the Papers - Kosciusko County - January 25, 2023

Mobile Meals —

delivering more than just a hot lunch

health or even death.

“If they don’t answer the door, that’s not a good sign,” Buzzard said.

Mobile Meals provides a hot, nutritious lunch five days a week, thanks to an army of volunteers.

Jennifer Buzzard, Kosciusko Community Senior Services Home Delivered Meals coordinator, said there are eight routes in Kosciusko County — six from Kosciusko Community Hospital in Warsaw and two from Harvest Coffee in Milford.

Currently, Mobile Meals has 130 drivers. She said she needs about 100 more volunteers. “We are still short drivers,” said Buzzard. “We need eight drivers a day.”

In the winter, some volunteers go to Florida or other warm destinations. This is when service clubs, such as Kiwanis Club, Rotary Club, Young Adult Professionals and Leesburg Lions step in to help.

Yet, said Buzzard, drivers are needed in the summer, too, and other times of the year. “We always need drivers,” she said.

Volunteers deliver more than just a hot lunch. The visits are also welfare checks. With 85 elderly clients, a Mobile Meals volunteer may be the only person they see that day and sometimes volunteers discover bad

Ninety percent of drivers are couples.

Mark and Karen Springer pick up Mobile Meals at KCH in Warsaw. Karen has been delivering meals for almost 50 years. They both served on the first board of directors for Mobile Meals, and she was instrumental in getting the nonprofit agency started in Kosciusko County. The couple were board members at one time. “We enjoy doing it,” she said.

The couple deliver once a week, or about three to four times monthly.

Eldon Martin has been delivering “for a couple of years.” He delivers to Etna Green and Warsaw. “I see about eight people,” he said. “I like that I might be able to help somebody.”

Cindy Hunter has been a volunteer driver for almost 20 years. Prior to delivering in Kosciusko County, she delivered meals in Wabash. She started when her sons were young as a community service lesson for the boys, she said.

“We home-schooled so that’s how I started,” she

said. “I’ve met so many older people, and they are such a delight. I love taking care of older people.”

Hunter, who lives in Warsaw, delivers two days a week, doing two different routes. She delivers about 12 meals, which takes her about an hour or so. Her routes include Atwood on Thursdays and North Webster on Fridays. She “hands off” meals to volunteer drivers in North Webster before delivering meals on the way back home.

“I feel I can be an important part of doing daily assessments of people,” Hunter explained.

Some people get meals delivered five days a week, while some get them only on certain days. Clients pay $25 a month or $5 per meal on private pay.

“It depends on their income and what they have left after they pay their bills,” said Buzzard.

Operation Read CEO introduces the joy of books

“I have always had a passion for reading, which I got from my mother,” stated DeeAnna Muraski, Warsaw.

“There is nothing I like to do better on a snowy, cold winter day than grab a warm quilt, a cup of steaming coffee, a good book and have my dog warming my lap.”

Muraski is CEO of Operation Read Inc., previously known as Kosciusko Literacy Services. Her job is to introduce people to the joy of books.

She quickly adds the mental benefits of reading and how she wants to convey those to others. “Kids who love to read do better in school. If they struggle with reading, they will have trouble comprehending the rest of their school subjects. I want to help people of all ages enjoy and excel in reading,” she added.

“Before I took the position at Operation Read, I was an adjunct professor at Grace College, teaching economics, managerial economics, business law, intellectual property law and career institute. I enjoy helping students find their niche in life.”

Muraski was hired as Operation Read CEO in April 2022 when the previous director retired. “In the past, I had been on the board of directors; thus, I was already familiar with the programs and how the organization operated.”

A typical day for Muraski is filled with interactions with people, children and partner organizations in the community.

“I love that part of the job. I get to meet all kinds of people. Our partner organizations, like Head Start, are extremely helpful, which expedites us getting books into the hands of children.”

A program the board launched this year is called “Operation Read: Reads.”

“We have more than 4,000 children under the age of 5 in Kosciusko County who fall within the poverty levels,” said Muraski. “A majority of those families are headed by either a single mother or single father. These single parents may have to work two or three jobs to make ends meet, as they are in survival mode. They have time-poverty.”

That is where Operation Read comes in. “We pinpoint the geographic locations of these lowincome families to deliver free

books to them and read to these children.”

The board’s vision is to have the funding to purchase a bookmobile/mobile tutor lab. “We can travel to locations all over Kosciusko County to deliver books and read to children. We can also feature special guest readers such as Santa or the Easter Bunny. These guests will help make reading fun for the children.”

Children and parents are not the only people Operation Read targets. “We are working on the full life cycle. We provide puzzle books for senior citizens — books that continue to stimulate a person to think.”

Muraski’s passion for books resulted in her co-writing and editing a published book with her mother titled “Diamond Bait: A NorthWoods Novel.” They are working on two more books in the NorthWoods trilogy series.

Her other hobbies include kayaking, playing the ukulele, biking and nature walks. Her favorite books are Alexander Dumas’ “Count of Monte Cristo” and the Bible. “The Bible is the greatest book with the greatest story ever told: the birth, life, death and resurrection of Christ.”

Burkley is the new vice chair for ACT Nappanee-Wakarusa

Charles Burkley is the new vice chair for ACT NappaneeWakarusa.

Burkley, a resident of Nappanee, was a candidate in November 2022 for Locke Township Advisory Board. Born in Elkhart County, he studied marketing at I. U. in South Bend as well as music, theater and Spanish at Marian University in Indianapolis.

He is a loan officer at American

Mortgage and Financial Services in Goshen, and sits on the board of directors of Art House in Goshen.

Tessa Parshall of Wakarusa is the new treasurer for ACT NappaneeWakarusa.

Parshall lives in Wakarusa and in November 2022 was a candidate for Olive Township Advisory Board. Parshall grew up in a small village in mid-Michigan where she

attended a high school specializing in math and science.

Continuing her science education at Cornell College in rural eastern Iowa, Parshall studied physics and theater. At Cornell, she had her first exposure to politics in the form of volunteering to park cars at a political campaign dinner for candidate Bill Bradley. Later that year, she participated in her first caucus.

Moving to the Elkhart County area in 2006, Parshall joined NTA in Nappanee in its Building Material Test Lab. Her past experience in nonprofit management includes being treasurer for the local section of the American Society of Quality for two years.

Lina Blosser of Goshen is the new secretary for ACT NappaneeWakarusa.

Blosser was born in Goshen, and grew up in South Bend.

She attended IUSB as a math major and after raising her family, went to nursing school at age 60.

After graduating from the nursing program at IvyTech, she began working at Elkhart General Hospital. She is now retired

from nursing and enjoys working a few hours weekly in a retail environment where she meets a wide range of people but still has time for volunteer work for ACT and for family and friends.

Blosser has four grown children, three of whom live nearby and one of whom lives in California. She has five grandchildren and is actively involved in their lives.

ACT Nappanee-Wakarusa is an area-specific group of Indiana citizens who tend to vote Democratic, progressive or independent, and has many members who are dissatisfied Republicans. Its purpose is to encourage voter registration, civil dialogue and respect for all citizens, compassion for immigrants, and we believe in the principles embodied in the US Constitution and Bill of Rights. ACT stands for “Advancing Community Together.”

Radio club hosts annual banquet

Hoosier Lakes Radio Club held its yearly banquet Jan. 6 at the American Table, Warsaw.

Club President Gary McDaniel, Mentone, presented Ken Ledgerwood, North Webster, the Ham of the Year Award for his public

Hoosier Lakes Radio Club to host Winter Field Day

Hoosier Lakes Radio Club will host Winter Field Day Jan. 28-29.

The event provides training and demonstrates emergency preparedness through radio communications. In a crisis or emergency, amateur radio is a reliable backup.

During severe weather conditions, Ham Radio SkyWarn Operators are always observing and reporting current conditions to the National Weather Service.

SkyWarn Operators communicate with each other from county to county.

When power, phones and internet services go down, a battery-powered amateur radio and portable antennas can provide a crucial link to the outside world.

The quickest means of communication is Morse code, which uses very low power to operate and is still a way to communicate when all other options are unavailable.

On Jan. 28-29, Winter Field Day operations will be conducted. Ham radio operators will bring in equipment such as antennas, generators, radios and other needed supplies. The public is invited to visit Winter Field Day at Warsaw High School south of Warsaw.

If you are interested in earning an amateur radio license, contact Ken Ledgerwood at kc9nwm@arrl.net or Loren Melton at wb9ost@arrl.net.

LSC shifting work to Warsaw, closing two Pennsylvania printing plants

Chicago-based printing company LSC Communications, which has multiple plants in Indiana, says it is closing two of its facilities in Lancaster County, Pa. The work at those plants will be shifted to two other LSC operations, including one in Kosciusko County.

The company tells Inside INdiana Business the shutdown is the result of a steady decline in demand for long-run catalog and magazine printing. A company spokesperson says it will not be adding staff to its Warsaw plant, as it has the capacity to absorb the incoming work. The other plant to pick up the extra production is in Minnesota.

Indiana has not been immune to LSC closings. In September 2020, the company announced it was shuttering one of its plants in Kendallville and laying off more than 300 workers. Like the Pennsylvania closing, LSC attributed the move to “continued deterioration of market conditions.” The Noble County facility printed books.

A second LSC location in Kendallville remained open, as it handled digital production and warehousing.

In December 2020, the company was acquired by Connecticutbased private equity firm Atlas Holdings as part of a $347.5 million bankruptcy sale of LSC.

“LSC emerged from bankruptcy

a few years ago and we’ve been doing everything possible, through the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond, to stabilize our business and plan for growth in the future. At the same time, demand for longrun catalog and magazine printing has continued to decline, while paper and ink costs continue to rise.

“Our customers are reducing their page counts and print runs, and some are converting to other marketing channels, forcing us to closely examine our operations and position ourselves for winning in a new marketplace,” said Mains.

More than 650 Pennsylvania workers will be let go by the end of March.

service, emergency preparedness and dedication to amateur radio.

McDaniel presented James D. “JD” Woods, Warsaw, the President’s Award for his positive attitude, dedication and service to amateur radio.

students named to dean’s/president’s lists

Local

The following local students were named to the dean’s list of their respective colleges/universities:

Cedarville University

Nappanee — Gabrielle Vincent, Benjamin Vincent, Jacob Raasch Wakarusa — Andrew Callander Warsaw — Madeline Bowell

Winona Lake — Angella Stichter

Belmont University

Nappanee — Hailee Clyde Warsaw — Anna Sullivan

Winona Lake — Nicholas Bazzoni

Harding University

Syracuse — Courtney Eby University of Iowa Warsaw — Grayson Kilburn

The following local students were named to the president’s list of their respective colleges/universities:

“The consolidation decision was made after having exhausted all other options for the business. It has zero to do with our team members’ abilities or commitment; they are exceptional workers and people and we’re doing everything possible to support them during this transition period,” said LSC Communications CEO Stephanie Mains.

Southern New Hampshire University Ligonier — Sagarika McCullough, Alyssa Crum Syracuse — Sendy Cadena

Good Neighbors

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.

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.

Egg cartons

Good neighbors: We have over 50 clean egg cartons free to you when you pick them up in New Paris. Call (574) 831-4677.

We have egg cartons for free, around 100 of them. Verlin Lehman, 65545 SR 13, Millersburg, (574) 6420657.

We have good, clean egg cartons. Please pick up at Rochester Bagel and Coffee House, 231 E. 9th St., Rochester. Ask for Pia.

Eyeglasses

Good neighbors: I would very much like to have the eyeglasses you have. I am part of a group that takes them abroad to people who do not have the luxury of vision. I live in Warsaw and will be glad to pick them up. My phone number is (574) 268-2667 (landline) or (574) 306-6286 (cell). — Ellen

Found girls boots

Good neighbors: We found a pair of girls boots on Jan. 2 on 1350, just west of CR 7 on the north side of the road in the ditch. If you think these are yours, please call (574) 354-2060.

Cryptogram books

Good neighbors: I have about a dozen brand new cryptogram books. Does a good neighbor do this type of thing that would want them? I would be glad to give them away. Reply through this column. — A reader

Hoosiers

New questions

LeapPad learning system — Does anyone have a 15- to 20- year-old LeapFrog LeapPad learning system they no longer use and want to get rid of? We have the book and cartridges, but no player to go with them. Call (574) 831-4677.

Avon representative — Is there an Avon representative in the Nappanee or surrounding area? I am desperate for some Avon items. Reply through this column. — A reader

Bunk bed/wooden swing set — Looking for a bunk bed, also a nice wooden swing set. Call (574) 2482557 and leave a message.

Quilt blocks — I need quilt blocks to finish a quilt. They are flower bouquet with a cross stitch heart around each, eight hearts and bouquets on one block. Does anyone have some they don’t need or want? Reply through this column. — A reader

Used greeting cards — Is there a “good neighbor” who has used greeting cards to get rid of? I would take any cards. Call (574) 773-7603.

