Tippecanoe Valley

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Grant Nelson all come from agricultural backgrounds, they agree this leadership component of FFA can also be beneficial for those without such an upbringing.

“It teaches kids responsibility,” said Parson. Having to regularly attend meetings and taking part in chapter activities, he said, helps cultivate skills they will use later in life. “It gives them the ability to do it now, to practice for the real world.” In fact, members are also preparing now for the district leadership contest at Triton High School, which begins in March.

That said, the agriculture element remains strong at TVHS FFA, particularly soils, forestry and livestock judging, in which the chapter has been “very successful in the past,” said Nelson. According to Parson, who has been a part of three state-winning forestry teams and went to the national contest his sophomore year, Jones deserves some credit for this success in spite of his modesty. “Mr. Jones knows what he is talking about,” he said. Parsons and the other chapter members are looking forward to FFA week activities, particularly — in Parson’s case — the tractor drive-in on Friday, followed by the FFA breakfast.

FFA week for the TVHS chapter starts on Sunday, Feb. 19, with a visit to Beaver Dam United Methodist Church, followed by a trip to Fort Wayne for an afternoon of laser tag. Members are officer provides an escort to the school.”

“We have a lot of different personality types,” said Sentinel Abigail Miller. “There are members who live in town but are very involved. We’re a very diverse chapter. We stretch from one end of the spectrum to the other.”

“We do have kids who have an ag background, but there are also some who don’t,” said Martz. “When I got into high school, I didn’t know how many career paths I could have, but now I’ve learned that there’s more than just animals. You can go into so many things that are agricultural related.”

“FFA has given me what I need to be successful in college,” added Jacobs. “I knew I wanted to be in ag, but didn’t know where I specifically wanted to be. Taking dual credit classes through Ivy Tech gave me the pathway to where I wanted to go in animal science and plant science.” approximately 125 in its FFA program. “As long as I have kids who show an interest in it, then we’ll do it. I don’t care. I’m not a big soil judger myself, but if I have kids who want to do soil judging, we’ll do it.” also planning a pool party on either Monday or Thursday.

This year for National FFA week, Feb. 18-23, the Fairfield FFA chapter will be celebrating with a spirit week, including dress-up days the entire school can take part in. There will be prizes for members throughout the week, teacher appreciation gifts and classroom activities geared toward FFA recruitment.

On Tuesday, members will visit area elementary schools to make agriculture presentations to second graders.

Wednesday is the FFA community supper and worker auction, one of the chapter’s primary fundraisers for the year along with the fish fry at homecoming and the flower sale, during which FFAers sold 1,000 mums.

At some point during the week, the chapter will also raise money for Helping Hands Food Pantry through the “Kiss a Critter” event when a teacher has to kiss a cow or sheep.

For more information on TVHS FFA activities visit facebook.com/ profile.php?id=100054565325608

ServSafe food manager class/exam to be offered in Elkhart County

ServSafe educates food service workers about food safety and ServSafe Food Protection Manager is the highest ServSafe certification.

The certification satisfies Indiana requirements to become a Certified Food Protection manager and focuses on five aspects:

• Foodborne microorganisms and allergens.

• Personal hygiene.

• Purchasing, receiving and storage.

• Preparing, cooking and serving.

• Facilities, cleaning/sanitation and managing pests.

The ServSafe Food Manager class will be held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, March 29, at the Purdue Extension Elkhart County office at the Elkhart County 4-H Fairgrounds in Goshen. Check-in will be at 7:45 a.m. The full oneday training includes a manual and proctored exam.

The certification is valid for five years. A photo ID with signature is required to take the exam (driver’s license, state ID, student ID, military ID, employee ID, U.S. green card or valid passport).

To register with a credit card, visit cvent.me/laaQRP; to register with a check, visit bit.ly/

ServSafeElkhart329 to print out a mailable registration form. Registration deadline is Monday, March 20.

For more information, contact Emily Christ at ewitters@purdue. edu or (574) 533-0554. This program and all programs of the Purdue University Extension Service are open to everyone. If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this program, call (574) 533-0554 by Wednesday, March 15. This course is intended for food service managers. To obtain your food service handler certification, you must take the ServSafe Food Handler training.

