the Paper - Elkhart County Edition - January 5, 2021

Tuesday, January 5, 2021

www.the-papers.com

Serving Elkhart County and parts of Noble, LaGrange & Marshall Counties Know Your Neighbor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2➤ Good Neighbor. . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Speak Outs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Goshen (574) 534-2591

Vol. 48 No. 39

$1*(/ *8(55(52 *RVKHQ ³ ´Having customers for my business (New Paris Nutrition) and other businesses. Business is slow everywhere, but people are working and the money is out there. They are just afraid to go out. The economy is down, but hopefully it will bounce back quickly.‘

134 S. Main, Goshen, Indiana 46526

5($0$ 6385/2&. 1HZ 3DULV ³ ”I am looking forward most to being around my family again unrestricted. We missed out during the holidays. I look forward to the physical contact “ especially the hugs.‘

&$1', 63(1&(5 %HQWRQ ³ ´I don÷t do a whole lot, but when the COVID is done, I am planning my trip to Hawaii. As far as big get-togethers, we don÷tdo those anyhow except with family. We will probably get together with the family for Easter.‘

Looking forward to

life after COVID 7H[W DQG 3KRWRV %\ 5$< %$/2*+ 6WDII :ULWHU With apologies to John Lennon: “Imagine there’s no COVID.” For most, however, it isn’t so “easy if you try.” A lot of those who have endured a difficult 2020 of face mask mandates, social distancing and re-

peatedly extended shutdowns find it hard to peer into the future and see the light at the end of the COVIDlined tunnel.

Making it more difficult is the incessant drumbeat of depressing news about new cases, climbing death tolls and the oft-invoked mantra of “grim milestones.” Adding to the confusion is the political component to the re-

6+(//(< 78&.(5 *RVKHQ ³ ”To be able to hang out with friends and family in quantities greater than 10, and just gather in homes. Our family get-together over the holidays was not like it normally was. I would just like to get back to normality.‘

sponse, carving an increasingly unbridgeable chasm between those who unquestioningly accept the televised opinions of medical professionals and talking heads and those who question everything they hear and read with a growing cynicism.

But, as the saying goes, “where there is life, there is hope,” and many local citizens are clinging to that

/29(-((7 6,1*+ *RVKHQ ³ ”I would travel out of state. My flrst choice is California, and I would go there on vacation.‘

somewhat distant glimmer and hoping for a brighter outlook in 2021.

The Papers asked several Elkhart County residents what they most look forward to when “this too shall pass” and they have the freedom to congregate and travel to their heart’s content.

Their answers appear elsewhere on this page.

$1*,( +(55 1DSSDQHH ³ ´Just to be able to get out. My mother-in-law lives at Waterford Crossing retirement home, and it would just be fun to be able to go and be with her and the family in person without the subsequent quarantine.‘

2

www.the-papers.com — the PAPER — Tuesday, January 5, 2021

KNOW YOUR NEIGHBOR

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%,57+'$< &(/(%5$7,21 ² Mark Mikel, Wakarusa, left, and his daughter McKenna pause to take a picture after their run around the trails and paths of Notre Dame. Mark turned 61 and chose to celebrate the event running the trails at his alma mater. Photo provided. when I followed up very closely with people. I like to feed them spiritually and physically.”

When Mikel began at FCDC in 2014, he was the only fulltime employee. Now they have three full-time positions and seven part-time positions. “This year we received grants from United Way and the Community Foundation of Elkhart County. The grants enabled us to disperse over $30,000 to COVID-19 victims and families to assist in rent, car payments and other necessities.”

Mikel is the head coach of the NorthWood girls track and cross-country teams. He also helps with the boys track team.

“I was a runner in high school and college. But coaching young people has very little to do with watching them run. I want to be involved in their lives and watch them grow and mature.

This year has been very hard on high school students because of the pandemic. Many are frightened and insecure. I want to be there to reassure them.”

In November, Mikel turned 61. “To celebrate the occasion, my daughter McKenna and I ran for 61 minutes around the trails and paths surrounding the lakes at Notre Dame.” He’s also a long-distance bike rider.

A few years back he joined bicyclists on the Apple Cider

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“I grew up with a father and mother who helped people,” stated Mark Mikel, Wakarusa.

“My grandpa was a leader in the CROP organization, where farmers helped provide food for needy people around the globe.

My faith-based background has taught me that Christianity makes an impact when people are helped physically, mentally or emotionally. That’s why I enjoy assisting others in the community.”

Mikel was a Biblical studies major at Fort Wayne Bible College. He went on to get a master’s degree in psychology from the University of Notre Dame.

“I began ministry as a youth pastor for four years,” he said.

“Then I spent eight years in the mental health field. I pastored First Congregational Church, Elkhart, for eight years. Then I served at Bashor Children’s Home, Goshen, for seven years as a residential therapist and a clinical supervisor. Now I’m executive director of the Family Christian Development Center in Nappanee. I started in June 2014.”

FCDC is best known for the food pantry. But plenty of other things are going on, too. “We have a medication assistance program. We help people with their rent and utility bills.

We also offer free immunizations for babies and children.

We have the Clothing Closet, providing clothes for people in need.”

The organization also provides food backpacks during weekends for students who may not have enough food Saturdays and Sundays. FCDC also has a summer lunch program for students 18 years of age and younger.

“I enjoy doing life with people. When I was a pastor, I liked walking through the good and bad times with congregation members. Births and baptisms were the good times.

Death is always hard. That’s

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100-Mile Ride through Michigan. “Biking is easier on the knees than running.”

Mikel and his wife Kathy have four grown daughters.

They also have a 5-month-old granddaughter Louisa, who lives in San Antonio, Texas.

He plays guitar and is part of the worship team at Wakarusa United Methodist Church.

He also collects vintage guitars. He still enjoys running twice a week. He loves reading and spending time with his family.

Chili supper takeout fundraiser to be held

SPA (Spiritual & Personal Adjustments) Women’s Ministry Homes invites you to warm up with a bowl of chili this winter to support women on their journey of recovery. Chili supper takeout fundraiser is being held from 2-5 p.m. Jan. 9.

Meals come with a 16 ounce bowl of chili, cornbread, coleslaw and a brownie for $10 and can be picked up from Nappanee First Brethren Church, Christian Center Church in South Bend or SPA Women’s Ministry Homes in Elkhart.

For more details and to purchase your meal, go to spaministryhomes.ejoinme.org/chili or order through the ministry’s Facebook event page.

SPA Women’s Ministry Homes is a 12-month, Christ-centered, residential treatment program that provides women a safe place to address underlying issues that have led to lives of substance abuse, dysfunctional thinking and destructive behaviors. Women who struggle with life-controlling issues and addictions are introduced to the healing power of Jesus Christ.

Funds raised will be used to sponsor approximately 60 women through the ministry’s residential treatment program, transitional housing, and aftercare services.

For more information, go to www. spaministryhomes.org or contact Carrie Zickefoose, executive director, at (574) 522-8338.

Tuesday, January 5, 2021 — the PAPER — www.the-papers.com

3

Nappanee Public Library celebrates 100th anniversary Nappanee Public Library first opened its doors Feb. 5, 1921, thanks to a donation of $31.50 from a local woman’s organization called The Thursday Club.

Since its opening the library has served the community with full collections of books and history, technology, programs and more.

NPL now has more than 80,000 items in the collection, including movies, magazines, audio and digital books and an eclectic mix of small home appliances and equipment to borrow.

The library that started in 1921 and only had a handful of members now serves a lively com-

munity with more than 10,000 people.

Join the library in 2021 as it looks back on a century of community. From the Roaring ’20s to the new decades of the 21st century, there will be a lot to celebrate. Look for unique displays in NPL that highlight each de-

cade, watch for special centennial programs, and be sure to check out the Evelyn Lehman Culp Heritage Collection’s displays and exhibits highlighting the history.

While the library reflects on the past century of growth, it also has eyes on a bright future

ahead as it creates a dynamic library to serve the community for the next 100 years. Check back throughout the year for the latest events and announcements on this special celebration.

For more information, visit nappaneelibrary.org.

Mediacom offering scholarships to high school seniors Mediacom Communications is offering $60,000 in scholarship support for high school seniors who plan to obtain further education. The scholarship program is in its 20th consecutive year and Mediacom’s investment will award $1,000 World Class Scholarships to 60 high school seniors.

Scholarship recipients are

given the flexibility to use the financial award to support postsecondary college costs or vocational training from an accredited institution starting in the fall of 2021. Award selection is based on academic achievement and leadership.

Applications for Mediacom’s World Class Scholarships are

available online at www.mediacomworldclass.com. All high schools in Mediacom-served communities were sent informational cards asking school officials to make seniors aware of the scholarship and encourage application submissions on or before the Feb. 15 deadline.

“As a company, Mediacom

makes it a priority to give back to communities in which we do business, and one of the best ways is to invest in promising students who are our future leaders,” said Mediacom Regional Vice President Steve Purcell.

Applicants do not have to be Mediacom customers but must live in areas where Mediacom’s fiber-rich

broadband network delivers Gigabit-speed internet service. Recipients will be selected from the 21 states where Mediacom’s residential customers reside. A complete list of communities in Mediacom service areas is included with the online application.

Inquiries may be sent to scholarship@mediacomcc.com.

HUD awards 13 public housing authorities in Indiana $1.3 million to help families reach self-sufficiency U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson awarded approximately $78 million to hundreds of public housing authorities across the country, including nearly $1.3 million to 13 housing authorities in Indiana, to help HUD assisted residents increase their earned income and reduce their dependency on public assistance and rental subsidies. Under Secretary Carson’s leadership, more money has been allocated to the Family Self -Sufficiency Program in FY20 (fiscal year 2020) than at any other point in the program’s history. Read more about the local impact of the grants announced today.

The Housing Authority of the city of Elkhart was one of the 13 housing

authorities to receive funds, receiving $50,750.

“Putting people on the path to self-sufficiency by helping them find jobs and increase their earned income is an essential part of HUD’s mission,” said HUD Secretary Carson. “This funding is a good example of how federal and local partnerships work to help connect families to jobs and educational opportunities to help them become a success.”

“This funding will empower individuals and their families across Indiana to get them on a path towards self-sufficiency and prosperity to attain their God given potential,” said Joseph P. Galvan, HUD Midwest regional administrator.

HUD’s Family Self-Sufficiency

Program funding helps local public housing authorities to hire service coordinators who work directly with residents to connect them with existing programs and services in the local community. These service coordinators build relationships with networks of local service providers, who provide direct assistance to FSS participants. The broad spectrum of services made possible through FSS enables participating families to find jobs, increase earned income, reduce or eliminate the need for rental and/or welfare assistance, and make progress toward achieving economic independence and self-sufficiency.