Old fabric — Wanted: Yellow fabric you no longer want, also gray and/or black. Could be old sheets or blankets or fabric that someone doesn’t want anymore. Does not have to be solid colors. Call (574) 248-0753.

Foam packaging — Does anyone have large amounts of the foam packaging that comes with UPS or FedEx boxes? Call (574) 248-0753.

Serger — Wanted: A serger that still works good, in good condition, that you no longer want. Call (574) 248-0753.

Calendula salve — Does anyone have a recipe for calendula salve? I would like to make my own. Call (574) 248-0753.

on Social Security can get the $200 tax refund as a tax credit

The state released some additional guidance regarding the Automatic Taxpayer Refund.

Some Hoosiers will be able to claim the money as a refundable tax credit. Those eligible for the tax credit must meet the following conditions:

• They were not eligible for the initial $125 Automatic Taxpayer Refund sent in 2022.

• They received Social Security benefits in 2022.

• They are not claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return.

The state sent a pair of taxpayer

refunds last year, with the initial $125 sent in accordance with state law after Indiana had a budget surplus. The legislature approved a second $200 refund during its summer special session and expanded eligibility guidelines.

To get the refundable tax credit, Hoosiers must file an Indiana tax return by Dec. 31 and claim the $200 as a refundable tax credit.

That means, according to the Indiana Department of Revenue, some Hoosiers who don’t normally file a tax return due to their income status will need to file one to claim the money.

“Tax credits are not the same as tax deductions,” the department noted. “Tax credits are applied

dollar-for-dollar as an additional amount to your tax refund or used to reduce the amount of any tax you may owe. Eligible recipients will receive the $200 ATR in the form of a tax credit on their state income tax return.”

Additional information on claiming the $200 refund as a credit is included in 2022 tax year instruction booklets and will also be part of DOR-certified tax preparation software products.

The Department of Revenue added that some individuals who qualify for the Unified Tax Credit for the Elderly (Form SC-40) may also be able to claim the Automatic Taxpayer Refund if they meet certain requirements.

TWF’s Deeds Creek project brightens future

Changing course is often necessary for improvement. Changing the course of a stream or creek, however, can have unknown consequences — and they aren’t always good.

Such was the case with Deeds Creek in Warsaw. Man-made changes to the flow of water in the creek, over time, have had negative consequences for nearby Pike Lake, including streambank erosion, loss of habitat and most importantly, blocking the movement of fish upstream and downstream.

“As best as we can tell, the dam was built in the 1950s and was part of the infrastructure that was used to separate Deeds Creek and its watershed from flowing into Pike Lake,” said Scott Fetters of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.

“Prior to the dam being installed, Deeds Creek used to flow west of the dam location and into the original wetland complex that has now become Little Pike Lake.”

“Deeds Creek never used to flow into Pike Lake as it does now today,” Fetters continued. “However, the dam had removable boards known as ‘stoplogs’ that could be removed and water could be sent from the dam down the channel to Pike Lake.”

By early 2022, the aging dam was also crumbling. It needed to go.

Concerned with the quality of all lakes and waterways in the watershed, The Watershed Foundation worked with partners to initiate a plan to change the course of the future of Pike Lake.

The $56,000 project took more than two years to organize, but according to Lyn Crighton, executive director of The Watershed Foundation, completing the project went very quickly.

“It took more than two years to procure the landowner permission,

partners, funding as well as state and federal permits,” Crighton said, “but it only took a week to implement.” The project began and was completed in September 2022.

Once on site, the project began with removal of the old concrete dam. Then, 225 feet of eroding streambanks were stabilized with a toewood method utilizing existing woody debris, root wads and approximately 90 tons of granite boulders.

Mimicking natural wood in streams, the toewood technique helps stabilize streambanks while creating and improving habitat for largemouth and smallmouth bass, aquatic invertebrates and mussels.

“Additionally, the Kosciusko County Drainage Board and the Surveyor’s office have agreed to look at installing a new sediment trap on Deeds Creek downstream of the former dam site, providing additional water quality benefits,” said Crighton.

Implementation of the project was surprisingly quick, but what it accomplishes is a bit more complicated, with long-term results that change the health of Pike Lake and the many species of animals that occupy it.

“The primary objective was to improve water quality, reconnect aquatic organism passage and increase habitat in Deeds Creek. The primary organisms that benefit include fish, mussels and aquatic invertebrates,” said Crighton.

“The project will also provide improved spawning habitat for northern pike by restoring and reconnecting floodplain habitats, as well as largemouth and smallmouth bass by installing woody debris to provide additional streambank erosion control and fishery habitat.”

The Watershed Foundation coordinated the funding and logis-

tics for the project; other partners included the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Indiana Department of Natural Resources’ Lake and River Enhancement Program, IndianaAmerican Water Company, NIPSCO/NiSource, the Pike Lake Association, Meijer Stores, Cardno (now Stantec), S & L Environmental and, very importantly, landowner Kim Cox.

“The vast majority of our projects take place on private land. Sustainability of our land and water resources requires a stewardship ethic, and we are indebted to and grateful for landowners who are willing partners,” Crighton stated. Cox’s willingness to take an active role in the project means meaningful, positive change for Pike Lake.

“It is especially exciting that this project reconnects 60-plus miles of Deeds Creek headwaters and its aquatic life to the Tippecanoe River,” Crighton said.

“The Nature Conservancy considers the Tippecanoe River one of the Top 10 rivers in America that must be preserved. Of the 57 species of mussels that historically lived in the river, there are 49 species still residing here, including six species of federally-endangered mussels and four state-endangered fish.

“The water quality benefits of this project to Pike Lake are another critical component. Our beautiful water resources provide abundant recreational and aesthetic opportunities for our residents and visitors.

“The lakes and streams in Kosciusko County are of enormous value to the community, contributing

$313 million per year to the local economy, according to a 2013 study by Grace College.”

Ball State Singers to perform in Syracuse

Chautauqua-Wawasee’s 2023 spring musical program will feature the Ball State University Singers, an elite musical show choir.

The choir of 40 students, singers, dancers, instrumentalists and sound technicians will perform a wide variety of popular hit songs

and musical theater in a 90-minute show at Wawasee High School.

Under the direction of Jodi Cotton-Street, the show promises to be a powerful celebration of faith, hope, laughter and love with a sparkling performance showcasing music that is encouraging, uplifting and inspiring.

Devin Van Lue, a 2022 graduate of WHS, tried out for this elite troupe of performers and won a spot in his Ffreshman year.

“This is quite an accomplishment that very few underclassmen achieve,” said Kip Schumm, Chautauqua’s program manager for the event. “He’s the primary

reason we selected the Ball State program.”

The 90-minute program starts at 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 10. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are available at chqw.org with pricing of $10 for general admission and $20 for V.I.P. seating.

The program is sponsored by

Chautauqua-Wawasee Oakwood Foundation Inc. a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide life enriching experiences to help Syracuse and the region be a great place to visit, live, work and raise a family. Tickets are also available on the ChautauquaWawasee Facebook site.

What is a calorie deficit?

best for your body.

It almost feels like there is a new fad diet emerging every day. It can be hard to keep up with the new trends and find what works

Some diet plans work better for some people than others. It all comes down to how many calories are being taken in versus how many are being burned off daily.

Some diets may include eating no carbohydrates, no sugar or all vegetables … the list can go on forever.

In reality, it all comes down to eating fewer calories than what your body uses if your goal is to lose weight. However, food is never the enemy. Food is meant to give you the energy needed to live and complete your daily tasks. Food and calories should be looked at as fuel for the body.

These calories can be burned in different ways throughout the day, ranging from breathing to going on a 10-mile run. Calories get burned and stored differently for everyone.

A calorie deficit can be a balancing act. Knowing how many calories your body needs to gain, maintain, and lose weight can be difficult.

Researchers have found that on average you can begin to see weight loss ranging from 1/2 pound to 1 pound a week by eating around 500 fewer calories a day. This involves eating highnutrient based foods versus high calorie foods. This could also mean cutting portion sizes and

swapping out some of your most loved foods for healthier choices.

While eating in a calorie deficit can seem overwhelming, it can be accomplished by starting small. Instead of eliminating everything, eliminate just one thing at a time.

Use helpful tools such as calorie counters from a reputable source to ensure you are consuming what is right for your body.

Lastly, consult your doctor before starting a calorie deficit as they can tell you the specifics about what will be beneficial for you versus what won’t.

A calorie deficit is just one of many ways to tackle weight management.

South Bend Art Museum/Honeywell art show winners

This week we want to introduce you to a great museum to visit that is close to home, the South Bend Art Museum. The museum was established in 1947 through a bequest from schoolteacher Carlotta Banta.

The South Bend Art Association was created through the efforts of local leaders and was originally established in the carriage house of the Studebaker mansion. In the early 1970’s the city and the arts council combined efforts to create the new Century Center on the banks of the St. Joseph River in downtown South Bend. The museum occupies three levels of the north wing of the building with spacious galleries and studios.

The museum collection is rich in regional art, from the 19th century to the present, and has long engaged with contemporary artists from Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota and Missouri. The museum hosts several exhibitions a year.

The current exhibition, the

Performing Arts Festival, showcases new works of integrated media with emerging technologies by artists who are unapologetically crossing disciplinary boundaries. The exhibition runs through March 19.

The museum offers classes for all ages, including individuals and adults, such as summer camps, First Fridays, Meet Me on the Island, Best Week Ever, and outreach programs in schools, community centers and wellness organizations.

The ceramic studio in the museum is the largest and most professional facility in northern Indiana, attracting students from near and far. There are available classes in drawing, painting and jewelry-making, in addition to ceramics.

The South Bend Art Museum is located near the Snite Museum on the campus of Notre Dame, and both museums can easily be visited in one day. The South Bend Museum of Art is open noon to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Admission is free. For more information call (574) 235-9102 or visit southb-

KREMC to hold Kate’s Kart book drive

Kosciusko REMC will be holding a book drive the week of Jan. 23-27 to collect book donations for Kate’s Kart.

As a local nonprofit, Kate’s Kart provides books for hospitalized children at 21 Northeast Indiana hospitals. Anyone in the community, whether a KREMC member or not, can donate brand new books to help fill the book cart at the KREMC facility.

Individuals interested in donating books can bring items between Jan. 23-27 to the KREMC facility at 370 S. CR 250E, Warsaw. The office is open 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. The cooperative will be handing out free KREMC picture books to those who donate.

The books in highest demand include touch-and-feel board books, lift-the-flap board books, animal fact books and child or adult coloring books. Only brand new books will be accepted in the book drive. During the book drive, financial donations to Kate’s Kart will also be accepted.

Kosciusko REMC’s partnership with Kate’s Kart is motivated by the encouragement brought to hospitalized children through the Kate’s Kart mission. The nonprofit distributes around 3,500 books each month to children of all ages.

Those interested in learning more about Kate’s Kart can visit kateskart.org.

Slow cooker simplicity

With the cold weather we have here in Indiana this time of the year, it becomes harder to know what to cook. If you are a working individual, busy during the day or just want a simple meal that is easy to throw together and forget about, a slow cooker is the way to go.

Slow cookers can help eliminate the overwhelming temptation of fast food or swinging through a drive-thru at the end of the day. It’s great to know you have a warm meal to come home to.

Slow cookers are great for efficiency in prep time and clean up. One major benefit is the wide variety of recipes you can create.

The slow cooker is different than an oven as it does not give off the same heat factor and uses less electricity. Due to the cooker cooking food slowly and at low temperatures, it brings out the tenderness in meats and flavors in the food.

Most slow cookers have three settings: low, warm and high. This allows you to choose the heat setting that best fits your schedule and how much the food needs to be cooked.

For example, if you work an eighthour shift and aren’t able to attend to the cooker to stir it, you should probably cook on low. If you are in a rush and want to cook something quickly within a few hours, you should cook it on high. The warm feature is used for exactly what it sounds like — to keep it warm.

Slow cookers vary in sizes and shapes. Different size options are good to have for large groups, smaller groups or just cooking for one or two people. When cooking for a large crowd, you want to use the bigger size (5-7 quarts). If you are cooking for just yourself or two people, you can use a smaller one (3-4 quarts).

It is important to take care of your slow cooker.

Be sure to never fill the cooker more than two-thirds of the way full, as the quality and safety of the food could be compromised.

Always spray your cooker with nonstick cooking spray or use a liner to ensure an easy cleanup.

Meat cooks faster than vegetables, so be sure to place the meat on top of the vegetables.

Lastly, always add some type of liquid such as water, broth or sauce to keep food from burning.

Most importantly, have fun coming up with your own recipes!

endart.org .