James F. Tarr

U.S. Army Veteran

James F. Tarr, 89, died Friday, Jan. 20, 2023. Although he lived on Dewart Lake, he was a winter resident of Fort Myers, Fla. He would have been 90 on April 26.

He is survived by his wife of almost 65 years, Marion Berning; five children, Gregg Tarr, Fort Wayne, Debi Rookstool, Syracuse, Cindy Ryan, Largo, Fla., Teri Schroer, Munster, and Lisa Batchelder, Larkspur, Calif.; and 13 grandchildren. He also leaves a brother, David Tarr, Fort Wayne.

As a young man, Jim went to Korea, serving in the Army. Thereafter, he graduated from the university to become a teacher at South Side High School in Fort Wayne for 30 years. Upon retiring to his lake home, he became a talented artist and owner of Tarr Outdoor Advertising between hours of golfing and fishing.

A celebration of his life will be held this summer.

Carol Ann Alexander

Carol Ann Alexander, 89, Winona Lake, died Jan. 31, 2023.

She was born Oct. 24, 1933. On Aug. 7, 1953, she married John “Jack” Alexander, who preceded her in death.

Surviving are daughters, Joyce Price, Judith Wilson, Janice Fife and Joan Anderson; sons, Jay Alexander, Jeffrey Alexander, Jim Alexander and John Alexander; 21 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren with one on the way in July; brother-in-law, Rev. Robert Alexander; one niece; and three nephews.

Family and friends may gather from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18, at Trinity United Methodist Church, 832 E. Center St., Warsaw. The memorial service will immediately follow at 2 p.m. Titus Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Warsaw, is in charge of arrangements.

Frederick J. Anderson

Frederick J. Anderson, 64, rural Peru, died at 1 a.m. Feb. 5, 2023.

He was born Oct. 28, 1958. On June 6, 1986, he married Debra Hostetler; she survives.

Also surviving are his children, Valarie Parsons, De Leon Springs, Fla., Becky Anderson, Roann, and Eli Anderson, Mexico, Ind.; two grandchildren; father and stepmother, Herbert and Beth Anderson, North Manchester; sister, Barb Mowery, Warsaw; and half brothers, Gary Anderson, Urbana, and Mark Anderson, Wabash.

There will be a celebration of Fred’s life at a later date. Grandstaff-Hentgen Funeral Service, Wabash, is in charge of arrangements.

Charles Barrett

Charles “Dustin” “Buster” Barrett, 40, Warsaw, died Feb. 4, 2023.

He was born June 16, 1982.

He is survived by his mother, Jackalyn “Jackie” Barrett, Warsaw; brother, Steven Barrett, Columbia City; sister, Deborah Barrett, Tippecanoe; and several aunts and uncles.

A memorial service was held Feb. 13 at McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapels, Warsaw. Interment will be at Oakwood Cemetery, Warsaw, at a later date.

Sheryl A. Bradshaw

Sheryl A. Bradshaw, 53, North Webster, died Feb. 8, 2023.

She was born Aug. 26, 1969. On June 19, 1999, she married Michael Bradshaw; he survives.

Also surviving are sons, John Jones and Anthony Bradshaw; a granddaughter; father, Doug Thompson; sister, Melissa Stuller; brother, Adam Thompson; best friend, Vicki Smith, and her children; and many nieces and nephews.

Services were held Feb. 11 at Owen Family Funeral Home, North Webster.

Angela Lynn Brooks

Angela Lynn Ray Brooks, 52, Newman Grove, Neb., died Jan. 30, 2023.

She was born Feb. 15, 1970. On daughter, Randi Cunningham, Columbia City; his children, Christopher Cunningham, North Webster, Brooke Martin, Clemmons, N.C., Bethany Wolfe, Warsaw, and Jordan Cunningham, Stanford, Ill.; stepchildren, Landon Lawrence and Stephen “Nathan” Lawrence, both of Columbia City, and Sheldon Lawrence, South Whitley; 16 grandchildren; a brother, Robert Cunningham, Wakarusa; and a sister, Cindy Philley, Goshen.