Participants in the program sign a five-year contract of participation requiring the head of the household to

set specific goals and achievements allowed under the FSS Program. To successfully graduate, the head of household must be employed and no member of the FSS family may have received cash welfare assistance for 12 months prior to program graduation. Families in the FSS program have an interest-bearing escrow account established for them. The amount credited to the family’s escrow account is based on increases rent due to improvement in the family’s earned income during the term of the FSS contract. Upon successful graduation, the head of household receives the escrow funds are able to apply those funds to advance their personal circumstances, including, for example, paying educational ex-

penses or making a down-payment on a home.

Many of the FY20 FSS awards are to public housing authorities with units in Opportunity Zones. Created under the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, Opportunity Zones aim to stimulate long-term investments in low-income communities.

HUD did not receive applications for FSS renewal funding from every eligible PHA with an existing FSS Program. With approximately $2 million in remaining FY 2020 funding, HUD plans to issue a supplemental Notice of Funding Opportunity inviting those eligible PHAs with FSS Programs to apply competitively for the residual FY 2020 funds.

Winter coyote sightings are no cause for alarm or gardens.

• Keep garbage secure.

• Make sure pet food and treats are not left outside.

• Take down bird feeders if you see a coyote around your yard; they could be attracted to the rodents eating the seeds.

• Never intentionally feed a coyote; it could lose its fear of people.

If you see a coyote, try to make it uncomfortable: • Yell.

• Wave your arms.

• Spray it with a hose.

• Throw tennis balls or small stones, but don’t throw anything that could be food, like apples.

• Carry a jar of coins or a small air horn to make noise.

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teraction with any wildlife, including coyotes.

Find more information about coyotes, including factsheets and a webinar, at wildlife.IN.gov/5688. htm. Other webinar resources, including tips for maintaining positive interactions with wildlife in general, can be found at on.IN.gov/ fishwilded.

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• Making a coyote feel unwelcome around people can help it maintain its natural fear of humans. Never corner or chase a coyote — they should always have a clear escape path to get away from you.

• Keep pets leashed, in a kennel with a secure top, or indoors to reduce the possibility of a negative in-

RENTOWN COUNTRY STORES

Seeing coyotes, especially during winter, is normal and should not cause alarm.

Coyotes become more active during winter. Young coyotes are leaving their parents to find a new home, making them more visible. In January, coyotes will also be looking to breed, making them even more active. Bare vegetation also increases people’s chances of catching a glimpse.

Where people are, coyotes follow. Coyotes like to eat animals and plants that thrive around yards and homes. Their diet includes rabbits, mice, fruit and squirrels. They thrive around people because of the abundant food that comes with human development. Coyotes are a common member of Indiana’s urban wildlife community, as are raccoons, red foxes and opossums.

Seeing a coyote is not necessarily cause for concern. They are common everywhere in the state, even in urban areas like downtown Indianapolis, Fort Wayne and South Bend. Coyotes are an important part of Indiana’s wildlife community and provide benefits by helping control rodent populations and cleaning up carrion.

Problems between coyotes and people are uncommon. To prevent them, be proactive by removing food and water sources, keeping pets leashed or contained, and trying to scare a coyote when you see it. Follow these quick tips for making your yard less attractive to coyotes: • Clean up fallen fruit from trees

4

www.the-papers.com — the PAPER — Tuesday, January 5, 2021

Heritage skills classes to be held In an effort to teach heirloom and family heritage skills, the Elkhart County Extension Homemakers are hosting their annual heritage skills classes Saturday, March 6, at the Home and Family Arts Building on the Elkhart County 4-H Fairgrounds. The fairgrounds is located at 17746 CR 34 in Goshen.

Full-day and half-day classes will be offered from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Prepaid registration is required. All registration fees will be held until the minimum participant number required is met.

Registration will be accepted through Feb. 15. If a cancellation occurs checks will be returned.

There will be a 45-minute lunch break; you may bring your own

lunch or leave the fairgrounds to get lunch. If additional classes become available, they will be added to the website below. Masks are required to be worn inside the building at all times. Social distancing will be in effect.

Full Day Classes 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Casserole basket - $40, taught

by Lisa Hernley Half Day Classes Morning classes: 8:30 to 11:30 a.m., afternoon classes: 12:30 to 3 p.m.

Festival of Lights bracelet (AM) - $20, taught by Sue Martin English paper piecing (AM/PM) - $23, taught by Cheryl Baker Spiral rope necklace with beaded bead embellishment (PM) $25, taught by Sue Martin

Registration forms with class details and sample photos are available on the office website at extension.purdue.edu/elkhart/ article/6344 or by visiting the Extension Office. If you have any

questions, contact Jenny Huffman at (574) 370-0699. Classes are limited so early registration is encouraged.

This program and all Purdue University programs are open to

everyone. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate, contact Virginia Aparicio at the Purdue Extension Elkhart County Office by calling (574) 533-0554 by Feb. 20.

Best in snow — A virtual snow building contest To help families be active and have fun during January, Goshen Health and the Elkhart County 4-H Fairgrounds are challenging the community to build their best snow creation.

To participate, use your imagination and fun accesso-

ries at home to create a snow person, animal or other object.

Then, post a photo of your creation in the Best in Snow Facebook event. Prizes will be awarded in several categories.

And, even if it doesn’t snow or you can’t get outdoors, the challenge is still on – only

you’ll be making your “snow” creation inside.

Find and follow the event on the Goshen Health Facebook page for more details: www.facebook.com/ events/303497337616468/.

For more information or questions, call (574) 364-2496.

Good Neighbors

Zimmerman Market IN-SEASON VEGETABLES AND MORE • FRESH IN-SEASON FRUITS • VEGETABLES • HONEY • MAPLE SYRUP 25227 Co. Rd. 138 • Goshen, IN • 574-862-2709 Hours: Mon.-Sat. 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.; Closed Sunday

Good Neighbors is a column in which readers share friendly advice. To ask or answer questions, write ‘the PAPER’, Good Neighbors, P.O. Box 188, Milford, IN 46542; fax 800-886-3796; or e-mail abias@the-papers.com. Please no phone calls.

ANTHONY’S

SAFE & LOCK SERVICE Serving the Michiana Area

Locksmithing Commercial • Residential Safes & Vaults • Master Keying

(574) 848-7484

(EDITOR’S NOTE: The Good Neighbors column is for people looking for hard-to-find or old items or for people seeking advice, not for items you can find in a local store or sell through the help of a classified ad.)

—o—

Cards

Metal bed frame

Stationary stabilizer

Good neighbors: To the person wanting a metal bed frame, we have a full size we don’t need anymore. Call (574) 773-0649, ext. 2 and leave a message.

TM

MILFORD OFFICE GOSHEN OFFICE 206 S. Main St. 134 S. Main P.O. Box 188, Milford, IN 46542 Goshen, IN 46526 Phone (574) 658-4111 Phone (574) 534-2591 1-800-733-4111 (574) 831-4011 Fax 800-886-3796 Fax 888-469-1961 www.the-papers.com

OFFICE HOURS: 8:00-5:00 Monday Thru Friday ‘the PAPER’ reserves the right to refuse for publication any advertising that is considered offensive, misleading or detrimental to the public, the newspaper or another advertiser and to edit advertising at its discretion.

Publisher, Ron Baumgartner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . rbaumgartner@the-papers.com Business Manager, Carrie Goralczyk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .cgoralczyk@the-papers.com Editor-In-Chief, Deb Patterson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . dpatterson@the-papers.com Associate Editor, Lauren Zeugner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . lzeugner@the-papers.com Office Manager, Marilyn Yoder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . goshen@the-papers.com Director Of Marketing, Steve Meadows . . . . . . . . . . . . .smeadows@the-papers.com Advertising Manager, Bill Hays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . bhays@the-papers.com Advertising Representative, Mark Collins . . . . . . . . . . . . . .mcollins@the-papers.com Advertising Representative, Susan Stump . . . . . . . . . . . . . sstump@the-papers.com Advertising Representative, Pati Slabaugh. . . . . . . . . . . pslabaugh@the-papers.com Circulation Manager, Jerry Long. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . jlong@the-papers.com Commercial Printing Sales Representative, Barb Walter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . bwalter@the-papers.com Commercial Printing Sales Representative, Rich Krygowski . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .rkrygowski@the-papers.com DEADLINES Grocery Advertising & Ads Requiring Proofs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Thursday 4:00 Display Advertising . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Friday 4:00 Classified Advertising & Cancellations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Friday 4:00 Display Ad Copy Changes And Cancellations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Friday 4:00 PRODUCTION ‘the PAPER’ is digitally composed on Macintosh Computers using Digital Technology’s Newspaper Publishing Suite Software and Photoshop software. Ads and ASCII (generic) text may be submitted on Jaz, Zip or floppy disks or can be PDF’d and e-mailed to adcomp@thepapers.com. If you have any questions give us a call and we’ll walk you through it.

Free items

Greeting cards Good neighbors: I have a lot of greeting cards I want to get rid of. If anyone needs them for crafts or something, call (574) 533-9012 and ask for Wayne.

Prescription containers Good neighbors: This is in response to the person who has the clean plastic prescription containers. I save them for an elementary art teacher whose students use them to help in creating an art project. Please make sure all personal information is removed from the containers. Call or text me

23,310

I am interested in the stationary stabilizer machine. Call (708) 271-3546 (Rochester area).

New questions Table saw — Looking for a 10-inch table saw you no longer need. Also reloading ammo equipment. Call (574) 646-2603.

Tractors — Looking for old Cub Cadet and Farmall tractors. Any size and condition. Other brands considered. Call (574) 361-8231.

View Master reels — Would any good neighbor have any View Master reels they would be willing to sell? Call (574) 642-3499 and leave a message.

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Good neighbors: If you have cards you have received in the past and don’t want them, call (330) 473-8366.

Good neighbors: To the person with the stabilizer, I am very much interested in it. Call (574) 825-3564.

Good neighbors: Free items to anyone who can use them: firewood (needs splitting), wooden fence posts, steel fence posts, old western style saddle, wooden swing set (needs some repair). Located southwest of Warsaw. Call (574) 453-1228.

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Tuesday, January 5, 2021 — the PAPER — www.the-papers.com

5

enFocus supports community partners in ongoing COVID-19 response effort As Elkhart County residents anticipate the arrival of vaccines, enFocus is helping county officials provide accurate and up-to-date information about COVID-19. enFocus, a nonprofit that attracts talent to the South Bend-Elkhart region to spark innovation and build stronger communities, launched a website in May to provide Elkhart County residents with timely COVID-19 information and resources.