Honeywell Arts And Entertainment 92 County Art Show Winners: Best of Show: Goven J. Martinez, “The Red Ball”

Painting: First place, Walter Woodhams, “A Barn Next to a Pond in the Woods”; second place, Sarah Luginbill, “Winter Bridge”; third place, Tim Swagerie, “Alley View”

Drawing: First place, Lisa Bliss Rush, “Falter Pride;” second place, Laurie Gates, “Childlike Faith”; third place, Jody Keilholtz, “Simple Country”

Other Art Forms: First place, Daniel Hollenbeck, “Coffee Bean Urn”; second place,

Marv Amador, “What Holds You Together”; third place, Heidi Bailey, “Guardians of a Fairytale Pulpit”

Honorable Mentions: Rebecca Burton, “Tower Hill, Warren Dunes”; Will Carpenter, “Semblance Project”; Rebecca Gazarik, “Evening Melody”; Charles Hollar, “Moments of Memories”;

David P. Johnson, “Whitetail Deer in Indiana Winter”; Brenda Ramseier, “Come, Sit a Spell’

All of the juried artwork is on display through Monday, Feb. 13, at the Honeywell Clark Gallery in Wabash. Many of the juried pieces of artwork are for sale and can be purchased at the

gallery box office from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information call (260) 274-1411 or visit honeywellarts. org.

Events:

• Warsaw City Hall Art Gallery: Local artist Deana Harvey will be displaying her artwork through the end of March 2023.

To exhibit at Warsaw City Hall Art Gallery, contact Darla McCammon, Curator, at (574) 527-4044 (leave a message) or mcdar7@gmail.com.

If you would like to offer someone a free email subscription to this weekly column, send a request including the email address to mcdar7@gmail.com.

O BITUARIES

Barbara E. Anderson

Barbara Eileen Anderson, 90, Winona Lake, died at 6:20 p.m. Jan. 12, 2023.

She was born March 28, 1932. On June 8, 1952, she married Rev. Emmett L. Anderson. He preceded her in death Nov. 13, 2014.

She is survived by a daughter, Edith Wong, San Jose, Calif.; son, Emmett Anderson Jr., Beaver Falls, Pa.; four grandchildren; three greatgrandchildren; and a brother, DeWayne Schoenauer, Payne, Ohio.

A graveside service was held Jan. 18 at South Whitley Cemetery. Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, Warsaw, was in charge of arrangements.

Eve H. Bevelhimer

Eve H. Bevelhimer, 93, Warsaw, died Jan. 11, 2023.

She was born Dec. 5, 1929. On Oct. 14, 1949, she married Bobby L. Black, who preceded her in death in 1964. On April 10, 1974, she married Paul Bevelhimer, who also preceded her in death.

She is survived by a daughter, Janice Taylor; stepchildren, Ray Black, Susan Bevelhimer, Mark Bevelhimer, Paula Brown and Joe Bevelhimer; 23 grandchildren; 47 great-grandchildren; two greatgreat-grandchildren; and her beloved dog, Maggie.

Services were held Jan. 21 at McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel, Warsaw. Burial was in Oakwood Cemetery, Warsaw.

Grace L. Brower

Grace L. Brower, 96, Pierceton, died Jan. 18, 2023.

She was born Jan. 18, 1927. On Feb. 17, 1946, she married Harold L. Brower, who preceded her in death in 2013.

Surviving are daughters, Wanda Bolint, Susan Converse and Sandra Courter; 11 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren and was expecting one more; and seven greatgreat-grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 26, at DeMoney-Grimes Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 27, at the funeral home.

Donald Campbell

Donald Loring “Don” Campbell, 79, rural Wabash, died at 7:50 p.m. Jan. 15, 2023.

He was born July 3, 1943. He married Mary Beth Lambert, who preceded him in death. He then married Beverly, who survives.

Also surviving are his children, Donald T. Campbell and Adam C. Campbell, both of Indianapolis, Susan R. Love, Warsaw, John H. Whittenberger II, Wabash, Christine A. Siefer, Bremen, and Kathleen E. Parish, LaFontaine; 22 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; sister, Sandra L. Hulsman, Las Vegas, Nev.; brother-in-law, James W. Watson, Houston, Texas; and several cousins, nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life was held Jan. 22 at Lagro Community Church. Grandstaff-Hentgen Funeral Service, Wabash, was in charge of arrangements.

Bonnie C. Carroll

Bonnie C. Carroll, 80, Peru, formerly of Indianapolis, died Jan. 12, 2023.

She was born Sept. 13, 1942. On Aug. 4, 1967, she married Walter A. Carroll, who preceded her in death in 2002.

Surviving are her children, Alex Carroll, Connersville, Coleen Leonard, Indianapolis, and Jackie Dowd, Fishers; and siblings, Larry Koenig, North Manchester, Jack Koenig, Denver, Carol Keonig, Peru, Dan Koenig, Palatka, Fla., Kathy Hunt, Rochester, and Bruce Koenig, Peru.

A luncheon and time of sharing is planned from 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18, at Akron Carnegie Public Library, 205 E. Rochester St., Akron. Hartzler Funeral Home, Akron, is in charge of arrangements.

Janet R. Coughenour

Janet R. Coughenour, 84, Warsaw, died Jan. 15, 2023.

She was born Aug. 17, 1938.

She is survived by a daughter, Toni Keppen; two grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; three stepgreatgrandchildren; sister, Margot Koehlinger; sister-in-law, Dael Bowman; and many nieces and nephews.

A private celebration will be held

at a later date. Titus Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Warsaw, was in charge of arrangements.

Marcia B. Cox

Marcia B. Cox, 90, Goshen, died Jan. 16, 2023.

She was born May 26, 1932.

Surviving are daughters, Ann Prough and Debra Fried, both of Goshen, and Shari Kidwell, Niles, Mich.; a son, Michael Swihart, Syracuse; seven grandchildren; several great-grandchildren and great-greatgrandchildren; a sister, Carol Detweiler, Goshen; and a brother, William Detweiler, Thousand Oaks, Calif.

A private graveside service will take place at Elkhart Prairie Cemetery, Goshen. Yoder-Culp Funeral Home, Goshen, is in charge of arrangements.

Jean Arlene Fisher

Jean Arlene Fisher, 91, Warsaw, died at 3:02 p.m. Jan. 17, 2023.

She was born March 30, 1931. On Aug. 29, 1946, she married Robert Daniel Fisher. He preceded her in death Dec. 12, 2009.

Surviving are sons, Bob Fisher, St. Cloud, Fla., and Joe Fisher, Warsaw; daughters, Roberta Sims, South Whitley, and Judy Stevens, Davenport, Fla.; eight grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and 10 greatgreat-grandchildren.

Services were held Jan. 23 at Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, Warsaw. Burial was in Star of Hope Cemetery, Huntington.

Orla B. Gingerich

Orla B. Gingerich, 75, Topeka, died Jan. 12, 2023.

He was born Nov. 20, 1947.

He is survived by his wife, Verla Gingerich; sons, Scott Gingerich, LaGrange, and Martin Gingerich, White Pigeon, Mont.; stepchildren, Renee Ragsdale, Elkhart, Mike Yoder, Oregon, Mark Yoder, Goshen, and Darrin Yoder; brothers, Clarence Gingerich, Shipshewana, Ben Gingerich, Ligonier, Freeman Gingerich, Topeka, and Pete Gingerich, Wawaka; sister, Irene Nissley, Topeka; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Services were held Jan. 16 at Yeager Funeral Home, Ligonier. Burial was in Hawpatch Cemetery, Topeka.

Wendell L. Grass

Wendell L. Grass, 96, Rochester, died at 6:55 p.m. Jan. 13, 2023.

He was born June 29, 1926. On Nov. 21, 1947, he married Arlene McClintic. She preceded him in death Aug. 16, 2022.

Surviving are his children, Rick Grass, Palestine, Dodi Ruff, Warsaw, Tina Sayger, Rochester, and Becky Carlson, Warsaw; 10 grandchildren;

17 great-grandchildren; sisters-inlaw, Mary McClintic, Elkhart, and Janice Grass, Tennessee; and several nieces and nephews.

Private mass of Christian burial was conducted at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Rochester. Burial was in the Odd Fellows Cemetery, Rochester. Zimmerman Bros. Funeral Home, Rochester, was in charge of arrangements.

Gerald Ray Hastings Jr.

Gerald Ray Hastings Jr., 57, Syracuse, died Jan. 4, 2023.

He was born July 14, 1965.

He is survived by his mother, Patricia A. Nelson; and siblings, Sandy Piehl, Jon A. Nelson, Ron Nelson Jr., Leslie L. Nelson-Talarico and Derrick Hastings.

No public visitation or services are planned at this time. Heritage Funeral and Cremation Services, Warsaw, was in charge of arrangements.

Allan W. Henderson

Allan W. Henderson, 71, Goshen, died Jan. 13, 2023.

He was born Jan. 11, 1952. On June 25, 1983, he married Diane L. Jessie; she survives.

Also surviving are his children, John Henderson, Goshen, and Angie Gott, Nappanee.

A memorial service will be held at a later date at the Goshen VFW.

Stephen F. M. Hesley

Stephen F. M. Hesley, 73, Syracuse, died just after 9 a.m. Jan. 11, 2023.

He was born Dec. 15, 1949.

He is survived by a daughter, Suzy Cook; two granddaughters; a greatgrandson; and brothers, Stuart Hesley and Stan Hesley.

The family is grieving privately. No public services are planned. Titus Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Syracuse, was in charge of arrangements.

Patty Horn

Patty (Coy) Horn, 76, Mentone, died Jan. 15, 2023.

She was born Feb. 4, 1946. On Sept. 2, 1977, she married Arthur Horn; he survives.

Also surviving are her children, Timothy Horn, Mentone, Tonya Wannemacher, Fishers, and Tracey, Texas; seven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

A memorial and celebration of life will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28, at McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapels, 2290 Provident Court, Warsaw. A gathering with family and friends will be prior to the memorial service from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with a light meal provided.

Susan Hyde

Susan Hyde, 63, Pierceton, died Jan. 2, 2023.

She was born Sept. 19, 1959.

She is survived by her partner, Richard Wilson; her father, Paul Hazelett; daughters, Keli, Rosa, Alex, Lacey and Raven; sons, Travis, Jake and Gannon; sister, Beth; and brothers, John, Jim, Jason and Jeff.

No public visitation or services are planned at this time. Heritage Funeral and Cremation Services, Warsaw, was in charge of arrangements.

Thomas T. Julien

Thomas T. “Tom” Julien, 91, Winona Lake, died Jan. 16, 2023.

VERIFIED PETITION SEEKING A DETERMINATION OF PATERNITY AND CUSTODY

On 01/18/2023, Ana Lilia Sifuentes Ceballos filed a Verified Petition Seeking a Determination of Custody (Cause Number 20D06-2301JP-000005). Any person has a right to appear at the hearing in Elkhart Superior Court 6 and to file objections. Luis Javier Saavedra Salazar is advised to contact Elkhart Superior Court 6 to inform them of his current address using the above listed cause number or he may contact Ana Lilia Sifuentes Ceballos’s attorney. Ana Lilia Sifuentes Ceballos is represented by Heidi Cintron at Center for Legal Justice, 220 W. High Street, Elkhart, Indiana, 46516, (574) 333-2037.

He was born June 27, 1931. On Aug. 21, 1953, he married Doris Briner, who preceded him in death in 2009.

Surviving are his children, Becky Schwan, Willard, Ohio, Terry Julien and Jacqueline Schram, both of Winona Lake; five grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

Services were held Jan. 21 at Winona Lake Grace Brethren Church. Burial was in Oakwood Cemetery, Warsaw. Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, Warsaw, was in charge of arrangements.

Elizabeth A. Larimer

Elizabeth “Liz” A. Larimer, 72, Syracuse, died Jan. 19, 2023.

She was born May 31, 1950.

Surviving are sons, Steven Rodman and Bradley Rodman, both of Goshen; six grandchildren; and a brother, Phillip Larimer, Fort Wayne.

Services were held Jan. 23 at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home, Goshen. Cremation followed and burial will be at a later date in Brown Cemetery.

Stephen J. Leon

Stephen J. Leon, 84, Muncie, died Jan. 14, 2023.

He was born April 11, 1938. On Aug. 25, 1962, he married Berta Karl, who survives.

Also surviving are daughters, Kristin Leon Ullom, Indianapolis, and Dana Leon Huffer, Warsaw; seven grandchildren; and brother, Raymond Leon.

The family is grieving privately. Titus Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Warsaw, was in charge of arrangements.

Avery Sue McCreary

Avery Sue McCreary, infant daughter of Shannon Marie McCreary, Goshen, died at 4:28 a.m. Jan. 6, 2023.

Surviving in addition to her mother are siblings, Alexander Sharp, Ellayna Wilt and Arden McCreary; grandparents, Kimberly and Richard McCreary Jr., Goshen; and greatgrandfather, David Elliott, New Paris.

A memorial gathering was held Jan. 14 at Rieth Rohrer Ehret Funeral Home, Goshen.

Sue E. Myers

Sue E. Myers, 81, Goshen, died Jan. 16, 2023.

She was born Feb. 17, 1941.

