www.thepaperofwabash.com LOCAL POSTAL
PO Box 603, Wabash, IN 46992 (260) 563-8326
PATRON
NEW SONG CHURCH OPENS IN WABASH PAGE 2
FREE
PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID WABASH, IN PERMIT NO. 233
Published Weekly, Read Daily
FREE
COVID-19 brings many changes to county, state and nation By Mandy Underwood munderwood@thepaperofwabash.com
Steve and Lisa Flack and their immediate and extended families show off a sign they received for being the 2019 Farm Family of the Year. Photos by Don Hurd
Flack family thanks many for Farm Family Award
Wabash County, like communities around the state and nation, are taking precautions against the spread of with COVID-19, also known as the Coronavirus. As of Monday afternoon, March 15, the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) has reported 24 cases of Hoosiers diagnosed through ISDH, the Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and private laboratories. These cases involve residents of Wells, Adams, Howard, Boone, Hamilton, Hendricks, Marion, Johnson and Bartholomew Counties with no reported deaths. This number is subject to continue changing and can be checked online at www.in.gov/coronavirus. Most recently, on Monday, March 16, Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb has ordered all nightclubs, restaurants and bars to close now through the end of March, although takeout and delivery will still be allowed.
By Joseph Slacian jslacian@thepaperofwabash.com A celebration honoring those in the agriculture industry took place Wednesday, March 11, at the Heartland REMC community room. A crowd of 120 people was on hand to watch Steve and Lisa Flack accept the 2019 Farm Family of the Year Award on behalf of Flack Farms. They also heard from John Sampson, President and CEO of the Northeast Regional Partnership, the night’s keynote speaker. The event was sponsored by Grow Wabash County’s Ag Committee. The Flacks received the award from 2018 recipients Mike and Jay Reed of Reed Farms. During an emotional acceptance speech, Steve Flack, with a little help from wife, Lisa, thanked all those involved with the dinner and selecting the farm for the honor. Steve Flack, his voice cracking with emotion, thanked Grow Wabash County and the committee for the honor. He said farming is often difficult and few people understand what farmers do or why farmers do it. “We would also like to say thank you to our family, friends, neighbors and employees, many of who are here tonight,” Lisa said, taking over for her husband. Of the employees, she said, “we hate to call them employees; we talked about this when we were putting this together … thank you for representing our business so well.” “We’re very proud to have you driving our trucks, talking with our customers, treating our business as if it was your own,” she said. “We consider all of you a huge part of our success.” There really wasn’t a plan in Indiana for what the Flacks had hope to accomplish, she said, admitting they made a lot of mistakes along the way. “But from the beginning, our friends, family and neighbors were always there and willing to lend a hand when needed,” she said. “Whether it was unloading trucks, hauling hay, shuttling people back and forth, working on equipment or even occasionally helping to put out a fire or two. “Our friends, family and neighbors were always, and they still are, there for us.” Steve, taking over from Lisa, said the pair would especially like to thank their children, Austin, Kayla and Derek, “who ended up in the hay business whether they liked it or not.” “They learned at a young age that the weatherman wasn’t, or more truthfully, hardly ever, right,” he said. “They were pulled out of bed early and sometimes worked into the night to make sure the hay got made and put up before the rain. I’m not going to say they did all Lisa and Steve Flack address the crowd at the Salute to this without complaining at times, but the Agriculture dinner.
Wabash City School Food Service staff members bag lunches from the back of a car to pass out to children who need meals during the school shutdown caused by COVID-19. Photo by Mandy Underwood. On March 13, leaders of Wabash County released a statement about responses to the recent developments regarding COVID19, also known as the Coronavirus. “Accounting for the recommendations that have been shared by not only the Indiana State Department of Health but also the CDC, community leaders are encouraging the postponement or cancellation of any non-essential gatherings or operations for the time being,” the statement began. As of Friday, March 13: All Wabash County school corporations have made the decision to suspend in-person classes until the conclusion of spring break on April 13. The Honeywell Foundation and its various properties have also made the decision to cancel or postpose all events and movies until April 9. “High traffic community areas and facilities are continually adjusting their policies and operations to ensure they continue to serve the public with respect to the health and safety of their employees, customers and the public at large,” the statement noted. “Prior to attending an upcoming event or any local businesses, be sure to check their specific social media and/or website for the most up-to-date information. “Essential services including law enforcement, emergency services, medical services, will continue to operate. Public transit through Living Well in Wabash County and local food pantries also have plans to remain open and operating. Community members are encouraged to connect with those organizations beforehand to make note of any potential
Continued on Page 5
March 18, 2020
Proudly Serving Wabash County Since 1977
Continued on Page 9
Vol. 43, No. 1