The site provides information on efforts to suppress the transmission of the virus as well as the resources available for residents in need. A growing number of government organizations, nonprofits and businesses have turned to the site to share updates and connect with residents. In the

six months since launch, the site reached over 20,000 unique visitors.

Mike Altenburger, the enFocus Innovation Fellow who championed development of the site, said, “Initially we saw creating the site as an opportunity to support our partners working to distribute masks, food for families, and other forms of assistance.

Local nonprofits have told us it is a very effective tool for getting time-sensitive messages to the public so they can focus on providing services.”

The site has evolved and grown as additional partners have joined the communication and collaboration efforts. The site now provides information in Spanish and English on expanded testing

services, mental health resources and updates from the Elkhart County Health Department.

There is also a newly developed Real Stories page sharing the human aspect of the pandemic and the dedication of local nonprofits serving residents.

Candy Yoder, chief program officers at the Community Foundation of Elkhart County, applauds the site not only as an effective communications tool, but a way to support collaboration of local nonprofits working on the frontline. “It is wonderful to see so many organizations working together to support our community during this challenging time,” she said.

While the site was initially launched independently, enFocus

has since advanced a partnership with the newly formed Elkhart County Community Organizations Active in Disaster whose mission is to unify local community organizations in disaster mitigation, prevention, preparation, response and recovery.

Altenburger noted, “As enFocus continues to support county officials, community leaders and nonprofits in their response efforts through the final phases of the pandemic, the site will prove valuable in keeping the public informed.” Elkhart County organizations with COVID-19 related information are encouraged to submit updates, resources and stories on the share tab on the site, www.elkhartcountycovid19. com/contac.html.

enFocus is a nonprofit organization that empowers talent to transform communities in the South Bend-Elkhart region. It recruits recent graduates into a two-year fellowship program and develops them into the next generation of community and business leaders. enFocus Fellows work alongside experienced mentors in the corporate, nonprofit, education and public sectors to discover, design and implement innovative solutions to benefit the community.

It partners with local organizations to provide value on sponsor projects and it gives fellows the tools to launch entrepreneurial businesses or social ventures.

Community Foundation receives Lilly Endowment Inc. grant Community Foundation of Elkhart County has received a Large-Scale Community Leadership Grant of $2 million through the seventh phase of Lilly Endowment Inc.’s Giving Indiana Funds for Tomorrow initiative.

The grant will support efforts to construct and operate a new Tolson Center for Community Excellence in Elkhart.

Community Foundation of Elkhart County is one of 11 community foundations in Indiana to receive a Large-Scale Leadership Grant as part of a competitive component of the GIFT VII initiative. Through GIFT VII, Lilly Endowment encouraged Indiana’s community foundations to deepen their understanding of the most pressing challenges and opportunities facing their local communities, prioritize them and develop plans to address the challenges and opportunities. The Large-Scale Leadership Grants are in addition to non-competitive GIFT VII Community Leadership Grants that Lilly Endowment made earlier this year to

87 of Indiana’s community foundations. Community Foundation of Elkhart County received a $200,000 leadership grant in September.

Since the summer of 2018, the Community Foundation of Elkhart County has helped convene conversations about the future of Tolson Center, which the Elkhart City Council voted to close. With the Greater Elkhart Chamber of Commerce, the Community Foundation gathered individuals and organizations focused on how the center could better serve the community. The vision of that collaborative effort is to use the Tolson Center as a beachhead for a broader collective impact effort in this neighborhood south of downtown.

“We are so pleased that Lilly Endowment again entrusted us with its generosity as we work on this project to inspire good in our community,” said Pete McCown, Community Foundation president. “This is an affirmation of the broad community effort underway and will help us achieve

our goal of a new Tolson Center for Community Excellence more quickly and also inspire others to give.”

A new 15-member Tolson board first gathered in summer 2020 and is working toward creating a new organization that is a public/ private partnership to operate Tolson Center for Community Excellence. That group is raising money and planning construction of the $11.5 million project.

The Lilly grant brings the total gifts and pledges so far to $10.7 million, including $5 million from the City of Elkhart, $2 million from the Community Foundation and $1.7 million from local philanthropy.

“The 11 grants Lilly Endowment is funding through the highly-competitive component of GIFT VII hold great promise of helping community foundations strengthen the leadership roles they play in improving the

on the trail with accessibility to the same mental health benefits of the sights and sounds of nature from their home.

On Monday, Dec. 28, Goshen’s Board of Works passed an agreement with ADEC to work together as they apply for a Community Connections for People with Disabilities Grant, offered through the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs in partnership with the Indiana Division of Disability and Rehabilitative Services.

for inspiring good and impacting success. To learn more, go to www.

InspiringGood.org.

Lilly Endowment Inc. is an Indianapolis-based private philanthropic foundation created in 1937 by J.K. Lilly, Sr. and his sons Eli and J.K. Jr. through gifts of stock in their pharmaceutical business, Eli Lilly and Company. Although the gifts of stock remain a financial bedrock of the Endowment, it is a separate entity from the company, with a distinct governing board, staff and location. In keeping with the founders’ wishes, the endowment supports the causes of community development, education and religion. The endowment funds significant programs throughout the United States, especially in the field of religion.

However, it maintains a special commitment to its founders’ hometown, Indianapolis, and home state, Indiana.

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Goshen, ADEC collaborating to propose sensory trail The city of Goshen is collaborating with ADEC Inc. to propose a sensory trail to help connect individuals with disabilities to the health benefits and wonder of nature.

Sensory trails are built to have a series of experiences along a route designed for users to engage with their different senses. Varied surfaces and stations housing different smells and sounds are features of sensory trails, which are often planned for people with disabilities.

The city of Goshen’s project proposes developing a GPS-enabled app accessed by a phone or tablet while on the trail to connect users to nature in a fully immersible sensory trail experience.

The app will locate and identify unique natural features, pinpoint interactive spaces where individuals can participate in their sensory experience, and provide opportunities where users can select to listen to music, poetry or historical information.

Stationary live nature cameras will be placed to provide individuals who cannot participate

quality of life for their communities’ residents” said Ronni Kloth, Lilly Endowment’s vice president for community development. “We are truly impressed by the collaborative projects these community foundations have developed to address the compelling needs they have prioritized and look forward to seeing the impact of their efforts in the years to come.”

Community Foundation of Elkhart County partners with donors to leverage their philanthropy in ways that transform lives. Since 1989, the Community Foundation has created more and improved pathways by helping generous donors to meet community needs, providing scholarship opportunities to local students, and making grants to nonprofit organizations working to improve Elkhart County.

The Community Foundation strives to be a local entity known

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www.the-papers.com — the PAPER — Tuesday, January 5, 2021

Disinformation

SPEAK OUT Goshen (574) 534-2591 Phone After 5 P.M. Monday Thru Fridays Anytime Saturdays Or Sundays, Or Send An E-mail To: Goshen@the-papers.com Please Put Speak Out In The Subject Line.

(EDITOR’S NOTE: Callers are asked to limit their comments to 150 words and one call per week. ‘the PAPER’ reserves the right to edit comments and make final publishing decisions.)

About the money Open up!

Many, many doctors are now saying masks don’t work.

My friend has worn a mask since the beginning, all day at work, she now has something wrong with her face, definitely from the prolonged restriction of air flow. Doctors across the country who have been censored are saying there’s no proof to masks preventing COVID. Look around, wear a mask or not, you still get COVID. Hydroxychloriquine is proven to work for many things, including COVID. It’s all about the money, folks. Fauci is all about the money, big pharma is all about the money; they don’t care if you live or die, they want your money.

I keep hearing the BS about hospitals being full. I know for a fact they are not.

China is here I ask you if you love freedom and love America please stop wearing the masks. It is proven they do not prevent COVID. If you think about it you will realize that. The CDC has said that and now the CDC says only 9,200 people died from COVID and only 377 under 60 in the whole country. The other 9,200 were elderly. The government has weaponized the health department.

The health department knows nothing about COVID really. It’s about control. Many diseases have been much worse than COVID and we didn’t go to this extreme. China and communism are here folks, they are conditioning you. Do not conform!

It is against your constitutional rights the founding fathers knew you would need some day.

Pardon himself?

If President Trump has done nothing wrong why does he keep asking his lawyers if he can pardon himself? Can Donald Trump pardon himself?

That’s not the question the Constitution requires us to ask. Can Donald Trump grant himself a pardon? The evidence according to the text of the Constitution and its original meaning says no.

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So now I read the CDC is saying 95% of the COVID deaths were not actually caused by COVID. Nice.

And tell the health board to stop acting like they have the power to destroy your life, which they have done to a lot of people’s. They have no power to arrest people for not wearing a mask, a mask Dr. Doom and Gloom says probably doesn’t work anyway.

They are ruining our children’s lives with the no school stuff also.

Children need education and there’s really no reason not to be in school. None. And finally, if you look up the stats, total deaths for this year is no more than last. So where are the COVID deaths?

I realize some people may have died from COVID, and I’m sorry, but I don’t think the health department could have changed that with all their regulations and rules and tyranny.

Concluding: open up and live now! No more tyranny by the government!

Tired of it Please tell the health department they are in charge of issuing birth and death certificates.

They have no legal authority to tell people what to wear, who they can see or not see, how many, etc. etc. etc.

I’m tired of their propaganda and I am tired of them being weaponized with no authority legally. Defund the CDC and the commie health board. If I choose to eat at a dirty restaurant, what is it to them?

Get out of our lives!

Sinking boat To the person who had the “Humble Pie” Speak Out, I really wonder where you are planning to be since you stated (I would like to be around when you wipe the pie off your faces).

I guess I don’t know where that is but maybe in the same boat as the Bidens. (A boat that’s ready to sink).

Test the masks At work I inspected a pack of masks. Yes, they were made in China.

If everybody wants to test so bad why not start testing these masks? How far can we trust the Chinese?

Significant fraud has been identified in the election. It is being perpetrated by Republican Senator Ron Johnson from Wisconsin.

President Trump lost the election, recounts, voter certifications

by Republican and Democratic officials alike. He lost 59 of 60 court cases, the electoral college vote.

His own attorney general said we have not seen fraud on a scale that could have affected a different outcome.

Johnson forges ahead with the fraudulent attempt to undermine the election and the credibility of elections generally. He admitted the conclusion has collectively been reached any fraud was too small to reverse President-elect Joe Biden’s win. Then he spent nearly four hours in a hearing trying to suggest otherwise.

Russia wants to destroy the United States with disinformation.

Are the Republicans helping?

Watch out So slow Joe Biden is moving closer to assuming the presidency but with all his feeble physical and mental issues he would be a good candidate for removal and replacement by the most radical Senator Kamala Harris who by the way had to drop out of the Democrat primary before the first primary vote was even taken due to her constant flip flopping on issues and radical left wing position.