She is survived by a daughter, Donna Sexton, Goshen; five grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

Arrangements are currently pending at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home, Goshen.

Merlin William Nice

Merlin William Nice, 60, Fort Wayne, a native of Warsaw, died Jan. 12, 2023.

He was born Jan. 17, 1962.

He is survived by his wife, Susan Hedback-Nice, Fort Wayne; siblings, David Nice, Paulding, Ohio, Rebecca Jamrog, Midland, Mich., and Daniel Nice, Mobile, Ala.; stepmother, Elaine Nice, North Manchester; several nieces and nephews; several brothers and sisters, Jim Hedback and Steve Hedback; stepchildren, Terri Ruehl Young, Thomas Tuttle and Brandon Weddle; nine stepgrandchildren; and several stepgreat-grandchildren.

Services were held Jan. 21 at Emmanuel Community Church, Fort Wayne. D.O. McComb and Sons Covington Knolls Funeral Home, Fort Wayne, was in charge of arrangements.

Donald Joseph Palm

Donald Joseph “Don” Palm, 88, Winona Lake, died Jan. 11, 2023.

He was born March 16, 1934. On Nov. 27, 1954, he married Judith Ann Balfanz; she survives.

Also surviving are his children, Donald Palm, Aurora, Ill., Glenn Palm, North Webster, Robert Palm, Villa Park, Ill., and Loretta Paaren, St. Peters, Mo.; 11 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; four greatgreat-grandchildren; siblings, Doe Bazan, Marge Morrisey, Bob Palm, Helen Pearson, Jim Palm, Anne Gil-

ley, Patricia Morrison and Cathy Palm; sister-in-law, Sue Palm; and many nieces and nephews.

A mass of Christian burial was held Jan. 20 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Warsaw. Final entombment was at Oakwood Cemetery, Warsaw. Titus Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Warsaw, was in charge of arrangements.

Mary Lou Phipps

Mary Lou Phipps, 91, Warsaw, died Jan. 12, 2023.

She was born July 31, 1931. On April 14, 1954, she married Lester A. Phipps. He preceded her in death Oct. 23, 2017.

She is survived by a daughter, Teresa Sells, Peoria, Ariz.; son, Leslie G. Phipps, Leesburg; four grandchildren; and seven greatgrandchildren.

Services were held Jan. 17 at Fellowship Baptist Church, Warsaw. Burial was in Thorns Cemetery, Ormas. McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel, Warsaw, was in charge of arrangements.

Teresa L. Ratcliff

Teresa L. Ratcliff, 60, Goshen, died Jan. 11, 2023.

She was born July 19, 1962. On July 20, 1989, she married David Ratcliff; he survives.

Also surviving are her children, Christina Ferguson, Elkhart, Jennifer Keifer, Lafayette, David Ratcliff and Heather Ratcliff, both of Goshen; 13 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and siblings, Catherine Craft, Warsaw, Donald Morrison and Freda Smythe, both of Goshen.

Services were held Jan. 17 at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home, Goshen. Burial was in Violett Cemetery, Goshen.

Joshua A. Reams

Joshua A. Reams, 34, Elkhart, died Jan. 13, 2023.

He was born March 11, 1988.

He is survived by his father, Timothy Reams, Goshen; a longtime friend and mother of his daughter, Bobbie Lorenzen, Elkhart; a daughter, Makennly Reams, and Bobbie’s son, Halden Flom; siblings, Michelle Balino, Nate Langhorne, Tim Reams II and Chantelle Langhorne, all of Elkhart, and Tonya Reams, Kentucky; and several nieces and nephews.

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

Linda Kay Riggle

Linda Kay Riggle, 71, Warsaw, died Jan. 14, 2023.

She was born Feb. 19, 1951. In November 1995, she married Samuel Riggle, who preceded her in death in September 2019.

She is survived by a son, Brandon Taylor, Tippecanoe; four grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and siblings, Larry Ihnen, Susan Dockter, Richard Ihnen and Brian Ihnen.

A celebration of life will be held Jan. 28 at Grace Outreach Fellowship, 18575 SR 331, Tippecanoe. Gathering will be at 1 p.m. with service at 2 p.m. Titus Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Warsaw, is in charge of arrangements.

Randy Schrader

Randy Schrader, 79, Syracuse, died just before 9:30 p.m. Jan. 13, 2023.

C OUNTY R EPORT

Court News

Small Claims

Kosciusko County

The following small claims have been awarded in Kosciusko Superior Court III, Judge Chad Miner presiding:

Warsaw Health System LLC d/b/a Kosciusko Community Hospital v. Chad Haselby, $705.93

Ace Bail Bonds v. Jeffery Jimerson, $481.88

Aegis Dental Group Warsaw P.C. v. Isaiah S. Smith, $171.65

Civil Collections

Kosciusko County

The following civil collections have been awarded in Kosciusko Superior Court IV, Judge Chris Kehler presiding:

Bank of America N.A. v. Sriram Achanta, $3,077.66

Calvary SPV I, LLC v. Scott Cranick, $795.84; v. Jose A. Esqueda, $1,560.53

Capital One N.A. v. David D. Gill, $4,018.73; v. Heather N. Holbrook, $3,702.69

LVNV Funding LLC v. Heidi Lott, $5,835.30

Synchrony Bank v. Belinda Lukens, $2,386.57; v. April Marban, $4,858.07; v. Christopher Slone, $4,265.79

Liberty Federal Credit Union, formerly known as Evansville Teachers v. Sally Morehead, $12,180.68

Midland Funding LLC v. Ciara B. Nichols, $1,758.59

Glenbrook Credit Acceptance Corporation v. Kelly K. Riddle, $11,703.13

Mariner Finance LLC v. Kacy J. Roberts, $6,732.25; v. Staci M. Willard, $1,748.12

Discover Bank c/o Discover Products Inc. v. Kelsey Rouse, $7,208.88 Crown Asset Management LLC v. Rick Smith, $3,890.96; v. James Thomas, $1,055.56

Elkhart County

The following civil collections have been awarded in Elkhart County Courts:

Credit Service International v. Marissa Murray, Nappanee, $4,197.10; v. Jackie Myers, Nappanee, $1,041.15

Jefferson Capital Systems LLC v.

He was born May 6, 1943. On Sept. 29, 1964, he married Lou Ann Glass. She preceded him in death April 16, 2009.

Surviving are his children, Mary Ann Fisher, Milford, William “Bill” Schrader, Syracuse, Elaine Winship, Cromwell, and Rebecca “Becca” McCullough, Syracuse; nine grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and sister, Madelaine McGregor, Belmont, Mich.

Services were held Jan. 20 at Titus Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Syracuse.

Gary M. Simmons

Gary M. Simmons, 73, Millersburg, died Jan. 18, 2023.

He was born Nov. 14, 1949. On July 28, 1973, he married Jerilyn Johnson; she survives.

He is also survived by a son, Ian Simmons, Syracuse; a daughter, Heather Simmons, Millersburg; and three grandchildren.

Services were held Jan. 22 at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home, Goshen.

Terry L. Smith

Terry L. Smith, 61, Tippecanoe, died Jan. 11, 2023.

He was born Feb. 26, 1961. On Sept. 23, 2003, he married Kelly Stills; she survives.

He is also survived by a daughter, Tessa Mae Sudlow, Tippecanoe; sons, Skylar Smith, Winchester, Patrick Smith, Mishawaka, and Ethan Smith, Tippecanoe; five grandchildren; brothers, Tony Smith, Bremen, and Steve Slough, Bourbon; and sisters, Christie Weldy, Plymouth, and Vickie Bradbury, Bremen.

Eric W. Kaufman, Nappanee, $2,659.68

NCB Management Services Inc. v. Paula Nolan, Nappanee, $3,550.37

Evictions

The following evictions have been awarded in Kosciusko Superior Court III, Judge Chad Miner presiding:

Little Crow Lofts LLC v. Avin A. Artis, $6,448.04

Heron Preserve Apartments RA LLC, d/b/a Heron Preserve Apartments II v. Allyson Campos, $2,633.67

R&T Green Acres MHP LLC v. Barbara Fields, $2,567.50

Heron Corporate Partners RA LLC d/b/a Heron Corporate Housing v. Breon Jones, $3,587

Heron Preserve Partners RA LLC d/b/a Heron Preserve Apartments v. Jeffery Meyers and Constance Smallwood, $1,640

Village Management Company d/b/a Pike Lake Pointe Apartments v. Duana Rice, $4,688.57

Tippe River Downs v. Ginger S. Wiley, $10,000

Hunter Housing LLC v. Corey Zareski and Simmone Zareski, $2,101.25

Mortgage Foreclosures

The following mortgage foreclosure has been awarded in Kosciusko Superior Court III, Judge Chad Miner presiding:

Planet Home Lending LLC v. April Marban and Omar Marban, $154,809.26

Plenaries

The following plenaries have been awarded in Kosciusko Superior Court One, Judge Karin McGrath presiding:

Indiana Farmers Mutual Insurance a/s/o Trent Tillman v. Jay Hicks, $9,007.20

Via Credit Union v. Bambi Swope, $746.90

Superior Court III

The following infractions have been filed in Kosciusko Superior Court III, Judge Chad Miner presiding:

Unlawful possession of tobacco, e-liquid or an electronic cigarette — Brady A. Russell, Leesburg, $160; Dakota R. Griswold, Syracuse, $160; Xavier K. Washington, North Webster, $160

Owner allows dog to stray be-

Services were held Jan. 17 at Deaton-Clemens Funeral Home, Bourbon. Burial was in Tippecanoe Cemetery.

Pamela Leigh Stahly

Pamela Leigh Stahly, 56, Warsaw, died at 4:01 p.m. Jan. 11, 2023.

She was born March 22, 1966. In November 1991, she married Michael “Mike” Edward Stahly. He preceded her in death Dec. 16, 2019.

She is survived by a daughter, Taylor Stahly, Warsaw; son, Tyler Stahly, Warsaw; three grandchildren; her father, William James Wildman, Deland, Fla.; mother and father-inlaw, Dana and Jim Stahly; sisters, Cindy Wildman Tucker, Warsaw, and Lori Wildman Cone, Woodstock, Ga.; stepsiblings, Will Achenbach and DeDe Frilot; sister and brother-inlaw, Shelly and Jason; several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins; and her dog, Lily Bug.

Services were held Jan. 18 at Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, Warsaw. Burial was in Oakwood Cemetery, Warsaw.

Steven William VanDyke

Steven William VanDyke, 67, Warsaw, died Jan. 8, 2023.

He was born Jan. 14, 1955. On Nov. 19, 1982, he married Ellen Fay Prater. She preceded him in death June 23, 2010.

He is survived by a daughter, Jennifer Konkle, Warsaw; sons, Chris VanDyke and Mike VanDyke, both of Warsaw; three grandchildren; sisters, Bonnie Slansky, Nebraska, and Susan Strickland, Arkansas; and a very special friend, Sherri Kelich, Warsaw.

No public visitation or services are planned at this time. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Heritage Funeral and Cremation Services, Warsaw, was in charge of arrangements.

Rita Kay Vanlaningham

Rita Kay Vanlaningham, 75, Milford, died Jan. 12, 2023.

She was born Jan. 13, 1947.

She is survived by her children, Kelly Warrick, Mesa, Ariz., and Jay Vanlaningham, Milford.

The family is grieving privately. A graveside service will be announced in the spring with interment in Milford Cemetery. Titus Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Syracuse, is in charge of arrangements.

Brenda Barton Walsh

Brenda Barton Walsh, 84, Leesburg, died Jan. 6, 2023.

A celebration of life gathering will be held at 11 a.m. Aug. 5 at Milestones on Lake Tippecanoe.

B IRTHS

Maggie Valedia Moran

Breanna and Luis Moran, Ligonier, are the parents of a daughter, Maggie Valedia, born at 8:16 a.m. Jan. 12, 2023, at Goshen Hospital. She weighed 8 pounds, 7.7 ounces, and was 20 1/2 inches long.