A graveside service was held Feb. 11 at Troy Presbyterian Church, Columbia City. Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City, was in charge of arrangements.

Deloris Lee Deardorff

Deloris Lee Deardorff, 75, Warsaw, died at 2:21 p.m. Feb. 3, 2023.

She was born Dec. 20, 1947.

Surviving are brothers, Dana and Donald Deardorff; and a niece.

Per her wishes, no public services will be held. Titus Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Warsaw, was in charge of arrangements.

Rick B. Greenlee

Rick B. Greenlee, 67, Bourbon, died Feb. 5, 2023.

He was born Jan. 20, 1956. In September 1984, he married Carman Gardner; she survives.

He is also survived by a son, Jesse Greenlee, Nappanee; sisters, D, Ashville, N.C., Diane “Charlene” Young, Moore, S.C., Nina Young, Bourbon, and Joyce Cripps, Ashville, N.C.; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Services were held Feb. 10 at Bourbon United Methodist Church. Burial was in Morris Cemetery, LaPaz. Deaton-Clemens Funeral Home, Bourbon, was in charge of arrangements.

Shane Holbrook

Shane Holbrook, 68, New Paris, died Feb. 6, 2023.

July 4, 2004, she married Mark Brooks; he survives.

She is also survived by her mother, Glenda Elliott, North Manchester; her father, Richard Ray, Louisville, Ky.; brother, Mick Ray, Claypool; sisters, Susan Chandler, Fort Wayne, Jackie Allison, Julie Dunlap and Laura Travis, all of Westfield; and many nieces and nephews.

A casual celebration of life was held Feb. 11 at Eel River Community Church of the Brethren, Silver Lake.

Thomas Bugg

Thomas Bugg, 81, Chapman Lake, died Feb. 8, 2023.

Arrangements are currently pending at Titus Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Warsaw.

Stephen Cartwright

Stephen “Steve” Cartwright, 80, Warsaw, died Feb. 8, 2023.

He was born July 3, 1942. In 1977, he marred Dian Hoodelmier; she survives.

Also surviving are daughters, Amy Goon and Shana Humphreys; three grandchildren; six greatgrandchildren; his great-aunt; and the Heffley and Englehart families of Fort Wayne.

Services were held Feb. 14 at McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapels, Warsaw. Interment was private.

Brad Conrad

Brad Conrad, 67, Wakarusa, died at 12:45 a.m. Feb. 9, 2023.

He was born Oct. 21, 1955.

He is survived by a sister, Jan Nunemaker, Wakarusa; brother, Jay A. Conrad, Wakarusa; two nieces; and a nephew.

Services were held Feb. 12 at Rieth Rohrer Ehret Lienhart Funeral Home, Wakarusa. A graveside service was held Feb. 13 at Olive (West) Cemetery.

Randall R. Cunningham

Randall Ray Cunningham, 66, Columbia City, died at 2 p.m. Feb. 8, 2023.

He was born Nov. 7, 1956. On Dec. 7, 1996, he married Cindy Lea Herman; she survives.

He is also survived by their

Mass of Christian burial was held Feb. 9 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Warsaw. A graveside service followed at Oakwood Cemetery, Warsaw. Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, Warsaw, was in charge of arrangements.

Carla G. Dutchess

Carla G. Dutchess, 97, North Manchester, formerly of Rochester, died at 12:20 p.m. Feb. 6, 2023.

She was born Aug. 16, 1925. On July 23, 1966, she married Lloyd A. Dutchess. He preceded her in death May 30, 1994.

Survivors include her nieces and nephews; eight great-nieces and nephews; and eight great-great-nieces and nephews.

Services were held Feb. 12 at Zimmerman Bros. Funeral Home, Rochester. Burial was in Odd Fellows Cemetery, Rochester.

Royse M. Engle

Royse M. Engle, 92, Winona Lake, died Feb. 7, 2023.