This would begin the next four years of the third Obama administration and if you thought it was bad then watch out! If you think this wouldn’t be possible then why is Nancy Pelosi pushing the bill HR 8548 which can remove a president by a congressional panel if they deem him incapable of performing his duties as president?

Biden groomed President Elect Biden marketed and groomed by Hollywood glitch, liberal biased national press/news as the kindly grandpa next door.

Love higher taxes? More giveaways? Restrictions on worship?

The same old Democratic (note the capital D) swill? And what can we say about Kamala?

If so you will like what’s ahead.

No gas Democrats did it again. Joe Biden is going after the petroleum industry. That means your price of gas and all that is going right thru the roof if you can get it all.

Remember back when Jimmy Carter was president, trying to find gas?

care as everyone else.

No fat retirement. This should not be a career position. Let it really be public service.

Censorship I am sharing other media options to check for other political viewpoints and facts.

It is so important for us all to keep an open mind, check at various times, as different people have different views: TV-Fox News Cable Channel 205, TVNewsmax Cable Channel 216, Radio-Fox/Michiana 95.3, newspaper — The Epoch Times, other non-traditional options than regular TV, popular magazines, papers. The above mentioned, have speakers from varying walks of life (police, military, faith leaders, real life people).

From what I see, our regular media has been censoring many things. I see and hear some very different news and stories. This made me, and we all might ponder the thought, some Democrats and Republicans have been in power for 40 to 50 years — President Trump four years.

Simple math, 50 years (lawyers) versus four years (one businessman) who seems to be for “the people of the U.S.”

Pass the bills I would not have granted any of the people in Congress to get the virus injection until they pass these bills and quit hanging on to them.

Wasted my vote Are you kidding me? I hear our latest president has plans to do away with the death penalty.

Really?

So if someone kills your mother, father, sister or brother for no reason it’s OK because he/ she will only get a slap on their wrist (life in prison) which we would have to support until he/ she passes away or is let out for good behavior. Take a life, give your life. Looks as though I may have wasted my vote.

What do you think?

Good people Want to show there are good people out there.

I’m a senior and took my car to see about having a piece of molding back on the car. So I took it to a place on US 33. They sent me to a shop on Wilden. They fixed it and got me out in a short time.

I want to thank everyone and let people know there are good people out there. Don’t give up on anyone. We do need kindness in our lives.

Please print. We don’t need bad news. I try to do for others and it sure makes me feel good.

Public service

Let us decide

I don’t want to believe it, but our representatives from northern Indiana are taking kickbacks from different places.

There is a website that tells exactly what they take and from whom. It’s a lot of money.

Are they going to represent us or the people paying them the big bucks? I guess we know the answer.

Also, our representatives all voted to give themselves a big fat raise in the stimulus bill. You get $600 and they get thousands.

They really care about you. Not! Time for term limits and no perks for representatives. They need to be on the same health

So now we find out our Representatives Walorski, Young, Braun all voted to give themselves a $57,000 raise next year on top of their $175K already in what was supposed to be a stimulus bill for the American people, you and I. We get $600 that will last 15 minutes.

What complete crooks we have in Congress, including our own representatives. They don’t care if our elections are fair as long as they get the big bucks.

Not to mention, the foreign aid they proposed in the bill which is nothing more than money laundering right back to them.

Unbelievable.

Thank God someone stopped it, the president, I think. No more foreign aid. If people want to give to causes elsewhere in the world that is fine, but not the government with taxpayer dollars.

Let people decide for themselves where they donate.

Not in line “Every claim must be confirmed by two or three witnesses.” The writer of “Embarrassing” reported details that are not in line with other eyewitness accounts.

The man who entered Southside Soda Shop without wearing a mask walked past signs on the door which clearly said masks must be worn. Then he walked right past the owner who “politely” told him he had to wear a mask, but the man just walked over to a table and sat down. He ignored both the signs and the polite words of the owner. After that, the owner lost his cool.

The co-owner then went and calmly told the man and his wife the restaurant would have to pay a hefty fine if the health department found the man in there without a mask. At that point, the man’s wife offered to go out to their car and get him a mask.

The writer of “Embarrassing” accused the owner of committing a “hate crime.” Defending your customers is not a hate crime.

It’s a service to the community.

If expressing anger about people’s belligerently evil behavior is a hate crime, then what about Jesus overturning the tables and driving people out with a whip?

Are you accusing Jesus of hate crimes?

If anyone was committing a hate crime, it was the person who didn’t care whether he infected everyone in the restaurant with a deadly virus.

Way worse From the Dec. 8 ‘the PAPER’ I resent the comment in the article about the godless disciples in the Democratic Party. This type of rhetoric is part of the reason the nation is so divided.

It was also a very disrespectful reference to President Obama as bammy. That is racist. The suggestion of wanting Trump to declare marital law and perp off the guilty ones by military is treason. As far as forcing vaccines so they can track you is so far out and beyond major dumb. Comments of voluntarily wearing masks for nine months to no avail is almost as bad. COVID is not 99% survivable.

It is way worse than that. One person dying every 15 minutes.

I can’t believe you publish such rubbish.

Scare factor If you think COVID-19 is a pandemic you must be brainwashed.

Here are some statistics that show numbers of deaths in the first 100 days of 2019 worldwide.

COVID-19 — 89,960 Regular flu — 132,425 Contaminated water — 229,023 Malaria — 267,106 Suicide — 292,014 Traffic accident — 367,594 AIDS — 457,776 Alcohol — 681,082 Tobacco — 1,361,308 Hunger — 1,625,000 Abortion — 11,006,735 Now which one is the lowest?

And you call this a pandemic?

Look at the facts and you can see, this COVID-19 is only a scare factor.

Wake up people.

Tuesday, January 5, 2021 — the PAPER — www.the-papers.com

7

The three Cs of hep C: check. care. cure. %\ 9,5*,1,$ $3$5,&,2 ([WHQVLRQ (GXFDWRU ² +HDOWK +XPDQ 6FLHQFHV 3XUGXH ([WHQVLRQ (ONKDUW &RXQW\ Hepatitis C (hep C) is a common bloodborne infection in the U.S. The hep C virus is more contagious than HIV. It causes chronic liver disease that can slowly progress for years without symptoms or physical signs, ulti-

mately leading to death.

You can have this life-threatening disease and not even know.

Due to how easily the virus spreads, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends adults, pregnant women and people with risk factors get a one-time hep C test.

High-risk populations include anyone born from 1945 to 1965, people who received donated

blood or had an organ transplant before 1992, individuals on hemodialysis or who have abnormal liver tests or liver disease, and those with certain health conditions such as chronic liver disease, HIV or AIDS. Also, individuals who were born to a mother with hep C, who have injected drugs, or who received a tattoo in an unregulated setting are at high-risk.

Engaging in behaviors that result

Stone panel manufacturer details Elkhart County expansion plans Premium Rock, a manufacturer of engineered stone panels using a new proprietary technology, announced plans recently to expand its Elkhart operations, creating up to 74 new jobs by the end of 2024.

“As a state, we’re laser-focused on providing a rock-solid, businessfriendly environment so innovative companies like Premium Rock are able to focus on what matters most – developing its product and growing its team,” said Indiana Secretary of Commerce Jim Schellinger.

“Premium Rock’s expansion plans demonstrate the resilience of Hoosier manufacturers, and we look forward to watching the company continue to grow, supporting the Elkhart County community and adding quality career opportunities for Hoosiers.”

Elkhart-based Premium Rock produces lightweight, highly durable, fire-resistant, waterproof and UV-resistant engineered stone panels by implementing a cold-embedding process to produce seamless images. The company will invest more than $9.1 million to double its 20,000-square-foot manufacturing

facility at 30244 CR 12 in Elkhart and add new machine and product lines. The company began construction in September and expects the expansion to be fully operational by May 2021.

“We’re excited to expand our operations in Indiana and believe the Elkhart community and state of Indiana both provide a great quality of place and low cost of living, which is important to us for our growing team,” said Premium Rock CEO Terry Ploetz. “Being from Elkhart, it means a lot to grow our company in the community we’ve grown up in and are excited to create jobs and expand our footprint in Elkhart.”

Premium Rock, which currently employs seven associates in Indiana, plans to hire for positions in graphic design, fabrication, warehouse logistics and a plant manager beginning March 2021. Interested applicants may apply by emailing info@premiumrock.design.

Premium Rock manufactures products suitable for any indoor or outdoor environment and provides a custom-design solution for largescale applications. The company’s

cost-effective products can be applied in a variety of industries including RV, hotel, apartment, office building and defense applications, and comes in a variety of textures, emulating the patterns and textures of marble, granite and wood grains.

“It’s great to see Elkhart-grown companies choosing to expand locally,” said Elkhart County Commissioner Mike Yoder. “Elkhart is home to a diverse manufacturing industry, and Premium Rock’s growth is a testament to the work we’ve done to make Elkhart the best place to work, live and play, which encourages companies to keep growing here.”

Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered Premium Rock LLC up to $750,000 in conditional tax credits based on the company’s plans to create up to 80 new jobs by the end of 2024. These tax credits are performance-based, meaning the company is eligible to claim incentives once Hoosiers are hired.

Elkhart County supports the project.

Police agencies using new tool to combat drug-impaired driving Indiana Criminal Justice Institute is providing 52 Indiana law enforcement agencies with a new roadside tool to identify and keep drug-impaired drivers off the road.

The device, called the SoToxa Mobile Test System, is a handheld analyzer that uses an oral fluid swab to detect the presence of six kinds of drugs: cocaine, methamphetamine, opiates, cannabis (THC), amphetamine and benzodiazepines. Elkhart City Police and the Elkhart County Sheriff’s Office both received the SoToxa Mobile Test System.

Officers will begin using the devices in the field this month in response to the emergence of drugged driving taking place in the state and nationwide.

According to a 2018 Governors Highway Safety Association report, 44% of fatally injured drivers with known results tested positive for drugs in 2016, up from 28% a decade ago. Of those drivers, 38% tested positive for some form of marijuana, 16% tested positive for opioids and 4% tested positive for both marijuana and opioids.

In Indiana, driving impaired, whether it’s drugs, alcohol or both, is illegal.

“For decades, officers have been using handheld devices such as portable Breathalyzers in the field, but this is the first time they’ll be able to test for the presence of drugs,” said Devon McDonald, ICJI executive director. “This technology is a game changer for road safety and Indiana law enforcement.”

To use SoToxa, the officer must have both a reason to stop a mo-

torist, whether it’s for driving erratically, speeding or another infraction and suspect impairment.

During the traffic stop, officers will use standard detection techniques such as field sobriety tests, portable Breathalyzers and suspect interviews to evaluate the driver.