Mariah Faith Kuhns

Glen and Sara (Yoder) Kuhns, Bourbon, are the parents of a daughter, Mariah Faith, born at 10:46 p.m. Jan. 13, 2023, at Blessed Beginnings Care Center, Nappanee. She weighed 8 pounds, 9.5 ounces, and was 21 inches long.

yond owners premises — Teresa L. Lambert, Silver Lake, $35; Christina N. Santos Burke, North Webster, $25 Speeding — Travis C. Brainard, Warsaw, $160.50; Benjamin T. Bergen, Winona Lake, $160.50; Jacinda A. Wuthrich, Silver Lake, $160.50; Karen S. Filler, New Palestine, $160.50; Corbyn R. Baldridge, Claypool, $160.50; Matthew J. Olinger, Warsaw, $160.50; James L. Kyle, Leesburg, $160.50

Unlawful possession of tobacco, e-liquid or an electronic cigarette, learners permit violation — Michael L. Miller, Nappanee, $185.50 Speeding, driving while suspended — Gustavo P. Rosas, Akron, $210.50

Driving left of center — Genoveva R. Ramirez Baca, Akron, $160.50 Failure to register — Jared L. Teeple, Warsaw, $160.50

No valid driver’s license — April R. Meade, Mentone, $160.50

Driving while suspended — Branden M. Collins, Warsaw, $185.50

Driving while suspended, speeding — Caleb S. Cromer, Burket, $210.50

Operating with expired plates — Charles C. Cotton, Leesburg, $160

Marriage Licenses

Kosciusko County

The following couples have applied for marriage licenses in the office of Kosciusko County Clerk of the Court Ann Torpy: Hohman-Bullock

Kevin N. Hohman, 63, Silver Lake, and Debra L. Bullock, 58, Claypool Hill-Russell Michael D. Hill, 59, Silver Lake, and Shirley A. Russell, 74, Silver Lake

Royce-Perry

Rebecca M. Royce, 33, Leesburg, and Ryan S. Perry, 36, Granger Acosta-Santiago

Anneris M. Bonilla Acosta, 26, Milford, and Alondra S. Ortiz Santiago, 27, Milford

Williams-Farber

Thomas A. Williams, 84, Milford, and Patricia A. Farber, 74, Milford Butler-Webster

Robert C. Butler, 53, Warsaw, and Heather J. Webster, 45, Warsaw

Marriage Dissolutions

Kosciusko County

The following couples have filed for marriage dissolutions in the Kosciusko Superior and Circuit Courts: Carter — Elijah Carter, Warsaw, and Carissa Carter, Warsaw. Married: Dec. 8, 2004. Separated: Jan. 10, 2023. There is one minor child.

Leasure — Nathan Leasure, Warsaw, and Lori Leasure, Warsaw. Married: March 31, 2018. Separated: Jan. 3, 2023. There is one minor child.

Christoffel — Cristina Christoffel, Warsaw, and Chad Christoffel, Pierceton. Married: Dec. 12, 2014. Separated: Jan. 12, 2023. There are no minor children.

Holbrook — Latisha Holbrook, Warsaw, and Dekota Holbrook, Warsaw. Married: Nov. 19, 2022. Separated: Dec. 31, 2022. There are no minor children.

Maggart — Kimberly Maggart, Syracuse, and Randy Maggart, Syracuse. Married: Feb. 26, 2004. Separated: Jan. 13, 2023. There are no minor children.

Myers — Amanda Myers, Warsaw, and Benjamin Myers, Warsaw. Married: Sept. 13, 2013. Separated: Sept. 12, 2022. There are no minor children.

Benigar — Yvonne L. Benigar, Syracuse, and Neil W. Benigar, Syracuse. No marriage date listed. Separated: Jan. 16, 2023. There are no minor children.

Elkhart County

The following couple has filed for marriage dissolution in Elkhart Superior Court: Perry — Melinda I. Perry, Nappanee, and Charles J. Perry, Nappanee, With child (ren).

Yoder — Brooklynn R. Yoder, Elkhart, and Michael R. Yoder, Wakarusa. No child (ren).

Maternal grandparents are Mark and Lori Yoder, Goshen. Paternal grandparents are Ernest and SuEtta Kuhns, Etna Green.

Mariah joins a sister, Katelyn. Logan Jared Fry

Darin and Amy (Hochstetler) Fry, Millersburg, are the parents of a son, Logan Jared, born at 3:10 a.m. Jan. 18, 2023. He weighed 7 pounds, 8 ounces.

Lola Moon Baughman

Eric Baughman and Lucille Navarro, Nappanee, are the parents of a daughter, Lola Moon, born at 8:46 a.m. Jan. 18, 2023, at Goshen Hospital. She weighed 6 pounds, 15.2 ounces, and was 20 inches long.

Breakfast Optimist Club donates $1,000 to Wagon Wheel

The Warsaw Breakfast Optimist Club has donated $1,000 to Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts for scholarships for students to participate in classes at the Wagon Wheel Conservatory.

The money will allow students to experience the benefits of learning through music, dance and acting.

“We are thrilled to receive this generous donation from the Warsaw Breakfast Optimist Club,” said Kira Lace Hawkins, education director of Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts.

“This donation will help us provide access to the arts for students who might not otherwise have the opportunity to participate. Thank you to the Warsaw Breakfast Optimist Club for investing in the future growth and education of our youth.”

“We are pleased to support the Wagon Wheel and its conservatory program and the positive impact it has on the students and the community,” said Chris Plack, Breakfast Optimist Club president.

“We believe the arts play a vital role in the development of our youth, and we are committed to ensuring all students have the opportunity to experience the benefits of music, dance and theater.”

BUYER BEWARE The Papers Incorporated cannot screen all advertisements to eliminate possibilities of fraud or misleading information. If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is. Persons responding to ads are advised to contact the Better Business Bureau in your area or the Indiana Secretary of State’s Fraud Hotline before sending any money. 1-800-223-8791

Auction Sales A010

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Spongy moth treatment meetings go virtual

The Department of Natural Resources will host several virtual public meetings this month to discuss proposed spongy moth treatments. Spongy moth is an invasive insect that can cause tree defoliation and kill trees.

Areas for proposed treatment include Beaver Dam in Kosciukso and Fulton counties and Etna Green.

At the meetings, personnel from the DNR division of entomology and plant pathology will discuss the spongy life cycle, problems associated with infestations of the insect, available management methods and proposed treatment options. The representatives will also welcome questions and take comments.

Virtual meetings will be held over Zoom:

• Noon Thursday, Jan. 26.

• 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 26.

• Noon Monday, Jan. 30.

• 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 30.

The meetings may be joined by going to zoom.us. The meeting ID is 886 8673 1356, or residents may join by phone at (312) 626-6799 (fees may apply).

While open to anyone, the meetings will be geared toward residents of and near the areas listed above, which have been identified as having spongy moth infestations and have proposed treatment areas. All meetings will cover the same information. There is no need to attend more than one.

Maps of the proposed treatment areas can be viewed at on.in.gov/spongymoth by clicking on the link “2023 Indiana Spongy Moth Treatment Program” at the top of the page.

Written comments may be submitted to Department of Natural Resources, Attn: Spongy Moth, Division of Entomology & Plant Pathology,

402 W. Washington St., Room W290, Indianapolis, IN 46204; or emailed to DEPP@dnr.in.gov.

Comments may be submitted until 4:30 p.m. Friday, March 3.

Options for managing spongy moth that will be discussed in detail during the meetings include:

• Taking no action.

• Using mass trapping, which involves setting a large number of traps in a concentrated area to capture male spongy moths before they have a chance to locate and mate with females.

• Using biological control, which involves the aerial application of the naturally occurring bacteria Btk (Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki), which eliminates spongy moth larvae.

• Using mating disruption, which involves the aerial application of the spongy mating pheromone (or scent) that confuses male spongy moths and prevents mating.

• Using integrated pest management, which involves the combined use of the above options.

Those unable to attend one of the public meetings may view the meeting’s PowerPoint presentation, a series of Q&A documents and maps of the exact areas of concern and further information at on.in.gov/ spongymoth. The presentation will also be available for viewing on YouTube on the DNR channel, youtube.com/idnrvidoes, under the Webinars playlist.

To determine if your property is in the treatment areas and for more information about spongy moth, see on.IN.gov/ spongymoth.

For more information, call (866) 663-9684 or call the local county extension office at (888) 398-4636.

P UBLIC A UCTIONS

Online Real Estate Auction

8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 25. 275-plus acres located in Kosciusko County at northwest and northeast corners of the intersection of CR 450N and CR 300E and

Dhanishka Sudarsan wins Warsaw spelling bee

Harrison Elementary School fifth-grader Dhanishka Sudarsan won the 2023 Warsaw Community Schools’ spelling bee.

Jefferson Elementary School fifth-grader Konrad Kolembe was the runner-up.

Sudarsan will be registered into spellingbee.com to take the regional qualifier test, a 50-item spelling and word meaning test, between Feb. 10

and 17. The top area finishers on the test will advance to the Scripps National Indiana Regional Bee in March.

Spelling bee participants were Kennedy Shilling, Christopher (Van) Crisp, Barrett Hodorek, Caroline Clemens, Chaitrali Chavan, Madisyn Bowen, Brody Anderson, Cameron Thompson, Jonah Burgher, Jayla Bautista, Elizabeth

Eckman, Carson Haack, Abigail Hale, Sudarsan and Kolembe.

Matt Deeds, Harrison Elementary principal, served as the emcee and announcer. Honorary guest judges included Claypool Elementary School Principal Missy Rees, Leesburg Elementary School Principal Nate Polston and Washington STEM Academy Principal Cheri Sleighter.

Nappanee drop-off recycling center overwhelmed

The Nappanee Recycling Center, located to the north of Martin’s Supermarket, is currently open for residents of Nappanee and southwestern Elkhart County.

The site has recently been overwhelmed due to the closing of several other drop-off sites around Nappanee and the increase of recyclable material around the holiday season.

landfill, those who are abusing the site by not following the guidelines may force them to close the current site, if conditions do not improve.

Below are some ways residents can help out:

air and take up more room inside the containers.

approximately 1 mile north on the west side of CR 300E. Road frontage with three irrigation units, one irrigation well and pipeline extending to all three tracts. Contact Jon Rosen, (260) 740-1846.

PRINTING MACHINE OPERATOR

Full-Time Position

We are looking for an individual with good mechanical ability to learn the printing trade.

• Learn to operate printing press stacking machine.

• Position will expand into printing press operator status with appropriate wage adjustment.

• Must be comfortable in a fast-paced deadline environment.

• We will train the right person.

• Full time position.

• Some over-time hours involved.

• Starting wage is $18.00 plus a .75 cent 2nd shift premium along with scheduled increases.

• Paid holiday and vacation plan.

• Profit sharing and 401K.

• Flexible benefit program.

• Health and Life Insurance.

• Second Shift Position: 2:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m.

A Family Owned Business

Phone: (574) 658-4111 - Todd Clark, Ext. 2340

206 SOUTH MAIN, P.O. BOX 188, MILFORD, IN 46542 E-mail: tclark@the-papers.com

The City of Nappanee is working with Elkhart County and its recycling provider to resolve the issues it is currently facing. In the short term, the city has increased the frequency of pick-up. As city officials work toward a long-term solution that may or may not include the current drop-off site, the city asks for residents’ input and cooperation as the city moves forward.

While city officials appreciate the individuals who are recycling responsibly and helping to reduce the amount of materials heading to the

• If you have not already done so, consider curbside recycling. Contact Borden Waste-Away, which provides waste removal service to the city, at wasteawaygroup.com/ordernew-services or call (574) 293-5001. Not only is it more convenient, it frees up space in your trash can and reduces the amount of waste going to the landfill.

• If you do use the recycling center, break down cardboard boxes and smash aluminum and plastic cans and bottles. This helps save space inside the containers and allows more people to use the site.

• Do not bag recycling. These bags not only cause issues for separating the items but they also trap

• If the containers are already full, find a container that has room for the recyclables. If all of the containers are full, come back another time.

• Do not mix trash in with recyclables.

• If you find recyclables that have fallen out of containers, kindly pick them up and place them back in the containers.

• If you see someone abusing the recycling center, get a vehicle description and license plate number and report it to the police.

For more information you can visit the City of Nappanee at nappanee.org/government/departments/street-department/trash or wasteawaygroup.com/borden-residential.html-recycling-program or contact Borden’s “Local Customer Support Team” at (574)293-5001.

Trombley is new JCAP coordinator

Kosciusko County Sheriff Jim Smith recently announced the hiring of Casey Trombley as the Kosciusko County Jail Chemical Addiction Program coordinator.

Trombley and her husband, Cole, are residents of Warsaw and have two sons, Theodore, 4, and Wyatt, 2. She graduated from Warsaw Community High School and continued her education by earning a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Indiana University.

She is currently finishing her master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from Grace College.

Before accepting the position of JCAP coordinator, Trombley worked for five years in the

prosecutor’s office for Superior Court 2 with misdemeanors and low-level felonies. She also spent time working at Heartline Pregnancy Center as a client advocate and enjoys being part of the Big Brothers Big Sisters program.

“I’m excited and looking forward to making a positive impact with the men and women of the JCAP program, the volunteers and the community leaders as we continue building on the suc-

cesses the program has had,” said Trombley. “I want to thank Sheriff Smith for entrusting me to continue to grow the program that means so much to so many people in our community.”

“I couldn’t be more excited for Casey and the JCAP program as a whole,” said Smith. “I have said many times, I have supported the program since the beginning of it. I commend Courtney Jenkins for the incredible work she has done for the program and moving it forward during her time as director.

“My hope and desire is that we can continue the partnerships with all the organizations and volunteers who have been so instrumental in the program’s success.”

