visit www.wcarc.org, the Whitley County Amateur Radio Club Group Facebook page or contact Roger McEntarfer at n9qcl@arrl.net.

March 10

• Columbia City Order of the Eastern Star will host a pancake breakfast 7-11 a.m. at the Masonic Blue Lodge Building, 503 Chicago St., Columbia City. The breakfast will include pancakes, sausage, eggs, hashbrowns, toast, juice and coffee. A free-will offering will be accepted. Proceeds will benefit the Order’s charities.

March 14

• Members of the clergy and religious leaders in the Smith-Green Township area are invited to attend a discussion with Dan Hile, superintendent of Smith-Green Community Schools, on the upcoming school referendum and why the school board is requesting it. The talk will be held 8-9:30 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall at Churubusco United Methodist Church, 750 N. Main St. March 16

• The 13th annual Whitley County 4-H Fun Night is 4-7:30 p.m. at the 4-H Center. The all-you-can-eat fish and tenderloin meal begins at 4 p.m. and will be served while supplies last. The cost is $10 for adults, $7 for children ages 5-10 and free for children 5 and under. The menu includes breaded fish and tender-

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March 17

• A free presentation titled “Understanding Depression and How to Help Those Going Through It,” will be hosted by Cross Connections and St. John’s Lutheran Church in Columbia City, 9-11 a.m. Guest speaker Megan Beeching is a licensed counselor at Cross Connections Counseling in Fort Wayne, and will cover basic information about depression, new genetic testing for depression, various ways to manage the symptoms of depression and how to best walk alongside those who are suffering. A light breakfast will be provided. Call the church at 244-3712 or email deaconessintern.stjohns.com by March 10 to RSVP.

March 22

• Kindergarten round-up will be held for Whitley County Consolidated Schools. Round-ups will be held at each elementary building. Morning and evening sessions are available. Each session is about 90 minutes. Any child who will be 5 years old before Aug. 1 is eligible to enroll for the 2018/2019 school year.

Families should bring their child, the child’s original birth certificate and updated immunization records to round-up. Parents should call the appropriate office to register. For Coesse, call (260) 244-3351; for Little Turtle, call (260) 244-3343; for Mary Raber, call (260) 244-5857; and for Northern Heights, call (260) 691-2371.

March 28

• Indian Springs Middle School will host “Parent University” 6:30-8 p.m. The presentation will include information about cyber bullying, sexting, dangers of technology and social media. The Indiana State Police’s cyber crimes unit specialist Cathie Bledsoe will deliver the presentation. Whitley County Consolidated School families and agencies are welcome to attend.

Ongoing

• The Churubusco Lions Club meets every second and fourth Tuesday of each month at Papa’s Place at 6:30 p.m.

• AA and Al-Anon meetings Tuesdays, 7:30 p.m. at the Churubusco United Methodist Church.

• A support group for families of children with special needs meets 3-5 p.m. on the third Saturday of each month at Choices & Changes, 360 N. Oak St., Churubusco. The meeting March 17 will focus on community supports. The topic for April 20 is grieving and growing. For more information, contact Chris Garau at (260) 255-0708 or Christy Garau at (260) 255-0707.

• The Whitley County Humane Shelter is doing an Easter-themed fundraiser. The shelter will send a customized letter from the Easter Bunny along with a small gift to a child for a $5 donation. Submissions are due March 13. For more information, contact the shelter at events@whitleycountyhumaneshelter.com.

• C3 Youth Group meets with youth pastor Brad Millikan 6-7:30 p.m. Sunday at Christ Community Church, 316 N. Main St. in Churubusco. Students grade 6-12 are welcome to join.

• Churubusco Elementary School is registering all-day kindergarten students. Call (260) 693-2188 to schedule a registration time May 24 or 25 and a registration packet will be mailed to you. Students must be 5 years old by Aug. 1. The school is also accepting transfer students.

• Churubusco United Methodist Nursery School is accepting registration for the 2018-2019 school year.

Children should be 3, 4 or 5 by Aug. 1. Enrollment is $50 and monthly fees will be $80 for the three-day program (Monday, Wednesday and Friday). Morning sessions are 9-11:30 a.m. Afternoon sessions are 12:30-3 p.m. For more information, call the office at (260) 693-2154.

A16 • INwhitleycounty.com

Whitley County • March 1, 2018

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