SoToxa would not replace those techniques but would instead function as an additional roadside tool officers could use.

If drug-impaired driving is suspected, the officer can ask the driver to take the SoToxa test. This is done by collecting an oral fluid sample, which is then inserted into the handheld analyzer. Results are available roadside within five minutes and indicate positive or negative for each of the six drug categories.

“SoToxa is not a substitute for officer training or experience,” said Rob Duckworth, ICJI traffic safety director. “It’s an additional resource they can use to remove drugged and dangerous drivers from using the road. Undoubtedly, this technology will save lives.”

Much like a portable Breathalyzer, the SoToxa test can be refused, and the results cannot be used as evidence in court to determine if the driver was impaired. The purpose of the test is to further establish probable cause, which can be used by the officer to make an arrest, administer a certified breath test, take the suspect for medical treatment or apply for a warrant to administer a blood draw.

In total, ICJI will distribute 66 devices to 52 departments around the state. The units cost $4,500 each, are reusable and were paid

for with National Highway Traffic Safety Administration funds.

Duckworth said while departments can purchase SoToxa directly at any time, Indiana is one of the first states in the nation, along with Michigan, to have distributed the devices statewide.

He added data collected through the program will be useful in evaluating expansion of the program in 2021.

in the exchange of blood or using unsterilized needles increases one’s risk. In addition, health and safety workers who have been exposed to blood through a needle stick or injury with a sharp object fall into the high-risk population.

More than half of people who become infected with the hep C virus will develop a chronic infection. The good news is that hep C is curable. Follow the 3 Cs to end hep C: check. care. cure.

Get checked. A hep C screening is as easy as a blood draw. There is testing readily available and often there is coverage available for patients who are high-risk or whose physician ordered a hep C screening. The test is a two-step process. First, you take an antibody test. Second, you confirm the result with a second test known as confirmatory testing. If you

test positive for hep C, contact your physician to get care.

Get care. A physician can prescribe treatment for those who test positive for hep C. The treatment can be as simple as taking a prescribed antiviral medication for two to four months with few potential side effects.

Get cured. About 90-95% of patients who receive treatment are cured of hep C. After being cured, it is possible to be reinfected with hep C, so it is important to follow the precautions provided by your physician.

If you have hep C but don’t know it, following the 3 Cs could save your life. If you are at risk, notify your physician and request a screening today.

Visit CheckCareCure.in.gov for more information on hep C and recommendations.

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www.the-papers.com — the PAPER — Tuesday, January 5, 2021

OBITUARIES Joan E. Beer Joan E. Beer, 86, New Paris, died Dec. 22, 2020, at Paddock Springs Senior Living Community.

Born Jan. 16, 1934, she married Otto Beer Jr. Oct. 9, 1955. He preceded her in death.

Survivors include daughters, Kim Kearney and Kelli Noble, New Paris; sons, Michael Beer, Nappanee, and Mark Beer, Goshen; and brother, Robert Meyer, Bluffton.

Services were held Jan. 5, 2021.

Warden G. Catron Warden G. Catron, 71, Goshen, died Dec. 22, 2020, at Goshen Health Hospital.

Born Dec. 21, 1949, he married Linda Murdock Nov. 17, 1979. She survives with a daughter, Angela Null, Goshen; sons, Joel Catron, Three Rivers, Mich., Jeremiah Martin, Goshen, Tim Martin, Kingman, and James Martin, Syracuse; brother, Richard Catron, Charleston, W.Va.; and sister, Carolyn Catron, Oak Hill, W.Va. A private celebration of life service was held Jan. 6, 2021.

Melvin R. Chupp Melvin R. Chupp, 87, Nappanee, died Dec. 24, 2020, at Goshen Health Hospital.

Born Jan. 12, 1933, he married Loretta Jones Sept. 3, 1955. She survives with sons, James Chupp, Milford, Michael W. Chupp, Constantine, Mich., and Herbert N. Chupp, Battle Creek, Mich.; daughters, Maralie Stutzman, Nappanee, and Cindy Somers, Palm Coast, Fla. Services were held Dec. 30.

Linda L. Clark Linda L. Clark, 75, Bristol, died Dec. 23, 2020, at Elkhart General Hospital.

She was born Aug. 29, 1945, and married Jack Clark Oct. 19, 1963. He survives with a son, James Clark, Bristol; sister, Lizabeth Ruff, Elkhart; and brother, Wayne Walsh, Elkhart.

Services were held Dec. 28.

Bonita C. Driver Bonita C. Driver, 96, Goshen, died Dec. 24, 2020.

She was born May 16, 1924, and married John Driver in 1946. He survives with a daughter, Cynthia Driver; sons, Fred and Jonathan Driver; sisters, Bernice Nafziger and Vivian Murray; and brother, Fred Landis.

Services were held Jan. 4, 2021.

Danny Dygert Danny Dygert, 91, Elkhart, died Dec. 27, 2020, at Elkhart General Hospital.

Born Sept. 9, 1929, he married Betty J. Wilkinson Dec. 29, 1951. She preceded him in death Nov. 7, 2010.

Survivors include daughters, Deb Herrli, Union, Mich., and Julie Frey, Middlebury; and brother, Dave Dygert, Elkhart.

Walley-Mills-Zimmerman Funeral Home, Elkhart, was in charge of arrangements.

Richard Evans Jr. Richard R. Evans Jr., 75, Goshen, died Dec. 25, 2020, at Goshen Health Hospital.

Born Nov. 17, 1945, he married Edna Guy May 23, 1970. She survives with a daughter, Charity Howland, Elkhart; son, Richard R. Evans III, Goshen; brothers, Larry Evans, Goshen, and Ronnie Evans, Union City, Tenn.; sisters, Susan Goins, Goshen, Etta Pruitt, Wapakoneta, Ohio, and Kathy Burden, St. Marys, Ohio; brothers-in-law, Steve Burger, Goshen, and Dan Baker, Wapakoneta; sisters-in-law, Kathryn Evans,

Goshen, and Elaine Evans, St. Marys, Ohio.

Rieth-Rohrer-Ehret Funeral Home, Goshen, was in charge of arrangements.

Jeanne F. Fore Jeanne F. Fore, 80, Elkhart, died Dec. 28, 2020, in her home.

Born March 12, 1940, she married Donald L. Smith, who preceded her in death in 2007. On Aug. 10, 1991, she married Pete Fore. He died April 30, 2019.

Survivors include daughters, Donna Pangburn, Mishawaka, and Sally Lego, Schoolcraft, Mich.; stepdaughter, Terri Schwartz, Osceola; stepsons, Gregg Fore, Middlebury, and Bart Fore, Elkhart; sisters, Mary Stack and Laura McClary, Florida; brothers, Jeff Leonard, Missouri, and Michael Leonard, Illinois.

Private family services were held Jan. 2, 2021. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Evelyn J. Graffis Evelyn J. Graffis, 91, Wakarusa, died Dec. 20, 2020, at Elkhart General Hospital.

Born Feb. 12, 1929, she married Harry Graffis. He preceded her in death.

Survivors include a granddaughter, great-grandson and stepdaughter, Diane Haskins-Graffis, Elkhart.

Private family services were held Dec. 30.

Jeff L. Haynes Jeff L. Haynes, 51, Elkhart, died Dec. 24, 2020, in his home.

He was born Nov. 1, 1969, and married Lura Ingle May 25, 2019. She survives with his mother, Helen Eastwood, Elkhart; his children, Brian Lloyd, Jessie Waterson, Nappanee, Ashley Roberts, Elkhart, and Christina Cassidy, Mishawaka.

A private family celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Salvador Hernandez Arenas Salvador Hernandez Arenas, 57, Goshen, died at 11:20 p.m. Dec. 28, 2020, at Goshen Health Hospital.

Born Feb. 2, 1963, he married Maria Del Carmen Hernandez Feb. 1, 1986.

She survives with sons, Gerardo and Adrian Hernandez, Goshen; siblings, Alicia Hortencia Hernandez, Rafael, Alejandro and Guadalupe Hernandez, Mexico City, Mexico.

Services were held Dec. 31.

Sarah M. Hochstetler Sarah Mae Hochstetler, 76, Shipshewana, died at 12:14 a.m. Dec. 28, 2020, at Parkview LaGrange Hospital.

Born Aug. 31, 1944, survivors include sisters, Esther Miller, Wilma Hershberger and Irene Miller, Shipshewana, and Erma Bontrager, LaGrange; and sister-in-law, Rosa Yoder, Middlebury.

Services were held Dec. 31.

Alberta Hoogenboom Alberta C. Hoogenboom, 99, Goshen, died at 12:10 p.m. Dec. 20, 2020, in her home.

Born Sept. 20, 1921, she married Abraham Hoogenboom Dec. 11, 1941.

He preceded her in death Jan. 10, 2009.

She is survived by daughters, Rhonda Eslinger, Goshen, and Becky Bender, Elkhart; sons, Steve Hoogenboom, Elkhart, and Jeff Hoogenboom, Bristol; and daughter-in-law, Brandy Hoogenboom, Elkhart.

Private family services were held Jan. 2, 2021.

Mary Kenawell Mary Beth Kenawell, 58, Elkhart, died Dec. 7, 2020.

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Additional survivors include brothers, David Keeler Jr., Indianapolis, Daniel Keeler, Shipshewana, Douglas Keeler, Pearland, Texas, and Dennis Keeler, South Bend.

nifer Sanders Aug. 7, 1999. She survives with his parents, John and Jacqueline Thain; mother-in-law, Carol Sanders; son, Nicholas C. Thain; daughter, Brenna M. Thain; sister, Jennifer Haney, Goshen; sisters-in-law, Katie Thain, Fort Wayne, and Jackie Hopper.

Private family services were held.

Jon L. McCullough

Robert E. Unsicker

Jon L. McCullough, 79, Bristol, died Dec. 27, 2020, at East Lake Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Elkhart.

Born Sept. 23, 1941, he is survived by his wife, Margie; a son, Eric McCullough; daughters, Marcia L. Pittman, Marla Alvarez and Marsha Vaness; brother, Robert McCullough; sisters, Ruth Ludwig, Wilma Bellis, Merle M. Brockman, Verda Slack and Linda Hayman.

Services were held Jan. 2, 2021.

Robert E. Unsicker, 84, Bremen, died at 11:51 a.m. Dec. 25, 2020, at Elkhart General Hospital.

Born April 25, 1936, he married Ruby L. Mikel July 8, 1969. She survives with daughters, Sandra Wimmer and Tammy Britt; sons, Robert Unsicker Jr. and Fred Garrett; and sister, Betty L. Unsicker.

Private family graveside services were held.

Douang Oudomsack

Wally D. Versaw, 85, Goshen, died Dec. 26, 2020.