Lutheran Kosciusko Hospital nurse receives Nursing Excellence Award

Lutheran Kosciusko Hospital recently awarded Nancy AbabaFussle, a registered nurse in the medical/surgical department, its 2022 Nursing Excellence Award.

The Nursing Excellence Award was created to honor the critical role nurses have played in treating patients throughout the pandemic. The peer-nominated award program was open to qualifying RNs and licensed practical nurses work-

ing in a direct patient care position who consistently demonstrated nursing excellence characteristics including outstanding care, compassion, service and innovation.

Nominees are also demonstrated team players and/or mentors to others, leaders in times of crisis and someone who regularly promotes health in the community.

Ababa-Fussle joined the Lutheran Kosciusko team in 2018 and

is often mentioned by patients for providing outstanding care, sitting with them and holding their hands, talking with patients and their families, listening to questions and concerns and advocating for their best care.

Ababa-Fussle also received a cash prize and a copy of “Shining the Light on All the Right – Celebrating the Art of Nursing Around the World” by Mark and Bonnie Barnes, co-founders of The DAISY Foundation, an international movement created to recognize and express gratitude for extraordinary nursing.

Election of officers for MACOG policy board

Kosciusko County Commissioner Cary Groninger has been elected first vice chair and Nappanee Mayor Phil Jenkins was elected secretary of the Michiana

Area Council of Governments Policy Board, the organization’s governing board, for calendar year 2023.

Mark Senter, mayor of Plym-

outh, was elected board chair, while David Wood, mayor of Mishawaka, was elected second vice chair and Mark Root, St. Joseph County councilman, was elected treasurer.

Policy board meetings are held at 10 a.m. the second Wednesday of each month. All meetings are open to the public as well as livestreamed. You can view the meetings live by visiting the Michiana Area Council of Governments YouTube channel. Additional meeting details can be found at macog.com.

Policy Board meeting dates for calendar year 2023 have been approved by the Policy Board and are as follows:

Feb. 8 March 8 April 12 May 10 June 14 July 12 Aug. 9 Sept. 13 Oct. 11 Nov. 8 Dec. 13

MACOG is a voluntary organization of local governments that studies and attempts to resolve, for the benefit of each local government and the region, areas of importance that cross the boundaries of individual local governments. This typically includes, but is not limited to, transportation, transit, economic development, environmental (air and water quality) and other issues that impact the region.

KOSCIUSKO COUNTY SOIL & WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT

Annual Meeting

February 14, 2022 • 5:00 P.M.

David Ransbottom — Chairman Jamie Scott — Vice Chairman Ryan Martin — Secretary/Treasurer Jewel Wise — Supervisor Stan Moore — Supervisor

PHONE (574) 267-7445 Ext. 3 217 E. Bell Drive, Warsaw, IN 46582 www.kosciuskoswcd.org

Resource Report For 2022

The Roose at Creighton’s Crazy Egg 4221 W. OLD RD. 30, WARSAW, IN

Purchase tickets at SWCD (217 E. Bell Dr., Warsaw) 574-267-7445 x3

SWCD Board Meetings Are Open To The Public

Pfeiffer to keynote SWCD annual meeting

Pfeiffer’s

near-

markets.

He can also be heard on the Hoosier Ag Today daily podcast and the Purdue Crop Chat

Supervisor election and appointment at SWCD Feb. 14 annual meeting

Two people will take the oath of office as Kosciusko County Soil and Water Conservation District supervisors during its annual meeting Tuesday, Feb. 14. One position will be filled through appointment and one through an election at the meeting. Both supervisors will serve a three-year term on the board.

David Ransbottom has been recommended for supervisor appointment to the board. Ransbottom will be sworn in as the newly appointed supervisor for the SWCD. He is part of a family excavating business and farm operation in the Claypool area.

Conservation practices in the operation include grassed waterways, WASCOBs, filter strips, cover crops and no-till planting and a two-stage ditch system. Ransbottom has been recognized as a soil health champion and has taken an active role on the board since 2008.

Jewel Wise is running for her third term on the SWCD board. Wise attended Whitko High School and is a graduate of

Purdue University with a degree in horticulture.

She is the manager of a local retail horticulture business.

Previously serving as an associate supervisor of the Soil and Water Conservation District, she has assisted with pollinator field days and workshops and the district’s tree sales and rafting programs. She was first selected as a supervisor to the board in 2017.

Additional nominations will be taken from the floor during the election. Eligible voters are those who are of legal voting age and a representative of a firm, company or corporation that owns or rents land or property located within the district (county) boundaries. Eligible individuals also include the owner and tenant of the same land or property, as well as any owner’s or tenant’s spouse.

The annual meeting will take place at The Roost at Creighton’s Crazy Egg Café. Advanced tickets are necessary and may be obtained by calling the SWCD office at (574) 267-7445, ext. 3.

podcast with Purdue Extension’s corn and soybean specialists.

As vice president of news for both Hoosier Ag Today and sister network Michigan Ag Today, Eric’s focus is on providing farmers the necessary information to help them stay sustainable — both environmentally and economically.

Eric is a radio veteran who began reporting on agriculture in 2018, forging relationships with state and federal legislators as well as farmer leaders throughout the state. In addition to radio and podcasts, you can read Eric’s articles at hoosieragtoday.com that range from farm policy, to agronomy, to new technology.

Eric lives in West Lafayette with his wife, Aubrey, and their three children. He has presented at various farm events around the state. He’s involved in his community through his church, youth sports and he previously served as regional vice president for the National Association of Farm Broadcasting.

The SWCD annual meeting is scheduled to take place in person Tuesday, Feb. 14, in The

Roost at Creighton’s Crazy Egg Café. Advanced tickets are required and are $15 each. Two tickets are also available with the purchase of an affiliate membership for $30 or a corporate membership for $100.

For information on attending, contact the SWCD office at (574) 267-7445, ext. 3.

KOSCIUSKO COUNTY SWCD SUPERVISORS

You can hear Eric

voice on

ly 100 radio stations in Indiana and Michigan bringing the latest farm news, information and

EPA grant to improve water quality continues in 2022

The Watershed Foundation was awarded a $400,000 Environmental Protection Agency grant through the Indiana Department of Environmental Management to improve water quality in Warsaw, Winona Lake and surrounding communities. The grant is the largest amount to be awarded to TWF and will fund watershed conservation work over three years that began in 2021.

In recent years, TWF has led the Clean Waters Partnership, a group representing 16 local agencies and organizations, including the Kosciusko County Soil and Water Conservation District, in the development of a Watershed Management Plan for the grant area. The WMP evaluated water quality, identified pollution sources and prioritized solutions to protect and improve the communities’ water quality and to ensure cleaner water was reaching the Tippecanoe River.

Research carried out during the development of the WMP identified the most problematic issues are sediments, nutrients from fertilizers and bacteria entering the lakes through runoff. Impacts of this pollution include excessive weed and algae growth, the filling in on the lake bottom and diminished fishing and recreation potential.

Landowners within the Walnut CreekTippecanoe River Watershed are now eligible for cost-share to installing best management practices in order to address these water quality issues. Both urban and agricultural communities located within critical areas outlined in the WMP will be targeted. As 63% of the watershed is agricultural land, the majority of funds and practices will be targeted here.

Cost share BMPs must be installed on

SWCD welcomes Heltzel

Amanda Heltzel grew up on a small farm in Akron.

or applied to land within the priority I and II areas (see map). For structural/constructed practices cost-share will be based on 75% of the actual cost, not to exceed the engineer’s estimate. For vegetative and agronomic practices cost-share will be based on 75% of the flat-rate average cost per unit.

The Natural Resource Conservation Service, district conservationist in Kosciusko County has agreed to review agricultural BMP designs in accordance with the NRCS Field Office Technical Guide or other recognized standard during the site planning stage prior to installation. NRCS district conservationist will also develop conservation plans for each project. Urban BMPs will be approved by the appropriate engineer or municipal office.

If you would like more details on your eligibility or cost share available, contact the Watershed Conservationists Brad Clayton at (574) 528-0968 or brad.clayton4077@ gmail.com.

Her parents fostered her appreciation for nature by taking her and her brother paddling, geocaching and camping. She attended Tippecanoe Valley Schools before attending Purdue University, where she received her Bachelor of Science in agriculture.

At Purdue, Heltzel majored in wildlife and minored in aquatic sciences. She was involved in the Purdue Forestry and Natural Resources Department, where she served as an ambassador for the program and as the president of the Purdue Student Chapter of The Wildlife Society.

Heltzel began her career with a focus on birds and has worked in the Midwest and northern Great Plains on projects related to breeding birds, migration monitoring and reintroduction efforts.

Before joining Kosciusko SWCD, she was an assistant natural history biologist for the Missouri Department of Conservation. In this role she assisted with reintroducing and monitoring brown-headed nuthatches in the Missouri Ozarks.

Outside of work, Heltzel enjoys cooking, camping and spending time with her hus-

Urban Healthy Soils program a success

Kosciusko County SWCD has been pleased with the response to its new Urban Healthy Soils program. This program launched in March of this year in response to the growing numbers of small-scale producers across our state. The core of this program is centered around promoting the four principles of soil health: minimize disturbance, maximize soil cover, maximize biodiversity and maximize continuous living roots.

To implement this program, we have provided resources, technical assistance and education to small-scale farms and gardens (10 acres or under). This entire program has been offered for free to county residents. Several have taken advantage of the soil sampling, technical assistance, educational materials and soil health events.

This urban program begins with an initial visit with the landowner to assess their resources and discuss concerns they have about their small farm or garden. A soil sample is pulled at this initial site visit. Site visits are available to community gardens, home gardens, school gardens, church gardens, hospital/ governmental gardens or any other specialty growing operation.

This first calendar year, they have completed 17 site visits throughout Kosciusko County. They would not have been able to do this without their wonderful volunteers. All 17 soil samples pulled were sent to A&L Great

Lakes Laboratory for testing. Organic matter, available phosphorus, exchangeable potassium, magnesium, calcium, soil pH, buffer pH (if needed) and cation exchange capacity are analyzed.

In order to keep this program free to county residence, they have relayed heavily on volunteers. The SWCD hosted two soil health training events this year. At these small events, they trained 11 volunteers to pull soil samples and complete site visits. Out of this pool of individuals, they have five county residence that have donated their time and helped this program succeed. They plan to have further volunteer education events this winter. If you have an interest in soil health, gardening or farming, please contact their office about growing your knowledge and helping others success.

Once a soil test is complete, a soil and water staff member will follow-up with landowners to interpret soil sample results. They will also help review options for planning and implementation of soil health practices which might include cover cropping, mulching, fertilizer materials, crop rotation, no/low tillage, nutrient management and native plants and insects. Year to date, the staff has met with 10 landowners to discuss their results and how to best implement soil health practices on their land.

In addition to site visits and technical assistance, the SWCD also coordinated a Com-

posting Workshop and a Cover Crop Give-AWay this fall. Two hundred 8-ounce bags of cover crops were distributed across the county in September of this year. The 200 bags of oats and radish given away covered 60,000 square feet of local gardens.

The Composting Workshop was held Oct. 6. A presentation from Megan Masterson was given. She is a local “composting expert” and owner of Ground Down. a food scrap pick-up and composting service. After Masterson’s presentation, the 20 attendees witnessed soil health demonstrations from Chad Schotter, district conservationist with NRCS.

In February of 2023, the Soil and Water

Conservation District has partnered with Lilly Center for Lakes & Streams to host the second Kosciusko Urban Healthy Soils workshop: Modern Gardening: Covers, Companions and Flips from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 23. First speaker is Terri Theisen, director of Local Food Coordination and Outreach-Northeast Indiana Local Food Network. Second speakers are J.L. Hawkins Family Farm LP, Jeff and Zach Hawkins.

Contact Kosciusko County Soil & Water Conservation District to schedule your free site visit or RSVP to the Modem Gardening Workshop. Visit their website at www.kosciuskoswcd.org/ or call (574) 267-7445, ext. 3.

band and their two cats. She is excited to use her talents to serve the people of Kosciusko County as the new education coordinator for SWCD.

Kankakee Watershed Initiative awarded $7.9 million

USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service in Indiana announced in 2022 that it is awarding $7.9 million for the Kankakee Watershed Initiative led by the Indiana State Department of Agriculture and funded by the Regional Conservation Partnership Program.

RCPP is a partner-driven program that leverages resources to advance innovative projects that address climate change, enhance water quality and address other critical challenges on agricultural and forest land. Northwest Kosciusko County is in the targeted project area and landowners in this watershed area will be eligible for cost share funds for conservation projects (see map).

“Our partners are experts in their fields and understand the challenges in their own backyards,” Indiana NRCS State Conservationist Jerry Raynor said. “Through RCPP we can tap into that knowledge, in partnership with producers and USDA, to come up with lasting solutions to the obstacles that farmers and landowners face. We’re looking forward to seeing the results of a public-private partnership at its best.”