He was born Jan. 20, 1931. On April 7, 1952, he married Earline Richardson. She preceded him in death Jan. 1, 2022.

Surviving are his children, Timothy Engle, Columbus, Ohio, Debra Runkle, Peru, Steve Engle, Winona Lake, and Terry Engle, Claypool; brother, Max Engle, Warsaw; sister, Nancy Kleeman, Warsaw; three grandchildren; and three greatgrandchildren.

Private services will be held at a later date. McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapels, Warsaw, is in charge of arrangements.

Lorraine Freeman

Lorraine Freeman, 74, Warsaw, died Feb. 7, 2023.

She was born Oct. 27, 1948. On July 23, 1974, she married George Freeman III, who preceded her in death in January 2021.

Surviving are her children, Timothy and Kristina Freeman; brothers, Brian Burke, Gerard Burke and Larry Burke; sister, Virginia Burke Simmonds; several nieces and nephews; sister-in-law, Nancy Wettje; and brothers-in-law, Jimmy Freeman, David Freeman, Billy Freeman and Michael Freeman.

She was born Aug. 14, 1954. On Oct. 10, 1972, she married Ricky Holbrook; he survives.

She is also survived by a daughter, Nikki Baker, Kalamazoo, Mich.; a bonus daughter, Kelly Hathaway; three grandchildren; a brother, Michael Sheley, Goshen; and lifelong friend and sister, Martha Sholtey.

Visitation was held Feb. 10 at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home, Goshen. A graveside service was held Feb. 11 at Oakridge Cemetery, Goshen.

Randy Lee Hurd

Randy Lee Hurd, 54, Burket, died at 7:48 a.m. Feb. 2, 2023.

He was born June 30, 1968. On Sept. 27, 2003, he married Tammy Lyn Robinson; she survives.

Also surviving are sons, Justin Peconga, Syracuse, and Jesse Montauge, Burket; daughters, Heaven McCoy, Claypool, Nichole Drummond, Winona Lake, and Alex Peconga, Burket; four grandchildren; brothers, Jeff Hurd, Warsaw, and Dave Hurd, South Whitley; and many nieces and nephews.

Services were held Feb. 7 at New Hope Free Will Baptist Church, Warsaw. A graveside service followed at Graceland Cemetery, Claypool. Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, Warsaw, was in charge of arrangements.

John J. Jewell

John J. Jewell, 68, Akron, died at 1:47 p.m. Feb. 7, 2023.

He was born Aug. 22, 1954. On Aug. 25, 1979, he married Rhonda Yazel; she survives.

He is also survived by a son, Rory Jewell, Fort Wayne; daughter, Chaitra Adams, Akron; five grandchildren with one on the way; sister, Phyllis Bendzunas, Bluffton, S.C.; brother, George Jewell, South Bend; brother-in-law, Mike Yazel, Mentone; sister-in-law, Teresa Jones, Brookston; and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial service is being planned at King Memorial Home, Mentone. A private family interment will take place in Mentone Cemetery.

Rita M. Kolb

Rita M. Kolb, 65, Syracuse, died Feb. 5, 2023.

She was born June 30, 1957.

She is survived by a son, Lance Kolb; and siblings, Ronald Thornburg, Stony Thornburg, Jerry Thornburg, Jim Thornburg, JoAnne Drake and John Thornburg.

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 28, at Oak Park Cemetery, Ligonier. Titus Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Warsaw, is in charge of arrangements.

Phillip Ladd

Phillip Ladd, 82, Kimmell, died Feb. 7, 2023.

Arrangements are currently pending at Titus Funeral Home of North Webster.

Shirley Ann Priser

Shirley Ann Priser, 85, Warsaw, died Feb. 8, 2023.

She was born Sept. 25, 1937. On July 30, 1954, she married James Michael Priser, who preceded her in death.

She is survived by a son, Jack Priser; daughter-in-law, Sally Priser; sister, Cindy Shelton; seven grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren.

Services were held Feb. 13 at Titus Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Warsaw. Burial was in Oakwood Cemetery, Warsaw.

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