Born July 9, 1935, he married Lois A. Bizer Aug. 16, 1964. She preceded him in death in 2011.

He is survived by a daughter, Karen Stewart; sons, Paul and Steven Versaw.

A memorial will be held at a later date.

Douang Mala Oudomsack, 73, Goshen, died Dec. 25, 2020, at Goshen Health Hospital.

Born Nov. 1, 1947, she married Dan Bounson Oudomsack. He preceded her in death Feb. 23, 2020.

Survivors include her children, Kim Sourivong, Goshen, and Bounyareth Oudomsack, Hamilton, Mich.

Services were held Jan. 2, 2021.

Luella Peterman Luella Peterman, 79, Ligonier, died Dec. 15, 2020, at Goshen Health Hospital.

Born Oct. 25, 1941, she is survived by a son, Cameron Peterman, New Philly; brothers, Ron Morris, Elizabethtown, Ky., Kenny Morris, Syracuse, Phil Morris, Allegan, Mich., Rick Morris, Millersburg, Greg Morris, New Paris, Cory and John Morris, Ligonier, and Wayne Morris, Kimmell; sisters, Cathy Stuckman and JoAnna Weigold, Syracuse.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Leona Riegsecker Leona M. Riegsecker, 85, Elkhart, died Dec. 25, 2020, at Elkhart General Hospital.

She was born Jan. 20, 1935, and is survived by daughters, Beverly Jackson, Texas, Carla Kilburn, Elkhart, and Lori Stump, Goshen; siblings, Edward Becker, Cassopolis, Mich., Harvey Becker, White Pigeon, Mich., and Chris Grant, Elkhart.

Services were held Dec. 30.

Diane F. Roe Diane F. Roe, 61, Topeka, died Dec. 21, 2020, at Goshen Health Hospital.

Born Oct. 6, 1959, she is survived by a daughter, Kala Yoder, Topeka; sister, Donna Bontrager; brothers, Chuck, Dean and Don Christner.

Services were held Dec. 27.

Monica K. Scearse Monica K. Scearse, 82, Goshen, died Dec. 23, 2020, at Elkhart General Hospital.

Born Feb. 18, 1938, she is survived by sons, Todd Scearse, Bob Young and Tom V. Scearse Jr.; daughters, Amelia Mulholland Young, and Tracey Underwood.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Tom. Graveside services were held Dec. 29.

James G. Swihart James G. Swihart, 69, Wakarusa, died at 10 a.m. Dec. 26, 2020, in his home.

He was born Dec. 12, 1951, and married Terry Reardon July 3, 1982. She survives with their children, Jamie Stuber, Fishers, and Julie Jones, Goshen; brothers, Fred and Lewis Swihart, Nappanee, and Jerry Swihart, Osceola; and sister, Gloria Cleveland, Nappanee.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Paul Teal Paul Teal, 78, Summittville, died Dec. 25, 2020.

Born Sept. 17, 1942, he is survived by daughters, Sarah Hull, Summittville, Jennifer VanVoorst, Nappanee, and Christina Wood, Tennessee.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Richard G. Thain Richard G. Thain, 54, Elkhart, died Dec. 20, 2020, in his home.

Born Aug. 16, 1966, he married Jen-

Wally D. Versaw

Barbara Wilfong Barbara Wilfong, 68, Goshen, died Dec. 26, 2020, at Goshen Health Hospital.

Born Dec. 2, 1952, she married Harold Wilfong Feb. 18, 2012. He survives with children, Angie Short, Seymour, and Cody Short, Whitestown; stepsons, Keith Wilfong, Howe, and Kevin Wilfong, Goshen; sisters, Beatrice Jenkins, Uniontown, Janttes Phillips, Deputy, Cindy Barnes, Madison, Phylles Steele, Commiskey, Betty Barcum, Scipio, and Brenda Squires, East Corinth, Maine;

brothers, Dallas Cyrus, Seymour, and Orville Cyrus, Madison.

Services were held Jan. 2, 2021.

Shirley J. Wilham Shirley J. Wilham, 80, Goshen, died Dec. 26, 2020, at The Maples at Waterford Crossing.

Born June 23, 1940, she married Charles W. Wilham Aug. 11, 1957. He preceded her in death Aug. 25, 2016.

Survivors include a daughter, Mary V. Wilham Countway, Mishawaka; sons, Thomas Wilham, Bronson, Mich., Timothy W. Wilham, Lexington, Ky., and Daniel A. Wilham, Indianapolis; brothers, James Hawn, Boulder, Colo., and Everett Hawn, Wakarusa.

Private graveside services were held.

Clarence R. Yoder Clarence R. Yoder, 83, Jones, Mich., died Dec. 29, 2020, in his home.

Born Nov. 11, 1937, he is survived by a son, Gary Yoder, Goshen; daughters, Dawn Krezel, Ohio, and Kelly Workman, Elkhart; sisters, Mary M. Yoder, Millersburg, Ohio, Esther Thomas and Vera Troyer, Goshen; and special friend and caregiver, Pat Konneck, Jones.

Services were held Jan. 4, 2021.

Donald R. Yoder Donald R. Yoder, 72, Bloomington, died Dec. 26, 2020, at IU Health Bloomington Hospital.

Born May 28, 1948, he married Doris J. Baker Jan. 29, 1972. She survives with a daughter, Denise Tolbert, Cork, Oreland; son, David Yoder, Bloomington; sister, Sally Stutzman, Syracuse; brother, Terry Yoder Sr., Lafayette; brothers-in-law, John S. Bowers and Philip Baker.

Allen Funeral Home and Crematory, Bloomington, was in charge of arrangements.

COUNTY REPORT

Births

The following Elkhart County area babies were recently born at Goshen Hospital: Uriah Joseph Hernandez Abigail Loveall and Michael Hernandez, Goshen, are the parents of a son, Uriah Joseph, born at 1:58 p.m.

Dec. 23, 2020. He weighed 6 pounds, 6.5 ounces and was 19 3/4 inches long.

BIRTHS ELSEWHERE Timothy Jon Mast Lamar and Doris (Bontrager) Mast, Nappanee, are the parents of a son, Timothy Jon, born at 9:47 a.m.

Nov. 22, 2020, at home. He weighed 7 pounds, 7 ounces.

Mahlon Eugene Harshberger Arlin and Rebecca (Schwartz) Harshberger, Etna Green, are the parents of a son, Mahlon Eugene, born at 4:45 a.m. Dec. 25, 2020, at Blessed Beginnings Care Center, Nappanee. He weighed 8 pounds, 11 ounces and was 21 inches long.

Maternal grandparents are Arden and Irma Schwartz, Etna Green. Paternal grandparents are Lyle and Judith Harshberger, Nappanee.

Mahlon joins two siblings: Irma and Ethan.

Landon Jon Mullet Kevin and Pearl (Bontrager) Mullet, Nappanee, are the parents of a son, Landon Jon, born at 9:16 a.m.

Dec. 26, 2020, at Blessed Beginnings Care Center, Nappanee. He weighed 5 pounds, 14.5 ounces and was 18 1/2 inches long.

Landon joins a sister, Myra.

Justin Wayne Mast Joseph and Julie (Hochstetler) Mast, Nappanee, are the parents of a son, Justin Wayne, born at 12:37 a.m.

Dec. 27, 2020, at Blessed Beginnings Care Center, Nappanee. He weighed 6 pounds, 7 ounces and was 19 1/2 inches long.

Jared Lynn Slabaugh Ryan and Diane (Miller) Slabaugh, Etna Green, are the parents of a son, Jared Lynn, born at 11:45 a.m.

Dec. 27, 2020, at Blessed Beginnings Care Center, Nappanee. He weighed 9 pounds, 10 ounces and was 20 1/2

inches long.

Maternal grandparents are Marvin and Doris Miller, Etna Green. Paternal grandparents are Marlin and Arlene Slabaugh, Etna Green.

Jared joins three siblings: Emily, Galen and Derek.

Court News Circuit Court The following petitions have been filed in Elkhart County Circuit Court, Judge Michael A. Christofeno presiding:

Complaints Board of Commissioners of the County of Elkhart, Indiana v. Good Oil Company, Inc., National Oil & Gas, Inc., JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. and Shingar Inc., appropriation and condemnation of real estate and order that Shingar appear before court to show cause, if any, why the portion of Shinagar’s real estate described in exhibits should not be appropriated

Superior Court III The following petitions have been filed in Elkhart County Superior Court III, Judge Teresa L. Cataldo presiding:

Complaints Absolute Resolutions Investments LLC v. Rebecca Burke, Middlebury, $7,235.21

Superior Court IV The following judgments have been entered in Elkhart County Superior Court IV, Judge Gretchen Lund presiding:

Complaints and Small Claims Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance as subrogee of John E. McCourt v. Wesley E. Axson, $1,661.03 The Hawks v. Karen Rangel, $1,500 Vickie Shuder v. David and Irene Yoder, $0

Tuesday, January 5, 2021 — the PAPER — www.the-papers.com

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INFB president reflects on a successful 2020, despite pandemic Each year at the Indiana Farm Bureau convention, the organization’s president reflects on the year that’s passed and discusses his vision for the future of the organization with members from across the state.

This year, INFB’s convention was drastically different. Due to COVID-19, INFB made the difficult decision to take this year’s convention virtual.

“No one enjoys state convention more than I do. It’s an opportunity for me to reconnect with our longtime friends and members and get to know our new ones,” said Randy Kron, INFB president. “So, cancelling the in-person state convention wasn’t an easy decision, but it was made because it’s in the best interests of our members and Farm Bureau staff.”

When reflecting on 2020, there was a lot to celebrate despite the pandemic.

Among the successes, two major high points mentioned in Kron’s address were the passage of Senate Enrolled Act 184 – which allowed INFB to sponsor more affordable, reliable health care benefits for its members – and, as a result of that action, the creation of INFB Health Plans.

“Two years ago, at our state convention in Fort Wayne, I made a promise to you – that we would do our best to answer the need of so many of our members – to provide them with more affordable, reliable health care,” Kron said during his annual address. “After spending 18 months researching and drafting legislation, the bill finally passed in March. Using all

the resources of the Farm Bureau family to deliver on our promise to you, we formed Indiana Farm Bureau Health Plans.”

Since applications opened Oct. 1, INFB has seen a continuous increase in applications week after week with a savings of more than 50 percent on average for family plans.

In his annual address, Kron also highlighted the many ways INFB members continued to serve their community, which was especially needed because of COVID-19.

“Farm Bureau members always look out for one another, and I knew there was no way a pandemic was going to stop that,” Kron said. “When food pantries were struggling due to increased demand, our members held food

drives to deliver meat, eggs and milk directly to those in need.