RCPP allows for partner support that assists with defraying costs not covered by the program. This initiative brings together Indiana, Illinois and 43 partners to work to improve the overall health of the iconic Kankakee and Iroquois watersheds.

The project enables the Kankakee River Basin Commission and other key partners to leverage resources to address the watershed’s unique, sizable conservation challenges.

Through additional partners like Purdue Extension, the Northwest Food Coop and the local soil and water conservation districts (including Kosciusko County SWCD), this project will impact a diverse agricultural community such as urban producers, traditional agriculture producers and nonconventional producers, all of whom have an interest in initiative watersheds.

The primary objective of this multistate initiative is to accomplish nutrient reduction goals to address excess water by

implementing agricultural and forest land conservation practices and voluntarily establishing wetland easements.

The project aims to work with a multitude of landowners, including forestland, urban, specialty crop and traditional farmers to install conservation practices that facilitate water storage, build community involvement and improve water quality within the initiative’s focal region.

“Soil and water conservation is crucial for our state and our nation,” said Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch, secretary of agriculture and rural development. “We are proud that this multi-state conservation opportunity is flowing through Indiana. Our farmers have been instrumental for years in achieving nutrient reduction within our water systems and I look forward to the work being done in and around the Midwest through these funds.”

The initiative will further efforts of conservation, restoration and sustainable use of soil, water and wildlife on a watershed scale. The initiative’s target is to install 3,000 acres of new conservation cover, 2 miles of two-stage ditches, 800 acres of wetland easements and more than 2,500 conservation practices to achieve nutrient reduction goals.

The flexibilities in RCPP also allow this initiative to leverage partners in targeting outreach through educational events and providing cover crop seeds in urban communities to encourage conservation and sound soil health practices.

“This funding is critical to the Kankakee River water quality and quantity efforts, and our department is honored to be selected for this grant,” said Bruce Kettler, director, Indiana State Department of Agriculture. “I would also like to acknowledge the commission and partners who have been so instrumental in securing this funding and working toward increasing conservation efforts.”

Private landowners can apply to participate in an RCPP project in their region through awarded partners or at their local USDA service center. The Warsaw field office can be reached at (574) 267-7445, ext. 3.

Cost share still available for Hurricane Creek landowners

Cost share funds are still available for landowners in the Hurricane Creek watershed in Kosciusko County.

These funds will assist with the establishment of Best Management Practices to improve both soil health and water quality.

The BMPs that will be funded are cover crops, grassed waterways and filter strips. The cap for cost share on filter strips will be $282/acre. Grassed waterways will be covered at a rate of 50% of the project. Cover crop payments are set at $20/acre with no cap on acres.

Kosciusko County Soil & Water Conservation District partnered with three neighboring counties — Whitley, Wabash and Huntington — for this project through the Clean Water Indiana program. This collaboration resulted in obtaining cost share funds to be used in the Upper Middle Eel River Watershed. This grant will end in December 2023.

Data from water quality monitoring in 2016-2018 identified three critical areas in the Upper Middle Eel River Watershed: Hurricane Creek, Pony Creek and Sugar

Legislators view conservation work in Kosciusko County

Showcasing Kosciusko County conservation projects to improve soil health and water quality was the highlight of a tour in June for Indiana Representatives Ethan Manning and David Abbot. The tour was organized by Indiana Department of Natural Resources and Indiana State Department of Agriculture.

The tour group included agency personnel from several IDNR divisions, ISDA, Kosciusko Soil and Water Conservation District, as well as Indiana Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts, The Watershed Foundation, Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation and Ecosystems Connections Institute.

The tour began at WACF with presentations by Dr. Jerry Sweeten (ECI), Beth Morris (WACF ecology committee chair) and Heather Harwood (WACF executive director). Afterwards a driving tour showcased conservation practices including a two-stage ditch, streambank restoration and WASCOBs.

SWCD Chairman David Ransbottom and Vice Chairman Jamie Scott, with SWCD staff Darci Zolman and Melinda Miller, met the group at a multi-faceted Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program project established by Don and Darci Zolman. The project included former cropland converted to a restored wetland, tree planting and native pollinator planting.

The tour ended at Winona Lake, with a presentation by Lyn Crighton (TWF executive director) about a natural shoreline project.

This tour provided an excellent opportunity to highlight conservation projects in the county, as well as have meaningful discussion about the need for additional projects and funding mechanisms. SWCD appreciated Representatives Abbot and Manning for their time and discussion, as well as the conservation partners who came together to make this a successful tour. Great job by all!

Creek. Impairments within these critical areas include excess nutrients, sediment and E. coli.

Identified causes of excessive nitrogen and phosphorus have been identified as tile drainage, erosion, fertilizer and manure runoff, animal feed operations and wetland loss. The goal of this grant is to address the impairments within our critical areas by funding Best Management Practices.

Hurricane Creek Watershed is located just south of Sidney. It roughly stretches from Highway 13 to 105 in Whitley County. See accompanying map.

If you own or operate land within this area, Kosciusko County SWCD will be taking applications on an ongoing basis. Funds will be allocated as project applications are approved. There is no guarantee funds will last all three years. Preference will be given to first-time applications; however, if you have applied for these programs before, you are still eligible. Apply today!

Contact the SWCD office at (574) 2677445, ext. 3, for additional information or to receive an application.

Capacity increased to serve the community

This year the Kosciusko County SWCD will be adding a soil health specialist to the crew. The lucky candidate has yet to be selected, but interviews are in the making. If you’d like to apply, please visit our website for more information.

Our intention for the soil health specialist is to help landowners improve soil health in their operations and con-

nect them to available cost share assistance within Kosciusko County. The soil health specialist will be familiarized with grants such as Clean Water Indiana, Lake and River Enhancement and 319 Indiana Department of Environmental Management.

Keep your eyes peeled for our new soil health specialist.

Appreciation to 2022 corporate sponsors

Kosciusko County Soil and Water Conservation District wishes to express appreciation to its 2022 corporate sponsors.

The generous contributions of these sponsors enhance the ability of the Soil and Water Conservation District to carry out its conservation programs, including educational efforts and technical assistance in the community. We appreciate their support!

To become a 2023 corporate sponsor, please contact the SWCD office at (574) 267-7445, ext. 3.

Barts Water Ski Center

Beacon Credit Union

Bobcat of Warsaw

Creighton Brothers

Crossroads Bank

DK Lash LLC

Diese Gute Erde Inc.

Frick Services Inc.

GreenMark Equipment

Hohman Excavating Inc.

J & M Roberts Farms

Lake City Bank

Lash Farm Inc.

Linda and Mike Russell

Midwest Poultry Services L.P. (MPS EGG)

Paragon Medical

Poet Biorefining

Polk Equipment

Ransbottom Excavating

Roberts Family Farmland LLC

Service Electric

Seymour Midwest Tools

Sherm Bryant

Silver Lake Conservation Foundation Inc.

Stan and Dee Moore

Tranzstar Transportation & Warehousing

TTG

Zolman Farms Inc.

LARE grants assist landowners with projects

Kosciusko County SWCD served as administrator for one Lake and River Enhancement land treatment grant in 2022. LARE grants were awarded through the Indiana Department of Natural Resources-Division of Fish and Wildlife. These funds provided cost share assistance to implement conservation practices that enhance soil health and improve water quality.

In collaboration with The Watershed

Foundation, SWCD received $25,000 (2021 award) to assist landowners in the Walnut Creek Watershed. The goal of the Division of Fish and Wildlife’s Lake and River Enhancement Section is to protect and enhance aquatic habitat for fish and wildlife, to ensure the continued viability of Indiana’s publicly accessible lakes and streams for multiple uses, including recreational opportunities. This is accomplished through measures that

2022 affiliate members

Kosciusko County Soil and Water Conservation District expresses gratitude to 2022 affiliate members. Their generosity and support helped enhance SWCD programs and services this past year. To inquire about becoming a 2023 affiliate member, contact the SWCD office at (574) 267-7445, ext. 3.

AJ Brown and Sons, LLC

Andrea Baker Avelu LLC

Brad Clayton and Jewel Wise

Carl Diehl

Dan and Eileen Ransbottom

Don and Darci Zolman

Kimberly Cates

Lyn Crighton

Neal and Katie Brown

Phil Cripe

Paula Miller

Roger Miller

Doug and Jill Shock (Lakeview Farms)

Appreciation to 2022 newsletter sponsors

Kosciusko County SWCD appreciates the following 2022 newsletter and annual report sponsors. Their generous support made the SWCD newsletter possible throughout the year. Thank-you!

Clayton Garden Center

Clunette Elevator

Crop Fertility Specialists-Milford Niff-Tone Distributors Inc.

S & T Supply Inc.

TranZstar Transportation & Warehousing

Conservation calendar

SWCD board meetings — 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 7, March 7 and April 4; 7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 4; Tuesday, June 6; Thursday, July 6; Tuesday, Aug. 1 and Sept. 5; October date to be determined; and 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 9; and Tuesday, Dec. 5.

SWCD board meetings are open to the public. Dates and locations are subject

to change, so please contact the SWCD office to confirm meeting location and times.

SWCD annual meeting — 5 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 14, at The Roost at Creighton’s Crazy Egg, 4221 W. Old Road 30, Warsaw.

For details on attending the annual meeting, please contact the SWCD office. Tickets are required.

reduce non-point sediment and nutrient pollution of surface waters to a level that meets or surpasses state water quality standards.

Projects funded to date included heavy

use area protections and hayland plantings. For more information about LARE opportunities, contact the SWCD office at (574) 2677445, ext. 3.

SWCD supporting KWWIP efforts

Kosciusko County Soil and Water Conservation District continued to support the efforts of KWWIP in 2023. What is KWWIP? It is the Kosciusko Water and Woodland Invasive Partnership, which exists to build community support to protect the land and water in Kosciusko County from non-native invasive species.

SWCD has sponsored this group since its inception through an agreement with Southern Indiana Cooperative Invasive Management, which has led a cooperative effort to expand invasive species working groups throughout Indiana. SWCD’s sup-

port helps fund a resource specialist for the area who serves as a consultant to newly formed groups.

Locally, KWWIP is made up of a team of dedicated volunteer board and committee members. The group is currently looking to expand its membership and offers four committee options. These committees include: Terrestrial Committee, Aquatic Committee, Outreach Committee and a Strike Team.

For more information about KWWIP, go to https://kwwip.info. To sign up for a committee, please email Caitlin Yoder at coordinator@watershedfoundation.org.

SWCD turns classrooms inside out

The benefits of getting youngsters outside have been well documented, from getting exercise and fresh air, to developing critical thinking, leadership and problemsolving skills, while learning about the natural world around them. SWCD turned classrooms inside-out with these educational experiences in 2022.

Many outdoor programs were delivered in 2022 in a variety of locations. Field studies were conducted on school grounds, Kelly Park and Wildwood Nature Preserve. Stream programs were offered at Eagle, Trimble and Cherry Creeks and the Tippecanoe River, while wetland field trips were led along the boardwalk at the Beyer Wetland on the Lake City Greenway and at Pisgah Marsh.

Over 100 classes participated in stream experiences. Following Hoosier Riverwatch protocols, students learned how to perform and interpret a variety of water monitoring tests for temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen and nutrient levels. They also learned how to calculate water flow and test the water for turbidity. Students donned waders and

stepped into the waters with nets to search for macroinvertebrates (aquatic insects) and freshwater mussels as part of a biological assessment. Learning to “read” a watershed to understand the connection between water and land were also components of these programs.

Twenty classes studied several wetland components at the Beyer Wetland boardwalk and at Pisgah Marsh. Studies at these locations focused on wetland soils, glacial formations, wetland plant adaptations, reading animal signs, using binoculars to identify birds, wetland aquatics and an introduction to the overall value of a wetland ecosystem.

Activities and hikes took place at Wildwood and Kelly Park. Field studies at these locations focused on forestry and tree identification, aquatic and wetland habitats, forest and prairie soils, plant communities and wildlife for over 30 classes.

Kosciusko SWCD will continue offering these quality field experiences for students in 2023. Contact the SWCD office at (574) 267-7445, ext. 3 or kosciuskoswcd@gmail. com for additional information.

Natural resource workshops for educators and citizen scientists

SWCD sponsored trainings in Hoosier Riverwatch, Project WET and Project Aquatic WILD. These workshops provided participants with tools, knowledge and skills to enhance classroom lessons and citizen engagement in natural resource projects.

Darci Zolman served as instructor for three Hoosier Riverwatch workshops in 2022. Training in this program provided participants with the knowledge and skills to monitor water for physical, chemical and biological parameters. Once trained, participants also became eligible to enter their monitoring data on a statewide database through Hoosier Riverwatch.

Riverwatch workshops held in July were targeted to a general audience interested in citizen science. The first was held in early July, in collaboration with co-instructor Lyn Crighton of The Watershed Foundation. Classroom instruction was held at the North Webster Community Center, while in-stream training took place in the nearby Tippecanoe River.