“In the early days of the pandemic, when personal protective equipment was in short supply, many of our members made or donated masks and other PPE to area hospitals, nursing homes and to first responders.”

Kron concluded his address by looking forward, discussing INFB’s top policy priority for the upcoming 2021 legislative session.

“As we look ahead to 2021, our number one priority for this next legislative session is broadband,” he said. “Expanding broadband to the last mile has been a priority of Farm Bureau for several years, but when the pandemic came everyone understood just how important it was to be able to connect to the internet. So, for the

2021 legislative session we will focus on expanding broadband to the unserved and underserved in order to support education, remote work, telehealth and ag technology.”

During his remarks, Kron also acknowledged Joe Martin, CEO of Indiana Farm Bureau Insurance, who is retiring at the end of the year after 40 years of service to the organization.

The 2020 virtual convention also included county, district and state awards presentations, YF&AP Discussion Meet finals, the annual meeting for INFB delegates, educational breakouts and a conversation with AFBF president Zippy Duvall and Kron.

The 2021 INFB annual state convention will be held in French Lick next December.

Indiana extends application period for restart grant program Governor Eric J. Holcomb recently announced an extended application period for the Indiana Small Business Restart Grant, enabling Hoosier small businesses in all of Indiana’s 92 counties to apply for recovery funding beginning now through Jan. 22, 2021.

During this time period, the state will also implement a number of changes to eligibility criteria and reimbursement categories to increase the number of small businesses utilizing the program and to increase the award amount eligible businesses may be qualified to receive. Key changes to the program include: • Small businesses with between 51-75 full-time associates are now eligible to apply; • Eligible businesses may now

seek reimbursement for payroll and verified insurance premium payments; • Eligible businesses in all of Indiana’s 92 counties may seek reimbursement for qualified expenses incurred between MarchDecember 2020, extending the time period from Nov. 1 (for Marion County) and Dec. 1 (for all other counties).

By extending the program, eligible small businesses that have not received the maximum award of $50,000 (maximum of $10,000 for an individual month) may now seek reimbursement for qualified business expenses, such as payroll (for W-2 employees only), verified insurance premium payments, rent/mortgage payments (for owner-occupied property only), utilities, lease payments

Legislative directory connects Hoosiers to lawmakers Indiana Chamber of Commerce is offering Hoosiers a connection to lawmakers during the upcoming General Assembly session. The 2021 Legislative Directory provides contact information, committee assignments, bios and more for all 150 state legislators – including those newly sworn in.

The publication is available as an app for Android and Apple users, plus in the traditional booklet format. The app, which will have real-time updates throughout the session, is available now and the booklet will be distributed in January.

Color head shots, seating charts, leadership assignments

and social media profiles are also provided.

The phone app adds extra features such as automatic updates, the ability to “favorite” legislators and committees for quick reference and interaction, as well as downloading legislators’ information directly into your mobile phone contact list.

The booklet costs $9.99 and the mobile app $8.99; the discounted bundle price for both is $15.25. Bulk pricing for the print edition is also available.

To pre-order the booklet or purchase the mobile access code to use at Apple or Google Play stores, visit www.indianachamber.com/directory or call (800) 824-6885.

USPS asks customers to clear snow and ice It looks like the freeze is on throughout Indiana. This means snow and icy conditions in area neighborhoods with the likelihood of an increase in weatherrelated accidents for our carriers and customers.

When walking and driving conditions are icy, both drivers and pedestrians are at risk. The USPS needs the community’s help to keep its letter carriers safe from slips, trips or falls.

“Our letter carriers are the best in the business,” said Acting Greater Indiana District Manager Christi Johnson-Kennedy.

“While they are accustomed to winter weather, they still need the cooperation of homeowners to help them reduce the risk

of accidents.”

Mounds of snow and patches of ice in front of mailboxes create havoc for carriers trying to safely affect mail delivery. The USPS is asking that residents maintain a clear path to the mailbox — including steps, porches, walkways and approach from the street — and help postal carriers provide timely delivery of those holiday packages, cards and letters The USPS is also asking residents who receive curbside mail delivery to keep the approach to and from the mailbox clear of snow, or any other obstacles such as trash cans and other vehicles.

The carrier needs to be able to deliver the mail safely without leaving the vehicle or backing up.

for real or personal property, and safety investments, incurred to support their Indiana operations.

Grant details: Small businesses that meet the eligibility requirements can apply for reimbursement of up to 80% of qualified business expenses incurred between MarchDecember 2020. Reimbursements for expenses may be awarded up to $10,000 for each month during that time period in which the business demonstrates a revenue loss of at least 30%.

Grants will be issued up to $50,000 per company and will be issued in the order in which applications are received until funding is exhausted.

Eligibility criteria: • Businesses must have been established prior to Oct. 1, 2019; • Businesses must be registered to operate in Indiana, and must be seeking reimbursement for expenses related to their Indiana operations; • Businesses must have had

additional details and instruction, is available at backontrack.in.gov.

The Indiana Small Business Restart Grant is funded at $31 million by federal dollars made available through the CARES Act – $30 million approved by the state and an additional $1 million allocated by the city of Indianapolis for small businesses located in Marion County.

Of the state’s $30 million allocation, at least $5 million is reserved for certified minorityand women-owned businesses.

Since launching June 3, the state has issued $7.04 million in grants to 892 small businesses. Of these grants, more than $817,400 (11.6%) has been awarded to 130 certified minority-owned, women-owned and veteran-owned businesses.

For more information on support, resources and funding available to Hoosier entrepreneurs and small businesses, visit StayINBiz.org.

less than 75 full-time employees as of Dec. 31, 2019; • Businesses must have been profitable in 2019 and have had less than $5 million in revenue in 2019; • Businesses must demonstrate a monthly revenue loss of at least 30% compared to preCOVID-19 revenues; and • Businesses must be in good standing with the Indiana Department of Revenue or have a DOR-approved payment plan.

Deadline: Eligible small businesses are encouraged to apply and submit documentation of qualified expenses by 5 p.m. Jan. 22, 2021.

Previous applications will not be reviewed retroactively for new program changes, so small businesses that may now be eligible – or may be eligible for additional expense reimbursement – with these changes will need to resubmit application materials.

The application, along with

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Interra’s annual Hometown Giving service project going on now The 27th annual Interra Credit Union holiday service project, Hometown Giving, is in full swing.

Through a variety of initiatives, the project provides financial support, adopts families and donates wish list items to support organizations serving those in need throughout a five-county area where Interra offices are located.

Last year, close to $50,000 was distributed together with hundreds of gifts donated by staff and members.

“This year has significantly impacted the nonprofits in our community,” Meegan Siegwarth, vice president of marketing at Interra Credit Union stated. “Even though Interra has provided additional resources throughout the increased 2020 community needs, we are grateful that our members and staff remain committed to helping and participating in this year’s Hometown Giving initiatives.”

In addition to the corporate support of $20,000, Interra also partakes in staff fundraisers and member initiatives to raise extra

donations for the service project.

A staff committee met earlier this fall to review and determine which agencies Hometown Giving will support this year. Committee members contacted these organizations to gather wish list needs and adopta-family information.

Angel Trees are up at all Interra offices allowing the community to be involved. While lobbies are operating by appointment only, members are able to receive information about the Angel Tree tags through the drive-thru. “We make the process stress-free for members and these organizations as we take care of delivering the items to the nonprofits at the end of the year,” Siegwarth shared.

“Merry Match” provides opportunities for people to donate through the drive-thru at all Interra offices.

Interra is offering an online option for members to donate electronically.

The primary internal fundraiser is a staff silent auction. Interra’s employees and local businesses have donated more than 150 items

ranging from gift baskets and local gift certificates to homemade items and services. Other staff fundraisers provide for days off with pay, gift cards, and more. In addition, Interra employees may purchase up to 10 dress-down stickers, with all funds going to Hometown Giving.

The agencies supported by Hometown Giving this year include: ADEC, Agape House, The Arc of LaGrange County, Bashor Children’s Home, Boys and Girls Clubs (all the clubs in Elkhart County), Boys and Girls Club of Marshall County (Plymouth and Bremen), Cancer Resources, CAPS, Cardinal Services, Center for Healing and Hope, Church Community Services/Soup of Success, Clothes and Food Basket of LaGrange County, Elkhart County Council on Aging, Elijah Haven, Fairfield Food Pantry, Family Christian Development Center, Five Little Stones, Lakeland Youth Center, Lighthouse Day Care, New Start Ministries (domestic shelter), Salvation Army – Goshen and Plymouth, The Post, Bremen Bags, RETA, Ryan’s Place, Spa Women’s

Ministry, Sleep in Heavenly Peace, Syracuse Food Pantry, The Villages, Wakarusa Elementary School and The Window.

For more information about Hometown Giving, follow Interra on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

All contributions to Hometown Giving through Merry Match are not tax-deductible and are dispersed at the discretion of Interra Credit Union. Hometown Giving is a service project and is not a 501(c)3 organization, but makes its donations to those types of organizations.

Interra, headquartered in Goshen, was charted in 1932 and has assets of $1.3 billion. The credit union’s field of membership spans 18 counties in northern Indiana, with more than 300 full and part-time employees serving nearly 85,000 members.

Interra currently operates 15 offices in Elkhart, Kosciusko, LaGrange, Marshall and Noble counties in Indiana. A 16th office is set to open in LaGrange in early 2021.

Interra also serves its members with a suite of robust electronic services at interracu.com.

Indiana Chamber survey: Vaccines critical to economic recovery Indiana business leaders view vaccines for COVID-19 as a primary ingredient in the state’s economic recovery. They also provide a mixed outlook on the prospects for their own organizations in the year ahead.

The latest informal Indiana Chamber of Commerce economic survey, taking place online Dec. 3-10, generated responses from 845 chamber members and investors.

Asked about the importance of widespread vaccine implementation to the state’s economic recovery, the average response was 8.21 on a 1-10 scale, with 10 being most important. In addition, 61% expect to encourage COVID-19 vaccinations for their employees, while 28% are not sure. Only 11% of respondents say no – they won’t encourage employees to get the vaccine.

Potential on-site vaccinations for employees delivered a mixed response (23% yes; 39% no; and 38% not sure) with many citing the need for additional information.

“The tremendous efforts to bring these highly effective vaccines to market so quickly will be mitigated if the majority of Hoosiers are not vaccinated,” said Kevin Brinegar, Indiana Chamber president and

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CEO. “It is promising to see so many business leaders willing to support and encourage the vaccines.

“Our ultimate business revival is dependent on this next step. Our economy will not be able to resume its full operations until the coronavirus is under control.”

In projecting the 2021 outlook for their business, respondents were more optimistic than not.

Nearly 50% (47%) indicated a return to “near normal” operations, versus 28% continuing at the reduced levels of 2020. Additionally, 20% expected similar growth in 2021 compared to recent years, with 6% fearing potential closure without economic recovery.

When first asked in late June about long-term ramifications of the pandemic, 62% cited changing their business model to adapt to a new reality. That same question yielded a 56% response in December.

Remote workforces are a new re-

ality for many. Forty-three percent indicated all or some employees would continue to work remotely in at least a portion of the coming year. On the productivity of remote workers throughout 2020: 51% said they were less productive (36% of that total in the “slightly less productive” category); 12% more productive; and 37% no change.

Brinegar notes the chamber will be leading advocacy efforts during the Indiana General Assembly session to look at incentives to attract additional talent, including remote workers, to the state.

“This is all part of the fierce battle for talent,” he shared. “We simply need more highly qualified people in the workforce. Bringing them to our state to take advantage of our low cost of living and high quality of life – no matter where they work initially – will be a first step to having them live AND work in Indiana.”

Additional survey findings include:

Economic impact to your business in 2020 (on a 1-10 scale): 6.5.

This matches the June response and is below the 7.2 average in April Specific business impacts in 2020: Revenue loss, 71%; cash flow issues, 35%; suspended operations at least temporarily, 34%; employee layoffs, 29%; no/minimal impact, 16%; added employees, 13% Seventy-two percent (split evenly between very important and somewhat important) identify a new federal economic stimulus/ relief package as a crucial factor More than 50% of respondents have fewer than 50 employees. A broad cross section of industries was represented, with 24% in manufacturing and 17% in professional services. The latest survey followed previous polls in April and June.

Charts of the key findings are available at www.indianachamber. com/charts.

DNR Fish & Wildlife receives Excellence in Conservation award The Indiana DNR Division of Fish & Wildlife was given this year’s Excellence in Conservation award from the Midwest Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies for installing native plant habitat at an Indianapolis school.

The annual award recognizes the agency that has shown excellence in conservation through a specific project.

The project recognized was funded through grants from the Indiana Natural Resources Foundation’s Give Adventure program and Reconnecting to Our Waterways. The goal of the project is to foster a conservation ethic in an underserved Indianapolis community. To achieve this goal, Fish & Wildlife focused on specific activities that took place in 2019, including native habitat installation at Wendell Phillips School 63, workforce development, conservation education and community engagement.

Early last summer, Fish & Wildlife staff worked alongside WPS 63 students and youth as well as young adults participating in Groundwork Indy’s

GroundCorp program in planting approximately 750 plugs in three habitat installations at the school. In addition, the project team developed three bilingual signs that were installed to highlight the front pollinator garden, as well as the wetland pond and monarch waystation behind the school.

In July, the project team worked with staff across DNR to host a workforce development day for Groundwork Indy at Atterbury Fish & Wildlife Area.

Twenty-six Groundwork Indy youth and young adults participated in the event, where they experienced fishing and attended an information session about potential future careers with DNR and in natural resources fields.

Before the 2019-20 school year, Fish & Wildlife’s education outreach specialist conducted a Project WILD educator workshop with 55 teachers to introduce them to the school’s habitat installations and provide training to incorporate the habitat installations into curriculum.

The project culminated in a

community festival event at Reverend Mozel Sanders Park in Indianapolis in September 2019.

The project team worked together with partners and other Fish & Wildlife staff to host booths around the park focused on topic-specific activities, including pollinators, wildlife tracks, watersheds, archery, fishing, and macroinvertebrates and water quality.

“Through a variety of experiences, this team and our partners helped to deepen people’s connection to nature and conservation,” said Angie Haywood, Fish & Wildlife’s assistant director of planning & public engagement. “The project required a great deal of coordination and effort, and we are so proud of the results. We are excited to continue our work with these partners in the future.”

Although the primary grant activities have concluded, Fish & Wildlife staff continue to work with Groundwork Indy youth and young adults to maintain WPS 63’s pollinator habitat.

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www.the-papers.com — the PAPER — Tuesday, January 5, 2021

Well Foundation’s Greatest Need Fund awards annual grants Committee members overseeing the Well Foundation Greatest Need Fund awarded $154,710 in grants to improve health in Elkhart County.

The grants are being made from funds that were part of the Well Foundation, formerly named the Goshen Hospital & Health Care Foundation, which was created in 1969 to provide strength and stability to Goshen General Hospital so future generations might have access to high quality health care. The foundation gave more than $6 million to health needs of the surrounding community during its existence.

Its founders, a group of caring people who worked together to give back to the community, organized the foundation with the intent of always having local control

and management. For nearly 50 years, Well Foundation operated independently before the assets were transferred to the Community Foundation in March 2017.

Many of the founding volunteers remain engaged, as committee members, in grant-making decisions surrounding health care in the community.

The Well Foundation Committee met in November to make annual awards from the Greatest Need Fund, which offers unrestricted grants to support community initiatives dedicated to helping Elkhart County citizens live longer, healthier lives.

“Former Well Foundation board and committee members came together and made decisions to help a number of initiatives in our community,” said Vonnie Trum-

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ble, associate program officer for the Community Foundation.

“We are grateful for their ongoing commitment to help improve community health.”

Grants this year are: • Boys & Girls Clubs, Running to Healthy Habits 2021, $4,000 • CAPS, CFAC Program health food options, $3,000 • Center for Healing & Hope, technology and phones, $10,000 • Community Sustainability Project (Goshen Farmers’ Market), fresh food therapy, $3,210 • Girls on the Run, spring 2021 program, $14,000 • Goshen College, nursing simulation training in 2020, $15,000 • Maple City Health Care, affordable tattoo removal, $20,000 • Northern Indiana Hispanic Health Coalition, Healthy Hearts-Healthy Minds Program, $30,000 • REAL Services, Elkhart County nutrition sites, $5,000 • Riverview Adult Day Center, community partnerships phase two, $4,000 • Ryan’s Place, grief support programs, $16,000

)281'$7,21 )81'6 $7 :25. ³ Goshen College nursing student Maira Lopez works on a simulation exercise as part of her studies.

The Well Foundation is supporting GC nursing simulations with this year÷s grants. Goshen College photo.

• SAWS - Servants at Work, Ramp Up Elkhart County, $16,500 • The Crossing, Elkhart Crossing ETC COVID-19 response project, $8,000 • WheelchairHelp.Org, lift chair and wide wheelchair restoration, $6,000 Total: $154,710 In addition to the Greatest Need Fund, the former Well Foundation funds support a

number of designated programs and scholarships, including the Howard S. Brembeck Vision and Dental Health, Schrock Nursing Education, Ken and Enid Swanson Nursing, Daly Family Nursing, Wolf Vision & Home Care, Imaging Education, Stanley Wolfe Fund, Ed Bradford Family Health Care 4-H Scholarship, and three scholarships in the name of Ned and Agda Farber.

Third round of Manufacturing Readiness Grants awarded Indiana Economic Development Corporation, in partnership with Conexus Indiana, announced the third round of awards totaling approximately $1.5 million to 31 Indiana businesses in Manufacturing Readiness Grants, which Governor Eric J. Holcomb first announced in May under the Economic Activity Stabilization and Enhancement program.

The grants, which are a key part of Holcomb’s 2021 Next Level Agenda announced recently, are designed to stimulate manufacturing investments that will position Hoosier operations, and the sector overall, for future growth and prosperity.

“As a state, it’s critical that we support manufacturers as they modernize their operations and efficiencies to succeed in today’s 21st century economy,” said Holcomb. “Like many industries, this sector has faced unprecedented challenges this year yet these Hoosiers are pushing full steam ahead. We’re encouraged by their continued commitment to enhancing and growing their businesses, solidifying our state’s reputation as the top manufacturing state in the nation per capita.”

The 31 manufacturers receiving grants represent 21 Indiana counties and cover a wide range of specialties, including automotive, aerospace and defense, agriculture, machinery and construction, consumer packaging products, and health care and medical. Together, these businesses plan to invest more than $15 million in technology and equipment to position their businesses for future growth by increasing capacity and modernizing operations. Five of the manufacturers – Ameri-Can Engineering, DQE Inc., Meyer Plastics Inc., Primex Plastics Corporation and Universal Technologies LLC – are accelerating operational investments in health

care manufacturing or preparedness technology to support critical COVID-19 response efforts.

Local recipients are: EarthWay Products — $100,000 grant award, family owned in Bristol since 1955, manufactures lawn and garden equipment for turf scientists, landscape professionals and homeowners. The company is automating a production line of spreader/seeders with cobots to replace highly repetitive work and improve capacity by 30%.

Micro Etch Technologies LLC — $75,000 grant award, manufactures small, thin gauge metal components for electronics, medical, aerospace and other industries. Founded in 1988 in Elkhart, the company is upgrading its manufacturing technology and capabilities with investments in a digital microscope, digital CMM and chemical etching system.

TouchTronics Inc. — $50,000 grant award, based in Elkhart for more than 35 years, manufactures wireless and Bluetooth controllers and monitoring solutions for the commercial truck, RV, marine and public safety industries. This woman-owned business is investing in automated equipment to manufacture and assemble circuit boards, wire harnesses and injection-molded parts to enhance quality, efficiency, speed and product performance.

Viewrail/Stair Supplies (Iron Baluster Inc.) — $20,000 grant award, manufactures premium stair parts for homeowners, builders and contractors. Based in Goshen since 2004, the company is developing an automated powder coat line to transition from batch to continuous flow as part of an overall automation effort.

The IEDC initially made $4 million available for Indiana Manufacturing Readiness Grants and has since been able to expand

the awards for Hoosier manufacturers with support of CARES Act funding. The awards are issued in the form of matching grants up to or equal to the amount of the qualified investment in new equipment and machinery (minimum 1:1 investment match). While the allocated program funding has been exceeded, Conexus, with the input of a peer review panel, will continue to assess applications and make funding recommendations to the IEDC, which will fund select applications if and when additional funding becomes available. Eligibility requirements and the grant application are available online.

“It’s a very positive indicator when this many manufacturers, this geographically dispersed throughout the state, and operating in so many sectors are making investments in smart manufacturing technology,” said Mitch Landess, vice president of innovation and digital transformation at Conexus Indiana. “It leaves you very optimistic about the future.”

For more than a decade, Conexus Indiana, one of the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership non-profit initiatives, has been positioning the Hoosier State as the best place for advanced manufacturing and logistics industries to invest, employ and succeed. By collaborating with industry, academic and public sector partners on a shared vision for an innovative, skilled workforce and stronger business climate, Conexus Indiana has helped to create opportunities for advanced manufacturing and logistics companies, prepare Hoosiers to succeed in the state’s largest industry sectors and maintain Indiana’s competitive advantage.

For more information, go to www.conexusindiana.com.