A second Riverwatch workshop was held in partnership with Tippecanoe County Parks

and Recreation with co-instructor Mary Cutler. Indoor segments of the workshop were held at the Wah-Ba-Shi-Ka Center in Battle Ground, and attendees headed to Burnett’s Creek for their in-stream training.

A third Riverwatch workshop, held in August, was geared to teachers and included local STEM Academy water quality themes. Participants met at Washington STEM Academy for the first portion of the workshop and then made their way into nearby Eagle Creek for instream training.

Two Project WET/Project Aquatic WILD combination workshops were conducted in August of 2022. The first was hosted by Washington STEM Academy for new STEM teachers and others interested in this multi-disciplinary curriculum. This workshop was deliberate about incorporating themes and activities to align with STEM concepts (science, technology, engineering, math), as well as appeal to a broader educator audience. Attendees were able to participate in and model activities from these two internationally acclaimed curricula.

A second WET/WILD workshop was hosted by Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center for their Environmental Education Master’s program, while also being open to the public. The fabulous outdoor facilities at Merry Lea provided several areas to field test the activities of these award-winning programs.

Two mini water trainings were held for students from Washington and Jefferson STEM Academies to develop student water monitoring teams. Students were introduced to all Hoosier Riverwatch testing protocols with the intent of using their new skills to assist other students with monitoring efforts.

SWCD looks forward to workshops in 2023. Workshops in several natural resource themes are available. For more information about these opportunities, contact darci.zolman@in.nacdnet.net or (574) 267-7445, ext. 5374.

SWCD-sponsored Master Naturalist Program graduates 2022 Kosciusko class

Kosciusko County Soil and Water Conservation District sponsored its seventh Kosciusko Indiana Master Naturalists program, which recently graduated its 2022 class, according to Darci Zolman, coordinator of the program for SWCD.

Of the 19 original participants, 13 completed the required hours of classroom/field work and completed the program’s final review for certification. Ten members also fulfilled the mandatory 24 hours of volunteer

service in the community, becoming certified Indiana Master Naturalists.

“This program has been one of my favorite events to coordinate,” commented Zolman. “It attracts a wide variety of participants, all connected by a respect for natural resources and a desire to become more knowledgeable.

“In addition to meeting some amazing people and learning more about our county’s natural resources and natural places, the

2022 was another great success for the SWCD rafting event. Ten days of rafting were completed, five days on Grassy Creek and five days on Tippecanoe River. Because of the program’s popularity, and with the grant monies from the American Water Company, the SWCD was able to purchase two new rafts for the 2023 season.

Grassy Creek

Over 300 students from three Warsaw STEM schools participated in the 13th annual student raft program on Grassy Creek. Sixth-graders from Claypool, Madison, Jefferson and Washington traded their books and pencils for life vests and paddles to venture down Grassy Creek and across Lake Tippecanoe in both rafts and pontoon boats. In addition to the sixth-graders, Warsaw Community High School’s environmental class participated in rafting as well.

The program, coordinated and sponsored by the Kosciusko County Soil and Water Conservation District with the support of The Watershed Foundation as well as many community partners, aimed to educate students about our local water resources and foster a relationship between them and nature.

“The Kosciusko County Soil and Water Conservation District is pleased to be able to offer this type of event to our county. It is collaboration at its best, involving many local entities and volunteers, working towards common goals,” commented SWCD Program Administrator Darci Zolman. “I can’t think of a more unique way to learn about the land-water connection, stewardship and working together as a team. We are very pleased with this outreach and its impacts.”

community has received over 500 hours of volunteer service from this year’s class. That is phenomenal!”

The class traveled to several locations around the county for sessions, including Pisgah Marsh, Koinonia Nature Preserve, Wildwood, Winona Lake, Dillon Tree Farm and an observatory at Harrison School. Sessions on birds, wildlife, wildflowers, trees, lakes, streams, wetlands, mammals, habitats, soils, geology and astronomy were all

Raft programs 2022

More than 50 volunteers step up each year to make these trips possible, and nearly 300 volunteers have given their time and expertise over the past 14 years. These loyal organizations deserve special thanks for their support: YMCA Camp Crosley, PieEyed Petey’s Marina, Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center and Camp Mack.

Tippecanoe River Expedition

What better classroom setting than the river itself, to teach students about a river ecosystem. In 2022, the Education Committee of Arrow Head Country Resource Conservation and Development returned with its award-winning Tippecanoe River Expedition. High school students boarded rafts and headed for the river to learn about rivers, water quality, riparian areas, forestry, watersheds, wildlife and more.

This annual event was held on the Tippecanoe River at Tippecanoe River State Park in Winamac. High school students spent the day on the river, learned about many facets of the river and adjacent area, conducted water tests and discovered a few things about paddling and teamwork.

Resource professionals from Soil and Water Conservation Districts, Department of Natural Resources, Indiana State Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Indiana Master Naturalist volunteers and private industry all assisted with making rafting days successful.

Arrow Head Country RC&D is a 10-county resource group covering the counties of Kosciusko, Cass, Fulton, Jasper, Marshall, Miami, Newton, Pulaski, Starke and White. Kosciusko SWCD is proud to be an active partner to this group.

led by local professionals.

A special thanks to our hosts, speakers and advisory committee for their assistance in making this another successful year. Plans are already underway for a 2023 KIMN class and we are accepting registrations.

For more information, contact the SWCD office at (574) 267-7445, ext. 3, or kosciuskoswcd@gmail.com or Darci Zolman at dzolman@live.com.

DECIDUOUS TREES

* AMERICAN BASSWOOD — The Basswood tree attracts pollinators such as bees and moths. It is also well known as a honey-tree, the seeds and twigs are eaten by wildlife. This is a great shade tree and can grow up to 50-80’ tall with a span of 30-50’. Full sun is ideal and prefers moist, well-drained soil. The Basswood grows at a fast** rate.

BALD CYPRESS — This tree’s soft, bright green needles are stunning against its shaggy, cinnamon-colored bark. In autumn the foliage turns a bright copper color and drops from the tree. It grows at a medium rate** reaching a height of 50–70’ with a spread of around 25’ at maturity.

* BLACK CHERRY — The Black Cherry will bring you white flowers in the spring and yellow leaves in the fall. Its berries are known to feed many mammals and at least 33 species of bird. Several insects like, Tiger swallowtail butterflies and silk moths, live and thrive off the black cherry tree. This is a fast** growing tree and does best in deep, well drained soils. This is an oval shaped tree that will reach a height of 60-90’ at maturity.

* BLACK WALNUT — This native hardwood is prized for its beautiful dark wood and rich, flavorful nuts. It has an oval to rounded crown with aromatic leaves that turn an undistinguished yellow-brown in early fall. It grows at a medium rate** reaching a height of 50–75’ with a spread of 50–75’ at maturity.

* BUTTERNUT — Also known as white walnut, the Butternut is one of the hardiest nut trees. The nuts of the butternut are a great food source for wildlife. This tree grows at a slow rate** to a height of 40’-60’ with a spread of 35’-50’ at maturity. It prefers full sun and can grow in acidic, loamy, well-drained, and clay soils.

* KENTUCKY COFFEETREE — Due to over harvesting this tree has become rare. It is tolerant to a wide range of conditions such as drought and urban areas. It also has very little disease or insect problems. Great for large areas such as parks, golf courses, and fields with minimal ani-mal traffic. It grows at a slow to medium rate** reaching a height of 60-75’ with a spread of 40-50’ at maturity. This tree can tolerate wet soil and has extreme drought tolerance.

* RED OAK — This tree offers wonderful shade in the summer due to its dense crown, displays beautiful red fall color, and has great wildlife val-ue. It grows at a fast rate** and reaches a height of 60-75’ with a spread of 45’ at maturity. Full sun is ideal and it grows well in; acidic, loamy, moist, sandy, well-drained and clay soils.

* RIVER BIRCH — This tree has leathery, diamond-shaped, medium to dark green leaves, and salmon-pink to reddish brown bark that exfoliates revealing lighter inner bark. It grows at a medium to fast rate** reaching a height of 40–70’ with a spread of 40–60’ at maturity.

GROUND COVER

CREEPING PHLOX — Profuse mid spring flowers bloom in April-May in your choice of White, Blue or Pink. This hardy, spreading, mat-forming, sun-loving perennial grows to roughly 4” tall and 24” wide and is also deer resistant.

* SEDUM TERNATUM — This succulent-like plant grows easily in aver-age, well-drained soil with full sun to partial shade. It is tolerant to Deer and drought. Small white flowers bloom from April to May. The height of this plant reaches approximately 6” with a spread of 6”-12”.

EVERGREENS

AMERICAN ARBORVITAE — This tree has a pyramidal shape with soft, fan shaped, lush green leaflets. It grows at a slow to medium rate** reaching a height of 40–60’ with a spread of 10–15’ at maturity.

CONCOLOR FIR — This tree has a handsome pyramidal form with stiff needles that are bluish or silvery-green and roughly 1½–3” in length. It grows at a slow to medium rate** and reaches a height of 30-50’ with a spread of 20’ at maturity. Full sun and partial shade* is ideal and it grows in acidic, loamy, moist, sandy and well-drained soils, preferring normal moisture with moderate drought tolerance.

NORWAY SPRUCE — This tree has a triangular shaped dark green crown and needles that are 1/2-1” long. It grows at a medium to fast rate** reaching a height of 40–60’ with a spread of 25–30’ at maturity.

* WHITE PINE — This tree produces tall, cylindrical stems with pyrami-dal shaped crowns, and distinctive, plate like branching. Needles are soft, flexible, 2 1/2 to 5” long, and bluish-green in color. It grows at a fast rate** reaching a height of 50–80’ with a spread of 20–40’ at maturity.

ORNAMENTAL TREES & SHRUBS

* AMERICAN HAZELNUT — This is a thicket-forming shrub with dark green leaves that turn a beautiful yellow in the fall. The nuts and flowers attract birds, butterflies, and other animals. This shrub prefers full sun and can tolerate a range of soil types. It grows at medium to fast rate** and reaches 10-15’ tall and 8-15’ wide.

PURPLE LILAC — This shrub has fragrant long-lasting flower clusters in shades of lilac, light purple, or lavender, that bloom in April or May and are framed with lush green foliage. It grows at a medium rate** reaching a height of 8–15’ with a spread of 6–12’ at maturity.

* SHADBLOW SERVICEBERRY — This tree has clusters of white, feath-ery flowers that bloom in early spring, followed by large, blackish-purple berries which are juicy, edible and attract birds. Medium to dark green leaves turn brilliant red-orange in fall. It grows at a slow rate** and reaches a height of 15-30’ with an spread of 15-20’. Full sun and partial shade are ideal and it grows well in a wide variety of soils.

* WHITE DOGWOOD — This tree blooms in early spring and has large, 4-petaled, white flowers. It has a low-branching, broadly-pyramidal but somewhat flat-topped shape with oval, dark green leaves that turn shades of red in fall. It grows at a medium rate** reaching a height of roughly 25’ with an equal spread at maturity.

* WITCH-HAZEL — This large shrub has yellow, fragrant flowers that bloom from October through December. Witch-Hazel prefers moist soils and full sun to partial shade. Witch-Hazel grows to a height of 15’-30’ and a spread of 15’-30’ it grows at a medium rate**

*AMERICAN BASSWOOD 12”-24” 10 TREES $45.00

TREES $87.00

BALD CYPRESS 12”-24” 10 TREES $20.00

TREES $39.00

*BLACK CHERRY 6”-12” 10 TREES $18.00

$36.00

*BLACK WALNUT 9”-18”

10 TREES $19.00 ____________ ____________ 20 TREES $38.00 ____________ ____________

*BUTTERNUT 12”-22”

10 TREES $20.00 ____________ ____________

20 TREES $40.00 ____________ ____________

*KENTUCKY COFFEETREE 12”-24”

10 TREES $45.00 ____________ ____________

20 TREES $87.00 ____________ ____________

*RED OAK 16”-28”

10 TREES $14.00 ____________ ____________

20 TREES $27.00 ____________ ____________

*RIVER BIRCH 16”-22”

10 TREES $22.00 ____________ ____________ 20 TREES $43.00 ____________ ____________

CREEPING PHLOXBlue, ___White, or ___Pink

1/2 FLAT $32.00 ____________ ____________

FULL FLAT $62.00 ____________ __________

*SEDUM TERNATUM 1/2 FLAT $19.00 ____________ ____________ FULL FLAT $37.00 ____________ ___________

TREE PLANTING BARS 1 FOR $45.00 ____________ ____________

FLAGS 100 FLAGS FOR $10.00 ____________ ____________

FERTILIZER TABLETS 10 TABS $3.00 ____________ ____________

*FLATS CONTAIN 32 PLANTS/FLAT

Slow to Medium: Grows anywhere from less than 12” to 24”/yr

Medium: Grows 13” to 24”/yr

Medium to Fast: Grows from 13” to more than 24”/yr

Fast: Grows more than 24”/yr